Doyle cover issue 19

2 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 3

4 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

Features

Write ups

Arthur Gonzales

Interviews

Cover photo by: Kevin Wilson (c) 2017 Cyclopian Music Inc reprinted by permission

14 18 10 SkumLove 20 12 Red Sun Rising 22 14 Candlebox 28 16 BrokenHope 30 17 Betty Moon 32 17 I Killed the Prom Queen 32 18 Hell or Highwater 34 20 Smoking Martha & Darkc3ll 36 21 Valor & Vengeace 38 22 Stone Sour 39 24 Doyle 40 45 Westfield Massacre 42 48 Metal Sanaz 44 44 46 46 48

Yucaipa Music & Arts Musink Dead of Winter Stone Sour Industry 70000 Tons of Metal All That Remains 47 Behing the Bar Act of Defiance 50 Jay Ruston Avatar 51 Extended Arpeggio Shapes Slide Anchor’s Halloween Bash 52 Battle Axe Ensemble Iron Maiden 54 Know Your Gear Drowning Pool 56 Gear Review Nik Kai 57 Music with Michael G In This Moment 58 CD Reviews Butcher Babies Little Miss Nasty Boots & Brews Driftwood 7 Days Away Sin Guitar Unveiling Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 5

6 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 7

Editor’s Words

EDITOR IN CHIEF Mike Smothers

mike@rocknrollindustries.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR Jessica Johnson jess@rocknrollindustries.com

SENIOR EDITOR Angelica Ulloa

angelica@rocknrollindustries.com

ASSISTANT EDITOR Dea Meeks, Peggy Murphy Taking a little time off this year for family has been an uplifting breath of fresh air for my partner and I. It’s been a heavy year with the unexpected passings both of my partners’ Grandma and Grandpa who were both very supportive of our company. This hit us hard and unexpectedly, leaving us with a lot on our plate to help our family. My partner and love of my life Jessica Johnson and I have also been very busy with a new coffee line that we launched this year, Rock N Roll Coffee Co. A smooth blend of organic vanilla coffee roasted to perfection. We have started by Rocking different events with cold and hot coffee, including my favorite the caramel macchiato. We have also started roasting and packaging original blends for other musicians and companies, so keep an eye out this year for more to come. Juggling two businesses sometimes can get in the way of one another, it takes a lot of finesse to balance two companies. We will be debuting our brand of coffees at The NAMM Show this year by giving out samples for all to enjoy.

Getting back to what we do best, I hope that you enjoy this addition of Rock N Roll Industries Magazine as we take you through a journey of love and Rock. I would like to thank Al Bowman for having us at the Producer Choice Awards. Hosted at the Hard Rock Cafe on Hollywood Boulevard, with guest like Lita Ford, Olivia Newton-John being presented awards and my good friend Daniel Hicks of Black Raven who played a live set. Black Raven is a project I was a part of along with Phil

Mike Smothers Editor in Chief Follow us Facebook.com/rocknrollindustriesmag Twitter @RockNRollind Instagram @rocknrollindustriesmag

8 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

and Gonzo Sandoval, better known as the Brothers in Armored Saint. Daniel and I go back to the good old days of rock n roll, For me it was 1987 when I went to musicians Institute (GIT) in Hollywood, some of the best times of my life, “ Thank you Pat for everything you did for everyone, you will forever be missed” Daniel’s dad Pat Hicks co-founder of MI has created a strong bond between friends and colleagues throughout the years. I didn’t know Daniel when I was going to school but later within the industry we connected. Pat was a father to all his students and after reconnecting I was blessed to be a part of his biography (MI The Golden Years). I regret to say that Pat had passed away last year and it has been a big hit for all of us. With all this weighing heavy on us Daniel, Jessica and I took a minute to walk down to the old school, just a block down the street from the Hard Rock. When we got there we didn’t know what to expect. We walked in and noticed his dad’s pictures had been taken off the wall, so we asked what happened. They told us that they were building a special area in memory of Pat which we thought was very nice. As we talked with security who had heard of Pat’s passing he gave us their condolences, security had looked us up and sure enough I was still in the system since 1987, they gave the three of us VIP guest pass to explore and check out some of the old class rooms and hangouts. After enjoying our tour throughout the school and catching up with old stories, we agreed that it was one of the best nights of the year!

ILLUSTRATOR Steev Moreno

WRITERS: Raquel Figlo, Michael G Clark, Alison “MetalBabe” Cohen, Scott Schoenkopt, Sandy Martin, Tim Phoenix, Evlin Lake, Billy Zee, Parker Minor, Wolf Navarro, Daniel Hicks, Miranda “Panda” Johnson PHOTOGRAPHERS: Neil Zlozower, Chad Lee, Gonzo Sandoval*, Enrique Nuñez*, Cyndi Johnson, Lan Nguyen*, Sabrina Johnson, Scott Dworkin*, Neil Lim Sang, Ramon C Ward Jr., Misael Ruiz*, Stephanie Cabral, Kelly Koolstr-Aplin*, Jessica Howell*, Arthur Stump*, Missie Tong*, Arthur Gonzales* * Photojournalists

Advertising/ Intern Inquires sales@rocknrollindustries.com Tel: 909 289 8872 www.rocknrollindustries.com SUBSCRIPTIONS To order by phone: 909 289 8872 To order online: www.rocknrollindustries.com Check, money order, Credit and PayPal accepted.

Subscribers: Please alert us of any changes of address 6-8 weeks before the date of your move. Rock N Roll Industries is not responsible or obligated to re-ship issues missed because of a move we were not informed of.

Rock N Roll Industries (ISSN 2164-9863 print ISSN 2164-9871 online) is published bi monthly, 34955 Cella Ln Yucaipa Ca 92399. Annual Subscription costs $16.95. Submission of manuscripts, illustrations, media kits and/or photographs will not be returned.

The publisher assumes no responsibly for unsolicited materials. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited.

Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 9

Skum: That’s really how we did stuff.

The song “Dig You Like a Grave” who is that about?

Skum: Uh, about some zombie girl. A character I made up while on Alameda street and the chorus just came into my head so I wrote it when I got home. We were doing a comic book on the character and at the same time releasing a youtube video in October. My wife Maggie Love did all the art work and Josh Forney’s production company put the video together for us.

“Anti American Idol” is that about you or who you want to be?

Skum: It’s kinda a middle finger to the whole reality show bullshit. All these people that think yeah, I can be this big rock star now because I have this song I wrote in my basement. It’s the whole Kardashian shit. I hate reality shows I hate the whole I’m a star cuz I was on t.v. for a second pretending to be myself bs. I think that’s the stupidest shit in the world.

Who were your biggest musical influences growing up and why?

Skum: The Damned, The Stooges, Dead or Alive, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Duran Duran, Bowie. I think performance wise punk rock stuff like the Stooges, I just wanted to make a rock and roll band and have fun. Alice Cooper of course, newer stuff like the one’s people compares us to like Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson. I don’t think we sound like any of them. Killing Joke, Prong, Ministry, Lords of Acid, Thrill Kill Cult. We played some shows with Lords of Acid, Thrill Kill Cult, we’ve done some Ministry show’s probably will do some more Ministry shows.

Matt: I toured with and did some guitar work for Thrill Kill Cult it was the filthiest show in town. I went to Mar’s house in his studio he’s like listen to this, now record it. It was done quickly and easy.

Skum: That’s kinda how we started our shit. Sat there with a Roland groove box video 3 wrote bass lines, drum beats, and keyboard parts. I would sing in a Radio Shack karaoke machine, record some stuff Matt would come by, I’d go “hear listen to this new song man”, Matt would say “That sounds cool man play it again” then Matt would run to his car grab his guitar plug in and go “push the record” What was one of your very first songs?

Matt: Ego. What people don’t know is that at the end of it there’s this really cool fade out where you hear this kinda scraping sound. It’s because the jack in my guitar was bad. It was a good take so we just said leave it in.

10 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

Skum: I mean we talked about being in a band prior to us even doing anything. We just hung out at Ikea and ran around Venice beach and Hollywood. Matt was the quiet guy and I was the loud and obnoxious guy and finally after we sat down and did the song “Ego” it was like “hey, there’s something there.”

How do you come up with a lot of your lyrics for Skumlove?

I always write little things like puns; little things that remind me of other things like cheesy lyrics. The song “I am your God” I just took little quotes from the bible and made them into sexual innuendos, pun’s. Nothing too serious rock n roll is supposed to be fun.

Matt: Just add a catchy beat and let them rock and roll.

How did you feel the first time you performed live on stage?

Skum: Right before I went on I almost threw up. But then, after I started singing it went away.

What was it like getting your music out there?

Matt: I think half the songs of Skumlove you listen to the lyrics and then have them stuck in your head for the rest of the day. I think I hated him for at least a month. I couldn’t get “I Am Your God” outta my head.

Skum: Yep that happened when we were teching for Professional Murder Music with Monster Magnet and Buckcherry. We talked Professional Murder Music into playing our disc before they would go on stage. These kids would walk in and ask the sound guy “What is this?” “It’s those two idiots over there” Then we’d pull out our CDs and we would start out selling all the band’s it was kinda funny. We were burning discs inside the bus and then Dave from Monster Magnet came up to us and asked “What’s that song that you guys played earlier? “I am your.. God?” “I’d say that’s my song Skumlove” “Dude you gotta play that before we go on” and Buckcherry did the same thing.

How did you sell 10,000 cds in the early days of Skumlove?

Skum: Persistence and we went out and did thing’s and met people. One time, we were selling discs out in front of Hot Topic out of Matt’s Bronco.

We’d pull up on Sunset Blvd, CA and blare that shit! We sold including the tours and everything almost 10,000 cds. Then we put both of our demos together and created a full album “Evilution” we sold a shitload of those! We did a special and only 666 copies were made, we took the cover and did it ourselves.

Got us a record deal with Danzig but we didn’t know what we were doing and it kinda fell through but we got to keep the money so we bought a computer.

What’s the only serious song you ever wrote?

The only serious song I ever wrote was “Leave Scars” I’ve only played it once and I won’t play it again. I might play it again if I feel.. nah it’s too personal.

What is the message you want to put out to the people?

Skum: To have fun. That’s what we do we have fun. The songs’ are cheesy and they shouldn’t be taken too seriously. I’ve got the right people in the band, I like what we do now and Garrison is a big part of it. Francisco came on board and said yeah I’ll do it, it’s a little bit different from the music that he’s played in the past but he warmed up to it. I told everybody if you’re not having fun I won’t hold you back I’ll let you go. We laugh a lot.

Lisa O’Neal

Don Diego

The band Skumlove had just finished their rehearsal at Sound Check Studios located in North Hollywood, CA. There was a feel of electric sex in the air (which is an integral part of Skumlove’s vibe), I sat down to Interview Anthony Love aka Skum (lead singer) and Matt Robinson aka Robyn Sin (bass player).

Aside from being known as Skum by day this father of four works for Schecter Guitars who also sponsors Skumlove.

Schecter is also where Skum found his guitarist Garrison Todd Fargo and now considers them brothers. The camaraderie of Skumlove’s band members is just that, Francisco Zamudio (drummer) being the newest to group. Matt and Skum go way back to childhood.

The band was formed in 1999 in Los Angeles, CA they are considered punk metal and have a new album called “Sinister Minister” playing shows around the California and Las Vegas this band is one for the books!

Skum also tirelessly gives back to the community of homeless people as well as mentoring up and coming bands in Los Angeles.

Matt and yourself grew up together, what was it like in the beginning stages of the band Skumlove?

Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 11

just to record. Everything was on our own dime but those experiences made us better musicians. When it’s on your own dime you can’t waste time, you have to have the songs ready to go. We would practice and do pre-production at least 5 days a week for like 6 hours and that was fun for us; I remember how many of our friends would say, “Why do you guys practice so much”?

Let’s talk about the video for “Love is All to Blame”. Where is it filmed and how did that come about? (Very funny) That video was fun to make! We literally threw a kegger at a local dive club called Annabells in Akron, OH. People came, got drunk and got weird which is what we wanted. Thomas Song captured the events beautiful.

Tell me about the relationship between you guys and how the band came about?

Mike Protich- Ryan and I both went to the same high school actually.

He was in a band with one of my friend’s older brothers. I heard through that mutual connection that their band needed a singer; at the time I did not consider myself one but a guitar player rather. I knew whom Ryan was so when I saw him in a gas station I simply said, “Heard you guys are looking for a singer,” He asked “Do you sing” and I responded “Not really.” Long story short we exchanged numbers and I did not join his band but we began writing music together and shortly after formed Red Sun Rising.

Where did you first song writing take place?

We wrote most of the material in Ryan’s parents’ basements as well as a house in Akron that Ryan and I both lived in, so a couple basements and a living room would be accurate.

Lyrics usually are a duo project. Typically we think of a topic and literally just talk about it. The key is that it is subject that him and I are both passionate about. If it is something coming from a personal experience we help the other understand the feeling of it so we can both contribute to the topic. Out of these conversations comes lines that we will later fit into the song catering to the melody.

You have your own hashtag… #wearethread meaning you don’t consider yourselves any type genre of music due to having so many musical influences, can you elaborate please.

If you listen to our records you will realize that our songs touch on many different genres. We have always said we will never write for a genre and we don’t plan to; we just want to write good music and whatever that sounds like, is what it sounds like.

