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

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

The power of authentic expression < Back Women Who Rock: Wanda Wesolowski Tim W. Jackson Aug 7, 2023 Share The power of authentic expression Wanda Wesolowski doesn’t particularly sound like a rock star name. The bespectacled, coveralls-wearing, unadorned young woman, still in her 20s, doesn’t necessarily look like a rock star, either. But the North Alabama southern pop rock singer/songwriter/musician is becoming well-known as a talented force in the area’s rich music scene, leading Wanda Band to release its second full-length album, “Only Feeling” , on August 11. As that album prepares to drop, Wanda shared a bit about her success, her sobriety, and her sexuality in a beautifully unassuming and authentic way. Wanda grew up in Huntsville, Alabama, with supportive and musically gifted parents. She explains that her father, Chuck, plays guitar and bass while her stepmother, Jill, is a classical pianist. “We had a music room when I was a kid,” she says. “Guitars on the walls and a drum set and a grand piano. So, I just kind of grew up around that.” She started playing drums and took drum lessons at age 10. “I played snare in marching band and vibraphone, xylophone—all the phones,” she says. Wanda started playing the ukulele and then playing guitar and singing. By the time she was 14, she was gigging every week. Credit: Malachi Byrd “My dad would take me to my gigs, and he would stay the whole time and walk around and listen and kind of let me know what people were saying and give me tips and pointers.” She says that while her parents have always been very invested in what she does, it’s somewhat of a blessing and a curse, “because on the one hand, they're like, ‘Hey, what are you doing today for your music career to happen?’ I'm like, sometimes I'm doing nothing and that's okay,” she says with a laugh. Early on, Wanda was performing covers and even jingles because they were quicker to learn. Eventually she started going to an open mic night in Huntsville that required acts to play originals because the venue didn’t pay its PRO (performing rights organizations) fees. “That was really how I became a songwriter,” she says, “because I wanted to play and I was like, ‘I guess I have to write my own songs if I want to play at this open mic night.’” That was The Foyer, which, as Wanda remembers, “was kind of a golden age in Huntsville that a lot of people still talk about, ‘Remember The Foyer days?’ It was a coffee shop open until two in the morning and was a great hangout for musicians and college students.” In fact, it was at an open mic event in Huntsville where she first met its host, Andrew Sharpe. Wanda explains, “He said, ‘Hey, you're really good. You need a band. I wanna be in your band.’ And then I went in the next week, and he was like, ‘Hey, I got a band together for you. We rehearse on Monday.’ So, I was like, ‘All right, cool.’” And that’s how the Wanda Band was born. A few folks came and went but ultimately the band became a trio with Wanda on guitar and vocals, Andrew on bass, and Nick Recio (Black Jacket Symphony, the Artisnals, and Great Peacock) on drums. Credit: Andrea Belk “We have a lot of laughs and make fun music and it's good,” she says. After its initial album, “ One-Hit” , which was released in late 2020, Wanda Band signed this year with Single Lock Records out of Florence, Alabama, and has released a series of singles leading up to its release of the new album “Only Feeling.” Image Provided by Artist, Album Artwork by Gaby Wolodarski One of those singles, “Reggae Song”, was released in June as part of Pride Month. I want a woman to touch my thighs Who loves to sing and only smokes to get high I want a woman to scream my name She could be anybody, she just has to be gay In this song, Wanda is more explicit about her sexuality, although she says, “I guess a lot of my songs are about queer heartache and that experience and some of my frustrations with living down in the South and being a queer person. I think it's important for me as a woman, a queer artist, to be out and to show that there can be queer joy, there can be queer heartache, and just kind of giving a voice to those who feel the same way and maybe have experienced the same things.” She goes on to say with a laugh, “I definitely think that whether anybody wants it to be or not, all Wanda Band shows are a pride event .” Wanda says she’s been pleased with the reception of “Reggae Song” and the three other singles that have been released ahead of the full album. “I like the idea of giving everybody a little taste pretty relentlessly, like once a month, of our music,” she says. “And then we'll just give them all 12 (songs) for the full release and that will be fun. I'm really excited for everyone to hear the whole thing as a cohesive album.” As for the album, it was recorded with producer and musician Jay Burgess (The Pollies) at his studio in Greenhill, Alabama, which also happens to be the hometown of Jason Isbell . “Once it was done,” Wanda says, “Jay showed it to Ben (Tanner of Single Lock Records in nearby Florence) and Jay asked if Ben could put some stuff on it. So once Ben put all his keys on it, he was like, ‘I really want to pitch this to Single Lock and see if they want to put it out.’ So, they came to us and that was really special to me because it meant that they actually wanted to be involved with it. Using their resources has been extremely helpful and we're really thankful for their support in that way.” It probably doesn’t hurt that Wanda was a student of John Paul White ’s in the music department at the University of North Alabama. White, a noted singer/songwriter in his own right, is a co-owner along with Tanner and others of Single Lock Records. Wanda’s Shoals-area connections paid off in landing her a spot in the 2022 version of ShoalsFest, a musical weekend event brought to the area by Jason Isbell and his team. That was a dream come true,” Wanda says. “When I first moved to Florence, I worked ShoalsFest. I tore down the stage. I stood up on that stage and looked out and I was just like, ‘Now imagine yourself being here next year.’ So just being connected in the Shoals really has helped our career skyrocket in a way that it wouldn't have been able to just sitting in Huntsville.” In addition to the album release, another important date is looming for Wanda. She’s closing in on five years of sobriety. “I just was like ‘I guess if I'm an artist, I need to be troubled,’” she says about her early days of drinking. “As soon as I got out of high school, I just started drinking and smoking and doing a bunch of things I shouldn't be doing because I thought, ‘Oh, this is what it means to be young. This is what it means to be a brooding artist.’ And I took it a little too far and realized after about four years of regular heavy drinking that it wasn't helping me. It was kind of making me hate myself for not pursuing my dreams in the real meaningful way that I wanted to because I was so concerned with drinking and partying and being an artist in that way—and not really focusing on my art.” Credit: Tim W. Jackson She realized, “Some people can casually have a drink or two. I was not one of those people. It was like, as soon as I have a drink I'm blacking out. It was not good and not healthy. So, I finally made that decision (to choose sobriety) and started The Wanda Band like six months later and just really poured myself into my art and my music. In a way, maybe I traded one addiction for another— just being addicted to working on the band. But it was a healthy outlet for me, and it helped me pass the time and gave me a creative outlet that I didn't have when I was drinking all the time.” The focus on music has definitely paid off. The band has gotten more notoriety, and not just because of what has become their trademark coveralls. “I just got a pair of coveralls one day and thought, ‘Hey, I look pretty good.’ And then the boys were like, ‘I wanna wear some coveralls.’ So, our first album release show we got matching coveralls for the event, and we never looked back. We were just like, ‘I guess we're a coveralls band.’ “It's so funny,” she continues. “With the coveralls, I don't have to think about (what to wear). I'm just like, what color do I want to wear today? Sometimes I forget to tell the boys what color to wear and they'll show up to the gig with all of their coveralls in the back of their truck. I like that they're into it. They both work in construction, so it kind of just goes with their aesthetic.” Catch the “coveralls band” in a handful of album release shows in Alabama and the Florida Panhandle, and give the album a listen on your streaming service of choice. And keep your eye on this rising star who stands as a testament to the profound impact of music when it emerges from the heart and soul of a genuine artist and storyteller. Wanda’s dedication to her craft and ability to connect with audiences will ensure her indelible mark on the world of music, reminding us all of the power of authentic expression. For more on Wanda Wesolowski and Wanda Band, visit her below at any of the following links: www.TheWandaBand.com Instagram @TheWandaBand Facebook @TheWandaBand YouTube @WandaBand Spotify @TheWandaBand *Cover photo by Andrea Belk Tim Jackson is a seasoned journalist and author with a penchant for all things dark, macabre, and somewhat sinister. He lives in Tuscumbia, Alabama, with his artist wife and their remote-chewing dog, Maple. www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Yes Fest is Saturday, October 15, 2022 < Back Empowered to play Yes Fest 2022 Nicole Brice Oct 3, 2022 Share Yes Fest is Saturday, October 15, 2022 Baton Rouge natives and Christian Rockers, Empowered are set to take the stage at Yes Fest 2022 along with 7eventh Time Down, Kari Jobe + Cody Carnes, Riley Clemmons, Phil Joel, Ryan Stevenson, and others. Empowered is comprised of Benny DiChiara (lead vocals and songwriting), Shane Madere Jr. (lead guitarist, backing vocalist), Jeff Maddox (bass and background vocals), Mic Capdeville (percussion and background vocals), and Justin Burdette (guitarist and background vocals). Their new EP drops via Slingshot Records on October 7, 2022 and is titled "Yahweh-Nissi". To check them out, visit their Youtube channel. Yes Fest is open to everyone and there will be food, drinks, carnival rides, children's activities, tailgating, volleyball, and corn hole tournaments. For more information: 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

Mayrunner’s music is a melting pot of styles and genres < Back Mayrunner: Thrashing Guitars for a Solid Rock Offering Nicole Brice Aug 14, 2023 Share Mayrunner’s music is a melting pot of styles and genres Mayrunner is an alt-rock band from Lafayette, Louisiana that established its roots in 2014 when Devric Taylor and Hailey LeBlanc were looking to start a project outside of their previous band. A quick search for a drummer to round out the sound led them to Alex Mamolo, and the first incarnation of the band was formed. With numerous line-up changes since, Mayrunner continues to forge ahead and churn out music to define its brand and sound. Currently, the band comprised of Devric Taylor on vocals and guitar, Henry Milliman on bass, Finis Robinson on guiar, and Phil Hardy on drums. Their first album, "Good for What We Are", was released in 2018 to much acclaim and they recently released their much-anticipated follow-up, "Tell Me Where You've Been" on August 4, 2023. It is currently available on all streaming platforms and is 37 minutes of pure enjoyable rock with fuzzy guitars and even some singalong choruses. Released August 4, 2023 Mayrunner excels in crafting beautiful songs that resonate deeply and their lyrics are introspective and thought-provoking, tackling themes of personal growth, love, and human experience. This emotional dept is perfectly complemented by their haunting melodies and harmonic arrangements. With no two songs sound alike, Mayrunner creates music they love, and you can tell these guys truly enjoy the music they play with their captivating sets full of heart. The band members exude an undeniable chemistry and stage presence, and their energetic, passionate performances create an infectious atmosphere, making it impossible for the audienc not to be fully engaged from the first note to the last. With exceptional musicianship, intricate riffs full of depth and richness, and a rhythm section comprised of a tight-knit bassist and a drummer with impeccable timing, the band has a solid foundation. I have no doubt they will continue to gain popularity and success in the music industry. Mayrunner is taking the stage on August 19, 2023, to perform at Rad Fest 2023 at PARC International in downtown Lafayette, Louisiana, and is the fourth band in our installment of interviews with all acts on the bill. We recently chatted with Devric Taylor, the lead voice of the band, where we discussed gear, band history, and everything in between. Sit back and learn a little more about Mayrunner as you make your way through our conversation. Credit: CobraTai Media MaM : Who or what do you attribute to defining your sound? DT : I think there are a lot of different artists that have inspired us as a band collectively, but I know for me some of my earliest influences were Coheed and Cambria and Incubus - pop-punk bands such as Fallout Boy, too, and metal and Midweset emo bands. I would say it's all over the place, though. MaM : Your music is a melting pop of different styles and I really enjoy it. I can definitely tell you were influenced by the late 90's and early 2000's rock scene. DT : Thank you. We all grew up on that kind of music. And you know what? When we were learning how to play our instruments or writing songs, we would revisit the music from those bands that we just were super inspired by, and it helped with the songwriting process. MaM : That's a great way to go about it, too. What influences you to make music? DT : I've been asked that before, and I feel like the best and truest answer I can give is that it gives me a sense of identity. I make music because it inspires me, and I'm inspired to write music based on things that are going on in my life. But also, when I can get into that mindset of writing or being creative, I tend to say things that I don't know if I would have ever thought of just talking to somebody. I'm able to access different parts of my brain when creating and it helps me get to know the real me in the process. Credit: CobraTai Media MaM : How did the name for the band come about? DT : It's funny how it came about because we weren't initially called Mayrunner. We were trying out different names and at the time, it was me and two women in the band. Initially, we were playing on the fact that there were women in the band. We called the band Sons and Daughters. When we added our fourth member, we decided to change it again and we ended up coming up with the name The Sleepless May. I really liked that name for some reason, so I brought the name to the band, and they didn't like it at all, but I really wanted to keep the name May in there because of the sentimental value to it. I had a really good friend of mine that had passed away and he was born in that month. It made a lot of sense to me. For a long time, it was basically me and our original drummer just going back and forth with names. She suggested the name Runner at some point, and I was like, I don't like that because there was a band that I knew called Runner Runner and I just didn't like that. And then I said, I really wanna keep the word May in there, so she said, 'What about May Runner?' And I was like, 'I don't hate that.' So, we talked about it, and we sat on it, and it stuck. We just thought it was a cool pairing of words, though. MaM : I mentioned earlier about your sound being unique and I love that every song is different from the last. And I really do enjoy that. As far as the tones you guys have in your music, do you have specific gear that you use to achieve that sound? DT : Actually, yeah, so if I get all gear nerdy on you, I’m sorry. MaM : No, you're good. I'm a guitar player and I grew up playing piano, so go for it! DT : I’ve played around with a lot of guitars throughout the years. I had an Epiphone Les Paul. I had a Gretsch Electromatic Jet. I even had an Epiphone Black Beauty. There's probably a whole lot more that I can't think of, but I did play around with a few different configurations of guitars and amps. At one point, I found out that I really liked a British tone, too. My thing was, I really wanted a good distortion tone, and this is where influence comes in and it is Incubus related. So, Ben Kenney put out this album called “Burn the Tapes” and he did every instrument himself and he would do these live videos, too, with him playing everything. I would watch him play drums and bass and guitar, and his tone was amazing. He had a forum, and I would go and see what gear he was using and then make a note of it, but I didn’t have the money to get what he was using. Then, a friend of mine when I was in high school, had a Gibson SG, and he was a really talented player, but I'm not gonna lie, I was jealous of how he played, and I didn't exactly want to get a guitar that he played, so I was like, just let me find something else other than that. I then played a Gibson SG guitar at Guitar Center, and I couldn’t deny that it sounded the way I wanted it to, so I bought it and then ended up buying an Orange Amplifier. The natural distortion on that or natural overdrive rather was incredible. It was close to what I wanted, but not fully there. So, I had a tube in my pedal set up for a long time, and I tried different distortions like the Boss Distortion Pedals, but I just could not nail what I was searching for. And then I tried some random pedal, and I paired it with my Tube Screamer. My distortion by itself sounded more like an overdrive than anything, and it was kind of a dry overdrive mixed with the Tube Screamer. For some reason, it popped, and I had the Tube Screamer set in a certain way that it would kind of just crunch up my clean tone from the Orange which was already full sounding and then the SG brought it all together. I'm still playing with that setup to this day. Credit: Band's Facebook MaM : That’s awesome and the SG is a very, very lightweight guitar, very easy to play. That brings me to the next question, what are your plans and future aspirations for the band? DT : We are always thinking about moving forward, but things have changed recently for me. I’ve actually moved out of state. I'm coming back home right now to Lafayette because I’ve got a couple of shows, but then I'm going back and I will be out of the state for the foreseeable future, but we will still be a band, and if things happen with the band in its current state, I really want to get behind it 100% and push it as much as I can from a distance. To experience the music of Mayrunner, hit one of the links below and be sure to catch them at Rad Fest 2023 on August 19, 2023 at PARC International in downtown Lafayette. Facebook : www.facebook.com/mayrunner4 Instagram : Mayrunner (@we_are_mayrunner) • Instagram photos and videos Bandcamp : Music | Mayrunner (bandcamp.com) Tik Tok : Mayrunner (@mayrunner__band) | TikTok Spotify : Mayrunner | Spotify Apple Music : ‎Mayrunner on Apple Music *Band interviewed by Je'an Paul Keller *Cover photo by CobraTai Media - @cobrataimedia - https://www.instagram.com/cobrataimedia/ Nicole Brice is secretly a ninja. It's true. If you have something you think she should check out, e-mail her at the_nicolebrice@mixedaltmag.com . www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

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

Life Øn Mars is a beacon of creativity and musicianship < Back Life Øn Mars: Unleashing Musical Brilliance Nicole Brice Aug 15, 2023 Share Life Øn Mars is a beacon of creativity and musicianship In the vast universe of music, ever so often a band emerges that challenges conventions, defies expectations, and takes us on an extraordinary sonic journey. Enter Life Øn Mars, a metalcore band from Lafayette, Louisiana, with unparalleled creativity. With its beginnings in 2022, the band is currently comprised of Jack Torry on vocals, Brayden McClelland and Max Hellickson on guitar, Ryan March on bass, and Holden Hebert on drums. Credit: provided by band These guys have had a busy year thus far releasing new music both in February and June of 2023 and show no signs of slowing down. With their exceptional musicianship, boundless creativity, and a penchant for pushing the boundaries musically, their evolution as musicians is sure to bring further innovation. Set to perform at Rad Fest 2023 at PARC International in downtown Lafayette, Louisiana, on August 19, 2023, Life Øn Mars is ready to take you on a musical journey that transcends boundaries and is the fifth band in our installment of interviews with all acts on the bill. In an age where conformity and predictability seem to reign supreme, Life Øn Mars emerges as a beacon of creativity and musicianship, and we can’t wait to hear more from them. Powerful vocals with tight production round out the sound for this band. We know you’ll enjoy their music as much as we do. We recently reached out to the band to learn a little more about them and were able to connect with guitarist Max Hellickson. Take a moment to learn a little more about Life Øn Mars and then be sure to catch their set at Rad Fest on Saturday, August 19. MaM : I see 2023 has been a busy year for you. Your single “Vandal” was released in February 2023 and then your newest single, “Whitewall,” was released June 16, 2023. How do you feel about the year so far? MH : 2023 has been a very productive year for us. We’ve been writing a ton of new music and slowly integrating our new originals into our live set. ‘Vandal’ was the first one and it did pretty well! ‘Whitewall’ was a lot of fun to write and record and one of our favorites to play live. MaM : “Vandal” reminds me of Killswitch Engage with the screams in the beginning that fade to a strong vocal chorus. Who do you cite as your influences both vocally and musically? MH : Collectively the band has a very diverse range of music tastes. We’re big fans of genres like hardcore and modern metalcore, which explains the Killswitch Engage-type sound. Some of us also listen to more ambient and soft genres that inspire us. Some bands we take inspiration from are Alpha Wolf, Knocked Loose, Invent Animate, Wage War, Gojira, Sleep Token, Architects, and plenty of others. Credit: provided by band MaM : What inspires you lyrically? Life happenings or abstract concepts? MH : A bit of both. We pull inspiration from events in our lives that have deeply affected us and try to express them in different ways. We attempt to connect to our listeners and fans in any way possible, and writing lyrics that resonate with them is the best way. MaM : Are there plans to record an EP or an entire album, or do you plan on just continuing to release singles? MH : We are currently in the process of finishing our debut album set to release in early 2024. Credit: provided by band MaM : Give us a brief history behind the band name. Obviously, it speaks for itself, but I’d like to hear your take on it. MH : So, the name just came from us brainstorming band name ideas. Holden came up with the name Life Ø n Mars as a reference to the David Bowie song. Max had the idea of putting the accent on the ‘O’ to make it look like a planet and make it look more original. MaM: How did you hear about Rad Fest and what expectations do you have going into the festival? Will your set list have a few surprises? MH : We heard about Rad Fest from our friends who played the festival last year and we’ve been working really hard this year and then we got invited to play. We are super stoked to be a part of this new Lafayette staple in our scene. It really brings everyone together and we’re excited to be a part of this year's festival. As far as surprises go, we may be debuting a new song set to be on our album. Stay tuned! Credit: provided by band MaM : If you could share the stage with any well-known band in the future, who would it be? MH : A dream show of ours would be to play with Knocked Loose and Alpha Wolf . They have really inspired us. We have also seen both bands a couple of times. MaM : What are the aspirations for the band long term? MH : To make music that people enjoy and to create a live experience that leaves our audiences with memories they will never forget or to inspire those to pick up an instrument or start singing. Music is a powerful thing. We love seeing more people in the scene. To check out the music of Life Øn Mars in preparation for Rad Fest, be sure to hit one of the links below, then show them some love by following them on social media. YouTube : Life Øn Mars - YouTube Instagram : LIFE ØN MARS (@lifeonmarsofficial) • Instagram photos and videos Facebook : www.facebook.com/lifeonmarsofficial Twitter : X (twitter.com) Apple Music : ‎Life Øn Mars on Apple Music Spotify : Life Øn Mars | Spotify 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

A New York Musician taking the World by Storm < Back Cyberattack Rearranges the Electronic Music Scene Nicole Brice May 8, 2023 Share A New York Musician taking the World by Storm Cyberattack is a talented and innovative New York-based musician who is quickly making a name for himself in the electronic music scene. With music that is glitchy and emotionally complex, Cyberattack is the performance name of NYC-based guitarist/songwriter/singer/YouTuber Ivan Anderson. With the use of bright vivid imagery, he makes these incredible music videos that reel you right in, showcasing an imaginary landscape of nostalgia and charm. His latest video, out today May 8, 2023, is for his rendition of the Tom Petty classic “Listen to Her Heart”. Cyberattack has continued to churn out quality content since launching his YouTube channel in 2017 and he shows no sign of slowing down. The new music video for “Listen to Her Heart” is made to look like Ivan has been absorbed into an old-school graphing calculator, with a lot of painstakingly designed lo-fi special effects that must be seen to be believed. The song itself is lovingly hostile to the original Tom Petty source material. The basic idea behind Ivan’s very glitchy treatment of it is that sometimes when you listen to your heart, the message is mystifying and bizarre. The song and the video end up devolving into noisy, nonverbal chaos like a brute-force introduction to the Cyberattack aesthetic and approach to music: glitched out, unapologetic, and, underneath it all, extremely romantic. His previous music video " Fantasy Killer " won Best Music Video in the Bowery Film Festival and was a finalist in the New York Cinematography Awards, New York Movie Awards, Jersey Shore Film Festival, and the Artists Forum of the Moving Image. In addition to Cyberattack, Ivan Anderson has performed, co-written, appeared on records, made videos, or otherwise collaborated with Tim Lefevbre (bassist for David Bowie, Tedeschi Trucks Band, etc.), Rhett Shull, Emily Hopkins, Knobs, Fusilier, SWEET FIX, Mobile Steam Unit, and preston.outatime (aka Preston Parris). Ivan Anderson is a busy dude. Released in 2020, his full-length debut Cyberattack album “Hard Feelings” was produced by Geoff Stanfield (Portugal.The Man, Sun Kil Moon) and is currently available on all streaming platforms. We took a moment to chat with Ivan about his creativity and flair for all things visual. in addition to discussing music in general. Are you looking for an amazing new artist to discover? Look no further. Here’s what Anderson had to say. MaM : Hey Ivan! It is Ivan, right? Not Evan? For some reason, I want to pronounce your name like Ivan Drago from Rocky IV . It was what automatically popped into my brain. (laughs) IA : I love Rocky IV and the character Ivan Drago, so I can tell this conversation is off to a great start. It is pronounced Ivan, though. MaM : Give us a brief background about yourself. I read somewhere that you are from Englewood, NJ. Tell us a little more about that. IA : So, I’m not actually from Englewood, but I am from a town very close to there called Leonia. It’s only a mile or so away from Englewood. Leonia is a very small town. I feel like I grew up in the suburbs of New York, but on the New Jersey side. Those who grew up in New York would have some different feelings about whether that counts or not. I’ve been making music professionally for as long as I can remember. I graduated from college in 2009, and at that time, I was in a band called Sweet Fix and we were a New York band. I had formed the band in college, but after graduation I was just trying to make that band happen, but I still had a day job, too. And, along the way I ended up interning for a music studio and I started doing a bit of session guitar playing, too, along with collaborating with other people, and so I was starting to round out my resume as a professional musician. In 2015, my band broke up, and I was a little freaked out because I had big dreams for that band, so when [we] broke up, I was like, ‘What now”? I was still trying to do the “guitar player for hire” stuff, too, around this time, so I decided to just start my own project—my own band—which I ended up naming Cyberattack. I do have collaborators for the records and other people I use for them, but they’re all hired guys. Cyberattack is truly an Ivan Anderson solo project. Photo from artist social media MaM : Tell us a little more about your YouTube channel. I see you have over 15.7k subscribers. IA : I started the YouTube channel around 2016, along with securing the name for Instagram, etc. I started out by putting some music videos on there that I did. ‘Fantasy Killer’ was one of those early videos. I was still figuring out the look and vibe I wanted, though … like the visual kind of energy of what Cyberattack would be. I love all those weird old video games and the whole retro thing. It’s just insane with all the colors, so I wanted to emulate that. I was sort of figuring out what I wanted as I made the videos and a collaborator friend of mine, John, helped me achieve that. Also, too, during lockdown for COVID, nothing was going on, so I decided to start adding videos to my channel about the guitar pedals I had. I just made a demo video about some of the equipment I had lying around. Those started to catch on better than my music videos. MaM : Your music videos are works of art, man. I’m not going to lie. I went down a rabbit hole on your YouTube channel checking everything out. The videos remind me of playing my old Sega Master System back in the day at my parents’ house. See, I was never the Nintendo chick. My dad got us the Sega because he said it had better graphics. IA : There was like a team identity to all of that. I feel like it was rare for any adult to have any knowledge of anything video game related. That’s awesome that your dad picked the Sega because of better graphics. photo from video for Fantasy Killer MaM : With you being multi-talented, what is your preferred instrument to play? IA : I’m the best at guitar. That’s my high card. MaM : I saw you playing an SG—is that your preferred type? IA : I do like Gibson SG’s, although I feel like there’s just something about my SG. The instrument means a lot to me and is my main recording guitar. I think all SG’s look cool because of the devil horns on them. They’re not trying too hard to be evil looking but have this kind of low-key evil vibe look. I just love the way my SG sounds, though. I really like how it sounds recorded. It just has a basic good tone where when you hear it, you’re like, ‘Yeah, I’ll go with that.’ MaM : Do you own any other guitars? IA : Oh, I have a few. I have a Fender Strat, which I find has a much more specific sound to it, but it’s a sound I like. I also have a custom guitar that was built for me by a guy out in Orangeburg, New York. It’s pretty cool. The shape and design are a little more in your face. It’s got curves and points. It’s definitely a little more out there. It was built by a guy named Alex Glasser with Iron Horse Instruments. The idea was to design Ivan’s dream guitar. It was made after I recorded the first Cyberattack album. It’s become my main guitar. MaM : So, as far as musical influences go, who do you cite in driving you to create? IA : I only vaguely remember this, but my dad used to play the music of Jimi Hendrix all the time. He was a big Jimi Hendrix fan. I connected with his music right away and he just seemed like he was the coolest guy ever. It definitely had a huge impact on me as a kid. His guitar was cool. His approach to music was cool. I just knew that I liked it. As the years went by, though, I started to learn more about music, and I started branching out with what I was listening to. As a teenager was when I started trying to write lyrics and sing. I sort of took on a new approach to caring about music, too, and just sound. MaM : That’s awesome. So, as far as your favorite type of music is concerned, do you have one? What do you listen to in the car when you’re driving around? Do you even need a car to live in New York? IA : I actually do have a car. For gigs and stuff, it comes in handy. I grew up in the suburbs and used to love to drive and it was a huge part of life. Driving in Manhattan is the worst driving experience ever. There are stop lights everywhere and all you do is stop and go constantly … oh, and parallel parking is everywhere. As far as my music taste goes, it’s geared more towards classic rock. You can’t go wrong with the early Van Halen albums featuring David Lee Roth. I love early Metallica. I like a lot of guitar players and classic rock stuff. I’ve liked the same types of music since I was 14 years old, and it has never changed. I feel like that’s how my identity was formed. Photo from artist social media MaM : Tell us a little more about your new music video for “Listen to Her Heart”. IA : Well, that’s the fanciest video we have done yet, and I felt we had to build up to that with the previous videos. I like my videos to capture you for three or four minutes while watching them, but how do you go about that really? I don’t have a lot of money to get these crane shots over a bridge or anything like that, but my buddy John went to film school and he’s the guy who can set up the lights how they need to be and knows all the technical stuff. We usually just rent a studio that has a green screen and then go from there. Photo from the new video for Listen to Her Heart MaM : What made you decide to cover Tom Petty? IA : I picked it mainly just because I like the music of Tom Petty. ‘Free Falling’ was everywhere when I was a kid. You could not go anywhere without hearing that song, including the mall. I was always drawn to what he did vocally, though. I just like the way he sings. He is an incredible lyricist. Photo from the new video for Listen to Her Heart MaM : When you are writing your own song lyrics, where do you draw inspiration from? IA : Lyrics, for me, are by far the hardest thing. I can come up with ideas and melody, but the process of writing lyrics takes a bit. There’s, like, a million voice memos on my phone of me just singing little melodies that I think are good. I put enormous pressure on myself to have the lyrics be what I think are good enough, which makes it that much harder. MaM : So, what’s going on with the new music? Have you even started the writing process? IA : I’m gonna start recording the next Cyberattack album at the end of this year, but before I do, I want to finish making music videos for every song on the first album. And there’s only two left. One is the Tom Petty cover. After that, I will be officially done with the first album cycle, and I can start the recording process for the second album, so stay tuned! - Want to stimulate your eyeballs? Head on over to Ivan’s Cyberattack YouTube channel to experience his creativity in all its colorful glory. Also, be sure to like and follow him on social media to stay up to date on albums and releases. Be sure to check out his brand spanking new video for "Listen to Her Heart" - out NOW ! cyberattack (@cyberattack_world) • Instagram photos and videos Cyberattack - YouTube Cyberattack | Spotify Hard Feelings | Cyberattack (bandcamp.com) Cyberattack | Facebook Cyberattack | creating glitchy music and videos | Patreon www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Nicole Brice is a huge nerd. She loves listening to new music and checking out cool stuff. Want her to check out your creations? Email her at the_nicolebrice@mixedaltmag.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Seven Kings Must Die < Back The Last Kingdom Finally Gets a Sequel Keeley Brooks Mar 16, 2023 Share Seven Kings Must Die I don’t know about you guys, but I’m a movie enthusiast who LOVES to watch anything that has bloody good ass-whooping in it, whether it be John Wick with his “I’m not f**king around” gun fights and bone breaking, Donnie Yen and Michelle Yeoh flying around with their beautiful but deadly martial arts, or Rocky and Ivan Drago duking it out with some hefty punches right to the kisser. Ask the one person who knows me best, and my husband will tell you I get most excited watching depictions of the ancient brutal fighting styles of early tribes like the Vikings, the Danes, the Saxons, and the Gauls—any historical fighting styles prior to the 12th century, really … the kind featuring bad-ass sword fighting, as well as a host of other deadly weapons like fists, teeth, feet, elbows, heads, knees, bow and arrow, axes, knives, spears, and shields, not guns. What can I say? I love blood and gore, and I love the artistic style behind intelligent fighting (and, yes, the savagery). It’s not only entertaining to watch but it's also full of such visceral, raw emotion that a viewer can’t help but feel its effect through familiarity, at least in emotion. If there’s a movie or series featuring early tribes, you can bet I’m watching it. Multiple times. In fact, as I write this article, I’m rewatching all five seasons of The Last Kingdom , and you should, too. Netflix is dropping a sequel to the series next month, so now’s the time to catch up. When Vikings slammed into the History channel, I was glued to every episode, as I’m sure the rest of America was. I was sad when it ended in 2020, but luckily, I had a chance to remain in that era with the final season of The Last Kingdom , which aired on Netflix shortly thereafter in 2021. I missed this series when it hit the streaming giant in 2015, but I was beyond elated to have found it by 2019. In case you haven’t seen it, don’t worry. I’m about to drop some knowledge on you. The Last Kingdom is a fantastic heartwrenching British historical fiction television series based on Bernard Cornwell’s novel of the same name. Cornwell is an English-American historical fiction author with the penchant for writing historical fiction, besides Philippa Gregory, but her focus is different. It’s the first novel in Cornwell’s “The Saxon Stories” series (2004), which tells how the nation of England began under King Alfred the Great. While the series is spectacular, if I do say so myself, it does not follow the books true to form, and that’s due to things like production value and time. Cromwell’s story introduces us to Uhtred of Bebbanburg (aka Uhtred Uhtredsson and/or Uhtred Ragnarsson), who, as an adult, is played by the very delicious Alexander Dreymon ( American Horror Story ), a German-born actor with yummy, good, womanizing looks. As a young Saxon noble, Uhtred is kidnapped by Danish Vikings and raised as a Dane in Ragnar Ragnarsson’s kingdom, but it’s not the same Ragnar you’re thinking. Different time periods. While in captivity, Uhtred is woven into Danish culture, language, and religion for years before a series of events places him in the service of King Alfred of Wessex, played by the very talented David Dawson, whom you may remember from Peaky Blinders . credit: Netflix And don’t worry if you can’t necessarily understand, remember, or pronounce character names throughout the series. I couldn’t either until I put the captions on, and according to interviews Dreymon did with Collider , Winter is Coming , and YouTube , he and most of the cast couldn’t either! While watching, think of season one as a long preface to everything unraveling between seasons two and five and now, beyond. As a side note, if you’re a Succession fan, Shiv’s husband Tom (Matthew Macfadyen) is in the first half of episode one as Uhtred’s father, Uhtred the Elder and Earl of Bebbanburg. So, that’s fun. Uhtred’s entire journey through life is spent fighting to reclaim his ancestral home of Bebbanburg in the Saxon kingdom of Northumbria (today known as Bamburgh on the Northumberland coastline in England), which leads him into and through the unwavering depths of human emotion as he grapples with his persistently split loyalties between his many oaths, his conflicting cultural identities, and his quest for retribution. credit: Netflix credit: Netflix I won’t spoil everything on the off chance you haven’t seen the series, but by season five, Uhtred and King Edward (Alfred’s son) are at odds with King Constantin of Alba (Scotland), a discerning leader who enjoys rocking the boat that is Northumbria. And while the finale finally does bring Uhtred home, it remains blatantly obvious he has much more to do before laying down his sword and trying to enjoy the rest of his life as a free nobleman. In late October 2021, Netflix announced a sequel to the series. Seven Kings Must Die is a two-hour standalone film set to portray events from Cornwell’s last three “Saxon Stories” novels. Let me be clear here, though: The movie will not cover everything from the last three books, but I suspect it’ll give us the gist of what all goes down. Expect it to pick a few events from the books to emphasize as we follow Uhtred in his attempts to unite England after King Edward’s death, so we’ll see him embroiled in a huge, albeit violent and bloody battle for the crown. “Rival heirs and invaders compete for power,” the film’s official synopsis reads. “And when an alliance comes seeking Uhtred’s help in their plans, Uhtred faces a choice between those he cares for most and the dream of forming a united England.” In the newly released trailer, a character is heard saying, “You know the prophecy, Uhtred? Seven kings die. All of Britain will be united.” So, that explains the title. One thing I can tell you about this film, though, is that there will be blood … lots and lots of blood and a big ole battle full of savagery. Sweet! While the film is not drawn from the final book in Cornwell’s “Saxon Stories” saga, it is drawn from one of the earlier novels, the sixth book “Death of Kings.” It includes a section where a prophetess predicts a relentlessly gloomy future for Uhtred and King Alfred’s dream of a united England. Says Aelfadell, "Seven kings will die, Uhtred of Bebbanburg, seven kings and the women you love. That is your fate. And Alfred's son will not rule, and Wessex will die, and the Saxon will kill what he loves, and the Danes will gain everything, and all will change, and all will be the same as ever it was and ever will be." The scene was cut from the television series, and according to Den of Geek , that particular passage is framed more as a Danish attempt to unnerve Uhtred than a legit prophecy. But, if you’ve seen The Last Kingdom or read any of the books, you know there are aspects of truth in there. Throughout The Last Kingdom , Uhtred’s lovers often do die, and we’ve seen plenty of kings as well. There’s a good bit of speculation about who, exactly, the seven kings are, but the trailer offers up some hints, as does Reddit . Among those battling for the crown are the late King’s son Aethelstan and the discriminating King Constantin, played by Rod Hallet from Ant Man and The Hitman's Bodyguard . from The Last Kingdom's official Twitter page Netflix also released a first look at a new character making his debut in the movie. Danish leader Ingilmundr is joining the war; he makes his first appearance in “War of the Wolf,” the 11th of Cornwell’s books. He has major influence and will have a big hand in the tragic events that affect Uhtred’s family. There’s a hot chance we’ll all wind up hating him before the story concludes, but one thing’s for sure: He will have a crucially important role. from The Last Kingdom's official Twitter page Now is the perfect time to catch up on the series, regardless of whether you have or haven’t seen it. It’s an incredibly fascinating journey with some very memorable characters, like Brida, Uhtred’s childhood friend in captivity and first love; Father Beocca, a Saxon priest who has known Uhtred since he was a boy and knows his true birthright; and Finan, a lovably fierce Irish warrior sworn to Uhtred. There’s also lots of drama, emotion, love, and savagery. Seven Kings Must Die releases April 14, 2023, on Netflix. After the movie, if you’re craving more historical fiction to watch, I highly recommend getting into Britannia on Epix and Netflix’s Vikings: Valhalla and Barbarians. Vikings: Valhalla is a sequel to the original Vikings series, and Barbarians is about a Roman officer’s conflicted allegiances that lead to an epic historical clash and the rebellion of the Germanic tribes. Britannia originally started out as an Amazon Prime series in 2018 but was acquired by Epix in 2020. It is set in A.D. 43 when the Romans invaded Britain led by General Aulus Plautius, who is determined to succeed where Julius Caesar failed and conquer this mythical land at the very end of the Roman Empire. In it you’ll see Yellowstone favorite Kelly Reilly (Beth Dutton), Mackenzie Crook from the Pirates of the Caribbean movies (you’ll love his character; he’s captivating!), and The Walking Dead Governor from season three David Morrissey. Alright, entertainment enthusiasts, get to entertaining yourself with some ancient historical fiction adaptations and be sure to let your voice mail pick up any calls. You’ll thank me later. 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

