RNR Ind issue 13 by Rock N Roll Industries

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Features

Interviews 10 12 13 15 16 17 18 28 29 31 31 32 38 39 40 42 43 44 45 58 62 68

Sepultura Emma Anzai Paul Phillips Hellion De La Tierra Rick Thorne Trippy the Clowns “Metal Madness with Zloz Michael Des Barres Molotov Devilskin The Mendenhall Experiment

Butcher Babies

Septic Flesh LoNero One Eyed Doll NME Rifa Saint Ridley September Mourning Freddy Negrete Chuck Wright Korpiklaani Killing Yourself for Profit

Industry 34 September Mourning - Interview at House of Blues

Cover and Feature photos by: Hristo Shindov September Mourning by: Enrique Nunez

Write ups 26 44 47 48 49 49 50 50 51

Brittany Force (JFR) Skinmask Three Days Grace Rob Zombie In This Moment The Mighty Swine Die So Fluid The Dreaming Papa Roach

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Playing to Vapors Brian Wilson Halestorm Death Angel Dave Pirner Steel Panther Lucha Va Voom Red WIMN Musink

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The Used West Fest Doyle Attika 7 Doro Dio Remembered Wayne Static Tribute

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Know Your Gear Music City Drum Corner Music with Michael G Intense Guitar The Art of Songwriting Maor’s Session at ASCAP CD Reviews

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Always my deepest love and admiration for my brother Randy - Kathy Rhoads D’Argenzio

RANDY RHOADS LIMITED EDITION 2005 VINTAGE CABERNET SAUVIGNON Available at: www.dargenziowine.com

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Editor’s Words EDITOR IN CHIEF Mike Smothers

mike@rocknrollindustries.com

SENIOR EDITOR Angelica Ulloa angelica@rocknrollindustries.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Jessica Johnson Andrea Granillo, jess@rocknrollindustries.com Winnie Flugger CONTRIBUTORS ASSISTANT EDIOTOR Gemino Smothers, Dea Meeks Mercedes Keveson Steiner ILLUSTRATOR Steev Moreno CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS Steev Moreno, Tony Sinicropi, Matt Upton Me and my Band Nomenclature at Effin Epic

Rock N Roll Industries is your rock destination, we live, work and play in the world of rock n roll! Our team is the leading edge “There’s no doubt that, when you’re looking for a rock magazine that gets you up close and personal with the stars you found the best! Rock N Roll Industries magazine team is made up of those enthusiasts that crave a journey through this great nation of rock, as music journalist we are always on the hunt for the next big rock moment, trend or social media phenomenon so be sure to check out our Facebook page where we keep you up to date around the world. Welcome to this edition of Rock N Roll Industries magazine, as we uncover and reveal

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

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every story with our very own RNR team to bring you the best rock can out there! This issue I travel to San Diego to help sponsor the Chive On event at the Effin Bar to raise money to help save puppies and find them a new homes, I was honored to be able to play this event as my band “Nomenclature” rocked the night away to a pack house. Wednesday nights have turned into my local jam night at Lucky Strike off of Hollywood Boulevard and Highland where local stars gather to play their favorite cover tunes every week, you can count on new stars and new acts every week.

WRITERS: Raquel Figlo, Stacey Shaw, Manny Rivas II, Michael G Clark, Peggy Murphy, Julian Douglas, WINJOW, Rob Gainey, Alison “MetalBabe” Cohen, Roger Stoddard, Nicole DeMarco, Taylor Hicks, Laura Chen, Sarah Roberts, Scott Schoenkopt, Toshi Iseda, Sandy Martin, Monni McCleary, Tim Phoenix, Ray Laracuente, Raya Morrison, Justin Ingold, Evlin Lake, Billy Zee, Parker Minor, Wolf Navarro, Daniel Hicks, Miranda “Panda” Johnson PHOTOGRAPHERS: Neil Zlozower, Igor Vidyashev, Chad Lee, Leah Burlington*, Alex Kluft*, Jazmin Monet Estopin, Simi Friedman*, Gonzo Sandoval*, Enrique Nuñez*, Cyndi Johnson, Lan Nguyen*, Doug Gouge, Larry Dimazio, Matt Upton, Graham Denzler, Craig Morse, Scott Dworkin*, Neil Lim Sang, Ramon C Ward Jr. * 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 cost is $12.95. 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.

SteevMoreno.com

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Know Your Roots, Bloody Roots! Interview with Sepultura front man, Derek Green By Raquel Figlo

of shows. You can get acclimated to that. The enthusiasm is not as strong, because there is so many times before and they are really good. I think much going on. The shows are good when they this time the sound for me wasn’t the greatest, are good, but in Europe they get less shows but but I still love them. I have respect for them in my there are more venues to see shows. So you have heart. the government spending more money on the arts to educate people and be knowledgeable of difRNR: Let’s tap into some Sepultura history. For fans that don’t know, how did you become the front ferent styles of music. So, the enthusiasm can be RNR: Tell me about the time you covered for stronger at times. They are more into heavy metal man of Sepultura? Lemmy of Motorhead in Brazil? and rock, and that never gets lost. It wasn’t a trend Green: I did an audition. They had a song with no that was beating it out. Here in the states there are Green: We were all hanging out, drinking, having vocals and they asked a lot of different people to so many trends that take over and come back, but a good time with people we hadn’t seen in a long do their own vocals. So, I did mine and sent it in, there is always that diehard fan. South America, time, maybe an hour before the show we found and then they asked me to come to Brazil for two there are not that many shows, and not a lot out that Lemmy had food poisoning. He was not weeks to try out. I did that, they liked it, and then a partying, it was food poisoning (let’s make that month later they asked me to come back and start of bands get to go there, so when they do they reclear). They asked us to do a jam to cover for him, ally appreciate it and never forget it. It is a once in recording the new album. because he was in really bad shape. Of course, a life time event for them and they cling to that and it was an honor to do that, and a lot of fun. Judas RNR: When did you decide to move to Brazil? they really have a passion for the bands that come Priest was playing as well, and they decided to and continuously keep coming back. The people Green: I moved to Brazil a few years later. We make their set list longer, which was really cool. started touring a lot and at that time I was living in can be extremely energetic and passionate for New York and I decided wanted to live in Amster- the bands they see. The fans can be extra, I don’t RNR: What were the songs you played, and how know how to explain it. They don’t want to miss dam. The moment seemed right, I lived there for did the crowd react? any moment and they are not afraid to show it. two years and then I moved to Brazil. Green: It was Ace of Spades, Over Kill, and Gaspatron. The crowd was really accepting, and I was RNR: From Brazil you then moved to Prague. How RNR: What was the craziest show you ever played and what happened? happy about that. I also felt bad for them, because did that affect the band? the people came to see Lemmy and Motorhead, Green: I have a son who is Czechoslovakian, that Green: Bolivia, there was tear gas. The people but we did our best. is the main reason for moving there, but his mom were destroying the barricade and the barricade was a line of policemen. It was chaotic, oh and and I separated and so now I am back living in RNR: At Rock N Rio this past May in Vegas, you Cuba, too. That was nuts! Brazil. It wasn’t that difficult to live there because played with Steve Vai. How did that collaboration we were touring so much in Europe, it was easy to come together and why? RNR: What are your thoughts on your last album? meet up. It was great living there. It has been a couple years. Is it one of your favorGreen: We both have the same business manager ites? RNR: What’s it like being a vegetarian and tourand he suggested it to Steve Vai, and we started ing? communicating back and forth, he was really into Green: The last album we made was one of my the idea. We played a song from his repertoire that favorites, because you can hear the evolution from Green: I have been a vegetarian for 27 years. I he hadn’t played in ten years, it was a really heavy the very first album that I did with Sepultura and was really young when I stopped eating meat. I song. It was an easy natural match up, because compare it to now. I like the fact that I can do a just wanted to see if there would be a difference we love all different styles of music. We are huge lot of the songs live and they go well with the old in myself and my body. It worked for me. I didn’t fans of Steve Vai, his work he is a legend. He want to go back after trying it, because I learned a songs. I think a lot of people really appreciate that. ended up playing “Roots” with us. It was really lot about the benefits as I grew older. On the road RNR: Not that I like to get controversial, but I have special because we played “Bad Horsie,” which is there are a lot of options now. to ask you about max Cavalera? If you saw him a very heavy song that he never imagined doing today, what do you think the conversation would RNR: What’s the metal scene like in South as well! be like? America compared to North America? Describe RNR: Did you check out any other bands while each one. Green: I have no idea. I never met him that’s why you were at Rock N Rio? Green: Deftones were Green: Only in the USA do you get a lot of variety I never talk about him. I know his brother very pretty cool. I watched Metallica from the front. I 10 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

have seen them

Photos: Pheren Soepadhi

I met Derek Green a couple years ago at a party in Down Town LA. I had never seen Sepultura live, though I was a big fan. A few years later leading up to May 11th, he told me they were playing the historic Whisky, so I had to be a part of the mayhem. Upstairs, I sat down with Derek as he drank his green tea...

well and members of his family living in Brazil. Everything is cool with me, and his brother. The controversy I never wanted. Some people get into it, but they don’t know what is really going on. I like it when people can put it aside and just listen to the music. That is why I got into music not for the soap opera. I liked underground music growing up, so I could get away from that high school bullshit of those people who are always judging and not knowing what they are talking about and talking shit. That is why I like going to hard core shows and rock shows because you fit in and not have to deal with any of it. For me it has always been more than race, religion, any of that shit that people try to put on top of that. Enjoy the mu-

and we will slowly piece it together, start working on lyrics, and communicating with each other about different things that are going on. That kind of brainstorming goes on kind of naturally. We like RNR: Sepulture celebrates 30 years. You asked your fans to send in photos of their Sepulture tat- to read a lot, we are into politics, we reflect on toos for a record cover called under my skin. What our lives, and that’s the realism in an album that people can relate to. sparked that? sic, fuck the rumors.That’s what I do and do it very well.

Green: We were traveling around the world and we kept on seeing more and more sepulture tattoos on people. We wanted to connect with fans for a song that was specifically for those fans, the diehard fans of 30 years. It was something we’d never done. It was a cool idea that really involved the fans and made it special for them whether they were old fans or new, it was for everyone. It comes out June 5th and on vinyl! RNR: What is next for Sepultura?

RNR: You are currently working on some projects outside of Sepulture, what are they, and when can we expect them out?

Green: There is a group I am working on that is called, Maximum Hedrum. It has nothing to do with metal. A lot of bands ask me to do vocals and it is usually metal. For me, it’s not challenging. I have always studied classical music. I can sing, but never had anything recorded, and I enjoy so many different styles of music. I have a friend in LA Green: After the North American tour we are going who plays with me in the band and we have been writing music for years now. We have over 25 to go back to San Paulo Brazil, to celebrate 30 songs, and a few videos. It is a style of electronic years, and then tour Europe in July and August. funk and Barry White, meets Craft Work, Divo, and We are playing a lot of festivals. Some shows in South America with Slipknot in Chile. We have tour Rick James. As a musician you have to listen to all date in Mexico and Central America, we are trying types of music, and if you don’t, you are an idiot. to play as much as we can! Then, at the end of the The idea of an artist is through interaction and creyear we will do Scandinavia and Eastern Europe. ation. You do that by listening and grabbing things that are around you. Musicians are influenced by Next year there will be a new album. other styles of music. Hopefully by next year we RNR: Will it be a concept album? will have some music out for everyone to hear. Green: I don’t know yet, we are floating with ideas

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Emma Emma Anzai Anzai By Miranda Panda

“Tri-Polar” and “Connect” and tour all over the world putting on amazing shows with an original rock sound and lyrics you can relate too. You wont find a band that appreciates their fans more, always giving back by offering VIP acoustic performances before shows and signing merch after shows. Shimon left the band last October so be on the look out for the new EP introducing Sick Puppies new vocalist/ guitar player!

How did this collaboration come about, how did you meet?

Bret recorded it in Detroit and I was in LA at the time, I just sent him the parts and we worked on it that way. (Back and forth) technology is amazing these days!

I actually met Bret through social media! I became a fan of Blue Stahli through searching stuff on spotify and became an instant fan, I contacted him through Twitter and just put it out there that if he needed any bass work that I’d be beyond stoked to do it. He said “absolutely” and that was that. He then came to a Sick Puppies show not long after and that was the first time we’d met in person What was it like working with Bret Autrey? Bret’s great, he has a ton of energy and it shows in his music, I’m a big fan of his stuff. As soon as a started talking to him I could tell he was super passionate about his work, it’s really refreshing these days to meet someone that is one hundred per cent all in no bullshit, it was inspiring to have that energy to bounce off of. Did you write “Not Over Till We Say So” together? It was already written and I simply added some bass and backing vocals to it. When we were conversing about a collaboration he had mentioned that he already had a song in mind for me and it happened to be this one. I was on board and happy to be doing something different. Where did you write and record “Not Over Till We Say So”?

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You’ve started singing more over the years and you cover most of the lyrics in “Not Over Till We Say So” was that part of the original plan for you with this song? No it just ended being a ‘see what happened’ type deal, I had sent him my bass parts and also sent him some options for vocals and he ended up using what he liked most. It worked out really well. Is this the first time you’ve worked with other artists outside of Sick Puppies? Yes, it was a nice change and cool to experience working with different musical minds. If you could work with anyone who would it be? I would have to say Daniel Johns from Silverchair. He’s amazing, I love his new EP. How would you describe “Not Over Till We Say So”? It’s heavy, thrashy, punky, energetic and fierce. Check it out for yourself Facebook.com/bluestahlimusic

Photo: Enrique Nunez

eing a huge Sick Puppies fan for years I was able to catch up with bass player/back up vocalist Emma Anzai and chat about her side project with Bret Autrey of Blue Stahli. Emma is best known for the killer bass lines in Sick Puppies; which are a three piece band, that hale from Australia. Emma Anzai and vocalist/guitar player Shimon Moore got together in high school then moved to Los Angeles picking up Mark Goodwin from Orange County as their drummer/back up vocalist. They have three America studio albums, “Dressed Up As Life”,

uring the days of yesteryears when guitarist were made into gods & didn’t do much more than write, party, hump & repeat, there wasn’t a need to buck much of the system. There was such a definition within the music world as to where each artist stood. You were Rock, Country, R&B or any other genre. You rarely crossed over & certainly weren’t all in the mix of various forms of media.

Photo: Harry Reese

Meet Paul Phillips, the former guitarist for Puddle of Mudd & current guitar slinger for Rev Theory. He also has a side project with Rich Luzzi from Rev and Damien Starkey from Burn Season with a big left turn from the sounds he’s been established with. It’s still Rock but with a big Poppy twist mixed with heavy Electronic influence. That group is called, The Fallout Collective. They are looking for a release date sometime after the new Rev record comes out early next year.

your first musical memories? My first memories were probably my dad listening to The Stones or Alabama. He put himself through college by playing in a cover band, so he was always listening to music and strumming his acoustic. It probably subconsciously planted a seed, and when MTV came about...I was hooked!!! Are your early influences still influential within your musical creation? I would say that I still enjoy listening to them, but I’m not sure how much they influence me in my career or writing now. The first bands that I was a fan of and actually wanted their records were bands like: Motley Crue, Twisted Sister, Van Halen, Metallica, Iron Maiden, Guns N’ Roses, etc... I was a big 80’s Metal fan in my early years. My mom took me to the Jacksonville Arena to see Iron Maiden when I was 11.

Paul Phillips has adapted & changed with the times but somehow able to maintain his roots within the ever changing musical landscape.

Your dad got your first guitar & amp right? Were you always surrounded by people that supported your quest for more musically?

Thank you Paul for taking the time to answer a few questions. You’ve been in the music world for a long time & in the actual music business longer than most people might have any knowledge about. What are

It’s a funny story actually. The year I decided that I wanted guitar was when I was 11 and I asked my mom and dad for one. They were divorced and didn’t talk much, so I ended up getting two guitars and an amp that Christmas. My

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mom put me in lessons and I hated them!!! Jingle Bells and Mary Had a Little Lamb were not as cool as Motley Crue or Sabbath, so I quit until I was 15. At that time, we had already moved from Brunswick, GA to Jacksonville, FL and all my friends had started playing. They taught me the all mighty power chord, introduced me to tablature, and the rest is history. With so much having happened within your musical life, some people might not know that you actually were subjected to legal problems that stemmed from false identity. This resulted in your picture being flashed on America’s Most Wanted. What was that ordeal like? Yeah, that was pretty crazy. I was off at the time and hanging at home when I got a call from my attorney. America’s Most Wanted had contacted him about the situation. He informed me that some guy was going around committing crimes and saying that he was Paul Phillips from Puddle of Mudd in the process. Why he chose me, I have no idea. It was surreal. Come to find out, he had done some car jackings and attempted some kidnappings. Luckily, no one was hurt and with the help of America’s Most Wanted and my appearance on it, he was caught about a week after the show aired. He was also getting into bars for free and getting free drinks, so I think I am owed a few of those drinks. I don’t drink anymore, but still!!!! It’s the principle!!! Haha!!! Fans know your work from Puddle of Mudd & now are feeling the new found fire within your joining Rev Theory as lead guitarist. How do your roles within both band’s musical structure differ? Well, as of now with Rev, I’m obviously playing someone else’s parts, so I’m kind of just a live guy. There’s also a lot more soloing going on which is fun and challenging. In Puddle, I did the lion’s share of the guitars in the studio, so that’s the main difference. Rev has about half of the new record done as of now, so I’m hoping to get in on this back half. Over time, you’ve witnessed the monolithic nature of pop culture altering & morphing into something it clearly wasn’t when you served the stage in the Puddle of Mudd days. How do you adjust & conquer any nonbelievers? Music and pop culture is constantly changing. You can’t be too worried about though. If you try to adjust to a fad, you’ll be too late. By the time you try and emulate what is hot, it won’t be hot anymore. I mean Rock is definitely dead right now, but that’s what I do. I appreciate a lot of other stuff that is going on right now like some of the Country and even some EDM (the key word of course being some!!!) However, I have no plans of changing my direction to appeal to fans of these fads. Rock fans are loyal and will always be there, but fans of fads are just that. They are a fan of a fad and will move onto the next one when the industry shoves it down their throat. I think it’s fair to say that most guitarist feel that their tone is in their fingers. You’ve recently chosen DBZ Diamond Guitars to be your weapon of choice. How do you pick an instrument to convey your musical emotions? Well, tone is obviously first, followed by feel and style. I’m not a guy that really cares too much about the name on the headstock. If it plays and sounds good, I’m in. As for DBZ (Now known as Diamond Guitars). They are owned by the people at Diamond Amps which I have been using for a while. I talked with owner Jeff Diamant and he convinced me to give them a try. I was shocked at how good they played and sounded. They smoked all of my other guitars and they are perfectly matched for the Diamond heads. My tone really came alive. What about amps? Are you into all of the emulators & simulators? Normally, I would say no, but I have been quite impressed with the Fractals. I think they finally got it right. 14 14 Rock Rock N Roll N Roll Industries Industries Magazine Magazine

Balancing family, music & fame is a task within itself. How do you blend the different worlds into one world? I don’t know that I do, or if anyone does. Music is a job for me, which means that I have to clock in, wear the uniform, and play the part when I’m on the road. I’m a pretty shy guy, so being in the limelight isn’t exactly my idea of fun. Maybe I chose the wrong career. If I could play behind a curtain or in a mask like Slipknot, I definitely would!!! Therefore, when I’m home...I’m a completely different guy. I just like to be normal and now that I have a family. I like to do family man stuff. I don’t like to hear or talk about too many things dealing with my career. I don’t even like to tell people what I do for a living because of the conversation that follows. It’s not that I don’t appreciate fans, because I do!!! I definitely do and wouldn’t have the lifestyle that I do without them, but I’m just me. I’m a normal guy with a crazy job! I do try to stay in contact with the fam as much as possible when I’m away though. Where do you see the future of the music industry? I definitely think that the full album is going to go away. The internet and downloading has made the industry very single based. People may be a fan of a song and just buy the song and not the album, so they just buy the song. Why pay to record a full album when people buy songs? We are in an age when artists are having multi-platinum songs and not multi-platinum albums. Artists used to release singles and a “B” side back in the day and I think we are headed back there. What artist or artists today keep your attention? What kicks your ass? I’m still into all the stuff that I grew up on like Motley Crue, Pantera, Guns N’ Roses, Metallica, Nirvana, Alice in Chains, Pearl Jam, etc., but there are definitely some newer bands I’m into like: Slipknot, Stone Sour, Queens of the Stone Age, Avenged Sevenfold, The White Stripes and of course The Foo Fighters. I also like a lot of Hardcore bands like Terror, Hatebreed, Sick of it All, and Throwdown. I even find the stuff Skrillex does to be quite interesting. I don’t really like many modern rock radio bands though. I built a career on it, but I find it all very bland and lacking in the soul department. Who would you like to write with or even just jam with? Slash, Corey Taylor, and Dave Grohl!!! Jams and writing!!! What advice would you give someone that might be lost in the music industry to find their way back? Stick to your guns and believe in yourself. Do it for the love of music and realize it may never be your career, but it can always be you hobby. How about a kid starting out? What sort of guidance would you offer? That’s a tough one. The music industry is dying due to the internet. I hate to think of any kid trying to get a record deal now. All they are gonna get is a 360 deal where the label gets a piece of their touring, their merch, and even their publishing. I guess my advice would be to do as much as you can on your own and just try to rely on a label for distribution. You can do everything else yourself now. Bands are even doing just distribution deals now and not full on record deals. That works more in the artists favor nowadays, because you are only gonna make money from touring and merch!!! What’s your biggest challenge to yourself as a musician? For me, it has always been my shyness. I’m not a big fan of crowds and I usually stick to myself and don’t talk much. Alcohol helped with that for a while, but it turned on me. Now my biggest challenge is getting on stage and being around crowds without the alcohol. I am 7 shows sober as of now. So far...so good.

Hellions front woman

Ann Boleyn:

Karma’s a Bitch

decade after their previous release, Hellion released Hell Has No Fury in 2014 and followed it up with a North American tour with additional dates in Europe. Front woman Ann Boleyn leads a stellar band consisting of talented musicians including Maxxxwell Carlisle on guitar, Georg Dolivo (from Rhino Bucket) on Vocals and Rhythm Guitar, Scott Warren (from Dio Heaven and Hell) on Keyboards, Greg Smith (Ted Nugent and Rainbow) on Bass, and Simon Wright (from A/C DC, UFO and Dio) on drums. I sat down with Ann Boleyn to discuss the album, the writing process and some history on her and Hellion’s beginnings.

Jerry Averill

What was the writing process like with the new album, Hell Has No Fury? Boleyn: I worked with Ken Scott on the new album; he is an amazing producer and has worked with big names like The Beatles, and David Bowie. The only metal band he has ever produced was Hellion and I worked with him back in 1985. When it was time to do something new I really wanted this album to have the realness of what it was like to produce a record in 1985. Nowadays musicians plug their music into a computer and email it to their other band members. It was important for us to have the real studio sound and Ken Scott was the first person I called. Along with Simon Write, we wrote the songs, went into the studio, and recorded for three days. It was like magic. I went in envisioning the songs one way and once I got there I changed everything around. It was inspiring and a privilege to work in a sound room where things are done the old fashion way, you know, musicians actually getting together and playing songs (laughs). What inspired you to write Karma’s a Bitch? Boleyn: Simon and I talked about recording something in 2013 but he was in a bunch of different projects. There were a bunch of rumors going around about me saying I wasn’t going to sing anymore because I declined a huge offer to sing on a Dio tribute project in Japan. That fueled rumors. Hearing those things I wanted to prove that the rumors were wrong because I take a lot of pride in what I do. The best way to do that is to go into the recording studio and record something! That’s what prompted it all! We were

at the studio taking a break outside and then I just started writing out the song. I wrote it as fast as I could on a little note pad, I went inside and said to the guys let’s try something else. When I told them Karma’s a Bitch for a song title, at first they were skeptical, but it ended up very satisfactory. What is your favorite song off the album and why? Boleyn: It has to be Betrayer, it is special to me because it goes through so many different emotions and so many different sounds of my voice. It starts off with quiet singing and then goes to full on thrash which reminds me of when I use to play in Detente. The song ends up into traditional heavy rock, telling a story and it goes somewhere I like. The late and great Ronnie James Dio once said, “Women didn’t belong in metal,” until he heard you sing because your voice was so powerful. When you heard this, how did it make you feel? How do you feel about women vocalists today? Boleyn: It was always an honor to work with Ronnie James Dio. He was very demanding and we maintained a friendship for a very long time that was meaningful. He always said to me, “Until I heard you, there wasn’t a female singer that I thought was capable of doing metal.” It wasn’t something said lightly and I didn’t take it lightly either, I always tried listening to him. As far as the state of women singers, I think there are a lot of really exciting things going on, but I would really like to see more women doing traditional metal. There are a lot of excellent women vocalists doing the operatic symphonic really well and good ones doing the thrash too. I just wish more women were doing the melodies and lyrics you can understand. Who are your influences and how did you get into metal? Boleyn: I have been playing music as long as I have a recollection. My parents have pictures of me cutting out guitars and holding a tinker toy microphone in my hand; my parents should have

By Raquel Figlo been very frightened. By age thirteen I had a professional band and was playing gigs at local bars. I was originally a bass player and played keyboards in the band. Back then women were not held in high regard especially in heavy music so you had to be better. I was getting proficient at keyboards, but I was having horrible experiences with singers because they would go off and be gone! I was getting really frustrated so I got together with some friends and said, let’s just get this band together and cover some tunes and take turns singing lead. I was like fuck lead singers, they suck and that is how Hellion got formed. As for female influences, there were not a lot. I liked Janice Joplin because she sang with her full voice. I liked Aretha Franklin and Tina Turner. That is where all this stuff comes from. But when it came to women singing heavy music, I remember a number of different times when booking agents would come up to me and say, “This should be really interesting. So what do you do? Do you dry hump the guitar player on stage? Or do you break TV’s?” No disrespect to Wendy O. Williams, or anybody else, but that is what was expected with female singers. I just tried to be a good singer. I liked singers like David Coverdale, Rob Halford, Ozzy Osbourne, Ronnie James Dio and people like that. When you started your record label New Renaissance, you had bands like Sepultura, Morbid Angel, and Bathory signed. How was running a record label then compared to now? Boleyn: You can’t even compare! First of all, there was nothing more fun than having New Renaissance in the 80’s. The bands had great personalities; cool people and they didn’t have record deals because no one wanted to sign them for whatever reason. Maybe they were a little strange, who knows, but they were wonderful characters. I thought that all I had to do is sell three or four-thousand units and I would make my money back. I knew some of these bands were going to sell ten thousand units or more. A lot of the bands didn’t make their money back, and some of them did. But it was just so fun to create things and do the packaging and watch the truck roll up and take the products away. It was very exciting and something I miss tremendously. Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 15

The Roxy Theater, West Hollywood by Enrique Nunez

Alex- DLT is a “brand new” metal band formed by 4 well-known musicians. The idea about getting together was born back in 2008 in Guadalajara when I went to see Andres’ old band, A.N.I.M.A.L. I’ve been good friends with Andres Gimenez for many years and the whole band. One night after the show he told me: “Hey, it would be awesome to get together one day and just jam and play music”. He knew I liked heavy metal and hard rock. It seemed like a good idea but I didn’t see the possibility because of our (then) schedules. Well, at the end of 2013 there was going to be a long recess with Mana (Alex’s band) so at the end of 2012 I played in Buenos Aires, Argentina so Andres came to the show. I told him, let’s play but let’s form a band, let’s call some of our friends and see if they want to join us, that’s how it all began. We called Flavio and emailed Andreas and they were both in. That’s the beauty of our band, we are just 4 friends trying to rock out and have a good time creating music. No managers, labels or “reality shows” involved in creating this project. The band is from Latin America, so we sing in “Español and Portuguese”. Spanish and Portuguese and I would assume that the latter comes from this side, Mr Andreas Kisser. Andreas- Yeah, very happy to be here with DLT, I was very happy when Alex got in touch with me. As he said, no outer elements in the making of this band, I loved the idea of having a super group playing heavy metal in Spanish. It’s very real and very honest. It’s great to sing 16 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

in Spanish and Portuguese sharing the vocals with Andres. Talking about the same thing, but in different languages. Even composing is different in English. When we were showing the album to labels we heard “Why don’t you do this in English?” We said “No,” we wanted to keep the original concept and the elects of our backgrounds, nationalities and countries where we come from. We wanted to keep the freedom of doing metal in Spanish and showcase and explore the richness of Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Mexico, all the different styles and rhythms. The whole project went very easy, great musicians, great guys, experienced musicians. We genuinely enjoy every second of it.

must admit, I expected the heavy music from Andreas and Andres, but Sr. Flavio and Alex really surprised me, never thought in a million years I’d see them performing Heavy Metal, the music I grew up with. The show delivered, the musicianship is notable, and thus why their concert debut was in South America with none other than metal legends, Metallica. DLT’s debut album promise us more dates in the near future and it has had a warm welcome. My favorite cut off their album (Released January 2014) is “Somos Uno.” It instantly became a classic for me.

