Death Alley Motor Cult brings metal back to where it belongs, to the forefront of radio. Start with a dose of blistering guitar work, a thunderous rhythm section, growling vocals and you have an idea what Death Alley Motor Cult is all about. Check out “American Nightmare”:
In a flash of bright, colorful, iridescent light The Electric Boa don’t just remind you of all things rock, they ARE all things rock – now, yesterday and tomorrow. Here is “Horse” live:
I have loved this band since I found them. In the process of spreading the word I have bought several of their CDs and passed them along to friends. Here is my favorite track:
a couple of years ago a friend told me about this band. I have liked them ever since. Blues based straight up Rock N’ Roll have kept this band in my ears. They made a breakthrough with the 2011 release of “Pressure & Time”. They have just released “Head Down” on 09/17/12 I recommend you grab it. Here is their new video for “Keep On Swinging”:
This is another band recommended to me by a friend. They are new to me but a definite like. Heavy DOOM and hard charging music makes this band a worthwhile listen. Check out “Coven of Cain” and let me know what you think!:
from their bio: Abiotic is an American progressive, technical death metal band from Miami, Florida that has recently signed to Metal Blade Records. The five-piece group consists of vocalist Ray Jimenez, bassist Alex Vazquez, drummer Andres Hurtado and guitarists Matt Mendez and Johnathan Matos. The band has released two singles and a seven song studio EP entitled ‘A Universal Plague’. “Vermosapien”, the second track on the EP, has recently been featured on the quintet’s first music video, directed by Dan Drescher.Abiotic is agressive, melodic, technical and musical, to say the least. They’ve been compared to bands like The Faceless and Veil of Maya. Mixing technical riffs, brutal break downs, and solos that will leave you breathless, makes this five-piece assault an act that fans won’t ever want to miss. Here is “Vermosapien”:
I got to see these guys a few weeks ago. Great band, very tight, awesome stage performance and great guys to talk to. I see great hings with this young band. They out on the road and earning their stripes! Here is their new video for “tWIST3D l0V3 sTORY” :
So I just love this band period! Getting out, getting done with pure Rock N’ Roll music. Bringing the fun back into Rock but at the same time ready to kick your ass at the drop of hat. Thanks guys! Here’s “KISS Tried To Kill Me” :
I have a deep seated love for southern rock. I grew up listening to old school country and hippie rock. Southern Rock was a natural progression for me. I found Blackberry Smoke recently and new immediately I would like them. With bands like them Southern Rock and its legacy will stay true. Here is “Ain’t Much Left Of Me” :
I heard this band on satellite radio one day and had to know more. What I found is a band whose attitude is “What you see is what you get”. No frills, groove laden Rock N’ Roll. This band sees regular play in my rotation. Here’s the KILLER track “Brother Go On”:
Halcyon Way vocalist Steve Braun answered some questions for us. Let’s get to know about him and his band Halcyon Way.
Thanks for speaking with us Steve. Can you tell us a little about your self and where you come from?
Steve: Hmmmm that could be a very deep questions,lol. I am the lead singer for Nightmare/ Sony Red recording artist Halcyon Way. We are a metal band based out of Atlanta, GA. I am a Jersey boy born and raised. I have lived all over the US and Canada following my dreams. I now live in Nashville, TN which is funny that I now drive 4 1/2hrs to band practice but you gotta do what you gotta do.
There was always music of some kind being played in my house while I was growing up. How did music come into your life? What kind of music shaped you as a kid?
Steve: I really got into music at a young age. My older sister use to baby-sit me when my parents were out. I remember the first stuff I listened to was Meat Loaf, Billy Joel, Pat Benatar and Hall and Oats. I was instantly hooked. Tho it wasn’t Metal I believe it really helped to set the foundation of loving strong songwriting and melody.
Most everyone dreams of being a rock star but these dreams remained unrealized. How did you make your dreams come true?
Steve: Man…all I can say is it took a lot of handwork. Countless hours of practice singing to my favorite tapes…yes tapes:) I also took private voice lessons in NY, LA and Nashville. I was even a vocal performance major in college.
