She Might Be a Beast unleashes the raw power of Neo-Grunge with their latest album, “Art Class” < Back She Might Be a Beast: An Enigma of Youth, Retro Vibes, and Energy Erica Machen Nov 29, 2023 Share She Might Be a Beast unleashes the raw power of Neo-Grunge with their latest album, “Art Class” She Might Be a Beast, hailing from the melting pot of eclectic music that is New Orleans, La., electrifies listeners with their unique Neo-grunge sound. The band is comprised of the Brezinsky brothers, Jake and Julian, alongside John Williams. Jake is the lead vocalist and guitarist, with Julian on bass and back-up vocals, while John bangs on the drums. They infuse their music with a blend of 90s-inspired grunge, punk, and metal, dashed with that distinctive NOLA spice. The trio's live performances are nothing short of exhilarating, which can be found all over their YouTube page. As a matter of fact, I was excited to interview them after just a few minutes of video watching. Following our chat, I am beyond motivated to catch a live performance. It doesn’t hurt that sharing the stage with iconic acts like Doyle from the Misfits and Powerman 5000 is propelling their rise in the local music scene, and their fan-base is gaining momentum. “ Art Class ” is the latest album from She Might Be a Beast, and it reveals their unwavering commitment and adeptness in showcasing their distinct Neo-grunge style that continues to bewitch their listeners and audiences. Released August 1, 2023 Their creative process is dynamic, with instrumentals and lyrics converging into powerful compositions at the band’s creative hub called "The Maze". That’s where spontaneous jam sessions become the breeding ground for evolving riffs and energizing lyrics that can transform into future hits. The band's future is brimming with excitement, with an upcoming single set to pump us up. They have a drive to provide unforgettable experiences through their music that sets them apart and makes way for an engaging journey ahead. With that being said, She Might Be a Beast's passion and exceptional talent have promise for lasting impact on the music scene. Keep an eye out for their next performance and be prepared, because they ARE a beast! Check out our conversation! MaM : Hey guys, thanks so much for speaking with me today. I have Jake, Julian, and John, correct? Jake : That’s right! We’re pretty excited for the interview! MaM : Cool, so am I! Since our readers are getting introduced to She Might Be a Beast today, and all three of you are here, how about each of you give a brief self intro? Jake : All right. Sounds good. I guess I'll go first. I'm Jake. I sing lead vocals, and I play guitar … And, yeah, I really enjoy playing in our band. I do a lot of the management for the band as well. I couldn't do it without Julian and John. John : What's up? I'm John. I'm a drummer, of course. What can I say? We got good thing going here. We’re really motivated with a level head and a lot of good and interesting material, from our writing to our live shows. Things have been moving forward and progressing, and we’ve really been putting in a lot of work. Julian : And I'm Julian, bassist and mostly harmony. It's such an awesome thing, being able to play music and do it, you know, semi-professionally right now. That's the dream, you know. So, we're having a great time! MaM : Jake and Julian, y'all are brothers, right? SMBAB : That’s right. MaM : John, how did you come into the mix? John : They had another drummer prior to me. He had some complications in his life and kind of wanted to take [a break from] music for a little bit. I met Jacob when he was still in another band called Everyday Addiction. [He] and I met up before the rehearsal, jammed in my space, and got pretty cool with each other. We kept each other's contact information, and once the other drummer decided to take a break, he called me. The next thing you know, I auditioned with them, and I was in the band. Credit: Facebook MaM : Awesome! Sometimes it just falls into place like that. Please, go on … John : Oh, yeah, it was a nice little thing how it happened. But, ya know … MaM : Y’all hit me out of nowhere with a blast of nostalgia coupled with some New Age sounds. How did you find your sound? Tell me about your influences. Jake : Well, we all love rock and roll, and some of our favorite bands are Alice in Chains, Green Day, and The Red Hot Chili Peppers. We also mix that kind of heavier grungy metal vibe with the music that we've grown up with. You know, we are all born and raised in New Orleans, so there’s a dash of NOLA spice in there. We see our music as a mix of punk rock, 90’s grunge, metal, and then, like I said, that little dash of NOLA funk. MaM : I feel that! I immediately heard Green Day as one of your influences when I checked you guys out. I kind of even felt some 311 vibes in your instrumentals, with an STP edge. I even heard a little Brandon Boyd (Incubus) with you, Jake, in your vocals. Do you all get compared to other bands often? Julian : Yeah, people tell us all the time … that we sound just like whomever from the 80s or 90s, but it’s always a different band in every show that someone says we sound like. Some nights we get Alice in Chains, and the next weekend we hear Green Day. Credit: Facebook MaM : Do you find it flattering or are some of the comparisons confusing for y’all? Julian : I like it. I mean, if it was just one band all of the time we got compared to, I feel like it would get old. With the variety, sometimes I hear a band that I never even really knew I was very inspired by, but the connections were there. MaM : Tell me about She Might Be a Beast’s peaks and valleys through the industry so far? Jake : I feel like that's a good question for me, because I deal with a lot of the management and reaching out for booking and stuff. We've had a lot of support through a lot of the people we've met in this industry, and the community is really one of the biggest things that propels us to the next level. With that being said … 95% of the people that I reach out to will definitely ignore me. It's just something that happens, but that can't stop you. [Eventually] we started getting onto bigger shows where we’re opening for more famous people. … We actually opened for Doyle, who is the guitar player for the Misfits. Credit: Facebook MaM : What performance that y'all have done so far spoke to y'all? John : We’ve done a couple of House of Blues shows, and this placed called Southport Hall. We played a gig on a Monday night; I believe it was for a band called Cynic. They had a lot of fans there, especially that show, for the opening act. It's kind of a blessing whenever your fan base is semi-growing and starting to get established, but you don't really have to rely on your fans showing up with everyone at that show. You can gain new fans from playing for other people. MaM : How do you get so much energy going before you play? How do you shake the nerves and bring the same intense level every time? Jake : Well, we do really love to jam. It's what keeps us doing this. It's what started us doing this in the first place, and we get really excited playing our music. You're only on stage for a lot of these shows for maybe 30 minutes to an hour. So, we want to leave everything on the stage and give the fans the best, best show possible. They're paying for these shows. So, we want to give them all the energy. We want them to go to sleep thinking about the show and wake up and talk to their friends about how much fun they had. Credit: Facebook MaM : It truly looks like y'all are accomplishing that! So, with things like the pandemic, AI infiltration, and even social media algorithms directly impacting artists and bands, how do you stay motivated to keep pushing through all of that? Jake : You know, that is an interesting one, because it seems like every single day there's another AI to steal somebody's job doing the things a lot of creatives have done for a long time. At the same time, that AI can do some pretty impressive things, there's just no way for AI to replicate human soul and music in writing and stuff like that. I think there's always going to be something special about the human mind and heart when they're putting themself into a piece of work. You know? Credit: Facebook MaM : Absolutely, and you can't match that human experience. So, I am going to ask you my favorite question now. Just hear me out: What came first the chicken or the egg? SMBAB : Um … What do y'all think? I don’t know, the egg. I think it would have to be the egg, for sure. MaM : That’s my cheeky little way to ask you about your writing. SMBAB : There it is! (laughs) Julian : It’s different because there are lyrics that we will hold on to. If you come up with something that you really find to be a good lyric, you hold it. But then we’ll come up with instrumentals separately and pair them sometimes. Most of the time, because we are all heavy on improvisation, we’ll just be in the jam room together and come up with a riff. Usually, the riff comes first when we're playing together, we come up with a song, and the lyrics are usually added after. But like we said, sometimes those lyrics could have been saved from before. We are a musician’s band, so we love playing the instruments … totally playing chronologically like that—writing the riffs and the lyrics all in the same day. Credit: Facebook MaM : What are you currently working on? Jake : We just released our full-length album, ‘Art Class’, and we’re really happy with that. At the same time, we do have a few new songs we've been playing live and a few even newer ones we're trying to write at the same time. So, I think next for us, when it comes to the music, we're going to be releasing a single. It’s going to be called ‘Walk with Me’, and it’s a really, really high energy, exciting rock song. We’re told all the time that people have a lot of fun when we play that song. MaM : Very cool. Well, guys, congrats on the release of “Art Class”, and thank you guys for a dope interview! I appreciate your time! SMBAB : And thank you so much! *cover photo from Facebook For more on She Might Be a Beast, visit them online at www.SheMightBeABeast.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 . 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Exploring the stories and southern spirit that shaped Dash Rip Rock’s newest chapter. < Back Finding the Song in Everyone: Conversations with Dash Rip Rock Gary Governale Nov 15, 2025 Share Exploring the stories and southern spirit that shaped Dash Rip Rock’s newest chapter. Legendary Louisiana cowpunk band Dash Rip Rock is finishing up their set with a powerful cover of an old Minutemen song. Bassist Izzy Grisoli bounces and grooves to the beat, while drummer Wade Hymel pounds out the rhythm. Meanwhile, band founder and leader Bill Davis sits quietly in the corner, shredding on guitar like only he can. This isn’t the end of a beer-soaked set at an edge-of-town roadhouse; it’s actually Izzy’s living room in the Broadmoor area of New Orleans . It marks the last song of a more than two-hour rehearsal as Dash prepares to close out 2025 with a series of shows, culminating in the release of a brand-new album. Credit: Gary Governale It’s been a long and winding journey for Davis . He started the band in the mid-1980s while attending Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge , using it as a way to earn some extra money on the side. Let’s dive into who Dash Rip Rock is today and where they are headed. Bill : I love Punk Rock and New Wave, and there weren't that many punk rock and new wave bands in Baton Rouge . But the LSU fraternities were hiring punk and new wave to play their fraternity parties. So, I kind of just put the band together to make a little extra side money and then to write songs and start doing kind of a creative punk thing. The guys in the band were just sort of like newbie musicians, just like me, and we were mostly in school. We were at school at LSU , going to classes, and then we formed a band in the summertime, and it just took off. Yeah, we instantly started doing really well and drawing crowds, and then transferred over into New Orleans , and then it just took off from there. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : Did you intend on going into “Cowpunk” necessarily, or was it more punk at first? Bill : It wasn't called “ Cowpunk ”, but you know, we were calling it “ Country Punk ”. There were bands like Rank and File , The Long Ryders , Jason and the Scorchers , The Beat Farmers …They all came through Baton Rouge . It was kind of a good stop off for touring bands. And so, you had a great college radio station there, KLSU , and so all these bands stopped in, and when they did, I instantly went out there and made buddies, made friends with them, got drunk with them, brought them to the house, and made a gumbo. We just befriended all these cool Cowpunk bands. But it wasn't really called “ Cowpunk ”; it was “ Country Punk .” MaM : But it stuck, and you obviously embraced it. Bill : Yeah, I mean, I've embraced it because it's fun. It's just a fun thing to say, like, “ Yacht Rock ”, you know? It's “ Cowpunk !" Like Mojo Nixon used to say, “There are more bands than fans in Cowpunk. Everybody loves playing Cowpunk, but nobody goes to see it!” You know, it's like empty audiences. (laughs) Izzy : And it's not really true. They do turn up. Bill : Like outlaw country , the cruise and the radio station have all sorts of lifted Cowpunk up recently, but it has been a rough slog. But it's been fun because Cowpunk is a blast. It's a blast to play. It's fast, and it’s country! Credit: Gary Governale In fact, the current lineup of Dash Rip Rock seems determined to stretch beyond Cowpunk . The band, at heart, has always embraced its Southern roots. Influenced by Georgia bands like R.E.M. and Guadalcanal Diary , Dash followed in their footsteps: finding inspiration in Southern Gothic literature, poetry, and atmosphere. Creating fresh new music isn’t always easy for long-established bands, but Davis has found the solution: creating the most collaborative and creative version of Dash Rip Rock yet. Releasing January 30, 2026 via Dial Back Sound Bill : I would say this band is beyond Cowpunk . I mean, we made a record called “ Cowpunk ” several years ago. But this band is something else, right? The record label has been sort of digging around for something else to call us, because as much as we love playing Punk Rock and Country, this is just a different band. It's something else. It's better, you know? A million times better. Really, you're not going to pigeonhole this band by saying we're Cowpunk, because we are. But we're looser and more fun… like the members in this band, Wade, Bill, and Izzy, we have something that extends past Cowpunk. Wade : Yeah, it is a melting pot. MaM : You have a lot of different influences that go into it and a lot of various kinds of vibes that I guess you bring to the band. Bill : Absolutely. I've had several people pass through the ranks of Dash Rip Rock , as you know. I had a lot of cool guys come through and play in the band, but this one has been the one that seems more creative, most creative, most outgoing, and ambitious. We try a lot of different stuff that the old guys would not have done. So, we're more experimental. The rehearsal we just had, you know, we were messing around and a lot of stuff came to be… I was saying, “No, that's too much, we can't do it!”. And they were like, "Let's try it… it’s practice!” And then all of a sudden, it happened, and it was just brilliant. So, it's good. Everybody's chipping in. Credit: Gary Governale Izzy : Yeah, it's supposed to be like rootsy, rock, and punk… let's try it. And Wade's like, “Jam! Let's try it!” And then it just comes together in this power trio kind of way where we can achieve these fucking prog rock feats. Bill : Wade brings Jam and Prog to the project, and then Izzy brings a lot of punk , and then me, whatever I've been doing my whole life, which is Country and Punk . Yeah, it just blends really well, and we enjo y playing together. It's always an adventure and really, really fun. Wade : It is. It is. We have a lot of natural chemistry , and we also practice a lot. We're pretty diligent about getting together regularly for rehearsal when we can. So, the combination of those two things makes it really potent. Izzy : But everybody listens really well to each other while we play. That's why we're so tight. We’re constantly listening to each other, looking at each other. I fit in pretty easily because everybody’s so focused on the song, and so am I. So, it just works. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : I think part of the magic of Dash was always a certain level of improvisation, too. I mean, there's a lot of that. Bill : A lot of that. Yeah. And that's the adventure part because it's fun. You know, we could play our songs backwards and forwards perfectly, but we enjoy getting there and just messing them up, you know? Taking the puzzle pieces and throwing them in the air, and then they all come back down differently. Taking all those ideas and influences, the band has poured plenty of energy and excitement into their upcoming new album, A Song in Everyone . Recorded in Water Valley, Mississippi , with Matt Patton of Drive-By Truckers , the new album features the expected rockin’ riffs and humor that make Dash a Southern institution. But the album also expands on and builds the trio’s efforts to broaden the sound, creating something fresh and interesting. Bill : Matt Patton , who's the bass player for Drive-By Truckers , bought the old Fat Possum studio. The minute he asked us to make this record, I was like, "Fat Possum, say no more!” Because I would love to cut anything up in that old studio. There’s a lot of great music that came out of there. You already picture how it's gonna sound. So, we jumped at the chance and we're basically on his record label. It's just a bunch of really cool rock songs, and we're very excited about it. These guys get to sing a couple, and it's a real team effort. It's an amazing record. MaM : Would you say that's the most team effort you've had as far as crafting an album? Bill : Yeah, I would say that. You know, in the history of Dash Rip Rock , it's always been sort of just me putting all the albums and records together. And it's better ever since Wade joined. He's been a good partner in recording and getting studio stuff done … just more imagination, you know. Dash used to be “just stick to your style, stick to your genre.” Now it’s “let's just go outer space with it”. And we do, and it's a freaking awesome one. It's great. Credit: Gary Governale MAM : How many songs are you going to have on it? Bill : Ten. MAM : All brand-new original music? Bill : We’re doing a cover of ' Mean Mister Mustard ' by the Beatles . And it's a New Orleans style Huey Smith intro, and Wade plays piano on it. So, it's a New Orleans, James Booker , Huey Smith , Fats Domino version of ' Mean Mister Mustard .' It's really awesome. And then the rest are just songs that we've all written and cowritten. Izzy : It was cool to get to play on the new record, you know. Since joining the band, I didn't know whether I'd get to play on the record. Bill told me that not all the bass players play on the record; sometimes they stay in Baton Rouge . Bill : I played bass on a lot of Dash records! I mean, we had interesting people working with us. We had Henry Barbe . His dad is Dave Barbe , and he recorded all the Drive-By Truckers . He teaches music at the University of Georgia, and he was in the band Sugar with Bob Mould from Hüsker Dü . So, Dave Barbe's son engineered our first session, and then Clay Jones came, and he worked with Modest Mouse and R.L. Burnside . He was a monster. And then Jim Diamond , mastered it. He worked on a bunch really cool garage music, like the White Stripes . Izzy : We trusted him (producer Matt Patton ) a lot on this record. We really trusted his say. Wade : He’s so warm and relatable. He jumps into the stream, and you can follow his vision. He's just very easy to work with. And so, we fell into a natural chemistry. Bill : Matt just feels it . It's not like he's even listening. He feels it. He's using some spiritual guidance to make things happen. And then he would pop in and make these suggestions that were out in left field, and we would go, “Really?” And then we'd do it and we'd go, "Fuck, yeah, that was great!” Izzy : Dudes got the coolest vibe and coolest accent, and he'd be like, “I don't know, man. That one, if you don't say something about Rush Limbaugh , you ain't got no hair on your nuts or something.” (laughter) Wade : Well, yeah, that's the other thing… Even with his criticism, he's very gentle. My favorite thing would be like, if I had an idea and I came in and tried to play something, he'd go, “It's too intelligent” . Which was his way of saying, “Take most of those notes out. You’ve got a good idea but simplify it.” Izzy : Yeah, and he hates pedals. Bill : Yeah, he has a lot of vintage gear, and everything goes direct. And you never use a guitar pedal. If I say anything else about the record, I want to say that. Wade : It gives the record a really classic, timeless sound . Bill : Well, they have an incredible way of engineering and producing things there, and it's almost like it's a secret. I can't even tell you what they do, but it's insane. And when they did it, I go, "Are you serious? Are you really gonna do that to the music?” And they're like, "Yeah, we do this on every record”. And they did it. Holy shit, that sounds awesome! I can't even tell you what they did. I mean, this would be a whole different interview about their production techniques, but it just made the record sound a million times better. Experiencing a live Dash Rip Rock show is always a whiskey-fueled celebration. The concert features classic hits from the band, such as ' DMZ ,' ' Bumf**Egypt ,' ' Shake That Girl ,' and ' Pack Your Bags ,' as well as memorable covers of Dead Kennedys and ZZ Top songs. Even now, the band continues to introduce fresh music into their setlist, including Bill's current favorite, ' Pain Pills Never Expire ,' which is playing on SiriusXM’s Outlaw Country station. Like much of Dash's discography, the new songs are characterized by barroom swagger , Southern storytelling , and the band's signature humor . The new album from Dash Rip Rock, A Song in Everyone , was recorded at Dial Back Sound in Water Valley, Mississippi , and will be released January 30, 2026 , on the Dial Back Sound record label. Be sure to add it to your list of upcoming releases to check out. Track Listing: 1. Taking You On II 2. Dangerous Ways 3. 2 Much 2 Do 4. I Don’t Want to be a Whore 5. Shakin’ Out The Days 6. Pain Pills Never Expire 7. Mean Mr Mustard 8. Water Valley Throwdown 9. River 10. Hell & Back *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.dashriprock.net Dash Rip Rock Home page of Dash Rip Rock, a group from New Orleans, LA 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

‘Phoenix’ is a soothing journey through sound with raw emotion. < Back Reviews on the Real: Aaron J. Burke’s ‘Phoenix’ Burns Bright Nicole Brice Sep 6, 2024 Share ‘Phoenix’ is a soothing journey through sound with raw emotion. Aaron J. Burke is a singer and songwriter from Ireland. He has gone from recording demos in his room to having frequent airplay on radio stations across his home country and the world. Growing up on a steady diet of rock music, in his twenties, he moved into a more acoustic sound inspired by the rich singer/songwriter scene in Ireland. Aaron has been busy working on his first EP, backed up by the latest release, an acoustic song called ‘ Phoenix .’ ‘ Phoenix ’ is a hauntingly beautiful song reminiscent of tunes by XTC and R.E.M. Aaron’s voice has such raw emotion that it’s peaceful and soothing. Naturally, the day I listened to this track for the first time, it rained outside like crazy. Acoustic tunes suit my mood on rainy days, and Burke has captured the essence of renewal lyrically and musically with a deeply personal and universally relatable piece. Aaron J. Burke said of the lyrical inspiration for the song, “The song 'Phoenix' is over ten years old, so I don't recall the specific events that inspired the lyrics. However, it was written during a dark time for me. I wrote the song as a personal pep talk or motivational thing, but I also wanted it to be well-rounded so everyone could relate.” Credit: Aaron J. Burke The song's arrangement is atmospheric and dynamic, and the music truly resonates on multiple levels. It’s the kind of song that uplifts but also challenges you to reflect on your moments of struggle and triumph. With a new EP in the works, Aaron J. Burke is not rushing the creative process but instead is taking his time. “There is one track left to record for the EP, so I hope it will be released in October.” In the meantime, check out ‘ Phoenix ’ on all streaming services. To learn more about Aaron J. Burke: Facebook Instagram www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

‘My Therapy’ speaks from the heart, conveying the truth and emotion of how music serves as therapy and can heal. < Back Reviews on the Real: My Therapy by Aaron J Burke Nicole Brice May 5, 2025 Share ‘My Therapy’ speaks from the heart, conveying the truth and emotion of how music serves as therapy and can heal. Out today everywhere is the latest release from the talented Irish singer-songwriter Aaron J. Burke . Aaron is a gifted storyteller whose lyrics vividly capture the human experience and life in general. When he reached out to let me know he had another single dropping soon, I was thrilled and couldn't wait to hear it. I must say, wow, what a fantastic new release! I listened to it six times before starting to write this review. It’s excellent. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDp-AcNvJFA The official video for 'My Therapy' by Aaron J. Burke Released May 5, 2025 I love Aaron’s songwriting because it is brutally honest. There’s no fluff or frills, and the lyrics truly resonate with me. I feel them in my soul. We have been reviewing Aaron’s music for about a year now, and no two songs sound alike; each one is thought-provoking. He typically leans towards a more acoustic sound, but in ‘ My Therapy ,’ he takes a heavier approach that I really enjoy. ‘ My Therapy ’ speaks from the heart, conveying the truth and emotion of how music serves as therapy and can heal. There are no truer words. Music is my therapy, too, so I can relate. Although this song marks a departure from the sound Aaron has become known for, the grunge feel in this track is undeniable. It’s as if Aaron has traded his acoustic guitar for an electric, grunge-infused style that sounds unlike anything I have ever heard. The song starts with a groove that immediately gets your head nodding. The guitar tone is deep, and everything about this song hits hard, so I encourage you to check out ‘ My Therapy ’ today on all your favorite streaming services. Other Reviews: Reviews on the Real: Run for Cover by Aaron J. Burke Reviews on the Real: Aaron J. Burke’s ‘Phoenix’ Burns Bright Reviews on the Real: Rise Not Fall by Aaron J. Burke Facebook: Facebook Instagram: Aaron J. Burke (@aaronjburkemuso) • Instagram photos and videos Spotify: Aaron J. Burke | Spotify Apple Music: ‎Aaron J. Burke - Apple Music www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Reach out to 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

