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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. < Back Clay Pigeons: Feast Upon This Keeley Brooks Sep 28, 2023 Share 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. Rating: 4 out of 5 dead could-be rockstars Welcome to Feast Upon This , a new column by yours truly where I’ll be sharing with you new and old titles worth feasting upon and telling you all about why you should watch them. First up is the 1998 independent gem Clay Pigeons , a relentlessly dark but funny small-town crime drama about a simple guy who keeps finding himself in the worst possible situations—usually involving dead bodies—and perhaps the nicest serial killer on the planet. Starring Joaquin Phoenix ( Joker ), Vince Vaughn ( Old School ), and Janeane Garofalo ( Wet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later ), Clay Pigeons has a strange, meandering plot that starts off funny but turns dark pretty fast as it twists and turns, leaving you wondering where the hell it’s gonna lead. It definitely treads the fine line between comedy and laid-back seriousness. Clay Pigeons was developed under filmmakers Ridley and Tony Scott’s company, Scott Free Productions , and is directed by David Dobkin ( Shanghai Knights and Wedding Crashers ). It’s also the second successful on-screen collaboration between Vaughn and Phoenix, who appeared together in Return to Paradise , which is also a great movie upon which you should feast. It released the same year and centers on two friends (Vaughn and Phoenix) who must choose whether to help a third friend who was arrested in Malaysia for drug possession. Back to Clay Pigeons , though. Set in the small town of Mercer, Montana, where everybody knows your name and is all up in your business, Clay Pigeons is one of those macabre comedies where the characters are quirky, not much is taken too seriously, the deputy sheriff is named—in homage to The Andy Griffith Show —Barney, and dead bodies continually surface around one particularly innocent man, making him look completely guilty. Clay Bidwell (Phoenix) is an affable, weak-willed, easy-going gas station attendant who, in the opening scene, finds himself up Shit Creek without a paddle while out target shooting with his best friend, Earl (Gregory Sporleder, of Black Hawk Down ). With gun in hand, Earl announces he knows Clay has been sleeping with his wife, Amanda (Georgina Cates, of Sinner ). Then, in an entertaining scene epitomizing how effectively Clay Pigeons juggles dark thriller and comedic elements, Clay begs Earl not to do anything he’ll regret right as a disheartened but methodical Earl carries out his plot to off himself and make it look like Clay killed him. In a panic, Clay goes to Amanda for help, but she tells him he’s on his own and leaves him to his own devices to dispose of the body. See, Clay is the kind of character who wouldn’t hurt a fly. Hell, he wouldn’t even swat at one, so when he stages a drunken car wreck to make Earl’s death look like a suicide, he’s batshit squirmy and completely out of his element. But ultimately Clay makes it work and even gets away with it, thanks to the gullible (and borderline narcoleptic) Deputy Sheriff Barney, who has known Clay long enough to know he would never, ever do anything wicked; he swallows every drop of bullshit Clay feeds him with ease. After Earl’s funeral, Clay finds an unapologetic, half-naked Amanda at his house in his bed, where she pressures him to continue with their affair. Overwhelmed with guilt, Clay resists her advances and heads to the bar, where she follows and invasively pressures Clay, getting all up in his personal space, ignoring his requests to leave him alone. When she amps up her attempts by getting physical, he slaps her and catches the attention of a peculiar cowboy hat-wearing bar patron, who moves in closer to befriend Clay while he’s at his lowest. Lester Long (Vaughn) is an obnoxiously dressed, super suave, but unnervingly creepy drifter who rolls into town the day of Earl’s funeral and forces his way into Clay’s life after seeing (and enjoying) his act of violence against a woman. An always smiling, over-confident fast talker, Long dresses in tacky, WAY-TOO-LOUD western wear and accentuates it with a high-pitched, machine-gun laugh—the kind that creeps you out and compels you to get as far away from him as you can. But he’s more than just a drifter: He’s an under-the-radar serial killer making his way through the state of Montana. This silver-tongued cowboy has a way with the ladies, a way with cigarettes, and he’s top notch at manipulating anyone he cozies up to. Lester—excuse me, “Lester the, uh, Mo-lester” as he likes to introduce himself, is the archetypal stranger with a mysterious past, handsome good looks, and such a charming manner that you can’t really be entirely sure if he’s an angel or the devil. All you know is that something about him is just … off. Next to Long, Clay is the local loser par excellence who finds himself embroiled in a life of panic, anxiety, and suspicion as fate continues to throw him the raw end of the deal at every turn. Stuck between a rock and a hard place (i.e., Lester’s maneuvering and Amanda’s slutty libido), Clay finds himself implicated in the fact that a bunch of corpses—obviously the work of a serial killer—keep turning up around him, right in the public’s view. After Earl’s death, a distraught Clay bones a waitress named Gloria, which pisses off a vengeful Amanda, who winds up killing Gloria. Always the sucker, Clay agrees the dispose of the body once again and dumps it in a local lake. Only, he forgets to weigh it down, so you know this one’s coming back to surface, and you can bet it will be at the most inopportune time. The next day, Lester baits Clay into going fishing at the same lake, and in a most hysterical scene, Gloria’s dead body floats to the surface and horrifies Clay. In a panic, he tries pushing the body away from the boat with an oar before Lester notices but doesn’t succeed. That moment right there is one of the reasons you should watch Clay Pigeons . As Lester spots and points at the body, he stands and, with charming innocence, yells, “Well f**k me! Man overboard! Man overboard!" "Oh my God, what is that?" Clay asks. "Alarm! That’s a person, Clay! That’s a dead person!” Lester answers. "Well, I can see that .... wh--what do we do?" Clay wonders. "I don't know, man. It's a new situation for me," Lester says as he reaches for the leg of the body. "It's okay, I've got her," he continues as Clay leans over the side of the boat to vomit. "Aw man, it just gets uglier and uglier! I love the open water, man!" Lester exclaims. “Well, I don’t think anybody would want us touching her, you know?” a freaked-out Clay says. “Her? Hell, I’m not even sure that damn thing’s a woman!” Lester quips. “Well of course it’s a woman. It’s got long hair,” Clay responds. “Well, it could be a rockstar, Clay. We don’t know what the f**k it is,” Lester asserts. Having no choice, Clay confesses his secret to his new pal Lester, which solidifies for Lester that the two are now “fishin’ buddies” for life. Just for your viewing pleasure, here’s a little snippet of that scene, but you should really watch it in its entirety for the full effect. Clay further paints himself into a corner when he goes to Sheriff Mooney (Scott Wilson, of Black Mirror ) to report the body and keeps Lester’s name out of the deets. But time always tells the truth, and when Amanda turns up dead after boning Lester, Clay begins to put two and two together and realizes Lester is the killer. When the FBI show up, Sheriff Mooney is not happy they’re all up in his jurisdiction, but he allows the help and knows he needs it after continually catching Deputy Barney (Vince Vieluf, of Love, Inc. ) napping on the job and being super careless with evidence due to his lack of common sense. Now Clay really looks like the prime suspect, especially once Agent Shelby (Garofalo) questions him in jail. “You’re dating one victim, you’re having an affair with another, and you actually found the third. Kind of a coincidence, wouldn’t you say?” Shelby taunts Clay. Garofalo and her mannerisms, which border on excessive familiarity with Fargo ’s police chief Marge Gunderson (Frances McDormand), make Agent Shelby one of the best parts of Clay Pigeons and yet another reason why you should see this movie. She’s highly intelligent, extremely direct, and plays the sarcastic “wise guy”—the kind of wise guy who sniffs out other wise guys a mile away. It’s no surprise, then, that after meeting Lester Long, she suspects he's probably the killer. Director David Dobkin does a fantastic job of creating clever, intricate scenes for Garofalo to have fun with—in particular, that bar room encounter with Lester. As Clay sits in a cell under FBI suspicion of being a serial killer, Lester goes to visit him and tell him he has a plan to help prove Clay’s innocence: He’ll just kill another person to prove Clay isn’t the one committing these crimes. Lester’s malevolence really bleeds out here in the way he toys with Clay, who does not like this plan at all. In an effort to face Lester and stop the murder, Clay breaks out of jail by duping the one Agent Shelby refers to as “a boob,” Deputy Barney. What plays out after that is left completely up to your viewing pleasure. What I love about Clay Pigeons are the characters. Screenwriter Matthew Healy really dove deep into creating Clay, Lester, Barney, and Agent Shelby, and it shows in how well written they are. Both Clay and Lester pretend to be dumber than they really are, with Phoenix taking on the more subdued role of innocent man in trouble while Vaughn, in a far more distinctive turn than his take on Norman Bates, is a diabolical serial killer and charming misogynist who might sound and appear creepy but who is genuinely wrapped up in his friendship with Clay, whom he pins to be his fall guy. Their relationship serves as an intriguing take on male camaraderie and mutual dependency that turns into an exploding landmine once Clay discovers the truth. Clay Pigeons features some enjoyable early stellar performances from Phoenix, Vaughn, and Garofalo, who each delightfully relish their individual roles, which further allows us to relish every little thing about their characters and acting methods. Clay Pigeons’ quirky little narrative makes plenty of room for its somewhat-clunky plot to unravel and unwind on you in its own time, and it’s stocked full of some high-quality verbal zingers—yet another reason to watch this film. Sheriff Mooney also lays down some solid work, understanding that his character is, unlike the others, not at all there to be funny but instead is there to ground everyone in reality. Overall, Clay Pigeons is a pleasant amalgamation of Orson Welles’ Touch of Evil (1958) with classic, eccentric, screwball comedy topped off with a fun soundtrack to enhance the laid-back but sinister mood. Riding the tail end of the neo-noir boom of the 90s, Clay Pigeons was generally regarded as derivative of Quentin Tarantino and Coen Bros. films with their idiosyncratic characters enmeshed in a neo-noirish story bookended by jarring violence and clever levity. If you’re at all a Joaquin Phoenix, Vince Vaughn, or Janeane Garofalo fan, this is one flick you’re gonna want to indulge in and add to your queue or collection. Clay Pigeons is available to buy or rent on Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu, Redbox, and Roku. Keeley Brooks is big ole movies, television, and streaming nerd with a voracious appetite for entertainment consumption and an uncontrollable urge to write about everything she watches, even if it sucks. 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

Life Øn Mars is a beacon of creativity and musicianship < Back Life Øn Mars: Unleashing Musical Brilliance Nicole Brice Aug 15, 2023 Share Life Øn Mars is a beacon of creativity and musicianship In the vast universe of music, ever so often a band emerges that challenges conventions, defies expectations, and takes us on an extraordinary sonic journey. Enter Life Øn Mars, a metalcore band from Lafayette, Louisiana, with unparalleled creativity. With its beginnings in 2022, the band is currently comprised of Jack Torry on vocals, Brayden McClelland and Max Hellickson on guitar, Ryan March on bass, and Holden Hebert on drums. Credit: provided by band These guys have had a busy year thus far releasing new music both in February and June of 2023 and show no signs of slowing down. With their exceptional musicianship, boundless creativity, and a penchant for pushing the boundaries musically, their evolution as musicians is sure to bring further innovation. Set to perform at Rad Fest 2023 at PARC International in downtown Lafayette, Louisiana, on August 19, 2023, Life Øn Mars is ready to take you on a musical journey that transcends boundaries and is the fifth band in our installment of interviews with all acts on the bill. In an age where conformity and predictability seem to reign supreme, Life Øn Mars emerges as a beacon of creativity and musicianship, and we can’t wait to hear more from them. Powerful vocals with tight production round out the sound for this band. We know you’ll enjoy their music as much as we do. We recently reached out to the band to learn a little more about them and were able to connect with guitarist Max Hellickson. Take a moment to learn a little more about Life Øn Mars and then be sure to catch their set at Rad Fest on Saturday, August 19. MaM : I see 2023 has been a busy year for you. Your single “Vandal” was released in February 2023 and then your newest single, “Whitewall,” was released June 16, 2023. How do you feel about the year so far? MH : 2023 has been a very productive year for us. We’ve been writing a ton of new music and slowly integrating our new originals into our live set. ‘Vandal’ was the first one and it did pretty well! ‘Whitewall’ was a lot of fun to write and record and one of our favorites to play live. MaM : “Vandal” reminds me of Killswitch Engage with the screams in the beginning that fade to a strong vocal chorus. Who do you cite as your influences both vocally and musically? MH : Collectively the band has a very diverse range of music tastes. We’re big fans of genres like hardcore and modern metalcore, which explains the Killswitch Engage-type sound. Some of us also listen to more ambient and soft genres that inspire us. Some bands we take inspiration from are Alpha Wolf, Knocked Loose, Invent Animate, Wage War, Gojira, Sleep Token, Architects, and plenty of others. Credit: provided by band MaM : What inspires you lyrically? Life happenings or abstract concepts? MH : A bit of both. We pull inspiration from events in our lives that have deeply affected us and try to express them in different ways. We attempt to connect to our listeners and fans in any way possible, and writing lyrics that resonate with them is the best way. MaM : Are there plans to record an EP or an entire album, or do you plan on just continuing to release singles? MH : We are currently in the process of finishing our debut album set to release in early 2024. Credit: provided by band MaM : Give us a brief history behind the band name. Obviously, it speaks for itself, but I’d like to hear your take on it. MH : So, the name just came from us brainstorming band name ideas. Holden came up with the name Life Ø n Mars as a reference to the David Bowie song. Max had the idea of putting the accent on the ‘O’ to make it look like a planet and make it look more original. MaM: How did you hear about Rad Fest and what expectations do you have going into the festival? Will your set list have a few surprises? MH : We heard about Rad Fest from our friends who played the festival last year and we’ve been working really hard this year and then we got invited to play. We are super stoked to be a part of this new Lafayette staple in our scene. It really brings everyone together and we’re excited to be a part of this year's festival. As far as surprises go, we may be debuting a new song set to be on our album. Stay tuned! Credit: provided by band MaM : If you could share the stage with any well-known band in the future, who would it be? MH : A dream show of ours would be to play with Knocked Loose and Alpha Wolf . They have really inspired us. We have also seen both bands a couple of times. MaM : What are the aspirations for the band long term? MH : To make music that people enjoy and to create a live experience that leaves our audiences with memories they will never forget or to inspire those to pick up an instrument or start singing. Music is a powerful thing. We love seeing more people in the scene. To check out the music of Life Øn Mars in preparation for Rad Fest, be sure to hit one of the links below, then show them some love by following them on social media. YouTube : Life Øn Mars - YouTube Instagram : LIFE ØN MARS (@lifeonmarsofficial) • Instagram photos and videos Facebook : www.facebook.com/lifeonmarsofficial Twitter : X (twitter.com) Apple Music : ‎Life Øn Mars on Apple Music Spotify : Life Øn Mars | Spotify 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

The Death and Glory Tour was a testament to music's power to unite us. < Back Death and Glory Tour: Palaye Royale & Johnnie Guilbert at The Joy Theater in New Orleans Rian Nickels Mar 3, 2025 Share The Death and Glory Tour was a testament to music's power to unite us. During the peak of the Carnival season on February 26th, 2025 , just a week before Louisiana’s most beloved holiday – Mardi Gras – the popular music venue Joy Theater in New Orleans , Louisiana , was visited by two amazing acts on the rise in the alternative music scene. (Although they’ve both been under the radar for over a decade.) The weather was perfect, the streets were adorned with the purple, gold, and green glimmers of the classic Mardi Gras beads, and citizens and tourists proudly wore the traditional Mardi Gras Colors. This made for the perfect night to see what Palaye Royale and Johnnie Guilbert had in store for us. Credit: Rian Nickels The line was wrapping around Joy Theater . Punks, Emos, and Alternatives were dripping in black clothes, fishnets, band merchandise, and eyeliner and waiting excitedly for the doors to open. As the doors opened, the bars, barricades, and merch tables were lined with eager fans. Jay and I found a spot up close to wait for the show to begin. Kicking off the night was Musician and long-standing Youtuber Johnnie Guilbert . Credit: Rian Nickels This was Johnnie’s first time touring with a full band , and even though he’s been around and well-known on YouTube for over a decade, his music career is only starting to take off . From watching his videos, I can tell that, like many of us in the alternative scene, Johnnie’s always been kind of shy and anxious; I was excited to see if being on tour has helped him to become more confident. As soon as Johnnie came out in his signature black Ray-Bans , the crowd lost their minds; the fan girls broke out in shrills and screams of joy . He greeted New Orleans and then went straight into his tracks ‘ If Looks Could Kill ’ and ‘ Angel of Death ’. The energy was instantly on fire in Joy Theater as the fans let loose while SCREAMING every lyric to his songs; it was then clear to me that the alternative music fan base in Louisiana was still breathing . By the time Johnnie performed his newest song – ‘ Fake Positivity ’ - his confidence in his stage presence was starting to shine brighter. He was all over the stage, switching between wearing and taking off his shirt and sunglasses, dramatically falling to the floor and singing while lying on his back, and was full of high, edgy energy. You could genuinely see that he was happy to be standing in front of us. After playfully swaying around to each side of the stage, giving everyone in the front row the proper amount of attention, he asked the crowd for more energy (and boy did they deliver) before he fell to his knees to get down to crowd level before he and the crowd echoed the song’s chorus through the theater. Johnnie then played hit songs like ‘ Violent Dream , ’ ‘ Doctor ,’ and ‘ Zombie .’ Johnnie Guilbert performs 'Zombie' at The Joy Theater in New Orleans on February 26, 2025 (video courtesy of Rian Nickels). Credit: Rian Nickels In between songs, Johnnie made sure to let his playful personality shine with silly comments to the crowd, saying things like “And this one’s ‘ Baby ’ by Justin Bieber ” before playing ‘ Zombie ’ and reciting Chappell Roan ’s spelling from her track ‘ Hot to Go ’. Of course, following Johnnie’s ‘H-O-T-T-O-G-O’ was the crowd’s requitement of “You can take me hot to go”. Credit: Rian Nickels Johnnie made sure that the crowd felt included by holding the hands of fans and waving in their direction. I was surprised and overjoyed by his warm, rowdy, joyous, diva energy as he’s usually known for being the dark, emotional, and sensitive guy. Being in Johnnie’s crowd made me feel like there was no separation of artist and fan ; it was one of those concerts where you’re reminded that the show couldn’t go on without one or the other. Credit: Rian Nickels For Johnnie's last song, ' Vampire ', he created a moment that will be etched in my memory forever. He asked everyone to come closer, and we all huddled around him. As he sang the closing verse, we all sang along, our arms reaching out to him. It was a moment of shared intimacy, a perfect conclusion to a performance that we will always remember. Johnnie Guilbert performs 'Vampire' at The Joy Theater in New Orleans, Louisiana on February 26, 2025 (video courtesy of Rian Nickels) Credit: Rian Nickels Before leaving the stage, he told New Orleans goodnight and that he’d meet everyone at the merch table and take photos. I don’t think I’ve ever run as fast as I did to his merch table. Johnnie was kind to every person in the line, giving everyone time for a photo, an autograph, time to appreciate the gifts he was being given (like bracelets, drawings of himself, and various trinkets), and a small chat. When it was my turn, I told him about how I had been watching his videos while I edited my concert photos for the past year and that I was so incredibly honored to be able to capture pictures of him. Credit: Rian Nickels He was genuine and told me he saw me in the photo pit, loves to see the photos people take of him, and to be on the lookout. I took a photo with him and gave him a farewell hug (after asking him if he was a hugger, which you should always do!) so that the rest of the eager fans could get their chance to meet him. With my heart full of gratitude for that full circle moment, I was pumped and ready for the headlining band, Palaye Royale . Before the show, I had only heard a few Palaye Royale songs, so I had no idea what to expect from their performance. Palaye Royale is a garage/glam rock band from Las Vegas , Nevada , comprising three brothers. Remington Leith is the band’s frontman, with Sebastian Danzig on guitar and keys and Emerson Barret on the drums. They are supported by touring members Logan Baudean (from Louisiana) on the bass and Dave Green on the guitar. It would be a complete understatement to say their performance blew me out of the water. Credit: Rian Nickels Palaye Royale came out strong with a tsunami of riotous energy with their new track from their latest album, Death or Glory . I fell more in love with their stage presence with every song they performed . Remmington has an impressive amount of energy pouring out of him that keeps you on your feet with your heart racing with excitement. Emerson has just the right amount of punk attitude and the drum talent to back it up. I know people say this about drummers all the time, but he was the heartbeat of the performance , keeping everyone on time and in harmony. Sebastian was just as talented and charismatic as his brothers; something about h is riffs on the guitar takes you away from the world and brings you into the moment . These brothers are insanely talented and harmonic, but their touring members add the perfect edge to their live performances. Logan’s baselines make it impossible not to groove your body to the rhythm. One of my favorite highlights of the performance was when they played ‘ No Love in LA ’; For this track, the whole crowd was in tune , and the entire venue was jumping, singing the words, and flowing with pure excitement . The crowd was already mighty alive, but this brought the show together . Royale switched up the energy from chaotic to heartfelt with their track ‘ Just My Type ’ and then right back to that rebellious vibe with ‘ Addicted to the Wicked & Twisted ’ from their newest album. Palaye then played one of my favorites from their latest album, ‘ Show Biz .’ I like this track because it compliments Remington’s voice versatility and reminds me of 2000s rock with a modern enhancement. They then slowed things way down with ‘ Dying In A Hot Tub ’ from their record Boom Boom Room (Side B) , a track about losing someone you care about to addiction/suicide; in that moment, you could feel just how many of us could relate to this and felt understood. Palaye Royale played a lengthy set that was the perfect mix of new and old songs for older and newer fans. Palaye Royale performs 'You'll Be Fine' at The Joy Theater in New Orleans, LA on February 26, 2025 (video courtesy of Rian Nickels) For the end of their set, they took things back to 2022 with their song ‘ Fever Dream ’; this track reminded me of the heaviness of the My Chemical Romance song ‘ Famous Last Words ’ and showed the band's possible inspiration from Gerard Way . This song had huge blow-up balls bouncing all around the venue, another thing that helped connect the audience with the band as members and fans were practically playing a massive game of “Keepy-Uppy”. Credit: Rian Nickels After the song's end , the lights went dark , and they suspiciously dropped their instruments and walked off stage. Of course, all attendees started to chant “ONE MORE SONG!” until the band came back on stage, wearing Mardi Gras Masquerade masks and covered in the famous plastic beads. The crowd of New Orleans went wild for that! Palaye Royale then played us a whole THREE more songs for the encore: ‘ Dead to Me , ‘ Lonely ,’ which is my absolute favorite, and ‘ Mr. Doctor Man ’. Something about them that stuck out to me was how well they all played together; you could tell these three brothers were in tune with each other. I appreciated the level of presence, style, and talent they brought to Joy Theater , and although I went in only somewhat of a fan, I left a fan for life! Palaye Royale had the perfect amount of Panic-At-The-Disco-Carnival-Esque for Louisiana’s Carnival season. As the lights dimmed and the night came to a close, I couldn’t help but feel that familiar rush of adrenaline that only live music can provide. Palaye Royale and Johnnie Guilbert performed and made us a part of their world for a few hours. They reminded us of something easy to forget in this crazy, chaotic world: that music is a form of connection, a pulse that beats through every heart in the crowd. With all its raw energy and unapologetic rebellion, the alternative scene still has a place for everyone who craves authenticity in a world that often feels too polished. That night, it wasn’t just about the songs—it was about the moments between them. The shared glances, the laughs, the love, the chaos—every little piece of the night reminded me why I fell in love with this scene in the first place. The Death and Glory Tour was a testament to music's power to unite us. As I walked out of the venue, I knew that despite the noise, neon, and the glittering beads of Mardi Gras, this kind of magic stays with you long after the last note fades away. To learn more about Palaye Royale: www.palayeroyale.com Palaye Royale To learn more about Johnnie Guilbert: Johnnie Guilbert - YouTube *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? Reach out to us at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Hawthorne Oachs isn't merely singing; she is opening a door to something greater, and the world is ready to follow her through it. < Back Reviews on the Real: Speak for a Minute by Hawthorne Oachs Nicole Brice Sep 10, 2025 Share Hawthorne Oachs isn't merely singing; she is opening a door to something greater, and the world is ready to follow her through it. Hawthorne Oachs' voice, both angelic and haunting, floats like a whisper in her latest release, ' Speak for a Minute .' Oachs isn't merely singing; she is opening a door to something greater, and the world is ready to follow her through it. Released September 9, 2025 Released on September 9, 2025, ' Speak for a Minute ' has a more rock-oriented vibe compared to her previous releases. The song kicks off with a lively energy, perfectly complemented by Hawthorne's ethereal vocals. Lyric video for 'Speak for a Minute' This powerful track serves as a reflection on humanity’s unraveling and a bold call to change the status quo. The song confronts how power and greed have distorted our true nature. As the world faces turmoil, it’s time to raise our voices, and Hawthrone is leading the charge with each new release. As a songwriter with wisdom that belies her years, Hawthorne stands on the precipice of something extraordinary. Her music radiates a rare beauty that feels timeless, and her lyrics cut straight to the heart. She reveals truths that many try to conceal, weaving them into melodies that shimmer with both vulnerability and strength. “This death is irreversible. How could anyone not see it?” Hawthorne sings as she transitions into the chorus of "If I Could Speak for a Minute..." More than just a singer-songwriter, Hawthorne is a storyteller of the soul, crafting songs that resonate with honesty and pulse with emotion. ' Speak for a Minute ' is no exception. The lyrics unfold like pages from a diary, delicate yet unflinching, providing comfort through poignant expressions. Don’t take it from me, though; experience ‘ Speak for a Minute ’ for yourself. It’s worth it. To learn more about Hawthorne Oachs: Spotify: ‎ Hawthorne Oachs | Spotify Apple Music: ‎Hawthorne Oachs - Apple Music YouTube: Hawthorne Oachs - Speak for a Minute [Official Lyric Video] Website: Musical Artist | Hawthorne Oachs www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Drop us a line at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

< Back What the Hell Did I Just Watch: The Howling: New Moon Rising Ezekiel Kincaid Share Jul 26, 2023 A werewolf movie so bad, you have to see it to believe it Gather ‘round, aspiring movie directors and scriptwriters! It’s time for you to take notes on how to successfully kill a franchise in this edition of What the Hell Did I Just Watch . I want y’all to get acquainted with The Howling: New Moon Rising , also released as Howling: New Moon Rising and Howling VII: Mystery Woman . Never heard of it? Good! Let me remedy that for you. For some unknown reason, my high school self bought this movie years ago on VHS. I was going through my collection the other day when I saw it and said, “Hmm, I don’t remember ever watching this one.” So, I popped it into the VCR and hit “Play” … then the suppressed memories came flooding back. Twenty minutes in, I remembered why I’d suppressed them in the first place. Now, I might be wrong, but I have a conspiracy theory as to why this movie sucks so badly. I think there was a challenge made, or a wager, where someone said, “Hey, I bet no one out there can make The Howling sequels even worse.” Directors Clive Turner and Roger Nall heard about the challenge and said, “Here, hold our beers.” Don’t believe me? Well, that’s my theory and I’m sticking to it. I just don’t think it is possible to make a movie this bad unless there is some intentionality behind it. Surely these filmmakers couldn’t have been taking this movie seriously, could they? Or maybe they were … and that thought is scarier than anything in this low budget sewerfest. Let’s get the technical stuff out of the way first. The film is the seventh in the series and is a direct-to-video movie made in 1995—four years after the previous entry, The Howling VI: The Freaks . Turner and Nall should have ended the torture and stopped there, but they couldn’t leave well enough alone. Neither had ever directed a movie before, and they both made their debut with The Howling VII: New Moon Rising . The plot is simple: A lone, red-haired drifter from Australia strolls in and settles in a small town. When he does, strange murders begin to happen, all of which trace back to him. Our lone cowboy, Ted Smith, is played by none other than Clive Turner himself, who also stars in The Howling V: The Rebirth . Clive Turner as Ted Smith All the other (and I use the term loosely) actors in this movie go by their real-life first names, and the only recognizable face is Mary Lou ( Elizabeth Shé ), who was the main character in The Howling V and The Howling VI . Elizabeth Shé as Mary Lou She has some scenes in The Howling: New Moon Rising that end up linking all three sequels together. And that is the only redeemable thing in this movie. To start off, there’s lots of line dancing. Most of the movie is set in a country western bar. All the people in this town do all day is drink beer and line dance. At first, I thought, “Okay, cool, a line-dancing scene,” thinking it was just one. Yet there continues to be scene after scene after scene of pointless line dancing that adds nothing to the story. I think ole Turner and Nall were just proud of everyone’s skill and wanted to show it off a hundred times. That’s the only thing that makes sense in my mind as to why there is so much of it in the movie. And gore? Those visceral kills we all love to see in werewolf movies? There are none. None! You never get to see the werewolf kill anyone. You see TWO dead bodies the entire movie, and it's after the fact. Even then, all the dead bodies have on them are a few gashes. You never get the satisfaction of seeing a bloody kill, dismemberment, decapitation, or disembowelment. The only cool scenes are the flashbacks from the previous installments. Now, let’s talk werewolf transformations . Maybe they were saving the big payoff for this? That’s what I was hoping anyway. If that’s what you’re hoping, too, prepare to be disappointed. The transformation scene is a huge letdown. All we see are some cheap camera tricks on whatever camcorder they filmed the movie and then boom, a person dressed in a rubber werewolf mask shows up on screen. You’re in luck here, because in place of a movie trailer, all that seem to exist online are various scenes from the film, and it just so happens the werewolf transformation is one of them. So, for your viewing pleasure … Jump back to 2021 for a second. Did you happen to see Werewolves Within —the who-done-it werewolf movie? If not, you can find it on Apple TV, Vudu, Roku, Prime Video, Hulu, and Max. The Howling: New Moon Rising tries to do some clever plot twists to keep you guessing who the real werewolf is, like Werewolves Within did, but it fails miserably. It is so outlandish, stupid, and confusing at times, and weird plot shit just keeps coming out of left field. I wish I could say, “Great writing job, fellas!” but I can’t. Should you watch this movie? Yes, you should. Why? Because it is THAT BAD and you have to see it to believe it. Besides, if I had to sit through it, so should you. Misery loves company. The Howling: New Moon Rising got a whopping 1.8/10 stars on IMDb. Me? I give this movie one 1 of 5 drunken line dancers. You can find The Howling: New Moon Rising streaming on Amazon Prime, Screambox, Freevee, and Tubi. You’re welcome. Ezekiel Kincaid lives for horror and loves to watch it, write about, and talk about it, whether that be in his own horror novels or in reviews. His experience as a pastor and paranormal investigator brings everything he writes to life. 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

Eclipse Fest is a celebration of community and music, inspired by hope and bold optimism. < Back Eclipse Fest 3 Returns to Lafayette: A May 2026 Gathering at Feed N Seed Nick Cline Jan 16, 2026 Share Eclipse Fest is a celebration of community and music, inspired by hope and bold optimism. Eclipse Fest is heading into its third year, growing each time into a celebration of community and evolution. It began with no connections, no experience, and no clear plan—just a passion to give the underdog a chance back in 2024 . That spirit has always driven the festival, serving as a platform for talent that might otherwise go unnoticed and offering the scene fresh sounds it deserves. What started as a small dream has now drawn participation from across Louisiana and interest from bands nationwide. The line-up for Eclipse Fest 3 In 2026 , a new vision is shaping Eclipse Fest , with alternative music and its unique aesthetic at the core. This year’s lineup features 14 bands over two days, plus a special guest from New York . Pre-sale tickets are $10 each / $15 at the door / or for a 2-day bundle, it's $25. More info can be found here . Day 1 welcomes back Double Knockout , HolleeStar , and Grey Areas , alongside Playing The Hero , Sick At Heart , Silvercapbaby , and Kismet —covering metal, emo/pop-punk, and indie/alternative for an eclectic day of music. Eclipse Fest Day 1 - May 15, 2026 Day 2 expands the sound, with returning acts Phantum Sun , Jean Claude Seagal , and Goodbye Academy joined by Carnelian , Elle H. , Belle Grove , and New York’s The Amatory Murder —bringing together grunge, alternative, emo, funk, and industrial influences for a dynamic close to the festival. Eclipse Fest Day 2 - May 16, 2026 The festival kicks off May 15th and 16th at Feed N Seed in Lafayette . Stay tuned to Eclipse Fest’s Facebook , follow-up articles, interviews, and band socials for all the details. Follow along as the story unfolds—a celebration of community and music, inspired by hope and bold optimism. For more info visit: https://www.facebook.com/share/17mopWCTRA/ 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

The Harmonic Stew showcase is a vibrant celebration of emerging talent. < Back On the Scene: Harmonic Stew at Chelsea's Live June 6th, 2024 Rian Nickels Aug 8, 2024 Share The Harmonic Stew showcase is a vibrant celebration of emerging talent. I've been wanting to write on The Harmonic Stew Showcase for quite a while, and on June 6th, 2024, I finally had the opportunity to visit Chelsea's Live , a venue in Baton Rouge, Louisiana , to experience the showcase myself. The Harmonic Stew is a local music showcase designed to shine light on up-and-coming talents in and around Baton Rouge. Though I missed the last acts of the night, Soul Jettison and Carter Patrick & The Telegram Salesmen , I got to catch South Louisiana local bands: The Dale Harris Band , Goodbye Academy , and Hey Thanks ! Credit: Rian Nickels The Dale Harris Band To kick off the night was Dale Harris , a singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He sometimes performs as a solo act, sometimes as a duo with his brother Glenn Harris on lead guitar, but tonight, we got to experience the full Dale Harris Band with Dale and Glen alongside Adam on the bass and Mikey on the drums. They took the stage, and Chelsea's Live was filled with jazzy tunes and electric strums of songs like "The River" and " South Bound Train " that gave anyone from Louisiana a sense of home. With Dale's soulful voice and the rest of the band's rhythmic energy, it was easy for the atmosphere to wake up and come to life. This made The Dale Harris Band the perfect warm-up for the other acts in the local showcase. Goodbye Academy Next on the lineup was one of my favorite Louisiana alternative bands, Goodbye Academy . The trio (bassist and vocalist Jake, guitarist and vocalist Kris, and drummer Chase) exudes a well-practiced chemistry that shines through in their performances. They played mellow songs like " Intermission " and " Shaver, What A Last Name " to a smaller and more intimate crowd, but their audience got a little bigger with each song. By the time they got to more riotous and upbeat songs like "Thanks for the Toy" and "Best Ways, Worst Days," day-one fans sang along, and first-time listeners moved their bodies to the drum beat. Chase's endless versatility on the drums, Jake's ability to communicate with the audience, Kris's unique voice, and their entire harmony show that they belong on a big stage with all their works. Goodbye Academy did a spectacular job of drawing in the audience and keeping them interested and engaged with odes to past lovers and verses about growing up. With their deeply nostalgic lyrics and melodic guitar strums, I think Goodbye Academy makes the perfect "blueprint" for what I would call "Southeastern Emo." Hey Thanks! The last band I was able to catch was Hey Thanks! from New Orleans, Louisiana. They are a four-piece band with Travis as the frontman, vocalist, and bassist. Backed by bandmates Trevor on the drums and Micah and Jason on the guitars, this was their first live performance in six months, and their fans were ready for another chance to see them play. The very moment they arrived on the stage, the crowd became fuller and more excited, and it was easy to see that Hey Thanks was locally loved and supported. Their energy immediately got people onto their feet, ready to emerge themselves into the band's pop-punk-pop-synth-alternative type beats. With older songs like " I'm Sure It's on the Way " from their first record, " Start/Living ," and unreleased and untitled tracks, they had a perfect set list that shows you where they were and where they're going. Hey Thanks! brings a lot of musical variety, with bandmates playing multiple instruments, vocal range, and songs covering a spectrum of genre types and emotions. One of the things that stands out to me the most about them is their ability to bring a crowd of people with different music tastes together to enjoy just existing and listening to music. Harmonic Stew at Chelsea's Live was a testament to the vibrant and diverse music we have in Baton Rouge and beyond. From the soulful, jazzy rhythms of The Dale Harris Band to the nostalgic, emo-infused melodies of Goodbye Academy and the high-energy, genre-blending sounds of Hey Thanks!, the night celebrated talent and community. Each band brought their unique flavor to the stage, creating a night of music that felt both intimate and electric. Even though I missed the final acts, the performances I did see were enough to leave a lasting impression, reminding me of the power of live music and its ability to connect us. This showcase helped to show some of the best of what South Louisiana has to offer, making it a night to remember, and I cannot wait to experience more showcases in the future. Credit: Rian Nickels To learn more about the bands: Dale Harris Band: (Facebook) https://www.facebook.com/daleishous (Website) www.daleharrisband.com (Spotify) https://open.spotify.com/artist/6SyHhI6ofWwqIvcZeJ09J0 (Apple Music) https://music.apple.com/us/artist/dale-harris/1570984678 Goodbye Academy: (Facebook) https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092575554398 (Spotify) https://open.spotify.com/artist/7q4JZHQjgEEkZ8q8dAhw2N (Apple Music) https://music.apple.com/us/artist/goodbye-academy/1750154912 Hey Thanks! (Facebook) https://www.facebook.com/heythanksla (Spotify) https://open.spotify.com/artist/6kVxSrnHJh6Lzq0qJuBEwS (Apple Music) https://music.apple.com/us/artist/hey-thanks/1051345321 *All photos courtesy of Rian Nickels 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 Got a show you'd like Rian to cover? Reach out to us at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

