2014 CVNW October

OCTOBER 2014

THE Lifestyle Magazine for Custom Vehicle & Music Enthusiasts

ALWAYS FREE

Contents...

Rock Calendar

3

News You Can Use - Cars: Catastrophic Weather Driving

16

Gear the Pros Use:

21

Erin Elizabeth, guitarist for MADAME TORMENT Camille Denny, drummer for MADAME TORMENT Order in the Chaos; Brien DeChristopher’s Music Blog

24

News You Can Use - Motorcycles: an Adventurous Life

40

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

42

Jamie Paulus Pure Sin Photography, always up for bringing us the BEST of the Spokane concert scene, brings us a quick conversation with GODSMACK & Pura Vida Tequila.

Page 12

Sherry Keith Mystic Photography in Concert puts you front and center for the triumphant return of Markus Allen Christopher and M!SS CRAZY...

Page 22 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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Oct 1 Oct 4 Oct 7 Oct 9 Oct 11 Oct 15 Oct 16 Oct 17 Oct 17 Oct 18 Oct 18 Oct 18 Oct 19 Oct 21 Oct 23 Oct 31 Oct 31

Witchburn Whiskey River Piston Ready Witchburn Whiskey River Hemlock Hemlock Hemlock She's Not Dead Hemlock Live Wire Piston Ready Madame Torment Hemlock Witchburn Live Wire She's Not Dead

Dante's Everett Sausage Festival the Mix El Corazon Muckleshoot Casino Johnny B's G Street Bar & Grill Duffy's Hangar Spot Bar Warm Springs Comm Center Cascade Bar & Grill Tony V's Ash Street Saloon the Hop Dirty Dog Eagle's Lodge Hamley's

Portland, OR Everett, WA Georgetown, WA Seattle, WA Auburn, WA Medford, OR Grants Pass, OR Salem, OR Vancouver, WA Warm Springs, OR Vancouver, WA Everett, WA Portland, OR Spokane, WA Austin, TX Bingen, WA Pendleton, OR

Madame Torment is an all female “BITCH ROCK” band from Portland, Oregon! Prepare to be tormented with wicked rock n' roll originals and sexy party anthems!

These ladies offer no apologies for who they are… they choose to be strong and sexy musicians...their attitude and music say ”hey we’re here, we’re loud, we’re gonna go against mainstream society and rock and roll.”

<CV NW> Tell our readers who's in the band and their role?

Madame Torment is: Elsa Faith - Lead Vocals Erin Elizadeth - Lead Guitars Ashley Luna - Bass HellKatt Elise - Rhythm Guitars Camille Denny - Drums

keeping an eye out for a rhythm <Elsa> Even though there are guitarist, so that Erin can concen- many great female musicians in trate on her leads. We got to Portland, it was initially difficult know HellKatt through mutual for Erin and I to find the ones musician friends. Even though that actually fit our band. The she's known to be a bassist, we original line-up, with which we tried her out as a rhythm guitar- released our debut EP, "Bad Girls ist.

Taste Good" with, did not work <Erin> Since I was a teenager, I out because the two members <CV NW> Tell us about the begin- wanted to rock with girls. It took had different goals musically and personally. We did go through ning, who founded the band, what many years for me to find the right ones, but once I met Elsa, I several other girls, but all did not was the catalyst behind it? knew I had found the foundation fit our style. Thankfully, we have <Elsa> The idea of forming an of what would become an amaz- amazing musician friends that all-female rock band was lead guitarist, Erin's dream. She and I ing project. We started this band supported us. Through these mumet in 2010 at an AC/DC tribute hoping that people in this town, tual friends, we found Ashley, and everywhere, would realize Camille, and HellKatt. There was band audition. A year later, she very little (close to none) awkapproached me and realized that how many young women there are that want to rock just as hard wardness with these girls. Everywe shared the same goals and one looked great, played well, musical influences such as Mot- as the boys, and can. To me, Madame Torment is not just a and we all have the same goals of ley Crue, The Runaways and band, it's an idea that represents being a solid team.

Guns 'N Roses. We also already had a couple originals to work on so much more than just talented and discovered that we write well female musicians! We all take a Tell us about the name, where did it come from? together. The original lineup did- little piece of who we are, and where we came from, and mesh <Erin> I wanted something that n't work out. In late 2012, we it into this one fierce project of stood out, and was unique, but took a long break but upon rebadass rock n' roll. also had some sort of purpose/ turning from my overseas trip depth to it. To me, the name early 2013, we got together with <CV NW> Talk to us about the Madame Torment is empowering Camille on drums & Ashley on journey to find the right combina- and fierce; the empowerment of bass. We wanted to make our women, rock n' roll and individusound larger live and so we were tion of musicians ...

ality.

Skid Row, LA Guns, Motley „those‟ types out there and that Crue, etc. We have also been will be inevitable. Controversy compared to other female bands comes with the territory. When like The Runaways, The Donnas, you have balls out in your face and Girlschool, which are also rock n' roll it gets attention right our favorite girl bands. We grew away, sometimes good, someup in the 90s, we really love Alice times bad. And, I‟m okay with In Chains, Garbage, and pop that. punk bands like Sum 41, and you <Elsa> If there were anything for can definitely hear these influus to prove, it is to show people ences in some of our songs. We that we can write our own music have also added our rhythm and and play it as well as the “big blues roots into our songwriting, boys”. That itself will not only so you can probably recognize help ourselves to be better musisome Rolling Stones, Alice cians, but it will also improve our Cooper, Black Sabbath, styles in strength. I believe that attitude there. will help us go very far in this in<Erin> We‟re all over the place, dustry. but mostly we are all fans of 70‟s, <CV NW> What were your initial 80‟s and 90‟s hard rock thanks to <CV NW> Have you guys always thoughts on creating the band, how older brothers and parents. We‟re wanted to play music, or were there other interests when you were did you think you'd fare in a pretty all inspired by different things and you can hear that in the mu- younger? high quality music market? sic. That‟s what I love about MT. <Elsa> I was born to a musical <Erin> The main ambition for You can't really pinpoint a partic- family (my older brother is also a me was to show the world that professional musician in Singaular style in Madame Torment. rock n' roll is still alive, and pore), and my first performance We've been called Metal, we've strong, and it doesn't matter been called Punk, Pop and Rock on stage was when I was 6. I acwhether you're female or male, tually wrote my first song when I n' Roll. We are a mix of everyyou can still make hard, fast, electric music that will make peo- thing, and we call it Bitch Rock! was 8, learned to play the organ at that age too. Got to play tradiple want to party their asses off <CV NW> There are not many and enjoy life! “all girl” bands these days, do you <Elsa> How we would fare, is just like any other types of busi- feel there are any advantages or disnesses. We have to want to suc- advantages to that? Do you feel you are treated any differently, etc? ceed, work hard to achieve our <Erin> I don‟t want to play the goals, and not take things for “poor girl musician card” but, granted, just because we are women. When you get support, sometimes getting people to take us seriously and focus on the muyou will have to also give back support. Realize any weaknesses, sic rather than our looks can get tricky. We want to put forth the listen to constructive criticisms, and improve ourselves. Laziness right amount of confidence and sexiness, but not make that the is the only obstacle that will focal point. The focal point for cause a band to fail. us, regardless of gender is and al<CV NW> Who do you guys count ways will be the music. When as your musical influences? people treat us differently because <Elsa> Collectively, we truly en- we are women, we just laugh or ignore it. There will always be joyed 80s hard rock bands like

tional drums (rebana) at 10 and picked up the guitar at 13. I guess I got addicted to playing on stage and the rest is history. During high school, I was already involved in working in the studio, live performances and have gotten the opportunity to work with many professional musicians. I can't imagine myself doing anything else as a priority other than music. <Erin> I've been involved in music since I was young. I started off playing violin and piano at age 9, then moved on to flute at age 12. After playing in my High School marching band, I started <CV NW> Some of you have been girls feel the same way. Definitegetting more into Hard Rock and in other bands before this one, tell ly go on tour and play for fans around the world. We would also Heavy Metal I started idolizing us about those?

