interviews

Interview: RedPrint

July 31, 2024 — Leave a comment

RedPrint is a rock band from The Netherlands formed in 2012. They started as a cover act, but in 2023, they released their first original EP, entitled The Plan.

I was given the opportunity to talk with them and find out all about the band’s origins, influences, writing process, and more!

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Mostly Music: First and foremost, thank you for your time! How did the band form, and what’s the story behind the name “RedPrint”?

RedPrint: I used to play bass in another band, but that band collapsed in 2012 so I asked the rhythm guitarist and the lead guitarist if they would join me to form a new band. We searched for a drummer, and the 2 guitarists knew a girl from a local bar that sang karaoke very good. So The Plan – original band name – was formed. We were to be a blues band, play Chicago and Texas blues. We got our first gig pretty soon and played what we knew. A second gig shortly after turned us into a cover band.

Fast forward to (I think) 2017, and our lead guitarist decided he could not combine his work with the band anymore. We then found Ronald. As we rehearsed with the new guitarist, we felt we could get back to gigs, and our singer decided she didn’t want to continue. The search for her replacement took much longer, but we finally found Selinde. Then, in 2020, Covid hit. We’d had a great year in 2019, playing a lot of gigs, and were ready to get ourselves in venues for real, but lockdowns and Covid rules had us down.

During this time, our rhytm guitarist and singer did a little project, and “Stop Running” was made. On a computer, Selinde did the vocals, and at home we all thought what we could do with it. Finally, our drummer sent a drum part, I came with a bassline, and Ronald had to do the solo. But because it was made on a computer, there originally was a synthesizer part, so our rhythm guitarist got himself a synthesizer and after the lockdowns (or in between a couple), we started working on “Immersion.” Soon after that, “Herd” came to be, and we realised we needed to rethink “Stop Running.” That track was slow and a bit boring compared to the other 2 songs. So we spiced it up a bit. You can still hear it is a softer kind of track now, but it fits.

Jump to August 2022. Three tracks ready and we wanted another so we could record it as an EP. The first three were heavily influenced by our guitarist/synthesizer player. But it all came together as a band. We all wrote our own parts based on the ideas that formed. But now we all had ideas. And in a rehearsal where he could not make it, we set up two new tracks. One was already in progress, and one was new. But the direction we took on it was something different from his views. After a couple of months, he decided our views were too different and after a decade he left the band.

Again, a major setback, three tracks done and two concepts in progress, but a band member down. How were we going to replace a band member who did synthesizer in two tracks and rhythm guitar in the other? So we decided not to replace him. The lead guitarist also does rhythm, and the synthesizer is replaced with violin. Luckily, Selinde can play violin very well. So one of the concepts became “Telephone,” and shortly after, we recorded it all. “Colour Me Insane” was just there. I came with a bassline, and this progressed very fast. We didn’t think it was complete, but it was also too good not to record. 

After we released the EP, we changed our name because there are so many “The Plan” or similar band names on the streaming services. I took control of the socials and stumbled into the community. Vox + Stix and Paul Harwood shared our profile, and the rest is history.

About our band name: we knew it needed a change from The Plan. A whole lot came past, we even let chatgpt have a go. But it was our guitarist that said a blueprint is also a sort of plan. And our logo is red, so why not RedPrint? This was the first name in months where nobody objected. So, I guess it is the best out of all the bad names that came along.

MM: The band name is unique, and it makes y’all easy to find. That’s always good for fans and bloggers, etc. So, who are RedPrint’s major influences?

RedPrint: Of course, all four of us have our own influences, but I think the biggest are the covers we used to do. And they were a large pool of artists that you would normally not put together. We did covers from AC/DC and ZZ top to Tom Petty and Black Sabbath. We also covered The Animals and even Bill Withers and Bruno Mars. We even did a cover of “Addicted to You” from Avicii. We through in Duffy and Etta James, but we did change some of those tracks so they would fit the set we played at that time.

At this point, I guess none of those are to be heard in our music, or not all of them. We try not to put ourselves in any specific subgenre. We are a rock band, but for the rest, our motto is: We play what we like and hope you like what we play. The funny thing is, we got reviewed a couple of times, and they compared us to bands and artists we never covered or really listened to before we got compared to them.

