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Looking for something to do? Look no further! southern happenings Apr 12, 2026 Let the Good Times Boil: Burning Crawfish Festival Returns This May Show up on May 30, 2026, in Henderson, Louisiana. Read More Aug 13, 2024 Southern Happenings: Rad Fest 2024 Louisiana's Radfest is back for its third installment in September. Read More Jun 7, 2024 Southern Happenings: Meet The Gosh Darn Dangs The Gosh Darn Dangs bring the Hammond community together with their soulful tunes. Read More Apr 24, 2024 Southern Happenings: Kriss Russ, JAYD3D!, and Coma Nights at the Howlin Wolf New Orleans, LA April 20, 2024 Read More Mar 29, 2024 Eclipse Fest: A Convergence of Creativity Eclipse Fest will take place on June 15, 2024, in Lafayette, Louisiana. Read More Jan 30, 2024 Eric Johanson: A Distinctive Blues Musician with an Intoxicating Sound NOLA blues musician Eric Johanson takes his distinctive, intoxicating sound on the road, kicking off his “Don’t Hold Back” tour in North Alabama. Read More Jan 25, 2024 Chill Fest 2024 Music and Arts Festival Chill Fest 2024 unquestionably lives up to its name and is an incredible opportunity to hear local music and support the community’s young musicians. Read More Oct 27, 2023 Originally Huntsville: Monthly Music Event Originally Huntsville celebrates live music by showcasing local North Alabama talent in a monthly music concert series with a benevolent cause. Read More Oct 24, 2023 Throttle Fest 2023: Southern Happenings Huntsville’s Throttle Fest 2023 is a small version of a music festival, but it’s more like a family reunion with live music. Read More Jul 11, 2023 RAD Fest: A Lafayette Festival for Those Who Rock Get ready to rock around Downtown Lafayette on August 19, 2023 Read More May 18, 2023 Festival of Litha Returns to Downtown Florence in June Coming together to celebrate the summer solstice Read More May 8, 2023 Asheville Keeps it Weird with the Return of ABSFest Leave your inhibitions at the door Read More Feb 25, 2023 Punk Music Festival to Benefit Local Non-Profits that Work with At-Risk Youth and Children of Child Abuse/Neglect P.A.C.A. Read More

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Want to know who all helps us put this together? These peeps do! contributors c.g. smith Contributing Entertainment Writer C.G. Smith is a guy living in New Orleans, LA, with a lot of opinions and a deep love for music and film. He’s also a musician who's been in love with Rock ‘N Roll since he was very young, often standing on his tip-toes to put Rolling Stones records on his dad’s big JC Penney stereo, or playing tennis racquet guitar in the bay window to John Cougar’s Learn How to Play Guitar, which he eventually did do many years later. Then he wrote all the songs floating around in his head and recorded them. He's our man on the music & entertainment scene, and we have no doubt he'll keep you just as entertained as he does us. chris pryor Contributing Music Writer www.maineventrocks.com Meet Chris, everybody. He’s quite the rockstar and hails from a small town in Louisiana called Sarepta, which is way up in the northern part of the state. In addition to his mad trumpeting skills as a child, he’s also quite the singer and over the years has had the opportunities to share the stage with country music legends Doug Stone, Earl Thomas Conley, and John Michael Montgomery. He even auditioned for American Idol back in 2009 but it wasn’t meant to be. That didn’t deter him, though. He went on to become lead singer of the Lil Whiskey Band and in May 2022 formed his high-energy classic rock/country band Chris Pryor & the Main Event. His unique blend of rock and country music, coupled with his powerful vocals, has earned him a dedicated fan base. It has also earned him a spot in our sandbox as one of our music writers. chad besse Contributing Photographer cmdbphotography.myportfolio.com Chad is no stranger to creative outlets. After kicking around the local music scene in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, for the better part of a decade, he decided it was time to switch gears and try something new, so he started making some pretty sweet props for cosplayers, which he also sold at anime and comic conventions and still does today. After joining the 501st Legion and hangin’ around the convention scene for a few years, he decided to pick up photography as a way to help cosplayers document their creations, because he’s a big ole sweetheart. Photography also gave him another outlet to express his creativity, and his specialty morphed into travel and architecture photography. Now, he’s returning to the music scene to document all the action and to take his skill set to the next level with this new medium. He tells us he’s happy to be documenting the journey of so many other creative people as a part of Mixed Alt Mag, and we believe him! rian nickels Contributing Writer / Photographer / Show Coverage rianmusicjpeg.myportfolio.com Everyone say “hi” to Rian! Rian has been capturing moments as a photographer since 2012, but has known since 2008 that photography was her destiny, and we are so freakin excited to have her on the team because she is a multi-talented badass and mom. In 2018, Rian began doing photography for the local Hammond, Louisiana punk scene and realized she loved what she was doing, but soon discovered her true passion was in the editing of her photos. Not only is Rian a skilled photographer of music, skateboarding, and portraits, but she also does graphic design work, too. Rian aspires to design clothes and home décor in the future and own a storefront to go with it. With a love for all things creative, her hobbies include producing digital art, cozy gaming, crafting stickers, skateboarding, and planning live music events with her musician fiancé. Rian loves music and there is no limit to what she will listen to, but her favorites are pop punk, folk punk, post-hardcore, metalcore, indie, rap, house, and EDM. Rian’s favorite movies are Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands, SLC Punk, and Girl Interrupted, but even better, her favorite TV show is Stranger Things. Rian’s dream bands that she would like to photograph include Neck Deep, Pierce the Veil, Mayday Parade, Twenty One Pilots, Mom Jeans, Roe Kapara, and Hot Mulligan. In the future, she hopes to shoot photos at alternative festivals, continue doing skateboard photography, and wants to take portraits of musicians for as many magazines as possible. jason beard Lead Videographer www.six-to-6.com Jason is no stranger to being behind the lens and this beast of a Renaissance Man hails from Lafayette, LA where he is an established cinematographer, producer, photographer, sound designer, videographer and audio engineer. What does this man not do? As the owner of Sixto6 Productions, he is obsessed with ALL music...well...except for country and techno. Jason brings a wealth of knowledge and talent to the Mixed Alt Mag team and we are happy to have him. Nick Cline Contributing Writer / Music Reviews Meet Nick Cline. He is a man from 1200 miles away trying to contribute and make a name for himself. Born in West Virginia and a resident of Louisiana for 12 years, Nick has found his place in a scene that gives birth to a plethora of brilliant talent. He started playing music at a young age, and ever since, he has had dreams of becoming "something." A love of writing and music has led him to become a member of the Lafayette music scene through his band, Phantum Sun . Phantum Sun started in June of 2023 and has quickly evolved to a sound unique to themselves. His involvement has enabled him to contribute to various projects, including band collaborations and festival planning, within a remarkably short timeframe. On top of this, he just graduated from the University of Louisiana in Lafayette, where he earned a Mass Communications degree with a Journalism concentration and a Criminal Justice minor. Only the future will tell what is next for Nick and his endeavors in music and writing, so stay tuned! Justin Hammer Contributing Music Writer & Photographer www.justinhammerphotography.com Justin has been a part of the NOLA metal music scene for 15 years now as a photographer, and has met some great people and equally talented musicians along the way. Initially, he began shooting live shows through friends of his that were in bands, since he was never able to get the hang of playing music himself. Knowing that he wanted to contribute to the scene he loved so much led to him discovering he had a natural talent for photography. That snowballed into a new love for music and capturing the energy of live shows. Justin's main focus has always been helping to expose exceptional talent in the local scene and giving back to the bands via quality images they can use to promote themselves. After recently relocating to Lafayette, Louisiana, Justin wants to continue to foster the talent in this state and beyond via his stunning images, and we are beyond excited to have him on our team so that he can continue to do so. margo leblanc Contributing Writer / Promotions Team Margaret Taissa LeBlanc is a woman of many talents, some may say. Born & bred in South Louisiana, Margaret was always taught that she must earn things that she would like to have by working as hard as she can as much as possible. She owes all her accomplishments to her single mother & grandparents, who are responsible for helping her be the best she can be. Her love for music, photography, movies, and writing is palpable, and she aspires to become a passionate photographer and writer. She also has a gifted eye ( & ear ) for loud music. She adores horror movies, especially ones that feature dark comedy. Her favorites are Jennifer’s Body, The Crow, The Craft, & Carrie (1976), which she can watch over and over again. In music, her favorite genres & bands are Soul/Blues ( Otis Redding, Amy Winehouse, & Janis Joplin ), Alternative ( Alice in Chains, L7, The Smiths ), Indie ( The Black Keys, Cage The Elephant, Dexter and The Moonrocks ). Margaret dreams of one day interviewing more prominent bands & artists such as The Struts, Johnny Marr, & Jerry Cantrell. With her love for her craft and hard work, she is on the path to a successful future in the media industry. melissa "mo" thornton Contributing Writer Born in Redondo Beach, California, Mo Thornton aka “Melissa Ford Thornton” is Communications Director for the Princess Theatre Performing Arts Center in Decatur, AL. A budding ukulele player and off-key singer who uses a spoon rest as a microphone, Melissa is also a professional storyteller, writer, poet, and music lyricist. She is a Moth Story Slam winner, and her writing has been published by Silver Birch Press, Good Grit Magazine, Alabama the Beautiful Magazine and frequently airs on WLRH Public Radio. In addition to the Moth, Melissa has told true stories on big stages including Southern Fried Film Festival and Rocket City Reading Festival (Orion Amphitheater), Arc Stories (Birmingham, AL), Athens Storytelling Festival, Stories Under the Stars, Tin Can Stories, and Tenx9 Storytelling (Nashville,TN). In 2019, Melissa published her first collection of poetry and prose: “An Elegant Dispute of the Accidental.” She is a member of Alabama Writers Cooperative and Co-founder and Storyteller at Bramble Stories. When not writing, you can find her kayaking, paddleboarding, skydiving, or chilling out with her rescue cats (who enjoy an eclectic playlist almost as much as Melissa does). shaun corley Contributing Entertainment Writer We have some entertainment writing royalty here, ladies, gents, and non-binaries! We call this pop culture enthusiast and comic book nerd Shaun Corley. He comes to us from the East Coast and is a big, important Screen Rant writer with thousands of articles to his credit. He also has many leather-bound books and his apartment smells of rich mahogany. A first-generation college graduate, Shaun holds so many literary degrees, we’ve lost count, but he is adorned in accolades, and we love him. Some of his favorite writers are Haruki Murakami, Jonathan Lethem, NK Jemisin, and Stephen Graham Jones, and his favorite directors are David Cronenberg, David Lynch, Richard Linklater, and the Coen Bros. He’s also a fan of sweet tea and he loves chocolate. We don’t feed him after midnight, though. Ever. elise marie Contributing Photographer and Writer Elise Marie Hanks is an Acadia Parish native born and raised in Crowley, Louisiana, but now resides in Lafayette. Her interest in music and photography began at a very young age, inspired mainly by her late father and his collection of vintage cameras, which she often enjoyed tinkering with. Elise also cherished attending concerts with him during her childhood. She continues that tradition today by supporting local artists and connecting through live performances—often accompanied by her daughter, much like her father did with her. Elise's passion for writing took root while working on her high school newspaper, yearbook, and her college's online publication. Whether at work, with her family, or in creative and musical spaces, Elise is dedicated to growth, fostering connections, and making meaningful contributions to Mixed Alternative Magazine . charles sagona Contributing Writer Charles Sagona is a former radio industry professional, recording engineer, lifelong musician, and die-hard fan who’s lived more shows than most people have playlists. With countless concerts across multiple genres under his belt, he brings a sharp ear, an honest voice, and an undeniable passion for music to his writing — capturing the raw energy, chaos, and heart that make live music unforgettable. Charles believes there’s a soundtrack to everything in life, and he’s made it his mission to find the songs that tell the real story. noah hughey Contributing Writer https://noahmhughey.wixsite.com/noahhugheysite Noah Hughey is a writer and student journalist based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Hughey is a lead opinions writer for the Niner Times, the student publication of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where he writes about transit, culture and politics. When it comes to music, Hughey’s taste is eclectic in nature; raised on hip hop and pop, transferring to big band and jazz sounds, captured by the electric sounds of contemporary rock n’ roll and more, today blending this musical ballast to create his palette. This is the core of Hughey’s interest in music as a subject: sounds that convey the core of the counterculture, while blending unconventional elements that ground it in the daily lives of its producers and listeners. J Heist Contributing Writer Backstage 504 - YouTube J Heist is a musical madman. At an early age, he was utterly stunned when he saw Michael Jackson moonwalk. Ever since then, he knew the stage was where he belonged. Once he discovered grunge and metal music, the instruments he picked up and played were no longer relevant. A NOLA native who has a bit of traveling under his belt is expanding his repertoire into the promoting and media side of the industry. From writing music and lyrics, taking photos and videos, conducting musical interviews, and securing gigs for other musicians, his support for music and all those involved in it grows every second. The sky is the limit with this one; even the stars move out of his way as he travels through the universe to accomplish his goals. Anything to do with music, he's in it 1,000,000%. He has also recently launched a Podcast called Backstage 504, which is a retro, stripped-down, indie-focused podcast centered on one thing only: music. Be prepared for a journey with J Heist. Michelle Ramey Contributing Photographer https://chellrameyphotography.com/ Michelle Ramey is a Denham Springs-based photographer and Baton Rouge native with 18 years behind the camera and 8 years in business. She specializes in fine art and portrait photography, creating imagery that blends softness and depth. While fine art and portraiture are her foundation, her versatility allows her to move fluidly between events and creative projects without losing her signature style. For Michelle, photography isn’t just what she does ... it’s how she gives her emotion a voice. Photography has allowed her to build a meaningful career while staying present for her children. When she’s not shooting, she’s flipping furniture, loving on her cats, or hanging with her "little homies" (her kids). A lover of all types of music; grunge and metal carry a nostalgic pull for her ... raw, honest, and deeply familiar. Home

Do you want to know who brings you all the content? We do! contributors Nicole Brice Editor-in-Chief, Managing Editor, Digital Content Editor, Head Writer, Marketing Director, Brand Manager, Producer/Host Reviews on the Reel , Producer/Host Unscripted Verbiage, Video Editor the_nicolebrice@mixedaltmag.com www.Amazon.com/author/nicole_dewey_brice Nicole Brice is a Veteran, former college radio DJ, published author, owner of MAM, and she’s a total music snob. She has been since age 7, when she became obsessed with music after hearing Depeche Mode for the first time. Located in Baton Rouge, La., she likes the obscure things that people haven’t heard, as well as the things that are LOUD. She likes to go against the grain and the norm, challenging mainstream ideals and beliefs. With a background in Marketing, Advertising, and Brand Management, she hopes to bring her vision of a free artistic space to life with MAM. Never being one to follow, she likes to research things on her own. With an extreme love for the aesthetic of music & art merged, she is obsessed with fashion – but not just any fashion; it must reflect her punk rock/grunge style and be different from the norm. Bright colors, bright patterns, and a mixture of many textures are what draw her in. Nicole’s also a hardcore wrestling fan and a former Divas Champion. Don’t believe it? She has the belt to prove it, and the smacketh is often laid down on those who make her angry with no mercy. She wants to draw attention to and put focus on those who create in hopes of banding together to spread a message of love and unity in a world so divided by hate. bud gambrell Lead Photographer - North Alabama Region / Music Writer Off the Charts the_budgambrell@mixedaltmag.com www.bgambrellphotography.com Bud Gambrell is a published author and music photographer located in Hazel Green, Alabama, and we are beyond excited to have him on our team. Bud first discovered his love for live music in 1976 when he was captivated by the atmosphere at a KISS concert. Since then, he has attended many other shows featuring both local and national acts and has been producing content for concert reviews via Sound Check Entertainment, UnRated Magazine, Sonic Perspectives, and AL.com. Bud’s passion for photography began at a young age when he started out as an amateur shutterbug. Known for his stunning crispy images in and around North Alabama, Bud continues to photograph many notable acts and recently published his first book about the much-loved Side Tracks Music Hall, which was located in Huntsville, Alabama. The book is currently available on Amazon.com. tim jackson Entertainment Writer www.clippings.me/timwjackson Tim is a seasoned journalist and author with a penchant for all things dark, macabre, and somewhat sinister. But we promise he doesn't bite. He's a freelance communicator who likes to tell all kinds of stories with words, photos, and video, and he has extensive experience working in traditional media (newspapers, magazines, and book publishing). With an MFA in Creative Nonfiction from Goucher College and a B.A in Communication from the University of Alabama, he loves storytelling by any method. A native of Russellville, Alabama, Tim currently lives in Tuscumbia with his wife, Taryn, who has an affinity for tarot cards, and their dog, Maple, who has an affinity for chewing remote controls. Don't let his clean looks fool you, though; he fits right in with our cool-kid shenanigans. jeff crespi Lead Photographer - New Jersey Region www.jeffcrespirocks.com Jeff Crespi is … well … he’s a riot; can you not tell? No way we were gonna pass on having him come play in our sandbox. Jeff is an award-winning professional concert photographer out of New Jersey covering hundreds of shows each year. He’s a former house photographer for the legendary Stone Pony and Asbury Lanes in Asbury Park, NJ, and he is one of the house photographers at Starland Ballroom in Sayreville. He’s also the winner of the Asbury Music Award Top Music Photographer five years running. Expect some badassery from this one. gary governale Lead Photographer, Videographer BR & NOLA Regions / Music Writer www.GovernalePhotoVideo.com Gary has been working as a video professional since grunge kicked the door down on rock radio, then he picked up his Nikon just a few years later. A lifelong music enthusiast, Gary enjoys band photography and album art just as much as the music itself. He’s a big fan of any-and-all rock ‘n roll, including classic rock, punk, alternative, and hard rock, but he certainly enjoys some jazz and classical vibes when it’s time to relax. He has been serving as band photographer for Christian Rock group, Empowered, including directing, shooting, and editing one of their music videos. When not following the band around or toiling away at his regular video job, Gary spends his time lamenting the loss of the local record store-shopping experience. He is located in Baton Rouge, LA. ezekiel "zeke" kincaid Entertainment Writer https://www.amazon.com/Ezekiel-Kincaid/ He looks scary, but we promise he’s not. He does write scary stuff though, and we can vouch for his filthy, incredible talent. Zeke is known by his fans as “The Paranormal Pastor” or “The Pastor of Horror” because, well, he’s a fantastic horror author with over 20 years in ministry. He’s also a paranormal investigator with some pretty incredible experiences, and because of all of that, he brings a unique and original touch to the dark fiction genre. His writings run the gamut of human existence, and he likes to write in various styles and voices to allow his tales the narration and visceral characters needed to make the words jump off the page. And jump, they do. Right in your face. The only other language he’s fluent in is sarcasm, which explains why he’s such a perfect fit with us. With three theological degrees, a romantic side, and an affinity for martial arts, he’ll fight anyone who says they don’t like Bruce Campbell. seth thomas Co-host Unscripted Verbiage http://therageonline.com/ https://www.listentotheplanet.com/loud-hour Seth Thomas is the host of the Louisiana LOUD Hour on Planet Radio 106.7, a popular Rock station based in Lafayette, Louisiana. Known for his deep passion for local music and energetic on-air presence, Seth curates a high-octane mix of Rock, Metal, Punk, and Independent, and Alternative music, delivering a raw and authentic listening experience. He has become a prominent voice in the local rock scene, engaging with fans through interactive segments and supporting local bands by giving them airplay and exposure. Seth’s dedication to the genre and his connection with the community have made the Louisiana LOUD Hour a must-listen for rock enthusiasts in the area. In addition to the LOUD Hour, Seth recently launched his own indie station called The Rage. The Rage is available in the Apple App store as well as on Google Play, so go download your new rock animal today! kimberly bryant Music, Comedy, and Entertainment Writer http://www.youtube.com/@popculturegreenroom Kimberly is an experienced entertainment writer and media personality, known for her insightful take on pop culture and the entertainment industry. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Broadcast and Journalism from Southeastern Louisiana University, where she began her career as a sports reporter for The Southeastern Channel. After relocating to San Diego, CA, for 12 years, Kimberly delved deeper into the entertainment world, following in her family's footsteps in film, television, and theater. As the co-host of The Pop Culture Green Room podcast and YouTube channel, she covers the latest in celebrity news, reality TV, and current events. Her sharp commentary and engaging style have also landed her appearances on TMZ , where she shares her expertise with a national audience. When she's not hosting or writing, Kimberly enjoys exploring new facets of the entertainment industry, connecting with her audience through various media platforms, diving into new trends, working out, staying healthy, and spending time with her dog Lucy. corey nichols Creative & Promotions Designer Corey Nichols is a multi-talented artist and business owner based in a small Louisiana town. His journey began with simply a pencil and a love for art and drawing. In 2016, Corey began his career in the tattoo industry, using his experience in drawing and illustration to develop a natural talent for tattooing. Learning from the popular tattoo artist, Micro, Corey honed his skills and acquired the iconic Burning Lotus tattoo shop. Known across Louisiana, Burning Lotus has earned the prestigious Best of 225 award for "Best Tattoo Shop" four years running, solidifying its reputation in the tattoo game. Motivated by a desire to expand his creative horizons, Corey recently embarked on a new journey—Painterly Portraits. What began as a few commissioned pieces for charity auctions quickly evolved into a potential business. Through Painterly Portraits, Corey channels his immense love for art, creating each portrait with deep passion and precision. His goal is to inspire others by sharing his work with the world and bringing his vision to life. View More