On making my dreams come true…I’m still in that phase. You have to knock on as many doors as possible. I believe if you continue to knock on doors sooner or later the right door will open. Sitting in your bedroom hoping it will happen will NOT make it happen.
What were some of the experiences you had that led to you to where you are today?
Steve: I have been quite blessed in the experiences I’ve had in the music industry. My first break was singing for Word Records recording artist Siloam. We were an anti-drug hard rock band. We toured all over the US and Canada.
I’ve sung on the TV show “The View”. I actually got engaged on the show. I am the only one to ever make Barbara Walters cry on tv. I mean now I can die a happy man:)
I’ve sung for Italian progressive Metal band ASHENT. We’ve released 2 CDs via Lion Music.
I have been fortunate enough to tour all over the world and meet some of the most amazing people along the way.
Most musicians “earn their stripes” in several bands prior to success. What were some of your more memorable experiences in some of your earlier bands?
Steve: Well in Siloam we were on CNN when we were in Corpus Christi, TX and we were honored by the mayor. However, one of the biggest memories was that we played in this boys n girls club and as soon as the lights went down for the intro and gang fight broke out and the head of a porcelain duck whipped past my head (I still have the duck head:))
One of the greatest things playing with ASHENT was I got to spend a lot of time in Italy. I would sometimes spend up to a month at a time there when recording our albums. The best part was I got to live like a local.
In talking to people about music, most of them identify with a certain era of music more than others. What period of music do you identify most with?
Steve: I would have to say I’m a child of the 80’s. I love the decade of decadence.
What artists inspired you from the past and which current artists have caught your ear?
Steve: I would have to say…Michael Sweet of Stryper, Tony Harnell of TNT, Sebastian Bach and James LaBrie.
Some of my favorite new artists are Five Finger Death Punch, Killswitch Engage, in This Moment and All That Remains.
People are often times surprised at what they find “hiding” in my music collection. Anything “out of the ordinary” in yours?
Steve: Oh man…there are a ton of things on my IPod that makes me go huh…I didn’t know I had that. Stuff like Marvyn Gaye, Notorious BIG, and obscure 80’s one hit wonders
I have found myself really getting to enjoy the music of Halcyon Way. Tell us a little about Halcyon Way.
9.Halcyon Way has been around in different forms for the past 10 years. They’ve gone through a ton of turmoil over the years from member changes, recording issues, canceled tours and even cancer in the founding member guitarist Jon Bodan. I’ve been in the band just about 3 years. During this time we’ve done a few tours, released 2 CDs and are getting ready next month to record our next disc and shop around for a new label. Our music is available on halcyonway.com, most major retailers and iTunes.
Given the opportunity to address young musicians what advice would you give them?
Steve: Work hard, work hard, work hard…don’t let your ego get in the way. Remember there is someone who is practicing in their bedroom that are better than you and I will ever be. Always remain humble because that will speak tons of your character.
Lastly, have a career/job that will help pay the bills. Don’t let it get in the way of you’re dreams but have something to bridge the gap where you can live and follow your dreams.
What do you have to say about the music industry/scene today?
Steve: It’s awesome to be in the business but the money is not there like it use to be. Some of it is from bit torrent sites. I’ve seen on one site our last album was downloaded somewhere in the 20-30,000 times)and some of it is from the world economic crisis facing the world. We pay a lot of stuff our own pocket which is why you need to have a job. The day of getting a million dollar contract being dropped in your lap is sadly gone.
Thanks for taking sometime to talk to me. – Steve Braun
We got ROCK LEGEND Phil Soussan to get with us on some questions. You know him from his stellar bass playing and songwriting with the likes of Ozzy Osbourne, Billy Idol, Vince Neil, Johnny Hallyday and John Waite, as well as a membership in Beggars & Thieves. Soussan has also played in bands featuring Jimmy Page, Steve Lukather, Edgar Winter and Richie Kotzen. Let’s check out his interview:
I am thankful to my mother for being instrumental in exposing me to various forms of music. Was there someone who opened your ears to music?
