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

Kyle Pfeiffer is a visionary creating a culture of acceptance for future generations of fans. < Back Blacklite District: Building a Digital Era Legacy Nicole Brice Sep 2, 2024 Share Kyle Pfeiffer is a visionary creating a culture of acceptance for future generations of fans. From the depths of personal tragedy to the triumphs of renewal, Blacklite District , aka Kyle Pfeiffer, is on a path to becoming the Trent Reznor of his generation with his one-man approach to making music. Since the early 2010s, Kyle has crafted a well-known brand with a loyal fanbase on social media and YouTube because of his impactful music videos referencing gaming culture, mainly Minecraft . Most known for the songs ‘ Cold as Ice ,’ ‘ Living in a Nightmare ,’ and ‘ Goodbye ,’ Blacklite District has had four Billboard Top 40 hits and is currently averaging over 242k monthly listeners on Spotify and over 65 million views on YouTube and has been granted a Grammy nomination in 2025 for Best Alternative Performance . For those who have never listened to Blacklite District’s music, it is a bit of hip-hop mixed with alt-rock and a little pop at times. It has a little something for every taste but remains dark and heavy at its core, just as Kyle Pfeiffer always intended. A visionary creating a culture of acceptance for future generations of fans , Kyle hopes his music will continue to be the soundtrack for kids who need uplifting positivity to feel like they matter and belong. Devoted to making his shows accessible for all, Pfeiffer has become known for offering earlier start times, and because of this, entire families sometimes travel many hours to catch a live performance. Set to embark on a new tour this fall, dubbed The Red Carpet Tour , in support of his latest album titled ‘ You Can Do Better ,’ we were able to catch up with Kyle Pfeiffer of Blacklite District recently as he gets ready to hit the road. Read on to learn more about this musical creative and the legacy he is creating. Kyle Pfeiffer of Blacklite District MaM : You have an impressive career, and I want to discuss your legacy so far. I read that you started in 2002. Is that correct? KP : 2011-12 was when I started getting attention, but 2002 or so was when I started jamming in my garage with friends. I was only 12 years old. I even started a band in 5th grade, too. All these years later, and here we are. MaM : So, what was the official year Blacklite District formed as a “band”? Take us through a bit of band history. KP : There’s been so much stuff over the years. It’s just been my project since the first day. It’s my brainchild. MaM : Like Trent Reznor with Nine Inch Nails ? KP : Exactly. I’ve had different members over the years, but then there have been shows where it has just been me on stage. My guitarist is Justin Sundlin . He’s been with me for almost three years now. My bass player is a guy named Clinton Cunanan . He’s also on my management team. Been working with him for a long time. We’re having fun. MaM : That’s awesome. So, do you have a drummer right now? KP : In an official sense, we don’t have a permanent member who is the drummer, but Chance Jones from No Resolve comes out and plays often for us. Blacklite District MaM : The new album was just released on May 3rd. How’s that going so far? KP : I love it. I’m happy with it. If the fan base likes it, then I’m good. The response we have been getting has been incredible. We’re about to release the second animated video, which we do these Minecraft videos , and it should be in the next couple of weeks. The momentum is just considerable, and streaming has doubled this week alone since the announcement of the new video. I think something has occurred with me as an artist, though I’m 34 now – I’ve been doing this consistently for the past decade or so, but something about this last project makes me feel so complete that I’m in a different headspace. It’s cool, though. The thing I love about music is that the journey can take you through many places, emotionally and even physically. It’s cool to see the growth and to feel that evolution through all of this. MaM : Yeah, just the creative journey. I’ve had a similar journey, so I get it. I’ve read that you’ve shifted genres a bit here and there. Have you noticed any differences in how your music was perceived when doing that? KP : You know, not really. It’s hard to say. I never came out and said I was changing my style to pop. When COVID happened, and the year before that, there was a slight switch in styles, but it was that it just didn’t have as heavy of guitars and was more beat-driven, but the melodies and vibes of the songs have always been dark. Even if there isn’t a guitar in the music, I still find heaviness. In 2021, I went to rehab and got into this new era of life where I wanted to return to my rock roots by having a full live band. Having some minor success with rock radio and then seeing these younger kids start blowing up with hip-hop and stuff made me have, I guess, like an identity crisis, and then all this hardcore stuff started happening to me personally, so coming out the other end was almost like I didn’t care anymore about being the next big thing. I decided I just wanted to make music that I’ve always loved, which has been rock music. That’s kind of where I’m at now. MaM : I’ve read that Ozzy Osbourne has been one of your biggest musical influences. I’m a huge Black Sabbath and Ozzy fan, but tell us more about that. KP : I actually have the tattoo right here, and the song ‘ No More Tears ’ just did it for me. MaM : Yes! I love that song! Even today, the beginning of ‘ No More Tears ’ gets me so pumped. I crank it up in the car. Do you think that song was the key factor in pursuing the type of music you play, or were there other things? KP : I always go back to the period when my mom passed away because it wasn’t just the music in the song but the message of no more tears and trying to move on. It was what I needed as a ten-year-old kid to feel strong. The second I heard it, I was hooked and asked my uncle to play the song again after it finished. That song made me know that any music I played had to be rock and roll because of how the music made me feel strong as a small kid going through so much. That’s the beauty of music. MaM : What do you think it is about music that makes you feel so passionate? KP : I always try to think about this, and it’s hard, but as a young kid who was afraid and shy growing up, it was a way I could say the things I wanted about people without actually saying it directly to them. If I wasn’t around and people wanted to know things about me, it’s all in the music. MaM : How are you approaching writing new songs these days? KP : It can be many ways. Sometimes, I’ll hum a tune and put it in my voice notes to save it. The title of this new album, ‘ You Can Do Better ,’ is a simple melody that popped into my head. My guitar player came up with some chords, and then eight months later, we started working on it after stumbling upon the voice notes. The ones that stick with me months later are the ones we tend to work on. That’s a good sign to me that something is there. Or, sometimes, we’ll write a song in ten minutes, and it’ll be great. It just all depends. MaM : Tell us a little about The Red Carpet Tour you have this fall. I heard that you’re doing some unique things for the fans. KP : We are! My audience includes many young YouTube kids who come out as families to see our shows, for which I am so grateful. These kids are so passionate about my music. It’s crazy that they are also discovering my music in different ways, like YouTube, but we’re doing these shows differently for this tour. We’re starting the shows at 6 p.m. to get the families out there. We’re making it more intimate for the fans. We’re also booking smaller venues, so it’s perfect. The Red Carpet Tour kicks off September 6, 2024 in Des Moines, IA. MaM : That’s incredible! That’s your audience, and you’re embracing it. I love it. Do you have a favorite song to perform these days? KP : Well, I have so many, and the cliché saying is they’re like my kids, and I love all of them, but ‘ Cold as Ice ’ is one of my most famous songs, and we’re looking to have it certified platinum because it has well over the number of streams. I look at that song as one that has changed my career. Another song of mine, ‘ The Struggle ,’ is my second most popular song and resonates well with fans. They’re also fun to play. Video for Cold As Ice by Blacklite District MaM : You know how to connect with your audience, which is excellent. Tell us about your best and worst performance so far. (laughter) KP : I love that. Well, there have been some bad ones over the years. I'm not going to lie about that, but one time … this was back when I was in my early 20s; we would play in this town called Deadwood . On the night of the show, it looked like it wouldn’t be a good show because we didn’t sell that many tickets, but about twenty minutes before we were set to go on, my bass player and I decided it was a good idea to start chugging beers and smoking a little. We got messed up in a short amount of time. So, we went to go back in, and the venue ended up being packed, and we did not have the experience to play drunk, and it just turned into a shitshow. (laughter) In terms of the best, it’s been these smaller shows I’ve been doing because of the audience's passion. I spent so many years playing where I was the opener, and no one would come to see us, so now, when I see a line of kids out the door to see us play, it’s remarkable. It’s like a dream come true. That vibe is what I’m so grateful for. Video for The Struggle by Blacklite District MaM : Over the years, have you ever received a good piece of advice from a fellow musician that you’ve carried with you? KP : You know, that’s a great question, and over the years, I’ve tried to sponge up anything I could. On my first tour, I opened for Saving Abel , and I remember being in awe of being on tour with bands I had heard on the radio. I remember the singer of Art of Dying telling me they could be opening for me a year from now, and I just thought that was the coolest thing ever. They ingrained in me that you never know whom you will encounter on the way up and how the roles may be changed or reversed quickly. MaM : Any plans or aspirations for collaborations in the future? KP : I always wanted to collaborate with Ozzy , but he’s not doing his best. I also want to collaborate with Jelly Roll , but it hasn’t happened yet. I would love to do something with Post Malone , too. I love how Post Malone is doing this sort of country thing, and even Jelly Roll has shifted to that, too. It’s almost as if hip-hop culture is shifting to more of a country culture right now. MaM : Outlaw country in a way. KP : This shift could lead to more guitar-driven stuff. It could be great for the rock stuff in the future. MaM : I agree. Last question for you. Where do you see yourself in the next five years? KP : That’s a great question. I have a decade’s worth of music now and several hits that the fans love online, so I am just focused on growing with these tours and doubling and tripling the ticket sales. I would like to see in the next five years that I can keep the momentum going, continue expanding on the fanbase, and build that real core audience that connects with me and the music, just as I’ve always done. I hope you and I can talk five years from now and be on different levels, just doing our thing, because I genuinely believe that the vibe and work you put out there is how you get there. Insightful, charismatic, and driven with many years of success and many more to come, Blacklite District hits the road on September 6 in Des Moines, IA, and wraps its tour on November 2 in Atlanta, GA. Be sure to catch a date if it comes near you. In the meantime, check out the latest, ' You Can Do Better ,' on all streaming platforms. To learn more about Blacklite District: www.blacklitedistrict.net Blacklite District Home page of Blacklite District, a rock artist from Black Hills, SD. Official Blacklite District website! The story of Kyle Pfeiffer, new music, photos, bio, and more. www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Reach out to mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Next

October brings long-awaited titles Loki (Season 2) and The Fall of the House of Usher plus a Milli Vanilli documentary. < Back New Titles Streaming in October Keeley Brooks Oct 3, 2023 Share October brings long-awaited titles Loki (Season 2) and The Fall of the House of Usher plus a Milli Vanilli documentary. October excites me for many reasons but mostly because with it comes Halloween, which is finally right around the corner. It’s the time of year when the leaves start fallin’ and the weather starts coolin’ off, and yards are decorated with fun and excitement. It's also the time of year cable channels start streaming classic horror movies like Halloween , Friday the 13th, Scream, and A Nightmare on Elm Street, in addition to a host of other titles. There's even a Friday the 13th in store this month, adding that touch of extra spookiness. You guys will have plenty of new streaming titles on October’s menu of releases to keep you in the mood of the season, especially now that the writers’ strike has finally come to a close. (Hallelujah!) But there’s much more than horror releases to look forward to on your favorite platforms. As Fall rolls in, so, too, do Loki (Season 2 ), The Fall of the House of Usher , Our Flag Means Death (Season 2), and a Milli Vanilli documentary that I know all Gen Xers can’t wait to see. Ba ba-ba-ba baby. So let’s get with it! Here’s what’s new and streaming in October. APPLE TV+ Lessons in Chemistry (Oct. 13) -- Brie Larson ( Avengers: Endgame ) fights against the patriarchal powers that be in this new series based on the 2022 Bonnie Garmus novel of the same name. Larson stars as Elizabeth Zott, an aspiring scientist who gets canned from her laboratory job but refuses to go down without a fight. After accepting a role as a cooking show host, she uses the platform to educate and rally her core demographic: belittled housewives. The Pigeon Tunnel (Oct. 20) -- Fans of documentary filmmaking should know the name Errol Morris, who is one of the greatest documentarians of his era. Morris has made his name with some of the best documentaries in history, including The Fog of War and The Thin Blue Line . His latest work is coming to Apple TV+ as he tells the story of the life of John le Carre, an author who wrote some of the best spy novels in history, including those about the famed spy George Smiley ("Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy"). Le Carre died in 2020 and this was his final interview. The Enfield Poltergeist (Oct. 27) -- Another chilling docuseries for Halloween? Yes, thank you. If you've ever seen The Conjuring 2 , you may already be familiar with this case, although Director James Wan chose to explore the haunting through a slightly more fictionalized lens. The Enfield Poltergeist is a limited series presenting actual audio recordings captured during the investigation of the English residence. Don't worry if it makes you quiver and cower--I promise we'll all be doing the same! DISNEY+ Loki, Season 2 (Oct. 5) -- The new season of Loki picks up in the aftermath of the shocking Season 1 finale when Loki (Tom Hiddleston, of Thor ) finds himself in a battle for the soul of the Time Variance Authority. Along with Mobius (Owen Wilson, of Meet the Parents ), Hunter B-15, and a team of new and returning characters, Loki navigates an ever-expanding and increasingly dangerous multiverse in search of Sylvie (Sophia Di Martino, of Peacock TV series), Judge Renslayer (Gugu Mbatha-Raw, of The Morning Show ), Miss Minutes (Tara Strong, of Young Love TV series), and the truth of what it means to possess free will and glorious purpose. Goosebumps (Oct. 13) -- R.L. Stine ’s classic tale comes to life in a 10-part series starring Justin Long ( Barbarian ), Rachael Harris ( Lucifer ), and Rob Huebel ( The Goldbergs ). Unlike the anthology formatted series from the 90s, this version of " Goosebumps" will combine several terrifying tales from Stine’s book series to tell one consistent narrative. A group of five high schoolers embark on a shadowy and twisted journey to investigate the tragic passing three decades earlier of a teen named Harold Biddle, while also unearthing dark secrets from their parents’ past. Also streaming on Hulu. HULU Nada (Oct. 11) -- In 2002, 30 would-be contestants gathered to film what they were told was an ambitious new reality show that would change their lives. The problem: The show didn’t exist! So, what happened? What’s the story, morning glory? This docuseries attempts to get to the bottom of all that. Goosebumps (Oct. 13) -- R.L. Stine ’s classic tale comes to life in a 10-part series starring Justin Long ( Barbarian ), Rachael Harris ( Lucifer ), and Rob Huebel ( The Goldbergs ). Unlike the anthology formatted series from the 90s, this version of " Goosebumps" will combine several terrifying tales from Stine’s book series to tell one consistent narrative. A group of five high schoolers embark on a shadowy and twisted journey to investigate the tragic passing three decades earlier of a teen named Harold Biddle, while also unearthing dark secrets from their parents’ past. Shoresy , Season 2 (Oct. 27) -- The Letterkenny spinoff returns with Season 2, so fans will once again get to see the titular hockey goon Shoresy (Jared Keeso, of Letterkenny ) get into all sorts of comedic trouble as he continues his journey to become the greatest hockey player of all time. The complete second season will be available to stream starting October 27. MAX (formerly HBO Max) The Ringleader: The Case of the Bling Ring (Oct. 1) -- In 2008 and 2009, a crime ring of suburban teens stole over three million dollars’ worth of jewelry, designer clothing, and cash from the homes of Parish Hilton, Orlando Bloom, Lindsay Lohan, and dozens more celebrities. Now, the so-called “ringleader” and mastermind behind the robberies, Rachel Lee, opens up for the first time about her role in the crime spree and outlines the culture of celebrity worship. Our Flag Means Death , Season 2 (Oct. 5) -- Set in the early 18th century during the Golden Age of Piracy, Our Flag Means Death follows the misadventures of gentleman-turned-pirate Stede Bonnet (Rhys Darby, of Flight of the Conchords ) and his crew aboard the Revenge as they try to make a name for themselves as pirates. When they cross paths with the famed captain Blackbeard (Taika Waititi, of What We Do in the Shadows ), Stede and Blackbeard develop then proclaim their feelings for each other, only to part ways after Stede returned home to see his family. In Season 2, Stede pines for his lost love while Blackbeard is full of angst, wreaking havoc and spilling blood all over the Caribbean. Doom Patrol , Season 4 Part 2 (Oct. 12) -- In the final run for the popular series revolving around members left terribly disfigured but full of superhuman abilities after a tragic accident, Doom Patrol returns with the second part of its fourth and final season. The story will pick up where it left off in Part 1 with the team in Orqwith, where the force called Immortus is capable of stripping them of their longevity. How will this play out? You’ll have to watch and see! The Gilded Age , Season 2 (Oct. 29) -- A period of immense economic change and great conflict between the old ways and new systems, The Gilded Age saw huge fortunes made then lost. In Season 1, an aspiring writer seeking a fresh start becomes inadvertently enmeshed in a social war between one of her aunts, a scion of old money, and her stupendously rich neighbors, a ruthless railroad tycoon and his ambitious wife. On the brink of the modern age, Season 2 will feature a war between the wealthy women of New York society. Nothing like a good catfight full of stubbornness and snobbery. NETFLIX Beckham (Oct. 4) -- David Beckham isn't just one of the most recognizable soccer players in history, he’s also a global icon who shaped the pop-culture landscape of an entire decade. This docuseries looks beyond the headlines and the iconic sporting moments as it explores the man behind it all, with insight from Becks himself as well as his closest friends and family. Beckham chronicles a meteoric rise from humble beginnings to global football stardom. This glitzy bio-doc will be a must-watch for Man Utd fans, and anybody who took a photo of Beckham to the barbers as a kid. Lupin , Season 3 (Oct. 5) -- France’s most-wanted gentleman thief is back, and this time he’s returning to Paris. The last time we saw Assane Diop (Omar Sy, of The Intouchables ), he was on the run from the police after being framed for murder by Hubert Pellegrinr (Hervé Pierre, of Paris, je t’aime ), a wealthy entrepreneur responsible for Assane’s father being falsely imprisoned. Now most wanted in France, the suave thief decides to live off radar for a bit in hopes that his disappearance will keep his son safe, but first the conman is planning his most audacious heist yet. The Fall of the House of Usher (Oct. 12) -- Mike Flanagan ( The Haunting of Hill House ) is back with another classic horror literature adaptation, this time from the OG literary master, Edgar Allen Poe. Inspired by Poe’s short story "The Fall of the House of Usher", Flanagan’s adaptation is an eight-part miniseries focusing on two siblings, Roderick (Bruce Greenwood, of The Resident ) and Madeline (Mary McDonnell, of Battlestar Galactica ), who have built a pharmaceutical empire. However, when the heirs to the Usher dynasty begin mysteriously dying one by one, the company’s corrupt foundations are exposed. The Fall of the House of Usher will be Flanagan’s last gothic-horror drama for the streaming giant, ending his fruitful partnership with Netflix on a high note. Also stars Carla Gugino ( The Haunting of Hill House ), Henry Thomas ( E.T. the Extraterrestrial ), Mark Hamill ( Star Wars ), Annabeth Gish ( Sons of Anarchy ), and Zach Gilford ( Friday Night Lights ). Bodies (Oct. 19) -- When a dead body appears on the streets of London, it seems like business as usual for the detective working the case. But this same victim has actually appeared across three other points in time: 1890, during the Victorian era; 1941, during the height of World War II; and 30 years into the future in 2053. As the crime is further investigated in each period, a sinister conspiracy that could threaten the entire United Kingdom begins to unravel. This unique sci-fi series blends murder mystery, police procedural and period drama into an intriguing mix you won’t want to miss. The Devil on Trial (Oct. 17) -- A haunting true crime documentary, The Devil on Trial explores the true story behind The Conjuring 3 and chronicles the only example in the history of the U.S. legal system of demonic possession officially being used as defense in a murder trial. In 1981, Arne Cheyenne Johnson claimed that he killed his landlord, Alan Bono, while under the influence of demonic forces. This unbelievable claim drew the interest of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren and was the inspiration for the most recent Conjuring movie. This Netflix doc explores the events leading up to the murder, the trial, and its aftermath and includes firsthand accounts from various people closest to the case, including Johnson himself. PARAMOUNT+ Painkiller: The Tylenol Murders (Oct. 10) -- This groundbreaking documentary uses hours of exclusive archival footage in a five-part docuseries that will transport viewers back four decades to the moments after a twisted killer laced Tylenol pills with cyanide and killed seven people in the Chicago area. True story. While no perpetrators were found at the time, a man named James William Lewis was suspected of extorting a million bucks from Johnson & Johnson to stop the cyanide murders. The Tylenol Murders is narrated by Laurence Fishburne ( The Matrix, John Wick ). Frasier (Oct. 12) -- A revival of the beloved spinoff of Cheers, Frasier returns with Kelsey Grammar as the eponymous psychiatrist back in Boston, looking to reconnect with his son Freddy (Jack Cutmore-Scott, of Tenet ). Most of the original cast are nowhere to be seen, so don’t get your hopes up on returning familiarity if you’re an old fan of the show. Crush (Oct. 17) -- The team behind the award-winning documentary 11 Minutes , which told the story of the mass shooting as Las Vegas’ Route 91 Harvest music festival, have set up another docuseries, Crush . The docuseries will explore the Halloween tragedy in Seoul, South Korea, on October 29, 2022, that left 159 dead and hundreds injured. The multi-part series will be an immersive moment-by-moment dive into how the tragedy unfolded and the forces that make crowds panic. Milli Vanilli (Oct. 24) -- I don’t know about you, but this Gen Xer is stoked about this new feature-length documentary detailing the story behind one of the greatest and most ill-fated chart-topping duo of the late 80s and early 90s, Milli Vanilli. In case you don’t know their story, after a rocky upbringing in Germany, Robert Pilatus and Fabrice Morvan joined forces to become one of the biggest pop groups in the world, scoring three Billboard Hot 100 number one songs, “Blame It on the Rain”, “Girl I’m Gonna Miss You”, and “Baby Don’t Forget My Number” in 1989. They won the Best New Artist Grammy in 1990 before it was revealed that they didn’t actually sing on any of their hits. Now, the duo’s lone surviving member, Fabrice Morvan, tells their true story. Pilatus sadly died of an alcohol and prescription drug overdose in 1998. PEACOCK John Carpenter’s Suburban Screams (Oct. 13) -- Explore true tales of terror that took place in American suburbs with the horror legend himself, John Carpenter. Wolf Like Me , Season 2 (Oct. 19) -- If you haven’t watched the first season of Wolf Like Me and have an interest in werewolf-centric series, you're gonna want to hop on this comedy train. Widower Gary (Josh Gad, of Ghostbusters: Afterlife ) lives in suburban South Australia with his kid, with whom he struggles to connect. After getting into a car accident with a woman named Mary (Isla Fisher, of Wedding Crashers ) and Mary helps Gary’s kid through a panic attack, the two decide to go on a date, which gets weird and doesn’t end well. Mary has a big hairy secret, and Season 1’s finale left us all wondering the same thing: Is she giving birth to a wolf pup or a human baby? PRIME VIDEO Upload , Season 3 (Oct. 20) -- After his untimely death, a man is able to choose his own afterlife by having his consciousness uploaded into a virtual world. When party boy Nathan (Robbie Amell, of The Witcher ) gets uploaded to a virtual resort, he meets the down-to-earth Nora (Andy Allo, Chicago Fire ), who starts as his customer service "angel," but becomes so much more as she helps him along the way. The longer Nathan is there, the more he begins to question whether his death was truly an accident. Bosch: Legacy , Season 2 (Oct. 20) -- A spinoff of Prime Video’s hit crime drama series Bosch , Bosch: Legacy finds Harry (Titus Welliver, of Sons of Anarchy ), retired homicide detective turned private investigator, embarking on the next chapter of his career, where he must learn to work with a former enemy. Streaming on Prime Video and Freevee. 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