P.A.C.A. < Back Punk Music Festival to Benefit Local Non-Profits that Work with At-Risk Youth and Children of Child Abuse/Neglect Nicole Brice Feb 25, 2023 Share P.A.C.A. P.A.C.A. or Punks Against Child Abuse was formed in a living room late one night in early January 2023 with the purpose being to showcase a music festival from September 15-17, 2023 in Catoosa, TN that includes other vendors to use the funds raised in supporting non-profits that work with children and youth that are impacted from abuse/neglect. The organizations chosen to be supported are a vital resource to the state of Tennessee, especially in rural counties like Jamestown, Cookeville and Crossville. The non-profits are CHANCE Girls Youth Home, UC Foster Closet and STARS Nashville. The UC Foster Closet works hard to support families by hosting and providing special events, establish community support through Foster Friendly Partners, and provide opportunities for fellowship with other foster/kinship families with “Connecting Families.” CHANCE provides a safe, highly structured, therapeutic environment where each youth knows their value, and with compassion and perseverance, relationships can be restored; providing an opportunity to change these kids lives to where they can discover their strengths and gain the confidence needed to lead healthy, harmonious, and productive lives when given a second chance. This facility serves youth, ages 12 – 18, and their families, primarily from the Upper Cumberland area of Tennessee. STARS Nashville helps all young people pursue their unlimited potential. STARS has served some of the most disenfranchised populations by providing school-based prevention and intervention services, as well as intensive outpatient treatment services for adolescents with substance use and co-occurring disorders. According to Kids Count 2020, Tennessee had over 67,000 cases of child abuse. CACTN also reported that in one year alone, over 4,000 cases of child abuse were reported in the state of Tennessee. According to Kids Count, youth in Tennessee experience two or more ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) and this is higher than the national average and one in ten are living in poverty. The plan is to bring in bands, craft and food vendors at Catoosa, TN for a two-and-a-half-day charity festival that will be an all-ages event where alcohol will not be served. There will be a wrestling match on site sponsored by the wrestling group in Crossville also. In addition to music and wrestling, there will be goat yoga and/or goat cuddling and a balloon vendor that offers face paint for the children. The current band list is comprised of different types of punk bands that include punk rock; hardcore punk; skate punk; folk punk and more. Most of the bands are from Tennessee but some are coming from Ohio, Oklahoma, Indiana, and even New York. There will be a wide variety of food offerings from coffee to pizza to Germanic/Hispanic food and day and weekend passes will be available for the event. More than forty bands, craft vendors and food vendors have signed on to participate thus far. Since this festival is at Catoosa, there will be 180 acres of land which will allow the patrons to camp on site if needed. PACA is currently seeking donations and sponsors for this incredible event and there are three levels of sponsorships available. For more information about sponsorships, contact Kassandra Morgan at 931-704-2919 or you can e-mail pacafestival@gmail.com . To learn more about the event, visit www.pacafestival.com or visit them on social media at: Punks Against Child Abuse | Twitter, Instagram, Facebook | Linktree www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Previous Next

Get ready to rock around Downtown Lafayette on August 19, 2023 < Back RAD Fest: A Lafayette Festival for Those Who Rock Nicole Brice Jul 11, 2023 Share Get ready to rock around Downtown Lafayette on August 19, 2023 What is RAD Fest? I bet that’s the question creeping into your brain right about now, so allow me to shine a little light on that. RAD Fest is the brainchild of Grant Duhon, lead vox for the rockin’ Lafayette-based punk band Subliminal Landmines . It’s a hard rock festival that got its start in 2022 and is forging ahead this year with bands set to take the stage from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Parc International in downtown Lafayette, Louisiana, on August 19, 2023. Featuring talent from in and around the area, RAD Fest is a showcase for those making buzz on the local scene, allowing them to bring their mad talents to larger crowds in a festival atmosphere. Festival organizer and founder Grant Duhon says of the festival’s origins, “I love spreading music and I love sharing music, and I feel one of the reasons I was put on this earth was to spread peace, love, happiness, and inspiration through music. I wanted to create a festival that shared the local music, not just Lafayette musicians, and obviously it all started in Lafayette, but we have some bands from other areas in Louisiana as well.” He continues, “Ventruss is from Baton Rouge and Zizzi is from New Iberia. I just want to spread the sound and the music from this area in a festival-style environment. At first, it was going to be called Punk in the Park, but I found out that name is already taken. Also, too, the festival doesn’t just cover punk music; it covers all rock music. So, that’s where Rock Around Downtown (RAD Fest) came from.” This year’s line-up includes the heavy hitters: Zizzi, Chump, Ventruss, Disjunct, Mayrunner, Life On Mars, Subliminal Landmines, Night Revival, Stella Vir, Endure the Affliction, and VOID. With such a stellar line-up, the festival looks to provide a memorable day of entertainment, fun, and awesome tunage, not to mention the food they have lined up for the festival just makes our mouths water thinking about it. Food vendors include Twerk City Tacos, Saucay’BawBQ, and The Munchie Wagon. T-shirts and merchandise will be available for purchase, and if you have last year’s t-shirt and you wear it, you can gain admission to the festival for FREE this year. The plan is to continue this tradition going forward, too. This is an all ages event, so bring the family, and pre-sell tickets are still available for purchase, so check out their social media for more details on RAD Fest 2023! Facebook Rock Around Downtown Fest (@rad_fest) | Instagram www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Previous Next

NOLA blues musician Eric Johanson takes his distinctive, intoxicating sound on the road, kicking off his “Don’t Hold Back” tour in North Alabama. < Back Eric Johanson: A Distinctive Blues Musician with an Intoxicating Sound Bud Gambrell Jan 30, 2024 Share NOLA blues musician Eric Johanson takes his distinctive, intoxicating sound on the road, kicking off his “Don’t Hold Back” tour in North Alabama. New Orleans blues musician Eric Johanson recently embarked on his maiden headlining tour, kicking off his first show in Decatur, Alabama. Eric’s style of music cannot be classified into one category, as he is about more than traditional blues. His songs are steeped in the blues, but he also includes the influence of rock, funk, soul, and a little bit of Louisiana style. Born in Alexandria, Louisiana, Eric now calls New Orleans home and uses his travels abroad to gather the many influences that give him a distinctive and intoxicating sound. With the release of his new album, “The Deep and The Dirty,” the power trio sets out to make a name for themselves. Opening Night of the 2024 “Don’t Hold Back Tour” kicked off this past Saturday, January 27, at The Princess Theatre in Decatur. The power trio gave all that they had to please the undersized crowd. Led by guitar slinger Eric Johanson, the band laid into two sets running just over two hours. Eric hit the road in support of his 2023 release The Deep and The Dirty . While playing plenty of tracks from the new album, the evening had a generous helping of tracks from Eric’s previous releases. While Eric was in town, Mixed Alternative had the chance to sit down and have a chat with this brilliant guitar wizard. Read our conversation below! MaM : Your current tour, Don’t Hold Back , starts tonight in Decatur, Alabama. How do you feel about your upcoming tour which is your first headlining tour? EJ : We've certainly had headline dates out there, but this is the first time we're hitting a lot of these venues in a row to headline, so it's exciting! It's really good to be getting back out there and playing for the people. It's always nice when you headline the shows. You can play more material and stretch out. Credit: Bud Gambrell MaM : Since this is your debut headlining tour, is there anything that you are out to accomplish? EJ : We're just wanting to get out there and see folks that maybe heard us online and haven't gotten a chance to see us yet. The live show is really what it's all about for me. It's where the music takes on a life of its own. And you know we never play things the same way twice. There's always improvisation involved and we try to change up the set so we're hoping to see some familiar faces and also turn on some new folks to the to the live experience. Credit: Bud Gambrell MaM : Is there anything that you can tell a newcomer, like myself, on what to expect from an Eric Johanson show? EJ : Well, my music is heavily [influenced by the blues], but it kind of is a little broader than that. It has elements of rock and funk and has that Louisiana influence, and also a little bit of the jam band-like The Allman Brothers-type vibe in there. I don't like to keep it in a box but basically, it's a power trio and we perform mostly all original material from the albums that I've released. Credit: Bud Gambrell MaM : What can we expect to hear on the setlist? EJ : I'll play stuff from all three of the studio releases. I play a couple of things that came out on the ‘Covered Tracks’ releases sometimes, but honestly, these days, a lot of times, I don't write out a set list and we just kind of go with the feeling. I've found that it keeps it more on the edge of our toes to just come up with the next song based on what the moment feels like and the energy that we're getting from the crowd. So a lot of the time I'm really coming up with the set on the spot, but it's always a mix of the original tunes from my three records and you know occasionally we'll throw an old blues tune in there or an old New Orleans tune. MaM : This is a return trip for you to The Princess Theater. I understand the last stop had an interesting mishap. EJ : Yeah, the last time I was there something happened with a breaker or something and the PA went out for a little bit, and I actually ended up just sitting on the edge of the stage and singing acoustically to the room for a couple of songs while they got the PA back up. (laughs) And it actually was a cool moment and a testament to the sound of the room itself. It is a great-sounding theater. Credit: Bud Gambrell MaM : 2024 is looking to be a bright year for you: You just released the tour dates for Europe, as well as a new music video for “Just Like New”, and you are kicking off a tour tonight in support of the new album “The Deep and The Dirty”. In 2023, the album debuted at #1 on the Billboard Blues chart. How did you feel when you received the phone call giving you the news that it debuted in the top spot? EJ : It feels good! I mean you don't want to get too hung up on things like that, but it definitely is a nice feeling. When you're working on a record you just want to make the best thing that you can make. I want to make something like the music that I want to hear but I can't find or, you know, just something I would want to listen to. You really don't know how people are going to respond to it. So, when you get the news that it's not only sold well but that it's debuting at the top of the genre, it kind of gives you some … feeling like [you’re] onto something. You know what I mean? You just don't know. All you can do is what you think sounds good and it's been great to see other people getting into it. The album is not traditional blues, it's experimental. But I like to think that it's organic, it's raw, it's honest. And if people will respond to that it’s everything. It's great to see it charting and it's been great to hear peoples feedback and reactions to it. We're still excited, man! It's been out for about half a year now and so a lot of people these days get turned onto music through word of mouth. People are still discovering it all the time and it's just cool to see it kind of having legs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUwUD92mLlY MaM: You've been in the music business for several years now, and obviously the music business is evolving. What are your thoughts on the state of the music industry today, especially with the invention of digital music. Where do you stand on all that? EJ : Well, it's kind of a mixed blessing because you don't really make any money from the streaming. I mean, some people will make the argument that you can, but it's such an enormous amount. Millions of people have to be streaming the music for you to make minimum wage. It's basically just a way for people to discover music, but it's not really a money maker for most of us. But that said, you know it really allows for a whole lot more people to find music that they might be interested in. … Back in the day, if you weren't on the radio, if you weren't on MTV, then only your buddies that passed on a tape were going know about your music. I think it's good that there's so much diversity of music out there and that there is a way to put your art out there no matter what. It kind of is what it is. Thankfully, there are still people that are buying physical copies of music, whether it's with vinyl coming back or whether it's people that are buying CDs. Some people buy CDs, and I don't even know if they're playing them in a CD player or if it's just something to sign. But thankfully there are still people that do that because the merchandise table on tour is really how it all works. Without that, it's pretty hard to tour. I would prefer that there was a way to still encourage people to buy records. These days it's hard to even figure out how to buy a record on iTunes. It's all just streaming now, but you know there's not a whole lot that you can do to turn back the clock on that. I just try to look at it as it's a way that people can discover new music and hopefully, they'll come to a show and … buy a T-shirt or vinyl or a CD or something. For more on Eric Johanson or to catch a show on his Don’t Hold Back tour, visit the power trio online at www.EricJohanson.com , where you can find tour dates, news, and shop the online store. *All photos by Bud Gambrell with Dragonfly Imagery www.dragonflyaerialimagery.com Dragonfly Aerial Imagery Dragonfly Aerial Imagery is a locally owned and operated photography business in North Alabama. Call or email us today for an appointment. www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Previous Next

Louisiana's Radfest is back for its third installment in September. < Back Southern Happenings: Rad Fest 2024 Nicole Brice Aug 13, 2024 Share Louisiana's Radfest is back for its third installment in September. Lafayette’s Radfest returns in September for the third year and promises to be better than ever with a stellar line-up and a new two-day format. The festival begins on September 20, 2024, at Feed N Seed in Lafayette , at 106 N. Grant Street, where four bands will take the stage for the night starting at 7:00 p.m. The second day of the festival will be on September 21, 2024 at Parc International in downtown Lafayette, and the music will kick off at 2:30 p.m. Held in the heart of Louisiana’s Cajun Country, Rad Fest was created in 2022 by Grant Duhon, lead vox for the Lafayette-based punk band Subliminal Landmines . It features talent from in and around the area and is a showcase for those making buzz on the local scene, allowing them to bring their mad talents to larger crowds in a festival atmosphere. The line-up for the first day includes: Garguts (7-7:30) Genre : Sludge Metal/ Death ‘n’ Roll She Might Be A Beast (7:45-8:15) Genre : Neo-Grunge From Misery to Malice (8:30-9) Genre : Death Metal / Deathcore S wamp Stank (9:15-10) Genre : Metal The line-up for the second day includes: Subliminal Landmines (2:30-3) Genre : Punk Dogma (3:15-3:45) Genre : Metal Sick at Heart (4-4:30) Genre : Alternative / Hard Rock Apex Fallen (4:45-5:15) Genre : Metal Life On Mars (5:30-6) Genre : Metalcore First Street Hooligans (6:15-6:45) Genre : Rock Ultrasound (7-7:30) Genre : Metal We All Perish (7:45-8:15) Genre : Alternative/Metal/Rock Inner Anguish (8:30-9) Genre : Hard Rock Endure the Affliction (9:15-10) Genre : Metal Pre-sell tickets are still available, so check out social media for more details. Facebook Rock Around Downtown Fest (@rad_fest) | Instagram www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Previous Next

The Gosh Darn Dangs bring the Hammond community together with their soulful tunes. < Back Southern Happenings: Meet The Gosh Darn Dangs Rian Nickels Jun 7, 2024 Share The Gosh Darn Dangs bring the Hammond community together with their soulful tunes. Take a stroll with me as I look back on my magical evening of May 10th, 2024, when I had the pleasure of experiencing The Gosh Darn Dangs , a beloved local band from Louisiana, busking on the vibrant streets of Downtown Hammond. I want to take a moment to introduce the (at the time members) of the band: Leading the way was Mike, the band's founder and charismatic lead vocalist, who occasionally added a soulful touch with his harmonica. Lexy added a unique charm to the group, whose enchanting harp melodies and vocals provided a delicate and captivating layer to their sound. Keeping the rhythm steady and dynamic was Tim, the talented drummer whose beats infused the performance with energy and drive. Rounding out the ensemble was Jake, the bassist whose deep grooves and harmonious vocals added depth and richness to the band's musical tapestry. Completing the lineup was Kris, the skilled guitarist whose riffs and vocals added a powerful and harmonious vibe to their performance. Credit: Rian Nickels The adventure began at PJ's Coffee , located at the bustling corner of West Thomas Street and North Magnolia Street. Here, the band gathered for some last-minute instrument tuning and practice. Watching them prepare for their performance felt like a rare privilege, a behind-the-scenes glimpse into their world of music. With instruments finely tuned and spirits high, we set off down West Thomas Street, searching for the perfect spot to share their music. The lively atmosphere of downtown Hammond, with its charming streets and buzzing nightlife, provided the ideal backdrop. The anticipation grew with every step as the band and their followers sought the perfect place to set up and play. Credit: Rian Nickels When they reached their first stop, the sidewalk outside the beloved local bar Benny's Place , they had to change their plans out of charming respect for the skillful jazz players performing across the street at Mariner's Inn . Undeterred, they continued their stroll through the brightly lit streets until we arrived at the heart of Hammond's latest addition, Railroad Park . The city center was the perfect place to begin truly. Equipped with a well-lit stage, bench seating, and ample room for people to gather, it offered an ideal setting for the performance. Here, the band launched into their melancholic tunes, including " Going 100mph in a 30mph Zone ," a poignant song about the trials and tribulations of youth and the journey toward adulthood. The atmosphere was warm and cozy, but after a complete set, they only got a few passersby, so they returned to Hammond's busy sidewalks! Credit: Rian Nickels As we walked from the Railroad Park to our next destination, The Gosh Darn Dangs did a cover of “ Scott Pilgrim vs. My GPA ” by Midwest Emo band Mom Jeans . The harmonies bounced and echoed off the tall downtown buildings until they landed across from a locally cherished bar, The Red White and Brew . The calming riffs and strums drew the attention of the bar patrons, even from across the busy street. After incredibly relatable songs like “ I’m Not Gonna Die Today ,” the band started to build an audience of late-night strollers and bargoers. Credit: Rian Nickels As each song ended, the intimate audience cheered. When asked about the origins of the song “ I’m Not Gonna Die Today ”, lead vocalist Mike Spoon said, “ Writing this song was a turning point for me. Getting it out in music form helped me understand myself better and set me on the path to having a better attitude about things. It's a journey I am still taking. So, in a way, this isn't a sad song. It's kind of like the dark cloud just under the silver lining. We all must go through it in our way. ” Credit: Rian Nickels The contrast between live music in a dedicated venue and busking on the streets is profound, rooted in the unique connection fostered between musicians and their audience. While a venue encapsulates sound within walls and confines emotions to a designated space, the experience of street performances allows emotions to ripple through the open air, touching everyone in its path. That night, The Gosh Darn Dangs’ music brought a piece of the community of Downtown Hammond together to enjoy a night of soulful tunes, and it reminded me that our time on Earth is limited, so we need to experience all there is out there just once. To learn more about the The Gosh Darn Dangs , just hit one of the links below. Facebook The Gosh Darn Dangs (@thegoshdarndangs) • Instagram photos and videos *cover photo by Rian Nickels rianmusicjpeg.myportfolio.com Rian Haynsworth www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Rian Nickels is a total music junkie. Do you have a show you’d like her to review? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Previous Next

