August 2014 by Jen Rees

OUR TEAM Editor in Chief

Jen

General Editor

Maddie

Copy Editor

Leeann

Assistant Copy Editor

Renee

Managing Editor

Sonia

Design Editor

Freda

Writers: Jen, Maddie Jane, Lenore, Luke, Marly, Leeann, Kailia, Sinja, Rossi, Sian, Sonia, Kelly, Maria, Eleanor, Rose, Nathaniel, Damla, Sophie, Jelena, Brett, Vitoria, Emelie, Josselyn and Gillian.

suicide silence

protest the hero

Contributors: Catherine Researchers: Leeann, Sian, Jen, Maddie Jane, Rossi, Brett, Sonia Photographers: Rebecca Houlden, IIan Benitah, Emma Rees Photography, Inside Edge Photography, VNR Photography. Think a photo is yours? Let us know and we will credit you

Simple Plan Space is in no way affiliated with Simple Plan, Warner Music, Atlantic Records or Coalition Entertainment. This is a magazine made entirely by fans for fans. Simple Plan Space is only available online and always for free. All contents belong to their respective writers.

save the clock tower

blues pills

CONTENTS

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK... Hey Everyone,

2 editorial

This month we have a massive edition for you to enjoy!

4 interview with Phil Jolicour

We look at Simple Plan roots with an interview with Philippe Jolicoeur to talk about the early days and the RESET reunion concert last month.

8 SP Foundation News

Then I interviewed Hernan “Eddie” Hermida of Suicde Silence and we chatted about their new album and what it was like for him stepping into the lead vocal role after Mitch Lucker’s tragic death. I found Eddie to be a humble man who respected Mitch’s memory. Read what he said about ‘Inherit the Crown’ that pulled at my heart strings. My next interview was one of the funniest I have ever done. I had the chance to talk to Rody from Protest the Hero about their Australian Tour and their album that was fan funded. We got off the topic a lot and spent most of the interview laughing. Then we got serious about one of the songs off their new Album ‘A Life Embossed’ and we learn how passionate Rody is not just about laws for Pit bulls but all dogs. I hope that when he comes to Australia I can meet him but I will not be eating kangaroo with him! If you are into Groovy music then you will love Blues Pills. I spoke with Zack in California about their debut album. Take a listen to ‘High Class Women’ and you will be blown away with the intensity of that song. If you are into something a little more mellow try listening to ‘Little Sun.’ We are starting a new segment this month where we interview a new band that we think has what it takes the tackle to music industry head on. This month the band is called Save the Clock Tower. (yes a Back to the Future reference!) Luke was very easy to talk to and this was the only interviewed I got through all the questions I wanted to ask! Watch their music video for ‘These Diseases’ it sends a message about making the right choices.

10 Canada day 12 Salmon Fest 14 99.1 hits FM Seb 16 Suicide silence interview 24 Protest the HEro Interview 32 Save the Clock Tower interview 40 Blues Pills interview 46 The Voice 52 Rachel Guisti interview 56 David Grohl thoughts on the Voice 58 Song of the month 60 SP in Kirlkand Lake 62 What is up with Jeff 64 Calendar

As well as all that we have all the Simple Plan News. We take look at The Voice Australia. We welcome a new writer that has joined the team, Gillian, you can read about her in our Get to Know the Team towards the end of the edition.

66 quiz

Thanks to Phillippe, Eddie, Rody, Zack and Luke for their time for the interviews, and to John Howath for setting up the last four bands. Also thanks to Rebecca Houlden who seems to always photograph the bands I need photos for!

70 aussie band news

Next month we have an even bigger edition with a massive warped edition and over 18 bands already interviewed. Look forward to that one! Till then, Peace, Jen

76 Fan of the mOnth

67 Story by Catherine 68 twitter talk 72 pop punk band news 74 MKTO Album Review 78 Birthday Page 80 get to know the team 82 catch up on old editions

Hi Phil,

Hope you have a good memory as I am going to ask you some background questions! What made you decide to become a musician? PHIL: When I was a young boy, I always wanted to be either a musician or a pro athlete. Music and sports have always been very important in my life. I bought my first electric guitar at Steve’s Music Store in Montreal when I was twelve years old. I knew from that moment that this instrument would change my life forever. Now that I’m also a martial arts teacher, I’m happy with both worlds. You were part of the original ROACH band, and in the Simple Plan book named as a childhood friend of Chuck’s. Yes, I was part of ROACH with Chuck, Pierre and J-S. We changed our name to RESET because another Canadian band also named Roach asked us to do so.

The first time you were asked to join Roach for their performance supporting Face To Face is this correct? That is correct! My first show with Roach was in 1995, when we opened for Face to Face. The show was scheduled at the Foufounes Électrique but it was moved to the Montreal Spectrum, an even bigger place. Any funny memories that you can share with us? There’s always a million funny situations that happens especially when on tour. One funny moment on tour that I can share with you was with MXPX in Calgary (1997). In our hotel room, Chuck was coming out of the shower wearing only a towel around his waist. Our friend and ¨roadie¨ Chris Beaulne grabed the towel, spanked him with it and locked him outside the hotel room. Chuck was running around naked in the lobby and corridors for a good 15 minutes! Did you have a feeling that your successful music career had began way back then or did you

“discipline is important but fun is also a very important part of the equation”

By Jen @justjenrees

just do it for fun? I believe every serious artist wants to be recognized, that is why discipline is important but fun is also a very important part of the equation. When we first started playing music together as a band, yes it was important to have fun but we still had to be serious enough to record quality albums and play good live shows. It still is today. It’s important to have fun & I think it’s especialy important to be able to laught at yourself once in a while! Just like any professional athlete, if you’re not having fun in your specialty, you won’t perform at your best. Same with musicians. What was the original name of Reset, some people say Roach and some say Stone Garden, what is the true story behind the name? Stone Garden was a musical project Chuck & Pierre did before ROACH. It was also a different style of music. ROACH was punk oriented and directly influenced the sound of RESET. You have done a few reunions now with the original band members of Reset, how does this feel for you as the head of the band in its current form? The Rockfest is the second RESET reunion with the original members. The first reunion was in 2009 at the Metropolis in Montréal. It’s always fun to play with the guys that started with me this band twenty years ago now.

How do the current members of Reset feel about the reunion show? The actual members of RESET share the same feeling. Everyone would love to be on stage everynight and play every possible show. But they understand that twenty years ago, when RESET was formed, they were not part of this historical moment. One thing you can’t change is history. But you can always work on the future. continued on next page...

J-S has not continued with music as his career, were you in contact with him with the possibility of playing or attending the festival? Yes, J-S Boileau confirmed to me that he would play the reunion show at the Rockfest. He unfortunately had to cancel because his wife was expecting the couple’s first child during the same period of time. David Desrosiers filled in and did a wonderful job. How much time goes into rehearsing for a reunion show such as this? Any difficulties with schedules clashing? For both RESET reunion shows we had only two practices. Of course, I still play most of these songs on a regular basis. Everyone still had to listened to the previous albums and practice musical parts before coming in to rehearsal. We scheduled two practices, two days right before the reunion because some of the musicians live in the US. What was your fav song to perform live at this festival? I love to play United, We Stand Tall or Concern both because of the strong political content but also because these are fast and technical songs to play on the guitar and they’re fun to sing. What was the highlight of the festival for you? Many highlights for me during the Rockfest. José Theodore being there and saying very flattering compliments about my guitar playing is one of them. There was Megadeth and legendary Dave Mustaine who was technically opening for RESET. Also I have to mention the reaction of our fans bodysurfing and singing during our performance. That was magical. Did you catch many of the other great acts that performed? Oh yeah ! I stayed the whole weekend in Montebello to see all these amazing bands perform. Billy Talent, Weezer, Lagwagon, NOFX, Strungout and the list goes on…

What does the future hold for the current line up of Reset? You have a new single coming out? Any tours? RESET released in Febuary our 5th studio album THE ANTIDOTE. My Favorite Enemy is the first single. Shows will be announced on www.resetmusic.ca our fans can also purchase our new album directly on our website.

resetmusic.ca

Thanks heaps Phil Thank you Jen!

Simple Plan F o u n d at i o n -News-

Dinner with auction winners As every year, the Simple Plan Foundation has an auction to raise money for charity. The three winners from this year’s auction had a dinner in June with the band as a way to thank them for their donations. At the restaurant Le Muscadin, the fans even had the chance to hear an acoustic concert of the members of the band. In this link you can see a video of them playing “Jet Lag” for the fans, and here’s some pictures of the band with the generous fans. They were posted in the official Instagram of Sebastién and Pierre. Written by Vitória @dearvitt

Charitable golf-tournament In a recent interview, Pierre commented about a new event the Foundation will be hosting: the “Golf Pro-Célébrités”. The organization “Procure” that helps stopping prostate cancer, will also host this event that is open to the public to take part in. Jean Pagé and Luc DupontHébert will host the event and at 8:30AM will have a brunch, and after that the people who attended will be divided into groups of three plus a celebrity from sports, entertainment, business or politics. They will have the chance to meet every celebrity, including the members of the band, and still appreciate an acoustic concert of Simple Plan in a cocktail that’ll happen after the competition. The event will happen on August 6th at the Saint-Raphael gold club, Canada. The fans can buy tickets to the cocktail party or only for the concert. Check more information on the website. Written by Vitória @dearvitt

collaboration with kiehl cosmetics As we all know, Simple Plan are always doing things to help support others through their foundation. This time they’re doing something a little different. SP have teamed up with Kiehl, an American cosmetic company and have created a limited edition “Ultra Facial Cream”. All of the profits from internet sales will be donated to the foundation and also for every one sold, Kiehl will donate $1 to children in need. It is also rumoured that they both will both be hosting a charitable concert together. Stay tuned on how you can buy the limited edition product! Written by Maddie

SIMPLE PLAN CELEBR Written by @MariamAstronaut

On July 1st Simple Plan played

who worked on her newest album. Before Simple Plan came on stage, you could see Canadian music legend Kim Mitchell.

Canada Day is the National day of Canada celebrating the anniversary of July 1st, 1867, when uniting of three colonies led into a single country named Canada. Canadians usually have organised celebrations on this day, mostly outdoor public events such as fireworks, festivals and free concerts. At this years celebrations in Brampton, Simple Plan’s show was the headlining one. The day was opened by the band called Amasic. I’m sure you heard this name before – they opened for SP a couple of times, wrote some songs with Chuck and Pierre and also the frontman, Janick Thibault, did some great covers of SP’s songs, which you can check out here. They were followed by solo artist Andee – if you find this name familiar, too, it’s probably because we heard of her a lot thanks to Sebastien,

The setlist of Simple Plan’s concert was almost the same as the setlist at Kirkland Lake concert, expect that they didn’t play This Song Saved My Life, Thank You and Crazy. After this concert we could add a new name to the list of female singers of Jet Lag. It was Andee and you can see their performance here.

a free concert in Brampton, Canada, as part of the celebrations for Canada Day.