Joan Jett. I managed to convince <Elsa> These are the bands that like Madame Torment to be placed as one of the top all femy Mom to let me see her live at I have been in since 1995 - 'The the fair when I was almost 15.

Fluffingtons' (all girl band - Sin- male bands alongside Runaways, After that, I decided I wanted to gapore), '$uicide $olution' (death Donnas, etc. Eventually, we rock n' roll all night and party thrash metal - Singapore), 'Bitter would like to be the female version of Rolling Stones, i.e. to be a every day and was going to start Cherry' (BritPop - Singapore), playing guitar. My Dad bought 'The Estrellas Sisters' (doowop - household name. Even if you me my first electric when I was Singapore), 'Sidji' (top 40s cover - don't recognize our music, you would still want to be seen in our 16, and I started seriously playing Singapore), 'Faith & Disat 17. The rest was history, I was Mae' (female acoustic duo). Cur- merchandise because we represent confidence and rock and hooked! rently, I am also still fronting roll!

'Soul Distraction' (alternative <Erin> I want to be remembered rock - Portland, OR), and „Her Majesties‟ (all female rock choir - for doing something extraordinary! I want young girls to look Portland, OR). up to us, and have our posters Ashley used to play for a punk hanging in their room, thinking group called Mineola Tangelo, "I want to do that someday!" back in her hometown, Salem, OR. HellKatt played bass for another Portland‟s all female band, <CV NW> What motivates you to She‟s Not Dead and is currently keep improving, to keep expanding playing for Prince Tribute band, your horizons as musicians and a Erotic City. band? <Elsa> If the bands that we grew <CV NW> What do you hope to up listening to are still playing accomplish with your music, what live, writing and recording new message do you try to convey? songs, and even have their own books out, why can‟t we, as <Elsa> My motto has always young artists, to work as hard as been "Think Global Not Local" them, and achieve their level of and I'm glad that the rest of the

moving towards the same goal. It an independent band, with very is very important to have a well limited budget, and time is critiwritten business plan. Playing the cal. Of cos there are other factors, music is fun, however, this is like making sure that we keep why Erin and myself, are using ourselves healthy, so that we can our paper skills to make this a bring in the positive energy into successful business. If issues our recording. arise, we talk about it immediate- <Erin> There is pressure everyly. Communication is very imwhere. And the bigger we get, the portant, and we check in with more exposure we get, the more one another constantly. We are fans we create, the more pressure not just band mates, we are also will be added. But as a band, I friends. As you know, honesty in feel a certain amount of pressure friendship is a vital part to keep it to produce something better than strong. With all that combined, the last time, is important. We this is the reason, why we can need to keep pushing ourselves to move forward. Don‟t let each be better, and achieve higher other hold ourselves back. goals each time. As long as the pressure to produce isn‟t negasuccess. I can‟t stress enough the <CV NW> In the end, while all tive, harmful, or something we fact that we should listen to con- bands WANT to be successful, are aren‟t comfortable with, a little structive criticisms, ignore the you prepared for the success this pressure will keep us on our toes negativity, and follow your pas- will bring? and constantly wanting to imsion. If you keep a narrow mind- <Elsa> The definition of success prove. ed outlook on the industry, you is tricky. Personally, every posiwill only get what little thing that tive step that we take moving into <CV NW> How will you decide you offer yourselves to. Be prewhich songs to release as singles? the right direction is success to pared to face many challenges, <Elsa> I say, it is easy for us at me. While fame and riches are and keep your eyes open for oth- just some factors that prove to this stage because we‟ve just been er upcoming bands as well. Put others that “you are successful”, recording 3 to 4 songs EP. After egos aside and learn from the old a positive mental state of mind, we wrapped up our EP recording, and the young too. to be satisfied with the little steps, <Erin> Nothing motivates me are more important to build your more than seeing the little accom- personal character. When the plishments we‟ve made, and fame and riches arrive, you will goals we‟ve met in just a few not be overwhelmed, and indulge short years. You realize just how yourselves with negativity that much you‟ve done, all the blood, will only pull you back to the rabsweat and tears, good times and bit hole. bad that have gone into the project, and you can‟t help but smile <CV NW> What kind of pressure and feel good. That keeps me go- do you feel, if any, to produce a sucing and thriving more than any- cessful record? thing. <Elsa> Finding the right studio with an engineer that under<CV NW> What is it about THIS stands your sound, will be the combination that you think works first step. Making sure that every so well? single band member, know the <Elsa> It is working well for us songs very well, before stepping right now, because we are all into the recording booth. We are

we already know which of the songs is the strongest. The season that it is released is an important factor as well. A “summer sounding” song would not really be a good one to be showcased in the winter time. We have to blend well with people‟s moods. Understanding our fans‟ moods during the season of release will be an essential decision factor. <CV NW> How has the fan response been from the shows you are playing? <Elsa> We have been getting an amazing response from the crowd. We are also glad that we have made an impression to the national touring bands that we have opened up for, like Faster Pussycat, and Richie Ramone.

We have also built a strong local following, which we call the “Torment Army”. We have about an average of 100 likes per month on our Facebook page since we set up this new lineup.

What‟s awesome is that, the crowd sings along to our songs.

That definitely gave us a great feeling on the inside!

amazing independent music out there. It‟s a much easier way to reach more fans from around the globe. The ability to sell individual songs is great! There are actually many instances that I actually bought the whole album, just for one or two songs. It is a great introduction to fans that are not aware of your music, and not putting much pressure on them to get everything all at once. Also, this encourages artists to work on their own unique ways to have creative physical albums, so that their fans, will find it worth it to purchase their copies.

<CV NW> Ok then, Social Media platforms…savvy PR tools or necessary evil? <Elsa> It is definitely a Savvy PR tool for us, but it is just one of are many bands that are playing the many tools we use to prothe big stages now, but they used mote ourselves. We actually still to just be an opening band. So, it go out and do physical legwork is important that supporters come to promote our band. early, because you‟ll never know <Erin> I am blown away by the that you‟re watching history in lack of bands and artists that truly the making. utilize social media. There are so many opportunities to promote <CV NW> Let’s talk about the your music and band all over the music industry today and social world with social media, for next media; music distribution is much <CV NW> How important is it for to nothing. I believe they are fans of the headliner to come early different now, do you see that as tools, and you can get with the to see the opening band, to support progress? The ability to market/sell 21st century and use them to individual songs, does that benefit strengthen your fan base and folthem? the industry as a whole? lowing, or you can watch as oth<Elsa> There is a reason why these opening bands are selected. <Elsa> The record industry has ers do it. But we‟re 21st century women, who are smart and savYou don‟t want to miss out what always been changing, so as a vy, so we love having a plethora they‟ve got to showcase. I‟ve dis- musician, you can‟t just stick to of social media platforms at our one traditional form of promocovered many cool local bands fingertips. by coming out early. You can al- tion. You‟ll have to tap into as many marketing platforms as you so see the difference between can, that you can sell your music <CV NW> Do you guys have a fabands that work really hard vs too. I definitely embrace the so- vorite place to play? bands that are taking their posicial media music distribution, be- <Elsa> We don‟t have a particutions for granted. Plus, most of cause, I was born and raised in lar favorite place, as long as it has these opening bands are more Singapore. Without social media, a space for us to change, sell our reachable than the headlining merchandise, great bar staff, and bands. If you think about it, there I will not be made aware of

a great sound system and a nice sound person.