During this content drought, get lost in these epic historical fiction and fantasy series! < Back Historical Fiction and Fantasy Series to Binge Keeley Brooks Aug 29, 2023 Share During this content drought, get lost in these epic historical fiction and fantasy series! So, who’s feeling the effects of this continuing writers’ strike and subsequent content drought? Because I know it’s not just me. When the line was drawn in the sand in Hollywood months ago, I held out hope that studios would do the right thing; good thing I’m not holding my breath. Summer is a time of year when we are usually inundated with new streaming content, but this season offered slim pickins. If you find yourself flying through your queue content, now looking for something to get into while you await the next big series release, you’re in luck. Here are some of my favorite historical fiction and fantasy series sure to keep you entertained, worth a really good binge . BARBARIANS Created by: Barbara Eder, Stefan Ruzowitzky, Steve Saint Leger, & Lennart Ruff Where to binge it: Netflix Barbarians is a high budget German historical war drama that dropped on Netfix in 2020 right when we were all confined to our homes during COVID. That’s probably the reason this series soared in popularity: Everyone was home to see it. If you’ve yet to indulge, now’s your chance. Barbarians tells the story of what happened during the Roman Empire’s occupation of Germania—namely the resulting rebellion of the Germanic tribes during the Battle of Teutoburg Forest around 9 A.D. The Battle of Teutoburg was pivotal during this time because it was under the cover of darkness when an alliance of Germanic tribes targeted their oppressors. The result? Destruction of three Roman legions. Boom. Barbarians tells the story of three friends whose fates are intertwined in fighting for their freedom and dealing with the drama of love, loyalty, and betrayal. Barbarians is full of action, heavy on the bloodshed, and loaded with high production value, solid acting, and some pretty sweet camera work and effects. Currently there are two seasons around the Battle of Teutoburg, and while it’s yet to be announced, it’s assumed that season three will focus on the aftermath of conflict. Bring it on, Netflix! BRITANNIA Created by: Jez Butterworth, Tom Butterworth, James Richardson, & Terry Cafolla Where to binge it: Prime Video, MGM+, Fubo, Sky & Now, Apple TV Swords, sorcery, swears, and sassiness … and Romans and Druids—that’s the good time Britannia presents to us all wrapped up in a nice little bow. The series landed on Prime Video in 2018 then was picked up by EPIX in 2020 for Seasons 2 and 3. Sadly, and disappointingly, EPIX scrapped Season 4 (booo), a decision that left all of us fans on the edge of our seats craving closure to this fantastic drama series. They blamed it on COVID. Set during the primitive and mystical times of 43 A.D., Britannia follows the Roman army in their quest to conquer Britain after Caesar’s failed attempt 90 years prior. This mystical land, as we learn right off the bat, is home to some pretty tough, wild, and mouthy female warriors and powerful Druids, who have the unique ability to channel the mysterious forces of the Underworld. Britannia is an enthralling tale of extreme power struggles and clashing cultures in a gripping narrative that breathes life into this robust selection of characters, each with their own abilities, motives, and loyalties. Britannia stars Kelly Reilly ( Yellowstone ) as a powerful Celtic warrior and David Morrissey ( The Walking Dead ) as Roman General Aulus Plautius, who went on to become the first governor of this newly conquered land. It also stars MacKenzie Crook , whom you may best remember as the dude who kept losing his eyeball in the Pirates of the Caribbean movies. While both Reilly and Morrissey richly embody the characters they portray, Crook is the one who steals the spotlight in every single episode he appears. MacKenzie Crook as Veran, the powerful Druid leader Britannia focuses on Rome’s effort to crush the Celtic tribes, who just so happen to be divided and at war amongst themselves. At the same time, it also follows a great prophecy that exists and rolls off tongues from tribe to tribe: A “Chosen One” will save her war-torn land from the Romans. However, that prophecy falls into jeopardy with the arrival of “The Dead Man” (also played by Crook), which sets into motion a battle amongst the Druids, risking their demise. Britannia attracted a multitude of critical acclaim for its vivid portrayal of Rome’s invasion of Britain. It is one hell of a bloody, brooding series with an excellent plot, fascinating narratives, gorgeous visuals, even better plot twists, impeccable battle sequences, and a healthy mix of history and fantasy, not to mention superb acting, tribal tattoos, and costumes. Britannia is fun, active, engaging, and highly entertaining as opposed to historically accurate, and it promises a thrilling escape into a fantastical world where magic, swearing, brutality, levity, and a taste of the ancient past collide. CAMELOT Created by: Chris Chibnall & Michael Hirst Where to binge it: Prime Video, Google Play, Vudu, Apple TV Camelot ’s one and only season saw much success when it debuted in 2011, but scheduling conflicts between cast members prevented a second season … allegedly. Regardless, Camelot is a must-see one-season series, especially for fans of the King Arthur legend. While there are many adaptations, this one is created by screenwriter Michael Hirst , who is responsible for the unforgettable historical series Vikings and The Tudors ; he is, in my opinion, the king when it comes to creating the most fantastic and memorable historical drama series. Hirst’s interpretation of the King Arthur legend breathes a very adult twist into the tale with its focus on sibling rivalry, passion, and romance. After King Uther dies in Camelot , Britain sits in chaos. Merlin (Joseph Fiennes, of The Handmaid’s Tale ) begins searching for an heir and winds up finding an impetuous young man named Arthur (Jamie Campbell Bower, of Stranger Things ). Arthur is Uther’s unknown son who has been raised as a commoner. Camelot revolves around the intense battle for the throne between Arthur and his evil half-sister, Morgan (Eva Green, of Penny Dreadful ), who is determined to fight her brother to the bitter end, even summoning unnatural forces to help her claim the crown. Arthur’s journey to unite a kingdom shredded by war becomes a series of profound moral tests and difficult challenges that make for a riveting watch . The Last Kingdom Created by: Nick Murphy Where to binge it: Netflix The Last Kingdom is one of my absolute favorite historical fiction series on the planet. It’s a heart-wrenching British television series based on Bernard Cornwell’s novel of the same name . In case you’re unaware, Cornwell is an English-American historical fiction author with the penchant for writing some of the most dramatic, engaging historical tales, besides Philippa Gregory, but her focus is different. “The Last Kingdom” is the first novel in Cornwell’s “The Saxon Stories” series (2004), which tells the story of how England began under King Alfred the Great . While the series is spectacular, it doesn’t follow Cornwell’s books true to form, so if you’ve read them, don’t get lost in expectations. The Last Kingdom centers on Uhtred of Bebbanburg (aka Uhtred Uhtredsson and/or Uhtred Ragnarsson), who is played by American Horror Story ’s Alexander Dreymon . Born a young Saxon noble, Uhtred is kidnapped by Danish Vikings during an invasion 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 he finds himself in the service of King Alfred of Wessex, played by David Dawson , whom you may remember from Peaky Blinders . The Last Kingdom delves into the turbulent backdrop of King Alfred’s desire to unite the separate kingdoms while exploring Uhtred’s loyalties between his love for and loyalty to both Saxons and Danes. The series is a whole package replete with an engaging, dynamic storyline and is a must-see for anyone looking to get lost in an epic and thrilling historical drama. What you can expect: gorgeous cinematography, multi-dimensional characters, exciting battle sequences, and copious amount of blood, brutality, emotion, entertainment, and top-notch storytelling and acting . I do recommend watching with subtitles, though, because it’s often difficult to understand some of the accents. The Last Kingdom ended its five-season run in 2022 and wrapped up Cornwell’s “Saxon Stories” adventure with a movie in Summer 2023, Seven Kings Must Die . Norsemen Created by: Jon Iver Helgaker & Jonas Torgersen Where to binge it: Netflix Norsemen injects a different, comedic perspective into the Viking saga. This Norwegian series (also filmed in English) will have you laughing your butt off at a group of Vikings living in the village of Norheim. The series follows the life of these villagers and their day-to-day happenings full of strife and shenanigans, silliness and stupidity. Norsemen is unique and different with awkwardly hilarious moments , making it one of the most watchable and enjoyable medieval shows to dive into, especially now while new content is sparse. It serves up a highly entertaining take on the Viking Age and presents the challenges faced by a small Viking village; it also portrays quite a funny but childish rivalry between the chieftan and his little brother. In three seasons, we’re taken into silly disputes with neighboring villages, including a rival tribe led by a ruthless Viking and the efforts of a Roman slave to modernize Norheim’s culture, resulting in persistent ongoing conflicts. One character you’ll fall in love with is the sword-wielding, no-nonsense wife of the chieftan, Hildur . She’s a force to be reckoned with and is the most grounded, level-headed warrior amongst all the Viking men. Norsemen is good for three seasons of hearty laughs and offers a tongue-in-cheek take on the whole Viking craze . Penny Dreadful Created by: John Logan Where to binge it: Showtime, Paramount+, Fubo, Sky Penny Dreadful (2014) is set in the 19th Century’s dark recesses of Victorian Gothic London. This psychological thriller series masterfully weaves together classic literary figures with a chilling narrative that keeps viewers craving more, exploring specifically the origin stories of Dr. Frankenstein and Dorian Gray. Season 1 begins in 1891 when avid explorer Sir Malcolm Murray (Timothy Dalton, of Doom Patrol ) and his seductive clairvoyant Vanessa Ives (Eva Green, of Camelot ) hire an American gunman and roadshow artist (Josh Hartnett, of Lucky Number Slevin ) to help locate and rescue Sir Malcolm’s daughter from a mysterious vampire, among other supernatural forces. They receive help from a young doctor named Victor Frankenstein, who is hunted (and haunted) by an undead man of Frankenstein’s creation, who is masterfully played by Rory Kinnear ( No Time to Die, Our Flag Means Death ). Season 2 of Penny Dreadful introduces some wild witchcraft within a coven of witches who answer to Lucifer and are on the hunt to bring Miss Ives to their master. Meanwhile, Dr. Frankenstein (Harry Treadaway, of Mr. Mercedes ) is forced to make his creature a bride, which is a story and process that clenches at your heart strings as you watch in moments of horror and awe. And in Season 3, our main characters encounter more supernatural events as they find themselves split up and placed all over the world, but when Count Dracula appears in London, the battle for Vanessa’s soul begins. With its ensemble cast led by the enigmatic Eva Green , Penny Dreadful delves into the supernatural world, unearthing creatures and legends that lurk in the shadows. It garnered critical acclaim for its superb acting, atmospheric cinematography, and rich storytelling , earning several awards and nominations throughout its three-season run. Effortlessly weaving together psychological drama with visceral horror, Penny Dreadful offers a psychologically immersive experience that lingers long after the credits roll. Rome Created by: Bruno Heller, William J. MacDonald, & John Milius Where to binge it: HBO & Max, Prime Video, Vudu, Google Play, BritBox, Apple TV If you know who Ray Stevenson ( King Arthur, 2004) is, you don’t want to miss out on seeing him in Rome . A furiously crass British historical drama following the turbulent transition of the Roman Republic to an autocratic empire, Rome portrays both the aristocratic viewpoint of Julius Caesar and his allies, as well as the politically naive viewpoint of ordinary Romans like Lucius Vorenus (Kevin McKidd, of Grey’s Anatomy ) and Titus Pullo (Stevenson). It's a raw account of the lives and deeds of the rich, powerful, and historically significant as they navigate politics, war, and family dynamics in pursuit of a stable Roman Empire. Stevenson and McKidd as Pullo and Vorenus Rome Season 1 is all about Julius Caesar’s civil war of 49 B.C. against the traditionalist conservative faction in the Roman Senate. It focuses on his rise to dictatorship, followed by his subsequent fail, right on down to his assassination on the Ides of March 44 B.C. We also see the early years of the young Octavian, who is destined to become the first emperor of Rome. Season 2 is set around the power struggle between Octavian and Mark Antony following Caesar’s assassination and covers the time period from Caesar’s death to Antony and Cleopatra’s suicide in 30 B.C. High production values cancelled Rome ’s Season 3, but don’t let that deter you from checking it out. Rome is an exciting exploration of the complexities of the Roman Empire and its eventual rise to power . Featuring over-the-top production values—especially for 2005—as well as elaborate sets and costumes with intriguing storylines full of explosive drama and action, Rome is certainly one historical series you shouldn’t pass on watching. In addition to Stevenson and McKidd, Rome also features James Purefoy ( Pennyworth ), Tobias Menzies ( Outlander ), Polly Walker ( Bridgerton ), and Indira Varma ( Game of Thrones ). Spartacus Created by: Steven S. DeKnight Where to binge it: Starz, Roku Channel, Apple TV, Vudu, Google Play, Lionsgate+ Spartacus: Blood and Sand was one of the best shows on cable in 2010 —historically speaking, at least. The epic series received high acclaim for its extreme production value, mouth-watering narratives, tremendous combat sequences, and its lead actor, Andy Whitfield , who sadly left this physical plane in 2011 when he succumbed to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He, indeed, left behind a huge mark on the industry not just for who he was but also for his efforts and success in bringing the character of Spartacus to such radical life. Andy Whitfield as Spartacus Spartacus: Blood and Sand tells the story of the Thracian gladiator Spartacus who, from 73 to 71 B.C., led a major slave rebellion against the Roman Republic departing from Capua. When he is torn from his homeland, and thusly separated from his wife, Spartacus is forced into slavery and is condemned to fight in the excessively violent gladiator’s arena in Rome. As he navigates the violent, brutal world, Spartacus comes to realize that not all battles are fought in an arena, as he must overcome lies, treachery, and temptation if he wants to survive. Executive producers Steven S. DeKnight ( Pacific Rim: Uprising ) and Robert Tapert ( Evil Dead, Evil Dead Rise ) focused on structuring the events of Spartacus’ obscure early life leading right up to the beginning of historical records, but after completing Season 1, they chose to delay Season 2 due to Whitfield’s illness. In the interim, Starz produced a six-episode prequel miniseries entitled Spartacus: Gods of the Arena , which is one of the best miniseries—let alone prequel miniseries—that exists. It features incredibly visceral gladiator games in a style reminiscent of a Zack Snyder film, and everything about it screams BADASS : characters, attitudes, training, brutality, loyalty, heart, and tolerance. When Season 2, Spartacus: Vengeance , finally released, actor Liam McIntyre ( The Flash TV series) took on the titular role of Spartacus, which ultimately ended with Season 3, Spartacus: War of the Damned . Spartacus is a seductively thrilling action-drama series rampant with blood, violence, drama, and lots of sex that brings to life the Roman Republic and its depravity. Through Spartacus’ struggle for vengeance, we accompany him on his heroic journey to free himself and his people from slavery. With epic arena battles, intense gladiator training, political intrigue, excellent effects, and passionate romances, Spartacus is a series that will, no doubt, captivate you from beginning to end. There’s no room for insecurity of any kind in this series, which’ll have you attempting to binge as much of it in one sitting as you can. Spartacus’ gripping story and outstanding performances make it one of the best medieval TV shows ever made . The Tudors Created by: Michael Hirst Where to binge it: Prime Video, Paramount+, Showtime, Fubo, Apple TV, Google Play, Sky When I discovered The Tudors (2007), I’ll admit I was obsessed. I’ve always loved the tale of Henry VIII, his court politics, his wives, and his crumbling sanity, and this series blew me (and most everyone else who watched it) completely away. Another hit historical series from Michael Hirst , The Tudors is set primarily in 16th-century England at King Henry VIII’s court . The show lured in audiences with its political intrigue, elaborate costumes and sets, intricate storylines, and emotionally charged performances—namely from Jonathan Rhys Meyers ( Vikings ), who plays King Henry. The Tudors is an enthralling and dynamic drama that brings to life the power struggles, romances, and political machinations of Henry VIII’s court while exposing us to his passionate, often volatile relationships with his six wives … and his power. It showcases one of the most tumultuous periods in English history , replete with treachery, ambition, lust, and greed. Henry is a shrewd, charming, passionate leader hell-bent on leaving his mark on the world, and we get a front-row seat as he impulsively navigates his way through love, war, and politics in an effort to secure England’s future. Jonathan Rhys Meyers brings so much emotional likeness to his character, it’s as though he truly channeled the sovereign while filming The Tudors . We as viewers are but flies on the wall in King Henry’s court watching his sanity unravel woman by woman, wife by wife. He. Is. Divine. Remember when Heath Ledger took on the role of the Joker and it was said he lived the role as though there were no separation between himself and it? Yeah, I’m pretty sure he was inspired by Rhys Meyers’ stellar portrayal of the legendary King Henry VIII. The Tudors is one series you’ll watch over and over and possibly over again— it’s that good . Vikings Created by: Michael Hirst Where to binge it: Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, Peacock, Apple TV, Google Play Annnnd in yet another slam dunk from screenwriter Michael Hirst, we have Vikings . I feel like it needs no introduction, but just in case, it’s a beast of a historical fiction masterpiece that’s loaded with bad-ass shield maidens, ravenous Viking warriors packed in emotional depth, and raw tribal violence wrapped in near-perfect narratives garnished with drama, suspense, and mythology. Vikings is one of the rarest shows on earth that is never, ever dull and whole-heartedly entertaining in plot, action, cinematography, soundtrack, and acting. Vikings follows the legendary Viking chieftain Ragnar Lothbrok (Traves Fimmel, of Raised by Wolves ), who claims to be a direct descendant of the god Odin. He and his band of Norse warriors explore, pillage, and conquer new lands in all their brutal glory. Along the way, we’re introduced to all of Ragnar’s family and descendants, and the paths each of their lives take. Frustrated by the policies of Earl Haraldson, who only sends raiders to the east to Baltic states and Russia, Ragnar seeks to secure his legacy as a leader of men through epic battles and political alliances by forging west to the new world. On his journey, he must deal with betrayals, unexpected turns of fate, and the growing power of his enemies. His family and allies experience a mix of adventure and tragedy as they struggle to survive in the treacherous world of Dark Age Scandinavia . Vikings consists of six action-packed seasons chocked full of love, drama, war, brotherhood, community, and brutality and captures the gritty, savage reality of the Viking Age in a captivating and awe-inspiring manner, perfect for a binge-worthy medieval TV show . And, though it is good but does not live up to its predecessor, you might as well continue the fantasy and follow up with Vikings: Valhalla —it’s the sequel series to Vikings . Created by Jeb Stuart ( Die Hard, The Fugitive ), Vikings: Valhalla is set 100 years after Vikings events and chronicles the beginning of the end of the Viking Age. It explores the adventures of Leif Erikson, Freydis (daughter of Erik the Red), Norweigan King Harald Hardrada, and the Norman King William the Conquerer in an action-packed drama that grows on you as it works to present traditional Viking stories with a twist. You can find Vikings: Valhalla streaming on Netflix. Every one of these series is a must-see worth making time to watch for the first time ever or to revisit for a whole new experience. With each viewing, you’ll fall deeper and deeper into their respective narratives and begin noticing varying degrees of beauty, art, and storytelling in places you didn’t see the first go-round. If you’re still looking for more historical fiction and fantasy series to binge after these, check out the following: The White Princess and The White Queen (Starz, Prime Video), The Serpent Queen (Starz), Merlin (Peacock, Prime Video, Apple TV), Marco Polo (Netflix), Kingdom (Netflix), Game of Thrones (HBO & Max), House of Dragons (HBO & Max), Outlander (Starz), The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (Prime Video), Reign (Prime Video), The Spanish Princess (Starz, Hulu), The Great (Hulu), Pillars of the Earth (Prime Video, Vudu, Roku), Medici (Netflix), The Borgias (Hulu, Disney+ ), and Black Sails (Starz). 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 . 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Bud Gambrell has compiled a journey through music in “Sidetracks Music Hall”—a memoir rich with local history < Back Sidetracks Music Hall by Bud Gambrell: Book Review Nicole Brice Sep 20, 2023 Share Bud Gambrell has compiled a journey through music in “Sidetracks Music Hall”—a memoir rich with local history When Bud Gambrell first contacted me to read his newly published book about the now-defunct Sidetracks Music Hall in Huntsville, Alabama , I had never heard of it … but I was intrigued. After reading the meticulously orchestrated memoir from cover to cover, I became engrossed in the history behind a truly unique establishment that not only touched the hearts of the patrons who frequented the space but also had a lasting impact on the musicians who played there. “ Sidetracks Music Hall ” offers a unique perspective on the magic of those live performances and on the lasting impact of the energy the space provided. Bud’s attention to detail in firsthand accounts from musicians, employees, and fans presents an engaging book that leaves no stone unturned and immerses readers in the vibrant atmosphere that was Sidetracks Music Hall . Though only open for a few years, the venue had a huge impact on the area that persists even today and is felt in the narratives of local musicians and patrons who offer a rare glimpse into the passion and dedication that goes into running a music establishment. Released June 8, 2023 The narrative of “ Sidetracks Music Hall ” seamlessly intertwines Gambrell’s personal anecdotes with the historical evolution of the music space, and through his encounters with renowned musicians—both big names and rising stars—the author offers readers an intimate glimpse into the creative process and the inner workings of the music and restaurant industry. What sets “ Sidetracks Music Hall ” apart is Gambrell’s ability to paint vivid portraits of the artists he met. From poetic songwriters to energetic performers, Bud captures the essence of their unique musical styles and personalities in moments that provide an intimate connection between the reader and the musicians, evoking a deeper appreciation for their craft. Gambrell’s attention to detail pulls the reader into the heart of what Sidetracks Music Hall was, not just to the locals, but to the artists and musicians who frequently took the stage there. It is worth noting that while “ Sidetracks Music Hall ” beautifully captures the spirit of live music, it also touches upon the challenges faced by the industry. Credit: Bud Gambrell “ Sidetracks Music Hall ” is a compelling memoir that takes readers on an unforgettable journey through the world of live music in Alabama . Through evocative storytelling and insightful reflections, Gambrell not only pays homage to various musicians but also sheds light on the unique power of live performances. Whether you’re a devoted music fan or are just simply curious about the magic that happens on stage, this book will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the music that moves us all. In order to get a better feel for the love behind the narrative, I reached out to Bud, who’s also a photographer, for a deeper knowledge of the lasting legacy Sidetracks Music Hall has provided. MaM : Thank you for taking the time to chat with us today. Give us a little background info on you. BG : Well, if I go back to the very beginning, I was born in Louisiana but raised in North Alabama. I’ve been a music lover my entire life and have actually been accused of being a music snob a few times. I’ve looked it up in the Urban Dictionary, too, and the first definition of it is definitely me. I’ve been going to concerts for a long time, and when they first opened Sidetracks Music Hall, I didn’t know that much about it. I knew that they were trying to cater to original bands and musicians, but one day I just started going and it just kind of became a second home to me. It just had something about the place … this aura. It’s hard to explain if you weren’t there, but the atmosphere was amazing. MaM : What gave you the idea to write and compile your book? BG : I actually got my idea when I was at Sidetracks last year. I was there shooting Ace Monroe and I was talking to the road manager. We were discussing my coming up to shoot a show they were playing at the EXIT/IN, and we were sitting at the bar, and I saw a book for this venue right there and the idea came from those who had chronicled and circled back all these bands and acts that had played EXIT/IN. It was around this time, too, that I found out Sidetracks was closing. Various logos of Sidetracks over the years MaM: How long did it take you to compile everything? BG : Well, I started on the book, and within a month, Sidetracks closed. September 4, 2022, was the last night. By the first of October, I had already started doing interviews and talking to people. Around the holidays, though, I almost abandoned it because it was so much, but by the first of the year, I told myself that I needed to finish it. I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it, but the inspiration came about because of my love for the place. It was a true labor of love. MaM : You mentioned photography earlier. Give us a little more info about your work in that arena. BG : Well, I’ve always been a hobby shutterbug ... I remember being in the Boy Scouts and taking pictures with a camera, but I can’t remember the model, and they don’t make them anymore, but it was a Kodak shaped like a box and you had to look down through the top of it and there was a thumb button to take the pictures. So, I would take those cameras on camping trips, and I’ve always had some type of camera around, but three years ago in 2020, to keep from going stir crazy, I got a drone and started with that. Several people told me the photos and videos from it were great and that I should become a professional and the next thing I knew, I was starting a photography business. Ace Monroe with Bud Gambrell at Sidetracks Music Hall. All of the photos on the wall behind them were shot by Bud. MaM : So, where do you like to shoot? BG : Right now, I shoot some local stuff at some bars, but a good bit of what I’m doing is at our local civic center. They’ve got four rooms there, and you’re shooting photos and listening to music, so it never feels like work. I got to shoot Joe Satriani last year, which was a dream show, and I’ve shot Gov’t Mule, Warren Haynes, and ZZ Top, too. Joe Satriani - photo by Bud Gambrell MaM : So, as far as all the bands and musicians that performed at Sidetracks over the years, who was your favorite to see and shoot? BG : Damon Johnson is one. I’ve been a fan of his for over 29 years, since his first or second album came out, and I’ve never had a chance to see him live until he played Sidetracks. Them Dirty Roses was another one, which I mention them a good bit in the book. There are so many, honestly, but if I had to pick just one, it would be Tab Benoit . I’ve actually got a picture on my office wall that I took of him, had blown up, and then had him sign it. MaM : How would you say Sidetracks Music Hall touched you personally? What takeaways do you have from the entire experience of seeing live music performed there? BG : It was the atmosphere. It had a home vibe and just always felt head and shoulders above everyone else. You know, there were nights I would go there by myself, and it was never a consideration whether I should or not because it always felt safe. It felt like home. Some nights, I could go and know half the people there, and some nights I didn’t, but by the end of the night I did. I wasn’t intentionally looking for a new place to hang out when I found Sidetracks, but the more I started going there, the more I realized how awesome the place was. It had this Cheers- type vibe where everyone knew your name, and to be honest, I don’t think I ever saw one fight the entire time I was there. I saw a lot of funny stuff, but never anything bad. Nobody at Sidetracks was ever in a bad mood. To experience the nostalgia of Sidetracks Music Hall yourself and to learn more about the establishment, Bud Gambrell’s book “Sidetracks Music Hall” is currently available for purchase on Amazon. The link is below, so be sure to check it out! The book is currently available via paperback, hardcover, and on Kindle. Side Tracks Music Hall: Gambrell, Bud: 9798396341999: Amazon.com: Books 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 Pastor of Horror < Back Ezekiel Kincaid Keeley Brooks Dec 5, 2022 Share The Pastor of Horror So, sometimes there are men, and then sometimes, there’s a man … with such a fascinating story, you can’t help but stop and have to know the deets. Such is the case with a recent horror author I stumbled up by sheer happenstance, and I’m so glad I did, because I’ve been bursting with excitement to spotlight him ever since. His name is Ezekiel Kincaid, also known as—I’m not kidding—“The Paranormal Pastor” and “The Pastor of Horror.” And that’s what makes him so fascinating (aside, of course, from the fact that he’s a very talented writer): he’s a pastor writing horror fiction. Let me say that again: a pastor writing horror fiction … fiction involving demonic spirits and exorcisms, hauntings and slayings, and innocent characters of visceral bloody terror. His work is so fantastic, it pulled me right in while cooking breakfast over the weekend, and I managed to burn my bacon to a crisp and set off the fire alarm, because I was fully distracted at listening to Zeke read an excerpt from the second book in his “The Dreadful Death” series, “The Gathering.” “The Dreadful Death” series is a three-book series put out by Raven Tale Publishing and, if it’s being described in movie terms, “is a mix of The Exorcist , Carrie , and Pan’s Labyrinth ,” says Kincaid. “It’s a possession story about … a young girl [who also] has psychic abilities, and [she] opens herself up to this world where there are all kinds of creatures and demons, and some of these guardian demons are protecting her so she can fulfill her destiny of meeting this dark entity, The Tetromet,” describes Zeke. Set in the early 1800s in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, “The Gathering” tracks this young girl’s life as she descends deeper and deeper into darkness and madness, until finally the evil takes full control of her and she unleashes demonic terror upon her family, her friends, her loved ones, and her town. And that’s just the second book in the series. Kincaid is a self-described southern boy, born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He spent over 20 years in ministry as a pastor before shifting his focus to chaplaincy … and horror writing. He’s also (get this) a paranormal investigator with some pretty unexplainable experiences that’ll leave you as speechless as they did me. Dude is gifted, in more ways than one. And he trains in martial arts—Krav Maga and Jiu Jitsu, to be exact—so, in addition to exorcising demons, he also whips their ass. Zeke has three theological degrees and is an avid student of theology, philosophy, physics, and evolutionary science. (I know; it’s so amazing, I can barely believe it myself.) He’s also a, “former addict, who now uses his story to help encourage [and ensure] victory in others with the disease of addiction," and he has a "deep-seated passion for social justice and those who have been marginalized and oppressed." “Having been given the Scarlett letter by many in the former denomination I was ordained in because of my writing," he says, "I can empathize with those who have been rejected, ostracized, or condemned for their beliefs.” I had the extreme pleasure of getting to rap with Zeke over several in-depth conversations, so I figured I’d lay that Q&A down right here and let you see for yourselves just why you should not only know who Ezekiel Kincaid is but also why you should be following, reading, and supporting him as the brilliant artist he is. KB: So Zeke, tell us about yourself. Who are you, really? EK: Having walked through enough trials for six lifetimes, I am a man of deep strength, passion, conviction, love, empathy, courage, mercy, grace, and compassion. I also have a very dark sense of humor and love watching it get me into awkward social interactions. The worst thing anyone can try to do is fit me into a mold. I have a tendency to bust the edges. KB: Have you always been a writer? EK: I’d like to think so. When I was in first grade, I wrote this epic story for class about how my dog takes a crap. I got a C on it, but I’m pretty sure that was because my content was looked down upon. So, people have tried to censor me for decades! My parents didn’t know about it, because it was an in-class assignment. When they asked me why I wrote a story about my dog’s feces, I replied, “The teacher said to write about what we know.” KB: Ha! You can't tell a writer to write what they know, then condemn them for their subject matter! So, when did your skills fully emerge, and when did your love for horror begin? EK: My writing skills began to emerge in my creative writing class … in high school. This class, mixed with my English Literature classes and love for horror novels, began to birth within me a love for writing. It wasn’t until I got into seminary (the first time) that I really developed a real heart for writing. My passion for theological and doctrinal study led me to a deep desire to dissect, investigate, and share my findings with others. After years of writing theology and poetry, I decided to explore my other passion–horror fiction. Around 2018 I decided to give it a go. This season really developed my skill as a technical writer. However, once I started to get published in horror fiction, I met Lisa Vasquez. She is an author and CEO for Stitched Smile Publications. She began to mentor me and bring out hidden talents I never knew were there. She still helps me [to] this day, and we remain close friends. I pretty much owe all that I am as a horror writer to Lisa and her investment in me. KB: Do you write anything other than horror fiction? EK: I also love to dabble in poetry. This desire was also developed in high school through my creative writing and English classes. Currently, I find myself hopping back and forth [between] horror fiction, theology, and poetry. I love being able to switch gears like this. It keeps my brain active and my creativity fresh. I am also diving into the realms of horror fantasy and science fiction. KB: What drew you to the horror genre? EK: Two life-changing events happened in my childhood to get me into horror. First was watching the movie The Demon Murder Case with none other than … Kevin Bacon. It was a made-for-TV movie that came out in 1983, but I didn’t see it for the first time until I was [six]. Fans of The Conjuring series will recognize it as the inspiration for the latest installment, The Devil Made Me Do It . The show was based on one of the controversial Warren’s case files. This movie scared the lemon-yellow childhood pee out of me. I probably shouldn’t have watched it at [six] years old, but it definitely birthed my love for horror. The second event was my viewing of another made-for-TV movie called The Midnight Hour , made in 1985. If The Demon Murder Case birthed my interest in demonic possession, then this movie is the origin of my love for witches, zombies, and vampires. [High school is] where my love for horror went into overdrive. A steady dose of horror flicks finally merged with my introduction to Stephen King, Clive Barker, and William Peter Blatty books. My appreciation for the genre has done nothing but evolve and grow since then. KB: What was your first published piece/book? EK: My first published story was actually the first horror story I ever wrote called “Call of the Tetromet” with Fantasia Divinity [Magazine]. My first novelette to get published was also the first one I ever wrote. It’s called “The Memoir of Darius Fischer” and was published by Grinning Skull Press. The same goes for the first novel I ever wrote. It’s a horror comedy called “Johnny Walker Ranger: Demon Slayer.” It was picked up in 2020 by Stitched Smile Publications. KB: Are you with an agent/publisher at the moment? EK: Right now, I’m seeking an agent for my current horror/fantasy book called “The Gospel of Lilith.” I’ve been published by Fantasia Divinity, LVP, Grinning Skull, Stitched Smile, Raven Tale, Crystal Lake (Patreon), Black Hare Press. Shackelbound Books, Ghost Orchid Press, Siren’s Call, Horror Bound, Puzzle Box Horror, Jakob’s Horror Box, Horror Bites, and Hellbound Books. KB: Tell me about your books. As much as you wanna tell us, we wanna know. EK: Let’s start with “Johnny Walker Ranger: Demon Slayer.” This book was birthed from my love of The Evil Dead franchise, rednecks, and “South Park.” It follows a redneck alcoholic who discovers the secret to actually killing demons. He forms a demon-killing team full of rednecks and emos called The Bruce Campbells. With the help of Gabriel the angel, they have to stomp out a demon outbreak in Oxford, MS, that Johnny single-handedly created. If you love Evil Dead- style horror and offensive humor, this is the book for you. KB: That’s definitely my kind of book! What about “The Dreadful Death” series? EK: Currently in “The Dreadful Death” series, [there are] “The Dawning” and “The Gathering.” Book three is still forthcoming. The series follows a young girl named Theodosia Whitfield into a depth of horror like you’ve never read before. [This is the book that is compared to] a mixture of The Exorcist , Carrie , and Pan’s Labyrinth . The story takes place in the early 1800s in North Carolina. Theo is being groomed in preparation to serve a dark entity called The Tetromet. Because of her gifts, there are other creatures lurking in the Ethereal Plane that want her. To keep her safe, a demonic guardian named Hophni is sent to protect her from these monsters and make sure she fulfills her calling to The Tetromet. As Theo descends into the darkness, the evil she unleashes on those around her is malicious and insidious. The series is full of visceral, nightmarish imagery, intense, complex characters, and thought-provoking, realistic dialogue. Readers have said the story is like a cinematic experience in novel form. [As far as] “The Memoir of Darius Fischer,” anytime a writer takes on a well-known genre, they have to make sure there are enough original ideas to keep it fresh. This is the case with this novelette. Darius’s grandfather is dead, and he has left behind a myriad of secrets, one of those being a lone chest in his attic loft. Within it lies secrets so dark, they take Darius Fischer down a road of no return. Written in the style of Darius Fischer’s journal entries and his psychologist’s session notes, the story provides an original take of lycanthropy but also stays true to all the things we have come to love about the folklore. KB: Do you have anything in the works? EK: Yes, lots! First, I’ll mention the book I’m querying agents for, “The Gospel of Lilith.” This book is a horror/fantasy that combines the Hebrew and occult mythos of Lilith, along with a little made-up Zeke mythos thrown in there. The book shows how, through heartbreak, misogynist oppression, and betrayal, Lilith becomes the creature that we know her as today. It bears to mention that I do not go the traditional route with making Lilith an origin story of vampires. So no, this is not a vampire novel … but the next one I’ll mention is! “The Vengeful Lambs.” This one is a novella that I am sending out to publishers now. The story follows Sampson and Ruth as they travel the New Mexico desert after an encounter with a vampire. The story combines the claustrophobic feel of Phantasm and the grit of From Dusk till Dawn , along with some supernatural elements and Lilith mythos thrown in. Like my werewolf story, this one gives a fresh, original take on vampires, while also staying true to some of the things we have come to love about these creatures of the night. Speaking of night, let’s talk about another upcoming novelette of mine called “Night of the Blood Cum.” Yes, you read that right, and it is exactly what you think. It is about a giant, demonic sperm that wreaks havoc on a redneck family from Alabama. In an unforeseen event, the jizz of an ancient Warlock drips on a Ouija board. The demon sperm is born and if not stopped, all humanity will succumb to its wrath. The only hope is a redneck named Jim. Aided by the ghost of his dead buddy Earl (who died in a bungee jumping accident from stringing old underwear bands together), Jim must find a way to kill the sperm and make it sterile. Fans of Tucker and Dale vs. Evil- style horror will love this story. Coming soon from Godless. KB: Dude, you are utterly fascinating. Any upcoming appearances where fans can find you? EK: I’m a regular on the panel for the Professional Paranormal Research YouTube channel. You can find me there a few times a month. Over the past two months, I’ve done shows with Citywide Blackout, Raven Tale Publishing, The Magical World of G. Michael Vassey, AfterRot, and Panic Room Radio. I’ll be back on Ghostly Talk for the third time this January, talking to them about the paranormal and my recent and upcoming releases. KB: Any new or upcoming releases? EK: Yes! In 2023, “The Mourning,” book three of “The Dreadful Death” series will be released, as well as “Johnny Walker Ranger: Demon Slayer, Vol. 2.” KB: What’s next for Ezekiel Kincaid? EK: In February, my fiancée, my kids, and I will be going to Kentucky again to join Dustin from Professional Paranormal Research to do another investigation. I’m also hoping to get an agent soon, as well as expand my audience by finding new shows to appear on. I also have some new stories and books that I’m preparing to write: “One Flesh” (psychological/body horror), “The Whore House Massacre” (1970’s grindhouse-style horror), “The Tetromet Tapes” (found footage-based novella in my Theodosia/Tetromet universe), and “The Man in Black” (next book that chronologically takes place after “The Dreadful Death” series). There’s more, but I’m not giving away all my secrets. So there you have it, folks. Right from The Paranormal Pastor / Pastor of Horror’s mouth. You can find him, his books, his interviews and recordings, and his congregation online at https://theparanormalpastor.square.site , Amazon , Twitter @EzekielKincaid, and Instagram @ezekielkincaid. Happy reading, bookworms! www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

