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Sit or lay down, relax and get yourself ready to discover more than 50 new bands for you for all tas americana, metal, hip hop, R&B, and hardcore bands and groups to fill your ears. Our main job fo are having a back up team helping them out to bands that still are fighting for to get hear out there. S sible nexts great bands and artists first. How cool is that?
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Rafael Jóvine Syrika Rutherf Writer & President Cover Design
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and join our “revolution” if you can call this way to what
tes: Rock, blues, jazz, pop, gospel, americana, funk, folk, or us is to spread all those new bands which some already o you can think this way: “You would be listening the pos-
ugh, but trust me, this would not. but a guide to help you find your favorites bands, books,
ord Fredy Vengeance Kevin Sloan Logo creator ner Designer (Top Bands)
CA
John Colton Uk writer & photographer
Mike Reardon Melissa Hurry US writer Uk show (Book and TV writer. reviewer)
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Slant Review Progressive rock music all the way from California that immediately draws comparisons with Creed and Papa Roach; throwing other elements from bands like Nirvana and Tool, these guys really know how to rock.
Interview 1. What's the meaning behind the band's name? *Munir - Slant can be defined as "Having a certain inclination towards something, anything with a unique perspective." This is how we approach our music. Slant defines our creativity. *Fahim - We basically chose "Slant" to be our name and to represent us because (like Munir said,) it's our "Slant" on life through music. 2. How the band started?? *Munir - Fahim and I go back to the days we were children. Our families are close friends and so we basically grew up with each other. I went to a family get together at Fahim's house (after a long time of not seeing him) and saw he had just bought a guitar and started writing songs..The funny thing was that I had just bought a guitar around the same time and so I said, "Why don't we get together and jam sometime?" We met Ilya (Bass Guitar) through our former drummer (Andrew is brother). We all have the same drive and passion and ran with it. *Fahim - Even funnier is that we met our new drummer (Jabari), through our old one. It's been odd, but we've been pretty lucky with finding each other, in the sense that we get along, we're friends, & can genuinely flow together when it comes to creating music.
3. What's the message to transmit with your music?? *Fahim - Well basically, we're trying to send a positive message through our songs and tryin to be as honest with it as we can with it. Life is life, there are good times and bad times...And when it's good, we should try to apprieciate it the best we can, and when it's bad or it get's hard.....to not to give up, and that we should try to find away to make it all work. We know that life for everyone, no matter where they are at in the world, has it's ups and downs. We're all learning and growing everyday, and so we're writing our songs that way. 4. What's your method at the time of writting a song?? *Fahim - Well I don't know if there's really a "method" exactly. Sometimes, someone we'll have the music first, sometimes we will have the lyrics written out and we sees. Sometimes it just suddenly comes out both at the same time. An we all work on our parts and the melodies and try to help each other out. *Ilya - I will have to agree with Fahim. A lot of our songs start as a simple as a simple guitar riff, played during practice. Most of our songs are a collective effort, and a few of thought out pieces put together. 5. Which is your music influences?? *Fahim - We all listen to alot of different music, So they all had influenced us in one way or another. I don't know how much comes out in our music though. *Ilya - I have to say that we have a few bands that that we all like: Guns N Roses, Tool, Nirvana, Metallica, Alice in Chains, etc. That is where most of our influences come from. What plans do you guys have for the future?? *Ilya - We going to play a lot of shows now that we have our new drummer up to par and ready to go, and we're definatelly ready to go overseas again. If you guys were stranded in the middle of nowhere after a show or while on tour. The help is 65 miles away from where you guys are, 多Who would you guys send to look for help? And if while the rest wait, there's no food and the only way to feed yourself is by eating each other, 多Who would you eat first? *Fahim - We'd send Munir for help because he'd probably make it back to rescue us, and we'd eat Jabari...he's the newest member so he get's to be the food... :) *Ilya - I'd send Fahim, because Munir will take a while, since he's the slowest driver EVER! And we'd eat Jabari's left leg, because he only really needs the right one to play. Which country you guys would love to play? *Fahim - The Dominican Republic? heheh yah anywhere and everywhere we can. *Ilya - Anywhere, where people want to hear us. > With which bands you guys would love to share stage?? *Ilya - Any band that rocks! Are you guys OK, with the direction the band is going actually? *Fahim - I'd say I'm excited and pretty happy with where it's going, we're gettin better as musicians and songwriters, so as long as we keep progressing in a good way, then I'm happy. *Ilya - I'm happy with where we are, and I'm looking forward to the future.
Check more of Slant by going to: www.myspace.com/slantmusic
Success in the making: Make way for The Autumnkind Band Name: The Autumnkind Venue: 333 Mother Bar, London, UK Date: Thursday 15th April 2010 Setlist for the night included: The Shipping Forecast Seachange A Brief Interruption in Service Another Day My Big Mouth Half Cut After having an in-depth interview with the London lads on a nice evening in Hoxton Square, I built a high expectation of a great show. I was pleasantly delighted to see that my expectations were met. As soon as the band kicked off with their song The Shipping Forecast, the room was filled with great ambience. They built a good relationship with the audience and you felt you were a part of each track they performed such as; Seachange (one of my favourites); My Big Mouth; Half Cut; Another Day etc… You could see they enjoy performing as much as we enjoyed listening and watching the performance. The Autumnkind have inspirational talent. They have a rhythmic sound that touches you with words of feeling and intellect. The music they bring is chilled, uplifting and pure genius. You can sense a flavour of Snow Patrol meets John Mayer meets countless more. I have full conviction that these men will be very successful with their Alternative Indie Rock sounds. I wouldn’t be surprised if they open for mainstream bands in the very near future. I am anticipating greatness here and I know they will deliver. They have great support from us here in the UK and I know this will soon extend into the wider spectrum of the globe. My message to them is carpé diem (seize the day) and keep up with the good work...just don’t lose the passion for your music. The Autumnkind’s album The Shipping Forecast is set to hit the UK stores at the beginning of May. Make sure you get your copy!!! For further information on The Autumnkind please visit the following: www.theautumnkind.com www.myspace.com/theautumnkindmusic www.facebook.com/theautumnkind www.reverbnation.com/theautumnkind
Written by: Melissa Hurry www.myspace.com/melissahurry Check out the video interview with the band: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7XNuvOarGY http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHl7XzpMJfY Photos: Kris Gruber Photography LTD (Live) & Rita Hurry (Interview) Video Interview: Rita Hurry
Interview: Melissa Hurry
Dana Review Pop and R&B from this Long Island based singer / songwriter. Danna’s music is extremely chart friendly, with a particularly European pop feel. Influenced by Timbaland, Kanye West and Mariah Carey (amongst others) Danna is a very talented vocalist with a very bright future.
Interview How did you start with your music career? I come from a musical family so I grew up with music..It's in my blood!!! What’s your message? The message I want to transmit through my music is too be strong, to be a fighter and a survivor.. What’s your method at the time of writting a song? My method for writing a song really depends on my inspiration at the moment. Sometimes I start writing a lyric then I'll add the melody and a chord progression. Sometimes I will start with a melody and work around that. Whicch are your musical influences? My influences are so diverse.. I like all genres of music.. Anything good from Greenday and Pink Floyd, Coldplay to Alecia Keys to Keith Jarrett and Pavoratti to Grandaddy.. I love soulful creative music!!! What are your plans for the future? My plans are to be SUPER SUCCESSFUL and to touch the world through my music and my message and to help the needy; animals, children, etc. and make a difference and do something very postive before I leave the planet. I'm a great role model for kids and I can teach them through the lessons I have learned.
Which country would you LOVE to play? I would love to play in Europe, Italy or England With what band would you like to share stages with? I would love to share the stage with Greenday Are you OK with the direction of your music? I'm definitely ok with the direction of my music and I writing a concept album about my life...
David Altenor Review With great beats that creates a fun and entertainment sound; David Altenor would put your feet to move, at the same time would fill you, not with gangstars and lyrics that really have no productive meaning, now in days, at all. So if you are a fan of hip hop, you would totally dig this guy out!
Interview What's the meaning behind the band's name? Well I use my real name “David Altenor” because I want fans to feel “closer” to me. I don’t want people thinking that I’m one person on the stage than when I’m off it. “David is Offkey” is an alias I use that is reflection of my personality, piano playing style and techniques that I use often. How the band started?? I started as a solo artist after my mom had a stroke in January 27, 2010. I realized that I really needed to impact the world in a greater way and I shouldn’t waste any time in making that happen. What's the message to transmit with your music?? I’m trying to inspire, uplift and motivate all people with my music, whether it is through a message of Jesus or one of inspiration. What's your method at the time of writing a song?? I feel like I’ve “heard” most songs that I’ve written from God. I would receive either an idea, words, the beats or sometimes the entire song. Once I get the initial thing, I run with it and mold it using my gifts. I create music in almost every genre so that keeps things exciting. Which is your music influences?? Oh that’s easy; Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Prince and Tye Tribbett just to name a few.
What plans do you guys have for the future?? I hope to go on numerous world and U.S tours in the near future and have a long career in music. Which has been the funniest prank you guys have been or took part while on tour or after a show?? One of the funniest pranks was when my musicians hid my keyboards from me before the show, then claimed they had gotten stolen. They got me really good especially since we were in a really bad part of New York, where the show was. Don’t worry, I got them back. If you guys were stranded in the middle of nowhere after a show or while on tour. The help is 65 miles away from where you guys are, ¿Who would you guys send to look for help? And if while the rest wait, there's no food and the only way to feed yourself is by eating each other, ¿Who would you eat first? Haha. That’s a tough question. We’d pray about it and try to wait it out until we got some help. But if we had to eat someone first, it’d probably be the drummer for not keeping time. lol Which country you guys would love to play? I would love to play in France. There’s something magical I get about the cities and artistic history of the country. With which bands you guys would love to share stage?? I would love to share the stage with Hillsong, Jonas Brothers, Mary Mary, Drake, Tye Tribbett, Taylor Swift and KanYe just to name a few. Are you guys OK, with the direction the band is going actually? I’m very happy with the way. I just started in 2010 and am already have shows, a tour, radio play and a lot of opportunities. I hope to continue to broaden my horizons and share the gift of God, music and love with all people.
Check out more David Altenor: www.myspace.com/davidisoffkey
Flowers for Lily Review If you like Placebo, you’ll like Flowers for Lilly. This Australian band has produced a body of dark, intense gothic rock that impresses immediately. But the songs aren’t all heavy affairs, with the delicious ‘Snow Song’ really standing out.
Interview What's the meaning behind the band's name? Flowers For Lily means exactly what it seems to state, giving flowers to flowers, or in other words, to give something beautiful or valuable, from the heart, to someone who is beautiful or precious to you. The name comes from a song I wrote years ago for someone who had died in my heart. It also has a deeper reference to the world we live in, and giving back to that world, but that’s a story for another day. How the band started?? The band was actually a resurrection of sorts. A previous project had ended abruptly and rather badly, and I was writing depressive acoustic funeral dirges for the death of the old band. I was calling it “Flowers For Lily” at the time, because that song was a funeral song as well, so the title seemed appropriate. Before I knew it, a couple of the old band members had jumped on board, we found a new guitarist, and were booked to play a festival. It was kind of surreal and I’m still not exactly sure how it happened. What's the message to transmit with your music?? Each of us has a different reason for being in the band, but the songs are largely reflections of the world today, mirror images of life experiences and inner turmoil – but like all painted pictures of reality, there are hopeful signs and solutions for the future on the horizon. A lot of the songs are flagrant mixes of religious symbology and political satire, while others might be aural snapshots of a single emotion or event. If we had a message for the world, it would be this; wake up to yourselves, everything is much worse than your plastic lives pretend it to be – but the future is also much brighter and full of hope than it seems.
