TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAgE 5
PAgE 15
PAgE 7
PAgE 17
Music News ......................................3
November Scrapbook....................13
Album Reviews..............................19
PAgE 11
DEtRoit
Volume 1 • issue 3 • November 2015
WRitERS: terry Canter • Bob Cheesman Corrina Drost • Rem Fields Rachael Lamb • Dawn Lemay Shobha N. Lizaso • Scotti Moore Victoria Rapp • Derek “D-Unit” Samp Liz Stokes PhotogRAPhERS: Chris Balow • Joe orlando Steve Sergent
Club Calendar.................................22
Event Calendar................................23 PUBLiShER/EDitoR: Neal Nachman
DiRECtoR oF SALES & PRoMotioNS: Liz Stokes gRAPhiC ARtiSt: Neal Nachman
DiRECtoR oF MULti-MEDiA PRoDUCtioNS: Kenny Moore oPERAtioNS CooRDiNAtoR: Scotti Moore LEgAL CoUNSEL: Shobha N. Lizaso
EDitoRiAL iNqUiRiES: editorial@fullaccessdetroit.com
PUBLiShED By: Full Access Magazine • 4211 E. Busch Blvd., Suite D • tampa, FL 33617 313.936.0750 (Detroit office) • 813.400.3110 (Corporate office) • 813.200.3916 (Fax) © 2015 ALL RightS RESERVED • No part of Full Access Detroit may be reproduced in any form by any means without prior written consent from Full Access Magazine. ViSit US oN thE WEB @ www.fullaccessdetroit.com
Phil Collins' 'Warts and All' Autobiography Arriving in 2016 Phil Collins has announced that he'll release his autobiography in October 2016. "Several times over the last few years, I have been asked to write a biography, but never felt that the time was right - until now," Collins said. "Having found the right publisher in Penguin Random House, I am ready to go on record about my life in music with all the highs and all the lows and to tell the story from my point of view, warts and all!" Crown Archetype, a subsidiary of Penguin Random House, will publish Collins' stilluntitled tome in the U.S., ABC News reports. Crown Archetype editorial director Tricia Boczkowski said the "unflinchingly honest" memoir would show "a Phil Collins that not many people know." The memoir will be published by Century in the United Kingdom, and that company's director Ben Dunn said of Collins' book, "The early material is simply breathtaking." Dunn added that the memoir is "one of the last great untold stories" and "something we've all been desperate to read," NME reports. The book will likely cover Collins' stint as one of rock's premier drummers, his ascension to Rock and Roll Hall of Famer as the frontman of Genesis and his own successful, Grammy-winning solo career; Collins remains one of just three singers – including Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney – to sell over 100 million copies as both a solo artist and as part of a group. Collins is also the latest rocker to pen his life story, joining recent rockers-turnedwriters like Morrissey, Johnny Marr, John Fogerty and Patti Smith. Although Collins has finally agreed to pen his memoir, this won't be his first work as an author: In 2012, Collins wrote The Alamo and Beyond: A Collector's Journey, which focused on the singer's museum-sized collection of artifacts from the Battle of the Alamo. Collins donated his entire Alamo collection to the state of Texas in 2014.
3
Luke Bryan, Willie Nelson to Anchor New Daytona Speedway Festival More than 40 of the biggest stars in country music are on track to play the firstever Country 500 Festival at Daytona International Speedway next Memorial Day weekend. And the lineup veers all over the country map, with contemporary stars like Luke Bryan and Florida Georgia Line sharing space with traditional-country icons like Willie Nelson and crossovers such as Kid Rock. Lady Antebellum is also scheduled for the inaugural event, suggesting the Grammywinning trio's hiatus while Charles Kelley launches a solo tour won't last all that long. While Bryan is closing out the festival Sunday night, May 29th, and Willie Nelson, Kid Rock and a special homecoming for Florida Georgia Line are all slated for Saturday, Friday night's headliner is yet to be revealed. An announcement is due November 3rd, along with dozens of other acts performing throughout the weekend on three specially designed stages. In a clever twist, fans will be able to camp in the Daytona Speedway infield, placing them at the center of the festival and the racetrack. In addition, festivalgoers will have the opportunity to engage with many of the performers at artist meet-and-greets, which will be located throughout pit road and the garages. The inaugural Country 500 will take place in Daytona, Florida, May 27th to 29th, 2016. Grateful Dead's Phil Lesh Reveals Bladder Cancer Battle Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh canceled a pair of October concerts after revealing that he is battling bladder cancer. In a letter to fans on Facebook, apologizing for the nixed Phil & Friends shows, Lesh wrote, "I was diagnosed with bladder cancer in early October, and have spent the last few weeks at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale doing tests and eventually surgery to remove the tumors."