The Wrestlers are a three-piece thrash metal powerhouse with nostalgic sounds. < Back Reviews on the Real: The Wrestlers J. Heist Aug 28, 2025 Share The Wrestlers are a three-piece thrash metal powerhouse with nostalgic sounds. Hailing from Oristano, Italy , The Wrestlers are a three-piece thrash metal powerhouse. Combining the nostalgic sounds of classic thrash metal and heavy metal, this band is "A Fuoco" (on fire)!!! With driving bass riffs, intricate guitar work, hardcore metal vocals, and non-stop drumming, they transport you back in time. If you enjoy thrash music, such as Metallica , Testament , and Megadeth , combined with elements of Judas Priest , Iron Maiden , and hardcore punk , I highly recommend giving this record a spin. The Wrestlers' self-titled album gets two thumbs up from me. Credit: The Wrestlers The Wrestlers are Alex Murru (Guitar/Voice), Simone Mura (Bass), and Samuele Oggiano (Drums). Released March 7, 2025 Necrophilic Woman This song is a fantastic way to kick off the album. Fast guitar playing and a catchy vocal melody set the tone where the song travels at breakneck speed, offering a brief moment of peace with a melodic breakdown before overwhelming you with an incredible guitar solo. This track serves as a perfect introduction to what the rest of the album has to offer—great riffs, impressive harmonies, and an overall fantastic composition. Look at the Dark This song takes a more melodic approach throughout. The vocals showcase their range in the chorus, while the rhythm section brings it back down to Earth. This track has everything, from solid songwriting to music that perfectly matches the title. ' Look at the Dark ' is one of my favorites on the album and will definitely have you contemplating the shadows. Rapist Demon This song brings hardcore punk vibes, reminiscent of Propagandhi but with a death metal twist. It has that old-school/new-school sound that will leave you wanting to press play again. It feels like a party anthem, and I can easily see it featured in a film. With its straightforward chord progressions, it epitomizes the concept of "less is more." You won’t know whether to get in the pit, headbang, or sing along. Explosion of Skull This track comes in strong with heavy guitars from the very start, reminding you that The Wrestlers didn’t come to play. The song is confrontational, featuring heavy metal and punk riffs along with a bass breakdown that leads into harmonized guitars and a stellar solo. If you're not in the pit by the end of this song, you might not be listening closely. The Apocalypse of Blood This song is a fast-paced beast that also offers some breathing room. Its breakdowns demonstrate that they came to both melt faces and woo you with metal, only to ramp up the speed again. This song has Slayer vibes, especially with a solo that would make Kerry King proud. ' The Apocalypse of Blood ' perfectly encapsulates what The Wrestlers are all about. After the Apocalypse When a metal song starts with a bass line, you know it’s going to be good. This track is on the slower side compared to the others on the album, showcasing their ability to craft guitar harmonies and groove riffs. It serves as the first song on the B-side of the album and as a great way to kick off that part. ' After the Apocalypse ' is as close to a ballad as metal gets. Le Leggi Dell'Umanità On this song, The Wrestlers utilize their multilingual skills to bring a taste of Italy to the mix serving up a drum intro, multiple time signatures, a bass break, and fast guitars. This track is an excellent representation of several of their writing styles combined into one. If you play this on a road trip, be sure to put it on cruise control. Mr. Beer This song brings back hardcore punk vibes. It differs slightly from the others, but still effectively represents their music. The bass player showcases his melodic talent with another catchy bass intro. This one's a bit of a happier version of their music but retains that metal edge. The Wrestlers indeed demonstrate their diversity with this song. Metal Father ' Metal Father ' introduces more hardcore punk sounds with great, simplistic yet effective guitar progressions and a sing-along-worthy chorus. The interlude strips things down a notch, offering a moment to catch your breath—if you have a lighter, this would be the perfect time to hold it up. It’s another example of the "less is more" approach, complete with superb dynamics. Violent Storms The closing track, ' Violent Storms ,' is an excellent way to end the album. It features classic 80s thrash metal grooves and powerful vocals that light up the speakers. Even the lyrics are perfectly crafted to conclude the album. This song might even be my personal favorite on the record, demonstrating once again that The Wrestlers can do more than play fast. Credit: The Wrestlers Overall, this is a fantastic album from start to finish, with a good flow from song to song. Each track has its own identity and leaves you wanting to hear more. If The Wrestlers aren’t in your playlist, you’re definitely missing out. Spin this album at full volume. The Wrestlers' self-titled album is a must-listen. Peace, love, and music, - J Heist To learn more about The Wrestlers: Facebook: The Wrestlers Facebook Instagram: The Wrestlers Instagram Spotify: The Wrestlers - Album by The Wrestlers | Spotify Apple Music: ‎The Wrestlers - Album by The Wrestlers - Apple Music The Triad Rec: THE TRIAD REC | Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok | Linktree www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Got something for J. Heist to check out? E-mail us at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Movie Recommendations of a Man of Extra-Large Talent < Back Peter Dinklage Keeley Brooks Nov 22, 2022 Share Movie Recommendations of a Man of Extra-Large Talent I’m not ashamed to say that most of my nights and weekends are spent watching movies and streaming series. And sometimes, because I’m a grown up, I play video games. From new titles and old titles to titles I come across by chance and those that come recommended, I love diving in deep to get lost. And what most of society labels as being “lazy” and “unmotivated” is something, for me, that is quite the opposite. In my world, things like this are exciting, enthralling, rewarding, and challenging because I thoroughly enjoy digging into and dissecting the cinematic arts. Why is that lazy or unmotivated? Consider all the aspects that go into one story: theme, characters, setting, plot, metaphors, foreshadowing, twists and turns, cinematography, special effects, costume designs, voice-overs, edits, music, actors, etc. All of these are what ignite my intellect. There’s nothing I love more (other than my lil family o’ dummies) than getting lost in a story and finding meaning in something I’m watching, and I love observing from different points of view: how real does what I’m watching seem? Is it truly believable, and why or why not? Does a story and its parts have what it takes not just to hold my attention but also to be so believable that I have to remind myself it’s just a movie? And, I won’t lie, I’m a bit of a snob in the sense that I do look for things missed in post-production and for continuity between cut frames in the same scene. I also love analyzing the work of art as a whole and discovering its effect on me. That , to me, is exciting, and I’d much rather spend my time doing that and being with my people rather than being out in the madness of the world. By no means am I a recluse; I just am who I am, and I won’t apologize for it. I also can’t hear those who call this content lover as “lazy” and “unmotivated” for engaging in what she loves, and that’s super-good news for those of you out there who are looking for recommendations on what to watch. That’s what I’m here for ... just ask my family and friends. I also enjoy following different actors through their careers. One I have loved and followed since 2005 is Peter Dinklage, whom you might best know as Tyrion Lannister from HBO’s Game of Thrones . He’s just awesome, with eyes full of meaning and emotion that speak to the hearts of viewers everywhere. He’s an intensely humble and marvelous actor to watch, and he brings such a captivating emotional depth and range to every title he’s in and character he plays that you just can’t help but love him, feel what his characters feel, and want to follow his career. I was first introduced to him in 2005 when a friend who shared my affinity for film introduced me to The Station Agent , which is an independent psychological comedy-drama by Tom McCarthy ( The Visitor , Win Win , Spotlight ) starring Dinklage, Bobby Cannavale, Patricia Clarkson, and Michelle Williams. It’s a sweet and quirky but also deeply heartfelt movie about an improbable group of lonely people in a small town who find their paths continuously crossing and are forced to befriend one another. It stars Peter Dinklage, Bobby Cannavale, Patricia Clarkson, and Michelle Williams and follows the life of train aficionado and downcast little person Finbar McBride (Dinklage), whose life takes an unexpected turn when his boss dies and leaves him a railroad depot in small-town New Jersey. Fin moves in to the depot and keeps to himself and his love and respect for trains, until his space is comically invaded by a very talkative and carefree food truck vendor, played by Bobby Cannavale. Then, an unhappy, reclusive artist/wife (Patricia Clarkson) shows up, and the trio’s unlikely interactions deepen as some eccentric conversations, relationships, and outcomes ensue. Dinklage’s performance will melt your heart, and the culmination of this movie will leave you with chills, forcing you to appreciate the good friends you have in your life and let them know you love them. I highly, highly, highly recommend this movie. One of his more recent works I recently saw is a 2018 independent flick called I Think We’re Alone Now , starring Dinklage, Elle Fanning, and Paul Giamatti, and directed by Reed Morano, who has directed and executive produced the pilot and some episodes of The Handmaid’s Tale and the movies Frozen River (2008) and Lemonade (2016). This movie is about two survivors who learn to co-exist and live together after a worldwide pandemic wipes out Earth’s population. Dinklage is on his own and has been for some time, going house to house in his city, clearing them of the dead and burying bodies, as well as “cleaning” houses for items he needs and can use to survive. One day, out of nowhere, a vehicle crashes into a nearby pole and inside he finds a girl (Elle Fanning) inside, bleeding and passed out with a head wound. Thinking he was the only survivor left in the world, he's hesitant of her but ultimately decides to help her and bandages her up. They then very cautiously begin to learn about one another, slowly building trust and a little openness into their individual worlds … right up until Paul Giamatti shows up and brings a twist that really amps things up, and Dinklage finds himself on a quest across the country alone to rescue the very person he helped then shunned after learning of her secret. It’s not your typical post-apocalyptic film but it's a very good flick with some fantastic acting, a great storyline, and some very well-done directing and camera work. I Think We’re Alone Now is a slow-burn of intensity building up to a shocking revelation that’ll leave you thinking about post-apocalyptic depictions, scenarios, and expectations in an entirely new light, while revealing the beauty of trusting, letting go, and opening up your world to other people. I just as highly recommend this movie, too. Dinklage has a slew of good movies, including the Will Ferrell Christmas hit Elf . You can check out his full repertoire on IMDB.com . Enjoy, my fellow movie lovers! 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

What Have I Won harnesses a raw energy that only a punk band can achieve when they are unapologetically themselves. < Back Music Reviews by Nick: What Have I Won by Spiller Nick Cline Jul 28, 2025 Share What Have I Won harnesses a raw energy that only a punk band can achieve when they are unapologetically themselves. Spiller , Massachusetts' very own dad-punk band, is back to energize listeners with their latest release, What Have I Won . This three-song EP features the tracks ‘ What Have I Won ,’ ‘ December ,’ and ‘ Game of Pricks/Hocus Pocus .’ Released July 28, 2025 From start to finish, these songs harness a raw energy that only a punk band can achieve when they are unapologetically themselves. Each track has its own unique identity while still retaining the common sound that makes Spiller distinctly theirs. Punk music thrives on individuality, and Spiller has excelled in this regard. What Have I Won by Spiller This EP carries an intriguing essence that is hard to define yet reminiscent of something familiar. It embodies a uniqueness that is particularly prominent in the New England punk scene. The undeniable passion that runs through this community is palpable in every note across the EP—it's more than just sound. My personal favorite track is ‘ December .’ It's my top pick because it captures the powerful energy that Spiller aims for in their music. The passion is evident right from the first strum. As soon as the song begins, the intensity is felt, laying a strong foundation that carries throughout, and continues on with a captivating hook that keeps you engaged for the entire duration. With its melodies, powerful chords, 4/4 beats, and driving bass, the song draws you in, combining pop sensibilities with punk energy and the strength of early 2000s rock. Video for Game of Pricks / Hocus Pocus by Spiller I believe this EP would be a fantastic addition to anyone’s playlist. If you enjoy bands like Rancid , Dropkick Murphys , 2000s Green Day , and power-pop , then you’re sure to love Spiller . They serve as an electric reminder of how music can evolve while preserving its original power and evocative energy. Spiller captures a sound that is truly unique to them—it’s a personal "lightning in a bottle" moment that adds to their vibrant character. So, do yourself a favor and check out What Have I Won . You won’t regret it! To learn more about Spiller: Spotify: Spiller | Spotify Apple Music: ‎Spiller - Apple Music Bandcamp: spillerdadpunk.bandcamp.com Spiller Dadpunk from Boston. Former members of Gang Green, Underball, Jerry's Kids, Northern Skulls and Green Magnet School. Jack Clark, Greg Fiore, Glen Stilphen and Chris Pearson www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Nick Cline is the powerhouse behind the Louisiana-based band, Phantum Sun , and loves checking out new music. Got something you think he'd like? Email us at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Biff Swenson is helping to foster a community of independent creatives. < Back Biff Swenson: An Architect of Asbury Park’s Indie Scene Nicole Brice Jun 2, 2025 Share Biff Swenson is helping to foster a community of independent creatives. When I first discovered the Asbury Park music scene, I found it to be a vibrant mix of sounds and genres, offering something for everyone, and I wanted to learn more. However, I didn’t know much about the locals who make things happen. Enter Biff Swenson. Biff is a key player in this community of creatives, as he plays in eight different bands and organizes the Happy Mondays series at The Wonder Bar , a role he has maintained since a couple of years after the COVID-19 pandemic along with his fellow musician and co-conspirator Brian Erickson. Credit: Jeff Crespi The Happy Mondays series is a showcase that offers a platform for local musicians, particularly at a time when many venues tend to focus primarily on cover bands and established artists. No particular format or genre rules are in place, as Biff is a multi-talented instrumentalist and vocalist himself, who fills various roles across his own projects, contributing whatever is needed. After a decade of being in existence, the Happy Mondays series has proven to be an excellent community outreach staple for the original music community of Asbury Park, New Jersey , and Biff is one of the guys that makes it happen. Credit: Jeff Crespi Our favorite New Jersey photographer, Jeff Crespi , has echoed these sentiments about the Happy Mondays series and its impact on the scene: “With all the smaller venues closing up, having Happy Mondays at a professional, well-known venue is incredibly essential. Professional audio and visual components on top of getting paid, and a stacked green room with snacks and drinks provided.” When I first heard about Biff , I was intrigued to explore his music, but I was left wondering: which band should I check out to get me started? With so many options to choose from, it was overwhelming, but I managed to dive into at least three, and after completing this interview, I had many more to check out. Credit: Jeff Crespi Biff Swenson is a genuine Renaissance man , dedicating his time to a diverse range of projects that span nearly every genre. His infectious enthusiasm makes him an invaluable asset to the Asbury Park music scene. Through an introduction from one of my favorite people, Jeff Crespi , I had the opportunity to learn more about Biff and his various endeavors. Although he initially presents as a typical alternative music enthusiast when you first meet him, our conversations revealed a much deeper and more complex personality. One full of laughter and wisdom. His creative passion is a driving force behind the Happy Mondays series, which he aims to keep inclusive and open to all styles and genres. If you ask him to book you, he will, regardless of whether he likes your music, as Happy Mondays is dedicated to fostering a community of independent creatives. Biff is THE man with many plans, and they usually involve more people. Read on to learn more. MaM : So, let’s dive in – I’ve heard you play in six bands. Tell me a little more about that. Biff : It’s actually eight. (laughter) MaM : Wow … eight bands … tell me what the genres are and the differences between them all? Biff : We have a very incestual crew. (laughter) There are four core guys, and between them, there are probably 15 or 16 bands total. We mostly just all play for each other. With Grasser , I write all the lyrics, but I’m not necessarily the lead singer. Dana Why is the singer of Grasser’s solo project, but we all play as his backing band. Bristler is Rudy’s band that he fronts, but then Dana and I are his rhythm section, so it’s like we’re aging. (laughter) We found the people who are willing to work hard and are not thrown off by the manner in which we carry ourselves. We jokingly say, at this point, it’s just mental illness. (laughter) Everytime we add a new band, we’re just unwell. (laughter) We found a really cool group of people, and this is our “golf”. What else are we gonna do? Sit around and watch TV? We spend most nights in our rehearsal space and studio. Some nights, we’re recording from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. for Bristler , and then from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., we have Grasser practice. After that, we’ll do a shoot for a Yawn Mower music video . So, it’s usually seven days a week, and we miss most holidays. (laughter) Credit: Jeff Crespi MaM : Sounds about right. So, what bands are we missing? You mentioned Grasser, Dana Why, Bristler, Yawn Mower, and what else? Biff : Grasser is like a genre-less pop R&B hip-hop infused, but very punk rock ethos of DIY. We handle everything from engineering and mixing to mastering, artwork, photography, music videos, and more. The hardest thing to pull off with that band is live shows because it’s an eight-piece band. It began as a mostly recording project, which we eventually turned into a live band. It’s the most fun to do, but the most difficult to wrangle in and make happen. Yawn Mower is our most active band, and the one that I’ve been doing the longest. We hit ten years in August. That band started as a fuzzy rock two-piece, but at this point, members of all the other bands have joined, and it’s become a full band. We tour the most and even played at the Sea.Hear.Now.Festival a couple of years ago. It was the biggest thing we’ve ever done. Yawn Mower gets the most opportunities just based on how long we’ve been doing it. Bristler is a subdued indie rock band , reminiscent of Minus the Bear , Death Cab for Cutie , and Modest Mouse . MaM : Hell yeah Biff : Dana produces and sings for Grasser so that you would expect a lot of overlapping. He’s very introverted and maximalist, so most of his songs are pretty long, and they feel more cinematic than they do rock. It’s very ethereal, and you cannot passively listen to Dana’s music. If you’re not looking to hear an album, then it’s not for you. MaM : Right? Biff : So, some people find that one to be the most difficult to dive into, but it’s rewarding. He spends the most time on the most minute details that only a music fan is going to acknowledge or appreciate. Prop House is my newest band. I play bass in that band, whereas in my other bands, I typically play drums. It’s got like a 2000s emo revival sound, kind of like Thursday or Title Fight . Credit: Jeff Crespi MaM : That’s awesome. I don’t know how you do it all. So, I have been told you are THE person to speak to about booking a show for Happy Mondays at the Wonder Bar in Asbury Park. Tell me a little more about how you got involved with that? Biff : The series started in town over a decade ago, and it’s switched hands many times. I believe I may be the sixth person to take over this role. I do all this with Brian Erickson ; he’s in a few bands around town. It was a staple here. We used to have a lot of smaller venues – 150-capacity rooms. There was a place called The Saint , and if you started a band, your first show was always at The Saint. It was never a “no”. Always allowed. We lost it after COVID, and so there are no real small rooms anymore, and the ones that are still out there don’t have sound, lights, or a stage. They’re all DIY. Post-COVID, Happy Mondays still hadn’t come back, and I reached out to see what I could do since we are an original music town. Ended up finding out that Brian had reached out before me, so they had the idea of us just doing it together. We took it back over, and this is our third year doing it. It’s community outreach. It does not make money, but it’s where new bands started. That’s what it always was. Have you heard of the band Separatr ? MaM : Yes! Love them! I actually got to interview them twice. They have had quite a journey. Biff : The first week they were in town, they approached me about booking a show, and it was a no-brainer after they told me their story. I was like, done. You guys can play. Anyone who has committed their lives to music to move across the country, like them, deserves to play. Booking Happy Mondays for me is about building connections and networking. It’s not that I enjoy booking shows I’m not playing, but every week when I’m feeling down and out or burnt out, there’s always one person who comes up to me at a Happy Mondays show and says the right thing at the right time, and then it all makes sense. This is very affirming. This is why it exists. Since I’m a drummer and I live in town, I always seem to have a spare drum kit in my car. (laugher) Biff : So many weeks, though, someone will show up and not have a drum set, so I’m like, ‘You can use mine.’ Then they’ll ask me, ‘Are you playing tonight?’, and I’m like ‘no.’ (laughter) Credit: Jeff Crespi MaM : Just gotta have that extra drum kit no matter what. Biff : Sometimes, they’ll go, ‘I don’t have a bass amp.’ I’ll be like, ‘No problem. My rehearsal space is just down the street. I’ll be right back.’ It’s about community. MaM : I’ve got a curveball for you, so we have a huge cover band scene down here. Sometimes, it can be overwhelming because a good majority of the venues will only book you if you play covers. What’s the cover band scene like up there in Jersey? Tell us a little more about the scene up there in general. Biff : Well, New Jersey , in general, is like cover band central. Asbury is an original music city, but ya know. Well, once COVID was over, I actually was in a cover band for a couple of years, and did it for money, but left because it wasn’t what I wanted to play, and it wasn’t fulfilling. Playing ‘ Flagpole Sitta ’ every night just wasn’t doing it for me. MaM : Throw a little Harvey Danger in there, why not … (laughter) Biff : The people I was in that cover band with were all guys from original bands, and after two years of not a single free weekend, we decided it was dumb. I think Asbury is Bruce country, and so there are a ton of classic Bruce-esque cover bands. People do respect you more for doing original music here, but nobody is shitting on cover bands. We have New Brunswick , which is about an hour away from here, and it is punk. 110% DIY punk. It’s where all the house shows are. If a band isn’t from Asbury , they are from New Brunswick. That would be the alternative. Then there is Jersey City, which is pretty much New York. It’s right at the top of the state, and you can see New York from there. They have a really cool music scene, but it’s really lo-fi. It’s punk in ethos, but dogshit in quality. People don’t mind out of tune guitars and piss drunk singers. Always a packed house. Jersey City has a place called Pet Shop , and it’s just a bar. No stage. No PA. No lights. But 100-150 people are going to be there every night. It’s one of the only hubs to see that type of stuff. Outside of those three scenes, though, it’s just cover bands. Credit: Jeff Crespi MaM : When did you first discover your love for music, and what band made you want to play music? Biff : There’s a couple of pillar points with this. Even today, I love hip-hop . I listen to more hip-hop than I do new bands because bands are getting worse. (laughter) Biff : At a young age, I got into rap, and then my sister, who is seven years older than me, brought home Green Day’s Dookie on cassette, knowing I was into hip-hop . She was like, ‘Yo, these guys curse a lot.’ I was like, ‘That’s pretty cool,’ so I listened to it, and that was the first time rock music seemed cool to me. It wasn’t all 80s hair metal. After a few more years, around sixth grade, I discovered Blink-182 , and they are 100% the reason I started playing music. As a drummer, even today, my friends often tease me because I tend to overplay the drums. I’m always in the pocket. I’m always like, ‘We could put a ton of shit there! This song could use a little more. Travis Barker would put a fill right there.’ (laughter) Credit: Jeff Crespi MaM : So, you become like Animal from Muppet Babies ? (laughter) Biff : Exactly. I’ve been told that I look like Animal when I’m playing, but I don’t care about what I look like when I play. I only care about how it sounds. My first real concert was actually Green Day and Blink-182 together. MaM : Wow, I think I remember that – what year was that? Biff : 1999? Maybe? Around then. MaM : I’ve never seen Blink live, but I saw Green Day in like 2003? Maybe? Biff : It was The Pop Disaster Tour , if I remember, and Saves the Day opened. MaM : I used to love Saves the Day. They just dropped off the face of the earth. Biff : That day, though, I was watching Green Day pull kids on stage on the biggest stage in Jersey , in my eyes, and I was thinking about how I could do that and achieve that. Another thing, too, I was a church kid. Grew up around the church and even played in the church band. That’s how a lot of musicians cut their teeth playing music, though, because the church can’t exactly tell you no. After all, you’re doing it for the Lord. Oddly enough, the church influenced my music playing as much as Blink-182’s dick and fart jokes did. (laughter) Credit: Jeff Crespi MaM : So, do you only play bass and drums, or can you play guitar, too? What’s your favorite instrument to play? Biff : I can play guitar, too, but I’m so bad in comparison to all of my friends. Drums are the one I am most comfortable on, and you can see the most of my personality in them. I’ve put in over 10,000 hours on the drums. (laughter) That’s the one where I’m reliable. I sing in Grasser , and that’s the most fun. I’ve been sitting down at my instrument for over 20 years, so any opportunity to stand at the front of the stage, and I’m like, ‘It’s really cool up here. You guys must have a lot of fun up here.’ I’m most able to serve a song on drums. When I play bass, it’s just like … tell me what to play. It’s so rare that I’m like, ‘What about this?’ (laughter) Bass is just the rhythm section. I like to play the bass for the drummer, but I’m never playing to make people be like, ‘Yo, the bassist is really good!’ (laughter) No, it’s like, the bassist made the drummer look really good. (laughter) Credit: Jeff Crespi MaM : When it comes to writing new music for one of your gazillion bands, how do you approach that? Biff : It used to be compartmentalized, but in the last few years, it’s been more of an amalgamation of all of it. For Grasser , I'll demo the whole song, from soup to nuts, including bass, drums, vocals, and then I’ll send it to the group. Anything is up for change, so if the guitar part sucks, just delete it. Bristler is all Rudy . Dana Why is all him. Yawn Mower , the singer, Mike would write everything, and I’m just drumming on it. Since we became a full band, we have become a collective . Since the collective has been active as a group, it has been a collaborative writing process. Credit: Jeff Crespi Our new album is coming out soon. On that, I started three of the songs on guitar, Dana began two, and Mike brought full fleshed out ideas, but was open to all of us. As a singer, that’s fun. Now, I can write a whole melody and a batch of lyrics I would not have come up with on my own. It started with Grasser . I love to free associate. I love to riff. Eventually, it becomes this Frankenstein sentence that means nothing to nobody, but that’s when I think it’s a great idea to use it. We spend so much time together that we have our own language. We’re slowly not using regular words anymore. (laughter) By November, the four of us will have put out twenty albums in two years. Yes, you read that last line correctly. Biff Swenson is undoubtedly a seasoned artist and musician who will continue making music as long as he can. His dedication is truly inspiring, and I'm excited to see what he does next. I highly recommend that you create a list of the bands he has mentioned, look them up, and give their music a listen, and if you are in the Asbury Park area, stop in at the Wonderbar and discover some new talent. Where to learn more about Biff and his gazillion bands: Instagram: Yawn Mower Instagram: Grasser Instagram: Dana.why Instagram: ProphouseNJ Instagram: Bristler Instagram: Earth Telephone Instagram: Scumming Band Instagram: Quiltary *Photos by the one and only 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 Questions or comments? Reach out to us at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