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

Got Nostalgia? < Back Way Back When: January Picks Nicole Brice Jan 6, 2025 Share Got Nostalgia? Yeah, we made it to 2025, and I know most of us are dragging ass trying to get back in the swing of things, myself included. Need some music motivation? I’ve got you. 1. 1000 Homo DJs - Supernaut When Al Jourgensen was asked to contribute a song to the Nativity in Black: A Tribute to Black Sabbath album, he chose to cover ‘ Supernaut .’ The first version recorded featured Trent Reznor on vocals, but when Trent’s label caught wind of his contribution to the song, the vocals were changed out with Al doing them instead. I prefer the Trent version, but that’s just me. Great cover, though. 1990 2. Scarling - City Noise Are there any Jack Off Jill fans? Scarling is one of those hidden gems that, unless you know … then yeah … you just don’t know. Formed by vocalist Jessicka Addams and guitarist Christian Hejnal , Scarling is a noise pop / shoegaze band formed in Los Angeles in 2001. ‘ City Noise ’ is one of those tracks you can’t fully appreciate by listening to only once. No, you must repeat this song to enjoy it truly. Turn it up loud! 2005 3. Mammoth WVH - Think It Over I am obsessed with Wolfgang Van Halen . Obsessed. His talent is extraordinary. I love this song so much! 2021 4. The Go Go's - Our Lips are Sealed Everything about this song is perfect. Great lyrics. Catchy hooks. …and…the backstory behind this song is cool. Do a Google search . You’ll be amazed. 1981 5. New Order - Bizarre Love Triangle One of the most beautiful tunes New Order has ever crafted. 1986 Hey, if you don't like these, cool. If you've never heard them, check them out! Love and light, Nicole www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90's flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Reach out to us at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

