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March, 2014
The
Prelude
Press founder, editor-in-chief Dom Vigil
Co-Founder, Managing Editor
Shannon Shumaker
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Svetlana Joukova Shannon Shumaker Jordan Altergott Nick Reece Jordan Garza
CONTRIBUTING Writers Dillon Crader Nick Reece Jordan Garza Kyle Cottingham Jordan Altergott Drake Williams Shannon Shumaker Dom Vigil
Stay Social:
thepreludepress.com facebook: facebook.com/thepreludepress twitter: @preludepress instagram: @thepreludepress
“Well, if you want something done right, I guess you really do have to do it yourself. I’ll keep this short sweet and to the point, but I felt like I had to write something to preface our first issue ever. Hell, it’s still weird to think that this whole idea that Dom and I have had for such a long time is now finally a reality. I really just want to take this little space to thank everyone who’s helped us with this journey along the way. A special thanks to Hopeless Records, Pep Talk Media, Savior Custom Drums, Dan Ha, Pentimento, Neck Deep and everyone else that took the time and helped us out with this first issue! Thanks to our friends who were crazy enough to start this endeavor that is The Prelude Press with us. We started this magazine with the intent to allow ourselves and everyone involved the opportunity to put their passion for music or writing or photography into something awesome and tangable. I know we’re all super excited for the future of this magazine and I hope that you, the reader, will enjoy this as much as we all do!” - Shannon Shumaker
Want to advertise with us? Interested in contributing to us? Questions? Comments?
Shoot us an email at thepreludepress@gmail.com
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06. Pentimento
12. In case you missed it...
14. Tour Photos
24. Savior Custom Drums
30. Album Reviews
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q&a with Michael Hansen
Drummer & Lyricist of pentimento Were you raised in a musical household? I was! My father has played in bands for as long as I can remember. I was around that quite a bit as a kid. My mom did nothing but expose me to The Beatles and Bruce Springsteen and Janis Joplin. I can’t say I appreciated it at the time but I certainly do now. Is there a specific song or album that really directed you into the style of music that you began to pursue? I’m not sure there was a particular song or album. There’s probably been hundreds of bands and records that influenced me to do what I do. I couldn’t be exact if I wanted to. I know you guys are asked about your writing process a lot, as are most musicians. Most say that they do have goals and expectations when they begin writing but they don’t always stay true to those and instead and musician is the idea of “direction”. I want to be prefer to create the album very naturally. able to make Pentimento have a definitive sound How does the final product of your self ti- and stick to that. tled album compare to what you imagined That is very clear throughout the record as it would be prior to recording it? you can see that the natural direction of it That’s a great question. I don’t really know if we was very organic. How do you stop yourhad a definite vision for what the final product self from becoming that band the seems would end up to be while recording that record. to release the same album over and over? We were still very much trying to find ourselves How do you make sure that as a band that and find our sound. you are constantly growing?
The LP is something I feel like is more of a starting point for us versus this accomplishment that many people might assume would be the case for a band that’s finished a record. It’s something we are all proud of but at the same time, I feel like it helped us figure ourselves out a little more after the fact. Now the focus is much more clear. Whereas before, we were just trying to do anything we could to pull a song together that we felt good about. There was no definition, which may be something enjoyable about the record, but something I’ve fallen in love with as a writer 6 - THEPRELUDEPRESS.COM
The idea of making an organic record just comes from keeping an open mind about what your band and your songs are. Making sure that there’s no “supposed to be” involved. Ya know? I think you make sure that you’re constantly growing by staying hungry to get better, moving forward, and growin as a human and musician. There’s a never ending ocean of knowledge out there and the art of song craft is something that no one in the world has figured out. There are some who are closer than others, but the idea is still there. You just keep staying hungry to grow.
When listening to Wrecked, are there During your performances what is your any specific emotions that are evoked? favorite thing to see in the crowd? Why do you think you feel that way? When people are singing the words back at us. Funny you ask because for the longest time, I That won’t ever get old. Or maybe when people wrote that EP off completely. It’s just one of those don’t know the words but are pretending to do so. “ugh it’s so old and so dumb and I hate those songs now” sort of things that every band deals What about the local music scene helped with, I’m sure. But this past weekend I put it on you get started and enjoy your job more for the hell of it and started crying like a child. even in the early days? I’m not sure I’ve ever been able to be more honest with my words than we were on Wrecked. There’s something about that EP that I never heard before because I was too busy judging it and wishing I did things differently or whatever. But I finally listened to it with a non subjective ear and I was moved. The idea that were just dudes making music without anything to prove or lose or whatever is very evident. I don’t think it’s an amazing piece of work or anything, but it made me remember why I wanted to be in a band in the first place. One of the most powerful parts if music are the lyrics. Being that you are the lyricist how do you go about writing songs about the other guys’ experiences?
