interviews

Interview: Stickman

April 22, 2023 — Leave a comment

Stickman is a Canadian rock band that consists of guitarist/vocalist Kim Whitford, bassist and backing vocalist Randall Taylor, and drummer Des Vegas. While their sound is heavily influenced by 90s/00s alternative rock and grunge, there is definitely an element of modern day hard rock, as well as nods to classic rock & roll.

I had fun interviewing the band. We discussed everything from influences to their songwriting process, what they love about playing live to their dream tour lineup. As you’ll see, the trio don’t always take themselves too seriously. Their talent and obvious enjoyment for what they do is what makes it work.

**

Okay, first and foremost, how would you describe Stickman’s sound? If you had to actually use a genre label, what would it be?

Kim: Our sound is a blend of grunge, post-grunge and hard rock, with hints of 70s and 80s classic rock. Post-grunge is the label we identify with most.

Randall: Hard rock/Dad rock

How did the band form, and what’s the story behind the name?

Kim: Stickman was formed in 2017 by Randall and myself. Des joined in late 2017. All three members are long time school friends, who had either played in the same bands or bands that were associated with each other. The name Stickman came from a list of band names we were considering at the time and that was the one we liked best. Turns out the name is very marketable and well used, lol.

Randall: Kim and I have been in many bands together since the 90s. We had a new bunch of songs we wanted to record but didn’t have a drummer. Luckily, an old friend of ours from high school was jamming in the same rehearsal space and the space owners brought them together. Des Vegas joined and the “project” became a band. Stickman was on a long list of potential names. I just thought it looked cool to have a stickman as the “T” in the word, haha!

Who are the band’s main influences? I know late 90s/early 2000s, but who specifically?

Kim: Failure, Foo Fighters, Radiohead, Nirvana, Tool, AIC, Pink Floyd, Ocean Machine, Metallica, The Beatles

Randall: KISS, Alice In Chains, Failure, Black Sabbath

Des: Deftones, Mötley Crüe, Crosses, AIC

So, for you personally, what inspired you to get involved in music? 

Des: I was around 10 years old and my brother Aaron was playing drums. I idolized him and I wanted to do what he did. He was really the reason I picked up a pair of sticks.

Kim: I’ve had a love of music since my earliest memories. Listening to KISS albums and studying the artwork. As I got older, exploring and discovering all the greats from all genres.

Randall: Two words – KISS Alive.

What is your favorite thing about playing music? 

Des: My favorite thing about playing music is that moment when you’re on stage with your boys doing what you love and the audience responds. It’s another level.

Kim: Getting to put “my take” on music and putting it out to the universe. If someone else likes it, that’s great! If not, that’s great too!

Randall:  Interaction with the crowd and being onstage. I have a strong desire to be performing in front of people.

Tell me a little bit about the latest single, “Sacrifice.” What was the inspiration for the song? (And side note: how do y’all decide which songs to release as singles?)

Kim: Inspiration comes in many forms and from many different sources. Musically, most ideas just come out when I pick up the guitar and play. I try to keep the lyrics ambiguous so they’re open to interpretation. This song is loosely based on my feelings towards social media and the obsessiveness of it. How some people will go to great lengths to get likes and followers. We decide to release songs that “work” and we all like them. By “work”, I mean it all makes sense, musically and lyrically.

And, still on the subject of your songs, what is the song writing and recording process like for Stickman? 

Kim: I will typically record every idea I come up with. If it moves me in some way, I will flesh it out a bit before showing it to the guys. I will record a rough draft, with multiple parts and typically with drums and bass and whatever else added. We will then tear it apart and build it back up from there. There is usually a melody in mind early on, but lyrics tend to take a while in most instances.

Randall: Kim comes up with the bones of the song and then we flesh it out together in practice until we’re comfortable with all the parts. We’ve recorded in professional studios, but for the time being, Kim is acting as engineer and we’re recording all our new music ourselves.

All of you mentioned the live element as part of what you love most about music. Can you describe what a Stickman performance is like? 

Des: For me, each performance is an event. I play like I’m at a giant stadium playing the last show of my career.  

Kim: Our shows are more about the entertainment side of things. We have songs “run” into one another and add bits of other songs in between. We try to entertain instead of just going on stage and playing each song.

Randall: Surprisingly energetic for a bunch of old guys! Also, we like to keep a tight set. One song will lead to another, and even things like the tuning breaks and crowd “raps” are choreographed. We try to minimize the dead air. Quick and exciting!

When you’re writing/recording, do you think about how the songs will translate live? 

Des: Yes, I always try to think about how I’ll play live. I usually try to play more solid beats while we record, so by the time we play live, I can really ramp it up with that live energy.

Randall: I do for sure! I’m always thinking about how the songs will be played live and how they will translate to each other in the set.

Kim: Definitely. Especially the singing aspect of it. I don’t want to complicate the performance by having the singing interfere with the guitar playing I do.

What are the band’s plans for 2023? 

Des: I’m very excited to say we are in the early stages of writing the next record, and a big part of the next year will be working on that.

Kim: Get back to playing live shows and writing and starting to record our next record.

Randall: To play shows whenever possible and record a new full-length album.

What do you feel is the ultimate goal for Stickman?

Des: I really love that I get to be with my brothers, writing kick ass music. We play shows where and when we can. People show up and dig it. Man, that’s all I’ve ever wanted. I guess I’ve reached my goal, haha.

Kim: To continue doing what we do and help keep rock alive!

Randall: A band with a reasonable following that can be trusted to play any show and entertain – and to continue to release interesting and fun new original music.

Facebook

Is there any band/artist you listen to that you think would surprise people?

Des: I listen to everything from Deftones to SADE, so ya, there’s probably a ton of stuff people would be surprised I listen to, lol.

Randall: I still like Nickelback. There, I said it.

What is your dream tour lineup that includes Stickman? 

Des: Wow! Not sure what that would look like, but I would have loved to have had the opportunity to talk with Chris Cornell and Layne Staley, among many others.

Kim: A touring festival. Take a look at our influences and put them on the bill with us!

Randall: I don’t even need to say some big market arena tour. I think I’d be just as happy with a club tour through western Canada and the Pacific Northwest with a couple of other local bands that we’ve befriended over the years.

And lastly, is there anything you’d like to say to your fans, both new and old? 

Des: I honestly love that you dig what we do. I could never thank those who support us enough.

Kim: Thank you for taking the time to listen to our music and giving us the chance to connect with you through our music.

Randall: Thanks for listening! We really do it for us in that we’re not trying to write to a trend or consumer group, but it’s nice when other people dig it, too.

**

I highly suggest following Stickman on Facebook, etc., as well as your favorite streaming platform; from all that I’ve heard, this band is getting better with each song they release! I can only imagine what is coming in the future.

Check out their latest single, “Sacrifice,” and two of my personal favorites! (I couldn’t narrow it down to one.)

Interview: Viktor Vetika

April 15, 2023 — Leave a comment

Viktor Vetika is an artist who enjoys several creative outlets. Starting in thrash/metal bands, he has since ventured into writing a comic book, making music videos, and fronting a more rock-oriented ensemble that bears his surname. It seems he can do it all!

I had the fun of chatting with Vetika about music (mostly), though we did touch on the subject of his other endeavors. Read on to learn more.

**

Thank you so much for talking with me! Let’s start with my standard opening question: what made you want to pursue a career in music?

VV: I was at the end of a relationship after college and I was really depressed, this was 1992. I was listening to a college radio station and heard a song that was very powerful called “Inner Conflict” by Carnivore, and it hit me differently than any other song I’d ever heard. I made a decision right after that song that I would start singing for a band. I knew I couldn’t sing to save my life, but I knew I could shout and scream like Peter Steele in Carnivore.  

How did Vetika get its start?

VV: I’ve been in many bands since the early 90s. Each band I’ve been in has been a headache. I got divorced and stopped playing in bands in 2010 to get my life back on track. I enrolled in a masters in fine art degree and achieved it in 2015. Then I was slowly feeling the music bug again in 2017. I decided this time I would be the boss and enlist musicians and play in the direction I want to go rather than letting the fate of a democracy make the decisions. I’m drawing a comic book called “United Forces” and one of the main characters in the book is me. So to push my comic, I named the band Vetika, my last name. 