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. Okay Kenedi: A Casual Introduction Is Hard to Come By < Back Okay Kenedi: A Casual Introduction Is Hard to Come By Tim W. Jackson Oct 20, 2023 Share 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. One might consider the fact that Okay Kenedi just released her first album somewhat miraculous. Her father is a fundamentalist pastor, and she wasn’t allowed to listen to secular music growing up in Cumming, Georgia, just north of Atlanta. After she finally played music professionally, she had just given up on the dream when things took a turn. Recorded at Ivy Manor in the legendary music recording area of Muscle Shoals, Alabama, Okay’s debut album “A Casual Introduction Is Hard to Come By ” is a wonderful ride of alt-pop music with every song displaying its own vibe. For instance, the song “Dress Better” is a sure-fire party anthem, while “Fathers Want Sons” is a thoughtful, reflective slow number. The rest of the album is pretty much everything in between. But the path to this rousing debut album wasn’t easy. Growing up in Cumming, Georgia, Okay Kenedi’s existence seemed far from big city life. She was only allowed to listen to worship or contemporary Christian music, despite how important music was in her early life. “My grandmother played piano for the church, and they practiced all the time,” Okay says. “I've spent a lot of time with her, and I took an interest in piano at a really young age—probably because I was raised around it. So, my parents put me in lessons around five years old, and I took nine years of lessons.” She knew she had a knack for music, a love strengthened in middle school. Okay started teaching herself guitar with the help of YouTube videos, and her middle school chorus teacher allowed her to bring her guitar to school. “She would let me stick my guitar in her office and … come into her classroom in the mornings and play piano,” Okay says. “I wrote her an original song in eighth grade as a goodbye from me and all my friends who were in choir. I wrote it with five other friends, with our 13-year-old minds. I'm sure it was horrific but beautiful at the same time.” In high school, Okay auditioned to be in theater mainly because she was told that twice a year there was a showcase where she could bring her guitar and play. The audition went well, and she says that she accidentally ended up in the advanced theater travel group. “I knew nothing about theater, and it horrified me,” she says, “but I did, in fact, get to play twice a year with my guitar and sing a song.” Courtesy of Okay Kenedi Okay recalls writing her own version of a song from Wicked and the theater teacher actually liking it. She didn’t know it then but through all of her musical experiences, the building blocks were being put in place for a future in music. As it turned out, she did like the advanced choir program and says that being in choir, musical theater, and music production in high school helps her musically. “ l like the tedious work you hate to do ,” she says with a chuckle. “I think that stuff refined a lot of my music. I could pick out a harmony and know what it meant. And I like breath control. We do a lot of vocal exercises. I can't say that I love doing them but I'm grateful that I did it now.” Though she had written songs since she was a kid, she started looking at music more seriously after high school. Okay attended Lee University, a private Christian school in East Tennessee, and the University of North Georgia. Her love for music continued to grow and in 2019, she met Micayla Wise and Sarah Dickerson, now both members of her band, in a Christian group that had a lot of emphasis on music. “I was always writing,” she says. “I wrote tons of songs. I just kept writing all through high school, all through college, but I didn’t do anything with the songs. Micayla was the first person to say, ‘Hey, do you write music?’ So, I was like, ‘Actually, I do.’” Okay played some original music for Micayla, who encouraged Okay to do something will the songs she’d written. It evolved through several genre changes. “You gotta find yourself before you find your genre,” Okay says. “So, it was like going through a lot of pants that didn't fit until I settled into this.” This is the music on Okay Kenedi’s new album, which came oh so close to never happening. In September 2021, Okay felt her music wasn’t gaining any traction. She had booked her final show, which was at a bar in Atlanta. “We have to be adults at some point and pick a career that makes money,” Okay recalls saying to her band. “We have to put gas in our cars, and I need to move out of my parents' house, so this is my last show on the books.” Some crying from the band ensued but logic dictated that it was time to call it quits. They had a lot of fun together, but it was time to move on. As the night of the show arrived, Okay was headlining for a young guy who had just released his debut record. “He had a bunch of people who had come to hear him play,” she recalls. “When I came up to do my set, everyone just left because the crowd was all his friends and family—and he was done. So, it was basically me, the band that I brought, and, like, four friends.” Knowing it was her last show, rather than just going through the motions, she decided to give it her all. Courtesy of Okay Kenedi “I sold that show harder than I sold any show to my four friends.” She was gonna go out with a bang, and she did. “It just so happened that in the back of that room was music producer Dan Hannon ,” she says. He was impressed with her talent and saw lots of potential. He was part of a team that operated Ivy Manor, a recording studio in Sheffield, Alabama, just minutes away from Muscle Shoals Sound Studio and FAME Studios . Dan and the team took Okay under their wings. Besides Dan, an award-winning producer with more than three decades in the music industry, there was former SteelDrivers frontman Gary Nichols , along with producers and engineers such as Clint Ingersoll, Jared Przybysz, and Ivy Manor founder Michael Shane Wright. “I was so new to the way this actually works when you're not trying to do it in your attic,” she says about her new team. “Besides the writing and recording, they even helped me get some stylists in L.A. that designed clothes for me and a hairstylist in Atlanta, and we did 16-hour-a-day rehearsals with me and my live band to polish for the live-show thing. They helped me become an artist.” Of Okay, Wright says he admires her creativity and skill, specifically highlighting her song “Fathers Want Sons” by commenting on her display of skill as a songwriter. Her strength in vocals, as well as her natural charisma and leadership skills, is a trait that Wright sees as integral in a performer. “I was immediately struck by the quality of her songwriting,” Wright says. “She has a unique ability to take her personal experiences [and] translate those [into] universal experiences, then communicate that experience in three or four words.” The hard work is paying off. Five singles have been released thus far: “1 Birthday Behind” , “Dress Better” , “Fathers Want Sons” , “Pharmacy” , and “Young, Dumb, & Naive” . In these songs and the other six on the album, Okay shows a penchant to be both introspective and fun. As for the album title, “When we first made a website, I didn't even know what to put in my bio,” Okay says. “So, I literally put ‘a casual introduction is hard to come by’ in place of where my bio should go. Then I thought, ‘What if we just named my record that?’ It's like an introduction, and it's funny because I didn't know what to say about myself. My record will say it all, so it's a spoof off of that.” “A Casual Introduction Is Hard to Come By” is out now and worth your time to give it a listen. When Okay Kenedi becomes a household name, you’ll be glad you were there from the start because, as her merch says, “We’re all Okay!” For more on Okay Kenedi, her singles, and her 11-track debut album (which dropped today, Oct. 20!), visit her online at www.OkayKenedi.com , Spotify , Bandcamp , Facebook , Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. You can also access her album, songs, vlog, music accounts, and her signature roast coffee at https://linktr.ee/OkayKenedi . Tim W. Jackson is a seasoned journalist and author with a penchant for all things dark, macabre, and somewhat sinister. He lives in Tuscumbia, Ala., with his super cool artist wife and their dogs, Maple and Ginkgo. 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 time for her to be heard! < Back Britney Spears: A Stifled Talent Nicole Brice Apr 25, 2024 Share It's time for her to be heard! Born and raised near Baton Rouge, Louisiana, I’ve always felt a strange connection to the pop star known as Britney Spears . I always like to tell people my music tastes range from the music of Britney Spears to the metal masters of Slayer , which it actually does. Good music is good music, right? If it resonates with you, then that means something. I didn’t always like Britney's music, though. In the beginning, I thought it sounded too processed and fake. As the years passed, I would come to appreciate the music she was putting out and it became the soundtrack to the life I wanted. Also, too, I have always thought Britney’s public persona in the early years was my alter ego if I had the balls to truly be me. Instead, I am shy and timid, and I hide, but given the interviews and reports throughout the years on Ms. Spears, I feel she isn’t much different. She comes off as a very sweet and genuine human being who has been molded and shaped to fit the agenda of those who benefit from her talent. Initially when Britney came on the scene in 1999, I was envious and jealous of her beauty, career, and fame. After all, there was a girl the same age as me, from the same state as me, living out her dreams and I felt it just wasn’t fair, but who was I to be jealous of an individual with remarkable talent when I can’t carry a tune much less dance. Now, at 42 years old, I feel connected to the pop sensation more than ever due to us both being born in 1981, being mothers, and both having our families turn on us during times of need. I also feel, too, like me that Britney is gravely misunderstood. Beneath the sad eyes and erratic videos of her half naked dances, I see a woman confused on life, confused on her identity, and just plain confused about what she should do or where she should turn. She seems lost and hopeless but puts on a smile for her fans and does the only thing she has ever known to do, sell her body, in hopes that she is seen and heard . Britney’s talent goes far beyond her half-naked romps on the beach, though. She can sing and although her voice has been stifled all these years by those wanting her to portray a sexier image, proof of her true raw talent is on the track, “ Just Like Me ” from her album, “ Glory ”, released in 2016. “ Just Like Me ” starts with a simple acoustic guitar and only Britney's beautiful voice. The song then builds to a thunderous chorus and a hypnotizing electronic beat only to revert to the insatiable acoustic guitar sound. One of her most underrated songs in my opinion and proof that Britney’s voice is both soulful and full of heart. With reports saying she is on substances; I can see right through that. While I do not know the details of what is truly going on in her life, I do know she is throwing away amazing talent. If someone would just encourage her to write and record an album with an actual band playing music as the backing track instead of prefabricated mumbo jumbo made in the studio, I think everyone would see an entirely different side to Ms. Spears. Her voice is strong, and phenomenal. In fact, no one in the industry has ever sounded like her. I, for one, want her to use her voice to entertain the masses, but in a way she has never done before. No dance moves and no theatrical stage show. Just Britney on stage with her voice. Britney’s true voice, the one not sounding like a sex kitten, is bold and fierce and it needs to be seen and heard before it’s too late. “ Change Your Mind ” is another track that stands out amongst Ms. Spears’ catalog with its simple stripped-down intro that leads to a thundering bass and dance beat. Her strong vocals are heard in the first few bars of the track, and it is exquisite. In a world full of autotune, Britney does not really need it, yet the music industry has always forced it upon her. Why? Why not allow this beautiful human to just be who she is and showcase her unique voice? In fact, I feel her album, “ Glory ” is one of the most underrated albums ever. Almost every song is amazing, and her voice sounds so mature and womanly. It’s my go to album when I need to get into a certain headspace. Click the picture to experience "Glory" all over again. With all the negative press surrounding her lately, I think that starting today we should usher in a new era for Ms. Spears. Instead of speculating on her personal life and allowing others to trash her publicly, let us lift her up. In fact, I think we should initiate a “Free Britney’s voice” campaign. It’s 2024 and it’s time for Ms. Spears’ talent to make a comeback of unprecedented proportions. Let her music speak for her. Who’s with me? Society needs to stop beating people when they are down, and instead focus on the positive attributes these individuals possess. Spread love and kindness, I say! For me, I’d like to see less of a focus on individuals’ personal lives and more focus on talent. Let the music flourish. Music soothes the soul, after all, so who’s to say if Britney were pushed to record again with her rules and with her pure raw voice that we wouldn’t see something spectacular? Britney, if you end up reading this, you are amazing. Your talent is unparalleled, and you are an icon. Know that even though you may never meet any of us fans in person that we are all rooting for you and that we love you. You cannot be replaced. Love and light, Nicole 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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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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Bangin' Out the Hits Tank and the Bangas < Back Tank and the Bangas C.G. Smith Jan 5, 2023 Share Bangin' Out the Hits In the fall of 2015, my wife and I had been living in New Orleans for nearly six months. A co-worker had been talking up this band to me for a while, so we made the trek across town to The Maple Leaf bar on Oak St. to catch the show. The band was New Orleans’ own Tank and the Bangas. Their high-energy, infectious performance and wonderfully arranged music changed our idea of what a local band could be. From that point on we were fans and made it out to every Tank and the Bangas performance we could. These days the ticket prices are a little more expensive than in those earlier days, the stages are usually much bigger, and their music has evolved a bit from those early club performances, but the group is still just as grounded as they ever have been. credit: Jacob Walker I had the good fortune to be able to sit down with the group at the Uptown New Orleans restaurant Molly’s Rise and Shine after business hours and talk about their beginnings, their evolution over the years, and what the future holds for the now twice Grammy-nominated band. MaM : First off, I want to thank y’all so much for being here. I also wanted to thank Lauren and Mason of Molly’s Rise and Shine for letting us use this unique space. We are very grateful. Is this the first time you’ve been here? Tank : Yes. Norman : Yeah, I’ve never been here before. MaM : The chicken biscuit is fire. Tank : That’s good to know. (playfully) What? You think we just like chicken or something? Albert : What about the vegan options? Tank : What? You think we’re vegan or somethin’? Norman : The chickens were vegan. They only fed them grain. [laughter] MaM : Your hard work has led to so much success. It really shows – how much you all enjoy performing for an audience. How did y’all deal with the pandemic? Not being able to tour, did it help or hurt the band? I know "Friend Goals" came out of it, but overall, with the pandemic, how did it affect you? Tank : I think both, right? The only hurting I would say is because it’s hard to get back into the specific rhythm of touring. The world still is a bit scared, so the numbers aren’t exactly the same as they were pre-Covid. I would say that is the only hurting, but the helping, I mean, we got "Friend Goals." It’s such a good little EP. We had fun making it. Before that we were on tour so much. It was a nice little break at the perfect time. We needed it. We was [sic] like, ‘Oh my gosh, people cook regular food and sleep up in their regular beds, and go for regular walks?’ Norman : After being off schedule for like weeks, and weeks, and weeks, it was like every day at eleven o’clock, ‘What y’all doin’? Y’all still up?’ Yeah, we wide awake, doin’ nothin’. Tank : I watched Paternity Court a lot. I ate a lot of crawfish. Norman : I really got to sit with myself. I was like, ‘Wow, this is how I am? Okay, gotta change some stuff.’ Some of it’s cool, but I got to know me a little bit during Covid. Albert : Oh yeah. Tank : Yeah, we all had those little moments. You know I was cool while we was [sic] on break, then the next shit came around and I was like, ‘Wait a minute, what’s goin’ on with the schedule? Wait a minute now, wait a minute! What you mean we are cancelling again?' ‘Cause you know, of course, we had to survive. We thought of creative ways to do it. We had a lot of little shows with virtual performances, which is cool and lame all at the same time. (imitates interacting with a virtual crowd) ‘Throw your hands up!’ Albert : Only the ends of songs are lame because you finish with a big finish and there’s just crickets. Tank : And there’s nothin’. Just a bunch of hearts and thumbs up and, ‘Love you guys!’ Norman : But we appreciated such silent love! Albert : You just hear hard breathing like ‘Dancing with the Stars’ contestants. Tank : (imitates hard breathing at the end of a performance) ‘Thank y’all, thank y’all!!’ Norman : It means y’all were sittin’ there watchin’ this happen, so it was definitely appreciated for real. The band used to have the occasional parties in the backyard of Tank’s Auntie Tee Tee’s house in the Lower 9th Ward back before their breakthrough with NPR’s Tiny D esk concert. MaM : The backyard parties at the Yum Yum were so much fun. My wife and I went to at least two or three of them. Any plans to do anything like that in the future, or is that just off the table now? credit: Shambala Festival 2022 Tank : Oh, no. We definitely want to do that in the future. We miss it. Every time we go in the backyard, we’re like, ‘We gotta get one of these goin’ again.’ We just never know when Auntie’s gonna feel like doing it, honestly! We all have to be in the mood at the same time, so that lets you know how beautiful – how everything had to be lined up so perfectly and feel like doing one. It takes a lot of work. Albert : Big, big picture though, Norm and Ta talk a lot about, ‘What if we did a festival? What if there was [some]thing that was a hub, a Bangaville thing? The idea of community … especially performance community is always going around. Norman : Bangafest. Tank : Bangafest sounds dope. MaM : I’d go! Tank : I know you would! Norman : We don’t even have to travel for that! MaM : From Tank’s run with SNO, to those early open mics, to playing major festivals on the biggest stages in the world, can you tell us about some of your best and not so great moments? Tank : Whoa, mmm. Let me see ... best definitely was um, .... all the time! We have a good time! The best memorable moments: Coachella, Jimmy Fallon, The Apollo, Glastonbury was beautiful. Norman : Yo, I got a bad one. We were in Germany, and we didn’t have our luggage ... Josh : We didn’t have our clothes! Norman : We had to perform in our pajamas. Tank : We was [sic] in a barn. Norman : The gear was all wrong. I had a Motif instead of a Cronos. Oh man, that was a day. Tank : Yeah, that was a crazy one. Norman : We were still in another country playing music, doing something we love. [Tank talking about the mural where we did the photo shoot:] Tank : That [mural] was painted by an artist, not just done online? MaM : Yeah, hand painted for the restaurant by an artist named Ken Cox. Albert : The process of breakfast on acid. Tank : That’s some crazy color right there. Albert : The cost of your eggs. MaM : Your version of “What the World Needs Now,” I was blown away by it when it first came out and I just heard it again on shuffle the other day. How did that track come about? Any stories from that recording? Tank : It was supposed to be bigger, something different than it was. Josh : It was on some heal-the-world, Quincy Jones-type stuff. It was a lot of fun to be able to call friends, people we cared about, and family members as well to help us create that entire New Orleans ordeal. It was such a great thing to be a part of and find all those voices in the right spots. Norman : It came out beautiful. Josh : And we had to do it in like one day or something! Albert : We had people come in on schedules, that had to come in for 45 minutes. Oh, we gotta stop and do this trumpet part! Okay, get outta’ here, come on! Thank you, man! Alright, see ya!” Josh : David Shaw came in so late at night. Tank : I love David on that. I just wish we would have [sic] got him recorded singing on it. I loved him on it. I loved everybody on it. Especially since we were just getting people that we wouldn’t even normally day to day work with, but we knew in the community. I loved what everybody added to it. It was perfect. Josh’s nephew, my niece--we were crying when Sunny was doing her poem and the children was [sic] singing. I think that was the last time we was [sic] all together. It was just so special. It really was what the world needs now. MaM : For the time we were all in, it was perfect. Tank : I know. It really felt awesome. Josh : That was a fire question. No one ever asks that. MaM : You’ve already worked on projects with some amazing artists. Who are some of your dream collaborators, past or present? Tank : Present – we’ve done with Layla, that was a dream for sure. Alex Isley is a dream, and Robert Glasper ... people that we just put out there that we can’t believe that we was [sic] able to make music with later on. Josh : That Blue Note whole thing was fire. Tank : Blue Note was amazing. Josh : That’s a whole list of people that was special. Tank : Juno is a future collaborator for sure. Kendrick Lamar and Stevie Wonder. credit: Jacob Walker Norman : Amahd Jamal, I’m waiting on that. Albert : Can we go to the past? Do they have to be living? Roy Hargrove, you know he passed, but man, that’s music that I grew up with and really stuff that shaped me and made me seek out sounds like this band. Norman : Same, yo. You talkin’ ‘bout ‘Like Water for Chocolate,' that’s Roy. That’s a Common album that D’Angelo, Roy, Questlove, all of them did, RH Factor. All that shit. Albert : The ‘Straight Ahead’ album. His Cuban album? He’s so good. Josh : All right – Kirk Franklin. Take that. I wanna work with him. Norman : Listen, I really want to work with Warryn Campbell. If you [sic] out there, [if] you hear this, somebody send it to him. If you know him, if he’s your cousin, tell him Tank and the Bangas want to work with him. I ain’t jokin’. Tank : For some reason I don’t feel like that’s very far away, even though we don’t know him. I feel like it’s a degree of separation. MaM : I know faith and family are important to you. With all the touring and recording y’all have been doing, how hard is it for you to find time away from the band for family, etc.? Is it easier to get that time now that you’ve had some success? Norman : I try to take some intentional time to focus on the family. MaM : Wasn’t it in your rider that you had Sundays off so you could play at church? Norman : That was back when I was playing at church more, but that isn’t really my focus anymore. Kids though? Got ballet comin’ up, art class comin’ up, we skatin’ … tryin’ to keep them out the Matrix, man. I’m tryin’ to give some real people time, you know what I mean? I didn’t get a lot of people-time growin’ up, so I figured out a lot on my own. I don’t want them to have to do that. Aside from that, God is everything; church ain’t. credit: Jacob Walker MaM : What are some of your favorite things about being a ‘Banga’? Josh : Easy. The best part about it is it’s me. I don’t have to be nothin’ else or put on to be nothin’ because it’s literally … me. Just like she don’t [sic] really gotta do nothin’ [sic] to be Tank, that’s just who she is as a person. I really like watching how other people interpret what a Banga is to them. I really enjoy that part, but I don’t know; I just be myself. Being a Banga is just kinda who we are as us. Albert : I think the best part of being a Banga is getting to make and participate in making, for me, the music you dreamed of making as a child. Josh : Big facts. Norman : I realized over the years [that] we are therapists, we are healers. We bring in vibrations, which water responds to, and 75% of that is standing in the audience. When we was [sic] first starting, people would come to the shows over and over and I was like, ‘What the hell? What is wrong with these people? We just seen you last week! This is the same show, goofy; what you doin’?’ Tank : It is not the same show though, never! Josh : It’s not the same show though. MaM : My wife and I were one of those crazy people at every show we could get to, especially that 2015 - 2018 time period. We were obsessed. “Themeparks” was one of our wedding songs. Tank : That’s sweet! Norman : Didn’t we write that on Golden Drive in Chalmette? Tank : I think so. Norman : We wrote that in my living room! Tank : I had a relationship, and I just wanted to talk about all of the good parts of it, and the fun parts of it, you know? That’s what it was for. Some people really are just muses. MaM : Josh, as musical director, what has changed as far as how you’re presenting those older songs these days? Josh : Boredom. It’s ten years of playing a certain song and you want to try it different. She (Tank) really gets creative at moments, and she can get bored too, so two people who can get very whimsical and creative and want to change things on the fly. credit: Jacob Walker Norman : At the last minute. Josh : I just said on the fly! Tank : Aren’t you in my brain? Aren’t you in my spirit? Josh : Even in those times it’s a lot of fun. I think a lot of times we’re really just trying out different things because we get to. We can. We have the capability. The truth is, the more we push ourselves to do more stuff, the better we get at it. Norman : We’re free. The reality is the melodies fall out the sky sometimes; we just catch ‘em. We sat in rehearsals, and we had to take a little break and wrote like 3 songs in 6 minutes the other day. Stuff just happens. We stay open. Tank : Growth is real. Ain’t [sic] nobody in this band in their fresh beginning 20’s anymore. We don’t even jump up and down as much as we used to. [laughter] MaM : I remember a show y’all did at the Ogden when you broke it all down. I heard your songs presented in a whole different light. Tank : We love to calm it down. People don’t think that we know how to calm it down because we’re such a big sound, but it’s our most favorite thing to do—at least it’s definitely mine. You hear the lyrics, you hear the music, the intention. It’s quiet, it’s soft, it’s beautiful, it’s heard, it’s felt. I love those type of shows. That’s how we started out. That’s why Tiny Desk was really nothing for us. I was nervous, but as far as calming it down, it’s nothing for us. Norman : I didn’t know nothing [sic] about it (Tiny Desk). All I saw was T-Pain do it with a keyboard player. I thought, ‘Oh, it’s gonna be easy.’ I didn’t grow up listening to NPR. I was like, ‘Cool, it’s an open mic; that’s how we started.’ MaM : Josh, as musical director, how do you decide – do you just naturally stretch your legs on a song, or do you say here, we’re gonna arrange it this way? Josh : A little bit of both. Sometimes we stretch out naturally, sometimes I say let’s try this. We’ll try stuff in rehearsal to see if it sticks. If it don’t [sic], we’ll leave it alone, if it do [sic], we’ll push it.” MaM : You ever just throw shit at them live? Josh : Yep, yeah, they good [sic] enough to handle that. They superbad. The fun part is, if we fall on our face, we’re good enough to carry ourselves so nobody even knows it happened. We’re creating a chord progression as we go sometimes. We’re having fun. Tank : Their ears are so crazy. Sometimes they even hear what I don’t hear. Josh : I think that part makes it very easy for us to be able to ‘float.’ Norman : Growing up in church too, you know, anybody [can] get up and sing in any key, talking about praise and testimony ceremony ... Josh : Most of the time, it’s the wrong key! Norman : ... If you doing [sic] it right and they change key and you don’t follow them, then it’s your fault. If they start in the right key, you learn to move with them, you learn to just flow. Yeah, church got me ready for it.” MaM : Do you guys approach performances today any differently than you did in those early days? credit: Ruthie Herman, WOUB Albert : Carefully. From behind. [laughter] Norman : Prayerfully. We always pray; we always rehearse. Tank : It feels more intentional now, to me, if anything. More mature. You want to get it right, you know? It just feels a little more intentional, but I still have my moments of freedom that I do love. You know, Josh tries to reel it in a lot, which is a good and a bad thing to me. You know, like, let me be who I am, [and he’ll be] like, ‘Don’t stay there too long!’ I’m like, ‘Shut up!’ [laughter] The band recently performed its very first residency at the famous Blue Note venue in New York City in November of 2022. MaM : How was Blue Note? Josh : It was amazing. Norman : It was an honor to be in that room. The artists that we had come and join us—Keyon Harrold, Isaiah Sharkey … Norah Jones. Josh : Man, the type of people that came through, not even just the artists. Norman : Yeah, the people that came through just to kick it with us, the stage was so dope. Josh : Yeah, all of that was just wild. Norman : Y’all thought enough about us to come through; thank you. MaM : I have to ask this question, Tank, since my dad is such a huge Norah Jones fan: How did you become friends with Norah? Tank : It’s so crazy. All of it was kind of magical, even things I didn’t even know until a couple of years ago … how things was [sic] working out for us to meet. Jelly (singer Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph) was doing a session with her husband, and she invited him to the show (at One-Eyed Jacks). I don’t know if she knew that Norah was his wife or not. They ended up going to the show, Norah was pregnant, and she was hearing me do all these little crazy voices. Someone told me that she was in the house. Then she text [sic] me one morning when I was at Waffle House and she wanted me to do a video with her, a really silly song. Of course, I said yes. I didn’t know what it was about. It was a silly song. It was really silly about men who don’t think that women take a shit. L to R: C.G. Smith with Albert, Tank, Josh, and Norman MaM : I still remember how cool it was when she came out during your second performance of your Alice in Wonderland at the Music Box here in town. Tank : Mmmmmm, the purple piano. It was really special. Anybody that was a part of those shows just knows it was so special. It takes a lot to do a Music Box. Hats off to the people who do it and run it. It’s hard to explain, too, when people ask what it is. Josh : Shout out to Danny Elfman, because he sure helped with the ideas in that space too, like the orchestra. MaM : It’s just such a cool space. Tank : Yeah, it’s crazy. Hard to explain. You be [sic] like, ‘It’s a musical space where they use pieces, materials of old houses and they make instruments. You can’t explain it. You have to go there; it’s an experience. MaM : So, the hardest question for artists to answer, how do you describe the Tank-and-the-Bangas sound? Tank : (repeats) You have to go there; it’s an experience. Norman : (repeating an answer Albert came up with before) It’s genre-fluid. Josh : It’s a struggle to explain it to ourselves, but according to the Grammys, it’s one of those ‘progressive R&B albums.’ [laughter] Tank : That’s funny! They did the best they could to categorize us. I think just the fact that you’re Black, they already want to put R&B on you. They like [sic], ‘Well, it ain’t [sic] just that, so let’s go ahead and put it in progressive.’ I don’t mind, especially with this album. It’s where it needs to be at [sic] with this album, that’s cool. I love it, I’m happy to be nominated. Josh : I mean, [for] some artists it’s easy and [for other] artists it’s very, very hard to do. Tank : You can describe the song which is at hand, but to put them all in a thing? To literally say that the same band that made ‘Outside’ made ‘Heavy,’ or the same band that made ‘Heavy’ made ‘Brady’s,’ or the same band that made ‘Brady’s’ made ‘Eggs Over Easy,’ or ‘Eggs Over Easy’ - that’s the same band that made ‘Easy Goes It,’ or ‘Anxiety.’ ‘Mr. Lion’? That same girl, she did ‘Dope Girl Magic.’ So, it’s really hard. It’s whatever we was [sic] feeling at the time. Josh : This entire same band has done a lot of these songs with an orchestra, so maybe they’re a classical band. Tank : It’s all over the place. MaM : I always loved “Drummers." That’s a different kind of song. Tank : We love that one. That one never got recorded and it has so much more to it, too. It’s really cool. MaM : Were there any moments where you were working on, writing a song, and just astonished yourselves, like, “This is gonna be good!?” Josh : ‘Ants.’ Tank : ‘Stolen Fruit.’ Norman : ‘Rhythm of Life.’ Albert : ‘Stolen Fruit,’ and ‘Black Folk.’ Tank : Yeah, anybody comin’ in the studio, you need to hear this! This is so special. Albert : So much so, that it slowed down progress. Like any new visitor, after we had gotten like a rough for ‘Stolen Fruit,’ anybody came in, Tank would be like, ‘Turn down the lights.’ Tank : Turn down the lights, light a candle, and play this for them. Norman : (imitating Tank) ‘Shhhh. (dramatic pause) Play that one.’ Albert : It was like a whole afternoon of that, it was great. Then we did ‘Black Folk' and [it] was, like, a live take. A bunch of us were playing in the room, and the take you hear from Tank, that’s just her on a 58 (Shure 58 live microphone). Everybody was playing in the same room. We tried to do the vocals in isolation, tried to do other takes, but it just didn’t have that … it didn’t have that thing. Man, that was a magical moment. I remember when we were playing that and I was like, ‘This is great!’ Norman : We should do an unplanned live album. Just press record and start playing. Albert : Directly to vinyl. You can do that. You can press it directly to vinyl. Tank : I’ve done that. I did that with ‘Eggs Over Easy.’ It was a freestyle. MaM : So, we are an entertainment magazine. What are some shows y’all are watching lately? Tank : I feel like we’re never watching the same thing. We talk about it more when we’re on the road, ‘What are you watchin’ right now?’ Albert knows that I have to eat and watch somethin’ from Netflix. Norman : I know how to make this cool: Say one show you think the other person is watching right now. Tank : (to Norman) Oh lord, a documentary? A Christmas show? Norman : I’m watchin’ the Nature Channel. Josh : (to Tank) Wednesday ? Albert : (to Josh) Anime, or, I don’t know, big, high-budget crime, like action-y? Josh : You know what? You’re kind of in the space, ‘cause I saw something like that. Knives Out on Netflix; the [sequel just] came out. Tank : (to Albert) You watchin’ some type of cartoon in the morning with your girlfriend. Albert : I’ve been watching season 6 of Rick and Morty and it’s stellar. It’s a return to form. It’s some of the best stuff they’ve had going on over the past few seasons. Highly recommended. Josh : (to Tank) Just say Wednesday already and get it over with. Tank : We ain’t done with Wednesday , so no. Norman : 432 playlist on Spotify. 432 hertz. Yo, why when I play it on the speaker, I can actually feel the highs, the lows, and the mids. It’s in your chakras. It’s like we really do resonate at that frequency or somethin’ because you can feel it through the speakers. I don’t get it. Tank : 432 Hertz? That’s the playlist? Norman : Do that, then type playlist. They got a bunch of different genres. Get ya [sic] chakras right. Josh : I be [sic] watchin’ Forged in Fire . I had to think about what I’ve been watching. I be [sic] watchin’ people making beaucoup swords and all that stuff. Norman : Then they try to see which one’s stronger. Josh : Then they be [sic] choppin’ beaucoup stuff with it. Man, these cats are wild. MaM : They make a Hattori Hanzo blade? Josh : They probably have done one at this point, but they be [sic] doin’ all kinds of fantasy weapons as well. Norman : Based on historic, like the way they would build them at this time or that time in history. MaM : What are some creature comforts on tour, anything that connects you with back home? Albert : A nice bowl of ramen. Norman : Coffee and good greenery, I’m good to go. Facetime with the baby. Tank : My phone so I can watch TV. Albert : An eye mask. Tank : Headphones. Gotta have them headphones. Gotta zone inside them headphones. credit: Jacob Walker Norman : Drum machine, that MPC one. Josh : I’ve been without my phone on a whole tour before. I lost my phone, like, the top of the tour, and I didn’t have my phone for, like, six weeks. It was weird as hell. Norman : That’s gotta feel good! You ever leave your phone at home and be way across town and be like, ‘Oh well.’ That shit feels so good. Josh : I was on the other side of the world. It was not the same. Tank : First of all, I would never do it because where the hell ... how am I gonna get home? I need that GPS. Momma gonna call me, you know what I’m sayin’? Now you need to stay in touch, AND I gotta listen to the regular radio? Oh no, I need to plug in, so I got my own radio. Norman : Turn that radio off and listen to the radio in your head. Tank : That’s too much [sic] thoughts! Josh : Being over there, there was no radio, and there was barely television. I wanna play drums. I hope they don’t have a bad drum set with some bad cymbals. That is a real horrible thing. Tank : That was not a good answer though; he’s talkin’ about something that you don’t feel at home with(out). You hit drums every day. Josh : I’m telling you, no, no, no, on TOUR. Tank : Josh needs some wings with barbeque sauce. Josh : No, listen, wait ... Norman : You gotta hear this man out about them [sic] drums. Because if those drums ain’t [sic] Yamaha special just like Josh needs ... [laughter] Tank : We about to get a DIVA! Josh : Look at this, you see this? (shows me the palms of his hands) This happened to my hands years ago, playing the wrong kit with the wrong sticks. My entire hand turned purple, and I couldn’t close it. So, I was playing drums like this, (Josh shows me half-open hands, as if he is delicately holding sticks with his fingers) but my hands were really like ... Norman : I wish y’all could see through this mic. [laughter] Josh : (wrapping up his defense of saying drums are a comfort on tour) A good drum set, an amazing drum set, and amazing cymbals, and amazing sticks. I can make tour with that and good vibes. Tank and the rest of the group continue having fun teasing Josh. Albert begins calling out to Tavia, "Ta! Ta!" to have her stop the insanity. Albert : (to me, as the hilarity wanes, feeling sympathy for me having to try and make sense of all the talking over each other) You just write this out, right? You transcribe this, right? A lot of it will be just asterisks - inaudible, asterisks - inaudible. MaM : Ok, Tavia says ten minutes left. I gotta get to the Grammy nod. Grammy nod number two. I’m sure that first one was an incredible experience. Tank, are you as nervous? Will you have a speech ready this time if you win? Tank : I think we could write a speech. I’m not as nervous this time. Norman : You gonna write it? I’m gonna wing it. Albert : The best things in life are wung [sic]. Tank : Then it goes, (imitates the music cue to get off stage) [to] get us off that stage. Albert : There’s four of us! That’s bullshit! We EACH get the allotted time! Josh : It’s the allotted time times four. Tank : Yeah, you use your privilege, see how far that gets you! Norman : They will never call us back! Tank : Albert said, ‘Excuse me, white man speaking! That’s not fair.’ Albert : Hey, if La La Land can take an Oscar, we can do this. Josh : Boy, you stupid! Tank : It’s exciting, definitely less nervous-y. It’s more exciting for sure, because [the] first time is very cool, but this time, it’s for the work, so that just feels just really dope. Josh : The entire body of work. [The first Grammy nomination] was us being really good coming out to them. That’s awesome, but this one is very awesome because it’s for everything that we’ve put in. Norman : Real talk, real talk. Tank : I would really like to win it. credit: Jamelle Tate, courtesy of the artist Josh : Not just one song, not one video; it’s the entire thing. Norman : The first one, all the other artists had radio hits. We didn’t have any hits on the radio, and they still had to say our name. Y’all had to put songs on the radio to win. Tank : You know how you say, ‘Since you guys made it,’ ‘Since your big success,’ ‘Since your breakout,’ you know how you keep saying that? We don’t feel that way. Y’all don’t feel that way, right (Tank asks the Bangas)? Like we’re some breakout stars, like we’re up there? Norman and Josh : No! Albert : Oh God, no. Josh : I feel like we’re new to somebody every day. I feel like because we’re new to at least one new person every day, that’s eventually gonna happen. MaM : So since she got y’all on the clock, is Tavia the special sauce for this whole thing? Josh : Facts. Albert : Oh yeah. Josh : She’s working right now. If you look right there, you can see her answering emails as we speak. Norman : We wouldn’t have gotten Tiny Desk without Ta, ‘Think Tank’ would have never happened without Ta, ‘RandoMe’ would have never happened without Ta ... Coachella, none of that. Tank : (looks to Tavia) Ta, I’ve been doing this. Norman : Shit, you was [sic] on the sofa. She picked you up off the sofa. Tank : Who was on the sofa? Norman : Tank Ball. That’s why I say you better understand! Tank : Boy, I’ve been doing this … My friend know [sic] she met me while I was on my journey. Norman : Ta said, ‘Come on, get in the studio, girl; you want to do a CD, come on.’ Tavia : I nurtured her journey. I think both Tank and I may have tapped into something that was deeper for both of us that we didn’t know was there. Granted, I met her doing poetry, which is what she wanted to do. She wanted to travel with her poetry book. She did not want to do a poetry show unless she had an album. Gus Bennett was put in my ear and he said, ‘I’m only telling you that I did a spot with Raj Smoove.’ I don’t know why Gus thought that I was the person. Tank : I don’t know why anybody thought you was [sic] the person to tell! Tavia : I know! Tank : No, I mean in my own self. Norman : Because you was [sic]! Tavia : One of Tank’s mentors pulled me to the side, spoke to me, and said I should really pursue this. They saw something in us that we didn’t see ourselves. We both just went full-fledged into it. When I met Tank, she had just quit her job and I was working two jobs and going to school. I thought I was really gonna be in an office job at the USDA or something. Other people were trying to get Tank to do things, but they were trying to get her to do what they wanted her to do, and not what she wanted to do. I was like, 'Let’s do what you doin’. I’m down for the poetry, like, let’s make this poetry album.' Everybody else was tryin’ to get her to do jazz songs and stuff, but she wasn’t feelin’ that.” credit: Erika Goldring/Getty Images [laughter] MaM : Y’all been together what, a decade now? Tank : Over a decade. Tavia : Twelve years with Tank and the Bangas, 13 years of friendship between me and Tank. MaM : So much great music. What’s the future hold? Josh : I don’t know – more stuff. Whole [sic] lot more stuff. Tank : We would love to get our book together. Norman : It’s comin’. Tank : We want to create an affirmation book for adults like us, and kids, and teenagers, because we have a lot of quotes that we live by and that we share with each other. We would love to do that. We would love to get more into big soundtracks for great movies; we’ve been offered those opportunities before. The world actually believes that we put on one of the best shows in America, [so to] have that stage and those things offered to us to make it what it’s supposed to be. Be more disciplined, more consistent. Just falling in love every day with what we doing. It’s not always easy, especially for myself. Definitely this year I’m going to make some resolutions, which I haven’t done in a while, honestly. Norman : Will you make a resolution? Whoop whoop! Tank : I feel made fun of. I thought this was a safe space. Norman : First of all, it’s a safe space. That was Kirk Franklin. I don’t know if you don’t know.” [laughter] Tank : Tavia, I’m not feeling safe. Let’s go. Norman : You need to self-care more. Your pants say self-care. If you want some self-care pants, they on TankAndTheBangas.com . Tank : Oh my lord. Norman : ... and they on Tank right now! Albert : More good music, Tank and the Bangas 2022 and beyond – for the kids! Whoooo!” For more on information on the outstanding talent that is Tank and the Bangas, their albums, their shows, and all, well, all things bangin', visit them online at https://www.TankandtheBangas.com . *Cover photo from taken from artist website. 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? E-mail us mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

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. 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

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

Highly Anticipated Sequels Coming Soon (and Sooner) < Back Oh Fudge: The Soft Glow of Electric Sex + Tornadoes Keeley Brooks Oct 20, 2022 Share Highly Anticipated Sequels Coming Soon (and Sooner) I’ve always loved movies … ever since, I don’t know, Goonies and Star Wars , Mad Max and Conan the Barbarian ... The Neverending Story , Return to Oz ... they all had my attention. My obsession didn’t really kick in, though, until the early 2000s when a friend introduced me to a slew of titles in his collection, then Lord of the Rings burst through the door. Ever since, my need to own every title I love grows stronger and stronger with each new year, and there are just too many favorites to narrow down. I can say that one of my earliest favorite movies was just about everyone’s favorite at some point—the 1983 holiday classic A Christmas Story . As far back as I can remember, I have watched this movie every time it comes on TV. And now, in these glorious digital days, I can let it roll nonstop with no interruptions whenever I want. Now, on the off-chance you know nothing of this movie, allow me : it’s a holiday classic from the early ‘80s about a kid in the ‘40s who spends most of his time dodging a town bully and dreaming of ways to manifest his ultimate Christmas gift, a Red Ryder air rifle bb gun, which everyone just laughs about then says, “You’ll shoot your eye out [with that thing]!” We also get to experience the first time said nine-year-old kid drops the F-bomb in front of his cranky, super conservative father - the one from whom he heard it in the first place. Then, we get to see the aftermath unfold and it is so relatable. On all fronts, throughout the whole movie. No one will ever think of bunnies or weird gifts from strange aunts or even Santa Claus the same way again. You can imagine my excitement, then, when I first learned of HBOMax’s plans for A Christmas Story sequel, A Christmas Story Christmas . For real. After all these years. The trailer dropped earlier this week and featured the first footage of Peter Billingsley in his return to his iconic role as Ralphie Parker. Check it out here: The film follows Ralphie as an adult in the 1970s, who returns home to Indiana to his house on Cleveland Street with his own kids to deliver to them a magical Christmas like the one he had growing up. He reconnects with friends, and it is confirmed that Zack Ward—the actor who played town bully Scut Farkus—is reprising his role as well. Thing is, he’s now a police officer. Also returning is Ian Petrella, who played Ralphie’s younger brother Randy. While home, Ralphie also reconciles the passing of his Old Man and sows the seeds for the origins of the beloved holiday classic. A Christmas Story Christmas drops on HBOMax on November 17 , and I’m sure the lamps emanating the soft glow of electric sex in the window and triple dog dares amongst kids will be plentiful. And hysterical. And just in time to kick off your 2022 holiday season. Another one of my favorites from the 20th century I literally just learned is getting a sequel—and which my husband constantly laughs at me for loving—is the 1996 epic disaster blockbuster Twister , starring Helen Hunt, the late Bill Paxton, the late great Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jami Gertz, Cary Elwes … need I keep going? Plus, it’s about tornadoes! What I love about movies is their ability to (or not to) convince me that what’s happening is real. How real does everything look, from sets to blood to special effects, even accents? How far can one take it? Can a movie make me forget it’s just a movie ? I love it all! This tornado blockbuster allowed me to experience, in some way, what it might be like to live through a tornado—not that I have ANY interest whatsoever in finding out in real life, but Nature just fascinates me. A few days ago, entertainment news outlet headlines began surfacing with confirmation a Twister sequel is, in fact, in the works. According to Deadline Hollywood, Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment are meeting with directors hoping for a spring start on the big-scale sequel, which is to be called Twisters . The Dish reports that Steven Spielberg himself flipped for the script, which was written by The Revenant scribe Mark L. Smith, noting, “his enthusiasm provided the impetus for the fast-tracked film.” While a director hasn’t yet been nailed down, it is reported that those also under the helm of consideration include Oscar-winning Free Solo directors Jimmy Chin & Elizabeth Chai Vaserhelyi; Dan Trachtenberg, whom you’ll know from the recently terrific Predator reinvention AND the Hulu movie Prey and, before that, 10 Cloverfield Lane ; and Travis Knight, the Laika chief whose recent animated films were Missing Link and Kubo and the Two Strings . The hope is to bring Helen Hunt back and have the drama focusing on her daughter, whom she had with the character played by the late Bill Paxton and who has caught the storm-chasing bug her parents had. That’s all the deets we know for now but be sure to stay tuned! You know I consume all kinds of content and will you keep as posted as I possibly can! 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 Music of Tyler Underwood < Back Authentic, Heartfelt, Soulful, and Deep Keeley Brooks & Nicole Brice Mar 17, 2023 Share The Music of Tyler Underwood Every once in a while, a new artist appears on scene with music so relatable, you can’t help but get lost in nostalgia when listening to his/her/their tunes. Tyler Underwood is one of those artists, and you’re gonna want to stay with us on this one, because this kid is the picture of resilience and perseverance. Underwood is a singer/songwriter, musician, and producer based out of Florence, Alabama. Born as the youngest of five children, he has lived a rough life, but that has never stopped him from being creative or longing to make music. In fact, his early experiences are what drove him to seek refuge in creating music. Soulful and melodic with heartfelt lyrics is the best way to describe Tyler’s sound. He has quite an incredible story to tell, and we are thankful he reached out to us so we could stumble upon his talents. His beats are catchy, relaxing, and smooth, and the song lyrics resonate deeply on every level. With thought-provoking imagery strewn throughout his tunes, Tyler’s exceptional use of words makes for a vivid listening experience. To be quite honest, his music reminds us of Jason Mraz but with an edge. It's that feel-good singer/songwriter material that one puts on in the car to sing to at the top of their lungs. To give you guys a better understanding of who Tyler Underwood is, we threw him some questions recently, so get ready, because he’s got one hell of a story. Photo provided by artist MaM : So, Tyler, thanks so much for chatting with us about your life and music. Why don’t you give us a little background on who you are. TU : I was born in Florence in 1993. I'm the youngest of five. My dad was in prison most of my life, so some of my earliest memories were staying in hotels just to go and visit him on occasion. My mom was a rockstar taking care of five kids on her own. We moved around the [Muscle Shoals area] for a while until I was 12. My mom and brother and I moved to Georgia because my brother had some run ins with the police, so we tried to escape. We rented a room out of someone's house and worked on a farm to pay for the stay and food. It was later found [out] that I wasn't going to school and there was a lot of drug activity going on in the house, so I was taken from my mom and placed in a group home. My brother ended up getting caught and sent back to Alabama. My mother didn't really have a place to stay in Georgia, [so] she moved back to Bama. After being in the group home for a couple of years, it was almost time for me to go home. My mom finished all paperwork and passed inspection for them to send me home. A couple months later, she passed away due to Emphysema. After her passing, I chose to stay in the group home. I felt like there wasn't nothing [sic] good for me back home. I probably would've dropped out of school or got into drugs. Luckily, I had a loving support group at the Open Door Children's Home, [and] that made me feel … safe enough to live there and see the other guys that lived there as family. It was around this time that I started writing songs and making music. I formed a rap duo with my best friend, and we began working on songs for mixtapes. MaM : Wow, that’s a lot to deal with at such a young age. We’re glad you found music both as an escape and as a way of connecting to who you are. TU : Yeah. I went on to graduate high school in 2012 while working at a radio station and a local restaurant, [then] I enrolled in the Atlanta Institute of Music to pursue an associate degree in audio recording and production. … During that time, I was freelancing as an audio engineer and producer, recording rappers and singers in my bedroom, and mixing and mastering their songs. After graduating in 2014, I started my own production company by the name of The Lokkz Music. I would have artists bring me basic structures or ideas of songs and I'd produce full-fleshed songs for them. After doing that for three years, I became frustrated, because most of the artists I was making songs for weren't pushing their music like they should. I just felt like we made beautiful music that just landed on deaf ears, so I began to focus back on making my own music. After going through a tough breakup, I had nowhere to go and was basically sleeping in my car trying to keep things going. After about a month, I finally bit the bullet and decided to move back to Florence and start over. I put a pause on most of my music work and got a job serving tables. After going from job to job, place to place, and going through another failed relationship, I finally set my studio back up and started working again. I started recording songs and … learning covers to start doing shows. For the second half of 2020 and all of 2021, I did shows all over the southeast. I went to Key West twice, traveled to Atlanta almost every weekend, and slept in my car just to play shows. At the beginning of 2022, I decided to take a break from shows so I could be home with my dogs and continue to craft songs for my first album. I'm currently working on finishing up that album and releasing content consistently to stay engaged with my fans. Photo provided by artist MaM : If you could describe who you are at your core, how would you do that? TU : At my core, I'm a lover and a curious child that oohs and aahs at all the wonderful things in life. For some, it takes a lot to be happy, but for me, just watching how beautiful a tree is when it sways or hearing how elegant a bird sings is enough for me. I have ambitions, and I'm passionate about my craft and about people leading lives they are truly satisfied with. I've studied a lot of Buddhism and eastern philosophy, and I've learned that life is made up of our perceptions and thoughts. No matter what you are going through, you can always find beauty and peace within. MaM : True dat! What a great outlook. So, you're both an artist and a producer. Tell us about that, and which came first. TU : I pretty much started doing both at the same time. When I was a kid, I would sing along to Elvis’s songs and 90’s / early 2000’s R&B. When I was 12, I started writing poetry and rap verses over Tupac’s songs. I soon fell in love with writing. I started learning guitar and piano at the age of 14 and by 15, I decided I wanted to be a rapper/producer and started learning as much as I [could] from books I found or that were given to me. The first song I ever made [was recorded] on an old Yamaha keyboard that allowed up to five tracks of recording. I would play the full length of each part of the song because it didn't have the capability to loop. I then played the beat and recorded it with the microphone on my MP3 player, [then] I connected my MP3 player to my computer and transferred the recording of the beat. I remember I had this crappy headset with a microphone on it. I used that to record the vocals and then went into Adobe Audition and lined the vocals up with the beat. And that was how I made my first song. As an artist, I see myself as someone that just likes to bring ideas to life. I've always had a creative mind. I've just always been on the search for tools that let me manifest that into reality. As a producer, it's pretty much the same. I'll take ideas that are merely skeletons and create a whole village out of it. MaM : Have you always had musical talent? TU : I haven't really always had musical talent. I learned [that] through passion and curiosity. But I've always loved music. It's always been at the forefront of everything for me. Even as a four- or five-year-old kid, I was drawn to music for some reason. I was always watching music videos or listening to what my siblings and parents were listening to. MaM : What made you slide into producing as well? TU : I've just always been a DIY type of person. So, naturally I just wanted to involve myself with every step of the process of making music. MaM : What instruments do you play? And tell us about your singing/rapping. From where does your sound originate? TU : I mostly play piano and guitar. I can also work my way around a sampler and drum machine. I'm pretty well versed in engineering, [and] I love working on analog consoles and getting my hands on actual gear, but most of the engineering work I do is in the box, meaning I mainly just use digital plug-ins that emulate real-life gear. Photo provided by artist MaM : Who would you cite as your influences? TU : Musically, my influences have always been Tupac, Bob Marley, Pink Floyd, Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, John Mayer, Bon Iver, and just a bunch of random bands and artists that my family grew up listening to. MaM : Do you have any albums or singles currently out or coming out soon? TU : I am currently working on my first album, but instead of releasing it all at once, I'm releasing one song at a time like how TV shows release an episode at a time. I plan on having some type of visual representation for each song as well. MaM : Right on. Did you have any singles drop in 2022? TU : ‘Right Thing’ released last year. It’s about being in a place out of comfort but not happiness … realizing you’re not happy in that place, but it’s just easier to stay. So, it’s about that and making the decision to let it go and move on. Because that’s the right thing to do. MaM : Have you released anything this year? TU : [Earlier this year], I released ‘Pranayama.’ It’s about learning to breathe—truly breathe—and just accept events in your life. Whether they are positive or negative depends on your perception of them. You can find positive in negative and vice versa. Learning healthy ways to deal with hardships is very important. It’s so easy to fall into the deep end, but if you take some time to learn techniques, such as meditation and pranayama (Sanskrit for breathwork) , you end up growing into a strong and peaceful being that doesn’t easily get defeated by its demons. MaM : Are these songs on the same album? TU : At this moment, both songs are singles in their own space but will eventually be a part of an album. The details on that will be revealed later. MaM : Any live shows? TU : I don't currently have any live shows booked, but I am working on getting a band together to tour for the album. MaM : What's the overall message in your music for people? TU : To me, music has always been therapy. When I go through things, I always turn to music to [guide] me. It started as just listening but then grew into writing music as therapy. So, I aim for my music to be a voice for those that feel like they don't have one, a shoulder to lean on, and a message to inspire. My music is relatable and very personal. I try to be very transparent in my lyrics. I also talk about things that could possibly help others lead better lives, mindsets to use as tools to make it through this rough experience of life. And there you have it, people. This kid is a fighter who has some talent and a clear vision of what he wants and where he’s headed with his music. We highly recommend checking out his carefully constructed beats full of premium quality instrumentals and heartfelt song lyrics. Before you know it, they’ll snag hold of you and have you listening on repeat while you do whatever it is you do with your time. Visit Tyler’s Linktr.ee for more music, videos, and links to his social media. *photos and video 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

