Category Archives: Sleaze

ROBERT SMITH – from VOICE OF DECEMBER

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Now and again you meet people who you connect with on multiple levels. Robert is one of these people for me, we are on the same wavelength on so many things, from musical tastes to life experiences. Robert and his band VOICE OF DECEMBER  are currently perfecting their craft and working on new music. Robert has also been busy recording other artists, side projects, and various other duties in the music industry. I cornered him for a few and got him to talk a bit.

I have heard  rumors that you have dark and mysterious origins which lead to your unique musical style. Are these rumors true?

The dark origins…..hmmmm I really don’t know how to answer that other than I was born in Roswell shortly after the UFO crash…..

Ha ha, right on, when did music become a part of your life?

      At a very young age, my mother was a folk singer/guitarist so I have always been exposed to some form of music.

What was your inspiration to start playing music?

KISS Alive One nuff said….

What some of your first band experiences?

I started as a Bass Player because I share a birthday with Gene Simmons but soon moved to guitar because it was easier to express myself.

How did you get to Voice Of December?

VOD happened after a series of events in my prior band (they kicked me out lol) and around the same time my long time partner in crime Traci had moved back to Albuquerque. Voice of December was up and running 4 days later, I hate idle time.

what inspired the imagery for Voice Of December?

That would come from Traci and our Artist Kreig, who creates the look based on Traci’s lyrics, which are inspired by the band’s music, so in a small way, we all contribute to the imagery.

Are you currently working on any side projects?

   I am involved with another band which also includes VOD drummer Mikey Kimura called Darken the Day. The band also includes Rusty Tramps Tommy Brown and Mike “Gutter” Garcia as well as Ace Armstrong from Green Street Elite. I also work with Polyram/Mysteria in various capacities.

What would your dream band lineup be?

Lol, it wouldn’t include me…. Geoff Tate on vocals, Chris Degarmo and Frank Aresti on guitars, Dug Pinnik on bass/vocals Neil Peart on Drum/Lyrics

What do you think of the goings on in the music world today?

 It is very disappointing right now, the ability for anyone to record/distribute is a double-edged sword, yes anyone can be heard but that in itself makes it harder for quality to shine through. That and downloading killing the record companies has really made it harder to make a living in music. That being said, there is some amazing stuff out there.

What advice would you pass on to young musicians?

 Be true to your self, be stubborn but open to suggestion, never be satisfied with where you are, always strive to be better and remember, those who support your music, allow you to do what you do, so do it for them as well.

There you have it, a little peek into the head of guitarist Robert Smith. Check out some Voice Of December here:

“The Guest”

“Seven”

ANOTHER 10 bands you should be listening to!

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BURST INTO FLAMES

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Burst-Into-Flames/379277886864

http://www.burstintoflamesmetal.com/

I have seen this band through several changes and plenty of growth. They have been through the mill with changing members and the associated drama that comes with it. They are a three piece band now and yet they seem stronger, faster, and louder. This is a band on the move and I expect great things from them, they play “EPIC METAL” (a nod to the guys).  Here is a link to one of my favorite tracks:

“Anatomy Of A Nightmare”

KRASH KARMA

http://www.facebook.com/krashkarma

http://www.krashkarma.com/

My Bleach Bangs Radio co-host and good friend Charlie Owens turned me on to this band. I got the chance to interview them on our radio show and found them to be a fun band to talk with. I was lucky enough to catch them at a live show and they were very personable and interesting to hang out with. Their live performance was top-notch as well. Bringing a show rather than just stand on stage and play. Krash Karma is a band to appreciate. Here’s a track:

“9Lives (1, 2, DIE)”

KILLINGER

http://www.facebook.com/#!/KILLINGERROCKS

http://killingerrocks.com/

This Canadian band is bringing metal music that emphasizes melody mixed with a powerful delivery. When you talk with these guys you better be on your game because if you are not you’re gonna get run over with their enthusiasm. Oh yeah, you like LOUD? Killinger is your band! Check ’em out:

“We Are Here”

OCTOBER RAGE

http://www.facebook.com/#!/octoberrage

http://www.octoberrage.com/

I don’t know what is going on in Australia but I like it! Here is another band that hails from “Down Under” bringing some goodness to our ears here in the USA. Catchy hooks, solid playing, good vocals, these guys figured out the formula for success. Make sure you look into this band. Check out this video:

“Set You Free”

DEVIL BY DESIGN

http://www.facebook.com/#!/DevilByDesign

http://www.DevilByDesign.net/

During our last Bleach Bangs Radio show we had a caller tell us to check out Devil By Design. I am always looking for new bands to listen to and talk about so I promptly checked them out and it was good. Good image, good sound, good song structure, total package. It was cool  as heel to see a talk box being used by a young band. Devil By design in on my radar and should on yours as well. Check out this slick video:

“Pieces”

THE LAST VEGAS

http://www.facebook.com/#!/thelastvegas

http://www.thelastvegas.com/

I first heard of TLV in 2009 when they beat out 8,000 other bands and won a record contract deal. They bring elements of glam rock, heavy metal, and punk rock mixed in with their own special swagger. Pulling influences from such greats as Aerosmith, Guns N’ Roses, Mötley Crüe, Cheap Trick, and Skid Row these guys are on the rise! Here’s their latest:

“Evil Eyes”

BALL N CHAIN

http://www.facebook.com/ball.chain.75?ref=ts

Looking for some anthemic rock? Check out Ball N Chain. A great bunch of guys who really care about the fans nd try to bring them what they ask for. Their music takes you back to feeling good, let’s party times. Songs that are easy to get into and sing along with the band and they make you smile. Check out the cars in this video!:

“Different Strokes”

SNEW

http://www.facebook.com/ball.chain.75?ref=ts#!/SNEW.official

http://www.snewyou.com/

SNEW are the illegitimate stepchildren of Alice Cooper and the Ramones, home schooled by Motorhead. Yup I can buy that, I first heard of these guys when someone sent me a link to their page and said I just HAD to check them out. They were right, kicked my ass upon listening. I hope I can catch them live soon. Check out what’Snew:

“Pull My Stinger”

THE PROPHETS OF ADDICTION

http://www.facebook.com/ball.chain.75?ref=ts#!/TheProphetsofAddiction

http://www.prophetsofaddiction.com/

Feeling sleazy? Long for the days of  theRamones, Hanoi Rocks, Dogs D’ Amour, NY Dolls, GNR, GBH, Stooges, Deadboys? Here ya go, The Lost Prophets are carrying on the tradition of those and many other bands of that style. They are new to me but I am diggin’ on them and thought you might like to check them out as well. :

“Hang Me Up”

BOBAFLEX

http://www.facebook.com/ball.chain.75?ref=ts#!/Bobaflex

http://www.theofficialbobaflex.com/

I have liked Bobaflex for quite a while now. Lucky me they are gonna playing near me really soon. This is another band that should be getting radio play but for some reason doesn’t. Bobaflex was established in 1998 by the McCoys. The brothers are no strangers to the press, having ancestral ties to the most infamous family feud in American history, between the Hatfields and the McCoys which almost caused a war between the states of West Virginia and Kentucky in the 1880s. Yup check ’em out!

“Bury Me With My Guns On”

There you go, round three of bands I think you should be checking out. Like them or not, I feel that they should be getting some attention and radio play.

the Hellion