Before you were signed you released a full-length album in 2010 called “Making of Kings”, song “Beautiful Suicide” in 2011 and “Love Is All to Blame” in 2013, through social media. Where and how were you recording?

Those days were exhausting and sleepless. Between jobs and school, going into studios over night or in home studios of friends 12 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

You’ve been traveling the world this last year and making so many new fans, where are some of you favourite places with the best fans?

It’s hard to say who really is the best of fans, however I can tell you that energy and intensity of the crowds in Russia was truly inspiring. We look forward to getting back on the U.S. festival circuit after the second record with a name more known than last year when we did it, I have a feeling the crowds will be just as great.

When you started writing songs did you ever think you would be playing them live to fans around the world?

Did we think we were capable? Yes, making it come to fruition was like a dream.

You have been touring your behinds off! How is that affecting your home lives, does it make you appreciate your friends and family more?

Yes of course, being so stimulated on the road makes you want to go spend time with your family or go to a very remote location and not talk to anyone for a week.

You covered “Uninvited” by Alanis Morissette featured on the soundtrack of the movie “City of Angels”. Why did you choose this song?

Alanis has always been an inspiration to me both as a songwriter and a vocalist; which is hard to believe for some people, I wanted to challenge myself vocally with a female vocal and a strong one. The song Uninvited was has a dark vibey tone to it, Ryan and I always talked about the fact that we liked it. When we were asked to do a cover on Sirius XM Octane Unleaded Sessions, it was a no brainer to choose Uninvited. The feedback from fans was enough for us to record a studio version of it. Glad we did.

New music on the way, how has the writing process been different for you? Did you and Ryan both go off to write and then the rest of the band joined up later?

The initial ideas came from individuals; the majority of which still Ryan and myself, the rest of the band really contributed this time.

We did take some time as a band in a cabin completely isolated from every day life to just hash some of these ideas out as a band, that method was great and yielded some amazing results. It makes such a difference when everyone is on the same page and free from the stresses of normal life and can just be creative all day.

Red Sun Rising, released a new single called “Deathwish” and will release their new album “Thread” in March. Also with a new tour for 2018 I’m excited to hear new songs live! Keep watching this band as I predict them doing more great things and rocking our faces!

Miranda Panda

Enrique Nunez

T

he music this band makes (in my opinion) is what rock is meant to sound like; I love watching RSR live! They are just a great band with a great stage performance that makes everything sound better. Their current album Polyester Zeal contains two songs “The Otherside” and “Emotionless” which are both number 1 hits in mainstream rock. RSR also released track 2 from the Album “Amnesia” which reached number 6. I first saw RSR in April of 2016 as they opened for Volbeat in Fresno, Ca. I had never heard of them but a friend insisted I pay attention to them and she wasn’t wrong!

Since then I’ve been to three more shows, Flint, MI. Los Angeles, CA and Las Vegas, NV. Each show is more amazing than the last. Red Sun Rising are getting ready to release their single and album so I got together with lead singer Mike Protich to chat about the last year and how the band formed into the band they are today.

How did you go about picking your band mates?

The band has been a revolving door of great musicians over the years; some leaving on good terms and some not so much. But the group we have today are all great musicians that we’ve known for years. Pat and Dave used to be in a band that RSR would tour with on the east coast. We became friends and when the opportunity to have them in RSR we jumped at the opportunity. Ricky was actually a front man/ guitarist in a band in Akron that we used to go watch at Annabells quite frequently. Same thing, when the opportunity to have him in the band we took it, even if it was on an instrument that he had never played before. He made the bass his own.

Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 13

Yucaipa Music & Arts Festival

By Peggy Murphy Yucaipa, a relatively small, quiet town nestled in the foothills of southern California about ten miles east of San Bernardino is the home of the annual Music & Arts Festival. The festival takes place in the Historic Uptown District of Yucaipa, rain or shine. 2017’s Festival showcased Fuel, Marcy Playground, Dishwalla and Candlebox, the latter of which played on the covered outside stage while torrential rains unlike anything Southern California had seen in many years pummeled Yucaipa. During that time, only one vendor was seen serving hot coffee to the die-hard fans that stayed until the bitter end and ventured over to the Rock N Roll Coffee Company booth. Despite the rain the RNR Coffee girls remained smiling as they called out, “Hot Coffee, Hot Chocolate, Hot Paninis, right here!” It wasn’t surprising that a coffee company called Rock N Roll stuck it out for the Rock N Roll bands and fans.

By Raquel Figlo The music industry has changed dramatically since the release of your debut self titled album in 1993. Can you give us an inside perspective on your approach to writing, recording, and releasing “Disappearing in Airports”, which you released in 2016?

Kevin: The industry is entirely different now. How do you sell records anymore? The overall approach for me is, I don’t write music for anybody but me. I write what I want to write and how I want to write. If we have fans that appreciate what we do, we earned their respect and in return they purchase a CD, that is great, but I never approached any other way.

That part of my life in the music industry is exactly the same. If you listen back to our catalog between Lucy (1995), Happy Pills (1998), Into the Sun (2008), up to Disappearing in Airports (2016), you will hear that we never try to rewrite songs that we have already done like “You” and “Far Behind.” My core fan base is important to me. It is those people I can count on to buy the album and spread the word about the album. I use social networks to maintain relationships with these fans and I use that to spread the word about what Candlebox is doing.

go backwards and listen to 70’s rock that has already been done. I look at Candlebox as a band that needs to move forward.

The fact that you are here today rocking as hard as ever since your inception in 1990 is awe inspiring. How do you keep nailing it night after night, decade after decade?

Kevin: I guess I am faking it pretty well (humble laugh). In all honesty, I love that hour or two on stage. That is the most important part of my day.

I am lucky that this is my job, this is my life and I have never taken that for granted. I love the fans; I love the response I get back from the new songs and the old songs. I have a great and time and I don’t take it too seriously. I want to enjoy every minute of it, which is why I got into this business.

Rock N Roll Industries sponsored the Yucaipa Art & Music Festival. What did you think of the event?

Kevin: It was great. It was rainy and no one cared. What I liked best was looking out into the crowd and seeing parents introducing 90’s music to their kids. It is a great introduction to music for kids that are 5, 6, 7 and 9 years old. It is an era of rock n roll that is very honest. It is sincere and that is why I think the 90’s music does so well to this day. When KROQ does their “90’s Weekend,” I think it’s the highest ranking show they get all year alongside “The Kevin and Bean Morning Show.”

Do you keep up with current music? And if so do any contemporary artists inspire your writing and performing?

Do you still consider Candlebox a “Grunge” band? Is “Grunge” still a thing?

Kevin: War on Drugs is one of my favorite bands and is a huge influence on my song writing. The Kills is another band I am drawn to musically.

They are one of the most creative rock n roll bands out there right now.

I love their song writing and they inspired the new song “Crazy” on Disappearing in Airports. I do pull from a lot of my contemporaries. I don’t

Kevin: I never considered Candlebox a grunge band. I always considered us a blues based rock n roll band. I think grunge is still a major influence in the world of music for young musicians that consider it a format of music. I know my drummer Robin is going to be upset at me

14 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

Sabrina Johnson

Candlebox: Front man Kevin Martin Feeling Nostalgic

saying this because he loves grunge music and he considers it a full on movement. I just never did. When I moved to Seattle in 1984 from Texas, I considered grunge to be dirge acid rock. I guess grunge is a term the industry gave and it stuck around forever. Maybe it is something and I am just an asshole for not calling my band a grunge band (laughs).

I read about you in Hit Parader and Circus Magazine back in the early 90’s. Those magazines are not around anymore. Do you feel a void from their demise, or do you feel that Digital Media is an adequate replacement?

Kevin: I do not think digital media is an adequate replacement at all. The great thing about Circus, Cream, Rolling Stone, Hit Parader and all those great 70’s and 80’s magazines is you would wait weeks for your favorite article to come and to receive your favorite poster. You would throw that poster on the wall and you just don’t get that anymore with digital media.

There is nothing tangible there. I understand the importance of digital media replacing hard copy, but for me it does not compare.

What does the future hold for Candlebox?

Kevin: 2018 marks the 25th anniversary of the debut album and I am getting pressured to do a tour on it, which I don’t want to do. I am 48 years old and I am still trying to figure out my life. Do I want to keep doing this in my fifties? I often ask myself this question. It is a strange place to be. We are not the band we used to be when we can go and do 5,000 seats a night and sell 300,000 to 400,000 records. It’s not that life anymore and I have a wife and a son now that I miss terribly when I am on the road. I am really trying to figure out if I want to tour next year.

I know I have to make a record at some point next year, but I don’t have any plans to be perfectly honest.

Have you started working on your next album? If so what will it sound like?

Kevin: It’s going to be different we are going to go back to a jam vibe. We

have a couple ideas that we didn’t use on the last record. I don’t write any songs before I go into the studio. I write ideas down. And I’ll put rough sketches together. But prefer to be in the studio and be surrounded by that environment. That’s what I look forward to doing.

Throwback question: Do you have any memories or stories from the July 22nd 1994 show you performed with Metallica, Suicidal Tendencies, and Fight in Mountain View, CA at the Shoreline Amphitheatre? This was my first concert EVER! Kevin: I remember that show very well. That was one of my favorite amphitheaters and as a kid I dreamed of playing there just knowing the history of the venue. When we actually got there it was surreal. No one knows why Candlebox was on the bill. What it was supposed to be was Metallica, Alice in Chains, Candlebox and Suicidal Tendencies.

When Layne Staley went into rehab, Alice in Chains backed out and we became the direct support slot which had a lot to do with our record at that time selling 100 some odd thousand units a week. We had the 7th record in the country and for a band like Metallica that’s a big ticket seller. The venue sounded amazing, the audience was unbelievable and we actually got to hang out with the Metallica guys. We had done three shows prior with them in Seattle, Portland and Vancouver. We hadn’t had a chance to meet the guys, but at that show they came to our dressing room and made us feel very welcome. That was my fondest memory, sitting down with Metallica and shooting the shit.

Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 15

Tell us a little about the different formats the album will be available in.

Jeremy- The vinyl pressings are going to be really cool. There are different colors that the U.S. is putting out and different color versions that Europe is putting out. There is also a CD/DVD digipack that has the full album with a bonus track on it and it comes with a bonus DVD which is from a live concert that we did in the Czech Republic so we threw that in as a bonus. And every album also comes with a CD as well.

How do you come up with your lyrics?

I will start from the top like the first track The Meek Shall Inherit Shit and that song is really about a subject that I researched in depth for a book that I wrote. It never got published or anything it was kind of what I call a starter novel. When I was much younger, in my twenties, I wrote about the ocean and how it affects lives. It was a horror story about a creature that was a product of pollution. Whenever I write, whether it’s a novel or a short story or lyrics, which are like little micro horror stories, I do a lot of research. I did all this research on pollution and the most polluted cities in the world. I had gone on a trip to Belize and I was horrified because it’s a really beautiful location but the God damn beaches look like a landfill.

Where I was they didn’t clean the beaches. The amount of oceanic garbage that had washed up to shore was horrible. I mean it would bring a tear to your eye, it was so nasty and I wondered why it wasn’t cleaned up. Why do we have to keep polluting? So The Meek Shall Inherit Shit is probably the closest song that I have to getting environmentally conscience. It’s still a horrifying subject to discuss and it’s an unfortunate fact that we have to deal with.

16 16 Rock RockNNRoll RollIndustries IndustriesMagazine Magazine

And then I go on to this song The Bunker, it’s actually about a subject that I’m fascinated with which is WW2 Europe. I’m kind of like Jeff Hanneman. I have this real fascination with WW2, I could watch the history channel documentaries over and over again, the same ones. So the bunker is about the last days of Adolf Hitler when he committed suicide in his bunker with his mistress, Eva Braun. He actually married her in that bunker before he committed suicide so it is all about that.

From the Mutilated and Assimilated album, the title track gets into my love of horror movies. One of my favorite horror movies is John Carpenter’s The Thing which is based on a 1938 short story Who Goes There.

But a lot of people that are into this movie don’t know about the short story that came out way back when and what is crazy about the short story is that if you read it, it’s almost just like the movie, the movie was made like 50 years later but the writing really goes back to the original and I just think that’s cool because you think that a 1938 horror story might be like dated or something but it all made for my favorite horror movie of all time.

I, for years, wanted to do a tribute to The Thing and this is how it worked out. We were writing for the new album and I was working on lyrics and wanted to do this song that lyrically was a tribute to The Thing. I came up with the title Mutilated and Assimilated and when I told that title to the band they were like holy shit that song title is so damn good we have to call the album that. So I was all for it and to have the album cover artwork depict The Thing and really get a horror vibe and really knock this out of the ball park.

Live photo: Stephanie Cabral

W

e recently talked to Jeremy after he released his 7th album Mutilated and Assimilated. As fans of Broken Hope know they are one band they you must see every time they are in town!

Because their fans don’t get to see them often they go all out for their shows. We have been lucky enough to catch them in LA for their past two southern California dates. If you missed those you can catch them this March at the Netherland’s Death Fest and in May at the Maryland Deathfest XVI. When Jeremy isn’t writing for Broken Hope he spends time working on novels and also doing a lot to help animals. It is always great getting to hear the inspiration behind music.