The Harmonic Stew showcase is a vibrant celebration of emerging talent. < Back On the Scene: Harmonic Stew at Chelsea's Live June 6th, 2024 Rian Nickels Aug 8, 2024 Share The Harmonic Stew showcase is a vibrant celebration of emerging talent. I've been wanting to write on The Harmonic Stew Showcase for quite a while, and on June 6th, 2024, I finally had the opportunity to visit Chelsea's Live , a venue in Baton Rouge, Louisiana , to experience the showcase myself. The Harmonic Stew is a local music showcase designed to shine light on up-and-coming talents in and around Baton Rouge. Though I missed the last acts of the night, Soul Jettison and Carter Patrick & The Telegram Salesmen , I got to catch South Louisiana local bands: The Dale Harris Band , Goodbye Academy , and Hey Thanks ! Credit: Rian Nickels The Dale Harris Band To kick off the night was Dale Harris , a singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He sometimes performs as a solo act, sometimes as a duo with his brother Glenn Harris on lead guitar, but tonight, we got to experience the full Dale Harris Band with Dale and Glen alongside Adam on the bass and Mikey on the drums. They took the stage, and Chelsea's Live was filled with jazzy tunes and electric strums of songs like "The River" and " South Bound Train " that gave anyone from Louisiana a sense of home. With Dale's soulful voice and the rest of the band's rhythmic energy, it was easy for the atmosphere to wake up and come to life. This made The Dale Harris Band the perfect warm-up for the other acts in the local showcase. Goodbye Academy Next on the lineup was one of my favorite Louisiana alternative bands, Goodbye Academy . The trio (bassist and vocalist Jake, guitarist and vocalist Kris, and drummer Chase) exudes a well-practiced chemistry that shines through in their performances. They played mellow songs like " Intermission " and " Shaver, What A Last Name " to a smaller and more intimate crowd, but their audience got a little bigger with each song. By the time they got to more riotous and upbeat songs like "Thanks for the Toy" and "Best Ways, Worst Days," day-one fans sang along, and first-time listeners moved their bodies to the drum beat. Chase's endless versatility on the drums, Jake's ability to communicate with the audience, Kris's unique voice, and their entire harmony show that they belong on a big stage with all their works. Goodbye Academy did a spectacular job of drawing in the audience and keeping them interested and engaged with odes to past lovers and verses about growing up. With their deeply nostalgic lyrics and melodic guitar strums, I think Goodbye Academy makes the perfect "blueprint" for what I would call "Southeastern Emo." Hey Thanks! The last band I was able to catch was Hey Thanks! from New Orleans, Louisiana. They are a four-piece band with Travis as the frontman, vocalist, and bassist. Backed by bandmates Trevor on the drums and Micah and Jason on the guitars, this was their first live performance in six months, and their fans were ready for another chance to see them play. The very moment they arrived on the stage, the crowd became fuller and more excited, and it was easy to see that Hey Thanks was locally loved and supported. Their energy immediately got people onto their feet, ready to emerge themselves into the band's pop-punk-pop-synth-alternative type beats. With older songs like " I'm Sure It's on the Way " from their first record, " Start/Living ," and unreleased and untitled tracks, they had a perfect set list that shows you where they were and where they're going. Hey Thanks! brings a lot of musical variety, with bandmates playing multiple instruments, vocal range, and songs covering a spectrum of genre types and emotions. One of the things that stands out to me the most about them is their ability to bring a crowd of people with different music tastes together to enjoy just existing and listening to music. Harmonic Stew at Chelsea's Live was a testament to the vibrant and diverse music we have in Baton Rouge and beyond. From the soulful, jazzy rhythms of The Dale Harris Band to the nostalgic, emo-infused melodies of Goodbye Academy and the high-energy, genre-blending sounds of Hey Thanks!, the night celebrated talent and community. Each band brought their unique flavor to the stage, creating a night of music that felt both intimate and electric. Even though I missed the final acts, the performances I did see were enough to leave a lasting impression, reminding me of the power of live music and its ability to connect us. This showcase helped to show some of the best of what South Louisiana has to offer, making it a night to remember, and I cannot wait to experience more showcases in the future. Credit: Rian Nickels To learn more about the bands: Dale Harris Band: (Facebook) https://www.facebook.com/daleishous (Website) www.daleharrisband.com (Spotify) https://open.spotify.com/artist/6SyHhI6ofWwqIvcZeJ09J0 (Apple Music) https://music.apple.com/us/artist/dale-harris/1570984678 Goodbye Academy: (Facebook) https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092575554398 (Spotify) https://open.spotify.com/artist/7q4JZHQjgEEkZ8q8dAhw2N (Apple Music) https://music.apple.com/us/artist/goodbye-academy/1750154912 Hey Thanks! (Facebook) https://www.facebook.com/heythanksla (Spotify) https://open.spotify.com/artist/6kVxSrnHJh6Lzq0qJuBEwS (Apple Music) https://music.apple.com/us/artist/hey-thanks/1051345321 *All photos courtesy of Rian Nickels 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

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

Musical Gumbo Master Continues with Spring Forward Tour and a New Album < Back Off the Charts: Otis Walker Bud Gambrell Mar 25, 2025 Share Musical Gumbo Master Continues with Spring Forward Tour and a New Album The making of this article goes back a few months. I first spoke with Otis Walker in November 2024. Otis had a new album release coming up, and my plans were to be there. Well, as sometimes happens, life steps in and changes your plans. Our original interview was set to be at the album release party on November 29, 2024, the day after Thanksgiving. The morning of the party, I woke up with a flare-up of vertigo . There go those plans. Fast-forward to March 17, 2025, where I received a message from Otis, “I would like to personally invite you to our show this Saturday night.” I had been attempting to fill up my schedule for the spring and summer, but it so happens that my Saturday night was open. So, my reply was, “I am going to see about taking you up on this invite. Thank you!” Saturday Night’s show was to be held at Tangled Strings Studio in Huntsville . I was familiar with the venue by name only. I have seen the shop, but since they specialize in custom guitars , I have never stopped by. Lo and behold, it is a concert venue, too! I am unsure of how I missed out on that news. This is a very special place for live music. It is not too large or too small. It is just right for a songwriter/storyteller-type event. I tell you all that to set the table, as they say, so you can get a better visual for the space. Saturday March 22, 2025 As I walked into Tangled Strings Studio , the first person I met was Lisa Chang . She was up front selling tickets. Lisa is also a local musician with a fantastic voice. Otis and Lisa did a vocal duo during Otis’ set. I had never seen either of them perform, so I was mind-blown! Credit: Bud Gambrell The second person I ran into was Otis himself. Sometimes, it’s odd how these things work out. Otis and I began conversing as if we’d known each other for a while. We had just met for the first time. It’s always a bit of a concern with me that an interview will be stale due to no chemistry within the interview. That was not to be a worry tonight. Credit: Bud Gambrell We quickly realized common ground while talking about the band and stage set-up for the night. Otis added Kim Coffey to the percussion to add that extra beat. At almost the same time, we said, “similar to The Allman Brothers ” dual drummers. Otis told me that they are his favorite band. Mine too! Kim’s husband Donnie Cox is also in the band playing lead guitar. The pair also play in another band I worked with a few months ago. The band is rounded out by Richard Best on drums and Otis’ son Eli Brown on bass . Many moons ago, I worked with Richard , so the band was no stranger to me. Local songwriter Brett Carlisle opened the show. You will meet Brett and read more about him in an upcoming Off the Charts article. Our second band of the night was The Silver Silos , led by Taylor Burton . The Silver Silos are Taylor on guitar , Jacob Greene on bass , and his brother Brad Greene on saxophone and lap steel . Taylor is a friend of mine, and it is always a pleasure to have a conversation with him and hear his songs. The following is part of our conversation. For time and space purposes, I cannot include the entire conversation. Our conversation seemed very open-ended and long-winded. OTC : Otis, it is great to see you! It's nice to meet you finally! OW : Thanks for having me, man! OTC : We were first supposed to meet in November at the album release party. I'm sorry I couldn’t make it. So, tell me how the new album is doing. OW : It's our first time ever doing an album, so, you know, I have no metrics to measure against another album, but the first release did all right. The second single has had over forty streams in less than a month on Spotify . So, I mean, I think that's pretty remarkable. Hardly any of the streams are from my hometown, which is funny. We got lucky to get on a playlist and move forward. This is funny because the album's name is ' Forward ', so that's what we're doing. We're just trying to keep one foot in front of the other. OTC : Where can we find this new album? OW : You can go on the website at otiswalkerband.com . We've got the full album up for sale there. We're releasing one single every six weeks out to the wild. If you want the entire album, you can go to the website and you can purchase it there. Click picture to purchase OTC : Where did you find inspiration to write this new album's songs? OW : Well, you know you're going to find that you came to the right show tonight because we're doing the storytellers type show. I will tell you different stories about the different songs tonight. But, you know, I get a lot of different inspirations. Sometimes, it's a personal experience. Sometimes, I hear a lyric from another song that sends me in another direction. And you know, I feel like I'm an old bird now. I’m in my late 40s now. When I first started songwriting, it all had to be about something I felt. And now, I like to stew on it and get a story. So, in my older years, it's more story based. OTC : We will stop talking about how old we are at this point in the interview. (laughter) OTC : Did you write the songs on the new album, or did you have any interesting collaborations? OW : Out of the ten songs, one song was co-written by a buddy from college. The other nine songs were 100% mine, and then as far as the way that we did in the studio, you know, we all sat down at Clear Wave Studio and came up with how we wanted to produce the songs. They were all 100% mine, minus ' Southern Twist '. OTC : Do you have any future plans for any collaborations? OW : I've talked with a few guys. Taylor Burton and me, who we're playing the show with tonight. We've talked about that. We're gonna get together. I have also talked to Brett Carlisle , who's opening up tonight. He is a young songwriter, and we're also looking at it. My life hero is Barry Billings ; he's a great songwriter. Hopefully, we'll get to sit down and write a song together one day. OTC : As spring and summer are here, you've got new show dates. Do you have any particular dates or venues that you're looking forward to playing? OW : Well, tonight is! Here in Huntsville is our ticketed advance show. We're playing many shows where I’m solo and with the whole band. I love coming out and playing at a Tangled String Studio show where we get to have such an intimate chance to be with the audience because you're four feet from the first row. I love that! Credit: Bud Gambrell OTC : Do you have any goals for 2025? OW : Man, I would love to get to the part where we become a regional act . That is my goal! My dream is to be able to start playing some festivals and take out on the road what we're doing here in Huntsville and take it out to the people not here. The Huntsville music scene is intense. We could take it out to the rest of the southeast. OTC : What got you into music? OW : Well, I'm going to tell that story tonight. When I was growing up, we had a Ford Falcon , and it had a tape deck in it, and in that tape deck, there was a Roger Miller tape. I heard a song from Roger Miller and all those stories he tells. Man, it just lit a fire under me. Now, the other side of it is that my uncle, Bo Jack Killingsworth , is a member of the Rockabilly Hall of Fame , and so growing up with him, I got to see people and be around people that not everyone would get to be around and experience. My uncle is my hero. Roger Miller lit the flame, and going to see Uncle Bo at a show. I thought he walked on water. OTC : So, Roger Miller lit the flame, and Uncle Bo fanned that flame? OW : He sure did! OTC : Are there any past or present instructors that you look up to, and what qualities do they have that you admire? OW : I went to college and got a degree. But while in college, I got to play with the Iguana Party , which had Barry Billings , Danny Kirsch , and Joey Flippen . Those three men were my age now, and I was in college. They taught me everything I know about music. From how to roll up a cord to knowing the right song to play at the right time and how to play with dynamics. I mean, all those boys are my heroes. No guitar player can outdo Barry Billings . I'm sorry. I know some great players are around, but Barry hung the moon! OTC : What's the best piece of advice another musician ever gave you? OW : (laughs) That's a great question! I think that I was told once that I can't play everything in the first song. I get very emotional. One of my band mentors told me I had to leave something for the third set. When I first got up there, I just started trying to play everything simultaneously. OTC : What is it about music that makes you so emotional and feel passionate? OW : Man, you hear that bass drum, and then you hear that snare, and that's my heartbeat! And then my emotions kick in as soon as I hear the drums, and the passion comes out! Because I get to do something that is very much, honestly, my drug! I mean. I love music! It's not about money. It's not about fame. It is as if there's none of that. I'm still playing music in my basement on a Saturday night because I cannot live without getting the music out of me! The recommendation from this music lover to the music lover reading this is to get to an Otis Walker show if you are in the North Alabama area. Otis Walker 's music, a unique blend of styles, is something you won't want to miss. You will want to grab the LP or CD from the merch table while you are there, too. I know you will want to hear the songs repeatedly because the album is good but hearing them live is even better! For those not in the North Alabama area, let’s all hope that Otis Walker becomes a regional touring band so you will also get the chance to experience him live. One way that you can help make that happen is to support local original music in your scene wherever you may be. Show up for shows and let these musicians know you appreciate what they are doing. Until next time, Keep your diamond down in the groove! Where to find Bud: Email: the_budgambrell@mixedaltmag.com Website: https://bgambrellphotography.com Amazon: https://a.co/d/1CLA9Tzk Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bud.gambrell My new book: Bud Gambrell Photography by Bud Gambrell | Blurb Books Where to find Otis Walker: Website: https://otiswalkerband.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OtisWalkerBand Facebook: Facebook Instagram: Otis Walker Band (@otiswalkerband) • Instagram photos and videos Soundcloud: Stream The Otis Walker Band music | Listen to songs, albums, playlists for free on SoundCloud ‎ Apple Music: Otis Walker Band - Apple Music Where to find Tangled Strings Studio: Website: Tangled String Studios Facebook: Facebook Instagram: Tangled String Studios (@tangledstringstudios) • Instagram photos and videos *all photos by Bud Gambrell www.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.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Got something for Bud to check out? Reach him at the_budgambrell@mixedaltmag.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Cutting straight into the bone of the Saw franchise, John Kramer confesses his own despair and exposes himself as a radical nihilist. < Back The Philosophy of John Kramer and the Saw Franchise, Part 4: Film Analysis Ezekiel Kincaid Oct 31, 2023 Share Cutting straight into the bone of the Saw franchise, John Kramer confesses his own despair and exposes himself as a radical nihilist. We’re back, folks, with our fourth and final lesson in John Kramer’s philosophical nihilism. I hope you’ve enjoyed the journey, and I hope it has at least made you think, along with challenging your perception of the Saw franchise. For today’s blue-collar philosophy lesson, we are going to look at radical nihilism and how John Kramer (Tobin Bell, of Finders Keepers ) fits that rubric. Let’s go ahead and jump in, shall we? Radical nihilism can be summed up as a “destructive” philosophy. What I mean by that is this: A radical nihilist usually has no loyalties, believes in nothing, and sees their purpose as to destroy. This is because they have a dissatisfaction that comes from their recognition that they live in a world where their ideal values will never exist. The “world as it is” is the greatest hindrance to the radical nihilist, so much so that they seek to negate and destroy its inherent moral, religious, and political values so their own can flourish. Now, let’s apply this paradigm to John Kramer in the Saw franchise. Can his ideal of “appreciating life” exist in the world as it is? Another pertinent question we need to raise concerns Jigsaw’s aim: Is it really to change others or to change the world by destroying others? Because, as a radical nihilist, the only way to bring change is through destroying what is. I am going to argue that John Kramer’s goal is not to incite true change in others, but to annihilate others, thus changing the world as is . A good example of this is Amanda (Shawnee Smith, of Anger Management ). She is proof positive that Jigsaw cannot change people’s value system. For those of you unfamiliar with the franchise, Amanda is Kramer’s first survivor. She becomes the case study and poster girl for Jigsaw that his therapy “works.” However, as the story unfolds throughout the Saw franchise, it becomes abundantly clear she is not “cured.” Amanda with Jigsaw, courtesy of Lionsgate Kramer then takes it upon himself to retest Amanda. The fact he has to do this proves his methods of rehabilitation are sorely inadequate. Amanda herself even agrees with this failure and says, “Nobody is reborn.” This all takes place in Saw III (2006) and, moments later, is followed up by Jeff’s willingness to kill Jigsaw. Speaking of Jeff (Angus Macfadyen, of Equilibrium ), let’s look at him for a moment, and then we’ll jump back to the scene mentioned above. In Saw III , Kramer asks Jeff to view Danica (Debra McCabe, of People of Earth ) and Timothy (Mpho Koaho, of Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency ) as people who made mistakes rather than people who contributed to the death of his son. Jeff ends up failing to obtain this outlook and failing to rescue them from their traps. But not to worry, Kramer, our scholar on humanity, has factored in Jeff’s failure for the overarching game. Danica herself exposes the test’s very premise when she says, “I made a mistake … I’m human.” Jeff, too, is only human, and he will make mistakes leading to the death of others, which he does. Jeff then becomes a synecdoche for everyone involved in the game , including Jigsaw and Amanda. But it goes deeper. Jeff serves a larger purpose. He isn’t Kramer’s test subject, all of humanity is. There was never any chance Jeff’s values or perspective would change. He, like Kramer and everyone else, is flawed by belonging to the world as it is. Let’s jump back to the scene in Saw III with Jeff, Kramer, and Amanda, where Jeff is wanting to kill Kramer. In coming face-to-face with the inadequacy of his own methods, and Jeff’s desire to kill him, Jigsaw asks Jeff, “You haven’t learned anything tonight, have you?” Like Amanda, Jeff is being retested. And, like Amanda, Jigsaw cannot change his values. The list goes on as we examine other movies in the Saw franchise. Art (Louis Ferreira, of Stargate Universe ) survives his mausoleum trap. Does he learn anything? Has he changed? Nope. In Saw IV (2007), he becomes the head of another game where he dies. In Saw II (2005), Eric (Donnie Wahlberg, of Blue Bloods ) fails his test but not all is lost. He proves his willingness to survive and live by escaping. This should be it for Eric, shouldn't it? But it’s not. He then becomes bait in the same trap that ends up killing Art. All in all, Amanda ends up being right when she states in Saw III , “Nobody changes.” But what about Kramer, the very one who has instituted this form of rehabilitation? A big NO on that as well. Those of you who have seen the movies, recall with me, if you will, John Kramer’s statement from Saw II where he says he is “unfixable.” And there we have it, folks, right in front of our faces. Kramer’s own words scream at us the radical nihilist’s confession of despair. No one is fixable, so the entire damn system needs to burn. Jigsaw is sick and tired of it all. He is tired of the current world-as-it-is value system. He is sick of people not appreciating their lives because of this system. But people can’t change, not even with his method; therefore, it must all be destroyed. Let’s go back to the original Saw (2004) for a moment. There’s a scene in there where Detective Tapp (Danny Glover, of Lethal Weapon ) says to Kramer he is “sick” but he’s not referring to his cancer. Kramer’s response is telling. He states he is “sick of those who don’t appreciate their life” and he is “sick of those who scoff at the suffering of others.” And then comes the ultimate culmination and confession of Jigsaw: He says he is “sick of it all.” To put that in nihilistic terms, he is sick of the world and the current state of existence. What about Kramer’s cancer? His physical illness? Does it play a part in this? Oh, absolutely. Jigsaw’s destructive nature displayed in his games is intricately tied to his terminal illness. Thus, the only true change Jigsaw institutes in any of his traps is devastation. The games he subjects people to are not capable of changing anyone’s values. Kramer’s aim is much more simplistic: to destroy the world as is. In closing, I want to examine one more phrase from Kramer that highlights his radical nihilism, and it is probably one of the most important phrases in the franchise. In Saw IV , Kramer states, “If the subject survives my method, he or she is instantly rehabilitated.” Yet, as we have seen above, this is far from the truth. As a radical nihilist, Jigsaw’s values remain intact despite evidence to the contrary, and despite the impossibility of those ideals ever becoming a reality in the world as is. This also answers the question as to why, even if people survive, Jigsaw just puts them in another game to die anyway. It is because destruction is the chief end—the obliteration of the world-as-it-is value system. There is much more to unpack when it comes to the philosophy of John Kramer—so much more, in fact, that even passive and radical nihilism fail to cover it. This means while Kramer fits these paradigms, there are also aspects of him that do not. Those points are beyond the scope of these articles. However, seeing much of Kramer through the lens of passive and radical nihilism does shed light on his madness and gives us a background to understand some of the seeming contradictions that are evident throughout the movies. Before I end, I want to sum up a few things. First, radical nihilism embraces the impossibility of change. Second, when we examine passive and radical nihilism, especially in John Kramer, we see the two are intertwined. Nihilists like Kramer rely on their view of the world as it is being the non-ideal of existence. This is the only way they can understand existence. There is a deep conflict between the world-as-it-is view and the world-as-it-ought-to-be view. Jigsaw’s world view is one where he gives into destruction in order to institute change. He has wholeheartedly given himself over to the belief that people are predictable. Thus, he allows them to be human, to keep their current value system and ultimately doom themselves. There is a deep irony existing inside John Kramer. With all of his destructive games, he still relies on the world existing as it is while also being the source of his own dissatisfaction in life. Because Kramer will never fulfill his goal of total destruction, as a nihilist, his own life will have no purpose either. credit: Lionsgate Entertainment And there you have it, my friends. I hope you’ve enjoyed this little discourse into the Saw franchise, and I plan on bringing you more thought-provoking pieces in the future. Until then, stay tuned for more fantastic upcoming B-movie reviews in my current series What the Hell Did I Just Watch . Catch y’all on the flip flop. Happy Halloween, my friends. Now go 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

