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Dale Harris Music < Back Laid-Back Louisiana Southern Rock Keeley Brooks Oct 19, 2022 Share Dale Harris Music Who doesn’t love some good ole Southern rock music? Creedence, Skynyrd, ZZ Top, The Charlie Daniels Band … The Allman Brothers. Legends. And while all of these groups are surely amongst favorites in the classic rock community, I’m here to tell you about a new favorite Southern rock artist (and band) you just don’t know yet. Meet Dale Harris – singer, songwriter, guitarist, vocalist, and all-around awesome guy. What makes him unique is his multi-faceted ability to do pretty much anything, but relative to this article, I’ll clarify and add musically . In addition to playing lead in his band, the Dale Harris Band, he’s also a multi-instrumentalist, playing the rhythm guitar and drum set, and a singer/songwriter, who tries not to limit himself to just one style. “When I’m writing songs, I try to write music in as many genres as possible so as not to pigeon hole myself,” said Harris. Born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Dale has been playing music pretty much his whole life. His father was a carpenter who exposed him, “to people from all walks of life.” In fact, it was one of his father’s concrete finishers, who ran the band at his local church, gave Harris his first snare drum. “I fell in love with music and learned musicianship from watching those concrete finishers play gospel music after work and on Sundays,” he said, with the reflections of those days shining in his eyes. Dale began guitar lessons at six years old, then started drum lessons with Lyman Mulkey as a teenager. After high school, Harris found himself playing in various local bands over the years, like The Black Box, Loverseed, The Invisible Men, The Roebucks, The Jazz Souls, and The Florida Street Blowhards. Though he writes mainly Southern rock songs, Harris is inspired by the swamp pop, jazz, soul, and gospel genres. Taught by his father at a young age to read chord charts and play folk, country, and gospel songs on guitar, Dale credits The Charlie Daniels band with inspiring him to become a musician. “My first source of inspiration came from the Charlie Daniels Band. When I heard ‘Devil Went Down to Georgia,’ well, it was the first time I heard someone just straight getting down on an instrument. It was my first example of trading solos. After that, I knew I wanted to become a musician; so, I did.” Harris also credits Ray Charles, Elvis Presley, and Dr. John with being major influences on his music, which is ripe with laid-back style that paints a smooth surface over rough terrain and consists of topics like heartbreak, hoodlums, and home repair. Currently he stays busy writing and recording music with his band, the Dale Harris Band. Harris leads the group on vocals, rhythm guitar, and drums, on occasion. Glenn Harris, his brother, plays lead guitar, and long-time co-writer Denvil Snyder plays bass. Personally, one of my favorite tunes is “I Woke Up.” From those laid-back, catchy guitar licks to the buttery smooth vocals that ooze out of Harris when he sings, the songs aspects and focus just pull you in sip by sip. It’s catchy, it’s rockin’, and it’s just a damn good song. And speaking of good songs, you should also check out “Dag Nabbit,” which, according to Dale, was inspired by watching Saturday morning cartoons. For more on that story, you’ll have to go to one of his shows and ask him the deets yourself! “Yeah, that one tends to be “the hit” amongst the kids,” Harris laughed. At the moment, he is in the process of recording demos for an upcoming album, and he currently has an EP available on Spotify and most streaming platforms. As far as upcoming shows, you can see the Dale Harris Band live at any of the below-listed shows, and be sure to catch him Halloween weekend doin’ his thang live at Phil Brady’s. Oct 29 Phil Brady’s, Baton Rouge Nov 12 Oyster Bar, St. Francisville Dec 1 La Davina Café, Baton Rouge New Year’s The Hilton Downtown, Baton Rouge *(with The Florida Street Blowhards) For further information on Dale Harris and the Dale Harris Band, and to stay up to date on live performances and album releases, visit www.jdharrismusic.com . *photos provided by Dale Harris 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

From the bayous of Louisiana to the amygdala and the amplifier – Joseph LeDoux rocks them all. < Back Neurons and Notes: The Musical Mind of Joseph LeDoux Nicole Brice Oct 2, 2025 Share From the bayous of Louisiana to the amygdala and the amplifier – Joseph LeDoux rocks them all. Joseph LeDoux is Professor Emeritus at New York University . He is also the author of the best-selling book “ The Emotional Brain: The Mysterious Underpinnings of Emotional Life ”, as well as numerous other influential writings. With decades of research experience, LeDoux is regarded as one of the world’s leading experts on the mind and brain. Credit: Richard Barone In addition to his academic contributions, LeDoux is a prolific musician and recording artist. He has collaborated with artists such as Rosanne Cash and performed with his band, The Amygdaloids , alongside musicians like Rufus Wainwright , Lenny Kaye , and Steve Wynn of The Dream Syndicate . He has also written scores for programs and documentaries. What has this man not done? Although he is renowned worldwide as a neuroscientist, LeDoux is fundamentally a gifted musician hailing from Eunice, Louisiana . He is a humble, kind-spirited individual who radiates positivity, and we encourage you to check out his music. The Amygdaloids , his band, is somewhat reminiscent of Devo due to their intelligent subject matter and the fact that the band is comprised of scientists. Their songs are quirky, thoughtful, unique, and extraordinary . The band’s music has been playfully described as "heavy mental”, and coincidentally, that is the name of their first album, which features a blend of classic and experimental sounds, with tracks that evoke the sound of Tom Petty meets Elvis Costello . The standout guitar work, characterized by clean tones, is only one profound layer to The Amygdaloids' music . It can be mellow yet soulful , but then completely take a turn into something more rockin'. With lyrics that delve into the complexities of the mind, you find yourself thinking as well as listening. Credit: Joseph LeDoux The Amygdaloids’ second album, Theory of My Mind , leans toward a more upbeat and rock-oriented sound, with each song distinctly unique. The compositions are intricate, showcasing a tight-knit group of musicians. If I could create a genre for this band’s music, I would have to title it Brain Rock . One standout track for me on The Amygdaloids’ second album is ‘ Brainstorm ’, which begins with a beautifully fuzzy guitar that howls gently , highlighting the talent of a truly gifted guitarist. In addition to two full-length albums, the band has also released a few EPs along the way, too. So, how did I come to learn about Joseph LeDoux ? My journey into the realm of Joseph began with a delightful twist of fate, sparked by my friendship with fellow musician Paul Sanchez when he introduced us. After that introduction, I had the incredible opportunity to engage in an enjoyable conversation with Joseph, delving into the nuances of his music and more. We left no stone unturned. Read on below. MaM : You were born and raised in Eunice, Louisiana, but now reside in New York. How much do you miss things down here? When you come to visit, do you ever think you’ll stick around this time? What drew you to New York initially? JL : Well, I grew up in Eunice , and the year that I graduated from high school, a junior college version of LSU opened up in Eunice , and my parents wanted me to stay and go to the junior college because it would be cheaper, even though LSU wasn’t that much. I told them “No” and that I wanted to go to LSU , and so we went back and forth, and they finally said, “Well, if you promise to be a banker after studying business, then we’ll allow it. We’ll do it.” I attended LSU for four years, studying Business Administration , and subsequently earned a master's degree in marketing. During this process, I also took several psychology courses. It was the late 1960s to early 1970s, and it wasn’t very cool to be in Marketing. MaM : (laughter) Right? JL : So, I’m looking for something else to do, and I fell in love with Psychology . I took a course called Learning and Motivation , expecting it to be relevant – I was working on consumer protection for my thesis, and it turned out the class was taught by a researcher studying rat brains and memory at LSU . He was the professor, and that was his class. I had no idea you could study the brain, let alone rat brains. I worked in his lab for a little while, and I mainly observed what was going on. I didn’t really know how to do anything. I decided, though, that I wanted that to be my career. Study the brain. He said to me that I didn’t have a chance and asked how I was going to get into graduate school with no qualifications. (laughter) I said, “Well, I’m gonna give it a shot.” So, I wrote twelve or so applications, and Stony Brook University , located on Long Island in New York, accepted me because there was someone there who knew the professor who wrote the letter on my behalf, and thus I was given a chance. Four years later, I had a PhD in consciousness and was studying patients with epilepsy, and a book that had come out with my thesis work, so it was like I was on speed dial or something. (laughter) Credit: Joseph LeDoux MaM : So, you had no choice but to move up there? Destiny decided it for you. JL : I could have left and come back, but I really always had a fascination with New York City because of the Yankees . I was a big Yankees fan as a kid. I also loved all the noir movies I watched as a kid … 50s black-and-white films with murder and all kinds of things happening in New York . I just had a feeling I was meant to live there, and I ended up leaving Stony Brook and moving to Manhattan, where I worked at Cornell Medical School for over ten years. I then moved to New York University , where I have been ever since, and I have just retired, by the way. MaM : That’s amazing. What a life. What was it like growing up in Eunice in those days? With our magazine, we’ve done a few photo shoots out there just because of the architecture and small-town vibe. Did it still have that country-where-everybody-knows-everyone type of feel? JL : Exactly. It was a perfect place to grow up, and I really enjoyed it. Just this past weekend, I was in New Orleans for a conference and some other work, but I also arranged a lecture and performance for the people of Eunice . It was advertised in the Eunice news – a big picture of me playing my guitar on stage. We had a good audience – approximately 45 to 50 people attended. Many of them I went to school with and hadn’t seen in a long time. I just lost touch with the whole community, and so I decided if not now, then when. It was the most pleasant and loving audience I have ever spoken to or played music for. It was quite amazing. They loved it so much that they want it to become an annual event. I was deeply touched and felt like I was truly back in the small community where I grew up. Even though I don’t live there, I now feel I have a stronger connection to it than I thought I did. Credit: Joseph LeDoux MaM : That’s amazing. The vibe and sense of community are what I love so much. I love that town. I saw that you were a DJ in high school. I was a DJ in college. Wasn’t that the best experience being a DJ? JL : It was. The highlight of my DJ’ing occurred when the radio station would bring in acts to play in town at the National Guard armory. Every Saturday night, there’d be an event. They’d book Little Bob and The Lollipops all the time. They were the go-to band. I think Little Bob is still around, but one of the things I did was host Percy Sledge . When it was time for him to go out, he pulled a flask of whiskey out of his back pocket and gave it to me for a swig. That was a highlight of my life, man. Drinking with Percy Sledge. MaM : What a story. I love your music, and nothing is cooler than the fact that your band is a bunch of scientists. What is it about music that makes you passionate and makes you want to continue to pursue it, especially today? JL : So, I actually put music down when I started becoming a scientist and got married. There just wasn’t enough time for everything. In 2005 , our son died from a heroin overdose, and so that’s what brought me back to music because music is a great healer, and I started hanging out with a biologist at NYU , and we were playing songs that had some science-based themes. I then thought I could write a few songs, so we did, and we got a gig in Brooklyn . The newspaper wrote a comment about ‘heavy mental’ and used that to describe our music, so that became the title of our first album and the genre. I think we’re the only band with that particular genre, and if there’s ever an award at the Grammys in that category, we definitely got it. The Amygdaloids first show in Brooklyn, New York 2006 MaM : That would actually be a clever name for a band. When you do sit down to write, what is the process like for coming up with a song? JL : I guess there are two ways you can do it. Pick up a guitar, start strumming, and hope something comes out. The other way is to start with an idea or theme. The thing with having a genre-specific catalog of music is that a lot of what I did was start with a particular theme about the mind. Anything you could think of with the mind. Many of our songs are love songs about mind, brain, and mental disorders, but you could pretty much say any song is about mind, brain, and mental disorders. It’s front and center to what we do. MaM : Now, I know we all listen to different types of music, and we all enjoy the catalogs of our favorite musicians, but do you have a favorite song of all time that you love? Or a favorite musician? JL : I think for me, it would be ‘ She Loves You ’ by The Beatles. MaM : Ok, that’s a great one. That’s a timeless song. JL : I remember when I first heard The Beatles , I was young and had a transistor radio and was taking a bath listening to the music. Just soaking it all in. I must have been 15-16 years old at the time, but on comes this song ‘ I Wanna Hold Your Hand ’, and nothing sounded like it before. That was something different. I think The Beatles are just amazing. I’m writing a memoir right now, and the title of it is ‘Just Like Starting Over’. John Lennon and Yoko felt that every time they were together, it was just like starting over. My memoir is about all of the ways I have started over in my life. Eunice to Baton Rouge to Stony Brook to science. Lots of starting over. As a young kid, I was more interested in Paul than John , but over time, I developed an attachment to John and his sincerity. He had a tough life, and he really turned it all into wonderful music. I mean, Paul did, too, but there was something edgy about John that I came to love. Also in this book, I sort of used the Billboard Top 100 for every year of my life, starting with when I was five years old, to trigger memories from that time. If I wanted to try to drag up memories from when I was ten, I would pull up the songs that really lit the lightbulb in my head, and just by playing those songs, it would trigger more memories. It was a good strategy. Credit: Joseph LeDoux MaM : So, when is this memoir coming out? I'll be sure to check it out. JL : It’s at the publisher now, so it’ll take at least a year to come out. MaM : Your last music release was in 2017, correct? Any new music coming? JL : I guess that was the last one because everything went digital. I make music at home, creating albums, but what I have been doing since 2017 is collecting songs with two themes. One is songs of love, and the other is songs of life. I envision this as a vinyl A-side with songs of love and a B-side with songs of life. Credit: Noah Hutton MaM : I love that. How do you rate today’s music, and are there any up-and-coming musicians you like currently? JL : I’m not too hip on really present music. I don’t resonate with it as much as the old stuff I like. I am definitely stuck on a bunch of 60s artists, but bands that I like are really not current. Son Volt is one, and I like a lot of Americana country rock. I love Wilco . He apparently has just released a three-record album. It’s all acoustic and mellow. Just very mild. It’s nice. MaM : I love singer-songwriter material. I love the vibe. JL: I’ve been writing this thing, and I don’t know what it’s going to be on, but it goes like this: "I grew up in French Louisiana, in the area known as Acadiana, where it’s hot and humid most of the year; you fix that up with boudin and beer. Penguin nuns made me a pet. First communion came, I began to sweat. Watching the father, son, and the ghost, I choked on the host, and that made me toast. I had a hankering for the music called pop. When The Beatles came their pop was rock with two guitars, bass, and the drums. We had our own rockin fun …” and on and on. (laughter) MaM : I love that!!! JL : It’s going to be a long Bob Dylan-type rant. MaM : That’s what is missing in music. We really don’t have too many Bob Dylan types these days, or if we do, they aren’t in the mainstream with poetic lyrics like that. They’re more obscure. For listeners who are discovering your music for the first time, how would you describe it, and what do you hope they’ll take away from it? JL : Well, they are mostly love songs about the mind and the brain, and one in particular, ‘ Map of Your Mind ’, everyone seems to like. They’re songs about connection. Take our conversation for example, I have to get into your mind, and you have to get into mine. So, the song is about the relationship between a man and woman, my wife and I in particular, and how you have to float into the other person’s mind because sometimes, if you’re having an argument, you have to understand the other person’s perspective. Still, sometimes the hormones and the argument override that and you have to come back to it the next day and apologize. It’s more about the good part of love. Sailing deep inside and trying to find the heat of the person’s heart, keeping yourself warm. Credit: Alexi Gambis MaM : If within the next five years you could accomplish anything musically, what would it be? JL : I’m good friends with Rosanne Cash , and she has sung back-up vocals on one of my albums, and she and her husband are an amazing power couple. If I could do something with them, that would be amazing. Neil Young , too. I have a house in upstate New York , and it’s ten minutes away from the original site of the Woodstock festival. They created a big outdoor venue there, and I just saw Neil there recently. Great show. Dylan plays there, too, sometimes. Bob or Neil . Either of those. As Joseph LeDoux continues his journey, one thing is certain: we can expect more music in the future. In the meantime, be sure to check out his other releases with his band, The Amygdaloids and stay tuned for his memoir dropping in 2026 . To learn more about Joseph LeDoux and The Amygdaloids: Website: Joseph E. Ledoux Band Website: The Band – The Amygdaloids | Neuroscience meets Rock & Roll YouTube: The Amygdaloids Channel - YouTube Spotify: The Amygdaloids | Spotify Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/the-amygdaloids/265644607 *Cover photo credit: Richard Barone, Tape Op Tape Op - Music Production Magazine, Recording, Audio, Technology www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Drop us a line at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Roger Ricks < Back Nothing But Heart and Soul Nicole Brice Dec 7, 2022 Share Roger Ricks If Bruce Springsteen and Dire Straits had a band baby, it would be Roger Ricks. No lie. Roger is a singer / songwriter based out of Zurich, Switzerland, but that’s not all he does. He also produces his own music and builds his own guitars, as well as markets himself AND giving the proceeds of his music sales back to charity. Wow, this man is incredible. I first stumbled upon Roger’s music via Instagram, which by the way, is an excellent way to discover new talent because of the visual aspect the medium allows. I often find myself scrolling through bands and artists and liking them, then following them, where I indulge in all they showcase on their profiles. The profiles then lead me to iTunes where I buy their music for my collection. With smooth, clear vocals and crisp, clean guitar work, Roger’s music inspires me. Truly, it does. Because I admire what Roger is doing so much, I decided to reach out to him to get to know a little more about what he makes him tick and guides his stance. With a new single releasing on December 9, 2022 via all streaming platforms, this is one artist you need to check out if you haven’t already. I threw Roger a few questions so I could learn more and was very delighted with his answers. Check it out and then go check out his music! MaM : Wow. I am very impressed with you. Your website is solid, too. Let me ask you, what led you to start producing your own music in lieu of having someone else do it? RR : I started recording my songs when I was about 12. At that time with two old tape recorders and much later with the computer. For me, music production is not a purely technical task, but part of the creative process of creating a song. Since I don't do music full-time and I also have a family, producing on my own allows me to work on my songs whenever I can and want to. Usually this is late at night when everyone else is already asleep and I can really dive into my creative flow. Roger's home studio setup MaM : So, you mentioned you have new music coming out. Tell us a little about the new single you are releasing. RR : The single is called "Lost,” and the lyrics were written by the wonderful Emme Pierre. Originally it was planned that she would sing the song and I would write the music but unfortunately, she lost her voice permanently before the recording due to health reasons, and we decided to record the song with my voice anyway. The song is about how people are willing to exploit others and take advantage for their own profit. This is a topic that always concerns me and is also a well-known phenomenon in show business. There is something energizing and intoxicating about striving for success, but you can also get lost in it and become too distracted from the essentials of life. MaM : Wow, what an amazing topic to tackle via songwriting. I can’t wait to listen to it. What music or things around you are inspiring you to create these days? RR : Musically, I am influenced by the older guitar gods like Slash, Eric Clapton, and Joe Perry. Of course, there are other virtuoso guitarists who can do technically amazing things with the guitar, too, but I'm more fascinated by catchy licks and melodic solos that you can also sing and that release emotions in me. Emotions of everyday life are also what inspire my music. My music is a diary of my feelings over the years. When something is bothering me, I process my thoughts into music and make them audible. Therefore, every song of mine in a way fits to a special event or a period of my life. MaM : I noticed on your website that you play a custom-built guitar. I want to know more about your custom guitars. Was it a particular sound you were looking for and that’s why you decided to build your own? Also, too, what type of guitar inspired the ones you build? RR : I am a typical Les Paul guitarist. I love the full sound. A few years ago, I was thinking about buying a flamed top Les Paul, but my budget didn't allow it. So, I had the crazy idea to build it myself. I always liked craftsmanship and so I watched YouTube videos of Luthiers for hours until I had the feeling that it could really work. I ordered the woods and parts and just started, and it grew from there. I had a lot of fun; it was like a meditation of sorts to grind the woods and in the end, I had a nice flamed top guitar resembling a Les Paul in my hands. Of course, it sounded a little different than if I had bought it but just different, not worse. This only further awakened my passion and since then the tones of my own guitars are an important part of my music. One of Roger's custom guitars MaM : I know that charity work is very near and dear to your heart. Can you tell us a little more about that and what you do? RR : Music has always been a very important part of my life. It has carried me through some really difficult times, and I don't know where I would be without the power of music. For me, music can build bridges, to connect people who otherwise would not communicate with each other and to make a positive difference in the world. I decided to set the goal of dedicating my music to a meaningful cause because 20 years ago, a school friend started an aid project in Ghana to help street children and to really make a difference through local education instead of just transferring money. Honestly, the money often doesn't get to where it's supposed to go or doesn't have a lasting effect, but through "Chance For Children" ( www.chance-for-children.org ), the children are given the opportunity to work out a long-term perspective for themselves. All my proceeds from my music goes 1:1 into this foundation. The idea is that people can donate money just by listening to music. You don't have to open your wallet, just spend a few minutes of your time listening to music to make a positive difference. This makes my music more meaningful and motivates me to put even more energy into it. I really hope that with time, more listeners will stream my music and I will be able to support more projects. For more information about Roger, visit his website at: Songwriter | Roger Ricks Music | Zürich On Social Media, he can be found at: Roger Ricks | Facebook Roger Ricks | Zürich | Facebook Roger Ricks (@roger_ricks_music) • Instagram photos and videos YouTube Roger Ricks - Topic - YouTube Spotify Roger Ricks | Spotify iTunes ‎Roger Ricks on Apple Music www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

One artist, writer, or musician you need to turn your attention to NOW. Focus On Oct 2, 2025 Neurons and Notes: The Musical Mind of Joseph LeDoux From the bayous of Louisiana to the amygdala and the amplifier – Joseph LeDoux rocks them all. Read More Aug 4, 2025 The Creative Life of Ryan S Leavitt Ryan S. Leavitt is an accomplished author overflowing with creativity. Read More Jul 5, 2025 Unfiltered and Unleashed: The Dodies Redefine Raw Power as a Dynamic Duo The Dodies’ music blends powerful riffs with fearless creativity. Read More Oct 3, 2024 Them Guys: A Deep Dive into Louisiana’s Musical Treasures Them Guys have a sound embodying Louisiana music's rich, genre-bending spirit. Read More Nov 30, 2023 tmdistant: Music Beyond Boundaries tmdistant takes us on an expedition through sound with his new track “grow into the blossoms”. Read More Nov 9, 2023 Cecily: Soulful Music With Ambient Affirmations Cecily’s music is insightful and pleasing to the ear, a breath of fresh air with the motivation to spread her positivity through her art. Read More Oct 20, 2023 Okay Kenedi: A Casual Introduction Is Hard to Come By Okay Kenedi’s debut album is more than just okay. It’s a wonderful ride of alt-pop that is superb, loaded with fun and introspection, and a heartfelt reminder that we’re all okay. Read More Sep 27, 2023 Shawn Williams: Sulking in Love “Sulking in Love” features powerful ballads as gateways to the darkness that lurks beneath personal distress. Read More Jul 12, 2023 No Sleep for Deep Sleep Atlantic An interview with Travis Marc Read More Apr 24, 2023 Born to Rock: Adam and the Metal Hawks Bringin' back the classic rock vibe Read More Mar 9, 2023 Born to Perform: Dr. Joe Burns Not a Rock and Roll Loser Read More Feb 22, 2023 Dark, Moody, Mysterious, and Daring The Adventures of Pecos Hank Read More Jan 18, 2023 SaxKixAve: Much More Better Trust Them 'Cuz They're Young, Talented, and Handsome Read More Jan 5, 2023 Tank and the Bangas Bangin' Out the Hits Read More Dec 7, 2022 Nothing But Heart and Soul Roger Ricks Read More Nov 30, 2022 The Nine Lives of Paul Sanchez You Never Know Read More Nov 17, 2022 When You Need a Party Thrown, Call Mike Bone From America's Got Talent to the Hit Show Reservation Dogs Read More Nov 4, 2022 The Importance of Self Care Pacifico Read More Oct 25, 2022 For a Good Time, Call Big in the 90s Read More Oct 22, 2022 Rockin 4 Jesus: The Next Great Band You Haven't Heard Yet Empowered Read More