Huntsville’s Throttle Fest 2023 is a small version of a music festival, but it’s more like a family reunion with live music. < Back Throttle Fest 2023: Southern Happenings Bud Gambrell Oct 24, 2023 Share Huntsville’s Throttle Fest 2023 is a small version of a music festival, but it’s more like a family reunion with live music. The announcement of Throttle Fest 2023 indicated the return of a huge music event that, since 2020, has brought joy to many people. Originally held at Sidetracks Music Hall in Huntsville, Ala., Throttle Fest is the brainchild of booking agent Shane Bickel. While Throttle Fest continued in 2021, the music event did not return in 2022 due to Sidetracks’ unfortunate closing. Luckily, opportunity struck this past summer when Bickel announced to adoring fans all across the South that Throttle Fest would be returning this October to Huntsville, now taking place at Rocket Republic . The lineup for Throttle Fest 2023 featured some of Southern rock's brightest rising stars —six bands originating from six different states. Hailing from Biloxi, Miss., newly formed hard rock band The Heavy Strides kicked off the event on Friday, Oct. 13, with their unique, signature sound known for marrying deep rhythmic grooves with searing guitars under the guidance of soulful lead vocals. The Heavy Strides promise an electric fusion of classic influences , including the likes of Led Zeppelin to Soundgarden, all wrapped up with a temporary edge. The Heavy Strides are Drew Fulton on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Josh Estes on bass, Cedric Feazell keepin' the beat on the drums, and Tyler Storms on loead guitar. Cedric Feazell of The Heavy Strides (credit: Bud Gambrell) Next up were The Josephines out of Bowling Green, Kentucky. These guys are always a crowd pleaser with their raw, rough-around-the-edges rock and roll that’s sure to have you dancing while you shed a tear or two. The Josephines—consisting of Brad Tabor (lead vocals, acoustic guitar, mandolin), Zach Lindsey (lead guitar, vocals), Alex Lindey (lead guitar, pedal steel, lap steel, vocals), and David Page (drums, percussion)—arrived with a different lineup this year, which included special guest guitarist Kyle Daniel. Kyle Daniel with The Josephines (credit: Bud Gambrell) Mixed Alternative Magazine was there and had a chance to talk to The Josephines’ lead singer Brad Tabor about how it feels to play Throttle Fest again. Says Brad, “It was awesome! We got to play with some new guys. We had a couple of players with us who don't normally go out with us, and they ripped it! And then, you know, the set sounded good to me, so people had fun and that's kind of the goal. I'm glad to be here for that reason. People got to enjoy themselves.” Brad Tabor of The Josephines (credit: Bud Gambrell) Closing out the first night was Them Dirty Roses from Gadsden, Alabama. This Southern rock band knows how to bend a string and break a heart Skynyrd-style. From the Alabama clay to Europe to festivals all across the United States, Them Dirty Roses are used to bringing the fireworks in their headlining abilities. The Throttle Fest crowd was treated to a bass solo from Ben Crain, a lead guitar solo from Andrew Davis, and a rousing drum solo from Frank Ford. Andrew Davis of Them Dirty Roses (credit: Bud Gambrell) After that set, Mixed Alternative pulled Them Dirty Roses lead singer James Ford aside to get his thoughts about Throttle Fest and being able to play in Huntsville again. “It does really feel good [to be back in Huntsville playing Throttle Fest],” Ford says, “because it [was] scary when Sidetracks went away. It was kind of like, ‘Damn, where are we gonna play now?’ We just didn't have a home in Huntsville anymore. And we've been doing it since 2018. So, I'm hoping this is the new place that's our new home in Huntsville. And I thought [the set] went great! … The crowd seemed to be into it.” Them Dirty Roses (credit: Bud Gambrell) Kicking the music off on Saturday, Oct. 14, was Southern soul/rock ‘n roll band One For The Road , who came straight out of “a small building back in the woods of Resaca,” in North Georgia. I have been hearing about this band from my good friend Todd Dean , an outstanding musician photographer who sat in with OFTR to sing Marshall Tucker’s “Can’t You See” . If you enjoy totally unadulterated Southern rock music , you have to look into this band. One For The Road features frontman and lead singer Zach Crumley, drummer Chris Webb, organ/piano player Joe Morgan, and bassist Jaithan Neal. Zach Crumley of One For The Road (credit: Bud Gambrell) Up next, and straight out of Little Rock, Ark., deFrance ’s rock ‘n roll style did a slammin’ job of setting the table for the classic rock sounds of Jive Mother Mary , from Burlington, N.C., who closed out the night. deFrance is cut straight from the roots of the best in Southern music , blending elements of true folk and country music with the classic songwriting styles of Tom Petty, Neil Young, and Ryan Adams into a fresh take on rock ‘n roll. I should also mention that deFrance travels in a church van. I think band leader Drew deFrance enjoys the reaction when the church bus pulls in to play at a rock club. Drew deFrance of deFrance (credit: Bud Gambrell) Jive Mother Mary, who headlined the second night, put on a damn good set, with several attendees mentioning that their Throttle Fest 2023 performance may have been the best JMM set they’ve seen. It comes down to this: Mason Keck and JMM never cease to amaze me at just how good of musicians they are. The word stunning comes to mind. When it was announced that they were coming back to Throttle Fest, I saw it as an opportunity to sit down and talk to Jive Mother Mary lead singer Mason Keck . In response to what Throttle Fest means to Keck as a performer, he says, “Man, Throttle Fest just kind of feels like a family reunion . Huntsville is a really cool little market for us. You know, we're from North Carolina originally and we kind of just had a core group of folks that really were supporting us strongly down in Huntsville. We played at Sidetracks a couple of times, then the first couple of Throttle Fests were there, and Huntsville was always a spot we could kind of count on as a good mood lifter, you know what I mean? The people that were going to be there were there to see [us] and that was an important part of it—always getting to see the folks that [come] out time and time again.” Jive Mother Mary (credit: Bud Gambrell) (In my best infomercial pitchman voice): But wait there’s more! Prior to Day 2 kicking off, Mixed Alternative also had the chance to talk to Throttle Fest organizer supreme , mastermind, genius, and promoter extraordinaire Shane Bickel . (If you can’t tell, we love Shane in Huntsville.) When asked what Throttle Fest means to him, Bickel replies, "It’s hardcore love for Southern rock music … just bringing a bunch of familiar faces together with some new faces and just creating a family atmosphere. All of the bands and the fans just get along so well. It's just, I don't know, something about it I like. It's a small version of a festival, but more like a family reunion with live music." In 2022, Throttle Fest didn’t happen due to the closing of Sidetracks Music Hall. This year, it was out of the blue when Bickel announced Throttle Fest 2023. We wanted to know what his plan was behind that, so we asked. "I miss y’all!" Bickel laughs. How else can we get everybody who used to support Sidetracks for most of the shows together? How can we get them all back in one room? Because so many people come from out of town, out of state. You have to put six of these bands together so you can get all different parts of the South to show up. And so far, we've done that: I think we had eight or nine different states show up [the first day]. So, it's pretty impressive that people still care about these bands and follow them . Most of these bands we won't be able to [accommodate] in a smaller setting or hopefully, they'll honor me with doing … Throttle Fest whenever we need to do it. " He continues, "It's like a family reunion, but these guys are going to move on to bigger and better stages. I mean, [we have to] enjoy it and embrace it while we can because a lot of these bands are going to be too big for us soon. [Everything has gone] really well. Everybody enjoys the new venue, so that is really comforting to hear positive feedback on that. So, all in all, [Throttle Fest 2023] has been a home run! " And I'd have to agree, especially when taking note of the festival's main theme, in addition to showcasing Southern music: family . Take it from someone who attended all three Throttle Fests: This is truly like a family reunion . There was also a phrase I heard repeated many times throughout the two-night event. I heard so many people tell someone else that they loved them, and in this day and age, where there is so much hate in the world, it was quite refreshing to see and hear. It is a shame that more people are not able to attend and share a loving, family-like experience one gets with Throttle Fest. For more information on Throttle Fest or any of the bands, follow their links and be sure to browse the gallery of images below! Throttle Fest Official Website The Josephines Official Website Them Dirty Roses Official Website Jive Mother Mary Official Website One For The Road Official Website The Heavy Strides Official Facebook deFrance Official Facebook www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Previous Next

Chill Fest 2024 unquestionably lives up to its name and is an incredible opportunity to hear local music and support the community’s young musicians. < Back Chill Fest 2024 Music and Arts Festival Bud Gambrell Jan 25, 2024 Share Chill Fest 2024 unquestionably lives up to its name and is an incredible opportunity to hear local music and support the community’s young musicians. The inaugural Huntsville Winter music and arts festival known as Chill Fest 2024 happened on Saturday, January 13, in downtown Huntsville, Alabama. Presented by The Quantaphonics in partnership with Huntsville Music Scene, Downtown Huntsville, and The Camp at MidCity, the festival’s sole purpose is to help area families access quality music education by raising funds for the Huntsville City Schools band programs. Chill Fest Music and Arts Festival unquestionably lived up to its name and was successful in establishing itself as an incredible opportunity to support the community's young musicians and enjoy some fantastic music. Chill Fest was originally scheduled for early December, but it was postponed due to the threat of severe weather. When I learned about it, I remember wondering what an outdoor music event in January would be like in North Alabama, even though it’s in the South. Generally, mid-January is quite chilly and is sometimes susceptible to Winter storms of ice and snow. Luckily, any snow and ice held off until after the festival. When I arrived at the event location, it was 42 degrees, and by the time I left, the temperature had plummeted to near freezing. Chill Fest occurred at The Camp at MidCity , and I must say I was thoroughly impressed with the amount of effort that went into organizing this event. Apart from a spacious performance stage, there was also an artist market, food trucks, and games to keep the children entertained. To add to the excitement, local brewery Straight to Ale canned a special "Chill Out" beer exclusively for the event. Music entertainment was, of course, the main attraction of the day. All music was performed by talented local artists, such as Mae C. Jemison and Columbia High School Bands. The local bands that took the stage included Rocket Harmony, Huntsville Drumline, Wade Brown, You Gene Write, Element XI, Them Damn Dogs, Dave Anderson, Trevor Lee featuring DJ PrimeTime256, and event organizers The Quantaphonics. One would expect an event titled Chill Fest to be, well, chill, and this event didn’t disappoint. Despite the cold weather, it was clear that the organizers succeeded in creating a family-friendly environment. However, it was more than that: There was a palpable sense of camaraderie and fellowship that pervaded the entire event. It felt like everyone there was in a great mood, and I felt like I either knew or would soon get to know everyone in attendance. For those of you who are in or around Huntsville, I highly recommend keeping an eye out for the announcement of Chill Fest 2025. Put on some gloves and thick socks, and head over to enjoy this fantastic event. It can't get any better than this. You get to spend time outdoors, listening to great music and bonding with fellow attendees. And the best part is that the event supports music for children, so you get to have fun while contributing to a good cause. “I couldn’t have asked for a better inaugural festival,” said event organizer and lead singer of The Quantaphonics Leon Jordan. “The community showed up and showed out! We learned a great deal throughout the process of hosting a music/arts festival, and we plan on continuing our efforts for years to come. Chill Fest is here to stay to aid not only our Huntsville youth in music but also the small business owners and artists of Alabama.” For further information on Huntsville’s Winter music and arts festival, visit www.quantaphonicsband.com CHILL FEST — Quantaphonics *All photos by Bud Gambrell with Dragonfly Imagery www.dragonflyaerialimagery.com Dragonfly Aerial Imagery Dragonfly Aerial Imagery is a locally owned and operated photography business in North Alabama. Call or email us today for an appointment. www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Previous Next

Eclipse Fest will take place on June 15, 2024, in Lafayette, Louisiana. < Back Eclipse Fest: A Convergence of Creativity Nicole Brice Mar 29, 2024 Share Eclipse Fest will take place on June 15, 2024, in Lafayette, Louisiana. Attention music lovers, a new festival is coming to Lafayette, Louisiana this summer and promises to offer a fun-filled day of music and art. Going by the name of Eclipse Fest , the event is the brainchild of local musician, Nick Cline of the Louisiana-based band Phantum Sun , and will feature nine bands from the city and surrounding areas. This one-day event will be held on June 15, 2024, at Feed & Seed located at 106 N. Grant St. Doors will open at 1:30 pm and the first band will take the stage at 3:00 pm with the intended wrap-up time for all acts to be around Midnight. This is an all-ages event, so be sure to bring the family. There will be a $15 cover charge at the door. Eclipse Fest will take place on June 15, 2024 at Feed & Seed in Lafayette, Louisiana Festival founder Nick Cline said of the event, “I wanted to put something together that would offer a vast range of musical styles so everyone could have something to enjoy.” There will be food vendors on site, to be announced later, as well as art vendors, too. Bands include (click on each pic to learn more about each band) : The Posts Phantum Sun Left On Red We All Perish Mayrunner Sick at Heart Chasing The Hourglass Blood Show We Are The Virus To learn more about the event and to stay up to date on all information associated with it, visit the festival’s Facebook page at the link below. We look forward to seeing everyone out there! Eclipse Fest 2024 | Facebook Facebook www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Previous Next

Originally Huntsville celebrates live music by showcasing local North Alabama talent in a monthly music concert series with a benevolent cause. < Back Originally Huntsville: Monthly Music Event Bud Gambrell Oct 27, 2023 Share Originally Huntsville celebrates live music by showcasing local North Alabama talent in a monthly music concert series with a benevolent cause. When most people think of “Music City,” Huntsville, Alabama, is likely not the first place that comes to mind … but Chris Hendley wants it to be. Having been working towards building a Music-City atmosphere in Huntsville for several years now, Hendley kicked off 2023 by bringing a monthly music concert series to the city that would put local artists and local music at the forefront. Hosted by The Electric Belle at Stovehouse and event management connoisseurs The Hendley Group , Originally Huntsville shines the spotlight on musicians with ties to North Alabama. There is a catch though: In order to be considered, you can’t play covers. According to Hendley, the Originally Huntsville showcase is about showcasing North Alabama’s local talent and providing them with a space to perform their own original music. Originally Huntsville doesn’t allow any cover songs and in order to even be considered, you must have a set of at least 45 minutes that features your own original music. Originally Huntsville, which kicked off in January 2023, has definitely set a tone on the Huntsville music scene. Every person who walks in the door is privy to what, exactly, they’ll be hearing, and that, my friends, is original music—the kind these artists poured their hearts and souls into—matched with an authentic performance. Here is the win-win to Originally Huntsville: Not only do we get to see local bands highlight their original music, but the concert series also has a charity side. Originally Huntsville benefits Huntsville Hospital Pediatric Audiology. It’s no surprise, then, that Originally Huntsville has seen success and been a huge draw for local lovers and players of music. October’s event, which featured local bands HunniVega and The Grassring with headliner 5ive O’clock Charlie , brought with it a big change that saw the event moved to Mars Music Hall in Von Braun Center. Mixed Alternative Magazine was at Originally Huntsville and got to chat with Mike Roberts of 5ive O’clock Charlie about how it feels to be headlining such a worthy event. We were also curious why the change in venue, so we managed to snag founder/promoter Chris Hendley for a quick chat too. See what they had to say! MaM : Mike, thanks for speaking with us before you go on. What were your feelings when you were asked if you would headline Originally Huntsville in October? MR : We're pretty happy about it! You know, I'm pretty excited! Credit: Bud Gambrell MaM : A lot of big acts come through Huntsville and play at Mars Music Hall. How does that feel as a musician to be able to play on that stage? MR : It's good to be back on that stage. I played it a couple of times. Yeah, it's always fun to play on a big stage. MaM : You've been playing as a four-piece, but tonight you’re down to a three-piece. How's it going to feel to be back down to a Power Trio? MR : We were three-piece for a long time, so it should be pretty comfortable. We were in Key West last night as a three-piece and it was solid! Looking forward to it! Next, we caught up with event founder and promoter Chris Hendley. Credit: Bud Gambrell MaM : Chris, thanks for a taking a second to speak with us. We are curious: What led you to change Originally Huntsville from The Electric Belle and bring it over to Von Braun Center at Mars Music Hall? CH : The Electric Bell Stovehouse people have been so gracious with the with the rent deal and the event deal that we have with them. With scheduling, we had the flexibility in our scheduling that if they came up with a client or someone who wanted to rent the room, we would slide [our event] one week up or one week back. But in talking with Mike Roberts, who curated with 5ive O'clock Charlie, October 19th was the date we had, and we couldn't get [Electric Belle] to slide one way or the other. So luckily, in having a relationship with Mars Music Hall, they were able to work with me … We worked a really good deal here. So, we are excited about it—5ive O'clock Charlie and HunniVega and The Grassring needed a little bit more space than what Stovehouse and the Electric Belle had, so it just kind of worked out. MaM : Not only is this a spotlight for local talent, but it also has a charity side to it as well. Would you please elaborate on that? CH : We work with the Huntsville Hospital Pediatric Audiology department, and it is really for families and children who have hearing deficiencies that are not going to be cured by a hearing aid. Most of these audiologists will tell you really quickly whether hearing aids are going to work or not. Most insurances require a family to have a hearing aid for an infant or a toddler for at least three to six months before they'll even consider them for a cochlear implant, and that hearing aid for a pediatric, or for a young child, costs between $8,000 and $10,000. They have a loaner program, and they need to refurbish those hearing aids. It's just a stopgap between the hearing aid before they can get the cochlear implant. They know the hearing aid isn’t going to work, so we've been blessed to work with these guys, and you know, it just made sense for music and kids. All of the bands love the idea of being able to support this type of cause because their music is their passion, and they want these kids to experience it. As you can see, there’s a more than one reason to get to November’s Originally Huntsville event , which is the last Originally Huntsville of the year and takes place Thursday, Nov. 2 at 7 p.m. (doors at 6 p.m.), back at The Electric Belle. November’s event will feature Tim Cannon , Drunk In Memphis , and 3 Below . Tis the season for giving and kindness, and for some badass live, local North Alabama music, so mark your calendars and make those plans to get out and support live local music and give to a worthy cause. For more information on Originally Huntsville, visit them online at www.TheHendleyGroup.com Check out some more photos from the event below, in case you missed it! 5 O'Clock Charlie Hunnivega The Grass Ring *All photos by Bud Gambrell with Dragonfly Imagery www.dragonflyaerialimagery.com Dragonfly Aerial Imagery Dragonfly Aerial Imagery is a locally owned and operated photography business in North Alabama. Call or email us today for an appointment. www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Previous Next