there are two very important elements when it comes to having unique, appealing music. First <CV NW> Have you had any par- and foremost is the quality, ticularly memorable shows to date? whether it‟s intriguing and interWhy was it memorable; good OR esting, and whether it‟s catchy bad. and memorable. The second is <Ashley> Almost every single how a band or artist executes one in my opinion, we leave our those songs live, and how they blood and sweat on every event showcase their music and speak we join and get to meet new fans to the audience. What I love every time about our songs is that we take a <Erin> We've been to lucky lot of time with lyrics, and writenough to have lots of great gigs! ing a „story‟ - something that My favorite so far has been open- speaks to the heart and soul. Aning for Faster Pussycat, and when ger, love, passion, sex, depreswe played Bitchfest (which is an sion, anxiety, lust… We write all female band showcase, Elsa about serious emotions we‟ve all and I organized) both shows had experienced, but then can turn a great crowd, and we had lots of around and bust out a very comienergy on stage! cal, more quirky tune like „Party Till You Puke‟ that reminds peo<CV NW> What is it about your ple, hey we‟re still here to have music that you feel appeals to fans? fun, and bring up the mood! We <Erin> Great question! I think write about what we know, and

what we‟ve experienced, and we‟re not afraid to show our tears, our addictions, our nightmares, or even our animal instinct to seek lust and love. We spend a lot of time working on the atmosphere at our shows, so when you see us live, we can bring those emotions to you on a more intimate level. If we do it right, fans will feel what we are feeling, and that is an amazing connection between strangers that only music can bring. <CV NW> What can fans expect to see at a show? <Elsa> We have added more theatrics to our shows lately. Being an opening band most of the time, we don't have a long set list to do more. However, the most important thing is, we want a memorable show for all the fans that are there. Also, be prepared

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each other‟s space. We also defend one another from negative people. As a result of this camaraderie, we have grown to understand each other‟s needs, and it seeps into our playing and you can see the bond when we play on stage. <CV NW> Where do you think you are in the journey Madame Torment? <Elsa> We have a long way to go. We need to get out of Portland, and explore the rest of the country, and even the world.

There are many things that we have yet to discover, and we look forward to bring in more knowledge to increase our productivity.

I also really love 60‟s pop/rock like The Monkees, and The Zombies. That‟s definitely relaxation music for me. We all have many „guilty pleasures‟ … but really they aren‟t so guilty, if it‟s good music, it‟s good music, and it‟s helped define who we are as musicians.

<CV NW> It’s still very early, where do you see the band in 3-5 years…idealistic and realistic? <Elsa> Within 3 to 5 years, we hope to at least play across the country, a couple times already.

It might be also great if we can actually play outside of the United States. By that time, we hope to have a full length album, songs to sing along to our tunes, they featured in major movie soundare dangerously catchy. tracks, get signed, more endorse<CV NW> What other bands do ments, and perhaps be featured in <CV NW> Do any of your songs you guys listen to during downtime a music magazine. speak to you on a deep personal levand relaxation? <Erin> Taking over the world, el? <Elsa> ABBA seems to be the go hopefully. ;-) <Elsa> Erin and I wrote all the to group that we listen to as a songs, and it definitely came <CV NW> What are your plans as band. from our personal experiences. <Erin> It‟s funny that we all lis- far as touring, anything in the <Erin> I have many sources of ten to all sorts of different genre‟s works? inspiration. Someone pisses me off, I get inspired to write. Some- and styles when it comes to per- <Elsa> As everything is selffunded, we have to really save up one makes me feel good, I get in- sonal down time. As Elsa mentioned, ABBA is a band favorite some money to make it happen. spired to write. If I have really great sex or a fun night, I get in- that most people wouldn‟t expect We are planning a mini tour for us to listen to. I‟m a huge fan of next year. Something that is more spired to write about it. I take what life throws at me and put it classical, Mozart and Beethoven. realistic, for example, travelling into a song. I want the world to know what I'm feeling, and hopefully can relate. <CV NW> How have you guys grown as a band and as musicians? <Elsa> We have learned to highlight the good parts of each others‟ individuality, and also listen to one another. We complement one another for any job well done, and give constructive criticism if needed. We treat each other like sisters, and respect

This is for a song that Erin wrote (with some melody composition assistance from me), entitled, “Get Out”. The song itself is about going through personal struggles, and getting out of it.

Erin, Ashley and I wrote the storyline, and I came up with a storyboard. With some help with coordination, and a great local video guy to be our videographer, we have managed to get most of the filming completed in two days. We have a few more short yet important scenes to film, and we look forward to release it soon. We can‟t thank our Torment Army enough for responding to our ad, and volunteered to to work on what we needed to and playing the West Coast, be a part of this debut movie. It is do. playing in Seattle, South Oregon going to be amazing! <CV NW> Any final words you and Los Angeles.

We have got some positive pro- <CV NW> Okay, what’s in store would like to convey to your fans? <Elsa> Thank you so much for spects over in those places, and for the remainder of 2014? What we will definitely work hard, to other big projects are in the works? your everlasting support. We trumake it happen. <Elsa> We are planning to prob- ly appreciate all the uplifting messages and reviews that have been ably get back into the studio to posted on our wall. Your encour<CV NW> We understand you are record another EP, for next agement means a lot to us. working on your first debut music year‟s release. We also have a video. Can you tell us more about few new songs to work on. So that? far, we have one more local show that we‟ve been booked to play. <Elsa> So far it is a very exWith that, it should give us time hausting but exciting process!

Madame Torment

Pura Vida CEO Stewart Skloss with Godsmack

that you have which one is your favorite?

Stewart Skloss: I like to start with dessert. <Sully taps his belly and teases him about liking dessert>

Rock Hard in the Park September 11, 2014

CV NW Magazine: You have been traveling around with Godsmack.

Interview by Kathleen Clarkson Stewart Skloss: Ya Godsmack invited me to come along, it was really nice. So we don‟t really do the CV NW Magazine: Making the tequila started in traditional advertising route. The big boys have the 1923; Stewart, how did you end up becoming part $100,000 to do the big advertising. So we decided of it and eventually CEO? to grow organically with actual taste relationships Stewart Skloss: I started the Pura Vida five years things like that. The guys in Godsmack are telling ago. The distillery has been in business since 1923. their friends about Pura Vida, their friends are telling others it‟s a great organic growth. That tied in I went down to visit 20 distilleries and taste test their tequilas and we selected this one. How I got with 8:15 which Sully will tell you about. involved with Sully was this; Billy Gibbons was CV NW Magazine: What has been the highlight my first investor, Billy was good friends with of the tour so far for you Stewart?

Slash, Slash knew that Sully liked to do these Sully Erna: The kid throwing up outside your bus? toasts, through his manager it all came together.

Now they are all investors; all the guys in Stewart Skloss: Yes the kid throwing up outside Godsmack. my bus. (everyone chuckling) Actually everything it‟s been great meeting all the guys and just having CV NW Magazine: How many types of Pura Vida a lot of fun.

Tequila do you currently have?

Stewart Skloss: We have four different expressions CV NW Magazine: So do you just primarily work of Pura Vida here in the US. Silver Tequila, Extra with the guys in Godsmack or do you work with Anejo Tequila, Anejo Tequlia, Reposado Tequila. any other bands?