New & Noteworthy Titles on AppleTV, Netflix, Paramount+, Peacock, and Prime < Back What to Watch This Weekend (10.14.22) Keeley Brooks Oct 14, 2022 Share New & Noteworthy Titles on AppleTV, Netflix, Paramount+, Peacock, and Prime Tuesdays and Fridays are my favorite days of the week for one reason: new movies/streaming releases. As a heavy consumer of a wide variety of content across multiple platforms, I figured I’d hip you guys to what’s out there in case you’re looking for something to get into this weekend. First up is AppleTV. While there are a ton of great series on this platform to get into, here are a select few currently airing and that just finished airing. The rest of the titles you can peruse through yourself! Shantaram – Starring our favorite son of anarchy Charlie Hunnam, whom I had the pleasure of sitting down with in 2009 at a quiet table on Third St. in Baton Rouge, this series is about a heroin addict (Hunnam) incarcerated for a robbery who escapes and reinvents himself as a doctor in the slums of Bombay. While there, his ties to the criminal underworld lead him to Afghanistan, where he partners with a mob boss locked in a battle with Russian criminals. The first three episodes dropped today, Oct. 14. See: The Final Chapter – If you missed my article about it, this is in its final season and stars Jason Momoa, Alfre Woodard, and Christian Camargo. Set in a very distant, brutal, primitive future after the fall of humankind, everyone is now blind. Except for a very select few. Tie in a ruthless queen hellbent on wiping out the sighted and anyone who harbors or supports them, some badass violent blind fighting, and a good dose of family drama, and you’ve got quite the entertaining winner. Black Bird – Having aired this past summer, this limited series stars Taron Egerton ( Kingsman movies) and, quite a talent to keep an eye on, Paul Walter Hauser ( The Kingdom Netflix series, Richard Jewell ). Based on the 2010 autobiographical book In with the Devil: a Fallen Hero, a Serial Killer, and a Dangerous Bargain for Redemption by James Keene and Hillel Levin, Black Bird is a crime drama miniseries that recounts convict Jimmy Keene’s (Egerton) real life experiences of going undercover in a prison for the criminally insane to illicit a confession from serial killer Larry Hall (Hauser). It’s full of tension, creepiness, and is an incredible true story. Physical – A brilliant, half-hour dark comedy starring Rose Byrne ( Bridesmaids ) and Rory Scovel ( Those Who Can’t ), the show follows Sheila Rubin (Byrne), a submissive, quietly tortured housewife supporting her man’s controversial bid for state assembly in 1980s San Diego. However, behind closed doors, we are introduced to the real Sheila, her darkly funny take on life, and her world of complex personal demons relating to her self-image. Until she finds aerobics. Two seasons are currently available with season three arriving 2023. Also check out The Morning Show , Loot , Ted Lasso , Mythic Quest , Servant , For All Mankind , Foundation , and Invasion , to name a few. Next, we have Netflix! Below I’ll give ya some new releases, then I’ll give ya some titles worth checking out if you’re looking to go down the rabbit hole. Don’t forget to peruse the documentaries and movie titles. The Watcher – A limited series, this title is one of the most anticipated of the week because it’s based on a true story. Starring Bobby Cannavale, Naomi Watts, Jennifer Coolidge, Terry Kinney, and Michael Mouri, the series follows a couple moving into their dream home. They soon discover not all is as it seems when they find a haunting figure watching them. Releases Friday, October 14. The Sinner – Having originally aired on USA Network, this fantastic crime series stars Bill Pullman, Jessica Biel, Adam LeFevre, and many others. It’s a police procedural anthology series following Detective Harry Ambrose (Pullman) as he investigates a chilling new homicide each season. Season Four dropped October 13, 2022. Peaky Blinders – One of my personal favorites, this gritty British crime drama series is by far one of Netflix’s best. Set in Birmingham, England, it follows the exploits of the Peaky Blinders crime gang, which actually existed, in the direct aftermath of the First World War. Stars Cillian Murphy ( 28 Days Later ), the late Helen McCrory, Finn Cole ( Animal Kingdom ), Paddy Constantine ( House of Dragons ), Anya Taylor-Joy ( Split ), Adrian Brody, and Tom Hardy. Absolutely fantastic. I highly recommend getting sucked into this. It’s final season just aired this past summer, so you have plenty of seasons to keep you busy. The Last Kingdom – Also from my list o’ recommendations is this beaut of a Viking drama, WHICH I LOVE. A historical fiction series, Kingdom is based on Bernard Cornwell’s The Saxon Stories series of novels. Set in 1866, it follows a kid born Saxon but raised by Vikings as he seeks to claim his ancestral birthright at the same time that Alfred the Great is defending his kingdom from Norse invaders. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll love, you’ll cheer. You can’t go wrong. Other titles to check out: Riverdale , The Witcher , Stranger Things, Cobra Kai , Kingdom , Orange is the New Black, Atypical , Glow , Ozark , Mindhunter , You Now let’s hop on over to Paramount+ . They are winning in the sci-fi series category in my book. At my house, my husband and I have what we call Sci-Fi Thursdays during active seasons of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds , Star Trek: Discovery , and Picard . These shows are just spectacular, and the special effects are breath-taking. The platform is also home to hits like 1883 , EVIL , The Good Fight , Beavis and Butthead , and Mayor of Kingstown , to name a few. Recent releases include Monster High: The Movie and Significant Other , a psychological thriller full of chills. Peacock! Whoo! Buckle up, buttercups. This platform has surprised me the most by coming out with some heavy contenders. Here’s a titles I highly recommend watching. The Resort – An anniversary trip puts a marriage to the test when a couple finds themselves embroiled in one of the Yucatan’s most bizarre unsolved mysteries in this multi-generational love story disguised as a fast-paced mystery about the disappointment of time. Stars Nick Offerman, Skylar Gisondo ( Righteous Gemstones ), William Jackson Harper ( The Good Place ), and Cristin Milioti ( How I Met Your Mother ). Rutherford Falls – Starring Ed Helms and Jana Schmieding ( Reservation Dogs ), this comedy is about two lifelong besties who find themselves at a crossroads when their sleepy little town gets an unexpected wakeup call. It’s funny, it’s endearing, and it features a cast of some really funny actors. Even some faces you might recognize if you’ve been watching Reservation Dogs on Hulu. Vampire Academy – Who doesn’t love vampires? This series follows six young adult paranormal romance novels by American author Richelle Mead. Lead character Rose Hathaway is half human-half vampire and is guardian of a race of peaceful mortal vampires living discreetly within our world. The story follows her into a special boarding school—a hidden place where vampires are educated in the ways of magic and half-human teens train to protect them. Season One is out now. Dr Death – Whoah. This one is shocking! The podcast by the same name is even more cringeworthy. This series is based on the terrifying true story of Dr. Christopher Duntsch, a rising star in the Dallas neurosurgical medical community, who also liked to maim and kill his patients in surgery. It also focuses on the failures of the Texas system designed to protect the most defenseless among us. A definite must-see feature. *A Friend of the Family – Holy. Shit. I’m not kidding. Very few titles in the past 20 years have rendered me speechless, and when I did speak during this one, the only thing my husband and I could say to each other was, “Holy shit!” This one is without a doubt THE most shocking true-crime story I’ve ever heard. It’s not just terrifying and involving a sick perv—no. This story is horrifying because it’s diabolical to the depths of an entirely new level. Based on the harrowing true story of the Broberg family, this nine-episode true crime series focuses on daughter Jan, who was kidnapped by an obsessed family friend multiple times over a number of years. That’s not what’s so diabolical though; the story the kidnapper/family friend tells young Jan—and genuinely has her believing, playing off of her trust in him—is just astounding. His acting along in all of this to manipulate her is what is so horrific, not to mention the careless mistakes made by both Mexican and American authorities, who pretty much propelled his desire and allowed his crimes to continue. There’s so much more but I’ll just leave that right there. Starring Colin Hanks, Anna Paquin, and Jake Lacy, you can check out the first five episodes streaming now on Peacock. New episodes drop on Thursdays. And finally, we move on over to Amazon Prime … While there aren’t many current new release series titles right now, there’s still plenty of awesome series to dive into. The Rings of Power – I feel like this one needs no explanation, but on the off-chance you are unfamiliar, here’s the rundown: Based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings books and appendices, this one is set thousands of years before the events of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings , bringing to life the heroic legends of the fabled Second Age of Middle-Earth’s history. The acting is superb, the effects are magical, and the story is all consuming. A definite must-watch for any sci-fi/fantasy fiction fan. Season One is currently airing now with new episodes dropping on Fridays. Outer Range – Again with the sci-fi! Except this is also a neo-Western starring Josh Brolin, Imogen Poots, Tom Pelphrey ( Ozark , Banshee ), Noah Reid ( Schitt’s Creek ), and Lili Taylor. The Abbott family are coping with the disappearance of their daughter-in-law when their neighbors make a play for their ranch. Tensions rise and then explode when a mysterious black void arrives on the edge of one of the Abbott’s pastures and changes everything. Season One just ended and it should return next year with a hard-hitting season two. The Boys – This one’s tough, guys. If you’re easily offended by everything, maybe skip this one. But if you’re like me and open to consume, buckle up because this one’s gonna push your limits. Based on the comic book of the same name, this series follows a group of superheroes who go rogue and start abusing their powers. Pitting the powerless against the powerful, the Boys head out on a heroic quest to expose the truth about the conglomerate that manages the superheroes and covers up their secrets. Starring Anthony Starr ( Banshee ), Karl Urban ( Pathfinder , LOTR ), Jack Quaid, Jensen Acles ( Supernatural ) and more. Other titles to stream: The Night Sky , Undone , Wheel of Time , Reacher , The Wilds , Sneaky Pete , The Terminal List , The Outlaws , Flack These titles are enough to keep you busy, at least until next week when I bring you more releases! Enjoy, my friends. www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

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

New and returning content to keep you busy and out of the heat < Back Hottest Titles Streaming August 2023 Keeley Brooks Aug 1, 2023 Share New and returning content to keep you busy and out of the heat No matter where you are right now, chances are it is HOT. To help you beat the heat, some of the best streaming services are serving up new seasons of popular series as well as new titles for you to check out before heading back to school or wherever it is you’re headed. August features the return of fan favorites such as Billions and Reservation Dogs and the premiere of new series—the headliner of which is Star Wars: Ahsoka . Below is a complete list of some of this season’s hottest titles arriving over the next four weeks. Pickins might be gettin’ slim with this writers’ strike, but there’s still plenty to enjoy! Apple TV Plus Physical , Season 3 – Rose Byrne ( Bridesmaids ) is back with the final season of this dark comedy that follows aerobic exercise guru Sheila, who is bulimic, as she deals with increased competition. This season, Sheila steps out of recovery to question if her judgmental inner hater was actually the key to her success. Joining Byrne is Zooey Deschanel ( New Girl ) as Kelly Kilmartin, a blonde who’s taking the crown that Sheila thought was hers. Expect things to spiral as they feature more anxiety and more rad-tastic 80’s outfits. Premieres Aug. 2. FX on Hulu Reservation Dogs, Season 3 – The hit Native American coming-of-age dramedy is back, also with its final season, to bid farewell to Native teens Bear (D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, of Bloody Hell ), Elora (Devery Jacobs, of The Order TV series), Cheese (Lane Factor, of The Fabelmans), and Willie Jack (Paulina Alexis, of Ghostbusters: Afterlife ), whose ups and downs have induced belly-aching laughter and sobs full of tears. Last season saw the teens make it to California to honor dearly departed Daniel; this season, they’ll all head home to the reservation—except for Bear, who ventures off to find his own way. Premieres Aug. 2. *If you missed my interview with Mose and Miko earlier this year (Lil Mike and Funny Bone), you can find that here . Only Murders in the Building, Season 3 – This season at the Arconia, Charles (Steve Martin, of Father of the Bride ), Mabel (Selena Gomez, of Spring Breakers ), and Oliver (Martin Short, of Innerspace ) find themselves wrapped up in a murder that’s all about the theater. Paul Rudd ( Dinner for Shmucks ) plays an actor who falls ill during a production that Oliver is directing and Charles co-stars in. And since the dearly departed was a smug guy, there are plenty of suspects. Also joining the season is Meryl Streep ( The Devil Wears Prada ). Premieres Aug. 8. Netflix Painkiller – Man, oh man. These opioid crisis adaptations just keep on coming, and I suspect they will for a minute. This drama starring Matthew Broderick ( Ferris Bueller’s Day Off ) tells the story of the origins and effects of the opioid epidemic that has ravaged hundreds of thousands of lives across America. Six episodes trace the creation and proliferation of OxyContin, the power wielded by the pharmaceutical industrial complex, the government’s failures, and the addictions that developed from the drug. The stellar cast also includes Uzo Aduba ( Orange is the New Black ) and Taylor Kitsch ( John Carter ). Premieres Aug. 10. Heart of Stone – Gal Gadot ( Wonder Woman ) is back and still kicking ass. From The Old Guard producers, Gadot stars as Rachel Stone, a covert agent who is also part of an elite group called The Charter. They’re highly trained with no political or national ties, and their only goal is to keep the peace in a turbulent world. Rachel and The Charter are helped by an asset called The Heart, which has untold powers: Own the heart, own the world. If it gets into the wrong hands, death and destruction could follow. Premieres Aug. 11. Showtime Billions, Season 7 – Axe is back, baby! At the end of Season 5, Damian Lewis ( Band of Brothers ) was off to exile in Switzerland. Now, his return may give Chuck Rhoades (Paul Giamatti, of Sideways ) two formidable foes. The other is Mike Prince (Corey Stoll, of Midnight in Paris ), who took over Axe’s hedge fund. Although he lost $3.5 billion when his black-box drives were taken, Prince saved enough face to still be in the running for president. Chuck is prepared to take him down — at whatever cost. Premieres Aug. 13, also on Paramount Plus. HBO and Max Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty, Season 2 – I was wondering if we were going to get a second season, so I’m glad we are! The somewhat controversial biographical series may not have the support of key Lakers figures like Magic Johnson and Jerry West, but it’s hitting the court for another season anyway. This round takes place in the period just after the 1980 NBA Finals through to 1984. Owner Jerry Buss (John C. Reilly, of Step Brothers ) is riding high after the changes he instituted led to a championship trophy. But winning comes with a new set of expectations and pressures, particularly on Magic (Quincy Isaiah, of A Black Lady Sketch Show ) as his rivalry with nemesis Larry Bird (Sean Patrick Small, of The Just ) heats up. Premieres Aug. 6. BS High – This documentary tells the stranger-than-fiction story of high school football team Bishop Sycamore, which pulled off one of the more notable sports scams you’re ever likely to hear about. The film delves into how this fake high school managed to deceive its way into a nationally televised game on ESPN in 2021. Premieres Aug. 23. Disney Plus Star Wars: Ahsoka -- Rosario Dawson’s ( Rent ) renegade Jedi gets full billing in this new series, which ties in not just The Mandalorian , but also the older Star Wars: Rebels and Clone Wars animated series. Ahsoka, a former trainee of Darth Vader is on the hunt for Grand Admiral Thrawn, who disappeared at the end of Rebels with Ezra Bridger, another Jedi-in-training. Will the series bring with it the best of The Mandolorian and Andor ? Only time will tell! Premieres Aug. 23. 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

Judas Priest roll into Huntsville, AL with the Invincible Shield Tour. < Back Judas Priest: Probst Arena at Von Braun Center Bud Gambrell May 10, 2024 Share Judas Priest roll into Huntsville, AL with the Invincible Shield Tour. For many concert goers, such as myself, Tuesday, May 7th gave us a chance once again to witness the metal monsters Judas Priest . This concert was a huge accomplishment for me since I have been listening to this amazing band since 1978. As a teenager, I would listen to Stained Class , Hell Bent for Leather and Unleashed in the East in my room as my parents would yell to turn it down. My friends and I got to see Judas Priest Live in the early and mid-80s. For Tuesday's concert, though, I was back as not just a fan, but as a photographer. Being in the pit taking pictures of Rob Halford was an apex moment for me and Judas Priest did not disappoint! All these years later, Rob Halford can still carry every single note high and low. In many cases of rock singers, that does not happen. Rob Halford is still the reigning Metal God. The show was spot on. The band covered songs from every era old and new. They even played three songs from the new album, Invincible Shield . If you haven’t heard it yet, go get it! If this tour comes to a town near you, do yourself the favor of buying the ticket. This show is definitely one you do not want to miss. *All photos by Bud Gambrell 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 Questions or comments? Reach out to mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Next

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

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

They Deserve Some Damn Attention < Back Welcome to Flatch Keeley Brooks Oct 20, 2022 Share They Deserve Some Damn Attention With so many new sitcom titles dropping on TV and streaming platforms these days, it can be a challenge to try and catch them all. And while I do miss many new titles, I was lucky enough not to miss this one, and I’m glad I didn’t because it has become one of my new favorites, and I now find myself waiting for Thursdays just to watch the latest episode. Welcome to Flatch is a mockumentary sitcom directed by Paul Feig ( The Office , Freaks and Geeks ) and written and executive produced by Emmy Award-winner Jenny Bicks ( Sex in the City , Men in Trees ). It’s based on her British version of the show, The Country , and premiered on Fox in March 2022 . By May , it was renewed for a second season, which kicked off September 29 . When a documentary crew sets out to explore the lives, dreams, and concerns of residents in a small American town, it stumbles upon the tiny Midwestern town of Flatch, Ohio , where they discover many eccentric personalities and find more than worthy subjects in cousins and best friends Kelly Mallet and Lloyd “Shrub” Mallet , who aren’t at all shy about letting the crew in on their lives and local events. Each episode opens much like Letterkenny , with an introduction of the town and population: “ Recent studies show that Americans long for a simpler life in small towns. To explore these communities, Fox sent a documentary crew to spend time with the citizens of Flatch, Ohio—population 1,526. ” Then, we are introduced to a whole slew of characters to laugh at …or with ... either way. For starters, Stifler from American Pie , also known as Seann William Scott , plays the town minister, who is nothing like Stifler at all. He’s calm, soft-spoken, sincere, naïve … kind of a pushover, if you will, and he’s the one who attempts to guide Kelly and Shrub , who seem to refuse to grow up. And that’s funny. Courtesy of Fox It’s one thing to watch Seann William Scott as Stifler or even as E.L . in Road Trip , but it’s entirely different and funnier to watch him as this humble, pushover minister of a small town. Father Joe , as he’s known, moved to Flatch with his former girlfriend, Cheryl , who is an award-winning journalist and the editor of the local newspaper ... and quite quirky. Other Flatch residents include Kelly’s frenemy Nadine (Taylor Ortega, Succession ), who runs the Flatch Historical Society ; Mickey St. Jean (Justin Linville), who relentlessly attempts to become Shrub’s best friend; and no-nonsense favorite Mandy (Krystal Smith), a magnetic force of nature who lives life on her own terms. In the pilot, she asserts with force, “We are an upstandin’ town and we deserve some damn attention. We got two restaurants—one with menus, and last year somebody gave birth to twins, so now we got young people all over the place.” Then we meet Kelly and Shrub , who are a magnificent comedic duo to watch. Both are extremely talented, funny actors who play off of each other’s timing. Chelsea Holmes , often billed as just Holmes , is a hilariously talented American comedian, actor, and writer, and is also a stand-up comic and improvisational actor. She's definitely one to watch; I adore everything about her. Both she and Shrub are townies who spend their days hatching schemes. Courtesy of Fox And speaking of Shrub , played by the charming Sam Straley ( The Kids are Alright , The Dropout ), we learn from him and Kelly in the pilot just how he got his name. “So, his real name is Lloyd,” says Kelly. “Yeah, after my dad,” adds Shrub. “Yeah, his dad drank a lot of Busch beer, so they started calling him Bush …” and then Shrub chimes in, “Yeah, so they started calling me Shrub for, like, a little bush,” and after a brief pause where Kelly looks at Shrub as he’s looking off in the distance, he adds, “But, like, he left when I was a baby.” They both nod their heads and say, “Yeah,” and then Kelly adds, “But he probably still drinks beer.” Essentially, all Kelly and Shrub have are each other. Kelly’s father is around but has a new wife and baby daughter, so Kelly is virtually non-existent to him until he needs something. But Kelly doesn’t let this phase her trying efforts one bit. She defends him and tries to cozy up to him with no shame whatsoever. And the duo's interaction with the camera is priceless. Much like The Office … the looks, the expressions, the faces, the implications. In an interview with Cincinnati Magazine , Straley talks about the characters he and co-star Holmes play. “I’d say they’re kind of a classic duo, almost like husband and wife in a way. They’re partners for life, they’re best friends, and they want the best, but they also see what’s wrong in the other person and get so frustrated with each other sometimes, but we kind of always come together, because we’re each other’s support system.” He continued, “They’re in their early 20s … sort of at the point in their lives where they should have things together, and everyone around them is getting married and they’re still, I think, clinging on to moments in their lives that brought them acceptance. And they’re really excited about this new documentary crew and having ‘the movie people’ around and feeling seen.” When asked about his and Holmes’s individual characters, he added, “Shrub is, I’d say, more of the feminine to Kelly’s masculinity, which I think isn’t seen a lot on TV. Shrub is sort of the sensitive, artistic, detail-oriented control freak, and Kelly is the no-idea-is-a-bad-idea, throw-everything-at-the-wall-and-see-what-sticks one. And I think their dynamic is very much that they love each other but fight a lot. They cover each other’s gray spots in all the right ways, and they are desperately, desperately trying to find connection and a place where they fit. They’re absolute underdogs, and they’re always looking out for each other.” Underdogs, indeed. Each and every one of ‘em. AND Jaime Pressly ( My Name is Earl ) has joined season two as realtor and OG Flatch native, Barb Flatch . SHE is nothing short of hysterical and is the perfect addition to this little gem of a sitcom, which I hope has many more seasons to come. Courtesy of FOX So, I recommend adding some Flatch to your weekly musings. Yeah, there might be some cheesy jokes or moments that lag, but if you’re not wound too tight, you just might find yourself giggling at every little thing. Like we do at my house. Welcome to Flatch, everybody! Episodes drop Thursdays on Hulu and air the same night on Fox at 8 PM EST. 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

Chill Fest 2024 unquestionably lives up to its name and is an incredible opportunity to hear local music and support the community’s young musicians. < Back Chill Fest 2024 Music and Arts Festival Bud Gambrell Jan 25, 2024 Share Chill Fest 2024 unquestionably lives up to its name and is an incredible opportunity to hear local music and support the community’s young musicians. The inaugural Huntsville Winter music and arts festival known as Chill Fest 2024 happened on Saturday, January 13, in downtown Huntsville, Alabama. Presented by The Quantaphonics in partnership with Huntsville Music Scene, Downtown Huntsville, and The Camp at MidCity, the festival’s sole purpose is to help area families access quality music education by raising funds for the Huntsville City Schools band programs. Chill Fest Music and Arts Festival unquestionably lived up to its name and was successful in establishing itself as an incredible opportunity to support the community's young musicians and enjoy some fantastic music. Chill Fest was originally scheduled for early December, but it was postponed due to the threat of severe weather. When I learned about it, I remember wondering what an outdoor music event in January would be like in North Alabama, even though it’s in the South. Generally, mid-January is quite chilly and is sometimes susceptible to Winter storms of ice and snow. Luckily, any snow and ice held off until after the festival. When I arrived at the event location, it was 42 degrees, and by the time I left, the temperature had plummeted to near freezing. Chill Fest occurred at The Camp at MidCity , and I must say I was thoroughly impressed with the amount of effort that went into organizing this event. Apart from a spacious performance stage, there was also an artist market, food trucks, and games to keep the children entertained. To add to the excitement, local brewery Straight to Ale canned a special "Chill Out" beer exclusively for the event. Music entertainment was, of course, the main attraction of the day. All music was performed by talented local artists, such as Mae C. Jemison and Columbia High School Bands. The local bands that took the stage included Rocket Harmony, Huntsville Drumline, Wade Brown, You Gene Write, Element XI, Them Damn Dogs, Dave Anderson, Trevor Lee featuring DJ PrimeTime256, and event organizers The Quantaphonics. One would expect an event titled Chill Fest to be, well, chill, and this event didn’t disappoint. Despite the cold weather, it was clear that the organizers succeeded in creating a family-friendly environment. However, it was more than that: There was a palpable sense of camaraderie and fellowship that pervaded the entire event. It felt like everyone there was in a great mood, and I felt like I either knew or would soon get to know everyone in attendance. For those of you who are in or around Huntsville, I highly recommend keeping an eye out for the announcement of Chill Fest 2025. Put on some gloves and thick socks, and head over to enjoy this fantastic event. It can't get any better than this. You get to spend time outdoors, listening to great music and bonding with fellow attendees. And the best part is that the event supports music for children, so you get to have fun while contributing to a good cause. “I couldn’t have asked for a better inaugural festival,” said event organizer and lead singer of The Quantaphonics Leon Jordan. “The community showed up and showed out! We learned a great deal throughout the process of hosting a music/arts festival, and we plan on continuing our efforts for years to come. Chill Fest is here to stay to aid not only our Huntsville youth in music but also the small business owners and artists of Alabama.” For further information on Huntsville’s Winter music and arts festival, visit www.quantaphonicsband.com CHILL FEST — Quantaphonics *All photos by Bud Gambrell with Dragonfly Imagery www.dragonflyaerialimagery.com Dragonfly Aerial Imagery Dragonfly Aerial Imagery is a locally owned and operated photography business in North Alabama. Call or email us today for an appointment. www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Previous Next

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

The Enigma of Depression Through a Rose-colored Lens < Back Everything’s Poetic: David Donihue Erica Machen Mar 25, 2024 Share The Enigma of Depression Through a Rose-colored Lens In a world where we are drowning in society's lies about mental health, yet we thirst for those words to be substantiated, David Donihue poetically expresses a cyclic refrain emblematic of the empathetic souls of our time in "Everything's Poetic.” David showcases a resilient determination to find meaning and beauty in life despite adversity and mental health struggles. Bringing the poem to cinematic life, David has provided his readers—and YouTube followers—with a profound visual experience. Who knew invisibility could be so expressive? Without giving away too much, I'll limit my details here, but check out the video. The repetition of the phrase "This is the most depressed I’ve ever been," followed by reflections on past instances of depression, reflects a pattern of struggle with mental health. While acknowledging one’s own mistakes and the pain inflicted by others, he also expresses a longing for life to be meaningful and poetic, even amidst an endemic sense of despair. David also explores the idea that everything can be seen through a poetic lens, especially for those who are empathetic and introspective. He finds beauty in empathy and in understanding others' struggles and traumas. Maybe that poetic lens is rose-colored, but the understanding he seems to find is entirely bittersweet. There's a sense of unity and acceptance in David's poem as he acknowledges the diversity of human experiences, from "the hurting and the healers" to "the homos and the breeders," suggesting that despite differences, there is beauty and poetry in every life story. Ultimately, this is surely a celebration of resilience and the ability to find beauty and meaning in the midst of pain and chaos. It encourages embracing empathy, honesty, and a willingness to love life even in the face of adversity. David's raw honesty truly sets the tone for a remarkable poem full of thought and character. We recommend you check out more from this insightful poet and you can do so by clicking one of the links below. www.daviddonihue.com Facebook Instagram YouTube TikTok 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

Extraordinary < Back Funny, Filthy, and Full of Superpowers Keeley Brooks Feb 17, 2023 Share Extraordinary In an age of urgency and digital content overload, sifting through available titles on different platforms searching for something new to watch can be super frustrating and time consuming. Lucky for you, I’m a bit of a content hooker and am here to kind of help narrow down some of those titles for you by bringing you some of my personal recommendations. This past weekend, while taking a breather from binge-watching MTV’s “Teen Wolf,” I decided to jump over to Hulu and see what’s up with one of their new shows, a comedy series called “Extraordinary.” And I’m glad I did, because I spent the next few hours bingeing season one, giggling, laughing out loud, and falling in love with everything about it. “Extraordinary” is British superhero comedy about a hopeful but desperate girl in her mid-20s adrift in a big ol' confusing world. She’s skating on thin ice at her retail gig, is sexually frustrated, and is anxious about the fact she doesn’t have much to show for her young-adult life thus far. Oh, and it takes place in a world where everyone gets a superpower on their 18th birthday. Some people can walk through walls (or over them). Other people can fly. Some people wear eye patches because their superpower is getting other people to tell the truth. Others have super-human strength or the ability to shapeshift or move through objects or teleport. There’s even a character known as “the jizz guy” simply because he holds the power to make any living being—even a cat—have an orgasm if he touches them at all, in any way. I’d really love to be able to gift you the scene of the cat having an orgasm because it’s hilarious, but I couldn’t find it online. I can tell you it’s in the beginning of episode two, though! So, everyone gets a superpower on their 18th birthday, except for our main character Jen; she’s been waiting for six years to find out what hers is. Her life and what that’s like for her is our main storyline, and it’s quite an entertaining one. Jen lives with her BFF Carrie and Carrie’s boyfriend, Kash. Carrie can channel dead people, and Kash can turn back time at least a few minutes, but he uses it to do shit like rewind time to make sure Jen doesn’t see him in a costume that says “SUPER COCK” on it. He also prefers to create a group of vigilantes over getting an actual job. Jen also has a cat named Jizzlord, who is actually a dude unable to figure out how to control when and where he takes on cat form. He’s been stuck in cat form for three years and as a result has forgotten a lot about human life. The show has some pretty big laughs, some moments that are tender and sweet, and it offers up a unique take on the whole superpower thing. Having a superpower isn’t as big a deal in this world, and that sets up an entirely different vibe than most superhero content we’ve seen. The gag is that most people use their powers for dull, often selfish reasons. With an entirely English cast, “Extraordinary” is created by Emma Moran and season one has eight 30-40-minute episodes you can get lost in for a little while. Enjoy, my friends. *Quick side note: I also recommend getting into the “Teen Wolf” series. I have a thing for werewolves, and this one is really great, especially once you get past some of the young-adult stuff, and it boasts a great storyline, some pretty awesome werewolves that are cleverly designed, a good bit of blood and gore, and some super-cool fight scenes. The wolf fights are a-plenty! Plus, Dylan O’Brien of the “Mazerunner” movies is hysterical and absolutely perfect as Scott’s best friend Stiles. He’s a bit different from the Stiles most of us were introduced to in the 80s movie “Teen Wolf,” though. I haven’t seen him surfing on the top of any vans through the middle of town ... yet. Here, he's very smart and funny, especially with piecing things together and helping his cop dad solve different crimes. He’s very analytical. O’Brien also is reminiscent of the very funny Jim Carrey. Not only does he favor him in appearance, but he also favors Carrey in his ability to make people laugh. He adds a touch of levity to every single scene. You can find all six seasons streaming on Hulu and on Paramount Plus. Then, when you finish that, go watch the new "Teen Wolf" movie that released recently; it's streaming on Paramount Plus. You’re welcome. www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

The Gosh Darn Dangs bring the Hammond community together with their soulful tunes. < Back Southern Happenings: Meet The Gosh Darn Dangs Rian Nickels Jun 7, 2024 Share The Gosh Darn Dangs bring the Hammond community together with their soulful tunes. Take a stroll with me as I look back on my magical evening of May 10th, 2024, when I had the pleasure of experiencing The Gosh Darn Dangs , a beloved local band from Louisiana, busking on the vibrant streets of Downtown Hammond. I want to take a moment to introduce the (at the time members) of the band: Leading the way was Mike, the band's founder and charismatic lead vocalist, who occasionally added a soulful touch with his harmonica. Lexy added a unique charm to the group, whose enchanting harp melodies and vocals provided a delicate and captivating layer to their sound. Keeping the rhythm steady and dynamic was Tim, the talented drummer whose beats infused the performance with energy and drive. Rounding out the ensemble was Jake, the bassist whose deep grooves and harmonious vocals added depth and richness to the band's musical tapestry. Completing the lineup was Kris, the skilled guitarist whose riffs and vocals added a powerful and harmonious vibe to their performance. Credit: Rian Nickels The adventure began at PJ's Coffee , located at the bustling corner of West Thomas Street and North Magnolia Street. Here, the band gathered for some last-minute instrument tuning and practice. Watching them prepare for their performance felt like a rare privilege, a behind-the-scenes glimpse into their world of music. With instruments finely tuned and spirits high, we set off down West Thomas Street, searching for the perfect spot to share their music. The lively atmosphere of downtown Hammond, with its charming streets and buzzing nightlife, provided the ideal backdrop. The anticipation grew with every step as the band and their followers sought the perfect place to set up and play. Credit: Rian Nickels When they reached their first stop, the sidewalk outside the beloved local bar Benny's Place , they had to change their plans out of charming respect for the skillful jazz players performing across the street at Mariner's Inn . Undeterred, they continued their stroll through the brightly lit streets until we arrived at the heart of Hammond's latest addition, Railroad Park . The city center was the perfect place to begin truly. Equipped with a well-lit stage, bench seating, and ample room for people to gather, it offered an ideal setting for the performance. Here, the band launched into their melancholic tunes, including " Going 100mph in a 30mph Zone ," a poignant song about the trials and tribulations of youth and the journey toward adulthood. The atmosphere was warm and cozy, but after a complete set, they only got a few passersby, so they returned to Hammond's busy sidewalks! Credit: Rian Nickels As we walked from the Railroad Park to our next destination, The Gosh Darn Dangs did a cover of “ Scott Pilgrim vs. My GPA ” by Midwest Emo band Mom Jeans . The harmonies bounced and echoed off the tall downtown buildings until they landed across from a locally cherished bar, The Red White and Brew . The calming riffs and strums drew the attention of the bar patrons, even from across the busy street. After incredibly relatable songs like “ I’m Not Gonna Die Today ,” the band started to build an audience of late-night strollers and bargoers. Credit: Rian Nickels As each song ended, the intimate audience cheered. When asked about the origins of the song “ I’m Not Gonna Die Today ”, lead vocalist Mike Spoon said, “ Writing this song was a turning point for me. Getting it out in music form helped me understand myself better and set me on the path to having a better attitude about things. It's a journey I am still taking. So, in a way, this isn't a sad song. It's kind of like the dark cloud just under the silver lining. We all must go through it in our way. ” Credit: Rian Nickels The contrast between live music in a dedicated venue and busking on the streets is profound, rooted in the unique connection fostered between musicians and their audience. While a venue encapsulates sound within walls and confines emotions to a designated space, the experience of street performances allows emotions to ripple through the open air, touching everyone in its path. That night, The Gosh Darn Dangs’ music brought a piece of the community of Downtown Hammond together to enjoy a night of soulful tunes, and it reminded me that our time on Earth is limited, so we need to experience all there is out there just once. To learn more about the The Gosh Darn Dangs , just hit one of the links below. Facebook The Gosh Darn Dangs (@thegoshdarndangs) • Instagram photos and videos *cover photo by Rian Nickels rianmusicjpeg.myportfolio.com Rian Haynsworth www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Rian Nickels is a total music junkie. Do you have a show you’d like her to review? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Previous Next