'The Rain' captures a vibe of understanding, new beginnings, and solace. < Back Nick's Corner: Double Knockout Single Review Nick Cline Apr 21, 2025 Share 'The Rain' captures a vibe of understanding, new beginnings, and solace. Double Knockout? I bet you’re wondering, ‘Who is Double Knockout ?’ Double Knockout is a powerhouse alternative , hard rock , and indie band out of Lafayette, Louisiana . Consisting of members Micah, Sean, and Britney , they are creating a landscape of killer tracks that are sure to awe-inspire. This talented group of musicians was undoubtedly brought together for a reason, and their latest release, ‘ The Rain ’, is a testament to the direction and ideas that make Double Knockout an up-and-coming force in the alternative music scene. Released April 11, 2025 ' The Rain ' starts strong right from the beginning , evoking the essence of classic alternative and hard rock with an anthemic quality . The powerful guitar chords open the song and blend seamlessly with an eclectic mix of rhythms and melodies . The result is a sound that defies categorization. This combination of melodic nostalgia and driving alternative beats showcases the undeniable impact of Double Knockout. The major highlight of this song is the production . The production creates a fine line between artist and sound . The distorted guitars sit great in the mix to the point that they add flavor to the track without taking too much away from the bass and drums. The rhythm section becomes one unique entity throughout the track. The production makes them feel like a wall of foundation layer under the melodies and guitar work . One notable aspect of the production is the mixing of the vocals . This vocal mixing has allowed Micah's voice to shine through, even amidst the chaos. The melodies are easy to recognize without much effort. Credit: Kirstyn Whitaker The mixing qualities of ‘ The Rain ’ make it a great listening experience. The only minor detail I would point out is that I wish the last part of the song had been more explosive. While the bridge was a nice addition, it could have been slightly extended to build into the powerful chorus again. This is more of a personal preference based on the style of the song, but it’s nothing more than a minor critique . 'The Rain' by Double Knockout The song nails everything they were striving for in a style that calls back to some greats ( Hum , Superheaven , My Bloody Valentine , and many others), while keeping the truly unique presence that makes up their band. ‘ The Rain ’ is a worthy addition to anyone's playlist. It captures a vibe of understanding, new beginnings, and solace. Go stream it now! Watch Double Knockout, as they consistently deliver great tracks and live experiences. *Band Photo by Kirstyn Whitaker Kirstyn Whitaker (@kewviews) • Instagram photos and videos To learn more about Double Knockout: Facebook: Facebook Instagram: Double Knockout (@doubleknockoutband) • Instagram photos and videos TikTok: TikTok - Make Your Day Linktree: Double Knockout | Instagram, Facebook, TikTok | 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? Reach out to us at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Trust Them 'Cuz They're Young, Talented, and Handsome < Back SaxKixAve: Much More Better C.G. Smith Jan 18, 2023 Share Trust Them 'Cuz They're Young, Talented, and Handsome Most musicians are lucky to have one successful project. In a world where there are anywhere from 50,000-100,000 songs being released every day, the market is oversaturated and the chances of breaking through this noise are harder than ever. Musicians who actually do break through and have any kind of success with one group is a rarity, let alone those who can take on and do well with multiple musical projects. New Orleans duo SaxKixAve is comprised of award-winning rapper Alfred Banks and Albert Allenback , saxophonist and flutist of the twice Grammy-nominated group Tank and the Bangas . These two artists are plenty busy with their main gigs, but thanks to the suggestion of Tavia Osbey, manager of Alfred and of Tank and the Bangas, that the two work together at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, these artists started a side project that is truly something special. Their first record, “ I Don’t Wear Suits ”, was released in April 2020 and is a celebration of this collaboration, and the duo has been performing those songs in front of live audiences whenever they can find the time to do so. SaxKixAve is currently finishing up their follow-up record, and I was lucky enough to be able to have them both over to chat about that, about how they make this project work with their busy schedule, and about some of the band’s highlights so far. MaM : I’ve heard a couple different versions of what “kix’ed” this all off. How did this insane, wonderful experiment begin? Albert : Well, Tavia—the manager of Tank and the Bangas and the engine, the logistic and business/life-path mind behind it all—hit me up and said [Alfred] was looking for beats. She said, ‘I know you make beats. Let’s get you in the studio together and see what happens.’ Alfred : It was great … I like Alby. He’s good money. We crack wild jokes. He sent me an email of beats, I picked one, I wrote to it, knock this one out. It was right when COVID hit. So yeah, I got in the studio with this dude, [and] we laughed for about three or four hours before we even started really recording. I thought, ‘This is a good guy.’ We recorded ‘Tawny’ and I guess he liked what I did. I loved it, and we just kinda kept goin’, kept goin’, kept goin’. Then it was like, ‘Hey man, you wanna make this a thing?’ Albert : It was like a 'Step Brothers' moment. Alfred : Yeah! He was like, ‘Yeah!’ I was like, ‘Aight.’ [sic] Albert : Are we in a band? Alfred : Are we a band?! Albert : Yeah, I think so! Alfred : (to Albert) Do you remember how we came up with the name? I know we joke about it. Albert : I remember us opening a Word document and trying out different fonts and stuff. I don’t think we tried it phonetically. I don’t think we ever would have tried this dumpster fire of a phonetic pronunciation—have you ever tried to say it fast? Albert then attempts to say the band name SaxKixAve quickly several times in a row. Albert : No, it’s terrible. Why did we do this? Maybe we should shorten it to SKA and say we’re bringing ska back and hire a trombone player. (laughter) Alfred : Definitely. Nah, I think this is one of the best things I think I’ve ever done. I enjoy this so much. In 2018, Banks was named "Best Hip-Hop Artist" at the Best of the Beat, presented by New Orleans' premier music publication, Offbeat Magazine . He followed that up with the 2019 Big Easy Award for Best Rapper, presented by Gambit Weekly . credit: Gary Governale MaM : It’s opened you up. Not just personally but creatively, too. You’re now singing a little bit. Alfred : Definitely. [Singing] was something I always wanted to do, but I didn’t really have the producer to help bring it out in the right way that would make me sound good, because my voice doesn’t have a lot of range. I can hit some notes but not too crazy. So, someone [who] could make something that could make me sound even better than I am … I think Albert does that. Rapping to shit I wouldn’t normally rap over—he’s down to go there with me. He’s down to do some really wild stuff, and I’m down to at least try and see what happens. In 2020, the two performed live as a duo for the first time at an Onbeat Session for Offbeat Magazine filmed at Loyola University. Alfred : That was the very first time we had ever performed together, ever. How nerve-wracking was that?! Albert : It was terrifying. Alfred : I was scared out of my mind. Albert : (to Alfred) Doing this thing with you, having to do it live and perform the songs, I’ve become a much better piano player the past two years, and you don’t put a lot of pressure on me. We don’t put a lot of pressure on each other. Alfred : I don’t know how to read music. I’m not about to insult or critique someone when I don’t even know what you’re doing. Albert : I’m not a rapper—I’ve tried. It’s more difficult than it looks! (from the album “I Don’t Wear Suits”): MaM : So, have Albert’s rapping skills have gotten better? Alfred : I think Albert has more skills than he thinks. Maybe he couldn’t be a ‘rapper’ rapper, but (to Albert) you’re a good writer. You might not have rapper swag per se, but you could rap. Albert : I could deliver it, but it might not be believable when attached to a body—MY body. (laughter) Alfred : (to Albert) You really understand how songs go. He’s a dope-ass writer outside of being a musician. Albert : I just got [sic] to say this: As my rapping skills have improved, so, too, have Alfred’s declined. (laughter) It’s perfectly even, the way things have gone down. It’s more of a parasitic thing. (to Alfred) I think I’m stealing your rap life force. (laughter) MaM : Your songs have a wonderful mix of silly and serious. What’s y’all’s vision for what SaxKixAve is now and what it can be in the future? Albert : I think we want to have this digestible funny thing, because we’re both naturally funny and when we get up on stage, we’re not sure what it is, but something happens between us that generates what people have been calling entertainment. (Alfred breaks out in laughter.) Some sort of passable thing happens. We want it to be funny, but we want the funny to help communicate. Our natural state is tinged with melancholy. Our natural state is more depressive … more low energy. So, if we have this high-impact thing that’s kind of funny, then we can get in things; there's no other way to say this: We laugh so we don’t cry. It’s something that I’ve … learned watching Tank—how do you interface with the audience? You can be doing the best stuff in the world, but if you have any contempt or if you’re just holding the spoon of baby food out of reach of a toddler, that’s just rude. You should interface with the crowd so you can get it to them. We want this mix of goofy so we can be ultra-serious, and we want to be ultra serious so the funny stuff is even funnier. Alfred : I disagree with everything he just said. I’m here for the money. (More laughter ensues.) Alfred : We’re both very serious. We’re both really good at what we do—like, obnoxiously good at what we do. In the back of my mind, it’s about making how good we are palatable. Sometimes being really good can push people away like it’s not even relatable. I think the comedy takes the edge off. It’s like, ‘Let’s just vibe and have fun. Some of it is just on the cuff, but we give ourselves that room. In our other situations, there’s a lot of structure. For us, the future, people are going to hear … the music is going to be even much more better [sic] than it is now. More jokes. It’s just going to be unapologetically amazing. Albert : SaxKixAve: much more better [sic]. Alfred : That’s grammatically correct. credit: Gary Governale MaM : Was there a moment when you both knew you had something? Alfred : That [first] recording session. I always tell that story [about the song] ‘Tawny’ when I say [the word] crib. [Albert] was like, ‘Dude, can you yell ‘crib'?’ and I was like ‘What?’ Albert : Like 15 times. Alfred : I had to yell it and I was like, ‘Why am I doing this? This is stupid.’ Then he played it back and I was like, ‘Oh … yeah.’ That was the first time I trusted him. (to Albert) When did you feel like we had something?” Albert : When I knew we had something was when it was backed up by a crowd. I think we were doing Tip’s (Tipitina’s) or something. You said a few things in a row that I didn’t find very funny, but people were losing their minds. They were also losing their minds with the songs, and I was like, ‘What’s happening?’ There are things that only happen once per show [like] Alfred [going] off on this freestyle thing; we usually do this at the show. He’ll just freestyle rap for, like, five minutes. You’ve seen it: People hold up stuff out of their pockets [for him to rap about]. As I see the crowds more and more, I’m just like, ‘Wow, well let’s just be honest and a little unsure of ourselves, because apparently somebody likes that.’ MaM : Your dynamic—when you come together, it’s something you wouldn’t expect, I think, from seeing you both in your respective projects. It just works somehow. Alfred : I think that shit’s amazing, too. That Tav (Manager Tavia) ... maybe she didn’t see SaxKixAve, but she just thought we’d do good together. I don’t see Al all the time. We’re both doing our own thing, but every time I see him it’s like we were just hanging out yesterday. I don’t know if it’s because of our same sense of humor—the way that we’ve come to some recent discoveries about ourselves, but we just gel really well. (to Albert) Outside of the music, I can actually hang with you; that comes through, too. [Another] moment I knew we had something was [during a show] when the mic cord came out, I put [it] back in maybe halfway through the verse, and I finished the song. We had another song after that, but I was like, ‘Yo, Al, audible, play a beat.’ I freestyled about me f**kin’ up, and the crowd lost their minds. I was like, ‘Yeah, we got somethin’ here. I don’t think we can lose. This is incredible.’ That shit was dope. (to Albert) What was the first big show we did? I think when we did Performance Inception ... when you opened for yourself? Albert : Yeah! When SaxKixAve opened for Tank and the Bangas at one of The Broadside shows [last year]. Alfred : That was the first time I think Tank and the Bangas had [sic] saw us. When they came back and said, ‘You guys are amazing,’ I was like, ‘Yeah, we’re lit. We are LIT.’ credit: Gary Governale Albert is known for wearing short shorts all the time. MaM : Albert, is it hard for you to be behind the keys when people can’t see the full leg action? Albert : We’ve been workshopping methods to get around that, talking about maybe having a video feed that’s right under the piano, directly pointed at the legs and maybe running some sort of monitor behind Alfred so it’s just my knees constantly while he raps. Alfred : (to Albert) I know you’re joking, dude, but I’ll tell you this: You know what everybody says? They don’t even talk about your bun first; they talk about your legs. I’m not even joking. Everybody [sic] like, ‘Dude, the guy with the legs.’ MaM : I hear you’re working on your next record. Is there a title for it? What can we expect? Will it be similar to the first one? Alfred : There IS a title . (to Albert) Are you cool with that? Albert : Let’s do it! Alfred : (begins to count down) One, two, three … Albert : Wait, on three or right after three? Alfred : Like, ON three. One, two, three: Albert’s legs. (laughter) Albert : Ahhh! Sorry, ok, ok … Go!” Both together : One, two, three … ‘Nectarine Peels.’ Albert : Yes, we know you don’t peel nectarines, [and] we address [that]. MaM : It makes people think, and that’s the point. Alfred : (laughing) It’s provocative, man. Albert : It actually came from a text message. (to Alfred) Didn’t you just send the words nectarine peels or something? I was like, ‘Nectarine Peels?’ Alfred : Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah! Albert : So, I said it has a kind of a ring to it. It seems to mean something, and then immediately I went and wrote this little melody and song at the piano when I got that text. I sent it to Alfred the next day. We’ve taken it to mean a whole lot of things thematically. A big part of it is ambition and its corrosive effects on how we think people see us, how we see ourselves, how we want people to see us, and how we want to see ourselves. That’s one of the main themes of it. I think we’ve made some of our best songs ever. It’s about the same runtime [as ‘I Don’t Wear Suits’], but there’s six real songs. Alfred : I feel like the first project, as great as it is, it was us figuring it out. I think for this one, it’s like, ‘Okay, this is dope, but how do we refine it?’ Keep it us, keep it funny, keep it light or, in some instances, not even as light. We have a song where we switch the topic seven times within the song … switch the energy. We kind of have an idea of what we are now. credit: Gary Governale MaM : So, no sophomore slump, then? Albert : I think this [album] is way better. We’ll see if people like it, but we have this thing: We love dance music, and we love old school hip-hop. So, we kind of find this thing—we have this sliding scale between boom bap and dance sometimes, and it’s really cool. You see little seeds of that on ‘I Don’t Wear Suits.’ We’re putting the very final touches on it. We’re almost completely finished. We’ve got great features: Mega Ran is on this, Pell is on this, LeTrainiump is on this, HaSizzle’s on this … Alfred : Who else is on there? Albert : Is that it, or is there one more? Alfred : I think Albert Allenback is on it. (laughter) Albert : There’s a fledgling rapper named Lyriqs da Lyraciss from New Orleans, and he’s on this record. Alfred's original rap name was Lyriqs da Lyraciss. Alfred : Bless his little heart. That guy, that guy left us around 2015. Bless his little heart. Albert : That was the first rapper I ever sent beats to. He left me unread. credit: Gary Governale Albert explains how he first tried to work with Alfred back in January of 2014. Albert : I’d been making beats for, like, two months but you couldn’t tell me they weren’t the greatest thing in the world. So, I sent him this impassioned paragraph about how I’m studying music at UNO (University of New Orleans): ‘Here, I made these beats, they’re real songs, and they’re great. Here’s nine of them. Check these out. I don’t use any samples.’ I wrote this to a prospective business partner [and] said, ‘I don’t use any samples. I make THESE biscuits from scratch.’ Alfred replied, ‘Word.’ Alfred : Yeah, I’m bad with that. So, here’s a little secret about me: I get overwhelmed really fast. I get about 20 to 30 DMs a day, and I can’t let one go unanswered. (to Albert) I’m just very bad with that, right? I’m the worst with that. Albert : But you’ve gotten better. You set much better boundaries now, and I’m proud of you. Alfred : I’m trying. Let me ask you a question, Albert: How did you hear me? Albert : I think it was this list in Gambit [Weekly]: the five worst rappers you need to avoid. Alfred : I was number three. Albert : You were all five! (Laughter ensues.) Alfred : I’ve just always wanted to know how you found me. Albert : Must have been someone from UNO shared a video or something. I honestly do not remember how I became your friend or followed you. You were constantly updating your status. MaM : His social game is on point. credit: Gary Governale Albert : It still is to this day! Alfred is just a fountain that you just put digital cups in front of and he says, ‘Here, take more, my child.’ I don’t have that. My fountain is not on. Alfred : It’s out of necessity. It won’t get done otherwise. I want to be successful. I don’t have money, so I don’t have a person promoting me all the time. So, I literally have to promote myself all the time. So, I just have to respond to that message. It can’t go unread. Albert : (to Alfred) I learn a lot from you, self-promotion-wise. I feel embarrassed and goofy just to be here sometimes. Just to be on planet Earth. I think there’s a lot of people like me. You’re going to post the thing you love to do and for some reason, you feel like it doesn’t matter. It can be some huge stuff and for some reason, we get in our heads and self-consciously you feel like it doesn’t matter, no one cares, but that’s not true. Alfred : (to Albert) I admire you about how much you detach yourself from it. I think that’s the illest shit ever, because I could never be that way and I admire someone that can. Albert : You inspire me. Like, when we make a video or a skit or something, or make an announcement, the only reason it gets done or posted with any kind of schedule or intensity or intention or commitment is because I feel obligated to live up to what you got [sic] goin’ on. So, I really appreciate your help in sharing more and feeling less embarrassed about self-promoting. I come from that tradition of people of ‘don’t talk about yourself too much.’ Alfred : One of the main things of this group, I really want people to know Albert Allenback as a solo act. I want people to know him because he’s really good. I just want people to know this motherfu**er is amazing. Drop your nuts, Cuz! Albert : Well, thank you. I will take that into consideration when it comes time to lower my testicles. credit: Gary Governale MaM : You both have your successful projects. How do you find time to do SaxKixAve? Is it just those slivers of free time? Albert : Yep, when we can; that’s the only way. We have conversations. We’re like, ‘Hey, you know what? I still really like you, still like doing this, but I’m busy right now.’ We’re really good at being able to keep a good, professional relationship. We’re close, but I think maybe there’s a part of us—some internal kill switch—that doesn’t let us get too close or something? It works really well. Alfred : (to Albert) I respect you and your time. I think one of the things you did early on was lay the boundaries of your time. I think I did that very early, too. I respect that. I know that when you’re running with Tank and the Bangas, you’re busy as shit. When I’m dolo, I’m busy as shit. We both respect each other’s time. So, when we HAVE time, I try to be as malleable as possible, given his schedule. I do a lot of shit, but I do have a little bit more free time than he has. So, I’m like, ‘Yo, when you free?’ ‘I’m free here.’ Done. Albert : That is how it goes. That is true, and you text back FAST. Alfred : That bitch always [sic] in my hand! credit: Gary Governale credit: Gary Governale MaM : There’s a lot of artistic freedom in SaxKixAve. How do you keep from floating away into the creative stratosphere with this, because it seems like opportunities are limitless. What keeps you both grounded and productive? Alfred : We do have some form of an outline of what we expect from each other. We go into the studio with this blank canvas. It’s not huge though. It’s a nice-sized canvas that we can throw a bunch of shit at and scrape off the paint that doesn’t work. We aren’t just throwing darts at the wall and seeing what sticks.” Albert : Fortunately, we know that we can do a lot of things, but I think we’ve also seen enough people try to do too many things. We have made a concerted effort to at least make an attempt to identify what we do the best That keeps us in the same bowling lane. Alfred : Definitely. Otherwise, you start making all kinds of weird shit. Not the good weird but that bad weird. That Chris Cornell and Timbaland-weird stuff. MaM : Things that just shouldn’t exist. What have been some highlights on stage so far? Alfred : So, a guy at Tipitina’s was saying my job (freestyling to things people hold up) was easy because people bring out the same things, and I was like, ‘Dude, I can literally freestyle about anything.’ Albert : (to Alfred) He was giving you shit because, ‘You can prepare for a phone and a lighter, and a comb, and keys.’ Alfred : So, I was like, ‘Go ahead, do whatever.’ I didn’t know that they had got [sic] together because Albert, him, and one other person were just pulling shit onstage, and I just knocked it out every single time they brought something out. That was one of the bigger eruptions we’d had. Albert : We had a Shop Vac, and a dolly, a partition, and a barricade … Alfred : … an ice chest, an orange cone. I just freestyled. The reaction of the crowd … felt good. French Quarter Fest was, by far, top five of my favorite shows I’ve done with you. Albert : Yeah. We had a drummer; it was great. Alfred : The story behind the set is so crazy. Albert : Oh yeah. It was horrible rain, and we weren’t gonna’ get to do the set. Pell stayed, but HaSizzle and LeTrainiump were gonna sit in with us and the rain messed everything up. Everyone else had other stuff to do, but then they let us do like 35 or 40 minutes and that was amazing. One of my favorites was from that Tip’s show as well. It was either a girls’ weekend or a bachelorette party—I couldn’t read the t-shirts—but they did NOT like us. First of all, we came out to this song of Alfred’s called ‘Too Much,’ which is a beat I made, and it is entirely his fault for picking it. (Albert laughs) It’s a wild, ecstatic, frenzied beat—wild music—and we came out to that hard. We came out swinging; we were spinning around and jumping. There were eight to 10 older women in matching sequence and t-shirts, who just wanted to celebrate Karen or whatever. They were not having it with us. I pointed them out and said, ‘Hey, I know we came out swinging, but we’ll get you back.’ By Alfred’s freestyle, they were into it and having a great time. My other favorite: We played a show [at a gallery] and there was a drum set up on stage. Alfred was doing his freestyle, so I grabbed a cymbal and walked it into the crowd, held it up, and Alfred rapped about it. I didn’t put it back, which is what got me in trouble. This drum set belonged to a kid at NOCCA (New Orleans Center for Creative Arts), and this 14-year-old kid came up to me after the set and he was pretty pissed. He wanted to fight me. I felt more like I related to him than anything because when I was 14, if you had touched my saxophone, I’d be like, ‘What the f**k is wrong with you? Where do you get off touching my shit?’ So, I understand, but it was funny because this fourteen-year-old kid really wanted to fight me because I moved his cymbal. Something clicked where I knew I was now an adult, because I didn’t feel like I was another fourteen-year-old being dressed down; I felt like I was able to take my lick. ‘Hey, you know what? I’m actually sorry and I understand why you feel that way, and I shouldn’t have touched your shit without asking.’ credit: Gary Governale MaM : I know y’all have jokes. What’s your favorite joke right now? Albert : What’s the difference between a chickpea and a garbanzo bean? (Silence for a few moments as the joke goes over my head.) I’ve never had a garbanzo bean on my face. (Much laughter ensues.) Alfred : There’s no way I could ever top that. MaM : Your social media videos are pretty funny. Do you guys sketch them out before you do them, or do you just hit record and go? Alfred : Definitely sketch them out. Albert : We fancy ourselves, against our better judgement, as some sort of amateur sketch comedy team. We are NOT. That’s why we make music. Listen, we’re musicians first; we’re not Saturday Night Live writers, okay? This is a means to an end. Don’t hold us accountable for this. A lot of our videos are Alfred doing funnier shit in the moment than either of us could’ve come up with just writing it out. Alfred : Yeah, those videos are great. I think we’ve had two go viral. You know its popular when you get those assholes that are like, ‘This shit isn’t even really that funny.’ Those trolls. It’s like, ‘Yes! We did it, baby!’ (laughs) Albert : At least they feel something. We spend much more time than we’d care to admit coming up with these. Alfred : I really enjoy doing it. I don’t enjoy it as much as the music, but I do enjoy creating because we both have funny shit in our head, and we live in a time we can legit act it out. Albert : And it feels like a break from the music. It feels like going into woodworking or something. There’s no pressure on this. I’m just building a cabinet; I’m not making my life’s work, which is what the music can feel like sometimes. You have to step back and be like, ‘Hey, chill out, because this is putting pressure on you.’ Spoiler alert: You don’t make great things when you feel a lot of pressure. Maybe some people feel like the pressure gets it going for [them] but for me, I have to be in a relaxed state and let good things happen; otherwise, I’ll shape myself into all kinds of molds that aren’t me. Alfred : I ain’t [sic] gonna lie, I enjoy pressure. I think back to, like, 2010 when I was freestyle battling guys and that feeling of being scared shitless out of my mind, jumping on stage in front of these people, not knowing what I’m about to say and just reveling in it. Being like, ‘Oh, I just can’t wait … but what if I f**k up? This is great; I love it.’ Albert : (to Alfred) Props to you. That’s amazing. That’s like being a stand-up comedian. I could never imagine. Alfred : I may sound cocky, but I’m very much an amazing rapper and I am looking for a moment to stumble. I want to f**k up because I want to learn where I f**ked up at. I want to perfect that and do it again and be much better at it. Albert : Sometimes you just want to feel human. (laughter) Alfred : Seriously, though; I really do enjoy the pressure. Pressure makes diamonds. credit: Gary Governale MaM : So, Albert, you’ve been making beats for a long time. You have a decent back catalog of tracks to pull from. This new album, is it pulling from that or are you coming up with new stuff on the spot? Albert : Some of it is brand new, some of it is ideas that I’ve been working on for years. You make these things and see what comes out. It’s new to everyone else, but it’s something you may have been working on for so long. I got some advice really early on. I forgot this fella’s name, but it was the first time Tank and the Bangas were playing a super lounge at Essence Festival. We were getting to hang out at Essence, and it was awesome. Kelly Price’s music director was there. He said he had started making beats late in life. He said, ‘Just make it and hold on to it because you might like it, but you never know who will.’ I’ve really taken that into account. I have probably over 1,000 songs or song ideas. At this point, I’ve been making beats and writing songs and doing full productions for almost 10 years now. I have a lot built up; it’s just a matter of, ‘Man, you remember that one I made a long time ago? Let’s see if that works.’ That’s how I get to a lot of good stuff, and then seeing what Alfred does. It’s like two comets hitting. Now I’m more likely to try a few more things and be like, ‘You know what? This is working. We’re going to go with what works, what’s good, how he said that this time, and how he was feeling this time, and how I was feeling right here.’ Just going more with using the stuff as it happens, instead of, and this is a nice tie-in—this is what ‘Nectarine Peels’ is about—instead of making yourself a delicious, fragrant, niche, sub-variant of a peach called a nectarine that some people are going to love and that some people aren’t even going to know about or care about … trying to force yourself into being an apple or an orange or any of the other Renaldo and LeBron-level fruits. You can do that, or [you can] stay being your nectarine delicious self and probably make yourself and a lot more people a lot happier than if you’d tried to be a banana. Alfred : I disagree with everything he just said. (laughter) Albert : SaxKixAve: much more better. credit: Gary Governale MaM : Is there anything else you’d like to say about the new record? Alfred : This new album slaps. Albert : It’s good! Alfred : ‘ Nectarine Peels’ ... I'm very proud of it. I like it. MaM : How many tracks are going to be on it? Alfred : About nine in total. Three skits. Albert : It’s like a 23-minute runtime, but it’s, like, nine tracks. We don’t want anybody to have to skip a song because they want to skip one of our stupid skits. I want to give people total control. Honestly, just take the skit off the album if you want, that’s fine, but we want to give people the option. Alfred : This album is amazing. Albert’s production on it is nuts. The songs came out so good. Lyrically, I feel like I’m doing some really cool things on here, jumping out of the box on stuff. We’re just having fun, and I really think people are going to like it. Currently, there is no release date for SaxKixAve’s second album, Nectarine Peels , but you can check out their website for any updates and be sure to follow them on social media. YouTube: @saxkixave1922 Instagram: @saxkixave Facebook: facebook.com/Saxkixave Soundcloud: soundcloud.com/saxkixave *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 90's flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Email us at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Chris Bond < Back Color, Form, and Texture with a Modern Twist Nicole Brice Nov 28, 2022 Share Chris Bond Color, form, and texture are the words that come to mind when I think of this artist, I am about to introduce you to. Color truly is everything. It doesn’t matter which medium is used because if something has a pop of color and catches my eye, I am hooked, and the stunning use of color and imagery used in these pieces is no exception. Let me introduce you to work of Chris Bond . Art by Chris Bond Chris is a Baton Rouge -based artist using texture and form to create colorful visual masterpieces reminiscent of a style made famous by Vincent Van Gogh . Each piece is unique and different and makes you stop to think and admire all the beauty in the world that serves as inspiration for those who create. Art by Chris Bond He likes to manipulate acrylics to make them look like oils. In fact, had he not told me that he prefers acrylics, I would have thought he was using oil paint all along. Chris credits William Whistler as an inspiration because “he was the father of modern art, right?”, says Bond . Although he prefers working with acrylics, he will utilize any medium to achieve the results he is looking for, because to him, the surface one uses to create is just as important as the materials. No truer words have been spoken. Art by Chris Bond Crediting his grandmother, Claudia , as his true inspiration, he has been creating ever since he could walk and pick up a crayon to color, and at 55 years old, this artist’s work is something to take note of and be inspired by. Art by Chris Bond For more information about this stunning artist’s pieces and to see his work, you can visit him on social media at: Chris Bond | Facebook If you are interested in purchasing pieces from him, he can be reached at: 430davidbond@gmail.com 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

Tunes to expand your sonic palette. < Back Nick’s Corner: Playlist Picks for November 2024 Nick Cline Nov 22, 2024 Share Tunes to expand your sonic palette. It’s that time again! It’s time for another entry on Nick's Corner. This time around I’ll be supplying you with some new recommendations that will expand your sonic palette just in time for the Thanksgiving season. We’ll be digging into the standard routine of local picks that deserve way more attention, and some legacy/national picks that deserve way more attention as well. 1 Amigo by The Glorious Sons Click to listen Deets about the track : First up on the chopping block is ' Amigo ' by The Glorious Sons . This track, with its almost seven-minute length, is a masterpiece of harmonies and storytelling. It's a tale of finding yourself, loneliness, death, and accepting that sometimes the world in front of us is not for us. The song opens with a beautiful piano melody, leading into the reminiscent lyrics of friendship/younger years. The story carries on into the territory of remembering someone that was not made for the time they were forced into, but in the end, fell victim to the society that gave up on so many before him. The mixing of this song is something to adore alone, but the lyrical prowess packaged with the beautiful harmonies is what truly makes it a masterpiece. This is a great introduction to the beautiful harmonies and storytelling of The Glorious Sons' music. They have easily become my favorite band from Canada, and this song is the perfect addition to anyone's playlist if they are looking for a powerful ballad that tackles themes of self-realization, isolation, and everything in between. 2 I'll See You All in Hell or New Orleans by Dax Riggs Click to listen Deets about the track : This next one is a little bit of an in-between pick. The reason for this is that Dax Riggs , a local legend and national talent, is an artist who deserves more attention. He's known for his unique blend of blues, rock, and folk, and his solo catalog is a treasure trove of musical gems. One such gem is ' I’ll See You All in Hell or New Orleans '. This track offers a lyrical and musical sensation that is beautiful just as much as it is haunting. The slow blues oriented music offers a sense of solace and familiarity to the music found in the swamps of Louisiana. The “droning” of the lyrics is like a ghost whispering in your ear. The music tackles this theme very well because the mixing of the two has offered a back and forth sort of wailing and theme of abandonment, retribution, and haunting sorrow. This is just one of the many Dax Riggs songs that I feel deserve way more attention. Do yourself a favor and deep dive this local legend because you will not be disappointed. 3 Down to Me by Double Knockout Click to listen Deets about the track : ' Down to Me ' by Double Knockout . This track brings back a tone that's been missing for a while. It has a sense of scope, yet it also offers a nostalgic feel that's reminiscent of the late 2000’s/early 2010’s. The melodies, lyrics, and rhythms are a burst of adrenaline. From the first note, you're ready to get up and dance. This energy is sustained throughout the entire song, a feat that few bands can achieve. At the end of the day, this song leaves me eager for more. It's a must-have for your favorite local band playlists because Double Knockout never disappoints, and trust me, they have more in store that might just surpass this one. I can't wait to hear what they'll bring next. 4 Second Guess by Genuine Mustard Click to listen Deets about the track : The fourth entry for this addition to Nick’s Corner is, ' Second Guess ' by Genuine Mustard . The song is featured on their self-titled EP from 2020. It offers your daily dose of folk rock with the sensibilities of indie rock and pop. It offers a “calm” introduction to Genuine Mustard as the lyrics, melodies, and music give you a rough guess on what can be offered by the band. Check out more of this band both live and in-studio because, trust me, you will not be disappointed. If you are a fan of The Backseat Lovers , Tell Me I’m Pretty era Cage The Elephant , and other indie classics, then you will find a new favorite in Genuine Mustard. Keep a close eye on this band, and hurry yourself to add Second Guess to your daily playlist. 5 Evil Eye by Fu Manchu Click to listen Deets about the track : This final track is for the lovers of fuzzed out high octane rock/grunge. This classic from Fu Manchu is ' Evil Eye .' It's a song that's not just music, but a surge of energy that sounds like a car wreck in your eardrums. From the lyrics to the music, it's a track that's bound to get you up and moving. Personally, this track and this band in general are not just influences, but the very foundation of my writing and style in my own band, Phantum Sun. This is a great addition for anyone looking to wake up with the energy to knock a wall down headfirst. www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90's flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Nick Cline is the powerhouse behind the Louisiana-based band, Phantum Sun , and loves checking out new music. Got something you think he'd like? Email us at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

< Back What the Hell Did I Just Watch: The Suckling Review Ezekiel Kincaid Share Mar 17, 2023 This B-horror movie is so bad, it's B-movie gold There are bad horror movies, and then there are so-bad-they’re-good horror movies. Ah, yes, the never-ending cesspool of B-horror movies. Some of us love them, and some of us hate them. And if you're in the vein of loving them, there are plenty for that. These days, there are so many B-movies out ther, one can get lost in the movie void when trying to figure out which ones are worth watching and which ones are worth skipping. But alas, have no fear, Zeke is here! I’m gonna wade through the B-movie junkyard so you don’t have to. Equipped with my high tolerance for bad acting, stupid plots, and excessive gore, I’m the perfect man for the job. Even my editor says so. This week we are kicking things off with an all-time favorite of mine and my fiancée’s called The Suckling. Directed by Francis Teri ( Flesh Eating Mothers , 1989—another great B-movie), this gem hit the horror scene on September 24th, 1990. The movie stars people you’ve probably never heard of as well: Geral Preger, Marie Michaels, Lisa Petruno, and Janet Sovey … anyone? ANYONE? Yeah, I didn’t think so. One of the things that makes this movie so great is that it absolutely takes itself seriously. In fact, in the opening credits, the director tries to make us think this is based on true events. What are those events and what is the plot of this movie? I’m glad you asked. Brace yourselves. Also known as Sewage Baby , the story follows a young couple in need of an abortion. The girl isn’t so sure about it but the boyfriend? He’s all in. from IMDB stills However, because of the taboo surrounding abortion, they are looking to try and take care of things in a discrete and cheap manner. And man, do they ever … they strike gold! The couple finds a brothel with a lady named Big Mamma, who happens to take care of such kind of needs. And, oh man, let me just tell you that the opening scenes taking place in this brothel are, well, absolutely trashy, completely offensive, and downright hilarious. Big Mamma, from IMDB stills The couple decides to go through with the abortion, and this is where things get loco. The fetus terminated in the operation is the largest, nastiest amalgamation of flesh imaginable. Then, like every good B-movie, toxic waste gets involved (think Toxic Avenger meets aborted baby). The dead fetus gets chunked down the sewer. which happens to be full of some sort of toxic waste. The waste mixes with the fetus, brings it back to life, and transforms it into this mutant-like creature that grows at an exponential rate. The beast is actually pretty cool-looking, despite the low budget. It has these razor-sharp teeth reminiscent of the creatures in Feast , along with flesh-serrating claws, as well as a special skill of attacking and killing people with its umbilical cord. There are also some great, low-budget kills with blood that looks like it was watered down to make it go farther, but it works. The Suckling, from IMDB stills To make things more interesting, the toxic fetus has a weird superpower. It is somehow able to wrap the entire outside of the building with a supermassive placenta. This traps everyone inside the brothel, allowing them to get picked off one by one. And don’t expect to care about any of the characters. They are all stupid, one-sided, and there just to be killed. Yes, this movie is every bit as crazy as it sounds—there’s even a wire hanger scene! Yikes. So, gather your Pro-Life and Pro-Choice friends for a watch party, and let the insanity begin! Zeke gives this one 5 out of 5 toxic fetuses. You can find The Suckling streaming on Tubi and Amazon Prime. Ezekiel Kincaid lives for horror and loves to watch it, write about, and talk about it, whether that be in his own horror novels or in reviews. His experience as a pastor and paranormal investigator brings everything he writes to life. 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

Big in the 90s < Back For a Good Time, Call Keeley Brooks Oct 25, 2022 Share Big in the 90s The 90s are remembered (and missed!) for so many reasons—one of the main ones being that the decade was important in music history. When grunge, hip-hop, alternative rock, and industrial rock emerged, so too did hordes of fans. These genres gave us so much good music that produced a slew of hits still making crowds go wild. One band having fun with that is New Orleans-based ultimate 90s cover band Big in the 90s. With a repertoire of pop music, grunge, R&B, and alternative, their set list includes everything from Britney to Brit-pop (Hello PULP! Anybody? No?), Gin Blossoms to Ginuwine, and everything else in between. Big in the 90s is Jonathan Pretus on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Stephen Turner on lead guitar and backing vocals, Joe Bourgeois on bass and backing vocals, and Kyle Melancon on drums and backing vocals. Occasionally you’ll hear Melancon and Turner on lead vocals as well. Singer Jonathan Pretus and drummer Kyle Melancon both spent time in New Orleans-based bands that actually WERE big in the 90s. Pretus was guitarist for Cowboy Mouth, and Melancon was drummer for Dash Rip Rock and Imagination Movers. Bassist Joe Bourgeois was in MyNameIsJohnMichael, Stephen Turner was guitarist in EPIC, and for years, Turner, Bourgeois, and Pretus were part of the acclaimed rock band The Breton Sound. During that time, the guys kept hearing the same thing from record labels, management, and radio programmers, “You guys are great. You’d have been big in the 90s.” So, after 8 years in The Breton Sound, around 2019, the guys “put the brakes on” the band but didn’t want to stop playing music. Recognizing that all their musical roads intersected somewhere in the 90s, it seemed like a natural progression to start a band playing the eclectic 90s songs they loved and grew up with. “We could just play music for fun and not worry about the business aspects that being in an aspiring band brought,” said Pretus. “The name came about because with The Breton Sound, we were told multiple times by a variety of labels, radio programmers, and industry-type folks that they loved what we were doing but [that we’d have been big in the 90s]. So, [the band name] came from that, and we all agreed it was going to be the name almost as quickly as we agreed to start the band.” The guys also say that each show is like filling a six-disc changer with all your old mix CDs and hitting shuffle. Every song in their set is a classic that’ll provoke you at some point to squeal, “This is my JAM!” to your girlfriends and boyfriends, I guarantee it. Hell, even the band themselves have songs that make them squeal. They aren’t shy about it. Here’s what the guys had to say when asked about favorites of their own: JP : My favorites are usually “Flagpole Sitta” by Harvey Danger or anything by Oasis. KM : My favorite 90s song is probably “You Get What You Give” by New Radicals. It’s just a perfectly crafted song. I hope to put that in our set one day. As far as songs we currently play, my favorite has to be “Semi-Charmed Life” by Third Eye Blind. [It’s definitely] one of the most fun songs to play on drums, ever. ST : My favorites are “Larger Than Life” by Backstreet Boys, “Sweater Song” by Weezer, and “No Scrubs” by TLC. MAM: So, then, I have to know if there are any songs that take it a step further and make everyone lose their shit? JP : Our set’s pretty banger-heavy, [so] there’s a lot of shit-losing throughout the night! “Semi-Charmed Life” by Third Eye Blind always crushes. KM : I never would’ve thought that it would’ve had this kind of staying power when it came out but “My Own Worst Enemy” by Lit sends people into an absolute frenzy. It’s bananas. I don’t quite understand it, but I absolutely love it. ST : For me, “Pony” by Ginuwine. It’s hilarious. Especially when Jonathan uses his prop pony on a stick. MAM: Shut up! Are you serious? You’re right: That is hilarious. Is there a video of this somewhere out there? ST : There absolutely is. Readers, click PLAY below, and enjoy the giggles . Big in the 90s bring these and many other songs to life, faithfully and with the energy of a top-notch live show from seasoned performers who’ve played stages of all sizes, to crowds of all sizes, all over the country. While Big in the 90s is based in New Orleans, they aren’t limited to playing in the city. The guys are branching out beyond the NOLA area and often play in Baton Rouge, but they have spent the past year kind of “cautiously cementing” themselves in their home market. “COVID is so unpredictable, and we never know what’ll happen with cancellation due to it,” said the band. They hope to branch out through the Gulf South region in the New Year. While there are no albums for Big in the 90s, their collective work as The Breton Sound and Kyle’s work with Dash Rip Rock and Imagination Movers are readily available. There are, however, plenty of opportunities to catch them live for the rest of this year. Be sure to check their website frequently for additions and updates, too. Nov. 12 St. Rita Fall Fest, Harahan, LA Nov. 18 English Turn Country Club, New Orleans, LA Nov. 25 The Broadside, New Orleans, LA *featuring strings quarter Electric Yat Quartet Dec. 17 Zony Mash Beer Project, New Orleans, LA To squeal about a song to the guys, or for booking and further information, visit them online at www.Biginthe90sBand.com . Facebook /biginthe90s Instagram @biginthe90sband Twitter @biginthe90sband *photos courtesy of Big in the 90s 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

“Demons” is a deep dive into personal struggles and triumphs. < Back Roger Ricks Confronts Inner Turmoil in New Single “Demons” Nicole Brice Jun 21, 2024 Share “Demons” is a deep dive into personal struggles and triumphs. Out today, June 21, 2024, is a brand-new single from Swiss musician Roger Ricks . Ricks, who hails from Zurich, Switzerland, has said of his latest offering, “The song is about the fact that the only way to achieve true freedom is to deeply engage with ourselves. Existing beliefs, fears, negative experiences, etc., prevent us from overcoming our old patterns and exploring new paths. By confronting our dark sides, we can overcome them and embark on new journeys that allow us to act, feel, and think more freely. The song aims to motivate not to remain in the status quo but to step out of one's shadow and look forward.” Click picture to listen “Demons” was composed and produced by Ricks himself and mixed by Nashville-based and Grammy-nominated producer/mixer/recording engineer Joe Carrell . “Demons” sounds like feel-good Southern Rock with an Americana vibe, and the proceeds from the song will go to Chance for Children ( www.chance-for-children.org ) just as all of the proceeds do from Roger Ricks’ music . Credit: Roger Ricks Roger is a true artist in every sense focused on making a difference for the better good of all children worldwide, and his music hits you with such heart that it’s overwhelming. The beginning of “Demons” starts with a haunting synth reminiscent of the opening sequence for the well-known and well-loved American TV series “ Stranger Things ” and leads into a crisp and clean guitar tone as the vocals kick in with just the right hint of raspiness. Roger’s voice is crystal clear, and as the song builds to the chorus, it morphs into a bit of a Tom Petty vibe with multi-layered textures. Tackling the subjects of moving forward, change, and the unknown, “Demons” is an intense journey of sound and one worth checking out if you enjoy just good old-fashioned rock music. To experience “Demons” for yourself or to follow Roger on social media, just hit one of the links below: Spotify: Demons - song and lyrics by Roger Ricks | Spotify Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rogerricksofficial Facebook: Facebook Apple Music: Roger Ricks - Apple Music 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

Godzilla: Minus One deftly balances social commentary with eye-popping monster action amid personal trauma, drama, and guilt. < Back Godzilla: Minus One: Film Review Shaun Corley Dec 11, 2023 Share Godzilla: Minus One deftly balances social commentary with eye-popping monster action amid personal trauma, drama, and guilt. With a dense mythology, many argue the Godzilla franchise has drifted away from its original intent. While entertaining, the new Godzilla movies lack the social commentary that made the 1954 original so iconic. Fans looking for a Godzilla film that deftly balances social commentary with eye-popping monster action need look no further than this year’s Godzilla: Minus One . Directed by Takashi Yamazaki ( Parasyte: Part I and II ), Godzilla: Minus One is a back-to-basics approach to Godzilla , taking its cues from the original 1954 Godzilla film, perhaps more than any other Godzilla film to date. Godzilla: Minus One features not only one of the best-looking Godzillas ever, but it also remembers that people are just as essential to these movies as the monsters are. Godzilla: Minus One also dispenses any notions of heroism on Godzilla’s part, instead showing him as a primordial force, one that never relents and can never be killed. Photo: Toho Studios The original Godzilla film is a stone-cold classic, a potent allegory for the devastating effects of atomic radiation on both Japan and the rest of the world. Released in Japan in 1954, Godzilla introduced the movie-going public to the behemoth, and to the concept of “kaiju” as a whole. Godzilla made his way to Western audiences two years later when an Americanized version starring Raymond Burr ( Rear Window ) was released: Godzilla, King of the Monsters! However, during the transition, studios emptied Godzilla of his anti-atomic bomb context. While King of the Monsters! is a perfectly fun monster film, it lacks the punch and the heft of the Japanese original. Since 1954, there have been a few different Godzilla franchises, both in Japan and America. Each of these took different approaches: For example, in Godzilla’s Shōwa-era depiction (Japanese political era from 1926-89), he was a champion of humanity; the Heisei era (Japanese political era from 1989-2019) restored his reputation as a destructive force. Then there is also the Millenium era , which identifies films in the Godzilla series released from 1999-2004, as well as two different American reboots—the most recent being 2024’s Godzilla X Kong . That is also to note nothing of the various spin-offs, such as the Mothra films, Rodan , and others. Godzilla: Minus One is set shortly after the end of World War II and sees Japan largely in ruins. Koichi (Ryunosuke Kamiki, of The Great Yokai War ) is a kamikaze pilot who abandons his post in the war’s final days. Landing on Odo Island, Koichi bears witness to Godzilla’s first attack on humanity. During the ruckus, Koichi has a golden opportunity to end Godzilla’s reign before it starts. However, he freezes up, and Godzilla destroys the base, killing everyone except Koichi and another man named Sosaku (Munetaka Aoki, of Rurouni Kenshin: Final Chapter Part I - The Final ). Riddled with survivor’s guilt, Koichi desperately tries to put what he saw behind him. Fate has other plans, though, as Godzilla returns even bigger and more powerful than the first time. Now Koichi must overcome his trauma to help save Japan. As both the American and Japanese Godzilla films began moving away from the social and cultural commentaries, Godzilla became one of the good guys, often rising up to turn back other monsters, such as King Ghidorah. Photo: Legendary Pictures This was particularly true during the Shōwa era of Japan. While the Heisei era returned Godzilla to his destructive ways, the most recent American films have, once again, made him a hero. Godzilla: Minus One dispenses any notions of heroism on his part, instead showing him as a primordial force, one that never relents and can never be killed. With this return to villainy for Godzilla comes the social commentary for which the first movie was known. The 1954 version famously dealt with the fallout of the first atomic bomb tests; two such bombs were dropped, both on Japan. This incident scarred the Japanese psyche, and Godzilla was the result. The 1954 Godzilla was also released as the Cold War was ramping up, and the dangers of atomic radiation were on everyone’s mind. Godzilla tapped into these fears and doubts. Godzilla’s atomic aspects are baked into the character and are indeed present in Godzilla: Minus One . These issues, however, take a back seat to explorations of trauma and guilt . Koichi very much has PTSD, which holds him back both in his career and his life. He meets Noriko (Minami Hamabe, of Let Me Eat Your Pancreas ), a young woman living in the ruins of postwar Japan. Koichi cares very much for her, but his past will not let him love. Kiochi and Noriko (Photo: Toho Studios) Likewise, Koichi’s relationship with Sosaku, the other survivor of Odo Island, is also frayed: Sosaku is angry at Koichi for not opening fire on Godzilla when he had the chance. A key plot point of Godzilla: Minus One is Koichi’s attempts to get Sosaku to join the anti-Godzilla team. Sosaku and Koichi reconcile just in time for the final battle against Godzilla. In giant monster movies such as Godzilla: Minus One , it can be tricky balancing the monster action with personal drama; sometimes one gets little attention. However, Godzilla: Minus One blends the two well. Godzilla looks as good as he ever has—a remarkable feat given the film’s relatively low budget. The special effects, particularly when Godzilla activates his “atomic breath”, are first-rate. The human drama also sustains Minus One . Koichi’s anti-Godzilla team is perfectly cast, and the viewer is left with the impression they are a genuine family, one brought together not by blood but by shared traumas. 2024 marks 70 years of Godzilla. In that time, he has been many things to many people: hero, villain, and protector. While this has made for some fun movies, it ignores the original subtext that made the first Godzilla film so good: the social commentary. However, Godzilla: Minus One brings the monster back to form, using him to discuss themes of guilt, family, and trauma . Godzilla: Minus One is currently in theaters. Catch it on the big screen while you can! Shaun Corley is an East Coast pop culture enthusiast who loves to write about everything entertainment. A big, important Screen Rant writer, Shaun has many leather-bound books, which are far outnumbered by comics and the smell of rich mahogany. 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