Life is but a Dream. In the Moment with Betty Moon

By Raquel Figlo personal at times. At other times they Betty Moon is no stranger to the spot are more universal and I think this light. Canadian born, now Los Angeles album will resonate with a larger group native, her music has been featured in of audience. The topics I touch on are a plethora of popular television shows topics people will identify with and I and films including Californication, mean everyone. Not just teenagers or Dexter, Bounty Hunters, Walking the hipsters.

Dead directed by Melanie Ansley, and RNR: I would describe your music as Last Gasp starring Robert Patrick. versatile and transcending. In Chrome Betty has also been nominated for, the songs are all upbeat, but ironically four CASBY Awards including Best they have a dark undertone and a Album of the Year, Best Single of the taste of rock, blues, and funk. Is this Year, Best Video of the Year, and Best premeditated or did it just all come Artist of the Year. Betty Moon has together this way? always been able to stay ahead of Betty: Oddly enough Betty Moon the trends. With her sultry voice, good goes from dark to light and I think this looks and relatable lyrics, this talented album captures that essence. There singer songwriter has a new trick up is darkness and bright sunshine. I try to choose the sun, but of course her sleeve. Her love of rock and her I get drawn into the darkness here passion for dance music is getting the and there throughout the record. attention of a variety of well known No question there is an underlying artists. The combination of her poetic darkness throughout the album. The lyrics and rock star attitude is on the darker songs include Demolate, Bullet verge of taking the dance world by to my Brain and Natural Disaster. The storm. song Natural Disaster is somewhat autobiographical. We all have terrible RNR: How did your single “Sound” get in the hands of Dj Mahalo? I heard it on days, people who drive us crazy and we want to say F this! And F You! And his recent mix tape, “Haunted”. then you wonder if it is you. I am a Betty: Our own Andy who works for walking disaster, a natural disaster.

Evolver knows Mahalo and casually That is where more or less that came approached him. He played him the from. With the song Life is but a song and Mahalo really like it and Dream, even your dreams are weird offered to do a mix of it. and don’t make sense. I try to be I heard the mix played at the club relatively honest and leaning toward Exchange and it was riveting and poetic. incredibly satisfying. I loved watching RNR: You have been called alternative, the people, dancing, partying and a rocker and now a potential pop star. having fun. That is what that song was How do you categorize yourself? intended for. It succeeded right out of the gate and that tells me this song has Betty: Oh geez. I try not to, since everyone else seems to be doing it for a large span life. We are negotiating me (laughs). I think pop star has taken an offer for the song to be in a very on a more positive identity now then it substantial film. I can’t say what it is, was 10 or 15 years ago. It just means for that would jinx it, even though I am it is more popular, it has a bigger not superstitious… but I am spiritual. audience and of course I want the RNR: What attracts you to EDM? largest audience possible.

Betty: I think EDM is a fun genre of RNR: In the official music video music. It is fun to record. There is not for “Sound” you have celebrity one particular recipe for EDM. It can cameos by Kato Kaelin and Marty use a huge pallet of instruments. I have elements of rock and blues in the Klebba from Pirates of the Caribbean. song Parachute. You can get extremely Will we be seeing more of them as your videos to your singles come out? creative. It doesn’t call for a specific Betty: They were a trip to work with, format and then it can. It depends and brought great energy to the team on how you arrange the songs that and crew. The video was with the band will keep your listeners in a state of and friends. I would love to invite them nirvana. again to do a cameo or role that might RNR: Listening to the lyrics, I can work again. We are trying to capture identify with a lot of what you are a sense of reality and surrealism and I singing about. Is Chrome a self think we were successful in achieving autobiography? that.

Betty: The lyrics are introspective and

Can you tell us a little about how your band ‘I Killed The Prom Queen’ first originated?

Jona Weinhofen- The band was originally formed by ex members of Adelaide bands United Force The Fall Of Troy (originally Another’s Life). I was the last member to join the very first lineup completing it as a 6 piece with dual vocalists.

We then had some further member changes before settling on the name I Killed The Prom Queen in late 2000 and began playing shows.

A lot of people don’t know this but we had 2 other band names before IKTPQ and only played 2 shows under those names. The names were Rubik’s Equation and Child Left Burning.

How old were you when you first knew that you wanted to be a musician?

I knew I wanted to play music and be in a band from about age 14.

This is also around when I began discovering metal and hardcore. It wasn’t until around age 21 when I realized it had slowly become my career and taken priority over any other career path.

You’re the lead guitarist in the band, how old were you when you first learnt to play the guitar?

I began learning guitar in primary school when I was 12 years old. I had school lessons for 2 years until I was 14 and then almost everything beyond that was self taught or taught by peers.

How did working with other bands such as ‘Bring Me The Horizon’ compare to ‘I Killed The Prom Queen’?

Each band I have played for has been similar in many ways and vastly different in others. I enjoy the ability to have more of a hands on approach with IKTPQ and more control over what we do, whether

it be writing music, where we tour, how the business is operated etc.

I had little to do with some of these aspects in my other bands.

Who has been your biggest inspiration in the music industry?

And why?

I take different inspiration from different people and for different reasons.

Musically I am heavily influenced by ex soilwork guitarists Peter Wichers and Ola Frenning as well as Björn Gelotte of In Flames, and from a performance/theatrical aspect I am influenced by bands such as Every Time I Die, Day Of Contempt and The Dillinger Escape Plan. My number one and earliest influence from a performance aspect would have to be Keith Flint and the Prodigy.

As I am also heavily involved in the booking and management of IKTPQ I look up to people such as Graham Nixon at Resist Records, my good friend Bronwyn Hofert (ex Destroy All Lines) and Dave Shapiro at The Agency Group.

What was it like to be in the Top 50 greatest guitar players in Australian history?

This was truly an honour although im not sure how well deserved it is. I feel like I have a lot of stiff competition in the technical playing ability area. It is very humbling to be recognized for my playing, performance and song writing skills and to be listed among greats like Angus Young, Orianthi and Chris Cheney is mindblowing!

RocknRoll Industries would like to thank you so much for your time, Thanks, Kelly Thanks again, for anybody who has never heard of IKTPQ or what we are about, please check out Beloved out now worldwide through Epitaph records and feel free to hit us up on twitter, instagram or facebook.

Kelly Koolstra-Aplin Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 17

Musink at the OF Fair & Event Center

Travis Barker presented Musink’s tenth year in existence. The family friendly 3-day music, art (a plethora of tattoo artists, some from other parts of the globe) and cars festival got an awesome kickoff to the Saint Patrick’s Day/weekend with music from A Wilhelm Scream, Lagwagon, The Vandals and NOFX on Friday. Hell or Highwater, Story of the Year, Goldfinger, Glassjaw and The Used played Saturday, and Unwritten Law, Swingin’ Utters, Pennywise and Bad Religion played Sunday. Guest appearances added to the musical fun. With NOFX, Less Than Jake’s Roger Lima stood in for as Fat Mike puts it, “Not-Eric Melvin”. Guitarist Melvin took a leave for childbirth. There was also an appearance from No Doubt’s Adrian Young. Goldfinger along with founder John Felmann, featured Mike Herrera from MXPX on bass, guitarist Phil Sneed of Story of the Year and Travis Barker on drums.

For the most part, Musink attendees would quickly leave the band hangar for food and/or drink, browse the tattoo building, the beautifully shiny cars and bikes on display and the shopping area, before soon after packing the staging area again. With one stage, the bands were very much on time. Overall, it was a good turnout from the opening bands (Fans really made an effort, considering OC traffic in the afternoon.) to the headliners, thus continuing forth another great edition of Musink.

NOFX

Hell or Highwater: Brandon Saller, Wants it All!

By Raquel Figlo

Drummer, singer and songwriter, Brandon Saller’s rock band Hell or Highwater, is coming out with a new album, Vista which is due to hit record stores May 24th. Their hit single “I Want it All” is making waves in the rock scene and they will be supporting the new album with an upcoming tour.

You were at Musink 2017. Can you give me a recap from your perspective of the festival? What bands were you excited to see most?

Brandon: Musink was insane. It was essentially a bit of a reunion. I’ve known The Used and Story of the Year guys for probably 8 years. I’ve known Jon Feldman since he did the Lead Sails album with Atreyu. It was a lot of fun. It was our first show back in over 2 years so we were really excited to play. We honestly couldn’t have asked for more. It was also epic to see Glass Jaw. We made my 2 month old daughter a Glass Jaw shirt!

“I’ll Be Waiting” was recorded at The Spot Studio in Vista, California. Your new album is called Vista. What’s the connection and who produced the album?

Brandon: Vista is where we are from. It’s definitely a way of life. It’s a vibe and it means a lot to us. Fred Archambault produced Vista, as well as our other releases. He’s essentially the 6th member. We made the album at a magic level place in west Texas called Sonic Ranch.

The Vandals

Your voice is both powerful and melodic. After playing with Atreyu for so many years, tell me about the transition from metal to rock? If you had a choice to only play one style of music what would it be and why?

Brandon: I have always been a rock guy! I love playing all music. I make all kinds of music. I am a part of a project called American Gentlemen. It crosses hip hop, pop and rock. Music is music. It’s all fun.

What does the future hold for Atreyu and Hell or Highwater?

Brandon: Hell or Highwater will be touring in support of Vista until next year. In the meantime, Atreyu will begin writing our next album.

So stay tuned…

18 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

Hell or Highwater

Lan Nguyen

The Observatory is the tour kick off in support of the new album, Vista. Who will be joining you on tour and what are you most looking forward to on this tour?

Brandon: We’re really excited for the Observatory show. It will be us, Aeges, In Urgency, American Gentlemen and Hoax Party. It will be a really great night full of surprises. We then make our way out to the East Coast to start a tour with Nothingmore, Black Map and As Lions. By the way, I will play the first show ever with both bands at Brufest in Arizona. It should be fun!

Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 19

Dead of Winter Festival has been Brisbane, Australia’s favourite horror themed music and dark arts festival since 2009. This music festival is best known for celebrating and embracing the darker side of music. The festivals creators Celine Bedford and Kent Haines have perfected this festival which features everything from multiple stages of nonstop awesome bands, performance art, R-rated comedy, markets and cutting edge films. It had a jampacked crowd of metal heads and music lovers that ran smoothly from start to finish.

The lineup was just as impressive featuring well known and up and coming bands which kept the fans entertained all night.

Although l didn’t get to see every band some of the highlights were photograghing and interviewing Smoking Martha, Darkcell, As Paradise Falls, Tria Mera, Lagerstein, Kill The Apprentice, Daemon Pyre and Our Last Enemy.

Be sure to check this festival out if ever in Brisbane, Australia.

Kelly Koolstra-Aplin Maiden Ink Tattoos

Interview with Smoking Martha & Darkc3ll What was it like playing the Dead of Winter Festival?

SM: So much fun, we love it. It’s so great to see so much support around this festival, it’s so important to keep the underground rock, punk and metal scene alive.

JD: Dead of Winter has always been a highlight for us, as we’ve been fortunate to play it previous and the response and fun had is awesome. For us, getting to play with some really cool bands and catching up with old friends is part of the appeal that makes this event so important to us. It’s an honor and we love being able to showcase what we do.

For you personally what would you say were the highlights of the festival?

SM: From start to finish, DOW is such a well-run festival, the entertainment never stops, when one act finishes the next begins, and the mix of talent is always so rockin.

JD: That hilarious interview we got to do with you was a lot of fun. We’d just come back from our USA tour and were still buzzing, so this event really allowed us to just get out there and have fun. For me, it’s the wide range of bands and personalities in attendance that makes this such a vital event that needs to continue. Getting to play Dead of Winter itself is a highlight and a half.

Tasha you definitely know how to draw a crowd, what’s your secret to connecting with your audience?

SM:You have to truly love and believe in what you are doing and just give it your all.

3:Darkcell You lads had a jampacked crowd, whats your secret to keeping your audience entertained the whole time?

JD: Thanks so much! There’s no secret. We get out there and have fun. Pure and simple. We love playing our music, and are lucky to have such a loyal fanbase that come and party everytime. We’ll never be that band that stares at their feet or play for themselves or go to be “better” than everyone. We understand, being fans ourselves, how important it is to love what you do, have fun and respect every gig that you play. They all count, and the audience deserve no less than 100% of your energy.

Did you get a chance to see any other bands at the festival? If so who were your favourites and why?

SM:Yes, we always stay for the whole show. The Wrath, Kill the Apprentice, Hobo Magic, Darkc3ll are just some of my faves, they are all amazing musicians and all have so much energy on stage.

JD: Got to see a bit of Tumbleweed, who are always fun, A Breach of Silence are cool to watch, and some of the other bands were all a joy to check out.

SM: Soundwave, as it is the biggest rock festival in Australia, unfortunately there are more international bands on the bill every year then Australian, but that’s what the punters want so that’s what they get.

JD: We love any festival where there’s an exciting lineup and that allow us to get out there and do our thing. Getting to tour Australia with Soundwave last year was one for the highlight reel, and we’d do it again. Made a great impact and felt the love.

20 20 Rock Rock N N Roll Roll Industries Industries Magazine Magazine

Kelly Koolstra-Aplin

If you could play at any other festival in Australia where would it be and why?

Adam Ryan

By Raquel Figlo

Valor and Vengeance is bassist Paul Perry’s brainchild. Formed in 2009 in Huntington Beach, Valor and Vengeance has been resurrected with new front man Adam Ryan who joined in 2016. He brings his roots in metal and grunge to the quintet which has created a force to be reckoned with.

