2014 CVNW June

JUNE 2014

THE Custom Lifestyle Magazine for Custom Vehicle and Music Enthusiasts

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Contents...

Rock Calendar

3

News You Can Use - Cars: 10 Fuel Efficiency Myths

14

CV NorthWest Brew Crew: a Guide to PDX Beer Week

24

Order in the Chaos; Brien DeChristopher’s Music Blog

26

Las Vegas Nightlife; Kevin Lastovica

36

News You Can Use - Motorcycles: Helmet Cams

38

Tattoo Gallery...readers send in pics of favorite tattoos

40

Jamie Paulus Pure Sin Photography, always up for bringing us the BEST of the Spokane concert scene, blows our minds with pics of none other than TESLA & Switchfoot.

Page 34

Sherry Keith Mystic Photography in Concert puts you front and center for the Civil Unrest tour; including a concert write up from magazine friend Dawn Sawmiller.

Page 16 CV Southwest Magazine

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CV SOUTHWEST 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.

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June 4 June 4 June 5 June 6 June 6 June 7 June 7 June 7 June 7 June 7 June 8 June 9 June 9 June 13 June 14 June 14 June 15 June 21 June 21 June 27 June 28 June 28 June 28

Jordan Allena Prophets of Addiction Jordan Allena Prophets of Addiction Splintered Throne the People Now Jordan Allena Prophets of Addiction Splintered Throne Whiskey River Prophets of Addiction Prophets of Addiction Unchained Prophets of Addiction Mechanism Prophets of Addiction Prophets of Addiction Jordan Allena Whiskey River the People Now London Mechanism Whiskey River

CMT Awards Show (Televised!) Nashville, TN Bodega Nightclub Reno, NV CMA Festival Nashville, TN Whiskey Dicks Lake Tahoe, CA Lebanon Elks Lebanon, OR Studio 7 Seattle, WA Memphis International Raceway Millington, TN the Alibi Arcata, CA Analog Café Portland, OR 7 Cedars Casino Sequim, WA Club 66 Ashland, OR Ash Street Saloon Portland, OR RoseFest Portland, OR 4th Ave Tavern Olympia, WA Studio 7 Seattle, WA Rock n Roll Lounge Tacoma, WA El Corazon Seattle, WA Anthem Nashville, TN Muckleshoot Casino Auburn, WA the Mirkwood Arlington, WA Goodfellas Pekin, IL Louie G's Fife, WA Brothers in Arms MC Fundraiser Roundup, MT

THE PEOPLE NOW are a cutting edge, cause-oriented rock band and nonprofit that hails from the music mecca of Seattle (WA). This band’s blend of wellcrafted, intricately constructed songs and thought-provoking lyrics is what draws their distinction from bands of the same genre. Seattle Rock in Surround Sound. A musical and visual explosion: The People Now synergize punchy, melodic, powerful songs with modern technology to create a listening experience like no other.

<CV WW> Tell our readers ―awesome.‖ who's in the band and their role: Timothy: I play drums and proJonny: Jonny Smokes plays gui- gram the audio visual portion of tars and sings, programs lights, the live show as well as record designs artwork and gets things and help produce our mu- the restaurant strip of Seattle‘s Usic. Sometimes I talk in third per- District, and we have been makdone now.

Dagna: Dagna plays bass and son, but he isn‘t feeling like it to- ing music and creating ideas ever day. Oops. since. Though off and on mostly does backup vocals. part time/practice stuff for years, Garth: Garth is allowed to sing lead vocals, write super-rad guitar <CV WW> Tell us about the the band became serious with the lines, and is generally disappoint- beginning, who founded the addition of equally serious played by how modest his band mates band, what was the catalyst be- ers later in those years as well as like minds that were socially conare in listing their tasks, because hind it? they all forgot to mention: kicks Garth: The People Now began scious. The catalyst that cataass, makes water boil when they as most things do: a concept, a pulted all of this into where we pick up their instruments, blow spark, and a restaurant nap- are now was a combination of minds, break hearts, part seas, kin. Back in 2004, I met Tim clarity in our musical identity, and generally acts as an agent of through our social networks on being launched forward by the skill additions of our recent members, the opportunities created for us by management (Emerald City Musicians), and the momentum of being able to use our music to help, as well as inspire, others.

Timothy: The beginnings started in a ceiling-less (and probably haunted) basement in a falling apart old house in the Seattle University District whilst playing shows in run down bars and venues and now fast forward ahead to owning our own recording studio and practice space to touring Italy and playing the iconic Crocodile to the Showbox. It‘s been a

long journey here, but through all of it for me it has always been about a raw passion for making music. I simply can‘t not do it.

music. I can‘t NOT want find solutions for human problems. I can‘t NOT want to share these notes (music)/notes(thoughts) with others, and work relentlessly on mastering this craft to give people something unique and unforgettable.

<CV WW> Talk to us about the journey to find the right combination of musicians …

Jonny: I saw the band twice be<CV WW> Who do you guys fore joining and every time I was count as your musical influlike, ―damn, this is the kind of ences? band I want to be in.‖ I think the Jonny: Fates Warning, King‘s X, law of attraction completed my journey from there.

Pink Floyd Dagna: This is something that Dagna: I grew up listening to every musician has different exScorpions. A lot. And then I disperiences with. Some are lucky covered metal- I am a big fan of enough to have a great life career melodic metal bands, like Neverwith their junior high buddies, more, Opeth, In Flames, Fates and some never find that chemis- fare in a pretty high quality mu- Warning, and Symphony X. try with anybody. Most of us re- sic market?

Garth: I am influenced musicalally have to go through many Jonny: In all humility, we are al- ly by almost everything I hear bands before finding the right ways striving to be better with people talking, gears grinding, vibe. I see a great potential in this every performance. Seattle IS an bells tolling, colors and patterns, mix that we have in The People incredibly high quality music random sounds, silence. It‘s kinNow. It is like a tiny eco-system market, and we are blowing peo- da cool trying to hear the music that feeds off of itself. Being ple‘s expectations every time, so I of the world. My greatest inspifriends is the most important feel like we are on the right path. ration is my brother, Cliff - a suthing to keep the band together. Garth: We can only do what we perior musician to me in every can‘t not do. I can‘t NOT play way. <CV WW> Tell us about the Timothy: Refused, The Mars name, where did it come from?

Volta, System of a Down, BaronGarth: The name ―The People ess, McTuff, The Mothership, Now‖ stems from this same idea yadda yadda yadda. Really anyof our music and mesthing, but I tend to lean more in sage. Music – the one thing comthe heavier progressive direction mon in the common man, has these days. Pink Floyd will alalways united people. In any enways be the band that taught me viron or time frame, there is the to love the theater of a musical song of ‗everyday lives,‘ and each performance which is something is as artistic and unique as any I strive to bring to our own radio hit. As individuals, we are shows. all singular, just like every single <CV WW> Have you guys almoment is like no othways wanted to play music, or er. We. Are all. The People. were there other interests when Now. you were younger?

Jonny: I was about to become a <CV WW> What were your incommercial artist out of high itial thoughts on creating the school, but thought better of it band, how did you think you'd

when I interviewed several work- chine‘. I will be involved with his copia of influence but ridiculousing designers who were all obvi- next solo album as well, so per- ly fun to play in. Dagna joined a ously miserable… haps we will be able to tour to- band I was in called One Undone gether. replacing Garth who was the Garth: Hahaha, that‘s rad!