Another interesting thing happened, when Sebastien got on stage during Andee’s concert and played the song “Never Gone“ with her, because, as you know, he helped her produce her new record. You can check it out here. And here come some photos :) For more great photos, check out simpleplan.cz’s gallery.

Sebastien and Pierre with Andee

Sebastien on stage with Andee

RATING CANADA DAY

Andee on stage with Simple Plan

A photo of the whole band with Andee

Salmon Fest

Written by Gillian @pierrebuvier

On July 5, 2014, Simple Plan played the Salmon Fest in Newfoundland, Canada. The show is one of the last of their three-year on/off tour, the Get Your Heart On! Tour. Besides Simple Plan, the festival also consisted of other acts such as Pitbull, Maroon 5, American Authors and Virginia to Vegas. According to CBC, roughly 8,500 people gathered around to watch the five acts perform.

Newfoundland was one of the provinces that did not get a Canadian Get Your Heart On! Tour date, and Simple Plan were pretty excited to get back there. Guitarist Jeff Stinco tweeted, “You can’t say you did a cross Canadian tour unless you were in Newfoundland; here we are now to finish what we started; Salmon Fest tonight!”.

You can watch a video of Simple Plan getting on stage and rocking out with “Shut Up!” here.

99.1 Hits FM Interview with Seb Lefebvre

About two weeks ago Simple Plan played at Salmon Fest in Newfoundland. The radio station 99.1 Hits FM did a phone interview with him before the show. Written by Sophie Carlbrant @sophiecarlbrant When Sarah Kettle from 99.1 Hits FM calls Seb up for a chat he’s at home. He recently moved and is in the middle of unboxing.

“I enjoy getting rid of everything I don’t need anymore”

he says about the whole moving process. Salmon Fest is usually the place Simple Plan either starts off or finishes a tour and the last time they played in Newfoundland was when they finished off the Get Your Heart On! Tour back in 2012. On a scale of 1-17 of how excited he is about coming back to play a show he gives at least 20 – really excited! In ‘five questions with Kettle’ we get to know that Seb’s always been a fan of

Source: simpleplan.cz Lana Del Rey and that his first date was just a walk in the park. Also reveled in the ‘five questions with Kettle’ is that the creator and voice actor Seth MacFarlane (Family Guy & American Dad) is the coolest celebrity he’s ever met.

“I actually turned into a little fangirl: ‘can I take a picture, can I buy you a drink?’” As a musician you could think that Seb would be impressed by meeting other musicians but he explains that it’s more of a friendly meeting. To finish off the interview Sarah Kettle ask Seb to give his best advice which is: stop worrying so much about everything.

Listen to the full interview here.

New album. New singer. New band. Interview by Jen @justjenrees

uicide Silence formed in January 2002 and are from Riverside, CA. They are a deathcore band that have won awards for their music. They have toured with many bands, like Parkway Drive, A Day to Remember and The Acacia Strain. They have also played in many festivals such as Mayhem Festival and Sound Wave to name a couple. In 2012 a tragedy occurred when Mitch Lucker, the band’s lead singer was killed in a motor bike accident. Here is the official press release from the band.

“There’s no easy way to say this. Mitch passed away earlier this morning from injuries sustained during a motorcycle accident. This is completely devastating to all of us and we offer our deepest condolences to his family. He will be forever in our hearts. R.I.P. Mitchell Adam Lucker - We Love You Brother.”

On the 21st of December in 2012 a memorial show was help to raise money for Kenadee Lucker (Mitch’s Daughter) future Education costs. As well as this the band started an Education fund for her. After a years break the band announced in October 2013 that Suicide Silence would continue as a new band with Hernan “Eddie” Hermida of All Shall Perish taking on the vocal role. The first shows that Eddie would play live was in Australia at the Sound Wave tour.

I caught up with Eddie thanks to John at Nuclear Blast to chat about the new album and him joining the band. Hi Eddie, how are you going? Great! How are you doing man? Pretty cold, are you enjoying the summer over there? Yeah it’s been great, and it is warm, I have spent the first half of my summer out in Europe, enjoying the European people, and food and customs and shows. Oh awesome. And now I am spending the rest of the summer here on the Mayhem Festival, one of the coolest Festivals in the United States. Yeah I saw that, I was looking that up last night and that sounds pretty cool. Yeah sure is.

huge, that is very big, we couldn’t be happier and we couldn’t be more proud, we are stoked that our fans came out in those big numbers to buy our record. Yeah you certainly have a huge following down here in Australia. Absolutely, especially after going out rocking there for Soundwave, yeah, our first chance to rock out and all the support that Australia has given us over the years, it has been lovely and we can’t thank everyone enough. Yep, I was there at Melbourne Soundwave and saw you. Cheers! Yeah that was a great show.

So can you tell us a bit about the lyrics that the band found on Mitch’s iPad that So firstly Eddie congratulations on your Mark remembered seeing him write? album debuting #1 Rock #1 Metal that is Yeah they were, well the last bit of lyrics amazing. he was writing for the record that they Well thank you very much, yeah that is were working on when they signed with continued on next page...

Nuclear Blast, like a couple of days before he passed he was finishing up those lyrics and they were something that he worked on at home and unfortunately the tragedy happened and we found them and they really touched us, they were very inspiring, they made you feel that you could move forward and like you were bigger than life and we thought that it was really ironic and kind of a cool thing. Definitely. We thought it was so cool that we decided to call the record and that it was had a really big reaction, and the song was so much bigger than we thought it would be and I could not be more proud. Yep, well the next question we kinda answered already... Do you feel the album as a whole met the expectations that you had in the planning stages? Absolutely, if not more, I honestly was not expecting the level of hard work that the band put into it and obviously I’ve never worked with them before but I was not expecting them to be so hungry to become better musicians, and to improve themselves on every single record and I really feel the guys did that as well as me. I am very proud and happy with that part. Is there one track in particular that is a song that you relate most to as a tribute to Mitch? Yeah I would say the opening song, Inherit the Crown, yeah that one is my fav of the album. It is the biggest message, it is kinda like being in the middle of holding Mitch’s hand and reaching out to every single fan I feel like that song is the bottom end of that, it’s very much Mitch, you know, he speaking to me in so many words and his coming out and is saying that I am strong enough to take what ever is dished out to me and that I can move

forward with the band and that’s the bottom line. Yep that is fantastic, it would be awful for a new lead singer to be disrespectful to Mitch. Thanks I appreciate that. What would be your fav track on the new album? I would say the song that We Have All Had Enough, it is a very crushing and punishing song, you know it is one of

“‘InHerit the Crown’ is the biggest message, it is kinda like being in the middle of holding Mitch’s hand and reaching out to every single fan”

those songs that is as heavy as you make it and as metal as you can make it. I really love that song a lot and it is still very signature that it is our song. For you Eddie, what was different with recording this album with Suicide Silence than your old band All Shall Perish? It was very much a different process because as I was involved more in the writing of it, actually locked myself in the studio with the guys, sitting there while they wrote everything even having my two cents into it, so it was very different as in my previous band we all wrote very separately. Both had their thoughts if you walk into a room with a bunch of guys you kinda don’t have to run to a schedule, the other way you know you have to stick to the end time and everyone has too. Both ways are so different.

George “Corpsegrinder” Fisher and Greg Puciato made guest appearances on the album. What was it like working with them? Well nowadays you don’t have to work with them in the studio when you work on tracks with them, they send over their tracks, Greg worked in the same studio as we did, we are really good friends with him. George recorded his across country in Florida. One thing with them knowing that they are on our record is the coolest thing on earth, both of those guys were very influencing on me and I really love them both and I couldn’t be happier that they are on the record, it is one of the most humbling experiences I have ever gone through. Every time I turn on my record it is cool to hear their voices mixed in with mine and it is one of the things that I never expected to do you know. So I laugh about it and I enjoy it, yeah I am very humble and I thank the guys very continued on next page...

much for A) for making some of the best music on earth B) for being so cool and be apart of the thing we have going on! That is great! Your new video ‘’You Can’t Stop Me Now’’ has had 660,000 view in just over a week! That is out of this world! How pleased are you with that? Yeah that was great! You would not of been expecting that? Yeah not at all man, when it had like something like 300,000 views on its first day I was just flabbergasted, I was saying are you kidding me? This is ridiculous. But I am happy and glad you asked as we worked really hard on the video, the positioning, the cameo was amazing, such a treat for the band, I don’t know I really love the whole thing, it was pretty cool. So how many takes did the last part take, I kept laughing. You know I have not looked yet, I promised myself that I would not look for a couple of weeks, until it all comes together. So was there any funny stories that you can tell us about the making the video? Well I am absolutely definitely afraid of snakes, and there are a lot of snakes in the video! Ah yeah there are! There were a lot of snakes on set and I was pretty much running around like a little girl the whole time, screaming out my lungs so that is how much I am scared of snakes! I would be doing the same! Actually worse if it was spiders! That is interesting that you agreed to a video like that with snakes. Oh man you only live once right? True. If you are going to let a couple of snakes stop you from making a cool video in your life you are kind of an idiot. Exactly I face my fears, I actually held a 12 foot 91 pounds python. Really? Whoa yep well ok I am not going to do that ever. (Laughing) It was a great experience of my life.

“if your heart speaks to you and you don’t follow it, then you are not living life at its fullest” Many fans thought that SS would never record or play live again and I know that Aussie hard core fans were overjoyed with the news that you joined the band. What was the process of you joining the band as lead vocalist? Well I’ve been a long time friends with those guys and ah they asked the question and I had to think about it for a while and I had a lot of things on my plate already, like I was debating whether or not I should go back to school so I thought about things for a while and I felt like it was the best decision and a very good one at the end of the day and it came straight from the heart

and you know if your heart speaks to you and you don’t follow it then you are not living life at its fullest. Yeah I agree. Have you had any backlash from upset fans since you joined the band or has it been more positive? Oh yeah I’ve got death threats, I’ve got my family threatened, there are people saying I don’t fit in, I should go back to my old band and I am ruining this band. It is all over the place, you know you don’t pay any attention to any of that it is mainly coming from a bunch of young kids that don’t know boundaries, that don’t know what words do to people as they have not been hurt themselves, and yeah you have to roll with continued on next page...

Photos by Rebecca Houlden

the punches, you have to understand that they are not very strong and it is up to me to work on the impact. If some of these people would not say these things to my face. Look I am having the best time for the rest of my days so it does not really matter. Yeah good attitude to have! Absolutely. When you are on tour what do you do for fun? Other than having shots! Actually I have stopped doing most of my drinking, I like to work out and I like to hang out with my band mates. I like to try to do something a little active and take a long walk, get some air when I am out and so I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get bored. I do need to do something a little active as we sit for so long. When are you guys coming back to Australia? We have no definite plans yet to come back to Australia but we definitely want to. We want to do a headliner and give fans a little more time to watch us and come out with some cool bands you know what I mean? So do you have any messages you have for the readers of our magazine to hear? Just thank you, so much from the bottom of my heart, we love everybody that digs the things we do and the kids that hate us, we have to keep moving forward thank you so much you guys, and this success that we are going through right now is for everyone to enjoy.