Phil: Yes, my Mom used to play the radio all day and sing along to songs. I was bought a kid record player at about 4 years old, and I used to sit in front of it changing records and singing along. About that time, my Mom’s musical cousins – two brothers who played just about every instrument, bought me a real 1/4 size acoustic guitar. The rest is history!
When was it that you decided to learn music? Were you formally educated or self-taught?
Phil: Both. I was self-taught on the guitar, melodicas, recorders – anything that made a sound! At about 8 I started taking proper recorder lessons and at 11 began classical violin and music theory studies.
I think all of us at one time cranked up some music and played air guitar to our heroes music, what were some of the bands you jumped around in your bedroom to?
Phil: The Carpenters… NOT!! David Bowie, T-Rex, Sweet, Slade, Queen, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, The Move, Wizzard, the Yardbirds, the Stones and of course the Beatles – all of these the first time round!
What were some of your early bands experiences? Did you take any lessons learned from those experiences and they are still relevant to you today?
Phil: I had a lot of American friends growing up in London and they placed a lot of importance on the quality of sound and their technique, compared to UK musicians that were not very polished. I started to practise a lot by watching in the mirror and I was able to see my technical faults better. I knew how it should look. I still do this today.
I’ve talked to a lot of musicians who have been “starstruck” by other musicians, has that ever happened to you?
Phil: Very few times… when I first had a chance to meet Jimmy Page, once I got to know him the familiarity kicked in and we became friends.
If there was any performer alive or not you could work with who would that be?
Phil: Elvis during the Sun Sessions era, Hendrix, Zeppelin during the LZ III years.
I love the idea of one-off “supergroup” projects, what would your ideal project be?
Phil: Big Noize with Sebastian Bach!
Is there a singular moment in your musical career that you are most proud of?
Phil: Walking on to the Stage at Wichita for my first US gig with Ozzy, and at Donnington in 1986.
I love your solo work and have a copy of “NO PROTECTION” can you tell us about the CD?
Phil: Thank you! I played and recorded virtually all the instruments on the record. I wanted to do a record where I performed and arranged the entire record. I first heard McCartney do it with “Maybe I’m Amazed” and I wanted to try the challenge of doing it myself. It was tough but I learned so much about imagining arrangements in my head. Some people think it’s because you want to be able to control everything, but it’s not. I think I wanted to do it is because I wanted to really get inside of music, from every perspective. And it was very difficult to do. But when you come through it, you are a better musician for it: you understand arrangements better, you understand all the instruments better. It takes four times as long to change one part, and I don’t have three other guys to say, “Hey, let’s change this”. I had to change it, record it, change that, record this, and then listen and realize, “No, it’s not working. I think I’ll do something else”. But what I got out of it was a sense in my head that, when I hear an idea now, I can imagine exactly how it should be arranged. And that’s something that I was not doing very well before. So it’s an amazing exercise. My last album “Vibrate” was fun to do but it was what I would call a compilation, a compilation meaning songs one written there, one written here, one written there, and every song put together into a collection written over a long period of time. This album was written at one time from beginning to end, all songs written around the same time, and there’s a thread of continuity that goes through it. As I started recording it, I was in my studio and I started coming up with arrangements.The record itself is really a snapshot of my life at the moment, at a point where I had to go through a lot of realizations and changes in the you cannot stop life from taking its course.
Here is “Free My Soul” from NO PROTECTION:
Are you still involved with the Grammy’s and how did that come about?
Phil: Yes, I am Vice President. I have been a member for many years and about 6 years ago a put myself on the ballot to run as a Governor, which I did. I wanted to find a way to give back to the musical community and the Grammys was the best way. I became involved in advocacy issues, fund-raisers for MusiCares and education issues. I wanted to do something for MusiCares as they were the entity that did so much for by best friend Randy Castillo when he became so ill.
What does the future hold for you? New recordings, touring, etc….?