Show up on May 30, 2026, in Henderson, Louisiana. < Back Let the Good Times Boil: Burning Crawfish Festival Returns This May Nicole Brice Apr 12, 2026 Share Show up on May 30, 2026, in Henderson, Louisiana. The Burning Crawfish Festival returns this year on Saturday, May 30, 2026 , in Henderson, LA , at Big Brown (1065 Nina Hwy) . Since it began in 2009 , founder M’Lyn Usie has continued to build on the festival's success by featuring a new lineup of talent each year. This year’s lineup of musicians is packed for the celebrations. Bands such as Nest, Slow the Knife, Cheater Pipe, Shivering Demons, Sunrise:Sunset, The Brown Stripes, Totem, Blood Show, and LA Phantoms will start playing at 1:00 p.m. There will be food, drinks, vendors, and more. The event is open to all ages and will also include a waterslide for kids. Additionally, there will be a clothing swap and a plant swap . The flyer for the 2026 Burning Crawfish Fest in Henderson, LA The idea for the festival began when founder M’Lyn Usie decided to use some of the skills she learned in college to promote music. She always wanted to put on a music festival, and in 2026 , here we are. With a background in the music business, the festival started as a gathering among friends and continues to grow. Usie has said of the festival’s origins, “ I went to Loyola University in New Orleans at the time, and in 2005, when Katrina hit, one of our favorite professors at Loyola, he and his wife, they actually bought the big brown house in Henderson, and it is right down the road from where I grew up. When we couldn’t go home to New Orleans, we spent a lot of time hanging out at Big Brown, and we had all these ideas. Dr. Jimbo would always ask me what I wanted to do with my music business degree, and I told him I’d love to put on a festival, and then it happened. It’s like the Burning Man but for crawfish country. ” Tickets for the 2026 Burning Crawfish Festival are $15 now via this presale link and will be $20 on the day of the festival. Show up, bring friends, and plan for a great day of music. There will also be a gigantic papier-mâché crawfish lit in the evening to bring it all together. The mascot of the Burning Crawfish Fest To learn more about the bands: Nest Facebook Slow the Knife Facebook Cheater Pipe Facebook Shivering Demons Facebook Sunrise:Sunset Facebook The Brown Stripes Facebook Totem Facebook Blood Show Facebook LA Phantoms Facebook Tickets can be purchased here: Burning Crawfish Fest 2026 | Event Details | Passage - Your event. Your fans. Your mobile box office. www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com mixedalternativemag@gmail.com Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Previous Next

New Orleans, LA April 20, 2024 < Back Southern Happenings: Kriss Russ, JAYD3D!, and Coma Nights at the Howlin Wolf Rian Nickels Apr 24, 2024 Share New Orleans, LA April 20, 2024 On April 20th, 2024, The Howlin' Wolf —named after legendary bluesman Chester Burnett—hosted an unforgettable night of music featuring Louisiana artists Kris Russ , JAYD3D! , and Coma Nights . The evening's weather was just right, creating a comfortable setting that complemented the venue's cozy and intimate atmosphere. With its open layout and small stage, The Howlin' Wolf provided a space where the audience could feel a close connection to the performers. This iconic venue has a rich history, known for hosting an impressive array of blues and jazz musicians over the years. Alongside those greats, The Howlin' Wolf has also welcomed crowd favorites like Mac Miller, Chance the Rapper, and Twenty One Pilots, making it a staple in the New Orleans music scene. The combination of historical significance and contemporary talent made this night a true celebration of the spirit of music. Credit: Rian Nickels The first musician to hit the stage was solo act Kris Russ from Kenner, Louisiana. Kris has a voice with range that floated through the crowd and echoed from The Den room into the bar room of the Howlin’ Wolf. His angelic vocals brought an intimate, almost ethereal quality to the venue, captivating everyone in attendance. His dexterity of the guitar is unmistakable, with each chord he strums resonating deep within the hearts of the audience. His songs, filled with themes of getting older, love, and saving the world, carried a raw emotional depth that drew listeners into his world. In-between singing he gave us emotional monologues that pulled at our heart strings with backstory to his music, such as with his songs “If we knew then what we know now” and “ It’s too dangerous to go alone so take me ” proving that Kris Russ is more than just a performer—he's a storyteller with a gift for connecting on a deeply personal level. Kris placed us in the atmosphere of emotional healing and gave us the feeling of being understood. After his twelve song setlist, the audience was left awe-inspired and he gave a warming introduction to the next band, Coma Nights . Credit: Rian Nickels The four-piece, Coma Nights , burst onto the stage with an energy that transformed the venue from a mellow acoustic set into a lively full band performance. Their dynamic entrance immediately awoke the crowd, bringing everyone to their feet and into motion. The lead vocalist’s notes soared above the beating rhythm of the drums and the melodic riffs of the guitar and bass, showcasing a vocal range that commanded attention. The band played with remarkable synchronization, each member seamlessly aligned with the others, as if they were of one mind. As they launched into their hits like "Weekend Neighbors," "Paint," and "Storm," the audience was swept up in the pulsating beats, dancing and jumping along with infectious enthusiasm. Coma Nights demonstrated that a great band isn't just about individual talent—it's about the synergy of musicians in harmony. As they played their 10 song setlist they warmed up the audience for JAYD3D! to perform his debut album, “ Outstanding Gentlemen ”. Credit: Rian Nickels JAYD3D! took the stage with a vibe that defied categorization. His sound—a fusion of hip hop, pop punk, rap, and alternative—drew an intimate crowd eager to experience his debut album, " Outstanding Gentlemen ." As he started his set, the lighting shifted dramatically from moody and subtle to lively flashes of strobes and color, thanks to our buddy Justin, from the band Jean Claude Segal , who took over the light board on a whim and may have discovered some of his own hidden talent. JAYD3D! , along with his drummer Ty, delivered a high-energy performance that resonated with the crowd's spirit. They had the crowd going through the motions of singing, jumping, and even slow dancing. Together, they brought The Den to life and everyone together with upbeat odes to transitioning into adulthood, falling in love, and melancholic optimism. The 14 song setlist was a perfect mix of originals and his own twist on nostalgic covers. JAYD3D! played pop hits like "If It Makes You Happy" and "Bubbly," adding his signature moody pop punk twist that infused the familiar tunes with a raw, energetic edge. Along with his unique covers, JAYD3D! sang songs from “ Outstanding Gentlemen ” such as, “Three Hour Walks” and “Outstanding Fighter”. The audience, a mix of close friends, fellow musicians, and curious newcomers, were captivated by his seamless transitions and genre-blending artistry. JAYD3D! 's performance proved that music isn't about fitting into a box—it's about breaking free of the mainstream conformity and creating something new and exciting. With his vibrant stage presence and innovative sound, he turned The Den into a dynamic celebration of music, creativity, and did not fail to make us feel alive. Credit: Rian Nickels Overall, this night at The Howlin' Wolf demonstrated the venue's versatility and its ability to bring together a wide range of musical talents. It was a celebration of Louisiana's rich music scene and a testament to the power of live performance in connecting artists and audiences. *All photos by Rian Nickels www.rianmusicjpeg.myportfolio.com Rian Haynsworth www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or Comments? Reach out to mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Previous Next

Coming together to celebrate the summer solstice < Back Festival of Litha Returns to Downtown Florence in June Keeley Brooks May 18, 2023 Share Coming together to celebrate the summer solstice Summer is right around the corner, and with it comes all of those highly anticipated festivals full of food, fun, music, and crafts. Returning to downtown Florence, Ala., for the third consecutive year is the increasingly popular Festival of Litha, hosted by Hesperia Mystic Shoppe out of Sheffield, Alabama. Last year, the festival was held in Wilson Park in Florence and featured dozens of local vendors and live music over the course of three days. This year, the event will feature close to 80 vendors and will be held on Sunday, June 11, 2023, at a new location: The Historic Sweetwater Depot located at 502 S Royal Avenue in downtown Florence. “I have felt drawn to this historic area of Florence,” says Hesperia owner Kendall Gilchrist, “and I am happy to introduce an event to bring more attention to this side of town that holds cute little restaurants.” The festival is a FREE family friendly event that runs from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and locals are invited to come out and enjoy some great food, local arts/crafts/goods, and live music by local and surrounding-area musicians. courtesy of Hesperia Mystic Shoppe Litha (pronounced Lee-tha) is the celebration of the summer solstice and the beginning of Summer, which occurs this year on Wednesday, June 21. It has been a celebration amongst many cultures for many, many years but its origins are rooted in Celtic lore. Litha is said to be a time to celebrate the power of nature and its fertility, as the solstice represents the transition from action to nourishment, which is exactly what the sun gives us during the long nights of Summer. Even in those who do not mark the summer solstice, there is an internal flame within when the days get longer, and the sun leads us through better times. By celebrating the sun and the power it provides to all nature, humans are spiritually ignited and thus connected to its life force. For those familiar with the Eastern concepts of yin and yang, the solstice is a time of maximum yang—the longest day of the year. “This year,” says Gilchrist, “people can expect more of a market feel with bits of entertainment for both adult and kids alike. There will be food, live music, and a bar inside the Depot where you can cool off. We currently have around 80 vendors this year—such growth from around 25 in previous years!” courtesy of Hesperia Mystic Shoppe Vendors will be placed inside and outside The Depot, with many vendors selling metaphysical-themed arts and crafts as well as candles, bath and body goods, jewelry, books, and so much more. “I've always been community-driven, I just couldn't figure out for a long time what I could do to bring together like-minded individuals and support small businesses like myself,” adds Gilchrist. “It feels good to see others succeed in doing something they love, and I get to witness that at each festival I do now. I'm happy to support these local vendors as they have supported me in so many ways. I hope each of my vendors gain more and more confidence in what they do because some have never had their craft out for the world to see. There are such beautiful, talented, gifted crafters and creators in this area! I'm so glad I can provide a safe space for them.” As far as the music goes, this year will feature live performances from jazz/funk/blues/rock multi-instrumentalist Charles Brooks, singer/songwriter Bryson Bishop, and pop-rock duo Thrice Sovereign. Charles Brooks (by Rachel Neal), Bryson Bishop (social media), Thrice Sovereign (by Amanda Chapman) Kicking off the live music at 4:30 p.m. will be Dr. Charles Brooks , UNA Entertainment Industries professor and a multi-instrumentalist across a slew of genres. He is most known for his wicked four-mallet jazz vibraphone skills, but he is also a classically trained percussionist who plays drum set, piano, hand drums, synth keytar, and acoustic guitar, to name a few. For Litha, he’ll be rocking faces off with the synth keytar as heard below in this year’s Black History Month tribute to Stevie Wonder. For more on Charles Brooks, visit www.TheCharlesBrooks.com . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0R2OK689L2U Bryson Bishop will take the stage at 5:30 p.m. He is a Shoals-area singer/songwriter who will keep you entertained with some of your favorite covers from artists like James Brown, Michael Jackson, and so many others, and you might just hear an original song or two in his mix. To check out Bryson's beautiful singing, visit him on Facebook and Instagram . courtesy of Bryson Bishop Music social media Up next around 6 p.m. will be Florence-area singer/songwriter Aaron Dean . courtesy Aaron Dean social media And closing out the music for the evening at 6:30 p.m. will be Thrice Sovereign , a Florence-based pop-rock female duo comprised of multi-instrumentalist Kristen Borden Talcott and singer/songwriter Amanda Lee Borden Talcott, who recently released their title single from their debut album “Waiting to Thunder.” Their songs are groovy tunes composed in a popular style that draws on heavy guitar riffs and the fat, distorted sounds of hark rock with artistically relatable lyrics. You certainly won’t want to miss the energy! For more on them, visit www.ThriceSovereign.com . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vIa7bn3Klg Festival of Litha isn’t all Gilchrist has in the works for this. year, though. On Tuesday, May 23, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., Hesperia Mystic Shoppe and Lava Room will partner to host Brooklyn-based goth-folk musical duo Charming Disaster with a pop-up shops experience full of metaphysical items in downtown Florence on Mobile Street in support of the band. The duo will perform from 8-9:30 p.m. inside the Lava Room, and blue-cup cocktail drinks will be served alongside a delicious menu. You can even take the blue cups out onto Mobile Street to accompany you in your shopping. Charming Disaster will also be selling their merch after the show. Says Gilchrist, “Overall, it will just be a fun evening to get out midweek and take a break from it all!” So, mark your calendars, people in the Shoals area! The Charming Disaster Pop-Up Shops Experience happens Tuesday, May 23, from 6-10 p.m. at the Lava Room , and Festival of Litha happens Sunday, June 11, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. There’s even a new Halloween festival coming this year, courtesy of Kendall Gilchrist and Hesperia Mystic Shoppe, but you’ll have to stay tuned for that. I promise to bring you everything you need to know about Samhain Horror Night closer to October! www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Previous Next

Leave your inhibitions at the door < Back Asheville Keeps it Weird with the Return of ABSFest Tim W. Jackson May 8, 2023 Share Leave your inhibitions at the door To all of our alternatively weird and perfect friends here in the South, this one’s for you! Long an annual staple of the Asheville, North Carolina scene, the Asheville Burlesque and Sideshow Festival , also known as ABSFest, makes its glorious return after a brief hiatus. Festivalgoers are in for a wild ride over Memorial Day weekend as ABSFest rolls into town for its 14th year. Coming up May 25-27, 2023, ABSFest events will be hosted by Asheville Raven & Crone, The Grey Eagle, and The Orange Peel, and promises to bring together provocative performers from far and wide. It's a celebration of the strange, the unconventional, and the sometimes bizarre—but all in a super fun way with lots of love in the room. The event is the creation of Madame Onça, aka Lauren O'Leary, an entertainer, touring performer, author, artist, and—obviously—an event producer. credit: TheDancersEye.com ABSFest was a natural outgrowth of her life at the time as co-founder and director of the Future of Tradition Center for Folkloric Arts from 1999 to 2006 in Asheville. It was home to the fire, circus, and world dance arts, all of which were growing in popularity. Now living in Virginia, Onça is happy to bring the festival back after a COVID hiatus. “I was quite surprised to be—as everyone was—thrown from the organizational horse,” Onça says about having to cancel this and other festivals during the initial pandemic shutdown. “We haven't had it until this year because, from the point of view of long-term planning, there's a lot of people in the village artistically and administratively that make the festival happen.” Onça says it seemed they were maybe in stasis forever, just waiting for the right time to return. “This year, once everybody had made their decisions about how they were gonna handle their relationship with vaccinations and so forth and the venues went back to a more standard situation, we felt like we could plan. So, we're on.” To ease back into this first year, though, Onça says she’s made it an invitation-only festival rather than by application. “Usually we invite a few headliners, and then we invite artists to apply from all over the country. But because we knew we were coming out of a period of absolute uncertainty and into a period of still wild uncertainty, I was like, ‘Why don't we just work with folks who have done the festival with us before?’” Nonetheless, Onça and her crew have brought a world-class collection of performers for this first year back. Just a small selection includes “The Cocoa Barbie” May Hemmer (featured on cover image), “Queen of Subtle-Tease” Talloolah Love, death-defying jester Paolo Garbanzo, comedian and “professional pickpocket” Les S. Moore, belly dancer Sarah Joy, sideshow performer Opal Lechmanski, and Vaudevillian Carmel Clavin. death-defying jester Paolo Garbanzo (credit: Dave Parrish) sideshow performer Opal Lechmanski (credit: Isaac Harrell) Musical guests are friends of Mixed Alternative Magazine , Charming Disaster ! credit: Charming Disaster Charming Disaster will perform Friday, May 26 for the Speakeasy Séance, which ExploreAsheville.com says is, “like an acoustic rock opera with ghosts and pasties!” You certainly won't want to miss their performance ... or any of the performances, really. The event is all about pushing boundaries and celebrating the wonderfully weird, with workshops such as songwriting, burlesque, and making events welcome to marginalized performers who are also part of the festival. It also includes an array of vendors and a raffle, as the festival’s charity partner this year is Asheville’s feral kitten rescue, Sister Kitten. ABSfest is all about breaking down barriers and having a good time, but perhaps the most exciting thing about the event is the sense of community that it creates. This is a festival for people who might not fit into the mainstream. It's a place where you can be yourself, no matter how strange or unconventional that might be. “I’m so looking forward to being together with these wonderful people again, “Onça says, “and just feeling the energy and vibrancy of this event again.” So, if you're ready to explore the edgier side of life, if you're ready to push your boundaries and embrace the alternative, then ABSFest 2023 is the event for you. Just be prepared to leave your inhibitions at the door. Here’s a look at the array of events: World Spirit Tarot with Madame Onça Thursday, May 25, 2023 Asheville Raven & Crone 640 Merrimon Ave., Suite 207, Asheville NC 5 p.m. courtesy Madame Onça ABSFest Speakeasy Burlesque & Live Music Show Friday, May 26, 2023 Grey Eagle Music Hall 185 Clingman Ave, Asheville, NC 7 p.m. - VIP Doors Open 7:30 pm - General Admission Doors Open 8 p.m. - Burlesque Murder Mystery with all live music played by New York City’s goth folk duo Charming Disaster ABSFest Workshops Saturday, May 27, through the day The Orange Peel 101 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC ABSFest offers burlesque, circus, and business workshops. Train with artists from around the country in the ABSFest Sexy Seminary in stagecraft, circus arts, fire performance, burlesque, and more. Open to all levels. ABSFest’s Big Night – Saturday Spectacular Saturday, May 27, 2023 The Orange Peel 101 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 7 p.m. - VIP Doors Open 7:30 p.m. - General Admission Doors Open 8 p.m. - Saturday Spectacular, hosted by Washington, DC’s sorceress of stand-up, Violet Gray For further information, visit www.ABSFest.com . Want your festival to be featured in this magazine? Email the editor at the_keeleybrooks@mixedaltmag.com . Tim Jackson is a seasoned journalist and author with a penchant for all things dark, macabre, and somewhat sinister. He lives in Tuscumbia, Ala., with his artist wife and their remote-chewing dog, Maple. www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Previous Next

We review your creations and keep it real. reviews on the real Apr 10, 2026 Reviews on the Real: Panic by XIII Minutes Panic is a song full of twists and turns. Read More Jan 21, 2026 Reviews on the Real: Frankenstein Mind by Shades of Wisteria Frankenstein Mind is a song that gets under your skin. Read More Dec 22, 2025 Reviews on the Real: BetweenLoveandHate BetweenLoveandHate is an amalgamation of styles and textures. Read More Dec 21, 2025 Reviews on the Real: Let the Moonshine by Chris Pryor featuring Amber Lynn If you want a good song to get the mood going at your next party, ‘Let the Moonshine’ is it! Read More Dec 15, 2025 Reviews on the Real: Everfelt’s Stirring to Wake Stirring to Wake is a seamless journey using frequency to open the mind. Read More Nov 1, 2025 Reviews on the Real: Megahera This four-piece powerhouse is taking nostalgia to new heights in the thrash metal scene. Read More Oct 31, 2025 Reviews on the Real: Echoes by Caustic Waves Echoes captures the energy of its influences while firmly standing in the present. Read More Oct 14, 2025 Reviews on the Real: Cinder’s Vows to Boscobel EP Vows to Boscobel is a masterclass in atmosphere, emotion, and intent. Read More Sep 25, 2025 Reviews on the Real: Stockholm Syndrome by Fishbone Stockholm Syndrome is a mental exercise that challenges you to think critically. Read More Sep 15, 2025 Reviews on the Real: 3AM 666 by Antania From start to finish, 3AM 666 offers a dynamic experience best described as a horror movie rock opera. Read More Sep 13, 2025 Reviews on the Real: Who Told You by XIII Minutes Reimagined If you’re looking for a catchy sing-along chorus, this song delivers. Read More Sep 13, 2025 Reviews on the Real: Tides by What Will Be Tides moves like moonlight across an endless sea, with melodies rising and falling gently. Read More Sep 10, 2025 Reviews on the Real: Speak for a Minute by Hawthorne Oachs Hawthorne Oachs isn't merely singing; she is opening a door to something greater, and the world is ready to follow her through it. Read More Sep 9, 2025 Reviews on the Real: Escape Your Fate by Caustic Waves Escape Your Fate blends alt-rock energy with undeniable conviction. Read More Aug 28, 2025 Reviews on the Real: The Wrestlers The Wrestlers are a three-piece thrash metal powerhouse with nostalgic sounds. Read More Aug 20, 2025 Reviews on the Real: Vudu Sister The latest from Vudu Sister leaves a memory as vivid as a whispered confession. Read More Aug 1, 2025 Reviews on the Real: Trailer Park by Mayrunner Trailer Park is a song that resonates in all the right ways. Read More Aug 1, 2025 Reviews on the Real: Compromised by Caustic Waves Compromised is empowering and full of expressive lyrics. Read More Jul 25, 2025 Revisiting the Roots: The Fremonts Release Remastered Classics The Fremonts blend elements of folk, country, blues, and rock in a way that feels both familiar and enduring. Read More Jul 23, 2025 Reviews on the Real: Exploring Trust Devoured by pMad Trust Devoured offers a bold, cathartic journey that demands attention and rewards you with depth and intensity. Read More