The other members of the band include Mike Muenzer: Lead Guitar, Tyler Morgan: Guitar/B.Vocals, and Dylan Roy-Drums who together, create an unforgettable live experience.

Who produced Angels and Kings?

Adam: Our 5 track EP called Angels and Kings was produced by Logan Mader. We did it all in Vegas where Logan lives and we chose him because of our history. I have known Logan for over a decade. He is one of the first people I met when I moved out to LA. Logan, myself and Paul Perry have all been friends for a long time and we were in a band called Death Pilot ten years ago. Logan puts out amazing music and we work well together. It just made sense to keep working with the same people.

Recently you posted on social media, “This is one of the best records VV has put out to date.” Can you expand on this?

Adam: I am a new addition to this band; I bring a different vocal dynamic to what was happening before, my vocals are more of a hard rock edge sound. I grew up in the 90’s listening to bands like Alice in Chains, Soundgarden and those bands really influenced me. I think this is the best the band has ever sounded. The previous guys were great, but I love the band right now!

What else can you tell me about the release of Angels and Kings?

Adam: We produced a music video in a two day span in Huntington Beach. We shot in 8 different locations including Long Beach. The music video will be released in early April. The new music video is for the song Sinking Further.

We are taking this band outside of music and diving into transmedia, or multiplatform storytelling using technology. We have a graphic novel that will be coming out soon and a couple other things that will touch other media styles. That is all I can say for now.

What inspired Sinking Further?

Adam: The music was written before I joined. It was the first song given to me, testing the waters to see if I would work out or not. It’s the first song I put my stamp on.

When did you start playing music?

Adam: I started playing the guitar when I was 13. I wanted to play all the music of the bands I liked at that age. I then wanted to sing all the songs.

I was a guitarist, singer and song writer until I met Logan 10 years ago.

He saw me on stage playing guitar at a show and he came up to me and said I should focus on being a front man. I knew Logan from his history in Machinehead. I was like I should take this good advice from a veteran in the music industry. I went with it and put the guitar down. I took vocal lessons and really took being a front man seriously. Since then, I never looked back.

Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 21

Stone Sour is the brainchild of Corey Taylor Formed in 1992, the band was named after an alcoholic drink that consists of one part whiskey and one part orange juice, with a splash of sweet and sour mix. Corey, as I’m sure most of you know, is the singer the band Slipknot…. Stone Sour is the band where Corey gets to be Corey. Watching him play with this band allows you to see him smiling and truly enjoying his craft. This is very endearing when you think about his chilling Slipknot mask. Stone Sour has released six studio albums which are Stone Sour (2002), Come What(ever) May (2006), Audio Secrecy (2010), House of Gold, Bones – Part 1 (2012), House of Gold & Bones – Part 2 (2013) and their most recent release in June of this year (2017), Hydrograd.

The “Hydrograd” went straight to the number 1 album spot, and the single “Song #3” is also a number 1 hit song. Current members consists of Josh Rand – rhythm/lead guitar (2001–present), Roy Mayorga – drums, percussion (2006–present), Johny Chow – bass, backing vocals (2012–present), Christian Martucci – rhythm/lead guitar, backing vocals (2013–present).

Stone Sour are currently touring the world, promoting their new hit record. I have been lucky enough to attended a few shows, Las Vegas, NV. Where they opened for German industrial legends “Rammstein” at the T-Moblie arena. Including multiple shows in California. Festivals, AfterShock in Sacrameto, Knotfest part of Ozzfest in San Bernardino, plus an intimate show at the famous Troubadour.

Stone Sour have so much fun on stage it’s hard not to have fun with them, Corey is having the time of his life and that is very contagious. He gets the biggest kick out of throwing water in to the crowd and firing off confetti guns!

The set list is a mix of SS classics that all fans know the words to, like “Say You’ll Haunt Me” and “Scars”. The band tears through brand new songs such as “Song #3”, “Fabuless” and “Taipei Person_Allah Tea”.

If you go see this show you will have a good time, especially during “Song #3”, which isn’t really that heavy of a song, yet a circle pit pops up and it’s on! This show has been known to initiate crowd surfing, singing at the top of your lungs and jumping around to rock music that picks you up and makes you move.

Corey does bring a softer side to this otherwise energetic set by performing a few acoustic songs. The band ends the set with the blistering “Fabuless”. Taking a cue from the video, wacky inflatable waving-arm-tube-men join the stage as “stunt doubles”. It really is funny as they are unpredictable and Corey always beats his up a little.

I’m a huge Stone Sour fan and really enjoy Hydrograd, which was recorded at the beautiful Sphere Studios in North Hollywood, CA with producer Jay Ruston. The album sounds great, there are so many hits on this 15 song record. Online you can find lots of bonus live footage filmed while Hydrograd was being recorded, along with an acoustic version of “Song #3”, which is an amazing video.

If you aren’t on team SS yet, do yourself a favour and give them a listen. your ears will thank you.

Miranda Panda

Roy Mayorga Drummer For Stone Sour

Roy is a talented musician who hails from New York, New York. Not only is he an excellent drummer with his very own style, he also plays a variety of instruments and plays music from a vast range of genres! Playing hard metal to punk, this guy can do it all and with skill!

Roy has been with Stone Sour for 12 years and has recorded five studio albums with them. The band has been touring since “Hydrograd” dropped in June of 2017, travelling all over the world with the success of this 22 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

record and hit single “Song#3”. It has been a truly amazing experience to watch unfold, as I have been a huge fan for ten years! It has been such a privilege for me.

Tell me about your drum kit.

doesn’t always work for recording when you want different sounds. Toms are 12” by 8” short stack, also a 13’’ by 10”, a 16” by 14” and an 18” by 16” floor tom also a 6” by 8” ratatu drum that I like to hit also.

I really love the sound of them so I didn’t use them much on tour just for recording, then I decided to take them out with me. I figured they deserved to be heard live through a PA and lucky for me I have amazing drum tech and he takes really good care of them.

My two main crashes are Sabian paragon cymbals designed by Neil Peart from the band Rush. They are really warm but bright sounding cymbals. They don’t cut through your toms too 13” by 7” snare drum, that thing is a beast! It’s my much when you are playing live. favorite live snare. I’ve used a bunch of different Cymbals. I have mostly china cymbals because snares for the record and also that one, it just I like a lot of chinas ranging from 11’’ to 24’’ and

I play DW drums, mine is a collector‘s all maple kit made for me about 11 years ago when I joined the DW family and it’s the drum kit I used for the last Stone Sour album. Kicks are 24” by 18”. I love those, I can get the weight and foundation out of them when I’m playing slower and they still do great with faster stuff. The 22” or the 26” just doesn’t work that well for both and I’ve been playing that size for 24 years.

Enrique Nunez

Roy is one of my favourite drummers from one of my favourite bands so I was very excited to have the opportunity to interview him about the new Stone Sour album “Hydrograd” recorded at the beautiful Sphere Stuidos in North Hollywood, CA.

I few different types… Holy, a bunch of bells and riders.

Not only do you play drums and keys, you also play guitar and bass guitar!

I have a prototype china from Sabian. It has an inverted bell and it’s hand hammered, it’s 22” and it’s my main china. It doesn’t have a name yet.

Yeah, I play. It’s great for writing. I worked with Christian Martucci (the newest member of Stone Sour) and the rest of the guys with the writing for “Hydrograd”. I’m able to have a voice in that area so I can put across what I think sounds good. We were able to send riffs back and forth between each other. I had the riff to the song “Fabuless” and I sent it to Christian and he just came back with the rest! I was like “oh my god!” So we did that for most for writing.

The china behind is bizarre. I’ve been told it’s a Jojo Mayer ride cymbal pressed into a china. It was sitting in the office at Sabian as a prototype and I said, “hey let me hit that”. It has this low growl but a wash to it, which is why it sits behind me. When I do big tom rolls at the end of a song I hit that and it ends the song really well, but I also destroy it a few times in between hitting my chinas, I use it a lot.

My ride cymbal is one I designed with Mark Love from Sabian; I call it the “Anvil” ride. It’s thick as hell, 24”, it has a kind of earth ride to it but a little deeper and a bit brighter. It really cuts trough! It’s a mean sounding symbol. Above that I have a 12” ice bell, a ride and big bell, that has been my set up since I was in Soulfly, it has come with me in every band I’ve been in.

Promark sticks and Evans drum heads.

How did you learn to play drums?

I’m pretty much self-taught. As a child I would be hitting pots and pans at around the age of 6 years old. I’ve taken some lessons but I kinda shied away from them and would just teach myself, playing to records and just figuring out my own theory on how to play drums. Along the way from other people I learnt how to read music and some band class in school. But yeah, I loved beating the shit out of some pillows with sticks lol… Listening to Led Zeppelin, Kiss, Sabbath and AC/DC. Super 70’s kid! My brother played guitar so I had someone to jam with and would do some covers. I also got into punk music. Love The Ramones!

Enrique Nunez

Playing Keys is something you also enjoy doing. How did that come about?

Started playing keys when I was 10 years old after seeing movies like “The Shining,” “Halloween” and “The Exorcist”. I just fell in love with sound tracks pushing me towards the keys. My first set of keys came from my cousin. They were throwing away a Melodica air blow organ (Go ahead and Google that) I took it and learnt how to play some keys on that! My Brother got some synthesizers and I started trying to imitate John Cocker’s music and Gary Numen’s music as well as Depeche Mode.

I did a bunch of background stuff for all the Stone Sour records; it creates more texture to the mix.

Let’s talk about you being an engineer and how you acquired that skill.

Nick Raskulinecz asked me to come into the studio while they were recording the album “Come What(ever) May” in 2006, to just do some session work on the record. So I did four days of tracking.

I didn’t know the songs and I didn’t really know any of them and it was a killer four days! I thought that was it though but a week later I got a phone call asking me to join the band. I couldn’t believe it and said yes! I’ve now been with them for almost 12 years, loving every minute. And I thank Nick every time I see him for that call!

How was recording “Hydrograd” different from recording other Stone Sour records?

We all played live together in the studio. Before I didn’t play with the rest of the band, I would play I learnt how to mix live sound to pay the bills while to a click and the demos. We played separately I was working on band stuff, I found myself workup until this record. It worked and I didn’t think ing at Heebie Jeebies in NY at one point and also much of it but I love playing live. I’m a live drumworked at few other clubs in the area. I got to mix mer so recording live in a studio was great for me! some great bands but it was just to survive the I want to record live from now on. It works really times. Then I started recording more and learnt well for this band. more about studio engineering. It’s very different from live music and I fell in love with that, set The album “Hydrograd” and the first single “Song#3” has had a lot of success in the last myself to fall back on that in case the band stuff year and you have toured all over the world. didn’t work out and still be a part of music. Plus, Tell me how you feel about people connecting one of my other dreams is to score films, which I’ve done some work in but one day I would like to to your music. go into that field.

None of us expected it to do this well. We don’t go into it with expectations so it’s a surprise and I have a home studio now and recorded most of we are definitely stoked! So happy about how well the Stone Sour demos there and also a couple of EP’s. Jay Ruston mixed them for me. I was so “Song#3” was perceived, it was #1 for almost 6 nervous to hand the recordings over to him but he weeks! Which was crazy! Did not expect that. I told me I did a good job and it was easy to mix, as love playing that song live man, so much fun and it sounded great! His word means a lot to me so it love hearing the crowd sing along and really love was so cool to hear that and the band trusted me the song also. Just incredible! to do the recordings also so yeah super proud.

I never really heard Stone Sour on the radio that much in the past but I hear “Song#3” all the time!

I learnt a lot from Jay while recording “HydroI’m taking my daughter to school and my band grad”. He is an absolute pleasure to work with comes on! “Daddy on the radio” feels amazing and one of the best producers out there. Him and I’m so thankful for all the support from every and Francesco Cameli from Sphere Stuidos are media source, people I know, Jose Mangin and an amazing team and anyone wanting to record should go with those two at that studio! They are Shannon Guns from Sirius XM radio and all the the dynamic duo! They work so good together, no SS fans! Would not be here without the fans! Big Hugs! fucking around, sounds are up so fast, all dialed in, no eight hours on a kick drum which I’ve dealt I love everyone in this band. It’s a great band to with in past. Ugh. Jay and Francesco have the be in! Everyone gets along great, we are a gang best-recorded drum sounds I’ve ever heard. They of brothers and I couldn’t ask for a better band. will not sample your drums! I loved recording and We sit around and laugh all day, no drama! The learning from them. crew is solid also, good vibes all the way.

How did you meet SS? Thank you to everyone involved.

I was acquainted with Corey Taylor and Jim Root, Thank you for your time Roy, be safe back out guitar player for Slipknot and at the time Stone on the road.

Sour. I didn’t know them that well. Their producer Miranda Panda Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 23

Evlin Lake 24 24 Rock Rock N N Roll Roll Industries Industries Magazine Magazine

Doyle “As We Die” abomination continues throughout 2018. The World Tour sets off in North America starting February 21. Doyle jets off to the United Kingdom in late March through April, then shows in Russia.

Check officialdoyle.com to see if Doyle is coming to you. Run for your life to catch Doyle. You do not want to miss this tour.

I personally caught Doyle in New Orleans 2017 and they certainly abominated. The energy on stage as well as the pit is intense. You will go home feeling satisfied.

