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 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!
This is my continued quest to bring to you bands that you might not have heard before. I think these bands are worth checking out and should have the support they deserve. The “corporate world” needs to pull their head out and start listening!
My friend Kurt Arft told me check out this band. HELL YES! Acid Bath, Eyehategod, Pantera, Down, Motley Crue, Blues, Black metal, Country, pagan Chants are the influences this band cites. I’m really liking the vibe these guys have. Check out their video for “The Art Of Mourning”:
What would happen if the children of “Outlaw Country” parents were sneaking away and listening to Metal and Hard Rock? You get Shotgun Rebellion that’s what. “Outlaw Metal” is the calling card of this band. Let’s keep our ears open for these guys! Get some “Devil’s Home Brew” right here:
My good friend Kathleen Holstead got us an interview with these guys for our Bleach Bangs Radio show (http://www.bleachbangs.com/) and they have been on my radar ever since. Hard working good solid band. check out the video for “Guilty Wreckage”:
Heretic was born during the mid 80’s in Southern California. They were one of the top acts in the LA area, love this band and think you will too. Given new life and a new release they are ready to show the world some power! Here’s “Remains”:
I have to thank my friends over at Eddie’s Mates (http://www.facebook.com/eddies.mates) for bringing these guys to my attention. This Power Metal band backs that up! They are headed out on tour so look for them! “1000 Quatrains” :
Dronika are a band I have been fortunate to have witnessed the birth of. Putting the final touches on their debut Album and making plans for GLOBAL DOMINATION. Here’s sneak peek of “Prophets Of Doom” (demo) :
Cyanide Saints is a hard driving band that will make you sit up and take notice. Coming on strong they are ready to take their place on the Rock world! Catch them while you can! “Raising Cain” :
Metallica, Pantera, Anvil, In Flames, Children of Bodom, Unearth, Slayer, The Agonist , Mastodon , Motorhead , Kill Switch Engage have all fired up Caym. Young and with a head full of metal this band is ready to kick your ass. “Jukai”:
I saw The Treatment open for Kiss/Motley Crue recently. Hailing from the UK and opening for icons of rock such as those! Wow! A fresh look at straight up Rock N’ Roll you better see them soon! “The Doctor”:
If you haven’t heard Sunset Riot you are missing out. JP is one of the band’s two guitarists and we appreciate him giving us a moment of his precious time.
What were some of your early experiences with music as a child in Australia?
JP: Well music was always around me from as early as I can remember old blues, rock, Gospel and old church hymns where what my family listened too. My Grandfather on my mum’s side played the ukulele and the organ and my grandmother and he would sing hymns together. I spent a lot of time around them while I was young and the two things that really rubbed off them was their unshakable Faith and love for music. I always loved music. It would just seem to evoke so many emotions in me and take me places! I would even at times just make up a story around the song and try to tell people that the song was about that! They always told me it wasn’t what I claimed it to be hahah I remember trying to tell a family friend that this one Petra song was about a ninja defeating the bad guys but he only just one etc etc. It must have been so funny for them because I just believed it to be true!!
Did you play a musical instrument as a child?
JP: My parents always encouraged me to play an instrument but I never stuck at anything. While I was in primary school I think I started to learn the piano, clarinet and the trumpet.
I learnt the trumpet for a few years only because I was forced to. Most of the time I had no idea what I was doing and would look at the person next to me to see what they were playing and follow them.
Then I gave it up once I hit high school and skateboarding became my main focus. I wanted to be a Pro.
What decade of music inspires you most?
JP: you know I don’t think there is anyone decade. I’m inspired but all genres and eras of music. I’m very eclectic.
I will say though lately I have been really enjoying stuff out of the 60’s and 70’s. There is just something about the music that comes from those eras!
Something so honest and I don’t hear it very often in today’s music. I often wonder if I will ever feel the feeling I got when I heard ACDC’s “TNT” for the first time, “Since I’ve been loving you” by Led Zeppelin, any number of Queen songs or “Hey Joe” by Jimi Hendrix.
What were the reasons for learning to play guitar?
JP: I don’t think I have any real reason other than it was just something that I really felt I should do! I didn’t understand that feeling or really know where it would take me.
I just decided after Christmas with the family in 2004 I would get my mum’s old nylon string guitar from my Auntie’s house and I was going to be a guitar player.I can’t imagine my life without the guitar now it feels like such a huge part of who I am and what I’m doing with my life.
Were you self-taught or did you have formal lessons?