Strumming Through Struggles to Stardom < Back Off the Charts: Brandon Elder Bud Gambrell Jul 11, 2024 Share Strumming Through Struggles to Stardom Welcome back to Off the Charts . I’m so glad you’re here! I have not had an article out in a couple of weeks because I took some time to rest and clear my mind. For the most part, I took June off from writing and photography. Everyone needs a break, even me! When I began this column, I jotted down some names of people or bands I would like to introduce you to. The name Brandon Elder was on that list! I was first introduced to Brandon’s music in March of 2024 when I had an assignment to shoot the Conference USA basketball Championship. The Von Braun Center hosted three nights of local entertainment as part of the celebration, and Brandon happened to be playing the Friday Night show. I had heard the name Brandon Elder while researching my book on Side Tracks Music Hall . Of course, now I wish I had seen him perform at Side Tracks . After hearing him for the first time in March, though, I became a quick fan. I didn’t get a chance to meet Brandon face-to-face at the concert in March, but we did chat via messenger on Facebook, where I messaged him a couple of the pictures I took that night. For this interview, I met Brandon at Big Spring International Park in downtown Huntsville . We sat and talked about him and his musical journey. I now know him better, and soon, I think you will, too! My first question, of course, was to dig deeper into who Brandon Elder is, so read on below. Credit: Bud Gambrell OTC : For those who may not be familiar with you, tell me a little bit about Brandon Elder. BE : I’m 29 years old and from Union Grove, Alabama. I started playing music about 7-8 years ago and just started writing and working on songs, and it just went from there. Then, I just started making a career out of it. I love playing music! I love all my fans and am excited for the Alabama Smoke Show coming up here on July 26th . OTC : I saw that you were a contestant on American Idol . Tell me a little about that experience. BE : So, American Idol was cool! It was my first time on an airplane in LA, so all the firsts were fun! The TV part was a little weird, but I had a good time with it. You know, I’ll go back tomorrow! American Idol was awesome! OTC : I watched the video of your audition in 2018. You played an original song called Gone. At the end of the song, the judges compliment you pretty much. What did that feel like? BE : It was excellent! It was nice for multiple reasons. It was the second song I've ever written. I had been playing guitar for maybe a year, so it was nice to get those compliments early on in my career, especially those they gave me about my songwriting. I think that's one of the reasons why I will probably continue to write as much as I do. Getting compliments from people like that makes you want to work even harder for it. OTC : One of the judges was Alabama native Lionel Ritchie . When he compliments you, this has to build your confidence slightly. Tell me how that felt. BE : For sure! And it's incredibly cool coming from him since he is from Alabama. I also cover about three or four of his songs in my set. I've always been a big fan of Lionel . So, it was cool! It was nice to get their compliments and be in the same room with them for a little while. OTC : There are several ways that you perform your songs. It can be a solo acoustic, or it could be a full band. What is your favorite way to present your original songs? BE : I mean, I like playing with the band. I like it with the acoustic guitar, and I do a lot of shows with my fiddle player. Most of the time, my favorite way to perform my original songs would probably be like me, with another guitar player being more acoustic. I would say it's probably my favorite because most of the stuff I write is not party songs. It's hard for me to write those, which I have some, but it's hard to write the drink-a-beer song or the party songs. A lot of times, when I'm writing, it's a little deeper. It’s deeper than just the beer song or the whiskey song. But most of the time, it's just me and an acoustic guitar—either me and a guitar player or a fiddle player. Credit: Bud Gambrell OTC : Being a songwriter, where are you hoping your songwriting takes you? What's your next step? BE : The next step is to continue putting pen to pad. I would say keep doing what I'm doing and see where it goes. You know, doors open, and you hop through when they open and see where it goes. That's all you can do. OTC : Tonight, as a songwriter, you sit down to write a song with anybody you could pick; who would you write that song with and why? BE : Oh boy! That’s a tough one! Chris Stapleton would be up there for sure. Drake White , an Alabama boy. Jamey Johnson , another Alabama player. I guess the reason I think I gravitate most to those guys is because a lot of the stuff that they write is about a little bit of everything. But most of the things they write are not just about the party stuff. It's more about real-life things, and it just seems more heartfelt. So, I feel like all three guys aren't trying to write for the radio. They write what they want, and if people like it, cool. And if they don't cool. Credit: Bud Gambrell OTC : You’re a local musician, and you’ve gotten to play onstage at the VBC Mars Music Hall . How does it feel to be playing on the big stage? BE : Yeah, it's always fun to get on big stages like Mars because of multiple reasons. It's just a change of scene for one. And then, often, when you're opening for more significant acts, your set is condensed. Some people may think that's a bad thing, but I look at it like, OK, I have 45 minutes to give it the best I've got. You know, I get to get up and sing my songs for 45 minutes and maybe sprinkle a cover or two in there, but I'm not just singing other people's songs all night. So it's nice! It allows you to showcase what it is, who you are, and what you want to do as an artist. It also gives you a chance to let the people in the crowd get to know who you are, not just as an artist but also as a person. Credit: Bud Gambrell OTC : On July 26th, you once again get to get up onstage at Mars Music Hall . This will be a part of a local showcase. Are you looking forward to that? How do you feel about that show? BE : Yeah, it's going to be great! I know everybody on the ticket so that it will be great fun! All of us are never together at the same time, so it's going to be fun to get up there and have a good time with all the guys who are trying to do the same thing I'm trying to do and make a show out of it and get some people there and have some fun. OTC : There will be a lot of local talent on that stage. Does that give you some extra motivation to get up there and show out and do your best? BE : Absolutely! I guess it gives me some extra motivation, but at the same time, I give my best all the time. I don't want to say it will be just another night. It's not going to be just another night, but at the same time, I give it my best, no matter if I'm playing at Mars Music Hall or Moe’s. I will go up there and do my thing anyway, no matter what. Credit: Bud Gambrell OTC : Is there anything you want to say to a prospective new fan reading this right now? BE : With me, you get what you get. I hope that everybody likes what they hear. Ultimately, I'm not trying to change for anybody, and I hope to see you at the show I am putting on soon. OTC : Where can we find your music? BE : You can find it on Spotify and Apple Music . I think it's on like 50-something streaming platforms. It's in the works to get in the studio in the next month or so and start putting out some of the stuff I've been working on to the public. We will try to get in there and get some new music out for people because I haven't put anything out in a little while, but just because I haven't put anything out doesn't mean I haven't been working. We will try to get some new stuff out for the fans and see where that goes, though. Credit: Bud Gambrell I enjoyed talking with Brandon . We could have sat there and talked for who knows how long. But we had to go. Brandon had a rehearsal for an upcoming gig, and I had to get home and start writing this article for you. If you are in Huntsville, I highly recommend attending the Alabama Smoke Show on Friday, July 26th, at Mars Music Hall . Brandon will perform his songs along with several other local bands. It will not be a night to be missed! Click the picture to learn more! I hope you enjoyed this latest article for Off the Charts . I have a couple more interviews in the works, so be on the lookout for those. For now, please email me and let me know your thoughts. Feel free to tell me what you liked or disliked. Tell me about any bands you know and love and think others will. Until next time, Keep your diamond in the groove! Where to find Bud: Email: the_budgambrell@mixedaltmag.com bgambrellphotography.com Bud Gambrell Photography Bud Gambrell Photography is a locally owned and operated photography business in North Alabama. Call or email us today for an appointment. Amazon : https://a.co/d/1CLA9Tz Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/bud.gambrell To learn more about Brandon Elder: Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/brandoneldermusic/?hl=en Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/brandoneldermusic/ Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/artist/2xiJP2U4qbFDWoD9ebOpZA Apple Music : https://music.apple.com/us/artist/brandon-elder/1004631456 YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/c/BrandonElderMusic *cover photo by Bud Gambrell Questions or comments? Reach out to mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

‘Faded Love’ is a hypnotic and soulful song full of strength. < Back Reviews on the Real: Mi’Kael Chalyce’s ‘Faded Love’ is an anthem for anyone who has experienced heartbreak Nicole Brice Dec 14, 2024 Share ‘Faded Love’ is a hypnotic and soulful song full of strength. Every once and a while, an artist will release a song that is so potent and so powerful it knocks me on my butt. Enter the latest from Nashville musician Mi’Kael Chalyce . Released December 14, 2024 ‘ Faded Love ’ begins with a captivating melody, the soulful vocals setting the stage for a powerful narrative. As the lead vocals take over, you find yourself immersed in a deeply emotional journey, a journey of love lost and the path to healing. Mi’Kael's songwriting skillfully captures the raw emotions of a breakup and the struggle to move on. If you've ever felt the sting of heartbreak, this song will resonate with you. ‘ Faded Love ’ is a beautiful exploration of the complexities of heartbreak and lost love. "When I found out I was pregnant with my youngest daughter it was in the midst of attempting to end an emotionally abusive relationship that had recently become physical. I found the strength to leave her biological father before she entered this world, but I’ve never looked back. Now two years later I am trying to decide how to pick up the pieces of my life when I’ve essentially blocked all the pain out of my mind trying to focus on my present happiness. All that is left now are echoes of a faded love hence the song’s name, Faded Love." You start feeling every note sung as Chalyce’s vocals become more potent. It’s true that as Mi’Kael sings, “ How can I pick up the pieces when I’ve blocked it out of my mind? ” you start to reflect on and feel the pain in her words. Credit: Photo provided by artist The song's production is minimalist yet impactful, with subtle instrumentation that allows the emotional weight of the lyrics to shine through. ' Faded Love ' was recorded at Grinding ENT Studios in Ellenwood, GA a suburb of Atlanta, GA, and was a collaboration between Mi'Kael Chalyce, Dorrell Smith , and Beats by Dre . The layered harmonies and gentle melodies create a dreamy ambiance, which contrasts nicely with the bittersweet nature of the song’s theme. Mi’Kael Chalyce is one of the many underground treasures in the music industry currently, and her songwriting speaks volumes. In March 2024 , we sat down with Mi’Kael for an in-depth interview , during which she shared her inspirations, her creative process, and more, and we have been a fan ever since. Overall, ‘ Faded Love ’ is a deeply emotional and compelling piece showcasing Mi’Kael Chalyce’s vocalist and songwriter talent. "This will be my first and only release this year and it wasn’t easy deciding on one that was special enough to share. This song feels ideal because ending the relationship the song discusses was a catalyst for The Reinvention — album coming in 2025." I cannot wait to hear more from this talented songstress in the future—Stream ‘Faded Love’ now on your favorite streaming platform. For more information on Mi'Kael Chalyce: www.mikaelchalyce.com Mi'Kael Chalyce Home page of Mi'Kael Chalyce, a R&B/Soul artist from Atlanta, GA. Mi’Kael Chalyce’s songwriting conveys trauma, mental health, and emotional evolution. Her goal is to create music that targets real-life relationship constructs, and those unspoken paradoxe www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Yum! < Back Dead & Breakfast: The Best Undead Movie You’ve Probably Never Seen Keeley Brooks Oct 4, 2022 Share Yum! I love undead/zombie movies. Everything about them—the blood, the gore, the creatures … the fear they bring. I always have, ever since I laid my eyeballs on 28 Days Later in 2004 and nearly had a heart attack in terror. I loved it! After visiting George Romero’s collection, followed by 2004’s Dawn of the Dead and Shaun of the Dead , I was obsessed. And just when I didn’t think my obsession could go any deeper, I stumbled across a nugget of zombie horror/comedy cheese that cemented my devotion to the art, despite the fact it’s also a musical. What? A musical? A horror musical? Hear me out. After stumbling across the DVD—it was 2004—and reading the tagline, “It’s like a bad horror film … only worse!”, I couldn’t resist buying and watching it, even though I’m not much a fan by way of musicals; they’re just not my thing. This musical, though, I’d watch every day of the week and twice on Sundays. It’s that funny. Dead & Breakfast is a 2004 zombie spoof about six friends on a road trip gone very, very wrong. Add in a creepy Texas town, a sinister bed & breakfast (with murder on the menu), and a charming little band between scenes singin’ some good ole’ country folk music to recap what just happened and set up what’s to come, and, well, you’ve got the toe-tapping entertaining makings for one hell of a bloody, funny movie. Oh yeah, there’s also that pesky army of the undead, who can only be stopped, it seems, by Texas chainsaw (“regular” chainsaws won’t work) or decapitation. The best things about it, in my opinion, are its exploitative use of copious amounts of blood and gore, its very well-placed humor, and (sigh) the fact that it’s a damn musical— the best damn musical I’ve ever seen! It’s so intentionally bad, it’s that good. I promise. Rue Morgue Magazine even hailed it as the best independent movie of the year, way back when. So, here’s what’s up: After a night that leaves both the inn’s owner, played by the late David Carradine, and its chef (Diedrich Bader) slashed to pieces, the group of friends finds themselves the main suspects by the local sheriff, who is played by bat-wielding Walking Dead villain, Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan). And that’s just the beginning. Nearly all of the town’s quirky residents become possessed by an evil spirit unveiled from a modern-day Pandora’s Box. The undead soon surround the friends inside the inn, and the group realizes it’s up to them to save any innocents left in town and bring Lovelock to justice. Rather than attempting simple survival in a world of the undead, those not yet possessed set to their own methods of eradication, Texas style. The result is a hilarious gut-bursting, attention-demanding blood battle between the living and the undead, full of tear-jerkingly funny scenes cut with outstanding musical transitions. Even though at the time critics initially labeled it as the American response to the British Shaun of the Dead (you’ll see this in the trailer), the actual truth is that Dead & Breakfast was made a year prior to and released six months before SOTD . It was also made on a teeny tiny budget, which is extremely impressive and worthy of respect simply for its creatively superfluous use of blood, gore, and makeup, which is nothing short of drenching and delightful. Written and directed by Matthew Leutwyler ( The River Why ), these undead deliver an excruciatingly funny Americanized demeanor that’s less zombie-like and more like a possessed cult of maniacal savages thirsting for souls instead of blood. It is utterly ridiculous. It's also a MUST SEE for horror/effects/undead-zombie fans who are equipped with a sense of humor and strong stomach. eFilmCritic called it “the best gorefest since Cabin Fever .” Boom. In addition to the names listed above, Dead & Breakfast also stars Jeremy Sisto, Erik Palladino, Ever Carradine, Oz Perkins, Bianca Lawson, and Portia de Rossi. Watch the trailer HERE . 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. 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. 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 ). 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. 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. 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. 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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XIII Minutes delves into the dynamics of power and influence on their latest offering. < Back Exploring XIII Minutes’ Bold New Track: ‘Cult Leader’ Nicole Brice Jun 26, 2024 Share XIII Minutes delves into the dynamics of power and influence on their latest offering. Sometimes, a song comes across my radar and instantly hooks me. “Cult Leader” by Tulsa-based XIII Minutes has done just that. Released June 23, 2024, and currently available via Bandcamp, “Cult Leader” is a gripping mix of hard-hitting lyrics and compelling instrumentation with a solid four minutes of sound to get your pulse and adrenaline pumping. The mix sounds great—the vocals have a pop-punk vibe, and the chorus is a powerful standout. XIII Minutes continues to push boundaries with a track that is both sonically aggressive and lyrically profound. The song is structured around dynamic shifts between explosive verses and a chorus that is both anthemic and chilling, with the soundscape being chaotic yet controlled. Overall, ‘Cult Leader’ is a solid and enjoyable track that cleverly weaves hints of early 2000s rock with the high energy of pop punk, creating a unique and intriguing sound that will surely get you going. Click to experience 'Cult Leader' for yourself! Written by Jamie Kucinski (drums), Thomas Wheat (guitars), Jerrod Cunningham (vocals), and Preston Bell (bass), ‘Cult Leader’ starts jamming as soon as the song begins and does not let up the entire time. This song has it all, and I highly recommend you listen to it today. To learn more about XIII Minutes: xiiiminutesofficial | Instagram, Facebook | Linktree www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . 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. *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

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

Kevin’s music is a hybrid of blues, rock, and pure Americana < Back Kevin Dorin: A Soulful Traveling Renaissance Man Nicole Brice & Chris Pryor Jun 2, 2023 Share Kevin’s music is a hybrid of blues, rock, and pure Americana Who is Kevin Dorin? That was the question that popped into our brains when he first came onto our radar. Although not well known here in the United States, Kevin has been making music for almost his entire life starting out in his home country of Canada as part of the rock band Bigger Fish Than Guns. Bigger Fish Than Guns was a band out of Calgary in the Canadian province of Alberta who saw great success in the late 2000s to early 2010s until they broke up in 2012. “We had a meteoric rise after recording our first EP, and our single “Texas T” won us $25,000 in a radio station contest in Calgary. The song was added to stations across Canada and the NE U.S. and charted the Top 30 alt rock up in the great white north. Sound-wise, we rode the coattails of bands like The Black Keys and regularly beat out Young the Giant for radio placements”, says Dorin. “We even got an awesome opening gig for AWOLNATION, and just as we were offered an opportunity to audition for a Live Nation booking agent, the band dissolved.” After the dissolution of Bigger Fish Than Guns, Dorin continued making music and working in the industry that shaped him. With a history rooted in Entertainment Business Management, thanks to his certification from The Metalworks Institute in Mississauga in Ontario, Canada, Kevin managed to make his way to the U.S. He currently lives in Idaho and consults for a venue in Sandpoint called The Hive. Being no stranger to the background workings of the biz, in the past Kevin managed the band Frankie McQueen and has had the opportunity to tour as a musician and as technical support for the indie band Sidney York. Photo provided by artist In addition to touring, making music, running things on the business side, and helping young artists with his songwriting competition, the Sandpoint Songwriting Competition , Dorin made a documentary in 2013 called What is Canadian Music? A true Renaissance man, Kevin Dorin is multi-talented and multi-faceted, and on April 7, 2023, he released a new single called “I Am Not Afraid” via all streaming platforms. The song is funky, soulful, and sounds like good, classic southern rock. The song fits our political landscape of today and we love the tones used with the music. The flow of the vocals is bluesy and merges well with the overall tone, which presents a powerful and evocative message about struggle, suffering, and resilience. The repetition of the phrase “I am not afraid” reinforces a sense of determination and courage in the face of adversity. The use of imagery like “body rotten bloody scene” and “sowing reaping feeding me” creates a dark and intense atmosphere that emphasizes the challenges faced today. The use of repetition and rhyming in the pre-chorus and chorus creates a strong sense of rhythm and adds emphasis to the message of the lyrics. Additionally, the use of metaphor like “the devil is the distance between our choices” adds depth and complexity to the song. Overall, the lyrics present a complex and nuanced exploration of the themes of struggle, love, and resilience, and according to Kevin, “It's a song, it's a mantra, it's the Zeitgeist written to be a tool to give people HOPE in the ongoing chaos that is our world. Risk four minutes and it may just make you feel better.” “I Am Not Afraid” is a song to take note of and we were so intrigued by Kevin’s history and backstory that we reached out to him to ask a few questions. Kevin Dorin’s talent is one to be heard and seen, so after you read this interview, we encourage you to go check out his entire back catalog. He is sure to impress you with his talent, energy, and passion, which comes through in his music. MaM : Kevin, thanks so much for taking the time to chat with us. We love your song "I Am Not Afraid.” It's soulful, it's funky, and it's pure southern soulful rock. What was the inspiration behind the subject matter and lyrical content? KD : The song was inspired seven years ago by immigrating to the U.S. from Canada. I couldn’t work until my green card was approved and so I found myself watching more American news than ever before. At that time, Canadian news had much more integrity—not so much so nowadays, though. [At the time], I wasn’t used to the sensationalism and fear mongering. I took the feeling of how the American media made me feel and turned it into the lyrics for this song. I’ve been performing it ever since in the U.S. whenever things get especially weird and scary here. My fans tell me that they use the ‘I Am Not Afraid’ mantra in their own lives, and first-time listeners as well as fans sing it with me when I play the song live. MaM : Did you record and produce the song yourself? The production sounds great. KD : The song was recorded over a period of years, and I never felt like it was quite right, so I sent it out to a friend and mentor I'd worked for, Producer Trey Mills. He put the finishing touches on it. I sat on that recording for another 18 months and finally the chaos of the world got so insane, I figured the world could use the song. Photo provided by artist MaM : When did you start playing music and what inspires you to create? KD : I'm 36 and I've been in the music business my whole adult life. I was in a successful Canadian Alt Rock band called Bigger Fish Than Guns in my early 20s, but just as that band was peaking, we broke up and I moved to Idaho to get married. Since moving to the U.S., I've been getting deep into Americana styles of music and playing hundreds of shows a year so I can develop my skills to entertain at the highest level. As far as inspiration is concerned, if I live a strong life and maximize the potential of every day, I am always inspired to create. The adventure of life and the dynamic of pushing through the highs and lows provides me with endless emotion and stories to draw from. MaM : Are you currently playing shows? If so, where do you showcase your talents? KD : I consult for a gorgeous world-class venue in Sandpoint, Idaho called The Hive and I'll be recording my next show June 3rd on video and high-quality audio. We will be releasing a live video recording from that set of ‘I Am Not Afraid’ in mid-June, so follow my YouTube channel! Then I plan to get back on the road and play as many dates in 2023 and 2024 as possible to share the positive messages in my new music with the world. Photo provided by artist MaM : I see you put out an album in 2010 and then another in 2018. Tell us a little more about your past endeavors. Why was there a gap in releases? KD : My last album ‘Invisible Lines’ is one of my proudest achievements. It was recorded as a one-take, one-two microphone-style project through a mostly vintage analog recording process. It was a bit of a departure from my alt rock roots after living in the U.S. for a while and absorbing Americana. The goal was to be able to capture moments in the recordings like the quality of the heroes of old. I've studied the recording processes of music quite deeply and the records that make the most impact in my life are always recorded by musicians who have worked hard to be able to track a record live off the floor. As far as why I leave so much time between releases, all my favorite artists usually only release major projects every four to six years. This seems to be a time-tested recipe to achieving quality control and amassing songs that are worthy of something notable that can really make an impression on people’s lives. Most great songs are timeless, so you should be able to sit on them for years until the time is right to respect the art and release it in a way that achieves the full potential of the songs. ‘I Am Not Afraid’ is a return to more of my alt rock sound developed in my band Bigger Fish Than Guns, and I have many more songs I'll be releasing as singles over the next 12 months that are a similar vibe. We just re-released our Bigger Fish Than Guns album ‘Through the Green Door’ after taking it off streaming services for about eight years. It's an awesome album. I’m excited for new people to discover it. MaM : Where do you see yourself headed in the future musically? KD : I've been storing a stack of songs over the last five years and working to become the best performer possible, so you'll be seeing a steady stream of music released from me and I'll be playing it all over North America. - To experience the music of Kevin Dorin, head on over to all of his social media pages and his YouTube. His music and talent are unmatched. Kevin Dorin | Facebook Kevin Dorin (@kevindorin) • Instagram photos and videos Kevin Dorin - YouTube Kevin Dorin | Spotify ‎Kevin Dorin on Apple Music www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Spyne!’s music is raw unfiltered rock with a nod to the classics. < Back The Dynamic Sound of the New Jersey Band Spyne Nicole Brice Mar 2, 2024 Share Spyne!’s music is raw unfiltered rock with a nod to the classics. In the 90s, the musical landscape was full of rock tunes, but over the years the music being pushed to the masses has changed, taking on a different sound and vibe. With the industry focused more on overproduction and autotune, newer generations of independent musicians are starting to bring rock music back to where it belongs – on top. By reinventing guitar-driven music for a new generation, these bands are looking to make a revolutionary change by authentically creating tunes full of originality. New Jersey is known for its vibrant music scene and is continually churning out all sorts of musical creatives. Formed in New Jersey in 2021, the band Spyne! is steadily making a name for themselves on the local music scene, and includes frontman and rhythm guitarist Kyle Moyer, drummer Eric Muhler, lead guitarist Liam Muhler, and bassist Toni Manousos. Full of personality and charisma, Spyne! are four talented musicians on a mission to push boundaries and create music that resonates with listeners on a deep level, and the best way to describe Spyne!’s music, for those not familiar, is it is unfiltered rock with hints of punk and pop. It is simply feel-good rock. The band’s latest single “ Win ” was released on September 15, 2023, and is an anthem for any underdog facing criticism. With crisp, clean bluesy guitars and powerful vocals, the chorus asks, “Yeah what if I win?” in a sort of mocking tone. One of the defining features of the band’s sound on this track is Kyle’s powerful and soulful vocals , which could be compared to Daniel Johns from Silverchair meets Wolfgang Van Halen meets Dave Grohl . His dynamic range and emotive delivery add depth and intensity to all the band’s songs creating a powerful and enjoyable listening experience. Since their formation, Spyne! has been steadily releasing new music, and their debut EP, “ Away ”, released in 2022, showcases the band’s raw talent with an enjoyable 14 minutes of sound. Spyne! is currently working on a full-length album to be released in the future, but in the meantime, you can stay up to date on all their music via their social media. With a growing catalog of original songs and dynamic live shows, Spyne! is poised to continue making a name for themselves in the music industry and their solid booked calendar for 2024 can attest to that. Credit: Photo provided by band Mixed Alternative Magazine had the opportunity to chat with the guys in Spyne! recently to discuss aspirations, what makes them so unique, and upcoming plans. Take a moment to learn a little more about this talented and comedic group of musicians and then go stream their music and crank it up to 11. MaM : Hey guys, thanks for chatting with us today. First question – where did the band name and clever logo come from? Kyle : So, this goes back to me and our old drummer. We were sitting around, and he had just gotten done with treatment for scoliosis, so the name “spine” popped into our heads. We decided to add the “y” for a different take on the spelling and then the exclamation point at the end to show emphasis, so it reads as “Spyne!”. Also, too, with the “y”, it looks like a crooked back. MaM : What got each of you into music initially? Liam : I initially got into music because every member of my family plays an instrument, and we all play different instruments, so that has definitely been an influential factor in my interest in music. It was almost destined to happen and just seemed normal. I love all sorts of genres and we all have a different style, so it all just meshes well. Eric : Since Liam and I are brothers, you know we had a pretty similar upbringing. Both of our parents are teachers, so there was always a push for us to do something with music. Over the years, I tried numerous instruments, so it was about finding something I wanted to stick with. I started playing the drums, and over time, that ended up being the instrument that stuck with me. Toni : I was always fascinated with people moving people with their music. I think it’s a very powerful thing. Kyle : The earliest memory I have is listening to a bunch of different CDs in my mom’s car on the way to school. Growing up, I had a lot of eye surgeries done in New York, so we would have some long drives from New Jersey to New York and I remember listening to a lot of Deep Purple , Aerosmith , Van Halen , and anything classic rock , to be honest. My mom and dad were huge influences on my music taste, though. They introduced me to some great stuff. Credit: Photo provided by band MaM: That’s great parenting! How would you describe the music you typically create now? Kyle : I guess you could say it’s got a classic rock sound with a modern twist. We’re not trying to copy anyone, but we’re looking for a new sound that incorporates things from the past. Liam : I like to think of it as reinventing classic rock. An extension of an already rich tradition, but for a different demographic … more for our age group. I don’t feel like we’re making music to appeal to an older audience but more to a diverse audience. MaM : How do you approach writing music? Take us through the creative process. I read that you’re going to release a full-length album later this year, so tell us a little more about all of that, too. Liam : We are very privileged to have a great songwriter in Kyle. He writes from the heart and with his songwriting and Eric’s drumming skills, it’s just an excellent combination for Toni and me to add some riffs and harmony. We have a great formula and with live performances, we can stretch our muscles a little bit to change up the songs for the performance. Maybe change up a solo here or there. Our chemistry has these really consistent roles. Kyle : He’s right on the dot. It starts with me and then goes to Eric and then to the other two guys. We’re very lucky. Credit: Jeff Crespi MaM : If you could collaborate with any musician in the future, who would it be and why? Kyle : There are so many. I love Dave Grohl and have been a Foo Fighters fan since I was 12 years old, but I love Aerosmith, too. Liam : So, I have a bad answer for this. If I could collaborate with any artist, it would have to be Bruce Springsteen so I could complain to him. (laughter) No matter where I play or where I go, people keep mentioning him. The funny thing is that everyone around me has said they have met or seen Springsteen , so I feel like I owe it to myself to meet him. Everyone sitting at this table today has seen Springsteen . I’ve even done two Springsteen tributes in other bands, and I have yet to see or meet the guy. (laughter) MaM : If you ever do meet him, you need to tell him that he’s like Waldo … where’s Bruce ? (laughter) Toni : Paul McCartney for me. He’s influenced me the most. Eric : Rise Against for me. I would love to work with them and meet them. Credit: Jeff Crespi MaM : You guys are younger than me, and probably can’t remember a time without it, but how do you feel the internet has impacted the current state of the music industry? Liam : I think that the internet has fundamentally changed how we advertise things. I think that part of interacting with these social media platforms means that you must play by their rules a good bit and so we try to keep up with all of that. We try to put up cute and funny posts every so often. Something that can promote things seriously, but have a punchline, too. Sometimes having a sense of humor with what you post helps because it shows that your material is friendly and inviting. Kyle : I feel the same as Liam. Doing cute and funny things is great, but we’ve seen a good bit of changes with the internet just through the time we’ve grown up. Everything is so accessible now. Growing up it was more recreational, but since the 2010s, it feels like everything is media. The biggest struggle for us has been getting people to the shows, and in the past, it was more about just supporting the venues. Today, it’s so hard to pull people in and sometimes it’s the short funny media that makes them come to a show. It’s a learning experience. Credit: Jeff Crespi MaM : Do you have a favorite song to perform live? Eric : “ Away ” or “ Heaven Find You ”. People usually start jumping around during “Away” and it’s just fun to play. With “Heaven Find You”, I’m a big fan of the drum part I wrote for the song and love playing it. The chorus of the song is well-received by the fans, too. Toni : I think “ Win ” is my favorite original song to play. It’s just one of the best Spyne! songs and fun to play. Now, our cover of “ No One Knows ” by Queens of the Stone Age is one of the best we’ve done, and everyone loses their minds when we play it, too. Kyle : I don’t have an answer since I wrote all the songs. (laughter) I love each one. If I had to pick, though, it would be “ By the Bay ” and “ Heaven Find You ”. I also like it when we play “ Pride and Joy ” by Stevie Ray Vaughan, too. Liam : I’m going to start with my favorite cover to play live. Generally, with the covers, I love it when the songs have a good solo section because I like to make up stuff a lot. The guys give me a good bit of freedom to go crazy, but we played a cover at our last set at The Stone Pony by Kiss … we did “ Love Gun ”. That fulfilled something for my inner child because I grew up listening to Twisted Sister and other hair metal bands, and I just love the guitar work. With this cover, I was able to go crazy on stage and I think we have a recording of the performance somewhere. As far as originals go, I would have to pick “Win”. It’s got a kickass guitar riff that everybody remembers, and my friends have come up to me after a show to tell me that they really like “Win”. It’s such a terrific song. Credit: Jeff Crespi MaM : Ok, going to throw you guys a funny question. Do any of you have any useless talents outside of the musical realm? Liam : I can juggle pins on a unicycle. (laughter) MaM : That’s awesome. Kyle : I’ve seen that happen. I want to say automotive repair because I suck at it, but it’s not exactly useless. I can play drums on my stomach and can do that incredibly well for no reason. (laughter) Credit: Jeff Crespi MaM : So, when can we expect the new album? Where do you see yourself headed in the future? Kyle : We’re looking towards 2024, but I have a feeling it will push into 2025. We want it to be right. We have these songs that are an amalgamation of everything perfect. We want it mixed the way we want, and I think we’re going to fulfill our full artistic capabilities. The goal is to open for bigger acts and get our name out there to similar music tastes because the internet isn’t great at that. Liam : I think it’s really good that we’re going to be patient with the process. We’re not the type to rush into releasing something a little bit premature. I want to wrap it with a neat bow when we release it. As Spyne! continues to evolve and explore new musical territories, one thing remains constant – their passion for creating music that connects with people on a visceral level. Whether you’re a fan of rock or alternative, Spyne’s music is sure to resonate with you on a profound level. To check out the music of Spyne!, click the link below. Spyne! | Instagram, Facebook | Linktree *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

