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Hawthorne Oachs brings deep awareness to everyday life < Back Hawthorne Oachs: A Free-Spirited Young Artist Full of Beautiful Harmonies Nicole Brice & Chris Pryor May 30, 2023 Share Hawthorne Oachs brings deep awareness to everyday life Sometimes, a musician comes onto the scene and just blows us away to where we are left virtually speechless. The next musician we are bringing to you has done just that and her name is Hawthorne Oachs. At the young age of 12, this spirited artist wrote, produced, and released her first single, “My Lullaby,” which was released in November of 2021. At 14 years old, Hawthorne has many talents and is not only a musical artist but also a digital artist and award-nominated actress with Z-Fest 2023 as a Best Child Actress Nominee. She has created the cover art for all her music released thus far and is frequently known to share her artistic creations on social media. With song lyrics written from the perspective of a young teenage girl, Hawthorne has a mature-sounding voice that is both powerful and contains soulful evoking memories of LeAnn Rimes when she first broke on the scene in the mid-90s. Photo provided by artist An incredible storyteller drawing inspiration from everyday life, Hawthorne’s songs are often about personal experiences with her relatable and thought-provoking lyrics. In addition to her music and art, Oachs is an advocate for mental health awareness, where she has spoken publicly about her own struggles with anxiety and depression. She hopes to use her platform to help others who are struggling with mental illness and wants to be a role model for young people everywhere. If you’re looking for music that is both powerful and meaningful, then we highly recommend checking out the music of Hawthorne Oachs. In fact, we listened to her entire catalog and could not find a single song we did not like. Her music is that good. Oach’s latest single, which released on April 21, 2023, is titled “A Single Flower.” It is a hauntingly beautiful arrangement full of abundant wisdom for a girl so young. Listening to it gave us the chills, and when that happens, you know something is resonating with your own energy. It has excellent production value and a good use of effects, and the harmony flows perfectly with the medley of the music. We cannot recommend it enough. Set to release another new single in June, Hawthorne is a talented artist with a bright future ahead of her, so stay tuned! We recently had the opportunity to ask her a few questions, so check out her responses below and then go listen to her beautiful catalog of tunes. She is sure to become a household name in the years to come. MaM : Hawthorne, thanks so much for taking time to talk with us. Your vocals are so melodic, soulful, and strong for such a young lady. Who are your vocal inspirations and why? HaO : Thank you so much for the kind words, Nicole! Some specific singers that I really respect are my mom, Mafumafu, and Hayley Williams of Paramore. My mom is a talented singer and has been such a fantastic mentor throughout my life. I know I would have made my way to music eventually if I was born with different parents, but my mom and dad have given me the gift of a life immersed in music, and I wouldn't have had it any other way. Mafumafu is a very emotional and passionate singer and I connect with that. I find a lot of joy listening to his work, and I found his music at the height of the pandemic, so his songs comforted me. I’m massively grateful for that in ways I’m not sure I can clearly articulate. Because of my mom, I’ve been listening to Paramore since before I could understand the meaning of the lyrics, so their music has always held a special place in my heart. They were my first concert when the ‘After Laughter’ album came out! Hayley has such a wonderful, powerful voice and I really love listening to both her solo work and Paramore’s whole discography. Their new album is a such a banger, too! Zac is a superb drummer and Taylor is a stellar guitarist who also has curly hair, like me! Listening to these people play their hearts out really inspires me to keep learning, growing, and improving as I turbulently make my way through these adolescent voice-changing years. Photo provided by artist MaM : When did you realize you wanted to create music and why? HaO : I’ve always been way into music starting from when I was really young. I'd sort all of the CDs and records in my house, taking them off the shelf, looking at the album art, listening, then putting them back. I also used to run around the house playing my little pink acoustic guitar, singing at the top of my lungs, making up songs. The piano was a safe place to play and decompress from the events of the day. I still do that. I was around [five years old] when I started taking formal lessons for both piano and guitar, and I immediately wanted to quit because if I didn't get something right on the first try, I would get discouraged. I'm also tenacious and headstrong, which I’m grateful for, because I stuck with those lessons and now piano and guitar are my favorite songwriting tools. During the pandemic, most of us turned to art to consume and keep us soothed and entertained. In the beginning, I ended up writing a considerable [number] of songs cathartically. Through that catharsis, I developed a love for songwriting and a realization that I was fastened to music for life. Photo provided by artist MaM : Who are your musical influences for your sound? HaO : Because I've grown up in a musical household, I've listened to quite possibly every genre that exists. As a result of that immersive education, I have an extensive collection of favorites that I've held closely in my heart. I can usually find something to like in whatever I'm listening to, and every day I'm discovering new artists that I love. For example, I've been listening to Minami, Mitski, and Blü Eyes lately. Right now, the songs I have on repeat obsessively are ‘Thick Skull’ and ‘Running Out Of Time’ by Paramore. I think inevitably over time, everything you've ever listened to influences your own sound. Experimenting and figuring out who I am as a musical artist has been a welcome adventure. My fifth single ‘Chase Me’ was probably the first time my sound and aesthetic felt most like home. With the latest songs that I've been creating, I've got a solid vision for the path forward and I'm exhilarated about that! Since I started releasing songs at [age] 12, there has been growth in me personally as well, so it seems logical to see growth in my music. In the fall, it'll have been two years since I started doing this. What's cool about it is that I can look back to where I started and see the growth and changes. I'm proud of everything I've done so far, and I wouldn't have changed anything! MaM : If you could share the stage with any artist, who would it be and why? HaO : Mafumafu! A few years ago, I had to pick a second language to learn for school. I started learning French, but that was a big non-merci from me after about a month. I just couldn't get the pronunciation right and wasn't feeling it. Since my appreciation for Japanese culture, candy, and food had grown, I chose to learn Japanese. Early on, it was suggested that I listen to and learn songs in the language to engross me, which would aid in familiarizing myself with pronunciation and vocabulary. When studying one day, a J-pop playlist was on autoplay, and I heard Mafumafu's cover of ‘Hated by Life Itself’ for the first time. I felt like I was hit by lightning. I understood him without understanding a single word. Between a global pandemic and the trials of adolescence, I needed brightness in my life. When I heard Mafumafu's voice, I felt seen, heard, and understood. I listened to that song incessantly for a while. All of his music and variety of content was the fortification I needed to see me through to better days. Admittedly, without something to hold onto then, I'm not sure what would've happened. I hope someday I'll get to meet him and tell him just how truly grateful I am, and wouldn't a Mafumafu x Hawthorne Oachs musical collaboration be the most beautiful finishing touch to that story? Photo provided by artist MaM : What music or things around you are inspiring you to create these days? HaO : Mental health awareness has been on my mind for the past two years, and lately I find myself digging into the problems we face as a society, but particularly those directly related to mental health. The surgeon general recently declared loneliness to be a public health crisis and said it's comparable to smoking. While I wrote and released it before this news broke, my most recent song ‘A Single Flower’ tackles the topic and the debilitating effects of loneliness. Another thing that's been on my mind is the alarmingly high rates of teenage suicide. My new song ‘Red Spider Lilies’ that is coming out on July 27th addresses the grief that one might feel when the person tethering them to this world is gone forever and they want to go, too. Maybe they were already thinking about it, and this was their breaking point, or maybe the grief was so unbearable they made the decision in a split second. I think if anyone said they were having those feelings out loud, it would be divisive, and some might even chastise them for those thoughts. This song is acknowledging that those thoughts and emotions can be part of being human and we should do better by supporting mental health, listening to others without judgment, acknowledging that humans can and do have dark thoughts, and normalize talking about those struggles. I think about how I turn to the creative output of others to comfort me, so if the art I create can be of that same service to others, then it feels like it's a small contribution and my own way of making the world a better place. Photo provided by artist MaM : What are your aspirations for the future? HaO : My primary aspiration is that my music gets to the ears and the hearts of the people who need it the most. I always set short-term goals for myself and celebrate them wildly when I reach them. I appreciate that this industry is overly saturated and jumping to the head of the line isn't realistic, nor is it a goal. I simply want to help people first and foremost. I want my music to be of service to others in the same way that music has been of service to me in my life. If that turns into something bigger than I am imagining right now, I will enthusiastically embrace whatever comes from it. The one thing that is non-negotiable and that I refuse to do is stop creating music. Music has been and always will be a comfort to me, and my true aspiration is that the music I release will be a comfort to others. - Be sure to add the music of Hawthorne Oachs on your playlist today! This young lady is creating something magical, and we cannot wait to see what she has in store for all of us in the future. To check her out, follow any one of the below-listed links. Hawthorne Oachs (@hawthorneoachs) • Instagram photos and videos Hawthorne Oachs | Facebook Hawthorne Oachs | Spotify ‎Hawthorne Oachs on Apple Music Hawthorne Oachs - 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 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* Mixed Alternative Magazine is a proud, woman-owned veteran business 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, and not get lost in corporate advertising. Our sights are on content, not sales. We pride ourselves on our humor, knowledge, experience in, and love (ok, obsession ) for all things entertainment, while adding our special editorial touch and 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 such an influx of mass-produced content out there, we want to be the ones standing 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. No hard news. No religion. No politics. No rules. No red tape. No censorship. Just sheer entertainment, passion, and personality.

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

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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 forever a work in progress, striving to tweak and tune our content so it reflects who we are as we continue to grow and experience. So, if you've stumbled upon our little dysfunctional family, then we are glad to have you. We’re just a bunch of entertainment and music nerds who enjoy spreading the love for all things entertainment and art, while also shedding light on up-and-coming indie talents. We're here to address any questions you might have about our articles, how we operate, and our online magazine in general. We've compiled a list of questions and answers we think people might ask us in the future. But if you have more, by all means, holla at us ! HOW DO I GET IN TOUCH WITH A SPECIFIC WRITER? Just drop us a line via social media or email us! mixedalternativemag@gmail.com Mail WHO ARE YOUR NEWS SOURCES? We source out our own information so it's always fresh and accurate, then we bring it straight to you. Fresh like a plate of hot tacos ... I mean, c'mon ... who doesn't like tacos, right? HOW DO I SUBMIT A PITCH? Got something you'd like to see in the mag? Email us! Mail