JP: For the most part I am self-taught.
I got one formal lesson from a music school when I was first starting out. He was a local guy that everyone raved about and he went to my church so I would see him play on Sunday mornings. I was pumped because he was good!
I got there and he kept trying to teach me “sweet home Alabama” and at that stage I wasn’t interested in learning that song. I wanted to learn acoustic style songs! So I flat-out told him “teach me something else”. That’s when I was introduced to the amazing song writer that is Paul Kelly and the song I learnt was “To Her Door”. That song is killer such a great story! Since then I would learn off other people or artists that would pop into my life. If I liked something they were playing then I’d get them to teach me it or I would watch from a distance and try to learn it in my head then take it home to work on!
How do you go about writing music?
JP: Well most of the time it starts with an emotion and I try to get out how I’m feeling through chords a riff or a lead line. I will gradually put pieces of lyrics, chords, riffs and lead lines together and start to build a song.
There is no real structure sometimes all I get is a chorus and I sit on it for a long time till something triggers the rest of the song.
I try to be really honest and only work on the really good songs that I come up with. I refine them and try to make them the best possible song I can on my own. If I’m writing for Sunset Riot then I do the same thing but once we get in a room together the song really comes to life! There is a great writing chemistry within our band. Del is great to write lyrics with as well we connect with each other’s lyrics and feel things deeply so we collaborate well.
If you could step in and do one performance with any band which would it be? And why that particular band?
JP: I would love to play alongside Elvis! He had such a huge influence on me when I was a kid! So I would have to say Elvis!
I can see it now!! HAHAH I wish that could happen so badly!
You have been fortunate to be in a touring band. What is the single most memorable moment you’ve had while touring?
JP: I don’t know if I can put it down to one particular thing! It’s all so amazing! Just waking up every day and doing what you love to do and meeting so many amazing people and hearing so many different stories! It’s not just about the big things it’s about all the little things. I never want to take any of this for granted and just enjoy every part of it the huge ups and the massive downers. Cause one day I may never be able to do this again (touch wood). This is all I want to do with my life is play music and guitar for people and bring them some joy, hope, peace or something they can relate too in any part of their life and hearts.
What music would people find surprising to find you listening to?
JP: People are often surprised that I listen to Blues, folk and Gospel. But that’s what I was brought up on and I can’t escape my roots. Blues will always be a part of my life one way or another! There is just so much in it!
If you could give a lecture to young musicians, what would you tell them?
JP: I would tell them the truth about the music industry and how hard and cut throat it can be! I would also tell them to stay away from drugs and the drink and not let those things become the focus. It’s about the music, the songs and the fans! Stay in school and learn as much as you can because these days you have to be a business man. The industry has changed and it’s not all Sex Drugs and Rock n Roll.
What do you think of the music scene both at home and here in the US?
JP:The Live music scene in Australia is in a really bad place! It used to be vibrant but now days seems to be considered “dead”. The Australian pub scene produced some of Australia’s biggest bands! Some of those venues that created the platform for those bands have now since shut down. To the people who come out and watch live music it’s still so alive but to the masses I think it’s a case of them “not knowing” what they are missing out on! There is a rock revival to happen around the world and it is time!! America is a fantastic scene! We have had the best tours over there!! You guys are really flying the flag high for live music!
America has really set the standard for me and the rest of the SR boys!
But to all the fans in every country we are so very thankful for all the support that you give us! We are completely independent and do it all on our own with no label support or management!
It’s the fans that keep the Sunset Riot machine going and we could not do it without you so thank you!!
—
Peace, Love and Rock n Roll
JP
Thanks for sharing JP! I know we will be hearing more from JP and Sunset Riot in the near future! I’m gonna leave with a couple of live videos of “Trash VS. Class” and “Stir Crazy”:
Tell me about the first musical memories of young Redd.
REDD: My first Rock N’ Roll memories are all accredited to my Dad. When I was probably about 4 or 5 I can remember watching all of the old Beatles movies like Hard Days Night, Help, and so on…we had the VHS box set.
Who was your musical mentor?
REDD: I did not really have a personal musical mentor like a family member or a family friend. I’d have to say my first guitar instructor, Phil Bush, from my small town would be the closest thing to a mentor early in my playing because, fortunately for me, this guy was the only guitarist in my small town and he was a rocker! Having him as an instructor at the earliest stage of my playing still has an impact on my playing.
Why did you choose to play guitar?
