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Off the Charts Sep 10, 2024 Off the Charts: Keyton Keyton's music is delivering emotional songwriting with energetic delivery as he prepares to embark on a mini tour. Read More Aug 1, 2024 Off The Charts: Alabama Smoke Show Alabama Smoke Show proves that the future of music in Huntsville is bright! Read More Jul 11, 2024 Off the Charts: Brandon Elder Strumming Through Struggles to Stardom Read More May 22, 2024 Off the Charts: Jimmy Speed Jimmy Speed's music is a unique blend of fast, hard, and heavy rock. Read More May 13, 2024 Off the Charts: Jim Parker’s Songwriter Series The Jim Parker Songwriter Series is a monthly event at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Read More May 1, 2024 Off The Charts: Grits & Greens Grits & Greens are on a mission to spread their signature sound in support of their new album. Read More Mar 17, 2023 Off the Charts Coming Soon! Read More

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

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

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

< Back Sisu: Film Review Keeley Brooks Aug 9, 2023 Share Sisu is an enjoyable homage to Rambo but with much more badassery Rating: 5 out of 5 dead Nazis This past weekend while looking for a good movie to watch, I came across Sisu , a 2022 historical action thriller written and directed by Jalmari Helander ( Wing Man ). The film is an enjoyable homage to Rambo but with much more badassery and even sweeter fight scenes. And after engaging in an hour-and-a-half of action, blood, guts, and sheer badassery, I’m of the opinion that more movies would benefit from having more scenes where Nazis are mercilessly mowed down. Did I mention Sisu contains Nazis? No? My bad. Allow me. In a mostly wordless movie full of fist beating, excessive gunfire, and a plethora of exploding landmines, Sisu is set in 1944 during the last days of World War II on a scorched-earth retreat through Lapland, a snowy, northern region of Scandinavia. It follows Aatami Korpi (Jorma Tommila, of Rare Exports ), a grizzled gold prospector and former military commander whose family was slaughtered during the war. In their absence, he’s lived a solitary life roaming Finland’s countryside with his horse and loyal dog, embodying the movie’s title. Nearly untranslatable, the word sisu best translates, according to Helander , as, “a white-knuckled form of courage and unimaginable determination that manifests when all hope is lost” … the unrelenting will to survive. Aatami isn’t immortal, though; “he just refuses to die.” While out panning for gold one day, Aatami finds a tiny nugget that entices him to start digging holes, excavating the land as gunfire and exploding shells encroach upon his antiquated site. When he finally strikes the motherload, he falls back, crying tears of ecstasy. He gathers up as much gold as he can take with him, then packs up his horse to head home. On the way—his fortune of nuggets tucked away in his horse’s saddlebags—he comes across a band of sullen Nazis led by a brutal SS officer, who are also hauling their own find: a cadre of young Finnish women. Aatami never says a word as the Nazis find and take his gold, then threaten him, which turns out to be a big mistake. The fight to retrieve his loot inspires our hero with a supernatural kind of determination that’s as caked on him as the blood and mud lodged in the lines of his face. He fights across roads populated by landmines; he survives when the horse he’s riding triggers a landmine and explodes; he survives a hanging; he even slices men’s throats underwater and uses their air bubbles to stay underwater and breathe, thereby avoiding capture. Carnage drips from every corner of the frame in Sisu , which Director Jalmari Helander says is inspired by his favorite action movie of all time, Rambo . “I was so blown away by the scene,” he tells GQ Magazine , where Rambo takes a sewing kit out from the bottom of his knife and begins stitching up his lacerated arm on the edge of a cliff. “I wanted to make an homage to that but in a more badass way.” Sisu is a visceral gut-punch that’s every bit as entertaining as John Wick , Rambo , Nobody , Mad Max: Fury Road , and The Raid but very much features its own level of badassery in Aatami’s ferocity, mental and physical toughness, creative fight sequences, and undying