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

Cutting deeper beneath the surface to explore how the "Saw" franchise's John Kramer (Jigsaw) fits into the paradigm of passive nihilism. < Back The Philosophy of John Kramer and the Saw Franchise, Part 3: Film Analysis Ezekiel Kincaid Oct 25, 2023 Share Cutting deeper beneath the surface to explore how the "Saw" franchise's John Kramer (Jigsaw) fits into the paradigm of passive nihilism. Welcome back, boys and girls, to your blue-collar philosophy lesson with Zeke. I hope you’ve been enjoying this philosophical series of Saw franchise articles so far, and I also hope you’ve had some time to start watching the Saw franchise again so you can see firsthand what I am discussing in this series. In the next two articles, we are going to get into the nitty gritty of my theory. But before we do, I’d like you to know I’m not the only one who has come to this conclusion about John Kramer operating under a Nietzschean nihilist philosophy. There are others, such as Steve Jones, who goes into much more detail than I do in his book “ To See the Saw Films ”. Unlike Jones though, I am breaking this down to a more understandable level so even if you don’t have a background in philosophy, you can follow what I am saying. Without further ado, let’s jump headfirst into how John Kramer fits into the paradigm of passive nihilism . Basically, Nietzsche understands a passive nihilist to be someone who is angered by the world's attitude towards “fundamental values,” which include but are not limited to their own apathy towards existence. Or, to put it into John Kramer’s terms, they are people who “don’t appreciate their life.” In the Saw films, Kramer is angry over his belief that the majority of people do not appreciate their own existence. To him, the ability to appreciate life is what gives life meaning and purpose. Therefore, if a person takes life for granted, they are considered by Kramer to be goalless. This means his games, traps, etc., are all a ploy (therapy maybe?) to help them realize survival is the only goal in life. Thus, enduring and surviving the game becomes their purpose for existence. credit: Lionsgate Entertainment Do you see how brilliant this is in the mind of Jigsaw? To him, making people play his games forces them into having endurance and survival as their present goal. It makes having purpose a present reality to them. In this way, John Kramer can solve his nihilistic crisis of living in a world where people have no purpose by forcing them into a situation where they have a purpose. The apathy Jigsaw sees in his test subjects is evident throughout the franchise's overarching narrative. Let’s start with Saw (2004) and everyone’s favorite character, Dr. Lawrence (Cary Elwes, of The Princess Bride ). If you recall from the film, his wife, Allison (Monica Potter, of Parenthood ), complains that he makes a façade of being happy, but he is really miserable on the inside. In other words, Dr. Lawrence is dead on the inside and is just going through the motions of life with no passion or purpose. As Lawrence’s game unfolds, we can place it beside Amanda (Shawnee Smith, of Anger Management ) and Paul’s (Mike Butters, of The Wonderland Murders ) and see the comparison. Amanda seeks to escape from reality through her drug addiction, and Paul sought to escape life through his suicide attempt. Therefore, to Kramer, Dr. Lawrence's passivity to life is no better than Amanda and Paul’s escapism. But what about Adam ( Saw creator Leigh Whannel)? Did any of you out there ever catch the stark contrast between him and Kramer when it comes to cancer? No? Well, let me point it out to you: When Adam is chained up, he is having a nicotine craving—so much so, he considers smoking a cigarette that may or may not be poisoned. He says he wants “that sweet cancer. I don’t care. I really don’t.” Do you see it yet? The irony is how passive (in the Nietzschean sense) he is about getting the very disease from which Kramer is dying. Such an attitude and statement from Adam further illuminates why Jigsaw chose him. To further illustrate the passivity of Kramer’s victims, let’s jump ahead to Saw III (2006) and talk about Rigg (Lyriq Bent, of Long Slow Exhale ) and Jeff (Angus Macfadyen, of Outlander ). As a police officer, Rigg has this unwavering compulsion to save everyone. His ongoing frustration in Saw III , however, is that he can’t save everyone. Jeff’s obsession is different. He’s pissed off and angry (maybe rightfully so?) over what he deems as inadequate punishment for the man who killed his son. Though Rigg and Jeff’s compulsions/obsessions are vastly different, their view of the world is the same: Things are flawed and no matter what, they cannot change these conditions. They are chosen to play their games because this type of attitude does not sit well with Jigsaw. According to Kramer, people do have choices and advantages, they just choose not to appropriate them. Kramer views Rigg and Jeff as pathetic, like the rest of humanity, because they view themselves as unable to change the world around them. The victims in the Saw franchise are what we call in biblical scholarly circles a synecdoche. A synecdoche is basically a symbol or example of something that is used to represent the whole. For example, the seven churches in the apostle John’s “Book of Revelation” are not only historical churches but are also meant to represent the worldwide church of all time as a whole. This is what we have taking place in Saw . Kramer’s victim selection is meant to represent the entire populace of humanity. From a passive nihilist perspective, disgust over this type of attitude is pretty normal. In Kramer’s view (and passive nihilism) the loss of truth, value, and meaning no longer create a crisis for humanity and they now just accept it as ordinary life. This is unacceptable for the passive nihilist, and as one, Kramer uses his traps to remedy this apathetic attitude . He wants to jolt his victims out of their apathy over life by placing them in a situation (his traps) where they will have to find value, meaning, and purpose. There is more I could go on about, like whether Jigsaw’s methods truly match his mantra, as well as the flaws in them along with the flaws in nihilism, but that is beyond the scope of these articles. The above is suffice to prove my point that John Kramer shows evidence of being a passive nihilist. Yet there is also another side to Kramer’s nihilism that rears its head in the Saw movies: radical nihilism. And it is this radical nihilism that we will investigate in our next and final post of the series. Until then, read some Neitchsze and watch some Saw movies! 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

‘Despair’ is a song full of truth. < Back Reviews on the Real: ‘Despair’ by Hawthorne Oachs Nicole Brice Mar 20, 2025 Share ‘Despair’ is a song full of truth. Hawthorne Oachs released her latest musical offering, ‘ Despair ,’ on February 22, 2025, and this track stands out from her usual style. Featuring her soothing, angelic voice, ‘ Despair ’ begins with haunting synths and progresses to a more upbeat tempo than her previous songs. Beautiful guitar parts weave throughout the track, filled with dark imagery that conveys deep meaning. Oachs' lyrics resonate with my soul , making it feel like she is in my mind with this song. Not only is Hawthorne a talented lyricist, but her wisdom shines through in everything she writes. I often find myself lost in an imaginary world while immersing in her music. Released February 22, 2025 - click to listen Lyrically, ‘ Despair ’ addresses the current state of our world and conveys the message that we are doomed to fail unless we unite . In one part, the artist expresses, "We're all in this together, yet we find ways to hate one another. Division will be our downfall." These words could not be more valid. Hawthorne's vocals always make me feel like I’m floating on a cloud, and in ‘ Despair ,’ this feeling continues. With a catchy chorus of "We're trapped, trapped, trapped, and we can't get out," I became wholly consumed by the song due to its powerful lyrics . Hawthorne has a way with words, and she speaks the truth , so do yourself a favor and get lost in ‘ Despair .’ It’s out now on all streaming platforms. To learn more about Hawthorne Oachs: Musical Artist | Hawthorne Oachs www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Reach out to us at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

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

It's fright time! < Back Fresh Blood on the Horizon: October Horror Releases Keeley Brooks Oct 4, 2022 Share It's fright time! Halloween season is my absolute favorite time of the whole entire year. I actually consider it a holiday because, well, that’s the kind of thing I like to do in my world. And, in addition to the leaves changing color and the weather cooling down, even if just a tiny bit (I’m lookin’ at you, Deep South), it’s also the time for two of my other favorite things on the planet: candy and movies. Because I’m a giant grown-up. Yes, yes, I love the decorations and the trick-or-treaters, the dressing up and (sometimes) the parties, but it’s also the time of year when the days get shorter and the nights get longer, signaling, at least to me, it’s time to start switching from a fight-or-flight mode to more of a rest-and-digest mode. And lucky for your little eyeballs, that means consuming a whole bunch of entertaining content to gush about to you. The month of October is the perfect time to grab some snacks and veg out with your peeps in front of your favorite classic scary movies for thrills and laughs, or in front of newly released scary movies for, you know, thrills and screams. And nightmares. I’m just kidding. Here’s a list of some new, noteworthy horror flicks releasing this month, streaming and in theaters. Among the Living – From Dread comes a story about a brother and sister stranded in the aftermath of a deadly outbreak. Brother fights to protect sister while searching for refuge from an infected population with, yep—you guessed it: an uncontrollable thirst for blood. Looks like a bloody good time to me! Currently available in theaters and streaming Terrifier 2 – Cult horror icon Art the Clown is back with a vengeance after being resurrected by a sinister entity. He returns to the timid town of Miles County where he targets a teen and her younger brother on Halloween night. In theaters October 6 Deadstream – Shudder fans, unite! This feature directorial debut from husband-wife filmmakers Vanessa & Joseph Winter follows a disgraced internet personality attempting to win back his followers by livestreaming one night alone in a haunted house. This gonzo horror-comedy is full of bodily fluids, gore, and ghostly creatures, a la Sam Raimi. Streaming on Shudder October 6 Significant Other – Starring Jake Lacy ( White Lotus ) and Maika Monroe ( It Follows) , this trailer offers the creep on a Blair Witch standing-in-the-corner level. The story follows a young couple on a backpacking trip through the Pacific Northwest, whose trip quickly goes south when they discover they are not alone. Streaming on Paramount+ October 7 Hellraiser – Produced by Clive Barker and directed by The Night House’s David Bruckner, this reboot has already received raving reviews for being both gory and elegant, poetic and “super violent.” Staring Jamie Clayton ( Sense8 ) as the new Hell Priestess, Pinhead, leader of the Cenobites, Adam Faison, and Goran Visnjic ( ER , Timeless ). Streaming on Hulu October 7 Werewolf by Night – When the leader of a monster-hunter guild passes, leaving the throne open for a new leader, his widow assembles a group of the most ruthless monster slayers for a ceremonious hunt to determine their new leader. Enter Jack Russell (Gael Garcia Bernal), a reluctant hunter harboring a few shocking secrets, and what ensues is nothing short of a 100% Rotten Tomato score. Streaming on Disney+ October 7 Halloween Ends – Alas, the final installment of the Halloween reboot trilogy is finally here. Set four years after Halloween Kills , which released in 2021, Michael has disappeared, and Laurie is living with her granddaughter and writing her memoir; then, all hell breaks loose, but not by whom you’d think. In theaters and streaming on Peacock October 14 V/H/S/99 – Brad Miska and Bloody Disgusting’s franchise that horrified audiences and physically made them sick when the first installment dropped in 2012 is back and invites you to get ready to party like its 1999. This one assembles directors Johannes Roberts, Maggie Levin, Flying Lotus, Tyler MacIntyre, and Vanessa & Joseph Winter for five new horror tales that each highlight a hellish vision of the year 1999. Streaming on Shudder October 20 Matriarch – Shit gets super weird in this folk horror tale starring Jemima Rooper (TV’s Flowers in the Attic ) and Kate Dickie ( The Green Knight , Peaky Blinders ). After an overdose, Rooper’s character moves home and in with her estranged mother (Dickie) and soon discovers everyone around her is protecting an unspeakably dark secret involving not only her mother but also Rooper’s terrifying destiny as well. Streaming on Hulu October 21 Resurrection – Who doesn’t love Rebecca Hall ( The Night House ), especially in a creepy psychological drama? Margaret (Hall) leads an orderly, successful life perfectly balancing the demands of her career and solo parenthood. Everything is under control, right up until her careful balance is upended by the return of an unwelcome past shadow (played by Tim Roth), who carries the horrors of Margaret’s past with him. Streaming on Shudder October 28 Currently Available Honorable Mentions: Interview With the Vampire – Anne Rice’s beloved vampire story is back and in tv series format with some reimagining. Simply put, it is spectacular, and seeing Game of Thrones’ Greyworm in vampire form is absolutely beautiful. Currently streaming on AMC+ Dahmer – Evan Peters brilliantly plays convicted serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer with unnerving finesse in this TV horror series that tries to figure out how Dahmer was able to evade detection for more than a decade after murdering 17 teenaged boys and young men. Yes, it’s gross, and indeed, it’s heavy, but it’s absolutely worth the watch just to see Peters in action. Currently streaming on Netflix Raven’s Hollow – Oh, Edgar! This gorgeously photographed, artistic Gothic period horror film follows West Point cadet Edgar Allen Poe (eek!), and four other cadets, on a training exercise in upstate New York when they come upon and are drawn by a gruesome discovery into a forgotten community reminiscent of Sleepy Hollow. Currently streaming on Shudder and AMC+ Barbarian – I’ll admit, if Justin Long ( Jeepers Creepers ) is in it, there’s a hot chance I’m watching it. I don’t care what this guy is doing; I’m always laughing. When a young woman discovers the Airbnb she booked is occupied by a stranger, she decides to stay the night anyway, then discovers there so much more to fear than just an unexpected house guest. Currently in theaters and streaming on HBOMax and Disney+ Creepy Mention Coming Soon: Wednesday – Netflix’s anxiously awaited update to The Addams Family focuses on the fam’s daughter as an older, updated version of the character. What excites me most about this series is its director. It will be the first-ever TV show directed by one of my personal favorite horror masters, Tim Burton. Mark your calendars. Stars Jenny Ortega in the lead and includes Catherine Zeta-Jones, Christina Ricci, and Luiz Guzman, to name a few. Streaming on Netflix November 23 Keep Your Eyes Peeled: The Last of Us – Holy shit. What a heavy hitter. Who doesn’t love a heart-pounding zombie apocalypse? This HBO series adaptation of the video game franchise stars Pedro Pascal ( The Mandalorian ) as an apocalypse survivor out for redemption in a world riddled with mutated humans into zombies called “clickers.” Also stars Bella Ramsey ( Game of Thrones ), Nick Offerman ( The Resort ), and Melanie Lynsky ( Yellowjackets ). Releases in 2023 … stay tuned! 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

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. 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. 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. 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

Grey Areas isn’t just a band; they are a movement. < Back Grey Areas: A Louisiana Metal Band Looking to Inspire Hope in a World Filled with Chaos Nicole Brice Feb 13, 2025 Share Grey Areas isn’t just a band; they are a movement. It's always a thrill to unearth a new band from Louisiana, each one a unique sonic journey. Recently, I stumbled upon the metal band Grey Areas from DeRidder, Louisiana. Their first single, ‘ Burial ,’ is a testament to their distinct sound that instantly captivated me. Released August 23, 2024 ‘ Burial ’ was released on August 23, 2024 . It is a healthy blend of metal and metalcore with progressive elements and a melody. With hard-hitting vocals and a strong opening – the song starts jamming early and is a solid tune sure to get your head nodding. The band is comprised of like-minded musicians with tenacity, personality, and ambition. Brad Nesbitt plays the drums, Cody Alexander plays the bass, Randy Taylor is the vocalist, and Xander Lee plays the guitar. With new music set to release in April, Grey Areas is steadily letting those creative juices flow to drive their vision forward. More than just a typical metal band, Grey Areas' music has an underlying message of unity and hope. They want to illuminate things that are not always black and white in a world filled with chaos and to do so, have created Hope Fest , which will take place on Saturday, April 12, 2025 , at the DeRidder Fairgrounds Pavillion – a local original music festival designed to give back to those in need, with proceeds being directly donated to Foundations Sober Living House in Lake Charles , LA. With the recent addition of Randy Taylor from Twisted eXistence on vocals, Grey Areas has solidified their line-up with a powerhouse frontman destined to light the stage on fire with his explosive vocals. What struck me immediately about Grey Areas was their unwavering professionalism and genuine kindness. They are a group of guys you'd love to hang out with, and Mixed Alt Mag had the privilege of a lengthy chat with them. Take a moment to get to know them better. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : What other musical projects have you been involved in? Cody : Brad and I were in the band Southern Death Toll . Brad : It was classic death metal – hard and fast … thrashy. We had a solid ten-year run with that. MaM : So, what led to the formation of Grey Areas? Xander : I was in some groups back in the day, too, so this was in 2010 when we realized we all had something musically in common, but in 2023, we decided to do something and jam. MaM : How did you decide on the genre of music to play? I listened to ‘Burials,’ and it has so many influences. You can’t categorize it. You’ve got some prog, death metal, regular metal, and thrash … but it’s truly unique. I actually saw a comment on your Facebook page recently, too, where someone mentioned you are one of the most creative bands out there. I can honestly agree with what I’ve heard so far. Who are some of your influences musically? Xander : Black Label Society , Pantera , Slipknot – pretty much anything metalcore. Randy : Killswitch Engage , Pantera … bands that incorporate some clean singing with some screaming. Cody : I agree with the metalcore bands, but I’ll branch out and listen to various genres and artists. A little rhythm and blues, a little rap … I like to funk it up a bit. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : Growing up, how did you know you would end up playing the instruments you currently play? For instance, Brad, how did you decide to become a drummer? Brad : I was a bass player first and didn’t realize I wanted to be a drummer until I suffered an injury. My arm became paralyzed, so playing drums was a type of physical therapy that stuck with me. It just became my thing, I guess. It was constant motion, and it still is therapy, honestly. I think I got good at it. Xander : My parents were always playing music growing up, and something about guitar – or just the sound – it stood out to me. I always just wanted to play and make noise. Randy : I started playing guitar at about ten and just stuck with it. I still play guitar for another band, Twisted eXistence , too. I’ve known Xander for a couple of years now, and when he told me about Grey Areas , I started coming to the shows. Once their last singer departed, things just came together. Vocals are a relatively new concept, but it’s fun so far, and I’m just winging it. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : It was just a natural fit. See how things work out. Cody : It came out of necessity. When I was about eight or ten, I started taking guitar lessons, and my dad was a drummer in a church band. I couldn’t touch drums but had always wanted to play guitar. The church band needed a bass player, so I swapped over to that when I was a teenager, and it naturally came together. I’ve played church music, country, and metal. MaM : What have you worked on since the single dropped in August? Any new music? Xander : Absolutely. Cody : We’re still pushing for the whole album. We’ve been practicing and have the structure of the new songs. We're also trying to get the old set fully recorded. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : When can we expect that? Xander : Maybe the end of 2025, but we’re not quite sure yet. Very soon, though. MaM : Are any shows coming up for 2025? Xander : So far, we’ve been invited to Eclipse Fest 2025. MaM : Hell yeah! It's a great festival that Nick Cline does. Xander : Yeah, we’re excited to play that. We’ve some other shows in March, and then we have a festival we’re putting on called Hope Fest in DeRidder in April. This will be our first big event. Randy : It’ll be big for rock and metal, especially for this town and this area because it’s a rural area—very country. The metalheads are out there, though. Xander : When we were younger, if you wanted to go to a concert, it was either Lafayette, Houston, or New Orleans, two to three hours away. This will bring it all closer to home. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : So, let’s talk about the new single. Your sound is so strong on this track, and now, with the addition of Randy on vocals, I can’t wait to see the band's progression and how your sound evolves. How do you keep yourselves in a creative mindset to write new music? Is there something you do to influence that creative vibe? Xander : Not really, to be honest. My writing methods are not traditional. I like to improvise when we jam. I’ll come up with a ton of stuff in a session, but sometimes it just doesn’t stick. When I find something that works, I’ll try to find something that fits with it, and then it all builds. It’s a long process sometimes. We don’t try to force anything. Brad : We just let it create itself. MaM : Yeah, that’s what you’ve indeed got to do. Don’t force creativity. Randy : Yeah, once Xander has his piece done, and we have the guitar riff, we can map out the drum patterns, etc. My notes on my cell phone are loaded with words and phrases. Catchy stuff. If it fits, it fits. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : What would you like listeners to know about your music if they discover it for the first time? Randy : It’s authentic. We’re not trying to copy anyone. We’re just trying to put our ideas out there. Xander : I want it to speak to people going through things in the grey. What society doesn’t deem typical — grey issues. MaM : If music doesn’t speak to or inspire me somehow, then I won’t be interested. I get that. Xander : We want to have fun and inspire people. It's as simple as that. As Grey Areas continues to carve their path through the underground Louisiana music scene, they stand poised to bring their heavy, brooding sound to the masses. They embody the modern metal landscape, blending complexity, emotion, and, most importantly, authenticity in a way that feels distinctly Southern while planted in the global metal scene. Grey Areas isn’t just a band; they are a movement. They represent the boldness of Louisiana’s musical spirit, reinterpreted through the lens of metal, and as their fanbase grows, it’s clear that this band will leave a lasting impact on the genre for years to come. For more information on Hope Fest coming up in April, visit: Hope Fest 2025 | Facebook For more info about Grey Areas: Grey Areas | Instagram, Facebook, TikTok | Linktree Press Kit for Grey Areas Upcoming shows: Click picture for more info. Click picture for more info. Click picture for more info. *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? Want to be featured? Reach out to us 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. 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. 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

