Mostly Music 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.

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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 — 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.

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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.

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!

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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. 

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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.

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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

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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: TJ Breedlove of K.A.R.L. (Kill All Remaining Life)

March 11, 2023 — Leave a comment

K.A.R.L. (Kill All Remaining Life) is an electronic/industrial band that formed in 2007. Since then, they have released an untitled debut EP (2009), their self-titled record in 2010, the Rapture EP (2020), and earlier this year, a second full-length album, Tractus. I recently had the opportunity to talk to vocalist/engineer TJ Breedlove about the new album, the band’s beginnings, and what the future holds for K.A.R.L.

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Thank you for taking the time to talk to me, and congrats on the release of Tractus! Can you tell me a little bit about the album? What was the writing/recording process, and where did you draw your inspiration for the writing of the album?

TJ: Thank you so much for this interview! The writing process for Tractus started in 2021 and was, at first, largely built around internal struggle with mental health and negative outlooks on the world. Gradually, as the world kept diving further into chaos, I kept gathering more to write about. Though not all tracks are negative. I wrote a track that’s on there for my wife, who has been so loving and supportive throughout this process. The album, which was initially supposed to be 8 -10 tracks, evolved into 13 tracks over time. 

For my own personal curiosity, what’s the story behind “Beg Me”? (That was one of my favorite tracks, so I’m interested in the creation of it.)

TJ: “Beg Me” is about internal anger. Built and kept inside for so long, and the violent fantasy of unleashing it. The song itself doesn’t promote violence, but as humans, we often face something that internally drives us to that level of anger and frustration. Some carry that anger for way too long and have no healthy way to release it. That song, though, was the last one recorded for the album. I had a very difficult time writing it for various reasons. 

So, getting onto the subject of you, in particular: What made you want to pursue a career in music?

TJ: I’ve always wanted to be in a band since I was very young. I grew up listening to all types of music, like metal (black, thrash, death, and nu), grunge rock, and classic rock, but industrial has always been my favorite genre, particularly Darkwave. As I grew into my teens, I gathered quite the collection of CDs from different artists. Everywhere I went, I had a portable CD player and a stack of CDs from different genres with me. I couldn’t function without it. 

Who are your biggest influences?

TJ: For me personally, I have so many. Project Pitchfork, Skinny Puppy, Spahn Ranch, Front 242, Chiasm, Jonathan Davis (KoRn and his solo stuff too). 

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

TJ: I have a very weird and random collection of music. Often when I randomize a playlist, people around will hear a lot of industrial or some form of metal, then all of the sudden, Donovan’s “Hurdy Gurdy Man” will play. Sometimes, I get on a 70s kick and can’t stop listening to Zeppelin or Boston or Blue Oyster Cult. I don’t understand why some find that weird. Those bands kick ass!

I’m a big 70s fan myself. I grew up with those bands because of my parents. How did the formation of K.A.R.L. come about? And where did the name come from?

TJ: K.A.R.L. was initially formed in 2007 by me and my friend Josh [Johnson, drums/synth] as a very short-lived experimental black metal project. It soon after evolved into an industrial band. 

Josh is very talented, and I truly am lucky to have him as both a friend and fellow musician. He taught me a lot of what I know on the keys, and we both created the monster that is K.A.R.L. 

The band has other members come and go. At one point, in 2011, the band split apart due to disagreements and other personal reasons. Then, in 2018, Josh and I rebooted the project and released our EP Rapture. 

The name was given to me when a friend from our school named Ivy came up to me and introduced herself. She said “Hi, my name is Ivy. Who are you?” I responded “TJ” and she said “Hmmmmm. No, no, don’t like that. I’m gonna call you Karl, with a K.” It was one of the strangest conversations I’ve ever had, but the name stuck with me. Josh and I later turned it into “K.A.R.L. ( Kill All Remaining Life)”. Some have often referenced it meaning “all who sin pay with death” or something biblical along those lines. 

Wow, you guys have been around for a while! How do you stay motivated to keep writing, and how do you feel your approach has changed over the years?

TJ: Lyrically, we have always been inspired by world events and the overall mood it puts us all in. For example, “God Is Watching” was written about various things that made us angry at the world and what we see on TV (school shootings, war, mass casualty events, and other things of that nature), things that even though they’re always addressed, never seem to have a solution to them. Unfortunately, the world we live in keeps churning up more horrors for us (and other artists) to keep writing about.

Songs like “S/M Goddess” and “Shameless,” both from previous releases, dive into sexual desire and pursuing things outside the norm, while songs like “Shutting Down” and “Severed” dive into depression and the seemingly endless cycles of battling memories we can’t let go of.


In 2007-2010, we were also transitioning from those angry teenage years into our twenties, which had moments of chaos. That definitely fueled a lot when it came to writing. Now, when it comes to our songs, a lot of the same themes remain, but we approach them at a different, more mature angle. We’ve always used music
as a way to help us vent and truly express certain views. But all songs written are not negative or violent; some are written about forgiveness and that not all our mistakes are a life sentence.