I’ve had 7 guitarists for this band so far, starting with Tom Wills with a thrash song. Then Angel Lee, the singer/guitarist of Devils Envy, wrote a few of the songs off the Skull with Magic EP. Then there was Brian Ballas and Jeff Fernandez. They wrote songs for the EPs She is Magic and Power of the Pit. My old bandmate, Jason Parke, shot me over some songs, and I’m still working with him. I worked on one cover song with Ben Johnson. I have a new guy, Neid, who’s been writing songs for this newest EP.

You’ve been doing this a really long time, then. How do you stay inspired? What keeps you excited about what you do?

VV: The creating aspect of making a song, and making a music video. Every band you make music in is going to be different. I knew this would be the case for this band. I’ve worked with different guitarists in this band and each time there’s a new sound, it inspires me. 

I’m also an artist, and the new thing about my musical career is the technology I haven’t had in the past to create music videos affordably. Since making music videos during Covid, I wasn’t able to bring my band mates together to film, but I did have myself. I painted a wall in my living room green for a green screen and started filming myself as different Vetikas. In the music video “One Regret,” there are multiple Vetikas, and this started an idea that has even crossed over to my comic book “United Forces.” Using this idea of the multiple Vetikas, I incorporated the idea into the music videos “Power of the Pit” and “The Sunrise of Nothingness.” There’s a good Vetika, a bad Vetika, a scared Vetika, you get the point. Some are in this dimension, some are in other dimensions. 

In the “The Sunrise of Nothingness” video, Vetika is walking through this foreign land. The foreign land is photos of ripped foam laying on a styrofoam sheet I bought from Joanne fabric, lol. The video making really gets me off. I’m not too fond of the filming and acting out parts of the story, but I love editing and seeing the story come to life. My barometer for if the music video is working or not is when I laugh out loud at how silly a part of the video is, when I do that I know I’m on the right track. After shooting this video, I took a photo of myself in the foreign land to create the album art. 

Another area that keeps me inspired is that I’ve been inviting musicians from the central Florida area to collaborate with us. I’ve had Bobby Koelbe (Death), Ken Andrews (Obituary), and Adam Phillips (Indorphone, Pro-Pain) play solos on songs; Meka (Meka Nism) sing a duet with me in a song, and Angelo “Crisco” Miceli (Seven Nations) and Kevin Collado (In This Day) play drums on a few songs. Currently working on a few songs with Russel Ray (Reddstar), who is a drummer/producer. The Vetika camp keeps growing.

In your own words, how would you describe your music? If you had to categorize it, what genre would you be?

VV: The first few EPs started off as thrash/metal, but I’ve recently been slowing down and trying to sing a bit and go in a hard rock & classic rock direction. 

What bands/artists inspire you?

VV: I listened to unsigned bands from the 90s when I was starting, which inspired me because those bands were coming up with their own thing and learning how to be a band. Their music is unorthodox. Bands like Dissolve, Implode, Shaman Mary, Sheldon, Nothing Face, and Stuck Mojo. These were bands I saw live when they were just starting.  

I’m also inspired by top 40 ’80s music because it sounds nothing like what’s being made today. The funny thing is, I grew up in the 80s and hated top 40 then, but have a huge appreciation for it now.  

That happens. I like alternative rock from the 90s much more now than I did when living through it. Still on the subject of what you like, is there anyone you’re a fan of that you think would surprise people?

VV: My newest song “The Sunrise of Nothingness” was inspired by David Gilmour’s guitar playing. I love how he plays guitar. Go have a listen to his album About Face. It’s amazing.

What is the story behind that track?

VV: It’s about contradictions and hypocrites.

Tell me a little about your songwriting process. From where do you draw your inspiration? 

VV: My process is I hear a song that I like, and it inspires me to write one that is similar. Now that I’ve put out a good supply of songs, I’m leaning more on the mix/master part of the song production, which I hadn’t really focused on before. I’ve been inspired by the mixing of these newest songs and listening to the richness of the production quality. 

That leads directly into my next question. What has been your writing/recording process for the tracks on this new EP?

VV: My process is always hearing a song and telling my guitarist this is what I want to do next. He’ll take the idea and make it his own. He sends me a sample and I’ll tell him if he’s hit the mark or not. If he hits the mark, I tell him to keep going. If he misses the mark, I’ll give him directions on what to do next. When we’re done, the songs sound nothing like the songs I got the inspiration from. 

This has been the most rewarding band for me because of what I mentioned already and technology. Every band I was in up until Vetika we could never record easily, it took a lot of money. But with technology now I can get my guitarist to put together a few riffs and plug in some electric drums, get my bassist to record his tracks and then I sing over it at my house on my computer. Send it off to get mixed and mastered. I come up with the music video ideas, film them, and edit them in Adobe Premiere Pro.  

What is coming next for Vetika, and what is the ultimate goal?

VV: I’ll be putting out the next music video “Overturned” and wrapping up a few other songs for the The Sunrise of Nothingness EP. My ultimate goal is to play some shows and get word out about the band to more people. We were about to play live, and then Covid happened. I currently have a drummer and bassist from a previous band I was in, but the guitar part is hard. The guys I’ve been using are not able to play live, so I’m trying to recruit some guitarists. 

What would be your dream tour lineup?

VV: Play with Metallica. Why not play with the best to get the word out. 

Is there anything you’d like to say to your fans, new and old?

VV: If you’d like to know more about me, pick up the comic book titled “United Forces” at www.monarchcomics.com. The main character is myself and Phil Foulder. Also watch my music videos on viktorvetika.com. They tell my story as well. For the foreseeable future, all of the music videos will be about me in an insane asylum, making music videos in my head. 

And by all means, send me fan mail. It’s lonely in the asylum. My email is victor.vetika@gmail.com

Last, but certainly not least, where can my readers get their hands on your music?

VV: All streaming services.

**

It seems that Viktor has his proverbial plate full, his excess of creativity finding its outlet on multiple fronts. Be sure to check out the comic book, stream his music, and follow his socials for news on all his endeavors!

Interview: The Lamplighter

April 1, 2023 — Leave a comment

The Lamplighter is a one-man band with an attention to detail. All instrumental, his music defies categorization; it’s something you simply have to experience for yourself.

I had the pleasure of talking to The Lamplighter recently. We discussed what lit the fire in him to make music, his writing process, what’s next for him, and more!

**

What made you want to pursue a career in music? (Or, if not an intended career, what got you into music as an outlet, hobby, etc.?)

The Lamplighter: My dad was a garage drummer, so I think I have always been hypnotized by music, at least as far back as I know. I remember when Prince released Purple Rain, I was completely captivated by that album. Later, I joined the school band (as a drummer, of course) and found big band jazz. In high school, I was in both orchestra and jazz band, but outside of band I was pretty much a metalhead. I met a guy who was a guitar player mainly into New Wave and Post Punk, and he introduced me to a bass player into punk rock, hard rock, and some psychedelic stuff. The three of us formed a band and wrote some pretty crazy stuff. All our influences came through woven together like a sonic tapestry. They were my best friends, we had a special connection and it was awesome. We played our first Hollywood gig at 15, and by that point, I was in it for good. Creating and playing music was my purpose.

How did The Lamplighter get its start? And what is the significance of the name?

TLL: Well, I was born and raised in L.A. I was in numerous bands, playing countless gigs all over the place. It was a blast for many years. But life eventually brought me to the PNW away from my L.A. musician circle. I found myself musically alone, drifting and struggling to find like-minded musicians who were also dependable (crazy, I know) and eventually almost gave up. One day during a long hiatus, I was listening to funk and jazz in my garage, thinking, “Maybe one day it will happen again,” and then I heard The Budos Band for the first time. They relit my fire. It was then I decided “Screw it! I will just do it myself.” I taught myself how to play guitar many years ago, so learning the keyboard wasn’t too difficult. I started writing, and after the first coupl of songs, I named myself The Lamplighter. 