will to survive. He is one tough SOB, enacting some pretty sweet kill maneuvers and digging out his own bullets with a dirty knife, then setting fire to his own wounds to close them … without passing out. He survives extreme hunger, thirst, a beating with a metal hook, knife gashes, and a plane crash. He also survives and kills more than 30 Nazis, and how he does so will have you on the edge of your seat watching with excitement. Throughout their cat-and-mouse game across the barren land, Aatami unleashes the worst of hell with a super creative imagination for gory retribution, as well as for slicing, dicing, decapitating, and blowing Nazis to smithereens—his underlying set of beliefs breathing fire out of life. With copious amounts of blood throughout its scenes, Sisu ’s effects department deserves some mad props for their outstanding efforts, as does the editing department. For example, in the scene where Aatami and his horse unknowingly trigger a landmine, the horse explodes, taking most of the brunt of the explosion. This scene is done extremely well. It’s the first big “Whoah!” moment of the movie. The horse explodes into chunks and bits, and every bit of it looks so very real. Don’t worry, though; no actual horses were harmed in the shooting of this movie. There’s also a great scene where a tank rolls over a dead Nazi; those effects are stellar. Sisu also has some great messages buried within its plot. The sisu legend is about refusing to give up, no matter what, even when the odds are against you and when Death is reaching out to grab you with its decrepit, old fingerbones. There’s also a message of female empowerment in the gang of captured Finnish women. Once Aatami takes out the Nazis driving the truck with the women in it, he greets the women wearing a shoulder full of automatic and bolt-action weapons. What was once a group of Nazi captures becomes a gang of ruthless, Nazi-killing, gunfighting badasses—a refreshing addition to the male-centric movie. Sisu is a mega-hit all the way around: great story with an encapsulating legend full of no-frills, high-octane action; smooth and well performed execution; well-choreographed kills and fight scenes; gorgeous cinematography; outstanding special effects; quality acting full of raw, brutal emotion; gnarly sound effects accompanying actions like crunching bones and poking a sharp needle through skin; and a perfectly accompanying soundtrack to heighten what’s happening on screen. Aatami is, essentially, a symbol for Finland’s masculinity: quiet, humble, and strong. “If I put it shortly,” Helander says, “the [main] message of the film is: ‘Don’t f**k with the Fins.’” Don’t mess with people in Finland ... noted! Sisu is currently available to rent on Video On Demand, Apple TV, Prime Video, and Roku. 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. Previous Next

< 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". 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. Got something for her? Reach out to erica.mixedaltmag@gmail.com . Previous Next

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

< Back RAD Fest: A Lafayette Festival for Those Who Rock Nicole Brice Jul 11, 2023 Share Get ready to rock around Downtown Lafayette on August 19, 2023 What is RAD Fest? I bet that’s the question creeping into your brain right about now, so allow me to shine a little light on that. RAD Fest is the brainchild of Grant Duhon, lead vox for the rockin’ Lafayette-based punk band Subliminal Landmines . It’s a hard rock festival that got its start in 2022 and is forging ahead this year with bands set to take the stage from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Parc International in downtown Lafayette, Louisiana, on August 19, 2023. Featuring talent from in and around the area, RAD Fest is a showcase for those making buzz on the local scene, allowing them to bring their mad talents to larger crowds in a festival atmosphere. Festival organizer and founder Grant Duhon says of the festival’s origins, “I love spreading music and I love sharing music, and I feel one of the reasons I was put on this earth was to spread peace, love, happiness, and inspiration through music. I wanted to create a festival that shared the local music, not just Lafayette musicians, and obviously it all started in Lafayette, but we have some bands from other areas in Louisiana as well.” He