Jonny: Yeah, so I followed my Dagna: One of the most recent original bassist. We melded realheart and kept my art to myself. bands I would mention ‗One Un- ly fast to form a solid rhythm secDagna: Being a musician has al- done‘, where Tim and I first start- tion that continues to pummel ways been a burning desire of ed working together. We didn‘t the audience today! mine. Other things and interests go further than Seattle local scene have tried to take over here and but we recorded an album that I <CV WW> What do you hope there, but this one still lingers… am pretty proud of - ―A Fire Un- to accomplish with your music, Timothy: I started hitting pots der the Ocean‖. Jonny and I met what message do you try to conand pans with spoons when I was working for Warrel Dane‘s solo vey? barely able to walk. I learned to project as his touring band and Jonny: I want to inspire people to play piano by memory when I bonded enough on the road to be brave, to stand up and stand was 6, learned to play violin want to play together again :) I out. Make even the smallest difwhen I was 8 and learned to play have also filled in for Jim Shep- ference for the better. drums when I was 9. I pretty perd as a touring bass player for Garth: Artistic and mental freemuch always wanted to play mu- Nevermore, right at the end of dom for myself and my audience. their existence. sic.

Timothy: I played for Seattle <CV WW> What motivates <CV WW> Some of you have band called Rad Touch for a you to keep improving, to keep been in other bands before this number of years. It was a sort of expanding your horizons as muheavy sometimes ―mathy‖ 3 sicians and a band? one, tell us about those?

Jonny: Both Dagna and myself piece that leaned toward punk Jonny: Seeing players like Steve worked together as a touring and hardcore influence while also Vai, Jeff Loomis, Adrian Legg. band for Nevermore/Sanctuary hitting on majorly melodic and They just keep getting impossibly vocalist Warrel Dane‘s first solo comedic vocals about life and better and better… album ‗Praises To The War Ma- love. It was a band with a cornu- Garth: Twofold - people have always encouraged me, in their own struggles as well as their successes, to pursue art and expression - I gotta deep love for humanity, in all its wretched beauty. And to quote Rage Against the Machine - ―Whenever you see a cop beatin‘ a guy; wherever a hungry newborn baby cry; whenever there‘s a fight against the blood and hatred in the air;‖ That makes me want to write music you can shake your ass, your fist, or both to. <CV WW> What is it about THIS combination that you think works so well?

Jonny: Mutual respect and hard work ethics.

Garth: Passion, tolerance, and impossible talent.

Timothy: Passion, passion, passion. We also all have our own skill sets (outside of playing our instruments) and are very good at using them all to make a whole.

90s throw back time! We‘re like the power rangers when they like all come together ‗n shit! <CV WW> In the end, while all bands WANT to be successful, are you prepared for the success this will bring?

Jonny: More than ready! Bring it!

Dagna: While it can be a weird concept at times to think about, it‘s something that has always been in the back of my head, so yeah, I can say I am more than prepared!

Garth: Wait, musicians are successful? :) Timothy: Absolutely! But no within, a damn hot furnace - gether, they appear to be a matter what the success there will hopefully there‘s enough of it to stream. Song, album, single, box always be sacrifices and some- sparkle up all this coal we call set, stream - its all music to me. times you have to burn down music into a diamond that an au- Timothy: Because of the digital your house to build a better dience can truly get behind. age people have less and less atone. You‘ve always got to be tention span. Usually the song prepared for change in order to <CV WW> How will you de- that acts like a theatrical trailer is better your life. cide which songs to release as the best. Short, high energy with dramatic dynamics and a simple singles?

What kind of pressure do you Garth: I‘ve got this weird notion rhythm. We aren‘t writing music feel, if any, to produce a suc- that albums are dead. Sign of the to fill that criteria but sometimes cessful record? times, bygone era, romantic ret- a few songs will just come out Jonny: I just want the perfor- ro, no attention span, perverse that way naturally. Those are mance to capture the best of our business world, Twitter - call it usually the best bets. musical skills and still feel as what you will, the iceberg has alive as we are on stage. splintered. This is not a bad <CV WW> How has the reGarth: There are a lot of musi- thing; I think it‘s simply sponse been so far from the cians out there, many who are change. To me, all songs are sin- shows you are playing? geniuses, some self-proclaimed gles - a continuous stream of Jonny: Feedback from my most virtuosos, some not as accom- them. Like water coming out of critical friends has been that this plished, and still undiscovered a faucet through a strobe light: is the best band they‘ve ever seen gems of talent. Every note, I you can see it‘s actually not a me in. I trust that they like it, want to have meeting, have pur- stream of water, just thousands of since they‘ve torn up past propose. The pressure comes from individual droplets so close to- jects…

Dagna: It seems like people are a in the talk bubble. Well, Robin be exposed to their entire vision little shocked and emotional after asks Batman ―What time does for the album. This is all gone toseeing our live show, which is the y o u r b a n d p l a y t o n - day. exact response we‘re striving for, ...‖ WHACK! Batman back- Jonny: While the sales and expoand is the most rewarding for us hands the foo‘ and says ―You sure outlets are incredibly dias musicians, too. show up early and support ALL verse, and the freedom to be your the bands!‖ own artist is very liberating, the <CV WW> How important is it drawback is that we now comfor fans of the headliner to come <CV WW> Let’s talk about the pete with millions of other acts early to see the opening band, to music industry today…and so- with the same platforms, so it can cial media…music distribution be more of a challenge to rise to support them?

Jonny: VERY IMPORTANT! is much different now, do you the top. It just pushes us to be the Why show up late to a movie, see that as progress? The ability very best we can in the end. The watch the fight scene, and leave to market/sell individual songs, stereotype of ―lazy musician‖ before it is over? We work hard does that benefit the industry as does not apply to anyone who to play shows with bands that a whole? has even a small bit of success compliment each other, and we Dagna: I am very much a tradi- nowadays. Only the hardest want other band‘s fans to be ex- tionalist and see the individual workers rise above. posed to us just as much as we song market as a setback. There Garth: If the ―industry‖ can be want our fans to see other artists was just so much magic to having made up of individual musicians we enjoy. to buy an entire album, with art- that are no longer forced to bottle Garth: There‘s this great Internet work, the credits, all the info you neck their art through a distribuMeme, where old school comic would find in the back of a CD. tor to reach markets, I‘d say book Batman slaps Robin in mid- It was more of a bonding experi- that‘s an exciting thing. Moreosentence, and people photoshop ence with the band. You would ver, I‘m less interested in how the

HerringBone Anatolian Shepherd & Border Collie Mix 9 weeks old Male 13 pounds

heart. Trends fade, heart is forever.

Garth: The ―core‖ sound isn‘t any one trend, genre, fad, or single to me. The core is genuine, and the future is full of, as of yet, undiscovered genuine music. No need to go back to any good ole days, or stare sideways at how todays are both amazing and empty, but to go forward and find music. I think that happens in every ―now.‖ old dynasty of Music Industry don‘t think the pop diva‘s con- <CV WW> Do you guys have a favorite place to play? was always looking for ways to tribute more than 5% to that… ―make‖ people pay for music Garth: To make a beautiful, fra- Jonny: Earth. My best shows are (hence profit), and more interest- grant, and unthinkably radtastic always on Earth. ed in a New Industry that looks garden, where flowers and trees Timothy: Not really. But I miss for ways to ―allow‖ people to pay and happy little blossoms grow the Fun House... for music. all cray cray - what do you need <CV WW> Have you had any bags and bags and bags of? particularly memorable shows <CV WW> Social Media plat<CV WW> Is it hard to look at to date? Why was it memorable; forms…savvy PR tools or necesthat and stay true to your core good OR bad. sary evil? sound?

Or do you think they Jonny: Opening for Fates WarnJonny: ...a little of both in the will all fade away and it’ll be ing in Seattle was a dream come right/wrong hands, right? back to old fashioned ass kicktrue. They are my heroes and we Garth: A new twist on an old ing rock again? really killed it that night. And I song.