Does it ever feel like it’s a backyard gig with friends? Alex- It’s like going back to when we were 15, 16 years old trying to start a new band covering Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, etc. We have that same adrenaline; we wake up and not know what’s going to happen. The show last night at the Webster Hall in New York were in the Mosh Pit, Crowd Surfing and Stage diving, it was nuts. You can tell all these Latino kids want to listen to this type of music. The great thing is that if you literally translate the name of the band it reads “From The Land”, we come from the land of Latin America, the possibilities are endless and the future looks bright and we want to bring into our music all these elements that we are part of. This is not a gimmick; we are 4 musicians who are passionate about music, not just metal, but music in general. We are universal, not limited or hard-headed to one style. When they hear us play live, they know we mean business and we are very happy to be here in this historic venue, what a better place for DLT to make its LA debut, right? We hope to be back next year with more dates and now we just have to find those gaps in our schedules with our current bands and projects. I personally answer to all those emails and comments on FB and Instagram, it’s not a secretary or hired gun, we like to be personal as much as we can. DLT has released a very powerful album. With music resembling mostly Sepultura and A.N.I.M.A.L.’s style. Mana and Los Fabulosos Cadillacs are more “soft” and the “Latin” sounds are very prevalent, I

Photo: Enrique Nunez

ndres Gimenez, Sr Flavio, Andreas Kisser and Alex Gonzalez may not ring a bell in your music catalog. How about A.N.I.M.A.L., Los Fabulosos Cadillacs, Sepultura or Mana? Yes, for many of you, maybe Sepultura does ring a bell and perhaps Mana does too (the latter is the most active and one of the, if not the most, famous names in latin rock and has an outstanding 11-show sold out record Staples Center in Los Angeles not to count Grammy awards, chart records, etc). It so happens that there’s a new Spanish-speaking (or singing) Heavy Metal Sheriff in town: De La Tierra. We sat down with Alex Gonzalez (Drums) and Andreas Kisser (Lead Guitar/BU vocals) for a memorable chat.

By Raquel Figlo music industry has its good and bad, but if you really want to do it, just look at the good. What advice would you give someone who wants to make it in the music industry? Thorne: I think anyone that wants to get involved in this business should want to get involved for the love of music and they want to express themselves. Don’t do it because you want to be famous because there is a lot to carry with that. My only advice is to not give up. What inspires you to write music? Thorne: Life inspires me because I had a pretty raw ride and what I have learned is that the good always wins. What is the writing process like? Do you write alone or do you write with your band members? Thorne: Every song is different: the melodies, the harmonies, and the lyrics. I might sit down with the producer or the guitar player, it’s different each time. There is no formula to it, but it is all my music.

ou have had quite the successful career in action sports, movies, television and music. What is your ultimate goal in life? Thorne: I never dreamed of being a TV host. Not to knock it, but it just came easy to me. I had a lot of opportunities come my way, obviously from action sports. The acting and the music is different, but basically my goal is to motivate people and entertain myself. I love action sports and music. Action sport is an inner feeling and music is all about emotion. So to be able to do both is awesome. Acting is rad too, but the thing about acting is it is not about you until the movie is done. In the mean time you are a part of the painting, but in sports and music you are the one painting it! When did you sign on to the Sullen Musik label? Thorne: In 2011, I signed with Sullen Musik. They support everything I do which is rad! Jeremy and Ryan are awesome. I naturally fit in with everything they are doing. We just clicked.

When did you know you wanted to sing? Thorne: When I was seven years old I used to listen to this green vinyl called Cats in the Cradle by Harry Chapin. My dad had abandoned me, my sister, and my mom when I was a kid and I would always sing to that record. It was a way for me to express myself and how I felt about the situation.

Daniel Noble

I hear a lot of positive messages in your lyrics. How would you describe your music? Thorne: The music is about taking the negative and turning it into a positive. It’s about letting go and having fun. I can’t get on stage and sing songs I don’t truly believe in. I want to write music that is timeless and serves a purpose. I write music about things that make you think in a positive way but not forced down your throat. What have you learned over the years working in the music and entertainment industry? Thorne: What I learned in music is that it is the craziest monster ever! A lot of people are negative about the music industry saying its “hard” and “labels suck,” but that’s all negativity and I just let that roll off my back. Having that negative mentality blocks you from getting to your goals. I learned a lot about terminology that I did have a clue about before. The

Tell me about your new single, “This is all I got.” Thorne: I recently got divorced… for the third time (laughs)! I didn’t go and date a bunch of girls after the divorce, I really didn’t date anyone. Instead I worked on myself. I had to get rid of my house and my income changed. I went from owning a house in Beverly Hills, to a 900 square foot apartment. I had to let all that go, so when I wrote the song “This is all I got,” it was not attacking my ex-wife, it was really just telling it how it was. We were not friends; I did feel like a bum. I had no one to blame, but myself. As I started to improve myself, I got my spirit back. That song is not a mean song, it is just saying, “Yes I do miss you, but we were never really friends. And I am only mad at myself because I needed to change my vibration so I don’t attract you and other women like you again.” That’s real shit, That’s what I did for two years. I never did drugs in my life, but I felt like a heroin addict at that time because I needed attention and I was lonely and I was facing myself and it was a challenging task. That’s where music comes in as an outlet to not let your feelings get bottled up inside and drink it away or party it away. I needed to do that and it wasn’t easy and then it eventually got easier. The experience was a wakeup call, letting me know that right now is all you have, this moment, so live this moment. That is what it is really all about. How have you seen the music industry change in the last seven years that you have been in it? Thorne: I got into the game when it was late. Mp3’s were out, people were paying to play, clubs were closing down. Right now it’s all about tours and festivals. But I feel the grind is still the same. It’s all digital now and you have more control over your music. When I came to play I saw 360 deals where the band was not really making the money because there was not any product being sold. It’s difficult. Music styles have changed, but if you are a kid like me trying to make it, just keep putting content out. Make music videos, equipment is more accessible nowadays. I say make more music, more videos, more content. What do you have coming up that you would like to share with your fans? What special projects are in the works? Thorne: There is a new Rancid tribute album coming out called “Hooligans United.” Elvis from the band Left Alone and Tim from Rancid put it together. Voodoo Glow Skulls are on it and like 35 other bands. I covered a song for the album and made a music video. At the end of the year I will be doing some shows with the Addicts. You always have to keep reinventing yourself. I am working on the next big push! If you could hand pick your band and have a choice of any rock stars, who would they be and what would they play? Thorne: Fleas on Bass, Slash on guitar, Josh Freese (Vandals) on drums. We would be called “The Dudes,” no wait… “The Slashed out Dudes with Fleas!” and we would play SoundWave in Australia! I have always wanted to go there (laughs). Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 17

Hey Metalheads if you don’t know me by now then grow a fuckin brain! I’m “TRIPPY THE CLOWN” a.k.a. “DA METAL GOD” hangin with the one and only “NEIL ZLOZOWER” at his world famous studio in Hollywood, California. Look at any cool rock magazine in the past 40 years, and I can guarantee you will see a photo credited to my good pal “Zloz”. In every issue of this BAD ASS magazine, I dig deep into Zloz’s archives and choose my ‘TOP 5’ favorite metal shots that Zloz has taken over the years. Zloz then gives you a play by play on WTF went down during that shoot. Let the metal madness begin… Let’s go!

Masters show Zloz! FUCK! ZLOZ: (laughs) Okay Trippy calm down…The show was about as brutal as you could imagine! It was sold out and jammed packed to the T. It’s hot, sweaty, and as loud as you could imagine. Everybody had a great time. TRIPPY: (excited) Hell ya brotha! Were you in da pit cuz I was in their stabbing ankles, but I’m three foot one and it’s tough to see everything? ZLOZ: Nah Trippy I’m gettin up in my years, and that pit is a little too dangerous at this type of show. You got all these hard core maniac metal fans yellin and screamin and gettin thrown into the pit so I can’t deal with that anymore. I was shooting from on stage for about the first 20 minutes, and then I realized I don’t wanna see all of those guys butt holes so I actually went out to the sound board and got some great shots from there because you could see the Metal Masters sign and all the pictures. The thing is Trippy in 2015 Mark Menghi who’s now the sole owner changed the name from Metal Master to “Metal Allegiance.” Trippy, I don’t think you’re the smartest creature, but there’s NO MORE Metal Masters and it’s now Metal Allegiance. You understand what I’m trying to say Trippy?

check. We got Frank Bello from ANTHRAX and Dave Ellefson from MEGADETH. Dave was the original bass player of MEGADETH when they started back in 1983. At some point along the way in the 90’s, Dave parted ways, but he’s back now, and Franks been in ANTHRAX ever since I started working with them in 1989. I’ve known both of these guys for billions of years. They’re both great guys, and I love them both. Frank’s hysterical. These guys are just two great people, and they are both amazing bass players. You gotta be amazing to play in the bands they are with.

TRIPPY: Got dat right Zloz! Check out my next favorite BRUTAL HEAVY METAL shot with all the cool fuckers. I love dis shot! Look at fuckin Phil….PANTERA RULZZZZZZZZ ZLOZ: (laughs) I knew you would like this one. Here we got a live photo Trippy. It’s a shot of Rex Brown from PANTERA and KILL DEVIL HILL. We got Chuck Billy, the lead singer of TESTAMENT. We got Phil Anselmo of PANTERA, DOWN and SUPERJOINT RITUAL. Then on the far right, flinging his hair like a madman we got Chris Broderick, and behind Chris we got Charlie Benante from ANTHRAX. I’ve worked with all these guys for a long time, and I’ve known Rex since PANTERA. It’s funny because of all the TRIPPY: (pissed) What da fuk do I look like bands I’ve shot in my life well I’ve really never a dumb ass! I PROBABLY KNEW ABOUT shot Chuck Billy from TESTAMENT or the rest DA CHANGE BEFORE YOU FUCKER! I’m da of the band. The thing I like about Chuck is he’s TRIPPY: (Interrupts) I did a signing with you metalhead here OK!.... Onto this next killer this big huge threatening looking Indian but he’s at Namm Zloz, but who cares about Namm metal shot of Frank and Dave. Two cool brutal like the nicest sweetest guy. He’s like the gentle right now! Grow a brain, and cut to da chase dudes. Tell us about dis shot Zloz… PRONTO! giant, and he sounds great when he sings. He man! The readers need to hear about da Metal ZLOZ: Well Trippy, I believe I shot this at sound must have some pretty big lungs Trippy. You can 18 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

Neil Zlozower AtlasIcons.com

TRIPPY: Holy shit Zloz! When I went through your archives and saw all your “Metal Masters” shots from 2014, I decided we had to go with a theme for dis issue. Mark Menghi’s Metal Masters shows were brutal as hell with an all-star lineup of the best of DA BEST! Tell us everything! ZLOZ: Metal Masters Trippy is the creation/ brainstorm of a good friend of mine Mark Menghi. Yeah, Mark’s a big metalhead to the max like you Trippy and Mark is friends with everyone. You name it? Mark knows them. Around 2011 or 2012 Mark decided to put on this show. What it involved was basically the hardest core nastiest bands you could think of and grabbing certain members from this band to play with certain members of that band. He would have Dave Ellefson from MEGADETH on bass and Frank Bello from ANTHRAX on bass. He’d have Dave Lombardo from SLAYER on drums, Charlie Benante from ANTHRAX on drums and Scott Ian from ANTHRAX on guitar. Then he’d have Kerry King of SLAYER on guitar. It was the cream of the crop of the metal school of players and they would all play with each other and jam and do different songs. Not their own songs, but everybody else’s. It was great! They had about five or six of these Metal Masters. This shot here is from the House of Blues in Los Angeles that corresponded with the Namm 2014 show at Anaheim and….

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Neil Zlozower AtlasIcons.com TRIPPY: How’s my buddy Phil these days Zloz? ZLOZ: Phil’s great! I’ve worked with PANTERA back in the day, and Phil was a little difficult to deal with. I don’t know what happened to Phil cuz now he’s a little sweet heart. He’s always ‘funny Phil’, and always in a good mood. He did a 180 degree turn around, and I love workin with Phil and hangin with him. Very humble guy actually. Then we got Chris Broderick, the other guitarist from MEGADETH. Chris is a really nice guy, and a great guitar player. He’s in one of the most brutal hard core bands. He deals with Dave Mustaine so I gotta give him credit for that. Ya know I love Dave, and we’ve had our ups and downs, but to deal with him on a day to day thing takes a unique individual to be able to do that. So behind Chris we got Charlie Benante the drummer for ANTHRAX. I believe he’s Frank Bello’s uncle if I’m not mistaking, and I still try to figure that out till this day how Charlie could be Frank’s uncle; but he is, and every time they try to explain how that works it just goes past my brain. You know Trippy I love all these guys. They are all great guys and great musicians and they are all in some of the hardest core bands you could ever imagine… TRIPPY: Zloz my next shots out of da ordinary. If somebody would have told me these two guys played at a Metal Masters show, I wouldn’t believe it, but I saw it for myself. Let’s face it, you wouldn’t normally see Steve and Billy playing with the HEAVIEST of HEAVY, but they both did one hell of a job so I had to pay homage. How did dis come

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about Zloz? ZLOZ: I’m glad you chose this shot Trippy. You’re not as dumb as you look brother (laughs). Here we got my old friend Steve Vai and my old friend Billy Sheehan. I probably met both of them around the same time in 1986 when they were in the David Lee Roth Band with Dave’s brilliant album ‘’Eat ‘em and Smile.’’ We got Mike Portnoy in the back if you look hard enough Trippy. Good ole Mike, amazing drummer. They may seem a little out of place having Billy and Steve in a Metal Masters show. This is the first one I think Steve made a guest appearance in. Everybody loved him. I remember the first time Billy was in a Metal Master’s show. Billy is one of the greatest living bass players on this planet. I mean he could play anything, but you don’t really consider him a Metal Master or Metal Allegiance or whatever, but he got on stage a few years ago, at the very first one, and OMG he just shredded. Even my friend Mark Menghi said “I don’t believe what I’m seeing right now. This guy’s out of control.” The people loved him! I guess for this one they brought in Steve Vai, and those guys are like brothers. Steve is probably the most versatile guitar player on this planet. Steve can play anything. He can play the most mellow music, and then he can play the most hard core BRUTAL guitar you can imagine. I think that guitar is really just an extension of his body. These guys are legends as far as I’m concerned. Musically you don’t get a better guitarist than Steve Vai and you don’t get a better bass player than Billy Sheehan. That’s all I can say Trippy. They are both at the top of their game. The cream of the crop. TRIPPY: Lets drink to dat brotha Holy shit! You got all da good guys in dis next shot! Dis shot rulzzzz! ZLOZ: Thanks Trippy. This is a shot I actually

did at one of the Metal Masters back in New York, and getting these eight knuckle heads together, well that’s a chore right there. This shot was done back stage. I believe at the Gramercy Theatre in Union Square. Left to right, we got Kerry King, then Frank Bello in front, behind we got Gary Holt from EXODUS, an amazing guitar player, then Phil Anselmo. Phil’s lookin a little sad in that photo but he actually looks pretty good. We got Charlie Benante. We got good old Scott Ian from ANTHRAX. Then we got amazing drummer Dave Lombardo from SLAYER and PHILM. Then we got… TRIPPY: (interrupts) Hey Zloz remember da night Dave, Mark Menghi, and a crew came over to your pad for your oyster fest! Dave ate so many oysters I thought he was gonna turn into one! Good times man! ZLOZ: (laughs) Yep Dave’s an oyster eater so that makes him family right there. Dave’s an amazing drummer. Then next to Dave we got Billy Sheehan there at the end. I was a little scared Billy wasn’t gonna be accepted very well, but he went down as well as anybody in that show, and Dave Lombardo’s double bass drum OMG! I was sitting on stage next to him once when Dave was playing, and I just heard that double bass drum pounding in my brain. It was awesome Trippy. So this was a shoot I did when we rounded the band up for three or four minutes before they went on. TRIPPY: Speakin of Lombardo, I chose dis next killer shot cuz more people need to know about Dave’s new bad ass band “PHILM.” You heard about em right Zloz? ZLOZ: Yeah Trippy most know Dave from SLAYER, but this is a shot of Dave and his new project PHILM. It’s a power trio, and they opened up before Metal Masters. This is a shot of Dave and his bass player Pancho Tomaselli

Neil Zlozower AtlasIcons.com

see he’s next to Phil who’s a pretty powerful overwhelming guy, and Chucks just towering over everybody on that stage. Chuck is the lead singer of TESTAMENT, and that’s one of the most brutal bands in existence.

from WAR and TOWER OF POWER. Then you got Gerry Nestler here on guitar. Dave’s a buddy of mine. I love him. Dave invited me to his birthday party at Lucky Strike bowling alley, and I must have been on a roll cause I came in FIRST for both games out of all the people there. I can either bowl great or I bowl like shit. Either I bowled great that night or everybody else bowled like shit.

comin? ZLOZ: No Trippy you know what I gotta do, but I hate to say it. One of my beloved animals SALSA passed away about two weeks ago so now I only got about half the dog shit and half the dog piss to clean up. I’m wearing Salsa’s dog tags around my neck. Most people have fake dog tags. I got a real dog tag from a real dog around my neck.

TRIPPY: Zloz I think everybody must of been drunk cuz; I saw u bowl, and you suck! Ha ha. Okay fucker I got what I needed from you. I’m otta here cuz Lemmy’s waitin for me at the Rainbow to drink! U

TRIPPY: Not da deaf & blind dog dat crashes into walls? He was cool! ZLOZ: Yeah Trippy that’s the one, but I’ll tell you something. His bladder worked flawlessly, and so did his mouth cuz he lived to eat Trippy.

TRIPPY: R.I.P.dog...DONE! ZLOZ: Double done! By: Trippy The Clown a.k.a. “Da Metal God” www.TrippyTV.com

Rock Rock N N Roll Roll Industries Industries Magazine Magazine 21 21

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BRITTANY FORCE READY TO UNLEASH THE BEAST WITH MONSTER ENERGY The excitement of adding the recognizable Monster Energy “M” to her Top Fuel Dragster was not lost on the 2013 Auto Club Road to the Future Award winner. Prior to adding Monster Energy Force had raced to four final rounds and three No. 1 qualifiers in her career.

Since going green and black Force has raced to two semi-final finishes and a runner-up at the historic Summernationals at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park. The success has moved Force from the No. 11 spot in the Mello Yello point standings to a solid position of No. 8 over halfway through the NHRA regular season.

“I am so excited to be teamed up with Monster Energy as the primary sponsor on my Top Fuel Dragster. You see the Monster logo on everything from NASCAR to Action Sports and to have them back in the NHRA seems like a perfect fit. The great thing about partnering up with Monster is how easy it will be for me to promote their brand because my team and I love to drink Monster. I can’t wait to get them into the winner’s circle. My whole team is fired up and we will definitely unleash the beast starting this weekend,” said Brittany Force.

For John Force Racing this new sponsor continues the positive rebranding of one of the most dominant motorsports teams in history. Faced with replacing a primary sponsor for John and Brittany Force as well as a manufacturer at the end of 2014 the team will have succeeded in adding major sponsors such as Peak Anti-Freeze and Coolant, Lucas Oil, Chevrolet and now Monster Energy to a roster of major sponsors that includes Auto Club, Traxxas and Mac Tools.

arlier this year John Force Racing and Monster Energy announced a multi-year primary sponsorship agreement that will began at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals in Atlanta. Since that race Brittany Force’s Top Fuel dragster has been adorned with the Monster Energy logo much to the NHRA fans’ delight.

“You can’t even mention drag racing without including John Force and John Force Racing,” said Monster Vice President of Sports Marketing Mitch Covington. “Their winning dominance and high performance heritage are simply unmatchable. John is a personality that actually transcends the sport and his daughter Brittany is every bit the fierce competitor as her dad – and she’s a lot prettier than John. The next generation of JFR, Monster Energy is thrilled to have Brittany at the controls of the Monster Energy Top Fuel Dragster this season. Monster is all about unleashing the beast, and there is no other beast like a 10,000 horsepower, asphalt wrinkling, Nitro guzzling dragster.”

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“We have been working around the clock for the past eighteen months. I am so happy to have Monster Energy on Brittany’s dragster,” said John Force, 16-time Funny Car champion and CEO of JFR. “That was a big piece for the Top Fuel dragster but it wasn’t the last piece for John Force Racing. As a team owner you want to have as much financial backing as possible to go after championships and as a father you want to give your kids everything they need to succeed. This new sponsorship with Monster accomplishes both of those goals. We will continue to focus on winning and safety here at John Force Racing and we will be in this fight with Monster Energy, Auto Club, Peak, Traxxas, Chevy, Mac Tools, and Lucas Oil.”

Find out more and Submit Your Music at www.creativedefensemusic.com Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 27

Michael Des Barres By Dea Meeks

ichael Des Barres is no stranger to the music and entertainment industry. His career both on screen and behind the mic has created history throughout the decades. In 1967, he was cast in “To Sir With Love” in which he played a student who always sported dark sunglasses. In 1972, Des Barres formed his Glam Rock band, Silverhead, making records and touring before disbanding two years later. 1983 found Des Barres, penning, “Obsession” with co-writer Holly Knight. Animotion covered the song in 1985, making it a No.1 in 27 countries and a No. 6 Billboard Top 40 Hit along with selling millions of copies. His acting career history includes shows such as Seinfeld, Roseanne, Nip/Tuck, & NCIS, just to mention a few. He is most known for his role as Murdoc in MacGyver. Our Assistant Editor, Dea Meeks, recently interviewed Michael Des Barres to discuss his newest album, “The Key To The Universe” that was released April 7th.

I hear we have Otis Redding & his album, “Otis Blue” to thank for inspiring you to pursue music. What’s your favorite track off that album? It’s not so much a favorite track with me. It’s who he was. I started to look at music differently, rather than singling out particular moments in somebody’s life or career, but rather what they represent and what they mean what they communicate is more important to me. Everything he ever did, every syllable, every intake of breath, every scream was an influence on me. I have particular favorites when I’m in a particular mood. If I want to shake my ass, I’ll listen to “Happy” by Keith Richards. If I want to cry, I’ll listen to “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long”. I think when I say, “Otis Blue”, that’s why I was specific, the album, his catalog of music- every note is relevant to my life. And like all great singers, he sings like a drummer, very percussively…in burst of emotional power. And that’s what I humbly attempt. The lead single, “Can’t Get You Off My Mind” (penned by Linda Perry), from your album was released to radio on March 10th. You’ve been quoted as saying, “It will hit a nerve in anyone that has a heart.” What attracted you most to this song and how did you discover the song? Linda is an authentic brilliant artist. I’ve known about her and been friends with her for many years. The song was presented to me and I was immediately seduced by the idea of obsessive love. And going back to your previous question, obviously obsession is tattooed on my ass. I’m drawn to this song, in the way that you should respond to a song. I think what I mean by “anyone that has a heart”; we’ve all had it broken. The secret is to glue it back together and throw yourself into the ring again. What will your fans discover different about this album than those you’ve released in the past? 28 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

This is the most satisfying musical journey I’ve ever been on. This album means more to me than any other. Hence, I called it “The Key To The Universe”, which can be interpreted anyway you want. Like you Dea, some days it’s Otis Redding and other days it’s Roses, it can change. The point is, what I’m saying in this album, it’s all very vulnerable, ballsy, honest and true. If you can grasp that and you can put it into song, it’s the most rewarding thing that I could possibly think of doing other than seeing everybody hold hands around the world. I was really interested to learn that you recorded this album (that was produced by Robert Rose) in Rome. What made you pick that location? Bob Rose who produced the album is (in my humble opinion) certainly the greatest producer I’ve ever worked with, arguably one of the greatest producers ever. He lived in Italy. He called me and said, “Listen, I want to make a really rockin’ record and I want you to sing it. He cast that album like a movie. He wanted to do it in Rome I think because there’s a certain beautiful timelessness to that city. I’m an artist, I go to museums, I love paintings, I love literature. He knew that I’d feel elevated by that atmosphere. It was true- making it in a city as noble and as ancient as Rome really put me in a space I’ve never been before, which was just in awe of everything around me; It was inspiring. I think he kind of knew that. We recorded in a studio where Murricone scored all those wonderful Italian movies. It was a very grand experience, which for me was the most rewarding experience I’ve ever had in a studio. Certainly being exposed to that magnificent food and significant sophistication of the people who has the common sense to go and sleep with their partners in the afternoon. My kind of city. You chose people from your past to play on the new album. Was that easier because you’ve already had experience with them in the past and they more than likely were on the same page with what you envisioned for the instrumental contribution to the record? Yes. Nigel is one of the greatest Bass players in the world and an incredible songwriter. We’ve known each other since we were teenagers. There was a great comfort there knowing that this guy who when we met we were kids. We’ve always been in touch. It’s beautiful to see his accomplishments and vice versa. It’s been a lovely journey. I feel very safe with him. He also kicks ass! The drummer, Clive Deamer, you know Jeff Beck, Radiohead… the guy is brilliant. The guitar player, Dani Robinson, is one of those innovative sexy guitar players I’ve ever heard. I wanted to make a guitar based drums record. I knew that Nigel wanted to rock. That album is a Rock and Roll record. I just wanted to go in there and do what I’ve been doing for 50…40 years. Go and kick ass and have fun and we did. Nigel if anything is really fun to play music with. I also heard that you’re excited about the simplicity of the album. Was that one of your goals when you started creating, “The Key To The Universe”?