Matt Mahaffey is Just Being HimsElf < Back Self-Made Genius: Tracing the Musical Legacy of Matt Mahaffey Noah Hughey Jul 10, 2025 Share Matt Mahaffey is Just Being HimsElf Matt Mahaffey doesn't mind if you’ve never heard of him or his band, Self . But if you have, the release of their first single in a decade might be a sign that he’s not quite ready to let go of the band that jumpstarted his career. The release of the single last December, ' Love You Less ,' coupled with a resurgence of the band on platforms like Spotify has led to a burgeoning community of new fans online in 2025, 30 years after the release of their first album, Subliminal Plastic Motives . Released October 24, 1995 For Mahaffey , music has always come naturally. “When I was a kid, once I got drumsticks, I would go beat on, you know, fresh barbwire to the fields,” he said from his home studio in Nashville, Tennessee. “You know, like, cause they would string it and it would have a tone to it, like, bzz . And each level of it was a different tone.” Born in Kingsport, the musical ballast he had access to was worlds apart from the sound he would end up producing in his early career. “My parents had disco and easy listening and Little River Band and Eagles and stuff like that,” he said. “I was just like, the 70s stuff was so boring to me, that I had access to in East Tennessee .” However, when an opportunity to join a local band sprouted up, he could not refuse. “And they're just like, we need a drummer. And I'm like, oh my God, I'm going to audition for a band,” he said. “Next thing I know, I'm like 13 and playing at Dollywood with them every summer, you know. And as soon as I could drive (...) I would drive up to Bristol, Tennessee (...) and just,” he began mimicking his rhythmic ticking of the drum, “all night long for hours and get paid 50 bucks or whatever.” A still shot from our interview Looking back at it, Mahaffey expresses gratitude for his origins in the south. When he first lived in Nashville and Murfreesboro during college, its reputation stood out as a cradle for country music. But the late eighties and early nineties were a time for change not only musically, but technologically. For Mahaffey , this meant the harmonies of traditional bluegrass came together with an influx of west coast hip hop to form a single artistic vision that remained in the back of his mind throughout his early career. “That's one thing that is my superpower, I always hear harmonies all the time and rhythm,” he said. “I started playing in rock bands in college and was a good drummer. And so in Murfreesboro, where I went to school at MTSU, there just wasn't a lot of drummers. It's a music school (...) And so, next thing I know, [I] was just playing in a different band several times a week. It's like punk rock on Monday, piano pop on Wednesday, reggae on Friday. And that was cool because that exposed me to a lot of different styles and meeting a lot of different people that just had different viewpoints on how to make music.” The project that was Self wouldn’t have been totally possible without his older brother, Mike Mahaffey . “He was my idol, you know, and he was so good at the guitar and he practiced so hard when we were kids. Then, when he was 18, he was just like, ‘I can legally go join a touring band,’” Mahaffey recalled his brother’s success swelling with pride. “He just moved up this rung really quickly of these agencies, the next thing I knew he was in Florida with a band called Blackfish signed to Epic Records (...) we were, just, both just in disbelief. And they made a record with Sean Slade and Paul Kolderie , who produced Radiohead's first album .” But for Mike, the ladder stopped in Florida with Epic Records , prompting a call home that would eventually give the world Self . “I was making beats in my dorm room and my brother called me from an Island, And he was like, ‘Hey, they're not putting out our second record. Can I come write with you?’ And I was like, ‘Come on,’” said Mahaffey . “And I had written ‘ So Low ’ and ‘ Marathon Shirt ’ for the first album. But it was just beats on a four track and he came in and just put his guitars on them and we got a record deal. Poof. And I was like, ‘Well, I guess we're a band, bro.’” Official video for 'So Low' Those first songs the brothers produced would go on to become the band’s first album, Subliminal Plastic Motives , which was released in October 1995. Setting a sort of unspoken precedent for their discography, the album seems to capture the essence of the era it was produced in its unique musical concoction. There is a distinct grunge that hits immediately, reminiscent of the sounds of bands like Nirvana which had taken the rock scene by storm during the mid nineties. And yet, less than a minute into the album’s first song ' Borateen ,' Mahaffey’s experimentation with hip hop and the unconventional electric sounds he’d been listening to in college are unmistakable. “Subliminal Plastic Motives has a special place in my heart because it was done to analog tape,” Mahaffey said. “You couldn't Google how to get a certain sound or make something work. You just had to figure it out (...) We beat on pots and pans, we everything and it's all very live. And this is before like you had a bajillion loops at your fingertips. It's more personal because it's farm to table. It's handcrafted, there's no presets back there.” Self was signed to Spongebath records that same year, and added Chris James as their keyboardist, Jason Rawlings on drums, and bassist Tim Noble (who’d be replaced by Mac Burrus after a 1997 tour). It seemed at the time that Mike had brought his accelerationist star power to the band. “Out of the gate, Lou Maglia [President, Zoo Entertainment] (…) sunk a million dollars into promoting the band to the industry,” Mahaffey said. “So we were in all the magazines, all the industry magazines, and we made videos, and they were on MTV and - they didn't really play them a lot, but they were on there - so people would recognize you, those types of things.” Official video for 'Cannon' from Subliminal Plastic Motives With the influx of money from major labels, the band, and Mahaffey in particular, now had the resources to experiment with the harmonic project that had been sitting in his mind since college. “Most of my successes with Self are more just artistic internal pats on the back,” he said, patting his own back and smiling. “Being able to have a huge budget and do whatever I want to in the recording studio, be like, ‘I want strings on this.’ And then next thing I know, there's a room full of string players and like, we're doing it,” he motioned around himself, as if he had been taken back to that studio, surrounded by a string section, an erratic passion inflamed in his eyes as he recalled his gluttonous request fulfilled by the studio. “It was just blatant, you know, waste, wasting money. But at the same time, like, you're making records. I was making records like my heroes made records. And that felt very good.” This might have been where the story ends. I could tell you that Self was endlessly propelled to fame, that they signed onto the early Dreamworks label at the turn of the century, contributing ' Stay Home ' to the original Shrek film soundtrack . That they influenced music history forever with the resources at their disposal to continue experimenting with the available sounds before them. But a combination of factors that fans and outside speculators alike have interrogated for the last 20 years would ultimately dim the shine of Self . First was the collapse of the Dreamworks label in 2003. “They went to a lot of artists on that label and were like, ‘Hey, you guys, we let you do what you want on the first album because we want to have a good reputation for making cool art. This time around, we kind of need something for the radio,’” Mahaffey said. At the same time, he was working on Self’s fifth studio album, Ornament and Crime . But just before they were to release the album, Dreamworks sold the label, which was ultimately dissolved, leaving the album on hiatus. Self's Ornament & Crime album Second was the untimely passing of Mike Mahaffey in 2005 , which happened suddenly while the younger Mahaffey was on tour in London with Beck . Losing one half of the creative vision behind the band and its lead guitarist, in the eyes of many fans, was the shattering point. That might be an overzealous exaggeration of the story behind Self . But Mahaffey said, “for obvious reasons,” his brother’s passing did effectively confirm at least a short period of radio silence from the band as their personal and professional lives changed elsewhere. It was this outside change that, as he conveyed it, seemed to have the greatest impact on not just Mahaffey’s career but the whole band’s collective future. When Maglia signed Self onto Zoo Entertainment ’s record alongside Spongebath in 1997, Mahaffey recalled him calling their music ahead of its time. Their distinct electric sound that blended the rhythm of hip hop with the harmonies of rock and pop music in a way that pioneered the alternative scene so early on was among the first of its kind on an industry level. “I think I was trying to blend a lot of different things and put a lot of square pegs in round holes that hadn't really gone together yet,” he said. “I wore all my influences on my sleeve, (...) I was trying to cram Prince and Depeche Mode and Smashing Pumpkins and Nine Inch Nails and Weezer , (...) and, you know, funk and jazz and everything into this tiny package.” Despite the millions of dollars poured into Self so early on, however, Mahaffey says the record buying public at the time largely felt like it was a lot of noise. Yet, that doesn't seem to hurt his feelings all that much. “When I look at it, I'm super thankful because I have friends that had a big number one song, and they're my age and they're like, ‘Well, I gotta go out on the road for three months and leave my kids and sing that damn song every night,’” he said. He looked to his right, a smile creeping onto his face as he began to say the next few sentences through a raspy chuckle. “And it's like, that's what I wanted. That's what you want when you get into rock, we're like, ‘I just want that hit song that everybody loves.’ And I never had one because my stuff's weird.” Perhaps at the time that was true. As Mahaffey describes it, perhaps the public’s “music ADD” wasn’t equipped for the combinations Self put together, the eclectic variety that birthed every new Self song, and the genreless limbo it existed in. Mahaffey still had to earn a living after Self’s indefinite pause in 2005 . “So I started working on Shrek and I started working on films. I started working for Hans Zimmer . And I was just like, this is where I belong. We make weird music. Composition is the place,” he said. “I toured in Beck's band for two years and got to play with Radiohead and every band that I grew up listening to. So it's like, and I still didn't like it, you know? I liked the people I was with, but it's just like, yeah, you're in Rome, but for like two hours, right? You're not seeing Rome. You're just physically there (...) I am more of a studio rat.” So, a studio rat Mahaffey became, pursuing composition as his full-time job while Self became something of a distant, if not fond memory. The same was true of his band mates, who would produce Prince’s last albums and book talent on the Jimmy Kimmel show , respectively. Mahaffey equated their collective work ethic to the band Pavement, which broke up in 2000, returned to tour in 2010, and once more from 2022 to 2024, toying with the idea of a new album. “They live all over the place and they’re just like, ‘You want to tour? Yeah, I got a minute.’ And they rehearse a couple of times and they go tour,” Mahaffey said. “And I was like, let's be like Pavement . We'll just do that.” Mahaffey smiled as he recounted his new career in composition, reiterating the love he has for Self that ultimately made it possible. “I love making records, but I love scoring,” he said with a boyish grin on his face. “Like it is just, I can't wait to work every morning. I’m just like ‘Coffee! Oh boy!’” He began to laugh to himself, “I'm so excited about my work all the time. ‘Cause it's infinitely rewarding. ‘Cause it's a brand new challenge every single day.” Acting as Self , Mahaffey did release their 2014 EP Super Fake Nice in a unique moment for him after he had built his dream studio, but it was more in line with the Pavement method of a periodic release in the middle of his busy days producing over 80 minutes of music for animation a month than it was a full return of Self . The EP was met with largely positive reviews, but some of the revamped sounds of the band in its modern form, taking on new harmonic equations to generate songs such as ' Runaway ' did throw some reviewers off, expecting a mid 90s nostalgia-fest. Released July 29, 2014 In the background, however, the platforming power of the internet to promote and store the unique sounds of Self would serve as not only a time capsule of their moment, but an opportunity for new fans with broader tastes for music in the future to discover the hidden gem that was the band. When Mahaffey finally got verified on Spotify thanks to a manager friend, however, this quiet underbelly of Self fandom would explode for the first time in 10 years. “It just got ridiculous. Where it was like 40,000 [followers], you know, I got 40,000, what is going on?” said Mahaffey . His verification on Spotify couldn’t have come at a better time, either. Other alt rock bands were getting verified and pushed together by Spotify’s new AI algorithm, such as Tally Hall and Lemon Demon . And it was one night, he passionately recalled, his daughter had the answer as to why. “She's like, ‘Dad, I think I've sleuthed it out.’ And she shows me her phone. And it's a video of Talley Hall listening to Dead Man and people thinking that it's a new Talley Hall song.” What this signaled as well was that Self was doing well with kids. Young people, as young as 14 years old, were discovering Self through TikTok edits and montages featuring some of Self’s most standout work. As the fandom surged online, they have begun scouring the internet for all the lost media of Self , one young fan commenting under the song, ' No One Knows You ' on YouTube , “LOL THE WAY EVERYONE IS DISCOVERING SELF AT THE SAME TIME.” 'No One Knows You' by Self To Mahaffey , who once spoke to Alternative Press a decade ago about the influx of younger fans 20 years after Self’s debut , to see that influx continue at full steam 30 years after Subliminal Plastic Motives has been nothing if not gratifying. Today, Mahaffey continues to compose full time, still fulfilled by the new musical creations he gets to experiment with day in and day out. “I'm writing more in this day and age than I ever did pumping out Self songs,” he said. More than that, the freedom his new life has given him has allowed him to more passionately pursue his family life alongside his work. “If I'm not doing that, then I'm hanging out with my kids. It's like, I want to be a competent father. My daughter has a rock band. Covered ‘ Runaway ’ two weeks ago at a show and didn't tell me about it. And that is incredible.” He laughed to himself. 'Runaway' by Self As 2024’s release of ' Love You Less ' indicates, Mahaffey isn’t ready to let go of the band that made all of this possible. “I want to do a record. And I have a bunch of cool stuff,” Mahaffey said, pointing behind himself to his home studio setup. In between different unfinished works, he took the time to polish off the peppy, upbeat love ballad that wasn’t quite what he had in mind for a sixth album. The song could be taken as indicative of what a new Self record will sound and feel like, carrying with it two worlds: One, the band’s distinct blend of 90s hip hop and alt grunge that is hard to recreate unless, like Mahaffey, you were literally there. The other will be the new sounds he’s been listening to, more instrumental, grand, no doubt working in his composition experience to give Self fans something worth waiting for. “It's one of those things that has to just be a labor of love,” he said. “You can't expect, like, anything in return other than, hopefully, comments online of people being like, ‘I like this.’” To learn more about Self: www.self.is Self Self is a band you like. www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Got something for Noah to check out? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Still kicking ass and taking names < Back Sick of It All: Pioneers of the Hardcore Punk Scene Nicole Brice May 15, 2023 Share Still kicking ass and taking names For our first band to be featured in our G.O.A.T. section (greatest of all time), I don’t even know where to begin. This band has influenced me so much, I don’t even know what to say. Pioneers of the hardcore punk scene, the men of Sick of It All paved the way for many bands that came after them, and through the years when I’ve needed some inspiration to be tough and get myself into a certain headspace, their music has been my soundtrack. I was in the Louisiana Army National Guard from 2001-2009, and each summer we would travel to various locations around my state and beyond for our annual training—AT, as we called it. I still remember being on a bus or in the back of an LMTV with all my fellow troops as we embarked on the journey to our summer destinations—my earphones firmly in place and my turquoise iPod mini blaring the sweet tunage of Sick of It All . Their music has always inspired me with potent lyrics, thundering bass, crunching guitar, and crisp vocals. If there is one thing I can say about this band, it’s that even though they started out with a likeness reminiscent of other hardcore bands of the day, they have managed to evolve and refine their sound, making it one all their own. Anytime I hear a song by them, I instantly know it is them because of the distinct bass and the remarkable vocal stylings of the man himself, Mr. Lou Koller . Throw in an iconic logo of a dragon that was even used by another well-known music group and you have the unparalleled styling that can only be known as Sick of It All . Credit: Ken Salerno - The band in the early years For those not familiar with the band, allow me. Sick of It All was formed in 1986 with brothers Lou and Pete Koller . The Koller brothers grew up in Queens , N.Y., in a middle-class family where they would often hop on subway trains to the various indie record shops nearby and indulge themselves in all the iconic metal, punk, and hardcore albums they could devour. Their love of music turned into forming the band, with the Koller brothers being the solidifying force to bring it all together. After a couple of line-up changes through the years, the band has remained true to its roots and is currently comprised of Lou Koller on vocals, Pete Koller on guitar, Craig Setari on bass, and Armand Majidi on the kit. credit: Jeff Crespi - Armand Majidi Known for their high-energy shows, the band has never allowed themselves to be pigeonholed into one specific genre and has often played shows and toured with bands outside of the hardcore scene. When one thinks of a hardcore punk band, they think of the tough guys … the guys you don’t want to mess with— the real OGs . While the guys in Sick of it All are no strangers to kicking someone’s ass, they truly are just a nice bunch of guys who enjoy making music they love. credit: Jeff Crespi - Pete Koller With 11 albums to their credit and a book released in 2020 called “ The Blood and the Sweat: The Story of Sick of It All’s Koller Brothers ”, these guys show no sign of slowing down and are currently all over with Lou and Pete even recently being tour guides at the newly opened Punk Rock Museum in Las Vegas . With such an iconic sound, the music of Sick of it All proves that time is no test for such an influential band, and they continue to bring their music to new crowds of fans all over the world. Publisher: Post Hill Press (August 4, 2020) Currently taking a break from their highly successful 2023 tour with Life of Agony, which is set to resume in the U.S. in August, I was able to speak with the vox of this incomparable band, Lou Koller , to discuss everything from what the future holds to what they think of the crowds at their shows in the current day. MaM : Thank you so much for talking with me today. You have no idea what this means to me. I was so nervous about calling you that I told my friend I was about to throw up. (laughs) LK : No problem. No problem at all. MaM : Love your music and I feel like I’ve been listening to you forever. My favorite albums are Death to Tyrants , Call to Arms , and Yours Truly , but I have so many favorite songs of yours that if I were to list them, we would be here forever. (laughs) So, your last album was released in 2018 and I know you guys have been playing shows like crazy, but are there any plans for new music coming out? LK : Well, during the pandemic, we were writing mostly—well, my brother, Pete , he ended up writing over 27 songs , but we’ve been trying to convince the other members of the band we should get together and work on them and record, but we just never could get it together. It all happened when unemployment ran out and we all got jobs and that was a factor that delayed it. Also, too, our drummer Armand seems to be on vacation every other week. (laughs) Once the pandemic ended, we all felt it was time to get back on the road, but we still have these songs, so it’s on the way. After we get back from Europe and the other leg of the Life of Agony tour , we will have the fall to get together and we plan to meet two weeks every month to write, so we’ll see how that goes. We’re working on it. It’s on its way. credit: Jeff Crespi - Lou Koller MaM : So, as far as the writing and recording process, do you feel technology has changed how you approach that? LK : It does because of necessity. Again, with the pandemic, we didn’t really get together to write. … Pete would write, but he lives in Florida , so he wrote down there. Armand lives in upstate New York, Craig bounces from Queens to upstate New York , and I live in New Jersey now. It used to be we had our own rehearsal studio in Brooklyn , and we would all just meet there three times a week and jam and have fun, but you know when Pete moved to Florida, it all became corresponding through emails and stuff like that. I think the technology helps in a way, but it’s also kind of a pain in the ass for me. I like getting together at the studio, not just for the writing but for the camaraderie. MaM : Right, the vibe. LK : Yeah, exactly. It works, but there’s some aspects of it that we need to learn just to keep up with the times, and some of it makes it convenient or easier in some ways, but I think because of the way we all grew up, you feel like something is missing. I still have a hard time discovering new music through a digital platform. Some of the suggestions through Spotify I don’t get. I could sit there and listen to old metal and hardcore and punk, and suddenly, they’ll say, ‘Suggested for you is the new Justin Bieber album.’ Why? Why would you suggest that for me? I have nothing to do with that. Nothing I listen to is remotely close to that. (laughs) credit: Jeff Crespi - Lou Koller MaM : I agree. I use digital platforms, too, but I miss the old ways of discovering new music. I used to just go to the music store and wander around looking for any cover art that spoke to me. Often, I would purchase albums based solely on cover art, and then I would go home to listen to see whether I dug the music or not. So, who would you say has influenced you the most when it comes to your vocal styling? LK : It’s a combination. When I first started, I really didn’t know how to do anything, but I wanted to sound as hard and as rough as the singer, John Brandon , from Negative Approach and also Chris , the singer of Crumbsuckers because he also sounded like John Brandon . But now, for the last 10 years or so, I still try to emulate that, but I try to have a bit more range. One of my favorites is Lemmy from Motorhead because he had such a rough voice, but he had this melody, too. He could hit the notes but was just a great vocalist. I know a lot of people think that’s crazy, but I just love that he had such a rough sound. Chuck from Hot Water Music , too, has such a rough voice, but it’s also so melodic. He just does it great. He’s another one I would like to sing like. credit: Jeff Crespi - Lou Koller MaM : But your voice is so amazing! How do you keep it in shape for singing the type of music you guys play? LK : I’ve been to some professional coaches; Melissa Cross is probably the most famous one. When I went to her, she told me, ‘Sing how you sing,’ but [then she said], ‘I could give you a couple of pointers, but you do what you do very well.’ The way I sing, it’s more using the muscles around my vocal cords and all that, so like any muscle, when we’re not on tour, I really should be going to the studio twice a week to keep it in shape, but it’s not fun going to the studio by yourself screaming to your phone going through the PA. So, I got lazy, and usually before a tour, I’m like, ‘Ah man, I’ve gotta go in,’ and my voice usually sounds like garbage for a week and then it kicks in. credit: Jeff Crespi - Lou and Pete Koller MaM : So, let me ask, you guys are definitely the voice of a generation and I credit you with being very instrumental in launching that second wave of punk rock and hardcore. I consider the first wave to be late 70s/early 80s and then we had a reemergence of it in the late 90s/early 2000s, so with the crowds, especially since you just came off tour, have you noticed any differences or changes in the scene or just any differences in how people treat each other at shows in general? LK : It’s weird … Our tours in the 90s, we would take the upcoming hardcore bands like Strife and Snapcase and we would take the upcoming West Coast bands (what they called hardcore but we would call punk, like AFI and Good Riddance ) and … combine those bands into tours and we loved it. Now, it’s so separated; you can’t take a more melodic punk band out with a newer heavier hardcore band because a Terror crowd would not appreciate a Good Riddance and a Good Riddance crowd might not appreciate when a band like Incendiary plays. They would be like, ‘That’s way too heavy,’ but I think 1999 was the peak for that. We did a tour, and it’s one of our favorite tours we ever did, but it was us, AFI , Hot Water Music , and Indecision , and it was so good that almost every night every band had such a great reaction, and I think one of the proudest moments for us was on that tour in L.A. seeing kids with Blink 182 shirts going absolutely wild to Indecision , who were the forerunners of what bands like Knocked Loose are doing now, and to see kids going absolutely crazy to something that’s totally opposite to what they usually listen to and then do the same thing for Hot Water Music and AFI and then with us, that was great. Nowadays, like I said, when you try to mix it up, it doesn’t work as well. credit: Jeff Crespi MaM : I grew up in the late 90s/early 2000s and so I remember when there was no separation. It was all together. If you liked hardcore, you liked punk. If you liked punk, you liked pop-punk and so on. I feel like back then there was more cohesiveness and now, like you said, it’s more divided. LK : I think on a smaller scale, it might be coming back. Luckily, I have a friend who used to work for us. He’s about 10 years younger than me, and he’s always sending me texts with, ‘Hey, check this band out,’ and he’ll send me music like Drain or Incendiary . … Not really new, but to me they’re new … like super heavy, and then he’ll be like, ‘Check out this band from England , The Chisel .’ And they became one of my new favorites. They’re a good combination of old skool, just English hardcore punk … leading towards Oi music , but I would love to see them with any hardcore band because it’s such a good mix. On the smaller scale with smaller tours, you can still see that good mix. MaM : Did you notice any regional differences on this latest tour with how the crowds received your music? LK : The Life of Agony tour was good for us because they took us to parts where we have never played. They took us to Michigan and usually we only play in Detroit when we go there, but this time they took us to Flint, Mich. , and we played in front of, which seemed to us, like a totally new crowd. There were guys there that were 50 years old going, ‘I’ve never heard of you guys. I’ve never seen you.’ That’s insane! … But they loved it, and they bought merch and records, so it was great. It surprised the hell out of us. (laughs) It’s also that Life of Agony has that bigger metal following and they were embraced by the whole world for decades, and those people don’t see a mixed tour very often. Life of Agony could have taken a younger, more prominent act as their opener, but they wanted to thank us for influencing them when they were younger. And when they went to Europe , they took Prong and Madball with them, which I think is a great thing. They wanted to repay bands like us and to mix the bill, which I thought was good. credit: Jeff Crespi - Lou Koller MaM : So, as far as the current crowds, do you feel the younger generations are embracing your music more or do you find that it’s the older crowd, like me, who are loving your shows these days? LK : It’s weird for us because being around so long, we used to get a good mix … we had our fans from the beginning, and we had younger kids coming. Now, it’s like the 16-to-25-year-olds who have their own stuff. We’ve had experiences where we’ve taken a younger band out that was heavily influenced by us and they’re the hot hardcore band. And they’ll be on stage, and they’ll say, ‘You know, we wouldn’t be a band if it wasn’t for Sick of it All ,’ and when they finish their set, their fans will just leave. They don’t care. They don’t stick around. It’s strange. Now, what I’ve seen, like in Europe , … it has been constant … where you have the older fans and generations still coming. But in the U.S., if we play an all-ages show, it’s usually our older fans who bring their kids and make them watch us, so sometimes it works. (laughs) credit: Jeff Crespi - Pete Koller MaM : Let me ask you as far as continuing to make music, how long do you plan on continuing? Do you just want to do it until you can’t anymore? LK : Yeah, that’s why I’m itching to make a new record. I’m very nervous when we do it, and I love the songs in demo mode, but I’m always worried no one is going to like it and then once the finished product comes out, I go, ‘Oh, I was scared for no reason.’ We always say we’re going to do it until it’s not fun anymore, but we’re always having fun, which is good. What’s good for us is that we all love playing live. It’s just a fact that we’ve always presented a very high-energy live show. If I ever physically can’t do it, I don’t want to just be standing around. (laughs) Zack from Rage Against the Machine tore his Achilles tendon and he had to do the tour sitting down. You could see in his face that he hated it. Same thing with Barney from Napalm Death . We did a run with Municipal Waste and Napalm Death and Barney had hurt his ankle. We all said he should go to a doctor, and he didn’t want to go. It turned out his ankle was broken. He didn’t know it and kept standing on it and destroyed [it]. He’s still having problems to this day. He had to finish that tour with us in a chair. Then, last year, he was doing a U.S. run and, sure enough, same ankle, completely destroyed. He had to finish the tour sitting in a chair and now, who knows if he’s gonna ever be able to stand on that damn ankle again. I don’t know if I could just sit there in a chair for the fans. It’s not Sick of it All if I’m sitting in a freakin chair, you know. credit: Jeff Crespi - Craig Setari MaM : Yeah, no kidding. It ruins the whole live experience. So, do you have any crazy stories from over the years with being on the road that you could share? LK : I mean, there’s so many. You know with the book they did about me and my brother, ‘ The Blood and the Sweat: The Story of Sick of it All’s Koller Brothers ,’ there’s a story in there that everyone asks us if it’s true. The story about when we were playing in Pennsylvania at a club called The Sonic Temple and after the show, we were packing up the van when these kids came up to us and said, ‘Yo, there’s a guy over there and he’s got a gun and he says he has a head in a bag,’ and, sure enough, he had something stuck in his waist, and we could see it wasn’t a gun, and he comes over and he’s talking all crazy saying he's going to kill everybody and we’re all, ‘Yeah yeah yeah,’ and he opens up the bag and there was a head. … It could have been a mannequin head, I don’t know, and we all hop in the van and as we’re driving away from the parking lot, all of a sudden there’s, like, 15 cop cars and we’re just like, ‘What just happened?’ MaM : (laughs) Wow. I wonder if he decapitated someone. (laughs) LK : Well, we don’t know. (laughs) We’ve always tried to look it up online and we can’t find anything, but it was awesome. MaM : So, one question that I am dying to know the answer to involves your logo. It is iconic and is immediately associated with you guys, but how did the Sick of it All dragon come about? LK : The very first idea for it was when we saw it on a flash sheet by the famous tattoo artist Greg Irons . He had a similar version of it. It was when one of our friends was joining the Marines , and he was, like, 17 or 18, and we all decided to get a tattoo together because we had this crew who always hung out together. I think it was Pete who redesigned the dragon for us, and it just happened to be in the photo of our first seven inch. It was a photo of my tattoo of it and then it just got associated with us from then on, then it became very iconic. The iconic Sick of It All dragon It’s funny, too, because decades later, we had a good friend who worked in the record industry and she was working in the hip-hop world and she’s walking through the office one day and she sees a co-worker with a big poster behind his desk and it had a picture of the earth burning with the Sick of it All dragon and she goes, ‘Is that a new Sick of it All record?’ And he goes, ‘Sick of it All? No, this is the new Mobb Deep album cover,’ and she goes, ‘You better check where that logo is from.’ It was very funny. MaM : Wow. LK : They said they got it from a tattoo parlor, which maybe they could have because they’re from Queens and we’re from Queens, but most likely… they would go hang out with this Queens group called The Beatnuts , who were hip-hop DJ guys … and on their apartment door was a bunch of stickers and one of the stickers right in the center was a Sick of it All sticker with the dragon. So, you know they saw that dragon with our name on it and used it. We made a deal with them, though: They were not allowed to use it on their album covers because it was associated with Sick of it All. We actually have a fan who owns two or three pizza places in Berlin, Germany , and on his pizza boxes, he has the Sick of it All dragon, but he asked us if it was ok to do it and we said sure. Now, though, on his pizza box, he still has the dragon, but he puts our Instagram handle with it, too. MaM : Approaching a tour these days vs approaching a tour then—is there anything you do differently when preparing for a tour? LK : For me, personally, I must get my voice in shape. It’s not like it used to be where we would jump in the van and hang out and yell and scream all day, then get on stage and play. I have to rest my voice and I have to work into it. As far as the whole band, it’s kind of gone back to the beginning where, especially in the U.S., where touring in vans again, Armand will plot the tour out with our booking agent and the rest of us will do other aspects for the tour, like I do all the social media for the tour, and then we all have to deal with the merchandise again. MaM : So, you guys have your hands in everything when preparing for a tour. LK : Well, we have to. Personally, I am the lazy one in the band. I liked it in the mid-90s to the late-2000s when we had people doing everything for us. It was great. Back then, we could call up our manager and be like, ‘I have this idea,’ and he would be like, ‘Alright, give me two days,’ and then he would either get it done or he would say it can’t be done. MaM : As a veteran musician, what is one piece of advice you could give the up-and-coming musicians who want to be seen and heard so they can establish a legacy like you? LK : The best advice I could give is play what you love. I mean, it’s fine to emulate your heroes, but eventually you’re gonna find your own sound, but make sure you love it. Also, too, and I know this is going to sound weird, but what stops a lot of other bands is a lot of infighting about money and we, Sick of It All from day one, have always divided everything equally. Everybody inputs as much as you can, but for the first two albums, it was 90% me and Pete writing everything and Armand contributed, too, but at the time Armand was in two other bands, but by ‘ Scratch the Surface ,’ when Craig had joined the band, it was all four of us working together and Armand writing and he and I splitting the lyrical writing; then, the music was split between Armand, Pete, and Craig. Now, it’s good, because I think that everybody contributes to everything. Especially like with the last album, Pete would come in with songs and have 90% of the lyrics written for each song. Craig and I would then sit down and change some of the lines or redo them or Armand would re-write with me or Craig , and it’s so much more of a unit. Love what you do and, I know it sucks, but I didn’t join a band to fill out paperwork. Learn the business so you don’t get f**ked over. MaM : Last question: What’s on the agenda for Sick of it All for the remainder of 2023? LK : We’re trying to keep busy. We’re writing and we have the Life of Agony tour coming back up in August again. We’re going back to Europe in June and July , and I’m going to be a tour guide at The Punk Rock Museum , which Pete just did it, too, but we have quite a bit coming up. Stay tuned. Be sure to catch Sick of it All live before their tour wraps up on August 27, 2023, in their hometown of Queens, N.Y. To learn more about Sick of It All: Sick Of It All – NYHC Sick Of It All | Facebook Sick Of It All (@SOIANYC) / Twitter Sick Of It All - YouTube SICK OF IT ALL (@sickofitallnyc) on Instagram Sick Of It All | Spotify Sick of It All Tickets, 2023 Concert Tour Dates | Ticketmaster *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 Nicole Brice is a lifelong lover of punk and hardcore. She may look like a wuss, but we assure you she has military training, is a badass with an M-16A2 rifle, and her music collection is stocked with all the heavy hitters you can handle. Reach her at the_nicolebrice@mixedaltmag.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Unique analog collage displays manifesting as one collective dreamscape < Back Taryn Chase Jackson: Mixed Media Creative Keeley Brooks Aug 1, 2023 Share Unique analog collage displays manifesting as one collective dreamscape The older I get, the more I appreciate art that makes me think in a really outside-the-box way and doesn’t lay it all out for me. While I enjoyed that when I was younger, today I appreciate the mystery and curiosity behind exploring every little detail. I have more life experiences under my nails from which to draw my deeper conclusions and find hidden meaning and interpretation. I appreciated that when I came across the artwork of North Alabama analog collage creative Taryn Chase Jackson . Courtesy of Taryn Chase Jackson Jackson is no stranger to the creative world. As a child, she was unexplainably drawn to things visually without really knowing or being able to express why. Today, she knows and expresses it a lot over the canvas with her unique analog collage displays of mixed media and assemblage . Her work is nostalgic, full of vision manifesting as one collective dreamscape. Having always identified as a creative person, she currently spends her time as a creative writer, a grant writer, a singer, and an analog collage artist. Her genuine love for her visual craft is seen in the fine detail of her artwork, which is carefully pieced together with intention. It’s easy to get lost in exploring her creations, searching for your own message. It’s harder to pull yourself away from the stories and thoughts those creations inspire. Born and raised in New York , Jackson has lived in Virginia and North Carolina , and she now lives in Alabama. In high school, her work was published in the local newspaper and won a Tri-County Arts Council’s Scholastic Gold Key Award for Art. Since then, Jackson has completed a visual art concentration as part of her bachelor’s degree, and she also holds a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree in creative non-fiction writing. While in high school and college, Jackson says she took a variety of drawing and painting classes and even won some awards, but ultimately, she didn’t love those mediums and struggled to recognize what she did for fun as “real art.” In fact, it wasn’t until she moved to the Muscle Shoals area and joined a group of artists that she became more serious about pursuing collage as a medium. As an analog collage artist, Jackson says she doesn’t design or edit anything digitally. “Everything you see in my work is made of paper I cut by hand and glued down. … My process is less conceptual and more driven by using found images. Personally, I’m overwhelmed by the idea of having literally every image at my fingertips and being able to resize or manipulate them however I wish.” She further elaborates that she prefers the randomness and synchronicity of putting images together in a way that seems natural, and I have to say, I can understand that. Reject the mainstream, forge your own way. We hear that, Taryn. We hear that. "Smile Like You Mean It" (Courtesy of Taryn Chase Jackson) Jackson enjoys living creatively and avoids specializing, feeling it’s best not to limit yourself as an artist by sticking with one category or genre. Instead, she says, we could be, “exploring, blending, and creating new categories/genres that may not even exist.” She genuinely enjoys making the world a much more aesthetically pleasing place to experience, and that shines through in each of her visual efforts. Recently, I had the chance to chat with Taryn about her life in the arts, her preferred medium, and her artistic processes. Check out our conversation below! MaM : Taryn, thanks so much for taking the time to talk with Mixed Alternative. Please tell us about yourself. TCJ : This is an intimidating question, so here are a dozen phrases that collectively describe me: I’m a creative, grant writer, wife, bonus mom, dog mom, Gen-Xer, double Gemini, bisexual, pagan, elder goth, compulsive collector, and maximalist. MaM : That’s a mouthful, but I like it! When did art come into your life? TCJ : I went to parochial school (essentially being home schooled at church) through the 7th grade, so I didn’t get basic art education until I switched to public school. But I loved cutting up magazines growing up and would save bits of paper or candy wrappers for no reason other than I liked the color or texture. Later, my high school friends and I started a photocopied zine that relied heavily on collage. We also decorated FBs (also known as Friendship Books) with what were basically miniature mixed media ads that we mailed to pen pals to find other fans of new wave and alternative music—obviously, this was pre-Internet! (laughs) I eventually took a variety of drawing and painting classes through high school and undergrad … but I didn’t love those mediums, and of course, I never recognized what I did for fun as “real art.” It actually wasn’t until I joined a group of artists in the Shoals that I became more serious about pursuing collage as a medium. MaM : What has your life as an artist been like? TCJ : I've always identified as a creative person. … The term “artist” is so loaded. Many people narrowly define the term as one for just visual artists or for people who make a living from their work. But creating in the context of a capitalist culture means that we have to unlearn the myths we’re taught and then be brave enough to define our work and its value for ourselves. "Toxic Positivity" (Courtesy of Taryn Chase Jackson) MaM : Who has been your biggest artistic influence? TCJ : That’s a tough question! Years ago, I probably couldn’t have named a single 2-D collage artist, but I do remember the exact moment I discovered the work of Joseph Cornell , who pioneered the assemblage. And I always felt a kinship with the Surrealists, with René Magritte and Man Ray among my favorites. I suppose there is a parallel in the way they bring disparate, familiar things together to form a cohesive whole that surprises and delights. MaM : How did you find your art style? TCJ : “Style" is one of the great mysteries, I think. Art teachers can really only introduce you to basic skills and concepts, to artists who have led the way, and give you a forum to experiment—but developing your personal taste and style is a process you have to do on your own, intuitively. You build on what works and throw out what doesn’t, and eventually other people will claim that they can recognize your work without seeing your name. But I personally think everyone’s style should be evolving all the time. MaM : While you’re making a piece, what goes through your head? TCJ : I’ve learned that I work best if I think in terms of a series or a theme because it keeps me coming back. For example, in 2019, I started a project based on the 22 cards of the Tarot deck called the Major Arcana. Each card represents an archetype or symbolic meaning, so I tried to find images that resonated with the particular card I was working on that day, then piece them together in a way that made sense to me. It’s almost like putting together a puzzle, except one where you've lost the box that had the final image on the cover, and you have to figure it out. So, sometimes I start with a concept or a feeling, and other times I pull a couple of core images I’m drawn to and see what else might complement or play off of them. I’m often surprised by the final result, and that’s part of the joy. "Solar Plexus Chakra - Gut Feeling" (Courtesy of Taryn Chase Jackson) MaM : Some of your collages are whimsical and some are more serious. What affects your art process when you’re making art? TCJ : Maybe it’s the Gemini in me, but I do often combine images that seem opposed—the sweet and the dark, the safe and the dangerous—leaving the viewer to wrestle with their own associations and, ultimately, assign their own meaning to the composition. Sometimes my pieces start with a theme or a word/phrase that I focus on to select images and create a vibe. Sometimes I have so much fun playing with different compositions that it’s hard to commit to the final layout. But ultimately, I know I’m on the right path if I can amuse myself at some point. Not every attempt is a masterpiece, but you always learn something in the process. "Gaia's Messenger" (Courtesy of Taryn Chase Jackson) MaM : In what ways is creating healing for you? TCJ : Creating is the ultimate form of healing, because in the process we’re returning (or attempting to return) to our true selves—the person we were as a child, when we were unabashedly curious and self-accepting, before all the self-doubt and people-pleasing that comes with maturity. If we can successfully tap into that core while we’re creating, we’re headed in the right direction. MaM : Are you frequently involved with local art shows? When and where? TCJ : Since I started submitting my work to exhibitions in 2020, I’ve been fortunate enough to be included in several juried shows at the Tennessee Valley Museum of Art and the Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts here in the Shoals—as well as at the Carnegie Visual Arts Center in Decatur, AL; Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, AL; and even the Arc Gallery in San Francisco, CA. Dates for my current shows are as follows: · “ArtWorks" 2023 Member Exhibition at the Tennessee Valley Museum of Art , Tuscumbia, AL (July 22-Aug. 12, 2023) · “Making Waves: Waterscapes in Art” 2023 Online Juried Exhibition by Southern Tier Center for Emerging Artists , Jamestown, NY (Aug. 1-31, 2023) · "Myth in Form” Alabama Women's Caucus for Art (ALWCA) Juried Exhibition, Carnegie Visual Arts Center , Decatur, AL (Sept. 29-Nov. 4, 2023) MaM : Any advice for other artists out there (interested in mixed-media collage)? TCJ : Fortunately, collage is an extremely accessible medium: If you have paper and glue, you can do it. You don’t even need scissors—just tear it! If you supplement it with paint or markers, you have mixed media. Make it 3-D by adding found objects, and you have assemblage. Unfortunately, the idea that anyone can do it is part of the reason some people think it doesn’t belong in the world of "Fine Art.” Historically collage was also something more women did than men, so of course, that counted against it as well. But my advice to those interested is to a.) ignore the gatekeepers, and b.) get familiar with collage artists—historical and contemporary—to figure out which styles you like (or don’t). Follow the collage community on Instagram and subscribe to Kolaj Magazine or other publications that include collage. Imitate one technique and then another. Make a piece based on a particular song or a piece that someone you care about might enjoy. Let yourself get weird. "Forbidden Fruit" (Courtesy of Taryn Chase Jackson) With all creative work, every single person—even those with decades of experience—has to start with a blank page. So, the most valuable skill you can develop is figuring out the best way to trick your own brain into creating. For example, if you make excuses about not having time, tell yourself you’ll only work for 15 minutes. If you feel self-conscious, just tell yourself you’re just going to test a new method or technique—anything that lowers the stakes. Of course, then you have to resist the urge to judge, stay curious, and come back and do it all again. For more on Taryn Chase Jackson, visit her online at https://AnySlyEnchanter.wixsite.com/my-site or on Instagram @AnySlyEnchanter . *Cover photo "Liminal Spaces" is courtesy of Taryn Chase Jackson. www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

