2014 CVNW January

JANUARY Issue

FREE

THE Custom Lifestyle Magazine for Car, Motorcycle, and Music Enthusiasts

Contents...

News You Can Use, Car Edition...What Bad Driving Advice Do Some Parents Give?

Order from the Chaos: Brien DeChristopher’s Blog Gear the Pros Use: David Nacca of Vegas’ T.O.D. CVNW Brew Crew: Mill City Brew Werks Lani Linton: Pink Bead CD Release Show News You Can Use, Motorcycle Edition...What “Cagers” Need to Know About Cycles Tattoo Gallery...readers send in pics of favorite tattoos

Jeffrey Easton spends time with a legend in the 80’s rock scene, Michael Sweet of Stryper; on the eve of the release of their latest album, Michael opens up to Metal Exiles...

Page 24 CV Northwest Magazine

Jamie Paullus, along with Kathleen Clarkson, bring us pictures and musings about one of the greatest shows in Spokane, by one of the greatest bands ever; Pearl Jam. Page 12

Locally Owned / Nationally Known

10 16 21 22 38 42 44

Lani and Molly are up to no good again with their incredible pics and article on Tina Hendrix, niece of Jimi Hendrix, and the Hendrix Music Academy. Also, the Pink Bead CD Release show!

Page 18

Contact Us: Info@cvworldwidemagazine.com

CV NORTHWEST MAGAZINE © 2012-13 is published monthly and NO reproduction of content is permitted without Publisher’s prior approval. Publisher assumes no financial responsibility for the errors in ads beyond the cost of space occupied by error. Publisher is not liable for: any slandering of an individual, or group as we mean no malice or individual criticism at any time; nor are we responsible for the opinions or comments of our columnists; and promises, coupons, or lack of fulfillment from advertisers who are solely responsible for the content of their ads.

Publisher is also to be held harmless from: failure to produce any issue as scheduled due to reasons beyond control; all suits, claims or loss of expenses; this includes but is not limited to, suits for libel, plagiarism, copyright infringement and unauthorized use of a person’s name or photograph.

Jan 3 Jan 3 Jan 4 Jan 4 Jan 5 Jan 11 Jan 17 Jan 18 Jan 23 Jan 24 Jan 24 Jan 24 Jan 24 Jan 24 Jan 25 Jan 25 Jan 30

Pamela Moore Prophets of Addiction Metal Shop Prophets of Addiction Metal Shop December in Red Witchburn Riverpool Jordan Allena Brother Jack December in Red Jordan Allena Witchburn Zero Down Jordan Allena Prophets of Addiction December in Red

Snoqualmie Casino the Castle Wildhorse Casino Shots & Scores Wildhorse Casino 4th Ave Tavern El Corazon Louie G’s Horseshoe Casino Flight' Pub Carr's Corner Horseshoe Casino Flight' Pub Flight' Pub Horseshoe Casino Flight' Pub 88 Keys

Snoqualmie, WA Sedro Wooley, WA Pendleton, OR Lynnwood, WA Pendleton, OR Olympia, WA Seattle, WA Fife, WA Tunica, MS Everett, WA Spokane, WA Tunica, MS Everett, WA Everett, WA Tunica, MS Everett, WA Seattle, WA

Syztem7 is a genre-blending rock band from Seattle, WA. Described as a “unique fusion of industrial, metal and experimental” by the Exotic Underground, the band has created a sonic signature all their own. They pull from such varied musical backgrounds their sound is easily accessible to fans of grunge, punk, metal, funk, and alt rock.

Playing with rock gods like Zakk Wylde, Filter, Saliva, Powerman 5000, Front Line Assembly, The Genitorturers, One-Eyed Doll, Armored Saint, and George Lynch, Syztem7 have finely honed their craft in front of cheering audiences far and wide. Syztem7 has accomplished an amazing amount in the years that they’ve been together, but it seems the best is yet to come. There is an air of optimism with this band, a sense of movement; their packed show schedule, burgeoning online following, unique sound and exciting new material all point in one direction: straight up.

CV NW sits down with Syztem7 guitarist Jaymz Kennedy to obtain some insight into the band called "a unique blend that could be the love child of White Zombie and Faith No More, with Rammstein for a mistress"... <CV NW> Alright, same old changing, maturing journey. It‟s but Nate…man…we walked in same old, tell us who is current- almost like I can trace all my his- and he just had it. Tone and evely in the band, and what is their tory with this band. I love this rything. And contributes a lot! project so much it could almost Really knowledgeable and quick. role? <Jaymz> Well, there‟s me, be obsessive. I have had the He almost was not in the band, Jaymz Kennedy, I play the geee- greatest moments in my life and too. I was going to take someone tar. Joe Schlicker is vocals. Jere- literally the darkest moments of else but they were not able to fulmy Shankman is on the key- my life in the travels with this fill the part. But Nate came in boards. Nate Raynes is on bass. group. It‟s hard to explain. Any- and just had it. Literally so fast one in a band would absolutely that by the middle of the audition Eddy Rhoads is on drums know what I am talking about. I just let him do his thing and <CV NW> It's been a long suc- But I wouldn‟t change it for the went on jamming. I think for a long time Nate didn‟t think I cessful road, but you are the on- world. cared much about him or had anly remaining original member ything to say. And I had to final<CV NW> Tell us about the tell us (whatever you feel comfortable sharing) about the jour- forming of this line up of the ly be like…dude…you just came ney...many ups and downs, yes? band. How did you connect in…knew all the parts and I literally didn‟t even have to worry <Jaymz> Actually, Ed Rhoads with these guys? and I are the only remaining <Jaymz> Wow! This was a diffi- about you. I have never really members since the last line up. cult regrouping for sure. After the met anyone who did this. It‟s like But as with any bands you actual- last line up went separate ways it he had been a part of the group ly have a few lines up that got was really difficult to find people longer than the old members. you where you‟re at. Well, I that fit the bill. I‟ll start with Nate Love him. He is heavy handed think so anyway. LoL. Let‟s see, on Bass. I have to say…he is easi- and actually makes Seven fuller the journey. It‟s been a heart ly one of the quickest and best than it ever has. Until him...I break of a journey, a roller coast- bass players I have worked with. guess I kinda had a bass player er, a love affair, a humbling, life Previous bass players were good cause…when you‟re in a band

<Jaymz> Honestly…I didn‟t. It was really hard during the whole process. It was like being with another girlfriend really soon after a break up. You‟re so used to the old one you are second guessing yourself. Not to be lewd…but it‟s almost like when you break up with a girl and you are like...was the sex better with her?

But once you get past that…you realize you‟re sitting on top of a super group. Is this making any sense? LoL <CV NW> What do you think works so well with this group of you need a bass player, right? that is priceless. Not to men- guys?

Sound weird? LoL! Ok, enough tion…he put up with me during <Jaymz> Communication. That about Nate... the worst of times. is one thing that is key. You need Then there is Jeremy. Jeremy is Now…that singer Joe. Wow…is to let your band mates know how just cool. I feel a bit bad for him about all I can say. Josh was hard you‟re feeling. Keeping it bottled for cause he came into a project to replace. But when we were on up inside just destroys everythat was hitting the ground run- the search for him we didn‟t want thing. We all love each other. It‟s ning and had to learn songs that just another Josh. We wanted weird how a band can be so small were not his own. But oh my something different…power, ag- yet...can get kind of cliquey...this god….when we start writing, gression, presence. Joe has it all one...no, won‟t happen. look out. The guy is a machine! and hey…it only took a year and He makes the coolest riffs. You a few months to find him but we <CV NW> Who are your musihave no idea how Syztem7 is go- did. Actually Tony Sonic (Fat cal & vocal influences? ing to sound this time around. Tony who is not so fat anymore) <Jaymz> My personal musical It‟s insane. It‟s so industrial and was going to audition but called influences are all over. I love Filsexy and just a little pop…not a me and said “hey…you gotta try ter, Ozzy, Sevendust. But what I lot…just a little. He is an artist. this guy. He is your guy.” And he am really into is the German inAnd oh my god…humble as all was right. You will have to hear dustrial stuff. Megahertz, hell. Just the kind of person I for yourself. Not to mention a Eishbricker, Rammstien. I also love to pick on relentlessly. I good guy and good spirited. All love Faith No More, White Zomhave a bad habit of picking on these guys…I am honored to play bie and such. A lot of local acts the people I love the most. with them. I think a lot of people are inspiring me too. Amadon is Eddy….what can I say about Ed- think this is my band. No…it‟s all killer, so is Windowpane! Love dy? Is about the most diverse of ours. And I just hope all of those guys. Spittin Cobras. drummer you can find. He can them have such a pride in it Darklight. Darklight is right up do anything. He is a Swiss army where they own it so much that my a lley. Dif f erent , diknife on drums and helps me people do in fact think it‟s “their” verse...theatric! I like that. Mechwrite. A lot of ideas came to the band. anism…yeah. Now there is a surface with me and Eddy just band of my own heart. Love jamming. Not to mention…he is <CV NW> What did you see in those guys and American Wreckloyal, knows his craft. Knows them during the initial meetings ing Company. what he wants and he has stuck that led you to believe they were <CV NW> Growing up, did with me thru good and bad and right for the gig?

you have any other interests? and positive outlook on every- it more of a validation of your thing. A lot of what I write poeti- continuing success than it was How did you fall into music? <Jaymz> I wanted to be a pilot. I cally is dark but will always por- "holy crap we're on the stage wanted to be a friggin‟ fighter pi- tray a light at the end of the tun- with these guys"? lot. Then…I got a guitar for nel. So…I would have to go <Jaymz> I personally was never Christmas one year and it ruined against that statement! LoL If an- intimated by playing with those ything...the future is always guys. Only thing I ever wantmy life ever since. LoL bright. It‟s hard….but it can be ed...was to turn everything on <CV NW> Any cool stories or bright. I really believe that… and made sure it worked and I anecdotes about naming the always have too. think that is pretty much how band Syztem7? everyone else felt as well. <Jaymz> Literally…I got the <CV NW> The list of nationals name in a dream. Ok…the story you've shared the stage with is a <CV NW> What do you take behind the “Z”. I hate that Z! But who's who of music, including away from performing and inback then I was trying to copy- Z a k k Wylde, F i l t e r , teracting on a level with those right or make sure I had the Powerman5000, Armored Saint, musicians that help make you a name, and in my ignorance George Lynch - how did incred- better artist & group? thought...if I make an email ad- ible opportunities like that come <Jaymz> How do I answer dress that makes it mine right? about for the band? this…after each success (or what HaHa. At the time you couldn‟t <Jaymz> That‟s a good question. I think is a success point) I just use the word system on Hotmail And to be honest…persistence. say or think…from now on…it when creating an email account Asking the right questions, meet- only gets harder from here. Now so I substituted the “Z” and it un- ing the right people. Most of all… we have to work just that little bit fortunately stuck ever since. just getting out there and net- harder to be better. working. Talking. Not to men<CV NW> How has the sound tion…there is no such thing as a <CV NW> You like to quote of Syztem7 changed over the dumb question.