Full Access Detroit
However, Lesh calmed fans' concerns by letting them know that his prognosis is positive and that he expects to make a full recovery. "I am very fortunate to have the pathology reports show that the tumors are all non-aggressive, and that there is no indication that they have spread," Lesh said. "So thanks to my local doctor Cliff Sewell, and the incredible team at the Mayo Clinic, all is well and I can return to normal activities in two weeks from my surgery." In recent weeks, Lesh had canceled his scheduled appearances at his Terrapin Crossroads restaurant and venue in San Rafael, California due to "unforeseen circumstances." Lesh's October 24th and 25th dates with Chris Robinson were cancelled due to the bassist's recovery, but he promises "we will reschedule these shows as soon as we can." Lesh previously battled prostate cancer in 2006. "Keep a lookout for a free Grate Room show before I leave for the East Coast shows," Lesh told Bay Area fans. "I also plan to pop in and jam in the bar before we leave, so I hope to see you there at Terrapin." Bobby Brown to Publish 'Raw, Unvarnished' Memoir Next Year Bobby Brown will detail his career in music and marriage to the late singer Whitney Houston in a new memoir, fittingly titled My Prerogative, set to be published next June via Dey Street Books, The Associated Press reports. Brown said that My Prerogative was written after the death of his and Houston's only daughter, Bobbi Kristina, which the singer called in a statement, "one of the most agonizing traumas I had ever experienced." Bobbi Kristina died in July, having been hospitalized after she was found unconscious in a bathtub at her home in Roswell, Georgia in late January. "I was surprised by how therapeutic it was to work on this project, to look at the entire arc of my life and to realize that although there has been considerable pain, I have also been incredibly blessed," Brown said. "I hope my fans and other readers of this book will be entertained by this trip into the crazy, exciting, fascinating
world of Bobby Brown. And I hope they will feel that I have been as honest and open with them in these pages as I have tried to be my entire life." Dey Street Books called the book "raw and unvarnished" and said it would "set the record straight" about Brown's career and tumultuous marriage to Houston from 1992 to 2007. Houston herself was found dead in a bathtub in 2012. In the memoir, Brown will also open up about his own struggles with drugs and alcohol, and his various run-ins with the law over the years. But amidst all the scandal, My Prerogative will feature stories from Brown's sprawling, three decades in music: The singer co-founded the New Jack Swing group New Edition in 1982 before embarking on a massively successful solo career, which included hits like "Girlfriend," "Humpin' Around," "Every Little Step" and, of course, "My Prerogative." My Prerogative was co-written with journalist Nick Chiles, who has also helped pen books with Reverend Al Sharpton and former Massachusetts governor Deval Patrick. Reba Named Guest Announcer of Neil Patrick Harris's 'Best Time Ever' Reba McEntire will appeared on Neil Patrick Harris' Best Time Ever on October 20th, as the show's newest celebrity guest announcer. The prime-time series, which features Harris and his guests in a variety of comedy skits, stunts, pranks, musical performances and audience giveaways, airs live on NBC at 8 p.m. ET. Reba joins a list of weekly guests whose names include Reese Witherspoon, Alec Baldwin, Shaquille O’Neal and Jack Black. As fans of the show know, the guest announcer frequently does far more than just announce. During this week's episode, Black brought the show to a close with a circus-worthy performance of Steppenwolf's "Born to Be Wild," surrounded by acrobats and fire-breathing dancers. Reba could wrap up the show with a song of her own, or take part in a number of other sketches.
Full Access Detroit
4
Based out of Red Lion, Pennsylvania Halestorm is comprised of brother-sister duo Lzzy Hale (lead vocals, rhythm guitar, acoustic guitar, keyboards, piano) and Arejay Hale (drums, percussion, backing vocals), along with Joe Hottinger (lead guitar, acoustic guitar, backing vocals) and Josh Smith (bass guitar, keyboards, backing vocals). Think back to when you were kid. Did you imagine being up on stage performing your original material live at that point of your life? Not only did Lzzy and Arejay imagine it, but they were doing it at 13 and 10 years old respectively, in 1997. These siblings haven't looked back since. After Joe (2003) and Josh (2004) joined the band, all the pieces fell into place. By June of 2005, they had signed a recording contract with Atlantic Records. While with Atlantic, 2005 to present, they have been busy with their discography, proving there is no shortage of material in the Halestorm library with EP’s “One and Done” (April 2006), “Reanimate” (March 2011), “Hello, It's Mz. Hyde” (January 2012), “In the Live Room” (November 2012) and “Reanimate 2.0” (October 2013), their live CD/DVD “Live in Philly 2010” (November 2010) and three full length studio efforts “Self-Titled” (April 2009), “The Strange Case Of… (April 2012) and “Into the Wild Life” (April 2015). If their
5
by Scotti Moore
nine releases aren't enough, they are known to play upwards of 250 live shows per year. I was lucky enough to catch up with Lzzy and Joe while they took a few minutes to breathe before stepping on to the stage in support of “Into the Wild Life,” which hit #1 on Billboard’s “US Albums,” “US Alternative Albums” and “US Hard Rock Albums” charts. While Lzzy has been in Halestorm for well more than half of her life and Joe for quite along run, its obvious the chemistry is there. As Lzzy tells me that this has obviously been her only band that she has ever been in and it will probably be her last. She looks to Joe and says this better be his last also with a laugh. Joe says, “This has been the third band I have been apart of, but nothing else has even come close to this level. But I think it's safe to say that I can't ever see myself anywhere else but with Halestorm. It's a family thing and we all have the same goal.” Lzzy adds, “We have been through a few other musicians and it's hard to find the right people with the same obsession as we have. So I like ya Joe, I think I will keep ya around.” All these years of playing and being a voice for female musicians, it is obvious that she has influenced countless musicians both male and female. As Hale tells me
Full Access Detroit
how much her parents listened to the music growing up, they had a big part in shaping her, she continues. “I would have to say my bandmates, especially my little bro Arejay. I don't know how he is still alive. That kid has been in the hospital so many times. I have been in the hospital twice, once I was born and second I was diagnosed with asthma. At least twenty times Arejay has been in there, so he is a huge life influence. Talk about influences though, we just met a bunch of young girls from a girls rock camp in Iowa and they all sited us as an influence. I never thought I would see the day where I would have a bunch of 11 year olds saying that they wanted to be just like me.” With their latest album in full swing and doing as well as it has been, it comes with mixed reviews. I guess that would be inevitable when you have travelled the same path for so long, then mix it up a bit heading into more of a mainstream feel. I ask them how they feel about the reception of “Wild Life.” “We have never been a band that wants to re-invent the wheel,” Lzzy says. “We just want to rock and be as good at it as we can. With this record, we through everything out the door. We went with a new producer and new mission statement. We recorded all the tracks live together. So if one of us screwed up, we all had to do the song over. It was a lot of fun, but it's scary to trust yourselves.” Joe says, “It really shows our influences and it seems to be coming thru pretty well.” Mistakes and regret are a big part of life. We have all sat down and thought about what we would go back and change. When I brought this up this is what Lzzy had to say, “We never look too far back or too far ahead to the future. What's done is done so there aren't any regrets. We just keep on moving forward.” On the road constantly with the same people has to get tough, but when you consider
yourselves as family you work through it. “We are one of those weird bands that still likes each other,” Hale says. “So the best part of touring is that musical language that we have with three other people that you have known for over a decade and being able to make those moments on stage. There is nothing like it,” she adds. Being driven towards one goal so early in life, knowing what you want at such an early age, I can imagine that there had to be a lot of sacrifices to get to where you want to be. The most apparent would be giving up your childhood for what you feel is the greater good. “A lot of the stuff I had to sacrifice was a normal school life along with prom and I have a very small circle of friends, but I was never really interested in that stuff. I'm one of those chicks that when I found this, that was it, it was over,” Lzzy tells us. At one point this will ultimately end up as a bunch of really good memories. When that time comes and you are reflecting back thru everything that you were involved in, is going to leave a trail. Lzzy tells me that she would like to be remembered for her honesty. She continues, “What you see is what you get. We don't use any trickery. We have had a really good run I'd say.” I have been very fortunate to have seen Halestorm perform live on several occasions through the years and they have repeatedly put on one of the most energetic shows out there. It has been amazing to have the opportunity to jump “Into the Wild Life” with Lzzy and Joe.