A Nod to the 90's < Back Melodic and Atmospheric Hailing from Manchester: What Will Be Nicole Brice Mar 21, 2023 Share A Nod to the 90's When one thinks of the music of Manchester, many bands come to mind, such as The Stone Roses, Oasis, and The Smiths, or, if you like more of the punk vibe, then the Buzzcocks will come to mind. If there is one thing that is certain, though, no two bands from Manchester sound alike, and this next band definitely continues this tradition. Hailing from Manchester, UK is What Will Be. These guys came onto the music scene in 2019 and wrote and self-released their self-titled EP, which debuted in September 2022. credit: Hannah Reeves Their new single “Something More” was released earlier this month and is currently available on all streaming platforms. The newest single is an enjoyable mix of melodic rock with an outstanding mix of larger-than-life guitars, sing-along melodies, and atmospheric synth chords and is a truly solid offering from this five-piece Alternative Rock band. What Will Be is Bram (guitar/vocals), Jonny (guitar), James (bass/vocals), JK (drums/vocals), and Chris (keyboard/piano). Upon discovering their music, because we dig it so much, we had a few questions for them, so let us share with you a little more on this pretty bad-ass band from the UK with an uncommonly catchy sound. credit: Hannah Reeves MaM : With a strong nod to 90’s alternative, who would you cite as your influences to make music? What Will Be : In terms of bands from the 90s, we’d say Incubus and Deftones would be two of our main influences. However, we’re also inspired by newer bands, such as Alter Bridge and City and Colour/Alexisonfire. credit: Hannah Reeves MaM : Vocals – your vocals are very different, and I can hear a tinge of David Byron from Uriah Heep within them. Who are your vocal inspirations, and why? What Will Be : Vocal-wise, our main influences would be Brandon Boyd of Incubus and Miles Kennedy of Alter Bridge. In terms of why it would come down to the bands you listen to most would be the inspiration, I think in terms of vocally, their range is like what I can do with my voice. While these bands might be heavier musically, their vocal stylings are what inspire us with the music we create, even if it’s not as ‘heavy.’ credit: Hannah Reeves MaM : What type of guitars are the band’s preferred ones to play and why? What Will Be : Bram uses Chapman and PRS guitars. Jonny uses Fender and Gibson guitars. Dual humbucker coil tapped, on occasion … hollow body and solid body guitars. We like guitars with a thicker, higher output sound. MaM: What pedals / gear was used in the recording of the newest material? The guitar sound is incendiary and distinctive. What Will Be: Live we use Moore Shimmer Pro, Marshall modulation pedal, Maxon OD 808 and a boss delay. Recording we use the above but Marshall/Blackstar plugins. These give us our unique guitar tone, which seems to separate us from other bands in sound. credit: Hannah Reeves MaM : You have an interesting band name. Where did the inspiration behind the band name come from? What Will Be : We’re a little bit older in terms of life experience than most ‘new’ bands. Lots of different names were in consideration; however, as its probably our last stab at ‘trying to make it,’ the name reflects a certain type of fate. We just uttered the famous line, ‘What will be, will be,’ and that’s how it came about. credit: Hannah Reeves MaM : What led to the formation of the band? Give us a little more history on the beginnings. What Will Be : We’ve been in bands together for years from the ages of 16 onwards, then over the years bands come and go, but we all remained friends. A few years ago in James’s back garden, we jammed a few acoustic ideas Bram had, and things snowballed from there until 2019 when we added a different dynamic with Chris our keyboardist. Since then, we became an alternative unique five-piece band. Experiencing What Will Be is a must for any music lover and appreciator. Be sure to visit their links below and explore all you can about these guys. Then, hit ‘em up with some love and support, no matter where in the world you are, Carmen Sandiego. Rock on. What Will Be (@ whatwillbe.band ) • Instagram photos and videos Profile / Twitter What Will Be | Manchester ( facebook.com ) What Will Be - Single by What Will Be | Spotify 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 Bellas are pure 80’s glam metal, capturing the essence of rebellion and discontent with a raw sound amplifying the voices of the unheard. < Back The Bellas: Re-envisioning the Power of Female Punk Rock Nicole Brice Nov 29, 2023 Share The Bellas are pure 80’s glam metal, capturing the essence of rebellion and discontent with a raw sound amplifying the voices of the unheard. In a genre often associated with male masculinity, what comes to mind when you think of females in the punk-rock scene? Energy, rebellion, and unfiltered expression? If you said yes to any of the above terms, then you are on the right track. Having recently discovered The Bellas, the newest all-female punk band from the underground scene in New Jersey, I began thinking about how the music scene desperately needs bands like this to redefine the state of the industry overall. The Bellas are unapologetically taking on traditional feminine characteristics by challenging stereotypes and celebrating the strength and power of femininity with their music, strong style, and charismatic live shows. So, who are they? The Bellas consist of teen drummer Giul, guitarist Izzy, lead singer Abby, and bassist Charlotte. Giul and Izzy are sisters to each other and cousins to Abby. Their previous bassist, Lindsay, was also their cousin, so upon formation, they were a band of cousins. When Lindsay left for the military, The Bellas eventually found Charlotte and the rest is history. Credit: Jeff Crespi The girls burst onto the scene in 2019 and have been chugging along ever since. With a couple of singles under their belt, “Teenage Dropout” and “Cherry Lips”, The Bellas are drawing inspiration from bands such as The Runaways and The Donnas. Their infectious sound blends ferocity with teenage angst and melodic hooks. Abby’s vocals are so on point that you’ll be singing and bopping along in no time. The Bellas’ music captures the essence of rebellion and discontent with a raw sound that amplifies the voices of the unheard by challenging the status quo and I know we’ll be hearing more from them in the future. I recently reached out to the band to see if I could learn a little more, and I was able to chat with their drummer, Giul, who is an absolute doll. Take a moment to read a little more about The Bellas below, then go check out their tunes. Credit: Jeff Crespi MaM : Guil, thanks so much for talking with us today! Tell us, what year did The Bellas come together? Giul : Our band officially formed and played our first show together in 2019 at my high school’s Battle of the Bands, but it’s something we’ve wanted to do since we were little. As kids, there was rarely a time at a family gathering when you wouldn’t see the four of us [cousins, prior to Charlotte,] planning out our lives as rock stars or imagining we were in a band together, long before any of us even began playing our instruments. Years later, as a freshman, I saw flyers in my school’s halls for a battle of the bands coming up and instantly thought of the girls. I sent them a picture of one and jokingly suggested that we “get the band back together”—to which they all actually agreed. By this point, though Izzy and I were already taking lessons and had experience playing our instruments, the four of us never formally played together. Against all odds, we got a few songs together and played just a couple of weeks later. Though it originally began as a fun one-time thing, we knew we had to continue together after the energy we felt when we performed. The rest is history! Credit: Jeff Crespi MaM : Who are your biggest influences musically and stylistically? Giul : Many of the artists that we’re influenced by have impacted us both musically and stylistically. Our influences include—but are by no means limited to—RATT, KISS, Mötley Crüe, Kix, and Poison, just to name a few. Their approaches to music and attitude when performing are part of what drew us to them in the first place and [are what] continue to inspire us. Not only do these bands have great music, but they also put on amazing, larger-than-life live shows—something we strive towards for our own band. We absolutely love the cement pirate style, the tall boots, the over-the-top showmanship, and all that good stuff. When the band first started out, we were also influenced by artists like the Ramones, The Donnas, and Joan Jett, which inspired our name and logo. MaM : Is there one show you have played thus far that was notable? If so, where, and why? Giul : The show that immediately comes to mind is our most recent gig at the Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, NJ. We played our fair share of both small and large venues, but this was easily our biggest one thus far. With so many iconic acts that have performed there through the years, this one easily stood out to us! Credit: Jeff Crespi MaM : If you could share the stage with any musician or band in the future, who would it be and why? Giul : The classic lineups of KISS and RATT. They’re absolute legends in rock and metal. MaM : How do you feel about the current landscape of indie music, and how do The Bellas stand out? Giul : I’d say [the landscape is cluttered], especially with the vastness of music available on the Internet nowadays. Because of this, we make sure to stand out by putting on a good live show in a way that emphasizes entertainment and fun instead of a broader message. We prioritize style and stage presence just as much as musicianship; we want our show to be exciting in every sense of the word, and we plan to deliver in every way possible. If we can provide an escape for someone in the crowd and help them forget about whatever might be weighing them down and just have a good time, we’ve done our job. Credit: Jeff Crespi MaM : I see you’ve released two singles so far. Any plans to record an EP in the future? What are you guys currently working on and how do you approach the creative process? Giul : Yes, we are looking to release an EP soon! We currently have a few things in the works. In general, we’ve been starting to move towards playing original music almost entirely. I think that’s ultimately where we wanted to go with the band, so we’ve been trying to write and release more of our own content. We’ve most recently been recording a brand-new song and are in the process of adding the finishing touches! As for the creative process, we usually start with the music and then the lyrics come after. Since we are somewhat new to the songwriting process, we’re still trying to see what works. Most of the time Izzy or I have an idea and develop it independently before coming together, but we also want to try working more collaboratively in the early stages as well. Credit: Jeff Crespi MaM: How would you describe your sound? Giul : Our sound is pure glam metal straight from the 1980s Sunset Strip and beyond—no filler, just loud, unapologetic rock n’ roll. MaM : Do you find it’s more difficult to get your music heard these days or do you feel technology has made it easier for you to showcase your product? Giul : It’s both easier and more difficult in different ways. Things like social media and publishing sites have made it incredibly simple to release our music and promote ourselves; if people want to hear our recorded music, it’s available right at their fingertips. On the other hand, there is so much music out there on the internet that it’s easy to get lost in the sea of other artists and songs. At the end of the day, nothing beats playing live shows for us. Not only have we met some amazing people this way, but we also put on an energetic show that you can’t fully experience by just looking at a screen. Our performance is integral to who we are as a band. The way we dress, and our stage presence is very important, just like the music is (and of course, we enjoy it!). It’s always a good time for us and we want to bring that energy to the people who come to see us as well. Credit: Jeff Crespi MaM : What are your ultimate goals and aspirations for the future? Giul : Keeping the ‘80s glam metal experience alive—the sound, look, and attitude. We want to go as far as we can with the band and see where it takes us. We are super passionate about performing and have a lot of fun doing it, so regardless of whether it leads to bigger opportunities or not we don’t plan on giving it up anytime soon! As the Bellas continue to refine their sound and produce new music for the masses, they are sure to emerge as a powerful force in the punk rock scene, serving as a reminder that with an unyielding spirit and a refusal to conform, anything is possible. Instagram : The Bellas (@thebellasband) | Instagram profile YouTube : The Bellas - YouTube Facebook : Facebook Spotify : The Bellas | Spotify Apple Music : ‎The Bellas - Apple Music *cover photo courtesy of Jeff Crespi www.jeffcrespirocks.com JEFFCRESPIROCKS See through a different lens! www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Nicole Brice loves music and will fight anyone who doesn’t like The Bellas. Got something you think she’d like to hear? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Brett Carlisle is an award-winning songwriter paving his way with family, faith, and a new record. < Back Off the Charts: Brett Carlisle Bud Gambrell Apr 30, 2025 Share Brett Carlisle is an award-winning songwriter paving his way with family, faith, and a new record. Hello everyone! Welcome back! I'm thrilled you’re here and taking the time to join us. Your support means a lot, and I appreciate each and every one of you! This local songwriter first contacted me in September 2024 . He asked if I would be interested in his story. I told him that I was, and we found a local show that I could attend and conduct an interview. That local show happened to be The Alabama Smoke Show Unplugged , a songwriter showcase scheduled for September 17, 2024 . As life sometimes happens, it stepped up and cancelled my plans to attend. How about that. Fast forward to early 2025 . I ran into Brett at the Otis Walker show at Tangled Strings Studio , and I asked him if he might still be interested in an interview. Brett was still very interested. I was very close to sincerely apologizing for my cancellation last September, but as I looked closer at Brett's activities, it was almost a stroke of fate that the interview was happening now. There has been a lot going on within his musical world. By the way, I still apologized. Credit: Bud Gambrell Photography Brett informed me of a few shows that he had coming up. If you know me, you already know that when I saw he was playing at the new Rocket City Honky Tonk that is the one I picked. The venue is run by my old friend Shane Bickel . Shane and I once saw each other often when he worked at Side Tracks Music Hall . I pulled Brett aside to have a quick talk. We stepped out to the outside bar to hear each other and not compete for the juke box playing some old school country. It was a good thing the outside bar was covered, as it was a stormy evening in Huntsville . Credit: Bud Gambrell Photography The following is part of the conversation. We laughed a lot. This was a very relaxed but serious conversation. Check it out. OTC : Tell me about Brett Carlisle. Where are you from? Are you married? Do you have any children? BC : Well, I’m Brett Carlisle . I'm married. We have five children. Let me explain that first. We have two boys whom we adopted. They were her brother's kids. He passed away. We also have 3 girls—two of our own and one from my previous marriage. I was born and raised in Hazel Green, AL . We moved to Athens when we got married. OTC : Born in the downtown Hazel Green Memorial Hospital, huh. BC : (laughs) Yessir! If you’re from North Alabama , you get the joke here. Hazel Green is a small town that relies on Huntsville for hospital care. Hazel Green may not have had an urgent care facility back then. OTC : I understand that country music wasn't your first musical calling. BC : Country music was not my first music calling. Country music came, I guess, out of my rebellious side. I was more of a Christian artist at the beginning. I wanted to be like my dad growing up. I wanted to do Gospel music . Now and then, some of my stuff kind of flares into going on the side of Jesus . I was bringing it back to him, but I found my way. So it went from Gospel to Contemporary Christian to Country . Credit: Facebook OTC : You were the opening act when we met at the Otis Walker show over at Tangled Strings Studio. Now you're on your own tonight. Is there any difference in how you would approach being an opener compared to how you would approach this one? BC : The Tangled String Studios show was a storytellers' type show, and we were telling about the songs we wrote. Here at Rocket City Honky Tonk , great venue, by the way, if you haven't been here. This will be playing covers back-to-back, to back-to-back, trying to get the crowd involved, you know, playing stuff, they know. I'll throw in an original here and there, but that's the difference between the venue, where they're focused on you, and the venue where they're not focused on you. You’re just there for entertainment. Credit: Bud Gambrell Photography OTC: Is there anything you do while you're on stage doing covers to make that connection with the audience? BC : Definitely! I feel that you have to sing the songs so that they can sing something back. ‘ Dixieland Delight ’ is a big one! It's always been a big one. ‘ Sweet Caroline ’ is another song like that. ‘ Family Tradition ’ is another big one; we always like to play the songs that everybody knows. To get them going with you. And once you sing an original, they're paying a little more attention, bringing the attention to your music. Credit: Bud Gambrell Photography OTC : As I was doing my homework on you, I noticed that you promote not only your music on your social page but also other musicians. BC : Yes, sir. I feel it's important to support each other in this business. We can't get anywhere without support. And I think it's very, very, very important to help other artists as well as promote yourself. And I think that's the way we grow. I think that's how we grow as artists. And grow as people as well. OTC : While reviewing your social media, I saw a few EPK pictures of you with a busted guitar. There has to be a story there. BC : So, we found this guitar at a thrift store. It cost $6. And I thought, man, this would be fun to redo. It would be a fun project for me to build this guitar from scratch, so I intend to do that. And then my wife suggested that we take some pictures. And I was like, OK. She said, I think you should do a busted guitar picture. And I was like, with what guitar? And she suggested, of course, the one we bought for $6. I was like, OK, yeah, I'm down with it. We want to take more pictures now, so I need to find another $6 guitar. (laughter) Credit: Facebook OTC : You traveled around and played a lot of places all over the southeast. How do you maintain your work-life balance while you're on the road? BC : The biggest thing I have in my corner is a family that supports me. And they will go wherever it's family friendly. If I can travel somewhere like Gatlinburg or I want them to come with me. I want them to be there and experience it with me. Around here, there aren't a lot of places they can get in, but being close to home, it's OK. But as far as work goes, I'm very fortunate to have a job where I go in at 4:00 in the morning and get off around 11:30 to 12:00 noon. So, it gives me time with my family, and then I hit the road to do a show later that evening. Credit: Bud Gambrell Photography OTC : The first time we spoke was in September of last year. You reached out and wanted to sit down and talk, and for me, life happened. I couldn’t make it happen then. I'm sorry that didn't happen. At this point, I'm kind of grateful it didn’t. Because there's a lot to talk about. Have you ever heard of BAM Records ? BC : I have heard of BAM Records. I'm signed by them. I signed a recording contract with them two months ago. Credit: Facebook OTC : Now, there had to be a phone call or a conversation that BAM Records wanted to sign you. Tell me about this. This conversation had to be just amazing. BC : So, it wasn't a phone call. I played at a place called the Tennessean Truck and Travel Stop . There was a guy named Bobby Spivey there. Bobby wore a blue blazer and a ball cap. It just said the word MUSIC on it. After I completed my first set, he sat down with me and my wife, and he said, 'Hey man, I want to talk to you a little bit about what I do, he said. I'm a producer. I have my own label. I have my studio,’ he said. ‘I’d like to invite you to come and record any time for free, and I’d also like to talk to you about possibly signing a recording contract with me.’ And at the time, he'd been sipping on a little something. I didn't know if he was serious or not. So, it was kind of up in the air. I was thinking about it all night after that. We met the next day, Sunday after church, and he actually sat down with me and offered me the deal, the contract, and I signed it probably two weeks later. OTC : And you haven't stopped smiling since. BC : (laughs) It's hard to believe. It hasn’t hit me yet. I'm not sure of the exact release date yet, but by next Saturday , everything's done with the album, and I think that's when it will hit. When we do that whole album release party and all that, all the pre-sale stuff, I think that's when it will hit me! OTC : That's another thing that happened, you know, since we talked back in September. You've got the record deal. You've been in the studio. Tell me about the studio experience. Was this your first time in the studio? BC : My first time in a studio was at Silver Fox Sound with Robert Fox . Robert recorded three of my songs and produced some. What a great guy! He most definitely makes you feel at home when you're there. But this experience was very different because not only did I sing and play simultaneously, but I also had my drummer, Richard Best , playing while I was playing and singing. So it was like a live session. It's been different than my first experience recording the music and then going back and singing over the track. OTC : You mentioned something about a possible showcase coming up to accompany the new album. BC : In the fall, they're discussing a showcase at the amphitheater in Decatur with some of my label mates and me. I don't know who that's going to be yet. They have not conveyed all the information yet. They're still working on many details, but I'm hoping we pull that together and get it going. OTC : While I was looking at your social media page, I saw a post that you got a possible CMA Fest invite. BC : My label has contacted CMA Fest and was trying to work on getting me in there for May 3rd . I don't know if it's going to happen or not. I have not been contacted. I've not been told anything, just the possibility of it happening. It's just crazy to me! Credit: Facebook OTC: So, I'm hearing a suitcase at home packed in case they call, so you can leave now, right? BC : Yeah, I'm ready to go if they call me! Absolutely! Since this interview, the CMA Fest has become a reality. Brett received word that he will play during the CMA Fest on June 8, 2025 , at Bootleggers on Broadway from 6-9 pm. That’s excellent news, Brett! Congratulations! If you make it to the CMA Fest , stop by and check him out! Also, since this interview, I spoke with Brett , who informed me that a music video is in the making. Be sure to be on the lookout for that. OTC : Let's talk hardware and some things that have happened since we spoke in September. You won the 2024 Alabama Music Association Vocalist of the Year and the 2024 Alabama Music Association 2024 Male Entertainer of the Year. It has to be a little overwhelming that all these things are happening. BC : It is, but I try not to take anything for granted. I don't want to get an ego over it. I don't want to get a big head about it. It's a big honor. Big, big honor! And of course, that took me to nationals, where I went out and played the Country Tonight Theater in Pigeon Forge. OTC : Now there's another one, the NACMAI, that is a mouthful. You won Rising Vocalist of the Year and Rising Entertainer of the Year. That’s two more pretty big honors there. BC : Yes, it is! That's nationwide and for the North American Country Music Association International . They've been doing this every year, and they have a Hall of Fame show on Saturday Night when you're there. Randy Travis was inducted last year. He was there when we were there. Credit: Facebook OTC : So, this last six months or even the last year has been a whirlwind with a lot happening. The record deal, the album, the four awards. With all that in mind, how do you define success as an artist at this point? BC : One song at a time. I try to take it one song at a time. I want my music to be felt and not just to be heard. I define success as wherever I go, whenever I go to a bar, whenever I go to a restaurant to play, somebody requests one of my songs. I think that's the most significant sign of success to me. Credit: Facebook OTC : Two-part question. What inspired you to start writing songs? And is there any particular event or experience that led you to pursue songwriting? BC : There definitely is. When I was 21, I was married, divorced, and had a child. In the same year, my ex-wife left and took my daughter with her. I didn't see her for six months. That propelled me to write my first and what I consider my best song, ' Barbie Car ', which is one of the songs Mr. Fox produced for me. I was not a very good kid. I was not a very good high school student. I wasn't a perfect teenager or young adult, period. So, I did a lot of things, made a lot of stupid mistakes, and all of that culminates in many of the songs I write. OTC : What values and beliefs do you hold that are reflected in your songwriting, and how do those values inspire and guide you through your creative process? BC : I want to keep Christ strong in everything I do. I do, and I want people to hear the pain I went through in these songs. But I also want them to see the pain I’ve endured with my faith in Jesus. Credit: Facebook OTC : What lessons have you learned through your songwriting, and how have those lessons shaped your perspective and creative process? BC : I've learned I can't write a song in five minutes. (laughter) I always thought it was going to be easier and getting stuck on one song for two months kind of sucks. But it's made me patient. It's made me think a lot more, and I've been very grateful for that. I'm not a patient person by any means. Credit: Facebook OTC : What do you feel is the hardest part of songwriting? BC : Writer's block. Thinking about the following line. I have this notebook of songs that I don't know where to go with. So, I have probably 10-12 songs that are just sitting there. OTC : Sounds like you need a collaborator. BC : (laughs) I do. I would love to have somebody to write with. I wrote some with Tim Cannon. He's amazing! I've also had some help from Brad Thomas with some guitar parts, and he's also a great guy. As for sitting down face to face with someone and co-writing a song, I have not done that, and that's something that one of these days I will be doing very soon. OTC : Is there a favorite time of day that you find is better for songwriting or a particular setting that gets you in the flow? BC : I write songs in my bathroom. Not sitting on the toilet or anything like that. Yeah, on the edge of the bathtub after work. A lot of times, I'll come up with ideas and lines for songs while I'm at work. I'll be singing them in my head. I'll record something on my phone. When I get home, there's nobody there. The kids are still at school. My wife is still at work, and I will go into the bathroom, sit, and start playing what I hear in my head. Right around 1:00 until 2:00. It's the best time for me to write a song. OTC : While it’s nice and quiet? BC : Yes! Credit: Facebook OTC : What are your plans for the future, Brett? BC : I hope and pray that one day I'll be able to pursue a full-time music career. Right now, that's not feasible, but I plan to continue to push toward that goal and that dream. OTC : Who are your favorite songwriters? BC : My first favorite is a guy who got me into the genre that I am in. I'm a Southern Americana writer, and Drake White is probably my most significant influence on songwriting. He's a fantastic songwriter, and he is so underrated. So many people have no clue who he is. OTC : He is also an Alabama boy. BC : Yes, he is an Alabama boy. Another amazing songwriter is the Red Clay Strays and The Alabama Boys . OTC : I can relate to that. Do you have any last words that you want to add for any of your current fans and any future fans? BC : Chase your dreams! Do what you love to do. Do what you feel in your heart that you need to be doing because it will work out. If you believe in it enough, it's going to work out. With that closing remark, I’ll get out of here. I don’t have any more inspiring advice to offer beyond that. Until next time, Keep your diamond down in the groove! Where to find Bud: Email: the_budgambrell@mixedaltmag.com Website: https://bgambrellphotography.com Amazon: https://a.co/d/1CLA9Tz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bud.gambrell My new book: Bud Gambrell Photography by Bud Gambrell | Blurb Books Where to find Brett: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Brett-Carlisle-Music/100087867837794/ www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Got something for Bud to check out? Reach him at the_budgambrell@mixedaltmag.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

Elle's impressive discography, with its lyrics of love, self-discovery, and resilience, is a testament to her growth in sound and lyrical depth. < Back Elle H: Louisiana’s Own Songstress Making Waves in the Music Scene Nicole Brice Oct 23, 2024 Share Elle's impressive discography, with its lyrics of love, self-discovery, and resilience, is a testament to her growth in sound and lyrical depth. When I was first introduced to Elle Hudson , better known as Elle H. , I was instantly drawn to her magnetic personality and beauty. Elle is the type of woman that oozes confidence and sensuality while also being tough enough to kick your ass. Well-loved and respected in the Lafayette, Louisiana, music scene for her artistic contributions and overall vibe, Elle H. is an electric force of female rage mixed with the sympathies and heart of art and life. A powerful voice for women with deep and personal lyrics, she wrote her first song at 6 years old and had the talent and drive even at an early age. After watching Kelly Clarkson perform on the first season of American Idol , she instantly knew she wanted to be on stage performing from that moment on, and she is currently on a path to make a name for herself in the ever-evolving music world. Credit: Gary Governale Elle's impressive discography, with its lyrics of love, self-discovery, and resilience, is a testament to her growth in sound and lyrical depth. Her music tugs at your heartstrings. It makes you feel emotion; to me, that is the ideal formula for a musician to leave a lasting impression. Each energetic and captivating live performance of Elle’s is a chapter in her journey, entertaining her audience with her expressive vocals and authentic persona in a truthful, poetic, and angelic way. Her presence alone is so captivating that one is instantly drawn to the energy surrounding her, feeling a part of her journey. At 13, she had a profound spiritual moment at a concert. This unbelievable feeling of life and energy overtook her, putting her in a trance for three days. Upon emerging from her trance, she started to have a more significant appreciation for life. Now, at 23, Elle has been writing and making music for over ten years without slowing down. By channeling her trauma into her art, she continues to craft poetic songs that exude female sexuality. We had the opportunity to sit down with this empowering female recently to chat about her music and more. Check out our conversation below, and then go down that rabbit hole and check out everything she has put out. I assure you that you will be a fan soon after. MaM : Thank you for the honor of speaking with you today. What would you say is your driving force to make music? Elle : I know how powerful music can be, how powerful honesty and transparency can be, and how lifesaving they are. I want to help people through my music. That’s why I do what I do. MaM : When you saw Kelly Clarkson perform on American Idol , it made you realize your destiny. What other musical artists have influenced you? Elle : Nina Simone , Gwen Stefani , Lzzy Hale , Nicki Minaj , Etta James … I like a little of everything, but I am drawn to powerful women. That’s the main thing. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : Which genre of music would you say is your favorite? … or are you all over the board with music tastes, like me? Elle : I love everything and plan to do a little of everything in my career, but I would have to say R&B is probably what I listen to the most. R&B is such a broad genre so that many topics can be discussed under that umbrella. I was actually part of a hip-hop collective for about four years. MaM : I’m a huge fan of hip-hop, too. That’s awesome. I had no idea. Elle : It’s a significant influence on who I am, and I also have hours' worth of original R&B and rap songs that I just haven’t gotten around to recording yet. I’m just going with the flow for now, though. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : How would you describe your music for someone discovering it for the first time? Elle : Well, it changes depending on the project. My slogan for the recent album has been Heartbreak Queens or Heartbreak Hot Girls. I am trying to redefine what it means to be a sexy, hot girl. I want people to know that radical authenticity is sexy, and that vulnerability is alluring. In a day and age where shallowness is sold to us through the media, I want to show that there is more underneath it all. MaM : I really dig that. Your insight is refreshing. Elle : I had to realize that once I got my woman body in the twenties, people would interact with me differently depending on how I was dressed. I realized that I could use my sex appeal to make you listen to me. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : I know you dabble in burlesque , too. Tell us a little more about that. Elle : I do. The burlesque was never anything I imagined myself doing, but it was an opportunity that I had happened upon, and it has inspired me. The dancers I have met along the way, too, have helped me to refine my craft. My burlesque side is more of an homage to the more secure and timid version of me because, honestly, there is a version of me out there that would have judged the hell out of me for doing this 100%. She was very conservative and scared of everything. So, on the one hand, it’s an homage to self, but it’s also a way for me to take control of this again … this fantasy that people have projected onto me. If you think I’m sexy when I feel I’m awkward, I’m gonna use that to my advantage. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : Take us through a little of your musical history. You released the Introduction EP in 2017, correct? Was that the first recorded music you put out, or did you have something before that? Elle : I have a few covers I recorded in the studio, too, but I’ve never released them. They were really more for me. That was my first project, though. I was about 15 years old when we started and 16 when it was released. I was actually given the studio time by my mom as a birthday gift. MaM : So, after the Introduction EP , you released a series of singles and then came out with Symmetry . Elle : ' Symmetry ' is a whole other bag of rats. (laughter) Credit: Gary Governale Elle : So, my mom actually passed in June 2018, and this project initially had over six songs that were finished. After she passed, my life abruptly changed, so ' Symmetry ' is really about my grieving process. I look at it as a dissolution of self. I questioned my spirituality. I questioned my identity. I even questioned my sexuality. I pushed a lot of people away because I was feeling so much. I tend to isolate until I feel better. MaM : I do the same thing, so I can relate. Elle : Right? I need to be able to break shit in my own comfort. I need to be able to scream if I want to scream and get it out of my body. You know what I mean? I need that space to feel, which is what ' Symmetry ' was. The songs are an ode to my mom and our complicated relationship. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : I think that it’s incredible you were able to channel those feelings into something spectacular. So, I noticed that you collaborate with some of the members of First Street Hooligans . I love that band so much. Tell us a little more about that. Elle : So, Matthew Richard , lead singer and guitarist for the Hooligans , is my band's guitarist. I had just broken away from my hip-hop collective and felt drawn to the rock scene. I would jam with this band called Slightly Sour , which was a metal band. I was good friends with the drummer, Sebastian Elias . He then introduced me to some other people, and then I met Matt , and I showed him all the music I wanted to do. Matthew is very talented. I haven’t met many guitarists with the ear he has. I played him the beats that I had, and it kind of went from there. We decided to go under Elle H. or Elle H. and The Untitled . In the process of that, I met the rest of his band, and we all clicked really well. It was just a fun and laid-back collaboration that seamlessly came together. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : That’s awesome. So, this next question, I always like to ask this question because I get some interesting answers, but tell us about your best and worst shows so far. Elle : So, this one show, I had this heckler. Elle H. and The Untitled were supposed to play, but then bad weather happened, and it ended up just being me and my guitarist. This show was out of town, and the venue was dead, but we were just trying to fulfill the night. The same people had been in there all night without anyone new really coming in. There was this one group of rowdy, drunk married couples. They were older, and the men kept hooting and hollering because before the rainstorm happened, it was supposed to be a swimsuit party. So, I was wearing booty shorts and heels in my swimsuit amongst a sea of Cajun men. (laughter) So, we’re in the middle of playing ‘ Too Much ,’ and as I’m hitting some high notes, this guy in the back starts mimicking me, and I didn’t want to make the venue mad, so I just let it go, but it was pissing me off. Later, as I’m getting into the songs I’m singing, this man starts saying, ‘Take it off! Take it off!’ and crap like that. Finally, the bartender told him to shut up and get out, so he finally left. After he left, it was great! (laughter) Credit: Gary Governale MaM : Ok, so best show? Elle : Ok, so I have to put a lot of thought into this because I will say we have put on some really great events. I will honestly give myself credit for that. My favorite one has got to be the house party we put on as a band. It was to announce ourselves as a band because we all have different projects. The audience was a diverse group from various parts of the city. We had everything from 19-year-old frat boys to 32-year-old guitar heads. We made a big batch of punch and had a great night. It was in Matt’s garage, actually. It was fun to open up and show people who we were. However, after this year’s Fete du Void , that will probably be my favorite gig. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : Is there a key message you want people to take away from your music and performances? Elle : I just want to help people awaken their hearts. I want my shows to be a safe place for them to just be themselves. MaM : Hell yeah! So, in the next five years, where do you see yourself? Anybody you’d like to collaborate with? Elle : I would love to collaborate with Miley Cyrus . Her song ‘ Midnight Sky ’ came out as I was leaving a toxic relationship, and it was exactly what I needed at that point. I would love to be a household name eventually and be known for my authenticity. Credit: Gary Governale MaM : What’s on the agenda for the rest of 2024 and beyond? Are you doing any writing? Elle : Honestly, I write every day because it’s hard for me not to write, but I actually plan to take a trip with Matthew , and we plan to record in the mountains using the sounds of nature to create an amazing project. I definitely don’t want to stop doing shows, but I’m hoping to manifest a tour soon where we can move more towards Texas and New Mexico. Credit: Gary Governale As Elle continues to forge ahead artistically, she will no doubt continue to carve her path through the modern music scene due to her unwavering drive and will to succeed. She is not just a rare talent, but a beacon of authenticity, a quality that resonates with us all. I look forward to witnessing the future unfold for Elle H. To learn more about Elle and to experience her music, just hit one of the links below. Facebook: Elle H. https://www.facebook.com/selftitledelle Facebook: Elle H. and The Untitled https://www.facebook.com/ellehandtheuntitled Instagram: Elle H. and The Untitled Elle H & The Untitled (@ellehlive) • Instagram photos and videos Instagram: Elle H. Elle H (@selftitledelle) • Instagram photos and videos Spotify and Apple Music: TOO MUCH - Elle H *All photos by Gary Governale www.governalephotovideo.com Zenfolio | Home I have been working as a video professional since 1993, with a wide range of experience writing, producing, directing, shooting and editing. A strong interest in videography, specifically lighting and composition, led me to photography in 1998. Rapidly changing technology has blurred the line between video and photography, allowing me to work in both mediums.. Baton Rouge, LA, United States www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90's flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Reach out to us 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

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. 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! Who Is Fish? - Sam Fishman | Drummer, Composer, Creator Who Is Fish? (@whoisfishig) • Instagram photos and videos Who Is Fish? - YouTube 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 . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