Main Attraction feels like a cinematic trip through nostalgia. < Back Reviews on the Real: Main Attraction by Glitter Litter Nicole Brice May 12, 2026 Share Main Attraction feels like a cinematic trip through nostalgia. Released on May 8, 2026 , ' Main Attraction ' by Glitter Litter is a nonstop rush of aggression, punk energy, pop sensibilities, and colorful lyricism that paints a vivid story from start to finish — something Glitter Litter consistently excels at. Every song they release is sharply produced and packed with unforgettable imagery, creating scenes that linger in your mind like memories you’ve lived yourself. Released May 8, 2026 We previously reviewed the song ' Johnny’s Got a Girlfriend ' and the album Shocks to Sleeping Beauties , so if you haven’t checked those out yet, now’s the perfect time. This time, Glitter Litter takes you on a ride through the eyes of a guy out on a date, making it clear that no one else can steal his attention. She’s the main attraction. The repeating echo of “you’re my main attraction” is instantly infectious, the kind of hook you catch yourself humming long after the song ends. It’s vibrant, nostalgic, and ridiculously fun. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEcZzs1u5xs 'Main Attraction' by Glitter Litter For those not familiar with Glitter Litter , it is a solo project from Sweden featuring Andreas (ex- Sugar Shock ). Inspired by glam, comic, bubblegum, and ‘80s happy metal, the project has had numerous releases since its inception, so be sure to check them all out. Main Attraction feels like a cinematic trip through neon-lit movie theaters, moonlit amusement parks, and reckless young romance. One of the strongest things about Glitter Litter’s music is how effortlessly the hooks stay with you long after the final note fades. Go stream it now. To learn more about Glitter Litter: Website: Glitter Litter - bubblegum glam/punk Spotify: Glitter Litter | Spotify Apple Music: ‎Glitter Litter - Apple Music YouTube: youtube.com Glitter Litter www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com mixedalternativemag@gmail.com Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Them Guys have a sound embodying Louisiana music's rich, genre-bending spirit. < Back Them Guys: A Deep Dive into Louisiana’s Musical Treasures Nicole Brice Oct 3, 2024 Share Them Guys have a sound embodying Louisiana music's rich, genre-bending spirit. Louisiana, synonymous with the vibrant sounds of jazz, blues, and zydeco, has long been a fertile ground for emerging musicians. One such gem in its musical tapestry currently is Them Guys , a band from Vacherie, Louisiana, that has carved out its niche in the Bayou State’s eclectic scene by consistently getting its brand out there with a busy schedule of non-stop shows all along the Gulf coast. Formed five years ago, Them Guys started when various members were growing tired of the cover band music scene. The desire to create an original and definitive sound led the lifelong friends to join forces, and that union has given birth to a band with a consistent vision of where they want to go and what they want to accomplish. Credit: Gary Governale With too many musical influences to count, the Them Guys sound combines each member’s distinct style for a well-rounded listening experience that defies categorization. They’re not nu-metal , but they sound like metal at times. They’re not just straight rock ; there’s some melodic thrash there, too. How do you categorize the sound of Them Guy’s music? You can’t. It’s just a combination of all things that makes their music enjoyable, and their sound embodies the rich, genre-bending spirit of Louisiana music. Them Guys is Chet Tabor on drums, John Waguespack on bass, Benjamin Kliebert on lead guitar, and Nick Oubre on lead vocals/rhythm guitar. In just five short years, these multi-talented and multi-faceted individuals have released three albums that showcase the band’s collaborative evolution from inception to now, culminating in the definitive Them Guys sound with the aid of friend and producer Ross Johnson. Ross is just as important to Them Guys as the members themselves because, without Ross, Them Guys' live show experiences would not be as phenomenal as they are currently. With Ross behind them, Them Guys not only have consistency with each performance in terms of sound, lights, mixing, etc., but they have a secret weapon for putting on the best performance imaginable no matter what venue they step into. Humble, focused, and determined, Mixed Alternative Magazine recently sat down and chatted at length with the men of Them Guys about their beginnings, visions for the future, and more. No topic was off-limits. Them Guys are a beacon of hope for the Louisiana music scene because of their dedication, enthusiasm, and readiness to help all succeed. They bring a product. Not just the music. Read on below. MaM : Thanks for meeting with us today. Let’s start with a bit of band history for those not familiar. Tell us about how Them Guys came together initially. Chet : In July 2019, we came together as Them Guys but weren’t named yet. We actually started as a Chevelle tribute band. John : Nick and I were in another band together but didn’t have a name yet. We were working with another guy, and things fell apart, so Nick was the one who suggested we start a Chevelle cover band. We only wanted to do it if Chet played drums, though. Chet was in, so we got together and jammed, and that was it. We became a Chevelle cover band. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : Interesting. Why Chevelle? Nick : I don’t know. (laughs) Chet : He’s a big fan of Chevelle (points to Nick). They’re not my favorite, but I respect their music. The idea is that it’s not complicated to play, and you can quickly come up with ten or twelve hits to put on a setlist. Everyone knows the songs, too. It was also easy to intertwine some non-Chevelle covers because they fit the bill. We were 100% covers starting out. MaM : People always make fun of me because I’m not a fan of Chevelle, but their music doesn’t do anything for me. It just sounds basic. I respect them as musicians, but that’s about it. Chet : That was part of that mainstream sound at that time. One of the things we’re looking to do going forward is not necessarily to capitalize on any mainstream sound. Still, the music can be generic enough for the vast majority to enjoy. Take, for example, a band like Korn ; you must like Korn to listen to Korn. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : Yeah, they have always had a distinct sound. Chet : I think Chevelle, Breaking Benjamin , and bands like that have cornered the market to attract the most listeners. They make great music with a significant following. We intertwine with so many bands and do it intentionally … She Might Be a Beast , Silverdose , Drab , This Beating Heart , Branded for Exile , and we play with these bands purposely. It’s all part of the elevation process. The better we do, the better those bands do. We feel like this Louisiana music scene is astronomically better than most, and that even includes the Gulf Coast. Many of these bands don’t get the acknowledgment they deserve either, but we will keep putting the work in and try to lift others in the process. John : There wasn't that camaraderie when I first started playing music. Some thought they were better than others. It was cutthroat. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : Tell me a little about each of you. How did you get into music initially? Nick : I started as a drummer and was playing in three bands. One day, I decided I didn’t want to be a drummer anymore. We all grew up with each other, so that’s how we know each other. Chet : Yeah, Nick has the most unique story because he’s the best drummer in the band, by far. MaM : But he doesn’t want to play drums. John : My story intertwines with all of this. Chet : It’s been this exciting path because I came in with over 25 years of experience. Not necessarily playing live, but the experience. I’ve always been a drummer, though, and I can remember being on stage with John, and his voice went out, so I moved him out of the way to take over on vocals. I sang ‘ Simple Man’ by Lynyrd Skynyrd the first time I did it. Nick, though, by far is the most talented drummer in this band, but it doesn’t stop there … he plays guitar and bass and even sings. Nick Oubre by Gary Governale MaM : He’s a one-man band. Chet : Most of Them Guys' music is Nick’s guitar riffs. He writes 90% of the guitar riffs. Ben : … and I know I have a microphone in front of me all the time, but I can’t do public speaking. (laughter) John : I started playing in 2013 when I was taking guitar lessons. The guy I was taking lessons from needed a bass player and asked me if I wanted to. I was thinking, ‘Ain’t nobody wants to play bass.’ (laughter) John : He tells me that Chet has a bass at his house, and we’ll ride over to get it. He gave me four songs to learn, so I called him the next day and told him I had learned them. He didn’t believe me, so I went to his house to show him I had learned the songs. Once he realized I did know them, he gave me four more to learn. The next night, I learned those four songs, too. He then called Chet to tell him he had found a bass player. We went to Chet’s house, and he was on drums, but we ended up playing all eight songs, and then that was that. We ended up learning 40 songs in total. Ben : What band was that? John : Super Nutria was the name of the band. Chet : Funny story: I wasn’t even supposed to be in the band, but here I was, deciding on the bass player. (laughter) Nick : I was too young to play live yet. John : We did that for about three years, and then I quit the band. They played for a few more years, but then it died out. Chet : That was my decision. We were active and always playing shows, but it was time to move on. John : So, the guitar player from Super Nutria and I decided to continue playing music together under the name Soldiers of Ana – which is short for Louisiana, so technically, Soldiers of Louisiana. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : I love that name. That’s very clever. John : Nick has a tattoo of the band name on his leg actually. (Nick points to the tattoo on his leg) John : We ended up calling up Nick, who was going to play the drums, but we needed a singer. Nick said he would sing, but I only thought he played drums. So, we have this little, tiny amp, and I just plugged in the microphone straight into the amp with a background song playing on my phone. I had him sing to that to see if he could, and he did, and it was incredible. It was a Judas Priest song he sang. MaM : Which song? Nick : ‘ Painkiller ’ – it was when I still had my falsetto singing voice. John : He sings this song, and I’m just blown away. We started as a three-piece band and learned a 40-song set to only play one show together for his dad’s birthday. It just fell apart. After that band fell apart, we decided to start another band, and once again, it was covering songs. Slayer , Metallica , Black Sabbath , Chevelle , Pink Floyd … Ben : Yeah, it was a diverse list. John : It was a crazy list. Before we got active in the scene playing, I had some personal stuff come up, so that band ended. I ended up selling all my equipment after that. Nick was the one who bought a good bit of it, and then a co-worker of mine bought all my bass stuff. Ben : We grew up together and have been friends forever, with the music being secondary. Initially, I took on the role of lighting tech for the band. Eventually, the band had some issues arise, and we needed a guitar player. I’ve been playing guitar my whole life. I knew the music. I knew the guys. It was a perfect fit. We didn’t skip a beat, either. Benjamin Kliebert by Gary Governale MaM : Where did the name for the band come from? Ben : Well, it was either that or free beer. (laughter) Chet : We used a few names, but before transitioning to the original material, Brittany drew a picture of Louisiana with a voodoo doll … John : … and at the top it said Them Guys. Ben : Once we saw the image on the shirt, that was it. John : … and you can’t forget it. Like, we saw Them Guys the other night. MaM : It’s the perfect name. The logo, too, is impressive. Chet : That’s about to change, but we plan to rebrand or slightly revamp. That original logo with the state of Louisiana picture and then the voodoo doll is, by far, our most popular design to date. We haven’t sold that shirt in three years, either. John : Everyone still asks for it because they like having the Louisiana logo there. Chet Tabor by Gary Governale MaM : Let’s talk performances. Tell me about your best and worst shows so far. Ben : We haven’t played our best show yet. Chet : I can’t say that. We’ve had some good ones, though. In my opinion, the best show so far was Jeff’s benefit at the fairgrounds. There were 500-600 people there. There was even a rainstorm that came through. It looked like a Creed music video. (laughter) Chet : It was a rough show – a sea of heads. They loved it, though. John : This brutal thunderstorm started blowing all the lights down. It pushed Nick’s guitar off the stand, breaking the head. Everyone was getting soaking wet, but no one left. Everyone stayed and rocked out. Chet : That’s one of two. The second-best performance, though, was the Hometown Throwdown. Experience-wise, it was the show at Zina’s Place in Thibodaux . We rolled up four hours before showtime and thought it would be a challenging show. It turned out to be a packed house, and we were asked to play songs we had never played before, which we were cool with. There were 130-140 people, and it was just a great time all around . Now, the Hometown Throwdown was on a different level. It was one of the most professional productions, and we did everything ourselves, from the production to the lights. We had 590 tickets sold, but in a venue that houses 3,000 people. It could have been better, but the performance was insane. It was an experience. Ben : Everyone had a great time. John : We even catered food and drinks for the bands. Everyone was taken care of. Ben : Worst show? Chet : The worst show was at Southport Hall with 4 Mag Nitrous . It had a great line-up, but no one showed up. Ben : Like eight people showed up. Chet : Yeah, that was two years ago, and then coincidentally, the next night, we had a great show in Texas and ended up in a magazine and on the news because of the show. Friday night was a bad show. Saturday night, holy shit. John Waguespack by Gary Governale MaM : You all have different music influences. Who would you say helped to influence the Them Guys sound? Chet : We have three or four consistent across the board – Black Sabbath and Alice in Chains are a couple. I love Nonpoint . I also like Limp Bizkit and Godsmack , too. Sevendust , too. Nick and John’s G.O.A.T. is Black Sabbath. Ben’s is Megadeth . Ben : Yeah, definitely Megadeth. Chet : When you step back and truly listen to our music, you can hear the influences of Black Sabbath, Alice in Chains, and even some Godsmack in the beginning. There’s even a little Breaking Benjamin style there. We have established the Them Guys sound now and don’t focus on who we sound like. We had to find it, and now we have it. Our philosophy is to one-up ourselves and be better each time. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : Man, ya’ll have the right formula. If you guys could share the stage with any band or musician in the future, who would it be? Ben: Megadeth (lots of discussion) John : They’re all dead. (laughter) Chet : Realistic level— Nonpoint . We’ve met the band and worked with them before. They are great to work with, and we would love to share the stage with them. They wore one of our shirts on stage at a show, too. It was one of the last shows on their tour. John : We threw a shirt at them. The drummer caught our shirt in his chest. He walked backstage after that, switched to our shirt, and played the rest of the show wearing it. Photo courtesy of Chet Tabor MaM : That’s so awesome. You can’t get better exposure than a t-shirt. It's the best branding ever. Where do you see the band headed in the next five years? Any new music? Chet: We believe the production quality is as important as the music, so we’re doing a big push on ‘ Delusions .’ Moving forward, we will continue to record with Ross so it can be the best product ever. We have about six or seven songs that are written. A couple are recorded. We have a Jelly Roll cover, too. I can’t wait to record it either because it’s perfect. John : It’s got our style. Our elements. Chet : The bigger picture is that we want to jam. It's as simple as that. We are also in this to elevate. We see the path forward and want to continue it. With a solid discography and an ever-growing fanbase, the future looks bright for Them Guys. They continue to play shows extensively, bringing their unique blend of rock music to new audiences. As they look forward to the next chapter, it’s clear that Them Guys are more than just a band – they’re torchbearers of Louisiana’s rich musical heritage, keeping its traditions alive while pushing the boundaries of what it means to make original rock music in the 21st century. To experience Them Guys' music for yourself, just hit one of the links below. themguysofficial.com THEM GUYS Official Band Page Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/THEMGUYSOFFICIAL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/them_guysofficial/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThemGuysOfficial2019 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? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . 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‘Where Gods Fear to Speak’ delivers a powerful blend of melancholy and majesty. < Back Oceans of Slumber Unveils a Bold New Chapter in Progressive Metal Brent "Shaggy Chan" Taylor Jun 24, 2024 Share ‘Where Gods Fear to Speak’ delivers a powerful blend of melancholy and majesty. Houston, Texas' own Oceans of Slumber is a Five-Piece female-fronted metal act that will release its fifth studio album, " Where Gods Fear to Speak ," on September 13, 2024. Still, for now, they have delivered a powerful title track that hits like a lightning bolt straight to the eardrum and delivers a powerful blend of melancholy and majesty, redefining the progressive metal landscape. Click to pre-order the new album! “ Where Gods Fear to Speak " is a soulful blend of melodic vocals. As a diehard fan of modern metal, this song grabbed my attention as soon as I clicked the play button. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZ-uFhTng5g The emotions felt through the music enhanced the song's impact and immediately launched me into a reflective and introspective state. The video reinforces the song's message of confronting fears and embracing vulnerability through visually striking imagery and symbolic representations. This was increasingly evident as frontwoman Cammie Gilbert-Beverly can be seen tied up and tangled in straps hanging from the ceiling, all while wearing an outfit that would make any individual feel vulnerable. The lyrics explore the internal battles faced throughout life, emphasizing the need to find strength within vulnerability. This theme resonates throughout the song, highlighting the complexity of human emotions and the journey towards self-acceptance. Buckle up because feelings of sadness, rage, and hope are all here, and you will undoubtedly feel it all like a punch in the gut! Get the latest news, releases, and more from Oceans of Slumber by checking out any of their social media pages listed below: Website : oceansofslumber.com Oceans of Slumber Home page of Oceans of Slumber, a metal group from Houston. Official website of Texas Progressive Metal band Oceans of Slumber. Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/oceansofslumber/ Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/oceansofslumber/?hl=en YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/user/oceansofslumber Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/artist/2JSza6IRxLr1Ez3wqKd0SY?si=aWrsTRHCSCemMNRQaSk5tw Do you have something you think Shaggy would like? Hit him up at shaggy.mixedaltmag@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

Charles Brooks, D.M.A. < Back Big, Easy, Body-Melting Vibes Keeley Brooks Oct 3, 2022 Share Charles Brooks, D.M.A. As promised, each article I’ll direct your gaze towards an artist worth checking out, and then I’ll tell you all about why they’re worth it. Maybe they’re hip and chic, just like you. Maybe they’ve got some funky, groovy vibes that resonate so loudly, you simply can’t afford to pass on hearing more about him/her/them. Or, maybe they have a super-cool ability to melt your face off with one bitchin’ musical experience that’ll leave you reeling for days. For this first article, I do not disappoint. (And if I do, then by all means send me an email and let me know so we can rap about it.) I bring you more than just a musician. I bring you a unique body-melting experience that clings to you like static and leaves one hell of a lasting impression. My people, meet Dr. Charles Brooks, a multi-talented, classically trained professional jazz vibraphonist, percussionist, hand drummer, pianist, clinician, composer, and educator. Hold up. A what? A vibraphone? What the hell is that? Here’s the easy answer: think xylophone, only bigger, more octaves, and with pedals, like a piano. Remember NBC’s former tone that played on TV between your favorite primetime shows … ding dang dong … that’s a vibraphone. You with me? Cool. The vibraphone itself is a unique instrument for many reasons, one being because it’s not that widely known outside of the professional music community, and secondly because of its main special feature: a set of small, electrically operated fans that sit above the resonators and below the bars, or keys, of the instrument. This positioning allows for a smooth vibrato, or pulsating change of pitch, effect by rapidly closing and opening the resonators. Still with me? For those of you who are music lovers and not players, resonators are the tubes placed underneath the tone bars (i.e., keys) through which the vibrations travel. What makes Brooks’ sound equally unique, if not more, is his method of running the vibes through effects pedals, and that , my friends, is where this bitchin’ musical experience begins, if I do say so myself. “Running the vibes through these pedals provides added texture to its distinctive sound. [The pedals] roll out those rich vibraphone tones to listeners in waves with multi-dimensional effects that leave quite an impression. And that’s what I try to do when I play music—give listeners an unforgettable experience through a sound that imprints upon them in some way,” said Brooks. And imprint upon you, it will. Cases in point: check out the livestreams of his 2017 Pink Floyd tribute show ( https://www.periscope.tv/theCBDMA/1dRJZAYnrdaGB ) and his 2022 Black History Month Jimi Hendrix tribute show ( https://youtu.be/0R2OK689L2U ). Or, stroll on over to his YouTube channel and check out his smooth jazz vibes from this year’s W.C. Handy Festival ( https://youtu.be/_ibe3G-X8Uk ). But definitely after that, you’ll wanna peruse through any or all of his Friday Night Vibes shows, which feature both originals and covers. Selections of FNV shows are available on YouTube, and all FNV shows in their entirety are available for your pleasure at www.TheCharlesBrooks.com/friday-night-vibes . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0R2OK689L2U Credit: YouTube When COVID locked us all down with nothing to do but, I don’t know, be with ourselves without a social construct and learn to communicate and self-entertain, Brooks started live streaming a one-hour solo vibraphone concert (often with various hand drums and drum set) every Friday night “I knew people were going stir crazy being stuck at home—especially those who enjoy live music. When there is no live music and everything’s locked down, it leaves a gaping hole in people’s lives. So, I started doing FNV to help music lovers and listeners unwind and disconnect from their stress so they could feel somewhat reconnected to music … to themselves, in a sense,” said Brooks. You’ll definitely want to set yourself an atmosphere before settling into any of these concerts. Relax, get comfy, turn the lights down, grab a drink, get mellow, then get lost in the waves that come rolling out at you. Let the energy of sound and the magic of music take you wherever they go. Get lost, babies. That’s what it’s about. We have to have a way to check out of our physical reality from time to time—in healthy ways, of course—and what better way to do that than with music? Let its healing power flow all through your sexy little body and do what it’s meant to: create, inspire, and impress an experience upon your being. Credit: Rachel Neal After viewing one of his shows, you’ll understand what I mean by “experience.” Brooks is known for his personalized high-energy performances, not to mention his wildly innovative improv talents and the speed at which he is able to play. He uses four mallets and often moves so fast up and down the face of the vibes it’ll make your head spin. Like a record. Right ‘round, baby. Right ‘round. It is truly a spectacular, unforgettable experience. And Brooks doesn’t just stick to jazz tunes, no. He has an ever-expanding repertoire that includes rock, blues, soul, and funk genres, as well as his own original tunes. He currently has four albums out, and they’re all available on his website and most streaming platforms. For each album, he composed, performed, recorded, mixed, and mastered everything himself. His albums range from a meditative hand drum experience inspired by martial arts forms he has studied over the course of his life, to a meditation and relaxation album for stress relief, to albums with a mix of jazz, blues, funk, and soul. Each of his tunes reflect on a special person, time, or experience in his life. Credit: Rachel Neal Brooks isn’t just a musician though. He’s also a professional audio engineer and educator (with a doctorate from good ‘ole LSU (Geaux Tigers)) with over 30 years’ experience. And in 2021, after nearly 26 years in Baton Rouge as a music and audio educator, mentor, and performing musician within the Baton Rouge and South Louisiana community, he accepted a position as Assistant Professor of Audio Engineering at the University of North Alabama in their department of entertainment industry. Since settling up in the Shoals area, he has returned to his role of freelancing as a studio musician with numerous musical capabilities at the legendary FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Brooks can be heard playing the vibraphone on Southern Retro Soul artists Bonneville’s recent self-titled album, currently out now, and playing the steel drum on Nashville’s Outlaw Country recording artist Rickie Joe Wilson’s song “Reggae Redneck,” also recently released. So, what are you still doing reading this article? Go! Go listen! Go watch! Go experience! For further info on Dr. Brooks, his music, upcoming shows, and/or his audio program, visit www.TheCharlesBrooks.com , Facebook @TheCharlesBrooksMusic, Instagram @Cbreezington, and YouTube @MFCharlieB73. Credit: Rachel Neal *All photos by Rachel Neal Pictures* www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Coming Soon! < Back Off the Charts Bud Gambrell Mar 17, 2023 Share Coming Soon! Hello to all! I hope you are here and curious about what Off The Charts is. Well, I’m going to attempt to explain what our goals here are. I am glad you’re here! My name is Bud Gambrell and I live in North Alabama. I am a published writer in several magazines and I have written a book, too. I also am a photographer who shoots mainly concerts big and small. In this maiden voyage of Off The Charts , I will attempt to lay out what you can expect from this column. What you will read here will be about bands that you may never have heard of from Alabama and the surrounding areas. That’s the point of the title. Off The Charts. The title embodies my goal. The bands included here are not on the charts, yet. I will be attempting to expose lesser-known acts with the hopes of you discovering new music that you enjoy. The articles that will periodically be posted here may include a concert review with pictures. Pictures are my favorite! The articles may also include interviews with any artists who are willing to sit down and have a talk. I may even branch out and attempt to get news out about new releases including singles and albums. Yes, I’m old school. I still call them albums. Listening to a new streaming release will be a good way to discover exactly what you are looking for. When I was first approached about starting this column, the intent was to focus on Outlaw Country. I thought, what a great idea! Then, as I thought more about it, I felt that there is so much more good music out there that deserves exposure. The genres that you can expect to read about will include Outlaw Country as well as good old Rock ‘N Roll. You will read about Southern Rock which is one of my favorites, too. We may even dive into some Blues. The point is to expose those hard-working men and women out there hustling to keep us entertained. One thing that you will not see here is critique. I am not a critic, so I’ll spare you reading about me pretending to be. I’m not here to criticize any musician. I’m here to help expose them and the wonderful work that they do. I’m a music lover. I’m a live music lover. Anyway, it almost seems that you would have to dislike music a little bit to sit back and pick someone’s art apart. Or you feel like you’re better at it than they are. Right? Another thing that you will not see here is major national recording bands. I would have to come up with another name. Remember, we are Off The Charts here. We don’t want to write about those bands. What could I say that hasn’t already been said and that you’ve read elsewhere? So, this section will inform you of your role in this column. Send me an email and tell me the bands that you love that may be lesser known. Maybe your favorite local band is releasing a new album soon. Tell me about it, so I can tell others. Maybe you are a musician that wants to spread the word about yourself or your band. You know the next line. Send me an email. We may even arrange an interview. When you stop by, grab yourself a cold beer. Grab that glass of wine. Grab whatever you indulge in to medicate your mind. Hopefully, I will turn you on to some new tunes that you can kick back and listen to and enjoy. Come happy and leave happier. Besides, we are all friends here. See you next time! Bud To learn more about Bud: Website: Bud Gambrell Photography ( bgambrellphotography.com ) Facebook: Facebook Amazon: https://a.co/d/a6lGy0O www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Meet Mike Poole < Back Uno, Dos, Tres: The Man with the Plan in Three Bands Nicole Brice Oct 20, 2022 Share Meet Mike Poole Meet Mike Poole. Mike plays the drums, and he plays them loud! He is one busy man, and he not only holds down a normal 9-5 job, but he also finds time to play drums in not one, not two, but THREE bands that are heavily involved in the South Louisiana music scene. Seriously. How DOES he do it all? Recently, I reached out to Mike to speak with him about what drives him to perform and what interests him about being a musician. With a lengthy history in the Baton Rouge, Louisiana, music scene, Mike isn’t just another drummer. His current projects are DeadCentered , Vatic Decryption , and Glacial Coffin , and all three bands have original music available you should check out, with even more on the way. A percussionist is a more fitting term for Mike because of the technical aspects he incorporates into his playing. LIKE WHAT? His ferocity on the kit is what sets him apart from all the others twirling the sticks out there. This man can play! credit: Gary Governale MaM : Obviously, you have someone or something that inspired you to pick up the sticks when you were younger. Who would you cite as your ultimate inspiration if you could only pick one? MP : Honestly, Phil Collins was my earliest influence. I've been a huge fan of his since middle school. I remember watching a live video of him playing the drums fill on ‘In the Air Tonight’ (yes, THAT drum fill) and that was the moment I knew I wanted to play the drums. MaM : I think everyone loves Phil Collins and you can't help but turn the radio up when the epic part of that song starts to come in. I can relate. You are currently involved in many projects ranging from Punk Rock to straight up Death Metal, but I'm sure you have an eclectic mix of music you listen to daily, as do I. What type of music inspires you to create? MP : I guess anything metal would be a given and obvious but oddly enough, a lot of my creativity and inspiration for wanting to create comes from a good bit of the pop music I listen to. Lady Gaga, to me, is one of the greatest artists of this day and age. Brian Fallon and any project he is a part of, too. And the Killers are one of my all-time favorite bands, too, so you have that. Their drummer, Ronny, is one of the greatest drummers I've ever had the privilege of seeing play live. His playing inspires me so much. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcC1Ui_G_tQ MaM : I, too, am a huge Killers fan, and I feel they do not get enough recognition. What age were you when you first realized you had a heavy interest in music and what truly made you want to become an actual musician? MP : Well, I'll circle back to Phil Collins because I was heavily into his music in middle school, but it was probably around 8th grade when I decided I wanted to get a kit and start playing drums. Discovering heavy metal music really lit a fire under me, too, and it was somewhere between hearing the band Tourniquet, which is THE band that got me into metal, and hearing Metallica's ‘And Justice For All’ that turned my want to play drums into a NEED to play drums. credit: Gary Governale NB : Lars Ulrich is truly one of the greats, but I'm pretty sure he knows that. ::laughs:: Now, at the moment you’re involved in three music projects, right? Tell us a little more about those. MP : Well, currently, I am in three different bands, and I've been in all of them since 2017. I joined them all within a few months of each other. DeadCentered is a hardcore punk/thrash band. Glacial Coffin plays what I would call melodic Scandinavian death/black metal, and Vatic Decryption is a death metal band rooted in the second wave of death metal (90's Florida/New York death metal scene). All of my bands are currently active, and we have music available via all streaming outlets. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZGkmQKOK50 NB : If you had to pick a favorite time of the year for playing music, what time would you pick? MP : Fall, hands-down! There is just something about the beautiful mild weather and the smell of bonfires and burning leaves in the air. It automatically puts me in a great mood. Plus, it's nice to not be sweating so much. And for us big guys, that is a very big deal. ::laughs:: For more info about all of Mike's current projects and to hear him in action, check out: DeadCentered | Facebook Vatic Decryption | Facebook Glacial Coffin | Facebook DeadCentered Official (@deadcentered_official) • Instagram photos and videos Vatic Decryption (@vaticdecryption) • Instagram photos and videos Glacial Coffin (@glacialcoffin) • Instagram photos and videos DeadCentered - YouTube Vatic Decryption Official - YouTube Glacial Coffin - YouTube credit: Gary Governale *All photos by Gary Governale* www.governalephotovideo.com Zenfolio | Home I have been working as a video professional since 1993, with a wide range of experience writing, producing, directing, shooting and editing. A strong interest in videography, specifically lighting and composition, led me to photography in 1998. Rapidly changing technology has blurred the line between video and photography, allowing me to work in both mediums.. Baton Rouge, LA, United States www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90's flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or Comments? Reach out to the_nicolebrice@mixedaltmag.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

You’ll hear punk energy and hooks you can’t ignore! < Back Reviews on the Real: DC’s Burden’s Landing Bring Dreamy, Layered Vibes With New Releases Nicole Brice Jul 1, 2026 Share You’ll hear punk energy and hooks you can’t ignore! Burden’s Landing , an alt-rock band out of DC, is back with two new singles this month, “ Blank Page ” and “ Hallucination ”. Both are solid tracks that deserve your listening attention now. No, seriously, they do. How have I just now discovered this band? They’re really awesome, and I can’t wait to catch them live one day, but for now, I’ll enjoy their music with my favorite pair of pink headphones firmly on my ears. Burden’s Landing only started up in 2023 , but they’ve already been making noise all over the DC, Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania music scenes with their wild live shows and a sound that’s all over the map. You’ll hear punk energy, dreamy shoegaze, and hooks you can’t get out of your head. Credit: Burden's Landing The band first showed up in 2024 with their DIY EP, Could This Be a Portal? —a wild mix of grunge, shoegaze, indie rock, and punk that really set the tone for what they’re all about. That EP was big and ambitious, and since then, they’ve basically become a regular at clubs, DIY spots, and even record stores all over DC, Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania —pretty much anywhere that’ll let them turn things up loud. Credit: Alec Pugliese Let’s dive into these new tracks, shall we? Blank Page ' Blank Page ' kicks off with a thick, pulsing bassline and dreamy shoegaze vibes, layered under smooth vocals that pretty much melt you right into the groove. Then the tempo shifts, the drums hit hard, and honestly, this track just has everything. It’s all heart, all soul, no gimmicks—just pure music. If you’re into big, rich sounds, this one’s definitely up your alley. Hallucination ' Hallucination ' jumps right in with a steady punk groove and super-thick guitar and bass sounds. The vocals totally nail the vibe, and the energy just keeps building—this song never really lets you catch your breath. If you’re into punk, seriously, give this one a listen. Burden’s Landing’s new EP is coming out later this week, so keep an eye out—but in the meantime, go stream all their stuff wherever you listen to music. You can thank us later. *cover photo courtesy of Burden's Landing To learn more about Burden's Landing: Instagram Burden's Landing (@burdenslanding.mp3) • Instagram photos and videos Bandcamp 4 Songs | Burden's Landing Spotify Burden's Landing | Spotify Apple Music ‎Burden's Landing - Apple Music www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