MM: That is an eclectic mix! This question almost seems redundant, but is there anyone you listen to that might surprise people?

RedPrint: Personally, I listen to a whole lot of various music. Lately, it’s a lot of indie artists. However, I used to be into house music a lot when i was young and still enjoy it. But I have to admit most of what they call EDM these days does not get me anymore. Faithless is a personal favorite, but also artists like The Prodigy and The KLF. Later, I discovered the older rock bands, and that seems like an infinite pool of inspiration. But disco, funk, and even hip-hop are appreciated.

But that’s just me. I am sure if all four of us would input on this, it would be a long story. We have a lot of similar interests but also a lot of different interests in music. 

MM: You’ve already given an overview of how your originals came to be, in a general sense. More specifically, what was the process when writing and recording The Plan?

RedPrint: The first three (“Stop Running,” “Immersion,” and “Herd”) are started with ideas from our old guitarist/synthesizer player. But we all did our part in those. Basic concepts and a complete track are different things. He would not come up with the different bass parts in “Immersion,” for example. Also, the drums and bass are composed in the verse of “Immersion,” more than any other of our songs. “Herd” had the same chords in the verse and chorus, and only the bass and drums play a different part, so it sounds different. 

But “Telephone” started with a bassline, Selinde came up with a vocal line, and the chorus was worked out pretty fast. It took one rehearsal to set up a basic song. 

Of course, it takes a lot longer to structure it and make it into an actual song. Our guitarist played a heavy riff one time, and I really liked it. So I practiced it at home and somehow got back into the verse of “Telephone.” But to go from the verse to that riff (what is now the instrumental part) took some creative thinking. “Colour me Insane” also started with a bassline as did “Runaway” (not yet released, but you can find it in a live show on YouTube), so I guess now we start with a bassline. But our most recent project came to be after an acoustic session, and the vocals dictate the rest of the music. So it is not set in stone. If one of us has an idea and we can work with it, we work with it. It always stands or falls with if Selinde can sing in that key and find the right vocal line.

MM: What is your favorite song from the EP? Or perhaps I should phrase that question this way – is there a song that resonates with you more than the others?

RedPrint: Hmm, hard to pick a favorite. And I guess we all have a different opinion about it. For me, it would be either “Colour Me Insane,” because it’s a banger, or “Immersion,” because of the ending and the amount of work that went into it to reach the end result. But I know Selinde has a soft spot for “Telephone.” So opinions could be different between band members. 

MM: What are RedPrint’s plans for the remainder of 2024?

RedPrint: At this moment, we can provide a date for when we will hit the studio again. We will record at least two tracks and maybe will do a surprise along with it. But that is still open for debate. The date is August 17th. Of course, we will need time to have it mixed and mastered, but it will probably hit the streaming services this year. We did talk about releasing it to Bandcamp first, and maybe having the indie radio stations that support us and many others spin it before it is available for streaming. We won’t be releasing all the songs at once this time either, but one every once in a while. 

And if we run into any gigs, we are sure to take them. That is what we like to do most. Play in front of an audience is just the best.

MM: Is that – the audience – your favorite thing about performing?

RedPrint: Good question. Yes, the interaction with the audience. When they respond to us in a positive way, we will somehow get better. If it is because we get more confident or maybe magic, I cannot tell. But we do give that extra effort, so if we get a good audience, they get a good performance. When we get a great audience, they get a great performance. Not that we wouldn’t give our best if we played an empty room or watch the backs of a crowd, but it does help when they are enthusiastic.

MM: I definitely get how a great crowd can give you that boost. I’ve always heard that it’s a mutual thing: you feed off the audience, and they feed off of you, so everyone has to give energy and enthusiasm.

For y’all, how is playing live and recording in the studio connected? Do you think about how the songs will translate in a live performance?