continues, “Ventruss is from Baton Rouge and Zizzi is from New Iberia. I just want to spread the sound and the music from this area in a festival-style environment. At first, it was going to be called Punk in the Park, but I found out that name is already taken. Also, too, the festival doesn’t just cover punk music; it covers all rock music. So, that’s where Rock Around Downtown (RAD Fest) came from.” This year’s line-up includes the heavy hitters: Zizzi, Chump, Ventruss, Disjunct, Mayrunner, Life On Mars, Subliminal Landmines, Night Revival, Stella Vir, Endure the Affliction, and VOID. With such a stellar line-up, the festival looks to provide a memorable day of entertainment, fun, and awesome tunage, not to mention the food they have lined up for the festival just makes our mouths water thinking about it. Food vendors include Twerk City Tacos, Saucay’BawBQ, and The Munchie Wagon. T-shirts and merchandise will be available for purchase, and if you have last year’s t-shirt and you wear it, you can gain admission to the festival for FREE this year. The plan is to continue this tradition going forward, too. This is an all ages event, so bring the family, and pre-sell tickets are still available for purchase, so check out their social media for more details on RAD Fest 2023! Facebook Rock Around Downtown Fest (@rad_fest) | Instagram Do you have an event coming up that you’d like us to cover? Hit us up at the_nicolebrice@mixedaltmag.com . Previous Next

< Back From Blue Ridge to California: The Musical Journey of Nick Sabia Erica Machen Apr 24, 2024 Share Nick Sabia’s new release “Back East” is a peaceful trek through nature. In the vast landscape of the music industry, it is refreshing to come across an artist with such a unique blend of talent, passion, and dedication that sets him apart from the rest. Nick Sabia is a musician and storyteller who invites listeners on a journey through his day-to-day reflections and cherished memories through the use of vivid stories and relatable lyrics. With numerous releases since 2022, Nick has been steady creating new music, and his newest song, “ Back East ”, is out today on all streaming platforms. From his Blueridge Mountain adventuring roots to his current home in California, Nick Sabia's music reflects a reverence for nature and a longing for authenticity and simplicity in an ever-evolving and changing world. " Back East " was mixed by John Lousteau at the legendary Studio 606 —the home studio of The Foo Fighters —and is a solid and enjoyable track with a deeply personal and introspective journey. After our exclusive early listen to “ Back East ,” we were able to delve into the essence of Nick’s craft, exploring the intricacies of his songwriting process, his personal growth and transformation on his music, and valuable lessons learned from collaborating with industry legends. Throughout his career, Nick has collaborated with luminaries such as Grammy winners Charlie Colin (Train) and Jeff Silbar (Fleetwood Mac, Alabama, Dolly Parton), Grammy nominee Ronnie King (Mariah Carey, Tupac, Snoop Dog), producer Lewis Richards (Dirty Heads), and iconic musicians like Stan Frazier (Sugar Ray) and Lap Steel Legend Gary Brandin . Drawing from these experiences, Nick has honed his craft and embraced a diverse range of influences, from folk-inspired melodies to darker tones reminiscent of Chris Stapleton. We were able to chat with Nick recently about his latest release and much more, so check it out, and then go stream his new song, " Back East " on your favorite streaming platform. Click to experience "Back East". MaM : You’ve been described as a musical artisan, weaving stories through your songs. How do you approach songwriting to create such emotive narratives? NS : I think I shift through things like panning for gold. Some days you find things that aren't quite as potent. But it's more like the continual seeking of it. If I can make it daily, I can't always, but it's usually a daily adventure into myself or into how I'm feeling. And then half of the time, you come out the other side with something potent and really meaningful. Photo provided by artist MaM : You've mentioned embracing change and moving past the ghost of the past. How does your music help you navigate personal growth and transformation? NS : It becomes a daily or pretty consistent thing, like a journal or therapy. It's better for everyone when