detroit
is currently seeking writers. Please call 313-936-0750.
Halestorm will be performing with Three Days Grace on November 14th at Caesar’s Windsor in Windsor, Ontario. Ticket Prices for this show range from $22.60 - $50.85. This Show is for ages 19 and up. Full Access Detroit
6
by Rem Fields
Some musicians disconnect after reaching a certain level of fame. They continue writing music, playing shows, and jumping through the various hoops expected of a popular band, yet somewhere along the line they start performing more as professionals and less as the artists who struggled to get there. Phoning it in, if you will. As a band that has been playing together since the 90s, Three Days Grace could have embraced stagnation. They had found commercial success after their first majorlabel release, back in 2003, and have been staples of rock-and-roll radio ever since. While the group definitely found their niche in the alt-metal/ hard-rock scene, they continue to try and grow within it. Modern music is a fast-moving business that has only been accelerated by the pervasiveness of multimedia. “HUMAN,” their latest album, is an attempt to illustrate the implications of this ever-changing landscape. The songs themselves are conceptually united in their attempt to express the complexities of the human condition, emphasizing a 21st Century context that speaks toward Three Days Grace's self-awareness, in an existential sense, both as musicians and as individuals. More importantly, however, it marks a deliberate shift in their approach to recording. The motivation for doing so, in part, comes from this being their first
7
studio effort since bringing in a new frontman, Matt Walst, younger brother of Brad Walst, the band’s bassist. I had a chance to speak with Brad prior to their performance at the Electric Factory in Philadelphia. Familial ties aside, he credits Matt as being a perfect fit for Three Days Grace, having officially joined their lineup last year. In fact, Brad was having lunch with his brother, who is six years his junior, when the elder Walst received a phone call divulging that Adam Gontier, the band’s former singer, was not going to continue on with Three Days Grace. “It’s funny how fate works. We’d already booked a tour that was starting in the next few weeks,” he recalled. After receiving the news, Brad looked over to Matt, asking him, “what are you doin’ for the next few months?” By no means was this decision derived from nepotism alone. Matt had been performing for nearly a decade with his own group, My Darkest Days, though the band had recently decided to take a break from playing shows. Not only was he a seasoned vocalist, but Matt had also lent his songwriting talents to a handful of Three Days Grace’s tracks throughout their discography. “He was no stranger to the Three Days Grace camp,” as Brad put it, “He knew exactly where the older songs were coming
Full Access Detroit
from – it made it so easy for him to jump in and sing.” The longstanding chemistry Matt had with the rest of the guys, coupled with his enthusiasm, led to them doing something they've never done before: writing and recording their next album while still touring in support of the previous one. It was a departure from the digital-heavy process with which they had grown a bit to comfortable. Songs for the band's two releases prior to “HUMAN” were conceptualized mostly with laptops, using software to demo the framework for each track. Life on the road didn't easily accommodate such technological amenities; and so, Three Days Grace embraced an unplugged approach. Stripping their craft down to the bare minimum brought the group back to a time when such luxuries weren't available to them. They weren't endlessly tinkering with Pro Tools; there wasn't enough time for any of that between shows. Instead, they were simply writing songs, sitting in a room with nothing but themselves and their acoustic guitars. The band started to record the best of these ideas at whatever studio they could find time to visit. “We were always together, always collaborating,” said Brad. The singles that emerged from their tour served as the foundation for “HUMAN.” Not only that, they were celebrated. “Painkiller,” the album's first song to receive radio play, marked the twelfth number-one single for Three Days Grace on the Active Rock charts. The second single, “I Am Machine,” became the thirteenth, solidifying their position as record-holder for most #1s on Active Rock. Another critical component in their latest successful release stems from the band reuniting with producer Gavin Brown. It
was their first formal collaboration since working with Brown on Three Days Grace’s self-titled, debut album back in 2003. “He was a huge part of our first couple of records,” Brad said, “Gavin's a good friend.” The result was a creative environment that fostered open discussion. “The thing with us,” he said, “Is that if there's an idea any one of us doesn't like, we pursue it until it is right.” As a group, they refuse to settle for a majority ruling, instead being dedicated to reaching a consensus. At the core of “HUMAN,” is a band reconnected. “We've been through a lot of ups and downs in the last few years,” Walst said. “That really came out in the writing process. When you go through something dramatic in your life, you learn who's with you, who's not, and you learn a lot about yourself.” These experiences are what make us, and Three Days Grace’s album, human. Brad, Matt, and the rest of the guys are touring throughout Canada and will make a stop in Windsor playing with Halestorm on November 14th at The Colosseum at Caesar’s Windsor in Windsor, Ontario, Ticket prices for this show range from $22.60 - $50.85. This show is for ages 19 and up.