Stream this NOW! < Back Halloween with a Horror Master: Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities Keeley Brooks Oct 4, 2022 Share Stream this NOW! There are many masters of horror out there and topping the list for nearly two decades has been Mexican filmmaker Guillermo del Toro. With top nods under his hat like Blade II , Hellboy & Hellboy II: The Golden Army, and Pacific Rim , he’s perhaps best known for upending the horror movie scene with 2006’s dark fantasy feature Pan’s Labyrinth . The master is fresh off the heels of last year’s Nightmare Alley , which is currently streaming on Hulu if you haven’t seen it, and he’s back this month on Netflix with his latest collective work of art, Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities . Curiosities is an eight-episode anthology series created, produced, and hosted by Del Toro. It will feature a slew of material he wanted to bring to audiences in a smaller format than the typical feature-length film. And, apparently, according to our sources, we can expect to see and hear many of the tales and anecdotes the filmmaker writes about in his memoir Guillermo del Toro Cabinet of Curiosities: My Notebooks, Collections, and Other Obsessions. Netflix calls the series a curated “collection of unprecedented and genre-defining stories meant to challenge our traditional notions of horror” by carefully selecting a variety of writers and directors to bring the tales to life. There’s a tale directed by The Babadook ’s Jennifer Kent, another led by Firestarter ’s Keith Thomas, and even originals written by H.P. Lovecraft with screenplays penned by Mandy co-writers Panos Cosmatos and Aaron Stewart-Ahn (you should totally see that movie if you haven’t yet, by the way; it’s some bloody, ass-whooping fun that includes one very badass Kevin James), and The Dark Knight wordsmith himself, David S. Goyer. With such a variety of talent in the mix, on top of having del Toro at the helm, there’s absolutely no way these terrifying tales won’t stick with you like. Kind of like that moment in Nope when we had the big reveal: everyone lost their shit. Me included. I will never look at clouds the same way again. Ever. The collection also features a slew of your favorite actors, from Tim Blake Nelson ( O’ Brother, Where Art Thou? ), Andrew Lincoln ( The Walking Dead ), and F. Murray Abraham ( Mythic Quest ) to Rupert Grint ( Servant ), Ismael Cruz Cordova ( Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power ), AND, one my actor-comedian faves, DJ Qualls ( Supernatural , Road Trip ), among other well-knowns. Sounds pretty righteous, right? It is! Mostly. Here’s the rub: rather than all eight episodes dropping at the same time, which is pretty standard for Netflix, Cabinet of Curiosities will drop two at a time over three days as part of a special Netflix & Chill’s Halloween Event. Even still, that’s not so bad. The first two episodes of the series will be available at midnight on Tuesday, October 25, with subsequent episodes premiering two at a time over the next three days. All eight episodes will be available to watch globally on Friday, October 28, just in time for Halloween weekend. If you haven’t seen the official trailer, which, I have to say, offers up quite a cozy Gothic feel with some horrifically beautiful but frightening monsters, you can watch it here . You’re welcome. www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

What's streaming in May < Back New Arrivals on Your Favorite Platforms Keeley Brooks Apr 27, 2023 Share What's streaming in May Ah, May—my favorite month, and not just because it’s my birthday. May means gearing up for the summer and with that comes a whole barrage of fresh new shows to stream. And there are plenty, including a new Michael J. Fox movie, Sly Stallone documentary, a new Schwarzenegger movie, some true crime, some comedy, and more reality shows. Here’s a look at the new content dropping on some of your favorite platforms this month. HBO & HBO Max Love & Death – This new series released April 27, but it’s worth mentioning in May. Here’s why you’re gonna want to watch it, especially if you’re true-crime story obsessed. Starring Elizabeth Olsen ( WandaVision ), the show centers on small-town Texas housewife Candy Montgomery (Olsen), who murdered her friend Betty Gore (Lily Rabe, American Horror Story ). Candy was having an affair with Betty’s husband Alan, played by Jesse Plemons ( Game Night ), and shortly after they called off their relationship, Betty was found dead. The series is written by David E. Kelley, the big brain behind Big Little Lies and The Undoing . Now streaming on HBO and HBO Max White House Plumbers – Justin Theroux ( Mosquito Coast ), Domhnall Gleeson ( The Patient ), Kiernan Shipka ( Mad Men ), Lena Headey ( Game of Thrones ), and Woody Harrelson ( Zombieland ) star in this new five-part drama exploring how President Nixon’s own political saboteurs, Watergate masterminds E. Howard Hunt and G. Gordon Liddy, inadvertently toppled the presidency. If you watched the Starz series Gaslit , you saw Julia Roberts slowly driven insane and drugged by Hunt and Liddy (and her husband) in her portrayal of Martha Mitchell, the outspoken wife of then-attorney general John Mitchell. She was the first person to signal Nixon’s involvement in the Watergate break-in. White House Plumbers premieres May 1 The Other Two , Season 3 – If you haven’t seen the first two seasons of this show, you absolutely should make the time to do so before rolling into the new season. This underrated comedy dives into what celebrity status can do to a family, following two older siblings of a Justin Bieber-type pop star and their Ellen Degeneres-esque mom (Molly Shannon). The story is created, written, and produced by former SNL co-head writers Chris Kelly ad Sarah Schneider. When 14-year-old ChaseDreams retires from pop stardom, the family’s situation becomes even more complicated as the 53-year-old matriarch gains fame with her own talk show, which leaves the two non-famous siblings feeling humiliated once again. It’s pretty funny and definitely worth a watch. Stars Ken Marino ( Party Down ), Wanda Sykes ( The Upshaws ), Brandon Scott Jones ( Ghosts ), Alison Rich ( The Goldbergs ), and Richard Kind ( The Watcher ). Streaming May 4 Angel City – This three-part documentary series goes behind the scenes and onto the pitch of the groundbreaking L.A.-based professional women’s soccer team, Angel City Football Club. It tells their origin story and showcases the passion and grit needed to build a franchise from scratch and blaze a bold trail in the world of professional sports. Arrives May 16 Love to Love You, Donna Summer – This portrait of the disco queen uses archival footage to give us a peek behind her mask. It follows Summer’s life and career. Debuts May 20 AMAZON PRIME Primo – From Freevee and Mike Shur, executive producer of Parks & Recreation and The Good Place , this new series follows a San Antonio teenager balancing college aspirations, societal expectations, and a hectic home life anchored by his single mother and five uncles. Releases May 19 Jimmy O. Yang: Guess How Much – Most nerds, like me, know him as Jian Yang from the hit HBO series Silicon Valley , a shady Chinese app developer with a the driest, most hilarious sense of humor. But he has a real name and he’s also one damn funny stand-up comedian. He’s back with his second Amazon comedy special, so if you haven’t seen his first, Jimmy O. Yang: Good Deal , now’s a good time; you can find it on Prime Video. Debuts May 2 *Other comedy specials premiering this month: Tommy Little: Pretty Fly for a Dickhead (May 5) and Zarna Garg: One in a Billion (May 16) HULU A Small Light –A National Geographic limited series, it tells the inspiring, real-life story of Miep Gies, who played a critical role in hiding Anne Frank and her family during the Nazi occupation in Amsterdan. Streaming May 2 Class of ’09 –This suspense thriller follows a class of FBI agents set in three distinct points in time who grapple with immense changes as the U.S. criminal justice system is altered by artificial intelligence. The limited series spans multiple decades and is told across interweaving timelines as it examines the nature of justice, humanity, and the choice people make that ultimately define their lives and legacy. It stars Tayo, one of the most unorthodox agents to ever join the bureau, and Poet, one of the most successful undercover agents of all time. It also stars Kate Mara ( Fantastic Four ), Brian Tyree Henry ( Atlanta ), Brian J. Smith ( Treadstone ), and Jon Jon Briones ( Ratched ). Premieres May 10 The Locksmith – An expert locksmith is released from prison and pulled back into a world of crooked cops and small-town gangsters, despite the future he hoped to build with his ex-girlfriend, a detective, and their daughter. Starring Ving Rhames ( Mission Impossible franchise), Kate Bosworth ( Barbarian ), Ryan Phillippe ( Crash ), and Tom Wright ( Daisy Jones & the Six ). Drops May 13 White Men Can’t Jump – Hulu attempts to bring back the comedy film classic that originally starred Woody Harrelson and Wesley Snipes. If you haven’t seen the original, the story follows two ballers, who are total opposites and seemingly miles apart, as they find they have more in common than they ever thought possible. I’ve given you both trailers because I love you. Premieres May 19 The Secrets of Hillsong – Whoo, Lord. This story generated a lot of interest. The first documentary, Hillsong: A Megachurch Exposed , released in 2022 and explosively exposed the horrors that were going on in the church that attracted celebrity congregants like Justin and Hailey Bieber, Kevin Durant, and Kylie Jenner—namely sexual abuse, exploitation, and cover-ups. The Secrets of Hillsong is a four-part docuseries featuring interviews with former pastors Carl and Laura Lentz since their public ousting, as well as congregants still navigating the still-unfolding global reckoning as the megachurch faces a rash of new revelations. Premieres May 20 The Clearing – Based on J.P. Pomare’s best-selling thriller “In the Clearing”, this eight-part miniseries is a psychological thriller about one woman trying to stop a nightmarish cult that preys upon children in hopes of fulfilling a master plan. Before she can help anyone, though, she must face her own past. This looks to be the perfect amount of creepy, with too many identically dressed blonde kids and tension-evoking strings accompanying flashbacks and lush Australian footage. Stars Teresa Palmer ( A Discovery of Witches ), Guy Pearce ( A Christmas Carol ), and Miranda Otto ( Lord of the Rings ). Two-episode premiere May 24 Mayans M.C. – Man, I’m so bummed this series is ending. It continued my biker fix after Sons of Anarchy ended, so now that the spinoff is ending, what’s next? Both Charlie Hunnam (Jax Teller, SOA ) and Theo Rossi (Juice, SOA ) have both alluded to a possible SOA revival, but as of yet, there is no “official” word. A girl can dream, though. Mayans M.C. will have a 10-episode final season. If you’ve yet to tune in, the series follows the life of Ezekiel “EZ” Reyes (JD Pardo, The Twilight Saga ), president of the Mayans M.C. charter on the Cali/Mexi border. A former golden boy with the American Dream right in his hand, EZ has now risen to lead his brother and the Santo Padre M.C. in a bloody war against their rival M.C., the Sons of Anarchy. Streaming May 25 Prank Panel – Starring Gabourey Sidibe ( Precious ), Eric André ( Eric André Show ), and Johnny Knoxville ( Jackass movies), this irreverent series focuses on ordinary people who throw pranks at friends, family, and co-workers with a panel of the world’s best pranksters. Airs May 25 *Also premiering this month: Taste the Nation , Season 2 (May 5); The Great , Season 3 (May 12); Queenmaker: The Making of an It Girl (May 17); and The Kardashians , Season 3 (May 25) APPLE TV+ Silo – In a ruined and toxic future, a community exists in a giant underground silo that plunges hundreds of stories deep. Thousands live in the giant silo, and after its sheriff breaks a cardinal rule and residents die mysteriously, engineer Juliette (Rebecca Ferguson, The White Princess ) starts to uncover shocking secrets that lead to the truth about the silo and the regulations meant to protect them. Also stars Tim Robbins ( The Shawshank Redemption ) and Rashida Jones ( Office Space ). Debuts May 5 STILL: A Michael J. Fox Movie – Back to the Future favorite Michael J. Fox returns in this documentary featuring archival and scripted elements as the 80’s pop sensation recounts his life and career up to and beyond his devastating Parkinson’s Disease diagnosis. This is going to be emotionally excellent, so be sure to catch it when it drops; you won’t want to miss it. Streaming May 12 City on Fire – When a college student is shot in Central Park on July 4, 2003, the investigation starts to connect a series of mysterious citywide fires with the downtown music scene and a wealthy uptown real estate family fraying under the strain of the many secrets they keep. Stars Omid Abtahi ( The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 ), Chase Sui Wonders ( Bodies Bodies Bodies ), Wyatt Oleff (It Chapter Two ), John Cameron Mitchell ( The Sandman ), Nico Tortorello ( Scream 4 ), and Jemima Kirke ( Sex Education ). Releases May 12 High Desert – Patricia Arquette ( Severance ) is Peggy, a former addict who decides to make a new start by becoming a private investigator after the death of her beloved mother, with whom she lived in the small desert town of Yucca Valley, Calif. Also stars Christine Taylor ( Dodgeball ), Brad Garrett ( Wildflower ), Bernadette Peters ( The Good Fight ), and Matt Dillon ( Wayward Pines ). Premieres May 17 Platonic – When former (platonic) best friends Seth Rogen ( Pineapple Express ) and Rose Byrne ( Bridesmaids ) approach midlife and reconnect after a long rift, the duo’s friendship becomes more consuming and destabilizes their lives in this new rom-com. Airs May 24 PARAMOUNT PLUS King Charles: The Boy Who Walked Alone – An intimate, unique look at King Charles as close friends, confidantes, and former lovers share stories and personal letters that shed light on the man behind the crown. Debuts May 2 The Family Stallone – Sylvester Stallone peels back the curtain and offers direct access to his life with wife Jennifer Flavin ( Rocky V ) and daughters Sophia, 26, Sistine, 24, and 20-year-old Scarlet, who are absolutely beautiful. Catch the series May 17 PEACOCK Bupkis – I don’t know about you guys, but I sure do miss Pete Davidson being on SNL. His skit with Timothée Chalamet is still one of my all-time favorites. But here, Davidson is back on Peacock with his semiautobiographical comedy series, which features a heightened, fictionalized version of the American comedian’s life and an all-star cast of heavy hitters: Joe Pesci ( My Cousin Vinny ), Edie Falco ( Nurse Jackie ), Ray Romano ( Everybody Loves Raymond ), Brad Garrett ( Everybody Loves Raymond ), Simon Rex ( Saw ), Charlie Day ( It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia ), and Kenan Thompson ( SNL ). Streaming May 4 Menendez + Menudo: Boys Betrayed – This docuseries highlights a connection between José Menendez and Edgardo Dias that gives a new dimension to the Menendez brothers’ case. Roy Rosselló tells his story as a member of the famous boy band Menudo and finds new witnesses in his crusade for justice. Features in-depth interviews from people close to both cases and raises questions about child sexual abuse that extends for 30 years with no action or investigation from the authorities. As Roy seeks to change that, he is willing to go where needed to find voices who support him. Drops May 2 Rainn Wilson and the Geography of Bliss – Centers on host and intrepid traveler Rainn Wilson as he traverses the world searching for the secrets to the happiest and least happiest places on earth. Releases May 15 NETFLIX The Mother – Jennifer Lopez stars in this Netflix original movie about an assassin fleeing from dangerous assailants, who comes out of hiding to protect her daughter she left behind earlier in life. Also stars Paul Raci ( Perry Mason ), Gael García Bernal ( Mozart in the Jungle ), and Joseph Fiennes ( The Handmaid’s Tale ). Premieres May 12 Anna Nicole Smith: You Don’t Know Me – From director Ursula Macfarlane ( Untouchable ) comes an unflinching and humanizing examination of the life, death, and secrets of Vickie Lynn Hogan—better known as model and actress Anna Nicole Smith. From her first appearance in Playboy in 1992, Anna Nicole’s dizzying ascent was the very essence of the American dream, brought to a tragic halt with her untimely passing in 2007. With access to never-before-seen footage, home movies, and interviews with key figures who have not spoken out until now, this documentary reveals new insights into the story of the blonde bombshell hardly anyone really knew. Airs May 16 Victim/Suspect – Young women tell the police they’ve been sexually assaulted, but instead of finding justice, they’re charged with the crime of making a false report. Then, they’re arrested and imprisoned by the system they believed would protect them. Investigative journalist Rae de Leon uncovers and examines the patterns of young women being ignored by authorities. Streaming May 23 Sanctuary – This sport drama series tells the story of a sumo wrestler who is driven to the edge of a cliff and believes that money, a woman, and fame are all buried in the ring. Debuts May 4 Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story – The Bridgerton spinoff about the life of Queen Charlotte arrives May 4. Catch everything you need to know about it HERE . FUBAR – Arnold Schwarzenegger is back in this series about a C.I.A. operative on the edge of retirement who discovers a family secret and is called back into the field for one last job. Also stars Adam Pally ( The Mindy Project ), comedian Fortune Feimster ( Summer Camp Island ), Jay Baruchel ( How to Train Your Dragon ), Barbara Eve Harris ( The Amazing Spider-Man ), and Monica Barbaro ( Top Gun: Maverick ). Releases May 25 *Other titles premiering: Love Village (May 2), Jewish Matchmaking (May 3), Dance Brothers (May 10), Ultraman (May 11), Black Knight (May 12), Queer Eye , Season 7 (May 12), Xo, Kitty (May 18), Selling Sunset , Season 6 (May 19), The Ultimatum (May 24) www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

New titles streaming in December boast Reacher Season 2, Percy Jackson and the Olympians, and Marvel’s What If … ? < Back December 2023: What to Stream Keeley Brooks Dec 6, 2023 Share New titles streaming in December boast Reacher Season 2, Percy Jackson and the Olympians, and Marvel’s What If … ? Well, kiddos, it looks like the streaming pickins are slim again this month, but not too slim, and just in time for the big holiday break. If you’re a fan of Christmas content, you’re in luck because there’s plenty of that to go around. If you’re not a fan of said content, you’re still in luck because there are several new titles arriving to your favorite platforms. December sees the premiere of Reacher Season 2 and the new Percy Jackson adaptation, as well as the animated Marvel offering What If …? Here’s a list on the most noteworthy titles dropping in December. Culprits (Dec. 8 on Hulu) Who doesn’t love a good heist thriller? This British series follows a crew of experts who apparently pulled off a big job and have since scattered and taken on new identities while the heat of the robbery dies down. Only, they’re pulled back together when someone starts killing them off one by one. Starring Gemma Arterton ( The King's Man ) and Eddie Izzard ( The Lost Symbol ). The Crown (Dec. 14 on Netflix) Queen Elizabeth’s reign is coming to an end, and after the first half of Season 6 dropped in November, the second half is finally here to wrap things up. The final six episodes will pick up in the aftermath of Princess Diana’s unfortunate and untimely death and will follow the royal family as they try to pick up the pieces after her passing. If you're watching A Murder at the End of the World on Hulu, you'll recognize the actress playing Princess Di. Reacher Season 2 (Dec. 15 on Prime Video) With its healthy mix of an excellent cast, plenty of action, and an intellectually stimulating plot, Reacher Season 2 will no doubt be another success. When veteran military police investigator Jack Reacher (Alan Ritchson, of Blue Mountain State ) receives a coded message that the members of his former U.S. Army unit are being mysteriously and brutally murdered one by one, Reacher leaves his drifter lifestyle to reunite with former teammates and see what’s up. This season promises to be a hard hitter, so buckle up. Leo Reich: Literally Who Cares?! (Dec. 16 on HBO and Max) Gen Z, apparently your leader has arrived in British comedian Leo Reich. His one-man show is sure to let you know that being young is “literally so hard, guys.” Reich takes aim at his generation of loafers through jokes and song, where he also discusses victimized phone zombies and the decrepit, apocalypse-creating, election-rigging oldies who made his life so hard. (His words, mostly). Percy Jackson and the Olympians: Season 1 (Dec. 20 on Disney+) Based on the best-selling book series by Rick Riordan , Percy Jackson and the Olympians tells the fantastical story of a 12-year-old modern demigod who’s just coming to terms with his newfound divine powers when the sky god Zeus accuses him of stealing his master lightning bolt. With the help of his best friends Grover and Annabeth, Percy Jackson embarks on an adventure of a lifetime to find Zeus’s lightning bolt and restore order to Olympus. Rebel Moon – Part 1: A Child of Fire (Dec. 22 on Netflix) Finally, famed director Zack Snyder’s long-awaited franchise arrives this month. Hitting Netflix right before Christmas, this mega-budget sci-fi action flick is inspired by the works of Akira Kurosawa , the Star Wars films, and Heavy Metal magazines and will no doubt feature Snyder’s well-known slow-motion effects. When a colony on the edge of the galaxy finds itself threatened by the armies of the tyrannical Regent Balisarius, they dispatch a young woman with a mysterious past to seek out warriors from neighboring planets to help them take a stand. Rebel Moon boasts big names like Charlie Hunnam ( Sons of Anarchy ), Michiel Huisman ( The Haunting of Hill House ), Djimon Hounsou ( Black Adam ), Sofia Boutella ( Kingsman: The Secret Service ), and Ray Fisher ( Zack Snyder’s Justice League ). Rebel Moon – Part 2 will be out in April 2024. What If … ?: Season 2 (Dec. 22 on Disney+) Though the Marvel fandom seems to be cooling off a bit these days, there’s one title in the MCU hoping to heat things back up. Providing standalone thrills (somewhat) safely disconnected from the larger MCU narrative, this animates series reimagines characters and familiar scenarios in fun, intriguing new ways. Season 2 boasts a batch of new stories following Hela, Korg, Black Panther, and more. Letterkenny Season 12 (Dec. 26 on Hulu) Pitter patter, let’s get at ‘er, dammit! One last time, at least. The cult Canadian sitcom created by (and starring) Jared Keeso returns for its final season at the end of this month. This beloved rural community features hicks, hockey players, emo-goths, and other eccentrics as they happily live out their days making bawdy jokes and engaging in lightning-fast wordplay. Season 12 sees the small town contend with a comedy night at Modean’s, a country music hit, the Degens’ bad influence, a new nightclub, and an encore at the Ag Hall. Happy watching, and Happy Holidays, my friends. 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