PROTEST THE HERO ‘’So listen up kids, listen hard, because it doesn’t get much more authentic than Protest The Hero live. Protest The Hero are phenomenal. That is all.’’ – Metal-Rules Australian fans now get the chance to witness this phenomenon As PROTEST THE HERO are headed our way! Protest The Hero have carved an identity for themselves that is so revolutionary within heavy music that to call them “unique” would be like calling Louis C.K. “pretty funny” or the classic “Star Trek” television series “influential sci-fi.” The band effortlessly balances high-minded artistry with wit and whimsy, substantive viewpoints with wanton tomfoolery and masterful musicianship with true songcraft. Across Protest The Hero’s cinematic fourth album, 2013’s ‘Volition’, spider-fingered arpeggios, walloping bottom heavy brutality and dynamically theatrical vocals the group have

made their stock-in-trade remain unrivalled. Their storied career has earned them a Revolver Golden Gods Award, two Canadian Independent Music Awards, a Juno nomination, and millions of views online leading to a #1 debut in their home Canada. But it’s the groundswell of loyal supporters who’ve connected with the band’s spontaneity, authenticity and depth that continues to propel them forward: when they set out to crowdfund ‘Volition’, PTH met their goal in 24 hours and had more than tripled that sum when it was over.

‘’The band is one of the tightest I’ve ever seen, If you’re a fan that has been putting off seeing them, or a fan of prog metal at all, get your ass to a show of theirs.’’ – Metal Injection

Protest The Hero’s hyper-charged bombast is as urgent as their spiritual forefathers in Canadian agitators Propaghandi and they are as skilled as any of the musical shamans who the fill pages of guitar and bass blogs. Metromix once wrote that guitarists Luke Hoskin and Tim Millar are “deserving of their own Guitar Hero game.” Bassist Arif Mirabdolbaghi displays a dexterity and fluidity that sends fans furiously searching online for tips and tabs. The entire sound is all buoyed by Rody Walker’s recognizable and charismatic wail, as distinctive as the voice that leads fellow Canadians Rush. Protest The Hero’s fourth album contains some of their heaviest and most progressive material, while alternately offering increasingly melodic punk elements that open the door to even bigger horizons. “The music is still bat-shit crazy a lot of the time, but there’s more structure,” Hoskin notes. “On our first two albums, I’d play them for friends and they’d say, ‘This part was cool but it never comes back!’ That was the intention at the time. Now we bring parts back and expand on them.”

‘’The band’s performance was just perfect. The whole set was surprisingly clean, energetic, and technically almost flawless’’ – The Circle Pit ‘Volition’, boasts the heaviest song Protest The Hero has even written, “A Life Embossed,” a fast-paced and complex barnstormer with dissonant guitars. It’s topped with vocal declarations against breed-specific legislation regarding pitbulls. “Plato’s Tripartite” is infused with even more venom for modern events, decrying the misogyny that can lead to physi-

cal abuse, demanding that society take a shared, collective responsibility. The first song the band wrote for the album musically, “Tilting Against Windmills” (the title is from “Don Quixote”), rails against the homophobia of religious fundamentalists. “I almost called the song ‘Kirk Cameron is Gay,’ but I was vetoed,” Walker says, with a laugh. As much a career long culmination in style and spirit as a new chapter in their continuing evolution, Protest The Hero’s ‘Volition’, sits mightily alongside the catalogue, the music videos, the mandatory crowd participation of their performances and every other detail of the band’s expression, part of a burgeoning legacy built on truthfulness and artistic independence. Commercial conquering has never been the goal; making statements, planting a cultural flag of sorts, has always been paramount.

‘’Top-notch technical skills? Are you kidding? Check. Stage presence?

These guys own rooms just by walking onstage, well before actually playing.’’ – The Musical Melting Pot

exclusive interview with...

protest the her Inter view by Jen @justjenrees // Researched by Leeann @adnaxar

JEN: Hi Rody? RODY: This is he! Hi, how are you doing? I am doing pretty well, how about you? Yeah not to bad, enjoying the weather? Yeah we have had a nice little week here in Canada. It is freezing here in Australia. I started my research for this interview by reading your bio on facebook and I have not laughed so much in ages. Usually the bios are so dry and boring but yours is classic. Did you read it the whole way through? I have not even read all of it! Yeah I did and when I got to the part that said “I’m pretty stoked that you read this whole thing. I commend you for that. This was ridiculously long, and you probably have other stuff you could’ve done in the last four minutes.” I was like yeah that is so true! I had 15 band interviews to write that night! But I needed a laugh. The real funny things is that I copied

and pasted that from Taylor Swift’s bio and just changed the name. Really? (laughing) I am glad that you enjoyed it! I am sorry you wasted your time! You guys used to be called Happy Go Lucky, which is not really a great name for a metal core band. Is this why you changed it? No we were like a skate punk ska band at the time, we are talking about 1999, That is a long time ago! I usually interview those kind of bands more than heavy band. You know what I still like skate punk bands better than metal so I mean you can ask me about that if you want. Have you played with Reel Big Fish or Less Than Jake? No but I love them, I prefer Less Than Jake over Reel Big Fish, wait actually we played a festival with Reel Big Fish three weeks ago. I tried to tell the singer that he was great and he did not even look me in the eye. Yeah he is a bit like that actually. I would like to think that he just did not hear me so…. Yeah ok lets give him the

benefit of the doubt. They have been a favorite of mine, they came here for Warped last year and I met them, and yeah the lead singer did not answer anything, it was the trumpet player Scott and he would not shut up! Ha that is funny. You would think that a guy that grows sideburns like that and wears those fun Hawaiian t-shirts all the time would have a lot to say but no, I mean maybe he is just overcompensating by wearing them due to his lack of personality with his zany dress. Possibly…. (laughing) maybe he is shy? (Laughing….).

So finally Australia is lucky enough to have you come down under for a headlining tour, and even a show in Perth, not sure if you are aware but that is pretty rare for bands to do that. Yeah we keep hearing that it is pretty rare, it exciting for us, that’s what we want, we want to play more shows, that is part of a reason you join a band as you see things that other things people don’t! Ha true I guess. Perth is great, great beaches but I’ve noticed that you don’t have much time here are you planning on doing anything touristy? Well we can’t wait until we get back to Canada and tell all out friends that hey Have you ever been to Perth? Even the suburbs! You came here for Soundwave in 2011, what was your favourite city to play at? Yep! That is a good question, we were so busy there, when we were in Sydney we did a whole lot of touristy stuff which is just kinda lame but I also think it is necessary as well, this time we are trying to go a bit deeper, we are going to ask the locals where to go and get drunk OK, that kind of stuff, Well I can help you out with that in Melbourne. Thanks. I’ve heard the steaks are quite delicious there, Well yeah they are any where in Australia.

Any highlights of that tour that you can share? The shows were so miserable for me, the shows were so miserable as my voice went away like it has never gone before so I was so disappointed in myself, I mean every thing else in Australia was so fantastic, I ate kangaroo for the first time….. YUK! And probably the last time, I saw kangaroos and it was dirty and there were flies all over it’s eyes and balls, yuk, I could not eat them.

“Australia was so fantastic, I ate kangaroo for the first time… YUK!” Did you do a signing at SW? It was really pathetic. As there was some emo kid that was on after us and there was a huge line and it turned out that it was waiting for his autograph not ours. So there were about 3 people who knew us. At this years soundwave, Zebrahead were there and doing a signing and not many people were lining up so we kept going back and talking to them until we got told off by security. You probably made the band feel really good as speaking from experience it sucks when no one turns up at your autograph tent. It would be! Did you do some Sidewaves with other bands? Yeah we did a couple, 2 shows, they were great to do some bar shows not just festival ones. Your album Volition was done via contributions from fans, and the plan was to raise $125,000. However in reality your fans raised $341,146 USD! You guys have amazing fans, that is so awesome! How humbling was that for you guys? You hit it right on the head, it was humbling, it was exactly what it was, we had no idea that fans would come out of the woodwork and give that much money, it was amazing.

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You had 4 fans pay $5000 to get to sing or play on the on the album, can you tell me how that worked? What did they end up doing? That sounds like a dream come true for a die hard fan! It was quite interesting as we worded the thing wrong! We wanted to word it that you can come and sing or play on the record and bring a friend and they hang for the day in the studio but it was worded, hey you can sing on the record and your friend can too! So instead of 4 people on the record it was 7 as one guy did not bring a friend or something like that, other than one guitarist they were all vocalist and I had to go through the songs and I had to find lyrics that I wanted to give up to them but it really ended up really well. The kids that wanted to scream could

“It was interesting and hilarious and very suprising to see anyone give a shit about our band.” scream better than I could and the kids that wanted to sing were such better singers than me, I mean it was really embarrassing, but they all did a great job and I was proud of each and everyone of them. But it was embarrassing for me.

This year you guys won the Juno Award for best Metal/Hard Music Album of the year, how did that feel? Yeah that was cool and no one in the US knows what a Juno award is as it is only a Canadian thing but it is huge in Canada. I mean my grandma watched it and she does not give a shit about the band and it was really weird. I think she would have been proud of you! Yeah I guess so. I mean you would never know by the way she looks at me. It was really special for our families and our girlfriends families and it was validating…. See Mum? I am not a loser! But that was the best part, winning the Juno as we could rub it in everyones face. Chris Adler, the Lamb of God drummer playing on Volition, do you think that contributed to the success? That must have been pretty cool. For sure! I think it played a pretty significant role in the success of the record and as funny as it was, things were falling apart, our drummer leaving then our bassist leaving , it was really peculiar how things came together themselves, they came together to be marginal successful.

My fav song is “A Life Embossed”. You guys are clearly are dog lovers, as am I. Yeah! The message that you send with your song “A Life Embossed” is clearly a controversial topic, as it is here in Australia. I think that most dog bites could be Volition peaked at number 20 on the Billavoided if the human owners were more board 200, a huge achievement and number responsible. Absolutely. Was this song one on the Top Independent Albums and written about the Canadian laws about numerous other commendable awards, was pit-bulls? this beyond your expectations? The banning of any breeds on any conYeah! Absolutely, I mean the billboard like tinent is pretty similar. It is discrimation. I never thought that we would get on that I mean that is about a ban in Ontario let alone number 20, and it was funny and Canada, but it is that in the UK, US, even maybe it was a slow week so maybe not a Australia that bans any breed. It is discrimgreat accomplishment, but it is funny as we ination. Like we can fix dog bites or attacks were between Kayne West and Lady Gaga so by destroying any breed of dog is absolutely what the F*&k am I doing there! It was inridiculous. The only way to get rid or reduce teresting and hilarious and very suprising to dog attacks is to educate people who own see anyone give a shit about our band. dogs and the proper punishment of the

about that, and it is really stupid how the mother f*&ckers who listen to our band are.

people who own dogs who attack people. It is the only way. What was the feed back you got from this songâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s message? I read some of the comments on the YouTube clip, should not of done that as some were just weird. There is some ignorant bullshit that goes on

Have you any messages for the readers of our magazine? Yeah! We are coming to Australia in September and we are excited to be coming again, we have our fingers crossed that people show up to our shows, even if no one shows up to our shows then we will still be delighted to be there. Your VIP packages, and some places they have already sold out. Damn! I did not know that! I will be there. I look forward to meeting you. Sorry we went over time, I think we had a bit of a laugh, it was an enjoyable interview. For me as well. Thanks Rody, see when you come down under. See ya! What a great interview! Rody was fun to talk to and I had a great time. Please check this band out!

