Highwire Daze #147

Sketches By The Editor

Welcome to Highwire Daze #147, The NAMM Show Edition and all I can say about that is, “Wait, weren’t we just here?” If you are reading this at The NAMM Show, at home, or in a club, I just want to say hello and thank you for your support of our ongoing print issue.

What an honor it was to interview Michael Monroe of the legendary Hanoi Rocks who is promoting Oriental Beat (The 40th Anniversary Re(al)mix)! One of my favorite hard rock vocalist Ronnie Romero from Michael Schenker Group, Rainbow, Lords Of Black, Vandenberg, and a zillion other bands is featured in this issue as well. Ronnie has a new covers album out entitled Raised On Heavy Radio on Frontiers Music Srl! And it was fun to do an interview with Elana Justin of Motive Black at the Jack Lue photo/poster shoot. Motive Blacks’s album Auburn on AFM Records is amazing! So cool to interview iconic bands such as Babylon A.D. and Roxx Gang who have some awesome releases out now via Perris Records. Lots of outstanding local bands covered in this issue as well, so turn the page and explore this, the latest edition of Highwire Daze! And be sure to visit our booth at The NAMM Show at The Anaheim Convention Center April 13-15!

The Wright Wave Radio at Live 365

Down In Wuhan

New original 12 song Hollywood Hard-Rock album

Down In Wuhan released world-wide in 2023!

Produced by: Tone Raven

Available Now. Everywhere. World-Wide on all major platforms. iTunes, Spotify, Amazon and CD. youtube.com/toneraventunes

MANAGEMENT-TONE RAVEN MUSIC

Presented by Jonathan D. Wright

Established October 2012

Playing all of your rock, pop, and new wave favorites 24 hour a day, 7 days a week!

http://www.thewrightwave.com/

Editor Ken with Elana Justin of Motive Black

Product Review by James Grover

L Guitars

In January 2023 I attended The Los Amigos Guitar Show in Costa Mesa California. After a while of walking around I Came Upon a booth that caught my attention. What intrigued me at first was the color of a guitar that was on display, as a luthier I had made a guitar similar in color so as I introduced myself to “Lance” who is the owner of “L-Guitars”, from there we started talking about the guitars that were on display.

L Guitars is a Southern California company that was established in 2019 by Lance McCormick.

These guitars are custom handmade in Southern California and features some very special characteristics that grabbed my attention such as the “Lock Claw resonator bridge system” and a locking mechanism for a 5 way “Strat” switch, the lock is a preset device, it works with a 5-way position switch for example when you’re playing guitar pickups in the Rhythm Section using the middle and neck position the lock prevents you from accidentally moving it to the bridge position while strumming the guitar. The lock retro fits on any 5 way switch.

The quality of these instruments are of high standards the feel of the Maple neck has very solid feel and the body has specific measurements to play comfortably with Contour angle on the back of the body for Comfort playing.

After a few weeks from the show I met up with Lance at his guitar shop in Chatsworth, California and I had the opportunityto really sit down with the guitars and play them without the background noise of a trade show behind me, these guitars just sound incredible.

What I really like about these guitars is that they’re really comfortable to play the sound of the instruments are amazing they are made from different species of wood and different pickup configurations.

For more information:

www.l-guitar.co

Reach James Grover at: www.facebook.com/james.grover.311

In Musical Orbit by Jupiter

Jupiter at Highwire Daze Online Crew

East Coast Editor

Welcome to my page. It’s Jupiter Lee - East Coast Editor. Check out my record reviews here and be sure to add me on Facebook! Link is at the end of my column...

Get Over It

Hartmann Pride & Joy Music

You know when you’ve got a good thing and this is it! From Germany, GET OVER IT is the new modern, hard rock album from HARTMANN. Lineup includes vocalist / guitarist OLIVER HARTMANN, guitarist MARIO RECK, bass guitarist ARMIN DONDERER and drummer MARKUS KULLMAN. Slowly beginning with

a platform of guitar and drums is track 01 Remedy. HARTMANN’s distinctive vocal has a nice slow vibrato and reminded me of the great singer, IAN GILLIAN. It also showcases a very nice long guitar solo. Track 02 One Step Behind begins with a 4 - bar instrumental intro , two part vocal harmony and contains a great hook. All of them are excellent musicians with great instincts and know how to achieve the sound they want. Showing another side to them is track 03 called In Another Life. On track 06 Just Drive, I believe it will give you your hint of country. Smooth. Nearing the end of the album is the title track #09, Get Over It. A hot number with extraordinary back-up vocals and a catchy hook, making it a natural for the radio waves! GET OVER IT contains eleven tunes and for me, may include a reference to DEEP PURPLE and a trace of TOM PETTY come to mind. Co - produced by SASCHA PAETH (AVANTASIA, KAMELOT) , the whole album has a great flow from start to finish. Looking forward to a USA tour. https://oliverhartmann.com/

on Facebook

Michael Monroe at The Whisky

Photo by Joe Schaeffer

Hanoi Rocks proudly presents

Oriental Beat (The 40th Anniversary Re(al)mix)

Interview by Ken Morton

Oriental Beat (The 40th Anniversary Re(al)mix) by the legendary Hanoi Rocks has been issued at last - and just the way front man Michael Monroe and his co-horts wanted the album to be heard. Displeased with the final version with no way to fix it due to the original masters being lost, a twist of fate would change the course of this iconic record. In this interview with Highwire Daze, Michael Monroe documents the epic journey towards the unveiling of Oriental Beat (The 40th Anniversary Re(al)mix) - now available worldwide via the mighty Svart!

We’re here with Michael Monroe from Hanoi Rocks. What was the state of the band in 1982 around the original version of the Oriental Beat album came out – especially when you heard the original mix. We recorded the album in London, and we were in the process of moving to London. Our Finnish manager Seppo Vesterinen, he hooked up with Richard Bishop in London – and Richard Bishop had a friend who was this guy Peter Wooliscroft – who he thought would be a good producer for the album. We had no idea, but the first album we produced ourselves – which we should have done with this album too because as it turned out. We recorded the record and then we were on tour in Finland when Seppo our manager brought the mix – which the album was already pressed on the vinyl. He brought a turn table to the hotel room and played the record for us – and we were like, “This is it?” We had some rough mixes on audio cassettes and we thought it sounded pretty good – but then this mix, it sounded really hollow and it really didn’t sound like us. “Where’s the guitars? There’s nothing but snare drums and vocals.” We were really surprised the way he had mixed it wasn’t really good, but we really didn’t know any better. We thought we couldn’t change it anymore at that point. We figured okay, I guess we’ll just let it be.

I think that record might have set back our career a year or two. There were some great songs, and a second album is important of course. We were really so young. Of course, if I had known what I know now, I would have said, “Screw it! Let’s remix it! It‘s unacceptable.” But we let it be as it was. Yeah, there’s a lot of great songs but because of the mix, most of us did not want to listen to it much. It was a crime. I don’t know what the guy was thinking. He was obviously going for something totally different, and he didn’t “get” the band. We were a guitar rock band. He really wasn’t our kind of producer and you never heard from the guy afterwards. We heard that he had worked with the band Slade at some point, so we

figured he must be okay. He might have just been an assistant engineer or something – who knows!

So that’s the way it was, and the album has always been a thorn in our side. And when Guns N’ Roses in the early 90’s they released our European catalog on their Uzi Suicide label – we wanted to remix the album – and we thought “Here’s our chance to remix it and make it sound the way it should have been.” The head of the Finnish label where we recorded back in the day – he said he had sent the multi-track tapes to some producer in Germany for some guy to mix – and they got lost along the way. And I said, “What? How is the possible? You didn’t make any safety copies?” “Oh yeah, no, those were the only tapes.” So, the tapes were thought to have been lost, and we thought “Oh my God, now we can’t even remix it!” So, all these years we thought that they were lost and that it was not possible to remix the album – until about three years ago. I got a tip from a guy – somebody had been at the Universal Music warehouse where they keep a bunch of tapes on their vaults – because Universal owns the old Hanoi material now. Somebody mentioned they saw some old Hanoi Rocks material there and I said, “What? Really?” So, I called the head of the label and asked if they could have somebody go and take a photograph of the tapes. And if one of them Advision Studio London on it, then those are the Oriental Beat tapes. And they were them – and lo and behold – there was the album to be remixed! Yah! We could finally do it!

So, we digitized the tracks and I went into the studio with Petri Majuri who I worked with for years – except with the last album – my newest solo album I Live Too Fast to Die Young! – that was done in a different studio. But up until then, I’ve worked with Petri for years and years. He’s mixed the previous albums and he’s pretty good at what he does. So, he put it in the deck, and he put the basic sounds together. I went into the studio a few times with him. And then I sent the mixes to everybody – all the surviving members – including Gyp Casino, the original drummer – and Andy and Nasty and Sammy. Sammy came with me a couple of days in the studio, and it was really sounding so much better. It was really exciting to be able to hear the tracks this way.

It’s like a great closure! It’s so nice to have this album sounding as good as it deserved – like it was supposed to originally. I must point out – at least for me – it’s the longest and slowest album project I’ve ever worked on. It was 40 years until we got it to sound the way we wanted! Even Guns N’ Roses’ Chinese Democracy – that even pales compared to this! That was only 10 years – this was 40 years! It must be a world record! So, we’ll call it the 40 Year Anniversary 21st Century Edition – The Re(al) Mix Not The Remix – The Re(al) Mix! Finally, the album is sounding like it deserves – like it was supposed to originally. So, there you have it! It’s a great thing and I’m so happy that it happened.

One of the songs Don’t Follow Me featured Katrina Leskanich from Katrina and The Waves. What was it like working with Katrina, and did you keep in touch with her over the years?

I haven’t really kept in touch with her over the years I must say. She was interviewed for the Hanoi book – she said some nice things and she had a good time hanging out with us – drinking beers and smoking some spliffs. She had a good time in the studio. It was a good vibe in the studio – and we had a good vibe with me and Andy too at the time. I think that was before she had the big hit Walking On Sunshine – it was ’82. But she was great – it was great to work with her –but I’m not sure how she ended up in the studio. Maybe she knew Richard Bishop or the producer or maybe she was just doing sessions. I’m not sure how she ended up singing there, but she was great! Later on, as someone pointed out, wait, she’s Katrina from Katrina and the Waves! Unfortunately, I didn’t keep in touch, but she was really cool! I have great memories of working with her. But that was cool that she became famous and we had her on the record at that early point.

What is currently going on at the moment with your solo career?

