It’s Editor Ken welcoming you to Highwire Daze Issue #156! By now, you’ve seen the eclectic assortment of bands featured on the cover of this very magazine! I conducted an exclusive interview with Yungblud at The Gibson Showroom to celebrate the release of his Epiphone SG Junior custom guitar. What an event he had, greeting a massive amount of fans at Guitar Center Hollywood earlier that day. We also have an interview with Carla Harvey to discuss Life Beyond The Butcher Babies and introduce her brand new project The Violent Hour. Richie Kotzen is known for his work with The Winery Dogs, Mr. Big, and Poison, and I interviewed him to discuss his amazing new solo album Nomad. And for the fourth spot on the cover, we have the one and only Jelly Roll, country superstar whose concert I covered at Honda Center in Anaheim. Read the review on Page 55! Always excited to interview local and unsigned bands, and in this issue, Highwire Daze presents Conmac, Danny Goo, Jordan Palani / ForgetxTomorrow, Seaside Screams, and 12 Gauge Trixie! Thank you all for supporting our print issue! Highwire Daze #157 - out 34th Anniversary Issue - will be out November 22nd! See you online and out in the clubs.
The Wright Wave Radio at Live 365
Product Review by James Grover
StewMac Luthier Screwdriver Kit
If you’re a guitar or musical instrument Technician or Luthier we just can’t go to the local hardware store and buy the tools we need to repair instruments, maybe we’ll be lucky to find a good Allen wrench set and a few useful screwdriver’s, however are these the correct tools to use on a vintage or high end instrument? The answer is NO! The reason being is we run the risk of scratching or causing damage to the instrument.
This is the “Must Have” Luthier/Tech screwdriver set kit by Stewart MacDonald luthier specialty tools.
With specialty tools we run a lower risk in damaging the instrument.
Even with specialty tools it’s not 100% that you won’t damage the instrument however it makes the job simpler and easier and remember to always use painters tape in the area that you’re working on so that in case you have slippage of the tool you will prevent a ding or damage to the instrument.
This tool kit has many types of bits for flat head and Philips screws including a specialty bit with a flat head to raise and lower pickups so you won’t have slippage on the guitar which is a really cool feature of this kit. I also like the steel brush that comes with the kit so that you can clean any debris off of screws or metal parts on the guitar that are hard to reach. The kit is priced at a very reasonable price, with any specialty tools They cost more than your average tool but worth the investment when you’re working on a quality instrument or a piece of art. The tool kit is also Great for hobbies and robotic interest.
You can order the set at www.stewmac.com
Reach James Grover at: https://www.facebook.com/james.grover.311
In Musical Orbit by Jupiter
Jupiter at Highwire Daze
Online Crew
East Coast Editor
It’s Jupiter Lee - East Coast Editor of Highwire Daze magazine! Check out my record reviews here and be sure to add me on Facebook! Link is at the end of my column...
Defiance Praying FrontiersMantis Music
British metal legends PRAYING MANTIS commemorate its 50th anniversary with their 13th album, DEFIANCE. Musicians include the two founding members, brothers guitarist / keyboardist TINO TROY and bassist CHRIS TROY, with vocalist JOHN CUIJPERS, drummer HANS in’t ZANDT, and guitarist
ANDY BURGESS. With a pulsating rhythm section driving through the music track 01, From The Start delivers a timeless metal groove. Soaring, penetrating vocals from CUIJPERS make up this perfect combination. Quickly generating an amazing lead guitar solo. Track 02, melodic yet mystic chord changes make up this title track Defiance and is already out as a video single! Keyboards are more prominent here. Track 03 Feelin’ Lucky features more of a traditional rock arrangement with vocal harmonies being a big part of their sound. Double lead guitars open track 05 Forever In My Heart and projects a slower, heavier pace. JOHN CUIJPERS voice reminded me of the great singer BRADLEY DELP from the band BOSTON and could easily be another hit single as well. Glad to hear more guitar solos than some of the new releases lately. Released in April 2024 and containing exceptional songwriting skills and production, DEFIANCE is contemporary and well worth the wait!! Follow PRAYING MANTIS here: https://www.facebook.com/PrayingMantisUKRockMetal
A Celebration with the Chart-Topping UK Artist YUNGBLUD at the Gibson Showroom
Interview by Ken Morton - Photos by Jack Lue
For over 150 years, Epiphone has been a leading innovator in instrument design. By leveraging its iconic past and leaning into the future, Epiphone has set the stage for the next era of sound for present and future generations. Epiphone is proud to unveil its global partnership with the chart-topping UK singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist YUNGBLUD, aka Dominic Harrison. A longtime SG Junior fan, YUNGBLUD and Epiphone have collaborated on his first-ever signature guitar, the Epiphone YUNGBLUD SG Junior. As a limited-edition run, each YUNGBLUD SG Junior is an instant collector’s item and a must-have for all YUNGBLUD fans. The Epiphone YUNGBLUD SG Junior is available now at authorized Epiphone dealers and worldwide on www.epiphone.com.
Highwire Daze caught up with YUNGBLUD at The Gibson Showroom on Sunset Blvd for an exclusive interview to discuss the signature guitar as well as what’s up next in an absolutely stunning career in music...
How did the idea of the Epiphone YUNGBLUD SG Junior guitar come about and how hands on were you in the creative process?
Fully hands on! It’s the guitar I’ve played for like 5 years. I bought a ‘64 white SG Junior 5 years ago when I got my record advance. It was the first guitar when I signed a record deal. This guitar means so much to me, because my biggest influences as guitar legends were really like a mix between Angus Young and Billie Joe Armstrong. And this guitar is smack bang in the middle of it. It’s Angus’ SG with Billie Joe’s scratch play, but then I found a white one – it had never been iconically played, this guitar. And I feel like it’s rare when you find a guitar that’s never been iconically played by anyone. And I was like, “That’s my guitar!” And it’s white and it’s cool. And with me, I am not a savant guitar player –I’ll leave that to my guitarists. I deliver energy, I write the songs, and I use the drive from the Marshall amp - I have no pedals. I have a P90 Pickup on my white fucking SG – and that’s what I play. And that’s always been my sound, and I stuck to it – and it’s been a dream come
true today. To be able to make an Epiphone – I wanted to make it accessible. I think music, especially in our genre, has become a really privileged thing. I feel like our genre – we’re quite elitist and we’re quite afraid of the future – and what our sacred fucking genre will turn into. And I think I’m going to kick down the door and let’s pass the baton on now – and let’s make it accessible to the youth –and let’s make it accessible to everyone. I think music is for everyone. Music should never be a thing of privilege.
How did your meet and great go today?
So sick man! So crazy! It was like 2 and half thousand kids on Sunset at Guitar Center. I’m in a fever dream right now. You always dream about putting your own guitar out – and it’s happened! It’s fucking wild, man.
You have some history here on the Sunset Strip. You played the first show at The Whisky right when it reopened from the pandemic. What was the experience like playing The Whisky at that historic time during the pandemic?
It’s an iconic venue. As a British person, you think about the Whisky A GoGo – Oasis has played there for their first gig in America. And we had already played The Fonda – we had already played a venue three times as big as it. But after the pandemic, I was like, “Fuck, let’s do a free show at The Whisky to celebrate the lift of the pandemic.” And it was fucking amazing! We just based it on first come first serve – and the venue holds 500 – there were 1,500 kids on the Strip by 10AM. And that’s what it’s about. It’s about unity and being a part of something. I was honored to play there.
What has it been like to meet famous people such as Mick Jagger and Ozzy Osborne?
Crazy! Ozzy gave me this cross. (Shows me the cross he’s wearing). It’s Ozzy’s cross. I feel these people have shaped my life. I think Ozzy was so important to me. He was a caricature to me as a young kid – he represented freedom and being crazy and a bit different and a bit weird and it was alright. And I was that fucking kid. And to meet him and to know him and to have him as a friend. I call him Uncle Ozzy now. It’s fucking sick! And then to meet Jagger. He and Freddie Mercury were the best frontmen of all time – fact! And if I could be fucking 20 percent of what they were, I’m happy with that. I think it’s been amazing to learn from them – to meet them, and to become friends with them. It’s cool!
Has KISS heard or commented on your cover of I Was Made For Loving You? And are you a KISS fan?
Yeah, 100 percent! When I was asked to do that (for The Fall Guy), the director said, “Listen, I think you’re the only person under 30 who could sing this with authenticity.” And I thought, “well, that’s a big compliment from the director.” And he said, “I want you to sing I Was Made For Loving You by KISS” and I was like “Alright, cool.” And I came off the road – I was in North Carolina – I took my plane to L.A. and did it – and then I flew back out to the road. And Paul Stanley hit me up saying he loved it – which is sick! I really love rock music. I really love my genre – it’s all I’ve ever known. It’s so fucking important to me to be able to meet those people that you listened to growing up – it has been amazing!
When could we expect you back here in the States for
some shows?
Basically, we’re making the album in a minute, which is we’re taking our time. We’ve been going five years now – I’ve released three albums in five years. We’re taking our time on it, because this next album we’re kind of calling it rock opera. We’re making a rock opera! We’re taking our time on it – but early next year back in the States!
And do you have any messages for your fans who are reading this right now?
I’d just like to say thank you for everything so far – and you have no fucking idea what’s coming next. Honestly when I put it on in my headphones – and I’m in the stage of mixing it right now – I can’t believe we made it! I can’t believe we made this music – and it’s gonna be sick!
Carla Harvey: Life Beyond Butcher Babies and Introducing The Violent Hour
Interview by Ken Morton - Photos by Jack Lue
Carla Harvey and Butcher Babies recently aparted ways after being together for 15 years. Navigating life beyond Butcher Babies, Carla has found a renaissance of creativity - and has been recording music for an all-new project entitled The Violent Hour. In this interview, Carla Harvey discusses her time spent with Butcher Babies, how the split has affected her, news on the brand artistry being unveiled, and more...
You and Heidi had been doing Butcher Babies since 2010. What goes through your mind today knowing that the word is finally out that you are no longer involved with the band?
You know, it’s all very surreal. I don’t think I realized the impact it would have on people until I started reading comments and listening to people’s thoughts and the emotions they had about me not being a part of the band anymore. Many of our fans have been listening to our music since they were very young. We have fans who would say that they started listening to us when they were in elementary school or high school or middle school – and now they’re adults that have been on this 15 year journey with us – and they’re introducing their kids to our music. I had my own sadness of course surrounding no longer being part of the band I helped build and I saw a lot of pain and a lot of real sadness from our diehard Butcher Babies’ fans. Their comments were hard to read…but also kind of filled me with joy because I had almost forgotten – I think everyone has that kind of experience with forgetting that you’ve made an impact on people. And to see that impact again in such full force with thousands of comments – it just really made me feel so privileged that I’ve gotten to live the life that I have – and that I’ve gotten to touch so many people like bands touched me with their music when I was a kid.