What's your method at the time of writting a song?? Depends who’s writing it. If Greg is the primary writer, usually he will lay down guitar, demo the bass and drums, and I’ll let the music do the talking when I write the lyrics – basically, let the music dictate the words. If I’m the primary writer, it could all flow out at once on the guitar or piano – words, music, everything. Then Greg, Cat and Bryan will come in and add their flavours, changes, emotions and opinions to the song. Most of the time though, I just plagiarise all my musical and lyrical ideas from God. At first God told me off and said I should do something original, but then I replied that everything came from God in the first place anyway, so what was the difference? I was just taking a shortcut. God accepted that, and so I’ve been doing it for years now – sneaking into the divine cupboard, stealing a bit of this and that, shaking it up and pouring it out with my heart and soul onto a page – so far it seems as good a method as any with which to put out good music. Which is your music influences?? Very diverse. Cat’s favourite bands include Red Sparrow, KYUSS and ISIS, while Bryan just loves to listen to FILTER, Faith No More and assorted jazz funk musicians. Greg is a big fan of Bloc Party, The Almost and Unwritten Law, while I love everything from Debussy to Led Zeppelin to Bob Marley to MUSE. Lately we’ve all been listening to the Silversun Pickups, TheArt, and AFI. What plans do you guys have for the future?? We decided a while back that saving the universe wasn’t realistic – so then we thought about maybe being superheroes, but just confining our efforts to planet Earth. Initially that was what we wanted to do, get out there, summon up Captain Planet and the Dream Team and save the world. Then we met some actual demons, you know, the real deal, and they scared the hell out of us – it wasn’t so much that we were cowards or anything – the real difficulty was they could lift mountains and shoot lightning bolts and stuff – while our powers were confined to punching, kicking and playing our musical instruments. What really cut us up though with that experience, was the way they laughed at us when we tried to kick their asses. It was just like being back in early high school. So after that we got real and came to understand that there’s a lot of people out there in positions of power who are just never going to give a damn – and no matter what we do, we can’t immediately and directly change a lot with the power of our strings and lungs, as much as we’d like to. You have to use a more subtle method. After that, we set our sights on Wembley. We’re going to play Wembley, and to do that we have to play a lot of huge festival shows beforehand, so it will be important in the future to work on that. We might have to get a record deal too, that would be something different and worth looking into. So, while we’re heading toward Wembley, the plan is to have fun, change lives piece by piece, make love not war, and generally have a good time. In the mean time, we’re putting out a new CD in the near future, and doing our best to convince people to support OXFAM. Which has been the funniest prank you guys have been or took part while on tour or after a show?? I could tell you all about that, but unfortunately it would ruin our corporate careers and several C.I.A. members would smash through the roof and start zip-cuffing people left right and centre. Then the grey aliens would turn up shooting off laser beams and hurling rocks everywhere with their telekinetic powers and start experimenting on cattle again – you know, generally causing pandemonium. Not to mention the amount of scientologists that would be after us. I think we’d all prefer to avoid that kind of attention, so, at this stage, our hijinx will have to remain a mystery. But thanks for asking! If you guys were stranded in the middle of nowhere after a show or while on tour. The help is 65 miles away from where you guys are, ¿Who would you guys send to look for help? And if while the rest wait, there's no food and the only way to feed yourself is by eating each other, ¿Who would you eat first? Well, obviously we’d send one of two monkeys. Do you own a monkey? I don’t recommend it – they’re really loud and rude and smell funny. Anyway, if the first monkey didn’t come back, naturally we’d send the second one out for pizza. We’d save energy by playing chasey, and if we got really hungry we’d just suck nourishment out of Greg’s hair. Greg has amazingly nutritious hair, and a lot of it too. I know he’d be a bit hurt by us having to take away his hair for our survival, but I’m sure he’d understand. Besides, it would grow back, and then we could survive for even longer. Which country you guys would love to play? We’d like to play for the United Nations. That would be really fun, and because they’ve got representatives from many nations, they would be sure to have excellent food. Personally I’d love to play throughout Asia and South America, right through China, Japan, all those places. Greg wants to do the UK and Europe, and Cat wants to do the USA. Bryan wants to do Egypt through Russia. With which bands you guys would love to share stage?? MUSE, HIM, Placebo, The Dead Weather, Them Crooked Vultures, Spinerette, AFI, Unwritten Law, My Chemical Romance, TOOL. Among many others. We’d love to play with TheArt again too, they were awesome. Are you guys OK, with the direction the band is going actually? Yeah we’re okay. We’re doing alright, despite the poverty, lack of resources, poor communication and occasional dysentery. As for the band, we’re heading upward and inward. Last but not least, we always like to remember that love blooms in even the darkest places. The world is not as horrible as it often seems, and beautiful things are always just around the corner. We do our best not to live in an Empty World.
Check out more Flowers for Lily: www.myspace.com/flowers4lily
Fools for Rowan Review A particularly cool rock band from Nashville, Tennessee fronted by the extremely talented Erin Mullins. Heavily influenced by Evanescence and Paramore, I can see (and sincerely hope) this band going very far indeed‌..
Interview What's the meaning behind the band's name? The name 'Rowan' was significant to our lead singer Erin Mullins. It's a name she came up with when she combined the names of the two people most supportive of her music career, her mom and grandpa... 'Fools for' just seemed to fit and followed suit. How the band started?? Erin was working on a solo project but halfway through decided that she'd rather be in a band. So she called up bassist Aaron Elliott, who she had already known through a mutual friend, and told him what she was wanting to do... he was in! Aaron immediately had two guys in mind for drummer and rhythm guitar, Jordan Cullen and Ryan Nanney. As far as Rachel Brandsness, we just got lucky and she fell into our laps as our lead guitarist. What's the message to transmit with your music?? We want to transmit a message that's positive, heavy on fun, heavy on the rockin' and create music that is meaningful to listeners and takes them to that place only a really great song can.
What's your method at the time of writting a song?? It depends, sometimes you already know what you want to right about and it just flows naturally. Other times maybe all you have is a idea for a song and you have to come up with the back story, or maybe all you have is a melody that you're in love with... then you have to come up with lyrics that compliment the feeling of that melody. And then there are times when you just want to write a song or need to write a song but have no ideas or melodies... but it can be the most fun and fulfilling when you have to really dig for something great. Which is your music influences?? We all have different musical influences... Erin: Nickelback, Pat Benetar, and Aerosmith Rachel: Nancy Wilson-Heart, Jimmy Page-Led Zeppelin, and Boston Aaron: Lifehouse, Breaking Benjamin, and Linkin Park Ryan: Alice in Chains, Def Leopard, and Van Halen Jordan: Extol, Squarepusher, and Aphex Twin What plans do you guys have for the future?? We plan to tour the country, meet the fans, make more fans, make some more music, play some arenas, maybe win a grammy, and live the dream!!! Which has been the funniest prank you guys have been or took part while on tour or after a show?? We haven't pranked each other very much, we're more into old fashion stupidity and just having a blast on the road. However, one time after a radio interview in Indiana, we all piled in and hid the bus around the corner while Ryan was still in the gas station. He came out, didn't see us, and just started sprinting towards the interstate... it was freakin' hilarious! If you guys were stranded in the middle of nowhere after a show or while on tour. The help is 65 miles away from where you guys are, 多Who would you guys send to look for help? And if while the rest wait, there's no food and the only way to feed yourself is by eating each other, 多Who would you eat first? We would send Jordan to get help, he is very responsible and always bursting with energy so he would find help quickly and efficiently. Who would we eat? Ryan, because while comic relief would be refreshing, we have to keep Aaron around incase we need to build a fire or learn to catch a fish with our bare hands, Erin wouldn't go down without a fight and wouldn't let anyone take Rachel down either... So the short straw is going to have to go to Ryan... Haha! Which country you guys would love to play? Australia would be pretty bamf! With which bands you guys would love to share stage?? That's a tough question, we look up to and respect so many different bands. Nickelback, Heart, Daughtry, Paramore for starters... but we could go on and on! Are you guys OK, with the direction the band is going actually? Absolutely. We feel like we're on a steady climb right now and we're having a blast!
Check out more Fools for Rowan: www.myspace.com/foolsforrowan
Glass Delirium Review Hard hitting progressive rock with more than a hint of gothic metal; having recently seen Lacuna Coil play live, I can confidently say that Glass Delirium compare extremely well to such a talented and well known band. This is a powerful, emotionally strong band going places.
Interview What's the meaning behind the band's name? It's a representation of how fragile the human mind is. One moment can change everything, and the mind can shatter like glass. How the band started?? Scott and Cassi were looking for a bassist, drummer, keyboard player, and potentially a male vocalist. Matt was looking for a guitarist, bassist, and vocas. The two groups combined songs and started under the name Forgotten Serenade. David was added a few months later after going to a show, checking us out online, and saw that we wanted to add keys to our music. We found Vince after we fired our old singer and changed the name (thank God, because Forgotten Serenade is a terrible name) to Glass Delirium. We found Robi a year ago when our old bass player went to school in Japan. Our live Violin player Josh played in another band called Color Reporter, and we did one show with him playing violin on Beside Myself. We loved the vibe it gave the song, so we continued to use him in more live songs. What's the message to transmit with your music?? Vince - i think what we are trying to get across as a band is that we are all human and going to make good decisions and bad decisions. this is what we are given and what can we do with it....acceptance in life and all that surrounds us... David - There is no set goal on what the music transmits, but it inherently reflects the challenges we encounter in day to day life. Scott - I don't really have a specific message I'm trying to release. It's simply a release, whatever that emotion may be. Somedays is bouncy and jazzy. Other days is angry and heavy. Other days is slow and draining. But ultimately I want it to be something that people can connect with.