you're creating, otherwise you feel a burden for not using your gifts. Going through consistency allows you to compartmentalize emotions. I'm pretty emotional, and without music, I'd probably not contain it well. Writing music is cathartic, a way to have catharsis. It's fun, realizing there's more to you than meets the eye. I'm still figuring stuff out at 29, but it's a journey, you know. It's just fun. MaM : I love that. Look, it's okay, I'm 39 and I'm still figuring it out. NS : We all are. No one really gets it. There’s nothing like the high of listening to a song that you just demoed and driving home. I don’t think anything I could ever do could really amp me up the way that amps me up. I live off that high. Photo provided by artist MaM : I noticed you have worked with some industry legends and at renowned studios. What have been some of the most valuable lessons you've learned and from whom? NS : There was a period of time when I wrote with Jeff Car, the old-time cat who wrote "Wind Beneath My Wings." That guy has been writing for 60 years, while it's only been eight or ten for me. He would just sit there, be quiet, and listen to the wind for a second. I soaked in anything I could learn from him. He still takes it step-by-step with how he's feeling that day. Taking a walk was something big when you're stuffed up and need a break or need to figure out a line... He said, "Just go take a walk." MaM : Hey, sometimes simple advice is the best advice. NS : You know, it's like, go take a walk and you'll probably figure it out without overthinking. It becomes an extension of your arm or soul. I learned to let go of overthinking and crafting to fit a mold. Working with these free-flowy folks, they maintain a youthful spirit. Retaining that sense of youth and wonder is vital. Listen to each day, stay receptive, and observe life. Click image for artist's Spotify. MaM : You're often inspired by nature, I've seen, and the places that you love - with "Chattanooga" and then your newest release "Back East". So, how does your connection to nature influence your songwriting process? NS : Quite a bit. The root of it is that nature reminds me I'm a creationist. When I go out, I see creation and I'm just blown away by it. It humbles me and puts me in a still perspective. I feel as though, when I'm out there, that society and all these things are a funny distraction. For me, it's just a way to re-establish my feet on the ground and remind myself that I am significantly insignificant. It's easy to be cooped up in the studio all the time when all I am doing is recording and doing music stuff. It's [nature] just a way for me to really step outside my box and breathe. When I'm really in it, I don't want to hear music. I want to hear the birds. I really use it as a means to fill up my well of inspiration. Knowing I’m going to go back to the city, It's like soaking up the waterfall, the light and the birds. MaM : Can you share a bit more about the real-life experiences and the actual places that inspired you and what you want the fans to take away from “Back East”? NS : Since I was four, I've been going to north Georgia, in the Blue Ridge Mountains, to visit my dad. We would go stream hunting, explore abandoned houses, and crawfish in rivers. It was really adventurous. It felt like that Disney type of vibe. California is beautiful in these "pockets." Kind of like Joni Mitchell says-- Tree museums and parks. I'm lucky and have a little slice of a fake country thing here, but I am actually next to the number one grossing mall in America. It was really hectic on New Years Eve of last year, and I just thought "I'd rather wade in a river than wait in a line." I thought, that's a line, a pretty cool line! I just want people to be understood. It's more like a longing for it that I am trying to capture. There's plenty of people out there that long for that, and I feel like it can be a song to remind them of what they love and where they are. Click picture to experience "Back East". MaM : As an artist, and especially with you relocating to California, how do you stay true to your authenticity while also experimenting and evolving creatively? NS : That's such a good question. I would say, a big thing is avoiding boxes. I'm very conscious about the typical thing of putting a person in a box. I get it, I have a beard, I wear this, I have long hair, I'm from the