Alice In Chains will ALWAYS hold a spot as one of my favorite bands. This track is one of their best.
Tag Archives: Glam Rock
PHIL SOUSSAN – A ROCK LEGEND SPEAKS
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”:
the Hellion
FICTITIOUS BANDS THAT WERE PRETTY COOL
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:
Three pretty cool bands that could have been.
the Hellion
GUITARIST CRAW CAJUN FROM ALL HAIL THE YETI!
It truly is a small world. Several years ago I attended a show and was fortunate to meet the guys in Texas Hippie Coalition. I kept my eyes and ears on them since then. There were a few lineup changes in THC and that was where Craw first came to my attention. He subsequently left THC and fell off of my radar. Enter my friend Alan Scott. Alan is a local jewelry/leather craftsman who has made pieces for many varied artists and celebrities. He told me a bout a band called Die Hard Til Death. I became friends with the bassist Kurt Arft who in turn told about his friend Craw who was now playing with All Hail The Yeti. Kurt helped us to get in touch and I was able to do this interview. I put together some questions and emailed them to Craw. He sent back his answers and yet I felt I needed something more so we got to talk on the phone one evening. Craw rang me up and I went outside and sat on the tailgate of my pickup under the stars and got to know Craw a little bit. We had a lot of similar musical tastes in some Outlaw Country and talked about how much we both enjoyed the “soul” in some of the artists in the past. I asked him about touring and what their plans were. All Hail The Yeti will be playing a few shows until the holidays and then after maybe some touring. I also asked about how the name came to be He said that Connor came up with it…that’ll wait for another interview. Now, let’s get to know Craw:
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Tell me about where you come from and where you grew up? What was the music like?
Craw: I grew up in South Louisiana in a small town surrounded by bayous, crawfish ponds, duck blinds, and deer stands. Where most folks come from struggle and are proud of their last name, culture, and the things they have worked hard for…mainly offshore workers, farmers, plant workers, and fisherman. As hard as they work they can party even harder and ‘pass a good time’ HAHA C’mon… Louisiana is full of great music: Zydeco, Jazz, Blues, Country, Rock/Metal, we cover all the bases down home and I am fortunate to grow up around all of it.
Music is such a part of my life on multiple levels it is part of my DNA I think. What is it about music that infected your soul?
Craw: The way music has infected my soul? Brother I don’t know one person that doesn’t use music as a way to deal with the stress of this strange world we live in every day… Music is an amazing gift given to us; it can be your shoulder to cry on during the worst of times, or it can lift your spirits and bring everyone together during the best of times. Can I get an Amen!!
What was it that drove you to pick up an instrument and learn to play?
Craw: Well I’ve always had an instrument in my hand, both of my parents were musicians. My father was a helluva singer and guitar picker and my mother has the voice of an angel and is a very poetic songwriter…it’s in the blood. On my mother’s side, “Thibodeaux”, we have the fiddle players and on my father’s side, ‘’NeQuent”, is the accordion players. A lot of my family members can play an instrument or sing…
A lot of artists do not start out playing the instruments they end up playing. Was guitar your first choice?
Craw: Guitar was my first choice absolutely. Even though my folks were separated early in my life both of them had a guitar layin around the house… In school I played saxophone and dabbled in other instruments, but I always had a love for guitar.
Were you able to take any formal lessons or did you dig in to your inner spirit and learn by ear?
Craw: Never had formal lessons as a kid, but we lived n a trailer house out in the woods. My step father and mother would invite friends and family to the house for cookouts, crawfish boils, and bbq’s. They always had a couple of acoustics jammin some blues/southern rock tune, a country song everyone could sing along to, or playin along with the radio. I was very lucky to have these people show me lil chords, parts of songs, and tricks. Later I would listen to the radio and figure out the tuning before the second verse. I would try to play along; I didn’t realize then, but I was playing by ear and learning to pick up pretty quick.
I love all music but I can readily identify with the music of the late 60’s and 70’s. Is there any “era” of music that appeals to you more than others?
Craw: It’s hard to say a specific era? I love music that dates back from 1930’s to the present…but my favorite “genre” is hands down Outlaw Country. I can listen to Waylon and Willie all day long.
Who are some of the artists that inspire you to this day?
Craw: Good question how much time ya got… Let’s kick back a few cold ones and I’ll try to fire em all off to ya before one of us passes out! It will be you.
Ha ha, I’m gonna hold you to that one brother. You are probably right in your assumption on that. When was that you started playing in your first band?
Craw: When I was in High School, I convinced a of couple friends to play cover tunes and write songs. I always wanted to have a band of brothers just playin music. I was into sports, dirt bikes, hunting and fishing; all that changed once I got into a band. All I wanted to do with any free time was practice and play shows, I was obsessed!
Were you in many bands? I’ll bet there were some mixed experiences and many lessons learned from them.
Craw: I can count them on both hands… Man what didn’t I learn from these bands and experiences? Haha, and I will always have great memories of all the musicians I met and will continue to share the stage with. It has been a blessing to meet life-long friends through music.
http://www.facebook.com/officialallhailtheyeti
http://www.allhailtheyeti.com
http://www.twitter.com/allhailtheyeti
http://www.myspace.com/allhailtheyeti
http://www.reverbnation.com/allhailtheyeti
http://www.youtube.com/allhailtheyeti
What can you tell me about the origins of All Hail The yeti?