I think that when you’ve been at it a long time, it’s good to (if you can) to strip everything away that you’ve done in the past and find a new way of doing what you love. It’s the same with relationships. Dea, when you wake up with your partner (if you have one), hypothetically you’ve been in a long-term relationship. You start to repeat yourself and that’s where the boredom comes in. In terms of art, if I wake up every morning and see things in a new way then it will help me say something new. Because everything’s been said, everything’s been played; we know every story. The idea is to bring to what is familiar something that is fresh. We tried to make it simple; I avoided obscurity. I just wanted to really hit people in the guts- in the heart. Essentially, that album it’s heart beats below your waist. What do you like to do in your spare time( if you have any) that’s not related to music? Great question, because I don’t have any spare time. All of my time is spent writing, doing my radio show, playing music, and being with my friends that I love. So I don’t really have any hobbies. Somebody asked me on the radio, the other day, “Michael, what’s your hobbies?” and I went, “Oh my God! I don’t have any!” What I do for living has been my hobby (if you will) since I was 8 years old. I’ve been acting and playing Rock and Roll many many decades. What’s one thing you would like to share with your fans that they might not know about you? That I deeply care about anybody who pays me any attention at all. I am humbled and incredibly grateful to anybody that would take the time to listen to what I play and to watch what I act and to just listen to me on the radio. I don’t call them fans. I’ve never ever called people that enjoy what I do “fans”. To me (I suppose) they are kind of cyber-friends. It’s a frequency…it’s an energy. All the people that get a hold of me on the Internet, and so on and write me emails… whatever it is, I always respond. Because how could you not? I get angry when I’m walking down the street and I say, ‘Good Morning” and they don’t say, “Good Morning” back… I want to kill em {laughs}. It’s just common courtesy and love and gratitude. If any of your readers want to know anything about me, please ask because I would be delighted to tell you everything. Do you have any advice for young musicians or young people in the music industry? Yes, I do. Tell the truth and then dance to it.

THE KEY TO THE UNIVERSE is available now via FOD Records at iTunes and Amazon.

Numerous Gold and Platinum records, 5 Grammy awards, MTV awards, festival recognitions, etc., etc., to just name a few, Molotov is still considered a “people’s band”. Don’t be surprised if you hear covers such as “Me Convierto en Marciano” (I turned into a Martian) by The Misfits and then a version of “Payaso” (Clown) by Mexican romantic music legend Jose Jose. They very much use and abuse all songs and music styles and turn them into catchy rap/rock anthems. In a recent visit to LA, our good friend Sin Quirin (Ministry) hosted them in his radio show and even Metal Sanaz was impressed by the awards and recognitions this band has harvested in the span of 20 years. Sin joined them for a song at the Conga Room (L.A. Live) and was very pleased, willing to be a guest in more upcoming shows. Darryl McDaniels aka “DMC” of Run DMC guests in one of the tracks in their new production, “Agua Maldita” (Damned Water) which was also the name for their December US tour. Tell us about the “Agua Maldita” record, anything you want to share. Tito- We were kinda stuck on the record deal with Universal for several years, actually 7, we were eager to get it going and edit some stuff, but we couldn’t. So after those 7 years, we finally reached an agreement to release something. There were a bunch of songs, we picked 10 out of 40. We got a chance to pick the producer, mastering, engineers, the artwork and we produced it ourselves, executive directors (band). Randy- It felt good to record an album under our own terms. It was our choice to have a producer come in and be the 5th “head” in the production. It’s the first studio record as a band in more than 10 years. The last one was 4 EPs that we put together as an LP in the end.

Photos: Enrique Nunez

o try to describe the controversial and international Mexican rock band “Molotov” in a few words seems so easy, yet almost impossible. Formed in 1995 in Mexico City, with a mix of rock and rap and with only a couple of lineup changes in the beginning, the band is: Ismael Fuentes de Garay aka “Tito” (electric guitar, vocals), Miguel Ángel Huidobro Preciado aka “Miky” / “Huidos” (bass guitar, vocals), Juan Francisco Ayala Gonzalez aka “Paco”(bass guitar, guitar, vocals), Randall Ebright aka “Randy”/ “El Gringo Loco” (drums, guitar, bass, vocals). By the way, they sing/rap in Spanish, English and “Spanglish.”

I’ve always said that to me, they are the Frankenstein child of Rage Against The Machine + Bloodhound Gang + (you name it, there’s room for one more). This band is no stranger to controversy; at some point they were banned from Mexico because of their controversial lyrics that were either considered anti-government, LGBT insensitive or just plain disrespectful. Molotov is one example of a band that “made it” despite being denied radio play and promotion (for obvious censorship reasons).

For our audience, you may have not heard this name before, but since we have them here with us, please share with us: Who or what is Molotov? Tito- It’s a bunch of idiots and drunk asses (All laugh). We got together in 1995. TWO- 2 bass players, guitar player, drummer. We all sing or at least attempt to, rap and switch it up. We had no plans of doing anything long-term. 20 years later, here we are. Randy- (Proceeds to explain the Ambassador’s name and the Molotov cocktail) That basically describes the sound of the band. We are heavy on the rhythm section, the songs that we write and the way we sing we feel best describes the sound of our band. Yes, my friends face when I tell them is: “Wait, they have 2 bass players? Rhythm and lead bass player? The drummer switches to guitars and guitar to bass?” Randy- Then we have one bass player and Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 29

Tito- We won only one. Randy- We haven’t received the other ones. I turned mine into a saltshaker; I need the other ones for black pepper, another for tequila shots. You have played all over the Americas and Europe, but as far as Russia? Randy- Our first stint was back in 2000, as a band we hard a weird relationship with Universal. So we had a hard time playing in Europe, so let alone attempt to play in Russia. In 2010 we received an invitation for a show over there. Tito- “Rock the peace”. Allegedly the “peace” sign came from that area or town where we played because of weird street intersections. 2 guitars, it’s all fucked up. I am a fan of the “Breaking Bad” series, how did your song “Apocalypshit” make it into the series? Randy- I have no fucking idea Tito- I have no fucking clue! I was watching the pilot on a flight to a show and all of a sudden the song started playing, jumped out of my seat, went to Miky’s seat to show him and told him “Check this out!” Still have no idea how it did, but it’s fucking awesome, we love the series. I think it’s when they are escaping in the middle of the desert. Randy- So now I have to fish through the whole series to find it? I’ll buy you the first season now that the holiday specials are coming! Randy- THANK YOU!!!

Randy- How funny you were talking about Breaking Bad. My father was a DEA agent in Mexico City and he was there for a 3-year tour. I’m from Louisiana and I was down there and did not speak any Spanish. The only way I could communicate was through music. These guys (Miky and Paco) were at a show where I was playing with another band I had hooked up with. I was singing Rage Against The Machine, House of Pain, etc. as I played my drums. They needed a drum player, they invited me to join their band and a year later we started getting noticed by all the record companies and they started offering us record deals until we got signed. One thing leads to another and 20 years later, still in Mexico City for good old Randy. Now you are singing “Frijolero” (beaner) Randy- A huevo! (Mexican expression similar to “Fuck yeah!”) Grammy award wins, 4 times… Tito and Randy together- 5 times.

Randy- But if you’re Mexican you say it “Rock the piss”. We added shows around that and ended up filming a DVD and recording the live shows and released as “Desde Rusia con Amor” (From Russia with Love). Do you consider yourselves a political band? Especially your song “Gimme Tha Power” has become an anthem of protest for many movements and causes. Tito- We don’t intend to, other bands do clearly state that. We just defend freedom of speech like crazy, we just try to reflect the life in the city (Mexico City). Randy- Molotov is just a band that writes and sings about life. We are not afraid to talk about parties, girls, racial issues. We try to not push ourselves to write about things we haven’t experienced. I think it’s a lot more believable to see a band playing their own songs when it’s something they’ve experienced. At the end of the day we may talk about a break up or the government. By Enrique Nunez

Photos: Enrique Nunez

Now, MOLOTOV is a Grammy award winning band, a “Mexican” band and I’m sorry Randy (Ebright), I’m sure you get

this a lot, How did you end up being part of this band?

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TMX ---------------------------------------------------

New Zealand’s Deadliest Weapon By Raquel Figlo RNR: How did your band form? cool rock bars are far and few between. RNR: Who are your DevilSkin: We all come from musical influences that helped the same town in New Zealand, shape the band? called Hamilton. We knew each DevilSkin: We have different other from other bands that we played in. Jenny sent me a personal influences, but we like Pantera, Motley Crue, and demo of her first band. I do a Judas Priest. radio show back home. I was Jenny’s biggest fan for years. RNR: Where do you get your When I heard she didn’t have a inspiration to write your muband, I was on it. We were all sic? DevilSkin: The best works pretty good friends, so it came when we are all in the room together organically. We wrote together and we all bring ideas. some songs, it worked out, and We have chemistry when we so... now we are here! come together. RNR: Is there RNR: How do other places you a story behind the songs you have toured compare to New write? Zealand? DevilSkin: Our lyrics come DevilSkin: Australia receives from personal experiences. us well. We went to England When we share it with the and that was amazing. We got band, it feels right, and all pretty big in New Zealand, we comes together. can’t just walk through the bar when we play. When the album RNR: What does the future hold for DevilSkin? came out in New Zealand, straight to number one, things DevilSkin: Touring, then more got crazy really quick. We touring! The next album is toured a lot in New Zealand, in the works and we already working really hard, when the started recording it in England. last album hit, everyone wanted We are currently writing a lot of to be our friend, when before songs and getting the they shut us down. material together. We are very RNR: How is the New Zealand excited to be playing with Motrock scene? DevilSkin: It is a ley Crue and Alice Cooper later lot quieter back home. There this year! are only around 4 million people in the whole country, so the

Music Group.

Brandon, how has your diagnosis altered the way you approach playing your guitar? Can you tell us of any noteworthy fan-interactions? Before I began playing guitar my left hand was completely paralyzed due to Cerebral Palsy, with almost zero individual mobility of my fingers or strength in my fingers or hand.

How did it feel to win the Guitar Center and Rock N Roll Industries Battle of the Bands at Rockefellers? When I was finally able to get a guitar in my hands, it changed my life. So, to gain any sort of recognition from Guitar Center and Rock N’ Roll Industries is a big deal to me personally and a milestone in my It’s through my love of the instrument and career as a musician. my incredible drive and determination to On the heels of the Guitar Center win learn how to play and be successful that we signed with Lucent Records some I almost have full range of motion and truly pleasant surprises followed that moderate strength in my left hand. propelled us even further within both the I approach guitar from a songwriter and disability and musical community. The rhythm player standpoint. I down tune to end of 2014 found us sitting down with Drop C , CGCFAD. This allows me to play Nick J. Townsend for an interview in the 1 or 2 finger barre or flat chords and lets U.K Magazine, Ryan’s Gig Guide, where me focus more on the songwriting, not the we appeared on the cover in November. overwhelming aspect of having to learn Townsend, a musician in his own right my left hand to do the funny hand shapes connected us with Day Trippers, a non of traditional chords. profit organization based in the U.K that supports kids with disabilities. With Day The fans have been great and very welcoming. It really is amazing for us to see Trippers I became their 2015 Celebrity Ambassador. A write up of my story was others with disabilities, parents of those placed on their website announcing this in with disabilities and medical personnel that work with those with disabilities con- Feb. 2015. In that same time frame TMX stantly coming to our shows and giving us made a connection with United Cerebral their personal testimonies of how and why Palsy of Los Angeles, and in March I received their first Trailblazer award at their what we are doing by raising disability awareness is so important and how much major fundraising event Art of Care. At the same event we also exclusively debuted it means to them. It is truly humbling to the official trailer for the documentary be approached both after shows and in about my life, Mind Over Matter, presentpublic by people who see us as heroes. The influence of my own musical heroes ed by film maker Sebastien Paquet who lit a fire in my soul that got me where I am has worked for nearly a decade with the Grammy award winning band Korn. now and continues to move me forward. To be acknowledged as such by others is truly mind blowing. I only hope to live up to the standards my heroes have set before me and lay a path for others like me to find that fire inside themselves.

How do the rest of the band members feel about the motivation behind The Mendenhall Experiment? Each member of TMX stands behind our cause and purpose to raise disability awareness with 100% conviction. Believing in what we’re doing by raising disability awareness is important to make a positive change in the world. Photo: Enrique Nunez

You guys just recently got signed tell us about that experience. We officially penned a deal with Lucent Records on August 16, 2014, 6 years to the day that The Mendenhall Experiment played its first show in my hometown of Kankakee, IL. That was the very first time I played guitar on stage ever. If you had told me then that 6 years to that day I would be signing a record deal in Southern California, I would have told you that you were crazy.

What would TMX say is the most memorable show to date? What makes it the pinnacle of the band’s live performances? The most memorable show was playing the battle for Warped Tour finals at the House of Blues Anaheim. The band and the crowd fueled each other’s energy, it was electric. About a week after that show, we were contacted by Lucent Records and offered a deal landing us worldwide distribution through Universal

As a band, we hit another amazing career milestone in January 2015 as we performed at the Gibson Booth at as Gibson Artists at NAMM 2015. Not only was it a great honor, but it was a huge motivator for us to get the rest of our tracks laid down in the studio for our upcoming EP. Our diverse audience was hungry to get our music in their hands. In the studio, we’ve been hard at work recording new music for our self - titled EP with Chris Collier, due out this Fall via Lucent Records . Chris has become a personal friend and a huge supporter of our music and our message.

The press, in the states, has been very generous. There have been two front page articles to date from my hometown paper The Daily Journal, about my story and my music, as well as an article in The Burbank Leader, part of the L.A times. This press coverage has served as validation of the importance of our purpose and symbolizes the journey that is TMX. Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 31

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By Enrique Nunez

Woah! Did “Monsters Ball” just take me back to my teens and made me feel like I was listening to Pantera? The chorus chants: “No you can’t stop moving, no you can’t stop moving, no you can’t stop... this monsters ball! (It actually got me headbanging as I was writing this sentence). This track introduces us to “Take It Like A Man”, the new and second full-length Butcher Babies album to be released in August 2015 [Century Media]. BB have come a long way from playing the LA clubs- to the national and international festivals with many of the know and top international acts. Whatever the opinions of many are, there’s no denying that BB have made an international statement and “they have arrived”.

You present to us “Take it like a man”, the new “baby” with 5 parents known as the Butcher Babies. What crosses your mind now that you see (hear) the finished product? HEIDI- During the writing process of “Take It Like a Man”, I felt like I had so much to say. Word vomit doesn’t even begin to explain how much I had to say. Digging from suppressed emotions and memories, I pulled out situations that I swore I would never tell another soul. Then inevitably decided to open up fully and expose every inch of my being. From dealing with child abuse- to a 13 year self inflicted disease, I wanted to sing and scream about it all. Writing and performing for me is such a therapeutic experience that I really needed it. I needed to address these memories to confront them and overcome them. This new album gave me an outlet to turn some extremely negative experiences into a positive through music. Listening back to what we created, it’s a very emotional experience that has changed my life. I’m so proud of our second “child”. She’s going to grow into something really special! Carla: I get chills listening to our new record now. I am so proud of how much we have grown and what we have built. When we first finished and had to sign off on it, I had a little bit of a panic attack. I couldn’t let it go…I felt it was unfinished…what if it wasn’t good enough? What if a better take was yet to come? In the recording process you get overly attached to your work, but someone eventually has to say ENOUGH. I think after finishing, not listening for a week or so to the material (cleansing your palate) is a good thing because when you hear it again you listen with different ears. Henry - To be honest, there was a lot of apprehension going into this album. With Goliath, we had years of ideas and songs to choose from. We just had to pick and choose. This album was a blank page. We had an idea of what we wanted, but we were literally starting from scratch. What came out was deeper than any of us could have anticipated. We went in with completely open minds and explored wherever the music took us. We’re excited to share this with everyone.

You have stated before that “Goliath” took a lifetime to come to life. 34 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

How about this album? Where did the inspiration for this album/songs come from? HEIDI- After “Goliath” was released, we still had a lot to say. But, we also knew exactly what our fan base wanted to hear. After touring for 4 years straight, we knew that the crowd always reacts better to our thrashier/older music. So, going forward with this album, we wanted to bring back that sound. Which we were all very excited to do. During the writing process we were on tour a lot of the time. So on days off, we would rent a rehearsal space in random cities, unload our gear and write as much as possible. It was fun to be around each other constantly so if we had ideas, we could bounce them off of each other immediately. It was a great way to get things done quickly. Carla and I would sit together late at night and write lyrics. In a neat way, anytime Carla and I wrote separately, the subject matter would often be the same because we’ve gone through so many similar experiences. Whether it be in the past 8 years of us knowing each other or reverting back to our childhoods, we always seem to have the same emotions about experiences. We work so seamlessly together. Carla: The special thing about a debut album is that you have literally had your whole life to write it. Some of the lyrics even came from old journals that Heidi and I had written back in high school or even junior high. I advise anyone who has ever journaled to go back and look at some of the things they wrote at that age. You’ll find it very visceral and pure. Add in your adult take on life and you’ve got something very powerful. The inspiration for Goliath came from years of struggling to define ourselves as human beings. It is truly the story of these five misfit humans from different places and walks of life that found each other, smashed their ideas together and made a beautiful soundtrack to their becoming. For the new album, writing was different because we didn’t have the luxury of time. We had to write it in our spare moments on tour and then in the actual recording studio. Our lives had been kind of a whirlwind at the time however, so we were actually able to tap in to some crazy emotions to go even further than anything on Goliath. Henry - Our audience definitely was the true inspiration for this album. We wrote with them in mind. We are definitely a live band, and we wanted every song to full of energy and to be something you wanted to move and sing along to.

Did you record it here in LA? Did you record it between shows, on the road or did you just dedicate time to lock yourselves in the studio? What was the process like? HEIDI- The whole album was recorded in the Hollywood Hills. Which as a kid was a dream. To be in a successful band, tour the world, and record an album in the Hollywood Hills. Such a surreal experience to record/create music all day, then drive down the hill, overlooking Hollywood. The sun was usually setting as we would drive down the hill and the sight would sometimes take your breath away. It was such a gorgeous way to end a perfect day. Carla: We recorded “Take It Like A Man” In Los Angeles. We recorded with Logan Mader in the Hollywood Hills, and it was like going to a job every day…10 am to 6 pm. Most days all five us would be present hashing out ideas. I love being in the studio, I really enjoy the creative process and watching simple ideas become whole songs. Henry - We knew that with this album, we had to take advantage of any time available to write or record an idea. I would often use the voice recorder on my phone to sing musical ideas and catalog them in my phone to be worked out in my own personal studio. A few times a little what was created in that studio was actually good enough to make the album. There was a point during the writing process where we were on tour. I remember one night on a day off we all went to an Irish pub in some town in Pennsylvania. We each sat at the table with our laptops, headphones and a beer and wrote.

How about the people (unsung heroes) involved in making this a reality? Who are those that are with you day to day and help to make your show and art happen? HEIDI- We have such an amazing group of people that we work with. Whether it’s our representation or our touring team, we’ve been incredibly lucky to have such great people pushing this to be the best it can be. The album was a group effort from everyone. We are also very lucky because our label allows us to have full creative control. A couple of times, here and there, they would stop by and rock out to the new material with us. Logan Mader and his team are great as well. He really knew how to pull that raw energy out of us in the vocal booth. Our management, lawyer, agents, etc all checked in with us the whole time to hear the progress. It’s an amazing feeling to have your team have full trust in our ability. Our touring team is also just perfect. Between our sound

engineer, tour manager, tech and the band, we are all best friends. At one point our sound engineer told us that our new album is going to change our lives. Really cool to hear from a close team member. Carla: I think the unsung heroes that are involved in making touring and recording a success for us are our loved ones. You have no idea what they put up with; we are either absent from their lives or consumed by writing and recording when we are around. Yet, their unwavering support at the end of the day is essential and helps keep our heads together so that we can do this. Henry - So much has to happen from show to show. We couldn’t do what we do without our crew. We run a pretty small operation so everyone wears many hats in order to get things done. We all help each other out. But everything that happens on that stage wouldn’t exist without their hard work.

You have shared that this album is “more real and personal” because of the thoughts that have been imprinted in the lyrics. Are these songs a reflection of past experiences? Are they a “suppressed” outlet for past moments that have marked your life? Did you not have that opportunity before with Goliath?

HEIDI- With “Goliath”, these were songs that were written over our entire lives. Songs that developed over our lives. With this new album, I personally felt more comfortable in opening up completely. I felt vulnerable and honest. After releasing “Goliath”, I became such a different person. Much more open and positive, I had realized that this is my therapy. So, as stated before, it was incredibly important for me to dig deep inside and touch on emotions and situations that I had suppressed. I never wanted to talk about these certain things again. But as time went on, I knew that these experiences were subconsciously still affecting my life. So, like therapy, I needed to address them to over come them. Carla: Our lives were a bit of a whirlwind while writing this album so I think we were able to tap in to some new emotions. For instance we have a song that discusses the alienation we feel on the road and another song that talks about what it’s like when so many people want so much from you and your own life is out of control. How can you help them? How can you possibly be their god? At the same time, we got braver with the emotions we’ve felt in the past…while we scratched the surface with Goliath, we got very deep on Take it Like a Man. We are no longer holding anything back. One song in particular, Dead Man Walking, is very special to Heidi and I because we really got to unleash some very intense feelings we’ve struggled with since childhood. We ended up using one of the lyrics from that song to name our album Take it Like a Man.

Any favorite or memorable moments during the latest tours? HEIDI- I think one of my favorite moments was just last week at Hellfest in France. I looked out and saw 40,000+ jumping in unison to our music. Seeing all those people putting their horns in the air for “Jesus Needs More Babies For His Warmachine”. To have that many people in a foreign country that you’ve never played before singing along and engaging, is the most incredible feeling I’ve ever had. Carla: One of my favorite moments from this years touring was getting tipsy with the band, and literally interpretive dancing out our whole new album while our crew rolled their eyes. It was the first time we’d had a chance to “enjoy” the new album…it was the first time that we said as a team with overwhelming confidence, we did this…we made a great album! Henry - During the In This Moment Tour, we were touring in an old Eagle bus that was featured in Motley Crue’s “Home Sweet Home” video. The bus was so old that there was literally no one in the country that would work on it during the tour. We were having multiple issues with the bus during the tour and luckily our bass player is a skilled diesel mechanic. Well at one point on the way home our bus finally broke down in the middle of the desert outside of Albuquerque. Stranded, we debated what our next move was. It was memorial day and there was no one around. Minutes later, a pickup Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 35

pulls up. The man asked what the problem was and said he was a bus mechanic and had been working on an old Eagle bus all day. He was on his way home and we happened to break down in front of his house where he had all his tools. He fixed our bus and we were back on the road within a couple hours. Considering how lucky we were, we decided to buy lottery tickets that night. Unfortunately, our luck ended there. Henry- are any of your experiences found in any of the songs (lyrically)? If so, which? Henry - We boys do contribute to some of the lyrical content just like the girls contribute musical ideas. It is a collective effort from everyone. A lot of what we went through as kids can be shared among the band members. For me, Magnolia Blvd really hits home because like Heidi and Carla, I lived there too. We have all experienced the hardships of trying to survive in Los Angeles. This city can eat you alive and I’ve had many ambitious friends lose themselves and fail in this city.

I know trying to choose a favorite song from this album is like a parent being put on the spotlight to choose a favorite child. You know where I’m heading to... What’s your favorite song from this album (why)? HEIDI- My favorite is probably “Gravemaker”. This song has intense imagery that represents us being 100% transparent in who we are and how we live our lives. It has such a sexy groove to it as well. Reminds me of a song that people might put in a “sexy time” playlist. It’s very technical and is a departure from anything we’ve ever done before. Carla: My favorite song off the album is the Butcher. I love the way that Heidi and I combine our screams on that song…we’ve been harmonizing our screams…I’m very excited to do it live! Henry - I go back and forth with this one because you love your kids for different reasons. HA, but I would have to say collectively that “Gravemaker” is my favorite, simply because it is the most ambitious song we’ve created in my opinion. It’s dark, sexy and technically the best we’ve ever created. It’s been 2 albums since being signed to Century Media, I was at the Label Signing party (show) at The Roxy a couple of years 36 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

ago. Can you share with us a bit of how much have your lives changed over the last couple of years? Is there anything you miss from the “old days”?

biggest legends in the world. It’s been such a wild ride and sometimes I wonder who’s life I am living, cause it still seems like a dream.