Three Days Grace will be performing with Halestorm on November 14th at Caesar’s Windsor in Windsor, Ontario. Ticket Prices for this show range from $22.60 - $50.85. This Show is for ages 19 and up. Full Access Detroit
8
What does the rubber capital of the world, The National Marble Tournament, Devo, Chrissie Hynde, David Allen Coe and Lebron James all have in common? Akron, Ohio! Better add one more to that list, Red Sun Rising! This five piece “Thread” band consists of Ryan Williams (Guitar), Mike Protich (Vocals, Guitar), Tyler Valendza (Guitar), Ricky Miller (Bass, Vocals) and Pat Gerasia (Drums). With their signing to Razor & Tie Records, it gave them the opportunity to write and record their first major full length release, “Polyester Zeal.” The first single, “The Otherside,” has etched them into the history books in fine fashion, being the only debut single from a band in 2015 to hit number one on Billboard Magazine’s “Mainstream Rock” chart. If you haven't yet picked up or downloaded “Zeal,” I would put it on your to do list, because they have only just begun. While out in support of their first release, I held these five guys captive for just long enough to get the skinny on what's ticking in those musical minds of theirs. Just so you know, we walked away from this with only minor scratches and bruises. All joking aside, we dive right in. We start out by discussing who has been their biggest influence, the push behind them in their quest in music. It comes down to family, with mom being the number one
11
by Scotti Moore
answer. Tyler talks about the strength that has been instilled in him by his mother, while Ryan credits his mom with the purchase of his first guitar and always encouraging him to keep pushing forward. Mike says, “I guess we are all momma’s boys. She has given up so much in support of my dream. The financial backing, giving me a place to live when I’m not on the road with the band and that ultimate understanding through the struggle. Now that things are turning around, I can't wait to return that support.” Even with a record deal, it doesn't always mean success. Obviously, it is the first step in getting out there. With “The Otherside” being released, I ask when did it become evident that things were starting to turn around. “I saw the first guitar cover of the single on YouTube and that was unbelievable,” Tyler says. Mike continues, “When people come up and start telling us how “The Otherside” has helped them get through a really hard time. We know what that song has meant to us. But to hear that, it puts a stamp on the fact that we aren't just playing music but we are touching lives and helping to turn a negative into a positive. It's moments like those that allow you to look back at all the hard work we put in to get here and truly puts that justification on it.” One of the most difficult things in the music
Full Access Detroit
world is to set yourself apart from the rest of the pack. You need to establish an identity; a musical signature. I asked Ryan what went into the process of finding that originality. He says, “When we first started to shop Red Sun Rising, the feedback was that are songs were to different. That we didn't have an identity, even though we thought we did. Now, that seems to be what they are looking for and we got signed on that principal. When you listen to “Polyester Zeal,” you can tell how we don't like just one style; how we love all types of music. Our identity is to be ourselves and to not really be labeled and limit it.” The road is tough place to be, having to be with each other on a constant basis. Being away from the loved ones, finding a shower, diet and all the other things that you take for granted, when at home seem to become elusive. But in the life of a musician, you know this and you focus on the light at the end of tunnel. I asked what is the best part of touring. Ricky says, “I love to see all the different places and meeting so many different people. Getting to hear and see the reaction to what we have invested our lives into is pretty amazing.” Pat adds, “It's great to be able to call up friends that you haven't seen in a while and let them know you will be coming to town. The ability to rekindle those friendships that you have developed over the years. When you are on tour, it makes it that much easier to stay in touch.” They all agree on the fact that being on stage and interacting with the fans, new and old, tops the list though. I have known these guys for a while now, so I have had the pleasure of being able to
watch their evolution. I have seen their sacrifice and putting their all into the fire. But I want to know what is the biggest adjustment they have had to make to accommodate their individual futures in music. Ricky says, “Leaving the security of my family behind and quitting my job.” The soft spoken Tyler says, “The volume of my speaking voice,” as we all laugh. We have been poking fun at how quiet he has been talking throughout the conversation. “Converting the spending habits. You have to adjust to not knowing when you are getting paid and not knowing how much that is,” Ryan says shaking his head. Mike adds, “Scheduling, knowing when it's feasible to go home without it affecting the flow of the band. I have to keep a schedule for the whole family and send it to them in hopes that our schedules can coincide with each other's. We can make the most of it when the opportunity presents itself.” Pat adds, “The comfort level I had been use to in life. Hitting the road, you have to throw that out the window. But to this point it has definitely been worth it.” In order to really do these guys justice, I would need to dedicate an entire issue to them. I guess the easiest way to describe Red Sun Rising is simply. They are the most sincere, hard working and straight forward group of individuals I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Once I spent three days on the road with them, I honestly can't remember having more fun at any point of my life. Years ago, I seen a big role for them in the music scene and I couldn't be happier for their current success and what the future holds for these gents. “Polyester Zeal” is a must for your listening catalog.