The Adventures of Pecos Hank < Back Dark, Moody, Mysterious, and Daring Keeley Brooks Feb 22, 2023 Share The Adventures of Pecos Hank Twenty years ago, when I was in my early stages as an entertainment writer in Baton Rouge, La., I was out covering some local bands when I discovered and fell right in love with a Texas-based opening act called Southern Backtones. I loved their vibe, their presence, their tone, and their music. Not only did the Backtones resonate with me, but they also resonated with everyone else in the room that night. So, I did what any self-respecting writer would do and walked right up to them the second they came off the stage. And I’m glad I did, because it landed me a friend for life in their lead singer, Hank Schyma. We bonded over our love for bands like Pulp, Radiohead, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, and Portishead, and over our love for film—specifically the movie Clay Pigeons . (Shout out to my fishin’ buddy!) Schyma, now widely and most popularly known as Pecos Hank, is really one of the most unique individuals you’ll ever meet. He’s quite the popular singer, songwriter, musician, photographer, videographer, filmmaker, and snake charmer/wrangler on several scenes, but that’s not what makes him unique. It’s who he is at his core and his authentic perspectives, as well as his genuine kindness, that leave the lasting impression. His music deeply expresses a lot of who he is, which is a southern badass with a big ole heart. credit: Jay Dryden Oh, did I mention he’s also a professional tornado chaser? Because, for real, he is. He’s the kind of tornado chaser you might’ve seen in the 90s cult classic disaster hit Twister : in love and obsessed with tornadoes, daring to get up close and personal with them, and passionately unafraid yet deeply respecting of one of Mother Nature’s most powerful storms. When he isn’t Hank the musician or videographer or photographer, he’s Hank the tornado chaser and storm expert. Pecos Hank with a giant twister on his tail. Not only is Schyma talented at what he does, but he’s also very passionate about it. Dude spends half the year tracking storms and chasing one of Earth’s most stunningly terrifying energies, and he’s highly sought-after for his footage and live reports during tornado season by many news and weather outlets, including The Weather Channel. He also reports to the National Weather Service when other chasers don’t beat him to the punch. He has also served and continues to serve as a storm consultant on major motion pictures—most recently on Supercell , which is an upcoming disaster movie releasing March 17, 2023, starring Alec Baldwin, Skeet Ulrich, and the late Anne Heche. Not only was “a boatload” of Schyma’s tornado and lightning footage used in the movie, but also two of his tornado pictures were spliced together to create the image seen on the movie poster. The poster image originated from these two photos of Schyma's: credit: Hank Schyma Videos of his are littered throughout the trailer and movie. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0Cs2DlZ15g Hank witnessed his first tornado in 2002 and captured the fastest tornado ever documented back in 2014, and on May 31, 2013, he was there in El Reno, Okla., to witness and capture the widest tornado ever recorded at 2.6 miles wide. photo credit: Hank Schyma On May 25, 2019, while chasing and documenting storms in Oklahoma, Hank discovered a specific type of transient luminous event (upper atmospheric lightning) called a GhOST, or Green emissions from excited Oxygen from Sprite Tops—in short, green upper atmospheric electrical discharges or green mini-auras. In the photo below, if you look just above the brightest part of the picture, you'll see a faint green hue that casts an afterflow across the sky; that's a GhOST. photo credit: Thomas Ashcraft “I video recorded some sprites over a storm … Later, when I reviewed the footage, I noticed a mysterious green afterglow above some of the larger sprites,” says Schyma. SPRITE stands for Stratospheric/mesospheric Perturbations Resulting from Intense Thunderstorm Electrification. They are large-scale electrical discharges occurring high above a thunderstorm cloud and are often reddish orange in color. Based on their shape, there are three types: jellyfish, column, and carrot SPRITEs. Hank tells me he then teamed up with photographer and SPRITE chaser, Paul M. Smith . “Yeah, this one I’m pretty proud of. [A] buddy and collaborator of mine, Paul Smith, and I discovered a faint green glow that occurs high above thunderstorms after powerful lightning strikes. Think of a random, brief aurora that lasts about one second,” explains Schyma. “We shared the footage with scientists and others on social media. Nobody had heard of it before. Many argued it might be a camera sensor artifact. Over the following weeks and months, Paul captured multiple other GhOSTs at high resolution, silencing the skepticism. This opened doors for us to directly chat with all the real scientist rock stars of meteorology.” The pair worked together to create this educational video explaining transient luminous events. Give it a watch and check out these atmospheric wonders for yourself. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGPQ5kzJ9Tg So, yeah—see? He’s a general badass full of no fear and multi-leveled awesomeness. Born and raised in Houston, Texas, in the Pecos River Valley, Hank formed Southern Backtones in the late 90s with drummer Todd Sommer and guitarist John Griffin. As far as their sound goes, think American Southwestern dark, ethereal, gothic-y rock mixed with lonely echoes and moody twangs so delicious, they’ll leave your mouth watering … but not before they cast a spell on hidden parts of your soul and lull you in by the heart strings. They've often been described by media critics as, “Brit-influenced rock with roots firmly planted in Texas” and “moody voodoo rock that intertwines with Spaghetti Western and devil-may-care rock ‘n roll” ... windswept and gritty. In 1999, the Backtones headlined the Levi’s/Stage Stores promotional campaign with their hit song “ Fallen Angel ” from their first album, Los Tormentos De Amor , a self-described psychobilly surf punk album with cult Spaghetti Western twang. That resulted in the band touring through 80 towns across Texas in the first ever stretch Hummer, playing on top of it in retailer parking lots. Footage from those shows wound up as the basis for the Levi’s campaign and was even featured on MTV. Their second album, Unreleased Studio Tracks (2002), holds three surfy Tex-Mex cuts with vintage tones, and their third is self-titled Southern Backtones and released in 2006. It is pure dark indie rock with a heavy art movie soundtrack orchestration and was widely popular, hailed by Airplay Direct as "a beautifully dark cinematic embracement of Brit-pop and psychedelia in a philosophical search for more bohemian influences." IT IS SPECTACULAR. All of its songs longingly ache for a movie to come along and do dark justice in playing out their premise. They’re dark, bold, sexy, and mysterious. Tunes “Forever” and “Everything” were featured in the 2005 indie feature film Drop Dead Sexy with Jason Lee and Crispin Glover, and the music video for “Forever” saw regular rotation on MTV. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSlcKZj3gCQ Personally, my favorite song from their self-titled album is “Glamorous.” Because I love it (and you) so much, click the image below to hear the siren song, but be careful: You will be compelled to listen to it twice, then you'll be compelled to listen to the entire album on repeat. I promise it's just as sexy and menacing and alluring as “Glamorous” is. (wink) Over the years, Southern Backtones evolved and now consists of Schyma, Sommers, and a pretty bitchin’ viola player named Jo Bird the Fiddle Witch , one of the founders of Two Star Symphony , Houston's best-known creators of contemporary classical music for more than a decade. Schyma says of her, “She is such a wicked force of nature, that our whole new sound has grown around her.” She is, indeed, ferocious with a fiddle. Hank recently took some very precious time of his to catch up with me and rap about old times, music, tornadoes, and snakes, as well as what the future holds next for Pecos Hank. MaM: Shit, man. It’s so good to be talking with you after all these years! Thanks for catching up with me. Let’s see, you’re a very unique artist full of many, many, many talents. You sing, you write, you play music, you make videos, you take pictures, you chase tornadoes—I don’t even know where to start with you, so I’ll start at the beginning! PH: Well golly gee, Keeley. Bless your heart. That’s might dern sweet of you. MaM: Ha! You were born and raised in Houston, but do you claim any other areas? PH: Mostly Houston, with a side of Dallas and Huntington Beach, California. MaM: When did you know you wanted to pursue music, and where did the inspiration come from? PH: At age 13, I knew rock and roll was my calling. The electric guitar was the Siren. MaM: Musically, your influences then and now … hit me. PH: The Doors, The Cult, and Danzig hogged my cassette player, until I discovered Elvis. From there, it was Robert Johnson, Chris Isaak, Dick Dale, Muddy Waters, Ennio Morricone, and The Reverend Horton Heat. After a decade of burning out rootsy 1-4-5s, I did a 180 [after] becomingly heavily inspired by Brit-pop. [That was] shortly after I met you [when] we connected admiring Pulp, BRMC, Radiohead, and Portishead over many, many cocktails. Great times! MaM: We did! Those indeed were some great times! So, what kind of success did you guys see over the years, and how has that success contributed to where you are today? PH: Success? Ha ha ha! Nobody down here wants to listen to all that shit fused together. So, we thrived in the small dives, making enough money to pay for gas and bar tabs. [Twenty years ago], thirty people packed in the [former] Red Star Bar in downtown Baton Rouge and it was a good night for us. We worked hard, though, and scored some decent CMJ radio airplay on the East and West Coasts. That helped us put cheese on our Whataburgers. MaM: What was the Backtones most popular album? PH: It was always the most recent one, 'La Vie En Noir.' (Click image to listen.) We were inspired to change themes and make something new rather than sound like a broken record. You get sick of your stuff when you play 75-100 shows a year. This disappointed a lot of old fans, but for everyone one we lost, we gained two—including you and (friend) Sam. MaM: I know for a fact (smile) that one of your favorite and most influential groups is the English rock band Pulp. This is Hardcore is one of my all-time favorite albums, and I have you to thank for that. Have you ever had a chance to meet or speak with Jarvis Cocker, and are you stoked about their comeback tour next year? (Click image to listen.) PH: That album was a game changer. I’ve never heard of Pulp ever playing in the [American] South. Nobody down here wants to hear that shit. (laughter) But I bet they could pack 40 people in the [former] Red Star Bar! MaM: Oh, no doubt! So, after Griffin left Southern Backtones, you spent some time in the acoustic performance area, often as one half of a duet with viola virtuoso Jo Bird of Two Star Symphony. Talk to us about the dynamic between you two and how you got together. PH: Jo was always the darkest, most beautiful artist in the Houston music scene. She sat in with all the best bands, while I gawked on the sidelines. For some reason, she still hangs out with me. MaM: Let’s talk about El Reno Blues , which was your first solo album with a new approach. Talk to us about what that approach was, how it was new for you, and how it was received. PH: In a three-piece band, when you lose a member to crack or a better gig, a big chunk of your sound is lost and replaced with another. When we lost Griffin (to a better gig) and replaced him with Jo, we weren’t the same. Package that up with a different brand, and voilà. … Todd (our drummer), being the badass he’s always been, is now also our bass player. We had our first gig as a trio with him on the upright bass last fall 2021. The show must go on. He does have a 9-5 gig and can’t always make the weekday gigs, but Jo can. So, she and I do a lot of duo gigs on the side. Over the years, some magic has emerged from that. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TR_F0e1UdZc MaM: Tell us what you’re up to today in a musical sense. Writing? Playing? Recording? Touring? Being a general badass, who’ll never forget his super-bitchin writer friend he met 20 years ago? (laughter) PH: We’re currently halfway through a new record. I suppose when that’s done, we’ll have the impulse to tour where we can. Is the Red Star still open? What about the Bayou? Or the Thirsty Tiger? MaM: (laughs) Well, I don’t think they’re open under those names anymore, but the amount of venues that’ve opened up in Baton Rouge is insane. You’d have no trouble booking there. Where are you currently playing, and what can you tell us about BowiElvis Fest? PH: Just the usual places in Galveston and Houston. Fifteen years ago, I started a festival here called BowiElvis Fest . David Bowie and Elvis have the same birthday, January 8, and every year we have a big party with lots of bands playing Elvis tunes, Bowie tunes, and our own tunes. Splice Records has taken control of it, and man, does it swing. MaM: Dude, that’s awesome. And it sounds like so much fun. So, when I met you, you were known as Hank Schyma, but your identity has evolved into Pecos Hank. How did you earn that nickname? PH: I adore and snuggle (and charm and wrangle) rattlesnakes and tornados. credit: Hank Schyma My bestie, Emilie, pasted my face over a cartoon of Pecos Bill (a fictional cowboy and folk hero in stories set during American westward expansion into SW Texas) . He had a rattlesnake for a lasso and was riding a tornado. It was meant to be. MaM: Let’s jump over to your filmmaker status. When did you notice an interest in filmmaking, and how did you cultivate that? PH: I’ve always loved tinkering with video and made a few low-budget thingies, but I don’t think I deserve that title until I’ve completed something more substantial. Texas Honky Tonk legend Johnny Falstaff and I have completed three scripts. The only thing we need now is 10 million dollars. MaM: Yeah, that’s all we need, too. (laughs) I understand that when you were fronting the Backtones, you also directed, produced, and starred in a full-length blood-thirsty indie film. Tell me more. PH: Johnny Falstaff and I spent five or six years making Honky Tonk Blood . It’s a murder thriller that slithered through the Houston music scene at the time. For many of the bands, clubs, dancers, and artists of that era, it's a deliciously crude little time capsule. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_WJM_thk80 MaM: You also did the same with several music videos. I’m all ears. PH: Yeah, [music videos] are only four or five minutes long and don’t take five or six years to make. The time and money spent on an MV that lives forever on the inter-thingie is much more bang for the buck compared to touring. MaM: Now, rap with me about this tornado-chasing business. What drew you to tornadoes, then to chasing them, then to chasing them professionally for multiple different outlets? PH: I was drawing and sketching tornadoes before I could spell it. It began as a dream, became reality, and then a career. Weird, huh? MaM: When did you first get into chasing, and what was your first chasing experience like? PH: I feel like I’ve always been chasing storms. Whether it was just running into the front yard to see the lightning or driving my first car out to the fields for a better view of the coming storms, it’s always been an obsession. In 1995, Hank joined KHOU-TV’s news team working as a camera operator, which gave him the opportunity to work under their head meteorologist, Dr Neil Frank. Schyma gained professional storm-chaser status in 2007, when he was appointed as KRIV’s exclusive in-house storm chaser. MaM: You started photographing and filming your chases and the emergence of these beasts in a most gorgeous light. How up close have you gotten? Any close calls? PH: As close as you can get without your eyes getting wet! (laughs) Sorry, that’s a line from Old Gregg . Please tell me you’ve seen the Mighty Boosh's Old Gregg . Technically, I’ve been inside several weaker tornadoes and had too many close calls with powerful ones. I’m trying to cut that out. MaM: Unfortunately, I have not seen that one, but it’s now on the list! Do you ever get scared while chasing? Has a ‘nado ever shifted suddenly and seemingly come straight at you? PH: The weekly commutes from Houston to [Oklahoma City] are way more terrifying than tornadoes. I’d guesstimate [that] every 25 times I piss my pants almost getting killed by a distracted driver on I-45, I piss my pants from one tornado not doing what it’s supposed to be doing. MaM: What’s the most frightening tornado-chasing experience you’ve had? PH: It’s hard to compare that time you almost died with that time you almost died. The most recent was in 2019, when I accidentally positioned in front of a rain wrapped around [a] ¾-mile-wide beast. You think to yourself [that] any second now you could be rolling or flying. MaM: Talk to me about these weather, science, and nature documentaries you’re creating, and what kind of twist should we expect? PH: I can’t tell you the twist, that would ruin it. (laughs) For those interested, you can visit his Pecos Hank Patreon page and subscribe to watch his weather, science, and nature videos. MaM: You also create zoology and geography videos as well. Do tell. PH: Whatever neat-o thing I stumble across, I hope to document well. Whether it’s auroras over Russia or whales in Tahiti, I love it all. MaM: How is a typical year split up for you between music and chasing? PH: I’m always torn between music, critters, and storms, but lately music and critters are only getting the leftovers. Half my year is dedicated to capturing severe weather. To all my loving fans around the world, keep your Covid away from me! (laughs) MaM: You print and sell your photos of your tornado-chasing experiences. Have you seen a big demand to snatch up your shots? PH: It can always be bigger. photo credit: Hank Schyma photo credit: Hank Schyma MaM: Tell us where all you chase, how you decide where and what to chase, and what happens after destruction settles? What do you and your team do? PH: Most of the time, I chase alone anywhere from North Dakota to South Texas, Thailand to Australia. For two weeks a year, I join Dr. Anton Seimon’s scientific field operations team hoping to gather data that helps us understand [more about] tornadoes. Anytime we see destruction where human life may be impacted, we try to assist any way we can. Sometimes it’s just letting victims use our phones, and other times we are driving them to hospitals. MaM: Will you ever stop playing music or chasing tornadoes? PH: Only if I’m physically incapable. MaM: What’s the harmony you’ve found between making music and chasing tornadoes? PH: I score all my nature videos with my own music. Who’da thunk you’d sell way more records chasing tornadoes than touring? MaM: What’s next on the Pecos Hank agenda? PH: It’s 6 a.m. Time to go to bed. MaM: Okay, okay, haha. Tell people how they can find and keep up with you? PH: Just google 'tornado.' And he’s not kidding. Pecos Hank is everywhere accompanying the word tornado . For more on this music, snake, and tornado-wrangling cowboy, and for more on Southern Backtones, you can find all your heart desires by stopping by any of the below-listed sites. www.PecosHank.com Youtube @PecosHank Instagram @PecosHank Facebook @PecosHankOfficial Twitter @PecosHank Youtube @SouthernBacktones Instagram @SouthernBacktones Facebook @SouthernBacktones 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

Quicksand kicks off with an immediate jam, diving straight into a perfect balance of heaviness. < Back Reviews on the Real: Quicksand by Caustic Waves Nicole Brice Jun 6, 2025 Share Quicksand kicks off with an immediate jam, diving straight into a perfect balance of heaviness. Following the release of their debut six-track EP, Full Circle , in 2023 , Caustic Waves is launching the second chapter in 2025 with a new single titled ‘ Quicksand .’ This track serves as the lead single for the upcoming album, Echoes . We actually covered the release of Full Circle back in 2023. You can learn more about it here . Released June 6, 2025 Founded in 2022, Caustic Waves is the musical project of Neil Thomas , a one-man band based in Glasgow, Scotland . Drawing inspiration from his love for 90s and 00s alternative rock, metal, post-hardcore, and grunge , Neil is influenced by bands from that era, including Incubus , Far , Deftones , and Helmet . Neil's music seems to belong to a different time due to its strong 90s influences, but that's exactly my style, and I'm fully on board with it. Now, let’s dive into this new track. ‘ Quicksand ’ kicks off with an immediate jam, diving straight into the action without any build-up. The intense vocals kick in right away, delivering a solid and refreshing dose of 90s alternative rock , reimagined for the modern era. It strikes the perfect balance: not too heavy, but just heavy enough. If Helmet and Incubus were to merge , this is what it would remind me of. Overall, it's solid rock all the way through, and Neil’s vocals truly soar on this track . Photo provided by artist I cannot wait to hear the entire album when it drops in September , but for now, stream ‘ Quicksand ’ on your favorite streaming service. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whvUfQZ069s Official lyric video for 'Quicksand' To learn more about Caustic Waves: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/causticwaves Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5YFSnuEccV4gdfzlxKkdu9 Bandcamp: https://causticwaves.bandcamp.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/causticwaves YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@causticwaves Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/causticwaves TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@causticwaves 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

Shocks to Sleeping Beauties is a daring mix of electric energy and lyrical depth. < Back Glitter Litter Awakens Listeners with a Bold New Sonic Journey Nick Cline Jun 24, 2024 Share Shocks to Sleeping Beauties is a daring mix of electric energy and lyrical depth. Glitter Litter , a band that stands out with its distinctive fusion of glam rock and punk, immediately seized my attention with its new album, Shocks to Sleeping Beauties released on June 14, 2024. The album is a daring mix of electric energy and lyrical depth. The first listen was a nostalgic journey, evoking memorable tunes from the ‘90s and early 2000s TV and movie soundtracks. With its unique melodies and lyrics, each song left an indelible mark. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ItfwwV8Mj2U Upon listening to the album, I discerned clear influences from iconic bands such as the New York Dolls , Blondie , and The Ramones , and subtle nods to a diverse range of bubblegum pop-rock bands from the 90s and early 2000s. These influences are skillfully woven together, creating a delightful blend of nostalgia and contemporary pop-rock. My favorite track from the latest album is ‘ I don't want to write songs about things I don't want to do. ’ This track has a perfect sense of melody that caught my ear when paying attention to the mix, the melody, and everything else intertwined. Like I said before, the songs were heavily influenced by '90s and early 2000s sitcoms, comedies, etc. This is, by far, the strongest suit when looking into the tracks. The way they are written is like a media time machine of nostalgia and killer tunes. It's straightforward punk rock with a bubblegum melody and glam rock vibe. These tracks would make a welcome addition to just about anybody's playlist, especially people who love glam rock and bubblegum pop-rock/punk. The album's mix is, for the most part, a well-crafted piece of work. The tones displayed exhibit a clear quality in the recording process. However, I couldn't help but notice the occasional underutilization of promising riffs, which, in my view, detracts from the overall creative process that is evident in all the tracks. Credit: Artist website I was pleased with everything I heard when I listened to the tracks, but I noticed the use of riffs, melodies, and other parts of the song that were only taken advantage of in pieces. I feel this took away some of the superb musicianship and production of the music. In my opinion, Glitter Litter should explore their more underrepresented talents that shine in only pieces of songs. They could push into a different territory of tonal quality when exploring more sounds. Nonetheless, Shocks to Sleeping Beauties was a pleasure to listen to. This album made me want to look more into their music to see what else I could find, thanks to the melody and production. I am more than eager to see what Glitter Litter has in store for the future of its music and brand. Put this band on your list of bands to check out NOW! To experience all things Glitter Litter, just hit one of the links below: Website : Glitter Litter - bubblegum glam/punk Linktree : Shocks to sleeping beauties by Glitter Litter ( songwhip.com ) Spotify: Shocks to sleeping beauties - EP by Glitter Litter | Spotify Apple Music : ‎Shocks To Sleeping Beauties - EP - Album by Glitter Litter - Apple Music Do you have a tune you think Nick would like? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Goodbye Academy is a collective of brilliant musicians dedicated to the true artistry of making great music. < Back Goodbye Academy: Bringing Pop-Grunge to the Masses Nicole Brice Oct 31, 2024 Share Goodbye Academy is a collective of brilliant musicians dedicated to the true artistry of making great music. As a teenager from 1994 to 2000, I know a lot about music from that period. Music back then had a certain artistry to it. It was inspiring instead of being spiteful. It was playful yet powerful, but all in all, it had heart. An emerging Louisiana talent named Goodbye Academy is bridging the gap between current music and the favorites of the past with their conceptual and innovative tracks that take risks regarding different sounds and textures. Credit: Gary Governale How would I describe Goodbye Academy ’s sound? It’s a unique blend of pop-grunge with a hint of punk, yet in the grand scheme of things, they are truly alternative. Their sound would have resonated well in the early to mid-90s, and with the younger generations embracing the 90s culture, they are set to leave a lasting impression on the music scene. Goodbye Academy , a Baton Rouge-based group, is a collective of brilliant musicians dedicated to the true artistry of making great music. Their technical proficiency is evident in every note, and their music is a testament to their passion and dedication. With well-thought-out song titles that showcase their personality, reminiscent of the comedic antics of They Might Be Giants , Goodbye Academy is ready to make a significant impact on the music industry. Originating in the Hammond, LA area, but now claiming Baton Rouge as their home base, Goodbye Academy is comprised of Kris Ballard (guitar/vocals), Jake Shaver (bass/vocals), and Chase Chabaud (drums/vocals). The vocal styling reminds me of Jeremy Palaszewski from No Motiv meets Mark Lanegan from Screaming Trees . Credit: Gary Governale Having recently released their self-titled debut album , Goodbye Academy has crafted an album with no filler tracks and nothing but killer . Each song is more unique than the last. The album opens with a well-known phrase from a famous British comedy troupe that I adore: “ And now for something completely different .” Note: When I sat down to interview the guys, this was one of my first questions, and then we went around the table quoting the favorite famous British comedy troupe in our best British accents. There are heavy basslines throughout, too, and I’m a sucker for a heavy bassline. Jake is the classic tale of the need for a bass player turning into a guitar player taking up bass, but he’s pretty good at it and carves out a prominent and dominant sound in Goodbye Academy ’s music. I love it when a bass player stands out, too, like Craig Setari from Sick of it All . I always know a song by Sick of It All when it first begins because of Craig ’s bass playing. I have a feeling that as Jake refines his bass skills, he, too, will be one of those exceptional bass players who will stand out amongst the rest. Jake and Kris met while attending college at Southeastern Louisiana University in 2017 and have been inseparable ever since. You could say it was a meeting with destiny, in a sense. Chase is a humble and talented percussionist who combines rhythm into the packaged Goodbye Academy sound. With clever marketing and original graphics drawn by Kris Ballard , Jake developed the band’s brand identity through a unified, visually stunning website with a cohesive theme of nostalgia . Read on below. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : Tell us a little about how you came together. A little band origin, if you will. Kris : Well, Jake and I met in 2017 at Southeastern’s Welcome Week / Orientation, and we became best friends instantly. We were hanging out and living in an apartment for a bit. It was horrible. Jake : It was like a 1-bedroom apartment with four people living there. Kris : Yeah, but like 20 people were there every day. (laughter) Kris : God forbid that only four people are in the apartment. (laughter) Kris : I played guitar and dabbled in stuff, but we didn’t really do anything musically for a while. We were messing around with making a song called, ‘ Two Worlds ’, back then, and after a couple years of knowing each other, I ended up writing ‘ Drywall ’ after going through a pretty bad breakup in my room at like 3 o’clock in the morning, with a headset microphone. I put this headset microphone up to the guitar and was playing it. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : Hey, whatever you have to do, right? (laughter) Kris : The first version was so bad, and I put it on YouTube . We then started talking about it, so I did a second version, and it was at that point we decided we should actually make music and be a band. Originally, we were going to be an acoustic duo called Up N' Atoms , and we were playing together, for how long? Jake : Two years Kris : We made a couple of EPs, and Jake ended up meeting Chase at his work. He was like, ‘I met this guy at work, and he’s a drummer. We should go play with him.’ I was so nervous, too, when I went to Chase ’s house that I didn’t talk for over two hours. (laughter) Credit: Gary Governale MaM : That’s a great introduction. I want to play music with you, but I’m not going to talk to you. (laughter) Kris : I was terrified. There were microphones in the room, and every time I would talk, my voice would reverberate. (laughter) MaM : So, you guys share vocal duties. Generally, when it comes to singing the song, how do you decide that? Kris : It’s generally who writes it. MaM : What is more important, in your opinion, lyrics or sound? Kris : We might all have a different opinion on this. Jake : When listening to music, I tend to listen compositionally forward more than lyrically, but when I write, it’s lyrically forward with the composition on the back end. Kris : We’ll often write lyrics before he gets any instrumentation done. Chase : I’m the biggest metal head, so for me, I find the screams are an instrument of sorts , and they’re very valuable to the music. In execution, though, it all must sound right, so I would have to say the sound of the song matters more than the lyrics. Kris : When I write music, all the songs I wrote lyrics for have meaning. They have to mean something personally to me. Obviously, if I don’t like the way something sounds, I just drop the song, in general. I hyper-analyze and dissect all the lyrics first, though. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : I do that with every song. I get it. How would you describe the Goodbye Academy sound for someone who has never heard your music? Chase : This is actually a great segway into that. I’ve gotten a comparison to a genre I was unfamiliar with, called Midwest emo , and Rian stamped us as the genesis of a new genre called Southeast emo . MaM : But I don’t think ya’ll are emo. Chase : Midwest emo carries a similar style, and there are some bands like Hot Mulligan and Mom Jeans that carry the Midwest emo moniker, but it’s funny that we have been dubbed that. I don’t know if I would necessarily embrace the emo narrative either, but I think we carry more pop-punk and grunge elements, but I don’t want to limit what we do either. There is more to explore. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : That’s what I love about your band, though, because you don’t sound like any other band around here. That’s also what I love about Jean Claude Seagal , too. Their sound is refreshing, and that gives you an advantage. Keep the formula. Chase : I see similarities between how we approach music and Weezer . MaM : Love Weezer! That’s a good comparison. See, I would say They Might Be Giants . Have you heard of them? Goodbye Academy : Yes! Chase : They famously wrote the theme song to The Daily Show . I also think we have a lot of influence from Blink 182 with the way I play drums. There is also contrast in our vocalists because of the two different styles they bring. Jake : Someone recently actually described us as sounding like Hüsker Dü . Credit: Gary Governale MaM : That’s an excellent comparison! What do you guys listen to daily? Jake : I grew up on classic rock. Aerosmith , Led Zeppelin , AC/DC , Pink Floyd , etc. I started branching off into punk , though, and then actually fell into emo and prog. I ran into My Chemical Romance and Coheed and Cambria . Those two influences made me want to scream in my music with introspective lyrics. Get the anger out that I don’t normally express. It helps. Kris : My dad loves 90s music and some early 2000s, too, but bands like Barenaked Ladies , Blink 182 , Papa Roach , Weezer … that whole sphere …all of that was what I grew up listening to and what pushed me. I even loved Simple Plan , too. Jake : Fall Out Boy and Panic! at the Disco , too. Chase : I can’t end this interview without mentioning Meriwether . Meriwether and the bands of The Caterie were huge influences on me. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : What is your ultimate goal for this band? Kris : I guess it’s changed over time. The band has always been an outlet for me because I can write down what I want to say better in songs. MaM : That sounds like me when I write my books. Kris : Right? As we’ve come together and have played shows, I’ve decided I would like to do this as a career. I really want to pursue it. I want to go on tour. Jake : I just want to play power chords. (laughter) Kris : I just want to take this moment to apologize to every sound guy that has ever had to check us. (laughter) Kris : Because we take so long. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : Where do you say your greatest strengths and weaknesses lie as musicians? Kris : Chase’s weakness is that he’s extremely talented and thinks he’s god-awful garbage. (laughter) MaM : You’ve gotta give yourself more credit. Kris : My biggest weakness is probably the fact that I’ve fooled them into thinking I can play guitar. (laughter) Kris : I will practice the same song repeatedly. I don’t know a lot of chords. I know some scales. I don’t know what key I am playing ever … and then repeat it. My strength, I guess, is that I enjoy writing melodies and lyrics … and it’s in a key, but I have no idea what it is. (laughter) Credit: Gary Governale MaM : My brother – the riff from Blink 182’s ‘ Damnit ’ – dude … over and over … (laughter) Jake : I think my strengths are probably my ear because that’s how I play mostly. I can read music, but it’s not a strength. You’re good to go with your ear as long as you're adaptable. My rhythm hand, too, is a strength. My biggest weakness … I could go into so much … (laughter) Jake : I could pick myself apart. I have to work with the ADHD struggle of not always being able to rely on your ability. Sometimes it’s trying to recreate something you did, but not being able to. I do tend to do that quite a bit. Kris : (to Chase) So, if your biggest weakness is that you hate yourself, what’s your biggest strength? (laughter) Chase : I can combine different genres and musicians with my playing. I turn it into my own unique thing. When this band was a duo, they were melodious folk, and I wanted to make it more rock and roll. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : Final question: Where do you see yourself in the next five years, or where would you like to be? Kris : I would like to be in the Midwest … no … (laughter) Kris : As much as I like having a stable income and a place to work that is nice and cares about me, I would like to play in a band as a job. Whether or not that can happen is something that I have low expectations for. (laughter) MaM : No, you need to stay positive. Kris : Yes, we manifest. MaM : Exactly. Jake : Next year, I’m hoping we can play some festivals and see if we can cross state lines to expand our reach. As our kids get older, I feel it will get easier. Chase : I want to accomplish the same as these guys, but I want to get what we have now recorded. MaM : Capture the magic. Chase : We already have the second album, and it's pretty much done. I know we’re approaching it fast, but I want to return to the studio with Nick . Nick Maggio is a phenomenal person. MaM : Yes, he is amazing! Kris : Even beyond his talent, he’s just incredible. MaM : He’s just a good person. Kris : He understands the sound and vibe we want. He connects with the music, too. Chase : I want to get in with Nick before anything is lost or goes further down the line. That’s one of my primary drives. I’ve wanted to be in a band my entire life making music, but I don’t want to sit on what we have. Let’s get this out and on record. More than just a band, Goodbye Academy is a group of best friends united by their love for music and their desire to share their art with the world. Their friendship and camaraderie are palpable in their music, making them more than just a band-they are a community of like-minded individuals looking to bring their art to the masses. Stay tuned for great things from these guys. To learn more about Goodbye Academy : www.goodbyeacademy.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? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Next

