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Movies you just have to, oh my gosh, see. The Film Spot Mar 12, 2026 Film Review: Iron Lung Iron Lung is a unique watch that sucks you in. Read More Dec 11, 2023 Godzilla: Minus One: Film Review Godzilla: Minus One deftly balances social commentary with eye-popping monster action amid personal trauma, drama, and guilt. Read More Nov 20, 2023 Blow Up My Life: Film Review Blow Up My Life is a cinematic unicorn in the thriller-comedy genre with undeniable humor and thrills with a capital T. Read More Oct 31, 2023 The Philosophy of John Kramer and the Saw Franchise, Part 4: Film Analysis Cutting straight into the bone of the Saw franchise, John Kramer confesses his own despair and exposes himself as a radical nihilist. Read More Oct 25, 2023 The Philosophy of John Kramer and the Saw Franchise, Part 3: Film Analysis Cutting deeper beneath the surface to explore how the "Saw" franchise's John Kramer (Jigsaw) fits into the paradigm of passive nihilism. Read More Oct 23, 2023 The Philosophy of John Kramer and the Saw Franchise, Part 2: Film Analysis Cutting beneath the surface to explore the Saw franchise's inconsistencies in John Kramer’s convoluted morality, his supposed purpose, and the theme of pawn sacrifice. Read More Oct 19, 2023 The Philosophy of John Kramer and the Saw Franchise, Part 1: Film Analysis The philosophy of the Saw franchise and its iconic serial killer mastermind John Kramer cuts deep beneath the surface into the realm of Nietzschean nihilism. Read More Oct 16, 2023 Unwelcome: Film Review Unwelcome is Gremlins meets Straw Dogs and is rooted in tradition and mythology, infusing a creature feature with searing psychological horror. Read More Aug 16, 2023 Asteroid City: Film Review Asteroid City is a fun science fiction story with dark and melancholic overtones Read More Aug 9, 2023 Sisu: Film Review Sisu is an enjoyable homage to Rambo but with much more badassery Read More Aug 7, 2023 Barbie: Film Review Barbie sees success with its all-star cast and its underlying message for women everywhere Read More Jul 27, 2023 Chilly Scenes of Winter: The Cult Classic Returns from Obscurity Finally getting the treatment it deserves in a gorgeous new edition from Criterion Collection Read More Jul 25, 2023 Film Review: Oppenheimer Oppenheimer shines as Christopher Nolan’s best, most hypnotic film to date Read More Jun 27, 2023 Review: Old Friends, A Dogumentary One documentary every dog lover should see Read More Apr 25, 2023 Evil Dead Rise is Balls-to-the-Wall Blood, Guts, and Terror Buckle up for the most horrific installment of the Evil Dead universe Read More Apr 21, 2023 Infinity Pool Unnervingly Taps into Fear of Humanity and Poses Serious Question Would you commit a crime if you knew you could get off scot-free? Read More Apr 20, 2023 Chillin’ Out, Maxin’, Relaxin’, All Cool: Celebrating Cannabis Culture with Cinema Select Stoner Movies in Honor of 420 Read More Apr 3, 2023 Shudder’s New Queer Horror Thriller Will Have You Rethinking Your Relationship Anxieties Attachment Read More Mar 9, 2023 Cole Hauser and Morgan Freeman Team Up to Take Down Evil The Ritual Killer Read More Mar 3, 2023 More Adaptations from THE Horror Master Stephen King Movies Releasing in 2023 Read More Jan 11, 2023 One of the Best Indie Sci-Fi Movies You Should Absolutely See Vesper Read More Dec 8, 2022 Dead Pit The Underrated 80s Horror Movie You've Probably Forgotten About Read More Nov 29, 2022 Merry Christmas: The Shitter's Full New Blood-Soaked Holiday Releases Read More Nov 22, 2022 Peter Dinklage Movie Recommendations of a Man of Extra-Large Talent Read More Nov 16, 2022 Giggle 'Til Your Heart's Content Non-Holiday Comedy Recommendations to Keep You Laughing During the Break Read More Nov 2, 2022 The Great Entertainment Debate Go to the Theater or Stay Home and Stream? Read More

His ethereal music makes for one magical, introspective ride < Back Rickey Mitchell: Composer of Hauntingly Beautiful Soundtracks Keeley Brooks Jun 7, 2023 Share His ethereal music makes for one magical, introspective ride In a sea rife with performing and touring musicians, most don’t realize there are also composers swimming around out there who aren't necessarily looking to tour venues and play live music but to find the right TV show, documentary, and/or major motion picture to showcase their work. Perhaps one of the most popular soundtrack composers of the 21st century is Bear McCreary, who has scored everything from television ( The Walking Dead, Black Sails, The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power ) to movies ( 10 Cloverfield Lane, The Cloverfield Paradox, Knights of Badassdom ) to video games (" God of War," "Call of Duty: Vanguard" ). Recently, I had the chance to meet a composer in North Alabama who creates such hauntingly beautiful music, it makes you feel like you might just be listening to a potential soundtrack for some of the most intimate parts of your life. His name is Rickey Mitchell, and his work is as unique as he is … it’s even reminiscent, at times, of one of my favorite bands, Pink Floyd. We all know the type of music—that ethereal, ambient, emotionally charged flow that drives a particular scene in a film or theme of a documentary production, even a character’s identity and understanding of the world around him or her in a series or show. It’s that music in the background that compels you to focus mindfully on artistic detail. We often don’t pay too much attention to the music in the background, but there’s a good reason we should: Without it, those rich, quality nuances used to draw in an audience and help propel an art form forward would be noticeably absent. And that’s what Mitchell’s music does: It gently draws your artistic gaze to hone in on the tiniest bit of detail, detaches you from the busyness of your mind, and breathes new life into your world as it takes you on a full introspective ride. Mitchell has been playing music his entire life. Originally from Kenosha, Wisconsin, he currently residents in the Muscle Shoals-area of Alabama. He’s an extremely talented composer attempting to break not into mainstream music but into major motion pictures, documentaries, independent films, and television. photo provided by Rickey Mitchell Mitchell achieved one of those goals back in the early Nineties when Magic Johnson retired. NBC picked up one of his songs to accompany the sports highlights that spanned Johnson’s career. “A fan actually pitched one of my compositions to NBC for a Magic Johnson documentary. You can hear my song ‘Deep Cut’ from my first album ‘Money Talks, Beauty Screams.’ It’s playing during a lot of the sports highlights. So, that’s how that happened. I hope to one day score epic films or anything Steven Spielberg produces,” says Mitchell. A lifelong composer and musician, Rickey shows no signs of slowing down or giving up on his dreams, and after getting a sneak listen at his upcoming new album, I’d say he’s got a bright future full of opportunity just waiting for him. His music makes you want to shut out the world and ponder your deepest thoughts and feelings. Mitchell is one super cool dude making some very intriguing music with some very notable people. Here’s what he had to say about his influences, his new album, and what’s next for him in his creative endeavors. MaM : Rickey, thanks so much for taking the time to talk with us. We really dig the tunes you shared with us from your upcoming album. How long have you been playing music? RM : Thank you for having me! I began playing music in 1969 at four years old. I was heavily influenced by the 1968 comeback NBC TV special of Elvis, but the desire to pursue music came from my cousin, C. Gaby Mitchell . He was and still is an incredible musician and screenwriter. He wrote for the films Blood Diamond and Get Low . He’s one of my biggest supporters who helps me navigate the industry. MaM : What would you say your style is? RM : My style of composition and finished product is usually labeled as art rock, a type of neo-classical composing not typical of current mainstream music heard on the radio today. MaM : Well, it’s very interesting and engaging. What instruments do you play? RM : I play piano, mostly, but I began as a percussionist. The natural gravitation to piano was seamless for me. photo provided by Rickey Mitchell MaM : After hearing you play piano, I’d say “seamless” is the perfect way to describe your efforts. Who would you say have been your biggest influences? RM : Where writing is concerned, I’m most influenced by Keith Green, early Elton John, Billy Joel, and the band Kansas. MaM : Ooh, nice. They’re all such great songwriters. I dig some Kansas! Tell us what has your music career been like? What motivates you? RM : Music as a career has been a labor of love. It’s the joy of creating that motivates me. I create everyday. MaM : Over the years, have you worked and/or played with anyone of notability? RM : Most of my career, I’ve been blessed to play in [studio] sessions with some great players. The most notable is Jerry Donahue , who is an American guitarist primarily known for his work in the British folk-rock scene as a member of Fotheringay and Fairport Convention , as well as a member of the rock guitar trio The Hellecasters . But as a rule, most of my last 30 years have been spent writing. MaM : I understand you have a new album on the brink of release. What can you tell us about that? RM : I do. My first album released in 1991, so this second album has been a long time coming. It’s called ‘Midnite at the Pianotorium’ and is eight tracks of pure, original progressive art rock with a few surprises. It features a good bit of people, too, like Will McFarlane, formerly of Bonnie Raitt’s band, on guitar; Kirk Bowie Russell, of An Abstract Theory band, also on guitar; Kevin Reed, also of An Abstract Theory, on drums; Tyler Ross, of Grace & Tony band, on bass; Danley Murner on cello, bass, and synth axe; Al Barrow, formerly of Magnum from the UK, on bass guitar on the title track; Jessica Rothstein on vocals; and Kimi Samson on violin and viola. Kimi is easily one of the best musicians I’ve ever known. No one else plays like her; she is sublime. Rickey Mitchell and Kimi Samson, photo provided by Rickey Mitchell ‘Midnite at the Pianotorium’ releases June 25, 2023, at midnight. The goal is to entertain and hopefully catch the ears of those who hear this music or music of the like in a film, documentary, or major motion picture. The album will be available locally in The Shoals area at Vinyl Junkies Record Lounge , as well as on the web through Amazon for CD purchase and download. MaM : It was very kind of you to let us sample some tunes from the new album. We loved “Afternoon at Ghost Bridge” and I understand you had an important co-writer on that. Would you please elaborate? RM : The song was inspired by a trip I took to Ghost Bridge in Florence, Alabama, in January 2004. I had never been. I pondered all the urban legends as I walked across the bridge--just me, my friend, and her dog. I ventured back to my studio and by mid-April, I had finally worked out the sequence for my Korg Triton with a CD burner and 16-track capability … out came ‘Afternoon at Ghost Bridge.’ … I think I needed the time working in the studio and absorbing all the stories I heard and feelings I felt that day. It was magical. [But] the bridge is no more. It was demolished in 2013. I wrote ‘Afternoon at Ghost Bridge’ with my friend Phil Keaggy , who is an American acoustic and electric guitarist and vocalist with more than 55 albums under his belt and more recordings in both the contemporary Christian music and mainstream markets. In 2007, Keaggy was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and in 2010, he was ranked #43 in Gibson’s list of the ‘50 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.’ Phil Keaggy, photo provided by Rickey Mitchell Phil and I met in 1986 in Los Angeles but have never worked together until now. Phil is a world-renowned guitarist—one of the best who has ever lived. It was an honor to work with him and I hope to continue working with him. We remain close friends. MaM : It really is a beautiful song. And speaking of “Afternoon at Ghost Bridge,” I believe now is the perfect time to debut it to the world! RM : Yes! I agree. This is the actual world premiere of ‘Afternoon at Ghost Bridge,’ written by me and Phil Keaggy. (Select the track below to listen!) 1 Audio Track .aiff Download AIFF • 36.69MB MaM : Well, Rickey, we think you’re one cool dude who is long overdue on some press coverage, so thank you for allowing us to nose around in your business and learn a little more about you! Before we go, though, inquiring minds want to know what are you watching when you aren’t composing? RM : (laughs) I’m a composer first and foremost, but I do watch movies every single day. The best movie I’ve seen in a decade is Where the Crawdads Sing . Also, I highly recommend Till , an excellent film about a southern tragedy. For more information on Rickey Mitchell, you can find him on Facebook . And don't forget to check Amazon at midnight on Sunday, June 25 for the release of Rickey's new album "Midnite at the Pianotorium!" You'll be glad you did. That album is worthy of kicking back in your best Dude sandals with a White Russian and letting the world (and all your troubles) melt away. 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

Musicians on the local scene currently that you need to hear and know about. On the Scene May 26, 2026 Inside Leaning Studios: The Studio Amplifying Louisiana’s Alternative Voices Leaning Studios is a budget-friendly premium recording studio. Read More Mar 24, 2026 From Misery to Malice: Louisiana’s Rising Force in Deathcore From Misery to Malice is turning passion into progress in the Louisiana music scene. Read More Mar 1, 2026 The Many Musical Chapters of Leif Meche Leif Meche is no stranger to the stage. Read More Feb 26, 2026 Keeping the Vinyl Spinning: Dana Labat and the Heart of Capital City Records Capital City Records has a vibe all its own. Read More Feb 11, 2026 Reunited and Loud: Black Market Halos Mark 13 Years with a Comeback Show A special night of Louisiana metal on March 7, 2026. Read More Dec 3, 2025 Subliminal Landmines: Detonating Their Return to Louisiana’s Punk Scene Subliminal Landmines are back with a new, harder-edged sound. Read More Jun 13, 2025 Who On Earth: Bringing the Thunder Back to Modern Hard Rock Who On Earth is blending a classic rock vibe with modern twists and turns. Read More Jun 2, 2025 Biff Swenson: An Architect of Asbury Park’s Indie Scene Biff Swenson is helping to foster a community of independent creatives. Read More May 7, 2025 Inner Anguish Brings Raw Power and Southern Grit to Louisiana’s Metal Scene With heavy riffs and unfiltered emotion, Inner Anguish is carving out a distinct voice in the regional metal underground. Read More Apr 21, 2025 HolleeStar Shines Bright: Louisiana’s Alternative Scene Gets a New Sound HolleeStar's music is an organic fusion of sounds. Read More Feb 19, 2025 Don’t Lose Your Head: The Unstoppable Return of Daemon Grimm Daemon Grimm is drawing their influence from more than just metal. Read More Oct 1, 2024 CBGB Spirit Revived: A Night of Punk Rock Nostalgia at the Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts in Hammond Hey! Ho! Let’s Go! 50 Years Of CBGB! Read More Sep 18, 2024 Hammond’s Hottest Musicians Unite for a Showstopping Night, Powered by Feel Alive Media The Green Room brings together local musicians for a night of fun and music. Read More Aug 8, 2024 On the Scene: Harmonic Stew at Chelsea's Live June 6th, 2024 The Harmonic Stew showcase is a vibrant celebration of emerging talent. Read More Mar 13, 2024 SÖŪP: A Rich Tapestry of Musical Expression SÖŪP’s music is a harmonious blend of diverse musical influences, serving as a bridge between the past and the present. Read More Mar 2, 2024 The Dynamic Sound of the New Jersey Band Spyne Spyne!’s music is raw unfiltered rock with a nod to the classics. Read More Jan 18, 2024 Steve Mignano: A Man with a Lust for Movement and Change How Steve Mignano found his way to music, New Orleans, and soundscape success with musical projects Drab and Garguts. Read More Jan 17, 2024 Moon Tree: Reflecting the Sounds of the Cosmos Moon Tree is a down-to-earth musical odyssey intertwining jazz, blues, country, and rock to create art built of timeless stories. Read More Dec 6, 2023 Perry A: Just Two Guys Making Music Indie-rock duo Perry A releases two singles from upcoming EP “OK Wait” boasting a dark sound and heavy political inspiration. Read More Nov 30, 2023 Shane Webb: A Drumming Odyssey Rock drummer Shane Webb continues his vibrant course of success, maintaining an emblazoned passion for his art. Read More Nov 27, 2023 Rothstein Beatz: Worth the Gamble Rothstein Beatz is one of the hottest producers on Clubhouse whose beats are dominating the music industry. Read More Nov 14, 2023 Neon Rayon: Redefining Electronic Rock Neon Rayon’s music is full of infectious grooves, electrifying synths, and heavy danceable beats. Read More Nov 9, 2023 Unveiling Small Town SINdrome: The Band, The Name, and The Music STS infuses their music with a down-to-earth sensibility, blending the raw power of classic punk rock with intricate pop melodies and compelling lyrics. Read More Sep 14, 2023 Hollow Heroes: Rising Against the Trends Towards a Cohesive Sound Hollow Heroes music is a melodic masterpiece Read More Jun 7, 2023 Rickey Mitchell: Composer of Hauntingly Beautiful Soundtracks His ethereal music makes for one magical, introspective ride Read More May 24, 2023 Justin Holder: North Alabama's Self-Proclaimed Drummer Ho One studio drummer who's tearin' it up Read More May 16, 2023 Electric Age: Reinventing Sludge Rock with No Rules Drawing inspiration from Southern roots Read More May 2, 2023 FIREKID: Living and Making Music on Their Own Terms Life on Merry Hill Read More May 1, 2023 Of The Roses: Austin's Moody & Mysterious Indie Art Rock/Pop Band Ripe with fuzz, psychedelia, and haunting rhythms Read More Apr 28, 2023 Vinnie La Bella An intimate conversation Read More Apr 18, 2023 Easy, Breezy Sounds: The Music of Tommy Thibodaux Mellow & Smooth Read More Mar 21, 2023 When Metal and Rock Collide: 4 Mag Nitrous A Soundtrack for Navigating Hell Read More Mar 2, 2023 An Ugly/Beautiful Dichotomy: The Music of Morbid Orchid Presenting Grunge-Gaze Read More Feb 24, 2023 A Musical Cabinet of Macabre Curiosities Charming Disaster Conjures New Album Read More Jan 26, 2023 Punk Rock with Ferocity: DeadCentered and USER UNAUTHORIZED Best Heard Loud Read More Jan 12, 2023 A Humble State of Calmness Chillin' with Fred Westra Read More Jan 11, 2023 Jonathon Engels One Super-Cool Writer in Love with the Land Read More Dec 12, 2022 Laying the Foundation: Brick by Brick T. Mason and the Bricklayers Read More Oct 20, 2022 Uno, Dos, Tres: The Man with the Plan in Three Bands Meet Mike Poole Read More

From Misery to Malice is turning passion into progress in the Louisiana music scene. < Back From Misery to Malice: Louisiana’s Rising Force in Deathcore Nicole Brice Mar 24, 2026 Share From Misery to Malice is turning passion into progress in the Louisiana music scene. Louisiana deathcore plays a vital role in the state’s music scene, demonstrating that the region’s cultural identity extends beyond its famous roots in jazz , blues , and cover bands. The genre’s mix of extreme metal and hardcore elements has a dedicated underground following among those who appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into creating a heavier sound. Although it may not always attract mainstream attention, Louisiana deathcore continually strengthens the local music scene by uniting fans through tight-knit support and a shared passion that keeps it alive and evolving. Despite being largely underrepresented in Louisiana , deathcore is a genre that combines the best aspects of both worlds to produce a full, powerful sound—and those vocals are not easy to perform. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vexmdx1KnUU Chaos Theory by From Misery to Malice Enter From Misery to Malice . From Misery to Malice is a deathcore band from Lafayette, Louisiana , formed in 2021 . With influences ranging from Michael Jackson to Cannibal Corpse , each member brings something unique to the mix, and that’s one reason I’ve kept this band on my radar for a while. Not to mention, the personalities in this band have helped them build a positive reputation, not just for their sound but for everything they do. From Misery to Malice is turning passion into progress in the Louisiana music scene, and we are here for it. Credit: Justin Hammer Deathcore , what a concept, really. This subgenre gained popularity in the early 2000s and merges two equally important genres to create a more well-rounded sound, but for me, From Misery to Malice adds a little groove at times, too. Just listen. It’s there. Consisting of Jon Michael on vocals, Matt Denais on lead guitar, John Citizen on rhythm guitar, Hayden Poche on bass, and Dylan Poche on drums, these guys are consistently playing shows everywhere from Lafayette to New Orleans , and we urge you to see them live if they come close by. Credit: Justin Hammer Mixed Alt Mag recently had the chance to participate in an interview with the band for Backstage 504 , which you can watch here . Wanting to learn even more, we reached out to lead vocalist Jon Michael to get the scoop on what else we felt should be shared about From Misery to Malice . Dive in to learn more. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDkVkaxfh3k Backstage 504 - Episode 22 MaM : Let’s touch on this new single you guys have coming out. What is the projected release for that? Didn’t you say April? Jon : Hopefully, yeah. The song is being mixed and mastered right now by a friend of ours, but we also want to do a video. Maybe sometime in May . Credit: Justin Hammer MaM : What is the ultimate goal you want to achieve as a band? Jon : Ultimately, we’d like to play shows with Lorna Shore or even get the opportunity to play Louder Than Life or the Mayhem Festival . Become one of those bands who is a household name. Lorna Shore , for example, is one of our biggest inspirations, and they’ve been around since the MySpace days. I would even like us to become as big as Falling In Reverse . They pay their bills with their music and have built their lives and careers around it. I would love to be able to leave my day job to just play music. From a business standpoint, I hope that the more we get Lafayette on the map and the bigger bands hear about it, the more big-name artists will come to Lafayette . It would also help boost the bands in the area, looking to do the same. Credit: Justin Hammer MaM : What shows do you guys have coming up? Jon : We don’t have anything booked right now, but I’m currently getting a bill together for a show that isn’t finalized yet. Lafayette is really starting to come up, with a stronger music scene and a stronger sense of community among local musicians than in other places. The Lafayette scene is starting to draw people to shows. At a recent show at The Pit , people came all the way from Houma . Credit: Justin Hammer MaM : Do you feel the deathcore scene is underrepresented in Louisiana? How many actual deathcore bands are there in this state? Jon : There are a lot of hardcore bands I’ve been noticing, but the actual deathcore bands are Severed in Sleep , Alone in the Morgue , and Human Instinct , but Human Instinct is more hardcore at times. It kind of goes along with the extreme vocals in deathcore. Not everyone can do all this. There is a certain stigma associated with deathcore , not just in Louisiana , but certain people haven’t wanted to associate with the deathcore community because there are always a few bad apples in the bunch, and sometimes there is a lot of drama with the overall deathcore scene. It’s not the genre – it’s the people, so gotta take the good with the bad. As From Misery to Malice continues to build its presence in Louisiana’s heavy music scene, they’re clearly gaining momentum. In 2026 , they plan to release a new single with an accompanying music video, along with several other upcoming projects. The band shows no signs of slowing down. Make sure to listen to and stream their current catalog on your favorite streaming platform now. From Misery to Malice is a name worth watching as they push forward and continue turning ambition into reality. To learn more about the band: Apple Music: music.apple.com From Misery to Malice on Apple Music Listen to music by From Misery to Malice on Apple Music. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leprosariumband Instagram: *All photos by Justin Hammer Photography www.justinhammerphotography.com Shop Art Art gallery is a collection of art that is currently available for purchase at Justin Hammer Photography. www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Reach out. Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

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

Stuff you should be streaming on your nearest streaming service. Stream This Aug 29, 2023 Historical Fiction and Fantasy Series to Binge During this content drought, get lost in these epic historical fiction and fantasy series! Read More Jun 15, 2023 Cherry & The Crowded Room: Tom Holland in Two Roles You Must See Holland ditches his superhero cape for dark, gritty psychological dramas Read More Jun 12, 2023 The Righteous Gemstones Returns for Season 3 The absurdist megachurch comedy is back with more shenanigans Read More Apr 26, 2023 Belles, Balls, and British Accents: Bridgerton Spinoff Arrives in May Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story Read More Apr 18, 2023 Hills, Hollers, and Hoodlums: Raylan Givens Returns in Justified Sequel City Primeval: High noon approaches Read More Mar 16, 2023 The Last Kingdom Finally Gets a Sequel Seven Kings Must Die Read More Feb 17, 2023 Funny, Filthy, and Full of Superpowers Extraordinary Read More Oct 20, 2022 Welcome to Flatch They Deserve Some Damn Attention Read More Oct 13, 2022 See: The Final Chapter Jason Momoa as a Blind Warrior? I'm in! Read More Oct 4, 2022 Halloween with a Horror Master: Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities Stream this NOW! Read More

Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com A Force for Change: Presenting Deanz Click to read more Inside Leaning Studios: The Studio Amplifying Louisiana’s Alternative Voices Click to read more The Book Nook: Rockstar Echoes by Zach Taylor Click to read more ART WITH HEART OFF THE CHARTS WAY BACK WHEN Video premieres Check this out! All Categories Play Video Play Video 02:12 Goodbye Academy - DM Me 4 My PayPal (Official Video) Listen to DM Me 4 My PayPal here or wherever you listen to music! Thanks so much for supporting us. Filming / Editing: Goodbye Academy: @GoodbyeAcademy Original Mixing/Mastering: Nick Maggio: https://www.instagram.com/nizzletonmaggizzle/ Subscribe for Alt/Emo music from your boys!! 🎸 Bandcamp: https://goodbyeacademy.bandcamp.com/ 🖥️ Website: https://goodbyeacademy.com/ 👚 Merch: https://goodbye-academy-merch-store.square.site/s/shop 📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodbyeacademy/ 🦅 Twitter: https://x.com/GoodbyeAcademy 📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@goodbyeacademy Play Video Play Video 03:51 Goodbye Academy - Drywall (Official Video) Listen to Drywall here or wherever you listen to music! Thanks so much for supporting us. Filming / Editing: Goodbye Academy: @GoodbyeAcademy Original Mixing/Mastering: Nick Maggio: https://www.instagram.com/nizzletonmaggizzle/ Subscribe for Alt/Emo music from your boys!! 🎸 Bandcamp: https://goodbyeacademy.bandcamp.com/ 🖥️ Website: https://goodbyeacademy.com/ 👚 Merch: https://goodbye-academy-merch-store.square.site/s/shop 📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodbyeacademy/ 🦅 Twitter: https://x.com/GoodbyeAcademy 📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@goodbyeacademy ___ __ _ Lyrics: I can see the claw marks left by Hairy, flying rodents eating out the Drywall And you say that they are cute so I Guess that they can stay, but they are wearing out their welcome No matter how you cut it we are running Round in circles and you don't seem to see the problem There's a little perfume bottle dyed black Just the color With a little hint of sweat drops And I, I, I feel left behind And I, I, I, really shouldn't mind And I, I, I feel left behind And I really shouldn't mind Guess I could think it a hundred times But it comes out, comes out and it's not what I had thought of But we are artists, we interpret I was losing creativity and I just think you caught on Blue and orange are supposed to be Complimentary, but to me mixed they look like mud Remember that time you explained to me what Bisexual Lighting was? And why it's important To the film industry To put those colored lights on the screen But listen you me I wouldn't see I couldn't tell you a Goddamn thing about Why, why, why do I feel left behind? And I, I, I really shouldn't mind I, I, Why do I feel left behind? You don't mind You don't mind Why don't you mind? Why don't you mind? Most of the time I can't interpret you Most of the time it's not just me and you Most of the time you got me feeling blue Most of my time looking at the Drywall Play Video Play Video 02:54 Fishbone - "Them Bones" by Alice In Chains | MoPOP Founders Award 2020 Fishbone performs "Them Bones" by Alice In Chains at MoPOP's Founders Award fundraiser. The Museum of Pop Culture's one-night-only annual benefit event streamed for FREE on Tuesday, December 1, 2020 with an unforgettable performance from Seattle's own Alice In Chains, plus an acclaimed lineup of tribute artists who put their own spin on some of the band's most iconic songs. The Founders Award event serves as the nonprofit museum’s principal annual fundraiser for youth development programs, access initiatives, community engagement, and world-class exhibitions. Donate to MoPOP: https://mopop.org/donate or text 'MoPOP' to 41444 This year’s celebration featured performances by award recipients Alice In Chains, as well as tribute performances from Chris Chaney (Jane’s Addiction), Billy Corgan (The Smashing Pumpkins), Dallas Green (City and Colour), Fishbone, Taylor Hawkins (Foo Fighters), KORN, Mark Lanegan (Screaming Trees, Mad Season), Ann Wilson, Duff McKagan (Guns n’ Roses), Mastodon, Metallica, Dave Navarro, Krist Novoselic (Nirvana, Giants in the Trees), Corey Taylor (Slipknot), Kim Thayil (Soundgarden), Nancy Wilson, and the debut musical performance of Lily Cornell Silver (daughter of Chris Cornell and Susan Silver), among many others. The event also featured appearances from members of Pearl Jam, Sammy Hagar, Tom Morello (Rage Against The Machine, Audioslave), Les Claypool, Robert Downey Jr., and many more. The event also included appearances by artists from MoPOP’s 21-and-under music showcase and competition Sound Off!, including Katyrose Jordan, The Human Missile Crisis, David’s Van, and Talaya. View the full event on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7zTIF6CM1tI Learn More About MoPOP Founders Award: https://mopop.org/foundersaward #MoPOP #FoundersAward #AliceInChains The official YouTube of the Museum of Pop Culture {formerly EMP Museum}, a museum focusing on music, film, science fiction, gaming, and more located in Seattle, WA below the Space Needle. Our exhibits currently include Body of Work: Tattoo Culture, Minecraft: The Exhibition, Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Horror, Indie Games, Jimi Hendrix, and more! Subscribe to MoPOP's Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/MuseumofPopCulture Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoPOPSeattle/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MoPOP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mopopseattle/ Snapchat: https://www.snapchat.com/add/mopopseattle Blog: https://mopop.org/MoPOPDontStop Play Video Play Video 04:35 FISHBONE LAST CALL IN AMERICA Featuring George Clinton Last Call In America is the 2nd release from the new album Stockholm Syndrome coming out on June 27, 2025 The return of Fishbone hitting you with topical and critical observations of the world while having you move to it. Featuring George Clinton, Last Call in America sadly tells the story that has been relevant for decades and sadly hasn't changed. Inspired by Don Letts and The Clash's "This is Radio Clash", edited by Anuj Chaudary for Frequency Illusions, the video takes current and past news footage showing how things should have gotten better, but stayed the same and we went backward vs moving forward and intertwined with live performances of Fishbone from this past 2024 Red Hot Holiday Tour showing a strong and reinvigorated line up of players out to make a mark, tell a story and get and keep you on your feet. Pre-Order your vinyl or cd or bundle at www.fishbone.net See Fishbone on tour all summer on the Less Than Jake Summer Circus 2025. Play Video Play Video 04:58 Fishbone - Suckered by Sabotage Official visual accompaniment for Suckered by Sabotage from Fishbone’s 2025 album Stockholm Syndrome. Life is about challenges and overcoming them. With all the curve balls thrown at you, the worst of them all are the ones you throw at yourself. Self Sabotage is the worst, because it’s self inflicted… but with the right group of people in your corner to support you, we can get past it. It takes a Familyhood. Play Video Play Video 03:02 COST OF HEAVEN OFFICIAL VIDEO music & merch: https://linktr.ee/Krisruss twitter: https://x.com/KrisrussMusic spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/2xvcZ8d6NxTT7nCZNTT1Fx?si=U3uQgMG2TA2IOmPNIuJVQA produced: nick maggio mixed/mastered: lowland records COST OF HEAVEN LYRICS: Take it as you will Take it cuz you won't How can you provide any answers When you're the cause of the problem Do you feel empty? Would it even help? What if we kill the drive That seems to destroy everything? So what's the COST OF HEAVEN? Is it watching people as they try to harm themselves Give them GRACE Give them Virtue Can you show me a way out when Were not doing so well I don't They say the price is steep The gates are painted gold Selling faith like a drug Attached with a ransom note Can we pave the way? Will we ever know? Hiding behind "honesty" And ignoring the echo's So what's the COST OF HEAVEN? Is it watching people as they try to harm themselves Give them GRACE Give them Virtue Can you show me a way out when Were not doing so well And I don't Want to feel a thing And I can't Feel empathy So what's the COST OF HEAVEN? Is it watching people as they try to harm themselves Give them GRACE Give them Virtue Can you show me a way out when Were not doing so well So what's the cost? What's the cost? What's the cost? What's the cost? I don't Want to feel a thing drums: hickman plaisance guitar & vocals: Kris Russ Bass: Jose Gregorio Stand in: Joshua fassbender Drummer for VEDAS and Closur Play Video Play Video 03:52 Deep Sleep Atlantic - From My Side (Official Music Video). Concept by Danika Andrade and Travis Marc. Director of Photography - Danika Andrade. Edited by Danika Andrade. Purchase 'From My Side' - https://deepsleepatlantic.bandcamp.com/track/from-my-side Huge thank you to the following personal for their appearances in this music video (in order of their first performing appearance), they are - Brandy Payne, Scott Burris, Monique du Plooy, Ed Estalote, Lacey Troutman, Casey Last, Alex Harris MacDonald, Kristie Hendricks, Kouda Brown, Janson Lohmeyer, Chris Vincent, Stephen Brashear. Support 'Deep Sleep Atlantic' here - Facebook: / deepsleepatlantic Instagram: / deepsleepatlantic Soundcloud: / deepsleepatlantic Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/0sTn0f... TikTok: http://tiktok.com/deepsleepatlantic Twitter: / deepsleepatlc Website: https://deepsleepatlantic.com YouTube: / deepsleepatlantic Play Video Play Video 03:12 LA Phantoms TightGrip OfficialVideo 1 PunK RocK from Lafayette, La. Filmed and Edited by Corey Harrington.

Blow Up My Life is a cinematic unicorn in the thriller-comedy genre with undeniable humor and thrills with a capital T. < Back Blow Up My Life: Film Review Keeley Brooks Nov 20, 2023 Share Blow Up My Life is a cinematic unicorn in the thriller-comedy genre with undeniable humor and thrills with a capital T. I enjoy watching corporate conspiracies play out on screen, especially when they involve Big Pharma. Recent adaptations have kept the tone heavily dramatic and serious for obvious reasons. There’s no room for thrills or comedy—why would there be? And if there was room, what would that look like? Would it even be successful? In short, yes. Blow Up My Life is 2023’s cinematic thriller-comedy unicorn , featuring healthily balanced moments of humor laced with non-stop thrills … and I mean Thrills. Blow Up My Life is a dark comedy about a disillusioned man wrestling with his morality on doing the wrong thing to do the right thing. When disgraced pharmaceutical employee Jason Trumble (Jason Selvig, one half of the viral comedy duo The Good Liars) uncovers a bombshell of company corruption , he sets out in a rush to expose their wrongs and save millions of lives before they can dispose of him. As he goes on the run, he enlists the help of his computer-wiz cousin Charlie (Kara Young, of I’m a Virgo ) and his journalist ex-girlfriend Priya (Reema Sampat, of Orange is the New Black ). However, the man at the heart of the scandal has other plans. Jason Trumble is an up-and-coming hotshot software designer at Furenza Pharmaceuticals. His claim to ego: the Doxie app, which is designed to help curb addition by controlling the dispensed dosage of opioid recovery drug Doxie. After posting an embarrassing, drug-fueled rant online one night, Furenza fires Jason and he subsequently loses everything, resorting to living in his “Burning Man van.” To make ends meet, Jason turns to running his own computer and software repair business. When a serendipitous house call brings him face to face with his former boss, Gary (Davram Stiefler, the other half of The Good Liars)—who’s quite an arrogant jerk—Jason illegally copies Gary’s computer data. While sifting through the information, Jason uncovers damning evidence that the Doxie app is glitching, dispensing increased doses instead of decreased doses to people, causing them to become addicted, with the risk of overdose and death. The whistleblower stuff is that Furenza knows and is choosing to keep quiet because revenue is through the roof and the glitch has become their key money-making tool. Corporate greedmesiters. When Jason confronts Gary about it, some wild, unexpected action happens that shocks viewers and redirects Jason’s focus to one thing: taking down Furenza … or as Charlie puts it, “F**k them before they f**k you.” I was very pleasantly surprised with this film. From its screenplay to the acting to its balance in tone and technique, Blow Up My Life had my attention from its opening scene, which hooks viewers in with its graveyard setting, its 1940’s gumshoe-detective-style narration, and its lead actor. The narration is something I loved about this movie. Jason narrates his story into a tape recorder the whole time he’s on the run from Furenza. And this is where first-time, feature-length filmmakers Abigail Horton and Ryan Dickie go to work in tying in the levity not through the comedy itself but in the way it’s executed. It’s just genius , especially around this subject matter. It works really, really well and makes this viewing experience fun. Jason Selvig as Jason Trumble (Source: IMDb) Jason, sweet and naïve in his lack of awareness, delivers his story in such an engaging, unironic, deadpan way that he adds just the right touch of comedy without being overtly “in your face” and without cheesy dialogue. He’s very sincere and realistic—so much, in fact, that it’s easy for us to forget we’re following a character and not a real person in real life just trying to do the right thing. Selvig does a superb job at bringing an authentic level of humanity to Jason that viewers can’t help but feel sympathy for him. Kara Young also weaves in the levity with her character, Charlotte August (aka Charlie). Most of the time we see her, she’s on a computer screen hashing out Jason’s next movie with him regarding the conspiracy. It is she who calls out his naivete and helps clear a path to exposure and escape for him. She stands as the voice of reason when Jason wants to give up, kicking his ass back into action with her exciting “damn the man” speeches. Kara Young as Charlie August (Source: IMDb) The chemistry between Young and Selvig is palpable and delightful—they effortlessly feed of one another’s creative energy. But just because Blow Up My Life features levity does not mean it’s a light-hearted movie; quite the contrary. The thrills here involve life and death, non-stop close calls, and incriminating accidents. Surprisingly, though, the tragedy in this story comes not in overdoses but in wondering if Jason and Charlie will succeed and knowing what will happen if they fail. Another thing I loved about this movie is the soundtrack—music by P. Rose. The music paired with this story gave me an 80’s Teen Wolf vibe in the way the music helped to drive any action and mischief that’s happening on screen. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Could there have been a better soundtrack? No. Overall, Blow Up My Life is a nice change of pace from stories like Dopesick, and it has all the elements making up a must-see film: an excellent plot; effortless acting; a great soundtrack; nicely done editing; carefully explored cinematography; thrills, action, and comedy; a relevant message; an awesome screenplay; and an ending that leaves you breathless. You really can’t go wrong in this selection, which is riveting from start to finish and sure to be a classic. Blow Up My Life releases on digital platforms on Tuesday, November 21, 2023. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UzETcrUUk8 Keeley Brooks is a big ole movies, television, and streaming nerd with a voracious appetite for entertainment consumption and an uncontrollable urge to write about everything she watches, even if it sucks. www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