Jonny: I just write from my got to run lights for them using <CV WW> Today, the music world is dominated by the Cyrus’ (and her tongue) and the Biebers…never one to shy away from controversial questions, do you think Rock has to climb to the forefront again?

Jonny: Rock may have fallen off of TV and radio in the USA, but when I tour Europe, I feel that rock and metal are just as strong as pop. Even though the media tries to ignore it, the rock fans still do far more good for the economy by attending clubs and bars than Cyrus fans do by watching Disney all day. Live music is a billion dollar annual industry in the Seattle area. I

your music that you feel appeals oil as a country, and selfdestructive to its citizens, it has to fans?

Jonny: I feel The People Now such great wealth beyond its rehas the right balance between sources: biodiversity, history, and great songwriting and excellent resilience. This song is about musicianship, with sonic diversi- how the people of Nigeria must ty. Not boring, yet not over the steal crude oil to survive, and it is also an example of how we, The top, and always changing.

Dagna: I also think the songs People Now, can use music to have great energy. The songs are help others by spreading the intense at times which keeps you word. I am a servant of this interested. Also, the fact that quote, ―The only thing necessary Garth‘s vocals are so awesome. for Evil to prevail is for good men He sings with a lot of personality to do Nothing.‖ and gives it his 100% and I think that is the most important aspect <CV WW> How have you guys grown as a band and as musiof a good rock song.

Garth: Diversity.

We, as a cians? group, are so very different as in- Jonny: I joined just over a year our setup. I was a kid in a candy dividuals, that that comes out in ago, and I‘ve seen the band step store! our music. The listener will al- up in every possible way as perDagna: Yes, definitely the Fates ways have something new to formers and entertainers. We are show. I think our music, while hear, and will be given what they a family and a team, and I am not in the metal genre, appeals to expect (a genre) in way that they always proud of and inspired by these people. a lot of metal heads with the soft- don‘t (beyond borders).

Garth: I feel like the music of er metal taste. We got the best response yet at that one show. <CV WW> What can fans ex- The People Now come a LONG ass way from its origins. After Also for me personally, there are pect to see at a show? two other shows that I just need Jonny: 4 people giving 110%. working with legends such as produ cer To by Wright to mention. Playing with Never- That is like 440%!

(Metallica, Alice in Chains, more on the first 60,000 Tons of Garth: No bullshit.

Metal cruise was unforgettable. I Timothy: I‘m the technician so played with one of my all times here is the technical answer. 5.1 favorite bands, on the outside surround sound, live interacting deck with the sun going down HD projection, full Iron Maiden and the ocean breeze in my face like and of course us playing our for 2,000 metal heads. RAD! The hearts out. In short, something second one, I got to play on stage you don‘t have time to process with Uli Jon Roth when he came until it‘s over. through Seattle. He‘s a true inspiration for me. I grew up listening <CV WW> Do any of your to my Scorpions tapes on repeat, songs speak to you on a deep and the 70‘s era is my favorite, personal level?

Garth: ‗Steal the Black Bread‘. which Uli is so responsible for.

Garth: I had a blast playing the Through my study at the UniverLayne Staley Tribute in Milan, sity of Washington, I discovered Italy. Me and Tim had spinning the enormous turmoil the country of Nigeria has suffered through a heads. series of complex social and polit<CV WW> What is it about ical problems. Exploited for its

Korn, etc.) at Robert Lang Studi- the challenge of becoming better new musical offering? os, sound engineer Robert is what drives my passion for life. Garth: I feel it from within, as I Reams (co-founder of Neural Ausaid in another question, but also <CV WW> What other bands dio and Surround Sound), and from without. These people I do you guys listen to during also some tough but necessary play music with? They have downtime and relaxation? more talent, skills, and experiadvice from producer Scotty Olson, the maturity of the music Jonny: I relax to Jack Johnson ence in one finger than I‘ve got in has excelled to the point where and Mozart, also Michael Hedg- my whole body. I hope that every song I bring to the table for the we can continue to add elements es and Jim Matheos.

Garth: I‘m diggin‘ this new Seatband to craft, polish, change, and of the musicianship we love so much without alienating our au- tle band from members of Minus improve inspires them first and B e a r c a l l e d foremost, and each song I feel dience. It‘s an awesome parame- t h e ―DustMoth.‖ They and ―Helm’s should be ―better‖ than the last ter that is rife with creativity.

Alee,‖ along with ―The Mother- (for whatever the word ―better‖ <CV WW> Where do you think ship‖ are HOT Seattle music means, right?) you are in the journey of The right now - they make the palms People Now? sweat. <CV WW> It’s still very early, Garth: Forward, the only Direc- Timothy: I can‘t get enough of where do you see the band in 3tion.

The Mothership right now. I al- 5 years? Idealistic and realistic?

Timothy: I always feel and I so love to catch local jazz shows Jonny: In a bus, on a stage, and think always will feel like we are at the Sea Monster in Walling- all over the world making people in the middle. There is always ford. Specifically McTuff. smile. the past and there is always the Timothy: Traveling the world <CV WW> How much pressure future. There are moments of doing what I love making music. high‘s and accomplishment but is there to “produce” with every

<CV WW> What are your lookin‘ for an RV Park, it rocks for #blackbread. plans as far as touring, anything twice as much as half a steel bunin the works? 32.

Okay, ny, and its full bodied and juicy <CV WW> Any final words what’s in store for the remain- like a Washington Cabernet: its you would like to convey to your fans? der of 2014? What other big pro- "huge."

One thing we are very excited Jonny: Email us! I love to chat jects are in the works?

Garth: Through our own invest- about is a collaboration between a n d s h a r e m u s i c w i t h ment and construction, we have ourselves and internationally ac- fans! tpnfanmail@gmail.com completed our new studio, Huge claimed Seattle film director Garth: Only with You is there Studios™, built with our own Sandy Cioffi. Her award win- We. hands, sweat, tears, and likely a ning documentary "Sweet lot of beer. This year, The Peo- Crude," about the struggle and ple Now are gonna rock our violence that the peaceful natives world audience with new music of Nigeria have suffered due to in surround sound, and recording Big Oil exploitation in the last 30 has already begun! A quick click years, inspired the writing of our to follow us on Twitter, subscribe single " St eal t h e B lack to us on YouTube, or like us on Bread." We will be creating a Facebook, and you‘ll know the viral video campaign with footmoment we post new mu- age from her documentary in music. Personally, I am so flippin‘ sic-video format, and using social excited for the latest from TPN; media and YouTube to spread it‘s got booty like a ferris wheel, the word on this vital human Stay tuned it‘s got the shape of a tornado rights issue.

We. Are All...

PLEASE Help if you Can - KickStarter ends June 13th

Top 10 Fuel-Efficiency Myths

By Doug Newcomb of MSN Autos No matter what the current price of gasoline, savvy drivers are always looking for ways to get the most miles from each gallon. But many fuel-efficiency tricks that may have worked years ago for vehicles equipped with less sophisticated components simply don't apply in today's world of computer-controlled automotive systems. And some, upon closer inspection, never did make sense. Take a look at the top 10 fuelefficiency myths to discern fact from fiction.

Manual transmissions get better mileage Years ago, your transmission choices were usually a 5speed manual or a 3-speed automatic. Manual transmissions almost always achieved better mileage because a reasonably skilled driver could control engine revs through efficient shifting. But today's high-tech automatic transmissions are typically more competent and efficient than a driver using the combination of a clutch and stick shift. Few Americans learn how to A tank nearly full prevents evaporation properly drive a vehicle equipped with a manual transWhile not letting your car run low on fuel may be a mission, and given that a "stick" is usually reserved for good idea if you're traveling in an isolated area, the high-performance cars, it's difficult for the average drivthought that a fuel tank more full than empty will pre- er to squeeze the best possible mileage out of a car with vent fuel from evaporating inside the tank is off-base. a clutch.