"Syztem7 is a unique blend that years as you've matured as a could be the love child of White band...or has it? <CV NW> Were you intimidat- Zombie and Faith No More, <Jaymz> I would say it definite- ed or nervous playing with those with Rammstein for a mistress" ly has matured, especially with guys? Clearly you were talented - okay, what kind of looks to having keyboards and the type of enough to share the stage, was people give you after that devocals. Back in the day I think I used to take whatever I could get with a singer. When Josh came along…it changed everything.

And now Joe...even more. <CV NW> You describe yourselves as "the soundtrack for a dark future"...tell us what that means to you. <Jaymz> “The sound track for a dark future”? Did I say that? That had to be someone else! <CV NW> Well, it’s on Facebook AND ReverbNation... <Jaymz> HaHa! Believe it or not, I really try to have a bright

scription? <Jaymz> For the most part, it‟s only been good! It was my good, good friend Erin Virginia that wrote that. And I always just thought that was a perfect description. When I heard it myself I was like...ok…I can dig that. I would listen to it since it‟s been sold to me that way. A lot of what I have discovered about getting people to come and see you…is you have to sell it. Give them a reason to come and spend their time when they can be doing ANYTHING else in the world to come out and see you. tho! complete. And “Severed”…what <CV NW> It's not particularly can I say…all guns blazing baby! surprising description though, <CV NW> Any of your songs given the belt dreadlocks - tell speak to you on a personal lev- <CV NW> Any particularly us what was the inspiration for el? memorable shows? Why was it that look... <Jaymz> Man...that‟s hard. memorable? <Jaymz> HaHa. I knew that They are all our babies and all <Jaymz> Wow. So many I can‟t question would come up. Honest- my babies. Umm. “Evolving” is even remember. Some were small ly…it was just an experiment special to me. The music was shows but the fans were just cragone awry. I got the idea from a written a long time ago when I zy. Dreamfest for sure. Dreamgood friend named Richard. I was in a weird place and right fest was a show Syztem7 needed honestly don‟t know why I took when I decided to change my at a time when the band needed it stage now that you ask. style of playing. I used to be kind to know it was still alive. And I of a shredder guy, and even have to give my thanks to Louie <CV NW> Also an interesting worse...a shredder with kind of G for that. I really don‟t think he contrast, perhaps, is the 3 on an ego. When I felt like I ran out knows how much he saved this your guitar - tribute to the In- of ideas with a 6 string I went to band. And of course...when we timidator perhaps? We would a seven. For some reason I real- played with Filter. Yeah banot have expected you to be a ized then I was better at just writ- by...Filter!!!

Nascar fan... :) ing and not going as fast as I <Jaymz> Oh yeah! The number could up and down a fret board. <CV NW> Having spent so 3. Ok…I have to clear this up as Evolving was one of those first many years in the business, best as I can. Guys…honestly… songs I wrote on a seven. “Skin what would you tell young peomy favorite numbers are 3 and 7. Tag” too, I really love that song. ple breaking into the music sceAnd while I do like Nascar, the 3 Simple. Me and Ed laid that ne? is just kind of a symbolic number down one day before practice <Jaymz> Work. Just keeping to me. As cheesy as it may started. Reminds me of a time working. Ask questions if you sounds. That‟s what it is. I would when it just all came together. don‟t know. dive deeper into it but I don‟t And I have to give Josh credit. want to bore anyone. I have al- He sang those songs so beautiful- <CV NW> What do you think most considered taking it off to ly it was actually hard to listen to about the Seattle music scene avoid confusion. Good question them until the new line up was these days? We've done features

on many talented bands there, is the scene ready to explode? <Jaymz> I am not really sure about the scene right now. I don‟t even want to comment, due to so many venues and business closing down. It‟s almost like Seattle is trying to clean up its act. So many awesome bands and remaining venues. I think it‟s a good scene. What we need IS… an explosion of some sort. <CV NW> Do you have any insight how to make it better? <Jaymz> People need to get out there. Support the bands. Don‟t come to your friends show, stay choice? Do you see social media time…but I can‟t always have a outside till they play and leave as a necessary evil or savvy mar- camera in me. I think what also after. Stick around. Be social. Ex- keting tool? got me started was seeing things plore. Listen. That‟s how I used <Jaymz> Actually...that is some- around me I related to. The to do it. Hell…I used to go out thing we plan to use more! Ha- crows, the rusted cars, the abanand see bands I had never heard Ha. It‟s the way it‟s done now. doned things. I think it‟s how I of. I don‟t know…it was just the Whether it is good or bad, that‟s felt...so I took a picture of it. I rething to do! how you connect these days. ally had no idea they would be looked at as much as they are.

Plain and simple. <CV NW> Let's talk about the music business - back when *I* <CV NW> Let's talk about your <CV NW> What do you think was a kid (yeah, that long ago), photography - how did you get is the key to taking good photos it was vinyl, then 8 tracks, then started?

- your photography reputation cassettes, then cd's - today, it's <Jaymz> Honestly…my photog- is...outstanding... iTunes single song sales, raphy came out of the wreckage <Jaymz> Wow. Thank you, first YouTube videos (from crappy of the breaking up of the old of all. cell phones) - do you see this a Lone of Seven. I am a person progress? who constantly needs to be doing <CV NW> Dude, when I men<Jaymz> Wow. Tough question. something creative. I think it was tion your photography, people Back in the day you had to find a way to keep my mind busy. I tend to go “holy crap his picyour music and you often lis- will not lie…the year following tures are amazing!”… tened to more than the first 3 se- that break up was the hardest of <Jaymz> I think the key to takconds. Now it‟s like crazy com- my life. And a lot of it had to ing a good picture is…having no petition. I think it‟s all about pro- with...I just didn‟t know why. So key. Throw it out. Take a picture motion. Give them something to what started off as an iPhone of whatever you like. It‟s weird… look at! Remind them of who camera turned into a Craigsist the things I took pictures of I nevyou are! Like I am one to talk! camera that became a dud that er would have thought would It‟s tuff! It‟s really tuff! became a better camera that is have interested anyone. They one of two I use now. I had no were just things I saw. I think <CV NW> You guys make idea whatsoever photography what might make me different is some use of social media, but was inside me. It‟s been a bless- just something simple as an anreally not that much...is that by ing „cause I can‟t do music all the gle. I think I may look at the

pointments. Writing things down. Its daunting. And it takes a toll on my personal life. But what takes priority? These days… just trying to be happy and a better person. As cheesy as it may sound...it‟s no joke. I am just trying to be happy and a better person. <CV NW> Okay, 2013 is winding down, what’s in store for Syztem7 in the near future, and what plans does the band have in 2014? <Jaymz> Oh baby. We are putting the pedal to the metal in world from a just a different an- know. And to this day…I still am 2014. New music, new everygle. What is not even noteworthy my own worst critic and pretty thing. I am going drive this basto some is absolutely stunningly much think everyone makes bet- tard as hard and as far as I can! beautiful to me. Like when I find ter sandwich than me. LoL a rusted out old car. I have a love <CV NW> It was a pleasure sitaffair for about an hour. Love <CV NW> How do you fit eve- ting down with you Jaymz, how nature takes over. It‟s rything into a busy schedule? thank you for spending time weird…life is all around you. A What takes priority? with us. thousand worlds within walking <Jaymz> Oh my god! My life is <Jaymz> Thank you so much. distance. What makes a good pic- a mess! HaHa. I have recently This was fun. ture…maybe it‟s showing the gotten into the habit of schedulworld how you see it. I don‟t ing and making sure to keep ap- http://www.syztem7.com

Systemec turning on the Modern Rock Metal Industrialized Blender Since 2009!

Most parents get nervous when their kids start driving; I know I sure did. If other drivers heard some of the advice that hyper-nervous parents give their children, they'd be nervous, too. CV WorldWide takes a step off the beaten path this month and presents...

parents' bad driving advice to teens

Strapping yourself into the passenger seat the sent text messages while driving. first time your teenager takes the wheel is one of the It’s widly know that kids figure, “If Mom or Dad can scarier turning points of parenting. Teen drivers are do it, I can do it”. four times more likely to crash, on a per-mile basis, than older drivers, according to the Insurance Insti- It's OK to speed a little tute for Highway Safety. They are notorious for takBrad Ault, the president of the Florida Profesing stupid risks and being overconfident about their sional Driving School Association and Ault's Driver driving ability. But before you start lecturing your Education Center in Englewood, Fla., says he hears kid, take a look in the mirror. Many of the mistakes parents tell teens it's all right to drive five miles per teen drivers make stem from things they learn from hour over the speed limit because "everybody does parents. it."