Full Access Detroit
12
Chase Rice is well prepared for the pressure cooker that is being a professional musician. Born and raised in Daytona Beach, Florida, he grew up playing football and eventually earned a spot at the University of North Carolina as a linebacker. When an injury ended his career in collegiate athletics, Rice traded the pigskin for a six-string; he's been writing music ever since. But there were a couple more stops for Chase before he packed his bags for Nashville to work full-time as a songwriter. Notably, Hendrick Motorsports offered him a position on one of their NASCAR pit crews after graduation. Never afraid to embrace high-stress scenarios, Rice landed himself an audition for Survivor: Nicaragua back in 2010. He proved to be quite the contender, finishing as one of the final three contestants. Even though he had been quietly honing his craft since the pit-crew days, Rice deliberately distanced those aspirations from his Survivor persona. “I did my best to make sure I wasn't the guy who went on TV and tried to play the guitar and sing,” he said. Some might have succumbed to such an opportunistic impulse, but not Chase. “I wanted all of that to disappear, so I could make it all about the music,” he said. Over the last five years, he set out to accomplish exactly that. Chase's trail has been peppered by a series of EPs and LPs, each being more popular than it’s
15
by Rem Fields
predecessor. His major-label debut was 2014's “Ignite the Night.” The album reached the top of the Billboard Country chart, as well as the all-inclusive Billboard 200; it’s featured single, “Ready Set Roll,” went platinum. After a successful tour promoting the record, he was invited to open for Kenny Chesney, whose “The Big Revival Tour” played 61 concerts between March and August of this past year. Never one to stay idle, Rice recharged his batteries come September, only to hit the road again in October for his third headlining tour, the aptly named “JD and Jesus Tour.” (If there was ever a pair of icons to replace country's emblematic hat and boots...) I spoke with Chase while he was in Nashville between shows. Already six stops into “JD and Jesus,” he very much respects the heightened expectations of those who go to see him perform as a headliner. “There's more pressure,” he said. “You better bring it even more, because the stakes are higher.” If Chase Rice has proven anything in his 30 years of life, it is that he thrives under a spotlight. The latest to be cast upon him comes from the online media venture Vevo. The company selected Chase to be featured in their LIFT series of videos, which serves as a platform for a behind-the-scenes peek at some of music's most promising artists. A video clip dedicated to exploring Chase's
Full Access Detroit
influences begins with him pulling up next to a grain silo in his far-from-new Chevy pickup truck. Out walks Rice, clad in a “Reagan/ Bush '84” campaign shirt and a hat featuring his personal brand (and motto), “H.D.E.U.” (head down, eyes up). Before pulling out the Garth Brooks cassette tape he listens to in his truck, before pointing out that two of his idols – Kenny Chesney and Eric Church – are now peers of his, Chase talks about his dad. It soon becomes clear how the youngest of three Rice brothers has done so much in life. No matter what the endeavor, he is guided by a self-awareness founded on the rare combination of a father's wisdom and a son who is receptive enough to appreciate it. This 3-minute segment portrays Chase as an artist on the brighter side of an existential dilemma. He admits to having strayed from his roots in the pursuit of success over the last few years, a wrong turn he is quickly trying to right. “I'm at a point in my life where I don't care what genre my music is,” Chase admitted. He went on to explain how he hadn’t been true to himself when attempting to conform to expectations within country music. “If you're writing songs focused on what people want to hear, it takes away from the creativity,” he said, acknowledging that some of his releases perhaps focused too intently on beers, buddies and babes. “But when you're writing for yourself,” Rice continued, “that's a very dangerous combination for talented songwriters.” Dangerous in the best way possible, of course, like NASCAR. Given his track record, it should come as little surprise that Chase's suggested course of action is applicable to both successful musicians and race-car drivers; “When that happens, you better hold on tight,” he advises. Chase's achievements as a musician owe much to this mentality. He is not only driven, but is also prepared to change gears at a moment's notice. Like a pilot operating
at breakneck speeds, decision making is his greatest ally. Rice is certainly as skilled as he is thoughtful when it comes to his craft, and it was his father who taught him how to have this drive. Not too long ago, while rummaging through the back of a barn situated on the Rice family's old homestead, Chase stumbled upon his dad's old jukebox. “That's the first music I ever heard,” he said. Whether it was Chuck Berry's “Johnny B. Goode,” or Patsy Cline's “Crazy,” he treasures the freedom he had to explore rather than inherit his family's musical preferences. “My dad put the music in front of me,” Rice said, “but let me choose what to play.” The jukebox now sits in his home in Nashville. Though its mechanical parts needed to be restored, all of the records it sheltered were in perfect condition. He speaks of them like old friends. For perhaps the first time in his career, as he propels forward toward country-music stardom, Chase Rice has taken a moment to look in the rear-view mirror. Chase Rice returns to the Detroit area on November 7th at The Fillmore.
Chase Rice will be performing with Cadillac Three at The Fillmore in Detroit on November 7th. Tickets are still available for this show. Full Access Magazine
16
When you are sitting around with your friends talking about putting together the perfect band, I'm not sure if the roster of Saint Asonia would even come to mind, our bad. Looking at this line up, I'm not sure you could put together a better supergroup. So when lead guitarist Mike Mushok, who was on hiatus with Staind, reached out to lead vocalists and rhythm guitarist Adam Gontier, formerly of Three Days Grace, about writing some material together, it was perfect timing as Adam was looking for a project. Next thing you know, Saint Asonia was born. Then came the rhythm section with Eye Empire Bassist Corey Lowery and former Finger Eleven drummer Rich Beddoe completing the line up. To find out more about the group, and about himself, I recently had the opportunity to chat with Mike Mushok as they were getting ready to set out on tour. With all the realignment happening in the music world these days it's almost comparable to a sports free agent market anymore. Chemistry is more important than anything when considering the formation of a project. The advantage of being a seasoned veteran in this industry is the relationships you form over the course of your career. Knowing whom you are comfortable with