The philosophy of the Saw franchise and its iconic serial killer mastermind John Kramer cuts deep beneath the surface into the realm of Nietzschean nihilism. < Back The Philosophy of John Kramer and the Saw Franchise, Part 1: Film Analysis Ezekiel Kincaid Oct 19, 2023 Share The philosophy of the Saw franchise and its iconic serial killer mastermind John Kramer cuts deep beneath the surface into the realm of Nietzschean nihilism. In 2004, Director James Wan introduced us to a new kind of horror icon with the release of Saw : John Kramer, aka Jigsaw. In case you haven’t seen Saw , here’s what you should know: It’s one of the best and highest-grossing horror franchises of all time, having become a pop culture phenom that expanded into various other films, video games, comic books, theme park attractions, music, and tons of merch … and there’s even a Saw television series rumored to be in development at Lionsgate Television . The Saw series revolves around serial killer mastermind John “Jigsaw” Kramer and his apprentices, who are actually victims he traps in life-threatening scenarios that he refers to as tests or games. It’s up to the victim to decide what their scenario will be. What makes Jigsaw different from other horror icons like Freddy, Michael, Jason, and Pinhead is that John doesn’t kill for the thrill. in fact, he claims he’s never killed anyone at all. He simply gives people a choice. “Live or die. Make your choice,” is uttered more than once from him through the Saw franchise. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zaANSeQ3La4 As the storyline progresses, we find out more about what makes Jigsaw tick and why he does what he does in capturing people and putting them in traps. Immediately, Saw ’s storyline taps into our empathy, and in a weird, way we understand where he is coming from. Franchise creators James Wan and Leigh Whannell humanize Jigsaw and make us sympathetic to his plight, and they do so well with tapping into our psyche, that while watching the movies, we actually cheer for John Kramer at times. Saw features excellent storytelling, great tension, and creates so many moral gray areas , you can’t help but walk away from these movies thinking deeply about ethics, philosophy, and morality . This is because John Kramer thinks he has found the way to rehabilitate people and that is by placing them in traps that, if they survive, will help them walk away with a new appreciation for life. So, this topic will be a four-part series, but with this first part , I’m going to do something vastly different from the other film reviews to which you guys have become so accustomed. You’re used to seeing the snarky, sarcastic Zeke who enjoys making you laugh by subjecting myself to some terrible B movies. But behind the smart-mouthed persona, I have a deep intellectual and philosophical bent consisting of three degrees in theology, and with those degrees came lots of courses in philosophy. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that I would take a special interest in the Saw franchise. Besides The Evil Dead , Phantasm, and The Conjuring universe, the Saw movies are by far my favorites in the horror genre. Cracking the Philosophical Code of Saw and John Kramer I’m so taken by the Saw movies that I have spent years watching and rewatching them, meticulously taking notes and trying to figure out where John Kramer falls on the philosophical spectrum. After years of research and comparing Jigsaw to numerous philosophical thoughts, I believe I have cracked the code. Now, I don’t know if Wan and Whannell ever had this in mind when they thought up Kramer’s character, so I cannot speak to their intent. All I have to go with is how John Kramer is portrayed in the movies. That being said, I believe that John Kramer’s philosophy fits squarely within the realm of Nietzsche's nihilism. Let’s unpack this theory and compare Kramer to Nietzsche, shall we? Over the years, I have read numerous articles arguing how the Saw franchise is ethically convoluted. On the surface it can seem this way, and I will be the first to admit it. However, instead of just making a broad, sweeping statement, I believe once we take a deeper look, it all begins to make sense, especially once we look at it through the eyes of Nietzschean nihilism, which can be subdivided into two categories: passive nihilism and radical nihilism. The complexity surrounding John Kramer exists because, ironically, he falls into both categories. This would explain why, on a cursory viewing, the Saw franchise’s ethics seem to be disjointed. Indeed, what comes out of Jigsaw’s mouth at times is hypocritical, but when seen in this new light, they are not confused. Before we jump neck-deep into the world of philosophy, I want to assure my readers of something. I know not everyone has a philosophy background, and I know as soon as someone mentions the word “philosophy” it can be intimidating. Though I have all these theological degrees, I assure you I’m just a blue-collar redneck at heart. I promise to make this understandable and not use lofty jargon, and for the times I have to, I will define the words. Feel better? Good! Let’s continue. First, let’s define nihilism : It basically summarizes a family of thought that says life is meaningless . It rejects all religious and moral principles, including the fundamental aspects of human existence. It is skeptical of all human knowledge, morals, and religious ideologies. Nietzsche , the father of modern nihilistic thought, took this category and divided it into two parts: passive and radical. In talking about nihilism in his book " The Will to Power" (1967), Nietzsche defines a nihilist as someone “who judges of the world as it is that it ought not be and of the world as it ought to be that it does not exist.” To put it in blue-collar terms, all he is saying is that because purpose and meaning in life is unknowable, the nihilist cannot accept the world as it is. Understanding nihilism is extremely important if we are going to make sense of Jigsaw's morality, since it is his morality that drives the Saw franchise. In fact, when we view his morality through this lens, it shows us how coherent Jigsaw’s moral mission is in his own mind and to those of us watching the franchise unfold. I have read other critics who call John Kramer a monster and comment how the film does damage to viewers because it promotes a mindset that is against modern ethics. Sure, I can see how and why the critics would say this, but their criticism doesn’t hold up once we firmly place Kramer in the camp of nihilism. As I will unpack in this series, Kramer’s moral quest is not to save other people and leave behind some immortal legacy ; rather, what Jigsaw wants to do is more destructive. His aim is to destroy the world as is by changing the world around him. This, my friends, is nihilism. Viewing Jigsaw through nihilist eyes shows us that following the loss of his unborn son and a failed suicide attempt, he seeks to destroy himself. How so? Go back and watch the Saw franchise. Have you ever noticed that Jigsaw’s victims MIRROR his own obsessive traits? This is what I am going to break down for you moving forward. We’ll look at passive and radical nihilism, their differences, their similarities, and how Jigsaw fits within both these paradigms. My goal is not to categorize John Kramer but to give us a lens to view the movies through to make sense of his morals and mission. So, for the next few articles, sit back, get your Saw movies queued up, and let good ole Uncle Zeke take you on a magic philosophical carpet ride. Stay tuned as we cut deeper beneath the surface in Part 2 of The Philosophy of John Kramer. Ezekiel Kincaid lives for horror and loves to watch it, write about, and talk about it, whether that be in his own horror novels or in reviews. His experience as a pastor and paranormal investigator brings everything he writes to life. www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Unwelcome is Gremlins meets Straw Dogs and is rooted in tradition and mythology, infusing a creature feature with searing psychological horror. < Back Unwelcome: Film Review Shaun Corley Oct 16, 2023 Share Unwelcome is Gremlins meets Straw Dogs and is rooted in tradition and mythology, infusing a creature feature with searing psychological horror. The 2022 film Unwelcome mixes the real-world horrors of home invasions with a creature feature, and while the result can be a little uneven, it is still a satisfying watch. Directed by Jon Wright , who brought audiences Robot Overlords (2014) and Grabbers (2012), Unwelcome sets itself apart from other such movies by embracing 80’s style practical effects over CGI. Drawing on Irish folklore, Unwelcome was pitched by Wright as “ Gremlins meets Straw Dogs .” Unwelcome stars Hannah John-Kamen ( Ant-Man and the Wasp ) and Douglas Booth ( Great Expectations ) as Maya and Jamie, a young couple who are the victims of a brutal home invasion the night they learn Maya is pregnant. While Maya is unharmed in the invasion, Jamie is severely beaten. The trauma of the incident leads them to relocate to Ireland, where Jamie has just inherited his aunt’s old estate. Maya and Jamie are embraced by the locals—for the most part. The estate is in desperate need of repair, and the couple hire a family known as the Whelans to fix it up. credit: IMDb Colm Meaney as "Daddy" Whelan with Jamie & Maya (credit: IMDb) On their first night in the house, they are advised by local neighbor Maeve (Niamh Cusack, of The Tower ) to leave out a blood offering each night, to appease the “Redcaps.” Maya and Jamie dismiss Niamh’s warnings. The next day, the Whelan family arrives at the estate. “Daddy” Whelan (played to the hilt by Colm Meaney, of Hell on Wheels ) bullies his three grown children, played by Jamie-Lee O’Donnell ( Screw ), Kristian Nairn (Hodor, of Game of Thrones ) and Chris Walley ( The Last Voyage of Demeter ). The children, in turn, terrorize Maya and Jamie, starting by stealing small stuff from their house. Later, one of the children, Eoin (Nairn), tries to assault Maya, drawing the wrath of the Redcaps, who drag him away. Matters spiral out of control from there. Looking for his missing son, Daddy Whelan and his surviving brood ramp up their war against Maya and Jamie, ultimately culminating in another violent home invasion. All the while, the two must contend with the Redcaps and a legacy of evil that threatens to engulf them. The two stories collide in a brutal and unforgettable climax, ending on a truly horrifying note. Unwelcome has a good deal going for it. Like all good folk horror, Unwelcome is rooted in tradition and mythology, in this case from the British Isles. The film’s Redcaps are actual creatures from Scottish and English lore. Closely resembling leprechauns, Redcaps are said to kill those who enter their territory, staining their hats red with the blood of their victims. Also called the far darring , these creatures are evil and malevolent. The Redcaps are brought to glorious life using largely practical effects, which adds a layer of realism to their appearance. The Redcaps’ menacing look was designed by Paul Catling with prosthetics created by Shaune Harrison . The lack of CGI in Unwelcome is a breath of fresh air in today’s industry. credit: IMDb Yet Unwelcome is not merely another creature feature. Instead, Wright infuses the movie with searing psychological horror . Maya and Jamie have been through hell together, surviving a violent home invasion with their lives. Wright effectively explores the trauma the incident left on them: Jamie becomes increasingly violent and more protective of Maya, to the point of reading books on self-defense techniques. Maya, by and far, seems to have healed and moved on from the trauma, but Jamie cannot let it go. It is a bleak and stark reminder that recovering from trauma takes time, if it happens at all. Wright described the film as a “home invasion thriller,” invoking the classic Sam Peckinpah film Straw Dogs (1971). Indeed, there are a number of similarities. Maya and Jamie, much like David and Amy in Straw Dogs , have relocated to the countryside, running up against provincial thinking and customs and mores that are wildly different. And just like Straw Dogs , this mistrust and tension builds to an explosive final conflict, one in which there are no real victors. One of Straw Dogs ’ themes of violence causing us to lose our humanity is taken to its extreme here in a bloody and unsettling ending. These elements could make Unwelcome a truly great movie, but the execution is a little uneven. However, the performances, particularly from Colm Meaney, more than make up for any deficiencies in the script. Likewise, Douglas Booth does an excellent job of chronicling Jamie’s descent into madness, one spurred not only by painful memories from London but also by the supernatural events going on around him. A fine addition to the folk horror canon, Unwelcome manages to rise above any flaws to become an entertaining movie. Unwelcome is currently streaming on AMC+, Prime Video, and DirecTV and is available to rent or purchase on Shudder, Google Play, Vudu, AppleTV, and Roku Channel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQCAgCKQ5WY Shaun Corley is an East Coast pop culture enthusiast who loves to write about everything entertainment. A big, important Screen Rant writer, Shaun has many leather-bound books, which are far outnumbered by comics and the smell of rich mahogany. www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

One documentary every dog lover should see < Back Review: Old Friends, A Dogumentary Shaun Corley Jun 27, 2023 Share One documentary every dog lover should see About a decade ago, in a moment of foolhardiness, I agreed to foster a senior dog with an eye towards adoption. Within days I realized I was in over my head, but I stuck it out. However, as the days turned into weeks, I came to the understanding I was not going to be able to keep her long term. I needed options. And that is when a friend told me to check out Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary in Mount Juliet, Tennessee. I did as they suggested, and I was kind of blown away by what I saw. It was a sanctuary. For senior dogs. I had never heard of such a thing before. I also noticed right away their social media game was on point, with not only regular updates but also cute little insights into the dogs themselves. Eventually, the senior dog I was fostering went back to her original human, and she lived out the rest of her life in comfort and peace. I was relieved at the outcome of the situation—and it created a permanent place in my heart for Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary. Now, this wonderful organization is at the heart of acclaimed documentary filmmaker Gorman Bechard’s new film Old Friends, A Dogumentary . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsesNZolS3A The film is the follow-up to Bechard’s 2020 effort Seniors, a dogumentary . Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary is the brainchild of Zina and Michael Goodin, who still oversee the Sanctuary to this day. After volunteering with various Golden Retriever rescues, the Goodins realized there was a desperate need for a place for senior dogs to land and spend their golden years. More often than not, senior dogs are overlooked in shelters and rescues in favor of younger dogs. As a result, many are euthanized when they still have so much love to give, and Old Friends is working to correct that. Old Friends has been in existence since 2010, and they received non-profit status two years later. As the organization has grown in size and scope, they have continually needed to upgrade their facilities, culminating in the opening of GrandPaw’s Gardens. To celebrate this milestone, Old Friends held a parade in Mount Juliet. Staff members and community volunteers came together to transport nearly 70 senior dogs a mile down the road, from their old facility to GrandPaw’s Gardens. It was a huge step forward for Old Friends, which has grown from a two-person operation into an internet sensation. Gorman Bechard’s excellent documentary recounts these events, using the parade to GrandPaw’s Gardens as a framing story. Bechard not only interviews Michael and Zina, but also many of the staff, veterinarians, and technicians. Talking with the Goodins and those who have worked under them, a viewer can see the passion all parties have for senior dog rescue. Michael and Zina Goodin, photo from The Tennessean Of course, Bechard also focuses on the dogs, too. Old Friends has a massive digital footprint, regularly sharing updates on Facebook , Instagram , and other social media platforms. Most of these updates are pictures of the senior dogs enjoying their new lives at the Sanctuary. But beyond just pictures, the social media team inserts cute and cool captions with the photos that allow you to get to know the dogs. Perhaps the best-known dog at the Sanctuary was Leo. Found in an alleyway behind a beauty salon in Nashville, Leo would become the face of Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary; when he passed, the Sanctuary received flowers from all over the world. Leo, photo from OFSDS Facebook Bechard also, at the documentary’s end, gives tributes to the dogs who passed during production. It’s a very sweet gesture. The documentary also discusses Old Friends’ social media team, a group central to the Sanctuary and their mission. The cute pictures of the dogs have helped increase awareness of the Sanctuary, which in turn leads to more donations which go to help their mission. The documentary reveals that a large part of their donations come from folks donating through social media, particularly birthday fundraisers. I did this once myself. Long-time Old Friends’ fans will love this documentary. Bechard takes viewers to the Sanctuary itself, showing the wonderful people who have dedicated their lives to helping senior dogs enjoy a better quality of life. Seeing them interact with the dogs is a joy to behold. Those new to the world of Old Friends are in for a treat as well. Old Friends, A Dogumentary is currently streaming on Tubi. (And a little birdie told us you can also find it on YouTube!) Shaun Corley is an East Coast pop culture enthusiast who loves to write about everything entertainment. A big, important Screen Rant writer, Shaun has many leather-bound books but they're far outnumbered by comic books and the smell of rich mahogany lingering in the air. www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Buckle up for the most horrific installment of the Evil Dead universe < Back Evil Dead Rise is Balls-to-the-Wall Blood, Guts, and Terror Ezekiel Kincaid Apr 25, 2023 Share Buckle up for the most horrific installment of the Evil Dead universe With the new Evil Dead installment, we didn’t get just another movie added to the franchise, we got a terrifying, new reimagining of the story. Much like the 2013 remake (which I liked), there is no Bruce Campbell as Ash Williams. There’s also no sarcasm or comedy, so don’t go into this movie expecting Army of Darkness or Ash vs Evil Dead . This was an hour and forty minutes of balls-to-the-wall blood, guts, and terror. From the opening scene to the credits, Evil Dead Rise doesn’t let you rise up for air. It is, by far, the creepiest, scariest, and most horrific installment into the Evil Dead universe. And I freaking loved it. That’s saying a lot, because I am a die-hard Bruce Campbell/Ash Williams fan. Those of you who have kept up with my writing can attest to that. After all, it was my love for Evil Dead and Ash Williams that inspired my epic horror comedy, “The Adventures of Johnny Walker Ranger: Demon Slayer”, which you can get on sale here at Godless. So, even though Bruce Campbell and Sam Raimi produced Evil Dead Rise , I was still wondering in the back of my mind—like I did with the 2013 remake—if it would live up to the hype. Written and directed by award-winning writer/director Lee Cronin ( The Hole in the Ground ), Evil Dead Rise is produced by both Bruce Campbell and Sam Raimi and stars Lily Sullivan ( MENTAL) , Alyssa Sutherland ( Vikings ) , Morgan Davies ( The Girlfriend Experience ), Gabrielle Echols ( Reminiscence ), and child actress Nell Fisher. The twisted tale follows two estranged sisters whose reunion is cut short by the rise of flesh-possessing demons, thrusting them into a primal battle for survival as they face the most nightmarish version of family imaginable. courtesy of Warner Bros. images Unlike the 2013 remake, this new chapter deviates from the usual story line and focuses on a family in an old run-down apartment building in Los Angeles. Alyssa Sutherland plays single mom Ellie, who is possessed by a Deadite early on in the film after her sister, Beth (Lily Sullivan), comes to town for a visit and an earthquake unearths the Necronomicon, or book of the dead. From there, it funnels its evil straight to Ellie, who, as a result, psychologically and physically tortures her own children. Another change is in the recordings that are played. In Evil Dead Rise , we have recordings of a priest on some old records recounting his experiences with the Kandarian Demons (rather than a scholar regurgitating his findings), which releases the chaos. But don’t worry, Ash Williams fans, there are two Bruce cameos in the film, along with a nod to the chainsaw and boomstick. I caught the first cameo (hint: pay attention in the scene when Danny plays the records), but the second cameo I had to look up (and you will, too, because there is no way to tell from the movie itself; you’ll have to Google it). All in all, Evil Dead Rise , while giving homage to its roots, is successful as its own film. With that said, where does it fall within the franchise? The brilliance of this movie lies in the fact that it could function as any of the following: a continuation of the original trilogy, a sequel to Evil Dead (2013), a standalone, or a reboot. It all depends on how you look at the film. There was one scene in the movie that really hit home, tying them all together in my mind. I mentioned the scene where Danny is listening to the old records already, and I’m mentioning it again here. This is a pivotal scene because it masterfully links all the previous films to this one. When Danny plays one of the records next to the Necronomicon, it mentions that the book before him is just one of three volumes of the Necronomicon. courtesy of Warner Bros. images Hello, Army of Darkness fans! This ringing any bells? No? Then allow me three words: klaatu verata nikto—the three words Ash was supposed to say over the “right” Necronomicon. How many Necronomicons were in that scene? Yep, three. In Evil Dead Rise , this seems to indicate that ALL THREE books were real, and that Ash had to pick the right one for HIS particular circumstances (i.e., the one that had already been opened and read). Therefore, what we have is one version of the book in the original Evil Dead trilogy and Ash vs Evil Dead series, the second book in the 2013 remake, and the third book found under the Los Angeles apartment in Evil Dead Rise . courtesy of Warner Bros. images Do you need to see any of the previous films to understand this one? No, which is why it works well as a stand-alone film. However, if you haven’t seen any of the previous installments, you need to remedy that situation ASAP. I would also add that, for me, having seen the previous entries countless times, it did enhance my viewing of the film. With all that was great about the film, it did have one major flaw that the others avoided, and that is character development. The film starts out so fast and furious, we don’t get time to know the characters. This results in us not giving very many f**ks about what happens to them. This doesn’t happen in the original trilogy and series because, duh, Ash Williams. The 2013 remake, with all its blood and gore, still managed to get fans invested with what happens to the characters. This isn’t to say things aren’t revealed along the way to help get you to care about the characters because they are. Even so, it still lacks any real “hook” to create buckets of empathy for the characters. Those buckets of empathy are replaced with buckets of blood and guts (some of the most blood I’ve ever seen in a movie, and that’s saying a lot!) and one of the best woodchipper scenes in cinematic history. The crunching and popping sounds in the movie alone are worth seeing it on the big screen and in Dolby audio! Even with the lack of character development, I still give this movie five out of five chainsaws. The sheer terror, creepiness, blood, gore, and how they connected this to the rest of the movies helps make up for the character development flaws in my mind. Evil Dead Rise is, by far, the scariest entry to date in the Evil Dead franchise. Horror fans, get to the theater and see this one NOW! If you wait until the video release, you’ll regret it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqQNO7BzN08 Ezekiel Kincaid lives for horror and loves to write and talk about it, whether it be in his own novels or in movie/series reviews. His experience as both a pastor and a paranormal investigator bring everything he writes to life. www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Select Stoner Movies in Honor of 420 < Back Chillin’ Out, Maxin’, Relaxin’, All Cool: Celebrating Cannabis Culture with Cinema Keeley Brooks Apr 20, 2023 Share Select Stoner Movies in Honor of 420 ‘Tis a beautiful day in the neighborhood, my friends. It’s sunny out, the week’s almost over, and—oh yeah!—it’s 420! Holla! That means it’s the perfect time to chill out at home, be cool, and indulge in one or several of some of the best stoner movies ever made. While there are multiple versions about the theories and origins of 420 being the California penal code or police radio code for marijuana, they’re actually not true. According to the History Channel , it all began with a group of students in California in the 1970s and centered around a treasure hunt in 1971 involving five high school kids who created a ritual for getting high. The Waldos, as the group was called, learned of a Coast Guard member who had planted a cannabis plant and could no longer tend to the crop. So, provided with a treasure map—perhaps by the plant’s owner, but we don’t know for sure—the group met at the Louis Pasteur statue outside their high school once a week to conduct a search for the plant. Their meeting time? 4:20 p.m. Apparently these kids were athletes, so they had to meet after practice. Then, allegedly, the Waldos would pile into a car, burn some leaf, and scour the Point Reyes Forest for the illustrious plant. One of the original members of the Waldos, Steve Capper , told the Huffington Post , “We would remind each other in the hallways we were supposed to meet up at 4:20. It originally started out 4:20-Louis, and we eventually dropped the Louis.” While the Waldos never did score their free bud, they instead stumbled upon something much bigger and longer lasting by coining the term 420, which has allowed teens across the globe to rap with their friends about smoking pot without their parents or teachers knowing what they mean. As far as how the term spread internationally, that seems to have everything to do with the Grateful Dead. Capper told Huffington Post that members of the Waldos had open access and many connections to the band, because one of the Waldos’ father managed the Dead’s real estate, and another Waldos member had a brother who was good friends with Dead bassist Phil Lesh. Capper explains, “There was a place called Winterland, and we’d always be backstage running around or on stage and, of course, we’re using those phrases. When somebody passes a joint or something, ‘Hey, 420.’ So, it started spreading through that community.” However it originated and spread across the world, we are grateful (no pun intended). And in honor of that gratitude, today (and perhaps through the whole weekend) we celebrate 420, and in my world, well, that's none of your business. Here are some of my favorites stoner movies worth revisiting or checking out. The Big Lebowski (1998) – This Coen Bros. cult classic is certainly my favorite stoner flick, and it should be at least in your top three. Jeff Bridges stars as The Dude, a grown man in Los Angeles named Jeff Lebowski who desires nothing more out of life than taking it easy, smoking his Js, and bowling. When his identity is confused with that of local millionaire Jeffrey Lebowski, aka The Big Lebowski, The Dude’s world begins to unravel, and he’s pulled into a web of comedic intrigue and shenanigans that only the Coen Bros. could weave. The shenanigans kick off right from the get-go with The Dude being roughed up in his own home, having his head shoved in the toilet, then having to watch his precious rug get peed on. The nerve! Now, The Dude’s on a mission to get his rug replaced. After a bowling game with his sidekicks, Vietnam war vet Walter Sobchak (John Goodman, The Conners ) and the sweet, empathetic Donny Kerabatsos (Steve Buscemi, Fargo ), The Dude tracks down The Big Lebowski and soon finds himself as “the bag man” responsible for handing off a ransom in hopes of kidnappers returning The Big Lebowski’s porn-star wife, Bunny (Tara Reid, American Pie ). The Dude is very easy-going and being embroiled in this situation upsets his chi. It’s in that juxtaposition that the film is hysterical on multiple levels. Plus, it stars John Turturro ( Severance ) as Dude’s bowling rival, Jesus, and Julianne Moore ( Boogie Nights ) as Maude Lebowski, The Dude’s lady friend and a feminist avant-garde visual artist, as well as the protagonist daughter of The Big Lebowski. I could write all day about this movie and its characters, plot, and subplots, but I’ll just let you watch it for yourself and soak up all those Coen Bros. nuggets of dialogue. You’re welcome. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fIWtaK1QLQ Dazed and Confused (1993) – Some of the most famous Matthew McConaughey movie quotes on the planet originate here, and this one is a must-see, especially since it’s McConaughey’s first role. “Say, man. You got a joint?” he asks a young high school kid on the way to an end-of-school party. When the kid says no, McConaughey’s character smiles and with such coolness says back, “It’d be a whole lot cooler if you did.” It’ll make you both melt and laugh. Littered with quotable dialogue, this film by director Richard Linklater ( Everybody Wants Some ) features an ensemble cast of authentic American high school archetypes and exploits them during an afternoon on the last school day of the year in May 1976 that’s spent hazing younger students, searching for good times, avoiding any authority at all costs, and dreaming of the future. You’ll see Parker Posey ( Lost in Space ), Ben Affleck ( Gone Girl ), Milla Jovovich ( Resident Evil movies), Adam Goldberg ( The Equalizer tv show), Joey Lauren Adams ( Big Daddy ), and Cole Hauser ( Yellowstone ), to name a few. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3aQuvPlcB-8 Friday (1995) – This stoner comedy film franchise was created by Ice Cube and DJ Pooh, and when it hit theaters, it HIT! Taking place in South Central Los Angeles, the series follows the exploits of perpetually unemployed Craig Davidson (Ice Cube), who—along with his friends and relatives—is thrust into various issues that happen to occur on a random Friday. There’s so much about this movie that is worthy, but I must mention it doesn’t just feature but stars a very young and absolutely hysterical Chris Tucker ( Rush Hour series), who plays a character named Smokey. “I know ya don’t smoke weed, I know this,” he tells Craig (Ice Cube). “But I’m gonna get you high today cause it’s Friday, you ain’t got no job, and you ain’t got shit to do.” That line sums up the entirety of the movie, which plays out with two friends hangin’ out all day on a Friday, making jokes, and observing the ongoings in their neighborhood whilst adding in their commentary. Tucker did not appear in either sequel, which perhaps is why they weren’t as well received as Friday was, but nonetheless: This one is also a must see and is another one of my top three favorites. As Smokey says, “Weed is from the earth. God put this here for me and you. Take advantage, man, take advantage.” I hope wherever you are today, even though it’s Thursday, you can “take advantage” in honor of Smokey. Also stars Tommy Lister Jr. ( Jackie Brown ), Nia Long ( Big Momma’s House ), Regina King ( Jerry Maguire ), and Bernie Mac, among many other recognizable faces. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ii5ILbK86Qg Pineapple Express (2008) – Written by Seth Rogen ( Knocked Up, Superbad ) and Judd Apatow ( Old School ), this comedy is about a lazy stoner and process server (Rogen) who winds up being the sole witness to a murder by an evil drug lord (Gary Cole, Office Space ) and a corrupt cop (Rosie Perez, White Men Can’t Jump ). Now marked for death, the stoner does what probably any stoner would do: He runs right to his dealer (James Franco, 127 Hours ) to hide and ends up dragging him and his supplier (Danny McBride, The Righteous Gemstones ) on a hilarious weed-fueled adventure. What ensues next will have your face hurting from laughing so hard. Also stars Craig Robinson ( Hot Tub Time Machine ), Ed Begley Jr. ( Young Sheldon ), Joe Lo Truglio ( Brooklyn Nine-Nine ), and Amber Heard ( Aquaman ). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUnaQTKQNis Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle (2004) – Man, what a classic. When Korean-American office worker Harold (John Cho, The Grudge ) puts off his work responsibilities and decides to smoke up instead with his Indian-American homie Kumar (Kal Penn, Smile ), together they create one of the absolute best product placements in movie history after they start craving those yummy little burgers from White Castle. On the way there, of course, shenanigans unfold and they run into Neil Patrick Harris ( How I Met Your Mother ), who plays a womanizing version of himself that is so outrageous, you’ll have to back the scene up and rewatch it again. Harold and Kumar also find themselves riding a cheetah through the woods and we get a montage featuring a life-sized anthropomorphic bag of weed. Now tell me, what would you do? Mmm hmm, that’s what I thought! The film is quite the entertaining ride, yes, but it also magnifies the issues of racial prejudice existing even to this day in our country. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjPSqp12wtk Super Troopers (2001) – Over-enthusiastic but under-stimulated Vermont State Troopers raise pure hell on the highway, keeping motorists anxiously watching their rear-view mirrors. They’re avid pranksters with a knack for f**king everything up and are always looking for action. One way they do that is by engaging in an ongoing feud with local cops over whose junk, er, manhood is the biggest. When they are faced with the government wanting to shut them down, the “Super Troopers” find themselves precariously and hilariously speeding towards calamity as they try to out-do the local police department by solving a crime and avoiding extinction. Stars Jay Chandrasekhar ( Beerfest ), Kevin Heffernan ( Tacoma FD ), Steve Lemme ( Club Dread ), Paul Soter ( Tacoma FD ), and Erik Stolhanske ( Beerfest ), Brian Cox ( Succession ), and the famous comic Jim Gaffigan. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EV6wkUIMrl8 Cheech & Chong’s Up in Smoke (1978) – Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong are, without a doubt, the grandfathers of weed comedies. The two starred together for the first time in this flick, which sees them accidentally transport a van made of marijuana from Mexico to the United States, with narcotics officers hot on their trail. Cheech and Chong go together like movies and popcorn, so it’s no surprise their easy-going camaraderie drives the movie as viewers are led on a hazy trip from one location to another, avoiding repercussions from their actions. You don’t have to be a fan of stoner comedies to enjoy this one, but it is important to note that this flick pretty much paved the way for others in the genre. It’s a classic and a must see, as well as a worthy addition to your queue. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcCrQv6aEM8 Grandma’s Boy (2006) – I have to say, I wasn’t a fan of this movie when it came out, but upon a second and third go at it, I changed my mind. The plot centers on video-game tester Alex (Allen Covert, The Wedding Singer ) and the work and life circumstances that lead him to the point of having to move in with his grandma, played by Doris Roberts ( Everybody Loves Raymond ), and her friends, played by popular tv actress Shirley Jones and Shirley Knight ( Paul Blart, Mall Cop ). From there, the movie just becomes a laugh-out-loud series of embarrassing yet hysterical moments. Also stars Peter Dante ( The Waterboy ), Kevin Nealon ( Weeds, The Wedding Singer ), Nick Swardson ( Reno 911!: Miami ), and Linda Cardellini ( Avengers: Age of Ultron ). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LgZ3a5dxRms Other stoner flicks to check out: Your Highness (enjoy the "glorious herbs" scene!) Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back Half Baked How High This is the End American Ultra Smiley Face Road Trip Keeley Brooks is a big ole movies, television, and streaming nerd with an uncontrollable urge to write about everything she watches. Even if it sucks. www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Would you commit a crime if you knew you could get off scot-free? < Back Infinity Pool Unnervingly Taps into Fear of Humanity and Poses Serious Question Shaun Corley Apr 21, 2023 Share Would you commit a crime if you knew you could get off scot-free? Traveling abroad can be an exhilarating, mind-opening experience–but it can come with a dark side, and Canada’s Brandon Cronenberg mines this vein to brilliant effect in Infinity Pool, his third feature film. The follow-up to 2020’s excellent Possessor , Infinity Pool takes the viewer on a hellish journey into a world where justice is as seemingly cruel as those who commit the crimes. The film benefits from the presences of Alexander Skarsgård and Mia Goth, with the former, in particular, turning in a stellar performance. Brandon Cronenberg burst onto the scene with 2012’s Antiviral . The film, about people paying to infect themselves with infections culled from celebrities, was greeted with generally good reviews. Antiviral showed promise, but it would be another eight years before Cronenberg made good on it with Possessor . An unnerving film about a consciousness-transferring assassin, Possessor earned its director accolades from both fans and critics--and left them all wanting more. Now, nearly three years since Possessor debuted at Sundance, Cronenberg delivers the follow-up: Infinity Pool . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNd5VOZ4oME The movie opens with James Foster (Skarsgård) on vacation with his wife Em (Cleopatra Coleman) in the fictional country of Li Tolqa. Foster, a writer, is struggling not only to write his next book but also to save his marriage. He has a chance encounter with an actual fan named Gabi (Goth), who invites him and Em to spend a day at the beach with her and her husband Alban (Jalil Gaspert). Foster and Em take Gabi and her husband up on their offer. The two couples head to the beach the next day, where Gabi cheats on her husband with Foster. After a day of awkward revelry at the beach, the couples head back to their resort. On the way, a drunken Foster hits a pedestrian crossing the road, killing him. James wants to call the authorities, but Gabi insists that law enforcement in Li Tolqa is merciless and will not treat them well, as tourists are never to leave the resort. Sure enough, the next morning, James is arrested. Gabi was right: Li Tolqa’s criminal justice system is harsh and the court rules that James must be executed at the hands of his victim's firstborn son. It is here that Infinity Pool takes its turn into the truly unsettling. James learns that justice in Li Tolqa is not only harsh but also downright bizarre. For a hefty fee, a person condemned to death can be cloned, and the duplicate then becomes a stand-in for the accused. James agrees, and he and Em are forced to watch his clone killed right in front of them. credit: IMDb credit: IMDb From there, Infinity Pool descends into a nightmarish groove. Watching his duplicate die stirs something within James, and he decides to stay in Li Tolqa–much to the chagrin of his already distant wife. Gabi and Alban introduce James to a group of other Westerners who have all been accused of murdering people and, like James, found a thrill in watching their clones die. These Western tourists take James in, and he finds himself caught up in their (criminal) activities. Gabi, Alban, and the rest commit crimes knowingly, with the understanding that the only “punishment” is their clones being killed–and since they all get a sick thrill out of it, it is an ideal situation for them. Infinity Pool asks a question: If you could commit crimes for what amounts to a slap on the wrist, would you? For the wealthy Western tourists of Li Tolqa, the answer is a resounding yes. Gabi, Alban, and the rest murder local people as well as harass the resort staff; it is the stereotype of the “Ugly American” carried out to its brutal extreme, and it is this that gives Infinity Pool its narrative heft. credit: IMDb It is very much a critique of Western exceptionalism: James and his “friends” are, thanks to their wealth and privilege, able to take advantage of loopholes in Li Tolqa’s legal justice system and continue their indulgent lifestyles. Infinity Pool calls out a world where the justice system favors the rich and famous. And while it may be tempting to paint Li Tolqa’s courts as fascist and militaristic, the viewer must ask if it is in response to the very Westerners who regularly come to their country and harass the locals. No history for Li Tolqa is given (nor is their cloning process explained) but there are hints of colonialism throughout. In their attempt to modernize and bring equity to their country, Li Tolqa has merely perpetuated a cycle of their oppressors, one that disenfranchises the poor and the working class. It is not hard to see parallels with our own modern Western society in Li Tolqa. Every so often, the media will pick up a story about a Western tourist who runs afoul of local authorities and then finds themselves in serious legal trouble. Such a scenario taps into a deep fear of humanity, and Infinity Pool plugnes right into this, injecting it with a serious dose of relevant social commentary. Infinity Pool is currently available to rent on Video On Demand. Questions or comments? Send an email to the_keeleybrooks@mixedaltmag.com or the_nicolebrice@mixedaltmag.com . Shaun Corley is an East Coast pop culture enthusiast who loves to write about everything entertainment. He’s a big, important Screen Rant writer with many leather-bound books (and comic books) and, yes, his apartment smells of rich mahogany. www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Stephen King Movies Releasing in 2023 < Back More Adaptations from THE Horror Master Keeley Brooks Mar 3, 2023 Share Stephen King Movies Releasing in 2023 Even if you’re not a horror fan, you still love Stephen King. You know you do. The past few decades have seen numerous books and short stories from the famous author, and film and television adaptations are a-plenty. This year (and likely next year) is no exception with a handful of adaptations coming your way. Here’s what’s dropping in 2023 and what’s up next on the Stephen King entertainment agenda. Children of the Corn – I’ll never forget the first time I first saw the original Children of the Corn movie and was scarred for life. It was 1985, and I was eight years old. We kids definitely shouldn’t have been watching it, but we did the second our parents left the room. See, we were visiting relatives, who just so happened to live and work at the Angola State Prison. So, on those grounds late at night in the bedroom of a work trailer is where the creepy kids from the corn made their appearance in my life. The 1984 version sees a young couple trapped in a remote town with no adults because a gang of creepy-ass kids has killed them all. The remake hits theaters Friday, March 3, 2023 , and it will have an 18-day theatrical window before releasing on Shudder March 21 . The story reportedly does take some liberties. Here, we get to see a town fall as “He Who Walks” uses a little girl named Eden to satisfy the evil entity’s bloodlust and turn the town’s youngest residents into murderous little nightmares. No doubt it’ll be just as terrifying as the original. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWCGoGdkM7I The Boogeyman - The first adaptation of King’s 1978 short story from the Night Shift collection is about a teenage girl and her little sister, who find themselves plagued by a sadistic presence in their house after their mother dies. They must get their grieving father to pay attention before it’s too late. In the original story, we follow a man grieving the deaths (murders) of his three kids. While their deaths were all different, they all took place in the children’s respective bedrooms, each having shouted, “The Boogeyman,” before they met their fates. The film hits theaters June 2, 2023 , then is supposed to hit Hulu soon after. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QsudEHsuvIg Salem’s Lot - This gem has also been adapted to a movie and is expected to hit theaters April 21, 2023 , but it’s already been pushed back from Sept. 2022, so don’t hold all your breath just yet. Nonetheless, it’ll be anticipated when it does arrive, especially with director James Wan ( Saw franchise). It is rumored to remain faithful to the book, which if you’re unfamiliar is about a writer who returns to the town of Jerusalem’s Lot in Maine only to discover that the residents are all being turned into vampires. Stars Lewis Pullman ( Outer Range ), Spencer Treat Clark ( Glass, Unbreakble ), and Alfre Woodard ( See ). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LX_wCxCGZhs Pet Semetary – Though the 2019 version of Pet Sematary wasn’t well received with critics, a prequel movie was greenlit in 2021. It’s intended to continue digging into the mythology of the small town of Ludlow, the strange rituals, the Wendigo, the cemetery, and character Jud’s life. We’ve been seeing the dead re-animate for over a decade now with all the zombie and undead adaptations, but none of those are as scary as seeing Gage come back to life just to kill his mother and run around with a creepy giggle and his father's scalpel terrifying everybody to death. And the cat, Church—we can’t forget about him. After all, he is the reason Jud learns of the power of the pet cemetery. It’s planned to be released later this year to stream as a Paramount+ original movie. From A Buick 8 – Based on King’s novel published in 2002, this is the second story to feature a supernatural car, the first one being the unforgettable "Christine." The adaptation has been in development for years. Back in 2005, George A. Romero was announced as the director, then two years later he was replaced with Tobe Hopper ( Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise). By 2009, the project came to halt, then in 2019 was announced to be in development again. No details have been revealed since, but we’re keeping our fingers crossed. The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon – Published in 1999, the story follows a nine-year-old girl as she finds herself lost in the woods on what she thought would be another normal day hiking with her mom and brother. She fantasizes about her favorite baseball player, Tom Gordon, rescuing her. Originally, a film adaptation of "The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon " was to be directed by George A. Romero, but plans fell through in 2005. The project was revived in 2019, and in late 2020, Lynne Ramsay ( You Were Never Really Here ) was announced as director. Let’s hope we get some updates soon! ALSO (you didn’t really think that was it, did you?), Deadline recently revealed in an exclusive that Warner Bros. has acquired King’s 2021 crime thriller bestseller “Billy Summers” to adapt into a feature film produced by J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot and Leonardo DiCaprio’s Appian Way. Bad Robot have also adapted other King works like Lisey’s Story (Apple TV Plus), Castle Rock (Hulu), and 11.22.63 , also on Hulu. It was originally intended to be a limited series, but the big screen won out instead. Writing the screenplay are Ed Zwick ( Blood Diamond ) and Marshall Herskovitz, who co-wrote The Last Samurai with Zwick, and it is rumored that Leo will play the title character, but that is yet to be confirmed. The plot synopsis reads: Billy Summers is a hitman who is looking to retire and takes on last highly lucrative job to feather his nest. The job requires him to embed himself in a quiet town, where he pretends to be an aspiring writer (he actually pours himself into the prose). He sets up in an office with a direct view of where hitman Joel Allen will be delivered to face trial for shooting two men during a poker game. Allen also has committed enough murders for some high-level mobsters to be scared the gunman will incriminate his former employers to lessen his sentence. Summers, a meticulous craftsman, become more and more cynical about the mobsters who’ve hired him, and his skepticism is well warranted as things go awry following the job’s completion. *On a side note, if you haven’t watched Castle Rock , I urge you to roll on over to Hulu and check it out. While the two-season series isn’t based on any specific one of King’s works, it does share themes, characters, and most notably its name with one of the central locations found throughout the legendary author’s career. Season 1 tells the story of Henry Deaver, a death row attorney who returns home to Maine for the first time in years when a mysterious inmate at the local prison, Shawshank, specifically requests Henry as his lawyer. Several narratives unravel from there, including a troubled individual with apparent telepathic abilities, the shocking death of one of Castle Rock’s most prominent characters, and some pretty disturbing developments for Henry as he uncovers more and more about his past—like the time he vanished as a child. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBdsv4piFVA Season 2 is a chilling must-see! Instead of continuing on with the same characters and original cast, the series pivots and centers its story on Annie Wilkes, the infamously psychotic, murderous nurse from King’s 1987 psychological thriller novel “Misery” and 1990 film adaptation of the same name. In Castle Rock , we are introduced to Annie Wilkes pre-Paul Sheldon days, so it’s sort of a modern-day prequel. Lizzie Caplan ( Masters of Sex ) delivers a sharp, tense, and breathless performance as Wilkes navigates her life and career, and so much is revealed along that way that when it ends, it’ll leave you wanting more and most likely compel you to turn around and watch Misery again. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGr1Mnsua5E And , just in case you missed its release back in September, don't forget to check out the Stephen King documentary King on Screen, which examines cinematic adaptations of the iconic author's works. With King's stamp of approval, it gives audiences an intimate sit-down with different directors who've all adapted the writer's works for the screen, looking at the movies and shows that have brought his stories to life, both the hits and the flops. Among those sitting down for interviews are Mike Garris (ABC's The Stand ), Mike Flanagan ( Gerald's Game , Doctor Sleep ), Frank Darabont ( The Shawshank Redemption , The Green Mile ), and director and special effects makeup titan Greg Nicotero ( Creepshow , Misery ), to name a few. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qDNW5RLQiM Alright, kiddos, that's all for now, but stay tuned for more adaptations from THE original horror master ... and no doubt his son, Joe Hill. You know we'll be keeping you updated. www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . 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Attachment < Back Shudder’s New Queer Horror Thriller Will Have You Rethinking Your Relationship Anxieties Shaun Corley Apr 3, 2023 Share Attachment New relationships can be a great thing. The feeling that, once again, somebody loves you and takes joy in your company is a rush unlike few others. Yet with all the giddiness and excitement can come anxieties as well–namely, meeting your partner’s family. It can be a nerve-shredding experience even on the best of days. You’re on your best behavior and putting your best foot forward ... you need to be on point, right? Mess it up and your new relationship could be in for a rough ride or a quick end. In Attachment, Danish director Gabriel Bier Gislason's first feature, protangonist Maja doesn’t do anything wrong in meeting her new girlfriend’s family, but she is still confronted by these anxieties, and in Gislason’s hands, they blossom into full-blown terrors. Attachment is a new queer romantic horror-thriller brought to you by Shudder. The film received a ton praise from critics at the 2022 London and Los Angeles Film Festivals, not because it’s a refreshing take on romance and horror but because it explores myths and tales of Yiddish folklore by using cast interaction and the story itself as “the creepy factor,” instead of the typical jump-scare efforts we are used to, hence the slow unnerving burn. The film’s opening moments introduce us to Maja (played by Jospehine Park), a young woman and former child actress, who coasts on old glories that amount to reading stories to bored children at the library. One day, Maja, who lives in Denmark, bumps into Leah (Ellie Kendrick), a young Jewish woman from London studying abroad. They go out for tea and find themselves back at Maja’s apartment. Their affair quickly blossoms and for a while, all is golden. Their idyllic existence comes to an end, though, when Leah has a seizure, during which she accidentally breaks her leg. Leah’s studies in Denmark are also winding down, which would spell the end for her and Maja, but Maja decides to accompany Leah back to London. From there, it’s all downhill. Maja moves into Leah’s second-floor flat above Leah’s mother, Chana (Sofie Grabol), who lives on the first floor and does not approve of Maja at all. It becomes quickly apparent that Chana is highly overprotective of Leah, as she repeatedly called her daughter while she was living with Maja and continues to hover over her now that Leah is back in London. It also becomes apparent there is more going on than Maja ever thought. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBYIhO2hg34 Chana and Leah hail from an Orthodox Jewish community, and Maja struggles to find her footing. Noticing that Chana and Leah’s flats are adorned with symbols from Jewish culture, Maja, in good faith, decides to learn more. Venturing out into the community, she visits a Jewish bookstore, where she meets the store’s owner Lev (David Dencik). Lev and Maja become friends, and she is astounded to learn Lev is Maja’s cousin. When Chana learns that Lev and Maja have become friends, she forbids Lev from speaking to her—an action that clues Maja in that something sinister is going on. Sure enough, Maja’s suspicions are confirmed when she learns that since Leah was a child, she has been besieged by a dybbuk , an evil spirit in Jewish lore. Chana’s overprotective nature stems from her desire to save her daughter from its influence. At its core, Attachment is a demonic possession thriller, but where most films in this genre are rooted in Catholic doctrine, this one grounds itself firmly in the Jewish tradition, giving viewers something new and unexpected. Gislason does not stop with dybbuks; he also invokes the Golem as well as Kabbalah. These topics may seem out of place in our modern culture, but Gislason, who is Jewish himself, never once adopts a condescending attitude towards them. Instead, in his hands, the dybbuk is a terrifying entity—one that wants nothing more than to destroy Leah and all that she loves. But, as stated earlier, Attachment draws its power by mining the anxieties that come with a new relationship. Maja is clearly out of her element in Leah’s ultra-Orthodox community, and Chana can barely hide her disgust. Part of this resentment is because Chana sees herself in Maja. She reveals she was not originally a part of this community either; she married into it. After converting, Chana’s husband left her. Now alone in a world that was never hers, Chana has had to make the best of it. Meeting a new partner’s family can be nerve-wracking, and Gislason knows this. He ferociously runs with this and successfully turns common anxieties into supernatural horror. Attachment is a slow burn of a thriller with subtle scares. Gislason does not opt for conventions. There are no jump scares, nor is Leah’s possessed form too demonic looking. Here, the emphasis is on atmosphere—Gislason is out to unnerve the viewer and he does this by keeping matters low key. The classics of the possession genre, such as The Exorcist , are often brutal and visceral, but Attachment keeps it subtle and, in the process, creates a genuinely unsettling movie. credit: Movie Reviews 101 With its slow-burn plot and complete absence of gore or jump scares, Attachment may not be for everyone, but Gislason has nevertheless crafted a solid entry into the possession film subgenre. Attachment takes its time getting where it’s going, but patient viewers will be rewarded with an atmospheric, unsettling horror film tapping into common new relationship anxieties that won’t subside anytime soon. Shaun Corley is an East Coast pop culture enthusiast who loves to write about everything entertainment. He’s a big, important ScreenRant writer who has many leather-bound books (and comic books) and whose apartment smells of rich mahogany. www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Vesper < Back One of the Best Indie Sci-Fi Movies You Should Absolutely See Keeley Brooks Jan 11, 2023 Share Vesper From time to time, I like to write about movies I watch and spill about them to all of you. Recently, my Dummy (husband) and I sat down to watch the movie “Vesper,” one of the latest independent science fiction films to hit theaters, then Video On Demand. Starring Eddie Marsan ("Ray Donovan " ) and Richard Brake ("Peaky Blinders " ), along with a cast of mostly unheard-of British talent, this dystopian drama is fantastic on multiple levels. The acting, storytelling, computer-generated effects, score, and cinematography all work brilliantly together to pay homage to classic sci-fi films, and with its post-apocalyptic backdrop, it’s the perfect formula for a standout dystopian flick. Its plot centers around 13-year-old Vesper, played by extremely gifted child actor Raffiela Chapman, who is a young girl living alone with her bed-ridden father (Richard Brake) on the outskirts of the Citadel, which is, of course, the area built for the rich to live and thrive as the less fortunate are left to fend for themselves in a dying world of fear, violence, hunger, and no hope for a future. Vesper’s father is bed-ridden due to an injury he received fighting for the Citadel and as a result, is left on a ventilator, paralyzed, unable to do anything but move his eyes. Vesper, being the genius she is, built a drone and hooked it up to her father’s brain so he could communicate with her. Together they must learn to survive in desperate conditions—an undertaking made slightly easier by Vesper’s mad bio-hacking skills … and I do mean mad. She is solely responsible for keeping him alive and healing any wounds that might develop, and the more we watch, the more we discover how integral Vesper and her wits are to the story's developments. Additionally, we learn she also grows plants with some of the most breathtaking abilities you’ve ever seen on film. One day while out foraging in the woods, she comes across an injured woman and brings her home to heal her ... then we learn this woman is hiding a huge secret that may just save the entire world following the collapse of Earth’s ecosystem. I won’t reveal all the deets and spoil anything for you, but I will tell you if you’re looking for a great sci-fi film to get lost in, you’re gonna want to watch this one. The movie creates an astounding landscape with some crucially inventive special effects, and it doesn’t sidetrack itself by trying to explain every tiny little detail, thereby leaving some imagination up to the viewers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dajBhMSd00 " Vesper " is beautifully written story by French writer Bruno Samper and Kristina Buozyte of Lithuania, both known for 2012’s "Vanishing Waves." The screenplay was written by Brian Clark, who is best known for, you guessed it, "Vesper." It’s currently streaming on AMC+ and is available for rent on Video On Demand. If there’s a rainy day in your future, take advantage and get lost in another world for a while. Its ending will leave you full of hope and sweetness, having rooted for Vesper the whole way through. You won’t be disappointed. You're welcome. www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

