Young Guns Music Magazine (June 2015 Edition)

YOUNG GUNS MUSIC MAGAZINE Clarissa Serna June 2015

Corpus Christi, Tx

Featured Artists Nick Valdez San Antonio, Tx Remanon San Antonio, Tx Years Gone San Antonio, Tx

Featured Models Kelsie Smeby New Braunfels, Tx

In the loop with 210 Local Media

Artist of the Month Mark Odom Guitarist

IINSIDE

THIS ISSUE

Clarissa Serna Corpus Christi, Tx P.8

Nick Valdez San Antonio, TX P.12

Remanon San Antonio, Tx P.16

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Years Gone San Antonio, TX P.18

Artist of the Month Mark Odem P.22

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Special Features In the loop with 210 Local Media Mario Zamarron P.25

FEATURED MODEL Kelsie Nicole Jean Smeby New Braunfels, Tx P.28

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OUR SENIOR EDITOR

ELORA Welcome to the fifth edition of Young Guns Music Magazine.

This month we are featuring some great up and coming artists which includes our very own Nick Valdez.

We're also featuring a couple of great up and coming bands that have been rocking the South Texas music scene; Remanon and Years Gone.

Be sure to check out our Artist of the Month, 7 time winner of the Alamo Music Guitar Wars; guitarist Mark Odem. If you haven't heard mark play you're really missing a great show. He has a great story to tell which makes him an even greater Young Gun. You'll also hear from our favorite blogger Mario Zammaron from 210 Local Media. He's giving musicians some great tips in succeeding in the music business.

Also be sure to check out our "Model of the Month" section featuring a New Braunfels, Texas beauty Kelsie Nicole Jean Smeby.

Finally, there is our May Cover Artist. She is Clarissa Serna of Corpus Christi, Texas who has been making waves of her own in music. Find out what she's been up to since her performance on the Voice.

Once again, Thanks so much for taking the time to visit our magazine.

As always, we ask that you please share our link with your friends, and “Like� us on Facebook.

Enjoy!

SUPPORT LOCAL MUISC

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The Santikos Summer Music Series

17703 W IH-10 San Antonio, TX 78257 7

Clarissa Serna Corpus Christi, Tx

Clarissa Serna In a city rich with Latino/cumbia-based influences, emerges an artist non-conforming to the traditional music genre. Singer/songwriter Clarissa Serna has been making a splash in the music industry, rocking the waters in her beachside hometown of Corpus Christi, Texas since 2006.

With her juicy blend of pop, rock and soul, Clarissa has created a sound unique to the local flavor, yet welcoming to the mainstream market.

She was featured on Season 6 of NBC's THE VOICE with an impressive 4 chair turn for her rendition of "Zombie" by The Cranberries.

Clarissa went on the win her first battle round against her Shakira team mate singing "Cold as Ice" by Foreigner. Her journey ended during Battle Rounds 2, however her experience on the show has served as an incredible platform boosting her fan base by thousands and motivating her to work on her highly anticipated album.

Clarissa started her stage career young, singing for various Christian and pop bands. In her early 20’s she was recruited by local mainstay bands as a club singer. Her unique ability to mimic and deliver covers attracted audiences far and wide. She has performed relentlessly as a solo act over the past several years and is the most sought-after female artist in the area.

Clarissa’s natural artistic talent is seemingly limitless. Her unique voice is soft and sweet at times, yet raw, powerful and gritty. She writes her own music and plays several instruments, including guitar, piano, drums and harmonica. She has been commissioned and has sold many original paintings and moonlights as a freelance makeup artist. It’s almost unfair how so much talent can be bundled into an athleticallyframed starlet with spellbinding good looks and a chic and original sense of style.

In 2011, her debut, self-titled EP was released, as well as her first official music video for the single, Hold Your Hand. The EP boasts 6 original tracks lavished with fun and catchy melodies and appeals to both male and female audiences, young and old. Currently Clarissa is back in the studio working on tracks for a new album. Her fans are more than ready for a new experience.