17
by Scotti Moore
ahead of time made it quite easy when putting together this supergroup. Mushok tells me, “I'm not sure about this supergroup label. We are just some friends who decided to get together and make a record. We shopped it to RCA and they liked what they heard, so at that point we decided to call it a band.” Usually when a band records their debut album, they start the support tour right around the time of the release so the hype is alive and kicking. Saint Asonia launched their self-titled debut album July 31st, 2015 (RCA Records; Producer: Johnny K), but unveiled themselves with a live performance at one of the largest festivals in the states, Rock On The Range, in mid May 2015. Coming out to the world in that kind of forum had to play on the nerves. “Not really, we were more excited than anything. We were well rehearsed at that point. We have all done this quite a bit. There have been times in my career when nerves were hitting and I wonder where the hell they were coming from, but not this time. We were very prepared,” Mike explained. With 17 number one singles out of 25 top ten hits between the four members, it speaks volumes on the ability to write. Surely after that kind of success, writing material for
Full Access Detroit
a new project had to put the pressure on. He says, “Not really, I just put together what I think are cool riffs and then I handed it over to Adam and told him to just do what you do. I really don't think you can look at it in the sense of pressure. We just stayed true to who we are and wrote about the things we know. We know we are going to play those songs every night, so we just wrote to the best of our ability. We were really pleased with the end result.” Now that the album is complete and available for purchase, I'm sure Mushok loves it. With it being fresh, I'm curious if he has had the opportunity to develop a liking to any of the tracks. Mike says, “I love playing “Let Me Live My Life” and “Trying to Catch Up with the World.” I'm really proud of the entire album.” Setting up the direction, goals for a new project would seem to be an important part right from the beginning. “I wanted to go out on the road and not have to pay for it,” Mike says while laughing. “But that really is a tough thing in this day and age. It's hard to start a new band. It’s much different than ten years ago. In most cases you would be lucky to break even. We are off to a great start in my opinion.” Now that we have the lowdown on Saint Asonia, I want to find out about the man behind the lead guitar so I ask him about his musical influences. “My uncle who was a singer/songwriter started me out on guitar when I was very young, but what really pointed me in the right direction was Tony MacAlpine. Having him as my guitar teacher back in Springfield, Massachusetts and to play with him was nothing short of amazing.” Whether it's partying less, giving up bad habits, taking care of your health or one of many other things throughout a career, adjusting ones self is something that is a
detroit
given. “You are absolutely right. My biggest adjustment came about because of my family and that was learning to sacrifice my time with the family while being out on the road. I'm extremely fortunate to be able to make a living at something I love to do and they understand that this is how I support them, but it doesn't make it any easier.” Achieving success is measured in many different ways by each individual at different points of the journey through life. I asked Mushok what the definition of success is to him and this is what he said, “To me success is the ability to take care of my family. As the man of the house and a father, there is nothing more important than that.” Now we have reached the speed round of the conversation. What is the best part of touring? Mike says, “Being up on the stage and sharing our message.” Have you had that “Wow” moment? “Starting out and playing a festival in Tampa as the festival opener, but then coming back the following year and being greeted by thousands of people knowing who we were.” Do you enjoy being in the attention of the public eye? “When I'm up on stage, Yes. There is a time and a place for everything and the bathroom isn't one of those.” Who would you like to tour with? Most definitely The Deftones.” That brings us to the final question. What are you listening to nowadays? “Howard Stern. I really don't listen to a lot of music but that would also be the Deftones.” As it reached the end of our conversation, I really was wishing that we could continue but I had a show to review and he had family to tend to.
Detroit’s Largest Entertainment Magazine
Full Access Detroit
18
Coheed And Cambria The Color Before The Sun 300 Entertainment gggdf by Terry Canter
After exploring the rich, extensive science fiction saga of The Amory Wars for seven albums, prog rockers Coheed and Cambria are finally ready to make it personal. Where their previous works focused on a fantastical story created by frontman Claudio Sanchez, they lift the sci-fi curtain and shine a spotlight directly onto Sanchez with their eighth album, The Color Before the Sun. No longer hiding behind his creation (the protagonists of which gave his band their name), Sanchez is finally unafraid of how fans might react to a Coheed and Cambria record inspired by the story of Claudio Sanchez of New York rather than Coheed and Cambria Kilgannon of Heaven’s Fence. The result is a refreshingly honest, even inspirational album. In a feature with Team Rock, Sanchez details how The Color Before the Sun was written at a crucial, transitional period in his life. Moving from the wide open spaces of upstate New York to an apartment in Brooklyn, Sanchez and his wife find themselves cramped and compacted into their new home along with the uncertainty of what lies ahead. Written during their time in this apartment, the album accurately portrays that special sense of urban claustrophobia with its tight, confrontational riffs giving way to spacious leads. The album begins with this sort of mindset on opener “Island” and moves in closer with “Eraser”, Sanchez striving for that sense of escape, even wishing for time to be turned backward so that he can live more freely. It’s that essential struggle and desire for more, so present in the post-hardcore records of this decade, that breathes life into this album. 19