The feeling I got from going to a show and being in love with everything from what was happening on stage to what was happening in the crowd. Feeling like I was truly free. That’s what attracted me to punk music. It’s what keeps me here at age 25. It’s what will hold on to me at 50 and there on. What did you feel was the first little “Big Break” for Pentimento?
I think any opportunity the band gets is a “break” ya know? We take every instance of growth to heart and do our best to appreciate it in the moment and use it to build. What goals do you have for the rest if 2014?
We would love to finish the year strong with some more touring here and overseas and then begin Agreed. I’d argue that the lyrics are the most im- working on our next step. portant part. I just choose to look at everything as a source of inspiration, or at the least - with a les- Lastly, years from now what do you want son attached. Writing about others is comes easy Pentimento to be known for? to me because when I see something happening to another person, the ability to relate always ex- I don’t want Pentimento to be just a band. I want it to be something that inspires people to do ists. something real. Now that your tour with Reggie and the Full Effect is over what have you been missing the most from the tour? The guys in Reggie. Our tour manager, Jenny. Seeing all our friends. Meeting new people. The whole experience leaves you missing it every time you’re home for any length of time.
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If you were told think of a band,
this day because he pushed me in the direction the first thing that would most likely pop into mind that I ultimately perused. For this record though, would be the traditional five piece act; two guitar- his personality and my personality ultimately did ists, a bassist, the vocalist and a drummer. Dan not click. But because I couldn’t work with him Ha & The Concern, however, is anything but tradi- anymore, and because he pushed me in this ditional. The project puts a whole new meaning on rection, I kind of wanted to prove to myself that I the term “one man band” with the act’s one and could do something new, especially in a new muonly member, Dan, writing, playing, recording and sical territory. I wanted to prove a point to myself after ending a kind of sour music writing relationmixing all of his own music. ship.” It’s apparent, within only minutes of talking But despite a few bad experiences in the to Dan, why he does it, too. He’s passionate about music. If the wide variety of instruments in his past, Dan still had plenty of vocalists willing to help home, all of which he can play, isn’t enough proof him out with his first EP. The five track self titled of that, the way he talks about his project definite- album consists of eight different singers, includly is. Even though writing and producing music on ing Brandon Whalen of My Body Sings Electric, his own instead of with a full band has his difficul- Spencer Roberts of Innerspace and Kevin Gentry, ties, he remains positive and passionate about his former vocalist of Anchorage. The different voices fit the songs so well that it comes as a surprise work, and he does it all with a smile on his face that Dan hadn’t planned on who would be singing For Dan, it’s about challenging himself. “I which parts until later down the road. “For the was writing music with one person, who pushed most part, I wrote the lyrics independent of me acme in a little bit more of an electronic direction,” tually thinking about the vocalists. That came seche explained, “I’m definitely appreciative of him to ond,” he said, “Once it became more of a reality 10 - THEPRELUDEPRESS.COM
of me actually having to hire on my friends to sing on it, then I had to come up with a list and appropriately assign them to a part based on their vocal tonalities and their range, and of course with the way that the lyrics were written.” And despite the fact that it’s the first album that he’s produced on his own, it all fits in seamlessly.
in things, which gives him more artistic freedom than most musicians have.