The name is from my family’s business dating back to the 60s, 70s, and 80s. It was a sign shop called Lamplighter Neon. I always thought the logo was really cool, so I used it. I actually redrew myself as the logo. My family gets a kick out of it. 

So, aside from the drums, are you completely self-taught?

TLL: I am self-taught. After I started playing in the school band, I just couldn’t get enough. My aunt had an old beat-up acoustic guitar from the 70s that she gave me and an old beginner guitar book. It smelled like an old attic, but I learned how to (cut up my fingers), then tune it on a basic scale, then how to play “Yankee Doodle.” I later stumbled across a bar chord and it kinda sounded distorted and from there…you guessed it… “Smoke on the Water.” Haha (seriously). After hooking up with a real band, I would fidget on the other guys’ guitar and bass between jamming. They would just keep me in the corner of their eye and sometimes I think they’d get a little concerned. Haha! But then I started coming up with riffs and it was game on.

Wow! I’m so impressed by people who have the drive and patience to teach themselves. And since everything comes from you, I’m gonna ask you to describe your music in your own words.

TLL: This is a hard question because I never want to give people the wrong impression. They are all instrumentals, and I perform all instruments. I sometimes describe it as funk-infused rock oddities, or energy. It really is just a recipe formulated by my mood, and whatever influences surface that day. I don’t ever want to be a “Metal” artist, or “Punk,” or “Jazz,” or “Funk,” etc. I like all those styles, and more, I just try to let them flow through me. I hope that doesn’t sound lame. A person described one of my songs as “If Twin Peaks and Mad-Max had a child, this would be the soundtrack.” I like it.

What bands/artists inspire you?

TLL: Oh geez, so many. I’d say off the top of my head… Jane’s Addiction, Primus, Funkadelic, Firehose, Fugazi, Clutch, Fu Manchu, Frank Zappa, The Vandals, Dinosaur Jr…..I could go on for days. 

(I just noticed how many bands in that list start with the letter “F.” I wonder if there is a correlation there, or if when naming influences that letter just lingered? Hmmmmm. )

Tell me about your approach to songwriting? What was the process like for Ultraviolet Catastrophe?

TLL: I remember hearing David Bowie talk about not writing music to please other people, and when it starts sounds crazy, you are on to something good. Also, I think it was Prince who said something to the effect of letting the music write itself through you. You essentially become the instrument. So that is kinda what I try to do. I like groovy bass lines with some funk in them. I drive my drums hard at times but add some swing to them and sneak in some old funky riffs. Then I frosted the cake with guitars and/or keyboards, depending on where the song took me. There are a couple of smokin’ leads in there. There are also some eerie processed keys in there. Some songs make you want to dance, others take you on a trip, one tells a story. After I arrive at an “almost done” stage, I let it sit for a week or two and then listen to it again. This album took me a year to finish. I have a 9-5 job and I never want to rush and I definitely don’t ever want to write the same song twice.

Is there anything in particular that inspires you to write, anywhere you draw inspiration from? I’m usually asking this question about lyrics, but I don’t see why it wouldn’t apply to the music itself as well.

TLL: I see music in the world, in everything… a mood, a song I heard, a day at the beach, cruising the city, watching a crow walk across the fence….music is an integral part of life…fundamental.

Do you have a time or certain state of mind that is more conducive to writing than others? I ask because I write short stories and I tend to get motivated late at night – unfortunately – and when it’s really quiet. But I know other people who thrive in chaos, so… 

TLL: Oddly enough, I get a lot of new ideas in the morning shower, and again around 10 a.m. at work. The shower thing I read has to do with the state of your mind being kinda released from daily stress and all the other things one has to think about so the creativity flows past the blockage, so to speak. The 10 a.m. thing is weird and I can’t explain it. It’s like all of a sudden I will be just going through the day, then 10 rolls around and WHAM! I’m head bobbin’ to a bass line, or struttin’ to a drum groove in my head. When I realize what I’m doing, I kinda sheepishly look around and a coworker is like..”New song?” Yep, lol. The struggle is trying to remember them when I get home. 

I get that. Sometimes inspiration strikes me when I don’t have the option to write it down. Lol. Back on the subject of Ultraviolet Catastrophe, do you have a favorite song from the album?

TLL: Not really. Sometimes, I dislike a song more than the others, but that depends on my state of mind. The first song I started promoting was “6 o’clock Jump.” It has groove, energy, and a nice structure… I think 😉

What are your plans for 2023? Can we expect any new music?

TLL: Well, I sort of fell behind the ball with Ultraviolet Catastrophe. I didn’t start putting it out in the world until this last December. It has had some good traction, though, even charted #2 twice on the “Radio Indie Alliance.” So I will continue to raise awareness of it because there are many people who have not heard it yet. I have put a lot into it, and I hope it reaches people. According to Spotify, it has been played in 6 continents….woo hoo! I need to find some penguins in Antarctica to get a Spotify so I can hit all 7.

But new music for sure, always. I am actually finishing up a second release. I went a different direction with this one, and it should be out at the end of April or early May.

And last but not least, where can my readers find your music?

TLL: My music is on all the platforms. Spotify, Pandora, Bandcamp, Youtube, Itunes, Apple Music, Last FM, etc. I have an Instagram and Facebook. For us appreciators of “old media”, I have CDs on Bandcamp. They come with stickers, because stickers are fun.

**

If you enjoy music that is different, intricate and unique, you certainly should listen to The Lamplighter. A lot of energy and feeling goes into his craft, and it is evident in every riff, groove, and beat. As stated, you can find his music on your favorite streaming service, and you can keep up with his creative endeavors by following his socials.

Interview: god.i.am

March 25, 2023 — Leave a comment

god.i.am is the solo project of self-taught, multi-instrumentalist Howard King. Focused on originality and bringing his own uniqueness to the genre, god.i.am offers up a fresh take on doom metal with his debut EP, hanc aeternum, infinitum nihil 23.23.

I had the chance to talk with him at length about his start in music, his writing process, the concept behind his album, and more!

**

So firstly, tell me a little bit about you. What drew you to music in the first place? 

Howard King: When I was an infant, my mom said I would get tupperware containers, coffee cans and arrange them, get some wooden spoons, sit down and go at it, haha! I’m sure it sounded like shit, but that’s how I ultimately became a self-taught drummer. And that’s where it all began. As a teenager, I got my first drum set. The first song I played on it was “Living After Midnight” by Judas Priest. It just flowed naturally, and I just kept branching out and getting better. I drummed in numerous heavy metal bands, then discovered at a practice that I had a knack for the bass and fell in love with it, too! I’ve always had an ear for music and can hear all of the instruments in most songs, so I just play by ear and figure them out. I never watch tutorials or videos to learn songs. If I can’t get a certain, intricate part like it is on the recording…I just say fuck it and play it my way!!! But, that’s why I prefer writing original music. I have a particular playing style as a drummer and a bassist, so what’s mine is mine.

So you’re entirely self-taught? Wow! 

HK: Yep, I’ve never had any lessons. Be that good or bad is entirely up to the listener. Either way, I’m cool with it. I also don’t read music. Hell, I don’t even fuck around with tabs or playthrough videos for other bands’ songs. I simply have an ear for it. When I come up with my original music, I just hear what I hear…play what I play…and keep what I like.

Once you really started focusing on learning, who were your biggest influences? Was metal always your style of choice? 

HK: My influences aren’t really that extensive, and I don’t put any emphasis on them with my own preferences and playing style. I’ve played and practiced a variety of music over the years, so I don’t really have a favorite style of music or musician, with regards to drums and bass. Memorable drummers would be Clive Burr and Cozy Powell. Memorable bassists would be James Dewar and JD DeServio. With that being said, anytime I write my own music, I ALWAYS make a point to not copy any single musician or band. So, while I love and respect those guys that I listed, I don’t try to compare myself to them or emulate their styles of play within my own music. This makes my songwriting methods completely unique to me.

No one in particular inspired you to learn drums, bass, etc., but your preferred style to listen to inspired you to create what you do?