RobenX is promising a legacy of influence that transcends music alone. < Back On the Rise: RobenX Nicole Brice May 8, 2024 Share RobenX is promising a legacy of influence that transcends music alone. Who is RobenX ? He is a fearless artist, a beacon of authenticity. His life is a testament to the triumph of the human spirit, drawing inspiration from the depths of human existence here in the School of Earth. With a profound narrative of resilience, talent, and empowerment, Roben is not just a musician but also an author, model, anti-bullying advocate, and advocate for albinism . His journey took him to Geneva, Switzerland, in 2018, where he spoke and performed at the United Nations during their Human Rights Day Celebration , a testament to his unwavering spirit. Credit: Andrew of Ejji Studios RobenX, originally Robdarius Brown, hails from Memphis, Tennessee, a city steeped in the rich musical traditions of blues, soul, and rock ‘n’ roll. His early life was marked by significant challenges, but it was through these trials that he discovered his refuge in music. It became his voice, escape, and a way to share his experiences with the world. RobenX's music is a unique fusion of genuine expression and profound emotional depth. It resonates with the vocal stylings of two hip-hop legends, Onyx and Eminem . If these two had a musical lovechild, it would be RobenX. His music is a return to intelligent hip-hop, reaching into the depths of your soul with its raw emotion. The energy he infuses into every song is palpable, radiating from every note and lyric, creating a powerful connection with his listeners. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2siUBr5-ho His newest single – “ Blood on the Leaves ,” – was released on April 3, 2024, and is a journey from the depths of pain and existence. It’s dark. It’s gritty. It’s honest. It is exactly what we need in music because it is authentic. On my favorite track, - “ Dial Tone ,”- released in 2022, Roben changes things up and sings a little more while going through the real emotions associated with disassociating from someone. The words are intense and full of pain, culminating in the chorus with the words, “This shouldn’t be the price of love.” So true, my friend, so true. Another favorite song of mine, “ Devoid ,” was released on the Mental Interlude EP in 2020 and is pure poetic genius because I’m sure many can identify with Roben's feelings of just being over everything in a moment of frustration and anger. However, what truly sets RobenX apart in the hip-hop community is his unwavering commitment to advocacy. Through his lyrics and public presence, he not only raises awareness about albinism but also challenges the stereotypes and misconceptions that surround individuals with this condition. His advocacy is a beacon of light, illuminating the path toward a more inclusive and understanding society. https://video.wixstatic.com/video/999a0f_357554171ccd4987857a8a68c089271b/1080p/mp4/file.mp4 Mixed Alternative Magazine recently had the opportunity to catch up with the extraordinary RobenX, and we enjoyed chatting about anything and everything. With so much depth to Roben’s character, we had a good bit of ground to cover, so take a moment to read more of our conversation below to learn about the phenomenal artist, RobenX. Credit: Andrew of Ejji Studios MaM : You’ve released a ton of music since 2012. What was the first song that you ever wrote? How did it feel to bring your musical vision to life via song? RobenX : I was a freestyler when I first started, and I was doing that when I recorded my first song, “They Love Me,” which is still out there, probably buried on my YouTube , but the first song I wrote was a song called “Just Maybe,” but I never released it. That was the first time I had decided to hone my craft. Writing was such a weird concept to me regarding writing music. I used to write stories all the time, but I had never written a song. I had to catch all the words flying by me with all these fleeting emotions, but once I started crafting a song, I realized how much more potent it could be and how much control I had over what I could say. MaM : How old were you when you wrote that? RobenX : I was 13 or 14. Credit: Daneel Ferreira MaM : Who would you say has influenced you the most when making music? I noticed you have quite a bit of diversity in your music. RobenX : I’m just going to rattle off a bunch of names because there are so many, but they are near and dear to what I do: Korn, Three Days Grace, Tupac, Tech N9ne, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, System of a Down, Breaking Benjamin, Disturbed, Thousand Foot Krutch, Mindless Self Indulgence, The Temptations, Kendrick Lamar, and Eminem. I almost forgot Michael Jackson and David Ruffin, too. MaM : There is such diversity. What mission statement would you like to convey to people discovering your music for the first time? RobenX : I want people to take my stories and use them to help themselves. I want to use my pain to heal the pain. I experienced a lot of different scenarios and got to experience things I probably shouldn’t have at a young age. Still, I want to testify that your past helps define you, but don’t let it limit you. The world is yours to do what you want, so use my words to appeal to you. Use my stories and find yourself in the music. Take my words and apply them to you. Credit: Andrew of Ejji Studios MaM : How do you approach the songwriting process? Take us through that. RobenX : It’s different every time because I’ve written some songs in five minutes. Some songs, though, can take months. Sometimes, I have an idea that I’ll record or write stuff down, but sometimes, the concept is there, but I just haven’t found the right instrumental. It all must align with the universe. I try not to do things the universe doesn’t need, so if the idea doesn’t speak to me, I usually discard it or set it aside until it’s time. Usually, I’ll hear a track and listen to what it is trying to get me to say, and I listen to the universe and the higher-ups who give me the stories I need. For example, a lot of what is going to be on “Shoulda Died” is just internal and reliving some of the past trauma that I experienced as a teenager and as a young adult. Credit: Andrew of Ejji Studios MaM : I like to call those universal happenings when you listen to the divine guidance given. So, the next question I have for you is funny but one that will get you thinking. You’re headed to live on a deserted island and can only bring CDs by five artists. What are you bringing? RobenX : Believe it or not, my list would be small. Ok, Smino’s “ Noir ,” Tupac’s “ All Eyez on Me ,” Kendrick Lamar’s “ Good Kid ,” Three Days Grace’s self-titled album , System of a Down’s “ Hypnotize ” or “ Toxicity ”. (laughter) Man…I can’t forget about Michael Jackson’s “ Thriller ”, too. That’s hard. (laughter) MaM : I love that. You are such an inspirational individual. So, what are you working on currently? You released a new single in April but must have something else in the pipeline. RobenX : I am working on a new project, and I’ll go ahead and give you the title; it’s called “Shoulda Died.” We’re also working on a coloring book inspired by my book, “ The Colors of Olleh ,” a children’s book, and Teiyonna Douglas is the illustrator of that book. She created all the pictures. She also did the cover art for several of my releases, including “ The Mental Interlude ” EP and for a mixtape I have on YouTube called Moldy . Her artwork is on that cover, too, and she’s been helping me a lot. She is creating the coloring book all by herself, though, and I give suggestions here and there, but I will also be releasing some songs from “ The Mental Interlude ” EP in their live versions. Credit: Daneel Ferreira MaM : Wow! So much is going on! So, when do you anticipate some of that dropping? RobenX : If I can, I want to have something out by June, but my goal is June or July. MaM : Let’s discuss your book, “ The Colors of Olleh ”. What was the process like putting all of that together? RobenX : The inception of “ The Colors of Olleh ” was simple. I wanted to write a book and tell a story about a child with Albinism but not have Albinism be the main focal point. I just wanted a character who had Albinism. He sees colors and lives in a world of black and white. I called Teiyonna immediately to pitch the idea to her, and she loved the concept. However, she thought about making each page monochrome to show that Olleh can see color when others cannot. The idea started snowballing to where colors were representing differences. When people don’t see people for who they truly are, they are living in black & white. To see the beauty of difference is to see in color. If you say you don’t see color, you live blind. It’s all subjective. Richard Hervey is the producer. He goes by the name of Enigma, but he has helped on numerous tracks of mine, and he was the one who helped turn the entire concept into a book. He took Teiyonna’s ideas and made them bigger, and then “ The Colors of Olleh ” was born, and Olleh’s name is just “hello” backward. Olleh is a traveler, though he could be anyone, and he meets a young lady in the story named Vye, who ends up being the leader of the story. Her character is to show people that they can step up and not wait for a change, but they can be the change. Olleh goes to this town to tell people that he can see color, and they can see color if they accept him. At first, people are hesitant, but then Vye decides she’s curious, so she accepts Olleh, and when she does, it’s easier for others to do so. It shows leadership. Step up and be the change. Small note: Vye’s name is taken from the color violet. https://video.wixstatic.com/video/999a0f_19a08ae5304c461a84a2e6e4f0334441/1080p/mp4/file.mp4 MaM : You’ve done so much, a true Renaissance man, but I read you’ve also worked with the United Nations on some things. Tell us a little more about that. RobenX : I was doing some Albinism awareness and anti-bullying work and was asked to be part of a video educating people on Albinism. However, I didn’t think too much about it afterward. Years passed after I had done the video, and I didn’t hear from them. They didn’t have my e-mail, so they tried to reach out to me via my social media, but the messages went to my spam box for some reason. One day, I checked my spam folder, and there were many messages. I would have missed the opportunity if I had just waited a day later to read the messages. I was flown to Geneva, Switzerland, and I got to meet the High Commissioner of the United Nations, and it was insane. I was 18 or 19, and coming from Memphis, with growing up how I did, flying to a different country was wild. For reference, my grandmother has never left Memphis. My mom was the first in her family to graduate from college. This was a huge deal. Once I got there, I was allowed to speak about Albinism and human rights and what we could do to make a difference in other countries. See, in other countries, people with my condition are considered spiritual or magical and are often killed because of this. Their body parts are then used in rituals and incantations, but if the poachers don’t get them, then they are dying from skin cancer because of overexposure to the sun, and they don’t have access to proper healthcare for their conditions. I wanted to use my voice to see what we could do to help them. I was made a Human Rights Champion and allowed to meet other leaders from all walks of life. It was amazing. Very powerful. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgktjQA3abc MaM : Where do you see yourself headed in the future? RobenX : I want to do so much, and I know I can’t save the world in a day, but the goal is to reach as many people through as many mediums as possible. I want to flood the market correctly with the right things. No matter where you turn, things aren’t full of love labor. I want to create mediums that speak to people, help people grow, and give people power. I believe we are on that journey, too, and I hope that in the next five years, we can reach people with positivity through all mediums. RobenX exemplifies the powerful intersection of art and advocacy with each new track, performance, and interview. His journey underscores the potential for music to entertain, enlighten, and provoke change. As his message spreads further, he promises a legacy of influence and change that transcends music alone. To check out Roben’s work catalog, hit the link below and be sure to follow him on social media. *cover photo by Andrew of Ejji Studios *videos provided by Extreme Dreams USA www.teamrobenx.com HOME | TeamRobenX 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 Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Next

A Hypnotic Pulse < Back New Orleans Band Deep Sleep Atlantic Announce Debut Single C.G. Smith Mar 22, 2023 Share A Hypnotic Pulse New Orleans’ Deep Sleep Atlantic announces the release of their debut single "Bipolar Tendencies" which drops March 31st, 2023 . Deep Sleep Atlantic consists of lead vocalist and guitarist/producer Travis Marc , and backing vocalist and drummer/producer Daniel Perez , both based in New Orleans . The single was mixed by Jetta In The Ghost Tree producer - Taylor Tatsch and mastered by Deep Blue Something's Todd Pipes . Photo provided by band The new and darkly energetic single ' Bipolar Tendencies ' by Deep Sleep Atlantic creeps into your ears with a hypnotic pulse that suddenly explodes into a chorus that encapsulates your entire being and gets your head nodding. The song is a powerful first step for this New Orleans-based band. "We're thrilled to finally share our debut single ‘Bipolar Tendencies’ with the world," say the band. "It's a song that we've poured our hearts and souls into, and we can't wait for fans to hear it and experience it with us." Travis played all the instruments and produced the song himself, but shortly after meeting Daniel , they decided to form the band. The duo is excited to start performing the new material for live audiences starting in April of 2023. “The song was written in a house in the Treme neighborhood after assisting at a session at Esplanade Studios,” says Travis. “The lyric that says, ‘I’ve had interviews cut’ is totally true. In my last band, a radio DJ in London stopped the interview because she said I was painting the music industry in a negative light while explaining some shortcomings that musicians often face.” The lyrics in the second verse reads: “… I’ve had interviews cut The couple times I almost made it They say I’m too negative To call it like it is but Coating it with sugar Only clogs up the arteries.” The production is top notch, and the single is catchy. This is absolutely a band to keep your eyes and ears on in 2023. ' Bipolar Tendencies ' releases worldwide on March 31st and is the last track the band recorded but the first single from their upcoming album Prelude . The band will be releasing a video for the single on April 7th, as well as hosting an intimate single release party at Henry Turner Jr’s Listening Room in Baton Rouge on April 8th, 2023. Stay up to date on their website at www.DeepSleepAtlantic.com , where you can join their mailing list and follow them on social media @deepsleepatlantic. To learn more about DSA: SoundCloud - Hear the world’s sounds Deep Sleep Atlantic | Facebook @deepsleepatlantic • Instagram photos and videos DeepSleepAtlantic (@DeepSleepATLC) / Twitter Deep Sleep Atlantic - YouTube 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 Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Next

Shape Shifting combines the power of thrash metal with the intensity of punk rock. < Back Owls & Aliens Embrace Transformation on Powerful New Single Nicole Brice Jan 30, 2026 Share Shape Shifting combines the power of thrash metal with the intensity of punk rock. Music, at its core, is meant to inspire and motivate us as humans. The frequencies in music can uplift us in the darkest of times, to the point where we can forget about everyday life and become engrossed in the soothing sounds. Finding new music from a band that truly clicks can be tough in today’s crowded music scene, but when those rare gems appear, they’re worth celebrating and sharing with the world. Owls & Aliens is a band from Klamath Falls, Oregon , that got its start in late 2018 and released its self-titled debut album in 2022. The first album blends classic rock, heavy metal, punk rock, alternative, and post-hardcore . With so many layers to their music, Owls & Aliens falls under the category of really good hard rock – amazing solos that melt your face off with heavy breakdowns. Releasing their new song, ‘ Shape Shifting ' , today, January 30, 2026 , Owls & Aliens is comprised of Dustin Carter (clean/unclean vocals), Travis Siebecke (rhythm guitar / clean vocals), Jeffry Maryinez (lead guitar, backup vocals), Nicholi Ohbronovich (bass, unclean vocals), and Dakotah Webb (drums, backup vocals). Credit: Anonda Rae A brotherhood with a well-rounded group of musicians, each member of Owls & Aliens shares vocal duties on their songs, with no song sounding the same. This band has mastered a formula that delivers a different listening experience through a cornucopia of sounds, textures, melodies, and riffs. It’s all organic, and it just works. Previous releases include ‘ Mercy ’ in 2020. This song starts with heavy guitar, fuzz, and distortion, then takes on a melodic tone – a strong track with an amazing guitar solo at the end. ‘ You Can’t Save Everyone ’ came out in 2021, and I freaking LOVE THIS SONG! I guarantee that if you haven't heard this song, you will love it once you give it a spin. Other notable releases include ‘ Tsunami ’, ‘ Temperature Shift ’, and ‘ Romanticize the Sorrow ’ – all off the band’s debut album . Take it from me, though, the entire debut release is killer. There is not a single track that lacks. Let’s talk about this new song, shall we? ‘ Shape Shifting ’ is powerful and begins with a classic thrash-metal sound mixed with a little Judas Priest and the intensity of punk rock . What makes a great rock song, you think? For me, it has to be intense, loud, melodic, and just full of energy. ‘Shape Shifting’ is exactly that. It is loud, fun, and just plain enjoyable. Owls & Aliens is a band on a mission, and we were able to catch up with the band’s drummer, Dakotah , recently to learn more about what this band is about, so dive in. Released January 30, 2026 MaM : Shape Shifting – let’s get into this track. Wow. What a strong song. What inspired this song, and what is the main message you’d like to convey with this track? Dakotah : We were going for something really powerful that brought the energy. I think it originally started off with a guitar riff from Jeff ; he brought that. I remember him bringing that to the table. As far as the rest of the music, it just kind of molded around that riff. Dustin , I’m not sure whether he had the vocals prewritten or wrote them on the spot. He is constantly writing, so he always has lyrics. In fact, he has this journal, so I’m not sure how those came about. When I first heard it, it gave me those classic Judas Priest vibes, and I knew that there would be a big modern element with Dustin’s vocals. MaM : He has such range! Dakotah : I also remember when I was doing the drumbeat, I wanted some double kick in there, so you could feel the power of there being a double kick in there. I don’t use it on every song, but I felt it was necessary. I have a lot of influence from Pantera , Slipknot , and Slayer , so I’m trying to get some of that, but combine the classic heavy sound with some of the more modern drumming, even more modern than some of the things I’ve mentioned. The message is more of a new-age experience of the end of an era and the beginning of the next. We had written our first album and had a whole big experience with going to Texas to record, traveling together, and then touring across the country with Raven Black . During that time, ‘ Shape Shifting ’ was one of the first songs we wrote, and so it just felt like it was the point from which we were shifting. All these things that we have done, what is this going to be in this new era, not just personally, but musically, too. It's been two years since we got back from tour, and we haven’t released new music. We wrote that so long ago, but it feels like the perfect song to release as we enter this new era for the band. MaM : It’s such a strong song right out the gate. I didn’t know what to expect when I pressed play, but truth be told, every song of yours is so different. You can hear that cornucopia of vast influences with every song. You’ve got this amazing catalog of music so far. What is the band's vision for 2026 and beyond? Dakotah : With the first record, we were trying to showcase all of our influences since we all are influenced by different artists, but there is this common core you can hear, and with that, we were trying to show people what we were capable of. Now, as we come into this new era, I think we’re going to be a little more decisive on creating a more cohesive sound and album. I know this new song comes out really hard and heavy, but we’re shooting for more melodic stuff, but you never want to force anything. Just let things go how they’re gonna go, and find a way to make all of our unique styles exist and work together. MaM : … and they do! Dakotah : We have so many pieces of new songs and riffs that we’ll have to be selective to put them into what we want for this next album. Credit: Anonda Rae MaM : If you had to describe your music to someone not familiar, how would you describe it? For me, it’s just good, solid, heavy rock. Dakotah : It’s so hard, and we really don’t know. We just say hard rock because it keeps things as broad as possible, but at the same time, when you say hard rock, people may think that it’s basic, but it’s anything but that. MaM : It is definitely not basic. Dakotah : You really just gotta listen. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1jUM7Wc2-U 'You Can't Save Everyone' by Owls & Aliens MaM : I can agree with that. So, where did the band's name come from? To me, there are spiritual undertones, but I could be reading more into it. Give us a little more info on the name. Dakotah : When we were looking for a name, we wanted a good graphic to go with it as well. Our community features many owl-themed elements, and the school I attended has owls as its mascot. There is also a bird festival up here every year. Our frontman, Dustin , and his sister were helping us design all the graphics. She’s a tattoo artist and does really cool work. She had drawn up this really cool owl design that had three eyes, and we had tossed up an owl-themed name before, and that’s kind of where she got the idea for the sketch. We actually ended up calling ourselves Night Owl to start off. Then we played a show under that name and we even did a few demo recordings, and when we put those out, we tried to release it under the name Night Owl , but then we found out there is another artist – a Chicano rapper that has been going by that name since the 90s, and even though it’s more underground, he is relatively known in that scene of music, so our music actually got released under his name. MaM : That’s awesome. Dakotah : I had to go in and pull it off immediately. We then had to come up with a new name, but we really wanted to stick with the owl theme, because we’ve all been part of the music community in Klamath Falls, and it was through that community that we met each other. The owl is a central theme of our work. Eventually, someone came up with the idea of Owls & Aliens , and it stuck really well. From then on, that was who we were. Credit: Anonda Rae MaM : With you being the drummer, what made you choose to play that particular instrument, or better yet, when was it that you decided you wanted to beat on crap? (laughter) Dakotah : I think I was born to be a drummer but didn’t realize it for a while. I actually started playing guitar. My dad played guitar, and I still play and love it to this day. Fun fact: Every person in our band plays guitar. MaM : I saw that you all share vocal duties, but that’s incredible. I didn’t know that. Dakotah : I just love music. I can’t remember a time when I didn't love music or want to play it. At the same time, when I wanted to learn guitar, my grandma was showing me things on the piano, and so I’ve been self-taught my entire life, and this is kind of funny, but I also had some friends and some neighbors who loved to play the game Rock Band , and so I would go to my friend’s house to play Rock Band , and he had the drum kit. I had always liked tapping, and one of the reasons I think I loved Guitar Hero so much was that you’re matching patterns and rhythms like drums; that’s probably why I was so good at the guitar part, too. He let me try out drums, and I was naturally good at it. The drums in Rock Band correlates most realistically, but not more than like vocals, but it really is real drum patterns that you’re learning. It’s just on pads instead of a drum kit, so I got obsessed with it and made my mom buy me the game. That’s how I started learning to play beats. I remember telling my mom I wanted a real drum set. I had some buddies in middle school who wanted to start a band, and I wanted to be the drummer, so I had to get a drum set. The first drum kit she ever got me was used from a friend or something, but it had no cymbals. MaM : Oh wow! (laughter) Dakotah : I was just doing this ‘George of the Jungle’ vibe for the first few weeks. (laughter) MaM : I bet you were probably annoying your mom with it, too. (laughter) Dakotah : Absolutely, and I was trying to explain to her that I didn’t have all the pieces, but then because I was expressing so much interest in drums and music and wanting to play, my dad’s friends all thought that was super cool because growing up my dad loved music. He wasn’t in a band or anything, but that was just a big part of his life. My dad’s friends were kind of like my uncles to me growing up. One of the guys was like, I have this miniature drum kit for you, and it was undersized for me, but it came with regular sized cymbals, so I took the cymbals from that, and brought them over to my mom’s, and then bam! I had a full drum kit. MaM : That’s some ingenuity right there. Dakotah : I just fell in love with it. From the first time I ever played Rock Band , I just knew this was it. I also remember the first time I played a real drum kit, I was confused because on Rock Band , the yellow hi-hat is on the right , and with a traditional kit , it’s on the left , and then you cross your arms, so the first time I sat down, I was confused, and went, ‘How do I hit the hi-hat?’ (laughter) MaM : Yeah, something feels off. Dakotah : Then, someone was like cross your arms. (laughter) Dakotah : I was all self-taught, though. Even to this day, not a single lesson. I would love to get formal training from someone who is truly a master of the craft. It’s kind of backwards, I didn’t approach it from a music theory approach or anything, and now that I’m older, I’m trying to learn all the music theory and bring it all in. I feel like I found myself when I found drums. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m788ZC5Xh88 'Romanticize the Sorrow' by Owls & Aliens MaM : So, new song and what else this year? What’s the game plan for the rest of 2026? Dakotah : We have two singles in the works that we want to release for sure this year, and then the primary goal is just to get a second album recorded. We have a lot of new material that is not finalized and put together, so it’s just making steps to find studio time, and finish those songs. We’ll still play some regional shows this year, but while I’m in graduate school, it’s definitely hard to tour. I should be finishing my master’s in June of this year, so we’ll probably start looking at planning some tour dates after that. With so much on the horizon for Owls & Aliens , 2026 is shaping up to be a busy year. Stream their new single, ‘ Shape Shifting ,’ on your favorite platform, then engross yourself in the rest of their discography. It’s a journey through an abyss of sounds, textures, and styles that will leave you absolutely speechless. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NyMULx9afn0 Official video for 'Shape Shifting' *cover photo by Anonda Rae To learn more about Owls & Aliens: Website: www.owlsandaliens.com Owls & Aliens Home page of Owls & Aliens, a rock group from Klamath Falls. 5 small town Oregon grown best friends trying to figure out how to cope with life together by playing music. Refusing to be one genre of rock music, each member brings a completely different sty Spotify: Owls & Aliens | Spotify Apple Music: ‎Owls & Aliens - Apple Music YouTube: Owls & Aliens - YouTube 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 Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Next

The latest from Hawthorne Oachs is another song full of depth and honesty. < Back Reviews on the Real: Must’ve Been the Wind by Hawthorne Oachs Nicole Brice Jun 8, 2025 Share The latest from Hawthorne Oachs is another song full of depth and honesty. Oh my gosh, Hawthorne Oachs is speaking from my soul again. Hawthorne , are you reading my mind? I swear if Hawthorne and I were the same age at the same time, we would have been best friends back in the day. The latest from singer/songwriter Hawthorne Oachs is another song full of depth and honesty. Titled ‘ Must’ve Been the Wind ’, it vividly illustrates the struggle between wanting to express feelings and the hesitation to do so, but in the end, admitting the truth to both yourself and the other person. I guess it must have just been the wind. I’ve faced situations like this many times before, especially in my youth, and it really sucks. You start to second-guess yourself, so, once again, it must have just been the wind. Released May 5, 2025 Hawthorne’s music in this song is upbeat , yet the lyrics convey that sense of longing for someone who doesn’t feel the same way. Through her remarkable storytelling abilities with songwriting, you feel every single note she sings. Each word carries more meaning than the one before it. There’s a sweetness and honesty in her songwriting, too, along with a wisdom that seems far beyond her years. In this rapidly changing era of technology, Hawthorne stands out as an inspiring role model for the upcoming generation of girls. She is deeply connected to the natural world , which is evident in every song she creates. Her work reflects her fascination with both the darkness and light of nature, as well as the complexities of human emotions. She is on a mission to help others through her music by addressing topics that resonate with people of all ages, resulting in conscious and uplifting pop music. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnH-PqJkt5Y Lyric video for 'Must've Been the Wind' Stream ‘ Must’ve Been the Wind ’ now on your favorite service. To learn more about Hawthorne Oachs: www.hawthorneoachs.com Musical Artist | Hawthorne Oachs Hawthorne Oachs is a teen multi-hyphenate songwriter, singer, producer, musical artist, digital artist, and award-nominated actress. www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Reach out to mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

The Dodies’ music blends powerful riffs with fearless creativity. < Back Unfiltered and Unleashed: The Dodies Redefine Raw Power as a Dynamic Duo Nicole Brice Jul 5, 2025 Share The Dodies’ music blends powerful riffs with fearless creativity. As a child of the 90s, I’m really enjoying the wave of nostalgia in the world currently, especially when it comes to music. I can honestly say we had some of the best music back then. It was raw and impactful—not overly polished, yet still perfect. This sentiment perfectly captures the sound of the next band I have for you, The Dodies , and believe it or not, this band is nowhere near new, but they’re new to me, and now they’ll soon be new to you, too. Credit: Facebook The Dodies are a grunge, alternative, garage rock band from the southern deserts of Israel, but when they are in the states, they call Texas their home. From the first listen, it's clear they are destined for greatness due to the tremendous sound that radiates from the speakers with every note played. Their poetic, introspective lyrics are paired with a deep artistic flair , featuring loud, crunchy guitars, heavy basslines, and powerful drums at times. However, they can also switch gears and perfectly orchestrate a softer, more poppy sound, as if it comes naturally. With their secret weapon producer, Ron ‘Bumblefoot’ Thal , this duo has crafted a sound that is uniquely crisp, tight, and full of energy, and I am obsessed. Credit: Facebook Music, at its core, is a personal experience for each of us. I strive to keep my articles authentic and genuine. When I hit play on my iPod to explore The Dodies’ discography , my initial reaction when that first song started playing was, and I said it out loud, “This is so good!” The Dodies consist of two musical talents: Yoni Avittan , the primary vocalist and guitarist , and Ran Aronson , who handles background vocals, bass, keyboards, and drums simultaneously. Watching Ran perform in videos is astonishing; I genuinely have no idea how he maintains the stamina to keep up with everything. It’s truly remarkable. Yoni Avittan’s vocals are always spot-on and showcase an impressive range, soaring like Justin Hawkins of The Darkness . He embodies the quintessential strong frontman with his hypnotic presence and sheer unfiltered talent. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ILZKGmFVLc 'Boiling Point' LIVE Since 2020 , the duo has released three full-length albums , and one live album , a notable achievement in an industry often flooded with EPs and singles. Each album was created with precise attention to every detail, down to the order of the songs and the artwork and remind me of some of the great albums of the past for their artistry. In 2020 the Dodies released, It’s One Hell of a Ride , and it is a non-stop journey of exceptional music. Every track is strong, with not a single bad one. One standout for me is the lead track ‘ Boiling Point ,’ which even has a fantastic video on YouTube . I find myself dancing around in my kitchen when I listen to it, but truth be told, this entire album is exceptional, and deserves some serious listening time, so be sure to dive in. Released April 24, 2020 In 2022, Floating in Limbo was released, and it is another amazing album. While listening to it, I couldn't help but wonder: can these guys produce anything less than great? Released April 20, 2022 2025 marked the release of Dreamism , which starts off a bit softer before diving into the signature sound The Dodies have developed, and one can clearly hear a Radiohead and Muse influence with some of these newer songs. Once again, every single track on this album is killer. All killer, no filler, as I like to say. Released February 28, 2025 But, believe it or not, The Dodies don’t just stop with music. Yoni is currently working on a book to complement their trio of albums, bringing everything together full circle. Dynamic, insightful, and brilliant, this duo is poised to blow the roof off modern music. Read on to learn more! MaM : How did the partnership with producer Ron ‘Bumblefoot’ Thal come about? Yoni : We recorded our first album in Austin, TX at Orb Studios . Matt Noveskey knew someone who helped us reach Bumblefoot , and he loved our music. We were really wanting to push it over in the states, and Matt Noveskey was key in helping us reach other people. MaM : One thing I noticed when listening to your three albums this morning was that with his involvement, you have defined your sound. Your sound is your sound. It’s refreshing to have come across your band. Yoni, your vocals are extraordinary. Have you ever gotten the comparison to Justin Hawkins from The Darkness ? Yoni : That is the most frequent one. I do love The Darkness , but I don’t listen to them that much. I listen to that British trio of Radiohead , Muse , and Coldplay – early 2000s type of stuff. That’s mostly what I listen to. Credit: Facebook MaM : Your voice has such range. Is there something you do to warm up or keep it in shape? Yoni : Well, sometimes I do have to do some warm-ups before shows, because if I don’t, it won’t be as good. It is a challenge to sing high. MaM : I can only imagine. With you being a duo, how does that work for a live show, or do you bring in extra musicians to complement what you do? Ran : We don’t usually bring in any additional players on stage. It works for us. It suits the genre, as well, because we do want to keep it basic and rock . I don’t think it would work if we were a prog metal band or something like that. Credit: Facebook MaM : How do you even keep up to play that many instruments? Ran : It is very physical, for sure. I feel like the more I do it, the more I get better. It gets better the more we practice. Working with Ron , with Bumblefoot has been one of the biggest contributions to our sound. He told us that’s your sound – keep it simple. Same thing you do live and just go to the studio with it, and stick to it. It’s very easy to fall into tracking and overdoing it. MaM : I think it’s impressive as hell that it’s just you two in the band. You have such a thick and full sound to your music. How did it come about with just you two? Yoni : Well, it was just more efficient for us. It was more efficient to tour with two people, too. Ran : There are definitely advantages sound-wise, logistics-wise, and we actually used to be a three-piece, but yeah, we just love it in all aspects. Credit: Facebook MaM : Three albums under your belt, and now you have just released Dreamism , which I love the album cover, so my next question is, who designed the cover art for that release? Yoni : Well, I guess I just thought about what correlates to the name of the album. An image of an influx of info in a person’s head – addiction to dreaming and seeing excessive dreaming as a type of sickness or overthinking. We reached out to a certain artist to help with it, and he did a good job by taking a thought I had and making it his own. Ran : His name is Spencer , and we came across him and found all his work. MaM : Album art is big to me, and I still focus in on it because I feel the artwork brings it all together. The cover sets the tone. Ran : It’s getting easier to fall into AI-generated covers. You can spot it right away. He did a great job, and it has his aesthetics with the collage. Yoni : Also, we’ll be coming out with a book called Dreamism with the same cover to go with the album. MaM : Tell me about this. That sounds awesome. Yoni : The novel is about a young musician from southeast Texas who falls in love with his psychiatrist. I then detail their connection and how it helps him overcome depression. The first part of the book is titled “It’s One Hell of a Ride.” The second part is called “Floating in Limbo”, and the last part is called “Dreamism.” The music goes along with the story, and that’s pretty much the premise. It’s my life’s work. Credit: Facebook MaM : I love that, and love that it’s based upon the three albums! I can’t wait to read it! How did you get the inspiration to do something like that? Yoni : Well, I just went to therapy, and that was basically it, and it went well. (laughter) MaM : I love that – so you based it on your life? Fictionalized it. I love that, and I just love the whole creative process. Where do these ideas come from? How do we bring these ideas to fruition? Is there anything you’d like to tell us about the book that you didn’t touch upon? Yoni : It’s getting ready to go, and I’m editing it now. We’re very excited, and we’re gonna post a lot about it online, and try to push it. MaM : What’s the release date? Yoni : I don’t have a release date quite yet, but we’ll let you know. Credit: Ben Anderson MaM : How would you describe your sound to a new listener who has just discovered it? Yoni : I keep switching the genres. Usually, I just say we’re a rock band. It is kinda grunge . MaM : How did you get influenced to do the garage band type of music you do? Yoni : I mean, I guess I listen to a lot of early 2000s rock , but I do feel that the 90s rock captured something that has yet to be topped. The screaming in that music was the best and one of the last great things we ever had. The younger generations right now are still really into grunge and early 90s-style music. That’s pretty much what I grew up with, even though I didn’t grow up in the 90s. Credit: Facebook MaM : I feel like the '90s were one of the last times musicians were truly creative and authentic. By the late 90s to mid-2000s, it had lost its creative spark and become more of a mass-produced, cookie-cutter type of thing. However, look at the industry. The industry stopped pushing garage bands and music with heart and started pushing prefabricated music with no substance. I agree that it was the last great time for music. Yoni : Even in the early 2000s , though, I agree that it was more fabricated, but at least something was going on, you know. I think that after social media, and the rise of social media, it has deteriorated more. MaM : Well, that’s the whole TikTok generation. Some of these artists are like, it’s been great for my music, and I’m like, how? People are hearing snippets, and then they’re not coming to shows, so where is the incentive in that? Yoni : Yeah, they just don’t know what great is. (laughter) Ran : It’s crazy, you hear like one specific part of a song, so you don’t even know the whole song. Let alone an entire album. Yeah, we’re one of those bands who still believe in the concept of albums and want to tell a longer story. A longer, deeper story. Credit: Facebook MaM : What inspires you to create, and how do you find your lyrical concepts come to fruition? For example, I’m a writer and an author, and sometimes a phrase or word will pop into my head when writing a piece, so I’ll write it down somewhere, and then I’ll assemble it all into something at the end. Take us through the creative process. Yoni : Yeah, I feel pretty much the same. I have an idea for a song or lyrics, but I would rather have a melody to go along with it first, so I can fit the vowels correctly with whatever the song ends up being. I don’t want to stick lyrics that have nothing to do with the melody that I’ve written. The melody has to come first. Ran : Yoni writes the songs, and what usually comes to me is the melody and lyrics, and then we work on it together. It becomes a mutual joint process after he has pretty much written the song. We then keep building stuff on it and add new parts. We try not to overdo it and try to give the proper respect for the lyrics and melody. We love to keep it simple. MaM : You don’t force it. You let it happen organically. Ran : Yeah, we don’t force it. If we feel that there’s a place for a violin part or something similar, we add it; if not, we don’t force it. Credit: Facebook MaM : How long does it take you to develop a song? Yoni : Yeah, there’s no formula for it. I guess some songs can take a few months to perfect, and some a few minutes, but overall, if it’s not really there after we first write, then I think it’s kind of useless. I know a lot of songwriters who would have a verse, but nothing else other than that. Ran : Some of the songs from our newest album, ‘ Dreamism ’, we had already recorded even before we recorded ' It’s One Hell of a Ride '. They were already there. We had the concepts early on, and didn’t want to record a song that didn’t fit there. By the time we got to the studio to record the music that had already been in existence for a few years, it had changed, because we kept playing on it and kept working with it. It evolves. MaM : What would you like to achieve in the next five years? Where do you see yourselves musically and professionally? Yoni : I’m embarrassed to expose my wildest dream. MaM : You can keep it vague. Yoni : We want to push the music and book together, and hope that it works. We’re trying to add a deeper aspect to our genre. As The Dodies continue their artistic journey, we can expect even more amazing experiences to unfold. These talented individuals showcase their divine gifts with every note sung and every word spoken, and I can't wait to see what they create in the future. Their latest album, Dreamism , is now available on all streaming platforms. However, to truly appreciate The Dodies' music, I recommend starting from the beginning. Play their first album and immerse yourself in their entire discography . To learn more about The Dodies: The Dodies Store Instagram: The Dodies (@thedodiesband) • Instagram photos and videos Spotify: The Dodies | Spotify Facebook: Facebook Bandcamp: Music | The Dodies X: The Dodies (@TheDodiesBand) / X YouTube: The Dodies - YouTube *All photos are sourced from The Dodies' Facebook page. If any photographers would like credit, please reach out. If it wasn't noted, I couldn't find it. I would love to give proper credit. www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Email us at: mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

