Unplugged Magazine February Issue 2

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February 2013

Unplugged James

Cavern

Looking for a good show to go to this month?

Check out Ace of Spade’s calendar for more details!

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Looking for new local musician to listen to?

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Scottish John on lyrics and why they move us so much.

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SXSW, Arizona and Europe?! Cavern gives the inside scoop on his plans for 2013.

Letter from the editor:

Why this? why now?

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hy do you love music so much? I get asked this question sometimes and I try to answer it in a very simple way, but truth is, there is no simple way. Music was something that I leaned against when I was young, and there was always someone with a guitar or a drum kit around me. So asking me why I like music is like asking an athlete why they like sports; it’s something that I grew up with and has always made sense to me.

I don’t think there has been a single day in the past six years where I haven’t listened to at least one full album. In-fact I just got through John Mayer’s “Room For Squares” and now I’m making my way through Asher Roth’s “Asleep In The Bread Aisle.”

Another question that I’ve been recently asked is, why I decided to make this magazine in the first place.

Well, let me tell you, this has been a simmering idea since June of 2011 and not until recently did I have the recourses to follow through with it. On top of that, the only thing I’ve come to love that even compares to music is designing. But essentially I started Unplugged to be able to put another project in my portfolio.

With those questions now answered, I just want to take a few lines to thank everyone who has read, looked at or even shared this zine out. I had originally planned to stop after the first issue, but after looking at some of the stats, and receiving so much positive feedback from friends, family and strangers alike, I decided that I wanted to continue this as a monthly publication. You can expect me to spam the link on my sites and you can expect that this is only the beginning for Unplugged Magazine.

Thank You, Steven Condemarin

Designer/Writer/Editor/Founder

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Top 5 Songs In My Head Gift of Paralysis Lucy Gray Envy On The Coast

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Not All Bad

two Terminal

How The Lonely Keep

To My Enemies ForPlay Saint Motel

three Savannah

Four Relient K

Forget and Not Slow Down

Carousel Morning Parade Morning Parade

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FallRise brings a huge crowd for a local show at Ace of Spades

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Artist spotlight: Forrest Heise

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Album Review: Wolf’s Law

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And the Record Rolls On with Scottish John

James Cavern interview

Up Advertise with us!

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E-mail us at sac.unplugged@gmail.com for info on how you can...

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1417 R street sacramento aceofspadessac.com Tickets Available @ Dimple records, The Beat, Armadillo (Davis) Online: AceOfSpadesSac.com

By Phone: 1.877.GND.CTRL OR 916.443.9202

2/1 SILVERSTEIN

LIKE MOTHS TO FLAMES, GLASS CLOUD, SECRETS & ISSUES

2/5 NONPOINT

CANDLELIGHT RED, DEDVOLT, DIGITAL SUMMER & FAIR STRUGGLE

2/6 THE WAILERS

FEATURING ROGER STEFFANS

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2/14 GYPTIAN

VALU FA & NICEUP

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REIGN , PLAYAH K, RICHARD THE ROCKSTAR, NO MUTINY CLIQ, SUAVE DEBONAIRE, R DOT CARTER, BAEZA, MARK SNIPES, CBK & LUCKY LEFTY

2/16 FOR TODAY

MEMPHIS MAY FIRE, THE WORD ALIVE, UPON A BURNING BODY, GIDEON & INCREDIBLE ME!

2/17 SOULFLY

2/8 ANDREW MCMAHON

INCITE, DAMAGE OVER TIME & CHERNOBOG

2/10 SCHOOLBOY Q

DESARIO & COLD ESKIMO

& THE REEL

& PLUS SPECIAL GUESTS

2/13 THE GREEN

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CON BRO CHILL, DIAMOND DEZ & SHAUN SLAUGHTER / D.A.M.B.

2/22 MOLLY HATCHET RELIC 45 & MAXXX

2/23 KINGDOM OF GIANTS WITHIN THESE CASKET WALLS, THE GREAT DESTROYER, SLEEPING UNTIL THE END, PETROGLYPHS & INCISUS

2/24 THE SUMMER SET WE ARE THE IN CROWD & GO RADIO

2/26 BLAZE YA DEAD HOMIE ANYBODY KILLA & 420 DARKSIDE BOYZ

2/27 PENNYWISE LAGWAGON & STICK TO YOUR GUNS

2/28 TESTAMENT OVERKILL, 4ARM & SOLANUM

ACE OF SPADES PRESENTS @ THE BOARDWALK 9462 GREENBACK LANE

2/28

SECONDHAND SERENADE ALEX GOOT, TYLER RICH, SELF PROCLAIMED & MERCEDES AVENUE

Local shows

FAll Rise

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allrise took the stage at Ace of Spades Saturday night on Jan. 27, and brought one of the biggest and best local shows to hit the stage of the venue. Opening bands included Madison Avenue, Misamore, White Minorities, Prylosis, and Dimidium.