Playlist picks to awaken the senses. < Back Nick's Corner: Playlist Picks for July 22nd Nick Cline Jul 22, 2024 Share Playlist picks to awaken the senses. Hey, everyone! Sorry for the delay, but here we are again with another entry of ‘ Nick's Corner ’. This time around, we are going to recommend more local picks than national picks. So, buckle up! Let's get into this month's recommendation, which is filled with classics and your new favorite tracks. 1 Losing Control by Sick at Heart Deets about the track : First up on the chopping block, we have Losing Control by Sick at Heart . Losing Control is an absolute banger of a track. The raw emotion that is showcased in the track is something that everyone could use in their playlist. Reminiscent of Flyleaf with hints of Evanescence , Losing Control has hard-driven riffs, a body-rattling rhythm section, and soaring vocals. I highly recommend Losing Control for your playlist if you are looking for local talent that could easily compete with some national acts. 2 Lucidity by We Are the Virus Deets about the track : Next, we have a killer jam from We Are the Virus . We Are the Virus offers a significant amount of instrumental metal to get your blood pumping. My favorite track from them is Lucidity . This track offers an intense onslaught of riffs, drums, and everything else you can ask for in an exceptionally mixed song. If you are looking for something to raise your heart rate, pump you up, or make you feel like you are about to power through your moments of life, then We Are the Virus has a multitude of tracks to offer you. 3 Alone by Stella Vir Deets about the track : If you are looking for modern sounds that flow with the nostalgia of the early 2000s emo , alternative , and hard rock sound, Stella Vir 's Alone is the right pick. This hard rock ballad has something for everyone with one sonically satisfying project that is just the tip of the iceberg when looking at the rest of their top-notch discography. I highly recommend this pick if you are looking for the next boost of adrenaline, but, at the same time, it brings you into a story of melancholy, hopes, and sentiments washed over in realization and reality. 4 The Thing That Should Not Be by Metallica Deets about the track : For the next two picks, we are going to look at some nationally known acts, both classical and new. The Thing That Should Not Be by Metallica is the first classic pick to throw your way. This track is my favorite from Metallica's 1986 album, ‘ Master of Puppets ’. It's a sinister track wrapped in lyricism about Lovecraftian lore, haunting and melancholy music, and vocals that wrap the whole project together. If you want a classic thrash pick with epic standards of otherworldly stories, haunting riffs, and much more, this track would be the perfect pick for your playlist. 5 Cosmic by Avenged Sevenfold Deets about the track : Next, we have Cosmic by Avenged Sevenfold . From start to finish, Cosmic offers a wide range of sounds over its eight-minute runtime. It starts off somber, but, overtime, it builds more and more into a thematically excited set of tones, musical quality, and so much more. The riffs, chord progressions, solos, operatic sections, and storytelling are all above the tier of most modern rock. This is a quality choice for just about any playlist that I highly recommend. Nick Cline is the powerhouse behind the Louisiana-based band, Phantum Sun , and loves checking out new music. Got something you think he'd like? Email us at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Would you commit a crime if you knew you could get off scot-free? < Back Infinity Pool Unnervingly Taps into Fear of Humanity and Poses Serious Question Shaun Corley Apr 21, 2023 Share Would you commit a crime if you knew you could get off scot-free? Traveling abroad can be an exhilarating, mind-opening experience–but it can come with a dark side, and Canada’s Brandon Cronenberg mines this vein to brilliant effect in Infinity Pool, his third feature film. The follow-up to 2020’s excellent Possessor , Infinity Pool takes the viewer on a hellish journey into a world where justice is as seemingly cruel as those who commit the crimes. The film benefits from the presences of Alexander Skarsgård and Mia Goth, with the former, in particular, turning in a stellar performance. Brandon Cronenberg burst onto the scene with 2012’s Antiviral . The film, about people paying to infect themselves with infections culled from celebrities, was greeted with generally good reviews. Antiviral showed promise, but it would be another eight years before Cronenberg made good on it with Possessor . An unnerving film about a consciousness-transferring assassin, Possessor earned its director accolades from both fans and critics--and left them all wanting more. Now, nearly three years since Possessor debuted at Sundance, Cronenberg delivers the follow-up: Infinity Pool . The movie opens with James Foster (Skarsgård) on vacation with his wife Em (Cleopatra Coleman) in the fictional country of Li Tolqa. Foster, a writer, is struggling not only to write his next book but also to save his marriage. He has a chance encounter with an actual fan named Gabi (Goth), who invites him and Em to spend a day at the beach with her and her husband Alban (Jalil Gaspert). Foster and Em take Gabi and her husband up on their offer. The two couples head to the beach the next day, where Gabi cheats on her husband with Foster. After a day of awkward revelry at the beach, the couples head back to their resort. On the way, a drunken Foster hits a pedestrian crossing the road, killing him. James wants to call the authorities, but Gabi insists that law enforcement in Li Tolqa is merciless and will not treat them well, as tourists are never to leave the resort. Sure enough, the next morning, James is arrested. Gabi was right: Li Tolqa’s criminal justice system is harsh and the court rules that James must be executed at the hands of his victim's firstborn son. It is here that Infinity Pool takes its turn into the truly unsettling. James learns that justice in Li Tolqa is not only harsh but also downright bizarre. For a hefty fee, a person condemned to death can be cloned, and the duplicate then becomes a stand-in for the accused. James agrees, and he and Em are forced to watch his clone killed right in front of them. credit: IMDb credit: IMDb From there, Infinity Pool descends into a nightmarish groove. Watching his duplicate die stirs something within James, and he decides to stay in Li Tolqa–much to the chagrin of his already distant wife. Gabi and Alban introduce James to a group of other Westerners who have all been accused of murdering people and, like James, found a thrill in watching their clones die. These Western tourists take James in, and he finds himself caught up in their (criminal) activities. Gabi, Alban, and the rest commit crimes knowingly, with the understanding that the only “punishment” is their clones being killed–and since they all get a sick thrill out of it, it is an ideal situation for them. Infinity Pool asks a question: If you could commit crimes for what amounts to a slap on the wrist, would you? For the wealthy Western tourists of Li Tolqa, the answer is a resounding yes. Gabi, Alban, and the rest murder local people as well as harass the resort staff; it is the stereotype of the “Ugly American” carried out to its brutal extreme, and it is this that gives Infinity Pool its narrative heft. credit: IMDb It is very much a critique of Western exceptionalism: James and his “friends” are, thanks to their wealth and privilege, able to take advantage of loopholes in Li Tolqa’s legal justice system and continue their indulgent lifestyles. Infinity Pool calls out a world where the justice system favors the rich and famous. And while it may be tempting to paint Li Tolqa’s courts as fascist and militaristic, the viewer must ask if it is in response to the very Westerners who regularly come to their country and harass the locals. No history for Li Tolqa is given (nor is their cloning process explained) but there are hints of colonialism throughout. In their attempt to modernize and bring equity to their country, Li Tolqa has merely perpetuated a cycle of their oppressors, one that disenfranchises the poor and the working class. It is not hard to see parallels with our own modern Western society in Li Tolqa. Every so often, the media will pick up a story about a Western tourist who runs afoul of local authorities and then finds themselves in serious legal trouble. Such a scenario taps into a deep fear of humanity, and Infinity Pool plugnes right into this, injecting it with a serious dose of relevant social commentary. Infinity Pool is currently available to rent on Video On Demand. Questions or comments? Send an email to the_keeleybrooks@mixedaltmag.com or the_nicolebrice@mixedaltmag.com . Shaun Corley is an East Coast pop culture enthusiast who loves to write about everything entertainment. He’s a big, important Screen Rant writer with many leather-bound books (and comic books) and, yes, his apartment smells of rich mahogany. 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

Newest movies to hit streaming platforms this month range from Killers of the Flower Moon to Rebel Moon – Part 1: A Child of Fire. < Back Movies Streaming in December 2023 Keeley Brooks Dec 8, 2023 Share Newest movies to hit streaming platforms this month range from Killers of the Flower Moon to Rebel Moon – Part 1: A Child of Fire. Along with a slew of holiday-centric movies, December sees a hefty amount of new and theatrical titles hitting some of your favorite streaming platforms, too. From the release of Killers of the Flower Moon and Barbie to newly released and long-anticipated titles like Zack Snyder’s Rebel Moon -- Part 1: A Child of Fire and disaster flick Leave the World Behind , there’s plenty to choose from this month that’s sure to keep you entertained. Check out our list of select titles! Leave the World Behind (Dec. 8 on Netflix) Who doesn’t love a good disaster movie?! I know I do. Leave the World Behind is based on the 2020 novel of the same name by Rumaan Alam and marks the first fictional movie from Barack and Michelle Obama’s production company. The film stars Julia Roberts ( The Mexican ) and Ethan Hawke ( The Black Phone ) as a couple vacationing in Long Island when a world-threatening disaster takes place. Mahershala Ali ( Green Book ) plays the owner of the home the couple is renting, and when he shows up seeking refuge with his daughter, the two families are forced to trust each other as the world collapses. Leave the World Behind is rumored to be one intriguing use-your-imagination thriller. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (now available on Disney+) I’ll start by saying this movie is ridiculously long, so if you plan to watch it—especially with any kiddos, be prepared. Harrison Ford is back as the titular character for his final outing and fifth (unnecessary) installment of the long-running adventure franchise that is Indiana Jones . As Jones searches for a mystical artifact that has the power to turn back time, he teams up with his goddaughter to track down the device. May December (now available on Netflix) Starring Natalie Portman ( Black Swan ) and Julianne Moore ( The Big Lebowski ), May December is loosely based on the real-life relationship between former middle school teacher Mary Kay Letourneau and her student Vili Fualaau. The film follows a married couple who, 20 years after their notorious tabloid romance, buckle under the pressure when a Hollywood actress (Portman) meets them to do research for a film about their past. Killers of the Flower Moon (now available on Apple TV+) Based on journalist David Grann’s 2017 bestseller of the same name, Killers of the Flower Moon recounts the true story of how a white businessman and self-proclaimed “true friend” of the Osage nation orchestrated the brutal murders of numerous members of the tribe in early 1920’s Oklahoma. Real love crosses paths with unspeakable betrayal when Mollie Burkhart, an Osage Nation member, tries to save her community from this spree of murders fueled by oil and greed. Killers of the Flower Moon is reported to be Leonardo DiCaprio’s best performance of his entire career. Candy Cane Lane (now available on Prime Video) He’s no Clark Griswold, but Eddie Murphy ( The Nutty Professor ) is a father determined to win his neighborhood’s annual Christmas home decoration contest. When he unintentionally strikes a deal with an elf (Jillian Bell, of 22 Jump Street ) to improve his odds of winning, chaos ensues as the elf casts a spell that brings to life the 12 Days of Christmas. Candy Cane Lane also stars Chris Redd ( Kenan ) and Nick Offerman ( Parks and Recreation ). Mr. Monk’s Last Case: A Monk Movie (Dec. 8 on Peacock) Tony Shalhoub reprises his Emmy-winning role in the long-awaited Monk movie. Set in a post-COVID world, the flick follows Shalhoub’s consulting detective with obsessive-compulsive disorder and a wide range of phobias as he takes on a very personal case involving his beloved stepdaughter Molly, a journalist preparing for her wedding. Several original series stars are set to reprise their roles alongside Shalhoub, so Monk fans, your party returns. The Family Plan (Dec. 15 on Apple TV+) Mark Wahlberg ( Entourage ) is back in an action-comedy role, this time as a former elite government assassin living incognito as a suburban dad. Starring opposite Michelle Monaghan ( Gone Baby Gone ), the family-friendly flick follows Dan Morgan (Wahlberg) as he packs up his wife, teenaged son and daughter, and 10-month-old baby and flees from past enemies who’ve tracked him down. This unsuspecting family takes an unforgettable cross-country road trip to Vegas, baby. The Retirement Plan (Dec. 15 on Hulu) Nicolas Cage ( An Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent ) stars as a retired government assassin with a violent set of skills who must protect his estranged daughter and grandchild after they get tangled up with some very bad men—one of whom is Ron Perlman ( Hellboy ). I’ve seen this flick, and it’s a cute movie. You’ll melt over the relationship Cage’s on-screen granddaughter strikes with Perlman’s character. For more details, read this full review of The Retirement Plan . Finestkind (Dec. 15 on Paramount+) Finestkind is a crime-thriller drama that tells the story of two half-brothers raised in different worlds, who are reunited as adults over one fateful summer. Set against the backdrop of commercial fishing, desperate circumstances force the brothers to become involved with the Boston crime syndicate, which ends up becoming their biggest threat, especially when a woman’s betrayal is woven in there. The film reveals itself to be a story about fathers who can’t always be the best examples for their sons, and about the fact that a safe return home isn’t always guaranteed. Finestkind stars Tommy Lee Jones ( The Burial ), Ben Foster ( Hell or High Water ), Jenna Ortega ( Wednesday ), and Jake Gyllenhaal ( Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant ) and features big boats, drug running, crime, and drama. Gran Tourismo (Dec. 15 on Netflix) Gran Tourismo is about a team of unlikely underdogs who risk it all to take on the most elite sport in the world: racecar driving. Based on the racing simulation video game series of the same name, it tells the true story of Jann Mardenborough, a teenage Gran Tourismo player who became a professional racecar driver. Stars David Harbour ( Violent Night ), Orlando Bloom ( Lord of the Rings trilogy), Djimon Hounsou ( Black Adam ), Archie Madekwe ( See ), Takehiro Hira ( Monarch: Legacy of Monsters ), and Darren Barnet ( Never Have I Ever ). Barbie (Dec. 15 on Max) If you’ve been waiting to see Barbie and Ken in all their live-action glory, your wait is over. The hit musical will soon be available to stream for free … with a Max membership, of course. Maestro (Dec. 20 on Netflix) Bradley Cooper ( A Star is Born ) is American composer Leonard Bernstein in this biographical drama that focuses on his relationship with Costa Rican actress-turned-wife Felicia Montealegre. Cooper, who also directs the film, spent a reported six years learning how to conduct an orchestra. It’s a lot harder and more involved than it looks. Beau Is Afraid (Dec. 21 on Paramount+) It’s a big year for Joaquin Phoenix ( Joker ), and if you’ve been waiting for Beau Is Afraid to hit a streaming platform, you’re in luck. Phoenix stars as an anxiety-ridden loner who sets out on a bizarre odyssey home to see his mother. While the Ari Aster ( Hereditary ) flick may confuse those with huge expectations, know that the film is supposed to be a polarizing movie, so view it with an open mind and just be there for the experience … and Phoenix’s performance, which—let’s be honest—is the only real reason any of us see movies with him in the lead role. Or is that just me? Rebel Moon – Part 1: A Child of Fire (Dec. 22 on Netflix) Finally, famed director Zack Snyder’s long-awaited franchise arrives this month. Hitting Netflix right before Christmas, this mega-budget sci-fi action flick is inspired by the works of Akira Kurosawa , the Star Wars films, and Heavy Metal magazines and will no doubt feature Snyder’s well-known slow-motion effects. When a colony on the edge of the galaxy finds itself threatened by the armies of the tyrannical Regent Balisarius, they dispatch a young woman with a mysterious past to seek out warriors from neighboring planets to help them take a stand. The franchise boasts big names like Charlie Hunnam ( Sons of Anarchy ), Michiel Huisman ( The Haunting of Hill House ), Djimon Hounsou ( Black Adam ), Sofia Boutella ( Kingsman: The Secret Service ), and Ray Fisher ( Zack Snyder’s Justice League ). Rebel Moon – Part 2 will release on Netflix in April 2024. Keeley Brooks is a big ole movies, television, and streaming nerd with a voracious appetite for entertainment consumption and an uncontrollable urge to write about everything she watches, even if it sucks. 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

Zizzi’s music is an innovative approach to storytelling with a nod to the classic rock masters before them < Back Zizzi: A Rock ‘N Roll Force to Be Reckoned With Nicole Brice Aug 23, 2023 Share Zizzi’s music is an innovative approach to storytelling with a nod to the classic rock masters before them In a world filled with countless musical acts, it takes something truly special to stand out amongst the crowd. Enter Zizzi, a band from New Iberia, Louisiana. Fresh off their killer performance at Rad Fest 2023, the band has just released a new single called, “South Carolina Woman”, and it’s bluesy, fierce, and just plain rocks. Formed in 2019 with five guys who hardly knew each other and had never really pursued music, Zizzi is emerging as a force to be reckoned with because of their innovative approach to storytelling. Credit: Gary Governale - Zizzi at Radfest 2023 in Lafayette, LA August 19, 2023 The band is currently comprised of some exceptionally talented musicians: Evan Zizzi on lead vocals; Austin Stoltz on drums; Devin Boutte on lead guitar; Gray Walker on bass, vocals, and rhythm guitar; and Andre Broussard on bass and rhythm guitar. If Led Zeppelin, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Alice in Chains had a band baby, it would be Zizzi. Heavily influenced by the classics but providing a well-rounded retro sound, these guys are on to something and are on the rise, so take note. Drawing inspiration from Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin and sounding like Andrew Wood from Mother Love Bone, Evan’s vocal delivery allows the listener to feel the trials and tribulations that come through in the music and brings a soulful melodic voice to the band’s dynamic sound. Drummer Austin Stoltz provides the driving beats that underpin Zizzi’s catchy tunes, while Gray Walker and Andre Broussard add depth and groove to the band’s compositions. Devin Boutte’s ethereal guitar playing brings it all together. Credit: Gary Governale The band’s trademark sound can be described as a fusion of alternative rock, blues, and classic rock with their music exploring themes of love, self-discovery, and the human experience. Offering a fresh take on alternative rock, their music is quickly garnering recognition locally, and they are undoubtedly a band to watch out for in the coming years. We were able to chat with vocalist Evan Zizzi recently to throw him a few questions, so check out a little Q & A below and then go check out their new single and much more! Credit: Gary Governale MaM : Any other notable shows besides Rad Fest that you guys have played? EZ : Every show is memorable and always allows us to see where improvements can be made. If we had to pick, it would either be when we won Battle of the Bands at Fred’s in Tigerland in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in Spring 202,2 or our recent show at Rock ‘N Bowl in Lafayette, Louisiana. Both crowds were electric, and we fed off the people. We tend to downplay our abilities and criticize our performance like we are Simon Cowell on American Idol, but we’ve packed out some nice venues, which always makes us feel like we are doing something right. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : How did you hear about Rad Fest? EZ : We were a late addition to Rad Fest but were stoked to be invited to play at the festival. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : What influences your lyrics, daily happenings or abstract ideas? EZ : You know … lyrics are strange. Sometimes we have an idea of what the motif of the song is originally meant to be, and we stick to it and develop it. Other times we start with an idea, and it turns into an entirely different musical piece once our process is complete. Ultimately, we want our lyrics to allow each individual listener to feel a certain way and to develop their own meaning. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : Where do you see the band headed in the future? EZ : We have done covers for so many years but recently the gears have shifted to focusing on our own music. Being with a group of guys like Zizzi has been a gift. We would advise everyone who is hesitant to form a group, is filled with self-doubt about their abilities, or has stage fright to just say, “F**k it!” and take the jump. Life is scary and short, so why not go make a fool out of yourself and play shows for $20 in someone’s backyard and make some of the best friends you’ve ever had? There’s something magical about the days when we were ignorant idiots just trying to be rock stars, begging for someone to give us a chance. We have been blessed and somehow the stars aligned for us to do what we do. It would be a crime and an injustice to everyone who’s helped us out or supported us along the way to not see this storybook adventure to its final chapter when we finally get the girl and barely make it home before our parents get back from their trip. Credit: Gary Governale As they continue to refine their craft and break new ground, there is no doubt that Zizzi’s influence will continue to grow, shaping the future of the music industry. Be sure to check out one of their links below and show them some love on social media. Facebook : Facebook Instagram : Zizzi (@zizziband) • Instagram photos and videos Spotify : Zizzi | Spotify *Cover photo - Gary Governale www.governalephotovideo.com Nicole Brice just loves music. It doesn’t matter the type. Do you have something you think she should hear? Hit her up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . 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

Sisu is an enjoyable homage to Rambo but with much more badassery < Back Sisu: Film Review Keeley Brooks Aug 9, 2023 Share Sisu is an enjoyable homage to Rambo but with much more badassery Rating: 5 out of 5 dead Nazis This past weekend while looking for a good movie to watch, I came across Sisu , a 2022 historical action thriller written and directed by Jalmari Helander ( Wing Man ). The film is an enjoyable homage to Rambo but with much more badassery and even sweeter fight scenes. And after engaging in an hour-and-a-half of action, blood, guts, and sheer badassery, I’m of the opinion that more movies would benefit from having more scenes where Nazis are mercilessly mowed down. Did I mention Sisu contains Nazis? No? My bad. Allow me. In a mostly wordless movie full of fist beating, excessive gunfire, and a plethora of exploding landmines, Sisu is set in 1944 during the last days of World War II on a scorched-earth retreat through Lapland, a snowy, northern region of Scandinavia. It follows Aatami Korpi (Jorma Tommila, of Rare Exports ), a grizzled gold prospector and former military commander whose family was slaughtered during the war. In their absence, he’s lived a solitary life roaming Finland’s countryside with his horse and loyal dog, embodying the movie’s title. Nearly untranslatable, the word sisu best translates, according to Helander , as, “a white-knuckled form of courage and unimaginable determination that manifests when all hope is lost” … the unrelenting will to survive. Aatami isn’t immortal, though; “he just refuses to die.” While out panning for gold one day, Aatami finds a tiny nugget that entices him to start digging holes, excavating the land as gunfire and exploding shells encroach upon his antiquated site. When he finally strikes the motherload, he falls back, crying tears of ecstasy. He gathers up as much gold as he can take with him, then packs up his horse to head home. On the way—his fortune of nuggets tucked away in his horse’s saddlebags—he comes across a band of sullen Nazis led by a brutal SS officer, who are also hauling their own find: a cadre of young Finnish women. Aatami never says a word as the Nazis find and take his gold, then threaten him, which turns out to be a big mistake. The fight to retrieve his loot inspires our hero with a supernatural kind of determination that’s as caked on him as the blood and mud lodged in the lines of his face. He fights across roads populated by landmines; he survives when the horse he’s riding triggers a landmine and explodes; he survives a hanging; he even slices men’s throats underwater and uses their air bubbles to stay underwater and breathe, thereby avoiding capture. Carnage drips from every corner of the frame in Sisu , which Director Jalmari Helander says is inspired by his favorite action movie of all time, Rambo . “I was so blown away by the scene,” he tells GQ Magazine , where Rambo takes a sewing kit out from the bottom of his knife and begins stitching up his lacerated arm on the edge of a cliff. “I wanted to make an homage to that but in a more badass way.” Sisu is a visceral gut-punch that’s every bit as entertaining as John Wick , Rambo , Nobody , Mad Max: Fury Road , and The Raid but very much features its own level of badassery in Aatami’s ferocity, mental and physical toughness, creative fight sequences, and undying will to survive. He is one tough SOB, enacting some pretty sweet kill maneuvers and digging out his own bullets with a dirty knife, then setting fire to his own wounds to close them … without passing out. He survives extreme hunger, thirst, a beating with a metal hook, knife gashes, and a plane crash. He also survives and kills more than 30 Nazis, and how he does so will have you on the edge of your seat watching with excitement. Throughout their cat-and-mouse game across the barren land, Aatami unleashes the worst of hell with a super creative imagination for gory retribution, as well as for slicing, dicing, decapitating, and blowing Nazis to smithereens—his underlying set of beliefs breathing fire out of life. With copious amounts of blood throughout its scenes, Sisu ’s effects department deserves some mad props for their outstanding efforts, as does the editing department. For example, in the scene where Aatami and his horse unknowingly trigger a landmine, the horse explodes, taking most of the brunt of the explosion. This scene is done extremely well. It’s the first big “Whoah!” moment of the movie. The horse explodes into chunks and bits, and every bit of it looks so very real. Don’t worry, though; no actual horses were harmed in the shooting of this movie. There’s also a great scene where a tank rolls over a dead Nazi; those effects are stellar. Sisu also has some great messages buried within its plot. The sisu legend is about refusing to give up, no matter what, even when the odds are against you and when Death is reaching out to grab you with its decrepit, old fingerbones. There’s also a message of female empowerment in the gang of captured Finnish women. Once Aatami takes out the Nazis driving the truck with the women in it, he greets the women wearing a shoulder full of automatic and bolt-action weapons. What was once a group of Nazi captures becomes a gang of ruthless, Nazi-killing, gunfighting badasses—a refreshing addition to the male-centric movie. Sisu is a mega-hit all the way around: great story with an encapsulating legend full of no-frills, high-octane action; smooth and well performed execution; well-choreographed kills and fight scenes; gorgeous cinematography; outstanding special effects; quality acting full of raw, brutal emotion; gnarly sound effects accompanying actions like crunching bones and poking a sharp needle through skin; and a perfectly accompanying soundtrack to heighten what’s happening on screen. Aatami is, essentially, a symbol for Finland’s masculinity: quiet, humble, and strong. “If I put it shortly,” Helander says, “the [main] message of the film is: ‘Don’t f**k with the Fins.’” Don’t mess with people in Finland ... noted! Sisu is currently available to rent on Video On Demand, Apple TV, Prime Video, and Roku. Keeley Brooks is a big ole movies, television, and streaming nerd with an uncontrollable urge to write about everything she watches, even if it sucks. 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

‘Okay, I Get It’ is a trip through the glory days of 90s music. < Back Raw and Real: Running from Shadows Strikes a Chord with Their New Track Nicole Brice Jul 30, 2024 Share ‘Okay, I Get It’ is a trip through the glory days of 90s music. It’s Tuesday, and what is truly remarkable about this day of the week is that I get to bring new music to you from a local band that needs to be put on your radar now. Released on July 16, 2024, ‘ Okay, I Get It ’ is the latest from Olla-based Running from Shadows , and it is a trip through the glory days of 90s music – ripe with fuzz and just the right amount of nostalgia for a truly enjoyable listening experience. Click to listen Running from Shadows is the brainchild of multi-talented musician Darren White with assistance from Ty Del Rose , the drumming powerhouse from Smile Empty Soul , and together this duo has created a sound that’s part swamp monster, part California earthquake, and 100% pure rock n’ roll mayhem. Credit: Facebook ‘Okay, I Get It’ starts with a crunchy 90s grunge and alternative guitar sound that reminds me of Hum meets Local H and continues with a bit of a punk vibe, creating a sonic explosion of sound for your eardrums. If you’re unfamiliar with the two bands I named above as sound influences, you must go down that rabbit hole. As the song progresses, this constant groove keeps your head nodding, and when the bridge kicks in, the groove becomes more pronounced until the chorus hits with, “Okay, okay, okay, I think I get it.” I dug this tune, and I think you will, too. The sound is refreshingly modern with just the right amount of nostalgia. According to vocalist Darren White, “’Okay, I Get It’ is an anthem for those who don’t have their life together. Whether you’re slamming into the pit or just thrashing around in your bedroom, this track demands to be played at maximum volume.” ‘Okay, I Get It’ is available now on all streaming platforms, so dive in! Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/artist/5uqor5ftFAKebvltffCI36 Apple Music : https://music.apple.com/us/artist/running-from-shadows/1501808288 Linktree : https://linktr.ee/RunningFromShadows YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@runningfromshadowsband Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90's flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Spyne!’s music is raw unfiltered rock with a nod to the classics. < Back The Dynamic Sound of the New Jersey Band Spyne Nicole Brice Mar 2, 2024 Share Spyne!’s music is raw unfiltered rock with a nod to the classics. In the 90s, the musical landscape was full of rock tunes, but over the years the music being pushed to the masses has changed, taking on a different sound and vibe. With the industry focused more on overproduction and autotune, newer generations of independent musicians are starting to bring rock music back to where it belongs – on top. By reinventing guitar-driven music for a new generation, these bands are looking to make a revolutionary change by authentically creating tunes full of originality. New Jersey is known for its vibrant music scene and is continually churning out all sorts of musical creatives. Formed in New Jersey in 2021, the band Spyne! is steadily making a name for themselves on the local music scene, and includes frontman and rhythm guitarist Kyle Moyer, drummer Eric Muhler, lead guitarist Liam Muhler, and bassist Toni Manousos. Full of personality and charisma, Spyne! are four talented musicians on a mission to push boundaries and create music that resonates with listeners on a deep level, and the best way to describe Spyne!’s music, for those not familiar, is it is unfiltered rock with hints of punk and pop. It is simply feel-good rock. The band’s latest single “ Win ” was released on September 15, 2023, and is an anthem for any underdog facing criticism. With crisp, clean bluesy guitars and powerful vocals, the chorus asks, “Yeah what if I win?” in a sort of mocking tone. One of the defining features of the band’s sound on this track is Kyle’s powerful and soulful vocals , which could be compared to Daniel Johns from Silverchair meets Wolfgang Van Halen meets Dave Grohl . His dynamic range and emotive delivery add depth and intensity to all the band’s songs creating a powerful and enjoyable listening experience. Since their formation, Spyne! has been steadily releasing new music, and their debut EP, “ Away ”, released in 2022, showcases the band’s raw talent with an enjoyable 14 minutes of sound. Spyne! is currently working on a full-length album to be released in the future, but in the meantime, you can stay up to date on all their music via their social media. With a growing catalog of original songs and dynamic live shows, Spyne! is poised to continue making a name for themselves in the music industry and their solid booked calendar for 2024 can attest to that. Credit: Photo provided by band Mixed Alternative Magazine had the opportunity to chat with the guys in Spyne! recently to discuss aspirations, what makes them so unique, and upcoming plans. Take a moment to learn a little more about this talented and comedic group of musicians and then go stream their music and crank it up to 11. MaM : Hey guys, thanks for chatting with us today. First question – where did the band name and clever logo come from? Kyle : So, this goes back to me and our old drummer. We were sitting around, and he had just gotten done with treatment for scoliosis, so the name “spine” popped into our heads. We decided to add the “y” for a different take on the spelling and then the exclamation point at the end to show emphasis, so it reads as “Spyne!”. Also, too, with the “y”, it looks like a crooked back. MaM : What got each of you into music initially? Liam : I initially got into music because every member of my family plays an instrument, and we all play different instruments, so that has definitely been an influential factor in my interest in music. It was almost destined to happen and just seemed normal. I love all sorts of genres and we all have a different style, so it all just meshes well. Eric : Since Liam and I are brothers, you know we had a pretty similar upbringing. Both of our parents are teachers, so there was always a push for us to do something with music. Over the years, I tried numerous instruments, so it was about finding something I wanted to stick with. I started playing the drums, and over time, that ended up being the instrument that stuck with me. Toni : I was always fascinated with people moving people with their music. I think it’s a very powerful thing. Kyle : The earliest memory I have is listening to a bunch of different CDs in my mom’s car on the way to school. Growing up, I had a lot of eye surgeries done in New York, so we would have some long drives from New Jersey to New York and I remember listening to a lot of Deep Purple , Aerosmith , Van Halen , and anything classic rock , to be honest. My mom and dad were huge influences on my music taste, though. They introduced me to some great stuff. Credit: Photo provided by band MaM: That’s great parenting! How would you describe the music you typically create now? Kyle : I guess you could say it’s got a classic rock sound with a modern twist. We’re not trying to copy anyone, but we’re looking for a new sound that incorporates things from the past. Liam : I like to think of it as reinventing classic rock. An extension of an already rich tradition, but for a different demographic … more for our age group. I don’t feel like we’re making music to appeal to an older audience but more to a diverse audience. MaM : How do you approach writing music? Take us through the creative process. I read that you’re going to release a full-length album later this year, so tell us a little more about all of that, too. Liam : We are very privileged to have a great songwriter in Kyle. He writes from the heart and with his songwriting and Eric’s drumming skills, it’s just an excellent combination for Toni and me to add some riffs and harmony. We have a great formula and with live performances, we can stretch our muscles a little bit to change up the songs for the performance. Maybe change up a solo here or there. Our chemistry has these really consistent roles. Kyle : He’s right on the dot. It starts with me and then goes to Eric and then to the other two guys. We’re very lucky. Credit: Jeff Crespi MaM : If you could collaborate with any musician in the future, who would it be and why? Kyle : There are so many. I love Dave Grohl and have been a Foo Fighters fan since I was 12 years old, but I love Aerosmith, too. Liam : So, I have a bad answer for this. If I could collaborate with any artist, it would have to be Bruce Springsteen so I could complain to him. (laughter) No matter where I play or where I go, people keep mentioning him. The funny thing is that everyone around me has said they have met or seen Springsteen , so I feel like I owe it to myself to meet him. Everyone sitting at this table today has seen Springsteen . I’ve even done two Springsteen tributes in other bands, and I have yet to see or meet the guy. (laughter) MaM : If you ever do meet him, you need to tell him that he’s like Waldo … where’s Bruce ? (laughter) Toni : Paul McCartney for me. He’s influenced me the most. Eric : Rise Against for me. I would love to work with them and meet them. Credit: Jeff Crespi MaM : You guys are younger than me, and probably can’t remember a time without it, but how do you feel the internet has impacted the current state of the music industry? Liam : I think that the internet has fundamentally changed how we advertise things. I think that part of interacting with these social media platforms means that you must play by their rules a good bit and so we try to keep up with all of that. We try to put up cute and funny posts every so often. Something that can promote things seriously, but have a punchline, too. Sometimes having a sense of humor with what you post helps because it shows that your material is friendly and inviting. Kyle : I feel the same as Liam. Doing cute and funny things is great, but we’ve seen a good bit of changes with the internet just through the time we’ve grown up. Everything is so accessible now. Growing up it was more recreational, but since the 2010s, it feels like everything is media. The biggest struggle for us has been getting people to the shows, and in the past, it was more about just supporting the venues. Today, it’s so hard to pull people in and sometimes it’s the short funny media that makes them come to a show. It’s a learning experience. Credit: Jeff Crespi MaM : Do you have a favorite song to perform live? Eric : “ Away ” or “ Heaven Find You ”. People usually start jumping around during “Away” and it’s just fun to play. With “Heaven Find You”, I’m a big fan of the drum part I wrote for the song and love playing it. The chorus of the song is well-received by the fans, too. Toni : I think “ Win ” is my favorite original song to play. It’s just one of the best Spyne! songs and fun to play. Now, our cover of “ No One Knows ” by Queens of the Stone Age is one of the best we’ve done, and everyone loses their minds when we play it, too. Kyle : I don’t have an answer since I wrote all the songs. (laughter) I love each one. If I had to pick, though, it would be “ By the Bay ” and “ Heaven Find You ”. I also like it when we play “ Pride and Joy ” by Stevie Ray Vaughan, too. Liam : I’m going to start with my favorite cover to play live. Generally, with the covers, I love it when the songs have a good solo section because I like to make up stuff a lot. The guys give me a good bit of freedom to go crazy, but we played a cover at our last set at The Stone Pony by Kiss … we did “ Love Gun ”. That fulfilled something for my inner child because I grew up listening to Twisted Sister and other hair metal bands, and I just love the guitar work. With this cover, I was able to go crazy on stage and I think we have a recording of the performance somewhere. As far as originals go, I would have to pick “Win”. It’s got a kickass guitar riff that everybody remembers, and my friends have come up to me after a show to tell me that they really like “Win”. It’s such a terrific song. Credit: Jeff Crespi MaM : Ok, going to throw you guys a funny question. Do any of you have any useless talents outside of the musical realm? Liam : I can juggle pins on a unicycle. (laughter) MaM : That’s awesome. Kyle : I’ve seen that happen. I want to say automotive repair because I suck at it, but it’s not exactly useless. I can play drums on my stomach and can do that incredibly well for no reason. (laughter) Credit: Jeff Crespi MaM : So, when can we expect the new album? Where do you see yourself headed in the future? Kyle : We’re looking towards 2024, but I have a feeling it will push into 2025. We want it to be right. We have these songs that are an amalgamation of everything perfect. We want it mixed the way we want, and I think we’re going to fulfill our full artistic capabilities. The goal is to open for bigger acts and get our name out there to similar music tastes because the internet isn’t great at that. Liam : I think it’s really good that we’re going to be patient with the process. We’re not the type to rush into releasing something a little bit premature. I want to wrap it with a neat bow when we release it. As Spyne! continues to evolve and explore new musical territories, one thing remains constant – their passion for creating music that connects with people on a visceral level. Whether you’re a fan of rock or alternative, Spyne’s music is sure to resonate with you on a profound level. To check out the music of Spyne!, click the link below. Spyne! | Instagram, Facebook | Linktree *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 Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Ghost is an EP filled with raw emotion. < Back Reviews on the Real: Brett Carlisle Haunts the Heart with New EP Ghost Nicole Brice Jun 30, 2025 Share Ghost is an EP filled with raw emotion. Brett Carlisle, an Americana, Southern soul, and Outlaw country musician from Alabama, presents a soul-stirring collection of songs on his latest EP, Ghost , which was released on June 20, 2025 . This collection features six tracks filled with deep emotion, drawing you into heartfelt lyrics sung by Brett's soothing voice. Released June 20, 2025 With raw emotion and timeless storytelling, Brett’s honesty shines through in his music. The lyrics resonate deeply with me; his pain feels like my pain, and his triumphs feel like my own. Brett has a unique ability to connect with his audience in a way that is difficult to put into words. It goes beyond mere music; it evokes a profound feeling and energy. This EP lingers long after the final note has faded away. Brett first came to my attention through Bud Gambrell , our incredibly talented writer and photographer based in Alabama. Bud has a remarkable ability to discover great talent, and I am grateful to him for introducing me to Brett's music. If you enjoy vivid storytelling and authenticity, then Brett Carlisle's music is a perfect fit for you. Let’s dive into these new tracks! Ghost – hauntingly beautiful. I love how Brett's stories portray relatable experiences of life, loss, and longing. 405 -an upbeat and toe-tapping tune that starts jamming out the gate speaking of life’s trials and tribulations Alabama Devil – a compelling contrast between light and dark. Brett’s raspy voice on this track adds significant character to the lyrics. Sins of Kin – an absolutely beautiful song Worn Out Shoes - an upbeat acoustic track filled with depth and soul. Brett's voice is remarkably strong, delivering a song that explores themes of soul searching and life experiences. The song is solid throughout, but it really takes off at the 1:44 mark when the rest of the band joins in, creating an uplifting build that continues to grow. On the Radio – this song demands to be played loudly – and that's exactly what I did – I found myself cranking up the volume on my headphones for this track. Official music video for 'On the Radio' by Brett Carlisle If I were to rate the Ghost EP by Brett Carlisle, I would give it a perfect 10/10. It is heartfelt and impactful, leaving you wanting more. I highly recommend streaming it on your favorite music service today. To learn more about Brett Carlisle: YouTube: Brett Carlisle Music - YouTube Apple Music: ‎Brett Carlisle - Apple Music Spotify: Brett Carlisle | Spotify Facebook: Brett Carlisle Music 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? Reach out to us at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Grits & Greens are on a mission to spread their signature sound in support of their new album. < Back Off The Charts: Grits & Greens Bud Gambrell May 1, 2024 Share Grits & Greens are on a mission to spread their signature sound in support of their new album. ! Widget Didn’t Load Check your internet and refresh this page. If that doesn’t work, contact us. Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