At what point was the decision made that you would not be rejoining the band?
That’s a hard question to answer, because it’s not necessarily what I wanted. I had definitely felt pushed out for a long time because my views on what’s important in my life were very different from my bandmates. I think in the course of every band – especially if there’s three core members and two of them are in a relationship with each other–the thought process of touring changes for some people and not for others. While I would have liked to tour half the year, I think my bandmates would like to be on tour all of the time. So, who’s right and who’s wrong – there’s really no answer to that. It’s just that people change – lives change – and when you’re in a band, you have to consider
all aspects of everyone’s life. Three members have already left, with me being the fourth. Being in a touring band these days is hard. At some point you have to look at it and say, is being away from my family ten months out of the year and struggling financially worth it?
How do you deal with letting something go that you’ve been involved with for so long? It’s kind of like a breakup – or a death in a way?
So, I’m a grief counselor, and one of the most common things that I counsel people on is not death – it’s the loss of a portion of their life – like a loss of a job or a loss of a certain status –and that is really painful for people and hard to adjust to. I’ve always been adaptable, and I think it’s a product of me growing up the way that I did. I grew up with nothing and I grew up having to be able to adapt in an instant to my new circumstances – whether it was my dad leaving or moving around or not having money or food. I just became adaptable, so when my life changes, I am just able to kind of say, “Okay, that was an incredible part of my life – these are the things that I gained from that – and it’s time to move on. And we’re not going to waste time and we’re not going to cry about it and we’re not going to dwell on it. We’re going to pick ourselves up, and we are going to move on to the next chapter and make it better for ourselves” – whatever that means at the moment.
So, you’re currently in Los Angeles recording. Tell me about the new project and how it will compare to the Butcher Babies?
I’m super excited to be working on a new project. When I knew I wasn’t going to be part of Butcher Babies anymore, I thought, I am not going to let anyone else determine when my music career is over. I’m going to do what I want to do – and guess what? I’m going to try some new things that maybe I didn’t even think I could do myself. I kind of embarked on this really creative journey – and it’s so different, because for the first time in 15-plus years I’m doing it on my own without the support of multiple band members writing with me. So, it’s scary – but it’s also fulfilling in a different kind of way. Now I don’t want to take away from my experience with the Butcher Babies, because that was a wealth of experiences. I remember recording our very first album with Josh Wilbur…a brand new experience at the time. I had recorded songs before with other bands, but we recording an album – for a label – it was the first time we had signed a big record deal. That was a magical time – recording all the albums were magical with Butcher Babies; just kind of immersing ourselves in that art. This is different because I’m calling all the shots on my own. Vocally, the creative process is mine alone. My thoughts and feelings are exactly what I want them to be on the songs – and I’m finding a lot of power
in it right now - especially coming out of such a time of grief in my life leaving a band. The coolest thing is that I have been able to collaborate with my fiancé Charlie Benante (Anthrax, Pantera) while writing this album. He has played every single instrument so far. He jumped into action to support me during this transition. There was no sitting around feeling sorry for myself; we started writing immediately.
And what’s the name of your new project?
So here it is…you heard it first… the name of my new band is The Violent Hour. I came up with this name sitting in a smokey bar in Nashville with my best friend. I’ve tried to think of other names for months, and this name kept coming back to me. I think it’s really powerful and it brings up all different kinds of imagery. There’s that time in the middle of the night – maybe 3-4 in the morning where no humans are out but all the animals are out there howling and fucking and fighting…that’s The Violent Hour!
I’ve always had a dream of making a concept album – and an album that is based on characters. With this project I have that opportunity. Maybe the singer really isn’t me – maybe she’s a character. This character has a story; she went through a very violent experience in her life that caused her to be on the path that she’s on – and so that’s another aspect of The Violent Hour. The name has stuck with me, and it has come to mean so much with what I foresee with my project.
Who are some of the people you are working with on The Violent Hour?
Charlie and I have written everything for this first album, but he won’t necessarily be in the band. He’s a little busy, haha. I can’t tell you all the names yet – there’s little bit of secrecy still. But one of my best friends in the world – Lydia McIntosh – she’s going to be playing bass – along with a kind of revolving cast of characters. I do intend to tour – and I’m just so excited! It’s not necessarily metal – although I have written some very cool trashy songs. I wanted to do something completely different. The easy thing to do is just go create another band like Butcher Babies and do metal. But as a kid, I really loved all different kinds of music. I grew up playing violin since I was five years old. I grew up in Detroit, so of course classic rock is huge. My favorite band of all time is Guns N’ Roses. I also really loved P.J. Harvey, the riot girl wave and all things 90’s. I have this really huge love of all different kinds of music – and you’re going to hear all of it represented
on this album. And there’s going to be people who don’t like that and only want to hear me scream and growl…but I hope that people will open their minds to something new and different. I’m really writing this album for the art of it – which is not that something that I’ve really had the luxury to do for a long time. It’s not only a music project, but an art project, and I’m really proud of it.
Speaking of art, will you be doing any more art shows with Charlie? I’ll probably be doing a lot more art with Charlie Charlie is so busy right now with Anthrax and Pantera – his touring schedule is crazy! So, I don’t know if any art shows are in the future, but we’re creating art all the time together. This album is our next baby. Charlie is fucking brilliant. He’s a multi- instrumentalist – his brain when he’s writing music – it’s like a savant. He thinks of things that I would never think of and can play everything. It’s pretty incredible to live with a person like that, because every day you’re inspired to create art. He gets up in the morning and grabs his guitar, so I get up and grab my notebook and start writing. I feel so lucky.
Do you have any messages for your fans who are reading this now?
Thank you guys so much for the life you have given me. It’s such an incredible thing to get to live out your wildest dreams! I still have imposter syndrome! I’m not supposed to be here in the capacity that I am. My life is not supposed to be this big and this beautiful! I’m just a kid from Detroit from a broken home that grew up with nothing – that had no chance, no shot, to go beyond that small world. But something inside of me said, “No, you have to go forward. You are going to do this. You’re going to go to L.A. you are going to make your life happen.” And then, like magic, all these people come into your life and facilitate that – it’s just crazy! It’s fate. I should have never met Heidi, Henry, Chris, Jason, Ricky, Chase – all the great people we’ve worked with in our band. But how do our paths cross? How do you meet these people that you will make these beautiful things happen with. How did I meet Charlie? How did I meet my friends that have changed my life and that are always there for me? And then this incredible fan base that we’ve had throughout the years – they touch you in ways that you can’t even imagine. You guys have literally given me my life, so thank you! And I hope you stay along for the ride – for the next chapter…
https://linktr.ee/Carlaharvey
Richie Kotzen: The Solo Journey Continues with Nomad
Interview by Ken Morton - Photos by Jack Lue
Richie Kotzen has experienced an absolutely brilliant career in music. From his work within the likes of The Winery Dogs, Mr. Big, and Poison as well as his solo artist recordings, Richie Kotzen continues to weave a solid legacy in pure sonic intrigue. Nomad is the name of his latest solo endeavor, available September 27th via BMG Music! Highwire Daze recently interviewed Richie to discuss his vast and epic journey towards the realm of Nomad. Read on...
First of all, Richie, is there any overall story or concept behind the album title and the song Nomad? Well, other than just the composition being what it is, that’s really it. The song is for me like any other song that I write, it’s got a story to it. That can be found in reading the lyrics, obviously. But the title of the album is a much more tricky thing to figure out. Oftentimes, I’ll do a record, and I’ll pick a song title that stands out. Sometimes I have a title that has nothing to do with the individual songs - the names of the songs - but this time around, I was playing around with both. I had a few titles in mind for the album, and none of them really seemed to stick with me. And then when I sequenced the album, the title of the song Nomad stuck out. I started thinking about my life and the amount of touring and traveling (I’ve done). Another component is, as I get older, I kind of have this weird calling to sort of liquidate. It sounds strange, but to sort of get rid of things that I’ve been kind of dragging around with me, and which kind of falls into the idea of a nomadic lifestyle, not to the extreme, but certainly something more minimalistic.
And so when I kind of laid everything out and looked at all the songs, it seemed a fitting title. The song itself is a bit of a departure for me as far as the typical thing that I’m known for doing. I think it kind of stands out. Actually, both Nihilist and Nomad for me definitely stand out as interesting and important tracks on the record. Interestingly, those were the first two songs that were written on the album. So it all kind of just seems to fit.
For people who are familiar with your solo material and are familiar with the other bands that you’ve done in the
past, what could they expect when they encounter Nomad for the first time?
I think it falls in line with what I’ve established for myself over the last 20 years as a recording artist. I think people are aware of the records that I make, and what it is that I do will really connect with the album. I think for people that don’t follow what I do and just know my name for whatever reason, I think when they listen to it, they will have a very clear understanding of who I am as a recording artist, and any sort of preconceived ideas may be transformed or confirmed. But I think it is a very authentic, honest representation of what exactly it is that I do when I go into a recording studio.
You are about to tour for this album, including a show at the Whisky on the Sunset Strip. At this point of your life, is touring something that you get excited about like you used to when you were younger?
I never got excited about touring when I was younger. The funny thing is that most of my touring came later on. So in the early years, I really didn’t tour very much at all. As my name got out there, more people were interested in my music, then I started to tour more. But the thing is this, I love a great show. There’s nothing like the feeling of getting on stage and having a great night. But the other parts are really difficult. I always joke around and say “They don’t pay me to play, they pay me to get there,” because traveling is really something that can really wear you out, and you’re on this schedule of you have to perform at such and such a time. Sometimes for me, it’s 4 days in a row every day performing. As a human being, sometimes your body is beat up or this or that. So there are those sort of challenges. It’s not something that I would think I would be able to do for the rest of my life. I’m realistic and there’s probably a time that will come where it won’t make sense to tour because it’ll be too grueling. As it is now, I’m very much looking forward to getting out. I haven’t toured the States on my own for a new record in a few years. So it’s something that I’m looking forward to.
Will you be doing any more work on the Smith-Kotzen solo project?
Yes, Adrian and I wrote some songs and we’re figuring out our plans for the future. We have wonderful chemistry
together and really enjoy writing and being in the studio and working together. So most definitely looking forward to another album down the line. I think that’s a nice, creative outlet for me. I really love working with Adrian and I look forward to the next time we can put out a record.