The Ritual Killer < Back Cole Hauser and Morgan Freeman Team Up to Take Down Evil Keeley Brooks Mar 9, 2023 Share The Ritual Killer Buckle up, film fans, and fret no longer, Cole Hauser fans. Just because Yellowstone isn’t giving us our weekly Rip fix at the moment does not mean you can’t get it elsewhere. (wink) Today’s your lucky day because Hauser has a new movie dropping in select theaters and On Demand this week, and he’s still not taking any bullshit as he stares down the face of evil in a mystical crime action-thriller called The Ritual Killer . The official trailer (below) released in February 2023 by Screen Media, and as you can see, it has a very ominous True Detective kind of vibe. Hauser is a detective on the brink of retirement and a father grieving the death of his daughter. He’s on the hunt for a serial killer who has already claimed the lives of two innocent girls, and with no leads to go on, he approaches anthropology professor and African Studies expert in ancient cultures and their rituals Professor Mackles, played by the legendary Morgan Freeman. Together they work to find this mysterious murderer practicing the ancient magic of Muti by using ancient rituals to kill people and thereby gain power. But he isn’t just killing people in the United States; he’s also claiming victims across Europe, which makes him an international criminal—an extremely agile, swift, and calculated one at that. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fz-dDAxCr5Y The film explores the dark and sinister world of said serial killer, as well as the secrets of the anthropology professor. In addition to its star leads, the flick also features Peter Stormare ( Fargo ), former NFL player Vernon Davis ( Chariot ), Franco-American actress Murielle Hilaire, Brian Kurlander ( Dopesick ), and Luke Stratte-McClure ( Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse ). Directed by George Gallo, who scripted Bad Boys and The Whole Ten Yards , the story dances the line between reality and madness, sanity and insanity, as Detective Boyd is forced to step inside the mind of the killer to outsmart him and take him down. ScreenRant acquired an exclusive clip from The Ritual Killer , which I have lovingly included here for all of you. In it, we see Det. Boyd chatting with his partner Det. Maria Kersch (Hilaire), who has her own questions for him about a recent arrest gone wrong. However, before she can probe too deeply into how Boyd handled himself in that situation, the pair get called out to a horrific crime scene. As Boyd views the cut-up body of a young teenage girl, it’s clear he’ll stop at nothing to take down the monster who committed such a gruesome, evil act. But he won’t be able to do it alone, and that’s where Morgan Freeman comes in. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjU6Zn9NgI0 And because I'm just awesome and love doing this stuff, I found another clip to share with you, which features some action as Detective Boyd is out hunting, then chasing the killer (Vernon Davis), who is pretty damn quick with a knife in a fight as he takes out a few cops before escaping Boyd’s grasp. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSexrt2_XYo For the deets on Freeman’s character and the down-low on all his secrets, you’ll have to watch the movie. The Ritual Killer hits theaters and Video On Demand on March 10, 2023. *Side note: Also releasing in theaters the same day is the highly anticipated sixth installment of Scream , which I absolutely love. Even the crappy installments. I'm just a Ghostface fan, I suppose, but not in the murderous way. Critics are already calling it the best installment in the series with heart-pounding thrills and horrific Ghostface shenanigans. I know I can’t wait. Enjoy your weekend, my friends. www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

The Underrated 80s Horror Movie You've Probably Forgotten About < Back Dead Pit Ezekiel Kincaid Dec 8, 2022 Share The Underrated 80s Horror Movie You've Probably Forgotten About The year is 1990. Ten-year-old me is browsing the horror section one Friday night at Dixie Video, knowing good and well my parents aren't going to allow me to rent what I really want to watch. While perusing said shelves, I come across a video that makes me feel like Ralphie in A Christmas Story the first time he held his Red Rider BB gun. Dead Pit . On the cover, a zombie resembling Frankenstein crawls out of a pit, surrounded by a bunch of hands reaching out of the same hole. Behind him stalks more of the living dead. As you can see above, the color scheme is black and neon green. What made this case even more fascinating was that when you’d press the zombie, his eyes lit up! I was sold. Ten-year-old me had to see this movie! Ten-year-old me asked my parents. Ten-year-old me was told "no" because it was R rated. I had to wait a few years, but I finally got around to watching Dead Pit . As an adolescent, I remember liking the movie, but as time went on, the movie drifted into obscurity in my mind. Until a few years ago, when I was browsing Amazon Prime to find an 80s horror movie to pass the time. Lo and behold, what appeared! The memories surrounding this movie came flooding back. I was lost in nostalgia, wondering how in the world I could have forgotten about a movie like this. One euphoric memory after another tingled my soul. When the sensation ended, I went to my pantry, grabbed a jar of peanut butter, and commenced watching. And boy, was I glad I did! What's the movie about? Released in 1989, like most 80's horror, the plot is kind of silly. The psychotic Dr. Ramzi was walled up alive in a nuthouse. He had been caught performing experiments that involved one-part formaldehyde and one-part lobotomies. When he was done extracting the brains from his victims, he tossed the bodies into the pit. As his captors bricked him in and sealed him up, the crazy doctor swears he will get revenge on them. Jump ahead twenty years. Enter Jane Doe. She's admitted to the asylum for a bad case of amnesia. It just so happens that Jane Doe has some serious psychic powers. So powerful is she, that she awakens Dr. Ramzi from his sleep. Once awakened, Ramzi and Doe seem to share a psychic bond. Ramzi uses this bond to draw power from her to raise all his victims from the pit. Ramzi then sends out his zombie horde for revenge. This movie has some creative kills and descent 80s gore. There's also all the cheese that we've come to adore about 80s horror. My favorite (terribly cheesy) scene has to do with holy water and a water tower. Also, the zombies are somewhat intelligent, and they move fast. Overall, I enjoyed digging up this forgotten jewel of my childhood. If you're a fan of 80s horror, this is a must-see for you. Check it out now on Amazon while you still can! I’m an avid VHS collector and I’ve since been able to acquire a copy of Dead Pit (see pic below). The tape still works like a charm and the cover is in okay shape. The only down side is that the zombie eyes don’t light up. I’ve been trying to track down a copy with working LEDs, but I’ve had no luck. So, if any readers out there know where I can get a copy, hit me up! Until next time, keep it creepy, you bunch of freaks. www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Non-Holiday Comedy Recommendations to Keep You Laughing During the Break < Back Giggle 'Til Your Heart's Content Keeley Brooks Nov 16, 2022 Share Non-Holiday Comedy Recommendations to Keep You Laughing During the Break The holidays doth approacheth, my friends, and while to some they signal a reason for the season and hold an attachment to gratitude and religion, to others—the children of the world … (i.e., me)—they signal time off from work and/or school and sometimes adulting. They also signal movies. Lots and lots of movies. New and old, which is awesome, but sometimes favorite holiday movies are played deep into the ground on TV, or there's such an influx of holiday content playing continuously that it starts getting monotonous. And for many of us out there, this time of year brings on Seasonal Affective Disorder, and to those of you, I extend my heart in compassion and genuine effort to entertain you, even if it is just temporarily. Whatever your case, being the giant movie nerd I am, I thought I’d share some of my favorite non-holiday comedies with you (in no particular order) in hopes maybe you haven’t seen one and get the chance to appreciate it. Even if you’ve seen them all, give ‘em another viewing and giggle yourself silly. Release those feel-good chemicals! As Good As It Gets (1997) – This one is in my top three favorites of all time. I relate so much to Jack Nicholson’s character, and the story as it unfolds is just sweet and beautiful to see. Nicholson plays Jack Udall, a very successful, rich romance novelist. He’s also a misanthrope (one who dislikes humankind and avoids society) and asshole with a pretty severe level of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Udall says what he thinks when he thinks it, and he’s quick to say what he feels, even if it’s offensive. He doesn't care. And 95% of the time, everything out of his mouth is offensive ... and hysterical. This story is about the unlikely friendship that forms between him, a single mother and waitress (Helen Hunt), and a gay artist (Greg Kinnear). Also stars Skeet Ulrich, Cuba Gooding Jr., and Harold Ramis. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8FGdJUqAp4 Groundhog Day (1993) – Who doesn’t love Bill Murray? He emotes the exact way I feel about things a lot of the time, and that makes me giggle. In this flick, he plays a hilarious narcissistic, self-centered weatherman who finds himself trapped in a time loop on Groundhog Day, and he has to live the day and it’s events over and over and over until he sees a way to work it to his advantage and the experience ends up changing who he is. When you’re feeling salty and sarcastic, pop this movie in and sit back with some popcorn. And a blanket because it’ll make you feel cold even if you’re warm. Also stars Andie MacDowell, Chris Elliot, Stephen Tobolowski, and Harold Ramis. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmdXJ_1aGz0 What About Bob? (1991) – I couldn’t talk about Bill Murray without mentioning this little gem of his, which I adore. Murray plays Bob Wiley, an annoyingly loveable obsessive-compulsive neurotic. He’s also a hypochondriac who drives his psychotherapist completely batshit after tracking him and his family down on vacation. This one is nothing short of hysterical. It’s a must-see. Also stars Richard Dreyfuss, Julie Hagerty, and Kathryn Erbe. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tk9iWXsdB-8 Bad Words (2013) – Ah, a Jason Bateman film starring Jason Bateman. This movie is absolutely HILARIOUS for anybody watching, but definitely if you have kids (and don’t get offended easily), you have to watch this movie. Bateman plays a 40-year-old misanthropic a-hole who finds a loophole and enters a regional spelling bee. He cracks me up with his dry sense of humor, and here he’s hurling insults at every turn, mostly to the kids. Kathryn Hahn appears as a journalist covering the story, and she and Bateman’s character form a friendship with hilarious benefits. Bateman’s character also proves he has a heart as he befriends a young speller feeling pressure from his parents to win. No lie, I watch this probably once a month. Maybe two. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWibxfADyRc The Change-Up (2011) – I also can’t mention Jason Bateman without doing the same for a few of his flicks. This one is so funny that it’ll have your face hurting from laughing so much. Let me go ahead and say if you’re wound a little too tightly or are easily offended, go ahead and pass on watching this movie. Bateman and Ryan Reynolds are best friends who find themselves in a Freaky Friday-type situation after they take a leak in a fountain boasting a Roman statue in the park. Bateman’s character is a hot shot lawyer who is married with three kids—two of them being two-year-old twins and the other in elementary school. Reynolds’s character is a weed-smoking, part-time actor in the prime of his sexual life. What ensues is absolutely hilarious and you’ll be wiping the tears from your eyes and having to catch your breath. A definite MUST SEE. Also stars Leslie Mann, Olivia Wilde, and Alan Arkin. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6itcrqLzAOk Horrible Bosses (2011) – Can you tell I’m a Jason Bateman fan? This gut-busting flick also stars Charlie Day, Jason Sudeikis, Jennifer Aniston, Colin Farrell, Jamie Foxx, Julie Bowen, Megan Duchess of Sussex, and (sigh) Kevin Spacey, who plays the perfect horrible boss. Bateman, Day, and Sudeikis are best friends who love their job but hate their bosses and would love nothing more than the grind ‘em into the ground. So, they hatch a hysterical plan with the help of Jamie Foxx. This one is in my top three favorite comedies. I guarantee you will love it. Who hasn’t had a horrible boss they hated before? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VpUeQV8sdOc Larry Crowne (2011) – This little romantic comedy kind of flew under the radar in the wake of summer releases, but it stars Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, Bryan Cranston, Cedric the Entertainer, Wilmer Valderrama, Rami Malek, Rita Wilson, Taraji P. Henderson, and Gugu Mbatha Raw. Tom Hanks is Larry Crowne, a middle-aged divorced man, who finds himself on the unemployment line after a wave of corporate downsizing. Drowning in debt and unable to find work, he enrolls in community college, where he becomes part of a community of misfits who are trying to carve out a better future. A definite heartwarming comedy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gecFWdSkng4 The Big Lebowski (1998) – I LOVE THIS MOVIE. One of my all-time favorites, and Jeff Bridges’ character is actually based off a real-life character by the name of Jeff Dowd (aka The Dude). Here, Jeff Bridges is The Dude, a loveable, easy-going, weed-smoking bum who loves bowling. Weed and bowling. And his rug. And his car. That’s his life—until he’s mistaken for The Big Lebowski, millionaire Jeffrey Lebowski, and he finds himself getting roughed up while watching his precious rug get peed on. In search of recompense, The Dude tracks down The Big Lebowski, who offers him the job of being the bagman and delivering the ransom for his kidnapped wife. He’s aided and hindered by his pals Walter Sobchack (John Goodman), a Vietnam vet who owns an ammo shop, and Donny, master of stupidity. Also stars John Turturro, Julianne Moore, Sam Elliot, the late, great, and very missed Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Tara Reid. As was the case with most Coen brothers’ movies, the dialogue is what drives the story. And this one’s full of some pretty excellent dialogue you’ll be quoting for the rest of your life. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cd-go0oBF4Y Dumb & Dumber (1994) - Again, call me a giant child; I don’t care. I agree. I happen to love Jim Carrey (and his Ace Ventura movies) and think he brings a hefty level of comedy to everything he does just by being himself, and that is awesome. Here he and Jeff Daniels (also very funny) are best friends who are complete idiots. They set out on a cross-country road trip to Aspen, CO, to return a briefcase full of money to its rightful owner, Mary Swanson (played by Lauren Holly). What ensues builds mishap upon hilarious mishap throughout their entire journey. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l13yPhimE3o Liar, Liar (1997) – This is my absolute favorite Jim Carrey movie, along with the Ace Ventura movies. Carrey is Fletcher Reed, a divorced, smooth-talkin’ pathological liar, who is also a conniving ace attorney. When his kid makes a birthday wish that for just one day his dad couldn’t tell a lie and it comes true, Fletcher’s world is turned upside down and inside out on one of the most important days in a huge case that, if he wins, could earn him the title of partner. Five stars all the way. Also stars Maura Tierney, Cary Elwes, Swoosie Kurtz, Cheri Oteri, and Jennifer Tilly. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1no75lpOiw Uncle Buck (1989) – A John Hughes (director) treasure. All of his movies are, really, but this one in particular is because of the late great John Candy. When his brother and sister-in-law have to leave town suddenly to care for her ailing father, and after trying everyone on their list of people to look after their kids and having no luck, they’re left with no choice but to call in the lazy, unreliable, carefree Uncle Buck (Candy). His youngest niece (Gaby Hoffman) and nephew (Macaulay Culkin) take to him instantly, but his oldest niece does not; she’s a straight-up bitch to him … an angst-filled teen who gives him hell. Seeing these two bat her angst back and forth makes me giggle. And it’s relatable. I mean, don’t lie: who out there hasn’t been a complete and total bitch to someone at some point in your life? Also stars Laurie Metcalf and Anna Chlumsky. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y89NT00spBY Bridesmaids (2011) – The more I watch this movie, the funnier it gets. This one is so relatable because we’ve all either worried about or at some point felt like we were losing a best friend to marriage, until we learned differently. Here, a hilarious competition between between the bride’s (Maya Rudolph) best friend & maid of honor (Kristen Wiig) and a bridesmaid & close friend (Rose Byrne) over who is the bride’s best friend ensues and threatens to upend the maid of honor’s life and relationship with the bride. This one’s a total treat and also stars Melissa McCarthy, Rebel Wilson, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Jillian Bell, Chris O’Dowd, and Ben Falcone. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNppLrmdyug The Hangover Part II (2011) – You didn’t think I was going to talk about Bridesmaids without mentioning The Hangover , did you? While the original Hangover is hilarious in its own right, I find the sequel funnier. We had the chance to meet the guys and let the first experience with Alan sink in; now that we know the characters, everything they get into is that much funnier. If you haven’t seen the movies, they focus on three best friends who allow the oddball brother of the bride in the first flick to tag along on the bachelor party, who then drugs the other guys for a fun night in Vegas. Now part of their “wolf pack,” the sequel finds Alan (Zack Galifinakis) and the guys (Ed Helms, Bradley Cooper) in Bangkok, Thailand, minus the groom from the first movie, played by Justin Bartha). This time they’re celebrating Helms’s character’s impending nuptials with his bride’s brother. Again, Alan drugs everybody and they have a wild night of partyingin Bangkok, followed by no recollection of it the morning after. In both movies, they lose someone: the groom in the first and the bride’s brother in the second. Watch the second one and you’ll see why it’s a favorite. Also stars a very funny coked-out Ken Jeong, Paul Giamatti, Mike Tyson, Jamie Chung, and Jeffrey Tambor. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohF5ZO_zOYU Blazing Saddles (1974) – If you’re gonna scream at me about your sensitivity, I can’t hear you. I don’t care what PC society says, this movie is damn hilarious. IT’S SATIRE, people, and that means it’s poking fun, specifically in this movie, at American culture, racism, religion, and politicians. Lighten up a bit on all fronts and enjoy some of the most quotable dialogue ever. Stars Cleavon Little, Gene Wilder, Mel Brooks, Slim Pickens, and a whole slew of other funny actors. Dinner for Schmucks (2010) – This one kind of flew under the radar. It wasn’t a big hit, but that doesn’t mean it’s not big fun. Paul Rudd is a rising executive who works for a boss who hosts a monthly event in which the guests find and bring the biggest idiot, and whoever wins gets a career boost. After declining the invitation to attend, he changes his mind after meeting Barry (Steve Carrell), who builds dioramas using stuffed mice. The boss’s scheme backfires when Barry’s blundering good intentions send Tim's life into a downward style, threatening a major business deal and possibly destroying his relationship. Absolutely hysterical. You’ll definitely be wiping some laughter tears away with this one. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tjY1bgChRA Tucker and Dale vs. Evil (2010) – Again, I love horror comedies … Dead & Breakfast , Shaun of the Dead , Tucker & Dale vs. Evil . This one is Shaun of the Dead meets Texas Chainsaw Massacre and is a gory comedy about two affable rednecks, Dale (Alan Tudyk) and Tucker (Tyler Labine), who are also best friends trying to enjoy a quiet vacation at their new cabin in the woods. Things take a bloody turn when some ignorant college kids mistake them for a pair of murderous hillbilly psychos. I’d watch Alan Tudyk and Tyler Labine eat breakfast. I’ll watch anything they’re in. If you’re a fan of these actors or of horror comedies, this one’s a must-see gem you'll keep in your collection. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0hJSCqqIs4 O' Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000) – Another Coen Brothers gem. They truly outdid themselves with this one, which is a wonderful little saga of three escaped convicts in the 1930s Deep South who are seeking a buried treasure. Their hunt is based on Homer’s The Odyssey and stars heavy-hitting comedic geniuses George Clooney, Tim Blake Nelson, John Turturro, John Goodman, and Holly Hunter. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HnWeWcE5n8 Shaun of the Dead (2004) – I love horror comedies. This British film by director Edgar Wright follows the hilariously bloody adventures of underachiever Shaun (Simon Pegg) and his best mate Ed (Nick Frost) as a zombie apocalypse breaks out. HYS. TER. IC. AL. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8aHsShBRS6k The Money Pit (1986) – Tom Hanks is one funny man. He’s a fantastic actor who portrays such relatable characters, they can’t help but imprint upon your soul. This is one of my favorites of his. Walter (Hanks) and Anna (Shelley Long) struggle to keep their relationship together as their newly purchased-for-a-steal mansion starts falling to pieces around them. The two have no choice but to watch in hilarious horror as everything disappears into The Money Pit. Hanks and Long have a fabulous chemistry together and their arguing and reactions to what is happening are nothing short of gut-busting. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yNszKUvSx0 Funny Farm (1988) – I’ve always been a Chevy Chase fan … as far back as I can remember. Here he is former sportswriter and wanna-be novelist Andy Farmer, who moves to a small farm in Vermont with his wife Elizabeth (Madolyn Smith), who secretly aspires to be an author, to work on his novel. They quickly realize the locals are not as welcoming as they’d like, and the farm is more distracting than they thought. You’ll be laughing your butt off while feeling a bit of holiday spirit well up inside. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hnt9dt2crQ Orange County - Absolutely a movie that gets funnier every time you watch it. Colin Hanks is a smart high-school student with a dream of being a writer and his heart set on going to Stanford, until his guidance counselor (Lily Tomlin) accidentally sends the wrong transcripts with his college application. Hanks is horrified and he spends the rest of the film trying to prove he's actually a good student with a terrific grade-point average worthy of going to Stanford. Some of the funniest actors on the planet star, including Catherine O'Hara ( Schitt's Creek, Beetlejuice ), Jack Black ( School of Rock, Tenacious D ), Harold Ramis, Chevy Chase, John Lithgow, Mike White, Nat Faxon ( The Conners ), and Leslie Mann ( 40-Year-Old Virgin ). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-YZqO6amd4 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

Movie Recommendations of a Man of Extra-Large Talent < Back Peter Dinklage Keeley Brooks Nov 22, 2022 Share Movie Recommendations of a Man of Extra-Large Talent I’m not ashamed to say that most of my nights and weekends are spent watching movies and streaming series. And sometimes, because I’m a grown up, I play video games. From new titles and old titles to titles I come across by chance and those that come recommended, I love diving in deep to get lost. And what most of society labels as being “lazy” and “unmotivated” is something, for me, that is quite the opposite. In my world, things like this are exciting, enthralling, rewarding, and challenging because I thoroughly enjoy digging into and dissecting the cinematic arts. Why is that lazy or unmotivated? Consider all the aspects that go into one story: theme, characters, setting, plot, metaphors, foreshadowing, twists and turns, cinematography, special effects, costume designs, voice-overs, edits, music, actors, etc. All of these are what ignite my intellect. There’s nothing I love more (other than my lil family o’ dummies) than getting lost in a story and finding meaning in something I’m watching, and I love observing from different points of view: how real does what I’m watching seem? Is it truly believable, and why or why not? Does a story and its parts have what it takes not just to hold my attention but also to be so believable that I have to remind myself it’s just a movie? And, I won’t lie, I’m a bit of a snob in the sense that I do look for things missed in post-production and for continuity between cut frames in the same scene. I also love analyzing the work of art as a whole and discovering its effect on me. That , to me, is exciting, and I’d much rather spend my time doing that and being with my people rather than being out in the madness of the world. By no means am I a recluse; I just am who I am, and I won’t apologize for it. I also can’t hear those who call this content lover as “lazy” and “unmotivated” for engaging in what she loves, and that’s super-good news for those of you out there who are looking for recommendations on what to watch. That’s what I’m here for ... just ask my family and friends. I also enjoy following different actors through their careers. One I have loved and followed since 2005 is Peter Dinklage, whom you might best know as Tyrion Lannister from HBO’s Game of Thrones . He’s just awesome, with eyes full of meaning and emotion that speak to the hearts of viewers everywhere. He’s an intensely humble and marvelous actor to watch, and he brings such a captivating emotional depth and range to every title he’s in and character he plays that you just can’t help but love him, feel what his characters feel, and want to follow his career. I was first introduced to him in 2005 when a friend who shared my affinity for film introduced me to The Station Agent , which is an independent psychological comedy-drama by Tom McCarthy ( The Visitor , Win Win , Spotlight ) starring Dinklage, Bobby Cannavale, Patricia Clarkson, and Michelle Williams. It’s a sweet and quirky but also deeply heartfelt movie about an improbable group of lonely people in a small town who find their paths continuously crossing and are forced to befriend one another. It stars Peter Dinklage, Bobby Cannavale, Patricia Clarkson, and Michelle Williams and follows the life of train aficionado and downcast little person Finbar McBride (Dinklage), whose life takes an unexpected turn when his boss dies and leaves him a railroad depot in small-town New Jersey. Fin moves in to the depot and keeps to himself and his love and respect for trains, until his space is comically invaded by a very talkative and carefree food truck vendor, played by Bobby Cannavale. Then, an unhappy, reclusive artist/wife (Patricia Clarkson) shows up, and the trio’s unlikely interactions deepen as some eccentric conversations, relationships, and outcomes ensue. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=031TV29V3e0 Dinklage’s performance will melt your heart, and the culmination of this movie will leave you with chills, forcing you to appreciate the good friends you have in your life and let them know you love them. I highly, highly, highly recommend this movie. One of his more recent works I recently saw is a 2018 independent flick called I Think We’re Alone Now , starring Dinklage, Elle Fanning, and Paul Giamatti, and directed by Reed Morano, who has directed and executive produced the pilot and some episodes of The Handmaid’s Tale and the movies Frozen River (2008) and Lemonade (2016). This movie is about two survivors who learn to co-exist and live together after a worldwide pandemic wipes out Earth’s population. Dinklage is on his own and has been for some time, going house to house in his city, clearing them of the dead and burying bodies, as well as “cleaning” houses for items he needs and can use to survive. One day, out of nowhere, a vehicle crashes into a nearby pole and inside he finds a girl (Elle Fanning) inside, bleeding and passed out with a head wound. Thinking he was the only survivor left in the world, he's hesitant of her but ultimately decides to help her and bandages her up. They then very cautiously begin to learn about one another, slowly building trust and a little openness into their individual worlds … right up until Paul Giamatti shows up and brings a twist that really amps things up, and Dinklage finds himself on a quest across the country alone to rescue the very person he helped then shunned after learning of her secret. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPrnb_BYsdA It’s not your typical post-apocalyptic film but it's a very good flick with some fantastic acting, a great storyline, and some very well-done directing and camera work. I Think We’re Alone Now is a slow-burn of intensity building up to a shocking revelation that’ll leave you thinking about post-apocalyptic depictions, scenarios, and expectations in an entirely new light, while revealing the beauty of trusting, letting go, and opening up your world to other people. I just as highly recommend this movie, too. Dinklage has a slew of good movies, including the Will Ferrell Christmas hit Elf . You can check out his full repertoire on IMDB.com . Enjoy, my fellow movie lovers! www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

New Blood-Soaked Holiday Releases < Back Merry Christmas: The Shitter's Full Keeley Brooks Nov 29, 2022 Share New Blood-Soaked Holiday Releases If you’re like me, you’ve already started watching your favorite holiday movies. In fact, as I’m writing this article, I’m giggling at Chevy Chase while watching National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation . It’s been a top favorite of mine ever since I first laid my eyeballs upon it in all of its hilarious glory. But this article isn’t about that movie. It’s about some other new holiday movies releasing this month … holiday horror flicks. And in terms of movies, and to quote Cousin Eddie, "the shitter's [indeed] full" ... of blood, with all the new horror titles releasing in December. First up is Curse of Jack Frost , which dropped on VOD Nov. 1. Frost is a bit of a demon in this British holiday cinematic offering, and he will stop at nothing this Christmas to exact his vengeance on those left in the bloodline. He terrorizes a family and must learn their family’s dark secrets that link to why they’re cursed. Check out the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njsIRexup-E Next is Violent Night , which hits theaters this Friday, Dec. 2. I’d love to be able to tell all you streamers out there, who now prefer to stay home for movies (like me), that this one is also streaming somewhere on the same day, but no such luck. At least not yet. It will, of course, be available to rent at some point, but that date hasn't been announced. My advice is if you wanna see it now, it’s back to packed theaters full of smacking, slurping, coughing, snotting, sneezing people. The film has been anxiously awaited by many since its trailer dropped about a month or so ago and is from Director Tommy Wirkola ( Dead Snow movies, Hansel & Gretel ). Starring David Harbour ( Stranger Things ), John Leguizamo ( John Wick) , Edi Patterson ( The Righteous Gemstones ), and Beverly D’Angelo (by the way, my decision to watch Christmas Vacation as I wrote about Violent Night because Beverly D’Angelo is in both was completely unplanned and I’d forgotten she was even in Violent Night until this very moment. I love when that happens.), It’s a horror-action dark comedy that’s a twisted take on the milk-and-cookies-and-presents Santa Claus we all know. When an elite team of mercenaries breaks into a family compound on Christmas Eve, they get way more than they expected after taking everyone inside hostage. Also, Santa is there to do his thing … and he straight whips everybody mercenaries' ass in what looks like some pretty badass fight scenes. This Santa is no saint, and he’s about to expose why. Take a peek: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a53e4HHnx_s I gotta say, this movie looks like one hell of a good time, no matter where you watch it. I’m all in! Then there’s Christmas Bloody Christmas ! This little independent number features a Christmas Eve where fiery record store owner Tori Tooms just wants to get drunk and party, until the robotic Santa Claus at a nearby toy store goes haywire and makes her night more than a little complicated. Santa embarks on a rampant killing spree through the neon-drenched snowscape, ultimately forcing Tori into a blood-splattered battle for survival. The film is set to release on Shudder on Dec. 9. Watch the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aiMc-RRqjaM And lastly, The Mean One --and I gotta say it looks pretty awesome. I love fx makeups, and this one is incredible. A slasher comedy directed by Steven LaMorte ( Bury Me Twice ), this Grinch teases a dark side. A very dark side. Unlike the other adaptations of the Doctor Seuss classic, this one is an unauthorized parody of the story, mean they didn’t acquire the rights. Due to the lack of permissions, the creators had to be extra cautious to avoid using any language or names taken directly from the book. It’s clear that this Grinch will be a very far cry from any previous versions … it’s a spoof. The setting is a sleepy mountain town, where a girl named Cindy has her parents murdered and her Christmas stolen by a blood-thirsty green figure in a red Santa suit—The Mean One. When this ravenous, Christmas-hating creature begins to terrorize the town and threatens to ruin the holiday, Cindy finds purpose in trapping and killing the monster. The Mean One drops next Friday, Dec. 9 AND, streaming friends, you’re in luck with this one. As a gift to all horror fans this holiday season, this flick drops everywhere on Dec. 15. Watch the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9n9LmPRRmEw *BONUS WATCH: I happened to stumble across this one by chance, and no way I’d miss telling you guys about it. Another independent horror-comedy slasher, this one puts a psychological spin on the classic story of Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and, of course, the reindeer. Here are the deets on Christmas Slasher : as the holiday season rolls in, a murderous zombie reindeer wreaks havoc on the small town of Vixen, Minnesota. Local townsfolk are viciously attacked and killed, and even the hunters become the hunted. Then the film shifts forward ten years after the murders and centers around Alita Claus, when she and a group of her best friends from college decide to spend Christmas break in a cabin deep in the woods (and we all know what happens in cabins “deep in the woods”). The zombie reindeer is still on the loose, along with now-psychotic-monsters murderous couple Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Here’s the trailer, but an actual release date is yet to be announced and is projected for some time in December. Keep an eye on your favorite platforms. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Nc1NGaWOrs There are, of course, many other holiday horror titles streaming this month, so visit your favorite places and see what’s in store. And always check your VOD titles, especially if you're an AppleTV user. They have some great categories and recent discoveries with little gems everywhere. Be sure to stock up on candy and popcorn before you get to watchin’! And if horror isn’t your thing, be sure to check out my list of non-holiday comedy recommendations , definitely guaranteed to have your face hurting from laughing so much. Enjoy, my friends. www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Chillin' with Fred Westra < Back A Humble State of Calmness Keeley Brooks Jan 12, 2023 Share Chillin' with Fred Westra You know that music that plays in yoga studios and on meditation apps, how soothing and relaxing it is? Sometimes it doesn’t even sound like a real person could be playing it because it’s so intricate, so ethereal. But, a real person does play those sweet meditative sounds you zone out on, and thank the stars for the internet because without it, I never would have stumbled across this beautifully artistic gem of a musician, who does just that. He is, without a doubt, sent from another planet to ease the minds of all who are stressed out with day-to-day life and need some gentle vibrations to relax and return us to center. That’s exactly what Fred Westra and his music do. I should know, because I’ve been listening to his music for a few years now when practicing yoga and meditation, and the effects on mind and body have been nothing short of healing. I won’t lie and pretend I don’t visit his YouTube channel from time to time just to watch him play an instrument with which I’m unfamiliar, and that is just as relaxing as listening to what he produces. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZN9dZsyFWII Fred is a composer of some of the most calming, creative musical vibes your sweet little ears have ever heard, and that’s an editorial guarantee. Perhaps the only thing better than listening to his music is watching him play these multi-cultural instruments with such tender care and emotion you just can’t help but be moved at your core over what you’re hearing and seeing. He lives in Beverwijk (near Amsterdam) in the Netherlands with his wife, Erika (a former yoga teacher), and is a composer, musician of many different instruments, studio technician, and producer. He’s also a man of deep humility and outward kindness, who positively affects everyone who crosses his path. He’s well known in many yoga circles for the music he produces and is a very popular go-to for teachers when searching for music to accompany their classes. I reached out to Westra on a whim, and he ever so kindly took some time out of his busy schedule to kick it in conversation with me, so settle in all you stressed-out beings; I've got your solution to stress right here. MaM : Fred, thank you so much for taking the time to speak with me. You and your music have accompanied me on more meditative journeys than I can count, so this truly is an honor. Tell us what all you play. FW : I play lots of instruments a little bit and I'm specialized in playing the guitar, though I think of myself as a total musician, more composer than musician. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWjLHfQsGZs MaM : When did your creative talents began to emerge? FW : When I was five years old, I heard the music of Ennio Morricone from the movie “Once Upon a Time in the West,” and I remember the sound of the violins and [the] opera voice made a huge impression on me. [To] this day, Morricone is still a great inspiration to me. When I was eight, my parents bought me a guitar. I was always very interested in music, but I did not know what to do with the guitar because I wanted to be a drummer. When I was 10, my neighbor friend [taught] me how to play blues on the guitar, and [I remember how] fantastic [it was] to learn to play! After that, I learned to play tunes from The Shadows (a pre-Beatles era English instrumental rock group) by ear. My taste evolved to Jimi Hendrix, Van Halen, and all other famous rock guitarists. I just wanted to be the greatest guitarist alive! MaM : When did you know you wanted to pursue music? FW : I wanted to pursue music when I heard Stevie Ray Vaughan and (Swedish guitarist) Yngwie Malmsteen. These guys where so incredible! They inspired me to practice 10-12 hours a day. MaM : That’s true devotion to honing your craft, man. Very respectable. I understand you used to be in a metal band, Xhausted. Tell us about your time with them and how that took off. FW : In the early 90s, I was very inspired by metal bands like Machine Head and Pantera, so we started the metal band Xhausted. I never had a record deal, so I bought lots of recording equipment to get [one]. We recorded a demo and got [a] deal in Japan! By that time, my son was born, and he cried a lot ... a [whole] lot! My wife and I could barely handle [that] situation, so I quit Xhausted. [And] here's where my dream ended. I think it was a good thing to quit, because I am not the type to go on tour with a band. I love being at home. MaM : Oh, I very much relate to that! I’m an absolute homebody and much prefer to be in my own environment. What made you move towards meditative music? FW : In the early 2000s, my wife asked me to compose some yoga music for her. I was always interested in yoga and meditation music because I loved the positive vibe of [it] … just like nowadays I love the positive vibe of the music of Snatam Kaur (an American singer/songwriter/author who makes Indian devotional music). It makes me feel so peaceful inside. When I was recording metal music, [which is] technically very demanding, I always got a headache. Really. [laughter] It was hard working to play fast, technically, and precise. When I was recording yoga music, I felt very calm. Instead of making music with my head (to impress people creating complicated guitar parts), I was creating music with my heart. About six years ago, I said goodbye to the metal music. I sold most of my electric guitars and all my amps and pedals. I just wanted to focus on yoga music. My wife and daughter say I have ADHD, so creating calming music is almost a must for me. It keeps me grounded. MaM : I’m so glad you said that. That is exactly what your music does for me: grounds me. I don’t just listen for yoga or meditation; I also listen when I’m writing sometimes. Allows me to be more mindful and deliberate in my work. Would you tell us what you are currently involved in doing? FW : At this moment, nothing special … just creating new music for all yoga music lovers, and massage and Reiki therapists. MaM : What’s your relationship with/to music and to the art of meditation through your music? FW : Meditation is always a struggle for me. Can you imagine having ADHD and finding time to meditate? A few times a week, I'll meditate but find it hard to incorporate it into my daily life. Hopefully my music can inspire people to meditate more than I do. MaM : As someone who does not deal with ADHD, I cannot imagine. I just have an anxious brain that never shuts down, and I often find meditation difficult—unless there is soothing music to help me focus. That’s what your stuff does for me, so I’m certain it is doing that for others. Are there any current or upcoming albums? FW : There are always new albums on [the] way! I upload music to digital music stores under three different names: Zentral Ztation, Fred Westra, and The Samata Society. Zentral Ztation is massage and Reiki music. (Click images below to listen.) My newest release under Zentral Ztation is "State of Calmness." The Samata Society is a project I started to collaborate with other musicians, but I don't record with other musicians anymore. The music is more Eastern-oriented and [is] slightly more experimental. The curators of Spotify put together a playlist of Samata Society tunes. [It's all the essential Samata Society tracks in one playlist.] Music released under Fred Westra is yoga and meditation music. My most recent albums under [my name] are "Chakra Flute" and "Earth Frequency." MaM : If there’s a message in your music, what do you intend it to be? FW : If there's a message in my music, it would be acceptance . Every emotion needs to be felt and seen. When I listen to Bach's “Air”, I feel so much emotion. I also think it's unbelievable that someone can create such beautiful music. I hope one day someone thinks the same of my music. Bach's “Air” and Morricone's “Once Upon a Time in the West” are the templates of my music. If you hear one of my songs in minor, you actually hear Bach or Morricone. Mam : What’s next for Fred Westra? FW : Good question! I am 57 now and [have worked] for 40 years in (night) shifts. I hope that my music will [be well received] so I can make a living of it and don't have to work in the steel factory, though I also love this job. Luckily my music is doing very good, and I feel so grateful! MaM : Where can people find you and your music? FW : People can find me on Facebook and my music is on all the digital music stores like Spotify , Apple Music , iTunes , Amazon Music , Deezer , etcetera. And there you have it, my friends. If you're in the market for some creatively soothing tones to wash away your stress and leave you feeling completely rejuvenated amidst the chaos, I urge you to explore Fred's music under all his artist names. He is absolutely worth it, and your body and mind will thank you. *images courtesy of Fred Westra 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