We had a new album come out last summer called I Live Too Fast to Die Young. The newest video – the title track – Slash

is on it – came out a couple of weeks ago. We’ve had five video singles off the album. It’s being very well received. People have been saying it’s one of my best – if not the best album I’ve made. We toured with Alice Cooper last summer and played with Guns N’ Roses in London and then did some festivals and stuff. We’re still touring with the album. We’re going on tour starting next week in the UK opening for Black Star Riders and Phil Campbell and His Bastard Sons for two weeks. And we’ll keep touring in support of I Live Too Fast to Die Young. My band that I have right now, we’ve been together for 13 years. I’m quite happy with that. I turned 60 last year too. I had a 60th birthday concert on September 23rd – we had like a celebration concert at Helsinki Ice Hall. It was packed to the hilt. We had all facets of my career presented – my early solo stuff, the current band, and then the reborn Hanoi from the 2000’s. We had Demolition 23 as the opening band. And then at the end we had the reunion of the original Hanoi Rocks with the lineup from the Oriental Beat album with Gyp Casino. It just came together because Sammy and Nasty were in the house. And Andy invited himself and I said “Okay, why not?” All these guys are going to be there – why not do the first time in 40 years –we hadn’t seen each other in 40 years, and we had not been in the same place together for 40 years. That would be exciting to do and what happen if we played a few songs with the original lineup. As it turned out, we decided to announce it to the fans to be fair – they would be pissed off if they didn’t know ahead of time. We had already almost sold out the Ice Hall, but when the Hanoi news came out, they had to make extra seats. It was packed to the hilt! It was a good vibe and a nice special evening. I really enjoyed it.

A great memory but in the end, it pointed out what a great band I have right now. We’re the best of friends and we have a great time on the road. We’re still making better records than the previous one. I love doing what I do, and I always try to get better. There’s always room for improvement. So, life is good! I’m quite happy to be doing what I do, and I feel better than ever. I must say it’s a good time to be alive and it’s a good time to be Michael Monroe. Always a good time!

March/April 2023 HIGHWIRE DAZE

Ronnie Romero: Raised On Heavy Radio, Michael Schenker Group and more...

Interview by Ken Morton - Photo by Vivian Ortega of So Finch Photography

Ronnie Romero has released Raised On Heavy Radio, a companion album of sorts to his first covers album, Raised On Radio This time out, Romero pays tribute to legendary artists from the metal world like Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Accept, Metallica, and more. Special guests on the album include Gus G. (Firewind, Ozzy Osbourne), Chris Caffery (Savatage, Spirits Of Fire), Roland Grapow (Masterplan, Helloween), and more.

Romero’s voice and prolific musical activity have brought him to the forefront of the hard rock/metal scene where he can be seen/heard with Lords of Black, The Ferrymen, Sunstorm, Rainbow, and the Michael Schenker Group. Through his work fronting these acts, it is no stretch to see how the artists covered on this album have influenced Romero and understand how his voice is well suited to give them a proper tribute.

Highwire Daze recently interviewed Ronnie Romero to find out more about the songs featured on Raised On Heavy Radio, his recent stateside tour with the Michael Schenker Group, his status with the legendary Rainbow, and more!

How did the idea of Raised On Heavy Radio come about and how easy or difficult was it to choose these songs?

It was a kind of obvious album after Raised On Radio. This idea came from Serafino

Perugino of Frontiers about making a couple of covers albums. At the beginning with Raised On Radio, we just did it to try out how people would react to a covers album – we know they are not very popular. (Laughs) Everybody does covers but it seems like they don’t like it when an artist does covers. That’s very strange. The thing was the first album was pretty successful in terms of how people really liked it, so we decided to do a second part. And obviously since on the first one, I left a lot of songs that I really wanted to do out of the track

list, we tried to focus on the more heavy songs this time. And obviously it was really hard to pick all the songs, because there were too many songs that I really wanted to do – and you only have 11 songs to do. So, it was really hard, but at the end I think it was a good selection of classics, and the people will really enjoy it.

Let’s talk about a few of the songs on there. What was it like working with Gus G on the Ozzy cover of No More Tears?

March/April 2023

HIGHWIRE DAZE

Ah yeah, Gus is a great guy. We’re friends since many years. Probably 12 years ago we met in Spain. Normally when I go to Greece to where he lives, we met up. We’re good friends. One day, when I got this idea to get guest musicians related with the songs I want them to play, and we had No More Tears, Gus was an obvious choice to make a solo on this song. And he was really up to do it. And actually, he sent me a picture and a video of the recording of the solo – and he was using exactly the same gear he did for all of the Ozzy tours. So, it was really cool! He’s a great guy and I’m very happy to have him on the record.

You covered the Masterplan song Kind Hearted Light. Tell me how that came about working with Roland

Grapow of Masterplan.

I kept in contact with Roland – as you know he was the producer and sound engineer on the first Lords Of Black album. So, we are friends. And it was the same – I was thinking about doing this Masterplan song, and I asked Roland “could you record a solo on this song? It’s one of my favorite songs from Masterplan, and I would be very honored if you are on the record.” And he listened to the demo and was like, “ I will do all the guitars because I like the song and I like this version you did.” So, he ended up doing even the rhythm guitars and he was very happy to do it. Also he did a video, so we’re going to put a video up after the release. It’s kind of special, because he wrote the song, and he’s playing the song on the album.

Hallowed Be Thy Name – the Iron Maiden cover. What made you decide to do that song, and when was the first time you saw Iron Maiden live? That a tough question – I think it was in South America, probably in the early 2000’s – maybe even before. Honestly I never was a big fan of Iron Maiden (laughs). I remember when my schoolmates – they were into Iron Maiden and Metallica and all those bands that were very popular in the 90’s. Some of them were in Nirvana and Pearl Jam and all that stuff. When I started to sing in a band when I was 14-15 years old, every show and every rehearsal, we did an Iron Maiden song. It was like a must for people who were starting to play music. We need to play Deep Purple, we need to play Iron Maiden, we need to play Metallica. So I got familiarized with the song – especially this song – I remember I used to sing this song when I was 14 in a show. Then Andy the drummer in the (Ronnie Romero) band – he’s a big fan of Iron Maiden and Metallica – he came up with the idea that we should play this one. And I thought it would be good, because again, it’s a song that’s related to my childhood, so it was a perfect fit. It was a challenge also, because the vocal style is

totally different and out of my vocal range and everything – but it was fun at the same time, and I think we did a good version.

You recently toured with the Michael Schenker Group with one of your stops being at the Saban Theater in Los Angeles. What was it like touring with Michael Schenker and what were some of the highlights for you?

It was pretty cool, because actually it was my first tour in the U.S. ever. I’d been there before many times rehearsing with Rainbow. I did a festival at Prog Power in Atlanta once with Lords Of Black, but I never had a chance to play a proper tour though the US. I really wanted to have the experience to travel coast to coast, and actually to meet the people there. You have all this feedback from social media, but it’s not the same to actually meet the people in their towns. It was fantastic! I was a little bit surprised about how people react better to the UFO songs instead of the Michael Schenker Group songs we normally play. Somebody told me it was probably because UFO was pretty popular there at that time in the U.S. But it was great. All the people were great in every town, at every show we did – it was fantastic! It was seven weeks and it happened really fast. “Really? We’re going back home tomorrow? I can’t believe it!” But it was great. And it was in L.A. on that day when I met Graham Bonnet for the first time. I didn’t know he was at the show. And then after the show, we were at the dressing room, and then he came. And I can’t believe this! He’s one of my favorite singers and he’s here and he’s telling me, “Aw, you did great.” I almost cried! That was probably my

highlight, not only from that tour but for the year.

What is going on with your participation with Rainbow?

I couldn’t give you a proper answer. We were supposed to have a tour in 2020, but then the pandemic came, and they stopped everything. And since then, it’s been silence. Actually, the other day we were talking – James and the other guys – we were talking about it. We don’t know what’s going to happen. My feeling is like I don’t know if it’s going to happen again. Probably no – I would say 70 percent that it’s not going to happen – but you never know. It’s Ritchie Blackmore – one day he’s going to wake up with the idea to make more shows –and we will make it. But nothing so far…

How is your solo album of original material coming along?

Well actually yesterday we were double and triple checking the last mastering to deliver to Frontiers –and we’re very happy. In this album, I don’t want to have this typical Frontiers kind of sound on this record, so I wanted to do something different. I put Andy C the drummer on the production and the mixing and mastering. I was doing production also. It turned out really cool and I’m very happy. I’m very proud of the songs we wrote. Actually, it was the first time I was totally involved with the production – for me it was like a new

experience. Normally I am the guy who gets the tracks, goes into the studio, learns the songs, records in the studio, and sends the tracks back. But for me it was a new, very cool experience to get involved with the songwriting – writing all the lyrics and writing all the vocal lines – and then go to the studio and work on the production and the mixing. I’m very proud of what we did. I think it’s going to be a great record and people are going to like it a lot. There’s a lot of different influences as you will see – but mostly of the Dio/Black Sabbath kind of era. I think it’s going to be great.

Do you have any messages for your fans out here in the States?

First of all, thank you for this wonderful, wonderful experience of being able to tour with Michael Schenker. I met a lot of people. I never imagined having a lot of fans in the U.S. But I remember many days people coming with a lot of records - Lords Of Black, Sunstorm, The Ferrymen – to sign. They were real fans following my career, and that was pretty cool, so I really appreciate that. Just waiting to come back and do another tour – either with Michael – maybe with Rainbow – why not?

https://www.instagram.com/ro_ck_nnie/

Babylon A.D. presents Live Lightning

Babylon A.D. is in the midst of an explosive career.renaissance with Live Lightning, their latest release now available from Perris Records. Jam packed with live renditions of their songs from a vast and epic career in music, Live Lightning present Babylon A.D. launching their hard rock anthems into the stratosphere. Highwire Daze recently caught up with Babylon A.D.’s front man Derek Davis to find out more about the amazing Live Lightning magnum opus, his thoughts on their past

albums in retrospect, news of a brand new record, and whole lot more!

How did the idea of Live Lightning come about and where was the live concert recorded? We wanted to put something out to let people know that we are still here and have more to say as we are preparing the next studio album, so we thought this was a good way to let people know we are back. We actually had three concerts to chose from that our engineer recorded and we settled on the best sounding tracks that came from just two shows, one at Swiss Park Concert

Interview by Ken Morton - Live Photo by Joe Schaeffer

Hall and one at The Empress Theater which are both in CA.

How did the collaboration with Perris Records come about for the release of Live Lightning?

Perris Records is a great organic no bullshit record company and it was a blessing to sign with them because they understand rock bands from our era. Tom Mathers the owner, is a real true believer in keeping our style of music alive and that means a lot!

The hits from your debut album sound amazing on Live Lightning. What do those songs and that album mean to you after all this time and do you still enjoy playing them?