Working with an entire band in the future definitely isn’t out of the question, though. “I want to come out with two five song EPs a year. This one came out in February. This next one I want to come out in the summer,” he announced with ex Creating an album by himself did come with citement, “I want to try to differ in styles as much a few bumps, though. Writing and recording music as I can with each CD. This last one was like a mild pop album. But this next with a full band, he explained, is sometimes easier than do- “I feel like I might be in a one that I’m writing, I have ing it on your own. “It’s easier selfish point in my music more of an intention of it being a hip-hop album. And then writing with a full band. The writing career, to where the next one would definitely reason being, you get more input from other people,” he it might be a little bit go back to a full band.” expressed, “It’s nice to have difficult for me to work As for the future, things different opinions and it’s nice with others.” seem pretty bright for Dan Ha to have someone say no to & The Concern. On top of his you, which I didn’t have with this record.” goals to release at least two albums a year, he Even without much input for his first EP, also expressed an interest in branching out, maythough, the twenty-four year old doesn’t regret be even playing a live show, despite the fact that his decision to do it on his own. For him, it’s a it might be a little difficult with his multiple vocalmatter of finding out where he wants to go with his ists and instruments. “Possibly, it would be cool to music on his own, by trying new things and chal- have one show. Just one show,” he teased, “Just lenging himself. “I feel like I might be in a selfish definitely look out for the future.” point in my music writing career, to where it might be a little bit difficult for me to work with others,” he explained, but it’s not in a negative way. Ultimately, in working on his own, he has the final say PHOTOS & STORY: Shannon Shumaker
Stay Social with Dan Ha & The Concern: Website: danielhamusic.com
Facebook: facebook.com/danielhamusic
Soundcloud: soundcloud.com/danielhamusic
Or buy his self-titled EP on iTunes now!
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In case you missed it...
Who? Neck Deep When? Tuesday, March 4th Where? The Marquis Theater, Denver, CO
UK based pop punk band, Neck Deep headlined the Marquis Theater along with Knuckle Puck, Light Years and The Coast Is Ours on Tuesday, March 4th. For their first US headlining tour, the band had no problem getting fans energized, playing in front of a nearly sold out crowd, and though it was the first time that they played in Denver, everyone was singing along with every word, making them feel right at home. While Neck Deep definitely proved exactly why they have such a devoted following, Knuckle Puck, Light Years and The Coast Is Ours didn’t disappoint, either. Local Denver act, The Coast Is Ours opened up the show with an energetic set, and the good vibes only continued during Light Years and Knuckle Puck. From start to finish the room was filled with smiles and sing-alongs, as well as crowd-surfers and stage-divers. If you don’t get the chance to catch Neck Deep on their current headliner, be sure to check them out this summer at Warped Tour; they certainly won’t disappoint. PHOTO: Shannon Shumaker STORY: Dom Vigil
Who? Ruins Of Tomorrow When? Saturday, February 22nd Where? The Moxi Theater, Greeley, CO
“Greeley, we were born from your wretched womb. We expect to literally go out with a bang tonight, and we want you all to go completely HAM! We are born and we will die in the same place with all the fans and friends that we love and have supported us throughout the years. This last show is dedicated to all of you.” And with a bang did they go out. The Moxi As their final song came to an end, the auTheater’s 2014 Metal Stock Show was full of cra- dience, who were like family to the band, came zy performances, friends and fans hanging out and all in all, a great line up. With nine bands on stage to join them in singing the final words total that consisted of acts such as As The Sky of the song. The show ended with everyone Darkens, Wicked Thunder, Hemingway Hero, hugging and cheering for each other as the bitThe Panoramic, Forty Fathoms and other local tersweet moment of “this is the end” came into Colorado-based bands, the day was filled with effect. Ruins Of Tomorrow will forever be in evnothing but great music. And of course, Ruins eryone’s memories of good times and good muof Tomorrow’s reunion and farewell show took sic. They surely will be missed. Rest In Peace, center spotlight, with fans from Greeley and sur- Ruins Of Tomorrow, it’s been one hell of a ride rounding cities coming together to say goodbye and you guys made any show a good time. PHOTO & STORY: Jordan Garza to one of Colorado’s best locally known bands. 12 - THEPRELUDEPRESS.COM
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Savior Custom Drums
from friends and family. And while that’s hard sometimes, making for incredibly long hours, has made beautiful kits for everyone from local especially on a deadline, it gives their products Colorado bands, to larger national acts such a personal touch that you might not find elseas In Fear and Faith, Norma Jean and even where. Bowling For Soup. They’ve gone on tour, have shipped drum sets overseas, and their kits have Kenny first entertained the idea of buildeven been played on huge festival stages such ing drums back in 2009 while drumming for a as South By So What?! and The Vans Warped local Denver band, and from there, everything Tour. Kenny Sienkiewicz and Tony Spinuzzi just grew into the tight knit and personable comhave done it all and only by the ripe age of twen- pany that they run today. “I decided I was going ty-four. to make a snare drum for myself and after I did that, all of the local bands that we used to play That’s the first thing that sets Savior Cuswith wanted a snare,” He explained, “So we kind tom Drums apart from the majority of other cusof decided that we would just start a company tom drum companies. “Some companies have out of the whole thing. From that point on, it kind anywhere between ten and fifty people workof just snowballed from local artists to national ing on one drum kit, and we literally have two,” artists. And from there it’s history.” Kenny commented, sitting in the office of their Wheat Ridge headquarters, “Tony and I see ev- In Fear and Faith were the first national ery single aspect of a kit instead of just one part act that Savior picked up, and while they had of it and then passing it off to the next guy. Ev- never built a full kit before, that didn’t stop them ery single step goes through us two.” Since they from saying yes to the opportunity. “We picked started Savior over four years ago, it’s always them up and the first full drum kit we ever built been Kenny and Tony, along with a lot of help