Doyle will be at the 2018 Winter NAMM. If you’re not too intimidated by the vegan beast, come by the Rock N Roll Industries booth #6647 to get your magazine signed by the one and only Doyle Wolfgang von Frankenstein

Tell us about your upcoming tour supporting “As We Die”?

We start in the United States for a month 2/21-3/20... Then we are off to the UK for two weeks 3/26-4/7 and Russia for two shows 4/8-4/9 after that we have a couple different summer options that we haven’t decided on yet.

What are some of your favorite venues to play and why?

I love playing festivals the best, especially in Europe and Japan. I feel the fans there, are the best fans in the world, as far as music goes. I also love going to Japan, it’s actually my favorite place to go on the planet. That’s why every time my girl- ALISSA White-Gluz does a promo tour for her band Arch Enemy in Japan, I find press and things to do myself so I can go with her. We both love it, I love playing outside I think that’s why I love the festivals. Plus you kind of microwave your tour by playing to 100,000 people instead of 1000.

What are your must-haves (food- exercise equipment) for the road?

Must have foods- oatmeal/ bananas/ peanuts/ protein powder and bars.

As for exercise equipment, we are sponsored by a company called POWERBLOCK DUMBBELLS, they are adjustable dumbbells that go from 2 1/2 pounds to 90 pounds. They also gave us a bench that

adjusts to do many exercises and a stand to hold the weights off the floor. I also bring a hyperextension bench...

Were there any foods that were personally hard for you to give up when you went Vegan? What are some of your favorite vegan substitutes/foods/recipes?

I only had to give up chicken breasts and weigh protein; everything else I was eating was VEGAN. I use Vega sport performance protein and I love to make Seitan with my girl Alissa.

Have there been any talks of a Doyle and an Arch Enemy tour?

It seems like the only ones talking about a Doyle / Arch Enemy tour are the singer of Arch Enemy- the queen-beast of metal, my beautiful lady, Alissa White-Gluz and me. Unfortunately, we are the only ones talking about it. I think it would be a very brutal tour and the fans would love it.

I believe it would go over very well...

Any festival dates you can share with us?

We have a couple of European festivals booked so far in June, nothing we can share yet.

How did you find your band mates for Doyle?

Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 25

Lan Nguyen 26 26 Rock Rock N N Roll Roll Industries Industries Magazine Magazine

My singer Alex Story- I found doing auditions through the papers in New York and LA where you find musicians. He was the only singers audition that I listened to the whole CD of. It was songs of his band called Cancerslug, and all of the songs were fucking great, I loved his voice. So, I contacted him and ironically enough, he was walking into a Danzig show in Houston. I asked him if he wanted to ride with me and he said, “Fuck yes! Send me all the material!” And I did...

Tell us where we can get your new album, also I heard there is going to be a vinyl release of “Abominator” with EMP Records.

As We Die is in stores in USA and Europe, you can also get it at emplabelgroup.com and officialdoyle.com there’s two different covers. For Abominator Vinyl yes, we are giving it to EMP to distribute as we have only sold it ourselves for the past couple years.

What does Monsterman Records have in the works?

There are several projects we have been working on. My partner in MM Records Bruce Miyaki runs the label and has been very busy on a few things. His band “Dead Girls Corp,” has a cd coming out in the spring 2018. “Element a440” is close to finishing their record. We’re hoping for a 2018 summer release, and “Hemlock” is about to come to LA and start recording their next record with Bruce. There are also a couple other bands out of the USA we’re trying to work with.

Having seen you play with Doyle at the Whisky and just this past month a SOLD OUT show at the Forum with the Misfits, we can see that you put your all, into every show- no matter the venue size. Do you change your pre-show routine or are they the same for both groups?

My routine is exactly the same whether I’m playing to 100,000 people or 10, I give it ALL I GOT all the time.

Is there a new album in the talks for the Misfits?

I would absolutely love that; I would love to WRITE with those guys.

The past couple shows were amazing!! The energy in the room was electric, every fan in the room singing the songs at the top of their lungs.

What is the writing process like in Doyle, do you all work together? Do the guitar riffs come first?

I write a bunch of guitar riffs, and then I arrange them into songs. I write the drums, all the kick patterns and things to fit the riffs, I then program the drums, record the drums, guitars, bass, then it goes to my singer who writes the vocal melodies and all the lyrics. That’s how we do it, I learned early in life that when you have someone who does something better than you, you let them do it, or you’re a fool, and he is 1 billion times better than me at vocal melodies and lyrics.

Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 27

Don’t get left ashore every year! 70000 Tons of Metal is packed to the brim with Metal Heads from all over the world. From bands like Anthrax to Haggard to fans that last year came from 50+ countries to set sail on 70000 Tons of Metal.

Don’t let the name fool you, this is not a “little” cruise ship! A few years back it was upgraded to a 154,000 ton boat, but that just didn’t have the same ring to it!

This years cruise is getting ready to set sail as we head to print and will feature Cannibal Corpse, Kreator Leaves’ Eyes, Meshuggah, Metal Church, Sabaton and Sepultura.

Who needs sleep when you can watch bands until 6am then wake up to coffee and Metal at 10am when the bands start again. And don’t worry if you miss a Meet and Greet because you were too busy listening to your new favorite band that you only went in to ‘see what they sounded like’, because these guys (and a couple of girls) aren’t hiding away on another part of the ship. They are going to be in the same dining room as you are for dinner, the same buffet, the same pool and even the same land excursions (or beaches, if you’re like me and just want to chill) as you.

During our interview with Chuck Berry of Testament we asked him about some of his favorite things about playing on 70000 tons of metal?

“The first 70000 tons of metal cruise we did the rest of the guys in the band were unsure and kinda “I don’t know about doing a cruise, Im not sure” and I kinda pushed the issue… We got to do it, We got to do it! And Im so lad we did and I think that they are as well because after the end of the cruise they are like you know we had a reall good time, it was great and we would love to do it again. So we tried to get back on her for a few years and just wasn’t the right timing but here we are again this year and it’s a bigger boat, still the same passionate metal heads but I think this cruise and really any cruise is special for the fans and the bands because this is were the fans and the bands can mingle together and hang out, have lunch, dinner, breakfast in the same hall and its really casual I really do feel that the fans are respectful to the artist you know allways except for that last night there is always that drunk person that’s been drunk for 4 days and still wasted and comes up and yells (drunken bable) there is always that guy and I am waiting for the 4 day for that but I think it is the place where the fans get to hang with us. You don’t get this at a festival, or the VIP tours or any of that your not going to get to hang and buy your artist a drink or seat down at the table and share a meal with, that just doesn’t happen but on this boat it happens and I think that is the special thing for the fans doing these cruises and I think that’s way they rose and that is why it does so well everyone that does this I am sure has gone home and told everyone that it was a blast I had a great time and partied for 4 days and then they want to go next year and there frinds. I can see this getting bigger and bigger and oviouly it has because the boat has gotten bigger.”

Death Angel 28 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

Testament

Devil Driver

Arch Enemy

Annihilator Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 29

Album Release Party

30 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

Enrique Nunez

“MADNESS” is All That Remains eighth studio album. Produced by Grammy award winning producer Howard Benson (Halestorm, In Flames, Chris Cornell) and co-produced by Mike Plotnikoff.

Affliction Clothing Store in Seal Beach, CA and SiriusXM’s Jose Mangin hosted the band to Jose’s traditional “Taco Metal Party” were Modelo beer and Riazul tequila freely flowed for all those present (who can legally drink, of course). A few lucky fans got a chance to win VIP tickets to meet the band and be amongst the first to listen to the entire album on Razor & Tie records. Sacred Silence (System of a Down cover band) was in charge of opening and closing the evening after the live social media Q&A with ATR. 13 tracks have definitely fueled the interweb chatter about the evolution of the band and their “new sound”.

Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 31

listen to that and watch the videos (directed by Johan Carlen) yourself because I’m here to talk Avatar’s live show!

I had never heard of Avatar and I hadn’t heard one note of music from this band before I saw them live. I became an instant fan! The stage performance from Avatar alone is a sight to behold, mix that together with metal that makes you move and you have yourself a show you will never forget.

Johannes off stage is a quite almost shy kinda Avatar consists of five very talented men, guy who erupts on to the stage and the freak Johannes Eckerström (lead vocals), Jonas “Kuncomes out, his dance moves will be forever gen” Jarlsby (guitars), Tim Öhrström (guitars, ingrained in your minds eye and when you hear backing vocals), Henrik Sandelin (bass, backing their songs you will move the same. Go to a vocals), John Alfredsson (drums). In the current show and be front row for Johannes to pull faces album Tim portrays a King with his elite orchestra at you and sometimes yell at you to get freaky and they tell a story of battle but you should go with him. A rock show that is a little scary and

32 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

fun.

The rest of the band moves perfectly with Johannes because this is a stage show and they are on point! So much amazing talent.

Avatar writes stories but instead of writing a book they made melt your face melodic death metal. I find this very interesting as English is their second language and the lyrics are excellent!

I highly recommend getting a ticket to see this show and I am very excited to see their new stage show with new music.

Avatar are currently on a tour around North America and Europe.

Miranda Panda

Enrique Nunez

Heavy Metal band Avatar are my new favorite head bangers! They are from Gothenburg, Sweden and started playing together in 2001.

Avatar have seven studio albums, “Thoughts of No Tomorrow”, 2006, “Schlacht”, 2007, “Avatar”, 2009, ‘Black Waltz”, 2012, “Hail the Apocalypse”, 2014, “Feathers & Flesh”, 2016 and their current album recorded by Jay Ruston at Spinroad Studios in Gothenburg called “Avatar Country”.

It was released Jan 12th along with single “The King Wants You”.

Stephanie Cabral

Act of Defiance CD release party was open to all to stream live from ‘Hosted by Chris’. Well a few lucky friends and family were able to attend in person and even get some screen time with Chris to talk about the event and hear the new album, “Old Scars, New Wounds” that is available now. It can be purchased at http://www.metalblade.com. Make sure to check out their website for shows…

Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 33

Every year Slide Anchor is host to the best Halloween party in all of Havasu. This year featured performances from The Krakens, DC4, Smashing Alice and Special Guests from Armored Saint, Dio and Bang Tango plus All Star Jams featuring Phil and Gonzo of Armored Saint. These events aren’t just about great music. There was also cuisine provided by Niko’s Grill & Pub and Coach T’s BBQ, Coffee from Rock N Roll Coffee Co and kegs generously provided by event sponsors and boating retailers. Sundays are saved for acoustics and water, as we boat out to a cove and enjoy the day with what ever songs come to mind as everyone joins in on the acoustic jams.

34 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

DC4 photos by Gonzo Sandoval

Slide Anchor’s Annual Halloween Bash

Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 35

Stephanie Cabral 36 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

WE ARE ALL Blood Brothers!

It was a hot day in San Bernardino but that didn’t stop the crowd from coming out and Moshing! When Exodus hit the stage the pits started and never slowed down tell Iron Maiden was done playing their final encore! When you go to an Iron Maiden show they remind you that age is just a number from the 25,000+ fans that were in attendance that consisted of long time fans in their senior years to young kids, I saw one young man attending the show with his dad who was no more then 5 but had hair down to his waist and his denim vest full of patches eager to watch the show! Not to mention the guys that are in the band who run around like they are still in their 20’s for the entire show!

But what makes an Iron Maiden show so special is the message that they give to their fans, when so many bands are using music to push their political beliefs (where not going to name any names!)

Bruce introduced ‘Blood Brothers’ by pointing out all the flags in the audience and how we come from all over the world and all walks of life and that we are there for one thing to Enjoy Music Together!

That it doesn’t matter who we love-whether it’s a man or a women, what religion we practice- even if you worship Darth Vader, that we all came there together, alive and that we were going to leave there the same way! To look out for one another (especially in the pit) that we are all there to have a great time, drink some beers and listen to our favorite music! So grab your flag and wave it proudly especially if that flag happens to be an Iron Maiden Flag!

Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 37

We met back up again just before showtime and I could see that he was in the zone. I didn’t bother talking to him. I knew he needed that few minutes before hitting

the stage to himself.

When they hit the stage there was absolutely no time wasted, They weren’t the headliners that night, but they came there and owned that stage like every person was there for them.

As they started

playing the energy was just out of control. They had the energy of bands who were half their age & meant business.

I tried to really consider high spots and low spots but the truth is, they kicked ass from start to finish.

They caught the crowd early on and played through their well known tunes as well as a couple not normally played on radio and never missed a moment to make their crowd just a bit

38 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

more wild. “37 Stitches”, “Step Up” & “One Finger and a Fist” are always welcomed crowd pleasers. They wrapped up with one of the biggest metal anthems of all time, “Bodies”. Jasen led the crowd with those famous opening lines & they were already forming the last pit of the night. The band all backed him with an extended intro on the song. When it kicked in the crowd turned into one big frenzy.

They left a black spot on the planet where the stage once stood. They scorched the Earth right then and there. There is not one weak member in the band. Jasen may be cursed with hearing that he’s “the new singer” forever, but he mixes it up with the rest of the band with a fire that’s not normally experienced these days.

Arthur Gonzales

Arthur Gonzales

A

s a veteran band hailing from Dallas, Texas, these guys pull no punches when it comes to performances.