Written by Jen @justjenrees

ave the Clock Tower are a relatively new up and coming band with some changes in their line up. This 4 piece post-hardcord band hail from Tasmania, Australia. For our overseas readers that is the huge island down below the mainland. They have an unique mix of punk, hardcore, metalcore and rock genres and are working hard developing their own sound using pure emotion and hunger. They are keen to improve themselves improve themselves as artists and are developing a more technical, professional sound and real meaningful lyrics.

Their Debut album ‘Wasteland’ was released on July the 4th this year and you can purchase it on iTunes. Check them out on their facebook page to keep up with all their news.

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE For long the brunt of jokes and a region continuously snubbed by touring artists Tasmanian are now fighting back and showing the music world just what lies within the ‘Apple Isle’. Hidden out of the spotlight, yet rich in value there are hidden gems that have now been unearthed and ready to be put on display. One of these gems is Launceston based 4 piece post-hardcore band SAVE THE CLOCK TOWER. Having officially formed in 2010 they took their small island home by storm in an instant unleashing their own brand of calculated mayhem on the music starved public. Over the next few years SAVE THE CLOCK

TOWER re-built the foundation of their core with a mission to be uncompromising yet expressive and by gathering their influences from across punk, hardcore, metalcore and rock genres and developing their own sound constructed on pure emotion and hunger. They worked tirelessly to improve themselves as artists and develop a more distinguished, professional sound and adopted a real sense of depth with their lyrics. SAVE THE CLOCK TOWER’s reputation was enhanced and a solid fanbase started to evolve across the country following the release of their two EP’s ‘Letters’ in 2011 and ‘The Human Condition’ in 2012. During this time the band has impressed fans and critics Australia wide and captured attention from American audiences and beyond. Having toured Australia on numerous occasions playing alongside such luminaries as Parkway Drive, The Amity Affliction, Dream On Dreamer, a co headline tour with Alesana in 2013, and appearances at the critically acclaimed charity event, Breath of Life Festival in

Tasmania SAVE THE CLOCK TOWER are ready to stand alone as a headliner in their own right! The now proclaimed leading heavy rock act from Tasmania consist of Joel Hallam on guitar, Luke Vaessen on vocals, Owen Broad on drums, and Alex McNulty on bass and their rapid rise on the scene has led them to be now proudly endorsed by Ibanez Guitars, Truth Custom Drums, Mistake Clothing, Anchors Aweigh Apparel and led to a deal with US label Bullet Tooth and locally via Faction / Sony! SAVE THE CLOCK TOWER have just wrapped their successful Australian Tour with French metal giants Betraying The Martyrs and now they will barely get enough time to catch their breath as their debut full length album‘Wasteland’ is let loose on the public on July 4th 2014! Pre order the album now.

Interview on next page!

Hi Jen Hi how is it going? Freezing, it is not horrible but still pretty cold! I have been listening to you guys and I have been thinking that you are the best band to come out of Tasmania in a long time. Thanks very much! In fact I cant think of anyone better forever I think!

Trilogy. I thought it might be. I love that! We are all massive fans. How does it feel to be the brunt of so many jokes about being Tasmanian? Honestly I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really think we give a shit, people can say what they want, I think that, if you can prove your self enough with your performance and with your sound and with producing records or whatever you are doing you can prove yourself enough that does not really factors in as much anymore. Like we have never really coped it too bad, I mean every now and then we might get a snide comment, the thing is no one says it to our face, ok well that is good. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think that they would anyway, I think it is a bit more safer to just say shit behind your back and I just think that is what it is like in the music scene, you just deal with it. Well I guess you are not from New Zealand so thats ok (laughingâ&#x20AC;Ś..apologies to New Zealanders!)

You have been together since 2010, where did you guys all meet? Well myself and Joel we have been playing in bands for seven years and we met him in College and we had a metal band in College for a few years and that is how we met our drummer and he played in our old band as well. I am not actually sure how the guys met Alex as they had started the band before, I was not the original singer of the band, yeah. I am not actually sure how they met Alex but I think it was through mutual friends and then they asked me if I wanted to be a You have now signed with Bullet Proof. singer in a band again and I listened to How amazing is it that you are signed what they said and I liked it and I said yes! with a label with bands such as Memphis May Fire and Bullet for My ValenGood, So the particular musical directine? tion that you wanted that was a definite Yeah it is pretty crazy to think that Josh direction or did you just wait and see found those bands and has got those what came out? bands to where they are today, you know I liked what they did at the time which touring the world and selling out massive was a hell of a lot different to what we are shows, so for us it is a little bit daunting doing now. but I thought what they were for someone that has such notoriety has doing back then in 2010 was great. it was seen something that he likes in us and different than everyone else and then believes in us. It is really cool. when I joined, I guess I am more melodic hardcore and when I joined I had an input You have also supported bands such as a lot more and that changed the direction House vs Hurricane, Parkway Drive, The to what we are now. I guess. Amity Affliction, Dream on Dreamer, how cool was that? Is there a story behind your name Save It is really good to play shows with those the Clock Tower? guys, whether they have been one off It is a reference to the Back to the Future shows on the island here or they have

been touring the main land, it is always a different experience depending on who we are with. Any funny stories you can tell us about the tours? ah any funny stories….not that come to mind straight away but I bet that I will think of one as soon as I hang up….. Oh you can always email me. You just finished touring with French metal band Betraying The Martyrs. How was that National tour? Have they

been an inspiration to you? Not to me but to Joel for sure. I had not heard of them to be honest before the tour as I listen to the heavy stuff but I don’t listen to it all the time, I like to have a bit of a break. if I am going to play heavy music I don’t want to then turn around and listen to heavy music as that can stuff up my brain a bit. Well that is fair and to be honest I had not heard of them either. Well saying that they are probably one of the best live performing bands that I have seen in my life and being able to watch them and how they continued on next page...

play which is really really technical and perform the way they do was incredible for us and I think it was a learning curve for us to see a band that have toured and are quiet massive overseas was good experience.

Listening to your album, Wasteland, you seem to have so many influences from different genres. I like the mix up within the songs for the variety. What genre do you think you fit into the best? Or do you not want to be defined as one genre?

Betraying the Matyrs, Valiance and

Probably I reckon we call ourselves Post hard core but I think that we probably fit more so in Metalcore and Punk. I don’t know, I don’t think the label metalcore is bad as such I think that it has a little bit sigma to it and that is how I see us, a new metal core band. As a parent if my kids come home and say they love a metalcore band I like to know who and can I listen to them… (Laughing) Even being in this music business! I do need to get that out of my head! Was there a reason behind the name for the album Wasteland? Well it kinda refers to a couple of things, I had just broke up with a girl that I had gone out for 6 years and I came up with that title thinking about what is left with a person after a relationship like that ends and also what is left of a person that has struggles with substance abuse and alcohol abuse so they are probably the two main things but also with our band, a lot of our lyrics are quite personal lyrics like on the last EP there was a lot of welI, had just come off using and it was all about that and I was getting deep into conspiracy theory stuff so they was a lot of religion in their and govern-

Save the Clock Tower

ment stuff so that I think the second or the third meaning is what we as a human race are doing to our earth. That is amazing as you don’t know how many bands say to me oh coz we liked it… and so that is really personal and it clearly means something to you. Yeah I mean of course I ran it past the guys first and as soon as I mentioned the name, and told them they were all 100 % behind it. How does your writing process work? Do you lock your self away or is it more casual? Is it a group process? Well for Wasteland Joel and our former guitarist they usually come up with the start of a song, even a verse or a chorus or sometimes just an intro or something like that and would bring it to the rest of us already recorded on the computer so we can hear it. So we would sit down and have a listen and the song they bought to us we would completely pick it apart until it is back to its bare bones and then we would start rebuilding it again. And that is pretty much what we did with Wasteland. I think that those guys had at least 6 songs each and then the rest of us would then help to make the rest of the final product. Of all the tracks on the album, which one did you have the most fun recording? None of the them as I had to rerecord them all 3 times. Don’t get me wrong I enjoyed the first time and it was really good but we had some editing problems, we sent it away to the states and the guy that we were using over there sent it back to us telling us that there are a couple of things in here that we can’t work with so we had to record all the clean vocals again so we did that. Then we asked our other guitarist to leave at the time and I continued on next page...

had to rerecord the main clean vocals so at that time I was a little bit over it I guess! The Music video for These diseases is pretty intense can sends a powerful message about violence, I like how you turned back the clock to show what happened when a mate stepped in. How did you come up with that concept? I have to give all the credit to that to Joel. The song is not necessarily about street violence or anything like that, it is about bad choices. That there are consequences and reprocussions I guess, he came to us one day and said Look I’ve got this idea for this, like if we do it about the king hits like in Sydney and a couple in Melbourne and even know our friends down here, just before we actually started the video they were out one night and it happened to them. Two guys… It was shit and yeah and to begin with we did not even have turning back the clock we were going to keep it straight as though he died but we decided to change it as we felt that it was too morbid and it might look better of what could of happened if that choice was made not to do that. Definitely as it mean that it will be a video that stand out rather than be like so many that bad things happen and then it is over. The next question I had was Is there a song on your album that has a special meaning for you? Which one and why? I gather that it is all of them. Most of them yeah although Home Sweet Home was actually written by our former guitarist and the lyrics as well, for what it is about I can relate to the song and what it is about and they all do have really strong meanings to me and the rest of the guys in the band as they know what the songs are about. Like I don’t usually like to tell people too much about it I would much

rather them be able to build their own connection to the song without having a preconceived image in their head of what it is actually about if that makes sense? Yep. I think some of our readers will relate to that, most of readers are teenagers and If I get any feedback I will pass it on to you. Cool thank you. Do you have any merchandise available? SP fans love to buy merch especially tees and hoodies! We do, it is all through 2400 and some tees on there. For the rest of the world it is through the bullet proof website. How can fans keep in touch with you? Like us on Facebook! How do you see your future? What’s next in terms of the bigger picture for Save the Clock Tower? Well we will just be touring that is the next step for us and we all agreed that is what we need to do. I know we have a few things lined up for the rest of the year, not that I can tell you until we are allowed, we have two or three tours for the rest of this year and one for next year. That is great! It is the best way of getting your music out there. What songs do you listen to when driving? When you are on road trips to gigs? I listen to a lot of Hip Hop. ummmm ok, I would not of picked that….. (Laughing) As I said like I can’t listen to too much heavy stuff as when i play the heavy stuff I find that the heavy stuff if I listen to it is clogs up my head to much. It is a good release for me, if it is insane stupid lyrics. I like old school hip hop, late 80’s early 90’s stuff to what is out now although there is some alright stuff coming out now.