"You hear all kinds of crazy stuff," says the But they should teach their kids to obey the president of the Driving School Association of the speed limit and to drive according to conditions. Too Americas in Kettering, Ohio. many drivers don't slow down when the weather is Here's some of the worst driving advice par- bad. ents give their teenagers.

"That's what kills a lot of people," Ault says.

A speeding ticket for even 5 mph over the limDo as I say, not as I do it can affect your car insurance premiums, says PenTelling your kid about the danger of texting ny Gusner, a CarInsurance.com consumer analyst. and driving won't do any good if you pick up your "One minor ticket could go either way," Gusner says. cellphone while motoring down the highway.

"But two tickets -- even if they are both minor -- are "Parents say one thing, and then do some- a pattern that will scare your insurance company." thing different," says the general manager of All-Star Driver, a driving school headquartered in Watertown, Conn. "Starting at about age 11 or 12, your child is paying attention to your driving habits and noting consciously or subconsciously all those things you do ."

Two-thirds of surveyed teens say their parents live by different driving rules than the ones they expect their kids to follow, according to research in 2012 by Liberty Mutual Insurance and Students Against Destructive Decisions. Among respondents, 91% reported seeing their parents talk on a cellphone while driving, 88 percent observed their parents speeding and 59 percent said their parents have

You might have been taught to hold the steering wheel in the 10 and 2 positions, envisioning the steering wheel as a clock. But that advice became outdated when airbags were developed. Today, driving instructors generally tell drivers to hold the wheel at the 10 and 3 positions, avoiding an explosively deployed airbag.

All new cars sold today have at least front airbags, but most have side airbags as well. Some manufacturers now offer center knee, seat belt and pedestrian airbags.

Pump the brakes to prevent skidding

Before modern brake systems were devel- Wait until you're 18, so you can skip all oped, drivers were told to pump the brakes to pre- the requirements vent them from locking up. But most cars today are Many states require classroom and behindequipped with antilock brakes, making pumping un- the-wheel instruction for teen drivers to get licensed, necessary, says the regional chief instructor for the but most don't require driver education for new drivSoutheast for the Skip Barber Racing School in Bra- ers or place restrictions on them once they reach 18. selton, Ga. One expert says some families put off letting their Antilock brakes are designed to prevent your kids drive until they're 18 so they can skip all those car from skidding when you use them in an emergen- pesky requirements in place for younger teens. cy. For a vehicle without antilock systems, experts But new drivers of any age can make mistakes advise letting up on the brakes slightly, rather than from inexperience and lack of instruction. If the lipumping them. censing age rises to 18 without the proper safe"Pumping the brake pedal upsets the balance guards in place the crash rate for 18-year-olds will of the car," they say. increase.

Airbags and antilock brakes, though nearly If more than 30,000 people died in the United universal on newer cars, still bring a car insurance States in a tragedy, experts add, "You'd be hearing all discount with most companies. about it. But every year, that's how many people die in car crashes."

Look over the hood ornament as you drive Looking over the hood ornament doesn't give the driver enough scope. You should look farther up the road -- one to two intersections ahead -- in the city and as far as you can scan in the country, Fife says.

Keeping your eyes focused farther ahead, rather than right in front of you, gives you greater peripheral vision.

While you're driving, you want to see everything, but look at nothing. You want to be fully aware of what's going on around you.

Plus, how many cars have hood ornaments these days?

Hold the steering wheel at 10 and 2 Reprinted courtesy of msncom autos

Pearl Jam Lightning Bolt many fans seeing them for the first time and others seeing Tour - Spokane, WA

by Kathleen Clarkson them many times. But it was a

performance no one had ever Spokane, WA most an- seen before. This Pearl Jam ticipated show of 2013 Pearl performance was not like the Jam Lightning Bolt Tour ar- same old “cookie cutter” show rived November 30, 2013. Spo- like many other bands, it was kane had waited for 20 years specific to Spokane. The set list for Pearl Jam‟s return. Many was brought to us by Steve would say that it was a wait Gleason, former football player well worth it. It was a perfor- of the New Orleans Saints and honor of Lou Reed‟s recent mance unlike any Spokane has a Spokane native. Steve en- passing. They played each and ever seen; playing to a sold out dures a battle with ALS and is every song with such passion arena for about 3 hours with now the founder of Team and energy as if they were still Gleason. In honor of Steve the young men of 20 years ago.

Gleason, Mike McCready and Eddie engaged with the audiJeff Ament wore “Defend ence throughout the perforTeam Gleason” shirts. Mike mance, reading out loud their McCready has developed a homemade signs and sharing special friendship with Steve an oversized bottle of wine. and his family and had them One of the signs a young man there as special guest. Eddie held was requesting his favorite Vedder played Tom Petty‟s “I song and he would cut his long won‟t back down” one of the unruly dreadlocks. Eddie, realsongs Steve requested. This izing the guys hair was dreadmade Pearl Jam's set very per- locked and hung down to his sonal to Spokane. waist, brought the young man Pearl Jam also had an- up on stage to see if he would other dedication to Lou Reed actually keep his word. The of The Velvet Underground; young man only had one rethey played “After Hours” in quest of Pearl Jam, which was

Vedder was giving him a hair- after the house lights were on cut while still singing in front Pearl Jam continued to play, Eddie throwing out tambourines to allow him to head bang dur- over 10,000 cheering fans. and jumping into the pit. It was ing the song Brain of J. Eddie Pearl Jam played over thiran evening that Spokane will nevsang with clippers in hand and dreads whipping through the ty songs during their almost 3 er forget. Pearl Jam promised to hour perfo rman ce. Stone come back to Spokane sooner air. During the song Eddie had Gossard even sang “Don‟t gim- than another 20 years and we will the man sit down and started me no lip”. Jeff Ament played be waiting. clipping through his dread- stand up bass during another Certainly not a cookie cutlocks. Eddie appeared to be song and Mike McCready played ter show and more certainly the struggling cutting a few of directly to Steve Gleason. The best show of 2013. them off as the man sat beam- audience sang every word along ing with excitement that Eddie with Eddie during “Alive”. Even

Order from an Agent of Chaos Agents of Chaos’ own Brien DeChristopher gives us his take on the proper set-up and usage of a Floyd Rose tremolo on a guitar…as well as a little clarification between them and stop tailpieces.

One thing I hear a lot is, "How can you stand a Floyd Rose? I can never keep them in tune!", or, "Man, guitars with floating bridges are just too hard to play/maintain!"

Nonsense.

Physics have a LOT to do with the playability of a guitar. And whether your bridge Floats or you use a Stop Tailpiece set-up (Les Paul, Explorer, etc.) or not really has nothing to do with whether one style of tailpiece is better or not. They really are TWO different animals entirely.

A Stop Tailpiece is usually comprised of a bridge (with movable saddles for intonation) and a solid piece that the strings travel through to connect with the wood of the body for tone and sustain. These types of tailpieces are great for some folks, and makes playing a little less complicated, but BETTER than a Floyd Rose tailpiece? I beg to differ. And, since this particular blog post is focused on Floating Bridges, that is about all I will say about them, except that when you bend a note on a guitar with a stop tailpiece, you only affect the note(s) you are bending/ playing (leaving stress-relief of the neck out of the equation).

A Floating Bridge is based on a plate set to balance on-axis at two points (usually at the front edge of the tremolo), and counter stresses the strings with two or more springs in the back of the guitar. When you bend a string on a floating bridge, it will affect all the strings because the tailpiece is balanced on a 90 degree fulcrum point. So, when stress is added to one or more strings (bending up in pitch), the tremolo naturally leans forward a tad. That loosens the tension on the other strings, and can make them sound out of tune or out of intonation. Additionally, because the tremolo system is based on a fulcrum balance, proper set up of the tremolo is CRUCIAL to good performance and playability.

Pretty much EVERY guitar I own (except for my Gibson Les Paul I use in the studio) has Floyd Rose tailpiece on it. And, I use them. Not overly, but I DO use them to color my style of playing. Floating Bridges are not JUST for dive-bombs. Sure, it sounds cool, but I like to use them for reverse bends, slightly manipulating a chord when it is being held, and other fun little technique tricks that others use a foot pedal to achieve... like FLANGING (an old recording trick where the recording/mix engineer would lightly rest their fingers on the edge of the tape reel, and add/release pressure to speed up/slow down the tape). I do that with my bar. It's a might hard to explain in text, but to hear it sounds really cool.

Anyway, there are a few things to keep in mind when using a Floyd Rose or similar floating bridge...

Proper Setup: When your guitar is strung up with your favorite strings, and tuned... the plate of the tremolo should be lying exactly parallel with the body of the guitar. This is done by tightening or loosening the springs on the back of the guitar until the stress caused by those springs equals the stress of the strings pulling against them. This will balance the tremolo and open up a whole new world of technique to you as a

player.

Proper Intonation Set-up: This is true for EVERY guitar, but with a floating bridge, it is IMPERATIVE it is done right. It will increase sustain, tone, tune-ability, and harmonics. Each saddle, like a stop tailpiece has, can move forward or backward to properly intonate the strings. And, even if you have multiple guitars with Floyd's (like I do), no two of them will be set up EXACTLY the same due to wood, body shape, pickups, string gauge, etc. (I'll cover proper intonation of a Floyd Rose equipped guitar in another blog.)

Proper Hand Positioning: One mistake I see a lot of players make, is resting their hand on the bridge when they play. That is not only lazy playing, but makes for a difficult time keeping the guitar from "Flanging" or chords/notes going out of tune or pitch. Your picking hand should not rest on the trem unless you are muting notes, rather, it should float gracefully ABOVE the trem without touching it.

