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'Haunted by Disillusion' is a non-stop ride of heavy guitars and grunge fuzz. < Back Reviews on the Real: Phantum Sun’s Haunted by Disillusion Nicole Brice Mar 12, 2025 Share 'Haunted by Disillusion' is a non-stop ride of heavy guitars and grunge fuzz. We all need a fresh musical journey from time to time, and today, I present the latest from a three-piece grunge band, Phantum Sun , from the Lafayette area of Louisiana . Phantum Sun 's aggressive and thunderous alt-rock sound is impossible to miss, and their dedication and commitment to their craft are truly admirable. Lead vocalist Nick Cline and his crew are constantly playing shows, never taking breaks, and their relentless work ethic makes them one of the hardest-working bands out there. Their newest EP, Haunted by Disillusion , released on February 21, 2025 , is a powerful music experience that I urge you to add to your playlist. Released February 21, 2025 It’s loud, it’s got fuzz, and each song is so different, in a good way. The versatility of Phantum Sun 's music, with no two songs sounding the same, not only keeps you engaged but also offers a unique experience with each track. The EP flows seamlessly , too, with each song offering something different, yet cohesive enough to feel like part of a larger, unbroken narrative. Lyrically, Haunted by Disillusion is a journey through the depths of human emotion. The EP delves into themes of internal struggle, personal reflection, and the disorientation of a changing world. Phantum Sun ’s introspective lyricism serves as the emotional anchor of this EP, inviting you to connect with the band on a deeper level. It's quite remarkable that Nick Cline , a young man in his early twenties, has experienced so much to draw influence from lyrically. Phantum Sun is Nick Cline (guitar/vocals), Alec Louviere (drums), and Drake Lasseigne (bass). Learn more about the band here in this article. Let’s dive into these tracks, shall we? Velvet Nights This is the opening track for the EP, and the song's beginning has a very “punk” vibe. As the song progresses and Nick says, “C’mon now, let’s take a drive,” the song kicks into high gear and reminds me of Wolfgang Van Halen meets good, solid punk rock. The breakdown at the end of the song is insane! Turn it up loud! Chains Chains starts as a typical alt-rock song, but around the 2:40 mark, it picks up the pace and ends on an impactful note. The jam session between the guys towards the song's end has so much energy. Great track. Drown This is a slower-paced tune, but it still has just as much energy and aggression as previous tracks. It is very enjoyable. Overall, Haunted by Disillusion is a solid release from Phantum Sun , showcasing their continual evolution as a band. This EP deserves repeated listens, revealing new layers with each play, and in my opinion, establishes Phantum Sun as an artist to watch. Haunted by Disillusion is out now on all streaming platforms. To learn more about Phantum Sun: Facebook Phantum Sun (@phantumsunband) • Instagram photos and videos Phantum Sun | Spotify ‎Phantum Sun - 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

Holland ditches his superhero cape for dark, gritty psychological dramas < Back Cherry & The Crowded Room: Tom Holland in Two Roles You Must See Keeley Brooks Jun 15, 2023 Share Holland ditches his superhero cape for dark, gritty psychological dramas Who doesn’t love the doe-eyed actor that is Tom Holland? I know I sure do, especially because he is the Spider-Man I’ve connected to the most aside from Andrew Garfield. Even then, Holland is still my favorite because of the charm and innocence he brings to the character. Lately, it seems he has taken a liking to Apple TV+ productions, as he’s had two big premieres on the platform in the past two-and-a-half years alone, and you’re gonna want to see him in these gritty roles. Here’s a little bit of info on the film Cherry and his new series The Crowded Room . I highly recommend adding both to your must-watch list immediately. In March 2021, Holland starred in Apple TV’s epic saga Cherry , which recounts an unnamed narrator’s experience with college, love, war, mental health, drugs, felony crime, and redemption. Apple Original Films The film is based on the 2018 debut novel by author Nico Walker , who served as a medic on more than 250 missions in Iraq. As a result, he came home traumatized and battled Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, which subsequently led him down a very dark path that landed him in prison serving an 11-year sentence. While there, he wrote his novel over the course of several years, and days after it published, Marvel filmmakers Joe and Anthony Russo, through their studio AGBO, bought the production rights then signed on to direct and produce the story from a screenplay written by writer/producer/director Jessica Goldberg ( The Path ). The film serves as a work of autofiction, which is a form of fictionalized autobiography combining two mutually inconsistent narrative forms. Holland stars as Cherry --the only name we know him as, a disenfranchised young man from Ohio who meets the love of his life in community college, only to risk losing her through a series of very bad decisions resulting from the madness that PTSD tends to create in trauma survivors. When he tells Emily (Ciara Bravo, of To the Bone ) he loves her, she balks in fear and breaks up with him to attend school in Montreal. Cherry is heartbroken and directionless, so he impulsively enlists in the Army. When Emily returns saying she decided not to go to Canada and wants to stay with him, Cherry can’t get out of his two-year service commitment and winds up doing tours in Iraq and Afghanistan as a combat medic. Seeing this experience through the boyish innocence Holland evokes in such a unique way instills empathy and compassion. The combined efforts of his portrayal and the cinematography allow for a realistic first-hand account of everything this young boy, who is forced to become a man in the blink of an eye, sees, hears, thinks, and feels in his own way. And it's in that way the film becomes very relatable in terms of how we face and digest real-life human struggles. When Cherry returns home, he begins suffering from some horrid PTSD that leads him to a doctor-prescribed Oxycontin dependency, which then turns into a full-blown heroin addiction. When he and Emily reunite, she, too, becomes addicted, and in order to get the money needed to support their rapidly spinning out-of-control habit, Cherry resorts to robbing banks by walking into them and calmly sliding the cashier a one-dollar bill with the words “I HAVE A GUN” written in bold red letters on one side and the words “THIS IS A ROBBERY” written on the other. He enters these banks wearing sometimes just sunglasses and other times a zip-up hoodie or jacket, maybe with a beanie, and he never actually carries a gun; however, that doesn’t mean there are never any casualties. There always are in any type of war, internal or external. Cherry successfully manages to rob 10 banks before getting caught in April 2011 and sentenced to eleven years in federal prison. Apple Original Films This story is heart-wrenching and full of adrenaline, but what captivated me the most was Holland’s performance as he transitioned between child-like innocence and young love to soldier, war veteran, mental health sufferer, drug addict, thief, and federal criminal. He’s a ferociously compact presence throughout the film, which he narrates himself. The most compelling traits of his acting, besides the purity of emotion emanating from his eyes, are his perennially working jaw muscles, which indicate the psychological intensity driving his desperate decisions. The movie is divided into seven epic chapters that include a powerful prologue and epilogue but really it’s split into two parts: war and postwar. Cherry’s life is one of continuous trauma, continuous stress, continuous disorder, and continuous effects. While I won’t spoil it for you and reveal the ending, I will say it does offer some salvation to the titular character while granting him hope and the promise of a new beginning. Holland superbly portrays the psychological toll that war and trauma can take on a person, as he encapsulates every hint of fear, desperation, confusion, and acceptance so effortlessly, you forget you’re watching an actor on screen. Cherry is currently streaming on Apple TV+. As if that wasn’t enough of a psychological exploration for the young actor, now Holland is back in Apple TV’s latest series, a psych-thriller drama series called The Crowded Room , which he not only stars in but also produced. He plays a young man accused of a crime, but the driving question behind this mystery is did he really do it? This adaptation is also loosely based on a true story about a man who was arrested in 1979 for a series of crimes he claims not to have committed. But is that really the truth? Holland plays Danny Sullivan, an introverted teen living with his doing-her-best mess of a mother (Emmy Rossum, of Shameless ) and asshole of a stepfather (Will Chase, of Dopesick ), who never misses an opportunity to corner, harass, threaten, and abuse Danny when his mother isn’t around and sometimes even when she is. Apple TV+ Original At school, Danny has two friends: a jock and a budding magician. He also has a crush on the most popular girl in school, Annabelle (Emma Laird, of Mayor of Kingstown ), but she only likes him back when her friends aren’t around. When Danny realizes this, the heartbreak in his eyes is so palpable, we as viewers feel his deflation, embarrassment, and sadness. Still, it doesn’t stop him from engaging with her when she interacts with him, and it certainly doesn’t scare him off when Annabelle’s jerkoff boyfriend threatens him. Danny is willing to risk anything to share a quiet moment with Annabelle, and he pretty much does just that by seeking weed from a dangerous drug dealer to satisfy her urge to smoke a J together. Right off the bat, Danny is presented as a shy, nerdy teen struggling desperately to find his place in a world of cruelty and bullies. So, what’s the crime? In the pilot episode, Danny is arrested for a shooting that occurs at Rockefeller Center in New York City. We see him holding the gun but freezing when he sees the face of the man he is supposed to shoot. As a result, Danny’s accomplice Ariana (Sasha Lane, of Loki ) grabs the gun and shoots at the intended victim as he scurries away. She winds up shooting several other people in the process, then seemingly disappears into thin air. The cops catch up to Danny and bring him in for questioning, but they begin to suspect that they can't find his accomplice because maybe he killed her, so they bring in Special Investigator Rya Goodman (Amanda Seyfried, of The Dropout ) to interrogate him. What ensues is an unfolding of past and present events through a suspenseful series of carefully deconstructed answers Danny gives to Goodman. It’s here we begin to realize there’s a lot more to him than meets our naked eye , and as the story deepens and exposes more memories, the mystery slowly starts to unravel. Apple TV+ Original The Crowded Room is inspired by the case of Billy Milligan and the book “The Minds of Billy Milligan” by Daniel Keyes. The non-fiction novel recounts Milligan’s case after he was arrested for a series of rapes across an Ohio university campus. Clearly, screenwriter Jessica Goldman took some creative liberties and changed up some key details, but I won’t reveal any more spoilers beyond what I already have! In a recent interview with Extra , Holland said he’s taking the next year off from acting following The Crowded Room ’s strenuous production. “It was a tough time, for sure,” he told Extra. “We were exploring certain emotions that I have definitely never experienced before. And then on top of that, being a producer, dealing with the day-to-day problems that come with any film set, just added that extra level of pressure.” Holland went on to say he loved the learning curve of becoming a producer but juggling two roles on one production while playing a character in a severe mental health state pushed him past his breaking point. “… Then again, the show did break me. There did come a time where I needed a break and disappeared … for a week. … I’m now taking a year off, and that is a result of how difficult this show was. I feel like our hard work wasn’t in vain. … I was seeing myself in Danny, but in my personal life. I remember having a bit of a meltdown at home,” he said. He then further commented on mental health. “Learning about mental health and the power of it, and speaking to psychiatrists about Danny’s and Billy’s struggles, has been something that has been so informative to my own life,” he said, noting he is now able to “recognize triggers” like social media that stress him out. Apple TV dropped the series June 9 with a three-episode premiere, which, if you missed them, you can read their full recaps here . The fourth episode premieres Friday, June 16 with subsequent episodes airing every Friday through July 28. So don’t delay: Add Cherry and The Crowded Room to your must-watch list today and experience the star actor like you’ve never seen him before in these two beautifully crafted heavy psychological dramas, currently streaming on Apple TV+. Keeley Brooks is a big ole film and television nerd who watches way too much content, then blabs about it. 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

< Back Death Toilet: What the Hell Did I Just Watch? Ezekiel Kincaid Share Nov 28, 2023 Death Toilet is a fun concept but is ultimately just a horrendous amalgamation of cheap cinematic techniques and really bad storytelling. Rating: 1.5 out 5 toilet bowl stains Like many of the people who read these reviews, my sense of humor never graduated elementary school. As such, you can imagine my delight when I came across a movie called Death Toilet (2018) on Tubi. And speaking of Tubi, allow me to note that it is one of the best free streaming services for horrible movies. Take Death Toilet , for example. Any streaming service offering this movie obviously has no real standard … and I’m more than okay with that. It makes my job so much easier. I’ll start off by saying this: There are crappy movies, and then there is Death Toilet (see what I did there?). This film is on a level of awfulness all on its own. And if that’s not bad enough, the filmmaker thought it was a good idea to make four more of these movies. I’m not kidding. Now, I warn you, my faithful readers, this movie is bad. Like, really bad . It is so bad, I don’t know if there is a word in the English language to express this type of horrendous amalgamation of cheap cinematic techniques. The acting is worse than an elementary church musical; the special effects look like they came from the quarter machine at a grocery store; the props look like they came from Dollar General; and the script sounds like it was a class project for a bunch of third graders. That's me being nice. Death Toilet is directed by Evan Jacobs ( Insect, The Toll Collector ) and written by Mike Hartsfield. Hartsfield plays the main character in all the Toilet movies and is the one who came up with this original plot. So, from the get-go, at least it has that going for it. Death Toilet focuses on Brett Baxter (Hartsfield), a Vietnam vet. who comes home to take care of his dead brother’s affairs. Brett soon discovers the toilet in his brother’s house is not normal, and believes it might have something to do with his death. And Brett is right. Death Toilet opens with Brett’s brother getting stabbed in the crotch by the demon-possessed toilet and, goodness gracious, the crappy special effects start here. I’m certain the fake blood is nothing more than chocolate syrup because there’s a quick scene in the movie where viewers can clearly see a bottle of syrup sitting on the bathroom sink—a glaring accident that should've been caught during filming and if not then, at least in post-production. When the demon manifests in the toilet, a knife blade comes out of the seat. I have to say, this was pretty cool, but what ruined the effect for me was the dime-store-looking eyes floating around in the toilet bowl, and then the water turning red with a little food dye to indicate blood. After Brett moves in, it doesn’t take long for the toilet to start acting up. When he begins hearing laughing sounds coming from the bowl, Brett calls a plumber, but he can’t find anything wrong with it. As the film (and I use that word loosely) progresses, Brett suspects the toilet is possessed or haunted. So, what do you do if you think you have a haunted or possessed crapper in your house? Call a priest, of course! The man sent for the job is—and I kid you not—Father Dingleberry (Isaac Golub, who has directed a few music videos, and sadly passed away this past April). At first, our illustrious priest thinks this is all a joke. Then, the demon manifests in the toilet, and a less-than-lackluster battle between good and evil ensues. I won’t give away the ending, just in case any of you readers decide to subject yourself to it. All in all, Death Toilet was a huge letdown for me. With a runtime of around 54 minutes, I can honestly say it was still too long. About ten minutes into the movie, I was seriously questioning my life choices. About fifteen minutes in, I was debating turning it off. By twenty minutes, I was wondering if I could make it through to the end. Then, I thought about you. My readers. How could I let you down? It was time for me, the one who prides himself on being able to endure such trash, to pony up. So, I did. I made it through Death Toilet in its entirety. All for you, folks. My tolerance has now leveled up in a big way, and I am proud of myself. Where most would have faltered and turned it off (like my fiancé did, who was watching it with me over video chat), I endured. Don’t ever say Zeke didn’t do anything for you! In my mind, what needs to happen with these movies is this: A studio with a bigger budget should snatch this up. The idea is great and would be an epic B movie with better acting and better special effects. Someone out there, please do this, because I'd love to see a remake done right! I can’t believe I am suggesting this, but if any of y’all want me to watch the rest of the Death Toilet "franchise" and review it, I will. All you need to do is send us an email with "For Zeke!" as the subject and I'll get it. And I’m sure, like other choices I’ve made in life, I’ll end up regretting it, but hey, this is what I do and I love it. Where to watch: Tubi. If you actually want to pay for it: YouTube Premium and Google Play. 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

One studio drummer who's tearin' it up < Back Justin Holder: North Alabama's Self-Proclaimed Drummer Ho Keeley Brooks May 24, 2023 Share One studio drummer who's tearin' it up I love doing what I do because I stumble across so many independently talented artists—like musician Justin Holder, for example. If you live up in or close to the Muscle Shoals area of Alabama, chances are you know who he is and not just because of his super funky hairdo. Holder is the go-to drummer in North Alabama for studio work, and he’s also a live drummer. I first met him back in early 2022 when he sat in the drummer seat to accompany UNA Entertainment Industries Professor Dr. Charles Brooks on his Black History Month tribute to Jimi Hendrix, which was beyond badass and had everyone on their feet. In case you missed it, you can catch that show in its entirety HERE . For now, here’s a peek at Hendrix’s “Foxy Lady” mixed with a bit of “Purple Haze.” Brace yourselves, though—it will melt your face off in every aspect from melody to groove to overall musical experience. Each of the musicians on that project put on one hell of an outstanding show. Holder becomes another person when he sits in the captain’s chair, losing sight of everything but the drums and the groove. He plays masterfully with such professional intelligence and finesse that watching and listening to him sucks you right into the music to get lost in his rhythm. He’s always prepared to the nines, and he knows his shit. Don’t mistake anything about him, though; he’s a pro through and through. He studies hard the music he plays, and he keeps a notebook nearby full of meticulous notes so he doesn’t have to worry about what he’s going to hit; he can just be musical. He’s got an incredible ear and a gifted sense of awareness that allows him to play off the rest of the band. He’s able to mesh easily with other musicians, too. “He's a consummate professional,” says Brooks, “the very definition of a hired gun who can walk into any situation and not just adapt to a style but emulate it in a way that’s authentic to the source of origin and fresh for the listener.” I had to know more about this self-proclaimed drummer ho and go-to studio drummer (at least in the North Alabama area), so I sat down to rap with him about how he fell into studio drumming, what he loves most about everything he does, and what advice he has for up-and-coming drummers out there. Check out our conversation. MaM : Justin, thank you so much for taking the time to rap with me about your groovy talent and occupations. Are you a Muscle Shoals-area native or a transplant? Tell us about yourself. JH : Thank you for having me! I’m actually born, raised, and currently live in Florence, Alabama. I’m both a studio drummer and a live drummer. I started out as a live player and then converted over to studio work. I’ve wanted to do studio work my whole life. I grew up around it. I love it. MaM : It’s our pleasure! First, let’s address this “Drummer Ho” thing, because inquiring minds want to know its origin. Please, the floor is all yours. JH : (laughs) Well, I’m Justin Holder, and when JLo came out, my buddy started calling me “JHo” and it just stuck. I sign everything with that [moniker] and when I went to make an email, I just did DrummerHo because it fit. (laughs) MaM : Dude, that is hilarious. And awesome. It fits you perfectly. Never, ever change it, please. So, drummer ho, what type of equipment do you use to drum shit up, and what are your favorite symbols and sticks? JH : (laughs) I have a DW drum set and a 1969 Ludwig kit. But the current one I use is a Maple YAMAHA Custom kit. My preferred symbols are the companies. I'm sponsored with Sabian symbols and Vater drumsticks. credit: Justin Holder social media MaM : Has music always been a part of your life? JH : From birth, my dad was a musician and he toured around my whole life. He had a studio, so I would grow up just doing homework at his studio and listening to him mix. And, you know, all the legendary musicians from our area were there in my house, but I didn't know who they were. They were just guys my dad recorded with. So, I've been around music my entire life ever since I was born. MaM : What was your life like during middle school and high school? Were you playing any music then? If not, where were you headed after graduation? JH : So, during middle school and high school, that's all I did. I mean, coaches gave me a hard time because they wanted me to play sports and I was like, ‘Nah, I'm just gonna play drums.’ (laughs) So, I did. We had a band called Salvatron and I was in a band called Prototype, and we played a bunch of churches and stuff like that. One was a punk band, hardcore. So, different kinds of music all through my high school and middle school days. And I played at church, of course, with my dad. That's where I first got my start. I remember it was a Tuesday night and it was a worship night … he let me get up, and I was just terrified. And there were seven people in the auditorium or whatever. But, after graduation, nothing was really going on here. I graduated in 2001 and moved to North Carolina with a guy named Will McFarlane; we just wanted more opportunity in life. MaM : When did you know you wanted to play drums? JH : Oh, I knew from the first time I saw Animal from The Muppets. He was in a tree singing ‘Rockin’ Robin,’ and I saw his drum set and just went, ‘Whoa.’ And that was it. I remember just being a young kid, I had pots and pans I would beat on. And my dad, like I said, was in a band, so I saw all the drummers. MaM : (laughs) Ah, Animal. He was the best. Do you remember your first live show as a drummer? JH : Of course, I do. But my dad and Will McFarlane were the first two that gave me an early shot to play live. I think I was, gosh, maybe 13? And I can't remember which one of them it was, but one of them paid us 50 bucks and it was just like, ‘Wow, I can do this and make $50?!’ (laughs) credit: Justin Holder social media MaM : Haha. Hey, fifty bucks is fifty bucks, man! Do you ever get nervous at live gigs? JH : I did, and I still do, to this day, get anxiety and nervous. [I could have a gig] in front of four people [and I’d} still get nervous. And I love that, because once those nerves are gone, you might as well give it up, start something else that makes you nervous, and get your blood flowing. But I always have a process, kind of, when I have to learn a lot of songs. I cram, cram, cram, cram. And I constantly question myself and think, ‘I'm never gonna remember all this. I'm not. I'm just not.’ So, I let it go. The night before [and] the next day, I wake up freaking out, [saying to myself], ‘You're never gonna remember all this.’ But as long as I do my due diligence and notate everything—I need to notate on a piece of paper or chart—I can make it through anything, and I've figured that out along the way. And so, but I still get nervous for any show, really. When I'm setting up, once I hit that first note, I'm comfortable—maybe the first song, sometimes, depending on how much I'm feeling or how much I've drunk. But usually everything works out. The moment I hit that first note, I'm like, ‘Okay, you do remember this. You've practiced, you know what you're doing.’ So, yes, I do still get nervous at live gigs. MaM : I can dig that, man. I know many people can. What does playing drums mean to you as an artist? What is drumming a source of for you? JH : For me, it's a source of … that's a good question. My father was a musician, so for me, it's, it was important to be a musician like him. That was, to me, I guess being a man back then. As an artist, the drum is the groove you know because when we're in the studio and I'm listening to something and the guitar players listening to something, we're listening to totally different things. He's going to accomplish one thing, I'm going to accomplish another, but we're gonna tie them together. So, you have a room full of guys that kind of know what they're doing and [know] what to look for, and, you know, I'm not hearing melodic changes a lot. I'm hearing rhythmic changes and timing, so as a drummer, I'm totally focused on the groove, the timing, what the tempo should be, and just how to make the song better. It's always about making the song better. That's why we check our egos at the door, first and foremost, because that could definitely get in the way. There's no ego involved. It's just whatever is best for the song. MaM : What does your evolution as a drummer encompass from where you started versus where you are now? JH : Wow, I'm only 40 years old, and I feel like lately I've kind of just been like, ‘You know what? This is easier than I thought it was.’ … But where I was to now, it's just experience, honestly. I mean, 10 years ago, I wouldn't have listened to what I know now, because I would think I'm not gonna have to do all that, like country and blah, blah, this, and this, and now it's like, ‘That's my job.’ So, knowing a lot of different types of music [and being able to] instantly relate to an artist [by being] aware of where they're coming from, that’s my job—to understand where people are coming from and to know what they mean by saying this, this, and this. MaM : What do you love most about what you do? JH : My dad was a musician, and all I ever wanted to do was play music because I saw him do it. He passed away 13 years ago, and I'm just continuing the legacy. Studio work is forever. Live gigs are in one ear out the other. But when you track a song, it's there forever. And that's what I love about the studio. I love the fact that it's an art in the studio. It's decisiveness. It's a gut feeling. It's gut reaction. But I love the excitement and not knowing what I'm getting into. credit: Justin Holder social media People always said, ‘You want me to sing any songs beforehand?’ Nope, I don't. I want to meet the artist the day of. They're gonna look at me all weird, I'm gonna look at them all weird, and then all of a sudden, with the first time we kick into a song, or they hear me do a drum check, they're like, ‘Okay, I feel good now; this guy's good.’ So, that's what I love about studio. It's forever, and there's an art form to it, and getting better at this art form is really fun. MaM : That’s beautiful, man. Well, I know you're in a couple of bands, so tell us about them. JH : So, one band I'm in is called Drumb and Drumber with a guy named Chad Berdine. I play guitar and sing and play some hand drums. It started because I needed to pay my utility bill and drums weren't paying me a lot. (laughs) I didn't have a lot of work when i moved [back] here twelve years ago, and I didn't want to get a job, so I said, ‘You know what? I can play some covers,’ and I did it one night [and realized] I don't need to rely on anybody else anymore. I can do this all on my own. And then Chad came to me and said, ‘Let me play with you.’ Next thing you know, we called it Drumb and Drumber. We've opened McDonald's for corporate events, we've played at the National Predators Game nine times or something like that, and now he owns wedding venues. So primarily, we do a lot of weddings. I’m also in another group called Fathers and Sons . We put this together just for us. It's a bunch of studio guys: Jamie McFarlane, Kelvin Holly, Will McFarlane, Janet McFarlane, and C Thurman and me. We play whenever we get booked, but we mainly play every Tuesday night at FloBama Restaurant in downtown Florence from 7-10 p.m. We kind of put that together just for us to get our rocks off … cut loose and play. We just wanted to put together a band and have fun and do some songs that we wanted to do. I also play with a guy named Cole Nichols, but my other project is Gary Nichols. I've been playing with Gary for a long time, and he's a Grammy winner with The Steel Drivers who won Bluegrass Album of the Year. He and I just recorded his new record, and we're gonna be putting that out, hopefully see where that goes. I’m also currently playing with Dixie Mafia. So, a lot of exciting things on the horizon mixed in with also doing session work, you know? MaM : When did you become a session drummer? How did you fall into that? JH : My dad was a studio musician and [I grew] up around all The Swampers (aka The Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section ) here in town. There's something special about recording. It really is special. I've grown up around it and I've seen the art form my whole life, so I wanted to do that. When I moved back from North Carolina to Muscle Shoals, I knew … there were session guys and they were getting the work, but, you know, they were all aging. And I hate to say it that way, because we had some greats: Bob Evans, Roger Clark, Milton Sledge, Roger Hawkins, and Mike Dylan, who's still around with us. But … there was a need for more drummers, I have to say it. So, I moved back and plugged myself in, and I got really close with the guys at Fame Studios , and they just started using me slowly but surely. And next thing you know, twelve years later, I feel like I'm the go-to guy. I don't wanna call myself that, but I'd like to think that I am, you know? I'm still aspiring to be ‘that guy’ and get better at things. I've sacrificed a lot to be a session drummer. I probably could have been on the road playing with other people, but I knew that that session drumming is what I wanted to do. I wanted to get better at that. I could get better at being a live player and going out and networking and schmoozing my way up the ladder like anybody could do, you know, but I wanted to plug away at the studio … because it's forever. It's very special to me and my father all that kind of stuff. credit: Justin Holder social media MaM : Drop some big names you’ve played with over the years. JH : Little Richard, Delbert McClinton, Kris Kristofferson, Foy Vance, Jason Isbell, John Paul White, Rick Hall, Jim Gaines, Jimmy Hall, Shenandoah, Donny Fritz, The Swampers, T. Graham Brown—I’m on his new record, which features Sammy Hagar, Billy Gibbons, and Daniel Tucker—but that hasn't come out yet. Those are just a few names. There’s many more. MaM : Your life must be pretty busy. Given all that you do, how do you find a balance between working, playing, and home life? JH : I'll be honest with you, I struggle at that a lot of times, because I'm a kind of guy who if I'm working from ten in the morning until ten at night, I'm gonna have time to myself in that night … I can't just come home and go to bed. I have to have my personal mental quiet time. I play Fortnight with my wife a lot. (laughs) I'm not a gamer, but something about that is very peaceful after I’ve been in the studio dissecting songs all day. It's not physically tiring on me; it's mentally draining. And that's tough. credit: Rachel Neal Pictures I have a 14-year-old daughter and a wife. We find our ways to bond with each other. I still am challenged with finding a balance in everything. Right now, I'm in a season of just working as much as possible. And whenever somebody calls me, I go; I'm a yes man. … I don't get a lot of days off, and so when I do, I do nothing … absolutely nothing. MaM : Any advice for those interested in maybe becoming a studio drummer? JH : If you're interested in becoming a drummer, the first thing I could tell you to do that I wish somebody would have told me to do is to suck it up, nancy boy, and listen to every kind of music you don't like! If you wanna be a studio guy, you're gonna do a lot of shit that you don't wanna do. And it's not that you can't find the joy in it, it's just, ‘Wow, this isn’t really my cup of tea. I don't really listen to this.’ Well, you f**king need to listen to it because you're gonna need to know how to do this kind of stuff in the studio. And I've learned that along the way. I was stubborn and didn't want to do that. And guess what? [They’ll just get] somebody that can do it. So, in my opinion, if you want to be an overall versatile player that gets called all the time, you gotta listen to so much crap you don't like and stuff you do like. If you want to be a Tik-Toker, you want to be a YouTuber, you wanna be a live drummer, go practice all the chops and the licks that you can do, get as fast as you want. But if you want to become a session studio drummer, nine times out of ten, you're not gonna get called for that. You know, they always say a bad drummer makes a good band sound bad, and a good drummer makes a bad band sound good. And that's very true. All an artist needs us to do is be the anchor and be the groove. So, I would say listen to every style of music there is [and] give yourself seven days out of the week. One day do jazz. Second day do country. Third day, do another genre. And just dissect how drumming is different in each one of those categories, because that's what you're gonna be using when you come into the studio. Also, learn how to tune a f**king drum set. I probably get hired more because of my tuning than I do my playing. And learn fundamentals. I think the three basic rudiments to start off with are singles, doubles, paradiddles. And there you have it, folks. Studio Drumming 411 from the studio drummer ho himself. To see Justin play live, you can catch him every Tuesday night at FloBama Downtown Restaurant and Music Venue in Florence, Alabama, from 7-10 p.m. Drumb and Drumber plays every other Thursday at the Marriott Inn in Florence from 5-7 p.m. at Swampers Lounge . For more on Justin Holder, hop over to YouTube and search “Justin Holder Drummer” or “Justin Holder Fame” and peruse through the many videos of him in the studio and elsewhere. You can also find Justin on Facebook @JustinHolderDrummer . 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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“Your Heart is an Empty Street” is a soul-stirring narrative unveiling a poignant expedition through pain on a journey of transformation and resilience. < Back Dark Miles Releases Debut Single, "Your Heart is an Empty Street" Erica Machen Jan 26, 2024 Share “Your Heart is an Empty Street” is a soul-stirring narrative unveiling a poignant expedition through pain on a journey of transformation and resilience. Music at its core is meant to transcend the boundaries of emotion and storytelling, and that’s exactly what the debut single from Portugal-based Dark Miles accomplishes. “Your Heart is an Empty Street” is a soul-stirring narrative set against a backdrop of sonic exploration unveiling a poignant expedition through pain on a journey of transformation and resilience. Accompanied by a gripping music video, “Your Heart is an Empty Street” gives the listener a glimpse of what’s to come in Miles’ upcoming debut album, "10 Miles into the Dark", which is slated for release in the coming months. Dark Miles is the solo project of Pete Miles, formerly Pedro Lima of MOSH. With “10 Miles into the Dark”, he has found an artistic shift. Influenced by the heavier spectrum of rock, Miles pays homage to iconic synth pop/rock sounds of the 80s and 90s, like Depeche Mode, David Bowie, and Iggy Pop, and echoes with references to grunge, goth rock, dark wave, and obscure avant-garde death metal. Miles skillfully employs these elements to complement the emotions found in his lyrics, and his deep and powerful vocals create an immersive auditory landscape mirroring the narrative. Credit: Photo provided by artist "Your Heart is an Empty Street" is full of lyrics expressing a harrowing journey towards self-liberation. Miles sings, "And there I go / to that empty street / with my open heart / as the others sleep," and paints a picture of solitude and vulnerability with a cold, damp floor. As the lyrics unfold, there's a sense of empowerment in facing turmoil head-on. The reoccurrence of not being alone and hearing a voice through the darkness signifies resilience in the face of adversity, and the fear and bleakness evoke feelings of strength that resonate with listeners on a profound level. The music video for "Your Heart is an Empty Street" is equally as impactful. As it unfolds into a cinematic thriller, it weaves a narrative that captures the essence of personal liberation after a tumultuous journey through physical and psychological abuse. As the video begins, the main character, portrayed with unruly dark hair and visible injuries, embarks on a road trip, where we see flashes of pills on a car seat that suggest a turbulent past. The anguished look she wears on her face hints at the scars left behind. Set against a sea of red and black, the visuals work to intensify the emotional depth fueling Dark Miles' sound. Combined with an auditory experience, “Your Heart is an Empty Street” likens to the moment when stitches are removed, and the relief of pain intertwines with the echoes of agony. The connection surpasses surface level and illuminates the darkest corners of the soul. As the video concludes, the driver appears exasperated as though she’s just experienced a metaphorical death. Credit: Photo provided by artist "Your Heart is an Empty Street" successfully establishes itself in the vein of alternative/synth pop rock, and its fusion of poignant lyrics, haunting visuals, and retro sounds surely set the stage for an album that promises to be a cathartic journey through the soul. As the anticipation builds for "10 Miles into the Dark," Dark Miles emerges as a force to be reckoned with, as he continues crafting narratives that transcends the boundaries of time and genre. “Your Heart is an Empty Street” is currently available on all streaming platforms. And stay tuned for the release of “10 Miles into the Dark”! For more information on Dark Miles, visit him online at any of the below-listed links: Facebook @DarkMilesBand Instagram @DarkMilesBand YouTube @DarkMilesBand Bandcamp @MusicDarkMiles *cover photo provided by artist 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

‘Despair’ is a song full of truth. < Back Reviews on the Real: ‘Despair’ by Hawthorne Oachs Nicole Brice Mar 20, 2025 Share ‘Despair’ is a song full of truth. Hawthorne Oachs released her latest musical offering, ‘ Despair ,’ on February 22, 2025, and this track stands out from her usual style. Featuring her soothing, angelic voice, ‘ Despair ’ begins with haunting synths and progresses to a more upbeat tempo than her previous songs. Beautiful guitar parts weave throughout the track, filled with dark imagery that conveys deep meaning. Oachs' lyrics resonate with my soul , making it feel like she is in my mind with this song. Not only is Hawthorne a talented lyricist, but her wisdom shines through in everything she writes. I often find myself lost in an imaginary world while immersing in her music. Released February 22, 2025 - click to listen Lyrically, ‘ Despair ’ addresses the current state of our world and conveys the message that we are doomed to fail unless we unite . In one part, the artist expresses, "We're all in this together, yet we find ways to hate one another. Division will be our downfall." These words could not be more valid. Hawthorne's vocals always make me feel like I’m floating on a cloud, and in ‘ Despair ,’ this feeling continues. With a catchy chorus of "We're trapped, trapped, trapped, and we can't get out," I became wholly consumed by the song due to its powerful lyrics . Hawthorne has a way with words, and she speaks the truth , so do yourself a favor and get lost in ‘ Despair .’ It’s out now on all streaming platforms. To learn more about Hawthorne Oachs: 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? Reach out to us at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

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

T. Mason and the Bricklayers < Back Laying the Foundation: Brick by Brick Nicole Brice Dec 12, 2022 Share T. Mason and the Bricklayers My late teens and early twenties were filled with nothing but punk music. At 41 years old, getting to hang with punk bands while conducting interviews for Mixed Alt Mag , I feel I am getting a chance to rediscover my youth and it’s almost as if I’m listening to punk music for the first time. Travis Mason has been a fixture on the South Louisiana music scene ever since I can remember. I first was acquainted with his talent and stylings via a friend’s punk band, The Skullniks , when I was 19 years old. With the nickname, “Tiny”, this man is nothing short of even being remotely small and that includes his talent. Getting to hang with him and learn a bit more about what all he brings to the music scene was a hilarious experience and I, literally, look up to him now. No, seriously, he’s so tall that I must stretch my neck to look up at him. May I present T. Mason & the Bricklayers . Josh Selser, Andy Clancy, and Travis Mason of T. Mason and the Bricklayers (credit: Gary Governale) Taking their band name from a combo of his own name and that of his beloved canine friend, this group of guys are full of personality, so get ready! Bricklayers, mount up! The next big band on the scene. I can feel it. The time is long overdue for some new and fresh good old-fashioned pop punk music. The band is comprised of Travis Mason of Justin Bailey on drums and vocals, Josh Selser of DeadCentered on bass, and Andy Clancy , formerly of Starscream’s Revenge, on guitar. Using the three-piece band formula made famous by many others before them, these guys bring the noise both musically and personality wise. credit: Gary Governale When Travis is not focusing on T. Mason and the Bricklayers, he is heavily involved with Justin Bailey , Audrey Seymour , and iLiaka , all of which have different sounds and are of different genres making him a very well-rounded musician. He also runs his own studio out of the house called Volcano Studios , which I had the pleasure of seeing and this beast of a set-up was impressive. What does this man NOT do? Growing up in a strictly country music household where he began writing song lyrics when he was an adolescent and citing Tre Cool from Green Day as the reason for his want and need to play drums at 13 years old, Travis is one of the most ferocious drummers on the kit locally. Not to mention, his sense of humor will leave you in stitches. credit: Gary Governale NB : So, I’ve been checking out some of your stuff and you are so talented. Anyone that can play drums and sing at the same time, do you know how incredible that is? TM : Well, thank you so much. NB : No, dude, I’m just being serious. First, love the band. Love “Future Retro”. TM : Have you gotten a chance to listen to the three-song demo? “Future Retro” is the single, bay-bay. NB : Yes, love it, too. Not sure if you’ve gotten this comparison, but if Fat Mike from NOFX joined Face to Face, that’s T. Mason & the Bricklayers. TM : Oh, honey, that is high praise. Thank you so much. Face to Face is like my favorite vocalist. NB : Your music takes me back to those days of skateboarding and just listening to music and just hanging out and it’s that feel good punk rock sound that we need these days. TM : Because when you’re young, especially in those times it’s like every day was an adventure and anything could happen and you’re on the edge of eternity. You get together with your friends and every day is a new exploration into something amazing. You’re working at McDonald’s three days a week, not giving a damn. Yep, I can see that. NB : I see good things for your band, because I don’t know if you notice, but the type of punk you play is making a comeback. It’s like there is a nostalgia for it. They say time repeats and it’s coming back, dude. So, Demolition demo, you have it on Bandcamp, but are you doing physical CDs at the shows? TM : Right. Exactly. I’ve got a CD burner and I’m burning them myself and putting in the work, writing on them, the whole handmade feel to it. NB : Well, you know that’s the whole punk aesthetic, the DIY attitude. Just do it yourself. So, production. Did you do all the production and recording on this yourself, too? TM : Absolutely. Very proud to be able to work on a lot of that self-sufficiently. I have a lot on there that I recorded myself, but I also had some other people help me mix it and finalize it and all. I’m finally getting confident enough to put out stuff I did solely in house, which is an achievement. It might not be as good as some of the other stuff, but I take a lot of pride in the fact that I took it from conception to production and then a final product. NB : Knuckles, homie. TM : That’s right, knuckle up! The thing I’m most proud of is the band I’ve put together. We’ve got Josh Selser on bass, kind of like a secret weapon, but it ain’t no secret that guy gets right out front with it. Everybody tells me after they hear us play or hear a recording, “Man, your bass player”, and I’m like, “I know”. credit: Gary Governale NB : Josh is so talented as a musician, and I keep telling him that. TM : Yeah, I recognized his talent when I first met him probably when I was 15 years old. Before I was in the Skullniks, I was in another band. He was in a band called Bleeding Power with Michael Poole. He’s always played with Michael Poole. NB : They’re like a duo. TM : Yeah, they’re like a duo. Yeah. Mike inspires me because his bands have put stuff out. They’re out there recording. Audrey Seymour hasn’t recorded anything and iLiaka has a few things, but nothing comprehensive. [Justin] Bailey is kind of coming back from extinction. credit: Gary Governale NB : Now, let’s turn to current. As far as currently, are there any current bands on your playlist inspiring you? TM : Oh boy. Man. Yeah, sure. One of my favorite bands is a band called High and they’re from New Orleans and they’re comprised of all kinds of dudes from way back in the day that I know from New Orleans. I remember the first show we ever played. It was at Library Joe’s. Those guys played in two different bands and we just kind of put on a show and then we recognized each other from other bands and so they’re like us. Guys that have chosen this lifestyle and persevered to do cool shit. NB : Well, that’s the best lifestyle to have, to be quite honest. TM : Absolutely. NB : So, I want to ask you one more thing. Everyone wants to know future goals. What do you want to achieve going forward or what would you like people to know about you and your music? TM : Well, a lot of my material is quite personal and draws from my personal experiences I go through and a lot of it is very relatable because we all go through a lot of the same stuff. I like to make light of it. Light of some of these heavy issues to make them not so bad. A lot of it deals with loneliness or other things. I feel it puts a positive spin on these things, though. Through the process of the lyrics and making sense of it, by the end, you have something you can be proud of that brings you joy, and I think, man…if I hadn’t been through that trying circumstance, then I wouldn’t have this final product. I like to take a feeling and make something great out of it. I want people to connect with the lyrics and concepts and be inspired by it. I want to get deep, but not over people’s heads. I want them to be able to relate. On one level, you can listen to my music, and it hits you one way, but then in another way, people can listen and go, “Whoa, this dude’s kind of insightful here”. credit: Gary Governale To hear T. Mason and the Bricklayer’s newest release, head on over to their social media pages, Bandcamp, or YouTube. “The Demolition Demo” is out NOW ! Bandcamp: the demolition demo | T. Mason & The Bricklayers | T. Mason and the Bricklayers (bandcamp.com) Facebook: T. Mason & The Bricklayers | Facebook Instagram: T. Mason & The Bricklayers (@t.mason_and_thebricklayers) • Instagram photos and videos YouTube: brick vs. window - YouTube *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

One Super-Cool Writer in Love with the Land < Back Jonathon Engels Keeley Brooks Jan 11, 2023 Share One Super-Cool Writer in Love with the Land Sometimes, there’s a man, and sometimes, well, there’s a man who holds such deep mystery in his eyes, you just have to dig in and get to know him. That’s the case with creative, travel, and permaculture writer Jonathon Engels. Having graduated with Jonathan back in the Nineties, I thought I knew where he was headed in his life, which, having briefly known him like I did, I was certain was towards something technical, even though I was aware he had creative interests and abilities. But, he proved me (and I’m sure plenty of others) wrong by moving on to secure a Master of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing from the University of Memphis, then on to embark on a hefty career abroad traveling, teaching English as a foreign language, and writing about it all. Engels is from a suburb outside of Baton Rouge, La. He started out writing poetry at an early age, then developed an interest in writing fiction and playing music in his late teens in the Nineties. By his late 20s, he was tinkering with nonfiction in the form of travel writing and by 2014, he was focused on permaculture and on sharing his wealth of knowledge and worldly experience from a personal perspective. In speaking about his year teaching abroad, he said, “That adventure led me to write about the world I was discovering. I started getting published as a travel writer first (in 2011), became a staff writer for One Green Planet and Permaculture News (in 2013), and expanded from there.” Today, Jonathon is back living in the States and has been busy with his wife, Emma, building their homestead, which is made predominantly out of recycled materials in a wholesome effort to become one with the land. He stays busy writing non-fiction articles and essays that are so insightful, educational, humble, and direct, it’s as though you’re right there with him experiencing what he’s talking about or he’s with you as you’re reading. His words are a gentle guide through certain necessary human processes, of which we should all be more aware. Engles hooks you with his writing, drops you right in the middle of what he’s talking about, and presents you with something more than just a story to read; he presents you with an undeniably human truth worthy of consideration. He guides readers through the depths of each journey to ensure you stay on track and, most importantly, have an enjoyable ride. His candid use of humor reminds you not to take yourself or what you’re doing so seriously that you miss the beauty of life unfolding right before your eyes. Jonathon kindly took some precious time away from his land and work to chat with me about how he fell into this path, where he has been, what he has written, and what he’s up to today. I highly recommend checking out his work, especially if you are interested in or are considering traveling abroad, learning how to live as one with this great land, and writing about it. MaM : How did you foster your creative talents? JE : I wrote poetry here and there when I was a young teen, but when I started going to college (Louisiana State University), it just exploded. I wrote constantly, mostly out of a need to do it rather than a fine-tuning of a craft. I experimented a lot in the form. [I] still do when I occasionally attempt writing poems. Prose became my main concentration in graduate school (U of Memphis) when my sensibilities didn’t quite mesh with the poetry crowd there. I concentrated on fiction, again playing with form a lot, exploring different ways to piece a story together. Engels is also a musician—a guitarist, to be exact, which no doubt fosters his creative abilities and has been a source of release and entertainment over the years. JE : I’ve played music a lot on porches with friends. Mostly, I play guitar and sing. I played regularly at a bar/coffee shop when I was at LSU. I [also] worked at a guesthouse off and on for years in Guatemala and played a lot while there, often entertaining guests and occasionally plugging in for shows on weekends. I’ve never really tried to do it professionally or even develop my skills to that level. I like to play and sing and have a laugh with it. I also have ukulele, which I mostly play when someone else is playing guitar and singing in order to add a different sound to the mix. I have a picked a banjo from time to time, but I don’t [own] one. MaM : Do your write your own songs? JE : I’ve done it but didn’t feel that I was particularly good at it. So, mostly I just play music from artists that I like: Tom Waits, Bonnie Prince Billy, Bob Dylan, Devil Makes Three, The Band, etc. MaM : Are you playing anywhere? JE : Just at home and with friends. Some friends have encouraged me to do an open-mic night in town, but I’ve not as of yet. MaM : Take us through your time abroad and how life began to unfold for you as a writer. JE : Travel writing began when I lived in Korea (2005-2008), working as an EFL teacher. From there, I traveled and worked abroad for another 10 years. It seemed natural to write about my adventures, and it gave me the plot I always struggled to find when writing fiction. Though it started as a creative pursuit, my travel writing is now sometimes practical (for which I get paid) and sometimes creative (for which I get to say I’m literary and receive no money). The travel stuff morphed into more non-fiction avenues when I found opportunities to write for One Green Planet, a vegan/environmental website, and Permaculture News, a permaculture site. I’ve also written text for permaculture courses. These two outlets, as well as Green Global Travel, Transitions Abroad, and Blue Ridge Mountains Travel Guide, are how I’ve made a modest amount of money writing. Even so, I have continued to seek out avenues to be creative. I did some of that on Permaculture News, and I’m on the masthead of Panorama, a literary travel journal. I write a minimum of 12-15 articles/stories a month and have done so for about 10 years now. Permaculture became a daily part of life during a work-trade trip from Guatemala to, though we never reached it, Patagonia. My wife Emma and I spent about four years traveling around Latin America and Spain trading labor and knowledge for room and board. We also did quite a lot of volunteer work. Now, I live on a permaculture homestead, which means I practice it every day. We built our off-grid home ourselves, maintain a big garden and orchard, and both write about permaculture topics for One Green Planet. We also grow organic vegetable and flower gardens for a living, as well as volunteer doing it at a community music school in our nearest town: Elkin, N.C. MaM : That’s cool, man—both of you doing what you love together, then writing about it for others to absorb. Take us through your journey that led to a writing degree, multiple publishings, and a life rich in travel and culture. JE : I started LSU as a chemical engineering major because I’d been a good math student in high school, and my father was an engineer at Exxon. By the second semester, I was skipping Physics and Chemistry classes to go bowling, and Calculus had bowled me over. I wrote poetry all the time on my own time, so I started taking more writing and English classes. I switched my degree to English and that was that. [From there] I went to graduate school in Memphis. I moved there, got a job waiting tables, and applied to the University of Memphis the next year. Luckily, they took me. After I got an MFA in Creative Writing, I decided to teach for a year abroad. That turned into over a decade abroad. That adventure led me to write about the world I was discovering. MaM : Any creative writings currently in the works? JE : Panorama: The Journal of Travel, Place, and Nature published a piece at the end of November [last year]. I wrote it in September-October while I was in England. It’s about an experience in Guatemala. The journal, which I’ve written a few things for, went on hiatus for a couple of years, and this is the relaunch issue. [Click the image below to read Jonathon's story.] Otherwise, I still write (practical stuff) for One Green Planet every week, as well as a website called Blue Ridge Mountains Travel Guide. Neither of these are creative work, but they keep me busy and leave little space for other writing. MaM : Tell us about some of the creative works you’ve written and where they are published. JE : Panorama: The Journal of Travel, Place, and Nature: - There’s No Place – about finding a home after living out of a backpack for about 12 years. Published by Panorama. - From Texas to Turkey and Back Once More – about my father coming to visit me in Istanbul while I was teaching there. Won 2nd place in Expatriate Writing Contest on Transitions Abroad. - Living the Homesteader Dream: Everything Works Out, and Works, Kind of” – about the woes of off-grid living. Published on Permaculture News. I was a featured author in a print journal called Poiesis Review . The issue (#7) has five of my stories, including “5 Miscues in Packing: Hard-Earned, Largely Ignored Advice from a Vagabond,” “The Bibimbap Man,” “The Other Side of Texas,” “10½ Lessons in Misadventure Travel,” and “On Motorcycles with Milkshakes.” I’d actually submitted these to a different publication, “Go Read Your Lunch,” and through some connection, the stories got passed over to Poiesis. The editor contacted me wanting to do the featured author thing. Dumb luck. “Go Read Your Lunch” did publish one piece: Another Cup of Tea: A Personal Survival Guide to England . It’s about my first trip to England with my British wife Emma, and that involved a lot of having to pee because of the overabundance of tea and being unable to find a public restroom anywhere in the country. MaM : Let’s talk about permaculture. Dish about it and your specific approach and why. JE : Permaculture is a way of designing human habitats and habits, from personal spaces to communities, so that we work in harmony with nature, each benefiting the other. Most people, including me, come to it via gardening, but it is much more involved than that. It includes how we build homes to fit our surroundings, how we collect and distribute water, get/use power, interact with others, and more. To truly practice permaculture is life-altering, much more than putting in a raised bed garden, with which it is often confused. My approach to permaculture has been to use what’s around as opposed to buying in new materials. For example, we dismantled a shed and [some] two-hundred-year-old, dilapidated homes to get the lumber to build our house. We built our fencing from limbs and such that I scavenged from work when we had to clean up trees. The gardens are made from pond bottom that was excavated when digging our pond, and we have used leaves, hay, stones, wood, and so on that we’ve collected from various sources that had deemed them refuse. This has also been the case with many of the plants, particularly flowers, growing on the property. There is something rewarding and pure about doing it this way. It takes longer, but I feel it stays true to making a minimum, or even positive, impact on our immediate environment. Plus, the improvisational nature of using what’s there keeps the design process creative and innovative. To some, this approach has seemed extreme at times, but there are many out there doing a much more thorough job of it. We did buy some new stuff, mostly because we had to in order to pass our building inspection. MaM : What drew you to permaculture? JE : I was volunteering on a farm/eco-hotel in Nicaragua. The owner turned me on to it. From there, I read some books, visited a few more farms, and started seeking it out. Within the year, I’d read a bunch of texts, was developing a property in Panama, and actually began writing articles for Permaculture News about what we were doing. MaM : What has been and is your current relationship with the land? JE : We are in love with each other. For more on Jonathon and his travel and permaculture adventures, you can find him at Panorama , One Green Planet , and Blue Ridge Mountains Travel Guide . *images provided by Jonathon Engels 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

Change operates as a cyclical force of nature, and it’s time for another cycle. < Back Finding the Middle Ground: Striking Balance in Louisiana’s Evolving Music Scene Nick Cline Jun 14, 2025 Share Change operates as a cyclical force of nature, and it’s time for another cycle. Change—what is it, really ? Change embodies a balance between beauty and disaster; it's an essential part of every journey in life. Music, along with the passion that fuels it, has been a cornerstone of the human experience since time immemorial. It's an incredibly intricate concept that we have barely begun to explore. Lafayette's music scene, and perhaps even the entire state, represents a piece of a puzzle that is rapidly shifting in search of its perfect fit. The irony is that it may never fit perfectly. Nothing is meant to fit 100%. This imperfection is part of the beautiful dynamic that drives passion, art, and the courage to find one's place in life, society, and the universe. Change operates as a cyclical force of nature , and it’s time for another cycle to traverse through the walls and concert halls of our community. Lafayette is the epicenter of Louisiana music. Regardless of the state's history, Lafayette has conspired to create a landscape rich with honed talent, new passions, and everything in between. The local scene is becoming a catalyst for change, as alternative mindsets and sounds are asserting their place. I should note that I'm relatively new to this scene—I've only been involved for about two years. I'm not originally from Louisiana, so my perspective is, at worst, a leap of faith. Ultimately, I am just an artist trying to carve out my niche in a world that has presented me with numerous challenges since childhood. From my observations, balance is critical for the survival of this scene. A balance of ego, work ethic, passion, and various other factors will be essential for its future. It can begin to thrive, but it should aim for more than mere survival. With proper care and the right mindset, this scene can become a powerful force of personality and passion. Currently, there is a power struggle among bands, venues, promoters, and us. People are forgetting that music is a collaborative effort. Music cannot exist without a solid foundation of support to fill in the gaps of the scene. The alternative scene is a collective of individuals who are contributing new pieces to the legacy of Louisiana music. This community is growing every day, driven by a mission of goodwill, inclusion, and the cultivation of music, along with many other positive ideals. What’s remarkable about this collective is that it is not genre exclusive. It serves as a meeting ground for the unconventional and the overlooked. It’s a space where one can discover oneself both musically and personally—a rare moment that continues to evolve. This community fosters ongoing support for one another, built on passion and inclusivity, regardless of genre or background. Most importantly, it stands on the belief that art is a powerful concept that will endure even in troubled times. Art is one of the many building blocks of change in societal understanding. Only time will tell what lies ahead for Louisiana and its music scene. For now, it is in its infancy, a growing force poised to unleash a cyclone of creativity. Its spark has recently ignited, and it’s just a matter of time before it fully manifests. That said, the community must strive for hard work, genuine artistry, and the willingness to explore new sonic landscapes without clinging to an image or preconceived notions. An image means nothing without the quality to back it up. Having a platform is irrelevant if there is nothing truly unique and powerful to express. Many can speak, but very few can truly inspire. The scene is navigating a direction that we all need to embrace, or risk being left behind. A powerful new era is upon us, and the music scene will enter this age armed with passion, creativity, influence, inclusivity, cultivation, job opportunities, and so much more. The burgeoning job market will align with the community's strength, allowing artists to become multifaceted creators. Photographers and commission artists will stand at the forefront of this economic shift, progressing in tandem with the music industry. These various artistic pursuits need to work in tandem to survive and transform into a storm of possibility. In conclusion, let me emphasize my final thoughts. Hope, creativity, inclusion, and cultivation represent the new wave of Louisiana music. We are mere specks in the vast landscape of possibilities within the universe. We must make the most of our time, for no one else will live our lives for us. It is our duty to ensure that we live meaningfully, serving both ourselves and the cultivation of a brighter future for the arts, culture, and society as a whole. We are the change we’ve always wanted to see. It’s time to prove it, to show it, and to live it. We are the change that the community has been waiting for. Thank you for reading. 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

Who is Fish? < Back Messing Up Quests and Putting Things to the Test Nicole Brice Feb 15, 2023 Share Who is Fish? One day as I was doing my daily scroll on social media, I came across a YouTube video a friend had shared, and it was titled Stuck Inside a Video Game . I was like, “Hmmm, what could this be?” as I pressed play, not sure of what I was about to watch. For the next five minutes and 42 seconds , I was snickering like a goober while watching this cinematic masterpiece in all its humorous glory. The creator of the video I had just watched was a guy named Fish . After that moment, I shared the video because it was awesome and because most can relate to anything pertaining to video games. Little did I know that a few months later, while looking for talent to scout and write about, I would happen upon the Instagram page of the same artist/musician responsible for the epic YouTube video I had seen and gobbled up like a goober. For those who have not seen the jewel that is Stuck Inside a Video Game , it is a clever song and music video of a guy on a couch playing The Legend of Zelda , showing different scenarios and scenes of the main character being sucked into the actual game, complete with witty commentary, sexy women back-up dancers/singers, and much hilarity. In fact, before you finish this article, you must watch it. Stuck Inside a Video Game by Fish So, who is the guy behind this glorious gem? Well, folks, his name is Sam Fishman , a.k.a. Fish . I bet you’re probably asking, “ Who is Fish? ” So please, allow me. Not only is Fish a producer, a drummer, a video game enthusiast, and a kick-ass human , BUT he is also extremely witty, very intelligent, and super talented. When he’s not making amazingly awesome YouTube videos with clever concepts, he spends his time spinning the sticks as the drummer of the New York-based Americana/Folk rock band, Driftwood … truly an entertaining man. Keep reading to learn more! credit: Carlo Alberto Orecchia MaM : Good Morning! Thank you for speaking with me today. So, let’s preface this by saying how wonderful it is to be speaking with the creator of “Stuck Inside a Video Game.” I saw it a few months back and instantly fell in love with it. Fish : You saw that? (laughs) That’s fortuitous. MaM : Yes, I saw it before I knew who you were and instantly thought, “This dude is awesome!”. Fish : Oh wow! (laughs) Yeah, that’s so funny. The universe is pointing in the right direction. MaM : So, not only are you making incredibly creative videos, but you are also the drummer in the band Driftwood, correct? Tell us a little more about that. Fish : So, I had been living in Brooklyn for about seven months when the pandemic hit and then, at that point, I said, ‘Alright, I’m gonna move out of the city.’ So, I left Brooklyn , moved back home with my folks for a little bit to figure out what the next move was, and then I felt like moving to Ithaca, N.Y. I felt like that was the best move for me. I have some familiarity with New York State, so I said, ‘Let me try Ithaca out,’ and I moved there. The first year that I’m there, it’s like [the] pandemic. Everything was closed. Nothing was happening. I started getting situated and reaching out to people, and through a mutual friend, I connected with Joey Arcuri . Joey is the bass player for Driftwood , and we connected, and so I said, ‘Joey, we should jam sometime,’ and we both know Chris . Chris is our mutual friend, and Joey said, ‘Yeah, that’d be great, man. Let’s keep in touch.’ A couple months go by, and I reach back out to Joey, and he gets back to me the next day and tells me their drummer had just left and then asked me if I’d like to audition for the band. The timing worked out, and because Joey and I had that mutual friend, we made the connection, and there ya go. MaM : Wow, that is incredible! You obviously have a background in music, so at what age did you start playing drums, and who are your musical influences and inspirations? Fish : I started playing drums in 3rd grade. MaM : Wow, 3rd grade? Just the fact that you can even remember back that far is awesome. I don’t even remember what I was doing at that age. Fish : Yeah, I had begged my parents for, like, two years to get me a drum set, and then they did. As far as influences, I have so many drummers I am into. That’s a really good question. It kind of taps into, like, there is stuff you can enjoy and then there are things you can kind of listen to cerebrally to get that music, and it makes sense in your brain; but, then there is music that hits your body and makes you feel things, and I guess for me, there are times when I love listening to hard rock and metal, and that sort of hits more intellectual [sic] for me because I’m understanding it in a way, but when I want to feel stuff, I really love listening to music with a groove and a laid-back vibe. For example, I’ve been listening to Madison Cunningham lately. It’s more Americana vibes. Very singer/songwriter … female vocals, relaxing … not gonna put me on edge. MaM : Do you prefer more singer/songwriter type of music? What’s your favorite type of music? Fish : Oh man, it’s very seasonal for me. I couldn’t tell you what my favorite is. For instance, I’m into these well-crafted songs kind of things and lush orchestrations, really just in the groove, in the pocket, but there may come a time in the summer where all I want to listen to is some heavy stuff. For instance, what’s the band from Chicago? I’m blanking out. The guy who does the “Oo-wa-ah-ah-ah!”? MaM : Disturbed? (laughs) Fish : (laughs) Yeah, Disturbed . I’ll maybe put on a little Disturbed . MaM : Get down with the sickness! (laughs) Fish : Yep yep! (laughs) … and I love Britney Spears ! I was listening to [her] the other day. MaM : Me too!!! One of my guilty pleasures! Fish : Yeah, Britney Spears , so good. credit: Carlo Alberto Orecchia MaM : So, tell us a little more about this video. I need to know all the details, because that thing is badass! Fish : (laughs) Yeah, that is so insane! There are a lot of layers to that video. On the surface, it’s this really wacky, like, surreal video. I mean, I’m stuck in a video game. I’m stuck in ‘ The Legend of Zelda .’ It’s actually a reflective piece, and for a while, in my, like, late-20s or, well, even when I was, like, 31 [or] 32—which, I’m 36 now, or, rather, I’ll be 36 this coming Sunday. Even into my early 30s, I found myself playing games a little too much, and I wasn’t really living. The music video was a big, cathartic release for me. I wrote this rap song about being stuck in a game, and I wrote it the way I knew how, and then I said, Screw it! I’m gonna go all in. I’m gonna fly out to Los Angeles. I’m gonna get this thing legit.’ I found a video crew, Blurred Pictures , Rosco – he’s this great director out there. His mind moves a mile a minute, and we just got a team and I said, ‘I’m gonna produce this thing,’ and we really did it. I wanted to share my experiences in a way other people would relate. I feel like there’s a lot of guys out there that are stuck in this video game world, and they don’t even realize it. The video is a fun way to show the lines can be blurred if you play too many games. Is your life the game? Is the game your life? That whole back-and-forth dilemma. MaM : I can totally relate to that because my husband is a gamer, but he never let it consume him 100%. Now, my best friend, her boyfriend is so consumed by video games that he completely ignores her, and she is a total babe! I can definitely identify with your video. Fish : See? That’s what I mean. It’s relatable! Another part of it was that the women in the video are from ‘ The Legend of Zelda ,’ too … the three goddesses of the Tri Force … but they also take on a different meaning because they’re very sexy in the video, and because of that, if you’re attracted to women, women could become a distraction if you’re a little too focused on the game. You must find that balance. This is not my life’s purpose. My life has a greater purpose. The takeaway from this video is battling your shortcomings, getting out of your comfort zone, [and] really trying to better yourself. MaM : What is your favorite video game? Fish : Zelda … but then, which Zelda , right? I have some games that are definitely in the top 10, but simply because of the symbolism in the hero’s journey, Zelda is probably going to take the cake. I’m going to have to go with ‘ Ocarina of Time ’ as the best or as my favorite, with my second favorite Zelda game being ‘ Link’s Awakening .’ MaM : That’s awesome. I wanted to ask you, prior to Driftwood, were you playing in any other bands? Give us a brief history of your music career. Fish : So, if you thought the video was crazy, this is even crazier. Before I got into Driftwood , I was touring around the country and even got to go to Japan with my former band. I was playing with this group called Madison Rising , a political band, and it was a great opportunity for me to travel, and I learned a lot. I ended up leaving the band, though, to focus on other endeavors. The takeaway from that is that I learned a lot about the music industry, and I got to open up for Lynyrd Skynyrd , Aerosmith , and Weezer . We had a good run. I started with them in 2011 and left in 2018 . [I] spent seven years with them and learned some incredible things. Great learning experience. MaM : Steppingstones, though, to get to where you are today. Fish : Absolutely. Had I not experienced those situations with that band, then I would not have learned about what it means to be a professional musician. MaM : I want to learn more about these videos on Instagram and more about your production work. You have such an interesting story to tell. Fish : Appreciate that. The production stuff you mentioned is kind of inspired by art. Like, here’s a drumming solo; here’s me drumming to this; [and] here’s my friend doing a piano piece. I’m starting to sort of play in both worlds. The music video, for instance, plays on some surrealism there. I have a video I will be posting soon of me just roaming around a recording studio while my friend, Andrew Klein , makes scary sounds on metallic percussion instruments. MaM : (laughs) That’s so awesome! credit: Carlo Alberto Orecchia Fish : There is one where I am going to be dancing behind the drummer, Andrew Klein , while he plays drums. (laughs) I want it to be fun. Trying to just do some silly stuff that is different. Trying to lighten up this whole ‘I’m a serious artist’ business. That’s where I’m at. I love being in the production role. I like seeing visions of mine come to life. I have good organizational skills, and being a good producer, to me, is having good organizational skills. MaM : Do you own your own studio? I’m curious as to where you are recording. Fish : I’ve been investing in myself, and I like going to different studios, as opposed to trying to set up my own studio. I’m not into that. Maybe if I had a ton of money, I could make my own studio. There is something about working in someone else’s space that forces me to be more creative … working within the limitations … let’s adapt. For example, Wilburland Recording Studio is a place I go back to quite a bit. It’s a place where the latest Instagram clip was filmed. It’s a great open space, and I like working with Will a lot, and it’s close to where I live. I like trying different things. I don’t want to get locked into the same pattern. I have another bit coming up that I recorded. Mikaela Davis is a prominent harp player in New York state, and I’m bringing her to Wilburland , and she’s going to perform the great fairy fountain music from ‘The Legend of Zelda.’ MaM : Love it! If you lived here in Louisiana, we’d be hanging out! Fish : I feel that, too, just based upon our conversation. You’re just good energy. MaM : I’m such a nerd. I read and I meditate, and I like science. Are you currently based in New York, still? Fish : I live in Ithaca, New York. MaM : You know, every time I hear the name Ithaca, I think of the movie, “Road Trip!” Fish : Yes! (laughs) You are so on point! Yes! MaM : That’s what I instantly think of with Ithaca. So, with your extensive background in the industry, I just must ask you what you think the music industry is lacking these days? Fish : That’s a great question. To me, what’s lacking is education, and what I mean by that is that the local artists, they don’t fully understand what it means to run your band as a business. Any local artists who are complaining, and I get this in Ithaca through friends, like they are really making forward progress and are passionate about what they’re doing, but they don’t understand that if your band is going to progress, then there needs to be an awareness that if your band is not run like a business, then don’t have any expectations of moving forward. If you want to move forward, you must do all the work on the business side to help you establish a plan. credit: Carlo Alberto Orecchia MaM : I completely can identify with that because you are building your band as a brand. You must brand yourself to stand out so that people take notice. What are you working on currently? Fish : One of the upcoming things is a screenplay for a movie. I just finished the first draft. It’s called ‘ Cicada Madness .’ It’s based on an audio project that is already completed, and I just decided to take it to the next level, but I’m certain I will be doing a crowdsourcing fund for the movie, because I want to have a big budget. When you think of the film, though, it’s a B-movie … sorority girls, cicadas flying around just exploding… (laughs) . MaM : So, is it like Hitchcock’s The Birds but with cicadas? Fish : Yeah, but funny. Not meant to scare you. Just total fun. Driftwood is currently recording an album, and we plan to release it in the fall. This is their most mature album to date. It’s going to defy expectations and has a lot of variety. Those are the main things. I have a video that is supposed to be finished by the end of February where I teamed up with a community music school to put on a performance of Claude Bolling’s ‘Suite for Flute and Jazz Piano ,’ and it brings me back to my roots of reading music and performing. I imagine I’ll be posting some clips from it in early March. I love doing different things where maybe you’ll get Jazz & Classical one day and then you’ll get crazy silly skit the next day. I have a lot of different things I want to do. credit: Carlo Alberto Orecchia MaM : Ok, so big question. Who is Fish? Fish : Well, right now he’s the drummer of Driftwood the band; he does session work; and he produces and collaborates. But, yeah, Fish is ever evolving. That is the safe answer. Fish wants to inspire others. Fish wants to collaborate. That’s the key word. Fish is someone who wants to work with a lot of different people. Fish is a leader. Fish wants to bring out the best in other creative people. I love going to a keyboard player that I see potential in or that I think is phenomenal and I’ll say, ‘Hey, man! Let me get your number. We’re gonna work together.’ I just get right down to it. If I want to work with someone, I let them know. Fish really wants to bring out a vision and be part of a team. To learn more about Fish, check out all his links below and enjoy! Website: Who Is Fish? - Sam Fishman | Drummer, Composer, Creator Instagram: Who Is Fish? (@whoisfishig) • Instagram photos and videos YouTube: Who Is Fish? - YouTube Facebook: Who Is Fish? | Facebook www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . 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Best Heard Loud < Back Punk Rock with Ferocity: DeadCentered and USER UNAUTHORIZED Nicole Brice Jan 26, 2023 Share Best Heard Loud When one thinks of punk music, the stereotypical image of spikey hair, leather jackets, and studded bracelets and belts comes to mind, but punk music can take on many forms and a uniform is NOT required. Punk Rock is order. Everything else is just chaos. Straight out of Baton Rouge, La., DeadCentered is an aggressive hardcore punk band with a little rock and roll and some thrash thrown in. Although their sound can seem a little unhinged at times, their vibe is truly unique and different. Each member of the band gives their all during a performance, and you can see the love for the music and the craft shine through each time, especially with the banter in between songs. Like a well-oiled machine, the band is comprised of Joshua Michael Selser on guitar / vocals, Justin Tatman on bass, and Mike Poole on drums. With the classic three-piece band, these guys have solidified their sound. With many line-up changes over the years, their current offering is one to take notice of because the sound is so tight. With three EP’s under their belt, their latest one released in 2021 is titled “Strongholds, Sheep, and Scapegoats", and the band continues to forge ahead with writing and recording new material for future releases. Selser first picked up the guitar at 13 years old and shortly after, he taught himself bass, too. Multi-talented and multi-faceted, he lends his talent to other bands besides DeadCentered like T. Mason & the Bricklayers. Drawing inspiration from a family of musicians, and from some of his favorites such as Tom Waits, Dave Mustaine, Minor Threat, and Black Sabbath, Joshua’s talent radiates with charisma. Maintaining a busy schedule of playing music and overseeing many other projects not related to music, Josh’s passion for life and art shows in all he does. credit: Gary Governale Mike Poole is a busy man playing drums in three bands locally, but that doesn’t stop him from loving every minute of it. Citing Phil Collins as his main inspiration to play, Mike’s skills are top notch and his ferocity on the kit sets him apart from many others. credit: Gary Governale Justin Tatman is no stranger to the local music scene either, with many years of experience under his belt from playing in bands like Left with Everyday, Ghosts in Low Lights, and Minus One. In September 2022, Justin joined DeadCentered and has been jamming with them ever since. Justin’s main drive to playing music is, “being able to communicate emotionally through sound. Through sound, I’m able to express myself by being REALLY loud and grabbing the listener’s attention.” He goes on to say, “the most amazing thing to me about music is you don’t even need words to communicate feelings. You can just let the music take you there.” Although not a technical player, Justin always puts his entire heart into his playing and looks forward to the future with DeadCentered. L to R: Mike Poole, Justin Tatman, and Joshua Michael Selser Recently, the band teamed up with USER UNAUTHORIZED from Austin, Texas to play a show in the parking lot of Safe Voyage Tattoo in Denham Springs, LA. It was the perfect setting to hang out and listen to some good music, plus nothing is more punk rock than playing a show in a non-traditional setting and venue. The thing that first struck me as unique with USER UNAUTHORIZED was the female bass player. To be honest, any band that has a female on bass has my seal of approval right away. She was tiny, but her playing was fierce. I later found out that she not only plays bass, but guitar, too. Their set opened with a punch right to the gut and had me hooked instantly. The aggressive guitar and drums with Sage’s vocals set the tone for a raw in-your-face sound. Formed in 2019, USER UNAUTHORIZED plays hardcore punk, and they play it loud. With an impressive discography under their belt thus far, you must check out their music. USER UNAUTHORIZED is Sage (vocals/bass), Johnny Cash (guitar), Rooster (drums), and Isabella (bass/guitar). DeadCentered played last and opened with “To Live” and then pounded through a savage set ending with “Joyless Life of Discontent.” These guys truly love what they do, and it shows. Joshua’s playing is always on point, and his musicianship is top notch. Check out this video from the show: Be sure to check out the social media for both DeadCentered and USER UNAUTHORIZED and stream their music. You won’t regret it. Links are below. USER UNAUTHORIZED: 𝐔𝐒𝐄𝐑 𝐔𝐍𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐙𝐄𝐃 (@userunauthorized) • Instagram photos and videos Music | User Unauthorized (bandcamp.com) 𝐔𝐒𝐄𝐑.𝐔𝐍𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐙𝐄𝐃 | Austin TX | Facebook USER UNAUTHORIZED (@UUnauthorized) / Twitter ‎User Unauthorized on Apple Music Spotify – User Unauthorized DeadCentered: DeadCentered | Facebook DeadCentered Official (@deadcentered_official) • Instagram photos and videos Strongholds, Sheep and Scapegoats | DeadCentered (bandcamp.com) Stream DeadCentered music | Listen to songs, albums, playlists for free on SoundCloud ‎DeadCentered on Apple Music DeadCentered (@dead_centered) / Twitter 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

October brings long-awaited titles Loki (Season 2) and The Fall of the House of Usher plus a Milli Vanilli documentary. < Back New Titles Streaming in October Keeley Brooks Oct 3, 2023 Share October brings long-awaited titles Loki (Season 2) and The Fall of the House of Usher plus a Milli Vanilli documentary. October excites me for many reasons but mostly because with it comes Halloween, which is finally right around the corner. It’s the time of year when the leaves start fallin’ and the weather starts coolin’ off, and yards are decorated with fun and excitement. It's also the time of year cable channels start streaming classic horror movies like Halloween , Friday the 13th, Scream, and A Nightmare on Elm Street, in addition to a host of other titles. There's even a Friday the 13th in store this month, adding that touch of extra spookiness. You guys will have plenty of new streaming titles on October’s menu of releases to keep you in the mood of the season, especially now that the writers’ strike has finally come to a close. (Hallelujah!) But there’s much more than horror releases to look forward to on your favorite platforms. As Fall rolls in, so, too, do Loki (Season 2 ), The Fall of the House of Usher , Our Flag Means Death (Season 2), and a Milli Vanilli documentary that I know all Gen Xers can’t wait to see. Ba ba-ba-ba baby. So let’s get with it! Here’s what’s new and streaming in October. APPLE TV+ Lessons in Chemistry (Oct. 13) -- Brie Larson ( Avengers: Endgame ) fights against the patriarchal powers that be in this new series based on the 2022 Bonnie Garmus novel of the same name. Larson stars as Elizabeth Zott, an aspiring scientist who gets canned from her laboratory job but refuses to go down without a fight. After accepting a role as a cooking show host, she uses the platform to educate and rally her core demographic: belittled housewives. The Pigeon Tunnel (Oct. 20) -- Fans of documentary filmmaking should know the name Errol Morris, who is one of the greatest documentarians of his era. Morris has made his name with some of the best documentaries in history, including The Fog of War and The Thin Blue Line . His latest work is coming to Apple TV+ as he tells the story of the life of John le Carre, an author who wrote some of the best spy novels in history, including those about the famed spy George Smiley ("Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy"). Le Carre died in 2020 and this was his final interview. The Enfield Poltergeist (Oct. 27) -- Another chilling docuseries for Halloween? Yes, thank you. If you've ever seen The Conjuring 2 , you may already be familiar with this case, although Director James Wan chose to explore the haunting through a slightly more fictionalized lens. The Enfield Poltergeist is a limited series presenting actual audio recordings captured during the investigation of the English residence. Don't worry if it makes you quiver and cower--I promise we'll all be doing the same! DISNEY+ Loki, Season 2 (Oct. 5) -- The new season of Loki picks up in the aftermath of the shocking Season 1 finale when Loki (Tom Hiddleston, of Thor ) finds himself in a battle for the soul of the Time Variance Authority. Along with Mobius (Owen Wilson, of Meet the Parents ), Hunter B-15, and a team of new and returning characters, Loki navigates an ever-expanding and increasingly dangerous multiverse in search of Sylvie (Sophia Di Martino, of Peacock TV series), Judge Renslayer (Gugu Mbatha-Raw, of The Morning Show ), Miss Minutes (Tara Strong, of Young Love TV series), and the truth of what it means to possess free will and glorious purpose. Goosebumps (Oct. 13) -- R.L. Stine ’s classic tale comes to life in a 10-part series starring Justin Long ( Barbarian ), Rachael Harris ( Lucifer ), and Rob Huebel ( The Goldbergs ). Unlike the anthology formatted series from the 90s, this version of " Goosebumps" will combine several terrifying tales from Stine’s book series to tell one consistent narrative. A group of five high schoolers embark on a shadowy and twisted journey to investigate the tragic passing three decades earlier of a teen named Harold Biddle, while also unearthing dark secrets from their parents’ past. Also streaming on Hulu. HULU Nada (Oct. 11) -- In 2002, 30 would-be contestants gathered to film what they were told was an ambitious new reality show that would change their lives. The problem: The show didn’t exist! So, what happened? What’s the story, morning glory? This docuseries attempts to get to the bottom of all that. Goosebumps (Oct. 13) -- R.L. Stine ’s classic tale comes to life in a 10-part series starring Justin Long ( Barbarian ), Rachael Harris ( Lucifer ), and Rob Huebel ( The Goldbergs ). Unlike the anthology formatted series from the 90s, this version of " Goosebumps" will combine several terrifying tales from Stine’s book series to tell one consistent narrative. A group of five high schoolers embark on a shadowy and twisted journey to investigate the tragic passing three decades earlier of a teen named Harold Biddle, while also unearthing dark secrets from their parents’ past. Shoresy , Season 2 (Oct. 27) -- The Letterkenny spinoff returns with Season 2, so fans will once again get to see the titular hockey goon Shoresy (Jared Keeso, of Letterkenny ) get into all sorts of comedic trouble as he continues his journey to become the greatest hockey player of all time. The complete second season will be available to stream starting October 27. MAX (formerly HBO Max) The Ringleader: The Case of the Bling Ring (Oct. 1) -- In 2008 and 2009, a crime ring of suburban teens stole over three million dollars’ worth of jewelry, designer clothing, and cash from the homes of Parish Hilton, Orlando Bloom, Lindsay Lohan, and dozens more celebrities. Now, the so-called “ringleader” and mastermind behind the robberies, Rachel Lee, opens up for the first time about her role in the crime spree and outlines the culture of celebrity worship. Our Flag Means Death , Season 2 (Oct. 5) -- Set in the early 18th century during the Golden Age of Piracy, Our Flag Means Death follows the misadventures of gentleman-turned-pirate Stede Bonnet (Rhys Darby, of Flight of the Conchords ) and his crew aboard the Revenge as they try to make a name for themselves as pirates. When they cross paths with the famed captain Blackbeard (Taika Waititi, of What We Do in the Shadows ), Stede and Blackbeard develop then proclaim their feelings for each other, only to part ways after Stede returned home to see his family. In Season 2, Stede pines for his lost love while Blackbeard is full of angst, wreaking havoc and spilling blood all over the Caribbean. Doom Patrol , Season 4 Part 2 (Oct. 12) -- In the final run for the popular series revolving around members left terribly disfigured but full of superhuman abilities after a tragic accident, Doom Patrol returns with the second part of its fourth and final season. The story will pick up where it left off in Part 1 with the team in Orqwith, where the force called Immortus is capable of stripping them of their longevity. How will this play out? You’ll have to watch and see! The Gilded Age , Season 2 (Oct. 29) -- A period of immense economic change and great conflict between the old ways and new systems, The Gilded Age saw huge fortunes made then lost. In Season 1, an aspiring writer seeking a fresh start becomes inadvertently enmeshed in a social war between one of her aunts, a scion of old money, and her stupendously rich neighbors, a ruthless railroad tycoon and his ambitious wife. On the brink of the modern age, Season 2 will feature a war between the wealthy women of New York society. Nothing like a good catfight full of stubbornness and snobbery. NETFLIX Beckham (Oct. 4) -- David Beckham isn't just one of the most recognizable soccer players in history, he’s also a global icon who shaped the pop-culture landscape of an entire decade. This docuseries looks beyond the headlines and the iconic sporting moments as it explores the man behind it all, with insight from Becks himself as well as his closest friends and family. Beckham chronicles a meteoric rise from humble beginnings to global football stardom. This glitzy bio-doc will be a must-watch for Man Utd fans, and anybody who took a photo of Beckham to the barbers as a kid. Lupin , Season 3 (Oct. 5) -- France’s most-wanted gentleman thief is back, and this time he’s returning to Paris. The last time we saw Assane Diop (Omar Sy, of The Intouchables ), he was on the run from the police after being framed for murder by Hubert Pellegrinr (Hervé Pierre, of Paris, je t’aime ), a wealthy entrepreneur responsible for Assane’s father being falsely imprisoned. Now most wanted in France, the suave thief decides to live off radar for a bit in hopes that his disappearance will keep his son safe, but first the conman is planning his most audacious heist yet. The Fall of the House of Usher (Oct. 12) -- Mike Flanagan ( The Haunting of Hill House ) is back with another classic horror literature adaptation, this time from the OG literary master, Edgar Allen Poe. Inspired by Poe’s short story "The Fall of the House of Usher", Flanagan’s adaptation is an eight-part miniseries focusing on two siblings, Roderick (Bruce Greenwood, of The Resident ) and Madeline (Mary McDonnell, of Battlestar Galactica ), who have built a pharmaceutical empire. However, when the heirs to the Usher dynasty begin mysteriously dying one by one, the company’s corrupt foundations are exposed. The Fall of the House of Usher will be Flanagan’s last gothic-horror drama for the streaming giant, ending his fruitful partnership with Netflix on a high note. Also stars Carla Gugino ( The Haunting of Hill House ), Henry Thomas ( E.T. the Extraterrestrial ), Mark Hamill ( Star Wars ), Annabeth Gish ( Sons of Anarchy ), and Zach Gilford ( Friday Night Lights ). Bodies (Oct. 19) -- When a dead body appears on the streets of London, it seems like business as usual for the detective working the case. But this same victim has actually appeared across three other points in time: 1890, during the Victorian era; 1941, during the height of World War II; and 30 years into the future in 2053. As the crime is further investigated in each period, a sinister conspiracy that could threaten the entire United Kingdom begins to unravel. This unique sci-fi series blends murder mystery, police procedural and period drama into an intriguing mix you won’t want to miss. The Devil on Trial (Oct. 17) -- A haunting true crime documentary, The Devil on Trial explores the true story behind The Conjuring 3 and chronicles the only example in the history of the U.S. legal system of demonic possession officially being used as defense in a murder trial. In 1981, Arne Cheyenne Johnson claimed that he killed his landlord, Alan Bono, while under the influence of demonic forces. This unbelievable claim drew the interest of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren and was the inspiration for the most recent Conjuring movie. This Netflix doc explores the events leading up to the murder, the trial, and its aftermath and includes firsthand accounts from various people closest to the case, including Johnson himself. PARAMOUNT+ Painkiller: The Tylenol Murders (Oct. 10) -- This groundbreaking documentary uses hours of exclusive archival footage in a five-part docuseries that will transport viewers back four decades to the moments after a twisted killer laced Tylenol pills with cyanide and killed seven people in the Chicago area. True story. While no perpetrators were found at the time, a man named James William Lewis was suspected of extorting a million bucks from Johnson & Johnson to stop the cyanide murders. The Tylenol Murders is narrated by Laurence Fishburne ( The Matrix, John Wick ). Frasier (Oct. 12) -- A revival of the beloved spinoff of Cheers, Frasier returns with Kelsey Grammar as the eponymous psychiatrist back in Boston, looking to reconnect with his son Freddy (Jack Cutmore-Scott, of Tenet ). Most of the original cast are nowhere to be seen, so don’t get your hopes up on returning familiarity if you’re an old fan of the show. Crush (Oct. 17) -- The team behind the award-winning documentary 11 Minutes , which told the story of the mass shooting as Las Vegas’ Route 91 Harvest music festival, have set up another docuseries, Crush . The docuseries will explore the Halloween tragedy in Seoul, South Korea, on October 29, 2022, that left 159 dead and hundreds injured. The multi-part series will be an immersive moment-by-moment dive into how the tragedy unfolded and the forces that make crowds panic. Milli Vanilli (Oct. 24) -- I don’t know about you, but this Gen Xer is stoked about this new feature-length documentary detailing the story behind one of the greatest and most ill-fated chart-topping duo of the late 80s and early 90s, Milli Vanilli. In case you don’t know their story, after a rocky upbringing in Germany, Robert Pilatus and Fabrice Morvan joined forces to become one of the biggest pop groups in the world, scoring three Billboard Hot 100 number one songs, “Blame It on the Rain”, “Girl I’m Gonna Miss You”, and “Baby Don’t Forget My Number” in 1989. They won the Best New Artist Grammy in 1990 before it was revealed that they didn’t actually sing on any of their hits. Now, the duo’s lone surviving member, Fabrice Morvan, tells their true story. Pilatus sadly died of an alcohol and prescription drug overdose in 1998. PEACOCK John Carpenter’s Suburban Screams (Oct. 13) -- Explore true tales of terror that took place in American suburbs with the horror legend himself, John Carpenter. Wolf Like Me , Season 2 (Oct. 19) -- If you haven’t watched the first season of Wolf Like Me and have an interest in werewolf-centric series, you're gonna want to hop on this comedy train. Widower Gary (Josh Gad, of Ghostbusters: Afterlife ) lives in suburban South Australia with his kid, with whom he struggles to connect. After getting into a car accident with a woman named Mary (Isla Fisher, of Wedding Crashers ) and Mary helps Gary’s kid through a panic attack, the two decide to go on a date, which gets weird and doesn’t end well. Mary has a big hairy secret, and Season 1’s finale left us all wondering the same thing: Is she giving birth to a wolf pup or a human baby? PRIME VIDEO Upload , Season 3 (Oct. 20) -- After his untimely death, a man is able to choose his own afterlife by having his consciousness uploaded into a virtual world. When party boy Nathan (Robbie Amell, of The Witcher ) gets uploaded to a virtual resort, he meets the down-to-earth Nora (Andy Allo, Chicago Fire ), who starts as his customer service "angel," but becomes so much more as she helps him along the way. The longer Nathan is there, the more he begins to question whether his death was truly an accident. Bosch: Legacy , Season 2 (Oct. 20) -- A spinoff of Prime Video’s hit crime drama series Bosch , Bosch: Legacy finds Harry (Titus Welliver, of Sons of Anarchy ), retired homicide detective turned private investigator, embarking on the next chapter of his career, where he must learn to work with a former enemy. Streaming on Prime Video and Freevee. 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

During this content drought, get lost in these epic historical fiction and fantasy series! < Back Historical Fiction and Fantasy Series to Binge Keeley Brooks Aug 29, 2023 Share During this content drought, get lost in these epic historical fiction and fantasy series! So, who’s feeling the effects of this continuing writers’ strike and subsequent content drought? Because I know it’s not just me. When the line was drawn in the sand in Hollywood months ago, I held out hope that studios would do the right thing; good thing I’m not holding my breath. Summer is a time of year when we are usually inundated with new streaming content, but this season offered slim pickins. If you find yourself flying through your queue content, now looking for something to get into while you await the next big series release, you’re in luck. Here are some of my favorite historical fiction and fantasy series sure to keep you entertained, worth a really good binge . BARBARIANS Created by: Barbara Eder, Stefan Ruzowitzky, Steve Saint Leger, & Lennart Ruff Where to binge it: Netflix Barbarians is a high budget German historical war drama that dropped on Netfix in 2020 right when we were all confined to our homes during COVID. That’s probably the reason this series soared in popularity: Everyone was home to see it. If you’ve yet to indulge, now’s your chance. Barbarians tells the story of what happened during the Roman Empire’s occupation of Germania—namely the resulting rebellion of the Germanic tribes during the Battle of Teutoburg Forest around 9 A.D. The Battle of Teutoburg was pivotal during this time because it was under the cover of darkness when an alliance of Germanic tribes targeted their oppressors. The result? Destruction of three Roman legions. Boom. Barbarians tells the story of three friends whose fates are intertwined in fighting for their freedom and dealing with the drama of love, loyalty, and betrayal. Barbarians is full of action, heavy on the bloodshed, and loaded with high production value, solid acting, and some pretty sweet camera work and effects. Currently there are two seasons around the Battle of Teutoburg, and while it’s yet to be announced, it’s assumed that season three will focus on the aftermath of conflict. Bring it on, Netflix! BRITANNIA Created by: Jez Butterworth, Tom Butterworth, James Richardson, & Terry Cafolla Where to binge it: Prime Video, MGM+, Fubo, Sky & Now, Apple TV Swords, sorcery, swears, and sassiness … and Romans and Druids—that’s the good time Britannia presents to us all wrapped up in a nice little bow. The series landed on Prime Video in 2018 then was picked up by EPIX in 2020 for Seasons 2 and 3. Sadly, and disappointingly, EPIX scrapped Season 4 (booo), a decision that left all of us fans on the edge of our seats craving closure to this fantastic drama series. They blamed it on COVID. Set during the primitive and mystical times of 43 A.D., Britannia follows the Roman army in their quest to conquer Britain after Caesar’s failed attempt 90 years prior. This mystical land, as we learn right off the bat, is home to some pretty tough, wild, and mouthy female warriors and powerful Druids, who have the unique ability to channel the mysterious forces of the Underworld. Britannia is an enthralling tale of extreme power struggles and clashing cultures in a gripping narrative that breathes life into this robust selection of characters, each with their own abilities, motives, and loyalties. Britannia stars Kelly Reilly ( Yellowstone ) as a powerful Celtic warrior and David Morrissey ( The Walking Dead ) as Roman General Aulus Plautius, who went on to become the first governor of this newly conquered land. It also stars MacKenzie Crook , whom you may best remember as the dude who kept losing his eyeball in the Pirates of the Caribbean movies. While both Reilly and Morrissey richly embody the characters they portray, Crook is the one who steals the spotlight in every single episode he appears. MacKenzie Crook as Veran, the powerful Druid leader Britannia focuses on Rome’s effort to crush the Celtic tribes, who just so happen to be divided and at war amongst themselves. At the same time, it also follows a great prophecy that exists and rolls off tongues from tribe to tribe: A “Chosen One” will save her war-torn land from the Romans. However, that prophecy falls into jeopardy with the arrival of “The Dead Man” (also played by Crook), which sets into motion a battle amongst the Druids, risking their demise. Britannia attracted a multitude of critical acclaim for its vivid portrayal of Rome’s invasion of Britain. It is one hell of a bloody, brooding series with an excellent plot, fascinating narratives, gorgeous visuals, even better plot twists, impeccable battle sequences, and a healthy mix of history and fantasy, not to mention superb acting, tribal tattoos, and costumes. Britannia is fun, active, engaging, and highly entertaining as opposed to historically accurate, and it promises a thrilling escape into a fantastical world where magic, swearing, brutality, levity, and a taste of the ancient past collide. CAMELOT Created by: Chris Chibnall & Michael Hirst Where to binge it: Prime Video, Google Play, Vudu, Apple TV Camelot ’s one and only season saw much success when it debuted in 2011, but scheduling conflicts between cast members prevented a second season … allegedly. Regardless, Camelot is a must-see one-season series, especially for fans of the King Arthur legend. While there are many adaptations, this one is created by screenwriter Michael Hirst , who is responsible for the unforgettable historical series Vikings and The Tudors ; he is, in my opinion, the king when it comes to creating the most fantastic and memorable historical drama series. Hirst’s interpretation of the King Arthur legend breathes a very adult twist into the tale with its focus on sibling rivalry, passion, and romance. After King Uther dies in Camelot , Britain sits in chaos. Merlin (Joseph Fiennes, of The Handmaid’s Tale ) begins searching for an heir and winds up finding an impetuous young man named Arthur (Jamie Campbell Bower, of Stranger Things ). Arthur is Uther’s unknown son who has been raised as a commoner. Camelot revolves around the intense battle for the throne between Arthur and his evil half-sister, Morgan (Eva Green, of Penny Dreadful ), who is determined to fight her brother to the bitter end, even summoning unnatural forces to help her claim the crown. Arthur’s journey to unite a kingdom shredded by war becomes a series of profound moral tests and difficult challenges that make for a riveting watch . The Last Kingdom Created by: Nick Murphy Where to binge it: Netflix The Last Kingdom is one of my absolute favorite historical fiction series on the planet. It’s a heart-wrenching British television series based on Bernard Cornwell’s novel of the same name . In case you’re unaware, Cornwell is an English-American historical fiction author with the penchant for writing some of the most dramatic, engaging historical tales, besides Philippa Gregory, but her focus is different. “The Last Kingdom” is the first novel in Cornwell’s “The Saxon Stories” series (2004), which tells the story of how England began under King Alfred the Great . While the series is spectacular, it doesn’t follow Cornwell’s books true to form, so if you’ve read them, don’t get lost in expectations. The Last Kingdom centers on Uhtred of Bebbanburg (aka Uhtred Uhtredsson and/or Uhtred Ragnarsson), who is played by American Horror Story ’s Alexander Dreymon . Born a young Saxon noble, Uhtred is kidnapped by Danish Vikings during an invasion and raised as a Dane in Ragnar Ragnarsson’s kingdom, but it’s not the same Ragnar you’re thinking—different time periods. While in captivity, Uhtred is woven into Danish culture, language, and religion for years before he finds himself in the service of King Alfred of Wessex, played by David Dawson , whom you may remember from Peaky Blinders . The Last Kingdom delves into the turbulent backdrop of King Alfred’s desire to unite the separate kingdoms while exploring Uhtred’s loyalties between his love for and loyalty to both Saxons and Danes. The series is a whole package replete with an engaging, dynamic storyline and is a must-see for anyone looking to get lost in an epic and thrilling historical drama. What you can expect: gorgeous cinematography, multi-dimensional characters, exciting battle sequences, and copious amount of blood, brutality, emotion, entertainment, and top-notch storytelling and acting . I do recommend watching with subtitles, though, because it’s often difficult to understand some of the accents. The Last Kingdom ended its five-season run in 2022 and wrapped up Cornwell’s “Saxon Stories” adventure with a movie in Summer 2023, Seven Kings Must Die . Norsemen Created by: Jon Iver Helgaker & Jonas Torgersen Where to binge it: Netflix Norsemen injects a different, comedic perspective into the Viking saga. This Norwegian series (also filmed in English) will have you laughing your butt off at a group of Vikings living in the village of Norheim. The series follows the life of these villagers and their day-to-day happenings full of strife and shenanigans, silliness and stupidity. Norsemen is unique and different with awkwardly hilarious moments , making it one of the most watchable and enjoyable medieval shows to dive into, especially now while new content is sparse. It serves up a highly entertaining take on the Viking Age and presents the challenges faced by a small Viking village; it also portrays quite a funny but childish rivalry between the chieftan and his little brother. In three seasons, we’re taken into silly disputes with neighboring villages, including a rival tribe led by a ruthless Viking and the efforts of a Roman slave to modernize Norheim’s culture, resulting in persistent ongoing conflicts. One character you’ll fall in love with is the sword-wielding, no-nonsense wife of the chieftan, Hildur . She’s a force to be reckoned with and is the most grounded, level-headed warrior amongst all the Viking men. Norsemen is good for three seasons of hearty laughs and offers a tongue-in-cheek take on the whole Viking craze . Penny Dreadful Created by: John Logan Where to binge it: Showtime, Paramount+, Fubo, Sky Penny Dreadful (2014) is set in the 19th Century’s dark recesses of Victorian Gothic London. This psychological thriller series masterfully weaves together classic literary figures with a chilling narrative that keeps viewers craving more, exploring specifically the origin stories of Dr. Frankenstein and Dorian Gray. Season 1 begins in 1891 when avid explorer Sir Malcolm Murray (Timothy Dalton, of Doom Patrol ) and his seductive clairvoyant Vanessa Ives (Eva Green, of Camelot ) hire an American gunman and roadshow artist (Josh Hartnett, of Lucky Number Slevin ) to help locate and rescue Sir Malcolm’s daughter from a mysterious vampire, among other supernatural forces. They receive help from a young doctor named Victor Frankenstein, who is hunted (and haunted) by an undead man of Frankenstein’s creation, who is masterfully played by Rory Kinnear ( No Time to Die, Our Flag Means Death ). Season 2 of Penny Dreadful introduces some wild witchcraft within a coven of witches who answer to Lucifer and are on the hunt to bring Miss Ives to their master. Meanwhile, Dr. Frankenstein (Harry Treadaway, of Mr. Mercedes ) is forced to make his creature a bride, which is a story and process that clenches at your heart strings as you watch in moments of horror and awe. And in Season 3, our main characters encounter more supernatural events as they find themselves split up and placed all over the world, but when Count Dracula appears in London, the battle for Vanessa’s soul begins. With its ensemble cast led by the enigmatic Eva Green , Penny Dreadful delves into the supernatural world, unearthing creatures and legends that lurk in the shadows. It garnered critical acclaim for its superb acting, atmospheric cinematography, and rich storytelling , earning several awards and nominations throughout its three-season run. Effortlessly weaving together psychological drama with visceral horror, Penny Dreadful offers a psychologically immersive experience that lingers long after the credits roll. Rome Created by: Bruno Heller, William J. MacDonald, & John Milius Where to binge it: HBO & Max, Prime Video, Vudu, Google Play, BritBox, Apple TV If you know who Ray Stevenson ( King Arthur, 2004) is, you don’t want to miss out on seeing him in Rome . A furiously crass British historical drama following the turbulent transition of the Roman Republic to an autocratic empire, Rome portrays both the aristocratic viewpoint of Julius Caesar and his allies, as well as the politically naive viewpoint of ordinary Romans like Lucius Vorenus (Kevin McKidd, of Grey’s Anatomy ) and Titus Pullo (Stevenson). It's a raw account of the lives and deeds of the rich, powerful, and historically significant as they navigate politics, war, and family dynamics in pursuit of a stable Roman Empire. Stevenson and McKidd as Pullo and Vorenus Rome Season 1 is all about Julius Caesar’s civil war of 49 B.C. against the traditionalist conservative faction in the Roman Senate. It focuses on his rise to dictatorship, followed by his subsequent fail, right on down to his assassination on the Ides of March 44 B.C. We also see the early years of the young Octavian, who is destined to become the first emperor of Rome. Season 2 is set around the power struggle between Octavian and Mark Antony following Caesar’s assassination and covers the time period from Caesar’s death to Antony and Cleopatra’s suicide in 30 B.C. High production values cancelled Rome ’s Season 3, but don’t let that deter you from checking it out. Rome is an exciting exploration of the complexities of the Roman Empire and its eventual rise to power . Featuring over-the-top production values—especially for 2005—as well as elaborate sets and costumes with intriguing storylines full of explosive drama and action, Rome is certainly one historical series you shouldn’t pass on watching. In addition to Stevenson and McKidd, Rome also features James Purefoy ( Pennyworth ), Tobias Menzies ( Outlander ), Polly Walker ( Bridgerton ), and Indira Varma ( Game of Thrones ). Spartacus Created by: Steven S. DeKnight Where to binge it: Starz, Roku Channel, Apple TV, Vudu, Google Play, Lionsgate+ Spartacus: Blood and Sand was one of the best shows on cable in 2010 —historically speaking, at least. The epic series received high acclaim for its extreme production value, mouth-watering narratives, tremendous combat sequences, and its lead actor, Andy Whitfield , who sadly left this physical plane in 2011 when he succumbed to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He, indeed, left behind a huge mark on the industry not just for who he was but also for his efforts and success in bringing the character of Spartacus to such radical life. Andy Whitfield as Spartacus Spartacus: Blood and Sand tells the story of the Thracian gladiator Spartacus who, from 73 to 71 B.C., led a major slave rebellion against the Roman Republic departing from Capua. When he is torn from his homeland, and thusly separated from his wife, Spartacus is forced into slavery and is condemned to fight in the excessively violent gladiator’s arena in Rome. As he navigates the violent, brutal world, Spartacus comes to realize that not all battles are fought in an arena, as he must overcome lies, treachery, and temptation if he wants to survive. Executive producers Steven S. DeKnight ( Pacific Rim: Uprising ) and Robert Tapert ( Evil Dead, Evil Dead Rise ) focused on structuring the events of Spartacus’ obscure early life leading right up to the beginning of historical records, but after completing Season 1, they chose to delay Season 2 due to Whitfield’s illness. In the interim, Starz produced a six-episode prequel miniseries entitled Spartacus: Gods of the Arena , which is one of the best miniseries—let alone prequel miniseries—that exists. It features incredibly visceral gladiator games in a style reminiscent of a Zack Snyder film, and everything about it screams BADASS : characters, attitudes, training, brutality, loyalty, heart, and tolerance. When Season 2, Spartacus: Vengeance , finally released, actor Liam McIntyre ( The Flash TV series) took on the titular role of Spartacus, which ultimately ended with Season 3, Spartacus: War of the Damned . Spartacus is a seductively thrilling action-drama series rampant with blood, violence, drama, and lots of sex that brings to life the Roman Republic and its depravity. Through Spartacus’ struggle for vengeance, we accompany him on his heroic journey to free himself and his people from slavery. With epic arena battles, intense gladiator training, political intrigue, excellent effects, and passionate romances, Spartacus is a series that will, no doubt, captivate you from beginning to end. There’s no room for insecurity of any kind in this series, which’ll have you attempting to binge as much of it in one sitting as you can. Spartacus’ gripping story and outstanding performances make it one of the best medieval TV shows ever made . The Tudors Created by: Michael Hirst Where to binge it: Prime Video, Paramount+, Showtime, Fubo, Apple TV, Google Play, Sky When I discovered The Tudors (2007), I’ll admit I was obsessed. I’ve always loved the tale of Henry VIII, his court politics, his wives, and his crumbling sanity, and this series blew me (and most everyone else who watched it) completely away. Another hit historical series from Michael Hirst , The Tudors is set primarily in 16th-century England at King Henry VIII’s court . The show lured in audiences with its political intrigue, elaborate costumes and sets, intricate storylines, and emotionally charged performances—namely from Jonathan Rhys Meyers ( Vikings ), who plays King Henry. The Tudors is an enthralling and dynamic drama that brings to life the power struggles, romances, and political machinations of Henry VIII’s court while exposing us to his passionate, often volatile relationships with his six wives … and his power. It showcases one of the most tumultuous periods in English history , replete with treachery, ambition, lust, and greed. Henry is a shrewd, charming, passionate leader hell-bent on leaving his mark on the world, and we get a front-row seat as he impulsively navigates his way through love, war, and politics in an effort to secure England’s future. Jonathan Rhys Meyers brings so much emotional likeness to his character, it’s as though he truly channeled the sovereign while filming The Tudors . We as viewers are but flies on the wall in King Henry’s court watching his sanity unravel woman by woman, wife by wife. He. Is. Divine. Remember when Heath Ledger took on the role of the Joker and it was said he lived the role as though there were no separation between himself and it? Yeah, I’m pretty sure he was inspired by Rhys Meyers’ stellar portrayal of the legendary King Henry VIII. The Tudors is one series you’ll watch over and over and possibly over again— it’s that good . Vikings Created by: Michael Hirst Where to binge it: Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, Peacock, Apple TV, Google Play Annnnd in yet another slam dunk from screenwriter Michael Hirst, we have Vikings . I feel like it needs no introduction, but just in case, it’s a beast of a historical fiction masterpiece that’s loaded with bad-ass shield maidens, ravenous Viking warriors packed in emotional depth, and raw tribal violence wrapped in near-perfect narratives garnished with drama, suspense, and mythology. Vikings is one of the rarest shows on earth that is never, ever dull and whole-heartedly entertaining in plot, action, cinematography, soundtrack, and acting. Vikings follows the legendary Viking chieftain Ragnar Lothbrok (Traves Fimmel, of Raised by Wolves ), who claims to be a direct descendant of the god Odin. He and his band of Norse warriors explore, pillage, and conquer new lands in all their brutal glory. Along the way, we’re introduced to all of Ragnar’s family and descendants, and the paths each of their lives take. Frustrated by the policies of Earl Haraldson, who only sends raiders to the east to Baltic states and Russia, Ragnar seeks to secure his legacy as a leader of men through epic battles and political alliances by forging west to the new world. On his journey, he must deal with betrayals, unexpected turns of fate, and the growing power of his enemies. His family and allies experience a mix of adventure and tragedy as they struggle to survive in the treacherous world of Dark Age Scandinavia . Vikings consists of six action-packed seasons chocked full of love, drama, war, brotherhood, community, and brutality and captures the gritty, savage reality of the Viking Age in a captivating and awe-inspiring manner, perfect for a binge-worthy medieval TV show . And, though it is good but does not live up to its predecessor, you might as well continue the fantasy and follow up with Vikings: Valhalla —it’s the sequel series to Vikings . Created by Jeb Stuart ( Die Hard, The Fugitive ), Vikings: Valhalla is set 100 years after Vikings events and chronicles the beginning of the end of the Viking Age. It explores the adventures of Leif Erikson, Freydis (daughter of Erik the Red), Norweigan King Harald Hardrada, and the Norman King William the Conquerer in an action-packed drama that grows on you as it works to present traditional Viking stories with a twist. You can find Vikings: Valhalla streaming on Netflix. Every one of these series is a must-see worth making time to watch for the first time ever or to revisit for a whole new experience. With each viewing, you’ll fall deeper and deeper into their respective narratives and begin noticing varying degrees of beauty, art, and storytelling in places you didn’t see the first go-round. If you’re still looking for more historical fiction and fantasy series to binge after these, check out the following: The White Princess and The White Queen (Starz, Prime Video), The Serpent Queen (Starz), Merlin (Peacock, Prime Video, Apple TV), Marco Polo (Netflix), Kingdom (Netflix), Game of Thrones (HBO & Max), House of Dragons (HBO & Max), Outlander (Starz), The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (Prime Video), Reign (Prime Video), The Spanish Princess (Starz, Hulu), The Great (Hulu), Pillars of the Earth (Prime Video, Vudu, Roku), Medici (Netflix), The Borgias (Hulu, Disney+ ), and Black Sails (Starz). 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 . 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Thrice Sovereign < Back Ripe with Nostalgic Talent Keeley Brooks Jan 30, 2023 Share Thrice Sovereign The Muscle Shoals area of Alabama is ripe with all kinds of indie talent just waiting to showcase themselves. Recently while online perusing artists in the area to write about, someone first suggested a local duo called Thrice Sovereign. So, I cruised on over to their website for some exploration and found some lyrically expressive tunes full of emotion with some creative, catchy compositions. Thrice Sovereign is an up-and-coming pop-rock duo out of Florence and is the brainchild of self-taught multi-instrumentalist Kristen Borden Talcott and singer/songwriter Amanda Lee Borden Talcott. Well, I say duo, but I stand corrected: Technically there are four members, according to Kristen and Amanda, but I’ll get to that a little later. “Kristen and I met through a mutual friend as an intent for friendship. Love had a different plan. We started dating seven years ago and have been married for five years,” Amanda gushed. Initially the Talcott’s were focused on having a taco truck, but that soon changed when they uncovered their deepest creative desires and hidden talents neither really knew existed on the level they did. “Kristen gave me a safe place to share my painful writings,” says Amanda. “I heard in her so much music wanting to come out, so we wrote a few songs, then a few more, and shared them with friends and family, who all wanted more. We decided [to] record [those songs] a bit nicer and make them easy for people to find. Through a string of necessity, creativity, and hope, Thrice Sovereign was born.” For Kristen—born and raised in Florence—music has always been a backdrop for her life, ever since her Pepaw taught her to play the guitar as a child. After years of playing softball and a bout in the MMA world, she had a lot of damage to her hand. When an injury left it broken, Kristen put music aside for a while … until, as Amanda puts it, “we started to goof off together, [with] her strumming random things and trying to re-teach herself [to play] Skynyrd’s ‘Sweet Home Alabama.’ [As she did that], I’d hum, sing, and make random sounds and parodies about what was going on right then. [Now], she plays anything put in front of her.” Kristen plays by ear and, other than small moments on that tiny guitar from Pepaw, is completely self-taught. And this brings me to the third member of Thrice Sovereign: Blue. Blue is Kristen’s baby and first love … her first acoustic guitar. Image provided by Thrice Sovereign “I got Blue, if I remember correctly, for Christmas when I was 11. I specifically asked for a blue guitar, and she’s been with me ever since. She’s got some chunks missing and some bangs here and there, but Blue plays a sound like no other. I’ve had several people want to buy her from me, but I could never imagine her in someone else’s hands,” says Kristen. “Blue is fully an extension of my wife,” adds Amanda. The first moment Kristen took her off the wall and played her for me, I could see a new part of the woman I loved shining though. Blue resonates a special sound behind her string vibrations that harmonies beautifully with Kristen’s and my voice in a way that seems like a third human singing.” Amanda was born in the land of grunge and coffee, Washington state. After spending most of her life traveling around the U.S., she now calls Florence home. She’s always loved to write and soon discovered she was spinning raw emotions into lyrics full of pain, lessons, and growth. She is also self-taught and is continuously writing lyrics and music in addition to creating graphics. “I have always loved to mimic sounds and feel what it’s like to make them. In my youth, music was an escape—a safe place where I felt seen. I didn’t think I could be a part of that world, so I’d sing in the crowds to myself or those I trusted. For both of us, our talents have grown immensely in the past three years. I am grateful to have talents I can use to help others feel seen, just like music did for me.” Thrice Sovereign recently released their title single from their debut album “Waiting to Thunder,” which is a groovy song composed in a popular style that draws on heavy guitar riffs and the fat distorted sounds of hard rock, while the lyrics and theme of the song are relatable to many because they’re about things we all experience as human beings, as artists, and as experiencers in this realm. It is written by Amanda Lee Borden Talcott, composed by Kristen Borden Talcott, then the instruments were digitally recreated for release due to COVID needs. It is also their first music video, which brings me to “the fourth band member,” as they put it: techmaster Josh Brown. “After asking local businesses if we could shoot a music video [at their venue], Arx Mortis said, ‘Yes!’ With the help of our then-new friend Josh, the music video was born,” they say. “We see it as a musical/visual interpretation of the desire to do something that one is passionate about, believing there are reasons to wait, and knowing (eventually) that now is the time to do what you love.” credit: Amanda Chapman As for how the name Thrice Sovereign wove itself into the mix, Amanda best explains it. “The name … happened while I was doodling random words that I felt were relevant to both of us. The number three has always been a massive … sign in my life? Tip of the iceberg [is] I am one of three daughters, my mother is one of three daughters, I have given birth to three daughters, and my birthday is [in the third month of the year]—a fact I didn’t know until my 33rd birthday. During that year, our littles were ages five, nine, and 13, and they were born in 2005, 2009, and 2013. [Also at the that time, it would be] five, nine, and 13 years before our littles would be adults. The many plays on the two words that represent the art we make are endless. Sovereign’s many meanings give hope in my heart that all can see we are each ‘supreme leaders’ of our own worlds. Each can be monarchs in their own rite and live in all capacities of that word as well.” In addition to their musicianship, the Talcotts are also the founders of TechTonic Crucible Records LLC, as well as the benefit music festival MighTyekiM, which raises money for those in need. Last year was the first for the festival, which is named in honor of Mighty Mike, who passed away from Ewing’s Sarcoma, a type of bone cancer, in early 2022. “MighTyekiM is the benefit music festival we … started as a way for musicians and artists of all levels and all kinds to come share their art with anyone who wants to listen,” said Amanda. “[It’s] a place where people can come experience free music, art, pizza donated by Dominos, beverages donated by Buffalo Rock, and so much more.” Thrice Sovereign accepted donations to raise funds … to help Mike’s family purchase a headstone for him. They note their initial intent was to raise the donated money for Mighty Mike before he passed so he could do something he found blissful but, unfortunately, they didn’t make it in time for that to happen. “We did, [however,] host a beautiful and memorable event in his honor. We had over 21 artists performing over two days at Wilson Park in downtown Florence [last June]. With a silent auction table and a kids’ fun area, it was a family-fun time, and we have secret plans in the works for the next one! We were so blessed to have so many local and corporate businesses and individuals donate their time and talents to help us make [that] amazing weekend happen.” This year’s MighTyekiM Festival will benefit a little girl, who also has Ewing’s Sarcoma. Currently there’s no word yet on where the festival will happen, but rest assured, we’ll keep you updated. TechTonic Crucible Records LLC is the newest addition to Sovereign’s distractions from what they call “the inevitable end.” The label developed out of the realization that most record labels are not what people believe they are. “We decided to find a way to help artists, and others, to have someone who taught themselves to do the things that are key from recording, distribution, website creation, and persona development to graphic design, songwriting, backing musicians, etc. So that and more is what we are offering—a place to learn how to maintain the world we help them create.” credit: Amanda Chapman Thrice Sovereign’s first album, “Waiting to Thunder,” will be out by summer 2023. Amanda notes it’s a concept album with some comforting songs that can work their way into becoming ear worms. Others, she says, are filled with lyrics of emotive imagery dramatically laid amongst the captivating instrumentals driven by the soul of Kristen. “Our first album is a nod to nostalgia in ways too many have forgotten they loved, with modern depth and truths weaved through descriptive metaphors and stories based in emotion and experience.” For more information on Thrice Sovereign and their music and shows, the MighTyekiM Festival, and TechTonic Crucible Records, hop on over to http://ThriceSovereign.com and check ‘em out. They’re music and personalities are totally worth it! 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

Oppenheimer shines as Christopher Nolan’s best, most hypnotic film to date < Back Film Review: Oppenheimer Shaun Corley Jul 25, 2023 Share Oppenheimer shines as Christopher Nolan’s best, most hypnotic film to date Christopher Nolan has returned to theaters with Oppenheimer , which may stand as his best film to date. Nolan occupies a rare niche in American cinema: He makes intelligent, layered movies that are given the same marketing treatment as Mission Impossible or MCU offerings. Very few other filmmakers can pull this off; Nolan’s only peer in this realm may be Jordan Peele. For Oppenheimer , Nolan pulls out all the stops, creating a long, dense, and ultimately hypnotic film. Christopher Nolan left a grand impression on movie-goers with his second film, 2000’s Memento . Starring Guy Pearce, the movie followed an amnesiac as he attempted to piece together various clues, such as cryptic tattoos, in a bid to discover his life before. Memento was smart and did not insult the viewer’s intelligence. These qualities would be present in Nolan’s next movie, a 2002 remake of Insomnia . A career high for the late Robin Williams, Insomnia ensured Nolan’s place in American film, a promise that came to fruition with the director’s Batman trilogy. While movies such as Memento put Nolan on critics’ radars, Batman Begins and its two sequels made the director a household name, affording him a status unlike any other. In 2020, he released Tenet , which opened to fair reviews and a low box office–although to be fair, the film was released during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. For the first time in his career, Nolan had polarized the critics and audiences. While Tenet may be ripe for rediscovery one day, it remains the one film that did not receive universal acclaim from critics. However, with Oppenheimer , Christopher Nolan comes roaring back, reasserting himself as one of the best directors working today. Oppenheimer is, at its core, a biopic. It tells the story of Doctor Robert J. Oppenheimer, a young physicist who is recruited to the Manhattan Project during World War 2. Cillian Murphy (L) as Robert Oppenheimer (R); Source: Associated Press At the beginning of the war, United States intelligence learned that Germany was conducting atomic experiments, with the goal of creating a weapon. In response, the U.S. created the Manhattan Project, with the intent of beating Germany to the punch. Oppenheimer was recruited to lead the Project, despite protests from the military. A key aspect of the Manhattan Project was its secrecy and compartmentalization; the facilities and scientists were scattered across the country, all working towards the same goal—even if they didn’t know what it was. Of course, America did develop the atomic bomb, dropping it on the Japanese city of Hiroshima on August 6th, 1945. The film touches on Oppenheimer’s ambivalence towards the bomb, particularly after it is dropped. In one powerful scene, the Los Alamos scientists learn the bomb worked, and Japan has surrendered. Many of the scientists celebrate joyfully, but a few do not. As Oppenheimer leaves the party, he sees his fellow researchers crying or vomiting in horror of what they unleashed. Source: Associated Press The film’s final part focuses on this fallout. Before the war, Oppenheimer had talked to (but never formally joined) the United States Communist Party—a fact that Lewis Strauss tried to use against him when it came time to extend Oppenheimer’s security clearance. Some of his friends, such as Doctor Edward Teller, sold him out in the hearings, and the film touches on this as well. Oppenheimer features a jam-packed cast: Cillian Murphy ( Peaky Blinders ) as Robert Oppenheimer, Emily Blunt ( A Quiet Place ) as his wife Kitty, and Robert Downey Jr. ( Iron Man ) as Lewis Strauss, the former chair of the Atomic Energy Commission. Each of these actors gives great, Oscar-worthy performances. Murphy, a frequent collaborator of Nolan’s, hits a career high as the titular physicist, embodying both his hopes and his fears for atomic energy. Emily Blunt, as Kitty Oppenheimer, stands out as well. She is the woman of an intelligent man, and she is every bit as smart herself but must take a back seat to her husband. A pointed commentary on gender roles at the time, Kitty still nevertheless supports Oppenheimer through thick and thin. Cillian Murphy and Emily Blunt as Robert and Kitty Oppenheimer; Source: Associated Press Finally, Downey shines as Lewis Strauss. Strauss pretended to be Oppenheimer’s friend, but it was revealed he was ultimately the one who torpedoed Oppenheimer’s security clearance. Downey perfectly embodies this political sleaziness, pretending to be Oppenheimer’s friend while simultaneously selling him out. Robert Downey Jr. as Lewis Strauss; Source: Associated Press The supporting cast is enormous and also features some stand-out performances. Florence Pugh ( Black Widow ) plays Jean Tatlock, an ardent Communist who had an affair with Oppenheimer. Jack Quaid ( The Boys ) plays the notorious Richard Fenyman and Benny Safdie ( Licorice Pizza ) plays Edward Teller, two other scientists who worked with Oppeheimer on the Manhattan Project. Others turning in great performances include Tom Conti ( Peripheral ) as Albert Einstein, Josh Hartnett ( Penny Dreadful ) as Ernest Lawrence, and Gary Oldman ( Slow Horses ) as Harry Truman. As mentioned earlier, Oppenheimer is a biopic . This is a genre that has proven popular with moviegoers as well as critics. However, these films tend to be overproduced and over-sentimentalized; some use the term “Oscar Bait” to describe them. These arguments are not without merit, as these films can sometimes gloss over certain aspects of the subject’s life. Nolan breaks the biopic mold with Oppenheimer. The film is not a simple retelling of events but instead uses a challenging narrative structure to tell Oppenheimer’s story. The film regularly jumps from era to era, offering viewers the chance to see Oppenheimer both at the Manhattan Project and years later at his security clearance hearing after the Project ended. However, it is a testament to Nolan’s skills as a director that the story flows smoothly, despite the structure. There is much to like about Oppenheimer, such as the performances and its structure. It would be a disservice not to discuss Ludwing Goransson ’s stirring score, which he recorded in just five days. Nolan built a name for himself working with composer Hans Zimmer; however, Zimmer did not work with the director on Oppehemier . Instead, Goransson, whose other scores include Black Panther and Fruitvale Station, among others, delivers a fantastic soundtrack--his score perfectly complements the film. Oppenheimer ’s three-hour runtime may be daunting to some viewers, but rest assured it is time well spent. Between Nolan’s superior direction, the stellar performances, and a killer score, Oppenheimer is hypnotic, drawing fans in and keeping them hooked. While the film may be difficult to get through for some, patient viewers will be rewarded with not only one of the best films of the year, but also, perhaps, Christopher Nolan’s best as well. Oppenheimer is currently in theaters across the U.S. 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, but they're far outnumbered by comic books and the smell of rich mahogany lingering in the air. 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

Empowered < Back Rockin 4 Jesus: The Next Great Band You Haven't Heard Yet Nicole Brice Oct 22, 2022 Share Empowered Many bands label themselves and label themselves wrong. Case in point, Baton Rouge 's own, Empowered . A Christian Rock band fronted by Benny DiChiara with Shane Madere Jr. (lead guitarist, backing vocalist), Jeff Maddox (bass and background vocals), Mic Capdeville (percussion and background vocals), and Justin Burdette (guitarist and background vocals), this band has a serious unique sound that needs to be heard and is much more than just Christian Rock. With lyrical content that pulls at your heart strings, Empowered proves they are a band you should take notice of and listen to. credit: Gary Governale Empowered got its start in 1998 and was the brainchild of DiChiara who had previous success on the local music circuit singing with various secular bands. In 2011, they released the album Soulcry to modest success, but it wasn't until 2019's Three Days that the band really began to pick up steam. Three Days was produced by Mikey Howard of 7eventh Time Down / Love Journey Music and showcases the Empowered sound in all its glory. To follow up the success of Three Days , Empowered have recently released their third EP, Yahweh-Nissi via Slingshot Records , an Indie label based in Baton Rouge , LA. The title track is straight up in your face rock-‘n’-roll with a hardcore message and the rest of the EP is a finely produced melodic journey of love and Jesus that will leave you singing at the top of your lungs. Empowered performing at Yes Fest in Baton Rouge, LA on October 15, 2022 credit: Gary Governale Shane Madere Jr. , lead guitarist for Empowered , said of the sound he achieved for recording the title track, "I used a combination of my Ugly Amps Big Ugly 100 on the Ugly Channel plus an emulation of an Xotic BB Preamp from my Fractual Audio AX8 unit to get the sound I was looking for." Shane definitely got it right and the guitar has a nice crunch with the sound emulating the stomps of an army on the march. When I asked Shane of his guitar influences, he cites Eric Johnson . “My solo sound and even the notes I used on the studio recording of Yahweh-Nissi was very much influenced by him. He writes very melodic solos that fit the song." Shane Madere Jr. (guitar) credit: Gary Governale Recently, Empowered took the stage at Yes Fest 2022 to play their new EP in its entirety at the state fairgrounds in Baton Rouge sharing the bill with 7eventh Time Down and Kari Jobe amongst others. Their set was a powerhouse performance of finely tuned music that left you wanting more. Justin Burdette (guitar) credit: Gary Governale Of the experience playing Yes Fest , DiChiara has said, “Playing Yes Fest in Baton Rouge was such an exhilarating experience, not only being on that stage, but the ministry aspect of it as well. It’s an amazing and humbling thing to see God work things out for our good – but only if we are looking to see it." Mikey Howard of 7eventh Time Down with Benny DiChiara credit: Gary Governale He went on to say, "A special thanks to all of the artists who we got to share the stage with. It wasn't just about meeting other artists and hearing about their ministries, but we also got to share the stage with our mentor/producer/friend/brother in Christ, Mikey Howard . We sang our new radio single ' Jesus Can Heal The World ' and it was an incredible moment." Mikey Howard took the stage to perform "Jesus Can Heal the World" with Empowered credit: Gary Governale Empowered 's sound is definitely unique and DiChiara has said of their sound, "Well, it’s not necessarily that we're trying to write to a sound. Over the past two records, we do seem to have come into our own. Someone said if U2 married Daughtry , we’d be their band baby." Jeffrey Maddox (bass) credit: Gary Governale When asked what inspires the band, he went on to say, "The inspiration simply comes from God . Yahweh-Nissi was a direct discussion between He and I, and I was told of the direction for the title track. It’s simply a war cry for believers to rally with Jesus and take it to the evil that seems to be everywhere in the world right now. I think that the rest of the record points everyone in that direction as well. Who’s gonna rise tonight?". These guys in Empowered are definitely on the rise and people should take notice. Mic Capdeville (drums) credit: Gary Governale Empowered 's new EP, Yahweh-Nissi , is available NOW on all streaming platforms and you can learn more about the band via their social media and YouTube . Empowered | Facebook EmpoweredOfficial (@empowered_rockin4jesus) • Instagram photos and videos EMPOWERED - YouTube ‎Empowered on Apple Music Empowered | Spotify *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

Musical Gumbo Master Continues with Spring Forward Tour and a New Album < Back Off the Charts: Otis Walker Bud Gambrell Mar 25, 2025 Share Musical Gumbo Master Continues with Spring Forward Tour and a New Album The making of this article goes back a few months. I first spoke with Otis Walker in November 2024. Otis had a new album release coming up, and my plans were to be there. Well, as sometimes happens, life steps in and changes your plans. Our original interview was set to be at the album release party on November 29, 2024, the day after Thanksgiving. The morning of the party, I woke up with a flare-up of vertigo . There go those plans. Fast-forward to March 17, 2025, where I received a message from Otis, “I would like to personally invite you to our show this Saturday night.” I had been attempting to fill up my schedule for the spring and summer, but it so happens that my Saturday night was open. So, my reply was, “I am going to see about taking you up on this invite. Thank you!” Saturday Night’s show was to be held at Tangled Strings Studio in Huntsville . I was familiar with the venue by name only. I have seen the shop, but since they specialize in custom guitars , I have never stopped by. Lo and behold, it is a concert venue, too! I am unsure of how I missed out on that news. This is a very special place for live music. It is not too large or too small. It is just right for a songwriter/storyteller-type event. I tell you all that to set the table, as they say, so you can get a better visual for the space. Saturday March 22, 2025 As I walked into Tangled Strings Studio , the first person I met was Lisa Chang . She was up front selling tickets. Lisa is also a local musician with a fantastic voice. Otis and Lisa did a vocal duo during Otis’ set. I had never seen either of them perform, so I was mind-blown! Credit: Bud Gambrell The second person I ran into was Otis himself. Sometimes, it’s odd how these things work out. Otis and I began conversing as if we’d known each other for a while. We had just met for the first time. It’s always a bit of a concern with me that an interview will be stale due to no chemistry within the interview. That was not to be a worry tonight. Credit: Bud Gambrell We quickly realized common ground while talking about the band and stage set-up for the night. Otis added Kim Coffey to the percussion to add that extra beat. At almost the same time, we said, “similar to The Allman Brothers ” dual drummers. Otis told me that they are his favorite band. Mine too! Kim’s husband Donnie Cox is also in the band playing lead guitar. The pair also play in another band I worked with a few months ago. The band is rounded out by Richard Best on drums and Otis’ son Eli Brown on bass . Many moons ago, I worked with Richard , so the band was no stranger to me. Local songwriter Brett Carlisle opened the show. You will meet Brett and read more about him in an upcoming Off the Charts article. Our second band of the night was The Silver Silos , led by Taylor Burton . The Silver Silos are Taylor on guitar , Jacob Greene on bass , and his brother Brad Greene on saxophone and lap steel . Taylor is a friend of mine, and it is always a pleasure to have a conversation with him and hear his songs. The following is part of our conversation. For time and space purposes, I cannot include the entire conversation. Our conversation seemed very open-ended and long-winded. OTC : Otis, it is great to see you! It's nice to meet you finally! OW : Thanks for having me, man! OTC : We were first supposed to meet in November at the album release party. I'm sorry I couldn’t make it. So, tell me how the new album is doing. OW : It's our first time ever doing an album, so, you know, I have no metrics to measure against another album, but the first release did all right. The second single has had over forty streams in less than a month on Spotify . So, I mean, I think that's pretty remarkable. Hardly any of the streams are from my hometown, which is funny. We got lucky to get on a playlist and move forward. This is funny because the album's name is ' Forward ', so that's what we're doing. We're just trying to keep one foot in front of the other. OTC : Where can we find this new album? OW : You can go on the website at otiswalkerband.com . We've got the full album up for sale there. We're releasing one single every six weeks out to the wild. If you want the entire album, you can go to the website and you can purchase it there. Click picture to purchase OTC : Where did you find inspiration to write this new album's songs? OW : Well, you know you're going to find that you came to the right show tonight because we're doing the storytellers type show. I will tell you different stories about the different songs tonight. But, you know, I get a lot of different inspirations. Sometimes, it's a personal experience. Sometimes, I hear a lyric from another song that sends me in another direction. And you know, I feel like I'm an old bird now. I’m in my late 40s now. When I first started songwriting, it all had to be about something I felt. And now, I like to stew on it and get a story. So, in my older years, it's more story based. OTC : We will stop talking about how old we are at this point in the interview. (laughter) OTC : Did you write the songs on the new album, or did you have any interesting collaborations? OW : Out of the ten songs, one song was co-written by a buddy from college. The other nine songs were 100% mine, and then as far as the way that we did in the studio, you know, we all sat down at Clear Wave Studio and came up with how we wanted to produce the songs. They were all 100% mine, minus ' Southern Twist '. OTC : Do you have any future plans for any collaborations? OW : I've talked with a few guys. Taylor Burton and me, who we're playing the show with tonight. We've talked about that. We're gonna get together. I have also talked to Brett Carlisle , who's opening up tonight. He is a young songwriter, and we're also looking at it. My life hero is Barry Billings ; he's a great songwriter. Hopefully, we'll get to sit down and write a song together one day. OTC : As spring and summer are here, you've got new show dates. Do you have any particular dates or venues that you're looking forward to playing? OW : Well, tonight is! Here in Huntsville is our ticketed advance show. We're playing many shows where I’m solo and with the whole band. I love coming out and playing at a Tangled String Studio show where we get to have such an intimate chance to be with the audience because you're four feet from the first row. I love that! Credit: Bud Gambrell OTC : Do you have any goals for 2025? OW : Man, I would love to get to the part where we become a regional act . That is my goal! My dream is to be able to start playing some festivals and take out on the road what we're doing here in Huntsville and take it out to the people not here. The Huntsville music scene is intense. We could take it out to the rest of the southeast. OTC : What got you into music? OW : Well, I'm going to tell that story tonight. When I was growing up, we had a Ford Falcon , and it had a tape deck in it, and in that tape deck, there was a Roger Miller tape. I heard a song from Roger Miller and all those stories he tells. Man, it just lit a fire under me. Now, the other side of it is that my uncle, Bo Jack Killingsworth , is a member of the Rockabilly Hall of Fame , and so growing up with him, I got to see people and be around people that not everyone would get to be around and experience. My uncle is my hero. Roger Miller lit the flame, and going to see Uncle Bo at a show. I thought he walked on water. OTC : So, Roger Miller lit the flame, and Uncle Bo fanned that flame? OW : He sure did! OTC : Are there any past or present instructors that you look up to, and what qualities do they have that you admire? OW : I went to college and got a degree. But while in college, I got to play with the Iguana Party , which had Barry Billings , Danny Kirsch , and Joey Flippen . Those three men were my age now, and I was in college. They taught me everything I know about music. From how to roll up a cord to knowing the right song to play at the right time and how to play with dynamics. I mean, all those boys are my heroes. No guitar player can outdo Barry Billings . I'm sorry. I know some great players are around, but Barry hung the moon! OTC : What's the best piece of advice another musician ever gave you? OW : (laughs) That's a great question! I think that I was told once that I can't play everything in the first song. I get very emotional. One of my band mentors told me I had to leave something for the third set. When I first got up there, I just started trying to play everything simultaneously. OTC : What is it about music that makes you so emotional and feel passionate? OW : Man, you hear that bass drum, and then you hear that snare, and that's my heartbeat! And then my emotions kick in as soon as I hear the drums, and the passion comes out! Because I get to do something that is very much, honestly, my drug! I mean. I love music! It's not about money. It's not about fame. It is as if there's none of that. I'm still playing music in my basement on a Saturday night because I cannot live without getting the music out of me! The recommendation from this music lover to the music lover reading this is to get to an Otis Walker show if you are in the North Alabama area. Otis Walker 's music, a unique blend of styles, is something you won't want to miss. You will want to grab the LP or CD from the merch table while you are there, too. I know you will want to hear the songs repeatedly because the album is good but hearing them live is even better! For those not in the North Alabama area, let’s all hope that Otis Walker becomes a regional touring band so you will also get the chance to experience him live. One way that you can help make that happen is to support local original music in your scene wherever you may be. Show up for shows and let these musicians know you appreciate what they are doing. 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/1CLA9Tzk Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bud.gambrell My new book: Bud Gambrell Photography by Bud Gambrell | Blurb Books Where to find Otis Walker: Website: https://otiswalkerband.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OtisWalkerBand Facebook: Facebook Instagram: Otis Walker Band (@otiswalkerband) • Instagram photos and videos Soundcloud: Stream The Otis Walker Band music | Listen to songs, albums, playlists for free on SoundCloud ‎ Apple Music: Otis Walker Band - Apple Music Where to find Tangled Strings Studio: Website: Tangled String Studios Facebook: Facebook Instagram: Tangled String Studios (@tangledstringstudios) • Instagram photos and videos *all photos by Bud Gambrell 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 Got something for Bud to check out? Reach him at the_budgambrell@mixedaltmag.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Hollow Heroes music is a melodic masterpiece < Back Hollow Heroes: Rising Against the Trends Towards a Cohesive Sound Nicole Brice Sep 14, 2023 Share Hollow Heroes music is a melodic masterpiece Beers for breakfast, you say? Well, not exactly, but the newest single by Hollow Heroes does mention breakfast beers in its title, and with this clever nod to the frothy goodness known to many, I decided I needed to know more about this band. A group of well-rounded musicians make up Hollow Heroes , who hail from New Jersey . Since their inception in January of 2020, Hollow Heroes has been making waves in the industry, and in August of 2022, the band released their debut album Burn Another Bridge . While the entire album is a solid alt-rock offering, I must touch upon the opening track ' Save Me .' With captivating lyrics, heavy choruses, and crunching guitars, the transitions and changes in the melody complement this roller coaster of a song that reels you right in from the beginning and does not let up the entire six minutes it plays. Released August 18, 2022 The remainder of the album is a mashup of loud and heavy alternative rock that takes you on a sonic journey into an abyss of sound. These guys are on to something, so take note. With their latest single, ' Refuse (Breakfast Beers) ', the band has changed things up a bit to reflect more of a pop-punk offering reminiscent of Rise Against . Drawing inspiration from both Rise Against and Breaking Benjamin , Hollow Heroes is a band that is unafraid to explore the complexities of making music on a profound level, so who are these guys? Released July 14, 2023 Hollow Heroes are comprised of Alex White (vocals), Tom Riccoboni (drums), James Romano (bass), and CJ Palmisano (guitar). With all members being from various parts of New Jersey and drawing inspiration from their years of playing music in one capacity or another, be it the school band or independently, the band grew from an initial phone call between Alex and CJ , who played music together many years prior; after over an hour on the phone, the two decided to meet up to see what they could pull together. When COVID-19 hit, though, the guys were derailed a tad, but later in 2020, when they met up at The Burn Room in Jefferson, New Jersey, they ended up recording their first single, ' Alone .' By 2021, enough material was written to record the debut album, and the rest is history. I recently sat down to chat with the guys. No beer was present, but we did take a deeper dive into the meaning behind the title of their newest single and much more. Take a moment to read about Hollow Heroes and then go check out their music. Credit: Jeff Crespi MaM : Obviously, you have the Rise Against element in your newest single, “Refuse (Breakfast Beers),” but collectively who would you cite as your musical influences? CJ : I’m really big into Metallica , Blink 182 , A Day to Remember James : I’m super into Parkway Drive , Silverstein , Circa Survive , Dance Gavin Dance … Tom : If you didn’t say Dance Gavin Dance , I was going to have a heart attack. (laughter) I think we all have a good overall consensus of bands that we all like. They kind of overlap. I think once me and James came on, we added more of a progressive vibe. I’m super into Dream Theater , Rush , and Periphery … stuff like that. So, that’s something the original two members weren’t as keen on. Alex : I grew up on Breaking Benjamin and it was the hardest thing I listened to in late high school as well as Rise Against . Our newest single is very influenced by them. MaM : So, Alex, when it comes to writing lyrics, do you prefer more of a poetic approach, or do you just come up with random ideas and then let them flow? Alex : It’s definitely ideas and let it flow. (laughter) No rhyme or reason. (laughter) Tom : Alex is the most go-with-the-flow person you will ever meet. Alex : When I write my stuff, vocals are kind of the last thing. Just kind of see what fits. I don’t like things that are overly corny or somatic, I must say. I don’t want it to sound stupid or too dramatic. Credit: Jeff Crespi MaM : So, leading into the new single you just released in July, can I get a little background info on the title? It’s a little confusing. (laughter) How did “breakfast beers” fit into the equation? (laughter) Everyone : It’s a bit of an inside joke with us and was the working title when we were trying to figure out the actual title. Tom hates it. Tom : I hate it, by the way. (laughter) Everyone : Yeah, everyone grew to like ' Breakfast Beers ' except for Tom. He was a sourpuss. CJ : We called it “breakfast beers” because we didn’t have the name yet. When we actually released the song, there was a vote to see if we would put “breakfast beers” in parentheses or not. The refuse part of it was all my dad. It was very random. We kept the inside joke, though, for the original Hollow Heroes fans who know it. Credit: Jeff Crespi MaM : With all the options for streaming these days, which platform do you guys prefer? Do you feel there are too many avenues to get the products out and should it be streamlined more for a cohesive offering? Tom : I think we’re past the point of no return with that to have an opinion and it’s almost as if you have to play the game. MaM : I can agree with that. Going back to your album, ' Burn Another Bridge ,' which is solid and I love it, you said you recorded it over the course of a year, but how long did it take you to actually write it? CJ : The writing didn’t take too long. There were songs that I had finished and there were songs that Alex had finished and maybe we just tweaked a few things here and there. The recording process was longer than the writing process. Alex and I worked out our schedule when we could, and we got the drums done in an entire weekend. The guitar tracks took the longest honestly. Credit: Jeff Crespi MaM : I wanted to touch upon the opening track, ' Save Me ,' and I wanted to get a little more info behind the lyrics because of how much they resonated with me. What inspired the writing of the song? Alex : Honestly, I wrote that song when I was 17 or 18 years old and I think there was a time when I was a little different than now and I had some dark things going on, but it was drawn from life experiences and things are better now. But it was some angsty teen issues. MaM : If you guys could share the stage with any band in the future, who would it be? CJ : It’s either Foo Fighters or Metallica for me. We fit in well with that crowd and those are my favorites. James : Number one would be Bad Religion and number two would be Silverstein . Alex : Rise Against and Blink 182 for sure. Tom : For me, it’s Dream Theater , even though we sound nowhere close to them. [They’re] the whole reason why I fell in love with music. My dad was a fan of their music and he’s always played their music in the car. They are easily my biggest influence and why I play drums. I also agree with Alex about Breaking Benjamin , too. Credit: Jeff Crespi MaM : Last question – where do you see yourselves for the rest of 2023 and beyond? CJ : We’ve had a pretty busy year so far, and we did a show in January at a place called Jimmy’s in Kearney, NJ and that was the first show we had packed, and all of our friends and family were there. It was a great night and I think Tom can go on record that he got emotional that night. Tom : I did; it was kind of crazy. CJ : He did, it was a beautiful night. This summer has been so busy, too. In June we did a show in Hazlet, NJ and opened for Marc Rizzo of Ill Niño and Soulfly then less than a week later, we had the House of Independents show, where we met Jeff Crespi , and then in July, we had The Stone Pony show. Tom : Our biggest goal was to hit Asbury this summer and the whole Jersey Shore scene of rock, so we did it. CJ : We played Wonderbar in March, too, and from March until the end of this summer, we were just going. Tom : Yeah, then during that we released ' Refuse (Breakfast Beers) ,' so we were busy recording, too. … I think the rest of 2023 will be focused on writing more music, but not necessarily a new album or EP. With the months getting colder and not as many people getting out there, that’s what we’d like to do. Credit: Jeff Crespi As the band grows and experiments further, we feel they will continue to cultivate a loyal fanbase that will appreciate their authenticity and style of music. Their current offerings are only the tip of the iceberg, so stay tuned for more from Hollow Heroes and check out one of the links below! Facebook : Hollow Heroes Facebook Instagram : Hollow Heroes (@hollowheroesband) • Instagram photos and videos ‎ Apple Music : Hollow Heroes on Apple Music Spotify : Hollow Heroes | Spotify YouTube : youtube.com/@hollowheroes7816 Amazon Music : Hollow Heroes on Amazon Music Unlimited *Cover photo via band's Facebook *All other 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 90's flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Nicole Brice isn't a huge fan of Breaking Benjamin, but she loves Rise Against. She highly recommends you listen to this band and if you would like her to check something out, then e-mail us at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

‘Rise Not Fall’ is an expertly crafted acoustic EP full of emotion. < Back Reviews on the Real: Rise Not Fall by Aaron J. Burke Nicole Brice Nov 13, 2024 Share ‘Rise Not Fall’ is an expertly crafted acoustic EP full of emotion. Irish singer / songwriter Aaron J. Burke has expertly crafted an acoustic EP that is a powerhouse of emotion, with each song delivering a potent punch. This EP is best experienced with headphones, allowing you to be fully immersed in the raw power and artistry of the music, inspiring you with every note. ‘ Rise Not Fall ’ captures the essence of resilience and self-reflection with the raw emotional lyrics that are deeply personal yet universally relatable. “The message I’d like people to come away with [from my music] is honestly, it’s okay to fall down in life. It’s okay to have bad days or to struggle mentally, if you know you’re not alone. There are people out there that love and care, so just reach out if you’re struggling. Help is just a click or phone call away.” Released on October 25, 2024, ‘ Rise Not Fall ’ does not disappoint from start to finish. Let’s get into the track listing, shall we? Click the picture to listen Rise Not Fall A hauntingly beautiful instrumental song full of intricate guitar work and soothing tones. I closed my eyes when listening to this track, and you should, too. Take it all in. “Originally, the instrumental was titled ‘Silence in the Chaos’, but during recording the EP, I changed the name to the title track. Honestly, the inspiration [behind the song] was I was just messing around on the guitar in 2016 and stumbled upon the riff, which is how I sometimes come up with guitar pieces that become songs.” Run For Cover There are no frills – just straight, enjoyable music. That’s the best way I can describe ‘Run for Cover’ by Aaron J. Burke. It’s melodic from start to finish, with excellent lyrics. Reviews on the Real: Run for Cover by Aaron J. Burke Faceless An open and honest letter to the world from Aaron’s eyes. Very potent. Phoenix ‘Phoenix’ is a hauntingly beautiful song reminiscent of tunes by XTC and REM. Aaron’s voice has such raw emotion that it’s peaceful and soothing. Reviews on the Real: Aaron J. Burke’s ‘Phoenix’ Burns Bright Hurray for Rock Bottom I started tearing up listening to this song. Maybe it’s the guitar work. Maybe it’s the lyrics. Either way, it is a powerful song. We have all been there – rock bottom, and if you haven’t, then count your blessings. I truly love the emotion throughout this track. Overall, ‘ Rise Not Fall ’ is a compelling showcase of Aaron J. Burke’s talent as a songwriter and musician. His music is strong and authentic because he speaks from his heart, and I admire that tremendously. If you would like to enjoy five songs full of meaning, then I recommend you listen to this newest EP release by Aaron J. Burke. His sincerity alone makes this collection of songs a spiritual experience. In an industry full of shallowness, Aaron’s music is a beacon of hope for those wanting to make a lasting impact through words. To learn more about Aaron J. Burke: Facebook Instagram www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Highly Anticipated Sequels Coming Soon (and Sooner) < Back Oh Fudge: The Soft Glow of Electric Sex + Tornadoes Keeley Brooks Oct 20, 2022 Share Highly Anticipated Sequels Coming Soon (and Sooner) I’ve always loved movies … ever since, I don’t know, Goonies and Star Wars , Mad Max and Conan the Barbarian ... The Neverending Story , Return to Oz ... they all had my attention. My obsession didn’t really kick in, though, until the early 2000s when a friend introduced me to a slew of titles in his collection, then Lord of the Rings burst through the door. Ever since, my need to own every title I love grows stronger and stronger with each new year, and there are just too many favorites to narrow down. I can say that one of my earliest favorite movies was just about everyone’s favorite at some point—the 1983 holiday classic A Christmas Story . As far back as I can remember, I have watched this movie every time it comes on TV. And now, in these glorious digital days, I can let it roll nonstop with no interruptions whenever I want. Now, on the off-chance you know nothing of this movie, allow me : it’s a holiday classic from the early ‘80s about a kid in the ‘40s who spends most of his time dodging a town bully and dreaming of ways to manifest his ultimate Christmas gift, a Red Ryder air rifle bb gun, which everyone just laughs about then says, “You’ll shoot your eye out [with that thing]!” We also get to experience the first time said nine-year-old kid drops the F-bomb in front of his cranky, super conservative father - the one from whom he heard it in the first place. Then, we get to see the aftermath unfold and it is so relatable. On all fronts, throughout the whole movie. No one will ever think of bunnies or weird gifts from strange aunts or even Santa Claus the same way again. You can imagine my excitement, then, when I first learned of HBOMax’s plans for A Christmas Story sequel, A Christmas Story Christmas . For real. After all these years. The trailer dropped earlier this week and featured the first footage of Peter Billingsley in his return to his iconic role as Ralphie Parker. Check it out here: The film follows Ralphie as an adult in the 1970s, who returns home to Indiana to his house on Cleveland Street with his own kids to deliver to them a magical Christmas like the one he had growing up. He reconnects with friends, and it is confirmed that Zack Ward—the actor who played town bully Scut Farkus—is reprising his role as well. Thing is, he’s now a police officer. Also returning is Ian Petrella, who played Ralphie’s younger brother Randy. While home, Ralphie also reconciles the passing of his Old Man and sows the seeds for the origins of the beloved holiday classic. A Christmas Story Christmas drops on HBOMax on November 17 , and I’m sure the lamps emanating the soft glow of electric sex in the window and triple dog dares amongst kids will be plentiful. And hysterical. And just in time to kick off your 2022 holiday season. Another one of my favorites from the 20th century I literally just learned is getting a sequel—and which my husband constantly laughs at me for loving—is the 1996 epic disaster blockbuster Twister , starring Helen Hunt, the late Bill Paxton, the late great Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jami Gertz, Cary Elwes … need I keep going? Plus, it’s about tornadoes! What I love about movies is their ability to (or not to) convince me that what’s happening is real. How real does everything look, from sets to blood to special effects, even accents? How far can one take it? Can a movie make me forget it’s just a movie ? I love it all! This tornado blockbuster allowed me to experience, in some way, what it might be like to live through a tornado—not that I have ANY interest whatsoever in finding out in real life, but Nature just fascinates me. A few days ago, entertainment news outlet headlines began surfacing with confirmation a Twister sequel is, in fact, in the works. According to Deadline Hollywood, Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment are meeting with directors hoping for a spring start on the big-scale sequel, which is to be called Twisters . The Dish reports that Steven Spielberg himself flipped for the script, which was written by The Revenant scribe Mark L. Smith, noting, “his enthusiasm provided the impetus for the fast-tracked film.” While a director hasn’t yet been nailed down, it is reported that those also under the helm of consideration include Oscar-winning Free Solo directors Jimmy Chin & Elizabeth Chai Vaserhelyi; Dan Trachtenberg, whom you’ll know from the recently terrific Predator reinvention AND the Hulu movie Prey and, before that, 10 Cloverfield Lane ; and Travis Knight, the Laika chief whose recent animated films were Missing Link and Kubo and the Two Strings . The hope is to bring Helen Hunt back and have the drama focusing on her daughter, whom she had with the character played by the late Bill Paxton and who has caught the storm-chasing bug her parents had. That’s all the deets we know for now but be sure to stay tuned! You know I consume all kinds of content and will you keep as posted as I possibly can! 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

‘Impermanence’ has all the qualities of a great song. < Back Reviews on the Real: Cinder Embraces Fleeting Time in Haunting New Single ‘Impermanence’ Nicole Brice Apr 29, 2025 Share ‘Impermanence’ has all the qualities of a great song. Wow! Those were my first thoughts upon hearing the new single from the UK-based band Cinder . ‘ Impermanence ' is an exhilarating song that features fuzzy guitars, noise, grunge and embodies the essence of alternative and shoegaze music . It resonates with me on multiple levels, as it reminds me of some great bands I admired while growing up, such as Catherine Wheel and My Bloody Valentine . Cinder comprises Lewis on synth and lead vocals, Dan on lead and rhythm guitar, Cal on additional lead and rhythm guitar, and Zach on drums—the bass is played on the synth. Credit: Zainab Alhameed Cal primarily holds down the core rhythm guitar in this particular track while Dan takes the lead. Lewis, Dan, and Zach have been playing together since the summer of 2023 , while Cal joined the group around April 2022 . Just two months after coming together, the band had their first gig , quickly forming a strong bond as both a band and a group of friends . With a team of like-minded musicians, anything is possible, right? This camaraderie and unity have led to the release of ‘ Impermanence ’, which is a track we think you’ll absolutely love. It's refreshing to hear music like Cinder's in an industry oversaturated with conformity and lacking substance. This song is definitely not lacking substance. Released March 28, 2025 Released on March 28, 2025 , ‘ Impermanence ’ has all the qualities of a great song— edgy, artistic, loud, and simply enjoyable . Can we say we like a song because it's just plain good? No frills, just pure enjoyable music. We asked Cinder a few questions to better understand the band and their overall vibe. Check out our Q&A below and then go stream ‘ Impermanence ’ on your favorite streaming service. MaM : Who would you say are your biggest musical influences and why? Cinder : At this early stage of the band, the writing is very much spearheaded by Lewis and his backlog of tunes, with the rest of us adding our own parts in our own styles, refracted through the prism of Lewis's love of alt. rock, industrial, and shoegaze. Between the lot of us, we bring a load of different influences into the music. However, the bands/artists that inspire us the most in terms of how we amalgamate all of these influences are bands such as Nine Inch Nails , Deftones , My Bloody Valentine , Slowdive , and Sonic Youth . We love the textures and noise elements of shoegaze, especially live. The almost overwhelming volume acts as a kind of soothing agent - it's washing over you a therapeutic and comforting sort of sensory overload. As for production, Nine Inch Nails is a tremendous influence. Their records and individual tracks are often self-contained sonic worlds of their own. In the vein of post-rock , we love to reinterpret our instruments and their role in the track , experimenting with how an instrument is viewed and played traditionally and how we can use it to create different interesting sounds that communicate our musical points. Credit: Zainab Alhameed MaM : Give us a little backstory behind the origins of the new song? What inspired the lyrics? Cinder : The song begins with the narrator describing their bleak acceptance of death . Their fear of existentialism has led them to become paralyzed and isolated , but they view it more as recognizing the truth of the world, which others can’t see. Eventually, in a moment of revelation, they 'break' and convince themselves that the real answer to their fear is to control their own death . They’ll join everyone in the 'pursuit of happiness,' but their main goal is to burn themselves out and bring about their own end . And do so in an explosive and spectacular way. MaM : Are you currently working on anything else? Are there plans for an EP in the future? Cinder : We're currently working on the rest of our self-produced debut EP. We plan to release two more singles, ‘Breathing’ and ‘Sines’, before releasing the EP, Vows To Boscobel , towards the end of the summer. Lewis and a couple of other folks rent a unit in one of Manchester 's old mills, which has become our second home for rehearsing and recording. MaM : If you could describe your music for someone who has not heard it yet, what would you tell them? Cinder : That’s a difficult question to answer, but the word ‘uncompromising’ definitely comes to mind. I think we aim to do as much as we possibly can and attack each song from every angle, so to speak. Sonically, that comes across as loud and abrasive alt. rock interspersed with moments of delicate melodicism . Behind the scenes, however, it’s about recording five minutes of pure guitar feedback just to get the perfect five-second snippet to use in the song. We’ve reached a point creatively where we won’t release anything unless we know we’ll still love it years from now. ' Impermanence ' is out NOW, so go check it out, and stay tuned for more in the future from Cinder . To learn more about Cinder: Website: cindernoise Instagram: Cinder (@cindernoise) • Instagram photos and videos *Photos by Zainab Alhameed www.instagram.com/shotby.za/ 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

Aeternum Vale is heavy, ruthless, and unapologetically Southern. < Back Reviews on the Real: From Misery to Malice Bids Farewell with Ferocity on Aeternum Vale EP Nicole Brice Jun 30, 2025 Share Aeternum Vale is heavy, ruthless, and unapologetically Southern. Let me begin this review by expressing how refreshing it is to discover the music of From Misery to Malice , a Louisiana-based Deathcore and Death Metal band. Since they are the only band with their name, I don’t have to sift through ten other bands with the same name; there is a direct path to their music. Released on June 27, 2025, Aeternum Vale is an expertly crafted EP filled with layered sounds, making it difficult to categorize truly. It’s heavy, ruthless, and unapologetically Southern, and it’s best heard loud. Released June 27, 2025 The EP features two previously released singles from 2023 and 2024 , along with several new tracks. How would I describe the sound of From Misery to Malice? It’s brutal and unrelenting, blending punishing breakdowns, guttural vocals, and atmospheric elements that tap into the darker corners of human emotion. It’s real and embodies the chaos and aggression of classic deathcore while infusing modern influences that keep their sound fresh and hard-hitting. At its core, it's just good. There is something for everyone with this offering, so let's dive in. Circle of Death – thematic opening with piano that builds to a thunderous sound where a harpsichord is heard faintly in the background until the track just explodes. It’s got groove, it’s got heavy vocals, and you’ll find yourself nodding your head in unison with the groove. Great track. Strangers – the guitar opening on this one is incredible and then the song just starts rolling with this sludgy and heavy abyss of sounds. It’s dark, and it’s just good. Terraform – the drums that open this track are fierce, and then it just rolls, and never stops. I think this is my favorite track on the EP because it’s got so many layers to it with guitar breakdowns, etc. Skin of Glass – there is no thematic opening with this one – solid deathcore all the way through A Wilted Waltz – previously released in 2024 – this track is a great introduction to the music of From Misery to Malice because it defines their sound perfectly Is this Limbo … - released in 2023 – cinematic is the best way I could describe this song. It would make an excellent backing track for a horror film. It’s just intense. I rate this EP a perfect 10/10 for its artistic vision, diversity, and expression. It's an outstanding EP that captivates your attention from start to finish. No song feels boring; each one is distinctly different from the last. Be sure to stream Aeternum Vale now on your favorite platform! Aeternum Vale on YouTube To learn more about From Misery to Malice: Spotify: From Misery to Malice | Spotify Apple Music: ‎From Misery to Malice - Apple Music Facebook: Facebook Instagram: From Misery to Malice (@fmtmband) • Instagram photos and videos www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Reach out to us at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Ripe with fuzz, psychedelia, and haunting rhythms < Back Of The Roses: Austin's Moody & Mysterious Indie Art Rock/Pop Band Nicole Brice May 1, 2023 Share Ripe with fuzz, psychedelia, and haunting rhythms Of The Roses is an Austin, Texas-based indie art rock/pop band led by singer-songwriters and multi-instrumentalists Serenity Autumn Hernandez Bogert and Josh Delarosa. The band also features Will Lord on bass and Alexander "Wilhelm Scream" on drums. These guys are making serious waves on the music scene in Austin and should be put on your list of bands to devote some listening time to. Prior to the band formation, Hernandez Bogert and Delarosa led other music projects that saw them in the studio with Austin superstar Jackie Venson and performing as an Official SXSW Showcasing Artist opening for Priests and D.C.-based label sister Polygon Records in 2019. Paths soon collided and Hernandez Bogert and Delarosa met in 2020 and began writing songs together, where they enlisted the help of Lord and Wilhelm Scream to record and perform live, thus rounding out their unique sound. The band released their debut EP "Mirror's Always Round" in 2022, which is a soundscape of textures and melody. Ripe with fuzz, psychedelia, and haunting rhythms, the band's engaging sound is defined by Hernandez Bogert's soaring vocals, Delarosa's intricate guitar playing, and the tight rhythm section of Lord and Wilhelm Scream. Vibrant and diverse, this band continues to evolve and grow with their mix of indie rock, art rock, and pop. credit: Greg Taylor/Taylored Eye My favorite tracks from the “Mirror’s Always Round” EP are “Falling Through” and “Friends”, but the entire album is solid. “Falling Through” is a powerful and emotional song about the feeling of being lost and alone. The song’s lyrics are raw and honest, and the vocals echo with shadow and beauty. The music has a driving beat and atmospheric guitars with the song building to a powerful climax, leaving the listener feeling both exhilarated and powerful. “Falling Through” is a song sure to resonate with anyone who has ever felt lost and alone, and I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for an intelligent listen. “Friends” is a catchy, danceable track with a dark, twisted edge. The song’s lyrics explore the themes of control and paranoia, and the music reflects this with its distorted guitars. The song starts with a slow, atmospheric intro that builds tension. The drums and guitars wade their way in, and the song picks up pace. The vocals are clear and powerful, and the lyrics are delivered with conviction. The song’s chorus is catchy and memorable, and the bridge is a nice change of pace. “Friends” ends with a powerful outro that leaves you wanting more. It’s a well-crafted and enjoyable song worthy of getting stuck in your head. The band also has made a video for “Friends” that is available to watch on YouTube. It is visually stunning and full of emotionally resonant exploration. You can check it out below. The other tracks are “Gone”, which has a cool and funky vibe; “I Hope You Love Me More”, which has a 60’s psychedelic tone to it; and “Fear”, which starts out with crunching guitars and leads to a pleasant cornucopia of sound. With Hernandez Bogert and Delarosa being the primary songwriters, the band's lyrics are often personal and introspective, but they also deal with broader themes of love, loss, and identity. Of The Roses is a band that is not afraid to be vulnerable, and their music reflects that. The band has been praised for their live shows, which are known for their energy and enthusiasm, and they are currently working on releasing their next single, which is expected in the summer of 2023. In addition to this, they also have recorded a Christmas song that is certain to pique your interest. More details about that are in the interview, though. Of The Roses is definitely a band to watch, and their music is sure to continue to resonate with fans of indie rock and art rock. They’ll impress you with their music, energy, and their infectious live shows. credit: Greg Taylor/Taylored Eye Because they are one of my new favorite bands, I just had to speak with them to learn more about what makes them tick, and I was able to connect with Serenity Autumn and Josh. Both are witty, intelligent, and just downright fun. I feel that within the next five years Of The Roses will become a household name, so be sure to check out their music, then go download their latest EP. credit: Greg Taylor/Taylored Eye MaM : Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today. I am so impressed with your music. I feel like the biggest fan girl, so I made several notes that I would like to share with you before we kick this off. Your sound is hypnotizing and catchy with an incredible guitar tone and I feel your vocals complement each other amazingly. Also, too, I totally dig your lyrics. Who is the primary songwriter in the band? JD : Whoever is singing on the track usually is the person that wrote the song. With “Falling Through”, we both kind of sing and we wrote that song together. Usually, the music comes together first and the lyrics second. We collaborate in that regard, but Serenity writes a good bit of the lyrics and if I write them, then I bring them right back to Serenity to see if they are grammatically correct and make sense. SA : Right. Well, I study journalism, and I’m an editor, too, so that’s why he brings it to me. MaM : What inspires your lyrics? Everyday life, or do you see something and think it would make a great inspiration for a song lyric? SA : Everyday life. It’s a lot of different things. Josh has some good stories in terms of the song “Fear”, actually. JD : For me, songs just come to me, and it’ll be like if I’m driving a long trip or if I’m falling asleep or if I’m in bed, I’ll just hear it in my head and will get up to record it. “Fear” came to me when I was taking a hot shower one day. I just had this melody in my head and I thought, “This sounds cool,” so it’s sort of like the music just comes to me. Along with the music, you kind of hear a few lyrics in there, but sometimes the lyrics don’t make sense. It’s just words that go along with that melody, so you must sit down and actually write. The funny thing is that when I write, I don’t intend it being autobiographical, but sometimes it just comes out that way. It just subtly happens. credit: Greg Taylor/Taylored Eye SA : Yeah, you’re tapping into something that you don’t realize you’re tapping into. MaM : They do say that life experiences make the best inspiration. JD : Absolutely. There is a lot going on in the world, of course, and I think it makes for inspiring music in terms of painting a picture with the music. I think it’s having a conversation, too. SA : Some of our songs are love and romance based. I also write from a politically conscious perspective, I guess, kind of like Talking Heads. I like interesting characters. The song “Friends” is like a character to me. I also have Type I Diabetes, too, and I’ve been through a lot with that. That’s probably its own interview, though. Image taken from artist social media MaM : I was reading about that and actually have a question about it because I read that the band kind of formed around your last hospital stay in 2016. SA : Sort of. I may have written it that way. Kinda. (laughs) MaM : Would you mind elaborating on that? How did the band initially form? SA : Sure. Personally, that’s just how I came into making music in general—because of my hospital stay—but me and Josh met playing in a cabaret band, so it was really that meeting that pushed us together to start writing music. MaM : Well, you two complement each other. You couldn’t have picked a better band mate or songwriting partner. Really, the dynamic you two have is incredible, especially with the latest EP. Don’t change a thing. So, are you both living in Austin now? I saw that your band is based there. Image taken from artist social media SA : Yeah, we live, work, and play in Austin. MaM : So, one thing I like to ask artists and musicians is what they are currently listening to that is helping to inspire them to create. What is on your playlist? SA : Because I am a music journalist as well and work at a record store, I kind of have to listen to everything all the time and I really like that. MaM : Well, that’s a good thing. Best job ever! SA : I am in complete bliss, most of the time, but I have been listening to a lot of Lana Del Ray. I have been listening to a ton of her music recently. My favorite artist, though, is St. Vincent. MaM : What about you Josh? JD : Lately, there have been a few bands. Since I’ve never gone through an 80’s phase, I’ve been listening to a lot of electronic 80’s stuff. MaM : Nice. Some of my fave music. JD : Yeah, some of the bands are ones that Serenity turned me onto. Elvis Costello and Franz Ferdinand are a couple. Serenity really was the one to get me into Franz Ferdinand and I think they are just brilliant. Someone else that I have gotten into recently, too, is Taylor Swift. (laughs) SA : Wait, what? (laughs) MaM : I feel like an arrow has been put right through my heart. (laughter) JD : Listen, give me a chance. (laughs) MaM : Serenity seems just as shocked. JD : Let me say it’s the melodies, for me. I would never buy a record, but I can appreciate the music and the songwriting, and for me— MaM : Ok, I’ll let you slide with that. (laughs) JD : Thank you. (laughs ) I won’t go spend over $1,000 on nosebleed tickets or anything, but I will say that, for me, it’s just something that is selling and that people like, but the biggest thing for me, as a songwriter, [are] the melodies and the poppy tone that reels me in. I like good pop songs. Like a three-minute song that is very catchy is great to me. MaM : I guess you could say you admire her songwriting capabilities and her ability to bring it all together, which I can dig. So, that leads me to your band name. How did you come up with the name? Image taken from artist social media SA : Josh? JD : No, you can go. (laughs) SA : Josh doesn’t like to tell, so I guess I will. (laughs) I would like to say it was not Josh’s idea because it does seem narcissistic at first, but — JD : Yeah, it was not my idea, but Serenity, tell how it came about. SA : So, Josh’s last name is Delarosa, which in Spanish translates to “of the rose.” MaM : Ah, I see what you did there. SA : Yeah, we had a brief romantic relationship, but our closeness has lasted longer than the relationship, and we’re still really close, but it was my idea because I thought it sounded pretty. MaM : Well, it fits! It’s a bad-ass name. SA : Thank you. MaM : Another question for Josh: I’ve read that you’ve had some of your music featured on local and national radio. Can you tell us a little more about that? JD : Yes, I’ve been blessed to have had experience in bands that had music on college radio and just radio in general. Yeah, it’s sort of … (laughs) … yeah, I’ve been on the radio … I don’t even know what to say … MaM : Well, you’ve been in some other bands, so tell us a little more about that. JD : Well, they were sort of in the same vein. This is my first band that I’ve actually had a hand in. I’ve been in other bands where I was a songwriter, but I was always on the side. I didn’t want to be in the front. This is our first where it is OUR band. In the past, I’ve always been in the same wheelhouse, if you will. MaM : So, you guys released your latest EP in 2022, but are y’all currently recording or writing new material? I know Serenity mentioned releasing a new single. What’s in the queue? SA : So, I am getting ready to graduate college, so everything is moving at a glacial pace. (laughs) We have a song ready to go, but we just need to start the process of getting it posted. I can send you a copy so you can include it in the article. We also have a Christmas song we recorded that I think you would really like, but that’s not coming out until Christmas. It’s a goth version of the of the song “Snow Miser” from The Year Without a Santa Claus . credit: Greg Taylor/Taylored Eye MaM : That’s awesome!! SA : It’s one of my favorite Christmas songs, so I told Josh, “Do the Smiths thing you do so well” and then we put a Johnny Marr-sounding guitar riff on it and a dance floor beat, and it’s hilarious in my opinion, but it’s also really sad when you listen to the lyrics in that context. (laughs) MaM : I can’t wait to check it out. I bet it’s epic. I have one last question for you guys. What are the future aspirations for the band? Do you want to make a career out of this or just do this as a side thing? SA : Well, I know that personally, I want me and Josh … well, we have explicitly spoken about doing this full time. That is the goal. Doing this as a job would be the best thing to happen to us. We look forward to it. - To experience all that is Of The Roses, head on over to all of their pages, put in some headphones, and enjoy! Home (oftherosesband.com) Of The Roses | Facebook Of The Roses (@oftherosesband) • Instagram photos and videos Mirror's Always Round EP | Of The Roses (bandcamp.com) Of The Roses - YouTube Of The Roses | Spotify ‎Of The Roses on 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

Insightful, brilliant, and talented < Back Alfred Banks: A Blessing from the Crescent City Nicole Brice May 22, 2023 Share Insightful, brilliant, and talented Growing up, I loved the hip-hop showcased on programs like Yo! MTV Raps . The music had heart and a meaningful message. However, over the years, hip-hop has seemingly evolved away from impactful rhymes and verses towards themes focused on excess, elaborate stage shows, and corporate endorsements. As a result, I stopped paying attention and shifted my musical tastes elsewhere—until one artist emerged who could rhyme about anything and everything, with verses that had both meaning and heart. Alfred Banks ' body of work is so diverse that it will leave you amazed. He can take a blank piece of paper and create a rhyme about it right on the spot. Banks is a hip-hop musician based out of New Orleans, La. , and his latest release, ' Blessing ,' is a nod to the city that raised him. In the song, he says, “It’s a blessing coming from the Crescent” and for Alfred Banks, indeed it is. The man reps New Orleans wherever he goes, and we are lucky to be able to enjoy his talent. Banks got his start in the industry under the moniker Lyriqs Da Lyraciss at age 17 and has shared the stage with Rakim , Lupe Fiasco , Wu-Tang Clan , Tyga , Desiigner , and Kendrick Lamar , among others. He has performed at New Orleans-based events Voodoo Fest and Jazz Fest , and he even visited Reeperbahn Festival in Hamburg, Germany. Did I mention one of his songs was used for a Volkswagen commercial and that numerous songs of his are licensed to shows and movies? His knack for rhyming, his charisma, and his insightful lyrics are what got him noticed in the biz and, as we like to say, the rest is history. He has been steadily churning out music ever since, with many new ones this year, but he does not limit himself to solo material—no. This man is involved in so many projects, we lost count after a while. We did ask him about all those wonderful endeavors, though, and you can read more about them in this interview. Currently, Alfred is focused on promoting his newest album Nectarine Peels , which is part of his collaboration with Albert Allenback of Tank and the Bangas in a group called Saxkixave . These two are like the odd couple of hip-hop and their infectious videos are beyond hilarious and showcase Bank’s personality in a whole new light. In fact, the duo goes together like peanut butter and jelly and truly do complement one another. Albert makes these killer beats and Alfred comes up with the wittiest rhymes to go with them. Released May 18, 2023 In addition to Saxkixave , Alfred is continuing to perform shows like crazy, showcasing his solo material. Check out this convo we had with him recently, then go check out his catalog of material. You will fall in love with him as much as we have. MaM : When I first discovered your music, the thing that drew me in was your use of words. You can pretty much make a rhyme about anything. When did you realize you had this gift with words to take it to the next level professionally? AB : I remember when I was in sixth or seventh grade, I used to freestyle a lot. I lived in Tallulah, Louisiana for, like, three years and I would freestyle a lot with some of the kids around there. I would gravitate towards anybody who rapped—actually, I’ll go back a little further. Fifth or sixth grade was when I started noticing that I liked remixing songs in my own way. Me and my man Nigel would make comedic remixes for them. We would take any song that was hot at the time, which was 2000/2001 , and remix them about food. I started noticing I could do that off the top of my head. … Junior high was when I started to write raps, which were kinda cool. I was more into that battle type of energy. My sophomore year of high school was when I truly started writing, though. … I really started freestyle battle rapping and I noticed I could think of things on the spot. My whole thing was coming from New Orleans , you have to know how to rib and I got ribbed a lot … picked on a lot and my way to fight back was to just rap. I would just head to toe and people would die laughing. That’s kind of how I got my name. I started uploading music to MySpace and stuff. It started getting a little bit of traction and I did some shows around town. I started battling first. … I just started noticing that if I looked at someone, I could make a rap about it to whatever degree. I fell off it for some years, though, and focused on my songwriting and touring. Around 2019 , I did a tour with my man Mega Ran and he did this thing where he would ask people to hold stuff up in the air and he would freestyle about it on the spot and I [thought that was amazing and wondered if I could do that]. I started doing it with Saxkixave and it goes over well and keeps my freestyle sharp. People kind of know me as a freestyle guy now, so it’s kind of cool, then you meet someone like Ray Wimley , who is a freestyle savant, and he went viral because he freestyled with Common a few years back for Essence Fest . We actually did a freestyle battle at a Pelican’s game and that was me in front of thousands of folks having to put my freestyle skills to the test and, respectfully, I was the victor in that situation. … I don’t really write a lot, not as much as I’d like, but freestyling just kind of works. credit: Gary Governale MaM : Well, as far as your lyrics for your songs, what inspires your lyrics? 'Blessing,' of course, is based upon your love for New Orleans, but I was listening to your music and you’re all over the place with content and what you talk about. None of your songs are the same. AB : I know sometimes it makes it hard to be marketable when you do a lot of different things, but I just have a lot of different interests and I’m not always in the same space. To some degree, I guess I need to find a vein, but for the most part, I’m all over the place and I love that. 'Blessing' performed at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in 2023 MaM : Where did Underdog Central come from? AB : That’s my life mantra I live by. Underdog Central is the place where the overlooked go to hone their skills to come back and become admired. It’s my label name, too, and my social media handle. I made it my social media handle ‘cause Alfred Banks was taken, but because it’s my label, I wanted that name to be first before anything. I want people to know what my brand is. When I first came out, I was a little rough around the edges, a little unrefined, so I had to go back into my proverbial batcave and fix things. I came back out, though, and now am who I am. I feel like the people who are extremely talented tend to get overlooked and are always having to fight from behind from a deficit and always must prove who they are no matter if they are the most talented one in the room or not. You can’t take anything for granted and you must treat every moment as if it’s your last, so that’s what Underdog Central is about. credit: Gary Governale MaM : Are you born and raised in New Orleans? AB : Uptown, yeah, uptown New Orleans. Uptown kid for sure. MaM : Your brand of hip-hop is the type that is missing these days. It has those classic undertones and that hint of nostalgia. Your lyrics with 'Blessing' are so insightful and that song truly resonates with me. AB : Yeah, that’s a style of record I have never done before. One thing I have been noticing lately is I am the most off-brand New Orleans person you will ever meet. [I’m] born and raised in this bad boy, but when you look at my everything … I don’t even look like I’m from New Orleans. I don’t act like I’m from New Orleans…like some things I don’t even relate to, but I am definitely from here, but I never made a song I felt could resonate here. All the music I make is more for everyone. I also made it from the angle of where if someone from Detroit heard it, they could be like, ‘I feel this way about my city.’ 'Blessing' on YouTube MaM : What struggles or roadblocks did you encounter when you first tried to break into the industry? AB : Just making hip-hop in New Orleans. There was a big scene from 2007-2015 where it was a community and there were shows happening and people would come out to the shows and we all tried to support each other and spread the word about each other’s stuff, then after that, there was a shift in the music. I can say to a degree that I’ve stayed contemporary with my style. It doesn’t sound like it’s from 1989 or anything, but the more lyric heavy and conceptual idea-driven music doesn’t have as big of a platform here as other stuff. The people in the scene here, though, started to get older and started [coming out less]. That and the fact that New Orleans is not a hip-hop city, and so it doesn’t matter how talented you are. It’s been like, ‘Where’s your bounce song?’ or ‘You got a dude playing trombone on it?’. It’s funny now, though, the response I’ve gotten for the song ' Blessing ' … thirteen years into my career, you would have thought it was the first song I ever made because everyone is like ‘Finally, you got a record we like.’ I’ve got albums that have charted across the U.S., but that record is doing pretty good in New Orleans, specifically. Pick your battles. My biggest thing was just trying to do my brand and my style of hip-hop and bust open these doors that are solely reserved for people who do Zydeco or brass band music—stuff people consider New Orleans but, to a fault, it’s so New Orleans that no one wants to hear anything else. But I always thought it was weird that these big platforms—these big festivals here—only portray a certain style of New Orleans; where’s the hip-hop? That’s always been the main issue with me. I want to be the guy that can go into a room filled with musicians who do not do hip-hop to any degree but do my thing and it resonate or translates with them. I’ve kind of become that guy, though. I’m the guy in a room full of brass bands and zydeco bands who is the hip-hop representation, which is a gift and a curse because I never get to perform for my people. I always get to perform for people who are being exposed to what I do for the first time, so it kind of creates this very uncomfortable energy, which can be a bit weird at times. I’m a part of this group called Glbl Wrmng and we’re doing this Wednesday at the Square thing, which I don’t know the last time they had a hip-hop group perform there, but … I have this never say die, blind optimistic view of life, though, so I just keep going for some strange reason. credit: Gary Governale MaM : No, but that’s a good thing! You’re not admitting defeat at all. You’re just like, “I don’t care what you’re gonna throw at me. I’m just gonna keep doing my thing until it resonates,” ya know? AB : …and the funny thing is it hasn’t stopped me. I’ve been able to tour all over the world. I guess it’s not that big of a deal, but for me it is. I’m doing it less about me and more about the next. I’m a young guy, but I’ve been out for a while, and so I just want to look out for the next guys coming up that feel like me because everybody is a street rapper, and there’s nothing wrong with that. I come from the hood, but I don’t see it from that angle. I was in a house and my mom kept me in the crib, and not everyone is from that cloth. There are people, though, that take those experiences and turn them into something else. Not what you would expect. I just try my best to be that alternative for people who love hip-hop, care about bars, care about lyricism and concepts, good beats, melodies, etc. MaM : … and you bring it all. You’ve got the whole package with it. AB : I appreciate that. credit: Gary Governale MaM : Glbl Wrmng — tell me more about this. AB : Word, so Glbl Wrmng is a collective about 35 people in the city from engineers to producers to singers to rappers, graphic artists, etc., and we just all [come together] … so Glbl Wrmng is like, ‘Nope! We can!’ So that’s what we’ve done and as a collective. We’ve performed at Buku Fest , we’ve opened for Tyler the Creator , and we’ve played Jazz Fest . We’re going to be playing Wednesday at the Square , and so we’re using this as a platform to get some of the guys in the group exposure with their first big stages to give them that experience and to be around people like Pell or Train or me to help usher in those guys to just make great music. I love being a part of Glbl Wrmng. It’s very interactive. It’s teaching me how to support people from a very active standpoint, and I truly mean it when I do it and vice versa. It’s allowing me to also get involved with other people’s careers to some degree, which is fire. MaM : Well, it’s a collective grouping of like-minded individuals all supporting each together, which is awesome. AB : Yeah. Glbl Wrmng put out an album during the pandemic and I’m on it. Saxkixave is on it. It’s called ‘ Glbl Wrmng Vol. 1 ’ and it’s a dope record. We’re working on Vol. 2 right now, but at the end of the day the one thing I have learned is that collaboration is very important, especially for me the past three years. Working with Soul Rebels , working with Brassaholics , working with Flow Tribe , working with Glbl Wrmng , working with Tank and the Bangas , and all these different people has been helping me elevate my platform and get in spaces where I probably wouldn’t be normally. I’m very grateful for that. Just working to get that buzz to where it needs to be and it’s been a trial at times, but I want to just keep rapping and keep working and the inevitable will happen at some point. credit: Gary Governale MaM : So, 2023 you’re gonna just do a lot of touring or are you working on any other new solo music? AB : … Instead of putting out new stuff to the same folks, I already have music that resonates, so from there I think I’m going to use videos and promos as a ploy to get people to check out the catalog I have and then go from there. I have a lot of music that hasn’t been unearthed just yet. I have a project called Mere-Exposure Effect , which I feel is one of my best projects writing-wise. It shows I could do radio records if I really wanted to. Mere-exposure effect is an idea that if you recognize it, you’ll like it, so the whole project sounds like radio records. If it sounds like something you already know, then you’ll like it by default. I have a project called ‘ Road to a Rolex ’—some of my hardest hitting beats. I’m rapping about getting money the entire project but from a couple different aspects. I have a project titled ‘ One Guy Standing by Himself. ’ That project debuted at number three on iTunes . It was one of my most successful projects to date. That’s a project I wrote to get myself out of the mind state of COVID . I wrote that project in like a week and it’s more introspective and a little lighter-hearted. I [also] have a project called The Beautiful and that’s my magnum opus and is my biggest project to date. That project is about my brother and his struggle with schizophrenia and his ultimate suicide. The day of his funeral, I had to leave in the middle of his service because I had a show to play that night, and so I wrote an album about the car ride from the funeral to the show, so in that album, I develop schizophrenia too; so, I sort of battle it throughout the album. That’s my biggest project to date and a lot of people don’t even know it exists. I’ve also got The Range 1 and 2 . I do a song with Wheatus and a bunch of people. It’s like five different genres in one project. credit: Gary Governale MaM : I am just blown away with all the projects you have. How do you even sleep? AB : Well, for me, I did go through a time where I was putting out a lot of music and it does seem like a lot, but it really isn’t. I’ve got songs that if someone goes back in like 15 years to discover them, they’ll be like, ‘That shit was fire!’. A catalog full of those records. Some may consider me a conscious rapper and I’m not conscious in the vein of social or political issues, but I rap about things from my point of view. MaM : Well, just life. I’ve listened to all your music, and you are all over the place. No song is alike. You have so many different styles and facets to your personality and what you do. You can go from a silly track to something super serious. AB : For sure. MaM : … which I feel is so endearing and is going to continue to resonate with people—even those who are just now discovering you for the first time. AB : Honestly man, that’s just how my brain works, cause we’re human. We all go all over place. There are some days where you are very happy and so you want to listen to a happy song and then there are days where you are not happy and you don’t want to even hear music, but if you do, you want to hear some sad stuff that is introspective. Some days you want to hear something lyrical. Some days you will want to hear something conceptually driven, but that’s just how I feel. Sometimes I don’t want to write a rap record, I want to write a dance record. I want to do some EDM . I want to do like a hyper-pop record. There are some days I want to do some industrial shit. credit: Gary Governale MaM : That’s what I’m talking about. That’s my kind of music. AB : Some days I wake up, I want to go work with Albert and do some jazz or acid hip-hop or some days I just want to rap my ass off to show people how good I am. That’s just where I’m at and the path I’m on and people seem to like it. MaM : I think it’s a great path and, in fact, I don’t think you should change a thing with what you are doing. I think it shows diversity and it does not keep you in a certain type of music or anything. You are unique and different and have your own brand that is going to resonate because it is so unique and different. AB : Thank you. I’ll tell you this with all the things that have gone against me, all I’ve ever had [were] my skills and [they have] gotten me further than anything else I’ve ever done. I think that is what is going to keep me busy and keep my lights on. I just care about music, and I care about being good. I do come from the competitive aspect where if you put me on stage with other rappers, I’m going to try and outperform. I want to be the best in every room I’m in and I don’t know too many who still care about that. credit: Gary Governale MaM : You are nothing but heart. AB : Thank you. I want people to go, ‘I want to be invested in his brand of great because that boy is good.’ At the end of the day, though, I’m an entertainer, so it’s not about me. It’s about you, the audience, and I like to keep those things in mind. MaM : What are your plans for the rest of 2023? I know we’re halfway in, but where do you see the rest of the year headed for you? AB : It’s weird, I’m at this weird transitional part of my career where the business infrastructure that has been supporting me is not there because we decided to do our own thing and go our separate ways, but I’m back solo. I’ve been adjusting to that. We do have some other things down the line, though. Pre-COVID, I was doing close to 100 shows a year and in June, I’m going to Ohio. I’ll do three shows out there, then I’m going to Colorado in July. Just trying to get back to the West Coast. To experience all that is Alfred Banks, hit one of the links below. You won’t regret it. Alfred Banks (@underdogcentral) • Instagram photos and videos Alfred Banks | Facebook Alfred Banks | Spotify ‎Alfred Banks on Apple Music Saxkixave | Facebook SaxKixAve (@saxkixave) • Instagram photos and videos @SaxKixAve | Linktree *Cover photo 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 Nicole Brice loves good music and loves discovering new music she has not heard yet. Do you have something you’d like her to hear? Hit her up at the_nicolebrice@mixedaltmag.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

The music of Sugarfuzz is full of pop melodies and catchy hooks < Back Sugarfuzz: Feel Good Rock Nicole Brice Jul 3, 2023 Share The music of Sugarfuzz is full of pop melodies and catchy hooks Forever on the hunt for new tunage, or so it seems, I recently came across a band out of Georgia who calls themselves Sugarfuzz . The band features members of Atlanta rock bands Hanging Francis, Chain Poets, My Rebel Episode, and the Bloody Hells with Greg Kaegen (vocals/guitar), Kenny Tsao (bass), Gary Spano (drums/vocals) and Johnny Powell (lead vox/rhythm guitar). Having just wrapped up the recording for their debut album, the men of Sugarfuzz were nice enough to let me listen to an advance copy so I could give my perspective on the music. Recorded at Furies Studios in Blue Ridge and Marietta, Georgia, and produced by Ed Burdell (of Magnapop), this album rocks from start to finish. With no fillers and every song being a banger, Sugarfuzz have managed to craft a solid recording full of tunes that’ll make you want to hop in your car and roll the windows down with the stereo blaring. Beginning with the track “Are You with Me,” which has a riff reminiscent of the intro for the 90’s comedy show Kids in the Hall , each song after that sets the stage for a refreshing and nostalgic album full of fun, sing-along tunes. “Boy Meets Girl” is another stand-out track, and the guys currently have a music video on YouTube with the song for everyone to lay their eyeballs on. In fact, I feel that once it’s released, the Sugarfuzz debut will be one of the feel-good albums of 2023, if not 2024 , to coincide with the 90’s alt-rock revival currently beginning. The band is looking to release the album in Fall 2023, so we’ll have to just sit back and wait for now, but there are plenty of samples of their work to check out either by canvassing the band’s social media or by catching them live at a music venue near you. To get a better feel for the musicians behind the sound, I reached out to the band so we could chat a bit more in-depth. You’ll want to listen to their music after reading this article, I’m certain of it. Check out our conversation below. MaM : Guys, thank you for chatting with me. I want to start by asking when can we anticipate this amazing album you sent me being released? It is so good! Johnny : We are kind of holding on to it for a little bit, but we’re thinking sometime in the fall. We are sitting on it to see what kind of anticipatory buzz we can get on it first. MaM : The entire album is solid with each song jamming. It reminds me of the great albums of the past where you could put the CD in, press play, and just go! Johnny : That’s exactly the kind of idea we had when we started this project. We got together after admiring each other’s work in other local bands and then started writing together about a year and a half ago. We just started cranking out a bunch of songs together and then we brought the other guys on board. Kenny was playing in a cover band with me, and I invited him into the group. Ya know, we were playing stuff like Hall & Oates and stuff to get people dancing (laughs), but it never really got off the ground. It was fun, but this is really my passion. This original stuff. We wrote it as a whole record, though. All of us admire records, but it seems everyone does singles these days. Photo provided by band MaM : Oh, I get it. I remember when actual albums did exist. (laughs) Johnny : We got together with this guy, Ed Burdell, who is an old friend of ours and he has a log cabin up in Blue Ridge in the mountains of Georgia. He always wanted to record a band up there, so he invited us up and we went and recorded the album in a weekend after much comedy and maybe too many drinks. (laughs) We did the basic tracks in one day. Greg : It was a six-and-a-half-hour session and we cut all the basic tracks for all the songs. MaM : That goes to show the cohesiveness you guys have as musicians. You are already vibing. Greg : Plus, we went up on a Friday and started playing on a Saturday. That Friday, though, we got to hang out together, just us guys, and we bonded and then we made a record. It felt great from the moment we started playing. Johnny : The producer actually produced Magnapop and that’s one of his most notable production credits. He’s truly a master. He’s got great microphones, too, and we had one up in the loft recording everything as it was happening, but he’s a zen master at production. He really found some good sounds with this basic batch of songs. MaM : This album sounds like what a 90’s rock revival should sound like. Truly. Now, a bit of a deeper dive into the band history, what initially drew you together? Was it more because of like styles? Johnny : I don’t think it was necessarily stylistic, but Greg and I both fronted bands and would support each other. We always admired each other’s songwriting and guitar playing and I always toyed with the idea of writing with Greg. It just never happened until a year and a half ago and when we did get together, we discovered it was effortless. Greg : So, one day, Johnny is setting up microphones for us, and I just plugged into one of his amps and I started playing the opening riff for “Don’t Tell Me That,” and by the time he’s done setting up the mics, he grabs a pad and pen and starts scribbling. He just starts writing this verse over the song I was playing and the song came together in about an hour. It took no effort. It’s all come together easy. Johnny : We wrote almost all of it in the rehearsal space and would stop each other when something sounded cool and then we would come up with a verse or chorus melody to go over it, and it just fell together naturally. We’re just getting rolling and just getting started, so we are hoping to have some great gigs later this summer and fall. MaM : As far as your sound, did you have a sound you were going for initially going into this project? Johnny : We didn’t really design it. It’s just what fell out of us. Greg : There was never a discussion about it, honestly. I wasn’t looking to get the monster ultimate guitar sound. I had nothing I wanted in my head. I decided to just plug into an amp with no effects or anything. We weren’t shooting for anything, and it just came out the way it came out. Very organic. MaM : As far as future aspirations go, what can we expect? Johnny : The sky is the limit. We just want to make music and have fun doing it. To experience the music of Sugarfuzz for yourself, hit one of the links below and keep your eyes and ears peeled for their debut album coming soon! Facebook Sugarfuzz - YouTube Album Teaser by Sugarfuzz (soundcloud.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

Chris Pryor & The Main Event melds classic rock riffs with soulful country vibes for a solid first release. < Back Chris Pryor and The Main Event Hit the Ground Running with Debut Single Nicole Brice Jul 5, 2024 Share Chris Pryor & The Main Event melds classic rock riffs with soulful country vibes for a solid first release. Louisiana-based country band Chris Pryor & The Main Event released their debut single via a lyric video today, and the full release is coming next week. Written by Chris Pryor and Kenny Kleinpeter, “Just Take a Look at Me” perfectly blends country and classic rock reflecting the band’s Southern roots. With Chris Pryor’s heartfelt vocals, the emotion in each word is so deep that it connects with the listener on a profound level, evoking a sense of empathy for the song's narrator. Coming from someone who does not prefer to listen to country music , I enjoy this song. Now, this is just my interpretation of it, but you can interpret the lyrics as you will … it’s the story of a guy down on his luck at the bar on another lonely night when he sees an angelic woman enter. He is instantly drawn to her beauty and tells her how he could be the right man for her from across the room in his thoughts. The song ends as the night is ending, and he's bringing her home, and the narrator finally gets the woman to indeed look at him. Chris Pryor has said of the creative process for how the song came together, “I began writing the song in 2021. It sat dormant for two years, and then in January of 2023, I handed it over to Kenny to try to develop a country rock concept for the song. He finished the third verse and created a demo, and we didn’t touch it again until January of 2024. We began recording it on March 9th, 2024, and spent two weeks back and forth in the studio for all the sessions.” Credit: Facebook Recorded by Faith Pierce in her home studio in Baton Rouge for a Berklee College of Music Project and mastered by Audiosmith Studio in Prairieville, “Just Take a Look at Me” is a solid first effort for this up-and-coming group. “The inspiration for the song was my lack of ability to write upbeat, high-energy music, and I set out to write just that with this song. Usually, my writing consists of slower-tempo country songs, and with this song, I wanted a more 'rock' style,” says Pryor. Formed in 2022, Chris Pryor & The Main Event has been a forceful presence in the local cover band music scene. Now, with the debut of their first song of original material, they are showing that they are more than just a band that can sing others’ music. The line-up includes Chris Pryor (Lead Vocals and Harmonica), Kenny Kleinpeter (Lead Guitar and Backup Vocals), Bill Ourso (Bass Guitar and Backup Vocals), Hal Higgins (Steel Guitar and Backup Vocals), David Averett (Keys), and Jory Chauvin (Drums). “The studio opened our creativity, so we now have 14 more songs to work up, and we are taking our next single, 'Nothing Without You,' into the studio later this month. We plan to release a new single every two months until we have enough to release our first EP.” "Just Take a Look at Me" is a promising start for Chris Pryor & The Main Event . I eagerly anticipate their future creations and the unique blend of country and rock they will bring to the music scene. The new single officially drops on July 12, 2024, so be sure to add it to your list of songs to check out NOW. In the meantime, check out the new lyric video below. The song has also been accepted for James Gilmore’s "Made In Tiger Country" show on 100.7 The Tiger WTGE , which airs on Sundays between 6pm - 7pm, so be sure to try and catch it then. The official release party for "Just Take a Look at Me" is scheduled for July 12, 2024 at Little Nashville Dance Hall in Denham Springs with the party kicking off at 9pm. For more information about Chris Pryor & The Main Event , just hit one of the links below: www.maineventrocks.com Louisiana's Electrifying Powerhouse | Chris Pryor and The Main Event Unleash the charismatic powerhouse of Louisiana's music scene with Chris Pryor and The Main Event. Meet our band members, Kenny Kleinpeter, Mike Ducote, Jay Cudd, and Jory Chauvin. Experience extraordinary talent, seamless transitions, commanding presence, and irresistible energy. Facebook Chris Pryor & The Main Event (@maineventrocks) • Instagram photos and videos www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

‘Road Dog’ is a toe-tapping, finger-snapping, and hand-clapping tune full of rhythm. < Back Reviews on the Real: ‘Road Dog’ by Jared Daws is a Gritty Anthem for the Highway Wanderer Nicole Brice Mar 21, 2025 Share ‘Road Dog’ is a toe-tapping, finger-snapping, and hand-clapping tune full of rhythm. Southern-based artist Jared Daws has released a new track titled ‘ Road Dog .’ This spirited song, which debuted on March 14, 2025 , is filled with rhythm that makes you want to tap your toes, snap your fingers, and clap your hands. The track begins with a hauntingly beautiful instrumental guitar melody and evolves into a strong rhythm once the lyrics come in. Jared's vocal delivery gives me chills due to the power of his voice. As the song progresses, a noticeable groove develops, and Jared's vocals become increasingly soulful and poignant. Once the tempo picks up, it doesn't slow down. I found myself nodding my head the entire time I listened to this song. As the tune begins to fade, the pace slows down, with Jared delivering the final words: "I'm a road dog." Produced by Pat Lyons of Colter Wall 's band and featuring Greggory Garner of Sam Barber 's band on bass and Matty Myers of Sierra Ferrell 's band on drums, ' Road Dog ' celebrates the open road's enduring charm and a traveling musician's life. Rooted in classic country music, it captures the essence of a nomadic lifestyle that resonates with many of us, both musically and lyrically. This is a solid tune you must hear, and I am absolutely in love with it. Released March 14, 2025 - click to listen Don't miss out on the experience of ' Road Dog .' Stream it today and discover why I'm so enamored with this track. I guarantee you'll love it as much as I do. The official music video is also out today via YouTube . Check it out! Official video for 'Road Dog' by Jared Daws To learn more about Jared Daws: Jared Daws | 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? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

The Ritual Killer < Back Cole Hauser and Morgan Freeman Team Up to Take Down Evil Keeley Brooks Mar 9, 2023 Share The Ritual Killer Buckle up, film fans, and fret no longer, Cole Hauser fans. Just because Yellowstone isn’t giving us our weekly Rip fix at the moment does not mean you can’t get it elsewhere. (wink) Today’s your lucky day because Hauser has a new movie dropping in select theaters and On Demand this week, and he’s still not taking any bullshit as he stares down the face of evil in a mystical crime action-thriller called The Ritual Killer . The official trailer (below) released in February 2023 by Screen Media, and as you can see, it has a very ominous True Detective kind of vibe. Hauser is a detective on the brink of retirement and a father grieving the death of his daughter. He’s on the hunt for a serial killer who has already claimed the lives of two innocent girls, and with no leads to go on, he approaches anthropology professor and African Studies expert in ancient cultures and their rituals Professor Mackles, played by the legendary Morgan Freeman. Together they work to find this mysterious murderer practicing the ancient magic of Muti by using ancient rituals to kill people and thereby gain power. But he isn’t just killing people in the United States; he’s also claiming victims across Europe, which makes him an international criminal—an extremely agile, swift, and calculated one at that. The film explores the dark and sinister world of said serial killer, as well as the secrets of the anthropology professor. In addition to its star leads, the flick also features Peter Stormare ( Fargo ), former NFL player Vernon Davis ( Chariot ), Franco-American actress Murielle Hilaire, Brian Kurlander ( Dopesick ), and Luke Stratte-McClure ( Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse ). Directed by George Gallo, who scripted Bad Boys and The Whole Ten Yards , the story dances the line between reality and madness, sanity and insanity, as Detective Boyd is forced to step inside the mind of the killer to outsmart him and take him down. ScreenRant acquired an exclusive clip from The Ritual Killer , which I have lovingly included here for all of you. In it, we see Det. Boyd chatting with his partner Det. Maria Kersch (Hilaire), who has her own questions for him about a recent arrest gone wrong. However, before she can probe too deeply into how Boyd handled himself in that situation, the pair get called out to a horrific crime scene. As Boyd views the cut-up body of a young teenage girl, it’s clear he’ll stop at nothing to take down the monster who committed such a gruesome, evil act. But he won’t be able to do it alone, and that’s where Morgan Freeman comes in. And because I'm just awesome and love doing this stuff, I found another clip to share with you, which features some action as Detective Boyd is out hunting, then chasing the killer (Vernon Davis), who is pretty damn quick with a knife in a fight as he takes out a few cops before escaping Boyd’s grasp. For the deets on Freeman’s character and the down-low on all his secrets, you’ll have to watch the movie. The Ritual Killer hits theaters and Video On Demand on March 10, 2023. *Side note: Also releasing in theaters the same day is the highly anticipated sixth installment of Scream , which I absolutely love. Even the crappy installments. I'm just a Ghostface fan, I suppose, but not in the murderous way. Critics are already calling it the best installment in the series with heart-pounding thrills and horrific Ghostface shenanigans. I know I can’t wait. Enjoy your weekend, my friends. 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

You Never Know < Back The Nine Lives of Paul Sanchez C.G. Smith Nov 30, 2022 Share You Never Know “Ram Das and Alan Watts would tell the story of the Chinese farmer ,who one day his horse runs away, and his neighbor says, ‘That’s too bad.’ And he goes, ‘Well, you never know.’ The next day the horse comes back leading five wild stallions and his neighbor says, 'That’s wonderful!’ and the guy replies, ‘Well, you never know.’ The next day his son’s trying to break one of the stallions and he falls off and he breaks his leg. His neighbor says, ‘Oh, that’s terrible!’ And he goes, ‘Well, you never know.’ The next day the army comes through conscripting young men for the service, and they take all but his son because he’s got a broken leg. His neighbor says, ‘That’s wonderful!’ And he says, ‘Well, you never know.’ That’s life. What looks like a wrong turn sometimes is the greatest thing that could have happened.” – As told by Paul Sanchez. _____________________________________________________________ It has been said that the best art comes from suffering. Others claim it comes from the joy and happiness that make art what it is. New Orleans songwriter, actor, and producer Paul Sanchez, formerly of the hit band Cowboy Mouth , is well acquainted with both. From his early experiences living as one of 11 siblings in a poor, working-class family in the rough Irish Channel neighborhood of New Orleans in the 60s to playing in front of tens of thousands of people on stage, Paul embodies a life lived. He grew up in New Orleans , then lived in New York in the late 80’s and has since traveled all over the world. But he still loves coming home to the Crescent City . “One of the things that makes New Orleans special to me in my travels is that it's an entrée to anywhere in the world. When you say you are a musician from New Orleans you get a respect before you even play a note that most musicians have to earn,” says Paul. There are many glimpses into this incredible life throughout the extensive catalog of music he has written, produced, or simply been a part of over the years. His lyrics can be beautiful and dark, sometimes silly, and other times dead serious, but they always tell a story. Sanchez has 11 albums out with his former group Cowboy Mouth and another dozen or so on his own and with other musicians. This includes the musical project Nine Lives , based off Dan Baum’s New York Times best-selling novel by the same name that may soon become a television series. To be this prolific you really need to have something important to convey in your music. “I don’t really think about what I’m going to write … before I start writing,” he says when asked about his process. “Often, I am writing so fast that I don’t realize what it is I have written until it is finished. Sometimes not until years later. When my ex-wife left me, I looked back at the songs that I had written while we were married and realized most of them were about being lonely and [feeling] unloved. The songs have always known me better than I have known myself. It feels like they are written by someone else who has whispered them to me as if in a dream, a gift from the universe. I hear a melody and words and I follow them to, what seems to me, their natural conclusion.” Credit: Marc Millman Paul’s first gig was filling in for a friend at a French Quarter venue at the tender age of 16, and since then he has performed all over the world from intimate gigs in private homes to multiple Jazz Fests to stadiums with tens of thousands of people. He started singing after his father passed away when he was only five years old. “My father was sort of the heart of the family, and when he died, [for the first six months] my mom [would spend] all day at the graveyard. I had five brothers and five sisters and most of them were still at home when he died. A little boy singing was prettier than a house full of people crying, so everybody encouraged me to sing. [Early] on I knew my singing made other people feel better. I didn’t know if it made me feel better, but it made other people feel better and that’s been sort of the inner quest [for] the rest of my life.” Paul wrote his first song before ever playing the guitar, and at a young age formed an imaginary band with a friend and called themselves The Possibilities . He wrote their theme song at age 6 after hearing The Monkees and Herman’s Hermits . “We’re the Possibilities,” (very 60s, he interjects), “Yes, we’re The Possibilities. We may have no style but we’re gonna try to get up high, ‘cause we’re The Possibilities, and that’s what we have: a possibility.” In his teens, Paul started learning guitar, and at 16 he played his first gig. He was then was in a band called The Backbeats , whom he formed with Ellen DeGeneres’ brother Vance . In 80s he moved to New York’s East Village to join the anti-folk scene there and learned a lot about songwriting and performing from the people he met there. credit: Billy Nova, a.k.a. William Moeller “I’d gone up to New York to be the next Bruce Dylan or Bob Springsteen . I read this tiny ad in the Village Voice that said, ‘If you want the real thing, come to The Fort at Sophie’s.’ So, I walked across the island, not knowing how far of a walk that was going to be, and in 1986 how dangerous it was. I walked into this little bar where they’d moved the pool table, and the singers were just standing under this light. There’s a guy with a clipboard, Latch – who’s still a friend, so I walked up to him and said, ‘Hey man, I’m from New Orleans, can I play?’ He pulls his glasses down and he goes, ‘Are you good?’ I went, ‘I’m pretty good.’ He went, ‘I didn’t ask if you if you were pretty good, I asked you if you were good.’ One of my friends was standing with me and he goes, ‘Hey man, this guy’s f*ckin’ great.’ Latch looks over at my buddy, doesn’t say a word, looks back at me and goes, ‘So are you good?’ I went, ‘Yeah, I’m good.’ He went, ‘Okay, you can play.’ I loved that. It was his first lesson: if you can’t own it, you can’t be it.” When asked if he wrote many songs while in New York, Sanchez says he, "worked a movie up there-- A Kiss Before Dying with Matt Dillon and Sean Young (she was crazy as a road lizard) --was staying at a friend’s place on 14th St. My friends were kind of, big people, and they were fuckin’ and I was sleeping on the couch against their bed, and it was obvious, so I was getting divorced and was depressed so I split, and I thought I’m just gonna do a shot at every bar between here and Houston St. and think about where I went wrong. I didn’t know how many bars they had in New York – it rivals New Orleans. So doing shots of Wild Turkey and on the return trip home, sometime around two in the morning I decided to call my ex and explain my side of things one more time. After she hung up on me, I went back and grabbed my guitar, drunk as shit and went on the roof of the building and wrote Light It On Fire .” Many of us remember Paul from the New Orleans rock group Cowboy Mouth , which he co-founded, toured the world with, and released many albums with over 16 years. In 1992, he met a woman who gave him her card. Paul replied to her with some demos for “Jet Black and Jealous” he had made in New York in 1987 on a Tascam four-track cassette recorder. “So, I sent them to her, and she goes, ‘I love this, I want to put it out. What I’m hearing on this record is this guy’s singing songs like he believes nobody’s ever gonna hear them.’” And that’s how Sanchez began doing solo records and in 2006, when the flooding of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina washed away everything he owned, he decided to quit Cowboy Mouth and focus on his own material. Since then, he has released nearly 20 records either solo or with other musicians. credit: Joanna DeGeneres Paul suffered years where he couldn’t sing because of dystonia , which is a movement disorder that causes the muscles to contract involuntarily. With singers, it’s a chronic voice disorder characterized by spasms of the muscles in the larynx, which control the voice. “The four years I couldn’t sing were very humbling, but I took it as a grace. I took it that the universe was trying to teach me something I needed to know. I’m only at the beginning of the trail of realizing what that is and then incorporating it into the music. I’m singing different[ly] than I did before. It’s like a stroke victim learning to walk again, you know? [With t]his neurological condition, the neurons in your brain are … misfiring. From the throat surgeries, the breakup, the traveling 400 miles a week, etc., they thought I was in trauma, and they said, ‘Let’s shut this guy down.’ The way his dystonia therapist put it to him was that he had a traumatic event in childhood that began a loop of “I’m not worthy” talk, and then a second trauma in adulthood altered “I’m not worthy” into “I don’t even want to be me.” When his therapist asked why he thought this was happening, Paul said, “I think I have a profound desire not to be Paul Sanchez anymore. My brain doesn’t want to be that guy anymore. I’m now teaching my brain that it wasn’t the music; it was life.” Thankfully, a voice coach helped get Paul singing again and back on stage for our entertainment pleasure, and we are so glad he is feeling better and singing/talking again. As for influences, Sanchez credits The Beatles, Bob Dylan, and Bruce Springsteen early on, connecting to the mythos of their escaping poverty through music. “[They were] all were very open about their own influences and as a fan, I listened to the people they talked about, and my musical education is a result of doing so, from Woody Guthrie to Frank Turner .” “One of the most revealing interviews I ever read was Bruce Springsteen . Back in the ‘90s he took four years away from music to go into therapy ‘cause he had wanted to commit suicide. So, after four years off course he went back to music, he made a record, he’s going on tour, and Rolling Stone sends a respected writer … to interview him. At one point he says, ‘So Bruce, are you still going to do four-hour concerts, because you know everybody loves those?’ He said Bruce grinned said, ‘Well I love ‘em too, but I found out through therapy that I also stay up there that long because it’s the only place I don’t feel worthless.’ What struck me was, he didn’t say, ‘It’s the only place I feel worthwhile.’ He said ‘It’s the only place I don’t feel worthless.’ That to me was more honest. For me, I grew up in poverty, and an abusive situation, and music was my place not to feel worthless. It’s healing. That’s why you go back to it.” Today, while many of his influences circle back to his originals, Paul says he gets inspired by songs he hears. “ Alex McMurray, Davis Rogan, Jim McCormick, John Rankin, John Thomas Griffith —great songwriters inspired me to try to write great songs.” And besides the music Sanchez creates, he’s also an actor. “Acting, for me, is completely different than making music. Making music is an expression of who I am, my essence in words and melody. When I am acting, I memorize the lines and then I say them as the director would like them to be said. More often than not, a director will come up to you right before a scene and ask, ‘Can you say it like this?’ Being a musician, I try to mimic the tone and inflection, the rising and falling of his or her voice. More often than not the director is thrilled because what I’m doing is saying it like it has been in his or her head for months. I’m not trying to put my stamp on it; I’m trying to put their stamp on it because it’s their show, not mine.” He even spent some time filming the hit HBO series Tremé , which Sanchez says was a joy. “ David Simon and Eric Overmyer are true music fans, and they treated the musicians like gold … [and gave] great advice.” Paul says the show was so real, it felt like the writers were eavesdropping on the lives of him and his friends, adding that the writers love NOLA, and it showed in the series’ writing and direction. He says they created a historical document of the culture and music of New Orleans that’ll be invaluable in years to come. And he has many interesting stories from his time filming. “We were filming a [funeral] scene in a church Uptown. [It] was packed with musicians, mostly hired extras, and I sat next to John Boutté . On a break, David Simon sat and talked to me and John . I mentioned that it was amazing to see so many musicians gathered [in one place] and how they were committed to realism no matter the cost. David Simon responded with, “It isn’t the money; it’s the emotional equity.” I was so struck by the phrase that I turned it into a song with Alex McMurray called ' Emotional Equity ,' which appeared on my release, Paul Sanchez and The Rolling Road Show - Reclamation of The Pie-Eyed Piper .” Paul notes that the NOLA music scene is far more diverse now than it was in his youth. There wasn’t much of a scene for singer/songwriters when he was young, and he credits Tréme with bringing a new perspective to the music scene. He adds that NOLA provides a unique place for artists of all ages, noting that you may not get rich, but you’ll always be playing music. He’s been around the world and performed in some amazing places, with some amazing talent, so I asked him to share some of his most memorable experiences. “When I was in Cowboy Mouth , we played a music festival in Atlanta , Music Midtown Festival , opening for Cheap Trick . The audience in front of us was 50,000 people , [and] the crowd literally disappeared down the street as it sloped down from the stage. Ellen DeGeneres had Cowboy Mouth on her show after [Hurricane] Katrina, and it was pretty special. I knew her when she was starting up: she opened for a band I had with her brother Vance DeGeneres , [which is] pretty funny looking back ‘cuz we were the hot new-wave band in New Orleans at the time, and she was just looking for a gig. It was wonderful to be on her show. It’s always wonderful to see someone you know live a dream. Credit: Facebook I feel the same way about Darius Rucker . He has always been so generous to me. In 2016 , he brought me on tour to write songs. The songs were never used, but he also brought me on stage to perform during the tour and most notably for me, at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville . There’s no way a Channel Rat like me gets on that stage without somebody like him putting me there." When asked if there an album, performance, or project he is most proud of being involved with, Paul speaks of his project Nine Lives: A Musical Adaptation Live , which is an adaptation of the best-selling novel by Dan Baum . It follows the lives on nine people in New Orleans from 1965 , when Hurricane Betsy ravaged the city to 2005 when Hurricane Katrina destroyed it. Speaking of Nine Lives , it may have a new life of its own, possibly becoming a television series soon. After a disappointing experience with trying to get it on Broadway, there’s a new team of people involved with doing it right this time. “ Nine Lives has been a very interesting journey. It started in 2007. My friend Colman deKay goes, ‘Hey man, I read this book called Nine Lives , a bestseller, and I think you and I should turn it into a musical.’ I thought he was insane. I can’t write a musical. He went to bed, and I started flipping through the book. I found the scene where John Guidos goes to his first drag party with his clothes in a Schwegmann’s bag and I fell right in, and I wrote 'Feels Like a Lady.' I took it downstairs to him and I said, ‘What do you think?’ He goes, ‘Oh boy! Let’s finish it now!’ And we did. Then he wrote to Dan Baum and said, ‘My friend and I have written some songs out of your book, and we’d like to turn it into a musical.’ (After some initial skepticism), he loved it. I wish I could’ve brought it to fruition in his lifetime.” The Nine Lives record was actually made from a grass-roots organization called Threadhead Records , where people could donate money as little as $5 to help New Orleans musicians get back on their feet after Katrina . This was well before Kickstarter or Go Fund Me . Paul and his friend John Boutté did a fundraiser one night and a chance meeting helped get the funding for the record. “This guy from California walks up and says, ‘Hey man, you guys are great together; you should do a record.’ I look at him and go, ‘I just lost everything I own. I can’t afford rent, let alone a record.’ He went, ‘Well, how much do you need?’ I told him and he said, ‘I’ll get back to you.’ Being in the music business I thought, ‘Yeah right.’ Two weeks later he calls up and says, ‘Okay I have a check, where do I send it?’ I didn’t know what to say. He didn’t say, ‘I need you to sign a contract’; he didn’t say, ‘I need to hear the music’; and he didn’t say, ‘I need to own the music.’ He said, ‘Where do I send the check and promise me on your word as a gentleman that when the CD comes out, you’ll pay us back from CD sales.’ They started this thing called Threadhead Records and in four to five years’ time, they put out records by sixty artists who didn’t have the money to do it. In my opinion, it both saved and changed the face of the New Orleans Music scene for generations to come, because they gave so many artists the chance to record.” And the story for how the funding for Lives came about is quite interesting, and it involves the infamous Pepsi Challenge . “ Pepsi had this challenge where they were going to give away $50,000. We were the ninth-place contestant and we got $50,000, and then Threadheads raised another $150,000.” Paul’s industry friend, Michael Cerveris , brought the idea and the songs to his people in the theater scene, and they ended up with a playwright named Lisa D'Amour . D’Amour had gone to Dominican High School in New Orleans . She was not a true New Orleanian, although she claimed to be. She worked on Nine Lives for a year and a half and ended up trying to cut twenty of the original 39 songs, writing ten of her own. She wanted to start it all off with a slow, mournful dirge called ' I Feel Like I Wanna Die Today ' instead of Paul’s original upbeat song. “I’m like, ‘You don’t get New Orleans at all baby. We dance in the face of death,’” Paul laughs. After he parted ways with D’Amour over creative differences, she took all the same characters and turned it into a show called Airline Highway and it ran in Chicago from December 2014 until February 2015 , then on Broadway from April 2015 until June 2015 before it closed for good. “So, mid-pandemic the rights have lapsed, they don’t own my music anymore, and I get an e-mail saying ‘Hey, we found this great director who wants to do it and we’d like to pick up our option to the music again.’” After more communications and some further attempts to change Paul’s vision, Nine Lives was shelved once again. “These are my songs, and I don’t want some stranger changing them and writing lyrics for them. I told them the same thing I told my ex-wife: you can’t have my songs. You can have the clothes off my back, you can have my last dollar, but you can’t have my songs.” Once the producers let the rights to the book lapse, and Chris Joseph , who started Threadhead Records , got wind of it, he bought the rights from Dan’s widow and put Paul on as a partner. Bohemia Production Company loved it and wanted to produce it as a dramatic series that leans heavily on music. “I didn’t have a problem with that, because music is used so interestingly in television shows now. So, I said, ‘Great, run with it.’ [T]hree days later, the creative director was having drinks with an old friend who is a writer, and he says, ‘Hey, I think we’ve got our next project. It’s about a book that’s about New Orleans after Katrina .’ He said his friend put down his drink and went, ‘Please tell me it’s Nine Lives , because it’s my dream to write [it].’ Extremely serendipitous.” “For me it’s really great that it has a possible life as a tv show, because so many people are invested in it emotionally. It also captures a period of time in New Orleans that I was born and grew up in which made writing the songs possible. I didn’t have to write a Katrina Record post-flood. I wrote this thing called Nine Lives , where I was speaking through nine different people’s voices – actually like twelve to twenty different people’s voices. I was speaking about my feelings about the flood, but I didn’t have the soul crushing experience of it being [in] first-person. I didn’t realize that until later.” Credit: Facebook Nine Lives as a television series is still very much in its infancy, but its future looks very, very bright. “The vibe I’m getting is that they see it and hear it the same way we do. The fact that the writer, Frank Everleigh , lived here, the fact that he’d been through that experience of having been ostracized by his community, and the fact that I’m very passionate when I speak about it, well, they were really taken with that. They really want to have my voice in on the script. So, I’m excited to have some input on the script because the Broadway writers weren’t like that.” I smile and tell Paul that that is why the first option isn’t always the best one ... because you never know. *cover photo from artist's website To dive into Paul's discography: Apple Music: ‎Paul Sánchez - Apple Music Spotify: Paul Sanchez | Spotify Website: www.paulsanchez.com Paul Sanchez | Official Paul Sanchez transforms audiences with his unique blend of music and storytelling – at once powerful, sad, humorous, entertaining, and hopeful. Fans may know native New Orleanian Paul Sanchez as a founding member of the rock band Cowboy Mouth, with whom he has 11 albums; for his role in the HBO series TREME where he played himself; or as the creative force behind the musical NINE LIVES, a musical adaptation of the best-selling novel by Dan Baum. NINE LIVES follows the lives of nine people in New Orleans from 1965 (the year Hurricane Betsy ravaged the city) through 2005 (the year of Hurricane Katrina) and beyond. Facebook: Facebook Instagram: Paul Sanchez (@paulsanchezmusic) • Instagram photos and videos www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Send an email to mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Here are some of the hottest titles streaming on your favorite platforms this month! < Back Streaming in September Keeley Brooks Sep 11, 2023 Share Here are some of the hottest titles streaming on your favorite platforms this month! It’s a little late, yes, I know, but better late than never, right? In case you're wondering what the biggest titles streaming this month are, I've got you covered. We get a little horror, just in time for Fall, a little fantasy, a little action, and some drama. Here's a roundup of the hottest streaming titles releasing this month on some of your favorite platforms. AMERICAN HORROR STORY: DELICATE Sept. 21 on Hulu Let me be the first to confirm the rumors: Yes, Kim Kardashian co-stars in a dramatic role alongside AHS regular Emma Roberts ( We’re the Millers ) and franchise newcomer Cara Delevingne ( Suicide Squad ). For the first time, an AHS season is based on a novel—“ Delicate Condition ” by Danielle Valentine. The longest running hour-long series in FX history, American Horror Story: Delicate follows a gripping thriller about an actress, played by Roberts, who becomes convinced that a sinister figure is going to great lengths to make sure her pregnancy never happens. “Delicate Condition” has been called a feminist update to " Rosemary’s Baby ", which shocked and horrified audiences when it hit bookshelves in 1967, then the big screen in 1968. Kardashian reportedly has a “fun, stylish, and ultimately terrifying role” in what the season’s sole writer and showrunner Halley Feiffer calls “ambitious and unlike anything we have ever done.” American Horror Story: Delicate will first air on FX, then stream the next day on Hulu. While part one releases this month, there’s no word yet on when part two will premiere. Am I the only one who hates when networks do that crap? AHS spinoff American Horror Stories will also return with a four-episode Halloween event on Oct. 26 on Hulu. American Horror Story: Delicate premieres Sept. 21 on Hulu. GEN V Sept. 29 on Prime Video To answer your question, yes—this is the spin-off series of the crude hit Prime Video production The Boys . Gen V is already off to a strong start, in my opinion, with star Lizzie Broadway ’s announcement that, “It’s gonna be a rollercoaster. It’s gonna be filled with blood, guts, and everything else.” Continuing in the dark and twisted world of The Boys , Gen V takes us to Godolkin University, America’s only elite college exclusively for superheroes. The irreverent series explores the lives of hormonal, competitive “Supes” as they put their physical, sexual, and moral boundaries to the test. Hailed in the media as part college show and part Hunger Games , Gen V looks to have all the heart, satire, and raunch of The Boys . It's college life with a super-powered twist and all the vicious competition we’ve come to know and love. As students navigate academics and popularity, they soon realize their campus hides a darker agenda. Gen V looks to be every bit as gritty as The Boys —possibly even worse in some respects. But hey, at least there's no Homelander here to make our stomachs turn, right? ONE PIECE Streaming on Netflix In what is being called “the best Netflix adaptation of any anime/comic series” by several reviewers on IMDb , One Piece is a fantasy adventure TV series that’s a live-action adaptation of the ongoing 1997 Japanese manga series. Monkey D. Luffy and his pirate crew explore a fantastical world of endless oceans and exotic islands in search of the world’s ultimate treasure to become the next Pirate King. I’ll admit, I don’t know squat about anime or manga, so I can’t tell you anything other than what’s already out there about the show: It involves mythic treasure, powerful pirates, and a legendary crew, and the consensus is it’s magnificent. And from the looks of the trailer, I believe it. One Piece definitely found its way into my queue. In case you’re wondering, no—you do not need to know any backstory or history to enjoy Netflix’s live-action adaptation. One Piece is currently streaming on Netflix. POWER BOOK IV: FORCE, Season 2 Sept. 1 on Starz Ole Tommy Egan ( Joseph Sikora , of Ozark ) just can’t keep himself out of trouble, and with the return of Season 2, his sights are set on taking over the streets of Chicago, looking to avenge his sidekick Lilliana (Audrey Esparza, of Blindspot ), but first, he will have to contend with various crime syndicates like the Serbians, the Flynns, CBI and Miguel Garcia, a hardcore drug boss we haven’t met yet. Season 1 introduced Tommy to his newfound blood family and put him in a complicated position where he’s forced to make some difficult decisions. Will he make those tough decision or resort to the familiar? Power Book IV: Force is currently airing on Starz. THE CHANGELING, Season 1 Sept. 8 on Apple TV Plus Um, whoah. The first three episodes of Apple TV’s new fairy tale-horror series The Changeling , which dropped Sept. 8, were excellent. They methodically sucked viewers right into their mystery, focused on one man’s encounters with strange new realities as he slowly loses his sanity on a nightmarish journey to find his missing wife. While Apollo (LaKeith Stanfield, of Atlanta ) and Emma (Clark Backo, of Letterkenny ) started out grounded and deeply in love, everything changed after the birth of their first child … Emma changed. Yes, post-partum depression is there, but something else is festering, too, and we aren’t sure what it is. I won’t be a jerk and tell you what happens, but I will go so far as to say Emma mysteriously vanishes not long after giving birth, first mentally, then emotionally, then physically into thin after doing some crazy shit and committing a horrific act. The Changeling is based on a 2017 fantasy horror novel of the same name by American author Victor LaValle . Noting the horror novel’s significant contribution to the genre, American contemporary horror author John Langan said of The Changeling that while yes, it’s a fairy tale, it isn’t the traditional “sanitized and moralistic” take: “[It] flips the script of so many narratives of the fantastic and draws instead on Scandinavian folklore.” THE CONTINENTAL: FROM THE WORLD OF JOHN WICK Sept. 22 on Peacock In the world of John Wick where there exists a layered society of crime lords with a strict hierarchy, The Continental is an exclusive chain of hotels around the world that serves as a neutral ground for members of the assassin underworld. The three-part event series explores the origins behind The Continental through the eyes of a young Winston Scott, who was played by the iconic Ian McShane ( American Gods ) in the John Wick films but is played by Colin Woodell ( The Flight Attendant ) in the TV series. As we follow debonair hotel proprietor Winston Scott's rise to power, The Continental: From the World of John Wick dives deep into the hellscape of 1970s New York City and into Winston’s murky past to reveal how he ascended to one of the High Table’s most trusted key positions. In addition to Woodell, The Continental: From the World of John Wick also stars Mel Gibson ( Braveheart ), Ray McKinnon ( Sons of Anarchy ), Ben Robson ( Animal Kingdom TV series), and Mishel Prada ( Riverdale ). Three 90-minute episodes air weekly starting Sept. 22 with a finale airing Oct. 6. Will it be worthy of the John Wick universe? We shall see. THE MORNING SHOW, Season 3 Sept. 13 on Apple TV Plus In what has turned out to be a really good, dramatic Apple TV series, The Morning Show shines a blinding light on what it’s like in the workplace of an early morning network TV station … okay, probably any news station. While it appears to be exciting and salacious, it also seems like it sucks (no pun intended) in some pretty big ways. Also, we all owe a huge thank you to the people who make early morning television happen, especially the women. So, in the first season of The Morning Show , top morning news anchors Alexandra “Alex” Levy (Jennifer Aniston, of Friends ) and Mitch Kessler (Steve Carell, of The 40-Year-Old Virgin ) see their on-screen “marriage” unravel when he is accused of sexual misconduct in the workplace and forced off the show. As Alex denies knowing what Mitch has been doing and fights to retain her job, she’s paired with a mouthy, impulsive field reporter plucked from obscurity, Bradley Jackson (Reese Witherspoon, of Legally Blonde ), whose hasty decisions on air invite some trouble for the network. Ultimately, some shocking stuff happens, and Alex leaves the show. Season 2 sees the network CEO (Billy Crudup, of Hello Tomorrow! ) attempt to convince Alex to return to The Morning Show just as the COVID-19 panic sweeps the country … and the show itself. We also follow Bradley through her identity crisis. Season 3 promises to be much juicier and sexier, picking up two years later, in March 2022, with Jon Hamm ( Mad Men ) showing up as an Elon Musk-type entrepreneur with a lot of capital to spare, which has Crudup’s character salivating. Really, if you haven’t watched it yet, you should tune in. The Morning Show 's Season 3 airs Sept. 13 on Apple TV Plus. THE OTHER BLACK GIRL Sept. 13 on Hulu This series has some serious Get Out (2017) vibes around it, and I couldn't be more anxious to check it out. Based on the electric debut novel by Zakiya Dalila Harris , The Other Black Girl follows Nella Rogers (Sinclair Daniel, of Insidious: The Red Door ) as the only Black person working at an all-White New York-based publishing company, Wagner Books. When another Black woman, Hazel-May McCall (Ashleigh Murray, of Riverdale ), is hired as an editorial assistant, Nella is excited to have a new friend but soon finds herself sidelined as Hazel is elevated to office darling, leaving Nella in the dust. When Nella soon starts receiving anonymous notes ordering her to leave the company, she begins to suspect that Hazel isn’t exactly what she seems, and thus begins the search for answers to questions concerning both Hazel’s and Wagner Books’ dark pasts. The Other Black Girl debuts Sept. 13 on Hulu. THE WHEEL OF TIME Sept. 1 on Prime Video The epic saga The Wheel of Time , based on Robert Jordan ’s fantasy series of the same name, returns for Season 2, which is reportedly based on Jordan’s second and third books of the series, “ The Great Hunt ” (1990) and “ The Dragon Reborn ” (1991). As the world is falling apart, our Wheel of Time heroes find themselves divided. Rand al'Thor (Josha Stradowski, of High Flyers ) thought he'd vanquished the Dark One, but evil persists and new threats emerge. As young heroes from the Two Rivers find themselves scattered across the world, they're left without their original guide and must look elsewhere for strength. Egwene (Madeleine Madden, of Picnic at Hanging Rock ) is now a novice hoping to work her way up from a lowly servant to Aes Sedai. As the Wheel turns toward the Last Battle, the stakes grow higher, forcing Rand and his friends to confront what's ahead. Good news: Amazon has already said Season 3 is in the works. The Wheel of Time 's Season 2 is currently streaming on Prime Video, with new episodes releasing on Fridays. THE WONDERFUL STORY OF HENRY SUGAR Sept. 27 on Netflix From acclaimed filmmaker Wes Anderson ( Asteroid City ) comes a quirky adaptation of Roald Dahl ’s beloved story about a rich man who learns about a guru who can see without using his eyes. He then sets out to master this extraordinary skill to cheat at gambling. Starring Benedict Cumberbatch ( Doctor Strange ) as Henry Sugar and Ralph Fiennes ( Harry Potter franchise) as Roald Dahl, the short film chronicles a variety of stories but will focus mainly on Henry Sugar, who is able to see through objects and predict the future with the help of a book he stole. The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar looks to be adventurous and fantastical, also starring Ben Kingsley ( Sexy Beast ), Richard Ayoade ( The Mandalorian series), and Dev Patel ( Slumdog Millionaire ). The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar releases in select theaters on September 20, then globally on Netflix September 27. Other Netflix titles streaming in September: Love Is Blind: After the Altar (Sept. 1), Disenchantment , the final season (Sept. 1), Scout’s Honor: The Secret Files of the Boy Scouts of America (Sept. 6), Top Boy , Season 3 (Sept. 7), Virgin River , Season 5 (Sept. 7), Selling the OC , Season 2 (Sept. 8), Wrestlers (Sept. 13), Love Is Blind , Season 5 (Sept. 22), Sex Education , the final season (Sept. 21), Spy Kids: Armageddon (Sept. 22), Castlevania: Nocturne (Sept. 28). WINNING TIME: THE RISE OF THE LAKERS DYNASTY HBO and HBO Max While HBO and HBO Max are adding a stack of AMC Plus titles to their service this month— Killing Eve, Fear the Walking Dead, Interview with the Vampire (Season 1), and A Discovery of Witches —it is slim pickins as far as new releases. However, if you’re looking for something newish to binge, Season 2 of HBO’s bio-drama series Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty is currently airing, features some stellar acting mixed with sex, drama, and basketball, and is definitely worth a watch. The series stars John C. Reilly ( Step Brothers ) as team owner Jerry Buss, Adrien Brody ( Succession ) as Pat Riley, Jason Clarke ( Oppenheimer ) as Jerry West, and Jason Segel ( Forgetting Sarah Marshall ) as Coach Paul Westhead. All of these guys do phenomenal jobs and mad props are given to the actors portraying the stars—namely newcomers Quincy Isaiah ( A Black Lady Sketch Show ) as Magic Johnson and Solomon Hughes, a total newbie to the scene, who plays Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Season 2 of Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty is currently airing on HBO and HBO Max. 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

New Titles Dropping This Month < Back January Streams Keeley Brooks Jan 6, 2023 Share New Titles Dropping This Month A new year brings fresh new content, and there’s plenty of that streaming this month. You didn’t think I was gonna leave this out, did you? Here are some of the hottest titles dropping on some of your favorite platforms this month. Enjoy, my friends. NETFLIX Kaleidoscope – This title hit on Jan. 1. Giancarlo Esposite ( Breaking Bad ) stars in this new heist series that plays with format, interaction, and linearity in a Black Mirror: Bandersnatch / Murderville sort of way. Esposito is a veteran thief after one last payday of 7 billion dollars in dirty money kept in the “world’s safest vault.” Just like Clooney in Ocean’s Eleven , he puts together a team and prepares, but his hidden past with the vault’s security consultant could complicate everything. Also stars Rufus Sewell ( Old, The Man in the High Castle ), Jai Courtney ( Suicide Squad ), Peter Mark Kendall ( Top Gun: Maverick ), and Tati Gabrielle ( You ). The Pale Blue Eye – Dropping Jan. 6, Christian Bale ( Batman ) is back as detective Augustus Landor, who is tasked with solving the gruesome ritual murder of a young West Point cadet in 1830 and putting a stop to a potential scandal for the military school. He engages an eccentric, brooding young cadet named Edgar Allen Poe (eek!!), played by Harry Melling ( Harry Potter series), to infiltrate the ranks and expose the strange happenings. Also stars Robert Duvall, Gillian Anderson ( The X-Files ), Lucy Boynton ( Bohemian Rhapsody ), and Toby Jones (Truman Capote from Infamous ). That 90’s Show – Red and Kitty are back, and this time they’re hosting a basement full of new talent in this sequel series to That 70’s Show . When Eric and Donna’s daughter Leia bonds with new friends, she falls for Jackie and Kelso’s son Jay as she spends the summer of 1995 with her grandparents in Wisconsin and recreates her parents’ philosophical smoke sessions and madcap adventures. Stars all of That 70’s Show cast, minus Danny Masterson who is absent for legal issues, along with some fresh new faces. Streaming Jan. 19 You People – Jonah Hill and Eddie Murphy team up for this comedy about a couple in love, who must get their parents on the same page with each other and on board with a Jewish-Muslim marriage. Also stars Julia Louis-Dreyfus ( Seinfeld ), David Duchovny ( The X-Files ), and Nia Long ( Bad Boys) . Streaming Jan. 27 Also streaming this month: Madoff: The Monster of Wall Street, Season 1 (Jan. 4); Vikings: Valhalla, Season 2 (Jan. 12); and Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, A Journey, A Song (Jan. 26) HULU Death in the Dorm – This documentary tells the true stories of six college students whose lives were cut short by murder: Andrea DelVesco (UCLA), Christian Aguilar (Univ. of Florida), Yeardley Love (Univ. of Virginia), Michael Deng (Baruch College), Samantha Josephson (Univ. of South Carolina), and Katie Autry (Western Kentucky University). Now streaming The Drop – The newest film from the Duplass Brothers ( Safety Not Guaranteed, Room 104 ) … When a happily married couple excited about starting a family travel to a tropical resort for a wedding, things quickly go south when the wife accidentally drops her friend’s baby. The vibe of the friends’ reunion sours as past drama and old wounds surface, throwing the married couple’s future into doubt. Stars Anna Konkle ( PEN15 ), Jermaine Fowler ( Coming 2 America ), Jillian Bell (22 Jump Street ), Utkarsh Ambudkar ( Brittany Runs a Marathon ), Elisha Henig ( The Sinner ), Joshua Leonard ( The Blair Witch Project ), and Robin Thede ( A Black Lady Sketch Show ). Streaming Jan. 13 Extraordinary – This latest superhero sendup unfolds in a world where everyone develops a power on their 18th birthday—except for late-bloomer Jen, who is 25 and still waiting for her power. Frustrated with her dead-end job and flaky hook-up Luke (who can fly), Jen plods through a world of super-strength and hyper-ability in search of her gift. Streaming Jan. 25 Also streaming: Koala Man, Season 1 (Jan. 9), How I Met Your Father, Season 2 (Jan. 24), and National Geographic Investigates: LSD and Psychedelics (Jan. 26) AMAZON PRIME The Rig, Season 1 – Calling to mind John Carpenter classics like The Fog and The Thing , this series features some spooky, unexplainable occurrences on an oil rig in the Scottish North Sea after a mysterious fog rolls in. Soon the entire structure is haunted, and people start suffering psychological breaks. Stars Emily Hampshire ( Schitt’s Creek ) and Iain Glen ( Game of Thrones ). Streaming Jan. 6 Hunters, Season 2 – This alt-history revenge/conspiracy thriller series is back for a final season, three years after everyone got hooked on the Al Pacino pulp tale. Holocaust survivor-turned-philanthropist Meyer Offerman (Pacino) has assembled a team of outcasts to hunt Nazis hiding in 1970’s America, but an accident derails their plans. This season they reunite on an internation mission to track down and kill Hitler, played by Udo Kier ( Swan Song ), who is supposedly hiding in South America and mobilizing an army to establish a Fourth Reich. Also stars Logan Lehrman ( The Perks of Being a Wallflower ), Josh Radnor ( How I Met Your Mother ), Carol Kane ( The Princess Bride ), and Jerrika Hinton ( Grey’s Anatomy ). Streaming Jan. 13 Shotgun Wedding – This action/romcom stars Jennifer Lopez and Josh Duhamel as a wealthy couple trying to navigate the perils of an island destination wedding … right up until a gang of modern-day pirates show up and begin taking hostages, leaving the pair to save the day in a set of increasingly outlandish violent shenanigans. Streaming Jan. 27 Also streaming: Indiana Jones original trilogy (Jan. 1); Endeavour, Season 8 (Jan. 3); The Test, Season 2 (Jan. 13) HBOMax Velma – Mindy Kaling ( The Mindy Project ) voices Velma in a new adult animated mystery series following the nerdy sleuth’s origins before the official formation of the classic Scooby Doo gang … just with a sharper, more serious storyline and a whole new look. Joining Kaling are Sam Richardson ( Veep ), Constance Wu ( Fresh Off the Boat ), and Glenn Howerton ( It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia ). Streaming Jan. 12 The Last of Us – Who HASN’T been waiting on this puppy?!! This long-anticipated series adaptation of the very popular horror video game takes place in 2033, 20 years after humanity was ravaged by a brain fungus that turns its hosts into violent, feral monsters that use echo location to rip survivors apart. Post-apocalyptic mercenary Joel (Pedro Pascal, The Mandalorian ) is hired to escort a teen named Ellie (Bella Ramsey, Game of Thrones ) on a brutal trek across post-pandemic America to a team of doctors who hope that she may hold the cure to the disease. Keep an eye out for Nick Offerman ( Parks and Recreation ), who guest stars as a loner survivalist living in the woods. The plague starts streaming Jan. 15! The Climb – Who doesn’t love watching Jason Momoa do, well, anything? This time he and rock-climbing iconoclast Chris Sharma are hosting a competition to inspire the next great generation of adrenaline junkies: amateur climbers will endure a gauntlet of physical and mental challenges in a contest for a $100,000 prize and a sponsorship from elite outdoor brand prAna. Momoa took up rock climbing to train for several films; his joy and reverence for the sport gives the series a wild, spiritual quality. Streaming Jan. 12 APPLE TV PLUS Servant, Season 4 – M. Night Shyamalan’s psychological thriller is back for a nerve-shredding close with a final installment of supernatural terror. If you haven’t been watching, the series centers around a grieving couple who opens their door for a sinister force in the form of a nanny to enter their home and all hell breaks loose. In season 4, the nanny’s war with the Church of Lesser Saints heats up, threatening the city of Philadelphia and beyond. The grieving couple must confront her instability and evil, and as their home continues to literally crumble, we will learn who the nanny really is, along with the identity of the baby in their home. Stars Lauren Ambrose ( Six Feet Under ), Nell Tiger Free ( Game of Thrones ), a very funny Rupert Grint ( Harry Potter ), and Toby Kebbell ( Wrath of the Titans) . Streaming Jan. 13 Shrinking, Season 1 – Jason Segel ( Forgetting Sarah Marshall ) is Jimmy, a grieving widower and overwhelmed therapist, who stumbles upon a new approach to life: he decides to start breaking the rules and telling everyone exactly what he thinks of them and their problems. His professional peer Dr. Rhodes (Harrison Ford) is less than impressed, but Jimmy throws training and ethics to the wind and finds himself catalyzing profound change in peoples’ lives – including his own. Sometimes, you just need to have a breakdown before you have a breakthrough. Streaming Jan. 27 Also streaming: Mosquito Coast, Season 2 finale (Jan. 6); Echo 3, Season 1 finale (Jan. 13); Superleague: The War for Football (Jan. 13); and Truth Be Told, Season 3 (Jan. 20) PARAMOUNT PLUS Sometimes When We Touch – A new three-part documentary exploring the “reign, ruin, and resurrection” of soft rock, offering the hopeful view that the genre is experiencing one of the most unlikely comebacks in music history. Now streaming Mayor of Kingstown – Taylor Sheridan is back with season 2 of his hit new series, starring Jeremy Renner ( Avengers ), Kyle Chandler ( Friday Night Lights ), Dianne Wiest ( Edward Scissorhands ), and Hugh Dillon ( Flashpoint ). In case you missed season 1, this series follows the McLusky family, power brokers in Michigan led by Renner, where the business of incarceration is the only thriving industry. Tackling themes of corruption and inequality, the series offers a stark look at the family’s attempt to bring order and justice to a town that has neither. Streaming Jan. 15 Wolf Pack – Sarah Michelle Gellar ( Buffy the Vampire Slayer ) trades vampire hunting for investigating sightings as she stars in a new supernatural show from the creator of MTV’s Teen Wolf (no relation). During the chaos of a forest fire in California, a strange creature from the woods bites two high schoolers, who become werewolves. They join two other undercover werewolf teens, abandoned as puppies after a … waaiiit for it … forest fire sixteen years before, to discover the secret that connects them and eliminate the beast that is stalking them. When one of the pack is kidnapped, the others must draw on both sides of their nature to find the cunning and courage to rescue her. Also stars Rodrigo Santoro ( 300 ). Streaming Jan. 26 PEACOCK Poker Face – Starring Natasha Lyonne ( Orange is the New Black ), Adrien Brody ( Succession ), Joseph Gordon-Levitt ( 500 Days of Summer ), Chloe Sevigny ( Zodiac ), Ron Perlman ( Sons of Anarchy ) and Lil Rel Howery ( Get Out ). Lyonne is Charlie, who has an extraordinary ability to determine when someone is lying, hits the road with her Plymouth Barracuda and with every stop encounters a new cast of characters and strange crimes she can’t help but solve. You won’t want to miss this series, I promise. Streaming Jan. 26 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

Miles Nxbxdy pushes the boundaries of hip-hop by challenging expectations and broadening horizons. < Back Miles Nxbxdy: Revolutionizing Hip-Hop Nicole Brice Nov 13, 2023 Share Miles Nxbxdy pushes the boundaries of hip-hop by challenging expectations and broadening horizons. In the bustling world of hip-hop where trends come and go, there are a few artists who stand out with their unique style and unwavering authenticity. One such artist with introspective lyrics set to unconventional beats is delivering the goods by experimenting with the textures most often found in post-punk and industrial music. His name is Miles Nxbxdy. Hailing from New Jersey, born and raised in the heart of the urban landscape, Miles Nxbxdy’s career began in 2017 but did not start to take off until 2018. After meeting producer Jason Freeze in Asbury Park in 2018 at a show, the two began to embark on a working partnership that is still going strong to this day. Credit: YouTube From an early age, Miles was exposed to a rich musical tapestry, incorporating everything from gritty sounds to modern and experimental vibes. Miles weaves narratives with detail and emotional depth and is proving he is unafraid to tackle controversial topics and explore society’s underbelly. Plain and simple, Nxbxdy is an artist unafraid to speak the truth. He’s raw, he’s edgy, he’s honest … and he explores the darkness with carefully orchestrated songs that explore the full depth of human emotions. If I had to describe his music, I would have to categorize it as Art Rap. It does not sound like anything I have ever heard, and it is truly challenging expectations and broadening the horizons of hip-hop by bringing such a fresh perspective to the game. Credit: Jeff Crespi I reached out to Miles recently so I could learn more about his songwriting, his background, and future projects. I was able to chat not only with Miles but also with his producer and partner-in-crime, Jason Freeze, where we discussed the music we love, the music we hate, and the state of the industry in general, as well as what makes up the music of Miles Nxbxdy. With numerous collabs under his belt since 2018, including the likes of Desperry, Gnarly Nonsense of OFFTOPKILLS, and Drew the Recluse & h e a l (Craig Xen & Rico Nasty), Nxbxdy has shown he is unafraid to explore new horizons and the dark and intrapersonal side of rap, and it is refreshing. Take a moment to learn a little more about this artist who is pushing boundaries, then be sure to check out his discography. MaM : I’ve been diving into all your music, and you have released quite a bit since 2017. Tell us a little more about your various projects and what initially led you to making music? MN : It was about 2018 when I started taking music seriously. I have always had a background in it since I play four instruments, but in 2017 I released ‘Don’t 4get to Smile … Bitch’ and then in 2018 I released my album, ‘Free Bird for the Free World’ and that led into ‘Beautiful Scumbags’. When COVID-19 happened, I had to take a pause, but 2018 was when I truly started. I’m sort of a late bloomer. Released September 13, 2019 MaM : Writing lyrics just to have them—did you ever think you would do anything with them? MN : No, not really. … I didn’t take it seriously. When I released ‘Free Bird for the Free World’ was when I started taking it seriously because I was approached after the release by a couple of noteworthy people who liked my music, and their response was positive. I didn’t think it was that good, but when that happened, I thought, ‘Oh! I have talent!’ (laughter) JF : Miles and I have this conversation a lot and I think music is more of a necessity for both of us. It would be harder to stop making music than it is to just make it. Even on days off, when I tell myself I’m going to chill, I end up making a beat. MaM : I think all creative types are like that. We must be constantly creating. Do you have any other hobbies or interests outside of music? MN : I have too many interests and hobbies. (laughter) MN : I’m into anime, manga, comics, and fashion. The cost of fashion is a little much, but I’m big into movies, too. I’ll watch a French film, a Japanese one, a Kai film … it all just depends. Released October 19, 2018 MaM : My husband likes anime, too. Musically, what are your favorite genres and who would you say has been your biggest influence musically? MN : Man, oh, that is a hard question. Right now, I’m really into 2000’s alt-rock. I like post-punk. I like jazz and classical, too. The only thing I’m not really into is opera and modern country. I’d say everything is worth a listen, though. MaM : So, how would you describe the type of music you make? You have such a unique sound. What is your creative process like? Do you write to the beat or do the lyrics come first? MN : We’ve been working a lot the last few years. We have two full albums being mixed right now. Since ‘Beautiful Scumbags’ and ‘Free Bird [for the Free World]’, the music has become more electronic. JF : It has developed more since ‘Beautiful Scumbags’ for sure, and we both have become better at the craft. MN : I generally tell people I make post-rap, though, because it has so many layers. You know when The Clash made ‘London Calling’? That album is considered punk, but some consider it post-punk because of all the elements to it. My music now has so many elements from other forms and styles that I don’t want to call it rap or punk rap or experimental rap because it’s more specific than experimental rap but not as noisy as industrial rap. Credit: Jeff Crespi MaM : I’ll agree with post-rap. I think that’s an accurate way to describe it. With most rap, you can always find a tinge of influence to categorize it, but with you, I just can’t. MN : That was the goal. In 2017, I went into a deep music hole where I got big into Joy Division, Maggot Brain, Janis Joplin, Jane Doe … an amalgamation of all these eclectic artists, but I didn’t want to make their music. I wanted to take elements from all of that. Because my music is so unique, it makes it difficult to push it. JF : Miles will come in with an idea and it always ends up somewhere else. The beat usually comes first, but sometimes he’ll come in with lyric ideas as a starting point. MN : The rule we follow is, ‘Don’t overthink it.’ If we overthink it, it becomes not good every time. Credit: Jeff Crespi MaM : I can agree with that. Do you have plans to collaborate with any specific artists in the future, and if so, who? MN : It’s funny that you ask that. Right now, I’m working on two albums with these artists I am friends with. One is named Braciola and the other is named Gnarly Nonsense. They are both going to be on the upcoming albums. As far as famous artists are concerned, I would love to work with Big K.R.I.T. and Trent Reznor. Trent and Death Grips are the dream. They are both active still, so we’ll see what happens. MaM : Never say never! It could happen! I could see you guys opening for Nine Inch Nails. Let’s manifest that. (laughter) MN : That would be sick. I would also like to work with Tyler, the Creator. Most of the mainstream artists I have no interest in working with. MaM : What is one message you would like to convey with your music? MN : It’s okay to feel. A lot of my music is very emotional and dark. I scream for those who can’t. The whole idea behind Miles Nxbxdy is a play on a John Doe as anybody. I’m Miles Nxbxdy, so in that way, I’m a nobody, but I’ll be that somebody for you. My newer music that isn’t out yet is a long letter to my adolescent self and my childhood self. This is the music we could have used to work through emotions that we didn’t understand [growing up]. Credit: Jeff Crespi MaM : So, when can we expect the new music to drop? MN : That’s a good question. Everything you’ve heard so far is good, but it’s more of a 4 [on a scale of 1-10] and this new stuff is more like a 9. We found someone in Brooklyn to mix it all and Jason found someone to master it. The final vocal mixing was recently, and honestly, we’ve been sitting on this material for some time. JF : We’re aiming to have the music done by the end of the year, but then we must start the process of how it is going to be released. MN : Maybe mid to late January? I’m not sure. 2024 definitely. JF : We don’t want to just put it out there and have nothing happen. We want to find the best way to distribute it. Credit: Jeff Crespi MaM : What does the future hold, you think? Where do you see yourself in the next five years? MN : I’m gonna be big in Japan collecting all the Manga. (laughter) MN : I legitimately believe we’re going to be big in Europe. The landscape of music is very different. I feel they have a different appreciation for music than Americans. It’s more celebrated there and here it’s more monetized. I truly feel Europe will embrace what we are doing first. With a discography spanning from 2017-2021, including numerous releases and with two more currently on the way, Miles Nxbxdy is undoubtedly an artist worth watching in the contemporary hip-hop scene. With his unparalleled authenticity, he continues to push the boundaries of the genre and undoubtedly will inspire other artists to embrace their true selves and use music as a catalyst for change. To experience Miles Nxbxdy, hit one of the links below and be sure to give him a follow on social media. Soundcloud : Stream M I L E S NxBxDY music | Listen to songs, albums, playlists for free on SoundCloud Apple Music : ‎Miles Nxbxdy - Apple Music Instagram : Miles Nxbxdy (@miles_nxbxdy) • Instagram photos and videos Spotify : Miles Nxbxdy | Spotify Amazon Music : Miles Nxbxdy on Amazon Music YouTube : Miles Nxbxdy - YouTube *cover photo courtesy of 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

Bud Gambrell has compiled a journey through music in “Sidetracks Music Hall”—a memoir rich with local history < Back Sidetracks Music Hall by Bud Gambrell: Book Review Nicole Brice Sep 20, 2023 Share Bud Gambrell has compiled a journey through music in “Sidetracks Music Hall”—a memoir rich with local history When Bud Gambrell first contacted me to read his newly published book about the now-defunct Sidetracks Music Hall in Huntsville, Alabama , I had never heard of it … but I was intrigued. After reading the meticulously orchestrated memoir from cover to cover, I became engrossed in the history behind a truly unique establishment that not only touched the hearts of the patrons who frequented the space but also had a lasting impact on the musicians who played there. “ Sidetracks Music Hall ” offers a unique perspective on the magic of those live performances and on the lasting impact of the energy the space provided. Bud’s attention to detail in firsthand accounts from musicians, employees, and fans presents an engaging book that leaves no stone unturned and immerses readers in the vibrant atmosphere that was Sidetracks Music Hall . Though only open for a few years, the venue had a huge impact on the area that persists even today and is felt in the narratives of local musicians and patrons who offer a rare glimpse into the passion and dedication that goes into running a music establishment. Released June 8, 2023 The narrative of “ Sidetracks Music Hall ” seamlessly intertwines Gambrell’s personal anecdotes with the historical evolution of the music space, and through his encounters with renowned musicians—both big names and rising stars—the author offers readers an intimate glimpse into the creative process and the inner workings of the music and restaurant industry. What sets “ Sidetracks Music Hall ” apart is Gambrell’s ability to paint vivid portraits of the artists he met. From poetic songwriters to energetic performers, Bud captures the essence of their unique musical styles and personalities in moments that provide an intimate connection between the reader and the musicians, evoking a deeper appreciation for their craft. Gambrell’s attention to detail pulls the reader into the heart of what Sidetracks Music Hall was, not just to the locals, but to the artists and musicians who frequently took the stage there. It is worth noting that while “ Sidetracks Music Hall ” beautifully captures the spirit of live music, it also touches upon the challenges faced by the industry. Credit: Bud Gambrell “ Sidetracks Music Hall ” is a compelling memoir that takes readers on an unforgettable journey through the world of live music in Alabama . Through evocative storytelling and insightful reflections, Gambrell not only pays homage to various musicians but also sheds light on the unique power of live performances. Whether you’re a devoted music fan or are just simply curious about the magic that happens on stage, this book will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the music that moves us all. In order to get a better feel for the love behind the narrative, I reached out to Bud, who’s also a photographer, for a deeper knowledge of the lasting legacy Sidetracks Music Hall has provided. MaM : Thank you for taking the time to chat with us today. Give us a little background info on you. BG : Well, if I go back to the very beginning, I was born in Louisiana but raised in North Alabama. I’ve been a music lover my entire life and have actually been accused of being a music snob a few times. I’ve looked it up in the Urban Dictionary, too, and the first definition of it is definitely me. I’ve been going to concerts for a long time, and when they first opened Sidetracks Music Hall, I didn’t know that much about it. I knew that they were trying to cater to original bands and musicians, but one day I just started going and it just kind of became a second home to me. It just had something about the place … this aura. It’s hard to explain if you weren’t there, but the atmosphere was amazing. MaM : What gave you the idea to write and compile your book? BG : I actually got my idea when I was at Sidetracks last year. I was there shooting Ace Monroe and I was talking to the road manager. We were discussing my coming up to shoot a show they were playing at the EXIT/IN, and we were sitting at the bar, and I saw a book for this venue right there and the idea came from those who had chronicled and circled back all these bands and acts that had played EXIT/IN. It was around this time, too, that I found out Sidetracks was closing. Various logos of Sidetracks over the years MaM: How long did it take you to compile everything? BG : Well, I started on the book, and within a month, Sidetracks closed. September 4, 2022, was the last night. By the first of October, I had already started doing interviews and talking to people. Around the holidays, though, I almost abandoned it because it was so much, but by the first of the year, I told myself that I needed to finish it. I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it, but the inspiration came about because of my love for the place. It was a true labor of love. MaM : You mentioned photography earlier. Give us a little more info about your work in that arena. BG : Well, I’ve always been a hobby shutterbug ... I remember being in the Boy Scouts and taking pictures with a camera, but I can’t remember the model, and they don’t make them anymore, but it was a Kodak shaped like a box and you had to look down through the top of it and there was a thumb button to take the pictures. So, I would take those cameras on camping trips, and I’ve always had some type of camera around, but three years ago in 2020, to keep from going stir crazy, I got a drone and started with that. Several people told me the photos and videos from it were great and that I should become a professional and the next thing I knew, I was starting a photography business. Ace Monroe with Bud Gambrell at Sidetracks Music Hall. All of the photos on the wall behind them were shot by Bud. MaM : So, where do you like to shoot? BG : Right now, I shoot some local stuff at some bars, but a good bit of what I’m doing is at our local civic center. They’ve got four rooms there, and you’re shooting photos and listening to music, so it never feels like work. I got to shoot Joe Satriani last year, which was a dream show, and I’ve shot Gov’t Mule, Warren Haynes, and ZZ Top, too. Joe Satriani - photo by Bud Gambrell MaM : So, as far as all the bands and musicians that performed at Sidetracks over the years, who was your favorite to see and shoot? BG : Damon Johnson is one. I’ve been a fan of his for over 29 years, since his first or second album came out, and I’ve never had a chance to see him live until he played Sidetracks. Them Dirty Roses was another one, which I mention them a good bit in the book. There are so many, honestly, but if I had to pick just one, it would be Tab Benoit . I’ve actually got a picture on my office wall that I took of him, had blown up, and then had him sign it. MaM : How would you say Sidetracks Music Hall touched you personally? What takeaways do you have from the entire experience of seeing live music performed there? BG : It was the atmosphere. It had a home vibe and just always felt head and shoulders above everyone else. You know, there were nights I would go there by myself, and it was never a consideration whether I should or not because it always felt safe. It felt like home. Some nights, I could go and know half the people there, and some nights I didn’t, but by the end of the night I did. I wasn’t intentionally looking for a new place to hang out when I found Sidetracks, but the more I started going there, the more I realized how awesome the place was. It had this Cheers- type vibe where everyone knew your name, and to be honest, I don’t think I ever saw one fight the entire time I was there. I saw a lot of funny stuff, but never anything bad. Nobody at Sidetracks was ever in a bad mood. To experience the nostalgia of Sidetracks Music Hall yourself and to learn more about the establishment, Bud Gambrell’s book “Sidetracks Music Hall” is currently available for purchase on Amazon. The link is below, so be sure to check it out! The book is currently available via paperback, hardcover, and on Kindle. Side Tracks Music Hall: Gambrell, Bud: 9798396341999: Amazon.com: Books 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

They Deserve ALL the Damn Attention < Back Holmes Holmes Keeley Brooks Dec 12, 2022 Share They Deserve ALL the Damn Attention I watch a lot of content. A whole lot of content. Someone has to, right? Otherwise, how would you people know what good stuff and quality talent is out there, especially in these days of everything-overload? And I love comedy, whether it be stand-up, movies, sitcoms, friends making me laugh—it doesn’t matter. I just love to laugh, often at myself, and that’s precisely what drew me into to the authentically talented and very down-to-Earth, candid queer comedian, improviser, actor, and writer Holmes Holmes (sometimes billed as just Holmes ), the hysterically funny star (and I do mean STAR) of FOX’s new mockumentary sitcom Welcome to Flatch . When Holmes and I spoke, we bonded over toes … broken toes. No, really—I’m serious. We hopped on Zoom to rap about who they are underneath the comedy and talent, their thoughts and opinions on life as it is today, the projects they’re working on, and, of course, the show, but the first place we went was to swapping toe stories, because they were home nursing a broken pinky. “I broke it literally waking up out of my bed, and then I just walked into a weight that was in my room. I have these 10-pound weights that I try to keep … in my room because then when I pass them, I’ll do a rep, because that’s how my brain works, and I just ran into them with my pinky toe and, like, broke her,” Holmes says, right before asking me if I’d ever broken a toe, to which I was honest and said yes. Two of 'em. After hearing about how I embarrassingly broke one of my toes, Holmes started giggling and said I had to include our stories in the article, and because I admire and respect them so much, this Dude shall abide. “I broke it as a teenager at the beach," I started. "I had on this hot little bikini number, and I’d gotten up to try that Baywatch-style run into the water when my foot planted deep in the sand and got stuck, I tripped, and my body went one way and my toes--a particular toe--went the other." It was an epic embarrassment. We laughed and talked more toes before getting back to the interview. Holmes were born in Texas , then lived in Florida , mostly grew up in Omaha , then went back to Florida for college, then (as an adult) Chicago until the pandemic, then on to Kansas City to be with family, and now they’re out in Los Angeles for work. Photo provided by Holmes “[T]he pandemic was horrible and obviously I would never choose for it to happen, but something positive that came out of it was people realizing they can live in different places and still work remotely,” they said. “This industry is also so look-based and shallow, and I’m not like that … it’s not that I hate what I look like … but I like to think about it the least of everything about me. I’d rather spend time thinking about my actions or what I’m creating so I definitely think that living somewhere else will be helpful with that because … you hear so many look-based things when you’re in this city.” As star of the new FOX mockumentary sitcom Welcome to Flatch , which also airs on Hulu and stars Seann William Scott ( American Pie ) and Jaime Pressly ( My Name is Earl ), Holmes plays the lead role of Kelly Mallet . The show follows a documentary crew exploring the lives, dreams, and concerns of residents with eccentric personalities in the small (fictional) American town of Flatch, Ohio . The crew finds more-than-worthy subjects in cousins and best friends Kelly Mallet and Lloyd “Shrub” Mallet , played by the very talented and handsome Sam Straley ( The Dropout ). Ironically enough, Straley’s character’s last name on The Dropout was Holmes , so I find it magically fitting that his co-star in Flatch is literally named Holmes ; they were absolutely meant to be. Kelly and Shrub spend their days hatching schemes and being themselves, and that’s the best part of the show: watching their organic shenanigans unfold. Season 1 Recap: Welcome to Flatch Don’t get me wrong—the entire show and its cast are hilariously funny and worth multiple watches, but there’s something special about the energy oscillating between Kelly and Shrub that just sucks you right in as a viewer. Flatch is Holmes’s first acting role , which is probably shocking to those who watch the show, because they operate with such a high level of comedic talent, you feel like you’re watching a veteran artist, minus the delightfully fresh and youthful appearance. Holmes isn’t just gifted in acting but also has some of the best, most organic improv skills on today’s scene. Not too much trips them up, short of a certain hot-tub scene with her co-stars Sam Straley and Jaime Pressly , and they’re constantly flowing within their own energy and being themselves. Watching them perform is like peering through a glass window into a family home full of hijinks. And love. They. Are. Genius. And everything coming out of their mouth is effortless—so effortless, in fact, it’s easy for a viewer to forget they’re watching a TV show. While Flatch itself is scripted, Holmes says they are allowed some room for improvisation but, honestly, everything Holmes does in the show makes it seem like all of their lines are improvised. That’s how much of a natural they are. And it doesn’t hurt that co-star Sam Straley (Shrub Mallet) is just as golden with comedic timing as Holmes is, so watching them together, feeding off of each other, is pure, unadulterated gut-bursting magic. Courtesy of Fox “I feel so grateful to work with Sam,” Holmes said, “because we both will let ourselves play, and we’re so tired at certain points and we get to places where we play, and I just wouldn’t want there to be anyone else to work with … yeah.” They continued, “It took us a second, [but] now we’re really close. He’s one of my best friends in the whole world. I love him so much. When we first met, I think there was a learning curve for both of us, because I came from improv and it was my second audition, and he came from the acting world very intensely, [and] he did have some improv experience, but all the actor stuff had just sort of really hammered a different style into him.” When asked what filming with Sam is like, they replied, “At first, I was adding lines left and right, and he was like, ‘Whoa,’ and I’d go, ‘Whoa,’ and I was like, ‘Why do you hate me? I’m funny!’ (laughs). But then, we’re both good communicators and we talked about it, and then what happened is that he’s made me a much better actor and he was already a good improviser, but I inspired him to remember he can play [around with improv because] Flatch isn’t like most shows. It’s a place where you can play. And now I really love him. He’s one of my best friends in the world.” Courtesy of Fox They didn’t stop there with their love for Sam: “He’s the best actor I know. He’s so talented. He can play Shrub so well, but it’s wild. When I do self-tapes with him, he can do anything … he can be scary, he can be a hot dick, and then he goes into Shrub, and it’s amazing.” Don’t let Holmes’s humility fool you, though; they are just as amazing to watch and equally as talented, especially for the kind of turn-around time on which the show operates. Holmes says they switch directors every couple of episodes and they film so fast (3-3.5 days/episode), they are constantly learning lines at all times, and that can get intense. But there is room for their improv. “We always get a script … and I’ll always give a take that is the script, but then I go back and add in some Holmes. If they say to take it back, I will, but sometimes they don’t say anything, so I keep doing it that way. Sam and I try to improvise and change it quite a bit.” There’s a fantastic scene in Episode 3 that showcases Holmes’s improv skills, and it’s so hysterically funny, one can’t help but develop an appreciation for their talent and how it carries the rest of the show. If you watch it, it’s the scene where Kelly is making a pitch to Barb (Jaime Pressly) to hire her as an assistant in Barb’s real estate business. Courtesy of Fox The show just aired its second season , which somehow was even funnier than the first, so I had to know how Holmes holds it together on set with Shrub when filming and if people are always breaking character and, respectively, losing their shit. “Well, we don’t hold it together great,” Holmes said through laughter. “I don’t make Sam break. I’ve probably only made him break twice, ever. [Episode 7] was the hardest in the whole entire time of working on the show not to break. When we were in the hot tub and stuff … I’m the worst at breaking of everyone. Sam does not break, really, whereas I really can’t struggle a lot. [In that scene], we were so tired at that point [during filming], and I could barely get through [one take in the hot tub]. I kept laughing because of Shrub’s persona with Barb. Every time I’d talk to him, he’s, like, kissing her ear or something and [that would make me break.]” Holmes went on to tell me a little about what they think is so cool about the show, aside from their co-workers. “I think one of the coolest parts of the entire experience is that all of the camera people are all women, so that is unheard of. It has to do with [Show Creator] Jenny Bicks and [Executive Producer] Paul [Feig] in a lot of ways. He really does care about having things be more equal in the industry than they are.” I have to say it was refreshing to hear that some out there in the industry are fighting for equal rights because they see the importance in it. Holmes landed their role on the show after being discovered on Twitter a few years back. They posted a video that Paul Feig ’s assistant saw and from that, Feig’s people reached out to a place where Holmes used to improv in Chicago and asked them to audition. It was only Holmes’s second audition ever. While we aren't certain which video the assistant saw, Holmes's Instagram page has a ton of reels that'll have you closing your eyes from laughing so hard. You're gonna want to bring a bucket of popcorn for your stay. “I was just doing improv every night and working a normal day job … at a gym selling memberships. I think it’s one of those things where it’s easy to get caught up in the life and find new things to get upset about, because that’s just how life works, but, I mean, I definitely really try to always remember how fortunate and lucky I am and how hard I worked to get to this place so I could be creative for my job,” they said. Something most may not know about Holmes is that they operate daily with both A.D.D. and Anxiety , and they’re very open about it, which is very courageous and inspiring, because more people out there who struggle should feel safe enough to voice their thoughts and feelings. It’s how we heal … one way, at least. “I think it makes me good at my job. I can hyper-focus, and now that I’ve learned about it, for me, moving outside and walking is helpful in controlling my A.D.D. It’s easier for me to think. I like to be moving. And now, because of my toe and not being able to walk, I’ve noticed a lot of my energy ruminating on negative thoughts. Now that I have this knowledge about [my issues], I’m able to realize I’m not in that bad of a place and this is only temporary.” Photo provided by Holmes Anxiety can make doing anything in life tough for anybody, even with basic functions like getting out of bed each morning or going out in public, let alone doing improv in front of a room full of people or playing a character on screen. I had to know how Holmes’s anxiety affected them in their career. “When I first started doing stand-up, because I was alone up there, I’d feel scared for a while [before I’d go on]. In the beginning of anything, I get nervous when I’d first start with art, but I don’t really have that now. I feel my anxiety is the worst within interpersonal relationships in my life. So, if I’m romantically interested in someone, or if I think a friend is mad at me, or I think I’ve disappointed someone close to me, that’s where my anxiety lies, whereas with performing in front of 300 people [who are] strangers, I kind of don’t feel scared. That’s where I love A.D.D.,” they said. “At first, having A.D.D. and Anxiety together was really hard, because they both fight each other. And because we live under capitalism, they cared about the A.D.D. first. So, when I was first getting mental health help, they addressed the A.D.D. and put me on medicine … that makes your heart rate high, and so I’m having these heart palpitations and panic attacks because they were trying to make me focus with the anxiety untreated.” When Holmes got to a stable place with their anxiety, they started looking at their A.D.D. from a different perspective, from someone who wasn’t trying to medicate them for it but instead was trying to teach them about it, and Holmes that really changed their life. “Now I’m able to understand my hyper-focus is a skill, and with A.D.D. specifically, I almost need the anxiety sometimes. I need the pressure to come alive. … For me, to write new material, I normally sign myself up for a bunch of shows or reach out to people, because then I know I have the show coming, so now I have to get it done, so I use A.D.D. and Anxiety together [now], where [before] it used to be a thing I felt so paralyzed by both that I couldn’t do anything.” Holmes has a solid network of support around them though, from friends, to family, to co-workers, to fellow comedians, and though Holmes loves acting, their heart lies deep in improvisation, and they credit long-form improv with saving their life. “Being able to be so free with my energy for years on stage in Chicago allowed me to release feelings through characters, and that saved me,” they said. “Laughter saves my life … and I feel ok right now, because I think I have such an amazing community [with comedians] and not just actors. I think if it was just actors all the time, it would feel harder, and it’s not their fault, because they’re getting self-taped in ways that describe them that aren’t true. I say no to a lot of self-tapes, because I’d rather spend time creating stuff, because it’s hard knowing you can create amazing and do amazing, but they see you in this box. That’s why I’m grateful to be a comedian, you know, because my comedian community doesn’t do that. It feels like we’re all making each other laugh and supporting each other.” Photo provided by Holmes Some of their favorite comedians and influences include Kate Berlant and John Early . Holmes recalls seeing their videos in college and remembering they were some of the first people they saw who made Holmes feel like they could make their weirdness mainstream. They’re also “super-inspired” by Issa Rae . “Not only is she so funny, but she’s groundbreaking,” Holmes said. “She changed TV for Black people completely. I look up to her both as a comedic influence and an icon.” Then there’s Maria Banford . “I look up to her because she talked about mental health so much in such a hilarious way, that I remember seeing when I was younger that meant the world to me. I really recommend her special on Netflix called The Special Special Special. She does it just for her parents. It’s just so weird and funny, and she’s so honest about it.” Michaela Coel also made a huge impression on Holmes . Coel made the show I May Destroy You on HBO . Holmes says she’s such an influence on them, because she takes time away from the public eye between projects and encourages others to make self-care a priority and do the same. “She has two shows: Chewing Gum and I May Destroy You, and both of them she took a break between and went offline, then came back with the best product ever and … she encouraged people not to be afraid to take time away. I just love her. I need to remember that because on purpose, this industry just wants to make money all the time, and every industry in America wants you to keep making money for them, so they don’t care about the quality of the art, and I just need to have people I can remember saying [that self-care is important].” Holmes also credits her friend Molly Kearney with being a favorite and an influence. You might best recognize Kearney as the newest cast member on Saturday Night Live and the first openly nonbinary cast member . Woohoo! And, like Holmes , she is brilliantly fun to watch. In discussing gender identity and commenting on seeing the world in terms of gray vs. black and white, and in terms of identifying as only male or female or this way or that, Holmes had this to say: “I feel like every day is a different energy I try to listen to, and it’s also a good reminder because before you have words for things, you can’t explain them, and that doesn’t mean they don’t exist, and so for me, as I get older, I want to be cautious and conscious about learning new stuff younger people are telling me about because I don’t want to be fighting change.” Photo provided by Holmes They continued, “I just feel so fortunate to be a comedian. Some days I feel funny, and some days I want to create other types of art, so I see myself as an artist more than a comedian but being a comedian does save my life because of the community. When I’m not in the mood to do stand-up, I’ll continue having it as part of my career, always, because of the community and because of getting to be around people multiple times a week, who are just the funniest people alive right now. I’m part of an alternative scene, so I do get to be around queer people [and] I get to be around people who aren’t just the nightmares in stand-up. I get to be around the boys in stand-up. … Life is just so dark in many ways, and I think getting to be around funny people is just so healing.” As far as what the role of Kelly Mallet means to them, Holmes paused then offered, “My siblings say that Kelly [has] always lived inside of me. I … had similarities to [her] in middle school, but [she] is a lot more confident than me, [but] it’s really nice to play her because she’s more masculine and more easily satisfied, and her resilience amazes me because she bounces back really fast.” Photo courtesy of Fox Holmes said playing Kelly is really fun and really freeing, but they noted there are differences. “… I think I knew who she was at [my] core, so that’s how I was able to play her for auditions and improvise with her … I wish more people were like her, honestly. She totally changed my life … and she’ll always be a part of me.” Holmes added they are truly grateful for FOX and Hulu and the show’s creators, as well as fellow mega co-stars Seann William Scott and Jaime Pressly , who’ve both given great industry advice when it was most needed. Photo courtesy of Fox Currently, the naturally gifted improv genius just wrapped up a benefit show in Kansas City with dear friend and improv collaborator Caleb Hearon to raise money for Kansas City residents who are unhoused. Holmes is also working on another KC-based project with Caleb , Jax Media , and Our Lady J , and they’re also working on an hour-long stand-up special for a tour. Wherever you can find Holmes online, on TV, in a club, or randomly doing humble, cool shit to help those in need, I strongly encourage you to sit still and engage in soaking up their talent and positive energy. It’s genuinely one of the funniest, most natural, and relatable experiences you’ll ever have. This comedic badass is one worth noting, following, madly supporting, and telling all your friends to watch. I know it sounds like I’m totally crushing on them and, I’ll be honest, I kind of am, but you will, too, as soon as you watch their stand-up, TikTok videos, Instagram videos, movie shorts, and, of course, Welcome to Flatch , then get sucked into what they’re doing simply because they’re just being who they are. And that, my friends, is genuine talent that is beyond refreshing. So, come with me and jump all up on their bandwagon. The party’s just getting started. For more information on Holmes: Website: www.holmeshome.me HOLMES All the info you could possibly want and need about Chicago-based comedian, actress, and writer Holmes Holmes. Instagram @_holmes_holmes TikTok @_holmes_holmes And if you haven’t seen Welcome to Flatch , you can catch that on FOX, Hulu, Spectrum TV, Vudu, Prime Video, or Apple TV. 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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Escape Your Fate blends alt-rock energy with undeniable conviction. < Back Reviews on the Real: Escape Your Fate by Caustic Waves Nicole Brice Sep 9, 2025 Share Escape Your Fate blends alt-rock energy with undeniable conviction. Released on September 5, 2025, ' Escape Your Fate ' makes a thunderous entrance, showcasing the strong alternative rock sound that Caustic Waves is becoming known for. This head-nodding track is filled with fuzzy guitars and a captivating groove. It’s truly impressive that Neil handles all the instruments and recordings himself for Caustic Waves . He is a remarkable Renaissance man . Released September 5, 2025 As a standout act, Caustic Waves is steadily building a reputation with their distinctive take on alternative rock , tailored for a new generation. They aren't just playing alternative rock; they are redefining it for an audience eager for something authentic. Neil’s voice, echoing shades of Brandon Boyd from Incubus , serves as the heartbeat of ' Escape Your Fate ,' providing the song with a timeless yet contemporary energy. One notable aspect of Neil’s compositions is that there is no build-up; each song kicks off with energy right from the start. The phrase “Trapped in a cage, there is no escape” resonates in my mind as I reflect on ' Escape Your Fate ' further. Around the 2:15 mark, an incredible guitar solo elevates the song to a new level, paving the way for Neil’s vocals to soar back in, continuing the strong lyrics and message. The official video for 'Escape Your Fate' by Caustic Waves ' Escape Your Fate ' showcases Neil at his best, blending his Boyd-like vocal grit with Caustic Waves’ heavy alt-rock energy, all delivered with undeniable conviction. Stream ' Escape Your Fate ' now and get ready for the full EP release in October. I know we can't wait for that! To learn more about Caustic Waves: Spotify: Caustic Waves | Spotify Bandcamp: Music | Caustic Waves YouTube: CAUSTIC WAVES - YouTube Apple Music: ‎Caustic Waves - 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? Reach us at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Keyton's music is delivering emotional songwriting with energetic delivery as he prepares to embark on a mini tour. < Back Off the Charts: Keyton Bud Gambrell Sep 10, 2024 Share Keyton's music is delivering emotional songwriting with energetic delivery as he prepares to embark on a mini tour. Before introducing you to Keyton , I will give you some background on how and when we met. This story begins in 2023. I was preparing for my Sidetracks book launch at Rocket Republic on July 15, 2023. Keyton took time to come by and support me in purchasing a book. I will tell you this now because that book will appear later in the interview. Our second meeting came while I was on location taking photographs at Huntsville’s Porch Fest . Porch Fest is an annual community event held in Five Points. This year, it was held on May 04, 2024. It was a busy day for me as I was shooting porches up and down Pratt Ave. As I was at Porch #3 , I ran into Keyton again. I took time, and we had a nice but short conversation. I gave him my card and told him to call me, and we would meet sometime. This story now leads us up to August 20, 2024. I received a message from Keyton. “Hey Bud! Remember when you told me to hit you up when I had some stuff going on? Well, here I am! I've got a tour coming up in mid-September, and I just released a vinyl last month!”. I was deciding what the following article would be, and lo and behold, it fell out in front of me like Newton and his falling apple. Keyton and I decided to meet on a Sunday afternoon in downtown Huntsville. We met at BeeZr , a local pub/microbrewery. If you can visit BeeZr , grab a beer and order the crawfish tail and sausage cheesecake. It is delicious! Although Keyton and I had only met twice before, our conversation began and continued on like we were longtime friends with the interview lasting only 15 minutes, and after that we sat and talked even more for nearly two hours. In our conversation, we discussed everything from him using one name as his stage persona to his musical beginnings, the recording of the new album, and the new tour. We also briefly discussed his college education, and he informed me that he graduated from Jacksonville State with a B.S. in Chemistry. Go ahead! As I am curious, my first question was about using one name for your stage persona. Keyton does have a surname, Fike, but onstage, he goes by just Keyton. Read on to learn more. Credit: Bud Gambrell OTC : Tell me why you use just one name as a musician and performer. KF : Well, I’m a mix between a person and an artist. I never intended for it to be like Madonna or Prince , but when I played my first show in 2005, my friend designed the flyer for it, and it had the bands playing, and it just said, Keyton. That's it. And I was like, I didn't have a band then. I didn't have a solo project then, just Keyton. I was like, alright, Keyton, it is. And that spiraled into shirts, CDs, buttons, and all the merch, and on and on. It's just something that I assumed. It's different from a performer's standpoint. The people at shows get to see the true artist. I know it sounds wild because it's like Prince, but from a musician's standpoint, it's emotional songwriting with energetic delivery. Credit: Bud Gambrell OTC : So, is only going by Keyton onstage like your true persona as an artist, you think? KF : Yeah, it is. And it was never intended to be that way, but I've just assumed it. People know me as The Musician when they hear my name. And it's a unique name, too. I wish I could say I had something to do with it being named that, but I didn't. It was just a thing that happened. OTC : Well, you were there, of course. (laughter) KF : I didn't get to weigh in, though. (laughter) OTC : What got you into music? KF : I grew up in a household that always had music going. Neither of my parents played music, per se, but my dad was really into classic rock . He also liked The Black Crowes and AC/DC . He also liked Blues musicians like B.B. King . I remember that being on the radio when he was outside working on cars and stuff like that. And then my mom was into being in the choir at church. So, I also started singing at church, and from the young age of four or five years old, I would always sing and play toy guitars, so it's always been a part of me. My sisters sang as well, especially at church. They had a lot to do with it. It's just part of me, and it always will be, and I'm thankful for that. Credit: Bud Gambrell OTC : Tell me about your music, and what inspired you to write the songs on your latest release. KF : Yep, so writing songs took a different approach this time around. I took a co-writing approach, the first time I've ever done that in my career. An artist named Billy the Kid , who used to play on the Vans Warped Tour , actually was a big part of the process this go-round. Billy is exceptional, and did a couple of other remarkable things in the Canadian music scene, too. For a time, she lived in Harvest , near me, before moving to Michigan recently. She was kind enough to write a couple of songs with me, and she has fantastic contacts also. We recorded it at the Pentavarit studio in Nashville . We went up there to record, and she asked whether I wanted some studio musicians to play on the song, which I agreed to, so she made a couple of phone calls, and the next thing I knew, I was in the studio with Jack Lawrence from The Raconteurs , which is Jack White 's band, and Atom Willard from Alkaline Trio , a renowned punk rock band I've listened to for years. It was a fantastic experience! OTC : I know you're about to hit the road in support of your new album. Tell us a little about that and what we can expect. KF : The tour is going to be ten shows in 14 days. Technically, it kicks off on the 13th of September at The Camp in Huntsville, AL , but man, booking a tour is a tiring process. I don't know if you ever make cold calls to people who don't know who you are; they don't know anything about you. But it's like cold emailing venues and asking them if they'd have you on a particular night. And sometimes it's easier than other times because the weekends are hard to come by. Getting shows on weekends in towns where you've never really made a name for yourself can get discouraging. You spend hours and hours sending out emails to people over and repeatedly: just different cities and different towns. On top of that, I try to fill out the dates with local bands, so it's not just me playing. They'll have a draw, and the bars or venues are excited for me to be there and have a night of music. So yeah, that starts on the 13th. After that, we're going to Memphis, and then we'll go to New Orleans. Then we're going to play Orange Beach, and after that, I believe Anniston is a little east of Birmingham. And then north Atlanta and then got a couple of dates in North Carolina and Virginia. So, it's kind of a big loop coming back to Huntsville. Credit: Bud Gambrell OTC : Are there any venues that you've been to before that you're looking forward to getting back to, or are there any venues that you've booked that you're looking forward to playing at for the first time? KF : Yep, the venue in Charlotte that stands out for this tour is called The Milestone . If you go and look at the website , you will see that they keep a very detailed catalog of all the people that have played there. Nirvana is the one that immediately comes to mind. I will be playing on the same stage Nirvana played. It is impressive. The Milestone has been there for years and years, and it's kind of an underground, rock' n' roll, DIY venue that has persisted through the 60s until today. I can't wait to play at that place! OTC : Is this tour with a full band or a solo acoustic? KF : This will be a solo acoustic tour. It'll just be me and the person I have coming to sell merch along the way. And, you know, do a little heavy lifting when it comes to unloading and packing up at the night's end. It's hard to do by yourself and keep an eye on everything to ensure nobody walks off with a guitar or other things. It's hard to be in two places at once, so an extra set of hands and eyes will be handy. Credit: Bud Gambrell OTC : What is it about music that makes you feel passion? KF : When it comes to playing acoustic guitar, it's the rawest form of music you'll ever get. It is the closest to an idea in your head and playing chords that it will ever be. Because that's how many people write the songs, they'll sit down with an acoustic guitar and tab it out. They'll write out the lyrics and representation of that body of work. There's something to be said for playing with a full-band amplified version, but the most raw, poetic version you'll get of a song is acoustic. OTC : Yeah, I agree. Before we go any further, there's one of your videos on YouTube , and at the beginning of that video, there are some books on the table and one of those I recognized. How did that book get in that video? (laughter) KF : Ok, you got to be referring to the Sidetracks book. OTC : Yes, that's right. KF : So that book was incredible because I got a chance to go to Sidetracks a few times over the years before they closed. And I went to the release that you had. It was at Rocket Republic . Available NOW on Amazon.com OTC : That’s right. KF : The book was released, and it was vital for me to buy and own a copy. And because it encapsulates local music and music, you can see artists that have grown through the years. You can see artists that remain local legends. For me, it's a remarkable representation of that specific amount of time that Sidetracks was open, and you know, there's a little history in there, too. I'm a history nerd in music stuff, too. So that helped out as well. But yeah, that stack of books was just something that came up, and they wanted to have a scene that was like in a living room, and so I was looking around in my living room, and I had a couple of pieces of furniture. I guess I'll get this, I think I'll get this lamp, and I looked over there on my bookshelf, and that was one of the ones that I was like, Ok, yeah, I have to get this one little local flavor in there for the people that pay attention to that kind of stuff, and of course, I pointed it out. I pointed it out in one of those social media posts that I did, you know? Check out the stack of books. OTC : Yeah, on Instagram. That's how I knew it was there. KF : Right. And there are a couple of others. Unfortunately, I don't remember what they were at the time, but there were a couple of other books in there that were cool pieces of music history that pertained to me, too. OTC : I will link that video in the article, and we will point out that my book is in the video. KF : Yeah, of course. It's an official music video that has your book in it . I mean, how much cooler can it get? OTC : What do you like most about the life of a musician? What do you like the least? KF : The late nights I enjoy. However, late nights can also be rough the following day. It's kind of like burning the candle at both ends, especially, you know, on tours, if you know you're going to have to get up and drive five hours the next day, it's always good to know where you're going to be staying at the time. So it might be an air mattress or on somebody's couch, which, as you know, cannot be the best sleep you've ever had. So those late nights add up if you do it night after night. And mainly if you lie down and can't go to sleep. That's the worst thing. You can't control that sometimes, and it becomes increasingly apparent how people like Elvis became reliant on legal or non-legal substances to help them go to sleep and then help them wake up the next day. I couldn't imagine being on a sleep schedule that didn't work out night after night. The late nights are a blessing and a curse, but I wouldn't trade them for anything! Credit: Toby Satterfield OTC: What's the best piece of advice that another musician has given you? KF : Find a mentor. Find somebody who's been through the trials you're going through or will go through, listen to them, and hear the advice they have to give because they've been there before. They know what life is about. They know how it is, booking shows and shows out of town and being prepared for things and not for certain things. It's like listening to them so you don't have to make the same mistakes. But listening is an integral part of that aspect. Credit: Christina Wegman OTC: What are your plans for the remainder of 2024 going into 2025? What do you want to accomplish? KF : I'd like to release another EP. I will start writing hard and heavy when I return from this tour. The local shows might be a little less frequent than they have been, but I will start focusing on writing diligently and then getting back into the studio and recording something local. Nashville is cool. But Huntsville has grown, and there's a lot of talent, and you also know Decatur . I want to explore the local flavor a little more. OTC : Where do you do your best songwriting? What mood or atmosphere do you need to be in? KF : It's a mix. Sometimes, you sit down, and the song falls out. And you're thinking, oh my God, I can't believe I just wrote that down, and this came out of my brain. But other times, it's revolving around an event, and sometimes it's just more important to capture what you're going through then. You might not be able to write a song if you happen to be going through something. But capturing those ideas is essential, and you can always come back and revisit them later. Usually, those life-changing moments are the best songs if you capture them. OTC : Do you have anything else you want to say or add so that readers will know more about you or anything you have coming up? KF : If you want to keep track of me, go to keytonmusic.com or look up Keyton Music on all the socials. You know, Facebook , Instagram , all that good stuff. And yeah, listen to a couple of the songs, and maybe catch me live, too, if I come to your town. This interview with Keyton was delightful for me. It was one of those days where it honestly didn’t feel like work. We shared a couple of beers over a good conversation. We shared a few stories in our conversation that are not covered here. We may still be sitting there chatting if we didn’t have to move on with our lives. The bottom line here. Get to one of Keyton’s shows . He plays with an energetic but heartfelt style that will keep you entertained. Until next time, Keep your diamond down in the groove! Where to find Bud: Email : the_budgambrell@mixedaltmag.com Website : 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. Amazon : https://a.co/d/1CLA9Tz Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/bud.gambrell Where to find Keyton: Website : keytonmusic.com Keyton | Indie Musician | Official Website Official website of rock musician Keyton. Music, Biography, Contact, Live Concert Dates, Photos, and more from the Alabama indie acoustic artist.... *Cover photo by Morgan Worsham Questions or comments? Reach out to mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

What's Hot and Streaming in March < Back A Whole New Crop of Shows Keeley Brooks Mar 3, 2023 Share What's Hot and Streaming in March Ahh, Spring doth approacheth, my friends, and with it comes an entirely new crop of titles to explore, and take it from me, March has A TON in store—so much, in fact, I couldn’t even list it all here for you. What I did do, though, is take some sweet time to compile the hottest titles worth exploring. Here’s what’s dropping over the next few weeks. Succession, Season 4 – The Roy Family drama finally returns for its fourth and final season, which will deal with the conflict of the sale of media conglomerate Waystar Royco and the effects it has on the Roy family and their personal relationships. And don’t forget that huge decision Shiv's husband Tom (Matthew Macfayden) faces: Will he side with his powerful father-in-law Logan in the battle for company control, or will he side with his wife, who is against selling the company? The power struggle between the Roy siblings has shaped their industry since the beginning and has left fans dying to know what will unfold and how it will all play out. Premieres March 26 on HBO and HBO Max. Perry Mason, Season 2 – After a three-year hiatus, Matthew Rhys ( The Americans ) is back in rare form as famous hard-drinking private detective turned crusading lawyer Perry Mason. Now under new management, we see the show moving fully into the law world. In this gritty origin story set in Depression-era Los Angeles, he’s both ornery and horny as ever as he works to find justice in a world where corruption has taken over. Premieres March 6 at 9 p.m. on HBO and HBO Max. Daisy Jones and the Six – Adapted from author Taylor Jenkins Reid’s novel into a limited series, the story focuses on a successful rock band in the 1970s falling apart because of rocky relationships between some of its members—but no, it is not a biopic of Fleetwood Mac. Daisy Jones and the Six follows the band’s epic rise and fall, then picks up decades later when the Six finally reveal the truth about what really happened. Premieres March 3 on Prime Video. Chris Rock: Selective Outrage – In the platform’s first ever live-streamed event, Chris Rock takes the stage in this new stand-up special , sans any bitch slaps from Will Smith. Netflix will offer pre- and post-shows, featuring Ronnie Chieng, Leslie Jones, Deon Cole, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, JB Smoove, and Arsenio Hall. Airs March 4 at 10 p.m. on Netflix. Mae Martin: SAP – Also releasing a new stand-up special this month is Comedian Mae Martin, whom you might recognize from HBO’s The Flight Attendant or the Netflix series Feel Good . Premieres on Netflix March 28. School Spirits – This supernatural teen drama centers on main character Maddie, who finds herself dead and stuck in an afterlife limbo where she’s trapped in her high school. While no one else seems to be able to see her, she discovers a group of other teen ghosts also trapped at the school and they soon form a support group of sorts. As Maddie tries to solve her own murder, she must try to figure out a way beyond the limbo. Streaming March 9 on Paramount Plus. Murder Mystery 2 – Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston reunite as an ordinary couple who find themselves caught up in a thrilling investigation is this rom-com sequel to 2019’s Murder Mystery. They’re now both private detectives launching their own agency, who soon find themselves as the center of an international investigation when a friend is abducted. Streaming March 31 on Netflix. MH370: The Plane That Disappeared – Back in 2014, a plane with 239 people on board vanished into thin air from all radar. This docuseries delves deep into one of our greatest modern mysteries: Flight MH370. Lands on Netflix March 8. Rabbit Hole – A new spy series is here, if that’s your thing. Kiefer Sutherland is James Weir, a private espionage operative who finds himself in the midst of a battle over the preservation of democracy in a world at odds with misinformation, behavioral manipulation, the surveillance state, and the interests that control these extraordinary powers. Sneaks into Paramount Plus March 26. The Big Door Prize – A small town is forever changed in this comedy when a mysterious machine appears, promising to reveal everyone’s true potential. Soon, residents start changing jobs, rethinking relationships, and questioning long-held beliefs. Stars Chris O’Dowd ( Bridesmaids ). Premieres March 29 on Apple TV Plus. YOU, Season 4 - Part 2 – Part 1 of Season 4 aired a few weeks ago, then left us hanging after five episodes. I gotta say, this mid-way break in our shows is bullshit! There. I said it. The first half of Season 1 saw the murderous tables turned on Joe as he was taunted by a mysterious murderer offing people in a certain wealthy social circle. The “Eat the Rich” killer turned out to be charming author and aspiring politician Rhys Montrose (Ed Speleers, Outlander ), and now Joe has to figure out how to escape being framed for Rhys’s misdeeds while at the same time protecting his love interest, Kate. Part Two airs March 9 on Netflix. Waco: American Apocalypse – This immersive three-part docuseries is the definitive account of what happened in Waco, Texas, in 1993 when cult leader David Koresh faced off against the federal government in a 51-day siege that began with the biggest gunfight on American soil since the Civil War. The fiery inferno that ensued was aired live on national television to a nation of shocked, horrified viewers. Streaming March 22 on Netflix. Money Shot: The Pornhub Story – In the hopes of presenting a substantial dive into both the good and bad of the porn site, this film features interviews with performers, past employees, activists, and more. Pornhub is the internet’s most famous adult entertainment platform, because it fundamentally changed how porn is made and distributed. But for every bit of success they saw, there were also scandals. Many, many, many scandals. Airs March 15 on Netflix. Luther: The Fallen Sun – A continuation of the British television series Luther , this film stars Idris Elba in a crime thriller that sees disgraced police detective John Luther sitting behind bars for using illegal means to catch criminals. Haunted by his failure to capture the cyber psychopath who now taunts him, Lutherbreaks out of prison to hunt down the sadistic serial killer terrorizing London. Premieres March 10 on Netflix. Shadow and Bone, Season 2 – After two years, the fantasy series based on Leigh Bardugo’s books is finally returning to the Grishaverse. In Season 1, sinister forces plotted against a young soldier after she revealed a magical power that may unite her world. Of course, they bolt. Season 2 finds Alina and best friend Mal still on the run from the Darkling, General Kirigan. As the Sun Summoner, Alina can eliminate the Shadow Fold, the dangerous expanse of darkness that divides their kingdom, but Kirigan has gained more power and is a bigger threat than ever. In order to beat him, Alina and Mal travel to new lands in search of new allies. Premieres March 16 on Netflix. History of the World, Part II – Mel Brooks reportedly never actually intended to make a sequel to the 1981 smash hit History of the World, Part I . The title itself was meant to be a joke, yet here we are 40 years later on the cusp of a sequel. Brooks gave Nick Kroll his blessing to continue the film that spoofs different events from history, and you will see Brooks acting and credited as a writer. This sensational cast features Seth Rogen, Taika Waitit, Josh Gad, Ike Barinholtz, Wanda Sykes, Danny DeVito, Quinta Brunson, David Duchovny, Sarah Silverman, Johnny Knoxville, and Sam Richardson, to name a few. The four-night anthology event series is set to explore satirical versions of an array of historical figures, like Noah of the Ark, Sigmund Freud, and William Shakespeare. Premieres March 6 on Hulu, with two new episodes premiering every following day until the finale on March 9. UnPrisoned – This half-hour dramedy is a dysfunctional family sitcom focusing on the struggles that former prison inmates have when the time comes for them to readjust to modern society and reconnect with their friends and families. Kerry Washington ( Scandal ) plays Paige, a single mother and therapist who undergoes a dramatic life change when her father, Edwin (Delroy Lindo, Gone in Sixty Seconds ), is released from prison. Now living with his daughter and grandson, he must find a way to reforge the bonds he once had with those he loves. Season 1 drops March 10 on Hulu. Boston Strangler – Led by Oscar-nominated Kiera Knightley ( The Imitation Game ), this true-crime thriller follows a reporter for the Record-American newspaper, who becomes the first journalist to connect the Boston Strangler murders. As the mysterious serial killer continues his spree, journalist Loretta McLaughlin (Knightley) and her colleague and friend Jean Cole (Carrie Coon, The Sinner ) find themselves hindered by the rampant sexism of the Sixties. Nevertheless, they bravely pursue the story at great personal risk to uncover the truth. Arrives on Hulu March 17. Great Expectations – This Tom Hardy-produced series of the Charles Dickens’ classic novel is once again adapted for the screen, this time by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight. The coming-of-age tale focuses on Pip, a poor orphan who years for a better life. He is chosen to visit wealthy, eccentric spinster Miss Havisham (Olivia Colman, The Crown ), then meets and falls for her beautiful but cold adopted daughter Estella. Wanting to become a gentleman to win her over, Pip is thrilled when he receives funding from a mysterious benefactor, but his fortune is short-lived when the truth about his inheritance is revealed. Episodes one and two air March 26 on Hulu, with a new episode premiering every following Sunday until April 23. Yellowjackets, Season 2 -This addictive blend of mystery box thriller, survival drama, and coming-of-age tale returns and has a new cast member in tow: everyone's favorite hobbit Elijah Wood. The first season saw an endless spiral of theories about what really happened in the 90’s timeline when the high school girls’ soccer team crashes and is left stranded in the wilderness. Ritualistic cannibals, anyone? The present-day timeline is a consuming exploration of the survivors’ psyches, and you can absolutely expect dynamic performances from Melanie Lynskey ( The Last of Us ), Christina Ricci ( Wednesday ), and Juliette Lewis ( Natural Born Killers ). Premieres Friday, March 24 on Showtime. Extrapolations – In the near future, the effects of climate change have become embedded into people’s everyday lives. Eight interwoven stories explore the intimate, life-changing choices that must be made when the planet is changing faster than the population. Stars Meryl Streep, Sienna Miller, Kit Harington, Diane Lane, Edward Norton, Tobey Maguire, and Forest Whitaker, among other A-listers. Drops March 17 on Apple TV Plus. Ted Lasso, Season 3 – Get ready for all the feels this season as Jason Sudeikis returns as head coach of British soccer team AFC Richmond. Despite their advancement to the Premier League at the end of season two, all is not well. Coach is still battling anxiety on the field, and everything everywhere is still going wrong. Nate turned traitor to side with Rupert Mannion, and the flames of the weird love triangle with Roy, Keeley, and Jamie are still burning bright. Season 3 is rumored to be the final season of the series (though spinoffs seem possible), so have your Kleenex ready to wipe away your tears and snot through all the laughs. Returns March 15 on Apple TV Plus. Lucky Hank – Man, Better Call Saul left a gaping hole in our hearts when it ended last year, but there’s hope Bob Odenkirk’s new dramedy will be a worthy consolation. Based on Richard Russo’s novel “Straight Man,” the story centers around grumpy and “difficult” William Henry “Hank” Devereaux Jr., chairman of the English department at the fictional Railton College, as he navigates a mid-life crisis. He consistently finds himself involved in irritating situations, from an encounter with an aggressive goose to a public call-out for belittling students. Oh, and his wife is ready to move on, with or without him. Premieres March 19 on AMC and AMC+. The Mandalorian - The long-awaited thrid season brings more space adventures for Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and his adorable sidekick Grogu. Now free from Moff Gideon (Giancarlo Esposito), Djarin is returning to Mandalore to seek forgiveness for breaking his people's core tenants by removing his helmet. Meanwhile, Grogu's Jedi training is on hold, and a bigger threat looms as Bo-Katan Kryze (Katee Sackhoff) lusts after that Darksaber. Now streaming Wednesdays on Disney Plus. Tetris – While video game shows and movies ( The Last of Us, Uncharted ) have been direct adaptations, Tetrisis more about how the iconic and obsessively popular game was made. Taron Egerton ( Black Bird ) stars as game publisher Henk Rogers, who risked it all to sign a deal for Tetris. Egerton has spoken publicly on how the film will have a tone similar to that of The Social Network , and the film promises to be so full of nostalgia and drama it could turn out to be the best movie you didn’t know you needed to see. Premieres March 31 on Apple TV Plus. 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

Coming Soon! < Back Off the Charts Bud Gambrell Mar 17, 2023 Share Coming Soon! Hello to all! I hope you are here and curious about what Off The Charts is. Well, I’m going to attempt to explain what our goals here are. I am glad you’re here! My name is Bud Gambrell and I live in North Alabama. I am a published writer in several magazines and I have written a book, too. I also am a photographer who shoots mainly concerts big and small. In this maiden voyage of Off The Charts , I will attempt to lay out what you can expect from this column. What you will read here will be about bands that you may never have heard of from Alabama and the surrounding areas. That’s the point of the title. Off The Charts. The title embodies my goal. The bands included here are not on the charts, yet. I will be attempting to expose lesser-known acts with the hopes of you discovering new music that you enjoy. The articles that will periodically be posted here may include a concert review with pictures. Pictures are my favorite! The articles may also include interviews with any artists who are willing to sit down and have a talk. I may even branch out and attempt to get news out about new releases including singles and albums. Yes, I’m old school. I still call them albums. Listening to a new streaming release will be a good way to discover exactly what you are looking for. When I was first approached about starting this column, the intent was to focus on Outlaw Country. I thought, what a great idea! Then, as I thought more about it, I felt that there is so much more good music out there that deserves exposure. The genres that you can expect to read about will include Outlaw Country as well as good old Rock ‘N Roll. You will read about Southern Rock which is one of my favorites, too. We may even dive into some Blues. The point is to expose those hard-working men and women out there hustling to keep us entertained. One thing that you will not see here is critique. I am not a critic, so I’ll spare you reading about me pretending to be. I’m not here to criticize any musician. I’m here to help expose them and the wonderful work that they do. I’m a music lover. I’m a live music lover. Anyway, it almost seems that you would have to dislike music a little bit to sit back and pick someone’s art apart. Or you feel like you’re better at it than they are. Right? Another thing that you will not see here is major national recording bands. I would have to come up with another name. Remember, we are Off The Charts here. We don’t want to write about those bands. What could I say that hasn’t already been said and that you’ve read elsewhere? So, this section will inform you of your role in this column. Send me an email and tell me the bands that you love that may be lesser known. Maybe your favorite local band is releasing a new album soon. Tell me about it, so I can tell others. Maybe you are a musician that wants to spread the word about yourself or your band. You know the next line. Send me an email. We may even arrange an interview. When you stop by, grab yourself a cold beer. Grab that glass of wine. Grab whatever you indulge in to medicate your mind. Hopefully, I will turn you on to some new tunes that you can kick back and listen to and enjoy. Come happy and leave happier. Besides, we are all friends here. See you next time! Bud Bud Gambrell Photography ( bgambrellphotography.com ) Facebook To purchase my book, "Side Tracks Music Hall": https://a.co/d/a6lGy0O Questions or comments? E-mail me at the_budgambrell@mixedaltmag.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Drawing inspiration from Southern roots < Back Electric Age: Reinventing Sludge Rock with No Rules Nicole Brice May 16, 2023 Share Drawing inspiration from Southern roots Southern rock is distinct and heavy. Southern rock also has soul and can be very melodic at times and that is exactly where the music of Electric Age fits in. Formed in 2011, Electric Age is a southern sludge rock band out of Louisiana comprised of local music mainstay, Jason Ogle on bass, Shawn Tucker on guitar and vocals, and Kelly Davis on drums. With influences such as Corrosion of Conformity, Black Sabbath, Pantera, and Led Zeppelin these guys are forging their own path in the oversaturated music scene with their nonconformist approach to making music on their own terms. Paying attention to the artistry of the music rather than making tunes that are catchy, Electric Age’s songwriting approach is a refreshing nod in an industry full of prefabrication. credit: Gary Governale With prior projects such as Execution, Guilt Trip, and Slaves of Freedom, Electric Age’s Jason Ogle adds a veteran touch to the band on bass. Vocalist Shawn Tucker’s previous projects include Soul Erosion and Black Market Halos and his southern rock vocals show hints of influence from Dax Riggs amongst other notable southern vocalists. Kelly Davis’ savage skills on the kit round it all out and brings the sound full circle. The band has released three albums, Sleep of the Silent King (2016), Live at the House of Blues – Nola – EP (2017), and Painter of Saints (2022) with all being heavy, melodic, and just plain incredible. credit: Gary Governale - the band performing at Chelsea's Live in Baton Rouge May 6, 2023 Getting ready to begin work on their third album, I recently had the pleasure of taking these gentlemen to breakfast where we sat down and chatted about anything and everything. Personality, precision, and sheer talent are what makes the music of Electric Age so enjoyable, so sit back and dive into this entertaining conversation and then be sure to go stream all their music. MaM : Thank you for sitting down with me today. I was listening to your music on iTunes, because I’m an Apple girl and prefer it to Spotify and have a few notes I’d like to share with you about it. “The Threshold” – love it, “Priestess- Part 1” – wow, amazing! EA : ::in agreement:: Yeah, that’s all Shawn. MaM : Painter of Saints, the song = could be a soundtrack for WWE Monday Night Raw or an action film. Painter of Saints - released February 11, 2022 EA : (laughter) MaM : I’m a wrestling fan, so that’s why that popped into my brain. (laughs) Shawn : We’ll take it. MaM : Seriously, though, that song is so action packed, I could see it being on a soundtrack. Oh, and “Soothsayer” – ripping off Kashmir a little bit? (laughs) Jason and Shawn : We called it “Kashmir” when we were writing it. (laughs) Shawn : You don’t hear that too much. Just people straight ripping off “Kashmir”. MaM : My husband was sitting next to me and goes, “Are you listening to Zeppelin?” EA : (laughter) MaM : …and I go, “Noooo”. He goes, “Why does that sound like ‘Kashmir’?” and I pulled up the actual song and did the comparison and was like, “Holy crap”. Shawn : Yeah Jason : We talked about doing it. We were like, “You know what?”. Shawn : Yeah, you don’t hear too many other people using those chords. That’s why it’s so recognizable. Kelly : The white board in the room during recording, on it the song was called “Kashmir”. MaM : What was the inspiration behind having a song that sounds so close to the original? As far as the riff…I mean, it does, but it doesn’t. It’s that riff. Shawn : We didn’t really think too much about it, honestly, we had the riff and were just like, alright. Jason : We didn’t really make a decision like “ok, we know it sounds like that”, but we do love Led Zeppelin, so why not do it? credit: Gary Governale - Jason Ogle MaM : Well, yeah, of course. It’s a tribute to a legendary band. Shawn : We do a lot more power chording than Zeppelin ever did in that song. MaM : Also, the production sounds great. Who mixed it? Jason : I did all the mixing, but I didn’t mix the first album. MaM : You guys are a solid rock band that is hypnotizing in moments because of your breakdowns in songs. EA : Thanks credit: Gary Governale - Shawn Tucker MaM : COC with soulful vocals, too. I hear the Corrosion influence a good bit, which is awesome. You don’t ever hear people saying Corrosion is such a powerful influence on them with their sound. Jason : Oh yeah, definitely for us. MaM : I used to be obsessed with Pepper Keenan in high school. Don’t ask me why, though. (laughs) Jason : Most reviews we’ve gotten have been COC, Thin Lizzy. Shawn : Down, of course, too. It’s in the water, you can’t get away from it honestly. MaM : Well, yeah, it’s all part of the whole southern metal scene and culture. Shawn, your vocals are incredible, and you have such a soulful voice. Kelly : I tell him daily. (laughs) Shawn : Thank you. Jason : The first record was his first-time doing lead vocals. MaM : Really? Shawn : Yeah, I didn’t start singing until 12 years ago. credit: Gary Governale - Shawn Tucker MaM : So, have you had any formal vocal training, Shawn? Shawn : Well, I’d sing in the room, but no not really. One day I just started picking up the acoustic guitar and started singing. And then I practiced for two years straight before I ever did anything. MaM : Origins of the band. How did the band form? Jason : It’s a funny story. Kelly : It’s one of those stories where we all say, “We’ve got to get together and jam”. We ran into each other at a Slayer concert, and we actually did get together and jam. credit: Gary Governale - Kelly Davis MaM : So, you all already knew each other? Jason : I called Shawn and said, “Man, I really want to go see this show.” And it was Slayer, Anthrax, and Megadeth. MaM : What year was this? Jason : 2010? 12? We’ve been together 10 years now, but Shawn was kind of hesitant to go, but he rides with me, and I hadn’t seen or talked to Kelly in years. We had gone to high school together, but anyway, we’re in the beer line and that’s when we saw each other and thankfully, The Facebook is how I found you. MaM : I love how you call it “The” Facebook. (laughs) Kelly : Everybody always says, “We should get together”, but we actually did it. Shawn : Well, you started jamming together first ::looks at Kelly::. Jason : Yeah, we started jamming and actually Matt Dupre of Big Frank. MaM : I know Matt, I went to high school with him. Jason : Yeah, he goes, get Tucker to sing and I was like, “Man, he’s not gonna do it” and then you said… ::looks at Shawn:: Shawn : I’ll do it with a guitar in my hand. credit: Gary Governale MaM : And that’s just how it came to be. Jason : Cause I wanted to be the guitar player and I got kicked back to bass. MaM : You got kicked back to bass, so you don’t enjoy being a bass player? Jason : I didn’t at the time. MaM : Well, what about now? Jason : Well, now I do. It’s kind of like a ZZ Top type of metal thing. It’s a 3-piece. MaM : Well, and then the beards. (Kelly and Shawn have similar beards) Kelly : (laughs) credit: Gary Governale MaM : So, last release was just in February 2022, but as far as new music…what’s the direction for the band going forward? Jason : The first record was written as a concept record because Shawn had this vision and it was a big undertaking to make the first album, and it’s over an hour long and some of it was written with me on guitar. The second record sounds more like what we sound like now. On the first record, we hadn’t played a lot of shows and the third record will sound more like the second. MaM : So, would you say the second record defined your sound? Jason : Definitely. The 3-piece sound. The first record is so orchestrated. Some of the songs on the first record we can’t even play live, so we just don’t. Because they’re too complicated. We just can’t with 3 people. It was a concept record, so we didn’t hold back. We weren’t worried about whether we could play it live. When we do albums, we have album tracks. We know certain songs we can’t do live, but we don’t care. We’re making a piece of art. Kelly : It’s got keyboards, tambourine. Jason : Dog whistle? MaM : Cowbell? EA : More cowbell, please? (laughs) Jason : We have not used a cowbell yet. We’ve used beer bottles once. Shawn : Yeah, that was a failure. Jason : And the guy that made the record said, “Uh, no.” (laughter) credit: Gary Governale MaM : As far as the creative process, how do you come up with songs? Take me through that. Shawn : Different methods. For the first record, I demoed a lot of songs on an acoustic guitar and a little Tascam recorder and that worked, but now, Jason will bring a riff and I’ll bring a riff, or we’ll listen back to a recording of us jamming and then we’ll go over it, but there’s not really no set rules. It just kind of happens. A lot of times, we just write in the moment. While we’re jamming. Spontaneous. Kelly : Yeah, a lot of times, it’s just a free jam session and then we’re like, “What are we doing”? MaM : As far as lyrical inspiration…what inspires your lyrics? Shawn : I guess it’s more poetic and abstract, the way I write. The first album, no one knows what it’s about. That’s kind of a running joke. There’s no real meaning. It’s real ambiguous, but it’s up to anyone to decide what the song is about. Kelly : In fact, that’s what he told me one day. I was like, “Dude, I was listening to ‘Sleep of the Silent King’ and when you say this…what does it mean? “Uh…it’s open to interpretation”, he goes. (laughter) Shawn : That’s the beautiful thing about art, though. You can make it whatever you want. MaM : ::kind of hesitant:: May I ask what the title of the new album is? Shawn & Jason : We don’t know yet. Jason : Yeah, we have no idea. Shawn : We’re not done writing songs yet. We have quite a few written, but they just haven’t been working. credit: Gary Governale MaM : So, when are we expecting a completion date? Jason : We actually just signed to Argonauta Records again. They released our first record. Label out of Italy and they are going to take care of distributing it. We don’t want to rush the record, though. We’re pretty close, though, and my studio is set up, so we have plenty of time to record it. We’ll knock it out quick, though. MaM : So, you mentioned studio? Tell us a little more about that? So, you built your own studio at your house? Jason : Yeah, pretty much. Volume 10 Studios. I’m doing Branded for Exile’s record right now. I’ll be wrapping that up soon. But I’m fully functional. Ready to be recording bands and I’ve been recording since…I was always the guy that recorded. Whether it was a jambox or a phone, I was the guy putting it in the right spot and all that. MaM : Now, I want to know…of all the shows you guys have played, have there been any funny happenings or stories you could share? Jason : Kelly pissed off Meat Loaf’s daughter. (laughter) Kelly : Oh yeah, I can tell you that one. MaM : Oh, now I have to hear about this one. Kelly : We were playing at the Varsity and I’m stuck unloading everything by myself and I get it all in and then I decide to go sit outside. We’re opening for Anthrax and all of a sudden, a car comes zooming in and they block me in. I’m like “ah, man…what is this” and so I’m boxed in. Suddenly, I see Scott Ian and Meatloaf’s daughter, which is his girlfriend, start walking up to their tour bus. Nowhere am I thinking about this dude being like my high school idol, instead I’m like, “Hey dude, is your car going to stay there all night?” (laughs). Scott Ian, though, super cool goes…”I don’t know, talk to my girlfriend” and he goes in the tour bus and she comes up and says, “Oh, I have to go get the guys some food and I’m going to be in and out all night, but I’m going to be moving it” and so I tell her that I’m going to just get out of her way, right? It’s crazy, though, because there was Scott Ian. So, I tell Jason and Shawn about the story, and they go, “So you cussed out Scott Ian’s wife?” and I said, “No, I just asked her if she was going to move her car” and they’re like, “You were yelling at her, right?”, but the legend is that I cursed her out and there was a confrontation. (laughter) It just sounds cooler. Jason : There was one time they left me at TSA by myself. (laughter) Jason : When you left me at the airport? ::looks at the guys:: I bought an amp I could fly with and so I had the amp in my luggage and I didn’t unload all my electronic devices and when they slid it through the x-ray machine, it looked like a bomb. TSA grabbed me and I looked up and the guys kept walking and just left me. Kelly and Shawn : We didn’t know. (laughter) Shawn : I didn’t know you brought a bomb, bruh. credit: Gary Governale MaM : So, memorable shows…are there any shows that are memorable you have played? EA : Anthrax…Crowbar and Goatwhore at the House of Blues. Shawn : Oh, and the Acid Bath benefit show at Twist of Lime after the flood. MaM : What was this benefit show? I must have missed this. Shawn : It was a benefit show after the flood of 2016 and Jason played bass in Acid Bath with the original members and Ben Michon filled in for Sammy, because he was on tour. Jason : We played a set, though, but they had these jam sessions, too with everyone. It was fun. MaM : I can’t believe I missed that. So, as far as bands you have not played with, but would like to…who are they? Jason : I know of one. COC. MaM : COC comes here a good bit, too. Jason : We had King’s X. Shawn : Yeah, we were gonna play with King’s X except COVID got us. MaM : I remember King’s X was going to be at The Varsity. Shawn : Yeah, we were on that show. credit: Gary Governale MaM : As far as the state of local music now vs then, do you think things have changed for the better or worse? Of course, things are different post COVID, but things are starting to look up. Jason : It’s worse. The all ages shows, I mean…I don’t understand why they don’t have all ages shows like they used to. We used to have them all the time. I don’t see any bands doing that anymore. All you have to do is go rent a civic center. There’s really no venue, though, for the all ages shows…I mean, Mid City ballroom, but… MaM : So as far as aspirations for the future, where do you guys see the band headed? Jason : I think we all agree that we’re comfortable right where we are…writing records and putting out music. We like to play shows, but we just kind of pick what we want to play. With no pressure, it’s fun. Shawn : Yeah, it’s just about creating at this point. MaM : Any parting words or anything else we can let our readers know about you? Shawn : We’re just out here having fun and if people like what we’re doing, that’s an added benefit. Kelly : We’re just good friends. Jason : Yeah, we’re not just a band, we’re a family. - To experience all that is Electric Age, be sure to hop on over to their Spotify and then download their tunes via Apple Music. Be sure to check them out on social media, too, and give them a like and follow. Electric Age (facebook.com) Jason Ogle (@electric_age) • Instagram photos and videos Electric Age (bandcamp.com) Electric Age | Spotify ‎Electric Age on Apple Music Argonauta Records - YouTube *Cover photo courtesy of Gary Governale www.governalephotovideo.com Zenfolio | Home I have been working as a video professional since 1993, with a wide range of experience writing, producing, directing, shooting and editing. A strong interest in videography, specifically lighting and composition, led me to photography in 1998. Rapidly changing technology has blurred the line between video and photography, allowing me to work in both mediums.. Baton Rouge, LA, United States www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Stephen King Movies Releasing in 2023 < Back More Adaptations from THE Horror Master Keeley Brooks Mar 3, 2023 Share Stephen King Movies Releasing in 2023 Even if you’re not a horror fan, you still love Stephen King. You know you do. The past few decades have seen numerous books and short stories from the famous author, and film and television adaptations are a-plenty. This year (and likely next year) is no exception with a handful of adaptations coming your way. Here’s what’s dropping in 2023 and what’s up next on the Stephen King entertainment agenda. Children of the Corn – I’ll never forget the first time I first saw the original Children of the Corn movie and was scarred for life. It was 1985, and I was eight years old. We kids definitely shouldn’t have been watching it, but we did the second our parents left the room. See, we were visiting relatives, who just so happened to live and work at the Angola State Prison. So, on those grounds late at night in the bedroom of a work trailer is where the creepy kids from the corn made their appearance in my life. The 1984 version sees a young couple trapped in a remote town with no adults because a gang of creepy-ass kids has killed them all. The remake hits theaters Friday, March 3, 2023 , and it will have an 18-day theatrical window before releasing on Shudder March 21 . The story reportedly does take some liberties. Here, we get to see a town fall as “He Who Walks” uses a little girl named Eden to satisfy the evil entity’s bloodlust and turn the town’s youngest residents into murderous little nightmares. No doubt it’ll be just as terrifying as the original. The Boogeyman - The first adaptation of King’s 1978 short story from the Night Shift collection is about a teenage girl and her little sister, who find themselves plagued by a sadistic presence in their house after their mother dies. They must get their grieving father to pay attention before it’s too late. In the original story, we follow a man grieving the deaths (murders) of his three kids. While their deaths were all different, they all took place in the children’s respective bedrooms, each having shouted, “The Boogeyman,” before they met their fates. The film hits theaters June 2, 2023 , then is supposed to hit Hulu soon after. Salem’s Lot - This gem has also been adapted to a movie and is expected to hit theaters April 21, 2023 , but it’s already been pushed back from Sept. 2022, so don’t hold all your breath just yet. Nonetheless, it’ll be anticipated when it does arrive, especially with director James Wan ( Saw franchise). It is rumored to remain faithful to the book, which if you’re unfamiliar is about a writer who returns to the town of Jerusalem’s Lot in Maine only to discover that the residents are all being turned into vampires. Stars Lewis Pullman ( Outer Range ), Spencer Treat Clark ( Glass, Unbreakble ), and Alfre Woodard ( See ). Pet Semetary – Though the 2019 version of Pet Sematary wasn’t well received with critics, a prequel movie was greenlit in 2021. It’s intended to continue digging into the mythology of the small town of Ludlow, the strange rituals, the Wendigo, the cemetery, and character Jud’s life. We’ve been seeing the dead re-animate for over a decade now with all the zombie and undead adaptations, but none of those are as scary as seeing Gage come back to life just to kill his mother and run around with a creepy giggle and his father's scalpel terrifying everybody to death. And the cat, Church—we can’t forget about him. After all, he is the reason Jud learns of the power of the pet cemetery. It’s planned to be released later this year to stream as a Paramount+ original movie. From A Buick 8 – Based on King’s novel published in 2002, this is the second story to feature a supernatural car, the first one being the unforgettable "Christine." The adaptation has been in development for years. Back in 2005, George A. Romero was announced as the director, then two years later he was replaced with Tobe Hopper ( Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise). By 2009, the project came to halt, then in 2019 was announced to be in development again. No details have been revealed since, but we’re keeping our fingers crossed. The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon – Published in 1999, the story follows a nine-year-old girl as she finds herself lost in the woods on what she thought would be another normal day hiking with her mom and brother. She fantasizes about her favorite baseball player, Tom Gordon, rescuing her. Originally, a film adaptation of "The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon " was to be directed by George A. Romero, but plans fell through in 2005. The project was revived in 2019, and in late 2020, Lynne Ramsay ( You Were Never Really Here ) was announced as director. Let’s hope we get some updates soon! ALSO (you didn’t really think that was it, did you?), Deadline recently revealed in an exclusive that Warner Bros. has acquired King’s 2021 crime thriller bestseller “Billy Summers” to adapt into a feature film produced by J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot and Leonardo DiCaprio’s Appian Way. Bad Robot have also adapted other King works like Lisey’s Story (Apple TV Plus), Castle Rock (Hulu), and 11.22.63 , also on Hulu. It was originally intended to be a limited series, but the big screen won out instead. Writing the screenplay are Ed Zwick ( Blood Diamond ) and Marshall Herskovitz, who co-wrote The Last Samurai with Zwick, and it is rumored that Leo will play the title character, but that is yet to be confirmed. The plot synopsis reads: Billy Summers is a hitman who is looking to retire and takes on last highly lucrative job to feather his nest. The job requires him to embed himself in a quiet town, where he pretends to be an aspiring writer (he actually pours himself into the prose). He sets up in an office with a direct view of where hitman Joel Allen will be delivered to face trial for shooting two men during a poker game. Allen also has committed enough murders for some high-level mobsters to be scared the gunman will incriminate his former employers to lessen his sentence. Summers, a meticulous craftsman, become more and more cynical about the mobsters who’ve hired him, and his skepticism is well warranted as things go awry following the job’s completion. *On a side note, if you haven’t watched Castle Rock , I urge you to roll on over to Hulu and check it out. While the two-season series isn’t based on any specific one of King’s works, it does share themes, characters, and most notably its name with one of the central locations found throughout the legendary author’s career. Season 1 tells the story of Henry Deaver, a death row attorney who returns home to Maine for the first time in years when a mysterious inmate at the local prison, Shawshank, specifically requests Henry as his lawyer. Several narratives unravel from there, including a troubled individual with apparent telepathic abilities, the shocking death of one of Castle Rock’s most prominent characters, and some pretty disturbing developments for Henry as he uncovers more and more about his past—like the time he vanished as a child. Season 2 is a chilling must-see! Instead of continuing on with the same characters and original cast, the series pivots and centers its story on Annie Wilkes, the infamously psychotic, murderous nurse from King’s 1987 psychological thriller novel “Misery” and 1990 film adaptation of the same name. In Castle Rock , we are introduced to Annie Wilkes pre-Paul Sheldon days, so it’s sort of a modern-day prequel. Lizzie Caplan ( Masters of Sex ) delivers a sharp, tense, and breathless performance as Wilkes navigates her life and career, and so much is revealed along that way that when it ends, it’ll leave you wanting more and most likely compel you to turn around and watch Misery again. And , just in case you missed its release back in September, don't forget to check out the Stephen King documentary King on Screen, which examines cinematic adaptations of the iconic author's works. With King's stamp of approval, it gives audiences an intimate sit-down with different directors who've all adapted the writer's works for the screen, looking at the movies and shows that have brought his stories to life, both the hits and the flops. Among those sitting down for interviews are Mike Garris (ABC's The Stand ), Mike Flanagan ( Gerald's Game , Doctor Sleep ), Frank Darabont ( The Shawshank Redemption , The Green Mile ), and director and special effects makeup titan Greg Nicotero ( Creepshow , Misery ), to name a few. Alright, kiddos, that's all for now, but stay tuned for more adaptations from THE original horror master ... and no doubt his son, Joe Hill. You know we'll be keeping you updated. www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . 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Cutting straight into the bone of the Saw franchise, John Kramer confesses his own despair and exposes himself as a radical nihilist. < Back The Philosophy of John Kramer and the Saw Franchise, Part 4: Film Analysis Ezekiel Kincaid Oct 31, 2023 Share Cutting straight into the bone of the Saw franchise, John Kramer confesses his own despair and exposes himself as a radical nihilist. We’re back, folks, with our fourth and final lesson in John Kramer’s philosophical nihilism. I hope you’ve enjoyed the journey, and I hope it has at least made you think, along with challenging your perception of the Saw franchise. For today’s blue-collar philosophy lesson, we are going to look at radical nihilism and how John Kramer (Tobin Bell, of Finders Keepers ) fits that rubric. Let’s go ahead and jump in, shall we? Radical nihilism can be summed up as a “destructive” philosophy. What I mean by that is this: A radical nihilist usually has no loyalties, believes in nothing, and sees their purpose as to destroy. This is because they have a dissatisfaction that comes from their recognition that they live in a world where their ideal values will never exist. The “world as it is” is the greatest hindrance to the radical nihilist, so much so that they seek to negate and destroy its inherent moral, religious, and political values so their own can flourish. Now, let’s apply this paradigm to John Kramer in the Saw franchise. Can his ideal of “appreciating life” exist in the world as it is? Another pertinent question we need to raise concerns Jigsaw’s aim: Is it really to change others or to change the world by destroying others? Because, as a radical nihilist, the only way to bring change is through destroying what is. I am going to argue that John Kramer’s goal is not to incite true change in others, but to annihilate others, thus changing the world as is . A good example of this is Amanda (Shawnee Smith, of Anger Management ). She is proof positive that Jigsaw cannot change people’s value system. For those of you unfamiliar with the franchise, Amanda is Kramer’s first survivor. She becomes the case study and poster girl for Jigsaw that his therapy “works.” However, as the story unfolds throughout the Saw franchise, it becomes abundantly clear she is not “cured.” Amanda with Jigsaw, courtesy of Lionsgate Kramer then takes it upon himself to retest Amanda. The fact he has to do this proves his methods of rehabilitation are sorely inadequate. Amanda herself even agrees with this failure and says, “Nobody is reborn.” This all takes place in Saw III (2006) and, moments later, is followed up by Jeff’s willingness to kill Jigsaw. Speaking of Jeff (Angus Macfadyen, of Equilibrium ), let’s look at him for a moment, and then we’ll jump back to the scene mentioned above. In Saw III , Kramer asks Jeff to view Danica (Debra McCabe, of People of Earth ) and Timothy (Mpho Koaho, of Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency ) as people who made mistakes rather than people who contributed to the death of his son. Jeff ends up failing to obtain this outlook and failing to rescue them from their traps. But not to worry, Kramer, our scholar on humanity, has factored in Jeff’s failure for the overarching game. Danica herself exposes the test’s very premise when she says, “I made a mistake … I’m human.” Jeff, too, is only human, and he will make mistakes leading to the death of others, which he does. Jeff then becomes a synecdoche for everyone involved in the game , including Jigsaw and Amanda. But it goes deeper. Jeff serves a larger purpose. He isn’t Kramer’s test subject, all of humanity is. There was never any chance Jeff’s values or perspective would change. He, like Kramer and everyone else, is flawed by belonging to the world as it is. Let’s jump back to the scene in Saw III with Jeff, Kramer, and Amanda, where Jeff is wanting to kill Kramer. In coming face-to-face with the inadequacy of his own methods, and Jeff’s desire to kill him, Jigsaw asks Jeff, “You haven’t learned anything tonight, have you?” Like Amanda, Jeff is being retested. And, like Amanda, Jigsaw cannot change his values. The list goes on as we examine other movies in the Saw franchise. Art (Louis Ferreira, of Stargate Universe ) survives his mausoleum trap. Does he learn anything? Has he changed? Nope. In Saw IV (2007), he becomes the head of another game where he dies. In Saw II (2005), Eric (Donnie Wahlberg, of Blue Bloods ) fails his test but not all is lost. He proves his willingness to survive and live by escaping. This should be it for Eric, shouldn't it? But it’s not. He then becomes bait in the same trap that ends up killing Art. All in all, Amanda ends up being right when she states in Saw III , “Nobody changes.” But what about Kramer, the very one who has instituted this form of rehabilitation? A big NO on that as well. Those of you who have seen the movies, recall with me, if you will, John Kramer’s statement from Saw II where he says he is “unfixable.” And there we have it, folks, right in front of our faces. Kramer’s own words scream at us the radical nihilist’s confession of despair. No one is fixable, so the entire damn system needs to burn. Jigsaw is sick and tired of it all. He is tired of the current world-as-it-is value system. He is sick of people not appreciating their lives because of this system. But people can’t change, not even with his method; therefore, it must all be destroyed. Let’s go back to the original Saw (2004) for a moment. There’s a scene in there where Detective Tapp (Danny Glover, of Lethal Weapon ) says to Kramer he is “sick” but he’s not referring to his cancer. Kramer’s response is telling. He states he is “sick of those who don’t appreciate their life” and he is “sick of those who scoff at the suffering of others.” And then comes the ultimate culmination and confession of Jigsaw: He says he is “sick of it all.” To put that in nihilistic terms, he is sick of the world and the current state of existence. What about Kramer’s cancer? His physical illness? Does it play a part in this? Oh, absolutely. Jigsaw’s destructive nature displayed in his games is intricately tied to his terminal illness. Thus, the only true change Jigsaw institutes in any of his traps is devastation. The games he subjects people to are not capable of changing anyone’s values. Kramer’s aim is much more simplistic: to destroy the world as is. In closing, I want to examine one more phrase from Kramer that highlights his radical nihilism, and it is probably one of the most important phrases in the franchise. In Saw IV , Kramer states, “If the subject survives my method, he or she is instantly rehabilitated.” Yet, as we have seen above, this is far from the truth. As a radical nihilist, Jigsaw’s values remain intact despite evidence to the contrary, and despite the impossibility of those ideals ever becoming a reality in the world as is. This also answers the question as to why, even if people survive, Jigsaw just puts them in another game to die anyway. It is because destruction is the chief end—the obliteration of the world-as-it-is value system. There is much more to unpack when it comes to the philosophy of John Kramer—so much more, in fact, that even passive and radical nihilism fail to cover it. This means while Kramer fits these paradigms, there are also aspects of him that do not. Those points are beyond the scope of these articles. However, seeing much of Kramer through the lens of passive and radical nihilism does shed light on his madness and gives us a background to understand some of the seeming contradictions that are evident throughout the movies. Before I end, I want to sum up a few things. First, radical nihilism embraces the impossibility of change. Second, when we examine passive and radical nihilism, especially in John Kramer, we see the two are intertwined. Nihilists like Kramer rely on their view of the world as it is being the non-ideal of existence. This is the only way they can understand existence. There is a deep conflict between the world-as-it-is view and the world-as-it-ought-to-be view. Jigsaw’s world view is one where he gives into destruction in order to institute change. He has wholeheartedly given himself over to the belief that people are predictable. Thus, he allows them to be human, to keep their current value system and ultimately doom themselves. There is a deep irony existing inside John Kramer. With all of his destructive games, he still relies on the world existing as it is while also being the source of his own dissatisfaction in life. Because Kramer will never fulfill his goal of total destruction, as a nihilist, his own life will have no purpose either. credit: Lionsgate Entertainment And there you have it, my friends. I hope you’ve enjoyed this little discourse into the Saw franchise, and I plan on bringing you more thought-provoking pieces in the future. Until then, stay tuned for more fantastic upcoming B-movie reviews in my current series What the Hell Did I Just Watch . Catch y’all on the flip flop. Happy Halloween, my friends. Now go watch some Saw movies! 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

Kevin’s music is a hybrid of blues, rock, and pure Americana < Back Kevin Dorin: A Soulful Traveling Renaissance Man Nicole Brice & Chris Pryor Jun 2, 2023 Share Kevin’s music is a hybrid of blues, rock, and pure Americana Who is Kevin Dorin? That was the question that popped into our brains when he first came onto our radar. Although not well known here in the United States, Kevin has been making music for almost his entire life starting out in his home country of Canada as part of the rock band Bigger Fish Than Guns. Bigger Fish Than Guns was a band out of Calgary in the Canadian province of Alberta who saw great success in the late 2000s to early 2010s until they broke up in 2012. “We had a meteoric rise after recording our first EP, and our single “Texas T” won us $25,000 in a radio station contest in Calgary. The song was added to stations across Canada and the NE U.S. and charted the Top 30 alt rock up in the great white north. Sound-wise, we rode the coattails of bands like The Black Keys and regularly beat out Young the Giant for radio placements”, says Dorin. “We even got an awesome opening gig for AWOLNATION, and just as we were offered an opportunity to audition for a Live Nation booking agent, the band dissolved.” After the dissolution of Bigger Fish Than Guns, Dorin continued making music and working in the industry that shaped him. With a history rooted in Entertainment Business Management, thanks to his certification from The Metalworks Institute in Mississauga in Ontario, Canada, Kevin managed to make his way to the U.S. He currently lives in Idaho and consults for a venue in Sandpoint called The Hive. Being no stranger to the background workings of the biz, in the past Kevin managed the band Frankie McQueen and has had the opportunity to tour as a musician and as technical support for the indie band Sidney York. Photo provided by artist In addition to touring, making music, running things on the business side, and helping young artists with his songwriting competition, the Sandpoint Songwriting Competition , Dorin made a documentary in 2013 called What is Canadian Music? A true Renaissance man, Kevin Dorin is multi-talented and multi-faceted, and on April 7, 2023, he released a new single called “I Am Not Afraid” via all streaming platforms. The song is funky, soulful, and sounds like good, classic southern rock. The song fits our political landscape of today and we love the tones used with the music. The flow of the vocals is bluesy and merges well with the overall tone, which presents a powerful and evocative message about struggle, suffering, and resilience. The repetition of the phrase “I am not afraid” reinforces a sense of determination and courage in the face of adversity. The use of imagery like “body rotten bloody scene” and “sowing reaping feeding me” creates a dark and intense atmosphere that emphasizes the challenges faced today. The use of repetition and rhyming in the pre-chorus and chorus creates a strong sense of rhythm and adds emphasis to the message of the lyrics. Additionally, the use of metaphor like “the devil is the distance between our choices” adds depth and complexity to the song. Overall, the lyrics present a complex and nuanced exploration of the themes of struggle, love, and resilience, and according to Kevin, “It's a song, it's a mantra, it's the Zeitgeist written to be a tool to give people HOPE in the ongoing chaos that is our world. Risk four minutes and it may just make you feel better.” “I Am Not Afraid” is a song to take note of and we were so intrigued by Kevin’s history and backstory that we reached out to him to ask a few questions. Kevin Dorin’s talent is one to be heard and seen, so after you read this interview, we encourage you to go check out his entire back catalog. He is sure to impress you with his talent, energy, and passion, which comes through in his music. MaM : Kevin, thanks so much for taking the time to chat with us. We love your song "I Am Not Afraid.” It's soulful, it's funky, and it's pure southern soulful rock. What was the inspiration behind the subject matter and lyrical content? KD : The song was inspired seven years ago by immigrating to the U.S. from Canada. I couldn’t work until my green card was approved and so I found myself watching more American news than ever before. At that time, Canadian news had much more integrity—not so much so nowadays, though. [At the time], I wasn’t used to the sensationalism and fear mongering. I took the feeling of how the American media made me feel and turned it into the lyrics for this song. I’ve been performing it ever since in the U.S. whenever things get especially weird and scary here. My fans tell me that they use the ‘I Am Not Afraid’ mantra in their own lives, and first-time listeners as well as fans sing it with me when I play the song live. MaM : Did you record and produce the song yourself? The production sounds great. KD : The song was recorded over a period of years, and I never felt like it was quite right, so I sent it out to a friend and mentor I'd worked for, Producer Trey Mills. He put the finishing touches on it. I sat on that recording for another 18 months and finally the chaos of the world got so insane, I figured the world could use the song. Photo provided by artist MaM : When did you start playing music and what inspires you to create? KD : I'm 36 and I've been in the music business my whole adult life. I was in a successful Canadian Alt Rock band called Bigger Fish Than Guns in my early 20s, but just as that band was peaking, we broke up and I moved to Idaho to get married. Since moving to the U.S., I've been getting deep into Americana styles of music and playing hundreds of shows a year so I can develop my skills to entertain at the highest level. As far as inspiration is concerned, if I live a strong life and maximize the potential of every day, I am always inspired to create. The adventure of life and the dynamic of pushing through the highs and lows provides me with endless emotion and stories to draw from. MaM : Are you currently playing shows? If so, where do you showcase your talents? KD : I consult for a gorgeous world-class venue in Sandpoint, Idaho called The Hive and I'll be recording my next show June 3rd on video and high-quality audio. We will be releasing a live video recording from that set of ‘I Am Not Afraid’ in mid-June, so follow my YouTube channel! Then I plan to get back on the road and play as many dates in 2023 and 2024 as possible to share the positive messages in my new music with the world. Photo provided by artist MaM : I see you put out an album in 2010 and then another in 2018. Tell us a little more about your past endeavors. Why was there a gap in releases? KD : My last album ‘Invisible Lines’ is one of my proudest achievements. It was recorded as a one-take, one-two microphone-style project through a mostly vintage analog recording process. It was a bit of a departure from my alt rock roots after living in the U.S. for a while and absorbing Americana. The goal was to be able to capture moments in the recordings like the quality of the heroes of old. I've studied the recording processes of music quite deeply and the records that make the most impact in my life are always recorded by musicians who have worked hard to be able to track a record live off the floor. As far as why I leave so much time between releases, all my favorite artists usually only release major projects every four to six years. This seems to be a time-tested recipe to achieving quality control and amassing songs that are worthy of something notable that can really make an impression on people’s lives. Most great songs are timeless, so you should be able to sit on them for years until the time is right to respect the art and release it in a way that achieves the full potential of the songs. ‘I Am Not Afraid’ is a return to more of my alt rock sound developed in my band Bigger Fish Than Guns, and I have many more songs I'll be releasing as singles over the next 12 months that are a similar vibe. We just re-released our Bigger Fish Than Guns album ‘Through the Green Door’ after taking it off streaming services for about eight years. It's an awesome album. I’m excited for new people to discover it. MaM : Where do you see yourself headed in the future musically? KD : I've been storing a stack of songs over the last five years and working to become the best performer possible, so you'll be seeing a steady stream of music released from me and I'll be playing it all over North America. - To experience the music of Kevin Dorin, head on over to all of his social media pages and his YouTube. His music and talent are unmatched. Kevin Dorin | Facebook Kevin Dorin (@kevindorin) • Instagram photos and videos Kevin Dorin - YouTube Kevin Dorin | Spotify ‎Kevin Dorin on 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

Shawn Franklin redefines the music production landscape with his top-notch restorations and collaborations. < Back Shawn Franklin: Music Producer Extraordinaire Nicole Brice Oct 2, 2023 Share Shawn Franklin redefines the music production landscape with his top-notch restorations and collaborations. Often in music entertainment, we heavily focus on those in the foreground— the artists and musicians —but we don’t focus on the talent behind the scenes delicately tweaking and fine-tuning songs and albums, making sure everything is perfect. In the dynamic world of music production, some individuals stand out because of their sheer talent, versatility, and ability to add a distinct touch to all they lay their eyes, ears, and hands on. Shawn Franklin is one of those people who stand out in the music production crowd. With artistry that spans many mediums, Shawn has solidified his place among the production elite with various projects spanning well over a decade. With over 23 years of experience in sound engineering and performing with his band, The Scallions, Shawn’s true specialty is audio restoration and re-mastering new and classic material. Photo provided by artist Franklin has worked on music for Anthrax , Stone Deep , Public Enemy , Chuck D , Chuck Mosley , Daddy O , Dirty Rotten Imbeciles , Prophets of Rage , Renaldo & the Loaf , The Residents , The Mentors , and many others. What started as pure love and enthusiasm for the music that inspired him as a kid became an innate understanding of the intricacies of music, allowing him to turn a lifelong dream into a reality, and he currently shows no signs of slowing down. Shawn Franklin has an uncanny ability to focus on sounds to determine how and where they need to be tweaked for a crisp, clean restoration. Born and raised in a musically inclined family, Shawn developed an affinity for music at a young age, eventually learning to play the drums. “My brother is four years older than me … and he played guitar. I wanted to play the drums, and before I got a drum kit, I would play on coffee cans. I’d play with pencils as my sticks and then for cymbals, I’d have the coffee cans upside down for the tin part. I would fill the center part with pennies for the snare,” he recalls. A young Shawn Franklin - photo provided by artist His upbringing laid the foundation for his future success, as he immersed himself in a vast range of musical styles from metal to hip-hop and everywhere in between. After discovering Kiss’ album Hotter than Hell , Franklin’s passion for music grew exponentially, and during his teenage years, he was led to explore the makings of what goes into a spectacular recording. “My brother heard ‘Calling Dr. Love’ from Kiss on the radio in ’76 … I think I was four years old … and then I heard it and we both loved the song. We got the 45 and had no clue what they looked like or anything like that. Just hearing that song and loving that song and then discovering everything they did image-wise, … I mean, that was just like icing on the cake.” As Shawn’s music tastes began to expand, so did his record collection, and once he discovered the band The Residents , he was hooked. The Residents would play a huge part in Shawn’s life later, so this discovery was fortuitous. With many other bands and musicians influencing him, such as The Beach Boys , Jefferson Starship , and The Beatles , Franklin was eventually led into the world of hip-hop when he discovered breakdancing . Shawn Franklin getting an autograph from Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys - circa 1998 - photo provided by artist “It was the summer of 1984,” says Shawn, “my friend started [dancing] doing the worm one day, and I had no clue what it was. I rented Breakin’ and I thought the movie was horrible but cool because it got me into the music. It had this street element … this energy.” Franklin’s love for hip-hop would continue to grow, and over the years, he would go on to discover many influential artists from the time, such as Kurtis Blow , Boogie Down Productions , The Beastie Boys , Public Enemy , and KRS-One . “I heard ‘ South Bronx ’ by Boogie Down Productions in 1986 and I had never heard anything like it. The little horn stabs and everything just blew my mind.” Franklin’s career with music would soon take a dramatic turn—one that would start to shape his destiny. In 1990 , Shawn and his brother Mike began making music as The Scallions . Described as “ Avant-Garde Power Pop ” and influenced by San Francisco cult giants The Residents , Mike and Shawn started shaping their sound. Mike and Shawn Franklin aka The Scallions - photo provided by artist In 1999 , the band began shopping material around when they hooked up with Tom Timony , a former owner of The Residents label, Ralph Records . In the year 2000, they put out their first commercially released album, Mud Pie , and following its release the album was promoted with interviews, reviews, and radio play. In 2001 , Tom’s label closed and left Shawn and Mike looking for a new home for their music. It was around this time Franklin reached out to Chuck D from Public Enemy via e-mail after obtaining his e-mail address on an online message board. After e-mailing him, Shawn met him in person at a lecture held on the campus of Wesleyan University in Middletown, Conn. where Chuck acknowledged he had received the copy of ' Gladys ' that Shawn had sent over. "He listened to the song and really liked it and that was it.” The Scallions In 2002 , the band signed with Chuck D’s label, SLAMjamz , and was asked to open for a few shows with Public Enemy in Massachusetts. “He told me, ‘You guys are different’, and that was that.” The year 2006 saw The Scallions release their album Agony Through Ceremony as part of a CD/DVD combo on Chuck D’s label. From there, Shawn Franklin and Chuck D would spark a professional friendship that led to various other projects outside of his band that continues to this day, with Franklin currently producing daily segments for Chuck D’s RAPstation radio network called “ This Day in Hip Hop History ”. Chuck D and Shawn Franklin - photo provided by artist One of the significant factors that sets Shawn Franklin apart is his remarkable versatility and after discovering he had a knack for restoring audio in a complex way , he began to experiment and push creative boundaries resulting in captivating and refreshing sounds. Of his early remastering days, Franklin says, “In the early 2000’s, I had been collecting bootlegs forever, and I was always zoning in on certain aspects of the recordings: ‘This one has got a lot of noise,’ and ‘This one could use a tweak here,’ and I remember thinking, ‘I wish I could clean this stuff up and restore these.’ The technology was not there yet, but I had a friend turn me on to some software that was incredible for the time. It was like a nuclear bomb went off over my head.” After discovering his secret weapon software, which he did not disclose the name of because it is his secret weapon, Shawn was able to start playing with audio. “I really started cutting my teeth, fixing these bootlegs,” Franklin said. “I really got into it … but I didn’t have any ambitions to be doing audio professionally.” Those first moments of tweaking audio for bootlegs began to set the stage for what was to come. “So, I became friends with Renaldo from Renaldo and the Loaf, and so, as the story progresses … around 2014, Brian, who is Renaldo, was taking a trip out to the United States where he had plans to stay at my house. There was this album, ‘Title in Limbo’ by The Residents, in collaboration with Renaldo and the Loaf. When the album was released on CD, some of the songs faded in, and it was horrible. Prior to Brian coming here, I was telling him about it, and he was like, ‘I have a mix down.’ He’s like, ‘Maybe you can fix it up and restore this album.’ So, I did and matched everything up EQ-wise and he flipped out over it.” That project then led to Shawn doing restoration professionally because the restored album was released worldwide. Title in Limbo by The Residents and Renaldo & The Loaf “Public Enemy is one of my favorite rap bands worldwide. Two friends and I, who coincidentally worked for Chuck, had this idea of making a comprehensive cohesive product of every single A side and B side from all their seven-inch, 12-inch, and CD singles. So, we did this whole thing and we presented it to the Public Enemy squad in 2014. Chuck, at this point, was like, ‘You know, you guys really should start a production team,’ and we were all like, ‘Hmmm … let’s do it. Let’s do this professionally.’” They decided to call their production team TDX , which stands for The Definitive Xperience. “We had all these plans of doing all kinds of reissues from bands,” says Franklin . From there, Shawn and his team embarked on a whirlwind career of numerous opportunities. Shawn Franklin’s reputation for excellence and his exceptional skills have attracted some of the most prominent names in the music industry and his collaborative works have earned him the trust and respect of many established artists such as thrash metal pioneers Anthrax . “I had the idea to reach out to Charlie from Anthrax since Public Enemy had collaborated with them,” Franklin explains. “I ended up sending Charlie [Benante] a tweet because I wasn’t friends with him. I told him, ‘Hey, listen. I’ve been a huge fan of Anthrax since ’86 and I did a really fat remaster of Spreading the Disease . I really want you to hear it and I work for Chuck D.’ He got back to me and said he would love to hear it, so I sent him what I did, and he loved it.” From there, Franklin spoke on the phone with Charlie , developing a professional friendship that led to numerous collaborations. Shawn Franklin with Charlie Benante from Anthrax - photo provided by artist “He said, ‘I’m going to send you some songs that I love and I’m not going to tell you what I don’t like about them audio-wise, and I want to see what you would do.’ I’m thinking, ‘Well, I’m just gonna trust my ears and see what I come up with.’ So, I did that and sent him samples of before and after. I didn’t hear anything for a while until one day, I was playing drums and my phone started blowing up. I look down at my phone to see Charlie messaging me and telling me that I ‘killed it.’” After successfully re-mastering those first few tracks, Shawn Franklin was sent more material that eventually led to him editing, assembling, and sequencing the Spreading the Disease 30th Anniversary album and the State of Euphoria deluxe album for Universal/Megaforce Records . Those projects then led to numerous other projects and collaborations with Anthrax and the professional relationship continues to this day. Remastered by Shawn Franklin Beyond his individual accomplishments, Shawn Franklin has had a transformative impact on the music production landscape by recognizing the importance of embracing technological advancements and utilizing innovative techniques to shape and enhance the soundscape of his creative projects. When asked about some of his other projects outside of Public Enemy and Anthrax, he said, “Working with Chuck Mosley from Faith No More, God rest his soul, was just incredible. I think that me being a fan of the music helps in my situation because knowing the catalog and the work makes it more personal.” He goes on to say, “It’s like saying, ‘Hey, this guy loves our stuff but can also deliver the goods audio-wise,’ you know?” In 2016 , Franklin was asked to master three songs for DJ Lord for the 2016 Make America Rage Again tour and says of the experience, “Chuck had an assistant named Kate. She came to me one day and said, ‘DJ Lord needs three songs mastered … instrumental versions.’ So, I didn’t even think anything of it and told them, ‘Let’s go!’” Credit: Green Left From there, Shawn went on to do the tracks with no problems and recalled the moment he got to experience his work firsthand live. “I’m at Mohegan Sun Arena watching the Prophets of Rage show and it’s going along, and ‘Bring the Noise’ starts when it dawns on me that this was what I had mastered for them. I look around the arena and it’s sold out. It’s packed. I’m watching people lose their minds to the music and I’m thinking, ‘I worked on this.’” As the music industry continues to evolve, Shawn Franklin remains relentless in his pursuit of excellence. While continuing to collaborate with renowned artists, Franklin strives to inspire others to follow their dreams and explore their creative potential. His journey from humble beginnings to working for Chuck D is a testament to his unwavering passion, exceptional talent, and commitment to musical quality. Through his versatility and groundbreaking production style, Franklin has redefined the music production landscape and left an indelible mark on the industry. As the music world eagerly awaits his next move, there is no doubt that Shawn Franklin’s influence will continue to shape the future of music production for years to come. To learn more about Shawn and his work, visit one of the sites below: Website: TDX: The Definitive Xperience (defexperience.com) The Scallions: The Scallions | blocGLOBAL Independent Record Label | Buy, download and listen to music online (blocsonic.com) Facebook (The Scallions): The Scallions (facebook.com) Rapstation Radio: Rapstation - Home 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

Go to the Theater or Stay Home and Stream? < Back The Great Entertainment Debate C.G. Smith Nov 2, 2022 Share Go to the Theater or Stay Home and Stream? I’ve been a fan of going to the movies since I was a young child. I have vivid memories of going to see films like Disney’s The Jungle Book , Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back , Return of the Jedi , and The Dark Crystal as a boy. The feelings of taking a giant bucket of buttery popcorn into that once sacred space and finding a good seat were magical. When the lights went down and the big theater speakers began booming, my eyes would light up, ready to be taken away to whatever fantastical universe this movie would bring. It was glorious. Not only was it entertaining but also it was a way to share something special and new with my family, and it gave us so much to discuss after the lights came back up and we made our way home. Today we have the option to stream most movies at home, and a lot of us are doing just that. With our massive televisions that remind me of the big screen walls from the novel "Fahrenheit 451 " and our fancy soundbars and multi-speaker sound systems, we can enjoy the films we want to in the comfort of our own homes. The popcorn might not be as good, but it doesn’t cost a few weeks’ worth of allowance either. When studios began releasing movies for streaming at home, often on the same schedule as those in the theaters, I wondered why anyone would still go out to see a movie when they could just stay home in their pajamas, curl up with their loved ones or pets, and for the price of their monthly subscription enjoy the same product that others were braving the elements (and COVID and other movie goers) to see. Surely the theater experience was transitioning into being a thing of the past, right? Box office receipts were already declining and then took a massive hit when the Covid-19 pandemic swept across the world in early 2020. Even though movie theaters in 2022 have seen business come back to nearly double the 2021 numbers, people are still often choosing streaming at home over the traditional movie theater experience. Why? Is it the ever-rising costs to go out and see a movie? It damn near costs you $30 just to get in the door, let alone what you spend on food and drink. Or, is it due to the ease of pushing a button at home and starting (or pausing) the film from your couch? Is it the fact that you won’t have a pile of human garbage tapping the back of your seat with their foot? I asked friends and strangers this very question to try and understand where fans of movies are at these days. Here are a few responses. “ I like to go to the movies. It’s the whole going-out experience I enjoy—the smell of the popcorn, the big theater sound, the sense of being a part of something,” said one woman I spoke to. “ I will always prefer going to a movie theater over staying at home .” The answers to this query are diverse and seem to depend on the availability and quality of the theaters around those answering, as well as the film itself. For instance, here in New Orleans, most theaters serve alcohol along with the standard sodas, popcorn, and candies. I remember my first movie theater experience here when my wife and I went to see the special screenings of Quentin Tarantino’s The Hateful Eight . Upon walking into the big AMC Elmwood theater lobby, I look to my left and see a fully stocked bar! I was truly in the city where I belonged. Another time when we went downtown to see The Rise of Skywalker , we were able to order a charcuterie board and a bottle of wine. Other cities are, of course, not New Orleans and don’t have full bar setups or charcuterie boards … not that these amenities make one theater necessarily superior or not to the average audience member, but it does play a factor into the going-out experience as a whole. At least for some people. “ I like streaming because I can watch programming on my own schedule,” says entertainment podcaster Scott Waltner. “ I’m more willing to take a risk on a film or series than I would going to the theater. Blockbuster franchises will continue to drive people to the theater, but streaming services allow studios the chance to tell different stories and I really like having those options .” Many people I have spoken to say it really depends on the movie. They prefer to go experience a big blockbuster MCU action movie in a fancy theater while the newest Wes Anderson film might work better at home. Some people say they just prefer the overall ambience and feel of an actual movie theater, while others say they would rather stay in and watch in the comfort of their home. Some are just hooked on the entire experience of going to see a movie in a big theater, but overall many people I have spoken with say if the movie is grand in scale, they are more apt to go to a theater to see it rather than trust their home system to present it faithfully, but that for most movies, they prefer to stay home and stream it. I suppose the big question now is, is the experience of going out to an actual movie theater worth it to you, the viewer, more so than the comfort of staying home for that particular movie? These are questions we must answer ourselves, and ones that the Hollywood film industry have surely been pondering. Our screens will keep getting larger and might someday actually be like those described in "Fahrenheit 451," but the desire to get out of our homes and experience something in a communal setting will continue to drive most of us off the couch and out of the house for the foreseeable future. Whichever you prefer, I nonetheless hope your movie-watching experiences are just as magical as mine are. 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

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