RedPrint: We rent a rehearsal room. At home would disturb the neighbours too much. But this is certainly connected. We do think about things we add and how this might resonate with the audience. But also, we try not to overthink it. We are a band that tries to give that organic feel. We don’t overcompose individual parts, but do think about how a song flows as a whole and how an audience might experience this. Even when recording, we try to keep it as real as possible and not over produce. We won’t Sergeant Pepper our music and want to sound as live as possible. All our tracks are recorded as they are with the exception of some parts where we dubbed the guitar to give it a little extra and some ad libs in “Stop Running.” That’s the only thing we can’t duplicate live, but those parts are picked up by our bass player that gives it a little extra drive.

MM: Well, I look forward to the new music, and I envy those who get to see y’all play. Good luck on all your future endeavors, and thanks again for talking with me!

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You can keep up with all of RedPrint’s goings-on by following their socials, and be sure to check out their debut EP, The Plan, on your streaming service of choice!

Interview: Revolution Rabbit Deluxe

July 22, 2024 — Leave a comment

Revolution Rabbit Deluxe is a Welsh band that expertly blends a multitude of genres, ranging from power pop and Brit rock to alternative/indie and punk. This four-piece outfit has carried the late 70s/early 80s punk rock and new wave movements into modern times, laying bare their growth and musical maturation with each release. So far, Revolution Rabbit Deluxe has given us four albums – Swipe Left (2019), Myths and Fables (2020), The Great Divide (2022), and Control Freaks (2023).

I recently had the opportunity to chat with the band about their history, influences, writing process, and much more!

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Mostly Music: First and foremost, how did Revolution Rabbit Deluxe get its start? And what is the story behind the band’s name? 

Ant: The band originally met at a social group based around music for people with mental health issues. We released our first four CDs before a lineup change as several members needed to drop out due to other commitments. Now the band comprises: Lee – drums; Max – lead guitar; Jim – bass; and Ant – vocals and guitar. Ant, the only original member, has Asperger’s, both a blessing and a curse.

The name Revolution Rabbit Deluxe came to me while I was driving.  I’ve had a lifetime love of rabbits and was playing with words that conjured humorous images. Transposing a rabbit face over the famous Che Guevara poster made me laugh, so I knew Revolution Rabbit was the name for me. I added the deluxe part to set us apart in some way. The name has nothing to do with certain adult entertainment aids.

MM: Funnily enough, now I have the image of Che Guevara with a rabbit face. So thanks for that… Did you all come from similar musical backgrounds – shared influences and the like – or did y’all have to find a way to blend several different styles?

Max: As a kid, I grew up on a diet of 60s and 70s classic rock and pop, then got into alternative rock, punk, grunge, and metal as a teenager. Although I’ve been playing guitar for longer, most of my previous experience in bands was as the drummer, so I’m more interested in incorporating rhythmic expression and simple melodic lines in my guitar playing rather than overly complex solos. When I joined RRD, I learnt that Ant (Rev Rabbit) and I shared a love of stuff like Pixies, Sonic Youth, Nirvana and Smashing Pumpkins so those influences are probably the strongest ones in there.

Jim: I had an eclectic upbringing as far as musical influences are concerned- my parents were huge fans of Max Bygraves and similar vocal artists but my Norwegian grandmother turned me on to the 90’s black metal scene with groundbreaking bands such as Burzum, Emperor, Bathory and Darkthrone- she taught me to death growl like a monster. I also really like Bananrama.

Ant: I love guitar solo work that is rhythmic and lean. Lines that add to the song rather than show off the skill of the lead guitar. Max is exactly that, a welsh joey Santiago. Jim is a metal bass player with Scarsun, but he wanted to work on a different project, and so he fell right into place. His bass playing is not as frenetic as in his metal band but is solid and underpins the melodic changes. Lee, our drummer, is an exceptional talent. Able to play versatile styles and keep the beat driving forward.

MM: You guys released the album Control Freaks in October last year, which I got to review and enjoyed very much. Can you tell me about the writing and recording process for the album? Was it approached any differently from your previous works, and what was the frame of mind while piecing it together?

Ant: The writing process is usually the same. Riff, melody, vocals. But this time, I tried to write a few songs in reverse. With “Cult of Me Me Me,” I wrote the lyrics first, then the melody and then the riff. I found it an interesting process as the lyrics weren’t constrained by the metre of the melody. It was very freeing.

Max: Ant would send us mp3s of the tracks as they stood at the time so that we could add our parts in our own homes. The completed parts were sent back and slotted into the tracks and then mixed and mastered. It was kinda like working on a jigsaw puzzle.