Don Pancho which is our dessert tequila. We also Stewart Skloss: Godsmack, ZZ Top‟s guitarist, have Naranja which is an Orange Liqueur.

Billy was our first investor, Charlie Sexton, is a local guy old school Texas rock star. Our investor CV NW Magazine: Is there a significant meaning base is a great mix, rock stars, lawyers, bankers behind the name Pura Vida? and others.

Stewart Skloss: “Pure Life” Ya, every time you CV NW Magazine: Do you sponsor any other toast, it‟s like what Sully says, Sully likes to toast to life. It was a great fit because Pura Vida is every- types of events? thing to life. The only toast we have here in the US Stewart Skloss: No, we love do this this is the way we reach the people. are “Cheers” so Pura Vida was perfect.

CV NW Magazine: That is nice, seems perfect. So CV NW Magazine: Sully tell us about the 8:15.

Stewart out of the four different Pura Vida tequilas Sully: The 8:15 started a few years back when we

were touring in the US; we were on stage around ly receptive towards it and when we met we hit it 8:30 every night so around 8:15 I‟d either go in off right away. I tasted his tequila and for me hontheir room (pointing to the other members in the estly it was one of the best tequilas I have ever tastband) or they would come in my room we would ed. It‟s 100% organic it‟s really smooth it has no do a shot of tequila, it was kind of like a regular burn to it. It was just a really amazing product. toast “let‟s get warmed up” get in the party mood And ever since then we have been out there pushand get on stage. Then word just started spreading ing Pura Vida because we believe in the product. through the people we were friends with, from the Shannon Larkin: <Raising his arm as to give a production office, opening bands, crew members, toast> It‟s 8:15 somewhere the next thing you know is it started off with four CV NW Magazine: So with the Tour what has guys doing a shot of tequila at 8:15 turned out to been the highlight? be like 40-50 people waiting outside my dressing room because they heard we were doing shots at Shannon: The highlights are usually being on stage 8:15. So it started to spread kind of virally, so then with the crowds, in Indianapolis we were throwing 8:15 became the time of night to cheers with your out merchandise, and they caught 11 out of 12 it friends so we kept that going after the tour. It‟s was really insane. But the crowd was also great. kind of a cool concept - it‟s the new 420 for pot Dallas caught only 3. smokers like at 8:15 time of day you take a shot. It Sully: Oklahoma City was really good. The last seemed like an appropriate time of night because a place we played, Denver, was really strong. The lot of people go to the bar around 8 o‟clock at highlights with us along the way. the relationship night. So that is how the whole concept started. with our audience, sometime you got to give them Sometimes two months after a tour I will get a little kick in the ass to get them started and others a text message at 8:15 from some Mexican bar and just blow us away. We feed off that energy which they are all holding up a shot glass. Then as I start- most bands do. I don‟t know if I have had a specifed to think about that whole concept my initial ic highlight but then again we are just half way thought was to have a tequila called 8:15. Then we through the tour. merged it into a marketing concept because it is so pricey to start up from scratch. At the time Stewart CV NW Magazine: How has the feedback been had met my manager and my manager was talking with your new album 1000HP? to him about this whole idea and Stewart was real- Shannon: It‟s been great so far.

Sully: It‟s early into the cycle.

Shannon: We are going international with it. We have a new label outside the US. We are planning on touring outside the US. At this point we are really proud of it.

through his eyes he sees us bigger than life and on the next day we were going to shoot all the arena stuff in Portland, Maine and we woke up to 9/11.

We never got to shoot that part of the video. It was definitely an event that no one would ever forget.

But America is strong and we push on. So tonight won‟t be a dark depressing thing, it will be a toast to how strong the country is.

CV NW Magazine: So with you guys being from the east coast and today being 9/11 do you have any special dedication for tonight‟s show?

CV NW Magazine: So, Sully I just have one last Sully: Maybe a ritual toast, send it out to all the question; in 2 weeks the Patriots play the Raiders friends and loved ones. All of us were affected in who do you think will win? some way by 9/11. It was a pretty powerful event.

Its amazing how one guy in Afghanistan can effect Sully: <All the guys chuckle> That‟s a good one so many people around world, cause even a band cause that‟s his team (pointing to Shannon). I always root for his team he always roots for mine. like us an American band like us doing our own When they play against each other we separate thing thousands and thousands of miles away we got impacted pretty hard by it while we were tour- that friendship. It will be Pats for me Raiders for him. ing. As a matter of fact 9/11 is the reason we stopped touring from the day we signed our record Shannon: Whenever one of our teams goes to the Superbowl we are going to go together so naturally deal we were out for three years straight at that I have been to a couple Superbowls for the Pats point 7 shows in a row one day off 9 shows in a row one day off, it was 9/11 that kind of smacked never been to the Raiders. us in the face. We tried to do some shows after that Sully: I‟m Patriots all the way everything Boston but it was too emotional. We were actually shoot- all the way Bruins, Celtics. Boston guy all the way ing a video on 9/10 for a song called Bad Magick, still live there. there were two parts to the video; there was a con- During the time I spent talking with the guys in ceptual side where Godsmack was playing at a Godsmack, Stewart made up a batch of margaritas cookout in the backyard where no one gave a shit and shots of tequila afterwards we all got off the who we were, and one crazy fan shows up and bus and had the 8:15 shot.

Driving Safely in Sudden Extreme Conditions When an Emergency Arises, Here's What To Do

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by Rita Colorito, Contributor Edmunds.com

Gulf Coast states, known as "Dixie Alley." In recent years, states outside these areas (usually ones hen forecasts call for a hazardous without warning systems) have been struck by torchange in the weather, meteorologists issue warn- nadoes, with fatal results. Regardless of where you ings to stay off the road and seek shelter immedi- live, understanding when and why tornadoes form ately. Weather alert apps make it easier than ever can help you stay alive while you drive. to avoid driving in dangerous conditions, or to get What to look for: Supercell thunderstorms caught in storms, such as hurricanes and blizzards. often produce tornadoes, strong downdrafts or TheRed Cross has apps for specific dangerous straight-line winds and large, damaging hail. weather situations you might encounter. Weather "Large, damaging hail can be a warning sign Underground offers apps for Android and iOS de- that you are way closer than you should be to a vices. The National Weather Service lets you easi- possible tornado," says Greg Carbin, warning coorly add its mobile site to your device's home screen. dination meteorologist with NOAA's Storm PreBut Mother Nature sometimes takes even diction Center in Norman, Oklahoma. Other signs the best informed and prepared of us by surprise. to look for may include an increasingly dark, omiHere's expert advice on what to do if you get nous-looking sky, increasing winds and heavy clouds that appear lower and lower on the horizon.

Lightning usually occurs with tornadoes, as these storms are often electrically charged, but not always.

What to do: Most tornadoes move from southwest to northeast. "If you are driving north and you see a tornado to your west, you probably do not want to continue to drive north," says Carbin. "This basic understanding of meteorology can go a long way to protecting you in the event that you are facing something like this."

To escape the tornado's likely path, take the nearest exit perpendicular to it. "What you want to caught on the road in the following short-warning, do is put the greatest distance between you and the tornado. So you want to move at right angles away extreme weather and natural disaster scenarios: from the threat," Carbin says.

Tornadoes If you are caught in a tornado's path with On average, more t h a n flying debris, the American Red Cross and the Na1,000 tornadoes touch down in the United States tional Weather Service recommend that you pull each year, according to the National Oceanic and off the road, but leave your car running so the airAtmospheric Administration (NOAA). The major- bags will work. Keep your seatbelt on, lower your ity of these occur in the part of the south central head below the windows and cover it with your Plains states known as "Tornado Alley" and along hands and a blanket or extra clothing, if available.