Phil: All of the above, We just got back from doing a festival in Bulgaria with Big Noize and we had a change of singer from Joe Lynn Turner to Sebastian Bach; it was awesome and we are now looking to book more shows with this line up. I really want to do more shows out of the Los Angeles area with my solo band doing material from this new album and some of my other hits written for other artists, but it is proving difficult to tie down local promoters as most of the agents are closed off to new projects. Maybe I shall try to approach local venues myself.
If you were asked to give a lecture to musicians looking to start their careers, what advice would you have for them?
Phil: Ask yourself if this is really what you want to do and if it is then go for it, never say die and never give up.
What era appeals to you the most and why is that?
Phil: The era before digital music – I loved making records and selling records was the way in which we made our money. Today everyone feels that music should be free and it has become such a s challenge to be able to pay your bills and continue making music for people with no income. It is not as if recording equipment manufacturers give you free equipment!
Being a veteran of the music industry what are your thoughts of the sate of things today?
Phil: We are getting back in to the T-Shirt business. We use music to invite people to a gig and if you sell them merchandise then you walk away from the deal with some income. If not then you come up zero.
If we were hanging out and I plugged your MP3 player into my stereo would I be surprised at what was on it?
Phil: Just a varied assortment of music.
This last one is open, tell us anything you want to:
Phil: Listen to my record, enjoy the songs and if you like them please join my mailing list at www.philsoussan.com and write! I try to reply to everyone as much as I can. Please follow me on Twitter at @philsoussan and although I have a Facebook “page” I am not on Facebook anymore – I hate Facebook as I don’t know anyone on it who is not made miserable/ jealous or had their friendships and relationships compromised… and I want to make people feel good – My music makes people feel good!
Thanks so much for considering this. I know there are some questions you have answered a million times over the years, I’m just hoping to bring them to a new audience!
Phil: You’re welcome! Rock on!
Let me know if you are tied in to any local promoters or radio stations and perhaps I can arrange to come out to NM and do some shows!
Phil
Thanks Phil!
I am gonna leave you with Phil’s version of the classic “Shot In The Dark”:
There have been some pretty cool bands that were made up for movies. Let’s take a look at some of the bands that would have been cool if they were real.
STEEL DRAGON
The movie “Rock Star” from 2001 gave us one of the coolest bands that never was.
Mark Wahlberg as Chris “Izzy” Cole (Lead vocals)
Dominic West as Kirk Cuddy (Rhythm Guitar)
Jason Bonham as A.C. (Drums)
Zakk Wylde as Ghode (Lead Guitar)
Jeff Pilson as Jörgen (Bass)
This was the film lineup on screen. The actual music from “Steel Dragon” was pretty cool. with songs such as “Livin’ the Life”, “Blood Pollution”, “Stand Up”, “Wasted Generation” written by greats such as; Steve Plunkett, Peter Beckett, Twiggy Ramirez, Sammy Hagar, and Desmond Child, A.Allen, J. Allen to covers of “We All Die Young” (Miljenko Matijevic, Kenny Kanowski) by Steelheart and “Long Live Rock ‘n’ Roll” (Ronnie James Dio, Richie Blackmore) by Rainbow. This is definitely one of my favorite bands that never was. Here’s “Blood Pollution”:
STILLWATER
“Almost Famous” from 2000 gave us the band Stillwater. This was a 70’s band that I wish would have been.
Peter Frampton
Mike McCready
Jon Bayless
Ben Smith
Gordon Kennedy
Marti Frederiksen – vocals
Were the magic behind the band. Nancy Wilson wrote the song “Fever Dog ” which we can see right here:
THE WONDERS
” That Thing You Do! ” from 1996 is a movie I can’t pass up. From the mind of Tom Hanks this is the tale of a band in the 60’s and their rise to fame and their meteoric fall from it. The movie features original music by Tom Hanks, Adam Schlesinger, Rick Elias, Scott Rogness, Mike Piccirillo, Gary Goetzman and Howard Shore. Here’s the title track:
VOTE FOR SUNSET RIOT TO OPEN FOR EVERCLEAR!!I’ve seen a few bands in my life. Few have moved me the way Sunset Riot has. Upon hearing some of their tunes on cd i was hooked immediately. When I saw them live the first time I knew I was a fan for life! If you’ve seen them live you know exactly what I’m talking about. For me it gets better every time. Other bands should really pay attention to the way these guys are doing it. Because whether they know it or not… they’ve got it figured out. PLEASE TAKE A MINUTE AND VOTE FOR MY MATES!!!! THANK YOU.