< Back What the Hell Did I Just Watch: Alien Shark Ezekiel Kincaid Share Aug 2, 2023 An entertaining movie with poor effects and multiple random plots Last week’s review was on werewolves. This week? Sharks! But not just any shark. No, now we have (queue sinister music) an alien shark! Sounds awesome, right? Based on the title, what are you expecting? Sharks from another planet? Another dimension? Maybe even astronauts landing on an earth-like planet and getting devoured by a species of shark not known to man? If that’s what you’re expecting, you might as well get ready to be disappointed. Welcome to the world of B horror. Alien Shark is about a meteor crashing into the ocean and turning a shark into an “alien” shark that wreaks havoc on some vacationers looking to have a good time. Not a terrible sci-fi shark thriller plot, right? It’d be nice if that’s what we got out of this movie, but instead we get a host of other nonsense that leaves us wondering what happened to the plot. But that’s not the only thing that makes this movie bad. There’s more ... so much more. First off, the Alien Shark script is terrible. How it ever got accepted, I’ll never know. Second, the execution of the dialogue is SO bad. The actors over-emphasize every syllable of every word they say. What makes me such an expert? Well, let me remind you I do watch a lot of terrible movies, so for me to even notice at all is saying something. Plus, I’m a writer and writers always know bad writing and poor execution. While listening to the dialogue in Alien Shark , I cringed. A lot. At one point I had to check my ears because I thought they were bleeding. I'm not kidding. All that out of the way, I still found the movie entertaining. Even though the dialogue was so bad, it kept me laughing. So, too, did the cheap special effects. But what else would you expect from a Wal-Mart Exclusive? That’s right, folks. I picked this gem up by hand at Wally World. Alien Shark was made in 2022 and is directed by Paul Tomborello ( Little Savages, Rumors of War ), written by Aaron Jackson ( Expulsion ). It stars Brittany Altrenbach ( Fear the Walking Dead, Broken Seeds ) as main character Aleesha and Lukas Silva ( No Virtue, Carp-e Diem ) as Pete. The movie starts off with two girls finding a weird piece of a glowing meteor on the beach. When they approach it, they get possessed/controlled by some alien force and die. Aleesha shows up to the beach after being invited by her friends to a party they are throwing before she leaves on another military deployment. When they all get to the beach, people start acting weird and their eyes start glowing green. When a guy named Mickey shows up and starts talking crazy, warning everyone about aliens, they dismiss him. Then, for some unknown reason, they hold a crystal ceremony. Somehow this ceremony opens them up to the aliens and things get out of hand. During this time, the alien shark is just swimming in the ocean, looking for people to eat. From "Alien Shark" IMDB (We're sorry that photo couldn't be any clearer. We tried. You try finding stills of the shark featured in Alien Shark and let me know how that works out for you!) The entire storyline doesn’t make a lick of sense. The filmmakers never explain what is going on with the shark or how it even became “alien.” It’s not clear if the aliens are controlling the shark and the people or if they are possessing them. Random WTF points are just inserted into the story without any explanation and by the end, you aren’t sure what the hell just happened or what the hell you just watched. Here's a list of Alien Shark ’s inserted random plot points filmmakers pull right out of their ass: Alien shark comes to the shore and pukes out a shark dog. Alien ship circles the earth without any explanation as to why. Characters have dreams of eating people. Shark flies out of the sun. The spirit of a shark hovers in mid-air. Calling ritual with crystals invites the aliens. The aliens’ possession or mind control can be broken by pressing a magic seashell against the forehead. Alien shark can turn invisible. Alien shark can be defeated by blowing up a random camera that shows up out of nowhere. Why all this? I have no idea. Your guess is as good as mine. But here’s my theory. I think the director and the writer got drunk one night, wrote down the dumbest crap they could come up with, put it in a hat, and let their dog pick. That’s the only solid reasoning I can come up with. The best part of this movie is Mickey, the crazy dude. Every horror movie has to have one. His acting is so bad, it’s side-splitting hilarious. Everyone, and I mean everyone, in this movie takes their role way too seriously, making the film even more entertaining. As far as the CGI goes, it is the most terrible effort I have seen in any movie ever. I kid you not. You’ll get a taste of it in the trailer, along with the heavily acted-out dialogue efforts. Should you watch Alien Shark ? I think so. Especially if you want a good laugh and if you want to learn how NOT to write and direct a movie. There is no blood, no good kill scenes, and no one getting ripped to shreds by the alien shark—things an audience expects to see in any decent shark movie. All in all, Zeke’s “so bad it’s good” rating is 3 out of 5 shark dogs. If you really want to watch this movie, you can buy it at Wal-Mart. It used to be on Tubi but I guess even they have standards. Ezekiel Kincaid lives for horror and loves to watch it, write about, and talk about it, whether that be in his own horror novels or in reviews. His experience as a pastor and paranormal investigator brings everything he writes to life. www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? 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New Titles Streaming in February < Back Binge with Your Box o' Chocolates Keeley Brooks Feb 2, 2023 Share New Titles Streaming in February If sweet and sappy and rom-coms are your thing (e.g., “The Notebook,” which I’m happy to say I’ve never seen and you can’t make me, no matter what your argument is!), you’re in luck. It’s February, so you know there’s plenty of love movies and series rollin’ in. I won’t spend much time on those, though … I’m not that kind of girl. Lucky for me (and you), there are plenty of other new titles arriving. Here’s a list of some of my highlights. You, Season 4 Pt. 1 – Everyone’s favorite serial killer (next to Dexter, of course) is back, this time taking us to London. Fresh off the fiery heels of last season, Joe has a new identity, a new location, and a new object of obsession. The end of season 3 sees Joe in Paris seeking his next victim, single mom Marienne (Tati Gabrielle, “The 100”). In this season, his pursuit of her unravels and leads him to a life in London working as a university lecturer. As fresh new faces enter his deadly gaze, Joe himself might just be the target of one of them. Streaming on Netflix Feb. 9. Black Pather: Wakanda Forever – If you’ve been waiting for the “Black Panther” sequel, wait no more. The film is finally available to watch on Disney’s platform with a subscription. I opted not to sit in a theater next to the general public mowing down on their buckets of popcorn and just wait for its streaming release, so you know what I’ll be doing this weekend. Now streaming on Disney Plus. Party Down – It’s been a long 13 years, but the hit catering sitcom starring Adam Scott is back, along with original co-stars Jane Lynch, Ken Marino, Martin Starr, Ryan Hansen, and Megan Mullally. Season 3's shenanigans airs Feb. 24 on Starz. Somebody I Used to Know – Lucky for those out there who like sap, this deeply personal and emotionally powerful story stars Alison Brie (“Community”) and Jay Ellis (“Insecure”). The two play exes who reconnect right before he is to marry. The reconnection sends Ally (Brie) down the hole of rethinking her life choices. It’s written by Brie and husband Dave Franco (“21 Jump Street”) and looks to be quite the little “Community” reunion. Premieres Feb. 10 on Prime Video. Your Place or Mine – For you rom-com fans, this one will be for you. Reese Witherspoon and Ashton Kutcher are longtime friends, who clearly share some chemistry just waiting to be explored. For their own personal reasons, they decide to swap homes and responsibilities to freshen up their lives. Debbie (Witherspoon) takes on fast-paced New York while Peter learns what it means to be a parent. No big surprise what happens, but I’m sure it’ll still be a fun little watch. Drops Feb. 10 on Netflix. Star Trek: Picard, Season 3 – Patrick Stewart’s series is back and coming to an end, and it looks like they’re sending Picard out with a big ole bang. While we don’t know much about the plot, we do know there is danger. And a mysterious new villain. We also know Stewart is joined by almost the entire cast of “The Next Generation,” marking the first time the crew of the Enterprise D and E have been on screen for over 20 years. This “Star Trek” series is really good, but it’s no “Discovery.” Still worthy of a binge if you missed the first two seasons. Premieres Feb. 15 on Paramount Plus. Hello Tomorrow! – I don’t know about you, but I love me some Billy Crudup, especially in Apple TV’s “The Morning Show.” This dramedy finds him in a retro-futuristic world as an ambitious businessman recruiting traveling salesmen to hawk timeshares on the moon. Yes, the moon. Crudup’s visionary talent and rousing speeches are reminiscent of his charm and personality, and the team he put together is inspired … until the bubble bursts and everything starts to unravel. Also stars Hank Azaria (“The Birdcage”), Jacki Weaver (“Yellowstone”) and Alison Pill (“Scott Pilgrim vs. the World”). Streaming Feb. 17 on Apple TV Plus. Sharper – Another Apple TV Plus newbie, “Sharper” stars Julianne Moore (“The Big Lebowski”), John Lithgow (“Dexter”), and Sebastian Stan (“Avengers” movies) in a “twisty-turny story” involving billionaires, inheritances of filthy sums of money, seductions, and cons. Secrets, lies, rich people, and famous people. This thriller is layered with deceptions and double-crosses and devious plans. But no one is who they seem. Premieres Feb. 17 on Apple TV Plus. Bel-Air, Season 2 – After having his life all flipped, turned upside down, the Fresh Prince (Jabari Banks) learned the harsh truth about his estranged father and thought about leaving Bel-Air. In season 2, he’s at a crossroads. He still struggles to trust the Banks family, even though his friendship with Carlton deepens, and a new figure enters the mix, who challenges the status quo. Rolls up in the house on Peacock Feb. 23. Outer Banks – Welcome back to Poguelandia, bitches! Last we saw the Pogues, they’d lost out on a haul of gold and were stranded on an island. Now as they enjoy their carefree existence in their new home, danger won’t leave them alone. The Caribbean mob and Ward Cameron are still after them, and treasure continues to beckon them all. Lands on Netflix Feb. 23. We Have a Ghost – Our favorite ass-kicking Santa (David Harbour, “Violent Night”) is back as a friendly ghost named Ernest. When homeowner Anthony Mackie (“Avengers” movies) films Ernest and uploads the video to social media, Ernest becomes a viral sensation. Frank (Mackie) enlists his kid to help cash in on the resulting attention, but things take quite the turn when the CIA wants Ernest for themselves. Adding some of her unique levity, Jennifer Coolidge (“The White Lotus”) also stars. Premieres Feb. 24 on Netflix. Carnival Row, Season 2 – Back for a final season, this series stars Orlando Bloom and Cara Delevingne (“Suicide Squad”) sees a growing population of mythological immigrant creatures struggle to coexist with humans after the creatures’ exotic homelands are invaded by the empires of man. The creatures are forbidden to live, love, or fly with freedom, but there is hope: in darkness. Season 2 picks up with Philo (Bloom) investigating a series of gruesome murders, while Vignette (Delevingne) teams up with the Black Raven to plot payback. Drops Feb. 17 on Amazon Prime. Spoiler Alert – This Jim Parsons-led drama also stars Sally Field and Ben Aldridge (“Flea Bag”) and is based on the bestselling memoir by Michael Ausiello. The film chronicles the 14-year-long love affair between Michael (Parsons), an entertainment journalist, and Kit (Aldridge), a photographer, and showcases many of the ups and downs of their relationship, including Kit’s terminal cancer diagnosis, and more. Per Focus Features, it’s “a heartwarming, funny, and life-affirming story.” Streaming exclusively on Peacock Feb. 3. Other notable premieres this month: The Flash, Season 9 (Feb. 8, The CW) South Park, Season 26 (Feb. 8, Comedy Central) Full Swing (Feb. 15, Netflix) Bruiser (Feb. 24, Hulu) The Reluctant Traveler (Feb. 24, Apple TV Plus) The Consultant (Feb. 24, Amazon Prime) 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

Elle's impressive discography, with its lyrics of love, self-discovery, and resilience, is a testament to her growth in sound and lyrical depth. < Back Elle H: Louisiana’s Own Songstress Making Waves in the Music Scene Nicole Brice Oct 23, 2024 Share Elle's impressive discography, with its lyrics of love, self-discovery, and resilience, is a testament to her growth in sound and lyrical depth. When I was first introduced to Elle Hudson , better known as Elle H. , I was instantly drawn to her magnetic personality and beauty. Elle is the type of woman that oozes confidence and sensuality while also being tough enough to kick your ass. Well-loved and respected in the Lafayette, Louisiana, music scene for her artistic contributions and overall vibe, Elle H. is an electric force of female rage mixed with the sympathies and heart of art and life. A powerful voice for women with deep and personal lyrics, she wrote her first song at 6 years old and had the talent and drive even at an early age. After hearing her mother listening to the music of powerful women like Etta James and Joan Jett , she instantly realized her desire to perform on stage. Now, she is on a journey to make a name for herself in the ever-evolving music industry. Credit: Gary Governale Elle's impressive discography, with its lyrics of love, self-discovery, and resilience, is a testament to her growth in sound and lyrical depth. Her music tugs at your heartstrings. It makes you feel emotion; to me, that is the ideal formula for a musician to leave a lasting impression. Each energetic and captivating live performance of Elle’s is a chapter in her journey, entertaining her audience with her expressive vocals and authentic persona in a truthful, poetic, and angelic way. Her presence alone is so captivating that one is instantly drawn to the energy surrounding her, feeling a part of her journey. At 13, she had a profound spiritual moment at a concert. This unbelievable feeling of life and energy overtook her, putting her in a trance for three days. Upon emerging from her trance, she started to have a more significant appreciation for life. Now, at 23, Elle has been writing and making music for over ten years without slowing down. By channeling her trauma into her art, she continues to craft poetic songs that exude female sexuality. We had the opportunity to sit down with this empowering female recently to chat about her music and more. Check out our conversation below, and then go down that rabbit hole and check out everything she has put out. I assure you that you will be a fan soon after. MaM : Thank you for the honor of speaking with you today. What would you say is your driving force to make music? Elle : I know how powerful music can be, how powerful honesty and transparency can be, and how lifesaving they are. I want to help people through my music. That’s why I do what I do. MaM : You had mentioned that when you saw Kelly Clarkson perform on American Idol, it made you realize your destiny. What other musical artists have influenced you? Elle : Nina Simone , Gwen Stefani , Lzzy Hale , Nicki Minaj , Etta James … I like a little of everything, but I am drawn to powerful women. That’s the main thing. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : Which genre of music would you say is your favorite? … or are you all over the board with music tastes, like me? Elle : I love everything and plan to do a little of everything in my career, but I would have to say R&B is probably what I listen to the most. R&B is such a broad genre so that many topics can be discussed under that umbrella. I was actually part of a hip-hop collective for about four years. MaM : I’m a huge fan of hip-hop, too. That’s awesome. I had no idea. Elle : It’s a significant influence on who I am, and I also have hours' worth of original R&B and rap songs that I just haven’t gotten around to recording yet. I’m just going with the flow for now, though. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : How would you describe your music for someone discovering it for the first time? Elle : Well, it changes depending on the project. My slogan for the recent album has been Heartbreak Queens or Heartbreak Hot Girls. I am trying to redefine what it means to be a sexy, hot girl. I want people to know that radical authenticity is sexy, and that vulnerability is alluring. In a day and age where shallowness is sold to us through the media, I want to show that there is more underneath it all. MaM : I really dig that. Your insight is refreshing. Elle : I had to realize that once I got my woman body in the twenties, people would interact with me differently depending on how I was dressed. I realized that I could use my sex appeal to make you listen to me. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : I know you dabble in burlesque , too. Tell us a little more about that. Elle : I do. The burlesque was never anything I imagined myself doing, but it was an opportunity that I had happened upon, and it has inspired me. The dancers I have met along the way, too, have helped me to refine my craft. My burlesque side is more of an homage to the more secure and timid version of me because, honestly, there is a version of me out there that would have judged the hell out of me for doing this 100%. She was very conservative and scared of everything. So, on the one hand, it’s an homage to self, but it’s also a way for me to take control of this again … this fantasy that people have projected onto me. If you think I’m sexy when I feel I’m awkward, I’m gonna use that to my advantage. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : Take us through a little of your musical history. You released the Introduction EP in 2017, correct? Was that the first recorded music you put out, or did you have something before that? Elle : I have a few covers I recorded in the studio, too, but I’ve never released them. They were really more for me. That was my first project, though. I was about 15 years old when we started and 16 when it was released. I was actually given the studio time by my mom as a birthday gift. MaM : So, after the Introduction EP , you released a series of singles and then came out with Symmetry . Elle : ' Symmetry ' is a whole other bag of rats. (laughter) Credit: Gary Governale Elle : So, my mom actually passed in June 2018, and this project initially had over six songs that were finished. After she passed, my life abruptly changed, so ' Symmetry ' is really about my grieving process. I look at it as a dissolution of self. I questioned my spirituality. I questioned my identity. I even questioned my sexuality. I pushed a lot of people away because I was feeling so much. I tend to isolate until I feel better. MaM : I do the same thing, so I can relate. Elle : Right? I need to be able to break shit in my own comfort. I need to be able to scream if I want to scream and get it out of my body. You know what I mean? I need that space to feel, which is what ' Symmetry ' was. The songs are an ode to my mom and our complicated relationship. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : I think that it’s incredible you were able to channel those feelings into something spectacular. So, I noticed that you collaborate with some of the members of First Street Hooligans . I love that band so much. Tell us a little more about that. Elle : So, Matthew Richard , lead singer and guitarist for the Hooligans , is my band's guitarist. I had just broken away from my hip-hop collective and felt drawn to the rock scene. I would jam with this band called Slightly Sour , which was a metal band. I was good friends with the drummer, Sebastian Elias . He then introduced me to some other people, and then I met Matt , and I showed him all the music I wanted to do. Matthew is very talented. I haven’t met many guitarists with the ear he has. I played him the beats that I had, and it kind of went from there. We decided to go under Elle H. or Elle H. and The Untitled . In the process of that, I met the rest of his band, and we all clicked really well. It was just a fun and laid-back collaboration that seamlessly came together. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : That’s awesome. So, this next question, I always like to ask this question because I get some interesting answers, but tell us about your best and worst shows so far. Elle : So, this one show, I had this heckler. Elle H. and The Untitled were supposed to play, but then bad weather happened, and it ended up just being me and my guitarist. This show was out of town, and the venue was dead, but we were just trying to fulfill the night. The same people had been in there all night without anyone new really coming in. There was this one group of rowdy, drunk married couples. They were older, and the men kept hooting and hollering because before the rainstorm happened, it was supposed to be a swimsuit party. So, I was wearing booty shorts and heels in my swimsuit amongst a sea of Cajun men. (laughter) So, we’re in the middle of playing ‘ Too Much ,’ and as I’m hitting some high notes, this guy in the back starts mimicking me, and I didn’t want to make the venue mad, so I just let it go, but it was pissing me off. Later, as I’m getting into the songs I’m singing, this man starts saying, ‘Take it off! Take it off!’ and crap like that. Finally, the bartender told him to shut up and get out, so he finally left. After he left, it was great! (laughter) Credit: Gary Governale MaM : Ok, so best show? Elle : Ok, so I have to put a lot of thought into this because I will say we have put on some really great events. I will honestly give myself credit for that. My favorite one has got to be the house party we put on as a band. It was to announce ourselves as a band because we all have different projects. The audience was a diverse group from various parts of the city. We had everything from 19-year-old frat boys to 32-year-old guitar heads. We made a big batch of punch and had a great night. It was in Matt’s garage, actually. It was fun to open up and show people who we were. However, after this year’s Fete du Void , that will probably be my favorite gig. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : Is there a key message you want people to take away from your music and performances? Elle : I just want to help people awaken their hearts. I want my shows to be a safe place for them to just be themselves. MaM : Hell yeah! So, in the next five years, where do you see yourself? Anybody you’d like to collaborate with? Elle : I would love to collaborate with Miley Cyrus . Her song ‘ Midnight Sky ’ came out as I was leaving a toxic relationship, and it was exactly what I needed at that point. I would love to be a household name eventually and be known for my authenticity. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : What’s on the agenda for the rest of 2024 and beyond? Are you doing any writing? Elle : Honestly, I write every day because it’s hard for me not to write, but I actually plan to take a trip with Matthew , and we plan to record in the mountains using the sounds of nature to create an amazing project. I definitely don’t want to stop doing shows, but I’m hoping to manifest a tour soon where we can move more towards Texas and New Mexico. Credit: Gary Governale As Elle continues to forge ahead artistically, she will no doubt continue to carve her path through the modern music scene due to her unwavering drive and will to succeed. She is not just a rare talent, but a beacon of authenticity, a quality that resonates with us all. I look forward to witnessing the future unfold for Elle H. To learn more about Elle and to experience her music, just hit one of the links below. Facebook: Elle H. https://www.facebook.com/selftitledelle Facebook: Elle H. and The Untitled https://www.facebook.com/ellehandtheuntitled Instagram: Elle H. and The Untitled Elle H & The Untitled (@ellehlive) • Instagram photos and videos Instagram: Elle H. Elle H (@selftitledelle) • Instagram photos and videos Spotify and Apple Music: TOO MUCH - Elle H *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 90's flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Reach out to us at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Rock drummer Shane Webb continues his vibrant course of success, maintaining an emblazoned passion for his art. < Back Shane Webb: A Drumming Odyssey Erica Machen Nov 30, 2023 Share Rock drummer Shane Webb continues his vibrant course of success, maintaining an emblazoned passion for his art. What view could be better than from the front row of a rock concert? The perspective Shane Webb , aka T-Bone, gives leads me to wonder if the best experience could be from the seat of a drum kit. I was able to have a chat with Shane, who’s drumming career brought him that perspective with bands such as Puddle of Mudd , Shinedown , Tried by Twelve , and multitudes of others. Twenty-plus years after embarking on his drumming career, Shane is fueled by his experiences and maintains an emblazoned passion for his art. Amidst captivating lights, vibrant sounds, and contagious energy emanating from lead vocalists, a drummer’s significance is often overlooked. Without these guys, rock shows would be haunted by a palpable void and undefined listlessness. The rhythm we all vibe to would be absent, as would those rich layers of texture and depth a drummer infuses into each performance with his (or her) distinctive style, creative fills, and unique enhancements. This is why Shane says his journey—his mission—is still incomplete. He expressed repeatedly in one way or another his desire to create a true legacy in his artistry via his musical career. Not only is it Shane’s mission to create such a legacy, but, throughout our conversation, I sensed his desire to pay homage to those who influenced and lifted his career, as well as to those friends whose journeys ended too soon. In an industry where rivalry and bitterness are frequently showcased both in the media and behind the scenes, Shane is seemingly in a place where he has realized grudges and animosity bare rotten fruit. Instead, Shane chooses to move forward by finding peace with those who didn’t believe in him and even with old friends, such as Fred Durst , who have fallen out of his life. At the end of the day, his motivation remains the same: Create music, create art. Webb is one noteworthy drummer who's doing just that. Mixed Alternative caught up with him to get some intimate details about his career and catch the story behind his drumming odyssey . MaM : Shane, with a drumming journey beginning at 12 years old, you've come a long way in your art. Can you share a pivotal moment from those early years that ignited your passion for drumming? SW : I asked for a drum set when I was four or five. My father took me to some restaurant, and I remember watching this guy play the drums and I was just fascinated by it. Growing up in Jacksonville, Florida, I used to go to the Coliseum to watch bands play. My first rock show was Ted Nugent when he opened for KISS, before they had the make-up. I remember looking at the stage, listening to the sounds and crowd, and immediately falling in love. I knew I wanted to do that … I had the bug. I was a break dancer and R&B guy way before I was into rock and roll. Big time. … By the time I started to get into rock and roll, I wanted to be Eddie Van Hall. When I got to seventh grade, I had to choose an elective … I said I'd play in the band … on drums. And, as they say, the rest is history. Image provided by Shane Webb MaM : I’ve heard hints about some of your unique experiences, like sleeping on Dimebag Darrell's couch. Could you share that story, and do you have any other particularly unusual or memorable moments from your career? SW : I have countless! As for Dimebag Darrell [of Pantera and Damageplan], I was on tour with this band called Operator after being in Puddle of Mudd. Paul Phillips, who also used to be in Puddle of Mudd, was in Operator. I believe Paul knew Vinnie Paul. Someone came on the tour bus to say Vinnie wanted to come pick us up that night. Of course, you hear that, and you're like, ‘Absolutely!’ He picked us up in his limo … Suddenly, we were at Dime’s house. … I ended up passing out mad drunk and woke up the next morning on Dimebag’s couch. … I just walked around and touched stuff. I mean, when you watch the Dimevision videos, you see the stop sign he crashed his car into. I touched that thing on his wall. It was wild. It was crazy. Ms. Rita, his now-widow, took us to breakfast and told us all kinds of inside stories, like when Dime and Metallica used to hang out and where songs came from. She showed us his guitars. This man had to have at least a thousand guitars in his house. It was the craziest. Very intoxicating. Back in that time, we didn’t have cell phone cameras. One of my regrets is not having any pictures. MaM : What's the mission behind your new venture in rock and roll, and what inspired you to embark on this new chapter? SW : Not having done it the full way [inspired me]. Lots of people say I have really done it, but, for me, the mission hasn't really fully been accomplished yet. I’m 51 and still learning how to navigate things. Thankfully, I have Jason, who became my manager in the past six months or so. He is actually my best friend from high school who was around when I ran away to do all of this at 15. MaM : Can you expand on your leaving home at 15? SW : I always had this blind faith I’d already made it. I just had to go through the motions. I always knew I was doing it, with or without people's help. I lived with my mom and stepdad. It was rough at the time. We are all good now, and they have helped me tremendously. Long story short, one night I crawled out the window at 1 a.m. I said, ‘All right, bye. I'm out.’ Music is my medium because I am an artist. I am an artist first, songwriter second, and then a musician. MaM : You mention being a songwriter, so you’ve elicited my favorite question: What comes first, the chicken or the egg? SW : Probably the music. I hear music in my head. I still play guitar (bass) and a little bit of keyboard. I have my studio set up here at home. … Lyrics and melody usually come second. Occasionally, I have vocal ideas first. Those take a little longer. It’s writing backwards for me. MaM : You've played with various bands, including Puddle of Mudd and Shinedown. How did you become friends with Fred Durst, and what was it like collaborating with him? SW : We would not be having this conversation if it wasn't for Fred Durst. I did the hard work, but he was the person who stuck his neck out for me. He believed in me and saw talent and drive in me. I met Fred around 1993. Fred has done tattoos on me, I toured with him, we wrote together, and we have been in bands together. Fred always saw talent. L to R: Shane Webb, Fred Durst (Limp Bizkit), and Paul Phillips (Puddle of Mudd) He called me in 1997 and said, ‘The record company wants somebody to video the day in the life of the band, and you're the first person I thought of.’ I said yes, but then he said, “Here's the only thing… you’ve got to leave at nine o'clock tomorrow morning.”I went to my job, and … They didn’t understand I was letting them know I was going on tour. I don't think I did anything significant … but we always stayed in touch. Puddle of Mudd was signed to his record label, and he called me up to audition. I learned the songs, flew out to L.A., and I had the gig. … That was all because of Fred talking me up. We’ve had some rough patches, but we’ve never gone toe to toe. Unfortunately, we don’t talk now, but I owe so much to that guy. It's 20-something years later. I don't hold grudges. MaM : Looking back, what kind of advice would you give to a young teenager when it comes to music? SW : Just stay true, man. Stick to your guns. Work really hard play, play as much as you can, and be there for other people. That's something important to me. MaM : What should our readers look out for next from you? SW : I have a back catalog, and I'm a writer. I like to write, and I want people to hear my new stuff. There is just so much stuff people haven't heard that only I have ... old Shinedown demos, old Puddle of Mudd demos. I was in a band with my best friend [Brad Stewart’s brother] Mark Stewart and Nolan Neal called Tried By Twelve. L to R: Mark Stewart, Nolan Neal, Jeff Winston, Shane Webb Nolan was on America's Got Talent and The Voice. He had more record deals than anybody I've ever known and was the only artist to get signed with Virgin Records … [a] sight unseen. Unfortunately, Mark died in 2015 and we lost Nolan last year. Shane Webb and Nolan Neal on "The Voice" That was a huge deal, and I still have those songs. … I don't want to just put this stuff out there. I want to protect … integrity and these boys. They were my buddies. As I said, it's a very touchy thing. I have to release these songs in a very sensitive way. We don't know if we're going to do it as an album, an EP, or just one song at a time. I'm also working on a way for me to release some of these old Puddle of Mudd demos. They need work studio-wise. I also have my solo material. I've been writing songs for a long time, and I have several of my own solo songs where I play most of the instruments. I had a talk with Bob Marlette, the producer of Seether and many more, and he is willing to work with me on a song I'm writing. Very excited about that. When Shane isn’t working on building connections with his local community in Jacksonville, he can be found in his studio playing his drums, bass, and keyboard. As we wait to hear what he will release from within his vault, stay updated by visiting his website at www.ShaneWebbDrummer.com . Erica Machen is a beast when it comes to consuming, writing about, and reviewing music. 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

Vesper < Back One of the Best Indie Sci-Fi Movies You Should Absolutely See Keeley Brooks Jan 11, 2023 Share Vesper From time to time, I like to write about movies I watch and spill about them to all of you. Recently, my Dummy (husband) and I sat down to watch the movie “Vesper,” one of the latest independent science fiction films to hit theaters, then Video On Demand. Starring Eddie Marsan ("Ray Donovan " ) and Richard Brake ("Peaky Blinders " ), along with a cast of mostly unheard-of British talent, this dystopian drama is fantastic on multiple levels. The acting, storytelling, computer-generated effects, score, and cinematography all work brilliantly together to pay homage to classic sci-fi films, and with its post-apocalyptic backdrop, it’s the perfect formula for a standout dystopian flick. Its plot centers around 13-year-old Vesper, played by extremely gifted child actor Raffiela Chapman, who is a young girl living alone with her bed-ridden father (Richard Brake) on the outskirts of the Citadel, which is, of course, the area built for the rich to live and thrive as the less fortunate are left to fend for themselves in a dying world of fear, violence, hunger, and no hope for a future. Vesper’s father is bed-ridden due to an injury he received fighting for the Citadel and as a result, is left on a ventilator, paralyzed, unable to do anything but move his eyes. Vesper, being the genius she is, built a drone and hooked it up to her father’s brain so he could communicate with her. Together they must learn to survive in desperate conditions—an undertaking made slightly easier by Vesper’s mad bio-hacking skills … and I do mean mad. She is solely responsible for keeping him alive and healing any wounds that might develop, and the more we watch, the more we discover how integral Vesper and her wits are to the story's developments. Additionally, we learn she also grows plants with some of the most breathtaking abilities you’ve ever seen on film. One day while out foraging in the woods, she comes across an injured woman and brings her home to heal her ... then we learn this woman is hiding a huge secret that may just save the entire world following the collapse of Earth’s ecosystem. I won’t reveal all the deets and spoil anything for you, but I will tell you if you’re looking for a great sci-fi film to get lost in, you’re gonna want to watch this one. The movie creates an astounding landscape with some crucially inventive special effects, and it doesn’t sidetrack itself by trying to explain every tiny little detail, thereby leaving some imagination up to the viewers. " Vesper " is beautifully written story by French writer Bruno Samper and Kristina Buozyte of Lithuania, both known for 2012’s "Vanishing Waves." The screenplay was written by Brian Clark, who is best known for, you guessed it, "Vesper." It’s currently streaming on AMC+ and is available for rent on Video On Demand. If there’s a rainy day in your future, take advantage and get lost in another world for a while. Its ending will leave you full of hope and sweetness, having rooted for Vesper the whole way through. You won’t be disappointed. You're welcome. 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

Hey! Ho! Let’s Go! 50 Years Of CBGB! < Back CBGB Spirit Revived: A Night of Punk Rock Nostalgia at the Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts in Hammond Rian Nickels Oct 1, 2024 Share Hey! Ho! Let’s Go! 50 Years Of CBGB! What a night it was at the Hey! Ho! Let’s go! 50 Years of CBGB benefit concert! On September 20th, 2024, the members of the band Splendid Failure and talented musicians of Louisiana came together to throw a benefit event in honor of the legendary punk rock music venue that was in New York City, CBGB , also known as Country, Bluegrass, & Blues. The show was held at the Columbia Theatre in good old downtown Hammond, America (Louisiana). This concert was also put together so that they could raise money for The Kay Butler Performing Arts Project at Swamplight Theater in Ponchatoula, Louisiana. The Kay Butler Project does workshops for many things: acting, dancing, singing, to name a few. Alongside Splendid Failure were many talented local musicians and bands such as Talking Pictures, Byron & The Five Dead Dogs , Tim Weaver, J Rees , Callie Hines, DD Drott, Joe Burns , Dave Ensminger, Jason Kareores, Ava Greichguaer, and Harmony Wood. The doors opened at 7 PM, and my first quest as a concert photographer for the night was to find Ralph J. Wood, Drummer from Splendid Failure , and have him show me around because this was my first time at The Columbia Theater . The theater was beautifully architected with high ceilings, a superb second-floor balcony for a larger and more personal view, a large stage with all the bells and whistles needed for a proper punk rock gig and adorned with many different types of instruments. After I learned my whereabouts, my partner and I met up with some good friends, found some seats close to the front, and eagerly but patiently waited for the show to begin. Credit: Rian Nickels By 7:30 PM, the lights began to dim, and the fog machines started to gear up; it was show time! Jim Winter , artistic director at The Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts, came out on stage to tell us about himself, the history of CBGB, The Kay Butler Project, to thank everyone who was involved with making the show happen, but most importantly he said this, " Right here is for general admission, luckily all of you have general admission tickets " while pointing at the floor in front of the stage. He then kindly demanded that we all get off our butts and come to the floor to enjoy the concert the way that all the punks do, on our feet and so close to the stage that you can feel the music bouncing through your body. Most of the audience stood and rushed to get a good spot while still being mindful and respectful of each other's space and safety. Once we were all settled and ready to move our bodies Jim welcomed Splendid Failure onto the stage. Credit: Rian Nickels Splendid Failure is a four-piece made up of drummer Ralph Wood , his wife Angie Wood , and Bill Robison, sharing the role of bassist, guitarist, and vocalist, and Scott Furtwengler on guitar. They got it right, too, with a smooth start. What better way to begin a night of rock and roll than the iconic late 70s track ‘ Sheena Is a Punk Rocker ’ by The Ramones ? This was especially fitting because of the event's slogan, “ Hey! Ho! Let’s Go! ” inspired by the song. My krewe and I squeezed our way right to the front of the stage so that we could be front and center (Well, front and to the right a little bit). Immediately you could feel the fierce energy coming from the crowd because they didn't waste any time and jumped on their feet. They played hit songs like ‘ Search and Destroy ’ by The Stooges and the award-winning Talking Heads track ‘ Psycho Killer .’ You could hear that the band members had years of experience and dedication to their talents as they could pull off these well-known and beloved songs with ease. Before welcoming the band Talking Pictures onto the stage, Splendid Failure was joined by Southeastern Louisiana University communications professor Dr. Joe Burns to help on vocals and guitar for the song ‘ What’s So Funny About Peace, Love, and Understanding ’ By Elvis Costello & The Attractions . After an incredible set from Splendid Failure, the stage was taken over by the energetic Talking Pictures, a band of younger folks who are quickly making a name for themselves in Tangipahoa Parish. They are made up of five members: the frontman and lead vocalist Ethan Price , Ethan Lauricella on the drums, Matthew Perez and Aiden Dixon on the guitar, and Bradyn Finn on the bass. They confidently performed covers of the songs ‘ Juicebox ’ and ‘ Reptilla ’ by The Strokes . Talking Pictures only played two songs, but that was enough for anyone to become a fan of their sound. Splendid Failure returned to the stage for a second set and was joined by several other talented individuals. First up for the second set is Dave Ensminger for ‘ God Save The Queen ’ by the Sex Pistols . A notable moment was when DD Drott , vocalist of Hammond's local band Stone Mother , joined them for hit songs ‘ I Put a Spell on You ’ by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins and ‘ I Hate Myself for Loving You ’ by Joan Jett and The Blackhearts . DD has a voice that echoes through the theater, and the show's attendees were undoubtedly excited to see her perform. Another highlight was when the daughter of Ralph and Angie Wood, Harmony Wood, and her best friend Ava Greichguaer joined Splendid Failure for The Go-Go’s track ‘ Our Lips Are Sealed ’. They both had such angelic voices, which seemed to unite the whole audience. Splendid Failure finished their second set with ‘ Turn on The News ’ by Husker Du before a brief intermission so that attendees could get some refreshments from the lobby or take a picture at the photo booth, a replica of The CBGB Venue’s bathroom , created by the Southeastern Louisiana University’s theater technology crew. Many people sent in decals and stickers to contribute to giving the full effect of the legendary punky bathroom. After the 15-minute intermission, it was time for the other half of the event! I was super eager for what was to come because many musicians I’ve worked with or have just been in my inner circle were due to perform. Starting with J Rees and Callie Hines from the band Jupiter Flood . I was so excited about this because J Rees is the bassist of one of my all-time favorite local bands, The Gosh Darn Dangs. I had no idea that they also did vocals, and I couldn’t wait to hear their voice. I also photographed Callie Hines in 2019 for a songwriters’ night at Low Road Brewing in Hammond , and I was curious to see how Callie and I had grown in our art forms since then. Together, they performed the classic song (and one of my favorites) ‘ Iris ’ by The Goo Goo Dolls . To say they blew me away would be an understatement. With Callie playing guitar and sharing vocals with J, their voices blended and harmonized together beautifully to pull off the perfect cover for the song. J and Callie were joined again by Splendid Failure to perform ‘ I Melt with You ’ by Modern English . One of my favorite moments of the show was when J Rees and Splendid Failure performed ‘ Seven Nation Army ’ by The White Stripes . You could feel the iconic bass line in your heart as it traveled through the floorboards. Splendid Failure didn’t miss a beat, and J had the perfect voice with just the right amount of “Jazzy” rasp and could easily hit the high notes. J Rees and the band showed us no less riotous energy for Bikini Kill ’s iconic track ‘ Rebel Girl .’ To finish their set, Splendid Failure was joined by Jason Kareores, Callie Hines, and Byron Daniel for more popular 70s-90s songs before welcoming Byron Daniel & The Five Dead Dogs to the stage. Another performance I was super excited to see was Byron & The Five Dead Dogs . They are a four-piece of vocalist and guitarist Byron Daniels , their drummer Christian Colonna , Andrew Ates on the guitar, and Monroe White playing the bass. Back in 2018-2019, I took photos of Byron and Andrew in a band together called The Dirty Spoons (The first era of The Gosh Darn Dangs), and I was super excited to see what they’ve been up to since. These guys looked like absolute rock stars as they played ‘ Nearly Lost You ’ by Screaming Trees and ‘ Sonic Reducer ’ by Dead Boys . They were supposed to be joined by Mike Spoon for the Misfits song ‘ Hollywood Babylon ’ and ‘ Thunder Kiss ‘65 ’ by White Zombie ; however, the universe had other plans. Byron explained to the crowd that Mike Spoon couldn’t be there because his daughter decided early that she was ready for the world. Byron then asked everyone to support Mike, and the audience went wild. I don’t know if the Columbia Theaters’ walls had ever heard something so loud. Everyone excitedly clapped, cheered, yelled, and stomped their feet to congratulate Mike. Showing that even in the chaos of a punk show, family and community always come first. The band's bassist, Monroe, stepped forward to fill in for ‘ Hollywood Babylon ,’ followed by Tim Weaver to perform White Zombie’s ‘ Thunder Kiss 65 ’, and they did not disappoint. With Tim Weaver’s riotous voice and energetic punk stage presence, he was the perfect person to substitute. Splendid Failure came out to rock the stage for a final time to perform ‘ I Wanna Destroy You ’ by Uncle Tupelo and was accompanied by Monroe once again . Joe Burns then joined them for ‘ Gloria ’ by Patti Smith Group . Splendid Failure and friends welcomed everyone to the stage to perform ‘ People Who Died ’ by Jim Carroll Band . Now, when I say everyone, I mean everyone. I don’t think I’ve ever seen or heard anything like it! With two drummers, a handful of vocalists, bassists, and guitarists, they came together to create an unforgettable experience. It was so memorable not only because of the outstanding talent of everyone involved but also because you could see that, more importantly than anything, they were having a fantastic time. The stage transformed into a chaotic, joyful mess, with musicians from across the night uniting for one final blowout. Guitars wailed, voices soared, and as the crowd screamed along, it felt like we were all part of something larger—a fitting end to a night that captured the essence of punk: community, rebellion, and raw, unfiltered emotion. The producers of 50 Years of CBGB successfully gave us an amazing night of music that made us feel like we were at a 70s-90s Punk Rock gig. They also succeeded in bringing together Tangipahoa Parish’s musicians and giving them a place to let their talents shine. The Hey! Ho! Let’s Go! 50 Years of CBGB benefit concert was a remarkable celebration of music, community, and the enduring spirit of punk rock. The event not only honored the legendary CBGB, a cornerstone of punk history but also showcased the talent and passion of Louisiana’s musicians. Splendid Failure and the many artists who joined them delivered electrifying performances, blending iconic punk anthems with heartfelt tributes. More than just a cover concert, it was a gathering of local music lovers who came together for a cause—supporting The Kay Butler Performing Arts Project and a tribute to the roots of punk music. From the raucous sing-alongs to the heartfelt moments, it was a night that left everyone buzzing with the energy of the music, the camaraderie of the scene, and a deep appreciation for the power of live performance. The legacy of CBGB was alive and well in Hammond, Louisiana, and for those in attendance, it was a night to remember. *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 Got a show you'd like Rian to cover? Reach out to us at: mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