You know, there sorta of like our legacy to us. We play Hammer Swings Down, Bang Go The Bells, or Kid Goes Wild and fans still eat it up like it was yesterday and what’s weird is the music still sounds fresh on stage to me. This record has the angst and power that we are kinda known for when we perform live.

What was the state of the band and music scene when Nothing Sacred was released?

It was a tremendous experience working with the legendary producer Tom Werman and it was a long wait between albums to get him because of his busy schedule. It did suck though seeing grunge sorta take over and kill the record in the first six months of release. The music business just changed over night and it put a nail in the coffin for every band that was playing hard rock at the time as you well know!

American Blitzkrieg is such an epically underrated album. What are your thoughts on that album that was released at the dawning of the new millennium? This I actually my favorite album, maybe because we were not tied to a major label telling us what to do. It has a lot of great songs on it like Skys Falling, Sinking In The Sand and Superstar which is one of my favorite songs because it’s so creative production wise to me. I wish it could have came out sooner in our career and had a better push, but that’s the nature of the beast.

Revelation Highway was such a powerful comeback for Babylon A.D. What was it like to record new music with Babylon A.D. after 17 years and what did that title Revelation Highway mean to you? That too was a great album to make, some of the songs were from our demos that almost made our debut album like She Likes To Give It, I’m No good For You and a batch of new songs that we were writing at that moment in time. One Million Miles, I’m sure would have been a massive song for us if it were back in the day when the music business was pushing bands like ours to radio. Revelation Highway means it was time to get Babylon A.D. back in the game.

Any new Babylon AD music on the horizon? Absolutely, We are in the rehearsal stage now and writing and demoing a new batch of songs and hope to release the new album at the beginning of next year.

Your solo output has been pretty compelling. Any new solo music on the way? And for fans who have not heard your solo material, what could they expect? I’m always writing material and different types of music. Revolutionary Soul is my favorite out of my three solo records. Lately I have been coming up with a lot of power rock pop sounding stuff, kinda like Cheap Trick meets the Beatles at The Baby’s house. And of course writing for the new Babylon A.D. record we are working on.

Any chance of new live shows for Babylon A.D. especially here in the Los Angeles area?

We’re working on booking shows now and have a handful already booked. We play the Whisky a Go-Go in Hollywood Sept 2nd of this year, So yes there is going to be some support behind this album.

You basically have the original Babylon A.D. lineup on Live Lightning. Most bands with such longevity are lucky to have even one original member in the band. What is the secret of maintaining most if not all of your lineup after all these years?

Well we all grew up in the same area, same streets, hung out together since high school, so were more like a gang of brothers, don’t get me wrong we fight all the time but when you have known someone as long as we have, were tied together by the rope, good and bad.

Do you have any messages for Babylon A.D. fans reading this now?

I would like to personally thank all the fans that have remained loyal to our music over all these years, It really means a lot and keeps me and the band fired up knowing we still matter in the rat race of music and bands.

https://babylonad.com/

https://perrisrecords.com/

NEW

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Another Year of Rock with Keyboardist Eric Ragno

Eric Ragno is one of the most in demand keyboardists in the melodic rock music scene and beyond. Recent projects include the just issued Hold Your Ground album by Khymera, scoring a John Waite documentary entitled The Hard Way for director Mike Nichols, appearances on the all star Turkish Delight and Circle Of Friends recordings, and so much more! Highwire Daze recently caught up with the famed keyboardist to discuss another year m his absolutely brilliant and epic career in music.

What are you looking forward to the most about The NAMM Show this year?

The NAMM Show traditionally marks the beginning of the work year in the music industry. After being shut down for a few years, this has been a rebuilding time for the artists, the instrument manufacturers and retailers, the club owners and tour support, etc. I’m really looking forward to connecting with everyone again, and getting back to work.

How did the initial collaboration between you and Dennis Ward come about for Khymera?

Dennis is an amazing talent and a respected producer. I admired his work with Pink Cream 69 in the 90’s,

March/April 2023 HIGHWIRE DAZE

Interview by Ken Morton

Photo by Deena Cavallo

and they blew me away at ProgPower in 2005 when we opened for them (with DC Cooper). A year later, I recorded my first keys for Dennis on their singer David Readman’s solo debut on Frontiers Records. Dennis works at a high level, and has a solid team of pro players on his productions. This new Khymera album is the eighth record I’ve done with him at the boards, and the results are always amazing!

What does the title of the latest Khymera album Hold Your Ground mean to you?

Sticking to your guns, keeping with what works and building on it. This is what Dennis has done with this band. The fans count on us to grow and evolve, while we remain true to what they love about us.

Have you and Dennis and the rest of the Khymera band ever talked about doing shows together or even playing in support of Hold Your Ground?

We haven’t spoken about it. This is my third Khymera album for Frontiers Records, and I would love to play some festivals to promote it. Realistically, we are all really busy and Dennis especially is on the road a lot. But you never know.

How did you become involved with the John Waite documentary entitled “The Hard Way”?

A mutual friend introduced me to filmmaker Mike Nichols, who made some great music biopics like ZAPPA and Echo in the Canyon. Mike was familiar with my time with The Babys (John Waite’s first band), and my reverence for their legacy. We took some friends to see John perform, and Mike started work on the movie soon after. He invited me to record music for this very moving film, which remained in the Top 5 music documentaries on the big streaming platforms. Hearing John’s stories and working on this project reframed my experience with The Babys in a whole new way.

Turkish Delight was an album recently released on Escape Music featuring an all star cast of musicians. Tell me about the track you did on the album with Billy Greer from Kansas.

I worked on a few tracks for this all-star album, but Billy is the crown jewel! He’s been with Kansas since 1985, and has that sound we all grew up on. We did a track called Bad Enough, which Joel Hoekstra (Whitesnake) just KILLS on guitar! What a blast.

What was it like doing the Circle Of Friends project with Robin McAuley, James Christian, and Robin Beck?

Circle of Friends is another all-star affair. It’s the brainstorm of Bruce Mee, the vision behind Fireworks Magazine and the legendary Firefest festivals. I performed several songs on this one, including a cover of Don’t Fear the Reaper with Robin McAuley (MSG, Survivor), an awesome Abba cover (Knowing Me, Knowing You) with Robin Beck, and Never Gonna Make Me Cry with James Christian (House of Lords). In 2012 Bruce booked us to play Firefest together – Robin, James, Tommy Denander on guitar and me on keys. Bruce literally put the band back together for these tracks, 10 years later. That was really special. I would love to do a full album with James one day.

You are rocking with Pete Fry again, this time on the new HitNRun album. When did you first meet Pete and become involved with his projects?

Oh man, I love Pete! He’s a really close friend from my home state of New Jersey, and I was immediately drawn to what they were doing. We met after sharing the bill with his band Far Cry at the Melodic Rock Fest in Chicago in 2010. Pete’s a gifted guitarist and songwriter, and even had a popular syndicated radio show. He brought me on board for the HitNRun record, and I really enjoy that southern rock sound.

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Southern rock is timeless - I’d love to do more of that.

What are you working on with David Forbes of Boulevard?

I met David after we shared the bill at Melodic Rock Fest in 2018 in Chicago. I love his voice and his whole vibe. During the pandemic, we did a cover of Bad Company (under the name “Kennedy Boulevard”) and he just killed it. David is wrapping his first solo album with Steve Newman in the UK, and asked me to work on a special ballad. He shared cell phone video of his late sister performing a beautiful song she wrote, and I labored long and hard to not only capture the essence of the track, but the love that David has for his sister. As the song blossomed, everyone wanted to be involved with it – so it’s gone through several iterations. I look forward to hearing the final mix.

What is currently going on with your Journey tribute band and how has Journey keyboardists Jonathan Cain and Greg Rolie inspired you over the years? I was transfixed by Jonathan Cain on the Frontiers tour at an early age. I’ve spent many hours absorbing that sound, and reproducing it on albums. Playing Journey songs keeps me in touch with the best parts of my childhood, and I’ve performed with five different Journey tributes around the country. Right now I’m working with Journey Captured, a great band out of Orange County. Our singer Todd Dion is another massive Journey fan, and we share a mutual respect that I haven’t felt in a long time. Find us on Facebook!

Are you currently involved with any other bands or projects coming up?

It was a seriously busy year. I got called on a lot - 12 releases in 12 months, c’mon! Our album with Gabrielle de Val, Kiss in a Dragon Night was released last month and is doing really well – another great production with Bruce Mee and Escape Music. I recorded a new track with my pal Steve Brown (Trixter) for the upcoming Ace Frehley record – Steve & I have great chemistry. This week I start work on the new record by RIAN out of Stockholm, their third for Frontiers Records. They ROCK! I’ve also got some things cooking with my good friend Jesse Damon (Silent Rage) – he’s the very essence of Melodic Rock! And I’ve got my toes in something new with my friend Neil Turbin (Anthrax). Aside from his metal career,

Neil has a rich soulful voice that people need to hear more of. After the long lockdown, it is so great to work with old friends again.

And since this is the NAMM issue, what equipment do you currently use and/or are endorsed by?

I’m celebrating my tenth year on the Hammond Organ roster! This instrument really expanded my career. TKL Cases has been a loyal sponsor for 20 years now, their products ROCK and they are like family. Same with LM Straps, Alesis Keyboards, On Stage Stands and Alien Ears. These folks are super-supportive, and have even sent me gear in different cities when I’m on the road. These are true brand partnerships, and I’m proud to call them my friends.

Any final words of wisdom?

It’s been a difficult stretch, but things are looking up. Life is good. Get out there and make your mark. And Hold Your Ground

Meet Elana Justin of Motive Black

Interview by Ken Morton - Photos by Jack Lue

Based out of the legendary Los Angeles music scene, Motive Black is a hard rocking band you’ll be hearing a lot more from in the months ahead! Fronted by vocalist Elana Justin, Motive Black just unleashed their debut album entitled Auburn, now available worldwide via AFM Records. Amongst the guest who appear on Auburn are Carla Harvey of the Butcher Babies, Ray Luzier of KORN, and Marcos Curiel of POD

Elana recently did a photo shoot with famed photographer Jack Lue in downtown LA It was there we caught up with Elana to find out more about the intriguing music of Motive Black. Read on...

How did you end up signing with AFM Records? It was during Covid and I kind of thought the project was dead to a certain extent – because I put a lot of my own money into it. We had done an EP. We were about to do a bunch of shows, and Covid just shut us down. My manager started shopping a recorded live performance of us to a bunch of different labels – and a few reached out – and AFM seemed open to letting the artists make most of the decisions creatively – and I was really into that. And they were great – and that’s how it happened.

You have Nick Rowe (Bloodsimple, Vampire Weekend) working with you. How did you wind up meeting and working with him?