Rothstein Beatz is one of the hottest producers on Clubhouse whose beats are dominating the music industry. < Back Rothstein Beatz: Worth the Gamble Erica Machen Nov 27, 2023 Share Rothstein Beatz is one of the hottest producers on Clubhouse whose beats are dominating the music industry. Meet Stanley Harris, the creative force behind the persona Rothstein Beatz. Originating from Las Vegas, Nevada, Rothstein is not just a seasoned producer; he's a multi-faceted artist , seamlessly blending his skills as a comedian, radio personality, and film score composer. His diverse musical palette, drawing inspiration from legends like Nottz, Kanye West, and DJ Premier, has established his presence in the hip-hop community. Today, he’s one of the hottest producers on the Clubhouse platform and his beats are dominating the music industry. As a voting member of the Recording Academy, Rothstein's influence extends beyond the studio. He is endowed with the keen ability to recognize and celebrate talent within the industry, a responsibility he embraces with unwavering passion. His musical prowess isn’t the only thing setting him apart: Rothstein has etched his name in the digital sphere, creating tidal waves on Clubhouse. There, he has created a space where industry professionals, hopefuls, and enthusiasts alike converge to discuss, learn, and connect with a community of over 32,000 members. The name "Rothstein Beatz" isn't just a pseudonym; it's a well-suited persona. The evolution of being called Roth to Rothstein Beatz is a testament to his journey as an artist. His story is one of growth in learning the ropes of the music industry through networking, studio sessions, and internships that resulted in collaborations with lauded artists like Papoose, Trev Rich, and Miesha from 702. Rothstein Beatz (courtesy of Rothstein Beatz) With his budding label, Casino Gang Records , Rothstein is not only sculpting his artistic identity but also paving the way for rising talents. Beyond his beats and melodies, his " Roth Talk Podcast " offers a glimpse into the industry's complexities, featuring insightful conversations with seasoned industry professionals that provide those with musical aspirations with encouragement. As we delve into our rap session, we unravel the layers of Rothstein Beatz's journey—one marked by innovation, collaboration, and motivation. MaM : What’s the story behind the name "Rothstein Beatz"? R : Las Vegas is my hometown. There was a movie that came out back in the day called Casino with Joe Pesci and Robert De Niro. His character’s name was Sam Rothstein. He wore suits and shades and smoked cigars. I won some money, bought a nice suit, and had my shades and cigar walking through the casino. One of my boys yelled, ‘Man, who you think you are? Sam Rothstein?’ My real name is Stan, so I said, ‘I'm Stan Rothstein.’ I was called Roth for a long time. I took it from Rothstein to Rothstein Beatz. MaM : Working with artists like Papoose and Trev Rich is impressive. What led to these opportunities, and can you share memorable experiences or challenges faced in collaboration? R : First and foremost, I'll say networking was the reason I was able to get those opportunities. Trev Rich is a Grammy-nominated songwriter and artist. I actually met him on Twitter. I reached out to him. We built a relationship online, and the next thing you know, he had one of my tracks on one of the tapes he [released]. Later, he used that tape to help find his career and get Grammy nominated. As for Papoose, I have to shout-out my fellow producer, J-Swift. He grew up with Papoose … kind of took him under his wing. He told me Papoose was looking for some beats, and I sent him some. I didn't hear anything for months. I was … in session with another artist [and] J Swift kept calling me. … He tells me [Papoose] loves this one beat, and he needs the music and my information that night. … That was the first time I worked with him, and something similar happened the second time. Now we have some things working in the future. MaM : You’ve gained recognition on Clubhouse as a producer. How did you first get involved with the platform, and what impact has that had on your career? R : First, I gotta shout-out my family, The Music Network and No Egos family. It’s just amazing how a bunch of strangers can … come together and become family. I also have to give love to my sister, T from Harlem. She told me about Clubhouse when it first started. At that time, it was invite-only, and it changed my life. I was able to speak to celebrities, label executives, and people you would just dream to have a conversation with. Through that, I was able to create my own space. … Now, we are at about 32,000 members. We’ve had legendary artists, comedians, civil rights people, and even presidential candidates. We’ve had all types of people in the music, film, fashion, and whatever industry you want. Just amazing professionals to connect with on a daily basis. It’s been an extreme blessing. I owe a lot of my music career going forward to Clubhouse. I’ve been able to work on movie soundtracks and had chances on video game soundtracks. MaM : Speaking of impressive guests, you have a podcast called “ Roth Talk Podcast .” What topics and guests have stood out the most during your podcasting journey? R : Podcasting started because of Clubhouse … [which] is kind of like doing a podcast. There, I have great team members who give me great advice. I’ve been able to have the legendary Bob Sumner, who’s the co-creator of Def Comedy Jam; platinum producers and engineers; and movie filmmakers. I’ve had a slew of industry professionals, including 20-30-plus-year professionals on my podcast. It’s more of an inspirational podcast, because you get to hear the stories of how people came up and how they got into what they got into. They always leave with some great advice for the listeners as well. MaM : Can you share defining moments that led you to pursue music production and a career in the music industry, considering your diverse influences, like Nottz? R : I’m blessed enough to be a good friend of Nottz. Being a fan of somebody and then becoming their friend is a cool experience. Defining career moments [are] between that and then-DJ Premiere, who’s a legendary producer, scratching my beat [and] cosigning me, and telling me he loves my production. When you have the chance to meet and talk to people you used to read about on album covers and used to jam and listen to their songs over, and over, and over again, it’s a surreal moment. It took me back to when I was a teenager. It was a nostalgic moment. I would say being able to meet some of my musical idols inspired me to know I’m on the right path. Not everybody’s going to be able to meet whoever they want to meet. I feel like it’s a divine energy. MaM : Earlier, you touched on the inspiration of the name "Rothstein Beatz" from the movie Casino . Now, your new label is called Casino Gang Records. Can I assume the link between the two? Could you tell me more about your vision for the label and what sets it apart in the music industry? R : I see you, you’re a smart young lady over here! Yes, that is correct. It’s tying the movie Casino and the casino game [together]. That was the motivation. The slogan for Casino Gang is, ‘Where winners win.’ We’re going to come together, and our goal is to win. Our goal is to be the best that we can be. I have some amazing artists on my roster (four R&B singers and one rapper). Megan B is an amazing vocalist and is a part of Pharrell’s choir, Voices of Fire. Check out her debut album called ‘ Mood .’ I produced the whole project. I also have my baby sister, Naomi World. She hasn’t yet released any music yet, but she has sung hooks on a lot of dope records. We have her ready to roll out music next year. I also have my guy Bran the Brain . I produced his debut single, ‘One’, with Botz and it’s out streaming now. Last, I [have] my rapper Bakeskeeza. He has some mix tapes, and we’re getting ready to release a project next year as well. The vision for the label is to release records representing the artist individually. We are making sure our sound is original, authentic, and it tells a story. We plan on 2024 being the year we submit for the Grammys. MaM : Being a voting member of the Recording Academy is a significant honor. How do you see your role in influencing the industry and recognizing talent within the Grammy process? R : I just voted with the last nominations for the first time. So, congrats to people who are now Grammy nominated. I feel great to have a voice and an opinion to vote. I love that everybody gets a chance to say who they think deserves record of the year or album of the year, and all of those great things. It’s another surreal moment … Watching the Grammys, [I] always wanted to go to, and now I have the opportunity this February ... I want to win, but I still feel like I won a Grammy [just] being a part of the recording academy. It’s a small group of individuals who decide career-changing awards. For me to even be able to log in on the Grammy website, see my name and information, and be a part of a chapter is a dream come true. Now that I understand the process and how it works, it gives me a better insight of having a chance to win. MaM : Looking ahead, what can readers look forward to next from Rothstein Beatz? What projects or endeavors are on the horizon? R : I’m going to tell you exclusively that I have my beat tape, ‘Almost Platinum’, coming out December 23rd! I am already a gold-selling producer, [and] I’m almost a platinum-selling producer. 2024 will be the year I can claim I have over a million streams I’ve produced. I do two beat tapes a year. I dropped one in March called ‘ The Cook Up 3’ , which is available on all streaming platforms. That’s kind of my thing … I like to let fans know I have a bunch of beats. The second order of business is that I will be on a reality show. I can’t say the name … yet because I am still planning to sign the contract. Be looking out for Rothstein on a reality show! That’s another hot-off-the-press exclusive for y’all. Just know, 2024 is looking real bright. Rothstein Beatz (courtesy of Rothstein Beatz) And there you have it! Rothstein Beatz is like playing the table with a royal flush in your hand. The big payout is in his links! Official Website | Rothstein Beatz Instagram @iamrothsteinbeatz YouTube @RothsteinBeatzYT X (formerly Twitter) @RothsteinBeatz *Roth Talk Podcast: YouTube @rothtalkpodcast Instagram @rothtalkpodcast *Papoose Songs: Album Title: "July" Song Title: " Don't Embarrass Ya Boss " Album Title: "December" Song Title: " 50% Human " Erica Machen is a beast when it comes to consuming, writing about, and reviewing music. www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Tides moves like moonlight across an endless sea, with melodies rising and falling gently. < Back Reviews on the Real: Tides by What Will Be Nicole Brice Sep 13, 2025 Share Tides moves like moonlight across an endless sea, with melodies rising and falling gently. Released on September 12, 2025 , ‘ Tides ’ begins with a fuzzy guitar and a steady groove, which leads into haunting vocals accompanied by a faint guitar melody in the background. The vocals take center stage and pave the way for an explosive chorus in this latest release from Manchester-based band What Will Be . Released September 12, 2025 Since 2022, What Will Be has consistently released exceptional music, and this latest track is no different. It marks an excellent sound progression for the band, which possesses a unique sound that defies definition. We’ve covered past releases from What Will Be , and truly, this one is our favorite so far. ‘ Tides ’ moves like moonlight across an endless sea, with melodies rising and falling gently. The song drifts between a steady tide that pulls at your heart and a loud, boisterous roar. Throughout the track, the guitar sounds like scattered shimmering notes. The strength and conviction of the vocals are impressive. As the song progresses towards the breakdown at the end, hints of synths blend with the guitar and bass, creating hypnotic, trance-like sounds. A chilling question lingers as the song fades out with the echoed line, “ Sink like a stone or do you swim? ” Tides by What Will Be Listening to ' Tides ' feels less like hearing a song and more like being carried by something vast and unseen—a gentle current that refuses to let go. Go stream it now! To learn more about What Will Be: Spotify: What Will Be | Spotify Apple Music: ‎What Will Be - Apple Music Bandcamp: Music | What Will Be Facebook: Facebook Instagram: What Will Be (@ whatwillbe.band ) • Instagram photos and videos YouTube: What Will Be - YouTube www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Drop us a line at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

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

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". 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

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

Few Blue has the rhythm that will bring you to your knees. < Back Straight from the Bayou: Few Blue’s Vibrant Sound Redefines New Orleans Music Nicole Brice Sep 3, 2024 Share Few Blue has the rhythm that will bring you to your knees. In my many years of discovering new music, it never ceases to amaze me how Louisiana talent can be so different in so many ways. Louisiana has become known for its intense metal scene as well as zydeco and jazz , but often, the more unique bands coming out of this state tend to get buried. It’s not because they are not talented but because people’s musical tastes are focused elsewhere. When a band is recommended, I never know what to expect. After receiving the recommendation to check out Few Blue ’s music, it only took one listen to fall in love. Few Blue is one of those bands with an infectious lead singer who reels you in with her pure talent and powerful vocal stylings—stylings reminiscent of great female singers like Miranda Lambert , Pat Benatar , and the ever-forgotten Alannah Myles . Camryn Wisniewski’s energetic persona and insatiable personality are a perfect fit for the well-rounded outfit of talented musicians she shares the stage with, who play a style of music so rowdy that you can’t help but get excited. This band is so tight. If Miranda Lambert were to front Pat Benatar’s band from the 80s, then you would have Few Blue. Their first EP, So Damn Wrong , was released in January 2024 and is an intense kick to the gut with standout tracks such as, ‘ Oops ,’ which makes you snap to attention instantly because of how powerful it is. It’s an ass-kicking female anthem with pure, fierce sonic energy. ‘ Call Me Crazy ’ is another high-powered track with impressive and compelling lyrics that speak of love and longing. To be honest, this entire EP kicks so much ass. Truly, it does. There is not one single bad song. Put So Damn Wrong on your list of EP’s to check out NOW ! A tight-knit group of friends who began their careers together at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Few Blue is on a path to greatness because of its intense energy in the musical landscape. The band is comprised of: Brad Boozer (guitar), Rob Schexnayder (drums), Christian Liang (bassist), and Camryn Wisniewski (vocals). If you were to ask me how to describe Few Blue’s music, I would have to say that it’s just good. It's as simple as that. Based in New Orleans these days and fresh off playing a show at LSU’s Welcome Week , the band has a busy rest of 2024 lined up with even more planned for 2025, so I was thrilled to catch lead singer Cam on an off day. We discussed the history of the band, vocal influences, what the future holds, and more. Read on below. Camryn Wisniewski (vocals) - Credit Gary Governale MaM : So Damn Wrong was just released in January. What has the response been so far to the EP, especially with such a strong opening track as ‘ Oops ’? That song is a swift kick to the ass. Cam : This song was a joke song. I think we were hanging out and drinking a few beers when it was written because we do these jam sessions when we go on trips together where we sit down and write songs. Brad will start strumming random chords … like B, A, D, right? As he’s playing, I’ll freestyle on top of it. ‘ Oops ’ is one of those situations. It started with a story about this red-haired girl, and she’s one of my good friends, but it was a strange situation at the time, and it made a great song which the term “ Oops ” is one of Brad’s favorite terms for when something wrong happens, like “Oops, my bad.” MaM : It’s just such a powerful track! Cam : That’s the attitude we wanted to convey, too. It’s like an instant rollercoaster. MaM : How do you usually approach writing material? Cam : Well, we’re actually writing some new material now and figuring out a process that works for us. This is going to be our first album but our second release. When we started the band, it was just four kids in college who wanted to jam together, but now things are getting more serious, and people want us to make more music, so we’re trying to figure out how to become actual songwriters. When we started writing the So Damn Wrong EP , usually we would have the melody first, or Brad would have a riff first, but for like ‘ Call Me Crazy ’, that was my melody with some simple chords that we jazzed up. We also changed the chorus to make it more upbeat and exciting, but for the rest of them, it was all Brad with a riff, and we would build on it. Once you get the first verse done, then you can pretty much do anything with the song. It’s been a challenge because we just started off having fun. For ‘ Song Why ,’ the bass player came up with this simple bass line, like three notes back and forth. Then, I wrote on top of it next, and it started to build. Build the base and then put layers on top of it. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : I love that. You never know where the song could go when you have a mass collaboration like that. Cam : I will say, though, that sometimes, if you have too many minds involved, it can get a little crazy, but it worked out great when we recorded ‘ Oops .’ MaM : Where did the name Few Blue come from for the band? Cam : For a long time, we have tried to come up with a meaning to tell people about the name, but it is just from a random word generator. None of us could think of anything at first, so one of the names the guys threw out was “Piraha”. (laughter) They wanted to be different and stand out, but obviously, “no” with that name. (laughter) My drummer, Rob, had this random word generator and was messing with it. These two words pop up each time, and you must decide which word to keep and which to toss. So, it generates the word “few” and another word. He liked “few”, and then “blue” came up, and we liked it, but it was a bit of a tongue twister, but I think it’s different from what we’re seeing around us. Fleetwood Mac probably sounded like a terrible name at some point but look at what the name means now. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : Right?! So, what made you want to pursue the type of music you play? Cam : My background is a little crazier and different than the guys. The guys are all about classic rock legends and own tons of vinyl. I did musical theater growing up. That’s where I get my confidence and stage presence from. I was not a musical theater kid, but I did musical theater. Does that make sense? It was an excellent outlet for me. I wouldn't say I liked the acting part, but I loved the dancing because it was fun and carefree. Through the years, I found that ABBA was my favorite music for musical theater. I always pick the ABBA songs for karaoke and whatnot when I sing. When the guys said they did classic rock, though, I had to convince them to blend a little of my style with theirs, but finding the perfect mix is doing what I do now. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : Your sound is big. What is it about music that makes you feel so passionate? Cam : I get an adrenaline rush going on stage, and it is just a feeling. It’s my outlet I could not live without, and I’ve written poetry for years since I was a kid, but I would sit down with my ukulele and put all these puzzle pieces together through song while staying genuine and authentic with what I wanted to say. I love all the alliteration and wordplay with music, too. I feel emotions deeply, also, and I’ve always been a writer. It’s just something I need to do. Even if no one hears it. MaM : What’s your favorite song to perform? Cam : Right now, it differs, but ‘Zombie’ by The Cranberries is one of them. We rock that song up enough to where everyone is headbanging, and it sits so perfectly in my range that I can easily let it all out and scream. It's such a fun song to perform. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : What would you say your songs are primarily about, and how would you describe your music to a random stranger if you were trying to sell it? Cam : We love rock music and are just trying to pay homage to our inspirations, but lyrically, we’re just telling a story, and people are relating to it. Heartbreak and tough times will always be an influence, but ‘ So Damn Wrong ’ is about a bad relationship at the time. A bad guy and a good girl trying to make things work. It’s so damn wrong, but it could be right, and she’s not gonna wait for ya. That’s exactly how I felt at the time, too. ‘ Call Me Crazy ’ stemmed from high school and relationships with the message that if you’re not crazy, are you really in love? At that point, just call me crazy because I am in love, and I’m crazy. I’m sure a lot of the lyrics are from boys pissing me off. (laughter) MaM : Life experiences. Cam : Exactly, life experiences. MaM : Life experiences make the best art! Tell me about your worst and best performance so far. Cam : So, our worst performance … we got hired to do a private event, and as you know, in the south, the rivalries go hard. At this event, half of the LSU people and half of the Alabama people were there. The two parties didn’t quite know each other well, so when it came to the music being played, we weren’t told much. In fact, about a week before the event, we were told we needed to learn a bunch of new songs. The problem was that the girl who hired me was for LSU, so I started singing more Baton Rouge-based songs like ‘ Calling Baton Rouge ’ and ‘ Louisiana Saturday Night’ because I was ready to get people going. At one point during the party, one of the Alabama people came up to me because they said I was only singing LSU songs, and they wanted Alabama songs. We didn’t mean to do anything wrong, so at one point, I even got on the mic to tell people we would play whatever they wanted to hear. It was just one of those events where you don’t have enough information and then shoot yourself in the foot once you get there. It was so awkward. We packed up early because the Alabama people wanted us to stop playing and turn on other music. The best performance … there are quite a few. We just played at FLORA BAMA , and they scheduled us for the 6:30 p.m. -10:00 p.m. spot, which is a fantastic spot to have. I’ve done that spot with another band before because it was a great spot, but once we played the 10:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., it was just insanely packed. There were people all the way to the back, and all were engaged with us the entire time. I’d tell them to put their hands up, and everyone had their hands up. It was phenomenal! Everyone was so into it. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : Have any other musicians ever given you any advice, and if so, what was it? Cam : I talked to Randy Jackson from Zebra , and it was so surreal since the guys in the band love them. Zebra means something to me. I finally got to meet Randy Jackson because my music teacher is friends with him. He gave me advice on how to preserve my voice. I used to have this very princess-sounding falsetto voice, which I still do, but it’s changed because I’m screaming so much on stage. I’m learning to control it. He told me some excellent singing advice, told me to drink grapefruit juice, and told me tea dehydrates you, too. I have talked to older bands on the scene, too; everyone has told me not to worry about what I’m writing and to write what I feel. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : Is there anyone you would like to collaborate with in the future, and if so, who? Cam : David Shaw and the Revivalists . Our drummer, Rob, has gone to so many of their shows. Rob and I are close, so if we sit around and need some cheering up, he’ll play their music for me. It’s special to me—dream collaboration. MaM : What do you have going on for the rest of the year, and where do you see yourselves headed in the future? Cam : We’re trying to get some new music out by the end of 2024 / early 2025. We have a few more shows scheduled at FLORA BAMA , some others, Southport Hall , Rock N Bowl , etc. We’re booked through the year's end so you can catch us somewhere. We play almost every weekend. We’re just going to be putting our heads down and grinding. Everyone is so passionate about moving the band forward, and it’s not easy, but we’re doing it. Credit: Gary Governale As Few Blue continues to grind it out on the local scene and beyond, they stand poised to influence a new generation of music lovers with a refreshing sound that can only be attributed to the cohesive energy found within this well-rounded and talented group of musicians. With a busy rest of 2024, be sure to try and catch a show with this up-and-coming act before they sell out stadiums worldwide. To learn more about Few Blue: New Orleans Young Band - Live Music ( fewblue.com ) *Cover photo by Gary Governale www.governalephotovideo.com Zenfolio | Home I have been working as a video professional since 1993, with a wide range of experience writing, producing, directing, shooting and editing. A strong interest in videography, specifically lighting and composition, led me to photography in 1998. Rapidly changing technology has blurred the line between video and photography, allowing me to work in both mediums.. Baton Rouge, LA, United States www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