Proper Understanding of the Basic Physics: If your bar is set up correctly, it will balance and lay parallel with the body of the guitar when at rest... not tilted back or forward... but completely flat. When you push down on the bar, the notes will go flat, when you pull up, the notes will go sharp. When you bend a note, you will have to bend it a little sharper than on a stop tailpiece, because the added strain will cause the bar to tilt forward a tad...so just bend a bit sharper and use your ears to listen to the notes until you get comfortable enough to recognize the pitch by the feeling of the string as you play... but that comes with time and comfort with the trem. <TIP> You will know when your floating trem is set up properly when you can smack the bar with a fingertip, and the notes you play sound like you are under water (an old Brad Gillis trick).

Proper Tuning of the Instrument: If it is properly set up, your guitar will be a snap to tune, as you just wind the strings tighter until the bridge plate is even with the body, and then tune the strings. Simple. The fulcrum balance of the bar does this. So, proper setup is imperative.

Proper Social Engagement Regarding Floyd's: So, the next time you tell somebody that you can't stand Floyd's, remember that what you are REALLY telling them is that you don't know how to set one up. Cool, they aren't for everyone... But ignorance is no excuse to try to prove your point on why you feel your stop tailpiece is better... it isn't. It's all about style and technique.

The Hendrix Music Academy is a Not-for Profit Educational Charity, created

by Jimi’s niece, that has been serving the At-risk youth of our communities, since October, 2009. The Mission of the Hendrix Music Academy is to provide Music education, intervention and mentoring programs to the At-risk youth of our community, so that they may achieve their highest potential as musicians, leaders and global citizens. Our innovative music and mentoring programs encourage and develop good musicianship, citizenship and reduce juvenile delinquency, which in turn, reduces violence and crime in our communities.

CV NW partners Lani Linton & Molly Larpenteur stopped by the Hendrix Birthday Tribute Show for pictures and thoughts...

We

all know Jimi Hendrix as an icon, a god of guitarists and musicians stretching to all corners of the globe. Many people were inspired by his talent. To this day, people celebrate his life, and his songs that still grace the airwaves.

Tina Hendrix, Jimi's niece, radiates with the spirit that her uncle had shown. It's no surprise that when an opportunity arose in 2009 to help some kids in trouble, she took on the challenge with seemingly no hesitation.

In speaking with a local sheriff, Tina found that they were looking for an outlet to help rehabilitate some of the kids in the area that had been getting into trouble. Tina, owning a music studio, immediately volunteered.

When a teen was presented with the option to be a part of The Hendrix Music Academy, they were forced to accept some conditions. No bad mouthing, show others and themselves respect, and think about consequences. Tina gracefully states "Don't procreate off queue".

The program started out being six months long. At the end of the six months, the kids would get to play a show on an actual stage...showing off in front of a crowd of people their hard work and dedication. But when that six months was up, many decided to stick around.

Tina has an open door policy. You can come, you can go. Your reward is as worthwhile as the work you put into it. People are people. If you mess up, you are welcome back with no judgment. But when you get back, the same old rules apply. Respect those around you.

November 27th, Jimi's 71st birthday. Fans, friends, and family piled into The Vera Project, an all ages, volunteer driven concert venue housed in the Seattle Center. From the second one walks through the front doors, the aura of art washes over you. White walls are drenched with paintings from detailed and enchanting images displayed down the side of a stairwell, to colorful and vibrant graffiti plastered bathrooms with sayings like "Things to do; 1: Make out with a foreign stranger" and "you might wake up and notice you're someone you're not".

Through black double doors is a dark room surrounding an up and personal stage. Chairs were arranged both at the back and sides of the room for guests who wanted to be seated. All were full and still more people appeared, standing, wandering through the room, or sitting on the floor front and center to enjoy the show.

The crowd grew silent as Tina walked onto the stage. She was dressed head to toe in emerald green. Her hair was meticulously put up. Her eye makeup was a prism of glitter and feathers. Her dress was a gown of green velvet, and her knee high boots were matching in color and sparkled like stars under the lights. She thanked the crowd for being there and introduced her first students to occupy the stage.

Kurt (vocals), James (bass), Pratik (guitar) and Christine (drums) took the stage and jumped right into a rockin' version of "All Along the Watchtower" by Jimi Hendrix. The night was officially kicked off, and the benefits of the academy were instantly apparent. Kurt stayed on stage, lights dimmed, and proceeded to showcase his talent as not only a vocalist, but a stunning guitarist as well. The room filled with the spooky (in a good way) and hypnotic chords that he strummed. Guitarist Pratik played live his own song "Cigarettes", currently for sale on Amazon.com. James rocked the bass, and Christine held down the beats and supported her band mates with her rhythm.

The night progressed with numerous artists. Kayla Stewart awed the crowd with her languid tunes, Godfish tore it up, blasting show-goers with a heavy dose of energy. Blumeadows and Stacey Stanford added flavor. Eddy Rigotti shocked the audience into admiration when he started playing the guitar with his teeth! Leon Hendrix took the stage, his experience displayed. Last but not least, Tina graced the stage, singing and playing violin.

It was obvious, that although celebrating Jimi's birthday, this night was for the students. Their hard work was clear as glass. They walked onto that stage and played with a confidence that only a true professional can fathom. One could see friends, family and fellow musicians supporting one another, when you'd expect competition.

A few days later I found myself sitting in the studio of the Hendrix Music Academy. The room is mostly decorated in purple. A small seating area and a sound board were in the main area, with rooms filled with instruments of all sorts branched off. When I arrived I realized that today, a Sunday afternoon, would have been a normal practice day. But instead, the day was to be spent celebrating a job well

done. The Jimi Hendrix 71st Birthday show was a success, and they deserved to revel in the experience.

When Christine, James, Pratik and Kurt were all present, Tina asked if they were busy on Friday evening. All responded that they were not, and that they would make time to be present for a meeting at the academy. To clarify: supposedly troubled teens, voluntarily made their time available on a FRIDAY night. I was shocked. But my astonishment was quickly put into check when Tina said, "What makes these kids at risk? It's the environment of our culture."

She had proven exactly that. By showing her students the respect that she expects to receive from them, and being openly loving, supporting and patient, she in fact, receives the same in return. That's not to say that there aren't hardships; of which evidence was displayed so that the other students could acknowledge it. Those who would cause harm to others are forced to take accountability for their actions. But once they have, they are met with open minds and open hearts.

In the time I spent with Tina Hendrix, her family and her students, I was filled with warmth. I left the academy with a feeling of positivity that sunk to the core. For someone to use their time, money, emotions, strength and experience to help others, and to be completely selfless while doing so, enables me to admire them to the highest of standards. The instruments and lessons are donated, or paid for from what little money is available. But the passion, so apparent and out in the open, is what makes the Hendrix Music Academy a driving force.

Gear the Pros Use! Guitars: Purchased in 2008 is a 1961 reissued Gibson Les Paul Standard Tobacco Sunburst with Humbuckers Purchased in 2007 PRS Custom 22 (2 PRS Dragon II Humbuckers Purchased in 1981 Acoustic Ovation Balladeer “I have been playing Les Paul guitars for 35 years and have always felt comfortable with Gibson Les Paul. Recently, I purchased an AX PRS. I have really found my new sound with this guitar and feel that it has changed my playing to a much smoother style, I attribute that to a fast neck and a smoother feel to the guitar. I tried a lot of different heads and settled on a Bogner Valve, I like that it has a tube sound with all digital effects with 1 data cable with hundreds of sounds and is all programmable - you can’t beat it. Ernie Ball cobalt strings gives me a more metal sound. They really resonate with an electric guitar sound. ” Guitar head: Spider Valve HD100 Bogner 150 Watt with a Line 6 Preamp and Effects.

Line 6 FBV Shortboard Volume WaWa Pedal Speaker Cabinets: 1980 Flag Systems 4-12 Cabinet, 4 Celestions 35 Watt Speakers Randall 1984 2-12 Cabinet, 2 Celstions 65 Watt Speakers Behringer 4-12 Cabinet, Stereo Slanted Wireless: Shure Wireless Guitar System PGX4 Strings: Ernie Ball Slinky Cobalt 10's

For good luck, I wear a Ruby Ring left to me from my father, Carl Nacca, who passed away in March of this year. Dad was at nearly every show since I started playing as a kid in Southern California.

Picks: V-Pick Thick Bass Size “I used a nylon guitar pick for 35 years and then I picked up a VPick a few years back and quickly realized it was very very fast. They are made of acrylic and almost adhere to the heat of your fingers so they don't drop as easily as other picks. I am currently using the larger bass sized pick which gives me much more control.”

With the Bogner Power Head, Cobalt Strings, V-Pick and the PRS Dragon II Humbuckers - this is my defining sound for 2014.

Stops By...

Brew Crew 2013 Vincent Carnera, Tracy Cadwell and Zack Merryfield For our first formal outing together as the CVNW Brew Crew we weren‟t sure where to start. In trying to decide, we chose three places we each wanted to check out; Mill City Brew Werks was on all of our lists. It‟s located in Downtown Camas, Washington, at 399 NE Cedar Street.

We have all passed by this place on numerous occasions and all noted that it was usually very busy, and more often than not packed on a Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night. This being said, Tracy called and made us reservations for 7 on a Wednesday. Well, I guess we shouldn‟t have been shocked when we got there and only one table was open, the one that was reserved for us.

We were nicely greeted when we arrived. Upon walking in we couldn‟t help but notice the plexiglass in the floor where you can actually see part of the brewing process; all very shiny and new looking; spotless. The rest of the place is nicely done in lower tables in the center, and around the sides; against windows that run almost the length of the building on one side are tall tables. There is also a nice brew bar and even a nice lounge-like area with comfortable seating. There were people of all ages, even children. as Mill City Brew Werks is family friendly.

