Tag Archives: Mike Araiza

Nothing More in Albuquerque NM

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Albuquerque was fortunate to have Nothing More hit the town. Mike Araiza and the Hellion himself were out in full force covering the show. We managed to get an interview with bassist Daniel Oliver and got some killer shots of the band enjoy!

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      Nothing More shows us that a great Rock N’ Roll show still exists. Don;t miss out! Check them out online at:

     http://www.nothingmore.net/

https://www.facebook.com/nothingmore

     it’s loud , it’s dirty, it’s Rock N’ Roll!!!

     -the Hellion

A conversation with Aaron Marshall of INTERVALS!

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Without the support from each other in the music community we might miss the opportunity to find a new band now and then. Thanks (once again) to my good friend and brother Mike Araiza Intervals has graced my ears.

     When I heard they were coming to my town I reached out to their publicist and was able to get show access and set up and interview. I surprised Mike with the hosting duties and we managed to put together a nice conversation with Aaron Marshall. So enjoy:

     Be sure to check Intervals out online at:

http://www.facebook.com/intervalsmusic
http://www.twitter.com/intervalsmusic
http://www.intervalsmusic.bandcamp.com
http://www.youtube.com/intervalsmusic

    it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s Rock N’ Roll!

     the Hellion

Mike Araiza covers Geoff Tate’s Queensryche in Albuquerque, NM!!!

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I am fortunate with the accomplishments achieved on the Hellion Rocks. I am proud to work with and call people like Charlie Owens and Randy Norris my brethren in arms with this crazy world of Rock N’ Roll journalism. I am now pleased to announce the addition of Mike Araiza to the fold as a guest correspondent. Mike was gracious enough to cover the Geoff Tate fronted Queensryche for me while I am away in New York. Here is Mike’s coverage so enjoy:

     When a living legend TAKES HOLD of the stage

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In a world of smartphones, tablets, online streaming and disposable trends I was
excited to drive up to the Sunshine Theater in Albuquerque, NM and see a line around
the building for a Rock show. Excitement was definitely in the air to see the one and
only Geoff Tate and his band of living legends which consists of Randy Gane
(keyboards), Kelly Gray (guitars,vocals), Robert Sarzo (Guitars Vocals), Simon Wright
(Drums) and the one and only Rudy Sarzo (Bass Vocals). By the time I got to the photopit
the venue was packed like I have not seen in a long time even to upper level was
full. I could hear fans talking about their favorite song(s) and discussing the hope to
hear them all. I even overheard the “ I saw ’em in 199x in Colorado” stories man I am at
a real rock show with which looks like a sold out venue!
The moment I never get tired of comes. Boom, house lights go off and the crowd erupts
into a loud roar of anticipation man this is what it is all about. The entire band struts out
with pure swagger (think of Jordan walking on the court for a finals game). To be honest
I was absolutely star struck by all of them and the crowd was so epically loud and full of
excitement I had a hard time remembering that I was there to take pictures. Within a few
bars of musical excitement the band forms into a visual balance and Geoff Tate takes
hold of center stage belting out THAT voice which we all grew up on also demonstrating
the true craftsmanship of being a legendary frontman. Not to mention, this band is
opening up a can of rock n’ roll whoop ass. Mix is tight, drums are thundering, bass is
locked hard with the drums, guitars are loud and punchy, keyboards sound fresh. I now
know why Geoff Tate recruited these guys! Chemistry is off the charts here folks!
Each song is accompanied by the crowd singing at the top of their lungs with fists
pumping in the air (which the entire band really appreciated I could see it on all of their
faces you guys kicked ass Albuquerque). It is important to note that each song was
played exactly like the respective albums. This band is loaded with a group of artists
that have been around the world with AC/DC, Ozzy, Quiet Riot just to name a few and
the stage presence shows it as well. After 90 minutes of mind-blowing Rock N Roll and
two outrageously killer encores it was time for the after show meet and greet. I watched
the entire band gracefully sign autographs, take pictures, have conversations with the
fans, this was really cool to watch. Nothing but humble and appreciative vibes going on
with this band. Geoff Tate was a pleasure to meet and was a true gentleman as was the
entire band. In closing I urge you to buy a ticket and go see this band when they come
to your area also check into the VIP as well. Last but not least a huge thanks to James
“The Hellion Rocks” for this awesome privilege and a huge thanks to Geoff Tate and his
team. Rock N Roll is a gift let’s keep giving it…
~ Mike