Panic is a song full of twists and turns. < Back Reviews on the Real: Panic by XIII Minutes Nicole Brice Apr 10, 2026 Share Panic is a song full of twists and turns. Sometimes we hit a creative slump, but as luck would have it, a song can come along to pull us out of our funk and remind us why we started this journey in the first place. Enter the latest track from XIII Minutes called ‘ Panic ’. This band came onto my radar a few years ago, and since then, every single song they've released has been excellent. This band isn't new; since forming in 2015 , they have been steadily making progress, touring, and spreading their sound. Released April 10, 2026 For those not familiar, XIII Minutes is an alternative metal/metalcore band originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma , and in 2023 , they made a powerful comeback with Jerrod Cunningham joining as vocalist. If you haven't experienced Jerrod’s incredible vocal talents, you definitely should. Go now. This guy has a voice from heaven. No lie. The current line-up of XIII Minutes is: Jerrod Cunningham (Lead Vocals), John Watson (Lead Guitar, Back Up Vocals), and Jamie Kucinski (Drums). Released on April 10, 2026 , ‘ Panic ’ is the latest in a series of killer songs that XIII Minutes continues to produce. The song starts slowly but then gradually builds and intensifies. Boy, does it build. While ‘ Pitiful ’ remains my favorite XIII Minutes track to date, ‘ Panic ’ is a close second. The beat and haunting lyrics set the tone for a song full of twists and turns. As the guitar kicks in, the song grows more intense, leading to an explosive chorus: “ My head is caving in – overcome by the panic. ” Boom. And there it is. The song maintains a steady groove, features excellent breakdowns, and has just the right amount of heaviness. However, the real highlight of this song is the lyrics! Lyrically, XIII Minutes delivers solid material every time. Songs that make you think. Songs that make you feel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKrNrgf0UU0 Panic lyric video by XIII Minutes Go stream ‘ Panic ’ now! It’s out everywhere. Also, be sure to catch XIII Minutes live this spring and summer. They have quite a bit going on. To learn more about XIII Minutes: Wikipedia: XIII Minutes - Wikipedia Facebook: Facebook Instagram: XIII Minutes (@xiiiminutesband) • Instagram photos and videos www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Branded for Exile ignited the night with their authentic sound at Cajun Daiquiris in St. Amant, Louisiana on April 26, 2024. < Back Weekend Rock: Branded for Exile Nicole Brice Apr 30, 2024 Share Branded for Exile ignited the night with their authentic sound at Cajun Daiquiris in St. Amant, Louisiana on April 26, 2024. Explosive – that’s the only word I can think of to describe the dynamic set from Branded for Exile on Friday, April 26th at Cajun Daiquiris in St. Amant, Louisiana where the guys played to a packed house. With an exceptional set in celebration of their debut release, Born in the Flames , which was released in late 2023, the band blew through their eight-song set like a bunch of seasoned veterans on a mission to give the best show ever. With support from two other incredibly talented local bands, Drab and This Beating Heart , Branded for Exile took to the stage with pure energy, tight musicianship, and one mission – to blow the roof off Cajun Daiquiris by playing loud and authentic Louisiana metal. Credit: Gary Governale As Branded for Exile started into the first few notes of their set, vocalist Shannon Guillot said in his flawless half-scream, “We are Branded for Exile! Here we go, motherfuckers!” as they launched into the heavy and monstrous beginning of their song ' Silver Tongue '. This is one of my favorites off their debut release, ' Born in the Flames ', and it does not let up the entire song. The rest of the set was just as eruptive as the beginning, and to be honest, I was super excited to hear my favorite song, ' Branded for Exile ' live. Shannon’s lyrics on this track resonate with me on so many levels, and if you haven’t heard it, then you MUST ! I insist! Go now! When Shannon starts singing the part of the chorus that goes, " I'm alive, I am free, don't need you condemning me. I'm just playing the cards I've been handed. I'm awake, I am strong, I will never walk alone. I'm just living a life being branded...Branded for Exile! " - that is it for me. The power in those potent lyrics are enough to get anyone thinking in a more positive way, and to be honest, all of the lyrics on this album are like that. The words are carefully orchestrated with so much meaning that one can't help but be inspired. Credit: Gary Governale Cajun Daiquiris was the perfect setting for this night of music, too, because I forgot how much I love smaller venues with an intimate feel. There was no hate on this night either. Nothing but unity through music where I heard several people say, "Damn, these guys are good!" Credit: Gary Governale Other notable moments – Drab ’s flawless cover of Motorhead ’s ' The Ace of Spades '. This was my first time seeing Drab live, and they are gifted musicians. I really enjoyed their set. I had never heard of This Beating Heart before this show, and I truly enjoyed their cover of Sevendust ’s “ Black ”, too. As Branded for Exile rounded out the night with their potent last song, ' Born in the Flames ', they solidified themselves as a real up-and-coming force in the genre of metal. Mark my words, you’ll be hearing more about these boys real soon from other people besides me. To experience Branded for Exile's "Born in the Flames" for yourself, just hit the link below: brandedforexile.bandcamp.com Born In The Flames, by Branded For Exile 8 track album *All photos by Gary Governale www.governalephotovideo.com Zenfolio | Home I have been working as a video professional since 1993, with a wide range of experience writing, producing, directing, shooting and editing. A strong interest in videography, specifically lighting and composition, led me to photography in 1998. Rapidly changing technology has blurred the line between video and photography, allowing me to work in both mediums.. Baton Rouge, LA, United States www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

It was a set of perfectly balanced fresh material. < Back Pop Evil Delivers Old and New at The Stone Pony in Asbury Park on April 2 Jeff Crespi Apr 4, 2026 Share It was a set of perfectly balanced fresh material. Pop Evil stormed through The Stone Pony on Thursday, April 2, 2026, and absolutely did not disappoint. With their new album, What Remains , out, the band hit the stage in full force, delivering a set that perfectly balanced fresh material with the old-school favorites longtime fans came to hear. Credit: Jeff Crespi The energy in the room was electric from start to finish—I even spotted someone in the ADA section up and jumping along, which says everything about the atmosphere that night. Having photographed and followed these guys for years, I can honestly say they continue to raise the bar every time . Their consistency, professionalism, and connection with the crowd make them one of the most reliable live acts out there. Opening the night was Kamenar , a two-piece independent hard rock band made up of twin brothers Sean and John . Hailing from Tampa, Florida , they brought an explosive level of energy that instantly grabbed the crowd’s attention. Their musicianship is tight, their stage presence is animated, and their sound hits just as hard as bands twice their size. Credit: Jeff Crespi I had the chance to catch them previously at the Wonder Bar , so I knew what they were capable of—but they still managed to exceed expectations . What really stands out, though, is their appreciation for their fans . After their set, they made time to connect with the crowd, which never goes unnoticed. Bands like Kamenar are exactly why it pays to show up early and catch every opener. You never know when you’ll discover your next favorite act along the way. In the meantime, check out the latest from Pop Evil called What Remains . Every song is a hit, and hearing the songs live made me appreciate them even more. The album was released in 2025, but they recently dropped a Midnight Edition of the record on March 27, 2026 . Be sure to stream it now! *All photos by Jeff Crespi www.jeffcrespirocks.com JEFFCRESPIROCKS See through a different lens! www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

The PIT is Louisiana’s Bold New Stage for Live Music < Back Weekend Rock: Open Up The PIT Justin Hammer Sep 6, 2024 Share The PIT is Louisiana’s Bold New Stage for Live Music When people think of the metal scene in Louisiana, they mostly think of New Orleans or maybe Baton Rouge. However, the scene in Lafayette, La, is nothing to sleep on. The Lafayette scene is one of the fastest growing in the state, and this past weekend, that scene grew that much more with the opening of a brand-new ALL-AGES venue called THE PIT by EPIC! Credit: Justin Hammer Opened by Blake Benoit, singer and guitarist for Necromire , with help from Louisiana LOUD concert promoter and owner Seth Thomas, it is a new level for the alternative and metal music community in Lafayette for many reasons. First, it boasts a prime location for hosting. Located right off I-10’s exit 100, it makes finding, getting to, and getting out of as easy as possible. Alongside that, ample parking with a huge open parking lot could easily accommodate larger vehicles, such as buses or RVs, that may be stopping on a tour or traveling from neighboring cities. Just as vital as the location is the fact it will be an ALL-AGES venue, allowing parents to bring their kids and younger fans to be part of the local scene, helping breed a whole new generation of metal and alternative music lovers in the state. Credit: Justin Hammer Traveling inside the venue, you enter the first part of EPIC, a children’s gym complete with rock walls, foam pits, and trampolines. However, if you travel to your left after walking in, you will see a set of black double doors. The magic happens through those doors. Walking in, you will have a table to your right to pay for your admission. Just past that table, also to your right, is a fully stocked bar with a variety of drink options, alcoholic and non-alcoholic alike. Just inside the door to your left will be an entire section of tables set up for bands to sell their merch and interact with their fans. Straight ahead you will see the stage, centered on the other side of a massive, wide-open floor with a very high, open ceiling. Their grand opening show was on August 30, 2024 and featured a power-packed lineup of Louisiana metal with Holeopener , Necromire , Muscle , Swampgrave , and the Louisiana metal bimbos themselves, BRAT . These bands brought the house down and made for one of the best local shows I’ve seen in Lafayette! BRAT courtesy of Justin Hammer Be sure to turn out for the next scheduled show at the PIT on Friday, October 4, 2024 . The line-up features local acts Dogma, Life on Mars , Glacial Coffin , and Phallic Laceration . Doors open at 7 p.m., and the Show starts at 8 p.m.! Make it a point to check out this brand-new venue at any of their upcoming shows, which can all be found on their social media accounts: Facebook : The Pit at Epic Instagram : @epic.thepit For booking information be sure to contact Seth Thomas with Louisiana LOUD . Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/louisianaloud/ Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/louisianaloud/ *All photos by Justin Hammer www.justinhammerphotography.com Shop Photography Art | Justin Hammer Photography Shop art is a collection of art that is currently available for purchase at Justin Hammer Photography. www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

It was a night of dynamic performances and captivating energy. < Back Collision of Sound: Sleeping with Sirens, Teenage Joans, and Holding Absence Ignite the Stage with Powerful Performances Rian Nickels Oct 8, 2024 Share It was a night of dynamic performances and captivating energy. Strap up your black boots, throw on some eyeliner, and come along with me for one of the most exciting nights of my life. On October 4th, 2024 I got to photograph one of my absolute dream bands – Sleeping With Sirens – at The House Of Blues in New Orleans, LA . (To say I was thrilled is an understatement; I think my inner teen was healed that night.) Sleeping With Sirens is currently on tour to celebrate the 13th anniversary of their second album Let’s Cheers to This released in 2011. Supporting Sleeping with Sirens were alternative rock bands Teenage Joans and Holding Absence . The House of Blues started the night with the Australian punk rock duo – Teenage Joans. The duo consists of drummer and vocalist Tahlia Borg and guitarist and vocalist Cahli Blakers. Unfortunately, I arrived at the show a little late due to traffic and lack of parking (That’s the good ole French Quarter of New Orleans for ya), so when I walked in, I wasn’t sure if the band was still on the first three songs and sadly missed my opportunity to photograph them. However, I got this clip of Sleeping with Sirens on stage in between songs to sing Tahlia Happy Birthday and hand deliver her a cake! https://video.wixstatic.com/video/999a0f_0b1a6b0a416948e8bf9d14372729f836/720p/mp4/file.mp4 “Imagine being 14 years old and Sleeping With Sirens is your favorite band, and then being 22 and they are hand delivering you a cake and singing you Happy Birthday”, Tahlia said to the crowd before the duo went on to play a cover of one of Pierce the Veil 's most popular tracks ‘ Circles .’ This was the perfect move to get everyone excited about what was in store for the night. Teenage Joans also performed original songs from their debut album The Rot That Grows Inside My Chest . I was thoroughly impressed by the talent level they could achieve with only two members. Not every day you get to see a punk rock duo of women, and I indeed became a fan. Teenage Joans thanked everyone, threw guitar picks and setlists, and then made sure to get everyone excited for the following supporting act – Holding Absence. Holding Absence is a Welsh alternative rock band from Cardiff, Wales that consists of lead vocalist Lucas Woodland, bassist Benjamin Elliot, drummer Ashley Green, and guitarist Scott Carey. The energy they all brought to the stage felt very fun and lively. Lucas and the rest of the band members delivered a high-energy, chaotic stage presence that electrified anyone in the room. The amount of energy and movement they brought to the stage amplified the overall experience and kept the crowd engaged and in the moment. I had never heard of Holding Absence before, but the crowd indeed did; almost the whole audience of the sold-out show knew the lyrics to every song. Holding Absence gave their all for their set and then got the attendees screaming for who they’ve all been waiting for Sleeping with Sirens. Credit: Rian Nickels Credit: Rian Nickels Sleeping With Sirens is a post-hardcore band from Grand Rapids, Michigan , and has been blessing our ears since circa 2009. The band consists of four members: Kellin Quinn as lead vocalist, Matty Best on the drums, Justin Hills doing backing vocals and bass guitar, rhythm guitarist and backing vocalist Nick Martin, and touring lead guitarist Tony Pizzuti. As I said before, Sleeping with Sirens was on tour to celebrate the 13th anniversary of their second album, Let’s Cheers to This , and they were about to perform it for us in its entirety. Credit: Rian Nickels The lights dimmed and they allowed the press photographers in the photo pit; I’d be lying if I said that wasn’t one of the most incredible things I’d ever experienced just walking down the steps with other individuals with the same dreams and goals as mine. I wondered how many of our dreams were coming true that night. The anticipation of waiting for them to go on stage to let me loose to photograph a band I’d looked up to for over a decade was eating me alive. Upon coming out and the crowd going insane, I could only look up and smile. They started with the track ‘ Tally It Up, Settle the Score ’, a song about proving all the people who said you couldn’t do It wrong, which was the perfect track to get the crowd head banging and jumping and pumping my blood because there’s nothing more motivating than the people who don’t believe in you. They followed this with ‘ Do It Now Remember It Later ’, which follows similar themes with lyrics like “ Remember when they said that what we want can never be done? When it all comes falling down, we'll do what we want to ”. This was a full circle moment for me, from being 16-years-old and crowd-surfing at Warped Tour to this same song to photographing them performing it at 28-years-old at a venue that has many times felt like home. Credit: Rian Nickels After they played their third song, ‘ Four Corners and Two Sides ,’ it was time for me to leave the photo pit and enjoy the show with the attendees. This was a sold-out show at the House of Blues, which, if you don’t know, means that you packed in there like sardines, so I went all the way to the back for an easy exit after the show. Sleeping With Sirens went on to play more of their album, but a surreal moment for me was when they played ‘ A Trophy Father’s Trophy Son ’, which at its barest is a song about having a rocky relationship with your dad. It meant so much to me to see a room of so many people screaming, “ Is this what you call a family? ” in unison. It was one of those moments when you realize you’re not alone in your feelings and life experiences. Credit: Rian Nickels For their track ‘ All My Heart ,’ Kellin had everyone pull out their flashlights on their phone. The flashes lit up the House of Blues, and everyone sang, “ You still have all of my heart ,” in unison to create one of the most beautiful moments I’ve seen within those walls. Kellin then told us the whole story of his first time on tour with the band Enter Shikari in New Orleans . He mentioned how he had just gotten lost in the quarter and had gotten separated from all his friends and bandmates after being given one of his first Hand Grenades– a feeling almost every Louisianan knows all too well – Kellin’s Wife had called another bandmate and demanded they find her husband, after seeing Kellin fall asleep on top of the tour bus and wake up with one of the worst sunburns of his life. I liked this story because it felt like an authentic New Orleans experience and not a fabricated story for excitement like some bands will do. They went on to play more songs from the album, such as the title track ‘ Let’s Cheers to This ,’ ‘ Who Are You Now ,’ and ‘ Your Nickel Ain’t Worth My Dime ,’ before telling us goodnight and exiting the stage. Credit: Rian Nickels It’s important to note that earlier in the show, he told us they’d be leaving the stage soon and returning for five more songs. (Five Encore songs are wild, but I’m here for it). This had the crowd screaming “FIVE MORE SONGS” and “ONE MORE SET” which I’ve never heard before at a concert. They came back out on stage in different outfits and used this opportunity to perform songs that weren’t on the second album—starting with the song that rose them to fame, ‘ If I’m James Dean and You’re Aubrey Hepburn .’ This was another beautiful moment as everyone in the building knew every word and didn’t miss a beat. Kellin told us to sing it, and we didn’t deliver anything less. You could see how emotional this made Kellin, but he brushed it off with a bounce and big smile. Other songs they played for their encore were ‘ Kick Me ,’ ‘ Leave it All Behind ,’ and one of my personal favorites, ‘ Better Off Dead .’ Before playing this track, Kellin told us that he wrote this song for the people who sometimes can’t stand the reflection in the mirror and sometimes feel like they’re better off dead. They then finished off with an extended version of their biggest song from the album, ‘ If Ya Can’t Hang ,’ which was another one that had the whole House of Blues practically roaring. Everyone knew the words as they chanted, “ IF YOU CAN’T HANG, THERE’S THE DOOR BABY ,” while, of course, pointing out where the door of the venue was. It's a staple moment at almost every Sleeping with Sirens concert. Ironically, the concert was over, and we would hit the door soon because we couldn’t hang. Funny how that worked out, huh? Photographing Sleeping with Sirens at The House of Blues felt like more than just capturing a moment—it was a personal milestone that brought my teenage dreams full circle. I’ve been a fan of this band since my teens, and to stand in front of them, camera in hand, was nothing short of surreal. It’s an accomplishment that means the world to me, not only because of how long I’ve carried their music with me but because it represents growth, passion, and a love for music and photography. That night, the mix of nostalgia, excitement, and pure joy reminded me of one of the many reasons I do what I do. *All photos courtesy of Rian Nickels - to see more, check out Rian's site below. rianmusicjpeg.myportfolio.com Rian Haynsworth www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90's flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? HIt us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