country, I play guitar, I can sing… So, therefore, I am that, you know? I just think that's a very elementary way to look at humans and art. It's really basic. So I try not to. It might be that branding is easier, but if that's my priority, then I'm not in the right mindset. Some days I'm just feeling Mac Miller-ish, I'm in a good mood, and I'm like, "Yeah, let's bop, let's just pop our heads," and I go make a bop, you know? Or I came back from Vegas and make this dark, kind of Vegas-style song, because I was just in Vegas. Credit: Artist website MaM : I love it. It's like a commercialized restaurant versus privately owned and operated. You know, you don't have to limit your menu whenever you have control of that. NS : You can change the menu every week. Some people love the fact that there's a real chef back there doing real artisanal things that's changing the menu every week. I'm definitely leaning into my roots more. Growing up, I watched CMT every day of my life. I definitely love the country, and it is still totally who I am. I just think that it's not all of who I am. Photo provided by artist MaM : Looking ahead, what are your aspirations and goals for your music career? And how do you envision your sound evolving in the future? Do you have a plan for that? NS : I wouldn't say I have a literal plan, but I would say I definitely will branch out because of what we just talked about. I will not allow myself to be one thing. For the near future, for the next few months, it's gonna be the folk and more acoustic. I'm starting to view music more from a producer's lens and say "This studio is great for this flavor, and this studio is great for this flavor," you know, different. I really want to keep it kind of raw too. "Back East" was a raw demo that I made in about an hour, the day after I wrote it. Even if I did redo it, it probably wouldn't be as good, like capturing fireflies. It wouldn't be as honest as it was that day. I'm gonna keep it cohesive. It's gonna be a flow, but it'll amalgamate to some different things down the line. Photo provided by artist MaM : Is there anything you would like to tell us about coming next? NS : In the next couple of songs after this [“Back East”] it's gonna be darker tones, more like Chris Stapleton tone of vocals. It's just a little more intense, and that's kind of fun. Also, there's a remix my friend is doing of "Wearing Down." It's a song I already have out. It should come out about a week or so after “Back East.” It just shows what things could be, I suppose. I do like that it kind of throws people off for a second… Like, "What the heck?” Nick Sabia is an extraordinary musician with a clear vision. With his unique sound and passionate storytelling, I have a feeling he'll be captivating audiences worldwide soon. It is clear that this leg of his musical journey is only the beginning, so keep an eye out for Nick, as he is poised to make a lasting impact on the music scene for many years to come. *cover photo provided by artist For more information on Nick Sabia and his music, visit: www.nicksabia.com Nick Sabia | Americana Alt-Folk Music Nick Sabia is a prolific musician in the Americana / Alt-Folk / Singer-Songwriter genres. #music Questions or comments? Reach out to mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next

Off the Charts: Keyton Click to read more Straight from the Bayou: Few Blue’s Vibrant Sound Redefines New Orleans Music Click to read more Blacklite District: Building a Digital Era Legacy Click to read more ART WITH HEART OFF THE CHARTS w/ Bud Gambrell WAY BACK WHEN Check this out! All Categories Play Video Play Video 01:06 First Street Hooligans - Hey Pachuco The fourth track from First Street Hooligans "Under the Covers" EP Listen to Hey Pachuco full track: https://youtu.be/rL2yXU_cb3E?si=DlR1mxpO7LLeyPrQ Follow First Street Hooligans: Official Website: https://www.firststree... Facebook: / firststreethooligans IG: https://www.instagram.... Spotify: https://open.spotify.c... Apple Music: / first-street-hooligans Video credits: Filming, editing, color-grading, and VFX by: Jason Beard (Sixto6 Productions) / @sixto6 Director - Matthew Richard #musicvideo #royalcrown #bigband #swing #rockpop #firststeethooligans #sixto6 #sixto6productions Play Video Play Video 01:26 First Street Hooligans - Feel It Still The second track from First Street Hooligans "Under the Covers" EP Listen to