The Underrated 80s Horror Movie You've Probably Forgotten About < Back Dead Pit Ezekiel Kincaid Dec 8, 2022 Share The Underrated 80s Horror Movie You've Probably Forgotten About The year is 1990. Ten-year-old me is browsing the horror section one Friday night at Dixie Video, knowing good and well my parents aren't going to allow me to rent what I really want to watch. While perusing said shelves, I come across a video that makes me feel like Ralphie in A Christmas Story the first time he held his Red Rider BB gun. Dead Pit . On the cover, a zombie resembling Frankenstein crawls out of a pit, surrounded by a bunch of hands reaching out of the same hole. Behind him stalks more of the living dead. As you can see above, the color scheme is black and neon green. What made this case even more fascinating was that when you’d press the zombie, his eyes lit up! I was sold. Ten-year-old me had to see this movie! Ten-year-old me asked my parents. Ten-year-old me was told "no" because it was R rated. I had to wait a few years, but I finally got around to watching Dead Pit . As an adolescent, I remember liking the movie, but as time went on, the movie drifted into obscurity in my mind. Until a few years ago, when I was browsing Amazon Prime to find an 80s horror movie to pass the time. Lo and behold, what appeared! The memories surrounding this movie came flooding back. I was lost in nostalgia, wondering how in the world I could have forgotten about a movie like this. One euphoric memory after another tingled my soul. When the sensation ended, I went to my pantry, grabbed a jar of peanut butter, and commenced watching. And boy, was I glad I did! What's the movie about? Released in 1989, like most 80's horror, the plot is kind of silly. The psychotic Dr. Ramzi was walled up alive in a nuthouse. He had been caught performing experiments that involved one-part formaldehyde and one-part lobotomies. When he was done extracting the brains from his victims, he tossed the bodies into the pit. As his captors bricked him in and sealed him up, the crazy doctor swears he will get revenge on them. Jump ahead twenty years. Enter Jane Doe. She's admitted to the asylum for a bad case of amnesia. It just so happens that Jane Doe has some serious psychic powers. So powerful is she, that she awakens Dr. Ramzi from his sleep. Once awakened, Ramzi and Doe seem to share a psychic bond. Ramzi uses this bond to draw power from her to raise all his victims from the pit. Ramzi then sends out his zombie horde for revenge. This movie has some creative kills and descent 80s gore. There's also all the cheese that we've come to adore about 80s horror. My favorite (terribly cheesy) scene has to do with holy water and a water tower. Also, the zombies are somewhat intelligent, and they move fast. Overall, I enjoyed digging up this forgotten jewel of my childhood. If you're a fan of 80s horror, this is a must-see for you. Check it out now on Amazon while you still can! I’m an avid VHS collector and I’ve since been able to acquire a copy of Dead Pit (see pic below). The tape still works like a charm and the cover is in okay shape. The only down side is that the zombie eyes don’t light up. I’ve been trying to track down a copy with working LEDs, but I’ve had no luck. So, if any readers out there know where I can get a copy, hit me up! Until next time, keep it creepy, you bunch of freaks. 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

Nothing Short of Silver is a fearless departure from the norm. < Back Reviews on the Real: Nothing Short of Silver EP by Doctor Nez Nicole Brice Oct 1, 2026 Share Nothing Short of Silver is a fearless departure from the norm. Doctor Nez is an indie artist we originally covered in 2024 . He's from Tulsa, Oklahoma , but now lives in Colorado , and his music is best described as gritty desert rock . It’s raw , it’s got great fuzz, and it just rocks. But what truly sets Doctor Nez apart is how his sound feels like a breath of fresh air—a genuine departure from the norm. What started as a solo project has now turned into a 3-piece band with Kenny "Doctor Nez" Charters on Vocals/Guitar, Luke Prentice on Bass, and Brett Wutzke on Drums. Out today, October 1, 2026 , is the trio's newest EP, Nothing Short of Silver , and with this release, Nez continues to carve out his own lane in the music world. Released October 1, 2026 Consisting of six new songs, each track bursts with its own distinct energy and vibe. No two are alike, which showcases Doctor Nez's fearless creativity and refusal to play by the rules. The music has a refreshing unpredictability—you never quite know what’s coming next. In a musical world crowded with formulaic sounds and recycled ideas, Nez’s music stands out as something truly original. When I started listening to the EP, I just hit play on my iPod and let each track melt into the next, swept up by the invigorating sense of discovery. Let’s dive into these tracks, shall we? Dusk "Dusk" is the opening track – it begins with feedback, and the sound builds in the background; you can hear the faint guitar grow louder. Echoes abound as the song builds into a wall of fuzz … all instrumental. Haunting and perfect. What a perfect intro to this EP. Last “Last” is the second song on this EP, and it starts jamming right out of the gate with heavy, distorted guitars until the vocals come in and take you on a ride through fuzz and nostalgia. “Last” has a steady groove that carries through to the end, when the breakdown slows the pace into a mellower groove. This is a solid track that finishes with howls and screams that speak truth. Great song. Pale Full Moon This is one of my favorites on the EP. I love the vibe, the tone, and everything about this track. It’s got great guitar tone, a rockin sound, and great groove. Find Familiar Ok, second favorite track on the EP. It’s gloomy in the beginning, melancholy, eerie, and just beautiful, and then it builds where Nez’s raspy vocals come in with a crunchy, stank-face guitar tone. Nez’s voice is so bluesy in parts, and it complements the song's arrangement perfectly. Solid track. Nothing Short of Silver This is the title track for the EP, and it opens with the loudest guitar riff, then explodes into a thrashing groove with heavy drums and head-nodding; ah yes, it comes into play heavily with this one. Okay, third favorite track on this EP. Go listen to this one. You’ll really enjoy it. Perfectly Human This song rounds out the EP and has a great driving rhythm that sets the pace. It’s heavy, it’s fun, and it’s got groove. All in all, I give Nothing Short of Silver a 10/10 rating because I love how raw and unapologetically authentic Doctor Nez’s music is. If it were polished any more, it wouldn’t capture the true spirit and artistry of what he’s doing. Nez has crafted a gritty, grunge-inspired sound that feels both classic and totally new—think fuzzy guitars, head-nodding rhythms, and vocals with just the right amount of edge. It’s like he pulled the best elements from the golden age of grunge and desert rock, then made them entirely his own. The result is a sound that’s refreshingly real and impossible to mistake for anything else. Desert Rock fits what Nez has created, and that raw energy is exactly what makes this EP worth a listen. Go check it out today. To learn more about Doctor Nez: YouTube: Doctor Nez - YouTube Spotify: Doctor Nez | Spotify Apple Music: ‎Doctor Nez - Apple Music Instagram: Doctor Nez (@doctor_nez) • Instagram photos and videos Facebook: Facebook www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

The Rock Revival We Need < Back Blacktop Mojo Proves Rock Still Has a Pulse Zach Taylor Jul 27, 2026 Share The Rock Revival We Need While reading Bud Gambrell’s book, Side Tracks , I came across a section about Greta Van Fleet performing in Huntsville at the iconic Side Tracks venue. My wife and I had recently seen them perform at the Orion Amphitheater , and I was astounded by the idea of a band with that kind of energy fitting into such an intimate space—a beloved Huntsville music venue that closed its doors in 2022 . Admittedly, I was mostly experiencing FOMO. At that stage of life, my wife and I were raising three kids, each with their own busy schedules. Going out to see regional bands simply wasn’t an option—even if one of them had a chart-topping song like “ Highway Tune .” Recognizing a band I knew and had seen caused me to pause and pay closer attention. That’s when I came across the section on Blacktop Mojo . Reading about them made me wonder: how did these guys become such incredible performers? Musicians don’t simply explode onto the scene in stadiums and amphitheaters; they cultivate their presence in places like Side Tracks. They build a following. Credit: Bud Gambrell So, I cued up Blacktop Mojo’s music to get a deeper feel. Whoa. Wow. How did I not know about this band sooner? These guys were right up my alley—their Texas grunge and pure rock sound hit me like a wave, and they are truly keeping the spirit of rock and grunge alive with their music. Formed in 2012 , Blacktop Mojo are no strangers to Huntsville’s Side Tracks Music Hall , having performed there in 2018, 2019, and 2021. So, when I saw they were coming to Rocket City Honky Tonk , I marked the date as a must-see. And I almost didn’t make it because of work. I’d already given up hope of seeing them, let alone landing an interview, but fate had other plans. The show poster That morning, I texted Bud to see if he could arrange an interview, and band management agreed that one of the members would meet with us. Later that day, as I eagerly awaited the interview, my wife and I waited next door at Furniture Factory Bar & Grill , and as luck and persistence would pay off, I was able to talk with both Catt Murtis and Matt James of Blacktop Mojo . Read on to learn more. The following conversation has been edited lightly for clarity. MaM : People often describe Blacktop Mojo as “Texas grunge.” What does Texas grunge mean to you? What is one thing you like about that label and one thing you dislike? Catt Murtis : I like it because some of our favorite bands are from the grunge era, and we all kind of collectively meet together on liking those bands. It’s cool that we’re associated with that in some way. You can definitely hear it reflected in some of our music. The only reason I don’t like it is that we’re so much more than that. We have such an expansive spectrum of rock and roll throughout our catalog. We go all the way to blues and even almost borderline Southern metal sometimes. MaM : When people give you a label like that, does it help listeners understand what they’re getting into, or does it flatten what the band does? Matt James : I think it helps people understand. It helps people maybe take a chance on you because it’s always really hard for a band to describe its own sound. You’re too close to it, you know what I’m saying? If you have that label, hopefully people who like grunge stuff, or maybe people who like Texas country , will check us out. That’s always the battle nowadays. MaM : Who is your favorite band from the original grunge era, and who influenced you the most? Matt : For me, it’s Soundgarden . I’m a big, big Chris Cornell fan. I don’t think I’ve ever met anybody who isn’t a Chris Cornell fan, though, so that’s not exactly a hot take. Catt : I would honestly say Alice in Chains . When I first discovered grunge, it was Alice in Chains . A friend in high school told me I looked like Layne Staley , and I was like, “Who’s that?” My hair was cut short, I was really skinny, and I had the blond-hair thing. I went and looked them up. I pulled up Facelift , their first album, because I thought, “I’m just going to check it out from the beginning.” “ We Die Young ” came on. As soon as that riff hit, I got chills, and my mouth dropped. I was like, “Yeah. This is my stuff.” They were what really broke me into finding bands like Soundgarden , Pearl Jam , and even Nirvana . Credit: Bud Gambrell MaM : “ Where the Wind Blows ” is probably my favorite Blacktop Mojo song. I think it’s the intro that does it for me. There’s this idea of being completely obsessed with a woman. It almost feels Shakespearean. Am I off? Matt : No. It’s about that really powerful experience of falling in love at first sight and wherever it takes you from there. MaM : Have you experienced that? Matt : In the past, for sure. To my own detriment. MaM : Tell me about the headspace you were in when you wrote it. Where were you emotionally? Matt : That song was on our second record, so I was probably 21 or 22 years old. I was falling in love with every woman I met. Credit: Bud Gambrell MaM : You have a new song out. Do you call it “ S.A.D ” or “sad”? Matt : We’ve been calling it “sad.” It’s easier to say. MaM : It sounds like it’s about knowing you’ve crossed a line but still trying to convince yourself that you’re okay. Is it more a song about drugs, or about the regrets and emotions behind them? Matt : I think it’s about really realizing that you can go down some dark roads with drugs, partying, and all that stuff. It’s that “aha” moment of, “Oh, shit. I might be about to die right now. I feel like I’m about to die right now.” Then all of those really important things flash through your mind. You finally realize that your family, your wife, your kids, and everything that is truly important to you are things you’re about to lose because of something stupid like drugs. I’ve had a lot of those moments over the years. Sometimes, especially when I’ve gone back toward drugs, whether it’s THC or psychedelics, you have to find the edge. You have to go too far a little bit, and suddenly everything becomes crystal clear to you. Once you realize you’re not about to die, you can kind of refocus your life in a more positive way. Credit: Bud Gambrell MaM : A lot of heavy music is described in terms of anger, but underneath that anger there is often fear, shame or loneliness. Which emotion is the hardest for you to write about? Matt : For me personally, it’s sometimes harder to write happy songs. It’s so much easier to draw from your shame and your anger. Songwriting is different for everybody, but for me personally, it’s a way to get that stuff out. You see it on paper, and once it’s on paper, you kind of have power over it. MaM : Was there ever a Blacktop Mojo song that you finished and immediately thought, “This is the one”? A song you were convinced was incredible, but it never caught on the way you expected? Catt : Honestly, I think we’ve had a little bit of that moment with every single one of our babies, so to speak. Every time you make something new, you’re like, “Oh, that’s better than the last one. I really like that.” You just keep bouncing from one to the other. Matt : You always hope one of them will do something. You hope it will be the catalyst, the firework that pops you off into another stratosphere. That’s the thing you dream about. But at this point, we’ve been doing this for almost 15 years. You’re just hopeful that the song is good enough to allow you to keep writing more songs and keep making more music. Catt : At this point, as long as we’ve been doing this, we’re not necessarily looking for something to pop off. We’re looking to make something we love, that we hope other people will love, and that will allow us to continue moving forward. Credit: Bud Gambrell Photography MaM : You’re releasing your new album Discount Fireworks on vinyl and CD at a time when most music is consumed one track at a time through streaming. Is that nostalgia, or does Blacktop Mojo belong to a tradition where an album should be experienced as a complete work? Catt : When we’re creating an album, we definitely lean toward the latter. But we’re also aware of the reality. We’re fans of albums. Matt : Yeah. We have CDs and CD players. We have tapes. It’s nice to hold the art in your hand. We’re doing that for anybody who still likes that experience. I still like going into vinyl shops and finding something and thinking, “Oh, I don’t have that record.” Then you have it in your collection. Catt : I think it’s cool that vinyl has come back like that. Credit: Bud Gambrell Photography MaM : What is something unique to Blacktop Mojo that you keep on the rider? Matt : We have these Frisbees called Aerobie discs . On our first tour, we were in the van for about 60 days, and somebody gave us one. Every time we saw an open field or a parking lot, we would think, “That’s a good Frisbee spot over there.” Social media wasn’t exactly what it is today. You weren’t buried in your phone for 12 hours a day, so that was our time killer. It sounds dumb, but we still have them on the rider. We have a collection of them at the house. MaM : What does the rest of the rider say about the band? What is the practical stuff? Matt : Batteries, towels, energy drinks. It’s pretty sensible stuff. Credit: Bud Gambrell I honestly laughed at that last answer. It made them sound like the most sensible rock stars imaginable—throwing Frisbees in an open field and asking for batteries, towels, and energy drinks like kids at a friend’s house. Still, they look every bit the rock stars: onstage, they play and move with undeniable presence. Matt James ’s voice simply screams rock star, while Catt plays bass with the confidence of a lead guitarist, working the crowd—and occasionally picking up the guitar for a show-stopping highlight. Walking down the street together, people must have nearly broken their necks watching these two—good-looking, long-haired, and clearly dedicated to their craft. Alongside them was the short, nerdy-looking engineer, who seemed on the verge of passing out from exhaustion. Yet from the moment we met, the experience felt less like accompanying rock stars and more like meeting the new kid at the lunch table—maybe the one sporting a Soundgarden or Alice in Chains shirt. You notice the shirt, they notice you noticing, someone says something, and you quickly realize that, for all your differences, you share a language. In this case, I was the new kid, and I felt like I was walking beside friends who loved the same things I did, except they lived inside that world while I merely walked alongside it. The band, about to embark on the Texas Checkmate Tour with Seven Year Witch —set to kick off the next night in Huntington, West Virginia —could have treated Huntsville as a mere warmup, one last stop before the real tour began. But they didn’t. Blacktop Mojo didn’t shrink to fit the room; instead, the room had to rise to meet them. Catch these guys live in your town! That’s what venues like Side Tracks understood. Iconic performers don’t start in amphitheaters; they are forged in small rooms, where the music has nowhere to hide, and the distance between band and audience disappears. For nearly 15 years, Blacktop Mojo has kept walking into those rooms, playing each one as if it might change everything. Standing inside Rocket City Honky-Tonk, feeling the sound push against the walls, I couldn’t help but think of Side Tracks. The rooms may change, but the music still has to be bigger than them, and Blacktop Mojo's is. Click to learn more about Rocket City Honky Tonk, and if you're in the area, stop in. *All photos by Bud Gambrell Photography - he's the best, seriously. To learn more about Blacktop Mojo: Blacktop Mojo Where to find Zach Taylor: Website: https://sites.google.com/view/zach-taylor-author/home TikTok: zach taylor, author (@zachtaylorbooks) | TikTok Facebook: Zach Taylor Books Facebook Where to find Bud: Website: https://bgambrellphotography.com Amazon: https://a.co/d/1CLA9Tz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bud.gambrell www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

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. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2FZUPOEaz4 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. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SjTZx3m-7s 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

Solid Alternative Rock < Back A Melodic Rock Offering: Caustic Waves Nicole Brice Feb 27, 2023 Share Solid Alternative Rock Hello guys and gals, I have some new music for your ears and, of course, I must share. I recently stumbled upon a musician out of Glasgow, Scotland , by the name of Neil Thomas . By day, he’s a full-time software engineer, and by night, he’s a producer with a lifelong passion for music that has culminated in his latest project, Caustic Waves . Although it is a new project, Neil has been in the business over 20 years. He started out in the mid-2000’s as the guitarist for the metal band Keitel and then switched to bass and backing vocals as part of the power-pop band The Chinaskis . Photo provided by artist With Caustic Waves , Neil combines elements from both bands into a melodic and solid rock offering with a tinge of a pop-rock vibe reminiscent of 90’s alt bands such as Trapt. Launched in March 2022 , Caustic Waves came onto the scene with the debut single ' Regenerate ,' which was the first in a series of single releases throughout 2022. Neil has continued to stay busy since then writing and recording new material. On Friday, March 3, 2023 , a new six-track EP titled Full Circle drops via all streaming platforms and as a limited-edition CD as well. Be sure to check out his new release once it drops and pay attention to the standout tracks ' Barriers ' and ' Idiocracy '. Full Circle releases March 3, 2023 via all streaming platforms We recently threw some questions Neil’s way so you could get a better feel for this up-and-coming artist and his work. MaM : If you could cite your favorite band as far as influence, who would it be? NT : Picking one is tough, but I'm going to go with Helmet. Their 90s output is absolutely essential for alternative/post-hardcore fans, and, in particular, their album 'Aftertaste' is a big influence on my sound. For me, it has the perfect blend of heavy guitars with strong vocal melodies. That's my aim with Caustic Waves—loud rhythm guitars underneath melodic vocals and layers of harmonies. The original Helmet drummer, John Stanier, is a huge influence, too. He has such a unique and identifiable groove, and my approach to drums is very much based on his style. MaM : We are huge Helmet fans here, too, so good pick. As far as vocal influences, who is your favorite front man? NT : Jonah Matranga (Far/Onelinedrawing etc) is a big influence on my vocal approach, and he's an absolute legend. In terms of a favourite front man, it's hard to look past Maynard James Keenan from Tool/A Perfect Circle. He is such an enigma on stage, and his voice is incredible. Photo provided by artist MaM : Good picks, again. You have excellent taste in music, and we approve. What type of guitar do you play and why? NT : I play a Schecter C-1 Diamond Series, which I've had since 2005. I bought that guitar when I played with my first band, Keitel. My approach to playing guitar hasn't really changed since then, which is why there's a strong late-90s/early-00s influence to the sound of Caustic Waves. I keep meaning to treat myself to a new guitar, but I still love to play my Schecter, and it suits my sound well. MaM : Ok, let’s talk gear. How do you achieve your sound and what pedals / gear was used in the recording of the new material? NT : Although I have a reasonable collection of pedals that I used for demos, the guitar tones on the EP were all achieved with the amp sim plugin, BIAS FX. Amp sim technology has progressed a lot since I started using Amplitube back in 2010, and it wasn't too hard to dial in the tones I was looking for. It was also somewhat out of necessity. I recorded the guitars at nighttime in my home studio when my kids were asleep downstairs. The drums are virtual too, using GetGood Drums - Modern and Massive. MaM : Give our readers a little more background about you and where you live. NT : I'm from Glasgow in Scotland. I was born and raised here. There's a brilliant music scene in Glasgow [and] Scotland, and I've been going to gigs since I was 15. Another one of my main influences are Biffy Clyro, who come from a town not too far from Glasgow. I first saw them play in a small pub in 1998, and now they're one of the biggest rock bands in the UK. Photo provided by artist MaM : Who all is involved in Caustic Waves? Just you? NT : It's just me! I'm a one-man band! For now, it's just a studio project, although I do miss playing live so I'm open to the idea of putting together a live band at some point in the future.I did have some guests on the EP: My brother-in-law Adrian McGurn (from the Irish traditional folk band Solás ) sang some harmonies on the ending section of ' Idiocracy .’ That part of the song is about the importance of education and investing in the next generation , so it felt appropriate, as Adrian is a teacher. He lived with us at the start of lockdown when schools were closed, and he home-schooled my two boys for a few months. It was during that time that I started recording the EP, and that's when we recorded his vocal tracks. There's also a cameo from my two boys, Jamie and Charlie , who helped me with some backing "woahs" in the middle section of ' Evolution '. To check out all that is Caustic Waves , hit the links below and be sure to check out Full Circle dropping on March 3, 2023! Linktree: https://linktr.ee/causticwaves Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5YFSnuEccV4gdfzlxKkdu9 Bandcamp: https://causticwaves.bandcamp.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/causticwaves YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@causticwaves Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/causticwaves Twitter: https://twitter.com/causticwaves TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@causticwaves *All photos provided by the artist 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 Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Next

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. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzNdbw3Ah3s 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. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXUwsbxuKZU 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. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qW4I8b6Avd8 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. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=772vUNTWiJg 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 Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Next

We Can Hang is a four-track whirlwind of hooks, riffs, and storytelling. < Back Reviews on the Real: We Can Hang by FOND Nicole Brice Jul 7, 2026 Share We Can Hang is a four-track whirlwind of hooks, riffs, and storytelling. I love it when an album or EP proves me wrong. First, before reading any further, do you like punk rock ? If you answered “yes”, then continue on. Before hitting play on FOND’s We Can Hang , I thought I had a pretty solid idea of where things were headed based on their previous releases, which I had just listened to. Instead, I spent the next twenty minutes constantly recalibrating my expectations by pressing pause and taking in each song fully. By the time I had finished listening to their new EP, I wasn’t just surprised—I was already queuing it up for another listen without pausing. Released on May 1, 2026, We Can Hang EP is packed with four tracks of pure pop punk and alternative vibes. Imagine if Weezer, Social Distortion, and Taking Back Sunday teamed up—that’s basically FOND . Click to listen FOND got its start in 2024 in Alexandria, Virginia , when four friends— Chris (vocals/guitar), Matt (bass), Rob (drums), and Steve (vocals/guitar)—decided to channel their time in the DC, Richmond, and NYC punk, hardcore, and indie scenes into something new. Before releasing We Can Hang , they dropped a few demos and an EP called Complacent , steadily honing that punk-tinged alt-rock sound you’ll hear throughout this record. Credit: FOND Let’s dive into these tracks, shall we? Loserville – this is the opening track, and right from the start, you can tell it’s going to be a good time. The song kicks off with a catchy, jangly guitar riff that immediately grabs your attention. Then, the drums and bass jump in, laying down a solid rhythm that keeps everything moving forward. It’s got this effortlessly cool vibe, with a melody that sticks in your head and a groove that makes you want to nod along. Overall, it’s a super fun way to kick off the EP, and it instantly puts you in a good mood. Peregrine – this track doesn’t waste a single second easing you in. It explodes right into your ears with a full-band jam that feels spontaneous and energetic, like you’ve walked into a party already in full swing. There’s no slow intro here—just pure, unfiltered energy from the first note to the last. The guitars are loud, the drums are relentless, and the whole thing just begs to be played at maximum volume. Seriously, crank it up and let the music take over—it’s the kind of song that makes you want to move around and lose yourself in the moment. No One Can Laugh – this song takes things in a slightly different direction, leaning into a poppier, more alternative vibe while still fitting in perfectly with the rest of the EP. There’s something about the laid-back vocals that gives it a nostalgic, early-90s feel , kind of like The Lemonheads or other classic alt-rock bands from that era. It’s catchy and upbeat, but there’s also a hint of bittersweetness in the lyrics and melody that makes it stick with you. But truth be told, the vocals are more reminiscent of the late, great Mark Lanegan from Screaming Trees . Great song. Find Out – closing out the EP, this track leaves a lasting impression. It’s got driving drums and bold guitar lines that keep the momentum going right up to the very end. Honestly, it’s hard not to love this one; it just wraps up the listening experience in the best way possible. Nod your head, and get lost in the groove. With We Can Hang , FOND doesn’t simply find their footing—they soar beyond it, landing squarely between “this is awesome” and “we need more.” This sophomore EP is a sharp, four-track whirlwind of hooks, riffs, and the kind of honest storytelling that just hits in all the right ways. Each song earns its place, weaving together into a release that’s both raw and irresistible. Go stream it NOW. Where to find FOND: Instagram: FOND (@fondbandva) • Instagram photos and videos Bandcamp: We Can Hang | FOND Spotify: FOND | Spotify Apple Music: ‎FOND - Apple Music YouTube: FOND - YouTube Facebook: Facebook www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