Cheers!
Charlie MF Owens
I first heard of Sunset Riot from the Bleach Bangs crew. They were right on all points, energetic stage show, great Rock N’ Roll, down to earth guys. This hard working band deserves this shot so let’s help them out! It’s easy to support:
My good friend Tim Griffiths has told me on several occasion about his friend Reg . I finally was able to get him to slow down long enough to answer a few questions so others could get to know him and his music . Let’s see what he has to say:
I’m sure you have been asked this before, but who is Reg Keyworth? Reg: Sometimes I ask that myself..lol. I’m a pro guitar player / music producer that lives in Auckland, New Zealand. Been playing since I was 16 starting off in a homegrown band of good friends and writing our own material. We werent the best musicians around by any standard,but we sure had a lot of fun and good times. I pursued a music career in Australia about 6 years later after doing a carpentry apprenticeship. Here I got into some new music styles and progressed into playing with some really good musicians and started a couple of kick ass original hard rock bands. Warpath and Krank. After some success with these bands I started freelancing as a guitarist/writer and worked along a few prominent Artists here and there and also got into film and television work. After a while I fell into the Aussie Country Music scene,which was hell of a lot of fun,especially touring the Outback for 2 years straight with up to 8 gigs a week. Amazing journey in life..I met so many really cool people…fantastic stories!….pub brawls,biker shows,Aboriginal full moon parties.. with crocs and drunkards…lol Not long after winding up that tour I decided to move to the USA,where I put my roots down in Austin Texas,got a job straight away with Guitar Center {2002} and started meeting everyone who was a someone,and more. I wrote and recorded/played the clubs there then moved to Houston for a while. I then thought Id try Albq NM,in which I lived for a few years,totally absorbing the music scene and recording songs like “Dead Mans Wash’ which in its own way was my right of passage for the US music industry. I started working for Gibson Guitars not long after and they shipped me off to the UK which was great,met a lot of great muso’s and played plenty of guitars. I ended up back in the States later and started up Platinum Music Creations and began collaborating in writing. I also around this time started getting some bad arthritis probably due to the carpentry years ago..so it slowed my playing up,but I get around it. After 22 years away I had to move back to New Zealand for family reasons,so here I built my present recording studio and teach guitar. I did a guitar clinic here in 2010 for NZ’s G-Taranaki which is the big guitar festival here. We had head line guests like Slash,Uli Jon Roth and Jennifer Batten,so it was an honour to be associated in this group of world-class guitarists over the weekend. Presently I’m working on some new material in which I plan to get back out there.. especially for the people out there that have supported me through my music career. I enjoy Riding my Harley when I can,sharing time with my beautiful girlfriend,and playing guitar..alot! Cheers.
How did you cut your musical teeth? And was anyone else in your family into playing music? Reg: My Dad usedto play the ukulele when I was a kid,so we always had music around and we also had an old Hammond organ which I still got today!…the real deal. I got my first guitar for Xmas one year when I was like 7 or 8..it eventually got KISS scratched into it..lol Got my first electric at 16..an old Memphis Les Paul….swapped it years later for some fandango effects unit back in Surfers Paradise Australia…real dum move!..it was seriously out of date the next year. From there I just jammed with a lot of really good friends and Musicians…very fortunate to have played with some brilliant guitarists. Even though I’ve been playing for years {self-taught} and teach guitar..I still feel I’m always still learning something…still cuttin’.
Was there a defining moment that got you into music, and what was it? Reg: Id say the first time I heard Ace Frehely through the family stereo system back in the day..{on record..lol} I wanted to play guitar. I was a KISS fanatic as I guess most of us were at some time or another. It was a goal,,which I can say I’m blessed to have achieved and am lucky enough to still be doing full-time. It blew me away that eventually I was representing Gibson Guitars! Thanks Ace!