“My music, my sound is currently experiencing a renaissance of energy and originality. I can’t wait to show the world what else I have in store. This is only the beginning of something beautiful!” Clarissa Serna

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A Little Q & A YGMM: How old were you when you first started performing and where was your first public performance?

CS: I've been performing since I was very young at family functions, talent shows, church etc. my first "real" gig was around the age of 17 at chaparral st. Bar and grill.

YGMM: What do you remember about it?

CS: I just remember how nervous I was.

I always had to be sitting down and I would just close my eyes and try to pretend no one was watching. At the end of every gig I felt so accomplished and appreciated because of the positive feedback. Each individual compliment made me more confident and excited to perform again. They still do to this day.

YGMM: How different is your life since the Voice?

CS: Well since the show I bought my first home and got a puppy (sophie) who I'm obsessed with. I've been working on my album and writing a ton of new material. I am definitely recognized more often and its incredibly humbling. People often ask for my autograph or a picture whether it be at my local taqueria drive through or HEB WHEN I LOOK ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE! I never turn down a photo though. My fans are everything. I know people are constantly watching my every move so I try to keep my fans entertained with my weirdness and shows.

YGMM: You work with many young girls in your Corpus Christi from Chicas Rock, who see you as a role model. What advice would you give to them in following in your foot steps?

CS: The best advice I could give anyone is to believe in yourself. You HAVE to know what you're worth and what you're good at and just OWN it. You can't let anybody tell you otherwise. Constantly try new things and challenge yourself. Be humble and know that we are all the same. Treat others with humility and respect. Have faith.

YGMM: Finally, what can your fans expect from you in the coming year? Tell us what's in the works CS: I'm currently working on a music video to release with my first single "El Dorado." This is my favorite new song so far and I can't wait to share it with my fans. It should be ready within the next month. The new originals we are working on have a nice pop/rock/soul feel to them. Some are love/heartbreak songs and others are more inspirational and encouraging. We are planning a summer tour on the east coast and hopefully reconnecting with some good ole voice family for upcoming shows. So stay updated by following my social media @clarissaserna for updates on concerts and tour dates!

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Young Guns Music Magazine is committed to supporting community organizations that help foster the learning of music and the arts to our young. We pledge to do all we can to help such organizations with our time, talent and financial support.

Daily, many children are neglected, left behind, and face immense danger, it goes unseen and unknown to many of us. On school days, parents are at work, between the hours of 3:00 and 6:00pm. These are peak hours for teens and children to fall into the deadly trap of peer pressure, bullying, crime, drugs, gangs, teen pregnancies, child abuse, neglect and the most terrifying of all, child abduction.

Inspire a Child USA is a non-profit organization in San Antonio, Texas that raises funds to establish a foundation for after school programs, internet resources and summer camps to schools and community organizations at no cost. Its goal is to help reduce, if not, eliminate these atrocities by inspiring the children to do great things through arts training.

Programs are designed to help develop a basic creative arts and arts technology curriculum with variants customized to different age groups, skill levels and cultures.

Find out more by visiting: http://www.InspireAChildUSA.com

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Nick Valdez San Antonio, Tx

Nick Valdez is one of the founding members of the San Antonio based rock band Elora & Gasoline Alley. At just 14 years of age, he’s already a seasoned musician with over 350 performances under his belt and is already considered one of the best guitarists in South Texas. He has been performing with his sister Elora and wowing audiences for the past five years with their Classic Rock and Pop music.

Flawlessly performing some classic guitar riffs from such greats as Van Halen, Kiss, Guns N Roses and ZZ Top he often steals the spotlight at performances. When people hear the music they are drawn to the stage and impressed with Nick’s handy work and more impressed when they learn how young he is.

Nick first pick up a guitar at the age of eight and by the time he turned nine, he was already turning heads with his performances. He was first introduced to music when he attended a local music academy with his sister. “I liked music and though playing the guitar would be fun, but I only went because of my sister’s interest in music. It was sort of an afterthought for me to attend and the purpose of me going was really to keep her company, but we both enjoyed it”.