REDD: Led Zeppelin. When I was 12 my dad played me Rock N’ Roll from Led Zeppelin IV and I immediately knew what I was going to do with my life.
I love that you play Gibson Les Pauls. Why did you choose them?
REDD: It’s the power and beauty of those guitars. The look, feel, tone, and iconic status just makes those guitars irresistible to me. And it just so happens that most of my favorites play them (or at least have played them at one point in their career).
Give us a rundown of your rig.
REDD: My rig is pretty basic actually. I have two Les Pauls with my main one being a Standard Sun Burst with Alnico II pickups by Seymore Duncan and my Gold Top is a custom shop build with Gibson 57 pickups. My amp is an Egnator Renegade and my only pedals are a tuner and a Cry Baby 95q Wah-Wah. That’s pretty much it.
One of my favorite things about you is the fact that you smile when you play, your enjoyment on stage is apparent as I have shared the stage with you, What goes through your head while performing?
REDD: I genuinely love what I am doing. I’ve been fortunate to be in the position I am in where I have made my dream of becoming a touring Rock N’ Roll guitarist come true and I could not be happier. Life is short and unpredictable and I can never know when my last show will be so I every gig like it’s the end of the world.
I see a reflection of some of guitars greatest players in your style,who are your guitar icons?
REDD: Jimmy Page first and foremost (I don’t want to envision what the world would be like if Led Zeppelin never existed). Some of the others include Joe Perry, Slash, Billy Gibbons, George Harrison, Angus Young, David Gilmore, Dimebag,Ted Nugent, EVH, Tony Iommi, Joe Walsh, Jeff Beck and so many more of those classic rockers (if I listed all of them the article would be way too long).
What do the “Hell Riders” mean to you?
REDD: The “Hell Riders” are the reason for everything Scattered Hamlet does. There is nothing more important to us than our fans and the “Hell Riders” make us who we are.
Shit Redd, I found your iPod in the parking lot what’s gonna surprise me on it?
REDD: That’s really a better question for Jake, Rich, and Adam. I’m the only normal person in this band and I think everything you would find on my iPod you probably have on yours.
What advice would you give to a young guitar player?
REDD: Don’t ever think you are good enough. There are a lot of better players out there and see that as an opportunity to improve your playing. If you really want to be a guitarist you have to dive in head first, treat it as a lifestyle and not just a chance to play Rock Star on the weekends. Also put the damn video games down and play your guitar.
What do you think of the music scene these days?
REDD: That is a tough question because there is more going on now then there ever has been with the diversity of sounds and the technology that is easily accessible to everyone. It is difficult to tell exactly what the “Scene” is living out in Hollywood because the industry moves so fast out here but as far as Rock N’ Roll goes I think it will be back on top pretty soon here.
I would also like to work in a question about Erik Kluiber like what it was like playing guitar with him when he toured as our guitarist last tour. I want to say something like: Getting to play with a guitarist like Erik was a great experience. I was fortunate to share the stage with him and I am fortunate to have him as a friend. I wish him and his band Gypsyhawk the best and if you haven‘t heard of these guys you definitely need to checkthem out because they will blow you away.
A really great guy, I always love talking to him. Redd is such a down to earth guy. Make sure you check him out in the band SCATTERED HAMLET!
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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!:
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:
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. :
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.
I have been fortunate enough to have known Adam Joad for a while and we have become as brothers in this crazy world. I recently caught up with him and got him to answer a few questions for us. So kick off your boots, grab a cold one, turn up the music and chill with us for a bit.
So, tell us the story of where you come from.
I grew up in Southwestern PA close enough to the Mason Dixon line that I could probably shoot it with a rifle…. Maybe some of my friends and family could, I can’t, I’m not that good of a shot. It’s typical small town Appalachia. I live back this way when I’m not touring now too. It’s a much better fit for me than LA. The meth heads in SoCal were surprised when I pulled my Turkey gun on them when they came banging on my window at 3 AM. LA is a different place, around here when people say something they mean it. If someone tells you they are going to crack you in the head, you better duck, leave or swing first. In Hollywood a dude would threaten you and then go fix their eyeliner in the bathroom while some hipsters in skinny jeans talk about how ironic the situation was. I’m not saying one is better than the other, it’s just different and one is a better fit for me.
I grew up around music of all kinds from old school country to rock n’ roll. What about young Adam? What were some of your early music experiences that lit your musical fire?