I came out here to LA. I was living in New York and had a band in New York – and I had some songs I wanted to rework. So, I came out to actually do a few Warped Tour shows on the Shira Girl stage. And I reworked a song with Nick and I loved how it came up – so I just kept bothering him until he would do a bunch of songs with me. I ended up moving out here and it was really awesome. We work really well together. It’s a really great collaborative process.

Is there any story or concept behind the Auburn album title?

Yes! So Auburn is the title track of the album, and it’s written about my sister who passed away about a year before I started writing the album. She lost her battle with addiction. And she had red hair – which she always thought wasn’t red – it was auburn, but it sounded nicer. So, Auburn.

What was it like working with Carla Harvey of the Butcher Babies and how did that collaboration come about?

So, I wrote Lift Me Up with Nick and we recorded it. And we thought it would be cool to have another woman on it – because it’s kind of like a badass song. And again, my manager was out to dinner with Carla and a bunch of other people – and he played the song and she was super into it. At the time there were a lot of Covid restrictions, so Carla actually recorded her part in Chicago and sent it to us. And she and I talked on the phone a lot, but we never actually got to meet in person until filming the music video. She was lovely to work with – she’s super supportive. She’s so kind and lovely – and she’s so bad ass onstage. She’s warm, super talented, really professional – it was really a pleasure to work with her.

Ray Luzier from KORN – how did he become involved with the album?

The guy who mixed all the songs on the album – his name is Josh Wilbur – and I got connected with him – he was working with KORN at the time on their album and he’s good friends with Nick Rowe and he was giving us feedback on the songs as we would do them because we valued his opinion. And he played the songs for Ray, and Ray was like, “Oh, I would get in on that.” Ray came in and I think did six songs in two days – it was so fun. It was the only time we actually recorded in a studio, because most of the album was me screaming in Nick’s face in his garage studio. But it was really awesome – Ray was really cool – and he really brought up the caliber of the songs. His drumming is unmatched, I think.

Of course, Marcos Curiel from POD is involved with the first single Broken. Let’s talk about that song and about working with Marcos. So, Marcos was super nice. He came in for a few hours and was playing around with some new guitar stuff – just to add some layers. And the song is sort of about how you build up walls and you think you’re surviving in life – you are – you’re surviving – but you’re not thriving – so you kind of have to break those down to let people in to live more fully.

How did your recent show at The Bourbon Room go and what were some of the highlights?

It was really cool to get onstage with this lineup and finally bring these songs to life. There were a few technical difficulties on this first song as it happens – the sound went off on my mic, But in general, it went pretty well and the reception was pretty good. I’m super excited for the next shows – we’re planning that now. We’re hoping like Fall will be a heavy show time for us. But yeah, it was great to bring them to life.

What could one expect from a live Motive Black show?

I think it’s very much an emotional roller coaster that I try to pull everyone into. I’m a really emotional person. Also, with an acting background, every song is a journey every time I sing it I get wrapped into it. Almost weirdly wrapped into each song. And that’s what I think is so cool about live shows – feeling a connection with other people and having them feel what I’m throwing at them.

I saw you had an entry on IMDB. Is acting something that still interests you at all?

I’ll never say never, but it’s not something that my focus is on right now. I think that you really have to make it your priority. I went to school for theater and I did a bit of TV and film and a lot of plays and things like that, but I feel much more myself performing music onstage.

If you could open for any band either now or from the past, who would it be and why?

I don’t think we have similar music, but I would love to open for Joan Jett at some point – just because she’s been such an inspiration for me as a kid – and like a woman doing music. That would be like a dream mash up. I don’t know if we really go together, but it would be great.

Do you have any messages for people who are reading this in the magazine right now?

Keep an eye on us – we’re posting shows soon. I’d love to hear how to songs touch you or how you receive them. Find us at motiveblack.com or at Instagram motiveblack. And that’s it…

Howie Simon discusses

Winger, Jeff Scott Soto, The Hard Way and more

Howie Simon began playing guitar at age 6 in his hometown of Buffalo, New York. His earliest influences were Elvis Presley and KISS. With credits as epic as his dynamic axe work, Howie is currently on the road with the one and only Winger, lending his guitar expertise to the legenday band. Howie also performs locally with The Hard Way, and will be appearing with the band at The 51st Anniversary Rainbow Bar and Grill Party In The Party Lot Show - unleashing crowd favorites such as Diabolical Bitch, That Ain’t Love, and I Can’t Go Home Highwire Daze recently had the opportunty to interview Howie Simon to discuss his absolutely outstanding career in music. Read on...

How did you wind up meeting Eric Jeffreys and joining

The Hard Way?

I’m going to be completely honest here – I had to call Eric when I got these questions to ask him how we met because I simply don’t remember! Apparently, he came to see me at a local club where I was playing a show with Alcatrazz, and a mutual friend introduced us. So, back in 2015 when his guitarist at the time went on vacation, he reached out to ask me to sub in with the band for a couple of shows. Fast forward 5 or 6 years later and his guitarist decided to move out of town permanently so he called me to do the gigs regularly. And here we are…

The Hard Way recently played some big shows at The Whisky opening for the likes of Ace Frehley and Lita Ford. What was the experience like for you, and did you know either performer from before?

I have been on quite a few festival bills with Ace

Interview by Ken Morton

already and have actually played with Lita numerous times in an all star project called “Scrap Metal” that is run by Gunnar Nelson of the Nelson Brothers. We did a 4 show run in Alaska a few years back. Lita is such a great person and it’s always a blast to play her tunes. In fact the night before The Hard Way/ Lita show at The Whisky, I played the International Theater at the Westgate in Vegas with Winger and Lita was on the bill with us. So I saw her two nights in a row!

Ace I have never actually met in person but it’s always a great nostalgia trip to hear him play the old Kiss songs.

What is your favorite song to play by The Hard Way and why?

That’s a tough one to answer but would probably go with our show closer I Can’t Go Home. It’s got a great swing to it and it’s a bit of a tricky riff to play, so I like the challenging aspect of it. Plus, since it’s almost always the last song, that means it’s time to head to the bar for some drinks!

What was the very first band you were ever in, what style of music did you play, and how old were you at the time?

Oh man. I was a singer in a band called “Tyr” named after the Norse God of war when I was like 14 or 15 years old. I did play guitar at the time, but the band already had two guitarists and only needed a singer. I wanted to do something musically so I agreed to join. We did quite a few gigs over a two year period or so. It was hard rock covers and even some original tunes. We covered stuff by Deep Purple/ Dio/ Michael Schenker Group/ etc…a lot of more obscure European hard rock for a bunch of young teenagers. There are quite a few silly pictures of us on my Facebook page that a friend recently found.

For those who may not be entirely familiar with your career, can you please let everyone know what other notable artists you have worked with?

It’s a bit of a long list but some of the more well known bands & artists I have either performed live or recorded with are:

Stryper/ Winger/ Tesla/ Nelson/ Alcatrazz/ Derek St. Holmes (Ted Nugent vocalist)/ Eric Martin Band (Mr. Big vocalist)/ Talisman (Swedish band with Jeff Scott Soto)/ Jeff Scott Soto solo band/ Harry Hess (Harem Scarem vocalist)/ Tuff/ and Scrap Metal , which is an incredible all-star band run by Gunnar Nelson (his

brother Matt is the bassist) with a revolving door line-up show by show.

Guests who have appeared with Scrap Metal include: Stephen Pearcy (RATT), Elliot Easton (The Cars), Lita Ford, Barry Goudreau (Boston), Pat Travers, Brad Whitford (Aerosmith), Michael Sweet (Stryper), Kelly Keagy (Night Ranger), Phil Lewis (L.A. Guns), Janet Gardner (Vixen), Mark Slaughter, Jack Russell (Great White), George Lynch (Dokken), Ted Poley (Danger Danger), John Corabi (Motley Crue), Oni Logan (Lynch Mob), Steve Plunkett (Autograph) Eric Martin, Derek St. Holmes, and many more. I feel very fortunate to get to work with all of these amazing artists!

You have worked with Jeff Scott Soto on quite a few of his solo albums. Where did you first meet Jeff and what has it been like working with him?

Jeff and I are like brothers. We can whip together great songs in no time and we have an innate sense of what the other is going to do. We met sometime in the late 90’s or early 2000’s…I can’t remember exactly. And we started playing together in 2001/2002. The last live thing we did was the Monsters Of Rock Cruise in 2022. And at the end of 2021 we released a video for a remake of a tune he co-wrote with Yngwie Malmsteen back in the dayDon’t Let It End Dino Jelusick (who was recently touring with Whitesnake) co-sang this with Jeff and you can see it on YouTube. Check it out if you get a chance...we are all pretty proud of how it turned out.

What was it like to bring Alcatrazz back with Graham Bonnet?

That was a 10 year whirlwind of a lot of ups and downs. Some of the shows were very memorable and included 3 tours of Japan, a tour of Russia, a few times through Europe, big festivals in Mexico and our final show in 2013 in São Paulo, Brazil. I unfortunately could not get any original material written or recorded as hard as I tried, and that’s a shame because it was a slamming band.

What has been one of your most favorite memories and performances about appearing at Ultimate Jam Night? A lot of cool moments happened back when it all first started out. It’s hard to pick just one. Maybe the time I played and sang Whitesnake’s Crying In The Rain. That was a good performance overall and it’s available to see on YouTube

How have your shows with Winger been going and

what have been some of the highlights?

5 years into it and every show is a blast! It’s such a great bunch of people – both band and crew. This last show we just did in Vegas at the International Theater back on March 4th which I mentioned earlier is a highlight for certain. It’s the very same venue and stage where Elvis had his residency and recorded his live album, In Person At The International Hotel, which I always cite as my first ever influence for getting into music and playing guitar. I can’t tell you how excited I was to play on the same stage!

With you being an Elvis fan, how influenced were you by his longtime guitarist James Burton, and have you ever met him?

I can’t say there’s that much of an influence guitar wise, and I have never met him but hope to someday. As

What other bands or projects are you currently involved with?

I get hired a lot to record tracks here in my studio for many different artists and send them out so I am currently busy with that. If anyone reading this is interested in having me play on their material. please reach out to me on my social media! Also, more The Hard Way and Winger shows coming up over the next few months. And I do a lot of solo acoustic performances so always check my Facebook for upcoming shows!

Any final words of wisdom?

I never know what to say to this interview question. Um…if you get up in the middle of the night to get a drink of water, always check the glass before using it as a bug might’ve crawled into it. That’s the best wisdom I can come up with at this moment!