full track: https://youtu.be/hpELQKymGkk?si=iDFuUDm6oeajnF9Z Follow First Street Hooligans: Official Website: https://www.firststree... Facebook:  / firststreethooligans IG: https://www.instagram.... Spotify: https://open.spotify.c... Apple Music:  / first-street-hooligans Video credits: Filming, editing, color-grading, and VFX by: Jason Beard (Sixto6 Productions)  / @sixto6 Director - Matthew Richard #musicvideo #portugaltheman #feelitstill #rockpop #firststeethooligans #sixto6 #sixto6productions Play Video Play Video 01:30 First Street Hooligans - 99 The third track from First Street Hooligans "Under the Covers" EP Listen to full track: https://youtu.be/rL2yXU_cb3E?si=DlR1mxpO7LLeyPrQ Follow First Street Hooligans: Official Website: https://www.firststree... Facebook: / firststreethooligans IG: https://www.instagram.... Spotify: https://open.spotify.c... Apple Music: / first-street-hooligans Video credits: Filming, editing, color-grading, and VFX by: Jason Beard (Sixto6 Productions) / @sixto6 Director - Matthew Richard #musicvideo #barnscourtney #1999 #rockpop #firststeethooligans #sixto6 #sixto6productions Play Video Play Video 04:33 YULCE - I Miss the Days (NF Cover) IG: @yulcemusic Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yulcemusic TikTok: yulce_ #nf #coversong #takemeback #rap #emorap #choir #piano Play Video Play Video 03:18 NITE - Would? WeAreTheNite.com Instagram: @wearethenite Facebook: @wearethenite Twitter: @wearethenite Bandcamp: nite.bandcamp.com #AliceinChains #NITE #WeAreTheNite #Darkwave #Synthpop #PostPunk #RetroWave #TwinTribes #TheNewDivision #DarkSynth Play Video Play Video 03:51 NITE - Price For Heaven Darkwave - Dark Synth - Post-Punk - Industrial - Synthpop - Alternative For fans of Mareux, Boy Harsher, Twin Tribes, Cold Cave, and Drab Majesty Price For Heaven is lyrically inspired by, Ozymandias, a poem that explores the worldly fate of history and the ravages of time: even the greatest men and the empires they forge are impermanent, their legacies fated to decay into oblivion. For the making of this video, we were initially invited to "perform" a song by, It's Weekend Video to help them put together a reel to showcase their incredible talents at filming adverts; however, we ended up with a full music video. NITE are twin brother producers, Kyle and Myles Mendes and drummer Phil Helms from Dallas Texas. If you've seen us live or on the web, tell us how you found us! We'd love to hear from you. Play Video Play Video 03:30 Mayrunner - Slowburn Music video by Mayrunner performing Slowburn . Mayrunner http://vevo.ly/ao09Ru Play Video Play Video 03:40 The Bellas - Thunderbird (Official Music Video) You're watching the official music video for The Bellas - "Thunderbird" (c) 2024 - The Bellas Instagram: @thebellasband

< Back Dear God No!: What the Hell Did I Just Watch? Ezekiel Kincaid Share Sep 25, 2023 Dear God No! nails it and takes us back to the days of true grindhouse and 70’s exploitation. Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Kool-Aid pitchers full of fake blood Welcome back, boys and girls, to another column from your dear ole Uncle Zeke. This is the place where I subject myself to the absolute worst cinema has to offer, and this week’s review is no different. Today, I want to talk to you about a little action-horror gem from 2011 called Dear God No!. There are three things you need to know about Dear God No! First, it's one of those movies that is so bad, it’s good. Second, don’t expect an intricate plot or for things to make sense; they won’t. I review B movies, remember? And third, Dear God No! is a grindhouse/exploitation film extraordinaire . A few words of caution for sensitive viewers, though: While the violence is totally unrealistic, it is rather brutal and not for everyone . Expect some nudity and a few rape scenes–-one of which involves a pregnant lady. I’ll spare any details, but I digress. Let’s kick this off by talking about Dear God No ’s extremely complicated plot. Basically, what we have is a creature feature, biker gang, and mad scientist movie all rolled into one. A bigfoot-like creature is on the prowl, an unsuspecting biker gang pulls a home invasion on a psychotic, Nazi anthropologist and his family, then all hell breaks loose … and that’s it. That’s the plot in its entirety–-nothing tied together, just random shit going down. I hope you were able to keep up