HEIDI- Personally, I’m a much happier person than I was then. I’ve learned so much about myself over the years. Being around the world and on tour for the majority of time, I’ve developed such close relationships with my band and friends. I’ve learned about who to keep in my life and the meaning of real friendships. Since we aren’t around our homes in LA that often, we’ve lost a lot of friends that we thought we had but, built much more intense and meaningful friendships with each other and the ones we surround ourselves with. As an artist, I’ve grown as well. From my performance to my writing, I’m a much more mature musician.

Carla: This may sound basic, but I am most proud of us sticking together as original members and living this dream together. As I stated in earlier questions we have all had to sacrifice so much for this…so the fact that we made it together and that we have a great love and respect for one another is crucial to me.

Carla: It has been a crazy ride over the last few years and our lives have definitely changed. We have had to sacrifice so much to do what we do…houses, time with our loved ones, time for ourselves even…but sacrifice is essential in the early years of a band. If not each and every person in our band hadn’t sacrificed… if there was even one weak link….we wouldn’t be where we are today. Since 2012 we have learned how to live out of a suitcase, how to live eight or nine deep in a tiny RV or band wagon, how to deal with the pain of missing home and the people we love. The exchange has been touring the world and watching this thing that we built as best friends become an unstoppable machine. We are so grateful to be able to live the kind of life many dream of. Henry - I really don’t think we miss anything from the old days simply because we are still those curious, excited kids we were in the beginning. I think the only difference is we get to take that curiosity and excitement on the road to other cities and countries and that’s the best thing ever.

What do you feel is (or are) the biggest BB accomplishments so far? And if (all of) you had one more year to play music as you currently do. Where/what cities or festivals would you like to play and with who? HEIDI- I believe that completion of our sophomore album is our biggest accomplishment. Even though we’ve played in front of tens of thousands of people, having the opportunity to continue making music is a huge honor. It goes to show that we are doing something right. Supplying the demand for more music is the biggest compliment ever. If I, sadly, only had one year left (knock on wood) I would want to relive the past year. We’ve shared the stage with the

Henry - We love taking our accomplishments in small doses. We just played a small club in Hamburg, Germany. We’ve never been to Hamburg before and a bunch of people showed up to watch us on a Wednesday night. That’s a huge accomplishment to us. A few days later we played in front of thousands at Hellfest. We appreciate and are thankful for all of it.

I have recently seen both of you (Carla and Heidi) at the Sunset Strip in Hollywood. Every time we have crossed paths, you both have been kind to me (as media and fan) but I have also witnessed how other old and new fans approach you (even in your “fun” time) and you still say YES to taking a picture. Who were your first experiences when meeting a celebrity or “rockstar” you admire? Ever received a good word of advice from any of them? HEIDI- We have had the pleasure of meeting several of our idols. It still seems bizarre to have those opportunities. One in particular is Maria Brink. One night in Hollywood about 2 years ago, Carla and I wandered into some random underground bar that I had never seen before. As we walked down the stairs we saw Maria sitting with friends. We had met her several times at this point, but had never had the opportunity to actually chat. We sat with her and discussed being girls in the business, tour life, business and of course she dished us the best advise that I needed at that time. She told us to never read the comments online. That people want nothing more than to drag us all down and tear us from this dream that we’ve built. Only to make them feel better about not following their own dreams. From that moment, I decided that I would never let someone behind a keyboard define me. I will be the only one to define me. By my actions and my creations, they may judge me but, they will never define me. Carla: Our fans have shown us such amazing support from the time we were a baby band with a few crappy youtube videos up to now, at a time when we are playing European festivals in front of a crowd of 40,000….so the least we can do in return is say hi and take pictures! We

are so thankful….we will never take our fans for granted. I remember when I was a kid, I went to an Everclear show and saw Art Alexasis afterwards. I stopped him and told him that I wanted to move to LA be a musician too. He could’ve ignored me…but he pulled me aside and talked to me for nearly ten minutes about living my dream. I will never forget that as long as I live, how special that moment was to me and how much it fired me up. It is my duty I feel, to do the same

Do you still pinch yourselves at times and think “Woah, now I am on the opposite side and I’m giving autographs to fans”? “Now I am on the stage and a few years ago I was that railrat or that kid in the mosh pit”, What is it like to be the inspirations and heroes of many young people out there? HEIDI- Everyday! Several times a day! I grew up in the pit as that kid who just lived for that moment. There have been countless times when Carla and I will look at each other and the look on both of our faces is just “WHOA!” To think that we might have an impact on another kids life, is why we do this. To hopefully positively affect another person’s life is so important to us. That thought has also forced me to grow up a bit and make better life decisions. If I’m going to be any sort of a role model, it had better be a positive one. Carla: There are many times when I pinch myself…all of us our very humble and we are still giddy kids when we get off stage after a great show. The special thing about our band is that we all grew up genuine metal heads. Metal saved and shaped our lives so we know how powerful it is for the crowd. It is mind blowing to be told that I am an inspiration…so I have to honor that by being as honest with my music as possible. Henry - You can honestly put yourself in their shoes. It keeps you appreciating what you do because you know that you’re creating a memory that lasts for a lifetime. I remember when I was 12, I stood outside in the cold for an hour with my mom in order to meet Joe Satriani. I’ll never forget that moment as long as I live so when we see the excitement in our fans we know just how important it is for them and us.

You have come a long way from the “There will be blood” days, I remember those. A couple of my lens filters and flash diffusers suffered the consequences of being in front row at those shows. Will any of the “newer fans” ever see this or is that concept done for good? (Please note I am not mentioning

the nipple tape, well, I just did, haha). HEIDI- The “there will be blood” concept was great for the time it was around. We were bringing back the attire and attitude of Wendy O’ Williams and the Plasmatics. Also, hence the band name “Butcher Babies”. Which is named after “Butcher Baby” a song by Wendy O’. The message was loud and proud. As any band does, we have evolved and will continue to evolve. Who knows, maybe someday it’d make a brief comeback, but I really doubt it. A blood squirting bass is quite messy. Carla: I look back fondly on those “There will be blood” days and I always will. We certainly got people talking, and that’s why we are here today. However there came a time when we realized that we were really doing something special and that the band could really be a vehicle for a much bigger message. That was more important than keeping a blood squirting bass and nipple tape, haha. Henry - I’m sure we’ll dig up a few of those goodies here in the future. As far as nipple tape, I’ll be sure to wear it for you ;)

I have always wondered, Who are your favorite clothing brands for your stage attire? Heidi- Affliction Clothing, Peepshow Clothing, BlackMilk Clothing, Savage Shreds, Kate’s Clothing, Killstar Clothing and Sugarfix! Carla: I love Black Milk, Hazmat Design, Lindsay Hearts Leather and Peepshow clothing. They all make one of a kind clothing. I love the process of getting ready for a show, I love throwing on my studded shorts and getting in to character. Henry - Affliction has always done a great job with our attire. As long as it is black. Because black is metal.

What are your instruments of choice? Carla: Well obviously my voice…BUT I’m a closet bass player, haha. I dream of playing the bass. It has always been my favorite instrument.

Last but not least. Do you feel you made a name for yourselves at the Sunset Strip venues in West Hollywood? What do you think will happen now that music venues are closing down and there’s an apparent and imminent change in the music scene there? HEIDI- We were so lucky to catch the Sunset Strip in it’s last hours. The band was given so much opportunity there that helped us grow into the band we are today. With a lot of the legendary venues closing down, I do believe that there will be a resurgence in a different location. The rock won’t stop by a couple of venues shutting down. I guess it’s just time to start new traditions and legends. Rock is very much alive and other venues will become vied for by bands around the world. Carla: I definitely feel like we made a name for ourselves on the sunset strip. Heidi and were hashing it out on the strip in a cover band before Butcher Babies, doing sold out residency nights at places like the Viper Room and Roxy. Because of that, Butcher Babies had an instant following. We played our first show as Butcher Babies at the now defunct Cat Club and I’ll never forget how packed it was; there was literally no place for people to move. Metal Mondays at the Roxy were a great thing too… so many bands from that scene are doing well now because we all banded together to bring a scene back to the strip. We were making noise and the industry noticed and started sniffing around. It’s unfortunate that so many venues are closing down...people need music, they need the escape and young musicians need a place to play. I remember being a kid and seeing images of all of the bands giving out flyers on the Sunset Strip. That whole stretch was dedicated to rock n roll, and I wanted to be a part of it. By the time I was old enough to come to LA those times were long gone, but I feel that in tiny waves, it comes back. We cannot let these iconic places go…they are the essence of rock n roll. Henry - It’s hard to say if we actually made a name for ourselves there. We felt like we graduated from there and went off to college (tour) and haven’t really been back since! I hope the scene just moves next door, but doesn’t change. The Hollywood music scene has such a proud heritage and I’d hate to see that go away!

Henry - I play only Ibanez guitars, Randall amplification, Dunlop strings.

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videos. Who is the master mind behind the vision? Christos: My brother, he is in charge. He studied the Fine Arts and created this material. RNR: Who are you most fanatic fans? Christos: Mexico has the most fanatic fans because they wait for you at the Airport, they sell your bootlegs outside of the club and they are crazy all together! I like playing there, so it is ok!

Interview with Christos Antoniou By Raquel Figlo RNR: what bands influenced you before starting your band in 1990? Christos: In that time we were listening to bands like Death, Iron Maiden, Morbid Angel, and Paradise Lost. We tried to filter our influences in a good way. We didn’t want to copy these bands. We wanted to do something unique during that time; we tried to make a sound that had a distinctive identity. We rehearsed, made demos and then we found our first label and we started to release some albums.

RNR: How did the band start? Christos: My brother Antonio and I started the band in Athens in March of 1990. We didn’t tour a lot during that time because I had to go to England to study classical music. My brother went to school to study the Fine Arts. We didn’t have time to tour, it was tough. In 2008 we released “Communion” and we 38 38 Rock Rock N N Roll Roll Industries Industries Magazine Magazine

started to tour all over the world, America, Europe, Australia, and Japan. This is the second phase of Septicflesh and that is to tour a lot. You have to tour or else you don’t have a chance! RNR: What was the highlight the second time around? Christos: Tours and good albums since 2008. It is a luxury to be able to play with the orchestra in our music. We have a good name for symphony death metal. RNR: what got you into classical music? Christos: I studies classical music late in life. I started playing the electric guitar at 13 years old I had a band at 17. After I listened to the “Rite of Spring” by Igor Stravinsky I said I wanted to be a composer. So at 17, I started to learn music theory. I went to England for my Bachelors and Masters Degree in the orchestra composition. I followed this path and did it correctly. RNR: How did you get the orchestra involved in your music? I have not heard many bands that incorporate an orchestra like you do. Christos: The main reason is because I have studied classical music. It is different to hire an orchestrator. An arranger also might not understand the band. I know better how the band works and how we would want to incorpo-

rate it as a team. It is difficult to combine metal and the orchestra, but we know metal and so it has been great! RNR: The last album made a difference in the metal community because of the Prague orchestra that you brought in during Titan and Communion. What encouraged you to bring in 32 players and 81 singers? Christos: This orchestra has the best musicians from all over the Czech Republic. They are directly from the national opera, the philharmonic orchestra of Prague. It is a luxury to have the orchestra but it is not about the numbers. It is good to have this huge impressive sound but you need to know how to write for an orchestra. That is why I say for us it is something that comes from inside. We will continue with them because they are amazing and have amazing interpretation. RNR: Your album covers are dark and artistic just like your

RNR: What do you think of the American death metal scene? Christos: I like it a lot. The crowd is different from Europe because it is more dangerous here. The people here are aggressive! RNR: What does the future hold for Septicflesh? Christos: It is going to be a bright future, we are going to create good albums, be focused, and tour as much as we can.

LoNero by Bash Polk

Where is your band located and how did you form? We are located in Santa Clara, CA. The band formed in support of my solo CD that I recorded with Stu Hamm, Gigi Gonaway and Mike Mangini. I needed to put together a band to perform live with. We’ve gone through many permutations of the band, but now it is the most solid and definitely most successful version of the band. Everyone gets along really well and we are all focused on one thing and that’s making great music that we are proud of.

Neil Zlozower AtlasIcons.com

How many CDs do you have out? We have three CDs including my solo one (“Slather”, “Relentless” and “J.F.L.”) and are currently finishing up our latest “The Defiant Machine” (which will hopefully be out by the time this goes to print). Tell me about your new album “The Defiant Machine” is the definition of what we term “Guitarcore”. This is an instrumental album, but it isn’t about wanking or audible masturbation. It’s about songs, It’s about rhythms, about punching the listener in the face (in a good way). It’s about spanking their ears and waking them up. The new CD is a cross between Dream Theater, Joe Satriani and Killswitch Engage. So, very heavy, yet still melodic. One of the highlights on this CD for me was that Joe Satriani loaned me one of his guitars to do some recording. I was in a creative rut and needed some inspiration. Not sure if his mojo was still on the guitar or if I tricked myself into thinking it was but either way it worked and I’m very grateful to him for that. Will there be any promo for the new CD? Yes! We just finished a video for our song “Burning of Ideals” which we filmed on the U.S.S Hornet aircraft carrier in Alameda, CA. The Hornet was

the ship that recovered Apollo 11 after the first moonwalk. It was also the recovery ship of Apollo 12. It served in WW2 as well as Vietnam. It is one of the most decorated naval ships of all time. It was an absolute honor to film our video aboard such a historic landmark. We also shot our promo photos with legendary rock photographer and one of my best friends Neil Zlozower for the “The Defiant Machine” aboard the Hornet. Being able to shoot with Neil is definitely a dream come true. He’s always been my favorite photographer and you can always tell his photos. There’s a reason why he’s the best. He has “the eye”. Whenever possible, I always have Neil shoot our photos.

com/LoNeroMusic), YouTube (www.YouTube. com/LoNeroMusic) and Instagram (LoNero_the_ Band)

Do you have anything you’d like our readers to know? First off, I’d like to say thank you for taking the time to read this. Secondly, I’d like to say thank you for supporting independent music. Independent artists depend on you, the listener, to be successful. Without you there is no live music scene. It’s up to all of you to make sure that live music doesn’t disappear. Unfortunately for a lot of artists, the cost of touring is just too enormous to overcome. When you factor in van rental, hotels, food, fuel, equipment repairs etc, it can run into the thousands just to do a reWill you be heading out on tour in support of gional tour. A lot of venues feel like they don’t have the new CD? to pay the artists to perform at their club because th, Yes. May 30 2015 we start our North American in their words “we don’t have a budget to pay you tour in Mexicali, Mexico with guitar legend Tony but the exposure will be good”. Well that’s a bunch MacAlpine and will then head up the West Coast to of bullshit. Musicians are just as worthy to be paid Seattle and then back down and across the lower as the door guy, the sound guy, the bartender and U.S. and up over to Massachusetts.. In October the janitor. In no other profession would this kind of 2014 we went out with Tony across the U.S. as treatment be tolerated and it shouldn’t be tolerated main support and he asked us to go back out with in the music industry either. So, if you want live him and we just couldn’t say no. We had such an music to stick around then support your favorite amazing time with him and his band and crew. They bands. Go see them live, buy some merchandise at are not only amazing musicians but they are incred- a show (because most of the time the merch is the ible people and a joy to be around. I used to listen only way the band makes money on the road), LEto Tony when I was 16 and he was always one of GALLY download their music and help spread the my favorite guitarists. To tour with him now as main word. Music can be spread faster than ever now, support is mind-blowing. but people have become so desensitized to social networking that they rarely network anymore. Live music is the one last vestige of emotion that the Where can our readers find your music and musician can convey the way he or she originally more about you? intended the artist to hear it in its raw format. There Our music is available in all the usual places such as iTunes, CD Baby, etc. You can visit our website is no other feeling like standing in front of a stage and seeing and hearing an artist pour their heart out at www.LoNero.net or add us on Twitter (www. Twitter.com/LoNero), Facebook (www.Facebook. to you. Don’t let that feeling die. Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 39

How are you guys and what brings you to Sam Ash? Kimberly: Blackstar Amps brought us to Sam Ash. We just did an in-store clinic. Which basically means we blasted out four songs. We love Blackstar, I’ve been playing the HT 100 Metal amp on tour and totally loving it. So, we decided to come here and show it off today, talk about it with everyone who came. Tell me about The Witches Tour? Jason: It’s 40 dates all across the country. We started off in Colorado, went down to Texas, Florida, New Orleans, then went up to Tennessee. We did the East Coast, we did the Mid-West. We just did a bunch of shows in the Southwest. Now we got six California shows. Tell me (so far) which state has been the wildest and craziest for you. Jason: Well, you got arrested one time in Dallas. That was a pretty crazy show.” Kimberly: Yeah, the signature on that bail bond was a very expensive signature. Jason: Well, you know, basically, some guys got out of line and she knocked them out and got an assault charge. Kimberly: Yeah, I was charged with assault for that. Apparently what you’re supposed to do is cry for help while they rape you or assault you. But, that’s not really how I do things. That didn’t go over so well. What would your suggestion be for a lot of people who actually experience that? Kimberly: Man, fight back! Defend yourself. Don’t let people push you around. I’m not a violent person. I would never start a fight or anything. I’ll walk away from a lot of things, but if there’s someone hurting you and you feel like you’re in danger, you strike back. That would be my suggestion, whether it’s against the law or not, you defend yourself. Especially, a lot of girls out there, we’re always told to be ladylike and be polite and take a lot of crap that we don’t need to take. I bet as a musician, you’ve experienced a lot of things that are harder than any male musician, right? Kimberly: “Well, it’s a different world for sure. We all go through things. We all have our hardships. I know a lot of the guys that I’ve played with have come up in some hard times. Being a girl in this business has definitely had its challenges. I feel like I’m very lucky to have not been in more trouble than I have been with the law, just over having to strike back sometimes just to defend myself.” Are you writing a song about it?

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Kimberly: Yes, “Roses” is about that. Actually we have a couple of songs that’s coming out that are along those lines. “Fight” is about walking away from something. I think a lot of my songs are about that. I did experience being bullied when I was younger and being a female musician, I’ve experienced some bullying and assault that I’ve had to deal with and I’ve written about that. I’m lucky enough to have Jason around. He’s got these big muscles (Points at his muscles). Nobody messes with Jason. We had to go out to the bus for something. We were parked a few blocks from the venue. I was standing on one side of the street and Jason walks across the street to get into to the bus to get something, closes the door. A weirdo just comes straight for me and you know, you see them kinda coming at you, they’re gonna approach you in some way. It’s only when you’re there standing alone, you a girl, standing alone. Jason comes out of the bus and starts walking around the street and he kinda just went right on his way. I was like, “Aww, that was nice. Muscles. I gotta get some of those (muscles). Tell me about the new CD. I did hear that it was inspired by an actual witch. Kimberly: It’s a concept album about the Salem Witchcraft Hysteria of 1692. True story, something that happened here in the U.S. before it was the U.S. Basically, people of Salem Village, Massachusetts in 1692 were super hardcore Puritans, which is a very oppressive religion. You had to punish yourself for your sins. You had to constantly be afraid of the devil, literally coming to town and making your children sick. Anything that ever went wrong was the devil because they didn’t know about science. Or God punishing you. You were always in fear of going to Hell. You couldn’t sing unless you were in church. Kids could really play with toys. It was just very oppressive. When people are under that much pressure, sometimes they just pop. That’s basically what I think happened in Salem Village, Massachusetts. People just started freaking out. These young girls began (out of nowhere) acting demon possessed, having fits, and running around, these were always very well-mannered children. Those Puritan children had to be perfect. Not even really have fun. They started totally freaking out, barking like dogs. They were under a lot of pressure. They started accusing certain women in the town of afflicting them. These women were apparently witches who could control the girls, appear as specters and change form. Everybody bought it. That’s how the witch trials happened. A lot of people were executed in these trials. It was a massacre, men and women over whatever it was that these girls were doing. It’s a very sad tale.

If you listen to the album, it’s that story told from a lot of different perspectives. It’s told from the girls’ side, It’s told from the villagers’ side, It’s told from the executed peoples’ side. The one that I actually started writing the album about was a lady named Mary. She was one of the people executed. She plead her innocence until the very end. It’s like a tribute to those people. The people who were executed were the ones who would not further the hysteria by pointing out other “witches” in town. They were not willing to kill their neighbors to save their own necks literally. I read Mary’s story and that’s all I knew about her. I wrote a song called, “A Rope for Mary” to pay tribute to her. I felt like her story needed to be told. I kept reading and writing. More songs came out. Then all of a sudden you have a whole album. I wasn’t going for that. We already had an album we were supposed to put out. It was very inspirational. It just poured out. Next thing we knew, we had this “Witches” album. We had been writing all this acoustic music. It all came together with that. It was very natural. We didn’t set out to write an album, just kinda had to. Tell me a little about your endorsers? Jason: We have a lot of different cool musical instruments companies that we’ve been working with. We just started working with Blackstar. This amp is amazing. It’s an HT Metal 100. It just sounds super metal. A lot of the higher end boutique amps they try to make their own sound. This amp, you plug it in and play it, and you’re like, “That’s what Metal is supposed to sound like!” It almost has a vintage flavor to it. Built in Reverb, sounds awesome. I play Crush Drums right now. Crush is awesome! Besides sounding really good, they have so many different cool designs. I actually asked for a blackbird on my kit. All the lights and LEDs just shine right through the drum set. The Zion cymbals didn’t break the whole tour so that was great. Kimberly: I play Tregard Guitars. I actually have my signature line. So you can also have a guitar just like the one I play. I’ve been with Tregard for many years now. I haven’t found a guitar that I like more than the ones they make just for me. It plays really well. It’s got the most buttery action that you’ve ever played. My guitar is made to be extremely lightweight. It’s carved down as much as possible because I’m teenie-weenie and I will break my back playing 40 date tours with a heavy guitar. I like a light guitar that still that’s really solid. I use Seymour Duncan and Vader pickups so those come stock in my guitar. Grover tuners-‘ I have two outputs, two jacks so I can switch if I need to. A long time ago, before I had a guitar endorsement, I would just use whatever guitar I could get from a Pawn Shop and modify to

how I liked it. I was playing a show, and we were in this long tour were we played every night, and my gear is getting hit hard by the bumps in the road. My output went out on me on stage in the middle of a song. I had to totally switch guitars and stop the whole show. So, I thought if I ever get the chance to actually design a guitar, I’m gonna have a backup output jack. As simple and as silly as that sounds, and I haven’t had to actually use it yet, but if I need to, it will be there.

Photo: Enrique Nunez

By the way, to end this, we have chosen you to be the Rock Vixen. It’s a first featured in a new column. Would you leave us with a message for girls who are trying to make it in the industry? Kimberly: Whatever it is that you want to do, what you’re passionate about, what inspires you, do it- don’t listen to the haters, keep your chin up, be strong, and stick to your guns. Don’t cave to what anybody else wants you to do. Just be you. I’m proud of you. By Angelica Ulloa

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NME RIFA: Keeping it Brutal

By Raquel Figlo

Your lyrics are about hardship and life struggles. Where do you get your inspirations from? N.M.E: It definitely comes from personal experiences. We chose to write about what we know. Most people can relate to what we are talking about and for those who don’t, we paint an image that triggers those brain cells. Dino from Fear Factory describes your music as “social awareness and street political lyrics,” is this an accurate description? N.M.E: Yes, it’s a pretty accurate statement. We recognize that there are problems or issues in society and we speak on it. People often get caught up in our own bubbles that they can’t see others around them. Our music and lyrics paint a harsh reality. We take you into the minds of 6 individuals who come from a very hard up bringing. Our lyrics describe our lifestyle both from street and media. The most valuable commodity we know of is information. What is the bands relationship with Psycho Realm? N.M.E: We have a very close relationship from sharing the stage to writing music. We are good friends outside the studio and are a part of the Rebel Music Group (RMG) family. RMG is a musical movement, which consists of groups who continue to provide the raw non-radio friendly style of music. How does your music in taste influence your writing?

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N.M.E: When we write music we tune everything out. We cancel out listening to music completely. We start with a blank mind and create something unique and completely different each time. We feel that if you are listening to your favorite CD or radio stations day in and day out you’re going to end up sounding just like that. N.M.E has opened up for hip-hop artists, metal and death metal bands. Which show in each genre was the craziest in regards to the size of the mosh-pit and/or over all vibe? N.M.E: We can’t deny that the metal and death metal shows are always hardcore, intense and full of energy. One in particular was at the Whisky on Sunset, with Asesino. The place was jammed packed, the pit was going off and it looked like a riot broke out because people we’re being tossed around and girls bleeding from elbows to the face. Security was trying to contain the crowd, but was unsuccessful and this show got us banned from ever playing the Whisky again! Lately, we’ve been involved in performing at a lot of Hip Hop shows, at first we didn’t know what to expect and we asked ourselves, “will the crowd like us? What’s going to be their reaction?” We can honestly say, the hip hop shows have been some of best shows we’ve ever done because of the amount of energy and support the fans have at every show is overwhelming. When did you get signed with Sullen Musik? N.M.E: We met Jeremy Hanna in 2012 at an event Sullen put together, we had mutual friends, but we never met before then. We

briefly discussed future goals for the band and what the group could provide for Sullen Musik. Later that year we signed with Sullen Musik and released our first album. It’s been a blessing to be apart of a label who backs you 100 hundred percent. How is being on Sullen Musik different from being on previous labels? N.M.E: Sullen Musik is very supportive of anything we do and we have come a long way since becoming part of the Sullen family and it’s just the beginning. Is there any upcoming albums, tours, and appearances? N.M.E. We are currently recording our second album and it will feature a list of top artist appearances that will NOT disappoint! We recently shot a video for a song we did for Sullen Clothing, it’s our way of saying thanks for believing in what we do and it will be released soon. May 3rd you can catch us along with Psycho Realm in Orange County at the Observatory for the “Psycho de Mayo” festival, you definitely don’t want to miss this one. Is there anything N.M.E would like to tell their fans that they have not already shared? N.M.E: Big shout out to the fans that are supporting our movement who are at every show and it’s because of support like that; we can continue to do what we do.