ROXX GANG AND THE RETURN OF THE VOODOO YOU LOVE

Interview

by Ken Morton

Perris Records recently reissued The Voodoo You Love by the almighy Roxx Gang, features a bonus track Magic Carpet Ride The Voodoo You Love would be their much anticipated followup to their major label debut Things You’ve Never Done Before - and it would be originally released in 1995 and become a best seller for Perris Records. Times were changing along with the musical landscape, but Roxx Gang founding member Kevin Steele would keep the rock and roll dream alive with The Voodoo You Love as well as with his

other band The Mojo Gurus. Highwire Daze recently interviewed Kevin Steele to go behind the scenes of The Voodoo You Love, their collaboration with Perris Records, an update on The Mojo Gurus, and other rock and rage topics! Read on...

How did your collaboration with Perris Records and the re-release of The Voodoo You Love come about? Our collaboration with Perris Records goes back to the original release of The Voodoo You Love. After the release of our first record, Things You’ve Never Done Before, we negotiated our release from Virgin Records

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because we felt that we weren’t promoted properly. We recorded The Voodoo You Love but because of the rising popularity of Grunge Rock it didn’t find a home till several years later at Perris Records.

Back in the day, did Roxx Gang and Cherry St. (featuring Perris Records’ founder Tom Mathers) ever do any shows together?

No, we didn’t. Too bad, it would have been a fun tour!

What was the state of Roxx Gang and the music scene when The Voodoo You Love was initially released? Grunge was at its height. Radio programming changed overnight and a lot of the big rock clubs were closing. It was a dark time for us that resulted in a complete lineup changes. Stacey Blades (LA Guns) joined the band, but he and the band pictured on the Voodoo album cover only played on two of the songs. The rest were recorded by the original Things lineup. Still we forged on!

What was it like working with Carl Canedy of The Rods on the production of this album, and have you kept in touch with him over the years?

Carl not only co-produced most of the album with the band but he had previously produced our full length demo album, Love ‘Em And Leave ‘Em which along with our live show got us signed to Virgin Records.

Carl was responsible for taking a raw and unruly young band that he saw a lot of potential in and whipping us into a professional recording act. Frankly, we had a little falling out with Carl after the Voodoo sessions but we have since rekindled our friendship.

Select two songs from The Voodoo You Love and what was the inspiration behind the lyrics. Daddy’s Farm and Hot For Love are two of my favorites. Daddy’s Farm is a song about too much too soon. A boy leaves his simple life in the country for the bright lights and big city only to find he’s bitten off more than he can chew and finds himself longing for home. The inspiration for Hot For Love was the many girls we met on the road, all looking for a good time at any cost.

Where did the bonus track Magic Carpet Ride come from? What is the background behind that particular song?

It was an outtake from the Voodoo sessions. At the time we felt it didn’t get a proper mix and that was the rea-

son for its exclusion. But it’s a great song, great lyrics. Magic, opium trails and beautiful harem girls are the theme.

How much touring did you do in support of The Voodoo You Love?

As much as we could without the support of a major label. We toured the southeast and the northeast.

When you look back on the Things You’ve Never Done Before album in 1988, what do you think of it now in retrospect?

It’s a great album, but a couple of the songs were a little too ‘metal” for my taste. By the time we recorded Voodoo my songwriting had advanced to the point where I was contributing most of the music as well as the lyrics and melodies. I always wanted a rock-n-roll band as opposed to a metal band and I think that was achieved on Voodoo. It’s my favorite Roxx Gang record.

What was it like to be on a major label for the first album?

It was great, big budgets, big name producer (Beau Hill – Ratt, Alice Cooper, Kix), big name video director (Nigel Dick – Gun’s & Roses), tour support, etc. but as Virgin’s first hard rock signing there was a lot left to be desired in the marketing and promotion of the band.

Is there any new Roxx Gang music on the horizon? No, just a reissue of Things You’ve Never Done Before

later this year on Steele Records that will include not only the original recording but also demos of each song and the No Easy Way Out and Scratch My Back videos.

Is your other band The Mojo Gurus still active and how did that band differ from Roxx Gang?

The Gurus are on permanent vacation. They differ quite a bit from Roxx Gang Roxx Gang was glam rock-n-roll band and in my opinion that is a young mans’ game. Or at least it should be. As I grew older and my musical tastes matured I started to explore the roots of rock-n-roll: blues, rhythm and blues, rockabilly, and old school country. I tried to encapsulate all of these elements in the Mojo Gurus

The Mojo Gurus did a show supporting Joe Perry. What was that experience like and did you get to meet and hang out with him?

First let me say, as a teenager Aerosmith was one of the altars at which I worshipped. My expectations and

excitement were high for this gig. Having said that, it was a nightmare. Joe left us about two feet of stage in front of his drum riser and he had the biggest pedal board I’ve ever seen which took up even more of the stage. The group was tight but they were no Aerosmith And no, Mr. Perry did not hang.

Any messages for Roxx Gang fans who are reading this now?

Thank you, for all of your support over the years. Whatever success we’ve enjoyed, we owe it all to you! Keep on rockin’ and don’t let anybody tell you what kind of music you should be listening to. Trust your own taste.

www.facebook.com/RoxxGang

www.facebook.com/KSteeleRoxxGang

A Perfect Night of Misery… Mister Misery

10/31/22 Cassiopeia - Berlin, Germany

Written by Alison “MetalBabe” Cohen

Mister Misery are a goth glam band from Sweden who have released two albums to date and are currently working on new material, making a concept for every song, and new merch. They are wrapping up their European Tour with The 69 Eyes and have a few festivals in the works for the remainder of the year. Seeing them transform in front of my eyes to their characters onstage in Berlin Halloween night, and being able to interview them before the transformation, was unbelievable. It truly was a perfect night of misery.

Alison: Let’s start by talking about Halloween, your Halloween song tradition, and (my personal favorite) “My Ghost.”

Alex Nine: (Lead Guitar) We have been fans of Halloween our entire lives. It kind of suits us, if you know what I mean. (LAUGHS)

Alister: (Bass) For us it’s a big deal. Individually, outside of the band, it is my favorite part of the year. It’s the band’s favorite part of the year too.

Rizzy: (Drums) Kind of our prime time of the year. (LAUGHS) This is where we grew up. We came up from the graves.

Harley Vendetta: (Vocals/Guitar) During Halloween, I write a song that is either about Halloween or sounds like a Halloween song. “My Ghost” was the first one, I think. We have other songs written about Halloween characters too.

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Alison: That’s very cool, I love Halloween. Who is the mastermind behind Mister Misery’s concept?

Alex: The music is Harley

Harley: Yeah, I do about 95% of the music. As far as the concept with the black hair, make-up, and clothing…. I wanted the band to look very artistic to the audience. We found the right clothing brand with Punkrave and the perfect shade of white for our faces.

Alex: The concept was something we shared since the beginning, when we first talked about how we were going to shape the band. We both are very expressive in our style and the way we like to dress. We like to use contact lenses, make-up… Themes from vampires, monsters, Halloween, everything…

Alison: It’s perfect. Tell me about the lyrics for “The Devil In Me.” They really are amazing.

Harley: “The Devil In Me” is inspired by the first Exorcist movie. I felt like it was a cool concept to write about a movie that people know and love. That I love too. It has a horror element. To explore the suffering of an innocent person. You have two sides. You have the demon and then you have the girl. There’s bad and there’s good, in the same entity. It’s an interesting approach to a song.

Alison: Definitely. They filmed The Exorcist in St. Louis, where I am from. What about “Ballad of the Headless Horseman?”

Harley: In “Ballad of the Headless Horseman,” you see it from the horseman’s perspective. There’s another perspective to it. It’s not like just, the horseman is a bad murderer, or murderous guy. It’s like he’s cursed. He doesn’t want to be that way. He’s in pain, but he can’t do anything about it. Every night he has to go out and chop people’s heads off.

Alison: I love that. What is your overall inspiration for your music?

Alex: Both me and Harley have a lot of… Well bad experiences from before.

Harley: It’s not just about monsters and horsemen and devils and stuff. It’s about real-life stuff too. Those songs, the “horsemen songs,” are more for entertainment value. We have other songs that are written from the heart, about experiences that we’ve been through. I used to live in L.A.

too, from 2014 to 2018, and I had a shitty f*cking time there. Most of the songs on the first and the second records are about that whole scenario. I went to school at M.I. (Musicians Institute) in L.A.

Alison: I’m so sorry you had a bad time in L.A. I wish I could have helped. If you weren’t in Mister Misery right now, what would you be doing?

Alister: I would probably form a new band, do shows, write new music, because music is what I am going to do with my life.

Alex: I guess I would keep trying to find a band that I want to be in. I would just keep working on music.

Harley: I would be a police officer. I wanna help people. I like law and order very much. I think people should follow the rules. It’s okay to do bad things sometimes, you know…

Alison: Just don’t get caught.

Harley: Yeah, just don’t get caught.

Rizzy: If you were to take music away and I just completely reset my whole life, maybe I would be a veterinarian or something like that. I want to help animals.

Alison: I love that you wanna help animals Rizzy and that Harley wants to help people. What’s next after tonight?

Alister: Work on some new material and just try to ride the wave. After the tour now we’re so pumped up that we could keep touring. When we get back home we really need to keep up the momentum from the tour.

Alison: Perfect. Any final words for our readers?

ALL FOUR: We would love to come to Los Angeles and play for you guys!

Alison: Thank you, Los Angeles would love to have you

Alison “MetalBabe” Cohen’s Official Website: metalbabemayhem.com/

A Chat with Cassidy Fleeman of Anti Groupies

Meet Cassidy Fleeman, the guitarist and vocalist of Anti Groupies - an amazing all girl band on the rise. Their debut single Blessing In Disguise has just been released with a new one on the way. Cassidy and Anti Groupies are really making a name for themselves on the local Los Angeles music scene, and recently played at the world famous Whisky A Go Go on the Sunset Strip. Cassidy is also the recent addition of a band called Side Chicks, who are also ready to break it out above and beyond the City of Angels. Highwire Daze recently caught up with Cassidy to find out more about her participation within the ranks of Anti Groupies and Side Chicks. Read on...

Introduce yourself, tell me what you do in Anti Groupies, and how long the band has been together.

My name is Cassidy Fleeman, I actually turned 20 the day this issue is coming out! I play guitar and I am the lead sing in the Anti Groupies and we have been a band for a little over

2 years.

What do you think about the local Los Angeles/OC music scene? Who are some of the local bands in the area you could recommend?

I love the local scene. Everyone is so positive and supportive and it has been such a pleasure getting to know and work with everyone and build each other up. Some of my favorite bands are Speed of Light, Familiar Faces, Poppy Harlo, Jordi, Black Rock Candy, and I could go on forever.

Where did the name Anti Groupies come from and what inspired you to use that moniker?