I wanted to talk about two album anniversaries that you have and to just get your thoughts on them and about the passage of time. In 2004, you recorded an album called Get Up and that’s now celebrating its 20-year anniversary. Looking back, what do you think on that album and the fact that it’s been 20 years?
It’s hard to believe it’s been that long. I think that was a really important album for me because that was one of the first albums where I really took control and made the record without any influence from a record company. I really think Get Up is an important album for me because of that. Also, it has what became one of my most-played songs, which is Remember. The original studio version of Remember is on that album, along with some other songs that I’m very connected to. It’s an important record for me because of the fact that I did that without any sort of backing or guidance from a record company. Like I said, it has one of my most popular songs on it. So it’s hard to believe that it’s been 20 years.
Well, now we’re going to go back 30 years, to 1994, Mother Head’s Family Reunion. When you go back and think about that album and the fact it’s been 30 years, what do you think of it now in retrospect?
Mother Head’s Family Reunion, that probably one of my most important albums because it was the first album that I released on a major label under my own name. It was not my first recording contract with a major label, the first time around it went south. But that’s a very important record for me because I feel like in a lot of ways I had found my voice and my direction as a recording artist. I think up until then, there were some elements of me that were still sort of finding my footing as a young man, and I recorded that album. I had just turned 24 when I recorded that album. So the songs were written prior to that. That period was a transformation for me into figuring it out into actually knowing and really feeling super confident in who I was as a recording artist. So in many ways, I feel like that’s my first album. I know there were three albums that I did under my name prior to that, but because there’s so much clarity for me in that album as to who I was and became as a recording artist, I oftentimes consider that my first album.
Do you have any messages for your fans who are read-
ing this right now and are looking forward to this new album?
I just want to say thank you to everyone who’s been supporting me, because I’ve been making records for a very long time. My first album came out in 1989. Although my career has been much like a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs, I’m very grateful that I’m at a point now where I still feel like things are moving up and growing in a positive direction for me. I think that’s something to be very thankful and grateful for. That’s really because the people that have been supportive of my music have stuck with me. Of course, I’ve met some new people along the way that have taken a liking to what I’m doing, and I’m grateful for that. So I just would like to express that and say that for me, I think that Nomad - like Mother Head’s Family Reunion, and Get Up - is going to be one of the most important albums in my journey.
https://www.richiekotzen.com/
Mausoleum: Zombiecult Death Metal
Interview by Ken Morton
Mausoleum, the infernal purveyors of Zombiecult Death Metal, rise once again from the depths of the macabre! Allied in a pact with renowned USA label Moribund Records, Mausoleum meets a sinister milestone in their ghastly journey with their first full-length studio album since 2011! Highwire Daze recently interviewed Rob Yench from Mausoleum to find out more about the auditory nightmares of their Defiling The Decayed magnum opus! Enter at your own risk...
Introduce yourself, tell me what you do in Mausoleum, and how long the band has been together.
I’m Rob Yench, and I play bass for Mausoleum, a band that’s been around since 2001.
Where is Mausoleum based and what is the local music
scene like there?
We are from Johnstown, Pennsylvania, about 50 miles east of Pittsburgh.
How did you wind up signing with Moribund Records?
We sent our latest recording out to a bunch of labels, and the process these days is pretty strange. Some want hard copies, others prefer web links, some just ask for a Bandcamp page — it’s all over the place. A lot of labels act like they’re too busy to even listen to new music, which is frustrating for bands. We ended up signing with Moribund Records because they’ve always supported extreme metal and have a strong track record with bands that explore the darker side of the genre. Their dedication to the underground scene and understanding of our music made the partnership feel like a perfect fit. Moribund really gets what Mausoleum is about.
Is there any overall story or concept behind the Defiling The
Decayed album title?
Yes, there’s definitely a concept behind *Defiling The Decayed*. The title reflects the album’s exploration of horror in various forms, particularly the theme of desecrating what’s already dead and decayed. It’s about digging into the darkness that lingers after death, the grotesque and disturbing aspects that remain when life has long since departed. Each track on the album tells its own horror story, but they’re all tied together by this overarching theme of confronting the macabre, the decayed, and the defiled. It’s a journey into the depths of terror and the horrific unknown.
Select two songs from Defiling The Decayed and what inspired the lyrics.
1. **”Shrieks of Fright”:** This song is an ode to H.P. Lovecraft, inspired by his themes of fear of the unknown and the unseen. The lyrics delve into the primal terror that arises when one senses death approaching but can’t fully comprehend what’s coming. It’s about that existential dread, the kind of fear that grips you when you’re confronted with something beyond your understanding or control.
2. **”The Dark Abysmal”:** This track explores cosmic horror, another nod to Lovecraft’s influence. The lyrics revolve around an unexplainable entity that brings chaos, madness, and destruction in its wake. We wanted to move beyond the usual horror tropes of gore and zombies, and instead, delve into the terror of encountering something that defies rationality and comprehension. The song is about the existential unease that comes with recognizing how insignificant humanity is in the face of vast, incomprehensible forces.
Who did the cover art for Defiling The Decayed and how much influence did you have on it?
The cover art for *Defiling The Decayed* was created by Rick Zesati, an artist known for his dark and atmospheric style. We had significant input on the artwork, providing Rick with the album’s themes and ideas, particularly our focus on horror and decay. It was a collaborative process, with discussions to ensure that the final design truly captured the essence of the album. Rick did an incredible job bringing our vision to life, perfectly complementing the music with his art.
Who produced Defiling The Decayed and what was it like working with them?
I handled the recording, engineering, and mixing for *Defiling The Decayed* myself. Working on the album in this capacity was both challenging and rewarding, allowing me to ensure that the final product truly reflects our vision and sound.
What could one expect from a live Mausoleum show?
We aim to create a visceral connection with the audience, bringing the raw energy and dark atmosphere of our record-
ings to the stage. Each show is a blend of our most intense tracks and fan favorites, delivered with a passion that matches the ferocity of our studio work. Expect an evening of heavy, uncompromising metal and an atmosphere that fully embodies the essence of Mausoleum
Has Mausoleum ever played in the Los Angeles area or is that something you would like to do in future days?
Mausoleum has not yet played in the Los Angeles area, but we would love to. LA has an awesome metal scene, and it would be really great to bring our music to such a killer crowd.
What was it like opening for underground legends Revenge and did you get to meet or hang out with them at all?
Opening for Revenge was an amazing experience. As legends in the underground metal scene, sharing the stage with them was a true honor. The energy at their shows is electric, and being part of that was incredible. We got to meet them, and they were very down-to-earth and supportive. Hanging out and discussing metal with them was definitely a highlight. It was especially cool because I’ve known some of the Revenge guys since my days with Incantation in the late 90s when we toured Canada.
If Mausoleum could open for any band either now or from the past, who would it be and why?
We’d love to open for Autopsy, one of our biggest influences. It would be an incredible honor to share the stage with a band that has had such a profound impact on our music and the death metal genre.
Looking back on your first album Cadaveric Displays of Ghoulish Ghastliness from 2011, what do you think of it now in retrospect?
Looking back on *Cadaveric Displays of Ghoulish Ghastliness* from 2011, I’m proud of what we achieved with that album. It marked the beginning of our journey and laid the groundwork for our sound and thematic approach. While there are always aspects you look back on and think you could have done differently or improved, it’s important to recognize that it was a crucial step in our development. The album captured a raw and intense energy that defined our early years and set the stage for our evolution as a band. It’s been a valuable part of our history, and I appreciate the way it helped shape our direction.
Are you currently involved with any other bands or projects outside of Mausoleum?
Yes, I’m involved in several projects beyond MAUSOLEUM. I host two podcasts: The Magister Dixit Podcast, which explores occult and esoteric beliefs, and Spectral Chronicles Podcast, which focuses on ghostly encounters and paranormal
mysteries. These podcasts reflect my deep interest in the occult and the supernatural, themes that also influence my music with MAUSOLEUM. Additionally, I play guitar for NYDM OSDM band Morpheus Descends, a band I co-founded, and am a member of the blasphemous USBM band Typhus
What’s up next for Mausoleum?
Next for MAUSOLEUM, we’ll be promoting our latest album, *Defiling the Decayed*. We’re also planning to play selected live shows and are eager to bring our music to new audiences. Additionally, we’re exploring opportunities to perform in Europe and other regions, aiming to connect with fans and bring our live energy to new stages. Stay tuned for updates on our shows and other announcements!
Any final words of wisdom?
Thanks for your support and interest, and I hope to see you at a show sometime!
With a career founded in 1988 and a legacy spanning 36 years comprising 11 Full length studio albums, countless EP’s, split releases and live albums, the almighty Sathanas are undeniably a Black Thrash Death Metal scene icon! The band has relentlessly toured and released new albums, spawning a literal Legion of fans around the world. From 1996’s Black Earth debut, to 2023’s Psalm Satani, Sathanas have fortified a Blackened Thrashing Death Metal sound irrefutably unique unto themselves.
The US underground Death Metal luminaries now return with their career defining 12th full-length and most vicious release to date, Into the Nocturne, released through the Moribund Records compound! Highwire Daze recently interviewed founding member Paul Tucker to find out more about the vast and malevolent legacy of Sathanas!!!
Introduce yourself, tell me what you do in Sathanas, and how long the band has been together.
SATHANAS
Hails! Paul Tucker, guitarist and vocalist of the black/death band Sathanas here. Sathanas was formed back in ‘87 in the town of new Brighton. PA. The scene in our area is based more on rock and blues. When you head towards Pittsburgh you get more of a variety of music.. death metal, punk, hardcore etc.
How did you wind up signing with Moribund Records? I was in contact with Odin probably 25-30 years ago. I had seen some of his ads in my mail. When I ordered underground zines and traded tapes to people, they would pop up. Back then I was talking to labels like After Dark Records of Belgium, Obscure Plasma from Italy, Conquistador Records of Germany. mostly labels from Europe. These ones seemed to have the most interest in Sathanas. So, I never thought of asking Odin at that time. Wish I would have known. He was into Sathanas. I would of asked about him doing a release. so, through many ups and downs I was on another search
for another label. I went down the list of probably a hundred labels. Moribund popped up. I said “What the hell?” Odin replies quick with interest. Asked what I was interested in. I said maybe a full album. He said yes. so, we signed on for a new release. and a second release also. Plus, he’s going to release our whole back catalog. And after the Into The Nocturne release, he mentioned releasing our first Black Earth release. Never heard before. Moribund has been our unholy savior.