Charming Disaster Conjures New Album < Back A Musical Cabinet of Macabre Curiosities Tim W. Jackson Feb 24, 2023 Share Charming Disaster Conjures New Album The song titles let you know this album ain’t from Taylor Swift or Harry Styles: “Mold and the Metals,” “Grimoire,” Manta Rays,” “Bat Song,” and “Disembodied Head,” for example. These tracks plus five more come from the fifth album by Brooklyn-based indie goth-folk duo Charming Disaster . They’re unusual, spooky, wickedly talented, and completely unafraid to delve deep into the underworld in exploration of all things lurking in the dark. Their new album Super Natural History releases on CD, as a 12-inch colored vinyl LP, and on all digital platforms on March 3, 2023, and is self-described as, “a musical cabinet of curiosities … [uniting] the worlds of magic and science with songs that explore subjects like witchcraft, monsters, and the underworld, alongside bats, plants, poisons, and parasites.” In short, it presents alternate ways of seeing the world and considering its mysteries. I can’t recall whether I stumbled across the Charming Disaster video for their song “Blacksnake” or if someone who knew my penchant for all things dark, macabre, and somewhat sinister sent it to me, but I do remember immediately loving it. That was about a year ago, and I quickly discovered that the duo had just released an album called Our Lady of Radium . Then, I watched the video for “Radium Girls ,” which again, was superb, and off I went down the Charming Disaster rabbit hole. A year later, and with the duo on the verge of birthing a new album, I was eager to hear the new music and pass along my thoughts to you, the beloved readers of Mixed Alternative. But first, a wee bit of background on this wonderfully weird pairing that is Ellia Bisker (ukulele and vocals) and Jeff Morris (guitar and vocals). With song topics dabbling in the mythical and macabre, nature and science, Charming Disaster blends those motifs in an amalgamation of folk, cabaret, and even musical theater to produce eclectic songs rooted in their own particular interests. credit: Shervin Lainez Some of the songs on Super Natural History were first recorded as early as 2021. Four tracks were recorded that year at Figure 8 in Brooklyn, NY, engineered by Hillary Johnson with bassist Bob Smith and drummer Rob Garcia joining Bisker and Morris. Five songs were recorded more recently at Tonal Park in Takoma Park, MD, with Don Godwin contributing bass, drums, and horns as well as engineering and mixing. The final track was a home recording, so, even their recording methods are eclectic! As you dig into the album, a familiar theme of the paranormal pops up in the lead track, “Monsters”: Can’t help what we hunger for With appetites of carnivores Teeth and talons, horns and fur We are grotesque and powerful This song is a wonderful opener to the album and sets the stage for the odd journey that lies ahead as the listener proceeds to hear a collection of songs far from the overproduced pop or country tunes that rule the radio. In fact, you won’t hear “Monsters” or any of the other nine songs on this album on mainstream radio, and that’s probably a good sign. In fact, we think that's definitely a good sign. Bisker and Morris say they find their inspiration “in the gothic humor of Edward Gorey and Tim Burton, the murder ballads of the American Folk tradition, and the dramatic flair of the cabaret.” I can attest those influences hold true on this new album. In a departure for the duo, the ninth track, “Manta Rays,” is a spoken collection of information about, well, manta rays. Factual and fun, weird and wonderful, it feels like it could have roots in Pee Wee’s Playhouse . Another song that is somewhat a departure from the usual for Charming Disaster is “Bat Song,” which is a slower, beautiful melody with stripped-down instrumentation and higher-octave vocals. After some initial indecision, I finally concluded that “Disembodied Head” is my favorite song on the album. Bisker and Morris mentioned it has the vibe of something from Mark Mothersbaugh and Devo, but I’m hearing a bit of B-52s or even Southern Culture on the Skids in this tune that is the definition of an earworm. You might be tempted to think Charming Disaster is some sort of novelty act, and in some ways, I suppose that’s true. But their song “Monsters,” for instance, is a long way from “The Monster Mash” or any of those one-hit, quirky novelty tunes. (Looking at you Rick Dees and “Disco Duck.” ) With subject matter that almost always strays from the mainstream, Charming Disaster uses makeup, fashion, and theatrical techniques in its live shows to create a certain vibe that has been developed over the past decade. Seeing them adds to your overall narrative regarding what Charming Disaster is all about. But as this album proves, the music stands on its own as an enjoyable listen, even without the optics. credit: Krys Fox Ultimately, Bisker and Morris are talented storytellers, and they prove that you can have interesting songs about topics other than love and lust, yearning and loss. They also have a knack for making the macabre fun. Super Natural History is certainly worth checking out, which we urge you to do. And looking into my crystal ball, I predict you’ll find yourself listening to their previous four albums as well. I spent some time talking with this dynamic duo to uncover who they are as individuals underneath all the chills, thrills, and frills. So, let’s get personal. Enjoy the conversation, music lovers. https://video.wixstatic.com/video/999a0f_e70267d137634f19b3f2c0715311cfb6/720p/mp4/file.mp4 *cover photo credit: Krys Fox 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

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

Indie-rock duo Perry A releases two singles from upcoming EP “OK Wait” boasting a dark sound and heavy political inspiration. < Back Perry A: Just Two Guys Making Music Keeley Brooks & Nicole Brice Dec 6, 2023 Share Indie-rock duo Perry A releases two singles from upcoming EP “OK Wait” boasting a dark sound and heavy political inspiration. Gen Xers (like me and Nicole) love to hear modern music reminiscent of one of the best decades for music: the 90s . It was a turning point in music history, seeing the emergence of new genres like industrial, grunge, emo, and alternative rock that were eventually overshadowed by technology. Enter Perry A, a southern-based, two-man band working to combine the best of the best of the 90s in their upcoming EP “OK Wait”. Perry A is an indie-rock duo out of New Orleans, Louisiana, who brings to mind bands like Cracker and The Screaming Trees, except their music is of a darker sound and is heavily politically inspired. Perry A is comprised of “two neighbors in a home studio" making music, and they are C.G. Smith (acoustic guitar, drum programming, bass, synth, and vocals) and J. Pitre (lead guitar, harmonica, and creepy vocals). It’s been a busy year writing, recording, and releasing for Perry A, who have been working on their forthcoming EP “OK Wait”. May 2023 saw the release of their first single, “ Opinion ”, and the guys recently released their second single, "Fiction". “Opinion” is a mellow alt-rock tune with explosive choruses and just the right amount of fuzz, also featuring a lot of political opinion. “Fiction” is darker in tone and stands out due to its bad-ass harmonica playing paired with Pitre’s creepy vocals. Their third single, “Sorrowful Days”, releases at the end of this year. Mixed Alternative had a chance to rap with Perry A about their inception, what influences their sound, and what kind of mirages appear on their horizon. Check out our conversation below--these guys are super fun! MaM : Guys, thanks for talking with us today; it’s nice to have you. Would you tell us a little about the inspiration behind Perry A and how the name developed. CGS : Well, when my wife and I moved back Uptown from the Irish Channel in February 2022, we moved to a place on Perrier St. Shortly after moving in and getting my humble Hearwaxx Studio set up there, I met my neighbor, JP, and we hit it off over both being songwriters. JP & CG (credit: Chad Besse) The name is part genius and part lazy. I’d heard people pronounce the street we live on like ‘carrier’ (and also like the sparkling water), so I said we should call our little project Perry A. (laughter) We’ve also kicked around the idea of a mysterious figure who seems to be involved in the inner workings of politics being called Perry A, but right now it’s just a play on the street we live on. There’s actually a song with the title ‘Perry A’ that is going to be amazing when we get it done, but that will probably be on the second release. I originally envisioned [it] as something like the ‘Dessert Sessions’ albums, where Queens of the Stone Age leader Josh Homme had a rotating cast of musicians and friends come make music, but baby steps! JP : [Our band name] is simple, not profound as far as I know. Band names are fun though. There are bands like Oasis and Hootie and the Blowfish. Where did those names come from? Who is Hootie? If you know, please tell me! MaM : Perry A just saw its second release with “Fiction" from your forthcoming EP “OK Wait”. Give us some insight on both. CGS : The first [release] from ‘OK Wait’ was a song called ‘Opinion’ that we released back in May of 2023. [It] was music that JP wrote, and I put lyrics and vocals to. [It holds a lot of our political opinion]. ‘Fiction’ is a song I had been working on for a while and it finally culminated once Perry A was born. It has lyrical themes of the separation of Americans since MAGA, as well as the use of religion to drive wedges instead of bringing people together. JP’s solos are madness and I love it. He also did the harmonica and most of the creepy voices in the track. Click image to listen to "Fiction" by Perry A. ‘OK Wait’ was originally an inside joke. JP says it all the time when we are working on playing/arranging a new song, but it also seems like a fitting phrase for political change in this country to me. There will be a track on the album with that title as well. MaM : When do you plan to release “OK Wait”? CGS : Good question. … It’s really tough to get much done with the limited time we both have, but I’m learning more and more about being a producer. I record, mix, and master everything myself and it can be slow-going, [but] we HOPE to have the Perry A ‘OK Wait’ EP out in early 2024. MaM : Talk a little about doing everything yourself. How has having your own studio to do all this in changed your process as a recording musician? CGS : Well, it’s nice to have everything in my house, but again, JP and I both have a 9-to-5 and family, so just because the studio is right there doesn’t mean we are working on music 24/7. … I honestly had given up making music for a long time—well over a decade—but during the [lockdown] in the height of the pandemic in 2020, I dusted off my acoustic and wrote songs. Then I decided to record an album. credit: Chad Besse I ended up getting some affordable mics, a budget interface, and software and watched a lot of YouTube videos to teach myself how to produce. I’m still learning every time I sit down at my workstation. I’m sure there are glaring errors that pros can pick apart in my productions still, but I’m getting better! Overall, it is nice to have the space set up in my home, and JP right next door, but there is never enough time in a day, or week, or year when you have other responsibilities. (laughter) MaM : What are y’all’s instruments, and what are your favorites to play? CGS : I play guitar, sing, and dabble in keyboards and synths. I’m learning bass, and I am getting better at programming drums since we don’t have a real drummer. Oh, I also have an old, used Boomba (look it up) that was my wife’s grandmother’s. … That was fun to play around with. My favorite will probably always be acoustic guitar just because that’s what I’ve known for so long. JP : I play mostly guitar and bass. I do keys and vocals. I like to do falsetto and baritone on recordings. I like to add layers of vocals and guitar parts and keys and make harmonies and blend everything together to create a soundscape. I would say I don’t have a favorite instrument. My favorite thing is to create and just keep creating. It’s all about patterns and unpredictable ideas. I don’t always adhere to the typical song structure you hear in most music. credit: Chad Besse MaM : What inspires you guys musically? CGS : (in a Jack Black voice) The search for inspirado! (laughter) I’m inspired by many things. Life is full of inspiration if you just take the time to see it. I’d say for Perry A, the inspiration has definitely come from watching the GOP and MAGA traitors attempting to destroy the progress America has made over the years. My wife, my friends, and my family all inspire me to be a better person every day. JP : What inspires me musically? Well, usually it’s the pain of life. Some of the songs I’ve written come from tragic experiences. Music is something I don’t always care about, to be honest. I sometimes feel like my motive is to use music to heal pain. Being human isn’t easy for anyone. I don’t care who you are or what your social media looks like, we all wear masks, and everyone is a little crazy. Some people are just not interested in exploring the darker aspects of human nature. I think it’s important to make art and be authentic. MaM : Any live performances on the horizon? CGS : Ha! JP keeps saying we need to do more practicing and get an acoustic three-song set so we can go do open mics, but I’ve always been much more comfortable in a studio setting than live on a stage. … Right now, it is just a home-studio-production type of outlet for us. JP : We may never play live and that’s ok. I think we are like those old guys who are trapped in a different era. I love the 90s. Music today is all the same to me. Lady Gaga, Adele, Ed Sheeran, and Billy eyelids. If we play live, I pray we don’t f*ck up. I know CG will be mortified, and I will be mortified about him feeling those powerful emotions. I don’t really know how much people care about music these days. It’s 2023. What do people want? They wanna stare at the phone and watch YouTube or porn. Why would they care about Perry A? I wouldn’t mind playing live, but I enjoy just the process of creating music. Music is the way we decorate time. See, that’s deep. But how could anyone ever appreciate the music if they’re too busy watching Nikki Minaj twerk and say stuff about her WAP? credit: Chad Besse MaM : Last question: What are you guys watching at the moment? CGS : I’m currently obsessed with Kane Pixels’ Backrooms . They are a collection of fictional YouTube short videos that delve into anomalies brought on by a corporation’s scientific experiment gone wrong. This kid was 16 when he wrote and produced these amazing videos, and he is now making a movie with A24 based on them. Besides that, my wife and I are currently enjoying watching new seasons of Apple TV’s The Morning Show , Netflix’s Sex Education , and our guilty pleasure CBS’ (formerly MTV’s) The Challenge , although more and more of our long-time favorite competitors are retiring and these new challengers just aren’t the same. (chuckles) JP : I like Black Mirror . I’ve watched a lot of episodes. I really enjoy the tension and nightmare scenarios the characters wind up in. Have you ever gone to Canal Place? You know that parking garage? It has an exit that winds over and over like you’re going in circles. I imagine that happening forever and that’s what hell is probably like. Or maybe hearing Tiny Tim sing the same song over and over forever. Black Mirror is sort of like that kind terror—the terror you can’t escape from. I also like that show 90-Day Fiancé . That is disturbing and suspenseful as well. And there you have it, folks. Just two guys in a home studio making music, doing the best they can with “limited knowledge of production techniques,” hoping “people like the songs, even with their technical shortcomings.” Check out Perry A’s singles, “Opinion” and “Fiction”, at any of their links below, and be sure to catch their newest single, “Sorrowful Days”, when it drops at the end of the month! For all things Perry A: Perry A Online Perry A | Instagram Perry A | Bandcamp Perry A | Spotify Perry A | Apple Music Perry A | Soundcloud *cover photo credit: Chad Besse cmdbphotography.myportfolio.com chad besse 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

Mellow & Smooth < Back Easy, Breezy Sounds: The Music of Tommy Thibodaux Nicole Brice Apr 18, 2023 Share Mellow & Smooth We all love listening to live music, whether it be at a huge venue with a local band or at a restaurant while enjoying a few drinks and food, and this is where this next local musician fits in. A self-taught musician based out of Walker, La., Tommy Thibodaux has been playing guitar longer than I have been alive. He is a man who enjoys playing for those who appreciate it, and his takes on classic songs by George Benson, The Temptations, and Neil Diamond are refreshing. He adds his own unique twist when performing these tunes and others. With over 800+ songs in his knowledge base for performance, Tommy’s outgoing personality and wardrobe, paired with his even brighter guitars, make him stand out from the others. Thibodaux plays music five nights a week—sometimes even more, and he can sing for over three hours without his voice ever cracking. Mellow, cool, and calm is the best way to describe him. With his laid-back vibe, his music puts you in a calm space, and one could even say he might just be Jimmy Buffet’s long-lost twin. At the end of the day, though, Tommy is just a genuinely nice guy who loves what he does and who loves music. After you read this interview, be sure to check out his Facebook page for any upcoming dates of performances. credit: Gary Governale MaM : Thank you for taking time to speak with me today. I appreciate it. I’ve been checking out your videos on Facebook to get a better feel for your music and want to tell your story. Give us a brief background on your music career. What got you into playing music? TT : I started out in school playing drums and then I was exposed to guitar through a friend who had an electric guitar. When I saw him play it (laughs), from then on, I was hooked and I had to have one. MaM : Do you remember the type of guitar your friend had? TT : No, sure don’t. It was some type of cheap Japanese guitar. MaM : Who or what do you cite as your influences musically? TT : Eric Clapton, of course. Jimmy Page, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Steve Lukather, and Neal Schon. MaM : Great picks! I saw on your videos this bright orange guitar that you play. Is that a Strat? TT : No, that is actually a Charvel. MaM : Really? Wow. From the angles you had posted in the videos, it looks like a Strat. It’s a pretty guitar. TT : Well, the funny thing about it is that it is made by Fender, but Charvel acquired Fender many years ago. Fender has many guitars that look like others. credit: Gary Governale MaM : When you’re playing your sets, it’s just you, correct? Have you ever thought about putting together a band? TT : No, I do this for a living, and so I don’t want to form a band. If I had a band, I wouldn’t make as much money, so I like to just keep it solo since it’s a full-time gig for me. MaM : What influenced your decision to perform full time? Were you just like, “This is what I love to do and so I’m going to just go for it?” TT : Pretty much. You find out what you’re good at and you stick with it. Plain and simple. MaM : Do you try to emulate a specific sound with your guitar tone when playing? TT : Sort of. I’ve got a pedal board or guitar modeling processor that has a lot of amps and effects to it. I like to stick with the basics, though, with Fender amps and Marshall and Mesa Boogie. I like the Fender Amps for old school rock or blues … for my clean sound. I use the Mesa Boogie on songs by Carlos Santana or something that needs that heavy high-gain distortion, and then the Marshall is just for playing any kind of rock songs that require that chunky, British sound. MaM : As far as gigs, do you have a certain area you like to stick to or do you like branching out to as many areas as possible? TT : I like to stick to about a 90-minute drive. I live in Walker, so that can put me in Bay St. Louis, Miss., or Lafayette or Thibodeaux, La. I even play in McComb, Miss. I do play places in between, but I don’t want to go past 90 minutes. MaM : I can understand that. The older I get, the less I want to drive. TT : I used to sell cars and I just got tired of that environment. Happy to be making music and doing what I love. credit: Gary Governale MaM : So, do you only play covers when performing or do you have some originals you perform? TT : … [For] the songs I perform, I like to put my own little spin on them. I use virtual instruments on the computer for my tracks, and it takes me about 20 minutes or so for one song, but you really [have to] know what you’re doing with the software to be able to get it right and finish it up in a short span of time. MaM : What else would you like our readers to know about you? TT : I’ve been playing music for over 40 years. Before I started performing solo, I used to have an act with my daughter. Same kind of act but just with her singing. That was fun, but when I decided to go solo, the first thing in my mind was, ‘Can I sing a three- or four-hour gig by myself?’ It was almost like I needed someone with me as a crutch. When I finally embarked on the solo stuff, I realized I can sing for that long, and I can sing for possibly six or eight hours if I really want to. With that kind of confidence, people have asked whether I warm up when I sing or drink anything special. I tell them, ‘No, I drink ice water, soda, or an iced tea.’ The only thing that affects my voice is coffee. It messes with the muscles in my vocal cords because of the heat. MaM : See, hot coffee puts me to sleep. Cold coffee keeps me awake, though. So strange. TT : Right, but it’s been a long journey. When you look at it from different angles, it’s not really acoustic. I don’t know what to call it, really. It’s just an electric solo gig. I’ve had people ask me to swap my electric for an acoustic, which I don’t want to do. When I was coming up in the 80s, there weren’t really that many of us doing solo electric gigs. I did a solo gig with my first wife, which we had just come out of a band that had broken up, and then we just decided to perform as a duo. Now, it seems like more people are doing what I do, but it’s a lot of fun. credit: Gary Governale MaM : What are your favorite songs to perform live? TT : I like playing sing-along songs like ‘Country Roads’ or ‘Sweet Caroline’ or even ‘My Girl’ … songs [people] know the words to. I play over 800 songs, though, so it’s difficult for me to pick a favorite. When I start my set, I like to open it up with ‘Reason’ by George Benson, which is a jazzy instrumental. It lets me get a good feel for the room. I like to make sure I’m not too loud or too soft—just balanced. After that, I start going into my set. MaM : What are the three things about playing music you feel are important when reeling in the crowd? TT : Well, people must like the way you sing, the guitar playing, and the song choices. If you have that nailed down, then you pretty much have it. Those things matter whether the audience is going to applaud, dance, or tip you after. The thing about it is that when I’m on stage, I get a chance to capture the audience. I don’t want to be the guy in the background that no one is paying attention to. If that becomes the case, then I just need to hang it up. - To check out Tommy’s music or to book him for a gig, be sure to check out his Facebook page below. Tommy Thibodaux | 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 . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

One Super-Cool Writer in Love with the Land < Back Jonathon Engels Keeley Brooks Jan 11, 2023 Share One Super-Cool Writer in Love with the Land Sometimes, there’s a man, and sometimes, well, there’s a man who holds such deep mystery in his eyes, you just have to dig in and get to know him. That’s the case with creative, travel, and permaculture writer Jonathon Engels. Having graduated with Jonathan back in the Nineties, I thought I knew where he was headed in his life, which, having briefly known him like I did, I was certain was towards something technical, even though I was aware he had creative interests and abilities. But, he proved me (and I’m sure plenty of others) wrong by moving on to secure a Master of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing from the University of Memphis, then on to embark on a hefty career abroad traveling, teaching English as a foreign language, and writing about it all. Engels is from a suburb outside of Baton Rouge, La. He started out writing poetry at an early age, then developed an interest in writing fiction and playing music in his late teens in the Nineties. By his late 20s, he was tinkering with nonfiction in the form of travel writing and by 2014, he was focused on permaculture and on sharing his wealth of knowledge and worldly experience from a personal perspective. In speaking about his year teaching abroad, he said, “That adventure led me to write about the world I was discovering. I started getting published as a travel writer first (in 2011), became a staff writer for One Green Planet and Permaculture News (in 2013), and expanded from there.” Today, Jonathon is back living in the States and has been busy with his wife, Emma, building their homestead, which is made predominantly out of recycled materials in a wholesome effort to become one with the land. He stays busy writing non-fiction articles and essays that are so insightful, educational, humble, and direct, it’s as though you’re right there with him experiencing what he’s talking about or he’s with you as you’re reading. His words are a gentle guide through certain necessary human processes, of which we should all be more aware. Engles hooks you with his writing, drops you right in the middle of what he’s talking about, and presents you with something more than just a story to read; he presents you with an undeniably human truth worthy of consideration. He guides readers through the depths of each journey to ensure you stay on track and, most importantly, have an enjoyable ride. His candid use of humor reminds you not to take yourself or what you’re doing so seriously that you miss the beauty of life unfolding right before your eyes. Jonathon kindly took some precious time away from his land and work to chat with me about how he fell into this path, where he has been, what he has written, and what he’s up to today. I highly recommend checking out his work, especially if you are interested in or are considering traveling abroad, learning how to live as one with this great land, and writing about it. MaM : How did you foster your creative talents? JE : I wrote poetry here and there when I was a young teen, but when I started going to college (Louisiana State University), it just exploded. I wrote constantly, mostly out of a need to do it rather than a fine-tuning of a craft. I experimented a lot in the form. [I] still do when I occasionally attempt writing poems. Prose became my main concentration in graduate school (U of Memphis) when my sensibilities didn’t quite mesh with the poetry crowd there. I concentrated on fiction, again playing with form a lot, exploring different ways to piece a story together. Engels is also a musician—a guitarist, to be exact, which no doubt fosters his creative abilities and has been a source of release and entertainment over the years. JE : I’ve played music a lot on porches with friends. Mostly, I play guitar and sing. I played regularly at a bar/coffee shop when I was at LSU. I [also] worked at a guesthouse off and on for years in Guatemala and played a lot while there, often entertaining guests and occasionally plugging in for shows on weekends. I’ve never really tried to do it professionally or even develop my skills to that level. I like to play and sing and have a laugh with it. I also have ukulele, which I mostly play when someone else is playing guitar and singing in order to add a different sound to the mix. I have a picked a banjo from time to time, but I don’t [own] one. MaM : Do your write your own songs? JE : I’ve done it but didn’t feel that I was particularly good at it. So, mostly I just play music from artists that I like: Tom Waits, Bonnie Prince Billy, Bob Dylan, Devil Makes Three, The Band, etc. MaM : Are you playing anywhere? JE : Just at home and with friends. Some friends have encouraged me to do an open-mic night in town, but I’ve not as of yet. MaM : Take us through your time abroad and how life began to unfold for you as a writer. JE : Travel writing began when I lived in Korea (2005-2008), working as an EFL teacher. From there, I traveled and worked abroad for another 10 years. It seemed natural to write about my adventures, and it gave me the plot I always struggled to find when writing fiction. Though it started as a creative pursuit, my travel writing is now sometimes practical (for which I get paid) and sometimes creative (for which I get to say I’m literary and receive no money). The travel stuff morphed into more non-fiction avenues when I found opportunities to write for One Green Planet, a vegan/environmental website, and Permaculture News, a permaculture site. I’ve also written text for permaculture courses. These two outlets, as well as Green Global Travel, Transitions Abroad, and Blue Ridge Mountains Travel Guide, are how I’ve made a modest amount of money writing. Even so, I have continued to seek out avenues to be creative. I did some of that on Permaculture News, and I’m on the masthead of Panorama, a literary travel journal. I write a minimum of 12-15 articles/stories a month and have done so for about 10 years now. Permaculture became a daily part of life during a work-trade trip from Guatemala to, though we never reached it, Patagonia. My wife Emma and I spent about four years traveling around Latin America and Spain trading labor and knowledge for room and board. We also did quite a lot of volunteer work. Now, I live on a permaculture homestead, which means I practice it every day. We built our off-grid home ourselves, maintain a big garden and orchard, and both write about permaculture topics for One Green Planet. We also grow organic vegetable and flower gardens for a living, as well as volunteer doing it at a community music school in our nearest town: Elkin, N.C. MaM : That’s cool, man—both of you doing what you love together, then writing about it for others to absorb. Take us through your journey that led to a writing degree, multiple publishings, and a life rich in travel and culture. JE : I started LSU as a chemical engineering major because I’d been a good math student in high school, and my father was an engineer at Exxon. By the second semester, I was skipping Physics and Chemistry classes to go bowling, and Calculus had bowled me over. I wrote poetry all the time on my own time, so I started taking more writing and English classes. I switched my degree to English and that was that. [From there] I went to graduate school in Memphis. I moved there, got a job waiting tables, and applied to the University of Memphis the next year. Luckily, they took me. After I got an MFA in Creative Writing, I decided to teach for a year abroad. That turned into over a decade abroad. That adventure led me to write about the world I was discovering. MaM : Any creative writings currently in the works? JE : Panorama: The Journal of Travel, Place, and Nature published a piece at the end of November [last year]. I wrote it in September-October while I was in England. It’s about an experience in Guatemala. The journal, which I’ve written a few things for, went on hiatus for a couple of years, and this is the relaunch issue. [Click the image below to read Jonathon's story.] Otherwise, I still write (practical stuff) for One Green Planet every week, as well as a website called Blue Ridge Mountains Travel Guide. Neither of these are creative work, but they keep me busy and leave little space for other writing. MaM : Tell us about some of the creative works you’ve written and where they are published. JE : Panorama: The Journal of Travel, Place, and Nature: - There’s No Place – about finding a home after living out of a backpack for about 12 years. Published by Panorama. - From Texas to Turkey and Back Once More – about my father coming to visit me in Istanbul while I was teaching there. Won 2nd place in Expatriate Writing Contest on Transitions Abroad. - Living the Homesteader Dream: Everything Works Out, and Works, Kind of” – about the woes of off-grid living. Published on Permaculture News. I was a featured author in a print journal called Poiesis Review . The issue (#7) has five of my stories, including “5 Miscues in Packing: Hard-Earned, Largely Ignored Advice from a Vagabond,” “The Bibimbap Man,” “The Other Side of Texas,” “10½ Lessons in Misadventure Travel,” and “On Motorcycles with Milkshakes.” I’d actually submitted these to a different publication, “Go Read Your Lunch,” and through some connection, the stories got passed over to Poiesis. The editor contacted me wanting to do the featured author thing. Dumb luck. “Go Read Your Lunch” did publish one piece: Another Cup of Tea: A Personal Survival Guide to England . It’s about my first trip to England with my British wife Emma, and that involved a lot of having to pee because of the overabundance of tea and being unable to find a public restroom anywhere in the country. MaM : Let’s talk about permaculture. Dish about it and your specific approach and why. JE : Permaculture is a way of designing human habitats and habits, from personal spaces to communities, so that we work in harmony with nature, each benefiting the other. Most people, including me, come to it via gardening, but it is much more involved than that. It includes how we build homes to fit our surroundings, how we collect and distribute water, get/use power, interact with others, and more. To truly practice permaculture is life-altering, much more than putting in a raised bed garden, with which it is often confused. My approach to permaculture has been to use what’s around as opposed to buying in new materials. For example, we dismantled a shed and [some] two-hundred-year-old, dilapidated homes to get the lumber to build our house. We built our fencing from limbs and such that I scavenged from work when we had to clean up trees. The gardens are made from pond bottom that was excavated when digging our pond, and we have used leaves, hay, stones, wood, and so on that we’ve collected from various sources that had deemed them refuse. This has also been the case with many of the plants, particularly flowers, growing on the property. There is something rewarding and pure about doing it this way. It takes longer, but I feel it stays true to making a minimum, or even positive, impact on our immediate environment. Plus, the improvisational nature of using what’s there keeps the design process creative and innovative. To some, this approach has seemed extreme at times, but there are many out there doing a much more thorough job of it. We did buy some new stuff, mostly because we had to in order to pass our building inspection. MaM : What drew you to permaculture? JE : I was volunteering on a farm/eco-hotel in Nicaragua. The owner turned me on to it. From there, I read some books, visited a few more farms, and started seeking it out. Within the year, I’d read a bunch of texts, was developing a property in Panama, and actually began writing articles for Permaculture News about what we were doing. MaM : What has been and is your current relationship with the land? JE : We are in love with each other. For more on Jonathon and his travel and permaculture adventures, you can find him at Panorama , One Green Planet , and Blue Ridge Mountains Travel Guide . *images provided by Jonathon Engels www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Best Heard Loud < Back Punk Rock with Ferocity: DeadCentered and USER UNAUTHORIZED Nicole Brice Jan 26, 2023 Share Best Heard Loud When one thinks of punk music, the stereotypical image of spikey hair, leather jackets, and studded bracelets and belts comes to mind, but punk music can take on many forms and a uniform is NOT required. Punk Rock is order. Everything else is just chaos. Straight out of Baton Rouge, La., DeadCentered is an aggressive hardcore punk band with a little rock and roll and some thrash thrown in. Although their sound can seem a little unhinged at times, their vibe is truly unique and different. Each member of the band gives their all during a performance, and you can see the love for the music and the craft shine through each time, especially with the banter in between songs. Like a well-oiled machine, the band is comprised of Joshua Michael Selser on guitar / vocals, Justin Tatman on bass, and Mike Poole on drums. With the classic three-piece band, these guys have solidified their sound. With many line-up changes over the years, their current offering is one to take notice of because the sound is so tight. With three EP’s under their belt, their latest one released in 2021 is titled “Strongholds, Sheep, and Scapegoats", and the band continues to forge ahead with writing and recording new material for future releases. Selser first picked up the guitar at 13 years old and shortly after, he taught himself bass, too. Multi-talented and multi-faceted, he lends his talent to other bands besides DeadCentered like T. Mason & the Bricklayers. Drawing inspiration from a family of musicians, and from some of his favorites such as Tom Waits, Dave Mustaine, Minor Threat, and Black Sabbath, Joshua’s talent radiates with charisma. Maintaining a busy schedule of playing music and overseeing many other projects not related to music, Josh’s passion for life and art shows in all he does. credit: Gary Governale Mike Poole is a busy man playing drums in three bands locally, but that doesn’t stop him from loving every minute of it. Citing Phil Collins as his main inspiration to play, Mike’s skills are top notch and his ferocity on the kit sets him apart from many others. credit: Gary Governale Justin Tatman is no stranger to the local music scene either, with many years of experience under his belt from playing in bands like Left with Everyday, Ghosts in Low Lights, and Minus One. In September 2022, Justin joined DeadCentered and has been jamming with them ever since. Justin’s main drive to playing music is, “being able to communicate emotionally through sound. Through sound, I’m able to express myself by being REALLY loud and grabbing the listener’s attention.” He goes on to say, “the most amazing thing to me about music is you don’t even need words to communicate feelings. You can just let the music take you there.” Although not a technical player, Justin always puts his entire heart into his playing and looks forward to the future with DeadCentered. L to R: Mike Poole, Justin Tatman, and Joshua Michael Selser Recently, the band teamed up with USER UNAUTHORIZED from Austin, Texas to play a show in the parking lot of Safe Voyage Tattoo in Denham Springs, LA. It was the perfect setting to hang out and listen to some good music, plus nothing is more punk rock than playing a show in a non-traditional setting and venue. The thing that first struck me as unique with USER UNAUTHORIZED was the female bass player. To be honest, any band that has a female on bass has my seal of approval right away. She was tiny, but her playing was fierce. I later found out that she not only plays bass, but guitar, too. Their set opened with a punch right to the gut and had me hooked instantly. The aggressive guitar and drums with Sage’s vocals set the tone for a raw in-your-face sound. Formed in 2019, USER UNAUTHORIZED plays hardcore punk, and they play it loud. With an impressive discography under their belt thus far, you must check out their music. USER UNAUTHORIZED is Sage (vocals/bass), Johnny Cash (guitar), Rooster (drums), and Isabella (bass/guitar). https://video.wixstatic.com/video/999a0f_7768df82a18b4405a9b4eb16bb6e9f45/1080p/mp4/file.mp4 DeadCentered played last and opened with “To Live” and then pounded through a savage set ending with “Joyless Life of Discontent.” These guys truly love what they do, and it shows. Joshua’s playing is always on point, and his musicianship is top notch. Check out this video from the show: https://video.wixstatic.com/video/999a0f_ada7f297544b47a19ba7fa3ba9507dbf/1080p/mp4/file.mp4 Be sure to check out the social media for both DeadCentered and USER UNAUTHORIZED and stream their music. You won’t regret it. Links are below. USER UNAUTHORIZED: 𝐔𝐒𝐄𝐑 𝐔𝐍𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐙𝐄𝐃 (@userunauthorized) • Instagram photos and videos Music | User Unauthorized (bandcamp.com) 𝐔𝐒𝐄𝐑.𝐔𝐍𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐙𝐄𝐃 | Austin TX | Facebook USER UNAUTHORIZED (@UUnauthorized) / Twitter ‎User Unauthorized on Apple Music Spotify – User Unauthorized DeadCentered: DeadCentered | Facebook DeadCentered Official (@deadcentered_official) • Instagram photos and videos Strongholds, Sheep and Scapegoats | DeadCentered (bandcamp.com) Stream DeadCentered music | Listen to songs, albums, playlists for free on SoundCloud ‎DeadCentered on Apple Music DeadCentered (@dead_centered) / Twitter www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

HolleeStar's music is an organic fusion of sounds. < Back HolleeStar Shines Bright: Louisiana’s Alternative Scene Gets a New Sound Nicole Brice Apr 21, 2025 Share HolleeStar's music is an organic fusion of sounds. Louisiana is known for its vibrant metal scene, but among all the heavy sounds lies a musical group poised for greatness, thanks to the unwavering heart and dedication of its members. Enter HolleeStar . HolleeStar is the brainchild of Jakob Bollich and Brennan Sanders , two musicians from areas just outside Lafayette, Louisiana . Both have a natural talent for creating the unique textures, sounds, and rhythms that define a HolleeStar song . Credit: Gary Governale So, what exactly characterizes a typical HolleeStar song ? The truth is, there is no formula. No two songs sound alike, and no two concepts are the same. The music is an organic fusion of sounds that emerges from the creativity of Brennan and Jakob. As best friends and collaborators, they have recorded a diverse catalog that will capture your interest and lead you down a musical “rabbit hole.” HolleeStar is making music on their own terms, choosing not to follow the crowd. Their sound showcases an alternative style that incorporates elements of synth rock , industrial , and a hint of nu metal . While some listeners might compare the band's style to that of the legendary Linkin Park , such a comparison barely scratches the surface . It’s challenging to categorize a sound that draws from so many diverse influences, ultimately defying easy definition. We’ll leave it up to you to decide for yourself. Since the early 2010s , HolleeStar has consistently released singles, completing one project and then promptly moving on to the next without pause. Mixed Alternative Magazine recently had the opportunity to chat with the members of HolleeStar to learn more about who they are as musicians and friends. Read on to discover more about this duo from Louisiana with one of the state’s most unique sounds. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : Tell us a little more about where you’re from. I know you’re based close to Lafayette. Jakob : I’m actually from Eunice . Brennan : I’m from Maurice , which is just outside of Lafayette . MaM : What city do you claim as your hometown? Brennan and Jakob : We can claim Eunice . MaM : Give us a little history of how you met. Brennan : Well, that’s a cool story. I was friends with a guy named Matt Rougeau , and he introduced me to Jakob and Tim D'Aville when Jakob and Tim were playing in a band together. Tim was our old bassist . I played in a little band for probably six months, and it was the first time I had played in a band. I was trashing drums. It wasn't perfect, but I got better from practice. Matt eventually said he knew a couple of guys in Eunice who were auditioning drummers, so I thought that was perfect. I went by and I was super nervous. We started vibing and playing, and it all ended up working out. We meshed well. That was also when Tim , who was playing lead guitar , decided we needed to be a 3-piece, and he decided to play bass . The rest is history, and we played music together for about six or seven years until Tim decided to start doing his own thing. Then, Jakob and I went through a few more members until we decided to do things ourselves. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : I like that dynamic, too, with it being just you two guys. So, I know you play the drums, Brennan, but take us through who does what musically. Jakob : I make a bunch of stuff at my house, to be honest. I’ll make a whole song from beginning to end and then send it to Brennan . I have an entire Dropbox full of songs, and we’ll talk about what needs to be done to improve each song. Maybe Brennan should sing on this verse—stuff like that. We produce everything together. Brennan : Jakob will go in and create the bones of a song. He’ll make a generic beat and then lay a guitar over it, maybe even a rough melody , and then once he gets the general idea going for the song, he shoots it over to me. We both have our studios at home, so when we link up, we start working in each other’s studios and practicing. We always have everything set up to record. It’s a constant creative process. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : So, you both collaborate on beats and vocals, but how are you getting the bass there? Jakob : I used to write in a normal way, I guess, on my guitar to come up with the lyrics and song, but now I sit at my computer, and I have a process of how to make a song. The bass is EDM ish bass, which is all made electronically. A virtual instrument. It fills in what we need. I feel that our sound wouldn’t work with a traditional bassist. Brennan : For those at home who like to listen to music, and not produce it, you’ll hear a lot of modulated bass in our songs, similar to dubstep or techno . A real bassist can’t give us that sound all the time. We want the type of bass flowing in and out of guitar riffs, beats, etc. It lets us explore many new sounds and textures without a regular bassist. MaM : How did the name for the band come about? Jakob : I have no idea. (laughter) MaM : Was it just a series of words thrown out? Jakob : The band came together just out of high school, so I can’t quite remember. (laughter) Credit: Elise Hanks MaM : Well, kudos to the name because when you search for your music , you are the only band that pops up with that name, and it’s easy to find you guys. So, let’s touch upon your discography. From 2014 to now, you are at a completely different place musically, but your debut has some standout tracks I could see you guys reenvisioning or rerecording. Have you ever thought about that? Brennan : Oh no … (laughter) MaM : Am I wrong for that? Jakob and Brennan : Not entirely. You’re kind of psychic for that. MaM : Well, let me tell you what I wrote down. ‘ Don’t Bring Me Down ’ – that song is catchy as hell with a great chorus, and then when the chorus fades into the guitar break, you’ve got that great breakdown at the end. I could see this rerecorded and released as a single. How would you explain your evolution in sound? Brennan : Well, the cool thing is that you can see that evolution with our YouTube channel. Between the Demons EP in 2014 and our latest material , the songs that are coming out are so different. We have three albums' worth of material on our YouTube channel , though, and you can see the progression and evolution of sound through those releases. We go from being a raw rock band to a raw, almost post-grunge band that then progresses into an electronic sound you can’t define. No one around here is doing that. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : I wrote down that you have an interesting dichotomy of sounds. Brennan : Thank you for that. MaM : I also noticed that some of the sounds you create have an industrial, almost metallic vibe. Have you guys ever listened to Throbbing Gristle ? They’re pioneers of industrial, but their sounds are intriguing and draw you in, and I feel the same about your music. It draws you in. Take us through the creation of the song, ‘ Throwing Stones .’ Jakob : That was one of those songs that just happened one afternoon. I started writing a progression with the synth, then sang over it and freestyled. The piano right at the beginning, and me singing lightly, that’s where it all started. It all came together quickly. Brennan : He had sent me a chorus because it came together instantaneously, and the song was almost done, except for the verses. It reminded me of a Linkin Park vibe, and I started writing rap lyrics because I felt this Mike Shinoda type of energy with it, and it all fit perfectly. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : What’s next for the rest of this year as a band? Brennan : We’re working on many t-shirt designs to hit the website. We’ve got a ton of shows booked, too, but we want to push out the whole album this year. We’ve got another four or five songs we have to finish. We’re working on completing one of my favorite songs. Jakob : A lot of it has a more defined industrial sound. Credit: Elise Hanks MaM : Watch out. The next Atticus and Trent , the next Ministry —you guys could be it. Who has been your biggest musical influences? Jakob : Mike Shinoda from Linkin Park . He’s a musical genius. Korn also made me want to start playing music as a teenager because I felt connected to their music. I’ve always liked The Beatles , too. Brennan : Korn and Linkin Park – Korn took me out of some real dark places in middle and high school. Jonathan ’s lyrics were powerful and gave me the will to keep going. Trent Reznor , too. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : If you could open for any band in the future, dream band, who would you pick and why? Also, where do you see yourselves headed in the next five years? Jakob : Linkin Park and Korn . Smile Empty Soul , too. I love them. They come all the time around here, too. Would love to share the stage with them. Brennan : I can agree with that. This is literally all we do. If we’re not working our full-time jobs, we’re making music. If we’re recording a song, we’re thinking ahead about every single facet to drive the band forward: Merch, graphics, videos, the whole package. We just want to drive things forward and see where they go. As they carve out their place in the modern rock scene, HolleeStar shows that the heart of Louisiana beats loudly through every note they play, and we cannot wait to see what the future holds for them musically. To learn more about HolleeStar: Facebook Website: Holleestar - Electronic Rock from Eunice, Louisiana Instagram: Holleestar (@holleestar_official) • Instagram photos and videos YouTube: HolleeStar - YouTube *Photos by Elise Hanks and Gary Governale Photography by Elise Marie: Facebook Instagram: Photography by Elise Marie (@photosbyelisemarie) • Instagram photos and videos Governale Photo Video: 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 Instagram: Gary Governale (@govphotovideo) • Instagram photos and videos www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