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

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

Here are some of the hottest titles streaming on your favorite platforms this month! < Back Streaming in September Keeley Brooks Sep 11, 2023 Share Here are some of the hottest titles streaming on your favorite platforms this month! It’s a little late, yes, I know, but better late than never, right? In case you're wondering what the biggest titles streaming this month are, I've got you covered. We get a little horror, just in time for Fall, a little fantasy, a little action, and some drama. Here's a roundup of the hottest streaming titles releasing this month on some of your favorite platforms. AMERICAN HORROR STORY: DELICATE Sept. 21 on Hulu Let me be the first to confirm the rumors: Yes, Kim Kardashian co-stars in a dramatic role alongside AHS regular Emma Roberts ( We’re the Millers ) and franchise newcomer Cara Delevingne ( Suicide Squad ). For the first time, an AHS season is based on a novel—“ Delicate Condition ” by Danielle Valentine. The longest running hour-long series in FX history, American Horror Story: Delicate follows a gripping thriller about an actress, played by Roberts, who becomes convinced that a sinister figure is going to great lengths to make sure her pregnancy never happens. “Delicate Condition” has been called a feminist update to " Rosemary’s Baby ", which shocked and horrified audiences when it hit bookshelves in 1967, then the big screen in 1968. Kardashian reportedly has a “fun, stylish, and ultimately terrifying role” in what the season’s sole writer and showrunner Halley Feiffer calls “ambitious and unlike anything we have ever done.” American Horror Story: Delicate will first air on FX, then stream the next day on Hulu. While part one releases this month, there’s no word yet on when part two will premiere. Am I the only one who hates when networks do that crap? AHS spinoff American Horror Stories will also return with a four-episode Halloween event on Oct. 26 on Hulu. American Horror Story: Delicate premieres Sept. 21 on Hulu. GEN V Sept. 29 on Prime Video To answer your question, yes—this is the spin-off series of the crude hit Prime Video production The Boys . Gen V is already off to a strong start, in my opinion, with star Lizzie Broadway ’s announcement that, “It’s gonna be a rollercoaster. It’s gonna be filled with blood, guts, and everything else.” Continuing in the dark and twisted world of The Boys , Gen V takes us to Godolkin University, America’s only elite college exclusively for superheroes. The irreverent series explores the lives of hormonal, competitive “Supes” as they put their physical, sexual, and moral boundaries to the test. Hailed in the media as part college show and part Hunger Games , Gen V looks to have all the heart, satire, and raunch of The Boys . It's college life with a super-powered twist and all the vicious competition we’ve come to know and love. As students navigate academics and popularity, they soon realize their campus hides a darker agenda. Gen V looks to be every bit as gritty as The Boys —possibly even worse in some respects. But hey, at least there's no Homelander here to make our stomachs turn, right? ONE PIECE Streaming on Netflix In what is being called “the best Netflix adaptation of any anime/comic series” by several reviewers on IMDb , One Piece is a fantasy adventure TV series that’s a live-action adaptation of the ongoing 1997 Japanese manga series. Monkey D. Luffy and his pirate crew explore a fantastical world of endless oceans and exotic islands in search of the world’s ultimate treasure to become the next Pirate King. I’ll admit, I don’t know squat about anime or manga, so I can’t tell you anything other than what’s already out there about the show: It involves mythic treasure, powerful pirates, and a legendary crew, and the consensus is it’s magnificent. And from the looks of the trailer, I believe it. One Piece definitely found its way into my queue. In case you’re wondering, no—you do not need to know any backstory or history to enjoy Netflix’s live-action adaptation. One Piece is currently streaming on Netflix. POWER BOOK IV: FORCE, Season 2 Sept. 1 on Starz Ole Tommy Egan ( Joseph Sikora , of Ozark ) just can’t keep himself out of trouble, and with the return of Season 2, his sights are set on taking over the streets of Chicago, looking to avenge his sidekick Lilliana (Audrey Esparza, of Blindspot ), but first, he will have to contend with various crime syndicates like the Serbians, the Flynns, CBI and Miguel Garcia, a hardcore drug boss we haven’t met yet. Season 1 introduced Tommy to his newfound blood family and put him in a complicated position where he’s forced to make some difficult decisions. Will he make those tough decision or resort to the familiar? Power Book IV: Force is currently airing on Starz. THE CHANGELING, Season 1 Sept. 8 on Apple TV Plus Um, whoah. The first three episodes of Apple TV’s new fairy tale-horror series The Changeling , which dropped Sept. 8, were excellent. They methodically sucked viewers right into their mystery, focused on one man’s encounters with strange new realities as he slowly loses his sanity on a nightmarish journey to find his missing wife. While Apollo (LaKeith Stanfield, of Atlanta ) and Emma (Clark Backo, of Letterkenny ) started out grounded and deeply in love, everything changed after the birth of their first child … Emma changed. Yes, post-partum depression is there, but something else is festering, too, and we aren’t sure what it is. I won’t be a jerk and tell you what happens, but I will go so far as to say Emma mysteriously vanishes not long after giving birth, first mentally, then emotionally, then physically into thin after doing some crazy shit and committing a horrific act. The Changeling is based on a 2017 fantasy horror novel of the same name by American author Victor LaValle . Noting the horror novel’s significant contribution to the genre, American contemporary horror author John Langan said of The Changeling that while yes, it’s a fairy tale, it isn’t the traditional “sanitized and moralistic” take: “[It] flips the script of so many narratives of the fantastic and draws instead on Scandinavian folklore.” THE CONTINENTAL: FROM THE WORLD OF JOHN WICK Sept. 22 on Peacock In the world of John Wick where there exists a layered society of crime lords with a strict hierarchy, The Continental is an exclusive chain of hotels around the world that serves as a neutral ground for members of the assassin underworld. The three-part event series explores the origins behind The Continental through the eyes of a young Winston Scott, who was played by the iconic Ian McShane ( American Gods ) in the John Wick films but is played by Colin Woodell ( The Flight Attendant ) in the TV series. As we follow debonair hotel proprietor Winston Scott's rise to power, The Continental: From the World of John Wick dives deep into the hellscape of 1970s New York City and into Winston’s murky past to reveal how he ascended to one of the High Table’s most trusted key positions. In addition to Woodell, The Continental: From the World of John Wick also stars Mel Gibson ( Braveheart ), Ray McKinnon ( Sons of Anarchy ), Ben Robson ( Animal Kingdom TV series), and Mishel Prada ( Riverdale ). Three 90-minute episodes air weekly starting Sept. 22 with a finale airing Oct. 6. Will it be worthy of the John Wick universe? We shall see. THE MORNING SHOW, Season 3 Sept. 13 on Apple TV Plus In what has turned out to be a really good, dramatic Apple TV series, The Morning Show shines a blinding light on what it’s like in the workplace of an early morning network TV station … okay, probably any news station. While it appears to be exciting and salacious, it also seems like it sucks (no pun intended) in some pretty big ways. Also, we all owe a huge thank you to the people who make early morning television happen, especially the women. So, in the first season of The Morning Show , top morning news anchors Alexandra “Alex” Levy (Jennifer Aniston, of Friends ) and Mitch Kessler (Steve Carell, of The 40-Year-Old Virgin ) see their on-screen “marriage” unravel when he is accused of sexual misconduct in the workplace and forced off the show. As Alex denies knowing what Mitch has been doing and fights to retain her job, she’s paired with a mouthy, impulsive field reporter plucked from obscurity, Bradley Jackson (Reese Witherspoon, of Legally Blonde ), whose hasty decisions on air invite some trouble for the network. Ultimately, some shocking stuff happens, and Alex leaves the show. Season 2 sees the network CEO (Billy Crudup, of Hello Tomorrow! ) attempt to convince Alex to return to The Morning Show just as the COVID-19 panic sweeps the country … and the show itself. We also follow Bradley through her identity crisis. Season 3 promises to be much juicier and sexier, picking up two years later, in March 2022, with Jon Hamm ( Mad Men ) showing up as an Elon Musk-type entrepreneur with a lot of capital to spare, which has Crudup’s character salivating. Really, if you haven’t watched it yet, you should tune in. The Morning Show 's Season 3 airs Sept. 13 on Apple TV Plus. THE OTHER BLACK GIRL Sept. 13 on Hulu This series has some serious Get Out (2017) vibes around it, and I couldn't be more anxious to check it out. Based on the electric debut novel by Zakiya Dalila Harris , The Other Black Girl follows Nella Rogers (Sinclair Daniel, of Insidious: The Red Door ) as the only Black person working at an all-White New York-based publishing company, Wagner Books. When another Black woman, Hazel-May McCall (Ashleigh Murray, of Riverdale ), is hired as an editorial assistant, Nella is excited to have a new friend but soon finds herself sidelined as Hazel is elevated to office darling, leaving Nella in the dust. When Nella soon starts receiving anonymous notes ordering her to leave the company, she begins to suspect that Hazel isn’t exactly what she seems, and thus begins the search for answers to questions concerning both Hazel’s and Wagner Books’ dark pasts. The Other Black Girl debuts Sept. 13 on Hulu. THE WHEEL OF TIME Sept. 1 on Prime Video The epic saga The Wheel of Time , based on Robert Jordan ’s fantasy series of the same name, returns for Season 2, which is reportedly based on Jordan’s second and third books of the series, “ The Great Hunt ” (1990) and “ The Dragon Reborn ” (1991). As the world is falling apart, our Wheel of Time heroes find themselves divided. Rand al'Thor (Josha Stradowski, of High Flyers ) thought he'd vanquished the Dark One, but evil persists and new threats emerge. As young heroes from the Two Rivers find themselves scattered across the world, they're left without their original guide and must look elsewhere for strength. Egwene (Madeleine Madden, of Picnic at Hanging Rock ) is now a novice hoping to work her way up from a lowly servant to Aes Sedai. As the Wheel turns toward the Last Battle, the stakes grow higher, forcing Rand and his friends to confront what's ahead. Good news: Amazon has already said Season 3 is in the works. The Wheel of Time 's Season 2 is currently streaming on Prime Video, with new episodes releasing on Fridays. THE WONDERFUL STORY OF HENRY SUGAR Sept. 27 on Netflix From acclaimed filmmaker Wes Anderson ( Asteroid City ) comes a quirky adaptation of Roald Dahl ’s beloved story about a rich man who learns about a guru who can see without using his eyes. He then sets out to master this extraordinary skill to cheat at gambling. Starring Benedict Cumberbatch ( Doctor Strange ) as Henry Sugar and Ralph Fiennes ( Harry Potter franchise) as Roald Dahl, the short film chronicles a variety of stories but will focus mainly on Henry Sugar, who is able to see through objects and predict the future with the help of a book he stole. The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar looks to be adventurous and fantastical, also starring Ben Kingsley ( Sexy Beast ), Richard Ayoade ( The Mandalorian series), and Dev Patel ( Slumdog Millionaire ). The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar releases in select theaters on September 20, then globally on Netflix September 27. Other Netflix titles streaming in September: Love Is Blind: After the Altar (Sept. 1), Disenchantment , the final season (Sept. 1), Scout’s Honor: The Secret Files of the Boy Scouts of America (Sept. 6), Top Boy , Season 3 (Sept. 7), Virgin River , Season 5 (Sept. 7), Selling the OC , Season 2 (Sept. 8), Wrestlers (Sept. 13), Love Is Blind , Season 5 (Sept. 22), Sex Education , the final season (Sept. 21), Spy Kids: Armageddon (Sept. 22), Castlevania: Nocturne (Sept. 28). WINNING TIME: THE RISE OF THE LAKERS DYNASTY HBO and HBO Max While HBO and HBO Max are adding a stack of AMC Plus titles to their service this month— Killing Eve, Fear the Walking Dead, Interview with the Vampire (Season 1), and A Discovery of Witches —it is slim pickins as far as new releases. However, if you’re looking for something newish to binge, Season 2 of HBO’s bio-drama series Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty is currently airing, features some stellar acting mixed with sex, drama, and basketball, and is definitely worth a watch. The series stars John C. Reilly ( Step Brothers ) as team owner Jerry Buss, Adrien Brody ( Succession ) as Pat Riley, Jason Clarke ( Oppenheimer ) as Jerry West, and Jason Segel ( Forgetting Sarah Marshall ) as Coach Paul Westhead. All of these guys do phenomenal jobs and mad props are given to the actors portraying the stars—namely newcomers Quincy Isaiah ( A Black Lady Sketch Show ) as Magic Johnson and Solomon Hughes, a total newbie to the scene, who plays Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Season 2 of Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty is currently airing on HBO and HBO Max. 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 Sludge Metal Legends Reunite for a Long-Awaited and Historic Performance. < Back Acid Bath’s Triumphant Return: A Night 28 Years in the Making Justin Hammer and Charles Sagona Apr 27, 2025 Share The Sludge Metal Legends Reunite for a Long-Awaited and Historic Performance. Friday night, the mythical Louisiana sludge metal legends Acid Bath returned to the stage, kicking off their reunion tour with a sold-out show at the Fillmore in New Orleans — their first performance in precisely 28 years . Credit: Justin Hammer Photography The current lineup features original members Dax Riggs (vocals), Sammy Duet (guitar), and Mike Sanchez (guitar), joined by Goatwhore's Zack Simmons on drums and Crowbar's Shane Wesley on bass . It's a blend of old blood and new energy , and from the moment they launched into the opening notes, it was clear this wasn't just nostalgia — Acid Bath came to reclaim their legacy. Dax Riggs by Justin Hammer Photography Acid Bath was one of Louisiana's most influential sludge metal bands in the 1990s , known for their unique blend of doom metal , punk , grunge , and Southern rock . The band was active from 1991 until 1997 , when they disbanded following the death of founding member and bassist Audie Pitre . After their final performance in Shreveport, Louisiana , on April 25, 1997 , it seemed to everyone, including the remaining band members, that this marked the end of an era and that their music would never be heard live again. Sammy Duet of Acid Bath by Justin Hammer Photography What makes Acid Bath 's return even more remarkable is how their legend status grew during their long dormancy. In their original run during the '90s, Acid Bath wasn't selling out venues like the Fillmore . They were packing into dive bars like Papa Joe's in Baton Rouge , Zeppelin's in New Orleans , and gritty all-ages shows in small-town halls like Gonzales, LA . Their glory days weren't measured in ticket sales , but in the cult following that quietly spread over the years, turning their two albums — When the Kite String Pops and Paegan Terrorism Tactics — into sacred texts of underground metal. In October 2024 , the Sick New World festival in Las Vegas announced its lineup, and to everyone's surprise, Acid Bath was included. However, shortly after the announcement, the festival was canceled. Despite this setback, more shows began to be organized, officially confirming the remarkable return of the iconic Louisiana band. Fast forward 28 years to the day: Acid Bath made their highly anticipated return to the stage at the Fillmore New Orleans on April 25, 2025 , performing to a packed and sold-out crowd. The show opened with an electrifying performance by Eyehategod , another iconic band from New Orleans and friends of Acid Bath 's members. Fronted by Mike Williams and featuring founding member Jimmy Bower from Down on guitar, Gary Mader on bass, and Aaron Hill on drums, Eyehategod set the stage with an incredible 45-minute set that energized the crowd. The biggest question lingering over the night: could Dax still deliver after three decades away? — was answered immediately. His voice was astonishing, shifting effortlessly from throat-shredding screams to hauntingly beautiful melodies , often within the same song. The years had done nothing to dull his dynamic range or emotional power. The audience was diverse , consisting of older fans who remembered seeing the band at their peak in the '90s, and younger attendees who were born well over a decade after the band disbanded. Acid Bath took the stage to a roaring, packed crowd. The moment's significance sank in as they began to play: Acid Bath was back. Looking over the audience, we could see everyone mouthing and singing along to their iconic songs, regardless of age, fully immersing themselves in this historic moment in music history . Immediately following ' Bleed Me an Ocean ,' the crowd couldn't contain their excitement and broke into chants of "Acid Bath! Acid Bath! Acid Bath!" Sammy grinned and told them, "Hey, y'all calm down — there's plenty more where that came from," which drew a giant pop. Sammy Duet of Acid Bath by Justin Hammer Photography Midway through the set, Sammy paused to ask the crowd, "Be honest — did you think this would ever happen again?" The thunderous "NO!" that followed said it all. The setlist , while powerful, leaned toward deeper cuts rather than expected anthems. Classics like ' The Blue ,' ' Cheap Vodka ,' ' Jezebel ,' and their traditional closer ' Cassie Eats Cockroaches ' were notably absent, leaving some fans both exhilarated and a little wistful. It wasn't a flawless performance. Early-show jitters led to a few songs being stopped and restarted. "Sorry," Sammy told the crowd after one hiccup. "You guys don't deserve this. Hold on — I just want to give you the best experience ever," before relaunching into a blistering rendition of ' Dr. Seuss Is Dead .' Sammy Duet of Acid Bath by Justin Hammer Photography But in the end , none of the minor missteps mattered. The sheer joy radiating from both the band and the audience was undeniable. It wasn't just a concert — a resurrection, a testament to how far their shadow had stretched while they were silent. This band has had a tremendous impact on the metal scene in New Orleans , and they continue to do so by selling out every show they announce within minutes. Their music resonates with younger generations, inspiring both local bands and fans. Even after being absent for 28 years, their influence remains significant. The merch line snaked through the venue, with fans waiting over an hour to score shirts, posters, and a piece of history. Acid Bath's long-dormant flame has been reignited, burning brighter than ever. Setlist: Tranquilized Bleed Me an Ocean Graveflower The Bones of Baby Dolls Dead Girl (Agents of Oblivion version) Old Skin New Death Sensation Venus Blue Scream of the Butterfly (dedicated to Audie Pitre) Paegan Love Song Dr. Suess is Dead Set List from 4.25.25 To learn more about Acid Bath: Website: The Official Acid Bath Website *All photos by Justin Hammer Photography Shop Photography Art | Justin Hammer Photography www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Reach out to us at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Next

Charlton Fine Art < Back Be Still My Beating Heart Keeley Brooks Apr 13, 2023 Share Charlton Fine Art I certainly do not know much about fine art, but I am a creative type, so I do know when I’m gazing upon something truly special. And, while all kinds of art speak to me on some level in some way, there are those moments when you view, read, watch, or listen to something that transcends awareness, then reaches right into the core of your being and snags hold of your soul. That is when you know something inside of you has met its counterpart in something else, and I met a piece of mine in the artwork of Melanie Charlton , owner of Charlton Fine Art . Melanie & Cheese (provided by artist) A few weeks ago, I opened Facebook and right there waiting in my feed was a gorgeous portrait of a Boston Terrier that took my breath away. See, I have a soft spot for Bosties because I have one. While my brain knew I was looking at a painting, my heart and eyeballs swore differently. The image was so lifelike and full of such heartfelt personality that I had to know more about the artist who painted it. Hailing from Alberta, Canada , Melanie Charlton is an absurdly gifted and completely self-taught contemporary artist with a heavily rooted focus on imaginative realism/surrealism. Painting since 2007 , her work reflects her genuine love and passion for animals and nature. She’s 100% a perfectionist, and each of her pieces reflect that. From dogs and elephants to farmhouses, winter streams, and dreamscapes, Charlton’s paintings are certainly worthy of lighted displays and glass cases. Art by Melanie Charlton Art by Melanie Charlton What makes her unique as a contemporary artist aren’t her subjects, though; it’s her … who she is. Melanie is kind and authentic, very gentle and deeply empathetic—a genuinely sweet soul, and those qualities are what come through most in her art. Her intentional, delicate touches of surrealism interweave with her style of realism and organically work together to capture not just the individuality of each subject but also each subject’s essence. Charlton’s images are captivating in the tiniest details, but don’t just take my word for it; see for yourself. This is Mickey, guys. Check out the fine detail and really spend some time looking into this sweet pup’s eyes, see what you notice. Then, check out my conversation with Melanie about her influences, her processes, and her love for dogs. Art by Melanie Charlton MaM : Melanie, thank you so much for taking some time away from your studio to chat with us and introduce yourself to our world. How were you introduced to art and by whom? MC : Memories of my mom painting at her easel still float around in my head. When I was very little, I was not allowed to touch her oil paints and things because she used [supplies] like turpentine but was totally exposed to her creative process. By the time I was in kindergarten, one of my favorite places was in the sun-filled corner of the classroom at the little easel. I can still smell the paint pucks! MaM : What impact did that have on you as a child? MC : My first experiences were out in Alberta , and those memories of my mother, mixed with my very vivid dreams (which always included animals and birds), impacted me deeply. I used to get teased by my family for not being able to distinguish my dreams from reality. [They used to say], ‘Oh look, she’s having a Melory again.’ A Melory is one of my memories that didn’t happen but is what [my family] called it. (laughs) My art has allowed me to think about things, and it allows me to create a space for my mind to work things out at my own pace [while] afford[ing] myself the peace and patience away from the rest of the world. My art has definitely helped me discover what I truly value in life. MaM : What specifically about art spoke to you? What drew you in (no pun intended)? MC : Ha ha, I’ve always been drawn to anything that creates an emotional response! The ability to capture a specific feeling or dream-like atmosphere always inspires me. It’s like looking for that little spark that stirs your inner soul when you see it. To create art that can be experienced is so satisfying. Art by Melanie Charlton MaM : Yes! That’s exactly what you do: create art that isn’t just seen, it’s also experienced on a deeply emotional level. What do you love most about imaginative realism/surrealism, and how do you convey that in your work? MC : Imaginative realism/surrealism has a lack of logic and an intensity that dives right into people’s personal thoughts and feelings. It’s honest and isn’t required to make sense. I think we all have a creative streak in us; however, our world teaches us to be practical and ignore our impulsive urges. If I think about how I convey this in my work, I laugh. The thought of a grown woman sitting down to paint a picture of someone’s dog, or a dream, is not practical, [nor is it] a serious line of work by today’s standards. Sometimes, I receive a funny response when I tell people I paint pet portraits but then sometimes, I meet people who love their animals so dearly—those are my people. The love and refuge we exchange with the soul of a pet is pure. MaM : Completely pure and unconditional. It’s so beautiful, and it’s very different than the love and refuge we exchange with other people, I think. Tell us about the four-legged babies in your life and what led you to paint them. MC : I was lucky enough to grow up in a household that had a dog named Joey. He was a big mixed breed with two dots for eyebrows. Very loving and very scared of thunderstorms. His death was the only time I saw my father cry, even though he tried to hide it from us. After Joey, we were lucky enough to get a dog breed my father had always wanted as a child: a Boston Terrier. Ernie was the runt of the litter but ruler of the household! I don’t think I experienced all the highs of love and the lows of loss until Ernie. Maybe I learned you can’t have one without the other and that I am fine with that and even respect it. Years later, after Ernie, I moved out and, of course, decided to get my own Boston Terrier, Maggie. She was with me 11 years and was the epitome of the world’s sweetest girl. She broke our hearts when she passed. Words don’t convey the love or the loss [I felt for her], and she was my first portrait. Time doesn’t heal, and I actually haven’t finished her main portrait, yet. I think it keeps her closer and that chapter open. The decision to get another Boston was made as my husband and I found ourselves chasing other Boston owners down on the street to meet their dogs. … Now, we’re the proud parents of our 10-year-old boy Toby, who is literally treated like royalty, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. MaM : Oh, I completely get that. My Bostie is, for sure, the Queen Elizabeth of our lives. Do you have a favorite painting of your own? If so, what is it and why? What does it represent for you? MC : After all [my] years of painting, I actually don’t have a favorite piece. I just see the personalities and can’t choose. I do like one of my work-in-progress pictures of my previous Boston Terrier, Maggie. It’s just her, and I feel her eternal connection. MaM : You hit the nail on the head. Eternal connection … that is exactly what your portraits provide. Those are the two words epitomizing your work. Do you ever do any live paintings? MC : Live paintings? Ahhhh! I cringe at the idea, as most of the time I [am] painting in my pajamas. (laughter) I can barely stand my own family coming into my art room until I’m happy with what I create. Maybe one day. I wish I could be more open, but I think sometimes it takes more than one attempt at working things out. I hold dear the time, space, and patience to focus on who [and what] I’m painting. MaM : How do you capture a pup’s (or animal’s) personality? And seriously, how do you get your paintings to look so life-like? Because viewing your work is like looking at live images. Your talent is truly breathtaking. Art by Melanie Charlton MC : Making them look real has taken years of experimenting with color, and I honestly feel like I am just starting to learn. One of my favorite books is ‘ Oil Painting Secrets from a Master ’ by Linda Cateura . Her book on David A. Leffel is superb on how to see light and color … painting the light and how it bounces off things and painting what you really see. For instance, when you look outside and see the snow, it’s white, right? Well, no. It’s pink, purple, blue, and everything in between. It is the same with white fur … and the same with the eyes. I love their eyes. I see the colors in them and know exactly how I want them. MaM : What do you get commissioned to do most? MC : Mostly, I get commissioned for Boston Terrier portraits. I was lucky enough that the breeder we got our Toby from was connected to a few Boston Terrier groups on Facebook and invited me in. Here and there, I received commissions of other breeds and honestly, I just feel very honored when asked. It’s such a personal request from a stranger, sometimes on the other side of the world! Love is always stronger, so I think it’s a good thing to be putting out in the world, and I really hope people feel that when they see my work. MaM : Of all the things to be putting out there in the world, love is where it’s at, for sure. We feel such tender love in your work. So, would you take us through your process when an idea strikes? MC : It is not very often that I draw my initial ideas on canvas or board to begin. Usually, I sketch out my concepts on paper first, refine them to exactly what I want, and then transfer them to the canvas or board using transfer paper. Art by Melanie Charlton Art by Melanie Charlton This avoids excessive erasing marks or muddying the paint, especially light colors with lead/charcoal. [It also avoids] creating a lovely sagging canvas. MaM : I sense some sarcasm there, ha ha. What are you currently working on, sans sagging canvas? (laughs) MC : Right now … I am actually working on the largest piece to date, which will be a wildlife Elk painting, 48 inches by 60 inches on a gallery-wrapped canvas, completed in oils. MaM : Wow. Nice. Are oils your preferred medium? MC : Oil paints are my favorite, as I find the layering can be infinite (good for correcting things), and they, of course, take longer to dry. I am really aiming for the Elk piece I’m working on right now to land between the real feeling[s] of being out in nature and in a dream, with deep vibrant color. Initially, I tried to paint with acrylics; however, they really limit the time you have with a piece because of drying times, and you really only get about three layers before they start destroying the piece. MaM : We’re sure your Elk piece will be stunning, and we can’t wait to see it! Your work embodies such warmth. It just embraces you as the viewer. We thank you so much for speaking with us. Before we go, we want to know: What are you currently watching? MC : I have to say, it has been a pleasure to answer your questions, and I also have to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the kind words about my work. MaM : Aw, well we mean every word! We’re glad you’re out there in the world sharing your gift with the rest of us. MC : For streaming things right now, we’ve been watching ‘Yellowstone.’ … I do like the unapologetic nature; however, I am huge fan of sci-fi and, of course, romance. Click here to see more of Melanie's work, or to have a piece commissioned, visit her online at www.CharltonFineArt.com . Then, connect with her on social media from her home page and show her some love! *images taken from artist website 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 Series to Check Out with Your Time Off < Back Holiday Binge Keeley Brooks Nov 23, 2022 Share Select Series to Check Out with Your Time Off If you read my recent article “Giggle ‘Til Your Heart’s Content,” hopefully you got some good recommendations to put on your list. No recommendation list is complete without film’s partner, streaming series. While there are plenty of new titles out there to watch (and our list of what released this month in our Stream This section), I figured I’d make it easy for you and give you some favorites to watch by category. So grab that blanket and settle in. You're welcome. ACTION Banshee – A 2013 Cinemax original series, this one is gorgeously shot and boasts extremely well-written characters wrapped in a fascinating story. Set in the small town of Banshee in Pennsylvania Amish Country, the show focuses on an enigmatic ex-con, who assumes the identity of the town’s local sheriff. Anthony Starr ( The Boys ) is a recently paroled master thief who assumes the identity of Sheriff Lucas Hood in Banshee, PA, where his former lover and, I must say, badass partner in crime relocated years ago and reinvented herself as Carrie Hopewell, the wife of the town prosecutor. Lucas attempts to reunite with Carrie and keep his past a secret, but then resumes his life of crime, even as he’s hunted by those he betrayed years earlier, including a mob boss who seeks revenge against Lucas and Carrie for the jewel heist that landed Lucas in prison. Also stars Ivana Milicevic, Tom Pelphrey ( Outer Range ), Hoon Lee ( Warrior ) and Frankie Faison (Marvel’s Luke Cage ). This series hands-down wins the award for Best Fight Scenes in a Series and for hosting some chicks who can both give and receive man-sized ass whoopins. With tomahawks and shit. Fights are so very real and bloody, they feel real. The entire story is so palpable, that you’ll find yourself just as drawn in as I was, and you’ll wind up binging it and wanting more. Streaming on Cinemax, HBOMax, Roku, Spectrum TV Kingdom – Frank Grillo ( The Purge movies) is Alvey Kulina, the owner of a mixed martial arts gym who trains a generation of fighters, including his sons Jay (Jonathan Tucker, Debris ) and Nate (Nick Jonas). Struggling to keep the gym afloat, the pressure is on for Alvey’s boys to come through before he loses everything. Features some fantastic drama, lots of MMA, and a very lovable Paul Walter Hauser ( Blackbird ). Also stars Matt Lauria ( Friday Night Lights ), Kiele Sanchez ( The Purge movies), and many other recognizable faces. Streaming on Amazon Prime COMEDY Resident Alien – A SyFy original, this one will have you giggling in every single scene. I love this show. Starring Alan Tudyk ( Rogue One ), who is one of the funniest men on the planet, plays an alien who crash lands on Earth and assumes the identity of extremely-small-town doctor Harry Vanderspeigle. His nefarious mission to kill all humans is threatened when he realizes one of the townspeople, a nine-year-old boy, can see his true alien form. Their relationship is hysterical and is one of the most loved aspects of the show. What starts out as a simple life gets rocky when he’s roped into solving a local murder and realizes he needs to assimilate into his new world and slowly begins to wrestle with the moral dilemma of his secret mission on Earth. Every relationship in this series will have you giggling and feeling great. Also stars Sara Tomko ( Journey to the Center of the Earth ), Alice Wetterlund ( Silicon Valley ), Corey Reynolds ( All American ), Levi Fiehler ( Glitch ), and Meredith Garretson ( Fosse/Verdon ). Streaming on Peacock Silicon Valley – This title you can find on HBO/HBOMax. A very funny series created by Mike Judge, it’s partially inspired by his experiences as a Silicon Valley engineer in the 1980s. This comedy follows the misadventures of introverted computer genius Richard (Thomas Middleditch) and his brainy friends as they attempt to strike it rich in a highly-tech gold rush. They live together in a Bay Area startup incubator loosely run by self-satisfied dot-com millionaire Erlich (T.J. Miller, Office Christmas Party ), who lets them stay in his house rent-free in exchange for a stake in the projects they invent there. But when Richard develops a powerful search algorithm at his day job, he finds himself caught in the middle of a bidding war between his boss, whose firm offers Richard an eight-figure buyout, and a deep-pocketed venture capitalist. Also features comedian Jimmy O. Yang, Zach Woods ( The Office, Avenue 5 ), Martin Starr ( Freaks and Geeks ), Kumail Nanjiani ( Chippendales ), and a slew of other talent. Streaming on HBO/HBOMax HISTORICAL DRAMA The Last Kingdom – Streaming on Netflix, this one’s a must-watch if you love Viking and Dane history. Five seasons follows the story of Uhtred, a Saxon child who saw his father and the Saxon army killed by Danes. That day, Danish warlord Earl Ragnar captured him and raised him in a Danish camp alongside fellow captive Brida, a sharp-tongued girl. Years later, he’s a valiant warrior who deals with another blow when his home is deliberately set on fire, killing his surrogate family, including his father-like figure Ragnar. Now exiled and alone, except for Brida by his side, Uhtred vows to avenge Ragnar’s death and reclaim his homeland. But he must choose between his birth country and the people who raised him, walking a dangerous path between the two sides if he is going to help birth a new nation and ultimately recapture his ancestral land. Stars a very sexy Alexander Dreymon ( American Horror Story ), David Dawson ( My Policeman ), Toby Regbo ( Reign ), and Emily Cox ( Jerks ). Streaming on Netflix Britannia – What started out as an Amazon Prime original was quickly acquired by EpixNow and is quite the hit. Set in 43AD as the Roman Imperial Army, led by General Aulus Plautius (David Morrissey, The Walking Dead ), invades Britain to crush the Celtic heart of Britannia. Determined to succeed where Julius Caesar failed, Aulus sets out to conquer this mythical land on the very end of the Roman Empire. Kerra (Kelly Riley, Yellowstone ), daughter of the king of the Cantii, is forced to put her differences with archrival Queen Antedia (Zoe Wanamaker, The Man Who Fell to Earth ) aside in order to unite the tribes and supposedly magical Druids and face their invaders. But General Aulus carries a secret that threatens to undermine the entire mission. Also stars Mackenzie Crook ( Pirates of the Caribbean ), David Bradley ( Harry Potter ), and Liana Cornell ( Wolf Creek ), and a host of other entertaining characters. Streaming on EpixNow HORROR/THRILLER Castle Rock, Season Two – A psychological-horror series set in the Stephen King multiverse that combines the mythological scale and intimate character storytelling of his works, weaving an epic saga of darkness and light played out on a few square miles of Maine woodland. Season Two has its own original storyline but is based on themes, characters, and ideas from King’s famous work, Misery . Lizzie Caplan stars as death nurse Annie Wilkes, years prior to Misery taking place. If you loved the movie, you’ll love this season of the series. Streaming on Hulu Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin – This title dropped on HBO/HBOMax several months back, and though I never watched Pretty Little Liars , I got sucked into this one. Rather different than the original series, this one follows a new generation of lying teens as they are stalked and tormented by a masked assailant. It has a surprisingly solid storyline and some pretty decent acting. I’d watch it again. Alright, my fellow content lovers. I hope you have an enjoyable holiday break full of good food and company and lots of good titles to stream. Enjoy. 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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What's Hot and Streaming in March < Back A Whole New Crop of Shows Keeley Brooks Mar 3, 2023 Share What's Hot and Streaming in March Ahh, Spring doth approacheth, my friends, and with it comes an entirely new crop of titles to explore, and take it from me, March has A TON in store—so much, in fact, I couldn’t even list it all here for you. What I did do, though, is take some sweet time to compile the hottest titles worth exploring. Here’s what’s dropping over the next few weeks. Succession, Season 4 – The Roy Family drama finally returns for its fourth and final season, which will deal with the conflict of the sale of media conglomerate Waystar Royco and the effects it has on the Roy family and their personal relationships. And don’t forget that huge decision Shiv's husband Tom (Matthew Macfayden) faces: Will he side with his powerful father-in-law Logan in the battle for company control, or will he side with his wife, who is against selling the company? The power struggle between the Roy siblings has shaped their industry since the beginning and has left fans dying to know what will unfold and how it will all play out. Premieres March 26 on HBO and HBO Max. Perry Mason, Season 2 – After a three-year hiatus, Matthew Rhys ( The Americans ) is back in rare form as famous hard-drinking private detective turned crusading lawyer Perry Mason. Now under new management, we see the show moving fully into the law world. In this gritty origin story set in Depression-era Los Angeles, he’s both ornery and horny as ever as he works to find justice in a world where corruption has taken over. Premieres March 6 at 9 p.m. on HBO and HBO Max. Daisy Jones and the Six – Adapted from author Taylor Jenkins Reid’s novel into a limited series, the story focuses on a successful rock band in the 1970s falling apart because of rocky relationships between some of its members—but no, it is not a biopic of Fleetwood Mac. Daisy Jones and the Six follows the band’s epic rise and fall, then picks up decades later when the Six finally reveal the truth about what really happened. Premieres March 3 on Prime Video. Chris Rock: Selective Outrage – In the platform’s first ever live-streamed event, Chris Rock takes the stage in this new stand-up special , sans any bitch slaps from Will Smith. Netflix will offer pre- and post-shows, featuring Ronnie Chieng, Leslie Jones, Deon Cole, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, JB Smoove, and Arsenio Hall. Airs March 4 at 10 p.m. on Netflix. Mae Martin: SAP – Also releasing a new stand-up special this month is Comedian Mae Martin, whom you might recognize from HBO’s The Flight Attendant or the Netflix series Feel Good . Premieres on Netflix March 28. School Spirits – This supernatural teen drama centers on main character Maddie, who finds herself dead and stuck in an afterlife limbo where she’s trapped in her high school. While no one else seems to be able to see her, she discovers a group of other teen ghosts also trapped at the school and they soon form a support group of sorts. As Maddie tries to solve her own murder, she must try to figure out a way beyond the limbo. Streaming March 9 on Paramount Plus. Murder Mystery 2 – Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston reunite as an ordinary couple who find themselves caught up in a thrilling investigation is this rom-com sequel to 2019’s Murder Mystery. They’re now both private detectives launching their own agency, who soon find themselves as the center of an international investigation when a friend is abducted. Streaming March 31 on Netflix. MH370: The Plane That Disappeared – Back in 2014, a plane with 239 people on board vanished into thin air from all radar. This docuseries delves deep into one of our greatest modern mysteries: Flight MH370. Lands on Netflix March 8. Rabbit Hole – A new spy series is here, if that’s your thing. Kiefer Sutherland is James Weir, a private espionage operative who finds himself in the midst of a battle over the preservation of democracy in a world at odds with misinformation, behavioral manipulation, the surveillance state, and the interests that control these extraordinary powers. Sneaks into Paramount Plus March 26. The Big Door Prize – A small town is forever changed in this comedy when a mysterious machine appears, promising to reveal everyone’s true potential. Soon, residents start changing jobs, rethinking relationships, and questioning long-held beliefs. Stars Chris O’Dowd ( Bridesmaids ). Premieres March 29 on Apple TV Plus. YOU, Season 4 - Part 2 – Part 1 of Season 4 aired a few weeks ago, then left us hanging after five episodes. I gotta say, this mid-way break in our shows is bullshit! There. I said it. The first half of Season 1 saw the murderous tables turned on Joe as he was taunted by a mysterious murderer offing people in a certain wealthy social circle. The “Eat the Rich” killer turned out to be charming author and aspiring politician Rhys Montrose (Ed Speleers, Outlander ), and now Joe has to figure out how to escape being framed for Rhys’s misdeeds while at the same time protecting his love interest, Kate. Part Two airs March 9 on Netflix. Waco: American Apocalypse – This immersive three-part docuseries is the definitive account of what happened in Waco, Texas, in 1993 when cult leader David Koresh faced off against the federal government in a 51-day siege that began with the biggest gunfight on American soil since the Civil War. The fiery inferno that ensued was aired live on national television to a nation of shocked, horrified viewers. Streaming March 22 on Netflix. Money Shot: The Pornhub Story – In the hopes of presenting a substantial dive into both the good and bad of the porn site, this film features interviews with performers, past employees, activists, and more. Pornhub is the internet’s most famous adult entertainment platform, because it fundamentally changed how porn is made and distributed. But for every bit of success they saw, there were also scandals. Many, many, many scandals. Airs March 15 on Netflix. Luther: The Fallen Sun – A continuation of the British television series Luther , this film stars Idris Elba in a crime thriller that sees disgraced police detective John Luther sitting behind bars for using illegal means to catch criminals. Haunted by his failure to capture the cyber psychopath who now taunts him, Lutherbreaks out of prison to hunt down the sadistic serial killer terrorizing London. Premieres March 10 on Netflix. Shadow and Bone, Season 2 – After two years, the fantasy series based on Leigh Bardugo’s books is finally returning to the Grishaverse. In Season 1, sinister forces plotted against a young soldier after she revealed a magical power that may unite her world. Of course, they bolt. Season 2 finds Alina and best friend Mal still on the run from the Darkling, General Kirigan. As the Sun Summoner, Alina can eliminate the Shadow Fold, the dangerous expanse of darkness that divides their kingdom, but Kirigan has gained more power and is a bigger threat than ever. In order to beat him, Alina and Mal travel to new lands in search of new allies. Premieres March 16 on Netflix. History of the World, Part II – Mel Brooks reportedly never actually intended to make a sequel to the 1981 smash hit History of the World, Part I . The title itself was meant to be a joke, yet here we are 40 years later on the cusp of a sequel. Brooks gave Nick Kroll his blessing to continue the film that spoofs different events from history, and you will see Brooks acting and credited as a writer. This sensational cast features Seth Rogen, Taika Waitit, Josh Gad, Ike Barinholtz, Wanda Sykes, Danny DeVito, Quinta Brunson, David Duchovny, Sarah Silverman, Johnny Knoxville, and Sam Richardson, to name a few. The four-night anthology event series is set to explore satirical versions of an array of historical figures, like Noah of the Ark, Sigmund Freud, and William Shakespeare. Premieres March 6 on Hulu, with two new episodes premiering every following day until the finale on March 9. UnPrisoned – This half-hour dramedy is a dysfunctional family sitcom focusing on the struggles that former prison inmates have when the time comes for them to readjust to modern society and reconnect with their friends and families. Kerry Washington ( Scandal ) plays Paige, a single mother and therapist who undergoes a dramatic life change when her father, Edwin (Delroy Lindo, Gone in Sixty Seconds ), is released from prison. Now living with his daughter and grandson, he must find a way to reforge the bonds he once had with those he loves. Season 1 drops March 10 on Hulu. Boston Strangler – Led by Oscar-nominated Kiera Knightley ( The Imitation Game ), this true-crime thriller follows a reporter for the Record-American newspaper, who becomes the first journalist to connect the Boston Strangler murders. As the mysterious serial killer continues his spree, journalist Loretta McLaughlin (Knightley) and her colleague and friend Jean Cole (Carrie Coon, The Sinner ) find themselves hindered by the rampant sexism of the Sixties. Nevertheless, they bravely pursue the story at great personal risk to uncover the truth. Arrives on Hulu March 17. Great Expectations – This Tom Hardy-produced series of the Charles Dickens’ classic novel is once again adapted for the screen, this time by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight. The coming-of-age tale focuses on Pip, a poor orphan who years for a better life. He is chosen to visit wealthy, eccentric spinster Miss Havisham (Olivia Colman, The Crown ), then meets and falls for her beautiful but cold adopted daughter Estella. Wanting to become a gentleman to win her over, Pip is thrilled when he receives funding from a mysterious benefactor, but his fortune is short-lived when the truth about his inheritance is revealed. Episodes one and two air March 26 on Hulu, with a new episode premiering every following Sunday until April 23. Yellowjackets, Season 2 -This addictive blend of mystery box thriller, survival drama, and coming-of-age tale returns and has a new cast member in tow: everyone's favorite hobbit Elijah Wood. The first season saw an endless spiral of theories about what really happened in the 90’s timeline when the high school girls’ soccer team crashes and is left stranded in the wilderness. Ritualistic cannibals, anyone? The present-day timeline is a consuming exploration of the survivors’ psyches, and you can absolutely expect dynamic performances from Melanie Lynskey ( The Last of Us ), Christina Ricci ( Wednesday ), and Juliette Lewis ( Natural Born Killers ). Premieres Friday, March 24 on Showtime. Extrapolations – In the near future, the effects of climate change have become embedded into people’s everyday lives. Eight interwoven stories explore the intimate, life-changing choices that must be made when the planet is changing faster than the population. Stars Meryl Streep, Sienna Miller, Kit Harington, Diane Lane, Edward Norton, Tobey Maguire, and Forest Whitaker, among other A-listers. Drops March 17 on Apple TV Plus. Ted Lasso, Season 3 – Get ready for all the feels this season as Jason Sudeikis returns as head coach of British soccer team AFC Richmond. Despite their advancement to the Premier League at the end of season two, all is not well. Coach is still battling anxiety on the field, and everything everywhere is still going wrong. Nate turned traitor to side with Rupert Mannion, and the flames of the weird love triangle with Roy, Keeley, and Jamie are still burning bright. Season 3 is rumored to be the final season of the series (though spinoffs seem possible), so have your Kleenex ready to wipe away your tears and snot through all the laughs. Returns March 15 on Apple TV Plus. Lucky Hank – Man, Better Call Saul left a gaping hole in our hearts when it ended last year, but there’s hope Bob Odenkirk’s new dramedy will be a worthy consolation. Based on Richard Russo’s novel “Straight Man,” the story centers around grumpy and “difficult” William Henry “Hank” Devereaux Jr., chairman of the English department at the fictional Railton College, as he navigates a mid-life crisis. He consistently finds himself involved in irritating situations, from an encounter with an aggressive goose to a public call-out for belittling students. Oh, and his wife is ready to move on, with or without him. Premieres March 19 on AMC and AMC+. The Mandalorian - The long-awaited thrid season brings more space adventures for Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and his adorable sidekick Grogu. Now free from Moff Gideon (Giancarlo Esposito), Djarin is returning to Mandalore to seek forgiveness for breaking his people's core tenants by removing his helmet. Meanwhile, Grogu's Jedi training is on hold, and a bigger threat looms as Bo-Katan Kryze (Katee Sackhoff) lusts after that Darksaber. Now streaming Wednesdays on Disney Plus. Tetris – While video game shows and movies ( The Last of Us, Uncharted ) have been direct adaptations, Tetrisis more about how the iconic and obsessively popular game was made. Taron Egerton ( Black Bird ) stars as game publisher Henk Rogers, who risked it all to sign a deal for Tetris. Egerton has spoken publicly on how the film will have a tone similar to that of The Social Network , and the film promises to be so full of nostalgia and drama it could turn out to be the best movie you didn’t know you needed to see. Premieres March 31 on Apple TV Plus. 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