What's your method at the time of writting a song?? David - Usually when I start writing a song I may have a really good idea then go with it for awhile before I have something more solid to present to the band. Other times, I'll just have like 3 or 4 chords that sound awesome next to each other that I'll be super compelled to use sometime. Scott - I usually get an idea of what I want a song to sound like as a whole. Either that, or I get a riff going first and then develop the idea that I want the song to sound like as a whole. I'll keep working on the song with that structure in mind, and make changes along the way. For me, my emphasis with songwriting relies on the song as a whole. The details are important of course, but the song has to be complete. Which is your music influences?? Vince - anyone willing to challenge themselves and take there point of view a step further influences me a great deal. David - It's hard for me to say where I get my influence from. I listen to an extremely wide variety of music that is all very diverse. Scott - I seem to have four main types of music that I love. Progressive rock/metal such as Tool, Fair to Midland, Porcupine Tree, and Opeth. Then goofy/jazzy/happy music like Foxy Shazam, Polkadot Cadaver, Dog Fashion Disco, and Mr. Bungle. Drony, sad, atmospheric music like Sigur Ros, and symphonic music like Nightwish. What plans do you guys have for the future?? David - For the future, there will be writing new music, getting out on the road some more, hopefully meeting and making some new fans on the way. Scott - Currenlty, playing in new towns, and writing some new music! Which has been the funniest prank you guys have been or took part while on tour or after a show?? On our first tour, Scott changed his socks in the car to keep his feet from smelling, but he stuck his dirty socks in a compartment on the back of the driver's seat. Matt was looking for his money and stuck his hand in the compartment and was grossed out by nasty-post-show-sweaty socks. From that point on, there has been a battle of trying Scott and Matt putting dirty socks in spots like on the seat-belt cover, or in their coat pockets. If you guys were stranded in the middle of nowhere after a show or while on tour. The help is 65 miles away from where you guys are, 多Who would you guys send to look for help? And if while the rest wait, there's no food and the only way to feed yourself is by eating each other, 多Who would you eat first? Matt - I would end up being the one leaving to look for help. David would probably be the first one to be eatin because he wouldnt be that difficult of a fight but if Vince was easier to take down he would be the first to be eatin because he would taste the best. David - We would all go together. We stick together and look out for each other. Scott - Matt would probably go to look for help because he has that personality. I'd probably eat Vince because he works out the most out of all of us. Which country you guys would love to play? David - I would love to play every country. I love traveling and to see the world is a lifelong dream of mine. Scott - Anywhere in Europe, I don't care where, I just want to visit and play music in Europe. With which bands you guys would love to share stage?? David - It would be awesome to share the stage with Muse, Lady Gaga, Fair to Midland, Mindless Self Indulgence, Madonna, Mute Math, to name a few. Scott - Fair to Midland! Dir En Grey, and Nightwish Are you guys OK, with the direction the band is going actually? Vince - I am happy with the direction because it seems like people are finally getting it. we are solid live and I think it helps get the point across to the audience. we are confident enough now to show our flaws and put that out there live to amplify the experience...if that makes any sense whatsoever Scott - I like how with our music, some people love it, and some people hate it. Every show, there is someone who says "you guys are the most original band I have ever seen. I love it!" But at the same time, there are occasionally people who I hear say they cannot stand our music. To me, that just means that we are doing something that stands out and being different, which is a huge compliment to me.
Check out more Glass Delirium: www.myspace.com/glassdeliriummusic
Heroes + Villiains Review An uplifting blend of electronica and pop rock; Think of the most grandiose Coldplay songs, through in a few more bells and whistles together with some fine song writing and you’ll be half way there. A stadium band in the making…. Enjoy.
Interview 1. The band name derives from the sound. We love to write songs with emotion. Epic and duality. quiet/loud. evil/good. love/hate. 2. The band started as a six piece project in 2007. Kansas City broke us to a strong quartet that loved music, but differences, ideas, and the pursuit of something "more" sculpted and evolved us into the trio that is now. 3. The message. The message has always been translation. Like a slideshow. A peek into our lives and how we perceive the world and our relationships in hope that we can connect with others and make them feel alive..excite others…like children are alive…blissful..hopeful… 4. Our method is simple. We come up with and idea and shoot it between each other. Regurgitate. Repeat. Refine. Record. 5. Our plans for the future are to write more definitive music. And keep writing until our fingers hurt really bad. 6. You guys are really making me think about this prank thing..ummmm…think think..thnk..think…we really aren't prank people..we are "doers"..we just have ridiculous things happen to us…"New Mexico has the Nicest Bums" ..i wanna write that book…met a bum in Albuquerque..name was Bucky Two Feathers…claimed he taught Chris Angel everything he knows…we said show us…he said no..magicians don't give away their secrets…after an hour of talking WE asked him if he needed any money…they really know how to work you down there...
7. Eating band members…well…since the other two guys haven't seen this question (on purpose)…i would just pick one to go get help..I have the jump on them.…make up some weird excuse why i can't go…blunder the other one over the top of the head with a tire iron..then feast…use the extra taco bell/Whataburger condiment packets left in the van for delicious seasoning…i'm ruthless when it comes to road survival..that's another book I guess… -Ryan 8. I know that we would definitely like to play in Europe…and Japan… 9. I think there are a few bands we would love to share the stage with..Flaming Lips….Elbow….U2…somehow James Taylor…. Glen Campbell… 10. We are very content with the direction the group is headed…we just wish we could time would allow to pause so we could complete more within the year...
Check out more Heroes and Villiains: www.myspace.com/heroesandvilliains
J the Blue Review The name might give the game away, but this really is the Blues as it should sound. From Caracas, Venezuela to London, England, J the Blues is a truly sensational talent that deserves to be heard. Listen to ‘Through the End’… you won’t be disappointed.
Interview What's the meaning behind the band's name? The meaning it’s actually an appreciations from the fans. Everybody knows me as J, but the love me to play the blues, so every time I had to play a gig in any place the people started to scream J “The Blues” play “The Blues”, so I tucked and now they know me as J The Blues. How the band started?? I had a band back in Venezuela called “The Uncles” we had pretty good things but finally we just brook up. Then I decided to go and do a Rock n’ roll solo career. I moved to Alabama and expend more than a year and a half there getting in touch with the south blues side, the people, the movement, everything, finally I came back to Caracas were I started to record some more song and play live gigs by myself. I don’t actually remember the day when I took the decision to go to London and start doing my thing here, ‘couse it was so fast… Then I got here (London) and started to look around, meeting people, learning about the underground movement and then I met with Ace, a brother to me from Venezuela, he is a long time very good friend of mine and an excellent musician, he loved my music and the direction I was going to, so he took his chance and ask me to enjoy the live band ‘couse he new I’m still doing the solo thing and I was going to give it all, I just couldn’t resist, I said yes, let’s do it properly a nice duet live act that can Rock at loud and blows people mains. I didn’t worry to find a bass player, another guitar player or someone to play the keyboard, then again it was so fast that we started rehearsals that day till now and it sounds amazing, it’s like a blues, rock garage, with a lot of psychedelic on it. We are pretty exited about the new sound that we have developed.
What's the message to transmit with your music?? Well, this is a nice question, The Message it’s realism, it’s about dreams and live… Kind of hard to explain but I’m gonna give it a shut. It’s as simple as breath, is realistically an option where it tells to the people that you can make things happen, dreams are the way to look at your future, not a way to say I could be that or that. It’s as simple as what I believe it’s going to happen, what I want to happen, actually it does happen, you know what I mean? Some people say that you are aloud to dream big but your always have to keep your foot in the ground, yeah that’s true, but what I’m saying is that when it says “keep you foot in the ground” you have to find your way and do it against every obstacle you find, what I say is Dream Big and Make It Happen Even Bigger It’s gonna be a long way to the top, but as long as you keep on going everything it’s gonna be all right. What's your method at the time of writting a song?? Many times happened to me that I’m at any place and then A Sound comes to me, I can’t really explain how, then I keep thinking on that sound and I start imagine the rest of the song, the arrangements of the instruments, the back vocals, the rhythm section, everything. After I got to my place I just grab the guitar and start playing the sounds that I heard in my mind, if I heard a melody all create the harmony and onwards. Normally I compose first the harmony and the melody just comes to me, when I’m about to write the lyric I close my eyes, take a deep breath few times and I transport my self to a specific moment that I’ve lived or that I want to live, I start playing the guitar with the chords and that’s about it, the fluency kick off and I just can’t stop it. Which is your music influences?? Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Cream, The Doors, The Who, Peter Frampton, Janis Joplin, Joe Cocker, Crosby Still Nash & Young, The Black Keys, The Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Oasis, Elvis Presley, Temptations, Marving Gaye, Muddy Waters, BB King, John Lee Hooker, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Bob Marley... among others... What plans do you guys have for the future?? Right now we are almost all the time in the rehearsal room, finishing the set for our up coming tour in the UK. We have booked many gigs were we will be playing for six month all around London, Manchester, Liverpool, New Castle, Leeds, Edinburgh, Glasgow and many other places. We love to play live, so we are putting together a nice act for the fans out there, and that’s about it in the near future. We want to plan a Tour in the USA from the beginning of the next year and then go trough Latin America till the end. Probably we will stop in some studios while we are doing the tour to record new songs and trying to get a fully professional recorded album for the rock n’ rolla fans in world. Which has been the funniest prank you guys have been or took part while on tour or after a show?? Well I have to tell you, the Rock n’ Roll live style it’s hard to handle for some people… hahaha… I remember the night before I came to London I was doing a gig in Caracas and after the gig the only thing I remember is waking up in an ex-girlfriends house at 2 o’clock in the afternoon alone. I called my ex and she took the keys of the house, looked me in while she was out getting some food, I tell you that was a nightmare, I had to be in the airport by 4 PM and I didn’t have packed my suitcase and I wasn’t at home either. I told her to come back to the house and let me go and I went right away to my place packed my suitcase, grab my guitar and ran to the airport. When a got to the airport “Thanks to God” the Flight had a delay for 2 hours. Took the flight (drank some beers) and when I got to London I had to stay in backpackers hostel with two bathrooms for 60 people for a hole week while I find a place to move in. That first day I was so exited to be in London that I actually played that night in a small pub on an Open Mic Session. Got to say it, I Love Rock N’ Roll!!!
Check out more J The Blues: www.myspace.com/jtheblues1
Kotadama Review Kotadama is a Japanese phrase the means ‘Spirit of Words’, and was chosen as it reflects what the band consider their music to be about. This Australian band performs nice, if somewhat bland pop music which will appeal to a large audience. Unfortunately it didn’t appeal to me…..
Interview What's the meaning behind the band's name? (A)> well "kotadama" actually means spirit of words. This name and its meaning kind of stuck with us as we're are strong believers in the power of words and the effect they can have on your immediate environment How the band started?? (A)> We started out in late 2006/early 07. We were inspired by one of U2's live dvd's and then decided we would like to do what they do. I then got my first guitar, Evan got his first Drum kit and we began teaching ourselves some U2 covers and got our mate to learn keyboards. After a while we began throwing our own chords together. What's the message to transmit with your music?? (A)> Our goal with our music is to get through to people, to elicit a response. Whether it is inspiration, Sadness or more commonly, love. The ultimate reward is influencing someone's life through music. we would like to do what they do. I then got my first guitar, Evan got his first Drum kit and we began teaching ourselves some U2 covers and got our mate to learn keyboards. After a while we began throwing our own chords together. What's your method at the time of writing a song?? (A)> Usually the music comes first and this generally creates a distinct vibe or emotion from with we decide upon a theme then lyrics.
Which is your music influences?? (A)> Our main musical influences are U2, probably more of their earlier stuff (Joshua Tree). What plans do you guys have for the future?? (A)>if all goes well a world tour would be on the cards in the next 6 to 12 months. But ultimately it’s doing whatever it takes to get our stuff out to the farthest ends of the planet as possible. Which has been the funniest prank you guys have been or took part while on tour or after a show?? (A)>well there's been a few but the most common would be pretending our keyboardist has lost his wallet again, seriously he forgets everything so we usually hide his wallet and let him believe he's lost it again. Even as we speak his wallet is missing. If you guys were stranded in the middle of nowhere after a show or while on tour. The help is 65 miles away from where you guys are, ¿Who would you guys send to look for help? And if while the rest wait, there's no food and the only way to feed yourself is by eating each other, ¿Who would you eat first? (A)> We would probably send our keyboardist Clint away, and we would probably wait till he got back to eat him, (although he’s mostly bones, no fat or brains). You can probably tell he's the one who cops a lot of flacI Which country you guys would love to play? (A)> you know I think playing anywhere overseas is always exciting, but I think the general feeling from the band is that the USA is a big one for us. Having said that, though, we had a great experience in the UK as well. With which bands you guys would love to share stage?? (A)> U2, Coldplay, Are you guys OK, with the direction the band is going actually? (A)>Yes, I think we really are. We’re independent enough to be able to plan our own journey and our producer and partner (David Kershenbaum) is just the best. He is very supportive of our goals.