Craw: Connor started this band with a love for Sludge and Doom Metal bands from Southern Louisiana and influences from his favorite bands growing up, not just metal but all genres. He has found brothers who share the same passion and drive for this kind of music, and we love what we create… All of us share stories of bands we grew up on and the energy is still there like it was the first time we discovered them!! I will get goose bumps just talking about a concert back in the day or a part in a song, crazy isn’t it?
I hear ya brother and now the feeling exactly. I have heard the term “Whiskey Metal” used to describe All Hail The Yeti. What’s that all about?
Craw: Come watch a live show… best way to explain it brother…
I love the “sound” of All Hail The Yeti how did you guys develop that sound? Does it all start with a jam session and songs all pulled from that? Or does each member bring pieces in and go from there?
Craw: It’s one helluva Gumbo bruh… Ingredients of our influences mixed with jam sessions and bits n pieces from each member thrown together in one pot. I love watching the magic happen when creating a song.
I am always on the lookout for new artists to check out how about you? Anything new caught your ear lately?
Craw: I really stick with my old favorites, y’know? The guys in the band are always showing me new artists they are up to date on; all kinds of new shit like Ghost, a band from Sweden called Graveyard, Haarp, to name a few..
Some people are surprised at what they find in my music collection. Is there anything surprising to others in yours?
Craw: Not really I’m stuck in my ways man. I love listening to old records and I still have a CD player in my truck so it’s the same damn outlaw country mix, blues mix, or the same damn rock metal mix HAHA. Lawd, someone “pimp my ride” so I can be up to date.
If you were offered a chance to give a lecture to people trying to break into the music industry, what would that include?
Craw: I’m still learning and watching this business change every day so I couldn’t lecture anyone. If someone was passionate and was honestly asking for my advice, I would tell them my journey, from start to present, and hopefully they can take from it and apply it to their dreams…and they all have my respect for getting out there and trying.
The floor is yours brother, close this out with whatever you want to say to the readers.
Craw: Well I appreciate all the questions and those who are taking the time to read this interview. As some people try to be the “Biggest, Baddest, King, Queen” etc… Haha? I’m happy to just be “alive and kickin” and living my dream. It’s not the automobile ya drive, or how fat the wallet is, or who ya know to me. It’s what’s inside and where your heart is. My heart is where it needs to be: in music, and it has led me to meet amazing friends and extended family that I will always hold close to me. Find your happy place and have fun with your life while ya can. See you on the road, I love you all…Craw
What a great interview, thanks Craw. I plan on staying in touch with this for a LONG LONG time. Check out the video for “The Art Of Mourning” by All Hail The Yeti:
the Hellion
THE HELLION ROCKS!, BLEACH BANGS RADIO, AND ROCK U-NIGHT WANT YOU TO HELP SUNSET RIOT OPEN FOR EVERCLEAR!
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:
http://www.facebook.com/KRBDE.touring?sk=app_154954461294925
click on the link, click on the vote button, click on NSW and click vote next to Sunset Riot! It’s just that easy!
the Hellion
Bleach Bangs Radio
Rock U-Night
REG KEYWORTH –
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 used to 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 starstruck but 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 it is….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!
5 + 5 THE HELLION AND CHARLIE GIVE YOU 10 BANDS TO CHECK OUT!
1. CHEMICAL TREE
http://www.facebook.com/chemical.tree
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”:
2. PEEPSHOW
http://www.facebook.com/PEEPSHOW.OFFICIAL
http://www.peepshowonline.co.uk
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” :
3. HALCYON WAY
http://www.facebook.com/halcyonway
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”:
4. SOULBLEED
http://www.facebook.com/soulbleedarmy
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:
5. COLDSPELL
http://www.facebook.com/pages/ColdSpell-USA/137285686334971
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”:
CHARLIE OWENS:
1. WHISKEY SIX
http://www.facebook.com/WhiskeySixMusic
http://www.whiskeysixmusic.com
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”
2. ANTI-MORTEM
http://www.facebook.com/AntiMortemUSA
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:
3. WILDSTREET
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Wildstreet/8342603261
http://www.wildstreetmusic.com
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:
4. BLACK TORA
http://www.facebook.com/officialblacktora
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:
5. WARNER DRIVE
http://www.facebook.com/warnerdrive
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!
the Hellion
DIMEBAG – MY THOUGHTS
I remember in 1983 a friend of mine told me about a band he had seen called Pantera. He said the guitarist “Diamond Darrell” was “out of this world”. I remembered the name but never heard anything more about the band at the time.
1990- I turned on the radio one day and heard a song that blasted through and hit me like a ton of bricks. “Cowboys From Hell” totally crushed me! I found out the name of the band was Pantera. Hmmm??? Could this be the same band I heard about several years ago? It was, and I understood what my friend had meant. “Diamond Darrell” and Pantera became one of my new favorite bands. I bought “Cowboys From Hell and played it over and over. Cherishing each brutal song as they burned into me.