City Primeval: High noon approaches < Back Hills, Hollers, and Hoodlums: Raylan Givens Returns in Justified Sequel Keeley Brooks Apr 18, 2023 Share City Primeval: High noon approaches Back in 2010, FX brought us one hell of an entertainment drama series in a show about a charming but stubborn U.S. Marshal with his own methods of ensuring justice, Wild West-style. Justified won several awards during its run, including two Emmys, a Peabody, and the American Film Institute TV Program of the Year prize. If you’ve never seen the hit series, now is your chance to binge all six seasons before its sequel revival season returns this summer with eight new episodes. Justified originally ended its run in 2015 but this past January, FX announced the show will be returning this summer for a limited series run with a sequel titled City Primeval . Here’s a recap of the original series followed by everything we know about the sequel and what to expect. Deputy Marshal Raylan Givens, played by the inimitable Timothy Olyphant ( The Crazies ), is a bad-ass gunslinger who hunts criminals in his own way, with no regard for crossing legal lines. This, along with his bold, brash, no-bullshit attitude, puts him at odds with the higher ups in the U.S. Marshals Service, and after a pretty sweet (but illegal) gunslinging incident in Miami goes down in the opening scene of episode one, Givens is reassigned to his hometown Kentucky district full of hills, hollers, and hoodlums ... and memories he wants to forget. (For the layperson, a holler (or hollow) is the area of ground space between hills, in this case in Kentucky … it's unclaimed territory, if you will.) Developed by executive producer Graham Yost , the original series is based on a character from the late great American author Elmore Leonard and his novella “Fire in the Hole”. Leonard also wrote classic crime stories that turned into feature adaptations, such as Get Shorty , Be Cool , Rum Punch, and 3:10 to Yuma , among many others. To date, Justified is one of the most critically acclaimed shows of this century, along with Sons of Anarchy, Breaking Bad , and Better Call Saul . In addition to Olyphant, Justified also features Walton Goggins ( Sons of Anarchy, The Shield, The Righteous Gemstones ), Nick Searcy ( NCIS, The Old Way ), Joelle Carter ( Home Before Dark, Chicago Justice ), Natalie Zea ( The Detour ), Jere Burns ( Breaking Bad ), Jeremy Davies ( The Black Phone, Twister, Lost ), Margo Martindale ( Sneaky Pete, Cocaine Bear ), and many other recognizable faces. While Olyphant and Goggins were nominated for Emmys for their roles, Martindale took home the award for Best Supporting Drama Actress for her role as the tough as nail Mags Bennett. credit: IMDB Her portrayal in Justified is unforgettable, and after experiencing her there, you're gonna want to jump over to Sneaky Pete on Amazon and check her out her in that. Jeremy Davies, who plays one of Mags’s sons, also took home a guest Emmy, and you’ll see why after you visit the story. Each character has so many unique qualities, they bring the storyline to life with their rich dialogue and memorable idiosyncrasies. The series centers around a long-standing conflict (and inevitable anticipated showdown) between Raylan Givens and career holler criminal Boyd Crowder, played by an equally as charming Walton Goggins. The banter between these two is so much fun, you just can’t help but love and root for them both. In fact, I guarantee you’ll fall in love with every single character in these stand-alone, season-long arcs that offer up the perfect balance of comedy and drama. The show is written and acted out that well. credit: IMDB credit: FX Justified originally ended its run in 2015 with its sixth season, but this past January, FX announced the show will be returning July 18 for a limited series run. Here’s everything we know about the sequel and what to expect. Justified: City Primeval is based on one of Elmore Leonard’s other novels, the 1980 crime drama “City Primeval: High Noon in Detroit”. The book itself does not feature Raylan Givens, but the story was updated by Leonard's son to include the character. It's set in Detroit and follows a dangerous criminal by the name of Clement Mansell, aka The Oklahoma Wildman, played by Boyd Holbrook of The Predator and The Sandman . credit: IMDB The show’s creative team, which reunites much of the team from the original series, was reportedly excited to explore Raylan as a stranger in a strange land after spending years in the familiar, crime-ridden hollers of Eastern Kentucky—Harlan County, to be exact. “We weren’t trying to recapture the show we [previously] did,” explained co-showrunner Michael Dinner at the Television Critics Association winter press tour. “We were trying to recapture Elmore’s tone. This is a book that we really loved. We loved the characters in the book. We thought it would be interesting to pick up with Raylan and catapult him into this story and see him some years down the road. … What we’ve done is true to the show but not the same show.” Dinner served as executive producer on Justified during its original run and went on to produce and direct for Sneaky Pete and fellow FX crime drama Mayans M.C. Sharing the directing role with Dinner is Dave Andron, who is known for being the co-creator and show runner for FX’s Snowfall , which is coming to an end later this year. Justified: City Primeval picks up 10 years after the original series ended. Givens is long gone from his hometown of Harlan and now lives in Miami with his 15-year-old daughter Willa, who is played by Olyphant’s real-life daughter, Vivian. He balances his life between U.S. Marshal and part-time father, but a chance encounter on a lonely Florida highway sends him to Detroit where he crosses paths with the violent, sociopathic desperado The Oklahoma Wildman, who’s already slipped through the fingers of Detroit’s finest once and is looking to slip away again. Givens also has the pleasure of going up against the desperado’s big-time powerful lawyer. Together, these three characters set sail on a collision course a la Elmore Leonard style, and it’ll be a nailbiter to see who makes it out of City Primeval alive. credit: FX "While the setting and characters will are new, it’s still very much Justified in nature," said executive producer Sarah Timberman . “It’s an extension of the show in a kind of storytelling mode even though it’s Detroit. A hallmark of the original show was that you’d spin out into Margo Martindale and Kaitlyn Dever’s world, and you’d just live there and just leave our regulars. And they became the regulars.” The revival reportedly does this as well with characters played by Vondie Curtis-Hall ( Daredevil ), Aunjanue Ellis ( Lovecraft Country ) and Adelaide Clemens ( Rectify ). “You really get into these other lives over these eight episodes, and it’s really fun to watch,” said Graham Yost . And although the math doesn’t exactly add up, it has been 15 years since Raylan left Harlan for Florida, and Willa was only four at the time. The choice to finagle the timeline a little ultimately came down to dramatic considerations. “The age that she plays—15 going on 16—there’s a short window that Raylan has,” said Director Michael Dinner . “He’s at a point in his life where that road is pretty short in front of him. … He’s facing mandatory retirement in the marshal service.” Olyphant continues, “We were attracted to the idea that this is a ticking clock. Raylan is about to lose [Willa] no matter what [because of her age].” City Primeval is also rumored to address what has happened to some of our favorite characters from Justified . Allegedly, early in the revival’s development, the producers didn’t want to bring back any character from the show’s original run, but they eventually reconsidered and decided that as long as it made sense organically within the story, they would explore the idea. However, no deets have been released yet on who might show up or be addressed, but producers have confirmed through FX we will find out what has happened to some of the show’s finest (Wynn Duffy, anybody?). Director Michael Dinner has spoken out on the changing perception of law enforcement as it relates to depicting that in the show. Since Justified went off the air in 2015, there’s been a giant reckoning regarding police brutality. The complications presented by putting a law enforcement officer like Raylan, who (very much like Dexter Morgan in Dexter) is not a bad man but obviously lives by his own code, in Detroit and surrounding him with Black men and women are well understood by producers. “We’re not beating the drum [about race], but it’s certainly front and center,” said Dinner . “The world has changed. And Raylan’s world has changed. … It was important for us to try to get it right, to try to get what Raylan’s life is like in a changing world." Olyphant added, “We’re not a show that cheerleads for law enforcement. Part of what makes Elmore Leonard’s world, and our world, something a little different is the characters are self-aware a little bit. They’re aware of their flaws and they’re aware of their shortcomings. And they’re aware it’s complicated.” While the sequel series revival is meant to stand on its own and be an extension of the Justified universe, creators have alluded to the presence of Easter eggs for longtime fans. My recommendation is that if you have not seen Justified , now's the time to give it a go before tuning into City Primeval . It makes for a fantastic binge. You'll be glad you did, and you'll notice it’ll enhance your revival experience that much more. Here’s the original trailer from Season One. Enjoy the holler, my friends, and be sure to catch City Primeval on FX July 18 and FX on Hulu July 19. Keeley Brooks is a big ole movies, television, and streaming nerd with a voracious appetite for content 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? 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A southern comic who isn't afraid to flaunt his pride on and off stage < Back Comedian Junior Cook: Uncensored, Unapologetic, and Gay, Gay, Gay Keeley Brooks Jun 8, 2023 Share A southern comic who isn't afraid to flaunt his pride on and off stage If there's anything I love more than watching movies and series, it's having a good laugh at some quality stand-up comedy. And right now, more than ever, this entire world is in need of good, hearty laughs from quality comedians who are proud to be authentic. There's nothing better than coming home after a long day and stumbling across some good standup by accident, and that's how I found unapologetic Alabama-based comedian Junior Cook. A loud and proud gay comedian tearin' it up across the South, Cook is full of life and personality with tons of material, but perhaps the best thing about him is the fact he has no shame when it comes to being himself, and that, my friends, is beyond refreshing in a world of likeness and conformity. He's kind and humble, and he isn't afraid to tackle sensitive subjects with charm and ease, which he embodies effortlessly. He's mindful of presenting jokes wrapped in such sweet southern swagger, you can't help but feel like you're sitting on your porch hanging out with Junior over a tall glass of sweet tea. I reached out to Junior to have a chat, and I'm glad I did. He is one funny dude doing exactly what he's meant to be doing, and if he keeps plugging away like he is, he's got one bright future ahead of him. In fact, when I did reach out to him, he had just been selected as the chosen performer for Season 13 of Kenan Presents: The Live Performance Showcase at Shenanigans Comedy Theatre in Huntsville, Alabama. The show was hosted by Alton Walker, the creator of The NextIN Line Network, and featured special guest Lamar Pullom, a radio personality known as "The Ant-Man of Comedy" on 105.1 The Block. courtesy of Junior Cook social media I couldn't wait to dig in and learn more about Cook and his life, so check out our conversation below, then be sure to follow him on social media so you can catch him performing live and laugh until your face hurts. MaM : Junior, thank you so much for hanging out with us. It's a pleasure to feature you in our Comedic Relief section. Tell us where you're from and where you're currently located. JC : Thank you for having me! I grew up in a very small town in Alabama called Haleyville, but I currently live in Birmingham, Alabama. MaM : What were you like as a child? Were you the one always entertaining everybody else with laughs? JC : As a child I was cautious, shy, and curious. I knew who I was at a very young age, but I also knew the world was not ready for me. (laughs) MaM : Has comedy always been a part of your life? JC : Comedy has always been a part of my life, yes-especially through TV sitcoms and variety shows. I was always looking for the weird and the funny. MaM : When were you first introduced to comedy? JC : My first introduction to stand-up comedy was watching Whoopi Goldberg's HBO comedy special as a child. I was with my family at the beach. I was burnt from too much sun, so I stayed inside and was just taken aback by her characters and skits. She was amazing ... still is! That is probably the reason why I am so excited to see female comedians. MaM : Whoopi is hysterical. I remember her specials as a child, too. I thought she was the funniest woman I'd ever seen at the time. So daring and bold. When did you know you wanted to be a comedian? JC : I have always enjoyed making people laugh. My mother tried to get me to pursue stand-up comedy right out of high school but, yet again, I knew the world was not ready for me. Also, I saw making money and exploring who I was and meeting others just like me as being more important at the time. One day at work, I had a client tell me that I should try out for one of the comedy clubs' open mic nights. I knew there was more to it than just getting out there and running your mouth, so I looked into the open mic and saw that they offered many writing classes. After I finished the classes and did my first stand-up gig, I was hooked. MaM : What does comedy mean to you/do for you and your life? JC : Comedy means everything to me. Working with words and improv has helped me expand as a person, and comedy also gives me the pleasure of making people happy and lifting their spirits, [even if it is for] just one evening. MaM : Tell us about the first time you were on stage doing standup. What was that like for you? courtesy of Junior Cook JC : The first time I was ever on a stage in front of people probably was the scariest time I've ever felt. It felt like [I was about to] bungee jump off a 10-story building with no safety net. Yet, even with what little laughs I got, I was happy and [it] helped me discover that [standup] was for me. MaM : Ha, I've bungeed before and it's terrifying ... until you actually jump! So, I understand your fear and how it compelled you to move forward. That's really cool. Who are some of your comedic influences? JC : My comedy influences have always been women in comedy. Even today, it's the women who make me laugh [the most]. Watching The Golden Girls with my grandmother on the weekends was the highlight of my week growing up. A lot of the jokes went straight over my head becuase I was so young, but watching my grandmother laugh so hard made me laugh even harder. Sitcoms, The Carol Burnett Show, and female stand-up comedians like Joan Rivers have made a huge impact on my life. MaM : Who was the first comedian you ever saw live? JC : I think the first comedian I ever saw live was Lisa Lampanelli. She was crude, rude, and everything good! She told it like it was but in a really funny way. She will always be in my top ten list of comedians I love. MaM : Who's your current favorite comedian? JC : My current favorite comedian has to be Wanda Sykes, hands down. She works so hard, but she makes it look effortless. I admire that about her. MaM : Dude, huge congratulations on the Live Performance Showcase ! That's so awesome! You must have been elated from the time you got the news clean through after you finished your set. Tell us how all of that came about, then what the experience was like for you. JC : I was chosen to be part of Demi TV's Demi Gods of Comedy. I was so excited that I was going to be filmed and placed on their network. I was chosen by a large group of people that work at Demi TV. The experience has been very positive. Getting noticed in this industry can be hard, and it's so rewarding to know that someone sees you and sees the potential you have. MaM : Who were some of the other performers at the showcase? JC : Some of the other comedians that were featured on this special were Scott Eason and my good friend Kimberly Wilson. I consider her my comedy wife. Ha ha. MaM : Tell us about your comedy style in your own words. JC : My comedy style is a mixture of dark comedy, everyday situations, and things that we all have to deal with. And most importantly, my comedy style is about me: uncensored, unapologetic, and gay, gay, gay, which is something I could not have done when I was younger. [Now, I'm able to] be my authentic self on stage. Living in the South, I do get some uncomfortable mixed feelings from people, but that is just who I am - a southern man who happens to be gay. MaM : Well, we happen to love your gayness and we're proud to flaunt you! So, what can people expect from a Junior Cook show? JC : People can always expect me to be me unapologetically, physically, and sometimes unexpectedly. MaM : Are you currently touring? Where do you perform? JC : I'm a performer all around the Southeast and at any comedy festival around the country. I'm hoping to get beyond that soon. MaM : What does the future hold for you? JC : I don't think we ever really know what the future holds for us, but I see myself expanding more with comedy wherever it takes me. MaM : If you could share the stage with any comedian, who would it be and why? JC : If I could share the stage with any comedian, it would have to be Wanda Sykes, Ellen DeGeneres, or any female comedian today. They just make me laugh so hard. I don't think that women really get thir praise for being the best at comedy. MaM : Junior, thanks so much for taking some time and allowing us to get to know you. It's been a pleasure. But before I let you go, since we are an entertainment magazine, inquiring minds want to know what are you currently watching? JC : I am currently watching old sitcoms, believe it or not (laughs). Even though I've seen so many of them so many times, I still find little hidden gems tucked away that I never noticed, and that gives me such joy. And there you have it, folks. Be sure and follow Junior Cook on Facebook and Instagram @JrCookComedy to stay up to date on his latest shows and appearances. This is one hilariously authentic, proud gay man spreading the love one laugh at a time. To learn more about Junior Cook: Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/jrcookcomedy Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/jrcookcomedy/ 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

Slow Down by Manchester-based band What Will Be serves as an alt-rock anthem for post-pandemic healing and is a testament to the beauty of human creativity. < Back What Will Be: Slow Down Erica Machen Nov 3, 2023 Share Slow Down by Manchester-based band What Will Be serves as an alt-rock anthem for post-pandemic healing and is a testament to the beauty of human creativity. In the world of alternative rock, where raw emotion and edginess often take center stage, ' Slow Down ' by five-piece UK-based band What Will Be —due for release November 3rd —stands out as a refreshing departure. Strongly influenced by the sound of the 90s, ' Slow Down ' evokes a sense of nostalgia reminiscent of bands like Incubus and Hoobastank . For those who turn to alternative rock and grunge-era music as a source of solace, ' Slow Down ' not only captures the essence of the past but infuses it with positive vibes that resonate deeply and makes it a must-listen in challenging times. Released November 3, 2023 What Will Be is made up of Bram (guitar/vocals), Jonny (guitar), James (bass/vocals), JK (drums/vocals), and Chris (keyboard/piano). Bram doubles down his talent by being the band’s primary songwriter with lyrics inspired by his own life and observations. With his acoustic guitar in hand, Bram became a vessel for inspiration in weaving early lyrics and melodies together for ' Slow Down '. Upon bringing it to the rest of the guys at their purpose-built studio in Manchester , the true awakening happened. Organically, JK and James worked up the rhythm section, Bram added more layers with the guitar, and Chris wove in his piano melodies and strings. What they so naturally produced with ' Slow Down ' is a testament to the beauty of human creativity. Credit: Photo provided by band ' Slow Down ' has profound relevance in our post-pandemic world, where feelings of isolation have become all too common. While it was originally penned to convey the struggle against illness and the missed opportunities to connect with loved ones, its message touches the hearts of anyone who has felt the burden of isolation. The song invites you to embrace your support networks and acknowledge those who stood by you during your most vulnerable moments. The official music video for 'Slow Down' by What Will Be One of the noteworthy characteristics of ' Slow Down ' is its compelling vocal performance . Bram pours raw emotion into his lyrics, highlighting the authenticity and heartfelt journey through pain, healing, and ultimately, resilience. The lyrics, with the recurring phrase " feel time slow down ," carry a powerful message. This line resonates with anyone who has experienced moments when life seems to come to a standstill, and yet, it also celebrates the rare instances when time aligns remarkably with our needs . With ' Slow Down ', What Will Be has achieved a fantastic ability to address complex emotions and responses to life's challenges while offering listeners a sense of understanding and shared experience— a must-listen in challenging times. In a world still struck with the aftermath of the global pandemic, What Will Be’s ' Slow Down ' serves as a poignant reminder that there's strength to be found in our connections and resilience in the face of life's challenges . The song's fusion of raw emotions, energy and positivity offers a ray of hope, and underscores the enduring spirit of the human experience. ' Slow Down ' is more than just a song; it's a testament to the healing power of music and a call to embrace the journey of resilience, no matter where you are in life. In capturing the essence of the past alongside deep human emotion, ' Slow Down ' showcases the boundless wellspring of talent within What Will Be and surely makes it a must-listen track. To learn more about What Will Be: Facebook: Facebook - What Will Be Twitter: Profile / Twitter Spotify: Slow Down - Spotify - What Will Be Apple Music: Apple Music - Slow Down - What Will Be YouTube: YouTube - What Will Be Instagram: Instagram - What Will Be 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 Fremonts blend elements of folk, country, blues, and rock in a way that feels both familiar and enduring. < Back Revisiting the Roots: The Fremonts Release Remastered Classics Nicole Brice Jul 25, 2025 Share The Fremonts blend elements of folk, country, blues, and rock in a way that feels both familiar and enduring. Though The Fremonts are new to me, they have been making music together for over a decade. After sold-out performances of their original cabaret in New York City , Colorado , Massachusetts , and at the Edinburgh Fringe , as well as a cultural ambassador tour through Tajikistan with the U.S. State Department , they returned to the studio to develop a new album. However, life presented unexpected mid-life challenges, leading them to pause their latest projects and focus on remastering their existing full-length albums, We Don’t Live There and The Failure Cabaret . Those updated versions are now available on all streaming platforms. Discovering new music is an exhilarating experience; it feels like uncovering a hidden part of yourself that you didn't even realize was missing. I feel this way about The Fremonts' music . It’s warm, soulful, and steeped in the spirit of storytelling. Their sound is nostalgic yet refreshingly original. In addition to their remastered albums, The Fremonts have released a new music video for their song ‘ Ketamine Happy Hour ,’ which humorously reflects on their experiences with alternative therapies for depression. Video for 'Ketamine Happy Hour' The Fremonts combine Americana music with storytelling in a theatrical cabaret style . Stephanie Dodd , from Fremont, Nebraska , and Justin Badger , from Fremont, California , have refined their music through years of professional acting experience. They have recorded two full-length albums , toured extensively, and received rave reviews for their original cabaret performances in the U.S. and at the Edinburgh Fringe. The duo currently resides in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts . It’s challenging to define The Fremonts ' sound completely, but I would say it leans more towards Americana than anything else . Americana music is classic and timeless because it draws from the roots of American culture, blending elements of folk, country, blues, and rock in a way that feels both familiar and enduring. Credit: Eric Limon To celebrate their new releases, The Fremonts will be performing a series of shows in the Berkshires and the Hudson Valley this August. The performance dates have just been announced, so be sure to catch a show. In the meantime, let’s explore their latest work together! The Fremonts' show schedule WE DON’T LIVE THERE Since this is my first time listening to this album, I would like to share my thoughts. Stephanie’s vocals are angelic, carrying a soothing quality. Each song tells a story, painting a vivid picture in the mind. The music on this album is wonderful; I can’t think of any other word to describe it. Standout tracks: Tillman’s Wall – The beginning of this song is nothing short of epic. The sounds intertwine into a massive composition, and when Justin’s vocals kick in, it just builds and never lets up. It’s simply fantastic. Tell My Mother – Everything about this song is impressive. I often find it challenging to articulate what I love about a song, but this one is a toe-tapping singalong tune, and it’s phenomenal. Who Fears the Devil – This is a powerful track full of layers, and Justin’s vocals are flawless on this one. Album cover by Emilie Druss and Matt Lowber THE FAILURE CABARET The Failure Cabaret is an album that features a diverse range of sounds and textures, making it a truly enjoyable listen. Every track feels like a road trip through emotions. Standout tracks: Find Me – starts with a heavy groove and Stephanie's vocals take over, building to a chorus filled with conviction. I was nodding my head the entire time while listening to this track. Gravity – just plain beautiful Ketamine Happy Hour – such a fun song, and the video is even more fun. Album cover by Emilie Druss and Matt Lowber The latest releases from The Fremonts infuse new energy into the band’s already captivating catalog. They maintain the emotional depth and vintage charm of the original tracks while delivering a richer and more immersive sound experience. Whether you are a longtime fan or new to their unique blend of Americana , blues , and rock 'n' roll , these updated versions are a perfect way to rediscover or fall in love for the first time with the raw storytelling and musical craftsmanship that define The Fremonts . Go check them out today! **cover photo by Eric Limon To learn more about The Fremonts: Bandcamp: The Failure Cabaret (2025) | The Fremonts YouTube: The Fremonts - YouTube Apple Music: ‎The Fremonts - Apple Music Spotify: The Fremonts | Spotify Website: The Fremonts 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 Nonconformist Sound < Back Unparalleled Talent and Personality: Subliminal Landmines Nicole Brice Feb 7, 2023 Share A Nonconformist Sound All musicians and bands draw inspiration from others, and often you will find hints of those influences scattered throughout their music. For Subliminal Landmines, though, their new sound hints at nonconformity and is one that is uniquely their own. If you like good, loud, punk rock, this band is for you. Taking a cue from Green Day, who are just one of their influences, these guys have solidified a solid line-up and continue to evolve as musicians and friends. Initially possessing a sound reminiscent of the Riddlin Kids, complete with catchy hooks and choruses, the sound of their new material takes on a harder edge with more of a skate/punk vibe. I was lucky enough to hear some of the new material, and I cannot wait until everyone else can check it out, too, because it is killer. credit: Gary Governale Fronted by Grant Duhon on guitar with Chris Hayes on bass and Casey Bateman on drums, the men of Subliminal Landmines prove they are more than just another punk band. Each member brings an interesting dynamic and personality to the mix for a truly well-rounded listening experience best heard with the volume turned all the way up. The release of 2020’s “Gibberish” saw Subliminal Landmines forging their way into an over-saturated market during the height of COVID-19 but, truth be told, this album is distinct and unlike anything else out there. If I had to pick one vocalist to compare Grant’s sound with, I just can’t. Truly. In fact, the writer in me wants to bring you these snazzy descriptive words for him, but they escape me. His voice is smooth and edgy and just what you’d expect to hear in a punk band, but yet, does not sound like anyone else. He possesses a style all his own. credit: Gary Governale Chris has more of the classic punk vibe going for him, complete with a bad-ass wardrobe and an even more idiosyncratic personality. He exemplifies what it means to be punk rock and, in his other life, owns Leviathan Studios, a tattoo shop in Baton Rouge, La., where he has inked more people than I have purses and shoes. With a flair for art and individuality, Chris possesses a strong stage presence and an even larger-than-life persona. credit: Gary Governale Casey rounds out the band on drums, and this dude hits those drums so hard, you feel their vibrations through your clothes clean into your soul. He’s really good and oozes talent, not to mention he is a Veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. Props, my dude. credit: Gary Governale I had the pleasure of hanging with these guys recently to talk about everything from music, influences, and sound to why Chris owns “Twilight” on DVD but refuses to watch it, and everywhere in between. A bad-ass, eccentric mix of classic punk rock is how I would describe Subliminal Landmines. Be sure to find their music and jam out as soon as you finish reading this article. You’ll thank me later. credit: Gary Governale MaM: So, you guys formed in 2017, but you (looks at Chris) were NOT a part of that. CH: Yes, formed in 2017, but the band has been around for a long time … We’re trying to push what we are doing now, and there have been several changes, but this is the core group now. MaM: Chris, I know you personally from working with you back in the day but give me a brief background on you for our readers. What’s your age? CH: Do I have to give my real one? MaM: It would be nice, ideally. (laughs) CH: I mean, I identify as, like 26, but … MaM: Well, you’re a couple years younger than me, and I’m 41, so … CH: I’m, uh, 37. I’m a baby, remember? I’m a tattoo artist professionally, and I play bass in the band. Grant and I both sing. Hell, Casey sings now, too. It’s really a three-way entourage going on. MaM: Chris, who do you cite as your influence with your playing? Please don’t say Sid Vicious. (laughs) CH: No, uh, singing-wise, yeah, we’re in the same range vocally. (laughs) It’s kind of a funny thing. A lot of the way I play, if you talk about it, like how I play bass … I started out getting into a lot of basslines from, like, Tool and then some more funky basslines like Gap Band and stuff like that, but that’s not how I play in this band. I bring more technical melodies to this band but more in that punk vein. I’d say as far as that vein of influences, it’d be more Hot Water Music, Alkaline Trio, and I don’t really know. MaM: Ok, let’s talk gear. What’s your favorite bass to play and what type of gear do you use? CH: I’m a big fan of neck-through basses. That’s always been a thing for me. I always end up going back to an old 90s Peavey Unity neck-through body. I’ve had that since, like, the 6th grade, so over 20+ years. I’ve stripped it down, rebuilt it, and made it all my own. Most gear I try to customize it and make it my own. credit: Gary Governale MaM: Ok, so now, Grant, tell the readers a little about yourself. GD: So, I’m Grant. I’m 27, and I’m unemployed. (laughs) Got fired on the 2nd day of this year, so I got to start my new year without a job. (laughs) MaM: Well, what were you doing before you got fired? GD: I was managing a smoothie place in Carencro, La., and I had been working for them since college, but I did that for about four or five years, did the band, got married, and had two kids. I have a son who is two, and a daughter who is about to be one. MaM: So, you’re only 27? CH: Oh yeah, I got a kid, too. MaM: I know you have a kid. (laughs) CH: Well, I feel like an asshole if I don’t mention it since he mentioned his. (laughs) GD: Yeah, so the world is kind of just open with opportunity right now, and I’m just trying to decide what I want to do. I kind of want to be more in the kitchen if I do something, like maybe be a chef or manage a kitchen or something like that. MaM: Go to school for that. GD: Yeah, exactly. Culinary school. I just want to find something short term, though, to bridge the gap, but I’ve been playing guitar since I was eight years old. Self-taught, no lessons or anything. One of our main influences for me—and you can hear it in our music—is Green Day. Writing style, performance … [I] kind of just took some of that from them. ‘American Idiot’ is one of the first albums I heard by them when I was eight. MaM: Oh my gosh, that makes me feel old. GD: I ended up, though, going back to listen to some of their older stuff, like ‘Dookie’ and ‘Nimrod’, but out of all of those that influenced me, it would be ‘Dookie,’ ‘Nimrod,’ and ‘Insomniac.’ Each of those albums has a distinct sound for the era they were in. I did listen to a lot of Hoobastank growing up, too, and my mom listened to a lot of Creed. MaM: Chris just made a funny face. CH: I’m making all the freakin’ faces at Grant talking. Like, stop talking. (laughs) GD: Just kind of saying what was around me as a child (looks at Chris ), but as I’ve gotten older, my choices have changed. MaM: Hey, we all went through a Creed phase. No judgement. (laughs) Don’t knock ‘em! GD: I started writing my own songs at nine and even played in front of my 5th grade class with one of my friends, who played the drums. MaM: Wait, what did you guys play? GD: So, we played some original songs I had written. Did that. As I turned 17, I was focused on college and didn’t play for a couple of years, but when I dropped out of college, I picked the guitar back up and then got the band started, which, 2017 is when the band really got started with me and my friend, Zack, who is now in the Marines, and I told him, ‘Dude, I really want to get a band going,’ and we walked around Lafayette and put up signs looking for a drummer and bassist and eventually, we found some people [and] time passed. [P]eople come and people go, and now we have the line-up we have currently. credit: Gary Governale MaM: What type of guitar do you prefer playing? GD: I have a guitar that was a Christmas present—my first guitar when I was eight. It’s a knock-off Fender guitar that you buy from Guitar Center for $199. It has the white pick guard with the tan to black(ish) fade like a lot of the original Fenders have, and it has stickers plastered all over it. CH: Cherry sunburst? GD: Yeah, whatever color you’re looking for. That’s the one I used to play with, and it still works to this day, but what I’m playing with right now is an Ibanez that I took apart and kind of pieced together and made my own. It’s dark blue … new knobs, new bridge, got some locking tuners put on it. I would say it’s a Frankenstein guitar, but it’s new besides the body, so it’s not a bunch of used parts. That’s what I play with. Amp-wise I have a 4 x 12 Orange Cab I play with, and I have the Orange Crush Pro head for it. I don’t really use any pedals; I use a distortion Senders pedal and a tuning pedal. Keep it simple. credit: Gary Governale MaM: So, (looks at Casey), tell me a little more about you. CB: So, I am Casey Bateman. I’m 32. Grew up in St. Amant. Started playing music around the house because of my dad. I got my own drum kit when I was 12, which is the one I’m playing on today. I started percussion in middle school [and] played in the marching band, but when I got out of high school, [I] went into the Marine Corps and played in the Marine Corps band—played in that for four years. That’s where I learned drum set, percussion, and random things. CH: Scalping? CB: Yeah, scalping, too. (laughs) Sure. MaM: Much respect for your service, thank you. CB: After that, I was in a bunch of random bands—cover bands. I guess the biggest one I was in was in Denver. It was a reggae band, which is really cool, because it was the only band I was able to play shows with in other states. credit: Gary Governale MaM: What would you say your musical influences are, as far as genre? CB: Genre? Growing up I was into metal and rap. Eventually, I got my drum set and discovered Blink 182 and My Chemical Romance. I still love those bands, too. I was super into Travis Barker back in the day. MaM: (Us, too, Casey.) Too bad he had to marry a Kardashian, right?! CH: They’ll be divorced soon. Only a matter of time. CB: Like him, though, I try to be choppy, and I was inspired by that. I’m really into metal. Like the Acacia Strain and Hatebreed. I think I bring a Hatebreed-type of aggressiveness to my playing. credit: Gary Governale CH: I feel you bring a bit of the Creed and Hoobastank vibe into the band. CB: (laughs) Yeah, I also play jazz drums. I play that around town and I’m actually in a jazz band called Florida Street Blowhards . They’re a bunch of old jazz heads and we just play some music every now and then, and I don’t exactly use those chops here with this band, but it’s fun. When I was in Denver, I actually played in the Denver Nuggets drumline for a while, and it was really fun. I did that for about three years and that inspired me to get back into music, [so] I started my music education degree, and I’m at LSU now, about to finish. I graduate this fall and will be finished by the end of the year. CH: Wait, so Denver has a team called the Nuggets? CB: Yeah, it used to be the Golden Nuggets. Not what you’re meaning. CH: I mean, Colorado is, like, the #1 state for legalizing weed, so how appropriate they would name their team the Nuggets. (laughter) CB: Their mascot was this, like, miner. CH: Now it’s like a hippie? Looks like Jerry Garcia? (laughter) CB: It’s quite convenient how that worked out. MaM: So, do you feel your fans have been receptive to your sound so far and with what you are trying to accomplish? GD: I definitely feel that this past year they have been. The energy that Casey brings to the band is new, and then Chris and I are really finding our niche playing together. All three of us [are] synching up. The way crowds have reacted to us this past year has been way different than previous years. We’re more involved with them, but they’re more receptive with wanting to hear us play, and it’s a good feeling. CH: You know what I just realized? Every single show we’ve had for the past year, like the past five or six shows, we’ve had the entire crowd go, ‘Uhhhh!’ (makes moaning noise). (laughs) MaM: Uh huh, and how did you manage that? CH: We literally paused the song and hit the crowd with a, ‘Can I get a uhhhh?!’. (laughs) GD: They usually all do it back. credit: Gary Governale MaM: How would you describe your sound? I made a note about your music and that it sounds like Blink 182 with an edge. Would you agree with that? CH: The last album we put out, I could agree with that, but with the new stuff we are doing, we’re moving away from that sound. MaM: So, what would you say you’re evolving towards with your current sound? CH: I really couldn’t give you something to compare it to, off hand, but it’s just progressed more into an aggressive style. It’s got a heavier edge than before. We’re pushing faster, heavier, and more technical. MaM: So, you don’t want to be as poppy as before? GD: We’re moving away from the pop punk. CH: Yeah, we’re pushing away from the older music and moving towards the newer stuff we’re doing. MaM: If you could give me one band that your new stuff compares to, who would it be? CH: It’s more in the vein of the skate/punk vibe or more traditional punk, like Pennywise. MaM: So, do you guys have any aspirations for the future? Do you want to do this full time, or do you want to keep it as more of a hobby? CH: I’ve always looked at it as if you’re gonna play in a band, you need to approach it professionally, but we’re not making money at this. Any money earned is put back into the band. You know you can throw us some more risky questions, just saying. credit: Gary Governale MaM: Ok, so, what was this you said earlier about you being a movie buff who owns “Twilight” on DVD, yet you will NOT watch it? Why even spend the money? (laughs) CH: ‘Cause it’s a movie and I collect movies, but people don’t buy DVDs anymore. Very few. They’re actually losing money on that. I’m buying it for the studios so they’ll keep making movies, but they just can’t keep making THAT movie. (laughs) MaM: Ok, well that leads me to … name one guilty pleasure band or artist that is in your music collection. CH: Oingo Boingo. MaM: That’s not a terrible band. That’s actually a really good band. CH: Oh, you mean that I don’t listen to? MaM: No, that you don’t want people to know you listen to. Like, if they saw it, you would be like, “That’s not mine. Someone put that there.” CH: Honestly, I wouldn’t be ashamed of any of the music I listen to. I listen to weird shit. (laughs) I do have a lot of stuff that people would be surprised of, but nothing to be embarrassed of. I have shit like Patsy Cline and stuff. GD: I kind of feel the same way, but I can’t pinpoint it to an exact artist. CH: It’s easier for you because you own the newer Green Day albums. (laughs) GD: I guess the later Green Day I can’t really get behind. (laughs) I do listen to it, though, but I don’t exactly enjoy it. (laughs) I guess, though, if I had to pinpoint an artist, then it would probably be NBA Youngboy. MaM: Can’t say I have any of that in my music collection. GD: Like, I enjoy some of the stuff he has put out, but I can’t say that I listen to rap these days. MaM: Well, any closing words? CH: You know how there is pull-apart monkey bread with the cinnamon on it? MaM: Yeah … CH: Why don’t we just call it Simian rolls? (laughs) To check out all that is Subliminal Landmines, head on over to their various pages and listen NOW! New material coming soon, as they guys are currently mixing the new stuff. Stay tuned! Subliminal Landmines | Facebook Subliminal Landmines (@subliminallandmines) • Instagram photos and videos (195) Subliminal Landmines - YouTube Spotify – Subliminal Landmines Music | Subliminal Landmines (bandcamp.com) ‎Subliminal Landmines on Apple Music www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