Well, there’s definitely no shortage of world happenings to fuel y’all. And on that subject, what are the plans for 2023? More new music, or maybe some shows promoting Tractus?

TJ: I am currently writing another EP that I’m aiming to release in late 2023 or early to mid 2024. I’m actually more than halfway done. I do plan on doing some shows in the near future. I just have to tighten up a few things first. 

Speaking of shows, what would be your dream lineup? K.A.R.L. with special guests…? 

TJ: I’d love the opportunity to open up for Project Pitchfork, Leæther Strip, and Decoded Feedback. I’ve also found some other bands on FB, like SinThya, who I’d like to do a show with as well. 

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

TJ: I want to say thank you to all our fans, new and old, who have supported us throughout the years. You are truly the best part of all this. 

And last but not least, where can my readers get their hands on K.A.R.L.’s music?

TJ: Our main page for merch is our Bandcamp page. We are also on all major streaming platforms such as Spotify, iTunes, Amazon, Pandora, and many more. 

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K.A.R.L. has a lot in the works, and I think 2023 and 2024 are going to be big for them! You can check them out on your favorite streaming service and follow their various socials to stay up-to-date with what’s happening in the world of K.A.R.L.

K.A.R.L. Discography

Untitled (2009)
K.A.R.L. (2010)
Rapture (2020)
Tractus (2023)

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.

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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. 

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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!

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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!! 

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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: Stone Harvest

January 17, 2023 — Leave a comment

Stone Harvest is an original rock band based in Tennessee that seamlessly blends both the classic and contemporary in their music. Comprised of vocalist Levi Kelley, guitarist Matt Sullivan, drummer Blake Jenkins, and bassist Nathan Slater, the band released their self-titled debut EP in 2021. They have since been working on new music and have plans for a big 2023.

I had the opportunity to chat with the band and learn a bit more about both their history and what’s in store for the future. 

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First and foremost, what made you want to pursue a career in music?

Levi: My grandmother was and is a huge influence on me. She was a in a band where they performed on the Ernest Tubb show on Wednesday nights. I remember playing hooky from school so I could sit with her all day and sing the oldest songs you’ve never heard. After getting hitched to my grandpa who was a preacher, unfortunately she didn’t play as much as she once did. It has always been very important to me to carry on the legacy and never give up!

Matt: It’s just one of those things that made sense to me. I’ve always loved music more than anything and I’ve always been drawn to the guitar. And making music was just the obvious choice for what I need to do with my life. Even in high school, I was much more focused on my band and learning Nirvana covers than I was doing my Spanish homework or studying for my history exams. I went to college for a few years but my heart wasn’t in it. A music career was the obvious choice and it kept calling at me until I moved out to Alabama and luckily I met some guys in Tennessee who are as passionate about it as I am. 

Nathan: I’ve always played music, even as a young kid. About 8 or 10 I got a guitar and played piano a lot, but when I was around 14 I started getting serious about it and decided I wanted to play bass and a couple of friends started a band in eighth grade and been playing ever since.

Levi, aside from your grandmother, who are your vocal influences?

Levi: Most definitely Travis Tritt! He is as talented as they get, if you ask me! I learned if you don’t have the full attention of the audience, that’s when you start running across tables. That’s some straight Travis Tritt advice there, that I take with me to every show!

Who are the biggest influences for the band as a whole? Do you guys share a lot of similar music tastes, or do y’all come at it from different angles? 

Matt: I would say that we all share influences (the band) from contemporary artists such as Magnolia Bayou, Dirty Honey, and Bishop Gunn, as well as older influences of Skynyrd, Brother Cane and Aerosmith.

How was Stone Harvest formed, and where did the name come from?

Levi: I wanted to start a band where there was no real “band leader.” Anything and everything we do is always a vote from everyone. On the name I had the word “harvest” that I was stuck on as I watched a combine harvest grain, then I honestly just started plugging in a combination of words until Stone Harvest came out and I really wasn’t that stuck on it. That same day I searched on social media for some like-minded dudes, and in the post I remember putting something along the lines of “Looking for a full band to play original music with the influences of Bishop Gunn (RIP) and Dirty  Honey”. We jammed that night, but Stone Harvest was still missing something. That’s when the 4 original band members of Stone Harvest quit practically the same day, then along came Blake, then Matt, then Nathan, and Stone Harvest was complete.

Stone Harvest (2022)

What is the writing and recording process like for y’all? 

Matt: The writing process is mostly jam-based. So that’s just us sitting around playing with a riff or a chord progression and then we all kind of go from there. We sometimes will sit down together and come up with lyrics, but mostly it’s Levi who writes the lyrics and he will come up with a cool idea or phrase and then we kind of build on it from there. It’s usually all written on the spot; music, melodies, lyrics and solos. There are a few times when I’ll bring a riff in to rehearsal and we use it but usually we just start playing and feeding off of the energy of the rest of the band and next thing you know, we have a new single written. 
For our recording process we like to do it all at once, a live recording to use as a scratch track and get it as close to perfect as we can and then individually we come in with overdubs and fills and things like that. 

And where do y’all draw your inspiration from?