Cars of yesteryear may have allowed gas vapors to escape into the air, but fuel systems in modern vehicles A dirty air filter leads to lower mileage are designed with vapor recovery systems. Some vehi- The engines in older vehicles pulled air straight through cles with pressurized fuel systems even display a check the air filter into the carburetor, so a clogged filter engine light if the gas cap is loose, missing or not could affect gas mileage to some degree. But today's advanced engines have a computerized engine control properly sealed. module (ECM) to precisely regulate the air-to-fuel raShifting into neutral at stops tio. In a modern vehicle, air goes through the filter and This is a myth that may have applied when engines re- then through a mass airflow sensor that lets the ECM quired carburetors. Today's vehicles have computerized gauge the airflow and adjust the fuel accordingly; less fuel-injection systems that sense if an engine is revving airflow means less fuel is sent to the engine. While gas above idle when you ease off the accelerator. If that mileage may not be affected, dirty air filters can lead to happens, the fuel injectors shut off, so gas is no longer sluggish acceleration. injected into the engine, even if the car is still in gear.

The only thing you accomplish by constantly shifting Filling up when it’s cooler gets you more gas in and out of neutral is premature wear on shift compo- For years, a myth has persisted that if you buy gas in nents. the cooler part of the day — say in the morning during

summer — you get more for your money, since a cool- any needed repairs, you shouldn't see any noticeable er liquid is denser. This theory may sound plausible decline in fuel economy. Regardless, some of maintewhen you're at the pump during the heat of the day. At nance items to address as a vehicle gets older include filling stations, however, gasoline is almost always dirty fuel injectors, defective oxygen sensors, worn pumped from storage tanks underground that are natu- spark plugs and plug wires, and a defective or leaky gas rally insulated from large temperature swings. Because cap. of this, any slight change in the temperature of the gas is so small you wouldn't notice any appreciable sav- Topping off the tank helps gas mileage ings.

Do you continue to add gas to your car even after the gas-station pump automatically shuts off, indicating Cruise control saves gas that the tank is full? Many people think that by topping Since a vehicle's cruise control system is designed to off their tanks they're getting as much fuel as possible maintain a constant speed, most drivers assume it will into the car and thus can go just a bit farther between help them save fuel. On long highway trips on general- fill-ups. The reality is that after your tank is full and ly flat terrain, that may be true. But you've probably your gas nozzle shuts off, any additional gas is drawn experienced the sudden acceleration that cruise control into a gas station's vapor recovery system — and back systems create when confronted with an incline in ele- into its storage tanks. And according to AAA, you vation. That rapid acceleration burns a lot of fuel, as if could even damage your car's evaporative emissions you mashed the gas pedal yourself. An alert driver an- system by topping off your tank. ticipating an upcoming incline will typically apply pressure to the gas pedal slowly as needed to maintain speed without the sudden engine revs caused by cruise control.

Fuel additives can increase mileage Consumers in general and car owners in particular always want to find some magic fix in a bottle. That's why a typical auto-parts store usually has an entire shelf dedicated to various potions promising better mileage. While fuel-injector cleaners may lead to better fuel economy if the ones in your car are dirty and clogged, other fuel additives — even if they work as

Lowering a truck’s tailgate improves mileage Drivers of pickup trucks have long assumed that lowering the tailgate is better for aerodynamics and therefore improves gas mileage. But according to Diane Bloch, an aerodynamic-performance engineer for General Motors, driving with the tailgate up is actually more aerodynamically efficient. She says that as air flows over the truck, it falls over the cab and pushes forward on the rear of the truck. The benefits of that airflow are diminished when the tailgate is down. Bloch says that replacing the tailgate with an aftermarket net is worse than having no tailgate at all; she compares it to a boat advertised — probably would not save enough to cover dragging a fishing net through water. their added cost. To help protect consumers, the Federal Trade Commission has a website dedicated to the doubtful claims of "gas saving" products.

Gas mileage drops as vehicles age If you don't maintain your vehicle, of course its performance will degrade and so will fuel efficiency. But if you keep your vehicle properly maintained and see to

Industrial Rock was alive and well inside Club Vinyl at The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas when Wayne Static brought his solo project along with bands Otep, Dope, Smile Empty Soul, and Thira for only the second night of the Civil Unrest Tour on May 9th, 2014.

This may have only been the second night of the Civil Unrest Tour, but the bands were in full swing for what turned out to be a rowdy night inside Club Vinyl.

Sometimes, when so many bands join together for a tour such as The Civil Unrest Tour, the complaint is that more time is spent setting up and tearing down for each act than the band actually spends on stage.

The opening act, Thira, warmed the support for Wayne Static. With ing to worry about on this evening, crowd with a very brief set which their hard core front woman, Otep as every single song that Wayne seemed to be over before most of the has what almost could be consid- would perform was a Static X stacrowd had made their way in. The ered a cult following. People either ple. Wayne Static exemplifies indusnext band up, Smile Empty Soul, love them or have never heard of trial rock with his coveralls and hair brought a refreshing change from them. There was no doubt this standing straight up. Wayne‘s solo the other acts with their bluesy would be hardcore as the band all project would blitz the crowd with sound and was received well by the hit the stage wearing masks and per- huge Static X hits to open the show rowdy industrial rockers in the formed opening song ― Eat the Chil- ―Push it‖ and ―I‘m With Stupid‖. In crowd. From the first song, ―Black dren‖. Otep connects well with the all, Wayne would perform a full set and Blue‖, it was apparent these younger, metal core types in the of eighteen Static X hits including guys would be different. The band crowd. They would continue with ― W i s c o n s i n D e a t h t r i p ‖ , engaged the crowd with such songs songs like ―Crooked Spoon‖ and ―December‖, ―Cold‖, and ―Black as ―Loser‖, ―Chemicals‖, and ―Blood Pigs‖ during which the fe- and White‖ before exiting the stage. ―Bottom of a Bottle‖. Smile Empty male front woman would actually The band would return to the stage Soul may have been a different type place a pig‘s head on a swiveling for two encores ―Destroy All‖ and of act from the rest of the bands on prop. Otep would also have a little ―Cannibal‖. If you are a fan of hard the Civil Unrest Tour, but they were more extended set playing ―My core industrial rock, then Club Vinyl a refreshing change of pace.

Confession‖ and ―Apex Predator‖ on May 9th, 2014 inside the Hard Dope was the next act to hit for all the Randy Orton fans in the Rock Hotel and Casino was defithe stage. Dope are some hard core crowd, before leaving with nitely the place to be. Wayne Static industrial rockers whose brief but ―Confrontation‖. and friends would not disappoint high energy set left many in the Wayne Static and his solo and remind us all why Static X will crowd hoping that they would re- act was the headliner that the crowd always be remembered amongst the turn soon with a chance to do a waited patiently for this evening and best industrial rockers of their time. more full set. as always, Wayne Static would not Otep would provide direct disappoint. Static X fans had nothDawn Sawmiller

YOU WANTED THE BEST, YOU GOT THE BEST...

A HUGE thank you to Traci Smith for allowing us to experience this show and bring it to you!

will run this year‟s La Folie through a Randall. If you are wondering what a Randall is device that can instantly infuse any beer with any sort of complimentary ingredient.

Imperial Bottle Shop & Taproom June 12th 5-11pm of course Portland is known for being weird and for its amazing beers. In this event they are combining the two with the Double Mountain Tap Takeover and Cluster IPA release and the Ride Your Bike bottle release. Ok so Portland is most definitely weird; have a few beers and then try riding your bike will be tried during this 11 day event at some point without a doubt and we hope to get some of it on film!