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. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZKGUAGaRTc 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) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8f6EPqGHhA 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

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Want to know who all helps us put this together? These peeps do! contributors c.g. smith Contributing Entertainment Writer C.G. Smith is a guy living in New Orleans, LA, with a lot of opinions and a deep love for music and film. He’s also a musician who's been in love with Rock ‘N Roll since he was very young, often standing on his tip-toes to put Rolling Stones records on his dad’s big JC Penney stereo, or playing tennis racquet guitar in the bay window to John Cougar’s Learn How to Play Guitar, which he eventually did do many years later. Then he wrote all the songs floating around in his head and recorded them. He's our man on the music & entertainment scene, and we have no doubt he'll keep you just as entertained as he does us. chris pryor Contributing Music Writer www.maineventrocks.com Meet Chris, everybody. He’s quite the rockstar and hails from a small town in Louisiana called Sarepta, which is way up in the northern part of the state. In addition to his mad trumpeting skills as a child, he’s also quite the singer and over the years has had the opportunities to share the stage with country music legends Doug Stone, Earl Thomas Conley, and John Michael Montgomery. He even auditioned for American Idol back in 2009 but it wasn’t meant to be. That didn’t deter him, though. He went on to become lead singer of the Lil Whiskey Band and in May 2022 formed his high-energy classic rock/country band Chris Pryor & the Main Event. His unique blend of rock and country music, coupled with his powerful vocals, has earned him a dedicated fan base. It has also earned him a spot in our sandbox as one of our music writers. chad besse Contributing Photographer cmdbphotography.myportfolio.com Chad is no stranger to creative outlets. After kicking around the local music scene in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, for the better part of a decade, he decided it was time to switch gears and try something new, so he started making some pretty sweet props for cosplayers, which he also sold at anime and comic conventions and still does today. After joining the 501st Legion and hangin’ around the convention scene for a few years, he decided to pick up photography as a way to help cosplayers document their creations, because he’s a big ole sweetheart. Photography also gave him another outlet to express his creativity, and his specialty morphed into travel and architecture photography. Now, he’s returning to the music scene to document all the action and to take his skill set to the next level with this new medium. He tells us he’s happy to be documenting the journey of so many other creative people as a part of Mixed Alt Mag, and we believe him! rian nickels Contributing Writer / Photographer / Show Coverage rianmusicjpeg.myportfolio.com Everyone say “hi” to Rian! Rian has been capturing moments as a photographer since 2012, but has known since 2008 that photography was her destiny, and we are so freakin excited to have her on the team because she is a multi-talented badass and mom. In 2018, Rian began doing photography for the local Hammond, Louisiana punk scene and realized she loved what she was doing, but soon discovered her true passion was in the editing of her photos. Not only is Rian a skilled photographer of music, skateboarding, and portraits, but she also does graphic design work, too. Rian aspires to design clothes and home décor in the future and own a storefront to go with it. With a love for all things creative, her hobbies include producing digital art, cozy gaming, crafting stickers, skateboarding, and planning live music events with her musician fiancé. Rian loves music and there is no limit to what she will listen to, but her favorites are pop punk, folk punk, post-hardcore, metalcore, indie, rap, house, and EDM. Rian’s favorite movies are Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands, SLC Punk, and Girl Interrupted, but even better, her favorite TV show is Stranger Things. Rian’s dream bands that she would like to photograph include Neck Deep, Pierce the Veil, Mayday Parade, Twenty One Pilots, Mom Jeans, Roe Kapara, and Hot Mulligan. In the future, she hopes to shoot photos at alternative festivals, continue doing skateboard photography, and wants to take portraits of musicians for as many magazines as possible. jason beard Lead Videographer www.sixto6.com Jason is no stranger to being behind the lens and this beast of a Renaissance Man hails from Lafayette, LA where he is an established cinematographer, producer, photographer, sound designer, videographer and audio engineer. What does this man not do? As the owner of Sixto6 Productions, he is obsessed with ALL music...well...except for country and techno. Jason brings a wealth of knowledge and talent to the Mixed Alt Mag team and we are happy to have him. Nick Cline Contributing Writer / Music Reviews Meet Nick Cline. He is a man from 1200 miles away trying to contribute and make a name for himself. Born in West Virginia and a resident of Louisiana for 12 years, Nick has found his place in a scene that gives birth to a plethora of brilliant talent. He started playing music at a young age, and ever since, he has had dreams of becoming "something." A love of writing and music has led him to become a member of the Lafayette music scene through his band, Phantum Sun . Phantum Sun started in June of 2023 and has quickly evolved to a sound unique to themselves. His involvement has enabled him to contribute to various projects, including band collaborations and festival planning, within a remarkably short timeframe. On top of this, he just graduated from the University of Louisiana in Lafayette, where he earned a Mass Communications degree with a Journalism concentration and a Criminal Justice minor. Only the future will tell what is next for Nick and his endeavors in music and writing, so stay tuned! Justin Hammer Contributing Music Writer & Photographer www.justinhammerphotography.com Justin has been a part of the NOLA metal music scene for 15 years now as a photographer, and has met some great people and equally talented musicians along the way. Initially, he began shooting live shows through friends of his that were in bands, since he was never able to get the hang of playing music himself. Knowing that he wanted to contribute to the scene he loved so much led to him discovering he had a natural talent for photography. That snowballed into a new love for music and capturing the energy of live shows. Justin's main focus has always been helping to expose exceptional talent in the local scene and giving back to the bands via quality images they can use to promote themselves. After recently relocating to Lafayette, Louisiana, Justin wants to continue to foster the talent in this state and beyond via his stunning images, and we are beyond excited to have him on our team so that he can continue to do so. margo leblanc Contributing Writer / Promotions Team Margaret Taissa LeBlanc is a woman of many talents, some may say. Born & bred in South Louisiana, Margaret was always taught that she must earn things that she would like to have by working as hard as she can as much as possible. She owes all her accomplishments to her single mother & grandparents, who are responsible for helping her be the best she can be. Her love for music, photography, movies, and writing is palpable, and she aspires to become a passionate photographer and writer. She also has a gifted eye ( & ear ) for loud music. She adores horror movies, especially ones that feature dark comedy. Her favorites are Jennifer’s Body, The Crow, The Craft, & Carrie (1976), which she can watch over and over again. In music, her favorite genres & bands are Soul/Blues ( Otis Redding, Amy Winehouse, & Janis Joplin ), Alternative ( Alice in Chains, L7, The Smiths ), Indie ( The Black Keys, Cage The Elephant, Dexter and The Moonrocks ). Margaret dreams of one day interviewing more prominent bands & artists such as The Struts, Johnny Marr, & Jerry Cantrell. With her love for her craft and hard work, she is on the path to a successful future in the media industry. melissa "mo" thornton Contributing Writer Born in Redondo Beach, California, Mo Thornton aka “Melissa Ford Thornton” is Communications Director for the Princess Theatre Performing Arts Center in Decatur, AL. A budding ukulele player and off-key singer who uses a spoon rest as a microphone, Melissa is also a professional storyteller, writer, poet, and music lyricist. She is a Moth Story Slam winner, and her writing has been published by Silver Birch Press, Good Grit Magazine, Alabama the Beautiful Magazine and frequently airs on WLRH Public Radio. In addition to the Moth, Melissa has told true stories on big stages including Southern Fried Film Festival and Rocket City Reading Festival (Orion Amphitheater), Arc Stories (Birmingham, AL), Athens Storytelling Festival, Stories Under the Stars, Tin Can Stories, and Tenx9 Storytelling (Nashville,TN). In 2019, Melissa published her first collection of poetry and prose: “An Elegant Dispute of the Accidental.” She is a member of Alabama Writers Cooperative and Co-founder and Storyteller at Bramble Stories. When not writing, you can find her kayaking, paddleboarding, skydiving, or chilling out with her rescue cats (who enjoy an eclectic playlist almost as much as Melissa does). shaun corley Contributing Entertainment Writer We have some entertainment writing royalty here, ladies, gents, and non-binaries! We call this pop culture enthusiast and comic book nerd Shaun Corley. He comes to us from the East Coast and is a big, important Screen Rant writer with thousands of articles to his credit. He also has many leather-bound books and his apartment smells of rich mahogany. A first-generation college graduate, Shaun holds so many literary degrees, we’ve lost count, but he is adorned in accolades, and we love him. Some of his favorite writers are Haruki Murakami, Jonathan Lethem, NK Jemisin, and Stephen Graham Jones, and his favorite directors are David Cronenberg, David Lynch, Richard Linklater, and the Coen Bros. He’s also a fan of sweet tea and he loves chocolate. We don’t feed him after midnight, though. Ever. elise marie Contributing Photographer and Writer Elise Marie Hanks is an Acadia Parish native born and raised in Crowley, Louisiana, but now resides in Lafayette. Her interest in music and photography began at a very young age, inspired mainly by her late father and his collection of vintage cameras, which she often enjoyed tinkering with. Elise also cherished attending concerts with him during her childhood. She continues that tradition today by supporting local artists and connecting through live performances—often accompanied by her daughter, much like her father did with her. Elise's passion for writing took root while working on her high school newspaper, yearbook, and her college's online publication. Whether at work, with her family, or in creative and musical spaces, Elise is dedicated to growth, fostering connections, and making meaningful contributions to Mixed Alternative Magazine . charles sagona Contributing Writer Charles Sagona is a former radio industry professional, recording engineer, lifelong musician, and die-hard fan who’s lived more shows than most people have playlists. With countless concerts across multiple genres under his belt, he brings a sharp ear, an honest voice, and an undeniable passion for music to his writing — capturing the raw energy, chaos, and heart that make live music unforgettable. Charles believes there’s a soundtrack to everything in life, and he’s made it his mission to find the songs that tell the real story. noah hughey Contributing Writer https://noahmhughey.wixsite.com/noahhugheysite Noah Hughey is a writer and student journalist based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Hughey is a lead opinions writer for the Niner Times, the student publication of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where he writes about transit, culture and politics. When it comes to music, Hughey’s taste is eclectic in nature; raised on hip hop and pop, transferring to big band and jazz sounds, captured by the electric sounds of contemporary rock n’ roll and more, today blending this musical ballast to create his palette. This is the core of Hughey’s interest in music as a subject: sounds that convey the core of the counterculture, while blending unconventional elements that ground it in the daily lives of its producers and listeners. zach taylor Contributing Writer Amazon.com: Zach Taylor: books, biography, latest update Zach Taylor is an award-winning author and NASA engineering leader from North Alabama. By day, he manages manufacturing and fabrication operations supporting America's human spaceflight programs. By night, he writes character-driven fiction inspired by music, identity, and the pursuit of purpose. His debut novel, Rockstar: Echoes , is a 2026 National Indie Excellence Award Winner and 2026 Eric Hoffer Award Finalist . Set against the backdrop of the rock-and-roll industry, the novel explores grief, ambition, authenticity, and the true cost of being heard. A frequent guest on podcasts, radio programs, and literary panels, Zach enjoys discussing the intersection of music, storytelling, engineering, and creativity. He is currently writing the sequel, Rockstar: Mirrors , continuing the story of Kline Thomas, Rayne Harlow, and the world of Echoes. J Heist Contributing Writer Backstage 504 - YouTube J Heist is a musical madman. At an early age, he was utterly stunned when he saw Michael Jackson moonwalk. Ever since then, he knew the stage was where he belonged. Once he discovered grunge and metal music, the instruments he picked up and played were no longer relevant. A NOLA native who has a bit of traveling under his belt is expanding his repertoire into the promoting and media side of the industry. From writing music and lyrics, taking photos and videos, conducting musical interviews, and securing gigs for other musicians, his support for music and all those involved in it grows every second. The sky is the limit with this one; even the stars move out of his way as he travels through the universe to accomplish his goals. Anything to do with music, he's in it 1,000,000%. He has also recently launched a Podcast called Backstage 504, which is a retro, stripped-down, indie-focused podcast centered on one thing only: music. Be prepared for a journey with J Heist. Michelle Ramey Contributing Photographer https://chellrameyphotography.com/ Michelle Ramey is a Denham Springs-based photographer and Baton Rouge native with 18 years behind the camera and 8 years in business. She specializes in fine art and portrait photography, creating imagery that blends softness and depth. While fine art and portraiture are her foundation, her versatility allows her to move fluidly between events and creative projects without losing her signature style. For Michelle, photography isn’t just what she does ... it’s how she gives her emotion a voice. Photography has allowed her to build a meaningful career while staying present for her children. When she’s not shooting, she’s flipping furniture, loving on her cats, or hanging with her "little homies" (her kids). A lover of all types of music; grunge and metal carry a nostalgic pull for her ... raw, honest, and deeply familiar. Home

Southern-based Indie Magazine for Music & the Arts with a 90s flair. We bringin’ it back, yo! FAQS Answers to All Your Questions WELCOME! We are a collective of music and entertainment lovers who are passionate about sharing what we like. If you've stumbled upon our little family, then we're happy to have you. HOW DO I GET IN TOUCH WITH you? Just drop us a line via social media or email us! mixedalternativemag@gmail.com Mail how do you decide on what to cover? We comb the interwebs and local scenes for what catches our eyes and ears, and voila! As for anything not music, it's just what we like and think is cool. HOW DO I SUBMIT A PITCH? Got something you'd like to see in the mag? Email us! Mail

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

Jet Brings the Noise to Asbury Park < Back Rifting on the Shore: Jet at The Stone Pony Jeff Crespi Sep 24, 2026 Share Jet Brings the Noise to Asbury Park Jet , the legendary Australian rock band , made their return to New Jersey on September 22, 2026 —this time taking over the iconic Stone Pony in Asbury Park . The last time I caught Jet with my camera in Jersey was way back in 2010 at the Starland Ballroom , so seeing them hit the stage again felt like a blast from the past. Jet absolutely stormed through the Pony with all the energy you'd expect from 2000s garage rock royalty . They put on a fantastic show for a packed house of excited fans, and the crowd went wild when they played their hits like " Are You Gonna Be My Girl " and " Cold Hard Bitch ." Honestly, those songs still hit just as hard, and everyone sang along at the top of their lungs. To make the night even cooler, David Bryan from Bon Jovi was hanging out—he's kind of a regular at the Pony and sometimes jumps on stage. This night was extra special, though, because he joined Jet for a killer rendition of " Wanted Dead or Alive ." The entire place went crazy, belting out every word with them. Jet brought along The Retrograde , a rock 'n' roll band from Tallahassee, Florida , as their opener. The Retrograde totally won the crowd over and set the tone for an awesome night. All in all, it was an epic evening of rock 'n' roll at The Stone Pony . If you ever get the chance to see Jet live, don’t miss it. To learn more about Jet: JET To learn more about The Retrograde: The Retrograde | Rock Music All photos by Jeff Crespi www.jeffcrespirocks.com JEFFCRESPIROCKS See through a different lens! www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Jill Mulkey Art < Back Raw, Unapologetic Artistry Keeley Brooks Feb 13, 2023 Share Jill Mulkey Art During my years living in the heart of Baton Rouge , La., straight fumbling my life thing after college, I ran across some very talented artists of all kinds nurturing their individual crafts in a most pure, non-conformist way. It was awesome because back then, the city vibrated with electricity emanating from the super-cool types of art being created; the 2000s were quite a colorful time on the BR entertainment scene , if I do say so myself! Nowadays, the city isn't just vibrating; it seems to be exploding with all sorts of art, and now that I no longer live there, it's kind of up to chance when it comes to noticing more of its artists, whether it be through recommendation or random happenstance online. And that’s how Jill Mulkey filtered into my gaze: She randomly popped up in my social media feed one day, and her distinctive abstract style caught my eye … okay, it caught both of them. I zoomed in on several of her pictures and noticed some wonderful, subtle textures and shapes full of artistic nuance, and I was intrigued. Her art appealed to me because it said, in a sense, real talk. It screamed honest, real shit like I'm here and I'm colorful and I'm loud, but at the same time I'm also full of depth and exposure because I live, I breathe, I experience, and I create as a result--not for you, for me. There were no distractions. It wasn't all neat and tidy in a perfect, little, expected bow--no. It was loud and vivid and raw and messy in the best of possible ways. It was connectable ... proud ... unapologetically human, purely exposed artistry ... and that's what I loved about it: its humanity. I felt the emotion behind every piece I ogled and believe me; I spent way too many hours on both her social media sites clicking through images and getting lost in them. Mulkey is a mixed-media abstract artist, photographer, and fashionista out of Baton Rouge playing with different textures of shape and color to express herself, her messages, her feelings, and the world around her. In fact, her expressive patterns of repeating tiny squares and circles have become very popular in her shows and largely draw in the commission requests. Art by Jill Mulkey Art by Jill Mulkey Art by Jill Mulkey Having always had the artistic talent deep within her, Jill spent her time after high school doing hair and nails by day and painting by night. The more she painted and showcased, the more attention she garnered for herself. Over the past decade, she has done and continues to do some really cool work, like reproducing different Rock album covers, for example. During a time when she was experimenting with multiple new techniques, she took some pictures of some famous people and portraits of rock stars and worked them through her own interpretations. Art by Jill Mulkey While her early paintings included a lot of portraits and closeups of faces and different city scenes, her style evolved and delved deeper into the abstract world. Some of her works incorporate printmaking techniques, like doing portraits by repeatedly stamping ink on the canvas in high and lesser concentrations to affect lines and shading, and she isn’t shy about collage work. Her images incorporate paint and print materials to illicit interpretations. One of her earlier works, a popular choice depicted below, “Pisces Girl" started out with a compilation that included a girl, a guitar, and a pear, but as the woman’s arm began to take shape, Mulkey's focus shifted from the objects to the woman. You can see how gently and effortlessly she and the guitar are beautifully entwined, both revealed with the implied sexiness of the distinct hourglass shape--the neck of the guitar ever so slightly separated from the woman's to partially hide her face just enough to illicit intrigue and admiration while conveying a union between worlds ... ah! What sweet, emotional depth it displays. It showcases beautifully sequenced artistic style. And, to tie in the title, Mulkey added water elements and a fishbowl to represent the zodiac. Art by Jill Mulkey Canvas isn’t her only medium, though. Early in her career, she used to paint on bottles and even tinkered with unconventional canvases, like paintings on doors and other found pieces. She also paints on … waaait for iiit … JEANS! I’m not kidding. And they look pretty badass, if I do say so myself. Her jeans became so eye-catching, that she now stages fashion shows in various locations. Jeans by Jill Mulkey Jeans by Jill Mulkey “I paint really fast,” Jill says. “I work really fast with my hands,” which explains how she’s able to generate so much in so little time. This challenge of mixing multi-media efforts into one cohesive piece for visual pleasure has been seemingly effortless for Jill, who is constantly scoping out new outlets. “I continue to paint and participate in many art shows all over Baton Rouge. … When I [began to focus] on my art career full time, I painted pretty much every day and sold a lot through social media, mostly on Facebook. I still have a large client base there,” she says. Mulkey has also been featured in several art galleries over the years, including Gallery N , owned by Mark Nikoff , and Williamson Howard Fine Art . It wasn’t long before she realized the gallery display opportunities held more than just a place to display; they became places to grow. “One of my proudest [shows] was in Downtown Baton Rouge at The Shaw Center in the LSU Art Museum,” she says. “I had an art and fashion show inside and a local DJ outside that I worked with on many shows. He was playing music and above him was a huge, white parachute floating in the air off the building on the 4th floor with images of my art, photography, and fashion flashing across this monstrous screen all night. It was so amazing. I haven’t seen anyone do anything like that since, but I’d love to make it happen again!” Over time, Mulkey has become an art dealer of sorts, curating shows at different galleries in and around the Baton Rouge area and promoting new, young talented artists, as well as making sales for herself and the new talent. In 2010 , she curated a show in Los Angeles at the Thompson Hotel on Wilshire Boulevard that amped up her abilities. “Somewhere in there, I began painting live—something I never thought I would do years before,” she gleans. “I became a regular in Battle of the Brushes, a monthly live art battle I did in New Orleans with Alex Harvie and TJ Black (and other chosen artists) on Magazine Street.” It seems more and more people these days find a deeper connection with live painting, and why wouldn’t they? It’s personal, exciting, and curious--utterly fascinating to watch, sober or not. There’s so much mystery around what is being created, that for just a tiny moment, we as viewers often forget there’s even someone there working their ass off to convey to you what they are seeing, hearing, and/or feeling in that specific moment. Then, when an image begins to emerge, a peek of the artist is seen just long enough for the question of why the artist is doing what he/she/they is/are doing to seep in, and once an artist's awareness of that happens, it oftentimes can create an intense palpable pressure. But Mulkey doesn’t seem to mind that one bit. She doesn't even notice, really, because she's a badass who paints right through it as though it doesn't even exist. For those of you wondering, this is what we call "the zone." Jill Mulkey “When I paint live, I sometimes start … by writing with paint in cursive across the entire canvas: first line forward, next line backwards, then forward again, and backwards every other line. I’ve become quite good at writing backwards because of this. It’s fun to see people react when they realize what I’m doing,” she explains. “It’s a great touch in the end, even though it’s just a technique for texture and getting an idea of where I’m to go with the painting. It makes for good live painting, too, because no one knows what the painting is going to be until the very end.” She adds, “People always comment on my process, saying they never know what’s going to happen next or what the painting is going to end up being. The funny thing is, I didn’t want to paint live in the beginning, so it worked out well!” Today Jill stays between Baton Rouge and Minnesota , where her other studio is. She’s currently working on collections and several commissioned pieces. Her zodiac collection , which instantly drew me in even deeper than I already was, involves characters with traits and symbols from each house of the zodiac . She tells me started years ago with “Pisces Girl” and has since completed the signs Taurus, Cancer, Libra, Virgo, and Sagittarius. As a Taurus, I personally connect to her representation of Taurean nature: still, yet loud, messy, confusing to some, and organically earthbound ... refusing to conform; I love it. Art by Jill Mulkey Art by Jill Mulkey Mulkey says she loves all the interesting aspects of each sign, and there’s so much to include in each piece that the process has been nothing short of enlightening and entertaining for her. Work on the zodiac series continues, although she’s had to put it on hold, “to complete various commission work, including this Boba Fett piece, which has compelled me to start a ‘Star Wars’ collection. Once I posted the finished Boba Fett piece [online], I got two commissions from it. I grew up on ‘Star Wars’ and love it, and I’ve always wanted to do some art based on the early movies, so that is in the works.” Art by Jill Mulkey Other commissions she’s been working on involve religious themes taken from a statue of Mary and the baby Jesus , as well as her popular bikes. Art by Jill Mulkey Art by Jill Mulkey She also works on layering in lyrics and parts of songs into her art. “I’ll start with the very first songs I remember as a kid and make art out of them. There’s [sic] so many eras of music that I love. … [I] could have a different theme forever. … [E]veryone loves to see their favorite songs in art and connect [with them].” Speaking of music, Mulkey talks of switching between listening to metal, 90s or Pop music when she paints, depending on her mood, and when she isn't listening to music, she works with a podcast rolling--either true crime or haunted stories, or "Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend," "Jeff Lewis Has Issues," or "Smartless," to be exact. When she isn't painting and is indulging in some well earned chill-out time, she's probably on Netflix, Hulu, or Tubi. "My latest guilty pleasure has been the Netflix series 'You.' ... [And] for some reason, I've been hooked on 80s cult movies lately ... and Conan O'Brien," she adds with a laugh. When asked what about this world inspires her most to paint and create, she says she wants to be able to see the things visualized in her mind emerge into tangible form. That's the magic. "I'm also very into pop culture, and that is very influential on things that I paint," she adds, noting that her absolute favorite mediums to work with are charcoal and acrylic, but she also loves spray paint and enjoys experimenting with all mediums. Mulkey currently is focused on completing her commissioned pieces, as well as her zodiac collection, and she says she's also looking forward to working with local Baton Rouge gallery owner Mark Nikoff , who is planning future art openings starting in March 2023 . It's no doubt her arsenal is full of an expansive variety of creations on a multitude of subjects with a myriad of focused perspectives and messages, but if you ask her what her favorite thing in the whole world to paint is, she'll smile and tell you it's her faces, which are nothing short of worthy of your admiration and exploration. So, just for you, art lovers, I leave you with a mini gallery of some faces and other selections from her digital portfolio I found interesting. Enjoy, my friends. Be sure to find, follow, and support Jill Mulkey Art online to stay plugged into her latest pieces, any current and upcoming shows, and updates to any of her unique collections. https://www.facebook.com/JILLMULKEYART https://www.instagram.com/jillmulkeyart/ *Images courtesy of Jill Mulkey Art Art by Jill Mulkey Art by Jill Mulkey Art by Jill Mulkey Art by Jill Mulkey Art by Jill Mulkey Art by Jill Mulkey Art by Jill Mulkey Art by Jill Mulkey Art by Jill Mulkey Art by Jill Mulkey Art by Jill Mulkey Art by Jill Mulkey Art by Jill Mulkey Art by Jill Mulkey Art by Jill Mulkey 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

Our mission statement at Mixed Alt Mag and what we do. A BIT ABOUT US *NO ADS ... JUST PERSONALITY & ENTERTAINMENT* We are NOT your typical publication. Why? Because we have heart. Mixed Alternative Magazine is a passion project online publication created to provide you, the reader, with a wide range of high-quality, balanced articles and stories covering various genres of music and different facets of art and entertainment. Our focus is on providing a non-discriminatory platform for independent talent of all kinds to introduce themselves and showcase their mad skills to the world, without getting lost in corporate advertising. Our sights are on content, not sales. We pride ourselves on our humor, knowledge, experience, and love (ok, obsession) for all things entertainment and music, while adding our special editorial touch and our commitment to keeping it real. And we do just that by ditching the rules and regulations. We simply love what we do, and we figured you guys might too. And here at Mixed Alt Mag , we like to think of ourselves as the signal standing out from the noise of the rest of the media landscape. With so much mass-produced content out there, we want to be the ones who stand apart from the crap. By using a different approach and outlook, we will always strive to bring you the most entertaining, highest-quality content we can, and we proudly do so by rejecting the mainstream and forging our own way. We just do what we want. No hard news. No religion. No politics. No rules. No red tape. No censorship. Just sheer entertainment, passion, and personality.