Nick Valdez with Elora

Young Guns Music Magazine had the opportunity to sit down with Nick and ask a few questions about his music and performing.

YGMM: You’re one of the youngest musicians we’ve interviewed to date, tell us what’s it like for you performing on stage to audiences?

NV: It’s really a cool feeling. I really enjoy it. I really don’t know how to describe it but it’s a good feeling when you look out to a crowd and see them smiling and enjoying your music.

YGMM: When you first began to play, what was the most challenging thing for you to learn?

NV: I don’t know, I really enjoyed learning but the hardest thing when I began to play was getting past the pain in my fingers. When your fingers are not use to pressing down on strings you start to get callouses. It hurts but then you get used to it.

YGMM: How often and long did you practice when you first started?

NV: I’d practice for at least 30 minutes every day. I spent a lot of time on YouTube learning from “how to” videos. When I attended the Music Academy I was taught only basic cords and I wanted to learn more and play songs.

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YGMM: Are you pretty much self-taught?

NV: Yes, I thinks so. Like I said I was really only taught some basic cords and how to play a couple of songs at the Music Academy. If I wanted to learn more, I had to find out by myself. Which was pretty easy because there are so many lessons on the internet. You just got to want to learn and put in the time practicing.

YGMM: Are you currently taking any formal lessons now?

NV: No, but I’d really like to. It’s just that it hard to find the time. We have a pretty full performances schedule.

My dad, who is not a musician, helps me. I’m fortunate that he’s a good teacher and spends time with me when I practice or learn a new song. He gives me feedback and keeps me focused. It’s so easy to go off and start playing something totally different when you’re trying to learn a new song LOL. My dad is quick to say “Stay focused!”

YGMM: You’ve just been recognized and nominated for “Best Guitarist” by the San Antonio Music Awards. How does that feel?

NV: It’s pretty cool. Actually my band got a total of 5 nominations. It would be nice to win, but I know there is a field of great guitarist on the list. I’m just happy to have been included in such a group.

YGMM: You’re writing now?

NV: Yes, I can start a song, but it’s hard for me to finish one LOL. I have started a few but they’re not ready. Hopefully I’ll finish them soon.

YGMM: You also began singing. Are we going to see more of you singing with the band?

NV: LOL. I don’t know, I think so. I really only sing when we have a long gig to give Elora a rest but its fun. I’m working on writing some original songs and I hope to perform those one day.

YGMM: So what advice would you have for other young people who want to start a music career?

NV: I don’t know. I guess just stay focused on it if that is what you really want to do. It’s really a lot of fun once you get going, but it is also a lot of work. Its practice, practice, practice and you get tired but in the end it’s pretty cool.

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May 26th, 2015 – ADLER the band led by former Guns N Roses drummer Steven Adler is gearing up for a handful of select summer shows starting in June. The upcoming tour dates will be the band's first live performances in over two years, and the band's first ever visit to South America ADLER’S debut album “Back From The Dead” was released at the end of 2012 via New Ocean Media. Recorded in Los Angeles with producer Jeff Pilson (FOREIGNER, DOKKEN) and mixed by Jay Ruston (ANTHRAX, STONE SOUR, THEORY OF A DEAD MAN), the CD consists of 11 tracks, ranging from adrenaline-pumping rockers ("Back From The Dead", "Own Worst Enemy", "Another Version Of The Truth") to arena-rock anthems ("Good To Be Bad", "Blown Away") to powerful, heartfelt ballads ("Waterfall", "Just Don't Ask"). The album features guest appearances by Adler's former GUNS N' ROSES bandmate Slash and ROB ZOMBIE/ex-MARILYN MANSON guitarist John 5.

ADLER is comprised of Steven Adler, frontman Jacob Bunton (LYNAM, MARS ELECTRIC), guitarist Lonny Paul (ADLER’S APPETITE), and bassist Johnny Martin (CHELSEA SMILES).