PDX Beer Week, June 5th to June 15th, 2014 looks to be th eleven days of beer bliss. There are multiple things to do Art & Beer: The drunken Cobbler June 13 6-8:30pm at each day. We combed through the calendar of events and the Portland Art Museum this is the event we really can‟t have picked out the things we plan on going to. You will wait to go to. We have been to the Portland Art Museum but never to have beer. The Drunken need to check the web site for full details, but we will give on many occasions thCobbler is an 18 century painting by Jean-Baptiste and you a sampling! inspired this event. Visitors will be able to sample five Alameda Brewing Tasting Night, June 5th 5-7pm there local beers. Museum staff and the participating brewers will be a sampling of Yellow Wolf Imperial IPA, P Town will explore the painting, the process of creating the beers and the project‟s trajectory as well as the parallels bePils and other finely crafted beers. tween the science of preserving art and the brewing proEastside Slide: Beer and Booze Showcase, June 6th 4- cess. After the presentation and tasting, event goers can 7pm a place to find massive amounts of free samples visit the Museum‟s galleries. This event will be sure to from some of the neighborhood breweries and distilleries have not only good beer and art but will be a little more of the WOSC neighborhood, No admission. Ok, so if this refined than just the normal beer tasting. doesn‟t grab your attention, keep reading. Seriously, all we had to hear about were the free samples!

The Playboy of the Western World red Ale Fest June 14th 3-7pm these brews have strayed off the beaten path to Beer Week Kickoff Brunch June 7th 10am-12pm Port- titillate your taste buds. Irish Beer, Guinness Stout and land Beer Week officially kicks off with a beer brunch Harp Lager are all big beers in Ireland, but the most popuwith beers from some of our favorite brewers as well as lar ale is said to be Red Ale Beer and we are looking forthe first chance to try the official Salt & Straw Beer Ice ward to trying some and getting a little more information Cream and official Beer Donut from Blue Star Donuts. on this strange brew.

Beer vs. Cider & Cheese Pairings June 8th 6-9pm this head-to-head show down between two of the tastiest bev- Luncheon withththe Lion; Firestone Walker Invades Sarerages we have ever tried being paired against cheeses aveza June 15 12-3pm if you are looking to take dad somewhere different this Father‟s Day, then this just may selected by the Cheese Monger of Cheese Bar. be the thing. David Walker of Firestone Walker Brewing WOSC + 10 Barrel June 9th 8am-5pm WOSC will be Company will be here with some of FSW‟s award winpouring a beer cocktail (didn‟t know there was such a ning beers and will be available for casual conversation thing) made with 10 Barrel Cucumber Crush and a local and will be speaking on some of the beers. sprit as the house cocktail of the week. This sounds so unAgain, this is just a small sample of the events at this usual we have to go for a drink, or maybe two. year‟s PDX Beer Fest. If you want to see them all, and for Infusion Illusions; Randall Night with Monkey Paw prices (some events are free) go to your favorite browser Brewing (Portland Debut) June 10th 5-7pm yet another and look it up. There is something for every beer lover night we are looking forward to (Just one of 11) San Die- during this 11 day beer extravaganza. go‟s Monkey Paw Brewing‟s Brewmaster along with its owner will be in town for this event, and will be running Remember not to drink and drive! Looking forward to seeing some of our readers at this beer-of –a-good- time! their Sweet Georgia Brown through a Randall.

Sweet and Sour Summer June 11th 5-7pm New Belgium

Vin & Zack

A generation ago, historic rock artists like Alice Cooper, David Bowie, and KISS showed fans that they were not living in the 50's or 60's anymore. These legacy bands incorporated stunning imagery and stage theatrics to elevate the standards of rock performance worldwide. Many 90's bands like Marilyn Manson, Slipknot and AFI continued the tradition in spirit, while blazing their own sonic trails. Now, a generation later, M!SS CRAZY, hailing from California, is still fronted by lead vocalist Markus Allen Christopher.

Bringing back hard rock in a big way and with a vintage sound that has been missing in music today,M!SS CRAZY's sound is a collection of the best rock bands of the 80's, part Def Leppard, part AC/DC, part Cinderella, part RATT, and even some KIX, and all of what real rock fans loved about the music plus that stunning imagery that ruled radio and stages worldwide. With 5 album's under their belt, M!SS CRAZY is bringing back the sound of excitemet into jaded music fans around the world and staying strong to the influences of hard rock which clearly shows in the M!SS CRAZY sound.

M!SS CRAZY will be touring in 2014 so be sure to join the M!SS CRAZY Army. We welcome you to the family here. Add us to get updates on all the M!SS CRAZY happenings and check out our website, www.misscrazyrecords.com, for merchandise, tour info, artist roster, music samples and much more. We welcome your comments and try to respond to as many as possible when we're not on the road or in the studio. Well, actually, we've been known to respond from the road and studio as well, because we just love you guys!

Order in the Chaos Helpful Guitar Tip #2 - The Dream/Know Your Role One of the most distressing and disturbing dreams I have ever had was when I dreamed we all lived in a world without music. Where all ears stopped caring to hear it, musicians stopped playing it, and teachers stopped teaching it.

Not in that order, mind you, but you get my drift.

Unfortunately, that dream, while perhaps not overly true to form, IS coming to bear. But, only in the aspect of the musicians these days. The fact that less and less of them actually take the time to rehearse both personally AND with their band. Resulting in sub-standard performance and product... thus, resulting in less palatable ear candy to the listener.

If you are a Guitarist: Practice your scales WITH A METRONOME! You can't expect to play on time with a real drummer if you don't work at it. Practice your chords. Practice your phrasing. And know your gear. But most importantly, play from your heart AFTER you learn your scales, chords, and timing. In the words of Paul Gilbert, "You have to know the rules BEFORE you can break them.

I may not be the fastest or most eloquent guitarist out there... but I DO understand the importance of these points. And while my solos may not be Yngwie-fast... at least they have feeling. More than I can say for most pro-level guitarists in the Industry-led music scene today. It doesn't matter what genre of music you play, playing from the heart will always prevail... and doing so with SKILL and ARTICULATION from years of hard personal practice will pay off BIG. If you are a Drummer: Welcome to the only position in the band who's performance CANNOT be copywritten. There, you heard it from me so you no longer have to be kept in the dark on why YOUR royalty checks might be lower percentage than everyone else's.

But, learn your kit. Learn your timing, and learn how to make good decisions when behind the kit (Don't be afraid to study the classics like John Bonham, Keith Moon, Charlie Watts, etc. Trust me, they played with more heart and soul than ANY of your present day drummers.

Practice your rudiments. Practice your rolls, etc. Keep up on it, and when alone... you got it... PRACTICE WITH A FREAKING METRONOME!!!! You have a very important job... to keep everyone else ON TIME! And, if you REALLY want to be a pro... rehearse and perform with your band with an in-ear click. It adds consistency and better precision with your audience.

If you're a Bassist: Learn your bass.Learn your Scales, Triads, Hand Positions, Pedal Tones, and timing. And for Heaven's sake... stop playing along with the guitar line. It is lazy and while it might be appropriate in certain key parts of a song, you gotta get out of the habit and give the listeners a break and add some flavor to the band's sound and product.

Learn how to stick in the pocket. Work with your drummer. I can't tell you how many band situations I have been in where I would leave the room and come back fifteen minutes later to a silent rehearsal space.

The drummer sitting behind his kit picking strips of wood off his sticks, and the bassist quietly trying to figure out that elusive Entwistle lick. Play together... even add a night where you and the drummer get together for an hour or two... it will bless your band's rhythm section greatly and will make YOU almost indispensable.