HK: I can’t really say that any one particular musician inspired me to play music. I just always knew music was inside of me, so I simply made the effort to let it come out. I’ve never had to force it out, though. It simply flows from its origin. 

As far as my Doom Metal project, I just decided that I was over “rock and roll” and “heavy metal.” I’m not knocking them, but I’ve always preferred the blues. So, my progression into Doom Metal just made sense to me. It’s actually just heavy, down-tuned blues anyway. I have several basses, and my go-to bass is my favorite 5 string bass that I tune to Drop A, and both of my acoustic drum sets are modeled after classic kits, for that heavy, classic sound. I have written dark poetry for years, so I turned some poems into song lyrics, wrote some new shit, and fuckin boom!! Through my song arrangement style (lyrics to music, for the most part), my Doom songs were born.

I had never really considered that doom metal was a variation of Blues. You just taught me something. Why call your project god.i.am?

HK:  I wanted something different. I didn’t want the more common buzz words such as “electric, mono, orange, fuzz, weed, green, etc…” in my project’s name, so I went with something personal. I already knew that I was going to write occult-themed, dark lyrics, so I just drew from my past. There is a line in a movie that states, “As god of my world…” I’ve always loved that fuckin’ line, on a lot of levels. That concept has always meant a lot to me, so I came up with god.i.am … the .i. in that makes it personal and unique to me and singles me out as the god of myself and all that .i. see. 

“god.i.am, of all I see. Not god of you, I’m god of me.“ -from a god.i.am song

So what is your writing and recording process like? Where do you draw inspiration for your lyrics (or poems, as the case may be)? 

HK: My process is actually quite simple. Since god.i.am is a solo project, I’m the only one involved in the song writing process. That’s why I love it so much. I’ve never been difficult when working with other musicians. But some of them can be, so fuck that shit. I’ll do it all myself!

So, I’ll screw around and come up with a riff on my bass that doesn’t sound like any I’ve heard before. Then, typically I “hear” the words I’m gonna use (usually a chorus) and I always “feel” how I’m gonna lay down my drums…so boom! That’s it. All final recording is done at a friend’s studio.

As far as my lyrics/poems, not to beat a dead horse, but I truly don’t get inspired by any outside sources. They just flow from the source within, and I put them on paper. They might hit while I’m alseep, or driving down the road. I really never know. But I have never sat down and said, “What am I gonna write today?” That doesn’t work for me at all. There is just a natural flow involved. And they come out when they’re ready, and if I ignore that, they are easily forgotten.

As someone who has dabbled in writing short stories, I totally get the “if I ignore it, it’s easily forgotten.” I can concoct an entire scene in my head and I’ve lost more of them than I care to count. So, what are your upcoming plans for 2023? 

HK: I think that’s cool that you write, and that you get where I’m coming from. Shit, I have poems in my stash that are still on napkins, haha! When they come out, I’m grabbing the first thing I see to write on. Sometimes, if I’m not near my notepad, that can be anything from my palm, a napkin, to an unsent text on my phone that I can go back to when I’m near some paper. When that kind of internal shit hits, it’s forever lost if I don’t act on it. I think that’s by design, though. So it simply is what it is.

It’s funny that you bring up short stories. My debut EP, hanc aeternum, infinitum nihil 23.23, is theme-based, and I intend on writing a short story to tie everything together. I haven’t decided what to title the story yet, but it will definitely be a bit of a mind fuck for the reader, all while bringing the 5 songs from my EP into one continuous flow. I don’t want to give up too much about it right now, but I will certainly let you know when it’s done.

My plans for 2023 are to set my Doom Metal music on fire and spread it out upon the masses. Doing this shit DIY-style is very labor intensive. I also want to finish my short story and see about getting it published. My personal music is always on the edge of my brain, so I write new shit everyday…and there will be another EP at some point this year.

A short story to go with it? I’m definitely intrigued! Can you tell me a little about the theme of the EP (if you can do so without giving too much away)? What does the title translate to? And do you have a favorite track? If so, which one and why is it your favorite?

HK: The album title translates to “This eternal, infinite nothing 23.23”.

Haha, I have no favorites. I’m a little partial to every one of them (shameless plug #666). I did all the guitar work on my 5 string bass, and that’s a little different from the guitar perspective, so I had a blast creating the songs. Drums and bass are my 2 favorite instruments, so I was able to bring out the best in what I do on both instruments with the songs on the EP.

The theme of the EP is based around a girl that innocently dabbled in the occult, but ended up taking it too far – and found out that there are eternal consquences. It’s not the “newest” storytelling idea, but the theme/story is absolutely my idea, so that makes the story unique to me. I really think you’ll dig it! I know that I’m having a lot of fuckin’ fun with it. 

The short story, the theme and music of the EP is all so very personal in so many ways. I have to release this creativity that’s swirling around in my mind, or I believe I’d be consumed by it. Wait, I am consumed by it, haha! It can truly be maddening at times. But it’s a good kinda crazy. Hell, it keeps me off the streets!

Will the new EP tie in to this one, or is it going to be a completely separate work? 

HK: Oh, trust me, it’ll be a continuation. Her story is far from over. Good or bad, it’s eternal.

Well, I think that about wraps it up. Is there anything you’d like to add? Any message to your current and future fans? 

HK: My message would be, that I go out of my way to never sound like anyone else Doom Metal-related. I’ve scrapped my share of songs because of that. So, I hope everyone enjoys my music and appreciates my efforts at being original in sound and approach. 

**

To keep up with everything god.i.am has going on, follow his socials and stay tuned here; he is an interesting artist, and I fully intend to share whatever comes next!

Interview: Jake Oneal of Midnight For Now

March 18, 2023 — 1 Comment

Hailing from northern Colorado, Midnight For Now is a band that plays with all the extremes that rock music encompasses, creating a sound that is often moody and cathartic. Comprised of vocalist Andy Moore, guitarist/vocalist Ben Voss, bassist Nik Szejna, and drummer Jake Oneal, Midnight For Now hopes to offer their listeners an escape through music. They released their self-titled debut EP last year and are working on new music for 2023.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Jake, during which we discussed playing live, the band’s formation and influences, and what’s in store for the rest of 2023.

**

Let’s start with a really standard question. How did Midnight For Now form, and what’s the story behind the band’s name? 

JO: So we actually met on Craigslist. Andy and Ben were already making music together as a singer and guitar player, and they put out an ad looking to form a full band. Meanwhile, Nik and I had been playing together as a rhythm section for quite some time and were thinking about starting a band of our own. I came across their ad one day, and everything just sort of worked out from there.

As for the name, it relates to the transient nature of life.  We were in a spot of mutual dark bullshit but knew that at some point it would all pass. Midnight For Now is a reference to that dark hour of our lives. 

That may be my favorite story behind a band’s name that I’ve heard in a while. Did y’all have a mutual direction at the beginning, or was everyone working with different musical backgrounds/influences? And who are some of the band’s major influences? 

JO: We were pretty fortunate to all come in on the same page about the musical direction of the band. From my experience, that’s not always the case. Our backgrounds are all a little different, but we do have pretty similar influences. I’d say the band’s major influences are mainly older rock groups like Pearl Jam, Radiohead, The Doors, The Smashing Pumpkins, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. There’s a lot more that I’m probably forgetting right now, but I think that covers our bases pretty well. 

On a related note, is there anyone you listen to that might surprise people? Just based on the style you typically like.

JO: I’d say we all listen to music outside our genre, but some of the country I listen to might surprise some people. I’ve been really into Tyler Childers and the turnpike troubadours recently. 

I’ve heard of Tyler Childers and the Turnpike Troubadours, but have yet to check them out. I should probably do that, haha! What is the writing and recording process for the band? From where do y’all draw most of your inspiration?

JO: The inspiration for our music comes from just about any kind of experience that fueled an extreme feeling or emotion. For example, we have a new song called “Misunderstanding (Doom)” that came from a combination of listening to dark heavy music and watching horror films, while our recoded song “Truth” was inspired by overcoming a life altering personal situation that fueled a spiritual calling. 