Paul, David and Matt from St Ridley visited us at our RNR booth at NAMM. How are you guys doing? What are you up too? David- Everything is good, just loving NAMM and enjoying California. Talking to some vendors and trying to work our magic. Enjoying California? Sounds like you don’t have this awesome weather back home. But you are missing members here today, right? Paul- Yeah, we’re missing a couple members, they are enjoying the snow! Ha ha we are from Michigan and it gets cold there. How did the band start? What’s your concept? Paul- I started the band while going through a lot of bad stuff, losing my dad and then went through a terrible divorce. I started singing and playing guitar and working with Matt, he’s the owner of 37 Studios in Michigan. He helped me produce the album and initially started helping us with some drum work but became a full-time member. Matt- Yeah, we’ve been working on this band for about two years, its been a different incantation but it is taking shape. You guys have been through some line up changes, right? Paul- Apparently some people are afraid to go on tour and well you can’t take them. David is our second guitarist and at this stage of the band it feels good. Mat and I are original members. What were or are your musical influences? Paul- Pantera, Mudvayne, some of the Seattle scene like Nirvana and Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, lots of power metal. Matt- Anything from Jimmy Eat World to Meshuggah, from Deftness and on. We bring a lot of different elements. But the basis of the band ends up being heavy, true heavy music without boundaries.

Photo: Winnie Flugger

David- Lots of punk, trash, metal. Anything heavy and hard. Also, we have a video online of our song “Who I am” off the first album, it’s live concert footage from a couple tours we did. And here’s our baby… (points at Paul who gave us a free cd). Paul- This is “Fool Or A King”, you can find it on Itunes, Amazon and anywhere you can find it digitally. It was done at Matt’s 37 Studios. I am not allowed to say but we have a huge tour opportunity coming up, we will share when we are able too and also Europe soon. We are definitely open for bigger and better things. We are all about the live shows, so come out and see us! Enrique Nunez Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 43

What’s coming up for September Mourning these days? Are you still working on the album? September- We are finished with the album and will start releasing music in the summer. Your shows are not typical. You are very theatrical and people love that, your fans are called “children of fate”, right? September- Basically it is an empowerment statement. I coined that term when writing a song, basically it’s about getting fear out of your life and being the controlling factor of your own fate and destiny. That’s what we are here to do, to empower people through music and theatrics. We’ve crossed paths at NAMM and you always catch people’s attention, a beautiful gal dressed in white with four mysterious and dark men guarding her, must be quite a challenge to approach you. Ha ha! I also noticed you attend Comic Con, correct? September- Yes, we’ve released a comic with our storyline and it’s part of the September Mourning image.

Who is portrayed in the comic and where can we find it? September- All of us. You can follow it live and trough all social media and SeptemberMourning.com What band would you like to tour with? All members- White Zombie, Avenged Sevenfold, Slipknot, A Perfect Circle… September- I don’t know, there’s so many of them! I love Muse, 30 Seconds To Mars, Motionless In White… even Lady Gaga, depending on the genre that we would be following. We are going to be running a campaign for the comic book to engage all the fans and media, we’ll start sometime in May. Well, it’s almost time for the show but I wouldn’t want to end this interview without making mention of how ALL of you made your way downstairs and outside the venue to meet up with a fan of yours who couldn’t be at the show, she is underage, but I definitely saw how excited and the impact you made by making the time to go for a super quick meet and greet, picture included. That was very nice of you all and really makes an impact in your fans.

Photo: Enrique Nunez

n the Christian tradition, the mourning is over on Easter Day. On April 5th, it was obviously not September and we were not mourning, just catching up with September Mourning.

Enrique Nunez

SKINMASK What could be better than a shock rock band with face-paint in Hollywood on Friday the 13th? Los Angeles area 5-piece Skinmask took the stage for their middle slot at Club Loaded on Hollywood Blvd, and they did not disappoint. They ripped through 7 songs with pro-lighting and smoke to make for a very entertaining set. Singer Andre Laz had the confidence and presence of a veteran front man. The highlight of the evening was a great rendition of the W.A.S.P. classic “Animal / Fuck Like a Beast”. The band has already released an E.P. and their video for the single “Day After Day” can be viewed on YOUTUBE. They are using their website to help “Crowd Fund” a new album. This band is worth the price of admission. I look forward to seeing them on a larger scale as they continue to tour and grow. Be sure to check them out and their upcoming shows at: skinmask.net 44 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

Norco Arthur

by NorcoArthur

Freddy Negrete Four-Fifteen-G By Raquel Figlo

What began your fascination with tattoos? Negrete: When I was a kid I grew up in a foster home, I started getting in trouble and running away. When I was 12, I was in a holding cell in juvenile hall waiting to see a judge with a 17-year-old Cholo with tattoos all over. I was amazed at this guy because he was so hard and tough. I didn’t think he would talk to me because I was a surfer kid, but I started asking him about his tattoos. He told me how to make a homemade tattoo with a needle, thread and Indian ink. When I got out, that night I put a tattoo on myself with my sister’s mascara.

Photo: Taddow

Tell me about the three years you spent at Tamarack? What did you learn there that influenced your future? Negrete: Tamarack was a holding cell for hard-core whites. They would send us to youth authority for a 90-day observation. It was like a dungeon, it was crazy. We were so hardcore they had a policy; as long as we didn’t kill each other they would bring us pornography and let us tattoo. Prison tattoos were always hand poked and around the 1970’s, tattoo artists learned how to make homemade tattoos. We got the plans on how to tattoo from another prison and the guards brought us ink! I tattooed everyday and got really good at it. They let you out a year early because they believed you could make a career out of tattooing. What did you do when you got out? Negrete: I used to tell the staff that I didn’t need to be there and they should send me to the parole board to be let out early so I could open a tattoo shop. One day the guards told the board members that I was such a good artist. They didn’t say I tattooed, they said I changed my ways so much that I could get out and be a success. As soon as I got out, I set up my homemade tattoo shop and started tattooing the neighborhood boys. This was around the time Goodtime Charlie opened up in East LA, and I eventually got a job there. Jack Rudy, Ed Hardy, and I pioneered the black in gray prison style in those days.

Were you ever sad in jail? Negrete: I was a pretty hardened gangster, thug guy. I never had any plans to live any other kind of life. I was pretty certain I was going to be in prison for the rest of my life. I was so young, I was a bad boy and I was not afraid to do time in prison. Getting out to me was an opportunity to try to get away with more stuff. To get caught was the game. My attitude really did change when I saw I could do something with my tattooing. When I got a job as an artist, I was one of the best artists in the tattooing industry at the time; it changed my attitude. Having worked at two of the most famous tattoo shops, Good Time Charlie’s and Shamrock, what have you learned from each experience?

Negrete: I am always learning. We introduced this new style in the 70’s; it was unique and changed the whole face of the industry. Not just the black and gray, but what I was doing with Ed Hardy and Mark Mahoney. Our goal was to push tattooing as an art form and to get people to realize that. To be able to see that vision come true has been a blessing. Since more innovative people and talented artists come into tattooing they add more to it. I decided to be teachable and I am willing to learn from the younger people. People always say, “For being an old school tattoo artist, you tattoo a lot like the new school guys.” I take that as a compliment because I don’t want to stay the same, I wanted to learn and get better. I was always on the cutting edge and I want to remain there no matter how old I get.

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What can you share with the young tattoo artists that look up to you? Negrete: It is important to stay focused on the good part of tattooing and that is creating art. Also, try and stay drug free because you just can’t win with that shit. What are your thoughts on the tattoo culture today? Negrete: I just love being a part of it all. These young artists are all my friends and I don’t see an end anytime soon. At first, when I started seeing all the TV shows around tattooing, I was concerned it was going to be commercialized to death. Something becomes so popular it becomes unpopular. Tattooing is an underworld; it has a dark side to it. As long as it remains a commitment and has that dark side I have confidence it will stay popular.

In the ten years that you worked on movies, what were some of the highlights of your experiences? Did any actors end up getting real tattoos from you? Negrete: Yes, some people got real tattoos from me like Billy Bob Thornton and Danny Trejo. I always took my tattoo kit to sets. After the movie Blood in Blood Out, I got my screen actors card. Danny Trejo fixed me up with his agent who would continuously get me sinister characters. He sent me out to read all these different parts, but every time I went out, Danny would be there! Every Chicano actor would be there and they mostly wanted Danny because he had the most experience. I got parts here and there, but I liked showing up as the tattoo guy because people would get more excited and happy! How did you get into rap music? Negrete: When I first started listening to gangster rap, N.W.A. was the only group singing about stuff we could relate to because we were real gangsters. That was our life style. That’s when I first started liking rap. My homeboys and me used to rap to beats. When I used to work at Tattoo Mania, I would tattoo Jodeci, Boys to Men, TLC, and Bobby Brown back then in the late 80’s. I met Eazy-E through Jodeci and I tattooed him. I asked if he would ever want to produce Chicano rapper. He asked for a demo tape and if he liked it he would produce it. Right after that, he died. How did you meet Chris Gunn, your long time music producer?

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Negrete: I opened my tattoo shop in Santa Barbara and one day this R&B singer names Raja Nay walks in to get tattooed and she brought her boyfriend Chris Gunn with her. I had the demo I was going to give Eazy-E, and when Chris said to me he produced music, I played him my demo. He liked it and we eventually did a couple underground albums together. Living in Santa Barbara I started getting into the rock scene. I started thinking Chicano rap would have a better opportunity on rock n roll music than funk music. No one ever takes Chicano rap on funk music seriously. I started talking to Chris about it but the only music he ever made was funk, but I said we should give rock a try. So we did a double album, signed with Tyson Beckford and had Time Warner as the distributor. Tyson had all these issues; I started using again, another example of almost making it. The label became bankrupt and Time Warner didn’t want to pick us up Instead they wanted to buy songs, but I wasn’t down for that. It got discouraging but I continued to make music.

What is something you know now that you wish you knew then? Negrete: Most of it would be staying sober. When I look back at my life, I did a lot of things like working in the movie industry; I designed tattoos for big movies. I was the first tattoo artist they let on the set to do tattoo work. I have been doing music for years and I have always tried to do creative, artful things but I could never make it to the top. When I look back, drugs and alcohol was involved in some way with every failure, every family breakup, every destroyed relationship, and every time I went to jail. Alcoholics don’t see it; drug addicts see it a little bit more. Alcoholics don’t see it because they see breaking or losing their phone every time they go out as normal, but when you think about it, it’s alcoholism. Drug addiction can turn a person into a loser and if I could do everything over again, I would stay sober and focused.

How did you get involved with Sullen Musik? Negrete: I got sponsored by Sullen for my art work. I designed a T-shirt for them. Jeremy was really cool. He had a lot to do with the later part of my career by introducing me to other artists, focusing on getting better, learning new styles, and new techniques. When he started Sullen

Musik, I told him that I had been rapping for years. He listened to some of my stuff and I said if he likes it that maybe we can make an album. He listened to it, liked it, and signed us up to his licensing deal. I want to say, I really like how it is working out. There is so many people making music and only half of them get a record deal, but I like being able to license my product, put it on iTunes, making a video and producing the album. If people like it fine, promote it. If no one listens to it fine, listen to it yourself (laughs). You have the opportunity NOT to have to rely on someone else. What does 4FifteenG stand for? Negrete: 4-Fifteen is a police call for a disturbance of the peace. For instance, if there was a loud party that would be a 4-fifteen-M, music too loud. If it was gangsters fighting in the streets that would be a 4-fifteen-G, gangsters involved. What inspires you to write your music? Negrete: Some of it is about being a gangster and love gone wrong. The new album, however, has songs about ISIS and organized religion. I have a lot against murdering people in the name of religion. We need to complete one more song; we have a video already completed that will be out by August. When the second album is done we will put a band together and do some live shows. I like creating music; I will never stop. I write the lyrics to all my songs when I am in the studio and not before. You feel the magic in the studio when everyone comes together, I like that feeling.

Three Days Grace is an alternative metal band out of Ontario Canada. Due to unfortunate circumstances the band parted ways with their lead singer in 2013. However, this was not the end for Three Days Grace. In early 2014 they officially announced that Matt Walsh would be taking over as lead vocalist. Matt was the lead singer of My Darkest Days and is bassist Brad Walsh’s brother.

I had never seen Matt perform live at all let alone with a band that has a reputation and a history that he has only added to recently. He performed excellently, not only singing the new songs they have written together, but all of the old favorites as well. The stage was intricately arranged with ramps leading up to the drum riser and Matt used every inch of it. He was energetic and Matt has played multiple shows as the new passionate keeping the crowd excited and lead vocalist of Three Days Grace. The rowdy for their entire set. I was impressed most recent was in Southern California was with the entire band’s stage presence and at the Riverside Municipal Auditorium for musical abilities and I would recommend X103.9’s Spring Break Luau. They played seeing them anytime they are in town. with a local band out of Redlands, CA – The band’s most recent album, Human, Inside Riot and South Carolina’s nu-metal was released on March 31, 2015.

Photos: Matt Upton

By Bash Polk

band – Isander.

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Shock Rocker Rob Zombie Shook The Walking Dead All Night Long in New Orleans, Louisiana during it’s short Summer Tour at the Civic Theatre on Tuesday, June 2, 2015.

favoritism to kid rocker, Christian Larson (age 6), by giving him a guitar lesson, also let the kid rock out on stage, and made sure he was sent home with plenty of Zombified memorabilia.

Zombie emerged from a coffin, singing into a skull-shaped microphone, Screamin’ Jay Hawkins, “I put a spell on you.” The spell was definitely on as smoke bombs went off. The Zombie Horror Picture Show featured hulking black and white backdrops of cult classic horror film monsters, demon microphone stands, an elevated drum set, several costume changes, and madness.

The Rob Zombie stage was chaotic and enchanting. The lust was real as some, who looked as if they had just dug their way out of the ground, jumped the gates over security to get closer to hell.

The sold-out show at the Civic was much smaller than Zombies usual venue, which allowed much closeness between the crowd and their master, the creator of White Zombie, and Rob Zombie, who strolled and zombie-danced back and forth stage getting personal with New Orleans. “It’s been a long time. A really long time. I don’t think I’ve been here for 20 years! Let’s party!” Rob Zombie hadn’t played a solo show in New Orleans since the Merry Mayhem tour at the New Orleans Arena in November 2001, and his last White Zombie show was at UNO Lakefront Arena in 1996. The longing for Zombie, set the Civic Theatre on fire. Rob Zombie’s setlist included a stellar mix of solo Rob Zombie, White Zombie, and covers “Blitzkrieg Bop” by Ramones and “Enter Sandman” by Metallica which seemed a crowd pleaser as just about everyone sang along.

The outstandingly high energy, theatrical, and entertaining shock rocker amused his begging fiends with “Dragula”, then jumped off stage onto the crowd, giving many, orgasmic delight, as he ended the show singing the White Zombie anthem “Thunder Kiss ’65.” Well damn. What better city for Rob Zombie to entertain, known for it’s cemeteries of raised graves, Zombies, and Voodoo. Perhaps a show at a NOLA cemetery would wake, shake, rattle, and rock ‘n’ roll the zombified folks in the city of the walking dead. Writer: Evlin Lake *John 5’s guitar artwork by Jason Oberly

Photos: Shane Norris

John 5 amazed his fans playing the National Anthem using only his teeth. During the the duration of the show, John 5 showed much

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Photo: Igor Vidyashev

Schecter Guitars and Monster Energy NAMM after party sponsored by yours truly Rock N Roll Industries Magazine was another over capacity show with fans and industry people alike at the Grove of Anahiem to watch the featured band of the night In This Moment. Vocalist/piano Maria Brink demands attention dressed in outfits that will blow your mind! Her back up dancers compliment her perfectly and Maria encourages her fans to become part of the show by dressing in various costumes reflecting In This Moments songs. The show also users great props and has an amazing light show that is hard to look away from and I

dare you not to have a good time. In This Moment music is Gothic Metal with shocking lyrics but you can’t help but sing alone. All band members are very talented, Chris Howorth lead guitar/backing vocals, Randy Weitzel rhythm guitar/backing vocals, Travis Johnson bass/backing vocals and Tom Hane drums. They are currently on tour, don’t miss them if they are coming to your town. Miranda Panda

Holiday Swine by Missie Tong

Photos: Missie Tong

verybody likes ham for the Easter holiday….right?? Well everyone got served up their holiday ham at Smokin Ace’s Bar & Grill in Dayton, OH, courtesy of The Mighty Swine.

Dayton’s local favorite, Black Cloud Syndrome, started off the night, showcasing songs fresh off their recent cd release and The Mighty Swine recently toured as support for Doro Pesch on her Fall 2014 North American tour and is currently booking their own headlining tour supporting their latest release, “Last Man

Standing”. The Mighty Swine consists of founder, vocalist and bass player, Mike Skimmerhorn, who also happens to be the bass player for Chastain, Stacey Donahue, guitars, Jeff Tong, guitars, and Ric Martelino on drums. TMS members are from all over Ohio but call Cincinnati, Ohio their home base. Please visit www.themightyswine.com for current Swine shows and updates.

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British rock trio Die So Fluid lit up the stage at the Whiskey A-Go-Go March 14th. It was the last show of their west coast tour as special guests of Los Angeles band The Dreaming, and they gave an energetic, forceful, hard performance, eliciting screams of pleasure from the crowd. The trio, singer/bassist Grog, guitarist Drew Richards, and drummer Al Fletcher, just released their self-produced album, The Opposites of Light, which has been described as “tasty desert vampire rock” and deals with the pressures of immersing yourself in a new culture. The band played songs off the new album, with “Black Blizzard” being an obvious crowd favorite, heavy and strong, the crowd responded in kind, thrashing about and waving their arms to the music. Vixen-like singer Grog has a full, booming, beautiful voice that enraptured and encapsulated the fans, who sang along like wild hyenas coming in for a fresh kill. The band delivers a sound that reflects influences like Deftones and Alice In Chains, and covers the full spectrum of emotions. The band’s set was made up of hard thrashing metal, mixed with beautiful ballad-like intermissions, reflecting the dual personalities of the new album. Following Die So Fluid as the headliner of the night Los Angeles band, The Dreaming, also played a mean show. Made up of founding members of Stabbing Westward, singer Christopher Hall and keyboardist Walter Flakus paired with drummer Johnny Haro, Deadsy/Orgy guitarist Carlton Bost, and KUZA Bassist Franccesca De Struct, and blast tunes combining new wave, darkwave, electronica, and metal. With a stellar lightshow, The Dreaming blew up the stage and emoted love-sick elegies, sending the crowd into rapturous delight. While of course playing songs from their new album “Rise Again”, The Dreaming also managed to squeeze in a few Stabbing Westward favorites. As the opening notes to “So Far Away” started to trickle through the venue, fans erupted in noise, screaming along and bouncing around, as if it was the last song they ever expected to hear again. The band also played “Kisses Taste Like Death” off of their new album. Heavy and guitar-driven, the song has a catchy quality that has you singing along by the end, even if you’ve never heard it’s heartbreaking anthem of love and loss before. The Dreaming puts on a fantastic show, with all of the passion and emotion you would expect from their sound, they connect with every member of the audience. Christopher Hall’s voice is just as resounding and encapsulating live as it is on a fully produced album, and the rest of the members do not disappoint, engaging fans in a truly delightful experience of ecstasy and sentiment that will carry with them for days to come.

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B&W Elisabeth Marie Brough, Color Anabel Dflux

Elisabeth Marie Brough

By Angelica Ulloa

C Photos: Enrique Nunez

overing a show at the Wiltern has been known to be one of the most challenging venues. To consider wanting to take on coverage for a show at that venue- the only answer would be… being a fan of the band that is performing there. Not only does the venue not favor photographers, they make sure you’re behind the pit. If you have a professional camera with a great lense, your only mission next would be knowing the settings to shoot in blue, red, and yellow lighting; known as one of the hardest shots as it blurs all pictures. Knowing all this, I wanted to take on the challenge because the 2 bands performing this night was… Seether and Papa Roach. Growing up in the 90’s these two bands were the ones that took you to a whole different phase in life. They took the darkest moments in life, and turned

them into songs.Seether came on first, and it was like the years never passed by. The crowd jumped and screamed, singing to every word. It was such a great feeling seeing how the crowd varied from young ones to folks in their 40’s. As Seether finished performing, people kept talking about their performance and commenting what year was the last they had seen them live. They brought back memories not just for myself, but many others. Papa Roach was on next… and everyone went wild. There wasn’t one moment where the crowd didn’t stop screaming or singing. Jacoby Shaddix made a speech thanking everyone for supporting the band and himself through all the years. He went on to letting everyone know that his intention of his music and pulling through was for everyone to do the same.

It was a heartfelt moment, and everyone cheered him on. As if that was enough, he jumped down the stage, and ran straight to the disability area where young guys were in wheel chairs and hugged them. Before the crowd could get him, he ran across the crowd and high-fived as many people as he could, security chased him to stop him, but he dodged them all- simply to interact and connect with fans. Even if this was the first time I had heard Papa Roach, this was an enough reason to have won me over. Aside from that being the highlight of the night, their performance had everyone ecstatic; it left everyone with such a rush of adrenaline. I would say this day was very much worth going through the restrictions and challenging difficulties of the Venue. Anything for a great show, especially one that will be in our hearts and memories for many years to come.

PLAYING TO VAPORS TAKE COLUMBUS INTO A DARK AND CRYPTIC DREAM WORLD WITH THE RELEASE OF MUSIC VIDEO FOR “WHISPERS” By Jessica Howell

olumbus, Ohio based, independent alt – rockers, Playing To Vapors gathered in the small, but unique campus coffee shop, Kafe Kuerac with family, fans and friends last Sunday night to celebrate the release of their long awaited animated music video for their single “Whispers”, off of their most recent album, Glitch In A Void, which was released April 10th. Playing to Vapors is comprised of lead singer, Luke Harris, bassist Zack Cramp, guitarist Mike Stokes, drummer Daron DiSabato and guitarist Josiah DePaso. Four out of five members of the band have been playing together since 2005, when they were just sophomores in high school. The band was officially formed in 2009 after vocalist Harris met Cramp while attending OSU. PTV has morphed into one of the most unique bands that Columbus has to offer, unleashing a beautiful chemistry and passion into every album that they make, show they play and music video they release. That being said, the audience was eagerly awaiting the release of “Whisper”. The coffee shop began to fill as fans and friends texted more fans and friends, asking them to head over to Kafe Kuerac (which also doubles as a record shop, concert venue and book store), for the showing. At around 8pm, Luke hopped up onstage to introduce the video and speak about the melodic track before joining the crowd to let the magic begin. Everyone in the audience was simply in awe of the film as we were pulled into the cryptic, magical, dark dream world created by the collaboration between the band’s psychedelic track and director’s poetic, imaginative mind. The video, which

was directed and animated by front man, Luke Harris’ brother and award winning filmmaker, Ryan Stevens Harris; who was unfortunately unable to make it to the event said this of the video “While conceptualizing ideas for ‘Whisper’, I stumbled upon an episodic poem I wrote awhile back – a little free-verse yarn about a puppet exploring a dark oppressive world. The prose was cryptic and rich, and contained a lucid dream logic that seemed to be a fit for Playing to Vapors’ sound. I knew there was a visual story there, waiting to be unearthed and put to music. And filtering the story through my own homegrown animation, I knew whatever came out the other side would be unique.” The dark, yet magical film fits the dark and seductively haunting, yet mellow sound of the psychedelic infused song perfectly as it tells the story of an innocent marionette that attempts to break free of the puppeteer holding control over his life as he fights through a twisted and harrowing dream world where every choice he makes seems to be fighting against him. As the puppet travels through the dream world, he is encountered by demons and monsters that want nothing but to use him, much like we are in the real world. He is eaten by a smiling, vicious creature and falls into the depths of the sea, then saved by a headless fisherman who cuts off the puppets face for himself. He is surrounded by barriers and addictions that he tries to overcome throughout the whole video including those introduced by money, greed, lust and love. Like some of us in this dark world, as he fought against those controlling him, he grew consumed with his struggles, desires and addictions, which eventually leads to the marionette’s gruesome demise. If you haven’t yet, you need to check out Playing To Vapors and their “Whisper” video. PTV is set to play several shows in Ohio this summer, including the Fashion Meets Music Festival (September 5th-6th). Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 51

Brian Wilson by Jay Luster

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exactly commercial. Sure, the songs Wouldn’t It Be Nice, and Sloop John B. both charted in the top ten, but much of the music was unfathomable to the demographically targeted record buyers. The money spenders were primarily kids who had been enthralled by Surfin’ USA, and Don’t Worry Baby, and they didn’t quite get Pet Sounds. In 1964, at the age of 22, Wilson had stopped touring because the pressure of writing music and playing 160 shows each year was simply too much. While on tour, he suffered a panic attack that forced the crew to turn the plane around and take him home. This was a major turning point for both him, and the band. Without the pressure of traveling, he turned his obsessive attention to writing and composing. When the road weary band returned, he would rush them into the studio to catch their incredible voices on record. Immediately after those songs were released, the Beach Boys would go back on the road, and Brian would return to the studio. This led to a rift between Brian, and the band, primarily with his increasingly resentful cousin, Mike Love. As the lead singer, Love was the main focal point for The Beach Boys stage show. He believed, not unjustly, that he knew what would work best for the band with audience’s full of kids. To make matters worse, in Love’s absence, Brian increasingly took over as lead singer in the studio, or handed those duties off to his brother Carl, who had developed into an absolutely stunning singer. In another development, that must have also been an irritant, the music industry had begun to believe, as his brother Dennis put it, “Brian Wilson is the Beach Boys. We’re just his fucking messengers.” With all of this percolating in the background, and Brian’s increasing use of drugs, along with the mixed fan reaction to Pet Sounds, it isn’t a surprise that the pot would soon boil over. During the early months of 1966, along with Pet Sounds, Wilson began working on the song Good Vibrations. At the time, the song is said to have been, the most expensive single ever produced. As the story goes, Brian, over a six-month period, recorded at studios all over Los Angeles trying to capture the perfect sound. Then, he culled from a stack of tapes three feet tall, three and a half minutes of musical bliss. On the heels of the ‘Pets Sounds, Brian is a genius thing’; the song went to number one. Thinking that Brian was truly back on track, the record company, and the band began to back away from their acerbic criticism. Together, and somewhat reluctantly they decided to give him the time to create his next proposed masterpiece, tentatively called SMiLE. Pet Sounds, while effectively capturing Brian’s naivety and childlike hopefulness, also recognized the painful, and sometimes crushing, realities of life. SMiLE, on the other hand, was designed to be a true psychedelic hippie record. It would tell the story of historical America as seen from the point of view of a bicycle rider floating above, and across, the country. Essentially it was going to be an