It was a night of unfiltered rock music to remember. < Back Weekend Rock: Smile Empty Soul at the Freetown Boom Boom Room in Lafayette, Louisiana Elise Hanks Feb 4, 2025 Share It was a night of unfiltered rock music to remember. Two weeks ago, I got the chance to see a band I have been dying to catch live, California-based Smile Empty Soul ! They made a stop at the Freetown Boom Boom Room on Sunday, January 19th, 2025, as part of their CONSUME and OBEY Tour , featuring Lines Øf Loyalty and Embers Rise , and let me tell you, this show did not disappoint. Credit: Elise Hanks The night kicked off with Embers Rise , hailing from Northern Illinois, and they brought their own brand of awesomeness to the mix. I first met Ethan Bartman (vocals/guitar) at the merch booth, and honestly, he felt like a local, super down-to-earth, like an old friend. The whole band had that southern gentleman charm, which makes sense considering they have their very own gentleman Rick Duncan , a.k.a. “ Mr. Mustache ”, in their lineup. A highlight of their set was hearing “ Victim ” live, a killer collab with Lines Øf Loyalty that had initially dropped in October of 2024 . Next up was Lines Øf Loyalty from Kenosha, Wisconsin, and wow, what a surprise! Their set hit me right in my soul. Their entire vibe is about staying true to who you are and screw all the rest. And frontman Nubz Morrison lives it through and through; he’s literally got the word Loyalty tattooed on his face . That’s dedication. Their performance was raw, emotional, and packed with the energy that makes you want to scream along. Last but certainly not least, we had our headliner, Smile Empty Soul. Leading up to the concert, I had ' Bottom of a Bottle ' stuck in my head all week . My anticipation was through the roof, and the live experience completely exceeded my expectations. Smile Empty Soul sounded just as raw and grungy as I remember when I first got into them in 2003 before I understood the songs' meanings. Jon Loree was seamless on the drums, and Sean Danielsen ’s voice sounded like it hadn’t aged one bit. Hearing them live and in person was everything I could have hoped for. This tour’s final stop was right here in Lafayette, and even though we were bracing for snow soon, the venue itself was filled with warmth and excitement. Every band brought something special to the stage, making it so worth braving the cold. (And yes, defrosting in my car afterward was absolutely necessary!) If you ever get the chance to see Smile Empty Soul , Lines Øf Loyalty , or Embers Rise live, do it. You will not regret it. To learn more about any of the bands mentioned above: Smile Empty Soul Embers Rise Lines Of Loyalty www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com *All photos courtesy of Elise Hanks Questions or comments? Reach out to us at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Recaps of all your fave live events! Weekend Rock Apr 4, 2026 Pop Evil Delivers Old and New at The Stone Pony in Asbury Park on April 2 It was a set of perfectly balanced fresh material. Read More Feb 4, 2025 Weekend Rock: Smile Empty Soul at the Freetown Boom Boom Room in Lafayette, Louisiana It was a night of unfiltered rock music to remember. Read More Oct 16, 2024 Weekend Rock: The Used Ignites House of Blues with an Explosive Night of Nostalgia and New Energy A Night of Raw Emotion and Fan Favorites Read More Oct 8, 2024 Collision of Sound: Sleeping with Sirens, Teenage Joans, and Holding Absence Ignite the Stage with Powerful Performances It was a night of dynamic performances and captivating energy. Read More Sep 6, 2024 Weekend Rock: Open Up The PIT The PIT is Louisiana’s Bold New Stage for Live Music Read More May 10, 2024 Judas Priest: Probst Arena at Von Braun Center Judas Priest roll into Huntsville, AL with the Invincible Shield Tour. Read More Apr 30, 2024 Weekend Rock: Branded for Exile Branded for Exile ignited the night with their authentic sound at Cajun Daiquiris in St. Amant, Louisiana on April 26, 2024. Read More Jan 17, 2024 Saxkixave: Igniting the Stage with Electrifying Hip-Hop and Jazz Fusion Baton Rouge, Louisiana January 13, 2024 Read More

Baton Rouge, Louisiana January 13, 2024 < Back Saxkixave: Igniting the Stage with Electrifying Hip-Hop and Jazz Fusion Nicole Brice Jan 17, 2024 Share Baton Rouge, Louisiana January 13, 2024 On Saturday, January 13, 2024, New Orleans natives Saxkixave energized Chelsea’s LIVE in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with their awe-inspiring musical prowess. Saxkixave set the stage ablaze with their harmonious blend of talent, innovation, and comedic antics as the opening act for award-winning American rapper, Juvenile . This was the band’s first time playing together in Baton Rouge under the moniker Saxkixave and they killed it. Credit: Gary Governale Saxkixave is comprised of multi-award-winning rapper Alfred Banks and multi-instrumentalist Albert Allenback of the Grammy-nominated group Tank and the Bangas . The two came together musically a few years back after the suggestion of friends and have not looked back since. Both Alfred and Albert—the two Al’s—have infectious personalities that reel you into the magic they create when together, and if you’ve been following them on Instagram and TikTok, then you’ve surely seen their hilarious comedy bits and unique freestyle cover songs, including background music from Super Mario Brothers and beyond. With two albums under their belt, the duo is currently on tour promoting their newest release, Nectarine Peels , so be sure to check out their social media to stay up to date on all the upcoming shows and tour dates. Chelsea’s LIVE has been a fixture on the local Baton Rouge scene for many years, with their original location being just past the north gates of Louisiana State University. For the past two years, though, Chelsea’s LIVE has occupied a new space where they have hosted many notable statewide and national acts, as well as music genre theme nights. The venue was the perfect backdrop for Saxkixave’s debut performance in Baton Rouge. Credit: Gary Governale From the very first note, the musicians displayed unmatched virtuosity, opening with the track ' Humblebrag ' off their Nectarine Peels album. It was the perfect song to set the tone of the band’s set for those unfamiliar with their music. Without missing a beat, Saxkixave continued to captivate the audience with other notable titles such as ' Away from You (Too) ', ' Kaleidoscope ', ' Hashbrowns ', and their rendition of the Britney Spears classic ' Oops! ... I Did It Again '. They also performed their new single ' Done With The ' for the first time. https://video.wixstatic.com/video/999a0f_1f8d54137b774b0db6d8f5e3212ee523/1080p/mp4/file.mp4 There were many stand-out moments throughout the evening, one being when Alfred and Albert started bantering about the fact their names are both Al, which was a segue into their captivating and crowd-pleasing rendition of the Paul Simon classic ' You Can Call Me Al '. Another notable moment was when Alfred asked the audience to hold up random items so he could freestyle rap about the objects each audience member held up—an instant crowd-pleaser. Credit: Gary Governale Saxkixave’s performance at Chelsea’s LIVE was not just a concert but a sonic experience. As the final notes reverberated and the band rounded out their one-hour set, they closed with the humorous song ' Cheeks ', which is about a cell phone, but the lyrics would lead you to believe otherwise. When the crowd erupted in positive cheers and applause as the band finished, it was clear Saxkixave had successfully won over a new group of fans with their unparalleled talent. Credit: Gary Governale The duo’s electrifying fusion of sounds, masterful musicianship, and mesmerizing improvisations created a night of musical magic that will undoubtedly be etched in the memories of those lucky enough to experience it for many years to come. To learn more about Saxkixave, visit them online at www.Saxkixave.com . *cover photo courtesy of Gary Governale www.governalephotovideo.com Zenfolio | Home I have been working as a video professional since 1993, with a wide range of experience writing, producing, directing, shooting and editing. A strong interest in videography, specifically lighting and composition, led me to photography in 1998. Rapidly changing technology has blurred the line between video and photography, allowing me to work in both mediums.. Baton Rouge, LA, United States www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Nicole Brice is obsessed with music. Plain and simple. Do you have a show you think she should check out? Email us at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Judas Priest roll into Huntsville, AL with the Invincible Shield Tour. < Back Judas Priest: Probst Arena at Von Braun Center Bud Gambrell May 10, 2024 Share Judas Priest roll into Huntsville, AL with the Invincible Shield Tour. For many concert goers, such as myself, Tuesday, May 7th gave us a chance once again to witness the metal monsters Judas Priest . This concert was a huge accomplishment for me since I have been listening to this amazing band since 1978. As a teenager, I would listen to Stained Class , Hell Bent for Leather and Unleashed in the East in my room as my parents would yell to turn it down. My friends and I got to see Judas Priest Live in the early and mid-80s. For Tuesday's concert, though, I was back as not just a fan, but as a photographer. Being in the pit taking pictures of Rob Halford was an apex moment for me and Judas Priest did not disappoint! All these years later, Rob Halford can still carry every single note high and low. In many cases of rock singers, that does not happen. Rob Halford is still the reigning Metal God. The show was spot on. The band covered songs from every era old and new. They even played three songs from the new album, Invincible Shield . If you haven’t heard it yet, go get it! If this tour comes to a town near you, do yourself the favor of buying the ticket. This show is definitely one you do not want to miss. *All photos by Bud Gambrell bgambrellphotography.com Bud Gambrell Photography Bud Gambrell Photography is a locally owned and operated photography business in North Alabama. Call or email us today for an appointment. www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Reach out to mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

A Night of Raw Emotion and Fan Favorites < Back Weekend Rock: The Used Ignites House of Blues with an Explosive Night of Nostalgia and New Energy Rian Nickels Oct 16, 2024 Share A Night of Raw Emotion and Fan Favorites On a muggy night in Louisiana -October 7th, 2024—the historic House of Blues New Orleans brought together three different corners of the alternative music scene. The Used , an alternative rock band, was deep into their 2024 headlining world tour; for their New Orleans spot, they were supported by up-and-coming alternative grunge band Raue (Pronounced: Roo—ay) and well-loved soft rock band the Plain White T’s. Kicking off a night with a surge of high energy, Raue , a two-piece band from Santa Cruz, California, made a lasting impression with their gritty sound and riotous stage presence. The band comprises vocalist and guitarist Paige Kalenian and drummer Jax Huckle . I was super excited to photograph Paige and Jax, but sadly, I missed my first three-song opportunity. Fortunately, I still made it in time to enjoy their performance. A highlight of the performance was when they covered Radiohead ’s famous track ‘ Creep .’ Here’s a Clip from Raue’s Instagram of Creep cover . This was a perfect way to capture the audience's attention and give them something to remember. Paige has the ideal voice to achieve the dynamic shifts of softly sung verses and the mighty long shouts of the chorus. Raue also performed original songs ‘ Karma ’ and ‘ Ruby Glow ’ . Their sound and stage presence brought back that raw, filthy, and chaotic energy from 90s grunge bands like Nirvana and Screaming Trees , which is particularly impressive because the members have yet to hit their 20s! Raue’s throwback sound set the mood for a nostalgic performance from The Plain White T’s . Credit: Rian Nickels Credit: Rian Nickels Credit: Rian Nickels After Raue's angsty performance, the Plain White T’s were up next to slow things down a little. The Plain White T’s are a four-piece soft alternative pop rock band from Illinois. Members include multi-talented Tom Higgenson as the band’s lead vocalist (and sometimes you’ll find him playing keyboards or the acoustic guitar), Tim Lopez on lead guitar as well as backing and lead vocals, bassist and backing vocalist Mike Retondo , and De ’Mar Randell Hamilton on percussion. You can tell right away that these guys have spent the last 20 years making and playing music together as they play with perfect harmony and never miss a beat. They won the crowd with long-loved favorites like ‘ Hey There Delilah ’ and ‘ 1, 2, 3, 4 ’. These were two of their greatest hits, and the whole crowd sang, “ Hey there, Delilah, what’s it like in New York City ?” in unison, a moment of connection all the early 2000s kids have been yearning for. The Plain White T’s performed a perfect mix from across their discography with older, more nostalgic songs to tracks from their most recent Self-Titled album before ending their set with their popular hit ‘ Rhythm of Love ’ and welcoming The Used onto the stage next. After a heart-warming and calm set from the Plain White T’s, it was time to switch up the vibe a bit with a gritty, loud, and riotous alternative rock band from Utah, The Used . They are a 4-piece band comprising the following members: Bert McCracken as lead vocalist, Jeph Howard on the bass and backing vocals, drummer Dan Whitesides , and guitarist and backing vocalist Joey Bradford . As I waited for the performance to start, I noticed that their stage was adorned with a chain-link fence and chain-shaped mic stands, and many of their instruments had barbed-wire accents. A personalized stage setting like this shows their dedication to standing out with their individualism. Credit: Rian Nickels Credit: Rian Nickels Credit: Rian Nickels The energy of the entire audience shifted from ironically singing Taylor Swift’s ‘ Our Song ’ to being confused once the track warped into an announcement that stated that the concert had been canceled and where you could find your refund. This was so confusing while standing in the photo pit, but it was sure to be a playful trick as an intro, right? Everyone laughed it off, hoping it was a joke, and the member ran out to the stage. Before they were even able to play, someone in the crowd started a ruckus; I’m not sure what happened, but all the House of Blues security swarmed him, escorted him out, and Bert said, “ Bye Bye ” and left him with an endearing yet sarcastic wave. This showed the security and the band's dedication to making the concert a safe and enjoyable experience. The Used immediately went into performing an array of their discography. I was surprised at how chaotic and metal (for lack of a better term) their performance was. Between their lively and thrashy stage presence, the crowd surfers, and the mosh pits, it all added up to make quite an intense set. The audience was incredibly excited when they played tracks like ‘ The Bird and The Worm ,’ ‘ Blue and Yellow ’ and, ‘ Blow Me .’ A highlight of the performance was when Bert asked the crown to hold up their middle fingers at him and chant “ Fuck You ” over and over again before performing their track ‘ Fuck You .’ The Used’s set was a wild wave from start to finish, blending theatricality, heavy riffs, and crowd interaction in a way only they could. Their unapologetic energy and connection with the audience made every moment feel unique to our night on the tour, from the sarcastic humor to the raw intensity of their performance. The Used knew how to push boundaries, creating an unforgettable experience that left the crowd buzzing long after the lights faded and the music stopped. This night at House of Blues New Orleans was a perfect example of how diverse genres can come together to create a memorable concert experience. From the raw, filthy energy of Raue to the heartwarming, sing-along vibes of the Plain White T's , and finally, the chaotic, high-octane performance by The Used , the night showcased the incredible range of alternative music. Each band brought their unique style to the stage, but together, they created a seamless flow of emotion and sound that kept the audience engaged and on their toes. The intermingling of soft rock, grunge, and alternative punk made for an eclectic yet cohesive evening, proving that when it comes to live music, the blend of different genres can be more potent than any single sound. *All photos courtesy of Rian Nickels - to see more, check out Rian's site below. rianmusicjpeg.myportfolio.com Rian Haynsworth www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90's flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? HIt us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Bands that are on the up and up. Check them out NOW! Jan 30, 2026 Owls & Aliens Embrace Transformation on Powerful New Single Shape Shifting combines the power of thrash metal with the intensity of punk rock. Read More Feb 13, 2025 Grey Areas: A Louisiana Metal Band Looking to Inspire Hope in a World Filled with Chaos Grey Areas isn’t just a band; they are a movement. Read More Nov 4, 2024 The LA Phantoms: A Louisiana Punk Band with a Rich History The LA Phantoms have the strength and will to create music that resonates. Read More Oct 31, 2024 Goodbye Academy: Bringing Pop-Grunge to the Masses Goodbye Academy is a collective of brilliant musicians dedicated to the true artistry of making great music. Read More Oct 28, 2024 Herakleion: The New Orleans Metal Band Forging a Fierce New Sound Welcome to the Necroverse Read More Sep 3, 2024 Straight from the Bayou: Few Blue’s Vibrant Sound Redefines New Orleans Music Few Blue has the rhythm that will bring you to your knees. Read More Aug 26, 2024 Phantum Sun: An Immersive Journey Through Sound Phantum Sun’s music blends the ethereal with the visceral in a lush atmospheric fusion. Read More May 8, 2024 On the Rise: RobenX RobenX is promising a legacy of influence that transcends music alone. Read More Apr 11, 2024 The Enigma of XEMNAS: Turning Pain into Art The music of XEMNAS is a transcendent journey through sound. Read More Mar 22, 2024 Jean Claude Seagal: A New Journey through Alternative Rock The music of Jean Claude Seagal captures the complexities of life and relationships with melodic hooks and gritty rock sensibilities. Read More Feb 20, 2024 Separatr: Making Innovative Noise Pop Waves from Asbury Park Separatr’s music delves into the depths of human emotions, providing an introspective and relatable experience with poetic lyrics. Read More Dec 11, 2023 Branded for Exile: A Force in Louisiana Metal “Born in the Flames” by Branded for Exile is a non-stop ride of aggressive guitars, tight production, and loud ferocious metal sure to get your pulse going. Read More Nov 29, 2023 She Might Be a Beast: An Enigma of Youth, Retro Vibes, and Energy She Might Be a Beast unleashes the raw power of Neo-Grunge with their latest album, “Art Class” Read More Jul 31, 2023 Baquenne: Soothing, Ethereal Music The music of Baquenne is diverse and intricately constructed Read More Jun 9, 2023 Everfelt: A Harmonic Driving Force on the Rise Everfelt's mix of genres and sounds will leave you wanting more Read More May 8, 2023 Cyberattack Rearranges the Electronic Music Scene A New York Musician taking the World by Storm Read More Mar 31, 2023 NITE: Revamping New Wave A New Era of Synths Read More Mar 22, 2023 New Orleans Band Deep Sleep Atlantic Announce Debut Single A Hypnotic Pulse Read More Mar 21, 2023 They Bring the Party: Von Mons A Classic Sound and Vibe Read More Mar 21, 2023 Melodic and Atmospheric Hailing from Manchester: What Will Be A Nod to the 90's Read More On the rise

Spotlight on women who are doing awesome things in the industry and beyond. femmes Forward Nov 20, 2025 Conversations with an Indie Filmmaker: DeOndria Michelle Deondria is a visionary with a remarkable natural talent. Read More Oct 9, 2025 Woven with Feeling: The Artistry of Teen Idle Teen Idle’s music is a rich tapestry with heart and soul. Read More Oct 23, 2024 Elle H: Louisiana’s Own Songstress Making Waves in the Music Scene Elle's impressive discography, with its lyrics of love, self-discovery, and resilience, is a testament to her growth in sound and lyrical depth. Read More Mar 12, 2024 Mi’Kael Chalyce: A Soulful Vibe of Reflection and Relatability Mi’Kael Chalyce is a soulful vibe of reflection and relatability whose voice eloquently captures the emotional evolution of the human condition. Read More Nov 29, 2023 The Bellas: Re-envisioning the Power of Female Punk Rock The Bellas are pure 80’s glam metal, capturing the essence of rebellion and discontent with a raw sound amplifying the voices of the unheard. Read More Aug 25, 2023 Anna Byars: A True Musical Luminary Anna Byars is an inspiration for future generations of female musicians Read More Aug 7, 2023 Candace Schur: Rock’s Next Big Female Powerhouse A little bit Riot Grrrl mixed with female sensitivity Read More Aug 7, 2023 Women Who Rock: Wanda Wesolowski The power of authentic expression Read More Jul 31, 2023 Mindy Scurto and Captive Frame: Reigniting Shoegaze 90’s alt rock with dark and dreamy layered vocals Read More Jul 5, 2023 Behind the Screens with Kelly Mills An insider’s perspective on the Louisiana film industry Read More May 23, 2023 Lauren “Madame Onça” O’Leary: A Mind for Art, Business, and Entertainment A woman who knows what she wants Read More Jan 30, 2023 Ripe with Nostalgic Talent Thrice Sovereign Read More Nov 14, 2022 The Most Creative Eye in North Alabama Amanda Chapman, Photographer & Special Effects Artist Read More Oct 29, 2022 Team Gwen: Erica is the Next Voice You Need to Win! More Than a Petty Betty Read More