A lot of our lyrical content comes from interactions with humanity and a curiosity on why we act the way we do. At times it’s beautiful, and other times it’s absolutely frustrating, but at its core, it’s usually quite simple. 

Our writing process usually starts with our guitar player, Ben, who will record an idea on his acoustic and send it over to Andy to take some time and develop lyrics. Once they have guitar and vocals figured out, they’ll bring it to a full band practice and we’ll start working on some ideas for the rhythm section. There are times when everything clicks right away, and other times where we go through a bunch of different variations before we settle on a final song. I’d say recording and listening back at every stage is immensely helpful, especially when we’re trying to work out the final details. 

You guys just released the self-titled EP last year. What is your favorite track from the record and why? 

JO: Oh man, that seems to change for me every week. Right now, I’d say “Beautiful Sun.” It has a unique drum part to it, which is a lot of fun to play, but I also like that it expresses a full range of emotion and has that really cathartic ending. 

On the subject of playing live, how is playing live and writing music in the studio connected? When you write, do you think about how it will translate in a live performance? 

JO: Oh, good question! I haven’t really thought about that too much yet. I will say, when we’re in the studio, writing and practicing, we’re doing it for ourselves. That’s our time to make music that we enjoy, have fun, and escape the world for a little while. When we play live…it’s still mostly for ourselves, but we’re also sharing that experience with the crowd, the venue, and the other bands. A lot of these people are taking time out of busy schedules and spending their hard earned money to have a good time, so we want to make sure we do our best to deliver a kickass show. 

So, we’re not thinking about a live performance when we’re writing and practicing, but we do consider the venue, the other bands, and the crowd when we develop our setlist for a given show.

Still on that topic, how would you describe a Midnight For Now show? 

JO: Overall, our shows are still a direct reflection of our music: dark, moody, and cathartic.

What would your dream lineup (that includes MFN) be? 

JO: Dang, that’s a tough one! I think I’d have to go with The Smashing Pumpkins and Pearl Jam. 

That’s an interesting combination, and I can totally see it. What are the band’s plans for 2023? And what do you feel is the ultimate goal for MFN, long-term? 

JO: We are currently getting ready to release our new single “For a While” at the end of this month, which is really exciting! We also have a few other songs we plan on releasing later this year. 

Last year was our first full year as a band and we managed to play a handful of shows in our hometown of Fort Collins. This year we’re looking at branching out a bit and playing in surrounding cities like Greeley, Boulder, and Denver. 

I think our overall goal is just to keep playing more shows and releasing more music, meeting cool people and having fun along the way. Hopefully the shows keep getting bigger and the music keeps getting better. 

What kind of interviewer would I be if I didn’t ask you to tell me a little about “For a While”? 

JO: Midnight For Now was started as a way for us to escape the pressures and responsibilities of our daily lives and just have some fun for a little while. Our song “For a While” is our way of capturing that sentiment and sharing it with others. Our hope is that our music and our shows can provide that same escape to anyone else who listens. 

For any of my readers who are interested, where can they find Midnight For Now’s music?

JO: You can find our music on Spotify, YouTube, Bandcamp, and anywhere else you stream your music. All of our affiliated links can be found here: https://linktr.ee/midnightfornow

**

Midnight For Now is definitely a band to watch! Keep your eyes on their socials – and on this blog – for all things MFN! And while you’re waiting on the release of “For a While,” be sure to check out the self-titled EP on your favorite streaming service!!!

Interview: Vinny Verzino of Blue Light Effect

March 4, 2023 — Leave a comment

Blue Light Effect is a band from Long Island that incorporates many elements of the rock genre in their music. Formed during the struggles of COVID-19 by people on the front line, Blue Light Effect is highly aware of the outlet offered by music and seeks to grant this solace to their listeners.

Check out this interview I recently did with front man Vinny Verzino, in which we discuss the band’s beginnings, the debut album, and what’s in store for Blue Light Effect in 2023.

**

How did Blue Light Effect get its start, and where did the band’s name come from? 

VV: Our name incorporates a few things, such as the deleterious effects on one’s health from blue light exposure. Also, Blue Light Effect comes from connecting that health motif to first responders, their trials and tribulations, and our support of them. The name also reflects our commitment to mental health awareness and preservation, as blue lights, particularly in train tracks, have to do with suicide prevention.

Blue Light Effect was forged in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Realizing the therapeutic impact and mental reprieve music had on us, we began writing songs and recording our debut album. The band consists of first responders, frontline workers, and a registered nurse, so this much needed hobby became an outlet and vehicle for venting during such terrifying and unpredictable times.

What do you feel is the band’s goal?

VV: We hope to inspire people with our music to conquer all frontlines that they may battle on and never give up fighting the good fight. 

In your own words, how would you classify Blue Light Effect? I mean, “rock” and “alternative” as far as overall, but I didn’t think y’all really fit into an easily definable box.

VV: We don’t really put a label on our music. It’s hard for us to really allocate the music to a genre because some of the songs are pop, then rock, then heavy or hard rock. When writing the album, we kind of just let it flow and didn’t really stick to any genre parameters. 

Who are the band’s biggest influences? 

VV: The list among us 4 is pretty long, but here goes… Linkin Park, Incubus, Disturbed, Iron Maiden, Misfits, King Diamond, Creed, U2, Metallica, Black Sabbath, Alice In Chains, Judas Priest, The Offspring, Sevendust, KISS, Alter Bridge, and of course, some 80s hair metal!

That’s a good list! I’m a huge fan of Alter Bridge myself. And the variety certainly explains the lack of genre parameters. So what is the songwriting process for the band?

VV: Usually, the foundation of the music is written, then the lyrics and vocal melodies are experimented with to see what fits the song the best. And finally, the production comes in once the music, musical changes, and finalized vocals are solidified.

You’ve mentioned the debut album a couple of times. Tell me a little about it.

VV: It’s called Songs From the Frontline and incorporates songs that reflect different battle fronts. Those fronts range from imminent mental health crises, loss of loved ones, depression, addiction, and other internal struggles. However, the album also evokes a positive and motivational tone towards conquering such frontlines – addiction, mental health issues, etc. – and rebuilding oneself after an internal cataclysm. That’s what is depicted in the song “Wreckage.”

What are the band’s plans for 2023?

VV: Our plans for 2023 are to play as many shows as possible, finish some more music videos, perform and video another acoustic performance, and network with music lovers to try to get our music out there as much as possible and promote the new album. 

In the name of promoting the album, where can my readers find Songs From the Frontline?

VV: They can find us on every digital music platform. iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, etc. 

**

It has always been a belief of mine that music heals, and Blue Light Effect is working hard to let the world know “you are not alone, and you can get through this” – a message I think we all need. Follow Blue Light Effect on their journey to spread a sense of connection and positivity, and if you happen to be in the vicinity of Lindenhurst, New York, the band has a show at The Village Pub on March 25th.

Interview: Corey James of Carbonstone

February 18, 2023 — Leave a comment

Carbonstone is a multi-faceted metal band hailing from Baltimore, Maryland. Having existed in various forms since 2005, Carbonstone blazed back onto the scene in 2021 with the release of Dark Matter and has been unleashing their creative energies almost nonstop ever since.

After a random hopeful post stating that I would love to interview the band, vocalist/guitarist Corey James was all in, encouraging me when I teetered on the edge of giving in to my nerves. This led to an enjoyable conversation about Corey’s start in music, the formation of Carbonstone, and what the band has in store for their fans in 2023, including their big show March 25th at Power Plant Live in Baltimore!

**

First and foremost, thank you so much for talking with me – and for volunteering to do this at all. I guess I’ll start with something generic. What made you want to pursue a career in music? Was there any artist or band that specifically made you think “I wanna do that”? 

Corey James: So, long story short, I grew up a military brat. My family and I were always on the road to keep up with base relocating. My mother always had several cassette tapes on repeat during those long drives. One of those was “Voodoo Lounge” by The Rolling Stones. That’s really where I got my first taste of Rock music as a child. (We actually have a full studio cover/remake version of “Paint It Black” out there in the internet music streaming pool!) My mother was also really heavy into Sci-Fi cons during my earlier years and would always bring my brothers and me along to them. She would dress us up in costumes and enter us into giant masquerade contests at the cons. Being 8 years old up on a stage in front of bright shining lights and several hundreds of people cheering was an incredible experience. I was instantly hooked by the feeling.