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REMANON

Remanon is a four piece prog-rock space fusion band based in San Antonio, TX. The two most veteran members of the group, Roy Buquor Hernandez (drums) and Jeremy Matt Vela (guitars) began jamming together in 2004 after being introduced by a mutual friend. They started an instrumental group called Accord of Dissonance, which bassist Jimmy Rodriguez joined in 2008. After a few years playing around town they changed the band name to Remanon, still being mostly instrumental.

In late 2013, vocalist Nathan Alvarado was seeking a new project, and heard that Remanon was looking for a lead singer. The chemistry was apparent during the first couple of practice sessions, and almost immediately Alvarado became the official lead vocalist of the new Remanon. The new lineup played their first public live performance on Dec. 6, 2013 at 502 in San Antonio. Since then, Remanon has gigged steadily in S.A. and surrounding areas in Texas. They recently released the EP "Episodes" on May 5, 2015, and plan to continue with regional touring while writing new material for another album.

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All the musicians in Remanon are native Texans, and have been around different music styles since childhood. Drummer and founding member, Roy, got turned on to the complex compositions of Jazz through his grandfather when he would ride around San Antonio with him. Hearing all the different leads and voices inspired him pick up various instruments always trying to replicate those heavenly sounds Remanon's other founding member, electric & acoustic guitarist Matt Vela got into music quite simply yet powerfully because of one great metal band...Metallica. Growing up in the relatively small town of Victoria, TX, he picked up the guitar as a young teenager and never looked back.

Remanon's bassist, Jimmy, also hails from a small town in Texas...Brownsville, down on the U.S./Mexico border. He fell in love with the kind of rock that is loud and fast... jamming in garage punk bands through his high school years. Jimmy eventually moved to San Antonio and started to experience an actual music scene. He was hooked.

Remanon's newest member, vocalist Nathan, has music in the blood. He can't remember a time when he wasn't singing in the car with his family...singing in his bedroom, singing in the shower, singing in class...you get the idea. Vocals being his calling, he didn't really get into heavy rock music until his late teens. Instead he was a self-proclaimed choir nerd singing classical and old jazz standards. Once he graduated to the local karaoke circuit, he was picked up by a local cover band and the passion grew from there.

One important fact in Remanon's short history is that they were all brought together initially through a local music community called Local 782. Though in different projects at the time, they all met at the meetings held by this loose networking collective of musicians, artists, promoters, etc. that developed in San Antonio to benefit the music scene. Nathan became a fan of Accord of Dissonance, and even improved some vocals at one of their shows at The Mix. Perhaps it was a sign of things to come, even though it wouldn't happen as Remanon for a few more years.

In 2013/2014, once the foursome did start creating new Remanon tracks with vocals a new musical identity was born, and they are just scratching the surface of what they hope to release in the coming years.

"What we hear from our fans is that we sound like The Mars Volta, Yes, Genesis, with a Latin influence.

We like how our friend John Picacio, who provided our EP cover art, describes our sound... Remanon sounds like the alien lovechild of Rush and Miles Davis, with Santana and Frank Zappa as godparents. It's a heady brew." Many listeners pick up on the jazz influence, particularly in Roy's drumming patterns.

Nathan's vocal tone is reminiscent of Brandon Boyd (Incubus), and Matt's guitar work (electric and acoustic) span his influences from classical to metal, Rush to Pantera. "We've also heard that the bass lines provided by Jimmy sound Doors-ish a la the Red Hot Chili Peppers".

Overall, Remanon enjoys creating sounds that are on the fringe of rock music today. They push the envelope, not satisfied with repeating themselves. They say their next EP for example will likely be a different style than what is heard on "Episodes", but it's all Remanon which is a constant evolution.

They are a band to keep an eye one.

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Years Gone San Antonio, Tx Rocking since Feb 2012, Years Gone has been performing their brand of hard rock music throughout South Texas. The founding members of the band, brothers Joe and John Trevino, both were immersed into music at an early age when Joe was 8 and John was 7. It was only a few years later, with the help of their father Joseph, the brothers formed their first band "Young Generations".