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

P.A.C.A. < Back Punk Music Festival to Benefit Local Non-Profits that Work with At-Risk Youth and Children of Child Abuse/Neglect Nicole Brice Feb 25, 2023 Share P.A.C.A. P.A.C.A. or Punks Against Child Abuse was formed in a living room late one night in early January 2023 with the purpose being to showcase a music festival from September 15-17, 2023 in Catoosa, TN that includes other vendors to use the funds raised in supporting non-profits that work with children and youth that are impacted from abuse/neglect. The organizations chosen to be supported are a vital resource to the state of Tennessee, especially in rural counties like Jamestown, Cookeville and Crossville. The non-profits are CHANCE Girls Youth Home, UC Foster Closet and STARS Nashville. The UC Foster Closet works hard to support families by hosting and providing special events, establish community support through Foster Friendly Partners, and provide opportunities for fellowship with other foster/kinship families with “Connecting Families.” CHANCE provides a safe, highly structured, therapeutic environment where each youth knows their value, and with compassion and perseverance, relationships can be restored; providing an opportunity to change these kids lives to where they can discover their strengths and gain the confidence needed to lead healthy, harmonious, and productive lives when given a second chance. This facility serves youth, ages 12 – 18, and their families, primarily from the Upper Cumberland area of Tennessee. STARS Nashville helps all young people pursue their unlimited potential. STARS has served some of the most disenfranchised populations by providing school-based prevention and intervention services, as well as intensive outpatient treatment services for adolescents with substance use and co-occurring disorders. According to Kids Count 2020, Tennessee had over 67,000 cases of child abuse. CACTN also reported that in one year alone, over 4,000 cases of child abuse were reported in the state of Tennessee. According to Kids Count, youth in Tennessee experience two or more ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) and this is higher than the national average and one in ten are living in poverty. The plan is to bring in bands, craft and food vendors at Catoosa, TN for a two-and-a-half-day charity festival that will be an all-ages event where alcohol will not be served. There will be a wrestling match on site sponsored by the wrestling group in Crossville also. In addition to music and wrestling, there will be goat yoga and/or goat cuddling and a balloon vendor that offers face paint for the children. The current band list is comprised of different types of punk bands that include punk rock; hardcore punk; skate punk; folk punk and more. Most of the bands are from Tennessee but some are coming from Ohio, Oklahoma, Indiana, and even New York. There will be a wide variety of food offerings from coffee to pizza to Germanic/Hispanic food and day and weekend passes will be available for the event. More than forty bands, craft vendors and food vendors have signed on to participate thus far. Since this festival is at Catoosa, there will be 180 acres of land which will allow the patrons to camp on site if needed. PACA is currently seeking donations and sponsors for this incredible event and there are three levels of sponsorships available. For more information about sponsorships, contact Kassandra Morgan at 931-704-2919 or you can e-mail pacafestival@gmail.com . To learn more about the event, visit www.pacafestival.com or visit them on social media at: Punks Against Child Abuse | Twitter, 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 . Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Previous Next

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

“Blood Machines is a highly creative vampire novel that subverts tropes and cliches, using the creatures to explore the concept of a surveillance state. < Back Blood Machines: Book Review Shaun Corley Dec 13, 2023 Share “Blood Machines is a highly creative vampire novel that subverts tropes and cliches, using the creatures to explore the concept of a surveillance state. Depending on whom you talk to, the vampire is either a potent metaphor or is derivative and “done to death”. A quick look around the pop culture landscape shows compelling evidence for both sides of the argument. On one end are classic books of the genre, such as Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” or Richard Matheson’s “I Am Legend”, which do not glorify vampires but instead show them for the fearsome creatures they are. On the other end we have works, such as " Twilight" or " The Vampire Academy" , that play up the more sexual aspects of vampire mythology and add a layer of luster to the undead. And then there is the novel “Blood Machines”, which uses the blood-lusting creatures to explore the concept of a surveillance state . While also the subject of numerous films, vampires have made their way to television as well in shows like True Blood and What We Do in the Shadows . They even star in video games, such as the mega-popular “Castlevania” series and “Vampire: The Masquerade”, a popular role-playing game centered around vampire clans. Those who argue that vampires are still relevant point to the creature as a potent allegory for issues of class and sexuality; Anne Rice’s seminal “Interview with the Vampire” touched on these themes, as did Francis Ford Coppola’s adaptation of Stoker’s original novel. Commentators who believe the vampire to be cliche use the shallow and superficial nature of works like " Twilight" as evidence for their argument. They believe that these works strip the vampire of its literary power, instead focusing solely on the sexuality element at the expense of other themes. While the two sides continue to debate with no satisfactory answer in sight, J.K. Gravier has slipped under everyone’s radar with the excellent “Blood Machines” . This novel, which deftly mixes the police procedural genre with elements of vampire lore, imparts new symbolic importance to the creatures . “Blood Machines” is set in an alternate America, where vampires have begun entering mainstream society. The vampires of “Blood Machines” are not sexy, they do not turn into bats, and a bite from one will not convert their victim. Gravier does not dwell on the nature of the vampires too much, instead opting to focus on world building and exploring the ramifications of such creatures in the real world. “Blood Machines” follows Allison Drew, a vampire (or “sanguinarian” as they are called throughout) working for the federal government. As part of their efforts to assimilate into the larger world, they have created the Vampire Bureau of Investigations. This agency, working closely with the FBI, polices vampires. Drew is sent to Detroit to investigate a series of murders where the victim's blood was drained. There she uncovers a massive conspiracy, stretching all the way to the highest echelons of the VBI … and the FBI. At every turn, Gravier subverts vampire tropes and cliches . As mentioned earlier, Gravier’s vampires lack many of the creature’s traditional powers, such as the ability to turn to mist or the ability to “charm” someone. These vampires can come out during the day, although it requires sunscreen and special clothing. Gravier even downplays the very word “vampire”, as some prefer to label themselves “sanguinarians”. Gravier also dispenses with a great deal of vampire lore, stripping it down to its bare essence and injecting it with new life. Playing around with these tropes allows Gravier to discuss issues of surveillance and the police state . Allison Drew learns that both the VBI and the FBI have plans to implement a tracking system for vampires, one that would allow various agencies to keep tabs on them. The novel does not make it clear if this surveillance program would carry over to humans, but the implication is there. In “Blood Machines”, vampires also become a metaphor for race and class . Allison and her vampire friends existed on the margins for centuries, only making gains within the past 100 years. Their march into the mainstream has been slow, and they are still greeted with suspicion and fear. It is not a stretch to see Drew and her fellow vampires as stand-ins for any oppressed and marginalized groups. “Blood Machines” also explores the nature of the police state, and the relationship between law enforcement and the people they are pledged to serve. It does not glorify the police work Allison does. Her colleagues are corrupt, and the novel heavily implies this corruption goes all the way up the ladder. “Blood Machines” contains themes of the erosion of civil liberties and the rise of the surveillance state , which resonate loudly in today’s world. Numerous novels, television shows, and movies have centered themselves around these issues, some of them with nothing really new to say. With “Blood Machines”, J.K. Gravier takes vampires—which are often dismissed as “overexposed”—and uses them to talk about these very themes. The end result is a highly creative vampire novel that subverts tropes left and right. “Blood Machines” is currently available for your reading pleasure. To learn more about J.K Gravier and “Blood Machines”, visit any of the below listed links and be sure to leave a solid review. The book is worth it, especially if you’re a vampire fan. J.K. Gravier | Author Info “Blood Machines” | Amazon “Blood Machines” | Barnes & Noble “Blood Machines” on Audible 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

New Titles Streaming in February < Back Binge with Your Box o' Chocolates Keeley Brooks Feb 2, 2023 Share New Titles Streaming in February If sweet and sappy and rom-coms are your thing (e.g., “The Notebook,” which I’m happy to say I’ve never seen and you can’t make me, no matter what your argument is!), you’re in luck. It’s February, so you know there’s plenty of love movies and series rollin’ in. I won’t spend much time on those, though … I’m not that kind of girl. Lucky for me (and you), there are plenty of other new titles arriving. Here’s a list of some of my highlights. You, Season 4 Pt. 1 – Everyone’s favorite serial killer (next to Dexter, of course) is back, this time taking us to London. Fresh off the fiery heels of last season, Joe has a new identity, a new location, and a new object of obsession. The end of season 3 sees Joe in Paris seeking his next victim, single mom Marienne (Tati Gabrielle, “The 100”). In this season, his pursuit of her unravels and leads him to a life in London working as a university lecturer. As fresh new faces enter his deadly gaze, Joe himself might just be the target of one of them. Streaming on Netflix Feb. 9. Black Pather: Wakanda Forever – If you’ve been waiting for the “Black Panther” sequel, wait no more. The film is finally available to watch on Disney’s platform with a subscription. I opted not to sit in a theater next to the general public mowing down on their buckets of popcorn and just wait for its streaming release, so you know what I’ll be doing this weekend. Now streaming on Disney Plus. Party Down – It’s been a long 13 years, but the hit catering sitcom starring Adam Scott is back, along with original co-stars Jane Lynch, Ken Marino, Martin Starr, Ryan Hansen, and Megan Mullally. Season 3's shenanigans airs Feb. 24 on Starz. Somebody I Used to Know – Lucky for those out there who like sap, this deeply personal and emotionally powerful story stars Alison Brie (“Community”) and Jay Ellis (“Insecure”). The two play exes who reconnect right before he is to marry. The reconnection sends Ally (Brie) down the hole of rethinking her life choices. It’s written by Brie and husband Dave Franco (“21 Jump Street”) and looks to be quite the little “Community” reunion. Premieres Feb. 10 on Prime Video. Your Place or Mine – For you rom-com fans, this one will be for you. Reese Witherspoon and Ashton Kutcher are longtime friends, who clearly share some chemistry just waiting to be explored. For their own personal reasons, they decide to swap homes and responsibilities to freshen up their lives. Debbie (Witherspoon) takes on fast-paced New York while Peter learns what it means to be a parent. No big surprise what happens, but I’m sure it’ll still be a fun little watch. Drops Feb. 10 on Netflix. Star Trek: Picard, Season 3 – Patrick Stewart’s series is back and coming to an end, and it looks like they’re sending Picard out with a big ole bang. While we don’t know much about the plot, we do know there is danger. And a mysterious new villain. We also know Stewart is joined by almost the entire cast of “The Next Generation,” marking the first time the crew of the Enterprise D and E have been on screen for over 20 years. This “Star Trek” series is really good, but it’s no “Discovery.” Still worthy of a binge if you missed the first two seasons. Premieres Feb. 15 on Paramount Plus. Hello Tomorrow! – I don’t know about you, but I love me some Billy Crudup, especially in Apple TV’s “The Morning Show.” This dramedy finds him in a retro-futuristic world as an ambitious businessman recruiting traveling salesmen to hawk timeshares on the moon. Yes, the moon. Crudup’s visionary talent and rousing speeches are reminiscent of his charm and personality, and the team he put together is inspired … until the bubble bursts and everything starts to unravel. Also stars Hank Azaria (“The Birdcage”), Jacki Weaver (“Yellowstone”) and Alison Pill (“Scott Pilgrim vs. the World”). Streaming Feb. 17 on Apple TV Plus. Sharper – Another Apple TV Plus newbie, “Sharper” stars Julianne Moore (“The Big Lebowski”), John Lithgow (“Dexter”), and Sebastian Stan (“Avengers” movies) in a “twisty-turny story” involving billionaires, inheritances of filthy sums of money, seductions, and cons. Secrets, lies, rich people, and famous people. This thriller is layered with deceptions and double-crosses and devious plans. But no one is who they seem. Premieres Feb. 17 on Apple TV Plus. Bel-Air, Season 2 – After having his life all flipped, turned upside down, the Fresh Prince (Jabari Banks) learned the harsh truth about his estranged father and thought about leaving Bel-Air. In season 2, he’s at a crossroads. He still struggles to trust the Banks family, even though his friendship with Carlton deepens, and a new figure enters the mix, who challenges the status quo. Rolls up in the house on Peacock Feb. 23. Outer Banks – Welcome back to Poguelandia, bitches! Last we saw the Pogues, they’d lost out on a haul of gold and were stranded on an island. Now as they enjoy their carefree existence in their new home, danger won’t leave them alone. The Caribbean mob and Ward Cameron are still after them, and treasure continues to beckon them all. Lands on Netflix Feb. 23. We Have a Ghost – Our favorite ass-kicking Santa (David Harbour, “Violent Night”) is back as a friendly ghost named Ernest. When homeowner Anthony Mackie (“Avengers” movies) films Ernest and uploads the video to social media, Ernest becomes a viral sensation. Frank (Mackie) enlists his kid to help cash in on the resulting attention, but things take quite the turn when the CIA wants Ernest for themselves. Adding some of her unique levity, Jennifer Coolidge (“The White Lotus”) also stars. Premieres Feb. 24 on Netflix. Carnival Row, Season 2 – Back for a final season, this series stars Orlando Bloom and Cara Delevingne (“Suicide Squad”) sees a growing population of mythological immigrant creatures struggle to coexist with humans after the creatures’ exotic homelands are invaded by the empires of man. The creatures are forbidden to live, love, or fly with freedom, but there is hope: in darkness. Season 2 picks up with Philo (Bloom) investigating a series of gruesome murders, while Vignette (Delevingne) teams up with the Black Raven to plot payback. Drops Feb. 17 on Amazon Prime. Spoiler Alert – This Jim Parsons-led drama also stars Sally Field and Ben Aldridge (“Flea Bag”) and is based on the bestselling memoir by Michael Ausiello. The film chronicles the 14-year-long love affair between Michael (Parsons), an entertainment journalist, and Kit (Aldridge), a photographer, and showcases many of the ups and downs of their relationship, including Kit’s terminal cancer diagnosis, and more. Per Focus Features, it’s “a heartwarming, funny, and life-affirming story.” Streaming exclusively on Peacock Feb. 3. Other notable premieres this month: The Flash, Season 9 (Feb. 8, The CW) South Park, Season 26 (Feb. 8, Comedy Central) Full Swing (Feb. 15, Netflix) Bruiser (Feb. 24, Hulu) The Reluctant Traveler (Feb. 24, Apple TV Plus) The Consultant (Feb. 24, Amazon Prime) 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 absurdist megachurch comedy is back with more shenanigans < Back The Righteous Gemstones Returns for Season 3 Keeley Brooks Jun 12, 2023 Share The absurdist megachurch comedy is back with more shenanigans The Righteous Gemstones could quite possibly be one of Danny McBride’s best series yet, aside from Eastbound and Down , which aired back in 2009. If you missed that series, it stars Danny McBride as Kenny Powers, a former professional baseball pitcher who, after a career downturn in the major leagues (due, in part, to his childishness and arrogance), is forced to return to his hometown of Shelby, North Carolina, to substitute teach at his old middle school. It’s well worth the comedic four-season binge, which is full of so many laughs and excellent one-liners, you’ll be repeating them for weeks. The Righteous Gemstones is an HBO series, also created by McBride, that is a dark comedy crime show that follows a famously dysfunctional family of televangelists. It is the most quintessential absurdist megachurch satire ever to hit the airwaves, and McBride does not hold back on anything offensive—that’s his thing, right? Being offensive? Yes! So, if you’re one who is easily offended, maybe skip this show, but if you are not, I highly recommend binge-watching the first two seasons in preparation for the third, which airs this weekend. The Gemstones are an over-the-top wealthy religious family living in Memphis, Tennessee, led by widowed patriarch and church pastor Eli Gemstone (John Goodman of The Connors ). Image: HBO Eli and his incessantly immature (adult) children, Jesse (Danny McBride of Your Highness ), Judy (Edi Patterson of Violent Night ), and Kelvin (Adam Devine of Workaholics ) lead the kind of opulent lives that could only be provided by church donations given in the name of the Lord. The Gemstones all live near one another in their respective mansions spread across way too many acres of property—except for Judy, who winds up living in the “regular” house, presumably because she’s female and not as high up in the church. In the first season, we learn about what the Gemstones are currently up to in their lives, which entail a lot of secrets. The opening scene of the first episode is one of the funniest baptism scenes I’ve ever witnessed. Eli (Goodman), Jesse (McBride), and Kelvin (Devine) are in China for a 24-hour mass baptism, which takes place in a wave pool at a water park because it was the only space large enough to accommodate so many people. By hour 17, the brothers are wearing down and, in true rich-kid fashion, and start criticizing each other, bickering about the right way to baptize people when, out of nowhere, obnoxious party lights kick on and giant waves begin rolling through the pool. What ensues is complete hilarity as everyone scrambles to get out of the rave … I mean waves. As the Gemstones return home, though, we learn the shenanigans are just beginning. Jesse receives a salacious videotape of himself and some friends snorting cocaine and partying with a bunch of strippers—completely unacceptable behavior for the associate pastor of a megachurch. The tape is blackmail in exchange for a large sum of money, but from whom? Jesse enlists his brother and sister to help keep this quiet and track down the blackmailer, just as you’d suspect a bunch of eight-year-olds might go about handling such a task. Image: HBO Moreover, Eli’s estranged brother-in-law, played by Walton Goggins (who is known for his big, white teeth in roles from Justified and Sons of Anarchy ), is brought in to lead the Gemstones’ new shopping-mall-based satellite church, which impedes on a neighboring church. Image: HBO Season one ends with stolen money, the siblings confessing their sins to Eli, and the fate of the church up in the air as Eli kicks all three kids out of the church. Season two focuses on the Gemstones’ past—namely that of Eli. When an outsider from Eli’s younger days appears and tries to pick up old pastimes, we learn Eli used to be a criminal enforcer for a big-wig bad guy. Also, an investigative reporter by the name of Thaniel Block (Jason Schwartzman of Rushmore) turns up to investigate a tip he received about corruption running rampant in the Gemstone church. That catastrophe is one big hilarious fallout you have to see for yourself. Presumably, season three will focus on what the Gemstones will do to secure their future. Rest assured, there will be plenty more moral hijinks as the Gemstones battle for power and face off against some new opposers and face some violent pushback. They’ll also get involved in the NASCAR circuit and have to deal with an increasingly popular vocal religious movement consisting of boisterous, far right-wing gun-owning enthusiasts. For more details and a full recap of seasons one and two , read this article , which will tell you everything you need to know before the premiere of The Righteous Gemstones Season 3, which airs this Sunday, June 18, on HBO and Max. Catch the trailer below! Keeley Brooks is a big ole movies and streaming nerd who watches way too much content, then faces an uncontrollable urge to write about it, 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

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

It’s intriguing, it’s glamorous, and it’s full of nostalgia. < Back Book Review: Playboys, Celebrities, and Me by Dianne Dorman Nicole Brice Mar 12, 2025 Share It’s intriguing, it’s glamorous, and it’s full of nostalgia. For those who know me, it’s no secret that I have always had an obsession with Playboy magazine and Hugh Hefner . The obsession stems more around trying to figure out who the man truly was vs who he projected to those closest to him, but this book review is not about that. After doing a random search online for more books containing anything Playboy -related, I instantly found Dianne 's book and ordered it because I’ve been down the rabbit hole on that for quite a while. The book starts a little slow, but around the chapter titled The Candy Store , the pace picks up significantly, and from there, it’s a whirlwind of events, from a passionate romance with one of baseball’s greats to hanging out at the Beverly Hills Hotel and more. Click to purchase Name-dropping abounds with a who’s who of the celebrity world in the 1970s and 1980s. This book truly is an insider’s look at some of the private affairs of the Hollywood elite. Dianne does a great job of explaining the superficial reasoning behind who made “it” back then via slimy casting agents, which still applies today, and through that, she makes you realize how fake it all truly is and how we are merely actors performing in our plays. It's all there, from modeling for Playboy , Linda Lovelace adventures, and an awkward first meeting experience with the legendary Telly Savalas . Dianne ’s narrative speaks of self-confidence, love and loss, and finding oneself amid all the chaos. A blonde beauty who attracted the attention of many men, Dianne ’s career involved modeling and acting, sometimes in entertaining situations. It involved some of Hollywood ’s finest men, and most interestingly, Dianne Dorman even once dated the “ Winchester Cigarette Guy .” Notable career moments include being considered for Farrah Fawcett ’s replacement on Charlie’s Angels and being asked to be Katherine Hepburn ’s double on the film Stagecoach . Dianne also tells the tale of being chosen for a spot as a reindeer girl for Bob Hope ’s Christmas Special in the late '70s. Ladies, there is even a chapter titled The Grotto . I’ll let you figure out what that one is about. It includes a steamy narrative with Ronnie Caan , brother of the legendary James Caan , and it is sure to get your pulse going. Google what he looks like. Not bad. Dianne vividly describes the Playboy Mansion , where you feel like you were there, and I wish I could have been just once in my life. It’s sad to think that what once was is no more. Beyond the bad times I’ve read more about, which occurred at the mansion, Dianne ’s book is more positive and keeps the original spirit of what I think Hugh wanted the mansion to have. Overall, Playboys, Celebrities, and Me is a very engaging book. I recommend you check it out. To purchase your copy on Amazon: https://a.co/d/bFzpjb5 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 Night of Raw Emotion and Fan Favorites < Back Weekend Rock: The Used Ignites House of Blues with an Explosive Night of Nostalgia and New Energy Rian Nickels Oct 16, 2024 Share A Night of Raw Emotion and Fan Favorites On a muggy night in Louisiana -October 7th, 2024—the historic House of Blues New Orleans brought together three different corners of the alternative music scene. The Used , an alternative rock band, was deep into their 2024 headlining world tour; for their New Orleans spot, they were supported by up-and-coming alternative grunge band Raue (Pronounced: Roo—ay) and well-loved soft rock band the Plain White T’s. Kicking off a night with a surge of high energy, Raue , a two-piece band from Santa Cruz, California, made a lasting impression with their gritty sound and riotous stage presence. The band comprises vocalist and guitarist Paige Kalenian and drummer Jax Huckle . I was super excited to photograph Paige and Jax, but sadly, I missed my first three-song opportunity. Fortunately, I still made it in time to enjoy their performance. A highlight of the performance was when they covered Radiohead ’s famous track ‘ Creep .’ Here’s a Clip from Raue’s Instagram of Creep cover . This was a perfect way to capture the audience's attention and give them something to remember. Paige has the ideal voice to achieve the dynamic shifts of softly sung verses and the mighty long shouts of the chorus. Raue also performed original songs ‘ Karma ’ and ‘ Ruby Glow ’ . Their sound and stage presence brought back that raw, filthy, and chaotic energy from 90s grunge bands like Nirvana and Screaming Trees , which is particularly impressive because the members have yet to hit their 20s! Raue’s throwback sound set the mood for a nostalgic performance from The Plain White T’s . Credit: Rian Nickels Credit: Rian Nickels Credit: Rian Nickels After Raue's angsty performance, the Plain White T’s were up next to slow things down a little. The Plain White T’s are a four-piece soft alternative pop rock band from Illinois. Members include multi-talented Tom Higgenson as the band’s lead vocalist (and sometimes you’ll find him playing keyboards or the acoustic guitar), Tim Lopez on lead guitar as well as backing and lead vocals, bassist and backing vocalist Mike Retondo , and De ’Mar Randell Hamilton on percussion. You can tell right away that these guys have spent the last 20 years making and playing music together as they play with perfect harmony and never miss a beat. They won the crowd with long-loved favorites like ‘ Hey There Delilah ’ and ‘ 1, 2, 3, 4 ’. These were two of their greatest hits, and the whole crowd sang, “ Hey there, Delilah, what’s it like in New York City ?” in unison, a moment of connection all the early 2000s kids have been yearning for. The Plain White T’s performed a perfect mix from across their discography with older, more nostalgic songs to tracks from their most recent Self-Titled album before ending their set with their popular hit ‘ Rhythm of Love ’ and welcoming The Used onto the stage next. After a heart-warming and calm set from the Plain White T’s, it was time to switch up the vibe a bit with a gritty, loud, and riotous alternative rock band from Utah, The Used . They are a 4-piece band comprising the following members: Bert McCracken as lead vocalist, Jeph Howard on the bass and backing vocals, drummer Dan Whitesides , and guitarist and backing vocalist Joey Bradford . As I waited for the performance to start, I noticed that their stage was adorned with a chain-link fence and chain-shaped mic stands, and many of their instruments had barbed-wire accents. A personalized stage setting like this shows their dedication to standing out with their individualism. Credit: Rian Nickels Credit: Rian Nickels Credit: Rian Nickels The energy of the entire audience shifted from ironically singing Taylor Swift’s ‘ Our Song ’ to being confused once the track warped into an announcement that stated that the concert had been canceled and where you could find your refund. This was so confusing while standing in the photo pit, but it was sure to be a playful trick as an intro, right? Everyone laughed it off, hoping it was a joke, and the member ran out to the stage. Before they were even able to play, someone in the crowd started a ruckus; I’m not sure what happened, but all the House of Blues security swarmed him, escorted him out, and Bert said, “ Bye Bye ” and left him with an endearing yet sarcastic wave. This showed the security and the band's dedication to making the concert a safe and enjoyable experience. The Used immediately went into performing an array of their discography. I was surprised at how chaotic and metal (for lack of a better term) their performance was. Between their lively and thrashy stage presence, the crowd surfers, and the mosh pits, it all added up to make quite an intense set. The audience was incredibly excited when they played tracks like ‘ The Bird and The Worm ,’ ‘ Blue and Yellow ’ and, ‘ Blow Me .’ A highlight of the performance was when Bert asked the crown to hold up their middle fingers at him and chant “ Fuck You ” over and over again before performing their track ‘ Fuck You .’ The Used’s set was a wild wave from start to finish, blending theatricality, heavy riffs, and crowd interaction in a way only they could. Their unapologetic energy and connection with the audience made every moment feel unique to our night on the tour, from the sarcastic humor to the raw intensity of their performance. The Used knew how to push boundaries, creating an unforgettable experience that left the crowd buzzing long after the lights faded and the music stopped. This night at House of Blues New Orleans was a perfect example of how diverse genres can come together to create a memorable concert experience. From the raw, filthy energy of Raue to the heartwarming, sing-along vibes of the Plain White T's , and finally, the chaotic, high-octane performance by The Used , the night showcased the incredible range of alternative music. Each band brought their unique style to the stage, but together, they created a seamless flow of emotion and sound that kept the audience engaged and on their toes. The intermingling of soft rock, grunge, and alternative punk made for an eclectic yet cohesive evening, proving that when it comes to live music, the blend of different genres can be more potent than any single sound. *All photos courtesy of Rian Nickels - to see more, check out Rian's site below. rianmusicjpeg.myportfolio.com Rian Haynsworth www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90's flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? HIt us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Next