Once seated we were given menus by our very nice and knowledgeable server, Cara. Since we were there to try the beer we asked her what the top seller was and she informed us that they did sell a lot of the Alfa Ale IPA, 7.1%. She did recommend that we try one of the taster trays; we decided to try both. Each tray came with four nice size sample glasses. Cara was nice enough to bring us some extra glasses so we could each have a sample of all the beer. The food smelled and looked really good so we ordered some hot wings and a Mondo sized pretzel that they make from scratch. Before moving to the next customer, our server told us what each beer was and so we settled in to find our favorites.

Zack‟s favorite of the eight we tried was the Fromudder Milk Stout, also called sweet or cream stout. This is a very creamy, smooth stout; different, and worth a try.

Tracy enjoyed the P Street with its citrus taste and tropical twist.

As for me I really liked their best seller the Alpha Ale IPA, but I have to say I equally enjoyed the Red Beard IRA, an extremely smooth, hoppy roasted black barley. Malty, floral and citrusy scented as well as a slightly sweet taste.

We also tried the Dragonfly Black IPA, Nelson, ZECH Bavarian Hefe and the Genesis Porter.

The evening was great, the atmosphere casual and friendly; not too noisy and not over or under lit. It was 8 from P.M. and the place was still crowded, but our excellent Vinnie - CVNW Brew Crew appetizers arrived in short time and we were able to enjoy and them along with our beers. We finally got a few short Devon - Lead CV DVa minutes to talk with owner Mark Zech; we took the opportunity to ask him a few questions: CVNW: How long have you been brewing?

Mark: My family has been brewing since 1594. (He then showed us on his smart phone a picture of his family beer crest/label-WOW! What a lineage).

CVNW: DO you have any new beers in the making?

Mark: The next beer we have coming out is our famous Log Splitter Imperial IPA, 10%. It has been aging in Jack Daniels oak barrels, until we tap it and start serving it this January.

At this point we had to thank Mark and let him get back to work, although I am quite sure he would have gladly answered all of our questions, but well I guess that means we just have to come back.

Mill City Brew Werks is a great place; it is nicely located with easy street parking. Don‟t let the family friendly tag scare you away if you just want to go out with some friends, there weren‟t any kids there past nine, so the setting became more of an adult brew house than a family friendly restaurant. Although we only had appetizers, all the food was fresh and everything on the menu sounded good. The many diners‟ happy faces were not just from the beer!

We all highly recommend Mill City Brew Werks if you are looking for some good local beer as well as some delicious fare.

Go online to http://www.Facebook.com/MCBW/beer to learn about what‟s new and find out about the specials.

HOLIDAY CHEERS

W

ith the release of their 8th studio album, No More Hell To Pay, Stryper are set to reclaim their throne in the hard rock/heavy metal world. The album is released via Frontiers Records and is available everywhere now (album review). Arguably the band’s heaviest record to date, No More Hell To Pay manages to capture a new found intensity while maintaining the bold and personal faith-based message band leader Michael Sweet is known for. Sweet served as principle writer, vocalist, guitarist, and producer on this latest record and Metal Exiles is now able to share an exclusive interview with the man behind the Yellow & Black Attack! Please enjoy as he shares about the creation of the new record, as well as what to expect from his upcoming autobiography.

An Interview with Michael Sweet of Stryper

by John Knowles

Metal Exiles: Thank you for tak- a full on U.S. tour to support the wanted to kind of hit people with a “bam, bam, bam”...no filler, every ing the time to speak with us. So, new album?

Michael: Absolutely, we’re plan- song hold its own, stand on its how are you doing?

Michael Sweet: Good, I’m just re- ning on touring next year exten- own, and also the album keep a cuperating; I got in this morning sively in support of this album. Not flow, keep driving and not slow about 8AM into Logan from LAX, just U.S., but Europe, South Amer- down too much. And that’s pretty and just catching my breath after ica, Canada, Asia, you know - eve- much what we did, there’s only that long weekend at the Whiskey rywhere we can get to. That’s the one ballad and it’s not a typical and filming. plan, and it’s looking really good Stryper ballad, it’s a guitar ballad. right now, we have an agent over- Other than that it’s really just getMetal Exiles: How do you feel seas working on it and we have an ting in that ring with the prized about your show and live taping agent here working on it. fighter and going twelve rounds, from the other night at the Whisyou just kinda get beat up. It’s a key? Do you feel you got a good Metal Exiles: This is the heaviest real fast-paced, heavy record.

Stryper album, period. Is this what result out of it?

Michael: I think so; I mean I’m came out of you guys naturally or Metal Exiles: Tell me about the writing process, is it generally you hoping for the best. I don’t think it was this preconceived? was our best show. We’re the kind Michael: It was definitely precon- writing most of the material and of band that likes to have rehearsal ceived, and I think it came natural- riffs? before we tour or perform, and we ly to a degree too once we set our Michael: The way it’s always didn’t get any rehearsal in. We sights on that. We have heavy in worked from the very beginning is wound up having a couple of our blood, we grew up on heavy. I’ve written most of the material, I weeks of down time, and then go- Some of our favorite bands of all mean 99% of the material. There ing out on the fly and doing it. time are Maiden, Judas Priest and are only a few songs over the years There were some bloopers here and Van Halen. I think what happens that I haven’t written. But the way there, and it wasn’t the best we’ve with a lot of bands is you stray it works is I’ll have the idea on a sounded but when it’s all put to- from your roots and your past, and recorder, lately it’s my iPhone, and gether I think it’s gonna be we’ve done that. This is a full cir- for this album I had over 40 ideas cle album for us, coming back of me humming melodies or guitar great...it’ll be really cool.

100% to where we came from. And riffs into my phone. Then I would Metal Exiles: Any plans on doing that’s what we wanted to do, we go home, get my guitar out and

bit more with personal experiences on this album. And also applying that to my faith, and my relationship with God. Really in the end it all points back to God, because it all comes back to love and God is love. And it’s because of His love we’re saved and because of His grace and His mercy. So that’s what we believe and that’s what we’re still singing about.

Metal Exiles: I like that, and I like how you put it in that fresh perspective. I definitely have been feeling that these last few records, and I appreciate that coming from then I would arrange chords to that God is very loud on this album. you guys. idea and create the basic structure Did you feel he was directing this Michael: Yeah man. You know, of the song. And then once I had new record in a certain direction? music is music, it’s cool, it’s fun to those ideas I recorded those onto Michael: Well man we’ve always play guitar, it’s fun to sing and get my iPhone with me humming been so up front, and crystal clear on stage and perform, but at the (hums random melody) the guitar about our faith and our message, end of the day that’s not the meat riff or whatever, and then when it and we never try to sweep that un- and potatoes, you know, that’s fun was time to actually start prepro- der the carpet. The one thing we do stuff. But the reality and the real duction for the album I spent about try to do is do it in a fresh way with stuff that is eternal and is lasting 11 or 12 days in my studio arrang- each record. Because you can only and what matters in the end when ing all the songs. I got all 12 songs say, “Jesus saves” and “Jesus is the we all take our last breath is what arranged, and then I had the band way” so many times. And we did do we believe? And who do we come out, I taught them the materi- that in the past, I mean we laugh live for, and who do we love? al, and then we went on the Mon- about it to this day. We had so That’s it right there, and that’s sters of Rock Cruise and we all many songs with “Come on, rock, what we try to get across in a very took a live CD of us rehearsing the rock, He is the Rock, the Rock that strong way, in a bold way. songs. Then we went into the stu- makes me roll” and “Rock the Hell dio after Monsters of Rock and we Out of You.” So lately as a writer Metal Exiles: The title is very recorded it. So the way the process I’ve really been trying to get a little poignant. Where did it come from works for me is I’ll get away from deeper with the lyrical content and and is it personal to you? writing, like I haven’t written a even more so with this record. And Michael: For the title we were song since then. I’ve just been kind I’ve written a little more about ex- playing off the To Hell With the of clearing my head, and then I’ve periences, like the song “Sticks and Devil album in all ways with this got to dive-in in the next week ac- Stones” is about the experience of album, with the sound of it, with tually to writing a new record that me losing friends and them saying the production, with the song flow, George Lynch and I are going to be things that really hurt me and af- with the style, the artwork, the visworking on. Once I get into that fected me in a negative way and ual. I mean we wanted to kind of mode I’ll be working on a song how I just rose above it and moved come back to our strongest album every day, until I have 12 or 13 on no matter what. And my rela- and make an album that would risongs. tionship with them is no longer in- val that and even hopefully surpass tact, but I’m doing alright, and I it. So that’s what we thought when Metal Exiles: After all you have wish them well, you know, I’ve we were making the album. Same been through your message about moved on. I’m just going on a little thing with the artwork and the title,

No More Hell To Pay. And what it Metal Exiles: Your vocal perfor- Metal Exiles: So no official trainmeans is: if you put your faith in mance is very solid on this album. ing to this day, or a vocal coach or God, there is no more hell to pay, How do you keep your vocal abili- anything? because he paid the price. If we ties polished and sharp today?