T. Mason and the Bricklayers < Back Laying the Foundation: Brick by Brick Nicole Brice Dec 12, 2022 Share T. Mason and the Bricklayers My late teens and early twenties were filled with nothing but punk music. At 41 years old, getting to hang with punk bands while conducting interviews for Mixed Alt Mag , I feel I am getting a chance to rediscover my youth and it’s almost as if I’m listening to punk music for the first time. Travis Mason has been a fixture on the South Louisiana music scene ever since I can remember. I first was acquainted with his talent and stylings via a friend’s punk band, The Skullniks , when I was 19 years old. With the nickname, “Tiny”, this man is nothing short of even being remotely small and that includes his talent. Getting to hang with him and learn a bit more about what all he brings to the music scene was a hilarious experience and I, literally, look up to him now. No, seriously, he’s so tall that I must stretch my neck to look up at him. May I present T. Mason & the Bricklayers . Josh Selser, Andy Clancy, and Travis Mason of T. Mason and the Bricklayers (credit: Gary Governale) Taking their band name from a combo of his own name and that of his beloved canine friend, this group of guys are full of personality, so get ready! Bricklayers, mount up! The next big band on the scene. I can feel it. The time is long overdue for some new and fresh good old-fashioned pop punk music. The band is comprised of Travis Mason of Justin Bailey on drums and vocals, Josh Selser of DeadCentered on bass, and Andy Clancy , formerly of Starscream’s Revenge, on guitar. Using the three-piece band formula made famous by many others before them, these guys bring the noise both musically and personality wise. credit: Gary Governale When Travis is not focusing on T. Mason and the Bricklayers, he is heavily involved with Justin Bailey , Audrey Seymour , and iLiaka , all of which have different sounds and are of different genres making him a very well-rounded musician. He also runs his own studio out of the house called Volcano Studios , which I had the pleasure of seeing and this beast of a set-up was impressive. What does this man NOT do? Growing up in a strictly country music household where he began writing song lyrics when he was an adolescent and citing Tre Cool from Green Day as the reason for his want and need to play drums at 13 years old, Travis is one of the most ferocious drummers on the kit locally. Not to mention, his sense of humor will leave you in stitches. credit: Gary Governale NB : So, I’ve been checking out some of your stuff and you are so talented. Anyone that can play drums and sing at the same time, do you know how incredible that is? TM : Well, thank you so much. NB : No, dude, I’m just being serious. First, love the band. Love “Future Retro”. TM : Have you gotten a chance to listen to the three-song demo? “Future Retro” is the single, bay-bay. NB : Yes, love it, too. Not sure if you’ve gotten this comparison, but if Fat Mike from NOFX joined Face to Face, that’s T. Mason & the Bricklayers. TM : Oh, honey, that is high praise. Thank you so much. Face to Face is like my favorite vocalist. NB : Your music takes me back to those days of skateboarding and just listening to music and just hanging out and it’s that feel good punk rock sound that we need these days. TM : Because when you’re young, especially in those times it’s like every day was an adventure and anything could happen and you’re on the edge of eternity. You get together with your friends and every day is a new exploration into something amazing. You’re working at McDonald’s three days a week, not giving a damn. Yep, I can see that. NB : I see good things for your band, because I don’t know if you notice, but the type of punk you play is making a comeback. It’s like there is a nostalgia for it. They say time repeats and it’s coming back, dude. So, Demolition demo, you have it on Bandcamp, but are you doing physical CDs at the shows? TM : Right. Exactly. I’ve got a CD burner and I’m burning them myself and putting in the work, writing on them, the whole handmade feel to it. NB : Well, you know that’s the whole punk aesthetic, the DIY attitude. Just do it yourself. So, production. Did you do all the production and recording on this yourself, too? TM : Absolutely. Very proud to be able to work on a lot of that self-sufficiently. I have a lot on there that I recorded myself, but I also had some other people help me mix it and finalize it and all. I’m finally getting confident enough to put out stuff I did solely in house, which is an achievement. It might not be as good as some of the other stuff, but I take a lot of pride in the fact that I took it from conception to production and then a final product. NB : Knuckles, homie. TM : That’s right, knuckle up! The thing I’m most proud of is the band I’ve put together. We’ve got Josh Selser on bass, kind of like a secret weapon, but it ain’t no secret that guy gets right out front with it. Everybody tells me after they hear us play or hear a recording, “Man, your bass player”, and I’m like, “I know”. credit: Gary Governale NB : Josh is so talented as a musician, and I keep telling him that. TM : Yeah, I recognized his talent when I first met him probably when I was 15 years old. Before I was in the Skullniks, I was in another band. He was in a band called Bleeding Power with Michael Poole. He’s always played with Michael Poole. NB : They’re like a duo. TM : Yeah, they’re like a duo. Yeah. Mike inspires me because his bands have put stuff out. They’re out there recording. Audrey Seymour hasn’t recorded anything and iLiaka has a few things, but nothing comprehensive. [Justin] Bailey is kind of coming back from extinction. credit: Gary Governale NB : Now, let’s turn to current. As far as currently, are there any current bands on your playlist inspiring you? TM : Oh boy. Man. Yeah, sure. One of my favorite bands is a band called High and they’re from New Orleans and they’re comprised of all kinds of dudes from way back in the day that I know from New Orleans. I remember the first show we ever played. It was at Library Joe’s. Those guys played in two different bands and we just kind of put on a show and then we recognized each other from other bands and so they’re like us. Guys that have chosen this lifestyle and persevered to do cool shit. NB : Well, that’s the best lifestyle to have, to be quite honest. TM : Absolutely. NB : So, I want to ask you one more thing. Everyone wants to know future goals. What do you want to achieve going forward or what would you like people to know about you and your music? TM : Well, a lot of my material is quite personal and draws from my personal experiences I go through and a lot of it is very relatable because we all go through a lot of the same stuff. I like to make light of it. Light of some of these heavy issues to make them not so bad. A lot of it deals with loneliness or other things. I feel it puts a positive spin on these things, though. Through the process of the lyrics and making sense of it, by the end, you have something you can be proud of that brings you joy, and I think, man…if I hadn’t been through that trying circumstance, then I wouldn’t have this final product. I like to take a feeling and make something great out of it. I want people to connect with the lyrics and concepts and be inspired by it. I want to get deep, but not over people’s heads. I want them to be able to relate. On one level, you can listen to my music, and it hits you one way, but then in another way, people can listen and go, “Whoa, this dude’s kind of insightful here”. credit: Gary Governale To hear T. Mason and the Bricklayer’s newest release, head on over to their social media pages, Bandcamp, or YouTube. “The Demolition Demo” is out NOW ! Bandcamp: the demolition demo | T. Mason & The Bricklayers | T. Mason and the Bricklayers (bandcamp.com) Facebook: T. Mason & The Bricklayers | Facebook Instagram: T. Mason & The Bricklayers (@t.mason_and_thebricklayers) • Instagram photos and videos YouTube: brick vs. window - YouTube *All photos by Gary Governale* www.governalephotovideo.com Zenfolio | Home I have been working as a video professional since 1993, with a wide range of experience writing, producing, directing, shooting and editing. A strong interest in videography, specifically lighting and composition, led me to photography in 1998. Rapidly changing technology has blurred the line between video and photography, allowing me to work in both mediums.. Baton Rouge, LA, United States www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90's flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Reach out to the_nicolebrice@mixedaltmag.com Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