Ant: The process was a little different to the past four albums. Instead of coming to the studio, we had the luxury of working on the songs at our own pace, allowing experimentation. The general vibe of the album was those aspects of our society which control us either consciously or subconsciously. The frame of mind was definitely anger tinged with frustration at the status quo. It was intended to be both reflective and inspiring to greater action. It resulted in an album of hard-hitting rockers and softer introverted pieces. Our biggest experiment was the orchestrally based Girl from Irpin based on the harrowing photo of a young girl who had been killed by a Russian rocket attack.

MM: “Girl From Irpin” was one of my favorite tracks on the album. It was definitely a standout. Do you have a favorite song on the album, or maybe just one you connect with a bit more than the others?

Ant: Thanks for the kind comment on “Girl from Irpin.” Two tracks were standouts from a writing perspective – “Fabian Control Freaks” and “G7 Countdown.” Both subjects close to my heart. The control of everything for our so-called betterment by people that have everything in their ownership and control. It’s easy for people sat on billions telling us what to do when most of us are close to the poverty line. It gets me so angry I could turn green, rip my shirt, and go on a rampage as the Incredible Sulk.

MM: I don’t think you’d be alone in that… While we’re playing the “favorites” game, do you have a favorite song to play live?

Lee: I like them all.

Ant: I like “Resolving in E,” nice simple riff based C and Em with a shouty chorus that usually gets people up.

MM: What is your favorite thing about live shows? 

Ant: For me it’s the end of the show. I have terrible stage fright. But it’s good to hear the audience applause on a job well done.

MM: I admire you greatly for getting up there in spite of stage fright. I could never!!! For fun, what would be your dream lineup – that includes Revolution Rabbit Deluxe?

Ant: XTC to start for their energy, especially early days. Pixies to continue the mood. Then us (how dare I) followed by U2 when they rocked stadiums. Closer, the almighty McCartney opening on “Jet” and closing on “Hey Jude” after an hour of classics.

MM: Ah yes. Mr. McCartney. Gotta include him. Legend. So last but not least, what are the band’s plans for 2024? 

Ant: We are in the process of recording the sixth album, Seethe, which should be out at the end of the year. We are playing in South Wales regularly. We plan on updating our website soon to include our new drummer and bassist plus a video to accompany the new single due out in September. Thank you for this, I hope you have enjoyed the process as much as we did.

MM: Thank all of you for your time!

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Be sure to follow Revolution Rabbit Deluxe on all their socials so that you can keep up with band updates and hear that new single as soon as it drops! And go listen to Control Freaks on your favorite streaming service!

Interview: Bruce Neilsen of The Immaculate Crows

February 9, 2024 — Leave a comment

The Immaculate Crows are a genre-bending musical collective based in Brisbane, Australia, performing songs written and arranged by Bruce Neilsen. Listen to any two songs by this band and you will quickly discover that Bruce doesn’t believe in boxes: their tracks range from alternative rock and indie pop, to folk, country, blues, and jazz, and this eclectic exploration extends into the subject matter, as well.

I had the opportunity to speak with Bruce about his history as a musician, the formation of The Immaculate Crows, finding fellow creative minds, and much more!

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Mostly Music: First and foremost, can you tell me the story of The Immaculate Crows’ formation? And how did y’all decide on the band name? (Which I love, by the way.)

Bruce Neilsen: I had unsuccessfully tried to join a couple of cover bands and had been writing poetry for a few years. I started writing my first songs and decided to start my own band. Around November 1981, I met [drummer] Chris Allen at a mutual friend’s home who also hadn’t been in a band. I then advertised for other players and found Mark Kassulke [guitarist]. My flatmate Frank Mueller initially helped on vocals, and I advertised for a bass player. Brad Milham had been in a cover band and was an outstanding player. We had no songs ready and just jammed for Brad’s audition. He liked my playing, and we both liked The Yardbirds, so that was enough for him to join. Another flatmate Hamish McKie joined on vocals.