If you can safely get significantly below the oping and when they are dying out, they send a level of the roadway, in a depression or ditch, the rush of cold air toward the desert floor. The rushweather service recommends that you leave your ing air pushes dust into a cloud, forming a wall car and lie in that area, covering your head with known as a haboob. The result is often little or no your hands. But the agency also cautions that this visibility for drivers, as shown in this video from is a last resort, depending on individual circum- the Arizona Department of Transportation. stances, and your safest bet is still to drive to a shel"Dust storms can develop very quickly," ter, if possible. says Doug Nintzel, spokesman for the Arizona DeAs with all these recommendations, you'll partment of Transportation. "It's important that have to make split-second decisions for yourself, drivers keep their eye on the horizon, looking for Carbin says. "If the wind is going to twist your car any sign of a dust storm, because that's when you off the road, you don't have the option of getting should be taking action to exit the highway and out of it. You probably don't even want to," he wait the storm out, rather than pushing ahead and says. "In a modern vehicle with airbags and seat- hitting the storm." belts, you're probably in a better position than if What to do: In recent years, motorists who you were to leave the vehicle." ignored warning signs and headed into dust storms What not to do: Never seek shelter under an wound up in chain-reaction crashes along Arizona overpass or bridge. "What you don't want to do is highways. That prompted the state's transportation put yourself in a position where the winds are actu- department to develop a comprehensive safety ally enhanced by the tornado. Essentially most awareness campaign. "Our top recommendation is overpasses do not offer adequate protection. And to avoid driving into or through a dust storm," as the wind passes through the underpass, it can be Nintzel says. strengthened by the constriction," Carbin says.

If you suddenly find yourself in a dust Parking under an overpass or bridge can also storm, follow the three "offs" of the department's create a traffic jam, further putting you and other "Pull Aside, Stay Alive" campaign. motorists at risk. "If you have to stop your vehicle, First, turn off all your lights. "You don't you want to get it off the road so it doesn't pose a want drivers thinking you're the car to follow as hazard to other drivers," he says. Carbin suggests they are making their way through the dust," finding a large parking lot or other open area, away Nintzel says. from potential flying debris.

Second, pull completely off the pavement.

Never chase a tornado. "It's unfortunate that "You want to do so as quickly as possible, but it's we have a large segment of society now condi- important to pull as far off the highway pavement tioned to think that you can drive right up to these as possible," Nintzel says. This will help you stay things," Carbin says, citing the proliferation of out of any chain-reaction crashes. storm-chaser reality shows and news organizations' Third, after pulling off the road, put on your mobile weather teams. They may make it look parking brake, but take your foot off the brake pesafe, but it's highly dangerous. In May 2013, two experienced storm chasers were killed in their vehicle during a tornado in El Reno, Oklahoma. A storm chaser's son also died.

Dust Storms In the desert Southwest, particularly in Arizona and New Mexico, thunderstorms can produce blinding dust storms. Though dust storms can occur at any time of year, the most likely time is during the region's monsoon season, from June 15 to September 30.

What to look for: When thunderstorms are devel-

Driving Safely in Sudden Extreme Conditions (cont) dal. That way, your brake lights are not illuminatWhat not to do: Never drive through flowed and other motorists will not follow the light and ing water or flooded roadways. "Moving water has drive into you. Don't put on any interior lights or a tremendous amount of energy. Trying to ford a emergency flashers either, Nintzel advises. river is never a good idea," Calkins says.

"Dust storms tend to pass by rather quickly," Just 6 inches of water can flood the bottom he says. "So this is the best advice we can suggest: of most passenger vehicles, causing you to stall or Keep your seatbelt on and be prepared to wait out lose steering control, according to the Federal the storm."

Emergency Management Agency. A foot of water will float many vehicles. Two feet of water can carFlash Floods ry most vehicles, including SUVs and pickups, down a roadway or push them over a bridge and into the dangerous flowing creek below.

Rising water can quickly inundate your vehicle. If you get caught in a flooding car, the escape route is through the windows, not the doors, and your best chance at survival comes while the car is still floating (30 seconds to 2 minutes) and before it begins to sink. University of Manitoba researcherGordon Giesbrecht has studied vehicle submersion and outlines a four-step escape procedure:  Take your seatbelts off immediately.  Open or break your window. To break a window, Giesbrecht recommends a tool called theResqme.

Flash floods occur when streams rise above creek or river banks following heavy rainfall, rapid  Get small children in the front seat with you. snowmelt and related dam breaks or levee failures  Get out through the windows, pushing chiland flow onto adjacent land and roadways. Flash dren out first. flooding usually occurs within two to six hours of Standing water can also cause your car to downpours, snowmelt or dam and levee failures.

Nearly half of all flash-flood deaths occur in vehi- hydroplane, leading to a loss of steering and brakcles, killing motorists who attempted to drive ing ability, Calkins says. It can also hide damaging through the flooded roadway, according to the Na- potholes, especially after the winter months.

Blinding Rain and Dense Fog tional Weather Service.

What to do: If you come upon a flooded Torrential downpours can come with short roadway, back up and find another way to your warning, especially in summer. Fog can create low destination, says Mike Calkins, manager, technical - or zero-visibility conditions that make driving services, and an expert in vehicle technology and hazardous. safety with AAA's Florida office. The National What to do: When heavy rain or fog catches Weather Service mantra for flash floods is: "Turn you by surprise, the first thing you should do is Around. Don't Drown." slow down. "A lot of the advice is just common

help by producing a lower, flatter beam of light on the road's surface that helps you pick out road markings, Calkins says.

If you have rear foglights, which are standard in many higher-end cars from European makers, put those on as well. "What they are is an extra bright set of taillights that are more easily visible by the cars behind you," explains Calkins.

And if you have a pair of polarized sunglasses handy, put those on. "It doesn't work with every pair of sunglasses, and not the real dark ones. But a light tint or yellow-tinted driving glasses can sometimes help with your visual acuity under these drivsense. Slow down. Be patient. Allow extra time to ing conditions," Calkins says. get to your destination," says AAA's Calkins.

To avoid fogged windows inside your car Allow yourself enough space so you can during heavy rainfalls, run the heat and airstop safely. "That may mean going 5 or 10 miles an conditioning simultaneously. "That combination hour," says Calkins. "If the roads are slippery and will defrost your window really well," says Calthey have water on them, your stopping distances kins. "It will dehumidify the air coming into the car are going to increase." so it will help eliminate condensation."

Also, keep your distance from other motorRolling down the window while driving in ists, particularly larger vehicles and semi-trucks, fog may help you hear what you can't see. whose large wheels can throw a lot of spray onto "Today's cars tend to be very quiet," says Calkins. your windshield, making visibility difficult.

"Rolling down the window might give you more When it comes to blinding rain and dense information to what's happening out there. If you fog, you want to see and be seen, AAA recom- hear squealing or crunching noises, you should defmends. "You have to have good vision, and you initely put on the brakes." have to do whatever you can to make your vehicle In these zero-visibility situations, finding a conspicuous to other motorists on the road," says safe spot to pull off the road — with at least a 2Calkins. foot clearance — remains the best advice, he says.

While Florida law requires motorists to turn "Better to make it to your destination late than to on their headlights during rain, not all states do. not make it."