With heavy riffs and unfiltered emotion, Inner Anguish is carving out a distinct voice in the regional metal underground. < Back Inner Anguish Brings Raw Power and Southern Grit to Louisiana’s Metal Scene Nicole Brice May 7, 2025 Share With heavy riffs and unfiltered emotion, Inner Anguish is carving out a distinct voice in the regional metal underground. Emerging from the heart of Louisiana’s underground metal scene, Inner Anguish is a band that channels raw emotion and relentless intensity into every note. By blending crushing riffs with visceral lyrics, the group serves as a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of Southern metal— dark, unfiltered, and unapologetically honest. Credit: Justin Hammer Photography Since its formation, the band has undergone several changes and now boasts a solid lineup of musicians who were brought together for a specific purpose. Each member contributes their unique flair, resulting in a well-rounded listening experience highlighted by their impressive stage presence and larger-than-life personalities. Inner Anguish consists of Taylor Redwing on vocals, Smitty Lange on bass, Keith Alleman on guitar, Ben Finley on guitar, and Taylor Guidry on drums. The poetic lyrics are crafted by lead singer Taylor Redwing , who writes from the heart. Every word reflects his genuine feelings and carries deep meaning. Inner Anguish draws from a diverse array of influences, creating a sound that is both distinctive and recognizable , appealing to metal enthusiasts. With the help of their secret weapon, Ben Finley of Shed Sound Hole , each release is polished to perfection. As an organic collaboration among friends and music lovers, Inner Anguish ’s sound and dynamic defy categorization. Their unique approach enables them to adapt to whatever comes their way, ensuring a refreshing and authentic musical experience. Inner Anguish is not just making noise; they are making a statement. Read on to learn more. Credit: Elise Hanks MaM : Give us a little background history about how you came together as a band. Keith : I had a lot of the songs written and recorded already at my home studio. ‘ Sin and Bleed ’ and ‘ This Guilt ’ were two of them. We started playing with Ben Finley , and then we were looking for a singer. We had worked with Taylor previously, so we decided to bring him in. Ben was originally on bass , but then we decided to become a 5-piece, so we brought in Smitty , and that’s how it all came together. Credit: Elise Hanks MaM : Where did the name for the band come from? Smitty : We had about 10-12 names to consider, so we voted on them. Inner Anguish received the most votes. MaM : I think it’s a great name because it just rolls off the tongue. Taylor : Yeah, we were careful when we picked it because a lot of the names we liked were already taken, so that we couldn’t use them. Smitty : What’s cool, too, is that with Inner Anguish , if you listen to all of Taylor’s lyrics, it matches very well. Credit: Justin Hammer Photography MaM : How did you all decide on the type of music to play, and who influenced you musically growing up? Smitty : Keith wanted more of that Southern sludge sound, and once Taylor got in the band, his vocals helped to pick up the pace of the songs. The songs were originally much slower. It’s remarkable how each of us brought our own unique contribution to it, and it all just works, becoming our distinct sound. Now, whatever that sound is, I don’t know. It crosses so many boundaries. Credit: Elise Hanks MaM : I was just about to say that – I can’t define your sound. Smitty : Yeah, it’s got a little of everything. People have said how they like the rapping portion of ‘ This Guilt ’, which just happened. Taylor’s big on Mudvayne , so that’s where that comes in. Growing up, I was big into Type O Negative . MaM : I saw Type O Negative at the House of Blues in NOLA back in the early 2000s. It was insane. I still have the ticket stub. Smitty : I saw them on their last tour, and I had the opportunity to meet Peter Steele in 2010 . I also love all the Southern stuff, too, like Acid Bath . You can’t be in a band down here and not say Acid Bath . MaM : Acid Bath was huge for me in high school. Keith : I’m a big Misfits fan. I enjoy a wide range of melodic black metal and death metal . I like stoner rock , too, but pretty much anything. I hate classic rock . MaM : What? You hate classic rock? (laughter) Keith : Well, I like Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin , but that’s it. Credit: Elise Hanks MaM : Ok, we’ll let you slide with that. Taylor : My most significant influence on what I do with Inner Anguish is Chad Gray of Mudvayne . Garrett Russell of Silent Planet , too. I believe that anyone who appreciates the type of vocals I do also loves Lamb of God . MaM : What is it that drives you guys to make music? What is your primary motivation? Smitty : Fun – just having fun. It’s a release, and I understand why some of those bands go to cocaine. (laughter) MaM : I can agree. Keith : I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t playing music. My mother played guitar and piano and raised me to play. It’s just something I’ve always done. Taylor : Music has always been there for me. It’s my biggest love and growing up watching my favorite performers on stage live just really made me feel included. Metal has always been there for me and has always made me feel empowered. I want to do what I love, and I want to inspire others with my music. It’s a selfish thing for me, at the end of the day, because it’s a release. Keith : He’s thrown up after a performance before. MaM : Seriously? Keith : Oh yeah. Taylor : I feel like all the songs we play are emotional, and it’s therapeutic for me. MaM : Well, music is therapy because of frequency. Smitty : Yeah, I bring that brown note. (laughter) Credit: Elise Hanks MaM : I recently saw that you have your own beer, which will be available soon. Tell us a little more about that. Taylor : We’re playing May 17th in Gulfport, Mississippi, at the Metal and Beer Fest , and each band on the bill gets its own signature beer. Available May 17, 2025, at Metal and Beer Fest at Gulfport Dragway MaM : So, what is your signature beer? What is the taste? Taylor : It’s a honey brown ale, basically, and will only be available at the festival, I believe, so come out and try it! Click the picture for more information MaM : You guys are currently in the studio recording new material. How’s that going so far? Taylor : It’s going great. We’re about to wrap up the drum tracks, and then we'll lay down some vocals. However, we’re aiming for a late-September release. MaM : How do you guys approach writing new material? Is there a process? Keith : Whoever brings in a riff, we listen to it and then go from there. Smitty : It’s not like we go into the studio intending to do a stoner or black metal song. Whatever comes out works. We don’t just sit in one pocket. Credit: Elise Hanks MaM : What are you finding as a common theme with this new batch of songs? Do you have one? Taylor : A lot of this new album revolves around suicide , so I’m not sure how palatable that will be to some, but it seems to be a recurring theme throughout the record. It’s more around the ideation and the activist. MaM : Tell us a little bit more about the lyrics for ‘This Guilt’. How did those come about? Taylor : I was afraid this question would come. (laughter) Taylor : It’s a difficult question to answer. Usually, when I write lyrics, I’m not thinking about anything. I’ll listen to a track and then write out how it makes me feel. Sometimes it doesn’t make sense, but I’m just vibing with the music and letting it guide me. After a song is finished, I can sit there with the lyrics and read them, and then it all makes sense. To me, though, ‘ This Guilt ’ is about abuse - whether that be self-inflicted or from another. That’s what I get from that song and the lyrics I wrote. MaM : What would you guys like to accomplish this year? What would be the ultimate achievement to make this year perfect? Taylor : I would love to play a show with Eyehategod . I don’t even think we’d have trouble finding a third band because everybody wants to play a show with them. I hope we can make that happen in the future. As Inner Anguish continues to churn out new material and play shows, they stand poised to bring about a new era in metal – one that defies categorization. Be sure to check out their social media to catch them live soon. For more information about Inner Anguish: Facebook: Facebook Instagram: INNER ANGUISH (@inneranguish) • Instagram photos and videos Spotify: Inner Anguish | Spotify Apple Music: ‎Inner Anguish - Apple Music *Band photos by Justin Hammer Photography: www.justinhammerphotography.com Shop Art Art gallery is a collection of art that is currently available for purchase at Justin Hammer Photography. *Live Photos by Photography by Elise Marie Facebook www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Reach out to us at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Ripe with fuzz, psychedelia, and haunting rhythms < Back Of The Roses: Austin's Moody & Mysterious Indie Art Rock/Pop Band Nicole Brice May 1, 2023 Share Ripe with fuzz, psychedelia, and haunting rhythms Of The Roses is an Austin, Texas-based indie art rock/pop band led by singer-songwriters and multi-instrumentalists Serenity Autumn Hernandez Bogert and Josh Delarosa. The band also features Will Lord on bass and Alexander "Wilhelm Scream" on drums. These guys are making serious waves on the music scene in Austin and should be put on your list of bands to devote some listening time to. Prior to the band formation, Hernandez Bogert and Delarosa led other music projects that saw them in the studio with Austin superstar Jackie Venson and performing as an Official SXSW Showcasing Artist opening for Priests and D.C.-based label sister Polygon Records in 2019. Paths soon collided and Hernandez Bogert and Delarosa met in 2020 and began writing songs together, where they enlisted the help of Lord and Wilhelm Scream to record and perform live, thus rounding out their unique sound. The band released their debut EP "Mirror's Always Round" in 2022, which is a soundscape of textures and melody. Ripe with fuzz, psychedelia, and haunting rhythms, the band's engaging sound is defined by Hernandez Bogert's soaring vocals, Delarosa's intricate guitar playing, and the tight rhythm section of Lord and Wilhelm Scream. Vibrant and diverse, this band continues to evolve and grow with their mix of indie rock, art rock, and pop. credit: Greg Taylor/Taylored Eye My favorite tracks from the “Mirror’s Always Round” EP are “Falling Through” and “Friends”, but the entire album is solid. “Falling Through” is a powerful and emotional song about the feeling of being lost and alone. The song’s lyrics are raw and honest, and the vocals echo with shadow and beauty. The music has a driving beat and atmospheric guitars with the song building to a powerful climax, leaving the listener feeling both exhilarated and powerful. “Falling Through” is a song sure to resonate with anyone who has ever felt lost and alone, and I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for an intelligent listen. “Friends” is a catchy, danceable track with a dark, twisted edge. The song’s lyrics explore the themes of control and paranoia, and the music reflects this with its distorted guitars. The song starts with a slow, atmospheric intro that builds tension. The drums and guitars wade their way in, and the song picks up pace. The vocals are clear and powerful, and the lyrics are delivered with conviction. The song’s chorus is catchy and memorable, and the bridge is a nice change of pace. “Friends” ends with a powerful outro that leaves you wanting more. It’s a well-crafted and enjoyable song worthy of getting stuck in your head. The band also has made a video for “Friends” that is available to watch on YouTube. It is visually stunning and full of emotionally resonant exploration. You can check it out below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yB9l67sUhSo The other tracks are “Gone”, which has a cool and funky vibe; “I Hope You Love Me More”, which has a 60’s psychedelic tone to it; and “Fear”, which starts out with crunching guitars and leads to a pleasant cornucopia of sound. With Hernandez Bogert and Delarosa being the primary songwriters, the band's lyrics are often personal and introspective, but they also deal with broader themes of love, loss, and identity. Of The Roses is a band that is not afraid to be vulnerable, and their music reflects that. The band has been praised for their live shows, which are known for their energy and enthusiasm, and they are currently working on releasing their next single, which is expected in the summer of 2023. In addition to this, they also have recorded a Christmas song that is certain to pique your interest. More details about that are in the interview, though. Of The Roses is definitely a band to watch, and their music is sure to continue to resonate with fans of indie rock and art rock. They’ll impress you with their music, energy, and their infectious live shows. credit: Greg Taylor/Taylored Eye Because they are one of my new favorite bands, I just had to speak with them to learn more about what makes them tick, and I was able to connect with Serenity Autumn and Josh. Both are witty, intelligent, and just downright fun. I feel that within the next five years Of The Roses will become a household name, so be sure to check out their music, then go download their latest EP. credit: Greg Taylor/Taylored Eye MaM : Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today. I am so impressed with your music. I feel like the biggest fan girl, so I made several notes that I would like to share with you before we kick this off. Your sound is hypnotizing and catchy with an incredible guitar tone and I feel your vocals complement each other amazingly. Also, too, I totally dig your lyrics. Who is the primary songwriter in the band? JD : Whoever is singing on the track usually is the person that wrote the song. With “Falling Through”, we both kind of sing and we wrote that song together. Usually, the music comes together first and the lyrics second. We collaborate in that regard, but Serenity writes a good bit of the lyrics and if I write them, then I bring them right back to Serenity to see if they are grammatically correct and make sense. SA : Right. Well, I study journalism, and I’m an editor, too, so that’s why he brings it to me. MaM : What inspires your lyrics? Everyday life, or do you see something and think it would make a great inspiration for a song lyric? SA : Everyday life. It’s a lot of different things. Josh has some good stories in terms of the song “Fear”, actually. JD : For me, songs just come to me, and it’ll be like if I’m driving a long trip or if I’m falling asleep or if I’m in bed, I’ll just hear it in my head and will get up to record it. “Fear” came to me when I was taking a hot shower one day. I just had this melody in my head and I thought, “This sounds cool,” so it’s sort of like the music just comes to me. Along with the music, you kind of hear a few lyrics in there, but sometimes the lyrics don’t make sense. It’s just words that go along with that melody, so you must sit down and actually write. The funny thing is that when I write, I don’t intend it being autobiographical, but sometimes it just comes out that way. It just subtly happens. credit: Greg Taylor/Taylored Eye SA : Yeah, you’re tapping into something that you don’t realize you’re tapping into. MaM : They do say that life experiences make the best inspiration. JD : Absolutely. There is a lot going on in the world, of course, and I think it makes for inspiring music in terms of painting a picture with the music. I think it’s having a conversation, too. SA : Some of our songs are love and romance based. I also write from a politically conscious perspective, I guess, kind of like Talking Heads. I like interesting characters. The song “Friends” is like a character to me. I also have Type I Diabetes, too, and I’ve been through a lot with that. That’s probably its own interview, though. Image taken from artist social media MaM : I was reading about that and actually have a question about it because I read that the band kind of formed around your last hospital stay in 2016. SA : Sort of. I may have written it that way. Kinda. (laughs) MaM : Would you mind elaborating on that? How did the band initially form? SA : Sure. Personally, that’s just how I came into making music in general—because of my hospital stay—but me and Josh met playing in a cabaret band, so it was really that meeting that pushed us together to start writing music. MaM : Well, you two complement each other. You couldn’t have picked a better band mate or songwriting partner. Really, the dynamic you two have is incredible, especially with the latest EP. Don’t change a thing. So, are you both living in Austin now? I saw that your band is based there. Image taken from artist social media SA : Yeah, we live, work, and play in Austin. MaM : So, one thing I like to ask artists and musicians is what they are currently listening to that is helping to inspire them to create. What is on your playlist? SA : Because I am a music journalist as well and work at a record store, I kind of have to listen to everything all the time and I really like that. MaM : Well, that’s a good thing. Best job ever! SA : I am in complete bliss, most of the time, but I have been listening to a lot of Lana Del Ray. I have been listening to a ton of her music recently. My favorite artist, though, is St. Vincent. MaM : What about you Josh? JD : Lately, there have been a few bands. Since I’ve never gone through an 80’s phase, I’ve been listening to a lot of electronic 80’s stuff. MaM : Nice. Some of my fave music. JD : Yeah, some of the bands are ones that Serenity turned me onto. Elvis Costello and Franz Ferdinand are a couple. Serenity really was the one to get me into Franz Ferdinand and I think they are just brilliant. Someone else that I have gotten into recently, too, is Taylor Swift. (laughs) SA : Wait, what? (laughs) MaM : I feel like an arrow has been put right through my heart. (laughter) JD : Listen, give me a chance. (laughs) MaM : Serenity seems just as shocked. JD : Let me say it’s the melodies, for me. I would never buy a record, but I can appreciate the music and the songwriting, and for me— MaM : Ok, I’ll let you slide with that. (laughs) JD : Thank you. (laughs ) I won’t go spend over $1,000 on nosebleed tickets or anything, but I will say that, for me, it’s just something that is selling and that people like, but the biggest thing for me, as a songwriter, [are] the melodies and the poppy tone that reels me in. I like good pop songs. Like a three-minute song that is very catchy is great to me. MaM : I guess you could say you admire her songwriting capabilities and her ability to bring it all together, which I can dig. So, that leads me to your band name. How did you come up with the name? Image taken from artist social media SA : Josh? JD : No, you can go. (laughs) SA : Josh doesn’t like to tell, so I guess I will. (laughs) I would like to say it was not Josh’s idea because it does seem narcissistic at first, but — JD : Yeah, it was not my idea, but Serenity, tell how it came about. SA : So, Josh’s last name is Delarosa, which in Spanish translates to “of the rose.” MaM : Ah, I see what you did there. SA : Yeah, we had a brief romantic relationship, but our closeness has lasted longer than the relationship, and we’re still really close, but it was my idea because I thought it sounded pretty. MaM : Well, it fits! It’s a bad-ass name. SA : Thank you. MaM : Another question for Josh: I’ve read that you’ve had some of your music featured on local and national radio. Can you tell us a little more about that? JD : Yes, I’ve been blessed to have had experience in bands that had music on college radio and just radio in general. Yeah, it’s sort of … (laughs) … yeah, I’ve been on the radio … I don’t even know what to say … MaM : Well, you’ve been in some other bands, so tell us a little more about that. JD : Well, they were sort of in the same vein. This is my first band that I’ve actually had a hand in. I’ve been in other bands where I was a songwriter, but I was always on the side. I didn’t want to be in the front. This is our first where it is OUR band. In the past, I’ve always been in the same wheelhouse, if you will. MaM : So, you guys released your latest EP in 2022, but are y’all currently recording or writing new material? I know Serenity mentioned releasing a new single. What’s in the queue? SA : So, I am getting ready to graduate college, so everything is moving at a glacial pace. (laughs) We have a song ready to go, but we just need to start the process of getting it posted. I can send you a copy so you can include it in the article. We also have a Christmas song we recorded that I think you would really like, but that’s not coming out until Christmas. It’s a goth version of the of the song “Snow Miser” from The Year Without a Santa Claus . credit: Greg Taylor/Taylored Eye MaM : That’s awesome!! SA : It’s one of my favorite Christmas songs, so I told Josh, “Do the Smiths thing you do so well” and then we put a Johnny Marr-sounding guitar riff on it and a dance floor beat, and it’s hilarious in my opinion, but it’s also really sad when you listen to the lyrics in that context. (laughs) MaM : I can’t wait to check it out. I bet it’s epic. I have one last question for you guys. What are the future aspirations for the band? Do you want to make a career out of this or just do this as a side thing? SA : Well, I know that personally, I want me and Josh … well, we have explicitly spoken about doing this full time. That is the goal. Doing this as a job would be the best thing to happen to us. We look forward to it. - To experience all that is Of The Roses, head on over to all of their pages, put in some headphones, and enjoy! 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An intimate conversation < Back Vinnie La Bella David Trahan Apr 28, 2023 Share An intimate conversation To be painfully honest, excess seemed to be the goal of my life while growing up; the most booze, the most parties, the most drugs, the most women. Slowly, my life began to become the locust swarm. I existed to consume and move on, until I was satiated or unconscious. But somewhere along the way, my quest for quantity gave way to quality. Upon reflection, my past had become a misguided detour. And all those allies who shared in my crusade, liars. I began cutting people out in pursuit of the answers to unending questions. Who am I? What do I want out of life? Why are the things that I want and the things that I truly need always at odds? Looking back, although traumatic in nature, I believe this to be an integral part of growing up; maturation at its essence. Through our talks, I believe this to be the crux of Vinnie La Bella. But Vinnie La Bella consumed for a reason that would land him on stages in front of hundreds of thousands. He moved for what was to be an organism that would usher him around the globe. The desire, the intensity, and the results would maturate rewards and costs of epidemic proportions, leaving physical and moral values lying in limbo. Vinnie grew up in University City, a small neighborhood in Kenner, Louisiana bordering several suburbs and one veritable marshland. His father was a singer in a cover band that played mostly top 40 hits of the time. Being around musicians as far back as he can remember, the set-ups for practice, the camaraderie, and the grown banter were some of the appeals that drew him in. He can recall his father bringing home the Fandango! album by ZZ Top to learn a song and falling in love with that album. Between sneaking playtime with the guitar of his father’s bandmate, and classes in jazz theory, his love for guitar was solidified as early as eight years old. By the time he was eleven, he had learned enough to feel comfortable on the thing. It started to occur to him that this was something he could actually do for a living, perhaps in part, because of his father’s influence. But the mechanics of play had definitely become more familiar with time. And in time, nothing would move him more. His parents divorced when he was fourteen. And by age fifteen he was living with his mother on Hessemer Avenue in Fat City. Up until this point, guitar had helped to solidify a foundation between him and his father. So, to hear him tell it, his parents’ parting of ways didn’t really bother him. But he did, however, take advantage of his new digs. In the 80’s, Fat City was still a bustling neighborhood full of bars with live music. And at fifteen, Vinnie was beginning to establish roots of his own. Fat City would serve as a fertile medium to facilitate his growth; both as a young man and a budding musician. For all intents and purposes, Vinnie was a loner. With just enough people he called “friends” counted on one hand, he was resolved to explore the world on his own. This translated into a person that possibly grew up too quick. He would quit school early to become a hustler, and admits he may have squandered opportunities. A reckless lifestyle would prove a comfortable place for him to exist. And those who were there know Fat City could give you all you could eat. From where he lived with his mother, 17th Street was just a two-minute walk. “Now the walks to the bar were always nice and clean. The walks back got interesting. You know, I woke up in a few alleys along the way, ten o’clock the next morning. But that was the stomping ground”. Though stumbling at times through life, he always seemed to fall in the right direction. And even his vices would prove of value. Fat City is where he met Kirk Windstein (Crowbar). It’s where he met Phil Anselmo (Pantera, Down, Superjoint Ritual, Necrophagia, etc). It’s where he met Andy Villafarra and David Main, with whom he would go on to form Exhorder. Fat City is where he played his first show in a cover band called Sabotage. And it also served as the place where he would draw a line in the sand. But before his own assertions, he would need confirmation elsewhere; confirmation that his suspicions were correct. Speaking strictly from personal perspective I can tell you that there’s always been a voice inside my head. Maybe not so much a voice; it’s more like an inaudible message center. We’re all born with it in fact. In some, it’s just louder than in others. In our latter years, we learn of it to be the Id. It’s a part of the psyche, residing in the unconscious, that is the source of instinctive impulses. It wants nothing more than to be satisfied but is constantly modified by the ego and the superego before being given overt expression. It provides all of the energy for, and is the driving force of, personality. Unto itself, it has no organization. Being guided by his vices, seemingly falling in the right direction at times when his Ego or Superego would shine through, brought Vinnie to a defining moment in his life. Through this guiding force, Vinnie would often find himself venturing outside of the microcosm that was Fat City. One of those destinations was uptown New Orleans where hardcore and punk were prominent. This was a breeding ground for those that shunned society and smeared the edge. Sonic exploration was not only prominent. Here it was a prerequisite which fed Vinnie’s Id. “I remember walking out there for the first time, like, going to Jed’s. It was on like, Oak Street or Maple; right down the street from Jimmy’s Music Club. And that’s where they would have the punk and hardcore activity weekends. That was basically where we would all go. So, Circle Jerks played, Black Flag, I got to see all them bands… Dead Kennedys. And we would go over there and start hanging over there and noticing woah, this is a totally different world. Not only musically but, you don’t play cover songs out here. No band gets up there and plays a Black Flag song. You would probably get tomatoes thrown at you. You had to be an original thing offering something to the scene, being part of the culture, and growing”. This confirmed to him that the scene in Metairie really had grown stale. Metairie had the Ratts and the Poisons of cover bands. It had mostly become a hairspray haven where leotard clad man boys were chasing a path that had already been, by now, cliched. Punk and hardcore influenced thrash in metal. And cover bands influenced… nothing. On campus at Tulane University is a radio station, WTUL. And back then, on the weekends, it would host a metal night one evening and a hardcore night on the other. Vinnie would also venture out there to a basement where the radio station was housed, bearing any goodies he may have procured throughout the evening. Two brothers were DJs. And together with Vinnie and friends they would pass around records, discussing them and giving them a spin. These uptown experiences, at the radio station and at live shows, were the building blocks upon which Vinnie’s own first band was founded. It would be the Id, his Id, incarnate. It would be proof positive that a dissention from what had become the norm of his environment was not only in order. It was necessary to avoid furthering apparent necrosing. Things would come to a head one evening in the dressing room before a performance with his first band, ironically named, Sabotage. “I was basically given an ultimatum in that band. I was in the dressing room. We were about to play a show and I was thrown some garments. ‘Here, wear these tonight’. And when I looked at these garments I was like, I can’t go out there like this. And he said ‘well you have to or you’re out this band’. And I said well, I’ll be out this band then… tonight mother fucker. ‘Aight, aight well you don’t have to wear that’. So, that was the last show I played with them”. This wasn’t at all about cover bands. Vinnie respected cover bands. His father was in a cover band. At one time, he even subbed guitar for a cover band when he was asked to bail out a friend in need. He was handed a list of one hundred and fifty songs to learn with two weeks to learn them. But again, having seen what the hardcore scene was like, and knowing it was more the direction he wanted to move in, left him with little vested in what things had become. And ever the hustler, he would soon take members of that band with him. Establishing himself in a fishbowl of clones would not prove easy. Though he could see the gateway from his doorstep, anything west of New Orleans was just, not New Orleans. And Fat City was the fishbowl of not New Orleans. To become a deflection in this biosphere meant facing backlash. And staking one’s claim sometimes meant going on the offensive. “I was kind of frowned upon. And it caused a lot of beefs. I was an asshole man. And I would make fun of guys for doing it after a while because they were making fun of me for hanging out with the punks. So, it got to be a lifestyle kind of thing. You know, like I’m willing to whip your ass over this shit. That’s how deep we were into this. If you talked bad about Exhorder in the 80’s, you might not be around today talking about it. I’m serious. We were fucking assholes man”. The same guys that would say you’ll never make a dime doing that or the chicks will never listen to that were the same guys who would eventually break out of this redundant mecca. But latency meant they would have a new band to follow. In retrospect, Vinnie feels as though it would have behooved those people to pivot sooner than later. A lot of great talent was born out of the moment when they finally steered clear of mimicking the hair bands of that bygone era. But at that time, he felt as though he was defending his honor. At any rate, once he left that band and this scene, there was no turning back. Writing for Slaughter in the Vatican would start almost immediately, but with only Vinnie and Andy Villafara, it would be an arduous task. David Main would soon follow suit leaving Sabotage. And the better part of a year would pass while writing and securing a permanent lineup. But throughout it all and no matter what, hardcore music had entranced Vinnie. He would rather die than see himself end up where he was headed. Music and life had become synonymous. And both, in Vinnie’s eyes, were secondary to this alliance. Given his proclivity for extremes and his perception that Exhorder was more like a gang than a band, things would become violent at times. Being that the foundation of this band was forged in contrast to everything out there, opposition could be found everywhere; even within the band itself. “To be honest man, I wasn’t the only lunatic in the band. I mean, these guys were legitimate fuck-ups man. We were all fucking nuts. I got in a fight with my drummer over some bullshit, year one. I kicked his fucking door down. I ended up going to jail and doing community service. So that’s kind of how we started; out of just anger and violence. And we were taking it out on our instruments and just making a hell of a noise musically about it. After that little scuffle with Chris, him, Kyle, and David left”. This would be the first of several partings for Exhorder. And the band was still so new, to themselves as well as everyone else. This occurred in late 1987. Their very first gig was just the year before on Franklin Avenue in 1986. At this point in time, they had yet to finish recording the demos for Slaughter in the Vatican. The process of rebuilding would go on for a year. During that time, Jay Ceravalo (rhythm guitar) would enter the picture. At best, Jay was an aspiring guitarist. But Vinnie saw a bit of himself in Jay; the air of tenacity. So, he made a deal with him. Vinnie affirmed, “Bra, I’ll give you six months. If you can play this shit… and I will help you. I’ll come and show you. I will make you tapes and whatever you need. If you can do this shit you’ve got the job. And that’s when he got rid of his old lady, he quit his job and locked himself in a room. So, at the time it’s just me, Andy, and Jay trying to put some semblance of Exhorder back together”. Through this process, Jay would risk (and lose) most everything. He turned his back on a secure job with the city of Kenner, his parents kicked him out. Above all else, Vinnie recognized the loyalty and dedication and never forgot it. Sid Montz (Victorian Blitz, Crowbar, Valume Nob, Southern Isolation) would come in on drums about this time. But Vinnie still had to find a singer. One day in early 1989, Sid called Vinnie with some news. Vinnie recalls, “This is a good piece of history that I’ve never told anybody. But it’s important to where we land in this later. He (Sid) says listen man I talked to Phil (Anselmo). He’s not happy with his current situation. He wants to do something heavier and he can’t get the guys to get on board. So, he wants to come try out. So, I called him and said try out? There ain’t no fucking try out. You’re Phil. You can do this. You’re bad, you know? You’ve got the gig. Come home. He’s like no no no, I want to do it right. I’m going to fly in and try out. And I’ll come back and we’ll finish it. I said, ok. So, he came down and was as good as you thought he would be. I said I told you. You wasted your plane ticket. You got the gig! So, I put this mother fucker on an airplane right after rehearsal. He’s flying back to Dallas and he’s going home to quit Pantera. Now by this time Power Metal was the last thing they had released. The sound was still… the sound. So anyway, he’s in the air. I drive home from the airport. I walk into the house and the phone is ringing. I pick up the phone, it’s Kyle. I hadn’t heard from this mother fucker in a year. I haven’t seen him. I haven’t talked to him. He goes, hey man I heard you had Phillip in the room. I said what are you talking about? I haven’t talked to you in a year! How’d you know? He says, I wanna come back. I said he’s in the air right now! He’s going home to quit! So, I said dude let me call you back. I hung up the phone. I called up Jay and I said this mother fucker’s calling me. He’s like bro, it’s your call. So, I thought about it for a second, and I did the right thing. I said absolutely Kyle; come on home. We wrote these songs together. You’re the only mother fucker I can envision singing for this thing. I said, you got it. I just need to stop him (Phil) from fucking his own thing up. So, I said let me see what I can do. So, I called over there and Phil wasn’t upset or anything. He was actually pretty happy. He said ‘that’s good news. I’m disappointed because I really wanted to give it a go with you. But, I’m glad he’s back”. With Kyle back, Chris Nail would once again take over on drums. Anselmo would go on to record the famed Cowboys From Hell album with Pantera. And Exhorder would complete Slaughter in the Vatican, getting signed to Roadrunner Records. The what-ifs that ran through my head at this point in the interview came flooding in. But tumultuous times were not behind the band. The signing was merely a piece to a puzzle that was never quite complete. Sure, they had remained in New Orleans, besting the labels turning them down left and right claiming that they needed to get out of New Orleans in order to make it. And one must realize this was the 80’s. This was the Regan era where shoulder pads and rampant consumerism dominated the arena. Even when they were finally signed, their first album came out mischaracterizing them as a ‘brutal thrash band from the depths of the swamp in Louisiana’. Their propensity for violence was getting them thrown off tours. This was no help either. But they knew they were on to something good. And this all would open up the door for many more out the south; a region negated as illegitimate in the world of musical significance. Between inner band tensions and music business complications, by the time The Law was released in 1992, the group was more than worse for wear. Vinnie had a baby. Chris was getting married. None of them could hold one another together or ever align their ways with normative business practices. Passion holds no court with principals. Principals are societally based. And passion is otherworldly. Exhorder would once again disband. Make-ups and break-ups would be scattered throughout the coming years. A turbulent giant would be remitted to a twenty-seven-year recording dormancy. In 2017, through specifics not revealed, Vinnie and Kyle would reunite for the last time, culminating in Exhorder’s 2019 release entitled Mourn the Southern Skies. It would be produced and engineered at OCD Recording & Production by Duane Simineaux under Nuclear Blast, one of the world’s largest independent metal labels. It is by far, in my opinion, the greatest work ever to come from Exhorder. Which at this point housed only two of its founding members. It would also mark the last time Vinnie would ever play with the band he started. “We tried to put it back together a couple of times. This last time the table was set pretty good. We had a good shot and it was working. We ended up in a dispute as usual. And this time the only original guys left were me and Kyle. The dispute was basically between me and him. It was basically over two bullet points that he just couldn’t get past, and I couldn’t get past. And finally, I was like fuck it. Hey if you want it this bad bro, take it. But you’re going to get your wallet out this time. Because a lot of times they leave me sitting there with the bill”. He went on to point out, “It is of my opinion that he, at this particular moment, probably hates my fucking guts. He won’t say it in the media but he probably does. It’s my opinion. I could be wrong. But five years, seven years, eight years from now you know, who knows”. They were maturing in the midst of this all. Their needs changed over time. With only two founding members remaining, what was considered Exhorder had changed as well. “Whenever Exhorder would break up in the past, we would just lay it to rest. Nobody owned the trademark or the copyrights or anything to that name. It just sat there. And it would always sit there until most of us, or all of us, decided to do it again. And it was always home base for us. If we ever wanted to make something of that thing we built when we were kids, it was always there for us. And it started when I said… yes”. Vinnie reflected on the Phil Anselmo story here, citing it as a moment in time that should’ve reinforced a standing precedence for the band. When it came to Kyle’s desires to return, he didn’t mull it over. He simply said yes. But this time, through communications with his lawyer, he was confronted by a standing vote to oust him. The organism would no longer be the sum of its parts. These days, Vinnie remains deeply involved in music. He has established roots in production, and continues with recording and composition. Among his many projects, you will hear his work on Kirk Windstein’s upcoming second solo album, projected to be released possibly this fall. He went on to talk about that experience, as well the many projects that he’s currently involved in. You can hear this info first-hand and the details surrounding his life in music on our podcast by picking your streaming platform of choice below. Please be sure to subscribe, as this keeps our musicians’ names in the wind and gives our show a greater voice. As seen originally on: Neworleansmusicians.com Podcast: https://Neworleansmusicians.Podbean.com YouTube: https://youtube.com/@neworleansmusicians Blog: https://Neworleansmusicians.com/blog www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . 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Rock drummer Shane Webb continues his vibrant course of success, maintaining an emblazoned passion for his art. < Back Shane Webb: A Drumming Odyssey Erica Machen Nov 30, 2023 Share Rock drummer Shane Webb continues his vibrant course of success, maintaining an emblazoned passion for his art. What view could be better than from the front row of a rock concert? The perspective Shane Webb , aka T-Bone, gives leads me to wonder if the best experience could be from the seat of a drum kit. I was able to have a chat with Shane, who’s drumming career brought him that perspective with bands such as Puddle of Mudd , Shinedown , Tried by Twelve , and multitudes of others. Twenty-plus years after embarking on his drumming career, Shane is fueled by his experiences and maintains an emblazoned passion for his art. Amidst captivating lights, vibrant sounds, and contagious energy emanating from lead vocalists, a drummer’s significance is often overlooked. Without these guys, rock shows would be haunted by a palpable void and undefined listlessness. The rhythm we all vibe to would be absent, as would those rich layers of texture and depth a drummer infuses into each performance with his (or her) distinctive style, creative fills, and unique enhancements. This is why Shane says his journey—his mission—is still incomplete. He expressed repeatedly in one way or another his desire to create a true legacy in his artistry via his musical career. Not only is it Shane’s mission to create such a legacy, but, throughout our conversation, I sensed his desire to pay homage to those who influenced and lifted his career, as well as to those friends whose journeys ended too soon. In an industry where rivalry and bitterness are frequently showcased both in the media and behind the scenes, Shane is seemingly in a place where he has realized grudges and animosity bare rotten fruit. Instead, Shane chooses to move forward by finding peace with those who didn’t believe in him and even with old friends, such as Fred Durst , who have fallen out of his life. At the end of the day, his motivation remains the same: Create music, create art. Webb is one noteworthy drummer who's doing just that. Mixed Alternative caught up with him to get some intimate details about his career and catch the story behind his drumming odyssey . MaM : Shane, with a drumming journey beginning at 12 years old, you've come a long way in your art. Can you share a pivotal moment from those early years that ignited your passion for drumming? SW : I asked for a drum set when I was four or five. My father took me to some restaurant, and I remember watching this guy play the drums and I was just fascinated by it. Growing up in Jacksonville, Florida, I used to go to the Coliseum to watch bands play. My first rock show was Ted Nugent when he opened for KISS, before they had the make-up. I remember looking at the stage, listening to the sounds and crowd, and immediately falling in love. I knew I wanted to do that … I had the bug. I was a break dancer and R&B guy way before I was into rock and roll. Big time. … By the time I started to get into rock and roll, I wanted to be Eddie Van Hall. When I got to seventh grade, I had to choose an elective … I said I'd play in the band … on drums. And, as they say, the rest is history. Image provided by Shane Webb MaM : I’ve heard hints about some of your unique experiences, like sleeping on Dimebag Darrell's couch. Could you share that story, and do you have any other particularly unusual or memorable moments from your career? SW : I have countless! As for Dimebag Darrell [of Pantera and Damageplan], I was on tour with this band called Operator after being in Puddle of Mudd. Paul Phillips, who also used to be in Puddle of Mudd, was in Operator. I believe Paul knew Vinnie Paul. Someone came on the tour bus to say Vinnie wanted to come pick us up that night. Of course, you hear that, and you're like, ‘Absolutely!’ He picked us up in his limo … Suddenly, we were at Dime’s house. … I ended up passing out mad drunk and woke up the next morning on Dimebag’s couch. … I just walked around and touched stuff. I mean, when you watch the Dimevision videos, you see the stop sign he crashed his car into. I touched that thing on his wall. It was wild. It was crazy. Ms. Rita, his now-widow, took us to breakfast and told us all kinds of inside stories, like when Dime and Metallica used to hang out and where songs came from. She showed us his guitars. This man had to have at least a thousand guitars in his house. It was the craziest. Very intoxicating. Back in that time, we didn’t have cell phone cameras. One of my regrets is not having any pictures. MaM : What's the mission behind your new venture in rock and roll, and what inspired you to embark on this new chapter? SW : Not having done it the full way [inspired me]. Lots of people say I have really done it, but, for me, the mission hasn't really fully been accomplished yet. I’m 51 and still learning how to navigate things. Thankfully, I have Jason, who became my manager in the past six months or so. He is actually my best friend from high school who was around when I ran away to do all of this at 15. MaM : Can you expand on your leaving home at 15? SW : I always had this blind faith I’d already made it. I just had to go through the motions. I always knew I was doing it, with or without people's help. I lived with my mom and stepdad. It was rough at the time. We are all good now, and they have helped me tremendously. Long story short, one night I crawled out the window at 1 a.m. I said, ‘All right, bye. I'm out.’ Music is my medium because I am an artist. I am an artist first, songwriter second, and then a musician. MaM : You mention being a songwriter, so you’ve elicited my favorite question: What comes first, the chicken or the egg? SW : Probably the music. I hear music in my head. I still play guitar (bass) and a little bit of keyboard. I have my studio set up here at home. … Lyrics and melody usually come second. Occasionally, I have vocal ideas first. Those take a little longer. It’s writing backwards for me. MaM : You've played with various bands, including Puddle of Mudd and Shinedown. How did you become friends with Fred Durst, and what was it like collaborating with him? SW : We would not be having this conversation if it wasn't for Fred Durst. I did the hard work, but he was the person who stuck his neck out for me. He believed in me and saw talent and drive in me. I met Fred around 1993. Fred has done tattoos on me, I toured with him, we wrote together, and we have been in bands together. Fred always saw talent. L to R: Shane Webb, Fred Durst (Limp Bizkit), and Paul Phillips (Puddle of Mudd) He called me in 1997 and said, ‘The record company wants somebody to video the day in the life of the band, and you're the first person I thought of.’ I said yes, but then he said, “Here's the only thing… you’ve got to leave at nine o'clock tomorrow morning.”I went to my job, and … They didn’t understand I was letting them know I was going on tour. I don't think I did anything significant … but we always stayed in touch. Puddle of Mudd was signed to his record label, and he called me up to audition. I learned the songs, flew out to L.A., and I had the gig. … That was all because of Fred talking me up. We’ve had some rough patches, but we’ve never gone toe to toe. Unfortunately, we don’t talk now, but I owe so much to that guy. It's 20-something years later. I don't hold grudges. MaM : Looking back, what kind of advice would you give to a young teenager when it comes to music? SW : Just stay true, man. Stick to your guns. Work really hard play, play as much as you can, and be there for other people. That's something important to me. MaM : What should our readers look out for next from you? SW : I have a back catalog, and I'm a writer. I like to write, and I want people to hear my new stuff. There is just so much stuff people haven't heard that only I have ... old Shinedown demos, old Puddle of Mudd demos. I was in a band with my best friend [Brad Stewart’s brother] Mark Stewart and Nolan Neal called Tried By Twelve. L to R: Mark Stewart, Nolan Neal, Jeff Winston, Shane Webb Nolan was on America's Got Talent and The Voice. He had more record deals than anybody I've ever known and was the only artist to get signed with Virgin Records … [a] sight unseen. Unfortunately, Mark died in 2015 and we lost Nolan last year. Shane Webb and Nolan Neal on "The Voice" That was a huge deal, and I still have those songs. … I don't want to just put this stuff out there. I want to protect … integrity and these boys. They were my buddies. As I said, it's a very touchy thing. I have to release these songs in a very sensitive way. We don't know if we're going to do it as an album, an EP, or just one song at a time. I'm also working on a way for me to release some of these old Puddle of Mudd demos. They need work studio-wise. I also have my solo material. I've been writing songs for a long time, and I have several of my own solo songs where I play most of the instruments. I had a talk with Bob Marlette, the producer of Seether and many more, and he is willing to work with me on a song I'm writing. Very excited about that. When Shane isn’t working on building connections with his local community in Jacksonville, he can be found in his studio playing his drums, bass, and keyboard. As we wait to hear what he will release from within his vault, stay updated by visiting his website at www.ShaneWebbDrummer.com . Erica Machen is a beast when it comes to consuming, writing about, and reviewing music. www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Subliminal Landmines are back with a new, harder-edged sound. < Back Subliminal Landmines: Detonating Their Return to Louisiana’s Punk Scene Nicole Brice Dec 3, 2025 Share Subliminal Landmines are back with a new, harder-edged sound. The Louisiana music scene is brimming with great bands, and one that is set to make a significant comeback in 2026 is the Lafayette-based punk band Subliminal Landmines . After a brief hiatus due to lineup changes, the band is back with a new, harder-edged sound and is ready to take the stage by storm. Credit: Gary Governale Since their inception in 2017 , Subliminal Landmines has continued to grow in scope, with numerous releases all showing a steady progression in sound. When asked about the origins of their band name, founder Grant Duhon explained, "Each of the songs we write has a deeper context, a subliminal aspect to each, and then once the listener connects the dots, and it clicks that you understand what the song is about, it's like a landmine that goes off triggered by realization." The name definitely reflects the essence of a band that never stops gaining momentum. Subliminal Landmines is more than just a punk band; it is a trio of creative individuals from diverse backgrounds who share a passion for making music and creating art. Initially, the band’s sound was more reminiscent of Green Day and a bit poppier, but over the years, their sound has evolved to embrace the skate-punk aesthetic, in the vein of Pennywise , and has now expanded into the hardcore punk genre. The new lineup features Scratch on vocals, Fry on bass, and Taz on drums. Credit: Gary Governale Recently, Scratch opened a multi-use chill space in downtown Lafayette called The Devil’s Den , which he hopes to house a barrage of shows in the future. As a hydro/hydra lounge and boutique , The Devil’s Den offers numerous beverages and oddities for purchase, including handmade corsets and jewelry , along with game rentals and more. With this new venue, Subliminal Landmines is poised to make a comeback that promises to be even more intense than before. The first show with the new lineup is scheduled for Friday, December 19, 2025, at The Devil’s Den . Mark your calendars and be there! Subliminal Landmines make their return on December 19th! The band recently stopped by the house to hang out and chat, so take a moment to learn more about what they have been up to as well as what’s in store for 2026 . MaM : So, tell us a little more about this new line-up and how things came to be. Scratch : We were looking for a bassist and a drummer, and some time had passed, and then my friend Steven ran into Fry one night, and they linked up, and he gave Fry my number. He then hit me up and tried out for bass and fit the spot perfectly. Then we had drum tryouts, and that’s where Taz came in. We then started practicing and writing, and we actually just recorded four new songs. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : Nice! Are you still going to promote Restless Thoughts from Different Cities that came out with the old line-up? I know once it came out, not much else was done in terms of promotion. Scratch : Well, I kind of plan to promote it, but for the most part, it’s just a release that is out there because we don’t have any physical copies. We had those songs in the vault for over two years, and we didn’t want to sit on them. MaM : It’s such a great EP. So, let’s talk to your new members, Fry and Taz. Guys, no last name? Just a first name? (nodding) MaM : (to Fry) How long have you been playing bass, and what got you into it initially? Fry : Well, I tried out guitar, and it was cool, but I like bass because I’ve always heard it prominently. I actually found Gorillaz, first off, and I started playing acoustic bass. Then I saw Red Hot Chili Peppers and Primus, and I always wanted to learn the hardest song to practice. That taught me you could do vocals while playing bass, so I’ve been trying to freestyle while playing bass. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : (to Taz) How long have you been playing drums? Taz : Three years. I had a drum set for a long time, and finally got to practicing on it. One day, I just looked at it and started. Played it, liked it, upgraded to the set I have now. Credit: Gary Governale Scratch : Fry has his own signature bass style. You can hear him slapping that bass. Fry : Double thumb is what we’re doing a lot of on this new stuff. Lowkey. I’ve been adding little strums and whatnot, too. I like to keep the action low so it’s a bit more rumbly. So, I’ll do some complex fingerstyle if I’m going to play fingerstyle, and it usually works out. You don’t hear enough slap in punk. It’s criminally underrated. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : (to Grant) So, you’re going by Scratch now? Why the persona change? Take us through that. Scratch : It’s a nickname I’ve always had, but when we brought Fry on, I was like, you know, it would be cool if we each had our own identities tied to the band, and I actually came up with a last name, too, as I was creating a character for The Devil’s Den . For the PS4 profile, I put Scratch as the first name, but then I needed a last name, so I picked Wilson because who can make it happen? Scratch WILL SON ! It just rolls off the tongue. (laughter) Credit: Gary Governale MaM : (looks to Fry and Taz) Are you guys going to add a last name to match Grant’s? Fry : I started with Fry Lock . So, like Fry’s locked in. MaM : That’s awesome! Fry : I have an adlib that I’ll do a lot, where I’ll spell out my name F-R-Y. MaM : Well, think about the whole gimmicky nature of previous bands choosing personas over their real names. Look at The Ramones, and The Donnas … I love when bands do that. It brings it full circle. Taz : I guess I need to find a last name now. Scratch : Mine naturally made itself. I didn’t actually think of it. The universe gave me a circumstance. It was like choose your last name, and Wilson was the first thing that came to mind. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : It’s almost as if you could change your whole persona within the band and make it to where people don’t know your real name. Scratch : So, with The Devil’s Den , I introduce myself as Scratch . That’s just my persona downtown [Lafayette]. I don’t really want people knowing my real name because I’m meeting a lot of people every day. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : So, let’s talk new venue. How did this all come about? Scratch : Well, so the name, obviously, has been floating around for a while in my head, but as a restaurant originally. A spicy food-based restaurant, actually, but it just didn’t work out that way. When The Grouse Room closed down, I was thinking about how Lafayette has lost another music venue, and what an opportune time to do what I do on a bigger scale or more consistently, not just once a year like Radfest . If I could house an event center where people can hang out, host events regularly, and host Radfest, then that would be it. But you can literally walk out of The Devil’s Den , and Parc International is right there. Right in our backyard. MaM : Tell us a little more about the venue. Scratch : I looked into The Grouse Room when it closed down, and I didn’t know whether they wanted a lease or if they were trying to sell it. They wanted to sell it, so then I saw a building two doors down, and when I tell you universal synchronicities with this building … things kept lining up and happening to make it happen. MaM : That’s usually how it works out. Scratch : The building was already red and black. The main wall inside, an original, beautiful brick wall, was basically sculpted by Fry, Taz, me , and a couple of other people. We got a crowbar and a hammer, chiseled off the rest of the wall to expose the brick, and then I basically revamped that whole building. It’s red-lit inside; it has this vibe. We’ve been getting some foot traffic. Basically, it’s just an awareness period right now, but a lot of peace and love went into those walls. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : So, what’s on the horizon for 2026? Tell us about the new music. Scratch : Yeah, the new stuff is a little more hardcore punk . It’s all recorded, four songs. My vocals are more aggressive, too. We recorded with Ben Finley at The Shed Sound Hole , and we hope to have it released by January or February 2026 . I hope to be booking regular shows at The Devil’s Den , not just for Subliminal Landmines , but also for other bands, and to do some fashion shows there, too. All kinds of things will happen in 2026 . Credit: Gary Governale As Subliminal Landmines continue to carve out their place in the Louisiana music landscape and beyond, make it a point to check out their first live show with the new line-up on December 19, 2025 , at The Devil's Den in Lafayette, LA. To learn more about Subliminal Landmines: Spotify: Subliminal Landmines | Spotify Apple Music: ‎Subliminal Landmines - Apple Music Facebook: Facebook Instagram: Subliminal Landmines (@subliminallandmines) • Instagram photos and videos YouTube: "Where's My Coke?" - OFFICIAL VIDEO *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 . 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One studio drummer who's tearin' it up < Back Justin Holder: North Alabama's Self-Proclaimed Drummer Ho Keeley Brooks May 24, 2023 Share One studio drummer who's tearin' it up I love doing what I do because I stumble across so many independently talented artists—like musician Justin Holder, for example. If you live up in or close to the Muscle Shoals area of Alabama, chances are you know who he is and not just because of his super funky hairdo. Holder is the go-to drummer in North Alabama for studio work, and he’s also a live drummer. I first met him back in early 2022 when he sat in the drummer seat to accompany UNA Entertainment Industries Professor Dr. Charles Brooks on his Black History Month tribute to Jimi Hendrix, which was beyond badass and had everyone on their feet. In case you missed it, you can catch that show in its entirety HERE . For now, here’s a peek at Hendrix’s “Foxy Lady” mixed with a bit of “Purple Haze.” Brace yourselves, though—it will melt your face off in every aspect from melody to groove to overall musical experience. Each of the musicians on that project put on one hell of an outstanding show. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVgBGC0Vrqs Holder becomes another person when he sits in the captain’s chair, losing sight of everything but the drums and the groove. He plays masterfully with such professional intelligence and finesse that watching and listening to him sucks you right into the music to get lost in his rhythm. He’s always prepared to the nines, and he knows his shit. Don’t mistake anything about him, though; he’s a pro through and through. He studies hard the music he plays, and he keeps a notebook nearby full of meticulous notes so he doesn’t have to worry about what he’s going to hit; he can just be musical. He’s got an incredible ear and a gifted sense of awareness that allows him to play off the rest of the band. He’s able to mesh easily with other musicians, too. “He's a consummate professional,” says Brooks, “the very definition of a hired gun who can walk into any situation and not just adapt to a style but emulate it in a way that’s authentic to the source of origin and fresh for the listener.” I had to know more about this self-proclaimed drummer ho and go-to studio drummer (at least in the North Alabama area), so I sat down to rap with him about how he fell into studio drumming, what he loves most about everything he does, and what advice he has for up-and-coming drummers out there. Check out our conversation. MaM : Justin, thank you so much for taking the time to rap with me about your groovy talent and occupations. Are you a Muscle Shoals-area native or a transplant? Tell us about yourself. JH : Thank you for having me! I’m actually born, raised, and currently live in Florence, Alabama. I’m both a studio drummer and a live drummer. I started out as a live player and then converted over to studio work. I’ve wanted to do studio work my whole life. I grew up around it. I love it. MaM : It’s our pleasure! First, let’s address this “Drummer Ho” thing, because inquiring minds want to know its origin. Please, the floor is all yours. JH : (laughs) Well, I’m Justin Holder, and when JLo came out, my buddy started calling me “JHo” and it just stuck. I sign everything with that [moniker] and when I went to make an email, I just did DrummerHo because it fit. (laughs) MaM : Dude, that is hilarious. And awesome. It fits you perfectly. Never, ever change it, please. So, drummer ho, what type of equipment do you use to drum shit up, and what are your favorite symbols and sticks? JH : (laughs) I have a DW drum set and a 1969 Ludwig kit. But the current one I use is a Maple YAMAHA Custom kit. My preferred symbols are the companies. I'm sponsored with Sabian symbols and Vater drumsticks. credit: Justin Holder social media MaM : Has music always been a part of your life? JH : From birth, my dad was a musician and he toured around my whole life. He had a studio, so I would grow up just doing homework at his studio and listening to him mix. And, you know, all the legendary musicians from our area were there in my house, but I didn't know who they were. They were just guys my dad recorded with. So, I've been around music my entire life ever since I was born. MaM : What was your life like during middle school and high school? Were you playing any music then? If not, where were you headed after graduation? JH : So, during middle school and high school, that's all I did. I mean, coaches gave me a hard time because they wanted me to play sports and I was like, ‘Nah, I'm just gonna play drums.’ (laughs) So, I did. We had a band called Salvatron and I was in a band called Prototype, and we played a bunch of churches and stuff like that. One was a punk band, hardcore. So, different kinds of music all through my high school and middle school days. And I played at church, of course, with my dad. That's where I first got my start. I remember it was a Tuesday night and it was a worship night … he let me get up, and I was just terrified. And there were seven people in the auditorium or whatever. But, after graduation, nothing was really going on here. I graduated in 2001 and moved to North Carolina with a guy named Will McFarlane; we just wanted more opportunity in life. MaM : When did you know you wanted to play drums? JH : Oh, I knew from the first time I saw Animal from The Muppets. He was in a tree singing ‘Rockin’ Robin,’ and I saw his drum set and just went, ‘Whoa.’ And that was it. I remember just being a young kid, I had pots and pans I would beat on. And my dad, like I said, was in a band, so I saw all the drummers. MaM : (laughs) Ah, Animal. He was the best. Do you remember your first live show as a drummer? JH : Of course, I do. But my dad and Will McFarlane were the first two that gave me an early shot to play live. I think I was, gosh, maybe 13? And I can't remember which one of them it was, but one of them paid us 50 bucks and it was just like, ‘Wow, I can do this and make $50?!’ (laughs) credit: Justin Holder social media MaM : Haha. Hey, fifty bucks is fifty bucks, man! Do you ever get nervous at live gigs? JH : I did, and I still do, to this day, get anxiety and nervous. [I could have a gig] in front of four people [and I’d} still get nervous. And I love that, because once those nerves are gone, you might as well give it up, start something else that makes you nervous, and get your blood flowing. But I always have a process, kind of, when I have to learn a lot of songs. I cram, cram, cram, cram. And I constantly question myself and think, ‘I'm never gonna remember all this. I'm not. I'm just not.’ So, I let it go. The night before [and] the next day, I wake up freaking out, [saying to myself], ‘You're never gonna remember all this.’ But as long as I do my due diligence and notate everything—I need to notate on a piece of paper or chart—I can make it through anything, and I've figured that out along the way. And so, but I still get nervous for any show, really. When I'm setting up, once I hit that first note, I'm comfortable—maybe the first song, sometimes, depending on how much I'm feeling or how much I've drunk. But usually everything works out. The moment I hit that first note, I'm like, ‘Okay, you do remember this. You've practiced, you know what you're doing.’ So, yes, I do still get nervous at live gigs. MaM : I can dig that, man. I know many people can. What does playing drums mean to you as an artist? What is drumming a source of for you? JH : For me, it's a source of … that's a good question. My father was a musician, so for me, it's, it was important to be a musician like him. That was, to me, I guess being a man back then. As an artist, the drum is the groove you know because when we're in the studio and I'm listening to something and the guitar players listening to something, we're listening to totally different things. He's going to accomplish one thing, I'm going to accomplish another, but we're gonna tie them together. So, you have a room full of guys that kind of know what they're doing and [know] what to look for, and, you know, I'm not hearing melodic changes a lot. I'm hearing rhythmic changes and timing, so as a drummer, I'm totally focused on the groove, the timing, what the tempo should be, and just how to make the song better. It's always about making the song better. That's why we check our egos at the door, first and foremost, because that could definitely get in the way. There's no ego involved. It's just whatever is best for the song. MaM : What does your evolution as a drummer encompass from where you started versus where you are now? JH : Wow, I'm only 40 years old, and I feel like lately I've kind of just been like, ‘You know what? This is easier than I thought it was.’ … But where I was to now, it's just experience, honestly. I mean, 10 years ago, I wouldn't have listened to what I know now, because I would think I'm not gonna have to do all that, like country and blah, blah, this, and this, and now it's like, ‘That's my job.’ So, knowing a lot of different types of music [and being able to] instantly relate to an artist [by being] aware of where they're coming from, that’s my job—to understand where people are coming from and to know what they mean by saying this, this, and this. MaM : What do you love most about what you do? JH : My dad was a musician, and all I ever wanted to do was play music because I saw him do it. He passed away 13 years ago, and I'm just continuing the legacy. Studio work is forever. Live gigs are in one ear out the other. But when you track a song, it's there forever. And that's what I love about the studio. I love the fact that it's an art in the studio. It's decisiveness. It's a gut feeling. It's gut reaction. But I love the excitement and not knowing what I'm getting into. credit: Justin Holder social media People always said, ‘You want me to sing any songs beforehand?’ Nope, I don't. I want to meet the artist the day of. They're gonna look at me all weird, I'm gonna look at them all weird, and then all of a sudden, with the first time we kick into a song, or they hear me do a drum check, they're like, ‘Okay, I feel good now; this guy's good.’ So, that's what I love about studio. It's forever, and there's an art form to it, and getting better at this art form is really fun. MaM : That’s beautiful, man. Well, I know you're in a couple of bands, so tell us about them. JH : So, one band I'm in is called Drumb and Drumber with a guy named Chad Berdine. I play guitar and sing and play some hand drums. It started because I needed to pay my utility bill and drums weren't paying me a lot. (laughs) I didn't have a lot of work when i moved [back] here twelve years ago, and I didn't want to get a job, so I said, ‘You know what? I can play some covers,’ and I did it one night [and realized] I don't need to rely on anybody else anymore. I can do this all on my own. And then Chad came to me and said, ‘Let me play with you.’ Next thing you know, we called it Drumb and Drumber. We've opened McDonald's for corporate events, we've played at the National Predators Game nine times or something like that, and now he owns wedding venues. So primarily, we do a lot of weddings. I’m also in another group called Fathers and Sons . We put this together just for us. It's a bunch of studio guys: Jamie McFarlane, Kelvin Holly, Will McFarlane, Janet McFarlane, and C Thurman and me. We play whenever we get booked, but we mainly play every Tuesday night at FloBama Restaurant in downtown Florence from 7-10 p.m. We kind of put that together just for us to get our rocks off … cut loose and play. We just wanted to put together a band and have fun and do some songs that we wanted to do. I also play with a guy named Cole Nichols, but my other project is Gary Nichols. I've been playing with Gary for a long time, and he's a Grammy winner with The Steel Drivers who won Bluegrass Album of the Year. He and I just recorded his new record, and we're gonna be putting that out, hopefully see where that goes. I’m also currently playing with Dixie Mafia. So, a lot of exciting things on the horizon mixed in with also doing session work, you know? MaM : When did you become a session drummer? How did you fall into that? JH : My dad was a studio musician and [I grew] up around all The Swampers (aka The Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section ) here in town. There's something special about recording. It really is special. I've grown up around it and I've seen the art form my whole life, so I wanted to do that. When I moved back from North Carolina to Muscle Shoals, I knew … there were session guys and they were getting the work, but, you know, they were all aging. And I hate to say it that way, because we had some greats: Bob Evans, Roger Clark, Milton Sledge, Roger Hawkins, and Mike Dylan, who's still around with us. But … there was a need for more drummers, I have to say it. So, I moved back and plugged myself in, and I got really close with the guys at Fame Studios , and they just started using me slowly but surely. And next thing you know, twelve years later, I feel like I'm the go-to guy. I don't wanna call myself that, but I'd like to think that I am, you know? I'm still aspiring to be ‘that guy’ and get better at things. I've sacrificed a lot to be a session drummer. I probably could have been on the road playing with other people, but I knew that that session drumming is what I wanted to do. I wanted to get better at that. I could get better at being a live player and going out and networking and schmoozing my way up the ladder like anybody could do, you know, but I wanted to plug away at the studio … because it's forever. It's very special to me and my father all that kind of stuff. credit: Justin Holder social media MaM : Drop some big names you’ve played with over the years. JH : Little Richard, Delbert McClinton, Kris Kristofferson, Foy Vance, Jason Isbell, John Paul White, Rick Hall, Jim Gaines, Jimmy Hall, Shenandoah, Donny Fritz, The Swampers, T. Graham Brown—I’m on his new record, which features Sammy Hagar, Billy Gibbons, and Daniel Tucker—but that hasn't come out yet. Those are just a few names. There’s many more. MaM : Your life must be pretty busy. Given all that you do, how do you find a balance between working, playing, and home life? JH : I'll be honest with you, I struggle at that a lot of times, because I'm a kind of guy who if I'm working from ten in the morning until ten at night, I'm gonna have time to myself in that night … I can't just come home and go to bed. I have to have my personal mental quiet time. I play Fortnight with my wife a lot. (laughs) I'm not a gamer, but something about that is very peaceful after I’ve been in the studio dissecting songs all day. It's not physically tiring on me; it's mentally draining. And that's tough. credit: Rachel Neal Pictures I have a 14-year-old daughter and a wife. We find our ways to bond with each other. I still am challenged with finding a balance in everything. Right now, I'm in a season of just working as much as possible. And whenever somebody calls me, I go; I'm a yes man. … I don't get a lot of days off, and so when I do, I do nothing … absolutely nothing. MaM : Any advice for those interested in maybe becoming a studio drummer? JH : If you're interested in becoming a drummer, the first thing I could tell you to do that I wish somebody would have told me to do is to suck it up, nancy boy, and listen to every kind of music you don't like! If you wanna be a studio guy, you're gonna do a lot of shit that you don't wanna do. And it's not that you can't find the joy in it, it's just, ‘Wow, this isn’t really my cup of tea. I don't really listen to this.’ Well, you f**king need to listen to it because you're gonna need to know how to do this kind of stuff in the studio. And I've learned that along the way. I was stubborn and didn't want to do that. And guess what? [They’ll just get] somebody that can do it. So, in my opinion, if you want to be an overall versatile player that gets called all the time, you gotta listen to so much crap you don't like and stuff you do like. If you want to be a Tik-Toker, you want to be a YouTuber, you wanna be a live drummer, go practice all the chops and the licks that you can do, get as fast as you want. But if you want to become a session studio drummer, nine times out of ten, you're not gonna get called for that. You know, they always say a bad drummer makes a good band sound bad, and a good drummer makes a bad band sound good. And that's very true. All an artist needs us to do is be the anchor and be the groove. So, I would say listen to every style of music there is [and] give yourself seven days out of the week. One day do jazz. Second day do country. Third day, do another genre. And just dissect how drumming is different in each one of those categories, because that's what you're gonna be using when you come into the studio. Also, learn how to tune a f**king drum set. I probably get hired more because of my tuning than I do my playing. And learn fundamentals. I think the three basic rudiments to start off with are singles, doubles, paradiddles. And there you have it, folks. Studio Drumming 411 from the studio drummer ho himself. To see Justin play live, you can catch him every Tuesday night at FloBama Downtown Restaurant and Music Venue in Florence, Alabama, from 7-10 p.m. Drumb and Drumber plays every other Thursday at the Marriott Inn in Florence from 5-7 p.m. at Swampers Lounge . For more on Justin Holder, hop over to YouTube and search “Justin Holder Drummer” or “Justin Holder Fame” and peruse through the many videos of him in the studio and elsewhere. You can also find Justin on Facebook @JustinHolderDrummer . www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Capital City Records has a vibe all its own. < Back Keeping the Vinyl Spinning: Dana Labat and the Heart of Capital City Records Nicole Brice Feb 26, 2026 Share Capital City Records has a vibe all its own. In a world dominated by streaming giants like Spotify and Apple Music , physical media stands resilient, offering an experience that digital platforms simply can't replicate—a tangible, authentic connection to the music and its creators. The act of holding a vinyl record, flipping through liner notes, or admiring album artwork transforms passive listening into a meaningful ritual. Placing a record on a turntable or sliding a CD into a player requires intention, inviting one to slow down and truly engage with the moment. Physical albums, unlike ever-changing digital libraries, are enduring treasures to keep, revisit, and share. Dana Labat exemplifies the movement to keep physical media alive, curating a cozy atmosphere and unmistakable vibe at Capital City Records, 4641 Perkins Rd., in Baton Rouge, LA. Credit: Michelle Ramey Back in the ’90s, Paradise Records in the University Shopping Center near LSU was my go-to spot for CDs. After it closed, I never found another space in Baton Rouge that captured that same magic—until I discovered Capital City Records in 2017. The moment I walked through the doors, I was transported back to the glory days of the indie record store: music humming over the speakers, rows of carefully curated vinyl, and Dana welcoming me with a warm smile as he helped me hunt down the elusive Ministry albums I’d been searching for. Every corner of the shop reveals Dana’s passion for music, as showcased in a meticulously curated collection spanning genres and eras. The selection is impressively diverse—you’ll spot everything from Acid Bath to Jefferson Starship , and countless gems in between. Baton Rouge boasts a handful of other notable record stores, but what consistently draws me back to Capital City Records is more than just its convenient location or carefully chosen selection—it's the unmistakable energy that fills the space. This isn't just a store—it's an experience. Dana Labat by Michelle Ramey Mixed Alt Mag recently sat down with owner Dana Labat for an in-depth, one-on-one conversation. Read on to discover more about the passionate music lover behind Capital City Records . MaM : Thank you for speaking with me today. Tell us a little more about yourself. Where did you grow up? Dana : I grew up in LaPlace , just outside New Orleans , and I’m 68 years old. Growing up there, there wasn’t much, and everything we did, we did in New Orleans – you know, going to the doctor, going to Schwegmann’s , visiting Canal St. for shopping, but anyway, yeah, I grew up there in the River Parishes with a normal childhood. MaM : What got you into music initially? Dana : I don’t know if anything particularly got me into music, but my earliest recollection of stuff is that my sister, who’s 16 months older than me – I’m the oldest of six kids, yeah, she had two albums I remember listening to those things over and over. They were The Lovin' Spoonful ' s Greatest Hits and The Beatles’ Rubber Soul . I just remember listening to those non-stop, and then my sister had some friends who played music, and she had a boyfriend who played in a band, too. This was probably when we were pre-teens or teens. I call them “bands”, but they’re little garage-type bands. My folks would let her boyfriend practice in the garage or on the patio, so I would have to say it was many things, but most of it was because of my sister. Credit: Michelle Ramey MaM : Do you happen to remember the first record you ever bought? For me, it was Care Bears: Off to See the World. I bought it at K-Mart on Florida Blvd. in Baton Rouge with my mom. It was less than five dollars. Dana : That’s great, the Care Bears. And how old were you? You were just a young girl. MaM : I was five years old. Dana : I remember those two records I mentioned, but the first I ever bought … I’m trying to think. I do remember a 45 I had asked my mom to get me at TG&Y . I think it was John Lennon’s ‘ Instant Karma! ’, which would have been around 1970 or 1971 , so that would put me at 12-13 years old , but that’s the earliest one I can remember. I do remember listening to the radio and hearing ‘ I Wanna Hold Your Hand ’, so like, pre-Rubber Soul and all that. I really liked listening to AM radio because of all the British Invasion stuff that was going on in the early '60s, naturally, but yeah, it was all in my formative years. Credit: Michelle Ramey MaM : I still have my Care Bears record, too. It’s on my shelf with all the others. When my daughter was into Care Bears, she always wanted to hear it. Crazy how that stuff comes back around. Dana : Yeah, that’s great memories. As you get older, you don’t recall everything, but I remember going with either just my mom or my parents, I think it was just my mom at the time, or maybe my siblings were there, but we had gone to The Clearview Mall off Veterans , and there was a place – a record store called The Gramophone . It was on the side by Sears , but I remember buying Bruce Springsteen ’s second album, ‘ The Wild, The Innocent, & the E Street Shuffle ’ there. I’m thinking this was in ’ 72 , but maybe I was in 8 th grade. It was somewhere around that period, and I’d heard the song ‘ Rosalita (Come Out Tonight) ’ on the radio, and I was blown away, so I bought that album. I was even lucky enough to see him several times early in his career, playing small venues. MaM : Wow, what memories. Do you have any favorite bands or musicians? Dana : Well, it’s funny. I get that question a lot as a record store owner, but the answer is always, "It depends on my mood and the time of day, you know?" I mean, I like The Ramones , but not necessarily on a Sunday morning. I might listen to something more ambient on a Sunday morning. Throughout the decades and years, I could easily say that the 60s were the Beatles and the 70s were, you know, like progressive like Pink Floyd , and the 80s became R.E.M. and the indie stuff, and then in the 2000s , we had Radiohead , which I love. I mean, there are so many in between. I love really good lyric writers like Bob Dylan , Leonard Cohen , Elvis Costello – stuff like that. Credit: Michelle Ramey MaM : What about Jim Croce? Are you a fan? Dana : Well, yeah, of course. It’s hard not to be. It’s hard to not leave out people when they ask what you listen to. MaM : That’s how I feel. Too much to describe. Dana : Right, I mean, again, if I say I like some Hüsker Dü or something, you might think that’s all I listen to, but I also love Nat King Cole . If you’ve ever heard him sing ‘ Nature Boy ’ and it didn’t stir some kind of emotion, I’d be surprised. My tastes are really all across the board. MaM : So, what year did you open Capital City Records? Dana : 2014 – We started at the beginning of the year with the hope of being somewhere around a six-month start-up. If I recall, we started moving into the doors in July or August because the building needed some renovations. By the time natural setbacks were done, I think it was November 2014 when we were officially opened. Credit: Michelle Ramey MaM : How would you say business has evolved over the years with your store? Dana : Well, it’s been steady growth – more and more each year. Last year, I saw a slight decrease in business, but it was mostly due to the economy. Just the state of the world. I’m fortunate, though, because people seem to like the store. I always like getting good reviews or hearing customer feedback. Sometimes, it’s not a local customer, it’s a collector, and I like talking to people. Just like when you’re in another town on vacation, where do you go? To check out the local record stores. MaM : Do you find your customers to be younger or older? Or is it just a combination of both? Dana : It’s definitely across the board. One thing I see a good bit of is that when parents come in with their kids, they’re not only buying the popular stuff, but also classic rock like Led Zeppelin , Pink Floyd, and other older artists. MaM : Are there any records people come in seeking the most? Dana : By artist or type? MaM : Just anything, really. Dana : Acid Bath – now that you’re saying it. I sell a lot of them. I know the owner of Rotten Records , and I get them through him. MaM : How long do you plan to keep the store open? I’m hoping until you can’t do it anymore. Dana : I don’t know. I don’t really have a plan. I’ve thought about retiring again after these past 12 years, but I enjoy working at the store. I did cut back a few hours recently, because I lost my helper. Everybody wants to work at a record store, but it’s not just sitting at the register selling records. There’s a lot to do. You have to pay attention to what moves and what doesn’t, price points, and other factors. It’s fun, but getting in Baton Rouge traffic, the older I get, the more aggravated I am. MaM : I can relate. Dana : It wouldn’t be like I would just close. I would hope someone else would take over the store. It’s just a record store, but it’s a good business. If you haven’t visited Capital City Records in Baton Rouge yet, what are you waiting for? Dana always has something special on hand, with records, CD's, and tapes thoughtfully curated just for you—so stop in and see for yourself and be sure to strike up a conversation with him while you’re there. We guarantee you’ll walk away with a new music friend. For more information: Facebook: Facebook Instagram: Capital City Records (@capitalcityrecords) • Instagram photos and videos Email: mailto:ccrbatonrouge@yahoo.com *All photos by Michelle Ramey www.chellrameyphotography.com Chell Ramey Photography Denham Springs And Baton Rouge Family Maternity and Portrait Photographer www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? mixedalternativemag@gmail.com Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