Michael: Not really. I mean, we call on him, and believe that he can Michael: I try to exercise, and eat had lessons as a band. We went to help us through and get us through right and take care of myself. It’s group lessons with a woman anything here on Earth, our own more of a strain these days to keep named Elizabeth Sabine, and she’s hell here on Earth, there is no more my voice up. When we go out and a world-renowned vocal coach, just hell to pay. If we believe in Him do two or three in a row I’m feel- awesome. But that was way back that He died on the cross, as the ing it, whereas back in 1986 or when, that was in 1985. We went Bible says, for our sins and that 1987 we could do four or five in a to her as a group maybe 2-4 times, any man that believes in Him shall row and I could keep going. It was and that was it. I grew up in a mulive eternally and have eternal life, a lot easier to sing longer back sical family so I’ve been around and won’t face hell, the hell that then. But I just try to take care of singers my whole life, and I think the Bible speaks of, there’s no myself, I sing on a regular basis most of it comes naturally, and more hell to pay. So it’s a real sim- and continue to make music and then some of it comes from learnple statement, but a real powerful write, and perform and what not, I ing technique from other people. statement as well. think that helps. I don’t smoke, I For the most part it’s just a natural, may have an occasional cigar or in the family, in the blood kind of Metal Exiles: The artwork is abso- something like that but I’m not a thing. lutely stunning. Where did the chain smoker, I don’t drink heaviidea come from to do something ly, and I just try to take care of my Metal Exiles: I’m sure you’re voice. And that’s pretty much it. aware of how popular album reso unique?

Michael: The guy’s name is Stan leases on vinyl have been in the Decker, and he works for the label, Frontiers. I sent him an email explaining the basics of what I wanted to achieve with this cover, and getting back, I even referenced To Hell With the Devil, I said, “Look at that, get that album.” He has it on vinyl, so he worked off of that. I said, “Just one angel, the album’s called No More Hell To Pay” and he sent me the graphic for that and I opened it up and thought, Wow, this is absolutely brilliant and amazing. I think the album cover speaks for itself every bit as loud as the music does. A lot of people said they bought the album based on the cover, just because they liked it and they hadn’t even heard the songs yet, and then they heard the album and they loved the songs. It’s a really powerful cover, it’s a really great “metal”, “classic” cover and it’s got that retro classic old-school vibe and it’s very “today” too.

past few years. Given your decision to release No More Hell To Pay on vinyl and with the t-shirt package, what are your thoughts on this recent resurgence?

Michael: I think it’s great, man.

There are many reasons why it’s great. The most important one is that it sounds great. I mean, vinyl sounds great. There’s something about having a great turn table, great speakers and a great amp, and you put that record on and you play it and its just sounds amazing. It looks amazing. There’s something to be said about holding a vinyl cover in your hands, looking at the cover in that size, enlarged. Then pulling out the vinyl itself, looking at it, especially the colored vinyl, was not on the list of songs for The member. You know, things that I and there’s just something really Covering, I think someone asked did in my life, poor choices from cool about it. Also as a fan it is a me that recently and I can say that the time I was a little kid, the great thing to be able to collect and it was not. It was just a song we Against the Law period...I get into have as a one of a kind piece. had thought about covering for a a lot of stuff in the book. At the number of years, and I thought af- same time it’s almost therapeutic to Metal Exiles: Totally agree. ter doing an arrangement of that be able to write about it. I really That’s primarily why I got into it, song, man this would really be per- wanted to not sling people under between the sound and the look of fect on this new album. And I think the bus, and hurt people. I just told it is, I think it fits right in. It’s got a my stories, and obviously other it, it’s awesome!

Michael: Exactly, like you said the powerful message, it says so much people are involved in those stosound and look of it, yeah it’s a lot lyrically, and I love the break- ries, but it’s my book about my more pricey. And some people say down...it’s like a roller coaster ride life, and if I’m throwing anyone it’s coming back, but I don’t know where it’s: (hums a bar) with that under bus I’m throwing myself unthat it really ever left. I mean it was up-tempo, and then it has that der the bus. But it is exciting, and obviously much more popular back “Sabbath” slow-down in the mid- the reason why it’s taken so long to in the 60s and 70s, but I think it’s dle, I love that. The dynamics are complete is because the label wants always kind of stuck around and I incredible. to release it with the album, and we think it’s actually getting more had to re-write the book, and repopular and I’m noticing that more Metal Exiles: You are putting the edit it twice. But it is done, and the and more bands are releasing their finishing touches on an autobiog- album and the book will be coming records on vinyl and I think it’s raphy, where I am sure you ad- out next year for sure. cool, man...it’s great. dress in detail your decision to leave the band after Against the Metal Exiles: How is the vibe Metal Exiles: You guys are no Law. How did it feel to go back within the band right now? Tim strangers to covers. How did the and not only recall but also pre- has been in an out since the reunDoobie Brothers track end up on pare to share some of those really ion. Do you feel that the four of your radar for this one? difficult things? you guys are a solid permanent Michael: You know, that’s actual- Michael: It’s a little odd; because band now? ly a track that we’ve talked about it brings back memories and things Michael: I think so, I mean we live covering for a long, long time. It that I don’t necessarily want to re- in different states, we don’t see

each other as much so we’re not as very rare. And I would rather not selves a “Christian” rock or metal close as we used to be, but that continue on if any one of us was band we’re going to offend our doesn’t mean that we’re distant. not here. We did it before with Tra- Christian fans. And I feel the exact We don’t dislike each other. But it cy Ferrie and I don’t want to do opposite. I think our Christian fans does mean that we don’t spend as that again. I don’t want to go down are supportive enough and smart much time together and I think that road again where we bring in enough to know that we’re not ofwith any relationship if you don’t someone different; I’d rather just fending them by not wanting to be have communication and you’re stop doing it. labeled a “Christian” band. We’ve not hanging out you can put disnever swept our faith under the cartance between yourselves, and Metal Exiles: For anyone in the pet. We’re as bold as we can be, at grow apart to a degree. I think “Christian music” scene I’ve al- all times, in interviews, in songs, that’s happened to us over the ways found that the label on stage, you name it. So we never years. I do believe also though, in “Christian” followed by the musi- run from that, ever. But at the same saying that, that there’s a lot of life cal genre to be a little absurd. time, being labeled a “Christian” left in the band. I think we’re prov- How do you feel about that? I band really hinders us, and hurts ing that with this album, and we mean, you guys are prominently us. When we’re put in the Christian plan to tour, we plan to make more labeled “Christian Metal” on your category at a record store, if albums, more music, and do a lot own website, the Frontiers web- someone’s coming in who’s not a more until we can’t do it any long- site, and in any and all media cov- Christian to look for our album, er. Or someone in the band doesn’t erage. Do you think this is neces- they’re not going to go to the want to do it any longer. I do think sary?

Christian category to buy it. I just it’s important that we stay together Michael: I don’t...I don’t like it. think that people fear religion and with the original line-up. I think We got in a little bit of a debate Christianity often. It’s certainly that speaks volumes, and it’s very recently, Oz and I did, because Oz one of the most hated subjects of important, it’s very unique, it’s feels that if we don’t term our- conversation at the dinner table

along with politics. We’re a rock asked him to listen to the album They’re going to be released simulband that’s comprised of Chris- because I respect him immensely, taneously, and they are coming. I tians, that’s what we are. and he was gracious enough to do know I’ve said that multiple times, that. He came back to me and said, but they are coming for sure.

Metal Exiles: There’s been a lot of after to listening to it, that the song mention recently about some of he really liked and woke up with in Metal Exiles: Michael. Bless you the nods you and the band have his head was “Sympathy.” So that guys for what you’re doing and received from Dave Mustaine of really got the ball rolling in my your ministry, and I really look all people. He shared with you his mind as to us thinking about that forward to seeing you on tour next favorite track on the new record is song as the video. And I hadn’t re- year.

“Sympathy,” and you guys went ally been thinking about that song Michael: Thank you for your time, with his lead and shot a video for as a potential video or a single. So and we look forward to seeing you it. He also penned the forward in Dave helped that process, absolute- on the road as well. your book. How does it feel to ly, which is really cool. And for the have the respect and support of forward in the book he wrote No More Hell To Pay is Stryper and such an iconic thrash metal leg- something for me, which was real- good all-around melodic metal at its ly nice of him to do. It’s really very best. Be sure to look for the end?

Michael: It’s really cool man. I short, it’s really sweet, and it’s re- band on tour in your area sometime just sent him the album and he lis- ally cool. I’ve got some other peo- next year, along with Michael tened to it, and it might have been ple too that have written quotes for Sweet’s much anticipated autobiography and solo album, Honestly. the first time he ever heard us, I the book, and I’m excited about really don’t know. I don’t really that. I can’t wait to be holding that Official Stryper Site think that Dave is a huge fan, but I in my hand and knowing this is fiBuy No More Hell To Pay think he is in the sense that we’re nally a reality. Look for that, as I brothers and we’re friends, and I said, with the album next year. Buy No More Hell To Pay On Vinyl

http://www.kouvradio.com/ Vancouver, WA

At KOUV we believe in keeping it local 24/7 by supporting Northwest music and businesses

The NW is RICH in talent and that talent NEEDS to be heard!

At KOUV we believe that the NW scene is HOT AS EVER!

<CV WW> Welcome to the some big halls and fests. It‟s not accidentally end up in this pages of CV WorldWide… about having a good time and do- band, I believe, this is something ing something with your days. that gathers us together under Metsatöll? !

Hey! We are Markus and Lauri And when there‟s something in that name. from Metsatöll. Warm greetings you and that something can be and thank you for this interview. easily transformed into music, <CV WW> Also what is the why not? The soul of music lays significance of the sym<CV WW> Who is currently in not in the amount of notes one bol...what does it represent? the band, and what is their role? can play but in the quantity of Markus: Our symbol is a compoMarkus: Guitar and lead vocals time spent! Don‟t you think? sition of four letters of M. No Lauri: Vocals, guitars and tradilegend about that sadly. <CV WW> Fair enough.