This four-piece powerhouse is taking nostalgia to new heights in the thrash metal scene. < Back Reviews on the Real: Megahera J. Heist Nov 1, 2025 Share This four-piece powerhouse is taking nostalgia to new heights in the thrash metal scene. Founded on October 11, 2008, by Sardinian singer and guitarist Mario Marras, Megahera was created from a strong desire to revive the sound and vibe of the 1980s. The name "Megahera" combines "MEGA" (meaning "great") and "Hera" (meaning "era"), reflecting the band's connection to the vibrant period in music history known as the 1980s. Credit: Megahera Drawing inspiration from various 1980s bands, Megahera developed a unique blend of NWOBHM (New Wave of British Heavy Metal) and Bay Area Thrash . Following the release of their demo, the band received praise from both fans and the media. They were invited to participate in the Eventi Metallici Fest , a well-known competition for metal fans in Sardinia , where Megahera won the final session, sharing the stage with special guest Paul Di'Anno , the former vocalist of Iron Maiden . During an active touring period, the band diligently worked on their first album, Metal Maniac Attack , released by My Graveyard Production in 2011 . To promote their debut, the band organized their first Australian tour, called the Insanity Attack Tour , in collaboration with Metal Evilution Organization (Australia), performing a series of shows worldwide. While in Australia, Megahera also released the EP Leather in London . Today, Megahera continue to produce new music, and we would like to recommend them if you're not yet familiar with their work. What do I love more than '80s thrash metal ? Bands that keep the genre alive! I just listened to their song ' Before the Night ' from their debut album, Metal Maniac Attack , and it's an absolute banger. I am hooked. ' Before the Night ' is fast paced from start to finish, with no breaks, making it the perfect song to introduce you to Megahera . The drums are relentless, the vocals are in-your-face, and there are not one, not two, but five guitar solos—count them, five! Who else does that? Megahera does. This song could easily fit on Kill 'Em All , and I bet the guys in Metallica would agree. This four-piece powerhouse is taking nostalgia to new heights in the thrash metal scene. So, check out ' Before the Night ' first as your introduction to Megahera , and then indulge yourself in their latest release, Back to the 80s , which was released on August 22, 2025 . Back to the 80s is a non-stop ride of pure thrash metal goodness. Released August 22, 2025 I just gave you a new favorite band to add to your list, and I promise you won't regret it! Peace, love and music -J Heist To learn more about Megahera: http://www.megahera.net 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

Jason Momoa as a Blind Warrior? I'm in! < Back See: The Final Chapter Keeley Brooks Oct 13, 2022 Share Jason Momoa as a Blind Warrior? I'm in! I’m a fan of most genres, and I’ll just about watch anything, unless it’s a sappy love story. One of my favorite genres, though, is science fiction. Start with that and sprinkle in treats like Jason Momoa, Dave Bautista, and plenty of badass fight scenes (not to mention Alfre Woodard), and you’ve got my attention in its entirety. Streaming series See did just that and is in its final season, with the finale right around the corner. If you’ve yet to check it out, here’s why you should. See is a science fiction drama series currently airing on AppleTV, starring Jason Momoa, Alfre Woodard, and, in season two, Dave Bautista. It also stars one of my favorite actors, Christian Camargo. Not sure who that is? Maybe this’ll help: If you were a fan of Dexter , you might remember him as The Ice Truck Killer from season one. Yeah? The series takes place in a very distant, brutal, primitive future, hundreds of years after a deadly virus pretty much destroyed humankind. Anyone who managed to survive emerged blind and thus gave birth to future blind generations, mostly. See follows Jason Momoa’s character, badass warrior tribe leader Baba Voss, as he goes to theend of every length to protect his family—namely his children, because they have the mythic ability of sight. Though Baba Voss has raised the twins from birth like they were his own, they are not his biological children; they are his wife’s, Maghra Kane, who was impregnated by a sighted man. Maghra is a princess of the House of Kane in the Payan Kingdom. Baba Voss found her lost, alone, and pregnant in a storm, so he brought her back to his tribe for shelter. She gave birth, they fell in love, they got married, yada yada yada. Maghra’s sister is Sibeth Kane. She is Divine Ruler and absolute monarch of the Payan Kingdom. She’s also the ruthless spiritual, military, and political leader of the last remaining society with electrical power. She murders any heretic speaking about the sense of sight and classifies them as witches. SHE is a treat to watch. I don’t know that anyone other than Sylvia Hoeks (pronounced Hooks) could’ve played this role so well … captured Queen Kane’s nuances so perfectly. She has a very interesting way of speaking and doing that brings some levity to her character while at the same time adding dimension. It’s one of the things I love about her. Plus, she gives a whole new meaning to the phrase, “I wish to pray.” You’ll see. Queen Kane’s Royal Tax Collector and Witchfinder General is Tamacti Jun (Christian Camargo). A brilliant and violent witchfinder general, he leads an army to find and kill anyone with sight. In particular, Sibeth has him on the hunt for a man named Jerlamarel (Jer-La-More-El) and all of his sighted children. As a man of sight, Jerlamarel goes around impregnating women (not forcefully or anything) to build a sighted race. Two of his children are Baba Voss and Maghra’s twins, Haniwa and Kofun (Ko-foon); hence Baba’s need to protect his family. Alfre Woodard also stars as an elder, advisor, and midwife to the Alkenny people, Baba Voss’s tribe. She and Baba are very close, almost like mother and son. She mentors him, and her extremely powerful innate wisdom guides him through all things, especially times of crisis. Not everyone trusts her in the Alkenny tribe, though, and dissenters view her as a witch. So, she is also under Baba Voss’s protection from Sibeth and Tamacti Jun. Dave Bautista joins the cast in season two as Edo (EE-doe) Voss, Baba’s estranged brother, and his arrival is nothing short of exciting. I’ll save their story for you to unfold but I will say I’m not sure there’s ever been such a highly anticipated fight scene between two brothers as this one was, and it did not disappoint. At all. Then comes a huge twist that made me jump up and do a happy dance, but I won’t spoil the fun. You’ll have to watch it and find out for yourselves! As a whole, I have to say everyone did a great job on making their blindness believable. It’s interesting to see (ha, no pun intended) how these blind tribes function together and work as a unit hunting, building, traveling, fighting—murdering … you name it. And kudos to the fight choreographer(s) working this series. Standing ovation. They came up with some sweet, clever battle moves that’ll definitely make you want to rewind and repeat. More than once. See is currently in its final season with new episodes dropping on AppleTV on Fridays. (Most of the time, they drop the night before at 8 p.m. if you’re like me and can’t wait ‘til then!) Seasons one and two are also available. Go see with your own eyeballs and enjoy! You can thank me later. 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

The combination of riffs, vocals, lyrics, and rhythm creates a storm of energy that resonates throughout. < Back Music Reviews by Nick: Playing with Fire by Caustic Waves Nick Cline Jul 4, 2025 Share The combination of riffs, vocals, lyrics, and rhythm creates a storm of energy that resonates throughout. Caustic Waves is back with an exciting new track that promises to captivate your eardrums with a wave of dissonance, distortion, and raw emotion. Launched in 2022 by the sonic mastermind Neil Thomas , this Glasgow-based one-man band draws inspiration from the diverse rock landscapes of the 90s and early 2000s. With this unique blend of musical tastes, Caustic Waves offers something for everyone looking for a mix of Deftones , Incubus , and other legendary grunge artists. The latest single, ' Playing With Fire ,' continues to build upon this rich soundscape. Released July 4, 2025 From the very beginning, ‘ Playing With Fire ’ grabs your attention with an explosion of distorted guitars . Within seconds, the song erupts as the full instrumentation and vocals kick in. The combination of riffs, vocals, lyrics, and rhythm creates a storm of energy that resonates throughout the entire track. Maintaining listener engagement has become a challenge in today’s music industry, but Caustic Waves achieves this effortlessly. The guitar tones and riffs are unmistakably hook-oriented, offering a subtle nod to the great metalcore projects of the early 2000s while also incorporating high-energy alternative influences from the 90s. There are very few complaints regarding the bass and guitar performance, which showcases a steady sense of melody and electrifying energy, creating a powerful musical storm. Overall, the single features impressive guitar and bass work, with excellent use of tone, riffs, and melody. The official lyric video for 'Playing With Fire' by Caustic Waves The song's rhythm provides a solid foundation that interacts like a living, breathing entity. This dynamic is one of my favorite aspects of the track. Although the high energy can sometimes overshadow this intricate interplay, paying attention reveals an effortless flow from beginning to end, capturing the crackle of flames to the first note, all the way through to the final crash of the cymbals. The vocals and lyrics convey a deep sense of emotion and a hopeful rage. The melodies tie the energy together, reflecting an intertwining of rage and a sense of hopeful embrace. This complex idea is executed with both intention and ease, allowing for a smooth dichotomy alongside the instrumentation. All these elements combine to create a sonic palette that will appeal to a wide audience. If you're a fan of 90s and early 2000s alternative and hard rock, you've found a new artist and track to add to your playlist. Caustic Waves delivers another standout single that connects seamlessly with their previous work. ' Playing With Fire ' is out now on all streaming platforms, so go enjoy! For more information about Caustic Waves: CAUSTIC WAVES | Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok | Linktree www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Nick Cline is the powerhouse behind the Louisiana-based band, Phantum Sun , and loves checking out new music. Got something you think he'd like? Email us at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Lafayette’s progressive metal and metalcore band delivers heavy sounds with spicy lyrics < Back Endure the Affliction: Music to Empower Mind, Body, and Soul Je'an-Paul Keller Jul 31, 2023 Share Lafayette’s progressive metal and metalcore band delivers heavy sounds with spicy lyrics Coming up August 19, 2023, Louisiana’s own metal core/progressive metal band Endure the Affliction are set to perform at Rad Fest 2023 at PARC International in Lafayette, Louisiana. They are the second in our installment of interviews with all the acts on the bill. These guys are the new face of progressive metal/metalcore in the area and if you’re not familiar with them yet, you soon will be. Endure the Affliction is a well-orchestrated mixture of progressive metal and metalcore that embodies melodic metal and embraces their Louisiana roots. This five-piece group of talented musicians formed the band in 2018 in Lafayette, Louisiana, and currently consists of Deion Lanthier on guitar and vocals, Ryan Tyler on lead vocals, Brett Dronet on guitar, Joshua Domingue on bass, and Kyle Roberts on drums. credit: Chad Besse A sound reminiscent of true, deep southern darkness metalcore, Endure the Affliction belts out a powerful and passionate message that will shake your soul to its very core. They have been through different member line-ups and many personal hardships through the years, but those experiences taught them how to endure all of the afflictions the world throws at them. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, their lyrics are about overcoming hardships in life such as suicide, racism, and drug addiction, just to name a few. Their music video for the song "Identity" demonstrates the battles inside we all struggle with on a daily basis. The powerful riffs of the dueling guitars and soaring vocals are so intense, they’ll have you on the edge of your seat wanting more. Their listeners have told them they are a gateway into the wonderful world of metalcore, and I, for one, could not agree more. Their EPs “Origins” and “Evolve” are full of so much energy, they’ll leave you feeling motivated to conquer all roadblocks that you face. Exactly the type of music one wants to hear on any given day. Recently, I had the chance to sit down with vocalist and guitarist Deion Lanthier, where he told me some great stories about the band’s history and took the time to explain the band’s overall message, which is focused on healing and feeling uplifted. These albums will empower your mind, body, and soul for the greater good. Check out our conversation below, then go listen to their music. You won’t regret it! Deion Lanthier - Photo credit Chad Besse MaM : Who or what has inspired your sound? Deion : Well, it’s kind of hard to say. We’ve been through a few original members. Originally, the idea was to be like a cross between hard rock and metalcore, but it ended up not being that because we all have different influences. Originally, with the original singer being … an older guy, he was more influenced by the classical heavy metal, where the rest of us are more influenced by metalcore-type of stuff—maybe a little bit of Djent—but we really don’t try to sound like anybody too much. We just kind of do our thing. Whatever we write, if we like it, then we just roll with it. Everything’s always middle, of course, but we just gotta roll with it. We all have a bunch of different influences. MaM : Primarily what was your main influence? Deion : The biggest influence for me, personally, … would probably be All That Remains, because that was the first metalcore band I heard. They definitely had a lasting impact on me and a big influence on the way that I write music. MaM : How did you form? And how did you meet the other members of the band? Deion : Well, it was me and the original drummer that started the band together, but it was weird. I didn't know the guy but I saw him on Facebook, and I mistook him for someone that I went to school with. I was like, ‘Hey, man! I didn't know you played drums,’ and I guess he got confused too, because he was talking to me like he knew me. So, we didn't find out until a few messages later [that] we don't actually know each other. Then I said, ‘Hey, you want to start a band together?’ I was looking for a second project at the time. I was actually in one project at that time that wasn't really making too much progress. So, that's how we got started. credit: Chad Besse MaM : I take it everybody catches on pretty quickly and everybody gets into the groove? Deion : Oh, yeah, absolutely. We all have really good chemistry, and everybody is very, like I said, very talented. Everybody brings their own unique influence, and everybody's great songwriters. That's the most important part, right? MaM : So you all contribute to it. It's kind of like the band Queen, where everybody just puts in their own influences and brings everything to the table, huh? Deion : Oh, yeah, absolutely. Generally the process would be for me or the other guitarist, but we come up with the melodies on guitar first, and then the drummer puts the drums to it. Then, bass and vocals [have to] get written next and need to get written simultaneously. But, it's very guitar driven, usually. Once we have the bass line down, everybody just kind of makes suggestions, and we go from there. So, it's definitely all-five-members-in type of thing. MaM : Most definitely! What influences you to make music? Deion : OH, MAN! Just the love of it! But, aside from the generic answer? (laughs) I've been through a lot of things in life at an early age and music was really what helped me get through it all. Aside from the normal teenage angst, you know, I’ve been through some pretty dark stuff that I feel like if I wouldn't have had music, I wouldn't have been able to deal with it properly, maybe? Music helped me put my emotions into context. I think it helped me learn to manage my emotions and things like that … work my way through things. I want to be able to do that same thing for other people. That is what drives me to keep doing it. credit: Chad Besse MaM : Oh yeah, definitely. I noticed overcoming hardships is the driving force behind your music and in your message. What hardships do you think the listeners overall relate to the most? Deion: We've been told any time we talk about suicide, that's a pretty heavy topic for people, as well as the drug addiction songs that they really connect with—even the more generic songs, like one of our older ones called “Rise.” It's just about rising above a hard situation. Everybody really connected with that one. Even though it's a very broad message, they seem to like it a lot, and that’s something they say they don't get from metal a whole lot. So they're very surprised by it. They all kind of latch onto it. We take pride in that, and that's why we stick to it--even with the vocal exchange. The lyrics may be a little different, but the message is still the same. People seem to really like that positive message. Even though we talk about the darker side of things, we always try to lyrically make it to where you can come out of this bad situation, and you can get through it. MaM : Can you tell me more about the lyrics for “Identity”? Deion : Well it's both general and specific, because it's basically my life. I was a little selfish when I wrote it, but it's relatable because it's true. It's a little bit of racial-identity type of stuff but at the same time suicide attempts and drug addiction. I've been through all of that stuff. But, with the racial thing, I'm mixed, so I've had to deal with stupid stuff from both sides. I had an identity crisis growing up, and that's why it's called, “Identity.” It took me a long time to work that out … realizing that I didn't need to be that way for anyone else in particular. I needed to be who I wanted to be, regardless of what anybody else thought. Also political leanings and stuff like that. You can't let other people influence the type of person that you should be. You have to decide that for yourself. So that's pretty much what that song is about. It's a little all over the place but cohesive at the same time. I try to fit a little bit of everything in there. MaM : I totally identify with that one the most. Can I get a little background info on your band name? Deion : Endure the Affliction refers to the human condition—existence itself and the fact that you have no choice but to just endure it. You work your way through problems. You go through life. You figure it out, and that's just it. It's a simple message. It's just a fancy word. Fancy words to relay a simple message. MaM : Do you use any specific pedals to achieve y'all’s sound? Deion : Yeah, I use a Line 6 Helix. I have an EVH over an orange cab, but I plug my Line 6 Helix into that. Most people just use the Line 6 Helix by itself, but I don't do that. The other guitarist has a smaller version of that called the Line 6 POD GO. He uses that for all of his pedal stuff. We're the only two. The bassist uses a straight clean bass tone. He doesn't do any crazy stuff. MaM : You have 99 monthly followers on Spotify and it's growing. Do you think they relate to the overcoming hardships in the lyrics? Do you think that's what draws them in? Deion : I believe so. We talk to our fans, you know. We're not the rock-star diva type. We don't have a huge fan base, but when they come, they come. They show up, and we talk to them. They all say that that's the main thing they like about the music: The lyrics are relatable. They love that we're not black metal. Basically, we’re out there singing about stuff they can't relate to. I think, also, the draw is because we're so melodic for a metal band. A lot of our fans are people that don't listen to metal, believe it or not. We're kind of a gateway band locally. MaM : Any future plans and aspirations for the band? Deion : YES! We would like to tour. We plan on trying to do a little miniature tour at some point, maybe one or two weeks. Nothing fancy, but definitely that. We hope to release our third EP by October. We [have] a couple more songs to get written and recorded, then we'll be good to go. Nothing too big, besides RAD Fest, obviously. For more on Endure the Affliction, you can check them out at any of the below-listed links. For more on RAD Fest, click here . Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enduretheaffliction.la/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/enduretheaffliction.la/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EndureTheAffliction Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0YkC97oMGPhF8ivqYFXHHo Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/endure-the-affliction/1471728402 Bandcamp: https://enduretheaffliction.bandcamp.com/ Je’an Paul Keller is a member of the 501st Legion and a huge sci-fi nerd. He’s also a HUGE music lover and is very passionate about drawing, sketching, painting, and making cosplays and movie-accurate costumes. 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

Jimmy Speed's music is a unique blend of fast, hard, and heavy rock. < Back Off the Charts: Jimmy Speed Bud Gambrell May 22, 2024 Share Jimmy Speed's music is a unique blend of fast, hard, and heavy rock. Hello all! Welcome back to Off the Charts! I’m glad you’re here! I’m a bit excited to turn you on to this next band. Jimmy Speed is a local band I’ve heard of but have yet to see live. I assure you that will change! I may have heard the name from bands that played at a former location in Huntsville called Sidetracks Music Hall . If you’ve never heard of Sidetracks, I wrote a book about it, but we are not here to discuss that. Let’s start this article a little differently. I want to wet your pallet just a bit with one of the band’s videos. Please turn this up before continuing to read this interview. See below. Jimmy Speed comprises various musicians from the Huntsville area in Alabama. It had its humble beginnings in founding member/lead singer Lyle Douglass’s bedroom. I got invited to a band practice recently, where I had some time with Lyle before the band introduced me to their new song, Paradise , where I was able to ask Lyle for a little history of Jimmy Speed's origins. Click the picture to experience Jimmy Speed's music. OTC : How did you come up with the band name Jimmy Speed? LD : Jimmy Speed started in my bedroom. I'm writing songs because that's always been my passion. I've been a songwriter since I was a teenager at home. And so, Jimmy Speed was sort of the name I gave myself just for my own released music because I didn't want to release a Hard Rock album called Lyle Douglas. And so, I thought, I need to come up with a rock'n'roll name. My first name is James, so I thought, well, Jimmy works perfectly. I had to come up with a stylish last name, so I thought Speed worked because some of the music I wrote at the time was fast, hard, and heavy. So that's how that name originated. Our music is a unique blend of fast, hard, and heavy rock, a style that we've honed over the years and that sets us apart from other bands in the area. Credit: Facebook OTC : What year did the band form, and how did you get to the lineup of musicians you have today? LD : In 2015, I joined forces with Mono Stereo, a local cover band formed by guys from Blackeyedsusan and Dragmatic. Chris was in Dragmatic , Donnie Pylant, and Jay were in Blackeyedsusan, and then their bass player Glenn was the bass player for Brother Cane . He's back with them playing again. They brought me in to be their lead singer and rhythm guitar player. That's how I met Chris. And then, in 2016, my brother passed away. I had a bunch of songs written, some of them dedicated to him. I asked Glenn and my friends Brian and Chris, hey, do you mind just getting together and doing a one-time gig of original music at the Sportspage ? It was just kind of a one-off thing. And so that's how it started. It was just an original gig that we did, and after that show, the guys said, it's cool. Let's continue doing some of these songs, and that's when it originated. I guess that was around 2017 when Jimmy Speed first formed with the lineup of Brian, Chris, and Glenn Maxey. But then, when the pandemic hit in 2020, Glenn had a tough year and had to step away from the band. At that moment, like many other bands in 2020, we had to ask ourselves, what will we do? Are we going to keep doing this? Brian, Chris, and I decided, yeah, we want to. We're still passionate about this. So, we kept writing songs. We went back to the studio. We kicked around some bass players like Mike Staten from Tres Locos and Michael Cline from 5ive O’clock Charlie . They stepped in and helped us out for about a year or two. We've known Gary for 25 years. On a whim, we just said, hey, man, we're interested in you playing bass for us. The other guys are busy. Not that Gary wasn't busy, but he said I'm interested. And so, it looks like, hopefully, I crossed my fingers. He's going to be a permanent guy. Credit: Bud Gambrell OTC : What are your biggest influences when you're making music? LD : I am admittedly a product of the 1980s MTV generation. My riff writing is very percussive, so it's very Metallica-ish. Some of it is Megadeth-ish. But I also like Weezer-esk hooks. Chris is probably more of a 90s guy himself. And so, we bring out our inner Motley Crue, Weezer, and Metallica when possible. OTC : How would you describe the music that you create? LD : I try not to get too fancy with genres. I know there are so many subgenres of rock. To me, it just gets silly. I've always categorized this, just as you know, as heavy rock, heavy rock with elements of soft rock and elements of metal. Let’s pause for a few minutes and check out another song! OTC : Talk to me about your approach to writing new material. Is it a collective effort, or do you do the writing and bring it to the band? LD : It typically starts with me at home doodling because that's just what I do. It's just kind of my passion. I can't help myself. I've always done it since I was a teenager. So, it usually starts on the guitar. I'll come up with something, some hook on the guitar. I will hear some vocal lines without any words. Something like that will come across my mind as I'm playing. I think, OK, those are the syllables I need. I need to come up with some words to fit, and sometimes, it's a random line like in one of our brand-new songs, Paradise. I'm playing the riff, and the line spontaneously came as “I'd Walked 1,000,000 Miles on a One-Way Road”, and I had to stop and go, OK, who's on a one-way road? Who's walked 1,000,000 miles? What is that story about? And so it could be a spontaneous lyrical line that comes to mind. And so, you write a song based on an idea. Credit: Bud Gambrell OTC : We talked last week, and you were in the studio? I'm guessing that means we've got new material coming out. Tell me about that. When? LD : It's probably going to be released later this year. We're now working with engineer Ben Holloway at Five Points Recording Studio. We've worked with Justin Miller down there. He's the owner. Head engineer. He did our last album, Weight of the World. But he's got a new engineer working night and night just from a scheduling standpoint, which works better for us. So, Ben is doing all the rough recording right now. We've got drums, all the main lyrics, and my guitar, but we still need to play lead guitar, bass, and some backup vocals. It's a slow process, so we chip away at it when possible. We don't have a regular scheduled time over there, but like I said, it will probably be released later this year. Credit: Bud Gambrell OTC : How do the people reading right now find your music? LD : In today's world, most people stream, so you must ensure your music's out on all streaming platforms. I've done that. Social media is such a circus, but at least it gives you the tools for reaching thousands of people at a very low cost. I've done sponsored ads, and we've got videos on Facebook with 10s of thousands of views. 20-30 years ago, I know the dream of all musicians was to get signed, and that's still great if you have corporate sponsorship and that corporate push, but social media at least gives small artists the tools to do it kind of themselves. But now, people must search for us on their favorite streaming service, Jimmy Speed. OTC : All right, one last question. If you could open a show for any artist, who would it be and why? LD : You know, I think that I've compared our music most closely with Volbeat. Love or hate them, Volbeat is hugely popular, and its music is heavy but melodic. They've got a lot of melodic hooks. Their singer is not necessarily a screamer, and that's always what I've gone for. They have a heavy sound but a lot of hooks, so that would be my dream. I didn’t come up with that last question; my editor/publisher, Nicole , did. Thanks, Nicole! That was a great question! I liked it so much that I asked the other three band members the same question to see the variety of answers I might get. First, I asked bass player Gary Fullerton. Credit: Facebook OTC : If you could open a show for any artist, who would it be and why? GF : My first choice would be Iron Maiden. Steve Harris greatly influenced me back when I was a kid. My second choice would be The Warning. Those girls from Mexico are kicking ass! Next, I turn to guitarist Chris Robinson. Although I had already asked the question twice, the guys took their time and thought about the answer. OTC : If you could open a show for any artist, who would it be and why? CR : Oh my gosh, that's a great one. Oh, man. Oh my gosh, you stumped me. I was thinking Avenged Sevenfold, but I was like, am I that good? It would have been Mötley Crüe or Guns N’ Roses when I was ten. You know, next level. One last band member. I asked drummer Brian Miller the same question and got a very eclectic answer. OTC : If you could open a show for any artist, who would it be and why? BM : Man, is that like a current existing band or any band? OTC : It can be any band. BM : Man. I would open for The Doors. Absolutely! Because I want to meet and talk to Jim Morrison. It's as simple as that. It's like a lifelong ambition stolen from me at age two. What can I say? Credit: Bud Gambrell I’m going to have to take my advice on this band. Don’t snooze on Jimmy Speed! Unfortunately for me, I have yet to see them play live. Yet! I was fortunate enough to sit in on a band practice and could tell this band is meant to be seen live! Keep an eye out for upcoming dates. With new music coming out, that can only mean one thing. New show announcements! Follow Jimmy Speed at the links below. Drop by and buy some new tunes. Watch the music and keep up with the band news. Be sure to drop by and send me an email. Let me know if you have a good recommendation for a band out there that is killing it. Or you can drop me a line and say hello. Until next time, Keep your diamond down in the groove! Where to find Jimmy Speed: www.facebook.com Log in or sign up to view See posts, photos and more on Facebook. music.youtube.com YouTube Music Where to find Bud : Email : the_budgambrell@mixedaltmag.com Amazon : https://a.co/d/1CLA9Tz 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.facebook.com Log in or sign up to view See posts, photos and more on Facebook. Questions or comments? Reach out to mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Ryan S. Leavitt is an accomplished author overflowing with creativity. < Back The Creative Life of Ryan S Leavitt Nicole Brice Aug 4, 2025 Share Ryan S. Leavitt is an accomplished author overflowing with creativity. Ryan S. Leavitt is an accomplished author known for his work in fiction , thrillers , and science fiction . He is also a musician who has appeared on a reality sitcom . His bands, Allision and The Every Year , remain active and continue to produce new music. So, how did we come to know about him? We receive numerous submissions daily, but occasionally, a multi-talented individual crosses our path with a remarkable story that deserves more than just a simple review of their work. Ryan S. Leavitt is a perfect example of this. At just 34 years old , Ryan has achieved so much and continues to thrive. While thrillers and science fiction are the primary subjects of his books, he presents them with a distinctive flair. Originally from Massachusetts , Ryan's creativity and curiosity led him to New Orleans , where he has resided for the past ten years . His humor and wit are charming, and his true character shines through in all he does. He is brilliant, philosophical, and overflowing with creativity. Read on to learn more about him. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : It says in your bio on your website that you appeared on the reality sitcom, Quiet Desperation . What was that about? Tell us more. Ryan : That goes way back. That was in a time when YouTube was in a semi-embryonic state. I grew up in Massachusetts, and I used to listen to the local rock radio. One day, I just heard something I had never heard before, when this shock jock came on and was like, ‘I’m gonna spin my song today’, and he played this bizarre satirical song called ‘ I Put a Baby in You ’. (laughter) Ryan : I started following him from that point on, and he was doing a bunch of weird YouTube videos, just making weird outsider music, and he started making what was kind of like The Office , except it was with Boston creative types. MaM : That’s awesome! Ryan : So, it was a bunch of stand-up comedians and musicians in the area, and they coalesced with the storylines and stuff like that. I just ended up getting in touch with them after I had turned 18 and was able to be on for an episode. I did this Fight Club parody. Instead of soap and lye, it was like Gatorade and fruit punch or something, and the suffering was being creative and never making any money. (laughter) Quiet Desperation via YouTube MaM : Dude, that’s the struggle for all of us. Ryan : Yeah. It was cool. We did a bunch of stuff, and he got it on local access TV for a while, too, so this little thing that started on YouTube ended up being on television briefly. MaM : You mentioned The Office, and there’s this other show, if you haven’t seen it, and it’s based loosely on The Office, but it’s called PBC . It’s about accountants, though. It’s an office show about accountants, and you can only watch it on YouTube. It is so freakin hilarious. If you haven’t seen it yet, go check it out. Ok, back to the interview. (laughter) MaM : You mentioned you grew up in Massachusetts, so how did you end up here in Louisiana? Ryan : I had this creativity in me flourishing because of the music scene in Boston . I used to go up to Boston often, but there was usually so much traffic. It was such a big scene—a big city. There was an advantage to all of that, though, because the music there was always good. One thing I didn’t like was how massive and inaccessible everything was, but another thing I didn’t like was how cold it was up there. I’m not a big person, and the cold would always get me. I was looking for different places where the cold would not be a factor, and I happened to have visited New Orleans . I perceived it as this mecca for creative types, but not just now in the time we’re living, but just over the decades … the 1920s, 1930s, and so on … it was sort of the edge of the world, and there they were honing and working on their arts, so that appealed to me. I’ve lived here for the past ten years, and it’s worked out well for me. The first couple of years here felt like a crash course, but after that, everything I wanted to do started to fall into place. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : You’re in two bands – Allision and The Every Year . Tell us a little more about that. Ryan : Allision is just original alt rock , sort of just a bunch of different influences that I liked growing up, like 90s alt rock and the whole MySpace era and things of the 90s . We try to make each song sound different every time. Just a pastiche of different eras, or as an homage to a particular band we liked a whole lot. The Every Year is a little more loosey-goosey, and it encompasses, like, well, when I do Allision , I want it to be very kick you in the teeth, a lot of frenetic high-energy for gigs, but then I have more acoustic singer-songwriter stuff. It’s kind of what doesn’t go into one bucket goes into the other—that kind of thing. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : How many books have you published total, and what made you want to become an author? Tell us a little more about Swiftopia , too. That’s your newest book, correct? Ryan : I’ve got about ten or so books published between the Kindle E-book format and paperback. Swiftopia is the first audiobook , and it’s kind of old. I first published it in 2016 , but the audiobook is new. The reading of it was done this year, and what had happened with that one was that I had these ten books, and then I wrote that one as sort of a big joke, and then it was the one that ended up selling the most. Because of that, I could justify getting an audiobook produced because I had sold so many copies. That one is about Taylor Swift creating an album so hypnotic that the entire world turns into zombies. It’s a book about how pop music today is sort of like a zombie apocalypse. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : Dude, it is!!! Ryan : You can’t escape it, and then if you get exposed to a song too many times, it’s like, ‘I don’t like this song, but now I can’t get it out of my head.’ You walk around like that – like a zombie. MaM : Do you have a favorite book you’ve written, and if so, which one? Ryan : I would say my sci-fi series is my biggest project and has taken up the most time. I’ve been working on a third project, which explores what would happen if all the wealthy, elite, and billionaire types got their way and left the planet. However, the story doesn’t follow them. It follows their children, who don’t have any context on how megalomaniacal these billionaire people are, so they go through the courses and learn how divorced they are from actual humanity. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : What role do you take in your bands, and are you currently working on anything new? Ryan : I’m the line leader in everything. MaM : Are you the one-man band? (laughter) Ryan : Yeah, I have my bassist and drummer, and then I have a friend who helps me out. She does lovely lady vocals singing, and stuff like that, but for Allision , we have a split EP that we’re doing with this other band, Collections , which we found a savory and intriguing prospect because we don’t see a lot of people, at least in the New Orleans music scene that are collaborating on that level. It’s going to be that we have two songs on it, and then they have two songs on it, and then we kind of each have contributed parts to each of the songs. His guitarist came and played guitar for one of our songs, and vice versa. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : With you being a New Orleans musician, what are some of your favorite venues down there to play? Ryan : I think Siberia is wonderful. Siberia is located on this St. Claude stretch where a lot of people walk by – tourists and stuff. The Fred Hampton Free Store is particularly intriguing because it’s a desecrated former Family Dollar store with no electricity, yet they host various events there. We’ve played there a couple of times. There’s no air conditioning, but it’s so DIY and lively. I remember the last time we played there; it was a diverse crowd in a good way. MaM : I saw you have some books written under a pen name, and I wanted to know why you chose to do that. Ryan : I started as Ryan Starbloak for a couple of the E-books I published. I was coming at it from an angle of satire, and after I had done four or five books that were humor-heavy, I felt limited. I wanted to be a genuine storyteller, so I wrote a darker psychological thriller. Then, I moved on to science fiction. When I went to record Swiftopia for the audiobook, I wrapped everything up. There are a couple of things from the satire days that I’ve been just trying to unfold into one name. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : What inspires you to create either in music or writing? Ryan : You know, at first, when I got the idea to do all of this stuff, and when I was a teenager, I didn’t have quite the same skill level I do now, but I wanted to produce and things like that. It was a concept from Friedrich Nietzsche , where he said art is the conversion of suffering into beauty . I probably labored under this illusion for what seemed like eight years, and I knew I had to do this because it makes me feel better after something bad has happened. I turn this depressive muck into something that I can utilize. That kind of oppressive atmosphere didn’t work and created emotional isolation, so now I’m just motivated by the premise of being myself for a living. Being able to transmit and communicate ideas. Make people snicker, smile, or think. The depression stuff has gone away, but it was interesting to think it all worked under that model for a long time, and then one day it didn’t, and I was just a lot happier. (laughter) Credit: Gary Governale MaM : Back to the music - What band or musician would you say has most influenced you with your music? Ryan : I’d have to go back to that guy with whom I did the YouTube show . His music career – I wouldn’t call it illustrious, but it was very productive. He did a lot of comedy albums in the beginning. He did thirteen comedy albums , and then the fourteenth one, it was more sincere and vulnerable, and he did an Americana sort of Johnny Cash thing. His name is Rob Potylo , and he remains active in the comedy scene. He’s been in a couple of TV shows, and I love how, at first, he was this very satirical Boston man, and then he shed that off and did something different. When that was over, he did a Bob Dylan thing, and everything since then has been closer and closer to his authentic self. He's been my biggest inspiration. When we did that Fight Club parody, it felt like an initiation into a creative life. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : If you could share the stage with anyone in the future musically, who would it be and why? Ryan : This one feels implausible on a couple of different levels, but this band from Spain called Dover , which had been active in the late 90s . They came out right after Kurt Cobain had passed, and they were the biggest thing in Spain during that time. They disbanded in like 2015 , I believe. I would want to play with them more than anyone else. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : Professionally, where would you like to see yourself in the next five years? Ryan : I’m hoping to do the full-time author thing, and I’m working on this sci-fi series, and book three will be the closing of this trilogy cycle, which will open up a lot of marketing opportunities for me. I don’t aspire to much more beyond that, other than being able to be myself for a living. To learn more about Ryan S. Leavitt: Website: Home | Ryan S. Leavitt *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? Reach out to mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Runaway Bunny is an epic tale of strength and resilience. < Back Exploring Escapism: Hawthorne Oachs’ New Single is a Compelling Tale of Freedom Nicole Brice Jun 17, 2024 Share Runaway Bunny is an epic tale of strength and resilience. It’s rare and special when an artist’s music resonates with me on a deeply personal level. I can honestly say that it's been a while since I've been genuinely moved by a piece of music. However, last year, a young artist, musician, and actress captured my attention with her soul-stirring song, ' A Single Flower , ' and I have been a massive fan of hers ever since. Credit: Artist website At just 15 years old, Hawthorne Oachs is a free spirit unafraid to explore the depths of the human experience. Her advocacy for mental health is a testament to her courage and empathy, and her willingness to be raw and vulnerable in her music is truly inspiring. Her transparent, honest, and authentic lyrics have the power to make you think and cry, creating a unique and powerful dynamic in music. With wisdom exuding that of an old soul, Hawthorne’s latest song, released on June 6, 2024, “ Runaway Bunny ”, begins with an 80’s new wave synth vibe that transports you into a dreamlike sequence with angelic and haunting vocals. As the song progresses, the intensity builds, and at 1:48, when the twinkling synths come in, it builds even further until it ends so abruptly that you want more. This is, without a doubt, my favorite song from Hawthorne Oachs yet, and I cannot wait to see what else she has in store for us in the future. Add this to your list of songs to check out NOW! I recommend going down that rabbit hole if you have never experienced Hawthorne’s music. This is only the beginning for this remarkable young artist. Click the picture to experience "Runaway Bunny". Hawthorne Oachs can be found on: Website : https://www.hawthorneoachs.com Linktree : https://linktr.ee/hawthorneoachs Spotify : Hawthorne Oachs | Spotify YouTube : https://youtu.be/Cnrd0bbJ9fE?si=MJEYDUrrhLcBruOP 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