If you are a Vocalist: You have one frigging job to do... and that is to SING. Then do it. And stop being absent to practice, showing up late to the gigs, skipping sound checks and then bitching about how terrible your stage sound was, etc. Just SING! Very few singers I have ever come into contact with have been responsible and respectful enough to the band to be punctual and rehearse with them on a regular basis... unless, of course, they are in charge and ruling the band with an iron fist. And, trust me, that's no good either The fact of the matter is, you are the voice and face of the band. The band's job is to make YOU look good. But if you don't SOUND good, you've failed right out of the gate.

I'd like to say, you that you should leave your arrogance, conceit and ego at the door, but we should ALL recognize and understand that those three very important things are what make you a singer. And, without those three things, you will probably never see a bigger stage and, thus, bigger audiences.

Practice your voice exercises, practice singing from the diaphragm, and practice your skills at working with others... and yes, important yet silly as it sounds, practice your stage persona. It's extremely important to be an EFFECTIVE front man. That is part of your job. Engage the audience, and kick their ass... that's what they are there for. They are not there to be ignored or put to sleep. Talk to them, invite them into what you are doing. Drag them into your drama in the songs... Don't just yell at them, bore them, or talk TOO much in between songs.

These things might appear to be my opinion, but if you tried to be a musician instead of just a guitarist, singer, drummer, bassist... you might get a LOT more enjoyment from your experience. And doing these things are a proven and tried way to make music not only better for the performer, but more importantly better for the LISTENER. Give it a shot... test me, and tell me it doesn't work. But, focus on yourself, and don't worry what everyone else is doing... shoot, you just might outgrow your band and move on to bigger and better things... that's what personal growth is all about, but don't obsess about what is not, but rather what is NOW, and make it better... growth should come naturally.

Brien DeChristopher is the guitarist and primary songwriter for Seattle Seale-based hard rock band "Agents Of Chaos". He has played in numerous live and recording bands over the years where he has logged countless hours on stage in live performance, and studio recording time.

You can see this and other Pearls of Wisdom online at http://www.blogster.com/briendechristopher/

<CV WW> Tell our readers band and what was the catalyst the set. It‘s a really fun experience everybody involved has a who is in the band and their behind it? roles because you have an im- SB: I actually came up with the blast and it‘s a great group of idea, it‘s a very stylized show and guys there‘s no ego‘s and we just pressive group of artists…

Stacey Blades: Let It Rawk is an I actually created and produced have fun and everybody is such all-star 80‘s metal review featur- it. I came up with the idea last an amazing musician that it realing quite a few different guys year. I thought it was kind of a ly translates on stage. It‘s like a from the genre. From time to unique idea where I wanted to do machine and people are like wow time we have a rotating line up. a band with guys from the genre and it‘s like their heads were just So we have me on lead guitar, but make it a unique experience. ripped off.

Stacey Blades. We have Oz Fox with a really cool set list and of Stryper on lead guitar, Jeff have it very Sunset Strip themed. <CV WW> Tell us about the Duncan from Armored Saint on There is a lot of video production journey to find the right combilead guitar, Sean McNabb from when we can use it if the venue nation of musicians..

Dokken on bass, Eric Britting- has the video screens then we can SB: It‘s guys I have known for ham of Cinderella on bass, Scott use it in the show and it has just years, so I kind of handpicked Coogan from Brides of Destruc- kind of started morphing into this them. Due to their musicianship tion and Ace Frehley on drum thing. When we first played in and their personalities and friendsand Jimmy D‘Anda of Bullet January in Vegas the chemistry ship I have had with them over Boys on drums, and we have Ja- was so good with the guys it was the years . It changed quite a bit mie St. James from Black N Blue like we had been playing for because when you are trying to and was also in Warrant for four years, so I was like I have to put something big like this toyears on vocals. Not all those write music with these guys. So gether it does take time,it did not people are on stage at the same that started taking shape a d we happen overnight. It was a year time, but we‘ll mix it up from just released our first single in the works. Again it‘s juggling time to time because everyone American Rebels May 6th on I- schedules and things and it‘s all a else is in their significant bands. tunes and Amazon and it‘s get- part of the whole ―Let It Rawk‖ ting great reviews and it‘s a fan- thing. That is also kind of the ap<CV WW> Tell us about the tastic song, and we have also in- peal, because at one show you beginning, who founded the corporated another new song into may have, for example we are

playing the Whiskey in June and it will be Jimmy D‘Anda, Robbie Crane, Jeff Duncan, Jaime and myself. So you are going to get different guys, and the set list will change a little, so we will do some Bullet Boys and we will do an Armored Saint song, so that‘s kind of cool. When you see it‘s not going to be the same thing every time. This is what makes this really cool idea keeping fresh because it‘s not like you‘re seeing the same thing over and over. It‘s like a best of everything so to speak. <CV WW> Tell us about the such a great looking logo and the was like this a cool idea because name, how did you come up brand, and we have a nightclub you have guys that were in that with that? as well here in Vegas that we do era and scene and they are seeing SB: Ya know, I didn‘t want to every Wednesday as well with these guys play songs from those call the band so and so all-stars or my buddy Johnny Rude. It‘s a respective bands and catalog ,and that type thing because then that cool line up we do every Wednes- they are getting a stylized show kind of labels it out. I wanted to day, there is no bands or any- and what‘s cool is like the entity do something that was universal. thing ,just a DJ we do at a place factor, it‘s like here you got all My idea is I‘m branding ―Let It called The End Bar not far from these really cool great guys all in Rawk‖. Like the change in rock the strip . It‘s great, ladies drink one band and they are putting on itself by spelling it RAWK. My free 8-10pm, there is never a cov- this stylized show and they get wonderful friend Brook McKeg er charge, and we have a DJ that some original music too and you who is an incredible artist, she spins just all cool rock from the can feel the chemistry between came up with the logo and it‘s 70‘s, 80‘s, 90‘s and beyond . It‘s a those five guys on stage and it great thing and we are in our 9th makes it a unique experience . week now.

The three shows we have done already people are like man you <CV WW> We take it that is sound like you guys have been going very well then? playing for years ,so I could not SB: Yes, next thing you know be more happier with this and it‘s there will be ―Let It Rawk‖ Salsa been a lot of work and still is but o r s o me t h in g l ik e th a t . I‘m really excited to see how this *Laughter* Or peanut but- is really taking off. We have tour ter...*More Laughter* dates all the way through October so I am stoked! <CV WW> What were your initial thoughts when creating the <CV WW> Who do you count band? As you said this a Metal as your musical influences?

Review and not your typical SB: It‘s all pretty much the same cover band. How do you think it stuff with most guys my age, I will fare in the pretty high qual- am 46 now and I grew up listenity music market? ing to The Stones and Kiss, The SB: When as I sold it as a show it Eagles, Rod Stewart, all that

great 70‘s stuff. Then when I was over again. For me when that a young teenager, 15-16 it was starts happening I lose interest. I that first wave of L.A. Metal, always have to be changing Motley, Dokken, Ratt and Wasp. things or writing new material, That stuff just struck me and I stuff like that. What‘s cool with was like ―this is amazing‖. Great this is I feel kind of reborn. Like times to grow up, being 15-16 that teenager, I have been playing that stuff changed my life. for years but this has kind of reenergized me. I am playing so <CV WW> What do you hope well right now and I am having to accomplish with this project? so much fun playing with these SB: Well, we want to continue guys and that transcends, even touring and making more music, with the other guys in the band. keep releasing singles. I want to We are just up there smiling and continue branding it. We are laughing and having such a great hoping to see the ―Let It Rawk‖ time, so that motivates me when Nightclub eventually morph into you are in a really positive situa- nately making a record is like a vanity project now and it sucks our own place. I have a lot of tion . that‘s a reality now. It kills me to great ideas and I want to build an <CV WW> Exactly, and that’s say that because I love making empire with this. What‘s great important that you guys are havrecords. It‘s an amazing process, about it is it‘s so universal and ing a good time because then the the creativity seeing it start from this music is timeless. crowd see’s that too and they the very first beat or chord or vocal and watching it blossom into <CV WW> What motivates really dig that. a full album with a producer, it‘s you to keep improving and to SB: Absolutely! an amazing thing but unfortukeep expanding your horizons as <CV WW> Although this is a nately we live in an age of digital mu sician s an d a ban d?