A key secret to the success of any band, especially at such young ages, come from family support and it is that support that has given them a solid foundation from which to work. Eventually after some time performing the brothers transitioned Young Generations into what it is known as today: Years Gone.

With the addition of band members Brittany Deike and Alan Baeza the band has developed some incredible music which is reflected in their 13 track self-titled album: Years Gone which was released in October 2014.

Chemistry among band members is an import factor to the success of any band and all members possesses similar backgrounds of being introduced at early ages to music. But perhaps most importantly this group of young artist all have the same desire and ambition for their music to transcend, inspire and touch the lives of others.

Years Gone is definitly a band to keep your eye one and Young Guns Music Magazine believes you will be hearing a lot more about in the near future.

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Joe Trevino Joe Trevino, a working musician, has been surrounded by music since the age of 8. Joe began drumming at the age of 10 when he and his brother, John Trevino formed their band “Young Generation” with the help of their father, Joseph.

Joe is now the zealous drummer and vocalist in the band “Years Gone”, and continues to encourage the group through his enthusiasm, hard work, and love for music. Joe wishes to see the band row in success, but his greatest accomplishment is to stir the hearts of his listeners.

John Trevino John Trevino is a working musician and music instructor. He has been immersed in music since the age of 7, and has shown great interest in all things musical since birth. John is currently the humble lead guitarist and lead vocalist in the band "Years Gone" (formerly "Young Generation"), a band started by he, his brother Joe Trevino, and the help of their father Joseph, at the age of 11. At a young age John took the opportunity to express his love for music by not only performing with his band but also by writing original songs. John continues to write music in hopes that Years Gone will transcend on a global level, and inspire listeners.

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Brittany Deike Brittany is a student at The University of the Incarnate Word majoring in Communication Arts with a concentration in Convergent Media.

Brittany has had a love for music from birth, and began singing as soon as she was able to talk. At 11 Brittany began playing the guitar, and continued to practice vocals. She is now a spirited member of the band “Years Gone”, she plays the guitar, writes, and is a vocalist. Brittany hopes that the band will continue to grow together, and that Years Gone’s music will have the ability to touch the lives of others, and will be enjoyed by the masses.

Alan Baeza Alan is currently a student at Texas A&M San Antonio, pursuing a degree in Accounting and Finance, and is also working a full time job.

Alan began taking interest in music at an early age, and learned to play the guitar. Later, Alan was introduced to the band “Years Gone” and soon became a member, as the distinguished bass player. His aspirations for the band are to impact others the same way that music has had an impact on him.

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YEARS GONE

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Artist of the Month Mark Odom San Antonio, Tx 17

Since the inception of our publication, we have been excited about meeting and covering so many up and coming artists from all around the United States and Canada. We knew that when we first launched Young Guns Music Magazine that we would not have to go too far to find great talent; especially here in Texas.

However even with all the great talent that surrounds us, sometimes you come across that one artist that seems to stand out from the rest. That one artist who not only possesses great talent and passion, but also just has that “little something” about them that makes them great.

We came across that type of musician in Mark Odom from San Antonio, Texas and we’d like to share his story with you.

Watching Mark perform on stage playing his guitar is a real treat. He’s one of the hardest working musicians around averaging 125+ performances annually. He’s also one of the best guitarist around, and as a seven time winner of the Alamo Music Guitar Wars Competition, he has the awards to prove it.

Born in the Live Music Capital of the World, Austin, Texas in 1972 he was raised on music. He enjoyed all genres of music. As we learned more about the story behind Mark and his music we became even more impressed and as you read our interview we're sure you'll be equally as impressed as we were.

YGMM: When did you first start playing guitar?

MO: I started playing guitar as he far back as I can remember, Dad had, and still has a Gibson Hummingbird acoustic tat totally mesmerized me as a child growing up. Would ask him to play every day and night for me. In high school I would practice 10+ hours daily, trying to develop my own style of playing, just basically learning to make a guitar talk. That's my goal, give it a voice of its own. To speak thru the guitar...hence my album, "My Time to Speak", a musical journey on the guitar if you will.