Do you remember the good ole days? We sure do, too. Way Back When Jul 31, 2025 A Birthday Tribute to Joey Fox: Forever in Our Hearts A Life That Still Shines Bright Read More Apr 7, 2025 April Playlist Picks: Way Back When New year, new music! Read More Mar 3, 2025 Way Back When: March Playlist Picks 2025 It's all green to me! Read More Feb 4, 2025 Way Back When: The Love Month Playlist Picks No love songs this month! Read More Jan 6, 2025 Way Back When: January Picks Got Nostalgia? Read More Dec 1, 2024 Way Back When: Holiday Tunage Picks for December 2024 Read More Nov 2, 2024 Way Back When: Nostalgia Picks for Your Playlist November Top 5 Nostalgia Picks for November 2024 Read More Oct 1, 2024 Way Back When: Nostalgia Picks for your Playlist October Top 5 Nostalgia Picks for October 2024 Read More Apr 25, 2024 Britney Spears: A Stifled Talent It's time for her to be heard! Read More Mar 18, 2024 Auto-Tune: The Great Debate on Perfection’s Place in Music While Auto-Tune may have a permanent place in the industry, it is the authentic voices that endure and stand the test of time. Read More Nov 10, 2022 Metal: The Killer of Trends Truly a Time to Let Your Soul Fly Free Read More Oct 3, 2022 No Doubt About It: Gwen Stefani Is A Legend NOT Just a Girl Read More

Indie authors and writers you should check out NOW! The Book Nook Mar 12, 2025 Book Review: Playboys, Celebrities, and Me by Dianne Dorman It’s intriguing, it’s glamorous, and it’s full of nostalgia. Read More Mar 8, 2025 The Book Nook: We'll Try and Get That on For You Joe Burns has an innate ability to make you laugh out loud in this non-stop ride of hilarity. Read More Oct 25, 2024 Book Review: Brothers by Alex Van Halen Brothers is a Compelling Story about Rock Royalty Read More Mar 25, 2024 Everything’s Poetic: David Donihue The Enigma of Depression Through a Rose-colored Lens Read More Dec 13, 2023 Blood Machines: Book Review “Blood Machines is a highly creative vampire novel that subverts tropes and cliches, using the creatures to explore the concept of a surveillance state. Read More Nov 14, 2023 Lowdown Road: Book Review Scott Von Doviak's newest book Lowdown Road mixes hick cinema, blaxploitation, and 70's cinematic archetypes into one hell of a crime-thrilling story. Read More Sep 20, 2023 Sidetracks Music Hall by Bud Gambrell: Book Review Bud Gambrell has compiled a journey through music in “Sidetracks Music Hall”—a memoir rich with local history Read More Jan 9, 2023 Tyler Harrison An Undercover Talent on the Rise Read More Dec 5, 2022 Ezekiel Kincaid The Pastor of Horror Read More

The Greatest of All Time - The GOAT - vets of the biz still rockin' it! The G.O.A.T. Nov 15, 2025 Finding the Song in Everyone: Conversations with Dash Rip Rock Exploring the stories and southern spirit that shaped Dash Rip Rock’s newest chapter. Read More Jul 10, 2025 Self-Made Genius: Tracing the Musical Legacy of Matt Mahaffey Matt Mahaffey is Just Being HimsElf Read More Apr 27, 2025 Acid Bath’s Triumphant Return: A Night 28 Years in the Making The Sludge Metal Legends Reunite for a Long-Awaited and Historic Performance. Read More Mar 28, 2025 Boiler Room’s Revival: A Resurgent Force in Metal Boiler Room are on a mission to make a significant impact in the world of metal. Read More Sep 2, 2024 Blacklite District: Building a Digital Era Legacy Kyle Pfeiffer is a visionary creating a culture of acceptance for future generations of fans. Read More May 15, 2023 Sick of It All: Pioneers of the Hardcore Punk Scene Still kicking ass and taking names Read More

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Artists we think you should check out. art with heart Aug 1, 2023 Taryn Chase Jackson: Mixed Media Creative Unique analog collage displays manifesting as one collective dreamscape Read More Apr 13, 2023 Be Still My Beating Heart Charlton Fine Art Read More Feb 13, 2023 Raw, Unapologetic Artistry Jill Mulkey Art Read More Nov 28, 2022 Color, Form, and Texture with a Modern Twist Chris Bond Read More Nov 6, 2022 Brilliance for a New Era: Lori Bequette A Fresh Approach to Pop Art & Surrealism Read More Oct 29, 2022 Flowers, Glitter, and Resin, Oh My! Christina Binns Read More Oct 4, 2022 A Bright Visualist: Robin Masterman Merging Styles Read More

A look at life through the lens of Louisiana-based photographer Rian Nickels. Rian's Den Jul 11, 2025 Awake and Alive: How Mod Sun Shifted My Outlook Just Look Up and Let Go Read More Jun 17, 2025 Her Riot Ignites Mid City: A Fierce Celebration of Women in Music Her Riot! proved that when you give women the stage, they tear down walls. Read More Apr 11, 2025 Rian's Den: From Vision to Reality The Journey of Making Dreams Come True Read More Mar 3, 2025 Death and Glory Tour: Palaye Royale & Johnnie Guilbert at The Joy Theater in New Orleans The Death and Glory Tour was a testament to music's power to unite us. Read More Oct 9, 2024 Rian's Den: A Night to Remember with Sleeping with Sirens Never give up on your dreams. Read More

All of the information you need on the bands playing Eclipse Fest and RAD Fest in Louisiana. Rad Fest and Eclipse fest Jan 16, 2026 Eclipse Fest 3 Returns to Lafayette: A May 2026 Gathering at Feed N Seed Eclipse Fest is a celebration of community and music, inspired by hope and bold optimism. Read More Dec 3, 2024 Eclipse Fest: A Pillar of the Louisiana Alternative Scene Eclipse Fest is coming May 10, 2025 Read More Aug 23, 2023 Disjunct: Technically Gifted Musicians Who Push Boundaries Disjunct is redefining the sound of music for a new generation Read More Aug 23, 2023 Zizzi: A Rock ‘N Roll Force to Be Reckoned With Zizzi’s music is an innovative approach to storytelling with a nod to the classic rock masters before them Read More Aug 18, 2023 Ventruss: An Orchestration of Dedication, Creativity, and Passion Ventruss creates a sound that defies categorization Read More Aug 15, 2023 Life Øn Mars: Unleashing Musical Brilliance Life Øn Mars is a beacon of creativity and musicianship Read More Aug 14, 2023 Mayrunner: Thrashing Guitars for a Solid Rock Offering Mayrunner’s music is a melting pot of styles and genres Read More Aug 8, 2023 Stella Vir: A Modern Ambient Rock Abyss Stella Vir are progressive-infused sounds full of spatial concepts Read More Jul 31, 2023 Endure the Affliction: Music to Empower Mind, Body, and Soul Lafayette’s progressive metal and metalcore band delivers heavy sounds with spicy lyrics Read More Jul 9, 2023 VOID: Lafayette’s Answer to the Modern Thrash Metal Scene Pure energy, speed, and catchy lyrics Read More

A focus on musicians and artists from the Alabama area. Off the Charts Apr 30, 2025 Off the Charts: Brett Carlisle Brett Carlisle is an award-winning songwriter paving his way with family, faith, and a new record. Read More Apr 18, 2025 The Alabama Heathens: Southern Grit Meets Raw Rock Energy The Alabama Heathens are off the charts! Read More Apr 11, 2025 Off the Charts: Local Rock ‘n Roll Takes Over Mars Music Hall Presenting Rocket City Night of Rock ‘n Roll by Mike Slaten Productions Read More Apr 7, 2025 Unveiling The BIG Reveal: Alabama’s Rising Alternative Rock Band The BIG Reveal are Off the Charts Read More Mar 25, 2025 Off the Charts: Otis Walker Musical Gumbo Master Continues with Spring Forward Tour and a New Album Read More Oct 21, 2024 Off The Charts: How Today’s Youth Are Reviving Rock Music Huntsville’s International Musical Youth Movement Invades the Camp Read More Sep 10, 2024 Off the Charts: Keyton Keyton's music is delivering emotional songwriting with energetic delivery as he prepares to embark on a mini tour. Read More Aug 1, 2024 Off The Charts: Alabama Smoke Show Alabama Smoke Show proves that the future of music in Huntsville is bright! Read More Jul 11, 2024 Off the Charts: Brandon Elder Strumming Through Struggles to Stardom Read More May 22, 2024 Off the Charts: Jimmy Speed Jimmy Speed's music is a unique blend of fast, hard, and heavy rock. Read More May 13, 2024 Off the Charts: Jim Parker’s Songwriter Series The Jim Parker Songwriter Series is a monthly event at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Read More May 1, 2024 Off The Charts: Grits & Greens Grits & Greens are on a mission to spread their signature sound in support of their new album. Read More Mar 17, 2023 Off the Charts Coming Soon! Read More

This is THE space where we discuss the observations of something strange and unusual that we just watched with humor and personality. What the hell did I just watch? Jan 25, 2024 Masked Mutilator Masked Mutilator combines horror and wrestling, making for the ultimate B-movie experience. Read More Nov 28, 2023 Death Toilet: What the Hell Did I Just Watch? Death Toilet is a fun concept but is ultimately just a horrendous amalgamation of cheap cinematic techniques and really bad storytelling. Read More Sep 25, 2023 Dear God No!: What the Hell Did I Just Watch? Dear God No! nails it and takes us back to the days of true grindhouse and 70’s exploitation. Read More Aug 28, 2023 Nude Nuns with Big Guns: What the Hell Did I Just Watch? Nude Nuns with Big Guns accurately captures the grindhouse feel but is riddled with lazy filmmaking Read More Aug 14, 2023 What the Hell Did I Just Watch: Sharktopus vs Whalewolf Sharktopus vs Whalewolf has its moments but is ultimately a flop Read More Aug 2, 2023 What the Hell Did I Just Watch: Alien Shark An entertaining movie with poor effects and multiple random plots Read More Jul 26, 2023 What the Hell Did I Just Watch: The Howling: New Moon Rising A werewolf movie so bad, you have to see it to believe it Read More Jul 10, 2023 What the Hell Did I Just Watch: Nekrotronic Nekrotronic is a fantastic sci-fi/horror mashup that fans of B movies will love Read More Mar 17, 2023 What the Hell Did I Just Watch: The Suckling Review This B-horror movie is so bad, it's B-movie gold Read More

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Your only source for what's new in Rap, Hip-hop, and R&B as well as a look back at those who pioneered the Game. The beat Apr 5, 2025 Floating Above the Bayou: Brax is Elevating Southern Cloud Rap to New Heights Brax isn’t afraid to experiment with new textures and sounds. Read More Dec 11, 2023 Jonathan Machen aka Profit: Finding Refuge in Music Jonathan Machen aka Profit is a lyrical prophet of rock and hip-hop subgenres fueled by the deepest levels of pain and enlightenment. Read More Nov 13, 2023 Miles Nxbxdy: Revolutionizing Hip-Hop Miles Nxbxdy pushes the boundaries of hip-hop by challenging expectations and broadening horizons. Read More Oct 20, 2023 Gino V.: Redefining the Music Scene with Rhythm and Soul Gino V’s unique ability to infuse his compositions with emotion, technical proficiency, and soul will shape and inspire generations of musicians to come. Read More Oct 2, 2023 Shawn Franklin: Music Producer Extraordinaire Shawn Franklin redefines the music production landscape with his top-notch restorations and collaborations. Read More May 22, 2023 Alfred Banks: A Blessing from the Crescent City Insightful, brilliant, and talented Read More Apr 7, 2023 DJ Skillspinz: A Classically Trained Master of Combining Textures and Beats Tony Biggs Read More Jan 11, 2023 The OG’s of Rap and Rock Fusion are Back Stone Deep Read More

Your one stop for all the happenings in comedy! Comedic Relief Jan 28, 2025 Don’t Freak Out! It’s Just Jeff Vance, Everybody! How a local Louisiana comedian found his craft in laughter to help overcome anxiety. Read More Jun 8, 2023 Comedian Junior Cook: Uncensored, Unapologetic, and Gay, Gay, Gay A southern comic who isn't afraid to flaunt his pride on and off stage Read More Feb 15, 2023 Messing Up Quests and Putting Things to the Test Who is Fish? Read More Dec 12, 2022 Holmes Holmes They Deserve ALL the Damn Attention Read More

Movies you just have to, oh my gosh, see. The Film Spot Mar 12, 2026 Film Review: Iron Lung Iron Lung is a unique watch that sucks you in. Read More Dec 11, 2023 Godzilla: Minus One: Film Review Godzilla: Minus One deftly balances social commentary with eye-popping monster action amid personal trauma, drama, and guilt. Read More Dec 8, 2023 Movies Streaming in December 2023 Newest movies to hit streaming platforms this month range from Killers of the Flower Moon to Rebel Moon – Part 1: A Child of Fire. Read More Nov 20, 2023 Blow Up My Life: Film Review Blow Up My Life is a cinematic unicorn in the thriller-comedy genre with undeniable humor and thrills with a capital T. Read More Oct 31, 2023 The Philosophy of John Kramer and the Saw Franchise, Part 4: Film Analysis Cutting straight into the bone of the Saw franchise, John Kramer confesses his own despair and exposes himself as a radical nihilist. Read More Oct 25, 2023 The Philosophy of John Kramer and the Saw Franchise, Part 3: Film Analysis Cutting deeper beneath the surface to explore how the "Saw" franchise's John Kramer (Jigsaw) fits into the paradigm of passive nihilism. Read More Oct 23, 2023 The Philosophy of John Kramer and the Saw Franchise, Part 2: Film Analysis Cutting beneath the surface to explore the Saw franchise's inconsistencies in John Kramer’s convoluted morality, his supposed purpose, and the theme of pawn sacrifice. Read More Oct 19, 2023 The Philosophy of John Kramer and the Saw Franchise, Part 1: Film Analysis The philosophy of the Saw franchise and its iconic serial killer mastermind John Kramer cuts deep beneath the surface into the realm of Nietzschean nihilism. Read More Oct 16, 2023 Unwelcome: Film Review Unwelcome is Gremlins meets Straw Dogs and is rooted in tradition and mythology, infusing a creature feature with searing psychological horror. Read More Oct 4, 2023 New Movies Streaming in October October ushers in the streaming premieres of Pet Sematary: Bloodlines, Strays, and Haunted Mansion Read More Aug 16, 2023 Asteroid City: Film Review Asteroid City is a fun science fiction story with dark and melancholic overtones Read More Aug 9, 2023 Sisu: Film Review Sisu is an enjoyable homage to Rambo but with much more badassery Read More Aug 7, 2023 Barbie: Film Review Barbie sees success with its all-star cast and its underlying message for women everywhere Read More Jul 27, 2023 Chilly Scenes of Winter: The Cult Classic Returns from Obscurity Finally getting the treatment it deserves in a gorgeous new edition from Criterion Collection Read More Jul 25, 2023 Film Review: Oppenheimer Oppenheimer shines as Christopher Nolan’s best, most hypnotic film to date Read More Jul 12, 2023 Film Review: The Flood A moderately entertaining creature feature with storms, flood waters, and hangry alligators Read More Jun 27, 2023 Review: Old Friends, A Dogumentary One documentary every dog lover should see Read More May 24, 2023 Adam Driver Fights Off Dinosaurs in All His Action-Hero, Gun-Slinging, Life-Saving Glory A look at the recent sci-fi flick "65" Read More Apr 25, 2023 Evil Dead Rise is Balls-to-the-Wall Blood, Guts, and Terror Buckle up for the most horrific installment of the Evil Dead universe Read More Apr 21, 2023 Infinity Pool Unnervingly Taps into Fear of Humanity and Poses Serious Question Would you commit a crime if you knew you could get off scot-free? Read More

One artist, writer, or musician you need to turn your attention to NOW. Focus On Oct 2, 2025 Neurons and Notes: The Musical Mind of Joseph LeDoux From the bayous of Louisiana to the amygdala and the amplifier – Joseph LeDoux rocks them all. Read More Aug 4, 2025 The Creative Life of Ryan S Leavitt Ryan S. Leavitt is an accomplished author overflowing with creativity. Read More Jul 5, 2025 Unfiltered and Unleashed: The Dodies Redefine Raw Power as a Dynamic Duo The Dodies’ music blends powerful riffs with fearless creativity. Read More Oct 3, 2024 Them Guys: A Deep Dive into Louisiana’s Musical Treasures Them Guys have a sound embodying Louisiana music's rich, genre-bending spirit. Read More Nov 30, 2023 tmdistant: Music Beyond Boundaries tmdistant takes us on an expedition through sound with his new track “grow into the blossoms”. Read More Nov 9, 2023 Cecily: Soulful Music With Ambient Affirmations Cecily’s music is insightful and pleasing to the ear, a breath of fresh air with the motivation to spread her positivity through her art. Read More Oct 20, 2023 Okay Kenedi: A Casual Introduction Is Hard to Come By Okay Kenedi’s debut album is more than just okay. It’s a wonderful ride of alt-pop that is superb, loaded with fun and introspection, and a heartfelt reminder that we’re all okay. Read More Sep 27, 2023 Shawn Williams: Sulking in Love “Sulking in Love” features powerful ballads as gateways to the darkness that lurks beneath personal distress. Read More Jul 12, 2023 No Sleep for Deep Sleep Atlantic An interview with Travis Marc Read More Apr 24, 2023 Born to Rock: Adam and the Metal Hawks Bringin' back the classic rock vibe Read More Mar 9, 2023 Born to Perform: Dr. Joe Burns Not a Rock and Roll Loser Read More Feb 22, 2023 Dark, Moody, Mysterious, and Daring The Adventures of Pecos Hank Read More Jan 18, 2023 SaxKixAve: Much More Better Trust Them 'Cuz They're Young, Talented, and Handsome Read More Jan 5, 2023 Tank and the Bangas Bangin' Out the Hits Read More Dec 7, 2022 Nothing But Heart and Soul Roger Ricks Read More Nov 30, 2022 The Nine Lives of Paul Sanchez You Never Know Read More Nov 17, 2022 When You Need a Party Thrown, Call Mike Bone From America's Got Talent to the Hit Show Reservation Dogs Read More Nov 4, 2022 The Importance of Self Care Pacifico Read More Oct 25, 2022 For a Good Time, Call Big in the 90s Read More Oct 22, 2022 Rockin 4 Jesus: The Next Great Band You Haven't Heard Yet Empowered Read More

Highlighting THE films for you to watch on the weekends! Feast Upon This Jul 22, 2024 Top 5 Movies That Rock There is always time to catch a classic movie. Read More Nov 13, 2023 Reasons to See Napoleon: Feast Upon This If you're on the fence about it, check out these top 5 reasons to see "Napoleon". Read More Oct 22, 2023 20+ Halloween Films to Watch This Season: Feast Upon This With Halloween 2023 right around the corner, Mixed Alternative got together to recommend some of our favorite Halloween movies! Read More Oct 18, 2023 28 Days Later: Feast Upon This 28 Days Later is one of the best zombie movies ever made, having popularized the fast zombie craze of modern-day cinema and terrified moviegoers around the world with its horrific scenario. Read More Oct 13, 2023 Strays: Feast Upon This Strays is a sweet, hysterical, raunchy comedy featuring potty-mouthed dogs in one of the best animal movies ever made. Read More Sep 28, 2023 Clay Pigeons: Feast Upon This Clay Pigeons is a cult-classic dark comedy about small-town appearances, serial killers, and sexual betrayal that is just as funny as it is grim. Read More