The night contained moshing, head banging and of course the heavy metal music that got the fans in an uproar of excitement. When Fallrise hit the stage, they didn’t disappoint loyal fans. They showed the fans why they are the headlining band by bringing the most energy into their songs.

packs Ace’s house Click or scan to check out more shift sync media content

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Story and photos courtesy to Bryce Fraser

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Artist spotlight

Before venturing off into the world as a solo-artist, Forrest Heise was the vocalist of Sacramento fusion-band, Anima Fracture. You may have seen them open for bands such as Aficionado, A Lot Like Birds or Dead Letter Circus. After they disbanded, Heise took to writing and recording a few songs with Ira Skinner at Alley Avenue Studio. The final product was a three song EP simply titled “Forrest Heise 2013”.

So how does one go about defining the product of influences including Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, Rx Bandits and Jack White? “The other day somebody said I sounded like some ‘post-glam birdbath jam,’” Heise jokes, “but I guess I just play art rock. Lets go with sexy-art rock.”

“I’m doing something I’ve never done before,” he says. “Instead of bringing other musicians into the studio with me I decided to track all of the instruments myself. It’s just me and an engineer in the control room. Kind of weird at first, but it’s created a unique sound that none of my other recordings have had.”

Expect a re-release of the EP two to three tracks stronger, and under a new title in March or April. “It will be more cohesive and have some additional themes and ideas,” says Heise, “and I keep fans posted on shows through Facebook. I play lots of impromptu acoustic gigs so you gotta pay attention!”

Alisha Kirby

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CLICK OR SCAN THE QR CODE AT THE TOP TO CHECK OUT HIS EP ON FACEBOOK

Album review

Two years after releasing “The Big Roar”, their debut album, The Joy Formidable is back with their long awaited album “Wolf ’s Law”.

This album is everything that you would expect from the Welsh trio. There’s a great mixture of up-beat alternative with a dash of some melodic dream pop, that’s just enough to bring you back down to Earth.

The album opens up with two of their singles that was released back in 2012, “This Ladder Is Ours” and “Cholla”,that build upon each other and set up the whole album perfectly. Halfway through the album, “Silent Treatment” slows it down with the acoustic melodies and Ritzy Bryan’s soothing Tegan-andSara-like vocals.

The final track, “The Turnaround”, chills out and relaxes this musical roller coaster. But wait there’s more! It gives you exactly what you’ve been waiting for the whole album; “Wolf ’s Law” which is hidden in the last five-and-a-half minutes of the nine-minute track, bringing you satisfaction and closure to this moodswinging album.

Over all, The Joy Formidable’s newest album is a great way to kick off 2013 and is a must have for those who like the band already. My only gripe is that this album didn’t “wow” me for everyday listening, just sayin’.

Steven Condemarin

TRACKS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT: 1. THIS LADDER IS OURS 4. LITTLE BLIMP 7. MAW MAW SONG 10. THE HURDLE

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And The Record Rolls On Scottish john expands on lyricism and its power

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ello hello. How are all you cool cats feeling today?

You’re awesome if you just answered that question out loud.

Anyway on to the music. I wanted to touch base on what I’ve already mentioned in my last piece.

If you didn’t get a chance to read it because you were busy washing your dog’s hair or some other bull shit here’s a little of what I want to dawn on. Lyrics. Last issue I talked about how relatable lyrics are what people strive about. Lyrics want to do one of two things: relate to you or live vicariously through. For example, taking a Louisville Slugger to both headlights, and slashing a hole in all four tires, let’s be real that sounds AWESOME and we’ve all thought about doing it. On the contrary, very few of us have the balls, bats,

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or southern upbringing to really pull that off with class like my girl Carrie Underwood. Now, I personally think that lyrics are vital. If your lyrics sound cheesy and they don’t really have a purpose, then your song is stupid. Simple. I don’t care about your ripping guitar solo ¾ way through the song because I’m not a guitar. I can never be a guitar. BUT, I can relate to what you’re saying, or at the least find it interesting or cool or exciting or innovative or thought provoking, or just damn emotional.