YGMM: Do you have a favorite brand of guitar you shop for?

MO: EVH Wolfgangs, Fender Custom Shop Acoustic, Telecasters, I like relic and road worn beat up guitars...anything with character or a unique vibe. I don't really play in music stores, I may listen to anyone jamming, but I tend to just check out guitars, processors, equipment etc. It's not a phobia about playing in music stores, I just have never been a "store jammer real loud for hours" kind of player I guess.

YGMM: Who are some of your influences?

MO: Richie Sambora, Warren De Martini, Stevie Ray, Vai, several classic rock guitarists and country artists.

Surprisingly influenced by quite a few drummers live, at concerts, I would always watch and listen to drummers...timing, styles, patterns, etc. Based a lot of my playing around beats, bass patterns etc.

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YGMM: What have been some of your “highlights” as a musician?

MO: I’ve shared stages with Ludacris, Jack Ingram, Tracy Lawrence, Restless Heart, Texaco Country Showdown Backing Band, Gary P. Nunn, Xhibit, and was guitarists for two time Grammy winner Rebecca Valadez. I’ve also performed with worldwide Tenor Jorge Jimenez debut concert: Puerto Vallarta. Guests included Anna Kauffman, lead of Phantom of the Opera, and MGM and Spyglass Entertainment CEO/ Executives.

YGMM: What has been the greatest challenge for you as an artist?

MO: My life change started in 2010. I was doing great, physically, was in good shape, was playing guitar a lot, and writing, a lot. I had been a previous winner in the San Antonio Guitar Wars Contest a few times prior, but 2010 was different. I won, but during my performance, I thought I had a pinched nerve or something in my shoulder. I literally could not feel my hands at all or my arms. I began to slowly get dizzy later in the evening, and knew something was happening; something wrong.

I went to a sports therapist hoping my “pinched nerve” issue could be resolved. After a few sessions, I began feeling quite worse, my entire body was going numb very quickly. I could no longer write, I was having trouble walking, I couldn’t type, use a computer, hold a phone, shave, etc. I lost total ability in my left hand and thought my guitar playing was over for sure. I had just received a guitar endorsement, and couldn’t even hold a guitar at this point. To make a long story a bit shorter, I had to get an MRI, After several hours of being scanned, it was determined I had an aggressive case of MS, (Multiple Sclerosis) and had several lesions throughout my brain, and spine. I was on a new path, my life forever changed, no cure, just tons of meds to try and be as normal as possible. You could’ve paid me a million dollars to play a chord on a guitar, and I simply couldn’t do it. I was of a small percentage of MS cases where people could not stand to touch their skin, for it was painful and almost razor-like feeling. I had to make a decision. Either stop playing, and just move on hoping for the best, or MAKE it the best. I relearned to play, through constant daily battles, even today, my hands feel almost mechanical at times; they can lock up. It is from this experience that I put together my Time To Speak collection of songs.

Mark’s story is a truly amazing story. Especially given the fact that even with his MS his guitar mastery continues to be so elegant. When YGMM first approached Mark to do an article about him it was because we were so impressed with his artistry as a guitarist. We did not know about his battle with MS. Every musician utilizes their hands in some way to play music and for a musician to suddenly not be able to perform the music they love and grew up with it can be devastating. Mark is truly a musician’s musician and we are proud to call him our Young Guns Music Magazine’s Artist of the Keep rocking Mark.

Month.

You can follow and find out more about Mark by visiting his website: www.Markonguitar.com.

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In the loop with 210 Local Media Mario Zamarron Being a DIY band in the Modern Age (Part 1) Group of people who love to make music - Check. Instruments - Check. First gig lined up in two weeks - Check. Now what? From this point, lots of bands would just go play, after all, that's the point!

However, there's plenty to do before your first gig if you want people to show up for it, and most of it has nothing to do with music. There's no tried and true method or secret to any of it, for the most part, it's hindsight and tips from those who have existed before you. Here's a pretty big list (not everything), of what you should consider to give you a boost or at least a better start than just, GO!