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was for them. We had never built anything other than a snare,” Kenny explained. But despite having never made an entire kit before, it was a success, and it helped launch their company even further. Kenny even ended up going on a full-fledged North American tour with In Fear and Faith shortly after. The thing that took Savior to the next level, though, was no doubt their personable approach to things, as well as a willingness to try something new every day. “We never said no to an order,” Tony explained with a smile, “Even if we had absolutely no idea how to do what they wanted, we would just say ‘yeah’ and then figure it out.” They’re definitely not the type of guys to give up easily, even if it means working late hours, or prototyping new ideas for an entire day.
who are all passionate about music. Some supporters are in huge national bands, and others are small, local musicians who just do it for fun. Either way, Tony and Kenny are grateful for all of them. “In Fear and Faith has always been a big supporter, but we also have smaller people artist wise, like our friend Bryce who is on his fourth kit,” Kenny said. “Even people with only one kit support us like crazy,” Tony added, “They always have good things to say, they always hit us up and we always reply. If you tried to get a hold of the owner of a huge corporate company, it would just never happen, but we try to give everyone the time of day.” They definitely pride themselves on being open-minded and caring for their customers, and with good reason, too.
While they’re not a huge company by any With such a positive attitude, it’s no sur- means – Kenny and Tony have always been and prise that the Savior family quickly became a are still currently Savior’s only employees – they tight knit group of friends, musicians and people have a lot of heart, and really seem to be doing 26 - THEPRELUDEPRESS.COM
it for the right reasons, even if it means sacrific- of money, we still get paid in the satisfaction of ing free time or relationships for the sake of the making people happy.” company. After all, owning a full-fledged comThe two of them definitely seem to have pany at such a young age doesn’t come without their priorities straight, especially for being in the a price. Balancing a social life on top managing a company and working in the shop for up to music industry for only four short years. They ten-hour days can prove to be difficult at times. even make a point to express that it’s not all about the money; it’s about “We’ve been through a “We never said no to an the satisfaction of making lot of stuff like friends and family and girlfriends, and order. Even if we had something for someone that at the end of the day you absolutely no idea how can brighten their day. And who wouldn’t want to work have to figure out a way to balance it because if you to do what they wanted, with people who see things just did this you’d go crazy,” we would just say ‘yeah’ that way? Tony said with a laugh. With that kind of atti-
and then figure it out.”
“It kind of comes down to: what twenty-four year old wants to be living at home not making a paycheck? But we deal with it and we just do it because we love what we’re doing,” Kenny added, “Instead of dreading going to work every day, we look forward to it, so even if we’re not making a ton
- Tony Spinuzzi tude, Savior seems like the
kind of company that could take the custom drum world by storm, with their bright new ideas and their intuitive nature. They’re always trying new things and coming up with great new ideas, and it’s like a breath of fresh air to hear them talk about things with
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“We take every picture of every drum set such positivity and energy. After all, they are and we drill every single hole,” Tony commented, very passionate about what they do. and it obviously pays off. The two of them know “Essentially, we want every single one of their kits to help out any musician we “It kind of comes down to: inside and out. In fact, liscan. Having them play our what twenty-four year old tening to them talk about it drums is our main goal,” wants to be living at home is sometimes hard to keep Kenny said while explainup with. They’re passioning their plans to launch a not making a paycheck? ate about it, though, and it new series kit in the future, But we deal with it and we seems that they’re always one that would be more af- just do it because we love on the same page, working fordable for drummers, and toward the same goal: to what we’re doing.” would be entirely made in- Kenny Sienkiewicz make people happy. side of their shop in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. And with those high hopes and big goals, 2014 looks like it could be a great year for Savior Custom Drums. STORY: Dom Vigil PHOTOS: Shannon Shumaker
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ALBUM REVIEWS ISSUES Issues
REVIEW: Nick Reece
MODERN BASEBALL You’re Gonna Miss It All
REVIEW: Dillon Crader
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Rating: 4.5/5 Listen to “Life Of A Nine” The thought of an R&B singer joining forces with a post hardcore group may seem like a bad idea to some, but the way they work together is nothing short of flawless. Being able to relate to every song on an album isn’t very common, but Issues does not disappoint with this one. “I’m so mad at myself for giving in to what I want; never again,” Tyler Carter delivers, and right to the feels. We’ve all been there with a girl or a guy at some point and it makes you feel better knowing that he has, too. There is nothing better than hearing a band for the first time and just knowing that they have changed your life forever, and you hope that they never go away. “Punk bitch walking tall like you got something to prove,” Tyler Carter sings, just to make sure you know they aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.