Is there any overall story or concept behind the Into the Nocturne album title?
Darkness, witchery, the old days when witchcraft and demons was on the rise. When women were getting burned at the stake and having sex with the devil. Curses thrown here and there. The essence of Sathanas music.
Select two songs from Into the Nocturne and what inspired the lyrics
Beyond The Witch is basically how it sounds. Witches gathering for an unholy meeting for the conjuration of infernal hosts. Awaiting the arrival of abominations to come forth. Cast In Black refers to one of god’s fallen angels following Satan to wreak havoc upon the world and deliver souls to hell.
Has Sathanas ever played in the Los Angeles area or is that something you would like to do in future days?
No not yet. We would definitely like to. Close friends of ours Nunslaughter played there and said the crowd was great. We hope to make it there and other areas in California..
What was it like opening for underground legends Watain and Destroyer 666 and did you get to meet or hang out with them at all?
It was killer playing with both of them. I was in contact with Erik of Watain years ago. We played our first show with them in 2007. I believe at the 31st Street Pub in Pittsburgh. Great show. Watain are a great live band. We play other shows with them in Cleveland and Buffalo. I stay in contact with Erik. Hoping they make it back over here for more destruction. Destroyer 666 we also played few shows with in the USA. Also, a festival in Germany. It was in Bitterfeld, Germany. We know them not quite as Watain
If Sathanas could open for any band either now or from the past, who would it be and why?
That’s a tough one. Would like to open for Sodom, maybe Destruction. They have been inspirations for me and my music. Also, the original Sabbath would have been killer. That band was so heavy for the time. And the guitar was a major role in my wanting to play. Iommi! What else can you say!
Looking back on your first albums Black Earth from 1996 and Armies of Charon from 1997, what do you think of them now in retrospect?
Different time. We were more of a thrash band back then. The ways of writing music and guitar riffs were somewhat different. The Black Earth is very raw, low recording. Armies was a better sound. I started experimenting with off chords on that release. The original unreleased version will be out late this year or early next year through Moribund Records. With new artwork. Never heard before.
What was it like to release the Sathanas/Nunslaughter split in the middle of a worldwide pandemic and how did that come about?
It was very cool to have another release with our brothers Nunslaughter. We have respect for each other. Also had a great time in Europe touring together. Hope to do it again. Nunslaughter are true to their metal. Devil metal!
I was in contact with Jörgen Sandström years ago. Emailed him about the track. He was like “Go for it!” I asked him if he had different lyrics for the song since they really fit. His reply was “We were young. Probably drunk in the studio when we did it. haha...” I thought that was fucking funny!!!
Are you currently involved with any other bands or projects outside of Sathanas?
No. I was going to reform or just do a recording of my older band Bathym, but we never could get together to mess with it. So Sathanas is my main focus.
What do you think has kept Sathanas going since 1988? Passion for the music. We all enjoy doing it still. I guess keep going until we can’t physically or mentally do it anymore. A lot of underground bands lose the drive after 35 years. We must have caught a second wind ha!
What’s up next for Sathanas?
To promote Into The Nocturne. Play shows. We have been invited to play The Swarm Fest in Tampa, Florida end of November with Nasty Savage, Nocturnus, Vincent Crowley, Lethal Prayer, and a ton of other killer bands.
Any final words of wisdom?
Live life to the fullest. Have a beer or 3. Listen to metal!! Thank you, Ken, and everyone at Highwire Daze. Spread the name of Sathanas!!!
Has Grave heard or commented on your cover of Extremely Rotten Flesh?
Conmac presents Listen To This When You’re Sad
Interview by Ken Morton - Photos by INM Media
Connor Aiken aka Conmac is a singer/songwriter based out of Vermont ready to take on the world. His latest EP is entitled Listen To This When You’re Sad, a collection of songs that grip the emotions with super introspective lyrics and vibrant melodies. Since our last interview, Conmac’s audiotry journey has involved exhilarating singles, standout EP’s, and even radio play on a local station! Highwire Daze recently caught up with Conmac to discuss the wonderful songs featured within Listen To This When You’re Sad, his new TreeLine clothing line, acting in videos, and a whole lot more! Read on...
First of all, for people who have not read your previous interviews with Highwire Daze, where are you based out of and what is your local music scene like there? Give me a little background on you.
My name is Connor Aiken. I grew up in Vermont, in Franklin County - St. Albans, Highgate, Swanton. I’ve been making music since I was about 15, but I’ve always been into the more creative side of things like content and all that. The music scene here in Vermont is actually pretty special. There’s so many very talented people here and I still think to this day, that the scene has so much more potential and it’s only a matter of time before it really explodes.
You have a new EP out, “Listen To This When You’re Sad.” First of all, tell me a little about the title and why you came up with it?
The title represents, really just like the whole vibe of the project. It’s my way of saying, “Hey, you want some sad songs to listen to? Well, here you go.” It basically just sums up the EP’s four sad songs. I find I can be most creative when I’m working on sad songs. I just like to be able to write stories that can hopefully make people relate and feel something that they can’t really feel on a normal basis.
Let’s talk about each song and the inspiration behind it. Don’t Panic, let’s talk about that song first, and the video. The song was written from a friend’s perspective who has had their own trials and tribulations and they’re inviting their friend with open arms. The person the song is about is struggling mentally. I wanted to maybe inspire others to reach out and let their loved ones know how much of an impact they have on the world and that no matter what struggle or hurdle they’re going through, not to panic, because it’ll only last a
second and they will get through it. This song is super special to me because it’s also like a message to myself. Anytime I’m struggling or I’m looking at something and I’m reading too much into it, I can really look back and say, “I made it through, even though I thought I couldn’t.”
This music video is actually one of my top music videos. I feel we really made a beautiful, yet eerie visualization that really brings the song to life. The video was filmed in St. Albans, Vermont. I was extremely fortunate enough to be able to make this video alongside my lifetime friends who made this whole thing possible. I Need Money Productions (was) behind the camera, directing and editing the whole music video. We also had Kaden Pratt as the production assistant, making the behind-the-scenes flow perfectly. This video was destined to come out as great as it did. Huge shout out to INM Productions and Kaden Pratt. I love y’all.
I also have a whole thing for the idea behind the music video. I came up with the idea for the story. I wanted something simple, but I wanted it to be able to tell its own story. In the video, I’m seen walking a trail when I mysteriously stumble upon a phone. Obviously stunned, I pick it up and realize the person on the other end needs help. Each time the phone cuts, I walk away and the cycle continues as I try to help them find some light at the end of the tunnel. It just-- the cycle continues.
Restaurant. Tell me about that one.
Restaurant is based off real personal events. I wrote this song a year after getting back together with my girlfriend. There’s a lot of specific details in this song that are real to me. It’s really just a celebration of two people who found their way back to each other, and it ended up working out. It’s definitely one of my favorite songs that I’ve written.
I Just Need Time featuring Xistential. Tell me about that one.
This song focuses on relationships that are stuck in a particular stage where they feel trapped or bored or confused. Being in a situation where you don’t even know yourself, but you’re also trying to figure everything out is very stressful. Realizing the mistakes when it’s a little too late and the damage has already been done. It’s basically just like a story of trials and tribulations in this relationship where they find it hard to communicate with each other and really get past the hard parts. I was really excited to have Xistential on this song. Me and
him have been frequent collaborators for the past four years. I want to say he’s also from Vermont. Amazing dude, great artist, super talented, and yes, it was an honor to have him on this song.
Wasn’t Really Your Fault, tell me about that one. Wasn’t Really Your Fault, it’s actually my most personal and vulnerable song that I’ve written. I’m scared for people to hear it, but I’m also excited because I feel it could really help some people. At the end of the day, that’s my biggest goal. This song is a combination of talking about my immense dislike for myself and the other struggles I deal with. I talk about how I’m too scared to talk about how I feel or ask for help, so I put all of it into my songs instead. The last verse of this song is the most special part of the song. I feel a lot of people relate to the lyrics and maybe help them in some way. It really goes deep into what I really feel, and I’ll leave that up for surprise.
I saw a story where you recently received a radio play on a fairly big station. What was that experience like and what station was it?
All right, so it’s 105.9 FM. They’re titled The Wave Cave Shout out to them. Love them. They actually got me my first radio play a couple of years ago, and that changed my life on a personal level. That was amazing. They’re also based out of Vermont. As I said before, everything is so local. We try to keep everything here, and they gave me this opportunity to have one of my newer songs titled Devil’s Game played on their station. They really, really liked it and a lot of other people did as well. It was great.
TreeLine, let’s talk about that and how that came. TreeLine VT, I was super excited. I was hoping you’d ask something about this. TreeLine VT is my brand new clothing line that I started. It’s called TreeLine VT. It’s based out of Vermont. Everything is super local and fun and community-driven. I’ve always loved that about Vermont. We’re called the Green Mountain State. We’re known for our nature and the environment is something that’s always been special to me as well. I’ve always wanted to do something creative while raising awareness for something else. I’m hoping one day to expand. Yeah, it’s my new clothing brand, my brand new project. I’m actually wearing some right now.
For people who haven’t seen it yet, tell us a little about Knife and that video. Knife was filmed last October. We were able to use my apartment and there was a parking lot right outside as well, so we were able to keep it pretty confined, but Knife is one of my favorite videos. We tried to keep it spooky and eerie because it was in October. I really recommend a lot of people go and check it out. It’s really good quality, great storyline, and yeah, super catchy, in my opinion.
Was that your girlfriend in the video?
That is my girlfriend, yes!
What was that like working with your girlfriend in that video - in a storyline that’s probably quite the opposite of your relationship?
It was great. It’s good having her a part of the music videos, and she was also part of another one. But it’s nice ‘cause we’ve been together for over three years now, and I’m comfortable with her. She’s a great actress. She’s always been supportive. I couldn’t ask for a better girlfriend and best friend.
I was just gonna say the acting in that video was really cool. One last quick question. Do you have an acting bug, or will we see you acting anytime soon?
I really hope you keep this in the interview, because I love that you asked this question. Acting in the music videos is important, - that’s why every video has a story, ‘cause I just-I love it. Yeah, I would love, love, love to be an actor as well. That’s definitely on the table for sure. I’m glad you noticed that. Thank you, Ken.
You’re welcome. Any casting directors who might be reading this, call Conmac. Come my way, okay?