Now, don’t get me wrong here guys, I love instrumental music.

Whether it’s classical, jazz, electronic or whatever. Singing without lyrics is even really cool, I love all the “las” and “oohs” and “aahs.” If you are going to have words make them count. Don’t try to write something that you’re not or that you don’t believe in. Use your voice, everyone’s got one and every single person’s is different. Why would

you want to be someone else when you could be you? You’re awesome!

For real though, let’s go a little deep. Besides me saying simply that “We like those lyrics because they’re relatable,” let’s really analyze something for a second. Let’s take these lyrics right here, they’re from “Millstone” by Brand New. I know what you all are thinking, “Scottish John why did you pick such a depressing piece of music? Oh my god you’re sooooo emo.” Shut up, it’s beautiful and Brand New kicks shit (that’s my new phrase.

“Kicks Shit.” Use it. Be cool like Scottish John). Even if it’s not your cup of tea, which is totally OK, the lyrics are a great example for what I’m about to bring up.

I used to pray like God was listening.

I used to make my parents proud.

I was the glue that kept my friends together, Now they don’t talk and we don’t go out.

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If you are going to have words make them

Now I think this goes without saying, throw in a love loss and you have very well summed up post-teenage angst. Now Jessie Lacey, lead man of Brand New, has always had a knack for reaching out to that troubled teenager and young adult.

What I personally love about this stanza is that he is simply saying. “I’m alone and a cancer amongst people.” But the way he does is beautiful. He grew up in an extremely religious family and he pulls from that to create depth and a sense of reality. That’s why it’s so good.

I have a friend right now (who shall be left nameless) who’s going through some tough family stuff. I’ll be honest, he’s a terrible lyricists. However, now that he is having all of these family issues and I’m like, “Dude! You’re lyrics are soooooo much better it’s ridiculous.” It’s because he’s writing from real experience.

It’s because he found a voice, an outlet, that’s what people want to hear. Music is supposed to be this genuine beautiful expression of emotion and feel, and if you can’t write something genuine, then I don’t want to listen to you.

Why do you think there are literally millions of love songs that are virtually all about the same thing, and so many of those are great fucking songs? It’s because they’re real! They pull it from their own emotions and heart, and dammit we as listeners love it. It’s the same reason that Taylor Swift has been able to sell the same story over and over again. Come on, we all know what I’m talking about. The break up story, the broken heart story, all of those. Sometimes you’re like “Tay give it a rest!” But hey, she doesn’t want to mess with a winning formula and if that’s what she’s good at, than good for her. Honestly, next time you have a broken heart listen to a Taylor Swift record. I’ve never done it, but dammit I bet halfway into it you’re going to be like “Yes. I get you Taylor, I so get you.”

All right, on that note I bid you all adieu. I genuinely hope you all enjoyed this. Please feel free to email me with questions, comments, or simply just to say “I think you smell like a douchebag and everything you write is a big pile of dolphin penises.”

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Cheers, Scottish John Scottishjohn.unplugged@gmail.com

James

Cavern

Cavern talks with unplugged contributor Alisha Kirby about Song writing, collaborating, his ep and his upcoming tours

by Alisha Kirby

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ow was your New Year’s Eve? Do anything crazy?

My New Years was interesting. I was supposed to play with my buddies in Old Sac but those shootings happened.

You’re from London right?

What brought you to Sacramento?

Yes. I am from London. My parents decided to move here in 2000 to be closer to our aunts, uncles and grandma. They all, for the most part, reside in San Jose.

Tell me a bit about your sound? What are a few of your main influences?

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My sound has definitely changed a lot since 2011.

I am a huge fan of soul music, and so my vocals are closer to a soulful smokey blues. My music has some elements of R&B but it is mainly rock. I was playing as a two piece for a while so this created an interesting dynamic also. I had to be very purposeful in everything I did on the guitar. Some of my influences are Ray LaMontagne, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles and Ray Charles. Ultimately, my sound has a lot of dynamic with focus on the vocals.

It says on your Facebook that you enjoy collaborating with as many artists as you can. Who are a few of your favorite

collaborators?