New Releases on Your Favorite Platforms < Back What to Watch This Weekend (10.21.22) Keeley Brooks Oct 21, 2022 Share New Releases on Your Favorite Platforms This week has been abundant with exciting new streaming content! If you’re looking for something to get into over the next few days, I’ve got you covered on what's out there so you don’t have to go scrolling through each platform to find out. AMAZON PRIME May I Help You – An ongoing South Korean television series directed by Shim Soo-yeon and starring Lee Hye-ri and Lee Jun-young. Torn Hearts – In this flick, a country music duo seek out the private mansion of their idol, played by Katey Sagal, and end up in a twisted series of horrors that force them to confront the limits they’d go for their dreams. The Peripheral – Starring Chloe Grace Moretz and Jack Reynor, this sci-fi thriller is set in the future when technology has subtly altered society. A woman discovers a secret connection to an alternate reality, as well as a dark future of her own. Hush, Hush – Based on a series of four novels by Becca Fitzpatrick that follow teenager Nora Grey as she falls in love with the fallen angel Patch and discovers her own angelic heritage. It’s hailed as the angelic imitation of Twilight. AppleTV Raymond & Ray – Starring Ethan Hawke and Ewan McGregor as half-brothers who reunite when their estranged father dies—and discover that his final wish was for them to dig his grave. Together they process who they’ve become as men, both because of their and in spite of him. Acapulco , Season 2 – In 1984, Maximo Gallardo’s dream comes true when he gets the job of a lifetime at Acapulco’s hottest resort, Las Colinas; however, he soon realizes that working there is far more complicated than he ever imagined. Ghost Writer , Season 3 – Geared towards kids and teens, this series sees four kids team up to solve an exciting mystery surrounding a neighborhood bookstore ghost who is haunting the place and soon starts releasing fictional characters into the real world. HULU Handmaid’s Tale, Season 5 – This one probably needs no introduction, but I’m gonna go ahead and give you one anyway. Based on the best-selling novel by Margaret Atwood, this series is set in Gilead (Gil-E-ad), a totalitarian society in what used to be part of the United States. Gilead is ruled by a fundamentalist regime that treats women as property of the state, and of men, and is faced with environmental disasters and a plummeting birth rate. In a desperate attempt to repopulate a devastated world, the few remaining fertile women are forced into sexual servitude. One of these women, Offred (Elisabeth Moss), is determined to survive this terrifying new reality, find the daughter that was taken from her, and lead a revolution to get all the women in servitude out, then take down the government regime. She. Is. Badass. Also stars Joseph Fiennes, Bradley Whitford, Samira Wiley, Max Minghella, and Ann Dowd. Rosaline – A comedic retelling of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”, told from the point of view of Romeo’s jilted ex, Rosaline—the woman Romeo first claims to love before he falls for Juliet. Tell Me Lies – Based off a novel of the same name by Carola Lovering and loosely based on her own past toxic relationship, this series is about a couple who quickly fall into an addictive entanglement that will permanently alter their lives and the lives of everyone around them as their tumultuous and intoxicating relationship unfolds over eight years. NETFLIX The School for Good and Evil – Netflix’s big new movie for the week and one of its biggest family movies of the year. The School for Good and Evil is a fantasy adaptation telling the story of Sophie and Agatha, both kidnapped into a school that trains people to be heroes or villains. The Stranger – A Netflix original movie, this Australian crime thriller film is written and directed by Thomas M. Wright ( Everest ) and starring Joel Edgerton and Sean Harris. Mark, an undercover cop, forms an intense, intimate relationship with Henry, a murder suspect, in an attempt to earn his trust and get a confession, risking both of their lives in the process. 28 Days Haunted – A reality show marking Netflix’s arrival in the ghost hunting arena, this series follows three teams of fairly well-known paranormal investigators, including Shane Pittman and Sean Austin, over the course of 28 days to some of the most haunted locations in America for an experiment based on the theories of late paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. Now, if you don’t know who the Warrens are, please allow me to introduce you. Demonologists Ed and Lorraine Warren are the most famous husband and wife paranormal team to date. They’ve investigated such cases as the Amityville haunting, Annabelle the cursed doll, and the Enfield Poltergeist case. They devoted decades of their lives to exploring, authenticating, and documenting some of the most famous paranormal incidents ever reported, right up until Ed’s passing in 2006. Lorraine remained a prominent member of the paranormal community until she passed in 2018. If any of the teams stay the duration of four weeks at handpicked locations in Colorado, Connecticut, and North Carolina, they’ll gain acclaim and recognition for being a part of what Netflix is calling, “the most important advancement in paranormal research in the last several decades.” Descendant – Netflix’s latest documentary about the legacy of an illegal slave ship. Descendants of the enslaved Africans on an illegal ship that arrived in Alabama in 1860 seek justice and healing when the craft’s remains are discovered. Barbarians , Season 2 – Based on a true story, this historical war drama follows three people’s fates when they are interwoven in the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest in 9 A.D., during which Germanic warriors halt the spread of the Roman Empire. It’s brutal. It’s bloody. And it is most badass. From Scratch , Season 1 – An American student, played by Zoe Saldana, studying in Italy meets and falls in love with a Sicilian chef. High: Confessions of an Ibiza Drug Mule – In 2013, Michaella McCollum, from Northern Ireland, and Melissa Reid, from Scotland, were caught at the Jorge Chavez International Airport in Peru tyring to smuggle 1.5 million pounds of cocaine into Spain. The pair were sentenced to almost seven years in one of the most notorious prisons in the world. The series provides a first-hand account from Michaella, a former club hostess in the Spanish nightlife, as she traces her journey from arriving in the foreign country for her first holiday to her downward spiral into the illicit world of drugs and excess. ONI: Thunder God’s Tale , Season 1 – In a world filled with oddball gods and monsters, Onari is determined to follow in their footsteps, but her unique powers are yet to be revealed. Pokemon: Ultimate Journeys: The Series , Season 1 PARAMOUNT+ Monster High the movie – This title actually released Oct. 6. and is one all ages will enjoy … if musicals are your thing. Based on the popular animated franchise Monster High , this live-action musical follows three students at Monster High who bond over having famous monster and creature parents. A diabolical plan hatches and the three teens must rely on each other to save the day. Torn Hearts – In this flick, a country music duo seek out the private mansion of their idol, played by Katey Sagal, and end up in a twisted series of horrors that force them to confront the limits they’d go for their dreams. Blacklight – Liam Neeson is Travis Block, a shadowy government agent who specializes in removing operatives whose covers have been exposed. He uncovers a deadly conspiracy within his own ranks that reaches the highest echelons of power. PEACOCK One of Us Is Lying , Season 2 – Based on Karen M. McManus’s New York Times best-selling novel of the same name, this mystery surrounds five students at Bayview High as they walk into detention and only four walk out alive, leaving one dead just as he was about to reveal life-changing secrets about the others in a gossip app. Each of the students had the opportunity and individual motives to murder their classmate, but all claim to be innocent as the case revolves around which one of them is lying. The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks Documentary - A feature documentary that delves deep into civil rights icon Rosa Parks’ historic work and her role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Through interviews with those who knew her, powerful archival footage and her own words, the film tells the story of Parks’ extensive organizing, radical politics, and lifelong dedication to activism. 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

Leave your inhibitions at the door < Back Asheville Keeps it Weird with the Return of ABSFest Tim W. Jackson May 8, 2023 Share Leave your inhibitions at the door To all of our alternatively weird and perfect friends here in the South, this one’s for you! Long an annual staple of the Asheville, North Carolina scene, the Asheville Burlesque and Sideshow Festival , also known as ABSFest, makes its glorious return after a brief hiatus. Festivalgoers are in for a wild ride over Memorial Day weekend as ABSFest rolls into town for its 14th year. Coming up May 25-27, 2023, ABSFest events will be hosted by Asheville Raven & Crone, The Grey Eagle, and The Orange Peel, and promises to bring together provocative performers from far and wide. It's a celebration of the strange, the unconventional, and the sometimes bizarre—but all in a super fun way with lots of love in the room. The event is the creation of Madame Onça, aka Lauren O'Leary, an entertainer, touring performer, author, artist, and—obviously—an event producer. credit: TheDancersEye.com ABSFest was a natural outgrowth of her life at the time as co-founder and director of the Future of Tradition Center for Folkloric Arts from 1999 to 2006 in Asheville. It was home to the fire, circus, and world dance arts, all of which were growing in popularity. Now living in Virginia, Onça is happy to bring the festival back after a COVID hiatus. “I was quite surprised to be—as everyone was—thrown from the organizational horse,” Onça says about having to cancel this and other festivals during the initial pandemic shutdown. “We haven't had it until this year because, from the point of view of long-term planning, there's a lot of people in the village artistically and administratively that make the festival happen.” Onça says it seemed they were maybe in stasis forever, just waiting for the right time to return. “This year, once everybody had made their decisions about how they were gonna handle their relationship with vaccinations and so forth and the venues went back to a more standard situation, we felt like we could plan. So, we're on.” To ease back into this first year, though, Onça says she’s made it an invitation-only festival rather than by application. “Usually we invite a few headliners, and then we invite artists to apply from all over the country. But because we knew we were coming out of a period of absolute uncertainty and into a period of still wild uncertainty, I was like, ‘Why don't we just work with folks who have done the festival with us before?’” Nonetheless, Onça and her crew have brought a world-class collection of performers for this first year back. Just a small selection includes “The Cocoa Barbie” May Hemmer (featured on cover image), “Queen of Subtle-Tease” Talloolah Love, death-defying jester Paolo Garbanzo, comedian and “professional pickpocket” Les S. Moore, belly dancer Sarah Joy, sideshow performer Opal Lechmanski, and Vaudevillian Carmel Clavin. death-defying jester Paolo Garbanzo (credit: Dave Parrish) sideshow performer Opal Lechmanski (credit: Isaac Harrell) Musical guests are friends of Mixed Alternative Magazine , Charming Disaster ! credit: Charming Disaster Charming Disaster will perform Friday, May 26 for the Speakeasy Séance, which ExploreAsheville.com says is, “like an acoustic rock opera with ghosts and pasties!” You certainly won't want to miss their performance ... or any of the performances, really. The event is all about pushing boundaries and celebrating the wonderfully weird, with workshops such as songwriting, burlesque, and making events welcome to marginalized performers who are also part of the festival. It also includes an array of vendors and a raffle, as the festival’s charity partner this year is Asheville’s feral kitten rescue, Sister Kitten. ABSfest is all about breaking down barriers and having a good time, but perhaps the most exciting thing about the event is the sense of community that it creates. This is a festival for people who might not fit into the mainstream. It's a place where you can be yourself, no matter how strange or unconventional that might be. “I’m so looking forward to being together with these wonderful people again, “Onça says, “and just feeling the energy and vibrancy of this event again.” So, if you're ready to explore the edgier side of life, if you're ready to push your boundaries and embrace the alternative, then ABSFest 2023 is the event for you. Just be prepared to leave your inhibitions at the door. Here’s a look at the array of events: World Spirit Tarot with Madame Onça Thursday, May 25, 2023 Asheville Raven & Crone 640 Merrimon Ave., Suite 207, Asheville NC 5 p.m. courtesy Madame Onça ABSFest Speakeasy Burlesque & Live Music Show Friday, May 26, 2023 Grey Eagle Music Hall 185 Clingman Ave, Asheville, NC 7 p.m. - VIP Doors Open 7:30 pm - General Admission Doors Open 8 p.m. - Burlesque Murder Mystery with all live music played by New York City’s goth folk duo Charming Disaster ABSFest Workshops Saturday, May 27, through the day The Orange Peel 101 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC ABSFest offers burlesque, circus, and business workshops. Train with artists from around the country in the ABSFest Sexy Seminary in stagecraft, circus arts, fire performance, burlesque, and more. Open to all levels. ABSFest’s Big Night – Saturday Spectacular Saturday, May 27, 2023 The Orange Peel 101 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 7 p.m. - VIP Doors Open 7:30 p.m. - General Admission Doors Open 8 p.m. - Saturday Spectacular, hosted by Washington, DC’s sorceress of stand-up, Violet Gray For further information, visit www.ABSFest.com . Want your festival to be featured in this magazine? Email the editor at the_keeleybrooks@mixedaltmag.com . Tim Jackson is a seasoned journalist and author with a penchant for all things dark, macabre, and somewhat sinister. He lives in Tuscumbia, Ala., with his artist wife and 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 . Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Previous Next

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

The music of Baquenne is diverse and intricately constructed < Back Baquenne: Soothing, Ethereal Music Nicole Brice Jul 31, 2023 Share The music of Baquenne is diverse and intricately constructed Soothing, laid-back, feel-good music with upbeat vocals, catchy hooks, and ethereal guitar sounds: That’s the music of Baquenne . A band from Asbury Park, New Jersey , drawing inspiration from classic rock to 90's alt rock, the band is comprised of Liam Moroney on lead vocals, Eric Rudic on guitar, Chad Sabo on bass, and Santo Rizzolo on drums. Baquenne’s music reminds me of the tunes you would hear as a backdrop to a film about being at the fair on the boardwalk while enjoying ice cream on a beautiful, bright sunny day. From the howling guitars on ' Mountain #1 ,' which are soothing and evoke memories of playing outside as a child, to the stomping intro on ' Baby You’re Mine ,' which features a rhythmic opening building to a strong chorus of loud guitars and danceable beats, this band has something for everyone in terms of musical diversity: They’re poppy, they’re fun, and their music is just plain good. credit: Jeff Crespi Another track of theirs, ' Dead ,' is a guitar-infused slow jam with introspective lyrics that calm you and sounds like the perfect soundtrack to taking a drive down country roads with the windows down and your hand waving in and out of the breeze as you cruise along. And, Liam ’s vocals are soft and mellow and have just the right amount of intensity for songs intricately constructed about life and loss. Hauntingly reminiscent of Brendan B. Brown of Wheatus , Liam Moroney has the perfect voice to sing alt-rock, and I truly enjoy listening to him. The band began during the pandemic and has just begun with the guys continually writing and recording material as well as playing shows. Currently, their catalog consists of five singles available via Apple Music and Spotify with clever album art for each single released. The cover is nothing more than a simple band logo against a backdrop of a solid color that varies with each release ala the style of Weezer . If you remember, Weezer has done the same album art for several releases but with each one showing a different color with the guys wearing different outfits and looking just slightly different. It is pure brilliance in its simplicity and it’s clever branding, too. credit: Jeff Crespi A quick search on YouTube pulls up Baquenne ’s video for “ This is Life ”, a song that begins with a mellow opening only to build to grungy guitar fuzz and visuals of Liam driving in the car, playing guitar on a bench in the snow, with Eric lingering nearby in a covered bus stop. The guys look like they’re freezing, but with all the winter gear they’re sporting, I’m sure they did just fine. To see more of the band, check out, “ Mountain #1 ”, which is a performance vid showing the band in action. I really dug this song, and I think you will, too. A friend turned me on to Baquenne ’s music and I’ve been a fan ever since, so I wanted to share them with you, the readers of Mixed Alt Mag , so you could add another band to your rotation of tunage. I recently had the opportunity to chat with Liam and Eric at length and these guys are humble, fun, and down to earth. I’ve included the answers to a couple of questions that were thrown their way so check it out. Baquenne is creating music that is different, quirky, and just plain enjoyable. I have a feeling we’ll be listening to their music for many more years to come. MaM : Where did the band name come from? It’s so unique! Liam : So, the short answer is we just like the way the name looks. It’s not a real word as you know. And it came about during the mixing of one of our songs. credit: Jeff Crespi MaM : When is the new single coming out or when can we expect new music? Liam : We are working really hard to have a single out by mid-September with an EP to follow shortly after. We’re putting the finishing touches on those tracks now. MaM : If you could share the stage with any current band, who would it be? Liam : As far as sharing the stage, quite frankly the list is endless. There are many bands that are putting on great shows and we’re always trying to create a fun atmosphere during our live set. We would love the play with bands like the Pixies and Weezer , who both are coming to our area in the near future. credit: Jeff Crespi MaM : What are the future aspirations for the band? Liam : Since this band is relatively new our immediate goals are to really keep creating and spreading the word. We want to play to new audiences and take this thing as far as we can. To experience Baquenne ’s music for yourself, hit one of the links below! We’re certain you’ll be adding their music to your collection after engrossing yourself in their tunes! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@baquenne9467 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/baquenne/ Instagram: @baquenne • Instagram photos and videos Spotify: Baquenne | Spotify Apple Music: Baquenne on Apple Music *cover photo 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 loves discovering new music. Got something you think she’d like? Hit her up 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

Get ready to rock around Downtown Lafayette on August 19, 2023 < Back RAD Fest: A Lafayette Festival for Those Who Rock Nicole Brice Jul 11, 2023 Share Get ready to rock around Downtown Lafayette on August 19, 2023 What is RAD Fest? I bet that’s the question creeping into your brain right about now, so allow me to shine a little light on that. RAD Fest is the brainchild of Grant Duhon, lead vox for the rockin’ Lafayette-based punk band Subliminal Landmines . It’s a hard rock festival that got its start in 2022 and is forging ahead this year with bands set to take the stage from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Parc International in downtown Lafayette, Louisiana, on August 19, 2023. Featuring talent from in and around the area, RAD Fest is a showcase for those making buzz on the local scene, allowing them to bring their mad talents to larger crowds in a festival atmosphere. Festival organizer and founder Grant Duhon says of the festival’s origins, “I love spreading music and I love sharing music, and I feel one of the reasons I was put on this earth was to spread peace, love, happiness, and inspiration through music. I wanted to create a festival that shared the local music, not just Lafayette musicians, and obviously it all started in Lafayette, but we have some bands from other areas in Louisiana as well.” He continues, “Ventruss is from Baton Rouge and Zizzi is from New Iberia. I just want to spread the sound and the music from this area in a festival-style environment. At first, it was going to be called Punk in the Park, but I found out that name is already taken. Also, too, the festival doesn’t just cover punk music; it covers all rock music. So, that’s where Rock Around Downtown (RAD Fest) came from.” This year’s line-up includes the heavy hitters: Zizzi, Chump, Ventruss, Disjunct, Mayrunner, Life On Mars, Subliminal Landmines, Night Revival, Stella Vir, Endure the Affliction, and VOID. With such a stellar line-up, the festival looks to provide a memorable day of entertainment, fun, and awesome tunage, not to mention the food they have lined up for the festival just makes our mouths water thinking about it. Food vendors include Twerk City Tacos, Saucay’BawBQ, and The Munchie Wagon. T-shirts and merchandise will be available for purchase, and if you have last year’s t-shirt and you wear it, you can gain admission to the festival for FREE this year. The plan is to continue this tradition going forward, too. This is an all ages event, so bring the family, and pre-sell tickets are still available for purchase, so check out their social media for more details on RAD Fest 2023! Facebook Rock Around Downtown Fest (@rad_fest) | Instagram www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Previous Next

A Classic Sound and Vibe < Back They Bring the Party: Von Mons Nicole Brice Mar 21, 2023 Share A Classic Sound and Vibe Sometimes, my music tastes can be a bit different than the norm, and I like to reminisce on the good ole days with some nostalgic sounding rock ‘n’ roll, so it’s quite fitting that I would stumble upon this next band, which I’ll now introduce to you. Von Mons are a four-piece band hailing from New Jersey , whose sound exemplifies what a party in the 60s should sound like . The guitars have a surf vibe to them, and the vocals are distorted just enough to sound like an old-school 45 that has been played one too many times. For a truly throwback listening experience, Von Mons music is best enjoyed loud, and if you happen to be near a beach, even better! Pull out that beach blanket, put the boombox down, and crank it up! Photo provided by band I genuinely wish I could pinpoint their sound and compare it, but I just can’t. Sure, there are hints here and there of Tom Petty , The Cramps , The Kinks , The Troggs , and even a little Herman’s Hermits , but when you really try to categorize or even compare them, you just can’t. These guys are unique and refreshing. Their sound is one that is missing these days amongst the clutter that has become rock music. One could even say their music would be the perfect soundtrack to a Quentin Tarantino movie. In the end, though, they are truly just a funky mash-up of underground pop. So, who, exactly, are Von Mons ? credit: Jeff Crespi Well, in a nutshell, they are Cory Williams (vocals, guitar), Tyler Kolling (drums, vocals), Brian Manser (lead guitar), and Casey Estelle (bass, vocals). Releases include Von Mons (2017) and Von Mons 2 (2020). All music can be found via the various streaming platforms and on YouTube . These guys are so much fun, they’ll make your head spin. I reached out to the band recently to gain a little more insight into what makes them so distinctive and was able to connect with Tyler Kolling , the drummer. Here’s what he had to say. MaM : What year did the band form and what inspired the formation? Give me a little band history if you don’t mind. TK : The band originally formed back in 2012. Sleepy (Cory) and I (Ty) were working at a bar in Asbury Park . We had a lot in common and bonded over our similar interests in music. We would always talk about playing together. We both didn’t really know what we were doing—still don’t, really—but [we] both had an interest in writing and performing music. Sleepy knew another dude named Sean that was really good at playing guitar. I guess you could say this was the first line up of the band: Sleepy on keys and rhythm guitar, me on drums, and Sean on lead. All of us singing. We played like that for a while, mainly in Sean ’s garage or at Ty ’s mom’s house. After a bit, we started taking it more seriously. We added Casey on bass and started playing gigs. Those early days were pretty wild and sloppy. Still are but just differently. Over the years we have had a couple line-up changes. Ty took a break for a bit and Sean moved to Atlanta . Shawna Grabowski from Late Waves filled in on drums for a bit. She rips. Corey Frank filled in on lead guitar for a bit—also a ripper. Ty came back and we added Brian on guitar full time. That’s really where we are at now. Cory “Sleepy” Williams on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Ty Kolling on drums and backing vocals, Casey Estelle on bass and backing vocals, and Brian Manser on lead guitar. credit: Jeff Crespi MaM : How would you describe your music influences for your sound? TK : All of us grew up in the area surrounding Asbury Park . There was this radio station 1410AM Golden Oldies that played all the platters that mattered from back in the day … all the blasts from the past. We all grew up listening to that station, so it would be impossible to deny that as an influence. Other influences are stuff that our parents and siblings played when we were growing up—everything from Elvis and Buddy Holly to the Grateful Dead to Crass and the Ramones . Also, growing up near the beach for sure adds a bit of a surfy vibe to anything we do. Obviously, the garage rock groups of the 60s are a huge influence as well. If you listen to the garage/punk compilations of ‘ Nuggets ,’ ‘ Pebbles ,’ or ‘ Back from the Grave ,’ you will hear a lot of stuff we rip off. MaM : Any new music being recorded currently? When can we expect a new album? TK : We recently just finished our latest record called “ Shakin’ with VON MONS .” We recorded it in Brian ’s basement with Brian at the controls and the kids running around. It’s going to be released within the next couple of months. We are just working out a record release party and some last-minute art stuff. Follow our Instagram @vonmons for more info . We are really proud of this record. As we have said before, we are still on this adventure of figuring out how to make music. We feel like we are really starting to crack the code with this one. It’s a lot of fun. Not to say that the first two records weren’t, [but] we are just figuring out and refining our voice a bit more. Fourth record will follow shortly after this one. Recording for that starts soon. credit: Jeff Crespi MaM : Take us through the creative process. How do you come up with songs? TK : We usually write music by bringing an idea to band practice. That idea could be as simple as a song title or a progression or a little lick of a song, OR that idea could be a fully realized song. That idea could be somewhere in between those examples. Whatevers. Anyways, the idea gets brought to the group and we all flesh it out and put our input into it. Then we learn it and mess it up when we play it out live. It’s a blast. We all submit ideas, but I would say the majority of them come from Sleepy . He’s a hit-making machine. MaM : What music or things around you are inspiring you to create these days? TK : Anything and everything. We hear, see, feel, or experience something and try to boil it down to a simple 2:30-long bopper. Hope our fun comes through to the listener. That’s our biggest challenge when recording—capturing our fun feeling. We really want the listener to experience that above all. credit: Jeff Crespi MaM : Have there been any notable shows you have played and why? TK : Oh man. There’s been a bunch of great shows over the years. We love playing local gigs with friend bands. There’s also been some “bigger” gigs with touring bands that have been memorable and a lot of fun. Out of town shows with Todd-O-Phonic are always a blast. We are really just grateful that people wanna hear what we make. We have a lot of fun playing. Without people coming out to see our shows, that wouldn’t be possible. The best shows are really the ones where the crowd is engaged and there is that give and take between us and the crowd. We really dig it. We are just really appreciative for those early gigs, cuz [sic] we stunk, but people kept coming out and having a good time. That meant we kept getting more shows. We got better. Not much better, but hey, we couldn’t get much worse! credit: Jeff Crespi MaM : Love your “fuzz” sound with the guitar! What brand of instrument is used? Also, too, what pedals do you use to achieve your sound? TK : Sleepy plays a Fender Mustang with some simple Overdrive pedals and lets it rip. Brian is getting this custom handmade guitar made by his brother-in-law and Petillo guitars ; it’s a total frankenfreak of everything awesome. His pedals are always moving around and switching in and out. He usually centers them around a simple Overdrive pedal as well, though … cranks it and lets it rip. credit: Jeff Crespi MaM : With all you currently have going on, what are your aspirations for the future? TK : We always joke around that being a true garage rock act means that we play music for a while, make a bunch of recordings, and then disappear, only to have our music rediscovered 40 or 50 years later and re-released, prompting us to go on tour in our mid-sixties and totally blow minds. More realistically though? We will just continue to have fun and make music we think is cool. Hopefully the crowds dig it and nice people like you keep taking interest in us. To experience all this is Von Mons, hit one of the links below! VON MONS (@vonmons) • Instagram photos and videos Stream Von Mons music | Listen to songs, albums, playlists for free on SoundCloud Von Mons | Facebook Von Mons Von Mons | Spotify ‎Von Mons on Apple Music Von Mons on TIDAL VON MONS - Lyrics, Playlists & Videos | Shazam Von Mons - YouTube Thank you to Jeff Crespi for the photos! 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 Got something you’d like us to listen to? Hit us up! Send an email to the_nicolebrice@mixedaltmag.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Scott Von Doviak's newest book Lowdown Road mixes hick cinema, blaxploitation, and 70's cinematic archetypes into one hell of a crime-thrilling story. < Back Lowdown Road: Book Review Shaun Corley Nov 14, 2023 Share Scott Von Doviak's newest book Lowdown Road mixes hick cinema, blaxploitation, and 70's cinematic archetypes into one hell of a crime-thrilling story. The 1970s saw an explosion of “car” and “road” movies, such as 1971's Vanishing Point and Two-Lane Blackto p , among others. The decade also saw the rise of the “blaxploitation” genre, seen in movies like Shaft (1971) and Dolemite (1975) . Finally, the “Me Decade” featured a wide variety of colorful, larger-than-life media personalities, such as Evel Kneivel, who held millions spellbound with their antics. The 1970s were also a time of great social upheaval. Americans’ faith in their leaders took a serious hit during the Watergate Scandal; oil shortages led to long lines at the gas pumps; the war in Vietnam raged through the early part of the decade; and drug use, especially cannabis, permeated society. The hippie, “free love” movement of the 1960s had come crashing down at Altamont and never recovered. All of these seemingly separate threads converge beautifully in Scott Von Doviak ’s " Lowdown Road" —a crime thriller that Stephen King calls “ a f**king great story … it’s a blast.” “Lowdown Road” is published by Titan Books as part of their Hard Case Crime series and is Von Doviak’s second novel, following 2018’s “Charlesgate Confidential”, also part of the same series. A pop culture journalist for publications such as The AV Club , Von Doviak is also the author of several pop-culture reference books, including “ Hick Flicks: The Rise and Fall of Redneck Cinema ” and “ The Stephen King Film FAQ ” . “Lowdown Road” follows a cast of characters who would have been at home in the grindhouse, drive-in movies of the 1970s . The action kicks off when cousins Chuck and Dean Meville rip a million dollars worth of weed off dealer Antonie Lynch. Their plan: abscond with the product to Snake River Canyon in Idaho, where thousands of people are gathering to watch stuntman Evel Kneivel attempt to jump it on a motorcycle. There, they plan to make a fortune—one that will secure their futures. Naturally, Antonie does not take highly to Chuck and Dean’s plan, and after the cousins steal his weed, he takes off in pursuit. Also on Chuck and Dean’s trail is Sheriff Geddings. Geddings’ mistress tried to use Chuck and Dean in a plan to kill her husband, Geddings’ deputy; however, Chuck and Dean threw a spanner into his works by killing Geddings’ mistress in self-defense. Now blind with anger and seeking revenge, Geddings is a man on a single-minded mission: avenge his lover by killing Chuck and Dean—and God help whoever gets in his way. Von Doviak’s “ hick cinema ” background is a huge influence on “Lowdown Road” . Chuck and Dean are just a pair of good ole boys who mean no one harm, who suddenly find themselves fleeing for their lives while trying to chase what is left of the American Dream. The types of movies Von Doviak is invoking with “Lowdown Road” also regularly featured corrupt law enforcement officials, and Sheriff Geddings is cut from this mold as well. Meanwhile, Antonie could have walked straight out of a blaxploitation movie, another nod to 70s drive-in movies. Yet Von Doviak imbibes each character with nuances and quirks that take them beyond being mere caricatures, Antonie Lynch in particular. Lynch is engaged in a number of criminal enterprises, not just limited to dealing drugs. It may be tempting to write Lynch off as a “crook” or a “thug,” but Von Doviak digs deep into Lynch’s psyche and makes him a well-rounded character. Lynch, who is also a closeted gay man, meets Julian, who is also Black and gay. The two share not only a bed and a car but also their love of movies, particularly the works of French New Wave director Jean-Luc Godard. Julian and Antonie are perfect for each other, even if they do not realize it until it's too late. Beyond Chuck, Dean, Antonie and Sheriff Geddings, Von Doviak creates a number of compelling and quirky characters whose lives weave in and out of the main story. Some of these minor characters also invoke 70’s cinematic archetypes ; for example, Chuck and Dean run afoul of a bootlegging, backwoods family who could have been plucked from The Texas Chainsaw Massacre . Uptown Mike, the short-fused biker Chuck and Dean encounter, could have come from Easy Rider. These characters add spice and color to the narrative. As befitting its influences and inspirations, “Lowdown Road” moves at a breakneck pace. Never once does the plot drag, and Von Doviak infuses it with a number of twists and turns—some funny and others devastating. The book’s climax, set at Evel Knievel’s iconic jump of the Snake Canyon River, is gut-wrenching , with twists the reader will not see coming. The book is fittingly cinematic. The 1970s were one of the most turbulent decades in American history. The pop culture of the time reflected this, mirroring the concerns and fears of a world where the illusion of stability and progress was slowly slipping away. These anxieties manifested themselves in a variety of genres, and Scott Von Doviak’s “Lowdown Road”perfectly recreates these seminal works, while adding new and unexpected layers along the way. "Lowdown Road" is currently available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and you can check your local bookstore, as they'll likely be carrying it too. For more on Author Scott Von Doviak, visit his official page at www.ScottVonDoviak.com . 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