Regardless of the law, the best advice for What not to do: Don't put on your high both blinding rain and dense fog is to put head- beams, which can scatter light and bounce it off lights on low beam, Calkins says. Front foglamps rain and fog droplets, further decreasing your visican also increase your visibility. "They definitely bility and blinding oncoming motorists. And don't put on your four-way flashers/emergency lights, which are illegal to use in most of the country as you drive. Put on your emergency flashers only when you've pulled safely off the road.

Earthquakes Earthquakes don't come with weather warning signs. Seismologists cannot predict when the next quake will hit or where.

California's San Andreas Fault is the most infamous one in the United States, stretching from Northern California southward to the Cajon Pass in San Bernardino County and causing thousands

Driving Safely in Sudden Extreme Conditions (cont) of small, often unnoticeable earthquakes there each the traffic around them," Kelcy says. "Many drivyear. ers will begin to move even more unexpectedly But fault lines also exist under other parts of than usual because many won't at first recognize the United States. A 5.9 magnitude earthquake what is happening. Others may panic." shook Virginia and the Washington, D.C. metro Once you can do so safely, pull over and area in 2011, causing significant damage to the park your vehicle, preferably in a parking lot or Washington Monument and National Cathedral. other open area. Avoid parking under or on bridgIn January 2014, researchers reported that the New es or overpasses. Try to get clear of trees, light Madrid fault line, a 150-mile zone along the Mis- posts, signs and power lines. If there are hazards sissippi Valley, is active and could spawn a large that can't be avoided, the driver and passengers earthquake in the future. And the U.S. Geological should assume an airplane crash position, hands Survey issued an updated federal seismic hazard over heads and bent over, Kelcy says. map in July 2014, noting that parts of 16 states Tune into your car radio or smartphone have the highest risk for earthquakes: Alaska, Ha- weather app for the latest updates and avoid drivwaii, California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, ing into unknown dangers once the quaking stops.

Utah, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Missouri, ArWhat not to do: Don't get out of your car, kansas, Tennessee, Illinois, Kentucky and South at least for an hour. Dangerous aftershocks are Carolina. likely to occur in rapid succession following the inIf you are driving, you may not feel the itial quake and your vehicle still offers you the best tremors from a small quake, says April Kelcy, an protection against falling debris, Kelcy says. earthquake safety consultant and owner of EarthExtreme conditions are a rarity, but can still quake Solutions in Irwindale, California. If you do happen. Be prepared, and by consequence, be safe. feel a quake, be warned: It may be a precursor to a larger one. What will it feel like? "Those who have driven in earthquakes have said it felt like driving on four flat tires," Kelcy says.

One of the biggest hazards from being on the road during an earthquake is the inability to control steering. "A lot of people actually get dizzy, disoriented and motion sick." Those sensations also make it hard for a driver to control the car, Kelcy says.

What to do: Concentrate on your steering and the traffic situation around you, says Kelcy, who serves as a spokesperson for ShakeOut.org, a consortium of earthquake experts from education, government and private industry.

"The biggest mistake most people make in an urbanized environment like the Los Angeles region is to worry more about the earthquake than

Gear the Pros Use! Erin Elizabeth / Camille Denny Erin Elizadeth has a pretty standard rock n‟ roll setup featuring Jackson guitars and Marshall amplification. She has two main stage axes, which you will see frequently if attending any MT show!

The first and most used axe is a 2006 RR5 Hot Pink Randy Rhoads Jackson, featuring neck thru body construction, silver bevels and Seymour Duncan pickups. The second is a Canary Yellow 1990 Jackson Rhoads Professional featuring neck thru body construction, black bevels, and EMG 81/85 pickups. Both have a 24 frets, pearl inlays, and a licensed Floyd Rose.

For amplification, Erin Elizadeth uses a Marshall JCM DSL (Dual Super Lead) 2000 100watt head, paired with a 2x12 JCM 900 lead 1936 cabinet.

Erin keeps her pedal set-up pretty basic, with an MRX lead boost, Jim Dunlop Cry Baby Wah, and of course, a BOSS TU-2 tuner.

Camille Denny is the youngest member of Madame Torment and started playing at the age of 11. She joined the School of Rock to harness her drum skills. Currently, she is being endorsed

by TRX Cymbals America and also teaches drums at the School of Rock in Portland.

Camille uses a PDP DW 7 piece kit (except for the smallest tom), TRX cymbals, Sabien high hats, Evans 360 black heads on all the drums, 5B Vater sticks and Sound Percussion pedals.        

2 rack toms 2 floor toms 1 snare drum 1 ride 1 crash High hat Double kick pedals Vater sticks

Order in the Chaos Helpful Band Tip #8 - Being Prepared for the Studio As musicians, one thing remains inherantly constant... our severe desire to immortalize our music in recorded form.

This still remains true.

We can spend YEARS writing one song.

And when we feel it is ready, we record it and share it, and hope that others recognize our efforts and dig what we've done as much or more than we do.

But, studio time can be a fearful experience for some, or an event that just plain ELUDES others. But, regardless of when you go into the studio one thing remains honest, and that is that if you are not prepared mentally, physically, technically, and musically, it will reveal itself in the final product. And sometimes it can be a really good thing... or a really BAD thing.

I like to write a song, get it tight with my band, and then start tearing it apart and fix it.

Whenever I go into the studio, I always try Then, get it tight again. But, often, in my mind a to make certain I am prepared in every way that song is not 100% complete until it is tracked. But I can be affected by the time there. I check my amp refuse to go in without a clear and concise idea of (s), restring my guitars, check all my cables, mics, what it is I intend to achieve. I have even been repedals, etc. And most importantly, I check that I ferred to as a one-pass-tracker because I am so pream 100% satisfied with my parts (even though I pared that I can track my rhythm guitars in one embellish those parts substantially during tracktake. That is not to say I do not have to go back ing). Because one of the worst things you can do is and replace a phrase or a small section to remove show up unprepared. And, one thing that comfret-buzz or a missed timing structure... it happens. pletely drives me nuts is to spend time and money But, more often than not, I can lay them down on the studio only to learn somebody ELSE is un- quickly and solidly. And, not everyone can do that. prepared.

The thing is, the studio is expensive. And, My advice is to spend as much time with the less time you spend proving to everyone else your band-mates as possible and work out every that you don't know your parts properly can save section of every song you intend to record from top you a lot more than money If you don't have to to bottom. Study the tracks, tear them apart, work look for another band. them out, and sometimes you may even have rewrite or re-structure some parts. That is totally norThat all being said, Let me give a piece of mal. advice... make certain each member knows their

parts. That is what rehearsal time is for. You should never use studio time to write your parts unless that is the Producer's desire... and if you are Korn. If you have only one member who uses that time to write their parts, they are wasting your money, and your time. Not to mention, it really should concern you in just WHAT they have been doing during rehearsal if not toning-up their parts and writing them into at least a close-to-final form.

Additionally, all that time rehearsing will also sure up your inter-band relationships enough to soften the impact of the emotions that most certainly WILL come out during the tracking process.

Because recording isn't easy... it involves impeccable timing, surity in your parts, and consistancy you never thought about before. So, make sure your beats are solid, your rhythm section is true and in the pocket, your guitar parts are squared away, and your lyrics and melodies are WRITTEN. Tailoring the parts and double-tracking can come later. But, the main shell of the song should be DONE and ready to go before you even step into the control room.

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 at http://www.blogster.com/briendechristopher/

With unwavering dedication and a growing loyal fanbase, diM. has marched into many of Vegas' best known venues from The Cheyenne Saloon to even the grand stage of the House of Blues, opening for some the most well known national acts (Fear Factory, Mushroomhead, Motograter, Divine Heresy, Agnostic Front, Spineshank, just to name a few). The future holds an air of mystery, but one this is for sure. As the sunsets to dusk, diM. will bring the Days of the Dead in the fading lights wake.