Check out more Kotadama: www.kotadama.com
Lovehead Review Trying to define Lovehead is not an easy task. A blend of Rock, Pop and Dance might get someway to do so, but in reality they are far more than this. A British band with a schizophrenic sound… they are definitely worth checking out. I love the INXS cover to…
Interview How did you started?? I picked up a guitar when I was 14 years old and was hooked ever since then. I tried doing lots of things but deep down all I ever really wanted to do was play guitar and write songs. I’ve got to admit I spent a long time as a cowardly bedroom guitarist and then formed Lovehead to get the music out there. What's the message to transmit with your music?? You should be angry with the world because there’s so much wrong with it but at the same time you’re only here once so try and have as much fun as possible. What's your method at the time of writting a song?? I usually write the music first by just strumming around on an acoustic guitar until eventually I get some inspiration from somewhere. The other way I seem to write music is to pick up an instrument I don’t normally play like a Bass, Keyboard or Synth and just let that feeling of trying something new give me some inspiration. The lyrics are the hard part! Sometimes I’ll write a whole song in 30 minutes and other times it’s this horrible process that takes weeks. Which is your music influences?? I’ve got to admit I love a lot of the dead guys. There is something about the lives of Hendrix, Cobain and Morrison that amazes me. They seemed to shine so brightly and compact whole lives into 3 years but ultimately they were such purists to their art form that it killed them. I can find something great in every decade whether it’s the brilliance of the Stones and Beatles in the 60s, Bowie and Pink Floyds amazing innovations, Led Zepplin’s rock dominance or The Sex Pistols nihilism. I love those bands that were so special and talented that they almost seem to own their genre forever.
What plans do you have for the future?? Well we’re just about to release our debut album ‘Vanity Project’ this May so we’ll promote that as much as we can. We’re trying to be the best live act we can be but what I really want to do more than anything is to get back into the studio and record more songs. Which has been the funniest prank you have been or took part while on tour or after a show?? We did something so horrible and weird that we can’t print it for fear of getting arrested. The ‘innocent’ victim doesn’t know it was us and we feel safer that way. That’ll teach people not to heckle us during our set? If you and your band (If any) were stranded in the middle of nowhere after a show or while on tour. The help is 65 miles away from where you guys are, ¿Who would you send to look for help? And if while the rest wait, there's no food and the only way to feed yourself is by eating each other, ¿Who would you eat first? MMmm, You guys at Vents Magazine come out with some very interesting questions! I would go myself to look for help because I’d hate waiting around for someone else to save my life. If I was feeling a little bit hungry then I’d probably nibble on Jake first as he’s the youngest and probably has the nicest meat. I wonder if Jake will ever get on a tour bus with me again? Which country you would love to play? I’d love to play somewhere where they don’t get a lot of Rock N Roll bands like China, Africa or India. It’d just be so cool to get a really warm and receptive audience who were super excited to see something totally different. There are so many bands on the European and US circuits that you really have to pull something amazing out of the bag to wow the crowd. With which bands you would love to share stage?? If I could chose any band from history it’d be The Rolling Stones. Are you OK, with the direction the band is going actually? The band is growing and learning all the time so I have this funny feeling something special will come out of it any second now. Watch this space!
Check out more Lovehead: www.myspace.com/officiallovehead
Noshir Mody Review With guitars that would blast your mind and with a sound that would drive you to a whole new world; Noshir Mody is THE best option and most hear for all people that are in a way more “mature� musically talking OR that enjoy from harmonic guitar riffs and jazz rock music. This trio would not let you down AT ALL.
Interview What's the meaning behind the band's name? The band is called the Noshir Mody Trio, which is my first and last name. How the band started?? I had released my solo album "In this world with you" and wanted to tour in support of it. I was very keen on making the live shows special and I knew I had the right material for it. The trio has resulted from searching through a number of musicians to find the right fit. We are Noshir Mody-Guitars, Daniel Foose-Acoustic Bass and Kim Garey-Drums. The music is served with a blend of virtuosity and creativity as we make music "on the fly" around sparse musical structures and melodies from the album as well as a few that were composed more recently. What's the message to transmit with your music?? Since the style of music we play is "EthniFusion" ie ethnic jazz fusion - our message is one of creating harmony with many diverse elements, both stylistic and cultural What's your method at the time of writting a song?? What I always try to keep in mind while writing is not to force the process- allow inspiration to guide me through a melody or rhythmic structure or progression and then use my musical abilities to arrange around the inspired moment. So for me it's almost always a two part process - the moment of inspiration and then the arrangement of the music.
Which is your music influences?? Considering that we are a fusion group our influences are varied and diverse - Ulf Wakenius, Zakir Hussain, John McLaughlin, Pat Metheny, Trilok Gurtu,, Pink Floyd, Al Di Meola, Mike Stern, Queensryche, and many, many more... What plans do you guys have for the future?? Make great music and PLAY, I love the live format and vibing off audiences. Each show is so different - because of it's unscripted nature it's a journey for audiences as well as the band. Which has been the funniest prank you guys have been or took part while on tour or after a show?? Not sure if it was a prank or not, it wasn't funny at the time - but we were once booked by a venue on the lower east side in New York and when we showed up the venue was closed! If you guys were stranded in the middle of nowhere after a show or while on tour. The help is 65 miles away from where you guys are, 多Who would you guys send to look for help? And if while the rest wait, there's no food and the only way to feed yourself is by eating each other, 多Who would you eat first? Daniel looks to be the most athletic so my money would be on sending him for help and since I'm the chubbiest I'm guessing I would be sacrificed first! Which country you guys would love to play? I hear Norway has spectacular natural beauty. I'd love to play there With which bands you guys would love to share stage?? Pat Metheny, Mike Stern Are you guys OK, with the direction the band is going actually? Absolutely! We understand it's a process and we're having a lot of fun doing it.
Check out more Noshir Mody: www.noshirmody.com
One for Jude Review ‘One for Jude’ is a trio from Paris performing alternative rock. Full of atmosphere, and haunting vocals, there music is very hard to categorise, which in my opinion is a good thing. Visit their website, have a listen, and decide for yourself….
Interview What's the meaning behind the band's name? the band's name was discussed and decided the day before our first release. St Jude is the Saint of vain causes. Jude was also Yo's nanny and sex friend. One for Jude is a sympathic gesture towards him or her.
How the band started?? Ben and Billy started a cover band named « Closer » in 1998, remixing and playing live some music from Joy Division, the Cure and other new wave bands. During the whole summer 1999, they locked them up in a recording studio to record and mix their first 5-tracks demo. One for Jude was born, Yo joined the band for the first shows and the European tour.
What's the message to transmit with your music?? We compose a dreamy and instrospective music, which usually leaves room for the auditor’s own messages. Our songs are inspired by edge-of-the-world ambiences, intemporal experiences, recursive Gregorian choruses and petrified emotions.
What's your method at the time of writting a song?? We often work remotely from each other, for pratical reasons (Yo and Billy travel a lot). We (un)fortunately don’t have receipe, and contribute in most songs all in the composition process. However, Ben is often good at setting atmospheres, Billy at melodies and Yo at lyrics. Which is your music influences?? We listen and like a very wide range of genres and composers. Aside obvious indie/new wave/cold folk tunes, we are influenced by a lot of baroque music, krautrock, electro rock, trip hop, industrial, metal, experimental and popular songs for children. All in all, we may be more inpired by other arts such as literature or painting. What plans do you guys have for the future?? We have just finished to mix the live video recording of our last concert in Paris, from the "waving good bye" tour. We are therefore preparing a DVD in the coming months, some samples are already online on youtube. We are also back to a writing phase, for a next release. Which has been the funniest prank you guys have been or took part while on tour or after a show?? We met a lot of very special and interesting characters when on tour. Some are memorable and quite funny. When we were touring in Eastern Europe about 10 years ago, Ben and Billy were arrested at the Czech border just before our show in Prag. We had to find some flyers and play some songs to prove we were not drug dealers but "simply" a band on tour. The immigration officers were then kindly invited to the show. If you guys were stranded in the middle of nowhere after a show or while on tour. The help is 65 miles away from where you guys are, ¿Who would you guys send to look for help? I guess Yo would go, he has the longest legs by far and can pretend speaking almost any language And if while the rest wait, there's no food and the only way to feed yourself is by eating each other, ¿Who would you eat first? Ben and Billy will then stay and fight to eat each other, or die starving together Which country you guys would love to play? We’d love to play in Russia and in China where we have a significant fan base out of reach in a tour for us so far. Also we would like to play again in Prag. With which bands you guys would love to share stage?? they are many. We are open to any offer. Some bands like the Legendary Pink Dots would be a great band to play with. We would love to share the stage with Nine Inch Nails and Godspeed you Black Emperor. Are you guys OK, with the direction the band is going actually? We have been playing around for about 11 years now, releasing 7 CDs among which 3 full-length albums. We would like to proceed further, with more live shows in the future and some music videos. We'd be happy to find also international distribution and promotion partners to help us in managing the "business" side of it. Any label interested can contact us. By the way, thank you for your support and interest.
Check out more One for Jude: www.myspace.com/oneforjude
Phil Lomac Review Laid back acoustic folk rock from this Chicago musician, with the odd louder moment; Go to his website, listen to ‘No Connection’ and enjoy.
Interview What's the meaning behind the band's name? It's my name! How the band started?? My first experience in bands was in 10th & 11th grade -- a couple of the older guys in school invited me to play guitar in their group - we were first called "Mothers of the Disappeared" after the U2 song and then later the name changed to "The Falling Rainmen". I guess you would describe our sound as politically charged punk or indie rock. Over the coming years I played my way through many bands including Brown Root Seed Company, Ron Neil and the 11th Hour, Senatobia, Bugs Multiply and finally broke away to pursue a solo career. What's the message to transmit with your music?? I guess if my music is transmitting anything it is helping people feel the beautiful side of sadness.....that answer might be too melodramatic and not sure I understood the question completely. What's your method at the time of writting a song?? musically I look for different riffs, tones or phrasings I can get out of the guitar....and I switch guitars a lot....one day I'll sit down with one of my acoustics, the next with an electric on full blast and then maybe experiment around with a classical nylon string guitar after that. Its funny how different guitars can inspire a whole new idea or part for a song. Lyrically, I don't really have a formula....the words just kind of come out and sometimes they are really good and sometimes I produce complete garbage and I have to take a break from it. I often don't relate the meaning of a lyric until months after the song is finished and after I have stepped back a bit and then I can go --oh yeah I see why I wrote that line.