Rating: 4.5/5 Listen to “The Old Gospel Choir” The Philadelphia based quartet, Modern Baseball have mastered their sophomore LP You’re Gonna Miss It All. The album sold 4,473 vinyl copies in the first week it was released, in February of 2014 via Run For Cover Records. Not only did Modern Baseball top the vinyl sales charts, but they also reached number 84 on the Billboard Top 200. The band continues their catchy folk like and indie rock sound that was such a success on their first LP, Sports, with “Fine, Great” setting the album in motion with a strong lyrical basis that the audience can connect with. The lyrics throughout the album are phenomenal and Brandan Lukens imperfect vocals capture the emotions and angst on every track, giving a truly heart felt and applicable album that cannot go unnoticed. “The Old Gospel Choir” stands out the most on this album, expressing the lifeless feeling after a broken heart. After the chorus, the tempo drastically changes creating a perfect combination of musical genius and lyrical brilliance. Every track on You’re Gonna Miss It All is solid, though Modern Baseball’s sound can seem to flow together track by track, making this album sometimes hard to follow. You’re Gonna Miss It All, aside from the one flaw, is an amazing album that is guaranteed to make Modern Baseball a break out band for 2014.
DAN HA & THE CONCERN Dan Ha & The Concern
Rating: 4/5 Listen to “Who? What? How? When?”
Denver-based solo act, Dan Ha & The Concern more that proves that he may just be capable of anything with his debut self-titled EP. When the words “Beatles cover” are thrown around, sometimes they’re a little bit intimidating, but Dan really proves his musical abilities with his cover of “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da”, mastering a daunting song with flying colors.
REVIEW: Dom Vigil
NECK DEEP
Wishful Thinking
The album features many different vocalists from bands such as My Body Sings Electric, Innerspace and Anita Exira and the different vocal styles fit in seamlessly with the catchy electronic tunes and Ratatat-inspired guitar riffs. The only downside of the album comes when some of the vocals seem to be overshadowed or lost in the bass, but the overall songwriting easily makes up for the small shortcoming. The high point of Dan Ha & The Concern’s debut EP is the final track “Who? What? How? When?” with the music complimenting both the male and female vocal parts. With his first EP showcasing Dan’s writing skills as well as his ability to adapt to different music genres, Dan Ha & The Concern is definitely an act to keep an eye out for.
Rating: 4/5 Listen to “Zoltar Speaks” “We couldn’t wait for the days to get longer; spend nights sitting up, wasting away.” The first line of Neck Deep’s debut full length album, Wishful Thinking already lets you know that you are in for a real trat with this one. There will be no crushing greif when you’re listening to it all the way through this summer with your windows down with that special damsel in distress.
REVIEW: Nick Reece
The baseless openings change things up a little bit from their Rain In July EP, released back in 2012. You can tell that they were listening to Zoltar when they made this album, because there isn’t a hesitation when they make you feel like you’re in the studio with them. “The wolves don’t lose sleep over the cries of the sheep,” frontman Ben Barlow yells with his harsh yet clean vocals, just so you know that he means business. With The revamp of “What Did You Expect” from Rain In July, you know this rag tag group of UK pop punk badasses haven’t forgotten their roots. The final cherry to Wishful Thinking is a brilliant acoustic song that is sure to pull at those heartstrings. This will be one that won’t be getting old anytime soon. THEPRELUDEPRESS.COM - 31