NOLA blues musician Eric Johanson takes his distinctive, intoxicating sound on the road, kicking off his “Don’t Hold Back” tour in North Alabama. < Back Eric Johanson: A Distinctive Blues Musician with an Intoxicating Sound Bud Gambrell Jan 30, 2024 Share NOLA blues musician Eric Johanson takes his distinctive, intoxicating sound on the road, kicking off his “Don’t Hold Back” tour in North Alabama. New Orleans blues musician Eric Johanson recently embarked on his maiden headlining tour, kicking off his first show in Decatur, Alabama. Eric’s style of music cannot be classified into one category, as he is about more than traditional blues. His songs are steeped in the blues, but he also includes the influence of rock, funk, soul, and a little bit of Louisiana style. Born in Alexandria, Louisiana, Eric now calls New Orleans home and uses his travels abroad to gather the many influences that give him a distinctive and intoxicating sound. With the release of his new album, “The Deep and The Dirty,” the power trio sets out to make a name for themselves. Opening Night of the 2024 “Don’t Hold Back Tour” kicked off this past Saturday, January 27, at The Princess Theatre in Decatur. The power trio gave all that they had to please the undersized crowd. Led by guitar slinger Eric Johanson, the band laid into two sets running just over two hours. Eric hit the road in support of his 2023 release The Deep and The Dirty . While playing plenty of tracks from the new album, the evening had a generous helping of tracks from Eric’s previous releases. While Eric was in town, Mixed Alternative had the chance to sit down and have a chat with this brilliant guitar wizard. Read our conversation below! MaM : Your current tour, Don’t Hold Back , starts tonight in Decatur, Alabama. How do you feel about your upcoming tour which is your first headlining tour? EJ : We've certainly had headline dates out there, but this is the first time we're hitting a lot of these venues in a row to headline, so it's exciting! It's really good to be getting back out there and playing for the people. It's always nice when you headline the shows. You can play more material and stretch out. Credit: Bud Gambrell MaM : Since this is your debut headlining tour, is there anything that you are out to accomplish? EJ : We're just wanting to get out there and see folks that maybe heard us online and haven't gotten a chance to see us yet. The live show is really what it's all about for me. It's where the music takes on a life of its own. And you know we never play things the same way twice. There's always improvisation involved and we try to change up the set so we're hoping to see some familiar faces and also turn on some new folks to the to the live experience. Credit: Bud Gambrell MaM : Is there anything that you can tell a newcomer, like myself, on what to expect from an Eric Johanson show? EJ : Well, my music is heavily [influenced by the blues], but it kind of is a little broader than that. It has elements of rock and funk and has that Louisiana influence, and also a little bit of the jam band-like The Allman Brothers-type vibe in there. I don't like to keep it in a box but basically, it's a power trio and we perform mostly all original material from the albums that I've released. Credit: Bud Gambrell MaM : What can we expect to hear on the setlist? EJ : I'll play stuff from all three of the studio releases. I play a couple of things that came out on the ‘Covered Tracks’ releases sometimes, but honestly, these days, a lot of times, I don't write out a set list and we just kind of go with the feeling. I've found that it keeps it more on the edge of our toes to just come up with the next song based on what the moment feels like and the energy that we're getting from the crowd. So a lot of the time I'm really coming up with the set on the spot, but it's always a mix of the original tunes from my three records and you know occasionally we'll throw an old blues tune in there or an old New Orleans tune. MaM : This is a return trip for you to The Princess Theater. I understand the last stop had an interesting mishap. EJ : Yeah, the last time I was there something happened with a breaker or something and the PA went out for a little bit, and I actually ended up just sitting on the edge of the stage and singing acoustically to the room for a couple of songs while they got the PA back up. (laughs) And it actually was a cool moment and a testament to the sound of the room itself. It is a great-sounding theater. Credit: Bud Gambrell MaM : 2024 is looking to be a bright year for you: You just released the tour dates for Europe, as well as a new music video for “Just Like New”, and you are kicking off a tour tonight in support of the new album “The Deep and The Dirty”. In 2023, the album debuted at #1 on the Billboard Blues chart. How did you feel when you received the phone call giving you the news that it debuted in the top spot? EJ : It feels good! I mean you don't want to get too hung up on things like that, but it definitely is a nice feeling. When you're working on a record you just want to make the best thing that you can make. I want to make something like the music that I want to hear but I can't find or, you know, just something I would want to listen to. You really don't know how people are going to respond to it. So, when you get the news that it's not only sold well but that it's debuting at the top of the genre, it kind of gives you some … feeling like [you’re] onto something. You know what I mean? You just don't know. All you can do is what you think sounds good and it's been great to see other people getting into it. The album is not traditional blues, it's experimental. But I like to think that it's organic, it's raw, it's honest. And if people will respond to that it’s everything. It's great to see it charting and it's been great to hear peoples feedback and reactions to it. We're still excited, man! It's been out for about half a year now and so a lot of people these days get turned onto music through word of mouth. People are still discovering it all the time and it's just cool to see it kind of having legs. MaM: You've been in the music business for several years now, and obviously the music business is evolving. What are your thoughts on the state of the music industry today, especially with the invention of digital music. Where do you stand on all that? EJ : Well, it's kind of a mixed blessing because you don't really make any money from the streaming. I mean, some people will make the argument that you can, but it's such an enormous amount. Millions of people have to be streaming the music for you to make minimum wage. It's basically just a way for people to discover music, but it's not really a money maker for most of us. But that said, you know it really allows for a whole lot more people to find music that they might be interested in. … Back in the day, if you weren't on the radio, if you weren't on MTV, then only your buddies that passed on a tape were going know about your music. I think it's good that there's so much diversity of music out there and that there is a way to put your art out there no matter what. It kind of is what it is. Thankfully, there are still people that are buying physical copies of music, whether it's with vinyl coming back or whether it's people that are buying CDs. Some people buy CDs, and I don't even know if they're playing them in a CD player or if it's just something to sign. But thankfully there are still people that do that because the merchandise table on tour is really how it all works. Without that, it's pretty hard to tour. I would prefer that there was a way to still encourage people to buy records. These days it's hard to even figure out how to buy a record on iTunes. It's all just streaming now, but you know there's not a whole lot that you can do to turn back the clock on that. I just try to look at it as it's a way that people can discover new music and hopefully, they'll come to a show and … buy a T-shirt or vinyl or a CD or something. For more on Eric Johanson or to catch a show on his Don’t Hold Back tour, visit the power trio online at www.EricJohanson.com , where you can find tour dates, news, and shop the online store. *All photos by Bud Gambrell with Dragonfly Imagery www.dragonflyaerialimagery.com Dragonfly Aerial Imagery Dragonfly Aerial Imagery is a locally owned and operated photography business in North Alabama. Call or email us today for an appointment. www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Previous Next

Joe Burns has an innate ability to make you laugh out loud in this non-stop ride of hilarity. < Back The Book Nook: We'll Try and Get That on For You Nicole Brice Mar 8, 2025 Share Joe Burns has an innate ability to make you laugh out loud in this non-stop ride of hilarity. I just finished reading a phenomenal book , so I felt inclined to share my thoughts with all of you so that you, too, can enjoy this honest and heartfelt narrative of the glory days of radio. We'll Try and Get That on For You is the latest from author Joe Burns. Burns has published books on web design and other creative endeavors in the past, but this is his first book of this nature, which I call an autobiographical comedy fiction satire masterpiece . No seriously. This book is a " Sandlot " narrative with " Anchorman " antics. I could see it being made into a hilarious screenplay. Click to buy Reading this book was personal because Joe Burns was one of the many phenomenal professors who taught me when I attended Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, Louisiana . Some of my fondest memories of college include his classes. He taught me so much, and now, after reading this book, I realize why he was so knowledgeable. If you talk with Joe in person, he is just a shy, goofy, and loveable human who is too smart for his own good. Did you know that he once took the Mensa test? More about that can be found in our interview with him on our website. As I write about him, it's difficult for me to type just his name without the "Dr." attached to it. Behind the scenes shot from our photoshoot with Joe Burns back in 2023. Trying on his guitar. Notice I'm sporting the KSLU shirt. Forever proud to have worked there. We'll Try and Get That on For You is a story told through the eyes of the 'intern,' aka Joe Burns . With tales of morning show DJs running for governor, procuring votes with promises of Taco Tuesday becoming mandatory, to vivid details of characters, this book is a riot of entertainment. It's funny, it's entertaining, and it never lets up . Radio contests and shenanigans abound, even going as far as stealing the thunder from another local station promoting a concert by the Beach Boys . With his innate storytelling ability, Joe Burns brings these events to life with such detail that you find yourself laughing out loud. The book is filled with unexpected humor, from an electrocution to a death threat, and even getting told off by multiple clowns. Yes, clowns . Reading Joe’s retelling of the events of 9/11 unfolding while he helped facilitate local coverage on my former college radio station, 90.9 FM KSLU , now known as 90.9 The Lion , felt personal because I was a student at Southeastern at the time. I will never forget how I stayed home from classes that day because I was just exhausted. I love that the university utilized his radio experience and expertise on this day because if you’ve ever heard him speak, he truly does have a gift for radio. When Joe gets to the part of the book about his later career outside of the station that shaped him, he recounts the ending of radio with personality and the beginning of formulaic conformity in radio. It’s a bittersweet ending as he sums it all up and updates the later years of the cast of characters once they had moved on from the beloved Z-107. There are many other surprises, so I will not spoil them for you, but do yourself a favor and immerse yourself in this vivid and entertaining narrative. It’s fun. Buy here: We'll Try and Get That on for You: My Life in Personality Radio: Burns, Joe: 9798892110600: Amazon.com : Books *Photos by Gary Governale www.governalephotovideo.com Zenfolio | Home I have been working as a video professional since 1993, with a wide range of experience writing, producing, directing, shooting and editing. A strong interest in videography, specifically lighting and composition, led me to photography in 1998. Rapidly changing technology has blurred the line between video and photography, allowing me to work in both mediums.. Baton Rouge, LA, United States www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90s flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

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

RobenX is promising a legacy of influence that transcends music alone. < Back On the Rise: RobenX Nicole Brice May 8, 2024 Share RobenX is promising a legacy of influence that transcends music alone. Who is RobenX ? He is a fearless artist, a beacon of authenticity. His life is a testament to the triumph of the human spirit, drawing inspiration from the depths of human existence here in the School of Earth. With a profound narrative of resilience, talent, and empowerment, Roben is not just a musician but also an author, model, anti-bullying advocate, and advocate for albinism . His journey took him to Geneva, Switzerland, in 2018, where he spoke and performed at the United Nations during their Human Rights Day Celebration , a testament to his unwavering spirit. Credit: Andrew of Ejji Studios RobenX, originally Robdarius Brown, hails from Memphis, Tennessee, a city steeped in the rich musical traditions of blues, soul, and rock ‘n’ roll. His early life was marked by significant challenges, but it was through these trials that he discovered his refuge in music. It became his voice, escape, and a way to share his experiences with the world. RobenX's music is a unique fusion of genuine expression and profound emotional depth. It resonates with the vocal stylings of two hip-hop legends, Onyx and Eminem . If these two had a musical lovechild, it would be RobenX. His music is a return to intelligent hip-hop, reaching into the depths of your soul with its raw emotion. The energy he infuses into every song is palpable, radiating from every note and lyric, creating a powerful connection with his listeners. His newest single – “ Blood on the Leaves ,” – was released on April 3, 2024, and is a journey from the depths of pain and existence. It’s dark. It’s gritty. It’s honest. It is exactly what we need in music because it is authentic. On my favorite track, - “ Dial Tone ,”- released in 2022, Roben changes things up and sings a little more while going through the real emotions associated with disassociating from someone. The words are intense and full of pain, culminating in the chorus with the words, “This shouldn’t be the price of love.” So true, my friend, so true. Another favorite song of mine, “ Devoid ,” was released on the Mental Interlude EP in 2020 and is pure poetic genius because I’m sure many can identify with Roben's feelings of just being over everything in a moment of frustration and anger. However, what truly sets RobenX apart in the hip-hop community is his unwavering commitment to advocacy. Through his lyrics and public presence, he not only raises awareness about albinism but also challenges the stereotypes and misconceptions that surround individuals with this condition. His advocacy is a beacon of light, illuminating the path toward a more inclusive and understanding society. Mixed Alternative Magazine recently had the opportunity to catch up with the extraordinary RobenX, and we enjoyed chatting about anything and everything. With so much depth to Roben’s character, we had a good bit of ground to cover, so take a moment to read more of our conversation below to learn about the phenomenal artist, RobenX. Credit: Andrew of Ejji Studios MaM : You’ve released a ton of music since 2012. What was the first song that you ever wrote? How did it feel to bring your musical vision to life via song? RobenX : I was a freestyler when I first started, and I was doing that when I recorded my first song, “They Love Me,” which is still out there, probably buried on my YouTube , but the first song I wrote was a song called “Just Maybe,” but I never released it. That was the first time I had decided to hone my craft. Writing was such a weird concept to me regarding writing music. I used to write stories all the time, but I had never written a song. I had to catch all the words flying by me with all these fleeting emotions, but once I started crafting a song, I realized how much more potent it could be and how much control I had over what I could say. MaM : How old were you when you wrote that? RobenX : I was 13 or 14. Credit: Daneel Ferreira MaM : Who would you say has influenced you the most when making music? I noticed you have quite a bit of diversity in your music. RobenX : I’m just going to rattle off a bunch of names because there are so many, but they are near and dear to what I do: Korn, Three Days Grace, Tupac, Tech N9ne, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, System of a Down, Breaking Benjamin, Disturbed, Thousand Foot Krutch, Mindless Self Indulgence, The Temptations, Kendrick Lamar, and Eminem. I almost forgot Michael Jackson and David Ruffin, too. MaM : There is such diversity. What mission statement would you like to convey to people discovering your music for the first time? RobenX : I want people to take my stories and use them to help themselves. I want to use my pain to heal the pain. I experienced a lot of different scenarios and got to experience things I probably shouldn’t have at a young age. Still, I want to testify that your past helps define you, but don’t let it limit you. The world is yours to do what you want, so use my words to appeal to you. Use my stories and find yourself in the music. Take my words and apply them to you. Credit: Andrew of Ejji Studios MaM : How do you approach the songwriting process? Take us through that. RobenX : It’s different every time because I’ve written some songs in five minutes. Some songs, though, can take months. Sometimes, I have an idea that I’ll record or write stuff down, but sometimes, the concept is there, but I just haven’t found the right instrumental. It all must align with the universe. I try not to do things the universe doesn’t need, so if the idea doesn’t speak to me, I usually discard it or set it aside until it’s time. Usually, I’ll hear a track and listen to what it is trying to get me to say, and I listen to the universe and the higher-ups who give me the stories I need. For example, a lot of what is going to be on “Shoulda Died” is just internal and reliving some of the past trauma that I experienced as a teenager and as a young adult. Credit: Andrew of Ejji Studios MaM : I like to call those universal happenings when you listen to the divine guidance given. So, the next question I have for you is funny but one that will get you thinking. You’re headed to live on a deserted island and can only bring CDs by five artists. What are you bringing? RobenX : Believe it or not, my list would be small. Ok, Smino’s “ Noir ,” Tupac’s “ All Eyez on Me ,” Kendrick Lamar’s “ Good Kid ,” Three Days Grace’s self-titled album , System of a Down’s “ Hypnotize ” or “ Toxicity ”. (laughter) Man…I can’t forget about Michael Jackson’s “ Thriller ”, too. That’s hard. (laughter) MaM : I love that. You are such an inspirational individual. So, what are you working on currently? You released a new single in April but must have something else in the pipeline. RobenX : I am working on a new project, and I’ll go ahead and give you the title; it’s called “Shoulda Died.” We’re also working on a coloring book inspired by my book, “ The Colors of Olleh ,” a children’s book, and Teiyonna Douglas is the illustrator of that book. She created all the pictures. She also did the cover art for several of my releases, including “ The Mental Interlude ” EP and for a mixtape I have on YouTube called Moldy . Her artwork is on that cover, too, and she’s been helping me a lot. She is creating the coloring book all by herself, though, and I give suggestions here and there, but I will also be releasing some songs from “ The Mental Interlude ” EP in their live versions. Credit: Daneel Ferreira MaM : Wow! So much is going on! So, when do you anticipate some of that dropping? RobenX : If I can, I want to have something out by June, but my goal is June or July. MaM : Let’s discuss your book, “ The Colors of Olleh ”. What was the process like putting all of that together? RobenX : The inception of “ The Colors of Olleh ” was simple. I wanted to write a book and tell a story about a child with Albinism but not have Albinism be the main focal point. I just wanted a character who had Albinism. He sees colors and lives in a world of black and white. I called Teiyonna immediately to pitch the idea to her, and she loved the concept. However, she thought about making each page monochrome to show that Olleh can see color when others cannot. The idea started snowballing to where colors were representing differences. When people don’t see people for who they truly are, they are living in black & white. To see the beauty of difference is to see in color. If you say you don’t see color, you live blind. It’s all subjective. Richard Hervey is the producer. He goes by the name of Enigma, but he has helped on numerous tracks of mine, and he was the one who helped turn the entire concept into a book. He took Teiyonna’s ideas and made them bigger, and then “ The Colors of Olleh ” was born, and Olleh’s name is just “hello” backward. Olleh is a traveler, though he could be anyone, and he meets a young lady in the story named Vye, who ends up being the leader of the story. Her character is to show people that they can step up and not wait for a change, but they can be the change. Olleh goes to this town to tell people that he can see color, and they can see color if they accept him. At first, people are hesitant, but then Vye decides she’s curious, so she accepts Olleh, and when she does, it’s easier for others to do so. It shows leadership. Step up and be the change. Small note: Vye’s name is taken from the color violet. MaM : You’ve done so much, a true Renaissance man, but I read you’ve also worked with the United Nations on some things. Tell us a little more about that. RobenX : I was doing some Albinism awareness and anti-bullying work and was asked to be part of a video educating people on Albinism. However, I didn’t think too much about it afterward. Years passed after I had done the video, and I didn’t hear from them. They didn’t have my e-mail, so they tried to reach out to me via my social media, but the messages went to my spam box for some reason. One day, I checked my spam folder, and there were many messages. I would have missed the opportunity if I had just waited a day later to read the messages. I was flown to Geneva, Switzerland, and I got to meet the High Commissioner of the United Nations, and it was insane. I was 18 or 19, and coming from Memphis, with growing up how I did, flying to a different country was wild. For reference, my grandmother has never left Memphis. My mom was the first in her family to graduate from college. This was a huge deal. Once I got there, I was allowed to speak about Albinism and human rights and what we could do to make a difference in other countries. See, in other countries, people with my condition are considered spiritual or magical and are often killed because of this. Their body parts are then used in rituals and incantations, but if the poachers don’t get them, then they are dying from skin cancer because of overexposure to the sun, and they don’t have access to proper healthcare for their conditions. I wanted to use my voice to see what we could do to help them. I was made a Human Rights Champion and allowed to meet other leaders from all walks of life. It was amazing. Very powerful. MaM : Where do you see yourself headed in the future? RobenX : I want to do so much, and I know I can’t save the world in a day, but the goal is to reach as many people through as many mediums as possible. I want to flood the market correctly with the right things. No matter where you turn, things aren’t full of love labor. I want to create mediums that speak to people, help people grow, and give people power. I believe we are on that journey, too, and I hope that in the next five years, we can reach people with positivity through all mediums. RobenX exemplifies the powerful intersection of art and advocacy with each new track, performance, and interview. His journey underscores the potential for music to entertain, enlighten, and provoke change. As his message spreads further, he promises a legacy of influence and change that transcends music alone. To check out Roben’s work catalog, hit the link below and be sure to follow him on social media. *cover photo by Andrew of Ejji Studios *videos provided by Extreme Dreams USA www.teamrobenx.com HOME | TeamRobenX 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

Shawn Franklin redefines the music production landscape with his top-notch restorations and collaborations. < Back Shawn Franklin: Music Producer Extraordinaire Nicole Brice Oct 2, 2023 Share Shawn Franklin redefines the music production landscape with his top-notch restorations and collaborations. Often in music entertainment, we heavily focus on those in the foreground— the artists and musicians —but we don’t focus on the talent behind the scenes delicately tweaking and fine-tuning songs and albums, making sure everything is perfect. In the dynamic world of music production, some individuals stand out because of their sheer talent, versatility, and ability to add a distinct touch to all they lay their eyes, ears, and hands on. Shawn Franklin is one of those people who stand out in the music production crowd. With artistry that spans many mediums, Shawn has solidified his place among the production elite with various projects spanning well over a decade. With over 23 years of experience in sound engineering and performing with his band, The Scallions, Shawn’s true specialty is audio restoration and re-mastering new and classic material. Photo provided by artist Franklin has worked on music for Anthrax , Stone Deep , Public Enemy , Chuck D , Chuck Mosley , Daddy O , Dirty Rotten Imbeciles , Prophets of Rage , Renaldo & the Loaf , The Residents , The Mentors , and many others. What started as pure love and enthusiasm for the music that inspired him as a kid became an innate understanding of the intricacies of music, allowing him to turn a lifelong dream into a reality, and he currently shows no signs of slowing down. Shawn Franklin has an uncanny ability to focus on sounds to determine how and where they need to be tweaked for a crisp, clean restoration. Born and raised in a musically inclined family, Shawn developed an affinity for music at a young age, eventually learning to play the drums. “My brother is four years older than me … and he played guitar. I wanted to play the drums, and before I got a drum kit, I would play on coffee cans. I’d play with pencils as my sticks and then for cymbals, I’d have the coffee cans upside down for the tin part. I would fill the center part with pennies for the snare,” he recalls. A young Shawn Franklin - photo provided by artist His upbringing laid the foundation for his future success, as he immersed himself in a vast range of musical styles from metal to hip-hop and everywhere in between. After discovering Kiss’ album Hotter than Hell , Franklin’s passion for music grew exponentially, and during his teenage years, he was led to explore the makings of what goes into a spectacular recording. “My brother heard ‘Calling Dr. Love’ from Kiss on the radio in ’76 … I think I was four years old … and then I heard it and we both loved the song. We got the 45 and had no clue what they looked like or anything like that. Just hearing that song and loving that song and then discovering everything they did image-wise, … I mean, that was just like icing on the cake.” As Shawn’s music tastes began to expand, so did his record collection, and once he discovered the band The Residents , he was hooked. The Residents would play a huge part in Shawn’s life later, so this discovery was fortuitous. With many other bands and musicians influencing him, such as The Beach Boys , Jefferson Starship , and The Beatles , Franklin was eventually led into the world of hip-hop when he discovered breakdancing . Shawn Franklin getting an autograph from Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys - circa 1998 - photo provided by artist “It was the summer of 1984,” says Shawn, “my friend started [dancing] doing the worm one day, and I had no clue what it was. I rented Breakin’ and I thought the movie was horrible but cool because it got me into the music. It had this street element … this energy.” Franklin’s love for hip-hop would continue to grow, and over the years, he would go on to discover many influential artists from the time, such as Kurtis Blow , Boogie Down Productions , The Beastie Boys , Public Enemy , and KRS-One . “I heard ‘ South Bronx ’ by Boogie Down Productions in 1986 and I had never heard anything like it. The little horn stabs and everything just blew my mind.” Franklin’s career with music would soon take a dramatic turn—one that would start to shape his destiny. In 1990 , Shawn and his brother Mike began making music as The Scallions . Described as “ Avant-Garde Power Pop ” and influenced by San Francisco cult giants The Residents , Mike and Shawn started shaping their sound. Mike and Shawn Franklin aka The Scallions - photo provided by artist In 1999 , the band began shopping material around when they hooked up with Tom Timony , a former owner of The Residents label, Ralph Records . In the year 2000, they put out their first commercially released album, Mud Pie , and following its release the album was promoted with interviews, reviews, and radio play. In 2001 , Tom’s label closed and left Shawn and Mike looking for a new home for their music. It was around this time Franklin reached out to Chuck D from Public Enemy via e-mail after obtaining his e-mail address on an online message board. After e-mailing him, Shawn met him in person at a lecture held on the campus of Wesleyan University in Middletown, Conn. where Chuck acknowledged he had received the copy of ' Gladys ' that Shawn had sent over. "He listened to the song and really liked it and that was it.” The Scallions In 2002 , the band signed with Chuck D’s label, SLAMjamz , and was asked to open for a few shows with Public Enemy in Massachusetts. “He told me, ‘You guys are different’, and that was that.” The year 2006 saw The Scallions release their album Agony Through Ceremony as part of a CD/DVD combo on Chuck D’s label. From there, Shawn Franklin and Chuck D would spark a professional friendship that led to various other projects outside of his band that continues to this day, with Franklin currently producing daily segments for Chuck D’s RAPstation radio network called “ This Day in Hip Hop History ”. Chuck D and Shawn Franklin - photo provided by artist One of the significant factors that sets Shawn Franklin apart is his remarkable versatility and after discovering he had a knack for restoring audio in a complex way , he began to experiment and push creative boundaries resulting in captivating and refreshing sounds. Of his early remastering days, Franklin says, “In the early 2000’s, I had been collecting bootlegs forever, and I was always zoning in on certain aspects of the recordings: ‘This one has got a lot of noise,’ and ‘This one could use a tweak here,’ and I remember thinking, ‘I wish I could clean this stuff up and restore these.’ The technology was not there yet, but I had a friend turn me on to some software that was incredible for the time. It was like a nuclear bomb went off over my head.” After discovering his secret weapon software, which he did not disclose the name of because it is his secret weapon, Shawn was able to start playing with audio. “I really started cutting my teeth, fixing these bootlegs,” Franklin said. “I really got into it … but I didn’t have any ambitions to be doing audio professionally.” Those first moments of tweaking audio for bootlegs began to set the stage for what was to come. “So, I became friends with Renaldo from Renaldo and the Loaf, and so, as the story progresses … around 2014, Brian, who is Renaldo, was taking a trip out to the United States where he had plans to stay at my house. There was this album, ‘Title in Limbo’ by The Residents, in collaboration with Renaldo and the Loaf. When the album was released on CD, some of the songs faded in, and it was horrible. Prior to Brian coming here, I was telling him about it, and he was like, ‘I have a mix down.’ He’s like, ‘Maybe you can fix it up and restore this album.’ So, I did and matched everything up EQ-wise and he flipped out over it.” That project then led to Shawn doing restoration professionally because the restored album was released worldwide. Title in Limbo by The Residents and Renaldo & The Loaf “Public Enemy is one of my favorite rap bands worldwide. Two friends and I, who coincidentally worked for Chuck, had this idea of making a comprehensive cohesive product of every single A side and B side from all their seven-inch, 12-inch, and CD singles. So, we did this whole thing and we presented it to the Public Enemy squad in 2014. Chuck, at this point, was like, ‘You know, you guys really should start a production team,’ and we were all like, ‘Hmmm … let’s do it. Let’s do this professionally.’” They decided to call their production team TDX , which stands for The Definitive Xperience. “We had all these plans of doing all kinds of reissues from bands,” says Franklin . From there, Shawn and his team embarked on a whirlwind career of numerous opportunities. Shawn Franklin’s reputation for excellence and his exceptional skills have attracted some of the most prominent names in the music industry and his collaborative works have earned him the trust and respect of many established artists such as thrash metal pioneers Anthrax . “I had the idea to reach out to Charlie from Anthrax since Public Enemy had collaborated with them,” Franklin explains. “I ended up sending Charlie [Benante] a tweet because I wasn’t friends with him. I told him, ‘Hey, listen. I’ve been a huge fan of Anthrax since ’86 and I did a really fat remaster of Spreading the Disease . I really want you to hear it and I work for Chuck D.’ He got back to me and said he would love to hear it, so I sent him what I did, and he loved it.” From there, Franklin spoke on the phone with Charlie , developing a professional friendship that led to numerous collaborations. Shawn Franklin with Charlie Benante from Anthrax - photo provided by artist “He said, ‘I’m going to send you some songs that I love and I’m not going to tell you what I don’t like about them audio-wise, and I want to see what you would do.’ I’m thinking, ‘Well, I’m just gonna trust my ears and see what I come up with.’ So, I did that and sent him samples of before and after. I didn’t hear anything for a while until one day, I was playing drums and my phone started blowing up. I look down at my phone to see Charlie messaging me and telling me that I ‘killed it.’” After successfully re-mastering those first few tracks, Shawn Franklin was sent more material that eventually led to him editing, assembling, and sequencing the Spreading the Disease 30th Anniversary album and the State of Euphoria deluxe album for Universal/Megaforce Records . Those projects then led to numerous other projects and collaborations with Anthrax and the professional relationship continues to this day. Remastered by Shawn Franklin Beyond his individual accomplishments, Shawn Franklin has had a transformative impact on the music production landscape by recognizing the importance of embracing technological advancements and utilizing innovative techniques to shape and enhance the soundscape of his creative projects. When asked about some of his other projects outside of Public Enemy and Anthrax, he said, “Working with Chuck Mosley from Faith No More, God rest his soul, was just incredible. I think that me being a fan of the music helps in my situation because knowing the catalog and the work makes it more personal.” He goes on to say, “It’s like saying, ‘Hey, this guy loves our stuff but can also deliver the goods audio-wise,’ you know?” In 2016 , Franklin was asked to master three songs for DJ Lord for the 2016 Make America Rage Again tour and says of the experience, “Chuck had an assistant named Kate. She came to me one day and said, ‘DJ Lord needs three songs mastered … instrumental versions.’ So, I didn’t even think anything of it and told them, ‘Let’s go!’” Credit: Green Left From there, Shawn went on to do the tracks with no problems and recalled the moment he got to experience his work firsthand live. “I’m at Mohegan Sun Arena watching the Prophets of Rage show and it’s going along, and ‘Bring the Noise’ starts when it dawns on me that this was what I had mastered for them. I look around the arena and it’s sold out. It’s packed. I’m watching people lose their minds to the music and I’m thinking, ‘I worked on this.’” As the music industry continues to evolve, Shawn Franklin remains relentless in his pursuit of excellence. While continuing to collaborate with renowned artists, Franklin strives to inspire others to follow their dreams and explore their creative potential. His journey from humble beginnings to working for Chuck D is a testament to his unwavering passion, exceptional talent, and commitment to musical quality. Through his versatility and groundbreaking production style, Franklin has redefined the music production landscape and left an indelible mark on the industry. As the music world eagerly awaits his next move, there is no doubt that Shawn Franklin’s influence will continue to shape the future of music production for years to come. To learn more about Shawn and his work, visit one of the sites below: Website: TDX: The Definitive Xperience (defexperience.com) The Scallions: The Scallions | blocGLOBAL Independent Record Label | Buy, download and listen to music online (blocsonic.com) Facebook (The Scallions): The Scallions (facebook.com) Rapstation Radio: Rapstation - Home 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