The Wrestlers are a three-piece thrash metal powerhouse with nostalgic sounds. < Back Reviews on the Real: The Wrestlers J. Heist Aug 28, 2025 Share The Wrestlers are a three-piece thrash metal powerhouse with nostalgic sounds. Hailing from Oristano, Italy , The Wrestlers are a three-piece thrash metal powerhouse. Combining the nostalgic sounds of classic thrash metal and heavy metal, this band is "A Fuoco" (on fire)!!! With driving bass riffs, intricate guitar work, hardcore metal vocals, and non-stop drumming, they transport you back in time. If you enjoy thrash music, such as Metallica , Testament , and Megadeth , combined with elements of Judas Priest , Iron Maiden , and hardcore punk , I highly recommend giving this record a spin. The Wrestlers' self-titled album gets two thumbs up from me. Credit: The Wrestlers The Wrestlers are Alex Murru (Guitar/Voice), Simone Mura (Bass), and Samuele Oggiano (Drums). Released March 7, 2025 Necrophilic Woman This song is a fantastic way to kick off the album. Fast guitar playing and a catchy vocal melody set the tone where the song travels at breakneck speed, offering a brief moment of peace with a melodic breakdown before overwhelming you with an incredible guitar solo. This track serves as a perfect introduction to what the rest of the album has to offer—great riffs, impressive harmonies, and an overall fantastic composition. Look at the Dark This song takes a more melodic approach throughout. The vocals showcase their range in the chorus, while the rhythm section brings it back down to Earth. This track has everything, from solid songwriting to music that perfectly matches the title. ' Look at the Dark ' is one of my favorites on the album and will definitely have you contemplating the shadows. Rapist Demon This song brings hardcore punk vibes, reminiscent of Propagandhi but with a death metal twist. It has that old-school/new-school sound that will leave you wanting to press play again. It feels like a party anthem, and I can easily see it featured in a film. With its straightforward chord progressions, it epitomizes the concept of "less is more." You won’t know whether to get in the pit, headbang, or sing along. Explosion of Skull This track comes in strong with heavy guitars from the very start, reminding you that The Wrestlers didn’t come to play. The song is confrontational, featuring heavy metal and punk riffs along with a bass breakdown that leads into harmonized guitars and a stellar solo. If you're not in the pit by the end of this song, you might not be listening closely. The Apocalypse of Blood This song is a fast-paced beast that also offers some breathing room. Its breakdowns demonstrate that they came to both melt faces and woo you with metal, only to ramp up the speed again. This song has Slayer vibes, especially with a solo that would make Kerry King proud. ' The Apocalypse of Blood ' perfectly encapsulates what The Wrestlers are all about. After the Apocalypse When a metal song starts with a bass line, you know it’s going to be good. This track is on the slower side compared to the others on the album, showcasing their ability to craft guitar harmonies and groove riffs. It serves as the first song on the B-side of the album and as a great way to kick off that part. ' After the Apocalypse ' is as close to a ballad as metal gets. Le Leggi Dell'Umanità On this song, The Wrestlers utilize their multilingual skills to bring a taste of Italy to the mix serving up a drum intro, multiple time signatures, a bass break, and fast guitars. This track is an excellent representation of several of their writing styles combined into one. If you play this on a road trip, be sure to put it on cruise control. Mr. Beer This song brings back hardcore punk vibes. It differs slightly from the others, but still effectively represents their music. The bass player showcases his melodic talent with another catchy bass intro. This one's a bit of a happier version of their music but retains that metal edge. The Wrestlers indeed demonstrate their diversity with this song. Metal Father ' Metal Father ' introduces more hardcore punk sounds with great, simplistic yet effective guitar progressions and a sing-along-worthy chorus. The interlude strips things down a notch, offering a moment to catch your breath—if you have a lighter, this would be the perfect time to hold it up. It’s another example of the "less is more" approach, complete with superb dynamics. Violent Storms The closing track, ' Violent Storms ,' is an excellent way to end the album. It features classic 80s thrash metal grooves and powerful vocals that light up the speakers. Even the lyrics are perfectly crafted to conclude the album. This song might even be my personal favorite on the record, demonstrating once again that The Wrestlers can do more than play fast. Credit: The Wrestlers Overall, this is a fantastic album from start to finish, with a good flow from song to song. Each track has its own identity and leaves you wanting to hear more. If The Wrestlers aren’t in your playlist, you’re definitely missing out. Spin this album at full volume. The Wrestlers' self-titled album is a must-listen. Peace, love, and music, - J Heist To learn more about The Wrestlers: Facebook: The Wrestlers Facebook Instagram: The Wrestlers Instagram Spotify: The Wrestlers - Album by The Wrestlers | Spotify Apple Music: ‎The Wrestlers - Album by The Wrestlers - Apple Music The Triad Rec: THE TRIAD REC | Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok | Linktree www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Got something for J. Heist to check out? E-mail us at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Barbie sees success with its all-star cast and its underlying message for women everywhere < Back Barbie: Film Review C.G. Smith Aug 7, 2023 Share Barbie sees success with its all-star cast and its underlying message for women everywhere Rating: 3.5 out of 5 duck lips of approval My wife and I don’t usually go out to see movies anymore, but she had been hearing about the Barbie movie from co-workers for a few days, so we bought tickets and went to the Broad Theater in New Orleans, Louisiana, to see it. The Saturday matinee was nearly full of adults of all ages, and a few families with young girls. The trailers rolled, and I finished my hot dog as a few latecomers filed into the last seats near the front of the theater. The movie began with a nod to 2001: A Space Odyssey for the intro sequence, and it was a grin-worthy moment for me. I was quickly pulled into the Kool-Aid as an oversized Margot Robbie ( Suicide Squad ), dressed as the original Barbie, towered above little girls playing with their ordinary dolls. Director Greta Gerwig ( Lady Bird ) showed right away that she was going to have fun with the film as little girls destroyed their baby dolls in homage to this new doll, Barbie. There were enjoyably wonderful supporting performances, and it was amusing to see some amazing actors having a good time with the roles they landed. Will Ferrell ( Old School ) as the Mattel CEO was silly, his presence perhaps a statement on how even a complete man-child can rise to the top of a company in a patriarchy, and Rhea Perlman ( Cheers ) as Barbie creator Ruth Handler was a high point for me. Michael Cera ( Superbad ) gave the discontinued Allan doll some life and a bit of comedic relief as the bony best friend of Barbie’s buff male counterparts, and Kate McKinnon ( Office Christmas Party ) was fabulous as Weird Barbie. Kate McKinnon as Weird Barbie The plot centers on Barbie suddenly facing an existential crisis because of how someone in the real world is imagining her. We learn Weird Barbie is weird because she’s been played with too “hard,” and now Stereotypical Barbie’s perfect existence is suddenly threatened by flat feet, celluloid, and thoughts of impending death. Weird Barbie tells Stereotypical Barbie that to fix the situation, she must travel to the real world and find the person who is causing these changes in her. In the process, a stowaway Ken is introduced to the patriarchy, which he quickly adopts, albeit a bit clumsily, as he has always felt like he had no purpose without Barbie. I felt the whole Real World vs Barbie Land plot was an unexpected but overused way to tell the story. It was never really fleshed out as to how these two places could co-exist but nonetheless gave a way to merge the make-believe world with the reality of today. My favorite scene was when America Ferrera ( Superstore ) goes off about how impossible it is to be a woman in society in a monologue on the double standards of being a woman. This unlocks the answer the Barbies have been searching for to regain control of Barbie Land from the Kens, who have taken it over. Ryan Gosling ( La La Land ) does a great job as Ken, and the film doesn't make it a foregone conclusion that he and Barbie belong together, but rather that they should learn to know and love themselves without the confines of any pre-conceived gender roles or biases. Margot Robbie as Barbie and Ryan Gosling as Ken I will say that my wife, who was the catalyst for this outing, was not as impressed with the movie as I was. I find that often when something is talked about, and then built up in our minds, it's very hard to actually shine once it is experienced. Stephen King's The Stand (2020), for instance, has and probably never will live up to the movie I have created in my head. Overall, I felt Barbie was a fun, interesting movie and, although skewed towards adults, was not vulgar or too grown up for maturing children. Barbie seems to have a good time with the franchise while also projecting the power of finding and being yourself for Barbies and Kens alike. I doubt you'll not enjoy your time with this one if you go in with an open mind. Barbie also stars Issa Rae ( Insecure ), Kingsley Ben-Adir ( Secret Invasion ), John Cena ( Peacemaker ), and Simu Liu ( Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings) . 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