SB: I think you have to not so Metal Review and you have music and that‘s a reality and we much reinvent yourself, but you mentioned you guys are putting have talked about this and said always have to stretch out to new out singles, is there any plans to let‘s just test the waters with this and put out singles because we avenues . I have never been one do a whole album? to be complacent and do the SB: I have thought long and hard want people craving more music. same thing over and over and about this and you know unfortu- You never know we may end up doing an album, I would love to do that but for right now I think we will keep releasing singles every 4 or 5 months. <CV WW> While all bands want to be successful are you prepared for the success this will br i n g y ou gu y s ?

SB: Oh well hell yea. I mean everything takes time and to be successful you really have to put in 150% to anything whether it be your song writing, guitar playing, your show, your band and I have always had that mentality. It‘s always been ―strive to be the

best‖. So yeah, bring it, I‘m amazing. We have more dates try we are not seeing sales like we ready! The other thing is too, coming up. We are playing the did 20 years ago. It‘s changed, coming out of L.A. Guns after Whisky June 26th, back in Vegas people don‘t buy albums or CD‘s ten years, people were very curi- on the 28th, then we go do a big anymore, but the music industry ous. What is Stacey going to do outdoor show in Chicago on July did that to itself. It‘s almost bit now, what does he have up his 3rd, lots of great stuff happening, them in the ass for all the greed sleeve. It‘s not easy to re-establish lots of outdoor stuff, the mid- and wealth that it was 25-30 your career and reinvent yourself west in August as well as some years ago. To an artist selling after people have known you for shows in October and we have 200,000 is mega successful where certain things for many, many, more dates coming in. So it‘s get- back in the 80‘s that was a quesyears. It‘s tough, it‘s tough. It‘s a ting a great buzz, it‘s fun to see tion of oh you are not doing very lot of patience and it‘s a lot of this thing build. It‘s like we are well ,so it‘s an interesting flip side ―here is another day‖, ―today‘s a getting on surfboards, let‘s ride to where sales as a whole as recnew day‖. I‘m really, really that wave. ords have changed drastically . I proud of what I have accomthink in a positive way though <CV WW> Let’s talk about the plished and how this is developyou have all the social media to music industry today…and soing. where you can use that to your cial media…music distribution advantage. The days of going out <CV WW> How has the re- is much different now, do you to get the big record deal, those sponse been so far from the see that as progress? The ability are gone. It‘s tough but you have to market/sell individual songs, to roll with the punches. As a shows you are playing?

SB: Great! Like I said this is fair- does that benefit the industry as new artist there are a lot of great avenues because you don‘t really ly new too as well. We‘ve only a whole? done three shows, but the three SB: It‘s a double edged sword. have to rely on record companies shows we have done have been Unfortunately as a music indus- anymore. There is YouTube and

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happening.

build this thing we are going to keep making it bigger and bigger <CV WW> We know you have and bigger. It‘s going to be a only played three shows so far, great experience because you will but have you had any particular- hear a song from Black N Blue or ly memorable shows to date? this song and people are really Why was it memorable; good digging the two original songs and you just see some great musiOR bad.

SB: Yeah, I think the show in Ve- cianship. So it‘s like you are seegas last Saturday at Vamp‘d on ing all these bands in one show. the 17th was just magical. The So that‘s what‘s cool about it. band was just on fire, the sound and the energy coming off stage <CV WW> How do choose the people were just having a great songs that you are playing? time. We really made an impact SB: It was just a collective How with that show. We can‘t wait to do you guys feel about this, obvitake this thing out to the mid- ously we don‘t want to a lot of west where people are just going obscure stuff, so we do some hits to go crazy. That was an amazing and some well-known songs but CD Baby and all these other me- show that night, Friday night was there were also the well-known dia outlets like Facebook and good too, but Saturday night at songs that were not really big hits Twitter you have the power now Vamp‘d really stood out. where people are like cool you to get your music out there withguys are playing that, so that‘s out relying on other people. <CV WW> Vamp’d really is a kind of the idea too was not to do the typical ‗Sweet Child Of Mine‘ great place to play. <CV WW> With Social Media SB: Oh yes, totally! and tracks like that but we did platforms…savvy PR tools or not want to go to obscure. So far necessary evil? <CV WW> What can fans ex- so good the set list is going over SB: It‘s both. It depends how you pect to see at a show? really well. I don‘t want to give it do it too. It can be limited, it can SB: It‘s a high energy show and away because then it gives away be a lot of exposure for you, but the catalog is great and if the ven- the show. at the same time it‘s like you are ue supports the production will the promotion tool so to speak. see some great imagery. As we <CV WW> How much pressure But on the flip side with bands that have been around forever from the 80‘s that are still putting out music your selling 14,000 albums and that‘s with a little bit of promotion so people really are not buying a lot of music these days, that‘s the downside of it, people are downloading music for free and that is the drawback.

It can be changed, it can be changed. The music industry can start putting out albums again, vinyl and take away singles completely, which would force people to buy albums like they used to for decades, but I don‘t see that

really really cool, you have a very unique thing here, and I am like that was the idea from day one .

This is going to be a really unique experience. So to hear that from the fans I could not be happier. <CV WW> It’s still very early, but where do you see the band in where do you see the band in 3-5 years? Idealistic and realistic?

SB: Still out there making a really cool show and in a few years I really want to step up the production and just build this into an empire and to keep having fun and keep playing shows and bringing this to wherever we can worldwide. I‘d like to take this is there to “produce” with every around the world to Japan and thank the fans so much, I love them dearly ! The support from new musical offering?

Australia and to South America SB: There is a lot of pressure be- because it‘s such a universal thing everybody involved, the band cause at the end of the day you and I think it really translates mu- members, our agents at Everwant it to be successful, you sically with the bands and the green Music Network and for just don‘t want it to be a flop. What genre and that‘s the plan, World allowing me to do this and create this machine. It‘s wonderful, I you put in is what you get out. I Domination. *Laughter* could not be more grateful! put a lot a lot of work into this, so to see this flourish now is real- <CV WW> Any final words Remember: When In Doubt... ly rewarding. People are translat- you would like to convey to ing and it‘s really cool because your fans? people are coming up to us and SB: I could not do this without saying what you guys are doing is the support of the fans, I want to

Blue Blood Metal - Wearable Art

Todd Kerns, from the hardest working band in weekends of debauchery. If you have not partied with Vegas, the Sin City Sinners and more recently with these guys, you are missing one hell of a bash.