LSD trip caught on tape as imagined by one of the greatest composers of his time. Good Vibrations, originally slated to be part of Pet Sounds, became the driver of the new record as well as the incredible hype machine winding itself up to fill the world with anticipation. As recording progressed, Brian was surrounded constantly by sycophants and assistants who were either facilitating, or becoming alarmed, at his increasing drug use. LSD was not illegal at the time, and lots of people used it because it is said to open creative, and spiritual doors. The studio was becoming worried because they had a heavy financial investment in the project. Like many others, they had observed and now feared Wilson’s burgeoning addiction problem. When the band returned from their latest tour, they balked at Brian’s newest creation. Granted, Good Vibrations was a pop masterpiece, and the new song, Heroes and Villains, was technically brilliant, but Surfs Up, Cabinessence, Wonderful, and many others, were believed to be too unconventional, and even weird, for a band, who less than one year earlier had scored a top 10 hit with Barbara Ann. Suddenly, the boy wonder, and creative genius behind The Beach Boys began meeting with heavy resistance. The studio was unhappy with the slow and expensive progress of the new album. Then, when an already skeptical Mike Love became openly disdainful, the band splintered. Soon, Brian fell more deeply into drug use and mental illness. Between the in-house backlash, and Brian’s deepening personal problems, the bubble finally burst. The SMiLE project ground to a halt and was eventually abandoned. Needless to say this crushed Wilson, and it created a permanent riff in the band that still lingers today. Love and Wilson have been re-united on many occasions to write, record, and perform together, but it almost always seems to end in hurt feelings, and lawsuits. After this, Brian’s participation within the group

Brian Bowen Smith

In November of 1961 a Los Angeles, California based band called The Beach Boys released the single Surfin’. While the record itself only reached #75 on the national charts, it heralded the arrival of a new phenomenon called Surf Rock. Soon, the band signed with Capitol records and began releasing music that would change the way America would forever look at the California coast. Songs like Surfin’ Safari, Surfin’ USA, & Surfer Girl would turn the heads of the nation’s teenagers westward where the sun was shiny, every guy had a cool car, and the girls wore bikini’s year round. So powerful was the Beach Boys influence on how America, not only saw California, but how it saw itself, that Ronald Reagan, the only President to ever have come from California, called the Beach Boys America’s band and the label has stuck. The Beach Boys were, by themselves, a very big deal, and until the mid 1960s possibly the only real American competition to the musical juggernaut known as The British Invasion. In December of 1965, The Beatles released their Rubber Soul album and, upon hearing it, Brian Wilson, the creative genius behind the coastline music craze, like almost everybody else on the planet, was incredibly impressed. It was, he observed, an album that, from beginning to end, was nothing but great music. Believing, quite rightfully, that he was one of the only pop/rock musicians throughout the world with comparable talent to the Fab Four, he set out to make an album to equal, or better Rubber Soul. That album turned out to be Pet Sounds. Released in May 1966, Pet Sounds was as dynamically influential within the industry as the record that had inspired it. Until that moment, the vast majority of Beach Boys songs were based on surfing, sun, pretty girls, and cars. Considering their incredible success with songs like Fun, Fun, Fun, and I Get Around, the new record was surprising to their fans. It’s not that they hated it, it’s that it was different. Just nine months prior to the release of Pet Sounds, California Girls burned up the radios in teenagers’ cars all across the nation. That song combined a swaggering sexuality with the emotional longing that would become a Wilson trademark, and wrapped it up in a sparkling melody. A few months later Help Me Rhonda raced up the charts and that was the type of music the kids, the record company, and the rest of The Beach Boys expected Brian to produce. During the recording of Pet Sounds Mike Love, the bands’ lead singer, observed that Brian was “fucking with the formula” and he didn’t like it. He wasn’t alone. Capitol Records was uneasy about the new direction as well. In its day, Pet Sounds, was actually considered a borderline, commercial flop. While it did reach #10 on the charts, it didn’t sell as well as previous Beach Boys records. The music was just too heavily orchestrated and artsy for most 16-year-old kids. Further weighing it down, many of the songs were, like his 1963 song In My Room, melancholy personal observations of Brian’s life. While both Capitol Records, and the band, fully admitted they were finely crafted and gorgeous songs they argued, not incorrectly, that they weren’t

decreased dramatically, followed by an equally dramatic decrease in the Beach Boy’s popularity and record sales. In 2004, ready to put the past into perspective, Wilson, after, more than 35 years, returned his attention to completing SMiLE. Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE turned out to be every bit the critical musical masterpiece it was advertised to be in 1967. Over the next few years, Wilson tackled a Christmas record, a re-imagining of the music of George Gershwin, and he released the whimsical, and brilliant Songs In The Key Of Disney. The one truly original record during that period, was his 2008 offering called Lucky Old Sun. While Pet Sounds looked inwards, and SMiLE look outwards, Lucky Old Sun took a look at contemporary Brian. It cataloged his love affair with Los Angeles, seemed to explain his affinity with surf rock, waxed nostalgic for the good old days when he made music with his deceased brothers Carl and Dennis, and it was all connected together with little slice of life narratives. It was the logical successor of SMiLE. Which brings us to this very moment and the highly anticipated release of No Pier Pressure. No Pier Pressure, Brian Wilson’s 11th solo album, was originally slated to be the Beach Boys follow up to their surprisingly strong 2012 album entitled That’s Why God Made The Radio. However, it became a Wilson record after the Beach Boys 50th anniversary tour, unsurprisingly, fell apart. While accusations and acrimony ruled the day, disappointed fans could only watch helplessly as one of the greatest bands in the history of music, once again, came unglued and splintered. Without Brian to lend the tour relevancy, Mike Love, owner of The Beach Boy trademark, resumed his endless summer oldies excursion. Brian, Al Jardine, and David Marks meanwhile began traveling with 60s guitar God, Jeff Beck. Wilson/Beck was a strange pairing, and when it was over, everyone involved seemed to be genuinely relieved. It was then that Wilson returned to the studio to begin the new record. When asked why he decided to do No Pier Pressure alone, Wilson said, “I decided to branch out and do another solo album, instead of with the Beach Boys. I just wanted to make another good album with a lot of harmony.” His records have always featured inventive

and astonishing harmonies. However, after the breakdown of The Beach Boys Golden Anniversary reunion, one can’t help wonder if the harmony he is referring to has more to do with his relationship with his cousin Mike, then with any recorded vocal magic. When it began to leak out who the guest musicians would be on the record, fans took to social media to gripe. Surprisingly, a decidedly grumpy Brian fired back. In a scolding tone, told his antsy fans to be patient, and demanded they cut him some slack. He said after 50 years, and 39 records, he had earned the right to expect their support. Properly chagrined, his fans stopped their bitching and began their vigil. On April 7th, their vigil was rewarded when No Pier Pressure debuted and immediately became the number-one selling record on Amazon.com. As expected the record is full of lush harmonies, catchy melodies and simple sounding, yet highly complex, instrumentation. Original Beach Boys Al Jardine, and David Marks join Brian, as does 1970’s band mate Blondie Chaplin. While Wilson’s voice has changed quite a bit over the years, at 72, he’s no longer able to sing his signature falsetto parts, Al Jardine’s voice has not. He sounds virtually the same as he did in the early 60s when he belted out hits like Then I Kissed Her, and Help Me Rhonda. His voice is prominently displayed in the songs Whatever Happened, The Right Time, and Tell Me Why. Chaplin joins Wilson, and Jardine, on Sail Away, a song Wilson admits he composed purposely to be reminiscent of his and Jardine’s version of Sloop John B. as it appeared on Pet Sounds almost 49 years ago. Other guests joining Wilson, are Sebu Simonian of Capital Cities, on the catchy R&B dance track Runaway Dancer, and Mark Isham brings his horns to the relaxing Half Moon Bay. Peter Hollens adds his vocal talents to the surprisingly soulful R&B/Jazz fusion number Our Special Love, and singer Kacey Musgraves shines on the enticing country bounce track Guess You Had To Be There. While every song on the album is good, the strongest are the first song, the last song, and, in the middle, a jewel called On The Island. This Beautiful Day, clocking in at around a minute and half, is a gorgeous, harmonious and spiritual piece that opens the record. Related to his other short-form openers,

Meant For You on 20/20, and Our Prayer from SMiLE, he says of its meditative quality, “That was intentional.” He continues, “I wanted it to have a good melody, and I wanted the harmony to come through.” This isn’t really a surprise from a guy who, back in the 60s, was known to open his recording sessions with a prayer to ask for good vibes. On The Island features, the unlikely for a Brian Wison album, Zooey Deschenel. Deschenel is the star of the goofy comedy The New Girl, and the singer for She And Him with guitarist M. Ward. Wilson, when asked about the obvious similarities, happily confirms that he based his song, On The Island, on the 1963, Gilberto and Getz, Bossa nova mega hit The Girl From Impenema. Showing off his versatility as a composure, Wilson has created a breezy and inviting song that might sound like the Beach Boys hit All Summer Long if it had been produced in Key West by Jimmy Buffet. Of selecting the unlikely Deschenel for the song, Wilson’s simple explanation is, “We liked her voice, so we called her up and asked if she’d sing for us.” Undoubtedly, she jumped at the chance. Happily, he continues, “So she came down and sang it for us, and it took just an hour and half to get it!” Finally, is the absolutely stunning album closer, the aptly titled The Last Song. Featuring sentimental piano and strings throughout, it emotionally swells and then, slowly fades like the sun setting over his beloved California coast. As it does, Wilson reminds us that “there never is enough time for the one that we love.” While he demur’s from saying he’s planning to retire anytime soon, it is notable that he emphatically states that he will not extend his 17 city American tour. That might have nothing to do with any future plans because, at 72, riding a tour bus is probably an even bigger drag than it would have been at 22. Back then, not yet recognized as a genius, he was just a shy boy with a piano at his fingertips who had already determined that he would rather record than perform. No Pier Pressure is filled with his signatory, exquisite and emotional harmonies and his usual melancholy personal observations, but when he laments “I wish I could give you so much more” in The Last Song, it definitely sounds like a man saying good-bye.

Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 53

By Lan Nguyen

For Tour Dates near you please visit: halestormrocks.com

54 54 Rock RockNNRoll RollIndustries IndustriesMagazine Magazine

Photos: Lan Nguyen

n June 5, Halestorm played a sold out show at the Grove of Anaheim. The Pennsylvania-based quartet of vocalist/guitarist Lzzy Hale, drummer Arejay Hale, guitarist Joe Hottinger and bassist Josh Smith were touring in support of their latest effort “Into the Wild Life”. One of the hardest touring bands out there, it is quite the feat selling out a venues like the Grove while not necessarily a household name by today‘s popular standards. With them were OC native Rival Sons and Atlanta’s Royal Thunder, kicking off the show in their own blistering fashions. Anybody that strolled into the venue late would have missed out on some of the best instances in today’s rock music. As with any favorite band, much anticipation was built up by the time Halestorm took to the stage. Even with a bit of a sick rasp to her voice, Hale and the guys continued to power through the band’s 17-song set which started off with “Love Bites (So Do I)”, including new music along with the old (“I Get Off“, “It‘s Not You“) in epic style, and closing with “I Miss Misery“. Touring continues forth throughout North America and Europe, and into the next year.

May 4th at HOB Sunset Strip with Cavalera Conspiracy and Corrosion of Conformity Very lucky girl on May 4th (May the Forth be with you) and was able to catch a face melting metal show at House of Blues on Sunset Strip, LA. The line up was Cavalera Conspiracy, Death Angel and Corrosion Of Conformity, all the bands were amazing but for me Death Angel stood out with so much talent! The all America thrash metal band was on point! Right down to the choreography, it’s very cool to see three guitar players including Ted Aguilar moving together having the greatest time on stage. Bass player Damien Sisson is a force of nature giving the crowd the heaviest bass lines fueling the circle pit and the same can be said for Rob Cavestany sending out the sickest riffs with brilliant stage presence. Singer Mark Osegueda sounded amazing, the set list consisting of “Claws in So Deep”, “Buired Alive” and “The Dream Calls for Blood” just to name a few. My Favourite part of any great metal band is the speed of that double bass pedal which Drummer Will Carroll has no problem pulling off, I can’t wait to see this band again and recommend Death Angel to any metal head.

Photos: Missie Tong

Miranda Panda

Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 55

Dave Pirner Souls Asylum

from

by Jay Luster

little acknowledgment or whatever, it’s cool. I appreciate anyone who appreciates music, and I’m always ready to admit that I won a Grammy if it impresses somebody, but it isn’t a contest.” He laughs, and says, “I’ve written some stupid songs that are embarrassing to me now, so I’m relieved, I won the Grammy for a song I feel proud of.” On the evening of the award show, he says, “I couldn’t really go, or even think I was going to win; I just pretended that it sort of wasn’t happening. Then I heard my girlfriend at that time (Winona Ryder) scream from the other room, and I was like oh Like the hippies a quarter of a century my God. I won?” earlier, the grunge generation was Before they became an overnight unafraid to look the world directly success, Pirner and Soul Asylum in the eye and demand higher struggled through several albums humanitarian standards. The Gen-X and many years of nonstop touring. hipsters, however, had an artistic outlet open to them that their parents Dave says, “ We’d put in so many could only have dreamed about. MTV, years on the road playing every dive and the short subject film, unleashed on the planet, and it truly paid off by anybodies measure. He says “ a tidal wave of expressionism (coming to fame), was shocking to powerful enough to forge changes me, it was a little like being a deer at all levels of society. Runaway Train, the song and its accompanying caught in the headlights.” There were “these moments that were really video, brought awareness to the awesome, like everybody answered cause of missing and exploited their phone, and nobody was away kids and actually reunited families. from their desk; nobody had just When asked about the origins of the gone into the bathroom, nobodies powerful video, Pirner says, “Tony screening your calls. It’s like Dave Kaye, who had directed a movie Pirner? Hello. Being able to pay off called American History X, directed the sizable debt we had incurred our video for Runaway Train. He’s was cool, but there were some a British guy, with a bit of a stutter. To me, it seemed like he was seeing experiences along the way that were so many visuals that he could barely pretty weird.” For example, “We were in Germany when Runaway Train keep up with it. He kept saying Milk became a hit. We had played a gig in Carts, Milk Carts, Milk Carts, but I Munich, and when I came out of the didn’t quite understand. So he said, they’ve got missing kids on them, and back door, I got mobbed by screaming teenage girls. They were pulling my we could try to find some of them. It hair, and they were pulling my clothes really was an awesome idea, and it off, and I was like what is this all snowballed from there.” about? I was just trying to get on the Though Pirner is proud of being bus, and this throng was going after awarded the Grammy, he is also a bit me. So this big bouncer guy tried to disdainful of the process. He says, hold them back. I was terrified and “Music isn’t a contest, if you get a ave Pirner is one of the founding members of the sensational 1990’s grunge era band Soul Asylum. During a 3-year period beginning at springtime 1992, the band released two multi-platinum records and had an unbroken string of nine top 20 singles. This made Pirner one of the most influential songwriters of the entire grunge music era. The song Runaway Train, from their Grave Dancers Union album, won the 1994 Grammy in The Best Rock Song category, and helped to make the band an international sensation.

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Pirner helped found the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund to assist Victoria Williams pay for necessary doctor care after she was diagnosed with MS in 1993. It eventually became a non-profit foundation which raises I threw my beer at the crowd, and it money for any musicians facing hit the guy right in the face. I was like illness without the benefit of health oh geez. He was just trying to help insurance. One of his most-recent me out. I don’t ever want to have projects is Songs for Slim, which an experience like that again it was came about when guitarist Slim pretty scary. I didn’t know what to do, Dunlap suffered a massive stroke I mean you can’t punch a 16-yearin February 2012. His insurance old girl because she’s pulling your wouldn’t pay for long-term care, so hair.” As if that weren’t bad enough, his friends, including Pirner, started a what happened later was even more non-profit foundation to help pay for shocking. Dave continues, “When we it. Dave explains, “Bob Dunlap used got to the next club, my tour manager to play with this guy named Curtiss A asked if I knew what was going on, (Curt Almsted) and when I was like 16 and then he throws down these or 17, I always wondered, who was magazines, and they’re like 16, and that cool guitar player? So it turns Teenbeat and there are these really out his wife, Chrissy, booked bands, cute airbrushed pictures of me. The and she had given me my first gig. I German record company had tried to think the singer of The Replacements, sell us off like we were One Direction Paul Westerberg, kind of gave him or something. That sucked because the Slim moniker, but I’m not sure. I we had we had worked hard to earn recorded a song for Slim in LA and this following and then suddenly they finished it really quickly, When I got were selling us as this shallow pop on a plane and took it to his bedside thing. It felt like someone was selling and played it for him. It was one of the me out. You can’t really begrudge most gratifying experiences I’ve ever them for trying, but it doesn’t really had. Just to be able to record one of behoove the music industry to his songs and bring it to him and play cheapen things like that.” it was incredible. He was a truly great guitar player, and it’s so hard to see In 2004, Pirner helped pilot the Rock him after the stroke, but it was really for Karl Benefit and Tribute Concert, awesome to give him a hug and see which came about when Dave’s his eyes light up a little. What a crazy friend, and Soul Asylum bassist, Karl life man.” Mueller was diagnosed with throat cancer. Recently, the Rock for Karl Later this year Pirner, and Soul Benefit Concerts were incorporated Asylum, will be finishing up and into the Karl Fund, which provides releasing the band’s eleventh studio funding to research for new cancer album. Soon after, we can expect treatments at the University of an announcement of their summer Minnesota, and now will benefit Kill concert series. Last year, Dave and Kancer. When asked about Karl his band participated in the highly Mueller Pirner said, “Just a while successful Summerland Tour created ago, I was up in Minneapolis to do a and headlined by Art Alexakis and tribute show, and I spent all this time Everclear, along with Eve 6, and watching footage of him playing, and Space Hog. The cool thing about hanging out with his widow. Karl was that tour was that each band, though probably one of the kindest and most more than twenty years old, all had loved people I’ve ever experienced. new records. Clearly, the grunge His life’s slogan was always be nice.” generation still has something to say, He continues “Karl had this Sid and Dave Pirner remains one of their Vicious thing going on where he was leading voices.

Michael L Smith

a punk-rock bass player, but he also had no ego or pretensions. I never met a better person and losing him was tough, and I really miss him.”

Photo: Enrique Nunez

By Miranda Panda

Steel Panther at the NAMMJAM after party presented by Delve Texas and sponsored by Epiphone Guitars, Monster Energy, Affliction, FX Group, Newtex, Guitar World Magazine, Sit Strings, Kramer Guitars, Band Gear and Gotham Stands. Steel Panther is always a good time! And this show was no different, bringing a huge crowd ready to laugh at profane lyrics like “If you want to have a seat, I’ll clear a place on my face. Yeah”. From their song “Eatin’ Ain’t Cheatin”. Or “There’s a place in France where the naked ladies dance, There’s a hole in the wall where you put your cock and balls” from “GorlyHole”, every song making you giggle. This all American glam metal supergroup from Los Angeles wants you to know the 80’s are alive and well with tight leopard print pants, big hair, nipples and leather, you just entered the time warp. The band has amazing stage presence and very funny choreography, Michael Starr vocals/guitar, Satchel vocals/guitar, Lexxi Foxx bass/vocals and Stix Zadinia drum/keyboard/vocals are always ready to rock and sit on your face.

Lucha Va Voom By Enrique Nunez

Photos: Enrique Nunez

As soon as I walked into the beautiful Mayan Theater (that first time at LVV), I could not help, but felt like I was 6 years old again being welcomed by a display full of Luchador Masks for sale taking me back to Chiapas, Mexico where I had my first Lucha Libre experience while on a fourgeneration (Great grandma, grandma, mom and I) vacation with my family. I remember being at our hotel room after a long day and all we wanted to do was just rest. Coincidentally, our room was facing the street and right across from us was an “Arena de Lucha Libre”. The loud crowd “whoos” and “aaahs” totally captivated me and I begged my mom and grandma to take me, for it was just across the street and for the first time I saw Lucha Libre live. How can I forget it? Blood was pouring from Mr. Salchicha’s forehead, a blond and tall wrestler. I had been a fan of “El Santo”, “Blue Demon” both as wrestlers and actors in movies fighting mummies, vampires, aliens and criminals, I was officially a Lucha Libre fan. Since 2002, Mexican Masked Wrestling, burlesque acts and comedy have been having a three-some (and possibly married) all in the name of fun and good times. Those 3 elements previously stated are a staple at every Lucha Va Voom show, but don’t forget to add the occasional special guests musical acts (mostly referring to the Mexican culture), low riders outside the venue, Aztec dancers, mariachi, etc. Amongst my favorite moments, I can mention the energetic entrance of fan-favorite tag team “The Crazy Chickens”, the always irreverent “Dirty Sanchez” making his enemies get a stool sample of his dinner of the night before. But the one that we all anxiously awaited at every LVV, was the

flamboyant and exotic “Cassandro”. Sadly for many of us fans, he recently announced his retirement, he leaves a legacy behind in his mid 40s. All LVV are great athletes and deserving of our applause for entertaining us, but we will surely miss his signature jump off from the speakers onto the crowd, the “lip lock” (kiss) move that always left his rivals speechless, the sexy and enchanting dace moves, the over-the-top attires (thus also known as the Liberace of the ring) and above all, the talent and charisma that Saul Armendariz (his real name) leaves behind on the ring. Cassandro has inspired many, as the first “Exotico” Luchador, actually, the first Exotico World Champion. Name calling, colleagues stabbing him and many other obstacles did not stop him from becoming a legend, everything just fueled the fire even more. Long live Cassandro, Queen of the ring…El Divo del ring.

Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 57

Chuck Wright by Sandy Martin

renowned bassist and current Producer of “Jam Night at Lucky Strike Live”

right’s bass playing is legendary among other artists – who often cite his work as an influence in their own career. Mostly known for his continuing role as a part of legendary band Quiet Riot, the list of his credits with other artists is equally impressive. Wright joined Quiet Riot in 1982 and unknown to many played Bass on the Billboard #1, 10 million selling Metal Health release. Even to this day, and despite the passing of front man Kevin DuBrow, Quiet Riot still tours extensively throughout the world. The band’s continued popularity even lead to the current Quiet Riot movie “Now You’re Here There’s No Way Back” which garnered numerous film festival awards and has been running regularly on the Showtime network. Beyond Quiet Riot, Wright has worked with music icons- Alice Cooper, Ted Nugent, Greg Allman, has had over 90 albums released and was a huge part of House of Lords that created the monster hit “Can’t Find My Way Home”. It was during his time with House of Lords that he established a bond with his then mentor Gene Simmons from Kiss, who instilled the idea of “Go Big or Go Home” into Wright’s belief system. It’s a belief that he’s carried throughout his career into his current role producing “Jam Night”. Between regular dates with Quiet Riot, a unique side project that I have called Acoustic Saints – which reinvents classic rock with acoustic instruments, violin and mandolin, and now Jam Night – the days have become packed. Tell us what lead you to produce it? Chuck: You know, I’m a Los Angeles native and I literally grew up with the rock music scene in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. During those days the Sunset Strip ruled the night – but the greatness of it all was a sense of community that hovered around all the rock hot spots. The strip formed a connection between bands, fans, and followers and it was a pretty regular thing that you’d bump into someone you’d know. People took to each other, looked out for each other, and bonded around the music. It’s no secret that over the past many years, musical tastes have changed. Along with it the old clubs disappeared and people began to scatter. About two years ago, a few guys I know got together at a small place in Toluca Lake and started a Jam

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session. The venue was cramped, a bit worn out, had awful sound system, and a stage the size of drum riser, but once a week industry folks started to gather. Whether about to start a tour, on a break from a tour, or just involved in some project – musicians began to gather, and the lost bonds were being reconnected. In the midst of one of the guys touring schedules I was asked to take the reins of that Jam for a while. So I hooked up with Gilby Clarke and we started adding some fun elements. In a few short weeks the place was packed and hopping. As quickly as it began to grow the plug was pulled as the venue owner suddenly decided to sell his place. Once again we were left without a place to connect. I gotta say, it was a gut punch. Everyone who showed up felt like their second home had just been lost. So I talked to a few people about what we could do. A friend and I even spent months looking into places throughout Los Angeles that could work. It was really hard not having a convenient spot that we could all come to.

from Bon Jovi, Hafa Moreira from Pinks band, and younger guys like Derek Wymbly from Sum 41, and players from Asking Alexandria, Five for Fighting, We Are Harlot, and Stone Sour. The list of folks that have asked to play, sing, and sit in is never ending, a revolving door, and it’s amazing even to me. We’ve had Jeff Scott Soto who was in Journey and the legendary Graham Bonnet sing, Stephen Perkins from Jane’s Addiction handle drums for us for a few weeks. We’ve also had a fairly regular list of just killer players that many folks might not have had a chance to know very well before this. There’s always an insanely huge amount of talent on the stage at one time. Our saying is “ya never know who’s gonna show”. I’ll go into the crowd myself and watch in amazement. Seeing all the smiles in the crowd and on the musician’s faces is the payoff for me. We’ve tried hard to create an atmosphere that offers not only unexpected combinations of great musicians, but unexpected entertainment. So each week we bring in a burlesque act that’s on the cutting edge. We’ve had performers in leg irons, grind sand themselves while wearing steel cod pieces, even a 19th Century French dance troupe. It’s definitely weird – but pretty fun. We’ve also brought in Trippy the Clown to provide light-hearted moments that only a true Rock and Metal crowd can appreciate.