Danny Goo is a singer/songwriter based out of Los Angeles who is beginning to make his presence known well above and beyond the City of Angels. All I See Is You is the name of his latest single – a super infectious pop rock anthem that should be all over the worldwide radio airwaves. Danny has played at legendary venues such as The Whisky and The Viper Room, and even did a national tour in support of his debut Butterflies EP Highwire Daze recently caught up with Danny Goo to find more about this amazing new artist on the rise. Read on…
First of all, what was the very first song you ever wrote? The first song I ever wrote… I guess for Danny Goo, the first one I could remember that I wrote, when I was probably doing this was called The Show Last Night and it’s on my YouTube channel. “I was too shy to say hi to you at the show last night...”
Prior to going solo, what kind of music projects or bands were you involved in?
I tried to start a metalcore band before that called Mudder I did write songs on that. But that never went anywhere. I think the demo is on like Bandcamp. If anyone finds it, go ahead.
Did you scream on it?
Yes. Then there’s something else, but I’ll just keep it. It’s too cringe. It’s like another metal band that I tried with my old friend. I won’t provide the link. But if you know, you know.
What was the inspiration for the new song All I See Is You?
When I wrote that one – it was a while ago. I remember like – it was crazy that after all this time – not as much today –the song was written about a year ago. But even then, there were just times where I was still thinking about someone and – and why was it taking so long to get over them? Why does it take so long? Years and years could go by and All I See Is You. Definitely because my love style – I’m a very diehard person. It’s about someone being stuck in your head – a typical breakup – and trying to get over it.
The video for All I See Is You is very artistic...
Yeah, my buddy James Smith – he shot that. I met him – and he wanted to be a part of Danny Goo. And he said,
“Come over, let’s shoot this video.” And he really blew me out of the water with it. He was amazing and it came out really cool! We ended up doing three shoots for it. He really brought that song more life, so shout out to him.
The name of your CD is Butterflies. Is there any story behind that title?
One of the songs on there, Butterflies, “where did all my butterflies go?” I thought that captured the record a lot. Because obviously it’s like a bunch of heartbroken songs. I definitely was chasing the butterflies again. Now I’m hearing that butterflies aren’t a good thing. But I don’t know. It’s kind of just really cool concept. This is the perfect album name.
What has it been like playing legendary venues such as the Whisky and the Troubadour?
Experiences that I definitely will hold close forever. I didn’t even know about all those venues until I moved out here. I’d heard about Whisky obviously. I’d heard about Viper. Having the opportunity to play at those venues and like still being able to and playing at new venues. I just played in LA at The Bourbon Room. It’s so nice, and The Troubadour was badass. I love the way the venue takes care of the artists. Just a cool venue.
You did a tour for Butterflies. What was that experience like to tour outside of LA?
That was great. That’s just something I’d always wanted to do. I’ve done little weekend runs and stuff. But I never really had just done a tour. It was a pain in the ass booking it. But once it was done, I freaking booked it. Then it was worth all the work and all the time that we put into it. It was a lot of fun. I want to go on another tour soon. Just kind of waiting on the next opportunity and focusing on just releasing. Then getting back out on the road.
Where are you originally from? Denton, Texas. Dallas and Denton.
I recently went to Dallas to go see a band at a place called Trees. I don’t know if you’ve been there. Yes, I love Trees. I love Deep Ellum
Any new songs on the horizon?
I do have a new song that I’m working on putting out – getting it ready to start promoting. I have a bunch of new music that I’m working on putting out.
What is the mission statement for Danny Goo when it comes to the music and doing the live shows?
These songs are just very personal to me. They’re all about my life. I do it cuz I love it, and I do it because it helps me express myself. As far as like a statement for everyone else, just to like be the same – to just express themselves, be themselves, do what they love – whether it’s music or not – and also not be afraid to talk about the shit that you are going through. Like going through a breakup – going through family shit – it’s okay to talk about this stuff – it’s okay to sing about it – you could write songs about it. I’m definitely trying to bring positivity and encouragement to anyone out there through music.
At press time, you booked The GooDown which also features Weknewnothing, Luke Reyvn, Clancy, Trophy Boy Poems, NVM ILY, ForgetxTomorrow, and many other cool bands! What could one expect from The GooDown at Knucklehead in November?
Expect a night of diverse music with some of LA’s finest!
Interview by Ken Morton - Jordan Palani photo by Erica Vincent - ForgetxTomorrow photo by Jack Lue
Meet Jordan Palani - the vocalist for Corona-based pop punk band ForgetxTomorrow as well as a solo artist on the rise. With a bunch of well received singles and videos and a massive social media presense, Jordan and his ForgetxTomorrow bandmates Adrian Uriostegui aka Wave (guitars), Cristian Cuppetelli (bass) and Marcello Castillo (drums) are spreading the word to a great big world outside! Highwire Daze caught up with Jordan Palani to find out a whole lot more about this talented new artist ready for the big leagues...
Give me a little background on Jordan Palani on how you became involved with music. So, I didn’t grow up in music. I actually never really had any vocal lessons. Never learned an instrument. I grew up in a real Sports town. I grew up in Corona, California. My parents pushed education on me and they wanted me to play sports, football, basketball, baseball, all the sports, I tried it. I didn’t really get into music until 2020, when the pandemic hit, because I was at home. There was nothing really for me to do. So, I would sing covers online, and I eventually made my own song, released it through DistroKid on my own. My friend saw it, and they loved it. Now, I’m in a band and music has became my life because I fell in love with writing and putting on a show, and just expressing my emotions with people then relating to it.
Let’s talk about your first song Sundress. A little story behind that one.
Sundress is a very cute song. Pop-punk music is our inspirations. That’s what we want to do. When we first got into it, the stigma behind pop-punk is like, “Oh yeah, rock and roll, like, delinquent kids, go and skate, trash stuff, be a rebel.” Then we’re like, “What if our first song, like, if we make this cutesy song about our high school crush and how, it’s this really pretty girl and we just want her attention?” So we made Sundress. It was fully made by us, mixed by URG Studios, which is one of the greatest studios out in the IE. We had all of our closest friends be in our music video. We filmed it, directed it, edited all by ourselves as a group of close knit friends. It’s a project we’ll never forget.
Let’s talk about your new song Welcome To The Party. Welcome to the Party is a really fun song. It’s what we call our opener song. It’s a song that invites people to chant back
with us. It’s a very callback song where I’ll say something and I want the crowd to repeat it super fast. Very, very fun. Welcome to the Party was our most recent song where we did a music video where we had really high production head to toe from the people that worked on it to the people that we got to direct it. Palm Tree Visions out here in LA. They did that music video, and it was just a huge step up from Sundress, because we did that one when we first started music. The budget for that, for the Sundress music video was $2,000.
Then come to Welcome to the Party, the budget is still the same, it’s $2,000, but just to see the step up from quality to, now we’re able to get 60 people to be in a music video easily just because, “Hey, we need people to be in a music video. Pull up.” We just know how to vibe with each other as a band. We know how to look on camera. We know how to perform and be overly extroverted. Overly, like, our movements, our sound on camera, it all looks great. Welcome to the Party is a super fun song, and it’s one of my favorite songs.
If you could open for any band either now or from the past, who would it be and why?
If I could open up for any band, I would love to open up for We the Kings or All-American Rejects just because I love their songs. They’re very much in my alley. They like love songs, but also they have their little heartbreak songs. Very pop and just they seem like cool guys. I also would love to open for the Green Days and The Blinks. But I just know more of We the Kings and All-American Rejects, but any band, really, we would open for anyone.
What would you say the mission statement for ForgetxTomorrow and Jordan Palani as when it comes to your music and your shows?
So both the mission statement for ForgetxTomorrow and Jordan Palani are very much similar. The whole meaning of Forgetx Tomorrow, the whole reason why we started as a band was because it started when I was in college. I told you how I didn’t grow up in music. My parents focused on school. They were always, “Jordan, get good grades. Get a good job. Live a good life.” I love my parents. I truly, truly love them, and I’m thankful that they did that, but I was unhappy going to school. I went to Pepperdine University. I graduated with a degree in marketing, and I did that, but I was never really happy. That wasn’t what I wanted to do.
So, ForgetxTomorrow, as me, and Adrian, my guitarist, as we were making this band, I thought to myself, I want to do
something where I could help people that feel like me. So in the name, ForgetxTomorrow. It’s really symbolic because the whole meaning of it is the youth, kids, adults, everybody’s so worried about the future. They’re worried about, “Oh, what college am I going to get into? Oh, what job will I get? Oh, I have to do this, this and this within the next couple of months.” We’re so worried about the next and what’s to come, where you don’t take a second. You don’t live in the present. So ForgetxTomorrow, our whole mission statement is Forget Tomorrow; live in the present.
Yeah, and as for Jordan Palani, my mission statement for Jordan Palani is my music, very much emotional. It’s everything that I wouldn’t tell someone face-to-face. So, Jordan Palani is all about being your truest self and not caring what other people think, whether or not it’s cringe, as kids will call it today. Go and do what makes you happy. If you want to start doing music, go start doing music. You want to make a clothing brand come make a clothing brand. You want to become the first-ever astronaut to go to Jupiter, go to Jupiter. Go and do what you want to do. That’s what very much where I stand for the shows in my music, my social media content, everything. They go together, ForgetxTomorrow and Jordan Palani. They’re two separate entities, but one cannot be without the other.
What’s up next about the separate entities?
So, up next with Jordan Palani, I’m releasing a song called Life in California. It’s all about my life in California. I have grown up here. I’m a Cali-boy, born and raised; never been anywhere else. So it just explain how it is growing up in L.A. and all the different things that come with that. So, stay tuned for that. Then for ForgetxTomorrow, we have a show coming up on September 13th at Corona, California. We’re performing at URG Fest. It’s one of the biggest music festivals in the Inland Empire. So, that will be fun, and we’re also releasing our next single called Hate Me Too, which is a very emotional heartbreak song. For when you overcome something. Like heartbreak overcoming emotional song about getting over a relationship, past relationship.
For ForgetxTomorrow and Jordan Palani, at the end of this year, we want to have built up a big enough fan base. Have enough money to where we could either support someone on tour or go on our own mini tour, whether that’d be around California or the different states, but we want to go on tour. Get our name out there, get our music out there and just meet all of our friends, fans, supporters that are around the world.
Formed in the midst of a pandemic, Choke Chain is a hard rocking band from Phoenix, AZ ready to break out all across the nation. Their debut endeavor Choke On This is now available via the band’s own label, Dewey Cheatum and Howe (DCH Records). They’ve open for the likes of Babylon A.D. and Dangerous Toys - both at the world famous Whisky A GoGoand plan to make a return back to the Sunset Strip in December. Highwire Daze recently caught up with guitarist Mikey Ravone to find out more about the sleaze merchants Choke Chain. Read on...