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

The Sludge Metal Legends Reunite for a Long-Awaited and Historic Performance. < Back Acid Bath’s Triumphant Return: A Night 28 Years in the Making Justin Hammer and Charles Sagona Apr 27, 2025 Share The Sludge Metal Legends Reunite for a Long-Awaited and Historic Performance. Friday night, the mythical Louisiana sludge metal legends Acid Bath returned to the stage, kicking off their reunion tour with a sold-out show at the Fillmore in New Orleans — their first performance in precisely 28 years . Credit: Justin Hammer Photography The current lineup features original members Dax Riggs (vocals), Sammy Duet (guitar), and Mike Sanchez (guitar), joined by Goatwhore's Zack Simmons on drums and Crowbar's Shane Wesley on bass . It's a blend of old blood and new energy , and from the moment they launched into the opening notes, it was clear this wasn't just nostalgia — Acid Bath came to reclaim their legacy. Dax Riggs by Justin Hammer Photography Acid Bath was one of Louisiana's most influential sludge metal bands in the 1990s , known for their unique blend of doom metal , punk , grunge , and Southern rock . The band was active from 1991 until 1997 , when they disbanded following the death of founding member and bassist Audie Pitre . After their final performance in Shreveport, Louisiana , on April 25, 1997 , it seemed to everyone, including the remaining band members, that this marked the end of an era and that their music would never be heard live again. Sammy Duet of Acid Bath by Justin Hammer Photography What makes Acid Bath 's return even more remarkable is how their legend status grew during their long dormancy. In their original run during the '90s, Acid Bath wasn't selling out venues like the Fillmore . They were packing into dive bars like Papa Joe's in Baton Rouge , Zeppelin's in New Orleans , and gritty all-ages shows in small-town halls like Gonzales, LA . Their glory days weren't measured in ticket sales , but in the cult following that quietly spread over the years, turning their two albums — When the Kite String Pops and Paegan Terrorism Tactics — into sacred texts of underground metal. In October 2024 , the Sick New World festival in Las Vegas announced its lineup, and to everyone's surprise, Acid Bath was included. However, shortly after the announcement, the festival was canceled. Despite this setback, more shows began to be organized, officially confirming the remarkable return of the iconic Louisiana band. Fast forward 28 years to the day: Acid Bath made their highly anticipated return to the stage at the Fillmore New Orleans on April 25, 2025 , performing to a packed and sold-out crowd. The show opened with an electrifying performance by Eyehategod , another iconic band from New Orleans and friends of Acid Bath 's members. Fronted by Mike Williams and featuring founding member Jimmy Bower from Down on guitar, Gary Mader on bass, and Aaron Hill on drums, Eyehategod set the stage with an incredible 45-minute set that energized the crowd. The biggest question lingering over the night: could Dax still deliver after three decades away? — was answered immediately. His voice was astonishing, shifting effortlessly from throat-shredding screams to hauntingly beautiful melodies , often within the same song. The years had done nothing to dull his dynamic range or emotional power. The audience was diverse , consisting of older fans who remembered seeing the band at their peak in the '90s, and younger attendees who were born well over a decade after the band disbanded. Acid Bath took the stage to a roaring, packed crowd. The moment's significance sank in as they began to play: Acid Bath was back. Looking over the audience, we could see everyone mouthing and singing along to their iconic songs, regardless of age, fully immersing themselves in this historic moment in music history . Immediately following ' Bleed Me an Ocean ,' the crowd couldn't contain their excitement and broke into chants of "Acid Bath! Acid Bath! Acid Bath!" Sammy grinned and told them, "Hey, y'all calm down — there's plenty more where that came from," which drew a giant pop. Sammy Duet of Acid Bath by Justin Hammer Photography Midway through the set, Sammy paused to ask the crowd, "Be honest — did you think this would ever happen again?" The thunderous "NO!" that followed said it all. The setlist , while powerful, leaned toward deeper cuts rather than expected anthems. Classics like ' The Blue ,' ' Cheap Vodka ,' ' Jezebel ,' and their traditional closer ' Cassie Eats Cockroaches ' were notably absent, leaving some fans both exhilarated and a little wistful. It wasn't a flawless performance. Early-show jitters led to a few songs being stopped and restarted. "Sorry," Sammy told the crowd after one hiccup. "You guys don't deserve this. Hold on — I just want to give you the best experience ever," before relaunching into a blistering rendition of ' Dr. Seuss Is Dead .' Sammy Duet of Acid Bath by Justin Hammer Photography But in the end , none of the minor missteps mattered. The sheer joy radiating from both the band and the audience was undeniable. It wasn't just a concert — a resurrection, a testament to how far their shadow had stretched while they were silent. This band has had a tremendous impact on the metal scene in New Orleans , and they continue to do so by selling out every show they announce within minutes. Their music resonates with younger generations, inspiring both local bands and fans. Even after being absent for 28 years, their influence remains significant. The merch line snaked through the venue, with fans waiting over an hour to score shirts, posters, and a piece of history. Acid Bath's long-dormant flame has been reignited, burning brighter than ever. Setlist: Tranquilized Bleed Me an Ocean Graveflower The Bones of Baby Dolls Dead Girl (Agents of Oblivion version) Old Skin New Death Sensation Venus Blue Scream of the Butterfly (dedicated to Audie Pitre) Paegan Love Song Dr. Suess is Dead Set List from 4.25.25 To learn more about Acid Bath: Website: The Official Acid Bath Website *All photos by Justin Hammer Photography Shop Photography Art | Justin Hammer Photography www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Reach out to us at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

A Fresh Approach to Pop Art & Surrealism < Back Brilliance for a New Era: Lori Bequette Nicole Brice Nov 6, 2022 Share A Fresh Approach to Pop Art & Surrealism Sometimes an artist’s work catches my eye, and I am instantly hooked. This go-round one artist has truly exemplified what it means to learn from the greats to make new interpretations of mediums made famous by those before her, and eye-catching her work is , indeed. May I introduce, Lori Bequette . Lori Bequette Lori is based out of Baton Rouge, LA where she lives with her husband and 4 y/o daughter trying to balance motherhood with creating art. Growing up, Lori cannot recall a time when she was not fascinated with or not actually creating something. “I think a huge part of my entire identity has been always knowing that I am an artist. It has always just been there, ya know?”, says Lori upon being asked when she knew she had the itch to create. In recent years, Lori’s path has taken a detour due to her duties as a mother, but that has not stopped her from doing what she loves. “I went from painting everyday to not painting at all. Having a supportive partner, and allowing myself to create again, has been detrimental to my mental health, and I honestly assumed I would be rusty [when picking up a paint brush again], but instead picking up my brushes again was like riding a bike, and in many ways, I felt like my skills had somehow ‘leveled up’. It felt SO GOOD to be painting again.” Art by Lori Bequette Lori’s work is so stunning that you can’t help but stop to take notice and admire the detail she puts into each painting. With a knack for capturing life in vivid detail, Lori’s pieces jump right out at you. Art by Lori Bequette When asked who or what inspires her style, Lori responded, “This is hard for me to answer. I am self-taught and have never taken any classes or courses, so my style and techniques were developed by me. I take inspiration from an enormous variety of artists and turn to diverse styles and mediums to guide and influence my creativity. I especially love when I find a new artist with work that leaves me questioning my own interpretation of a message or story.” Lori’s work is ever-changing and geometrically guided with influences from both Pop Art and Surrealism . Often incorporating abstract components, her paintings usually begin with a face or character where she builds upon that concept to tell a story. Art by Lori Bequette “I’m often blending nature and animals into my work in an unusual way. The hexagon is a shape I implement quite regularly. It’s such a precise and symmetrical design, yet like a puzzle, forming a more fluid shape or figure.” Art by Lori Bequette When asked which famous artist she would like to spend the day with, living or dead, given the chance, she replied, “Well, that does not seem fair, BUT I am going to choose Rene Magritte . He had such talents, and I mean, he had the ability to forge other artists’ work to sell when he struggled with poverty showcasing a wide skill range. He was able to aesthetically play with illusion within his own work by giving ordinary objects new context and meaning. His pieces were always thought provoking. I would love to tour his mind.” Lori doesn’t credit one specific person with giving her the want and need to create, but instead says, “I don’t think there’s just one person. My family, my friends, even strangers whom I never met on social media have always supported me in my adventures. My husband has always been extremely supportive in me pursuing my dreams and I feel lucky to be able to work from home. I gained support early in life from teachers who recommended I be evaluated for creative giftedness, but I remember just loving that. With support from teachers, I found school to be less exhausting than others. I do have ADHD and am a victim of childhood abuse and trauma, so having the opportunity to have a safe place to withdraw and create was a relief at times. It goes without saying that art, even in my 40’s, is still a tool to withdraw and escape because we all need that. I need it.” To check out Lori’s amazing masterpieces and to see about purchasing some of her work, you can visit her on social media via Facebook and Instagram . Lori Bequette Art | Facebook Lori Bequette (@art_bylori) • Instagram photos and videos Art by Lori Bequette 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

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

Mi’Kael Chalyce is a soulful vibe of reflection and relatability whose voice eloquently captures the emotional evolution of the human condition. < Back Mi’Kael Chalyce: A Soulful Vibe of Reflection and Relatability Erica Machen Mar 12, 2024 Share Mi’Kael Chalyce is a soulful vibe of reflection and relatability whose voice eloquently captures the emotional evolution of the human condition. Emerging from the musically acclaimed Nashville, Tennessee, Mi’Kael Chalyce, better known as Kael to her family and friends, has burst onto the scene with a soulful vibe of healing reflection and relatability . Passionate, bold, daring, and authentic, Chalyce is an empowered artist whose voice eloquently captures the emotional evolution of the human condition and translates the collective anguish, progress, struggle, and joy we experience on a daily basis. Inspired by vocal legends like Whitney Houston and Mary J. Blige, Chalyce’s sound is a very cool blend of old school R&B mixed with the likes of Destiny’s Child and Outkast . And when combined with her strong gospel roots, her sound evokes that kind old school southern soul that’s wrapped in ambiance, truth, and pain. Mi’Kael left Nashville with a desire for authentic music after seeing business connections prevail over genuine human connections. She found sanctuary in the rhythms of Atlanta, Georgia, where her connections budded into relationships that allowed her music and stories to blossom. As a mother, educator, musician, and multi-faceted storyteller, Mi’Kael has both a history and a future worth sharing. Her authenticity and talent have shaped her into a powerful vessel spreading encouragement, energy, and self-expression. She is a triple threat in the most non-threatening ways, and she brings a sense of relatability and comfort in her music that warrants a desire to share and celebrate what she is doing. Photo from artist website We had the chance to rap with Mi'Kael recently and in that learned what a luminous talent she is. Check out our conversation below! MaM : I see that you've been inspired by legends such as Whitney Houston and Mary J. Blige, as well as your gospel roots. How do you mix all those influences into your music and what do they mean to you personally? MK : Wow, that's a good one to kick off! I think it's incorporated into my music organically with the way I phrase my words, or I end the note, or end the line. You can just hear some of those influences. Those were the songs I listened to over and over growing up, so that's what naturally flows through me when I'm writing or performing. It's definitely one of those situations where it's not about where you're going [but] where you came from. Everything I pour into what I'm doing now is from back home and [I am] just taking it to the next level. MaM : Speaking of your roots and your identity as an artist, you have a cool blend of old school R&B with vibes of Destiny's Child and Outkast. How do you keep that mix while still staying true to your style? MK : I still listen to what’s on the radio now, but I try not to emulate too much of what other people are doing. I keep it fresh with my cadences. Destiny’s Child brought in that rap/sing era, and you still see that happening. I do that, but I blend that with a little of the old school southern soul sound. MaM : Your music dives into some deep topics like mental health and growth. How do you approach writing about such personal subjects, and what do you want your fans to take away from your music? MK : The way that I approach it is starting with the music. Photo from artist's website I listen and try to see what style of music puts me in the vibe of where I am in that point in time. I’m really careful about not writing in the air, as I call it. That’s writing random things just because they sound good. That's not how you create a sound that is going to translate. As I'm listening to the music, I make it fit with what I'm feeling. Whatever story I want to tell is what comes out. I don't necessarily say I want to talk about mental health. I just get it all out, and it turns into a song that’s encouraging people to tap into their mental health and self-care. It happens organically. MaM : Your move from Nashville to Atlanta must have been a big change. How does the switchup influence your music and connection with your fans? MK : In Nashville, I didn't feel as connected with the community as I do here. I felt like the musicians were work-for-hire, and we didn't get to build a true relationship or repertoire together. In Atlanta, people have been more excited to work with me, and you get people really wanting to build with you. It's just like a family, no matter who I'm singing with. MaM : “Passion and Chemistry” really hit home with your fans. Can you give us a peek behind the scenes? What inspired the tracks? MK : ‘Passion and Chemistry’ was the birth child of my divorce. I got married super young, at 19, and had a child. I was married eight years. I was out of the marriage [and] thought I was free and could have these great relationships. The first situation I got into, I was dealing with a guy who was also ending a marriage. It was a very complicated situation. I told that story through ‘Passion and Chemistry’. That song started as a country song. I have the country version from a producer in Nashville. A producer here in Atlanta gave it the feel we were looking for with more of a soul/hip-hop style. MaM : You mentioned your music is all about being real and speaking to the soul. How do you make sure that authenticity shines through in your music and performances? MK : I stay true to who I am [whether] I'm singing cover songs or … am with my own band singing my originals. I’m going to do it my way, in a way that speaks to my soul. I get contracted to sing jazz songs, swing, and all different types of things, but I always put what I call my Kael sauce on it to remain true to myself. Sometimes it’s difficult, but I am very creative in the way I communicate. It's just about your attitude and how you talk to people that makes all the difference. MaM : Everyone is going to be eager to know what is next for you. Can you give us a sneak peek into any upcoming projects or plans on the horizon? MK : I am releasing a new single very soon [called] ‘Don't Settle’. Following that, I have a whole album in the works. By the end of the summer, you will have another full project. I am knee-deep [in] it! For more on Mi’Kael Chalyce, her music, and any upcoming shows, visit her official website at www.MikaelChalyce.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