K.K. Downing, Glenn Tipton, and Mike Araiza

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You ever have one of those friends where your conversations end up very cerebral? Mine is my good friend Mike Araiza. We were talking on the phone the other day and right out of left field Mike brought up the classic Judas Priest record British Steel. We then proceeded to discuss the twin guitar assault that was K. K. Downing and Glenn Tipton.

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If you were a metal head and a guitar geek in 1980 British Steel was your wet dream. From the opening notes of “Breaking The Law” to the closing of “Steeler” K.K. and Glenn killed it. Mike and I discussed the merits of other twin guitar bands like Iron Maiden and Thin Lizzy and such and came to the conclusion that no other band completely nailed it like Judas Priest. I remember when my guitar playing metalheads would play Priest records for hours upon hours trying to learn and replicate these guitar gods. We all even tried to emulate the look of these two heroes. K.K. and Glenn each had their own distinct style of playing each unique in their own way, and yet they complimented each other perfectly.

Mike and I discussed the depth and structure of British Steel as an album. If one takes the time and truly listens to the construction of this classic record you can hear and feel the music they were trying to share with us. Mind you this record was made in analog so careful thought and planning was executed in order to develop this sonic masterpiece. I still have a vinyl copy in my collection.

When you have some free time grab a decent pair of headphones, shut off the world, and get yourself lost in the guitar work of K.K. and Glen on British Steel. It’s a headtrip worth taking. As usual thanks Mike for the friendship and conversations. I look forward to seeing more of them right here on the Hellion Rocks.

 

it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s Rock N’ Roll!

-the Hellion

Talkin’ with Herman Li of DragonForce

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DragonForce has a new release dropping in mid August. It’s called Maximum Overload and we got a chance to talk with guitarist Herman Li about it!

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Here’s the interview so enjoy:

     it’s loud, it’s fast, it’s DragonForce!

     the Hellion

 

Guitarist Mike Araiza and why you should be listening to him

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photo credit: Jeff Serpa

photo credit: Jeff Serpa

 

Guitar face, we have all seen it and loved it, but do we really understand it. I have seen that face on Mike Araiza many times. Mike and I have discussed it at great length on many occasions. This is my take on it and why it pertains to Mike.

The first time I saw Mike perform live was at a small bar with an even smaller stage. My wife and I were told about this great cover band called Surface that people were raving about. Mike happened to be one of the guitarist in the band. I was drawn to his playing style like a moth to a flame. Here was this bespectacled bald guy and he was playing like he was performing at the LA Forum, or Madison Square Garden. The raw emotion and soul went from Mike to his guitar, out of his amps and into my musical soul. I was FEELING every note that he was bleeding out. If he could impart that much into the songs of others I could only imagine what his original music would sound like.

I got the chance when Mike along with his musical partner Jeff Sandoval released the powerful Of The Earth EP. Mike continued to bring music that was jam packed with feeling and emotion and yet remained simple and enjoyable. This continued with the subsequent Frank Hannon Six String Soldiers release and the current Jeff Sandoval Mike Araiza Project tracks.

I grew up listening to the now iconic guitar players like EVH, Randy Rhoads, Jimmy Page, Jimi Hendrix….the list goes on and on, and they all had great guitar faces. I am proud to list Mike Araiza among those icons, and even prouder to call him brother.