What was it like working with Escape the Hive frontman Michael Beck on the recording of the new album and how did he become involved? It was like magic. Michael is the best there is here in Arizona. Every song we brought to him, he made it better. Much better than we expected. Many years ago I was in an Alice Cooper tribute band and we needed to record a little known Alice song. We went to Michael’s recording studio, SoundVision in Mesa, AZ and I was completely impressed with his work and dedication to his craft. So when it came time for Choke Chain to hit the studio, I told the guys ‘We’re using Michael Beck. It’s not open for discussion.’
Introduce yourself, tell me what you do in Choke Chain, and how long the band has been together. Hi there! Mikey Ravone here. Guitarist, writer and backing vocals for Choke Chain. The band came to fruition 2020. However, Nikki Peril, our bass player, began planning what ultimately became Choke Chain, years earlier.
Where is the band based out of and what is your local music scene like there?
We are based out of Phoenix, Arizona. The local scene is like a roller coaster here - some years it’s great with a lot of highs, and some years there’s a lot of downward spirals. A lot of clubs come and go on the regular here. But overall, it’s a pretty decent scene with a lot of fun bands that we love sharing the stage with.
Prior to starting or joining Choke Chain, what bands or projects were you involved with?
I’ve been playing clubs here in the Valley Of The Sun since I was 17, and was not even old enough to get in. The most notable in the 80’s was Rip ‘n Tear. We were voted the best rock band of the year over a few years. A couple years ago we dug out some old analog recordings and put out a CD of some songs that never saw the light of day. Took some time off in the early 2000’s to deal with life, then threw myself back in the scene playing in various cover and tribute bands until Choke Chain evolved.
Select two songs from the album and what inspired the lyrics?
Beg & Plead is our single and is a brutal relationship song. It tells the story of how great a relationship is when it starts, and how bad things can go when it ends. It was written by Nikki and inspired by his marriage that ended many years ago.
The Dirge is about mental illness and written by me. It tells the story of what goes on in someone’s head over and over, every single day, that no one outside of their head can see. It was inspired by someone very close to me.
What could one expect from a live Choke Chain show?
Energy. Pure energy. Nobody in this band stays in one place. We use every inch of the stage to its fullest. Biggest compliment we consistently get is ‘you guys look like you’re having so much fun up there!’ And we are. And that in turn, rubs off on the audience. That makes it all worth it.
What was it like opening for Dangerous Toys at The Whisky and did you get to meet or hang out with them at all? It was great show for sure. We are a perfect fit with them. That show was the same night as the Rolling Stones were in town. A few of the Dangerous boys went and caught the Stones and then hightailed it back to the Whisky in time to do their show. So sadly, we didn’t get much time to hang with them.
Another band you opened for at The Whisky was Babylon A.D. What was that experience like and did you get to meet any of the members
That was a great, fun night as well. They were all very personable. We had a long talk with their manager and she expressed interest in working with us in the future.
If Choke Chain could open for any band either now or from the past, who would it be and why?
That would be:
1977 - KISS
1983 - Motley Crue
2024 - Choke Chain
Those 2 are a huge influence on the Choke Chain sound and would make for an orgasmic show.
Are you involved with any other bands or projects outside of Choke Chain?
Nikki and I have a side project called Hollywood Punks. It’s basically a tribute to old school punk and whatever else we feel like throwing in. We don’t spend much time with that group much now as we devote most of our time to Choke Chain
What’s up next for Choke Chain?
We’re heading back to the studio soon and we’ve got a handful of songs we’d like get out to the world. We’ve also got one more show at The Whisky in December with Kuarantine.
Any final words of wisdom?
Just a big thank you for having me and our debut album CHOKE ON THIS! is available on all streaming services and for those that still use CDs, it’s available on Amazon https://www.facebook.com/ChokeChainAZ
Thurs Sept 26,2024 6:45PM w/Lynch Mob
Mr. Scary and guitar son Tone Raven one stage, one night live!
Wed Nov 13, 2024 8:30PM w/Tantric
Fri.Dec 13, 2024 8:15PM w/Julien K
Countdown to Reaper Time with Dead Street Dreamers
Interview by Ken Morton
Photo by Sarah Grandchamp
Vermont’s Dead Street Dreamers formed during the pandemic lockdown. These long time friends wanted to create a band that was a positive addition to their local punk rock scene. Taking influences from legendary underground bands like The Stooges, MC5, Black Flag and Minor Threat, the band set out to write songs about injustice, rebellion, struggling towns, love and heartbreak while making sure the audience had fun as well.
Highwire Daze recently interviewed Nate Hale of Dead Street Dreamers to find out more about the world their Countdown To The Reaper EP - out now via Screaming Crow Records!
Introduce yourself, tell me what you do in Dead Street Dreamers, and how long the band has been together.
I’m Nate Hale and I sing in the Dreamers. We have been a band since January of 2022.
Where is the band based out of and what is your local music scene like there?
We are based out of Rutland, Vermont. We have a very positive scene here in Vermont. Everybody helps each other. No egos! No bull shit! A few of the local bands worth checking out from Vermont are The Path, Robbery, Cooked, Violet Crimes, River
How did you wind up on Screaming Crow Records? We had recorded our full length and started to shop it around. Screaming Crow dug and have put out stuff from our buddies River City Rebels. It felt like a perfect fit.
Is there any story or concept behind the album
City Rebels, and Rough Francis.
title and song Countdown To The Reaper?
It means that we ain’t getting any younger. Nobody gets out alive and we need to enjoy the ride. I wasted a lot of years of my life being a drunk. I’m sober now and want to make up for lost time.
Select two other songs from Countdown To The Reaper and what inspired the lyrics?
Hammer Down is a song about how the working class get the raw deal. We work for crumbs while the rich feast.
Ground Zero is a song about keeping the scene positive and fun. It’s an anti-gatekeeper anthem. We are all dreamers in this together.
What could one expect from a live Dead Street Dreamers show?
Just beautiful chaos and vicious riffs. A feeling of togetherness.
What was it like doing a show with the River City Rebels in June with Nick being a former member?
It was amazing. We have been going to Rebels shows for 20 years plus. Very much appreciated to share the stage with them. Always a great time. It was very much like a punk rock family reunion.
Has Dead Street Dreamers ever played in the Los Angeles / Orange County area or plan to do so in future days?
We have not but the West Coast is on our list. I have lots of friends over there from when I lived in the northwest.
If Dead Street Dreamers could open for any band either now or from the past, who would it be and why?
Gotta say the man Iggy Pop The Stooges are a huge influence for the Dreamers. The rawness and grit.
Are you involved with any other bands or projects outside of Dead Street Dreamers?
I am not currently involved in any other projects.
What’s up next for Dead Street Dreamers?
Writing new material for another album. Playing new scenes. Just keeping the train rolling.
Any final words of wisdom?
Be excellent to each other. Understanding and kindness go a long way. Punk is caring!!!
Dream Street Dreamers are:
Nate Hale – vocals
Nick Grandchamp – lead guitar
Hunter Phelps – rhythm guitar
Brit Davis – Bass
David Davis - Drums
https://www.deadstreetdreamers.com/
An Introduction to Seaside Screams
Interview by Ken Morton - Photo by Jack Lue
Meet Seaside Screams - a local Los Angeles band featuring Riley Lopata (vocals), Adrien Cruz Jones (guitar), Mason Lopata (bass), and Julian Crawford (drums). With an absolutely explosive live performance and superbly memorable songs, Seaside Screams is destined for the big leagues in no time at all. Highwire Daze recently caught up with Seaside Screams at a Jack Lue photo shoot to find out more about this amazing new band on the rise...
What do you think about our local Los Angeles music scene and how does Seaside Screams fit in?
Riley: We love the local music scene. We love the fact that everyone’s young, and we’ve made some friends in it. Everyone loves it, so it’s nice to be surrounded by people who also share the same passion as you.
Describe your music to an elderly relative who has no idea what metal is.
Julian: I’d say a heavier version of the rock you grew up on. It’s not quite like metal - it’s not all the way there - but we kind of go on the border of hard rock and metal. We try to do some softer stuff at times. Very loud...
Riley: ...and a little angry. Just a little angry...
Give me a little background on the band and how long you’ve been together?
Riley: Well, me and Adrien started the band together. We both thought we worked well together, so we got a bassist and a drummer. It didn’t work out, so we brought in Julian and another bassist - and then the bassist left, so we brought in my brother Mason. But me and Adrien and Julian have been playing at School Of Rock - five years ago we met there - we all got along and ended up working together.
What was it like going to the School Of Rock?
Riley: School Of Rock is great. It teaches you how to be in a band. School Of Rock gives you a place to perform and rehearse. You do covers, but it’s really performance-based learning.
Julian: It’s really great! It helps you learn to play with other musicians. You take lessons and they teach you the parts, but you kind of have to learn how to cooperate with other people and how to make it work and balance everything, It makes you grow as a musician. It’s a good program and it’s how we all met - so it boded well in our favor.
Select any two songs you’re performing live now and what inspired the lyrics.
Riley: Night Ends is a song we just wrote. That was me just
a little angry. All my lyrics are definitely an outlet and expressions. Night End and My Apologies are the two most recent songs - and those were both from me being angry and mad at someone.
What has it been like playing the legendary Sunset Strip venues such as The Whisky and The Viper Room?
Julian: It’s really been a great time. It’s been a dream to play all those venues. We’re so lucky to live in L.A. where it’s so feasible. It’s like there’s so many clubs everywhere. I would say that The Whisky and The Viper Room definitely check off the bucket list.
Riley: What I like about playing those venues is you really feel the history in there. When we were in The Rainbow Room with the Lemmy statue - that’s where all those bands started out. So, we’re starting out and we’re playing there. You kind of feel that energy, which is fun and nice. And obviously they’re famous places, so it’s fun to say, “I played The Whisky - I played The Viper Room ”
Adrien: It’s a fantasy - like literally. When I look up and I daydream, I would imagine myself at The Viper Room or The Whisky. It makes things so real.
If Seaside Screams could open for any band either now or from the past, who would it be and why?
Mason: Open for a band now would be Idles, because I feel like it’s the band now that I would want to play with the most.
Julian: In the past, I would say Nirvana or Alice In Chains. Present I would say someone like Korn or something in the nu-metally area - because I feel that’s what’s popular in the present in the heavy world, and we do fit into that slot pretty well.
Riley: Past- definitely the grunge bands because that’s what our influences are. And present would be Idles or Queens of the Stone Age - those are both bands I really respect and I think we would align with them and their fans.