90’s alt rock with dark and dreamy layered vocals < Back Mindy Scurto and Captive Frame: Reigniting Shoegaze Nicole Brice Jul 31, 2023 Share 90’s alt rock with dark and dreamy layered vocals I recently came across the music of an indie band called Captive Frame. With numerous releases on their Bandcamp page, I was drawn to their sound because it reminds me so much of one of my favorite shoegaze bands, Scarling . When most think of shoegaze, they instantly think of bands such as My Bloody Valentine , Cocteau Twins , or The Jesus and Mary Chain : distorted guitars, feedback, and dreamy layered vocals encasing you in soothing waves of sound. With an insanely creative cover of Nirvana’s “ Something in the Way ,” Captive Frame has found a way to showcase the perfect mix of distortion and feedback making the well-known tune feel reinvented. Other tunes such as “Walking Away” and “Seven Mondays” take the listener through an atmospheric journey of texture and sound. With so many songs to experience on their Bandcamp page, you truly need to experience their music for yourself to understand the beauty of Mindy Scurto’s voice. It’s soft, it’s haunting, it’s seductive. Captive Frame is the brainchild of multi-talented female vocalist, Mindy Scurto, who is currently based out of Florida, and her husband, Joe, who plays lead guitar. Originally from Maine, Mindy is a graphic designer by day and a talented musician by night. Coming from a metal scene in New England, Scurto founded her own graphic design company called MK Studios, where she has taken on numerous projects for her band as well as others to give them the identity they all visually need. In addition to graphic design, Mindy also paints and loves to engross herself in fine art. With a history of over ten years in the business, Scurto formerly managed a music shop in her home state where she worked exclusively with Autistic children teaching them music and integration. I recently had the opportunity to chat with Mindy at length about her music, her life, and her passion to create as well as the current state of her band. Take a moment to learn a little more about this creative woman who knows how to captivate with not only her voice but also with her outgoing personality. MaM : Tell us a little more about the band beginnings. MS : Captive Frame started a long time ago back when I was living in New Hampshire. We had a band before that was called Zounderkite and then another one called Cactus Hag. We toured all over with Cactus Hag and had a lot of fun, but my health got really bad and we ended up moving around New England a good bit. After I was misdiagnosed with diabetes, they essentially told me I was going to die, and at that point I decided we needed to get the hell out of New England because I had developed neuropathy. I couldn’t play anything, and I couldn’t do my art. In the middle of the pandemic, we decided to move to Florida in the southwestern part of the state, and that is where we currently are now. Photo provided by band MaM : So, what year was it that you could say that Captive Frame really got started working on material? Was it 2012? MS : No, it was more like 2014. I remember I was still working at the music store, and I found DKFM, which is a shoegaze radio station, and I was just blown away. That kind of gave me the idea for the band and then Joe, my husband, who is a huge Siouxsie and the Banshees fan, heard this line in the song “Unrest” where she says something about a captive frame, and that really resonated with him. It symbolizes being stuck and the line really stayed with us. When we moved to Florida, we got with a producer and we had this plan and then ended up knocking out an album in a year. It just poured right out of us. MaM : What is going on currently with the band? Any new material coming? MS : We have the live line-up finally and we’ve only practiced twice, but the guys we have are really serious about the music, which is great. We’re not used to people taking the music seriously because we’ve been in some bad situations with band tyrants, and it just really messes up everyone’s time. The chemistry of this group is so right, and we are a super tight family. Currently practicing and working on songs. Cover art for Captive Frame's upcoming self-titled release MaM : Who makes up the current line-up of Captive Frame? MS : I sing and then my husband, Joe, is the lead guitarist. Eric is the rhythm guitar player and then we have Richard on bass and Ghimel on drums. Photo provided by band MaM : I truly love your sound and it reminds me of the band Scarling. Have you ever heard of them? It was a side project of Jessicka from Jack Off Jill. MS : Oh, no shit! That’s so funny. My old roommate from college was a Jack Off Jill maniac. That’s a great compliment. Thank you. MaM : What would you say the future holds for Captive Frame? MS : It would be really cool if we could get signed and we would love to travel, so we will see. To hear Captive Frame’s music, hit one of the links below and be sure to follow them on social media, too. They are working on so many things, so stay tuned! Bandcamp: Music | Captive Frame (bandcamp.com) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/captiveframe/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/captive_frame/?hl=en 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

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

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

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

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

More Than a Petty Betty < Back Team Gwen: Erica is the Next Voice You Need to Win! Nicole Brice Oct 29, 2022 Share More Than a Petty Betty Erica Calle possesses a timeless beauty. One which invokes memories and feelings for years gone by. With her big tulle skirts, pageboy hairstyle, and Riot grrrl personality, Erica channels all the old Hollywood glamour into a complete package for 2022’s local music scene. Credit: Gary Governale Known locally as the frontwoman of Petty Betty , a popular novelty band in South Louisiana , Erica is known to bring “ it ” when belting out tunes such as ' Johnny B. Goode ' and other favorites. With a booming and boisterous voice combined with a larger-than-life persona, Erica truly exemplifies what it means to be a star. Surrounded by some of the most talented musicians on the scene, Erica credits the men behind her as the ones to inspire and push her to the limits vocally. Credit: Gary Governale The band, Petty Betty , is comprised of Tony Busby (guitar), T-Mike Galliano (bass & vocals), and Chris Lyons (drums), as well as the gorgeous Erica Calle (lead vocals). Petty Betty is a music group native to Baton Rouge with over 50+ combined years of experience in music & entertainment. With upbeat lyrics and catchy music, they bring the party when they perform. Red, Rock, & Blue 2022 Erica started singing when she was very young, but says, “Starting out, I wasn’t any good and I sounded like a drowning cat.” Credit: Gary Governale Well, folks, those days of sounding like a drowning feline are sure over because this leading lady has some of the best pipes in and around Baton Rouge , AND she even auditioned to be on the national TV show The Voice at 22 years of age. At the audition, she made it through the first round of the pre-auditions and ended up getting a nasty cold but managed to push through, which afterwards damaged her vocal cords. She was unable to sing for a while after that, but by doing karaoke, she was able to retrain her voice to do what she wanted. Once the pieces fell into place, Petty Betty was formed. Inspired by Blues and Swing music, Erica credits her look and vocal stylings to the music that she adored as a child, such as Cab Calloway , Buddy Guy , Etta James , and Ella Fitzgerald , and she has said, “I was born at the wrong time.” Credit: Gary Governale When we asked Erica who she is digging these days musically she replied with, “ Kaleo ! I just LOVE their music!” When asked about her personal style, Erica said, “Thankfully the group of guys that I work with each bring their own unique style and ideas that makes for an amazing blend. Personally, I love Rockabilly but sometimes will add a Stevie Nicks look to my wardrobe so I can change it up a bit.” Credit: Gary Governale “Bettie Page definitely influences my stage look, but I try to look towards the strong female lead singers such as Jinjer , The Pretty Reckless , Bishop Briggs , and Halestorm as far as their energy/persona. I like to blend vintage and current rock vibes for my look.” Credit: Gary Governale Petty Betty has quite a following, and you can rest assured that if they are playing a show, it will be packed. The energy from every member of the band radiates throughout all performances with none being stale or boring. Their on-stage energy is so infectious that you’ll end up wanting to be on stage just to experience the party with them. When asked if Petty Betty has plans to record any original material in the future, Erica has said, “We would love to pursue some originals! I wake up in the middle of the night to write down lyrics that just pop into my head, and we’ve played around with a few song ideas, BUT we would really need to slow down to focus on it properly.” Catch Petty Betty LIVE in and around Baton Rouge and be sure to visit their social media accounts to show some love. October 30 - 52nd Annual Parish Fall Fest in Denham Springs 2-4pm November 4 - TrickShots Sports Bar in Denham Springs 9pm November 5 - Boudreaux & Thibodeaux's in Baton Rouge 10pm November 12 - Mike Bruno's Harley Davidson in Baton Rouge 1-4pm November 12 - Big Mike's Sports Bar & Grill in Denham Springs 9pm Erica Calle - YouTube Petty Betty LIVE | Facebook Petty Betty fan club | Facebook Petty Betty (@pettybettylive) • Instagram photos and videos *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 mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Deondria is a visionary with a remarkable natural talent. < Back Conversations with an Indie Filmmaker: DeOndria Michelle Nicole Brice Nov 20, 2025 Share Deondria is a visionary with a remarkable natural talent. Sometimes the best introductions to new talent come from our very own friends. Originally from Chicago, Illinois , and now residing in Hobbs, New Mexico , DeOndria Michelle is an up-and-coming cinematographer, director, filmmaker, and editor who specializes in cultural documentaries, product productions, and imagery . She’s got a visionary mind that brings realism to all her work, and what I love most about her portfolio is her own style. I can’t describe it. It’s just raw and vivid and rich. Credit: Deondria Michelle A visionary, DeOndria has a remarkable talent for using natural light to create warm, inviting shots. Her careful use of light gives her videos an authentic, lifelike quality that draws you in, making each scene appear both effortless and beautiful. While she is currently working on a new commercial for a client, her portfolio continues to grow with many other endeavors, including three short horror films, also in the works. Initially, she wanted to pursue music, but then found her calling with the video camera, so how did we learn about her? As I mentioned above, sometimes the best introductions to new talent come from our very own friends, and my good friend Ronzo Cartwright from Stone Deep was the one who put DeOndria on my radar. Read on to learn a little more about her aspirations and more. MaM : Thank you for joining us today. So, you are a cinematographer, director, and editor, and you do it all. Tell us a little more about that. DM : I feel like you have to. You gotta do it all, especially when you don’t have the funding to outsource. Everything I’m doing, I learned on my own. I went to the same university as everyone else, YouTube , and I incorporated what I learned from there into what I do. I took the little bit I learned and have expanded on it as I go, so that I can incorporate it all into one vision. I like that I can edit it myself. It’s been a tough road, but I feel like I should have pursued this a long time ago. When you’re doing your own work, you know what your vision is, and to place it in the hands of someone else is hard. Filmmaking should be a team effort, in my opinion, but when you’ve done it so long by yourself, you don’t trust anyone else with your vision. You can only tell a person so much about what it should be. Art is subjective, so they can interpret it as they see it, but ultimately, it’s your vision. Beautifully Black by Deondria Michelle MaM : I read that you specialize in cultural documentaries and product promotion, but could you tell us a little more about what you do? I also see that you originally wanted to pursue music. DM : Music was my first love. I started as a singer-songwriter. I worked with a well-known producer at one point, but I realized that while music held my heart, it’s not my passion. My writing partner would be up early writing, and I just wasn’t in it. I didn’t want to be in a studio laying vocals and all that, but when I picked up a camera, I realized I loved it, and I could do that stuff all day long. From sunup to sundown, I could do videography. You get that feeling when you’re doing something that aligns with your soul. You know. MaM : What is your proudest achievement so far on this journey? DM : Recently, actually. I had stopped posting on Instagram during COVID for several reasons and just got back on. I realized I had almost 1,000 followers. When I first opened that page, I was doing a bunch of “follow for follows,” not realizing I was gaining dead followers rather than authentic ones, and that the algorithm would send this content to these followers, with very few engaging, because no one is actually there. So, I took it upon myself to test this theory, and I hope others will test it for themselves. I deleted and blocked every single account that was following me and left the 142 people I knew had followed me for a reason. I feel that the smaller person with fewer followers has a dedicated audience that has fostered trust, and trust is important in this industry. MaM : You kept the organic followers. DM : Correct, and prior to me doing that, my channel on Instagram was getting maybe 200-300 views, but as soon as I made the change, I posted a video, and that video skyrocketed my views. After that, each video kept getting good views and rising, and I realized my views were increasing by 250% or more. Even my engagement is up, and that was just last week. MaM : That’s incredible. See, most don’t even do a deep dive into the logistics of who is engaging and whatnot. In fact, every single follower we have on Instagram is organic. They found us and liked us. I have not done any tricks or anything. DM : Exactly, growing organically, and while companies think that inflated numbers are the way to go, I started reaching out to companies right after I did it, because my views had gone up. I optimized my platform for engagement. I want people who love the niche I’m in to follow me, and while it may have hurt me on the business side of things with fewer numbers, I’m now pushing my content to those who want to see it. When the Sun Goes Down by Deondria Michelle MaM : So, what is it about video and filmmaking that inspires you and makes you want to pursue it anyway? DM : Initially, it was a dream, and one day I decided to take my camera out while watching TV because it had been in storage. The past two years, I have come a long way working on things. I think bringing stories to life is the most important thing. It’s more than a picture. It’s a footprint that will never go away. Good, bad, or terrible, it’s there, so for me, that’s something I want especially in this space, because in cinematography, there aren’t a lot of women. MaM : You are right about that. DM : My mentors are men. Even my unofficial mentor is a man—all men. There aren’t many black women in this space. For me, to build a position in this space is the most essential piece of the puzzle. I want to create that space for black women to thrive. You have your directors, filmmakers, and writers, but there should be a black woman in every single filmmaking space. Stuck by Deondria Michelle MaM : I agree – I’m calling it now. You will become one of the most prolific woman cinematographers and videographers of our time. I have a feeling. You are going to inspire other girls and women. DM : I tell all women that being a cinematographer isn’t easy. I always chip a nail. Before I got really into this, I’d have my hair done every two weeks, etc. That was a constant. Doing it the way I’m doing it now; this is not a job where you get up and put on a full face of make-up. This is a space for your gym shoes, jeans, and a t-shirt. Get to work. MaM : What are you working on currently? DM : I am working on three short films, actually. They are horror films, so I’m working on a Thanksgiving one, a Christmas one, and a New Year’s one. MaM : That’s awesome. I love scary movies, too. DM : Each day, too, I try to do a complete lighting setup to practice. I’m still learning. A teacher is always a student, too. I’m not a master at it, but I keep trying new things each day. Credit: Deondria Michelle MaM : Do you have a favorite professional in this industry that you admire? DM : I really like Malik Hassan Sayeed , who worked with Spike Lee . He worked on Belly and Clockers and has done so many other films. I love his style and his work because it’s not the typical Hollywood look. I love the way he creates this bright, contrasty, noisy look in his work, and what I like most is that his style is achievable. He’s one of those whose work is complex but simplified. MaM : What is your ultimate goal you’d like to achieve as a creative in this visual world? DM : To leave a footprint. I want to leave my footprint so that the generation behind me knows who I am. I want to be in someone’s Mt. Rushmore. I want to make a place for women to be included in that conversation. With many projects in the works, Deondria’s talents will soon be known once she fully unleashes her creative prowess on the world. Be sure to follow her on social media to stay up to date on all her endeavors. To learn more about Deondria Michelle: YouTube: DeOndria Michelle - YouTube Website: deondriamichelle.com deondriamichelle.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? Reach out to mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