Our show host Paulie Z. has a background in television and was part of the band Z02 before launching his solo artist career. So not only does he keep each show moving, but he can sing his ass off as One day my girlfriend’s son, Josh, came to me with well. On the music side we’ve tried to make things a connection he thought could work. It turned out even more interesting by introducing a couple of he worked at Lucky Strike in Hollywood and he said revolving features. they had a stage. That lead to a meeting with Barry The “Legends Spotlight” honors musicians that Pointer, the Head of Marketing and Entertainment at have had a huge influence on generations of music. Lucky Strike Live in Hollywood. We’ve had Willie Chambers from the Chambers Barry is a musician/guitarist himself. Having perBrothers come down and absolutely shred the formed with Methods of Mayhem and accumulated house with his rendition of “Long Tall Sally”. I think list of arrangement and scoring credits he underit was among the loudest rounds of applause I’ve stood the music scene. I discussed my show conheard. Andy Fraser was prepared to come perform cept with him and the time was fortuitous. They had “All Right Now” but passed away unexpectedly two just renovated their venue and offered a legitimate days before he was to be on our stage. In the comstage, lighting, sound, and a “steam punk” type ing weeks we anticipate having some absolute icons atmosphere that I personally love. An added plus visit and perform. Our “Locals Spotlight” presents was that they offered bowling so I really felt like we the audience with a peak into the future up-andwould have a great new gathering spot. comers that will be making a splash in the years to come. We’ve found some unbelievable gems and How did you go about finding and picking musihave been blown away by 16 year old vocal sensacians that you play with? tion Gabbie Rae – who will be playing large festivals I sought out Gilby Clarke (of Guns ‘N Roses) for the first time this year. because he’s a long-time friend, a Hollywood mainstay, and because he’d been doing Jams for many, Jam Night has definitely grown a fast followmany years including the one we did in the valley. ing. What have you personally heard in terms of Matt Starr (of Mr. Big) was chosen because he’s a response. terrific solid drummer who can also sing lead and We’re amazed that the place has quickly become front the band. Matt’s past also included him creat- packed and known as the place to be each Wednesing some unique rock entertainment shows in Vegas day night. People really seem to like it – beyond – so he easily understood my desire to create a what we ever even expected. Rock and Roll Circus atmosphere. The house band People are so into that they’ve offered to help. A is just the starting point. We take the repertoire that prominent promoter I know said “It’s like Kings of the three of us know and fill in the stage with other Chaos on Steroids”. Another person told me that drummers, guitarists, bassists, keyboards, vocalists, it’s like the China Club in its glory days but bigger and instrumentalists including sax, violin, pedal and run smoother. Another told me that they haven’t steel and even bagpipes. seen anything like this in the entire world. We’ve had straight ahead Rock-n-Roll, Hard Rock, It’s funny because all we set out to do was to create Blues, Heavy Metal, Funk, R&B, Punk, Ballads, a fun place that sounds great for people to come out even an old 60’s standard. We haven’t had Reggae and connect with each other – and each week the or Country yet, but that will probably come soon. expectation level of the audience is higher, the stanWho have you had show up and play? dards get higher, and the desire to outdo the previIt’s been pretty amazing. We’ve also been blessed ous week grows. I wake up in a panic on Thursday to have heavy hitters like Jason Bonham, Jonathan morning thinking to myself, how am I going to top Moffett, Kings X main man dUg Pinnick, Kenny that. It’s a monumental task but eventually it comes Aronoff, Simon Wright from AC/DC and Dio, Mikkey together. You know the saying “If you build it they Dee and Phil Campbell from Motorhead, Phil X will come”? Well, they have.

Nashville based rockers, Red, have finally released their latest and highly anticipated album, Of Beauty and Rage, this past February 23, 2014 and went straight on the road in support of it throughout the Eastern U.S. One of their stops were to New York City at The Gramercy Theatre where fans were greeted with a new stage set up and story to be told within their performance. With nearly the entire set consisting of their new songs that were performed, including, “Impostor,” “Fight to Forget,” “Falling Sky,” “Take Me Over,” “Yours Again,” “Shadow and Soul,” “Part That’s Holding On” and closing with their new single “Darkest Part.” The set was closed with their biggest single and the hit that got the band started, “Breathe Into Me” which all the fans were found swooning and singing along as the night was winding down. “Breathe Into Me” was nominated for Short Form Music Video of the Year by the Gospel Music Association Dove Awards in 2007. Also, covered live was “Feed the Machine” which was also nominated for the same award in 2012. On making of the album, singer Michael Barnes tells fans, “The band’s new album of Beauty and Rage is “about suffering and finding the beauty in that. No one in this world likes to suffer, myself included, but we only become the strong individuals we are today from the trials and hardships we faced in the past.” The band Red is primarily made up of singer Michael Barnes, Anthony Armstrong on lead guitar and Randy Armstrong on bass. The three have known each other and have been friends for 27 years (according to them) and creating this band was something they have always wanted to pursue together. Anthony adds, “We’ve been together for so long. Of course, sharing this experience in music with your twin brother is pretty incredible. We push each other and it’s a juggernaut when it comes to being passionate about every aspect of our career as artists.” On of Beauty and Rage, Barnes reveals the thought process in making such a superior album, “This record is very introspective, more than the last two albums, and it dives back into the days of our second album Innocence & Instinct. The concept...is the dichotomy of good and evil, and finding Beauty out of things that we suffer within our lives. The visuals in the graphic novel and music video have these plague-masked creatures which represent the darkest evil that is inside of us trying to take us over.”

Annie Atlasman

As the touring season continues for Red, the band hopes to show within their stage layout and the music that they perform to be something that the fans, audience, and listeners could connect to. Randy closes with, “We want to put on a show that is unexpected and people will be talking about for years to come.”

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WIMN -2015 She Rocks Awards ~ Cyndi Johnson

This year’s presentation really stepped it up. I covered The 2014 show for Rock N Roll Industries Magazine and it was a Great start to the NAMM show with a Very Upbeat Breakfast award show, but this year was a full blown dinner and extravaganza. The founder of WiMN Laura B Whitmore looked gorgeous in her Black evening gown with fringe as she led the way for all the outstanding artists down the Red Carpet. The Show was Amazing! The opening act Shel with their angelic yet modern sound took Led Zeppelin music to a new level. Orianthi co-hosted the show with Laura Whitmore, The two of them kept the evening flowing and the house band consisting of Gretchen Menn, Clementine, Angeline Saris and Jenna Paone kept the night Rockin’. The Bangles Rocked Us with several of their hits. The Girls are celebrating 30 years since they released their first major label album. For upcoming shows see www.thebangles. com. Mindi Abair blew us away with her Sax. She has 7 solo albums, has performed on American Idol, been on the Late Show, played with Aerosmith and been nominated for the Grammys. For more info www.mindiabair.com Orianthi and Richie Sambora Rocked the Crowd. They had a silent auction and I walked away with a new Casio Keyboard and the feeling that Girls Rock, Guitar Center provided the back line. You can get Rock N Roll Industries Magazine at all of their locations. Subscriptions for only 12.95 for a year www.rocknrollindustries.com 60 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

2015: Next Generation Award –– Katie Kailus (Editor at Music Inc.) Vision Award –– Amani Duncan (Vice President of Brand Marketing at Martin Guitar) Video of the Year Award –– multi-platinum artist Colbie Caillat (for hit song “Try”) Mad Skills Award –– Mindi Abair (Grammy award nominated sax player) Icon Award –– legendary band The Bangles (celebrating 30th anniversary of their first major label album All Over the Place in 2015) Inspire Award –– Debbie Cavalier (Vice President for Online Learning and Continuing Education/ CEO for Berklee’s award-winning online continuing education program, Berklee Online) Excellence Award –– Paula Salvatore (Vice President of iconic Capitol Studios) Legend Award –– Craigie Zildjian (Avedis Zildjian CEO) Endurance Award –– Gayle Beacock (Beacock Music Co-Owner) Champion Award –– Rob Christie (Robo Records CEO, first-ever male recipient) For more info visit: www.thewimn.com/events/sherocks-awards/

Angelica Ulloa

We have come a long way Baby. Rock Music like most of the Business World has always been primarily a Boys Club, but thanks to outstanding Women and men that have helped open the doors, some of whom were honored at the show, we too can ROCK THE WORLD.

Chapters: Dallas, Ft Worth, Philadelphia, Chicago, Florida, Nashville and the UK www.ridefordime.org Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 61

Musink OC Fairgrounds

By Raquel Figlo

Rancid headlined Friday night. Over 20 years of loyal fans came with their families, babies in arms, and toddlers on the shoulders. Fans of all ages knew every word to Ruby Soho! For those who wanted to get crazy in the pit, punks and bros had it out for songs “Fall Back Down,” and “Dead Bodies.” I missed Saturday night with Bad Religion but I heard they had a great set and sounded awesome! I have seen them many times before, so there was no doubt in my mind they did not suck.

could even match the vocals of DeLonge. It took about four to five songs for the crowd to warm up to him, but he didn’t care, Skiba had so much energy and was so excited to be there, it was infectious! The crowd took over and sang every word to every song! It was an epic night. Yes, granted some did leave because it wasn’t DeLonge, but Skiba definitely gets an “A” for effort and a team player.

Sunday night was epic because as we all know Tom DeLongee was not singing that night for Blink 182, but instead Mike Skiba of Alkaline Trio. I could tell the crowd was not sure if Skiba

The tattoo convention of the show was pretty fascinating as well. The best tattoo artists around the world were in one building and there were people lined up waiting to get tatted. It’s

amazing the detail that goes into these tattoos and it is more than ink it’s a culture. One of the booths that stood out to me was the Sullen booth. It was right up front by the entrance and was constantly busy. The Sullen Angeles were their taking photos with guys grinning ear to ear. Not only did Sullen have the prettiest ladies hanging around, but they also had the most well known tattoo artists hanging out as well like Freddy Negrete. Some cool artists from the Sullen Musink label were spotted like Rick Thorne. All in all it was a great three day festival celebrating everything, but main stream culture!

Alex Kluft

Travis Barker’s Musink Festival celebrated its eighth year at the OC Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa. This year was extra special with headliners including Rancid, Bad Religion and Blink 182 with fill in singer Matt Skiba on Sunday night. Other highlights of the festival were over 50 renowned tattoo artists, vintage car shows galore, and the infamous Miss MusInk contest. Hot chick, great tunes and fast cars!

Korpiklaani By: Enrique Nunez

a song/video called “Tequila” I hope you drank Tequila shots in honor of this festivity. *Jarkko laughs* What does NOITA mean? It’s along the lines of a shaman, a medicine man or a witch. We get asked that often, when we chose the title we thought it might cause some confusion, oh well! Ha ha!

or so. What do you do in your spare time? I don’t really care about movies much but lately on this tour we have been playing Monopoly on the IPad.

Is that how you own several properties here in Hollywood? We should get you a limited edition Monopoly for Christmas. Anything Did you record NOITA in Europe? else you enjoy? Yes, we do mostly European shows and are kept I used to play and follow hockey but unfortuvery busy over there. We did a Canadian festival nately don’t have the time anymore. I like to read here in America, the summer is full of festivals a lot, no particular topic. back home. I’ve come across many big names As we continue our chat Jarkko looks at the NOITA is definitely an album to check backstage like Ozzy and Lemmy, I try not to be people lining up outside the venue and takes out, one more example of the evolution of a a fanboy. a deep breath. folk band that turned metal instead of viceI’m sure it’s hard not to get excited about versa like many other bands do. My favorite “Korpiklaani” have a lot of songs about seeing some of the greats. song is “Lempo” it has a very catchy chorus. liquor, I’m sure that makes for a great party. Ha ha, we have to keep it professional. People say we have ‘happy’ songs. We are like Their show is definitely reminiscing of the What do you have in the works? a festival band, what better to dance and sing famous “Ren Faire” and makes me want to After this tour we head back to Europe for festialong too than our music. drink a few tall mugs while rocking out to this vals and our next tour also if everything goes as awesome Finnish band... Näkemiin! Yesterday was Cinco de Mayo and you have planned we will have another US tour in a year Jarkko is a man of few words but is happy to tell us about his band Korpiklaani, as I attempted to pronounce it correctly. You need to practice pronouncing Korpiklaani, it means “Forest Clan”.

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Enrique Nunez

European folk metal invaded The House Of Blues on Sunset Strip, Los Angeles on May 6th. I met up with Jarkko from Korpiklaani touring through out the US with Ensiferum and Trollfest promoting their new album “NOITA” released on May 5th (Nuclear Blast Records).

Delicious!

Try our cupcakes inspired by Award Winning! Mexican food and desserts!

Rock Your Tastebuds!!!

As Seen On:

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The Used By Lan Nguyen

full of Sharp Objects“... With Bert McCracken at the helm and backed by the usual solid performances of drummer Dan Whitesides and bassist Jeph Howard, showgoers can expect nothing less than a great night of a

bit of the new and a lot of nostalgia. They had the fans moving and singing along throughout. One can say it is telling of a band’s success and connection with fans when they can sell out consecutive weekdays.

Photos: Lan Nguyen

Tuesday- April 8, The Used played the second day of their sold out stint at the Observatory in Santa Ana. Before the tour, the band announced that Justin Shekoski of Saosin would be filling in for guitarist Quinn Allman for the year, while Allman took a temporary hiatus from touring. Much as fans could be heard grieving for Quinn‘s absence, an integral part of the band and their sound, Shekoski’s musical chops could be considered more than enough to suffice for the time being. In fact, he seemingly tackles the band’s material quite effortlessly. Apart from supporting their latest, 2014’s “Imaginary Enemy”, the night’s set comprised mostly of fan favorites throughout the band’s career including “I Caught Fire“, “The Taste of Ink“, “Very Handsome Awkward“, “A box

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EFFIN EPIC April 25th RNR magazine became part of the KCCO (Keep Calm Chive On) movement merge with Chive on California, probably the best community in the world. Giving back and helping is the greatest reward on earth. Meeting in San Diego, CA at Effin’s Pub we call this event “Effin Epic” the second time Chive on California has raised money here for “Lucky Pup Dog Rescue” a rescue for small breed dogs. Last year funds total 18k but this year they topped out at 33k! The silent auction went off without a hitch, we donated a RNR merch pack and Guitar Center donated an IBANEZ Guitar. The turnout was amazing along with the atmosphere, nothing but smiling people ready for hugs and booze! People dressed in tutus, silly glasses and bear suits enjoyed music from Nomenclature, A King and Royal Court and KCCO’s Black Lager who donated $1 to Chive Charities from every KCCO sold.

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DR Promotions, The Rock, and Coup de Main presented The Monster Energy Westfest in Auckland New Zealand. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s their annual music festival that features Rock, Metal and Punk. The lineup this year was awesome and New Zealand fans were out to play! Considering this festival is held on Tuesday it never disappoints. The bands come across from Soundwave Australia and tear it up before heading back to their other tours. Headlining were Soundgarden and Faith No More and featuring Falling In Reverse, Fear Factory, Fall Out Boy, Papa Roach, Escape The Fate, etc and not forgetting the incredible Judas Priest and Lamb Of God that definitely without a doubt totally brought the house down with their insane sound and mind blowing performance. Local band Killing Yourself For Profit played their very first music festival and were opening for the main stage, they certainly warmed the crowd up and delivered an incredible set. This festival just keeps getting bigger and bigger and if you ever decide to visit that part of the world, West Fest is definitely a must see, you wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be disappointed!! Kelly Koolstra-Aplin Maiden Ink Tattoos

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Photos: Kelly Koolstra-Aplinuyen

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When did “Killing Yourself For Profit” first start? And tell us how the name came about? KYFP started late in 2013 in the wake of other bands that we all come from, which gave us the ability to “if you could do it all again what would you do” sorta vibe. Tha name stems from exactly what it sounds like, people killing themselves for profit each day by going to a job they hate, we try to remind people at our shows and with our music that life can be awesome if you want it to be.

the world, where would it be and why? Myself and KYFP would be honored to play any open air festival, being that we are all the way at the bottom of the world we get all the magazines and see the music festivals advertised with these amazing lineups. The closest we get is Soundwave which we would love to play. All those amazing bands in one place usually equals good vibes

Karl ,when did you first realize that you had a powerful screaming voice? Haha umm… not too sure l started singing/yelling quite late on l was about 21 l think and the band l was in at the time was struggling to find a vocalist so l gave it a crack. To this day l haven’t had any vocal lessons or done any sort of research on how to sing/scream apart from listening to all the appropriate music. What keeps you motivated to keep moving forward with the band. Keeping motivated with band it sounds cliché but the music keeps us motivated. Especially when we are writing new songs and rehearsing, when a song comes on together (is that a 80’s reference), it’s just so much fun and awesome altogether in a blended guitar yelling mix. Its almost like there is moments of clarity in amongst all the chaos. Having the ability to get up in front of willing people with a bunch of your mates and let loose with some Metal is some-what euphoric. As soon as you are done you want to do it all over. That’s our motivation. What were your expectations when you first stepped out onto the West Fest main stage? I think we all expected different things. But collectively we all expected it to be amazing, which it was 100%. Pretty spoiled to be able to play along sides of the likes of Judas Priest and Fear Factory. When you start off making music you dream of one day playing a stage of that caliber. Did you get a chance to hang out with any of the other bands at West Fest?

What bands ,in your opinion, were the highlight of the day? It’s a tough one cause throughout the day you were musically spoiled. Fear Factory and Lamb Of God delivered crushing sets as you would expect. But for me the highlight would have to be Judas Priest. I’m not the hugest fan of their’s but l respect them and they absolutely delivered on their sound, it’s hard to put your finger on what made it so amazing but once you were engaged you just couldn’t look away. Loved every second of it.

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Kelly Koolstra-Aplin

Photo: Neil Zlozower/ Atlasicons

Fear Factory was playing the same stage as us and they were right after us so almost as we were done there were sorta right there which was surreal. Growing up listening and being inspired by bands like that, and then them being right there was insane, backstage was a whole other level of crazy!

Photos: Enrique Nunez

Doyle Von Frankenstein After pulling into a spot at the Observatory in Santa Ana, I observed that there was already a big throng of people standing within the zig-zagging rows of metal railings waiting for doors to open. They were all for the most part, there for DJ Quik. To the side, a smaller line began to form and grow with every passing minute, waiting to gain admittance to the Constellation Room inside the venue for Doyle Von Frankenstein (ex-Misfits guitarist) and Mushroomhead. I was easily amused by the differ-

ences between the two lines. By comparison we fit the description of a “misfit”, no cares. Some of the fans nearby could be heard speculating that Doyle is deserving of a bigger stage. “DJ Quik” is an accomplished rap artist and record producer. . . After getting inside the Constellation Room, it wasn’t long before the floor was packed. Doyle and his bandmates were up after UK band “The Family Ruin” got the show started with their high energy, wonderfully infectious sound. For a hulking, monster of a

Photos: Enrique Nunez

Attika 7 After touring Mayhem Festival in 2013, Attika7 created some buzz and after a couple of changes in the band, one would wonder if we would hear from these guys again. With the smell of burning tires and leather jackets with a good number of motorcycles parked outside The Whisky A Go Go in Sunset Strip, Los Angeles Attika7 showed up to kill and destroy all boredom and doubts of “Can bikers rock?” or “Can this band of celebrities really make a band?” The answer to that is: YES THEY CAN. A mega band or super group is sometimes a hard business to handle, the current members of this band have various known credits under their

By Lan Nguyen

guy in Frankenstein horror makeup, it was real fun watching him pace back and forth along this rather small stage while pounding away at his guitar, and the occasional pop of bubble gum. With Alex Story aka Wolfman at the mic, the two traded fronting the band at a frenetic rate for pace for much of the set. Eyes shifted back and forth while taking in the show, as the fans asked for more. It is a band one must see live and meet as they come down to interact and connect with fans.

By Enrique Nunez

belts.The lineup is fronted by famous motorcycle builder and guitarist Rusty Coones, also known as ”Quinn” in the hit show “SONS OF ANARCHY”, vox by Evan Seinfel (BIOHAZARD), leads by the always intriguing Ira Black (LIZZY BORDEN, METAL CHURCH, VICIOUS RUMORS) and Tommy Holt, (UPO) Down-tuned guitars, deep vocals, groovy and thick bass plus the pounding drums could easily be associated with Metallica, White Zombie, and acts alike, Attika7 is serious to melt some faces as they rock a venue near you.

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Touring to Celebrate 30 Years of Being Strong and Proud By Missie Tong

Doro and a few hundred of her closest metal friends invaded The Gramercy Theater in New York City to celebrate 30 years of being strong and proud in the metal community. Not only has Doro been a force to reckon with in metal, but she has been a major influence for women in metal as well. Being that this tour is celebrating 30 years of music for Doro, you can expect to hear songs from the Warlock days clear up to her most recent release in 2012, Raise Your Fist. She is also taking requests from the crowd so if you are planning on going to a show during this tour, be ready to yell out your favorite songs from her extensive catalogue of music. The New York City show was a special show on this tour. Several special guests flew into the city to participate in this show with Doro. Bobby Blitz from Overkill sang on “Always Live to Win”, Jean Beauvoir from the Plasmatics on guitar for “Burn It Up”, Chris Caffery from Savatage and TSO played guitar on “Fur Immer” and “Metal Tango”, Leather Leone from Chastain lent her vocals for a duo on “East Meets West” as did Veronica Freeman from Benedictum for a duo on “True as Steel”. Jeff Waters from Annihilator played guitar on “Revenge” and “Breaking the Law”. All of the guests joined Doro on stage for an incredible version of “All We Are”.

Photos: Missie Tong

Cincinnati based metal band, The Mighty Swine was Doro’s support for this leg of her North American tour.

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part was the memorial service in the Hall of Liberty at Forest Lawn in Hollywood HIlls, Ca on Saturday. Many friends and fans made their way to Ronnie’s resting place to pay their tributes before and after the service. Quite an emotional and inspirational celebration where we were reminded why Ronnie holds a very special place in many people’s hearts.

H Photos: Enrique Nunez

ow many days do you need (or do fans want) to pay homage to a legend? More specific, a metal legend? Maybe the Pavarotti of metal? The one and only Ronnie James Dio deserves 3, a whole weekendor!

It has been 5 years since Dr Dio lost his battle to stomach cancer, we still gather and remember his greatness. The festivities began on May 15th as “Bowling For Ronnie”, a celebrity bowling and fundraiser took place at Pinz Bowling Center in Studio City, Ca. The red carpet was more than star-studded, fans had the opportunity to bid and bowl with some of their favorite rockstars and celebrities. My favorite

Speakers Eddie Trunk (That Metal Show), Sandeep Kapoor (Stand Up And Shout medical director), Dean Schachtel, Rudy Sarzo, Wendy Dio and many other friends took us back to their own experiences with the legend and what they all learned from him. The one testimony that caught my attention was Steve Mignardi’s who shared how being at a meet and greet with Roonie changed his life and perspective on how a “Rockstar” should behave. They all had different experiences, but the common denominator was how Ronnie had the amazing ability to remember names, make sure every fan felt special and he always had

something nice to say. With performances by Lita Ford, Great White, Lorraine Lewis, Rough Cutt, Roy Mayorga, Christian Martucci, Dio Disciples, etc., the crowd was delighted with a few classics like “Mistreated”, “ Rainbow in the dark”, “Stargazer” and “Stand up and shout”. Dio’s memorabilia like photos, stage clothes and letters were on display for all to enjoy. On Sunday, the “Ride For Ronnie” motorcycle ride and barbecue took place. Departing from Harley-Davidson of Glendale riding to Los Encinos Park in Encino, where more musical performances, prizes, food and camaraderie took place. I even spotted Fox 11 News’ Christine Devine (engaged to Sean McNabb) riding amongst the leaders of the ride. Overall, it was a metalhead’s version of a kid at Disneyland. Food, motorcycle rides, all-star musical performances and memorabilia packed into one single weekend. Call your parents, treat animals with respect and “every person matters and deserves respect” are the sure lessons for me to remember, thus Dio is not dead, he lives in all his disciples who share his ideals.

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Wayne Static Tribute With only a few hours ’til the start of the anticipated Powerman 5000/ Wayne Static tour, social media alerted many of us that Wayne Static’s untimely passing was true. It caught many of us by surprise, I am allowed to say it definitely caught me by surprise and left me very shocked with my jaw just dropped. The day his passing was announced, RNR was hosting the MX Rock Festival in Adelanto, CA at the Maverick’s Baseball Stadium. I literally just went numb and it took me a couple of minutes until I came back to my senses so could kept covering the event, for the show must go on.

tric). Tera Wray, did mention during the show that Wayne had shared new songs that were in the works and are in plans to be released in the future. I’m sure that friends and family who attended were happy to see how much Wayne was appreciated. Your live shows and raspy voice along with your “Evil Disco” rhythm will be missed... Party on Wayne!

I specially enjoyed seeing Nita Strauss joining 9Electric during their set, Dave Navarro, our good pal Ashes riffin’ together and Meegs Rascon who delivered a heartfelt minute of words but broke the silence in the room and made us all laugh by “acting” surprised of how many (explicit word for Mexicans/Latinos) were on stage that night, making reference to himself, Diego “Ashes” Ibarra (Wayne Static) and Mikey Lopez (9Elec-

72 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

Photos: Enrique Nunez

Static X was one of favorite bands growing up and I had just interviewed Wayne a few weeks before. We both had promised each other to catch up at the next available date/show, to bring my business card which portrays Wayne’s face screaming and he wanted to sign my large print of such image. We somehow kept that promise, not in full terms but close. I had the chance to take a picture of my business card next to the urn containing his mortal remains (ashes) and paid my respect. “Evil Disco” never felt more alive than on January 20th as the Whisky A Go Go on Sunset Strip, Los Angeles hosted a tribute show for the beloved Wayne Static as his band, many of his friends and fans came together to not mourn but to celebrate his legacy. With a stage adorned with paintings, photos and other memorabilia to make us feel like Wayne was present in spirit, many of his friends came to jam and pay their respect to the king of Evil Disco. Members from bands such as Ill Nino, Gemini Syndrome, Snot, Orgy, We Are The Riot, Escape The Fate, Alice Cooper, Lita Ford, Janes’ Addiction, etc., were part of the all-star line up that tried to fill in for a couple of hours, Wayne’s shoes.

Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 73

Play every guitar note from Slipknot's long-awaited release in honor of their founding bassist Paul Gray with these precise transcrip tions in notes and tab.

...ON THE

FLY.