Fast forward several years…I found the band Korn.  That was a completely life-changing moment for me. I was truly bitten by the music bug and knew that I had to pursue it! I already had a love for performing, so having an intense love for music alongside that only felt right. I saved up my allowance and bought my very first guitar a few weeks later!! I’ll always remember that summer! I couldn’t put the thing down!

So that kind of answers my next question, to an extent. Besides Korn, who are your other major influences? 

CJ: There’s so many, haha! I was pretty damn obsessed with the band Orgy in my high school years. Those dudes could do no wrong! I also listened to a lot of NIN back then as well. I suppose I’ve always been drawn to artists that weren’t/aren’t afraid to do things differently when it comes to their sound. A completely off the wall artist that I listen to religiously is Ghostemane. That guy is just insanely talented!! 

I loved Orgy. I still wanna see them, even though I think Jay is the only original member left. For my own curiosity, what was the first song you learned on guitar?

CJ: The very first song that I ever learned to play on guitar was actually “Come As You Are” by Nirvana!! Easy peasy.

If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be?

CJ: Oddly enough, I would have to say Ghostemane, and that’s for several reasons! Again, his sound is just so fucking wild. I really feel that we would come up with some really crazy sounds on a collab together!! 

I think there would definitely be a shared adventurous spirit there. So, in regard to the band, how and when was Carbonstone formed? 

CJ: I formed the band waaaay back in 2005 originally under the name “Unspoken”.   Similarly like Jay and Orgy, I am the only original founding member still around. 

Where did the name Carbonstone come from?

CJ: So long story short…Alcohol. Haha!! Our new name was originally supposed to be “Carved In Stone” but when you say that out loud with 12 or so beers in your system, it slurs out as “Carbonstone” !! I had a large party many moons ago and told a friend our new band name while inebriated. He repeated back to me “Carbonstone? That’s the new band name??”…..And the rest was history! 

📷 Chrystal James

Well, you know what they say: no great story ever started with a glass of milk. Haha! Or down here in the South, every great story starts with “hold my beer.” 

So, y’all released Dark Matter in 2021. Can you tell me a bit about the writing and recording process for that album? Or just your songwriting approach in general?

CJ: A song usually starts with just myself and a guitar. I’ll mess around with writing a ton of riffs until one speaks to me. Once that happens I’ll start to really flesh out the song (structure/vocal melodies). That can take as much as a few hours or up to a few days/weeks, depending on how inspired I am. “Scream” was literally written in a few hours! (The holidays are always a GREAT time for me to write, haha!!) Once I feel that I have a solid song, Neely [songwriter/guitarist] will then add a bit of his leads into it before we demo the song in its entirety.  After the demo is completely done, I’ll listen to it about a billion times, picking it apart, making notes and finalizing lyrics. Eventually we bring the song into Tony’s (synth player/producer) studio, where we then shred it to complete pieces and begin rebuilding and recording it from the ground up. This is where all the extra polish and synths make their way in! Fast forward roughly 13-15 hours at Tony’s and the song is finally complete!! It’s a TON of work, but we all love doing it!!

Speaking of “Scream,” what’s the story behind that song? (It’s actually the first original I ever heard by y’all, followed by “Pins & Needles.”)

CJ: Ah, awesome!! Those are two very different songs for a new listener to be introduced to us by!! Yeah, so as I mentioned, “Scream” was just one of those songs that practically wrote itself. We had literally just dropped our new album (Dark Matter) at the end of October 2021 and I was messing around with the guitar one evening. It literally just happened and then our usual songwriting/recording process took place. I remember all of us laughing in the studio about how it totally should have been on the album!! Haha!! The song is pretty much an anti-hater anthem. I wrote the lyrics around the idea of someone out there constantly bashing/belittling you to the point of snapping.  It’s just a big giant fuck-you song to anything/anyone in your life that attempts to drag you down! 

With “Scream” being a non-album single upon its release, can we expect it on an album in the future? Like…2023?

CJ: Oh, for sure!! “Scream” will absolutely be included on our next body of work! We’re still working on the next album as of now, but we have some really killer plans to release something brand new VERY soon!!

What is next for Carbonstone? I know there’s a tour in the works, and y’all are hitting the studio in February, right? 

CJ: Ahh, yes! We definitely have some really big surprises in store for 2023!! One of which is indeed a “little trek” down south! We also just announced two separate festival appearances (Maryland Day Festival, 3/25 in Baltimore, MD, and Rock On The Hill Music Festival, 5/13 in Hanover, PA.) 

And yep, that’s correct!! We will be entering the studio in mid-February to begin recording some new material! It’s been a bit since we’ve released anything, so I’m definitely chomping at the bit!

So with that tour coming up, tell me (and the other misfortunates who haven’t seen y’all) – what’s a live Carbonstone performance like?

CJ: Ordered and structured chaos, haha!! On top of writing and recording, everyone’s schedules are so crazy that we all literally have to bounce dates/times back and forth just to book rehearsals.  When we finally do get up on a stage and perform, everyone kind of just gets into their own personal zone and just cues off of everyone else’s energy. We also always have our nightmare bear “Frankie” up there with us getting the crowd hyped up! He’s a huge fan favorite! It’s a really wild time because no show we play is identical to the last! 

You’re making me really hope for an Alabama show! And here’s another fun question that ties in: what would be your dream tour lineup that includes Carbonstone? 

CJ: Hmmm, a dream tour lineup… That’s actually a tough question. I think I would have to say Korn, Static-X, Orgy, and us as the opener. A whole bunch of Nu Metal nostalgia! That would just be absolutely INSANE!!

That would be a phenomenal lineup! Okay, I have two more questions for you. Is there anything you want to say to your fans, new and old?

CJ: To all of our beautiful and amazing fans, Thank YOU!! We literally can’t do any of this without you!! You all make the hardships and battles of being an artist so truly worth it!! ❤️

And last but not least, where all can my readers get their hands on Carbonstone’s music?

CJ: You can find our music in all of the usual places! Pandora, Apple Music, Spotify etc..We’re literally everywhere!! Thank you again!! 

**

And that’s a wrap! Y’all make sure to follow Carbonstone’s various socials and watch for updates (particularly those Southern tour dates; I tried to weasel details out of Corey, but mum’s the word right now).

Listen to my personal favorites here:

Can’t leave out a Deftones cover!

Interview: Brett Bellomy of Empire Springs

December 17, 2022 — 2 Comments

Empire Springs is a progressive rock band hailing from Birmingham, Alabama. I discovered them thanks to a friend, and when I researched the band for my most recent 3 Bands/Artists You Should Be Following, I was impressed. It was very exciting to have the opportunity to speak with vocalist/bassist Brett Bellomy.

**

First and foremost, thank you so much for doing this! And congratulations on the release of your debut album [The Luminescence, April 2022]

BB: Thank you so much, we really appreciate you taking the time to talk to us!

Let’s start with some basics. How/When did Empire Springs form?

BB: Empire Springs, in its original form, started in 2016 when I was in college. I was playing bass in a different band and the singer quit somewhat unexpectedly. He had been the primary songwriter in that band, so even though the rest of the band wanted to keep playing music we didn’t feel comfortable playing his songs without him. I happened to have a few songs written that we hadn’t worked on yet, so we decided to play my songs and have me take over vocals. We changed the name to Empire Springs and started writing/recording songs under that name. The band was just a studio project for several years, but after several member changes we started playing live shows around 2018. 

Where did the band name come from?

BB: There’s a road sign between my hometown and my current city that reads “Empire” and “Blount Springs” for two separate counties. Because of the way the sign is formatted, it looks like Empire Springs is together. A few months after starting the new band I was driving between the cities with a friend of mine. They pointed out that “Empire Springs” would be a good band name and I liked the idea so the name stuck.

It really does work well. Your friend was right. So, what made you want to pursue a music career?