Now, tional instruments Lauri: The ornament is made by the name Metsatöll, Estonian our old drummer Factor and he Kuriraivo: Bass and vocals saying for “wolf” – why that did put 4 M-letters together. But Atso: Drums and vocals name? of course when you are interested <CV WW> According to your Lauri: Markus said that it was in symbols, you know that in difbio, you formed the band in something that he found in some ferent cultures, and also in Esto1999, but at first none of you kind of dictionary of Estonian nian, that the same kind of ornacould really play any instru- dialects and liked it. Actually no ment has been used for good luck ments that well, did I read that one nowadays uses a word like and defense-magic, the symbol of right? Why form a band if you this - the word was used west of the sun - this is probably the first could barely play? That is very Estonia as an euphemism for symbol you stumble upon if you wolf, to not have to say the word open whatever book or research ambitious.

Markus: Yes we were ambitious. “wolf”, as it might call the ani- of symbols. I think the symbols And music is something that mal to come and do harm to your comes from the depths of your animals - so, they said different soul so we had to unleash the words, like “forest animal”, “grey beast! What we really meant in -one” etc. Nowadays the Estoniour biography is that our will to an for “hunt”-wolf is also a eumake music was stronger than phemism that has become the main word for wolf; the older the skills we had that time.

Lauri: It‟s a bit of a humorous word “susi” is commonly used statement, you know, when you only in south of Estonia. are young and rebellious, want to Why wolf, specifically? Markus do something “cool”. It‟s not stays silent on this for the most about forming a band and getting part, but for me it‟s something I famous with that and conquering know, it is a part of me. We did

there were too many barbie- thoughts and emotions that our b e a c h - k e n - c a r s - s y n t h - songs carried. And if I may say nomeaning kind of pop he still does our translations. bands. Like everywhere, I Lauri: Metsatölls songs are all in think.

Estonian. They can even be said Goals - personally, I had no in Estonian languages - in my lyrgoals, I‟d like to play music ics I do often use archaisms and and that‟s what I did. Of dialects that can be more accurate course, when I heard first describe what I want to say.

Markus‟ Metsatöll demo that Making lyrics is like painting a they did record, honest, it picture - you cannot see every dewas really terrible and disas- tail in it but all together it has to trous, and some of my make an emotion to the listener friends were really disap- or reader. Estonian is a very compointed when I joined plicated language and I like to Metsatöll; they didn‟t under- write meanings beyond symbols stand why the hell I‟d want and symbols beyond meanings to play in a punk band. But it and make it so that it all together was Estonian, no yelling and paints a picture to a decoder - lisdo work even if you are not roaring, still metal, good bass tener or reader. Or to myself. aware of the meanings behind riffs, played by my friends from Translating one language to anthem - the good or not so good. the same neighborhood. And so other is a very complicated thing.

And if you use them wrongly - it went…

Actually you cannot translate a the fall is fast in coming. culture - symbols, jokes, feelings <CV WW> Early on, I assume (for an example - try to think <CV WW> At that time, tell us your songs were sung in your about meanings of “home”, about the Estonian music scene native language? Tell us about “forest” or “winter” in different – what was it like? What were translating them to English. continents and places of the your first goals?

Markus: Our first drummer was world), but you have to do your Markus: Black metal was truly (is) really good in English so it best. Factor, our translator and popular at that time when I de- was his challenge. He didn‟t do old drummer has really tried and cided to make my own band. I the direct translation of our lyrics we hope that an “English” reader was not really into that style. So I but he tried to bring up the gets the stories we want to tell. wanted to play heavy metal with the clean vocals. I was a huge Bathory fan so I added an epic touch to my music and I‟m glad that most of the time it came spontaneously.

Lauri: We had played with Markus in a black-metal project, yes; the black metal was a big thing back then. I also played in a grotesque-folk band then and didn‟t really care about Estonian metal-scene at all. Of course, for me there were some big Estonian things, I liked - Hortus Musicus – the kings of Estonian Medieval scene, for example, but overall

<CV WW> You released a be good to use every day in am- Lauri: Actually there was even demo album later in 1999, then plified concerts and still make some “arguing” about already having a song that had the brought in Lauri as a second some “Estonian” sound. torupill in it. The second guitar guitar player, but also as a musi<CV WW> Those instruments was more “metal”. It took cian who played the torupill, are custom made by Lauri, yes? around 5-6 years before leaving kannels, and flutes…those are Lauri: Some of them are built by my guitar “gently to weep” in the traditional Estonian instrume, some are customized and corner of a stage. ments? some are built by other Estonian Lauri: Yes, all of them, though masters. <CV WW> What do you think some of them are quite common in every corner of the world. <CV WW> It is interesting that it adds to an otherwise heavy Some are played only in Estonia - you add those sounds to your metal sound? like torupill, the Estonian bagpipe metal songs, why did you start Lauri: It adds more of that - now there are several dozens of doing it? Did you have the idea “Estonia” of course! bagpipe-like instruments in the before he joined, or come up <CV WW> Atso became your world, but the Estonian torupill is with is after? very different in sound and con- Markus: When Lauri joined the drummer in 2004, the lineup is struction. Of course the main "wolfpack" it made our music complete; what do you think idea is the same. The flutes I do more colorful; it meant all the se- works so well with this group of use now are but made by cond guitar parts we decided to guys?

“Mollenhauer”. They are really play with traditional instruments. Markus: We are four men who good stage instruments - loud and It did made the song writing know exactly that we are living clear. But I have in my mind an harder but much more interesting our dream. Life has given us a idea to rebuild some Estonian and then we understood that this chance to make records and to flutes that way so that they would is the way to go. tour with our band. In the music

world you do not have second pictures from memories of my chances. So this final line up does personal life; or impersonal memwhat it loves to do; play music. ories of Estonian history.

Lauri: I personally don‟t have dreams and I do not dream. I <CV WW> Growing up, did think everything that works with you have any other interests? us so well, is that we are not teen- How did you fall into music? I agers any more and we managed don’t know much about growto stay together for those 10 years ing up in Estonia, but heavy or more. We know each other metal isn’t something I’d think very well and are OK with it. would be a popular career choice. <CV WW> Who are your musi- Lauri: Who thinks about a career cal & vocal influences? during your youth? You just do Lauri: It is a hard question, we what feels good and let the decide could say all something about our -department see where it leads to. Lauri: Maybe it‟s something stefavorite bands or musicians now I have worked as a baker, been a reotypical, but in our thoughts, but it doesn‟t really mean that we medicine-man in army, in IT- we sometimes “just know” what have influences of them in our business for 15 years, but I al- people should listen to in some music. But if I stand on the out- ways had interest in traditional country. For instance, a stereotypical German “galloping” or side and have a look to Estonian culture.

Spanish “joyful speed” song.

Metsatöll‟s music, leaving personal interests behind, then there <CV WW> In an interview a is some touches of Slayer, maybe while ago, you said that "we <CV WW> You said that your Finntroll, Iron Maiden, Man- choose the songs we play based music sound is universal, that owar, Korpiklaani. At least it is on what country we are in" - people as young as 18 and old true, that every band you tour that is interesting, what things grandmothers listen to your muwith leaves something in your do you think about that help you sic, what do you think is the reason that your sound appeals music. choose different songs based on But personal - when I do write the country, can you give us an to so many ages?

Markus: I think that if people see some lyrics or music, usually the example? us live then they see that our muinspiration comes from nature or sic is honest and in a way people get the true emotion and the feel of our energy. When we record or play a gig we always do it with the true emotion. I think people love the honesty in our music and the energy we bring. <CV WW> You've said "we want to do more and more gigs", do you prefer touring and playing live over recording?

Markus: I think recording and touring have to be balanced. Performing live does add a visual experience of the band. I personally like both and I think if you make a record it is cool to show it live

100,000 people! How to raise the popularity of rock overwhelming is the music in Estonia. feeling, standing on stage, thinking about <CV WW> In 2006, you replaying in front of release your demo album, and that many people, af- win the award AGAIN…why ter starting off play- did you decide to re-release the demo, even though it seemed to ing for so few.

Markus: Yes it was an work out well for you. overwhelming view of Markus: You are absolutely the crowd. But we will right. Every time bands re-release say that when you their stuff it turns out to be a dishave an audience that appointment but in our case it big it is pretty hard to was different. Our first demo did share your energy not include traditional instruwith them because the ments so we had a chance to repeople were hundreds arrange that first material we of feet beyond the wrote. So it turned out better stage. But yes the feel- than the original material. At ing was absolutely ter- least I think so. rifying at first and awesome at last. I <CV WW> Talk to us about wish we could play “Raua needmine” with the Estoo because live is always differ- more shows like that... tonian National Choir – how ent and sometimes an even better Lauri: I think it doesn‟t matter did that project come about? way to get people into your mu- how many people are there in Why did you decide to play the sic. front of you, it‟s like an act, you show in the ruins of the Pirita just do it as well as you are able. Cloister? <CV WW> There is a funny It would be strange to overplay Markus: It had been our dream comment on your site that talks your part and it would be stupid for a long time to play with the about Köva Kont…the funny to underplay it. Playing in front choir. As a Bathory fan I was alcomment is that it details your of this many people is again history from the first gig like a live shoot on TV - there “attended by both your fans” – c o u l d be 1,000 or both your fans? What did you 100,000,000 watching you think, back then, seeing that who cares, nothing changes, small an audience? enjoy it.

Markus: We thought it funny to say. But what we meant with <CV WW> The awards very earthat comment is that we don‟t s t a r t e d care how big the audience is we ly…”Hiiekoda” was rewill always play with full force. leased, the band’s populariThe smallest audience we have ty took off, and Metsatöll actually had is 7 people. It was wins the Best Metal act in our first gig and it‟s understanda- 2005…did you expect THAT success so soon? ble.