A little bit Riot Grrrl mixed with female sensitivity < Back Candace Schur: Rock’s Next Big Female Powerhouse Nicole Brice Aug 7, 2023 Share A little bit Riot Grrrl mixed with female sensitivity Growing up as a teen in the 90s, I idolized musicians such as Kay Hanley from Letters to Cleo , Gwen Stefani , Lisa Loeb , and Monique Powell from Save Ferris . Their vocals were powerful, their lyrics were poignant, and their style was unmatched. One could even say they encompassed the softer side of the Riot Grrrl aesthetic by showing vulnerability and femininity. In a nod to revisiting that period, new generations of female musicians are taking the reins and paving the way for this latest wave of 90s nostalgia currently hitting us, and one female lead has such a strong presence that I feel she will be the one to reignite the female powerhouse movement in rock music. Her name is Candace Schur . With beauty that rivals Debbie Harry from Blondie, Candace is a hair stylist by day and a kick-ass frontwoman by night. She is gorgeous, fierce, and strong. Her beauty is not just surface level, though. No, her beauty lies also in her lyrics and delivery of her songs. Her energy is so intense that you can feel it radiating as she sings. Her songs are ones I could envision myself as a teenager singing along to in my room when feeling despondent and alone. With intricately constructed tunes showcasing themes of angst and redemption, Schur is the lead singer of the indie grunge/alt band Candy Cavity out of New Jersey . I was fortunate to learn of her music recently from a friend and one listen was all it took; I was instantly hooked. With songs such as ' Not Over It ', which talks about not being able to move forward after a break-up just yet, Schur writes from a relatable perspective about love and loss. We’ve all been there … break-ups. They are terrible and they gut you, but from the teenage girl's perspective, they are traumatizing. ' Not Over It ' is truly the perfect song to be the soundtrack for a love lost in the wildly formative years of adolescence. On another favorite track of mine, ' What You’re Missin ’, the sexy and fierce lyrics make you want to say, “Ya know, I could kick your ass if I wanted to.” The song is upbeat and fuzzy and in-your-face rock. I wanted to learn more about the woman behind the music, so I reached out to Candace . She and I had the most enjoyable conversation and I instantly connected to her free spirit and vibe. Check out a little bit of our conversation below. MaM : Thank you so much for talking with me today. Your voice is incredible, and I love your look. It all just goes together so well. What year did the band form and how did it initially come together? CS : My first band I was in was called Girl , which I formed with a boyfriend at the time. When the band broke up, he took the drummer and I took the bass player, who was also a drummer, too. After that, I had to change the name of the band, but I was the core holding it together. I decided to call the band Candy Cavity . The name of the band had been stored in my memory from math class my sophomore year in high school when I’d be sitting in class just doodling pictures of me fronting an all-girl rock band. It just popped into my mind when I needed a new band name. MaM : So, what year did Candy Cavity actually form? CS : 2018 – I can’t remember if our first show was in 2019, though, but it was definitely 2018 when the band formed. MaM : As far as your vocal styling goes, I love your singing voice. It reminds me of Brody Dalle from The Distillers meets Debbie Harry meets Kay Hanley from Letters to Cleo, but who do you cite as your ultimate inspiration for what you do? CS : Growing up, my parents were not big on rock music. My dad listened to mellow 70’s rock—more so like Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young —but he also liked Tina Turner and Alanis Morissette . My mom was more into dance and pop music, but she was all over the place, too. I wasn’t into rock until my teens, just because I hadn’t really been introduced to it, so this was in the early 2000’s and punk and emo was big then … bands like Newfound Glory and The Starting Line and Taking Back Sunday . Green Day was huge. Pop punk was big for me and is what I got into first, but then I started playing acoustic music and I played it for a long time, but I wanted to switch to an electric sound. The songs that I started writing weren’t very good, but I started writing songs when I was 13 and I hid out with all of that, but I don’t think many knew I played guitar. I sang in chorus in high school and any opportunity I was given to sing extra, I took it. I joined this church choir, too, just so I could do more singing. I also took vocal lessons, but I knew I always wanted to take my singing to another level. I didn’t want to be seen as a folk artist, though. When I first started, the songs did end up taking on more of a folk vibe, but there was a point where Riot Grrrl bands were a huge influence for me—bands like Bikini Kill and Letters to Cleo . MaM : I love, and I mean, LOVE Bikini Kill and Letters to Cleo. Kathleen Hanna is an icon. Kay Hanley is amazing. CS : Yeah, I actually saw them not too long ago. I went to the city to go see them. They’re great! Veruca Salt inspires me, too. Good Charlotte , too, believe it or not. I got into them when I was really young. I was always drawn to the band’s energy, and I wanted to put on a show with music that people could dance to and really get into. MaM : What do you say inspires your lyrical content? CS : Life experiences, but I have written some songs that are fabricated. It will start with one idea and then I just build on it. I have this one song called ' Happy New Year’s .' I wrote the song kidding around because I have this cousin who is in and out of jail, but I wrote the song from the perspective of his wife. A good amount of my songs draw from real experiences, though. MaM : If you could share the stage with anybody or any band, who would it be? CS : Number one would be Blondie . Number two would be Garbage . MaM : I love Shirley Manson with every fiber of my being. (laughs) Ever since 9th grade of high school, Garbage has been one of my favorite bands. CS : You know who else? L7 ! MaM : Yes! I love L7 so much! CS : I love angst bands so much. But then I also like ones with the glam aspect, too. You know what I mean? MaM : Oh, definitely! We are so in sync! Where do you see yourself headed in the future with the band? CS : I want to play shows with bigger crowds, and I want my songs to be relatable and honest for other people and you do what you do, and you put it all out there and you go, that’s all good, and great, but how do I get to the next level? That’s kind of where I’m at right now. To experience the music of Candy Cavity for yourself, hit one of the links below! You’ll be locking yourself in your bedroom singing along at the top of your lungs while having teenage daydreams of hot guys. Facebook : www.facebook.com/CandyCavity Instagram : Candy Cavity (@candycavity) • Instagram photos and videos Spotify : Candy Cavity | Spotify Apple Music : ‎Candy Cavity on Apple Music *cover photo by Jeff Crespi Nicole Brice wishes she could decorate her bedroom with female musician posters, but she’s pretty sure her husband would get mad. She is always on the lookout for the next great female musician to discover, so if you have something you think she should check out, e-mail her at the_nicolebrice@mixedaltmag.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

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

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

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

Brax isn’t afraid to experiment with new textures and sounds. < Back Floating Above the Bayou: Brax is Elevating Southern Cloud Rap to New Heights Nicole Brice Apr 5, 2025 Share Brax isn’t afraid to experiment with new textures and sounds. One thing I love about music is that no matter how much you think you’ve heard, there is always something new to discover. Hip-hop and rap are fascinating genres that have evolved through many different styles over the years. As time passes, the younger generations continue to find ways to make these genres even more distinctive. I recently came across a musician named Brax . Brax hails from New Orleans , a city not typically recognized for its hip-hop and rap scenes, yet he has discovered his calling within the underground music community. His stage performances transcend hip-hop and traditional rap ; they are pure artistry . He incorporates theatrical elements into each show, even using fake blood as a visual tool to enhance the experience. Credit: Gary Governale When you meet Brax for the first time, his vibrant energy instantly draws you in. He exudes a unique combination of fragility and resilience , coupled with a depth of wisdom . At just 18 years old, he is articulate and insightful , sharing narratives that stem from the pain he has experienced throughout his life. His work is rich in emotion and heart. Brax isn’t afraid to experiment with different textures and sounds . Each piece he creates is distinct from the last. With a diverse sound that appeals to a broad audience, his goal is to create art that resonates with the masses in a direct and impactful way . This is his story. Read on below. MaM : Thank you for joining us today. Your music is genuinely heartfelt and emotional. You can feel the pain in the lyrics. Brax : Man, yeah, thank you. It’s all based upon life. When I was younger, I went through a lot, and when I was 13, I had a lot of problems with substances. It’s been more of a journalism self-reflection thing than it has been to make a quick buck with music. It’s been a way to express myself. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : Tell us a little more about yourself – your background and age. Brax : I’m 18 and have been doing live performances as Brax for two years, but I’ve been recording and releasing music for over five years now. I have a lengthy discography , which I think works great for live shows, and it took me a long time to find my sound. Have you looked back at all the older music? MaM : I have, and I listened to the new single . You've adjusted your sound a bit on that. Brax : Yeah, I feel like it keeps evolving. I’ve done alternative rock in the past, but it wasn’t the same type of shoegaze type stuff I’m doing now. It’s part of the self-reflection thing, too, because I’ll never feel again how I felt at 15. MaM : Of course – you change. Brax : That’s what the whole project of Teenage Delerium is about. I completed three years of high school instead of four, and graduated early because I began performing live shows out of state. I attend college and work currently, but the entire album is about the transition to adulthood , as I took music so seriously. Now, I’m trying to transition into the “real world” while still in college. It’s a lot of work. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : You’re putting in the work the right way. Keep going and you will see the results. Brax : Yeah, cause you could go viral, and it means nothing. Before I started performing live shows, I had an internet presence with around 8,000 monthly listeners for my music. Still, I wanted to transition away from being an internet-based artist . The New Orleans rap scene is primarily an internet-based scene , with live shows occurring occasionally, but it doesn’t consistently draw large crowds like other scenes. They have one or two shows a year, maybe, that will draw anywhere from 50 to 500 people per show, but unless you have a mainstream artist as the headliner, even those flop sometimes. The NOLA underground is all internet-based , which kind of sucks for the live music version of it. MaM : Let’s talk about your new song some more. I really dig the sound on this track, and it reminds me of this indie hip-hop artist I encountered in 2023 called tmdistant . He uses the shoegaze sound with hip-hop, and it’s incredible. Will you continue this new direction in your music, or are you just experimenting with it for now? Brax : It usually happens by accident. I like experimenting as an artist, and even my live performances are not straight rap . We bring in things like doors, and we break furniture, and it becomes more of a performance art . Sometimes I’m even covered in fake blood . It’s super punk and hardcore , and emotional . If I’m feeling rock music at a moment, then I’ll drop one project with that sound. That’s what the A Walk with Sadie EP was. It was a 3-song project . Just something different. A different sound. A different vibe. That’s the type of music I want to make. MaM : What type of music do you listen to in your everyday life? Brax : I listen to everything. Artist-wise, it’s Mac Miller and Yung Lean . ASAP Rocky , definitely, but I also like things like Jefferson Airplane , some country , a lot of psychedelic rock . I also like the Red Hot Chili Peppers . MaM : You sound like me. You listen to a little of everything. Brax : Yeah, I like to be well-versed. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : Same Brax : Yeah, especially as a rapper, I love working with all the bands because the band scene is so much more established than any rap scene here. I just did an almost sold-out show in Pensacola , and it was me with three other metal bands . It’s about building your scene. It just takes a while, though. As you mentioned earlier, regarding instant validity and building a presence , I’ve been around for two years , technically, on the scene as a live artist . Still, it’s as if in those two years, I have been pushing myself, not just here in Louisiana , but also in other states. It takes a good year to get your toes in the water. I’m building my foundation. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : How would you describe the type of music you make for someone not familiar? Brax : That’s a good one. One word. Realism. MaM : I think that fits accurately. Brax : I love art – Vincent Van Gogh , stuff like that, and honestly, I’ve been feeling like I can understand where he was with his art, and I relate it to Southern Cloud rap or Cloud rap . MaM : Take us through your songwriting process. Do you produce the music yourself, or do you have someone assist you? Brax : My beats consist of me crawling YouTube for hours and hours on the pages of producers I know, and so I’ll scroll to find that “needle in a haystack”, ya know? I write everything, and record and mix my vocals from my bedroom. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : That’s incredible. I love that DIY aesthetic . What is the primary theme in your music, do you find? Brax : Well, because it’s self-journalism , it’s hard to say. It’s just channeling my emotions. Storytelling. Expressing myself and documenting my life through music . MaM : When you perform live, do you do the vocals live, or do you rap over your vocals? There is a whole movement of “real MCs don’t rap over vocals”, and I wanted to get your perspective on that. Brax : I feel like my job, at the end of the day, is to be an entertainer , and I use backtracking , but I use it because I scream in my performances. Sometimes I may forget a word here or there, too, and when you’re screaming like the punk bands, you need that music to be in the background. We get crazy with it at the house shows, which I’m sure you’ve seen on YouTube . Credit: Gary Governale MaM : Oh yeah, I have. Brax : Right, and at the end of the day, you’re an entertainer , and you want it to be the best performance . My aesthetic is to get up, move around, and break shit. MaM : How has booking been going for this upcoming tour? Have you run into any issues? Brax : I do all my booking, for the most part, but things haven’t been bad this go-round. MaM : What would you like to achieve in 2025? Brax : I want to get into Houston more. That’s the plan, and I’m pushing for that. I also want to keep building my presence around the South . Keep building the Southern Cloud rap scene around the South . As Brax continues his hustle as an artist and musician , he stands poised to bring his musical story to the masses, and we look forward to watching the journey unfold. Check out his unique brand of Southern rap via all streaming services. To learn more about Brax: Website: Brax | Music Instagram: Brax (@braxfromdagrave) • Instagram photos and videos Apple Music: ‎Brax - Apple Music *All photos by Gary Governale www.governalephotovideo.com Zenfolio | Home I have been working as a video professional since 1993, with a wide range of experience writing, producing, directing, shooting and editing. A strong interest in videography, specifically lighting and composition, led me to photography in 1998. Rapidly changing technology has blurred the line between video and photography, allowing me to work in both mediums.. Baton Rouge, LA, United States www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Reach out to us at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