Do you have any previous band experiences that you care to share? Reg: Seems like I’ve been in bands for ever..{in my 40s now..lol} 2 great bands I was with were Warpath and Krank..both in Australia. Really great bands that were doin the pro original circuit. I co wrote some killer music with guys like https://www.facebook.com/allan.anthony.31 , https://www.facebook.com/craig.martin.35513 and https://www.facebook.com/jake.janetzkiAfter really doing the hard yards over the years I had my own entertainment agency in Australia which was mainly focused on my own solo career there and in the USA. I have since been in a multitude of bands/projects including managing a few acts and producing their music. My own projects go under the name..Reg Keyworth Band. You can see more athttp://www.myspace.com/regkeyworthband and I’ve just started a FB page.https://www.facebook.com/pages/Reg-Keyworth-Band/139545366121149. I collaborate when I can.. Did a great little Rockabilly ditty for commercial purposes with a great gal https://www.facebook.com/mirikasolo that the Country radio stations of NZ took up and still play at least 2 x a week..lol…actually just had a chat earlier with a mate https://www.facebook.com/malcolm.foster.666 about getting something happening…so theres always something on the move.
Who was your musical mentor, and what do you carry with you to this day from them? Reg: I’ve never really had one mentor with the music, as I’ve played with so many amazingly cool musicians. Id say Il take my hat off tho to an old guy named Del. He used to live next door to my grandma back in Phoenix AZ. I bought my first guitar there when the family was visiting her. She let me play the guitar through her home stereo..[had to make a way for it to be connected]..gave me beer and let me drive her cadillac..at 16..lol..but getting back to Del..he gave me my first lesson. He used to be in Elvis Presely’s band playing lapsteel. I remember his words of…”if you make a mistake while playing the guitar Reg..just keep it going..youll catch the groove next time round” Wish I knew his last name…very cool guy.
Is there any period in music that reaches out to you more than any other? Reg: I guess growing up in 60’s/70s I was lucky enough to have listened to all the masters when I was very young..all the big guitar bands…there was def some great rock coming out then…still classics today..I mean..Boston’s More Than a Feeling…thats just pure class. I do really enjoy the music coming out today tho..everything from electronic dance to John 5s wizardry.
Even musicians get starstruck by other musicians, any starstruck moments for you? Reg: I honestly can’t say I’ve been starstruckbut definitely had a Rockstar moment..lol…I was up in Bozeman Montana up at the Gibson Acoustic factory there for a couple of days and the last night there I was having a very wet dinner with the Management and my buddies Nick Kane {The Mavericks} Mike Scaccia {Ministry} and Ryan Roxie {Alice Cooper}..a very cool evening…sure wasnt fun getting back on the plane early in the morning tho..lol..def a Rockstar moment..lol ..I was blessed enough to see Stevie Ray Vaughn in Auckland NZ of all places when I was bout 20…thats was very cool!
Do you think that Rock N’ Roll is still relevant today? Reg: Yes..I think itis….so many people love it or are still discovering it..its awesome to see. As Neil Young said…Rock n Roll will never die
What advice do you wish you had been told when you were first getting started Reg: lol…stay away from wild women and drugs that will fly you to the moon and back..lol When I had a band at about 18…a great guy named Dudley used to do sound for us..he just got off a tour as sound engineer for Thin Lizzy and we were stoked he’d come along with some gear and put us kids on a pedastool..I think really even back then..the advice…the whole thing was so raw,rough and ready..especially in New Zeraland!..no one had any rules..like today..the one thing I’m glad I never got told was ..”get a real job!”..or ‘get a haircut!’ My advice to give to anyone starting out is…Go for it!..its out there waiting for you!