Social Media Do you have some place to call "home" on the web? Or at least some place you can send your adoring fans once you get off the stage on that first night? Having some sort of website or place to be looked up and followed online is now just as important as a band name. Without a Facebook fan page, you way as well not have a band name. People will likely forget your name unless they can find and like you on Facebook as soon as they want to. Remember, this is being convenient for THEM, a way to connect with them, and a way for you to keep them coming back as a loyal fan. Keep in mind how many other similarly named things exist in the world when it comes to your band name. Slowlikefire will never be confused with anything else (most likely), but a band named DJ will now have to compete with every other business called DJ. This is especially true when it comes to tagging on Facebook. If your only called DJ, maybe have your Facebook fan page under DJ The Band or DJ Band Music, whatever gives your fan the ability to type more parts of your name to separate out what isn't you. Also, having a Facebook fan page is a great way to share pieces of YOU, not just the music. People engage better with personalities than just songs on an EP. Donella Drive occasionally posts a picture where their guitar player Aidan has his shirt pulled over his head and the rest of the band looks semi-serious. This playfulness shows your fans that you're not so serious about yourself that you become unfeeling and untouchable. This is also important in our next section. One final note on social media: Be sure you have a presence on as many social media sites as possible. As a social media guy, I like to video each band at a show along with videos of each band on Instagram. I tag the band and share the post to Facebook and Twitter. If the band doesn't have an Instagram, I can't tag them and they lose out on free promotion.

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Dealing with Media Reaching out to local media is as important as engaging in social media. Try and reach out to any local college papers, college radio stations, social media writers, bloggers, or even podcasters. For the most part, it's a matter of finding out who these gatekeepers are and how they prefer to be contacted. I myself, am stone deaf when it comes to the phone, so email or Facebook message is always best. Once you find out who and how, find out a way to get what you want and how it feeds into what they want. For the most part, members of the media need content. Everything is content.

For bloggers and writers, an interesting story will get them. For radio and podcasts, audio content will get them. Radio is different though, and the longer the duration of content is usually an issue compared to podcasters who usually need and will accept much longer durations of content. With this in mind, if you've got music you'd like them to play, make sure it fits the format. Remember that "Radio Edit" is for language as much as it is for the length of a track. Either format may decide an interview could be valuable, but try and think of inventive ways to handle this. Doing a ticket give away or doing a short acoustic performance could work for both formats. This also gives fans (or potential fans) the ability to connect with you in a more intimate manner, with the electronics stripped away. Tera Ferna was the first band I interviewed to offer me the opportunity to record a couple of songs with just Matt (vocals/ guitar) and Brandon (bass/vocals). This gave me the ease of recording with fewer mics, and gave me bonus content that I've used on more than one episode of the podcast. That gift kept on giving and it showed others that they could do the same on the 210 Local Media Podcast. Local (and extremely new band) Levees recently gave me some music before they released it for the general public so we could run a promotion for them on our website. This gave us an exclusive story, and it made me feel special since I could jam the song a couple of days before anyone else. They had me as a fan the first time I saw them, but now, they've solidified me as a fan for life. Someone like that in the media is as good as gold.

Aside from content and getting their attention, it's always good to be professional and kind to these individuals as well. Burning a bridge now could be costly in the future. Don't kiss up to them, but don't force them to chase you down for anything and everything. For every musician or band that we've played on the podcast, there's two or three more that ice waited for information from for months that have never been played. Sometimes it's a matter of being organized, being expedient, or being considerate. I don't always assume that I'm being snubbed, but if you've given me content and I can't do anything with it because the music release hasn't been turned in, it'll prevent me from doing anything for you unless I consider myself a fan as well. At that point, it comes down to how good your music is. Assuming I've even heard the music yet. Point being, the more you send, the easier you make it for the media personality/outlet and with all of the competition out there, easy is better.