Which is your music influences?? I have for a long-time been inspired by the acoustic sounds of musicians like Ben Harper and Ani DiFranco and equally as long by the more textured, layered sounds of bands like My Bloody Valentine, Sparklehorse and Wilco. I always really like REM too. What plans do you guys have for the future?? I hope to go back into the studio with a full band in the near future...I have a bunch of new material formulated and want to record while the ideas are still fresh and exciting in my mind. Otherwise I will be promoting my current recordings and playing around Chicago and trying to convince someone to produce my next record for free. Which has been the funniest prank you guys have been or took part while on tour or after a show?? Well there was this time in Roanoke, VA where the club closed down after we played but a "select" group of very precarious people were ushered in to stay. Later in the wee hours of the morning we were escorted to someone's apartment where things took a turn for the worse. I am not saying I believe in vampires or ghosts but things were strange. Lets just say it involved a snake, a lunchbox and some leather. I felt like the whole thing was a prank on us. I was glad to get out the next morning mostly unscathed. Lets just leave it at that. If you guys were stranded in the middle of nowhere after a show or while on tour. The help is 65 miles away from where you guys are, 多Who would you guys send to look for help? And if while the rest wait, there's no food and the only way to feed yourself is by eating each other, 多Who would you eat first? Well, since its just me I would detach my legs and send them for help...no wait those would be good for eating in case of an emergency....hope I am never in the situation. This reminds me of one of the worst stranded stories from being in bands. It was with Ron Neil and the Eleventh Hour.....we were on a short tour and playing through Charleston, SC. There was a long, really old 2 lane bridge with no emergency lanes across the harbor there and we ran out of gas about 1/2 way up. To make a long story short, we sent the one girl in the band with strangers to get gas (whose idea was that?), tried backing the van down in neutral with a couple of us directing traffic, until finally the police came. They ended up being pretty cool about it and gave us a police escort to the venue we were playing at. Which country you guys would love to play? I grew up in Berlin, Germany and would love to go back and do some shows there With which bands you guys would love to share stage??There are so many but I would love to share the stage with any of the following: Wilco, REM, Ben Harper, Jack Johnson, Ani DiFranco, KT Tunstall, Diane Birch Are you guys OK, with the direction the band is going actually? I have always been about the do-ityourself mentality in the direction of building a completely self-sufficient music career -- I like being in control of my own music career destiny so to speak....it keeps me hopeful, driven and excited
Check out more Phil Lomac: www.phillomac.com
Rebel Red Review Boy, can this lady sing….. I can just picture Rebel Red playing her roots based rock in a smoky ole country bar, with the audience eating out of her hands. ‘Dusty Shack’ really showcases Rebel Reds sensational voice … and the songs themselves are superb….
Interview What's the meaning behind the band's name? A rebel is a person who distrusts authority. Red is the color of my soul. How the band started?? I started playing music when I was a kid. What's the message to transmit with your music?? Peace and love. And I'm stickin' to it. What's your method at the time of writting a song?? A song does not come from the songwriter, it comes through him/her. It's like going fishing...every song that ever existed, past, present or future, is already written, and is floating around waiting for the song "writer" to catch it! And every now and again you catch a good one! I start out riffing on my guitar. When I find something that feels like a song, I monkey around with it until it suggests some lyrics...I just keep going till it's done. Which is your music influences?? Reggae, honky tonk, British Invasion, blues, rock and roll.
What plans do you guys have for the future?? After we release the single "Nature's Child" there will be an EP, followed by a full length CD. We plan to do some touring in Europe to support the single. Which has been the funniest prank you guys have been or took part while on tour or after a show?? Can't answer this on right away, if I think of something I will send it in. If you guys were stranded in the middle of nowhere after a show or while on tour. The help is 65 miles away from where you guys are, 多Who would you guys send to look for help? And if while the rest wait, there's no food and the only way to feed yourself is by eating each other, 多Who would you eat first? I would go for help, it's better than waiting around to be eaten. I think the band would choose to eat whoever has the most meat on them - you decide! Which country you guys would love to play? England! With which bands you guys would love to share stage?? Anybody retro like the Rolling Stones or Creedence Clearwater Revival and any and all reggae bands...... Are you guys OK, with the direction the band is going actually? YES!!
Check out more Rebel Red by going to: www.rebelredmusic.com
Rony Corcos Review Rony Corcos’s work is just absolutely beautiful… sublime even. These are some of the most gorgeous pieces of music I’ve had the pleasure of listening to. Acoustic, chilled out dreamy folk / rock ballads that will enrich your life. Rony, if youre reading this, please come to England and play some shows…
Interview How did you started?? I've been playing acoustic and electric guitar for 12 years, and found my voice when I was 16. When I was 17 I startes to write my own songs, and performed with them for the first time at the age of 18. Ever since, I've performed on many stages around Israel. What's the message to transmit with your music?? My message is mainly to be true, always. never play games with your listeners, they won't buy it. An artist should always be genuine, real, and thats what i'm trying to be. to write, compose. I really believe that when people will be absolutely real and true with one another , this world will be easier to live in, well.. at least for me. What's your method at the time of writting a song?? Usually, I play a lot on the guitar, until I find a nice riff or a bounch of chords, after that the melody just sits in, and the lyrics are influenced by everything that's going on in the melody, the chords, and my life at the moment. There are times when I write the lyrics first because theres somthing pounding in my brain, wanting to burst out. Which is your music influences?? Jeff Buckley, fiona apple, Pink Floyd, Tori amos, Joni mitchell, antony and the jonsons, PJ harvey..
What plans do you guys have for the future?? I'm leaving Israel in may to tour Lonson an NY with my acoustic, the plan is to just perform a lot, to send my music to labels and record companies around the world, and to work hard, hoping something great will come along. Which country you would love to play? England, the US... but really, I don't care where, just give me the stage and i'll be fine :) With which bands you would love to share stage?? Fiona apple, Antony and the jonsons, kings of leon, dave matthews band, PJ harvey ...and many more. Are you OK, with the direction your music is going actually? Yes. I am aware that it will take a while until something big will happen to me, but the shows are EVERYTHING! I love performing my music, I love the feeling when someone hears my music and tells me that it touched him/her. Thats the best feeling in the world- to make people feel you through your music.
Check out more from Rony bu going to: www.myspace.com/ronyc219
Subanez Review Hard driving rock, with more than a tip of the cap to Iron Maiden and System of a Down; Subanez is, believe it or not, a true one man band. Kevin Auger from Portsmouth, NH is a seriously talented gentleman. You should listen to his work…. now.
Interview What's the meaning behind the band's name? “Subanez” is a nickname I picked up about a decade ago based on an early song, titled “Submission.” It was a complicated finger-tapping solo bass piece, and I played on an Ibanez 4-string bass guitar. “Submission” + Ibanez = Subanez. The name has stuck over the years. How was the band started? Since Subanez is a solo project, it is tough to say exactly when it all began! I started recording my own solo works as rough sketches about 9 years ago while in college. Eventually I upgraded to a decent home studio, and began shaping the songs into a sound that I really liked. I took the first single, “Resemblance,” to the Tonic Room Studios in Boise, ID, this past March. That is when Subanez became an official published musical entity. What is the main message you are trying to convey with your music? The music is my way of sorting out all sorts of difficult things I deal with on a daily basis. It helps me make order of the chaos of life, and I use it as a cathartic release. I deal with the dark problems and uncertainties in music form so that I can process the emotions, package them away, and be done with them. I’m also hoping to reach an audience of listeners who themselves are dealing with difficult things in their life. By listening to my music and understanding how I cope with things, I think I can help others in the same position.
How do you go about writing a song? Are there any quirky methods or techniques you use? Oddly enough, a lot of my best riffs and hooks were written in the shower! I can’t tell you how many times I’ll be mid-washing when I’ll start humming something random, and an entire song takes shape. I have to run out of the shower, still dripping, and make it to the studio before I’ve lost the idea forever. What are your musical influences? My biggest musical influences range from Pat Metheny and Bela Fleck and the Flecktones all the way to Tool, Alice in Chains and Chevelle. I try to listen to a wide variety of music, and with each new song I write, I seem to be playing with different musical ideas. As I develop, I’m making an effort to start taking more musical risks and to do things I’ve never done before. What plans do you have for the future? I’m heading back into the studio in late April to record a new single, titled “I don’t want to (But I need to),” based on the traumatic events surrounding my father’s untimely death. He was breaking into a house when I was almost 5 years old, and he was shot by the homeowner. My father was high on pain killers at the time, and it wasn’t until I hurt my back this past year and had to take narcotics that I truly understood the addiction pain he was going through. Before then, I never understood why he would have risked everything to try and steal drugs from a house. Now I can understand. That’s what this song is about. After that, I will keep writing and recording, and hopefully start making some funds to head back into the studio to record a third single in another couple of months, and so on and so on. I release a “Demo of the Month,” “Video of the Month,” and keep an active blog at www.subanez.com. Stop on by and stay updated! What is the funniest prank you guys have pulled or been victim to while on tour or after a show? Not Applicable to me Suppose you guys were stranded in the middle of nowhere, and help is 100 miles away. Who would you send to look for help? What if there is no food and the only way to feed yourselves is by eating each other? Who would you eat first? Not Applicable to me I would hate to think that I would ever be forced to gnaw on my own arm! Maybe once we start playing live and I get some guys together, I can better answer that question. Which country would you love to play in the most? I would love to play in any country! I’ve travelled quite a bit, from the sunny beaches of the South Pacific, the sandy deserts of the Sahara, the blistering heat of the Middle East, and the humid lushness of the deep South. Everywhere I go, the people and the local culture is fascinating, and to be able to interact with any country through music would be a thrill—and an honor. With which bands would you love to share the stage? I love sharing the stage with anyone! There is such a great feeling when a group of people are producing a cohesive sound, and the audience is involved. Its like a multi-part conversation where anything is possible and nothing is taboo. I would love to play some live tunes with Boise local band “Fly2Void” or New York’s own “Merit.” Both bands have fresh, vibrant sounds and a super upbeat atmosphere. I also know them personally, and would love to hang out with them onstage. Are you happy with the direction Subanez is going? Very happy! I just revamped www.subanez.com, and I’m super excited to hit the studio again in a couple of weeks. New content is constantly flowing, and you can follow it all online.
Check out more of Subanez by going to: www.subanez.com
The Iveys Review This brother / sister group play wholesome American country pop rock music that I can easily imagine being used as soundtrack music for wholesome TV dramas like Dawsons Creek. Whilst the music may not be particularly challenging to the listener, it is very well written and performed. A bright future awaits.
Interview What's the meaning behind the band's name? We're actually a brother/sister band and our last name is "Ivey". We originally were under a different name, but when we began recording our album everyone at the studio from other artists to producers started calling us "The Iveys" and it stuck. We also liked the name because we love the imagery it brings to mind, it's something that's strong and spreads. Plus, it's green which happens to be our favorite color, ha ha! How the band started?? We started the band about two years ago. At that time we were all individually involved in music, but the bond we have as siblings and the way our voices blend together was something we just couldn't duplicate on our own. We decided to combine forces and start this band together. Voila! "The Iveys" were then created! What's the message to transmit with your music?? Our main goal is to tell a story through our music, if we take our listener on a journey with us then we've succeeded in doing what we wanted to do! Also, through this album we definitely have a message of hope. For example, the fourth song on our CD "The Promise" tells the story of a man who seems as though he's lost everything, but he is able to fight through that turmoil and he still has the faith to reach out to that someone who was always there for him.