What was the first album you ever bought? ummm I am pretty sure it was the Savage Garden album… I loved them when they came out! So around ‘96. Yeah around then. You’ve followed your dreams. What advice would you give to young people on following their dreams to get the career they want for themselves. I mean a lot of it is luck, right place right time and we have worked super hard and recording music make sure that you are getting music recorded properly even if

you are having to spend money as people want to hear a good quality sound and you need to play shows, and if you are from a small town like we are and you have built a solid base then you need to get out and play bigger places to build up a fan base there. You have a great attitude and a very humble attitude and it has been a pleasure to interview you. Thank you very much, it has been a nice interview. Good luck Luke, thanks for your time with everything.

BLUES PILLS BLUES PILLS, they are the band about to break open worldwide… Dragging elements from Led Zeppelin, the original Fleetwood Mac, Janis Joplin, Patti Smith, The Who, Jimi Hendrix, Cream and a hint of Black Sabbath, BLUES PILLS are set to explode…. Rock never sounded this good!. They ARE the new ROCK SENSATION! Think Adele digging deep and exploring her hard rock roots, Stonefield maturing beyond expectation, and a gorgeous Swedish bombshell with pipes akin to

Anne Wilson or Aretha Franklin. This is honest, it is full of integrity, and it’s downright authentic! BLUES PILLS are a stunning unit, the amazing voice of Elin Larsson, the 18 year old guitar whiz Dorian Sorriaux (named as one of the Top 25 Guitarists to watch) backed by the red hot groove laden rhythm section of Zack Anderson (Bass) & Corey Berry (Drums) with their souls deeply entrenched in the 70’s.

Interview

By Jen @justjenrees

I caught up with Zac over the phone one night to chat about Blues Pills new release of their first full length Album that that they have recorded with Nuclear Blast. Interview obtained by John from Bullet Proof. Hi Zac, Hey Jen how are you doing? Pretty good! Is it hot over there? Yeah it is pretty to out here. Ha it is freezing here! You are described as American-Swedish-French quartet, what band members are from what country? yeah sure, I am American, and the guitarist is French and the rest of the band is Swedish. What is the background of you all meeting? I meet Elin in California a few years ago, she was there on vacation and we met there and became friends and we started playing a little bit if music together but nothing serious and then a couple of months later we recorded a couple of demos and we uploaded them on to youtube and started to get a to get a lot of response from people and people wanted shows like that. So then when all of that happened just from two you tube videos we had something kinda of good. (Laughing) So we decided to take it a little more seriously and like put some effort into it and that was when we found Dorian, I had seen him play a show when I was in France maybe a year before that, we did not really meet as such, we added each other on facebook so then once we started being this band we started send-

ing music back and forward and stuff and we would record somethings and send it to him and he would record some guitar and send it back and things like that. Then our first EP was recorded before we had played together in real life. That was our EP called Blitz, which is our first EP recorded in Sweden. So that was our first record and after that we got some momentum and we got to go on some tours and it just picked up from there. You do have a unique sound that the music industry seems to be embracing and certainly is needed when it comes to bands winning reality tv shows. Your unique sound packs a punch especially with the opening song â&#x20AC;&#x153;High Class Womanâ&#x20AC;? This is my personal favorite off the album, do you have one that is yours? Ah yeah I have a few favorites, I think it is kinda hard to pick one because there is a lot different views on the album and songs that have different feelings, I think High Class Woman or Aint No Change maybe are my favorites, they are more the rocking songs then the softer songs I probably like Little Sun or No Hope Left for Me would be my favorites. It changes every day for different reasons I think. Me to that happens to me all the time!

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You have already released 2 EP’s and are days away from releasing your first full length album. Are you super proud of all the hard work that has gone into this album? How long has it taken to write and record? It feels amazing that we have finally release it as soon as we finished the first EP we have been planning to do a full album but it just took so long as first we were living in different countries and Dorian is so young (he is 18 isn’t he?) he just turned 19 yesterday actually (oh my bad) but so yeah there were a lot of implications so we took so much time and we started to recored full length demos in 2012 and it was right around the time that we got in touch with Nuclear Blast and got talking to them and once we got signed to Nuclear Blast we kinds stracted all those songs and we got to go into a del studio and we went off to Gosenburg and recorded this new album. with John and he is a very good teacher and once we were actually in the studio we were there for two months total and it was broken up into sessions between our touring schedule as we tour quite a lot, so when ever we were home we would just go into the studio a lot.

that we played at soundcheck and then when we got longer set times we added it in. It just made it’s way into our set list so it seemed to make sense to put it on the album. We changed the sound a little bit to make it more ours.

The actual art work for the album did look like someone looking back into the sixty’s but then I read that it was a Koger Dunham original that made sense! It certainty does represent the balance of life and looks fantastic. How did you find it and decide to use it as the album cover? Well I have always collected a lot of records and a lot of 60’s psychedelic music and stuff and I’ve always been interested in 60’s psychedelic art work. And I had an album cover that was done by her and it was one of my favorite albums and I really liked the music so much. Whenever we contacting artists, I always showed them a few album covers that we liked and asked if they could do something similar to this style, and gave them the idea and that was one of the albums that I always showed them and was like we had a few artists paint us stuff but nothing really made us happy so then one day I just thought that I would look her up on the If I had not read on your website that the internet and I don’t know why we did not song Gyspy was a Chubby Checker cov- think of that before and I found out that er I would never have picked that, it does she was still painting and had a website not sound like the Chubby Checker’s so I emailed her and we started talking to songs that I remember at all! Was there her, we sent her our music and she liked a significant reason that you choose it and she that is how we ended knowthat song as a cover? ing her and that she sent us some of her There is not like a specific reason, he repaintings that she had done in the 60’s corded that psychedelic album in the late and said that we could basically license 60’s and when people hear it they don’t any of them. I showed it to my 15 year believe it was him as he was know for old daughter and she loved it, so it will the twist (Laugh) That is right! It is kinda appeal to the younger crowd. You have surprising that he recorded an psychechosen well. Yeah the difference in coldelic album like that. We liked to jam that ors, yeah and the whole life balance. song and it just kinda became a song

On the day of release you are doing an intimate show at the St Pancras old Church which is renowned for itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great acoustics. That will be an awesome show. Is that really the only the second time you have played live in London? Yeah we played there with Orchid and that was a great show and we are going back there for our second time with our album release so that should be a cool show.

Any plans to head down to Australia soon? To be honest I have not heard of most of the places that you have played at. Lucky music can be played anywhere and I am glad that I can play your music and get you some new fans down here in Australia! Not at the moment but I really want to go back maybe next year.

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You have played with bands like Black Sabbath, Rob Zombie, Megadeath, Alice Copper, how great was it to play with such huge bands like these? It is always at huge festivals so we don’t really have any contact with the bands themselves but it was cool to get to see Black Sabbath, a lot of times, you don’t even have time to watch bands as you need to leave straight away and drive to the next place, but luckily the two times we played with Black Sabbath we got to see them. Best wishes for your album release, I can tell the world will love it and embrace it. Keep doing what you love to do and people will keep listening! Thanks a lot, Jen. Thanks Zack. Seeya. Have a great day. (it was late at night for me haha)

Standard-CD 01 - High Class Woman 4:28 02 - Ain’t No Change 4:58 03 - Jupiter 4:06 04 - Black Smoke 5:09 05 - River 4:23 06 - No Hope Left For Me 3:53 07 - Devil Man 3:06 08 - Astralplane 4:39 09 - Gypsy 3:09   10 - Little Sun 4:50

You can check out all their information here. Watch the video for High Class Women here.

NEXT EDITION

Interviews with over 20 Bands on warped tour

Written by Luke

Joel Madden Full Name: Joel Rueben Madden Born: March 11, 1979 (age 35) Home Town: Waldorf, Maryland, United States Famous For: Being in the hugely popular band ‘Good Charlotte’, as well as his work as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador

Albums: 2000 - Good Charlotte (Good Charlotte) 2002 - The Young and the Hopeless (Good Charlotte) 2004 - The Chronicles of Life and Death (Good Charlotte) 2007 - Good Morning Revival (Good Charlotte) 2008 - Greatest Remixes (Good Charlotte) 2010 - Cardiology (Good Charlotte) 2011 - Before, Volume 1 (With brother Benji Madden as ‘The Madden Brothers’) 2014 - Greetings from California (With brother Benji Madden as ‘The Madden Brothers’) 20** - Unnamed Good Char lotte album quoted by band member saying they are “working on” the album Fun Fact: In 2002 he made a guest apperence on the song “You Don’t Mean Anything” by Simple Plan on their album No Pads, No Helmets...Just Balls.

THE JUDGES, RUNNER-UP, WINNER & THE VOICE KIDS KYLIE MINOGUE Full Name: Kylie Ann Minogue Born: May 28, 1968 (age 46 years) Home Town: Melbourne, Australia Famous For: First apeared on the Australian daytime soap ‘Neighbours’. Then later broke into the music industry with her single ‘Locomotion’

Albums: 1988 - Kylie 1989 - Enjoy Yourself 1990 - Rhythm of Love 1991 - Let’s Get to It 1994 - Kylie Minogue 1997 - Impossible Princess 2000 - Light Years 2001 - Fever 2003 - Body Language 2007 - X 2010 - Aphrodite 2014 - Kiss Me Once Fun Fact: In 2011 she was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame and even recognised by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) for her accomplishments in music.

RICKY MARTIN Full Name: Enrique Martín Morales Born: December 24, 1971 (age 42) Home Town: San Juan, Puerto Rico Famous For: His music, acting and being the author of the children’s book, ‘Santiago the Dreamer in Land Among the Stars’

Albums: (not including his carrer with the band ‘Menudo’) 1991 - Ricky Martin 1993 - Me Amarás 1995 - A Medio Vivir 1998 - Vuelve 1999 - Ricky Martin (second self-titled album) 2000 - Sound Loaded 2003 - Almas del Silencio 2005 - Life 2011 - Música + Alma + Sexo Fun Fact: he has been honered with many awards for his humanitarian efforts including: - Leadership in the Arts Award - Billboard’s Spirit of Hope Award - ALMA Award - Vanguard Award - International Humanitarian Award by the International Centre for Missing & Exploited Children - Hispanic Heritage Award for his humanitarian work through the Sabera Foundation in rescuing three orphan girls from the streets of Kolkata (September 2002).

Will i am

Full Name: William Adams Born: March 15, 1975 (age 39) Home Town: Los Angeles, California, United States Famous For: Being in the band ‘The Black Eyed Peas’, his solo music, works with other artists and his philanthropy

Albums: 1998 - Behind The Front (The Black Eyed Peas) 2000 - Bridging The Gap (The Black Eyed Peas) 2001 - Lost Change (Solo) 2003 - Must B 21 (Solo) 2003 - Elephunk (The Black Eyed Peas) 2004 - Behind The Bridge To Elephunk 2005 - Monkey Business (The Black Eyed Peas) 2007 - Songs About Girls (solo) 2009 - The E.N.D (The Black Eyed Peas) 2010 - The E.N.D Summer Canadian Invasion Tour Remix Collection (The Black Eyed Peas) 2010 - The Beginning (The Black Eyed Peas) 2013 - #willpower (solo) Fun Fact: he is the first ever artist to send a song to the plannet Mars. The song ‘Reach For The Stars (Mars Edition)’ was played back with NASA®s Curiosity Mars Space Lab team in 2012.