I happened to catch them as part of the Make America Rock Again Tour 2017. I met up with C.J. Pierce not long after arriving to the venue. We went over to the bar & were greeted by fans who happened to be there really early. We hung out with them & did a couple of shots & took a few pictures with them. We headed back to the backstage area & went our separate ways.

GhostCircus Apparel

Nik Kai Epiphone artist, Nik Kai is expanding his music career. In addition to playing guitar he is currently collaborating on hiphop and EDM projects doing lead vocals. He is also producing, engineering, song writing and making beats.

Production Manager: Jesabella Baroth

His first single release and music video, “Oceans”, out now, was written and performed by both Nik and featured artist King Yella, a well known rapper who is working with Floyd Mayweather’s camp TMT. Nik’s new music is inspired by Post Malone, The weekend and Migos Skrillex & Diplo.

Nik is filming his sophomore single, “Gemini” which is co-produced and cowritten with Patrick Cho to be released in February 2018.

Soaring to new heights, he is creating incredible beats and sounds with his guitar for his upcoming new projects. Nik is currently in studio co-producing and writing with Patrick Cho on a few songs they will be releasing next month. Nik is always looking to collaborate with different artists and producers.

The “Oceans” music video was filmed by Andy Gonzalez & Oscar Cardona with PathFinder Productions, Las Vegas, Nevada.

Model: Lamalize Nik Kai Crew: Jack Lozeron &, Christopher Salazar EDM Producers & Engineers.

Nik would like to thank Las Vegas Exotic Rentals. Find them on the web at www. vegasexoticrentals.com Nik will be signing at the RockNRoll Industries Magazine booth 6647 Hall C on Saturday Jan 26 at 4:30pm while attending NAMM. He is also celebrating his 17th birthday in January. HAPPY BIRTHDAY Nik Kai! Nik Kai is endorsed by Gibson/Epiphone, CoffinCase Co, Westone and Dunlop nikkaiofficial.com

guitarclef.com unique music accessories & gifts

www.guitarclef.com

enter code: rocknroll for 10% off your order Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 39

In This Moment have become known for their powerful music and their powerful shows. On this night they came & didn’t shy away from giving their 100% ass kicking! They’ve drawn from theatric bands of the past like Alice Cooper & KISS and even some Zombie styles but with their own unique flavors added. There’s a serious vibe & a fun vibe mixed in with the whole show. Maria Brink is a true front-woman. Her voice is powerful and her stage presence can’t really be explained easily.

She not only has wardrobe changes but seems to embrace the very essence of every song.

Watching Maria address the crowd and bring them into their last turn of the night. It was so cool to have her explain the song, “Whore” and the people all relating to the song’s meaning. The intensity went through the roof when the song kicked in. As balloons fell from the ceiling it gave the feeling of taking things to that next level. There was sound, sight and now touch. Going to an In This Moment show is an unforgettable experience. They clearly embrace the past masters of theatrical rock & metal while delivering a new style that will leave people of all ages wanting more. If you’re not a fan of the band, you will be when you leave.

Arthur Gonzales 40 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

Arthur Gonzales

Pulling from various releases they covered a lot of ground. “Black Wedding” & “River of Fire” were really unexpected tunes that were visually stunning & sonically intense. There were so many high points that it makes it difficult to point out a low spot in the show. Travis lead the band in a Metallica tribute that was just killer. I wouldn’t have been bothered if they jammed on doing any other tributes. They were spot on and brought every person into their performance. It was nice to see that they showed that they were a band who worked together.

Namm Booth 3928 Hall D Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 41

Arthur Gonzales It was a cold December night in Texas & a California band rolled into Lubbock looking to rock some faces off. Fronted by two female vocalists, a guitarist who handles all the rhythms & leads as well as tight rhythm section of bass guitar & drums, the Butcher Babies were there & ready to rock faces off.

They were the feature act on this night but played like they were headlining a major festival with a million people in attendance. As the temperature dropped outside there was no indication of that inside the venue. When it was time for the Butcher Babies to hit the stage they did it with a vengeance. They opened their set with a song called, “Lilith” from their current release of the same name. If you haven’t seen the double vocal attack of Heidi Sheppard & Carla Harvey, you’re truly missing out! Vocally they play off of one another really well and are very complimentary to one another in that same respect.

The band as a whole is brutal! Henry’s guitar work sometimes rolls up on blistering fretwork but doesn’t over play or step on the toes of other musicians in the band. Jason & Chase are locked in tight with a huge sound. It was nice to see real musicians deliver without relying on tracks or any kind of backup.

This was raw and powerful. They functioned as one big animal & tore through songs & showed that they weren’t some gimmick act. Each and every member gave a full 100% on stage.

Arthur Gonzales

What I found to be impressive after the show was the fact that they hung out in the mercy booth & were so courteous to all of their fans.

They signed anything and everything as well as got pictures in with everyone, including myself. They also made it clear that when the next act starts up (Hollywood Undead) they would be out of the way to give everyone a chance to really enjoy that show. If you want to see a band that will make you a true believer in the power of live music, go watch the Butcher Babies! They leave no stone unturned. They scream, sing, catch the groove and are ready to kick ass at any venue.

42 Rock RockNNRoll RollIndustries IndustriesMagazine Magazine 42

Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 43

Arthur Gonzales packed house in Midland, Texas was what these energetic dancers strolled into. They were not only an act that filled an actual slot on a roster but actually an amazing unit that will leave your jaw on the floor. They not only are gorgeous, but are loaded with true talent. They took traditional burlesque & moved it into modern times. They all have dance backgrounds and aren’t scared to show you what it means to feel the intensity of modern music with dance moves. Here’s the twist, they use themes as well. Everything from “school girl” types to a “nuclear war” type of theme. With every theme is a new tune that changes along with it. I had no expectations with them and was certainly blown away.

It didn’t just end with fancy dance moves to rock music that covers

It didn’t matter that the temps were over 100 degrees, Boots & Brews was packed from the minute the doors opened until the final note of the last band. This event is produced by California Beer Fest and featured Easton Corbin. Also playing were Maddie & Tae, Midland, Morgan Wallen and the Arnie Newman Band.

They also put on many other events (mainly focused around music and alcohol) in southern California to as far North as Ventura.

44 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

various moments in time, but a real interesting and cool surprise with Gina singing a single from her band, Gina and the Eastern Block called, “Sippin’ on a Forty.” The crowd reaction was not only positive but they were so into it that they made enough noise that at one point I could see a little smile on Gina’s face as the tune ended. Her thoughts were spot on. She knew she kicked their asses.

This isn’t just some random go go dancer type of gimmicky group of dancers. They are highly trained and are amazing entertainers who are leading their way with their own brand. There’s no real category they could be labeled into because they have created their own.

Arthur Gonzales

Local Los Angeles band Westfield Massacre are making their mark on the country, they are putting themselves out there and recording new music!

They released a self-titled album in 2016 and have been tour support for Sevendust and Trivium. The guys also went on their own headlining tour this last year. I got together with bass player Erik Tisinger and guitarist Stephen Brewer to get to know this band better and talk about their future plans.

Tell me who you guys are and where are you from?

E – Erik Tisinger, bassist for Westfield Massacre. I’m originally from Springfield, Massachusetts. I live in LA now.

S- Stephen Brewer, I play guitar in the band. I’m in LA as well, but I grew up in Sanford, North Carolina.

And the rest of the guys?

E -The rest of the guys are from all over the place.

Our drummer Dio Britto is from Porto Alegre, Brazil.

Ira Black our other guitarist is from California, and so is our singer Seann Nicols.

What bands are on your resume?

E – I’ve played with Otep, Destrophy, The Autumn Offering, Blackguard and Thrown Into Exile.

S – Westfield is my first national touring band.

What does your band mean to you?

E – It means everything, really. I eat, breathe, sweat and bleed this band. I couldn’t imagine being in a band with a better group of guys.

S – I love this band, it’s what I’ve always wanted to do my entire life. To be able to create and perform the music I love, everyone asks when I’ll get a real job but this IS my job.

How would you describe your music?

E – Our music is like driving 150mph off of a cliff and crashing into a F-22 fighter jet.

S – What he said. We are a metal band.

You have been promoting your self-titled album this last year on a tour with “Firing All Cylinders” and “Desolate the Few”. What parts of the country did you see?

E – Nebraska.

S – We played 27 shows in 24 states. Between playing shows coast to coast, we saw most of the country, then we broke down somewhere in Nebraska the morning after our final show! Talk about “Deliverance”.

Neil A. Lim Sang

Where do you think you made the most fans?

E – Providence, Rhode Island was probably my favorite. We had never played there before and the turnout was incredible.

wood, Illinois. Lots of fans who saw us the first night returned to see us again the next day. Our fans were really receptive and excited to see us with our new singer, Seann. The owner of the venue asked us to play the 2nd night with “Adelita’s Way”. They are really cool guys and were pumped to have us open for them. It was an awesome weekend.

You also played with “Green Death Band”, how fun was that?

E – Ryan Berrier (Drummer) and I go way back. I met him when I first moved to Des Moines, IA, to join Destrophy. We were introduced and became good friends from that point on, I was ecstatic when he hit me up about playing with us. Green Death was unbelievable, talk about incredible musicianship and songwriting. Ryan if you read this, we need to tour together soon!!!

I’m calling Westfield a man made band, you don’t have a label or a manager and you have taken some hits since the band formed in 2016. But you guys have manned up and still ticking with a new full-length album coming in 2018.

How did you find your new singer after the departure of Tommy Vext?

E – I had met Seann at Ira’s 4th of July party the year before and really clicked with him. When Ira brought up the notion of having Seann join the band, I was all for it. He’s an incredible vocalist and an all around great guy.

S – I had ran into Seann a few times previously, and always enjoyed hanging with him. So when Ira suggested Seann for the gig, I was really excited to see him exceed our expectations and join our band.

Tell me about your new album?

E – It was a lot of fun writing this one and I hope everyone enjoys it as much as we do.

S – We’re really happy with what we’ve created. This is a really special record for us.

Where do you find your inspiration?

E – Pop music and metal core. I’m a big fan of melody, I’m all about them hooks. At the same time I love really heavy riffs.

S – I’ve always liked music that takes you somewhere, that speaks to you while still having a groove to it and something you can relate to.

Who has influenced you?

E – King’s X, Killswitch Engage, The Acacia Strain, Jamiroquai, and my father.

S – James “Papa Het” Hetfield. If it wasn’t for “…And Justice for All” we wouldn’t be having this conversation right now.

Is there a Tour planned for 2018?

E – Yes. Follow our social media for upcoming dates.

You have any shout outs to reps, fans or friends?

S – We had great responses in most places we’ve played and haven’t played before. Arizona, Illinois, and New York were some of my personal favorites.

Big thanks to ESP Guitars, Curt Mangan Strings, Dean Guitars, Swiss Picks, Neil A. Lim Sang, Adrianna Torres, Crissy Angel, Miranda Panda and Augustus Cryns.

Tell me about playing at The Top Fuel Saloon in Braidwood, IL with the band “Adelita’s Way”.

S- We played two nights back to back in Braid-

Thanks guys! I wish you all the success in 2018, you deserve it!

Miranda Panda Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 45

Driftwood Music Festival is a uniquely awesome festival in a couple of ways. First, it’s at Doheny State Beach, so you can go from the stage on the grass to the vendors in the sand. Second it was 21 and older until 4pm because there was unlimited craft beer tastings with over 100 different beers to sample from the local breweries for all festival attendees. So you can kick back in the sand, listen to music and enjoy craft beers, wines and ciders. If you want to bring the little ones (or don’t happen to be 21 years old yet) no problem, it becomes an all ages event after 4pm. This year the festival expanded from a 1 day event to a two day weekend festival. Also, that same day another festival was added in Phoenix Arizona. There was one artist, Kip Moore, who pulled double duty. In order to play in both festivals he performed in Arizona on Saturday and Doheny on Sunday. If you enjoy Country music and beer this festival is for you!

7 Days Away

46 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

and the band, as they expressed it themselves, feel very solid and comfortable as their performance prooves.

With tens of thousands of song streams and downloads along with 1.4 YouTube million views, the band has been part of major music festivals and their songs in major movies released and placed in soundtracks with other big league names such as Rob Zombie, Hatebreed, Rise Against and Seether to name a few.

Enrique Nunez

When moving across the country from Indiana, where the band was formed in 2003, to LA to pursue the dreams that your heart has set its sight on, it is not always easy and it definitely takes quite an adventurous spirit. It is always admirable when artists leave everything behind and start fresh (personal life) and work hard to broaden their reach, such is the case of 7 Days Away, now based in SoCal. Jay Bales (vox) and Brandon Powell (rhythm guitar) have now been joined by the talents of Art Dihance (lead guitar), Danny Attack (bass) and Kody Maples (drums)

Behind the Pennywise Introduces Pennywiser

By Peggy Murphy

BAR

Once Bitten, Twice Shy Great White Beer

Iron Maiden ‘Hallowed’

By Peggy Murphy

By Peggy Murphy At the time this magazine went to print Great White was returning to Escape Craft Brewery in Redlands, California to celebrate the introduction of their newest brew, Twice Shy Blonde and the return of their Once Bitten IPA. They are slated to do a rockin’ acoustic set at the brewery that evening.

We had the opportunity to try a little of the newest Great White blend. We are not huge fans of India Pale Ales but this was good. It’s very drinkable and didn’t have a strong after taste. Quite a nice experience.