(Shitstixx), Sean (Shitloxx), and Woody ( Dj Darkstar). We did a number of shows as the 5 piece, but I honestly didn‟t feel we were a complete unit until we brought in Adam (Bones). I think the contrast between Mike and Adam is what made is what we were at that time. The smash mouth grittiness from Mike kept us heavy and the melodic (almost pretty at times) riffs from Adam kept us musical. Grant it, other musicians might disagree, I felt we avoided being one dimensional because of their contrasting styles.

Short story long, at the time Freddie and I <CV SW> Tell us about the beginning, who had just departed from our previous band. During founded the band, what was the catalyst behind the time I was in the band I was getting hit up by it?

Sean, who was previously playing with See Thru, <AsheS> Talk to the guy with melanin. to start something new together. Freddie and I decided to call Sean and Mike pretty the day we were <TwiTch> Beast founded the band. "let go" from Beyond Theory, even though Mike <BeAsT> We started off as a 5 piece. Originally we had myself (BeAsT), Mike (Knuckillz), Freddie was reluctant, due to his lack of playing time. We <CV SW> Tell our readers who's in the band and their role? <BeAsT> BeAsT, vocals. <bAstArd> I‟m bAstArd, I play with string. <OmNiom> OmNiom, Four string demolition. <AsheS> AsheS. I play guitar and the Devil's Kazoo. <CarveR> I be CarveR. I handle some vocals, keys, and samples….So I am actually just a cheerleader that makes a lot of noise. <TwiTch> TwiTch, Drums.

unique. <CarveR> I came in after the start. It‟s definitely been a go round. A couple times, we thought we had the right guys and something shakes it up. <AsheS> Weed through half of the metal musicians in Vegas over the course of damn near a decade until you settle on a group who either doesn't piss in each other's musical Wheaties too often, or at least enjoys the flavor of each other's piss. <TwiTch> We‟ve gone through a few lineup changes for various reasons. I always tell younger bands that you never just settle on someone. Finding the right people is very important to any band. talked him into a practice session and I think in <CV SW> Tell us about the name, where did it that first night we wrote "Every Which Way". All 4 come from? of us were basically on the same page on bringing <BeAsT> Sean came up with the name (diM.) He in a Dj. During the MySpace days I was in conver- wanted it spelled EXACTLY LIKE THAT. We all sations with Wood and asked him to come down. I asked what it meant and to him it didn't mean anythink that was what made up the initial 5. After thing. It was short, sweet, and punched like Korn about 6 months to a year Mike caught Adam's vid- or Snot. I was working at Walmart at the time eo of him playing a Killswitch song and he asked pushing boxes and it rang in my head (Death in Adam to come down. I knew Adam from High Motion). I shot the text out immediately for apschool and mutual friends, so being comfortable proval and everyone was into it. It was what we with him didn't take long for any of us. wanted our music to sound like. Dark, scary, omiWe all had similar minds in the fact that we want- nous etc. ed our music to be more or less "Scary" I guess.

Not lyrically, but more of the vibe of the songs and <CV SW> What were your initial thoughts on the atmosphere it set out. We were very, very dif- creating the band, how did you think you'd fare ferent on influences and what we wanted our mes- in a pretty high quality music market? sage to be. I think it helped and hurt us a lot. <BeAsT> We never thought about that stuff in the Helped in the sense that we never lacked ideas, but beginning. We wanted to make music that WE hurt in the sense that we were using SO MANY liked. Sometimes it didn't work out, but the times it compromised ideas that no one felt that they were did we ran with it. We didn't really care about being heard and the outcome really didn't make a what other bands were doing, or how we were golot of sense. ing to make it big. It wasn't until we started doing Battles and being in front of judges that we thought <CV SW> Talk to us about the journey to find of whether or not we were making the right decithe right combination of musicians ... <BeAsT> It's been tough. We have had a ton of talented guys as part of this band. We lost some due to personal issues, some to band conflict, some to better themselves personal/professionally, and the greatest misfortune, we lost lives that were a part of this band. Overall they have all contributed a great deal of time and talent and we probably wouldn't be where we are if it weren't for their contributions to the previous product. However, what we have now is definitely different from what we had then. The band has evolved yearly and I think this adaptation has been the strongest and most

sions. Even though we were getting a lot of great feedback, we weren't going anywhere. We were still very green and being the hobby band.

<CarveR> I always pretended to be in a band as a kid. I was Peter Criss or Gene Simmons….and when no one was looking Axle Rose…I had the dance and everything! I also wanted to be a geneticist…..but I SUCK at math. HAHA! <TwiTch> I‟ve always had an affinity for music as long as I can remember, but before I started to play drums, I played sports like most kids in my neighborhood. <bAstArd> If I couldn‟t play music I was going to be an artist. <OmNiom> Since I can remember, but I always wanted to be a TV stand too.

Some of you have been in other bands before this one, tell us about those? <TwiTch> Since I‟m the senior citizen of the band, I‟ve been in quite a few. The last couple were Faceless, Shed, and I helped out my boys in Rule of Thumb for awhile. All were different, but still in the rock/metal/punk vain. <BeAsT> Beyond Theory is probably the only credible recognition I can give. (Miss you boys!) <AsheS> Nope. I mean, yeah, a band called Slyther, but nope. I occasionally diddle with a thrash/death solo project called AtteroTerra.

Haaaaaaave you met OmNiom? <OmNiom> I am currently in Cirka:sik and Klunk is how I met Bastard. <bAstArd> My first band in Las Vegas was Just of Balance, moved on to Losing Tomorrow which then morphed into Piece of Tomorrow which was a combo of the two. But I have been playing in bands since I was 14 and that is a pretty long time ago.

<CV SW> Who do you guys count as your musical influences? <TwiTch> It‟s all over the map for me, but primarily, I‟m influenced by musicals and hardcore polka. <BeAsT> Vocally I'm a big Mark for Chino (Deftones) Aaron Lewis, Christian (ill Nino), Jesse and Howard (Killswitch Engage) Lajon (Sevendust) *BRING ON THE BLACK JOKES* Lynn Strait (Snot) <bAstArd> Beatles, STP, Pearl Jam, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Metallica, Megadeth, Pantera, Dave Mathews Band, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Tool, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Soundgarden, Audio Slave. <CarveR> My tastes are so out there, so my influences are as well. Anywhere from Hank III to Tool to Slipknot to The Beatles. 21 Strong are a huge part of me. You met Gemini Syndrome. Huge influence. It grows daily. <CV SW> What do you hope to accomplish with <AsheS> Personally: Metallica, Judas Priest, Amon Amarth, and probably some Slayer. Yes, I your music, what message do you try to convey? know I'm a toolbag. <AsheS> The message is simple: "Hide yo kids, hide yo wife." Seriously, for me at least, just mak<CV SW> Have you guys always wanted to play music, or were there other interests when you were younger? <AsheS> I'm sure I wanted to be an astronaut or a fireman at some point, but I've known I wanted to be a musician since I first discovered rock and metal. <BeAsT> I actually wanted to be a wrestler before I got into music......now I do both lol.