We started off doing a few covers like “I Wanna Be Sedated” by the Ramones, “25th Floor” by Patti Smith, etc., then Mark and I started writing songs. Hamish left and was replaced by David Page, who was Indigeneous and had been a teenage pop star and the first Australian to get a contract with Tamla-Motown. We did a 4 track recording of two of my songs, “In the City” and “Dingo,” in a little hall in June 1982, followed by a two track recording of “Dingo” and another song of mine called “Psychedelic Girl” in a studio. A copy was given to our local community radio station, 4ZZZ, and got heavy airplay for a considerable period of time. However, none of these songs were released commercially. David left, Hamish came back, then Mark also left and was replaced by Mark Hocknell. Chris Allen left, and in our hurry to replace him, we picked someone who was a very limited player. 4ZZZ was talking about us supporting big bands like Midnight Oil, but I knew we were no longer up for it and was very unhappy with the new drummer. I left and formed two other bands and eventually reunited with The Immaculate Crows before we broke up around May 1985.

I ceased playing live and was pretty disillusioned with band politics. I was pretty frustrated, too, as I had become both a pretty good guitarist and songwriter. I settled down with Carolyn and we married, got a house, and had two boys. I repressed my creative urges until 2019, when I finally digitalised my old eighties songs and released them on streaming sites. I also reunited with Mark Hocknell, who had been recording guitar instrumentals on Garage Band. He brought his gear over and we had a brief but fruitful partnership where I wrote and arranged all songs and he recorded the initial tracks. We both played guitar and bass parts. Carolyn and I bought some recording gear as Mark couldn’t record vocals, and Carolyn started recording vocalists and doing final mixdowns. All songs are mastered by Furkan Gulus. Mark left in 2021, and since then, Carolyn has done all production.

The Immaculate Crows is basically a loose collective of musicians that sing and play on songs written and arranged by me and produced by Carolyn. Different listeners and reviewers have said individual songs have reminded them of artists ranging from Fleetwood Mac to The Stone Roses and The Smiths. The music is hard to categorise and has both retro and modern elements. Genres vary from punk and psychedelic, to alternative country, alt-rock and indie pop. Subject matter varies from youth suicide, domestic violence, to poverty, cancel culture, and even quirky love songs. 

It is a bit vague now, but I think I came up with the name The Immaculate Crows as ‘immaculate’ implies perfection, and crows are intelligent birds that also can be quite sinister and cowardly. The name was a bit tongue-in-cheek, really, and deliberately silly also. 

MM: Wow! That’s quite a history. I admire you for persevering, because with so much turmoil within the band, it would have been easy to call it quits for good.

So what was it that drove you to start creating? Were you inspired by a particular band/artist? Or was music another outlet that just fitted in with writing poetry? 

BN: I liked music much more than poetry and like many others absolutely loved everything about The Beatles, particularly their sense of humor and music. My older brother turned me onto a lot of musicians, including Jimi Hendrix, Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Bob Dylan, and Jefferson Airplane.

MM: As a musical collective, how do you find the other musicians to sing/play on songs? Take me through the basic recording process. 

BN: I have found all my singers except for Nicky Steel, who is a relative, through placing advertisements or checking out posts on our local Brisbane Musicians Wanted online mag. I send a message with music links and after some to and from messages and phone calls, get them over to record. I have also found musicians performing at shopping centres and cafés. Lol.

[As far as the recording process], once I have mapped out the chord progression for a song, I get keys, bass, and drum tracks down first, followed by guitar. I do a vocal guide track and send the MP3 with lyrics off to the prospective singer/muso and arrange a time for them to record.

Jessica Shipley (vocals), Bruce Neilsen, Carolyn Neilsen (production), and Daphne Mae (vocals)

MM: Hand in hand with that, what is your songwriting process? I know you draw inspiration from everything around us, but do you have anything in particular you do when inspired?

BN: I am only inspired to write songs when I have a goal. Now that I am recording, I am becoming quite driven again. I am inspired by actual events and sometimes by a chord progression. It varies.

MM: How many instruments can you play, and how much of what we hear is recorded by you? Are you self-taught?