What's your method at the time of writting a song?? The exact moment of first writing any song is such a special thing and it's never the same. The inspiration for a new song can come from all these different directions, sights, sounds, literally the city we're in, what we're each going through in our personal lives, in love or the middle of a break-up! it all comes into play. Many times we focus on whatever emotion we are feeling at the time and write down lyrics as fast as we can. Picking up a guitar or sitting down at a piano as we work through a new song for the first time and hearing what happens when our vocals come together on a new chorus is a very cool feeling for all of us! Which is your music influences?? We have a really wide range of musical influences, growing up we listened to all different genres of music, from rock to jazz, classical to country. A few of the artists that stick out in our mind are The Beatles, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, U2, Matchbox Twenty, Train and The Goo Goo Dolls. What plans do you guys have for the future?? In the next few weeks we're going to be doing a photo shoot, filming a music video for our next single "Leave it to Love", and then in mid June we will be hitting the road again on a two month summer tour to the West Coast in support of our album. All of our fans can keep track of the tour-dates as they're posted on www.myspace.com/theiveys and we invite everyone to encourage us with comments throughout the journey! Which has been the funniest prank you guys have been or took part while on tour or after a show?? Haha! Awesome question!! One prank I remember was earlier this year after a show at this big place in downtown Atlanta called Smith's Olde Bar. Awesome crowd and awesome night! Well after the show was over we loaded up all the gear and merch back into our trailer and were down in the parking lot below waiting for our bass player Jethro who had gone back inside to get his jacket. While he was in there the rest of the band decided to drive off and see what would happen when he came out. We drove around the block and parked in another lot far away to see his reaction. He came out and went crazy once he realized we weren't there anymore, ran all around the parking lot about three times yelling out loud as if he'd somehow missed us, haha! Good times, good times! If you guys were stranded in the middle of nowhere after a show or while on tour. The help is 65 miles away from where you guys are, 多Who would you guys send to look for help? And if while the rest wait, there's no food and the only way to feed yourself is by eating each other, 多Who would you eat first? Wow! That is a LONG jog! Ha ha! We would probably send Arlen, first because he exercises the most out of all of us, and secondly, if he didn't make it it could become a sister duo! Sounds great, right?! Hopefully, Arlen runs REALLY fast so we don't have to turn into cannibals, but if it came down to it we might end up having to eat our drummer. Then again, he's a pretty big guy so we'd have to be careful and make sure he didn't get to us first. Which country you guys would love to play? We would love to tour in Mexico! We're looking into possibly translating some of our music into Spanish, and playing there is something we have wanted to do for a long time. It would be very cool, and we think the people of Mexico would be really receptive to our music. With which bands you guys would love to share stage?? There are a lot of great bands out there who are touring right now, but some of the artists we think would be amazing to play with are Coldplay, Train, Kelly Clarkson and O.A.R.! Are you guys OK, with the direction the band is going actually? We are definitely very excited about the direction we are going as a band. Our current single "Back When it was Our World" is being played on numerous radio stations across the US, and we have covered thousands of miles in our touring this year alone. We want everyone to know our name and see us play, the only way to do that is to keep touring, playing shows, and making ourselves available to our amazing fans through facebook, myspace, twitter, and all other internet locations. Our fans always give us direction and inspire us to keep going, playing our music and doing what we love!
Check out more of The Iveys by going to: www.myspace.com/theiveys
Viv Peyrat Review Born in Paris, but raised in Philadelphia, Viv Peyrat is a consummate artist blending elements of rock, pop, country and blues into a collection of excellent songs that will appeal to a broad range of people. Maybe a little to ‘nice’ for my tastes, but in reality these songs are extremely well written and recorded‌.
Interview How did you start? I started playing guitar when I was 13 and I started writing songs about a year and a half ago. What's the message you want to transmit with your music? I want people to be able to relate to everything I write about. I write about universal themes like love and relationships, and the message is that there's always hope for anything. What's your method when you write a song? It depends, sometimes I get ideas out of nowhere and sometimes I'll sit for hours and try to think of things to write about, but the best songs are the ones that just come to you. Which are your music influences? I have a million, Tom Petty, Eric Clapton, Bob Marley, John Mayer, and Toto are just a few... What plans do you have for the future? I want to tour the world and record a lot of albums, and have as many people hear my music as possible.
Which has been the funniest prank you have been or took part while on tour or after a show? I haven't really pranked people, but I've definitely had some of the craziest, funniest moments when I was on tour. You know when you start getting a bunch of drunk people together, crazy things will just happen out of nowhere. If you and your band (If any) were stranded in the middle of nowhere after a show or while on tour. The help is 65 miles away from where you guys are, who would you send to look for help? And if while the rest wait, there's no food and the only way to feed yourself is by eating each other, who would you eat first? I would go look for help, but if I stayed, I would eat them all because I'm always hungry. In which country would you love to play? I would love to play in the U.K, and anywhere in Europe really. With which bands would you love to share the stage? Wow, like a thousand different ones. I enjoy all music so I would share the stage with anyone from John Mayer to Kings of Leon... Are you OK with the direction the band is going today? I love the direction of the band and the music, and I can't wait to keep recording and playing shows.
Check out more from Viv by going to: www.myspace.com/vivpeyrat
Voice of Addiction Review Good ole’ fashioned Punk Rock from Chicago. I really enjoyed listening to voice of Addictions music. The tunes are full of vim and vigour and I can only imagine that the tunes really shine when played live. Would love to hear more stuff from these guys soon !
Interview (Vents)What's the meaning behind the band's name? (VOA) The way that we see it, is that everyone is addicted. People usually have connotations of drugs and alcohol when they think about addictions. But there is also Fast food, Religion, Sex, Caffienne, Money, Power, Chocolate, Guns, Cigarettes, and on and on. We take it upon ourselves to be the voice about these addictions, and get them on the table for discussion. No agenda is involved, and hopefully the listener comes to their own opinions. (Vents)How the band started?? (VOA) Jeff and myself met back in middle school and have been rocking in many band together for the last 16 years. We both started out in Cleveland Ohio in the 90's. About 10 years ago Jeff moved to Chicago, and he convinced me to as well 8 years ago for music college. I got to the city and was living in a house for 2 years with Jeff and 4 other people, one was a drummer and by the end of those two years through many jam sessions Voice Of Addiction was born. The band has been in action around 6 years now, and is currently working on the 4th release. (Vents) What's the message to transmit with your music?? (VOA)That it is more important to focus on the multitude of similarities between us all then to bicker over the few and petty differences. We believe that cooperation and building communities is the best way toward large and short term goals.
(Vents) What's your method at the time of writting a song?? (VOA) It never comes the same way, but always involves an acoustic guitar and vocal to start with. Inspiration can strike at anytime, so it is always good to be prepared. When it does I pluck it out on a guitar, or sing the melody, write it down, or use a voice recorder. Sometimes a song will be written in 20 minutes, other times it is a collection of previous ideas when the missing link is found. When the band is learning the song we start to work more on transitions, arrangement, and harmonies. We attempt as many ideas as we come up with and stick with the best, sometimes altering them for live shows. (Vents) Which is your music influences?? (VOA) Fugazi, Crass, Primus, Devo, Dead Kennedy's, Subhumans, Descendents, Against Me! At The Drive-in, The Clash, Dead Boys, Buzzcocks, Face to Face, Youth Brigade, amongst a crap-ton of other influences (Vents) What plans do you guys have for the future?? (VOA) We are an extremely busy band, we played over 100 shows in 2009 and are playing more often so far this year. In between shows we are working on our 4th release, "Reduce Reuse Resist" with boutique Chicago studio Stranded on a Planet and Scott Fritz producing. We have at least 2 more compilations coming out in 2010 as well. Keep an ear to the ground and a fist in the air,. its never too late to start a Revolution! (Vents) Which has been the funniest prank you guys have been or took part while on tour or after a show?? (VOA) Oh man,.. so many to choose from, here is a recent one from this winter. It was late night at the venue in Detroit. Our drummer Andy Bobby Petty was beyond hammered. The dude that runs the place convinced him that since he got shut-out in foosball he had to run around the building naked. It was beyond freezing this night, and he wasn't quite ready to take his boxers off, but you can view the video at youtube.com/voiceofaddiction (Vents) If you guys were stranded in the middle of nowhere after a show or while on tour. The help is 65 miles away from where you guys are, 多Who would you guys send to look for help? And if while the rest wait, there's no food and the only way to feed yourself is by eating each other, 多Who would you eat first? (VOA) Sounds like a familiar situation, we once had to hike 3 miles while carrying our battery before a cop picked us up and took us to the closest town. Once we convinced the garage to run an extension cable out to the van, so we could sleep in there. We were stranded, broke and the part wouldn't be there till the morning. Or two blown tires in middle of north carolina (who has two spares) But in a crisis situation we would be fair and go by seniority. Andy is the youngest and newest member and they always have the freshest meat. It would be hard to go for the butt though. They always tell you to eat that first. (Vents) Which country you guys would love to play? (VOA) Always thought Japan would kick ass, we always love playing anywhere though. (Vents) With which bands you guys would love to share stage?? (VOA) We have shared the stage with so many cool bands. From nationals to the local band in the small college town. Never amazes me how cool people can be all over. I would love to play with anyone in our influences section on our myspace. anything Ian Mckay is doing. Bad Religion, anything on Fat Wreck Chords, Dischord, or Red Scare. (Vents) Are you guys OK, with the direction the band is going actually? (VOA) We played our first show with Andy on drums on Feb 20th 2009. It proved to be a highly successful year. With that honed we are working on our first album with him on drums. We are really putting everything into this recording and expect big things from it. With our live shows on the rise, it keeps us on the pavement hitting the road, right where we belong.
Check out this band by going to: www.myspace.com/voiceofaddiction
Vyce N’ Versah Review R&B with a true dancefloor vibe, Vyce N’ Versah produce smooth, crisp tunes that will have you off your feet in no time. Influenced by Boyz II Men, Craig David and Usher, this is just the kind of thing to get the party started.
Interview What's the meaning behind the band's name? Versah: We came up with the name Vyce N’ Versah because we are very versatile in our music and also have the edgy bad boy side. We can make write music in any genre or different languages (English or Spanish) and appeal to a mass audience, it reflects in our music. How was the band started? Vyce: We met in 5th Grade when I stole Versah’s girlfriend. No joke. So we were enemies for a bit but grew to respect each other’s musical talents throughout the years being in band or whatever. We began singing together at the age of 14, but split after Versah attended college. We then reunited in the efforts of creating new music that would impact the world or at least make you fist pump. What's the message to transmit with your music? Versah: We want people to dance, cry, scream, yell, or do whatever they feel in our music. Vyce: We like to take the people on a ride through our music. Bring hope, energy, all those feelings you know? What's your method at the time of writing a song? Versah: We like getting on another level when we write. Whether it be with a few shots of whiskey, Vyce: Or an 18 pack of Heineken! Versah: Whatever will loosen us to the point of rock star songwriter status.