What do you think of the state of the industry today? Do you think that there is hope for the musician trying to earn a living? Reg: Well..I’ve been away from the USA for just over 3 years now and tucked away in little old New Zealand,which has a very small but cool scene..very hard here unless you’ve got an established career and even still its hard. I think its def easier for artists to get their material out there especially on the internet and social media…probably easier today with the right focus..but live music will always be the key. Id like to think with the amount of guitars and other instruments being sold worldwide the industry is going strong somehow..just the rules are changing a bit. Ive been doing nothing but music for the last 15 years easy..but I have a few projects always on the go. Playing,Writing,Teaching and Producing just to name some. I have recently started getting back into TV but that’s kinda all part of it..its the Entertainment industry in General. As an old friend said years ago..You wanna survive in this industry you gotta sing,dance and act….Im sure he mentioned play a bad ass guitar in the speech somewhere…Rock On!
Thanks Reg, sharing with us not only gives us insight you the musicians and industry people we love, it opens other people up to hearing what others know and love. Readers, do yourself a favor and check out Reg Keyworth and his body of work!
My friend Stevil Helmer from Die Hard Til Death told me about these guys. While still new to my ears this guys are certainly welcome in my ears. Thanks Stevil! Let’s look at the video for “Gun To My Head”:
I received a message the other from Ade Riches telling me about this band. “PEEPSHOW’s 2nd album release, ‘Brand New Breed’ last week won the Scottish New Music Award for Loud/Metal Recording of the Year 2012 at the musician and industry awards ceremony in Glasgow. The band have also received praise of their LP ‘Brand New Breed’ across the music press in magazines including Fireworks Magazine, Rocksound Magazine, Powerplay Rock and Metal Magazine, and Big Cheese Magazine” -Ade. How could I NOT check them out? Great job Peepshow! I look forward to more from you! Here’s “Let Go” :
Dream Theater, Skid Row, Disturbed, Dio, Queensryche, and Halcyon Way. Yup I love the way that sounds. Halcyon Way is Atlanta’s premier heavy metal band. They are known for their explosive live shows, instantly catchy melodies, precise vocal harmonies, incendiary guitar work, intricate yet pounding drums, and showmanship hearkening back to the glory days of arena rock. Here is the promo for their release “IndoctriNation”:
SOULBLEED is and always has been a band that has stuck to their Heavy Metal roots. No matter what they are doing, be it writing, recording, or performing live, the members hold themselves to a high standard and work hard to create music that stands out. The band is dedicated to making music that is brutal, raw, melodic at times yet always metal. Drawing from a wide range of influences has helped the band shape their sound and find a voice that is unique to them. Thanks to the guys in Dronika for pointing them out to me! New album promo:
I was fortunate to have recently seen Coldspell play live. I was also lucky to have been able to interview and hang out with these guys. Warm, and down to earth people, yet they will not hesitate to kick your ass on stage. It was a pleasure to see a band that “had it together”. DO NOT MISS THEM if they hit a town near you! Here is “Time”:
Whiskey Six — Landed on my radar a couple of years When I accidentally caught their show at a Tattoo convention. Their Heavy southern laden sound had me hooked from the start. Check em out! Vid—” Your Disease”
Anti-Mortem A killer young Metal band out of OKC. This in my eyes (or ears) is what metal is all about. With this band you can hear the passion and honesty in the music. I sadly have not seen them live… yet, but if you ask around, it’s unanimous…They will destroy you! Vid—Truck Stop Special:
Wildstreet You want a band with the perfect mix of that “80’s feel” and incredible modern sound? This IS the band. You WILL sing along to every song. Every song WILL get stuck in your head. Trust me, that’s a good thing.It’s not just an image with these guys. They are living their sound all out. One of the best live shows going. They know what they’re doing in and out of the studio. Vid–Poison Kiss:
Black Tora I will put this 3 piece up against ANY 4,5,6 etc.. out there. I was blown away at how much sound these 3 are capable of producing. Bombastic drums, outstanding vocals, and “are you kidding me” guitar playing.In my opinion this is one of the most underrated bands out there. Unbelievable. Vid—Never Enough:
Warner Drive For a long time I had other bands and friends telling me to check this band out. WHY DID I WAIT SO LONG?!?! Big mistake on my part.Thankfully I own their C.D.s now and their tunes are all over my phone and iPod, so I don’t have to be without them anymore. Live show you ask. GO as soon as possible!!! Vid– The scarecrow:
Ten more bands worth checking out! Thanks to my good friend and co-host on Bleach Bangs Radio ( http://www.bleachbangs.com/) Charlie Owens for guest appearing with his picks!