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

< Back What the Hell Did I Just Watch: Sharktopus vs Whalewolf Ezekiel Kincaid Share Aug 14, 2023 Sharktopus vs Whalewolf has its moments but is ultimately a flop Rating: 2 out of 5 aging MLB players whose career is tanking Welcome to the movie that tanked Casper Van Dien’s acting career! Ha ha, just kidding. His career was over not too long after he did Starship Troopers in 1997. With that said, if you’ve hung around the B-movie scene for any amount of time, you’ve probably heard of the Sharktopus movies. So what the hell is Sharktopus? It’s a genetically altered shark with the upper torso of a Great White and the lower torso of an octopus. Yes, it is a shark with tentacles. Got your attention? Sounds pretty cool, right? And it is, or it was—right up until Sharktopus vs Whalewolf . Sharktopus vs Whalewolf (2015) is the third installment of the Sharktopus film series and is the second sequel. It was directed by Kevin O’Neill , who only has a short six titles to his directing credit—none of which you’ve probably seen, unless you watched Dinoshark (2010) or Sharktopus vs Pteracuda (2014); he did, however, work on visual effects for Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992), Blade (1998), and Piranha 3D (2010). Sharktopus vs Whalewolf stars Casper Van Dien ( Starship Troopers, Alita: Battle Angel ), Catherine Oxenberg ( Dynasty, The Lair of the White Worm ), Andrew E. Tilles (visual effects for Surrogates and Fast Five ), and Akari Endo ( Cristo Rey ). The plot is pretty basic and picks up where Sharktopus (2010) and Sharktopus vs. Pteracuda (2014) left off: Somewhere in the Caribbean at an anti-aging clinic, a psychotic genetic scientist named Dr. Elsa Reinhardt (Oxenberg) mixes the genes of a killer whale and a grey wolf, because, well, we’ve all been curious, haven’t we? In an experimental process, she then inserts the genetic mix into Felix Rosa (Tilles), an aging, disgraced Major League Baseball player whose career is tanking; Rosa hopes the experiment will be a success and that his talent will be restored, but the experiment goes awry. Rosa turns into an unstable werewolf creature and in order to stabilize the wolf in him, Dr. Reinhardt adds Orca DNA and boom! We have a whalewolf —moreover, we have a whalewolf who now threatens Sharktopus’s territory. Things get a little out of hand when Sharktopus and Whalewolf meet … and fight. Sounds like the plot of your typical monster movie, right? Yeah, that’s because it is. There is a little sub-plot though, but it makes absolutely no sense at all. Sharktopus vs. Whalewolf opens with a funeral taking place on a boat for a burial at sea. The funeral is interrupted almost immediately with an attack from Sharktopus. As a result, a woman goes missing and, long story short, local police chief Nita Morales (Endo) throws Captain Ray (Dien) in jail. A local voodoo priest bails Ray out of jail and wants him to fetch the heart of Sharktopus to use in a ceremony as payment for this debt. Meanwhile, Inspector Nita Morales is trying to figure out what is going on with all the killings and whalewolf sightings; she thinks people have gone nuts until she sees the insanity for herself. The movie ends with a less-than-climatic battle between the two sea titans. Who wins? Really? Like I’m going to give that away in a review. You’ll have to watch for yourself to see who comes out on top in this borefest. My advice is to just skip to the end and watch the final battle. You won’t be missing anything, I promise. There were a few comedic scenes that made me chuckle, but the comedy falls flat and encourages several eye rolls, not in a good way. Sharktopus vs Whalewolf has its moments but is ultimately a giant flop, especially in the face of its Sharktopus predecessors. Let’s talk about the effects. The CGI in Sharktopus vs Whalewolf is pretty bad, which is kind of to be expected in a SyFy Original movie but is still a little shocking, given that the effects in both Sharktopus and Sharktopus vs Whalewolf were pretty decent--also given the fact that its director is the founder of a special effects production company called Flat Earth Productions. Here, the filmmakers didn’t even try to make their effects look real or even hide the fact they are using CGI. It’s almost like they are proud of what a crap job they did; instead of any really fun effects, we’re given pure CGI involving a ton of CGI blood spatter that honestly couldn’t look more fake if it tried. At least go for real-looking blood, balance out the visuals a bit. It made me long for the days when actors dressed up in rubber suits to play the monsters. Now, if we could get a Sharktopus vs. Whalewolf remake with people in rubber suits fighting (and starring Will Ferrell), I’d watch that. I’d also be good with Simon Pegg or Rainn Wilson in the starring role. Any takers out there who want to start working on a script? All in all, Zeke gives this movie 2 out of 5 aging MLB players whose career is tanking. Sharktopus vs. Whalewolf is currently streaming on Tubi, Crackle, Fubo, Freevee, and Amazon Prime and Video On Demand. 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 . 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Who is Fish? < Back Messing Up Quests and Putting Things to the Test Nicole Brice Feb 15, 2023 Share Who is Fish? One day as I was doing my daily scroll on social media, I came across a YouTube video a friend had shared, and it was titled Stuck Inside a Video Game . I was like, “Hmmm, what could this be?” as I pressed play, not sure of what I was about to watch. For the next five minutes and 42 seconds , I was snickering like a goober while watching this cinematic masterpiece in all its humorous glory. The creator of the video I had just watched was a guy named Fish . After that moment, I shared the video because it was awesome and because most can relate to anything pertaining to video games. Little did I know that a few months later, while looking for talent to scout and write about, I would happen upon the Instagram page of the same artist/musician responsible for the epic YouTube video I had seen and gobbled up like a goober. For those who have not seen the jewel that is Stuck Inside a Video Game , it is a clever song and music video of a guy on a couch playing The Legend of Zelda , showing different scenarios and scenes of the main character being sucked into the actual game, complete with witty commentary, sexy women back-up dancers/singers, and much hilarity. In fact, before you finish this article, you must watch it. Stuck Inside a Video Game by Fish So, who is the guy behind this glorious gem? Well, folks, his name is Sam Fishman , a.k.a. Fish . I bet you’re probably asking, “ Who is Fish? ” So please, allow me. Not only is Fish a producer, a drummer, a video game enthusiast, and a kick-ass human , BUT he is also extremely witty, very intelligent, and super talented. When he’s not making amazingly awesome YouTube videos with clever concepts, he spends his time spinning the sticks as the drummer of the New York-based Americana/Folk rock band, Driftwood … truly an entertaining man. Keep reading to learn more! credit: Carlo Alberto Orecchia MaM : Good Morning! Thank you for speaking with me today. So, let’s preface this by saying how wonderful it is to be speaking with the creator of “Stuck Inside a Video Game.” I saw it a few months back and instantly fell in love with it. Fish : You saw that? (laughs) That’s fortuitous. MaM : Yes, I saw it before I knew who you were and instantly thought, “This dude is awesome!”. Fish : Oh wow! (laughs) Yeah, that’s so funny. The universe is pointing in the right direction. MaM : So, not only are you making incredibly creative videos, but you are also the drummer in the band Driftwood, correct? Tell us a little more about that. Fish : So, I had been living in Brooklyn for about seven months when the pandemic hit and then, at that point, I said, ‘Alright, I’m gonna move out of the city.’ So, I left Brooklyn , moved back home with my folks for a little bit to figure out what the next move was, and then I felt like moving to Ithaca, N.Y. I felt like that was the best move for me. I have some familiarity with New York State, so I said, ‘Let me try Ithaca out,’ and I moved there. The first year that I’m there, it’s like [the] pandemic. Everything was closed. Nothing was happening. I started getting situated and reaching out to people, and through a mutual friend, I connected with Joey Arcuri . Joey is the bass player for Driftwood , and we connected, and so I said, ‘Joey, we should jam sometime,’ and we both know Chris . Chris is our mutual friend, and Joey said, ‘Yeah, that’d be great, man. Let’s keep in touch.’ A couple months go by, and I reach back out to Joey, and he gets back to me the next day and tells me their drummer had just left and then asked me if I’d like to audition for the band. The timing worked out, and because Joey and I had that mutual friend, we made the connection, and there ya go. MaM : Wow, that is incredible! You obviously have a background in music, so at what age did you start playing drums, and who are your musical influences and inspirations? Fish : I started playing drums in 3rd grade. MaM : Wow, 3rd grade? Just the fact that you can even remember back that far is awesome. I don’t even remember what I was doing at that age. Fish : Yeah, I had begged my parents for, like, two years to get me a drum set, and then they did. As far as influences, I have so many drummers I am into. That’s a really good question. It kind of taps into, like, there is stuff you can enjoy and then there are things you can kind of listen to cerebrally to get that music, and it makes sense in your brain; but, then there is music that hits your body and makes you feel things, and I guess for me, there are times when I love listening to hard rock and metal, and that sort of hits more intellectual [sic] for me because I’m understanding it in a way, but when I want to feel stuff, I really love listening to music with a groove and a laid-back vibe. For example, I’ve been listening to Madison Cunningham lately. It’s more Americana vibes. Very singer/songwriter … female vocals, relaxing … not gonna put me on edge. MaM : Do you prefer more singer/songwriter type of music? What’s your favorite type of music? Fish : Oh man, it’s very seasonal for me. I couldn’t tell you what my favorite is. For instance, I’m into these well-crafted songs kind of things and lush orchestrations, really just in the groove, in the pocket, but there may come a time in the summer where all I want to listen to is some heavy stuff. For instance, what’s the band from Chicago? I’m blanking out. The guy who does the “Oo-wa-ah-ah-ah!”? MaM : Disturbed? (laughs) Fish : (laughs) Yeah, Disturbed . I’ll maybe put on a little Disturbed . MaM : Get down with the sickness! (laughs) Fish : Yep yep! (laughs) … and I love Britney Spears ! I was listening to [her] the other day. MaM : Me too!!! One of my guilty pleasures! Fish : Yeah, Britney Spears , so good. credit: Carlo Alberto Orecchia MaM : So, tell us a little more about this video. I need to know all the details, because that thing is badass! Fish : (laughs) Yeah, that is so insane! There are a lot of layers to that video. On the surface, it’s this really wacky, like, surreal video. I mean, I’m stuck in a video game. I’m stuck in ‘ The Legend of Zelda .’ It’s actually a reflective piece, and for a while, in my, like, late-20s or, well, even when I was, like, 31 [or] 32—which, I’m 36 now, or, rather, I’ll be 36 this coming Sunday. Even into my early 30s, I found myself playing games a little too much, and I wasn’t really living. The music video was a big, cathartic release for me. I wrote this rap song about being stuck in a game, and I wrote it the way I knew how, and then I said, Screw it! I’m gonna go all in. I’m gonna fly out to Los Angeles. I’m gonna get this thing legit.’ I found a video crew, Blurred Pictures , Rosco – he’s this great director out there. His mind moves a mile a minute, and we just got a team and I said, ‘I’m gonna produce this thing,’ and we really did it. I wanted to share my experiences in a way other people would relate. I feel like there’s a lot of guys out there that are stuck in this video game world, and they don’t even realize it. The video is a fun way to show the lines can be blurred if you play too many games. Is your life the game? Is the game your life? That whole back-and-forth dilemma. MaM : I can totally relate to that because my husband is a gamer, but he never let it consume him 100%. Now, my best friend, her boyfriend is so consumed by video games that he completely ignores her, and she is a total babe! I can definitely identify with your video. Fish : See? That’s what I mean. It’s relatable! Another part of it was that the women in the video are from ‘ The Legend of Zelda ,’ too … the three goddesses of the Tri Force … but they also take on a different meaning because they’re very sexy in the video, and because of that, if you’re attracted to women, women could become a distraction if you’re a little too focused on the game. You must find that balance. This is not my life’s purpose. My life has a greater purpose. The takeaway from this video is battling your shortcomings, getting out of your comfort zone, [and] really trying to better yourself. MaM : What is your favorite video game? Fish : Zelda … but then, which Zelda , right? I have some games that are definitely in the top 10, but simply because of the symbolism in the hero’s journey, Zelda is probably going to take the cake. I’m going to have to go with ‘ Ocarina of Time ’ as the best or as my favorite, with my second favorite Zelda game being ‘ Link’s Awakening .’ MaM : That’s awesome. I wanted to ask you, prior to Driftwood, were you playing in any other bands? Give us a brief history of your music career. Fish : So, if you thought the video was crazy, this is even crazier. Before I got into Driftwood , I was touring around the country and even got to go to Japan with my former band. I was playing with this group called Madison Rising , a political band, and it was a great opportunity for me to travel, and I learned a lot. I ended up leaving the band, though, to focus on other endeavors. The takeaway from that is that I learned a lot about the music industry, and I got to open up for Lynyrd Skynyrd , Aerosmith , and Weezer . We had a good run. I started with them in 2011 and left in 2018 . [I] spent seven years with them and learned some incredible things. Great learning experience. MaM : Steppingstones, though, to get to where you are today. Fish : Absolutely. Had I not experienced those situations with that band, then I would not have learned about what it means to be a professional musician. MaM : I want to learn more about these videos on Instagram and more about your production work. You have such an interesting story to tell. Fish : Appreciate that. The production stuff you mentioned is kind of inspired by art. Like, here’s a drumming solo; here’s me drumming to this; [and] here’s my friend doing a piano piece. I’m starting to sort of play in both worlds. The music video, for instance, plays on some surrealism there. I have a video I will be posting soon of me just roaming around a recording studio while my friend, Andrew Klein , makes scary sounds on metallic percussion instruments. MaM : (laughs) That’s so awesome! credit: Carlo Alberto Orecchia Fish : There is one where I am going to be dancing behind the drummer, Andrew Klein , while he plays drums. (laughs) I want it to be fun. Trying to just do some silly stuff that is different. Trying to lighten up this whole ‘I’m a serious artist’ business. That’s where I’m at. I love being in the production role. I like seeing visions of mine come to life. I have good organizational skills, and being a good producer, to me, is having good organizational skills. MaM : Do you own your own studio? I’m curious as to where you are recording. Fish : I’ve been investing in myself, and I like going to different studios, as opposed to trying to set up my own studio. I’m not into that. Maybe if I had a ton of money, I could make my own studio. There is something about working in someone else’s space that forces me to be more creative … working within the limitations … let’s adapt. For example, Wilburland Recording Studio is a place I go back to quite a bit. It’s a place where the latest Instagram clip was filmed. It’s a great open space, and I like working with Will a lot, and it’s close to where I live. I like trying different things. I don’t want to get locked into the same pattern. I have another bit coming up that I recorded. Mikaela Davis is a prominent harp player in New York state, and I’m bringing her to Wilburland , and she’s going to perform the great fairy fountain music from ‘The Legend of Zelda.’ MaM : Love it! If you lived here in Louisiana, we’d be hanging out! Fish : I feel that, too, just based upon our conversation. You’re just good energy. MaM : I’m such a nerd. I read and I meditate, and I like science. Are you currently based in New York, still? Fish : I live in Ithaca, New York. MaM : You know, every time I hear the name Ithaca, I think of the movie, “Road Trip!” Fish : Yes! (laughs) You are so on point! Yes! MaM : That’s what I instantly think of with Ithaca. So, with your extensive background in the industry, I just must ask you what you think the music industry is lacking these days? Fish : That’s a great question. To me, what’s lacking is education, and what I mean by that is that the local artists, they don’t fully understand what it means to run your band as a business. Any local artists who are complaining, and I get this in Ithaca through friends, like they are really making forward progress and are passionate about what they’re doing, but they don’t understand that if your band is going to progress, then there needs to be an awareness that if your band is not run like a business, then don’t have any expectations of moving forward. If you want to move forward, you must do all the work on the business side to help you establish a plan. credit: Carlo Alberto Orecchia MaM : I completely can identify with that because you are building your band as a brand. You must brand yourself to stand out so that people take notice. What are you working on currently? Fish : One of the upcoming things is a screenplay for a movie. I just finished the first draft. It’s called ‘ Cicada Madness .’ It’s based on an audio project that is already completed, and I just decided to take it to the next level, but I’m certain I will be doing a crowdsourcing fund for the movie, because I want to have a big budget. When you think of the film, though, it’s a B-movie … sorority girls, cicadas flying around just exploding… (laughs) . MaM : So, is it like Hitchcock’s The Birds but with cicadas? Fish : Yeah, but funny. Not meant to scare you. Just total fun. Driftwood is currently recording an album, and we plan to release it in the fall. This is their most mature album to date. It’s going to defy expectations and has a lot of variety. Those are the main things. I have a video that is supposed to be finished by the end of February where I teamed up with a community music school to put on a performance of Claude Bolling’s ‘Suite for Flute and Jazz Piano ,’ and it brings me back to my roots of reading music and performing. I imagine I’ll be posting some clips from it in early March. I love doing different things where maybe you’ll get Jazz & Classical one day and then you’ll get crazy silly skit the next day. I have a lot of different things I want to do. credit: Carlo Alberto Orecchia MaM : Ok, so big question. Who is Fish? Fish : Well, right now he’s the drummer of Driftwood the band; he does session work; and he produces and collaborates. But, yeah, Fish is ever evolving. That is the safe answer. Fish wants to inspire others. Fish wants to collaborate. That’s the key word. Fish is someone who wants to work with a lot of different people. Fish is a leader. Fish wants to bring out the best in other creative people. I love going to a keyboard player that I see potential in or that I think is phenomenal and I’ll say, ‘Hey, man! Let me get your number. We’re gonna work together.’ I just get right down to it. If I want to work with someone, I let them know. Fish really wants to bring out a vision and be part of a team. To learn more about Fish, check out all his links below and enjoy! Website: Who Is Fish? - Sam Fishman | Drummer, Composer, Creator Instagram: Who Is Fish? (@whoisfishig) • Instagram photos and videos YouTube: Who Is Fish? - YouTube Facebook: Who Is Fish? | Facebook www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . 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The LA Phantoms have the strength and will to create music that resonates. < Back The LA Phantoms: A Louisiana Punk Band with a Rich History Nicole Brice Nov 4, 2024 Share The LA Phantoms have the strength and will to create music that resonates. The LA Phantoms , a Louisiana punk band, has a rich history of resilience and readiness to face any challenge. Since the early 2000s , the band has seen many line-up changes and iterations, but their strength and determination to create music that resonates with their audience have never wavered. We are thrilled to share their story with you. Credit: Gary Governale Formed in the early 90s under the name Mystic Fix , the LA Phantoms are a homegrown band originally from Ville Platte that moved to Lafayette, Louisiana . There, they underwent numerous line-up changes due to member deaths and other tragic circumstances, but they never stopped. With even more changes since then, The LA Phantoms have emerged today through these trials and tribulations, ready to conquer the musical landscape. Today, the band is fronted by Cutty and Mac , who share vocal duties. Cutty , who also plays bass, Mac on drums, and Jaysun Birdman on guitar round out all the band duties. Sometimes, they'll invite other musicians on stage with them, too, because it is all about the music. This trio is brimming with anticipation for the new era of punk rock they are about to be a part of, with new music set to be released in 2025, and we cannot wait. I had the absolute pleasure of hearing this new music, and I can assure you, it's something to look forward to. A vast range of influences have solidified the LA Phantoms ' tight sound, and they are dedicated and determined to leave their mark on music history. To describe the LA Phantoms ' music, it is good, solid punk rock. There is no fluff, no frills, just straight-up enjoyable punk rock. The LA Phantoms , a trio of humble yet immensely talented musicians, embody a relentless drive and determination to push the boundaries of their craft. Their unwavering commitment to their music is admirable, and we eagerly anticipate what the future holds for them. Mixed Alternative Magazine had the privilege of engaging in a profound conversation with the LA Phantoms , and their love and dedication to their craft was genuinely inspiring. Read on to learn more about their journey. MaM : Let’s dive into your band history. Tell us a bit about how you got started and where. Mac : This band was an incarnation that spawned from another band. A punk band was called Mystic Fix . Mystic Fix was formed in the early 90s , around 1994 , in Ville Platte , Louisiana , by our brother, Chris . It was Chris and James , and another guy named Timmy on drums, who is my brother-in-law now, so then they moved from Ville Platte to Lafayette , and the other guys from Ville Platte fell off, and Chris continued with us with a different line-up. The line-up fluctuated between various people until it ended up being me, Cutty , Chris , and Luke Duke . We played a few shows with that line-up, but Chris wanted to play more rock n roll, and he was discovering bands like Nashville Pussy and Speedealer – a lot of Southern rock stuff. Mac Black by Gary Governale Eventually, he told me he didn’t want to go on with the name Mystic Fix anymore. He then said he wanted to start another band with more of a rock n roll approach because he thought it would give us more gigs across the country. He didn’t want to be pigeonholed into the whole punk rock scene. Fewer dive bars and bigger, more prominent venues. This all happened about 2001 , and that was when we officially started The LA Phantoms . It was me , Chris , and Luke Duke ( Choke ). We wrote and recorded an album and put it out. Luke lived in Lake Charles , and Chris lived in Lafayette . Luke eventually fell out because he couldn’t commute from Lake Charles to Lafayette to rehearse. We ended up getting another guy, Damien Miller . Damien was the bass player for that run of LA Phantoms and passed away in 2007. That run of The Phantoms went from 2001-2005 . Also, Creosote Jones from Cheater Pipe played with us for a few years and helped write many songs with us. Credit: Gary Governale Cutty : We also had a harmonica player. He did lead harmonica solos. MaM : Man, I’d be curious to see how that fits in with your sound. Mac : We have a link to it. We can send it to you. MaM : Yes. Please send me the link. Cutty : It gave it kind of a blues edge. It worked with the formula. It was kind of like the song “ Electric Worry ” by Clutch . They have harmonica on that song. MaM : So how did you get to the band's current incarnation? Mac : Chris died. MaM : Oh wow … Mac : In 2005 , my wife Jessica was terminal, so I had to quit the band because I couldn’t really play shows or go anywhere. We had been gigging everywhere from Austin to New Orleans , and I couldn’t go on the road because my wife needed me. Mac Black by Gary Governale MaM : I’m so sorry, man. I understand. Mac : I quit the band, and Chris started Mystic Fix back up with some other guys in Ville Platte . He started having trouble with his drummer because of his lack of interest. After my wife passed away, he asked me to join the band because he had recently signed up with a local label in Carencro . Chris gave me a cassette of the songs he planned to record, and I learned all the songs. The last show was at a skate park in Lafayette , and I got on stage to sing with them. This was June 10, 2007 . On the next day, June 11th , Chris passed away, and then I found out on my birthday, June 12th , that he passed. We were devastated by this. To help with his funeral expenses, they asked me to put together a band to gig and help make money to pay for his funeral. I told them we would learn all the songs Chris had created. Chris’ girlfriend sang for us, and we raised a few thousand dollars and were able to bury him. Chris’ girlfriend later became my wife. Her name is Julie Jab . Then there was this guy named Shane , who played bass briefly. He was like the Sid Vicious of Lafayette—a lot of stage presence. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : Then what? Mac : We got Cutty . Me and Cutty had played in Mystic Fix , and he was with us when we were writing the early songs with LA Phantoms , and he came back once we got rid of Shane . Then we gigged like that till my wife had a heart operation. She had a valve replacement. She couldn’t continue with us. Then I started a band called Black Feratu , with my friend James Feratu . That was metal , and we did it for a few years. Then, the original guitarist for Mystic Fix was on his deathbed and was not doing well. He decided he wanted to play another run of shows, so he and Luke went with Cutty and I , and we started doing Mystic Fix songs. Still, we decided to do some LA Phantoms songs, too, but then James got on the stage one night, and he could only do half a song, and he was on a tank of oxygen and just couldn’t do it anymore. Cutty by Gary Governale MaM : Wow, bless his heart. Cutty : Yeah, his last performance was in Lafayette at The Boom Boom Room . He was convinced he could stand up and play the songs. We tried to persuade him to sit down, but he stood up like a soldier and tried to troop through the song. Unfortunately, he did pass out, which was James ’ last performance on stage. MaM : To me, that is badass because that shows his dedication to music. Cutty : One of the toughest MF’ers to get on stage. MaM : I admire people like that, man. Those are the actual soldiers. Mac : That’s right. Till we die, we don’t stop. Cutty : Unfortunately, he did. MaM : You all have an interesting story. Mac : Tragedy at every step. Cutty : Today, we are coming to you for this interview from the slab that used to be Changes . Mystic Fix was pretty much the house band at Changes . Love it or hate it, but if this slab could tell stories, we could write an incredible book. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : Reminds me of the Dischord House and how well-known it is. Cutty : The sacred slab. Mac : Until it burned down. MaM : You’re back to where it all began, and it is fortunate that we are doing this interview today. Brings back all full circle. Let’s get into the music. Your music blows me away, and I can’t wait to market it. When are you planning to release the songs you sent me? Mac : We just finished mastering them and got the final footage for the video we are putting together of ‘ Slow What .’ The plan is to release everything simultaneously on all platforms, though. MaM : I think that sounds great. It's punk rock meets melodic thrash punk. It has a unique sound. I love the heavy bass on ‘ Slow What ,’ when the guitar comes in, it’s strong as hell, man, and that whole song takes off. It reminds me of The Melvins meets Tad . That’s the first vibe I got. With ‘Tight Grip,’ that song is aggressive out the gate, and then ‘Vampire,’ has that whole Van Halen ‘ Hot for Teacher ’ vibe. What inspired you to come up with your sound on these tracks? That is the LA Phantoms sound. Mac : It’s just all our influences. I wouldn’t say I like being put in a box. Cutty : A broad spectrum or prism. Without it, you’ll be limited and boring. We try to expand as much as we can. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : Who are your influences then? Cutty : The Misfits , Social Distortion , Slayer , Corrosion of Conformity Mac : James Brown , Taj Mahal , Sly and the Family Stone . Cutty : We also have another element of the music you haven’t heard yet. It’s more funk and blues. It's like Minutemen meets Sly and the Family Stone . We also have a small catalog of that. MaM : I can’t wait to hear that! You guys are talented as hell. Let’s do this. What is your ultimate goal as a band, and what are you looking to accomplish with your music? Mac : Our short-term goal is to release this music and expand our range of gigs. We have only been playing mainly in Lafayette and Lake Charles . We want to play Metairie and New Orleans more, maybe even Texas . In the long term, I’d love to tour Europe . My friends do this already, so I feel it’s achievable. Jaysun Birdman by Gary Governale MaM : Let’s make this happen. What is about music that makes you passionate? Cutty : It’s a release. You can have all these problems – weights and burdens on your back, and when I pick up my instrument, everything starts coming together. Even if it’s just 15 minutes or two hours, it makes everything okay. Jason : The creativity and playing live. There’s nothing else like it. I love the camaraderie we have. We played a show with Choke recently. They are awesome guys. Super cool. I love hanging out with everyone because we have so much in common, and everyone is so supportive of each other. Mac : Music sets me free and connects me to the universe. It connects with all is one, and one is all when I play music. It’s flow. It puts you in this flow state. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : They say music is medicine, and the Chinese symbol for medicine is like music. Tell me about the worst show you’ve put on so far, and then tell me about a good show you played. Cutty : I can’t focus on a bad show because it broadens the human horizon even if we mess up. We’re all people. It’s like a joke. If you trip, are you going to laugh with the crowd, or are you going to get laughed at, pissed off, and make an entire burden about it? You don’t do that. It would be best to roll with the punches because even a horror show is still a show. We’re out. We’re playing music. We’re having a good time, and we try to make the best out of it. That’s about it. As far as the best one? With these two guys, it’s always good. Mac : I’d have to say the last show or the ones going on right now are the best ones. The worst show I’ve ever shown is when there is violence at the show. Someone would be throwing bottles at us, or someone would come into the club with a gun or just incidences like that. Just don’t stop playing unless we have to chase someone out. Cutty : Now, if we got hit with a bottle, we’d have to beat the piss out of them. (laughter) Cutty : It’s just expected. (laughter) Mac : Well, the time with the gun, we didn’t stop playing. They walked in with the gun, pointed it at someone, and that was it. Credit: Gary Governale (laughter) MaM: If you could share the stage with anyone in the future, like your dream show, who would you pick, and why? Cutty : I would say opening for The Misfits and Suicidal Tendencies. That would be the perfect show for me. Mac : I have to concur. MaM : In the next five years, where would you like to be as a band? Mac : Touring Europe and playing big festivals. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : If someone approached you and asked you to describe your music to them, how would you sell it to them? Mac : Gangster Punk Rock n Roll (laughter) Cutty : I like that one. What was the phrase you wanted to put on shirts? Mac : Vampire bank robbers from outer space (laughter) MaM : Last question – how does music inspire you daily? Mac : To get up in the morning and face the world. Motivation to work out and live life. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : Same Cutty : Adrenaline and therapy – when you combine the two, that can also have a positive effect, and for us three, it works. MaM : Oh yeah, 100%. Jaysun : It helps me grow. I like to learn new stuff. I’m a student of the game. As The LA Phantoms prepare to embark on a new year with new music, they will undoubtedly begin to build a following. Stay tuned for much more from this trio. To learn more about LA Phantoms : Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559706162429 *All photos by Gary Governale www.governalephotovideo.com Zenfolio | Home I have been working as a video professional since 1993, with a wide range of experience writing, producing, directing, shooting and editing. A strong interest in videography, specifically lighting and composition, led me to photography in 1998. Rapidly changing technology has blurred the line between video and photography, allowing me to work in both mediums.. Baton Rouge, LA, United States www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90's flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

‘Serenity’ possesses a surreal and atmospheric quality that takes you on a soothing journey. < Back Reviews on the Real: Serenity by Nicki Needham Nicole Brice May 12, 2025 Share ‘Serenity’ possesses a surreal and atmospheric quality that takes you on a soothing journey. Today, we’re exploring the latest release from Louisiana-based singer-songwriter Nicki Needham . She has become a prominent figure in the local music scene, thanks to her remarkable talent, unwavering drive, and exceptional work ethic. Nicki is frequently performing and has taken the stage at numerous music festivals throughout the state, including Festival Internationale and Fête du Void . Released May 8, 2025 Released on May 8, 2025 , ‘ Serenity ’ possesses a surreal and atmospheric quality that takes you on a soothing journey. I always listen to new songs with headphones to fully immerse myself in the rich textures and layers of the music, and this release was no different. The official music video for 'Serenity' by Nicki Needham. The opening of ' Serenity ' is hauntingly beautiful, filled with soul and depth. It leads into one of the most soothing and captivating voices I've ever heard, giving me chills from start to finish. Nicki’s voice reminds me of American singer-songwriter Anna Nalick , whose music was the soundtrack to my endless drives to and from Hammond during college. The mixing of this track is flawless, and the production quality is exceptional. Nicki’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone searching for themselves amidst the world's chaos. She encourages listeners to take time for self-reflection and to discover their own serenity. The spoken word segment at the end of the song is particularly noteworthy; I closed my eyes and felt myself slipping into a semi-meditative state. As ' Serenity ' concludes, it erupts into a powerful chorus filled with emotion. It truly is a rollercoaster of a song! The track ends on such a high note that it leaves you wanting more. No joke—go stream ‘ Serenity ’ now, and you can thank me later. Look for a full EP release from Nicki Needham in the fall of 2025, too. To learn more about Nicki Needham: YouTube: Nicki Needham - YouTube Website: www.nickineedhammusic.com Facebook: Facebook Instagram: Nicki Needham (@nickineedhammusic) • Instagram photos and videos Spotify: Nicki Needham | Spotify Apple Music: ‎Nicki Needham - Apple Music www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Reach out to us at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

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

If you’re looking for a catchy sing-along chorus, this song delivers. < Back Reviews on the Real: Who Told You by XIII Minutes Reimagined J. Heist Sep 13, 2025 Share If you’re looking for a catchy sing-along chorus, this song delivers. In today's review, we explore the Christian Nu Metal/Alternative band XIII Minutes as they breathe new life into an old favorite. Their song ' Who Told You ' is a powerhouse anthem within the genre, combining soothing sensations with chunky metal riffs, and this new reimagined version is available now . Released August 15, 2025 Released on August 15, 2025 , and originally featured on their 2019 album Obsessed , XIII Minutes offers a modern twist to this classic track. While the original version has a rawer sound, this updated rendition incorporates synth, effects, and a new vocalist, resulting in a more polished and fuller experience . True to Nu Metal style, ' Who Told You ' boasts dynamic elements reminiscent of bands like Sevendust and Tetrarch . If you're looking for a catchy sing-along chorus, this song delivers—learn the words and let the uplifting message resonate with you. XIII Minutes presents the gospel in a way that feels energizing, almost as if it could get Jesus in the mosh pit . Turn up your speakers and let the frequencies send chills down your spine. Official lyric video for 'Who Told You' ' Who Told You ' will transport you to another dimension before it concludes, leaving you wanting more. If you enjoy this genre of music, be sure to give it a listen! Peace, love, and music -J Heist To learn more about XIII Minutes: Spotify: XIII Minutes | Spotify Apple Music: ‎XIII Minutes - Apple Music YouTube: XIII Minutes Band - YouTube www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com J. Heist is the man when it comes to reviewing music. He hosts a podcast called Backstage 504 in addition to going through tons of submissions. Got something for him? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

A look at the recent sci-fi flick "65" < Back Adam Driver Fights Off Dinosaurs in All His Action-Hero, Gun-Slinging, Life-Saving Glory Keeley Brooks May 24, 2023 Share A look at the recent sci-fi flick "65" I’m a fan of most movie genres and will pretty much watch anything— most anything, even when everyone else says, “Hey, that sucks.” I don’t care. I want to see for myself. That was the case with Adam Driver’s latest film, 65 . It has mixed reviews from critics and audiences and has a Rotten Tomatoes score of 35% with an audience review score of, oddly enough, 65%. I happened to like it, and here’s why. 65 is a science fiction action thriller written and directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods--both of whom wrote for A Quiet Place and A Quiet Place II --starring Adam Driver (I shouldn’t have to do this, but I will: Star Wars: The Force Awakens ) and young actor Ariana Greenblatt ( Love and Monsters ). Driver is a space pilot living on the planet Somaris with his wife and sick child. Needing money to treat her illness, he decides to undertake a two-year expedition transporting human colonists to a new world when disaster strikes and a mass of asteroids pummels his ship down to an unknown planet, which is revealed to be Earth—65 million years ago, during the Cretaceous period. You know what that means? Dinosaurs. Giant, flesh-eating dinosaurs. Upon the crash, Driver, known as Mills, realizes his ship is damaged beyond repair, and he is the only survivor. He thinks about committing suicide but ultimately decides against it after he discovers one lone little survivor from the human colonist transport, a young girl named Koa. Because of their language barrier (and a broken translator), the two struggle to communicate. With Driver at the helm, their struggle is most endearing. Mills later discovers that a functioning escape shuttle from his ship has landed on top of a mountain, so he is hell-bent on getting there. Koa, however, scared and lost without her family, does not want to leave. In an effort to spare her pain and heartache, Mills lies to her and indicates her family is on top of the mountain waiting for her; in reality, they died in the crash. As the two set out towards the mountain amidst the treacherous landscape, they discover they are not alone as they endure one harrowing situation after another to reach their destination. Will they make it? That’s the question guiding this story. credit: Sony Pictures The planet is home to huge, dangerous, very aggressive dinosaurs, and when the dinosaurs become aware of Mills and Koa’s presence, the hunt is on. As Mills works to protect them from harm, he and Koa begin to form a sweet little bond that carries them through their journey. Here's a quick rundown. Mills and Koa are attacked by a large quadrupedal theropod ; later, a rockfall separates them and Mills is attacked by an Oviraptor while Koa is attacked by a raptor -like creature, which she traps in a fallen tree longs and uses bombs Mills gave her to kill the beast. credit: Sony Pictures Mills kills the Oviraptor on his ass and escapes its cave, but then he falls into quicksand while frantically searching for Koa, who shows up at the last minute to save him. And lastly, as they continue their trek up the mountain, Mills notices a massive asteroid (whose debris crashed the ship they were on) heading right for Earth and realizes they have less than 12 hours before it hits and triggers a catastrophic extinction event. credit: Sony Pictures I won’t tell you what happens next, because you need to watch it for yourselves, but I will tell you that their dinosaur-fighting days are not over, as the duo face two Tyrannosaurus rex AND the same quadrupedal theropod from earlier. Oh, and you’re gonna want to stay tuned after the credits roll, because there’s a little treat there. credit: Sony Pictures While, yes, the story might have some plot holes and whatnot, overall, it really is a good movie to tune into on a rainy day if you have nothing to do. Just watch it for what it is and appreciate the art behind it. If you come out saying this movie is bad, it’s because you sat down to watch it with expectations and pre-conceived notions equivalent to a different, perhaps larger-scale sci-fi movie. On some level, 65 is devoid of all the action that accompanies multiple character arcs in a big budget flick, but that doesn’t matter. There’s enough going on here in this story to keep you entertained and drawn in. The effects, largely dependent on old school cinematic techniques like camera and editing or sound and visual effects—even dramatic performance and questions of what’s really happening behind the dialogue—were fantastic, in my opinion. Beck and Woods do a solid job of bringing in fear of the unknown and of being hunted by using certain sound effects combined with the art of suggestion to drive moments of danger and curiosity. The terrain is breathtakingly terrifying to witness, as Earth is rife with clumps of tornadoes and acid-spewing geysers, as well as tons of chill-inducing prehistoric creatures. While you might be expecting those big-budget effects like you saw in Jurassic Park , you must detach from those expectations to watch this movie. It relies heavily on what you don’t see to drive the suspense of what is happening and to heighten our fear of what could be, and that is where this film (and story) shines. It also navigates very well the relationship between Mills and Koa as people, as friends, as provider and dependent, as adult and child, and as two human beings who experienced something deeply traumatic together and forged a bond from survival. So, overall, do I recommend 65 as a weekend watch? You’re damn right I do! It’s curious, it’s exciting, it has its heartwarming moments, and we get a decent resolution. The acting is also pretty good, and the end left me wanting to know more about Mills and Koa and what happens next. You will not feel like you’ve just wasted 93 minutes of your time, I promise … unless you’re a film snob, then you might feel differently. But don’t be a snob! Art is meant to be experienced. 65 is currently available on Video on Demand, Prime Video, and Roku and will eventually be streaming on Netflix, but as of yet, there is no stream date available. It’s worth the rental fee, though. Enjoy the third age of being stranded in the Mesozoic Era! 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