THE VOICE RUNNER-UP JACKSON THOMAS Age: 24 Location: Victoria Audition Song: ‘Royals’ – Lorde Bio By day, Jackson is a third-generation sparky, working on the railways in Melbourne, but the rest of the time he’s performing at bars, functions and weddings. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Jeff Buckley and Matt Corby, his pure tone complements his raw interpretations of popular covers. Classically trained, Jackson was a boy soprano in the Australian Opera and performed in many musicals and eisteddfods as a teen. Winning the Geelong Rotary Club ‘Annual Star Search’ competition, an accolade shared with singersongwriter Missy Higgins, was a defining

and encouraging musical moment. A hard worker, Jackson hopes to apply the same level of dedication to his vocal career on The Voice.

THE VOICE WINNER ANJA NISSEN Age: 18 Location: NSW Audition Song: ‘Vanishing’ – Mariah Carey Bio 18-year-old high school graduate, Anja, has been in the spotlight since she made the semi finals of Australia’s Got Talent at age 12. She has enjoyed a string of televised appearances as a featured vocalist including Kerri-Ann and Schools Spectacular, and notes singing the Danish national anthem in the company of Princess Mary of Denmark as a personal highlight.

Anja found her voice at a young age on her parent’s rural property where she could sing at the top of her lungs. Here she also discovered a love for animals, nature and

motorbike riding. Despite her age, she is often mistaken for more mature artists from whom she takes inspiration such as Patti Labelle, Aretha Franklin, Celine Dion and Mariah Carey. Information provided by The Voice page. To watch the winner being announced on TV click the link here.

By Jen @ justjenrees Information taken from Channel 9

MEL B Mel B is best known as Scary Spice of the Spice Girls, and in a career spanning more than 20 years she has added television personality, author, fashion leader, stage star, philanthropist, entrepreneur and mother to her list of ever-expanding credits.

Joel & Benji Coach Joel Madden will be teaming up with his brother and past mentor on The Voice, Benji. Both Coaches will sit side-by-side in their own big red chair and together decide who joins Team Madden. Joel and Benji Madden, of multi-platinumselling pop-rock band Good Charlotte, have sold more than 10 million albums worldwide. They are best known for the singles Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous and Dance Floor Anthem, which catapulted the band to global recognition in 2003. They have won two Teen Choice Awards, eight MTV Music Awards, and are National Spokespersons for the UNICEF Tap Project providing clean water for millions of children globally.

DELTA GOODREM Singer, songwriter, performer, pianist, and actress. At just 29, Delta Goodrem is one of Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most accomplished female performers of the last decade, having achieved multi-platinum-selling status, eight number one singles, three number one albums and 15 top 10 hits. In 2010, she was declared the ARIA Albums Artist of The Decade for selling more albums than any other domestic or international artist over the previous 10 years, thanks to her hit albums Innocent Eyes, Mistaken Identity and Delta. Goodremâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fourth studio album, Child of the Universe, spawned the multi-platinum hit Sitting on Top of the World and the lauded ballad Wish You Were Here. In late 2013 she celebrated the 10-year anniversary of Innocent Eyes with a special edition acoustic DVD and album, and 2014 will bring new music from the popular singer.

The Voice kids that got through the Auditions

Written by Jen @justjenrees Rachel with the support of her boyfriend, Nick and family members, auditioned for the Voice and almost had Joel turn around. It was so close and without me knowing that Rachel was the lead singer of a Melbourne Pop Punk band I was yelling at Joel to turn around. She sang Lady Gaga’s ‘You and I’ with a powerful voice but did not make it across the line. Will.i.am said she was adorable. Kylie commented that about Rachel having the voice to be singing in a band and that would make sense. Ricky asked her the name of her band and Joel said he would check her band out. Hi Rachel, I was really hoping that Joel would turn around for you in your audition. Screaming at him actually. Firstly I would like to know some background of how you got to audition. Hey, thank you for the support! It was such an amazing experience and I am so privileged to have had incredibly positive feedback. I guess my boyfriend Nick and I just wanted to try something different! At the time we were both in bands and although we loved it, we wanted to try something out of our comfort zones. Having him there with me made it so much easier than I thought it would be which is was amazing.

What made you make the decision to audition for the Voice in the first place? Was there a motivating factor? I wasn’t really sure I wanted to do anything like this again as I was in the top 50 girls (aged 16-23) of X factor 2010. At the last minute, Nick and I applied! What is the process of auditioning? I assume that there are a lot of people that audition and don’t make being on TV. Can you take us through the process? There are a few stages to the competition yes, like all reality TV shows. You actually start preparing for the a fair few months before the show airs! I guess what made the difference was our unique stories and our drive to succeed. With your pop punk background, what made you choose Lady Gaga’s song? Was there a short list of songs or was that choice easy? We gave them a repertoire list of songs we liked and can sing. That was one on my list and was suggested to me by the producers. I enjoyed the song enough to agree at the time but would probably do something more suited to me next time around. No regrets though! I had fun with the song.

Watch Rachel perform her Audition for the judges Rachel and Nick before their Auditions Can you tell us what happened on the actual day of audition? Was there a lot of waiting around? It was a VERY long day. I was getting ready to go by 4.30am, arriving at fox around 5.45am and did loads of filming that morning. My audition wasn’t till that afternoon. It was a bit overwhelming but that’s television! You showed no signs of nerves, you seemed confident, were there any techniques you used to calm your nerves? Well I’m glad it seemed that way because I was very nervous! Nick really helped

calm my nerves but I also did a lot of breathing exercises and stretching. continued on next page...

What was going through your mind when you walked out onto the stage and everything was so quiet and you knew that so many people were watching? It was so intense! I think the main thing I was trying to focus on was breathing, getting in the zone and not tripping over in my heels hahaha. Yes! Everyone that walked up those stairs I think were scared.

It was amazing and they were all so supportive and genuine. I would’ve picked Joel for sure. Are you planning on trying again next year? I haven’t decided yet! When it gets closer to it, I’ll know if it’s good timing or not.

After your audition aired you received many likes on your bands facebook page Joel said he was going to check out your and some great feedback can you tell us about that? band, have you heard from him? It was absolutely insane. We instantly reNot yet, but I am hoping he gets around ceived around 2,000 likes and after it had to it. been shown in places that were delayed Meeting those 4 judges must have been (including NZ) we had received around a fantastic experience! If all four judges 1,300 extra. People were being so supportive and the youtube video of my audihad of turned around who would you of tion has received over 150,000 likes! I am chosen? (mine would have been Joel!)

so humbled and thankful to the people who made this happen.

then heading back into writing before festival seasons starts which we are really keen for. We also just brought out our version of wrecking ball!

Your band, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Brighter at Nightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; supported SilverStein in their sold out show in MelGreat to get to know you a little better bourne, you played Pushover and have Rachel, thanks for your time. had numerous shows in Melbourne, You too! Thanks for your time. what is in store for you this year? We are doing a run of Freeza headline shows in August through-out Victoria, Checkout these three videos on their you tube channel! https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=HAKnE4ANy50 https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=E5d5WNYZMGA https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=stHPo2n_Kcs

l h o r G e Dav T V Written by Damla @pierre_1905

ave Grohl is an amazing musician as you all know. However lately, he’s really angry about something. He shows his anger about singing contests such as X-factor, American Idol… in every interview he does. He mentions these kind of shows as he thinks they destroy the musicians. It’s not surprising to hear these words from such a good musician that really worked hard for being ”that place” he’s always wanted to be. Let’s take a little look his background;

oice

When Dave was in Hollywood, got a call and that was the moment that Nirvana was born. He flew to Seattle and joined Nirvana. They practised in a barn everyday. Eventually, they signed to the David Geffen Company, recorded 16 songs in a day. However Dave defines their recording studio as a ”shithole”. Despite all difficult conditions, they released Nevermind, In Utero. However a tragedy occured. Kurt Cobain died in 1994, after his death Dave didn’t want to do anything, even music! In 1995 he couldn’t resist his love for music

“I liked my voice. Because no matter how bad it sounded, it was mine. There was nobody there to tell me what was right or was wrong.” It’s all started with a record ”1975 Blockbuster” that he bought with his sister. After that second, he claims that his life had changed completely and music had become his religion. He dedicated himself to music but never imagined a career in music. He was playing for hours and recorded his all songs to an old handheld tape recorder. One day when he went to a concert and saw Dead Kennedys on the stage, that was the moment he decided to join a band and hit the road. He starved, slept on floors and stages but never gave up.

inside and started to record again at a studio, played all the instruments himself, gave the cassettes to all people he knew. He started Foo Fighters. Finally he started his own company ”Roswell Records”! Now Foo Fighters has 7 studio albums and 11 Grammy awards. When he was 13, he couldn’t imagine all these stuff. By working hard, he became a talented musician. You read the story. Dave followed HIS VOICE and now he’s one of the biggest rock star on earth so it makes us think he’s way too right by saying these words:

“When I think about kids watching a TV show like American Idol or The Voice, then they think, ‘Oh, okay, that’s how you become a musician, you stand in line for eight f*&king hours with 800 people at a convention centre and then you sing your heart out for someone and then they tell you it’s not f*&kin’ good enough.’ Can you imagine? It’s destroying the next generation of musicians! Musicians should go to a yard sale and buy an old f*&king drum set and get in their garage and just suck. And get their friends to come in and they’ll suck, too. And then they’ll f*&king start playing and they’ll have the best time they’ve ever had in their lives and then all of a sudden they’ll become Nirvana. Because that’s exactly what happened with Nirvana. Just a bunch of guys that had some shitty old instruments and they got together and started playing some noisy-ass shit, and they became the biggest band in the world. That can happen again! You don’t need a f*&king computer or the Internet or The Voice or American Idol .”

Click here if you want to read his inspirational speech at SXSW. Facebook Official Website YouTube

g n offt th o o h ssong Welcome To My Life Length: 3:23 Album: Still Not Getting Any… Release: September 12th, 2004 Genre: Pop/punk Label: Atlantic Official video on YouTube ‘Welcome to my life’ was the lead single of Simple Plan’s second studio album Still Not Getting Any that was released back in 2004. It’s a pop/ punk song and very symbolic for Simple Plan. The single ended up on charts all over the world and reached No. 1 in home country Canada as well as in Spain. The song lasted on the Spanish chart for 52 weeks. US Pop Songs (billboard) reached No. 10 and No. 40 on US Billboard Hot 100.

ably helped so many other people around the globe too. This song is what Simple Plan stands for in my opinion.

The music video was shot at the Henry Ford Bridge and the Commodore Schuyler F. Heim Bridge in San Pedro, Los Angeles and has gotten criticism for being similar to R.E.M’s song ‘Everybody hurts’. The music video and song is about a teenage angst about life becoming so frustrating that nobody understands them.