On this 09/11 I want to stop and take a moment to stop and reflect a moment. I am grateful I live in a country that affords me the freedom write this blog and share it with the world. I am grateful to all of those around the world who have sacrificed in every imaginable way for the benefit of others. I am grateful to all of the people who have given us music throughout all of man’s history. I am grateful for all of you who have come here to read my words, thoughts and ideas on the Rock genre of music. From my very soul thank you ALL!
I’m afraid the sordid history is something the public isn’t ready for. The Reader’s Digest version, minus the very, very sordid parts, is this:We played together from ’89-’91 as Flash Bastard. Reunited in late 2009, played a couple of reunion shows in 2010 and decided we had more we wanted to do. So we came up with a new name, recorded an album and started playing as the Hard Ponys.
I notice the unusual spelling of Ponys. Any particular reason for that?
Purely visual. Danny came up with the logo and the name sort of simultaneously and the proper spelling didn’t look right. We argued about the spelling amongst ourselves, and even though I usually don’t go for misspelled names, I argued for it in this case. The right way looked…wrong.
To me Rock N’ Roll is just that, I don’t need to put any more labels on it. No neoclassicpostthrashgrungedeathblackgothspeeddoomstoner here, your thoughts?
It’s gotten a bit ridiculous. Seems like every new band you hear has their own genre or sub-genre. If that’s the case, why not just let the band name double as the genre. “Oh, who are you?” “We’re the Screaming Skulls.” “What kind of music do you play?” “Screaming Skull.” I mean, I see the point of differentiating up to a point. Blues and polka aren’t the same thing. Even within Rock N’ Roll, I can see drawing a distinction between, say, metal and punk or prog-rock and rockabilly, but where does it end?
What era of Rock does it for you?
I’ll try to answer for the band as a whole here, even though we’ve got our own opinions, individually. As a band, I think it’s mostly ’70’s and ’80’s rock that we’re drawn to the most.
I really enjoy the CD tell us about the experience of making it?
It was great, apart from having to pull everybody else’s weight, even though they didn’t appreciate anything I did. You’d think they’d be grateful for me sneaking in and re-recording their parts for them after they screwed everything up. No, it was actually kind of a dream. Some of the songs are new but several are not, songs we’d played live ages ago and were very proud of, and it was great to finally get them down so that people can hear them. You know, in case anybody wants to.
Does any of you have any formal musical education?
No, not really. Well, you’ve heard the CD, right? Seriously, though, none of us have had any serious formal training. Well, that I know of. Not sure in Jim’s case, he may have had some proper drum lessons in his woodshedding days. The rest of us, though, are mostly self-taught. I took one vocal lesson which actually helped a lot because I kept the practice tape of vocal exercises even though I never went for another lesson. Rob and I started a classical guitar class together, but he dropped out after a few classes. since he was my ride, I dropped out, too.
What is the most memorable moment in a performance for the band?
When we can go two songs without me smashing into Rob or Danny and knocking them out of tune. Actually, the part where I DO smash into them is better for me.
What music new/old are you listening to that would surprise us?
Well, people are pretty aware of my obsession with Barry Manilow, Olivia Newton-John and ’70’s Easy Listening in general, so probably not that. I actually like some Nicki Minaj songs, and some Ke$ha songs. That might be a bit of a shocker.Rob posted a link to a Jack Johnson song on his Facebook the other day, and that surprised the piss out of me.
What piece of advice would you give the young musician?
Sell out straightaway. See if you can get a song in a car commercial. Change any lyrics the record company wants you to, wear what they tell you to wear. Don’t concern yourself with musical integrity, just go for the fastest payout. Oh, and do all the blow and hookers you can get your hands on.
the Hellion Rocks 