Mike has a rougher time now days with the music industry being a shambles as it is. It is harder for a quality player like him to be heard on a wide scale. Trust me though, you should be listening to him and his music. It takes me back to those simpler times when you picked up your friends, cranked up the radio, and drove around getting lost in the music and good times. It’s all there again in the music Mike makes.

Do yourself a favor and listen to his music and share it with a friend, they will love you for it.

https://www.facebook.com/JeffandMikeMusic?ref=br_tf

     Check out the guitar face on Mike right here:

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     Thank you for the music Mike, love ya my brother!

     It’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s Mike “Guitar Face” Araiza!!!

     -the Hellion

 

 

Pop Evil, a great show, a great friend, and an interview with Matt DiRito

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Pop Evil rolled into Albuquerque, NM this Monday and kicked some serious ass. It had been a bit since I had last seen them so it was an event I was looking forward to. It was even better because this go around I was going to get to shoot their set AND get to interview bassist Matt DiRito. When I found out about scoring the interview I remembered my very good friend guitarist Mike Araiza (Of The Earth, Frank Hannon Band, the Jeff Sandoval and Mike Araiza Project) telling me about getting to hang with them the last time they were in NM. I called him up and asked him to co-host the interview with me.

We met Matt at the tour bus and it was good to see Matt and Mike great each other like old friends. It was then down into the basement of the iconic Sunshine Theater to have our candid conversation with Matt. After some “mood lighting” adjustments we got around to our raw, unedited, casual conversation with Matt which you can check out right here:

     Very cool, very relaxed, friends and musicians talking amongst themselves. After a few more minutes of friendly talk we snapped a few pics and walked Matt back out to the tour bus and said our “see you laters”.

Matt DiRito and the Hellion

Matt DiRito and the Hellion

Matt DiRito and Mike Araiza

Matt DiRito and Mike Araiza

After the interview Mike and I went for a quick bite and some stimulating conversation. A brief walk back to the venue and the Rock N’ Roll merriment was on. We enjoyed sets from Glamour Of The Kill, Avatar, and Escape The Fate. The evening, however, was owned by Pop Evil. From the minute they took the stage to the minute they walked off of it it was a 100 miles per hour adrenaline rush. A blistering set of songs from a set designed to give the fans a maximum Pop Evil experience filled our ears. Here is the setlist:

“Flawed”
“Hero”
“100 in a 55”
“Behind Closed Doors”
“Divide”
“Monster You Made”
“Boss’s Daughter”
“Last Man Standing”
“Goodbye My Friend”
“Sick Sense”
“Torn To Pieces”
“Deal With The Devil”
“Trenches”

Leigh Kakaty

Leigh Kakaty

Matt DiRito

Matt DiRito

Chachi Riot

Chachi Riot

Dave Grahs

Dave Grahs

Nick Fuelling

Nick Fuelling

Pop Evil is a band on the move, in all of the right ways. They present an image, a sound that pays homage to their influences and yet remains original, they deliver a live show worthy of seeing. If Pop Evil roll into a venue near you make sure you go and see them.  Thanks guys!

it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s Pop Evil!

the Hellion

 

 

 

“It’s All I Need” – Jeff Sandoval and Mike Araiza

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Ok, so I have had this track for a few days now and can’t get enough of it. Jeff and Mike will be releasing the lyric video to the world tonight 01/31/14 at 6pm mst right here: Jeff Sandoval & Mike Araiza on their Facebook page.

Let’s talk a bit about the track and the video. While it is an acoustic track it does not come off that way at all, in fact, it’s pretty damn heavy. Let’s talk about the bass first. Kurt Arft lays down a heavy, dirty bassline that, by itself, does not seem like it belongs in this song but it fits like a puzzle piece into it. Kurt gives it that groove that this song so rightly deserves. Chris Collier, who not played drums on this but produced it as well, put all of those puzzle pieces together into one solid track.