The lyrics are written in a way that really makes you think. It’s built up by questions and I guess that’s one thing that makes it so special. It literally speaks right to you and the message it sends I felt I was missing around the time I heard it.

‘Welcome to my life’ is very dear to me because it’s the first song I heard by Simple Plan and it was the first time a song really spoke to me. It understood exactly what I was dealing with in life and has meant so much to me ever since. It’s hard to explain, it must be experienced but I guess in the way this song helped me, it prob-

‘Welcome to my life’ is just as powerful as ‘Perfect’ and is that kind of song that brings so many emotions to the surface. Hearing this song live is something I wish every Simple Plan fan will experience one day, because if this song means as much to you as it does to me, that moment is magical.

h t n e he month h mo “Welcome To My Life” Do you ever feel like breaking down? Do you ever feel out of place, Like somehow you just don’t belong And no one understands you? Do you ever wanna run away? Do you lock yourself in your room With the radio on turned up so loud That no one hears you’re screaming? No, you don’t know what it’s like When nothing feels all right You don’t know what it’s like To be like me To be hurt To feel lost To be left out in the dark To be kicked when you’re down To feel like you’ve been pushed around To be on the edge of breaking down And no one’s there to save you No, you don’t know what it’s like Welcome to my life Do you wanna be somebody else? Are you sick of feeling so left out? Are you desperate to find something more Before your life is over? Are you stuck inside a world you hate? Are you sick of everyone around? With their big fake smiles and stupid lies While deep inside you’re bleeding [Chorus] No one ever lied straight to your face And no one ever stabbed you in the back You might think I’m happy but I’m not gonna be okay Everybody always gave you what you wanted You never had to work it was always there You don’t know what it’s like, what it’s like [Chorus] Welcome to my life

SIMPLE PLAN in Kirkland Lake Written by @MariamAstronaut

On June 27th Simple Plan played a concert at Kirkland Lake Homecoming Week celebrations in town called Kirkland Lake in their homeland, Canada.

irkland Lake Homecoming Week is Here’s the setlist from SP’s concert (you an annual festival organized by the can see that it was normally long concert, Kirkland Lake Festivals Committee, not a shortened festival version): what is a non-profit organization 1. Shut Up of volunteers that organizes and hosts 2. Can’t Keep My Hands Off You live concerts, family or sporting events, 3. Jump (“I Gotta Feeling” cover in the middle) Canada Day celebrations and other 4. When I’m Gone events for the people of Kirkland Lake. 5. Addicted Alongside with the Homecoming Week, 6. You Suck At Love there’s also Kirkland Lake’s 18-day Win7. Thank You ter Carnival that takes place in late Febru8. Your Love Is A Lie ary and early March. Previous Homecom9. Astronaut 10. party medley: Moves Like Jagger ing performers are, for example, famous (Maroon 5) / Dynamite (Taio Cruz) / Canadian bands such as Hedley or MariSexy And I Know It (LMFAO) anas Trench. 11. Jet Lag 12. Summer Paradise Simple Plan was one of the headlines of 13. This Song Saved My Life this years celebrations, as well as Colin 14. Welcome To My Life James. Downchild was a band opening 15. I’d Do Anything Encore: for Colin James and the night before 16. Loser Of The Year Simple Plan’s concert was kicked off by 17. I’m Just A Kid Faber Drive. If you find that name familiar, 18. Crazy maybe you’ll remember, that Pierre sings 19. Perfect on one of their singles – Too Little, Too Late – that he and Chuck helped to write. And now for the photos :)

For more awesome photos check out the simpleplan .czâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gallery! 61

What’s Up with Jeff? Written by @MaddieBirkett On June 30th Jeff announced his new project on a Canadian radio station (you can listen to it here in French), which would be producing a new documentary called ‘The Event’. The tv series shows just what goes into organising events and festivals. You can watch a trailer here, and you’ll notice that Jeff narrates the program!

Jeff also attended the International Jazz Festival in Montreal for some filming and production of his new tv series ‘The Event’.

The Canadian celebrity chef Chuck Hughes flipped pancakes in favor of the Million Meals Movement and the ONExONE Foundation, who try to help starving children in North America, together with Jeff Stinco and Patrick Langlois. Written by Sophie Carlbrant @sophiecarlbrant

Picture credit: simpleplan.cz

On July 9th in Montreal, Canada a charitable pancake breakfast event took place. It was hosted by the Canadian celebrity chef Chuck Hughes. Both our own Jeff Stinco together with the sixth member of Simple Plan: Patrick Langlois attended the event and flipped pancake for a good cause.

“At the end of the day all we’re trying to do is to show that no child in this country should go to school hungry” says Joey Adler, president and CEO, Diesel Canada, founder, ONExONE Foundation.

Patrick looks like a real chef flipping pancakes

The Simple Plan foundation is into causes that don’t get a lot of attention and therefore Jeff Stinco and Patrick Langlois attended the event.

“I think what they are doing here is just amazing; they are supporting a cause that people forget about” says Jeff Stinco. Notable.ca published a video of the event that includes a look around, interviews and of course pancakes. To check it out head over to simpleplan.cz.

Patrick and Jeff posing for the camera

By Leeann @adnaxar

Before hitting the stage with his fellow band mates, Seb joined friend Andee on stage for a live performance of her song “Never Gone”.

2014

July

Calendar

The Event, a new TV documentary which looks at what goes into organising big events such as music festivals which was produced and narrated by Jeff has premiered on Bell TV. Check out the trailer for the 1st episode right here.

Today the guys hit the stage as part of Salmon Fest for what will be one of their last shows in a while.

The guys were all on hand when Simple Plan played in Brampton as part of Canada Day celebrations. After completely her set, Andee joined them on stage to help sing Jet Lag.

Jeff and long-time friend of Simple Plan Pat were part of the celebrity line-up on hand to help out at Chuck Hughes’ charitable pancake breakfast in Montreal today with donations going to the ONExONE foundation’s million meals movement.

Another one of Jeff’s projects came to fruition today with Lorbeer opening it’s doors to the public. His next project Laurea is scheulded to open in the next few weeks.

Fans of Simple Plan have always respected the guys keeping aspects of there lives private, however today Pierre opened up about his personal life by tweeting the following statement on his twitter page. ”I’ve always been a little reluctant to share my personal life online. I’m not sure why but I guess I felt I needed to protect my loved one. But lately I’ve realized that I don’t really care if people know who my life is, or what my kids look like. There’s no real threat. And if I don’t share that part of my life, then I’m not really sharing who I am. And that’s kinda boring…. So on that note… Get ready to enter my life. The real me. And get ready to bombarded with cuteness cause my girls are cute as hell. These are my peeps. I love them. And I can’t live without them. <3” He then went one step further, sharing a picture of his wife and kids as well as a short video of him playing in the pool with his children.

24 21

Tonight the first annual Altertive Press Music Awards took place in Cleveland. Chuck was a special guest at the event, interviewing bands backstage and on the red carpet for Idobi Radio.

It seems that Chuck has an extra special link to Idobi Radio when it was confirmed today that he is one of 5 co owners of the company.

Not for the first time, David joined the band Face To Face on stage at last night’s Les Grandes Fetes festival performing the song “Bright Lights Go Down”

Chuck was in Cleveland for this years Alternative Press Music Awards. But first, there was time for a few oscar inspired selfies. How many do you know??

Researched by Rossi, Maria and Jen

Name the four members of Simple Plan and then work out who is not there:

Some questions to see how well you know SP! 1. In the video for “A stronaut” the boys are wearing name tags. What do

they say?

2. What name is on the astronaut in the video for “A stronaut” ? 3. Missing lyrics

4. Unjumble these three song titles:

nrateinoge, mgwearastinheoltd, ehanelyhwruetresebe

Answers 1) S. Lefebvre, P. Bouvier, D. Desrosiers, J. Stinco, C. Comeau; 2) P. Cunningham; 3) I’ve been around the world / And I’ve seen so many things / I can’t even tell you where I’m going / But no matter where I’m heading \ And no matter what I do \ Something keeps me coming back to you; 4) Generation, Me Against The World, Anywhere Else But Here

I’ve ---- around --- world And --- ---- so ---- things - can’t ---- tell --- ----- I’m ----But -- matter ----- I’m ------And no ------ what I do Something ----- me ----- back – you

“Untitled”

Message of an SP Fan

so much! You know u yo e lov I ! oh Wo ! AN PL LE MP SI ! AN SIMPLE PL U THERE at the stage in YO ET ME to me r fo NG HI YT AN DO guys, I’D that I am fully ow kn I D, KI A ST JU I’M ce Sin Y. DA front of me ONE if they say I am CRAZY re ca n’t do I n! Pla ple Sim u yo to ED ADDICT EVERYTIME I listen to your WHEN I’M WITH YOU. Because I feel it ! This is my favorite band, a UP UT SH . y… sa ly on l wil I gs. son amazing PERFECT WORLD of music. PERFECT band always bringing me in a d roll world. And I’ll an k roc a in be to ND HA MY KE TA u Yo . I CAN’T KEEP MY HANDS PROMISE that I will keep HOLDING ON IS SONG SAVED MY LIFE. TH gs, son ur yo gs, son e th All ! !!!! U!! OF YO JUMP! Because to nt wa t jus I s… ist yl pla my to ten EVERYTIME I lis I CAN WAIT FOREVER for me n. Pla ple Sim T AR HE MY IN RE FI a you lit irst time, WELCOME f my s it’ , en pp ha l wil is th If . lly na to see you perso I’m living in an ORDINARY … ha ha E.. ON Y CK LU e th am I ! FE LI TO MY SUMMER PARADISE! LIFE but you always taking me back to Plan Foundation, SP ple Sim Ts, AU ON TR AS SP , ns fa e th l al To d CHUCK, the whole an , FF JE D, VI DA B, SE , RE ER PI ly al Crew, and especi Simple Plan band and THE REST OF US… THANK YOU because you let me IN to your beautiful world. Love you

all, love you SIMPLE PLAN! THE END therine Geronimo Coste Ca (Proud Filipino Astronaut)

Twitter talk Written by Leeann @adnaxar

David

David may not have been on twitter again this month, but we did get a great pic of him courtesy of Chuck as well as a view from his helmet.

pierre

While Chuck was hanging out with David, Pierre was spending Canada Day with a few other special people. Sharing a link with fans, Pierre remarked that Simple Plan really was a part of Warped Tourâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history. Pierre also opened up to us all a little more this month. Letting us into his life, and that of his family by sharing pics of his wife and kids as well as videos on his Instagram page. Thank you for sharing this part of your life with us all.

chuck

There were so many sporting events for Chuck to indulge in this month. Not only were there two Canadians in the Wimbledon quarter finals, but there was also the NHL and World Cup to fit into his schedule, altho flights did get in the way of catching some matches. Having hit the stage for what could be a little while, it was back to writing songs for the next album, which he told us they were starting to get some really good stuff, and he was getting excited. (Well, so are we Chuck!) He thanked fans when Summer Paradise hit 60 million views on YouTube and for their Facebook page hitting the 10 million mark. Chuck headed to Cleveland where he was interviewing bands back stage and on the red carpet at the APMA awards. But then it was straight back to work on album number 5.