I came from a musical family. My mom was into theater, my dad like surf rock, classic country and classic mo-town. You could go into different rooms in my house when I was growing up and hear different music. It was my brother though. I got a slick Mickey Mouse turntable when I was 3 or 4 and he let me pick any record from his collection and I picked Kiss Alive II. The images were awesome, the music was raw and there was this energy about the album. I had all the words to Dr. Love memorized in a few weeks. By the time I was 5 he taught me the words to “Gimme Three Steps” and I would walk around the house singing it while I played with my Gi-Joes.
What caused you to go from just listening to great music to making great music of your own? Not everybody makes the choice to start playing music.
I started probably later than a lot of people. I was a music fan first and foremost, I still am. I went to shows and watched videos constantly, I’d carry amps for people and all that. I went to college so I could play football. When that was done I had a friend encourage me to do some yelling and jamming with him. After that I ended up in a local punk band. I started singing for them, we went on some epic DIY tours playing places like CBGB and I eventually learned to play the guitar well enough to do rhythms and write music. Once I had the bug it was on. To play and do the stuff I wanted though I had to learn a lot more than I could in punk music so I headed to LA and followed around talented people taking notes and working on my craft. I haven’t had a real job in years.
Making the choice to start a band comes with some interesting stories of early band experiences. Care to share any?
I remember cutting my drummer with my gerber knife on a punk rock tour when were outside the Holland tunnels in New York. I was trying to sleep and I told him if he touched me again I would cut him. I always have a good sharpened USA made knife on me. I think every man should. Anyway, he touched me again and I drew first blood. He flipped shit but the other guys in the band agreed that it was justified since I made it clear what was going to happen if he touched me again. Those were good times. We’re actually close friends still. Sometimes when I get drunk and start waving my knife around in the SH mobile Redd will take it from me and stick it in the ground and make it all dull. It takes me a few days and some sobriety to the edge back on it. Texans know how to handle such situations.
How did your journeys on the twisty, turny musical highways get you to form Scattered Hamlet?
It’s funny I was just discussing this last night with my friends on the Otep Tour. I had quit music and was done with the whole thing and my buddy Ari from Destrophy and Otep told me to bring some ideas and riffs I had to Iowa and he’d show me what I should be doing. He taught me my zone and how to go with my redneckness rather than resist it to fit into some trendy mold. We recorded the three original demos for the band, Shelter, Warning and Shotgun Symphony. We’ve released a new version of Shotgun but the others will probably be on the next album. After that I went back to LA to see if I could find people like me who wanted to take the journey.
What can you tell us about the Hell Riders chapters that support Scattered Hamlet?
Hell Riders are not a motorcycle club. I want to make that clear. They are not 1% er’s and should respect any club’s area when they are out. We have a lot of Biker fans. We don’t represent anyone or anything but ourselves and our music. Hell Rider is a song off our “Hillbilly Harmony” EP which you should buy if you haven’t so I can get McDouble later. Anyway, our fans started calling themselves Hell Riders and started setting up Chapters around the world. They help us spread the message and do guerrilla promotion. It’s pretty flattering and awesome. I started making music to entertain people and to write/record songs that move them the way music has been the sound track to my life. If an SH song becomes the soundtrack of someone’s life, we’re doing something right. So when we see people representing the Hell Riders, getting tattoos with our logo and supporting us, it means a lot to us. Anyone in SH that didn’t think that was special is no longer with us.
I’ve had a few people that have seen Scattered Hamlet live and heard you call yourself the “Appalachian Apostle” and they want to know the story behind that.
One of my friends actually coined that on the “uncountry tour” we did with Jason Charles Miller back in February. We all have nicknames. Like Redd is “The Texan,” Rich is the “Kentucky Assassin” and Jake is the “Irish Thunder.” I’m the apostle of what I know, where my family has been and of our style of hard rock/metal or whatever you call it. If you pay pal me 19.95 I will deliver you some salvation as well and for an additional 19.95 I can solve 99% of non health related problems you may have in your life.
We all know how hard it is to enter the musical world. What advice would you give to young musicians trying to break in the business?