1992 – “Vulgar Display Of Power” continued the onslaught, I was telling everyone and anyone about Pantera! The songs remained true to the name of the record and “Diamond Darrell” was burning up the strings.
1994 – Pantera continued to evolve as did “Diamond Darrell”. I do not know the circumstances but he had morphed into “Dimebag Darrell” with the release of “Far Beyond Driven”. The aggression continued and the guitar work became even more amazing (yes it did!) I was sure that Pantera was going to change the face of Rock N’ Roll and I championed their cause.
1996 – “The Great Southern Trendkill” gave me my favorite Pantera song to date. “Floods” (in my opinon) was Dimebag’s best work EVER! If there are any doubts check it out here and get back to me and we can discuss it:
2000 – “Reinventing the Steel” gave me more ammunition to carry on the fight! This band was going straight into the halls of Metal Icons from my past. I knew that I would forever sing the praises of Dimebag’s playing. And then…..Pantera was no more. I was crushed.
2003- Damageplan! Well alright! Dime was back! My guitar hero was back! I eagerly listened to this album and was happy! “Reborn” (featuring Zakk Wylde!!!) was never a truer song!
2004- December 9th – I was at work, it was early in the morning. I had stepped outside to receive some materials when I received a text message from my then fourteen year old son. “Dad, did Dimebag get killed?” WHAT?!?!?! I had heard nothing at this point. I made some phone calls and it was true. I was horrified at the thought. Another of my favorite musicians had been taken from us. When I heard the details of his murder I was sickened. WHY?!?! I will ALWAYS wonder why?
2012- I still listen and try to turn people on the music Dime created and left for us. He remains now and forever one of my favorite guitarists. Thank you Dime for the music and for giving all you had.
Dime and his brother Vinnie did a cover of one of my favorite Ace Frehley songs “Fractured Mirror”. You can just feel the emotion in this fitting tribute to one of Dimebag’s heroes.
the Hellion
P.S. this post is dedicated to a young music lover who has parents who care enough to share the healing power of music with him – “Matt The Cat” this is for you!
THE HARD PONYS!
http://www.facebook.com/thehardponys
Tell us the sordid history of The Hard Ponys
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.
Where can I buy a The Hard Ponys t-shirt?
You can’t. But keep an eye on the post.
UPDATE: Dreams do come true:
the Hellion
SHOULD KEYBOARDS BE IN ROCK MUSIC?
This has been a long fought debate among rock fans. I think that keyboards are an integral part of rock music. Keyboards have been around from the birth of rock, to its current evolution. Like everything else keyboards can be (in my opinion) misused in rock music. Again everything in this post is just my opinion and is open for (and welcomed) discussion. Let’s get crackin’:
Some early rock songs had a prominent piano sound in them that was integral to the sound. Let’s look at a video from Jerry Lee Lewis for 1957:
Jerry Lee Lewis made this song come alive with the piano. The song was rockin’ for it’s time and it would not be the same without the piano.
The Doors brought forth some great keyboard laden music on the late 60’s. Ray Manzarek took keyboards and made them cooler. The distinct sound of Ray’s playing gave the Doors their signature sound.
Foreigner in its early incarnation brought some great songs. Who doesn’t recognize the intro by Al Greenwood to “Cold As Ice”? This song was rocking us back in ’77. Although I was personally unhappy with the direction Foreigner took later on, these early songs remain dear to me.
Up until the release of Van Halen’s “1984” keyboards were not a part of the band. “Jump” took me by surprise, it was even a cool keyboard riff. What was happening to my hard rocking band???? But, it was Van Halen so most of us forgave them….maybe.
In the 90’s Guns N’ Roses gave us “November Rain”. Axl Rose and Dizzy Reed provided the keyboard/piano work for this epic song. People liked the song but I felt it was the beginning of the end for that hard charging five pieve (originally) band. Good song though.
“Du Hast” is one of those songs where the keyboard has no place in my opinion. Christian “Flake” Lorenz is adept as playing but the “keyboard riff” just confuses me in this song.
Those are but a few of “keyboard” heavy songs that come to mind. Here are some keyboard players worth noting and you should definitely check out their work:
Billy Preston
Mike Garson (David Bowie, Smashing Pumpkins)
Jon Lord (Deep Purple)
Keith Emerson (ELP)
Stevie Wonder
Warren Zevon
Joe Jackson
Fats Domino
Paul Carrack
Rufus Wainwright
Donald Fagan (Steely Dan)
Roy Bittan (Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band)
Benmont Tench (Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers)
Gary Wright
Jackson Browne
Richard Manuel (The Band)
Bill Payne (Little Feat)
Gregg Allman (The Allman Brothers Band)
Chuck Leavell (Session player, Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, The Black Crowes)
I am going to leave you with one of my favorite keyboard heavy songs:
“Bohemian Rhapsody”, Freddie Mercury’s piano playing on this is a beautiful thing. The song is timeless and is an art form to be cherished forever.
Thanks Freddie you will always live in our hearts and our ears.
the Hellion
(I will be revisiting this topic)
the Hellion Rocks 