Buckle up for the most horrific installment of the Evil Dead universe < Back Evil Dead Rise is Balls-to-the-Wall Blood, Guts, and Terror Ezekiel Kincaid Apr 25, 2023 Share Buckle up for the most horrific installment of the Evil Dead universe With the new Evil Dead installment, we didn’t get just another movie added to the franchise, we got a terrifying, new reimagining of the story. Much like the 2013 remake (which I liked), there is no Bruce Campbell as Ash Williams. There’s also no sarcasm or comedy, so don’t go into this movie expecting Army of Darkness or Ash vs Evil Dead . This was an hour and forty minutes of balls-to-the-wall blood, guts, and terror. From the opening scene to the credits, Evil Dead Rise doesn’t let you rise up for air. It is, by far, the creepiest, scariest, and most horrific installment into the Evil Dead universe. And I freaking loved it. That’s saying a lot, because I am a die-hard Bruce Campbell/Ash Williams fan. Those of you who have kept up with my writing can attest to that. After all, it was my love for Evil Dead and Ash Williams that inspired my epic horror comedy, “The Adventures of Johnny Walker Ranger: Demon Slayer”, which you can get on sale here at Godless. So, even though Bruce Campbell and Sam Raimi produced Evil Dead Rise , I was still wondering in the back of my mind—like I did with the 2013 remake—if it would live up to the hype. Written and directed by award-winning writer/director Lee Cronin ( The Hole in the Ground ), Evil Dead Rise is produced by both Bruce Campbell and Sam Raimi and stars Lily Sullivan ( MENTAL) , Alyssa Sutherland ( Vikings ) , Morgan Davies ( The Girlfriend Experience ), Gabrielle Echols ( Reminiscence ), and child actress Nell Fisher. The twisted tale follows two estranged sisters whose reunion is cut short by the rise of flesh-possessing demons, thrusting them into a primal battle for survival as they face the most nightmarish version of family imaginable. courtesy of Warner Bros. images Unlike the 2013 remake, this new chapter deviates from the usual story line and focuses on a family in an old run-down apartment building in Los Angeles. Alyssa Sutherland plays single mom Ellie, who is possessed by a Deadite early on in the film after her sister, Beth (Lily Sullivan), comes to town for a visit and an earthquake unearths the Necronomicon, or book of the dead. From there, it funnels its evil straight to Ellie, who, as a result, psychologically and physically tortures her own children. Another change is in the recordings that are played. In Evil Dead Rise , we have recordings of a priest on some old records recounting his experiences with the Kandarian Demons (rather than a scholar regurgitating his findings), which releases the chaos. But don’t worry, Ash Williams fans, there are two Bruce cameos in the film, along with a nod to the chainsaw and boomstick. I caught the first cameo (hint: pay attention in the scene when Danny plays the records), but the second cameo I had to look up (and you will, too, because there is no way to tell from the movie itself; you’ll have to Google it). All in all, Evil Dead Rise , while giving homage to its roots, is successful as its own film. With that said, where does it fall within the franchise? The brilliance of this movie lies in the fact that it could function as any of the following: a continuation of the original trilogy, a sequel to Evil Dead (2013), a standalone, or a reboot. It all depends on how you look at the film. There was one scene in the movie that really hit home, tying them all together in my mind. I mentioned the scene where Danny is listening to the old records already, and I’m mentioning it again here. This is a pivotal scene because it masterfully links all the previous films to this one. When Danny plays one of the records next to the Necronomicon, it mentions that the book before him is just one of three volumes of the Necronomicon. courtesy of Warner Bros. images Hello, Army of Darkness fans! This ringing any bells? No? Then allow me three words: klaatu verata nikto—the three words Ash was supposed to say over the “right” Necronomicon. How many Necronomicons were in that scene? Yep, three. In Evil Dead Rise , this seems to indicate that ALL THREE books were real, and that Ash had to pick the right one for HIS particular circumstances (i.e., the one that had already been opened and read). Therefore, what we have is one version of the book in the original Evil Dead trilogy and Ash vs Evil Dead series, the second book in the 2013 remake, and the third book found under the Los Angeles apartment in Evil Dead Rise . courtesy of Warner Bros. images Do you need to see any of the previous films to understand this one? No, which is why it works well as a stand-alone film. However, if you haven’t seen any of the previous installments, you need to remedy that situation ASAP. I would also add that, for me, having seen the previous entries countless times, it did enhance my viewing of the film. With all that was great about the film, it did have one major flaw that the others avoided, and that is character development. The film starts out so fast and furious, we don’t get time to know the characters. This results in us not giving very many f**ks about what happens to them. This doesn’t happen in the original trilogy and series because, duh, Ash Williams. The 2013 remake, with all its blood and gore, still managed to get fans invested with what happens to the characters. This isn’t to say things aren’t revealed along the way to help get you to care about the characters because they are. Even so, it still lacks any real “hook” to create buckets of empathy for the characters. Those buckets of empathy are replaced with buckets of blood and guts (some of the most blood I’ve ever seen in a movie, and that’s saying a lot!) and one of the best woodchipper scenes in cinematic history. The crunching and popping sounds in the movie alone are worth seeing it on the big screen and in Dolby audio! Even with the lack of character development, I still give this movie five out of five chainsaws. The sheer terror, creepiness, blood, gore, and how they connected this to the rest of the movies helps make up for the character development flaws in my mind. Evil Dead Rise is, by far, the scariest entry to date in the Evil Dead franchise. Horror fans, get to the theater and see this one NOW! If you wait until the video release, you’ll regret it. Ezekiel Kincaid lives for horror and loves to write and talk about it, whether it be in his own novels or in movie/series reviews. His experience as both a pastor and a paranormal investigator bring everything he writes to life. 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

“Chin Up, Kid” is a refreshing take on introspection, combining the emotional intensity of alt-rock with the edginess of 90’s punk and grunge. < Back alltheprettythings: A Soul-Baring Alt-Rock Anthem Erica Machen Nov 7, 2023 Share “Chin Up, Kid” is a refreshing take on introspection, combining the emotional intensity of alt-rock with the edginess of 90’s punk and grunge. alltheprettythings is keen on changing the way you look at rock music. This music supergroup out of Wilmington, N.C., has combined musicians from bands you might know to make music you wouldn’t expect. alltheprettythings features current, previous, and touring members of Alesana , Emarosa , He Is Legend , and Chiodos , and their newest single “Chin Up, Kid” is a bad-ass anthem of deep introspection set to release next week. "Chin Up, Kid" is a dynamic blend of alt rock, punk, and hard rock that digs deep into the emotional struggles of the heart and brain. The song is a refreshing take on introspection, offering a unique perspective as it portrays a conversation between the heart and the mind, and the lyrics are a beacon of hope and encouragement for those who find themselves trapped in a cycle of self-doubt and overthinking. The band's lineup is brimming with talent, featuring (from L to R in the cover photo) Will Sowers on bass, Tristan Matthew on guitar, Logan Tabor on lead vocals, Worth Weaver as the band's producer and guitarist, and drummer Jeremy Bryan. They bring with them diverse experiences, melding together in creation of an incredible and eclectic mix. “Chin Up, Kid” is an emotionally charged yet uplifting song with the depth of emo rock highlighting the heart's desire to help the mind navigate the challenges of life. This concept comes through in the lyrics, where the heart urges the mind to call for support and not succumb to the weight of overthinking—something to which we all can relate. What sets "Chin Up, Kid" apart is its ability to combine the emotional intensity of alt rock with the edginess of '90’s punk and grunge. It's a song that resonates with those who appreciate both the emotional and the rebellious sides of music. With remarkable depth and emotional power to their music, alltheprettythings shouldn’t go overlooked—they are easily one of the most exciting bands producing music today. The band saw very warm reception with their single “Teenage Lines” , which showcases lead singer Logan Tabor’s otherworldly range. While each track released by alltheprettythings is impactful in its own way, “Chin Up, Kid” serves as a powerful introduction to any new listeners and a must-listen for fans of alt rock, punk, and hard rock. Mixed Alternative had the chance to rap with Logan Tabor, who brought insight into the song's inspiration and the band's creative process. Here’s some of our conversation with him. Logan Tabor - photo provided by artist MaM : Logan, thanks so much for chatting with me today! Let's dive in with the upcoming release of "Chin Up, Kid". When I listened, I thought it was heavy but in all the right ways. Could you share the inspiration and what fans can expect? LT : ‘Chin Up, Kid’ is an interesting one for me. I don’t usually write this way. I've explained it to my bandmates and others as conversation between your heart and brain. The line, ‘If you love me, why don't you call me?’ sets the tone for the entire song. It's like your heart is trying to reel back your brain from what it’s caused, saying, ‘If you're struggling, why don't you reach out to me, and I can help.’ It's honest and has an uplifting element. I see it as a kind of pep talk. MaM : The way you've described it really comes through in the song. This brings me to a question I always like to ask: What comes first, the chicken or the egg? In other words, what comes first for you in your writing process: lyrics or instrumentals? LT : That's a big question, and I appreciate the big question! It's a bit of a mixed bag. I've got these books filled with lyrics I've been writing for about 20 years. Sometimes it's a single line, other times it's a hook, a full verse, or an entire song. But which one is the chicken, and which one is the egg? MaM : Let's go with the lyrics are the chicken. (laughter) LT : We do need to establish that. So, if we consider lyrics as the chicken, technically, the chicken came first. But it's not until it meets the egg, the instrumentals, that they truly come to life. The lyrics nor the instrumentals mean much on their own. I have these lyrics sitting around, and I know I want to do something great with them, but I can't until I have the right musical instrumental ideas … [which] often come from someone other than me, but sometimes I'm the guy … It’s more like the chicken and the egg coming together to create a new velociraptor. (more laughter) MaM : I'm curious about your bandmates and how ATPT formed. Can you share the story of how the band came together? LT : I've known Worth for a while from sharing bills in Wilmington. We were both playing in different bands. I was in Demona Waits, and he was in He is Legend. We crossed paths quite a bit, both locally and on the road. Later on, we ended up working at the same place just outside of Wilmington, selling guitar and amp parts for an online manufacturer. That's where we really got to know each other beyond occasionally sharing a bill. After I moved away and came back, I heard some stuff Worth and Tristan had recorded. I had wanted to sing over something like that for years. I'd been missing that vibe. I didn't know Tristan at all, but Worth did. They met while moving gear into a studio they'd be working in. Jeremy, who drums for Alesana and is now our drummer as well, and Will Sowers, who played bass for Emarosa and is now our bassist, were connections of Tristan and Worth. It's all a bit serendipitous, really. MaM : Your music incorporates a unique blend of sounds. Could you share some of the artists or bands that have influenced your music? LT : Are you open to me asking you what you hear? Then I can respond to that? MaM : Let's go for it! I'll try not to offend. I'm a child of the grunge era and was all about grunge, wallet chains, and Wet Seal. When I heard your music, it brought back that vibe. I picked up hints of Blink 182 and Deftones. But the first thing that struck me was the Christian alt-rock era. It's the power and emotion in ATPT's music. LT : I appreciate the comparison to Christian rock. Growing up in a musical family, I have immense respect for that genre. I'm not offended, although some might be. I'm not afraid of such comparisons. I grew up in church, playing music, running sound, and watching my parents direct choirs and contemporary music groups. And you're absolutely right: There was a wave of heavy, Christian-based music in the early 2000s. It provided an outlet for all of us. I understand the energy and praise-and-worship buildup in that style of music. Apart from that, I grew up listening to Blink 182's "Take Off Your Pants and Jacket" and "Enema of the State" and I love the Deftones. So, you're right on the money there. Beyond these influences, I have a deep admiration for Chris Cornell. I probably love that guy more than most people. Now, this throwback might freak people out more than the Christian rock comparison, but Genesis’ Peter Gabriel. I discussed this recently with Worth [as] we watched old 1980’s Peter Gabriel live concerts. I don’t understand why our generation doesn't connect with his music as strongly as the people from his generation did. I love artists like him, because, even at 70 years old, he has a more expansive imagination than most 11-year-olds. That's what kept him at the forefront of great songwriting, live performance, pyrotechnics, and all the theatrical elements of a great show. He stays a child at heart, and that inspires me to maintain my imagination. … Apart from Peter Gabriel, Chris Cornell is a significant influence, and my exposure to Schuylar Croom from He is Legend, whom I grew up with too; I see him often. If I'm honest, I've listened to everything he's ever done, even before his band was called He is Legend. All of his work has inspired me. He's one of the best songwriters in the heavy music genre. He excels in the studio and in songwriting. He's a great performer, and his entire band is great. MaM : Beyond music, do you have any other passions or creative outlets that drive your artistic expression? LT : Yeah, I professionally edit video and film. That’s a massive creative outlet for me. I do everything from editing to project management. It combines creativity with a structured and logistical approach. Occasionally, I get the opportunity to score a short film. Music and movies create sort of a Venn diagram. On a more global scale, there are very few industries larger than music and movies, except life and health insurance. Those are the two biggest things in demand at all times, and there's a reason for it. It's because it helps people. I just enjoy being a part of those things. MaM : What can we expect from ATPT in the near future? LT : 'Chin Up, Kid' (currently available for pre-save by clicking the image below) is the big thing coming up on November 15. [Following that, we’ll release more songs] roughly every six weeks until the album is complete. Including 'Chin Up, Kid', that will be seven songs. We're also working on something I'm pretty excited about: a cover of Garbage's 'Special'. The unique part is that it fits so seamlessly with the rest of our original music. It feels like it meshes with everything else we're doing. At times, it doesn't even feel like a cover. I didn't write it, but it goes so well with all the other stuff we're doing, especially in the way we're doing it. It may as well just be a part of the album. It's right there on par, and Garbage is f**king sick, dude. MaM : Anything else you'd like people to know? LT : Well, we all need to acknowledge that aliens are real. I feel like we've taken steps in that direction over the past couple of months. The only other thing I'd add is that you should play ‘Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom’. It'll make you a happier person. We can link up online and have a great time playing the game with strangers. And there you have it, folks. The future looks bright for alltheprettythings as they continue to explore new creative avenues and connect with their audience. “Chin Up, Kid” releases November 15, 2023. While you wait for it, read more about alltheprettythings at either the links below! alltheprettythings | Official Website alltheprettythings | LinkTree Erica Machen is a beast when it comes to consuming, reviewing, and reviewing music. 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

Presenting Rocket City Night of Rock ‘n Roll by Mike Slaten Productions < Back Off the Charts: Local Rock ‘n Roll Takes Over Mars Music Hall Bud Gambrell Apr 11, 2025 Share Presenting Rocket City Night of Rock ‘n Roll by Mike Slaten Productions Is it possible to go to a party and not realize it is a party until you get there? I would say that is a tremendous yes! That is precisely what happened this past Saturday Night. This story begins on March 10, 2025 . I was surfing social media, searching for funny memes, when I came across a friend of mine, Mike Slaten ’s page. He had just announced that his production company had assembled a local concert at Mars Music Hall , part of the Von Braun Center . If your first guess is that I reached out to inquire whether they needed a photographer, you would be spot on. You think you’re getting to know me a little, huh? We can now fast forward to April 5, 2025 . It’s the day of the concert, and like most other shows I photograph, I arrive early. It was almost straightaway that I noticed that the atmosphere was very comfortable. It had the feeling that everyone there was friends. That impression was accurate. I learned from chatting with the musicians that many of them have worked together before, which adds great chemistry to the evening! Some had not, but everyone was fast friends when showtime came around. Also, everyone’s friend Bill Neal was in attendance backstage. Bill and his son Tracer (that name is a secret identity) produce a podcast called Pickletato . They were present to broadcast live teasers for the concert throughout the afternoon. You will soon learn more about Pickletato . First, we'll have a chance to catch up with Bill a little later in this article, so stay tuned! Second, I'm excited to share that I'll join the podcast Pickletato for a recording next week! I can't wait to dive into some fun discussions and explore new topics together. Stay tuned for that also. I plan to write an entertaining article about them and share their goals on their podcast. I can't wait to dive into their story! Tonight’s concert is named Rocket City Night of Rock N’ Roll , presented by Mike Slaten Productions . The show would consist of four local bands . Opening the night would be The Shoals' own Blind the Sky . Second on the stage will be a Huntsville favorite, Angry Native . The third act will be Mike Slaten’s band Tres Locos . I know. I thought the same thing. Mike organized the show, and his band didn’t headline. More on that later. Our headliner is New Atomic . Get ready because this night is chock-full of talent! Before I dive in, I want to give a massive shoutout to all the fantastic members of the four bands for making me feel so welcome. You all are awesome! You are all exceptional musicians, and even more importantly, you are outstanding individuals! Entertainment Booking & Event Manager, Craig Maples , and Mike Slaten of Mike Slaten Productions co-organized the Rocket City Night of Rock' N 'Roll concert. I spoke with the VBC and Mike to learn about this show. VBC’s Director of Marketing and Public Relations , Samantha Nielsen , gave me the venue's perspective. SN : The VBC focuses on bringing national touring acts to Mars Music Hall ; however, when we have open weekend dates, we love taking those opportunities to support our community’s local artists! Mars is a fantastic venue that is plug-and-play with our audio and visual setup, so the local acts have a unique experience to not only perform on the same stage as some of their favorite touring bands, but they also receive the complete rock-star treatment with tour-quality lighting and sound, as well as utilizing the backstage area and dressing rooms. In my discussion with Mike Slaten , he informed me of how it came to be from his side. MS : Last month, the VBC hosted a local show called the Anti Valentine's Day show with five local bands . Basically, Craig and the guys at Mars and the VBC said they were tired of the venue sitting empty in between when big national touring acts are coming through. They wanted to try to get people into the venue. It's a great venue! It doesn't need to sit here, taking up space and trying to generate revenue. So, they held that concert, and I think 400 or 500 people showed up. It was an excellent turnout. Everybody involved, you know, benefited from it. Samantha with the VBC went on to tell me. SN : For us, these local shows are a win-win all around. They’re great for the artists, get people inside the venue on what would otherwise be off nights, and allow us to host amazing shows for the community that are often free and for all ages. OTC : Mike, where did it all begin for you? MS : I've been talking to many VBC guys for years. Whenever any big show comes through, I ask, “Hey, you need an opener?” The answer is usually "no." When I learned about last month’s local show, I got back in touch and said, I'd like to put on a show here. When the first show went well, they hit me up and said they had a date available. I tried to pick out some of the best bands. Of course, I didn't get all of them. Hopefully, tons of great bands are on the list for future shows. We put together what I think is a very unique, diverse show of great local rock bands. And then everybody just started promoting and sharing, and the response has been excellent so far. So we're hoping for a good turnout. To give you a little background, I have been working with the VBC for the last few years as one of their pool of event photographers. I talk to Samantha often as she handles our bookings. The entire VBC staff is fantastic to work with! Unsurprisingly, they are opening the doors to our city’s wonderfully talented musicians! OTC : Mike, how did you decide on which bands to have for tonight? MS : So, it's bands that we have played with before and are friends with. There are a lot of other bands that we're friends with and have played with, but these are some of the bands that were available on this particular date, and you know, bands that we've built a good friendship with. I thought these bands would help bring in a good crowd and put on a great show. These are bands that I think deserve to be on a big stage in front of a good crowd and get to have an opportunity like this. OTC : Have you played at Mars before? MS : Once, Tres Locos played here. I think it was 2021 . They were doing local bands only during the pandemic. It was tables six feet apart and all that kind of stuff. You know, trying to get some people in during that time, and of course, it was still in the pandemic, so few people showed up. OTC : So, you played here once. I would guess there were a lot of nerves playing this stage for the first time. Now, you're coming back for a second time. Do you feel more relaxed so you can get out there and kick it up a notch? MS : Yeah, I think so. I mean, for me personally, I think there's always a little bit of nerves, especially if you're on a bigger stage or you have a really big crowd. Years ago, I learned from teachers and other people with more experience that nervousness is good if it's a nervous energy . It's good to direct that positively instead of letting it debilitate you to the point where you can't get up, perform, sing, or whatever. So yeah, there's always a little bit of nerves, but really just excitement. OTC : I'm familiar with your band, Tres Locos. I have also seen Angry Native before. I know what to expect from those two bands. It's going to be good! Now, I'm not familiar with the other two. Please tell me what I can expect from those other two bands playing tonight. MS : Alright, so Blind the Sky is from the Shoals area. If you know anything about musicians, bands, and people from there, it seems there’s something in the water. Every musician or band we've played with is from that area; there is something different about them. They are a two-piece band. They don't have a live drummer. They have drums programmed into their pedal boards, and it's incredible! They're phenomenal musicians! They are two guys who sometimes sound like a five or six-piece band. They've got keyboards programmed in the pedals. The bass player will play something that sounds like he's playing the piano. Epic, epic music, great songwriting. That's about the best way I can describe them. Then, New Atomic . They're the headliner. I think they started in 2020 , if I'm not mistaken. They've built a pretty substantial following in Huntsville . They play Furniture Factory , The Lone Goose , and Back 40 . You know, a lot of those places draw a vast crowd . They're fun! They're younger guys, so they attract a younger crowd, a younger audience. They're mostly playing originals, but they play a lot of stuff from the '90s at many of their bar gigs around town. They play Jimmy Eat World , Incubus , and Foo Fighters . They're really good and really fun. They play with a lot of energy, and many people around here like them. OTC : So, if I'm getting this right, you picked the bands, but your band is not the headliner. MS : Correct. I picked New Atomic to headline because I feel like they have a bigger local draw. The band will bring the most significant portion of the crowd. I think they should. They should headline the show. OTC : So, you were playing the odds. MS : Yep! As I mentioned earlier, Bill Neal from the podcast Pickletato was in attendance. I first met Bill at The Alabama Smoke Show in 2024 . That show was also at Mars Music Hall and highlighted some excellent local bands. Bills’ podcast does a fantastic job of highlighting local bands on a personal level. The podcast has grown to include live performances of the bands during their interviews. We will cover this a lot closer in an upcoming article. Of course, since Bill was in attendance, I had to ask him for his input on the concert we were attending. The Pickletato Podcast OTC : Bill, tell me what brings Pickletato here tonight. BN : Mike Slaten invited me. The reason he invited me is that Mike and I are good friends, and he wanted to know if I could help him, you know, promote the event and be able to do the interviews like I did earlier. I'm just trying to get the word out as much as possible so we can do this in the future. I think the outcome of what happens tonight, although we have some possible lousy weather coming in, will probably not be as good as we thought it would be. Maybe, maybe not. I might be wrong, but I think this weather coming in might be an issue. But I think the outcome is going to lead him to being able to bring local musicians into these types of venues again. Credit: Bud Gambrell OTC : Are you familiar with the four bands playing tonight? BN : The only one I’m unfamiliar with is Blind the Sky . I think they're out of Muscle Shoals . Mike introduced me to them. When he said they would be on, I listened to some of their songs because I hadn't heard them. I really like their stuff! Hopefully, I can get those guys on our podcast in the future. We're pretty booked up for a good three months, but we will try to get those guys on there in the future. I'm very familiar with Tres Locos and Angry Native . I’ve known Flip and those guys for quite a while now. New Atomic . I just had those guys on the podcast, which hasn’t been released yet. It should be out here in the next week or so. Great group of guys! Sitting in with those guys was like watching brothers talk to each other, and seeing that many people in a band love each other so much was cool! You know, some bands barely even look at each other. But you can tell that those guys are tight. I think one of the reasons is that, as they said in an interview, they didn't really want to do this to get big or anything. They just wanted to be with friends and have a good time! I think that it shows with their music when they're playing. OTC : What do you think we're in store for tonight? Do you think there should be more people here tonight? BN : Oh, absolutely! More people should be here. I mean, this place should be packed! I wish this whole thing were being recorded. It's hard for a two-person team to record something this big, but it would be nice to have something like this recorded so people can see the quality of musicians that these guys are and the show they will be missing. A lot of these guys have their original songs. In my opinion, it should be at the top of the charts. They have some really good original songs that you know they’ll be playing tonight, so everybody and their brother should be here! This article has so much visual content that I can show you. I can show you the concert flyers, the stage, and how good they looked on stage. I can even show you backstage, where most people rarely get to see. The one thing I can’t show you, and I’m not sure I can precisely describe to you, is the camaraderie . Backstage is not where I often hang out but tonight was one of those nights when I did. I have seen bands use different green rooms, but I have noticed that they stay separate. The bands at The Rocket City Night of Rock N’ Roll were a fun mix of different styles, making every performance a unique experience! There is one thing that I have always enjoyed about a band playing live. That one thing is being able to tell that they enjoy what they do. I love seeing musicians enjoy what they are doing. I observed so much of that at this show. That enjoyment was backstage as well as on stage. Well done, guys! Until next time, Keep your diamond down in the groove! Where to find Bud: Email: the_budgambrell@mixedaltmag.com Website: https://bgambrellphotography.com Amazon: https://a.co/d/1CLA9Tz https://www.facebook.com/bud.gambrell My new book: Bud Gambrell Photography by Bud Gambrell | Blurb Books Where to find Mike Slaten Productions and Tres Locos: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1a5sMDVmAr/ https://www.facebook.com/share/1MSQ3QuxVh/ Where to find Blind the Sky: Facebook: Facebook Website; Blind The Sky | Rock Band Muscle Shoals Where to find Angry Native: Facebook: Facebook Where to find New Atomic: Facebook: Facebook Where to find Pickletato: YouTube: Pickletato - YouTube Facebook: Facebook *All photos by Bud Gambrell Photography www.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 Do you have something you'd like Bud to cover? Reach out to him at the_budgambrell@mixedaltmag.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Mayrunner’s music is a melting pot of styles and genres < Back Mayrunner: Thrashing Guitars for a Solid Rock Offering Nicole Brice Aug 14, 2023 Share Mayrunner’s music is a melting pot of styles and genres Have you heard of Mayrunner yet? Well, if not, you will soon. Mayrunner is an alt-rock band based in Lafayette, Louisiana , that was formed in 2014 . Founding members Devric Taylor and Hailey LeBlanc were looking to start a new project outside their previous band. They organized a search for a drummer to complete their lineup, which led them to Alex Mamolo , marking the beginning of the band, and here we are today. Over the years, there have been numerous lineup changes, but Mayrunner continues to move forward, creating music that defines their unique sound and brand. Currently, the band consists of Devric Taylor on vocals and guitar, Henry Milliman on bass, Finis Robinson on guitar, and Phil Hardy on drums. Their debut album, Good for What We Are , was released in 2018 and is just amazing, and then when I thought it couldn't get better, the band recently launched their highly anticipated follow-up album, Tell Me Where You've Been , on August 4, 2023 . This album is now available on all streaming platforms and features 37 minutes of enjoyable rock with fuzzy guitars and catchy sing-along choruses. You'll love it, trust me. Released August 4, 2023 Mayrunner excels at crafting beautiful songs that I feel deeply. I love everything about their music, to be honest. Their lyrics tackle themes that resonate with me because of their emotional depth. The lyrics are perfectly complemented by haunting melodies and harmonious arrangements , too. With each song having its own unique sound, this band creates music they are truly passionate about, and you can see that reflected in the final product. One thing I truly love about this band is that they feature intricate riffs that are rich in depth, supported by a tight-knit rhythm section consisting of a bassist and a drummer with impeccable timing. With such a solid foundation, I have no doubt they will continue to gain popularity and success in the music industry, but I need you beautiful people to check out their music, so what are you waiting for? Music video for 'Slowburn' by Mayrunner If you'd like to catch this band live, Mayrunner is taking the stage on August 19, 2023, to perform at Rad Fest 2023 at PARC International in downtown Lafayette, Louisiana , so come out and see why I love them so much. We recently chatted with Devric Taylor , the lead voice of the band, where we discussed gear, band history, and everything in between. Sit back and learn a little more about Mayrunner as you make your way through our conversation. Credit: CobraTai Media MaM : Who or what do you attribute to defining your sound? DT : I think there are a lot of different artists that have inspired us as a band collectively, but I know for me some of my earliest influences were Coheed and Cambria and Incubus - pop-punk bands such as Fallout Boy , too, and metal and Midweset emo bands. I would say it's all over the place, though. MaM : Your music is a melting pop of different styles, and I really enjoy it. I can definitely tell you were influenced by the late 90's and early 2000's rock scene. DT : Thank you. We all grew up on that kind of music. And you know what? When we were learning how to play our instruments or writing songs, we would revisit the music from those bands that we just were super inspired by, and it helped with the songwriting process. MaM : That's a great way to go about it, too. What influences you to make music? DT : I've been asked that before, and I feel like the best and truest answer I can give is that it gives me a sense of identity. I make music because it inspires me, and I'm inspired to write music based on things that are going on in my life. But also, when I can get into that mindset of writing or being creative, I tend to say things that I don't know if I would have ever thought of just talking to somebody. I'm able to access different parts of my brain when creating and it helps me get to know the real me in the process. Credit: CobraTai Media MaM : How did the name for the band come about? DT : It's funny how it came about because we weren't initially called Mayrunner . We were trying out different names and at the time, it was me and two women in the band. Initially, we were playing on the fact that there were women in the band. We called the band Sons and Daughters . When we added our fourth member, we decided to change it again and we ended up coming up with the name The Sleepless May . I really liked that name for some reason, so I brought the name to the band, and they didn't like it at all, but I really wanted to keep the name May in there because of the sentimental value to it. I had a really good friend of mine that had passed away and he was born in that month. It made a lot of sense to me. For a long time, it was basically me and our original drummer just going back and forth with names. She suggested the name Runner at some point, and I was like, I don't like that because there was a band that I knew called Runner Runner and I just didn't like that. And then I said, I really wanna keep the word May in there, so she said, 'What about May Runner?' And I was like, 'I don't hate that.' So, we talked about it, and we sat on it, and it stuck. We just thought it was a cool pairing of words, though. MaM : I mentioned earlier about your sound being unique and I love that every song is different from the last. And I really do enjoy that. As far as the tones you guys have in your music, do you have specific gear that you use to achieve that sound? DT : Actually, yeah, so if I get all gear nerdy on you, I’m sorry. MaM : No, you're good. I'm a guitar player and I grew up playing piano, so go for it! DT : I’ve played around with a lot of guitars throughout the years. I had an Epiphone Les Paul . I had a Gretsch Electromatic Jet . I even had an Epiphone Black Beauty . There's probably a whole lot more that I can't think of, but I did play around with a few different configurations of guitars and amps. At one point, I found out that I really liked a British tone , too. My thing was, I really wanted a good distortion tone, and this is where influence comes in and it is Incubus related. So, Ben Kenney put out this album called “ Burn the Tapes ” and he did every instrument himself and he would do these live videos, too, with him playing everything. I would watch him play drums and bass and guitar, and his tone was amazing. He had a forum, and I would go and see what gear he was using and then make a note of it, but I didn’t have the money to get what he was using. Then, a friend of mine when I was in high school, had a Gibson SG , and he was a really talented player, but I'm not gonna lie, I was jealous of how he played, and I didn't exactly want to get a guitar that he played, so I was like, just let me find something else other than that. I then played a Gibson SG guitar at Guitar Center , and I couldn’t deny that it sounded the way I wanted it to, so I bought it and then ended up buying an Orange Amplifier . The natural distortion on that or natural overdrive rather was incredible. It was close to what I wanted, but not fully there. So, I had a tube in my pedal set up for a long time, and I tried different distortions like the Boss Distortion Pedals , but I just could not nail what I was searching for. And then I tried some random pedal, and I paired it with my Tube Screamer . My distortion by itself sounded more like an overdrive than anything, and it was kind of a dry overdrive mixed with the Tube Screamer. For some reason, it popped, and I had the Tube Screamer set in a certain way that it would kind of just crunch up my clean tone from the Orange which was already full sounding and then the SG brought it all together. I'm still playing with that setup to this day. Credit: Facebook MaM : That brings me to the next question, what are your plans and future aspirations for the band? DT : We are always thinking about moving forward, but things have changed recently for me. I’ve actually moved out of state. I'm coming back home right now to Lafayette because I’ve got a couple of shows, but then I'm going back and I will be out of the state for the foreseeable future, but we will still be a band, and if things happen with the band in its current state, I really want to get behind it 100% and push it as much as I can from a distance. To experience the music of Mayrunner , hit one of the links below and be sure to catch them at Rad Fest 2023 on August 19, 2023, at PARC International in downtown Lafayette . Mayrunner Links: Facebook : www.facebook.com/mayrunner4 Instagram : Mayrunner (@we_are_mayrunner) • Instagram photos and videos Bandcamp : Music | Mayrunner (bandcamp.com) Tik Tok : Mayrunner (@mayrunner__band) | TikTok Spotify : Mayrunner | Spotify Apple Music : ‎Mayrunner on Apple Music *Band interviewed by Je'an Paul Keller - article written by Nicole Brice *Cover photo by CobraTai Media - @cobrataimedia - https://www.instagram.com/cobrataimedia/ www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Nicole Brice is secretly a ninja. It's true. If you have something you think she should check out, e-mail her at the_nicolebrice@mixedaltmag.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Meet Mike Poole < Back Uno, Dos, Tres: The Man with the Plan in Three Bands Nicole Brice Oct 20, 2022 Share Meet Mike Poole Meet Mike Poole. Mike plays the drums, and he plays them loud! He is one busy man, and he not only holds down a normal 9-5 job, but he also finds time to play drums in not one, not two, but THREE bands that are heavily involved in the South Louisiana music scene. Seriously. How DOES he do it all? Recently, I reached out to Mike to speak with him about what drives him to perform and what interests him about being a musician. With a lengthy history in the Baton Rouge, Louisiana, music scene, Mike isn’t just another drummer. His current projects are DeadCentered , Vatic Decryption , and Glacial Coffin , and all three bands have original music available you should check out, with even more on the way. A percussionist is a more fitting term for Mike because of the technical aspects he incorporates into his playing. LIKE WHAT? His ferocity on the kit is what sets him apart from all the others twirling the sticks out there. This man can play! credit: Gary Governale MaM : Obviously, you have someone or something that inspired you to pick up the sticks when you were younger. Who would you cite as your ultimate inspiration if you could only pick one? MP : Honestly, Phil Collins was my earliest influence. I've been a huge fan of his since middle school. I remember watching a live video of him playing the drums fill on ‘In the Air Tonight’ (yes, THAT drum fill) and that was the moment I knew I wanted to play the drums. MaM : I think everyone loves Phil Collins and you can't help but turn the radio up when the epic part of that song starts to come in. I can relate. You are currently involved in many projects ranging from Punk Rock to straight up Death Metal, but I'm sure you have an eclectic mix of music you listen to daily, as do I. What type of music inspires you to create? MP : I guess anything metal would be a given and obvious but oddly enough, a lot of my creativity and inspiration for wanting to create comes from a good bit of the pop music I listen to. Lady Gaga, to me, is one of the greatest artists of this day and age. Brian Fallon and any project he is a part of, too. And the Killers are one of my all-time favorite bands, too, so you have that. Their drummer, Ronny, is one of the greatest drummers I've ever had the privilege of seeing play live. His playing inspires me so much. MaM : I, too, am a huge Killers fan, and I feel they do not get enough recognition. What age were you when you first realized you had a heavy interest in music and what truly made you want to become an actual musician? MP : Well, I'll circle back to Phil Collins because I was heavily into his music in middle school, but it was probably around 8th grade when I decided I wanted to get a kit and start playing drums. Discovering heavy metal music really lit a fire under me, too, and it was somewhere between hearing the band Tourniquet, which is THE band that got me into metal, and hearing Metallica's ‘And Justice For All’ that turned my want to play drums into a NEED to play drums. credit: Gary Governale NB : Lars Ulrich is truly one of the greats, but I'm pretty sure he knows that. ::laughs:: Now, at the moment you’re involved in three music projects, right? Tell us a little more about those. MP : Well, currently, I am in three different bands, and I've been in all of them since 2017. I joined them all within a few months of each other. DeadCentered is a hardcore punk/thrash band. Glacial Coffin plays what I would call melodic Scandinavian death/black metal, and Vatic Decryption is a death metal band rooted in the second wave of death metal (90's Florida/New York death metal scene). All of my bands are currently active, and we have music available via all streaming outlets. NB : If you had to pick a favorite time of the year for playing music, what time would you pick? MP : Fall, hands-down! There is just something about the beautiful mild weather and the smell of bonfires and burning leaves in the air. It automatically puts me in a great mood. Plus, it's nice to not be sweating so much. And for us big guys, that is a very big deal. ::laughs:: For more info about all of Mike's current projects and to hear him in action, check out: DeadCentered | Facebook Vatic Decryption | Facebook Glacial Coffin | Facebook DeadCentered Official (@deadcentered_official) • Instagram photos and videos Vatic Decryption (@vaticdecryption) • Instagram photos and videos Glacial Coffin (@glacialcoffin) • Instagram photos and videos DeadCentered - YouTube Vatic Decryption Official - YouTube Glacial Coffin - YouTube credit: Gary Governale *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 90's flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or Comments? Reach out to the_nicolebrice@mixedaltmag.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Moon Tree is a down-to-earth musical odyssey intertwining jazz, blues, country, and rock to create art built of timeless stories. < Back Moon Tree: Reflecting the Sounds of the Cosmos Erica Machen Jan 17, 2024 Share Moon Tree is a down-to-earth musical odyssey intertwining jazz, blues, country, and rock to create art built of timeless stories. Have you ever sat cross-legged, captivated by your grandpa’s extraordinary stories? The mysticism and legacy within words passed through generations lasso your attention. A similar enchantment echoes from the sonic musings of Moon Tree. Hailing from the Muscle Shoals area in Alabama, the band, consisting of Jeremy Parvin, Greg Chapman, John (aka Chet) Hicks, Kevin Reed, and Grayson Wright, intertwines jazz, blues, country, and rock. They may be sharing some folklore, but these are no classic folk songs. Band members contribute distinct elements. Vocalist Jeremy Parvin draws from Southern Baptist roots, infusing vocals with 70’s artists, blues, and southern rock influences. Guitarist Greg Chapman underscores the collaborative songwriting process defining the band. Drummer Kevin Reed injects high energy and jazz nuances. Chet Hicks, the bass player, emphasizes the band's melting-pot vibe with his musical experiences from across the country. And Grayson Wright, on keys, ties everything together with his incredible talent and youthful spirit. Each of the guys brings their own flavor to their musical gumbo, creating a uniquely soulful blend. Just as each of their flavors is unique, so are their albums. Moon Tree’s journey through genres is evident, from the gritty jazz-and-blues blend of their debut to the country-blues rock of "Too Much Honey". Moon Tree’s latest album, "Into the Unknown," released in October and immerses fans in a cosmic odyssey, merging 70’s hard rock sounds with blues and gives vibes reminiscent of The Black Crows. Moon Tree’s streaming catalog is a musical space odyssey. “Footsteps and Stones” tells of one North Alabama man’s tribute to his indigenous ancestor through a hand-built stone wall. She walked for five years from Oklahoma to come home to the “Singing River” that is the Tennessee. Not only is this a testament to the tale, but it is a testament to Moon Tree’s journey in crafting musical masterpieces. Like the story they are telling, their art is being built of timeless stones. Inspired by the ethereal and space, "Into the Unknown" takes listeners on an epic celestial journey. Mixed Alternative caught up with these down-to-earthers to learn more about what inspires their sound, how their name is tied to the Apollo 14 mission, and the recent release of their third album, “Into the Unknown”. Check out our conversation below, then be sure to follow them on social media and get lost in the ride. MaM : In the spirit of Moon Tree's unique sound, each of you, in your own words, please give us a snappy introduction that captures the heart and soul of your musical vibe. L to R: Grayson Wright, Chet Hicks, Jeremy Parvin, Greg Chapman, Kevin Reed Credit: Amanda Chapman JP : I sing and don't play an instrument, which is probably best for all of us. I'm the front man. I was raised a Southern Baptist minister’s son. Gospel has always had a big influence. In my vocals, I draw a lot from 70’s artists with blues and Southern rock-and-roll influences. GC : In Moon Tree, we all have different musical backgrounds. We come up with things on our own, then bring it together for everyone to work on it. We put it on vinyl and hope people will listen like they used to listen to music. KK : I’m Kevin, the drummer. I’ve always played in more hard rock bands. Coming into this group, they weren’t necessarily a hard rock band, but they had really cool songs. We blended a little high energy with some of the jazz-type stuff they had going on. We build new things with each album. The first album is kind of jazzy, the second is kind of country, the third album is kind of hard rock stuff, and the next one … who knows what it's going to sound like? I try to help facilitate that as best I can by making it louder. CH : I’m Chet, the bass player. I’d say the vibe of our band is what most of our shows have shown: a melting pot. MaM : I’m glad you mentioned a melting pot. I was going to say Moon Tree's sound is a gumbo pot of gospel, classic rock, Texas blues, and jazz. How do these musical flavors come together in your songwriting to create something uniquely Moon Tree? CH : There are a lot of different kinds of influences. Everybody brings something different and are from different backgrounds. I think that's what made Muscle Shoals so cool back in the 70s. It's really the same thing with us. We all try to come up with song ideas, and then we try to make it sound like Moon Tree. It always does. It's great! JP : There's a tradition here [Huntsville, AL] in sort of making your own music and making your own fun. We really like working on the songs and getting them to that point. We all seem to gravitate toward the same musical point, which is really nice. We start off with the idea that's pretty raw; at the end, it's really refined. I think everybody's songwriting skills come into play, because everybody's bringing something to it in a creative way. MaM : Chet, with extensive experience, you have been around the musical block, so to speak. Would you share how your diverse experiences help shape the band's process in creating original tunes? CH : I have just played in so many different kinds of bands that when we started doing this one, it was easy. It was easy because it was kind of clear from the beginning. It was like ‘Ok, we're not really going to have any musical rules.’ We're just going to try to write the best songs we can write and get the best recordings we can make. There’s a lot of things coming from different genres since I played a bunch of different kinds. I was ready to do it [integrate genres]. A lot of what we do is really unspoken and understood between us. MaM : The Moon Tree name is tied to the Apollo 14 mission … pretty cosmic stuff! How does this out-of-this-world connection influence your storytelling, especially when delving into themes like folklore, spirits, and alternative perspectives? Credit: Amanda Chapman GC : The Moon Tree name came from the moon tree over at Ivy Green. Steven Tyler came here, and he hugged the moon tree. Whenever we saw that, it was like ‘Moon Tree?’ You know, that would be a good name. JP : There was a forestry expert who went on the Apollo 14 mission with the astronauts. He orbited while they went to the moon, but he was tasked with taking some seeds up with him in the orbit around the moon. When they came back in the early 70s, they spread those out amongst all the forestry commission. They planted seeds in certain areas. There are lists online for them. A lot of our music is inspired by ethereal things and space itself. Our latest album is titled ‘Into The Unknown’ and is very much in that lane, especially the title track, which is written by our drummer (Kevin). It has a very sort of, I don't want to say spacey, but let's say heavenly feel to it. MaM : You’ve opened for heavy hitters like Jimmy Hall and Jefferson Starship. How have these experiences shaped your live performances, and can you spill the beans on a standout moment from those gigs? GC : I just want to say we really appreciate everything we've had an opportunity to do. We've been very fortunate to play some shows like Jefferson Starship. It's an amazing opportunity to play those kinds of show. It gives you experience for future shows so that you're ready for anything that might happen. That makes you want to play better. Whenever we opened for Nick Saban, that was quite fun. That was the first time I ever used one of those in ear monitors. It gave me experience. It’s those experiences that prepare you for when something big comes up. JP : The show he is referring to was a charity event we were able to play very early in our career as a band together. We were very fortunate to play before Coach Saban was going to speak for the event, and it was great. MaM : You guys just released your third studio album, “Into the Unknown”, in October. What fresh sounds or themes can fans expect, and what cool surprises should everyone be on the lookout for in Moon Tree's upcoming adventures? Click image to experience Moon Tree KC : Hopefully, in the coming year, we're going to be playing in different towns. We’ve done Huntsville, Birmingham, and things like that. We want to spread out a little and really play behind this new album. We're really proud of this album. It's still new. So, hopefully we're going to be coming to more towns, playing more shows, and writing new music. Tonight, we've been rehearsing and have already worked on four new songs. They're all kind of gelling together real good [sic], and it’s totally different from the last album. We're always kind of moving forward. There's never much of a down period in this band. We record an album, we put out an album, we play some shows, and then we do it all over again. That's kind of the way it goes around here. GC : I would just like to say that I really appreciate having great local places around here where we can play original music, like Lava Room , For the Record , and Champy’s Shoals . JP : We also want to throw a shoutout to our superhuman keyboard sorcerer, who doesn’t always practice with us, because he is perfect and doesn’t have to! His name is Grayson Wright, and he is young and hip to what the kiddos like! He provides brilliant, often improvisational, chops on any style of piano/keys/synth, you name it! Venture out a little further on your expedition and be sure to visit Moon Tree online at www.MoonTreeBand.com . Moon Tree | YouTube Moon Tree | Facebook Moon Tree | Instagram Moon Tree | Spotify Moon Tree | iTunes *Cover photo by Amanda Chapman Erica Machen is a beast when it comes to consuming, writing about, and reviewing music. 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