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

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

Asteroid City is a fun science fiction story with dark and melancholic overtones < Back Asteroid City: Film Review Shaun Corley Aug 16, 2023 Share Asteroid City is a fun science fiction story with dark and melancholic overtones Acclaimed filmmaker Wes Anderson returns in a grand fashion with his latest offering, Asteroid City . After the fair-to-middling Isle of Dogs (2018) and The French Dispatch (2021), Anderson has found his verve once again with Asteroid City . The film is his first foray into the realm of science-fiction and while it contains all of his trademark idiosyncrasies and quirks, it is also one of his most melancholic efforts. Asteroid City is, without a doubt, a fine addition to the Wes Anderson canon. Wes Anderson exploded onto the scene with 1996’s Bottle Rocket and followed it up two years later with Rushmore (1998) before achieving mainstream recognition with 2001’s superlative The Royal Tenenbaums . This film earned Anderson his first Oscar nomination and remains a favorite among fans. Three years later, Anderson delivered the divisive The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou . While a commercial success, the film received mixed reviews from critics. After 2007’s The Darjeeling Limited , Anderson stretched his creative muscles on 2009’s classic stop-motion feature The Fantastic Mister Fox . Later films of Anderson’s have included Moonrise Kingdom (2012) and the Oscar-nominated The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014). After Budapest , Anderson entered something of a creative lull. Isle of Dogs attempted to recreate the magic of Fantastic Mister Fox , and while an entertaining movie, it fell flat; the same can be said of 2020’s The French Dispatch , which saw Anderson stuck in a holding pattern. However, Asteroid City breaks this cycle and reasserts the formalist director as one of America’s greatest living filmmakers. Asteroid City can be best described as a “play within a movie.” The play, written by playwright Conrad Earp (Edward Norton) is about a group of children attending an astronomy convention in the town of Asteroid City. 3000 years prior, a giant asteroid hit the area, leaving behind a small fragment. Set in an alternate 1955, the convention is rocked when an alien steals the meteor fragment, leading to a government cover-up, which fails when the same youths who came for the astronomy convention help expose what is going on in Asteroid City. Meanwhile, interspersed throughout are stories of the play’s actors and crew and how their lives outside of the play start bleeding into it. If this sounds like an incredibly dark premise for a Wes Anderson movie, it is. However, Anderson employs his trademark style to soften the edges of the narrative. The kids attending the astronomy convention are typical, precocious Anderson youths, who in some ways are hipper to the world around them than their parents. They do not rely on a major news outlet such as The New York Times to get the story out, instead going with one of the kids’ school newspapers. Likewise, while the military is doing something morally questionable, they are depicted as buffoonish and, in the case of General Gibson (Jeffrey Wright), purely unhinged, spouting off seemingly random babble during a speech. Asteroid City does not just mine its drama from politics and conspiracy theories—there is a very real human element present in the story. Perhaps no one character better embodies this than photographer Augie Steenbeck, played by Anderson regular Jason Schwartzman . Schwartzman has been in many of Anderson’s movies, and here the director gets what might be one of Schwartzman’s best performances. Augie has been a distant father to his children, and when their mother dies, he finds himself suddenly saddled with four kids and no real clue as to what he is doing. Augie bonds with actress Midge Campbell, played by Scarlett Johansson , but this relationship brings no real solace. Augie is truly alone, and Schwartzman perfectly captures his melancholic nature. Schwartzman & Johansson as Augie & Midge Schwartzman is joined by a host of stars from Anderson’s seemingly growing stable of actors. Wes Anderson’s movies are always huge ensemble pieces, and Asteroid City is no different. Anderson regulars Willem Dafoe, Jeff Goldblum, Liev Schreiber, Jeffrey Wright, and Adrien Brody are joined by several newcomers to Anderson’s world, including Maya Hawke, Tom Hanks, Bryan Cranston, Steve Carrell, Stephen Park, and Scarlett Johansson. Johansson in particular stands out as the aforementioned Midge Campbell; as Midge, Johansson channels Marilyn Monroe, right down to her voice and mannerisms. Science fiction is new ground for Anderson, and here he manages to employ tropes of the genre to tell a great story. The movie is steeped in the UFO lore of the 1950s, and Anderson successfully recreates this era, giving viewers an idealized version of 1955, with jet packs and disintegrator rays. Asteroid City downplays the Cold War paranoia that gripped the United States at the time, opting instead to focus more on the political than the personal. Now, 27 years into his career, Wes Anderson has firmly established himself as an American filmmaking institution. He has a distinct style unlike any other director working in America, and in Asteroid City he uses his trademark style to tell a fun science fiction story with dark and melancholic overtones. Asteroid City is currently available to stream exclusively on Peacock and to rent or buy on Video On Demand and Apple Movies. 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

There is always time to catch a classic movie. < Back Top 5 Movies That Rock Jeff Holmes Jul 22, 2024 Share There is always time to catch a classic movie. A catchy score in a film can elevate it from good to great. The movies in this list take that idea a step further. These picks are all about the music. Whether it's blues , classical , heavy metal , jazz , or just plain old rock n' roll , they show us why music is so valuable in our lives. 1. Amadeus Amadeus is the story of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and what shaped his music. Mentorship is challenging, especially when your protege` has more talent. For Salieri, Mozart proves to be a challenge and much, much more. This Best Picture winner (1984) shows us talent alone does not a musician make. Two sides of the same coin, Salieri and Mozart both demonstrate what a tormented creative genius looks like. Bravo Amadeus ! 1984 2. The Blues Brothers The Blues Brothers follows Jake and Elwood as they hurry to raise money. Their childhood orphanage is being shut down and they're the last hope. The only way to accomplish their goal is by getting the band back together. Reconnecting with each member of the band proves challenging. Along the way, the band proves to be true musical outlaws, as they stay one step ahead of the law. Don't worry, there are plenty of jams along the way. Ride along with the one, the only, the Blues Brothers. 1980 3. Pirate Radio Pirate Radio is the story of how rock n' roll fought to survive in 70s era Britain. Rock music was officially banned by the British government during this time. A workaround to this was moored offshore boats that played nothing but rock. The government opposed these so called 'pirate' radio stations by doing everything they could to shut them down. This hilarious movie, complete with a perfectly executed soundtrack, illustrates that deep down we're all rockers in one way or another. Rock n' roll will never die! 2009 4. Soul An animated film from the masters at Pixar, Soul doesn't include any immediately recognizable characters, however, the film is certainly a one of kind experience. Joe Gardner, a middle school band teacher, is taken on both a musical and spiritual journey to find his place in life. He is consumed with waiting for his chance to perform professionally. Will his dream come true or does the universe have other plans? 2020 5. This is Spinal Tap This is Spinal Tap stands out as both a comedy film and rock and roll masterpiece. An originator of the mockumentary style, the film took its time growing an audience. Today it is undoubtedly a classic, equally known for its rocking soundtrack as well as its myriad of jokes. If you're a fan of more modern musical comedy acts such as Tenacious D , Weird Al , Flight of the Concords , etc, and somehow haven't yet seen it - get on it! You won't want to miss This is Spinal Tap! 1984 Be sure to check these films out if you haven't yet because they are some of my favorite films that rock! -Jeff- www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90's flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Reach out to us at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

NOT Just a Girl < Back No Doubt About It: Gwen Stefani Is A Legend Nicole Brice Oct 3, 2022 Share NOT Just a Girl The infamous ticket stub from my first concert. Do you remember the first time you heard music that truly resonated with you? I do. Do you remember your first concert? I sure as heck do. I also remember the feelings associated with those times in my life. The feelings of belonging and of warmth and of finally discovering something I was truly passionate about. The year was 1996 and I was 15 years old. I had a friend named Danielle, and she loved music—especially good music. We would get her mom to drive us to every concert that came into town, and back then, there were tons. In the 90’s, all the big acts came to New Orleans, and if we were lucky, Baton Rouge. On February 16, 1996, I was invited to see Bush, No Doubt, and the Goo Goo Dolls at UNO Lakefront Arena in New Orleans, and the excitement felt all day at school leading up to the big show was nothing short of epic. I remember religiously watching Bush on MTV where “Everything Zen” and “Little Things” were in constant rotation, along with “Machinehead” and “Glycerine”. At this point in time, Bush was the “it” band on MTV, their album “Sixteen Stone” was hugely popular, and the lead singer, Gavin Rossdale, was so utterly perfect in every way that it made all of us teenage girlies swoon. Throw in an epic shirtless cover on Rolling Stone magazine with said hunk, and you had the complete package of a teenage girl’s fantasy man. Mmm...yummy... Anyway, I was discovering new music acts daily, and I will honestly say that seeing Bush in concert kicked off my lifelong addiction of live shows. My brother had some of the coolest friends in high school, too, and my parent’s house was always the hang-out spot, or so it seemed. We would randomly have people showing up here and there just to hang out. In fact, every time there was a knock at the door, I never knew who I would see on the other side because we had so many people that would just stop by. I must say, a few times, some of Nick’s friends caught me looking indecent and I would open the door, yell “it’s for you!” and then dart back to my bedroom mortified because I wasn’t properly dressed to entertain company. Anyway, you get the picture of the non-stop barrage of friends coming to the family compound. They were the ones introducing me to music, along with my brother, and when we heard Bush was coming to town with No Doubt and the Goo Goo Dolls, I remember trying to learn as much as possible about the other acts performing on the bill with Gavin and his dudes, because I knew very little about them, especially No Doubt. In 1995, the Goo Goo Dolls had a song called “Name” that had been released to the airwaves and MTV’s Buzz Bin. It was an acoustic hit, but one with lyrics that just hit you in the heart because, let’s be honest, Johnny Rzeznik has some incredible songwriting capabilities, even to this day. I still tear up when I listen to that song. I knew the Goos were opening for Bush, but who the heck was No Doubt? I had never heard of them. I had heard from Danielle they had a video circulating on MTV called “Just a Girl,” and I remember waiting anxiously daily as I binge-watched MTV and wondered if I would ever see the video and hear the song. Finally, one afternoon, there it was. I was hooked from the moment the first few chords started. There was Gwen Stefani on the screen, gorgeous, blonde, beautiful, and so cool! Her style! I was in awe of her style! She was wearing Dickies, a white cropped top resembling a preppy sweater, and Doc Martens. The girl had serious style and from that moment on, I was obsessed. I could not wait to see them live! The day of the concert was a Friday, so you can imagine how hard I was daydreaming at school instead of paying attention to what the teachers were teaching. Once the bell rang for dismissal, though, I couldn’t get to my friend Laurie’s car fast enough. Laurie was this girl who lived down the street from my parents. She had this short dark hair cut into a bob, and she was so cool and so pretty, and I truly looked up to her. Her parents had recently blessed her with a brand, new teal-colored 2-door Honda Civic for her senior year, and I thought it was the coolest car ever. She and I had a speech class together and she was a senior and I was a freshman. One day, out of the goodness of her heart, she extended an invitation to give me a ride to school and that was that. She was my ride to and from school my entire freshman year and it was awesome. Anyway, so the day of the concert, I’m practically sprinting to Laurie’s car, because I couldn’t wait to get home and prepare to leave for the show that night. Since this was 1996, my concert attire consisted of a baggy pair of Calvin Kleins with the bottoms cut off and frayed, my shiny red patent leather Sketchers, and my brother’s army green Filter t-shirt from when he saw them at the PMAC at LSU with Bush, Brother Cane, and the Toadies. Back then, I would just “borrow” my brother’s clothes, even if they were too big for me. He had some cool clothes and t-shirts, and I hated wearing anything tight or revealing. I was a Grunge chick, through and through. To this day, I don’t know if he actually liked me borrowing his clothes, but if ya didn’t Nick, then I am sorry. Oops. So, there I am, all ready to roll, and I was anxiously awaiting the arrival of Danielle and her mom. Once in the car with the radio on, we got so hyped up. See, back in the day, the local radio stations would promote an upcoming show like there was no tomorrow, and all of the sweepers and promos with music clips had us teenagers salivating. So, we’re in route to NOLA and Danielle and I are giggling and talking about how excited we are to see the bands, and because it was my first concert, I had no clue what to expect. Once we arrived at UNO, though, the excitement was so big I felt I could burst. You could see the oodles of people everywhere, dressed up, and ready to have a good time. No Doubt was to be the first band to take the stage that night and I had no clue what to expect. As we made our way to our seats in the balcony, I could see the huge crowd of people on the floor near the stage and I wished I could be down there in the crowd with them. I remember Danielle and I talking about how we would snag some floor seats for a show one day so we could be up close to the stage and crowd surf—which, by the way, I should note that while crowd-surfing looks cool, when you’re down on the floor and you have some big dude going over your head that you have to toss around, it is not fun. At all. In fact, it’s kind of aggravating, especially when all you want to do is see the show. No Doubt hits the stage and Gwen comes out walking like a badass doing ninja kicks and all this other cool stuff and I was hypnotized. I was zoned out on her and the music and the whole experience. I vowed that day that I would become cool like Gwen, because at this point, I wasn’t quite cool yet, but I was getting there. I had a lot to learn. As soon as No Doubt finished their set and we were waiting for the Goo Goo Dolls to come out, I told Danielle that I just had to go see if they had a No Doubt shirt in the merch section because I just had to have one. Lo and behold, they had this blue ringer tee with yellow piping, BUT they were sold out of my size and all they had were size small. I just HAD to have this t-shirt, so I bought the small, ran to the restroom to change, and squeezed my boobies into it. I was in heaven, and it was awesome. A 15-year-old me! The rest of the show was truly amazing, but to be honest, I couldn’t stop thinking about No Doubt; I had to see them again. Sure, the Goo Goo Dolls put on a great show, and yes, Bush was epic, BUT Gwen Stefani was it as far as I was concerned, and the rest of the night and the drive home was filled with thoughts of Gwen Stefani, her killer abs, and her killer style. …and so, Bush was my first real concert, but I had No Doubt on the brain, and if you were to ask me what I remember most about that first Bush concert, it would definitely be No Doubt. Over the years, I have been blessed with attending many, many shows, but those days of attending infinite shows has been put on hiatus for a bit due to my life as a mom. For now, I can reminisce and share my memories with you all in hopes of inspiring a new generation to experience music the way we 90’s kids did. Love and light. -Nicole- 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

An intimate conversation < Back Vinnie La Bella David Trahan Apr 28, 2023 Share An intimate conversation To be painfully honest, excess seemed to be the goal of my life while growing up; the most booze, the most parties, the most drugs, the most women. Slowly, my life began to become the locust swarm. I existed to consume and move on, until I was satiated or unconscious. But somewhere along the way, my quest for quantity gave way to quality. Upon reflection, my past had become a misguided detour. And all those allies who shared in my crusade, liars. I began cutting people out in pursuit of the answers to unending questions. Who am I? What do I want out of life? Why are the things that I want and the things that I truly need always at odds? Looking back, although traumatic in nature, I believe this to be an integral part of growing up; maturation at its essence. Through our talks, I believe this to be the crux of Vinnie La Bella. But Vinnie La Bella consumed for a reason that would land him on stages in front of hundreds of thousands. He moved for what was to be an organism that would usher him around the globe. The desire, the intensity, and the results would maturate rewards and costs of epidemic proportions, leaving physical and moral values lying in limbo. Vinnie grew up in University City, a small neighborhood in Kenner, Louisiana bordering several suburbs and one veritable marshland. His father was a singer in a cover band that played mostly top 40 hits of the time. Being around musicians as far back as he can remember, the set-ups for practice, the camaraderie, and the grown banter were some of the appeals that drew him in. He can recall his father bringing home the Fandango! album by ZZ Top to learn a song and falling in love with that album. Between sneaking playtime with the guitar of his father’s bandmate, and classes in jazz theory, his love for guitar was solidified as early as eight years old. By the time he was eleven, he had learned enough to feel comfortable on the thing. It started to occur to him that this was something he could actually do for a living, perhaps in part, because of his father’s influence. But the mechanics of play had definitely become more familiar with time. And in time, nothing would move him more. His parents divorced when he was fourteen. And by age fifteen he was living with his mother on Hessemer Avenue in Fat City. Up until this point, guitar had helped to solidify a foundation between him and his father. So, to hear him tell it, his parents’ parting of ways didn’t really bother him. But he did, however, take advantage of his new digs. In the 80’s, Fat City was still a bustling neighborhood full of bars with live music. And at fifteen, Vinnie was beginning to establish roots of his own. Fat City would serve as a fertile medium to facilitate his growth; both as a young man and a budding musician. For all intents and purposes, Vinnie was a loner. With just enough people he called “friends” counted on one hand, he was resolved to explore the world on his own. This translated into a person that possibly grew up too quick. He would quit school early to become a hustler, and admits he may have squandered opportunities. A reckless lifestyle would prove a comfortable place for him to exist. And those who were there know Fat City could give you all you could eat. From where he lived with his mother, 17th Street was just a two-minute walk. “Now the walks to the bar were always nice and clean. The walks back got interesting. You know, I woke up in a few alleys along the way, ten o’clock the next morning. But that was the stomping ground”. Though stumbling at times through life, he always seemed to fall in the right direction. And even his vices would prove of value. Fat City is where he met Kirk Windstein (Crowbar). It’s where he met Phil Anselmo (Pantera, Down, Superjoint Ritual, Necrophagia, etc). It’s where he met Andy Villafarra and David Main, with whom he would go on to form Exhorder. Fat City is where he played his first show in a cover band called Sabotage. And it also served as the place where he would draw a line in the sand. But before his own assertions, he would need confirmation elsewhere; confirmation that his suspicions were correct. Speaking strictly from personal perspective I can tell you that there’s always been a voice inside my head. Maybe not so much a voice; it’s more like an inaudible message center. We’re all born with it in fact. In some, it’s just louder than in others. In our latter years, we learn of it to be the Id. It’s a part of the psyche, residing in the unconscious, that is the source of instinctive impulses. It wants nothing more than to be satisfied but is constantly modified by the ego and the superego before being given overt expression. It provides all of the energy for, and is the driving force of, personality. Unto itself, it has no organization. Being guided by his vices, seemingly falling in the right direction at times when his Ego or Superego would shine through, brought Vinnie to a defining moment in his life. Through this guiding force, Vinnie would often find himself venturing outside of the microcosm that was Fat City. One of those destinations was uptown New Orleans where hardcore and punk were prominent. This was a breeding ground for those that shunned society and smeared the edge. Sonic exploration was not only prominent. Here it was a prerequisite which fed Vinnie’s Id. “I remember walking out there for the first time, like, going to Jed’s. It was on like, Oak Street or Maple; right down the street from Jimmy’s Music Club. And that’s where they would have the punk and hardcore activity weekends. That was basically where we would all go. So, Circle Jerks played, Black Flag, I got to see all them bands… Dead Kennedys. And we would go over there and start hanging over there and noticing woah, this is a totally different world. Not only musically but, you don’t play cover songs out here. No band gets up there and plays a Black Flag song. You would probably get tomatoes thrown at you. You had to be an original thing offering something to the scene, being part of the culture, and growing”. This confirmed to him that the scene in Metairie really had grown stale. Metairie had the Ratts and the Poisons of cover bands. It had mostly become a hairspray haven where leotard clad man boys were chasing a path that had already been, by now, cliched. Punk and hardcore influenced thrash in metal. And cover bands influenced… nothing. On campus at Tulane University is a radio station, WTUL. And back then, on the weekends, it would host a metal night one evening and a hardcore night on the other. Vinnie would also venture out there to a basement where the radio station was housed, bearing any goodies he may have procured throughout the evening. Two brothers were DJs. And together with Vinnie and friends they would pass around records, discussing them and giving them a spin. These uptown experiences, at the radio station and at live shows, were the building blocks upon which Vinnie’s own first band was founded. It would be the Id, his Id, incarnate. It would be proof positive that a dissention from what had become the norm of his environment was not only in order. It was necessary to avoid furthering apparent necrosing. Things would come to a head one evening in the dressing room before a performance with his first band, ironically named, Sabotage. “I was basically given an ultimatum in that band. I was in the dressing room. We were about to play a show and I was thrown some garments. ‘Here, wear these tonight’. And when I looked at these garments I was like, I can’t go out there like this. And he said ‘well you have to or you’re out this band’. And I said well, I’ll be out this band then… tonight mother fucker. ‘Aight, aight well you don’t have to wear that’. So, that was the last show I played with them”. This wasn’t at all about cover bands. Vinnie respected cover bands. His father was in a cover band. At one time, he even subbed guitar for a cover band when he was asked to bail out a friend in need. He was handed a list of one hundred and fifty songs to learn with two weeks to learn them. But again, having seen what the hardcore scene was like, and knowing it was more the direction he wanted to move in, left him with little vested in what things had become. And ever the hustler, he would soon take members of that band with him. Establishing himself in a fishbowl of clones would not prove easy. Though he could see the gateway from his doorstep, anything west of New Orleans was just, not New Orleans. And Fat City was the fishbowl of not New Orleans. To become a deflection in this biosphere meant facing backlash. And staking one’s claim sometimes meant going on the offensive. “I was kind of frowned upon. And it caused a lot of beefs. I was an asshole man. And I would make fun of guys for doing it after a while because they were making fun of me for hanging out with the punks. So, it got to be a lifestyle kind of thing. You know, like I’m willing to whip your ass over this shit. That’s how deep we were into this. If you talked bad about Exhorder in the 80’s, you might not be around today talking about it. I’m serious. We were fucking assholes man”. The same guys that would say you’ll never make a dime doing that or the chicks will never listen to that were the same guys who would eventually break out of this redundant mecca. But latency meant they would have a new band to follow. In retrospect, Vinnie feels as though it would have behooved those people to pivot sooner than later. A lot of great talent was born out of the moment when they finally steered clear of mimicking the hair bands of that bygone era. But at that time, he felt as though he was defending his honor. At any rate, once he left that band and this scene, there was no turning back. Writing for Slaughter in the Vatican would start almost immediately, but with only Vinnie and Andy Villafara, it would be an arduous task. David Main would soon follow suit leaving Sabotage. And the better part of a year would pass while writing and securing a permanent lineup. But throughout it all and no matter what, hardcore music had entranced Vinnie. He would rather die than see himself end up where he was headed. Music and life had become synonymous. And both, in Vinnie’s eyes, were secondary to this alliance. Given his proclivity for extremes and his perception that Exhorder was more like a gang than a band, things would become violent at times. Being that the foundation of this band was forged in contrast to everything out there, opposition could be found everywhere; even within the band itself. “To be honest man, I wasn’t the only lunatic in the band. I mean, these guys were legitimate fuck-ups man. We were all fucking nuts. I got in a fight with my drummer over some bullshit, year one. I kicked his fucking door down. I ended up going to jail and doing community service. So that’s kind of how we started; out of just anger and violence. And we were taking it out on our instruments and just making a hell of a noise musically about it. After that little scuffle with Chris, him, Kyle, and David left”. This would be the first of several partings for Exhorder. And the band was still so new, to themselves as well as everyone else. This occurred in late 1987. Their very first gig was just the year before on Franklin Avenue in 1986. At this point in time, they had yet to finish recording the demos for Slaughter in the Vatican. The process of rebuilding would go on for a year. During that time, Jay Ceravalo (rhythm guitar) would enter the picture. At best, Jay was an aspiring guitarist. But Vinnie saw a bit of himself in Jay; the air of tenacity. So, he made a deal with him. Vinnie affirmed, “Bra, I’ll give you six months. If you can play this shit… and I will help you. I’ll come and show you. I will make you tapes and whatever you need. If you can do this shit you’ve got the job. And that’s when he got rid of his old lady, he quit his job and locked himself in a room. So, at the time it’s just me, Andy, and Jay trying to put some semblance of Exhorder back together”. Through this process, Jay would risk (and lose) most everything. He turned his back on a secure job with the city of Kenner, his parents kicked him out. Above all else, Vinnie recognized the loyalty and dedication and never forgot it. Sid Montz (Victorian Blitz, Crowbar, Valume Nob, Southern Isolation) would come in on drums about this time. But Vinnie still had to find a singer. One day in early 1989, Sid called Vinnie with some news. Vinnie recalls, “This is a good piece of history that I’ve never told anybody. But it’s important to where we land in this later. He (Sid) says listen man I talked to Phil (Anselmo). He’s not happy with his current situation. He wants to do something heavier and he can’t get the guys to get on board. So, he wants to come try out. So, I called him and said try out? There ain’t no fucking try out. You’re Phil. You can do this. You’re bad, you know? You’ve got the gig. Come home. He’s like no no no, I want to do it right. I’m going to fly in and try out. And I’ll come back and we’ll finish it. I said, ok. So, he came down and was as good as you thought he would be. I said I told you. You wasted your plane ticket. You got the gig! So, I put this mother fucker on an airplane right after rehearsal. He’s flying back to Dallas and he’s going home to quit Pantera. Now by this time Power Metal was the last thing they had released. The sound was still… the sound. So anyway, he’s in the air. I drive home from the airport. I walk into the house and the phone is ringing. I pick up the phone, it’s Kyle. I hadn’t heard from this mother fucker in a year. I haven’t seen him. I haven’t talked to him. He goes, hey man I heard you had Phillip in the room. I said what are you talking about? I haven’t talked to you in a year! How’d you know? He says, I wanna come back. I said he’s in the air right now! He’s going home to quit! So, I said dude let me call you back. I hung up the phone. I called up Jay and I said this mother fucker’s calling me. He’s like bro, it’s your call. So, I thought about it for a second, and I did the right thing. I said absolutely Kyle; come on home. We wrote these songs together. You’re the only mother fucker I can envision singing for this thing. I said, you got it. I just need to stop him (Phil) from fucking his own thing up. So, I said let me see what I can do. So, I called over there and Phil wasn’t upset or anything. He was actually pretty happy. He said ‘that’s good news. I’m disappointed because I really wanted to give it a go with you. But, I’m glad he’s back”. With Kyle back, Chris Nail would once again take over on drums. Anselmo would go on to record the famed Cowboys From Hell album with Pantera. And Exhorder would complete Slaughter in the Vatican, getting signed to Roadrunner Records. The what-ifs that ran through my head at this point in the interview came flooding in. But tumultuous times were not behind the band. The signing was merely a piece to a puzzle that was never quite complete. Sure, they had remained in New Orleans, besting the labels turning them down left and right claiming that they needed to get out of New Orleans in order to make it. And one must realize this was the 80’s. This was the Regan era where shoulder pads and rampant consumerism dominated the arena. Even when they were finally signed, their first album came out mischaracterizing them as a ‘brutal thrash band from the depths of the swamp in Louisiana’. Their propensity for violence was getting them thrown off tours. This was no help either. But they knew they were on to something good. And this all would open up the door for many more out the south; a region negated as illegitimate in the world of musical significance. Between inner band tensions and music business complications, by the time The Law was released in 1992, the group was more than worse for wear. Vinnie had a baby. Chris was getting married. None of them could hold one another together or ever align their ways with normative business practices. Passion holds no court with principals. Principals are societally based. And passion is otherworldly. Exhorder would once again disband. Make-ups and break-ups would be scattered throughout the coming years. A turbulent giant would be remitted to a twenty-seven-year recording dormancy. In 2017, through specifics not revealed, Vinnie and Kyle would reunite for the last time, culminating in Exhorder’s 2019 release entitled Mourn the Southern Skies. It would be produced and engineered at OCD Recording & Production by Duane Simineaux under Nuclear Blast, one of the world’s largest independent metal labels. It is by far, in my opinion, the greatest work ever to come from Exhorder. Which at this point housed only two of its founding members. It would also mark the last time Vinnie would ever play with the band he started. “We tried to put it back together a couple of times. This last time the table was set pretty good. We had a good shot and it was working. We ended up in a dispute as usual. And this time the only original guys left were me and Kyle. The dispute was basically between me and him. It was basically over two bullet points that he just couldn’t get past, and I couldn’t get past. And finally, I was like fuck it. Hey if you want it this bad bro, take it. But you’re going to get your wallet out this time. Because a lot of times they leave me sitting there with the bill”. He went on to point out, “It is of my opinion that he, at this particular moment, probably hates my fucking guts. He won’t say it in the media but he probably does. It’s my opinion. I could be wrong. But five years, seven years, eight years from now you know, who knows”. They were maturing in the midst of this all. Their needs changed over time. With only two founding members remaining, what was considered Exhorder had changed as well. “Whenever Exhorder would break up in the past, we would just lay it to rest. Nobody owned the trademark or the copyrights or anything to that name. It just sat there. And it would always sit there until most of us, or all of us, decided to do it again. And it was always home base for us. If we ever wanted to make something of that thing we built when we were kids, it was always there for us. And it started when I said… yes”. Vinnie reflected on the Phil Anselmo story here, citing it as a moment in time that should’ve reinforced a standing precedence for the band. When it came to Kyle’s desires to return, he didn’t mull it over. He simply said yes. But this time, through communications with his lawyer, he was confronted by a standing vote to oust him. The organism would no longer be the sum of its parts. These days, Vinnie remains deeply involved in music. He has established roots in production, and continues with recording and composition. Among his many projects, you will hear his work on Kirk Windstein’s upcoming second solo album, projected to be released possibly this fall. He went on to talk about that experience, as well the many projects that he’s currently involved in. You can hear this info first-hand and the details surrounding his life in music on our podcast by picking your streaming platform of choice below. Please be sure to subscribe, as this keeps our musicians’ names in the wind and gives our show a greater voice. As seen originally on: Neworleansmusicians.com Podcast: https://Neworleansmusicians.Podbean.com YouTube: https://youtube.com/@neworleansmusicians Blog: https://Neworleansmusicians.com/blog www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . 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Best Heard Loud < Back Punk Rock with Ferocity: DeadCentered and USER UNAUTHORIZED Nicole Brice Jan 26, 2023 Share Best Heard Loud When one thinks of punk music, the stereotypical image of spikey hair, leather jackets, and studded bracelets and belts comes to mind, but punk music can take on many forms and a uniform is NOT required. Punk Rock is order. Everything else is just chaos. Straight out of Baton Rouge, La., DeadCentered is an aggressive hardcore punk band with a little rock and roll and some thrash thrown in. Although their sound can seem a little unhinged at times, their vibe is truly unique and different. Each member of the band gives their all during a performance, and you can see the love for the music and the craft shine through each time, especially with the banter in between songs. Like a well-oiled machine, the band is comprised of Joshua Michael Selser on guitar / vocals, Justin Tatman on bass, and Mike Poole on drums. With the classic three-piece band, these guys have solidified their sound. With many line-up changes over the years, their current offering is one to take notice of because the sound is so tight. With three EP’s under their belt, their latest one released in 2021 is titled “Strongholds, Sheep, and Scapegoats", and the band continues to forge ahead with writing and recording new material for future releases. Selser first picked up the guitar at 13 years old and shortly after, he taught himself bass, too. Multi-talented and multi-faceted, he lends his talent to other bands besides DeadCentered like T. Mason & the Bricklayers. Drawing inspiration from a family of musicians, and from some of his favorites such as Tom Waits, Dave Mustaine, Minor Threat, and Black Sabbath, Joshua’s talent radiates with charisma. Maintaining a busy schedule of playing music and overseeing many other projects not related to music, Josh’s passion for life and art shows in all he does. credit: Gary Governale Mike Poole is a busy man playing drums in three bands locally, but that doesn’t stop him from loving every minute of it. Citing Phil Collins as his main inspiration to play, Mike’s skills are top notch and his ferocity on the kit sets him apart from many others. credit: Gary Governale Justin Tatman is no stranger to the local music scene either, with many years of experience under his belt from playing in bands like Left with Everyday, Ghosts in Low Lights, and Minus One. In September 2022, Justin joined DeadCentered and has been jamming with them ever since. Justin’s main drive to playing music is, “being able to communicate emotionally through sound. Through sound, I’m able to express myself by being REALLY loud and grabbing the listener’s attention.” He goes on to say, “the most amazing thing to me about music is you don’t even need words to communicate feelings. You can just let the music take you there.” Although not a technical player, Justin always puts his entire heart into his playing and looks forward to the future with DeadCentered. L to R: Mike Poole, Justin Tatman, and Joshua Michael Selser Recently, the band teamed up with USER UNAUTHORIZED from Austin, Texas to play a show in the parking lot of Safe Voyage Tattoo in Denham Springs, LA. It was the perfect setting to hang out and listen to some good music, plus nothing is more punk rock than playing a show in a non-traditional setting and venue. The thing that first struck me as unique with USER UNAUTHORIZED was the female bass player. To be honest, any band that has a female on bass has my seal of approval right away. She was tiny, but her playing was fierce. I later found out that she not only plays bass, but guitar, too. Their set opened with a punch right to the gut and had me hooked instantly. The aggressive guitar and drums with Sage’s vocals set the tone for a raw in-your-face sound. Formed in 2019, USER UNAUTHORIZED plays hardcore punk, and they play it loud. With an impressive discography under their belt thus far, you must check out their music. USER UNAUTHORIZED is Sage (vocals/bass), Johnny Cash (guitar), Rooster (drums), and Isabella (bass/guitar). DeadCentered played last and opened with “To Live” and then pounded through a savage set ending with “Joyless Life of Discontent.” These guys truly love what they do, and it shows. Joshua’s playing is always on point, and his musicianship is top notch. Check out this video from the show: Be sure to check out the social media for both DeadCentered and USER UNAUTHORIZED and stream their music. You won’t regret it. Links are below. USER UNAUTHORIZED: 𝐔𝐒𝐄𝐑 𝐔𝐍𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐙𝐄𝐃 (@userunauthorized) • Instagram photos and videos Music | User Unauthorized (bandcamp.com) 𝐔𝐒𝐄𝐑.𝐔𝐍𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐙𝐄𝐃 | Austin TX | Facebook USER UNAUTHORIZED (@UUnauthorized) / Twitter ‎User Unauthorized on Apple Music Spotify – User Unauthorized DeadCentered: DeadCentered | Facebook DeadCentered Official (@deadcentered_official) • Instagram photos and videos Strongholds, Sheep and Scapegoats | DeadCentered (bandcamp.com) Stream DeadCentered music | Listen to songs, albums, playlists for free on SoundCloud ‎DeadCentered on Apple Music DeadCentered (@dead_centered) / Twitter www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Godzilla: Minus One deftly balances social commentary with eye-popping monster action amid personal trauma, drama, and guilt. < Back Godzilla: Minus One: Film Review Shaun Corley Dec 11, 2023 Share Godzilla: Minus One deftly balances social commentary with eye-popping monster action amid personal trauma, drama, and guilt. With a dense mythology, many argue the Godzilla franchise has drifted away from its original intent. While entertaining, the new Godzilla movies lack the social commentary that made the 1954 original so iconic. Fans looking for a Godzilla film that deftly balances social commentary with eye-popping monster action need look no further than this year’s Godzilla: Minus One . Directed by Takashi Yamazaki ( Parasyte: Part I and II ), Godzilla: Minus One is a back-to-basics approach to Godzilla , taking its cues from the original 1954 Godzilla film, perhaps more than any other Godzilla film to date. Godzilla: Minus One features not only one of the best-looking Godzillas ever, but it also remembers that people are just as essential to these movies as the monsters are. Godzilla: Minus One also dispenses any notions of heroism on Godzilla’s part, instead showing him as a primordial force, one that never relents and can never be killed. Photo: Toho Studios The original Godzilla film is a stone-cold classic, a potent allegory for the devastating effects of atomic radiation on both Japan and the rest of the world. Released in Japan in 1954, Godzilla introduced the movie-going public to the behemoth, and to the concept of “kaiju” as a whole. Godzilla made his way to Western audiences two years later when an Americanized version starring Raymond Burr ( Rear Window ) was released: Godzilla, King of the Monsters! However, during the transition, studios emptied Godzilla of his anti-atomic bomb context. While King of the Monsters! is a perfectly fun monster film, it lacks the punch and the heft of the Japanese original. Since 1954, there have been a few different Godzilla franchises, both in Japan and America. Each of these took different approaches: For example, in Godzilla’s Shōwa-era depiction (Japanese political era from 1926-89), he was a champion of humanity; the Heisei era (Japanese political era from 1989-2019) restored his reputation as a destructive force. Then there is also the Millenium era , which identifies films in the Godzilla series released from 1999-2004, as well as two different American reboots—the most recent being 2024’s Godzilla X Kong . That is also to note nothing of the various spin-offs, such as the Mothra films, Rodan , and others. Godzilla: Minus One is set shortly after the end of World War II and sees Japan largely in ruins. Koichi (Ryunosuke Kamiki, of The Great Yokai War ) is a kamikaze pilot who abandons his post in the war’s final days. Landing on Odo Island, Koichi bears witness to Godzilla’s first attack on humanity. During the ruckus, Koichi has a golden opportunity to end Godzilla’s reign before it starts. However, he freezes up, and Godzilla destroys the base, killing everyone except Koichi and another man named Sosaku (Munetaka Aoki, of Rurouni Kenshin: Final Chapter Part I - The Final ). Riddled with survivor’s guilt, Koichi desperately tries to put what he saw behind him. Fate has other plans, though, as Godzilla returns even bigger and more powerful than the first time. Now Koichi must overcome his trauma to help save Japan. As both the American and Japanese Godzilla films began moving away from the social and cultural commentaries, Godzilla became one of the good guys, often rising up to turn back other monsters, such as King Ghidorah. Photo: Legendary Pictures This was particularly true during the Shōwa era of Japan. While the Heisei era returned Godzilla to his destructive ways, the most recent American films have, once again, made him a hero. Godzilla: Minus One dispenses any notions of heroism on his part, instead showing him as a primordial force, one that never relents and can never be killed. With this return to villainy for Godzilla comes the social commentary for which the first movie was known. The 1954 version famously dealt with the fallout of the first atomic bomb tests; two such bombs were dropped, both on Japan. This incident scarred the Japanese psyche, and Godzilla was the result. The 1954 Godzilla was also released as the Cold War was ramping up, and the dangers of atomic radiation were on everyone’s mind. Godzilla tapped into these fears and doubts. Godzilla’s atomic aspects are baked into the character and are indeed present in Godzilla: Minus One . These issues, however, take a back seat to explorations of trauma and guilt . Koichi very much has PTSD, which holds him back both in his career and his life. He meets Noriko (Minami Hamabe, of Let Me Eat Your Pancreas ), a young woman living in the ruins of postwar Japan. Koichi cares very much for her, but his past will not let him love. Kiochi and Noriko (Photo: Toho Studios) Likewise, Koichi’s relationship with Sosaku, the other survivor of Odo Island, is also frayed: Sosaku is angry at Koichi for not opening fire on Godzilla when he had the chance. A key plot point of Godzilla: Minus One is Koichi’s attempts to get Sosaku to join the anti-Godzilla team. Sosaku and Koichi reconcile just in time for the final battle against Godzilla. In giant monster movies such as Godzilla: Minus One , it can be tricky balancing the monster action with personal drama; sometimes one gets little attention. However, Godzilla: Minus One blends the two well. Godzilla looks as good as he ever has—a remarkable feat given the film’s relatively low budget. The special effects, particularly when Godzilla activates his “atomic breath”, are first-rate. The human drama also sustains Minus One . Koichi’s anti-Godzilla team is perfectly cast, and the viewer is left with the impression they are a genuine family, one brought together not by blood but by shared traumas. 2024 marks 70 years of Godzilla. In that time, he has been many things to many people: hero, villain, and protector. While this has made for some fun movies, it ignores the original subtext that made the first Godzilla film so good: the social commentary. However, Godzilla: Minus One brings the monster back to form, using him to discuss themes of guilt, family, and trauma . Godzilla: Minus One is currently in theaters. Catch it on the big screen while you can! Shaun Corley is an East Coast pop culture enthusiast who loves to write about everything entertainment. A big, important Screen Rant writer, Shaun has many leather-bound books, which are far outnumbered by comics and the smell of rich mahogany. www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