Matt: It’s hard to say in an umbrella answer “this is where we get our inspiration” because we try to get so much of it from random places. It could be a phrase one of us says. Or it could be something as simple as the weather outside. We have a new single we are going to release soon and it’s all about driving on a sunny day. So we try to draw from a lot of places because we don’t want our material or subject matter to get stale.

I’m glad you mentioned new music because I wanted to ask the story behind your latest single, “All The Lies”?

Levi: I remember listening to the bass line in the song “Pumped Up Kicks” by Foster the People and thinking, “damn, we need some thump groovin’ like that in a song”. Took that idea straight to band rehearsal, and all the lies was born that night. At least I think that’s how it went, ha ha. 

So what’s the follow-up for 2023? A new album, or…?

Levi: Definitely new music. We are toying with a few new ideas of how to go about releasing it, but I absolutely foresee a new single coming out in the next couple of months.

Just for fun, who would y’all most like to collaborate with?

Matt: I personally would love to work with Damon Johnson from Brother Cane. He’s been a huge influence on me and I think he would be fun to work with. Not to mention that he’s one of the coolest guys you’re ever gonna meet.

Is there any message you would like to share with your fans?

Matt: We definitely want our fans to know how much we love them and how greatly we appreciate their support over the years, we look forward to many more years ahead.

And for any of my readers who aren’t already following Stone Harvest, where can they find your music?

Matt: Your readers can find us anywhere they stream music! We are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, all that good stuff.

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Make sure to check out Stone Harvest’s latest single, “All The Lies,” on your favorite streaming service (and/or below)! You can also keep up with what the band is up to via all their socials.

Interview: Rod Rawlins of Severed Sun

January 9, 2023 — Leave a comment

Severed Sun is a metal band from central Florida. They have two EPs out so far: Strength Judged By Power (2017) and Catacombs (2021). Their love of all things heavy bleeds into their music, and the passion they have for what they do is evident in both recordings and the moment the foursome steps foot on a stage.

I recently had the chance to speak with front man Rod Rawlins about the band’s history, influences, and plans for 2023.

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MM: First and foremost, what made you want to pursue a career in music?

RR: Well first, thank you for taking time to do the interview. For me personally, I grew up listening to rock music, being introduced by my father and uncle to bands like Led Zepplin, Black Sabbath, etc. Later on in life, some friends of mine and myself were riding in a car and I was singing to, I believe, Metallica and they asked if I had ever thought about singing in a band. That lit a spark uner my ass to get into a band they were putting together.

MM: Your voice does stand out, and it certainly fits the style of music y’all do. Have you ever had any type of lessons? Or are you just one of those lucky people?

RR: Well, the answer to that is yes, but not until the last couple years did I get serious vocal lessons from Natalie Hagan. I wanted to expand my vocal range and get back some of my high end that I seemed to lose or just got lazy with. I did try lessons a long time ago but only had a few because of conflicts with my work schedule. 

MM: Who are your major influences? (Both for you personally, and those of the entire band.)

RR: We have a lot of the same influences, such as Black Sabbath,Metallica,Pantera, Dream Theater, Testament, Death,Megadeth, Metal Church – the list goes on and on.

MM: Just for fun, is there any band/artist you listen to that you think would surprise people?

RR: Believe it or not, I don’t listen much anymore, but Little River Band. My dad loved them and when I hear it on a station, I have to jam it out.

MM: Who would you most like to collaborate with?

RR: Zakk Wylde, because he is a great human and awesome musician.

MM: How was Severed Sun formed, and where did the name come from?

RR: Originally there were different members in the band and they needed a singer and they met me and so I joined. But I believe it was the guitarist, Kevin, and thier drummer at the time that came up with the name. They were 4 friends from high school that put the band together initially.

Severed Sun, logo and current lineup

MM: Y’all released Catacombs in 2021. Can you tell me a little about the writing and recording process for that EP? And where do you draw your inspiration for songs, generally speaking?

RR: Our inspiration comes from feeling when we are jamming at practice, usually during warm up. The guys will jam totally from the hip and if something feels right we grab it and write. Recording was a blast! We spent, I think, 2 or 3 weekends at the studio. Everything just fell into place and the  Catacombs EP was born.

MM: What is your favorite song from the EP?

RR: I really like “Poverty” a lot. And “Fuktard,” because it’s a fun song to play.

MM: Speaking of playing, what can one expect from a Severed Sun live show? I imagine the fact that y’all enjoy jamming together translates to the stage.

RR: Severed Sun is 4 guys who love playing and it shows on the stage. We have no gimmicks or cliches, it’s just the music, the crowd, and the band. We try to give it all every show!!

MM: What’s next for the band?

RR: Another studio session is coming up in 2023, and we’re going to build another tour since our last one got cancelled due to Covid. We hope to meet a lot more new people and, hopefully, fans.

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It sounds like Severed Sun is ready to blaze a path of hard-hitting songs and shows this year! To ensure that you don’t miss out, and to get your hands on music from Severed Sun, follow them on their socials and visit severedsun.com, metalscraprecords.com, and totalmetalshop.com.