Sanchez fights his inner conflict between escapism and acceptance throughout the record. Where “Colors” and “You Got Spirit, Kid” preach the gospel of accepting things as they are and making the best of them, “Eraser” and “Ghost” portray Sanchez with one foot out the door, wanting to be anywhere but where he is at that moment, even on the latter, where he learns he’s going to be a father. “Ghost” is a strippeddown finale to the album’s colorful first half, Sanchez whispering and bearing all to his acoustic guitar. It ends up being the most genuine song on the album, conjuring images of its writing process, Sanchez in the corner of his apartment yearning for little more than the escape of an out-ofbody experience. The next half begins, though, refreshed and vibrant with the arrival of Sanchez’s son, Atlas. Accepting things as they are, good or bad, is a nice mantra to have, but with the pressures of a wife and son at home, Sanchez finds renewed purpose in his work. While “Atlas” itself finds a comfortable post-hardcore color-by-numbers format, its honesty and sentimentality tug at the heartstrings. That formula weighs down the entire album, its predictability buoyed some by genuine emotion. The only song that truly breaks that formula, and ends up being the most interesting on the album, is the one dedicated to us all: “The Audience” is Sanchez at his most spiteful and juvenile, boasting that despite the sort of reaction that this very personal album of his and his band receives, he’ll “still be here when you’re done.” It’s from that aggression that the album pulls its most progressive and listenable moments. And while the ham-fisted push-back of “The Audience” can be somewhat off-putting, the newfound courage that lies therein from gives Sanchez a confident indifference worth praise and recognition. On “Peace to the Mountain,” Sanchez and his family return to their house upstate,
Full Access Detroit
Sanchez finding closure in the acceptance of his life as it has become. The song is just as bright and inspirational as nearly everything before it, and yet, while many of the songs on The Color Before the Sun do fall into a certain post-hardcore formula that’s used over and over again throughout the album, the journey presented therein makes the difference. The decision to set The Amory Wars aside to make a more personal statement results in a surprisingly rewarding experience, likely as much for the listener as it clearly is for the band. While this sort of autobiographical songwriting can’t be found in the band’s foundation, this new freedom and genuine self-acceptance should be encouraged and even expanded upon in their future works. Janet Jackson Unbreakable Rhythm Nation 33332 by Terry Canter
Janet Jackson is a walking superlative. She can dance routines into legend, infect with her angelic lilt, and preach social ills through Sly and the Family Stone-sampling anthems. An added dose of ambition turns her art into spectacle. The twist is how all of that isn’t what’s at the core of her longevity. It’s her self-awareness, or the search of it. Jackson didn’t become great until she teamed up with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and proclaimed she was Janet rather than just a Jackson. Unbreakable is laced with tempered optimism and nostalgia (the “BURNITUP!” intro isn’t unlike “Miss You Much”; Jackson’s giggles haven’t aged). But rather than a comeback, the album plays like a nighttime invitation from a long-absent acquaintance. A big reason for the atmosphere is how Jackson is again featured as this oxymoron of vulnerability and confidence. She isn’t
too concerned with adapting to 2015; the majority of Jimmy Jam and Lewis’s production sounds within a hop of their work on 1997’s The Velvet Rope. The duo’s reunion with Jackson is exceptional whether they’re dishing a pulsating storm on “No Sleeep” or augmenting “Night” with arena rock sensibilities. That they’re able to collaborate on this level despite a seven-year hiatus is further proof that what happened in 1985 was nothing short of kismet. Unbreakable is structured as a double-sided album, splitting itself between “No Sleeep” and “Dream Maker / Euphoria.” But what’s more notable is that it peaks how a Jackson in-her-prime album would. Its thrills double as catharsis. “Shoulda Known Better” rides atop electro-dance twitches and synthesizers to reach euphoria. But it’s an ephemeral high. “Rhythm Nation” was a determinist’s anthem 26 years ago. Here, it’s a poignant reminder that the issues it was designed to march against still exist: “I had this great epiphany/ And rhythm nation was the dream/ I guess next time I’ll know better.” “Broken Hearts Heal”, a sweet tribute to her late brother Michael, is followed up with infectious jubilation on “Night.” After the nighttime restraint of “No Sleeep”, “Dream Maker / Euphoria” kicks off side two with a Smokey Robinson-like cry before settling into a psychedelic, call-and-response groove. The album’s movements flow like natural metamorphosis rather than wild swings thanks to Jackson’s voice. Unbreakable finds her continuously rediscovering new crevices in her vocal range. It leads to an emotive performance: how she softly pants with yearning on “Lessons Learned”, how her airiness adds an extra velvet layer to the breakdown on “Dammn Baby,” how its fragility gives “After You Fall” a sense of empathy. For someone who’s known to be secretive, Unbreakable is another album that shines because of how she lets us in.
Full Access Detroit
20
Crofoot Ballroom • 248-858-9333
Diesel Concert Lounge • 586-725-3914
Nov 2 Nov 3 Nov 4 Nov 5 Nov 6 Nov 7 Nov 8
the Magic Bag • 248-544-1991
1 S Saginaw Street, Pontiac, MI 48342 ______________________________________
Nov 1
Nov 14 Nov 15 Nov 16 Nov 17 Nov 18 Nov 19 Nov 20 Nov 21
Nov 22 Nov 24 Nov 28 Nov 30 Dec 3
Stone Foxes & White Buffalo Woman & Matt Miller Band Waylon Speed Holly Golightly Public Squares Everyday Junior Blind Guardian & Grave Digger David Wax Museum Mac Demarco, Alex Calder & The Courtneys Copeland & We Are The City Skinny Puppy & Youth Code I Fight Dragons Darwin Deez & Charly Bliss Treehouse! & Sun Dried Vibes Devon Allman & Terrain Red Stone Souls & the Erers Silverstein, Senses Fail, Capsize & Hundredth mewithoutyou & The Menzingers The Faceless Call Marvin And The Chasers Frank Iero Jared & The Mill
33151 23 Mile Road, New Baltimore, MI 48047 ______________________________________
Nov 1 Hate Eternal & Hate Unbound Nov 14 Buckcherry & Saving Abel
22920 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale, MI 48220 ______________________________________
Nov 7 Nov 11 Nov 12 Nov 14 Nov 20
Savoy Brown & Kim Simmonds Big Sandy and his Fly-Rite Boys Cas Haley Lez Zeppelin Mark Kozelek
the token Lounge • 734-513-5030
28949 Joy Road, Westland, MI 48185 ______________________________________
Nov 5 Nov 7 Nov 8 Nov 13
Nov 16 Nov 18 Nov 20 Nov 21 Nov 25 Dec 2
Allegaeon & Act of Defiance Jim Florentine Alesana Whitford St. Holmes & Most Wanted Black Fast Come And Rest & More To Monroe Broken Day Machine & Harlow Prong Brutally Frank Wayland
Attention Bands & Venues: Want to be listed here, Contact Scotti Moore at (313) 626-3600
Full Access Detroit
22
1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 5 5 5 5 6 6 23
NOVEMBER
Big K.R.i.t.