jeff Jeff kicked off the month asking who was going to be at the rock show the next day. Having cleared some space on his twitter page, it was time for the return of “Follow Friday” (How did I miss this???) even if it did come 2 days late due to another little show at Salmon Fest. It may not have been an announcement regarding album 5, or another show, but Jeff did have some pretty exciting news, when one of his new establishments received there permits and opened there doors. When things started getting the best of him, Jeff took some time out in a cottage by the water with his little ones. He was resting to be ready for the rest. Jeffs twitter account hit the 125,000 follower mark this month, of which he was very thankful. He promised to try and stay entertaining for us all. Then it was time to celebrate the first anniversary of his restaurant Mangiafoco.

sébastien If Seb could turn back time, he would go back a minute to stop one of his first pointless tweets of the month from happening. He had a super fun show at the Canada Day celebrations. The 4th had Seb a little confused, but oh well, his US friends could still party hard, however, he reminded them to Be Safe. He had a chance to check out a game before heading to Salmon Fest where he really felt the love. At 4am, it was time to go (I never look that good at 4am) Waking to a lot of missed calls. Putting together the Moth studio had Seb too excited to sleep. Reading the terms and conditions in a 29 page contract was made even harder when Seb forgot his glasses, but that didn’t stop him saving a poor innocent bee from drowning. Before asking who feels like taling?? Yes, it was time for a little #askseb

Aussie Band News

Written by @MaddieBirkett

First of all, Forever Ends Here have been in the studio recording a brand new song called â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Oceans Awayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, which some of you may have heard live. How exciting to hear some new FEH! Also, check out some exclusive tracks that feh kindly put up in iTunes!

Masketta Fall are going on tour with American Authors and Andy Grammar! Ticket info and dates on the flyer below!

Call The Shots are supporting the Wonder Years at their Brisbane show! The details are here.

Chase Atlantic have a show in Sydney coming up! To make it better, Logan (former frontman of Elephantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Laundry) will be a special guest! Details here.

The Never Ever currently have a MASSIVE merch sale of 70% off and while stocks last you get a free t-shirt! Check it out here and spend your allowance.

The City Shake Up are playing at Warped having a great time!

International Band News Written by @MaddieBirkett

It has been confirmed by Tom DeLonge himself that there will be a new Blink-182 album.

Alex DeLeon (The Cab frontman) is writing a book! No release dates have been said, but still, get excited!

Maroon 5 release a music video for their new single â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Mapsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Watch it here! (Please note it is explicit)

The Madden Brothers release a music video for their new single, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;We Are Doneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;! Check it out here.

Blues Pills are the hottest new act around in the rock world. Watch out for them they are fantastic! And very young! Their album is released on July the 24th called Nuclear Blast.

If you are a Bullet for my Valentine and Avenged Seven Fold you will love this band! Sonic Syndicate.

Seether released their sixth album called Isolate and Medicate.

album review mkto self-titled “mkto” Written by Sophie

alcolm Kelley and Tony Oller form the American duo MKTO from their initials. MKTO is their self-titled debut album. It was released in Australia and New Zealand on January 30th, 2014 and was released April 1st, 2014 in North America. The album’s genre is pop/rap and has two guest performers: Ne-Yo and Jessica Ashley who also co-wrote the songs they feature in. Kelley and Oller co-wrote the entire songs together with a few writers such as Emanuel Kiriakou, Max Martin, Rami Yacoub and Carl Falk among others. Malcolm raps and Tony do the vocals. This combo is fantastic. I loved this album from the start. And here’s every

song and what makes it so great in my opinion. Thank You: Is the lead single and was released on January 15, 2013. The song has a political view, and the music video starts by the president holding a speech telling kids they are ‘fucked’. The youth stand strong even if past generations left nothing behind. Watch the music video here. Classic: On June 20th, 2013 came the second single. Has a high dance-feeling and has a great music video where they show off the lyrics. The sing about a girl that’s classic, herself and proud of it. Not plastic as the majority these days. Watch the music video here. God Only Knows: Is the third single and was released on November 29, 2013. Music video is lot of fun. Tony and Malcolm are playing a video game and they are absolutely obsessed by it, run home from work just to play among

other things. It’s funny to see they act since they are both child actors. Malcolm has been in Lost and Tony Disney channel’s ‘As The Bell Rings’. Watch the music video here. American Dream: “Do something with your life” is the first sentence in the song and it sets the characteristics for the whole song. Could Be Me (feat. Ne-Yo): It has a very Ne-Yo like sound and it’s possible to dance to. Forever Until Tomorrow: Malcom stands for the verses and Tony takes over the chorus. Tony lays a few tones in Malcolm’s rap and their voices sounds incredible together. The bridge is outstanding. Wasted: It’s Tony’s time to shine with a beautiful piano version. And Wasted is the perfect song. This is definitely one of my personal favorites because I have a weak spot for Tony and his incredible voice plus it’s a love song and as the young woman I am, I can relate and I think it’s beautiful. I’m also weak for acoustic versions. Heartbreak Holiday: “I freckin’ hate Valentine’s Day” this is the kind of song I as a single woman have been waiting for. Just listen to it and you’ll understand. Nowhere: This is the one tune that separates itself from the rest of the songs on the album. This is more of Malcolm songs than Tony’s. This is probably the song I like the least on the album if I would’ve to pick one. It just never stuck and it’s not a song that I find myself end up humming on after listening to the album.

No More Second Chances (feat. Jessica Ashley): “You only live once, no second chance” this song speaks a lot to me. It’s more of a cheat song but I take it to heart and want to become a better version of myself as well as just get out there and live life, you know? Goodbye Song: The song binds together the whole album in a nice way. It has humor and is about a break up. All in all it’s a great album and one of my personal favorites of all time. It’s really hard for me to express myself sometimes, especially when it comes to the expression of why I love certain things, like music. MKTO is an amazing duo with two great guys with different quality that create magic together. The songs make me want to dance, sing my lungs out, laugh, cry and feel good in an incredible way. I love what music can do and they’re definitely on to something. I can’t put my finger on what it is that makes this album so damn good but maybe that’s what makes it so great in the end? The fact that I can’t put into words how great it actually is, that my body feel all these different things and how it affects me but how it leaves me speechless? Maybe. Track listing: 1. Thank You 2. Classic 3. God Only Knows 4. American Dream 5. Could Be Me (feat. Ne-Yo) 6. Forever Until Tomorrow 7. Wasted 8. Heartbreak Holiday 9. Nowhere 10. No More Second Chances (feat. Jessica Ashley) 11. Goodbye Song

FAN OF THE

MONTH Catherine Coste What is your name? Catherine Coste What do you do? I’m a college student What keeps you busy? Studying, serving at the church, and….listening SP songs. Where do you live? San Pedro, Laguna, Philippines Does your life revolve around music? If so in what way? Not fully revolved around music but I am a

member of our church youth choir. When was the first time you heard about Simple Plan? I was only 9 years old at that time…. I heard “Perfect” on a local music station here called MYX Philippines. When was your first SP show? I’ve never been to any Simple Plan shows…so sad :( But I’m always watching their shows on Youtube. :) For how long have you been a SP fan? I’m an addicted fan for 11 years.

How many times have you seen them live? None yet. I hope and I wish I will see them on the next tour! What do you like the most about Simple Plan? They are all role models of this generation because they are all caring and down to earth. What’s your favorite possession of Simple Plan and why? Collection of funny and handsome pictures of them. Because I love looking at their faces while listening to their songs. Say what Simple Plan means to you. Simple Plan is a simple music plan of my life. Describe each member with one word: Dave- Charming Jeff- Talented Pierre- Loving Seb- Sweet Chuck- Caring Favorite Simple Plan song and why? Welcome To My Life because I relate too much to it. I see myself in that situation every time I listen to it. That’s my life when I was young.

What song would you like Simple Plan to cover? When I’m With You by Faber Drive Apart of SP, which other bands do you like? Faber Drive, Maroon 5, The Script If you could say anything to Simple Plan right now, what would you tell them? “You guys were so amazing. You helped, changed, and saved our lives through your music. You always teach us about life in a musical rock and roll way. Thank you for being part of my music life. Love you Simple Plan. I hope you come back here in Philippines. I will wait for you! All Filipino Astronauts loves you!” Okay, now pick 2 songs of the No Pads album and say what do you think are the real meanings behind them: Crazy - One that asking what happens in this world, Is everybody going crazy already? Saying that there’s so many crazy things happening everyday and that’s the big problem of our society today but no one cares. No one is concerned. This Song Saved My Life – It’s about a song can change your life. Also on how music can help you when you are in difficult times of your life.

Do you have any tattoo related to Simple Plan? And if you, don’t would you like to have one? I do not have and I don’t want to have because I don’t like tattoos. If you could spend a whole day with SP, what would you do? I will sing their songs, play guitar, take pictures, and have fun with them. Also I will not forget to take a big hug with them one by one. Wooh! :) Have you made friends thanks to Simple Plan? Yes! I have because of them. Favorite SP quote? “…Sometimes I feel like you’ve known me forever, you always know how to make me feel better…” Favorite Simple Plan video? Summer Paradise

August Birthdays! 2

(We Are The In Crowd)

Aaron Pauley (Of Mice & Men)

Josh Fanceschi (You Me At Six)

Cam Hurley

Dan Palmer (Zebrahead and Death by Stereo)

Jeff’s Birthday!

Mike Cambra (Death by Stereo)

Josh Setterfield

(Call The Shots)

Mitchell Tavener (Call The Shots)

David’s Birthday!

George Ryan Ross III (ex-Panic! at the Disco)

Gillian Book Writer Full Name: Gillian Book Age: 23 Country: Canada Twitter nick: @pierrebuvier Bands beside SP you like: Fall Out Boy, All Time Low, Hedley, Demi Lovato, Blink 182, 5 Seconds of Summer, Paramore, Marianas Trench, Panic! At The Disco, Green Day, My Chemical Romance… the list goes on!! What do you do on Simple Plan Space? I’m a writer!

Fav SP song: This is an impossible question lol. It changes all the time but No Love will always be a special song to me. I currently really love The Rest Of Us off their new EP, too! Fav SP music video: When I’m Gone and This Song Saved My Life. Hobbies: Video games, music, watching TV, and reading. Languages: English and a bit of French What do you do for a living?: I’ll be working in a school starting in the fall!

Have you seen SP live? Yes! I’ve been lucky enough to see them 9 times.

Fave books: The Land of Stories by Chris Colfer, and of course Simple Plan: The Official Story.

Have you met them? Yes, 3 times, best days of my life.

Fave movies: Struck By Lightning, and I’m crazy about Disney movies too!

Since when have you been a fan? Since 2002. I saw their video for I’m Just A Kid and I was hooked!

Fave TV shows: Glee, Supernatural, Orange Is The New Black, Breaking Bad, Grey’s Anatomy, and Doctor Who.