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The FLY 3 is a compact mini amp with big TONE. Combining two channels, our patented Infinite Shape Feature (ISF) and a ‘tape’ delay, it’s the perfect take-anywhere amp or set of portable speakers when combined with the FLY 103. The FLY 3 is a compact mini amp with big TONE. Combining two channels, our patented Infinite Shape Feature (ISF) and a ‘tape’ delay, it’s the perfect take-anywhere amp or set of portable speakers when combined with the FLY 103. www.blackstaramps.com

ESP ECLIPSE 40TH TE

The Gretsch® Silver Series Ash side snare is the perfect complement to any drum set or percussion rig. The 10-ply Ash formula shell combined with the convenient Gretsch GTS mounting system creates a snare with a piercing back beat and convenient mounting options

The 40th S1-0610-ASHT Ash 6x10 THE Anniversary Side Snare Drum ALL-NEW www.gretschdrums.com ESP Eclipse ULTRA-POWERFUL offers detailed, INSANELY PORTABLE hand-made PERSONAL PA craftsmanship Battery-Powerable, from the ESP Bluetooth® Capable Custom Shop. Total control It has set-thru over all features construction with a right from your mahogany body and a iPhone®; or highly-figured flamed iPod touch® maple top which looks 300W Stereo Set phenomenal in its PA with translucent finishes. Limited Built-In Details like masked binding 4-Channel and glow-in-the-dark side Mixer dot position indicators make ww this model unique, and w. ma high-end components like cki Seymour Duncan APH-1 To celebrate the e.c om pickups (Tiger Eye version) or release of Metal Works EMG MetalWorks pickups (See Thru and our 25th anniversary Black version) make it imminently with Zakk Wylde, EMG playable. Only twenty of each finish are presents the Zakk being made available worldwide. Wylde Limited Set.

www.espguitars.com 74 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

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TouchMix-16 QSC TouchMix compact digital mixers are designed for musicians, production professionals and live performance venues that need the power and capability of a large “concert” mixing console in a compact, affordable and easy to use form. TouchMix-8 and TouchMix-16 mixers have the functionality to satisfy demanding professionals combined with a range of features and functions that help the less experienced user achieve quality results. The QSC TouchMix Series represents a breakthrough in innovation and digital mixer design - the result of a remarkable collaboration between QSC and industry icons Greg Mackie and Peter Watts (M&W Pro Audio Ltd.) www.qsc.com

Mo-Fi is the first headphone that delivers real audiophile performance and sound quality on every device—from professional studio gear to laptops, tablets and even your phone. Oh, and we completely reimagined how it fits on your head, so you’ll get both optimal sound and listen-all-day comfort.

This mic is the ultimate combination of solid state performance and versatilversatility. Based on the chassis and feature spec of the acclaimed 4400a, but with the highly specialized capsule of the original sE Titan, it delivers full and perfectly balanced mid and low frequencies, while its titanium capsule produces un-hyped but ultra-detailed HF response.

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Les Paul 6 Reference Monitor In the studio, the Les Paul Reference Monitors provide superior instrument definition, imaging, and transient response for accurate mixing and mastering of all musical genres. And in the home, these premium two-way speakers deliver the pristine sound quality that artists hear in the studio. Make mixes that "translate" superbly, master with confidence, or simply enjoy a superior listening experience—these speakers truly further the legacy of the man who invented multitrack recording. www.gibson.com

It is thus ideally suited for percussive sounds, including drums, percussion, the attack of a guitar, hammer action on piano, kick drum, slap bass, and hip-hop vocals. www.seelectronics.com

CHERRY

Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 75

TOBACCO BURST

CHERRY BURST

Music City Foo Fighters “Sonic Highways” It’s very rare to see a crowd at the Ryman Auditorium bust out of the mother church doors, at the same time of the night that the bars on lower Broadway are closing in downtown Nashville. This rare occurrence only happens when Dave Grohl & the Foo Fighters are in town, for a surprise $20 hot-ticket Halloween show, to promote their newly released HBO documentary series “Sonic Highways” in Music City! Over 2,000 lucky Foo Fighters fans attended the sold-out event on Halloween night, which was announced only a few days before the secret-kept show! The night officially began at 10 p.m. with the Friday’s hourlong airing of their HBO documentary series “Sonic Highways,” screened on stage in front of the congregation of fans. This particular documentary’s storyline focused on the Music City, its music scene & influence in Nashville. It was no time after the documentary ended that the rock band took stage with an explosive opening performance, kicking it off with “All My Life”! The band took the stage rocking King Diamond-style death-metal corpse paint, being All Hallows’ Eve. Grohl quoted early during the show, “It is an honor to play on this stage”. Thereafter, making the decision to remove his socks & shoes to play the rest of the show in his bare feet, so he could feel the historic Ryman stage under his feet. For the first half of the show, the band shuffled around their hits, pulling out favorites from “I’ll Stick Around” to “The Pretender.” “We’re going to play as many songs as we can before they kick us out of this place,” said front-man Dave Grohl, a few songs into their performance at the Ryman Auditorium in Music City. Dave went on to say, “But if we start having fun, then I don’t know what’s going to happen. So I hope y’all got babysitters, because it’s going to be a long night.” That was literally no exaggeration. By the time the band finished their exclusive 3-hour set, it was 2 a.m.! The set included Foo Fighters’ greatest hits, cover songs, & the band’s brand new songs from the “Sonic Highways” mini series. Special guests that evening included the legendary singer/songwriter Tony Joe White and artist Zac Brown, who was

76 Rock Rock N N Roll Roll Industries Industries Magazine Magazine 76

also dressed up for Halloween in KISS style face-paint. The motivation behind the Foo’s new song “Congregation,” written for the Nashville episode of “Sonic Highways,” was inspired by the history of music made in Nashville and the influence the Church has had during that process throughout the years. The future of Nashville and its recording studios was also an inspiring worry to Dave Grohl while recording and visiting the Music City, due to the construction near historic Music Row where the recording sessions are starting to be effected by the high-rises being built in the area. “I know Nashville is changing,” Dave said at the Ryman during his show. He also went on to say these inspiring words for the musicians and residents in Nashville, “I know there are big buildings going up, and traffic sucks and whatever, but at the end of the day, the roots of this city are more important than almost any city in the world and don’t give up on it!” I spoke to Grohl, the evening before the big show in Nashville, at the private screening inside of the intimate Basement venue in South Nashville. I mentioned to Dave about the ticket-scalping issue with all of the tickets being bought up by the corporatescalping “robot,” leaving hardcore fans no avenue to be able to purchase a ticket into the rare show. Dave said he was bummed to have heard about the chaos encompassing the ticket scalping issue for their show on Halloween and management had set certain ticket-buying rules and regulations to try to prevent these situations from happening. After Dave reassured Nashville about the tickets to their show, he also mentioned that those that did not get to attend should not worry. Grohl went on to hint that this was not the last time that the Foo Fighters were going to play the Music City!

Check out our youtube @RockNRollIndustries for the video lesson

Drum

Corner Hey Gang!

Welcome to our second lesson with, “The Drum Corner” I am your host, Sulli, and I am honored to have you with us today! In our debut lesson, we covered some basic ideas to help build more confidence with your time keeping and endurance behind the kit. For this lesson, we are going to expand and work with a few kick drum/snare drum patterns to help in prioritizing your practice time with independence/endurance plus introducing two new sections...”Drum Fill of the Lesson” and “Practice Pad in 5”, a quick review of a selected drum fill and some rudimental ideas to be done on the practice pad on a daily basis. Before I dive in, I would like to remind you to please give us some feedback on The Drum Corner. Receiving your reviews, thoughts and ideas will only help us create a better experience for everyone tuning in.

While putting this particular lesson together, I took some time to reflect on what it is about music and drumming that inspires me. Why put in the time to rehearse, write songs, record albums, tour, etc? It’s a full time job, and in most cases does not offer full time pay or benefits. Don’t get me wrong, in the right setting, the rewards can be HIGH. While on the other end, the downside can be LOW. Regardless, there is one thing that ties every musician together. Passion. It’s passion that encourages someone to become a doctor, firefighter, police officer, accountant, athlete, etc. All of the same elements are present, and as I have heard many times before, “Do what you love and you never work a day in your life.” However, one aspect of our profession is a bit different than ANY other career or hobby in my opinion. As musicians, we connect with people in a way not possible by any other means. Music moves the soul. We connect with other musicians and listeners through exposing our heart and soul in song with hopes of a connection with theirs. Further exploring this idea, I must say that my favorite drummers and bands are those that I connected with on a level much more involved than just listening, these artist produced a product that resonated with me and impacted my life. Something as little as a phrase in chorus, or the guitar melody, or better yet, the whole song. Perhaps there is a song or album out there that tells “your story” of a particular time in your life? I say all of this because I have always felt that drumming tells a story. As drummers, we operate more than just a time keeper, we really do set the

tone of

song, an album, a concert, etc. When breaking that idea down further, our choice of drum patterns and grooves should be a statement. We are “speaking” to the audience and we want them to hear us and connect with what we are saying. Drumming is a language. We create sentences all throughout a song or solo and in it’s simplest form - drum fills start and end that sentence. I have decided to start introducing 1 drum fill per lesson. The fills I am picking are those that I have used in the past, up to the present day. Our fill for this lesson is one I call “Old Faithful.” A wonderful little ditty that is perfect to use when transitioning from a verse to a chorus, etc, and very effective when played at slower tempos - namely in a ballad type of vibe. I encourage you to check out the accompanying video to explore these warm up routines, our “Drum Fill of the Lesson” and our “Practice Pad in 5” with me. All musicians have a unique fingerprint they leave on their work. Let’s explore how you can create yours! Best, Sulli thedrumcorner@gmail.com

hat’s up fellow guitar players? Welcome to another installment! The past few months have been filled with music and I hope you all have been practicing!

In this issue we are going to be talking about harmonics, natural and artificial. Most of you reading this know what harmonics or a harmonic note is, for those that don’t here is the definition: A guitar harmonic is a musical note played by preventing or amplifying vibration of certain overtones of a guitar string, usually using your fretting hand, but not limited to it. Music using harmonics can contain very high pitch notes difficult or impossible to reach by fretting. Guitar harmonics also produce a different sound quality than fretted notes, and are one of many techniques used to create musical variety. Natural harmonics occur at the 5th, 7th, and 12th frets, simply lightly lay your finger over the string while picking it, the note should jump out, those at the 12th fret are the same notes as those strings open or on the 12th fret. Keep in mind your finger will be directly over it, not in the middle, okay now you’re ready to do more!

Play a G Cord, let it ring and try to tap the exact same frets one octave higher (12 frets up) of your G Cord, If you tap light enough you will get a full chord of just harmonics...on a single string you can play a note, and tap 12 frets up from there and find your ghost harmonic, soon you’re going to realize that every note you play has a harmonic attached to it, how cool is that? A artificial harmonic is where you pinch the pick up close to the edge and let a part of your finger touch the string directly after your pick- causes that awesome Zakk squeal! Those Dimebag screams! Now practice, practice and remember to enjoy life, you play guitar! Keep a look out for my NAMM favorites from this year, until then I remind you, keep your strings clean and your Riffs mean.... Michael G out!

Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 77

--------------------------------------‘Natural Minor’ scale -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Hi, Peeps!!! Thanks for tuning in to another installment of ‘Intense Guitar’! Hope you enjoyed the last issue’s exercise. A few issue’s ago we looked at the Ionian mode. Otherwise known as the Major scale. In this installment I’d like to take a look a multiple fingerings for the relative Minor scale to Major scale. It’s called the Aeolian mode. Or the ‘Natural Minor’ scale. These two scales are your two primary scales used in most Rock guitar. Along with the Pentatonic and Blues scales. As you may recall, the formula for the Ionian mode is: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 (and 8va - the octave). No sharps or flats in the formula. The formula for the Aeolian mode is a “modification” of this. The formula for the Aeolian mode is: 1, 2, b3, 4, 5, b6, b7 (and 8va). Meaning, if you took the Ionian mode and simply flattened the said notes, you would have a Natural Minor scale. I’m going to write these out in the relative Minor mode that I gave you the C Ionian (Major) fingerings for a couple of issues back. So, these will be in the key of A Minor. The notes being A,B,C,D,E,F and G. There are various ways to play this scale. Different fingerings. Like I said. If you simply flatten the notes in the formula you’d have an Aeolian mode. However. Some of those fingerings by doing so from the Ionian might not be practical or “logical”.Here we’ll look at a few practical fingerings to apply to the scale. Some of these fingerings may even seem a bit “out of character” for you, but they all have a reason for your technique. The first thing you should note is that the first four fingerings all start off on each finger on the fretting hand. This assure us that we can play an Aeolian mode from which ever finger we want or have available. I’ve seen many players who only know a few fingerings for a scale and are limited to these few fingerings. We’re going to break out of that. The first fingering we’ll look at is a pretty common one. One finger per fret with an extension of one note with the pinkie finger. This is a common fingering used by most Rock players. It can be seen being executed by such players as Steve Vai, Al DiMeola and Paul Gilbert. Fingering # 2 is, once again, a one finger per fret position but this time we’re extending the index finger to cover notes not in the 1 finger per fret range. Realize this. That every scale and mode can be played ANYWHERE on the fretboard if you simply extended one finger, either your index or pinkie, by one fret. Think about it. You have all 12 notes underneath your fingers in ANY position simply by extending a finger. How cool is THAT?!? If you had a guitar with only 5 frets you’d be able to play in any key! It’s just a matter of knowing where the notes are underneath your fingers. Fingering # 3 will take most of us out of our “comfort zone”. It starts on the Third finger and can be rather rather challenging. Again, we’re going with the one finger per fret deal but this time we’re extending the pinkie, as opposed to the index finger. In my opinion, this fingering is rather difficult to get up to high speeds but I’ve seen Steve Morse totally rip on it. Fingering # 4 is keeping with our 1 finger per fret “rule” but this time we’re only extending the index finger once. It’s for the F note on the high E string. This, again, is a fingering that I’ve seen Al DiMeola employ as well as players like Vivian Campbell and John Petrucci. Fingering # 5 is a three note-per-string pattern that very conducive to fast playing. I’ve seen Yngwie Malmsteen use this fingering a lot. In fingering # 6 we do a little position shifting. Just one movement that takes us two frets up. If you notice, it basically breaks the scale down into 2 similar patterns. Be careful not to “drag” your index finger when moving positions. You don’t want the listener to hear you changing positions. Within in all these scales the listener should NOT be able to tell the difference as to which fingering you are playing. They should ALL sound effortless. Fingering # 7 is again, a horizontal shape that goes along the fretboard. I really like this particular pattern because it allows you to cover much ground and if you extend it you can even do 3 octave’s. We’ll look at 3 Octave Patterns in another installment. For now, we’re keeping these down to 2 octaves. Player’s like Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, and John Petrucci can be seen utilizing this shape. 78 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

The last three fingerings all start on the fifth string. For this reason we’ll modulate to the key of D Minor. The first fingering, # 8, we’ll look at is a 3 note-per-string figure that is, again, very conducive to fast playing. “Shredding”, if you will. You’ll see anyone from Vinnie Moore to Yngwie Malmsteen incorporating this pattern. Fingering # 9 is actually a “Classically” influenced pattern. It’s from Andreas Segovia’s book. ‘Diatonic Major and Minor scales’. I learned this when studying Classical guitar. A big user of this particular shape, as I’m sure you can imagine, was Randy Rhoads. Also, the reason why I got into Classical guitar and started studying it. Lastly. In fingering # 10 we see a shape mimicking pattern # 7 in it’s horizontal form. Again. I can’t stress this enough. Be very careful not to “drag” your finger along the string causing the position shift to be heard. This pattern can be seen being used by such players as Allan Holdsworth, Bill Connors and Joe Satriani. As always, practice these scales with a metronome. Count, preferably, 16th notes patterns. And if you really want to “adventurous”. Practice them in a cycle of 4th’s, like I suggested with the Ionian patterns we looked at a couple issue’s ago. I also suggest using alternate picking (staccato) AS WELL AS hammer-ons and pull-offs (legato).

“The Personality of Scales”

The art of songwriting is anything but mundane. A variety of keys, or scales, tempos, and genres, are some of the most compelling factors in helping to create the mood of the story line of the song you are composing. At it’s basic core, in writing your music, define your song’s purpose, the intent of the song. From there, pick the appropriate key, or scale. Allow yourself to understand the “personality scales.” There was a time in my life where I owned a music instruction business, and I used to ask children I was teaching to define the personality, or character of each key, or scale. Responses would vary from: “Key of F sounds calm and peaceful,” to “Key of B sounds playful and more hyper.” Indeed, each key has its unique characteristics, so, in writing music, it helps tremendously to speak the musical language, and understand music theory in relation to key signatures. For example, if the purpose of your song is to be happy and upbeat, you may choose not to put it in the key of A minor. Likewise, if you are writing a sentimental ballad, you may choose not to put it in the brassier toned key of F# major. Understanding key signatures helps you to get an idea of the framework of a song, and also allows you to better assess your options. In addition, songs can be transposed into different appropriate keys. If you are a vocalist, you may find that you are a better singer in certain keys, and that is perfectly normal. A common vocal technique is singing scales using a piano or keyboard. Singing vowels in various keys, aka “scale exercises”, can help a vocalist sing better. Understanding the language of keys also trains your musician’s ear. So much of playing music, or singing comes from listening. The art of listening, in the end plays a great part in the songwriting process. In the end, how do you want it to sound? In being the best songwriter you can be, educate yourself with not only the keys of the major and minor scales, but also with how they sound, and their unique characteristics, as they will play a big part in the song you compose! -Skye Delamey

Maor’s Session at ASCAP ASCAP is an acronym for American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers which is an American not-for-profit performance-rights organization (PRO) formed in 1914, that protects its members’ musical copyrights by monitoring public performances of their music and compensating them accordingly. This year’s expo marked the 10th annual “I Create Music” ASCAP Expo. It was held April 30 through May 2, 2015 at the Loews Hollywood Hotel in Los Angeles, CA. Paid attendance reached a record breaking 19% higher than last year. There were close to 200 panelists, performers and headliner interviews over the course of the expo. Among these were Sponsor Sessions. For example PMC & Vintage King put on The Producer and Composer Session – Hybrid Mastering in the Analog and Digital World with Maor Appelbaum. Appelbaum is a veteran producer, sound engineer and multiinstrumentalist with a world-wide clientele. Pictured is Appelbaum with one of his clients Dylan Rose guitarist for Archer and Epiphone President Jim Rosenberg who endorses both Dylan and Archer. There were quite a lot of exhibitors this year including Blackstar, Samson, Hartke, Los Angeles Women in Music, Presonse, M-Audio, PRS Samash, Go Pro. This expo is an experience that shouldn’t be missed by musicians of every sort. It brings together some of the most successful songwriters, composers, producers and music business leaders who share their knowledge with those who are willing to learn how to take their talent to the next level.

Recording artist, songwriter www.skyedelamey.com

Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 79

CD Reviews

Archer

Culling The Weak

Score 9 of 10

Hard Rock/Metal band, Archer, hails from Santa Cruz, CA. They recently released their new album Culling The Weak under their newly acquired German-based label Metalville and distributed by Rough Trade Records.

section strong and steady (the perfect backbone Band Members: for the guitar). Vocals are clean and clear, which Dylan Rose – Guitar & Vocals makes it easy to figure out the lyrics. Bravo! David Desilva – Bass & Vocals It is hard to believe that this is just a three-piece Keyhan Moini - Drums group unless you are watching them perform. Masterful guitar work is evident in this CD, For those that appreciate Hard Rock with a spotlighting the talent of Dylan Rose. Rose plays Metal edge, this is the CD for summer listening. as though he was born with guitar in hand. The Archer – Culling The Weak was produced and relentless bass lines of David Desilva are played Mixed by Rock/Metal producer Mike Clink in Los so well that there is no need for other instrumenAngeles, CA and mastered by Maor Appelbaum tation. The drum beat is wild yet steady, compliMastering in California. menting the bass lines. This makes the rhythm

Armored Saint

Genre (s): Metal

This long awaited release from heavy metal band Armored Saint out of Los Angeles, CA does not disappoint. Win Hands Down has everything that was expected of it and more. Every song on this epic cd is a winner. It’s like a ‘Greatest Hits’ compilation of sorts. Each of the nine tracks has phenomenal instrumentation throughout. Joey, Phil, Jeff and Gonzo all have the chance to shine through in the many well-placed instrumental sections. There’s even some funky Joey Vera spotlights that are incredibly metal. The opening tune Win Hands Down is an aweinspiring, in-your-face track that lets everyone know right away that this cd promises to be one of the best from Armored Saint. Gonzo’s kick ass intro grabs your attention right away, focusing it on the technical aspect of what he’s playing. Without seeing him play it in person, I am sure he makes it look easy. The next track, Mess keeps the same pace going, changing it up a bit here and there making it a perfect segue for An Exercise In Debauchery which sounds like a poke at society’s fixation with porn. Good stuff. The guitar riff at

Band Members:

John Bush: Vocals Joey Vera: Bass Phil Sandoval: Guitars Jeff Duncan: Guitars Gonzo Sandoval: Drums

Killset

Genre (s): Metal

by: Peggy Murphy

Know Your Killer

Score 9 of 10

Band Members: Julia Dettwiler: Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar Luis Murillo: Bass Jim Riggs: Lead/Rhythm Guitar Mark Owen: Lead/Rhythm Guitar Rozz Osborn: Drums Darcie O’Malley: Harmony Vocals

by: Peggy Murphy

by:Peggy Murphy

Killset – Know Your Killer was released on May 16, 2014 under the Scratched Records label. The genre is described by the band as “Chaotic Melodic! Digital Dubkilla Grunge Metal”. This 11 track CD is a work of love and passion which displays a lot of diversity, thus creating a little something for everyone. I should mention that there are explicit lyrics in a couple of the tracks. The vocalist, Luca does the melodic lyrics with occasional screams as he moves around while ‘Jas’ the drummer does a good part of the screaming. He’s been known to stand up behind his kit just because he can while nailing the beat. Together they are a great combination. The roudy bass is held down by Mark who brings the live set to life with his antics onstage as Dave rips out those killer guitar riffs. The arrangement of tracks flows well. The CD starts with a bang with My Whole Life which gives way to Lay Me Down, a sort of upbeat Heavy Metal Ballad. Forget

Lunar Rogue

Genre (s) : Rock N Roll

Win Hands Down

the beginning, middle and end of the song is seemingly designed to embed itself into your metal memory, to be recalled at a later time. Nice. Muscle Memory starts out melodically slower than the previous tracks, building up to the verse then returning to the easy-going melodic beat. It then continues with that pattern, for the most part, to the end of the track. Moving on, the galloping rhythm of That Was Then, Way Back When makes an interesting metal meld while pointing out today’s attraction to social media. The softly played beginning of With A Full Head Of Steam leads into some great guitar and bass work followed by powerful vocals bringing the tempo back to Armored Saint speed. Then it ends as quietly as it began. In An Instant begins as the previous tune ended but quickly escalates to what you expect to hear from this legendary group. Dive has something new for the listener in the form of a Piano as the main instrument. This full sound and the slower timing of the song make it a great contrast to the rest of the album. The finale is a tongue-in-cheek number entitled Up Yours. This upbeat rocking metal track was the perfect way to end the album.

Lunar Rogue’s 15 track self titled album was released in 2013. The first thing that one notices about this CD is that this was definitely a team effort. Incredible vocals are punctuated by extraordinary harmonies. The instrumentation has a very full, orchestrated sound to it. The mix is perfectly balanced, making this a joy to listen to.

Genre (s): Metal

You begins with a great guitar riff that comes and goes throughout the song which features vocals that are smooth and melodic. Next is Step Back which is a little on the angry side with explicit lyrics tastefully done. Bloody Now slows the pace down for a minute which allows us to appreciate what we are hearing. This Moment is a song left open to interpretation. Cold Victim starts out with one hell of a drum intro. Jas tears it up! The harmonies and scream/sing combos are outstanding in this track. Goodbye slows it down and features, once again, great harmonies. Dear Enemy starts off with a unique percussive sound and the energy of the group can be heard and felt in this song. A Better Way brings weakness and strength to light, stating “I wish I could have found.. A better way. Lastly is Mindkill Method which starts off with a slightly eerie sound that eases into softly spoken words progressing to in-yourface vocals. This track also contains explicit lyrics but is a perfect ending to this well-structured album.

Lunar Rogue

Score 9.5 of 10

Band Members:

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

by: Peggy Murphy

ings and emotions as we travel from one track to the next. There’s love and heartache, pain, loneliness and confusion. Each of these tunes are very good but there are two tracks that I feel I should mention. Take Away moves us over to the dark side of life where hell is right here on earth and there’s only one way out. Three songs later Afterlife slows the pace down while giving us a twisted perspective on how it must feel after leaving life and being alone.

Score 8.5 of 10

The tracks take us through a plethora of feel-

Want to see your band here? Submit your digital press kit to review@rocknrollindustries.com or mail one to the main office. 80 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

(not all media will get reviewed)

Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 81

82 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

Coming Soon The new release from Archer Produced by Mike Clink. Available from Metalville and Rough Trade Records

07.30.2015 / 08.21.2015 europe

u.s.a

EUROPE “CULLING THE MASSES” 2015 TOUR WITH ANNIHILATOR

30.09 GBR Birmingham 01.10 IRE Dublin 02.10 GBR Glasgow 03.10 GBR Sheffield 04.10 GBR London 06.10 FRA Paris 08.10 ESP Bilbao 09.10 POR Porto 10.10 ESP Madrid 11.10 ESP Barcelona 13.10 SWI Pratteln 14.10 ITA Brescia 15.10 SLO Ljubljana 16.10 SER Belgrade 17.10 ROM Bucharest 19.10 HUN Budapest 20.10 AUT Wörgl

Archernation.com

21.10 AUT Wien 22.10 CZE Zlin 23.10 POL Krakow 24.10 POL Warsawa 25.10 GER Berlin 27.10 DEN Kolding 28.10 GER Hamburg 29.10 GER Aschaffenburg 30.10 GER München 31.10 GER Karlsruhe 02.11 GER Nürnberg 03.11 LUX Luxembourg 04.11 NED Tilburg 05.11 NED Haarlem 06.11 BEL Kortrijk 07.11 GER Bochum 08.11 GER Köln

WITH DORO

20.11 GBR Norwich 21.11 GBR Buckley 22.11 GBR London 27.11 GER Fulda 28.11 GER Leipzig 29.11 GER Frankfurt 01.12 GER Hamburg 02.12 GER Hannover 04.12 GER Herford 05.12 GER Duisburg

06.12 SWI Pratteln 10.12 BEL Antwerp 11.12 GER Saarburg 12.12 GER Lüdenscheid 13.12 GER Stuttgart 15.12 AUT Wien 16.12 AUT Graz 18.12 TCH Praha 19.12 GER Nürnber

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