Adrien: Past I would definitely say Alice In Chains. Present I would say Deftones
What’s up next? Any new music coming up?
Riley: At the moment, we’re definitely focused on writing right now. We would love to release new music, but we would love to grow a bigger fan base - to get people to care and actually listen. But yeah, just focusing on gigging and writing new music is what we’re trying to do. And then releasing new music will come soon...
https://www.instagram.com/seasidescreams/
ROCKING IT LOUD wITh 12 GaUGe TRIxIe
Interview by Ken Morton - Photo by Jack Lue
Meet 12 Gauge Trixie, rock and rage from San Diego, ready to blow the roof off any venue they play at. There is a ton of sonic intensity to be found at a live 12 Gauge Trixie event. The band recently headlined the world famous Whisky A Go Go and has also performed at the legendary Rainbow Bar & Grill. Destined to slam into the big leagues with the fury of a speeding bullet, 12 Gauge Trixie is here to rock it loud and present to you the show of a lifetime. Here is a recent interview Highwire Daze conducted with 12 Gauge Trixie to find out more about this explosive new band. Read on...
Introduce yourself, tell me what you do in 12 Gauge Trixie, and how long the band has been together. We’re 12 Gauge Trixie, a wild rock band that consists of Violet on vocals, Art on lead Guitar, Mia on rhythm guitar, Paloma on bass and Blake on drums. We’ve been together for about a year and a half now.
Where is the band based out of and what is your local music scene like there?
We are based out of San Diego California and our local music scene has a lot of different genres but since we’re so coastal, San Diego does have a lot of indie surf rock bands.
Prior to starting or joining 12 Gauge Trixie, what bands or projects were you involved with?
We were all still involved in music, all of us playing in other bands. Violet and Mia played previously in an all female hardcore/punk band, while Paloma was the frontwoman and guitarist of her own punk band. Blake and Art have played in various rock and indie bands together.
What is the inspiration for the lyrics for your latest single Lilac?
Lilac is about letting go of things or people that do not serve you anymore. Whether it’s a toxic relationship, toxic environment, toxic habits or thoughts etc. The main chorus line being “I don’t care anymore” results in the feeling of moving forward and not looking back.
Select two other 12 Gauge Trixie songs and what inspired the lyrics.
Our first single Head Spin is about the experience of being a woman who places trust in other women, only to be betrayed by those she thought she could rely on.
Our second single La Jolla OD addresses the issue of substance abuse among the youth, showing that it affects individuals regardless of their social status and revealing that La Jolla isn’t as glamorous as it appears.
The first time I saw 12 Gauge live was at the Rainbow Bar & Grill in the upstairs area. What was it like nearly tearing the roof off that very small space?
It’s always a blast playing in small venues and bars where we’re all cramped but still bring the energy. One thing we can say is that it was LOUD. But no complaints of course because who doesn’t like a loud, energetic rock performance?
What was it like headlining the legendary Whisky A Go Go on the Sunset Strip?
Playing The Whisky was honestly an opportunity we thought we’d get years later down the road. To headlining only after being a band for a year still feels unreal, but we are so grateful to have experienced that at such an early point in our musical journey.
What was it like opening for Starcrawler at Chain Reaction, and were you able to meet or hang out with them at all?
Opening for Starcrawler was definitely one of the most fun energetic shows we’ve had played. Big thank you to them for letting us open. We all got to hang out in the green room and chat together before showtime which it’s always great to connect with other bands.
If 12 Gauge Trixie could open for any band either now or from the past, who would it be and why?
We would love to open for The Garden & Turnstile. Both those bands have such unique sounds and draw great young crowds. We really feel that unique sounding music has a big influence on today’s generation.
Are you involved with any other bands or projects outside of 12 Gauge Trixie?
No, all of us eat, breathe, sleep 12 Gauge Trixie 100%
What’s up next for 12 Gauge Trixie?
We are currently working on writing new songs and recording
Any final words of wisdom? Fuck the bullshit!
https://www.instagram.com/12gaugetrixie/
WE ARE THE BLACK THINGS
July 27,2024 8PM, “Live” at Universal Bar & Grill North Hollywood California!
Hosted by Lost Anarchy Magazine and Metal Mayhem
By Highwire Daze Magazine Redlands
It’s Universally known In the Lost Anarchy Rock n’ roll home in this Metal Mayhem
Rock scene of Hollywoods North,South,East,and West
All of it’s tumultuous, treacherous, and unseen
Our Saturday nights are for feeling right
Sizzlin’on fire
Shaking baby, making baby
I’m talking about my band
Heartland blues essay
Written everyday In these lands
Our Saturday Nights are for getting right Throbbing with desire Shaking baby, making baby In these Redlands
(Lyrics:By Tone Raven)
Frank Garrett-Bass
Rae Owl Starling-Keyboard
Luthario Mitcho-Turntable
Carrie Cane-Drums
Tone Raven-Guitar/Vocals
MANAGEMENT:TONE RAVEN MUSIC
We Are The Black Things-Trademark 2018
Tone Raven-Trademark 2021
Of the Hollywoods
Contact Booking: toneraven@yahoo.com
By the tones Of the Ravens Played here In the unknown Jungle band
Jelly Roll at Honda Center
Anaheim, Ca., September 7, 2024
Review by Ken Morton - Photo by Jack Lue
The first time Highwire Daze would encounter Jelly Roll was when Shinedown took him on tour as a very special guest opening artist. Shinedown predicted a very notable career would be ahead for Jelly Roll, and they were absolutely right. With songs played all over country and rock radio, Jelly Roll has presents auditory artistry straight from the heart. And you could see the audience members from all across the spectrums of age and genre at the Honda Center on a Saturday night, all awaiting the arrival of the one and only Jelly Roll.
After super impressive opening sets from independent artist Alexandra Kay and country superstar Warren Zeiders, Jelly Roll and his amazing band took to the stage - and an exhilarating night of music and memories were about to be experienced by all!
Billed as The Beautifully Broken Tour, Jelly Roll presented an epic performance that was as rowdy as it was healing. Opening with the poignant I Am Not Okay under a house of fire at the opposite end of the arena, Jelly Roll connected with the fans right away. After this vibrantly gripping commencement, Jelly Roll made the jaunt across the arena to the stage,
shaking hands and hi-fiving all along the way.
The cathartic magic of Jelly Roll kept-on arriving, especially when the wondrous Son of a Sinner was unveiled. And of course, the entire Honda Center sprung into a rapturous singalong mode when Jelly Roll and his band launched into a supremely poignant rendition of Need A Favor towards the end of the set.
It was impressive to note that Jelly Roll had a pre-sale of his upcoming album The Beautifully Broken on his website for a mere $10 - all autographed with the proceeds going to mental health organizations. Kudos to DJ’s Hylyte and Chill, who kept us all entertertained in between sets with a wide array of music - from country, hip-hop, classic rock to thrash metal and beyond!
From oppressive solitary prisons to headlining vast arenas such as Honda Center, the life journey of Jelly Roll is absolutely inspirational. One of the compelling artists of our time, the music of Jelly Roll has changed the world - and I cannot wait to experience another performance!
21st Annual CrueFest Hollywood
Blacklist Union, Black Valentine, LA Story, and more The Whisky, West Hollywood, CA., July 27, 2024
LA Story
(Black Valentine and Blacklist Union) and Cruella Photography (LA Story)
The 21st Annual CrueFest Hollywood event took place at the world-famous Whisky A Go Go on the Sunset Strip, featuring the participation of Black Valentine, Blacklist Union, Felony, Glamerica, the John McCloy Band, LA Story, Motley 2, Pump 5, and Vinyl Cats. Hosted by Erik Hatchett of LA Story, proceeds from the event would go to Letty’s Angels of Hope Foundation in the memory of Skylar Neil, the daughter of Motley Crue lead vocalist Vince Neil, who lost her battle with cancer at age 4.
LA STORY
Kicking off the night was LA Story, presenting their own devastatingly imaginative brand of rock and roll intrigue!
LA Story is the road to a comeback, and we need to see a whole lot more of this powerhouse band in the future. What a kickass way to start a night of music and memories to be sure!
BLACK VALENTINE
By the time Black Valentine made their way to the stage later on, The Whisky was packed! It was so great to see so many people out supporting a good cause and all the very amazing bands who played! Black Valentine was celebrating the release of their epic two-disc magnum opus entitled Heavy Hearts, and a good amount of the set featured several of these amazing new songs! Opening with a scorching rendition of the Led Zeppelin classic Kashmir, the Black Valentine power trio sent the iconic room spinning right off the bat!
Review by Ken Morton – Photos by Enrique Sanchez
Black Valentine
Selections such as Easy Come East Go, She’s On Fire, and I Will from Heavy Hearts were unveiled, presenting the band at the very height of their creativity. And what a stunning conclusion to the show went Black Valentine unleashed a sparkling version of Red Skies At Night by The Fixx, presenting their own wondrous rocking take on the classic alternative tune. The inspiring auditory visions of Black Valentine are brought to you courtesy of Frank Yanno on lead vocals and guitar, Duke Carpenter on bass and vocals, and Jesse Wolff on drums and vocals. What other band would even dare to cover such diverse bands as Zeppelin and The Fixx in the same set and do it so damn well? All that, and brilliant original compositions too!
BLACKLIST UNION
Blacklist Union was up next, absolute legends of the Hollywood rock and roll underground who remain at the very height of their creative prowess. Fronted by the charismatic Tony West, Blacklist Union really know how to deliver a first-rate rock show, and their performance at CrueFest presented Tony West and his band in their finest hour. Opening with the title track from their latest album Letters From The Psyche Ward, Blacklist Union delivered the raging goods with a massive amount of passion and conviction.
Blacklist Union
And how terrific it was to hear three captivating new songs from an upcoming album, including Mississippi Moonhound, Up In Smoke, and Horns & Halos! Other Blacklist fan favorites such as Mirror Mirror On The Wall, Dirty Halo, and Back To Momo left a definitive impact! And then for the grand finale, Blacklist Union performed Gates of Steel – a Devo cover – and the band brought some friends up onstage to rock out to this very exhilarating moment in time!
Such a memorable night in the wilds of Hollywood with so many music fans out showing their love and support!
Here’s looking towards the next exciting edition of CrueFest Hollywood in 2025!