BN: When I had a brief partnership with ex-band member Mark Hocknell, which started in 2019 and ended in February 2021, we had an arrangement where I wrote, arranged, and played on all songs that he co-produced with my wife Carolyn. Fifteen songs came out of this arrangement, of which you can hear eleven on the first album, And Then There Were Two, and the other four on the second album, Zombie World. Mark produced all drum tracks and played bass on four of them. I played bass on the others. Mark played rhythm and lead guitar on thirteen of the songs he co-produced with Carolyn, and I played rhythm, lead, and some acoustic guitar on the all fifteen songs. Mark also used keyboard plug-ins on a couple, and any harmonica you hear is me.

Bass and drums were played by Roo Friend on “Bird in the Sky,” and I played all guitars and plug-ins. When Mark left, Carolyn took over full production, except for mastering, which has always been done by Furkan Gulus. We have been using Toontracks to produce keys, drums, and most bass tracks. On Zombie World, I played bass on five songs, of which Mark played a little bit in one section. I briefly used another guitarist, Wayne Harvey, who added extra rhythm to the choruses on “No Turning Back” and played virtually all the guitar on “Van Gogh” (except for the fingerstyle intro which also ends the song, and the wah wah solo in the fadeout).

I am using two other musos currently who you will hear on future songs. Colleen South plays ukelele and piano accordion, and Sam Ryan plays trumpet. I put all music credits on Bandcamp.

My first instrument was harmonica, and I had classical guitar lessons for around 2 years many years ago. Apart from that, I am pretty much self-taught. I practiced a lot when I was younger but am not so fanatical now. I purchased a banjo recently and am able to play it to some degree already. I occasionally use a mini midi for extra effects.

Zombie World album cover

MM: I love the vast array of musical instruments and styles you utilize. I imagine being a musician with that willingness to try most anything means it never gets boring! 

Y’all released the track “Torn in Two” back in December. What is the story behind that song?

BN: I wrote “Torn In Two” in 1983 for my second band, Insurrection. I don’t remember any specific inspiration for it, but I wanted the guitar to stand out and be different. I used to play some pretty intense guitar on it but trimmed the solo right down for the recent recording. None of the singers that sang it did it justice until now. Brandon Webb sings on the recording and I love his voice.

MM: What are the plans for The Immaculate Crows in 2024? 

BN: There will be a lot more variety, which will drive genre purists crazy! I have just released a country folk song on Bandcamp called “My Sister And Me.” It will be on Spotify, etc., around 6 February. Also coming up is a song sitting between jazz and blues called “Same Old Blues,” a jazz-oriented ballad called “I Get You,” and an alternative song about stalking and obsession called “Waiting.” These all have trumpet on them. I also have a type of indie pop ballad called “Without You,” which has a catchy chorus. I hope to have a third album out by the end of the year, which will cover a lot of genres. I don’t believe in being a musical snob and listen to a lot of different stuff. I just hope my listeners don’t mind.

Single artwork for “Torn in Two”

MM: I’m sure your listeners enjoy the musical journey you carry them on! With your listeners in mind, is there anything you’d like to say to them, both those who are long-term and the newer fans who have recently found The Immaculate Crows?


BN: Thanks for listening! Check out what is there already and stay tuned as there is plenty more coming.

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A huge thank-you to Bruce for his time and his patience. As you can see, The Immaculate Crows have no plans to slow down! It sounds like they’re going to have quite a busy 2024. Follow them on their various socials to ensure you don’t miss anything!

And check out The Immaculate Crows’ latest release, “My Sister and Me.”

Vacation Mode Activated

October 19, 2023 — Leave a comment

I still have 11 days before I fly to Colorado to visit my brother, but my mind has already abandoned the real world. I am so ready to escape my job for a week. Plus, while I’m out there, I get my birthday gift: we’re going to Albuquerque for the Wednesday 13 Performs Murderdolls tour – and my brother bought me the VIP experience, so I’m meeting Wednesday 13!!!!!! I’ve been a fan since I was 15, and I just know I’m going to make a fool of myself.