What can I say about Mike Araiza? The guitars on here are clean, and I mean CLEAN. Mike is so full of melody and it truly shows in his playing and style. I keep forgetting that this is an acoustic track.

Ahhh the vocal stylings of Jeff Sandoval. There are not to many vocalists out there that can still give me the chills, Jeff is one of them.  You feel ALL of the emotion that Jeff is imparting into his vocals.

The video for “It’s All I Need” is an incredible piece of work as well. While it is a “lyric”video it leaves you with the images playing over and over in your head. You will find these images replaying in your mind every time you listen to this song.

Don’t miss out on the premier on 01/31/14 at 6pm mst right here: Jeff Sandoval & Mike Araiza on their Facebook page!

A conversation with guitarist Mike Araiza

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I have known Mike Araiza for several years now. In fact I remember sitting in the parking lot of the Owl Cafe with him and Jeff Sandoval listening to the freshly minted tracks from the Of The Earth project they had just completed.

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They moved on in their journey and the next step was an album of songs they had written that turned out to be the frank Hannon Band ‘Six String Soldiers. Which featured appearances by legendary guitarists Dickey Betts, Dave Meniketti, Rick Derringer, and Pat Travers.

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Now, I am excited to say, Mike and Jeff are taking the next step in their musical evolution. They are going to be releasing a series of new tracks as single releases over the next year. The first of which is tentatively called “All I Need” or “It’s All I Need”. This first track features mutual friend Kurt Arft on bass guitar and Chris Collier pulling double duties on drums and production duties.

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bassist Kurt Arft

bassist Kurt Arft

drummer and producer Chris Collier

drummer and producer Chris Collier

 

Mike and I had a nice conversation about all of these events and would love to invite you to listen to it right here:

 

Make sure you got to Mike and Jeff’s Facebook page and give them a like and show your support: https://www.facebook.com/JeffandMikeMusic!!!

 

it’s loud, it’s tonerific, it’s Jeff and Mike!

the Hellion

 

 

 

 

2013 was a great year for the Hellion Rocks, bring on 2014!!!

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178928_10150973183505972_426071352_n 2013 was great year for us here at the Hellion Rocks. Killer interviews, great shows and hanging with even cooler people. It’s very cool when you get to talk to artists you have grown to admire. It’s even cooler when they message you and stay in contact with you. It’s a great feeling when you also help to spread the word of a new up-and-coming band as well. In the past year I have learned how small the music community really is. It is amazing the connections that lead to other connections and how the music brings us all together.

I have to give thanks to my cohorts at Bleach Bangs Radio, Charlie Owens and Randy Norris. These guys are my brothers plain and simple. They are the embodiment of awesome and I am proud to work with them.

     Eddie’s Mates holds a special place in my heart as well. Sandy and Sean have not only helped us with Bleach Bangs Radio they also made the logo for the Hellion Rocks! Thanks EM!!!

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I have to thank my wife Dani for giving me the courage and strength to reach out and chase this crazy dream. She is ALWAYS there for me.

There are so many people who mean the world to me as well: Mike Araiza, Jeff Sandoval, Adam Joad, Jake Delling LeBas, Redd Yoachum and the rest from Scattered Hamlet, Craw Cajun and Kat Ford, Death Alley Motor Cult, Kurt Arft, Wornstar Clothing, Justin Manning and Crowned By Fire, and Dellacoma Rio and the Sunset Riot guys, Steve Helmer, Dave Gold, and Bobby Siekkinen . Those are just a few from an incredible list.

Thank you to all of the publicists that have worked with me this year as well. Here’s looking towards a productive 2014!!!

Thanks to Blabbermouth.net and Circus Magazine for picking up some of my interviews! I am honored and humbled.

Lastly but far from least I wish I could personally thank each and every one of the 60,000 people from the 140 countries around the world who dropped in on this site last year. I hope you enjoyed it and let me know what you want to see here in the future.

it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s ROCK N’ ROLL!!

see ya in 2014 – the Hellion