SÖŪP’s music is a harmonious blend of diverse musical influences, serving as a bridge between the past and the present. < Back SÖŪP: A Rich Tapestry of Musical Expression Nicole Brice Mar 13, 2024 Share SÖŪP’s music is a harmonious blend of diverse musical influences, serving as a bridge between the past and the present. Music has always been a powerful medium for expressing emotions, telling stories, and connecting people from different backgrounds. Growing up, I was introduced to many notable classic rock acts, and the complexity of the songs I heard opened my mind and consciousness to new concepts and ideas in a way that pop music could not. Legendary acts such as Ten Years After , Led Zeppelin , and Rush paved the way for generations of rock enthusiasts with a diversified range of intricately crafted sounds, and their legacy continues to this day because of pockets of emerging musicians who are discovering the music for the first time. Continuing the legacy of well-crafted music for the masses out of Asbury Park, New Jersey , is a 3-piece hard rock group with divine creativity called Sӧῡp. With a whimsical and progressive style, Sӧῡp is a group of musicians who have come together to jam and create music spontaneously and organically, and they are proving to be an up-and-coming force in the new emerging face of rock music. Consisting of Harrison on guitar, Monica on drums, and Mercedes on vocals, bass, and keyboards, the band is gaining momentum with its vibrant energy, steady bookings, and clear, concise ideas of what they want to accomplish musically. They are full of ingenuity, drive, and passion, with talent far beyond their years, and have come up with a sound so fierce that it’ll knock you on your ass. Photo provided by band Drawing influence from progressive rock greats Rush and rock legends Led Zeppelin , this trio knows how to command attention with their thunderous presence. Released on January 1, 2024, “ The Captain ” is the first recorded release by Sӧῡp in a series of songs to be released this year and is a meticulously crafted orchestration of creativity, taking you on an epic journey of sound. Mercedes’ range is dynamic and powerful, with soaring vocals reminiscent of the great Cherie Currie of The Runaways , evoking the nostalgia, solidarity, and influence of 70’s rock. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cL5yBr-0uus Paying homage to the past while embracing the future, Sӧῡp’s music is a harmonious blend of diverse musical influences serving as a bridge between the past and the present, and if I were to describe their music, I would have to say it is an experience to be had with headphones and the volume turned up. The layered textures and sounds take you back to a different time and place and allow for complete escapism. Photo provided by band Mixed Alternative Magazine had the opportunity to catch up with the band recently in between their many upcoming shows, and we were able to have an authentic discussion about the state of the industry, influences, plans, and much more. Take a moment to learn a little more about the band called Sӧῡp, and then be sure to jam out to their latest music on your favorite streaming platform. MaM : Mercedes, your vocals on the new track, “ The Captain ,” are phenomenal, with so much power and passion. It reminds me of Cherie Currie ’s performance on the song “ Neon Angels on the Road to Ruin ." Who do you cite as your ultimate vocal influence, and why? Mercedes : I really appreciate the compliment. I tend to get my vocal technique from a good number of male artists that I listen to. A lot of people do draw comparisons with me and several other female vocalists in the classic rock realm, but truthfully, I have been influenced by Geddy Lee from Rush and Robert Plant from Led Zeppelin. MaM : You know the Wilson sisters from Heart were heavily influenced by Zeppelin, too. Mercedes : I did not know that. Honestly, it’s an honor to be compared to many of these iconic female vocalists, but the surprising thing is that I don’t take a lot of inspiration from them. Credit: Jeff Crespi MaM : Were your parents influential in determining your music tastes? Mercedes : That’s actually a common misconception. I grew up listening to current music, but my Dad would listen to a good bit of John Denver , Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons , and James Taylor . As far as classic rock goes, I didn’t know anything about the bands I’m currently influenced by back then. I discovered all their music on my own, and then, when I became friends with Monica, she and I went on to discover even more together. MaM : Take us through a little band history. How did you come together as you are now? Mercedes : Both Monica and I were taking music lessons at the same place, and our music teacher noticed a good bit of similarity between us. He decided to introduce us, and we really hit it off and just started becoming great friends. Eventually, we decided we wanted to form a serious band, and we’ve been working hard at it ever since. The biggest setback has been finding consistent band members to take it as seriously as us. We did not go to school with any musicians, so it was a bit of a trial until we found Harrison because we clicked with him in ways we didn’t with anyone else. Credit: Jeff Crespi MaM : Harrison’s guitar playing is exceptional, too. His tone is so crisp and clean. Mercedes : It’s almost as if Monica and I manifested his existence. We knew exactly what we were looking for, and then he walked into our lives, so it’s been perfect. MaM : What drew you to playing the instruments you play? Monica : So, we had a little issue when we first met because both Mercedes and I played the bass, and what were we going to do with two bass players, right? We didn’t have a drummer, though, so I picked it up, and it’s been about three years. It all clicked so fast, and I never thought I’d love another instrument as much as the bass, but I certainly love the drums more. I feel like I can express myself by playing drums in ways I could not with the bass. I’ve never felt more creative in my life. Credit: Jeff Crespi MaM : I have so much respect for drummers because what they are doing looks so difficult and exhausting. Monica : I will say that sometimes your fingers cramp up, and it is a test of strength. It’s cool to watch yourself get stronger and more capable with it as you progress. I found that the stronger I got, the more improved I got with my playing. MaM : Were you self-taught, or did you have a few lessons? Monica : Both; some things I was taught, but others I just figured out along the way. Photo provided by band MaM : Harrison, how did you start playing guitar? Harrison : My whole family is full of musicians. My dad plays bass, and my uncle plays guitar. They had a band when I was younger, and it got me inspired to play music when I would see them perform live. I was about 7 years old when I picked up a guitar, and I’ve just stuck with it. It’s the only thing I’ve ever stuck with. MaM : I love the tone of your guitar. Do you have any specific gear you use to achieve your sound? Harrison : I really like to use a Les Paul guitar with a Marshall amp and my chorus pedal. That’s my favorite pedal right now. MaM : Who would you cite as your ultimate influence for what you do? Harrison : David Gilmour of Pink Floyd. Photo provided by band MaM : Who do you collectively cite as the one band that made you want to pursue music as a career? Sӧῡp : Rush Mercedes : Yeah, Rush — across the board. MaM : Back to your new single, “ The Captain ,” how did the concept for that piece come together? Give us a little backstory. Mercedes : About two years ago, Monica and I realized we wanted to create one big theme with our music. One big concept. We wanted to establish a visual vibe with a storyline instead of just music with lyrics. Looking ahead, we want to create a visually poignant nautical theme with our music, one about discovering new horizons and what is encountered along the journey. “ The Captain ” grew out of that, and we’re in the process of writing the other songs, too, so you’ll have to stay tuned. A lot of our songs are about the ocean and water, ultimately leading to a concept album about a journey. Rock operas and concept albums have always fascinated and inspired me, so it’s just about channeling my inspirations into one big piece as my take on it all. Credit: Jeff Crespi MaM : How do you approach the songwriting process? Is there a formula you follow? Mercedes : Usually what we do for any song is write the music first. That’s how things came together for “ The Captain ”. I heard the riff first before we had even started writing. I was sitting in my yard one day trying to figure out how to write the song, and I was looking in my notes, and I found a small fragment of a poem about a captain that I had written, but it wasn’t complete. I was able to take that small fragment, though, to turn it into our song, and a few minutes later, I told everyone I had the lyrics done. We then put it with the music and tweaked it and it came together like magic. Monica : Once we play a song live, we usually find more things we want to change. We like to add more flavor here and there, but sometimes we’ll play a song live for many months, thinking it’s complete, but then right before the recording process, we find something else to change. It’s never quite complete. Credit: Jeff Crespi MaM : Where do you see yourselves headed in the future? I know you already have a busy 2024 shaping up. Mercedes : Our main goal is to release music that people will love. We will release singles, but we hope to draw more people to us by getting our audience hooked on a few songs, allowing them to marinate with the ideas, and then selling them the entire concept. We hope to unite people by presenting a new take on a vintage sound. Monica : There’s nothing better than taking a journey with your two best friends, especially when it resonates with people. As Sӧῡp continues to evolve and grow, they will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the music industry and inspire future generations of musicians to push the boundaries of musical expression. To learn more about the band and to experience their music for yourself, visit www.soupofficial.com . *Photos by Jeff Crespi www.jeffcrespirocks.com JEFFCRESPIROCKS See through a different lens! www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Presenting Grunge-Gaze < Back An Ugly/Beautiful Dichotomy: The Music of Morbid Orchid Nicole Brice Mar 2, 2023 Share Presenting Grunge-Gaze Sometimes a girl just needs to listen to some good ole fuzzy indie rock, and this next band I’m about to hit you with has mastered that catchy indie-rock vibe made famous in the mid-90s by many notable acts. Morbid Orchid is their name, and they are based out of Nashville, TN. Formed in 2019 with core members Taylor Santangelo on guitar and Joel Murray on vocals and drums, these two almost didn't meet. It was after a few failed attempts, and one dick pic, that Taylor almost deleted a Craiglist ad he had posted in hopes of finding bandmates. As a last-ditch effort, he said to himself, “just one more week.” Endurance paid off when Joel responded, “hey, I live 20 minutes away.” The two would soon meet, and find the chemistry between them to be nothing short of palpable. I just want to note that Joel makes playing drums and singing seem flawless and effortless, and I must give mad props to anyone who can do both of those with ease. Their newest release is titled Siamese TV Lamp , and this album jams from start to finish. These guys are on to something with their Grunge-gaze sound, swooping chords, and their secret weapon producer, Tom Whall, who not only played bass on their debut but also gave the recording that extra TLC it needed to define their sound. credit: Cordie Nicole From the bluesy guitar opening on “Like Moths” to the fuzz explosion on “Couldn’t Be Better,” these guys rock it way out there and back. Be sure to check out their music and show some love right after you read this interview. credit: Loee Murray MaM : Good Morning! How are ya’ll doing today? TS & JM : Hey! We’re good! MaM : Guys, I just want to break the ice and start by telling you how impressed I am with your music. I made a note that your sound is Mudhoney meets The Breeders meets Hum meets My Bloody Valentine. Would you agree with that? I know that is all over the place, but I hear so many hints and nods to acts from the past. Influence is everywhere! TS: I’m not too familiar with Mudhoney. MaM : Really?!? You need to put them on your list and go check them out. TS : I know that they are a Grunge band, but I’ve never really listened to them. The other two bands—I am flattered to be put in the same category as them, so thanks for that. MaM : Who gave you the inspiration for the name Morbid Orchid, and where did it come from? TS : So, it was actually inspired by Marilyn Manson, and I am a fan of his music, but his philosophy was combining a negative thing with a positive thing to form the names of the band members and the band name itself and hearing that kind of stuck with me over the years. JM : The whole ugly/beautiful dichotomy. We thought it was a cool name, but it’s been a guiding principle in the band, too, with Taylor’s guitar tones being a little more aggressive, grungy, and dark, while my voice kind of naturally is lighter and prettier, and all of those elements kind of make up the sound. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIC3gNQ13og MaM : So as far as influences go, is your music taste all over the place? I would think with Marilyn Manson being an influence that your taste is very diverse. Who’s the big Manson fan? JM : Taylor more than me. TS : One of the things when we met, that we actually bonded over, was just how broad and diverse our music tastes were. My only litmus for if something is good or bad is that good music can exist in any genre. credit: Loee Murray MaM : If the music resonates with you on a certain level, then that’s all you need. So, current line-up: Give me the rundown on who all is involved in Morbid Orchid. Is it just you two? I could have sworn I saw two other band members in pictures. L to R: Taylor, Joel, Loee, and Alex JM : Taylor and I are the core of the band. We do all the songwriting and recording. We’ve used a producer, but it’s mainly the two of us, but then for live shows, we have a bassist who is named Alex Aer and then a back-up singer, I guess … or co-singer? TS : A provider of harmony. (laughs) credit: Cordie Nicole MaM : A provider of harmony … (laughs) … I like that. That works. JM : Her name is Loee Murray actually. It’s her nickname. credit: Cordie Nicole MaM : So, you guys are based in Nashville. Tell us a little more about that. Born and raised there? JM : We both moved here. Taylor is originally from kind of all over, but mostly from Philadelphia, and you’ve been here, what, five years? TS : I think four years and some change. JM : I’ve lived here for three years, and I moved from L.A., but I’m originally from upstate New York. MaM : So, what brought you both to Nashville? Strictly music or something else? JM : Yeah, that was part of it. TS : For me, music didn’t really factor into the decision at all. I was fresh out of college and had a job that was fine enough, but nothing to stick around for, and then I went on a vacation to Nashville … where I had never been … and really loved it. At the time, my girlfriend and I wanted to do something crazy and a month later, we were living in Nashville. It wasn’t the most thought-out thing, but it’s really worked out. credit: Cordie Nicole MaM : So, a spontaneous move led to Morbid Orchid. TS : Yeah, it’s funny how you think your life is this big grand plan, but a lot of it is just coincidence, and I’m very lucky to have met Joel just based off a random move that turned into something important to me. MaM : So according to your bio, you two met on Craig’s List, right? A shining light in a sea of dick pics. (laughs) See, I never trusted it. I always thought some weirdo might come to chop me up or something if I responded to an ad on there. (laughs) TS : Yeah, you have to wade through the dicks to find you a Joel. (laughs) MaM : So, what was the official year you guys formed? TS : Late 2019 and then we worked together for a few months and were put on hold because of COVID-19, so it wasn’t until 2020 when we truly got started. MaM : What led to wanting to form the band? JM : I was a drummer first and I always loved to play. I played in bands in high school and college and always seemed to take it more seriously than anyone else. I taught myself to play guitar and sing, too. I saw Taylor’s post with a link to some of his solo material and I really connected with it. At first, I didn’t know what form the band would take and I thought maybe I would just play drums for Taylor’s solo material, and then we had our first couple of sessions … He encouraged me to do more of the singing, and we co-wrote the first song we ever did together. It just became collaborative. In the past, it was always someone else’s project, and you would write your parts and that was that. This is the first time where it has felt like a creative partnership and each song has to make it though the gauntlet of both of our tastes and have both of our fingerprints in terms of the arrangements and the melodies. MaM : As far as influences on your sound, do you both share similar influences that has led to the sound you have currently? TS : I would say we have a lot of common ground, and then we have quite a lot of things we bring to the table as far as influences the other person has never heard. I think the first artist that we both agreed on was Death Cab for Cutie. Obviously, Nirvana and all the Grunge bands you can think of, too. JM : Courtney Barnett, obviously, too. She’s Australian and great. She’s an incredible songwriter and the observations she interjects into her lyrics are oddball, but very relatable. She’s amazing. MaM : Now, take me through the writing process for your lyrical content. Do you put a heavy emphasis on what you write, or do you just let it flow? How would you describe it? TS : That’s where our priorities differ. While Joel doesn’t want to write throwaway catchy lyrics, I am a bit more particular with what’s being said. Joel does make it an accessible package that sounds good, so it’s a nice give and take we have. JM : I focus on melody more, and Taylor focuses more on lyrics, which works out. MaM : So, you balance each other out. He’s the yin to your yang. In 2020, you released Siamese TV Lamp ; is there anything else currently in the queue? What are you working on? TS : We’re finished with about 11 songs for our follow-up—well, they’re in various forms of completion. We’re getting really close to recording our next effort. JM : We want the whole record to be written before we go into the studio. We want it to feel like one cohesive statement. Taylor has a cool penchant for writing songs that flow together. There’ s a little of that on the first album where the songs bleed together. It’s fun to go into the studio and have a clear vision of that before the recording process begins. It’s getting there. We’re hoping to start recording this year. MaM : What’s the anticipated release date for the new material? JM : I think we’re aiming to record this summer and then release in the fall. TS : Fall kind of fits our vibe. credit: Loee Murray MaM : Yeah, it sure does. That’s awesome. As far as local shows, what’s going on with all of that? Do you have anything upcoming? JM : We played a lot last year, but Taylor is moving this month, so he’s been busy. We do have a gig coming up on March 18th. It’s a St. Patrick’s Day Extravaganza in Manchester, TN ( https://stpatricksextravaganza.com/ ). We are actively booking, though! MaM : So, guys, a few more questions, and I like to talk gear when I’m honing in on a sound for a band, so give me a rundown of what all you use to achieve your sound. JM : Taylor is a tone warrior. That’s one of my favorite things about working with him because he has such an amazing ear for those guitar textures. TS : Thanks, man. So, while I will agree to being a tone warrior, what I am not … well, guitar players actually annoy me, because if it’s not some rare vintage thing, it’s crap, and I don’t subscribe to that at all. So, the first album was an old Aria guitar that was manufactured in Japan. Basically, it was a knockoff Fender Jaguar, and the amp for that first album was a Fender Hot Rod Deville 4 x 10. As far as pedals go, the philosophy behind that is that I have a medium-sized pedal board and if it doesn’t fit, it doesn’t get used, so I have an octave pedal. It’s a Boss OC3 … just a standard octave pedal, but … my favorite pedal is a Stomp Underfoot Black Russian Fuzz. How I got that is that one of my favorite local bands called JEFF the Brotherhood has a great guitar tone, and they use a Big Muff Black Russian, but when I looked to try and buy that pedal, I couldn’t find one used at a reasonable price, so … I found this other manufacturer who makes a great reproduction of that pedal. For my less fuzzy tones, I have a Boss OD-3, which is a pretty time-tested yellow overdrive. I also have an MXR Flanger, and am I missing anything? Joel? Oh, I have an Ibanez Tremolo, which I’ve used on some stuff, but nothing recorded yet. MaM : So, you use a lot of gear, and you’ve got it all ironed out with what you’re trying to achieve sound-wise. You are a meticulous musician. (laughs) TS : Yeah, I guess it is a bit overboard. All my pedals have little pieces of tape on them with settings marked for my different tones. credit: Loee Murray MaM : So, my last question involves future plans. What all do you want to achieve going forward? JM : Yeah, we’ve talked about this a little bit. We don’t have illusions that the band will last forever. We both have life plans that take us away from Nashville and each other, eventually. I think we’re just trying to enjoy every moment, every show, and just live it. In the short term, we really want to make this new record and just do some short local tours this summer. Some bigger audiences. TS : It’s a fine balance between having all those crazy dreams but also not knocking where we are at and trying to enjoy what we have achieved and being a little more realistic. To check out all that is Morbid Orchid, hit one of the links below: www.morbidorchid.com Morbid Orchid (@morbidorchid_official) • Instagram photos and videosMorbid Orchid | Facebook Spotify – Morbid Orchid Morbid Orchid (bandcamp.com) Morbid Orchid - YouTube ‎Morbid Orchid on Apple Music Tik Tok: @morbidorchid_official Morbid Mag www.morbidorchid.com Morbid Mag, Vol. 1 — Morbid Orchid 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

How Steve Mignano found his way to music, New Orleans, and soundscape success with musical projects Drab and Garguts. < Back Steve Mignano: A Man with a Lust for Movement and Change David Trahan Jan 18, 2024 Share How Steve Mignano found his way to music, New Orleans, and soundscape success with musical projects Drab and Garguts. Drab has rich soundscapes. There seems to be a thirst lately for bands with driving basslines whose guitars saturate the aural soundscape with lavish, soulful melodies. That may sound elementary, but the truth is that too many bands these days are trying to find the next direction with compositions that have shed elements of the tried and true. For me, Drab’s sound hearkens back to an era when grunge rock was mighty. And music like I’m hearing from these guys was the tasteful counter to that movement that somehow found a way to compliment it simultaneously. It was anything but pop, super original, and slightly unpolished in its own right. A band like Drab is tipping its hat to this notion that there exists a space between extremes that does not lend itself to popularized conformity. In other words, you don’t have to commit yourself to either death metal or typified pop extremes to express a deviation from the norm. There’s a vein of rock that maintains an edge slightly left of center that is still respected by those who would normally find their comfort zone right in the middle. For his whole life, Steve Mignano has been able to move freely throughout these spectrums due to his lust for movement and change, and his ability to achieve accuracy amongst chaos affords listeners a guide through these waters. You can’t understand the plot if the acting sucks, and you can’t get a feel for a sound if it’s not in tune or on time. Now Garguts, Steve’s second project, pushes the division between what works and what doesn’t. They take the above notion of “unpolished” and kick it in the teeth. But again, Mr. Mignano embraces change here while feeling his way through at the top of his lungs. Because for this project, Steve isn’t holding a guitar. He’s strictly singing. Dylan Hemard (Green Gasoline) checks the axe for him, allowing him the freedom to roam. This band delivers the reassurance that can be sometimes felt in extremity. Because oddly enough, you can hear a bit of Zeppelin in the beginning of their song “Miller High Death”, but then the kicking starts, giving listeners a bit of “Oh yeah, I remember that!” followed by “Oh sh*t!”. We will get into the line-up of this band later. But trust me, we’re all in for a wild ride with this one. To read the full article on Steve Mignano, Drab, and Garguts, visit www.NewOrleansMusicians.com . Podcast : https://Neworleansmusicians.Podbean.com YouTube : https://youtube.com/@neworleansmusicians Blog : https://Neworleansmusicians.com/blog www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Who On Earth is blending a classic rock vibe with modern twists and turns. < Back Who On Earth: Bringing the Thunder Back to Modern Hard Rock Nicole Brice Jun 13, 2025 Share Who On Earth is blending a classic rock vibe with modern twists and turns. Who On Earth? My sentiments exactly when I first discovered this band – a badass group that carries the torch for those who came before, that’s who. Blending a classic rock vibe with modern twists and turns, Who On Earth features epic solos and some of the cleanest-sounding guitars I've ever heard, not to mention those heavy basslines I love. This band is poised to dominate in the coming days with their hard rock and heavy metal straight from New Jersey . So, who is Who On Earth? Photo provided by band The lineup includes Coosh (vocals), Pete Rizzi (bass), Johnny James Barone (guitar), Jimmy Kocha (guitar), and Howie Fallon (drums). With a larger-than-life stage presence and a bellowing voice full of range, Coosh embodies the quintessential badass frontman. There is so much soul in every note he sings, and Who On Earth is actively bringing rock back. As I dove into their discography, I found that not a single song is lacking. Every track is fantastic and feels like a rocket waiting to launch . Yes, it's that good. Credit: Jeff Crespi Since 2022 , Who On Earth has released numerous songs , the latest being ' Yesterday's Future ' on April 29, 2025 . With a visually stunning lyric video to accompany it, ' Yesterday's Future ' is a thought-provoking piece of music with a powerful message, and I urge you to check it out after reading this article. Who On Earth’s music transcends typical compositions; it narrates stories. These poignant tales require your attention to the lyrics, which create vivid images of landscapes and scenarios, some rooted in folklore and others not. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZKGUAGaRTc Official music video for 'Yesterday's Future' by Who On Earth This busy band is ready to perform and expand its empire, and if you love classic Iron Maiden with heartfelt storytelling , this band is for you. If you're into crushing guitar riffs and head-nodding grooves , you'll also love them. They even have an amazing cover of Toto's 'Hold the Line' that showcases their love for the greats of yesteryear. Full of personality and charisma with a message, Who On Earth is prepared to dominate a new era of rock with their desire, drive, and ambition to propel the band forward. Read on to learn more. MaM : First question – who designs your album and single covers? They are phenomenal! Pete : So, we’re big on artwork because we grew up looking at the art on the album covers, and because of all the songs put out every day, you want to stand out, and we want those strong covers that have meaning to them. For example, Smoke & Mirrors , Blame , and some of the singles on Blame , we had Ken Adams , who does all of Lamb of God ’s artwork; he did the artwork for that. We love Ken and love working with him. Smoke & Mirrors is all Ken , and it’s always Coosh and I getting on the phone with him discussing a new concept, and he’s just like ‘Oh, I love it!’, so we have an excellent synergistic working relationship with Ken. A lot of the others are AI-generated , where I’ve done a few, and my son is a graphic design artist, and he does a bunch, too. He’ll take an image based on a concept, and he’ll tweak it and get it how he wants, so it’s been a combination of things. Artwork by Ken Adams MaM : So, next question – the logo. Who designed it? It’s powerful and stands out. Coosh : He put out a contest on the internet or something. I’m not sure of all the details. Pete : So, there was a contest, and I can’t remember the website, but me and Coosh started the band, and we didn’t even have a guitarist yet or anything, but we did a logo, and made it on one of these online logo makers, but somehow, they made it a competition. People could put in their suggestions for us. We could put ‘these are the colors we want’, ‘it’s heavy metal and rock’, ya know, and we got back some crazy suggestions. (laughter) Pete : Some people didn’t realize we were a band and thought we were a lawn company or something. (laughter) This one guy was from Indonesia , and that logo you see was his creation. We didn’t even have the album yet, but we had the logo. That was it! We were so psyched. That’s been the logo ever since. The official logo for Who On Earth MaM : So, I went down the rabbit hole and checked out your entire discography. Man, not a single bad song. Not a one. You could put all your songs on a playlist and not have to skip a single one. No lie. Pete and Coosh : Thank you. MaM : Seriously, though, you are so tight as a band, and you can tell you are seasoned musicians, and that you are on a mission to bring this type of music back to the forefront. Your sound is what is missing today in music, which leads me to ask: what inspires your creativity, and what do you each bring to the mix with that? Pete : Well, for one, we would never put something on that we didn’t love, and so how we approach each song is that they have to be different from each other, so most of the music comes from me. I’ll write it, put it together, pre-produce it, and then it goes to Coosh . He’s the melody guy. We both work on lyrics. We’re very focused on lyrics. What we’re saying, how we’re saying it … we want to say it … but we don’t want to give it all away. We want it to remain open to interpretation. We want to tell a story and stimulate you to think about what the song and lyrics mean to you, but it starts with the music, and the music has to have groove. Credit: Jeff Crespi Sometimes, I’ll have a melody idea, but Coosh usually takes my melody and makes it ten times better, or eliminates it, and comes up with his own. He gets a feel from the music and a working title, and that’s how it starts. It’s got to have groove and melody, though. If there’s no melody, there’s no groove, and there’s no dynamic. That’s what we try to create. MaM : Coosh, what inspires your lyrics with these songs? Coosh : So, like Pete says, he’s the one who creates the music, but before he hands it off to me, he has the essence of the song planned out. He’ll go, ‘I hear a couple fighting with this,’ or something to that nature, and he gets this moment with the music where he relays the information to me, and I want to be able to put out his feelings, too, so I take that initial form and then go from there. Credit: Jeff Crespi MaM : Now, Coosh, let’s talk about your voice. The range, soul, and depth! Is there anything you do to keep your voice in shape? Coosh : I didn’t use to do anything, but now I do these scales and humming. I’m no spring chicken anymore, so I have to do maintenance these days. A lot of the songs are hard for me to sing, so sometimes, I prefer doing a cover because it’s easier for me to sing than anything we’ve done in the studio. (laughter) Credit: Jeff Crespi MaM : Yeah, man, when I first heard a few songs, I thought it had a very Bruce Dickinson vibe from Iron Maiden , and just the vocal range, I’m like ‘Dude!’ You have got some pipes on you. You don’t sound like anybody out there right now. So, a new EP came out in March, and now a new single, ‘ Yesterday’s Future ’, was released in April. However, I noticed that you have been steadily releasing singles as a lead-up to the EP, but you are still releasing singles after it. How did the EP come together, and what made you decide to release it instead of just the singles? Pete : In the old days, you’d put out an album, and then bands would just put out more albums every year or every few years, and we could do that. We have the five original songs on the EP, but then we also have five in our back pocket. We did five, but we have ten. We didn’t want to release the whole album because if you do, you might get a review or something, and then people move on to the next thing. The best method we’ve found is to spoon-feed it out. Give as many songs as a highlight, a video, and their artwork. It’s like a slow release of all your music. Additionally, you have to play the Spotify game, and Spotify is particularly friendly to bands like us who are doing that. We’re finding it’s also more content for us, social media-wise, and so we can remain relevant all year long. We’re staying ahead of the game. We have those five more songs, so they’ll be more content, more artwork, and pretty soon we’ll be working on new material that you’ll see sometime next year, so it’s just constant content from Who On Earth . Whereas I waited 13 years for a new Tool album. (laughter) Photo provided by band MaM : Have you found that all your numbers reflect one thing, but then people are just not coming to the shows? Pete : Yeah, oh yeah. Coosh and I have seen it. Yeah, we have great numbers, but to get people to get off their ass and come out, yeah. They’ll see the tribute bands, the cover bands, who cost more to see, and we’re only charging $10 to get in. We’re not making any money on this. (laughter) And it used to be, again, when we were younger, you would go out to hang out, and there would be bands playing, and it was part of your life. Now, it’s hard. People will stay in because of rain, and we had venues close because of COVID , so if you’re a bar band or a tribute band, you’re killing it. MaM : Same here Pete : If you’re an original band or even a line-up of three or four original bands, it’s tough. Credit: Jeff Crespi MaM : We’re finding the same here, too. So, I wanted to talk about this ‘ Hold the Line ’ cover. I’m a HUGE fan of Toto, especially this song, and ‘ Africa ’ is my jam. If I’m in the supermarket, and it comes on, I will stop what I am doing, and it’s my moment. (laughter) MaM : So, this cover … doesn’t even sound anything like the original song at all. It’s reimagined. Take me through how you decided to go with this song. Coosh : We had a handful of songs we were looking at, and how do you pick the perfect cover song to do? We’re going back and forth, throwing around ideas, and ‘ Hold the Line ’ came into play. I was around the house, staying at Pete’s house, and all of a sudden, I started singing this thing, and the part where he goes ‘TiiiiIIMMEE’, I was like, ‘That’s IT!!’ Look no further! (laughter) Pete : (sings) Love isn’t always on ‘TIME!’ (laughter) Pete : I was like, ‘That’s it!’, and I was hooked. You know what’s great about that song is it’s popular, but it’s not like ‘ Stairway to Heaven ’, and we wanted to remake it, not cover it. His distinct voice, tuning it down, double bass drums, changing some lines, taking out the keyboards, and adding a different guitar. I wanted to do it because of his vocals. When we jammed it, I knew that was the one. The inflection that he used, and the balls that he sang it with. Cause it’s a yacht rock song classic, and I hate yacht rock. (laughter) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8f6EPqGHhA Official Music video for 'Hold the Line' MaM : Same – not a fan of yacht rock, but I do love me some Toto . Pete : I do like some Christopher Cross songs, too, but that’s what my parents listened to. (laughter) MaM : Right! Pete : Holy crap! Coosh , we did a yacht rock classic before the yacht rock tribute stuff started blowing up! (laughter) Credit: Jeff Crespi MaM : Do you have a favorite song to perform, and if so, which one? Coosh : Just because it’s the most emotional, I’ll have to go with ‘ Watch the Fires Burn ’. I guess you could say it’s our environmental song , but it’s a heartfelt message of having the passion as a society to take care of the planet. All of us. Pete did this when he was like 18 or 19 years old, and it’s excellent, and I didn’t know what to do with it when he first handed it to me, but it has this great dynamic and has so much emotion. Pete : Yeah, that song I wrote when I was in my very early 20s, and it was called ‘Matter of Life and Death’ , and I wrote it about abortion. That’s a topic; at the time, and it was from the perspective of the unborn child. Like, ‘Hey, what about me?’ I didn’t want to go there with it in this day and age, so I was thinking, what’s a great and important topic? I’m sitting here watching the Amazon burning , and I’m like, ah, watch the fires burn. Not so much about hey, stop burning our trees, but we’re all just sitting back here watching this. Somebody has got to do something about it, and nobody is doing anything about it. To Coosh’s point, you can take that and broaden it to a lot of topics. It’s just about sitting back and watching things go to waste. But the song itself, its ups and downs … it’s a six-minute song, and some songs need to be six minutes. As long as you’re doing something different in it, and then, man, it’s heavy … it’s got groove. It’s got funk. MaM : Yes, lots of tempo changes. Pete : Tempo changes, which our producer always makes fun of me for, but I love tempo changes. MaM : I do, too. It keeps the song interesting. Pete : Playing it live is really fun. MaM : Which song do you feel is the crowd favorite and gets people most engaged? Pete : I’m gonna say ‘ Black Swan ’. MaM : I made a note on my notes about that song, actually. Pete : Coosh may disagree, but he does a great job of coaching the crowd to sing along, and it’s got this chorus that allows everyone to get involved. MaM : So, Coosh, your vocals, let me ask you … you have range like I haven’t heard in a long time, so obviously you’ve been doing this a while. When did you first discover you had a gift for singing with such a powerful voice to do rock music? Coosh : I’m not a rock music guy, so that’s the crazy part. When I was in my early 20s, we would all do the karaoke thing, but I would stick to songs like ‘ Suspicious Minds ’, and it was all a great time. Everyone enjoyed it, but I ended up buying a karaoke company, singing, and becoming a host, until one day, a buddy came in. He mentioned he had lost the lead singer of his band, and I went up and sang ‘ Drops of Jupiter ’ for him by Train , and that was it. I was in. Credit: Jeff Crespi MaM : What would you like to see in the next five years as far as your music and audience? Pete : I’d love to see it all continue to grow. We understand we need to keep working hard. I like what we’re doing, too, but I want it all to gather momentum, and I want to keep playing shows. Maybe even go on a small tour , even if it’s regional. Want to get out there live. There is nothing like the impression you leave on someone after they see you perform live. Coosh : I’d love to figure out how to get the exposure we need and get people to listen to the song more than once. Most of the time, you have to listen to a song twice and be attentive to it. We’re not a regular band. Most of our songs tell stories because they’re relatable. We have inspiration. We have devastation. We have messages about life. We have stories that people need to hear. As Who On Earth continues to grow their brand and presence, they are sure to inspire and leave a lasting impression on music fans for generations to come. Check out their music on your favorite streaming service, and if you live nearby, be sure to catch a live show. You won’t regret it—these guys deliver a powerful sound! *cover photo provided by band *other photos by Jeff Crespi www.jeffcrespirocks.com JEFFCRESPIROCKS See through a different lens! To learn more about Who On Earth: www.whoonearththeband.com Who on Earth Official Website The official website and store for the band Who On Earth. www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Reach out to mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

A Soundtrack for Navigating Hell < Back When Metal and Rock Collide: 4 Mag Nitrous Nicole Brice Mar 21, 2023 Share A Soundtrack for Navigating Hell Louisiana metal has a distinctive presence in the South—one which is loud, savage, heavy, and full of sludge. Better than a morning cup of coffee, the music of 4Mag Nitrous not only hits you with a distinct sound that knocks you on your ass, but their stage presence is larger than life, too. If you need a soundtrack for navigating the hell that is Baton Rouge traffic, the music of 4Mag is it. Their latest offering, “Electric Conception,” was released in 2021 and is THE perfect music for cruising the road at a snail’s pace in and around the city, and on into outlying areas down I-10 and I-12. You must listen to it on full blast, though, with the windows down. I insist. Pioneers in defining a sound and scene beginning all the way in the 90s with other projects that each member was involved in, such as Leak, Blower Mower, Slaves of Freedom, Mutehound, and Routine Fiend, the men of 4Mag Nitrous have been a constant fixture on the southern metal scene in one way or another and are establishing themselves as the OGs of untamed southern metal. credit: Gary Governale Aggressive, loud-crunching guitars, brutally heavy riffs, and striking melodic vocals round out this band, and if Pantera, Slayer, and Motorhead had a band baby, it would be 4Mag Nitrous. Formed in January 2000, the band was on a mission to play the truest form of southern metal, and they have succeeded. Nitrous has gained much recognition by extensive playing and are currently played on 175 radio stations and heard worldwide via XM/Sirius satellite radio. These guys have solidified their place amongst the metal elite, and it’s time for the rest of the world to take notice. credit: Gary Governale 4Mag Nitrous's music has also been featured on the Discovery Channel's series Monster Garage , along with the compilation CD and DVD for both seasons. They have also licensed songs for the A&E series Dog the Bounty Hunter , and in 2010 signed on with Lionsgate Films to license music in six upcoming films. Having performed on nationally syndicated music television shows like Louisiana Jukebox and SXSW Music Showcase , these guys continue to make an imprint all over the southern region of the U.S. In 2005, 4Mag Nitrous charted at #17 on the CMJ charts. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Zl9XzJoCsQ The band is comprised of Joel Cangiolosi (vocals, guitar), Ben Michon (guitar), Josh Klipstein (drums), and Kib (bass). credit: Gary Governale We recently caught up with the guys to ask them a few questions about the upcoming album they are recording, amongst other things we were just dying to know more about. So, grab a Snickers and kick back as we introduce you to a little bit more about what makes these guys tick; afterwards, go download their entire catalogue. I promise, you will thank me. MaM : I know you guys are currently writing and recording new material. What is the direction of the new album, and what music are you currently listening to that is influencing the writing and creative process? Kib : We write what we have fun playing and music we like to hear that we’re NOT hearing. There’s some of our songs we all agree are more fun to play, so, of course, the new stuff naturally follows that direction. We tend to like to play heads down & haulin’ ass! We like our songs and shows to have a lot of energy and to have music that, when you’re driving, you subconsciously push that gas pedal all the way to the floor! I would never want anything to be heavy just for the sake of being heavy. It needs to have feeling. Joel : I’ve been currently listening to a death pop duo called VOWWS, Monster Magnet, and Ice Cube. All over the place, I know. (laughs) I try to stay away from the same genre of music that we play while in the writing process. Ben : Lately I’ve been listening to Eminem’s last two albums quite a bit, as well as ‘Sometimes’ by City and Color, ‘Still Standing’ by Goodie Mob, and ‘Déjà Vu’ by Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young. The new songs we are writing have more of a thrash element to them than our last effort, in my opinion. Klip : As far as I know, the new album's direction is faster and more aggressive. I actively am trying not to listen to too much music while we write this one, although it seems to be more old-school thrash when I do. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwfWWRIeNEk MaM : Joel, give us a brief background history on past music endeavors. You have always been a fixture on the local music scene for as long as I can remember, and I’m getting old, so that has been a long time. Also, who are your vocal influences? Your vocals are insanely melodic for being metal. Joel : My musical journey started with a band called Big Daddy while I was in high school. Then in college, I had an original band called Sement. Then I moved on to a cover band called Bone China. Then we formed 4Mag and I played until 2004 when I moved out of state. Next was Lagerhead, Blower Motor, and finally back in 4Mag in 2017. It’s interesting that you asked me about my vocal influences. I was really hoping to just play rhythm guitar, but Kib talked me into getting on the microphone. I’ve always just thought of myself as just a guitar player, so honestly, there’s not just one singer that I have been influenced by. But don’t get me wrong—there are plenty that I enjoy hearing. credit: Gary Governale MaM : Ben, you, too, have been on the scene for a very long time. Give us a brief background history on past music endeavors. Also, your guitar tone is insane! Who are your guitar influences? What equipment do you currently use, and what is your favorite type or types of guitars to use and why? Ben : I started playing guitar when I was a freshman in high school at 13 or 14, I think. My grandmother bought me a $50 acoustic she found in the classified ads because I had been wanting a guitar. I have had quite a few music endeavors over the years, probably too many to list briefly. The most notable, I guess, would be Slaves of Freedom, Mute Hound, Big Frank, Routine Fiend, Glitchell, and Chemical City Rebels. I am still currently in Big Frank and Chemical City Rebels. credit: Gary Governale My guitar influences include Kirk Windstein, Scott Gorham, Brian Robertson, David Gilmore, Warren Haynes, Jerry Cantrell, Matt Pike, Brent Hinds, Bill Kelliher, John Baizley, Pete Adams, Chris Wollard, and Chuck Ragan, to name a few. I currently play primarily on a Bogner Uberschall amplifier through an Orange 4x12 cab loaded with Celestion vintage 30 speakers. I run several different effects, primarily a Crybaby 535Q, Earthquaker Avalance Run, Electro Harmonix Micro Pog, and a Boss RC-1 looper. I really don’t have a favorite type of guitar. Now that I think about it, though, I guess Gibson guitars would be my favorite, because all the guitars that I own are either Gibson’s or shaped like guitars Gibson offers. My favorite one is an early 70's Yamaha SA-50 that’s shaped like a Gibson ES335 that I bought at a pawn shop for $200 years ago. credit: Gary Governale MaM : How did the 4Mag sound come about initially? When did you realize, “This is it,” this is OUR sound? Details. Kib : The main thing we go for as far as our sound is thick tones with a bottom end that growls. Each of us like so many different styles of music. When we write, each of us [is] sprinkling their own style into the pot and mix[ing] it all up. But the most important part of it is letting the song dictate the direction. We’ll try different versions of parts when we get to it, but most of the time, the parts will write themselves. You have to stand back, see how the parts are speaking to each other, and not just force something because you like it (because you wrote it). We know when something is good because we seem to all react to it with excitement at the same time. And when all four of us are smiling after we come up with something, we know it’s a keeper! credit: Gary Governale Joel : Well, our sound is still evolving. Now that we have Josh and Ben in the band, it has opened our scope of musical exploration. Both guys are very familiar with writing, so we’ve been working on our sound now that we have all the key members in place. As far as our early quest for a sound, I remember Kib saying he wanted a rumbling type of sound mixed with big rigs, cool cars, my painting endeavors, and our way of life down here. We mixed a concoction of our own style. credit: Gary Governale MaM : Klip, we must know more about your mad drumming skills. Give us some more deets. Klip : I have always been a "metal" drummer in our neck of the woods in Ascension Parish. [I] started off playing percussion in [sixth] grade. By the time high school hit, I had started on a drum kit and played with some friends. I have played music with Joel for roughly 25 years and Ben roughly 20. Ben and I are currently in another band called Big Frank. I play drums and am one of three vocals for the outfit. Although we are on a hiatus for the moment, my third band is Wicked River Rising. My drumming influences range from Dave Lombardo to Dave Weckl. credit: Gary Governale MaM : Kib, you are a beast on the bass! Obviously, someone had to influence your playing style, so who would that be and why? Kib : I was put in piano lessons at [four years old] and until I was 12, I played bass instruments in band in middle school, but when I was 14, I got a bass and started a punk band the same week. I loved The Ramones, The Dead Milkmen, and early 80’s thrash. I never played guitar; it was always the bass. From playing piano, I immediately understood the job of the instrument and made playing with my fingers easier. For me, writing songs on bass helps with coming up with solid, catchy riffs. credit: Gary Governale MaM : Guys, name one band you would like to share the stage with but haven’t yet, and why. Ben : High on Fire because I think our style and theirs would work well together, and I love their music. Klip : I don't necessarily have one band I would like to share the stage with but would like to play a large festival. It has always been a bucket-list item. Joel : Currently, probably Gojira but my inner child would say Metallica or Pantera (original lineup). All these bands rip, and it would be a great opportunity for our band to jump on a tour with them. credit: Gary Governale MaM : With all you have going on, what are your future plans? Kib : Hoping for new opportunities to share the stage with bands we love and new friends as we keep chuggin’!! NEVER STOPPING!! Ben : Finish writing the new record, release it, and play as much and as far out as we can. Klip : I want to keep writing albums and playing them live. Joel : Keep writing and booking gigs. Concentrate on our music and not some hokey gimmick(s) that I see a lot of bands doing. Keep pounding on doors and knocking down walls! _ If you want some good ole southern metal that fuses rock and everything in between, you’re gonna want to check these guys out. Their discography is impressive as a mofo. Also, too, to learn more about this intense band with the untamed sound, be sure to check out their social media links and website. Discography: 4Mag (Self-Titled) – 2005 Monster Garage (Comp CD – Season 1) – 2004 Monster Garage (Comp CD – Season 2) – 2005 High-Road EP – 2019 Electric Conception – 2021 4MAG NITROUS | New Orleans LA | Facebook 4Mag Nitrous Official (@4magnitrous) • Instagram photos and videos 4Mag Nitrous - YouTube ‎4mag Nitrous on Apple Music 4Mag Nitrous | Spotify www.4magnitrous.com 4MAG NITROUS The Official 4MAG NITROUS website. Electric Conception | 4Mag Nitrous (bandcamp.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 Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Moon Tree is a down-to-earth musical odyssey intertwining jazz, blues, country, and rock to create art built of timeless stories. < Back Moon Tree: Reflecting the Sounds of the Cosmos Erica Machen Jan 17, 2024 Share Moon Tree is a down-to-earth musical odyssey intertwining jazz, blues, country, and rock to create art built of timeless stories. Have you ever sat cross-legged, captivated by your grandpa’s extraordinary stories? The mysticism and legacy within words passed through generations lasso your attention. A similar enchantment echoes from the sonic musings of Moon Tree. Hailing from the Muscle Shoals area in Alabama, the band, consisting of Jeremy Parvin, Greg Chapman, John (aka Chet) Hicks, Kevin Reed, and Grayson Wright, intertwines jazz, blues, country, and rock. They may be sharing some folklore, but these are no classic folk songs. Band members contribute distinct elements. Vocalist Jeremy Parvin draws from Southern Baptist roots, infusing vocals with 70’s artists, blues, and southern rock influences. Guitarist Greg Chapman underscores the collaborative songwriting process defining the band. Drummer Kevin Reed injects high energy and jazz nuances. Chet Hicks, the bass player, emphasizes the band's melting-pot vibe with his musical experiences from across the country. And Grayson Wright, on keys, ties everything together with his incredible talent and youthful spirit. Each of the guys brings their own flavor to their musical gumbo, creating a uniquely soulful blend. Just as each of their flavors is unique, so are their albums. Moon Tree’s journey through genres is evident, from the gritty jazz-and-blues blend of their debut to the country-blues rock of "Too Much Honey". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0w3PMrmTiIY Moon Tree’s latest album, "Into the Unknown," released in October and immerses fans in a cosmic odyssey, merging 70’s hard rock sounds with blues and gives vibes reminiscent of The Black Crows. Moon Tree’s streaming catalog is a musical space odyssey. “Footsteps and Stones” tells of one North Alabama man’s tribute to his indigenous ancestor through a hand-built stone wall. She walked for five years from Oklahoma to come home to the “Singing River” that is the Tennessee. Not only is this a testament to the tale, but it is a testament to Moon Tree’s journey in crafting musical masterpieces. Like the story they are telling, their art is being built of timeless stones. Inspired by the ethereal and space, "Into the Unknown" takes listeners on an epic celestial journey. Mixed Alternative caught up with these down-to-earthers to learn more about what inspires their sound, how their name is tied to the Apollo 14 mission, and the recent release of their third album, “Into the Unknown”. Check out our conversation below, then be sure to follow them on social media and get lost in the ride. MaM : In the spirit of Moon Tree's unique sound, each of you, in your own words, please give us a snappy introduction that captures the heart and soul of your musical vibe. L to R: Grayson Wright, Chet Hicks, Jeremy Parvin, Greg Chapman, Kevin Reed Credit: Amanda Chapman JP : I sing and don't play an instrument, which is probably best for all of us. I'm the front man. I was raised a Southern Baptist minister’s son. Gospel has always had a big influence. In my vocals, I draw a lot from 70’s artists with blues and Southern rock-and-roll influences. GC : In Moon Tree, we all have different musical backgrounds. We come up with things on our own, then bring it together for everyone to work on it. We put it on vinyl and hope people will listen like they used to listen to music. KK : I’m Kevin, the drummer. I’ve always played in more hard rock bands. Coming into this group, they weren’t necessarily a hard rock band, but they had really cool songs. We blended a little high energy with some of the jazz-type stuff they had going on. We build new things with each album. The first album is kind of jazzy, the second is kind of country, the third album is kind of hard rock stuff, and the next one … who knows what it's going to sound like? I try to help facilitate that as best I can by making it louder. CH : I’m Chet, the bass player. I’d say the vibe of our band is what most of our shows have shown: a melting pot. MaM : I’m glad you mentioned a melting pot. I was going to say Moon Tree's sound is a gumbo pot of gospel, classic rock, Texas blues, and jazz. How do these musical flavors come together in your songwriting to create something uniquely Moon Tree? CH : There are a lot of different kinds of influences. Everybody brings something different and are from different backgrounds. I think that's what made Muscle Shoals so cool back in the 70s. It's really the same thing with us. We all try to come up with song ideas, and then we try to make it sound like Moon Tree. It always does. It's great! JP : There's a tradition here [Huntsville, AL] in sort of making your own music and making your own fun. We really like working on the songs and getting them to that point. We all seem to gravitate toward the same musical point, which is really nice. We start off with the idea that's pretty raw; at the end, it's really refined. I think everybody's songwriting skills come into play, because everybody's bringing something to it in a creative way. MaM : Chet, with extensive experience, you have been around the musical block, so to speak. Would you share how your diverse experiences help shape the band's process in creating original tunes? CH : I have just played in so many different kinds of bands that when we started doing this one, it was easy. It was easy because it was kind of clear from the beginning. It was like ‘Ok, we're not really going to have any musical rules.’ We're just going to try to write the best songs we can write and get the best recordings we can make. There’s a lot of things coming from different genres since I played a bunch of different kinds. I was ready to do it [integrate genres]. A lot of what we do is really unspoken and understood between us. MaM : The Moon Tree name is tied to the Apollo 14 mission … pretty cosmic stuff! How does this out-of-this-world connection influence your storytelling, especially when delving into themes like folklore, spirits, and alternative perspectives? Credit: Amanda Chapman GC : The Moon Tree name came from the moon tree over at Ivy Green. Steven Tyler came here, and he hugged the moon tree. Whenever we saw that, it was like ‘Moon Tree?’ You know, that would be a good name. JP : There was a forestry expert who went on the Apollo 14 mission with the astronauts. He orbited while they went to the moon, but he was tasked with taking some seeds up with him in the orbit around the moon. When they came back in the early 70s, they spread those out amongst all the forestry commission. They planted seeds in certain areas. There are lists online for them. A lot of our music is inspired by ethereal things and space itself. Our latest album is titled ‘Into The Unknown’ and is very much in that lane, especially the title track, which is written by our drummer (Kevin). It has a very sort of, I don't want to say spacey, but let's say heavenly feel to it. MaM : You’ve opened for heavy hitters like Jimmy Hall and Jefferson Starship. How have these experiences shaped your live performances, and can you spill the beans on a standout moment from those gigs? GC : I just want to say we really appreciate everything we've had an opportunity to do. We've been very fortunate to play some shows like Jefferson Starship. It's an amazing opportunity to play those kinds of show. It gives you experience for future shows so that you're ready for anything that might happen. That makes you want to play better. Whenever we opened for Nick Saban, that was quite fun. That was the first time I ever used one of those in ear monitors. It gave me experience. It’s those experiences that prepare you for when something big comes up. JP : The show he is referring to was a charity event we were able to play very early in our career as a band together. We were very fortunate to play before Coach Saban was going to speak for the event, and it was great. MaM : You guys just released your third studio album, “Into the Unknown”, in October. What fresh sounds or themes can fans expect, and what cool surprises should everyone be on the lookout for in Moon Tree's upcoming adventures? Click image to experience Moon Tree KC : Hopefully, in the coming year, we're going to be playing in different towns. We’ve done Huntsville, Birmingham, and things like that. We want to spread out a little and really play behind this new album. We're really proud of this album. It's still new. So, hopefully we're going to be coming to more towns, playing more shows, and writing new music. Tonight, we've been rehearsing and have already worked on four new songs. They're all kind of gelling together real good [sic], and it’s totally different from the last album. We're always kind of moving forward. There's never much of a down period in this band. We record an album, we put out an album, we play some shows, and then we do it all over again. That's kind of the way it goes around here. GC : I would just like to say that I really appreciate having great local places around here where we can play original music, like Lava Room , For the Record , and Champy’s Shoals . JP : We also want to throw a shoutout to our superhuman keyboard sorcerer, who doesn’t always practice with us, because he is perfect and doesn’t have to! His name is Grayson Wright, and he is young and hip to what the kiddos like! He provides brilliant, often improvisational, chops on any style of piano/keys/synth, you name it! Venture out a little further on your expedition and be sure to visit Moon Tree online at www.MoonTreeBand.com . Moon Tree | YouTube Moon Tree | Facebook Moon Tree | Instagram Moon Tree | Spotify Moon Tree | iTunes *Cover photo by Amanda Chapman Erica Machen is a beast when it comes to consuming, writing about, and reviewing music. www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