Slash, invaded Vamp‟d on a Monday night for a little Speaking of Las Vegas Legends, a blast from party marking the One Year Anniversary of the past, „Tarah Grace & the Magnetics‟ took the „Borrowing Trouble‟s‟ release. Any night of the week House of Blues stage to bring some of the „Hall of you never know who is going to be coming through Fame‟ sound back to a Vegas stage. It seems they still the doors at Vamp‟d. have a following after all these years because the Speaking of the Sinners, they are still rocking place was PACKED! the Show Room at South Point on Friday nights and Johnny Lust is at it again and taking his following the „Axl Rose Karaoke Show‟, I mean the „Playground‟ band to an unusual venue on Tuesday „Guns-N-Roses‟ Residency at the Hard Rock. The nights. Down in Henderson just a few miles east of Sinners have their own mini-residency at Vinyl, just the Airport, Joe‟s Crab Shack has developed a sort of outside The Joint. „Party on the Patio‟ event and it seems that The „Redline‟ boys, members of the Redhawk- „Playground‟ is fitting right in.

Days „Driver‟ band, took the stage at Legend‟s Bar & Johnny Roxx takes his band „ROXX‟ down to Grill, giving the place one more notch on the “Local the Sand Dollar, as everyone knows the place, for Scene” belt. It‟s only a matter of time before this ven- Rockin‟ Wednesday nights. Another midweek Rock ue will bring in all kinds of bands with their easy east Night to make the week that much shorter. The place side location and their cheap drinks. Keep an eye on hasn‟t been the same since Wendy was behind the this place. bar, but Animal and the boys might funk things up Local‟s favorite John Zito and his band of the just enough to make it fun. same name, tears up the stage at Vamp‟d Wednesday Burn Unit opened a Friday night stage at nights. Everyone needs a mid-week escape and seeing Vamp‟d for another hell-rsaising night of ass-kicking the John Zito Band will definitely set things straight rock from the boys of „Outta The Black‟. There are until the weekend. reports on lingering hearing loss from multiple guests „Driving While Blind‟ with Kelly Dorn, lit up that attended this show. the Bounty Hunter Bar down in South Vegas. Every The following weekend, those with ringing so often the Bounty Hunter brings in talent like Dorn ears ventured out for some more damage when The and his band and when they do, the small setting is Bones opened up for the hard rockers „Smashing Aldefinitely one of the best places to be in south Vegas. ice‟. The SA boys never take it easy on anyone. Just Another band of die-hard rockers that have curious if some of those dials were really turned up to been playing Vegas for what seems like decades, Rik 11. „Stix‟ & Sean „DJ Yo Mama‟, from „Nuff Said‟, have One of the hottest new bands in Vegas, taken their party to damn near every bar that would „Electric Messiah‟ brought their show to the Vamp‟d have them in Las Vegas over the years. They are stage, opening for the All-Star Metal Review, „Let It known as one of the best party bands in Sin City for a Rawk‟. Needless to say, the place was a madhouse reason. Now The Plaza Hotel & Casino has requested and set the bar just a little higher for those wanting to their party to bring the „Nuff Said Army‟ in for a few perform there.

Helmet Cameras 101: A guide for getting started with a Helmet Camera Getting into a Helmet Camera may seem like a bit of an undertaking, but it really isn't bad at all, you just have to do a little planning. There are only three basic requirements: a Helmet Camera, a recording device, and a way to store the equipment safely while it's in use. Afterwards, it just a matter of what you want to do with your footage.

Helmet Camera You can go to Google and type in Helmet Camera and you'll find a bunch of different sites dedicated to Helmet Cams. It's enough to say that there are quite a few options out there, and in the end it's your call. Western Power Sports and Lockhart Phillips also distribute Helmet Cameras now, so you can also order one from your favorite dealer as well. No matter which Helmet Camera you choose, you're going to need batteries, most likely cording device then you need to decide between a either eight AA's or a single 9V. The AA's can last digital camcorder and a personal media player. between 5-10 hours and the 9V lasts 15-20 hours, Pricing is a moot point as either can be found in the $200-$250 range. The pros and cons of each are so know your ride and prepare accordingly. laid out below: Digital Camcorders vs. Personal Media Players Another Option: Lose the Batteries Depending upon what you're riding you Camcorders – The DV-AVI setting of the might want to consider a Motorcycle Camera instead of a Helmet Camera. The Motorcycle Cam- miniDV camcorder offers the highest quality setera runs off of the vehicle battery, which saves your ting you can get for your Helmet Camera. The Duracell fund. Additionally, an on-bike mounting camcorder is also the only device that is capable of system lets you store everything on your bike hosting a LANC input, which is a remote start/ which means you can avoid the 80's jokes about stop button. That being said, the camcorder is also your fanny pack. Google can be used here as well fragile, bulky, and the costs of media can add up. to locate the various Motorcycle Camera retailers. You will also need to consider the additional requirements when it comes to getting the footage on Recording device If you have a recording device already, then to your computer (discussed below). be sure to check with your Helmet Camera manuPersonal Media Players – Personal media facturer to see if your device is compatible with players are extremely compact, lightweight, and their camera. In most cases, as long as your device is capable of dubbing from another video source durable. They allow you to record your Helmet (you can look this up in your manual if you're not Camera footage directly to compressed mpeg4 format, a standard ―computer ready‖ video file, via sure) then your system is most likely compatible.

If you happen to be in the market for a re- an internal hard drive or removable Compact

Flash. The quality, however, is not quite as good as miniDV and battery life can be a challenge if you cannot make use of the car adapter.

Which One to Get and Where to Get It Camcorder – If you are in the market for a camcorder, then use your manufacturer's camcorder list as a guide and search through online deal sites like Pricegrabber or Newegg for the best deals.

The LANC input is also noted on most lists, so be sure to take that into account as well.

Personal Media Player – If you want a PMP, then eBay is going to help here. On eBay you can find refurbished units for brands like RCA's Lyra or the Archos and save a bunch of cash over getting a brand new unit. Most refurbished units will come with a new warranty from the OEM so your risk is minimal. There is also one PMP that records to removable memory. Mustek's PVRA1 can be found at Sam's club online for un- thank me later when your videos are hiccup free).

If you opted for the Personal Media Player instead der $100. of the camcorder then you can go ahead and save Storage yourself the trip to the store. Your files can be This can be any combination of what you want, transferred via USB, and the compressed video is have, or need. If you're involved in water sports more manageable, so no extra RAM is required for then you'll want to get a waterproof case, such as a handling your file.

Pelican case. If you're into endurance sports and you need a water bladder, then be sure to get a Video editing pack with a little extra storage space. For the rest Most computers have Windows Movie Maker of us any old fanny pack will work fine (note: which will do fine for basic editing functions, such smaller = tighter pack = less bouncing and shifting as cutting dull spots, adding sound, and stock video mods like brightening. However, the videowhile pack is in use). philes of this world are probably going to run out Sharing and drop $800 on Adobe Premiere so they can If you only want to replay your videos on your TV, drool over the 1 million tools that they'll probably then you can skip this section as any recording de- never use. But hey, they like the security of knowvice will have A/V output cables that can be at- ing that the fish-eye-disintegration-mezzotinttached to your TV for direct video playback. How- adjust tool is there, just in case they need it. ever, if you want to share your files online, edit About the Author: Jason Green wrote Helmet your footage, and/or burn CDs or DVDs for oth- Cam 101 to aid those interested in recording their ers to watch, then you're going to need a computer. experiences. Costly mistakes and unnecessary purThe choice of recording method from above will chases can make getting a Helmet Camera more drive how much computer you're going to need. expensive then it has to be, this guide was meant to Computer needs – A firewire card is required to get help enthusiasts avoid the common pitfalls. Jason footage off of a miniDV camcorder and onto your is a closet videophile and currently writes the news computer. These can be obtained online or at any blog for Twenty20, a company that sells Helmet big-box chain for under $25. Install is easy, so don't Cameras and Motorcycle Cameras. pay anyone to do it, please. And since you're already opening your computer, go ahead and buy Jason Green via WhyBike.com, reprinted with peryourself a big old stick of RAM as well (you'll mission