BB: I don’t remember a specific moment where I knew I wanted to pursue music professionally, but my parents really wanted me to go to college after high school. Music had been my primary elective/activity in high school (marching band, choir, etc) so when the time came to choose a major music was really the only thing I was interested in. 

Who are your biggest influences?

BB: For me personally I would say bands like Coheed and Cambria and Saosin influences my vocals the most. For the band as a whole it’s a little harder– we all draw influence from different places. But if I had to pick one, I think our most agreed upon band is definitely The Contortionist. 

Where do you draw your inspiration for your songs?

BB: That’s a really tough question– I think it largely depends on the songs. With our album The Luminescence, the songs came from a place of storytelling. We were really trying to make a cohesive collection of songs that work together to paint a bigger picture. Because of that, it’s not really rooted in personal experience as much. However we have some new songs (that I can’t talk too much about yet) that are all much more grounded in personal experience and my own perspective. 

Ah, okay. I’m excited to hear new music from y’all! While on the subject of The Luminescence, can you tell me a little bit about the songwriting and recording process?

BB: For sure! I am the primary songwriter for the band, so most of the time I have a demo recorded that I’ll send to the band. Everyone tweaks their own parts separately, kinda building off of the skeleton of the demo. We’ll usually bounce ideas for the demo around via email and everyone kinda works on it remotely. Since we don’t all live in the same state, when the time comes to record there are some songs we’ve never actually played together in a room. At first I found that intimidating, but now I really enjoy the long distance collaboration– the process may seem a little disjointed, but it really works for us. There’s an element of trust that we have with each other that is really unique because of our circumstances.

I found there to be a lot of complexity throughout the album, and I love the balance of mellow and heavy, clean vs. harsh vocals. Has anyone in the band studied composition? That may be a badly worded question, but I am amazed at how a mind must work to put music together like that.

BB: I really appreciate that! That’s definitely one thing I think we excel at, and we’ve definitely worked hard to be able to balance those things. Three of the four members have music degrees, and our keyboardist Chadwick actually has two– one in piano performance and one in composition. Even though my degree wasn’t specifically in composition, being the songwriter for our band has forced me to study the songs and bands I like very seriously so I can better understand my role. 

Well, that answers my next question. I wanted to say that the interlude was beautiful and ask who the pianist was.

BB: Chadwick wrote that piece. He also wrote the back half of our song “Khan” (when the piano and orchestra takes over). He’s very talented at knowing how to write and arrange for piano and orchestra, so we try to take advantage of that when we can.

For my own personal curiosity, what is the story behind “Drawing Lines”? (That was one of my favorite tracks.)

BB: “Drawing Lines” was actually the first song I ever wrote for Empire Springs. When I decided to take over being the singer, it was the first demo I presented to the band. Because the song is unusually personal for me, I usually try to stay somewhat vague when explaining its meaning. But to speak broadly, I was at an impasse in my life. The direction I felt like I should move would put me outside my comfort zone, and carried a lot of uncertainty with it. I struggled with it a lot, but ultimately it ended up being a really good thing for my life and mental health. “Drawing Lines” for me is a personal testament to that point in my life, but I think it could be interpreted differently for others. Either way I’m thankful that you and others connect with it.

I love when songs are personal to the artist, yet presented in a manner in which everyone listening can find some part they connect with.

You’ve teased a little during this interview, so I’ll ask outright – What’s next for Empire Springs?

BB: I hinted at it earlier, but we are working on some new music that I am really excited about. Hopefully some tours soon too? We are really trying to hit the ground running next year, so hopefully we’ll be busy!

Anything else you want your fans to know?

BB: I would just like to say thank you to anyone who has ever supported us. Whether that’s listening to our music or coming out to a show– It’s honestly still crazy to me that anyone would care about the songs I write, so I truly don’t take it for granted.

And lastly, where can my readers find out more about Empire Springs and get their hands on the music?

BB: We’re on all of the typical social media platforms so feel free to follow us there. As far as music goes, we’re on all the big streaming platforms as well as Bandcamp!

**

As you can see, Empire Springs is gearing up for an exciting 2023! I highly suggest checking them out (if you haven’t already), snagging yourself a copy of The Luminescence, and getting ready for what’s next!

Interview: Andy Bawden of Call of Sirens

December 7, 2022 — 1 Comment

Call of Sirens is an alternative rock band from the UK who uses their creativity to take listeners on a journey. Heavily influenced by an array of artists, as well as the story behind their namesake, this female-fronted foursome is sure to have you hooked from the first note.

I recently had the opportunity to chat with co-founder and guitarist Andy Bawden about the band’s start, their upcoming single and debut EP, and much more.

**

First and foremost, thank you so much for doing this. I really appreciate your time. So let’s dive right in. What made you want to pursue a music career? 

AB: As a teenager when I was learning guitar and writing my first song I like most people dreamed of being a huge rock star. Over the years as I played in different musical projects whilst working normal day jobs I realised that making it big was very very hard and was very much a 1 in a million chance. I was cool with that. Once I accepted that my music was going to be a pursuit of enjoyment and release rather than something I relied on to pay my rent, I became more free creatively. Music is still my release and escape, but do I always have that hope of making it big? Of course.

Who are your biggest influences?

AB: In terms of music I was brought up with country rock and British R’n’B of the 60s/70s. Bands like the Eagles were huge for me in terms of songwriting, and bands like Dire Straits, Led Zeppelin, Cream as well as more progressive bands like Rush. Later on I immersed myself in all subgenres of rock and metal, but these early sound sources still to this day influence the sounds and songs I contribute to. Each band member has an eclectic and diverse range of musical influences, and we try to bring elements of all these styles into our music somewhere.

I noticed the varied tastes from your Spotify playlists. Y’all definitely run the gamut of genres. So I’m curious; for you personally, what made you pick up a guitar?

AB: My dad was a pro country musician in the 70s and showed me my first chords. And I learnt by books and listening to the radio and CDs. I started playing in school bands in my teens, as well as in my dad’s semi-pro bands. My godfather is actually country music star George Hamilton IV. So I have grown up with music. In terms of guitarists, I learnt from the usual – Slash, Marty Friedman, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, John Petrucci, etc.

Who are your favorite guitarists?

AB: Don Felder, David Gilmour, Mark Knopfler, Alex Lifeson, and Adam Jones are my personal top five.

And just for fun, what is something you listen to that you think might surprise people?

AB: I’m a bit of a musicals fan. My favorite film growing up was Singing in the Rain. I am also a huge fan of Les Misérables. And I am a massive Taylor Swift fan. Saw her live at Wembley on the Reputation Tour a couple of years back. Great songwriter, master promoter, and shrewd businesswoman.

You have a background heavy in music and have played with quite a few bands. Tell me how Call of Sirens came together.

AB: In early 2021 off the back of a solo home recording project I had completed during UK Covid lockdowns, I was keen to find some collaborators to write new music with. On meeting bassist and dynamic songwriter Nick, we started to develop ideas and new sounds between us. We eventually introduced a female vocal and drums to the mix as we developed our sound and style. With a couple of personnel changes over the past year we are now a solid quartet, with Connor [drums] and Leilani [vocals] being the correct and final pieces of the puzzle.

Call of Sirens (2022)

What is the songwriting process for the band, and where do y’all draw your inspiration from?

AB: We unusually start with a riff or a chord progression then match that with a theme or message we have been exploring. It can be a thought, a feeling, a concept, a historical story, etc. We then develop it into a rough song structure and phone video ourselves playing it, then share it around the band so we can feedback and work our own parts. Once we get into the practice room, because we have done a lot of the work remotely, things usually come together pretty quickly into a final product. The legacy of the pandemic is that we created ways of working that in many ways were more efficient and more collaborative. These have continued for us as it works.

With your tendency to follow a theme or concept when writing, what is the story behind your latest single “Kenopsia”?