The Twice Shy is a west coast IPA with complex body, moderate bitterness and a vivid floral hop aroma with a tropical taste.

Southern California punk legends Pennywise have partnered with award winning, Eureka, California-based Lost Coast Brewery to produce “Pennywiser” beer. The easy drinking Session IPA is available as a limited release in select Southern California stores, bars and restaurants as of early September, 2017. They are presently expanding distribution. Pennywiser marks the first band collaboration for Lost Coast Brewery.

Known for their irreverence, independence, and doing things their own way, Pennywise remained true to their roots and their fans when developing Pennywiser, focusing on creating a unique brew that’s easy to drink and appeals to a wide range of beer drinkers. Pennywiser is taken to the next level by dry hopping it with Cascade, Crystal, Chinook and Citra hops, providing a citrus aroma and refreshing, hoppy flavor. The mild alcohol content (4.8%) of this Session IPA makes it the perfect beer to enjoy all day with friends without getting blasted. The taste is what you would expect from a light IPA, yet mild and refreshing enough for non-IPA drinkers to enjoy as well.

According to Escape Craft Brewery, Once Bitten & Twice Shy should now be available on tap and in cans for your partys at home. The brewery is located at 721 Nevada Street, Ste 401, Redlands, CA 92374. You can also visit them on the web at http://www.escapecraftbrewery.com/

In October of 2017 Iron Maiden and Robinson’s Brewery introduced a special release Belgian-style Ale known as ‘Hallowed’. This is a 6% ABV Belgian-inspired ale and will only be distributed for four months which means by the end of January it won’t be available any more.* This is not the first collaboration between Iron Maiden and Robinson’s Brewery. Others include Trooper (which has sold over 15 million pints since its launch in 2013) and the previous limited edition beers Trooper 666 and Red ‘N’ Black.

Having tried a can of Trooper in the past, I wanted to sample the Hallowed. I was pleasantly surprised at the flavor and drinkability of Iron Maiden’s newest brew. I had not cared much for the Trooper. But the Hallowed is something else, all together. The flavor is smoother and mellower without a harsh after taste. It’s too bad that this ale won’t be distributed for much longer. I could easily become accustomed to drinking Hallowed on a regular basis.

Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 47

environment. It was to be a comfortable place to go to in order to create quality music, according to Metal Sanaz who came up with the original idea and got the studio in 2015. A couple of months after acquiring the studio a loved one passed away, delaying the opening of the studio. It was not until August of 2016 that the studio finally opened.

Following the advice of a lawyer in the music industry, she made sure she did everything as it should be done in order to protect the studio and the bands that she had worked so hard for.

spoke with Metal Sanaz at length recently about the status of her studio and how it came to be what it is now despite the set-backs.

Unfriendly Studios was made for those bands that were considered “Radio Unfriendly”, providing the space to enable bands to freely do what they need to do in a warm, comfortable and welcoming

She told me a story about a long time friend whose band she had promoted and gotten shows for, helping them out whenever and however she could and even gave him a job free-lancing at the studio. Without going into too much detail she related to me that this person stabbed her in the back and tried to get the studio from her.

They wound up in court. It took nine long months, but Metal Sanaz emerged as the victor because she was prepared and had the truth on her side.

There’s an important lesson to be learned here.

Sanaz is normally a very good judge of character and she wanted me to let everyone know that if this could happen to her, it could happen to anyone. She cares about people so much that she doesn’t want to see this happen to anyone else.

Needless to say, this woman is very wary about letting anyone get too close.

Unfriendly Studios has become a place for more than she ever thought. She simply thought that it would be a comfortable place for metal musicians to hang out with friends and make music. But now, thanks to word-of-mouth, not only does she have many musicians from other genres using the facil-

ity, but now she welcomes all things outside music, too. Things like birthdays, events, meet and greets, filming and so much more so that anyone from the local police and fire departments are now attending events and private gatherings. Sanaz says she is learning so much more now with all the different types of people she gets to interact with, giving her a very diverse education.

For the sake of clarity Metal Sanaz stated that she is NOT a public venue, rather a private, professional place where bands can do all the things they need to do and still call it home. I think that is fantastic.

On a different note, knowing that Sanaz is Persian I asked how things were going back home in Iran.

For those of you who don’t know, music cannot be played in Iran. It is against the law. No one has the right to express themselves musically in that country without the threat of jail or worse.

There are battles being fought right now in order to overthrow the current government. If they are successful, Sanaz will return home to see to it that the people get their rights to enjoy music without paying dearly for it. I am so impressed with her decision to do that for her people and proud to say that I’ve known her for awhile and watched as she ascended to where she is now. It is difficult for me to even try to imagine what life would be like without music. Think about that. I mean seriously try to put yourself in their shoes. Maybe if enough of us get together and help her cause somehow we could keep greed out of this and bring joy to a lot of suppressed people.

Peggy Murphy

SIN QUIRIN GUITAR UNVEILING AT HARD ROCK CAFE - HOLLYWOOD

Enrique Nunez

SIN QUIRIN’S guitar unveiling at Hard Rock Cafe Hollywood on Hollywood Blvd. This special Schecter Guitar unveiling event, was preceded by a few words from Quirin who was surrounded by close friends, family and fans. “I am living proof that our dreams CAN come true. Work hard and be persistent is my advice to all young musicians out there” were the words of advice from this LA native. The two-time Grammy nominated guitar player for Ministry, with a soft voice and visible excitement and touched by everyone’s support and love, dedicated this honor to “his hero” as he described it, his mom.

48 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 49

Jay Ruston

By Miranda Panda

Jay Ruston, well known Canadian, producer, mixer and engineer comes highly recommended.

Working with bands such as Anthrax, Stone Sour, Steel Panther, Meat Loaf, Bowling for Soup, Fozzy, Wilson Phillips, Theory of a Deadman, Avatar, and the list goes on.

I got together with Jay to chat about what enticed him to become a part of rock and roll history and how he made it to California from Canada. He has a passion for old school recording, animal rescue and living life vegan.

Who or what inspired you to work in the music industry?

I was really interested in the recording side. I found a recording program at a college called “Fanshawe” just a couple of hours away near Toronto. The program was “Music Industry Arts”.

Jack Richardson was a professor there. He produced The Guess Who, Alice Cooper, and Bob Seger. Jack’s son, Garth Richardson, worked with Rage Against the Machine and Biffy Clyro, so I was excited to learn from production royalty.

personal level.

After 8 years with Anthrax, we’re all good friends.

I work with each of them one on one quite a bit which is nice. They’re all great players, smart people and very passionate. Things get fiery once in a while, but that’s because we all have a common goal, to make a great record.

You have worked with Steel Panther for many years; I can only imagine how many stories you have.

Those guys are extremely professional and hilari-

I have a vintage Trident 80 console, I think it was built in 1978, the predecessor to the 80B. It’s a fantastic sounding console, but like any old piece of gear it takes a fair amount of maintenance. I have a bunch of outboard gear, a couple of Distressors, a couple of SSL bus compressors and surround controllers. I do quite a bit of live DVD mixing so I bus everything through the console to get the sound happening. I have a Millennia EQ for the stereo bus so it’s a good hybrid analogue chain to go along with my system of mixing in the box.

Tell me about working with Anthrax on a 50 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

Sweden is a great place, the music that comes from there is incredible.

I finished mixing Red Sun Rising’s new album shortly before Christmas.

What made you make the leap to California?

I don’t do a lot of recording in my studio but I do a ton of mixing.

The crazy thing about Avatar, are their lyrics!

English is their second language, yet the lyrics are amazing! They tell a story using music and I’m so impressed by their comprehension of the English language; more than most lol.

You have been keeping very busy. You mixed Red Sun Rising’s new album, also out soon.

When you get breaks, what does Jay Ruston do for fun?

I mentored under a few different guys besides Leslie including Nick Blagona, who did the 80’s Deep Purple records, Cat Stevens and The Police.

Tell me about your home studio.

Tell me about working in a new country with guys recording music outside of their first language?

I had a blast recording Avatar and we worked really well together. They are very talented musicians so the recording process was quite easy.I hope to do much more with them.

I studied for a few years and then moved to Ottowa to work at Distortion Studios which was owned by Leslie Howe.

Around 2002 I decided that it was probably time to make the move to L.A. Conveniently, the owner of the studio I worked for had a place in L.A, and there was an open room at that location.

He was able to get me a work visa so I came down around 2003 and just started over again from the ground up. I produced local bands and gave people free studio time. Leslie had basically made one entire wing of his house into a studio, which is a popular approach here.

called “Avatar Country” along with new single “The King Wants You”.

ous all the time. We have a lot of fun making their records. Each time we enter the studio, it’s like old times. So much fun and great music, they’re all stellar players and are very serious about their records having awesome riffs and funny lyrics.

Now let’s hear all about Stone Sour and working with Corey Taylor, their album “Hydrograd” went straight to the number one spot!

Congrats! What an experience?

I loved every second of that album. It went so smoothly that we ended 2 weeks ahead of schedule, the whole band are phenomenal musicians and song writers. Corey is one of the most versatile singers I’ve ever worked with. We had a ton of laughs and formed a great bond. They came in with a years worth of songwriting, we had a lot to choose from and I think we recorded 18 songs in total. I really hope to do more with them in the future.

You spent a few weeks in Sweden recording metal band Avatar. The album is out now. It’s

The few free moments I do get, I like to spend scuba diving. It takes a lot of time and commitment but when I’m under the water the world disappears. I can just observe nature and appreciate the natural beauty. When you’re just floating there, and a sea turtle, or shark, or giant sea bass floats by, you think what an amazing thing.

And how could anyone do them harm?

Being a huge animal lover and veggie eater, let’s touch on your involvement in animal rescue and being vegan in L.A, what are you doing to help?

I’ve always loved animals. I went vegan in 2002 after reading shocking material from “Last Chance for Animals” and “Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine”. I donate money to those groups every year and I’m vegan….. It is healthier. Of course it is better for the animals and the earth. I don’t miss meat or dairy at all.

There’s all kinds of replacements that are amazing, I recently discovered Linda McCartney’s brand of food in England, really great pre made vegan dishes for busy folks.

What are you working on for the future?

Currently I’m in the UK with Uriah Heep. I’m also mixing some live concert videos for Anthrax, Mr. Big and Amon Amarth. I have quite a few records lined up for 2018 that I’m really excited about.

TOP Matthew ‘Stubs’ Phillips at Sphere Studios with Stone Sour Center Miranda Panda at Serenity Studios

Jay has his own recording studio in Studio City, but records in many studios around So. Cal such as Serenity Studios in Hollywood, Sphere Studios in North Hollywood and Redbull Studios in Santa Monica, just to name a few.

Extended Arpeggio Shapes You might have seen these arpeggio’s called something else but for simplicity we’ll call them extended arpeggio shapes. The easiest way to think of all of the examples is that they are diatonic to the key of G major, meaning there isn’t a note played that’s not in the G major scale (G A B C D E F#). That also means you can’t play a ‘wrong’ note if you’re improvising, of course there are better choice notes but that’s for another lesson. Each arpeggio in example 1 is based on the chords of a major scale so for the key of G major they would be this: (I chord) G major (ii chord) A minor (iii chord) B minor (IV chord) C major (V chord) D major (vi chord) E minor (vii chord) F# diminished. This theory and all of the exercises apply to every major key so once you become comfortable with this key, pick another one and slowly work

your way through all of them. Now let’s take a closer look at the arpeggio itself. Each arpeggio is a triad (the 1 3 5 of a chord so for G major chord it’s G B D) and then a 2nd scale degree is added (in this arpeggio the note is A) and a 6th scale degree is added (that note would be E). The true naming of the chord would be G (add2 add6) and the final spelling would be G A B D E. This process then apply to each arpeggio in the scale: A minor (add2 add6) A B C E F#, B minor (add2 add6) B C D F# G, etc.

I don’t mean for this to sound complicated but for those who know theory this will make sense and if it doesn’t make sense just refer back to what I said earlier, everything played in one key and there are no ‘wrong’ notes. The cool thing about these arpeggios is that there are no hammer-ons or pull-offs for the left hand and

because of the fingerings you’ll be able to get them lightning fast. For the right hand it’s just a sweep down for acceding and sweep up of descending. For example 2 I’m playing an arpeggio and then connecting it with and inversion/ extension of that chord. In other words, I start with my G major arpeggio (G B D) shift and then descend down the B minor arpeggio (B D F#) so not only am I highlighting the G major triad, with the note extensions with each arpeggio I’m literally playing every note in the scale.

With all of the extra notes it catches the ear and makes it different enough than the standard triad arpeggio. Example 3, 4 and 5 is the same concept but for the A minor, B minor and C major arpeggio. If you take this concept and run with it, the combinations can be limitless.

Russ Hewitt

Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 51

Battle Axe Ensemble http://www.takelessons.com/with/jason-m

Atomic Bob Tune down 1/2 step 1 = Eb 5 = Ab 2 = Bb 6 = Eb 3 = Gb 7 = Bb 4 = Db

= 120

Figure 1 P.H.