Century Got Bars is definitely on the of the main people I collaborate with.

I used to be in the hip hop band called The Ricky James Project with my friend Ricky Pannell which disbanded a few months ago.

Of late, I gained the interest of Shwayze, and we are currently sending tracks back and forth to each other.

What is your song writing process like?

It’s usually quick. I’m not one to intentionally sit down and write a song.

They usually come to me very quickly in terms of lyrics and melody. Chord progressions, however, I am always working on.

Every time I pick up a

guitar I try to come up with a progression and store it in my mental bank. Who knows where they end up.

They could be full of songs or sometimes bridges, but it definitely helps to have some saved up.

Does that change much when you write with others?

Usually the process is easier with others. If someone comes to me with a track already or some sort of progression, I can typically write to it fairly easily if I relate to the topic.

What do you do to get over writer’s block?

I listen to music. I try to go through old records and get

“ re-inspired. Being able to go online and surf music is a great tool also.

Tell me about your live show, is it mostly acoustic or do you have a full band?

This year I am planning on playing most of my shows as a full band. The new record was recorded as such, so we would like to emulate it on stage. I also play a lot of acoustic gigs on the side in which I rearrange the songs to fit the style of play. We are really exited this year because we will be leaving on a three-week tour to play at SXSW (South by Southwest) and other spots on the way home. The last show of the tour will be my “The Pilot EP” release show at a new venue here in Sacramento called The Assembly.

What info can you tell me about “The Pilot EP”?

It’s due to come out March 29. It was recorded at The Hangar Studios by David Jensen, Zack Kampf (drums), Andrew Barnhart (vocals/bass) and myself. Since I’ve changed quite a bit through the years a couple of the songs are older songs that I have reworked into how I perform now. The other tracks have been works in progress over the past year and a half. We did a lot of pre-production (about three months) before we actually hit the studio. We ended up recording all five tracks in three-and-a-half days.

This past year was a big one for you; SN&R (Sacramento News & Review) named you “Outstanding R&B-Soul

Let your art, music and performances speak for themselves.”

Artist of the Year,” and you were nominated for Sacramento’s “Musical Artist of the Year” by RAWawards Indie Arts Awards. What sort of work went into reaching that sort of recognition?

I was very surprised only because I did not promote these at all. The reason why is because I believe these awards are obviously given and not campaigned for. Although I understand why bands and artists will relentlessly make Facebook event pages, posters and such to promote their stake in the awards, I believe there is more to be said when you don’t do those things at all. To me it means that people actually, on their own accord, voted and enjoyed your music enough to do so without having to be bombarded by posts and such.

I was very proud to claim my award this year and I could feel a genuine joy from people as I picked it up. Let your art, music and performances speak for themselves. That’s the only type of work that needs to be put in.

Other than the EP, what else do you have planned for 2013? Any tours or anything?

I will be going on a three week tour to Austin, Texas to play at SXSW, then I will play in Arizona and work my way back to Sacramento, stopping off in LA, San Francisco, and maybe San Luis Obispo. When I return I’ll be back for a few weeks, and then I will be going to Europe for a month to tour as main support for an LA artist.

The rest of the year I plan on playing

outside of Sacramento. I will definitely make a trip up north to Oregon and Washington, as well as a thorough trip south to San Diego and back. I set myself a goal to only play five times in Sacramento this year and to make sure they are are purposeful events.

So events like “Concert in the Park” and “Launch” are definitely on the schedule.

There are talks of creating a possible studio downtown where we will specialize in recoding vocals and acoustic tracks for artists of all levels.

This will also double up as our practice spot, headquarters and where I will shoot my videos for my upcoming YouTube Music Channel.

What’s the best place for people to find your music?

I would say iTunes, my Facebook music page and YouTube. I also created a music series called “The Porch Sessions” which I heavily promote on my YouTube channel.

Click or scan the QR code to check out Cavern’s YouTube page.

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Photos courtesy of James Cavern

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Up Editor in chief

Steven Condemarin

Contributors megan houchin (copy) alisha kirby (writer) Ian La Tondre (columnist)

Thank you for reading!

If you have any questions or comments, email us at sac.unplugged@gmail.com. ask us how to be featured in our next issue or how to advertise in our next issue!

Copyright Š 2013 by Unplugged Magazine. All rights reserved. Unplugged Magazine does not take ownership of contributed material.