AB: ‘Kenopsia’ is a noun found in the Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows by John Koenig. It is…

“The eerie, forlorn atmosphere of a place that’s usually bustling with people but is now abandoned and quiet—a school hallway in the evening, an unlit office on a weekend, vacant fairgrounds—an emotional afterimage that makes it seem not just empty but hyper-empty, with a total population in the negative, who are so conspicuously absent they glow like neon signs.”

The song is the story of a girl trying to find out where she is in this new dark and empty world. In every corner she sees ‘after images’ (ghosts) of people she might have known, but she can’t quite see them. She slowly realises that she is actually alone. She is a victim of this ‘Kenopsia’. 

The band name grabbed my attention immediately. Where did it come from?

AB: I was obsessed with the idea of ‘the siren’ (a less than virtuous mermaid), a creature who would call sailors to their deaths. Mysterious beings that some believed were real, and are still real today. The theme influenced some of our early songs and the possible visuals were interesting also. It seems to fit well for us in terms of having a female lead singer as well as the general vibe of us as a band and also our approach to theme-based songwriting.

It sounds like you have a vision for this band and a lot to work with. So tell me, what’s next for Call of Sirens? 

AB: Our debut music video for “Kenopsia” will be live before Christmas, with our next single “Gravel Tree” being released on 20th Jan, and our debut EP itself called Gaia being released on 24th Feb.

From 14th Jan to 5th May 2023 we will undertake a 7 date tour in support of the EP’s release. This will predominantly be around the south of England. More information can be found at callofsirens.com/tour.

What can fans expect from those live performances?

AB: A very energetic live performance but with some more considered moments. We always focus on producing sounds that make people want to listen and appreciate a theme or story. We very much want to take people who come and see us on a journey in the 45 minutes we have them focused on us for. It’s more of an experience than a gig.

I would be remiss if I didn’t touch on the upcoming EP. Did y’all use a thematic approach to the record, as with “Kenopsia”?

AB: Yes. Gaia is Greek for Mother Earth. Nick [bassist/songwriter] came up with the title for us to work with. We really liked the idea, but we then had to link all the songs to it.

Our take is “the death and struggle of the feminine. Seeking to find the balance again in one’s self and in the natural world around us. Abandoning the world of man in favor of the mother. “Gravel Tree” [written by Nick, set to be the second single] is more linked than the others. It specifically connects to the Gaia theme, whereas the others fit in that they are about searching for something – a person, a ghost, a greater meaning, oneself. I guess that’s the loose overarching theme of the EP.

What is your favorite song on Gaia?

AB: I like them all. Two are my compositions and two are Nick’s. My favorite to play live is “The Monsters,” as it’s fun and energetic, but “Gravel Tree” is the best song, moody and interesting, and the lyrics are amazing.

The track listing is as follows – “Kenopsia,” “The Monsters,” “A Stranger (To Myself)”, and “Gravel Tree.”

Anything else you want your fans to know? 

AB: Just that we are very grateful for all the likes, follows and comments on our socials and also the wonderful amount of streams and listens of our music over the past few weeks, and hopefully the next few. We are very happy that people are excited and interested in what we do.

**

Call of Sirens is going to be quite busy well into the new year. Be sure to visit the band’s website for more information and follow their socials so you don’t miss anything. And keep an eye out here, as well. I’ll be sharing the singles as they drop!

For a glimpse into that wide array of influences I mentioned, go peruse their personal Spotify playlists.

Interview: Wes Grissom of Ancient Sins

November 19, 2022 — 2 Comments

Ancient Sins is a rock/metal project founded in 2008 by vocalist/guitarist Wes Grissom while deployed overseas. Taking various music and lyrics that Wes had written over the years, the band put together its debut album Never Back Down, which was released in 2018. Since then, life has been hectic, especially given the standstill caused by Covid, but Ancient Sins is coming back strong. Not only has Wes played shows with the likes of Quiet Riot, Powerman 5000, and Saving Abel, he has also been working on Ancient Sins’ sophomore record.

I recently had the chance to speak with Wes about his start in music, his various influences, his writing process, and the new music on the horizon.

**

MM: First and foremost, how would you describe Ancient Sins’ sound? Who are your major influences?

WG: When I was working on [the debut album] Never Back Down, everything was led by Alter Bridge. One Day Remains was the record that kick-started me back into playing guitar. Other bands that influenced me during that record cycle were Nightwish, Shinedown, Hammerfall, and Disturbed. Now, with the new album, I’m still heavily influenced by Alter Bridge, and Tremonti, as well as Five Finger Death Punch and some instrumental metalcore. It’s really a mix of everything I listen to.

MM: You said One Day Remains got you “back” into playing guitar. When did you first start?

WG: I wanted to play as early as 3rd grade. I told my mom I wanted to play guitar in the after-school band and she said no, so I started on classical instruments. I didn’t really start on guitar until I was 16. I had played a couple of times before that, but I didn’t get my first guitar until right after my 16th birthday.

MM: And what made you want to play to begin with?

WG: It was actually an old VHS of Garth Brooks live in concert. I don’t remember the title, but it was in the early 90s – ’93 or ’94 – when Ty England was his guitarist. That dude was phenomenal and was ultimately who got me interested in playing. The one who ignited the fire later on, who got me back into it, was Mark Tremonti [Creed, Alter Bridge, Tremonti].

MM: Did you always want to be a vocalist as well?

WG: I always enjoyed singing. I used to sing on the way to and from work because I had an hour’s drive each way. When I was starting Ancient Sins, I did put out some feelers for a vocalist because there was a certain style and range I was looking for. I wanted that upper tenor range, and I kinda had it; I’m getting better at it. Eventually, I decided “if you want it done right, you’ve gotta do it yourself,” so I took on the role.

MM: Who are your vocal influences?

WG: Myles Kennedy [Alter Bridge, Slash] is my primary influence now. Back in the day, it was the metal singers of the 80s: Bon Jovi, Dio, Steve Perry [Journey], etc.

MM: I can certainly hear their influence on songs such as “Curse the Rain” and the title track from Never Back Down. Now, let’s move along to your third role, songwriting. What is your process?

WG: I piece the songs together like a puzzle. I write sections – the chorus, a verse, a bridge – and then, based on the song title or the licks I have at the time, I decide which direction the song goes in from there. Is it going to be a melodic journey, a down-and-dirty, fast, heavy riff, or is it something that will repeatedly take a new shape until it gets where I want it. I want to be different, but at the same time I want my songs to be something people can latch on to in their own lives. I may be able to bring somebody a form of solace.

MM: I know a lot of artists let what’s happening in the world bleed into their lyrical content, while others pointedly attempt to avoid it. For you, personally, where do you draw your inspiration for songs?

WG: Life, in general. Life experiences. Situations we’ve all been in – relationships, a death in the family, things like that. I’m slowly developing a good way to convey my message to the audience in a way they can connect with. I’m gradually doing it better.

MM: You recently played with Powerman 5000. What was that like, and do you have any more upcoming shows?

WG: Playing with Powerman 5000 was an absolute honor. All of them were humble dudes, and it was a trip hanging out with them and talking. Not even talking shop, just talking like regular individuals. Filling the opening slot for that show was an incredible experience, and it was my biggest crowd to date.

I was also direct support for Saving Abel earlier this month, and had a show with Firing All Cylinders and Deep Within. We’re trying to solidify dates for the Showcase Showdown in Vegas, an experience I won from ITNS radio, but I haven’t been given the exact date I’ll play yet.

MM: You have mentioned your new album a few times during this conversation. Tell me a little bit about that, and how soon can we expect a single?

WG: Initially we were looking at a single this month [Nov. ’22] and the album release in December. However, Paul, who is stepping in to play drums on the new album, as well as producing it, has been on tour with Dead Original and Smells Like Nirvana for the last three months. We had to push everything back. Right now, tentatively, probably February 2023 for the album release. Once we complete the record, we will decide which song will be the lead single. I might pull an Alter Bridge and release the title track as a lyric video before sharing the official first single. I’ll keep you updated.

MM: Great! I definitely look forward to it, and we’ll have to chat again when the album drops. Thank you so much for your time.

**

To keep up with all things Ancient Sins, be sure to follow the various AS accounts across social media, and check out Never Back Down on your favorite streaming service.