Which is your music influences?? The list could go on and on but the top ones are: Bone Thugs, Craig David, Boys II Men, Drake, Akon, and of course Michael Jackson. What plans do you guys have for the future?? We would like to tour the globe and hopefully have a foundation to benefit poor families through the power of music. Which has been the funniest prank you guys have been or took part while on tour or after a show?? Versah: We really haven't had too many pranks after shows, mostly just celebrate with a few bottles, but I will tell you a funny story. One night we had to go to this clothing boutique to try on some clothes for a photo shoot we had the next day. Vyce was running late so we were by the street waiting for him, and he pulls up and has to parallel park. He was horrible! I have never seen worst parking in my life! All these people were stopped watching him try to figure it out, and I swear to you he actually gave up with his whole back tire on the sidewalk. Worst parking job ever! If you guys were stranded in the middle of nowhere after a show or while on tour. The help is 65 miles away from where you guys are, ¿Who would you guys send to look for help? And if while the rest wait, there's no food and the only way to feed yourself is by eating each other, ¿Who would you eat first? Vyce: I’d say we would send our manager Nikos, he would pretty much do whatever it takes. Versah: and we’d probably eat our other manager Ty's girlfriend for reasons we can't discuss. Haha! Which country you guys would love to play? Vyce: Country? PLANET EARTH! And then maybe MARS! With which bands you guys would love to share stage?? Versah: I have to say Aerosmith. Are you guys OK with the direction the band is going actually? Versah: Oh yeah, we are working on our first EP to be released later this year. The tracks are coming along great, and meanwhile we are popping up here and there to entertain the fans at our shows. Vyce: Get ready World! We feel the talent is there, the management is there, and there ain't no stopping us!
You can check out Vyce N’ Versah on their MySpace or on SonicBids. www.myspace.com/vycenversah www.sonicbids.com/vycenversah
Peter Kendall Review With a catchy sound; Peter Kendall may be of your tastes. Althought his sound is filled with heavy and many riffs and stuff. The sound is really fun and if you are looking for a soft but awesome band, sound, or music. You would totally love Peter’s music.
Interview # How the band started?? # Well the “band� consists of myself and friend/collaborator Federico Tensi. I write the songs, sing lead vocals and play some guitar on the recordings. Fred plays most of the instruments, sings backing vocals and produces the recordings. Another friend of mine who I played in a band with some time ago introduced me to Fred after he had done some recording with him. I spent a year recording a couple of dozen tracks with Fred. # What's the message to transmit with your music?? # You know, I feel a bit like the scientists looking for extra-terrestrial life. I'm here with my music trying hard to communicate with the outside world by sending the music out on the internet by whatever means possible and I'm hoping someone will hear me and send me some return message! The message I'm sending out is simple really. It's a musical portrait of me, my life, my experiences and hopes for the future. What's your method at the time of writing a song?? # That's a difficult one because it is not always the same process. I guess the most usual way it happens is that I pick the guitar up for some reason that I'm not consciously aware of. Sometimes within the first minute or so I find myself playing the beginnings of something new. It doesn't always happen of course and if it doesn't, I don't try to force it because that definitely does not work. If I like what I have come up with, I play it into a simple cassette recorder so that I can come back to it later and not forget it. As far as lyrics are concerned, I have a rule that the song has to be based on the first thing that came into my head as I created the beginnings of the melody. It's a bit of superstition really but I figure that the melody and lyrics are related to the same original idea and if I try to deviate from that the song will not work.
# Which is your music influences?? # I am influenced by all great composing. Anything I listen to which makes me think – wow I wish I'd written that – is an influence on me thereafter. The same applies to musicianship. I'm influenced by people who I wish that I could play as well as. This is particularly true of the electric guitar. Artists and bands that combine both great songwriting and playing are my strongest influences. These include obviously the Beatles but before them, there were the greats such as the Everly Brothers, Paul Anka, Elvis, The Shadows. Post Beatles the influences are too many to name but include: Queen, Santana, Oasis, Dire Straits, Guns n Roses, Coldplay etc. etc. etc. # What plans do you guys have for the future?? # Just to carry on playing and hope that I find an audience. The problem is that it is quite expensive to produce high quality mastered demo recordings and so output has slowed a little recently. There is no shortage of ideas only of cash to realise them! # Which has been the funniest prank you guys have been or took part while on tour or after a show?? # No pranks – 'cause no shows!! # If you guys were stranded in the middle of nowhere after a show or while on tour. The help is 65 miles away from where you guys are, ¿Who would you guys send to look for help? And if while the rest wait, there's no food and the only way to feed yourself is by eating each other, ¿Who would you eat first? # I'd go for help because I wouldn't want to eat Fred for quite a while. If I did, I'd have a really tough time finding anyone who understands what I'm trying to create and is as talented as him to work with. # Which country you guys would love to play? # I'd really like to play in the UK first and the US next. # With which bands you guys would love to share stage?? # I'd like to write songs and play with Brian May of Queen. # Are you guys OK, with the direction the band is going actually? # Not really too happy with things at the moment but I am the original “eternal optimist” and I'm sure that success is just around the next corner.
Check out more Peter Kendall going: www.noisyplanet.net
Insigniya Review With a fun sound, guitars that would rock you out and get you stick to your earphones; Insigniya creates an AWESOME ambient with their riffs. Without the need of vocals, this guys awaits a amazing future, or at least those are my wishes for this guy.
Interview What's the meaning behind the band's name? We began our search for a band name by focusing on our goal – to give people a sense of self-empowerment through our music. We simply spent hours on the internet looking at different articles and essays about self-empowerment. Through this search, we came across the word insignia – the way this word sounded struck a note within us. We modified the term to become Insigniya to promote another message of ours – originality. How was the band started?? The group started when guitarist, Dan Searl, and drummer, Josh Weinberg, met at a party in the fall of 2008. “Does anyone here play an instrument?” Dan asked. “Yeah, I play drums.” Josh replied. “There’s a drum set in the basement – we should jam.” Dan responded. Everyone at the party then moved to the basement and Dan played the opening riff of Hendrix’s Voodoo Child (Slight Return) – the two jammed out on the tune for about ten minutes and the rest is history. In the following months, Dan and Josh spent some time developing the line-up of Insigniya. By January, the band began working on originals and by April, Insigniya made its debut public appearance at Westford, MA’s annual Apple Blossom Battle of the Bands.
What's the message to transmit with your music?? We try to send a message of freedom and self-empowerment with our music. We believe music has the power to transport people to a higher plane of existence and we try to exercise this power as best we can. What's your method at the time of writing a song?? Usually, the writing process begins with Dan using Finale™ to write the music for a song idea. After Dan writes the composition, he sends a demo of the tune to the rest of the band to get down the feel of the song. After each member has gotten down their individual parts, we bring it all together at rehearsal. Through practicing it as a band, the tune takes on a life of its own, sometimes modifying or abandoning aspects of what is written on the sheet music. Who are your music influences?? We have so many influences which make our sound what it is that it is hard to think of them all let alone write them all down. Our influences range from Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, John Coltrane, Charlie Parker, Thelonious Monk, and John Scofield to Led Zeppelin, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, and the Disco Biscuits. What plans do you guys have for the future?? As for the immediate future, We are planning on releasing our debut EP on Itunes, Amazon, and Pandora by June. Also, we are planning on having much more merchandise available to fans at each of our shows. We are also hoping to play a few music festivals/conferences this coming 2010 summer such as, the Dewey Beach Music Conference & Festival, Summerfest 2010, and Seaside Music Festival 2010. As for the future in terms of 2 or 3 years from now, we would like to have at least 2 albums released, backing by a major record label, and a national tour lined-up. If you guys were stranded in the middle of nowhere after a show or while on tour. The help is 65 miles away from where you guys are, ¿Who would you guys send to look for help? And if while the rest wait, there's no food and the only way to feed yourself is by eating each other, ¿Who would you eat first? If we were stranded in the middle of nowhere after a show, we would not send anyone to look for help – we would set up our instruments right there and bring a mass of people along with the help to us. As for who would we eat first, we would not even have to resort to cannibalism for the music produced by our instruments provides all the nutrients we need. Which country would you guys love to play? Italy – great food, beautiful landscapes, and a perfect juxtaposition between tradition such as the remnants of the Ancient Roman Empire and contemporary vision such as transavantgarde – the Italian version of the art movement neo-expressionism. Italy seems like the ideal country to play for Insigniya. With which bands would you guys love to share the stage with?? There are many bands that we hope to soon share the stage with. To name a few: Lettuce, Perpetual Groove, the Wayne Krantz Trio, Oz Noy, and most of all, The Disco Biscuits. Are you guys OK, with the direction the band is going actually? Absolutely. We are gaining more and more fans at each of our shows, we’re consistently hearing from new people that they love our music and want to support us, and we’re playing bigger and better venues all the time. Also, we have been gaining more press attention than ever before – Vents Magazine will hopefully go down in history for spotlighting Insigniya – soon to be the cover of Rolling Stone Magazine!
Check out more Insigniya www.myspace.com/insigniyamusic
TV Review
V: Visitors or Invasors I am a child of the '80's. I am also a huge sci-fi fan. I loved the original "V" miniseries and "V-The Final Battle". When I heard that the show was getting a reboot, I was excited beyond belief. V has surpassed all my expectations! Set in present day, its the story of giant alien mother ships arriving above major cities all over the word. The V leader, Anna, appears before the world and offers a message of peace and healing to a broken world. Most of the world welcomes them with open arms as the V's seem to follow through on on their promises to mankind. A few, though, have seen that there is much more going on than our alien visitors are letting on. Sci-Fi always works best as an allegory for our real world. In the few episodes, this brave new show has tackled the issues of government, faith, media, family, and even trust. Well paced and very well written, each episode keeps you on the edge of your seat as new developments for both the V's and the Resistance unfold. The cast (including Elizabeth Mitchell of Lost, Morena Baccarin, Morris Chestnut, Scott Wolf, and Joel Gretsch of The Human Target) is incredible and very convincing in their roles. This is definitely one series worth getting hooked on!
-Mike Reardon
So You Don't Want To Go To Church Anymore - An Unexpected Journey by Wayne Jacobsen and Dave Coleman Windblown Media As I have personally grown in my relationship with Father in the past few months, I have had questions with the "church system". Don't get me wrong, it has its good points, but there are also its bad points. As I have struggled with my own personal issues on whether "church" is something we do or something we are, I ran across this incredible book. Told in novel form it is basically the story of Jake, whose way of seeing the church and his walk with Christ are challenged by a chance meeting with a stranger. As these two men meet and talk thirteen times over a four year period, Jake's world and faith is changed in incredible ways he never could have imagined! Don't let the title scare you off. This book is actually an open and real look at questions many of us have inside the modern "institutionalized church." If you are looking for a book to encourage you to view look at church differently, read this!
-Mike Reardon
TrueFaced by Bill Thrall, Bruce McNicol, and John Lynch Navpress This Christian path that we travel is about relationships. First with Father, then with others. Too often we allow guilt, shame, and self-condemnation to keep us from living a full, free, and open life with Him and others. TrueFaced takes this reality head on, in a loving way too many "Christian" books lack. Its not easy removing the masks we have learned to put on all these years. Its hard to learn to be open, fully honest, and real with others. Let alone God. The authors understand this. They've been there. And that's why they want to help us. If we are willing, Thall, McNicol, and Lynch will help us through a journey (with Father leading) where we can move beyond trying to please God, and learning to trust Him. As we learn to see past what we thought God expected of us, we see that all he really wants is for us to trust and to love. Read this book. Let the treasures of truth contained inside, transform you and others. I personally loved this book and consider it a cornerstone is changing the way I see Father, myself, and my brothers and sisters in Christ! Thanks guys!