In other news, I had an appointment with a gastroenterologist last week. I had been having some abdominal discomfort, up to and including mild pain just below my breastbone and slightly to the right. The doctor said it was most likely a pre-ulcer or an ulcer. I was given a medicine to coat my stomach when I eat and another that is supposed to help control my stomach acid. I also had an ultrasound done. Well, the office has not called with the ultrasound results, but the medicines seem to be helping. The only pain I’ve had in the past few days has been at work. One of my coworkers said that suggests an ulcer, because I’m hurting only when I’m stressed. I guess we’ll see. If I don’t hurt at all in Colorado, then the problem is my place of work. Haha!

Just wanted to share another personal post, give y’all an update on things. In regard to the music side of the blog, I have two interviews coming up: hard rockers Sever Red and the industrial metal band Corvin’s Breed (who is opening for Psyclon Nine on their upcoming Infection Divinum Tour). These will both be written, as I don’t yet have the option to do video or phone interviews. I’m also continuing my weekly Bands You Should Know, so if there’s anyone I need to do a brief blurb about, tell me in the comments!

I hope this post finds all of you well! Oh, and if y’all wanted to see a half-assed shot of what was visible in Alabama during the annular eclipse…

I was in the parking lot at work with three other employees trying to catch that. The picture might not be great, but we were having a lot of fun! Lol.

The Mostly Music Podcast, Ep. 1: Fun With Carbonstone

August 1, 2023 — Leave a comment

My none-too-serious interview with Carbonstone is now live on YouTube! Give it a watch!

The Mostly Music Podcast

July 30, 2023 — Leave a comment

I finally did it, y’all! I finally decided to start a music podcast. My sister-in-law has been encouraging me to do this for well over two years now: she says I’d be great at it because I’m so passionate about music.

I posted the idea to my Facebook page, and it was met with enthusiasm and several bands/artists looking to be interviewed. I fully intended to get the ball rolling before now, but technological issues impeded my progress. However, I am fairly certain I should have that sorted soon, and then I can begin scheduling video interviews.

Luckily, I had the chance recently to meet up with Maryland-based metal band Carbonstone and do an in-person interview. They played a show in Alabama and of course I went! As many of you know, I interviewed frontman Corey James for my blog earlier this year, and I reviewed their latest single, “Damaged Like You.”

With Carbonstone was Anoxia vocalist – and Corey’s wife – Chrystal James. She was gracious enough to agree to be interviewed as well!

Having already discussed music pretty thoroughly, I decided to have a little fun with Corey and Chrystal, and Carbonstone guitarist Neely Johns, for this interview. Since I titled my blog (and podcast) “Mostly Music,” we took on topics other than music, such as movies, dessert toppings, and places they would love to visit. But we naturally discussed a few music-related things, too.

The video is going live tonight on my new YouTube channel. For now, that’s the only place it will be. I added subtitles because both Chrystal and I had a couple of instances where we didn’t speak loudly enough, given that we were in a bar and there was a lot of background chatter. I will improve, though! I was just happy that my first in-person interview was with someone I had talked to before. It created a certain level of comfort, and I think that really comes through.

I would love it if y’all would check it out! Consider your viewing of it an early birthday gift. The video will be available at 5:30 p.m. CST.

Interview: Clay Soldiers

May 31, 2023 — Leave a comment

Clay Soldiers hail from the UK and blend elements of alternative, grunge, and stoner rock in their music. Formed in 2020, the band consists of vocalist/guitarist Leon, bassist Stu, and drummer Pablo. They have already seen a few notable achievements, including 16,000+ all-time streams across the various services and listeners in forty different countries.

I recently chatted with Clay Soldiers about their backgrounds in music, influences, playing live, and their debut EP, Life After Death.

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First and foremost, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule for this interview. Let’s start with the story behind the band’s name. I always find those interesting.

Stu: Initially, we were talking about Greek mythology and we were looking for names along the lines of mythological beasts and history. However, Leon states that “Clay Soldiers” came from the idea that people are molded in terms of their way of thinking, their resilience – they are not as strong as they think they are and are made to believe they are invincible.

Clay Soldiers’ sound encompasses multiple styles. Who are the band’s influences?

Stu: Our biggest influences are the bands and sounds of the 90s, such as Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, Stone Temple Pilots, Queens of the Stone Age, and Faith No More. We also take inspiration from classic rock, like Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin, and lately we’ve drawn from some newer bands on the scene, particularly our friends in Dunes, The Grudge, and High Desert Queen, in terms of their performance and style.