Ventruss creates a sound that defies categorization < Back Ventruss: An Orchestration of Dedication, Creativity, and Passion Chris Pryor Aug 18, 2023 Share Ventruss creates a sound that defies categorization In the heart of Louisiana’s music scene, an orchestration of dedication, creativity, and unwavering passion resounds through the ranks of the alternative metal band known as Ventruss. Behind the electrifying riffs and soul-stirring vocals lies a band that has honed is musical prowess and perfected the art of collaboration and resilience. Formed in 2012, Ventruss has seen numerous line-up changes over the years, but that doesn’t stop them from releasing new music and touring. A recent phone interview with BJ Davidson, Ventruss’ drummer and driving force, provided an insightful glimpse into the band’s journey, challenges, and aspirations. Ventruss is taking the stage on August 19, 2023 to perform at Rad Fest 2023 at Parc International in downtown Lafayette, Louisiana, and is the sixth band in our installment of interviews with all acts on the bill. Credit: Facebook Navigating the intricate tapestry of metal music, these veteran musicians have crafted a distinctive sound that defies easy categorization. The band has gracefully melded these elements with alternative metal, creating a sonic landscape that captivates and enthralls listeners. The band’s dedication to musical excellence remains unwavering and BJ Davidson shared insights into their evolution over the past decade. From their early days in Louisiana’s local scene to their emergence as a regional force to be reckoned with, Ventruss continues to forge ahead with no signs of slowing down. Credit: Facebook One of Ventruss’ defining attributes is their ability to seamlessly navigate the challenges that often plague many bands: finding and maintaining the right line-up. BJ candidly discussed the uphill battle of locating committed, like-minded musicians and how their continuous pursuit of synergy has shaped the group’s identity. With a keen emphasis on respecting one another’s artistic input and maintaining strong interpersonal bonds, Ventruss exemplifies the delicate balance between artistic collaboration and personal relationships. Read on to learn more! MaM : So, let's have a conversation about the group to give fans and maybe some of those who don't know Ventruss some background info. BJ : The band was formed in 2012. I'm the drummer in the band and on lead vocals, we have Ben Jewell, who's one of the founders of the band. Shawn Saizan is our lead guitar player. Jake "Big Chug" Chenevert-he's our bass player, and we've got Jesse Newman on rhythm guitar and backup vocals. MaM : I know you said you weren't in the band for the first three years, but in the past seven years, tell me how it has evolved, and has y'all's vision for this group changed in any way? BJ : Oh yeah, definitely. I'll say you can hear the band's prgression if you listen from our first album to our second album and then to our newest album that we put out a few years ago. We're also about to go record a new song next month. So, you can steadily hear our progression as a band and a lot of that stems from, I think, the different people we've had in and out of the band over the years. Just us growing up, getting better at our instruments and as individuals, and everybody in the band, I think, has different influences. So, I feel like we're a band that you really can't put in just one block or one category or genre of metal because there are all kinds of different types of metal. One thing about us that I've always loved is the fact that some of our earlier work wasn't quite heavy metal. It was more on the alternative rock/metal side of music. But then as we've progressed over the years, we've gotten a lot more technical and heavier. We've started tuning our guitars lower and trying different things like that. So, it's like we always evolve in different ways-and the sounds and influence also. Every member's input is always welcome. Our approach to songwriting might be a little different, which is also another reason why I think it takes us longer to write material. In 10 years, we put out three albums and we only have about 17 original songs in our entire catalog, but all of our songs are of excellent quality from start to finish. We really focus on the music and the parts; we really try to build the parts up to get as much out of them as we can. So, our approach to writing is a little different than the other bands in that way, I think. I joined the band seven years ago; the band hadn't had a steady drummer for a while. So as soon as I joined the band we [rehearsed], we started playing shows...left and right. Then we were really, really getting noticed, and any time a big national touring metal band or act came through the big music venues, like the House of Blues in New Orleans or the Varsity Theater in Baton Rouge , Southport Hall in New Orleans , they were calling us. So that really helped us out a lot with our notoriety and getting discovered. We've since stopped playing locally so much and started focusing on traveling and touring after we released our second album. Credit: Facebook MaM : Well, it sounds like you guys got it going on. What are some of the biggest obstacles you've had to overcome as a group? BJ : The biggest obstacle I would say we've had to face, and I'm sure that many bands if not all bands, have had to face this: finding the right people to join your band and stay dedicated. That's one of the hardest things to do. MaM : I totally agree with that righ there. You know, to me that is the biggest thing. It's finding not only incredible musicians but also ones who are willing to put in the work. BJ : Exactly. It's a financial thing. It's a mentality. It's a commitment. It's musical equipment. It's all these things that go into this to make this work and you really got to have that special blend of people that, when they perform together, have that good chemistry. I'll never forget this: One time, Sevendust ... said in an interview ... that picking your bandmates is a very crucial part because you're going to be, if you get to that level, traveling and touring, spending all this time with these guys in very close quarters. So, you know, if you've got an asshole type of personality in your band, it's only going to amplify and get worse when you're traveling and touring around, so you got to keep that in mind. It doesn't matter how good you are or who you are if you're not personable and polite and you don't respect people's time. Credit: band's website MaM : So, we've been through the good, we've been through some of the trials and tribulations of trying to find musicians, keep musicians, and get the right caliber of guys in your group. Now you're looking at your big picture, which is what for this group? What's your endgame? Where do you see this thing in the five years or so? BJ : I feel like now our plan is to just keep writing good music that we love and just keep continuously on the grind. We've been on the grind for 10 years now. It's a big cycle that comes in waves. You've got the creative waves where you're creating your albums. In the next five years, we plan to grow, but like I said, every member's voice is always heard in this band. We all run the show and we all have different areas that we specialize in. We all kind of have different roles and responsibilities that help us keep everything moving along. MaM : Well, let me ask you this: I know with three albums and 17 songs, it's probably tough to pick a favorite, but if you had to, which would you say is Ventruss' best song - your signature song? BJ : If I had to pick one song from our whole catalog, I would probably say our song "Talladega" is it. That's also our best-performing song on Spotify and Apple Music. It's been out a couple of years and if somebody wants to hear what we are as a band of interest, I always point to that song because it showcases the best of all of us and what we can do. It's aggressive and fast and in your face, but there there are some parts that are not so in your face. And then vocally, you've got good vocal melodies, clean singing and those nasty gut-wrenching screams. So, there's a good contrast there from start to finish. MaM : So, I watched the video for "Talladega" and that's a cool video. I mean, you've got the fast cars on the track. I like that; I'm a NASCAR fan. Is that the kind of direction you all were trying to go with this video? BJ : Yes and no. I'll say that the music video shoot was fun. That was the first time our bands got to do a high-budget type of film. We've done music videos prior to that one, but it wasn't quite on the budget and the production if was at that level. [For "Talladega"], we had a whole film crew. We filmed it at the New Orleans Speedway. Our old bass player, Steven, was a huge NASCAR fan and we were just trying to think of a name to call this song and he said, 'Let's just call it 'Talladega' because Talladega was coming up in NASCAR and he was looking forward to watching the race. It was a fast, aggressive song, so it kind of was fitting in that way. And then we wanted to do this fun racing video to go with it. MaM : Is there anything upcoming you guys want to share? Big show announcements, song releases? Just some tidbits you can throw to the fans? BJ : Yeah, we've been writing new material. We hopefully will have one to two new songs, maybe, released by the end of the year, and if not released, then we're definitely trying to have two to three recorded by the end of the year. So, people can be on the lookout for some new music from us in the upcoming months. You might hear us trying some new stuff that might change our sound up, too. MaM : There you go, man. Well then, the last question I've got for you is what can we expect from you at Rad Fest 2023? BJ : We've been around, and our live shows have alwasy been something that has made us stand out. So, you know, any time you see us perform, we're gonna be high energy, in-your-face aggressive. Ben is a hell of a frontman. He's one of the best crowd controllers I've ever seen, especially in the local scene. He's just got something about him when he's up there; he can really draw your attention. And then you've got all of us in the band behind him. Every time I play, and I sit behind my drums, I put on a show myself just on my drum set. You know, I want people at any time in the show when they look at me, if they happen to look at me playing, I want them to feel what I'm playing and be entertained. If you see us at Rad Fest 2023, you will be entertained. Credit: Icon Photography As Ventruss stands on the brink of new horizons, the band's future promises continued growth and musical exploration. Guided by a meticulous work ethic and a profound respect for their craft, they are gearing up to release fresh material that embodies their ever-evolving sound. In the face of adversity and industry challenges, Ventruss remains an embodiment of dedication and a testament to the unbreakable sprirt of music. Be sure to catch them at Rad Fest 2023 or check them out via one of their links below. Website : www.ventrussmusic.com Facebook : www.facebook.com/Ventruss Instagram : Ventruss (@ventruss_official) • Instagram photos and videos Twitter : Profile / X (twitter.com) YouTube : youtube.com/channel/UCXIH1_IqS_TKSgVwbnFg2mw Spotify : Ventruss | Spotify *Cover photo - www.ventrussmusic.com Christopher Pryor is a multi-talented Renaissance man who currently fronts the Louisiana-based band Chris Pryor & The Main Event. He loves to listen to new music and give his opinions. 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

‘Road Dog’ is a toe-tapping, finger-snapping, and hand-clapping tune full of rhythm. < Back Reviews on the Real: ‘Road Dog’ by Jared Daws is a Gritty Anthem for the Highway Wanderer Nicole Brice Mar 21, 2025 Share ‘Road Dog’ is a toe-tapping, finger-snapping, and hand-clapping tune full of rhythm. Southern-based artist Jared Daws has released a new track titled ‘ Road Dog .’ This spirited song, which debuted on March 14, 2025 , is filled with rhythm that makes you want to tap your toes, snap your fingers, and clap your hands. The track begins with a hauntingly beautiful instrumental guitar melody and evolves into a strong rhythm once the lyrics come in. Jared's vocal delivery gives me chills due to the power of his voice. As the song progresses, a noticeable groove develops, and Jared's vocals become increasingly soulful and poignant. Once the tempo picks up, it doesn't slow down. I found myself nodding my head the entire time I listened to this song. As the tune begins to fade, the pace slows down, with Jared delivering the final words: "I'm a road dog." Produced by Pat Lyons of Colter Wall 's band and featuring Greggory Garner of Sam Barber 's band on bass and Matty Myers of Sierra Ferrell 's band on drums, ' Road Dog ' celebrates the open road's enduring charm and a traveling musician's life. Rooted in classic country music, it captures the essence of a nomadic lifestyle that resonates with many of us, both musically and lyrically. This is a solid tune you must hear, and I am absolutely in love with it. Released March 14, 2025 - click to listen Don't miss out on the experience of ' Road Dog .' Stream it today and discover why I'm so enamored with this track. I guarantee you'll love it as much as I do. The official music video is also out today via YouTube . Check it out! Official video for 'Road Dog' by Jared Daws To learn more about Jared Daws: Jared Daws | Instagram, Facebook, TikTok | Linktree www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Disfigured in Eternity is out NOW! < Back Vatic Decryption Releases First EP Nicole Brice Oct 5, 2022 Share Disfigured in Eternity is out NOW! Vatic Decryption has released their long awaited and much anticipated first EP and it does not disappoint. With the opening track, the fierce sound hits you right in the cojones for a musical journey that is best enjoyed LOUD and with the volume turned all the way up. Vatic Decryption is a Death Metal band based out of Baton Rouge, LA and comprised of Jacob Meche (vocals), Carl Coates (Guitar / Bass), and Mike Poole (drums). To check out their first EP, head on over to https://vaticdecryption.bandcamp.com/. Artwork by Tata Kumislizer Recording and Production: Recorded at StudioDudio -Engineered by Brian Domingue and Connor Guiberteau -Mixed and Mastered by Connor Guiberteau 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

Finally getting the treatment it deserves in a gorgeous new edition from Criterion Collection < Back Chilly Scenes of Winter: The Cult Classic Returns from Obscurity Shaun Corley Jul 27, 2023 Share Finally getting the treatment it deserves in a gorgeous new edition from Criterion Collection Chilly Scenes of Winter , directed by Joan Micklin Silver , is a romantic comedy—of sorts. On the surface, it has all the trappings of a rom-com: Man meets woman and quickly falls in love with her; the woman does not return the affections, leading the man to try and win her over. This plot has been done to death in movies, but Chilly Scenes of Winter elevates itself above the crowd by subverting tropes every step of the way. Hard to come by, the film has been released in a gorgeous new edition from the esteemed Criterion Collection. Chilly Scenes of Winter , based on the Ann Beattie novel of the same name, focuses on love, marriage, and 1970’s lifestyles. The film had a somewhat checkered production history. As recounted on one of the disc’s splendid special features, producers and actors Mark Metcalf ( National Lampoon’s Animal House ), Amy Robinson ( Julie & Julia ), and Griffin Dunne ( This Is Us ) purchased the film rights to the novel. Micklin, who had read the novel and heard the trio had procured the film rights, asked to direct, and they said yes. Released initially through United Artists in 1979 under the less-than-creative title Head Over Heels , the film was a commercial flop. Part of this can be attributed to United Artist’s indifference to the film, as well as meddling from studio executives. United Artists also were not sure how to market the film, running an ad campaign that portrayed it as a zany romance story—and it is anything but. However, in 1982, United Artists—through their new United Artists Classics line—decided to give Chilly Scenes of Winter another try. The film’s original producers, as well as Micklin, were given the chance to make the movie they wanted but were unable to in 1979, and all they had to do was cut the original ending. This new version of the movie was much more successful with critics and has become a cult film. Boutique label Twilight Time released a Blu-ray edition in 2017, which is now out of print; the film has never streamed on any major services either. Thankfully, the Criterion Collection has come to the rescue, saving Chilly Scenes of Winter from obscurity by giving it the loving treatment it deserves. On the back of the package, Criterion calls Chilly Scenes of Winter an “anti-romantic comedy,” and that is an apt description. Charles (John Heard, of Big and Home Alone ), is a civil servant living in Salt Lake City. He meets Laura (Mary Beth Hurt, of Lady in the Water ) while at work and becomes smitten with her, as she is temporarily separated from her husband. Over the next few weeks, Charles and Laura develop a relationship that comes to an end when Laura decides to return to her husband Ox, played by producer Mark Metcalf. Charles cannot accept the relationship is over, or that it was even much to start with, and becomes obsessed with her to a point modern audiences may find a little uneasy to accept. It is a testament to Heard’s acting that viewers can still find a shred of sympathy for Charles, even when he is clearly in the wrong. Part of Chilly Scenes of Winter ’s appeal is that practically everyone has been in a situation where they were in love with someone who did not reciprocate. Charles is in love with Laura; Laura, on the other hand, is still uncertain about her place in the world after leaving her husband. Laura is confused, as is Charles—he cannot see their relationship is doomed from the start. Mary Beth Hurt plays Laura perfectly and viewers can see, even in their most loving and passionate moments, a spark of uncertainty about her, as if she is not 100 percent into this relationship. The film’s original ending skewed this ambiguity, opting for something more palatable to mainstream audiences. When Chilly Scenes of Winter was re-released in 1982, the original ending was cut, giving the film a still somehow more satisfying conclusion. Criterion has included the original ending as part of its supplementary features, allowing viewers to make up their own minds on which one is better. Other supplements on the disc include new interviews with Chilly Scenes of Winter ’s production team, as well as a 2005 interview with Mecklin. The two features complement each other well and are a joy to watch, as the creative teams behind the movie share their tragedies and triumphs working on it. The film was clearly a labor of love on the part of everyone in front and behind the camera, and it shows both in the finished product and the disc’s supplemental features. Forty-four years after its first release, Chilly Scenes of Winter continues to resonate with audiences. Its themes are universal, and they continually topple tropes of the romantic comedy genre. Its DNA can be found in movies such as High Fidelity, Her , and many other subversive romantic comedies. Long hard to find, the Criterion Collection has brought it back into print in an amazing new edition, which you can find here . 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

How a local Louisiana comedian found his craft in laughter to help overcome anxiety. < Back Don’t Freak Out! It’s Just Jeff Vance, Everybody! Kimberly Bryant Jan 28, 2025 Share How a local Louisiana comedian found his craft in laughter to help overcome anxiety. I’ve known Jeff Vance for a long time. We go back to… dang, okay, definitely before 2010; I can tell you that much when we both worked together at a call center slinging “knock-your-socks-off” service to the hundreds of callers we fielded daily. But the one thing that stood out the most to me about him, like a shiny new nail peeking out of some plywood (fun analogy, right? —I tried), was that he was a DJ in his free time. The everyday nine-to-five grind of the monotonous routine is unentertaining to me… but that was! Very! You see, but that still wasn’t quite it. Jeff was hilarious. I remember purposely intersecting him in the hallways to see what he would say to make me laugh so loud that I would irritate my co-workers. For me to do that, you have to have a gift. For me to seek talent, it’s because I see talent. So, I’ve always felt like Jeff would be on a stage somewhere, if not on television. Fast forward to many years later, and I’m still tracking Jeff’s moves on social media to see that he’s doing it. He found his way into the entertainment industry through acting—via theater, then dinner theater eventually became comedy. That happened when Vance conversed with a fellow actor one evening and figured another stage wouldn’t hurt at all. But one thing Jeff could tell you is that, in the beginning, it wasn’t exactly a King Cakewalk; it was tough. Sometimes, the comedian was met with comments such as “Please quit comedy and go back to the grocery store,” he tells me. At the same time, we munch on cheese and laugh while filming The Pop Culture Green Room podcast episode at Rind Specialty Cheese and More in Hammond, Louisiana (if you’re in town, GO!). But that didn’t last long. Soon, the jitters would simmer down, and he became more comfortable. But as soon as it got his groove, life happened. He quit comedy in 2009, raised his kids, and returned to comedy when COVID hit… and Lunchbox Comedy was born. Credit: Facebook In 2022, Jeff began to rally the troops, consisting of his comedy friends. But the big challenge was luring them to a place called Gonzales, Louisiana . “Uh, where?” Yep, that’s what he was met with. Luckily, they trusted Jeff’s judgment, and the rest is history. Lunchbox Comedy has grown, currently touring Mississippi, Florida, and Louisiana . Jeff still gets overwhelmed with how far he’s come. I was utterly shocked when I discovered something about him that I wasn’t unaware of. Didn’t even have a clue. It could’ve fooled me, yet it also made sense. He suffers from anxiety. Major anxiety. Credit: Kimberly Bryant I had gone with my friend Elizabeth and her mom to catch a show at Deadbeat Brewing in Hammond (also a fun spot) with Jeff opening for TanyaLee Davis . He began his routine so bravely while being blinded by the light, and one of the first things he said was that he has anxiety. It stopped me in my tracks. Then I thought about it. I’ve read before that comedy can be a coping still for anxiety. Maybe it’s because I figured a small laugh for yourself or at a friend, but I didn’t think about putting yourself on display. That’s… being vulnerable. That takes guts. I would’ve never known. Jeff doesn’t stop. He goes after what he wants, and he found his way into promoting Lunchbox Comedy on news circuits, on tour, on stage, and in front of people. In front of people. People staring. In silence. My heart was pounding, and my palms were getting clammy. That kind of anxiety… and comedy helps him through it. Credit: Facebook Jeff Vance knows that not every day will go the same, but he also pushes through the difficult moments in his career. He has his bag of tricks, bits, and improv handy. It helps that he has accredited comedians on his touring circuit, so knowing that the support is close by helps ease the anxiety. One of the main reasons I wanted to grab Jeff for this interview is his hard work ethic, his never quitting, and his showing that you can still go after your dreams even with anxiety. Not only is Jeff a comedian, he’s also a producer as well. He wears all kinds of hats, I tell ya! I’m sure I’m missing something else he does. And I have to say, I’m very proud of my friend. Be sure to check out anything that Jeff Vance does. You can thank me later. To learn more about Jeff Vance and Lunchbox Comedy: Lunchbox Comedy | Facebook Facebook Jeff Vance Comedy LA - Live Stand-Up Comedy in Louisiana *cover photo - 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

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. 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 . 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The Jim Parker Songwriter Series is a monthly event at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville, Alabama. < Back Off the Charts: Jim Parker’s Songwriter Series Bud Gambrell May 13, 2024 Share The Jim Parker Songwriter Series is a monthly event at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Hello all! Welcome back to Off The Charts! The Von Braun Center in Huntsville, AL, hosts a monthly music event called Jim Parker’s Songwriter Series . Jim Parker, a Huntsville favorite, hosts this exclusive event. May’s edition of the Songwriter Series saw the event moving from its usual location of the VBC Playhouse to Mars Music Hall, also located in the VBC. I saw this as a unique opportunity to introduce you, the reader, to this intimate listening room-type event and maybe a couple of songwriters you may not be familiar with. For those unfamiliar with Jim Parker , Jim came to the North Alabama area from Nashville, Tennessee, and has been a songwriter for over 50 years. Having co-written songs with many award-winning artists, Jim's journey is the heart of the Songwriter Series. He began the Series in 1985, showcasing hit songwriters from Nashville, Muscle Shoals, Atlanta, Canada, and other surrounding areas. My journey with Jim Parker began in 1985 while working at a local television station. Jim would often drop by for interviews to promote the Songwriter Series. Over the years, our paths have crossed numerous times, and I have even had the honor of photographing the series on two occasions. This personal connection has allowed me to understand the event and its significance better. Before this most recent May 10, 2024, showcase, I pulled Jim aside and got some insight into this entertaining event. Take a moment to read more below. OTC : Jim, tell me about the origins of the songwriter series. JP : Well, I came from Nashville. I moved to Nashville in 1975, played all the listening rooms there, and wrote songs with Jon Anderson and other fine songwriters. Then, after getting off the road with Dave and Sugar , I moved here because we were raising the family, and I wanted to get off the road. So, my wife got me into real estate in Nashville. I got my license in 1979. We started having babies, and she was out there selling real estate with the baby on her chest, and it wasn't working out too well. So, I just had to take over, thinking that was a trick. I think she tricked me. After being in Madison, AL, from 85 to 87, I was standing before my beautiful wife, weeping like a child because I was not fulfilled by what I was doing. It was a business. And it is emotional, but it's not that creative. I can write a creative contract, but that's not like writing a creative song. She said, well, take some time off. I took two months off and regurgitated everything that was built up, and I told her that I would start my songwriting career here in beautiful Alabama. Then I was playing at the Bluebird in Nashville, and it just happened that Steve Maples, who runs this complex, was there with his son-in-law, who was also a songwriter. And I mentioned I'm looking for a home in Madison, AL. He approached me and said you ought to come and check me out. Let's talk about bringing it to the Von Braun Center. It took me a few days to get around to it because every day you take off from real estate, you're behind two or three days. So, I caught up with him, and he said, bring it here. That was 19 years ago, and we're still doing it. And we're very pleased with what's happening. I have some of the most exceptional songwriters in the world and some of the best songs you could ever hear on the radio. They're just too good! Credit: Bud Gambrell OTC : Why do you do it? JP : Well, it's a genetic disorder, and it's terminal. Creativity is a weird thing. You do it because you cannot keep from doing it, and it's a constant conflict because you may be having a conversation, and somebody says something, and you want to write it down, so you have to excuse yourself. I had a furniture guy who was trying to sell me a sofa. I said, “Man, that's expensive. You wouldn't cheat me, would you?” He said “No, man, I'll cheat you right.” I say, “Excuse me a minute.” I had to go write that down. So that's kind of how it happens. And I do it because the only cure for this disease is more of it. I can't visualize my life without music. Credit: Bud Gambrell OTC : What are you trying to accomplish? JP : I've already accomplished everything. I've recorded with an orchestra, I've got a song cut by Mark O'Connor, who's brilliant, and I have a bunch of cuts by Billy Droze. We're doing a country record for him now, and I can't tell you who's producing it, but it's a big producer. I've accomplished everything and written hundreds and hundreds of great songs, which've been cut by many great people. John Anderson cut Chicken Truck in 1980. I’ve been writing to him, and we wrote to him about two months ago. So, it's just a process. I must keep doing it. Credit: Bud Gambrell OTC : Tell me about tonight. JP : We're here at the Mars Music Hall. I've got Brent Moyer, Tim Styles, and Bob Tobin. I met them down at the Frank Brown International Songwriter Festival. I've been doing that for about 15 years, and I just picked the guys I like to sit with who write good songs and tell good stories. In addition to chatting with Jim Parker, I was able to chat with one of the performers of the showase, Tim Styles , too. Check out our conversation below. OTC : Tell me a little bit about who Tim Styles is. TS : Well, I'm a singer-songwriter from New Mexico, but I've lived all over the country. The first time I went to Nashville, I was 14 years old, and so I've been running the roads ever since. I never did grow up. Credit: Bud Gambrell OTC : What does something like this, a singer-songwriter series, mean to you? TS : It means to me that people want to listen. I've spent so much of my time fighting crowds at bars. They don't want to listen, which is OK too. I know everyone wants to have a good time. But when songwriting is really my passion and when people are willing to sit and listen to stories, I get to delve into that part of myself. That's nice. It's the other side of being just an entertainer. You can be a storyteller. Credit: Bud Gambrell OTC : So, you consider yourself a modern-day troubadour. For someone who doesn't know what that means, tell me what you consider a modern-day Troubadour. TS : I'm a performing songwriter, another way to say it. I don't just write songs and sing. I like to perform my original music—like a Kristofferson kind of thing, you know. I can also perform my own music and put my own spin on it. OTC : So, you mentioned Kris Kristofferson . I'm assuming he's an influence on you. What are some of your other influences? TS : All the great singer-songwriters like Townes Van Zandt , Guy Clark , and even rock guys like Warren Zevon have been a huge influence on me. Just all the music you pick up along the way, but I always find myself returning to the singer-songwriters. To make the night special for the songwriters, Jim had local artist Don Howard design a caricature of each performer. The caricature of future performers may be produced and sold at shows. Credit: Bud Gambrell OTC : Jim, can you give me a sneak peek into future series? JP : Yeah, I'm doing a Trop rock show on August the 2nd, bringing in Bill Whyte , Darrell Clanton , and Brooke Graham . She's #4 on the Texas Rock Charts, so it's always great people. And in November, Billy Droze and Kentucky Blue will be here with me with his bluegrass band. He'll take the whole stage. OTC : Any other plans in the future for the songwriter series? JP : Sure, 2025, man! I'm working on it now. Yeah, we have dates. Y'all come and see us. You will not be disappointed, and it's a cheap date. Credit: Bud Gambrell If you enjoy the listening room-type experience where you hear the stories behind the songs, I highly recommend you stop by for any future Jim Parker’s Songwriter Series. Like Jim said, you will not be disappointed. Send me an email. Let me know what you think. Also, tell me about any performers you would like to see in future editions. Until next time, Keep your diamond down in the groove! Jim Parker Music Brent Moyer : https://brent-moyer.com/ Tim Styles : https://music.apple.com/us/artist/tim-styles/267070949 Bob Tobin : www.bobtobinmusic.com To reach Bud: Email : the_budgambrell@mixedaltmag.com Bud's sites : bgambrellphotography.com Bud Gambrell Photography Bud Gambrell Photography is a locally owned and operated photography business in North Alabama. Call or email us today for an appointment. www.facebook.com Log in or sign up to view See posts, photos and more on Facebook. Amazon: https://a.co/d/1CLA9Tz Questions or comments? Reach out to mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link