A Night That Belonged to Every Generation < Back Where Nostalgia Meets a New Generation: Jimmy Eat World at Stone Pony Summer Stage Jeff Crespi Jun 28, 2026 Share A Night That Belonged to Every Generation Jimmy Eat World blasted through an unforgettable night of nostalgia, energy, and incredible music at the iconic Stone Pony Summer Stage on June 25, 2026 , as they celebrated the 25th Anniversary of Bleed American . From the moment the band took the stage, it was clear this tour wasn’t just about revisiting a classic album—it was about celebrating us fans who have stood by them for the past quarter century. Every detail, from the production to the carefully crafted setlist, was designed to transport the audience back to the moments and memories these songs have created throughout the years. The atmosphere was full of energy as thousands of fans packed the legendary outdoor venue, singing every lyric at the top of their lungs. The iconic Stone Pony Summer Stage once again proved why it remains one of the premier live music venues, providing the perfect backdrop for a night filled with timeless anthems and unforgettable performances. Personally, I couldn’t help but feel like I was 20 years younger as Jimmy Eat World launched into hit after hit. Songs that have become staples of alternative rock instantly brought back so many memories for me, and judging by the crowd’s reaction, I wasn’t the only one taking that trip down memory lane. Every chorus echoed across the venue as fans of all ages sang along, proving that great music truly transcends generations. One of the most impressive aspects of the evening was the diversity of the audience. Longtime fans, such as myself, who have followed the band since the early 2000s, stood side by side with younger concertgoers who have discovered Jimmy Eat World’s music more recently. It was a reminder of how their music continues to resonate with new generations while remaining just as meaningful to those who have been there since the beginning. Jimmy Eat World’s performance was nothing short of outstanding . Their musicianship was as sharp as ever, their sound was powerful and polished, and their passion for performing was evident throughout the night. After 25 years , they continue to prove why they remain one of alternative rock’s most respected and enduring bands. Their ability to recreate the emotion and energy of these beloved songs while keeping them fresh is a testament to their longevity and talent. Opening the evening were The Wonder Years and Girls Against Boys , who did an excellent job setting the tone for the night’s festivities. Both bands delivered energetic performances that kept the crowd engaged, making for a well-rounded lineup that complemented Jimmy Eat World’s headlining set perfectly. Overall, Jimmy Eat World’s Bleed American 25th Anniversary Tour stop at the Stone Pony Summer Stage was much more than a concert—it was a celebration of music, memories, and the enduring connection between a band and its fans. Whether you were reliving the soundtrack of your youth or experiencing these songs live for the very first time, it was an unforgettable evening that showcased exactly why Jimmy Eat World has stood the test of time. Here’s to another 25 years of incredible music. *All photos by Jeff Crespi (the man who always has a plan) 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 mixedalternativemag@gmail.com Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Their latest tour is proof that the Fray’s music still resonates. < Back How to Save a Summer: The Fray Return to Asbury Park Jeff Crespi Aug 21, 2026 Share Their latest tour is proof that the Fray’s music still resonates. The Fray rolled into Asbury Park for an unforgettable night at the legendary Stone Pony Summer Stage on August 19, 2026 . The place was packed —about 5,000 fans hanging out in the warm, muggy air, just steps from the ocean. There’s just something special about a summer concert at the Jersey Shore , and this one really hit the spot. The Fray , who’ve been rocking the charts since the early 2000s , put on a show that was all about connecting with the crowd as much as the music. Their stage presence was awesome—every move and every chat with the audience felt real and genuine. You could feel the energy as they played their biggest hits, and I found myself singing along with everyone else to the songs that have been part of our lives for years. Credit: Jeff Crespi Something that really stuck out was how mixed the crowd was. There were longtime fans who’ve been into The Fray since day one and younger people just now getting into their music. It was awesome to see parents and kids, friends of every age, all swaying and singing together—it just shows how much the band means to people. The whole night was a blast from start to finish. The Fray didn’t show up alone—they brought Dashboard Confessional and Colony House with them, and both bands got everyone pumped up for the main act. By the time The Fray hit the stage, the crowd was buzzing, and the good vibes kept going all night. It honestly felt like a big celebration of music, memories, and hanging out together—one of those nights you never want to end. Definitely one of the best shows of the summer. Dashboard Confessional Colony House To learn more about The Fray: Summer of Light | The Fray To learn more about Dashboard Confessional: Dashboard Confessional To learn more about Colony House: COLONY HOUSE *All photos by Jeff Crespi www.jeffcrespirocks.com JEFFCRESPIROCKS See through a different lens! www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

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

Merging Styles < Back A Bright Visualist: Robin Masterman Nicole Brice Oct 4, 2022 Share Merging Styles Robin Masterman is a Louisiana-based visual artist whose style resonates in multiple categories from the finest of art to facets of everyday life and right on down to the circumstances existing all around us. Art by Robin Masterman Currently living in the city where he grew up, Prairieville , he spends his time focusing on making art that not only catches your attention but also makes you stop and think about things that probably never occurred to you. His pieces use bright, vibrant colors with an extensive range of creative depth that spans from on-the-surface interpretations to subjects that cannot be seen at first glance with the naked eye. Art by Robin Masterman Masterman comes by his artistic gene honestly. His father is a sculptor, and his grandmother was a painter. It was she who introduced him the medium as a child and always kept him painting, encouraging his abilities. Because of that, he pulls a lot of his inspiration from her, as well as from his mother and father, to create works so deeply personal one cannot help but feel the energy behind his intention. But family isn’t his only source of inspiration. Art by Robin Masterman “Emotions, thoughts, losses, wins—it all depends on the day. Now, graffiti? That’s a different story because of the adrenaline bursts of wondering whether the cops are going to bust ya when [you’re] putting up a piece,” Robin replies when asked what other sources light up his creative spark. While he is, no doubt, a man of multi-faceted talents, he makes sure each piece he does is unique to itself to ensure no two pieces are the same. And while he uses a host of many mediums, Robin prefers marker and spray paint over anything else but says he will do some acrylic, “on occasion.” Art by Robin Masterman Mirroring the styles of famed pioneer fashion artist Stephen Sprouse and Neo-expressionist icon Basquiat , Robin’s talent is one to remember strictly because of the impression it leaves. He started drawing at the age of nine. It wasn’t until the late 90’s, when he was working at tattoo shops, that he truly got into making art. It started with canvas art in 2002 and he says of the time with a laugh, “It was acrylic ninja masks and arrows; it was bad.” Art by Robin Masterman But Masterman evolved well past his artistic beginnings and, at one time, worked under numerous well-known street artists. Says Robin , “I learned spray paint and acrylics from other graffiti artists, which also led to a strange fascination with painting numbers at times.” When asked of a famous artist he would like to spend the day with, living or dead, he responded, “Renoir. For the experience, conversation, and models. I respect his way of self-preservation and profit, while still doing what you love.” The artist at work Jackson Pollock is another one of his inspirations, specifically “his work with Benton pre-drip craze … [it]was amazing!” says Masterman. As for where Robin sees himself in the future, “Just trying surrealism a bit, and maybe traveling. Who knows?” Robin’s work can be purchased directly from the man himself by either reaching out via social media or e-mailing RobinMastermanArt@gmail.com. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peterobinnola/ Art by Robin Masterman 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

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

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

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

Insightful, brilliant, and talented < Back Alfred Banks: A Blessing from the Crescent City Nicole Brice May 22, 2023 Share Insightful, brilliant, and talented Growing up, I loved the hip-hop showcased on programs like Yo! MTV Raps . The music had heart and a meaningful message. However, over the years, hip-hop has seemingly evolved away from impactful rhymes and verses towards themes focused on excess, elaborate stage shows, and corporate endorsements. As a result, I stopped paying attention and shifted my musical tastes elsewhere—until one artist emerged who could rhyme about anything and everything, with verses that had both meaning and heart. Alfred Banks ' body of work is so diverse that it will leave you amazed. He can take a blank piece of paper and create a rhyme about it right on the spot. Banks is a hip-hop musician based out of New Orleans, La. , and his latest release, ' Blessing ,' is a nod to the city that raised him. In the song, he says, “It’s a blessing coming from the Crescent” and for Alfred Banks, indeed it is. The man reps New Orleans wherever he goes, and we are lucky to be able to enjoy his talent. Banks got his start in the industry under the moniker Lyriqs Da Lyraciss at age 17 and has shared the stage with Rakim , Lupe Fiasco , Wu-Tang Clan , Tyga , Desiigner , and Kendrick Lamar , among others. He has performed at New Orleans-based events Voodoo Fest and Jazz Fest , and he even visited Reeperbahn Festival in Hamburg, Germany. Did I mention one of his songs was used for a Volkswagen commercial and that numerous songs of his are licensed to shows and movies? His knack for rhyming, his charisma, and his insightful lyrics are what got him noticed in the biz and, as we like to say, the rest is history. He has been steadily churning out music ever since, with many new ones this year, but he does not limit himself to solo material—no. This man is involved in so many projects, we lost count after a while. We did ask him about all those wonderful endeavors, though, and you can read more about them in this interview. Currently, Alfred is focused on promoting his newest album Nectarine Peels , which is part of his collaboration with Albert Allenback of Tank and the Bangas in a group called Saxkixave . These two are like the odd couple of hip-hop and their infectious videos are beyond hilarious and showcase Bank’s personality in a whole new light. In fact, the duo goes together like peanut butter and jelly and truly do complement one another. Albert makes these killer beats and Alfred comes up with the wittiest rhymes to go with them. Released May 18, 2023 In addition to Saxkixave , Alfred is continuing to perform shows like crazy, showcasing his solo material. Check out this convo we had with him recently, then go check out his catalog of material. You will fall in love with him as much as we have. MaM : When I first discovered your music, the thing that drew me in was your use of words. You can pretty much make a rhyme about anything. When did you realize you had this gift with words to take it to the next level professionally? AB : I remember when I was in sixth or seventh grade, I used to freestyle a lot. I lived in Tallulah, Louisiana for, like, three years and I would freestyle a lot with some of the kids around there. I would gravitate towards anybody who rapped—actually, I’ll go back a little further. Fifth or sixth grade was when I started noticing that I liked remixing songs in my own way. Me and my man Nigel would make comedic remixes for them. We would take any song that was hot at the time, which was 2000/2001 , and remix them about food. I started noticing I could do that off the top of my head. … Junior high was when I started to write raps, which were kinda cool. I was more into that battle type of energy. My sophomore year of high school was when I truly started writing, though. … I really started freestyle battle rapping and I noticed I could think of things on the spot. My whole thing was coming from New Orleans , you have to know how to rib and I got ribbed a lot … picked on a lot and my way to fight back was to just rap. I would just head to toe and people would die laughing. That’s kind of how I got my name. I started uploading music to MySpace and stuff. It started getting a little bit of traction and I did some shows around town. I started battling first. … I just started noticing that if I looked at someone, I could make a rap about it to whatever degree. I fell off it for some years, though, and focused on my songwriting and touring. Around 2019 , I did a tour with my man Mega Ran and he did this thing where he would ask people to hold stuff up in the air and he would freestyle about it on the spot and I [thought that was amazing and wondered if I could do that]. I started doing it with Saxkixave and it goes over well and keeps my freestyle sharp. People kind of know me as a freestyle guy now, so it’s kind of cool, then you meet someone like Ray Wimley , who is a freestyle savant, and he went viral because he freestyled with Common a few years back for Essence Fest . We actually did a freestyle battle at a Pelican’s game and that was me in front of thousands of folks having to put my freestyle skills to the test and, respectfully, I was the victor in that situation. … I don’t really write a lot, not as much as I’d like, but freestyling just kind of works. credit: Gary Governale MaM : Well, as far as your lyrics for your songs, what inspires your lyrics? 'Blessing,' of course, is based upon your love for New Orleans, but I was listening to your music and you’re all over the place with content and what you talk about. None of your songs are the same. AB : I know sometimes it makes it hard to be marketable when you do a lot of different things, but I just have a lot of different interests and I’m not always in the same space. To some degree, I guess I need to find a vein, but for the most part, I’m all over the place and I love that. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIbOpf3wVp8 'Blessing' performed at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in 2023 MaM : Where did Underdog Central come from? AB : That’s my life mantra I live by. Underdog Central is the place where the overlooked go to hone their skills to come back and become admired. It’s my label name, too, and my social media handle. I made it my social media handle ‘cause Alfred Banks was taken, but because it’s my label, I wanted that name to be first before anything. I want people to know what my brand is. When I first came out, I was a little rough around the edges, a little unrefined, so I had to go back into my proverbial batcave and fix things. I came back out, though, and now am who I am. I feel like the people who are extremely talented tend to get overlooked and are always having to fight from behind from a deficit and always must prove who they are no matter if they are the most talented one in the room or not. You can’t take anything for granted and you must treat every moment as if it’s your last, so that’s what Underdog Central is about. credit: Gary Governale MaM : Are you born and raised in New Orleans? AB : Uptown, yeah, uptown New Orleans. Uptown kid for sure. MaM : Your brand of hip-hop is the type that is missing these days. It has those classic undertones and that hint of nostalgia. Your lyrics with 'Blessing' are so insightful and that song truly resonates with me. AB : Yeah, that’s a style of record I have never done before. One thing I have been noticing lately is I am the most off-brand New Orleans person you will ever meet. [I’m] born and raised in this bad boy, but when you look at my everything … I don’t even look like I’m from New Orleans. I don’t act like I’m from New Orleans…like some things I don’t even relate to, but I am definitely from here, but I never made a song I felt could resonate here. All the music I make is more for everyone. I also made it from the angle of where if someone from Detroit heard it, they could be like, ‘I feel this way about my city.’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KbtuRVxlQ4 'Blessing' on YouTube MaM : What struggles or roadblocks did you encounter when you first tried to break into the industry? AB : Just making hip-hop in New Orleans. There was a big scene from 2007-2015 where it was a community and there were shows happening and people would come out to the shows and we all tried to support each other and spread the word about each other’s stuff, then after that, there was a shift in the music. I can say to a degree that I’ve stayed contemporary with my style. It doesn’t sound like it’s from 1989 or anything, but the more lyric heavy and conceptual idea-driven music doesn’t have as big of a platform here as other stuff. The people in the scene here, though, started to get older and started [coming out less]. That and the fact that New Orleans is not a hip-hop city, and so it doesn’t matter how talented you are. It’s been like, ‘Where’s your bounce song?’ or ‘You got a dude playing trombone on it?’. It’s funny now, though, the response I’ve gotten for the song ' Blessing ' … thirteen years into my career, you would have thought it was the first song I ever made because everyone is like ‘Finally, you got a record we like.’ I’ve got albums that have charted across the U.S., but that record is doing pretty good in New Orleans, specifically. Pick your battles. My biggest thing was just trying to do my brand and my style of hip-hop and bust open these doors that are solely reserved for people who do Zydeco or brass band music—stuff people consider New Orleans but, to a fault, it’s so New Orleans that no one wants to hear anything else. But I always thought it was weird that these big platforms—these big festivals here—only portray a certain style of New Orleans; where’s the hip-hop? That’s always been the main issue with me. I want to be the guy that can go into a room filled with musicians who do not do hip-hop to any degree but do my thing and it resonate or translates with them. I’ve kind of become that guy, though. I’m the guy in a room full of brass bands and zydeco bands who is the hip-hop representation, which is a gift and a curse because I never get to perform for my people. I always get to perform for people who are being exposed to what I do for the first time, so it kind of creates this very uncomfortable energy, which can be a bit weird at times. I’m a part of this group called Glbl Wrmng and we’re doing this Wednesday at the Square thing, which I don’t know the last time they had a hip-hop group perform there, but … I have this never say die, blind optimistic view of life, though, so I just keep going for some strange reason. credit: Gary Governale MaM : No, but that’s a good thing! You’re not admitting defeat at all. You’re just like, “I don’t care what you’re gonna throw at me. I’m just gonna keep doing my thing until it resonates,” ya know? AB : …and the funny thing is it hasn’t stopped me. I’ve been able to tour all over the world. I guess it’s not that big of a deal, but for me it is. I’m doing it less about me and more about the next. I’m a young guy, but I’ve been out for a while, and so I just want to look out for the next guys coming up that feel like me because everybody is a street rapper, and there’s nothing wrong with that. I come from the hood, but I don’t see it from that angle. I was in a house and my mom kept me in the crib, and not everyone is from that cloth. There are people, though, that take those experiences and turn them into something else. Not what you would expect. I just try my best to be that alternative for people who love hip-hop, care about bars, care about lyricism and concepts, good beats, melodies, etc. MaM : … and you bring it all. You’ve got the whole package with it. AB : I appreciate that. credit: Gary Governale MaM : Glbl Wrmng — tell me more about this. AB : Word, so Glbl Wrmng is a collective about 35 people in the city from engineers to producers to singers to rappers, graphic artists, etc., and we just all [come together] … so Glbl Wrmng is like, ‘Nope! We can!’ So that’s what we’ve done and as a collective. We’ve performed at Buku Fest , we’ve opened for Tyler the Creator , and we’ve played Jazz Fest . We’re going to be playing Wednesday at the Square , and so we’re using this as a platform to get some of the guys in the group exposure with their first big stages to give them that experience and to be around people like Pell or Train or me to help usher in those guys to just make great music. I love being a part of Glbl Wrmng. It’s very interactive. It’s teaching me how to support people from a very active standpoint, and I truly mean it when I do it and vice versa. It’s allowing me to also get involved with other people’s careers to some degree, which is fire. MaM : Well, it’s a collective grouping of like-minded individuals all supporting each together, which is awesome. AB : Yeah. Glbl Wrmng put out an album during the pandemic and I’m on it. Saxkixave is on it. It’s called ‘ Glbl Wrmng Vol. 1 ’ and it’s a dope record. We’re working on Vol. 2 right now, but at the end of the day the one thing I have learned is that collaboration is very important, especially for me the past three years. Working with Soul Rebels , working with Brassaholics , working with Flow Tribe , working with Glbl Wrmng , working with Tank and the Bangas , and all these different people has been helping me elevate my platform and get in spaces where I probably wouldn’t be normally. I’m very grateful for that. Just working to get that buzz to where it needs to be and it’s been a trial at times, but I want to just keep rapping and keep working and the inevitable will happen at some point. credit: Gary Governale MaM : So, 2023 you’re gonna just do a lot of touring or are you working on any other new solo music? AB : … Instead of putting out new stuff to the same folks, I already have music that resonates, so from there I think I’m going to use videos and promos as a ploy to get people to check out the catalog I have and then go from there. I have a lot of music that hasn’t been unearthed just yet. I have a project called Mere-Exposure Effect , which I feel is one of my best projects writing-wise. It shows I could do radio records if I really wanted to. Mere-exposure effect is an idea that if you recognize it, you’ll like it, so the whole project sounds like radio records. If it sounds like something you already know, then you’ll like it by default. I have a project called ‘ Road to a Rolex ’—some of my hardest hitting beats. I’m rapping about getting money the entire project but from a couple different aspects. I have a project titled ‘ One Guy Standing by Himself. ’ That project debuted at number three on iTunes . It was one of my most successful projects to date. That’s a project I wrote to get myself out of the mind state of COVID . I wrote that project in like a week and it’s more introspective and a little lighter-hearted. I [also] have a project called The Beautiful and that’s my magnum opus and is my biggest project to date. That project is about my brother and his struggle with schizophrenia and his ultimate suicide. The day of his funeral, I had to leave in the middle of his service because I had a show to play that night, and so I wrote an album about the car ride from the funeral to the show, so in that album, I develop schizophrenia too; so, I sort of battle it throughout the album. That’s my biggest project to date and a lot of people don’t even know it exists. I’ve also got The Range 1 and 2 . I do a song with Wheatus and a bunch of people. It’s like five different genres in one project. credit: Gary Governale MaM : I am just blown away with all the projects you have. How do you even sleep? AB : Well, for me, I did go through a time where I was putting out a lot of music and it does seem like a lot, but it really isn’t. I’ve got songs that if someone goes back in like 15 years to discover them, they’ll be like, ‘That shit was fire!’. A catalog full of those records. Some may consider me a conscious rapper and I’m not conscious in the vein of social or political issues, but I rap about things from my point of view. MaM : Well, just life. I’ve listened to all your music, and you are all over the place. No song is alike. You have so many different styles and facets to your personality and what you do. You can go from a silly track to something super serious. AB : For sure. MaM : … which I feel is so endearing and is going to continue to resonate with people—even those who are just now discovering you for the first time. AB : Honestly man, that’s just how my brain works, cause we’re human. We all go all over place. There are some days where you are very happy and so you want to listen to a happy song and then there are days where you are not happy and you don’t want to even hear music, but if you do, you want to hear some sad stuff that is introspective. Some days you want to hear something lyrical. Some days you will want to hear something conceptually driven, but that’s just how I feel. Sometimes I don’t want to write a rap record, I want to write a dance record. I want to do some EDM . I want to do like a hyper-pop record. There are some days I want to do some industrial shit. credit: Gary Governale MaM : That’s what I’m talking about. That’s my kind of music. AB : Some days I wake up, I want to go work with Albert and do some jazz or acid hip-hop or some days I just want to rap my ass off to show people how good I am. That’s just where I’m at and the path I’m on and people seem to like it. MaM : I think it’s a great path and, in fact, I don’t think you should change a thing with what you are doing. I think it shows diversity and it does not keep you in a certain type of music or anything. You are unique and different and have your own brand that is going to resonate because it is so unique and different. AB : Thank you. I’ll tell you this with all the things that have gone against me, all I’ve ever had [were] my skills and [they have] gotten me further than anything else I’ve ever done. I think that is what is going to keep me busy and keep my lights on. I just care about music, and I care about being good. I do come from the competitive aspect where if you put me on stage with other rappers, I’m going to try and outperform. I want to be the best in every room I’m in and I don’t know too many who still care about that. credit: Gary Governale MaM : You are nothing but heart. AB : Thank you. I want people to go, ‘I want to be invested in his brand of great because that boy is good.’ At the end of the day, though, I’m an entertainer, so it’s not about me. It’s about you, the audience, and I like to keep those things in mind. MaM : What are your plans for the rest of 2023? I know we’re halfway in, but where do you see the rest of the year headed for you? AB : It’s weird, I’m at this weird transitional part of my career where the business infrastructure that has been supporting me is not there because we decided to do our own thing and go our separate ways, but I’m back solo. I’ve been adjusting to that. We do have some other things down the line, though. Pre-COVID, I was doing close to 100 shows a year and in June, I’m going to Ohio. I’ll do three shows out there, then I’m going to Colorado in July. Just trying to get back to the West Coast. To experience all that is Alfred Banks, hit one of the links below. You won’t regret it. Alfred Banks (@underdogcentral) • Instagram photos and videos Alfred Banks | Facebook Alfred Banks | Spotify ‎Alfred Banks on Apple Music Saxkixave | Facebook SaxKixAve (@saxkixave) • Instagram photos and videos @SaxKixAve | Linktree *Cover photo by Gary Governale www.governalephotovideo.com Zenfolio | Home I have been working as a video professional since 1993, with a wide range of experience writing, producing, directing, shooting and editing. A strong interest in videography, specifically lighting and composition, led me to photography in 1998. Rapidly changing technology has blurred the line between video and photography, allowing me to work in both mediums.. Baton Rouge, LA, United States www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Nicole Brice loves good music and loves discovering new music she has not heard yet. Do you have something you’d like her to hear? Hit her up at the_nicolebrice@mixedaltmag.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Kyle Pfeiffer is a visionary creating a culture of acceptance for future generations of fans. < Back Blacklite District: Building a Digital Era Legacy Nicole Brice Sep 2, 2024 Share Kyle Pfeiffer is a visionary creating a culture of acceptance for future generations of fans. From the depths of personal tragedy to the triumphs of renewal, Blacklite District , aka Kyle Pfeiffer, is on a path to becoming the Trent Reznor of his generation with his one-man approach to making music. Since the early 2010s, Kyle has crafted a well-known brand with a loyal fanbase on social media and YouTube because of his impactful music videos referencing gaming culture, mainly Minecraft . Most known for the songs ‘ Cold as Ice ,’ ‘ Living in a Nightmare ,’ and ‘ Goodbye ,’ Blacklite District has had four Billboard Top 40 hits and is currently averaging over 242k monthly listeners on Spotify and over 65 million views on YouTube and has been granted a Grammy nomination in 2025 for Best Alternative Performance . For those who have never listened to Blacklite District’s music, it is a bit of hip-hop mixed with alt-rock and a little pop at times. It has a little something for every taste but remains dark and heavy at its core, just as Kyle Pfeiffer always intended. A visionary creating a culture of acceptance for future generations of fans , Kyle hopes his music will continue to be the soundtrack for kids who need uplifting positivity to feel like they matter and belong. Devoted to making his shows accessible for all, Pfeiffer has become known for offering earlier start times, and because of this, entire families sometimes travel many hours to catch a live performance. Set to embark on a new tour this fall, dubbed The Red Carpet Tour , in support of his latest album titled ‘ You Can Do Better ,’ we were able to catch up with Kyle Pfeiffer of Blacklite District recently as he gets ready to hit the road. Read on to learn more about this musical creative and the legacy he is creating. Kyle Pfeiffer of Blacklite District MaM : You have an impressive career, and I want to discuss your legacy so far. I read that you started in 2002. Is that correct? KP : 2011-12 was when I started getting attention, but 2002 or so was when I started jamming in my garage with friends. I was only 12 years old. I even started a band in 5th grade, too. All these years later, and here we are. MaM : So, what was the official year Blacklite District formed as a “band”? Take us through a bit of band history. KP : There’s been so much stuff over the years. It’s just been my project since the first day. It’s my brainchild. MaM : Like Trent Reznor with Nine Inch Nails ? KP : Exactly. I’ve had different members over the years, but then there have been shows where it has just been me on stage. My guitarist is Justin Sundlin . He’s been with me for almost three years now. My bass player is a guy named Clinton Cunanan . He’s also on my management team. Been working with him for a long time. We’re having fun. MaM : That’s awesome. So, do you have a drummer right now? KP : In an official sense, we don’t have a permanent member who is the drummer, but Chance Jones from No Resolve comes out and plays often for us. Blacklite District MaM : The new album was just released on May 3rd. How’s that going so far? KP : I love it. I’m happy with it. If the fan base likes it, then I’m good. The response we have been getting has been incredible. We’re about to release the second animated video, which we do these Minecraft videos , and it should be in the next couple of weeks. The momentum is just considerable, and streaming has doubled this week alone since the announcement of the new video. I think something has occurred with me as an artist, though I’m 34 now – I’ve been doing this consistently for the past decade or so, but something about this last project makes me feel so complete that I’m in a different headspace. It’s cool, though. The thing I love about music is that the journey can take you through many places, emotionally and even physically. It’s cool to see the growth and to feel that evolution through all of this. MaM : Yeah, just the creative journey. I’ve had a similar journey, so I get it. I’ve read that you’ve shifted genres a bit here and there. Have you noticed any differences in how your music was perceived when doing that? KP : You know, not really. It’s hard to say. I never came out and said I was changing my style to pop. When COVID happened, and the year before that, there was a slight switch in styles, but it was that it just didn’t have as heavy of guitars and was more beat-driven, but the melodies and vibes of the songs have always been dark. Even if there isn’t a guitar in the music, I still find heaviness. In 2021, I went to rehab and got into this new era of life where I wanted to return to my rock roots by having a full live band. Having some minor success with rock radio and then seeing these younger kids start blowing up with hip-hop and stuff made me have, I guess, like an identity crisis, and then all this hardcore stuff started happening to me personally, so coming out the other end was almost like I didn’t care anymore about being the next big thing. I decided I just wanted to make music that I’ve always loved, which has been rock music. That’s kind of where I’m at now. MaM : I’ve read that Ozzy Osbourne has been one of your biggest musical influences. I’m a huge Black Sabbath and Ozzy fan, but tell us more about that. KP : I actually have the tattoo right here, and the song ‘ No More Tears ’ just did it for me. MaM : Yes! I love that song! Even today, the beginning of ‘ No More Tears ’ gets me so pumped. I crank it up in the car. Do you think that song was the key factor in pursuing the type of music you play, or were there other things? KP : I always go back to the period when my mom passed away because it wasn’t just the music in the song but the message of no more tears and trying to move on. It was what I needed as a ten-year-old kid to feel strong. The second I heard it, I was hooked and asked my uncle to play the song again after it finished. That song made me know that any music I played had to be rock and roll because of how the music made me feel strong as a small kid going through so much. That’s the beauty of music. MaM : What do you think it is about music that makes you feel so passionate? KP : I always try to think about this, and it’s hard, but as a young kid who was afraid and shy growing up, it was a way I could say the things I wanted about people without actually saying it directly to them. If I wasn’t around and people wanted to know things about me, it’s all in the music. MaM : How are you approaching writing new songs these days? KP : It can be many ways. Sometimes, I’ll hum a tune and put it in my voice notes to save it. The title of this new album, ‘ You Can Do Better ,’ is a simple melody that popped into my head. My guitar player came up with some chords, and then eight months later, we started working on it after stumbling upon the voice notes. The ones that stick with me months later are the ones we tend to work on. That’s a good sign to me that something is there. Or, sometimes, we’ll write a song in ten minutes, and it’ll be great. It just all depends. MaM : Tell us a little about The Red Carpet Tour you have this fall. I heard that you’re doing some unique things for the fans. KP : We are! My audience includes many young YouTube kids who come out as families to see our shows, for which I am so grateful. These kids are so passionate about my music. It’s crazy that they are also discovering my music in different ways, like YouTube, but we’re doing these shows differently for this tour. We’re starting the shows at 6 p.m. to get the families out there. We’re making it more intimate for the fans. We’re also booking smaller venues, so it’s perfect. The Red Carpet Tour kicks off September 6, 2024 in Des Moines, IA. MaM : That’s incredible! That’s your audience, and you’re embracing it. I love it. Do you have a favorite song to perform these days? KP : Well, I have so many, and the cliché saying is they’re like my kids, and I love all of them, but ‘ Cold as Ice ’ is one of my most famous songs, and we’re looking to have it certified platinum because it has well over the number of streams. I look at that song as one that has changed my career. Another song of mine, ‘ The Struggle ,’ is my second most popular song and resonates well with fans. They’re also fun to play. Video for Cold As Ice by Blacklite District MaM : You know how to connect with your audience, which is excellent. Tell us about your best and worst performance so far. (laughter) KP : I love that. Well, there have been some bad ones over the years. I'm not going to lie about that, but one time … this was back when I was in my early 20s; we would play in this town called Deadwood . On the night of the show, it looked like it wouldn’t be a good show because we didn’t sell that many tickets, but about twenty minutes before we were set to go on, my bass player and I decided it was a good idea to start chugging beers and smoking a little. We got messed up in a short amount of time. So, we went to go back in, and the venue ended up being packed, and we did not have the experience to play drunk, and it just turned into a shitshow. (laughter) In terms of the best, it’s been these smaller shows I’ve been doing because of the audience's passion. I spent so many years playing where I was the opener, and no one would come to see us, so now, when I see a line of kids out the door to see us play, it’s remarkable. It’s like a dream come true. That vibe is what I’m so grateful for. Video for The Struggle by Blacklite District MaM : Over the years, have you ever received a good piece of advice from a fellow musician that you’ve carried with you? KP : You know, that’s a great question, and over the years, I’ve tried to sponge up anything I could. On my first tour, I opened for Saving Abel , and I remember being in awe of being on tour with bands I had heard on the radio. I remember the singer of Art of Dying telling me they could be opening for me a year from now, and I just thought that was the coolest thing ever. They ingrained in me that you never know whom you will encounter on the way up and how the roles may be changed or reversed quickly. MaM : Any plans or aspirations for collaborations in the future? KP : I always wanted to collaborate with Ozzy , but he’s not doing his best. I also want to collaborate with Jelly Roll , but it hasn’t happened yet. I would love to do something with Post Malone , too. I love how Post Malone is doing this sort of country thing, and even Jelly Roll has shifted to that, too. It’s almost as if hip-hop culture is shifting to more of a country culture right now. MaM : Outlaw country in a way. KP : This shift could lead to more guitar-driven stuff. It could be great for the rock stuff in the future. MaM : I agree. Last question for you. Where do you see yourself in the next five years? KP : That’s a great question. I have a decade’s worth of music now and several hits that the fans love online, so I am just focused on growing with these tours and doubling and tripling the ticket sales. I would like to see in the next five years that I can keep the momentum going, continue expanding on the fanbase, and build that real core audience that connects with me and the music, just as I’ve always done. I hope you and I can talk five years from now and be on different levels, just doing our thing, because I genuinely believe that the vibe and work you put out there is how you get there. Insightful, charismatic, and driven with many years of success and many more to come, Blacklite District hits the road on September 6 in Des Moines, IA, and wraps its tour on November 2 in Atlanta, GA. Be sure to catch a date if it comes near you. In the meantime, check out the latest, ' You Can Do Better ,' on all streaming platforms. To learn more about Blacklite District: www.blacklitedistrict.net Blacklite District Home page of Blacklite District, a rock artist from Black Hills, SD. Official Blacklite District website! The story of Kyle Pfeiffer, new music, photos, bio, and more. 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