Stuff you should be streaming on your nearest streaming service. Stream This Dec 6, 2023 December 2023: What to Stream New titles streaming in December boast Reacher Season 2, Percy Jackson and the Olympians, and Marvel’s What If … ? Read More Oct 3, 2023 New Titles Streaming in October October brings long-awaited titles Loki (Season 2) and The Fall of the House of Usher plus a Milli Vanilli documentary. Read More Sep 11, 2023 Streaming in September Here are some of the hottest titles streaming on your favorite platforms this month! Read More Aug 29, 2023 Historical Fiction and Fantasy Series to Binge During this content drought, get lost in these epic historical fiction and fantasy series! Read More Aug 1, 2023 Hottest Titles Streaming August 2023 New and returning content to keep you busy and out of the heat Read More Jul 4, 2023 What's On Netflix: July 2023 A list of Netflix original content to watch, stream, and binge in July Read More Jun 15, 2023 Cherry & The Crowded Room: Tom Holland in Two Roles You Must See Holland ditches his superhero cape for dark, gritty psychological dramas Read More Jun 12, 2023 The Righteous Gemstones Returns for Season 3 The absurdist megachurch comedy is back with more shenanigans Read More Jun 2, 2023 Select New Titles Streaming in June Let's get this party started Read More Apr 27, 2023 New Arrivals on Your Favorite Platforms What's streaming in May Read More Apr 26, 2023 Belles, Balls, and British Accents: Bridgerton Spinoff Arrives in May Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story Read More Apr 18, 2023 Hills, Hollers, and Hoodlums: Raylan Givens Returns in Justified Sequel City Primeval: High noon approaches Read More Mar 16, 2023 The Last Kingdom Finally Gets a Sequel Seven Kings Must Die Read More Mar 3, 2023 A Whole New Crop of Shows What's Hot and Streaming in March Read More Feb 17, 2023 Funny, Filthy, and Full of Superpowers Extraordinary Read More Feb 2, 2023 Binge with Your Box o' Chocolates New Titles Streaming in February Read More Jan 6, 2023 January Streams New Titles Dropping This Month Read More Nov 23, 2022 Holiday Binge Select Series to Check Out with Your Time Off Read More Nov 4, 2022 So Much to Watch, So Little Time Everything Streaming in November Read More Oct 27, 2022 What to Watch This Weekend (10.28.22) New Arrivals on Netflix, Hulu, Prime, AppleTV, and HBOMax Read More

Our favorite former intern's spot to write about whatever he wants. Nick's Corner Jul 28, 2025 Music Reviews by Nick: What Have I Won by Spiller What Have I Won harnesses a raw energy that only a punk band can achieve when they are unapologetically themselves. Read More Jul 23, 2025 Barking at the Muse: How Ozzy Osbourne Inspired My Musical Journey Ozzy will forever live on in the hearts and minds of those he influenced and inspired. Read More Jul 17, 2025 Music Reviews by Nick: Live on Long Island by Bad Mary Live on Long Island is electrifying from start to finish, immersing you in Bad Mary’s vibrant live sound. Read More Jul 4, 2025 Music Reviews by Nick: Playing with Fire by Caustic Waves The combination of riffs, vocals, lyrics, and rhythm creates a storm of energy that resonates throughout. Read More Jun 14, 2025 Finding the Middle Ground: Striking Balance in Louisiana’s Evolving Music Scene Change operates as a cyclical force of nature, and it’s time for another cycle. Read More May 31, 2025 Bayou Harmony: The Rise of Louisiana’s Collaborative Alternative Music Scene Creation, Passion, and Collaboration are forming a New Era in Louisiana Music Read More Apr 21, 2025 Nick's Corner: Double Knockout Single Review 'The Rain' captures a vibe of understanding, new beginnings, and solace. Read More Apr 2, 2025 The Revival of Alternative Rock in Louisiana: A New Wave of Sound in the Bayou State Alternative music has a unique blend of passion and rage. Read More Jan 7, 2025 Nick's Corner: January 2025 Recs Alternative music will have a huge impact on 2025. Read More Nov 26, 2024 Nick’s Corner: From the Swamps to Concert Halls, the Legacy of Acid Bath Acid Bath are Louisiana cult icons of sludge and southern metal. Read More Nov 22, 2024 Nick’s Corner: Playlist Picks for November 2024 Tunes to expand your sonic palette. Read More Oct 4, 2024 Nick's Corner: Playlist Picks for October Some Spooky Season Picks Read More Aug 23, 2024 Nick's Corner: Playlist Picks for August 23rd Old favorites mixed with the new. Read More Jul 22, 2024 Nick's Corner: Playlist Picks for July 22nd Playlist picks to awaken the senses. Read More Jun 24, 2024 Glitter Litter Awakens Listeners with a Bold New Sonic Journey ‘Shocks to Sleeping Beauties’ is a daring mix of electric energy and lyrical depth. Read More Jun 7, 2024 Nick's Corner: Playlist Picks for June 7th New music sure to get your pulse going! Read More

Who is Fish? < Back Messing Up Quests and Putting Things to the Test Nicole Brice Feb 15, 2023 Share Who is Fish? One day as I was doing my daily scroll on social media, I came across a YouTube video a friend had shared, and it was titled Stuck Inside a Video Game . I was like, “Hmmm, what could this be?” as I pressed play, not sure of what I was about to watch. For the next five minutes and 42 seconds , I was snickering like a goober while watching this cinematic masterpiece in all its humorous glory. The creator of the video I had just watched was a guy named Fish . After that moment, I shared the video because it was awesome and because most can relate to anything pertaining to video games. Little did I know that a few months later, while looking for talent to scout and write about, I would happen upon the Instagram page of the same artist/musician responsible for the epic YouTube video I had seen and gobbled up like a goober. For those who have not seen the jewel that is Stuck Inside a Video Game , it is a clever song and music video of a guy on a couch playing The Legend of Zelda , showing different scenarios and scenes of the main character being sucked into the actual game, complete with witty commentary, sexy women back-up dancers/singers, and much hilarity. In fact, before you finish this article, you must watch it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCLgVeQtDnE Stuck Inside a Video Game by Fish So, who is the guy behind this glorious gem? Well, folks, his name is Sam Fishman , a.k.a. Fish . I bet you’re probably asking, “ Who is Fish? ” So please, allow me. Not only is Fish a producer, a drummer, a video game enthusiast, and a kick-ass human , BUT he is also extremely witty, very intelligent, and super talented. When he’s not making amazingly awesome YouTube videos with clever concepts, he spends his time spinning the sticks as the drummer of the New York-based Americana/Folk rock band, Driftwood … truly an entertaining man. Keep reading to learn more! credit: Carlo Alberto Orecchia MaM : Good Morning! Thank you for speaking with me today. So, let’s preface this by saying how wonderful it is to be speaking with the creator of “Stuck Inside a Video Game.” I saw it a few months back and instantly fell in love with it. Fish : You saw that? (laughs) That’s fortuitous. MaM : Yes, I saw it before I knew who you were and instantly thought, “This dude is awesome!”. Fish : Oh wow! (laughs) Yeah, that’s so funny. The universe is pointing in the right direction. MaM : So, not only are you making incredibly creative videos, but you are also the drummer in the band Driftwood, correct? Tell us a little more about that. Fish : So, I had been living in Brooklyn for about seven months when the pandemic hit and then, at that point, I said, ‘Alright, I’m gonna move out of the city.’ So, I left Brooklyn , moved back home with my folks for a little bit to figure out what the next move was, and then I felt like moving to Ithaca, N.Y. I felt like that was the best move for me. I have some familiarity with New York State, so I said, ‘Let me try Ithaca out,’ and I moved there. The first year that I’m there, it’s like [the] pandemic. Everything was closed. Nothing was happening. I started getting situated and reaching out to people, and through a mutual friend, I connected with Joey Arcuri . Joey is the bass player for Driftwood , and we connected, and so I said, ‘Joey, we should jam sometime,’ and we both know Chris . Chris is our mutual friend, and Joey said, ‘Yeah, that’d be great, man. Let’s keep in touch.’ A couple months go by, and I reach back out to Joey, and he gets back to me the next day and tells me their drummer had just left and then asked me if I’d like to audition for the band. The timing worked out, and because Joey and I had that mutual friend, we made the connection, and there ya go. MaM : Wow, that is incredible! You obviously have a background in music, so at what age did you start playing drums, and who are your musical influences and inspirations? Fish : I started playing drums in 3rd grade. MaM : Wow, 3rd grade? Just the fact that you can even remember back that far is awesome. I don’t even remember what I was doing at that age. Fish : Yeah, I had begged my parents for, like, two years to get me a drum set, and then they did. As far as influences, I have so many drummers I am into. That’s a really good question. It kind of taps into, like, there is stuff you can enjoy and then there are things you can kind of listen to cerebrally to get that music, and it makes sense in your brain; but, then there is music that hits your body and makes you feel things, and I guess for me, there are times when I love listening to hard rock and metal, and that sort of hits more intellectual [sic] for me because I’m understanding it in a way, but when I want to feel stuff, I really love listening to music with a groove and a laid-back vibe. For example, I’ve been listening to Madison Cunningham lately. It’s more Americana vibes. Very singer/songwriter … female vocals, relaxing … not gonna put me on edge. MaM : Do you prefer more singer/songwriter type of music? What’s your favorite type of music? Fish : Oh man, it’s very seasonal for me. I couldn’t tell you what my favorite is. For instance, I’m into these well-crafted songs kind of things and lush orchestrations, really just in the groove, in the pocket, but there may come a time in the summer where all I want to listen to is some heavy stuff. For instance, what’s the band from Chicago? I’m blanking out. The guy who does the “Oo-wa-ah-ah-ah!”? MaM : Disturbed? (laughs) Fish : (laughs) Yeah, Disturbed . I’ll maybe put on a little Disturbed . MaM : Get down with the sickness! (laughs) Fish : Yep yep! (laughs) … and I love Britney Spears ! I was listening to [her] the other day. MaM : Me too!!! One of my guilty pleasures! Fish : Yeah, Britney Spears , so good. credit: Carlo Alberto Orecchia MaM : So, tell us a little more about this video. I need to know all the details, because that thing is badass! Fish : (laughs) Yeah, that is so insane! There are a lot of layers to that video. On the surface, it’s this really wacky, like, surreal video. I mean, I’m stuck in a video game. I’m stuck in ‘ The Legend of Zelda .’ It’s actually a reflective piece, and for a while, in my, like, late-20s or, well, even when I was, like, 31 [or] 32—which, I’m 36 now, or, rather, I’ll be 36 this coming Sunday. Even into my early 30s, I found myself playing games a little too much, and I wasn’t really living. The music video was a big, cathartic release for me. I wrote this rap song about being stuck in a game, and I wrote it the way I knew how, and then I said, Screw it! I’m gonna go all in. I’m gonna fly out to Los Angeles. I’m gonna get this thing legit.’ I found a video crew, Blurred Pictures , Rosco – he’s this great director out there. His mind moves a mile a minute, and we just got a team and I said, ‘I’m gonna produce this thing,’ and we really did it. I wanted to share my experiences in a way other people would relate. I feel like there’s a lot of guys out there that are stuck in this video game world, and they don’t even realize it. The video is a fun way to show the lines can be blurred if you play too many games. Is your life the game? Is the game your life? That whole back-and-forth dilemma. MaM : I can totally relate to that because my husband is a gamer, but he never let it consume him 100%. Now, my best friend, her boyfriend is so consumed by video games that he completely ignores her, and she is a total babe! I can definitely identify with your video. Fish : See? That’s what I mean. It’s relatable! Another part of it was that the women in the video are from ‘ The Legend of Zelda ,’ too … the three goddesses of the Tri Force … but they also take on a different meaning because they’re very sexy in the video, and because of that, if you’re attracted to women, women could become a distraction if you’re a little too focused on the game. You must find that balance. This is not my life’s purpose. My life has a greater purpose. The takeaway from this video is battling your shortcomings, getting out of your comfort zone, [and] really trying to better yourself. MaM : What is your favorite video game? Fish : Zelda … but then, which Zelda , right? I have some games that are definitely in the top 10, but simply because of the symbolism in the hero’s journey, Zelda is probably going to take the cake. I’m going to have to go with ‘ Ocarina of Time ’ as the best or as my favorite, with my second favorite Zelda game being ‘ Link’s Awakening .’ MaM : That’s awesome. I wanted to ask you, prior to Driftwood, were you playing in any other bands? Give us a brief history of your music career. Fish : So, if you thought the video was crazy, this is even crazier. Before I got into Driftwood , I was touring around the country and even got to go to Japan with my former band. I was playing with this group called Madison Rising , a political band, and it was a great opportunity for me to travel, and I learned a lot. I ended up leaving the band, though, to focus on other endeavors. The takeaway from that is that I learned a lot about the music industry, and I got to open up for Lynyrd Skynyrd , Aerosmith , and Weezer . We had a good run. I started with them in 2011 and left in 2018 . [I] spent seven years with them and learned some incredible things. Great learning experience. MaM : Steppingstones, though, to get to where you are today. Fish : Absolutely. Had I not experienced those situations with that band, then I would not have learned about what it means to be a professional musician. MaM : I want to learn more about these videos on Instagram and more about your production work. You have such an interesting story to tell. Fish : Appreciate that. The production stuff you mentioned is kind of inspired by art. Like, here’s a drumming solo; here’s me drumming to this; [and] here’s my friend doing a piano piece. I’m starting to sort of play in both worlds. The music video, for instance, plays on some surrealism there. I have a video I will be posting soon of me just roaming around a recording studio while my friend, Andrew Klein , makes scary sounds on metallic percussion instruments. MaM : (laughs) That’s so awesome! credit: Carlo Alberto Orecchia Fish : There is one where I am going to be dancing behind the drummer, Andrew Klein , while he plays drums. (laughs) I want it to be fun. Trying to just do some silly stuff that is different. Trying to lighten up this whole ‘I’m a serious artist’ business. That’s where I’m at. I love being in the production role. I like seeing visions of mine come to life. I have good organizational skills, and being a good producer, to me, is having good organizational skills. MaM : Do you own your own studio? I’m curious as to where you are recording. Fish : I’ve been investing in myself, and I like going to different studios, as opposed to trying to set up my own studio. I’m not into that. Maybe if I had a ton of money, I could make my own studio. There is something about working in someone else’s space that forces me to be more creative … working within the limitations … let’s adapt. For example, Wilburland Recording Studio is a place I go back to quite a bit. It’s a place where the latest Instagram clip was filmed. It’s a great open space, and I like working with Will a lot, and it’s close to where I live. I like trying different things. I don’t want to get locked into the same pattern. I have another bit coming up that I recorded. Mikaela Davis is a prominent harp player in New York state, and I’m bringing her to Wilburland , and she’s going to perform the great fairy fountain music from ‘The Legend of Zelda.’ MaM : Love it! If you lived here in Louisiana, we’d be hanging out! Fish : I feel that, too, just based upon our conversation. You’re just good energy. MaM : I’m such a nerd. I read and I meditate, and I like science. Are you currently based in New York, still? Fish : I live in Ithaca, New York. MaM : You know, every time I hear the name Ithaca, I think of the movie, “Road Trip!” Fish : Yes! (laughs) You are so on point! Yes! MaM : That’s what I instantly think of with Ithaca. So, with your extensive background in the industry, I just must ask you what you think the music industry is lacking these days? Fish : That’s a great question. To me, what’s lacking is education, and what I mean by that is that the local artists, they don’t fully understand what it means to run your band as a business. Any local artists who are complaining, and I get this in Ithaca through friends, like they are really making forward progress and are passionate about what they’re doing, but they don’t understand that if your band is going to progress, then there needs to be an awareness that if your band is not run like a business, then don’t have any expectations of moving forward. If you want to move forward, you must do all the work on the business side to help you establish a plan. credit: Carlo Alberto Orecchia MaM : I completely can identify with that because you are building your band as a brand. You must brand yourself to stand out so that people take notice. What are you working on currently? Fish : One of the upcoming things is a screenplay for a movie. I just finished the first draft. It’s called ‘ Cicada Madness .’ It’s based on an audio project that is already completed, and I just decided to take it to the next level, but I’m certain I will be doing a crowdsourcing fund for the movie, because I want to have a big budget. When you think of the film, though, it’s a B-movie … sorority girls, cicadas flying around just exploding… (laughs) . MaM : So, is it like Hitchcock’s The Birds but with cicadas? Fish : Yeah, but funny. Not meant to scare you. Just total fun. Driftwood is currently recording an album, and we plan to release it in the fall. This is their most mature album to date. It’s going to defy expectations and has a lot of variety. Those are the main things. I have a video that is supposed to be finished by the end of February where I teamed up with a community music school to put on a performance of Claude Bolling’s ‘Suite for Flute and Jazz Piano ,’ and it brings me back to my roots of reading music and performing. I imagine I’ll be posting some clips from it in early March. I love doing different things where maybe you’ll get Jazz & Classical one day and then you’ll get crazy silly skit the next day. I have a lot of different things I want to do. credit: Carlo Alberto Orecchia MaM : Ok, so big question. Who is Fish? Fish : Well, right now he’s the drummer of Driftwood the band; he does session work; and he produces and collaborates. But, yeah, Fish is ever evolving. That is the safe answer. Fish wants to inspire others. Fish wants to collaborate. That’s the key word. Fish is someone who wants to work with a lot of different people. Fish is a leader. Fish wants to bring out the best in other creative people. I love going to a keyboard player that I see potential in or that I think is phenomenal and I’ll say, ‘Hey, man! Let me get your number. We’re gonna work together.’ I just get right down to it. If I want to work with someone, I let them know. Fish really wants to bring out a vision and be part of a team. To learn more about Fish, check out all his links below and enjoy! Website: Who Is Fish? - Sam Fishman | Drummer, Composer, Creator Instagram: Who Is Fish? (@whoisfishig) • Instagram photos and videos YouTube: Who Is Fish? - YouTube Facebook: Who Is Fish? | Facebook www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . 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Yes Fest is Saturday, October 15, 2022 < Back Empowered to play Yes Fest 2022 Nicole Brice Oct 3, 2022 Share Yes Fest is Saturday, October 15, 2022 Baton Rouge natives and Christian Rockers, Empowered are set to take the stage at Yes Fest 2022 along with 7eventh Time Down, Kari Jobe + Cody Carnes, Riley Clemmons, Phil Joel, Ryan Stevenson, and others. Empowered is comprised of Benny DiChiara (lead vocals and songwriting), Shane Madere Jr. (lead guitarist, backing vocalist), Jeff Maddox (bass and background vocals), Mic Capdeville (percussion and background vocals), and Justin Burdette (guitarist and background vocals). Their new EP drops via Slingshot Records on October 7, 2022 and is titled "Yahweh-Nissi". To check them out, visit their Youtube channel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScHZQusYc5M Yes Fest is open to everyone and there will be food, drinks, carnival rides, children's activities, tailgating, volleyball, and corn hole tournaments. For more information: www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link