and all this complication isn’t going over your head. This fine piece of filmmaking was directed by James Bickert , whose name should be familiar to all you B-movie enthusiasts. He directed deep, philosophical masterpieces such as Frankenstein Created Bikers (2016) and Amazon Hot Box (2018). Oscar contenders they were not. Dear God No! stars Jett Bryant ( Frankenstein Created Bikers) as Jett, who plays the lead biker. You can tell a lot of effort went into coming up with the character's name. He actually looks a lot like me if I had a longer beard, so right off the bat, Dear God No! automatically gets an extra star for that. Director James Bickert stars in Dear God No! as well, playing the part of Jimbo, aka Rusty Stache, one of the gang members. Our mad Nazi scientist, Dr. Marco, is played by Paul McComiskey, who was also in … anyone want to guess? Yep, Frankenstein Created Bikers . The lead female roles are played by Madeline Brumby ( Frankenstein Created Bikers , where she plays the same character) as Edna Marco, daughter of the psychotic Dr. Marco, then there’s Olivia Croix ( Dear God No! is her only film) starring as the other daughter, Evelyn Marco. Finally, Rachelle Lynn ( The Taken ) plays Laura, our unfortunately assaulted pregnant victim. Let’s now proceed to my thoughts about this film, shall we? If you look up Dear God No! on IMDb, you’ll see that it is rated a whopping 3.9 out of 10 stars. If you read the reviews, you’ll find that they are somewhat divided. Many of the bad reviews chide this film for not being “true grindhouse,” whatever that means. Yet, after viewing this film, I have to sit and wonder, have these folks ever watched a real grindhouse movie at all? Dear God No! NAILS it when it comes to taking us back to the days of true grindhouse and 70’s exploitation movies: bad acting, stupid plot, terrible dialogue, jump cuts, monster suits, and awful special effects. Don’t go into this expecting Machete or Planet Terror . In Dear God No! , the blood is watered down so much that it looks like red Kool-Aid at times, and the blood flow from several of the victims leaks out nowhere near the wound. The film is also shot on 16mm film so all the effects are practical, meaning no CGI in this one, which is a huge plus in my book. What makes Dear God No! different from most of the throwback grindhouse films out there? Simple: It is pure, unadulterated ugliness . It is a bad seed, totally from another planet, and is in a league all by itself. Literally everything about this movie is brutal and mean-spirited and features no redeeming qualities in the characters of the biker gang. They aren’t heroes, and they aren’t villains. They are a category of vileness all to themselves. They are filthy-mouthed murderers and rapists, plain and simple. Don’t believe me? Wait until you see what they do to the pregnant lady. With all this being said, Dear God No! Is the closest thing out there in modern film that truly captures the grindhouse feel of the 1970s. If you’re a connoisseur of trashy B movies, this one is definitely for you. Dear God No! Is currently streaming on Tubi, Vudu, Amazon Prime, The Roku Channel, YouTube Premium, and Apple TV . Ezekiel Kincaid lives for horror and loves to watch it, write about, and talk about it, whether that be in his own novels or in reviews. His experience as both a pastor and a paranormal investigator bring everything he writes to life. Do you have a recommendation for Zeke to watch? Send it to mixedalternativemag@gmail.com ! Previous Next

< Back JJ Grey & Mofro: Whistlestop BBQ Festival at MidCity 2023 Nicole Brice Oct 27, 2023 Share Huntsville, Alabama October 20-21, 2023 For our fifth installment of Weekend Rock, we bring you JJ Grey & Mofro from the WhistleStop BBQ Festival at MidCity presented by i3 benefiting The EarlyWorks Children's Museum, which was held on Friday, October 20, 2023 and Saturday October 21, 2023 in Huntsville, Alabama. In case you missed the action, our photog Bud Gambrell was on site to snap some incredible photos, so check them out below! *All photos by Bud Gambrell with Dragonfly Imagery www.dragonflyaerialimagery.com Dragonfly Aerial Imagery Dragonfly Aerial Imagery is a locally owned and operated photography business in North Alabama. Call or email us today for an appointment. Questions or comments? Reach out to mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next