Joe Burns has an innate ability to make you laugh out loud in this non-stop ride of hilarity. < Back The Book Nook: We'll Try and Get That on For You Nicole Brice Mar 8, 2025 Share Joe Burns has an innate ability to make you laugh out loud in this non-stop ride of hilarity. I just finished reading a phenomenal book , so I felt inclined to share my thoughts with all of you so that you, too, can enjoy this honest and heartfelt narrative of the glory days of radio. We'll Try and Get That on For You is the latest from author Joe Burns. Burns has published books on web design and other creative endeavors in the past, but this is his first book of this nature, which I call an autobiographical comedy fiction satire masterpiece . No seriously. This book is a " Sandlot " narrative with " Anchorman " antics. I could see it being made into a hilarious screenplay. Click to buy Reading this book was personal because Joe Burns was one of the many phenomenal professors who taught me when I attended Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, Louisiana . Some of my fondest memories of college include his classes. He taught me so much, and now, after reading this book, I realize why he was so knowledgeable. If you talk with Joe in person, he is just a shy, goofy, and loveable human who is too smart for his own good. Did you know that he once took the Mensa test? More about that can be found in our interview with him on our website. As I write about him, it's difficult for me to type just his name without the "Dr." attached to it. Behind the scenes shot from our photoshoot with Joe Burns back in 2023. Trying on his guitar. Notice I'm sporting the KSLU shirt. Forever proud to have worked there. We'll Try and Get That on For You is a story told through the eyes of the 'intern,' aka Joe Burns . With tales of morning show DJs running for governor, procuring votes with promises of Taco Tuesday becoming mandatory, to vivid details of characters, this book is a riot of entertainment. It's funny, it's entertaining, and it never lets up . Radio contests and shenanigans abound, even going as far as stealing the thunder from another local station promoting a concert by the Beach Boys . With his innate storytelling ability, Joe Burns brings these events to life with such detail that you find yourself laughing out loud. The book is filled with unexpected humor, from an electrocution to a death threat, and even getting told off by multiple clowns. Yes, clowns . Reading Joe’s retelling of the events of 9/11 unfolding while he helped facilitate local coverage on my former college radio station, 90.9 FM KSLU , now known as 90.9 The Lion , felt personal because I was a student at Southeastern at the time. I will never forget how I stayed home from classes that day because I was just exhausted. I love that the university utilized his radio experience and expertise on this day because if you’ve ever heard him speak, he truly does have a gift for radio. When Joe gets to the part of the book about his later career outside of the station that shaped him, he recounts the ending of radio with personality and the beginning of formulaic conformity in radio. It’s a bittersweet ending as he sums it all up and updates the later years of the cast of characters once they had moved on from the beloved Z-107. There are many other surprises, so I will not spoil them for you, but do yourself a favor and immerse yourself in this vivid and entertaining narrative. It’s fun. Buy here: We'll Try and Get That on for You: My Life in Personality Radio: Burns, Joe: 9798892110600: Amazon.com : Books *Photos by Gary Governale www.governalephotovideo.com Zenfolio | Home I have been working as a video professional since 1993, with a wide range of experience writing, producing, directing, shooting and editing. A strong interest in videography, specifically lighting and composition, led me to photography in 1998. Rapidly changing technology has blurred the line between video and photography, allowing me to work in both mediums.. Baton Rouge, LA, United States www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Rockstar Echoes leaves us asking who the Rockstar is. < Back The Book Nook: Rockstar Echoes by Zach Taylor Bud Gambrell May 21, 2026 Share Rockstar Echoes leaves us asking who the Rockstar is. What are the odds that in a town as small as New Market, AL , two authors would live close to each other? To narrow that down a bit more, what are the odds that those two authors each wrote a book about music? I have no idea what the odds are, and my new friend Zach Taylor is much more of an author than I am. I just used that reference to get this article started. I first met Zach at the Rocket City Reading Festival , held at the Orion Amphitheater this spring. We were both set up as vendors, trying to convince people to buy our books. I’ll let you in on a little secret. He did way better than I did. Credit: Facebook Once we met, it seemed a friendship was bound to happen. The conversation was easy. During that conversation, we agreed to trade books. I traded him a copy of Side Tracks Music Hall , and Zach traded me a copy of his new book, Rockstar Echoes . Rockstar Echoes by Zach Taylor I had seen Zach’s book advertised on Instagram and had also seen a copy for sale at his uncle Jeff’s mercantile shop. Sidenote: If you are in the New Market area, be sure to stop by Moonpie John’s Mercantile . It is a great little shop that serves an amazing sandwich! Back to the book. I saw it one day while getting a bite to eat. The title grabbed my attention, so I looked into it further. I received my copy from Zach and began reading it within days. It caught my attention because I love a good story, whether it's a book, movie, or TV series. Rockstar Echoes by Zach Taylor As I finished the book, I felt I needed to sit down with Zach and dig a little deeper into Rockstar Echoes . I wanted to ask questions about some of the characters, his thoughts while writing, and his general writing preferences. It just so happened that I had a local photo shoot, and Zach asked if he could tag along. I said yes, of course—the more the merrier. After the shoot, Zach and I found a shady spot, and here is the conversation we had. Credit: Facebook MaM : Zach, thanks for joining me. Let’s talk a little bit about your book. When did you first start writing? Zach Taylor : Well, I started writing in second grade, probably. Since teachers needed a day off, they would tell us to write a story, think it'd be a page or two, and then I'd always end up with like 10 pages. MaM : Is that when you first realized you wanted to write? ZT : Yeah, I like the idea of expressing myself through words. But I didn't decide to become a published author until my youngest son did. Then the ideas in this book were so striking to me, especially given a lot of what's considered successful at the time, shows like The Bear and Daisy Jones & The Six . I felt like I had a story that would cross that bridge, too. MaM : What was your process when you wrote Rockstar Echoes ? ZT : Well, I had the original idea for it, and I just sat down and started writing. I didn't know who the characters were. I didn't know who they would be or how many characters there would be. I just had the idea of a plot, and I just kind of made it up as I went. Credit: Facebook MaM : What do you think makes a good story? ZT : It certainly is one that conveys an idea with a lot of subtlety that you don't even realize that the book is telling you something about society, about yourself, about the people around you. I think that's what makes a great book: it entertains you, and then at the end of it, you realize it was actually telling you something. MaM : What is your favorite part of the writing process, and what is your least favorite part? ZT : The least favorite part probably has to be the editing, even though I don't really do the editing because you're turning over your work to somebody else. And editing is just not about grammar and structure. An editor is also going to be paring down your work a ton. They're going to be cutting what they think is fluff. And it's very stressful because you may make a reference to something, to a song, or maybe there's an inflection of your character that they make a very certain choice of words. It's stressful because when you get that finished work back, your ideas are often cut. Rockstar Echoes by Zach Taylor MaM : Did getting published change your process of writing? ZT : It absolutely did. I think we live in a merit-based society when it comes to work, and one of the ideas that I had, wrongly, I'll add, is that if you author a good book and you throw it into the world, it's going to get picked up. It might be slow, but eventually it's going to become successful, and that's not right. One of the things that I learned very quickly was that you don't just author a book, publish it, and throw it into the world. There are six months of work where you're trying to get advanced readers, you get beta readers, alpha readers, so much stuff that leads to that success. That's one of them for sure. MaM : Do you make plans to sit down and write, or do you just sit down and write as a thought comes to you? ZT : I try to do a little bit of both. I typically don't work on Fridays, so especially during the winter, I sit at home and write. But I certainly do think that I have to be in a writing mood to be creative because if I ever feel like it's a chore and I've got to work through a scene, then obviously that scene probably is not that important. Credit: Facebook MaM : We're going to dive into the book itself a little bit now. What was the hardest scene in the book for you to write? ZT : I think it has to be the scene where The Painted Queens are playing at Harvard & Stone , and Rayne has a meltdown on stage. She's just written this song about an experience she had a couple of days ago. And just like I think with me and my writing style, her best work is when she's maybe emotionally moved. So, she writes this great song. She's really excited about sharing it with the world. But as she starts singing it, she has a mental breakdown. And it was really hard for me because what she was experiencing was not something I'd ever experienced in my life. I'm not a woman. I've never dealt with a lot of these troubles. I've never been poor. I've never faced eviction. And so, it was really hard for me to convey those ideas, knowing I couldn't align with them. And I wanted to make sure I got that right. MaM : Each chapter begins with that date and time stamp. That alone had to take a lot of planning. Tell me about the process that you came up with for that part. ZT : Well, so you asked about my structure. This is where structure helps, right? So, I sat down and wrote this book without even thinking about the dates. I did think about the passage of time between the scenes. So, it was really, really hard to go back in retrospect and start adding these dates because there were some dates that might not align, that might have been on a holiday or something like that. But one of the fun things about those dates is that, typically, all the dates I use align with cultural events, and some are personal to me. But that was really, really hard to invent structure when you’re writing with no structure. Credit: Facebook MaM : Are any of the characters in the book based on real people, like Lloyd Brannon, for example? ZT : Absolutely. Pretty much every character in this book is based on a musician, an artist, a personal friend of mine, or an acquaintance. You know, we kind of talked about Lloyd Brannon and Aberdeen in general. I'm a huge Incubus fan, and I respect him so much. The characters in this book are nothing like the guys in Incubus. They're really not. There's no connection between personalities. But there's a lot of connection between Lloyd Brannon and Brandon Boyd , the late singer of Incubus . And then the bandmates themselves all share names with some of my favorite bands. MaM : Aberdeen loses its lead singer, Lloyd Brannon, and then they bring in Klein and Eddie. Mike Kilmore, the guitarist, didn't welcome them in. What were your thoughts or motivation behind that? ZT : Well, mostly it's because I wanted to make Kilmore the prototypical rock star, right? So, this is a guitarist. And probably like a lot of these guys, they're not the most famous person in the band. It's always the lead singer, even though they're super important. So, he's used to being second-tier. So, he was the prototypical, ‘Hey, I'm the next man up. I'm going to be the artist.’ And so, when they bring in an outsider who robs him of what he thinks is an opportunity. But he's also motivated, as you're going to learn through Echoes and into Mirrors , that he had other monetary reasons why, not necessarily that he hated Kline and Eddie. He did not want to be successful. He didn't want this album to be successful. He wanted it to fail, but you have to read the book to find out why. Rockstar Echoes by Zach Taylor MaM : My next question is kind of leading into the next book. It would appear that Rayne Harlow and Klein have a budding romance. Where is that romance going, and what part of that does Chrys play in it? ZT : I'm not going to spoil it, but we finally kind of get to learn who Chrys is at the end of Echoes inside the epilogue. And yes, Rayne was created as a love interest because she's actually not based on anybody. She’s inspired by famous female artists, specifically punk artists. But I found it far more interesting to deny that romance between the two of them in Echoes and into Mirrors and even in the final show, because I just, I thought it was so much more complicated to have two people that clearly want each other but can't because of their separate situations. And that friction, it jumps off the page. I'm not saying it's lazy to create love interests and see them come to fruition. I think we all want the happy story at the end, right? We all want to see the two be happy and get together. And maybe they will, maybe they won't. You're going to have to read to find out. MaM : Burning question, especially for me, once I finished the book, who is the rock star? Lloyd, Klein, Eddie, Kilmore, Raine? Who's the rock star? ZT : That's a great question. And the answer is none of them and all of them, right? We chose this title because it was ambiguous. And I've kind of said this before, but a lot of people are going to say, "That's such a lazy answer.” You read a book about rock stars and call it rock stars. But for me, the idea was that after they get done with this book and Mirrors and all the books going forward, what you're going to learn is that none of them are rock stars, but all of them are rock stars. Rockstar Echoes by Zach Taylor MaM : I've heard you mention a playlist for the book. Where can we find that playlist? ZT : Spotify – both books have one. MaM : It seems that the manager, Paul White, and Aisha Holt have a history. Are we going to find out more about that history between the two of them in Mirrors? ZT : Yeah, so Aiesha Holt was probably the last character created in Rockstar Echoes . And that was because I wrote this book, but I didn't really understand the industry. I love live music, I love rock'n'roll, and I wanted to write a book about the inside of that. But I wrote all of Echoes literally, realized I didn’t have a publicist or an A&R person. She was brought in by Paul White to address Aberdeen's waning popularity. And of course, you know, Lloyd Brannon dies, but she left Washington, DC, where she was working with politicians and running their campaigns. She took this job to do that. And one of the things that people read this book and go, a band like that wouldn't have such a small team. Well, they would when they're struggling the way that Aberdeen is. They've run out of money. They don't have this big team. So instead of having more people do fewer jobs, they have Paul and Aiesha who can pretty much do everything. And they're a two-man team, and they work really well together. Rockstar Echoes by Zach Taylor MaM : You know what else you're missing? The book. You don't have a photographer in that book. I noticed that. (laughs) ZT : Well, we're going to solve that. MaM : What character surprised you the most, either in their actions or their personality, after you developed them? ZT : I actually think it was Aiesha Holt because I created her for a need. And later on, and especially in Mirrors , she kept growing. Her influence kept growing. And a lot of that's because I created this really strong African American woman who's super successful. But as I developed her and wrote, she surprised me by taking the reins, because that's what a person like her would do, right? And she's really driving things behind the scenes. MaM : How did you do your research for the scenes? For example, there are scenes in the Whisky Go Go. ZT : Some of those scenes came from watching movies like The Doors that famously were, you know, there at Whisky Go Go . They were a house band for a long time. I did a lot of just pulling up on Google and looking at pictures of how the bar was laid out. A big thing was just watching, and I think The Dirt . Motley Crue played there, and there's a scene where it's in Whisky Go Go. Harvard & Stone was one I couldn't find much information on. I couldn't see the bands playing or how the stage was set up. Credit: Bud Gambrell MaM : Now, I noticed in the book as I read, there's a lot of song lyrics, not full songs, but partial songs. Are you an aspiring songwriter? ZT : I think so. I actually wrote a lot of these songs to completion and used Suno AI to finish them. And it's not the perfect way to do it, but you can get close. There's only so much you can do with creating those songs with AI. I can give it a style. I can kind of give it timing. I can lead the horse to water, but I can't make it drink most of the time. I found that I can actually write pretty good songs, and that kind of came out early. Now, the irony is that the songs that appear in Echoes and then Mirrors are some of the first songs I wrote, and the more I wrote songs, the better they got to the point where I wish I had used some of my later songs. MaM : If you could sit down right now and have a drink with one of the characters from the book, who would it be and why? ZT : Well, Ava would be a great one because I'm a glutton for punishment. I like having good sparring contests. Good mental logic sparring contests with friends and family. My wife hates that about me. Not all my friends have the same political or cultural ideals, or anything like that. But she's someone who could have a great stand-up fight with me. But other than that, I think Markus is a great one because he has so little page time, especially in Echoes , and he has more going forward. And you start learning a little bit about him. And he was a DJ, right? And so, it's really easy to stereotype, oh, he's the African American male that did the DJ thing and some of the rap parts. Then, the more you learn about him, the more you learn that, as time went on, as Aberdeen came out of Nu Metal, he went back to school, learned how to produce, and became a PhD in a couple of different things. He's super educated, super nice, just very mellow. I think he'd be an awesome guy to sit down and just talk about music with. Credit: Facebook MaM: How do you hope that your work, like Rockstar Echoes and Mirrors, will impact your readers? ZT : One of the main reasons that I wanted to feature grunge in particular was that we've not seen a lot of grunge in pop culture, right? So, we have Daisy Jones and the Six , which kind of covers the 70s . We've seen a lot of that 70s and 80s , and we obviously live in the modern era, but nobody has used grunge except the artists themselves. Kim Thayil had just had a book come out. Mark Lanegan has his own book. Scott Weiland's got his own book, but those are memoirs, those are autobiographies. We've not seen any fiction that features grunge . And so, I want readers to either revisit it if they lived through the grunge era or, for new readers, discover it. What we're finding is that, believe it or not, our main market is women ages 18 to 25 because the Painted Queens' characters align with them. MaM : What is the best advice that you have been given as a writer? ZT : Not to rush things and to know that this game is 95% rejection. I sat down and wrote a book, and then went, "Okay, what's the next step?" I didn't understand that you need years to write a book successfully if you want to be serious about it and go back through it over and over and over. Then the cover design and the interior design. Then once that's done, you're not ready to publish yet. You still need six months to get that feedback from your beta readers, alpha readers, and advanced readers. And so, build in whatever time you think you need to write and publish a book, you need to double that or triple that. Credit: Facebook MaM : Can you share any news about your upcoming projects for your future books? ZT : Yeah, I'm really excited about Mirrors in particular because we get to really start delving into a lot of these characters. So, right now, Rockstar Echoes is 80% Kline, 20% Rayne, and really nothing for anybody else. That was just how I developed as a writer. And then in Mirrors , we start getting far more characters. We actually get some new characters going into Mirrors . In particular, there will be Mary and Olivia. Mary is Clara's editor, and Olivia is her roommate who works for the legendary KROQ . She's the secretary at LA's KROQ . So, we get to learn about these new characters and their backstories, and see them in action. I'm really excited about expanding a lot of these characters. MaM : How can our readers discover more about you and your works? ZT : Well, the best thing to do is to follow us on social media. We use Instagram more than anything. I also do Facebook . Zach Taylor Books for Instagram and TikTok , Zach Taylor Author on Facebook . I'm always pleased when people reach out to me to ask questions or talk about it. One thing I didn't dig into deeply is Zach’s day job. Not only is he a gifted writer, but Zach is also an engineer with NASA , and I will leave those questions to you. Go find Zach on social media and ask him about the latest Artemis II launch he was involved in. Now’s your chance to ask a NASA engineer about man’s trip back to the moon. You don’t get that opportunity every day. Zach and I are teaming up on more projects in the future, so stay tuned! Where to find Zach Taylor: Facebook Instagram zach taylor, author (@zachtaylorbooks) | TikTok Amazon: Amazon.com : Rockstar: Echoes: 9798999679710: Taylor, Zach: Books https://www.facebook.com/messages/t/zachtaylorbooks/ Check out this podcast with Zach: Rockstar: Echoes - Author-Ized Access With Zach Taylor - Midnight Chapters With Danni | Podcast on Spotify 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 Bud's new book: My Time In The Pit: By Bud Gambrell: Gambrell, Bud: 9798274523677: Amazon.com : Books www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com mixedalternativemag@gmail.com Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Extraordinary < Back Funny, Filthy, and Full of Superpowers Keeley Brooks Feb 17, 2023 Share Extraordinary In an age of urgency and digital content overload, sifting through available titles on different platforms searching for something new to watch can be super frustrating and time consuming. Lucky for you, I’m a bit of a content hooker and am here to kind of help narrow down some of those titles for you by bringing you some of my personal recommendations. This past weekend, while taking a breather from binge-watching MTV’s “Teen Wolf,” I decided to jump over to Hulu and see what’s up with one of their new shows, a comedy series called “Extraordinary.” And I’m glad I did, because I spent the next few hours bingeing season one, giggling, laughing out loud, and falling in love with everything about it. “Extraordinary” is British superhero comedy about a hopeful but desperate girl in her mid-20s adrift in a big ol' confusing world. She’s skating on thin ice at her retail gig, is sexually frustrated, and is anxious about the fact she doesn’t have much to show for her young-adult life thus far. Oh, and it takes place in a world where everyone gets a superpower on their 18th birthday. Some people can walk through walls (or over them). Other people can fly. Some people wear eye patches because their superpower is getting other people to tell the truth. Others have super-human strength or the ability to shapeshift or move through objects or teleport. There’s even a character known as “the jizz guy” simply because he holds the power to make any living being—even a cat—have an orgasm if he touches them at all, in any way. I’d really love to be able to gift you the scene of the cat having an orgasm because it’s hilarious, but I couldn’t find it online. I can tell you it’s in the beginning of episode two, though! So, everyone gets a superpower on their 18th birthday, except for our main character Jen; she’s been waiting for six years to find out what hers is. Her life and what that’s like for her is our main storyline, and it’s quite an entertaining one. Jen lives with her BFF Carrie and Carrie’s boyfriend, Kash. Carrie can channel dead people, and Kash can turn back time at least a few minutes, but he uses it to do shit like rewind time to make sure Jen doesn’t see him in a costume that says “SUPER COCK” on it. He also prefers to create a group of vigilantes over getting an actual job. Jen also has a cat named Jizzlord, who is actually a dude unable to figure out how to control when and where he takes on cat form. He’s been stuck in cat form for three years and as a result has forgotten a lot about human life. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdtyxmTRABs The show has some pretty big laughs, some moments that are tender and sweet, and it offers up a unique take on the whole superpower thing. Having a superpower isn’t as big a deal in this world, and that sets up an entirely different vibe than most superhero content we’ve seen. The gag is that most people use their powers for dull, often selfish reasons. With an entirely English cast, “Extraordinary” is created by Emma Moran and season one has eight 30-40-minute episodes you can get lost in for a little while. Enjoy, my friends. *Quick side note: I also recommend getting into the “Teen Wolf” series. I have a thing for werewolves, and this one is really great, especially once you get past some of the young-adult stuff, and it boasts a great storyline, some pretty awesome werewolves that are cleverly designed, a good bit of blood and gore, and some super-cool fight scenes. The wolf fights are a-plenty! Plus, Dylan O’Brien of the “Mazerunner” movies is hysterical and absolutely perfect as Scott’s best friend Stiles. He’s a bit different from the Stiles most of us were introduced to in the 80s movie “Teen Wolf,” though. I haven’t seen him surfing on the top of any vans through the middle of town ... yet. Here, he's very smart and funny, especially with piecing things together and helping his cop dad solve different crimes. He’s very analytical. O’Brien also is reminiscent of the very funny Jim Carrey. Not only does he favor him in appearance, but he also favors Carrey in his ability to make people laugh. He adds a touch of levity to every single scene. You can find all six seasons streaming on Hulu and on Paramount Plus. Then, when you finish that, go watch the new "Teen Wolf" movie that released recently; it's streaming on Paramount Plus. You’re welcome. www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

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

Miles Nxbxdy pushes the boundaries of hip-hop by challenging expectations and broadening horizons. < Back Miles Nxbxdy: Revolutionizing Hip-Hop Nicole Brice Nov 13, 2023 Share Miles Nxbxdy pushes the boundaries of hip-hop by challenging expectations and broadening horizons. In the bustling world of hip-hop where trends come and go, there are a few artists who stand out with their unique style and unwavering authenticity. One such artist with introspective lyrics set to unconventional beats is delivering the goods by experimenting with the textures most often found in post-punk and industrial music. His name is Miles Nxbxdy. Hailing from New Jersey, born and raised in the heart of the urban landscape, Miles Nxbxdy’s career began in 2017 but did not start to take off until 2018. After meeting producer Jason Freeze in Asbury Park in 2018 at a show, the two began to embark on a working partnership that is still going strong to this day. Credit: YouTube From an early age, Miles was exposed to a rich musical tapestry, incorporating everything from gritty sounds to modern and experimental vibes. Miles weaves narratives with detail and emotional depth and is proving he is unafraid to tackle controversial topics and explore society’s underbelly. Plain and simple, Nxbxdy is an artist unafraid to speak the truth. He’s raw, he’s edgy, he’s honest … and he explores the darkness with carefully orchestrated songs that explore the full depth of human emotions. If I had to describe his music, I would have to categorize it as Art Rap. It does not sound like anything I have ever heard, and it is truly challenging expectations and broadening the horizons of hip-hop by bringing such a fresh perspective to the game. Credit: Jeff Crespi I reached out to Miles recently so I could learn more about his songwriting, his background, and future projects. I was able to chat not only with Miles but also with his producer and partner-in-crime, Jason Freeze, where we discussed the music we love, the music we hate, and the state of the industry in general, as well as what makes up the music of Miles Nxbxdy. With numerous collabs under his belt since 2018, including the likes of Desperry, Gnarly Nonsense of OFFTOPKILLS, and Drew the Recluse & h e a l (Craig Xen & Rico Nasty), Nxbxdy has shown he is unafraid to explore new horizons and the dark and intrapersonal side of rap, and it is refreshing. Take a moment to learn a little more about this artist who is pushing boundaries, then be sure to check out his discography. MaM : I’ve been diving into all your music, and you have released quite a bit since 2017. Tell us a little more about your various projects and what initially led you to making music? MN : It was about 2018 when I started taking music seriously. I have always had a background in it since I play four instruments, but in 2017 I released ‘Don’t 4get to Smile … Bitch’ and then in 2018 I released my album, ‘Free Bird for the Free World’ and that led into ‘Beautiful Scumbags’. When COVID-19 happened, I had to take a pause, but 2018 was when I truly started. I’m sort of a late bloomer. Released September 13, 2019 MaM : Writing lyrics just to have them—did you ever think you would do anything with them? MN : No, not really. … I didn’t take it seriously. When I released ‘Free Bird for the Free World’ was when I started taking it seriously because I was approached after the release by a couple of noteworthy people who liked my music, and their response was positive. I didn’t think it was that good, but when that happened, I thought, ‘Oh! I have talent!’ (laughter) JF : Miles and I have this conversation a lot and I think music is more of a necessity for both of us. It would be harder to stop making music than it is to just make it. Even on days off, when I tell myself I’m going to chill, I end up making a beat. MaM : I think all creative types are like that. We must be constantly creating. Do you have any other hobbies or interests outside of music? MN : I have too many interests and hobbies. (laughter) MN : I’m into anime, manga, comics, and fashion. The cost of fashion is a little much, but I’m big into movies, too. I’ll watch a French film, a Japanese one, a Kai film … it all just depends. Released October 19, 2018 MaM : My husband likes anime, too. Musically, what are your favorite genres and who would you say has been your biggest influence musically? MN : Man, oh, that is a hard question. Right now, I’m really into 2000’s alt-rock. I like post-punk. I like jazz and classical, too. The only thing I’m not really into is opera and modern country. I’d say everything is worth a listen, though. MaM : So, how would you describe the type of music you make? You have such a unique sound. What is your creative process like? Do you write to the beat or do the lyrics come first? MN : We’ve been working a lot the last few years. We have two full albums being mixed right now. Since ‘Beautiful Scumbags’ and ‘Free Bird [for the Free World]’, the music has become more electronic. JF : It has developed more since ‘Beautiful Scumbags’ for sure, and we both have become better at the craft. MN : I generally tell people I make post-rap, though, because it has so many layers. You know when The Clash made ‘London Calling’? That album is considered punk, but some consider it post-punk because of all the elements to it. My music now has so many elements from other forms and styles that I don’t want to call it rap or punk rap or experimental rap because it’s more specific than experimental rap but not as noisy as industrial rap. Credit: Jeff Crespi MaM : I’ll agree with post-rap. I think that’s an accurate way to describe it. With most rap, you can always find a tinge of influence to categorize it, but with you, I just can’t. MN : That was the goal. In 2017, I went into a deep music hole where I got big into Joy Division, Maggot Brain, Janis Joplin, Jane Doe … an amalgamation of all these eclectic artists, but I didn’t want to make their music. I wanted to take elements from all of that. Because my music is so unique, it makes it difficult to push it. JF : Miles will come in with an idea and it always ends up somewhere else. The beat usually comes first, but sometimes he’ll come in with lyric ideas as a starting point. MN : The rule we follow is, ‘Don’t overthink it.’ If we overthink it, it becomes not good every time. Credit: Jeff Crespi MaM : I can agree with that. Do you have plans to collaborate with any specific artists in the future, and if so, who? MN : It’s funny that you ask that. Right now, I’m working on two albums with these artists I am friends with. One is named Braciola and the other is named Gnarly Nonsense. They are both going to be on the upcoming albums. As far as famous artists are concerned, I would love to work with Big K.R.I.T. and Trent Reznor. Trent and Death Grips are the dream. They are both active still, so we’ll see what happens. MaM : Never say never! It could happen! I could see you guys opening for Nine Inch Nails. Let’s manifest that. (laughter) MN : That would be sick. I would also like to work with Tyler, the Creator. Most of the mainstream artists I have no interest in working with. MaM : What is one message you would like to convey with your music? MN : It’s okay to feel. A lot of my music is very emotional and dark. I scream for those who can’t. The whole idea behind Miles Nxbxdy is a play on a John Doe as anybody. I’m Miles Nxbxdy, so in that way, I’m a nobody, but I’ll be that somebody for you. My newer music that isn’t out yet is a long letter to my adolescent self and my childhood self. This is the music we could have used to work through emotions that we didn’t understand [growing up]. Credit: Jeff Crespi MaM : So, when can we expect the new music to drop? MN : That’s a good question. Everything you’ve heard so far is good, but it’s more of a 4 [on a scale of 1-10] and this new stuff is more like a 9. We found someone in Brooklyn to mix it all and Jason found someone to master it. The final vocal mixing was recently, and honestly, we’ve been sitting on this material for some time. JF : We’re aiming to have the music done by the end of the year, but then we must start the process of how it is going to be released. MN : Maybe mid to late January? I’m not sure. 2024 definitely. JF : We don’t want to just put it out there and have nothing happen. We want to find the best way to distribute it. Credit: Jeff Crespi MaM : What does the future hold, you think? Where do you see yourself in the next five years? MN : I’m gonna be big in Japan collecting all the Manga. (laughter) MN : I legitimately believe we’re going to be big in Europe. The landscape of music is very different. I feel they have a different appreciation for music than Americans. It’s more celebrated there and here it’s more monetized. I truly feel Europe will embrace what we are doing first. With a discography spanning from 2017-2021, including numerous releases and with two more currently on the way, Miles Nxbxdy is undoubtedly an artist worth watching in the contemporary hip-hop scene. With his unparalleled authenticity, he continues to push the boundaries of the genre and undoubtedly will inspire other artists to embrace their true selves and use music as a catalyst for change. To experience Miles Nxbxdy, hit one of the links below and be sure to give him a follow on social media. Soundcloud : Stream M I L E S NxBxDY music | Listen to songs, albums, playlists for free on SoundCloud Apple Music : ‎Miles Nxbxdy - Apple Music Instagram : Miles Nxbxdy (@miles_nxbxdy) • Instagram photos and videos Spotify : Miles Nxbxdy | Spotify Amazon Music : Miles Nxbxdy on Amazon Music YouTube : Miles Nxbxdy - YouTube *cover photo courtesy of Jeff Crespi www.jeffcrespirocks.com JEFFCRESPIROCKS See through a different lens! www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link