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

Life on Merry Hill < Back FIREKID: Living and Making Music on Their Own Terms Tim W. Jackson May 2, 2023 Share Life on Merry Hill A couple in their 30s based in Florence, Alabama, playing music with bluegrass roots might not seem to fit the bill of alternative, but that’s why we don’t judge books by their covers. Dillon Hodges and Heidi Feek make up the duo firekid , a moniker originally created for Hodges’ music pre-Feek. But this enigmatic pair marches to the beat of its own drum— namely a drum machine programmed by Hodges to bring a different sound to roots music and to appeal to a wider audience. “We want to make music that sublimates the horror of reality,” Hodges says, adding that they are keenly aware of the problems and struggles of the world but want to take the view of gratitude and let that inform their art. “It’s a distraction really,” he continues, “but also an anchor to something. It’s firm ground when nothing else matters. It’s liberating.” credit: Tim W. Jackson Hodges comes across as remarkably intelligent and a deep thinker. Feek, who always seems to exude empathy and calm, is perhaps a salve for Hodges’ runaway mind. Their music is what brings many to know firekid, but their values and the life they’ve created for themselves are exceptional departures from stereotypes. Growing up in traditional Southern homes and living in a politically conservative part of the country, being atheists, socialists, and prison abolitionists is about as badass as it gets in Northwest Alabama. Early Dillon Hodges started to play guitar at age 11. While the Shoals area of Alabama where he was raised is technically Southern Appalachia, the music the area is known for is the rock and soul that came out of the area’s studios in the 1960s and ‘70s. In fact, local cover bands still play many of those songs, such as “Mustang Sally,” made most famous by the Wilson Pickett recording from FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals. Bluegrass—popular in middle Appalachia—is actually uncommon in Northwest Alabama. But Hodges’ teacher and neighbor, Mark Campbell, had bluegrass roots, and Dillon quickly became obsessed with the music and the style of guitar playing known as flatpicking. courtesy of firekid “We thought he was going to be a writer,” says his mother, Karen. “When he was in about 4th grade, he would write things that we just couldn’t believe were coming out of someone so young. But once he picked up [the] guitar, we thought, ‘Well maybe this is his calling.’ I guess he’s really doing both.” He set a goal for himself to win the National Flatpicking Championship and would travel to play at bluegrass competitions. But then he won! At age 17, his lifelong dream had already come true. He was the second youngest flatpicking champion but afterward, he became somewhat aimless and bored before even graduating from high school. He came back to Florence a champion, but few really cared about bluegrass locally. He attended the University of North Alabama in Florence and continued playing music. A few years later he created firekid, releasing his first album under that name in 2015. Self-described as “experimental Appalachian,” Hodges says part of his goal was to bring the music that he loved so much to a younger audience with plenty of pop influences and electronic sounds. Meanwhile, says Feek, “I brought my own stamp and creative energy to firekid.” credit: Melissa Madison Fuller This ain’t your granddaddy’s bluegrass. The firekid brand has a groove. Heidi + Dillon Each having married and divorced in their 20s, Dillon and Heidi met at the suggestion of a couple of folks in the Nashville area, where each was living. Musically, there was some overlap. While Feek’s solo albums brought to life influences from yesteryear, Hodges was trying to bring the music he loved to the masses by making it more modern. So, they connected, as friends, playing music and bonding through the tough times they were experiencing individually. For Feek, that included being part of a very public national story: Joey + Rory. Heidi’s father, Rory, had married fellow singer and songwriter, Joey Martin, 10 years his junior, in 2002—making Joey a stepmom to Heidi and her younger sister, Hopie. Joey + Rory had moderate success as a duo. The two had a daughter of their own in 2014, Indiana, born with Down syndrome, and just a few months later, Joey was diagnosed with cervical cancer. Much of the nation latched on to the gripping story that saw Joey succumb to cancer in 2016. She was buried in the family cemetery on the Feek farm in Columbia, Tennessee. Meanwhile, Heidi says she understands the interest. “It was a compelling story,” she says. “There was the music plus life and death and then a young child with special needs. But living through that was much different than just reading about it from afar. It was hard and then actually got even more complicated. It also tainted my view of the music establishment.” Having been friends for a couple of years, Hodges and Feek officially “got together” in that same year, after Hodges was divorced from his college sweetheart. In a cruel and obviously unexpected twist, his ex-wife, Elise, died in a hit-and-run accident just a few months after the divorce, bringing up yet another host of complicated feelings. Needless to say, 2016 saw traumatic circumstances from which both Dillon and Heidi had much to recover as individuals while trying to build a life together. With firekid a vague enough name, Heidi slid into Dillon’s life and his music project, bringing her own beautiful voice and songwriting skills to what was now a duo. courtesy of firekid Instagram The two moved back to Florence from the Nashville area, in part to be closer to Hodges’ family and to add distance from Feek’s. Dillon’s mom, Karen, is usually seen at firekid shows in the Shoals. Meanwhile, Feek’s father, Rory, has been less accepting of his progressive, non-religious daughter’s life decisions. In fact, sister Hopie fled the Feek farm to move in with her sister and Dillon in late 2022. “I love living here,” Heidi said. “I love having my sister here. I love having roots.” Karen Hodges says she is thrilled to have a larger family in the area. “We love Heidi,” she says, “and we know that Hopie moving here, too, really helped make Heidi’s life complete. I always wanted five kids but could only have three. But now I have five! I love the life they are all building.” Twitch Like many musical acts that made the majority of their money by touring, 2020 was a bit hellish for firekid. Various bands sought an array of solutions. On the Twitch platform, firekid managed to eke out a living and find a sense of community. Initially known as a streaming service for gamers, Twitch expanded to include entertainment, sports, music, and more. At first, firekid just played music on the site and then began to live more of their lives online. These days, the duo can be found on Twitch four or five days per week cooking, puttering in the garden, gaming, watching videos or movies, answering audience questions, having a bluegrass jam, or recording in the studio. credit: Tim W. Jackson Financially, the two have survived the past couple years mainly via Twitch and Patreon . “We love the community we’ve created on Twitch,” Dillon says. “And it’s interesting that it really is a community. People have gotten to know each other and interact. It has become a special thing.” So much so, that firekid has no real plans of touring these days. They are content to continue building their Twitch following, work on new music projects, and play a few local shows (which they also stream on Twitch). Merry Hill Now the Twitch community knows the duo by their username, merryhill, coined by an early Twitch follower who nicknamed the couple’s property in Florence. Literally on a hill, the quaint old house and grounds are themselves an alternative statement compared to the path of their peers. Not caught in the trappings of “keeping up with the Joneses,” their house is relatively sparse with a vintage refrigerator and stove in the kitchen, where they stream their cooking nights. The Twitch “Garden Gang” assembles outside where flowers and shrubs fill the yard. A small greenhouse allows some plants to grow year-round. The house, which is actually quite close to town and the university where Dilon graduated, feels like it’s out in the country. It’s a bastion of simple living and a perfect space for Heidi to exercise her green thumb. She arranges flowers and creates wreaths as a side hustle. Hodges is slowly becoming a plant expert, too. credit: Tim W. Jackson Reconnecting Roots Recently, firekid received the good news that they will have a bigger (paying!) role in the PBS show Reconnecting Roots, which they’ve been part of for its first three seasons. The show’s third season just launched in April 2023. Through culture and history, host Gabe McCauley reconnects Americans to their roots through an array of topics. Along with Mandy McCauley, firekid has been instrumental in taking iconic songs from the American public domain and rewriting and reimagining them for the show. The new firekid video for “In the Gravel Yard”, which is currently available for the duo’s Patreon supporters, will debut on Reconnecting Roots the week of May 19. (Check your local PBS listings for that episode and for when the show airs in your area in general. And stay tuned for season four, when firekid will be producing a host of songs for the series.) Here’s firekid along with Mandy McCauley performing the show’s theme song live. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZZSloafk24 New Music Having released its last album, “Muscle Shoals Metaphysical” , in 2021, the duo has been in the studio of late and has new tunes ready to roll out. The songs will be released as a series of singles, eventually culminating into the four-song EP “The Merryhill Sound.” “In the Gravel Yard” is the first single. With the doubling of banjos and an array of synth sounds, firekid again is again creating alternative roots music. In the video below, Hodges and Feek discuss their new EP. https://video.wixstatic.com/video/999a0f_7be1466360b8478b80dd42af0613cb04/720p/mp4/file.mp4 “Alternative” comes in lots of different forms. For firekid, it’s being authentic despite where they live and what others expect. They are true to themselves and create music that they love. And they are slowly bringing others into their wonderful world. For more on firekid, visit them online and follow their social media for the latest updates and releases. Firekid on Facebook Firekid on Twitter Firekid on Instagram Firekid on YouTube Firekid on Twitch Firekid on Spotify *Cover photo from firekid Facebook Tim Jackson is a seasoned journalist and author with a penchant for all things dark, macabre, and somewhat sinister. He lives in Tuscumbia, Ala., with his artist wife and his remote-chewing dog, Maple. www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

The Green Room brings together local musicians for a night of fun and music. < Back Hammond’s Hottest Musicians Unite for a Showstopping Night, Powered by Feel Alive Media Rian Nickels Sep 18, 2024 Share The Green Room brings together local musicians for a night of fun and music. Come with me to revisit the night of July 5th, 2024, for Feel Alive Media ’s first event under its new name. I, Rian Nickels, along with my partner Jay Hutchins (Which you might recognize as “ JAYD3D! ”), started this journey in 2017 under the name The Young Visionaries (Inspired by our late friend, Ally Budde). Over the years, we’ve hosted unforgettable annual music events like “ Llamapalooza ”, “ Hellaweird ”, and “ Fuzziefadoodle Fest ”; along with weekly flow events, memorials, fundraisers, birthday parties, and numerous punk and EDM events. In 2019, we took a five-year hiatus on hosting events to focus on our growing family. We’re thrilled to return with a refreshed vision, bringing you Feel Alive Media. This night at The Green Room in Covington, Louisiana, felt like a homecoming for the local punk and alternative scene, and the energy was familiarly electric. Everyone, from fans to friends, was excited about what JAYD3D! , Jean Claude Seagal , and The Gosh Darn Dangs had in store. First to warm us up for a night of music (not that we needed warming up because it was scorching Louisiana summer) was Singer/Songwriter JAYD3D! accompanied by Tim Dugas , the drummer from The Gosh Darn Dangs . Despite not rehearsing together, the chemistry between them was undeniable. Tim’s precision on the drums complemented JAYD3D!’s vocal style, adding an extra layer of texture and rhythm to the performance. To help everyone feel at home JAYD3D! started with pop-punk-esque covers of ' If It Makes You Happy ' by Sheryl Crowe and Oliver Tree’s ' Cigarettes .' JAYD3D!’s vocal delivery was gritty yet polished, capturing the emotional core of each song, while Tim’s drumming added subtle fills and dynamic shifts that energized the crowd. https://video.wixstatic.com/video/999a0f_079edfc0a1194157ab09273906f21cfb/1080p/mp4/file.mp4 Credit: Rian Nickels Once they had everyone’s attention JAYD3D! moved on to playing originals like ' Funnyman ,' ' Better Than ,' and ' Dripped in Crimson .' Even with a room full of new and old faces JAYD3D! played their songs with the utmost confidence and flair. One standout moment was their cover of Colbie Caillat’s ' Bubbly .' It wasn’t just a cover—it was a communal experience. The crowd sang the chorus in unison, creating a rare intimacy between the performer and the audience. It’s these kinds of moments that JAYD3D! excels at—breaking down the barrier between stage and floor, making everyone feel like they’re part of something bigger. JAYD3D! typically ends with this cover, but just when we thought the set was over, they closed with a surprise performance of their new track 'No More Circles,' a song that blends introspective lyrics with a driving beat, leaving the audience craving more. Credit: Rian Nickels Taking the stage next was Jean Claude Seagal , a three-piece from Watson, Louisiana, with Robbie on the drums, Nick on the bass, and Justin on the guitar and vocals. To read more about Jean Claude Seagal ’s background, you can check out Mixed Alternative Magazine’s Jean Claude Seagal Interview . Credit: Rian Nickels Their set was a nostalgic trip back to the grunge era, with influences that ranged from Nirvana ’s brooding angst to Silverstein ’s post-hardcore melodies, with a hint of Staind ’s reflective alt-rock. Jean Claude Seagal brings an edgy 90’s grunge sound -that punk fans have been missing dearly- to 2024. They opened with ' If I’m Not Here ,' immediately drawing the crowd in with thick, distorted guitars and a bass line that rumbled through the room. Robbie’s drumming added a steady backbone, while Justin’s gravelly vocals poured out raw emotion. You could feel the years of practice and passion in their performance; every chord, every drum, and every bass strum felt purposeful and deeply connected to their message. https://video.wixstatic.com/video/999a0f_2e2b16ea1c934e56942c73554cc77637/720p/mp4/file.mp4 Credit: Rian Nickels A highlight of their set was when Mike Spoon from The Gosh Darn Dangs joined Justin for a collaborative performance of their track ' By the Way ,' a Louisiana punk crossover of the century. Their vocals blended seamlessly, with Mike’s raspy tone providing a perfect counterpoint to Justin’s more melodic delivery. The energy was palpable, and the chemistry between the band members reflected the close-knit nature of the local punk scene. There’s something about Jean Claude Seagal that resonates deeply with fans of 90s grunge; they evoke that same sense of youthful rebellion and introspection but with a fresh, modern edge. Credit: Rian Nickels Finally closing out the night was The Gosh Darn Dangs , a four-piece alternative band from Hammond, Louisiana, known for their quirky, high-energy performances and folk-lore-type storytelling. I previously covered The Dangs for an acoustic busking performance in downtown Hammond in May with former members Kris and Jake, and I was excited to cover them again for a complete band set. Mike Spoon (vocals/guitar), Tim Dugas (drums), Lexy Bowers (vocals/keys/theremin), and brand-new bassist J Rees stormed the stage in true Gosh Darn Dangs fashion. Mike and Lexy’s entrance in matching cat maid outfits and Justin Tatman, the vocalist from Jean Claude Seagal, attempting to speed run Chip N Dale Rescue Rangers on the original Nintendo console set the tone for a playful and friendly set. Credit: Rian Nickels To warm up the crowd to their overall playful vibe, they launched into their song 'paradewindy320,' a humorous, fast-paced song about the frustrations of modern life – like needing the WIFI. Though they faced technical difficulties with Mike’s microphone, Lexy quickly stepped up to lead vocals, turning what could’ve been a setback into a unique, unforgettable moment. Her performance was captivating, especially on tracks like 'Defender of Mankind,' a poignant song that nods to her name, Alexandria, and delves into themes of protection and resilience. The band’s well-loved song, 'Going 100 MPH in a 30 MPH Zone While Wearing Sunglasses at Night,' brought the house down with its mix of reckless energy and nostalgia for youthful misadventures. Then they wrapped up the night of music with their song 'Not Gonna Die Today (A Song to Die To).' The Gosh Darn Dangs are more than just a band; they’re a spectacle, blending musicianship with performance art in a unique way. They offer a distinctive sound that isn’t found anywhere else, and if you haven’t yet experienced their music, you’re in luck—their upcoming split EP with Jean Claude Seagal , titled Defending The Daydream , is set for release in October. It promises to capture the essence of both bands and is sure to be a must-listen for anyone in the alternative scene. https://video.wixstatic.com/video/999a0f_abd1374b30504b4c9fb4b2e0a958e740/1080p/mp4/file.mp4 Credit: Rian Nickels As the night ended, it was clear this event was about far more than just the music. The energy in The Green Room wasn’t just from the amplifiers or the powerful performances—it was the bond between the bands and the audience that made the night truly special. The deep friendships between performers like JAYD3D! , Jean Claude Seagal , and The Gosh Darn Dangs mirrored the connection between them and their crowd. From Mike Spoon’s unexpected vocal duet with Justin Tatman to Lexy stepping in with her soulful voice when technical difficulties hit, these moments exemplify this community's collaborative and supportive spirit. This was more than a concert; it was a gathering of like-minded people who have weathered highs and lows together. The smiles exchanged between band members, the shared singalongs, and the laughter in the room told a story of friendship, resilience, and passion for punk and alternative music. Each performance felt like a love letter to the local scene. Credit: Rian Nickels Feel Alive Media 's return felt like a revival for the musicians and all of us in the music community. It reminded us why we gather in the first place—not just for the music, but for the sense of belonging that comes with it. Whether you were an old friend or a new face, July 5th was proof that the music scene in Louisiana is alive, well, and more connected than ever. Here's to many more nights like this, where the lines between performer and audience blur, and we all feel like family. *All photos courtesy of Rian Nickels - to see more, check out Rian's site below. rianmusicjpeg.myportfolio.com Rian Haynsworth www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90's flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Got a show you'd like Rian to cover? Reach out to us at: mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

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

Want to know who all helps us put this together? These peeps do! contributors c.g. smith Contributing Entertainment Writer C.G. Smith is a guy living in New Orleans, LA, with a lot of opinions and a deep love for music and film. He’s also a musician who's been in love with Rock ‘N Roll since he was very young, often standing on his tip-toes to put Rolling Stones records on his dad’s big JC Penney stereo, or playing tennis racquet guitar in the bay window to John Cougar’s Learn How to Play Guitar, which he eventually did do many years later. Then he wrote all the songs floating around in his head and recorded them. He's our man on the music & entertainment scene, and we have no doubt he'll keep you just as entertained as he does us. chris pryor Contributing Music Writer www.maineventrocks.com Meet Chris, everybody. He’s quite the rockstar and hails from a small town in Louisiana called Sarepta, which is way up in the northern part of the state. In addition to his mad trumpeting skills as a child, he’s also quite the singer and over the years has had the opportunities to share the stage with country music legends Doug Stone, Earl Thomas Conley, and John Michael Montgomery. He even auditioned for American Idol back in 2009 but it wasn’t meant to be. That didn’t deter him, though. He went on to become lead singer of the Lil Whiskey Band and in May 2022 formed his high-energy classic rock/country band Chris Pryor & the Main Event. His unique blend of rock and country music, coupled with his powerful vocals, has earned him a dedicated fan base. It has also earned him a spot in our sandbox as one of our music writers. chad besse Contributing Photographer cmdbphotography.myportfolio.com Chad is no stranger to creative outlets. After kicking around the local music scene in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, for the better part of a decade, he decided it was time to switch gears and try something new, so he started making some pretty sweet props for cosplayers, which he also sold at anime and comic conventions and still does today. After joining the 501st Legion and hangin’ around the convention scene for a few years, he decided to pick up photography as a way to help cosplayers document their creations, because he’s a big ole sweetheart. Photography also gave him another outlet to express his creativity, and his specialty morphed into travel and architecture photography. Now, he’s returning to the music scene to document all the action and to take his skill set to the next level with this new medium. He tells us he’s happy to be documenting the journey of so many other creative people as a part of Mixed Alt Mag, and we believe him! rian nickels Contributing Writer / Photographer / Show Coverage rianmusicjpeg.myportfolio.com Everyone say “hi” to Rian! Rian has been capturing moments as a photographer since 2012, but has known since 2008 that photography was her destiny, and we are so freakin excited to have her on the team because she is a multi-talented badass and mom. In 2018, Rian began doing photography for the local Hammond, Louisiana punk scene and realized she loved what she was doing, but soon discovered her true passion was in the editing of her photos. Not only is Rian a skilled photographer of music, skateboarding, and portraits, but she also does graphic design work, too. Rian aspires to design clothes and home décor in the future and own a storefront to go with it. With a love for all things creative, her hobbies include producing digital art, cozy gaming, crafting stickers, skateboarding, and planning live music events with her musician fiancé. Rian loves music and there is no limit to what she will listen to, but her favorites are pop punk, folk punk, post-hardcore, metalcore, indie, rap, house, and EDM. Rian’s favorite movies are Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands, SLC Punk, and Girl Interrupted, but even better, her favorite TV show is Stranger Things. Rian’s dream bands that she would like to photograph include Neck Deep, Pierce the Veil, Mayday Parade, Twenty One Pilots, Mom Jeans, Roe Kapara, and Hot Mulligan. In the future, she hopes to shoot photos at alternative festivals, continue doing skateboard photography, and wants to take portraits of musicians for as many magazines as possible. jason beard Lead Videographer www.six-to-6.com Jason is no stranger to being behind the lens and this beast of a Renaissance Man hails from Lafayette, LA where he is an established cinematographer, producer, photographer, sound designer, videographer and audio engineer. What does this man not do? As the owner of Sixto6 Productions, he is obsessed with ALL music...well...except for country and techno. Jason brings a wealth of knowledge and talent to the Mixed Alt Mag team and we are happy to have him. Nick Cline Contributing Writer / Music Reviews Meet Nick Cline. He is a man from 1200 miles away trying to contribute and make a name for himself. Born in West Virginia and a resident of Louisiana for 12 years, Nick has found his place in a scene that gives birth to a plethora of brilliant talent. He started playing music at a young age, and ever since, he has had dreams of becoming "something." A love of writing and music has led him to become a member of the Lafayette music scene through his band, Phantum Sun . Phantum Sun started in June of 2023 and has quickly evolved to a sound unique to themselves. His involvement has enabled him to contribute to various projects, including band collaborations and festival planning, within a remarkably short timeframe. On top of this, he just graduated from the University of Louisiana in Lafayette, where he earned a Mass Communications degree with a Journalism concentration and a Criminal Justice minor. Only the future will tell what is next for Nick and his endeavors in music and writing, so stay tuned! Justin Hammer Contributing Music Writer & Photographer www.justinhammerphotography.com Justin has been a part of the NOLA metal music scene for 15 years now as a photographer, and has met some great people and equally talented musicians along the way. Initially, he began shooting live shows through friends of his that were in bands, since he was never able to get the hang of playing music himself. Knowing that he wanted to contribute to the scene he loved so much led to him discovering he had a natural talent for photography. That snowballed into a new love for music and capturing the energy of live shows. Justin's main focus has always been helping to expose exceptional talent in the local scene and giving back to the bands via quality images they can use to promote themselves. After recently relocating to Lafayette, Louisiana, Justin wants to continue to foster the talent in this state and beyond via his stunning images, and we are beyond excited to have him on our team so that he can continue to do so. margo leblanc Contributing Writer / Promotions Team Margaret Taissa LeBlanc is a woman of many talents, some may say. Born & bred in South Louisiana, Margaret was always taught that she must earn things that she would like to have by working as hard as she can as much as possible. She owes all her accomplishments to her single mother & grandparents, who are responsible for helping her be the best she can be. Her love for music, photography, movies, and writing is palpable, and she aspires to become a passionate photographer and writer. She also has a gifted eye ( & ear ) for loud music. She adores horror movies, especially ones that feature dark comedy. Her favorites are Jennifer’s Body, The Crow, The Craft, & Carrie (1976), which she can watch over and over again. In music, her favorite genres & bands are Soul/Blues ( Otis Redding, Amy Winehouse, & Janis Joplin ), Alternative ( Alice in Chains, L7, The Smiths ), Indie ( The Black Keys, Cage The Elephant, Dexter and The Moonrocks ). Margaret dreams of one day interviewing more prominent bands & artists such as The Struts, Johnny Marr, & Jerry Cantrell. With her love for her craft and hard work, she is on the path to a successful future in the media industry. melissa "mo" thornton Contributing Writer Born in Redondo Beach, California, Mo Thornton aka “Melissa Ford Thornton” is Communications Director for the Princess Theatre Performing Arts Center in Decatur, AL. A budding ukulele player and off-key singer who uses a spoon rest as a microphone, Melissa is also a professional storyteller, writer, poet, and music lyricist. She is a Moth Story Slam winner, and her writing has been published by Silver Birch Press, Good Grit Magazine, Alabama the Beautiful Magazine and frequently airs on WLRH Public Radio. In addition to the Moth, Melissa has told true stories on big stages including Southern Fried Film Festival and Rocket City Reading Festival (Orion Amphitheater), Arc Stories (Birmingham, AL), Athens Storytelling Festival, Stories Under the Stars, Tin Can Stories, and Tenx9 Storytelling (Nashville,TN). In 2019, Melissa published her first collection of poetry and prose: “An Elegant Dispute of the Accidental.” She is a member of Alabama Writers Cooperative and Co-founder and Storyteller at Bramble Stories. When not writing, you can find her kayaking, paddleboarding, skydiving, or chilling out with her rescue cats (who enjoy an eclectic playlist almost as much as Melissa does). shaun corley Contributing Entertainment Writer We have some entertainment writing royalty here, ladies, gents, and non-binaries! We call this pop culture enthusiast and comic book nerd Shaun Corley. He comes to us from the East Coast and is a big, important Screen Rant writer with thousands of articles to his credit. He also has many leather-bound books and his apartment smells of rich mahogany. A first-generation college graduate, Shaun holds so many literary degrees, we’ve lost count, but he is adorned in accolades, and we love him. Some of his favorite writers are Haruki Murakami, Jonathan Lethem, NK Jemisin, and Stephen Graham Jones, and his favorite directors are David Cronenberg, David Lynch, Richard Linklater, and the Coen Bros. He’s also a fan of sweet tea and he loves chocolate. We don’t feed him after midnight, though. Ever. elise marie Contributing Photographer and Writer Elise Marie Hanks is an Acadia Parish native born and raised in Crowley, Louisiana, but now resides in Lafayette. Her interest in music and photography began at a very young age, inspired mainly by her late father and his collection of vintage cameras, which she often enjoyed tinkering with. Elise also cherished attending concerts with him during her childhood. She continues that tradition today by supporting local artists and connecting through live performances—often accompanied by her daughter, much like her father did with her. Elise's passion for writing took root while working on her high school newspaper, yearbook, and her college's online publication. Whether at work, with her family, or in creative and musical spaces, Elise is dedicated to growth, fostering connections, and making meaningful contributions to Mixed Alternative Magazine . charles sagona Contributing Writer Charles Sagona is a former radio industry professional, recording engineer, lifelong musician, and die-hard fan who’s lived more shows than most people have playlists. With countless concerts across multiple genres under his belt, he brings a sharp ear, an honest voice, and an undeniable passion for music to his writing — capturing the raw energy, chaos, and heart that make live music unforgettable. Charles believes there’s a soundtrack to everything in life, and he’s made it his mission to find the songs that tell the real story. noah hughey Contributing Writer https://noahmhughey.wixsite.com/noahhugheysite Noah Hughey is a writer and student journalist based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Hughey is a lead opinions writer for the Niner Times, the student publication of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where he writes about transit, culture and politics. When it comes to music, Hughey’s taste is eclectic in nature; raised on hip hop and pop, transferring to big band and jazz sounds, captured by the electric sounds of contemporary rock n’ roll and more, today blending this musical ballast to create his palette. This is the core of Hughey’s interest in music as a subject: sounds that convey the core of the counterculture, while blending unconventional elements that ground it in the daily lives of its producers and listeners. J Heist Contributing Writer Backstage 504 - YouTube J Heist is a musical madman. At an early age, he was utterly stunned when he saw Michael Jackson moonwalk. Ever since then, he knew the stage was where he belonged. Once he discovered grunge and metal music, the instruments he picked up and played were no longer relevant. A NOLA native who has a bit of traveling under his belt is expanding his repertoire into the promoting and media side of the industry. From writing music and lyrics, taking photos and videos, conducting musical interviews, and securing gigs for other musicians, his support for music and all those involved in it grows every second. The sky is the limit with this one; even the stars move out of his way as he travels through the universe to accomplish his goals. Anything to do with music, he's in it 1,000,000%. He has also recently launched a Podcast called Backstage 504, which is a retro, stripped-down, indie-focused podcast centered on one thing only: music. Be prepared for a journey with J Heist. Michelle Ramey Contributing Photographer https://chellrameyphotography.com/ Michelle Ramey is a Denham Springs-based photographer and Baton Rouge native with 18 years behind the camera and 8 years in business. She specializes in fine art and portrait photography, creating imagery that blends softness and depth. While fine art and portraiture are her foundation, her versatility allows her to move fluidly between events and creative projects without losing her signature style. For Michelle, photography isn’t just what she does ... it’s how she gives her emotion a voice. Photography has allowed her to build a meaningful career while staying present for her children. When she’s not shooting, she’s flipping furniture, loving on her cats, or hanging with her "little homies" (her kids). A lover of all types of music; grunge and metal carry a nostalgic pull for her ... raw, honest, and deeply familiar. Home

Daemon Grimm is drawing their influence from more than just metal. < Back Don’t Lose Your Head: The Unstoppable Return of Daemon Grimm Jennifer Touché Feb 19, 2025 Share Daemon Grimm is drawing their influence from more than just metal. Last year, I had the opportunity to work with Eddie Sartor , bassist of Daemon Grimm . Through that connection, I was introduced to the rest of the band. Learning about their adversity over the years made it clear that their bond is built on more than just music—it’s a brotherhood forged in resilience. This is their story. Credit: Facebook Emerging from the underground scene of NOLA , Daemon Grimm was formed in 2016 as a studio collaboration among friends. Leading the partnership was drummer Brock Champagne , joined by original members Brandon Landry (guitar), Eddie Sartor (bass), and Jake Walker (vocals). In the beginning, there was no real direction for the band, just four good friends creating music together with each member bringing their unique style and emotion to the mix. Once the songs were complete, the band knew they had created something much more than just a few recordings. They made an entity, an alter ego, now known as “ Daemon Grimm .” Credit: Jennifer Touché In 2017 , the band dropped their first single, ' Peaceless World ', and their self-titled debut EP, Daemon Grimm —a collection of early recordings. However, it wasn’t until the release of their 2019 EP Big Bad Daze that Daemon Grimm’s signature sound was truly defined. The band draws inspiration from The Acacia Strain , Trapped Under Ice , and Portrayal of Guilt , with a distinct infusion of New Orleans hip-hop. “As far as taking inspiration outside the genre, we absolutely do. I think being from New Orleans, it's second nature to be into or listen to hip-hop, and in our music, certain songs, you can hear the hip-hop crossover. Whether it be the way Jake [Walker] does vocals, or a certain drum beat that Brock [Champagne] plays behind the music,” Brandon Landry explains. Since the release of Big Bad Daze to their most recent single release, ' DLYH Don’t Lose Your Head ' , the band has matured and morphed into a sound of heavy riffs, trippy music visuals, and lyrics written to reel you in. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ci-TZIKv1kw The latest release from New Orleans' own Daemon Grimm Over the years, Daemon Grimm has faced significant adversity. Their biggest setbacks were line-up changes and the pandemic, which caused them to lose the momentum they had built. In 2019 , the band had just purchased a van to begin their journey on the road, only to have their plan crushed by the world’s shutdown of COVID-19 . In addition to the pandemic lockdown, they lost members while in the middle of recording. It was an emotional turmoil with such a devastating blow combined with bad timing. All hope was lost, and they sold the van in which they had invested their dreams. Eventually, Jake and Brandon brought in bassist Nick Moore and drummer PJ Huesmann , allowing them to play a few shows. Their last performance in 2022 seemed to mark a possible end to their journey, as the absence of Eddie and Brock left a noticeable void in the band's chemistry. Credit: Jennifer Touché By 2024 , the band’s future had begun to take shape. Brock ’s return in 2022 , the addition of a second guitarist, Lacy James , in 2023 , and the solidified return of Eddie in 2024 provided precisely what the band needed to rebuild their momentum. The band reignited their passion for their musical journey. “It just sparked that ignition to put in months of work learning and teaching songs, building an entirely new backline, just a newer version of the band, while being the same band you knew before,” recalls Daemon Grimm. By August 2024 , all their hard work paid off when they played their first show back at Southport Hall , supporting Entheos alongside Transient and Edifice . Shortly after, they played a second show supporting Texas-based Upon a Burning Body alongside Baton Rouge-based Branded for Exile . Kicking off 2025 at Chelsea’s Live , Daemon Grimm supported Swamp Stank alongside local acts Voice of the Enemy and Branded for Exile , making for a night to remember. “It was amazing to start the year with that show at Chelsea's, especially with such great local acts. Our expectations were surpassed tremendously…,” recalls Jake, “… honestly the whole night was memorable. It was one of our best shows since coming back, and to be the first to start the year set the bar for all of our upcoming shows. It is always great to have the crowd singing along to your songs, moshing from the set's first song to the last song.” Credit: Jennifer Touché Daemon Grimm ’s electrifying live performances have made them one of my favorite bands—not just to photograph but to experience. Their relentless energy and crushing groove riffs make it impossible to stand still. Don’t miss out—catch them live and throw yourself into the chaos of the pit! To learn more about Daemon Grimm: linktr.ee daemongrimm | Instagram, Facebook, TikTok | Linktree View daemongrimm’s Linktree to discover and stream music from top platforms like YouTube, Spotify here. Your next favorite track is just a click away! Upcoming Shows: Friday, February 28, 2025 Intracoastal Club 8448 Main St Houma, La $10 Doors @ 7pm Show @ 9pm *All photos by Jennifer Touché Jennifer Touché (@jennatouche) • Instagram photos and videos www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Reach out to mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link