St Andrews Hall, Detroit
RAC & Big Data The Majestic Theatre, Detroit Dave Rawlings Machine
Royal Oak Theatre, Royal Oak
hate Eternal & Misery index Diesel Concert Lounge, Chesterfield
RAC & Big Data
The Majestic Theatre, Detroit
Misterwives
The Fillmore, Detroit
Norah Jones
Michigan Theater, Ann Arbor
Man overboard
The Shelter, Detroit
Jethro tull’s ian Anderson Fox Theatre, Detroit
Emery & the Red Jumpsuit Apparatus The Shelter, Detroit
Meat Loaf
Soundboard, Motor City Casino
Cash Cash & tritonal Necto, Ann Arbor
Robert DeLong
The Shelter, Detroit
City and Colour
The Fillmore, Detroit
Adrian Legg
The Ark, Ann Arbor
New Found glory & yellowcard
St Andrews Hall, Detroit
Act of Defiance
The Token Lounge, Westland
Dead in 5
The Token Lounge, Westland
Big Sean
Joe Louis Arena, Detroit
6 6 6 6 6 6 6 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 8 8 8 8
gWAR
8
Crofoot Ballroom, Pontiac
8
Harpo’s Concert Theatre, Detroit
Blind guardian
Jamey Johnson
The Fillmore, Detroit
Maddie & tae
St Andrews Hall, Detroit
All time Low & Sleeping With Sirens
EMU Convacation Ctr, Ypsilanti
the Avett Brothers
Hill Auditorium, Ann Arbor
tom Paxton
The Ark, Ann Arbor
Don henley & Shawn Colvin
Fox Theatre, Detroit
J.J. grey & Mofro
St Andrews Hall, Detroit
Chase Rice
The Fillmore, Detroit
Kim Simmonds & Savoy Brown
The Magic Bag, Ferndale
Big Freedia & Boyfriend
The Shelter, Detroit
the Mavericks
Royal Oak Theatre, Royal Oak
Wayne Brady
Caesars Windsor, Windsor
the Weeknd & Banks
Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills
Rise Against, Killswitch Engage & Letlive
The Fillmore, Detroit
Dear Rouge
The Shelter, Detroit
Chucho Valdes
Michigan Theatre, Ann Arbor
Mac DeMarco
Crofoot Ballroom, Pontiac
Full Access Detroit
8 9 9
10 11 11 11 11 11 11
12 12 12 13 13 13 13 13
Alesana, Entheos & iwrestleabearonce
The Token Lounge, Westland
Everclear
St Andrews Hall, Detroit
Colin hay
The Ark, Ann Arbor
Arlo guthrie
Michigan Theater, Detroit
young Rising Sons
The Shelter, Detroit
the Acacia Strain
The Shelter, Detroit
Parkway Drive
The Fillmore, Detroit
Big Sandy & Fly Rite Boys
The Magic Bag, Ferndale
Elephant Revival
The Ark, Ann Arbor
Beirut
Royal Oak Theatre, Royal Oak
open your Eyes
The Token Lounge, Westland
Dom Kennedy
St Andrews Hall, Detroit
Windhand & Danava The Loving Touch, Ferndale the Chainsmokers
Royal Oak Theatre, Royal Oak
Cas haley
The Magic Bag, Ferndale
Eric Burdon
Andiamo Showroom, Warren
Flamin’ groovies
The Magic Bag, Ferndale
Vanessa Carlton
Blind Pig, Ann Arbor
Willie Nile
The Ark, Ann Arbor
Jr. Jr. & Brothertiger
Royal Oak Theatre, Royal Oak
14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 15 15
15 15 15 15 16 16 16 17
Festival of Praise tour Joe Louis Arena, Detroit
Lisa Lampanelli
Andiamo Showroom, Warren
three Days grace & halestorm
Caesars Windsor, Windsor
Buckcherry
Diesel Concert Lounge, Chesterfield
Kathy griffin
Macomb PAC, Clinton Township
Copeland & Eisley
Crofoot Ballroom, Pontiac
Billy gibbons
Scottish Rite Cathedral, Detroit
Passafire
Blind Pig, Ann Arbor
Minus the Bear
St Andrews Hall, Detroit
Scott Weiland & Wildabouts Hard Rock Cafe, Detroit
Jennifer Nettles
Caesars Windsor, Windsor
Craig Ferguson
Royal Oak Theatre, Royal Oak
indigo girls
Soundboard, Motor City Casino
Roam & handguns
The Shelter, Detroit
Ryn Weaver & holychild
The Magic Bag, Ferndale
Skinny Puppy
Crofoot Ballroom, Pontiac
Angel haze
The Loving Touch, Ferndale
ghost town
The Shelter, Detroit
17 17 18 18 18 18 19 19 20 20 20 20
21 21 21 21 21 22
the Royal Concept
22
The Ark, Ann Arbor
22
Pike Room, Pontiac
John Moreland
Allen Stone & Bernhoft
St Andrews Hall, Detroit
Roger Clyne & Peacemakers
The Magic Bag, Ferndale
Brian Setzer orchestra
Fox Theatre, Detroit
Allie X
The Shelter, Detroit
guster
Michigan Theater, Detroit
Darwin Deez
Pike Room, Pontiac
tommy Castro & Painkillers
Callahan’s Music Hall, Auburn Hills
gtA, K Camp & Wax Motif
St Andrews Hall, Detroit
Between the Buried And Me
St. Andrews Hall, Detroit
Citizens!
The Loving Touch, Ferndale
Jamey Johnson
The Fillmore, Detroit
Popa Chubby
Callahan’s Music Hall, Auburn Hills
Stevie Wonder
Joe Louis Arena, Detroit
Silverstein & Sense Fail
Crofoot Ballroom, Pontiac
Watain & Mayhem
St Andrews Hall, Detroit
Miley Cyrus
The Fillmore, Detroit
Pop Evil
Royal Oak Theatre, Royal Oak
Combichrist & the Birthday Massacre
St Andrews Hall, Detroit
the Menzingers & Mewithoutyou
Crofoot Ballroom, Pontiac
our Last Night
The Shelter, Detroit Full Access Detroit
22 23 23 24 24 24 25 25 25 27 27 27 27 28 28 28 28 29 29 30
tinsley Ellis
Callahan’s Music Hall, Auburn Hills
Elle King The Majestic Theatre, Detroit Dance gavin Dance St Andrews Hall, Detroit
the Faceless
Pike Room, Pontiac
Chris Bathgate
The Ark, Ann Arbor
the Mowgli’s & Lights
St Andrews Hall, Detroit
Kamelot & Dragonforce
Royal Oak Theatre, Royal Oak
Dead in 5 & Koffin Kats
The Token Lounge, Westland
omi
Soundboard, Motor City Casino
Kem & tamar Braxton
Fox Theatre, Detroit
Uncle Cracker
Royal Oak Theatre, Royal Oak
tyler Farr
The Fillmore, Detroit
Kevin gates The Majestic Theatre, Detroit Puddle of Mudd
Harpo’s Concert Theatre, Detroit
King Diamond & Exodus
The Fillmore, Detroit
george Lopez, D.L. hughley & Cedric the Entertainer Joe Louis Arena, Detroit
Northlane & Volumes
The Shelter, Detroit
the English Beat
The Magic Bag, Ferndale
terror & Code orange
The Shelter, Detroit
Ne-hi The Loving Touch, Ferndale 24