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

Teen Idle’s music is a rich tapestry with heart and soul. < Back Woven with Feeling: The Artistry of Teen Idle Nicole Brice Oct 9, 2025 Share Teen Idle’s music is a rich tapestry with heart and soul. Sara Abdelbarry is an exceptionally gifted musician hailing from the vibrant shores of Asbury Park, New Jersey , who goes by the name of Teen Idle when she’s creating music. I had the pleasure of meeting her through my good friend Jeff Crespi recently, and her passion for music immediately struck me. Since her debut release in 2020 , she has taken the local music scene by storm, unveiling an array of captivating singles and EPs that showcase her extraordinary talent. Sara is a true force to be reckoned with because she not only makes music, but she also does all the production herself, too. Credit: Jeff Crespi With an angelic voice that resonates with profound depth and emotion , Sara has a remarkable ability to draw you in with every note she sings. I find myself completely entranced by her music; it’s beautiful, haunting, creative, and simply amazing. One of my personal favorites is ‘ Burning ,’ released in 2022. The guitar sound at the start is incredible. I love this song so much! It feels like a mix of Juliana Hatfield and Tanya Donelly , with a hint of PJ Harvey —a true alternative dream. In 2022, Abdelbarry was asked to contribute to a Jersey Shore compilation , where she put her own enchanting spin on The Beach Boys’ classic ‘ Don't Worry Baby .’ Additionally, she has taken iconic tracks such as ‘ Be My Baby ’ by The Ronettes and ‘ Bad Romance ’ by Lady Gaga and infused them with her distinctive style, breathing new life into these beloved songs. Sara’s music is a rich tapestry woven with heart and soul , and every time I listen, I experience a chill coursing through me. Her sound embodies a genre I like to call Alternative Americana Rock Pop —if that doesn’t yet exist, I’m more than happy to claim it as our own! Credit: Jeff Crespi In addition to being profoundly gifted, Sara Abdelbarry is a radiant spirit , overflowing with creativity and passion that shines through in her music. We warmly invite you to dive into her entire catalog and experience the artistry she offers. Discover more about the inspiring Sara Abdelbarry and her captivating project, Teen Idle , below. MaM : I was reading how you play numerous instruments, so with Teen Idle, are you a one-woman show? Is that all you? SA : Essentially, the band really started as basically my solo project in college. I started around 2018 . It was just my outlet for writing music, and I didn’t want to put it all under my own name because there’s a specific connotation that comes with using your own name, and it can cause assumptions about where you’re from culturally, just based upon a name. The general assumption usually is that this person isn’t a singer-songwriter, and so that was the last thing I wanted for this project. I’m making everything from acoustic rock songs to really big ballads. The moniker Teen Idle was something I had had in my back pocket since high school. I had seen the name somewhere, and I told myself that when I have a band, this would be the name. I do all the writing and production, and it is basically a solo project in that sense. However, in a live setting, I have a full five-piece band. I play rhythm guitar , and then we have a synth player , drums , bass , and then a lead guitarist . It’s cool because all of these songs I write in my bedroom, and I make these productions. Credit: Jeff Crespi My first EP was recorded in a local studio. Still, the first stuff I was recording, and really the point of making the name Teen Idle of the project, was just for me to get things out there, so I ended up posting a bunch of music to Bandcamp , and it was more like a solo project. Still, I had always intended to have a full band when playing shows. I was living in New York at the time, attending college in New York City , and when I moved back home after college, I realized that all my friends from high school were living in different places. So, I told myself that I wanted to be part of the music scene in Asbury Park . I had been a part of it growing up because I had taken music lessons in Asbury , so it was sort of my introduction to the scene because I was taught by people who fronted bands in Asbury , and it always inspired me. I told myself, ‘That’s what I need to do when I am older,’ and I guess after I had moved back home after graduating college, it was sort of like a daunting feat to find a way to become part of this music scene. I ended up investing all of my energy into it, but due to COVID, I didn’t play my first show as Teen Idle until 2021 . Credit: Jeff Crespi MaM : I want to say your voice is extraordinary, and as I was prepping for this interview, I was listening to your Beach Boys cover, and I absolutely love The Beach Boys. When did you discover you had a natural gift for singing, and how old were you when you really started to get into music? SA : You know, it’s interesting, because I’ve just been obsessed with music in every way, shape, and form since I was about six years old. I remember in second grade, when I was living in New York , I would go over to my neighbor’s house after school. We would sit down and watch MTV music videos, and his mom would make us frozen mac and cheese. It’s just such a core memory. I would watch these people, such as Gwen Stefani , Jennifer Lopez , and Avril Lavigne , and I started to develop an obsession with pop stars and their music. I think I bought my first CD shortly after, in second grade , and I would listen to music every day on the bus. I was always singing, yeah. I think I was nine when I picked up a guitar, and I was into the Jonas Brothers , and they were a big enough inspiration to me to pick up a guitar. I was always singing along to their music, accompanying everything I saw on the Disney Channel , and I've just realized I have a passion for singing. Credit: Jeff Crespi Vocals have been a real journey for me, though, honestly, and sometimes I think people think it’s easy for me. I’ll watch old videos of myself performing at The Stone Pony with the music school I was a part of. In high school and middle school, I was a shy child, but I was clearly passionate about singing and performing. Listening to how different my vocals sounded at that age compared to now, it’s almost as if I’ve developed this lower register, and I guess life happens, but it wears your voice down. It’s interesting to hear how much higher my voice was, but from when I started playing shows with Teen Idle to now, I have become more aware of how I am using my voice by watching older videos. It’s been a journey of learning how to use it correctly. MaM : On your song, ‘ Burning ’, you have this incredible guitar tone at the beginning of the song, and I wanted to see if you used any special pedals or anything to get that sound? It hooked me. SA : Oh wow, I’m trying to think, honestly. I haven’t listened to the recorded version in a while. MaM : It really caught my attention, and I tend to zone in on stuff like that. I’m a massive sucker for a heavy bassline, too. SA : I produced and recorded the song by myself and was experimenting with different sound effects and pedals. I honestly think it emerged from some weird audio mishap, and I just kept it. MaM : We call those "happy accidents". So, you also covered ‘ Be My Baby ’ by The Ronettes! Let’s talk about that. That’s always been one of my favorite songs. What an incredible rendition of a classic song. I love that you’re bringing these older songs into a newer generation, but with a different spin. You’ve got The Beach Boys cover and this one. What made you want to cover those songs, and do you have plans to cover any other classic songs? SA : There’s a local record label called Shore Points Records , and seasonally, they’ll put out different compilation albums, so the Beach Boys cover was actually part of this compilation called Local Summer . Just a bunch of Asbury artists covering songs that reminded them of summer, and I agonized over which song to pick. After I looked through my music library, I felt that I really knew this song well, and it’s such a vibe, and I’m constantly bobbing my head to it. I got into the studio with my drummer, James , at this place called Lakehouse , which is, coincidentally, where my drummer and I met when we were kids. Still, James is a talented producer and engineer, too, so just the two of us in the studio made that cover. He did the drums , and I played everything else on it basically. Additionally, he’s a heavy-hitting drummer , which inspired me to create a more rock-oriented version. I then decided to write a guitar riff over it that differs from the original. I think that song is so brilliant, and the chorus is fantastic. Now, ‘ Be My Baby ’, that was for a different compilation. I put together a compilation of all female artists and asked them to contribute a song. The funds went to a charity that fights against the trafficking of women. I just wanted to cover a really powerful female artist. MaM : Which leads me to ‘ Bad Romance ’ by Lady Gaga. How did that one come about? SA : That was another one that we did for a Shore Points compilation, and this one was all women-focused, highlighting different artists in the area. I got to do that one with Cory Blair ; she is just a phenomenal musician and one of my favorite songwriters. The concept was to pick a song from a powerful female artist you like, similar to the other one, but we toyed around with different stuff. We eventually landed on doing a Lady Gaga song, and we had to figure out which song was a doable song to do to make it our own and different. I’ve been obsessed with ‘ Bad Romance ’ since literally the day it came out. We wanted to honor her music and completely reimagine it. We took apart the entire song – rewrote the chords, redid everything. We wanted to slow it down, too, but when we did, it was eight minutes long, so we had to take out huge chunks. We then had the idea to do a sort of country version, because I haven’t seen that done yet for a Lady Gaga song. I had this clear vision in my mind, and then we just set it up. It was a grueling process, but we learned a lot. We basically wrote a new song using the lyrics and structure. MaM : What is your favorite genre to listen to, and do you have a specific top band? SA : I love so many different things. I think it would be impossible for me to say. I listen to a variety of genres, including classical, jazz , Middle Eastern funk , 90s grunge , and indie rock , but it depends on my mood—different bands suit different situations and moods. If I want a hype playlist, I’ll listen to those early 2000s pop songs. I’m open to everything. As far as bands, the reason I started writing music, I would have to say, is because of Fleetwood Mac . I remember discovering them as a teenager, and shortly after, I wrote my first song. I love Nine Inch Nails and St. Vincent . Her guitar playing and how she conducts herself in her career are amazing. I have so many. Credit: Jeff Crespi MaM : How do you approach writing a new song? Do you come up with a lyric or melody first? SA : I have definitely written stuff that is more on the intentional side, so I have to sit down and do it actively, but usually the way I work is I’ll make a demo , and if it’s not for an intentional compilation, then a song will usually start with a feeling . Maybe I was inspired by something that happened in my life. Perhaps I’m feeling really happy and uplifting . I’ll either be noodling around with the acoustic guitar or playing the piano, but sometimes, through noodling, I’ll discover a riff. I record everything I think is a good idea in my voice memos, so I have a million voice memos of stuff with me noodling with stuff that could become a song later. If I’m sitting down to write something, though, if I’m feeling a certain way, it’s usually me noodling around on the acoustic or humming a melody with words that don’t make sense to sort of get the syllables of what I want the song to sound like. When I’m actually writing lyrics, I’ll try to write something that follows those syllables and the rhyming scheme, but that actually makes sense. I’ll then make a full demo of everything, even if I’m going to be recording with someone else. Production and songwriting are really linked for me. Credit: Jeff Crespi MaM : What’s been the most challenging part of navigating today’s independent music scene? SA : Good question. It’s much different now than it was in 2015 , and I think the toughest thing is trying to figure out how to get people to listen to the music —trying to figure out how to do things organically and DIY with no budget, too. So, yeah, doing things on a budget and t rying to fight against the social media algorithms for exposure , and the trends, too. Trying to figure out how to break out of that mold and do something that’s really individual and goes against the grain. Walking that line, knowing what is going to get you exposure. As Teen Idle continues to establish a distinctive place in the indie music scene, fans won't have to wait long for the next release. A new single titled 'Vampires' will be available on October 24 , followed by a full-length album scheduled for release in spring 2026 . Teen Idle is only just beginning, so be sure to stay tuned for more updates. *Cover photos by Cory Blair and edited by Sara Abdelbarry To learn more about Teen Idle: www.teenidle.net Teen Idle Home page of Teen Idle, an indie group from Asbury Park, NJ. Teen Idle is the musical moniker of New Jersey songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Sara Abdelbarry. All live photos by the man with the plan, 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 at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . 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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

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