TUFF Headline The Whisky and Reunite with Original Drummer Michael Lean
Written by Alison “MetalBabe” Cohen
Photo by Jack Lue
The Whisky - August 23, 2024
Stevie Rachelle and TUFF have created quite a catalog since TUFF’s debut release in 1991. From studio and live albums, compilations, solo albums, and additional bands, Shameless and Cheeseheads with an Attitude (CWA), and running the Metal Sludge “Too Fast for Sludge” website, Rachelle keeps busy and relevant! He just released a new album of cover songs (“Covers”) with a brand-new song “Summer of 1989,” which is a creative spin off from Bryan Adams’s hit song, but with 80’s rockers favorite year!
Many of you may remember TUFF from the big and beautiful power ballad on that first release, “I Hate Kissing You Goodbye,” that was all over MTV that year and made it to #3 on Dial MTV.
TUFF started Friday night’s set out strong with heavy hitter “God Bless this Mess” off the Religious Fix album. The Whisky was full of 80s rockers’ attire, TUFF shirts, and excited TUFF fans.
Next songs included “Spit Like This,” and “Ruck A Bit Bridge,” which was a fun sing along for those who knew the words.
Front man Stevie Rachelle told us the first time they headlined The Whisky was 1987, before kicking into another heavier song, “In Dogs We Trust,” also from Religious Fix
Power balled “I Hate Kissing You Goodbye” was a big sing along that Stevie encouraged our participation. The crowd sang and swayed in unison…
It has been about 12 years since TUFF has played The Whisky, and it had been 31 years since original drummer Michael Lean played in the band. We were in for a special treat when Lean joined in for “So Many Seasons,” and “All New Generation.” It was also the first time that Lean and Billy Morris (guitar) played together.
Sharing love for TUFF with the audience was amazing. It felt like we were in a time-warp. I had flashbacks of my teenage self, seeing them for the first time… It’s funny, I actually remember I wore all black that night (Mississippi Nights 1992) In honor of their song “Good Guys Wear Black,” and that’s what they were playing when I spotted horror rocker
Wednesday 13. We chatted for a minute about how we both saw TUFF in our hometowns on the What Comes Around Goes Around tour and met Stevie Rachelle and the band as teenagers.
TUFF rounded out the set with one of my personal favorites “Summertime Goodbye,” and a cover of Michael Monroe’s “Dead, Jail, Rock N Roll,” with some nice commentary and heartfelt appreciation from Stevie
After a quick “Dr. Feelgood” tease, TUFF closed out the show to a pumped house with “American Hair Band.” All around, it was a great night of Hollywood Rock n’ Roll.
*TUFF played the following night with Mike Tramp’s White Lion, which was their first show in Phoenix, AZ in 20+ years!
Grab a copy of the latest solo CD and other back catalogs at: https://tuffcds.com/
September/October 2024 HIGHWIRE DAZE
The Guitar & Whiskey Club
Whisky A Go Go, The Sunset Strip, August 24, 2024
Review by Ken Morton - Photos by Linda Emord
The Guitar & Whiskey Club reconvened at the world-famous Whisky A Go Go on the Sunset Strip, opening for the almighty TUFF on very special night! Delivering a rock-solid performance featuring songs from their recently issued Self-Titled EP, The Guitar & Whisky Club warmed up the crowd with their hard rocking set! Kicking it off with the raging refrains of Flies Like Whiskey, The GWC instantly won over the earlier arrivals with their super memorable songs and captivating live performances.
Mark Prudeaux is the classic rock and roll front man unleashed, delivering the rip-roaring goods tenfoldespecially effective in top notch songs such as Playing With Fire and Sleazy. Lead guitarist and band founder Jeffrey Donovan unleashed very cool and imaginative guitar work in the grand tradition of Michael Schenker and Adrian Vandenberg. Also onstage supplying
a killer low-end was bassist Frankie Yanno - who is also in the very amazing Black Valentine. And then the special guest drummer for the evening was Kevin Majors - filling in with a slamming sense of conviction.
One highlight of the set was when the band paid tribute to the late great Jack Russell, playing a Candlebox cover entitled Far Behind in his memory - a brilliant choice of song for the legendary Great White vocalist.
Closing out the night with the wickedly wonderful Does Your Dog Bite, The GWC sent the room spinning for this grand slam finale of a song.
Be sure to catch The Guitar & Whiskey Club on the Sunset Strip, or anywhere they bring their rock and roll party extravaganza!
https://guitarandwhiskeyclub.com/
ALBUM REVIEWS
Rome Wasn’t Built In A Day
Babylon A.D. Perris Records
Review by Ken Morton
Rome Wasn’t Built In A Day by Babylon A.D. presents the San Francisco-based band in their finest hour! Definitely the soundtrack to the summer of ‘24 and well beyond, Rome Wasn’t Built In A Day is sure to enrapture melodic hard rock fans all over the world. Released by the always amazing Perris Records, Rome Wasn’t Built In A Day kicks off with the raging Wrecking Machine followed by the rapturous swagger found within Pain. And the pulsating tunes keep on arriving, from the impassioned Sometimes Love Is Hell, the brilliant reverberations of Face Of God, the wickedly wonderful Shut Up, and throughout the entire recording, Rome Wasn’t Built In A Day is surely a candidate for any Top Ten List of the Year. Lead vocalist/founding member Derek Davis is a powerhouse vocalist, unleashing the rocking goods with a dynamic amount of ferocity and intrigue. The entire Babylon A.D. lineup delivers first rate performances, including Ron Freschi and John Mattews on lead guitars, Craig Pepe on bass, and Dylan Soto on drums! A thrilling recording that rock fans will want to revisit time and again!
Unpopular Music For Popular People Vol. 1
Dan Sindel
DSS Unlimited
Review by Ken Morton
Dan Sindel has shared the stage with the likes of Accept, Saxon, King Diamond, Armored Saint, Grim Reaper, and more! And now with the release of Unpopular Music For Popular People Vol. 1, Dan shares his own pop rocking music to a great big world. The five songs found within present a truly imaginative artist who can really deliver a wondrously effective tune. Edge Of Eternity is vibrantly timeless, effortlessly meshing genres and sending it all up into the psychedelic stratosphere. Selections such as All Due Respect and Stepping Stone are infinite highlights that should be displayed on radio airwaves all across the galaxy. Rule The World is supremely infectious with its 60’s style melodics while Say Goodbye rocks into your hemisphere with a gripping amount of persuasion. Dan Sindel is one of the best kept secrets of the Los Angeles music community, but expect that to change if this massively talented musician keeps on releasing songs this great! Keep on rocking Dan, and hope to hear a whole lot more new music soon!
The Fall Of Valhalla Himinbjorg European Tribes
Review by Ken Morton
It’s been nearly a decade since the release of their previous album Wyrd, but with the unveiling of The Fall Of Valhalla, Himinbjorg has returned in an epic way! The French Black Metal band has issued a career defining album that unveils black metal hymns at their most intriguing. Our journey into the realm of Himinbjorg’s latest and greatest masterwork commences with the staggering Brothers Sequane followed by the grand and somber reprieves of The Pathetic Men Show. There is a thrilling sense of urgency to be found within the auditory world of Himinbjorg, with sonnets such as Architecture of Annihilation, Tribeless Child, and The Colour Of Truth weaving a mystical spell upon the listener. How wonderful it is to have Zahaah and the almighty Himinbjorg back on track, delivering their compelling artistry upon the universe once more! Extreme metal fans are sure to be fully enraptured by the blistering soundscapes found within The Fall Of Valhalla. There is still magic and wonder to be experienced within the black metal genre, thanks to inventive artists such as Himinbjorg!
So Hard It Hurts
The Midnight Devils MR Records
Review by Ken Morton
First of all, it’s great to be reviewing releases from MR Records again! Always look forward to what this Australian-based label has to deliver. And here to rock your world are The Midnight Devils, an international touring rock n roll assault force out of Omaha, NE and Chicago, IL. featuring Sam Spade on bass and vocals, Sniper on guitar, and Jimmy Mess on the drums. So Hard It Hurts is their latest manifesto of glam slam, and the songs found within recall the glory days of the Sunset Strip when hair metal and punk rock dangerously meshed together and brought down the house. From the rip-roaring commencement of Two The Hard Way to the trashy reverberations of Get Laid and beyond, The Midnight Devils take you all way there with a wicked amount of sheer ferocity! Fearlessly over the top, So Hard It Hurts by The Midnight Devils is a massively entertaining hard rock extravaganza! They’ve opened for the likes of Enuff Z’Nuff, Pretty Boy Floyd, and Dead Girls Academy Hopefully, The Midnight Devils show back up on the Sunset Strip to tantalize our senses live with these kick ass tunes!
California Reboot Speedtwinn
MR Records
Review by Ken
Morton
Speedtwinn is the superb collaboration featuring Gary Twinn of The International Swingers and Bob “Derwood” Andrews of Generation X infamy. The two Londoners now reside in the Golden State - and contained within California Reboot is a massive 18-song alternative country rock explosion destined to enrapture music lovers all across the world! The sonic adventures of California Reboot begin with the super infectious Crazy Ann followed by the boogie-woogie inflections of That’s The Way She’s Online combines the timely with the timeless, a kickass country song about a girl addicted to the wonders of the worldwide web. And the memorable tunes keep on arriving, with standouts such as Heartful Of Love, Last White Buffalo, and The Ballad of Johnny Clash. The Spaceball Ricochet T. Rex cover is especially imaginative. And those of us who reside in Los Angeles are sure to fully appreciate the honky-tonk reveries found within 101 Ventura Freeway Blues. Here’s hoping Speedtwinn bring it all to us live in the future. In the meantime, check out California Reboot by Speedtwinn - destined to become your next favorite auditory addiction.
Wake Up
The Swansons TSM Music Group LLC
Review by Ken Morton
Wake Up by The Swansons has arrived, and what an absolutely delightful and inspirational collection of alternative country! Fronted by the husband-and-wife duo of Joe Finley on lead guitar and vocals and Angie Finley on vocals and percussion, The Swansons present 11 tracks destined to enlighten your world. From the opening refrains of should-be hit single Anybody Better to the cautious inflections of One-Sided and throughout the entire recording, The Swansons capture the hearts and minds of America with their vibrant sonic tapestries. Take The Pain is spiritual themed filled with so much hope and light. “Wake up to the fact that we’re under attack by an enemy we cannot see,” opens the blistering title track, where The Swansons rock it out with a massive amount of passion and conviction. Saying I Love You and Saved are also definitely highlights from the land of Swansonville USA Wake Up by The Swansons presents Joe and Angie Finley at the very height of creativity, spreading love, joy, faith, and positivity through their artistry. And this is something our world needs tenfold! The Swansons present a live show on the Internet every week, where you can hear these and many of their other classic hits!