Never give up on your dreams. < Back Rian's Den: A Night to Remember with Sleeping with Sirens Rian Nickels Oct 9, 2024 Share Never give up on your dreams. I typically write concert reviews, but let's be honest – almost everyone knows who Sleeping with Sirens is, and if you don't, all the info about the band members, their accomplishments, and their rise in their career can be found on their Wikipedia page. If you want to know what they sound like LIVE, I promise you that thousands of videos are available. I'm trying to say they are popular in the post-hardcore - emo - alternative scene. At this point, they've transcended generations, rising to fame with Millennials and Gen Z and resurfacing amongst younger folks from Gen Z and older folks from Gen Alpha due to apps like TikTok . So, What I'm here to tell you instead is the story of how Sleeping with Sirens impacted me to find and follow my dreams. It's just me! The year is 2012, and you're an angsty & edgy teenager still trying to become who you are, trying to find your musical taste, your place in the world, and the words for the thousands of intense feelings you have. In your coming-of-age journey, you're sitting in your high school cafeteria. Your friend starts talking about a beautiful man with the voice of an angel, Kellin Quinn – they see the look of confusion on your face and demand that you go home and search for Sleeping with Sirens on YouTube . Upon doing so, you come upon songs that will later be anthems of multiple generations, ' King for A Day ' featuring Pierce the Veil and ' If You Can't Hang '– your friend was right; he's beautiful, and he truly has what I would consider the voice of an angel. With his impressive vocal range, he can go from singing high-pitched notes and lovely harmonies to low screams that add more raw emotion to the songs. While you might have already been into bands like Mayday Parade and Hawthorne Heights , this day will shape your musical taste. It will be the first step to an over a decade-long journey. Credit: Rian Nickels The thing about Sleeping with Sirens is that the lyrics make you feel understood as a teenager and even as an adult. The songs put feelings into words that you didn't have yet. Tracks like " Tally Up, Settle the Score , " a song about being motivated to prove the people who doubted you wrong, encouraged you to push beyond your peers' hate and doubt. Songs like ' Who Are You Now ' ask the question of who you became after the world tried to change you. When you didn't have the words to describe the intense feelings of wanting to love and be loved, you had ' If I'm James Dean & You're Aubrey Hepburn .’ When you were left wondering how a parent could go without caring about you, you had ' A Trophy Father's Trophy Son .' You could scream the lyrics " Is this what you call a family ?" to the rooftops. If you had a partner who cheated on you, you had ' If You Can't Hang ' to sing along to. Sleeping with Sirens has a song for every hardship, every milestone, and every feeling you come across. The year is 2014; you're still just as ever, an angsty and emotional teen. You're going to Warped Tour with your friends to see bands like Attila , Mayday Parade , Breathe Carolina , and Sleeping with Sirens . If you were anything like me, you were a reserved and anxious teen who had never done anything significant. This was the most people you've ever been around and the most bands you'd ever seen on the same day. You notice that other people on Warped Tours are crowd-surfing, so think, "Oh, I could never do that." But when Sleeping with Sirens plays ' Do it Now Remember it Later ,' you think, "Well, why COULDN'T I?", so you find a trusting spot in the crowd and ride the wave of hands launching you forward at your chance to see the band up close if even only for a second. This is only the beginning of you coming out of your shell. It's the first time you genuinely feel accepted and realize other people are just like you. People with neon-colored hair, piercings, dark clothes, but most importantly, people who feel the way you have . A young me crowdsurfing at a Sleeping with Sirens show. In the years after the Warped Tour 2014 , Sleeping with Sirens continued to be there for us, motivate us forward, and ultimately explode in popularity. I didn't find my niche as a photographer until 2023. I had done small concerts before and knew I loved it, but I needed to be more dedicated. I didn't have the drive or the energy to accomplish it. But in 2023, I attended the So What Music Festival . On the first day, Sleeping with Sirens headlined the fest. Throughout the day, I saw various concert photographers running around taking photos, and I couldn't help but be jealous. I wanted to be them SO BAD. Just a pic of me from back in the day. When Sleeping with Sirens went on, they played such a fantastic performance that set in stone for me what I wanted to do with my life - Be a concert photographer. They cemented it even further by telling the crowd, "No dream is too big; you just have to push yourself in the right direction to get there," before telling us how they used to be a bunch of guys with a dream, too. I knew then that I would spend whatever time it took and do whatever it took to achieve my goals. The first step was making a goal. I looked at my partner during SWS and told them with my entire chest, "I promise you I will take their photos next year; I don't know how I'll do it, but I will." This feeling only solidified after seeing bands like Pierce the Veil and Neck Deep – all-time favorites of mine. Upon going home from the fest, I uploaded all the work I deemed worthy from previous music photo gigs to Instagram. By January 2024, my musician friends were starting to hit me up and ask me to photograph their performances. Even though I hadn't been taking photos for years. I pushed myself forward to doing it and, within a couple of months of feeling comfortable, found an alternative music publication based in my state! Mixed Alternative Magazine interviewed a local band I'd previously taken photos of. Reaching out, showing my portfolio, and trying to join the team would be good. Mixed Alt was thrilled about me wanting to join and drilled it into my head that I was talented in what I was doing. It felt good to be a part of something bigger than just myself. Throughout the year, I'd pick up all the gigs of my friends that I could. I grew my talent, got better equipment, and returned to my love of writing thanks to the woman behind all the magic at Mixed Alt Mag – Nicole Brice . When I saw that Sleeping with Sirens was coming to the House of Blues in New Orleans , I knew I would probably not get it, but I asked Nicole if we could try anyway. She allowed me to try, and we waited and waited and waited for what seemed like forever. Thirty hours before the show, I got an email saying I had been approved. I remember losing my mind. "OH, FUCK OH FUCK NO WAY NO WAY, I CAN'T BELIEVE IT OMG," I said. I couldn't believe I was accepted ! After over a year of sweat, tears, and dedication, I was meeting my massive goal of photographing one of my favorite bands. When I found myself in the photo pit of The House of Blues, taking photos of them performing ' Do It Now Remember It Later ,' it brought me back to that 16-year-old girl who was trying to find her place in the world, crowd-surfing to that same song at Warped tour 12 years ago. It brought me back to the 27-year-old woman I had grown to become just a year before screaming the lyrics to her partner and starting a dream in that field. It reminded me of all the past friends, lovers, adults, and press managers who said I couldn't do it. It showed me that every single step I had taken since I was 16 years old brought me to this moment – standing directly in front of Kellin Quinn and his fellow bandmates, capturing the magic through my lens, from my own eyes—the adrenaline from being so close and feeling so proud of myself pumped through my veins. Credit: Rian Nickels I guess my purpose of this alternate article was to tell you – just like Sleeping with Sirens would – to never give up on your dreams. As sappy as it is, dreams can come true, and you can achieve anything if you truly set your heart and mind to it. *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? Reach out to us at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

The Green Room brings together local musicians for a night of fun and music. < Back Hammond’s Hottest Musicians Unite for a Showstopping Night, Powered by Feel Alive Media Rian Nickels Sep 18, 2024 Share The Green Room brings together local musicians for a night of fun and music. Come with me to revisit the night of July 5th, 2024, for Feel Alive Media ’s first event under its new name. I, Rian Nickels, along with my partner Jay Hutchins (Which you might recognize as “ JAYD3D! ”), started this journey in 2017 under the name The Young Visionaries (Inspired by our late friend, Ally Budde). Over the years, we’ve hosted unforgettable annual music events like “ Llamapalooza ”, “ Hellaweird ”, and “ Fuzziefadoodle Fest ”; along with weekly flow events, memorials, fundraisers, birthday parties, and numerous punk and EDM events. In 2019, we took a five-year hiatus on hosting events to focus on our growing family. We’re thrilled to return with a refreshed vision, bringing you Feel Alive Media. This night at The Green Room in Covington, Louisiana, felt like a homecoming for the local punk and alternative scene, and the energy was familiarly electric. Everyone, from fans to friends, was excited about what JAYD3D! , Jean Claude Seagal , and The Gosh Darn Dangs had in store. First to warm us up for a night of music (not that we needed warming up because it was scorching Louisiana summer) was Singer/Songwriter JAYD3D! accompanied by Tim Dugas , the drummer from The Gosh Darn Dangs . Despite not rehearsing together, the chemistry between them was undeniable. Tim’s precision on the drums complemented JAYD3D!’s vocal style, adding an extra layer of texture and rhythm to the performance. To help everyone feel at home JAYD3D! started with pop-punk-esque covers of ' If It Makes You Happy ' by Sheryl Crowe and Oliver Tree’s ' Cigarettes .' JAYD3D!’s vocal delivery was gritty yet polished, capturing the emotional core of each song, while Tim’s drumming added subtle fills and dynamic shifts that energized the crowd. Credit: Rian Nickels Once they had everyone’s attention JAYD3D! moved on to playing originals like ' Funnyman ,' ' Better Than ,' and ' Dripped in Crimson .' Even with a room full of new and old faces JAYD3D! played their songs with the utmost confidence and flair. One standout moment was their cover of Colbie Caillat’s ' Bubbly .' It wasn’t just a cover—it was a communal experience. The crowd sang the chorus in unison, creating a rare intimacy between the performer and the audience. It’s these kinds of moments that JAYD3D! excels at—breaking down the barrier between stage and floor, making everyone feel like they’re part of something bigger. JAYD3D! typically ends with this cover, but just when we thought the set was over, they closed with a surprise performance of their new track 'No More Circles,' a song that blends introspective lyrics with a driving beat, leaving the audience craving more. Credit: Rian Nickels Taking the stage next was Jean Claude Seagal , a three-piece from Watson, Louisiana, with Robbie on the drums, Nick on the bass, and Justin on the guitar and vocals. To read more about Jean Claude Seagal ’s background, you can check out Mixed Alternative Magazine’s Jean Claude Seagal Interview . Credit: Rian Nickels Their set was a nostalgic trip back to the grunge era, with influences that ranged from Nirvana ’s brooding angst to Silverstein ’s post-hardcore melodies, with a hint of Staind ’s reflective alt-rock. Jean Claude Seagal brings an edgy 90’s grunge sound -that punk fans have been missing dearly- to 2024. They opened with ' If I’m Not Here ,' immediately drawing the crowd in with thick, distorted guitars and a bass line that rumbled through the room. Robbie’s drumming added a steady backbone, while Justin’s gravelly vocals poured out raw emotion. You could feel the years of practice and passion in their performance; every chord, every drum, and every bass strum felt purposeful and deeply connected to their message. Credit: Rian Nickels A highlight of their set was when Mike Spoon from The Gosh Darn Dangs joined Justin for a collaborative performance of their track ' By the Way ,' a Louisiana punk crossover of the century. Their vocals blended seamlessly, with Mike’s raspy tone providing a perfect counterpoint to Justin’s more melodic delivery. The energy was palpable, and the chemistry between the band members reflected the close-knit nature of the local punk scene. There’s something about Jean Claude Seagal that resonates deeply with fans of 90s grunge; they evoke that same sense of youthful rebellion and introspection but with a fresh, modern edge. Credit: Rian Nickels Finally closing out the night was The Gosh Darn Dangs , a four-piece alternative band from Hammond, Louisiana, known for their quirky, high-energy performances and folk-lore-type storytelling. I previously covered The Dangs for an acoustic busking performance in downtown Hammond in May with former members Kris and Jake, and I was excited to cover them again for a complete band set. Mike Spoon (vocals/guitar), Tim Dugas (drums), Lexy Bowers (vocals/keys/theremin), and brand-new bassist J Rees stormed the stage in true Gosh Darn Dangs fashion. Mike and Lexy’s entrance in matching cat maid outfits and Justin Tatman, the vocalist from Jean Claude Seagal, attempting to speed run Chip N Dale Rescue Rangers on the original Nintendo console set the tone for a playful and friendly set. Credit: Rian Nickels To warm up the crowd to their overall playful vibe, they launched into their song 'paradewindy320,' a humorous, fast-paced song about the frustrations of modern life – like needing the WIFI. Though they faced technical difficulties with Mike’s microphone, Lexy quickly stepped up to lead vocals, turning what could’ve been a setback into a unique, unforgettable moment. Her performance was captivating, especially on tracks like 'Defender of Mankind,' a poignant song that nods to her name, Alexandria, and delves into themes of protection and resilience. The band’s well-loved song, 'Going 100 MPH in a 30 MPH Zone While Wearing Sunglasses at Night,' brought the house down with its mix of reckless energy and nostalgia for youthful misadventures. Then they wrapped up the night of music with their song 'Not Gonna Die Today (A Song to Die To).' The Gosh Darn Dangs are more than just a band; they’re a spectacle, blending musicianship with performance art in a unique way. They offer a distinctive sound that isn’t found anywhere else, and if you haven’t yet experienced their music, you’re in luck—their upcoming split EP with Jean Claude Seagal , titled Defending The Daydream , is set for release in October. It promises to capture the essence of both bands and is sure to be a must-listen for anyone in the alternative scene. Credit: Rian Nickels As the night ended, it was clear this event was about far more than just the music. The energy in The Green Room wasn’t just from the amplifiers or the powerful performances—it was the bond between the bands and the audience that made the night truly special. The deep friendships between performers like JAYD3D! , Jean Claude Seagal , and The Gosh Darn Dangs mirrored the connection between them and their crowd. From Mike Spoon’s unexpected vocal duet with Justin Tatman to Lexy stepping in with her soulful voice when technical difficulties hit, these moments exemplify this community's collaborative and supportive spirit. This was more than a concert; it was a gathering of like-minded people who have weathered highs and lows together. The smiles exchanged between band members, the shared singalongs, and the laughter in the room told a story of friendship, resilience, and passion for punk and alternative music. Each performance felt like a love letter to the local scene. Credit: Rian Nickels Feel Alive Media 's return felt like a revival for the musicians and all of us in the music community. It reminded us why we gather in the first place—not just for the music, but for the sense of belonging that comes with it. Whether you were an old friend or a new face, July 5th was proof that the music scene in Louisiana is alive, well, and more connected than ever. Here's to many more nights like this, where the lines between performer and audience blur, and we all feel like family. *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 Got a show you'd like Rian to cover? Reach out to us at: mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

The Alabama Heathens are off the charts! < Back The Alabama Heathens: Southern Grit Meets Raw Rock Energy Bud Gambrell Apr 18, 2025 Share The Alabama Heathens are off the charts! Could there ever be a better way to begin an interview than with tacos ? That’s right, tacos . The only thing that could have made it any better would have been beer , but none of us were day-drinking, so the beer will have to wait another time. When I contacted Jude Roberts of The Alabama Heathens and asked about an interview, he picked the location for lunch. He chose a local restaurant, and away I went for a talk with Jude and The Heathens' lead singer, Dylan Johnson. It’s unusual for an interview to begin with a video, but in this instance, I feel it may be necessary to tempt your musical taste buds. Take my word for it. Turn this up! The Alabama Heathens - Here for the Whiskey I have known these two young men for a couple of years now. If memory serves me correctly, I met them both while shooting a video for Jude’s father, Mike Roberts . That was the second music video for 5ive O’clock Charlie , Mike’s band , for which I had shot a drone video. Jude brings up a funny story about the shoot later in the interview. Stay tuned. Mike Roberts is a musical staple in the Huntsville music scene. Our story goes back several years. I met Mike several times and saw him play with 5ive O’clock Charlie and Travis McCready . Around 2021 , our friendship just seemed to bloom. Mike has become one of my favorite people to run into, either by accident or a planned lunch. He is genuinely a good soul! That day was also the first time I saw the now Alabama Heathens play. At that time, they were playing together under a different band name. I was working, so I didn’t get to listen closely, but from what I can remember, they were very good. If you know Mike , you know he always wears a smile and has wonderful things to say. Much is the same way with Jude . The apple didn’t fall far from the tree in this case. Dylan and I have gotten to know each other better, too. He is also always a pleasure to work with and become friends with. Unfortunately, I do not know his father. They say your children are a reflection of you. If that is the case, his father is a wonderful man. Fast-forward to July 2024 . The Alabama Heathens performed in The Alabama Smoke Show , if you remember the article I wrote for that event. Seeing those guys play on that big stage at such a young age was impressive. I have seen them since, and they keep getting better. During our lunch, we spoke at length about many things. I couldn’t tell you much about our discussion, as I was not recording that part. The banter and laughs did not stop. The parts I recorded are in the sections you are about to read. My first question was for Dylan . Credit: Bud Gambrell Photography OTC : Dylan, tell me, who are the Alabama Heathens? Dylan Johnson : The Alabama Heathens are a southern rock band out of North Alabama. On lead guitar , we have Jude Roberts . On drums , we have Ethan Chandler . On bass guitar, we have William O’Rear . And I'm on lead vocals. We pride ourselves on authenticity. I think we bring an old soul to our original music. OTC : What's the story behind the band's name? Dylan : It comes from a song I wrote two years ago called ' Alabama Heathens .' I wrote it about my buddies I grew up with. I felt like we were, you know, hometown heathens, I guess you could say. I can't really remember who mentioned it as the band name. I was initially against it, but maybe Jonathan said we should be The Alabama Heathens. The Alabama Heathens EP OTC : What got you into music? Jude Roberts : Well, my first instrument was the tuba in 6th grade, and by the end of 6th grade, I got braces. I didn't want to play because, you know, braces suck when you're trying to play a brass instrument. Michael Cline said, ‘Hey, you should play bass instead.’ So, Michael Cline got me playing bass. I've been into music since before I came out of the womb. Credit: Bud Gambrell Photography I would like to give you a side note: Michael Cline plays bass for Mike Roberts’ band, Five O’clock Charlie . OTC : Why is that? Jude : My dad was reading a music theory book in the lobby while I was being born. I remember crawling on stage at an early age, maybe two or three, with headphones on while everybody played loud guitar amps and drums. And I've always just been around music, you know. I took my dad's CDs to go show the kindergarten class or the pre-school class. But I didn't really get into playing music on my own until Michael Cline got me playing bass, and until I heard The Clash's London Calling album. The entire album is golden! Credit: Bud Gambrell Photography OTC : Dylan. what got you into music? Dylan : Well, I think listening to records at such a young age. And the earliest I can remember, I feel like it was the radio, too. Driving to school and riding in the car seat are the earliest I can remember. It was Johnny Cash . I guess it was the voice that I loved the most. I think it was ' Ring of Fire .' That was my favorite song. Kiss was another band that I loved as a kid. I would bang my head on my car seat. OTC : Were these your parents' records? Dylan : Well, some of these came from the radio, you know, from 95.1 The Rocket . My dad's records got me into wanting to play music. I just grew up listening to Bob Dylan , and Steely Dan was always on the record player. So much so that I would turn the record player off because I kept hearing the same song repeatedly. And then what got me into wanting to play was when I was 12, my dad took me to my first concert, ZZ Top . The production, the lights, the sound, the interaction of the crowd, you know, watching people cheer and laugh and cry, and seeing what music could do to somebody. It just hit me right away! I feel like I was born into it. Bud Gambrell with Jude and Dylan from The Alabama Heathens OTC : What are your main influences? Dylan : Ohh, man. I mean, musically, I would have to say one of my biggest influences would probably be Neil Young . As a songwriter, he has his sound; nobody else sounds like him or writes like Neil Young . Bob Dylan is the same way. Maybe it's because I was named after Bob. It's the reason that I'm so into him. But I just grew up on that music. OTC : Jude, what are your influences? Jude : My most significant influence is my father . You can't escape the DNA. That DNA influence , I guess, is a weird way to put it. I've always heard him playing, and he was my first reference for an electric guitar player and what an electric guitar player should be. That was my first taste of hearing music, and I love Jimi Hendrix . I'm a big Duane Allman and Derek Trucks fan on slide guitar . I'm a big Rory Gallagher fan, too. I like Paul Kossoff from Free and Mick Ralphs from Bad Company . For the longest time, I said my three significant influences were Mike Roberts , Jimi Hendrix , and B.B. King . I've added Rory Gallagher and Duane Allman to that list, making it five . Credit: Bud Gambrell Photography OTC : Now you guys just did some dates in Florida. Tell me how that went for you. Jude : Oh, that was great! That was fun! We played Docie’s Dock in Fort Walton Beach , which you can't see, but I'm wearing a hat they so kindly allowed me to keep. It was a warm reception for our first time playing in Florida . The crowd had their attention on us, which you can't say for some venues. We just had a great old time! OTC : Dylan, tell me some things the Alabama Heathens have coming up for this spring and summer. Dylan : Tomorrow, we'll open up for a band called The Skeeters in Fort Payne, Alabama. That should be a massive gig for us! We're looking forward to that! I know the Alabama Smoke Show is coming back on July 19, 2025 . I'm not exactly sure who is all on the bill for that, but I'm looking forward to playing Mars Music Hall again. That's a staple of Huntsville , so I'm very grateful to be a part of that. Hopefully, we will visit Minnesota to play some shows around August or September . We're getting that worked up for about five days or something. We will try to sneak our way from Tennessee to Kentucky and Minnesota . I think it would be cool if we could get that done. We want to try to get some real touring going on. I mean, that's our main thing. Plus, we've been in the studio. Credit: Bud Gambrell Photography OTC : Speaking of that, I’ve seen pictures of you in the studio. Can we expect some more new material coming soon? Dylan : Absolutely! Hopefully, by mid-summer, our song ' Throw the Dog a Bone ' should be coming out. We've already been in the studio and cut it. We're excited to put some new music out! I think we're just going to do singles for the next couple of months and see where that takes us, and hopefully be prepared, you know, by next year to do a full 12-song album . OTC : Speaking of singles, the latest one is ' Here for the Whiskey ' . I've heard it, and I’ve watched the video multiple times. I love this song! Jude, tell me a little about how the initial idea and the song's recording came about. Jude : Well. ' Here for the Whiskey ' was written by Dylan Johnson, James LeBlanc, and Jonathan Moody. They had a recording sent to me when I first joined the band with all of the original songs to learn. So, you know, I joined the band not long ago compared to these guys. And I just figured out how to add slide guitar to the songs. Playing in a band with two guitar players is pretty hard to figure out where you're supposed to fit. We had a pretty good idea of what we were doing, but Jeremy Stephens at Clearwave Studios helped us orchestrate and arrange it to be more professional. OTC : I think the slide stands out on a great song. You mentioned Duane Allman . Where do you get your slight guitar influence from? Jude : Again, my dad was my first slide influence. The first riff I ever learned was ' Whole Lotta Love ' by Led Zeppelin , and he showed me how to do the slide part. I've been playing the slide technically since I first started playing guitar, but I didn't get into it until I heard Derek Trucks playing slide . Derek Trucks is probably one of the greatest guitar players ever to walk the earth. So that led me back to Duane Allman . I've been listening to Elmore James . Warren Haynes is a huge slide influence on me. Warren plays slide in the standard tuning instead of an open tuning like Duane or Derek. We play many songs, and it's easier for me to go ahead and play in standard tuning. I don't want to have to switch guitars if I want to play slide. I just put my slide on my finger. George Harrison is also a considerable influence. Credit: Bud Gambrell Photography OTC : Have you gotten any feedback from the new song yet? Dylan : We posted it on Facebook , and I've received a lot of great feedback from friends, family, and fans. We also put out a music video for it, which was super cool! It has almost 1000 views. I'm not sure what the streaming aspect of it looks like, but I think it's done pretty well so far. OTC : We have worked together a couple of times. We’ve done photo sessions together, but I think the first time I met you, Dylan, and Jude may have been the first time I met Jude. We were in the field on a rainy day, shooting ' Fast Country ' for your dad's band, 5ive O’clock Charlie . Do you remember that? Jude : Oh, I remember that like it was yesterday. OTC : I think y'all were still called the Debriefers at the time. Now, that's an interesting name. Tell me about the name Debriefers. Jude : Before I do that, I will say the biggest thing I remember about that day is Bud Gambrell dropping a smoke bomb on us! I looked back at my drummer, who's also named Dylan. Dylan Hurley. He is a wonderful human being! Seeing the expression of terror on his face as he got engulfed by smoke , and then slowly but surely, the entire band got engulfed. I watched the video. We all just looked panicked and confused! Then we're just engulfed by smoke, and you see Bud leaving the crime scene. (laughter) I add a little smoke to everything he remembers about that day. Well, it was supposed to be a “little”. The smoke would make the video more visually appealing, right? Somebody back me up here. Mike? Duane? Dylan? Anyone? If one smoke bomb was good, two smoke bombs would be great. Anyway, it was funny, a little? Here is the video . You be the judge. Fast Country by 5ive O'Clock Charlie Jude continues to explain the name of his previous band. Jude : The Debriefers is a spin-off of the Panty Droppers , a beautiful name. Dylan Johnson came up with that. We tried for a good month or two to figure out a name. Band names are hard. Man, it's just like a song title. You must find the right one but can't use any old name. So, I decided to do some Grissom academics and make it Debriefers . So, we were able to be school-friendly. OTC : Dylan, surely, there's something else you remember better about that day than the smoke. Dylan : Well, there was a damn downpour. I remember that. Yeah, I remember it rained like crazy! We were on a trailer. We were on a gooseneck trailer set up with a great sound system. And we had a crowd we were playing for. We played ' Whipping Post .' It was a bit rocky, but we had a good time that day. I remember it coming down in a downpour out of nowhere and packing up all that PA equipment in the rain. We were in Duane Walker's cow pasture. Credit: Bud Gambrell Photography Duane Walker also plays in 5ive O’clock Charlie. I met Duane at a Blackberry Smoke concert before I knew he was joining 5ive O’clock Charlie. We started a conversation and became friends, as if we’d known each other for a long time. OTC : What are your long-term goals for the band, and what are you most excited about in the future of your music? Dylan : To go on tour. I mean to live that tour life and play music. We could have shows like we do back home, but out on the road. The main goal is to play our music to people who want to listen to original music. Make them dance. You know, make them cry. It's a compliment to make somebody cry with your song because it means they're living it. You know what I mean? I'm not afraid to listen to music and cry. Because, I mean, that shows its authenticity. You know what I mean? For the long term, man, I'd love to get an album, a couple of albums under our belt, and eventually be headlining shows instead of opening them. Our brand can sell, make people happy, and have a promising career. Credit: Bud Gambrell Photography OTC : The headline shows are going to come. Trust me, it's coming. How do you define success as a musician? Jude : Playing something new every night that makes you happy. And if it gets you off, then great. If it gets the crowd off, too, then that’s what you're looking for. Being a musician, you're never going to be satisfied because you're always going to be working to be better or working to do something differently. So, having shows and getting paid for what you're doing is the goal: I'm happy if I can pay my bills by playing my guitar. But if I can be creative and expand my knowledge as a human being and musician, that's what you want. Credit: Bud Gambrell Photography OTC : What's the most important thing you want people to take away from your music? Jude : I want people to know who I am and what I've been through by listening to my notes, lyrics, and everything I put forward. I want people to feel like I did when I heard Jimi Hendrix or Derek Trucks for the first time. I want people to have an excitement for life that drugs can't give you. The enthusiasm that only music and God can give you. Credit: Bud Gambrell Photography Dylan : I want somebody to be able to listen to our music and relate to the hurt, the heartache, and even the good times of it. You know what I mean? I would hope that when people hear us, they don't think that we're just some other, you know, local band that's trying to do it. I mean, this is our full-time gig. This is full-time for me, and it is for Jude. I know that we put our heart and soul into this: traveling, playing, and riding. The writing is about things that we know. We're not trying to be somebody we're not, which happens often in this business because you get offered all this stuff, and then you buy into it. But I don't think we've ever settled for mediocrity either. I don't ever want to do that. And I want people to know that and keep on listening. Credit: Bud Gambrell Photography OTC : If you could perform anywhere worldwide, where would it be and why? Dylan : Veterans Park in Priceville, AL. (laughs) Dylan : My first thought was the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville . The history there! I got to see Jason Isbell for my first show ever at the Ryman. He's one of my all-time favorites. Who wouldn't want to play at Red Rocks ? I guess it would be the Ryman , just because it's the Mother Church! Everyone sits on church pews , and all eyes are on you. Jude : Well, it would not be Veterans Park in Priceville, Alabama. (laughter) Jude : I also want to say the Ryman because my father has played there , and I feel I owe it to myself to have two Roberts play at the Ryman instead of just one. That would be cool! I would also love to play at one of the Fillmores or the Apollo Theater in New York . I’m a big fan of old R&B , blues , and soul music . Man, the Apollo is where all those guys were at. B.B. King , James Brown , and you know all those greats. So, that'd be cool to play that room. Credit: Bud Gambrell Photography OTC : What's a fun fact about yourself that your fans may not know? Jude : Musically or not, musically? OTC : It can be either—just a fun fact about yourself. Jude : I've pissed on an Irish castle, and I found out later that it's a felony. I don't know if you can publish that, but you can. I'll give you permission. (laughter) OTC : As long as we don't say which one, they can't press charges, right? Jude : I reckon. I'll tell you which one. OTC : Let’s not invite the law into this. Jude : I was walking around, and I, you know, I had to go. It's really beautiful in Ireland ! It's beautiful with a lot of places to go to take a piss. (laughter) Credit: Bud Gambrell Photography Dylan : I used to be on a pool team. I love to shoot pool. I love playing golf when I'm not working. I have several hobbies. I love the gym. I try to eat clean. I don't eat the best, but I like physically caring for myself. I do kickboxing and boxing and run and all that. I enjoy that kind of stuff. I don't know if that's a fun fact. But that's what I'm doing when I’m not playing music. I'm either shooting pool, playing golf, or boxing. Credit: Bud Gambrell Photography OTC: One last question. If you had the chance to meet your favorite rock star and ask him or her one question. Who would you want to meet, and what would you ask them? Jude : I have two answers. Do I only have to give one? OTC : Two will be fine. Jude : My first one is Jimi Hendrix . He was always creating and on the forefront of just new shit and pushing everything to its boundary and to its edge and making new boundaries. And how did you do that? That'd be my question. How did you consistently break boundaries? OTC : Ok, number two? Jude : The second would be Gregg Allman . I would like to ask Gregg Allman what microphone he used on Eat a Peach . I've been wondering about that for the past month. Dylan : I mean, if I can meet anybody and ask anything, it would probably be Neil Young , honestly. How did you produce an album like Harvest ? You know, where does that sound come from? Who writes that? It's kind of the same with Bob Dylan . How does somebody write that kind of music and continue to write that kind of music in their late 70s? I would ask how they have made it this far. Being on the road and not losing their minds. I'm sure they're crazy, but you must be crazy to do what we're doing anyway. OTC : Do you have anything else to add for your fans, listeners, and new potential fans? Dylan : Man, come out and see us! Come talk to us. Buy a T-shirt and ask for a sticker. We'll give you a sticker. Follow us and like our music. We love y'all! We want to meet y'all and create a family, you know, that wants to support us. And we want to hear from you. You know what I mean? Just let us know if there's a certain song or anything you want to hear. Jude : Rock 'n' Roll isn’t dead, so come out and fucking rock with us! You heard Jude! Get up and get to a show to rock with this band. By all means, catch them between sets or after the show and introduce yourself. You will not meet a more sociable bunch of young men. Until next time, Keep your diamond down in the groove! *All photos by Bud Gambrell Photography www.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. Where to find Bud: Email: the_budgambrell@mixedaltmag.com Website: https://bgambrellphotography.com Amazon: https://a.co/d/1CLA9Tz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bud.gambrell My new book: Bud Gambrell Photography by Bud Gambrell | Blurb Books Where to find the Alabama Heathens: YouTube: Alabama Heathens - Topic - YouTube Facebook: Facebook Instagram: The Alabama Heathens (@thealabamaheathens) • Instagram photos and videos Where to find Dylan Johnson: Facebook: Facebook X: Dylan Johnson (@D_JohnsonMusic) / X Where to find Jude Roberts: Facebook: Facebook www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com D o you have something that Bud should check out? Email him at the_budgambrell@mixedaltmag.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link