4x

1

2

E-Gt7 5

5

0

6

5

0

6

5

3

Figure 2 3

4

2 2 0

2 2 0

2 2 0

2 2 0

2 2 0

2 2 0

2 2 0

2 2 0

2 2 0

2 2 0

2 2 0

2 2 0

2 2 0

2 2 0

2 2 0

2 2 0

2 2 0

2 2 0

6

7

2 2 0

2 2 0

2 2 0

Figure 3 5

6

5 7

6

5

7

7

6

7

6

7

6

7

5

6

6

7

6

7

6

7

5 7

6

7

6

7

6

6

7

6

Figure 4 7

8

5 7

5

5

7

7

5 7

7 5

6

7

5

7

7

5 7

7 5

6

7 5

5 3

Figure 5 9

10

1 0

0

0

1

0

3

0

0

0

0

0

1

0

3

0

0

11

0

0

2 2 0

0

0

3

0

0

2 2 0

3 3 1

12

1 0

0

0

0

52 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

1 3

0

0

0

0

0

0

1 3

0

0

0

0

Copyright Atomic Bob All Rights Reserved - International Copyright Secured

0

0 3

0

0

3 3 1

3 3 1

3 3 1

1/1

Battle Axe Ensemble

By Atomic Bob Welcome back! Hope you and your guitar are chuggin’ along. Let’s get back at it this month taking off of our last lesson “Pedal to the Metal”. Let’s get started with a new concept I’d like to call “Battle Axe Ensemble”. The Riff is the most powerful part of a song. Think of your favorite songs and more than likely there is a feeling or emotion attached to a particular part of the song that more than likely gives the song its identity.

The rules are zero. You can build a riff out of anything. Take a scale like the pentatonic, and an interval you dig such as the flat 5. Move the Root chord back and forth to the bVII chord. Seriously, just play one chord with a rhythm and you can do it. The idea will be to come up with something new that you can call your own. To play along with this month’s lesson I suggest using a 7-string guitar and tuning it down one half step.

Figure 1 is my “go to” Metal Riff. I’ll be playing variations of this the rest of my life and just modifying it to my particular mood. Try it. See if you can rearrange my riff to come up with your own spin on it. I like it based on the intervals Root, Dominant 7th, Flat 5th, Perfect 4th and Minor 3rd.

Figure 2 is what I meant by only using ONE CHORD earlier and syncopating it with a unique rhythm. In the first measure I’m using a combination of a reverse gallop, forward gallop, and 16/8/16 pulsed with a double 16 and an 8th rest. To make it interesting, I’m modifying it in the second measure by adding an extra rest. Be sure to palm mute this one for the desired effect.

Figure 3 keeps the same key, but uses the major 7th instead of the minor 7th. Because it is made of 16th notes, it contrasts beautifully with the riffs before it, however you might want to watch out for the placement of the minor 3rd, Root and major 7th in each measure as they are placed in a tough spot which forces you to land on a different tone after each 3rd.

Figure 4 is my take on the Blues Hexatonic Scale [1 b3 4 b5 5 b7] and works its way up and back from a single note phrase into a power chord ending just to make it sound a bit heavier. As an assignment, see if you can name each of the Blues tones that I just described. One of the things I tend to do is change something about my riff after the repeat. You’ll see this in the second measure of Figure 4 and also the 4th measure of Figure 5.

Figure 5 is a great example of a riff you may have seen me use earlier, just in a different position. I’ve moved my flat 5th and perfect 4th down to a new area of the neck and added a power chord employing another one of my favorite intervals, the Minor 2nd. The Minor 2nd and the Major 7th are both a half step from the Root which has a nice contrast and can be used for totally different ideas. I used the new position to utilize pull-offs and easily grab all the notes I need in one nice and compact location. The first time we go through this riff we see our Minor 2nd power chord only come in once. This is kind of fun, but if you try playing it again it quickly lowers in value if you do the exact same thing again which is why we need an extra dose of the Minor 2nd chord at the end of the phrase. I hope you enjoyed this lesson! If you would like, you can find and hire me for personal lessons at http://www.takelessons.com/with/jason-m and I will see you guys next time!

Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 53

54 54 Rock Rock N N Roll Roll Industries Industries Magazine Magazine

Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 55

Gear

Miniark Furii When you think of guitars you think Stars. Minarik guitars are some of the world’s most beautiful pieces of Art. If you feel like adding style to your stage performance to achieve your inner Rockstar soul, then look no further than the Minarik family line of guitars. Minarik is a family-owned operation with father and son at the helm. The son, Mark Minarik, heads the company with his outlandishly wild and exotic guitar bodies that include the most intense abalone inlay production in the world. Adding precision detail and creativity to one piece of art doesn’t come easy. With years of hard work and devotion the family has created some unbelievable pieces of Art. The result is Minarik’s line of beautiful guitars that you can’t keep your eyes off of.

These guitars are put together well. They are light weight and solid with style. While achieving great success with style and function, the workmanship is what brings the attention.

Today we’re reviewing the Minarik Furii, a beautiful, light weight, well balanced guitar. The flawless red paint job is beautiful. The patented Gemini pickguard is intricately unique.

Looking at the front of the guitar, we see custom pickups, a 3-way switch and three knobs. Two of the knobs are for volume control for the two pickups. The third knob appears to be a tone adjuster. The furii has the setup! It does well with fingerpicking or strumming. It has a bright sound and low action up and down the neck giving it a nice rock n roll sound and feel. Looking at the back it’s evident that it has a neck through design. The comfortable body coupled with good playability makes this a simple choice.

IRig Mic

IK Multimedia’s iRig Mic HD has got to be the company’s best microphone yet. This high-quality condenser microphone has a solid feel.

It’s metal construction ensures a long-lasting life, definitely quality that you can feel. All those could be just bells and whistles if it did not deliver, well, in our field test during NAMM 2017, it DID deliver. Often using it for our magazine’s Facebook and Instagram live transmissions and and now a permanent addition in our gear bag, we can always be ready for an interview with great sound and recorded with our phone. A full suite of applications like iRig Recorder, AmpliTube, and VocalLive (free apps) will help you begin recording professional sound in your mobile device right out of the box.

A new addition in this line, is the gain dial which allowed us to set it to the desired and needed volume in such noisy situation, definitely an improvement from previous models.

The cables included in the box will allow you to connect this microphone to your computer or (in our case) an iPhone, Android version also available plus various other cables and attachments to suit your needs. Also included in the box is a carrying bag and mic clip, because in a rock n roll world, you must also protect the goods.

Enrique Nunez 56 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

hat’s up my guitar wielding soldiers? Are you ready to rock? Good! If you’re reading this at the NAMM show, don’t forget to visit the Rock N Roll Industries Magazine booth 6647! There will be a large number of rock stars signing autographs and who knows what could happen; it’s NAMM!

What’s up rockers? Welcome to another installment of Music with Michael G!!!

Huge shout out to the powers that be with this magazine that really care about you- the fans! I could never write such cool columns without cool editors and staff!

Today we are going to talk about the biggest question I get asked, ”What kind of guitar should I buy?” That my friend’s is what I call- a personal question. What works for some might not work for all, and with that in mind- Let’s begin! This being the NAMM issue, is actually perfect for this topic. When you decide you’re ready to purchase a new guitar, keep these factors in mind: 1. Budget- most folks can’t just drop 4 grand on a new Gibson Les Paul, or custom Fender Stray, that being said; there are literally hundreds of guitar builders out there that will custom make you a guitar to your exact specifications for under two thousand dollars, spend what you can affordyou still need other gear (Amps, cables, etc).

2. Body style- make sure the guitar is comfortable to play, you don’t want the neck to dive down on the strap when you let go! This happens with several radical shaped guitars, sometimes you can fix it by moving the strap buttons.

3. Specs- are you wanting 21 frets, 24, 32, jumbo frets, or fret inlays?

Scale length, pickups, active or passive? Tuners, open, closed, locked?

If it won’t stay in tune, you won’t sound good. Wood differences between tone woods are incredible; find what suits you!

4. Feel; if you pick up a guitar and it feels like you’re holding your high school sweet-hearts hand- buy the damn thing! A good feel is very important to be comfortable with your playing, helps you sound better.

5. Never quit yearning for that something special, you never know when your dream guitar might walk through the door.

If you follow those five easy steps you should be able to find the guitar that’s right for you and even if you don’t, you can always get another, that’s the joy of collecting!

You can never have enough guitars, or good times with good friends.

On that positive note, my musical brethren, I will say adieu!

Until next time, keep your strings clean and your riffs mean.

Michael G out!

Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 57

CD Reviews Great White Score 9.7 of 10

Full Circle

Great White’s most recent release Full Circle was made available on June 2, 2017 and if you purchase it from Great White’s official website* a video DVD entitled “The Making of Full Circle” is included. Rockslide Entertainment documented the creation of the CD with behind the scenes footage in Micheael Wagener’s world renowned studio.

This masterpiece is a departure from the classic Great White music as they have indeed made a Full Circle. They chose to work with Micheael Wagener once again after thirty five years and the result is a magnificent work of art. The sound is rich and full and the balance is perfect with an excellent mix. When I first heard this album, I actually felt the bass and drum lines. It made it seem as though I was in a stadium, listening to the group live, which speaks volumes about the mastering. I mentioned a departure from the classic groups sound earlier. It’s a bold move for them and is key to what makes this the best CD they have put out to date, in my opinion. All of the band members are singing in this album. The

Dirty Machine

Genre (s): Nu Metal Label: Zombie Shark Records

Dirty Machine’s debut album, Discord was released by Zombie Shark Records, a new record label from Noah “Shark” Robertson David Leach – Vocals (Motograter, The Browning).

Arnold Quezada (Hedge) – The album was Produced by Ben Jovi and Guitar Dirty Machine at Left Coast Label Studios in Darren Davis - Guitar/Vocals San Diego, California. Mixing was performed Nathan Young (Youngblood) by Arnold “Hedge” Quezada and Darren Davis Bass/Backing Vocals at Blunoize Studios. Discord was Mastered by Mike Weekley (Nightmare) Josh Wickman from Dreadcore Productions Drums DJ Ecusa - Turntables & Samples (KING 810, Within the Ruins) located in White Lake, Michigan.

The overall levels are well balanced so that each part can be heard without compromising the sound quality at all. This is a very talented group of musicians who all contribute something else in addition to their playing. I wasn’t sure what I expected when I listened to this

Band Members:

Killset Score 9 of 10

S.T.F.U.

Genre (s): Hard Rock

by: Peggy Murphy

backing vocals of the entire band can be heard Band Members: during the chorus of every song.

Terry Ilous: Lead Vocals Scott Snyder: Bass Impressive guitar work, beautiful keyboard Mark Kendall: Guitar fills and a tight rhythm section allow for the integration of vocals that blend perfectly which Michael Lardie: Guitar/Keyboards makes listening to this music a very pleasant Audie Desbrow: Drums experience, indeed.

After watching the DVD it was apparent that everyone enjoyed themselves as they worked on the recording. To quote Micheael Wagener, “We all had a great time and I think you can hear that on the album. I am certain we will do more records together, but this time we won’t wait another 35 years.”

I am eagerly anticipating the next project that Mr. Wagener and Great White work together on.

Full Circle was written by Great White and Produced, Mixed and Mastered by Micheael Wagener of WireWorld Studio, Mt. Juliet, TN. DVD Directed and Produced by Todd Sadowski, Rockslide Entertainment.

Discord

by: Peggy Murphy

by: Peggy Murphy

Killset took the world by storm in the spring of 2014 with Know Your Killer. Now, with the release of S.T.F.U. they took on the next level and surpassed it. You’ve never heard ‘Jump’ like Killset does it! The video is a must-see.

There are so many good tunes on this CD. ‘Get Up’ is the perfect opener as it grabs your attention. ‘Bully’ talks about turning the tables on those lower life-forms that choose to mistreat their fellow humans. The band is showcasing their fans in ‘Killers In The Pit’ and ‘Not A Love Song’ is their way of saying goodbye, just walk away.

The full range of vocals heard throughout the

Score 8.5 of 10

album, but I’m impressed by the great work done by all in the making of this CD. Dirty Machine has been proclaiming the nu metal genre since their inception in 2012.

The band is heavily influenced by Korn, Limp Bizkit, Slipknot and more. If you are also a fan of these and other bands like them then this album has something you’ll like for sure. If you don’t know whether you’ll enjoy it, give it a listen. You may find that you like it.

I scored Discord by Dirty Machine 8.5 out of 10. This is not necessarily my type of music, but I took into consideration the creativity, originality and the talent that lies herein. I found myself tapping my foot several times while listening to the entire CD. For a debut album, they did a great job. WARNING! Explicit language is used freely in this CD.

album is seamlessly covered by three of the four band members. Luca’s melodic vocals give these tracks a soft side which is accentuated from time to time with darker voices driving a point home; a wonderful contrast.

WARNING: Explicit lyrics are tactfully used from time to time on this CD. All songs were written by Killset except ‘Jump’ which was written by Jermaine Dupri. S.T.F.U. was produced and mixed by Eddie Wohl. Drum tracking was performed at MT Studios by Matt Thorne. Mastering was done by Maor Applebaum at Maor Applebaum Mastering – California, U.S.A. http://www.maorapplebaum.com/

Genre (s): Chaotic Melodic Label: Scratched Records Band Members:

Luca: Vocals Dave Comer: Guitars, Backing Vox James “Jas” Dillon: Drums, Backing Vox Mark Baker: Bass

Want to see your band here? Submit your digital press kit to review@rocknrollindustries.com or mail one to the main office.

58 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

(not all media will get reviewed)

Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 59

60 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine