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‘Come On Home’ is an upbeat and heartfelt anthem. < Back Reviews on the Real: Jared Daws Invites Us Back to Appalachian Roots with Soulful New Single ‘Come on Home' Nicole Brice Sep 16, 2024 Share ‘Come On Home’ is an upbeat and heartfelt anthem. Music truly can transport us to different places and times if the lyrics, vibe, and tone are just right. Enter Louisiana country artist Jared Daws , who has just released his latest, ‘ Come on Home ,’ an upbeat homage to rural country life and the relaxation that comes with it. Released September 6, 2024 The track has a strong opening that leads to crisp, clean vocals and a toe-tapping, head-nodding sound. With sing-along choruses and an incredible mix, Jared has managed to craft a feel-good song full of nostalgia and longing. Yes, just take me back to Appalachia, please. With a tinge of Louisiana flavor, Jared’s voice resonates with soul and strength. His vocals alone draw you into a song full of emotion that never lets up. This is truly an enjoyable track. The video , which was released on September 13, 2024 and is available on YouTube , paints a vivid visual and truly brings the entire song to life. We were able to ask Jared a few questions so you can get a better feel for his newest tune. Check out our conversation below. MaM : Tell us a little about the inspiration behind your latest release, ' Come on Home '. What is the song about? How long did it take you to write the track? JD : ‘ Come on Home ’ is a tune about just getting back to your roots and doing the things that inspire you. For me, that’s being out in nature. Just breathing the air and hearing the sounds of the woods does something for me. The song came about from a little riff I wrote. From there, it all came together quickly. My buddy Pat Lyons , who plays for Colter Wall , helped me shape it up a bit, and it all came together from there. Credit: Cherish Ann / Memory Lane Photography MaM : Where was the new music recorded, and what are your plans for the rest of 2024 into 2025? JD : We recorded this tune in Nashville at The Owl studio in Berry Hill. A huge thanks to Pat Lyons (Colter Wall), Solly Levine (ex-Colter Wall, Noeline Hofmann), Preston Wait (Brothers Osborne), Geoff Henderson, Mitch Furr , and Katie Lang for helping me make this record! For 2024, we will just be ripping some gigs and getting ready to tour in 2025! MaM : What inspires you to create the music that you love? JD : Honestly, it all comes from my life experiences. I’ve dealt with and seen a lot in 30 years. Music helps make good and bad memories exist in a space where I can utilize their power. Being able to take a bad memory and turn it into something I enjoy or use a good memory and make it even better with music helps me out a ton mentally. Credit: Black Heart Media / Tayler Blackhart MaM : How would you describe the music you typically create? JD : They say country music is three chords and the truth. Most of my music has more than three chords, but that is true. So, I guess we will call it “country for the most part.” I just make what feels right, and it typically walks the line of country, folk, & Americana. It doesn’t matter what ya call it; I need ya to listen! MaM : Are there any musicians or bands you'd like to share the stage with in the future? If so, who? JD : The list would take up every bit of the space allotted for this interview, so I’ll keep it short and sweet. Sierra Ferrel , who, in my opinion, is the new-age queen of Americana music. Tyler Childers , for sure, as well. His sound is so raw, and I love that he’s just genuinely him. Lastly, I’ll say Chris Stapleton . That man has the soul of three generations inside of him. To make music with him would be an honor. MaM : We saw that you just released an album in January 2024. What are your plans for new material? Are you going to continue promoting your catalog, or do you have plans to push forward with new stuff? JD : I’ll always promote my catalog because I am proud of those songs. However, I see myself pushing my newer music more because it shows where I am currently in life. I’m living in the moment more these days, so pushing the music that’s with me right then and there is very important to me. I have a lot more music coming showcasing what life has been like lately, and I’m super excited and proud of it. ‘ Come on Home ' is a soothing, calming, relaxing song full of harmony that makes you think of campfires, hanging out, telling stories, and just the good times, so be sure to stream it today on your favorite streaming platform and catch Jared Daws live this fall at a venue near you. For more information on Jared Daws: www.jareddaws.com Jared Daws Official Website Home of country music artist Jared Daws. Shop for merchandise, stream and purchase music, as well as find tickets to upcoming events involving Jared Daws. *Cover photo by Cherish Ann / Memory Lane Photography Questions or comments? Reach out to mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

A New York Musician taking the World by Storm < Back Cyberattack Rearranges the Electronic Music Scene Nicole Brice May 8, 2023 Share A New York Musician taking the World by Storm Cyberattack is a talented and innovative New York-based musician who is quickly making a name for himself in the electronic music scene. With music that is glitchy and emotionally complex, Cyberattack is the performance name of NYC-based guitarist/songwriter/singer/YouTuber Ivan Anderson. With the use of bright vivid imagery, he makes these incredible music videos that reel you right in, showcasing an imaginary landscape of nostalgia and charm. His latest video, out today May 8, 2023, is for his rendition of the Tom Petty classic “Listen to Her Heart”. Cyberattack has continued to churn out quality content since launching his YouTube channel in 2017 and he shows no sign of slowing down. The new music video for “Listen to Her Heart” is made to look like Ivan has been absorbed into an old-school graphing calculator, with a lot of painstakingly designed lo-fi special effects that must be seen to be believed. The song itself is lovingly hostile to the original Tom Petty source material. The basic idea behind Ivan’s very glitchy treatment of it is that sometimes when you listen to your heart, the message is mystifying and bizarre. The song and the video end up devolving into noisy, nonverbal chaos like a brute-force introduction to the Cyberattack aesthetic and approach to music: glitched out, unapologetic, and, underneath it all, extremely romantic. His previous music video " Fantasy Killer " won Best Music Video in the Bowery Film Festival and was a finalist in the New York Cinematography Awards, New York Movie Awards, Jersey Shore Film Festival, and the Artists Forum of the Moving Image. In addition to Cyberattack, Ivan Anderson has performed, co-written, appeared on records, made videos, or otherwise collaborated with Tim Lefevbre (bassist for David Bowie, Tedeschi Trucks Band, etc.), Rhett Shull, Emily Hopkins, Knobs, Fusilier, SWEET FIX, Mobile Steam Unit, and preston.outatime (aka Preston Parris). Ivan Anderson is a busy dude. Released in 2020, his full-length debut Cyberattack album “Hard Feelings” was produced by Geoff Stanfield (Portugal.The Man, Sun Kil Moon) and is currently available on all streaming platforms. We took a moment to chat with Ivan about his creativity and flair for all things visual. in addition to discussing music in general. Are you looking for an amazing new artist to discover? Look no further. Here’s what Anderson had to say. MaM : Hey Ivan! It is Ivan, right? Not Evan? For some reason, I want to pronounce your name like Ivan Drago from Rocky IV . It was what automatically popped into my brain. (laughs) IA : I love Rocky IV and the character Ivan Drago, so I can tell this conversation is off to a great start. It is pronounced Ivan, though. MaM : Give us a brief background about yourself. I read somewhere that you are from Englewood, NJ. Tell us a little more about that. IA : So, I’m not actually from Englewood, but I am from a town very close to there called Leonia. It’s only a mile or so away from Englewood. Leonia is a very small town. I feel like I grew up in the suburbs of New York, but on the New Jersey side. Those who grew up in New York would have some different feelings about whether that counts or not. I’ve been making music professionally for as long as I can remember. I graduated from college in 2009, and at that time, I was in a band called Sweet Fix and we were a New York band. I had formed the band in college, but after graduation I was just trying to make that band happen, but I still had a day job, too. And, along the way I ended up interning for a music studio and I started doing a bit of session guitar playing, too, along with collaborating with other people, and so I was starting to round out my resume as a professional musician. In 2015, my band broke up, and I was a little freaked out because I had big dreams for that band, so when [we] broke up, I was like, ‘What now”? I was still trying to do the “guitar player for hire” stuff, too, around this time, so I decided to just start my own project—my own band—which I ended up naming Cyberattack. I do have collaborators for the records and other people I use for them, but they’re all hired guys. Cyberattack is truly an Ivan Anderson solo project. Photo from artist social media MaM : Tell us a little more about your YouTube channel. I see you have over 15.7k subscribers. IA : I started the YouTube channel around 2016, along with securing the name for Instagram, etc. I started out by putting some music videos on there that I did. ‘Fantasy Killer’ was one of those early videos. I was still figuring out the look and vibe I wanted, though … like the visual kind of energy of what Cyberattack would be. I love all those weird old video games and the whole retro thing. It’s just insane with all the colors, so I wanted to emulate that. I was sort of figuring out what I wanted as I made the videos and a collaborator friend of mine, John, helped me achieve that. Also, too, during lockdown for COVID, nothing was going on, so I decided to start adding videos to my channel about the guitar pedals I had. I just made a demo video about some of the equipment I had lying around. Those started to catch on better than my music videos. MaM : Your music videos are works of art, man. I’m not going to lie. I went down a rabbit hole on your YouTube channel checking everything out. The videos remind me of playing my old Sega Master System back in the day at my parents’ house. See, I was never the Nintendo chick. My dad got us the Sega because he said it had better graphics. IA : There was like a team identity to all of that. I feel like it was rare for any adult to have any knowledge of anything video game related. That’s awesome that your dad picked the Sega because of better graphics. photo from video for Fantasy Killer MaM : With you being multi-talented, what is your preferred instrument to play? IA : I’m the best at guitar. That’s my high card. MaM : I saw you playing an SG—is that your preferred type? IA : I do like Gibson SG’s, although I feel like there’s just something about my SG. The instrument means a lot to me and is my main recording guitar. I think all SG’s look cool because of the devil horns on them. They’re not trying too hard to be evil looking but have this kind of low-key evil vibe look. I just love the way my SG sounds, though. I really like how it sounds recorded. It just has a basic good tone where when you hear it, you’re like, ‘Yeah, I’ll go with that.’ MaM : Do you own any other guitars? IA : Oh, I have a few. I have a Fender Strat, which I find has a much more specific sound to it, but it’s a sound I like. I also have a custom guitar that was built for me by a guy out in Orangeburg, New York. It’s pretty cool. The shape and design are a little more in your face. It’s got curves and points. It’s definitely a little more out there. It was built by a guy named Alex Glasser with Iron Horse Instruments. The idea was to design Ivan’s dream guitar. It was made after I recorded the first Cyberattack album. It’s become my main guitar. MaM : So, as far as musical influences go, who do you cite in driving you to create? IA : I only vaguely remember this, but my dad used to play the music of Jimi Hendrix all the time. He was a big Jimi Hendrix fan. I connected with his music right away and he just seemed like he was the coolest guy ever. It definitely had a huge impact on me as a kid. His guitar was cool. His approach to music was cool. I just knew that I liked it. As the years went by, though, I started to learn more about music, and I started branching out with what I was listening to. As a teenager was when I started trying to write lyrics and sing. I sort of took on a new approach to caring about music, too, and just sound. MaM : That’s awesome. So, as far as your favorite type of music is concerned, do you have one? What do you listen to in the car when you’re driving around? Do you even need a car to live in New York? IA : I actually do have a car. For gigs and stuff, it comes in handy. I grew up in the suburbs and used to love to drive and it was a huge part of life. Driving in Manhattan is the worst driving experience ever. There are stop lights everywhere and all you do is stop and go constantly … oh, and parallel parking is everywhere. As far as my music taste goes, it’s geared more towards classic rock. You can’t go wrong with the early Van Halen albums featuring David Lee Roth. I love early Metallica. I like a lot of guitar players and classic rock stuff. I’ve liked the same types of music since I was 14 years old, and it has never changed. I feel like that’s how my identity was formed. Photo from artist social media MaM : Tell us a little more about your new music video for “Listen to Her Heart”. IA : Well, that’s the fanciest video we have done yet, and I felt we had to build up to that with the previous videos. I like my videos to capture you for three or four minutes while watching them, but how do you go about that really? I don’t have a lot of money to get these crane shots over a bridge or anything like that, but my buddy John went to film school and he’s the guy who can set up the lights how they need to be and knows all the technical stuff. We usually just rent a studio that has a green screen and then go from there. Photo from the new video for Listen to Her Heart MaM : What made you decide to cover Tom Petty? IA : I picked it mainly just because I like the music of Tom Petty. ‘Free Falling’ was everywhere when I was a kid. You could not go anywhere without hearing that song, including the mall. I was always drawn to what he did vocally, though. I just like the way he sings. He is an incredible lyricist. Photo from the new video for Listen to Her Heart MaM : When you are writing your own song lyrics, where do you draw inspiration from? IA : Lyrics, for me, are by far the hardest thing. I can come up with ideas and melody, but the process of writing lyrics takes a bit. There’s, like, a million voice memos on my phone of me just singing little melodies that I think are good. I put enormous pressure on myself to have the lyrics be what I think are good enough, which makes it that much harder. MaM : So, what’s going on with the new music? Have you even started the writing process? IA : I’m gonna start recording the next Cyberattack album at the end of this year, but before I do, I want to finish making music videos for every song on the first album. And there’s only two left. One is the Tom Petty cover. After that, I will be officially done with the first album cycle, and I can start the recording process for the second album, so stay tuned! - Want to stimulate your eyeballs? Head on over to Ivan’s Cyberattack YouTube channel to experience his creativity in all its colorful glory. Also, be sure to like and follow him on social media to stay up to date on albums and releases. Be sure to check out his brand spanking new video for "Listen to Her Heart" - out NOW ! cyberattack (@cyberattack_world) • Instagram photos and videos Cyberattack - YouTube Cyberattack | Spotify Hard Feelings | Cyberattack (bandcamp.com) Cyberattack | Facebook Cyberattack | creating glitchy music and videos | Patreon www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Nicole Brice is a huge nerd. She loves listening to new music and checking out cool stuff. Want her to check out your creations? Email her at 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

Disjunct is redefining the sound of music for a new generation < Back Disjunct: Technically Gifted Musicians Who Push Boundaries Nicole Brice Aug 23, 2023 Share Disjunct is redefining the sound of music for a new generation In a society where music has become synonymous with formulaic beats and predictable melodies, occasionally a band emerges to challenge the status quo. Disjunct, an up-and-coming experimental band that formed in 2021 as a jam project in Freetown, Louisiana, became more serious about their craft in April 2022 and began seriously writing and playing more live shows. The band consists of Brock Bonin (guitarist), Tony Struhldreher (drums), and Trent Hebert (bass). These guys recently played Rad Fest 2023 in downtown Lafayette, Louisiana, and their set was nothing short of remarkable. As we watched guitarist Brock Bonin play last Saturday, MaM Lead Photographer Gary Governale and I both remarked, “Damn, that guy is good!” Credit: Gary Governale Disjunct is a band unafraid to experiment and push boundaries. Blending elements of psychedelia, progressive rock, djent, and jazz, their music defies categorization. Their ability to seamlessly merge different styles and genres results in a truly original sound that leaves a lasting impression on listeners. Disjunct refuses to be boxed in, constantly striving to transcend musical expectations, and with band influences ranging from Jimi Hendrix to Primus to Chon, the end result “is a culmination of our preferences that mesh together to form a new and unique sound,” says founding member Brock Bonin. Credit: Gary Governale When it comes to live performances, Disjunct draws the line in the sand. The band’s synergy cannot be missed because, like a fine-oiled machine, each member brings their unique flair. The passion with which Disjunct performs is an unforgettable experience. If you missed their set at Rad Fest, bummer—but rest assured these guys have much more on the horizon for the remainder of 2023 and beyond, and we’ve got a small snippet of their performance for you below. We were able to ask Brock a few questions about Disjunct, so check out a little Q & A and then stay tuned for more from these guys! MaM : I can’t seem to find any music for you on Bandcamp or Spotify. Where can I find your music? BB : We are actively working on putting together recorded music for our listeners. There is an EP dropping this fall, with new single releases to follow shortly after. MaM : Are there any notable shows you guys have played yet besides Rad Fest? BB : Disjunct preformed Marsfest as well as the Festival International after a party hosted by Artmosphere. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : Who or what influences you to write music? BB : A large part of our writing process comes from the general idea that we want to stay original. Most of the music has been written from the ground up based on ideas that presented themselves organically during jam sessions. MaM : Where do you see the band headed in the future? BB : We have plans to grow together as a group and mature our music into a more cohesive sound. Things to look forward to are a heavier ambiance, extended-range guitars, and more technical proficiency all around. Disjunct is a band that is challenging conventions, turning heads, and offering a breath of fresh air to the local music scene. To learn more about Disjunct, visit them on social media via one of the links below. Instagram : Disjunct (@disjunctband) • Instagram photos and videos *Cover Photo - Gary Governale www.governalephotovideo.com Nicole Brice just loves music. It doesn’t matter the type. Do you have something you think she should hear? Hit her up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Few Blue has the rhythm that will bring you to your knees. < Back Straight from the Bayou: Few Blue’s Vibrant Sound Redefines New Orleans Music Nicole Brice Sep 3, 2024 Share Few Blue has the rhythm that will bring you to your knees. In my many years of discovering new music, it never ceases to amaze me how Louisiana talent can be so different in so many ways. Louisiana has become known for its intense metal scene as well as zydeco and jazz , but often, the more unique bands coming out of this state tend to get buried. It’s not because they are not talented but because people’s musical tastes are focused elsewhere. When a band is recommended, I never know what to expect. After receiving the recommendation to check out Few Blue ’s music, it only took one listen to fall in love. Few Blue is one of those bands with an infectious lead singer who reels you in with her pure talent and powerful vocal stylings—stylings reminiscent of great female singers like Miranda Lambert , Pat Benatar , and the ever-forgotten Alannah Myles . Camryn Wisniewski’s energetic persona and insatiable personality are a perfect fit for the well-rounded outfit of talented musicians she shares the stage with, who play a style of music so rowdy that you can’t help but get excited. This band is so tight. If Miranda Lambert were to front Pat Benatar’s band from the 80s, then you would have Few Blue. Their first EP, So Damn Wrong , was released in January 2024 and is an intense kick to the gut with standout tracks such as, ‘ Oops ,’ which makes you snap to attention instantly because of how powerful it is. It’s an ass-kicking female anthem with pure, fierce sonic energy. ‘ Call Me Crazy ’ is another high-powered track with impressive and compelling lyrics that speak of love and longing. To be honest, this entire EP kicks so much ass. Truly, it does. There is not one single bad song. Put So Damn Wrong on your list of EP’s to check out NOW ! A tight-knit group of friends who began their careers together at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Few Blue is on a path to greatness because of its intense energy in the musical landscape. The band is comprised of: Brad Boozer (guitar), Rob Schexnayder (drums), Christian Liang (bassist), and Camryn Wisniewski (vocals). If you were to ask me how to describe Few Blue’s music, I would have to say that it’s just good. It's as simple as that. Based in New Orleans these days and fresh off playing a show at LSU’s Welcome Week , the band has a busy rest of 2024 lined up with even more planned for 2025, so I was thrilled to catch lead singer Cam on an off day. We discussed the history of the band, vocal influences, what the future holds, and more. Read on below. Camryn Wisniewski (vocals) - Credit Gary Governale MaM : So Damn Wrong was just released in January. What has the response been so far to the EP, especially with such a strong opening track as ‘ Oops ’? That song is a swift kick to the ass. Cam : This song was a joke song. I think we were hanging out and drinking a few beers when it was written because we do these jam sessions when we go on trips together where we sit down and write songs. Brad will start strumming random chords … like B, A, D, right? As he’s playing, I’ll freestyle on top of it. ‘ Oops ’ is one of those situations. It started with a story about this red-haired girl, and she’s one of my good friends, but it was a strange situation at the time, and it made a great song which the term “ Oops ” is one of Brad’s favorite terms for when something wrong happens, like “Oops, my bad.” MaM : It’s just such a powerful track! Cam : That’s the attitude we wanted to convey, too. It’s like an instant rollercoaster. MaM : How do you usually approach writing material? Cam : Well, we’re actually writing some new material now and figuring out a process that works for us. This is going to be our first album but our second release. When we started the band, it was just four kids in college who wanted to jam together, but now things are getting more serious, and people want us to make more music, so we’re trying to figure out how to become actual songwriters. When we started writing the So Damn Wrong EP , usually we would have the melody first, or Brad would have a riff first, but for like ‘ Call Me Crazy ’, that was my melody with some simple chords that we jazzed up. We also changed the chorus to make it more upbeat and exciting, but for the rest of them, it was all Brad with a riff, and we would build on it. Once you get the first verse done, then you can pretty much do anything with the song. It’s been a challenge because we just started off having fun. For ‘ Song Why ,’ the bass player came up with this simple bass line, like three notes back and forth. Then, I wrote on top of it next, and it started to build. Build the base and then put layers on top of it. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : I love that. You never know where the song could go when you have a mass collaboration like that. Cam : I will say, though, that sometimes, if you have too many minds involved, it can get a little crazy, but it worked out great when we recorded ‘ Oops .’ MaM : Where did the name Few Blue come from for the band? Cam : For a long time, we have tried to come up with a meaning to tell people about the name, but it is just from a random word generator. None of us could think of anything at first, so one of the names the guys threw out was “Piraha”. (laughter) They wanted to be different and stand out, but obviously, “no” with that name. (laughter) My drummer, Rob, had this random word generator and was messing with it. These two words pop up each time, and you must decide which word to keep and which to toss. So, it generates the word “few” and another word. He liked “few”, and then “blue” came up, and we liked it, but it was a bit of a tongue twister, but I think it’s different from what we’re seeing around us. Fleetwood Mac probably sounded like a terrible name at some point but look at what the name means now. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : Right?! So, what made you want to pursue the type of music you play? Cam : My background is a little crazier and different than the guys. The guys are all about classic rock legends and own tons of vinyl. I did musical theater growing up. That’s where I get my confidence and stage presence from. I was not a musical theater kid, but I did musical theater. Does that make sense? It was an excellent outlet for me. I wouldn't say I liked the acting part, but I loved the dancing because it was fun and carefree. Through the years, I found that ABBA was my favorite music for musical theater. I always pick the ABBA songs for karaoke and whatnot when I sing. When the guys said they did classic rock, though, I had to convince them to blend a little of my style with theirs, but finding the perfect mix is doing what I do now. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : Your sound is big. What is it about music that makes you feel so passionate? Cam : I get an adrenaline rush going on stage, and it is just a feeling. It’s my outlet I could not live without, and I’ve written poetry for years since I was a kid, but I would sit down with my ukulele and put all these puzzle pieces together through song while staying genuine and authentic with what I wanted to say. I love all the alliteration and wordplay with music, too. I feel emotions deeply, also, and I’ve always been a writer. It’s just something I need to do. Even if no one hears it. MaM : What’s your favorite song to perform? Cam : Right now, it differs, but ‘Zombie’ by The Cranberries is one of them. We rock that song up enough to where everyone is headbanging, and it sits so perfectly in my range that I can easily let it all out and scream. It's such a fun song to perform. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : What would you say your songs are primarily about, and how would you describe your music to a random stranger if you were trying to sell it? Cam : We love rock music and are just trying to pay homage to our inspirations, but lyrically, we’re just telling a story, and people are relating to it. Heartbreak and tough times will always be an influence, but ‘ So Damn Wrong ’ is about a bad relationship at the time. A bad guy and a good girl trying to make things work. It’s so damn wrong, but it could be right, and she’s not gonna wait for ya. That’s exactly how I felt at the time, too. ‘ Call Me Crazy ’ stemmed from high school and relationships with the message that if you’re not crazy, are you really in love? At that point, just call me crazy because I am in love, and I’m crazy. I’m sure a lot of the lyrics are from boys pissing me off. (laughter) MaM : Life experiences. Cam : Exactly, life experiences. MaM : Life experiences make the best art! Tell me about your worst and best performance so far. Cam : So, our worst performance … we got hired to do a private event, and as you know, in the south, the rivalries go hard. At this event, half of the LSU people and half of the Alabama people were there. The two parties didn’t quite know each other well, so when it came to the music being played, we weren’t told much. In fact, about a week before the event, we were told we needed to learn a bunch of new songs. The problem was that the girl who hired me was for LSU, so I started singing more Baton Rouge-based songs like ‘ Calling Baton Rouge ’ and ‘ Louisiana Saturday Night’ because I was ready to get people going. At one point during the party, one of the Alabama people came up to me because they said I was only singing LSU songs, and they wanted Alabama songs. We didn’t mean to do anything wrong, so at one point, I even got on the mic to tell people we would play whatever they wanted to hear. It was just one of those events where you don’t have enough information and then shoot yourself in the foot once you get there. It was so awkward. We packed up early because the Alabama people wanted us to stop playing and turn on other music. The best performance … there are quite a few. We just played at FLORA BAMA , and they scheduled us for the 6:30 p.m. -10:00 p.m. spot, which is a fantastic spot to have. I’ve done that spot with another band before because it was a great spot, but once we played the 10:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., it was just insanely packed. There were people all the way to the back, and all were engaged with us the entire time. I’d tell them to put their hands up, and everyone had their hands up. It was phenomenal! Everyone was so into it. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : Have any other musicians ever given you any advice, and if so, what was it? Cam : I talked to Randy Jackson from Zebra , and it was so surreal since the guys in the band love them. Zebra means something to me. I finally got to meet Randy Jackson because my music teacher is friends with him. He gave me advice on how to preserve my voice. I used to have this very princess-sounding falsetto voice, which I still do, but it’s changed because I’m screaming so much on stage. I’m learning to control it. He told me some excellent singing advice, told me to drink grapefruit juice, and told me tea dehydrates you, too. I have talked to older bands on the scene, too; everyone has told me not to worry about what I’m writing and to write what I feel. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : Is there anyone you would like to collaborate with in the future, and if so, who? Cam : David Shaw and the Revivalists . Our drummer, Rob, has gone to so many of their shows. Rob and I are close, so if we sit around and need some cheering up, he’ll play their music for me. It’s special to me—dream collaboration. MaM : What do you have going on for the rest of the year, and where do you see yourselves headed in the future? Cam : We’re trying to get some new music out by the end of 2024 / early 2025. We have a few more shows scheduled at FLORA BAMA , some others, Southport Hall , Rock N Bowl , etc. We’re booked through the year's end so you can catch us somewhere. We play almost every weekend. We’re just going to be putting our heads down and grinding. Everyone is so passionate about moving the band forward, and it’s not easy, but we’re doing it. Credit: Gary Governale As Few Blue continues to grind it out on the local scene and beyond, they stand poised to influence a new generation of music lovers with a refreshing sound that can only be attributed to the cohesive energy found within this well-rounded and talented group of musicians. With a busy rest of 2024, be sure to try and catch a show with this up-and-coming act before they sell out stadiums worldwide. To learn more about Few Blue: New Orleans Young Band - Live Music (fewblue.com) *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 Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

A New Era of Synths < Back NITE: Revamping New Wave Nicole Brice Mar 31, 2023 Share A New Era of Synths While doing my daily scroll on Instagram recently, I came across a duo performing a cover of Local H’s ' Bound for the Floor' and I was instantly stopped in my tracks. I’ve never heard anyone cover this song, and with Local H being a favorite of my brother’s, I felt compelled to check it out further. Intrigued, I turned the volume all the way up to take it all in. After listening to the song, I had to know who these guys are who decided to cover Local H ? As it turns out, their name is NITE , and they hail from Dallas, TX . NITE is an electronic rock band comprised of twin brother producers Kyle and Myles Mendes . They are also joined by drummer Phil Helms ( The Vanished ). The trio is inspired by alternative music of the 80s and 90s, and their sound has been described as darkwave, post-punk, post-industrial, and dream pop. I think their sound is just amazing, creative, and full of artistic flair. Credit: NITE The brothers have released three full-length albums , along with several singles, remixes, and an EP, and they’ve also had the prestigious honor of touring and performing with bands like The New Division, Small Black, Vision Video, Clean Bandit, A Flock of Seagulls, Actors, Midge Ure (Ultra Vox), Magic Sword, Men Without Hats, Night Club, and Berlin—yes, the Berlin. Say whaaat?! After enjoying the Local H cover, I wanted to hear more, and that’s when I discovered their Spotify page full of musical goodness. They’ve even taken on the task of covering an iconic grunge tune by Alice in Chains to make it all their own. Their cover of ' Would? ' is fresh as a shirt straight out of the dryer and is truly remarkable. You must check it out. I reached out to NITE to learn more about who they are behind their sound, and luckily, I had the opportunity to speak with both Kyle and Myles . They’re so much fun; I almost didn’t want our conversation to end. We promise you’ll be just as entertained by them as we are. MaM : Good Morning! How are you? Myles : Hey, I’m doing well. Thank you so much for setting this up. Kyle’s here, too. MaM : Hey Kyle! So, I wanted to start with what made me gravitate towards you guys. That Local H cover is awesome! Very few people give props to Local H and, in fact, my brother is a huge fan of theirs. I want to know your story, though, and I want to convey it to our readers so they can learn a little more about you. So, you guys are based in Dallas, correct? Born and raised there? Myles : Well, we were born in Canada, actually. Kyle : Winnipeg. Myles : Yep, we live in Texas and have for most of our lives, and I would consider myself a Texan more than anything, but we do visit Canada a lot and have played several shows there. MaM : Awesome. So, let’s talk production. I’m assuming you record and produce your own music, but do you also do work for other musicians as well? Myles : We do it for other musicians. We also make music for other companies and do commercial work as well. That’s a new thing for us. We haven’t went [sic] public with it, but we do have a song in a Ford Mustang commercial in China. MaM : Wow! That’s impressive! Myles : It’s not a NITE song, though. It’s just something we produced for commercial work. MaM : Eh, it still counts. How would you describe your music? I was listening to the two EP’s that are on Spotify, and on your first EP, it’s more of a New Wave sound with a little techno. I hate saying “techno,” because it’s a more of an electronic sound, but with your second EP, you add in a little more fuzz and it has more of a rock vibe. Y’all’s cover of “Would?” is insane! I have never heard that song covered in that way, so tell us what inspired you to cover that specific Alice in Chains track? Myles : We, well, just like you said, we have more of that pop/new wave sound in our roots, but I feel during COVID, we started gravitating more towards industrial music. Credit: NITE MaM : Ministry fans? Myles : Yeah, we love Ministry, too. We love that whole sound. Skinny Puppy, too. You name it, we probably like it. There is definitely an industrial accent with our music, and we wanted to bring that back a little but also not take the pop away. We really like early Ministry. Their first album was great. Falling Apart official music video MaM : “With Sympathy”… yep! In fact, I put that down in my notes as a comparison for your music. Your first EP reminds me so much of that album. Myles : Thank you. I love that. That’s an honor to say it. We actually got into Alice in Chains late in the game. I’ve always known about them and who they were, but when I heard the song “Would?”, I thought, ‘Man … this could have been a Joy Division song’—even the comparisons from Layne to Ian Curtis’ life. … [A]nd you know, they both ended tragically. I felt “Would?” is a post-punk song in its own right, though, and I felt like I needed to hear it industrialized. It was also kind of the kickstart to colonize a new branding with more of an industrial sound. I didn’t try to sound like Layne, nor should I even try, but I felt that we took a different vocal approach to it. Would? by NITE MaM : I completely agree. So, what do you guys want to accomplish going forward? Myles : Well, that’s a good question. I mean, we keep putting out music, and it was last year that our new song “Your Ego is Gone” was released along with the EP you heard. We are due for a new single, though, so we’re going to try and put one out before the tour this summer with The New Division. I think July is what we’re aiming for. We hope to have a single out by then. MaM : You mentioned a tour. Is this going to be a national tour? Myles : Right now, it’s just going to be a Texas tour. We’re hoping for a national tour later on this year with a band called Empathy Test. The New Division actually remixed our song “Life and Love”, and it has amassed many plays and was shared by New Retro Wave. Love and Life (New Division remix) MaM : Oh, I haven’t heard that yet. I’ll have to check it out. Does anyone ever give you guys a Tears for Fears comparison? I hear a tinge of that, too, in your music. Myles : Well, we are big Tears for Fears fans, and a lot of people do reference [them] with us. We are twins, though, and we’ve grown our hair out a little because, as kids, we were in a military school where we had to have shaved heads. It was a juvenile program called Young Marines. We weren’t juvenile delinquents or anything like that, but our parents felt we needed a ‘life experience’ and we got one. We also made a vow to grow out our hair afterwards. My dad loved the music of Kiss and a lot of the 80’s hair metal, so I guess you could say that’s why we have hair like we do. Kyle : It’s not a perm. Yeah. We don’t perm our hair. We have naturally curly hair. Credit: NITE MaM : That’s awesome that you naturally have that 80’s vibe going on. (laughs) So, you guys have a very fresh synth sound. How do you achieve that? I want to know what gear you use. Myles : We make our music through a software called Reason. We record pretty much everything through that, and a lot of our synth sounds are created with that, too. We also have Korg Minilogues we use. MaM : Nice. Myles : Another thing that people have taken notice of is our matching guitars, especially since we’re twins. We are currently playing Fender Jaguar guitars. Kyle plays bass, I play guitar, and they’re pretty much identical. What else, Kyle? Oh! We also have a drummer that sometimes plays with us, and he uses a full drum kit—the traditional one. He also plays with triggers, and that’s also how we capture him. His name is Phil Helms. He’s a veteran of the music scene, and so when Kyle and I were in middle school and high school, we actually listened to his band on the radio, and now he’s playing in our band. His band was called The Vanished, and then after that, they became Seven Channels. They’ve changed the name, but they’ve been touring for years. They’re kind of like an emo rock band. Credit: NITE MaM : See, that name sounds familiar. I bet I know their music. Myles : They had a single that was on national radio. It was called ' Favorite Scar '. That was a big song. Favorite Scar by The Vanished MaM : Ok, as soon as I get off this call with you guys, I’m going to check it out. There are many bands out there that I may not have heard because of how over-saturated the scene is. Kind of sad, actually. (laughs) Myles : There’s so many bands who had somewhat of a career and then, you know, it goes away, but with Spotify, at least you can look it up and go, ‘I remember this song from, like, 15 years ago.” They only had the one hit, though, unfortunately. MaM : Right, but even Spotify is kind of new to someone like me. I remember back in the day when you had the CD store and that was it. Hell, most of the CDs I used to buy were because of the cover art and whether it was in the genre of music I liked, and then I would listen to the music to see whether I dug it or not. So, new single coming in July … when do you plan to release a new EP? Myles : That’s a good question. I feel we are still learning. I’m seeing a lot of our friends are just garnering a good bit of success, and we have an album’s worth of material. I just feel if we released an entire album right now, we would kind of be hindering our growth. I think we’ll do what is called ‘waterfalling’, where we just keep releasing one song at a time and add a song to the EP every time we release one. Our next release might be the EP plus the new song. MaM : I think that’s an awesome plan. So, back to the Local H cover. What made you decide to cover them and their song “Bound for the Floor”? Myles : We love their music. They’re a duo, and we’re primarily a duo. Phil, our drummer, has always been in the trenches with us, per se, but he’s older and he can’t come out with us to a lot of the shows. He has a family and can’t make it to every gig, so we perform more as a duo. [So], we were just really inspired by Local H being a duo. Plus, we loved the song. Listen to the cover here: https://www.youtube.com/@wearethenite/shorts MaM : Are you guys just releasing everything independently right now? Any interest in being on a label? Myles : We don’t have a label or anything like that right now, but we were a part of Cleopatra Records at one point, and we put out ‘Sleepless’ and an album called ‘Reborn’ through them. After leaving Cleopatra, we put out a remix album, and now we’re on this industrial, you know, crusade. MaM : Guys, we really love what you have going on and can’t wait to hear more. Any parting words or anything else you want our readers to know? Myles : We’re grateful that we’ve gotten to open for so many cool bands over the years, and I feel we’ve been fortunate so far. I feel we’ve seen our audiences grow, and that’s really encouraging. We are just hopeful and we’re positive and we do what we do because we love it. Discography: · I Am Not Afraid - 2013 · Reborn - 2017 · Sleepless - 2020 · Sleepless Remixes - 2021 · Hallelujah Your Ego is Gone EP- 2022 To check out the music of NITE, hit one of the links below and be sure to follow them on social media. NITE (@wearethenite) • Instagram photos and videos www.wearethenite.com https://www.youtube.com/user/wearethenite NITE | Facebook Nite | Spotify Hallelujah (Your Ego is Gone) EP | NITE | Nite (bandcamp.com) Profile / Twitter ‎Nite on Apple Music www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Nicole Brice is a lifelong music guru who covets her vinyl collection, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. Got questions or comments? E-mail her at the_nicolebrice@mixedaltmag.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Beyond Secret Smoker and Heavy Mantle < Back When Punk Turns Acoustic: William Edward Thompson Nicole Brice Feb 17, 2023 Share Beyond Secret Smoker and Heavy Mantle Being a native of South Louisiana and born and raised near Baton Rouge , which was always a short distance away from me, my late teens and early 20s were spent immersed in all the local music the various scenes had to offer. Over the years, though, adulthood would lead me to no longer be part of those scenes that molded and shaped me as a youth, and so, many local acts were lost to me over the years. The recent discovery of the local projects associated with William Edward Thompson led me to want to know more about this man with the incredibly expressive lyrics and perfect screamo voice resembling Geoff Rickly from Thursday . Involved in numerous projects throughout the years like Girl Scout Heroin and Jenaset , William is currently wrapped up in Secret Smoker and Heavy Mantle . His knack for writing poetic and insightful lyrics places him in the “need to know” category of musicians. Citing the skate culture that defined him as a child, William’s interest in music grew out of the environment around him. credit: Gary Governale As a multi-talented artist, William not only sings, but he also plays bass, guitar, and drums. When asked about his different talents, he modestly acknowledges his abilities. If I could describe William Edward Thompson in one word, it would be humble. With his acoustic tunes, his voice turns away from the tone used in his other projects and instead is replaced with a softer, more genuine one. Truly, Thompson’s sound is both exceptional and classic—his colorful use of words creating an imaginary landscape full of symbolism. His thought-provoking lyrics on his upcoming new solo single make “ On Your Way ” a song you must listen to; it releases February 24 via Protagonist Music. A full-length LP is planned for release later in the year from Protagonist Music as well. Soft-spoken, polite, and modest, William Edward Thompson , known to most as Billy , possesses a rare vibe mostly absent from the scene these days—a vibe evoking the nostalgia of the iconic James Dean . His music, vibe, and charisma will draw you right in. credit: Gary Governale MaM : Thank you for carving out some time for me. I appreciate it. What led to you wanting to make a solo record? WT : I started playing acoustic more during the pandemic, and that’s what kind of prompted it. I was listening to a lot of acoustic stuff and solo artist stuff, and it influenced me in a way. Mark from Secret Smoker and I also did a cover of a Small Brown Bike song for one of their compilations with some other artists. They are my favorite band. Mark recorded the acoustic with his cell phone and I sang over it, and I thought, “Hey, this doesn’t sound bad. This can be done.” I kind of looked around at the genre we focus on, and there are not a ton of people doing acoustic stuff in our community of hardcore and punk, and I just wanted to bring it out and do it. MaM : What would you say the direction of the solo album is artistically? WT : So, with all of my bands, the music has always been full of complex sounds and rhythms, and I wanted to make it as simple as possible. When I approached the acoustic material, I thought, ‘How can I make this simple and as straightforward as possible?’ Even more so, my most recent band Heavy Mantle, that’s the direction we have been going as well. I just wanted to make an album that anyone could say, ‘Hey, I can play that. I could do that.’ MaM : What inspired the songs on the upcoming album? WT : I’ve been reading about Dharma Art for several years now, and I kind of take that approach with writing and with lyrics, too. I try to not make them overly complicated. A lot of it just comes to me. Sometimes I just sit down with a guitar and the lyrics come along with the chords. It goes back to serving the song. They’re just poems. That’s all they are. It’s not like I go, ‘This is going to be a poem, and I’m going to make it out into a song.’ It happens. It just happens in the moment. With cell phones, too, I can record anything, and it makes it much easier to retain what was written in that moment. credit: Gary Governale MaM : Have all of the songs been written for the upcoming album, or is it still a work in process? WT : The album is done. I’m still writing more songs, though … always. MaM : So, you’ve already decided on a set number of songs for the album and you’re not going to add anymore? I’ve heard you always seem to have a ton of songs written. WT : Nope. This album is done. The A and B side is done. It’s going on vinyl. That’s probably going to come out in late summer/early fall depending on the pressing plant. The single ‘ On Your Way ,’ which I recorded on my cell phone … I wanted to keep it in its purest form … [it] came out really good, surprisingly, is being released on February 24th on all platforms. credit: Gary Governale MaM : How many songs are going to be on the new album? WT : I think we ended up with ten or eleven. I can’t remember the number. MaM : Which of your many guitars did you use to record this solo material? WT : I’ve got a Gibson Acoustic that I used. I just like the tone of it. It sounds good. credit: Gary Governale MaM : Have you decided on a title yet for the upcoming LP? WT : The LP will be called ‘ Sleep Test ,’ which is also the title track on the record. MaM : We look forward to checking it out and good luck with all you currently have in the queue. ' On Your Way ' is out February 24th on all streaming platforms. To learn more about William Edward Thompson , his music, and his bands, visit his social media platforms. William Edward Thompson | Baton Rouge LA | Facebook secret smoker | Facebook Heavy Mantle | Baton Rouge LA | Facebook Secret Smoker (@secretsmoker_the_band) • Instagram photos and videos Heavy Mantle (@heavymantle) • Instagram photos and videos @williamedwardthompson666 • Instagram photos and videos Weights & Measures | Heavy Mantle | Tor Johnson Records (bandcamp.com) Dark Clouds | Secret Smoker (bandcamp.com) Terminal Architecture | Secret Smoker | adagio830 (bandcamp.com) Split 7" | Alarms & Controls / Secret Smoker | PROTAGONIST MUSIC (bandcamp.com) *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? E-mail the_nicolebrice@mixedaltmag.com Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Trust Them 'Cuz They're Young, Talented, and Handsome < Back SaxKixAve: Much More Better C.G. Smith Jan 18, 2023 Share Trust Them 'Cuz They're Young, Talented, and Handsome Most musicians are lucky to have one successful project. In a world where there are anywhere from 50,000-100,000 songs being released every day, the market is oversaturated and the chances of breaking through this noise are harder than ever. Musicians who actually do break through and have any kind of success with one group is a rarity, let alone those who can take on and do well with multiple musical projects. New Orleans duo SaxKixAve is comprised of award-winning rapper Alfred Banks and Albert Allenback , saxophonist and flutist of the twice Grammy-nominated group Tank and the Bangas . These two artists are plenty busy with their main gigs, but thanks to the suggestion of Tavia Osbey, manager of Alfred and of Tank and the Bangas, that the two work together at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, these artists started a side project that is truly something special. Their first record, “ I Don’t Wear Suits ”, was released in April 2020 and is a celebration of this collaboration, and the duo has been performing those songs in front of live audiences whenever they can find the time to do so. SaxKixAve is currently finishing up their follow-up record, and I was lucky enough to be able to have them both over to chat about that, about how they make this project work with their busy schedule, and about some of the band’s highlights so far. MaM : I’ve heard a couple different versions of what “kix’ed” this all off. How did this insane, wonderful experiment begin? Albert : Well, Tavia—the manager of Tank and the Bangas and the engine, the logistic and business/life-path mind behind it all—hit me up and said [Alfred] was looking for beats. She said, ‘I know you make beats. Let’s get you in the studio together and see what happens.’ Alfred : It was great … I like Alby. He’s good money. We crack wild jokes. He sent me an email of beats, I picked one, I wrote to it, knock this one out. It was right when COVID hit. So yeah, I got in the studio with this dude, [and] we laughed for about three or four hours before we even started really recording. I thought, ‘This is a good guy.’ We recorded ‘Tawny’ and I guess he liked what I did. I loved it, and we just kinda kept goin’, kept goin’, kept goin’. Then it was like, ‘Hey man, you wanna make this a thing?’ Albert : It was like a 'Step Brothers' moment. Alfred : Yeah! He was like, ‘Yeah!’ I was like, ‘Aight.’ [sic] Albert : Are we in a band? Alfred : Are we a band?! Albert : Yeah, I think so! Alfred : (to Albert) Do you remember how we came up with the name? I know we joke about it. Albert : I remember us opening a Word document and trying out different fonts and stuff. I don’t think we tried it phonetically. I don’t think we ever would have tried this dumpster fire of a phonetic pronunciation—have you ever tried to say it fast? Albert then attempts to say the band name SaxKixAve quickly several times in a row. Albert : No, it’s terrible. Why did we do this? Maybe we should shorten it to SKA and say we’re bringing ska back and hire a trombone player. (laughter) Alfred : Definitely. Nah, I think this is one of the best things I think I’ve ever done. I enjoy this so much. In 2018, Banks was named "Best Hip-Hop Artist" at the Best of the Beat, presented by New Orleans' premier music publication, Offbeat Magazine . He followed that up with the 2019 Big Easy Award for Best Rapper, presented by Gambit Weekly . credit: Gary Governale MaM : It’s opened you up. Not just personally but creatively, too. You’re now singing a little bit. Alfred : Definitely. [Singing] was something I always wanted to do, but I didn’t really have the producer to help bring it out in the right way that would make me sound good, because my voice doesn’t have a lot of range. I can hit some notes but not too crazy. So, someone [who] could make something that could make me sound even better than I am … I think Albert does that. Rapping to shit I wouldn’t normally rap over—he’s down to go there with me. He’s down to do some really wild stuff, and I’m down to at least try and see what happens. In 2020, the two performed live as a duo for the first time at an Onbeat Session for Offbeat Magazine filmed at Loyola University. Alfred : That was the very first time we had ever performed together, ever. How nerve-wracking was that?! Albert : It was terrifying. Alfred : I was scared out of my mind. Albert : (to Alfred) Doing this thing with you, having to do it live and perform the songs, I’ve become a much better piano player the past two years, and you don’t put a lot of pressure on me. We don’t put a lot of pressure on each other. Alfred : I don’t know how to read music. I’m not about to insult or critique someone when I don’t even know what you’re doing. Albert : I’m not a rapper—I’ve tried. It’s more difficult than it looks! (from the album “I Don’t Wear Suits”): MaM : So, have Albert’s rapping skills have gotten better? Alfred : I think Albert has more skills than he thinks. Maybe he couldn’t be a ‘rapper’ rapper, but (to Albert) you’re a good writer. You might not have rapper swag per se, but you could rap. Albert : I could deliver it, but it might not be believable when attached to a body—MY body. (laughter) Alfred : (to Albert) You really understand how songs go. He’s a dope-ass writer outside of being a musician. Albert : I just got [sic] to say this: As my rapping skills have improved, so, too, have Alfred’s declined. (laughter) It’s perfectly even, the way things have gone down. It’s more of a parasitic thing. (to Alfred) I think I’m stealing your rap life force. (laughter) MaM : Your songs have a wonderful mix of silly and serious. What’s y’all’s vision for what SaxKixAve is now and what it can be in the future? Albert : I think we want to have this digestible funny thing, because we’re both naturally funny and when we get up on stage, we’re not sure what it is, but something happens between us that generates what people have been calling entertainment. (Alfred breaks out in laughter.) Some sort of passable thing happens. We want it to be funny, but we want the funny to help communicate. Our natural state is tinged with melancholy. Our natural state is more depressive … more low energy. So, if we have this high-impact thing that’s kind of funny, then we can get in things; there's no other way to say this: We laugh so we don’t cry. It’s something that I’ve … learned watching Tank—how do you interface with the audience? You can be doing the best stuff in the world, but if you have any contempt or if you’re just holding the spoon of baby food out of reach of a toddler, that’s just rude. You should interface with the crowd so you can get it to them. We want this mix of goofy so we can be ultra-serious, and we want to be ultra serious so the funny stuff is even funnier. Alfred : I disagree with everything he just said. I’m here for the money. (More laughter ensues.) Alfred : We’re both very serious. We’re both really good at what we do—like, obnoxiously good at what we do. In the back of my mind, it’s about making how good we are palatable. Sometimes being really good can push people away like it’s not even relatable. I think the comedy takes the edge off. It’s like, ‘Let’s just vibe and have fun. Some of it is just on the cuff, but we give ourselves that room. In our other situations, there’s a lot of structure. For us, the future, people are going to hear … the music is going to be even much more better [sic] than it is now. More jokes. It’s just going to be unapologetically amazing. Albert : SaxKixAve: much more better [sic]. Alfred : That’s grammatically correct. credit: Gary Governale MaM : Was there a moment when you both knew you had something? Alfred : That [first] recording session. I always tell that story [about the song] ‘Tawny’ when I say [the word] crib. [Albert] was like, ‘Dude, can you yell ‘crib'?’ and I was like ‘What?’ Albert : Like 15 times. Alfred : I had to yell it and I was like, ‘Why am I doing this? This is stupid.’ Then he played it back and I was like, ‘Oh … yeah.’ That was the first time I trusted him. (to Albert) When did you feel like we had something?” Albert : When I knew we had something was when it was backed up by a crowd. I think we were doing Tip’s (Tipitina’s) or something. You said a few things in a row that I didn’t find very funny, but people were losing their minds. They were also losing their minds with the songs, and I was like, ‘What’s happening?’ There are things that only happen once per show [like] Alfred [going] off on this freestyle thing; we usually do this at the show. He’ll just freestyle rap for, like, five minutes. You’ve seen it: People hold up stuff out of their pockets [for him to rap about]. As I see the crowds more and more, I’m just like, ‘Wow, well let’s just be honest and a little unsure of ourselves, because apparently somebody likes that.’ MaM : Your dynamic—when you come together, it’s something you wouldn’t expect, I think, from seeing you both in your respective projects. It just works somehow. Alfred : I think that shit’s amazing, too. That Tav (Manager Tavia) ... maybe she didn’t see SaxKixAve, but she just thought we’d do good together. I don’t see Al all the time. We’re both doing our own thing, but every time I see him it’s like we were just hanging out yesterday. I don’t know if it’s because of our same sense of humor—the way that we’ve come to some recent discoveries about ourselves, but we just gel really well. (to Albert) Outside of the music, I can actually hang with you; that comes through, too. [Another] moment I knew we had something was [during a show] when the mic cord came out, I put [it] back in maybe halfway through the verse, and I finished the song. We had another song after that, but I was like, ‘Yo, Al, audible, play a beat.’ I freestyled about me f**kin’ up, and the crowd lost their minds. I was like, ‘Yeah, we got somethin’ here. I don’t think we can lose. This is incredible.’ That shit was dope. (to Albert) What was the first big show we did? I think when we did Performance Inception ... when you opened for yourself? Albert : Yeah! When SaxKixAve opened for Tank and the Bangas at one of The Broadside shows [last year]. Alfred : That was the first time I think Tank and the Bangas had [sic] saw us. When they came back and said, ‘You guys are amazing,’ I was like, ‘Yeah, we’re lit. We are LIT.’ credit: Gary Governale Albert is known for wearing short shorts all the time. MaM : Albert, is it hard for you to be behind the keys when people can’t see the full leg action? Albert : We’ve been workshopping methods to get around that, talking about maybe having a video feed that’s right under the piano, directly pointed at the legs and maybe running some sort of monitor behind Alfred so it’s just my knees constantly while he raps. Alfred : (to Albert) I know you’re joking, dude, but I’ll tell you this: You know what everybody says? They don’t even talk about your bun first; they talk about your legs. I’m not even joking. Everybody [sic] like, ‘Dude, the guy with the legs.’ MaM : I hear you’re working on your next record. Is there a title for it? What can we expect? Will it be similar to the first one? Alfred : There IS a title . (to Albert) Are you cool with that? Albert : Let’s do it! Alfred : (begins to count down) One, two, three … Albert : Wait, on three or right after three? Alfred : Like, ON three. One, two, three: Albert’s legs. (laughter) Albert : Ahhh! Sorry, ok, ok … Go!” Both together : One, two, three … ‘Nectarine Peels.’ Albert : Yes, we know you don’t peel nectarines, [and] we address [that]. MaM : It makes people think, and that’s the point. Alfred : (laughing) It’s provocative, man. Albert : It actually came from a text message. (to Alfred) Didn’t you just send the words nectarine peels or something? I was like, ‘Nectarine Peels?’ Alfred : Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah! Albert : So, I said it has a kind of a ring to it. It seems to mean something, and then immediately I went and wrote this little melody and song at the piano when I got that text. I sent it to Alfred the next day. We’ve taken it to mean a whole lot of things thematically. A big part of it is ambition and its corrosive effects on how we think people see us, how we see ourselves, how we want people to see us, and how we want to see ourselves. That’s one of the main themes of it. I think we’ve made some of our best songs ever. It’s about the same runtime [as ‘I Don’t Wear Suits’], but there’s six real songs. Alfred : I feel like the first project, as great as it is, it was us figuring it out. I think for this one, it’s like, ‘Okay, this is dope, but how do we refine it?’ Keep it us, keep it funny, keep it light or, in some instances, not even as light. We have a song where we switch the topic seven times within the song … switch the energy. We kind of have an idea of what we are now. credit: Gary Governale MaM : So, no sophomore slump, then? Albert : I think this [album] is way better. We’ll see if people like it, but we have this thing: We love dance music, and we love old school hip-hop. So, we kind of find this thing—we have this sliding scale between boom bap and dance sometimes, and it’s really cool. You see little seeds of that on ‘I Don’t Wear Suits.’ We’re putting the very final touches on it. We’re almost completely finished. We’ve got great features: Mega Ran is on this, Pell is on this, LeTrainiump is on this, HaSizzle’s on this … Alfred : Who else is on there? Albert : Is that it, or is there one more? Alfred : I think Albert Allenback is on it. (laughter) Albert : There’s a fledgling rapper named Lyriqs da Lyraciss from New Orleans, and he’s on this record. Alfred's original rap name was Lyriqs da Lyraciss. Alfred : Bless his little heart. That guy, that guy left us around 2015. Bless his little heart. Albert : That was the first rapper I ever sent beats to. He left me unread. credit: Gary Governale Albert explains how he first tried to work with Alfred back in January of 2014. Albert : I’d been making beats for, like, two months but you couldn’t tell me they weren’t the greatest thing in the world. So, I sent him this impassioned paragraph about how I’m studying music at UNO (University of New Orleans): ‘Here, I made these beats, they’re real songs, and they’re great. Here’s nine of them. Check these out. I don’t use any samples.’ I wrote this to a prospective business partner [and] said, ‘I don’t use any samples. I make THESE biscuits from scratch.’ Alfred replied, ‘Word.’ Alfred : Yeah, I’m bad with that. So, here’s a little secret about me: I get overwhelmed really fast. I get about 20 to 30 DMs a day, and I can’t let one go unanswered. (to Albert) I’m just very bad with that, right? I’m the worst with that. Albert : But you’ve gotten better. You set much better boundaries now, and I’m proud of you. Alfred : I’m trying. Let me ask you a question, Albert: How did you hear me? Albert : I think it was this list in Gambit [Weekly]: the five worst rappers you need to avoid. Alfred : I was number three. Albert : You were all five! (Laughter ensues.) Alfred : I’ve just always wanted to know how you found me. Albert : Must have been someone from UNO shared a video or something. I honestly do not remember how I became your friend or followed you. You were constantly updating your status. MaM : His social game is on point. credit: Gary Governale Albert : It still is to this day! Alfred is just a fountain that you just put digital cups in front of and he says, ‘Here, take more, my child.’ I don’t have that. My fountain is not on. Alfred : It’s out of necessity. It won’t get done otherwise. I want to be successful. I don’t have money, so I don’t have a person promoting me all the time. So, I literally have to promote myself all the time. So, I just have to respond to that message. It can’t go unread. Albert : (to Alfred) I learn a lot from you, self-promotion-wise. I feel embarrassed and goofy just to be here sometimes. Just to be on planet Earth. I think there’s a lot of people like me. You’re going to post the thing you love to do and for some reason, you feel like it doesn’t matter. It can be some huge stuff and for some reason, we get in our heads and self-consciously you feel like it doesn’t matter, no one cares, but that’s not true. Alfred : (to Albert) I admire you about how much you detach yourself from it. I think that’s the illest shit ever, because I could never be that way and I admire someone that can. Albert : You inspire me. Like, when we make a video or a skit or something, or make an announcement, the only reason it gets done or posted with any kind of schedule or intensity or intention or commitment is because I feel obligated to live up to what you got [sic] goin’ on. So, I really appreciate your help in sharing more and feeling less embarrassed about self-promoting. I come from that tradition of people of ‘don’t talk about yourself too much.’ Alfred : One of the main things of this group, I really want people to know Albert Allenback as a solo act. I want people to know him because he’s really good. I just want people to know this motherfu**er is amazing. Drop your nuts, Cuz! Albert : Well, thank you. I will take that into consideration when it comes time to lower my testicles. credit: Gary Governale MaM : You both have your successful projects. How do you find time to do SaxKixAve? Is it just those slivers of free time? Albert : Yep, when we can; that’s the only way. We have conversations. We’re like, ‘Hey, you know what? I still really like you, still like doing this, but I’m busy right now.’ We’re really good at being able to keep a good, professional relationship. We’re close, but I think maybe there’s a part of us—some internal kill switch—that doesn’t let us get too close or something? It works really well. Alfred : (to Albert) I respect you and your time. I think one of the things you did early on was lay the boundaries of your time. I think I did that very early, too. I respect that. I know that when you’re running with Tank and the Bangas, you’re busy as shit. When I’m dolo, I’m busy as shit. We both respect each other’s time. So, when we HAVE time, I try to be as malleable as possible, given his schedule. I do a lot of shit, but I do have a little bit more free time than he has. So, I’m like, ‘Yo, when you free?’ ‘I’m free here.’ Done. Albert : That is how it goes. That is true, and you text back FAST. Alfred : That bitch always [sic] in my hand! credit: Gary Governale credit: Gary Governale MaM : There’s a lot of artistic freedom in SaxKixAve. How do you keep from floating away into the creative stratosphere with this, because it seems like opportunities are limitless. What keeps you both grounded and productive? Alfred : We do have some form of an outline of what we expect from each other. We go into the studio with this blank canvas. It’s not huge though. It’s a nice-sized canvas that we can throw a bunch of shit at and scrape off the paint that doesn’t work. We aren’t just throwing darts at the wall and seeing what sticks.” Albert : Fortunately, we know that we can do a lot of things, but I think we’ve also seen enough people try to do too many things. We have made a concerted effort to at least make an attempt to identify what we do the best That keeps us in the same bowling lane. Alfred : Definitely. Otherwise, you start making all kinds of weird shit. Not the good weird but that bad weird. That Chris Cornell and Timbaland-weird stuff. MaM : Things that just shouldn’t exist. What have been some highlights on stage so far? Alfred : So, a guy at Tipitina’s was saying my job (freestyling to things people hold up) was easy because people bring out the same things, and I was like, ‘Dude, I can literally freestyle about anything.’ Albert : (to Alfred) He was giving you shit because, ‘You can prepare for a phone and a lighter, and a comb, and keys.’ Alfred : So, I was like, ‘Go ahead, do whatever.’ I didn’t know that they had got [sic] together because Albert, him, and one other person were just pulling shit onstage, and I just knocked it out every single time they brought something out. That was one of the bigger eruptions we’d had. Albert : We had a Shop Vac, and a dolly, a partition, and a barricade … Alfred : … an ice chest, an orange cone. I just freestyled. The reaction of the crowd … felt good. French Quarter Fest was, by far, top five of my favorite shows I’ve done with you. Albert : Yeah. We had a drummer; it was great. Alfred : The story behind the set is so crazy. Albert : Oh yeah. It was horrible rain, and we weren’t gonna’ get to do the set. Pell stayed, but HaSizzle and LeTrainiump were gonna sit in with us and the rain messed everything up. Everyone else had other stuff to do, but then they let us do like 35 or 40 minutes and that was amazing. One of my favorites was from that Tip’s show as well. It was either a girls’ weekend or a bachelorette party—I couldn’t read the t-shirts—but they did NOT like us. First of all, we came out to this song of Alfred’s called ‘Too Much,’ which is a beat I made, and it is entirely his fault for picking it. (Albert laughs) It’s a wild, ecstatic, frenzied beat—wild music—and we came out to that hard. We came out swinging; we were spinning around and jumping. There were eight to 10 older women in matching sequence and t-shirts, who just wanted to celebrate Karen or whatever. They were not having it with us. I pointed them out and said, ‘Hey, I know we came out swinging, but we’ll get you back.’ By Alfred’s freestyle, they were into it and having a great time. My other favorite: We played a show [at a gallery] and there was a drum set up on stage. Alfred was doing his freestyle, so I grabbed a cymbal and walked it into the crowd, held it up, and Alfred rapped about it. I didn’t put it back, which is what got me in trouble. This drum set belonged to a kid at NOCCA (New Orleans Center for Creative Arts), and this 14-year-old kid came up to me after the set and he was pretty pissed. He wanted to fight me. I felt more like I related to him than anything because when I was 14, if you had touched my saxophone, I’d be like, ‘What the f**k is wrong with you? Where do you get off touching my shit?’ So, I understand, but it was funny because this fourteen-year-old kid really wanted to fight me because I moved his cymbal. Something clicked where I knew I was now an adult, because I didn’t feel like I was another fourteen-year-old being dressed down; I felt like I was able to take my lick. ‘Hey, you know what? I’m actually sorry and I understand why you feel that way, and I shouldn’t have touched your shit without asking.’ credit: Gary Governale MaM : I know y’all have jokes. What’s your favorite joke right now? Albert : What’s the difference between a chickpea and a garbanzo bean? (Silence for a few moments as the joke goes over my head.) I’ve never had a garbanzo bean on my face. (Much laughter ensues.) Alfred : There’s no way I could ever top that. MaM : Your social media videos are pretty funny. Do you guys sketch them out before you do them, or do you just hit record and go? Alfred : Definitely sketch them out. Albert : We fancy ourselves, against our better judgement, as some sort of amateur sketch comedy team. We are NOT. That’s why we make music. Listen, we’re musicians first; we’re not Saturday Night Live writers, okay? This is a means to an end. Don’t hold us accountable for this. A lot of our videos are Alfred doing funnier shit in the moment than either of us could’ve come up with just writing it out. Alfred : Yeah, those videos are great. I think we’ve had two go viral. You know its popular when you get those assholes that are like, ‘This shit isn’t even really that funny.’ Those trolls. It’s like, ‘Yes! We did it, baby!’ (laughs) Albert : At least they feel something. We spend much more time than we’d care to admit coming up with these. Alfred : I really enjoy doing it. I don’t enjoy it as much as the music, but I do enjoy creating because we both have funny shit in our head, and we live in a time we can legit act it out. Albert : And it feels like a break from the music. It feels like going into woodworking or something. There’s no pressure on this. I’m just building a cabinet; I’m not making my life’s work, which is what the music can feel like sometimes. You have to step back and be like, ‘Hey, chill out, because this is putting pressure on you.’ Spoiler alert: You don’t make great things when you feel a lot of pressure. Maybe some people feel like the pressure gets it going for [them] but for me, I have to be in a relaxed state and let good things happen; otherwise, I’ll shape myself into all kinds of molds that aren’t me. Alfred : I ain’t [sic] gonna lie, I enjoy pressure. I think back to, like, 2010 when I was freestyle battling guys and that feeling of being scared shitless out of my mind, jumping on stage in front of these people, not knowing what I’m about to say and just reveling in it. Being like, ‘Oh, I just can’t wait … but what if I f**k up? This is great; I love it.’ Albert : (to Alfred) Props to you. That’s amazing. That’s like being a stand-up comedian. I could never imagine. Alfred : I may sound cocky, but I’m very much an amazing rapper and I am looking for a moment to stumble. I want to f**k up because I want to learn where I f**ked up at. I want to perfect that and do it again and be much better at it. Albert : Sometimes you just want to feel human. (laughter) Alfred : Seriously, though; I really do enjoy the pressure. Pressure makes diamonds. credit: Gary Governale MaM : So, Albert, you’ve been making beats for a long time. You have a decent back catalog of tracks to pull from. This new album, is it pulling from that or are you coming up with new stuff on the spot? Albert : Some of it is brand new, some of it is ideas that I’ve been working on for years. You make these things and see what comes out. It’s new to everyone else, but it’s something you may have been working on for so long. I got some advice really early on. I forgot this fella’s name, but it was the first time Tank and the Bangas were playing a super lounge at Essence Festival. We were getting to hang out at Essence, and it was awesome. Kelly Price’s music director was there. He said he had started making beats late in life. He said, ‘Just make it and hold on to it because you might like it, but you never know who will.’ I’ve really taken that into account. I have probably over 1,000 songs or song ideas. At this point, I’ve been making beats and writing songs and doing full productions for almost 10 years now. I have a lot built up; it’s just a matter of, ‘Man, you remember that one I made a long time ago? Let’s see if that works.’ That’s how I get to a lot of good stuff, and then seeing what Alfred does. It’s like two comets hitting. Now I’m more likely to try a few more things and be like, ‘You know what? This is working. We’re going to go with what works, what’s good, how he said that this time, and how he was feeling this time, and how I was feeling right here.’ Just going more with using the stuff as it happens, instead of, and this is a nice tie-in—this is what ‘Nectarine Peels’ is about—instead of making yourself a delicious, fragrant, niche, sub-variant of a peach called a nectarine that some people are going to love and that some people aren’t even going to know about or care about … trying to force yourself into being an apple or an orange or any of the other Renaldo and LeBron-level fruits. You can do that, or [you can] stay being your nectarine delicious self and probably make yourself and a lot more people a lot happier than if you’d tried to be a banana. Alfred : I disagree with everything he just said. (laughter) Albert : SaxKixAve: much more better. credit: Gary Governale MaM : Is there anything else you’d like to say about the new record? Alfred : This new album slaps. Albert : It’s good! Alfred : ‘ Nectarine Peels’ ... I'm very proud of it. I like it. MaM : How many tracks are going to be on it? Alfred : About nine in total. Three skits. Albert : It’s like a 23-minute runtime, but it’s, like, nine tracks. We don’t want anybody to have to skip a song because they want to skip one of our stupid skits. I want to give people total control. Honestly, just take the skit off the album if you want, that’s fine, but we want to give people the option. Alfred : This album is amazing. Albert’s production on it is nuts. The songs came out so good. Lyrically, I feel like I’m doing some really cool things on here, jumping out of the box on stuff. We’re just having fun, and I really think people are going to like it. Currently, there is no release date for SaxKixAve’s second album, Nectarine Peels , but you can check out their website for any updates and be sure to follow them on social media. YouTube: @saxkixave1922 Instagram: @saxkixave Facebook: facebook.com/Saxkixave Soundcloud: soundcloud.com/saxkixave *All photos by Gary Governale www.governalephotovideo.com Zenfolio | Home I have been working as a video professional since 1993, with a wide range of experience writing, producing, directing, shooting and editing. A strong interest in videography, specifically lighting and composition, led me to photography in 1998. Rapidly changing technology has blurred the line between video and photography, allowing me to work in both mediums.. Baton Rouge, LA, United States www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90's flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Email us at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

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? 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

Tony Biggs < Back DJ Skillspinz: A Classically Trained Master of Combining Textures and Beats Nicole Brice Apr 7, 2023 Share Tony Biggs With so many aspects of music production being prefabricated these days, I’ve managed to find a man who is still mixing it up the old skool way. (Yes, we spelled it like that on purpose.) As a lover of hip-hop and rap my entire life, what initially drew me to DJ Skillspinz was his insane scratching techniques. Using nothing but his talent, turntables, and an ear for combining beats , he showcases his mad skills with each new mix he releases. His choices for his combinations are diverse and fascinating, and they showcase his knack for individuality in a world oversaturated with conformity. Based in Georgia with over 210k followers on Instagram alone, people are definitely loving what he's doing. Antonio “Tony” Biggs, aka DJ Skillspinz , is an Army veteran , a disc jockey, a producer, and a composer, who is widely known for music on the Peacock series One of Us is Lying , on S1E1 of the Netflix series Gentefied , and on the Starz program Step Up . He was an extra in the BET movie Redeemed as well and has produced/deejayed for GhostFace Killah’s Theodore Unit , Play (of Kid ‘n Play ), and Def Jef , Grits , the Ambassador , and Grammy artist Lecrae . Other credits include Xbox 360 ’s Project Gotham Racing 4 , and he is an Akai MPC Beat Battle Round 10 champ. What has this man not done, seriously? With an impressive history of production and music, further samples of his work can be heard on the Ghostface Killah Theodore Unit album 718 , where he produced track number 14 , and on the Rapland Records House Party Conversions album with Play of the famous rap duo, Kid ‘n Play . Additionally, Antonio was also nominated for a Dove Award for his debut album Reintroduction of the DJ and is the first Christian DJ to release a turntablist record on Rescue Records . His current album, Table Manners: The Mixtape , is available via all streaming platforms, and there’s even more new music on the way. He shared with me some mixes he plans on doing, but I was sworn to secrecy, so you’ll have to follow him and see what he releases in the future. We recently had the opportunity to chat more in depth with this turntable master to learn about his fascinating career and life, so, after you finish reading this, you’ll want to go check out his Instagram page. It is full of things sure to make your head spin, kind of like a record. Photo provided by artist MaM : Man, I am so impressed with all of your song combinations, because I am a huge, HUGE fan of old-school hip-hop. Some of the stuff you’ve done with A Tribe Called Quest, I’ve been like, “Damn … this is awesome!” So, how did you get into making music for TV shows and movies? TB : That’s something I always wanted to do [ever since] I was a kid. I am a big horror movie fan, and when I was 13—maybe 15—I used to record on cassettes different sound bites from my favorite horror movies and use that to make music myself. I guess you could say it came from my love of horror movies. I always wanted to do something in film and television, and so it just fits. Eventually, I started making beats , which got me into hip-hop . Being involved in the industry has led to great opportunities to submit my music to people for consideration. The rest is history. MaM : You’ve had your music licensed to Netflix and Peacock. I mean, dude, that’s awesome. Were you surprised to see your song on TV? TB: Well, the [Netflix] supervisor didn’t let me know it had been placed in the show, and sometimes that’ll happen, but it was crazy! I kept watching Gentefied and they played another one of my songs. I ended up with two songs in that one show. MaM : Wow, that is incredible! I read you were nominated for a Dove Award. Tell us a little more about that. TB: That was really cool. I think back then I wasn’t really focused and aware of what was really in front of me. I was younger and wasn’t really paying attention. I wish I could go back, honestly, to do it all over again and be more aware of what was going on around me at that time. I was just so focused on making more music and doing other things. Photo provided by the artist MaM : How old were you when you got that nomination? What year was that? TB: My record came out in 2000 , so it had to be later that year. I think I was 23 or 24. MaM : I also see that you were the first Christian DJ to release a turntablist record on Rescue Records. Are you still signed to a label, or are you just doing things independently? TB : I’m independent right now, but I was the first Christian DJ to do that. Of course, there were other DJs before me, you know, doing Christian hip-hop and other stuff, but no one had put out an actual turntablist record. It was a blessing to be able to do something like that, and there hasn’t been anyone else since me to put out another record like that. MaM : You were a trailblazer then and you still are because no one else has been able to do the same. I find these days that creativity is lacking because of all the prefab apps out there that do everything for you. TB : I think it takes away from the culture and from the skill used to create when you can press a button and have the computer scratching for you. You don’t really need a DJ . That’s what I hate, but it’s kind of a blessing and a curse with technology. Everyone thinks they can be a DJ now, but, for example, my sister recently bought herself a DJ controller, and now she talks like she’s a DJ . I’m over here thinking, ‘Why do you have this?’ MaM : See, all the technology scratching for you is just not the same to me. TB : I guess you gotta get in where you fit in, right? It is what it is. MaM : So, what first got you into DJing and music? TB : That’s a great question. I was in a group with my brother and a good friend of ours. He lived right across the street from us. We were probably 9 or 10 years old. We had a little rap group and my uncle, who is from up north and used to come down and visit all the time, heard us rapping. He kind of took us under his wing and took us to a friend’s house where we did a little demo. The guy recording us went around the room asking each of us what we did, and my brother was like, ‘I’m the rapper,’ and my friend was like, ‘I’m the rapper, too.’ They get to me, and I go, ‘I’m the DJ ’—mind you, I did not have any DJ equipment, but once I said that, it just stuck and we went from there. I always just wanted to be a DJ . It's crazy to think about. I can’t recall one specific DJ who made me think, ‘That’s what I wanna do.” Now, I used to use my mom’s turntable sometimes. I used to take her stuff apart to see how it worked. She would bring records home, so I guess I can credit her as being the one to introduce me to hip-hop. I remember her bringing a record home by the Fat Boys and telling me to listen to [it]. It was ‘ Jailhouse Rap’ and it stuck with me. She had also brought home a record by Roxanne Shanté . After that, though, I remember I was hooked. A 12-year-old DJ Skillspinz / Photo provided by artist MaM : So, she didn’t care you were taking apart her turntable? Wait, did she know? TB : I don’t think she knew. I used to take her speakers apart, too, just to see how they worked. MaM : Then you put it back together the same way so she never noticed? TB : Yeah. Still to this day she doesn’t know. MaM : Well, she does now! (laughter) MaM : So, let me ask you: Who are you inspired by from that period of growing up? TB : I would say Jam Master Jay was a huge influence, ya know? I mean, Jazzy Jeff was a huge influence, too. DJ Magic Mike from Vicious Base and DJ Scratch from EPMD , too. I love all those DJs . I love a lot of DJs . MaM : I miss the music from that time period. I would love to bring it back and teach this generation what good rap and good hip-hop is. TB : That’s one reason I’m doing what I’m doing … [to] keep it alive. I used to think there wasn’t a place for it anymore, and I tried to create new stuff for the newer generation and stuff. I was just sitting down one day, and I was like, ‘I’m gonna put this mix out, this Wu-Tang one,’ and it just took off! I was like, ‘Oh shoot! People are still out there still loving this.’ MaM : Yep, like me. I was creeping around on your Instagram page and was like, “Man, this dude is awesome!” TB : Thank you. MaM : Just being honest. I love everything I’ve seen so far. My next question for you would have to be, at what age did you officially start DJing with your own equipment and everything? TB : Here’s a funny story. My aunt, God bless her soul, she bought [me] my first turntable. I used to watch Yo! MTV Raps and I saw the turntables the DJs were using, and I thought to myself, ‘Man, what kind of turntables are they using?’ A guy from my neighborhood had this magazine called J&R Music World . It was in New York , and that is where my aunt is from. I was looking through the book one day and came across the turntable all the DJs were using [and] I knew I needed that turntable. We had a family gathering and my aunt knew I loved music, [so] I told her about the turntable I had seen. She told me that if I made As and Bs on my report card that she would buy me my first turntable. A young DJ Skillspinz / photo provided by artist MaM : How old were you at that point? TB : I was in high school … 9th grade. … I ended up not making [all] As and Bs on my report card; I actually made a C. I went back to my teacher, though, and I was able to convince her to change my grade to a B. (laughs) I went right [then] and called my aunt to tell her the news, and about a week later, I came home from school one day and there was a turntable sitting in the chair in my living room. From then on, it was uphill. MaM : That is really cool you had your family’s support. What did you say to the teacher to get your grade changed? (laughter) TB : See, I was supposed to be reading this story. The whole class was reading this book, and we had to fill out a form showing where we were in the book. My teacher told me I was supposed to be further ahead than I was. I explained to her that I had made a mistake and filled out the form wrong and that I really was further along than I had written, and so she changed my grade. MaM : Dude, nice. I wish I would have had those powers of persuasion back in the day when I made a C. (laughs) DJ Skillspinz in Waco, TX / photo provided by artist TB : I want to throw this in there, too, about the turntable. My aunt only bought me the one turntable and I needed a second one, so, [I worked at a program for teenagers during the summers] and used the money to purchase the second one. MaM : Nice. So, you live in Georgia now, but is that where you grew up? TB : I am from Columbus, Ga ., born and raised. MaM : Never lived anywhere else? TB : I lived in Nashville, Tenn ., … then [when I was 18] in California for a while in South Central . MaM : What made you decide to move out there? Did you always want to? TB : Nah, I was trying to pursue music and had family [who lived out there]. Then, this guy who claimed to be a manager took me down a little path for a bit. You know, [you’re] learning [and] just trying to trust people because they say they’re gonna do certain things and, well, you live, and you learn. MaM : Yep, that you do. When did the music stuff start to take off for you? Where were you living when that happened? TB : I was back in Columbus . [I’d made] a mixtape, and [this guy out in California had a copy and he] ended up leaving the tape at someone’s house, and that someone gave it to somebody else, and that somebody gave it to this A&R with Rescue Records . [This] A&R guy was a former dancer of Vanilla Ice ’s. (laughs) MaM : Oh my gosh, wow. (laughter) TB : Yeah, well, let me tell you a funny story about that. He heard my mixtape and was like, ‘We need to find this kid,’ [so] they [contacted] me and wanted to sign me. The crazy thing about that is, I remember Vanilla Ice coming to Columbus [on tour] and my brother and I used to sneak into concerts, but [at that time], I didn’t want to see Vanilla Ice . We had gone in and seen who we wanted to see, but I remember being outside the Civic Center and I could hear Vanilla Ice telling the crowd to say stuff to his DJ . I didn’t want to hear that. The crazy thing is, this guy ( A&R rep) was inside dancing with Vanilla Ice , and we didn’t even know each other. Come years later, and this same guy signs me to the label. MaM : Whoah. That’s insane. That’s something I like to call a universal happening. It all comes back full circle. TB : For the record, though, I respect Vanilla Ice , and I love what he did for hip-hop , pushing the culture forward. MaM : Definitely, I agree. If people like Vanilla Ice hadn’t come around, I don’t feel there would be an Eminem. He paved the way, even with as much hate as he got. As far as current projects are concerned, are you working on releasing any additional albums? TB : I’m about to do another album. ‘ Table Manners ’ is new, but I have a few mixtapes I want to put out but just haven’t yet. I’m gonna do an actual project because people have been hitting me up about it. … I have some things coming up that are so freakin’ dope, so [there’s more coming soon]. Photo provided by artist MaM : Last question: Do you feel the platforms musicians have to release their music on these days is sufficient, or do you miss the way things used to be? TB : Honestly, I miss how things used to be. As I was saying before, it took you having to have talent to get signed and technology is a blessing and a curse, but I think either you have it or you don’t, and you shouldn’t rely on technology to get you a record deal or to get you hundreds of thousands of followers. That’s crazy when you think about it. Things have been watered down so much. I wish more people would take the time with their craft to refine it. To check out the work of this genius of the turntables, be sure to hit one of the links below! The Meet-ups | Dj Skillspinz Make The Bass | DJ Skillspinz (bandcamp.com) ‎DJ Skillspinz on Apple Music DJ Skillspinz (@djskillspinz) • Instagram photos and videos DJ Skillspinz | Spotify Dj Skillspinz | Facebook Episode 23.1 DJ Skillspinz - YouTube www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Nicole Brice is a lifelong lover of hip-hop from the late 80s and early 90s, and will often have A Tribe Called Quest blaring in her car. It annoys her kids. Want to be featured? E-mail her at the_nicolebrice@mixedaltmag.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Okay Kenedi’s debut album is more than just okay. It’s a wonderful ride of alt-pop that is superb, loaded with fun and introspection, and a heartfelt reminder that we’re all okay. < Back Okay Kenedi: A Casual Introduction Is Hard to Come By Tim W. Jackson Oct 20, 2023 Share Okay Kenedi’s debut album is more than just okay. It’s a wonderful ride of alt-pop that is superb, loaded with fun and introspection, and a heartfelt reminder that we’re all okay. One might consider the fact that Okay Kenedi just released her first album somewhat miraculous. Her father is a fundamentalist pastor, and she wasn’t allowed to listen to secular music growing up in Cumming, Georgia, just north of Atlanta. After she finally played music professionally, she had just given up on the dream when things took a turn. Recorded at Ivy Manor in the legendary music recording area of Muscle Shoals, Alabama, Okay’s debut album “A Casual Introduction Is Hard to Come By ” is a wonderful ride of alt-pop music with every song displaying its own vibe. For instance, the song “Dress Better” is a sure-fire party anthem, while “Fathers Want Sons” is a thoughtful, reflective slow number. The rest of the album is pretty much everything in between. But the path to this rousing debut album wasn’t easy. Growing up in Cumming, Georgia, Okay Kenedi’s existence seemed far from big city life. She was only allowed to listen to worship or contemporary Christian music, despite how important music was in her early life. “My grandmother played piano for the church, and they practiced all the time,” Okay says. “I've spent a lot of time with her, and I took an interest in piano at a really young age—probably because I was raised around it. So, my parents put me in lessons around five years old, and I took nine years of lessons.” She knew she had a knack for music, a love strengthened in middle school. Okay started teaching herself guitar with the help of YouTube videos, and her middle school chorus teacher allowed her to bring her guitar to school. “She would let me stick my guitar in her office and … come into her classroom in the mornings and play piano,” Okay says. “I wrote her an original song in eighth grade as a goodbye from me and all my friends who were in choir. I wrote it with five other friends, with our 13-year-old minds. I'm sure it was horrific but beautiful at the same time.” In high school, Okay auditioned to be in theater mainly because she was told that twice a year there was a showcase where she could bring her guitar and play. The audition went well, and she says that she accidentally ended up in the advanced theater travel group. “I knew nothing about theater, and it horrified me,” she says, “but I did, in fact, get to play twice a year with my guitar and sing a song.” Courtesy of Okay Kenedi Okay recalls writing her own version of a song from Wicked and the theater teacher actually liking it. She didn’t know it then but through all of her musical experiences, the building blocks were being put in place for a future in music. As it turned out, she did like the advanced choir program and says that being in choir, musical theater, and music production in high school helps her musically. “ l like the tedious work you hate to do ,” she says with a chuckle. “I think that stuff refined a lot of my music. I could pick out a harmony and know what it meant. And I like breath control. We do a lot of vocal exercises. I can't say that I love doing them but I'm grateful that I did it now.” Though she had written songs since she was a kid, she started looking at music more seriously after high school. Okay attended Lee University, a private Christian school in East Tennessee, and the University of North Georgia. Her love for music continued to grow and in 2019, she met Micayla Wise and Sarah Dickerson, now both members of her band, in a Christian group that had a lot of emphasis on music. “I was always writing,” she says. “I wrote tons of songs. I just kept writing all through high school, all through college, but I didn’t do anything with the songs. Micayla was the first person to say, ‘Hey, do you write music?’ So, I was like, ‘Actually, I do.’” Okay played some original music for Micayla, who encouraged Okay to do something will the songs she’d written. It evolved through several genre changes. “You gotta find yourself before you find your genre,” Okay says. “So, it was like going through a lot of pants that didn't fit until I settled into this.” This is the music on Okay Kenedi’s new album, which came oh so close to never happening. In September 2021, Okay felt her music wasn’t gaining any traction. She had booked her final show, which was at a bar in Atlanta. “We have to be adults at some point and pick a career that makes money,” Okay recalls saying to her band. “We have to put gas in our cars, and I need to move out of my parents' house, so this is my last show on the books.” Some crying from the band ensued but logic dictated that it was time to call it quits. They had a lot of fun together, but it was time to move on. As the night of the show arrived, Okay was headlining for a young guy who had just released his debut record. “He had a bunch of people who had come to hear him play,” she recalls. “When I came up to do my set, everyone just left because the crowd was all his friends and family—and he was done. So, it was basically me, the band that I brought, and, like, four friends.” Knowing it was her last show, rather than just going through the motions, she decided to give it her all. Courtesy of Okay Kenedi “I sold that show harder than I sold any show to my four friends.” She was gonna go out with a bang, and she did. “It just so happened that in the back of that room was music producer Dan Hannon ,” she says. He was impressed with her talent and saw lots of potential. He was part of a team that operated Ivy Manor, a recording studio in Sheffield, Alabama, just minutes away from Muscle Shoals Sound Studio and FAME Studios . Dan and the team took Okay under their wings. Besides Dan, an award-winning producer with more than three decades in the music industry, there was former SteelDrivers frontman Gary Nichols , along with producers and engineers such as Clint Ingersoll, Jared Przybysz, and Ivy Manor founder Michael Shane Wright. “I was so new to the way this actually works when you're not trying to do it in your attic,” she says about her new team. “Besides the writing and recording, they even helped me get some stylists in L.A. that designed clothes for me and a hairstylist in Atlanta, and we did 16-hour-a-day rehearsals with me and my live band to polish for the live-show thing. They helped me become an artist.” Of Okay, Wright says he admires her creativity and skill, specifically highlighting her song “Fathers Want Sons” by commenting on her display of skill as a songwriter. Her strength in vocals, as well as her natural charisma and leadership skills, is a trait that Wright sees as integral in a performer. “I was immediately struck by the quality of her songwriting,” Wright says. “She has a unique ability to take her personal experiences [and] translate those [into] universal experiences, then communicate that experience in three or four words.” The hard work is paying off. Five singles have been released thus far: “1 Birthday Behind” , “Dress Better” , “Fathers Want Sons” , “Pharmacy” , and “Young, Dumb, & Naive” . In these songs and the other six on the album, Okay shows a penchant to be both introspective and fun. As for the album title, “When we first made a website, I didn't even know what to put in my bio,” Okay says. “So, I literally put ‘a casual introduction is hard to come by’ in place of where my bio should go. Then I thought, ‘What if we just named my record that?’ It's like an introduction, and it's funny because I didn't know what to say about myself. My record will say it all, so it's a spoof off of that.” “A Casual Introduction Is Hard to Come By” is out now and worth your time to give it a listen. When Okay Kenedi becomes a household name, you’ll be glad you were there from the start because, as her merch says, “We’re all Okay!” For more on Okay Kenedi, her singles, and her 11-track debut album (which dropped today, Oct. 20!), visit her online at www.OkayKenedi.com , Spotify , Bandcamp , Facebook , Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. You can also access her album, songs, vlog, music accounts, and her signature roast coffee at https://linktr.ee/OkayKenedi . Tim W. Jackson is a seasoned journalist and author with a penchant for all things dark, macabre, and somewhat sinister. He lives in Tuscumbia, Ala., with his super cool artist wife and their dogs, Maple and Ginkgo. 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

An interview with Travis Marc < Back No Sleep for Deep Sleep Atlantic C.G. Smith Jul 12, 2023 Share An interview with Travis Marc New Orleans-based alt-rock/alt-post-grunge duo Deep Sleep Atlantic is making some pretty big waves with the recent release of their debut album, Prelude . Earlier this year on March 31st , the duo released their debut single ' Bipolar Tendencies ,' a darkly energetic tune less about the mental illness and more about the fragmented way in which society operates. The song was a powerful first step for them, and they’ve successfully backed that power up with the release of their first album. Comprised of singer/guitarist Travis Marc and drummer Daniel Perez , the album is full of creatively catchy lyrics that focus on remaining aware and mindful while facing and connecting to life and its challenges, and on doing so with courage. All the parts on the album were recorded by Travis , and after meeting Daniel , the two joined forces. Daniel Perez and Travis Marc, photo courtesy of Deep Sleep Atlantic Travis is a SAMA-nominated multi-instrumentalist/producer/songwriter originally from Johannesburg, South Africa , who spent time in London with different bands before landing here in the States. He has been playing and writing music professionally for about 25 years. He’s a hell of a guy, a consummate professional, and keeps himself insanely busy. Credit: Gary Governale I was fortunate enough to get the opportunity to sit down with him and talk about his musical history, his work ethic, and his most recent project, Deep Sleep Atlantic. Here’s what he had to say: MaM : So, you’re on your third continent. You spent your first 19 years or so in South Africa, then moved to London to play in a band, and now you’re here in New Orleans. How did you end up here, and how does New Orleans rank? TM : So, I was going through some stuff, and it was a real tough period in my life, and I just needed to get away, so I booked myself a trip across America. While I’ve been in bands my entire life and toured pretty much everywhere, there were parts in America I’d never been to. New Orleans was one of those places. I came here and was here for a few days, then I met a girl. We hit it off and we did the distance thing for, give or take, three years; it was tough. We … eventually were like, ‘What are we doing here? Let’s start looking into one of us moving.’ We weighed out the pros and cons and it made more sense for me to move than her. MaM : You had a project in England at the time? TM : I did, I did— Dead Days . In fact, we’ve got a record that we are still trying to finish. We’re doing it remotely, so that record will come out, I’m hoping, this year. At a push, maybe next year. We’re jokingly calling it ‘English Democracy’ because it’s taken us a better part of four years already, but it’s outstanding. We’ve put out three records, and it’s by far the best one. It’s totally different from Deep Sleep Atlantic. MaM : Now you moved down here, happily ever after. How long did it take you to get into the scene here in New Orleans? TM : I auditioned for my first band about six days after I arrived, on the 11th of February. I got married the 22nd. The week before I got married, I went and did an audition. ... It was the strangest audition I’ve done in my life, and I’ve done some weird ones. But I got the gig, and I then went to two jam sessions, both at DMACS, and I think by the 27th or 28th everything started shutting down [because of Covid]. So, it was really bizarre because the day we got the call that people needed to start going home and stuff, I was supposed to play that night. So, at that point I guess I was here for twelve days or so? Thirteen days? I got very lucky because I was working as an assistant at Esplanade Studio at the time, and everything shut down except for the studio. So, while the gigs stopped, the studio was busy as hell, so I was in the studio every single day. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : What changes do you think you’ve gone through from the very first project you’ve been in until now? Are there any major changes that you can point out, or were you just out of the womb a natural? TM : Hmmm. That’s a tough one. I’d love to claim that, but no. I still feel like I really have to work, but I don’t mind it. I enjoy the process, you know? I guess there’s no massive changes. I can listen to stuff that I was involved with as a teenager and go, ‘I think I’m a better singer now,’ or, ‘My lyrics definitely make more sense now as a writer,’ but that’s not necessarily fair, because how can you relate to something you wrote as a 15- or 16-year-old and now listen to it and say, ‘Those lyrics are crap.’? Because they weren’t crap at the time. They meant something to me, even though I can’t relate to them now. If I’m really pushed, I’d say I think I’ve become a better writer. I’m less worried about whether I can put all the cool things in and make people think, ‘Oh, wow; what a cool little guitar part.’ I don’t care. It’s all about the song. I do not care about the genre. I do not care about anything else—just the song. Now that being said, I do care about the sonics of the song while we’re living in this it’s-all-cool kind of world, and I do think of little details: ‘Were the snare drum hits consistent or did the one guitar part go out of tune on the last chorus? Or, man, I can hear that sibilance kind of mouth noise. Stuff like that drives me crazy. MaM : We both had music in our lives growing up, thanks to family. Do you think you’d be the same without that experience? TM : It really plays a part. Whether it helps shape you, I’m sure it does. I recently read this very interesting article. This DNA scientist was saying he’s on the cusp of proving that humans are who they are, and it’s set in your DNA from day one, and while your surroundings and upbringing will play a part in who that shapes, the bottom line is you are who you are. Now I don’t know if I believe this, but I’m also not a scientist. It got me thinking. Credit: Gary Governale I definitely had other ambitions and aspirations, other things that interested me that I was gung-ho on achieving, but once I discovered music, none of that mattered. Music was a big part of my upbringing—not to the point where I was playing or anything, although my parents always told me I was doing certain musical things that made [them] go, ‘Huh.’ I don’t know if I’ve spoken of this before, but something that always makes me wonder, especially as I get older, so I was, I guess, luckily, expelled from kindergarten. For a year, I was at home … with my coloring books and my mum. She had a side hustle where she would knit jerseys, beanies, and gloves. She had this room with a big knitting machine and a radio. The radio would stay on, she would do her knitting, and I would sit there coloring in my coloring books while listening to the radio. I fell in love with Fleetwood Mac and Bonnie Tyler, Tina Turner, Michael Jackson, and Madonna, Phil Collins—whatever the big hits of the day were—Tom Petty, all that kinda stuff. Keep in mind, I don’t know how knitting machines work now, but I do know that then, it was this long, rectangular thing, and this bracket would go from left to right and then back. It had a timing kind of thing to it. (Imitates the sounds of the machine going back and forth) Now subconsciously, maybe that did something, I don’t know, but I’ll tell you, my parents are adamant it did something. My dad was a printer. He had proper machinery that weighed hundreds and hundreds of tons. So, I had this year off and these machines—they’re called Heidelbergs. So, this thing comes down, almost like a mechanical karate chop. It goes up and it comes down. (Imitates the rhythmic sound of the machine) MaM : (Begins to sing Pink Floyd’s “Money” in time to the sounds) TM : Exactly! I obviously didn’t know who Pink Floyd was, but my parents swore to God that I would, between sitting there in the room with my mum falling in love with these 80’s melodies and standing inside my dad’s factory with this machine, they claim that I would stand there and make up these raps to the machinery timing, or I would play paint buckets, trying to stay in time with this machinery. So, that particular year was everything. I can’t give it all the credit because I don’t know, but I’ve never struggled to work with a metronome, ever. I do put that down to the knitting machine and the Heidelberg printing press. MaM : What inspires or influences you nowadays? TM : I take inspiration from anything: conversations, words, podcasts, songs—anything I can listen to and go, ‘That’s cool.’ Credit: Gary Governale If it’s cool and I want to explore it, I’ll make a note of it, and when I’m at my wit’s end and I can’t think of something, I’ll pull up my notes. For the most part, I’ve never needed to wait for inspiration to hit. It’s like, I work at it. I’ve always treated it like a job. So, 8 to 5 I need to create, or work in studio, or get better at editing, or producing, or creating content. I’ve never been that stereotypical sleep-‘til-4-o’clock musician. The long and short of it is, if I don’t do something that makes me feel like I worked on trying to get better at my craft every single day, I can turn into a moody bastard. So, keeping my own shit together means I’ve either got to get up early and practice, or when those around me that I love go to bed, I’m going to stay up for a few hours and practice. Whatever I need to do to allow myself to feel like I’m alive. MaM : Plus, I think you need to stay connected to whatever that is that we’re trying to tap into, right? I think the longer you’re away from it, the harder it is to get back to it. TM : One hundred percent. I write a song every day. Might not always be a whole song, but I’ll at least do a verse and a chorus, and I’ll put it on the back burner. I could pick up your guitar now and write us a song. It would not be difficult for me. I consider that a true, true blessing, okay? I know people who will spend six, seven years on one song, you know? It’s different for everybody, but for me, it just comes. I do think, to your point, if I took it for granted and I had this attitude of, ‘I can write songs whenever,’ take a ten-year sabbatical and come back, I’m pretty convinced that that gift [would] be gone. I’ve definitely had a couple people get frustrated over the years. ‘What’s that song about?’ I’ll be like, ‘Well, what do you think it’s about?’ They’ll go, ‘Well, you wrote it.’ I’ll reply, ‘Well, did I? I mean, my name’s on the credits, but somebody else wrote that song. It just came out in the form of my hands on a guitar.’ I’m not trying to sound arty; I genuinely believe this. I remember reading interviews with certain people that were like, ‘It just comes out of me,’ and I’d always be like, ‘This motherf*cker. It just comes out of me. Bullshit.’ Whatever that is, is a hundred percent true. It just takes a little bit of refinement from my side. MaM : Do you have a favorite song of yours that just came out and has been untouched since it first came out? TM : There’s a couple, yeah. In my last band, we had this song called ‘Liar Liar,’ and I’ve got early demos of that from when I was 16, 17. It’s identical. On this new record, ironically that first single we put out, ‘ Bipolar Tendencies ,’ I got home from the studio that one day, picked up my guitar, sat on the bed, [and] fifteen minutes later I had ‘Bipolar Tendencies,’ and I was like, ‘I should put this on the record.’ I went and demoed it, did the drums a couple days later. That’s identical to how it was. Nothing changed, except I put a sample of a heartbeat in it. Official Video for 'Bipolar Tendencies' MaM : You recorded and engineered this new album yourself, right? TM : I was never the guy who was like, ‘I’m gonna produce my own record, I’ll engineer it.’ Listen, I do think there are strengths in letting other people do stuff, like the Deep Sleep Atlantic record--my buddy Taylor Tatsch , he mixed that record. He did a superb job as far as I’m concerned. You can get too close to the stuff. Where my thought process behind it all changed was, I was in a very well-known studio, and I was just there playing on this person’s record. It wasn’t my record, but I’d known the producer. This particular artist, they couldn’t get their thing right. They were in the live room and I’m in the control room with this producer, and I don’t know if he knew that I was in the control room, or if he just didn’t care, but a comment was made, something along the lines of, ‘Ah, fer f*ck’s sake, just get it right already! It’s a shit song as it is.’ The artist never heard that, but I heard [it]. It suddenly got me thinking, ‘Wait, I’ve been in hundreds of studios by now. I wonder if this is how they feel when I’m paying to have my music recorded?’ That was the changing moment. After that I was like, ‘Nope, I’ll do it myself.’ … If you put some true care into it, people can tell, man. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : So, the new band, Deep Sleep Atlantic, tell us how that came about and where do you see it going from here? TM : I’d been in bands forever. I decided I was moving to America—I was done with bands. A friend of mine introduced me to a mutual friend, who is fairly visible in the music industry, who says to me, ‘We’d love to have you on our books.’ I’m thinking, ‘Me, on his books? Why now? I leave in less than a week.’ So, I said, ‘No, thanks, man. If you take me as a writer, but as far as bands go, I think I’m a little burnt out.’ I’d been gigging more than 20 years at that point, closer to 25. Bands are hard, you know? You’re dealing with all these different personalities and not always in a nice, positive way, you know? So, I come over here and I’m working at Esplanade [Studio], and every day I’m seeing really great artists coming in to do their thing. I’m sitting at home after a few of these sessions and I’m thinking, ‘Yeah, that was great, but I’ve got songs that I think are better than that, or different.’ Not in an egotistical way, just in a comparable way. So, I start writing songs. Next thing you know, I’m creating logos, writing down band names, and I’ve got about 43, 44 songs. I’m still talking to this guy who wants to manage me, and eventually he says to me, ‘You will come out as an artist, and I’ll focus on pushing you as a writer. That’s the only way we’re doing it.’ So, I said, ‘Okay.’ So that’s what led to Deep Sleep Atlantic being created, but by this point, I’m almost finishing the record and I don’t have a band. I’m still not sure if I want to have a band. Then I meet Daniel at Esplanade Studio. He and I hit it off. So, I tell him that I’ve got all these songs and I don’t know what I’m gonna do with them. I sent him, like, three songs. He comes back and says, ‘Dude, I loved the songs. We should jam sometime.’ And that was it: He and I started the band. It was as easy as that. Where we see it going, who knows? I mean, you never know where these things could go. As an actual band, we’ve only been officially out there now since the 31st of March, and it’s exceeded all my expectations thus far. I’ve been in some very good bands; I’m extremely blessed to say that. We seem to be getting a lot of feedback and a lot of love and a lot of positive response. So, where do we see it going? We’ve got some plans. I’m not going to be juvenile enough to talk about them because if they don’t transpire, then you get egg on your face. MaM : How did you come up with the name? TM : It wasn’t taken. (laughter) I hate to use the word ‘woke’ in a wrong manner, but the play on it would be just being insightful and awakened to your surroundings. Chad from the Musical Lab podcast … told me that he thought it was that we had traveled across the Atlantic. Now listen, I can’t take credit for that. I hadn’t even thought of that, but it’s a fairly cool concept. Daniel and I have both lived in several places at this point and we travelled from those places across the Atlantic to get here. Now that didn’t inform or influence the band name but, you know, America is one of the biggest countries to exist, and there’s so much going on here at the moment. Some people are very sensitive to it, and some people aren’t. So, for me, I think the name is kind of just a play on … we’re at this point where there doesn’t seem to be middle ground. You’re either one of these really insightful and have-to-preach-about-it kind of people, or you’re one of those other, ‘Naw, it’s not even a real thing’ when it is. So, I don’t know. I just think it’s much like a song. You take from it what you will. For me, it’s an important name because of certain situations around it, but that would be how I describe it. We went through hundreds of names. Originally, we wanted to go with something else. We even did a couple tester gigs under a different name, only to be at a gig and this bass player I know came to me and said, ‘I tried to check you out before the gig. You know, there’s a rapper out there using that name. So, I went and checked. We are big do-stuff-behind-the-scenes kind of guys, and we had done all this work. We were about to launch, we registered all the socials, we registered the website, we did all the things that you do, right? We put up one little post and about three weeks afterwards, this rapper puts out a song and emerges under the same name. Three weeks after our post. Now, I’m not saying he took the name, but that name was so unique, that I think it would be very hard for someone else to think of that exact thing. Humans are more similar than we admit, so I’m not saying it’s not possible, but when that was brought to my attention, I was like, ‘Okay, pull everything back. We’re not launching. Shut all of that stuff down and let’s regroup. That’s what eventually led to us taking the name Deep Sleep Atlantic. MaM : Talking about live shows, you have a few under your belt now with Deep Sleep Atlantic. How have those gone? TM : Fantastic. MaM : So, Daniel is on drums and vocals, you’re on guitar and vocals, now, to fill in the other spaces … TM : I split my signal between a guitar and a bass cab, so that fills a lot, and we play with tracks. We’ve got a Pro Tools rig, and that fills the little keyboard-y parts that we’ve got on the record and a couple little nuances. We play with in-ears, we play to click. We do all our own sound, so basically when we get to a venue, they give us what they want to mic, we then feed them our tracks so it’s in the mixing desk, then they feed the signal back to us and we have control over all the levels. It definitely takes a bit of that spontaneity away because we are locked into playing to our tracks. Every now and then, some inspiration hits and you want to go jam it over here, [but] you can’t do that. It takes some serious discipline to do what we’re doing, but it’s also not so bad because I have always been a fan of bands that sound like [they do on] the record. MaM : So, let’s talk about the album Prelude . Where did you record that album? How long did it take, and are there any stories from the recording sessions? TM : [We] recorded that album in my house, except for the guitar solo in ‘ Bones ’—that’s my buddy Zack [Loy] from the band Live. Official Video for 'Bones' There’s a saxophone solo in ‘ Blue ’—that’s Dave; he plays in the Dave Mouton Experience . Official Video for 'Blue' And then there is a cello part in ‘ Mess We’re In ’ that I didn’t play. Everything else, I did in my house. I was doing it in between gigs, and sessions, so I did it sporadically. A story regarding it would be, it was shotgun house. I’ve since moved—the neighbor who basically convinced me to move was extremely, uh, [long pause] I think if she could have, she would have done everything she could to prevent that record from being made. It started getting to a point where I couldn’t even cough without banging coming from the other side of the wall. It started to become a bit of a joke, but not in a good way. It was in a—and I don’t mean for this to sound condescending—but it was in a ‘I think this person needs some help’ kind of way. MaM : Well, after months of hearing drums through the wall! TM : Well, ironically, I had the drums done before they even moved in! Okay, guitars—I’m a bit of a stickler for the guitar. You may have to do a part 500 times before you find the tone that you like. So, I do understand that from a neighborly point of view, especially if you are at home and you hear the same riff all day. I understand that can be frustrating. It got to the point where my wife and I would turn the television on and [within] two or three minutes, the pounding on the wall would start. Then we started to hear violin. Not properly played violin, more like the screeching sound from Psycho . After that, these notes started. You’d come to the house and there’d be a note on the door about something, or there’d be a note in the backyard about something, or there would be a note under your door, or in your post box. I tried to meet in the middle. I made a schedule, and I said, ‘Look, I’m not going to make noise every day. I definitely won’t make noise after 7 p.m. I get that you want to relax and stuff, but you’re at home all day.’ At this point, I’m only home maybe two days a week because I’m working at the studio. It was really reasonable; it wasn’t, like, every day. She said, ‘Oh, no, I need those times for my clients.’ I said to her, ‘There’s nothing more I can do. I’ve stopped the noise, we don’t turn the television on, and we don’t even have guests at the house because we don’t want to upset you.’ MaM : You have cough drops ready. TM : Exactly! So, it got to a point where we were like, ‘Let’s just move.’ That did hinder the album process. It was an album that could have taken me, let’s say, a month. Let’s say a week for drums, a week for bass, maybe a week for guitar, and a week for vocals. I could have been done. The drums and the bass were done before she got there. She just wasn’t willing to meet me in the middle. So that was both a funny and frustrating aspect of the album. MaM : Do you think any of that influenced any of the vibe on the music you were recording? TM : No, no. I mean, definitely some of the frustration while playing guitar came through. There were definitely moments where I was like, ‘Okay, you’re gonna make this hard for me? I’ll turn it up.’ Credit: Gary Governale MaM : How do you balance the art versus the business? You’re obviously talented creatively, but you also have a lot of knowledge and experience in the business side. How do you work in both without going crazy? TM : I think it’s much harder than anyone gives it credit for. I think if you start thinking about the business stuff too much, it will affect the art. You don’t want that to happen. So, I, personally, try not to think about that when I’m making music. I try and look at them completely separate. It really doesn’t make me sound rock n’ roll at all, but I will have lists … of stuff that I need to do to take care of business and I will dictate certain hours of the day to do that, whereas when I’m creating, or recording, or making art or anything, I worry about none of that. I think you NEED to think about the business though, unless you have someone who can take care of that for you. People are listening to music with their eyes now, so you could have the greatest record out there and it might be discovered (the good ones always are discovered eventually), but if you’re not taking care of something that [allows] people [to] somehow find you, I think you’re doing yourself an injustice. Plus, it’s in your best interest to learn that side of it now because no one’s going to care about your music, or your art, or you as much as you. I’m happy to do the work, I’m not lazy. I’m many things, but I’m not lazy. Follow Travis and Deep Sleep Atlantic on all social media and streaming platforms, available at www.DeepSleepAtlantic.com . To see their tour schedule, click here. *cover photo credit: 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

The Harmonic Stew showcase is a vibrant celebration of emerging talent. < Back On the Scene: Harmonic Stew at Chelsea's Live June 6th, 2024 Rian Nickels Aug 8, 2024 Share The Harmonic Stew showcase is a vibrant celebration of emerging talent. I've been wanting to write on The Harmonic Stew Showcase for quite a while, and on June 6th, 2024, I finally had the opportunity to visit Chelsea's Live , a venue in Baton Rouge, Louisiana , to experience the showcase myself. The Harmonic Stew is a local music showcase designed to shine light on up-and-coming talents in and around Baton Rouge. Though I missed the last acts of the night, Soul Jettison and Carter Patrick & The Telegram Salesmen , I got to catch South Louisiana local bands: The Dale Harris Band , Goodbye Academy , and Hey Thanks ! Credit: Rian Nickels The Dale Harris Band To kick off the night was Dale Harris , a singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He sometimes performs as a solo act, sometimes as a duo with his brother Glenn Harris on lead guitar, but tonight, we got to experience the full Dale Harris Band with Dale and Glen alongside Adam on the bass and Mikey on the drums. They took the stage, and Chelsea's Live was filled with jazzy tunes and electric strums of songs like "The River" and " South Bound Train " that gave anyone from Louisiana a sense of home. With Dale's soulful voice and the rest of the band's rhythmic energy, it was easy for the atmosphere to wake up and come to life. This made The Dale Harris Band the perfect warm-up for the other acts in the local showcase. Goodbye Academy Next on the lineup was one of my favorite Louisiana alternative bands, Goodbye Academy . The trio (bassist and vocalist Jake, guitarist and vocalist Kris, and drummer Chase) exudes a well-practiced chemistry that shines through in their performances. They played mellow songs like " Intermission " and " Shaver, What A Last Name " to a smaller and more intimate crowd, but their audience got a little bigger with each song. By the time they got to more riotous and upbeat songs like "Thanks for the Toy" and "Best Ways, Worst Days," day-one fans sang along, and first-time listeners moved their bodies to the drum beat. Chase's endless versatility on the drums, Jake's ability to communicate with the audience, Kris's unique voice, and their entire harmony show that they belong on a big stage with all their works. Goodbye Academy did a spectacular job of drawing in the audience and keeping them interested and engaged with odes to past lovers and verses about growing up. With their deeply nostalgic lyrics and melodic guitar strums, I think Goodbye Academy makes the perfect "blueprint" for what I would call "Southeastern Emo." Hey Thanks! The last band I was able to catch was Hey Thanks! from New Orleans, Louisiana. They are a four-piece band with Travis as the frontman, vocalist, and bassist. Backed by bandmates Trevor on the drums and Micah and Jason on the guitars, this was their first live performance in six months, and their fans were ready for another chance to see them play. The very moment they arrived on the stage, the crowd became fuller and more excited, and it was easy to see that Hey Thanks was locally loved and supported. Their energy immediately got people onto their feet, ready to emerge themselves into the band's pop-punk-pop-synth-alternative type beats. With older songs like " I'm Sure It's on the Way " from their first record, " Start/Living ," and unreleased and untitled tracks, they had a perfect set list that shows you where they were and where they're going. Hey Thanks! brings a lot of musical variety, with bandmates playing multiple instruments, vocal range, and songs covering a spectrum of genre types and emotions. One of the things that stands out to me the most about them is their ability to bring a crowd of people with different music tastes together to enjoy just existing and listening to music. Harmonic Stew at Chelsea's Live was a testament to the vibrant and diverse music we have in Baton Rouge and beyond. From the soulful, jazzy rhythms of The Dale Harris Band to the nostalgic, emo-infused melodies of Goodbye Academy and the high-energy, genre-blending sounds of Hey Thanks!, the night celebrated talent and community. Each band brought their unique flavor to the stage, creating a night of music that felt both intimate and electric. Even though I missed the final acts, the performances I did see were enough to leave a lasting impression, reminding me of the power of live music and its ability to connect us. This showcase helped to show some of the best of what South Louisiana has to offer, making it a night to remember, and I cannot wait to experience more showcases in the future. Credit: Rian Nickels To learn more about the bands: Dale Harris Band: (Facebook) https://www.facebook.com/daleishous (Website) www.daleharrisband.com (Spotify) https://open.spotify.com/artist/6SyHhI6ofWwqIvcZeJ09J0 (Apple Music) https://music.apple.com/us/artist/dale-harris/1570984678 Goodbye Academy: (Facebook) https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092575554398 (Spotify) https://open.spotify.com/artist/7q4JZHQjgEEkZ8q8dAhw2N (Apple Music) https://music.apple.com/us/artist/goodbye-academy/1750154912 Hey Thanks! (Facebook) https://www.facebook.com/heythanksla (Spotify) https://open.spotify.com/artist/6kVxSrnHJh6Lzq0qJuBEwS (Apple Music) https://music.apple.com/us/artist/hey-thanks/1051345321 *All photos courtesy of Rian Nickels rianmusicjpeg.myportfolio.com Rian Haynsworth www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90's flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Got a show you'd like Rian to cover? Reach out to us at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Jason Momoa as a Blind Warrior? I'm in! < Back See: The Final Chapter Keeley Brooks Oct 13, 2022 Share Jason Momoa as a Blind Warrior? I'm in! I’m a fan of most genres, and I’ll just about watch anything, unless it’s a sappy love story. One of my favorite genres, though, is science fiction. Start with that and sprinkle in treats like Jason Momoa, Dave Bautista, and plenty of badass fight scenes (not to mention Alfre Woodard), and you’ve got my attention in its entirety. Streaming series See did just that and is in its final season, with the finale right around the corner. If you’ve yet to check it out, here’s why you should. See is a science fiction drama series currently airing on AppleTV, starring Jason Momoa, Alfre Woodard, and, in season two, Dave Bautista. It also stars one of my favorite actors, Christian Camargo. Not sure who that is? Maybe this’ll help: If you were a fan of Dexter , you might remember him as The Ice Truck Killer from season one. Yeah? The series takes place in a very distant, brutal, primitive future, hundreds of years after a deadly virus pretty much destroyed humankind. Anyone who managed to survive emerged blind and thus gave birth to future blind generations, mostly. See follows Jason Momoa’s character, badass warrior tribe leader Baba Voss, as he goes to theend of every length to protect his family—namely his children, because they have the mythic ability of sight. Though Baba Voss has raised the twins from birth like they were his own, they are not his biological children; they are his wife’s, Maghra Kane, who was impregnated by a sighted man. Maghra is a princess of the House of Kane in the Payan Kingdom. Baba Voss found her lost, alone, and pregnant in a storm, so he brought her back to his tribe for shelter. She gave birth, they fell in love, they got married, yada yada yada. Maghra’s sister is Sibeth Kane. She is Divine Ruler and absolute monarch of the Payan Kingdom. She’s also the ruthless spiritual, military, and political leader of the last remaining society with electrical power. She murders any heretic speaking about the sense of sight and classifies them as witches. SHE is a treat to watch. I don’t know that anyone other than Sylvia Hoeks (pronounced Hooks) could’ve played this role so well … captured Queen Kane’s nuances so perfectly. She has a very interesting way of speaking and doing that brings some levity to her character while at the same time adding dimension. It’s one of the things I love about her. Plus, she gives a whole new meaning to the phrase, “I wish to pray.” You’ll see. Queen Kane’s Royal Tax Collector and Witchfinder General is Tamacti Jun (Christian Camargo). A brilliant and violent witchfinder general, he leads an army to find and kill anyone with sight. In particular, Sibeth has him on the hunt for a man named Jerlamarel (Jer-La-More-El) and all of his sighted children. As a man of sight, Jerlamarel goes around impregnating women (not forcefully or anything) to build a sighted race. Two of his children are Baba Voss and Maghra’s twins, Haniwa and Kofun (Ko-foon); hence Baba’s need to protect his family. Alfre Woodard also stars as an elder, advisor, and midwife to the Alkenny people, Baba Voss’s tribe. She and Baba are very close, almost like mother and son. She mentors him, and her extremely powerful innate wisdom guides him through all things, especially times of crisis. Not everyone trusts her in the Alkenny tribe, though, and dissenters view her as a witch. So, she is also under Baba Voss’s protection from Sibeth and Tamacti Jun. Dave Bautista joins the cast in season two as Edo (EE-doe) Voss, Baba’s estranged brother, and his arrival is nothing short of exciting. I’ll save their story for you to unfold but I will say I’m not sure there’s ever been such a highly anticipated fight scene between two brothers as this one was, and it did not disappoint. At all. Then comes a huge twist that made me jump up and do a happy dance, but I won’t spoil the fun. You’ll have to watch it and find out for yourselves! As a whole, I have to say everyone did a great job on making their blindness believable. It’s interesting to see (ha, no pun intended) how these blind tribes function together and work as a unit hunting, building, traveling, fighting—murdering … you name it. And kudos to the fight choreographer(s) working this series. Standing ovation. They came up with some sweet, clever battle moves that’ll definitely make you want to rewind and repeat. More than once. See is currently in its final season with new episodes dropping on AppleTV on Fridays. (Most of the time, they drop the night before at 8 p.m. if you’re like me and can’t wait ‘til then!) Seasons one and two are also available. Go see with your own eyeballs and enjoy! You can thank me later. www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Christina Binns < Back Flowers, Glitter, and Resin, Oh My! Nicole Brice Oct 29, 2022 Share Christina Binns You may not have heard of the name Christina Binns in the Art world YET , but you WILL . Putting her entire heart and soul into what she creates, this chicka knows how to merge the aesthetic of beauty and fragility into pieces worth having in your collection and showing off. I first met Christina , or Christi as I know her, when we had an honors English class together freshman year of high school. Christi had some wicked style, even back then, and I can remember her always having the latest and greatest fashions from the Delia*s catalog, which I always seemed to be lusting over. Lucky for me, though, Christi and I hit it off, become best friends, and then I had access to that same great fashion she paraded up and down the halls of our high school. With a knack for combining colors, textures, and styles, her fashion sense trickled over into her artwork, and throughout the years even though we may be miles apart, I have never forgotten how awesome this girlie is, and now, I would like to bring her art to you, the readers of Mixed Alternative Magazine . Art by Christina Binns Recently, Christina and I had a chance to chat, and I threw some questions her way, which she did not disappoint in answering. Get to know this incredible visualist and artist and then check out her work and buy something. You’ll want to buy everything because it is ALL phenomenal. In fact, in choosing the images for this piece, I had a hard time narrowing it down, so when you get to the bottom of this article, you MUST check out her work on social media. Christina Binns MaM : What age did you notice you had the art gene and a need to create? I remember you taking Art classes in high school, but never really asked you about your creations. Also, too, for the longest time, I had all the drawings you made me saved in a drawer at my mom’s house. It’s true. I wonder where those are now. Hrmm. CB : Well, I’ve been creating since before I can remember. I’ve always had a vivid imagination, still do. As a kid, I’d conjure up these elaborate stories & add my own illustrations. I was always doodling. I’m always in my “happy place” when I’m making things, always have been. Whether from my writing or my art, no matter the method, when I’m creating, that’s when I’m most fulfilled. So, to answer your question, the need to create has always been present. MaM : Thinking back, do you remember the first piece of art you ever created? CB : Oh man, the FIRST piece ever?! Where’s my memory when I really need it… well, since I can’t recall the 1st ever (that’d of been at a single-digit age), how about I go with a couple that really stuck with me through the years, both wooden creations. One was to be a box that opened & closed, the other a functioning mobile, with fully moveable parts. I’ll start with the box. Decided I was making a ladybug box, with wings on top that opened to reveal an itty-bitty cavity for tiny treasures & such. So, we all know ladybugs are round, right? Well, cue the naysayers – and I quote, “You can’t make a box round. That won’t work – it doesn’t even make sense!” Challenge accepted and annihilated – BOOM! You know I had to make the bug box & yes, she is filled with tiny what-nots & she’s perched on my shelf in my art room. For the mobile, I made a waving dude, whose arms, hands & head were moveable. Picture an upper body, shoulders/arms on up, cartoon-style, crazy wavin’… I think I gave him a bowtie too. Good times. No clue where he went, but I’m pretty sure I gave him to somebody, maybe my brother – who knows. Wherever he went, he sure was awesome. Both projects were just before I hit my 20’s. While they weren’t early in my art days, they both helped me to really hone in on that imagination of mine. Making these 2 things happen just as I had dreamt up, that only further solidified what I already assumed: If I can imagine it, I can probably make it happen, I can DEFINITELY try! Thinking you can do something is half the battle, so if you truly believe in you, then you’re already halfway there. Art by Christina Binns MaM : If you had to pick one piece as your favorite, what would it be? Give us the deets, sista. CB : My absolute favorites, as of now, would have to be a tie between 2 completely different pieces, both of which are displayed in my home. One is a giant pair of _x_ gallery-wrapped canvases that I painted, embellished with broken glass and added resin to. There’s just something about the soft, muted colors I used, mixed with the sheer size of them. I often stare at them with the same admiration as when I 1st made them & they’re a regular topic of conversation when someone visits. So delicate-looking thanks to the colors & design, yet slightly dangerous, courtesy of the jagged-edged, broken shards of glass poking out from the resin. My other fave is the 2nd cold porcelain sculpture that I ever made. Roughly 100 individually hand sculpted flowers & leaves flow over the edge of an 8x10 gesso panel. I left it unpainted simply because I love the way it looks. Truth be told, I really impressed myself with this piece. It encouraged me to take the plunge into the world of cold porcelain. I was in love… with hand sculpting! Art by Christina Binns Funny story, I stumbled across this medium by accident (or maybe fate, who knows) when making a magnolia flower piece for my sweet momma. I knew I wanted 3D flowers coming up from the canvas but was struggling with what to use to get that effect, that could still be painted. After doing a ton of research & speaking to some other sculptors in the clay world, I landed on cold porcelain, an air-dry clay that’s nearly translucent when completely dry. Picked up the supplies & made the most gorgeous piece with 3 life-size magnolias and several leaves, on canvas that I painted & added a few layers of resin to. I painted the canvas this ridiculously pretty blue, so after adding the resin, it looked as if the magnolias were floating on water. As they say, the rest is history! MaM : So, I know you have another gig to pay the bills, so where do you call home these days and what are you doing when you are not creating art? CB : Currently, I live in Cypress, TX, just outside of Houston. I’m an artist at heart, always, so I don’t really have set hours, since I wear a few other hats as well. I’ve been a licensed Realtor in Louisiana since 2007 (with Realty Executives South Louisiana Group) and in Texas since 2020 (with Fathom Realty). Additionally, I work remotely as a CRM (Client/Customer Relationship Manager) & Email Marketing Coordinator for a Washington state realty firm (since 2019). This side hustle allows me to work on my marketing skills, as well as my creative/content writing capabilities, which comes in quite handy for all those hats I wear. I also wrote a yet-to-be-published book that I plan to self-publish. One of these days I’ll jump off that fence & make it happen! Art by Christina Binns MaM : Give us some info about life over the years and your fave medium to use in creating pieces. It’s been forever since high school even though it seems like just yesterday. CB : I live in the burbs with my wife Sequence & our 2 dogs Cooper (pointer lab) & Cole (Pug). I moved here in 2019 after Sequence’s corporate ladder-climbing landed her in the Houston area. We also lived near Atlanta, GA for a few years, but most of my life was spent in Louisiana, split between Baton Rouge & Prairieville. I worked in retail management for many moons, primarily in shoe sales. When I was in Georgia, I worked in Recruiting for a minute, before eventually moving back to my home state. From there, I was office manager for the Louisiana brokerage I’m licensed with, for a few years, before making the Texas leap. Let’s see, some other facts about me… I’m a damn good cook, I’m a water baby through & through (stick me with my family, friends and all the pups, plop us near a lake/river/beach & let us be, lol). I love a good documentary & I’m still a cartoon fanatic, even at 40. Art by Christina Binns I like my music loud, a bass junkie, if you will. I’m eclectic when it comes to music, I like everything except country. Ok, ok, I do like some country, but that’s a limited category for me. Now, as far as what’s on the turntables, that’s likely to be drum ‘n bass or jungle, a little EDM, a lot of old school rock & rap and the occasional comic relief (listening to Richard Pryor on vinyl is a whole experience). Like I said, eclectic. Being a mixed media artist, I use so many different mediums, it’s hard to pick a favorite. I think my answer to that depends on the day. I can say that I can always get down with a paint session, no matter what’s going on. I’m a painter, sculptor, woodworker, mold-maker, card maker, sewist (seamstress, if you’re old school), wood burner, soap maker and resin artist, all wrapped into one. I’m no one-trick pony, that’s for sure! I enjoy trying new things all the time - I think it keeps me sharp, you know! Thinking outside the box, being open to trying new styles & mediums & being ok with something not turning out as planned… I do these things regularly. Some of the materials I like to incorporate into my artworks: paint, wood, dried flowers, resin, genuine crystals & stones, broken glass, alcohol inks, gold leaf, cold porcelain, silicone, cardstock, gold foil. Art by Christina Binns As far as canvases go, I like to use everything from gallery-wrapped canvases and wood panels, to old scratched up vinyl records. If I can repurpose something that would have otherwise been discarded, that’s a bonus. Giving new life to a would-be trash item, to me, that’s something special. All the vinyl I use are retirees from my personal record collection of over 1,000. I try to keep them in the rotation, pun intended, especially since I have them in such abundance. No matter the artwork I’m creating, if I can reuse something lying around for it, I take every opportunity to do so. On that note, any time I do a paint pour, I make multiple pieces from one single pour. That excess paint can be stretched far, helping me to be more time-efficient in my creative process by cranking out several pieces at once. The same goes with any resin projects. The more I can make with a single batch of product, the better! MaM : I’m sure there are other artists out there you admire. Please tell us who and why. CB : Hmmm… yet another toss-up for this one. It’d have to be between Daniel Popper & Gil Bruvel, both incredible artists, both with a focus on 3-dimensional art. Neither of them ceases to blow my mind with their creations. Daniel has these other-worldly sculptures of massive proportion, on display all over the world, in some of the most breath-taking places. Next time I’m in Mexico, I have GOT to remember to hit up his Tulum sculpture, “Ven a la Luz”. It’s a bucket list item, for sure. Then there’s Gil, who uses thousands of individual wood pieces to create these unbelievable faces, also on a larger scale. The skill & talent these guys possess is unreal. They’re both incredible at their craft. Art by Christina Binns To check out and purchase some of Christina’s amazing art, you can visit her on social media at: Christina Binns | Facebook Christina Binns (@b__christina) • 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

Welcome to the Necroverse < Back Herakleion: The New Orleans Metal Band Forging a Fierce New Sound Justin Hammer Oct 28, 2024 Share Welcome to the Necroverse Herakleion , a heavy-hitting trio from New Orleans, LA , comprises members Speed Wilson , Christian Woerner , and Apollo Xydias . Formed in 2021, their journey from the southern Louisiana metal scene to the national and international spotlight, supporting legendary New Orleans death metal pioneers Goatwhore on their latest North American Venomous Evocation Tour , is a testament to their dedication and talent. They have also embarked on their own tours, spreading their unique sound to various states nationwide. This band is definitely on the rise, so take note. Credit: Justin Hammer Their latest achievement is the brand-new release of their second EP, Necroverse in September 2024. After two years of writing and planning, they embarked on a collaborative journey with producer Pete DeBoer at Sonic Ranch Studios in Tornillo, TX, to assemble this masterpiece, and this album is one that will resonate with you if you are a true lover of metal. The album crafts a dark and immersive atmosphere with distorted guitars, pounding percussion, and other textures to evoke a sense of dystopian grandeur. They also partnered with the talented metal imagery artist Noah Meihoff for the album artwork, adding a visual layer to the story told in the music. With numerous releases to their credit since their inception, I was able to sit down with the guys in Herakleion recently to get some insight into their process when creating their newest effort, Necroverse , as well as some band history, and how touring is going. Take a moment to learn more, and then be sure to stream Necroverse today. MaM : Thanks for speaking with us today. How did you all come up with the name Heraklion? Apollo : I was sitting on the couch with my roommate. It was before I joined the band, but sometimes, we would get off work, scroll through YouTube videos, and pass the time instead of watching a TV show. I saw a documentary on the ancient city of Herakleion and was interested in the story. They had only recently discovered it about 30 years ago. I just thought it was cool that, you know, there’s the same city from which they thought the story of Atlantis came. When running band names, we didn’t want those classic name generator names, an adjective, a noun type deal, or two and three-word names. We wanted one punchy word that hadn’t been said before, and it seemed like it just clicked in my brain. I was like, “Hey, why don’t we just go with this?” we’ve been running with it ever since. Credit: Justin Hammer MaM : How did y’all create the new album, Necroverse ? Give us a few details. Herakleion : Necroverse was meant to be a purely conceptual album. Each song has a story about crossing from the mortal plane into the realm of the dead. So that’s pretty much the theme for every song and every story within each song. We wanted it to be a bit more varied in tempos and writing than the first EP, being its own thing. It’s a bit more mid-tempo, and we got a lot more creative with the riffs and the flow of every song. It was an enjoyable writing process; it was certainly different, and the product is different; it’s cool. Released September 13, 2024 MaM : How would you all say it differed from the first EP? Herakleion : The production quality is much higher than that of the previous efforts. The thing about it is it’s not all that different from when we recorded Curse of Eternity because we did everything for that record basically like we were recording analog, even though it’s technically a digital recording. Still, we did all the recording live off the floor. There are no punch-ins or anything like that. At this point, it’s kind of just how we know how to do it: to get that good take right off the floor and do it live. We took what we got from Curse of Eternity and ramped up on the production, went to the excellent studio, got the producer we wanted, and just took it to the next level from what we were already doing. Writing was a lot more thought-out, too, because the first album we made before we even played a show so that we would have some stuff to play. It came together over a few months, but we had been working on the new release for over a year, so it’s much more refined and honed than the first one. Credit: Justin Hammer MaM : Who did the recording and production for the new album? Herakleion : Pete Deboer from Denver. We went to a studio in Tornillo, TX , called Sonic Ranch . It was an incredible experience. MaM : I love the album artwork. Who came up with that? Herakleion : Noah Meihoff . Noah did an amazing job. We found him through some artwork he did for this horror magazine cover, and up until that point, we didn’t see anything we felt fit the record's theme. We knew we needed this guy to do it as soon as we saw his work. We saw his process and its uniqueness, which fit the analog feel of the whole record we were going for. We talked to him about the record's themes, and he came up with a concept for the cover, which came together nicely. There are a lot of subtle details in that album artwork as well that if you’re looking at it, you can find, you know, hidden little things in there that even had to be pointed out to me even after I had seen it for a month or so I like that it has that dimension and those layers to it. He just really knocked it out of the park, and we couldn’t be happier with how it turned out. Released September 13, 2024 MaM : What was it like getting out on the road with the legendary Goatwhore ? Herakleion : We know those guys well, so it’s like going out on the road with some good buddies, but we all stayed professional despite our friendship status. It was just a lot of fun, you know. The biggest takeaway from touring, whether it’s our run with Goatwhore or on our own, especially from those guys, is to learn how to be 100% efficient, professional, cool to everybody, and don’t go and screw around when you’re on the road, you’re there for a reason. The wheels don’t take long to come off track. You must adapt and keep your head on a swivel. You know, you could pop a tire, or something could break at a show, or leave a cable at a venue. You take something different away from every show you play, and when you tour with guys like Goatwhore that have been doing it for twenty-plus years, I mean, you can get the “Hey, don’t do this!” before you make that mistake, so you learn a lot from taking to those guys. You know the most when it’s the end of the night, and you’re putting away each other’s stuff in each other’s trailers and sharing stories, asking questions, and if you're paying attention, you can take those notes and don’t forget them if it’s something you want to do for a long time. We are lucky to have friends in the business who have been doing it for a while and can pass the knowledge along to us. Credit: Justin Hammer MaM : Do you guys have any up-and-coming touring plans? Herakleion : We have a mid-west run planned for November , where we will visit Memphis , St. Louis , Chicago , Cleveland , Dayton , Louisville , and New Orleans . Then, we are planning a Texas run in December . That’s pretty much it for the year, but next year will be pretty much nonstop on the road, either on our own or with other bands. Catch Herakleion on tour this fall! Check Herakleion's Instagram and Facebook pages for all upcoming tour dates and information about their current activities. To purchase their new EP Necroverse on vinyl, cassette, or CD, along with all their other merchandise, follow the link tree in the bio on their Instagram page. Necroverse is out NOW on all streaming services. Facebook www.facebook.com/HERAKLEI0N Instagram www.instagram.com/herakleion504 NECROVERSE EP/Merch Store https://herakleion-shop.square.site/ *All photos by Justin Hammer www.justinhammerphotography.com Shop Photography Art | Justin Hammer Photography Shop art is a collection of art that is currently available for purchase at Justin Hammer Photography. www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 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

Some Spooky Season Picks < Back Nick's Corner: Playlist Picks for October Nick Cline Oct 4, 2024 Share Some Spooky Season Picks It’s that time again! This is a bit late because I have been slammed by life lately. I am back and ready to bring your newest slew of music for your listening pleasures. We will dive into various picks that hit you from every angle. All your sonic pleasures will be handled by this month's picks, ranging from local bands across the country to more recognized bands from across rock history. Let's get into October's picks of the month! 1 Honey Bucket by The Melvins Click to listen Deets about the track : First up on the chopping block are Grunge precursors and legends, The Melvins . The track we will be talking about today is ' Honey Bucket .' This dropped-tuning grunge masterpiece has the tone Buzz Osborne (frontman of The Melvins) described as a “car wreck.” Honey Bucket offers high-octane energy in a condensed 3-minute package. All around, this track will wake you up, prepare you for your day, and, let's be honest, that intro will be stuck in your head for the remainder of the week. 2 Semblance of Me by Seether Click to listen Deets about the track : Next up is a track that was recently released on Seether 's latest album, The Surface Seems So Far . The track, ‘ Semblance of Me ,’ makes a new but familiar sound for Seether. It hits you right in the ear as soon as the music starts. The heavily distorted and haunting slowness of the riffs and the angst-driven lyrics and melodies make you dig straight into the sound. As the track progresses, the song's energy pushes increasingly into darkness until it cracks, and the screaming of pain hits with the bridge/breakdown. This track would make an excellent addition for anyone looking for new music filled with relatable energy, new music in general, and just about anything else. 3 Angels Turn Away by Sinz of Eden Click to listen Deets about the track : This next track is from a band that I found while on tour for my band, Phantum Sun . We traveled to Charleston, WV, and played with a band called Sinz of Eden . They are a new take on hard rock and metal but sound deeply familiar. Their track, ‘ Angels Turn Away ,’ is a hard-hitting reminder of a fuse of metalcore and 80s rock. It's an off-the-wall fusion of music, but it has the sensibilities of Avenged Sevenfold style riffs, metalcore drums, melodies of 80s vocalists, and the rounding off powerful bass lines that compliment everything. They are a deep-cut band from WV and surely deserve some spotlight. They have a killer presence live, and their tracks bring that same energy to your playlists at home. 4 This Guilt by Inner Anguish Click to listen Deets about the track : We have two more picks for this entry, and for this one, I would like to recommend a killer local band from Louisiana. Inner Anguish is a complete masterclass on high energy, classic metal production, riffs, melodies, screams, and a rhythm section that beats you to a pulp live and at home. Across the board, their track, ‘ This Guilt ,’ offers a hybrid mix of metalcore and a sense of nu-metal undertones. There is tension between nu-metal mixed with vibes and music from Avenged Sevenfold 's album, Walking the Fallen . Overall, Inner Anguish and their track should be checked out live and through your listening pleasures. 5 Comfortably Numb (cover) by The Main Squeeze Click to listen Deets about the track : This next one is a massive curveball to the line-up of picks I have for you, but this track is from a criminally underrated national band called The Main Squeeze . They have a cover project called the Squeeze House . They cover many tunes they convert into their style and jam over in ballad formats. The cover I am recommending today is their cover of Pink Floyd 's classic, ' Comfortably Numb .' This cover takes hold of itself as an impressive showing of love for the original and their talent as a group. The song is straightforward throughout the whole song, but the music and the band shine when the iconic solo from David Gilmour starts. It raises in energy until the breaking moment of the solo starts, then that starts a five or six-minute jam of the original solo, as well as added parts that heavily compliment the original. If you are a fan of Pink Floyd, then you will love this take on their classic track. www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90's flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Nick Cline is the powerhouse behind the Louisiana-based band, Phantum Sun , and loves checking out new music. Got something you think he'd like? Email us at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Rothstein Beatz is one of the hottest producers on Clubhouse whose beats are dominating the music industry. < Back Rothstein Beatz: Worth the Gamble Erica Machen Nov 27, 2023 Share Rothstein Beatz is one of the hottest producers on Clubhouse whose beats are dominating the music industry. Meet Stanley Harris, the creative force behind the persona Rothstein Beatz. Originating from Las Vegas, Nevada, Rothstein is not just a seasoned producer; he's a multi-faceted artist , seamlessly blending his skills as a comedian, radio personality, and film score composer. His diverse musical palette, drawing inspiration from legends like Nottz, Kanye West, and DJ Premier, has established his presence in the hip-hop community. Today, he’s one of the hottest producers on the Clubhouse platform and his beats are dominating the music industry. As a voting member of the Recording Academy, Rothstein's influence extends beyond the studio. He is endowed with the keen ability to recognize and celebrate talent within the industry, a responsibility he embraces with unwavering passion. His musical prowess isn’t the only thing setting him apart: Rothstein has etched his name in the digital sphere, creating tidal waves on Clubhouse. There, he has created a space where industry professionals, hopefuls, and enthusiasts alike converge to discuss, learn, and connect with a community of over 32,000 members. The name "Rothstein Beatz" isn't just a pseudonym; it's a well-suited persona. The evolution of being called Roth to Rothstein Beatz is a testament to his journey as an artist. His story is one of growth in learning the ropes of the music industry through networking, studio sessions, and internships that resulted in collaborations with lauded artists like Papoose, Trev Rich, and Miesha from 702. Rothstein Beatz (courtesy of Rothstein Beatz) With his budding label, Casino Gang Records , Rothstein is not only sculpting his artistic identity but also paving the way for rising talents. Beyond his beats and melodies, his " Roth Talk Podcast " offers a glimpse into the industry's complexities, featuring insightful conversations with seasoned industry professionals that provide those with musical aspirations with encouragement. As we delve into our rap session, we unravel the layers of Rothstein Beatz's journey—one marked by innovation, collaboration, and motivation. MaM : What’s the story behind the name "Rothstein Beatz"? R : Las Vegas is my hometown. There was a movie that came out back in the day called Casino with Joe Pesci and Robert De Niro. His character’s name was Sam Rothstein. He wore suits and shades and smoked cigars. I won some money, bought a nice suit, and had my shades and cigar walking through the casino. One of my boys yelled, ‘Man, who you think you are? Sam Rothstein?’ My real name is Stan, so I said, ‘I'm Stan Rothstein.’ I was called Roth for a long time. I took it from Rothstein to Rothstein Beatz. MaM : Working with artists like Papoose and Trev Rich is impressive. What led to these opportunities, and can you share memorable experiences or challenges faced in collaboration? R : First and foremost, I'll say networking was the reason I was able to get those opportunities. Trev Rich is a Grammy-nominated songwriter and artist. I actually met him on Twitter. I reached out to him. We built a relationship online, and the next thing you know, he had one of my tracks on one of the tapes he [released]. Later, he used that tape to help find his career and get Grammy nominated. As for Papoose, I have to shout-out my fellow producer, J-Swift. He grew up with Papoose … kind of took him under his wing. He told me Papoose was looking for some beats, and I sent him some. I didn't hear anything for months. I was … in session with another artist [and] J Swift kept calling me. … He tells me [Papoose] loves this one beat, and he needs the music and my information that night. … That was the first time I worked with him, and something similar happened the second time. Now we have some things working in the future. MaM : You’ve gained recognition on Clubhouse as a producer. How did you first get involved with the platform, and what impact has that had on your career? R : First, I gotta shout-out my family, The Music Network and No Egos family. It’s just amazing how a bunch of strangers can … come together and become family. I also have to give love to my sister, T from Harlem. She told me about Clubhouse when it first started. At that time, it was invite-only, and it changed my life. I was able to speak to celebrities, label executives, and people you would just dream to have a conversation with. Through that, I was able to create my own space. … Now, we are at about 32,000 members. We’ve had legendary artists, comedians, civil rights people, and even presidential candidates. We’ve had all types of people in the music, film, fashion, and whatever industry you want. Just amazing professionals to connect with on a daily basis. It’s been an extreme blessing. I owe a lot of my music career going forward to Clubhouse. I’ve been able to work on movie soundtracks and had chances on video game soundtracks. MaM : Speaking of impressive guests, you have a podcast called “ Roth Talk Podcast .” What topics and guests have stood out the most during your podcasting journey? R : Podcasting started because of Clubhouse … [which] is kind of like doing a podcast. There, I have great team members who give me great advice. I’ve been able to have the legendary Bob Sumner, who’s the co-creator of Def Comedy Jam; platinum producers and engineers; and movie filmmakers. I’ve had a slew of industry professionals, including 20-30-plus-year professionals on my podcast. It’s more of an inspirational podcast, because you get to hear the stories of how people came up and how they got into what they got into. They always leave with some great advice for the listeners as well. MaM : Can you share defining moments that led you to pursue music production and a career in the music industry, considering your diverse influences, like Nottz? R : I’m blessed enough to be a good friend of Nottz. Being a fan of somebody and then becoming their friend is a cool experience. Defining career moments [are] between that and then-DJ Premiere, who’s a legendary producer, scratching my beat [and] cosigning me, and telling me he loves my production. When you have the chance to meet and talk to people you used to read about on album covers and used to jam and listen to their songs over, and over, and over again, it’s a surreal moment. It took me back to when I was a teenager. It was a nostalgic moment. I would say being able to meet some of my musical idols inspired me to know I’m on the right path. Not everybody’s going to be able to meet whoever they want to meet. I feel like it’s a divine energy. MaM : Earlier, you touched on the inspiration of the name "Rothstein Beatz" from the movie Casino . Now, your new label is called Casino Gang Records. Can I assume the link between the two? Could you tell me more about your vision for the label and what sets it apart in the music industry? R : I see you, you’re a smart young lady over here! Yes, that is correct. It’s tying the movie Casino and the casino game [together]. That was the motivation. The slogan for Casino Gang is, ‘Where winners win.’ We’re going to come together, and our goal is to win. Our goal is to be the best that we can be. I have some amazing artists on my roster (four R&B singers and one rapper). Megan B is an amazing vocalist and is a part of Pharrell’s choir, Voices of Fire. Check out her debut album called ‘ Mood .’ I produced the whole project. I also have my baby sister, Naomi World. She hasn’t yet released any music yet, but she has sung hooks on a lot of dope records. We have her ready to roll out music next year. I also have my guy Bran the Brain . I produced his debut single, ‘One’, with Botz and it’s out streaming now. Last, I [have] my rapper Bakeskeeza. He has some mix tapes, and we’re getting ready to release a project next year as well. The vision for the label is to release records representing the artist individually. We are making sure our sound is original, authentic, and it tells a story. We plan on 2024 being the year we submit for the Grammys. MaM : Being a voting member of the Recording Academy is a significant honor. How do you see your role in influencing the industry and recognizing talent within the Grammy process? R : I just voted with the last nominations for the first time. So, congrats to people who are now Grammy nominated. I feel great to have a voice and an opinion to vote. I love that everybody gets a chance to say who they think deserves record of the year or album of the year, and all of those great things. It’s another surreal moment … Watching the Grammys, [I] always wanted to go to, and now I have the opportunity this February ... I want to win, but I still feel like I won a Grammy [just] being a part of the recording academy. It’s a small group of individuals who decide career-changing awards. For me to even be able to log in on the Grammy website, see my name and information, and be a part of a chapter is a dream come true. Now that I understand the process and how it works, it gives me a better insight of having a chance to win. MaM : Looking ahead, what can readers look forward to next from Rothstein Beatz? What projects or endeavors are on the horizon? R : I’m going to tell you exclusively that I have my beat tape, ‘Almost Platinum’, coming out December 23rd! I am already a gold-selling producer, [and] I’m almost a platinum-selling producer. 2024 will be the year I can claim I have over a million streams I’ve produced. I do two beat tapes a year. I dropped one in March called ‘ The Cook Up 3’ , which is available on all streaming platforms. That’s kind of my thing … I like to let fans know I have a bunch of beats. The second order of business is that I will be on a reality show. I can’t say the name … yet because I am still planning to sign the contract. Be looking out for Rothstein on a reality show! That’s another hot-off-the-press exclusive for y’all. Just know, 2024 is looking real bright. Rothstein Beatz (courtesy of Rothstein Beatz) And there you have it! Rothstein Beatz is like playing the table with a royal flush in your hand. The big payout is in his links! Official Website | Rothstein Beatz Instagram @iamrothsteinbeatz YouTube @RothsteinBeatzYT X (formerly Twitter) @RothsteinBeatz *Roth Talk Podcast: YouTube @rothtalkpodcast Instagram @rothtalkpodcast *Papoose Songs: Album Title: "July" Song Title: " Don't Embarrass Ya Boss " Album Title: "December" Song Title: " 50% Human " 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

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

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

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

Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story < Back Belles, Balls, and British Accents: Bridgerton Spinoff Arrives in May Keeley Brooks Apr 26, 2023 Share Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story If you’re a big Bridgerton fan, you’re gonna want to go ahead and clear a day next weekend to binge-watch its prequel series, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story . The six-episode limited series drops next Thursday on Netflix. While the show itself is based on Julia Quinn’s series of eight novels , each of which focuses on a different Bridgerton sibling’s quest to find love, the prequel is masterminded by Shonda Rhimes via her production company Shondaland. Centering on Queen Charlotte’s rise to prominence and power, it will tell her backstory and introduce us to her younger days while also chronicling her love story with and betrothal to King George. The show will also focus on the great societal shift that occurred as a result of their marriage, as well as on the early lives of Lady Danbury and Bridgerton matriarch Violet. India Amarteifio ( The Tunnel TV series) will play a young Queen Charlotte while Golda Rosheuvel returns as the Queen Charlotte we met in Bridgerton . courtesy of Netflix In an interview with RadioTimes , Rosheuvel says that in spite of the title, Queen Charlotte isn’t just about the young Charlotte, the young King George, or the queen in her middle years. “Lady Danbury and Violet and the whole matriarchy are there, too, both young and as they are in Bridgerton . It’s about how these women came to be – how a woman of colour [sic], in Danbury’s case, got into the court and then all of the emotional love, the relationships between the women and how they were built up. But throughout, it’s all kept under the umbrella of Bridgerton .” Roshuevel goes on to describe the inner workings that enable the older Queen Charlotte and her 17-year-old persona to exist in the same universe as “a behind-the-scenes Bridgerton ” and says the two series overlap in flashforward and flashback: “… so where in Bridgerton I might have been at the Presentation Ball and then leave the room, in Queen Charlotte I walk straight into a scene that’s in the spinoff.” To ring in the New Year, Netflix released an image from the show featuring Arsema Thomas ( Redeeming Love ) as a young Agatha Danbury. courtesy of Netflix In February, they released an image of a young King George, played by Corey Mylchreest ( The Sandman ). courtesy of Netflix In a TUDUM exclusive first look online, we get to see the cute but awkward first time they meet. For Valentine’s Day, Netflix teased us with a literal peek at the new series and released its premiere date. While the Bridgerton storylines are all works of fiction, Queen Charlotte is actually based on a real individual (she wasn’t a figure in the novels but was added to the TV production). In a 2021 interview with Variety , show creator Shonda Rhimes commented on her fascination with the monarch. “I’m very obsessed with Queen Charlotte, and I always call her the Beyoncé of the show,” she told the magazine. Sophia Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz was born a German noble and became queen consort to George III upon their marriage in 1761. She married him in a whirlwind love story. King George announced his plans to marry Charlotte, a princess at the time, without ever meeting her. According to the royal family's website , the couple tied the knot a whopping six hours after meeting each other for the first time when Charlotte arrived in Britain that September. Definitely love at first sight. The couple had—hold your breath—15 children (14 of which were born at Buckingham Palace) and were happily married the first 25 years of their marriage. It’s a miracle she survived so many births, given the time period. While in the series the monarch mostly fills her time indulging her proclivity for society gossip, in real life Queen Charlotte was also an amateur botanist and a passionate patron of music, especially the works of German composers like Handel and Mozart, who, at age 8, was invited to play at court. As portrayed in Bridgerton , King George III suffered several bouts of mental illness, which were reportedly kept a secret from the Queen. Eventually his illness became a permanent condition and made it impossible for his wife to be around him. As his condition deteriorated in the late 18th century, Queen Charlotte found refuge in a country estate she purchased near Windsor Castle called Frogmore House. A few years later, in 1801, she commissioned an addition to the grounds: Frogmore Cottage . King George III died of mania in 1811, and after serving on the throne for 57 years, Queen Charlotte died in 1818 at the age of 74. Their granddaughter Victoria, daughter of their third son Edward, would later become queen in 1837. The Frogmore properties are now most famously associated with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who hosted their wedding reception at Frogmore House and later called Frogmore Cottage home for a brief period before permanently breaking away from their working royal roles in early 2020. Currently, Princess Eugenie lives there with her husband Jack Brooksbank and their son August. For readers who might be wondering, there will be a book tie-in. Rhimes will co-author a book with Bridgerton author Julia Quinn about the queen’s rise to power , and that book, published by Avon Books, is set to be released the same day the show premieres. “Taking Bridgerton from book to screen was fascinating for me to watch, and it's such an exciting challenge for me to take it in the other direction, this time crafting Shonda's brilliant vision into a novel," Quinn said in a statement. "I'm especially thrilled to have the opportunity to write about Queen Charlotte, who was not in the original novels. Her character —and Golda Rosheuvel's brilliant portrayal of her— was a tour de force, and I think readers will love getting a chance to know her more deeply." Rhimes’ prequel series looks to continue the refreshingly un-stuffy tone that made the original show such a hit, though whether it will return to the steamy, raunchfest of Season 1 remains to be seen—though, something tells me we can expect plenty of passion. Beyond Queen Charlotte , Netflix has confirmed that Bridgerton will be back for at least two more seasons . The upcoming Season 3 is set to disrupt the book order and adapt Julia Quinn’s fourth book in the series, “Romancing Mister Bridgerton”. It’s expected to arrive either later this year or early next year. If you want more of the inside scoop on what’s to come, you’ll have to wait and get it from Lady Whistledown. Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story premieres May 4 on Netflix. Keeley Brooks is an entertainment writer who hibernates in NW Alabama and is a voracious consumer of film and streaming content, much to the chagrin of her family. 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

Shoot Out the Satellites is a captivating 39-minute journey of pure, unfiltered alternative rock. < Back Reviews on the Real: Shoot Out the Satellites by The BIG Reveal Nicole Brice Apr 14, 2025 Share Shoot Out the Satellites is a captivating 39-minute journey of pure, unfiltered alternative rock. Last Friday, The BIG Reveal , a band from Grand Bay, Alabama , released their debut album— a captivating 39-minute journey of pure, unfiltered alternative rock. Shoot Out the Satellites , released on April 11, 2025 , is a significant contribution to the overall rock scene. Drawing inspiration from the energy of ‘90s alternative rock, the album showcases The BIG Reveal ’s commitment to authentic, guitar-driven music . Standout tracks such as ‘ New Scars ’ and ‘ Fallout ’ highlight the band’s ability to blend different nostalgic rock elements into a modern sound that is both fresh and familiar . The band consists of a group of friends with exceptional talent, and their musical style is surprisingly mature for their young ages, showcasing a variety of sounds and textures. Each song is unique, offering a distinct experience. I encourage you to stream and add this album to your playlists; it’s excellent. There’s no filler either; every track is a gem. Released April 11, 2025 The BIG Reveal features Gavin Parker on guitar and vocals, Blake Hall on drums, and Luke Puckett on bass. Although the band has only been together for about a year, they really started to gain momentum after Luke joined. To learn more about The BIG Reveal , check out Bud Gambrell 's recent interview with them. Let’s dive into the track listing, as you absolutely need this album in your life. - New Scars – This thrashing, guitar-driven track begins with a thunderous guitar tone that draws you in until the smooth vocals hit—wow! Everything about this song is spot on. It features a hint of a southern rock sound while maintaining its solid alternative rock essence. - Fallout – This song plays with expectations; it starts out slow, but when the pre-chorus and chorus hit, it’s incredible—full of depth. - The World And All – This upbeat and enjoyable song showcases the raspier side of Gavin’s vocals at times. - Me and You – The guitar tone at the beginning has a distinct southern twang. This song is a departure from some of the band’s other tracks, leaning towards a milder, slower feel. - What I Want to Be – This one strays from the alternative sound and reminds me of a more pop-oriented country song. It’s a great track. - Can’t Find the Feeling – This track incorporates more country influences throughout. It’s enjoyable and a bit slower than the others until about 1:56, when a grunge fuzz guitar sound takes over. - Shoot Out the Satellites – The title track of the album is rich and full of depth. - It Follows – This song starts with a heavy grunge guitar sound and evolves into a head-nodding track full of rhythm. - Will You Believe Me – A hauntingly beautiful and powerful song. - Back to Goodbye – This track reminds me of a blend of Matchbox Twenty , Vertical Horizon , and 3 Doors Down ; you can definitely hear those influences. - Imagine That – A loud, powerful, and guitar-driven track—be sure to turn it up loud! This album is a must-listen , so be sure to put it on your list of things to check out today. Just click one of the links below to check it out. To learn more about The BIG Reveal: Website: The BIG Reveal Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557900071233 ‎ Apple Music: The BIG Reveal - Apple Music Spotify: The BIG Reveal | Spotify TikTok www.tiktok.com/@_thebigreveal 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

STS infuses their music with a down-to-earth sensibility, blending the raw power of classic punk rock with intricate pop melodies and compelling lyrics. < Back Unveiling Small Town SINdrome: The Band, The Name, and The Music Erica Machen Nov 9, 2023 Share STS infuses their music with a down-to-earth sensibility, blending the raw power of classic punk rock with intricate pop melodies and compelling lyrics. Small Town SINdrome, also known as STS, is a notable alternative rock band hailing from Grand Rapids, Minnesota. STS has rapidly gained attention with their distinctive sound, as their music seamlessly blends the raw power of classic punk rock with intricate pop melodies and compelling lyrics . STS offers unique listening experience that resounds heavily with fans. Established in 2018, this three-piece band consists of Brian Gandy, a charismatic vocalist and guitarist; Adam Mahoney, the rhythmic section of the band on drums; and John Hakala, vocalist and bass guitar virtuoso. The name "Small Town SINdrome" itself draws inspiration from the small-town-ness of Grand Rapids. Despite Brian and Adam's roots in larger cities, the band has embraced the small-town mindset and ethos, infusing their music with a down-to-earth sensibility. Some may even pick up on a bit of garage band vibes. STS explores a rich array of emotions and themes in their music, forging a deep and energizing connection with their audience. From writing jam-worthy songs when freestyling together to electrifying live performances, Small Town SINdrome is on a path to become a major force in the world of alternative rock. STS has themselves poised for a tremendous journey in the world of music, sharing their authentic stories, talent, and energy with us all. Photo provided by artist. MaM : Guys, thanks so much for rapping with us today. Let’s jump right in with some of those broken-record questions: With a name as unique as Small Town SINdrome, there has to be a story. Please enlighten us how the band name came about! BG : We spent nights sitting around trying to figure out what the hell our name was going to be, because there is a lack of available names. We even went so far as to use a band name generator online. It was funny because everything we came up with sounded really cool. Then, Google would say someone in Portugal has got the name. John actually came up with it because we're here in a small town. With the small-town mentality and that sort of thing, we thought, that's kind of a cool idea. We flipped from Syndrome to SINdrome and nobody has sued us yet. MaM : Can you share a bit about how you all came together as a band? I understand that Brian and Adam have a family connection, but what led to recruiting John as the bass player? BG : We don’t talk about that publicly. (Laughs) No, Adam is officially my stepson, but he's more like my little brother. John, I look at him as my other little brother. We’re a family, a three-piece family. JH : Adam and I were living with a buddy, and Brian would come jam with him. They’d try to get me to play, but I would run and hide in my room. They finally wore me down and liked it. We started writing together, and it was just really easy. We all fit together. It’s still easy. We start jamming and that’s when the good stuff comes out. MaM : When listening to your music, I hear a mix of alt-rock, punk, and even some classic rock with a garage band vibe. How do you describe your genre, and how does your diversity play into shaping your sound? BG : You’re absolutely right in hearing all of that in our music. When we write a song, we don't necessarily say we're going to write a specific type of the song. Like John said, we just start jamming, and we go with it. Then we have songs that could be a little punk rock, pop-punk, alt rock, or could be a little classic rock. We all share a lot of the same influence, but, then again, we also have a lot of very different influences. JH : We might be jamming and listening to different bands separately from each other through the week, but then we come together and it’s a totally different style from what we’ve been doing. It really depends on what we're all listening to, what kind of moods we're in, and what's going on. We come to practice, just let it out, and see what happens. BG : I'm the Smashing Pumpkins/Nirvana wing of the band. It's funny. John came to practice a few weeks back with a bass riff and we started playing on it. It sounded really good, but it was so Smashing Pumpkins. For the next week to two weeks, I couldn't write or think of anything else … I kind of get pulled in by that. MaM : It's clear that your music appeals to a broad audience. How do you navigate such a diverse range of listeners and expectations? BG : We get feedback, and people do say different things. Really, we want everybody to like everything we do, but there's also the reality that some people are going to like this, some people are going to like that. That’s why we want to be as diverse as we can with our music, with the understanding that what some may like may not be what someone else likes. We want to try to reach as many people as we can. Back in February, we released the first cover we've ever done: ‘Blister in the Sun’ by Violent Femmes. I tell the story because it's so true that this is the one song of ours that no matter what genre people are into or what age demographic, people love it. MaM : With such an eclectic reach, I’ve no doubt the journey has been filled with interesting moments. Could you elaborate on the highs and lows you've experienced along the way? (Lots of laughter between the band.) AM : This may be a little off topic, but I just have to … About two weeks ago, John left practice about two minutes before I did, and he hid in the dark. He was going to jump out and scare the shit out of me, but he ended up tripping over a fire pit and breaking his femur. He’s never even broken a bone before. Two weeks later, and we just had our first practice today. When you asked about highs and lows … I’d say that this dude is in a pretty low one right now. We have a lot of cool music times too, though. As for highs and lows, there’s a lot of ‘em. In September, we did do the coolest show of our lives. We played at Rocklahoma with a bunch of bad-ass bands. So, yeah, a lot of cool music moments too, but the broken leg is most recent. MaM : Regarding Rocklahoma, tell me more about the impact the band felt playing alongside legendary acts like Pantera, Rob Zombie, and Limp Bizkit? BG : As Adam said, it was the high point so far … not just for us being able to be on a stage in front of people at that venue, but just being able to see some of the bands we've always admired. The other highlight was the ability to be able to be backstage and kind of go where we want. I think we'd all agree. You aren’t often able to share a bill with, you know, the Chris Daughtrys of the world and Eddie Van Halen's kid. Until we got on that stage, I was thinking somebody was going to call us and say, 'Whoops, we made a mistake. We meant the other Small Town Syndrome with the I.' … [It] was a fun time for sure. MaM : I see that you recently released a new single, "Matches to Ashes". How have your fans been reacting to your latest track? BG : Pretty positive. It was kind of a weird year for us as far as releasing music. We had some festivals and things we did over the summer with the goal to get to Oklahoma. We really wanted to release at least a couple of songs during 2023. That's why we put “Matches to Ashes” out there when we did. It’s definitely one we all enjoy playing, and it's been well received when we have gotten to play it. MaM : Here comes my quirky question: What came first, the chicken or the egg? BG : Hmm, I don’t have a strong opinion either way. If I have to pick between the two, I’m going to go chicken. AM : Chicken. JH : Then I’m going to have to go egg. MaM : Honestly, I wanted to get you thinking so I could ask about your writing process. What comes first, the lyrics or the instrumentals? AM : It can be different. I think it's like that with a lot of bands, but not everyone can do it. Sometimes Brian will have pretty much a whole song already down on guitar with some lyrics. He'll come to us with it, and we'll fill it in. We piece it together. John has done it too, but then there's times we'll just get in the room and within 20 minutes have a super song from freestyling. MaM : As a band, where do you see yourselves in the next five years? Any particular goals or aspirations you'd like to share with your fans? BG : From my perspective, Dave Grohl said it perfectly. He did an interview a few years back and said something to the effect of if you do this just for the love of music and nothing else, with no illusion of winning American Idol or The Voice or something, you’ve already won. Obviously, bands want to make a career out of this and sustain without having to work multiple jobs, but I think that’s really it for me. We definitely want to keep creating and pushing ourselves to improve as a band and as individual musicians. Rocklahoma was a big bucket list thing, but now it’s not enough. Once you have a taste of that, you say ‘Ok, now what?’ We are looking at touring next year and making a stop in the UK. That’s another big bucket list item for us. And, of course, back to the music, it's just finding those bigger stages and keeping that rolling. I should say this too—Erica, you're kind of getting a scoop on this: We haven't said this publicly, but we will have an album coming out tentatively on February 1st. It’s totally unreleased music we have done and some new stuff we're working on. MaM : That’s excellent! We’re happy to share that news! What should we be looking for next from STS? BG : We want to play in a lot of places in 2024 that we've not played. We want to see as many people at our shows as we can, and we want to be able to meet a lot of people. We're going to work on getting to different corners of the world and see some new stages. As I said earlier, the immediate goal is to get the new music out and into everybody’s ears. JH : I think pretty similar to Brian. Get out, play a lot of shows, heal my leg, and get back to jumping and messing around. I love playing live, feeling that energy, and feeding off of it. That's my goal: just get back out there. AM : Same. I mean, put some new music out there, write some new stuff, and play some play some dope shows with some bad-ass crowds. While we anticipate the new sounds from Small Town SINdrome coming in February 2024, check out what they currently have to offer by visiting them online at www.SmallTownSindrome.com . Erica Machen is a beast when it comes to consuming, writing about, and reviewing music. www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Huntsville’s International Musical Youth Movement Invades the Camp < Back Off The Charts: How Today’s Youth Are Reviving Rock Music Bud Gambrell Oct 21, 2024 Share Huntsville’s International Musical Youth Movement Invades the Camp When I first had the idea for this article, I didn’t realize how much fun it would be. The idea came to me as I was watching a podcast . This podcast is a favorite in Huntsville as it showcases local talent, much like the article you are reading now. Pickletato is the name of the podcast. Don’t ask me about the name. Ask founder and interviewer Bill Neal . Bill and I first met in August at The Alabama Smoke Show . I hope you read my article on The Smoke Show in the August edition. Pickletato was also in attendance. On September 15th, Pickletato released an edition featuring this guitarist, who happened to be 13 years old, you read that right, 13! As I watched the podcast, I felt the urge to know more about this young phenom, Carson Merritt . See the entire Pickletato podcast here : Since Bill had a connection with Carson’s parents, I reached out to see if he could arrange an introduction. Shortly after I asked, I received the phone number of Carson’s father Rod . I put in a call to Rod Merritt . We had an outstanding conversation. Within this conversation, I saw the layers of this story start to unfold. The main headline is that we are talking about a barely 13-year-old guitar player. He doesn’t just play guitar. He is good! In my opinion, he plays way beyond his years. Credit: Bud Gambrell The next layer of the story showed itself as an exchange student from Germany. It just so happens that Henri Schröder also plays guitar—and he is also very good! What are the chances? I then learned that Carson takes lessons from Preston Black . I have heard of Preston for several years. His reputation precedes him. Preston is also an excellent guitar player. By excellent, I mean EXCELLENT ! Ok, now I’ve got enough to go with to write a story. Then, I discovered Carson would play live with Preston ’s band Buck’d Up on Saturday, October 12th . Not only was Carson joining Buck’d Up on stage, but so was Henri ! You don’t have to ask me twice to have a good time! Credit: Bud Gambrell I arrived at The Camp around 5 pm. I will call it 5ish because when you work in this environment, you must be used to “musician time.” Walking up to the stage area, I had to decide who to talk to first. Again, there are a few layers to this story. In the natural order of things, I decided to talk to my good friend Bill Neal from the podcast Pickletato . He had previously interviewed Carson and was somewhat familiar with the talent on hand. OTC : Bill, I must credit you because if it hadn't been for Pickletato , I'd never have heard of Carson. Tell me how it came to be that Carson was on your podcast. Bill : I had Buck’d Up on the podcast, and they talked about Carson , and this kid is amazing. So, after that podcast, I went and watched videos of him. I was like, man, I got to get this kid on my podcast. I asked Preston if he could reach out to his parents to see if I could have him on Pickletato and Preston asked if I could wait a little bit because he didn't want to have one of his students above the other. So, I waited a few months and contacted his dad personally instead of asking Preston . I didn’t want to put him out since I consider him a good friend. That was one of our first live performances on one of our podcasts. We've always wanted to do it. We didn't have the equipment and everything ready at the time to have bands on there, so Carson agreed to do a little live performance there. He was fanatic about it. I mean, he was so excited! It was the first podcast that he's ever done. He was super excited, and it made us feel good that he was excited to do it! Credit: Bud Gambrell OTC : What is your impression of Carson? Bill : He's well above anybody I've seen at that age, and you know we're talking, he just turned 13, so he's been this good for a couple of years. I asked him how he got so good as a raw talent. He said, ‘Well, I'll spend 6 hours on 30 seconds of a song.’ He's just in it! Credit: Bud Gambrell As I talked to Bill , I noticed a man standing near the stage with a big smile after sound check. We spoke on the phone but haven’t met yet. I know a proud parent when I see one. This had to be Rod Merritt , Carson’s dad. As I approached Rod , it was as if we had met before. We exchanged greetings, and then I had questions about his son Carson . OTC : Tell me your story of Carson’s guitar-playing journey. Rod : It kind of just started randomly, watching it. We watched a show, and he said, 'Man, I like this music.' And so, he decided to pick up a guitar. We figured it was going to be a phase. We realized within a few months that it wasn’t a phase. He took it seriously. He taught himself for the first eight months, and then after about eight months, we're like, ok, this kid potentially has something, and he's taking it to where it is now. OTC : How long has Carson been playing the guitar? Rod : Two and a half years! OTC : Is that in people years or dog years? (laughs) Rod : (laughs) No, people years. It's been a short amount of time, and you know you must have some natural talent. I know I'm biased in saying that because it's my son. But at the same time, I mean, he does have a natural talent for it. He also has a work ethic, and he's very fortunate that he's been surrounded by the guys who are Buck’d Up or even his first guitar teacher, Pat Bryant . He is a U.S. Navy veteran, and was in the Navy's band for over 20 years. Carson has been surrounded by good musicians and people who lift him and encourage him. I think it's brought him up several levels, and he's had a passion for it. Credit: Bud Gambrell OTC : I’m sure that you took him. What was Carson’s first concert? Rod : It was just this year. We went to see Metallica in September up in Chicago . So yeah, he got to see the mighty Metallica . It was Metallica , Ice Nine Kills , and Five Finger Death Punch . And he loved it! And then, just a couple of weeks ago, we went to see Megadeth and Mudvayne up in Nashville . So, he's gotten to see big shows. Earlier in this article, I mentioned that the Merritts are hosting an exchange student from Germany. What are the chances that a family with a son who is a guitar wiz is hosting an exchange student who is also a guitar wiz? Henri Schröder is an exchange student. I pulled him aside after sound check to have a conversation. Before I get into the questions, I will say that Henri was such a wonderful young man. Just picture him smiling while you’re reading his responses. Credit: Bud Gambrell OTC : Henri, how long have you been playing guitar? Henri : I've been playing the guitar for eight years, but I started playing the guitar passionately about four years ago. Before, it was more noodling around. OTC : What made you want to be a guitarist? Henri : Since I was young, I have wanted to play the drums, and my parents always tell me, oh, that's too big. And then I looked for the next instrument in my coolest instrumentalist, and it was the guitar. So I started playing guitar. It's just an amazing instrument, which is not easy to play. OTC : How did you happen to be an exchange student in a household with a family member who played guitar? Henri : That was not a coincidence. I wrote an application, and a few more months after I sent it to my agency, they told me that they had found a family that was also really interested in music and that their son was playing the guitar. And I was pleased about that. As soon as I got to know Carson , I knew I wanted to go to that family. That's how it happened. Credit: Bud Gambrell OTC : What is it about music that makes you feel passionate? Henri : Music can help you out in every situation. If you are sad or happy, you can always have music. Even if the times are not that good, music can help you out of that. That's what music has meant to me. OTC : I noticed during soundcheck that you and Carson have some chemistry while playing. Henri : Definitely! I’ve known Carson for two months and Preston for around two weeks. Both of them are very loving and just amazing people. It's like we are in our bubble and really like each other! Preston Black is the guitarist in the band Buck’d Up . He has played in the Huntsville area for many years and taught guitar for 21 years. The other members of Buck’d Up are Alex Mercieca , who is on bass and lead vocals, and drummer Rob Buck . This band gets my respect for being a badass power trio and for sharing the stage with these young men. Credit: Bud Gambrell OTC : Preston, at some point, Carson's dad brought in a prospective new student named Carson Merritt. What did you think when this student came in and sat down and played for the first time? Preston : Well, I was blown away! Because he was only 11 years old when he first started and was already good! He had already been playing for around a year, a year and a half, maybe two years, or something like that, but he was already good at that age, and it just blew me away! So we got him up on stage maybe six months ago, something like that after he first started lessons, and he blew everybody away! That was here at the camp also. I think he was, by that point, maybe 12 years old. He's a natural! Credit: Bud Gambrell OTC : This makes me think of the videos on YouTube of a young Derek Trucks at the age of 13 playing with the Allman Brothers . His playing was far advanced for his age. How is this even possible? Preston : It's amazing! I've been teaching full-time since 2003. It's weird to say, but in all those years, I've only had a handful of younger students who were naturals when it came to guitar. But Carson is the youngest, especially in lead guitar playing. All that stuff is natural for him, and he works hard! It's not just that he can naturally play. He works hard! As an instructor, I am more of a guide than anything else because he does all the work and figures out a lot of stuff on his own. So that in itself is impressive, especially for an 11-year-old! Now he's 13, but he's a very mature, brilliant kid. Credit: Bud Gambrell OTC : As a teacher, you've taught people of all skill levels. What does it mean as a teacher to have somebody so determined to practice like he does? It's like he is driven to play this guitar and improve. Preston : It makes my job easy. All I do is, you know, steer him one way or the other. I like to focus on the things that interest him because he will work the hardest on those things. Credit: Bud Gambrell OTC : Rob, as the drummer for the band, what were your thoughts when Preston presented the idea of having a 12-year-old play onstage with Buck’d Up? Rob : I'm all about it, man! I started playing when I was three, so I've been in this my whole life. To see fresh talent, good talent, and God-given talent come in, I couldn't ask for any better. Yeah, bring him home. Let's go! Credit: Bud Gambrell OTC : Alex, before you got to play with him, had you heard him play yet? Have you seen him play before? Alex : Preston had talked to me about it and told me how good he was, but then I was blown away when he got up there and started shredding away! He didn't miss a beat. It’s like we had practiced with him for months. But everything just fell into place. Perfect! My comparison between Carson and Derek Trucks wasn’t about their playing styles. These two have opposite playing styles. That comparison was regarding their age. It also had to do with their demeanor onstage. Both have excellent control over their emotions while playing. I asked Bill Neal if he had noticed that, too. OTC : Bill, you've seen Carson play before, and this kid's barely thirteen years old. What's your impression of his stage presence? He doesn't seem to be bothered by it at all. Bill : That's one of the things I asked him on the podcast. I asked him, 'I’ve seen you play up with Buck’d Up .' I'm like, 'You don't even seem fazed. Are you nervous at all?' 'Well. No, not really.' It doesn't make sense because I'm sure you're the same way. We picture ourselves at that age, and there's no way I would be able to do that. Maybe if I had the talent, but I've never been able to do anything like that, so he's well above anybody I've seen at that age. I enjoyed my time with Buck’d Up so much that I asked them a thought-provoking question to get a deeper look into who they are. OTC : If you could collaborate with one artist or band right now, who would it be? Preston : I’ve never thought about that. I guess it would be somebody like Steve Vai because I listened to his music yesterday. It had been a while since I had listened. I used to listen to it all the time when I was younger. I'm just blown away and amazed by how he composes. He's a good guitar player, but compared to his guitar playing, the composition of the music he writes is way more complicated and musical. He's a better composer than a guitar player, so I would like to pick his mind and brain and work with him. That would be fun! Rob : I already get to collaborate with some of the best dudes right here! But, if he were alive, I would say Dimebag Darrell of Pantera . I'd love to sit and play with him for a day. Alex : I'm going to take Rob’s approach to this answer. I’d love to collaborate with Victor Wooten , sit down with him, and learn some writing skills. In the past, I thought it would be really cool to sit down with Cliff Burton and get some things going with him, even during his years. He is better than what I was expecting to see. Credit: Bud Gambrell OTC : What first got you into music? Carson : So there was this show I watched called Cobra Kai , and one of the characters, Miguel , sets his ringtones to Round and Round by Ratt . I love the guitar on that song. So, I wanted to get a guitar to learn that, and then I expanded into different genres, and it's been enjoyable! OTC : What inspires you to pick up your guitar and practice? Carson : I want to be amazing and join a band someday. You know, I want to make it my career. If I practice, I can work further towards that. OTC : Do you enjoy practicing? Carson : Absolutely! Check out this video of Carson practicing here: www.facebook.com This was a bucket list solo for Carson. Two years and a half ago when he first started learning to play the guitar, we had no idea that at 13 years old... | By Angel | Facebook This was a bucket list solo for Carson. Two years and a half ago when he first started learning to play the guitar, we had no idea that at 13 years old... OTC : What do you enjoy about practicing and learning new things? Carson : It's just super fun! Honestly, it's beyond anything I can explain. You know, just that feeling of a pinch harmonic or a harmony. It’s just beautiful! It's just a beautiful instrument! OTC : What is the best piece of advice that another musician has given you? Carson : My guitar teacher, Preston , once taught me that you might have to work four hours for a three-second part of the song, and even though talent is a part of it, it's mostly work ethic. OTC : As a guitar player, you have a favorite guitarist. Who is your favorite guitarist? Carson : Kirk Hammett of Metallica . OTC : Shouldn’t your answer be Preston Black tonight? (laughs) Carson : (laughs) I didn’t know we were doing that. I also like Dan Sugarman of Ice Nine Kills . OTC : So, tonight you're playing with Buck’d Up , but could you get up there and play with any band right now? Who would you play with? Carson : Ice Nine Kills . They're my favorite band. OTC : What strengths do you think make you a great musician? Carson : Determination and work ethic. If that last answer is insufficient to blow you away, you haven’t been paying attention. Carson Merritt is barely 13 years old. When I was 13, I was unsure if I understood what those words meant. Carson not only has raw talent, but he also has the drive and determination that will carry him far. As I sign off this edition of Off the Charts, I will say one last thing. Rod and Kelly have done an outstanding job with this young man. Not only does he play guitar beyond his years, but he is also very polite and respectful. Those are a few qualities that I wish more people possessed these days. Until next time, Keep your diamond down in the groove! Where to find Bud: Email: the_budgambrell@mixedaltmag.com 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 Pickletato www.youtube.com Pickletato All the good names were taken https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn8DviNRyjlHA4AaxxmLs5Q?sub_confirmation=1 Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555703570599 Preston Black www.prestonblackguitar.net Home Facebook: www.facebook.com/BuckdUp Instagram: www.instagram.com/pressed_in_black/ YouTube: www.youtube.com Preston Black Instagram for Buck'd Up: www.instagram.com/buckdupband/ Alex Mercieca Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amercieca78/?hl=en TikTok: Mercieca (@alexandermercieca) | TikTok Rob Buck Facebook: www.facebook.com/rob.buck.71 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 mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Gnashing is carving out a space for themselves in the heart of NOLA’s dynamic music culture. < Back Reviews on the Real: Thieves and Tyrants EP by Gnashing Nicole Brice Feb 4, 2025 Share Gnashing is carving out a space for themselves in the heart of NOLA’s dynamic music culture. Sometimes, music comes onto our radar long after it has been released. It’s the nature of the business these days, with the market being oversaturated with new original music. Today, we review Thieves and Tyrants , an EP released by New Orleans-based band Gnashing on September 15, 2023. Released September 15, 2023 - Click to listen Formed in 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana, Gnashing's sound is a unique blend of old school death metal , thrash , and black metal . As one of the newer bands on the scene, Gnashing has been steadily booking shows since its inception. The band has performed at Creepy Fest in New Orleans in 2022, The Marsh Room in Metairie, the Intracoastal Club in Houma, Siberia in New Orleans, and many other venues, and the band shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. New Orleans has long been known for its rich musical heritage, and at the core of Gnashing’s appeal is their ability to balance melodic dark beauty with a sense of tension and discomfort. Lyrically, Gnashing explores themes of inner conflict , isolation , and the pursuit of understanding in an increasingly fractured world, creating a layered experience that invites interpretation for each playthrough. Recorded, Mixed, & Mastered by James Whitten of HighTower Recording in New Orleans, Thieves and Tyrants is a rollercoaster ride of melodic death metal with a little groove and thrash thrown in. Gnashing is Chris Lilly (vocals/guitar), Taylor Hinkel (guitar), Erik Haley (bass), and Brennan Ledet (drums). Let’s dive into these tracks, shall we? Metamorphosis – starts heavy straight out the gate—an excellent opening to this EP. Head nodding abounds. Assertive guitars and vocals. It's a great tune to crank up to eleven. The Befallen – nice crispy opening with crunching guitars—this one has a slightly faster pace. Rush to Judgment – my favorite track on this EP. This high-energy song delivers a potent punch to the gut with a blistering pace of aggressive, distorted guitar riffs and pounding drums. Grandiosity rounds out the EP and is a little slower, but once the vocals hit, it puts you in a trance. The song builds and picks up the pace, maintaining this steady vibe of aggression. Thieves and Tyrants is an EP that hits both musically and thematically . We had a few questions for the lead vox of Gnashing, Chris Lilly , and he was kind enough to speak with us. Check out our conversation below. Credit: Facebook MaM : How did you come up with the sound for Gnashing? What led you to play the type of music you play? CL : We never really chose the style we were going for. It just happened organically. I grew up listening to all of the music of the 90s, but it was thrash metal in particular that I found myself very drawn to as a child. As I grew older, I started to rediscover that kind of music and became even more of a melomaniac. From there, I listened to more extreme genres and was heavily influenced by bands like Skeletonwitch , Stormlord , second-wave black metal, and especially Chuck Schuldiner of Death . The rest of my bandmates have similar influences, so our sound was created naturally and unforced. There's something about the darkness of extreme music that I find very intriguing, along with the concept of good versus evil. Within this kind of music, you'll find stories told in ways like no other, and I think there's a beauty in the ugliness of life, which makes for great art and is all a part of the human experience . An appropriate amount of pain, heartache, and suffering is necessary. Just as love, happiness, and joy is as well. The yin and yang concept. Chris Lilly of Gnashing (credit: Facebook) MaM : Walk us through the creative process for your EP Thieves and Tyrants . How did you approach writing each song, and is there a formula you follow when writing music? The title is fitting with all that is happening worldwide currently, right? CL : One of the first songs (titled The Befallen ) I wrote for this project was written before I had any members. I was always writing material and hoping to put together a band one day, and once I met our drummer, Brennan , we started the writing process. We clicked right away, and after the first practice, I knew he was the right person. Our bassist, Erik (former bassist of Drug Money ), was recommended to me by a mutual friend, and our guitarist, Taylor, was recommended to us by Erik, his stepfather. I was the primary writer for those songs, but every member had input, including some parts, such as Taylor's solo on the Metamorphosis track. It's been a group effort putting this EP together, and I would say having good chemistry with your bandmates is a must for a good formula for writing material. It starts with the riffs and how to combine each riff to see what works. Our drummer has helped with the arrangements as well. Yes, the title for our debut episode fits today's world and throughout history. MaM : Do you have new music in the works, and if so, what theme are you finding is a dominant force in your writing these days? CL : We have new music written and hope to record it this year. We have some work to polish the already-written songs and finish writing new ones. A dominant force of the subject matter would be mostly medieval-themed . MaM : You have quite a few shows coming up in the coming months, but what are your main goals for 2025? CL : Our main goals are to finish the new material, record it, and work hard to ensure our performances are to the best of our abilities. MaM : What key message would you like fans to take away from your music? CL : I don't know that we ever really had a key message for people to take away from our music. It's mainly been a very therapeutic and creative outlet for us, but I hope it will provide the listener with the same enjoyment we get from creating and performing the music. Credit: Ian Ashley Ball As Gnashing continues making their mark on the local music scene and beyond, they stand poised to dominate with an unwavering dedication and organic approach to making music. We look forward to what the future will bring for Gnashing , so be sure to catch them live near you soon so you can experience the sonic abyss of sound only they can create. Upcoming Shows : Saturday, February 22, 2025 - the Intracoastal Club in Houma, LA with Psychic Bastard & EYEHATEGOD . Saturday, March 15, 2025 - Tales From The Riff Festival in Lafayette, LA at The Pic at Epic Performing with Christworm , Writhings , Cemetery Frost , Necromire , and Reptilian War Machine Friday, April 4, 2025 - the Twist of Lime in Metairie, LA for Dio's Legacy: A Tribute to Ronnie James Dio To learn more about Gnashing : Bandcamp: Thieves & Tyrants | 𝔊𝔫𝔞𝔰𝔥𝔦𝔫𝔤 Pandora: Gnashing on Pandora | Radio, Songs & Lyrics YouTube: Gnashing - YouTube Spotify: Gnashing | Spotify Social Media : Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gnashingofficial?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Facebook: Gnashing Official Facebook www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Reach out to us at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

The music of XEMNAS is a transcendent journey through sound. < Back The Enigma of XEMNAS: Turning Pain into Art Nicole Brice Apr 11, 2024 Share The music of XEMNAS is a transcendent journey through sound. From Elizabeth, New Jersey, and currently residing in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, we bring you an up-and-coming talent who goes by the name of XEMNAS. At 26 years old, XEMNAS is a powerhouse when it comes to writing and producing his music. Taking his stage name from the video game “Kingdom Hearts,” XEMNAS is churning out music on his terms and making a name for himself in the underground music scene, with numerous collaborations already taking place. If I were to describe the music of XEMNAS, I would have to say it is hardcore with an artistic edge, and he has carved out a niche that defies categorization. Each track feels like a scene from an epic film, evoking a range of emotions and imagery and transporting you to an otherworldly realm. Credit: Facebook Having worked with Yung Oxzy , 4700RSIN , END HIM!, Kairo Kitana , Levi Zadoff , Butterfly, and AUDREYISAROSE , XEMNAS is currently working on more features from artists this year, including a feature with Frankie from Emmure . Recent releases include the tracks " Myhearthurts ," “ Idontwannadie ”, and “ Dear God ," which are available to stream on Apple Music now. “ Myhearthurts ” begins as a hauntingly beautiful guitar track and maintains the pace throughout with lyrics speaking of survival, love, and perseverance. It is a departure from some of XEMNAS’ other works but is perfect in its simplicity. “ Idontwannadie ” has a dance beat and sounds nothing like previous releases from XEMNAS. It’s more in vain with electronic body music, or EBM. I will say that with every release from XEMNAS, no two tracks sound the same, which I love. I never know what the sound experience will be like when I listen to a new track from XEMNAS. With a knack for throwing his entire heart, soul, and being into everything he creates XEMNAS’ passion shines and exemplifies perseverance in a market currently oversaturated with talent. Ethereal electronic soundscapes make up the brunt of XEMNAS’ music, with an enigmatic persona adding an extra layer of intrigue to the music. With all he has created and continues to create, one must ask, “Who is XEMNAS?”. With a penchant for anonymity, XEMNAS chooses to let his art speak for itself, allowing you to be fully immersed in the sonic universe that has been crafted. We had the opportunity to speak with the masterful and mysterious XEMNAS at length recently about anything and everything. He truly is a remarkable being with a larger-than-life presence. Take a moment to learn a little more below. MaM : Let’s just dive right in, shall we? “ Iwannacry! "—the inspiration behind the song? How did the concept all come together? By the way, I really dig this track. XEMNAS : “ Iwannacry! ” is a big letter to myself. I felt lost and forsaken and just wanted to give up until I started listening to some of my favorite old bands and fell in love with music all over again, then boom! I just started writing and haven’t stopped. I’ve been getting very personal with this music lately because I want to connect with more people through my art. MaM : How would you describe the music that you make? XEMNAS : That’s a tough question. I don’t like to put myself in a genre or box, but I lean more towards Midwest Emo and metalcore with a dab of post-hardcore. I just enjoy making art, truly. All kinds. Credit: Facebook MaM : Who do you draw inspiration from lyrically and vocally? XEMNAS : Lyrically, I pull inspiration from the darkest and hardest moments of my life, but I like to take the negative aspects and try to convert them into something more beautiful. Vocally, I pull inspiration from bands like Bring Me The Horizon, Pierce The Evil, Deftones, This Wildlife, Dice, and also from more modern artists like JuiceWrld, SoFaygo, SuicideBoys, XXXXTentacion, and Lil Peep. MaM : Who or what are your songs about? XEMNAS : My songs are the leftover and in-the-moment emotions from my pain down to my happiest moments. My songs are my deepest secrets, feelings, and fantasies. Sometimes it’s the anger or sadness from a situation where someone hurt you, or sometimes it’s words we never get to say to someone, but my music is my story. Photo provided by artist MaM : That’s incredible. I see you have the “Gemini” EP out, but do you have plans to record an album in the future? XEMNAS : The “Gemini” EP project helped me find the sound and direction for my music that I really wanted to be remembered for. It has been a journey. I have been working on two albums in secret, actually, and I’ll be posting more about that after I’m done touring for the next few months. MaM : Where did you record your material or music? XEMNAS : I’m not gonna lie, making music is very personal for me, and it’s hard to find an engineer who can truly see my vision, so I set up my studio and engineer myself. Much more of a reward when you put out a song with sweat and tears. Photo provided by artist MaM : Are you currently performing any live shows? Where have you played recently? XEMNAS : I’ve been doing a lot of shows recently. I played in Vegas with Nascar Aloe and in LA with Kxllkodi and Lil Tracy. More recently, though, I’ve been playing underground shows in South Florida, mainly because I just moved out here. I plan to start touring on April 14, so stay tuned! Credit: Facebook MaM : What are you currently working on creatively? XEMNAS : As of recently, I’ve been experimenting with styles as I’ve learned that I can train my voice to sound like whatever I want, but my favorite projects would be my alternative and acoustic art. These new projects allowed me to dive deeper into myself and show my fans a different side of me. I just released four new songs on all platforms: Dear God , Myhearthurts , and Hell Girl (my favorite). The plan is also to release a song every week until the tour starts. MaM: What are your aspirations for the future? XEMNAS : I’ve been doing a lot of underground shows and festivals and slowly being placed on bigger stages with bigger names. My next move is to play a huge festival like Rolling Loud and take my art overseas, but it would be even cooler if they brought back Warped Tour because I’ve always wanted to perform on a stage there. As XEMNAS continues pushing boundaries with music and mystery, one thing remains certain: this journey is far from over. With each new release, the listener is encouraged to explore the depths of imagination and embrace the unknown, reminding us that in the vast expanse of the musical universe, anything is possible. To experience the music of XEMNAS, just hit one of the links below and then go follow him on social media. Linktree: https://linktr.ee/kingoftheheartless Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/xemnas/1720084648 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

'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

'The Rain' captures a vibe of understanding, new beginnings, and solace. < Back Nick's Corner: Double Knockout Single Review Nick Cline Apr 21, 2025 Share 'The Rain' captures a vibe of understanding, new beginnings, and solace. Double Knockout? I bet you’re wondering, ‘Who is Double Knockout ?’ Double Knockout is a powerhouse alternative , hard rock , and indie band out of Lafayette, Louisiana . Consisting of members Micah, Sean, and Britney , they are creating a landscape of killer tracks that are sure to awe-inspire. This talented group of musicians was undoubtedly brought together for a reason, and their latest release, ‘ The Rain ’, is a testament to the direction and ideas that make Double Knockout an up-and-coming force in the alternative music scene. Released April 11, 2025 ' The Rain ' starts strong right from the beginning , evoking the essence of classic alternative and hard rock with an anthemic quality . The powerful guitar chords open the song and blend seamlessly with an eclectic mix of rhythms and melodies . The result is a sound that defies categorization. This combination of melodic nostalgia and driving alternative beats showcases the undeniable impact of Double Knockout. The major highlight of this song is the production . The production creates a fine line between artist and sound . The distorted guitars sit great in the mix to the point that they add flavor to the track without taking too much away from the bass and drums. The rhythm section becomes one unique entity throughout the track. The production makes them feel like a wall of foundation layer under the melodies and guitar work . One notable aspect of the production is the mixing of the vocals . This vocal mixing has allowed Micah's voice to shine through, even amidst the chaos. The melodies are easy to recognize without much effort. Credit: Kirstyn Whitaker The mixing qualities of ‘ The Rain ’ make it a great listening experience. The only minor detail I would point out is that I wish the last part of the song had been more explosive. While the bridge was a nice addition, it could have been slightly extended to build into the powerful chorus again. This is more of a personal preference based on the style of the song, but it’s nothing more than a minor critique . 'The Rain' by Double Knockout The song nails everything they were striving for in a style that calls back to some greats ( Hum , Superheaven , My Bloody Valentine , and many others), while keeping the truly unique presence that makes up their band. ‘ The Rain ’ is a worthy addition to anyone's playlist. It captures a vibe of understanding, new beginnings, and solace. Go stream it now! Watch Double Knockout, as they consistently deliver great tracks and live experiences. *Band Photo by Kirstyn Whitaker Kirstyn Whitaker (@kewviews) • Instagram photos and videos To learn more about Double Knockout: Facebook: Facebook Instagram: Double Knockout (@doubleknockoutband) • Instagram photos and videos TikTok: TikTok - Make Your Day Linktree: Double Knockout | Instagram, Facebook, TikTok | Linktree www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Reach out to us at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

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

Brett Carlisle is an award-winning songwriter paving his way with family, faith, and a new record. < Back Off the Charts: Brett Carlisle Bud Gambrell Apr 30, 2025 Share Brett Carlisle is an award-winning songwriter paving his way with family, faith, and a new record. Hello everyone! Welcome back! I'm thrilled you’re here and taking the time to join us. Your support means a lot, and I appreciate each and every one of you! This local songwriter first contacted me in September 2024 . He asked if I would be interested in his story. I told him that I was, and we found a local show that I could attend and conduct an interview. That local show happened to be The Alabama Smoke Show Unplugged , a songwriter showcase scheduled for September 17, 2024 . As life sometimes happens, it stepped up and cancelled my plans to attend. How about that. Fast forward to early 2025 . I ran into Brett at the Otis Walker show at Tangled Strings Studio , and I asked him if he might still be interested in an interview. Brett was still very interested. I was very close to sincerely apologizing for my cancellation last September, but as I looked closer at Brett's activities, it was almost a stroke of fate that the interview was happening now. There has been a lot going on within his musical world. By the way, I still apologized. Credit: Bud Gambrell Photography Brett informed me of a few shows that he had coming up. If you know me, you already know that when I saw he was playing at the new Rocket City Honky Tonk that is the one I picked. The venue is run by my old friend Shane Bickel . Shane and I once saw each other often when he worked at Side Tracks Music Hall . I pulled Brett aside to have a quick talk. We stepped out to the outside bar to hear each other and not compete for the juke box playing some old school country. It was a good thing the outside bar was covered, as it was a stormy evening in Huntsville . Credit: Bud Gambrell Photography The following is part of the conversation. We laughed a lot. This was a very relaxed but serious conversation. Check it out. OTC : Tell me about Brett Carlisle. Where are you from? Are you married? Do you have any children? BC : Well, I’m Brett Carlisle . I'm married. We have five children. Let me explain that first. We have two boys whom we adopted. They were her brother's kids. He passed away. We also have 3 girls—two of our own and one from my previous marriage. I was born and raised in Hazel Green, AL . We moved to Athens when we got married. OTC : Born in the downtown Hazel Green Memorial Hospital, huh. BC : (laughs) Yessir! If you’re from North Alabama , you get the joke here. Hazel Green is a small town that relies on Huntsville for hospital care. Hazel Green may not have had an urgent care facility back then. OTC : I understand that country music wasn't your first musical calling. BC : Country music was not my first music calling. Country music came, I guess, out of my rebellious side. I was more of a Christian artist at the beginning. I wanted to be like my dad growing up. I wanted to do Gospel music . Now and then, some of my stuff kind of flares into going on the side of Jesus . I was bringing it back to him, but I found my way. So it went from Gospel to Contemporary Christian to Country . Credit: Facebook OTC : You were the opening act when we met at the Otis Walker show over at Tangled Strings Studio. Now you're on your own tonight. Is there any difference in how you would approach being an opener compared to how you would approach this one? BC : The Tangled String Studios show was a storytellers' type show, and we were telling about the songs we wrote. Here at Rocket City Honky Tonk , great venue, by the way, if you haven't been here. This will be playing covers back-to-back, to back-to-back, trying to get the crowd involved, you know, playing stuff, they know. I'll throw in an original here and there, but that's the difference between the venue, where they're focused on you, and the venue where they're not focused on you. You’re just there for entertainment. Credit: Bud Gambrell Photography OTC: Is there anything you do while you're on stage doing covers to make that connection with the audience? BC : Definitely! I feel that you have to sing the songs so that they can sing something back. ‘ Dixieland Delight ’ is a big one! It's always been a big one. ‘ Sweet Caroline ’ is another song like that. ‘ Family Tradition ’ is another big one; we always like to play the songs that everybody knows. To get them going with you. And once you sing an original, they're paying a little more attention, bringing the attention to your music. Credit: Bud Gambrell Photography OTC : As I was doing my homework on you, I noticed that you promote not only your music on your social page but also other musicians. BC : Yes, sir. I feel it's important to support each other in this business. We can't get anywhere without support. And I think it's very, very, very important to help other artists as well as promote yourself. And I think that's the way we grow. I think that's how we grow as artists. And grow as people as well. OTC : While reviewing your social media, I saw a few EPK pictures of you with a busted guitar. There has to be a story there. BC : So, we found this guitar at a thrift store. It cost $6. And I thought, man, this would be fun to redo. It would be a fun project for me to build this guitar from scratch, so I intend to do that. And then my wife suggested that we take some pictures. And I was like, OK. She said, I think you should do a busted guitar picture. And I was like, with what guitar? And she suggested, of course, the one we bought for $6. I was like, OK, yeah, I'm down with it. We want to take more pictures now, so I need to find another $6 guitar. (laughter) Credit: Facebook OTC : You traveled around and played a lot of places all over the southeast. How do you maintain your work-life balance while you're on the road? BC : The biggest thing I have in my corner is a family that supports me. And they will go wherever it's family friendly. If I can travel somewhere like Gatlinburg or I want them to come with me. I want them to be there and experience it with me. Around here, there aren't a lot of places they can get in, but being close to home, it's OK. But as far as work goes, I'm very fortunate to have a job where I go in at 4:00 in the morning and get off around 11:30 to 12:00 noon. So, it gives me time with my family, and then I hit the road to do a show later that evening. Credit: Bud Gambrell Photography OTC : The first time we spoke was in September of last year. You reached out and wanted to sit down and talk, and for me, life happened. I couldn’t make it happen then. I'm sorry that didn't happen. At this point, I'm kind of grateful it didn’t. Because there's a lot to talk about. Have you ever heard of BAM Records ? BC : I have heard of BAM Records. I'm signed by them. I signed a recording contract with them two months ago. Credit: Facebook OTC : Now, there had to be a phone call or a conversation that BAM Records wanted to sign you. Tell me about this. This conversation had to be just amazing. BC : So, it wasn't a phone call. I played at a place called the Tennessean Truck and Travel Stop . There was a guy named Bobby Spivey there. Bobby wore a blue blazer and a ball cap. It just said the word MUSIC on it. After I completed my first set, he sat down with me and my wife, and he said, 'Hey man, I want to talk to you a little bit about what I do, he said. I'm a producer. I have my own label. I have my studio,’ he said. ‘I’d like to invite you to come and record any time for free, and I’d also like to talk to you about possibly signing a recording contract with me.’ And at the time, he'd been sipping on a little something. I didn't know if he was serious or not. So, it was kind of up in the air. I was thinking about it all night after that. We met the next day, Sunday after church, and he actually sat down with me and offered me the deal, the contract, and I signed it probably two weeks later. OTC : And you haven't stopped smiling since. BC : (laughs) It's hard to believe. It hasn’t hit me yet. I'm not sure of the exact release date yet, but by next Saturday , everything's done with the album, and I think that's when it will hit. When we do that whole album release party and all that, all the pre-sale stuff, I think that's when it will hit me! OTC : That's another thing that happened, you know, since we talked back in September. You've got the record deal. You've been in the studio. Tell me about the studio experience. Was this your first time in the studio? BC : My first time in a studio was at Silver Fox Sound with Robert Fox . Robert recorded three of my songs and produced some. What a great guy! He most definitely makes you feel at home when you're there. But this experience was very different because not only did I sing and play simultaneously, but I also had my drummer, Richard Best , playing while I was playing and singing. So it was like a live session. It's been different than my first experience recording the music and then going back and singing over the track. OTC : You mentioned something about a possible showcase coming up to accompany the new album. BC : In the fall, they're discussing a showcase at the amphitheater in Decatur with some of my label mates and me. I don't know who that's going to be yet. They have not conveyed all the information yet. They're still working on many details, but I'm hoping we pull that together and get it going. OTC : While I was looking at your social media page, I saw a post that you got a possible CMA Fest invite. BC : My label has contacted CMA Fest and was trying to work on getting me in there for May 3rd . I don't know if it's going to happen or not. I have not been contacted. I've not been told anything, just the possibility of it happening. It's just crazy to me! Credit: Facebook OTC: So, I'm hearing a suitcase at home packed in case they call, so you can leave now, right? BC : Yeah, I'm ready to go if they call me! Absolutely! Since this interview, the CMA Fest has become a reality. Brett received word that he will play during the CMA Fest on June 8, 2025 , at Bootleggers on Broadway from 6-9 pm. That’s excellent news, Brett! Congratulations! If you make it to the CMA Fest , stop by and check him out! Also, since this interview, I spoke with Brett , who informed me that a music video is in the making. Be sure to be on the lookout for that. OTC : Let's talk hardware and some things that have happened since we spoke in September. You won the 2024 Alabama Music Association Vocalist of the Year and the 2024 Alabama Music Association 2024 Male Entertainer of the Year. It has to be a little overwhelming that all these things are happening. BC : It is, but I try not to take anything for granted. I don't want to get an ego over it. I don't want to get a big head about it. It's a big honor. Big, big honor! And of course, that took me to nationals, where I went out and played the Country Tonight Theater in Pigeon Forge. OTC : Now there's another one, the NACMAI, that is a mouthful. You won Rising Vocalist of the Year and Rising Entertainer of the Year. That’s two more pretty big honors there. BC : Yes, it is! That's nationwide and for the North American Country Music Association International . They've been doing this every year, and they have a Hall of Fame show on Saturday Night when you're there. Randy Travis was inducted last year. He was there when we were there. Credit: Facebook OTC : So, this last six months or even the last year has been a whirlwind with a lot happening. The record deal, the album, the four awards. With all that in mind, how do you define success as an artist at this point? BC : One song at a time. I try to take it one song at a time. I want my music to be felt and not just to be heard. I define success as wherever I go, whenever I go to a bar, whenever I go to a restaurant to play, somebody requests one of my songs. I think that's the most significant sign of success to me. Credit: Facebook OTC : Two-part question. What inspired you to start writing songs? And is there any particular event or experience that led you to pursue songwriting? BC : There definitely is. When I was 21, I was married, divorced, and had a child. In the same year, my ex-wife left and took my daughter with her. I didn't see her for six months. That propelled me to write my first and what I consider my best song, ' Barbie Car ', which is one of the songs Mr. Fox produced for me. I was not a very good kid. I was not a very good high school student. I wasn't a perfect teenager or young adult, period. So, I did a lot of things, made a lot of stupid mistakes, and all of that culminates in many of the songs I write. OTC : What values and beliefs do you hold that are reflected in your songwriting, and how do those values inspire and guide you through your creative process? BC : I want to keep Christ strong in everything I do. I do, and I want people to hear the pain I went through in these songs. But I also want them to see the pain I’ve endured with my faith in Jesus. Credit: Facebook OTC : What lessons have you learned through your songwriting, and how have those lessons shaped your perspective and creative process? BC : I've learned I can't write a song in five minutes. (laughter) I always thought it was going to be easier and getting stuck on one song for two months kind of sucks. But it's made me patient. It's made me think a lot more, and I've been very grateful for that. I'm not a patient person by any means. Credit: Facebook OTC : What do you feel is the hardest part of songwriting? BC : Writer's block. Thinking about the following line. I have this notebook of songs that I don't know where to go with. So, I have probably 10-12 songs that are just sitting there. OTC : Sounds like you need a collaborator. BC : (laughs) I do. I would love to have somebody to write with. I wrote some with Tim Cannon. He's amazing! I've also had some help from Brad Thomas with some guitar parts, and he's also a great guy. As for sitting down face to face with someone and co-writing a song, I have not done that, and that's something that one of these days I will be doing very soon. OTC : Is there a favorite time of day that you find is better for songwriting or a particular setting that gets you in the flow? BC : I write songs in my bathroom. Not sitting on the toilet or anything like that. Yeah, on the edge of the bathtub after work. A lot of times, I'll come up with ideas and lines for songs while I'm at work. I'll be singing them in my head. I'll record something on my phone. When I get home, there's nobody there. The kids are still at school. My wife is still at work, and I will go into the bathroom, sit, and start playing what I hear in my head. Right around 1:00 until 2:00. It's the best time for me to write a song. OTC : While it’s nice and quiet? BC : Yes! Credit: Facebook OTC : What are your plans for the future, Brett? BC : I hope and pray that one day I'll be able to pursue a full-time music career. Right now, that's not feasible, but I plan to continue to push toward that goal and that dream. OTC : Who are your favorite songwriters? BC : My first favorite is a guy who got me into the genre that I am in. I'm a Southern Americana writer, and Drake White is probably my most significant influence on songwriting. He's a fantastic songwriter, and he is so underrated. So many people have no clue who he is. OTC : He is also an Alabama boy. BC : Yes, he is an Alabama boy. Another amazing songwriter is the Red Clay Strays and The Alabama Boys . OTC : I can relate to that. Do you have any last words that you want to add for any of your current fans and any future fans? BC : Chase your dreams! Do what you love to do. Do what you feel in your heart that you need to be doing because it will work out. If you believe in it enough, it's going to work out. With that closing remark, I’ll get out of here. I don’t have any more inspiring advice to offer beyond that. Until next time, Keep your diamond down in the groove! Where to find Bud: Email: the_budgambrell@mixedaltmag.com Website: https://bgambrellphotography.com Amazon: https://a.co/d/1CLA9Tz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bud.gambrell My new book: Bud Gambrell Photography by Bud Gambrell | Blurb Books Where to find Brett: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Brett-Carlisle-Music/100087867837794/ 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

New Releases on Your Favorite Platforms < Back What to Watch This Weekend (10.21.22) Keeley Brooks Oct 21, 2022 Share New Releases on Your Favorite Platforms This week has been abundant with exciting new streaming content! If you’re looking for something to get into over the next few days, I’ve got you covered on what's out there so you don’t have to go scrolling through each platform to find out. AMAZON PRIME May I Help You – An ongoing South Korean television series directed by Shim Soo-yeon and starring Lee Hye-ri and Lee Jun-young. Torn Hearts – In this flick, a country music duo seek out the private mansion of their idol, played by Katey Sagal, and end up in a twisted series of horrors that force them to confront the limits they’d go for their dreams. The Peripheral – Starring Chloe Grace Moretz and Jack Reynor, this sci-fi thriller is set in the future when technology has subtly altered society. A woman discovers a secret connection to an alternate reality, as well as a dark future of her own. Hush, Hush – Based on a series of four novels by Becca Fitzpatrick that follow teenager Nora Grey as she falls in love with the fallen angel Patch and discovers her own angelic heritage. It’s hailed as the angelic imitation of Twilight. AppleTV Raymond & Ray – Starring Ethan Hawke and Ewan McGregor as half-brothers who reunite when their estranged father dies—and discover that his final wish was for them to dig his grave. Together they process who they’ve become as men, both because of their and in spite of him. Acapulco , Season 2 – In 1984, Maximo Gallardo’s dream comes true when he gets the job of a lifetime at Acapulco’s hottest resort, Las Colinas; however, he soon realizes that working there is far more complicated than he ever imagined. Ghost Writer , Season 3 – Geared towards kids and teens, this series sees four kids team up to solve an exciting mystery surrounding a neighborhood bookstore ghost who is haunting the place and soon starts releasing fictional characters into the real world. HULU Handmaid’s Tale, Season 5 – This one probably needs no introduction, but I’m gonna go ahead and give you one anyway. Based on the best-selling novel by Margaret Atwood, this series is set in Gilead (Gil-E-ad), a totalitarian society in what used to be part of the United States. Gilead is ruled by a fundamentalist regime that treats women as property of the state, and of men, and is faced with environmental disasters and a plummeting birth rate. In a desperate attempt to repopulate a devastated world, the few remaining fertile women are forced into sexual servitude. One of these women, Offred (Elisabeth Moss), is determined to survive this terrifying new reality, find the daughter that was taken from her, and lead a revolution to get all the women in servitude out, then take down the government regime. She. Is. Badass. Also stars Joseph Fiennes, Bradley Whitford, Samira Wiley, Max Minghella, and Ann Dowd. Rosaline – A comedic retelling of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”, told from the point of view of Romeo’s jilted ex, Rosaline—the woman Romeo first claims to love before he falls for Juliet. Tell Me Lies – Based off a novel of the same name by Carola Lovering and loosely based on her own past toxic relationship, this series is about a couple who quickly fall into an addictive entanglement that will permanently alter their lives and the lives of everyone around them as their tumultuous and intoxicating relationship unfolds over eight years. NETFLIX The School for Good and Evil – Netflix’s big new movie for the week and one of its biggest family movies of the year. The School for Good and Evil is a fantasy adaptation telling the story of Sophie and Agatha, both kidnapped into a school that trains people to be heroes or villains. The Stranger – A Netflix original movie, this Australian crime thriller film is written and directed by Thomas M. Wright ( Everest ) and starring Joel Edgerton and Sean Harris. Mark, an undercover cop, forms an intense, intimate relationship with Henry, a murder suspect, in an attempt to earn his trust and get a confession, risking both of their lives in the process. 28 Days Haunted – A reality show marking Netflix’s arrival in the ghost hunting arena, this series follows three teams of fairly well-known paranormal investigators, including Shane Pittman and Sean Austin, over the course of 28 days to some of the most haunted locations in America for an experiment based on the theories of late paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. Now, if you don’t know who the Warrens are, please allow me to introduce you. Demonologists Ed and Lorraine Warren are the most famous husband and wife paranormal team to date. They’ve investigated such cases as the Amityville haunting, Annabelle the cursed doll, and the Enfield Poltergeist case. They devoted decades of their lives to exploring, authenticating, and documenting some of the most famous paranormal incidents ever reported, right up until Ed’s passing in 2006. Lorraine remained a prominent member of the paranormal community until she passed in 2018. If any of the teams stay the duration of four weeks at handpicked locations in Colorado, Connecticut, and North Carolina, they’ll gain acclaim and recognition for being a part of what Netflix is calling, “the most important advancement in paranormal research in the last several decades.” Descendant – Netflix’s latest documentary about the legacy of an illegal slave ship. Descendants of the enslaved Africans on an illegal ship that arrived in Alabama in 1860 seek justice and healing when the craft’s remains are discovered. Barbarians , Season 2 – Based on a true story, this historical war drama follows three people’s fates when they are interwoven in the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest in 9 A.D., during which Germanic warriors halt the spread of the Roman Empire. It’s brutal. It’s bloody. And it is most badass. From Scratch , Season 1 – An American student, played by Zoe Saldana, studying in Italy meets and falls in love with a Sicilian chef. High: Confessions of an Ibiza Drug Mule – In 2013, Michaella McCollum, from Northern Ireland, and Melissa Reid, from Scotland, were caught at the Jorge Chavez International Airport in Peru tyring to smuggle 1.5 million pounds of cocaine into Spain. The pair were sentenced to almost seven years in one of the most notorious prisons in the world. The series provides a first-hand account from Michaella, a former club hostess in the Spanish nightlife, as she traces her journey from arriving in the foreign country for her first holiday to her downward spiral into the illicit world of drugs and excess. ONI: Thunder God’s Tale , Season 1 – In a world filled with oddball gods and monsters, Onari is determined to follow in their footsteps, but her unique powers are yet to be revealed. Pokemon: Ultimate Journeys: The Series , Season 1 PARAMOUNT+ Monster High the movie – This title actually released Oct. 6. and is one all ages will enjoy … if musicals are your thing. Based on the popular animated franchise Monster High , this live-action musical follows three students at Monster High who bond over having famous monster and creature parents. A diabolical plan hatches and the three teens must rely on each other to save the day. Torn Hearts – In this flick, a country music duo seek out the private mansion of their idol, played by Katey Sagal, and end up in a twisted series of horrors that force them to confront the limits they’d go for their dreams. Blacklight – Liam Neeson is Travis Block, a shadowy government agent who specializes in removing operatives whose covers have been exposed. He uncovers a deadly conspiracy within his own ranks that reaches the highest echelons of power. PEACOCK One of Us Is Lying , Season 2 – Based on Karen M. McManus’s New York Times best-selling novel of the same name, this mystery surrounds five students at Bayview High as they walk into detention and only four walk out alive, leaving one dead just as he was about to reveal life-changing secrets about the others in a gossip app. Each of the students had the opportunity and individual motives to murder their classmate, but all claim to be innocent as the case revolves around which one of them is lying. The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks Documentary - A feature documentary that delves deep into civil rights icon Rosa Parks’ historic work and her role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Through interviews with those who knew her, powerful archival footage and her own words, the film tells the story of Parks’ extensive organizing, radical politics, and lifelong dedication to activism. 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

If you're on the fence about it, check out these top 5 reasons to see "Napoleon". < Back Reasons to See Napoleon: Feast Upon This Keeley Brooks Nov 13, 2023 Share If you're on the fence about it, check out these top 5 reasons to see "Napoleon". It’s no secret I’m a big fan of historical adaptations. What I love most is the opportunity to experience a certain time period through different perspectives. Some of those perspectives are as historically accurate as possible while others are merely loosely based on a certain era. With Ridley Scott’s heavily anticipated Napoleon adaptation releasing soon, it’s safe to say we can gear up for a picture that’s as historically accurate as possible and just as rich in atmosphere. The film—guaranteed to be an epic masterpiece —stars Joaquin Phoenix ( Joker ) as Napoleon Bonaparte and Vanessa Kirby ( The Crown ) as the Empress Joséphine and is based on Napoleon’s astonishing life, offering an intimate portrait of one of history’s greatest military leaders. If you’re unsure about it, here are my top five reasons why you should see Napoleon . #5 : Deep Dive into Napoleonic History Given that Ridley Scott has expressed clear interest in Napoleon as a historical figure and this is his second go-around with the Napoleonic era, we can expect as accurate a depiction as possible. With 2023's Napoleon , not only are we getting a deep dive into the events surrounding one of the most mythological military commanders ever, but we’re also diving into the effects of his tumultuous private life , giving us as close to a personal look at the emperor’s private life as possible. During the French Revolution, Napoleon rose rapidly through the military ranks and, as a general, seized power in a coup d’état in 1799. He then crowned himself leader. Next, he set out waging war against European nations and expanding his powerful empire, all while embroiled in an intense romantic battle with Joséphine, which ultimately served as the force driving him to conquer the world. Over the course of a single decade, Napoleon led a revolutionary French army against the other great powers of Europe and succeeded, even bringing down the Holy Roman Empire. After tearing across Europe for a time, his career finally came to an end in 1821 on the remote island of Saint Helena, where he died at the age of 51. Scott reportedly will make Napoleon’s romance with Joséphine the center of his movie—an aspect often overlooked in previous Napoleonic adaptations. Vanessa Kirby and Joaquin Phoenix as Joséphine & Napoleon. (credit: Apple TV + Columbia Pictures) When the two met, he was a 26-year-old French military officer, and she was a 32-year-old single mother of two. They fell deeply in love and soon married, but both were known to have affairs. They spent five years in marital unbliss before divorcing in 1810 after Napoleon accepted Joséphine would never be able to give him the heir needed to maintain his line. Napoleon’s story is that of a war criminal , really— a psyche overrun with obsession and madness . What makes it so intriguing is that he was a man who came out of nowhere to seize and rule everything, all in the name of love. What’s makes it so tragic is that he did all he did in an effort to win Joséphine’s love, and when he couldn’t, he conquered the world to destroy her; unfortunately, in the process, he wound up destroying himself. To see this tragedy play out in the era of 21st Century film will be utterly exciting and captivating. Other iconic moments of French history teased in the trailer include the 1793 public beheading of Marie Antoinette; the 1795 defeat of French royalists, where Napoleon ruthlessly fired on protestors in the streets of Paris; and Napoleon’s infamous self-coronation as Emperor of France in direct antagonism of the Catholic Church and Pope Pius VII. #4 : Cinematic Reunion of Ridley Scott and Joaquin Phoenix Ridley Scott and Joaquin Phoenix on set (Columbia Pictures). Napoleon reunites Joaquin Phoenix and Ridley Scott for the first time since Gladiator (2000), in which Phoenix plays the power-hungry ruler and last emperor of the Pax Romana, Commodus. His performance there is masterful and chilling, slicing you right in half as a viewer. S tunning and gorgeous in its own right, Gladiator was Phoenix’s first big production, so it’s quite fitting now that the two artistic forces are teaming back up for one of cinema’s biggest historical portrayals . If you saw Gladiator , you know how well the two support and feed off of one another’s creative energy. You also know what these powerhouses are capable of producing together. Both Phoenix and Scott have had over two decades to refine their respective craft and explore themselves as they relate to that craft, so we have every reason to be excited about this reunion, which will no doubt be anything short of brilliant and thrilling. #3 : Costumes & Sets Vanessa Kirby as Empress Joséphine and Joaquin Phoenix as Napoleon (Columbia Pictures). Costumes and sets are integral aspects to creative and enhancing a story’s atmosphere. Lucky for us, Ridley Scott is known for going all in where both are concerned. His films are rich in detail with stunning visual style and are known for dropping us right into a certain time period so we can experience it for ourselves. And that’s what a good historical adaptation should do: represent history as accurately as possible in a way that allows viewers to lose sense of their own place in time. For Napoleon , Academy Award-Winning Costume Designer Janty Yates, known for her work on Gladiator , is teaming back up with Scott, so get ready to be awe-struck. The two have collaborated on several films, including Kingdom of Heaven and The Last Duel , and from those alone we know to expect opulent sets dripping in vibrant fabrics—in this case, of chiffon, silk, satin, and lace adorning the neoclassical styles that were widely popular during the Napoleonic era. Coronation outfits are always popular standouts, so pay close attention to Napoleon and Joséphine’s lavish outfits in particular: He wore a gold-embroidered white satin tunic and red velvet cloak embellished with golden bees, while she wore a white satin gown with puffed sleeves and gold detailing. # 2: Battle Sequences credit: Apple TV + Columbia Pictures Ridley Scott is no stranger to action epics featuring epic battle sequences and historical bloodshed incited by political turmoil. It’s his bread and butter. In fact, he’s already made the hefty proposition that Napoleon will feature not one, not two, but SIX large-scale battles spanning Napoleon’s prolific military career. Here’s why this is exciting. Where early Napoleon-centric films of the past also tackled the leader’s infamous battles, they often focused more on a specific military moment—The Battle of Waterloo, for example—and made a grandiose spectacle out of it. Technology has come a very long way since then, and with Scott’s vision at the helm, I’d say buckle up for quite the spectacle. Scott planned Napoleon ’s massive battle sequences, like the tactical masterpiece that was the 1805 Battle of Austerlitz, in regular meetings with the heads of various production departments and with military advisors in order to ensure scale, choreography, accuracy, and cohesion in presentation. As previously mentioned, Napoleon is Scott’s second attempt at capturing the lived experience of the Napoleonic Wars, so you know his heart is wholly in this presentation. His first attempt was with his 1977 debut film, The Duellists . Given how much he planned and consulted where these cause-and-effect sequences are concerned, one thing’s for sure: Napoleon will not skimp on spectacle. Not even a little. And isn’t that what we often love most about historical adaptations? I know I do. #1 : Joaquin Phoenix Joaquin Phoenix as Napoleon Bonaparte. (credit: Apple TV + Columbia Pictures) The Oscar winner is one of the most talented, versatile, impactful actors of modern-day cinema. He’s well known for his emotional, soulful, thunderous performances—especially those featuring a heavy psychological aspect, like Joker . Ridley Scott himself has said Phoenix is perfect to play Napoleon , that he is “the best player of damaged goods.” Excluding their reunion, the idea alone of seeing Joaquin Phoenix play one of the most powerful and emotionally complex military generals-turned-leaders is excitedly appealing. He has an authentic ability to dissolve himself into the psychology of his characters, which is part of what makes him so alluring. He understands darkness and uses that to create unforgettable dimension in his characters, layering them with varying levels of innocence and sadness mixed with power, love, and danger. To see Phoenix play any emotionally complex character is an experience that exposes us to deep empathy and awareness of something we haven’t yet considered. He often winds up carrying the entire film, as opposed to the film’s own story. Judging from early promotional materials, this will be the case with Napoleon . Reportedly, Scott realized his film centered around Phoenix’s performance and even rewrote the movie during filming to ensure Phoenix’s comfort level with his character portrayal. This allowed the actor to focus solely on bringing the depths of Bonaparte to life in an unforgettable way. Because of that, I imagine Napoleon will be the most immersive, authentic Napoleon Bonaparte film experience to date, one that sees us all hold Joaquin Phoenix in the highest esteem. Ridley Scott recently told Deadline , “No actor could ever embody Napoleon like Joaquin. He created one of movie history’s most complex emperors in Gladiator , and we’ll create another with his in Napoleon .” Mmm, I bet they will, and I can’t wait. Napoleon releases in theaters on November 22, 2023, before streaming on Apple TV+. 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

Runaway Bunny is an epic tale of strength and resilience. < Back Exploring Escapism: Hawthorne Oachs’ New Single is a Compelling Tale of Freedom Nicole Brice Jun 17, 2024 Share Runaway Bunny is an epic tale of strength and resilience. It’s rare and special when an artist’s music resonates with me on a deeply personal level. I can honestly say that it's been a while since I've been genuinely moved by a piece of music. However, last year, a young artist, musician, and actress captured my attention with her soul-stirring song, ' A Single Flower , ' and I have been a massive fan of hers ever since. Credit: Artist website At just 15 years old, Hawthorne Oachs is a free spirit unafraid to explore the depths of the human experience. Her advocacy for mental health is a testament to her courage and empathy, and her willingness to be raw and vulnerable in her music is truly inspiring. Her transparent, honest, and authentic lyrics have the power to make you think and cry, creating a unique and powerful dynamic in music. With wisdom exuding that of an old soul, Hawthorne’s latest song, released on June 6, 2024, “ Runaway Bunny ”, begins with an 80’s new wave synth vibe that transports you into a dreamlike sequence with angelic and haunting vocals. As the song progresses, the intensity builds, and at 1:48, when the twinkling synths come in, it builds even further until it ends so abruptly that you want more. This is, without a doubt, my favorite song from Hawthorne Oachs yet, and I cannot wait to see what else she has in store for us in the future. Add this to your list of songs to check out NOW! I recommend going down that rabbit hole if you have never experienced Hawthorne’s music. This is only the beginning for this remarkable young artist. Click the picture to experience "Runaway Bunny". Hawthorne Oachs can be found on: Website : https://www.hawthorneoachs.com Linktree : https://linktr.ee/hawthorneoachs Spotify : Hawthorne Oachs | Spotify YouTube : https://youtu.be/Cnrd0bbJ9fE?si=MJEYDUrrhLcBruOP www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

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

An insider’s perspective on the Louisiana film industry < Back Behind the Screens with Kelly Mills C.G. Smith Jul 5, 2023 Share An insider’s perspective on the Louisiana film industry For quite some time now, Louisiana has been dubbed Hollywood South due to the many film and television productions happening in and around the state, mostly down in New Orleans but also in the capital city of Baton Rouge. According to the Louisiana Film & Entertainment Association , there have been over 2,5000 films and tv series shot in the state thus far. However, of all the cities used as settings, New Orleans is surely the city that has seen the most, with an explosion in numbers of productions being filmed pre- and post-Covid. More productions mean a greater need not just for actors but also for all the important people running around behind the scenes making everything work and flow. These are the people responsible for ensuring filming goes smoothly and according to plan, for creating the costumes and building and operating props, sets, and cameras … all the choreographers and coaches and stand-ins, the sound engineers and crews and special fx teams, the assistants and screenwriters and editors—all the people who make up the industry’s foundation but don’t often get the attention and credit they deserve. Kelly Mills is one of those people. courtesy of Kelly Mills Having been involved in the Louisiana film industry for over a decade now, Mills has had experiences working as a production assistant, as part of the camera department, as part of the art department in set decoration, and most recently as a grip. “It just depends what I get hired for,” Mills says. “It’s a gig-based industry, so it changes.” From working on popular tv shows like Strangers Things , Salem , and Your Honor to known films like Where the Crawdads Sing , Mills has been an instrumental part of making sure what’s supposed to run smoothly (and be historically accurate) does just that. She’s a hunter, a gatherer, a creator, a set designer, a prop master, an art director, a fixer, and a most dedicated, loyal worker. She’s also a complete ball of fun to be around. I was able to sit down with Kelly in January of 2023 to talk about the good, the bad, and the ugly of it all from an insider’s perspective. Grab yourselves a tasty beverage and kick back as you read about what it’s like working in the Louisiana film industry today. MaM : So, you’ve been working in the Louisiana film industry for ten years, right? KM : The first gig I ever had was in 2009. That was up in Shreveport, and I’ve been working in the film industry since then—full time since 2010. MaM : How’d you get started, what did you start out doing, and what do you do these days? KM : This takes a little bit of exposition. So, I graduated with a degree in theater in East Texas, which had absolutely no jobs whatsoever, so I moved to Shreveport and started tending bar. These two guys started coming into my bar with carpet samples. I asked, ‘Why are you sitting at my bar, taking up space with these damn carpet samples?’ They said, ‘[We’re] from California and we are art directors in the film industry.’ One day they asked me what I thought about their carpet samples. I told them they were all ugly and they needed new samples. Then they asked [if I wanted a job] and I said yes. I had no idea what this job would entail, but yes. The next day they called and said, ‘[We are] working on this movie and we need an art department intern.’ I asked, ‘When does it start?’ and they said, ‘Now, but we can’t pay you anything.’ So, I did it. Sometimes it’s kind of obvious when things are being thrown in your face, like this is what you need to do. So, I worked during the day on set for this movie and at night I still did my full bartending shifts. I did the whole movie that way. MaM : What movie was it? KM : It was called Playing for Keeps with Gerard Butler and a bunch of other people. It was ye old general romance, ‘Oh no, what do I do? There’s a kid. I’m in love with her, I’m in love with him – divorce – ahh!’ You know, that kind of thing. That’s where I first started. MaM : So, you weren’t just picking carpet samples. What did you start out doing and what are you doing now? KM : I started out as an art department intern, which legitimately meant I went and got coffee, I rode around with the art director, I helped him take notes, [and] I did a lot of basic sign designs and things of that nature. Then I figured out that I was going to next move to working on set as a production assistant. Because at that time there were some movies in Shreveport, but not a lot, and you needed to get paid for what you were doing, so I started working on set as just a general production assistant – getting actors coffee, shushing people, telling people to be quiet, where you can’t walk – that kind of thing. I was a production assistant for a very long time, probably three-and-a-half years. To move from a production assistant to work in the director’s guild, you need about that amount of time to get your days and submit all the information to try to join. I quickly figured out that it was a miserable job, and I didn’t want to do that anymore, so, I got lucky when a TV show called Salem came and I got to move back into the art department and set decoration world. I started working with them as their coordinator and working with their set decoration buyers. So, essentially, for a good while I was nothing but a professional shopper, which is a wonderful and incredibly stressful job all at the same time. Then I moved from set decoration to working the property department, which is very, very similar. I moved in the art department world for a good while. This was in the days before then-Governor Bobby Jindal put the cap on the tax incentives, but it was after Katrina hit New Orleans and a bunch of the productions had moved up to Shreveport. So, it was kinda like this weird wild, wild west where you just took whatever job you could take at the time—it didn’t really matter what department it was in. You just did what you had to do to get the job because that was the only job in town. Then, in 2015, I believe in June, Bobby Jindal put the cap on the tax incentives. I moved to New Orleans because [he did that]. Literally within a week of him announcing that he was capping everything, I knew that Shreveport was never going to see – at least for a good stretch of time – they weren’t going to see a union job, and I had just gotten into the union. The only place in all of Louisiana – if you were going to be filming in 2015 and after, you were either going to be working in New Orleans or living in New Orleans and working in Baton Rouge, that’s it. Maybe there [were] a couple of little low budget ‘I heart Jesus movies’ or Hallmark or whatever, but not anything that was union or paying. MaM : I heard you say that cap on the tax incentives actually led you to get married. KM : It did! It did! My poor husband, bless his heart. So, my husband Joe also works in the film industry. He’s a grip. He had come up a couple of times, working in Shreveport, and we did this LOW budget ‘I Heart Jesus’ movie called Dancer and the Dame . We met and hit it off, became friends, and we did a couple more low-budget things together in Shreveport. Then, in June 2015, the TV show I had been working on, Salem, had just wrapped and not a week after, Governor Jindal announced that the tax incentives were being repealed. I was like, ‘Crap, what am I gonna’ do?’ I called Joe and was like, ‘Hey dude, so I gotta’ move away from Shreveport and I’m moving in with you.” He was like, ‘Oh, that’s cool. Well, I totally would love to have you, but I don’t have an extra bedroom.’ I was like, ‘No, that’s fine, I’m literally moving into your bed – I’m your girlfriend now.’ He was like, ‘Oh, well, yeah, I think that’ll work. You’re gonna’ do that?’ I said, ‘Yeah, man, I literally just sold everything that I own, I bought a new car so I could get myself down to New Orleans, and I’m coming tomorrow.’ He’s like, ‘Oh, well, I guess that’s what we’re gonna do!’ We decided to get married six months later. MaM : What a great story. (laughs) So what are you doing now? KM : I move back and forth between the camera department. courtesy of Kelly Mills I got really lucky—I worked in the art department for years and years; it’s one of my favorite jobs. I love doing it, but it kinda got stale for a little while, so I was talking to a couple of my friends that work in the camera department and they were like, ‘You could do this.’ I was like, ‘Yeah! I could do that! Show me what to do!’ At the time, in the summer of 2021, we had so much work it was just crazy, because we were still trying to come back from the demand from the gaping hole of Covid-19. We were creating content like nobody’s business, and that requires union labor. So, they hired me, and I’ve been really enjoying working in the camera department now. It’s been interesting because I’m learning a whole bunch that I never even thought that I’d be capable of – I’ve always been the art girl. I’m the ‘I’ll bring the glitter, I’ll bring the fake drink, do you need orgies? We’ll do the orgies.’ That was my gig for years and years and years. Then, all of a sudden, they were like, ‘Here’s this camera that’s worth, like, a house; why don’t you pick it up and mess with it?’ I was like, ‘Oh, God!” MaM : That’s a lot more technical than the arts department. KM : In the art department, I have eight different ways that I can make vomit, depending on what the scene calls for. I have lovely vomit recipes. I know how to move a couch by myself … that kind of work. This [camera] is completely different work, and I’m really having a great time learning how to do it and stretching myself as a union employee to be able to do this work. MaM : Tell us about an average day on a set. Are there major differences between film and TV? KM : There aren’t really a lot of major differences between film and TV, except for with TV, you pretty much shoot a little film every week, which is rough. You have a shorter prep time, but you’re still expected to produce a film-like quality production. On an average day, our call time will be between 6 and 7:30 a.m. You show up and they provide what they call a non-deductible breakfast, which is a courtesy breakfast. You go, you eat breakfast, and then you show up to your prospective truck – whichever department you happen to be working in. courtesy of Kelly Mills So, let’s say I’m working in the prop department. I get my tool belt and look at the call sheet so I know exactly what to anticipate for the day. Say we’ve got [an] ‘explody bomb’ [on the list]. I already know how the bomb works, [and] this is what I need to give to the special effects guys who are actually going to make it all ‘splody.’ I know how to explain to the people that this is safe, it’s not going to ‘splode all over them, things of that nature. So then at call time, that’s when we start unloading our trucks and pushing our carts. Everything is in bins and carts. We usually send someone ahead that works with the actors on set for any hand props they need for the day. We set up and then you find out two important things: Where’s the bathroom and where is craft services. Do they have sandwiches? You make sure that you anticipate any unexpected needs, you wind up coming up with a lot of creative solutions for really, really, weird requests, whatever it may be. Whatever you can possibly think of, we have come up with weird solutions on the fly. Then there’s lunch, which is a good six hours after you start, Then you go back to work for another six to eight more hours. Our minimum is usually twelve [hours]. It’s not guaranteed that we’ll be in the same place all day. You’ve got to move your carts, you gotta take props away, you gotta give props back to them—a lot of minute details. Then you wrap and go to Avenue Pub (when it was open for 24 hours) and have a drink, then you go home and wonder why you made the decisions in life that led you to work fourteen-hour days. MaM : What are the most locations you’ve been to in one day? KM : In one day I had five different truck moves, which means you unload the truck completely, you do your thing, then you load the truck back up and you go to the next location. That’s just the shooting crew. When you’re on the pre-production [team,] you move around all day. MaM : As with any job, it depends on the people you work with. Is it one big happy family on set, or are there ever issues? KM : I am extremely proud to work with the brothers and sisters of 478. courtesy of Kelly Mills Generally speaking, we are kind, courteous, and professional to each other. Of course, when you spend twelve to fourteen hours together, you’re gonna’ wind up butting heads, but I have never met anyone in the 478 that I can say I dislike working with. There are definitely a number of directors I’ve wanted to murder—learn how to read a plan! MaM : Can you tell us about your worst and best days on a set? KM : Oh God, it’s probably all the same day! (laughter) No, so my worst day was in Arkansas [on] a movie called Greater . This was in my last couple shows where I was still a [production assistant] but I was moving over to the art department. It was low budget, low rates, miserable non-union, and the last day we had to shoot for 24 hours straight. At that point, it doesn’t matter if everything has gone well, you still have been physically at work for 24 hours. It was just the worst feeling I’ve ever had in my life. I was in North Arkansas, of all places. It was cold. I was in the Arkansas University stadium; it was just miserable. MaM : Now what about your best day? KM : My best day was probably the first day that I really, really understood what I was doing in the camera department. The first day that I was able to go into the camera truck—this was on a movie called Fast Charlie with Pierce Brosnan (who is a lovely man, sweet man)—and pull out and prep everything that I knew I needed. It was just a good day! Nothing went wrong; nothing f**ked up on the camera; our cables didn’t fail; I didn’t have to haul heavy shit anywhere; and we were just in three different areas in the same place. I didn’t have to push the cart and it was just, it was lovely. I was just really proud of myself for being able to do it—something that I would have never thought that I could possibly do. courtesy of Kelly Mills MaM : … coming from bartending. KM : Yeah, coming from bartending and telling two guys their carpet samples were ugly. (laughter) MaM : Why do you think Louisiana gets so many film industry jobs? Is it just the allure of the city, the way it’s stepping back in time, or … ? KM : It’s a combo of things. Some of it is, of course, is the French Quarter, and then some of it is being able to … so many stories are southern. New Orleans, in particular, is equitable to other southern states. New Orleans can play Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, and Savannah, Georgia. You wanna do it, you can do it in New Orleans. You want mountains? Can’t do it in New Orleans. We also have the Central Business District, and we have an infrastructure, thankfully, based around the film industry. We have rental houses, Panavision—the camera rental house—prop houses, and stages where you can shoot all of this stuff. So, [I’d say it’s] between the allure of the French Quarter and the allure of telling southern stories in a southern city. Also having the infrastructure to do so, and then, I think, the icing on the cake are the crews of New Orleans. The grip brothers and sisters and kin, the prop people—all of the people that routinely work in the film industry that are dedicated to the job that we do. Simply put, I don’t think that I’m bragging here when I say that New Orleans and Louisiana crew works hard and are generous and kind people to spend a really long time around. Producers come back for that. Who wants to work with crews that are bickering and are mean to each other, which of course make delays that cost money? We have a strong and compassionate union behind us. I really think … all of that … is a 1-2-3 punch—a knockout. MaM : What are some of the most memorable productions you’ve worked on? KM : Obviously, Stranger Things . I was very lucky to work on Seasons 2 and 3 of that. That was rewarding. I worked the set dec department as a buyer. My job on Season 3 was to carve. It was set during Halloween, [so I had to] carve hundreds of pumpkins. Just hundreds of pumpkins. That was my job. That and they just pretty much gave me a van and cash and said, ‘Go to estate sales.’ They were very conscious of being period correct in literally everything that is on that set. I was literally taking apart appliances and looking for the serial number to see if it was made in 1983 or 1984. Some crazy person on the internet is going to find your name on IMDB, figure out that you worked in the set dec department and then message you. That happened to me. They’re crazy. That was one of my favorite ones. I worked on a TV show called Salem for three years. It was set in Salem during the witch trials and that really taught me how to work in time periods and period-correct shows. I really honed my skills on doing the research that was necessary. MaM : Was there ever a piece or something that you couldn’t find? KM: Thankfully not on Stranger Things . On Salem, we pretty much just had to roll with what we could get. I had a lot of things manufactured. The hardest thing for me was bicycles for Where the Crawdads Sing . We had kids on kids on kids riding period-correct bicycles. They had to be working and functioning, and period correct. So finally, I drove up to Texas, because thank God my dad randomly collects vintage bicycles. I went and raided the man’s barn. I took every one of them to the Freret Street Bike Shop (shout out to Aaron!) and was like, ‘Fix these for me!’ Working on period pieces is my favorite. That’s what I like to do. MaM : So, Stranger Things , Salem , and Where the Crawdads Sing— anything else that stands out? KM : Let me look at my IMDB, I’ve done so many things. Ok, I was the prop master on a movie called The Card Counter . [It was] the first movie I did coming back from Covid, and it’s been nominated for a couple awards, I believe, which I’m really excited about. It was directed by the same guy who did Taxi Driver . I did the entire first season of Your Honor as well. I was really, really proud of that. The thing that I am least proud of: So, I did a movie called The Case for Christ . It was the first movie I ever did in Atlanta. It was miserable, and it was with Pure Flix, which is the worst. They didn’t pay their bills. I had to fight them for every paycheck. They should call Jesus to ask them how to run their business. It was rough. MaM : You’ve worked in the art department. Anything you’ve made that you’re really proud of? Like the pumpkins on Stranger Things ? KM : Yes! Pumpkins on Stranger Things ! One of the things I am most proud of is that in my career I have helped create three different orgy rooms. MaM : Each one’s different! KM : Each one is completely and utterly different! My favorite one that I helped to create was on the TV show Claws . I was lucky enough to be the assistant art director on the third season and we just had so much fun. There was this big orgy room. The research I did, I can’t even begin to tell you how many lists I’m on now because of that. (laughs) MaM : Because of your web searches? KM : Because of my web searches! Like, every kink that you could possibly think of we crammed into one giant warehouse orgy and I’m just so proud of it! That’s one of three orgies I have helped create—NOT been a part of, but that I just helped create. I would like to point out that at one of them I did have a buffet a la It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. The industry has been almost my entire adult life. I’m proud of the work that I’ve done. I’m proud of the union labor that we are able to do in the Deep South, despite such strong anti-union sentiment that is just built into the way that we’re raised. I’m grateful for our union leadership and the work that they do. If any of our crew members are reading this, right now we’re in such a very strong economic downturn, but I want to encourage you that we have been through this before, we will go through it, and we will not just survive, but we will come back, be strong, and make movies. Because that’s what we do. We love stories. We will continue to do it. For more on Kelly Mills, visit her IMDB page and take a peek at all the cool shit she’s done and been an integral part of helping create. And to Kelly and those like her, we as viewers have to recognize how much we appreciate all of your effort and hard work in creating something of quality that entertains the masses. As viewers, we often do not know what it’s like for any workers in the industry unless we personally know of someone, so next time you meet a Kelly Mills, be sure to thank him/her/them for all the hard work. Without them, we’d have to say to Russell Crowe in Gladiator , “No, Maximus, we are not entertained.” Fortunately, we’re all in a different position so we don’t have to say that. Let’s hope the entertainment continues to flourish, and as it does, Mixed Alternative Magazine will be there as a landing spot for all the independent artists working so hard to make it happen. For more on the Louisiana Film Industry, visit them online at www.LouisianaEntertainment.gov . 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

Boiler Room are on a mission to make a significant impact in the world of metal. < Back Boiler Room’s Revival: A Resurgent Force in Metal Nicole Brice Mar 28, 2025 Share Boiler Room are on a mission to make a significant impact in the world of metal. I was a teenager in the late 90s / early 2000s , a time when nu metal , a subgenre of alternative metal , dominated the airwaves. Bands like Korn , Limp Bizkit , Slipknot , and Deftones were everywhere, and because of the mediums we had back then to bring us new music, only certain bands were filtered my way. Here I am in 2025, and I was recently introduced to Chris Lino , vocalist for the New York City-based nu metal band Boiler Room , thanks to my good friend and photographer , Jeff Crespi . Unbeknownst to me, Boiler Room had a very successful career for a while from 1996-2001 , sharing the stage with Type O Negative , King’s X , Clutch , Orgy , Life of Agony , and Static-X . Still, after changes at their label, they walked away from forging their legacy, so why are they back now, and what has been going on all these years? Credit: Jeff Crespi Gritty, raw guitar riffs and an aggressive yet melodic style, Boiler Room , were part of the broader DIY movement until they were discovered and signed. Chris Lino ’s vocals are thick, raspy, and full of soul. With a unique combination of sounds and clean screams, he can go from sweet to sour in only a few seconds. Truly, this man's voice is amazing. It’s remarkable how music machines work. Oodles and oodles of bands come out yearly, but it’s up to the geniuses who market these bands to make them stand out, so how and why did Boiler Room get lost amongst the shuffle? Credit: Jeff Crespi With their recent resurgence, Boiler Room is on a mission to make a significant impact in the music world. Their blend of rock and metalcore is a force to be reckoned with, and they're not holding back. They released the single, ‘ No Patience ,’ in 2024 , followed by ‘ Changes ’ in 2025 . The band's focus on live shows in the days ahead is a testament to their determination to share their music with audiences everywhere. Boiler Room’s past labels include Roadrunner and Tommy Boy Records , two significant players in the music industry. After years out of the spotlight, they are currently looking for a new home, a move that could potentially reshape their musical journey. Boiler Room’s current line-up is Chris Lino (vocals), Nick Seditious (guitar), Tommy Spano (drums), and Peter Rizzi (bass). A humble, charismatic, and talented human, I truly enjoyed my recent conversation with Chris Lino . We delved into the band's past, current journey, and future plans. Please take a moment to dive into our conversation below and then listen to their latest ‘ Changes ’, which is out now on all streaming platforms. The official music video for 'Changes' by Boiler Room - out NOW! MaM : Thank you for joining me today. I had to go down the Wikipedia rabbit hole to learn more about you guys, but you started as a thrash metal band in 1996, correct? Chris : Actually, we started in 1992 , and we were called Bible Black . In 1993 , we were selected to play the Foundations Forum alongside Accept , Kiss , I Mother Earth , Quicksand , and Rob Halford , who was working with his new band Fight at the time. We had a demo with the song ‘ Judgment Day ’ that passed the board with Concrete Marketing , so they voted us in, and we were selected for the show. I don’t know if they still host the Foundations Forum , but it used to feature signed bands, established bands with new material, bands that had just been signed , and then there was us – we were an unsigned band looking for a deal. We ended up playing, and it was awesome. Life of Agony was there, too. We knew them from Brooklyn . Rob Halford was actually at the side of the stage, and when we completed our set, his manager said, “Mr. Halford would like to meet you guys.” MaM : Wow, that’s awesome. Hell yeah. Chris : He was the nicest guy, and he gave us some simple yet great advice. “Just keep writing”, he says in his British accent to us, and he was thinking about managing us at that time. He was looking to start a label and had a management company. We ended up touring with Type O Negative and Life of Agony . We had Ken Kriete , their manager, who was helping to manage us at the time. That relationship fizzled out, and our original guitar player ended up leaving, so we put an ad out in The Village Voice – back in the day, that’s how it was done. MaM : Man, back in the day, that was the only way you could advertise for anything—no social media. Remember paper flyers for shows, too? Chris : Oh yeah. So, we ended up putting the ad out there, and we had to go through approximately 128 demo tapes . We were very popular in the tri-state area and on the verge of something significant. At the time, we were also in talks with some labels. We eventually went through all the demos until we came upon Rob Caggiano ’s demo, and it was different because he wasn’t just shredding on it and playing. He remade a Misfits ’ song, sang on it, and created a versatile demo that stood out. He could sing backing, but he never did in the band. Man, so he pulls up and right away, he just had this swag and this attitude out of the gate. (laughter) He showed up, though, and had all the right equipment and everything. We had asked him to learn four of our songs from our recently released indie album, and he nailed two of them. However, he didn’t put in the work for the other two. The drummer and bass player were kind of “eh” at first, but then I told him to show us a couple of his riffs and stuff he was working on. He busted out some riffs that just blew me away, and I was inspired immediately. I was like, “Do that again!” (laughter) That was one of our singles, too, ‘ Do It Again ’, no pun intended, but once he busted out this riff, I immediately started adding vocals to it, and that was it. He and I hit it off immediately, and we wrote all of what turned out to be the first Boiler Room record. We wrote about 80% of it. We had a creative connection. It was around this time that our music also began to be played on KROQ . MaM : KROQ was the place to be heard back in the day. Chris : Yeah, they had a metal show on Sunday , and we were one of the first unsigned metal bands to be played on it, and we had a couple of shows in the area. One was at Irving Plaza where we opened up for Machine Head , and then another time it was Orgy, and when we opened up for Orgy , it was insane. We have a video of it on our Facebook page . We just blew it up that night, and we had another manager give us his card while saying, “I’ve never had a local band blow my signed band away.” (laughter) After that, the phone calls started coming in, and we initially signed with Roadrunner . We went out to L.A. and recorded the whole album out there. ‘ Do It Again ’ ended up being released on MTV’s “ The Return of the Rock ” CD Volume 1, alongside many other heavy hitters. It was Kid Rock , Korn , P.O.D. , Papa Roach , Sevendust , us, and a plethora of other great bands . We were off to a good start, but we ultimately hit a brick wall with some of the politics in the music industry. It had nothing to do with us, but there was a change in leadership, and the original CEO who had signed us ended up leaving the label, and the new person showed no interest in us. They kept pushing our release date back, so we knew we needed to get off the label. We ended up getting off the label eventually and signed with Tommy Boy/Warner Bros . They were trying to get into the nu metal scene at the time because you had bands like Limp Bizkit blowing up. We were off to the races after that. Photo provided by band We went on tour with Disturbed and Kittie . Kittie was the headliner back then. So, Disturbed started taking off with their first album and ultimately left the tour. We decided we needed to get back on a tour with them, and we ended up touring the tri-state area with them. It was great. Then, we toured with Mudvayne to promote the release of their first album, and from there, we embarked on a club tour in Europe , which also went very well. Came back from Europe , and the label dropped us because we weren’t selling enough records in the States . They owed us for another album, though, so we settled that and then decided we needed to regroup. Rob , though, had already agreed to join Anthrax , so we knew that conversation was coming. Everyone just ended up going their separate ways until I hooked up with Mike Orlando from Adrenaline Mob . He suggested that we redo the Boiler Room record because he’s a producer and engineer and has a studio in Staten Island , and he thought we had a sort of legacy going with Boiler Room . I decided to select the choice songs that Rob Caggiano and I wrote, which I felt did not receive their fair share of recognition. So, we re-recorded them with new production, and we pumped them up. We did four songs from the Boiler Room record, and everything else is new material. One song, ‘Rectify,’ on which Ron Thal played an insane, ripping solo, but we had to edit it for radio, so we have two versions of that song. On tour with Disturbed - photo provided by band MaM : Who all did you bring into the mix for recording this go-round? Chris : So, Mike Orlando hooked me up with Peter , and we found Nick , the guitarist, and Tommy Spano on drums. That got the line-up back together, but I started recording the album before I met Pete . We had Jason Bittner from Shadows Fall and Overkill play the drums, and then Pete came in to record the bass. Mike Orlando did the guitars. Nick did a bunch of leads on it, but the album had already been recorded when we hooked up with them. We then released the single ‘ No Patience ’, which was initially titled ‘Patience’, as the song has nothing to do with actual patience. Additionally, Guns N' Roses already had a song called ‘ Patience ’, so we reworked it and released it as a single. We have a video on YouTube that is performing well, with over 400,000 views. The official video for 'No Patience' by Boiler Room MaM : Then you have ‘Changes’, so tell us a little more about that one. Chris : That I wrote with Mike Orlando . I didn’t get into that story, so after Boiler Room broke up, he tracked me down before he blew up. We hooked up and started writing, and did something called Out of Body , so ‘ Changes ’ was an Out of Body song. A lot of the songs, his songs, ended up on Adrenaline Mob's first album , which they changed the melodies and the lyrics, but ‘ Changes ’ was the song we wrote together, and he never used, so I was like, “Let’s re-record that one and put it on the new Boiler Room album.” Credit: Jeff Crespi MaM : Hell yeah, man, so you just decided to dive right back in to start releasing music. Was it because you missed it, or because you felt there was something there that you just needed to express? Chris : Both. Orlando is like, “Dude, when you gonna get back in the saddle again?”, and I’m like “Eh…” I told him I was thinking about doing something different, but he was like, “Nah, redo some of that older material. Redo the whole album.” I was like, yeah, I’ll redo some of the songs, but I’m not redoing the entire album. Like some of the songs that fell by the wayside, like ‘ No Patience ’, which we used to do at soundcheck when we were touring with Mudvayne , and they would stop in their tracks to listen. Imagine you’re touring with Mudvayne , and they stop to listen as you’re doing soundcheck, asking what the name of the song is and why the song isn’t in your set. That was the one song that I always wanted to redo because it never got a fair shot. Chris Lino of Boiler Room - photo provided by band MaM : So, tell us about the new album and when it will be released? Chris : It’s going to be nine songs with the edit of ‘Rectify’. We're looking at June for the release date. Pete and I also wrote a new song for the album called, 'Haunted'. We can't wait for everyone to hear it. MaM : Who were some influences that shaped your sound when you were first starting out? Did the idea for the band come about in high school, or how old were you when you first decided to start a band? Chris : I was in college when the band started. We had all the influences prevalent at the time, including Pantera , Black Sabbath , and Metallica . Then, Limp Bizkit and Korn were gaining immense popularity, which also influenced us. I don’t think there is any musician out there who a Black Sabbath riff hasn't influenced. MaM : In fact, down here in Louisiana, most bands are always influenced by Black Sabbath and Pantera. Pantera is a southern thing, though. You can’t live in the south and not like Pantera. Chris : We actually got to meet them when we were touring with Type O Negative because Phil is a fan of Carnivore and Peter Steele . After Type O Negative started taking off, Pantera jumped on a tour with them. We got to see them in Albany, New York , I think. Ken , Type O’s manager, was still managing us, and he invited us backstage to meet the guys. Phil was nowhere to be found, but Dime and Vinnie were awesome. They told me, though, that if I wanted to hang out with them, I needed to start drinking. (laughter) MaM : Oh yeah, gotta hang with them Pantera boys. Chis : You'd better start banging some shots out now. They were really cool. Rex was somewhat standoffish and asked us who we were, but overall, it was a great experience. I met Vinnie a second time years later because, after the lead singer of Drowning Pool passed away, I tried out to be their new singer. Credit: Jeff Crespi MaM : Wow! Did you? I had no idea. Chris : Yeah, they called me up after a year of mourning. Boiler Room was done. I was demoing with Mike Orlando , and I was shopping again. My old A&R guy, who had my demos, knew I was trying to secure another deal. However, he informed me that he had sent my demos to Paul Bassman , Drowning Pool’ s manager at the time, and that they were interested in meeting with me. They reviewed over 300 demos from around the world and narrowed it down to me and another guy. They sent me the album with no vocals so I could practice on it, and then they also sent two new songs . They asked me to write melodies and lyrics for the two new songs. I was in New York and did this, and it took me a couple of weeks. They ended up flying me down to Dallas, Texas , and the drummer was cool. Here I'm playing the entire Drowning Pool record, singing it, and it was surreal. It felt like Drowning Pool karaoke, but I had the actual band. (laughter) MaM: So, what ended up happening? Did you not take the gig because you would have to move? Chris : That was some of it, but they had another guy they were looking at, too. It just didn’t work out, but I was honored. They were very nice guys. So, after we did our jam and everything, they took me to the strip joint in Texas that Vinnie and Dime owned. They said they wanted to “send me off”, but they hadn’t let me know yet what their decision was. I walked in, though, and met Vinnie Paul again, and he goes, “You gonna be the next singer of Drowning Pool?”, and I go, “I hope so, we’re gonna see what happens.” The rest of the night, I was hanging out with Vinnie Paul , the guys from Damageplan , and the guys from Drowning Pool , and man, they were drinking like fish, man. I fell right into it, too. They go, “We hear you don’t really drink", and I go, “Ah, man…” (laughter) They end up passing me a bottle of Jack , and go, “Give me a five count.” MaM: Oh no … (laughter) They got me bombed, and the next thing I know, their manager goes, “You’ve got about four hours. We’re gonna drive you to the airport and drop you off.” They then let me know that they hadn’t made their decision yet, but they ended up going with the other guy. Paul Bassman tried to help me and Mike Orlando with Out of Body by getting us signed to Drowning Pool’s label , but that fell through, too. That was it for a bit, and I gave it a break until Mike Orlando tracked me down again. He kept pushing me to do something, and at the time, I was doing an acoustic thing that later evolved into a plugged-in thing. Still, the whole time, Mike is trying to push me to redo the first Boiler Room record, which led to the decision of doing the songs Rob and I wrote, but not the entire album. MaM : That’s actually a smart way to approach it. Chris : Yeah, so I had some new music I wanted to do as well, so I kind of just leaned on my strengths with what I do. I put the rapping thing away. My three most significant influences at the time were Chino from Deftones , Scott Weiland from Stone Temple Pilots , and Phil from Pantera . I was becoming a hybrid of those influences. What I realized, though, is I needed to just “come with it” – that ballsy, raspy voice and forget about the rapping and the ominous whisper thing that Chino does. I veered away from that by just doing what I do best. Then, one night, I was watching a show with Steve Vai , and they asked him what he attributed his success to. He told them that you have to lean on your strengths. If you do something well, lean on it. …and here we are. MaM : Do you feel technology has helped or hurt the music industry? What’s your take on all the technological advancements in music? Chris : I’d have to say both. When we were growing up, you’d buy the whole album and listen to the entire CD . You’d open it up, look at the artwork, read the credits, and examine the pictures— it was a whole experience. You became a true fan. Some songs you liked. Some you didn’t, but at least you knew the entire album. Now, it’s like they’re promoting Attention Deficit Disorder . You download one or two songs. There’s no actual record sales anymore. It’s all based on streams , and that’s misleading because you don’t have real fans anymore. At that time, securing a record deal was highly challenging. You had to do it from the ground up – garage band style. Now, anyone can put up anything. It’s great because you can access the music more straightforwardly, but in a way, it’s not. MaM : What are the plans for the rest of 2025 and beyond for Boiler Room? Chris : Well, we’re gonna release the new album in June . My focus is this … I know everyone wants to focus on social media these days, but I’m grassroots, and the social media only goes so far … I’m all about getting people to shows . We’re looking to partner with a larger national act to secure a spot on some of these tours. I want to flood out the entire tri-state area, hit the East Coast or the South , such as Louisiana . If we could secure a good show with a national act, that would work. We’re in a rebuilding process right now, though. We’re trying to rebuild the foundation of our fanbase and replant the flag. Shows … quality shows. We’ll see where it goes. As Chris Lino and Boiler Room move forward in the modern music scene, they stand poised to bring their powerful music to a new generation. They stand out as a band that embodies grit and substance. Their music isn’t just something you hear; it’s something you feel. I look forward to watching their journey unfold. Boiler Room is a name to remember. They’re not just playing metal—they're living it. To learn more about Boiler Room: Facebook: Facebook Discogs: Boiler Room Discography: Vinyl, CDs, & More | Discogs Wikipedia: Boiler Room (band) - Wikipedia All Music: Boiler Room Songs, Albums, Reviews, Bio & More... | AllMusic YouTube: BOILER ROOM - YouTube Instagram: (@boilerroom_band) • Instagram photos and videos *Some photos by Gessner Photography Eric (@ gessner.photography ) • Instagram photos and videos *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 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

‘These Chains’ is an amalgamation of everything good in music. < Back Breaking Free: A Review of ‘These Chains’ by Byron Daniel and the Five Dead Dogs Nicole Brice Jul 13, 2024 Share ‘These Chains’ is an amalgamation of everything good in music. New music always makes me happy, and today, I have a new track from Byron Daniel and The Five Dead Dogs , a band from Southeast Louisiana. ‘These Chains’ is an amalgamation of everything good in music. It’s got soul, fuzz, thundering bass, and a great groove. Reminds me of a modern incarnation of The Allman Brothers . It’s classic rock with a twist that gets your head nodding. “ Rural Infused Sweat Rock ” is how the band describes their music, and I have to say I agree. That is one of the most descriptive terms I have heard to describe music ever. When asked about the recording process for the new material, lead vox Byron Daniel said, “We recorded this song with Bryon Knight at Melancholy Mixing and Mastering . I played an acoustic show with Bryon, and he told me about his studio. Shortly after, I heard a single that Bryon had done for a band called She Might Be a Beast and really loved it. He was a pro and very easy to work with.” Byron Daniel and The Five Dead Dogs is comprised of Byron Daniel (Guitar/Vocals), Andy Ates (Guitar), Monroe White (Bass/Vocals), and Christian Colonna (Drums). ‘These Chains’ begins with a smooth and mellow vibe when Byron’s weathered and raspy vocals kick in. This man’s voice is full of so much soul and depth. Because of his vocal delivery, he is one of my favorite local frontmen, and even though I have not caught them live yet, I hope to in the future. With catchy lyrics, Byron said of the lyrical inspiration behind the song, “The inspiration comes from my upbringing and the people that have kind of come and gone out of my life. ‘These Chains’ is just about partying and using rock n’ roll to break free of small-town syndrome. Most of my writing is just me trying to accept who I am, what I’m doing, and what I’ve done.” One of the best parts of the song is the guitar tone on the solo from 2:15 to 2:47. Wow, it knocked me on my ass because it doesn’t come at you all at once; no, it builds to a powerful crescendo. ‘These Chains’ is an enjoyable track from start to finish, but I insist you listen to it loud in your car with the windows down while driving a long, windy country road. With plans to release a full album in the future, the band will be hitting the road in October to bring their sound to the masses, so keep your eyes and ears open. Click picture to listen to the new track “Definitely excited to be branching out and doing some shows in Baton Rouge and Lafayette. We spend most of our time in New Orleans or on the north shore, so we’re stoked to be seeing some new faces and converting some folks to the ways of Sweat Rock! We are looking to have our album ‘Armadillo Soup’ out by 2025. We will certainly be releasing a single or two before that.” ‘These Chains’ by Byron Daniel and the Five Dead Dogs is a powerful, emotionally charged track that showcases true musical craftsmanship and stays with you long after the first listen, so do yourself a favor and go stream it today. Upcoming Shows: Click picture for more info To learn more about Byron Daniel and the Five Dead Dogs, just hit one of the links below: www.bdandtfdd.com #RISR | Byron Daniel and The Five Dead Dogs Byron Daniel and The Five Dead Dogs are available to book for music clubs, festivals, events, parties, and acoustic shows. Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/ByronDMusic/ Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/bdandtfdd/ Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/artist/6NUAE8mTYyxW3FLMaKmfu7 Apple Music : https://music.apple.com/us/artist/byron-daniel-and-the-five-dead-dogs/1546819944 www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

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

Leif Meche is no stranger to the stage. < Back The Many Musical Chapters of Leif Meche Elise Marie Mar 1, 2026 Share Leif Meche is no stranger to the stage. Leif Meche Band , which consists of Leif Meche (vocals and guitar), David Guidry (drums), Jordan Bearb (bass), Neil Melancon (lead guitar), and Abbey Melancon (backing vocals and tambourine), is based out of the Lafayette, Louisiana area. Primarily a rock band, they also dabble in blues and soul . All it takes is one listen, and you’ll know exactly what I mean. The band is no stranger to the stage; they have played at numerous festivals across Louisiana . Their setlist spans a wide range of ’90s and early 2000s rock and alternative , classic rock , blues , a touch of country , and, of course, original music. Credit: Elise Marie At the beginning of this year, I had the chance to sit down with Leif to talk about the band’s journey, share a few stories about music, how life’s been, and discuss what’s on the horizon for the band. Read on to learn more. MaM : This interview was a long time coming, so what have you all been up to? New drummer now, how has that been? Leif : It has been great, man! Kind of a cool story about our new drummer, David Guidry . It’s like a childhood dream for all of us in my band to play with him. When we were younger, we used to play heavier rock and follow the local rock scene. One of my favorite bands to listen to and play back in the day was Meriwether from Baton Rouge. MaM : I love Meriwether! Leif : Oh yeah! Our drummer was their touring sound engineer. MaM : See, I wish I had known that during our photo shoot. I could have talked to him about that. I love Meriwether and miss them so much. Leif : Yes. He could have told you everything about them. And not just that, he played with other local bands, like Evil Empire , a Rage Against the Machine cover band. MaM : Guess I’m going to have to get familiar with them because Meriwether was one of my favorite Baton Rouge local bands, and to this day, I still talk about them. They played a show at the Varsity Theatre around 2017, and I was sad I couldn’t make it because it was one of the last times I could have seen them. Leif : They put on a small festival in Rayne called the ‘Independence Music Festival,’ and Meriwether played. We played with them a few times back in the day, too, and we got to open for them, and we knew some of the guys in that band for a long time. Credit: Elise Marie MaM : I know, just like many local musicians, we all started somewhere. Who would you say inspired you the most? Leif : My very first band was in 1998 , and we got the name from an old Def Leppard album. The band was called Hysteria , and it was very dark. At the time, we were listening to some pretty heavy stuff. I was listening to Acid Bath , and I was a big Metallica fan too. MaM : Oh, I’ve seen Metallica twice! Leif : We just went to see them within the past year. I brought my kids to see them. I also have a son named Lars . The songs we covered were heavier in that band. Then, as we got older and more serious, we evolved into a band called Karver , which included Jordan Beard and Blake Meche , one of my best friends and our former drummer. He lived on Carver Street , so that’s where we got the name. We changed the spelling from a C to a K to make it look cooler and more rock/metal. We played more rock-sounding music. We listened to a lot of Chevelle and Deftones and covered that kind of music. We also had originals and wrote our own songs. Credit: Elise Marie MaM : One of the songs I really like is ‘ The Cowboy and the Lady ’. Who is the cowboy, and who is the lady? Leif : The cowboy is my grandfather. Someone nicknamed him ‘Cowboy,’ and I didn’t discover that until I was older. When I was a police officer, people who knew him would say, ‘Oh, Cowboy! We know Cowboy!’ When I was six years old, my dad passed away. My birth mother went down a different path. My grandparents took us in, and they’re who I refer to in the song. I don’t talk about my dad much in the song because I was young when he died. He was 32 when he passed. It wasn’t suicide or drugs; it was a disease. The song is about being at peace. My grandparents saved my life. Even though they’re deceased now, I feel like I had the best parents anyone could ask for. So that’s what the song is about, the ‘Cowboy’ and the ‘Lady’ and God putting those people in my life. MaM : What kind of music can we look forward to hearing this year? More rock or more blues. I personally feel like you guys bridge that gap. Leif : I think what we’re going to make this year more rock influenced. More up-tempo. We’re just going to jam. It’ll have a groove, something you’ll want to move to. Of course, there will also be a few songs that hit you in your feelings, but it’ll lean more toward the rock side. I want more of a traditional rock ’n’ roll style. Even our cover songs are geared more towards that. Think The Black Crowes , Lenny Kravitz , just some good old rock ’n’ roll. That’s what I want. The lyrics will still mean something to me. Honestly, I’ve never written a useless song that didn’t have meaning, and I don’t think I could. Credit: Elise Marie MaM : I know a group that once wrote a song specifically for commercial radio play. Leif : I don’t think I’m capable of writing lyrics that mean nothing. This might sound weird for 2026 , because the world feels like it’s in a strange place, but I’ve never been happier in my life . I know it’s only going to get better, but I’m in a really good spot. I’m blessed. Now I want to try writing about other people. Dig into real-life struggles like people-pleasing, mental health, and faith. I already do that in some of my love songs, but people interpret them their own way. ‘ Black ’ by Pearl Jam came out around the time my dad died, and it’s always been such a powerful song for me. I watched a live version where Eddie Vedder dedicated it to Chris Cornell , and when he sang the ending, saying, ‘We belong together… come back…’ He was crying. I thought, ‘That’s MY song.’ And it always has been. MaM : The summer of 2024, you opened for Kenny Wayne Shepherd at the Raising Cane’s River Center. How was that experience? Leif : It was a very cool experience, humbling. It could go either way when you open for someone that big. We’ve opened for national acts before, but this was different. They were down-to-earth people. I was excited because he’s one of the best guitar players in that genre. I’m a big fan of Stevie Ray Vaughan . Jimmie Vaughan was supposed to play that night, but plans changed. Kenny Wayne Shepherd’s drummer that night was Chris Layton from Double Trouble , Stevie Ray Vaughan’s drummer, and that was legit to me. They treated us well. He’s actually been sober for over 20 years now, and backstage, we were told it was a sober tour. I admired that and how strong he is on that journey. We gained many opportunities from that show. Even though momentum slowed a bit afterward, we got better as a band because of it. Credit: Elise Marie MaM : And you got bigger; you added two more members. Leif : Yeah, we don’t have anything new to release yet, so we haven’t been pushing hard. But by the end of this year, I hope to have something out and maybe aim for places like House of Blues or Jazz Fest in New Orleans. MaM : Any festivals on the horizon? Leif : I’ll know more in a couple of weeks. I’d love to play the International Rice Festival again. They’ve taken good care of us. We’ve been able to open for Chris Cagle , Little Texas , Frank Foster , and Aaron Tippin . That main stage is one of my favorite places we’ve ever played. We’ve also got the Rayne Frog Festival and the Boudin Festival coming up. Credit: Elise Marie MaM : As creatives, we express our deepest feelings in our work. What feeling do you want to convey most in yours? Leif : In the music, I want to inspire people. I don’t know if I’d call myself talented, but I want to encourage others to get out there and do it. Start a band, chase something. Play music like it’s your first time ever being in a band. Music has been such a beautiful gift to me. It’s been a lifesaver. If someone can’t walk into a church and feel saved, maybe music can be the next best thing. I like showing emotion. I don’t care what I look like on stage, I just want it to be real. MaM : That matters. Especially now. Leif : Yes, and one of my favorite things to do whenever I cover a song is to know the meaning behind it, what it’s all about. They can be cheesy, heartfelt songs, like ‘ 3 am ’ by Matchbox Twenty , where Rob Thomas talks about his experience with his mom’s cancer. It’s a great song, and not everybody knows that. I like to cover it as a nod to that experience and that meaning. Catch Leif Meche live across Louisiana this year, performing both acoustic sets and full-band shows. For the latest tour dates and details, visit the band's official website. For more info: www.leifmecheband.com Leif Meche Band Home page of Leif Meche Band, a rock group from Lafayette. Rock/Blues/Soul Band from South Louisiana, Leif Meche, David Guidry, Jordan Bearb and Neil Melancon *All photos by Elise Marie www.photosbyelisemarie.com Photography by Elise Marie www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? mixedalternativemag@gmail.com Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Sons of Anarchy is one hell of a binge-worthy ride depicting an outlaw motorcycle club as an analogy for human transformation. < Back Sons of Anarchy: Bingeworthy Keeley Brooks Sep 25, 2023 Share Sons of Anarchy is one hell of a binge-worthy ride depicting an outlaw motorcycle club as an analogy for human transformation. Welcome to Bingeworthy, the place where we’ll tell you all about some of our favorite shows out there that are totally worth your undivided attention and that cozy imprint of your backside on your couch. Sometimes our binge-worthy recommendations will be new series, sometimes they’ll be older series, but one thing’s for sure: They’ll always be bitchin’ series worth every second of your precious little time. First up on our binge-worthy list is one of the best gritty action crime dramas to ever grace our TV screens (and one of my personal favorites), the adrenalized outlaw motorcycle club drama Sons of Anarchy . I’ll admit, the biker world has always captivated me, ever since 2000 when I first heard, then saw, then rode a Harley; after that, I was hooked and forever changed. That was well before Sons of Anarchy, back when the hit reality TV series American Chopper was infiltrating the airwaves. And while American Chopper was responsible for generating biker-enthusiast interest amongst the general public, it was really Sons of Anarchy that satiated our desire for that juicy insider perspective, even if it was fictional. Sons of Anarchy roared into our lives on their Hogs with their leathers in 2008, forever changing the FX Network and catching the undivided attention of millions of viewers. The series is created, written, produced, and directed by Kurt Sutter , who also stars in as tortured incarcerated club member Otto Delaney. Sutter is also responsible for the creation of Sons of Anarchy spinoff Mayans M.C. , and—fun fact—in real life, he is married to actress Katey Sagal ( Married with Children ), who in Sons of Anarchy plays club matriarch Gemma Teller Morrow. Katey Sagal and Kurt Sutter The widow of former club president and original founding member John Teller, Gemma is now married to the current Sons of Anarchy president, Clay Morrow (Ron Perlman, of Hellboy ). As Clay's old lady, she's smart, mouthy, tough, and loyal, but she’s also a bully—the kind who doesn’t think twice about using a skateboard to bitch-smack a chick across the face. Gemma is the kind of woman who can give and take a beating like a champ and she's fiercely protective of her family; she's also intensely maternal to the members of SAMCRO as well as the citizens of Charming. As Queen Mother of the club, she’s a master manipulator, constantly having to scheme to keep her secrets hidden and ensure her power continues to grow. While she is loyal to her family and the Sons of Anarchy, she’s most loyal to herself. But then I suppose as a woman wrapped high up in an outlaw motorcycle club, she kind of has to be, right? Katey Sagal and Ron Perlman as Gemma and Clay Morrow Sons of Anarchy is a no-bullshit motorcycle drama with darkly comedic undertones about a club built on hopes, dreams, loyalty, and brotherhood that becomes tainted with lies, secrets, and betrayals when guns, drugs, and violence infiltrate the core of the Sons’ foundation. The series uses its narratives to explore the brutal realities of vigilantism, government corruption, and racism through a plot that depicts an outlaw motorcycle club as a visceral analogy for human transformation , and that is where the show hooks and draws you in. Sons of Anarchy follows the heart-wrenching story of Jackson “Jax” Teller (Charlie Hunnam, of King Arthur: Legend of the Sword ), club vice president and Gemma’s son with the late John Teller, as he struggles to find balance between fatherhood and honoring his personal relationships while remaining loyal to his club, which is slowly unraveling from the inside out. Charlie Hunnam as Jax Teller In Season 1, Jax finds and begins reading his father’s memoirs, which focus on John’s vision for the club and its future, which never included running guns and drugs. Jax comes across a specific passage that reads, “A true outlaw finds the balance between the passion in his heart and the reason in his mind. The outcome is the balance of might and right.” This defines Jax’s dilemma throughout the entire series. Jax grew up around the M.C. and at his core is just a boy who lost his father to madness after the death of his first son (and Jax’s brother), Thomas. As good writing tends to do, Sons of Anarchy revisits this theme in Jax’s adulthood when he faces a harrowing situation with his first-born son, Abel. There's some heavy drama around the birth of Jax’s son, around his on-again/off-again relationship with his high school sweetheart (and future wife and baby mama) Tara (Maggie Siff, of Billions ), and around the crumbling sanity of everyone involved as they sink deeper and deeper into the very things that the original founding members prided themselves on avoiding. Also known as SAMCRO (Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Club Redwood Original) and Sam Crow (the personification of the acronym, the Sons of Anarchy are an extremely loyal, tight-knit club operating both legal and illegal businesses in the quaint, fictional town of Charming, located in the Central California valley. Here, the Sons work together in their own ways with local law enforcement and other area clubs and local VIPs to keep Charming safe and to ensure the Sons’ control of that safety. L to R: Tig, Opie, Chibs, Juice, Bobby, Tara, Jax, Clay, and Gemma Legally, SAMCRO owns and operates Teller-Morrow Automotive Repair Shop and has a stake in the local porn and escort industries. Illegally, they run guns for the Irish—yep, the Irish are involved … both the IRA and the Belfast charter of the Sons of Anarchy . The drama unfolding here (and believe me, there’s a ton) establishes the first three seasons, indicating that some major action goes down revolving around (and exposing) some secret history between SAMCRO and the Irish. This ultimately becomes the catalyst for everything that plays out through the remaining four seasons. Sons of Anarchy doesn’t just introduce us to SAMCRO, though; it also gives us a taste of other clubs and crime syndicates in the area: the Mayans M.C., Latinos controlling North Cali, Nevada, and Vegas with a charter in Oakland; the Pirelli Crime Family, an Italian-American Mafia family; the Nordics, a white supremacist drug-dealing gang with ties to the Aryan Brotherhood, a prison gang and crime syndicate; the Grim Bastards, a mostly Black club based in Lodi who are allies with the Sons of Anarchy; and the One-Niners (“the Niners”), an all-Black, drug-dealing, gun-buying street gang in Oakland. Oh, the Russian mafia is also involved, as are the A.T.F., the D.E.A., and the Asst. District Attorney for the U.S. Government, who is soft-spoken, pun-appreciating, and unnerving all at once. They’re all sniffing around like packs of wild dogs salivating over a piece of bloody meat. So, there’s that conflict to contend with as well. Speaking of conflict, Sons of Anarchy features some pretty volatile beefs inter-politically, racially, within SAMCRO, between SAMCRO and other clubs, between SAMCRO and law enforcement, between SAMCRO and some of its own charters, amongst and between law enforcement, and between individual characters. Then there are the bits of drama silently brewing that viewers don’t even know about until Sutter throws it in your face and leaves you wondering what the hell just happened. Expect a lot of smack talk, fist fights, shoot-outs in the street, high-speed motorcycle chases, and gruesome acts of violence, retribution, and war in addition to chick fights, biker parties, weddings, funerals, betrayals, and insider shenanigans. All of this is awesome, yes, but it isn’t the reason Sons of Anarchy is such a heart-stealer: Its intricate narrative woven together by emotionally deep characters operating under the tenet of undying brotherhood and loyalty is ... its exposure of human transformation. The only question is who that undying loyalty is to: themselves, their town, or their club. And I can assure you that just when you think you know the answer, Sutter proves you wrong and again leaves you sitting in disbelief. On the surface, Sons of Anarchy is just a show about a biker club. Beneath that, it’s the raw story of a blended family (Jax’s family with Tara, which consists of his child with another woman and his child with Tara) within the story of a blended family (the Teller-Morrows) within the story of a blended family (SAMCRO). Sons of Anarchy is rife with fascinating subplots that twist and turn with precision to present a very specific message played out by interesting characters whose dilemmas do a number on your heart strings. You see, everyone in Charming has a backstory (and an army of secrets), and they’re all working together and behind each other’s backs to secure one thing: safety … safety of the club, of themselves, and of Charming, which is quite ironic when you think about it: A town called Charming, full of people who’d put their life on the line to keep it safe, is anything but. As each season rolls on, and there are seven of them, you’ll find yourself falling deeper in love not just with the Sons of Anarchy motorcycle club but also with its individual members, like Juice (Theo Rossi, of Army of the Dead ), Chibs (Tommy Flanagan, of Power Book IV: Force ), Tig (Kim Coates, of Bad Blood ), Sheriff Wayne Unser (Dayton Callie, of Fear the Walking Dead ), and Opie (Ryan Hurst, of The Walking Dead ), to name a few. You’ll love them, laugh with them and at them, cry with them and for them, hurt with them and for them, support them in their quests for retribution, and share their foundation of family and brotherhood … loyalty with no questions asked. Even though these guys are outlaws, they have their own private sense of morality and their own very real, very human, loving, meaningful relationships. Sons of Anarchy crescendos with tender, genuine, heartfelt moments laced with chaos and fear, and it shows us what anyone is capable of when threatened with exposure, destruction, and/or death. In the case of SAMCRO, they all have good hearts; they just can’t deny their outlaw nature, and that’s where who they truly are gets misconstrued. There’s a great scene where Gemma tells someone who is admitting they pre-judged the club that, “Most people just have an impression of who bikers are corrupted by opinions of others without ever having any sort of true idea who they ever really are.” This statement applies to more than just bikers, especially today, and one thing Sons of Anarchy indelibly teaches us is that books cannot and must not be judged by their covers. And for all the effort to do good that happens in the beginning of Sons of Anarchy , by Season 4, the narrative grows much darker and much more evil, with the bonds of love, family, and brotherhood morphing into fear and greed as old secrets come to light, shady new alliances form that align the club with the Mexican drug cartel--something the original founding members never wanted to happen--and the arrival of a whole new level of law enforcement ready and willing to throw their manhood around loud and proud whenever they feel it’s necessary. The Mexican drug cartel, the Galindos, are also featured in Sons of Anarchy spinoff Mayans M.C. Seasons 5, 6, and 7 are full of adrenaline and shockingly tense moments, as this narrative takes some wild, unexpected twists and turns that will have you all over the emotional scale. The reason Sons of Anarchy works so well is because it's not a show about souping up Harleys or anything like that. Sutter was very careful to be true to those who live the life in the way that any smart creator would: by ensuring he treated the respective subject matter with appropriate respect, and he did. Something most viewers didn’t know at the time Sons of Anarchy aired is that the show features some real-life Hell’s Angels bikers . David Labrava, who plays Happy Lowman—the club’s assassin—is a recurring character and he also served as the show’s technical advisor. Rusty Coones and Chuck Zito were also Hell’s Angels members who appeared as part of the Nomads charter and came onto the show in later seasons to, quite frankly, stir shit up. And, the infamous Hell’s Angels most feared leader, Sonny Barger, also makes several appearances. Barger was the founding member of the Oakland chapter of the Hell’s Angels and was instrumental in unifying varying disparate Hell’s Angels chapters. He had the club incorporated in 1966. L to R: Chuck Zito, David. Labrava, Sonny Barger, Rusty Coones Additionally, Sons of Anarchy features a host of other guest appearances, such as Joel McHale ( Community) , Jimmy Smits ( Dexter ), Donal Logue ( Gotham ), Dave Navarro (of Jane’s Addiction and Ink Master ), Peter Weller ( Longmire ), Danny Trejo ( Machete ), Walton Goggins ( Justified ), CCH Pounder ( NCIS: New Orleans ), Robert Patrick ( Terminator series), Drea De Matteo ( The Sopranos ), Kim Dickens ( Fear the Walking Dead ), and horror author Stephen King. They all show up as interesting characters, each with their own secrets and quirks, further driving our curiosity (and obsession) with this binge-worthy series that can best be described as a mix of The Sopranos and Hamlet with motorcycles. Is More of the SoA Universe on the Way? Sutter set off chatter on Twitter during COVID lockdown that he had plans for a sequel to Sons of Anarchy entitled Sam Crow , a show that would center on Jax's son, Abel. "I had this revelation between [ Sons of Anarchy ] and Mayans that the SoA mythology would be four shows: Sons of Anarchy, Mayans M.C., First Nine, and Sam Crow. First Nine would be a limited series. Nine episodes. It would end before we began to tread on the history we created in Sons [i.e. a prequel]. Sam Crow would be the fate of Wendi (Drea De Matteo), Nero (Jimmy Smits), Abel, and Thomas." Both Charlie Hunnam and Theo Rossi seemed to confirm rumors of a possible new Sons of Anarchy project. Speaking at Liverpool Comic Con in May 2022, Hunnam told the audience, "There's something in that universe that doesn't involve Jax Teller but does involve me that we're sort of cooking up," hinting he could "possibly" appear in a follow-up series. "I have an idea that I''m exploring in its infancy where that could be a possibility." In March 2023 while speaking with Deadline , Theo Rossi teased an "insane" new Sons of Anarchy project: "There might be something coming up where we're all back together, which is insane. If it happens, it's wild." When asked if this might be an idea for a Sons of Anarchy movie, Rossi smiled cryptically and said, "It's totally different. It's really cool." While nothing has officially been confirmed, I'd say it's safe to remain hopeful that we'll see some sort of Sons of Anarchy return in one way or another. Now, if you've seen the series, you might be wondering how that'd be possible given the fates of some of the characters. In my best The Big Lebowski 's Walter Sobchak voice, "There are ways, dude. Believe me, there are ways." Sons of Anarchy is currently streaming on Hulu, or you can rent or purchase on Google Play, Prime Video, Roku, and Vudu. 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

Lower Decks is arguably the best show of Star Trek’s modern era and is a love letter to the franchise that reminds fans not to take it too seriously. < Back Star Trek Lower Decks: Bingeworthy Shaun Corley Oct 10, 2023 Share Lower Decks is arguably the best show of Star Trek’s modern era and is a love letter to the franchise that reminds fans not to take it too seriously. Star Trek returned to television in 2017 with the premiere of Star Trek: Discovery . Despite a shaky beginning, Discovery became a hit, inspiring an entirely new line of Trek shows, including Picard, Strange New Worlds, and the late lamented Prodigy . Each of these programs has their own distinct vibe: Picard is a character-study, Prodigy was made for children, and Strange New Worlds is a modern riff on the classic Star Trek formula. These three shows have helped bring Star Trek into the modern era and introduce a new generation of fans to the final frontier. And then there is Star Trek: Lower Decks . Lower Decks is unlike any other Star Trek show yet. True, it is not Trek’s first foray into animation—seven years after the original show premiered, Star Trek: The Animated Series debuted. Airing on Saturday mornings, the show continued the adventures of Captain James Kirk, Mister Spock, and the crew of the Enterprise. The show, more sophisticated than other cartoons of the era, introduced a number of cool concepts and characters to the mythos. Unfortunately, Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry later declared the show out of canon, although this has not stopped later writers from “backdooring” certain aspects of the show back into continuity. While The Animated Series’ canonicity is debatable, Star Trek: Lower Decks is not. It is firmly a part of the Star Trek mythos and is a love letter to Star Trek as well. Created by Mike McMahan, whose other credits include Rick and Morty and Solar Opposites , Lower Decks rewards long-time fans for their deep knowledge of the franchise. Any given episode is loaded with references to other Star Trek shows and movies. Some of them are quite subtle, other are “blink and you miss it.” The animation style is similar to the other shows McMahan has worked on. This initially led to skepticism among fans: How exactly do you reconcile the Star Trek universe with what are decidedly raunchy cartoons? The answer is: It works beautifully. Beginning a few years after the events of Star Trek: Nemesis , Lower Decks follows the adventures of four (later five) lowly ensigns aboard the USS Cerritos , a California-class starship specializing in “second contacts.” The Cerritos is not a glamorous Galaxy-class ship like the Enterprise, nor is it a warship like the Defiant. Instead, it is just another ship in the fleet. While this may not sound like it would make for compelling viewing, Star Trek: Lower Decks is arguably the best show of Trek’s modern era. credit: Paramount+ Lower Decks’ five main characters—the humans Boimler, Mariner, and Rutherford, the Orion Tendi, and the Vulcan T’Lynn—navigate the ups and downs of starship life in the late 24th century. Boimler (voiced by Jack Quaid, of The Boys ) is an eager beaver, a student of Starfleet history who desires a command of his own one day. His best friend on the Cerritos is Beckett Mariner (voiced by Tawny Newsome, of Space Force ), the daughter of the ship’s captain with a long history of insubordination. Sam Rutherford (Eugene Cordero, of Loki ), stationed in Engineering, adores his job, as does his best friend Tendi (Noël Wells, of The Incredible Jessica James ), who works in the sickbay. They were joined in season four by T’Lynn (Gabrielle Ruiz, of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend ), who first appeared in the show’s second season. Lower Decks also shines a light on the Cerritos’ senior officers as well; among them are Chief of Engineering Billups, voiced by comedian Paul Scheer, and the arrogant but ultimately competent Commander Ransom, voiced by Jerry O’Connell ( The Donor Party ). Chief Billups and Commander Ransom (credit: Paramount+) Despite its toilet-bowl humor, and its TV-MA rating, Lower Decks is surprisingly wholesome. The constant barrage of in-jokes and references are never meant in a mean-spirited way; instead, they pay homage to Star Trek’s rich 57-year legacy. Lower Decks has given shout-outs to every corner of the Star Trek franchise, with some cuts so deep they can go over viewers’ heads. Lower Decks also subverts franchise tropes, and no character better exemplifies this than Tendi. Hailing from the planet Orion, Tendi is an eager, cheerful medical officer—a stark contrast to what fans had seen of Orion before. Prior to Lower Decks , the Orions were best known for the green slave girls, supposedly so desirable that no man could resist them. Star Trek: Enterprise tried to rectify this by revealing that Orion women secrete pheromones that control men. However, the execution of this left something to be desired. On the other hand, Lower Decks has flipped the script on every bit of this: Tendi is not a sensual slave girl nor are other Orion women. The “pheromones controlling the men” have been retooled as well, making Orion a matrilineal society. credit: Paramount+ That’s just one example of the genius of Star Trek: Lower Decks . Despite initial misgivings, fans by and far have embraced the series. The characters are exceptionally well-written, with superb performances by the voice cast. Lower Decks has also made significant strides in representation: the aforementioned Billlups is coded for asexuality and the show has featured crew members wearing the hijab and the Sikh dastar. Lower Decks is a love letter to the Star Trek franchise that reminds fans not to take it too seriously. Lower Decks is currently streaming on (with a subscription) Paramount+ and Prime Video, or you can rent Seasons 1-4 on Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. 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 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

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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Last Legs' new single “Tara” is rooted in the real experience of American youth with stories of love, loss, and desperation that pull at your heartstrings. < Back Last Legs: New Wave Americana for a New Era Nicole Brice Jan 5, 2024 Share Last Legs' new single “Tara” is rooted in the real experience of American youth with stories of love, loss, and desperation that pull at your heartstrings. In an era marked by fleeting trends and a fast-paced musical landscape, new tunes are constantly being released, leading to an oversaturated market full of creatives wanting to showcase their craft. But I have discovered a band I feel will emerge as an up-and-coming force in the indie music scene due to their talent, drive, and emotionally charged lyrics full of imagery and soundscapes. Hailing from the Garden State of New Jersey, this vibrant five-piece rock band’s sound hints at New Wave and Americana while exploring themes from the 70s and 80s amongst a backdrop of folky, narrative-based lyrics rooted in realism. Their stories of love, loss, and desperation pull at your heartstrings and their poignant lyrics are known to bring on the tears. So, who is this band? They go by the name Last Legs. Formed in 2019, Last Legs is comprised of a lifelong group of seasoned musicians with an extensive history of over 20+ years rooted in the local Asbury Park music scene. Last Legs emerged from the ashes of notable indie bands Lowlight and Roadside Graves when various members wanted to create more material, but under a new moniker. Derril Sellers plays guitar while his wife Dana handles the keyboards and contributes vocals. Colin Ryan is the man with the plan on drums and percussion, Rey Rivera plays the bass and does all the MPC drum programming, and John Gleason is the lyricist and lead vocals bringing it all together. The band recently released a cover of REM’s “ Nightswimming ”, which is quite remarkable. The Last Legs version is rearranged, reinterpreted, and sounds nothing like the original. The band has orchestrated a beautiful take on a classic song, one worth noting. Fresh off recording their four-song demo EP, the band released their new song “Tara”, which is out today, and it is the first original song by Last Legs to be released on all streaming services. It’s also the perfect introduction to the band’s music. If you’ve had the pleasure of seeing them perform live, you’ve probably heard vocalist John Gleason explain, “These are songs of love, loss, and desperation, and every word is true.” Click the picture to experience "Tara" “Tara” contains lyrics that set the template for much of Last Legs’ music by telling a story that is rooted in the real experience of American youth : “When I was young, I ran away”. The song is visceral and specific, allowing listeners to feel the desperation of a life out of your control and going all wrong. The need to escape is real and earned when you hear the chorus: “You can take me anywhere, as long as it’s away from here”. Musically, “Tara” is a two-parter. Synth-driven the whole way through, the band is surprisingly intricate and fluent. The personal and detailed lyrics lead you to expect a country-folk arrangement, but the 80’s influence here is undeniable. This is New-Wave Americana. The first half is catchy, syncopated, and almost danceable. At the bridge, the band opens into a rolling, expansive vamp as John drives home the helplessness of childhood and the end of naivety . “Tara” is that time in our lives when we lose the sensitive, vibrant life force of childhood and become grey, unfeeling adults. “You can watch the way I crumble; watch the way I disappear”. Indeed. Credit: Jeff Crespi Last Legs is currently working on a full-length album to be released later in 2024, so stay tuned. Mixed Alternative was able to sit down and chat with the entire gang recently to discuss what makes their interpretation of “Nightswimming” so amazing, what their future holds, and more. Check out our conversation below, and then check out their new single, “Tara”. We think you’ll love these guys as much as we do. MaM: Thank you for speaking with us today. Let’s dive right in. Where did the band name come from? Colin : A huge Google doc. It was back and forth for months. We all liked the name Last Jumps that John came up with. John was going to say it one day and flubbed and said Last Legs instead. Everyone liked the name, so it stuck. John : We also like the meaning behind it because it stands for the last leg of the journey as well. It could be positive or negative. Dana : Our music explores the themes and topics of death, grief, etc. and I think it suits the music, too. Credit: Jeff Crespi MaM : Your cover of “Nightswimming” is incredible because it sounds nothing like the original song. Had I not known that it was by R.E.M., I would have thought it was a new track. How did your cover of it come about? John : It was my selection because we went back and forth with many songs and I’ll be honest, I’m not an R.E.M. fan, but “Nightswimming” is the one R.E.M. song that hits me in the ways the music of Tom Waits and Leonard Cohen does. I thought that the song was so perfect and beautiful and there is no way we should cover it and try to sound exactly like them. I don’t feel that is an interesting way to do a cover song anyway unless you are playing it at a bar where people want to hear the song sound exactly like the original. The thought was that we wanted to mess it up by changing the lyrics, the tempo, and the style, and I think we achieved what we set out to do. And the fact that you like it is great. The main thing we did with “Nightswimming” was we took the bridge and made the whole song out of that bridge because we loved the chord progressions there. Dana : Yeah, we swapped the music from the bridge of the original song with the music of the main hook—the piano part—and that just seemed to work. I think as artists we are willing to experiment and drop any kind of bias of how things should be. I do think that it’s cool how we got it to tether back to the original song by flipping the bridge and the verse. Derril : The reason we did that, to begin with, is because our record label, Mint 400, does a compilation of songs from a certain decade every year and every band on the label chooses a song for the compilation. The decade this time was the 90s, so this was our choice. Credit: Jeff Crespi MaM : As I was listening to the demo you sent me, I was thrown into 80’s nostalgia overload and wanted to ask you about the creative process of writing music. How do you approach that? Dana : Some songs start with a kernel of an idea from a particular band member, but then some happen because John will start singing something and then we’ll build the song around that, but a lot of the songs do come together in a rehearsal or a setting where we are all together. During the pandemic, we got good at working together remotely and that got us accustomed to playing together even when we weren’t. We still send each other phone demos, too, where I’ll come up with something on the piano and then I’ll send it out. I think something we want to try with the upcoming record is to change the process because I think the process will dictate what the song ends up being. The process gives you an environment to work in so you can do different things. John : We have a song on the demo called “I’ve Been Loved” that we went through almost ten different versions before we ended up on the one that is on the demo, and each one was good, but it was just not hitting perfectly right until we got to the final version. Some songs kind of just come together and some are more involved in the process to get to the result. Credit: Jeff Crespi MaM : Currently, who is inspiring you musically and why? Derril : I’ve been going through a musical and fashion renaissance, and I’ve been copying off Warren Ellis. I’m trying to grow into him these days and I’ve been following him a good bit. Dana : Since I play keys, I like the work of Brian Eno. The 80’s vibe you hear is because of me. I use a lot of 80’s keyboards and I have a Roland Juno 60—an original one—that I’ve played for many years. It just sounds great, but I recently stopped gigging with it because it just seems abusive to the instrument. I love music from that decade…all the post-punk stuff. We’ve been listening to the new Andre 3000 flute album, too, and it’s amazing. Sounds and texture are what I gravitate towards. Colin : John and I just went to see Mary Lattimore recently at a church in Philadelphia. John is a fan, but I had never heard of her before. I’ve been listening to a good bit of her stuff trying to get caught up on it all because it’s really good. John : She’s a harpist and she uses a loop pedal and it’s magical. If you like ambient music, you’ll love it. It’s melodic ambient music. For me, lately, it’s been singer/songwriter Damien Jurado. I’ve been listening to him since the mid-90s because he continues to put out compelling challenging and beautiful records. Credit: Jeff Crespi MaM : What are your plans for the future of the band? Last Legs : More people crying at shows. (laughter) Dana : We love traveling and we would love to be the opening act for artists we admire to connect with an audience and fans. We love creating music and our goal is to release our record in 2024 either with a label or independently. We now have this democratization of the music industry where anyone can reach their fan base if they do a certain thing in a certain way. Hopefully what we are doing will be infectious and other people will pick up on it. That’s our goal and we look forward to the rest of 2024. Be sure to follow Last Legs on social media and check out their tunes. All that tugging at your heart strings will be worth it! Instagram : Last Legs (@lastlegsmusic) • Instagram photos and videos YouTube : LAST LEGS "Nightswimming" (R.E.M. Cover) - YouTube Apple Music : ‎Last Legs - Apple Music *cover photo by Jeff Crespi www.jeffcrespirocks.com JEFFCRESPIROCKS See through a different lens! www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Everything Streaming in November < Back So Much to Watch, So Little Time Keeley Brooks Nov 4, 2022 Share Everything Streaming in November We’ve entered November, and so comes the holiday season of 2022. That means a lot of new content will be dropping, and lucky for you I’m a heavy consumer who loves to share it all with you guys. Here are new titles dropping on your favorite streaming platforms this month. NETFLIX After coming out swinging for the fences in October with Ryan Murphy’s Dahmer and The Watcher , which, if I do say so myself, really fizzled out with a very mediocre ending, Netflix is following up with a true-crime-a-palooza beginning Nov. 2 . Here's what's in store. Killer Sally – The true story of former professional bodybuilder Sally McNeil who, along with family and friends, charts her rocky marriage and its bloody end in a Valentine’s Day murder. Streaming Nov. 2 Enola Holmes 2 – You either love it or hate it, but regardless, Enola is back with her quirky girl boss personality. Here she takes on her first case with help from her hot brother, Sherlock, played by Henry Cavill, and I assume you need no reminder of who he is. *And speaking of Henry Cavill, this little birdie knows he will NOT be continuing on in his role as The Witcher , presumably because he is returning to his Superman role. The hunky Liam Hemsworth will be taking his place, so don’t be too sad about it. Helena Bonham Carter also returns as the Holmes’s mother. Streaming Nov. 4 Orgasm Inc.: The Story of OneTaste – OneTaste sprung from San Francisco’s tech bubble as a sexual wellness company hailed by top health & wellness outlets as a path to fulfillment. They gained global notoriety through the teaching of a practice called “orgasmic meditation.” This investigative doc employs access to 15 years of never-before-seen footage and interviews with former members who have shocking allegations to pull back the curtain on the organization and its controversial, enigmatic leader. Streaming Nov. 5 State of Alabama vs. Brittany Smith – The harrowing story of a woman trying to use Alabama’s Stand Your Ground law after killing a man she says brutally attacked her. Streaming Nov. 10 Falling for Christmas – A young, newly engaged heiress has a skiing accident in the days before Christmas. After she’s diagnosed with amnesia, she finds herself in the care of the handsome cabin owner and his daughter. I’m sure what ensues will be nothing short of a big, fat shocker. Streaming Nov. 10 Pepsi, Where’s My Jet? – This doc tells the story of Pepsi’s ambitious campaign, a multimillion-dollar fighter jet, and a teenage boy who just wanted his plane back, so he decided to take on one of the largest corporations in America. This one’s gonna be a ride! Streaming Nov. 17 I Am Vanessa Guillen – Guillen was 20 years old when she was found murdered at a U.S. Army base. Rather than submit to silence, her family fought for justice and change. Streaming Nov. 17 Slumberland – Starring everyone’s favorite Horse Lord, Jason Momoa stars as a giant eccentric outlaw who helps a young girl who discovered a secret map to the dream world of Slumberland. They traverse dreams and flee nightmares in hopes she will be able to see her late father again, with the help of Momoa. Streaming Nov. 18 Wednesday - Netflix's Addams' Family series is all about the teen years of one of the O.G. goth girls. Having been booted from Nancy Reagan High School for defending her brother's honor by way of flesh-eating fish, Wednesday (Jenna Ortega) is now going to the school where her macabre and loving parents first met. But at Nevermore Academy, there's a mystery lurking underneath its floorboards, and I'm sure Wednesday will find it. Streaming Nov. 23 APPLETV Causeway - Starring Jennifer Lawrence as Lynsey, a U.S. soldier who experiences a traumatic brain injury during her tour in Afghanistan that forces her to return home. She struggles to reclaim her daily life at home in New Orleans with her mother as she waits for her eventual redeployment. Also stars Samira Wiley ( The Handmaid's Tale ) and Brian Tyree Henry ( Atlanta ). Streaming Nov. 4 Mosquito Coast , Season 2 - Based on the more nuanced 80s novel by Paul Theroux, Justin Theroux ( Wanderlust ) is back as a brilliant inventor and stubborn idealist who uproots his family for a dangerous quest through Mexico to flee the U.S. government and find safety. Streaming Nov. 4 Mythic Quest , Season 3 - If you're a Sunny in Philadelphia fan or a gamer, you should be watching this series. Starring Rob McElhenney, F. Murray Abraham, and Charlotte Nicdao, this hilarious workplace sitcom about video game development will keep you highly entertained. Streaming Nov. 11 Spirited - A musical version of Charles Dickens' story of a miserly misanthrope who is taken on a magical journey. Stars Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds. Streaming Nov. 11 Echo 3 - When scientist Amer Chesborough goes missing along the Colombia-Venezuela border, her brother and her husband struggle to find her against the backdrop of a secret war. Starring Luke Evans. Streaming Nov. 23 HULU God Forbid: The Sex Scandal That Brought Down a Dynasty – A Miami pool boy finds himself trapped in a seven-year affair with a charming older woman … and her husband, the Evangelical Trump stalwart Jerry Falwell Jr., as he becomes increasingly entangled with the Falwell’s seemingly perfect lives. Currently streaming Fleishman is in Trouble – Starring Claire Danes, Jesse Eisenberg, Lizzy Caplan, and Adam Brody, this one is based on a novel by the same name from author Taffy Brodesser-Akner. This limited series is about a divorced doctor and father who’d just started dipping his toes into the dating pool when his ex-wife mysteriously disappears. Streaming Nov. 17 Welcome to Chippendales – This true-crime series tells the real-life story of Chippendales founder Somen “Steve” Banejee (Kumail Nanjiani), an Indian immigrant who turned a failing Los Angeles bar into a global phenomenon … but as you all know with Chippendales, there’s more to see than meets the eye. Streaming November 22 Planet Sex – A six-episode docuseries that explores how sexuality differs from community to community and looks at what is studied at a scientific sex research lab. Cara Delevigne hosts. Streaming Nov. 29 PRIME My Policeman – An Amazon Prime Video Original, this romantic-drama tells the story of a forbidden romance and the changing social conventions surrounding it over the course of several decades. Starring Harry Styles, Linus Roache ( Mandy ), Emma Corrin ( The Crown ), Gina McKee ( Black Narcissus, The Rook ), David Dawson ( The Last Kingdom ), and Rupert Everett ( My Best Friend’s Wedding ). Streaming Nov. 4 The English – This six-episode-series is a Western-drama is about Pawnee scout Eli Whipp, played by Chaske Spencer ( Banshee, The Twilight Saga film series ), who is released from long-term army service in 1890 Oklahoma and hell-bent on returning north to his ancestral homelands in Nebraska to stake a legal land claim. Also stars Emily Blunt, Tom Hughes (The Laureate) and Ciarán Hinds ( Zack Snyder’s Justice League ). Streaming Nov. 11 The People We Hate at the Wedding – Another Amazon Prime Original movie, this raunchy new comedy is about dysfunctional siblings Kristen Bell and Ben Platt ( Pitch Perfect ) and their ever-optimistic mom, played by Allison Janney, as they receive a surprise invite to their estranged British half-sister’s wedding. Good for a watch with your own relative at Thanksgiving! Streaming Nov. 18 **Sidenote: If you haven’t seen LOU on Netflix, you absolutely should hop on over there and watch Allison Janney kick some serious ass and go toe-to-toe with her son, played by Logan Marshall Green. It’s really good. PEACOCK A Friend of the Family – This released back in early October, but IT’S SO UNBELIEVABLE (and still going), I just can’t pass on mentioning it again. It’s truly the most incredible true-crime story I’ve ever heard or seen. I usually have a lot to say during series I’m watching. With this one, literally the only three things my Dummy (husband) and I have said while watching it are, “HOLY SHIT,” “Oh my God,” and “I cannot believe this actually happened. WhAT the f***?!” I’m not kidding. This true-crime drama miniseries is based on true events and follows Robert Berchtold, a close friend of the Broberg family, who kidnaps young Jan Broberg twice over a period of two years, and the shit he tells her about why is absolutely astounding … and she believed it for years. Further making this so shocking is the fact that local, state, and national law enforcement pretty much cleared the way of any culpability for him to do it. There’s so much more to the story, but I won’t divulge it all here. I want you to go watch it for yourself. Then I want you to let me know how you reacted while watching it. Currently streaming The Independent – This political thriller stars Brian Cox ( Succession ), Jodie Turner-Smith ( White Noise ), John Cena, and Ann Dowd ( The Handmaid’s Tale )—to name a few. In the final weeks of the most consequential presidential election in history, and America is poised to elect either its first female president or its first viable independent candidate. An idealistic young journalist teams up with her idol, legendary journalist Nick Booker, to uncover a conspiracy that places the fate of the election, and the country, in their hands. Streaming exclusively on Peacock Nov. 2 The Calling, Season 1 – A Peacock Original, here’s a psychological crime thriller about NYPD detective Avraham Avraham, whose belief in mankind is his superpower when it comes to uncovering the truth. He’s guided by his sense of spirituality and religious principles, until a seemingly routine investigation turns everything upside down and leaves Avraham questioning his own humanity. Streaming Nov. 10 Leopard Skin, Season 1 – A criminal gang fleeing a botched jewelry heist is forced to hide out in a beachside estate where two women live in seclusion. Their world soon turns into a hothouse filled with secrets, betrayal, and desire. Stars Carla Gugino, Ana de la Reguera ( Goliath ), Philip Winchester ( Strike Back ), Gaite Jansen ( Peaky Blinders ), Margot Bingham ( The Walking Dead ), Gentry White ( Kingdom, Jett ), and Amelia Eve ( The Haunting of Bly Manor ). Streaming Nov. 17 Nope – I LOVED this film. I also will never again look at clouds the same way. This Jordan Peele flick offers a new take on the classic abduction story. Stars Academy Award Winner Daniel Kaluuya ( Get Out, Us ), Keke Palmer ( i), and Academy Award Nominee Steven Yuen ( The Walking Dead ). Nope makes its Peacock debut on Nov. 18. Pitch Perfect: Bumper in Berlin – Everyone’s favorite acapella fool Adam Devine is back doin’ his thang, only this time he’s in Berlin. Having moved to Germany to revive his music career, Bumper is surprised when one of his tunes hits it big in Berlin. Also stars Jameela Jamil ( The Good Place ) and Sarah Hyland ( Modern Family ). Streaming exclusively on Peacock Nov. 23 PARAMOUNT+ Yellowstone , Season 5 - The Duttons are back, and this time John (Kevin Costner) is gonna get a taste of what we all already know: politics complicate your life. And, yes, Rip will no doubt be there. Binge seasons 1-4 now to catch up! Streaming Nov. 13 Transformers: EarthSpark – This heartwarming animated series introduces the first generation of Terrans-Transformers born on Earth. With the help of their human caretakers, these Terrans are redefining the meaning of the world family. Streaming Nov. 11 Tulsa King – A gritty new drama series from Yellowstone ’s Taylor Sheridon! After 25 years in prison, New York mafia capo Dwight “The General” Manfredi is sent away to Tulsa, OK, to set up new territory for his mob family. However, upon arrival in town, the once-great mobster realizes his skills might be a bit rusty. Starring Sylvester Stallone. Streaming Nov. 13 HBO & HBO MAX * Film fanatics will be ecstatic to learn that HBO Max will now carry all eight films in the Harry Potter franchise, as well as the entirety of the Star Trek movie series, in case you were curious. Titans , Season 4 – In untypical fashion, the series is under a new airing strategy, dropping two episodes tonight in premiere, then four more episodes over the next four weeks. After that, it’s a who-knows-how-long mid-season break. Per Collider , this season suggests something dark is coming. After saving Gotham, the Titans hit the road to head back to San Francisco but after a stop in Metropolis, they find themselves in the crosshairs of a supernatural cult with powers unlike anything they’ve faced before. Looks like the main villain this season will be Sebastian Blood, aka Brother Blood, played by The Originals star Joseph Morgan. Streaming Nov. 3 Low Country: The Murdaugh Dynasty – This chilling three-part docuseries chronicles the legacy of the Murdaugh family, whose century long power influence over the legal system in South Carolina’s low country unravels amid acdcusations of fraud, deception, and murder. Intense and full of twists, it questions the unchecked power of privilege—and the trail of death and destruction left in one family’s wake. Season 3 streaming Nov. 3 Don’t Worry Darling – A psychological thriller film directed by Olivia Wilde. Set in the 1950s California desert, a housewife starts to suspect her husband (Harry Styles) and the idyllic community she lives in have a sinister secret. Don’t Worry Darling has become infamous for the off-screen drama between Wilde and Shia LaBeouf that dominated the media months before its release. Streaming Nov. 7 Say Hey, Willie Mays! – Follow Mays’ life both on and off the field over five decades as he navigated the American sports landscape and the country’s ever-evolving cultural backdrop, all while helping to define what it means to be one of America’s first Black sports superstars. Streaming Nov. 8 The Big Brunch, Season 1 – Everyone’s favorite Schitt’s Creek actor Dan Levy is back with a cooking competition show he created to celebrate inspiring, undiscovered culinary voices from every corner of the country. This eight-episode cooking series gives ten talented chefs the opportunity to share their stories and business dreams while vying for a life-altering $300,000 cash prize. Streaming Nov. 10 A Christmas Story Christmas – Annnd everyone’s favorite Christmas kid is back, only now he’s all grown up and returning to his hometown with his own kids to say goodbye to his father. Get your box of snot rags ready; this one’s poised to be more of a tearjerker than a comedy—though that’s not to say there won’t be any. Streaming Nov. 17 Santa Camp – Watch real-life Santas go to school in this Max Original documentary film. Every summer, a horde of professional Santas, Mrs. Clauses, and elves descend on a campsite in the New Hampshire woods to learn the tricks of their trade. But this year will be different. The organizers of the 100-strong New England Santa Society have decided to tackle the lack of diversity in the Santa industry. They enlist a Black Santa named Chris, a Santa with a disability named Finn, and a transgender Santa named Levi. Streaming Nov. 17 2022 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony - Streaming Nov. 19 Shaq – This documentary showcases the life of the L.A. Lakers champion from sports phenom to cultural figure. Streaming Nov. 23 Love, Lizzo – Personally, I can’t wait for this! I adore Lizzo. And what a message I’m certain she’ll be spreading. In this intimate documentary, the multi-platinum artist gets candid about body positivity, self-love, and recognizing Black women for their contributions. Streaming Nov. 24 My So-Called High School Rank – This documentary goes deep into the lives of high school students in three radically disparate communities as they navigate the pressures around college while staging a musical, until seismic events upend their dreams and expectations. Streaming Nov. 29 Other titles dropping this month on HBO/HBOMax – Chris Redd: Why Am I Like This? , Magnolia Table with Joanna Gaines (Season 7), Sesame Street (Season 53), My Sesame Street Friends (Season 3), Batwheels (Season 1C), Craig of the Creek (Season 4D), We’re Here (Season 3), Holiday Harmony, A Christmas Mystery, King Tweety, Master of Light, Lil Rel Howery: I Said It: Y’all Thinking It DISNEY PLUS Willow - The fantasy epic every 80s kid loved is back with a sequel series featuring original cast member Warwick Davis as the titular dward sorcerer. So much is planned to happen, and the effects look pretty cool. It'll absolutely be worth watching. Streaming Nov. 24 Disenchanted - Disney would have us believe some spells take 15 years or more to kick in with how long they've made us wait for this one. Amy Adams, Patrick Dempsey, James Marsden, and Idina Menzel are back as Giselle, Robert Philip, Prince Edwards, and Nancy Tremaine are back in this sequel to 2007's movie of the same name that ponders what happens after your favorite Disney princesses and princes get their "happily ever after" moment. Drama and chaos will ensue! Streaming Nov. 24 Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday - The Guardians are back, at least for the holidays. Gamora is still MIA and Star-Lord is deep in his feels. Mantis and Drax are coming to the rescue, though: they plan to go to Peter's home planet Earth and find him the ultimate holiday gift. Hilariously, their choice is actor Kevin Bacon, played by none other than Kevin Bacon. With a runtime of just under an hour, this'll be a great holiday watch with your bigs and littles. Streaming Nov. 25 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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Top 5 Nostalgia Picks for November 2024 < Back Way Back When: Nostalgia Picks for Your Playlist November Nicole Brice Nov 2, 2024 Share Top 5 Nostalgia Picks for November 2024 This month’s tracks have no themes. There is no rhyme or reason to these tunes. I simply hit “shuffle” on my iPod and typed up these tracks for you! 1. The Specials – Little Bitch I became obsessed with this band in high school when I discovered them. This song and ‘ Concrete Jungle ’ will forever be my favorites. This is just a fun song to listen to. 1979 2. Joy Division – Heart and Soul It’s Joy Division ! ‘Nuff said! 1980 3. The Animals – House of the Rising Sun I have been obsessed with this song since I was a child. It has this eerie and creepy feeling to it. 1964 4. Bratmobile – I’m in the Band It's one of THE songs that defined my early 20s. Bratmobile is one of those bands that do not get the recognition or credit they deserve. 2002 5. The Strokes – Hard to Explain College – this song reminds me of college. One of those early 2000s gems. 2001 Hey, if you don't like these, cool. If you've never heard them, check them out! Love and light, Nicole 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

‘Faded Love’ is a hypnotic and soulful song full of strength. < Back Reviews on the Real: Mi’Kael Chalyce’s ‘Faded Love’ is an anthem for anyone who has experienced heartbreak Nicole Brice Dec 14, 2024 Share ‘Faded Love’ is a hypnotic and soulful song full of strength. Every once and a while, an artist will release a song that is so potent and so powerful it knocks me on my butt. Enter the latest from Nashville musician Mi’Kael Chalyce . Released December 14, 2024 ‘ Faded Love ’ begins with a captivating melody, the soulful vocals setting the stage for a powerful narrative. As the lead vocals take over, you find yourself immersed in a deeply emotional journey, a journey of love lost and the path to healing. Mi’Kael's songwriting skillfully captures the raw emotions of a breakup and the struggle to move on. If you've ever felt the sting of heartbreak, this song will resonate with you. ‘ Faded Love ’ is a beautiful exploration of the complexities of heartbreak and lost love. "When I found out I was pregnant with my youngest daughter it was in the midst of attempting to end an emotionally abusive relationship that had recently become physical. I found the strength to leave her biological father before she entered this world, but I’ve never looked back. Now two years later I am trying to decide how to pick up the pieces of my life when I’ve essentially blocked all the pain out of my mind trying to focus on my present happiness. All that is left now are echoes of a faded love hence the song’s name, Faded Love." You start feeling every note sung as Chalyce’s vocals become more potent. It’s true that as Mi’Kael sings, “ How can I pick up the pieces when I’ve blocked it out of my mind? ” you start to reflect on and feel the pain in her words. Credit: Photo provided by artist The song's production is minimalist yet impactful, with subtle instrumentation that allows the emotional weight of the lyrics to shine through. ' Faded Love ' was recorded at Grinding ENT Studios in Ellenwood, GA a suburb of Atlanta, GA, and was a collaboration between Mi'Kael Chalyce, Dorrell Smith , and Beats by Dre . The layered harmonies and gentle melodies create a dreamy ambiance, which contrasts nicely with the bittersweet nature of the song’s theme. Mi’Kael Chalyce is one of the many underground treasures in the music industry currently, and her songwriting speaks volumes. In March 2024 , we sat down with Mi’Kael for an in-depth interview , during which she shared her inspirations, her creative process, and more, and we have been a fan ever since. Overall, ‘ Faded Love ’ is a deeply emotional and compelling piece showcasing Mi’Kael Chalyce’s vocalist and songwriter talent. "This will be my first and only release this year and it wasn’t easy deciding on one that was special enough to share. This song feels ideal because ending the relationship the song discusses was a catalyst for The Reinvention — album coming in 2025." I cannot wait to hear more from this talented songstress in the future—Stream ‘Faded Love’ now on your favorite streaming platform. For more information on Mi'Kael Chalyce: www.mikaelchalyce.com Mi'Kael Chalyce Home page of Mi'Kael Chalyce, a R&B/Soul artist from Atlanta, GA. Mi’Kael Chalyce’s songwriting conveys trauma, mental health, and emotional evolution. Her goal is to create music that targets real-life relationship constructs, and those unspoken paradoxe 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

Who On Earth is blending a classic rock vibe with modern twists and turns. < Back Who On Earth: Bringing the Thunder Back to Modern Hard Rock Nicole Brice Jun 13, 2025 Share Who On Earth is blending a classic rock vibe with modern twists and turns. Who On Earth? My sentiments exactly when I first discovered this band – a badass group that carries the torch for those who came before, that’s who. Blending a classic rock vibe with modern twists and turns, Who On Earth features epic solos and some of the cleanest-sounding guitars I've ever heard, not to mention those heavy basslines I love. This band is poised to dominate in the coming days with their hard rock and heavy metal straight from New Jersey . So, who is Who On Earth? Photo provided by band The lineup includes Coosh (vocals), Pete Rizzi (bass), Johnny James Barone (guitar), Jimmy Kocha (guitar), and Howie Fallon (drums). With a larger-than-life stage presence and a bellowing voice full of range, Coosh embodies the quintessential badass frontman. There is so much soul in every note he sings, and Who On Earth is actively bringing rock back. As I dove into their discography, I found that not a single song is lacking. Every track is fantastic and feels like a rocket waiting to launch . Yes, it's that good. Credit: Jeff Crespi Since 2022 , Who On Earth has released numerous songs , the latest being ' Yesterday's Future ' on April 29, 2025 . With a visually stunning lyric video to accompany it, ' Yesterday's Future ' is a thought-provoking piece of music with a powerful message, and I urge you to check it out after reading this article. Who On Earth’s music transcends typical compositions; it narrates stories. These poignant tales require your attention to the lyrics, which create vivid images of landscapes and scenarios, some rooted in folklore and others not. Official music video for 'Yesterday's Future' by Who On Earth This busy band is ready to perform and expand its empire, and if you love classic Iron Maiden with heartfelt storytelling , this band is for you. If you're into crushing guitar riffs and head-nodding grooves , you'll also love them. They even have an amazing cover of Toto's 'Hold the Line' that showcases their love for the greats of yesteryear. Full of personality and charisma with a message, Who On Earth is prepared to dominate a new era of rock with their desire, drive, and ambition to propel the band forward. Read on to learn more. MaM : First question – who designs your album and single covers? They are phenomenal! Pete : So, we’re big on artwork because we grew up looking at the art on the album covers, and because of all the songs put out every day, you want to stand out, and we want those strong covers that have meaning to them. For example, Smoke & Mirrors , Blame , and some of the singles on Blame , we had Ken Adams , who does all of Lamb of God ’s artwork; he did the artwork for that. We love Ken and love working with him. Smoke & Mirrors is all Ken , and it’s always Coosh and I getting on the phone with him discussing a new concept, and he’s just like ‘Oh, I love it!’, so we have an excellent synergistic working relationship with Ken. A lot of the others are AI-generated , where I’ve done a few, and my son is a graphic design artist, and he does a bunch, too. He’ll take an image based on a concept, and he’ll tweak it and get it how he wants, so it’s been a combination of things. Artwork by Ken Adams MaM : So, next question – the logo. Who designed it? It’s powerful and stands out. Coosh : He put out a contest on the internet or something. I’m not sure of all the details. Pete : So, there was a contest, and I can’t remember the website, but me and Coosh started the band, and we didn’t even have a guitarist yet or anything, but we did a logo, and made it on one of these online logo makers, but somehow, they made it a competition. People could put in their suggestions for us. We could put ‘these are the colors we want’, ‘it’s heavy metal and rock’, ya know, and we got back some crazy suggestions. (laughter) Pete : Some people didn’t realize we were a band and thought we were a lawn company or something. (laughter) This one guy was from Indonesia , and that logo you see was his creation. We didn’t even have the album yet, but we had the logo. That was it! We were so psyched. That’s been the logo ever since. The official logo for Who On Earth MaM : So, I went down the rabbit hole and checked out your entire discography. Man, not a single bad song. Not a one. You could put all your songs on a playlist and not have to skip a single one. No lie. Pete and Coosh : Thank you. MaM : Seriously, though, you are so tight as a band, and you can tell you are seasoned musicians, and that you are on a mission to bring this type of music back to the forefront. Your sound is what is missing today in music, which leads me to ask: what inspires your creativity, and what do you each bring to the mix with that? Pete : Well, for one, we would never put something on that we didn’t love, and so how we approach each song is that they have to be different from each other, so most of the music comes from me. I’ll write it, put it together, pre-produce it, and then it goes to Coosh . He’s the melody guy. We both work on lyrics. We’re very focused on lyrics. What we’re saying, how we’re saying it … we want to say it … but we don’t want to give it all away. We want it to remain open to interpretation. We want to tell a story and stimulate you to think about what the song and lyrics mean to you, but it starts with the music, and the music has to have groove. Credit: Jeff Crespi Sometimes, I’ll have a melody idea, but Coosh usually takes my melody and makes it ten times better, or eliminates it, and comes up with his own. He gets a feel from the music and a working title, and that’s how it starts. It’s got to have groove and melody, though. If there’s no melody, there’s no groove, and there’s no dynamic. That’s what we try to create. MaM : Coosh, what inspires your lyrics with these songs? Coosh : So, like Pete says, he’s the one who creates the music, but before he hands it off to me, he has the essence of the song planned out. He’ll go, ‘I hear a couple fighting with this,’ or something to that nature, and he gets this moment with the music where he relays the information to me, and I want to be able to put out his feelings, too, so I take that initial form and then go from there. Credit: Jeff Crespi MaM : Now, Coosh, let’s talk about your voice. The range, soul, and depth! Is there anything you do to keep your voice in shape? Coosh : I didn’t use to do anything, but now I do these scales and humming. I’m no spring chicken anymore, so I have to do maintenance these days. A lot of the songs are hard for me to sing, so sometimes, I prefer doing a cover because it’s easier for me to sing than anything we’ve done in the studio. (laughter) Credit: Jeff Crespi MaM : Yeah, man, when I first heard a few songs, I thought it had a very Bruce Dickinson vibe from Iron Maiden , and just the vocal range, I’m like ‘Dude!’ You have got some pipes on you. You don’t sound like anybody out there right now. So, a new EP came out in March, and now a new single, ‘ Yesterday’s Future ’, was released in April. However, I noticed that you have been steadily releasing singles as a lead-up to the EP, but you are still releasing singles after it. How did the EP come together, and what made you decide to release it instead of just the singles? Pete : In the old days, you’d put out an album, and then bands would just put out more albums every year or every few years, and we could do that. We have the five original songs on the EP, but then we also have five in our back pocket. We did five, but we have ten. We didn’t want to release the whole album because if you do, you might get a review or something, and then people move on to the next thing. The best method we’ve found is to spoon-feed it out. Give as many songs as a highlight, a video, and their artwork. It’s like a slow release of all your music. Additionally, you have to play the Spotify game, and Spotify is particularly friendly to bands like us who are doing that. We’re finding it’s also more content for us, social media-wise, and so we can remain relevant all year long. We’re staying ahead of the game. We have those five more songs, so they’ll be more content, more artwork, and pretty soon we’ll be working on new material that you’ll see sometime next year, so it’s just constant content from Who On Earth . Whereas I waited 13 years for a new Tool album. (laughter) Photo provided by band MaM : Have you found that all your numbers reflect one thing, but then people are just not coming to the shows? Pete : Yeah, oh yeah. Coosh and I have seen it. Yeah, we have great numbers, but to get people to get off their ass and come out, yeah. They’ll see the tribute bands, the cover bands, who cost more to see, and we’re only charging $10 to get in. We’re not making any money on this. (laughter) And it used to be, again, when we were younger, you would go out to hang out, and there would be bands playing, and it was part of your life. Now, it’s hard. People will stay in because of rain, and we had venues close because of COVID , so if you’re a bar band or a tribute band, you’re killing it. MaM : Same here Pete : If you’re an original band or even a line-up of three or four original bands, it’s tough. Credit: Jeff Crespi MaM : We’re finding the same here, too. So, I wanted to talk about this ‘ Hold the Line ’ cover. I’m a HUGE fan of Toto, especially this song, and ‘ Africa ’ is my jam. If I’m in the supermarket, and it comes on, I will stop what I am doing, and it’s my moment. (laughter) MaM : So, this cover … doesn’t even sound anything like the original song at all. It’s reimagined. Take me through how you decided to go with this song. Coosh : We had a handful of songs we were looking at, and how do you pick the perfect cover song to do? We’re going back and forth, throwing around ideas, and ‘ Hold the Line ’ came into play. I was around the house, staying at Pete’s house, and all of a sudden, I started singing this thing, and the part where he goes ‘TiiiiIIMMEE’, I was like, ‘That’s IT!!’ Look no further! (laughter) Pete : (sings) Love isn’t always on ‘TIME!’ (laughter) Pete : I was like, ‘That’s it!’, and I was hooked. You know what’s great about that song is it’s popular, but it’s not like ‘ Stairway to Heaven ’, and we wanted to remake it, not cover it. His distinct voice, tuning it down, double bass drums, changing some lines, taking out the keyboards, and adding a different guitar. I wanted to do it because of his vocals. When we jammed it, I knew that was the one. The inflection that he used, and the balls that he sang it with. Cause it’s a yacht rock song classic, and I hate yacht rock. (laughter) Official Music video for 'Hold the Line' MaM : Same – not a fan of yacht rock, but I do love me some Toto . Pete : I do like some Christopher Cross songs, too, but that’s what my parents listened to. (laughter) MaM : Right! Pete : Holy crap! Coosh , we did a yacht rock classic before the yacht rock tribute stuff started blowing up! (laughter) Credit: Jeff Crespi MaM : Do you have a favorite song to perform, and if so, which one? Coosh : Just because it’s the most emotional, I’ll have to go with ‘ Watch the Fires Burn ’. I guess you could say it’s our environmental song , but it’s a heartfelt message of having the passion as a society to take care of the planet. All of us. Pete did this when he was like 18 or 19 years old, and it’s excellent, and I didn’t know what to do with it when he first handed it to me, but it has this great dynamic and has so much emotion. Pete : Yeah, that song I wrote when I was in my very early 20s, and it was called ‘Matter of Life and Death’ , and I wrote it about abortion. That’s a topic; at the time, and it was from the perspective of the unborn child. Like, ‘Hey, what about me?’ I didn’t want to go there with it in this day and age, so I was thinking, what’s a great and important topic? I’m sitting here watching the Amazon burning , and I’m like, ah, watch the fires burn. Not so much about hey, stop burning our trees, but we’re all just sitting back here watching this. Somebody has got to do something about it, and nobody is doing anything about it. To Coosh’s point, you can take that and broaden it to a lot of topics. It’s just about sitting back and watching things go to waste. But the song itself, its ups and downs … it’s a six-minute song, and some songs need to be six minutes. As long as you’re doing something different in it, and then, man, it’s heavy … it’s got groove. It’s got funk. MaM : Yes, lots of tempo changes. Pete : Tempo changes, which our producer always makes fun of me for, but I love tempo changes. MaM : I do, too. It keeps the song interesting. Pete : Playing it live is really fun. MaM : Which song do you feel is the crowd favorite and gets people most engaged? Pete : I’m gonna say ‘ Black Swan ’. MaM : I made a note on my notes about that song, actually. Pete : Coosh may disagree, but he does a great job of coaching the crowd to sing along, and it’s got this chorus that allows everyone to get involved. MaM : So, Coosh, your vocals, let me ask you … you have range like I haven’t heard in a long time, so obviously you’ve been doing this a while. When did you first discover you had a gift for singing with such a powerful voice to do rock music? Coosh : I’m not a rock music guy, so that’s the crazy part. When I was in my early 20s, we would all do the karaoke thing, but I would stick to songs like ‘ Suspicious Minds ’, and it was all a great time. Everyone enjoyed it, but I ended up buying a karaoke company, singing, and becoming a host, until one day, a buddy came in. He mentioned he had lost the lead singer of his band, and I went up and sang ‘ Drops of Jupiter ’ for him by Train , and that was it. I was in. Credit: Jeff Crespi MaM : What would you like to see in the next five years as far as your music and audience? Pete : I’d love to see it all continue to grow. We understand we need to keep working hard. I like what we’re doing, too, but I want it all to gather momentum, and I want to keep playing shows. Maybe even go on a small tour , even if it’s regional. Want to get out there live. There is nothing like the impression you leave on someone after they see you perform live. Coosh : I’d love to figure out how to get the exposure we need and get people to listen to the song more than once. Most of the time, you have to listen to a song twice and be attentive to it. We’re not a regular band. Most of our songs tell stories because they’re relatable. We have inspiration. We have devastation. We have messages about life. We have stories that people need to hear. As Who On Earth continues to grow their brand and presence, they are sure to inspire and leave a lasting impression on music fans for generations to come. Check out their music on your favorite streaming service, and if you live nearby, be sure to catch a live show. You won’t regret it—these guys deliver a powerful sound! *cover photo provided by band *other photos by Jeff Crespi www.jeffcrespirocks.com JEFFCRESPIROCKS See through a different lens! To learn more about Who On Earth: www.whoonearththeband.com Who on Earth Official Website The official website and store for the band Who On Earth. 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

Eldergrey's debut plunges into the abyss with pounding riffs and haunting melodies. < Back Unearthing Depths: A Review of Eldergrey’s New EP ‘Well of Souls’ Nick Cline Jul 9, 2024 Share Eldergrey's debut plunges into the abyss with pounding riffs and haunting melodies. Based in the United Kingdom, the doom metal band Eldergrey has officially released their debut EP, ‘ Well of Souls ,’ which does not disappoint. It is an electrifying fusion of various metal influences, a unique blend that promises to fill the gaps left by modern metal. Eldergrey formed in late 2023 when the creative minds of seasoned musicians Ian Field-Richards and Clive Withers joined forces. The creative sparks between the two led to the recording of ‘ Burden ’ by Outrun the Day , another project, in the summer of 2023, but it did not end there. While initially conceived as part of the next Outrun the Day album, it quickly became evident that the new material was slower, darker, and heavier, necessitating a distinct musical identity. Credit: Photo provided by band The recording process was a crucible that forged an intense synergy between Ian Field-Richards and Clive Withers' creative minds. Drawing inspiration from bands such as Crowbar and Conan , they have carved out a unique sonic space with profound lyrical content. Released July 5, 2024 ‘ Well of Souls ’ starts with the track ' Superlithic ', a song full of so much sludge from start to finish that it’ll make you think you’ve landed in the mud pits of Louisiana. ' Southern Star ' rounds out the EP with raw aggression and crunching guitars. From start to finish, this EP was an electric experience filled with pounding riffs, walls of fuzz, and screaming solos. It was just so good. I really enjoyed listening to it. The best part was the absolute crushing riffs and walls of fuzz that wrap around you like a blanket of chainsaws—almost like a cocoon of sound. It is reminiscent of metal greats such as Pantera , Black Sabbath , and Mayhem . I enjoyed how such a range of influences were integrated into the music. These musicians are damn talented. ' Empire ', by far, is my favorite track on the EP, but listen to it and decide for yourself. All of the tracks are bangers. I can't wait for the full-length to be released in the fall. The only downside of the album I could find is that some of the mix is off-balance. The guitar and drums overpower the bass and vocals in certain pieces of the songs. I think the bass and vocals should be raised, just a tad more. This would allow the mix to be evenly balanced musically and vocally. Tonality would be helped because it would create a fatter sound to cover all foundations of the track. At the same time, the vocals would allow itself to hover over the pounding tones of the music. The foundations laid by Eldergrey's debut EP will undoubtedly open the door to many inspirations and concepts for future exploration. This band is one to be watched, so take note. I anticipate hearing more from Eldergrey and commend the band on a solid first effort. ‘ Well of Souls ’ is available to stream now, so be sure to add it to your list of new music to check out. This EP is a journey worth taking. To learn more about Eldergrey : Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theeldergrey YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Eldergrey Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theeldergrey/ Linktree: Eldergrey | Instagram, Facebook | Linktree *cover photo provided by band www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Nick Cline is the powerhouse behind the Louisiana-based band, Phantum Sun , and loves checking out new music. Got something you think he'd like? Email us at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link