When forming the band I always had the name idea “not your groupie” and I actually have a song I’m writing called that, but the name didn’t flow as well as I had liked. Our original bassist and my good friend Riley came up with the term “Anti” and then we came up with “Anti Groupies”. The whole concept for the name came from an experience I had going to one of my first gigs and the bouncer wouldn’t let me

Interview by Ken Morton - Photo by Jack Lue

inside the gig because he told me “groupies weren’t allowed in yet” and didn’t believe that I was in one of the bands that were playing that night and I knew if I were a guy that he would have a completely different attitude. I even had a guitar on my back.

What was the inspiration behind Anti Groupies first single Blessing In Disguise? And select any other Anti Groupies song and what inspired the lyrics. The inspiration and message about Blessing in Disguise is about people who treat you like your disposable and once you bounce back and are thriving they realize you are better off without them. I feel like the best Karma is proving people wrong and succeeding and them having to watch you succeed without them.

“So you got your Karma, losing the best you ever had. And everyone warned you , that you’d regret that.”

Our next single coming out in the next couple months is called “Read the Room” and it was actually the first song we wrote together as a band. It’s a more punk inspired song and it is about women being underestimated in the rock music industry and in life in general. The first line of the verse says:

“You told me that I can’t so when I got the chance I went ahead and proved you wrong”

I think this really sets the tone for the whole song. The phrase “Read the Room” is pretty much to stop being ignorant and to become self aware. I love how high energy this song is and I think it is really relatable to our younger audience.

What could one expect from a live Anti Groupies show? You could expect to hear a wide range of rock and alternative with originals. We feel like anyone can listen to music, but if you come out to see us, we put on a show! We definitely feed off the audience’s energy and we love when they dance and sing along. I think when you watch us you can tell on stage that we are all best friends that love to spend time together and you’ll see some face melting solos, and a kick ass set list and hopefully at some point a MoshPit!

If Anti Groupies could open for any band either now or from the past, who would it be and why?

Id say from the past we would have loved to open from Motley Crue. I like to envision us as an all girl version of Motley Crue because we love that 80s hair metal style. We are also HUGE fans of Paramore and Halestorm as they have powerhouse front women.

How did you become involved with Side Chicks?

Jordi and Marilaine originally formed the band as they have been friends for years since they were originally together in TemperMental and then they asked Fiona after Ti85’s EP release party and I got thrown into the mix just from having so many mutual friend and as I mentioned, everyone in the scene is so cool and we are all friends and it has been so much fun!

What was it like performing your very first Side Chicks show at The Whisky?

It was super exciting but very intimidating. I had only performed my first time at The Whisky with my band the Anti Groupies a month before hand and that had been after being a band for 2 years. We had only been a band for a month before playing at The Whisky so it was late nights of practicing till 12am and driving 2 hours to Monrovia on a school night, but it was so much fun. It is such a power band since each member of Side Chicks is in their own band, so as soon as we made the band we had an instant following. To be able to play in a place that helped shape the history of music - it’s such an opportunity. From Blondie, Van Halen, Led Zeppelin, Guns N’ Roses, Metallica and the list goes on and on. But I was really excited because I knew this was only the beginning! Staff is amazing!

Are you involved with any other bands or projects outside of Anti Groupies and Side Chicks?

I am not involved with any other musical projects but I do go to Cosmetology school full time Monday- Friday 7:30-3:30 so I have a jam packed schedule, sleep when you’re dead as they say!

What was it like doing a photoshoot with legendary photographer Jack Lue?

Jack Lue is absolutely INCREDIBLE. Not only is he an amazing photographer but he is one of the most generous hard working people I have ever met. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him have a day off. He always helps us load our gear, gets his pictures back by the next day, travels to most, if not all our shows, he is literally a super hero. I don’t know how he does it. I love seeing all his pictures from the 80s and 90s of some of my favorite bands such as Guns N’ Roses and Motley Crue. It is an absolutely honor that he believes in us enough to take pictures of us. I can see how he is so appreciated in the industry because he not only is incredible in his field but an incredible person.

What up next with Anti Groupies and Side Chicks?

Both bands are writing and recording music and music videos which has been so much fun. We are really trying to grow our following and trying to make it as all musicians are. Our long term goals are to be on the radio and go on tour. We appreciate all the support we have already been given by our families, friends, other artists etc.

Any final words of wisdom?

I would say to anyone who wants to play music even if you don’t know how to play an instrument, pick up one and go start a band! Go to shows and meet people and make friends that have similar interests with you. Always be kind and go support local musicians! To all my fellow female musicians out there, don’t let any man make you feel small or take away your power, you’re voice is meant to be heard!!!

https://www.instagram.com/theantigroupies/ https://www.instagram.com/sidechicksbandofficial/

fever dreams fakemattresswith

fakemattress present an ambitious work of pure sonic artistry, unveiling an auditory darkness that will intrigue the senses and set the imagination in flight. Created by a musician who goes by the name of Mattress, fakemattress recently released a full-length album entitled Fever Dream – and it’s a gripping sensory adventure that should enrapture all types of music fans. Where punk and grunge collide in the dead of night, the art damage reveries found at the scene of the crime would be the brilliant compositions of fakemattress.

Highwire Daze recently conducted an interview and photoshoot day at Dystopian Studios deep in the heart of Downtown LA. and invited fakemattress over to partici-

pate. Before the session with Vivian Ortega of So Finch Photography, fakemattress sat down for an interview to discuss the visions of Fever Dream, his art expanding above and beyond music, plans for 2023, and other topics of interest. Read on…

We’re here with Mattress of fakemattress. First of all, tell me how the Fake Mattress project started and how long you’ve been doing it.

So fakemattress is a solo project that I created about a year and a half ago. I was playing in bands for most of my teenage years, and most of them fell through. People are very flaky nowadays. It’s very hard to hold a band together. So, I decided – you know what – I might as well try to take on the mantle myself. See what I can do. Make some waves. The name fakemattress comes from – well, my name is Matt and growing up my nickname was just

Interview by Ken Morton – Photo by Vivian Ortega of So Finch Photography

“Mattress” – people just used to call me that as a joke. I wanted something in front of “Mattress,” and I saw people on Instagram had like “Official” blah-blah-blah or “Real” blah-blah-blah. So okay, I was going to take that and make it “fakemattress.” It’s also a play on how I feel a lot of people – especially in L.A. – a lot of people be putting on facades just to get clout – attention – and trying it make it –they don’t have real personalities and it’s all just fake – it’s all a façade.

Fever Dream – is there any overall story or concept behind that album title.

The name Fever Dream is pretty much an acronym for the past year and a half of fakemattress and moving out to L.A. It almost felt like a dream. That album is pretty much just like my life and experiences in audio form.

We All Burn The Same – tell me a little bit about that song and the inspiration behind it. That was a really funny song to make actually. It was very experimental for me. I grew up playing punk rock – Melvins, Black Flag, hardcore punk, grunge. But I was messing around on Logic one day, and just came up with that bass line. And I was like “this is kind of groovy” – kind of like a night club dance rave type song. It’s almost a rip off of a Billie Eilish song – almost – not exactly.

Shared Trauma – tell me about that one. Ohh, that was actually one of the first fakemattress songs I ever made. I produce all the music myself, and that was one of the first ones I ever made. And that was back – I lived in New Jersey and my studio was a bathroom completely stripped of everything – sink – toilet – it was just an empty room. And I just recorded the guitar in the bathroom – no sound proofing or anything. It has this very dreary, melting feeling. I feel that comes from the ambient sound that was in that room.

Select any other song you’d like to discuss from Fever Dream.

I’m going to go with the third track – it’s called Alyssum. Most people mistake it for Asylum. It’s an easy mistake – I get it – but again, that was one of the first ones I made that kind of defined my sound with that dreary, dystopian triphop grunge. I feel like it’s this crazy blend of genres that hasn’t been touched upon too much – and that’s definitely one of my favorites on there.

Your videos are very psychedelic and cinematic – definitely a bold extension of your music. How much input and inspiration do you have on the creation of these videos? It’s a really fun process, especially the past few ones I’ve

made – because I’ll have a videographer shoot the video for me – I’ll have a basic idea for what I’m trying to do. I create all the visuals mostly myself. I have an editor that I will send all the clips to, and I’ll send him renders of things I’ve drawn and painted and scanned and put into jpegs or pngs – they could be gifs. I’ll send them to him, and he’ll just sprinkle them in. I like to let him do his thing – we’ve worked together a few times now. My videographer is 4ngelr0t. Yeah, it’s a really fun collaborative experience. We all have a very similar vision of what we’re trying to do.

Regarding clothing design – do you design your own merch and tell me about the art behind it.

I do. I paint, I draw – I’m very artistic. One day I decided –I took a blank t-shirt and I’m going to paint on this instead of a canvas or piece of paper. I just had fun with it. And somebody wanted to buy it – I sold it to him really cheap. But after that, I decided instead of painting on a canvas, I’ll just paint on fabric – on a t-shirt – on a jacket – and people like it. I like to do one offs. I like to do one of ones. I want to get into screen-printing – eventually I’ll do that.

You’ve played live a few times. What could one expect from a live fakemattress show?

A lot of energy. It’s very back and forth with the crowd. I’m trying to create a very lively experience. Even if you’re not in it, I’m still going to look you in the eye and I’m going to give you all I am and you’re going to be a part of it – because you’re there in person. Did you come to a show to sit still? Maybe. Did you come to my show to sit still? No.

If fakemattress could open for any band or artist, who would it be and why?

I would have to give you a few. I would definitely love to do a show with a lot of older 90’s bands – grunge bands –Nirvana obviously. I would love to play with Deftones. I’d love to play with Lil Peep, King Krule, even Portishead I know with Portishead there’s very rare live performances out there, but that would be an insane collab.

And what do you hope the New Year brings for you and for fakemattress?

Honestly, just more growth – more expansion. Everything’s going good. It’s a very gradual process. Things take time. But 2023, fakemattress is really going to make some waves…

https://www.instagram.com/fakemattress/

THE STATE FIVE TAKEOVER HAS BEGUN

Interview by Ken Morton - Photos by Vivian Ortega of So Finch Photography

State Five is an up-and-coming post hardcore band from the Los Angeles music scene who are really beginning to make music fans stand up and take notice. They’ve released an EP What’s Killing Me, and recently issued an explosive single entitled Snake Pit. The band was featured in the LA Rock Collective’s Rock For Life show at the Hard Rock Cafe in Hollywood, and are about to release a series of songs which will eventually result in a brand-new full-length album.

Highwire Daze recently conducted an interview and photoshoot day at Dystopian Studios deep in the heart of Downtown LA. and invited State Five over to participate. Before their session with Vivian Ortega of So Finch Photography, Mario Morales, Abe Flores, and Courtney Charouhas from State Five sat down for an interview. The State Five takeover commences now…

Introduce yourself and tell me what you do in State Five.