If you're on the fence about it, check out these top 5 reasons to see "Napoleon". < Back Reasons to See Napoleon: Feast Upon This Keeley Brooks Nov 13, 2023 Share If you're on the fence about it, check out these top 5 reasons to see "Napoleon". It’s no secret I’m a big fan of historical adaptations. What I love most is the opportunity to experience a certain time period through different perspectives. Some of those perspectives are as historically accurate as possible while others are merely loosely based on a certain era. With Ridley Scott’s heavily anticipated Napoleon adaptation releasing soon, it’s safe to say we can gear up for a picture that’s as historically accurate as possible and just as rich in atmosphere. The film—guaranteed to be an epic masterpiece —stars Joaquin Phoenix ( Joker ) as Napoleon Bonaparte and Vanessa Kirby ( The Crown ) as the Empress Joséphine and is based on Napoleon’s astonishing life, offering an intimate portrait of one of history’s greatest military leaders. If you’re unsure about it, here are my top five reasons why you should see Napoleon . #5 : Deep Dive into Napoleonic History Given that Ridley Scott has expressed clear interest in Napoleon as a historical figure and this is his second go-around with the Napoleonic era, we can expect as accurate a depiction as possible. With 2023's Napoleon , not only are we getting a deep dive into the events surrounding one of the most mythological military commanders ever, but we’re also diving into the effects of his tumultuous private life , giving us as close to a personal look at the emperor’s private life as possible. During the French Revolution, Napoleon rose rapidly through the military ranks and, as a general, seized power in a coup d’état in 1799. He then crowned himself leader. Next, he set out waging war against European nations and expanding his powerful empire, all while embroiled in an intense romantic battle with Joséphine, which ultimately served as the force driving him to conquer the world. Over the course of a single decade, Napoleon led a revolutionary French army against the other great powers of Europe and succeeded, even bringing down the Holy Roman Empire. After tearing across Europe for a time, his career finally came to an end in 1821 on the remote island of Saint Helena, where he died at the age of 51. Scott reportedly will make Napoleon’s romance with Joséphine the center of his movie—an aspect often overlooked in previous Napoleonic adaptations. Vanessa Kirby and Joaquin Phoenix as Joséphine & Napoleon. (credit: Apple TV + Columbia Pictures) When the two met, he was a 26-year-old French military officer, and she was a 32-year-old single mother of two. They fell deeply in love and soon married, but both were known to have affairs. They spent five years in marital unbliss before divorcing in 1810 after Napoleon accepted Joséphine would never be able to give him the heir needed to maintain his line. Napoleon’s story is that of a war criminal , really— a psyche overrun with obsession and madness . What makes it so intriguing is that he was a man who came out of nowhere to seize and rule everything, all in the name of love. What’s makes it so tragic is that he did all he did in an effort to win Joséphine’s love, and when he couldn’t, he conquered the world to destroy her; unfortunately, in the process, he wound up destroying himself. To see this tragedy play out in the era of 21st Century film will be utterly exciting and captivating. Other iconic moments of French history teased in the trailer include the 1793 public beheading of Marie Antoinette; the 1795 defeat of French royalists, where Napoleon ruthlessly fired on protestors in the streets of Paris; and Napoleon’s infamous self-coronation as Emperor of France in direct antagonism of the Catholic Church and Pope Pius VII. #4 : Cinematic Reunion of Ridley Scott and Joaquin Phoenix Ridley Scott and Joaquin Phoenix on set (Columbia Pictures). Napoleon reunites Joaquin Phoenix and Ridley Scott for the first time since Gladiator (2000), in which Phoenix plays the power-hungry ruler and last emperor of the Pax Romana, Commodus. His performance there is masterful and chilling, slicing you right in half as a viewer. S tunning and gorgeous in its own right, Gladiator was Phoenix’s first big production, so it’s quite fitting now that the two artistic forces are teaming back up for one of cinema’s biggest historical portrayals . If you saw Gladiator , you know how well the two support and feed off of one another’s creative energy. You also know what these powerhouses are capable of producing together. Both Phoenix and Scott have had over two decades to refine their respective craft and explore themselves as they relate to that craft, so we have every reason to be excited about this reunion, which will no doubt be anything short of brilliant and thrilling. #3 : Costumes & Sets Vanessa Kirby as Empress Joséphine and Joaquin Phoenix as Napoleon (Columbia Pictures). Costumes and sets are integral aspects to creative and enhancing a story’s atmosphere. Lucky for us, Ridley Scott is known for going all in where both are concerned. His films are rich in detail with stunning visual style and are known for dropping us right into a certain time period so we can experience it for ourselves. And that’s what a good historical adaptation should do: represent history as accurately as possible in a way that allows viewers to lose sense of their own place in time. For Napoleon , Academy Award-Winning Costume Designer Janty Yates, known for her work on Gladiator , is teaming back up with Scott, so get ready to be awe-struck. The two have collaborated on several films, including Kingdom of Heaven and The Last Duel , and from those alone we know to expect opulent sets dripping in vibrant fabrics—in this case, of chiffon, silk, satin, and lace adorning the neoclassical styles that were widely popular during the Napoleonic era. Coronation outfits are always popular standouts, so pay close attention to Napoleon and Joséphine’s lavish outfits in particular: He wore a gold-embroidered white satin tunic and red velvet cloak embellished with golden bees, while she wore a white satin gown with puffed sleeves and gold detailing. # 2: Battle Sequences credit: Apple TV + Columbia Pictures Ridley Scott is no stranger to action epics featuring epic battle sequences and historical bloodshed incited by political turmoil. It’s his bread and butter. In fact, he’s already made the hefty proposition that Napoleon will feature not one, not two, but SIX large-scale battles spanning Napoleon’s prolific military career. Here’s why this is exciting. Where early Napoleon-centric films of the past also tackled the leader’s infamous battles, they often focused more on a specific military moment—The Battle of Waterloo, for example—and made a grandiose spectacle out of it. Technology has come a very long way since then, and with Scott’s vision at the helm, I’d say buckle up for quite the spectacle. Scott planned Napoleon ’s massive battle sequences, like the tactical masterpiece that was the 1805 Battle of Austerlitz, in regular meetings with the heads of various production departments and with military advisors in order to ensure scale, choreography, accuracy, and cohesion in presentation. As previously mentioned, Napoleon is Scott’s second attempt at capturing the lived experience of the Napoleonic Wars, so you know his heart is wholly in this presentation. His first attempt was with his 1977 debut film, The Duellists . Given how much he planned and consulted where these cause-and-effect sequences are concerned, one thing’s for sure: Napoleon will not skimp on spectacle. Not even a little. And isn’t that what we often love most about historical adaptations? I know I do. #1 : Joaquin Phoenix Joaquin Phoenix as Napoleon Bonaparte. (credit: Apple TV + Columbia Pictures) The Oscar winner is one of the most talented, versatile, impactful actors of modern-day cinema. He’s well known for his emotional, soulful, thunderous performances—especially those featuring a heavy psychological aspect, like Joker . Ridley Scott himself has said Phoenix is perfect to play Napoleon , that he is “the best player of damaged goods.” Excluding their reunion, the idea alone of seeing Joaquin Phoenix play one of the most powerful and emotionally complex military generals-turned-leaders is excitedly appealing. He has an authentic ability to dissolve himself into the psychology of his characters, which is part of what makes him so alluring. He understands darkness and uses that to create unforgettable dimension in his characters, layering them with varying levels of innocence and sadness mixed with power, love, and danger. To see Phoenix play any emotionally complex character is an experience that exposes us to deep empathy and awareness of something we haven’t yet considered. He often winds up carrying the entire film, as opposed to the film’s own story. Judging from early promotional materials, this will be the case with Napoleon . Reportedly, Scott realized his film centered around Phoenix’s performance and even rewrote the movie during filming to ensure Phoenix’s comfort level with his character portrayal. This allowed the actor to focus solely on bringing the depths of Bonaparte to life in an unforgettable way. Because of that, I imagine Napoleon will be the most immersive, authentic Napoleon Bonaparte film experience to date, one that sees us all hold Joaquin Phoenix in the highest esteem. Ridley Scott recently told Deadline , “No actor could ever embody Napoleon like Joaquin. He created one of movie history’s most complex emperors in Gladiator , and we’ll create another with his in Napoleon .” Mmm, I bet they will, and I can’t wait. Napoleon releases in theaters on November 22, 2023, before streaming on Apple TV+. Keeley Brooks is a big ole movies, television, and streaming nerd with a voracious appetite for entertainment consumption and an uncontrollable urge to write about everything she watches, even if it sucks. www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Not a Rock and Roll Loser Born to Perform: Dr. Joe Burns < Back Born to Perform: Dr. Joe Burns Nicole Brice Mar 9, 2023 Share Not a Rock and Roll Loser Influence … what is it, really? We all have people, places, things, or ideas that influence us in life via various forms, and this next musician I’m going to tell you about is no exception in the realm of inspiration and influence. I first met Dr. Joe Burns when I was a student of his at Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, La., back in the early 2000s. I graduated from SLU in 2005, so it was a long time ago, but when I was reacquainted with Joe , it felt like no time had passed at all. One of my favorite memories of Dr. Burns is when he would stand in the front of the class and tell a rowdy bunch of kids to pay attention to him by stating, “Pay attention to me, because I have a tie,” as he pointed to the necktie he was wearing with his collared shirt. He taught me so much, and as a Mass Communications major, I took so many of his classes, that most of my college memories include thoughts of happenings from within his classes. In fact, I credit Dr. Burns as being the one who truly taught me audio and video production because without his instruction, I would not know all I know today—of course, the hands-on experience I had working at 90.9 KSLU FM, now known as 90.9 the Lion , might have helped a tad bit, too. Back in the day when I called SLU home, the Mass Comm department was small, and we were like a family of sorts. I miss that time, and most of all, I miss that era. It truly was much simpler then. Going into this interview, I knew three things about Dr. Burns: he loved Eddie Van Halen , he had previously worked in radio full-time, and he had a great sense of humor. After speaking with Dr. Burns for over an hour and a half (because neither of us could shut up), I learned there is so much depth to his identity and the things he has accomplished and continues to accomplish is just plain remarkable. As one who has led an amazing life, he remains deeply humble. First and foremost, Dr. Burns is a communications professor at SLU , but he also is a f ather, a husband, a producer, a musician, an author, a podcaster, and a master woodworker. He even built his own recording studio, which he aptly titled Loser Studios as a nod to one of his albums, Rock and Roll Loser . Joe’s quirky take on rock music is entertaining, comedic, and sincerely authentic. Take a moment to read this interview, then go check out his latest music release Tools of the Trade via all streaming platforms. It’s very nostalgic for me to hear, because many of my old college buddies make guest appearances on the album in various forms, and it’s just a damn enjoyable album, as all of his releases are. Joe Burns is the epitome of the modern-day Renaissance man. credit: Gary Governale JB : You called a little early! MaM : Well, according to my phone, it says 14:00 on the dot … 2 o’clock! JB : Nicole, my gosh, Nicole! I haven’t seen you since you actually were in my classes. How have you been? MaM : Man, life has been crazy. I want to tell your story, though. You have one of the most distinct voices I have ever heard, and I can always tell it’s you, no matter what. Give me a little background info about where you were born and raised, because I remember you saying you were from Ohio back when I took your classes, and I know you went to Bowling Green University , correct? JB : That was for the Ph.D. I was born in Flint, Mich., actually … back when you could drink the water. It seems that I was always in a new place growing up. In 5th grade was when I made my way to Ohio—specifically Solon, Ohio , which is a suburb of Cleveland , and I grew up in Cleveland through the formative years: 5th grade all the way until the end of high school. That’s my Ohio connection, and I consider Cleveland, Ohio, home. MaM : That’s cool how you have that Ohio connection. My mom is from Ohio, too. She is from a little town called Ashtabula, Ohio , which is right there on Lake Erie . I had the pleasure of visiting up there in 2009 and just fell in love with the area. When did you first pick up guitar and start playing? If I remember correctly, you are a music junkie just like me, and I know you like Steely Dan and Van Halen . Give us a little more info about your music background. JB : Well, my mother put a gun to my head and made me play saxophone (laughs), because that's what a young boy should play … something to be in the high-school band. And, well, she decided one day to play guitar. So, she took lessons at the local cooperative, and we had this really piece of crap Stella guitar that my dad bought, probably from Sears . And she kept coming home with her lessons, and I would have the lesson in 10 or 15 minutes, and my dad finally said after a couple of months, ‘Why don't you just give the guitar to the kid because you're not getting it, and he's got it in about 10 minutes now?’ He probably paid for that for a year afterwards, but I just started getting better and better and better. And I remember I was invited, because all I had were acoustics, these cheap little things that we got at garage sales. And we—one guy asked me, ‘Hey, do you want to be in this band?’ And I said, ‘Yeah, I'd love to,’ and my dad talked to the local music guy because I would always go into the same little music store, and the guy said, ‘Oh, yeah, Joe could play rhythm guitar in a band right now.’ Easy to do. And I had gone in there and apparently picked this one guitar off the wall 10 times. It was a Morris electric in Cherry Sunburst . As a matter of fact, it's hanging on the wall right behind me. It maybe is the most balanced instrument I've ever had. You can't even buy them like that anymore; they don't make them. So, I took it and bought a cheap little amp from a friend, and that's when I started playing it: on my 15th birthday. That's really when it came to fruition. And I remember writing my first song on that guitar. I can remember most of the lyrics. It's really sad. (laughs) credit: Gary Governale MaM : So, 15 years old was when you decided, “This is it—I really love guitar, and this is what I want to do,” and you’ve just kind of done it as a hobby over the years, or did you want to do something serious with it? JB : I wanted to do something serious with it all the time. Here's the problem: I'm 6’4” and about 250 pounds, and in Cleveland , when you're that big, you don't become a musician. I was a football player. I was a wrestler. I threw shot put, and music always had to go on the back burner. It's just the way it was. And I mean that; I'm not trying to be clever about it. It's, you know, when you're within the top 10 biggest guys in the high school, you don't get to go play guitar. I played in bands with people now and again, but nothing ever came of it. It wasn't until I got out of college that I started to perform with bands. I was recording with the radio stations, but it wasn’t until I got out of college that I had the opportunity to perform. And, I remember the first real band I was in was a band called Theory. Our first album was going to be called ‘Hypothesis.’ How horrible is that? And then I picked up with a local band that was actually very good, and [I] did a lot of gigging. It was called Rick and the Rockets, and I was one of their rotating guitarists. I was a rocket, and that's pretty much how it went. MaM : So, you mentioned above that you were working in radio, which I know you had a huge career in, so tell us a little more about that. JB : I was not going to go to college and my parents said, ‘Oh yes you will,’ and I said, ‘Oh no I'm not! I'm gonna get on a bus. I'm gonna go out to California , and I'm gonna join up with a band.’ So, what they did was bribe me with a car. Now, don't get me wrong—it was a nice car. It was a ‘79 Camaro with a 354 barrel, you know, powder blue interior. Oh, yeah. If I wasn't ugly and fat, it would have brought the chicks a runnin’. (laughs) MaM : (laughs) Oh yeah, that does sound nice. JB : And I started playing in little bands in college here and there. But what was wonderful is, I got into radio and then you see radio took over, and I would go out now and again with a band. I would sit in with people. I would do a track here and there. But, you know, for 12 years, I ran radio stations and kept everything up and running. MaM : Which radio stations did you work for? JB : I started in Pennsylvania at Titan Radio . That was my college station. I was at two different stations during college—full-time gigs. That was WKST and WFEM . Left there, went to Oklahoma City for KCGK ? I can't remember exactly. I don't think it exists anymore. Left there for WQLT in Florence , Alabama . Left there for KG107 in Utica, New York . Left there for 92 Gold in Southern Pennsylvania . It was actually the Hagerstown, Maryland market. And after that, I quit and went back for a Ph.D. I got the masters while I was running the stations in Pennsylvania. MaM : Wow. How did you end up in Louisiana, of all places, after an incredible career like that? JB : Simple. I got the masters while I was in … and, and by the way, I got the masters on a bet. I used to use the questions in the morning. One of the bits that I did was … ask trivia questions, but they came from the MENSA book, the genius thing. And somebody joked to me, you know, ‘Hey, why don't you go test MENSA? You think you're so smart and all that.’ So, I went, and I tested for MENSA, and you go through about four IQ tests, and I scored above 140 on each of them. So, they invited me to go to York, Pa., and try out to get into the MENSA Society. I took tests and failed. You had to be in the top two percent. I still have the piece of paper because no one believes me. I scored in the top three percent, and I said to them, ‘Don't you people round up?’ And they said, ‘No.’ It’s just with my master's degree, I couldn't find work as a professor, so I kept calling all the rejection letters, and what I kept getting was, ‘You don't have a Ph.D.’ So, [I] went to Bowling Green . I applied to two places: Bowling Green and Kent State . Went to Bowling Green because Kent State said no. Did three years, because they say the average time to get your Ph.D. is five years, and I said, ‘Well, my wife doesn't want to be here very long.’ Bowling Green is nice, but it's just south of Toledo, so you can tell it's a little grungy-greeny. So, finished that up in three years, as quick [sic] as possible. I won the dissertation scholarship. What I didn't win, though, and this still makes me angry to this day, was ... I was up for graduate student of the year, and the woman who was doing the interview told me that she wouldn't vote for me because I, ‘stalked the students.’ MaM : What?!? JB : I didn't stand in one place and lecture to them. I walked around and I engaged them, and I made them speak. This woman is just sitting there filled with liberal arts confidence, right, and I said, ‘Radio communication. This is radio. This is television. We don't play well with introverts. You must understand what we do here.’ She didn’t like that very much, and so, I lost. credit: Gary Governale MaM : I’m assuming getting the job at SLU is what brought you to Louisiana, or was it something else? JB : Yes. Yeah. Well, no—here’s the thing. I got a job immediately. In fact, I was the first in my graduating class to get a job, and it was at a university I absolutely loved. It was one of these little richie, rich schools, and you would think the kids would all be complete jerks and all of it. No, they were great. And it was a school that had money and gorgeous radio stations. It was everything I wanted. It was two hours outside of New York City . So, this whole time we're trying like crazy to have a kid, and we couldn't seem to do it, and my wife finally said [she couldn’t] go through another northern winter. She's from Alabama. I met her when I was at WQLT . So, I kept giving her the chronicle, “Higher Education.” That's the magazine that tells you where the jobs are, and I applied to everything that she wanted me to. I was given two job offers. One in, I think it was Marietta, Ga., at Southern Polytechnic University. I would have been a computer professor. The other one was at Southeastern Louisiana University , and I took it. MaM : So that’s how you ended up here. You were all over the northern part of the U.S., and you get transplanted back down here. (laughs) JB : I don't know what's a better life, and I mean this … I don't know what's a better life because none of my cousins, and both sides of the family—mom and dad—none of my cousins have anything more than a B.A., and I'm not putting that down. Look, a bachelor's degree is, is an impressive thing, but none of them have over that. I am the only one that holds a master's degree. I think one of my cousins does, too, but I'm the only one to hold a Ph.D. … and you ask yourself, ‘Is it better to do what I did and move all over the United States, or is it better to stay put in one place?’ See, all my friends who stayed put in Cleveland all still get together and they all have a good time together. Me, on the other hand, it's a weird existence, and anybody who has had a job where you move all the time [knows] it's hard to make lifelong friends. My wife and I have lived in nine different states. MaM : I admire the fact that you have lived in so many places and have experienced so much. I can completely relate to what you said, though. I went on Apple music recently, to check out your music, and did you know there are two other musicians with the name, Joe Burns? JB : Sure … and there is a soccer player and an ex-football player. It is a very common name. I always tell people, ‘You gotta put that Ph.D. after it to find me!’ But the thing is, every time you put that in, it's not my music that pops up; it's my books, because I had a real success for a good, long while there with creating web pages, and [it was] right at the beginning of the internet and teaching people how to make web pages, and it ended up in a series of five books. That comes up long before the music does, but you know … time marches on. MaM : Refresh my memory on the titles of those books, so I can let our readers know about them. I think it was “HTML for Dummies” or “HTML Goodies?” JB: It was Goodies. ‘HTML for Dummies’ was some corporate thing, and I always hated it because the idea was you have to admit you were stupid to read the books. (laughs) JB : It was ‘HTML’ mainly because, you know, the books were about how to make a website. It was ‘HTML Goodies,’ because the first thing I ever did was put a series of cute little images up online, and my father made the statement that, ‘Oh, look! You got all these little goodies for people to give away.’ So, there you go: ‘HTML Goodies.’ There it was, and now it’s five books. It's been reprinted in at least three languages that I know of. MaM : Wow, that’s impressive. JB : One of them is Polish. (laughs) MaM : I noticed you released an album in 2017 prior to this most recent release. “ One Hell of a Story ” was the title, and I was wondering if that was the first time you had released music on your own? JB : No, as a matter of fact, that was the second album. Here’s the thing … I have always been an extremely pragmatic human being, meaning there are people that if they're not perfect when they come out of the gate, they get very upset and they quit. I put out an album called ‘ Rock and Roll Loser ,’ and you'd have to go to my YouTube channel to hear some of the songs, and there's about three songs on the album, which I think are very, very good, and I'd like to re-record them, but the rest of them are pure crud. MaM : (laughs) JB : I've had people say to me, ‘I listened to ‘ Rock and Roll Loser ,’ and it's terrible,’ and I said, ‘You're absolutely right!’ But you see, I recorded that entire album on a laptop, and the drums were all fake and I didn't understand to put in drum fills. It's horrible, and I urge people to go listen to it. If you want to hear a couple of the very good ones, listen to ‘ Believe ,’ which I really want to re-record, and [then] listen to ‘ Misinformed .’ Those are the two that are actually really good songs. They're just not recorded well because I didn't have the equipment. credit: Gary Governale MaM : So, when you released that, you just released it strictly on YouTube? JB : No, there's a website: www.RockandRollLoser.com . I refused to put out any music and expect someone to give me money for it. I don't want 50 cents or what have you getting between you and you listening to my song. So, I put it out. I just thought it was the greatest album in the world. This happens constantly. You know, you write something, and you go to bed thinking they're gonna hand me the Pulitzer this week, [then y]ou get up in the morning, you listen to it or you read it and you go, ‘What was I … was I drunk?!?’ MaM : (laughs) JB : I go back and listen. The song ‘ Rock and Roll Loser ’ is cute, but it's not much … it's not much more than me figuring out what the heck I'm doing. I'm playing in a couple of bands. The big one at the time was called Impaired Faculties. It was all professors from Southeastern. MaM : I remember hearing about them. Dr. Robison—wasn’t he a part of that? JB : He was the other guitarist. He's the one that came to me, and we played a little bit together and he said, ‘Okay, you and I have got to play dual guitars. We must.’ And I said, ‘Okay.’ So, the whole thing was supposed to be just a fundraiser, and then we discovered we weren’t that bad, and so we kept going. We recorded a couple of songs that nothing's ever happened with them, and then, I wrote a song called ‘ Water Line ’ after the floods, and we made a bunch of money by selling at a dollar a pop, but it was a fundraiser. The whole time, I was doing my radio show or, rather, my podcast ‘ Rock School ,’ and I kept building my home studio and I kept getting better equipment and better equipment. So, when you listen to the second album, which is called One Hell of a Story , you go, ‘Oh my gosh, the songs are getting better.’ And then a year later, my wife and I put out a Christmas album called ‘ Let's Get the Jingle Bell Out of Here ,’ and again, better. We had real success with that. We got on a CD that was sent out, and we were the nobodies next to Sia and Kelly Clarkson and Barry Manilow , and it got sent out to all these radio stations. We had phenomenal success with that album. It got 400 different radio stations to play it. I then started messing around musically with a buddy of mine. You probably remember him: Rusty Gregoire. Do you remember him? MaM : Sure do! I stayed good friends with him for a long time. Now, we’re just Facebook friends. JB : He and I started recording together and I think we have five or six songs, and they're really good. We need to record a few more and put it out, but again, with him … better. I hadn't recorded for, it had to be two years, and I finally just had all these songs that I had written for all these other people. By the way, I put out an entire album called ‘ My Key ’ with a singer named Naomi. If you go to any of the streaming services and you search ‘ My Key ,’ Naomi - N A O M I, Naomi, you'll find that one, and you'll listen to the other albums … and then you’re like, ‘When did you learn to play piano … and saxophone?’. I brought pros in to do all these things, and I think it’s sonically beautiful. credit: Gary Governale MaM : We’ll have to check that one out. JB : I don’t know how to explain it. I guess I don’t sit in a room and play chord after chord after chord, praying that somehow, I’m gonna come up with something. What I do is—in my car—I have found that to be at your most creative peak. Sit still, and let your mind go somewhere. If you sit and force yourself, and you go, ‘It’s time to write a song,’ you’re not gonna do it. Just keep your mouth shut and let your brain turn into clouds, and that’s where the riffs start coming. MaM : So, you mentioned previously that you build your own guitars. Do you play your custom guitars that you’ve built? JB : I built all my guitars. Literally, built all my guitars … and I set the whole system up, and that’s what I did. MaM : What type of blueprint do you use to build your guitars? JB : See, I buy a kit, and all I use from the kit are the neck and the body. I don’t use the crappy stuff. I do all my own electronics. I buy all different pick-ups. I always make a point of finishing them in different colors, and then I call for them by color when recording. MaM : Tell us a little bit about this latest album that you have released. JB : Well, it’s called ‘ Tools of the Trade .’ Why? I don’t know. My wife suggested it, and I thought it was okay. When you listen to ‘ Whadaya Say ,’ it goes to a jazz place in the middle, and the entire solo is played note, harmonic note, harmonic note, harmonic. The second song is called ‘ Not My Circus, Not My Monkey. ’ It has what’s known as a waterfall of harmonics because I want people to go, ‘Wait a minute? What the heck was that?’ It’s a heavy song, but right out of nowhere comes a harmonica. I don’t want to keep playing 145. I want every single song to make people go, ‘What?!? What was that?!’ credit: Gary Governale MaM : I did notice that each track is different and each one reels you in in a different way because of how unique they are. If you were to hear them consecutively, you would not know they are by the same artist. JB : Yeah, I’ve had people say to me, ‘Hey, look, ‘ Not My Circus ’ sounds like Nuno Bettencourt.’ If you write a song that sounds like somebody else, you’re not doing it right. I’ve gotta be honest, there is a little bit of Eddie Van Halen in everything I play, but it doesn’t sound like him. I write these songs and put them together and pray they don’t sound like anyone but me. I’ve probably got seven or eight more riffs just sitting in a file somewhere because I’m probably going to do it again. Somebody said, ‘Why would you release 18 songs in a row?’, and I said, ‘Because I’ve got another 18 … just give me a year.’ MaM : Do you have any plans to play any live shows? Have you thought about maybe doing some local gigs in Hammond? I’d come see it! JB : I’d love to do it, and I’ll contact you when it happens. I want to get out there and do it by myself. I’m not in a band right now, and I think it’s simply because of time. I’d like to get out there like a troubadour. Me and a guitar and do it about once every other week. My wife has even said to me, ‘Why are you not out there playing?’, and I think it’s just because I’m 58 and I’m lazy, but I don’t even need to get paid. I mean, give me some beer and maybe some food. The last time I played a gig, I went three hours straight and didn’t even take a break. I would just like to get up there and strum chords. I can tell you that I’m not a big requests person. I will show up and do a show, and if someone comes up and says, "Play ‘ Margaritaville ',’’ I guess I could, but that’s not my thing. MaM : I know quite a few local musicians who get zany requests when playing live. Like, people like to yell, “Play ‘Free Bird’” at live shows. Not sure why, but they just kind of laugh it off. JB : Wouldn’t it be wonderful to actually learn ‘ Free Bird ?’ The entire 10 or so minutes of it. Some drunk guy in the audience could go, ‘Free Bird!!’, and I could go, ‘Okay!’, and literally play the entire song. MaM : And I would love to see that, and I’d be cheering you on! So, Rock School Records is the imprint you are releasing your music under. Have you used that for all of your releases? JB : Yes, so DistroKid , they wanted a name of a record company, so I had to make something up. I call my studio, though, Loser Studio because the first record was ‘ Rock and Roll Loser .’ It was called that on purpose, because I had it in my head that if what I’m about to create is pure crap, then if I call myself a loser first, then you really can’t make fun of it. credit: Gary Governale MaM : As far as releasing the music, I know you have it on Apple Music, but are you releasing it on other platforms? Where is your music available? JB : I send it out to every venue that will accept it. It’s on Pandora, Spotify, and Apple, and I use YouTube as kind of a fun thing. The first single off the album, and I’m going to really start pushing it soon—it’s called ‘ Tickets Please ,’ and it’s got a video. By the way, there is also a video for ‘ Bad Idea ,’ which is also on the album. There are actually quite a few videos, but you have to go to my YouTube channel to find that. Just know that if you type in “Joe Burns,” you gotta put that Ph.D. behind it. I did have the entire album up there, but once I put it up, I immediately got a copyright strike from a company that makes ukelele music. MaM : (laughs) JB : I laughed at them and took the whole thing down, and I’m sure once I put it up again, I’ll get hit again. I’ll show them, though, that I have the original audio files and everything. MaM : So, your “Rock School” podcast / radio show. I know it used to run on KSLU. Is it still going? JB : Oh no, I’m still doing it. We have won several radio Emmy ’s, probably seven, and we’re now on 32 radio stations, two networks, and the NPR network. We’re trying to get on with the Armed Forces Radio Network . Haven’t heard anything about it, and I think our weekly downloads are somewhere between 25 and 27,000. My wife is actually my co-host now. The thing is, we kept running out of studio time, and I brought the whole thing to my studio. credit: Gary Governale MaM : Ok, last question, are you only using your home studio for recording your personal stuff, or do you plan to open it up to other musicians? JB : I’ve thought about it. I’ve got some ideas. I’ve thought about running wires to my gazebo and then have them record a show for 45 minutes, and then the band will walk away with maybe a five-song demo and a live recording … put it all on a jump drive for them. MaM : Any parting thoughts or words? JB : I really just want, like, 20 minutes of your time. Give my music a listen, and then pass it on to your people. This is a hobby for me. I’m trying really to create some quality music, and I hope you see it that way, too. To check out Joe Burns and his music, hit one of the links below! Joe Burns PhD - YouTube ‎Joe Burns on Apple Music Spotify – Joe Burns Rock School on Apple Podcasts Joe Burns Rock.com - Home Page (joeburnsrocks.com) Joe Burns, Rock and Roll Loser - Homepage Joe Burns - One Hell of a Story - Home Burns Christmas - Home *All photos by Gary Governale www.governalephotovideo.com Zenfolio | Home I have been working as a video professional since 1993, with a wide range of experience writing, producing, directing, shooting and editing. A strong interest in videography, specifically lighting and composition, led me to photography in 1998. Rapidly changing technology has blurred the line between video and photography, allowing me to work in both mediums.. Baton Rouge, LA, United States www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . 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Mellow & Smooth < Back Easy, Breezy Sounds: The Music of Tommy Thibodaux Nicole Brice Apr 18, 2023 Share Mellow & Smooth We all love listening to live music, whether it be at a huge venue with a local band or at a restaurant while enjoying a few drinks and food, and this is where this next local musician fits in. A self-taught musician based out of Walker, La., Tommy Thibodaux has been playing guitar longer than I have been alive. He is a man who enjoys playing for those who appreciate it, and his takes on classic songs by George Benson, The Temptations, and Neil Diamond are refreshing. He adds his own unique twist when performing these tunes and others. With over 800+ songs in his knowledge base for performance, Tommy’s outgoing personality and wardrobe, paired with his even brighter guitars, make him stand out from the others. Thibodaux plays music five nights a week—sometimes even more, and he can sing for over three hours without his voice ever cracking. Mellow, cool, and calm is the best way to describe him. With his laid-back vibe, his music puts you in a calm space, and one could even say he might just be Jimmy Buffet’s long-lost twin. At the end of the day, though, Tommy is just a genuinely nice guy who loves what he does and who loves music. After you read this interview, be sure to check out his Facebook page for any upcoming dates of performances. credit: Gary Governale MaM : Thank you for taking time to speak with me today. I appreciate it. I’ve been checking out your videos on Facebook to get a better feel for your music and want to tell your story. Give us a brief background on your music career. What got you into playing music? TT : I started out in school playing drums and then I was exposed to guitar through a friend who had an electric guitar. When I saw him play it (laughs), from then on, I was hooked and I had to have one. MaM : Do you remember the type of guitar your friend had? TT : No, sure don’t. It was some type of cheap Japanese guitar. MaM : Who or what do you cite as your influences musically? TT : Eric Clapton, of course. Jimmy Page, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Steve Lukather, and Neal Schon. MaM : Great picks! I saw on your videos this bright orange guitar that you play. Is that a Strat? TT : No, that is actually a Charvel. MaM : Really? Wow. From the angles you had posted in the videos, it looks like a Strat. It’s a pretty guitar. TT : Well, the funny thing about it is that it is made by Fender, but Charvel acquired Fender many years ago. Fender has many guitars that look like others. credit: Gary Governale MaM : When you’re playing your sets, it’s just you, correct? Have you ever thought about putting together a band? TT : No, I do this for a living, and so I don’t want to form a band. If I had a band, I wouldn’t make as much money, so I like to just keep it solo since it’s a full-time gig for me. MaM : What influenced your decision to perform full time? Were you just like, “This is what I love to do and so I’m going to just go for it?” TT : Pretty much. You find out what you’re good at and you stick with it. Plain and simple. MaM : Do you try to emulate a specific sound with your guitar tone when playing? TT : Sort of. I’ve got a pedal board or guitar modeling processor that has a lot of amps and effects to it. I like to stick with the basics, though, with Fender amps and Marshall and Mesa Boogie. I like the Fender Amps for old school rock or blues … for my clean sound. I use the Mesa Boogie on songs by Carlos Santana or something that needs that heavy high-gain distortion, and then the Marshall is just for playing any kind of rock songs that require that chunky, British sound. MaM : As far as gigs, do you have a certain area you like to stick to or do you like branching out to as many areas as possible? TT : I like to stick to about a 90-minute drive. I live in Walker, so that can put me in Bay St. Louis, Miss., or Lafayette or Thibodeaux, La. I even play in McComb, Miss. I do play places in between, but I don’t want to go past 90 minutes. MaM : I can understand that. The older I get, the less I want to drive. TT : I used to sell cars and I just got tired of that environment. Happy to be making music and doing what I love. credit: Gary Governale MaM : So, do you only play covers when performing or do you have some originals you perform? TT : … [For] the songs I perform, I like to put my own little spin on them. I use virtual instruments on the computer for my tracks, and it takes me about 20 minutes or so for one song, but you really [have to] know what you’re doing with the software to be able to get it right and finish it up in a short span of time. MaM : What else would you like our readers to know about you? TT : I’ve been playing music for over 40 years. Before I started performing solo, I used to have an act with my daughter. Same kind of act but just with her singing. That was fun, but when I decided to go solo, the first thing in my mind was, ‘Can I sing a three- or four-hour gig by myself?’ It was almost like I needed someone with me as a crutch. When I finally embarked on the solo stuff, I realized I can sing for that long, and I can sing for possibly six or eight hours if I really want to. With that kind of confidence, people have asked whether I warm up when I sing or drink anything special. I tell them, ‘No, I drink ice water, soda, or an iced tea.’ The only thing that affects my voice is coffee. It messes with the muscles in my vocal cords because of the heat. MaM : See, hot coffee puts me to sleep. Cold coffee keeps me awake, though. So strange. TT : Right, but it’s been a long journey. When you look at it from different angles, it’s not really acoustic. I don’t know what to call it, really. It’s just an electric solo gig. I’ve had people ask me to swap my electric for an acoustic, which I don’t want to do. When I was coming up in the 80s, there weren’t really that many of us doing solo electric gigs. I did a solo gig with my first wife, which we had just come out of a band that had broken up, and then we just decided to perform as a duo. Now, it seems like more people are doing what I do, but it’s a lot of fun. credit: Gary Governale MaM : What are your favorite songs to perform live? TT : I like playing sing-along songs like ‘Country Roads’ or ‘Sweet Caroline’ or even ‘My Girl’ … songs [people] know the words to. I play over 800 songs, though, so it’s difficult for me to pick a favorite. When I start my set, I like to open it up with ‘Reason’ by George Benson, which is a jazzy instrumental. It lets me get a good feel for the room. I like to make sure I’m not too loud or too soft—just balanced. After that, I start going into my set. MaM : What are the three things about playing music you feel are important when reeling in the crowd? TT : Well, people must like the way you sing, the guitar playing, and the song choices. If you have that nailed down, then you pretty much have it. Those things matter whether the audience is going to applaud, dance, or tip you after. The thing about it is that when I’m on stage, I get a chance to capture the audience. I don’t want to be the guy in the background that no one is paying attention to. If that becomes the case, then I just need to hang it up. - To check out Tommy’s music or to book him for a gig, be sure to check out his Facebook page below. Tommy Thibodaux | Facebook www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Picks for December 2024 < Back Way Back When: Holiday Tunage Nicole Brice Dec 1, 2024 Share Picks for December 2024 It’s that time again … more music for your ears that you may or may not have heard before. I’m not going to give you a typical holiday list, because truth be told, I really don’t like holiday music. Here’s some songs to get you going this holiday season. 1. The Vandals - Oi to the World This classic punk holiday tune was covered by No Doubt in 1997, but nothing lives up to the original. It’s funny, it’s fast, it’s catchy. Sing along loudly! 1996 2. The Ramones– Merry Christmas (I Don't Want to Fight Tonight) A typical Ramones song with a Christmas theme. Crank it up! 1989 3. The Dickies - Silent Night A punk take on a classic tune. 1979 4. Bad Religion - White Christmas It’s freaking Bad Religion singing Christmas tunes … nuff said. 2013 5. Rise Against - Making Christmas One of my fave Christmas tunes because it’s Rise Against . Tim McIlrath can sing holiday music to me any day of the week. 2006 Hey, if you don't like these, cool. If you've never heard them, check them out! Love and light, Nicole www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90's flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Reach out to us at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Huntsville, Alabama January 12, 2024 < Back Jordan Rainer: VBC Mars Music Hall Nicole Brice Jan 19, 2024 Share Huntsville, Alabama January 12, 2024 On January 12, 2024, Jordan Rainer peformed at the Mars Music Hall in Von Braun Center with The Beasley Brothers in Huntsville, Alabama. In case you missed the show, our photog Bud Gambrell was on site to cover all of the action, so take a moment to appreciate the beauty of his photography below. The Beasley Brothers Jordan Rainer *All photos by Bud Gambrell with Dragonfly Imagery dragonflyaerialimagery.com Dragonfly Aerial Imagery Dragonfly Aerial Imagery is a locally owned and operated photography business in North Alabama. Call or email us today for an appointment. www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Reach out to mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