So, if you don’t mind, can you tell me how you got started in music? What made you decide this is what you wanted to do?

Stu: We have always been interested in music in a big way. However, truly thinking about it, we lived through the 80s and 90s, where the music was an inspirational element in our lives. So, seeing bands that had grown considerably from the late 80s to the mid-90s and beyond, it was something that we had always felt that it wasn’t out of reach to do. It was a case of finding the instrument that we could share the rocking vibes with and over time, learning what it means to write songs, what it means to write from the heart through our own lived experiences that listeners can relate to.

And now, y’all have released your debut EP, Life After Death, and have garnered some well-deserved attention with it. Can you tell me a little about the writing and recording process? From where did y’all draw inspiration?

Stu: We tried to make music to reflect life experiences and take to heart how the lyrics can resonate to a wider audience. We wanted to write in a more thoughtful way and build connections with people as they find they can relate to it.

In terms of the recording, we often lay down all our demo stems on an app called Bandlab. It is a piece of software that really helped us to lay out and structure our ideas for the EP. The artwork was an awesome piece hand-painted by UK tattoo artist Jeep Bluezone (who is originally from Thailand). Initially, it was painted on canvas, then she offered to let us use it for the EP cover. We felt the image reflected every song on the EP, which is all about death and recovery – hence the name ‘Life After Death’. In other words, the day the world halts and then we start again.

On a personal level, what’s your favorite song on the EP?

Leon: All songs are very meaningful. If there was one overall song, I would choose “Ghost,” as that is the most epic sounding song.

Stu: I would choose “Ghost,” as it was one of the first tracks we actually wrote by accident and became one of our most evolved tracks. It has quite a cinematic, epic sound to it.

Pablo: “Ghost” for me.

I saw that you guys just played a show with Elkapath, Doomicidal, and At War With the Sun. What is your favorite thing about playing live?

Stu: That was a great show. Our favourite thing about playing live is seeing people enjoying and sharing the moments with us where the music is creating a positive atmosphere like no other. In that moment, we are family! 

And on the topic 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? 

Stu: Everything we do in the studio is connected to live shows because  everything we work for in the studio, it all comes to a conclusion in live shows.  We want everyone to get a first glance of our music. For new fans who are seeing us for the first time, it is about how we can connect to those people and make new friends. For existing fans, it is showing how our music evolves and the fans grow with us. 

What is next for Clay Soldiers? I saw y’all hinting at new music on Facebook (I say hopefully).

Stu: Social media is a massive tool, definitely, and it is helping us to reach more people and all around the world. New music is constantly coming, new songs and new forms of composition are there, and we are taking all different styles to create our own way to make music.

What do you feel is the ultimate goal for the band?

Stu: The goal is to keep growing, musically and as a band. To be able to perform regularly. It is not about being famous but is about being original and offering something to people where they can identify. We are now at a stage where we are building a brand and we invite everyone to the opportunity to get involved and be a part of that process.

Is there any message you’d like to give your fans, old and new? 

Stu: We would wholeheartedly like to say a massive thanks with much love and respect for all the love and support everyone has shown us. Absolutely everyone is welcome to come and see us, no-one should be left out, regardless of pronoun, gender, sex, where you are from, etc. We just want everyone to be united in the moment, take care of each other and enjoy good times again! All we ask is just come and support local artists, local music! Keep the dream alive! 

And a fun question I always ask, just to wrap this up: what would your dream concert lineup be? Clay Soldiers and…?

Stu: Dream lineup… to play an international open air festival, with bands who would love to play
with Clay Soldiers! We would also absolutely love to be on the same lineup as the bands which have inspired us
from the start of our musical inception, such as Alice In Chains, Pearl Jam, Pixies, Smashing Pumpkins, Queens Of The Stone Age, Foo Fighters. Would be nice!

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Clay Soldiers are on a steady upward trajectory, earning new fans and followers with every released single and live show. They bring the best of rock in everything they do. From what I’ve seen, the band will be giving us a taste of their darker, heavier side with their new music. Be sure to find them on Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, etc., and check them out! Here is the track that the trio voted as their favorite from Life After Death.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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 — 1 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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.