Courtney: I’m Courtney Charouhas and I’m the bass player in State Five.

Mario: My name is Mario Morales and I’m the front man for State Five

Abe: My name is Abe Flores and I’m one of the two guitarists in State Five

How long has State Five been together and give me a little background on the band.

Mario: State Five has officially been together for two years. It started off with me and the lead guitarist Michael Serrano. A little background on us – we’ve been doing music since middle school. And fun fact – State Five is like a play on from what we were previously trying to do – a project called State Of Mind – but it was State V – so that kind of stuff with the Five thing. It’s been a pretty interesting journey so far. We have our EP – we just released our single. And fun fact about that too – it’s the first single that we’ve all written together officially. Since they were all new – Abe came with us last year. And Courtney was the newest member about a year ago now too.

Let’s talk about the new single Snake Pit. Is there any overall story or concept behind that song?

Mario: For Snake Pit – I think for the most part, we were trying to do not so much a song exercise, but we should write together. So, we were coming up with concepts – me and Abe were already working on Snake Pit in its earlier form. And how we came up with the actual concept…

Courtney: You guys were kind of messing around in the studio and Mario, you kind of started spitting out some lyrics and a Snake Pit kind of idea came up and then we were like “okay, let’s push this project through together.” We were just kind of riffing off each other’s ideas and really coming up with a solid idea for the song and a meaning behind it. So that’s when we kind of listened to the music a little bit and these are kind of the vibes it gives me – and we came up with a story line through there.

Mario: I guess you could say it was an accident, but it was honestly a good accident. Once we solidified what we wanted to talk about, we just started writing and we just went for it.

And what is the song talking about?

Mario: We were trying to think of something in a way that really resonated with people in everyday situations and everyday lives. Like toxic relationships are a very common thing. My friend was going through a toxic relationship, so I kind of got a little inspiration from what he was going through. When I was writing my lyrics, I was thinking about my toxic relationships – anything in the past that I was thinking about. Honestly, I think people get sucked into that toxicity and they can’t get out. We were referencing snakes and toxic venom.

Courtney: We pieced that together – that people can be snakes sometimes. We came up with how it was going to transition throughout the song. From when you first meet that person – you never know what somebody is like when you first meet them. And then as you go through a journey together, you really learn whether they’re a good person.

Mario: And it’s hard to let them go sometimes because you’re so close to them – regardless of how toxic it can be.

Your previous EP is called What’s Killing Me. So, what’s killing you? (Much laughter)

Mario: What’s Killing Me – they weren’t around for that. That was all me and Michael What’s Killing Me was a project that we started doing that was more so about mental health and all the issues from that. What’s Killing Me was more so about addiction. Each song is like it’s own thing – like Flame was a pretty bad breakup. Dance In The Rain was coping with life and how difficult things can get and just pushing through it. Horizons is finally seeing the bright side of things – “I’m finally going to be okay.” That reassurance of yourself that you’re going to be okay. Hysteria was our attempt at a political like song (laughs) – that was a trial and error sure for Hysteria. But that one is like how everything is not as it seems – like what you’re told as far as media and all that stuff. Show Me was my personal favorite, because that song was about when I was at the lowest point of my life – I just needed to feel something – I just needed to feel that everything was going to be okay. So, What’s Killing Me overall is just a different aspect of mental health and personal issues that we were going through.

What could one expect from a live State Five show?

Abe: At a live State Five show, you can expect a lot of things. You can expect a lot of jumping and high energy. It’s like a religious event and going to a hockey game too. A lot of violence onstage and a lot of screaming and very orchestral choruses – and it’s all beautiful in the end. We all hug each other and have a good time. But in all seriousness, we like to have fun onstage. We have this dynamic with

everyone, where we’ll just really get into the music. We like calling to the crowd – I remember one time Mario actually jumped into the crowd and did this wall of death where we had one side run into the other during one of the breakdowns in a song that we wrote. That was a lot of fun. And yeah, we like to have a good time up there.

The first time I saw your band was at the Rock For Life show for the LA Rock Collective and you did Back To Black by Amy Winehouse. Tell me about that selection of the song and how you felt performing it.

Mario: I think why we picked Amy Winehouse, besides being the phenomenal musician that she was – when we were looking into the chat, and they gave us our criteria how you would pick your artist to cover. Someone said they recommended not just choosing a rock band because it would be really straightforward. So, we were trying to be creative and make our own cover – we thought that would be something to show our talents – to write an original cover for Amy Winehouse’s Back To Black. Performing it – oh man, I loved performing it. It felt really nice hearing everybody singing along. Everybody knows Back To Black – so hearing the crowd getting into it too. And it really felt like – (laughs) not that I was Amy Winehouse or anything – but I could feel the energy of everybody with that beautiful moment with that song.

What do you hope the New Year brings for State Five?

Mario: Well actually, we’re working on our album. We have a new single that we’re working on, so we’re going to start tracking that. And we’re hoping to release our first single by March. Once that gets started, it’s singles from there – and then we’ll be releasing an album. So State Five 2023 takeover is definitely coming!

https://www.instagram.com/statefiveofficial/

DIZZYLILACS

THE WHISKY, WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA., JANUARY 26, 2023

Review by Ken Morton – Photo by Vivian Ortega of So Finch Photography

Local alternative rock band made a thunderous return to the iconic Whisky A Go Go on the Sunset Strip, opening for Gene Loves Jezebel on a chilly Thursday night. And while it was indeed a bit nippy outside, the music inside definitely turned up the heat, with Dizzylilacs providing rock solid support to the legendary New Wave headliners.

Dizzylilacs has opened for 80’s bands before, including the likes of ABC, Berlin, and Boys Don’t Cry – and going on to the more modern entities, they’ve even been on the bill with the one and only Trapt more than a few times. The music of Dizzylilacs is vibrantly intriguing, capturing the imaginations of all types of music fans. They’d been playing acoustic a lot as of late, so it was tremendous so see the power trio go full on electric for their first show of 2023 at The Whisky.

Opening with the spellbinding refrains of Up Late, Dizzylilacs clearly caught the audience’s attention with their glorious and moody tapestries. Mark V. Hoagland presents a thrilling and haunting vocal, and combined with his pulsating bass meanderings, the delivery is absolutely inspired. Brother Paul P. Hoagland absolutely tears it up on drums with an ultra-dynamic skilled precision. And then there’s guitarist Mike Wendland who colors in the songs with superbly imaginative reveries that are wondrous to behold. The power trio unleashes a rapturous magic onstage that is quite powerful to witness. Stand out selections within their set included Hazel, Pretend, and Leather Coffin.

And when the band closed out their set with the

almighty Indefinite, it was crystal clear that Dizzylilacs left a definitive impact upon all of the early arrivals. Dizzylilacs keep on presenting the sonic goods tenfold, and whether it’s a strippeddown acoustic affair or a night of intensive auditory revelry, this local Los Angeles collective delivers a show that is not to be missed! Watch for even more gripping performances from the Dizzylilacs in 2023 and beyond!

https://www.instagram.com/dizzylilacs/ https://www.facebook.com/dizzylilacs

FALLING HIGHER: THE STORY OF AMPAGE THE LAST CALL, TARZANA, CA., JANUARY 27, 2023

Review by Ken Morton – Photo by Vivian Ortega of So Finch Photography

The Los Angeles premiere of Falling Higher: The Story Of Ampage took place at The Last Call in Tarzana, featuring a screening of the movie and a live show by the one and only Ampage. Amongst those in attendance were director/producer Colin J. Felger, narrator Jake Busey, and Mark Mason, the charismatic lead singer of Ampage. All of the tables in the club were filled, waiting to experience the tales of music, excess, and ultimate inspiration all within the massive story of this epically underrated band. Rare footage from their early days of Hollywood as well as interviews with Mark Mason and his Ampage co- conspirators made this film really stand out. And what a life Mark Mason has led, with extremes going as far a drug fueled homelessness, signing a major record deal, touring across the country – and then later on completing in an Iron Man World Championship triathlon and coaching a high school triathlon team.

Another tremendously poignant part of the movie was a tribute to co-founding member and longtime drummer Michael Kroeger, who passed away in 2016 due to leukemia. The supporting cast includes members of esteemed acts such as the Jimi Hendrix Band, Def Leppard and Krokus, actor Gary Busey, legendary guitarist Earl Slick, Jeff Conaway from Grease and a whole lot more – all leaving quite an impact on the Ampage legacy. The story starts in 1978 and concludes in the present day, with Mark Mason and Ampage as alive as ever. And further proof of all this would be the dynamic live performance Ampage presented to The Last Call attendees immediately after the closing credits of the movie.

40 years of Ampage was on fill display sonically, featuring selections from a vast career in music. Included within the set were absolutely riveting songs from their recently issued album Season In Hell. Other selections that left a definitive impact included crowd favorites (and should-be hit singles) Plain White Rapper and 100 Years All New People. Mark Mason performs with an inspiring amount of passion and conviction on vocals and guitar. Mark Pearce delivered tantalizing leads with his axe work while bassist Bill Stokem and drummer Jason Fish brought on

the rhythms with a skilled precision. This film is nothing short of epic in scope, the band was delivering an absolutely blistering show, and what a treat it was to see it all in at the very intimate Last Call with a very present packed house. This celebration was a night to remember for the ages.

Falling Higher: The Story Of Ampage is now available to rent and own on North American global digital HD internet and satellite platforms through Freestyle Digital Media. And be sure to check out Season In Hell, the latest magnum opus from Ampage!

www.forcefieldstudios.com

https://ampage.com/

BITTERSWEETHEARTS AT ULTIMATE JAM NIGHT

THE WHISKY, WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA, FEBRUARY 14, 2023

Review by Ken Morton – Photo by Jack Lue

Whether you were out with a loved one or spending the evening celebrating Single’s Awareness Day (aka SAD), there was no better to spend Valentine’s Day than at the Whisky A Go-Go on the Sunset Strip – especially when it’s Ultimate Jam Night and you have Bittersweethearts opening the evening.

One of the most intriguing local bands on the Los Angeles music scene today, Bittersweethearts presents a stunning set of indie rock. From the opening refrains of Amber and throughout their entire show, Bittersweethearts clearly enraptured the early arrivals with their sweeping melodies and vibrant live performance.

Zoe Infante is a tremendously charismatic performer, drawing the audience in with her gorgeous voice and magical stage presence. There is a timelessness that surrounds Zoe’s absolutely breathtaking vocals. Alexis Angel weaves his own sense of imagination and dazzling talent on keys and guitar. Also, on guitar is Alyssa Robertson, coloring in the songs with skill and pizazz. Zach Andrews on bass and Daniel Jun on drums deliver a powerhouse rhythm section, sending the songs into sweet sonic overdrive.