-Mike Reardon
Interview With John Lynch with Mike Reardon For those of you who have never heard of John Lynch, he is the co-author (with Bill Thrall and Bruce McNicol) of two incredible modern classics in Christian writing, TrueFaced and Bo's Cafe. He is also a national speaker and teaching pastor at Open Door Fellowship in the Phoenix, AZ area. I recently was given the opportunity to interview John via email. Hope you enjoy reading this as much as I have enjoyed reading his work. Bo's Cafe was reviewed a few issues ago here on Vents, and you can read my review of TrueFaced in this issue! How did you get started as an author? About 15 years ago, a few of us had this vision for an acting company to bring faith and grace-anchored plays into the theaters of Phoenix. We had to learn to write scripts that weren’t forced, manipulative or trite, as we attempted to forge something real enough that believers and unbelievers could find themselves watching it in the same boat. Then we had to learn to write non-fiction so we could get the truths of “TrueFaced” out there. But I gotta tell you, fiction is by far the most challenging…and by far the most enjoyable. What inspired you to write Bo's Cafe and TrueFaced? All three of us have this incredible passion to give hope to those who know Jesus is real but are freaked out, discouraged and defeated by the communities of religion where they were taught to hide from others who they really are. We wrote TrueFaced in an attempt to give a vision of hope with clear pictures and common language for those attempting the courageous and frightening prospect of nurturing an environment of grace in their own communities. But people kept saying, “Hey, you got us. We’re in. We must have this way of life. But what does it look like in real life, with real relationships?” So, we had to flesh out, in a story, what it looks and feels like. We had to show the pain and the process and the time and beauty. The journey of living out of our identity in Christ takes time to try on. It is not a straight line and isn’t discovered in a 3-point formula. What would you say is the central message in both books? It’s maybe captured best by paraphrasing a line from “Bo’s Café”. “What if there were a place so safe, that the worst of me could be known, and I would discover that I would not be loved less, or pitied, or excluded-but rather I would be loved more in the telling of it. A place where dear friends would finally be given a chance to love me like they’ve been longing to do. The answer is profound and overwhelming-my unresolved issues heal, as they are brought into the light.” An authentic, vulnerable environment of grace, where people are safe to mature in all their messiness, living only in the power of their new identity, we think is today’s great missing jewel in the Body of Christ.
How are they different from each other? “TrueFaced” is a non-fiction book that gives for many an entirely new lens of grace to see God’s Word through. Not a new Jesus, but the ability to see He and myself and others in a radically different way. “Bo’s Café” displays in an honest, vulnerable story what such a community of grace can look like and the incredible, life-freeing hope it gives. Were there any certain people that inspired Andy or Steven? Yes. These characters are all people, or composites of people we have come to know. I wish I could have Robert Duval play Andy if it is made into a movie. People tell me every day, “I’m Steven, but my soul cries out to be Andy!” If there is one thing you'd like to see people take away from either book, what would it be? Thanks. I’d sell my lawn furniture and all my CDs for them to know, believe and experience that grace is not just a word, but a way of life, which creates a community and a freedom, joy, love, faith and trust that changes everything. We have to be convinced that such a world is possible before we’ll risk trying it on. All three of us have seen and are living in such a world. Thousands are discovering this world. This life in grace, this new life living in our identity-it changes, heals, frees my entire being. Nothing short of initially trusting Jesus comes even close in importance. How did you meet your co-authors? They are both my heroes. Bill is my big brother in the faith. He took a chance on me and gave me his pulpit when I was just a punk in the faith who didn’t even understand these truths we now teach and live and model. But he trusted God with me and stayed close to me and was my “Andy”. Now, we’ve been doing this together for a long, long time. He is one of my very closest friends. He is wise like few others I’ve ever known. But he couldn’t write his way out of a bowl of chedder-cheese soup. So, I’m returning the gift he gave me and standing with him in getting these truths out to the world. Bruce has been the one who has made this whole team possible. He knows how to take these truths into the centers of theology-shaping educators like no one I know. And yet, both of these brilliant cats are incredibly humble and live out this grace that we passionately communicate. Me, I’m just the funny man. …That and I can hold my breathe underwater for a long time. What is the writing process like between the three of you? We decided to write all of our books together, to live out and model this life we are talking about. It’s always harder, slower and more incredible than if any of us tried it ourselves. We map out general story line together, talk through the truths we want to be presented in each section, then they send me out to write the story. Then, about half my humor usually gets cut. After that it’s pretty straightforward. We edit about 7,000 times for about three decades and then whalla, it’s an overnight success! Are there any works that inspire you as an author? In your walk with Christ? Anything Brennan Manning writes or Bruce Cockburn produces musically, along with dozens of others. What are your plans for the future? This is our only pony and our only trick. So we must keep finding new ways to say these truths so more people can live in such a world. I hate to say this next statement: many, maybe most believers live in the “Room of Good Intentions” rather than the “Room of Grace”. So we will keep writing new books and creating new videos and figure out how to get this message to an ever-increasing audience. What is the best way for people to get a hold of these books? They can get either of them on Amazon or through truefaced.com “Bo’s Café” can presently be purchased at all major bookstores…and out of the trunk of my car. In Christ, Mike Reardon
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While the prisoner was moving towards its goal, in the village, unaware of what was to happen, they continued doing the normal things they were doing since a millennium ago: to work, or simply sharing with friends, brothers, relatives, etc.. A small group of people that still could not leave his old life were taking care of dry and clean their white robes. All were dressed alike. In the pile of people in the village were three men who were simply distinguished by his haircut, beard, eyes, etc.. That group always met in the porch of one of the men. The theme of the talk was always about the present and the achievements of the past during the period of seven years; but only the good times, although there were times that came to light some not so pleasant moment. - Who do you think has taken all the fruit of the tree? —asked suddenly one of the men: the most pot-bellied, with an appearance which could be deduced that in the past he was a very dedicated person for parties; was also one of the youngest in the group. - Oh, come on! —respond another man: slim, somewhat stocky, with a longish beard that make him look like if he was kind of sick, and was the middle age of the group. - Can anyone explain to me how this fat guy is still here? The third was an older man, weak muscles, grizzled hair, and owner of the house where porch, the men were discussing. This couldn’t stop laughing at what his friend had just said. —Listen, stop bothering! - Said the first man. —I'm not bothering! - The second man replied —I only say that almost everything you speak is about food... - What?! That's not true! —Interrupted the first man on the defensive. - Did you hear that the lady will be giving some cakes on Friday? —said the second man, ignoring the interruption of first— did you know that one of the angels planted a new tree of pears? ... - Apples! —Interrupted the first man again. - It's the same! —Exclaimed the second man. The first man stood up abruptly and went to God knows where. - And where this guy thinks he goes?! - Said the second man which stood at the same time he made as if it were behind the first man, but he did not.
The man turned to the third man who followed the first man while frowning; and then turned to the second looking at him with eyes of confusion. -
I do not know. —said the third man with a smile suddenly drawing in his face.
The second man stared for a moment and turned to see the third man was nailing his eyes, without stop smiling, behind the second man. - So a pear and an apple are the same, eh! —exclaimed the first man to the second man at the same time he ( the first man) that was coming to the porch striding with a pear in his left hand and in his right a red apple. – It looks the same! —exclaimed the first man at the same time he nailed straight to second man’s face the fruits in his hands. The third man smile much more. The second man was left with a look of astonishment. -
No… —was all what the second man could say.
Everyone in the village stared at the two men. Many murmured, but others, already accustomed to this kind of events, mainly between these two men began to laugh softly or simply to see the event. The first man started down the fruits and turn toward the crowd where two men lay watching. The first man could not but blush with shame. - Don’t worry. They're just playing —said the third man at the same time raised his hands to the crowd. - Am I right, Jeff? Matthew? The two men both made a slight nod, and that was enough to disperse the crowd what they were doing, were or would do before the uproar. The two men had flushed one more than another, of course. — I think you guys should stop making childish stuff, I mean, you guys have 1038 and 1039 years. I think it is time to act like men, not like children —said the third man to the other two. — Yeah... I think it is time ... —replied in unison Jeff and Matthew, even blush. — Sorry friend ... - Jeff apologized, the second man, while shaking hands. — Me too ... - Matthew agreed and apologized while rejecting the hand and hugged Jeff as good friends. The third man's smile was filled with joy at reconciliation. But as he watched the two men barely noticed the two men approached the group, until it was too late. -
Awww... How beautiful! —exclaimed a man younger than the three men.
The two men separated at once. Henry... Luke... —said the third man, bowing his head as he rocked in his chair. -
Sir... —said the named Henry who was joining the group hug Jeff and Matthew.
The man call Luke returned the bow of the third man like him, with a nod, which was simultaneously accompanied by a smile. - What brings you here, guys? —asked the third man, although he already knew what it was, at least, the main reason of all. - I was walking home with Lucas —Henry began to respond— when I hear the cheek brothers... - Hey...! —Jeff and Matthew responded in unison. - ... Were fighting, so I decided to pass me by. — Henry finished. The third man began to nod his head with slight gestures, while outlining his smile still, this time fun. Henry and Luke were talking a while with the third man, rather Henry stayed talking to the third man, and Luke was quiet. When they finished, that is, when Henry had finished speaking, the two friends left to the destination where they were going before making the stop. You know what? —asked Henry to Lucas on the road. - What? - Lucas said. - I think these two brothers should stop fighting so much ... - Oh, yeah? Why? - Why?! - Did I say something wrong? Henry was about not to go crazy and keep quiet while moving hands in the air as if trying to kill a mosquito or something. Then he began to stammer: Haven’t you heard the story? What story? The return of Satan! What? – was all Lucas could say after. Well, according to Revelation 19, if I remember correctly, said that after the millennium, he would come to deceive a number of us here... Here? Well, obviously not going to be on there —said Henry as he pointed to the side of the taken. Why do not they? I mean... - Why do not them! Why do not them! —Henry paused a moment and saw Lucas with eyes that said something like," Have you gone ignorant or what? —Well to start if you forgot, they have new incorruptible bodies! INCORRUPTIBLE! Do you understand? Henry stayed a while in silence as spun from here to there without any order in fact where he wanted to stop; just doing gestures. Lucas looked at him with some discomfort. As he watched his friend, he wanted to say something like: "According to many theologians, that scene is actually very much in doubt", but he knew that something like that would throw more fuel on the fire. So he kept quiet while his friend calm down.
Do you understand? - Henry said after a while. - I understand. - You do not understand really —Henry whispered as he placed his hand on his forehead which was full of sweat. Henry went off the route and fold back to back; Luke turned around, but did not follow him. -
Henry, where are you going?! —Lucas yelled as he watched his friend leave.
Henry continued a few more steps and with a face that reflected serious concern murmured: - Just be careful. Lucas, do not listen to these words, and stayed missed seeing his friend: "What will happen to him? —thought at that moment; and seeing that his friend did not return, and no intention to follow him, went on his way to his house. Without realizing that the person he didn’t believed was about to come and fool his people was just watching him.