The BIG Reveal are Off the Charts < Back Unveiling The BIG Reveal: Alabama’s Rising Alternative Rock Band Bud Gambrell Apr 7, 2025 Share The BIG Reveal are Off the Charts 395 ! Three hundred ninety-five miles. That amounts to a car ride lasting around six hours. You are likely asking yourself why this is relevant. Well, I will tell you. I was contacted on Tuesday of last week by my editor and publisher, Nicole , regarding a band she wanted me to research called The BIG Reveal . Just a quick sidenote: Nicole is the one who makes it possible for me to write these articles. She has been so very supportive of me since we first met. If you get the chance, stop by the contact page and show her some love. Let her know you appreciate what she does. Now, back to business. I reached out to the band she suggested, The BIG Reveal , and was able to interact with their manager, Chad Parker , to get things rolling. We had a nice conversation, and he provided me with some background information. It was enough information for me to dig in and learn what I could before I interviewed them. One thing to note about The BIG Reveal is that this is a young band , which I truly enjoy learning more about the up-and-coming talent out there. They are the future of music , so we need to delve deeply into the music they are creating. The music industry has become a shell of its former self, and with so many avenues to discover music, when you think about it, there really isn’t one good avenue. It’s all so cluttered, and amongst the clutter stands The BIG Reveal . Photo provided by band The number 395 I mentioned above represents the number of miles it would have taken me to get in my car and drive to Grand Bay, Alabama , where The BIG Reveal originates. Since that was not possible on short notice, I relied on the interwebs to assist me. We live in the glorious days of technology. We have YouTube , which hosts a plethora of videos. (Mark one off the bucket list. I got to use plethora in a sentence.) YouTube is great because you can see the video of a band, not just an audio recording . We also have social media pages at our disposal. Like many bands, The BIG Reveal has music available on their website , which is a feature that a good number of bands these days don’t even have. Can you believe that? When you can visit one spot to see it all, it makes things easier when researching a band. Once I did my homework, it was time to call the band and have a conversation. Dive in below to learn more about The BIG Reveal . OTC : Hello guys! Thanks for taking my call. Introduce me to the band. Gavin Parker : I'm Gavin . I play guitar and sing. Blake Hall : I'm Blake . I play drums. Luke Puckett : I'm Luke . I play bass and sing harmonies. OTC : How long have you guys been together? Gavin : We've been together for about a year, but Luke just came in a couple of months ago to play bass for us. OTC : How did you guys meet? Gavin : I started the band with a couple of friends from school, and we were having fun. We got pretty good, but then it started getting serious. So, they backed out because they had other commitments at school, such as sports. Then Blake , the drummer , ended up living like five minutes away from me. Someone gave me their number, and I contacted them. After we met, he started playing drums for me, and then we met Luke online a couple of months ago. Click to visit The Big Reveal's website OTC : Can you tell me about your musical background and how you got started? Gavin : My entire family plays music. I grew up around it and just listened to the ' 90s pop-rock stuff. It has been my favorite since I was a little kid. Blake : I started playing drums about two years ago. I have always liked music a lot and always loved the drums! Luke : No one in my family is musical whatsoever. I decided I really wanted to about four years ago. I've always been classically trained on the piano . That started when I was about six or seven years old. I took lessons, and then I self-taught myself the bass about four years ago. OTC : Did the bass clef from your piano lessons carry over to the bass guitar? Luke : Yes, sir, it did. It helped me learn bass guitar quickly. OTC : While I was talking to your manager, he mentioned the Arts Block Party at UAB . Tell me about that. Gavin : Yeah, that was back in September 2024 . We entered a competition they had. It was like 150 something submissions . People got to vote on four bands that they wanted to play at the Block Party . Our fans showed up to vote for us! So, we ended up playing there! Jemison Hall at UAB was really cool! Photo provided by band OTC : So, the competition with The Arts Block was going to be in Birmingham , and you guys are in South Alabama. Your fans must have really stepped up for that. Gavin : Yeah, so that's when our TikTok page was starting to get a lot of traction. We made a couple of videos, and they all went and voted for us. OTC : Tell me a little bit about your fan base. They seem to be loyal. Gavin : Our TikTok site started picking up around June 2024 . We currently have approximately 37,000 on there. The local fan base is pretty devoted! They come to a lot of our shows! Our fan base is pretty cool for voting for us in multiple competitions that we've won. OTC : You also won a radio competition for WCPR . Tell me about that competition. Gavin : That was a competition to play at the Biloxi Crawfish Festival . 97.9 , CPR Rocks was running an ad explaining where you could submit your band’s music, and then people could vote for you to play. So, again, the same people, the same thing. People voted for us to win. I guess they like us! We will be opening for Puddle of Mudd , Hinder , Cowboy Mouth , and Marcy Playground at the Crawfish Music Festival on April 26th . Click to go to 97.9 WCPR's website OTC : You have a new album coming out. I'm assuming it's your first time in the studio. Could you describe the process of recording the new album? Gavin : We tracked everything at our home studio. One of the bands that we met in Birmingham at the Arts Block Party connected us with their mixing engineer in Knoxville . So, we tracked everything at home, and then we sent it to him, and he makes it sound good. OTC : Can you share with me a memorable experience while recording the new album? Gavin : I'm trying to get everything right and not being too much of a perfectionist. Just getting it how we want it because it's going to be there forever. It’s our first album, so we’re trying to make it as good as possible. Upcoming shows for The BIG Reveal OTC : Did you learn anything about yourself through your music during that recording process? Gavin : The thing I learned is that I'm more of a perfectionist than I thought I was. It took a while for me to accept some stuff. Blake : I learned that recording is a lot harder than it seems. I prefer the live shows to the recordings. It's just a long process. OTC : How would you describe the music that you created for the new album? Gavin : I'll say that it's real close to ’ 90s alternative rock , pop rock , post-grunge stuff. One of my favorite bands is Sister Hazel . You can hear their influence on this album. The ’90s pop-rock stuff is really what this album is influenced by. OTC : Blake, what would you say your influences are? Blake : My influences are bands like Foo Fighters , Nirvana and Led Zeppelin . They have influenced the way I play. OTC : What about you, Luke? Luke : Nirvana for me as well, and The Beatles . And then there were a lot of the 90s bands, like Green Day . However, I also really enjoy alternative rock , such as Goo Goo Dolls and The Killers . OTC : What are your long-term goals for the band, and what are you most excited about for the future of your music? Gavin : I think the goal has always been to do it until we can't anymore. Just keep doing it, having fun, and getting a larger and larger fan base. Luke : I think for me, it's definitely that I want a tour. I would love to go on a tour. The BIG Reveal album release show coming on April 11, 2025 OTC : What role does your social media play in the way you're focusing your career? Gavin : Our social media got us some attention from a couple of major independent labels that we are keeping in contact with. It has really helped us out a lot. TikTok has been strong for us. We are able to record live videos of what we are doing. It’s a way to put yourself out there and let people know what you are doing. OTC : What's the most unusual fan interaction that you've had so far? Gavin : We had this guy at our very first show. He had a little too much to drink, and he ended up coming up and almost getting up on stage. He was pointing the finger at me and singing the wrong words. But he was having fun. Blake : They always want me to sign broken drumsticks. I hit hard during shows! OTC : You are a new band. Do you have a favorite venue that you’ve played at so far? Gavin : Bozos in Pascagoula. We're having our album release party there. People always show up there, and we always have a great time. We played at The Soul Kitchen in Mobile for 92.1 the ZEW 's Christmas show, which was pretty cool. OTC : I have one more question. I'm going to ask all three of you with this one to see what y'all come up with. If your band had a superpower, what would it be and why? Gavin : I would fly so that I could fly around. Fly around the shows and I could surf on my guitar—air surf, you know, with a wireless setup. OTC : Like the Silver Surfer ? Gavin : Yeah, that would be pretty cool. OTC : What about you, Luke? Luke : My mind is a little bit more practical. Just to be able to play everything and not mess up, and just be impervious to making mistakes. OTC : Blake, what do you got? If your band had a superpower, what would it be and why? Blake : Probably not to run out of energy. Three-hour shows can really take a toll on you! OTC : Any final thoughts for your fans, old and new? Gavin : Our debut album is set to release on April 11th on Spotify , TikTok , and across all our social media platforms. At an early stage in their musical journey, this group of young men already has a loyal following. The one thing missing from their fan base is you. Get on board! One thing I haven’t mentioned before is the band's age. I wanted this article to be based on their music, rather than having any preconceived notions about their youth. Gavin is only 16. Luke is 18 and Blake is 17. This is a promising young band, and they are only going to get better. Until next time, Keep your diamond down in the groove! Where to find Bud: Email: the_budgambrell@mixedaltmag.com Website: https://bgambrellphotography.com Amazon: https://a.co/d/1CLA9Tz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bud.gambrell My new book Bud Gambrell Photography by Bud Gambrell | Blurb Books Where to find The Big Reveal: Website: The BIG Reveal Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557900071233 ‎ Apple Music: The BIG Reveal - Apple Music Spotify: The BIG Reveal | Spotify TikTok www.tiktok.com/@_thebigreveal *photos provided by the band www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Got something for Bud to check out? Reach him at the_budgambrell@mixedaltmag.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

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

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

‘Rise Not Fall’ is an expertly crafted acoustic EP full of emotion. < Back Reviews on the Real: Rise Not Fall by Aaron J. Burke Nicole Brice Nov 13, 2024 Share ‘Rise Not Fall’ is an expertly crafted acoustic EP full of emotion. Irish singer / songwriter Aaron J. Burke has expertly crafted an acoustic EP that is a powerhouse of emotion, with each song delivering a potent punch. This EP is best experienced with headphones, allowing you to be fully immersed in the raw power and artistry of the music, inspiring you with every note. ‘ Rise Not Fall ’ captures the essence of resilience and self-reflection with the raw emotional lyrics that are deeply personal yet universally relatable. “The message I’d like people to come away with [from my music] is honestly, it’s okay to fall down in life. It’s okay to have bad days or to struggle mentally, if you know you’re not alone. There are people out there that love and care, so just reach out if you’re struggling. Help is just a click or phone call away.” Released on October 25, 2024, ‘ Rise Not Fall ’ does not disappoint from start to finish. Let’s get into the track listing, shall we? Click the picture to listen Rise Not Fall A hauntingly beautiful instrumental song full of intricate guitar work and soothing tones. I closed my eyes when listening to this track, and you should, too. Take it all in. “Originally, the instrumental was titled ‘Silence in the Chaos’, but during recording the EP, I changed the name to the title track. Honestly, the inspiration [behind the song] was I was just messing around on the guitar in 2016 and stumbled upon the riff, which is how I sometimes come up with guitar pieces that become songs.” Run For Cover There are no frills – just straight, enjoyable music. That’s the best way I can describe ‘Run for Cover’ by Aaron J. Burke. It’s melodic from start to finish, with excellent lyrics. Reviews on the Real: Run for Cover by Aaron J. Burke Faceless An open and honest letter to the world from Aaron’s eyes. Very potent. Phoenix ‘Phoenix’ is a hauntingly beautiful song reminiscent of tunes by XTC and REM. Aaron’s voice has such raw emotion that it’s peaceful and soothing. Reviews on the Real: Aaron J. Burke’s ‘Phoenix’ Burns Bright Hurray for Rock Bottom I started tearing up listening to this song. Maybe it’s the guitar work. Maybe it’s the lyrics. Either way, it is a powerful song. We have all been there – rock bottom, and if you haven’t, then count your blessings. I truly love the emotion throughout this track. Overall, ‘ Rise Not Fall ’ is a compelling showcase of Aaron J. Burke’s talent as a songwriter and musician. His music is strong and authentic because he speaks from his heart, and I admire that tremendously. If you would like to enjoy five songs full of meaning, then I recommend you listen to this newest EP release by Aaron J. Burke. His sincerity alone makes this collection of songs a spiritual experience. In an industry full of shallowness, Aaron’s music is a beacon of hope for those wanting to make a lasting impact through words. To learn more about Aaron J. Burke: Facebook Instagram www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

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

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