I’m going to cite Erik Kluiber of Gypsyhawk (Metalblade), he also plays with us a lot and we regard him as our extra member and family, anyway, DON’T BE A CIVILIAN. If you are going to make it in music or even do it, you can’t sit in your parents basement and become a shred wizard hoping someone will find you. You can’t play 3 shows in your hometown, sell some tickets to open for a national and then wait around for some guy in a cigar to give you a private jet and a multimillion dollar contract. Good things come to those who work hard. You get what you put in. If you are a weekend warrior, there’s nothing wrong with that but understand you will only get what you put in. If someone else puts in 7 days of week and sets up there life to make it work, they will get further than the folks who play in their home town on Friday and Saturday once a month. We have this fucked up instant gratification society where people think they learn a few chords, start a band, buy some decent gear, make a facebook page and then they get signed and become Metallica. It’s not just about talent or just about the music, it’s about EVERYTHING and most importantly hard work. This lifestyle is uncomfortable. We gave up stability to make it work, if you are keeping stable and just testing the waters, you’re not all in so don’t expect the spoils of what happens when you go all in.
Given all of the hooplah about the death of the music industry What’s your opinion?
I have no opinions on it. It is what it is. It’s not the same as it used to be. People can cry about the good old days or whine that musicians can’t make money and that it’s hard and all that crap. That’s fine, I wish the non believers would get out of the way of the believers. It’s like the Dylan line, “Get out of the new one if you can’t lend a hand” – instead of worrying about what’s it’s not, work with what it is. If you don’t want to, find another industry to be a part of and stop bringing other people down. If I listened to everyone who told me I couldn’t do something I’d be nowhere. Far more people are there to put you down than to help. Find good people, work with good people and help good people and good things will happen. There are malignant people in your life, cut them out and get away from them. Surround yourself with positivity.
A lot of people give me shit for some of my musical choices but I stand by what I listen to. What would we find if we looked in your iPod?
There’s a lot of stuff on there that would throw people. Good music comes in all forms. I have the complete Wham and George Michael discography on my iPod, I have Neil Diamond’s box set. I was rocking Cher’s Gypsy Tramps and Thieves on vinyl the other day. I only listen to vinyl at home. I’ve been playing a lot of Kenny Rogers. My favorite “newer” band though is Ghost. It’s Blue Oyster Cult meets Merciful Fate with all the theatrics. I’ll love it. Top notch song writing and performance. Those guys know evil music doesn’t have to be sung like cookie monster. I always tell the metal kids that, evil music is slow and clear. Check out Black Sabbath if you don’t believe me. Oh yeah, screaming a verse and then emoing a whiny melodic chorus while wearing neon shirts and pants that fit like a flood is coming is never metal, that’s a scientifically proven fact. I’m sure Stephen Hawking has an algorithm for it.
I know being on the road has some interesting tales, tell us a story about the road Appalachian Apostle.
I’ll be honest, some aren’t fit for publishing. I will say that many venues that used to give SH and open tab at the bar have stopped doing that when we come through. This may not be the “coolest” road story but the road is a way of life. We meet many amazing people and bands. We’ve been fortunate to have very loyal people watch our shows and we’ve been fortunate to have people in bigger bands really help us out and treat us well. Guys like Texas Hippie Coalition have treated us like family. 12 Stones were great to us this last run – Tenfaly Viper and Mushroomhead have been amazing to us. Tracii Guns was really nice to us. The real folks that are confident in what they do know that we are a small tribe. What you do people will hear about and we all know each other. There have been some bigger bands who have been dicks to us, that’s fine, fuck them. We treat all with respect that treat us with respect. We are what we are and we know what we are. We claim to be nothing else. If people don’t get it, that’s fine. There’s plenty of stuff I don’t get either. What we will always do is put on the same show for 2 people that we do for 2000 or more. Everyone pays the same to get in the door and they deserve the same treatment regardless of how many of them showed up.
There you have it, an insight into the mind of the “Appalachian Apostle” Adam Joad. I love him like a brother and plan to for a long long time. Scattered Hamlet is definitely a band to get to know and enjoy. They treat their fans with respect and take the time to talk with them. Their music is completely enjoyable. Check out a couple of their tracks here:
Shotgun Symphony
Hillbilly Harmony
Thanks Adam we appreciate the time you spent with us in this interview.
During the process of doing interviews for Music U-Night I was given an interview with Charlie Owens from Bleach Bangs Radio. I always like to spend some time before the interview getting to know my subject on a personal level. For me it helps to make the interview process flow easier and seem more natural. In getting to know Charlie it was if we were long lost brothers. We have so many common interests and likes, it was fate.
Charlie Owens from Bleach Bangs Radio on Music U-Night:
A little bit later I was asked to be interviewed on Bleach Bangs Radio. The on air chemistry continued and I was able to “meet” Randy Norris, and john Hennis, Charlie’s co-hosts on the show. It was a great experience.
the Hellion Rocks 