Markus: I didn‟t expect any<CV WW> It’s an incredible thing so soon but I‟m glad it road from that point to Mär- happened. Finally our hard kamisaeg, attended by over work paid off. We managed

ways wondering how our music would sound if we include a true choir. And so it happened that one day at a festival we took this project. And what made it really come true for us as an experience was that we performed it in an old cloister that seemed to be the perfect place. It was a success.

write music in completely different conditions and a lot of nature around us.

Lauri: Of course there was a lot of old material, dictaphonedemos and lyrics before it. But some of the music did arise from there. The not-expected part was that we decided to record an album instead of arranging some demos.

<CV WW> How has the sound of Metsatöll changed over the <CV WW> You said that years as you've matured as a “Äio” contains “a breath that band...or has it? cannot be achieved in a big city” Markus: We never write the – what does that mean? same kind of album. That‟s why every record sounds different.

Lauri: We did record in that Next year we will release a new small summer-house of our album and it sounds the heaviest drummer and the feeling overall of anything we have ever done. Estonia, so its not really big deal. was different than in a closed stuAlso, out new single "Lööme New record…go there and take dio in a town. Bird are singing, Mesti" is available in Spotify and the damn grail again. cows mooing, etc.. iTunes.

Lauri: I like your point! The <CV WW> “Äio” is released, <CV WW> Talk to us about sound and music are not improv- but the process putting it togeth- your shows in Afghanistan in ing, they are changing. Yes, we er is different – you wrote the front of the soldiers – how did want to do something different in music while secluded in a small that come about? an every album and we work farm – why change the process? Lauri: We had an invitation to with our sound-engineer Keijo a Markus: I think it‟s completely Afghanistan twice, first time we lot on the end result. I think the understandable to change a pro- refused, we did not want to retrust between band and a studio/ cess sometimes. We were trying ceive an invitation a third time. sound guy plays really big part of to find different corners in our It‟s all about Estonians. every band‟s record. Everyone music and this time we experi- Markus: Yes we had 2 great changes and with it the traces one mented with what happens if we shows in Afghanistan. The soldiers‟ reactions leaves behind. were good. I know <CV WW> that they didn‟t “Iivakivi” wins even understand you yet again the our language but Best Metal Act still had a great award – do you time at our show. feel any pressure <CV WW> What to repeat your of the reaction past success, even from the troops, now after so many what is what you awards? expected?

Markus: No. Lauri: I think the Lauri: There are situation there was not so many popua little bit different lar metal bands in

<CV WW> necessary evil or savvy marketHaving spent ing tool? so many Lauri: I personally do not use soyears in the cial media, racebook, basebook, b u s i n e s s , facebook or whatsoever, but I what would agree, we live in the century we you t e l l live in and we must use our cenyoung people tury‟s possibilities. When everybreaking into one is on Twitter and Facebook the music 49 h. in a day, we must go and grab their attention in the right scene?

Markus: Be moment. When we go around y o u r s e l f ; gluing old school posters on the work hard walls, no-one notices; their eyes like never be- are all focused on their I- and fore, never Smartphones. give up. <CV WW> The band has Lauri: Know what you played over 500 shows throughwant. All the out the world, where have been than in earlier times, playing in music is not about business and some of your favorite countries the front. We did mostly play to business can also be an art but try to play? the local Estonian troops, they to make music at a different time Markus: We like to play everywere glad. Most of the reactions than business, keep them sepa- where. We have toured Europe and now twice in the USA. And I happened offstage and it was co- rate, focus in the moment. do not remember any some counzy and fun, even when I knew what‟s happening around us in <CV WW> Let's talk about the try that was not a good tour for that area. music business - back when *I* us. was a kid (yeah, that long <CV WW> Did you ever feel ago), it was vinyl, then 8 unsafe while in that country? tracks, then cassettes, then Markus: We were more secured CD's - today, it's iTunes sinthan in civil life; we were enter- gle song sales, YouTube vidtainers so we had to be protected eos (from crappy cell phones) at its best.

- do you see this a progress? <CV WW> Do any of your Markus: Actually I‟m glad songs speak to you on a personal that people who listen to metal are also very loyal fans. I level? don‟t care if someone puts our Lauri: The meanings beyond the music to YouTube, I know songs lay for me in lyrics. Every that if the person truly likes lyric/poem I write, is a personal you then he buys also your expression of me. So, yes. stuff. <CV WW> Do you have any Lauri: The idea of progress is particularly memorable shows? a fiction; it‟s just different.

Why was it memorable? <CV WW> You guys use of Markus: We have played over social media quite a bit…do 500 shows and I can say that eve- you see social media as a ry gig has been memorable!

Lauri: Playing is always fun! But concert - making that “teapot- 10226, What could I say? Stay I have to admit, Finland and Es- stand”. Spaniards do moshpit confused! tonia are still homier than rest of and stagediving before the first <CV WW> Okay, 2013 is windband starts… the world. ing down, what’s in store for <CV WW> Where do you think <CV WW> “On their homep- Metsatöll in the near future, and age, and to date their releases, what plans does the band have the craziest fans live?

Markus: Hard to say we haven‟t Metsatöll uses the chronology of in 2014? the local natural religion. It be- Markus: We have big plans for toured the whole world yet. gins with the Billingen catastro- the year 2014. In February we Lauri: At home. phe of 8213 before Common celebrate our 15th anniversary <CV WW> How do people re- Era, when the Baltic ice lake and in March we will release act to your music in the different broke its way into the ocean and our new album. So stay tuned!!! countries, or do they react the most of the current territory of Also we really hope to tour same way? What differences do Estonia appeared from under again! But yes one thing is certain you see in fans in different plac- the water.” Is that a tribute to new album definitely will be rees? the history of Estonia? Aren’t leased in March and as I said beMarkus: In my opinion they re- you worried that people might fore new single is already availaact the same way everywhere de- get confused? ble in Spotify and iTunes. It‟s spite the country. If they like you Lauri: There are many chrono- called "LÖÖME MESTI" they are with you if not then our logical systems in the world. If music is not for them. there is something different in a Lauri: Thank you one more time Lauri: The people in different calendar of some nation and if for this interview and we do hope lands are different. And different that nation interests you, you to see you soon at one of our persons are different in those must find out what it is all about shows; tell all the readers and lislands. But stereotypically,we can and then you don‟t get confused. teners - do not be shy to shake say that, of course, German reac- And when you do get confused our hand afterwards and have a tion is always different from about some calendar having chat with Metsatöll – meeting loSpain. Germans are warm, but month like “marraskuu” or cal people is the most interesting they prefer to stay still during the “azar”, years like 1392, 2572 or part of touring!

What Automobile Drivers Should Know About Motorcycles In recent months, there have been several (and we mean more than 5) motorcycles fatalities in the Vegas area...granted, we take our lives in our hands every day we walk out our front door, but we at CV WorldWide believe it relevant that we still have dialogue regarding Bikers & Cagers, and feel it necessary to post informative articles for our readers.

We offer you this article in hopes that we all become a little more educated and especially... AWARE of each other...

This article will discuss the characteristics of avoid debris, and to minimize affects of weather and motorcycles in everyday traffic situations. Automo- other vehicles. This behavior should not be interpretbile drivers, also known as Cagers, need to be aware ed as reckless driving. If anything, it will help you, the that a motorcyclist will often slow down their motor- Cager, be aware of the motorcyclist. cycle by downshifting or by simply rolling off the Since a motorcycle is obviously smaller in size throttle. What this means is that the brake light is than an automobile, although the rider may be quite not activated. Given this knowledge, we advise that large, please be aware that because of its small size a motorists allow more following distance to give mo- motorcycle may seem to moving faster than it actutorcyclists and yourself more room to maneuver. ally is. Also because of this small size, a motorcycle Common sense also dictates that you predict a mo- may look farther away than it is. When checking torcyclist may slow down at intersections without traffic to turn at an intersection, always predict that visual warning. a motorcycle is closer than it looks. A car pulling left Motorcyclists use both their turn signals and in front of an oncoming motorcyclist causes the hand motions to announce a lane change or turn. number one motorcycle and automobile accident.

Some motorcyclist forgets to cancel their turn sig- Please do not do this; it tends to ruin everyone’s day. nals. Although newer models have built in selfA motorcycle’s stopping distance is almost the canceling turn signals, some beginners and experts same as for a car, but road conditions and rider skill may still forget to cancel their signal. So, make sure a level may affect stopping distance. As always, allow motorcycle’s signal is valid. for more following distance when behind a motorcyA motorcyclist will often adjust their position cle. within their lane. This is mainly for better visibility, to When a motorcyclist is carrying a passenger, this will complicate all of the motorcyclists riding responsibilities. Stopping distance, motorcycle handling, maneuverability and balance are all affected by the passenger. When you see two on a motorcycle, give the motorcyclist plenty of room.

Keeping a safe following distance when following motorcyclists cannot be stressed enough.

From the motorcyclist ability to slow with using the brake, to having a passenger, to having smaller mirrors making it harder to judge the distance of the car following them. We strongly recommend keeping a three or four second following distance and space Beau Wiley - www.WhyBike.com - reprinted with permission

choose to ignore it. Whether unintentionally or through stupidity because the Cager is busy applying their makeup or talking on their cell phone while drinking their Starbucks coffee all while trying to drive. Please stop and be a responsible citizen and drive your car when you are moving. There will be plenty of time later in the day to use your cell and drink your coffee. Hopefully these tips will keep me alive by making you more aware of the characteristics of a motorcycle in traffic.

Finally, do not think of a motorcycle as a machine; we motorcyclists are people so treat us with the respect with which we are due. cushion when following a motorcyclist.

As the weather turns warmer, start to look for motorcyclists, especially when checking traffic at intersections. There are a lot more trucks and cars than motorcycles on the highways. Many motorcyclists do not recognize a motorcycle. They often