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Dealing with other Bands If you plan on playing anywhere, you will likely be playing on a bill with other local and regional bands in the beginning. Believe me when I say that everyone knows each other. Everyone is connected in one way or another to everyone else. This can be a huge benefit since word of mouth spreads faster than wildfire among the community. If you’re not treating other musicians fairly or are snubbing anyone, this can also be a huge mistake. Everyone talks and for the most part, everyone gets along. When they don’t it can cause everyone else to take sides. In my opinion, it’s best to not only avoid drama, but to make sure you’re not the target of it either. Treat everyone with respect and in a professional manner, and you should not only be safe, but you should also be able to flourish in the community. On another community aspect, most cities should have an organization that helps musicians connect and learn from each other. Here in San Antonio, we’ve got the Local 782 Non-Profit organization that does just that. The organizers, Ernesto Olivo and George Garza (both are musicians and activists in the local music scene) put together meetings that are geared towards helping DIY bands manage themselves, make their own mercy, keep costs down, and do anything that isn’t directly making music. This community involvement does follow a cycle and sometimes barely has anyone attending the meetings while at other times, much larger spaces have to be found to accommodate everyone. I recommend going and attending as often as possible. Not only will you learn something, but you’ll also meet other musicians or people who are in positions to help musicians, so it’s a win-win.

To end this first part, I think every band wants to play as often as they can and gain as many fans as they can. The best ways to do that are, to be awesome to everyone, to be everywhere your fans and media can find you, and to be accessible. Unless mystery is your shtick, you want to be "known". So get out there as much as you can. Even if someone says, I've heard of them before, but I haven't heard their music yet, your name on their mind is the first step to gaining a fan. In the end, it's all about having a strong fan base.

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Kelsie Nicole Jean Smeby New Braunfels, Tx

When Young Guns Music Magazine decided to start covering models in addition to our music artists we knew we would not have to go very far. 19 year old model Kelsie Nicole Jean Smeby was born in Okinawa Japan and raised in Oklahoma but currently resides in New Braunfels Texas and is attending Texas State University. She is a model pursuing her dreams and ambitions to better her life and further her career. She started off early in the modeling industry landing her first modeling job at age 6. She shared that she was asked to do some with the children’s character Barney but ended up turning down the opportunity because she was terrified of Barney at the time. Her next modeling gig came around when she was in the 8th grade advertising the works of local photographers.

She shared with YGMM that her first “real” photo shoot as an adult was for a clothing line located in New Braunfels, Texas and later landed on the cover of CZ Magazine and now YGMM is happy to meet up with this young aspiring model and asked her a few questions about her modeling career.

YGMM: What got you interested in the modeling industry?

KNJS: What got me into modeling was watching America’s next top model, with Tyra Banks being my super hero. I adored her in every aspect and hoped one day to try out for the show.

YGMM: Tell us about your cover for CZ Magazine.

KNJS: It was a great and exciting experience. I was flown out to Michigan to shoot three days, it was lots of work. I got to model uniforms for sports and as a cheerleader I felt pretty comfortable.

YGMM: So far, what do you feel your greatest accomplishment is professionally?

KNJS: My greatest accomplishments would be putting myself out there for the world. I’ve been in several editions to catalogs, a magazine, and the wall of a clothing company here in New Braunfels.

YGMM: We primarily promote musical artists, tell us what your favorite genre of music is and who you would say is your favorite artist.

KNJS: I love acoustic and pop culture music and my favorite musician would have to be Lana Del Ray. Just like music, modeling is not an easy career to break into. Competition can be fierce but we think there is a future for Kelsie. We wish her the very best with your future and even though we know she does not need it, we hope our coverage of her here in YGMM will give her career a little boost.

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EDITORS BE A ROCK STAR Want to be in a future edition of Young Guns Music Magazine? Submit your bio with a high quality photo of you and/or your band. We also ask that you submit a link to your music or music video where we can find out more about your music.

Submissions can be emailed to: info@younggunsmusicmagazine.com. We'll do our best to reply to all submissions. We've already received quite a few so we ask for your patience. Keep Rocking!

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Contact us Email: info@YoungGunsMusicMagazine.com Web Page: www.younggunsmusicmagazine.com

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