One of the many highlights of the set was the debut of a brand new tune entitled Empty – cowritten by Jacob Bunton of Adler and Lynam – and Jacob was in attendance to see their wondrous creation envelope the hallowed walls of The Whisky for the very first time. A cover of the Simon & Garfunkel classic Mrs. Robinson was also unveiled, given a refreshing update by the Bittersweethearts brigade.

Closing the set with their rapturous single Polly Plastic, it was crystal clear that Bittersweethearts made a quite a few new fans on a Valentine’s Day at the legendary Sunset Strip venue.

Be sure to check into Bittersweethearts before they explode into the stratosphere! From the Sunset Strip, to the European continent and beyond, Bittersweethearts is primed and ready to make the world fall into a blissful state of pure auditory euphoria.

www.instagram.com/bittersweetheartsband/

CLIO CADENCE

NEW SINGLE "INNOCENCE" OUT NOW

PHOTO: JACK LUE

SIK SIK SICKS

THE CANYON CLUB, AGOURA HILLS, CA, FEBRUARY 17, 2023

Review by Ken Morton – Photo by Jack Lue

Those bemoaning the lack of creativity and irony within the all the too static Los Angeles music scene only need to check into what the very amazing Sik Sik Sicks has to offer. A young band destined to rip a titanic one into the heart of the City Of Angels and beyond, Sik Sik Sicks present a stunning amalgamation of riotous female fronted punk and classic rock – and the results are a fun and frenzied night of pure auditory devastation.

Opening with the kickass refrains of Hot Topic Girl, Sik Sik Sicks had quite an impressive turnout in front of them. You could tell the older crowd who had arrived early to see headliners Pretty Boy Floyd were very taken in by the rambunctiously entertaining set Sik Sik Sicks was unleashing. Tunes such as Hot Mess, Life Sucks, Homecoming Whore, and Way Too Good For You were blasted out with a fiendish glee. There was also a very imaginative choice of cover songs Sik Sik Sicks would perform, including renditions of Black Sheep by Metric and Dull by Microwave. Turn Off Your TV was an infinite anthem for the ages when performed live and closing selection Lie In It slammed into the audience leaving quite an indelible impression.

First and foremost, within the ranks of Sik Sik Sicks is super charismatic front woman Madd Lucas, unleashing a massive amount of sass and class as she raged through a set of songs jammed packed with wicked humor and fierce sarcasm. There is a glorious amount of star quality that Ms. Lucas presents, and her live performance is absolutely brilliant – even her rhythm guitar playing is vivacious and so on point.

It’s difficult to take your eyes off Madd Lucas because of the absolutely captivating persona she presents, but once you do, there is a world of talent and ferocity to be found with the other members of the Sik Sik Sicks brigade. Guitarist Kyle Taylor may appear to be the

more reserved one on stage, but his playing is expert and aggressive. Then there’s bassist Max Lucas, pumping up the low end with magnetic rock star appeal and scorching conviction. And on the drum kit rocking it all into the stratosphere is Jona Bowen Smith, and what a precise yet maniac delivery of beats!

Sik Sik Sicks is definitely one of the most intriguing bands on the Los Angeles music scene today, and their powerhouse live performance is not to be missed!

https://www.instagram.com/siksiksicks/

SWEET BLASPHEMY

THE VIPER ROOM, WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA., FEBRUARY 23, 2023

Review by Ken Morton

Photo by Jack Lue

In between historic rainstorms in the Southern California area, the weather would clear up just long enough so music fans could venture out to the clubs safely. Sweet Blasphemy was playing at the notorious Viper Room on the Sunset Strip, and unleashed their own hurricane force set of post hardcore reveries.

One of the newest members of the LA Rock Collective, Sweet Blasphemy is destined to break out above and beyond the local City of Angels music scene – especially if their dynamic live show at The Viper Room is indicative of greater glories ahead. With solid songs and a cool look and exhilarating live performance to back it all up, Sweet Blasphemy delivered the goods with an epic intensity.

Complete with a band name referencing a Black Veil Brides song, it’s no surprise that the passion and energy Sweet Blasphemy places into their music is so powerful and addictive. Black Veil Brides has a solid fan base because of this, and it’s obvious that the Sweet Blasphemy brigade is well on their to securing their own legion of diehards.

Opening with the fierce one-two punch of Paradise and Friends With Death, Sweet Blasphemy proceeded to rock the house with an explosive presentation. Also included towards the end of the show was their upcoming single Devil’s Smile, which was very well received by The Viper Room attendees.

Amazing performances from each and every band member of the Sweet Blasphemy brigade, including Davey on lead vocals, Sebastian on rhythm guitar and vocals, Jeremiah on bass and vocals,

Jason on lead guitar, and Ray on drums. Expect to hear a whole lot more from Sweet Blasphemy in the months ahead, and be sure to check them out the next time they arrive to spread their auditory gospel at a venue near you. Fans of acts such as The Used, My Chemical Romance, and of course Black Veil Brides just may encounter a new favorite band when discovering what Sweet Blasphemy has to offer the world at large.

www.instagram.com/sweetblasphemyofficial

twentylove

The Knitting Factory, North Hollywood, CA., February 26, 2023

Review by Ken Morton

Photo by Jessica Greif

twentylove is the solo project of Dan Burke, who has presented to the world a blissful collection of studio recordings. Bringing it all live to The Knitting Factory right in the heart of the NoHo District, twentylove sent the songs into even greater heights. Opening with the one-two bangers of recently released tracks Can I Please Stay and Pressure, twentylove instantly won over the audience with their superbly memorable songs and infectiously live performances.

Dan Burke is quite a remarkable vocalist, exuding a stunning amount of star potential while delivering each and every song with a massive amount of heart and conviction. The rapturously imaginative two guitar interludes were presented courtesy of Will Ventres and Dustin Coon, while Kevin Vidou on bass and Kevin Smart on drums supplied a dynamically energetic rhythm section. In a live setting, twentylove really know how to engage an audience.

And the memorable songs kept on arriving, with selections such as Flight, So Pretty, and My Summer setting the imagination in flight. Getting Used

To This is wistful and comtemplative in the studio, and has quite an emotional impact when performed live. Closing the set out with Everlong and Chase You, twentylove’s grand finale was absolutely captivating.

A few funs facts about twentylove - Dan Burke and Kevin Smart also tour across the county in Jake Miller’s live band. Kevin Smart also plays drums for The Stolen - another amazing indie pop

band that is well worth seeking out! The Stolen’s Self-Titled album released on Revival Recordings in 2019 is epically underrated.

Be sure to check out twentylove the next time they play a show in your town. And be on the look out for the debut twentylove full-length entitled Pressure In My Head Again, out March 31st!

https://www.instagram.com/twentyloveband/

ALBUM REVIEWS

Black Space Void Alex

Nunziati

Moribund Records

Review by Ken Morton

Alex Nunziati is best known for legendary underground bands such as Malamorte and Theatres des Vampires. And now with Black Space Void, Alex Nunziati has unleashed the thrash metal/80’s hardcore album for the ages! Black Space Void absolutely rips into your senses, and makes you want to launch headfirst into the mosh pit! Such a distinct and brilliant masterwork, with songs such as The Revenge Of Humans, The Day The World Died Again, and The Universe Doesn’t Need Us leaving quite an impact! Where San Francisco thrash and DC hardcore collide into an vast and epic nuclear explosion, the fall out will consist of the entreaties found within Black Space Void. Featuring lyrical content based on Sci-fi and outer-space themes as well as humanities mistreatment of Earth and extinction, Black Space Void is a compelling work of sonic artistry not to be missed! Presented to the universe by the only and only Moribund Cult!

http://www.moribundcult.com/

Firecry Category VI Moribund Records

Review by Ken Morton

Imagine, if you will, rock entities such as Heart and Halestorm slamming headfirst into a mighty stash of cult power metal and thrash albums, and you are only just beginning to encounter the scorching devastation found within Firecry by Category VI. This female fronted Canadian band is the real deal, destined to enrapture metalheads all over the planet. From the opening refrains of the title track to the headbanging ferocity of Valkyrie and beyond, Firecry delivers the wicked rage like a band absolutely possessed and ready to conquer the world. Be sure to listen to the grand finale, when Firecry take on the Heart classic Barracuda, and render the classic rock song a massive metal anthem for the ages! This glorious inferno of auditory intrigue is presented by Amanda Jackman on soaring vocals, Geoff Waye on blistering guitar, Keith Jackman on pummeling bass, and Brian Downton on thunderous drums. Another genre classic brought to you by the legendary Moribund Cult!

https://www.facebook.com/CategoryVI/

Sonic Cinema Evolution Eden Lions Pride Music

Review by Ken Morton

With the unveiling of Sonic Cinema, Evolution Eden has presented their next amazing chapter of superbly crafted rock and roll. Sonic Cinema is Evolution Eden at their finest, with songs such as On With The Show, Blood Runs Wild, and Here’s To The Good Times glorious radio hits in the making. Based out of the legendary San Francisco music scene, Evolution Eden is primed and ready to rock an entire world with these absolutely stunning anthems. Further auditory standouts to be experienced in this gripping collection of songs include Love’s Got A Mind Of It’s Own, Music Man, and Bad Habit I Don’t Want To Break. Each and every member of the Evolution Eden brigade deliver the goods tenfold, with dynamic performances from Brandon Owen on lead guitar and vocals, Mike “Pap” Pappas on rhythm guitar and vocals, Mike McShane on bass, and Brian Powell on drums. An album classic rock fans will want to revist time and again!

https://www.facebook.com/evolutioneden

Everything Is Beautiful And Nothing Hurts Skye Lee Vague Lily Of Eire Records

Review by Tony F. Corpse

Two words come to mind...

Beautifully bleak. Sky Lee Vague, renaissance man of the highest caliber has issued a platter of digital sorcery, that is is all sorts of diversions into diversity and all conjured from a lifetime of experience. Omnipotent feelings seeth from the lyrical landscapes presented here, and it’s often embittered - yet still longing for hope, and recycled through a funnel of overt optimism.

My favorite track is The Days Before I Died. It’s so forlorn and bittersweet. So contemplative. A deep soul exploration indeed. Every word uttered and contained therein holds true merit. Another stupendous cut is Bury Me With My Wedding Ring On (featuring Deb Venom & Tyleigha Black). Now, this is perhaps a clever play on words or a dead serious mantra that realizes the importance of true love and takes a token of it to the grave. Overall Everything Is Beautiful And Nothing Hurts is a cleansing in audio form. A catharsis made flesh. Give it a listen and immerse yourself in it’s atmospheric dreamscape, you won’t regret my recommendation.

https://skyleevague.com/