stuff, I kinda hope we are the guys that can inspire you when you need it or just be rowdy cause you can. <bAstArd> I just want to have at least one song help influence one person in a positive way or to inspire someone else to want to play music. <CV SW> What motivates you to keep improving, to keep expanding your horizons as musicians and a band? <AsheS> You have to, or you get bored of yourself, right? And screwing with people... sometimes it's just nice to throw people for a loop. <TwiTch> There are so many good bands out there right now and a lot of them are young. For myself, I need only to listen to myself as that pushes me to continue to improve and be at the level I aspire to. <BeAsT> Man, probably the amazing talent that is around our town. This city is full of haters lol let's be real. On the flip side of that, this city has THE MOST talented people waiting to burst out of ing and playing music that people can enjoy and maybe even love a little. I feel like any time someone says, "Hey, I wanna listen to some diM." my goal is accomplished. Small doses. <BeAsT> I never came into it thinking about accomplishing anything lyrically. I always wrote what was on my mind. We have a couple gimmick songs like" Boomstick" and "Darkly Dreaming", but everything else is from reaction to life. I don't want to go up and preach to anyone about anything, it's not my place to. However, it throws me for a loop when people talk about the content of the songs. You never know how powerful words are, until someone else is affected by them. I still don't consider myself a great lyricist, but if I can make someone feel good, or hopeful, or even sad then I must be something right??? I just hope that in the future, I can help people get through tough times, because music and the ones making it have always done that for me. <TwiTch> I hope to continue to play and record as long as possible. As far as a message, that‟s for the listener to decide. Some might never get past our look while others might get something of value that they can relate to in some of our songs. <CarveR> Since we have songs that are inspired by horror and some that are about real life feeling

it. Twitch since I've known him has always been <OmNion> You can compare it to religion or a about The Alamo and Kirk Moll. "We should bad drug addiction. I have to keep doing it for my practice there." "We should keep the room, I'll cov- mental health. er whoever can't pay, but we really shouldn't <bAstArd> I just feel that you can never stop imleave." "Kirk has always done right by me, and I proving yourself especially in music there is always think recording with him is the way to go." He was something new you can shoot for. absolutely right across the board. The bands that play there have so much talent. It drives me to do <CV SW> What is it about THIS combination better. I think the musicians, tattoo artists, the that you think works so well? stage performers are all amazing. We need to keep <BeAsT> I think the amount of experience and up man. We need to keep growing, learning, and overall WANT to do this. Everyone in the band is practicing. Be better than your last step and keep so chill...well OmNion is a nutjob, but he's OUR on pushing. nutjob lol. We all have a ton of ideas and still have <CarveR> Every fan. Every album I hear. Every that contrast. Bastard and Ashes work very well band I see. Especially this scene. We have such together and are very, very different. I love making amazing musician spanning so many styles of mu- music with all these guys. Twitch is the definition sic. I came into this late, so I have a long way to go of a drummer. You look at him and just see the and a lot to aspire to. And the fact that I am surmusic running through his head. Him as well as rounded by such talent in this band alone. It‟s a lot Bastard have a ton of experience to add to the fold. to live up to, so I wanna become better to kinda… OmNiom, who genuinely has a very punk rock justify where I stand, so to speak. mentality, also has a very strong outlook on who

we work with and why. He is also a huge advocate of guerrilla promotion and hitting the road. Carver is the strongest backbone we've had. He takes the lead on a lot of professional matters. He has taken what I use to do and nurtured it into something that I personally can't keep up with anymore. Ashes takes musical compositions that either he created or that one of us has made and makes rough recordings of them so we can take home and work.

Bastard built our website, set up and edited everything for our video shoot for Dias, and answers any dumb ass computer questions I have. Musically yes I love it, but it's everything behind the fourth wall that matters. This combination works ex<CV SW> In the end, while all bands WANT to tremely hard together and I think that what's been be successful, are you prepared for the success the hugest difference from the past. this will bring? <CarveR> A few things, I think. We all get along <BeAsT> I guess not lol. To be completely honest pretty well on a personal level and we all love our I feel everyone on the outside sees a lot more than music, even though we don‟t always have the same we do...or at least I do. I always have and always tastes. Every one brings their own little skills, abili- will LOVE this band. I think we make good music, ties , and quirks. Anywhere from technical put on a good show and have a ton of fun doing it. knowledge to experience to business ethic…and So much fun that we forget that other people might you know...never a shortage of dick and fart jokes. be watching us and digging it as much as we are. <bAstArd> We all do our part which makes the We're obviously not an overnight success, but if we working relationship much easier we are never end becoming successful I'm pretty sure we'll still pissed off at each other for not contributing to the be the same d-bags on stage, dressing ridiculous, band in one way or another. There are so many looking to have a good time. Doubt being ready people out there that just want the world to revolve will be an issue for us. Hopefully we'll find out around them. soon ;-). <AsheS> Well...we clearly all like the flavor of <CarveR> I like to think if we hit that mark that each other's piss. We're all pretty different, musiwe are all at a point in our lives where being precally. It helps us attack everything from six differ- pared is the ONLY option. We all have families. ent angles and find a way that is appealing to all We all have bills. There may come a moment six. Keeps things interesting. where we have to take a gamble and roll the dice, <TwiTch> We all get along pretty real well. No but it won‟t be without a lot of prep and consideradrama and other BS. That is not productive within tion as a band to be sure that it‟s a roll we wanna a band. make. <bAstArd> I have no clue. We will cross that bridge when we get there. <TwiTch> I‟m a pretty grounded person, so I don‟t worry about that. Now if I was 19, then that might‟ve been an issue. <AsheS> I think we‟re all of the same mindset that as long as the bills are paid we‟re good, and we‟re all pretty resolute on our priorities in terms of work and family. If it turns into something more, where somehow, even with the current state of the music industry, we end up with fame and money flying at us, I‟d like to believe we‟d handle it pretty well.

We‟re all lucky enough to have pretty supportive

wives and family, who understand a lot of the obli- the album and make more changes. gations, like being away from home. <AsheS> Not sure I can say about producing a successful record, but there‟s definitely the pressure to <CV SW> What kind of pressure do you feel, if produce a good-sounding record. With the sheer any, to produce a successful record? quantity of professional-sounding music being <BeAsT> There was a little bit of pressure about pumped out every day by guys in their basements, half way through recording our second album. At releasing music with shoddy production feels like first, like before, we were just making music we asking for failure. liked. We knew we needed new material with this <OmNiom> I cry myself to sleep every night…but new line up to show everyone our growth. It wasn't really, no pressure. We're not in a position to delivuntil our social media numbers started to grow ex- er anything that isn't dIM. We're representing a ponentially and we started getting some pretty brand that has to be what our fans want and what awesome notice that we all said "this needs to be we want. The six of us come up with the music the best product it can possibly be". We had little and that's what has gotten us here. money, a number of obstacles, and what we <CV SW> How will you decide which songs to thought very little time. Things fell into place for us. We wanted our album out a year ago, but our release as singles? <bAstArd> We Guess. obstacles ended putting us in a great position. <AsheS> Most of it so far has been based on There was a great deal of hype put into it and the crowd reaction at our shows. release landed right before our tour with Project Independent and show with Gemini Syndrome. I <BeAsT> Probably through a series of group text think Kirk Moll did an amazing job overall and messages after the initial "Hey (this is going on) made us sound like rock stars. We really appreciate guys. I think we should use this song". We usually all his hard work on this album. are forced to make decisions due to dumb luck op<CarveR> Well, while I don‟t really see the album portunities landing on our lap that we want to jump on ASAP before it flies away. as a success yet, but the pressure for to make a good record was a little heavy, but not to a stressful <CarveR> We race sloths, but instead of numbers point. I just wanted to make it the best we product we use song titles. Hehe. A couple ways. Somewe could make given our resources. times the song kind of decides. When recording Dias, I don‟t think we thought it was gonna be a <TwiTch> A lot. Growth is important too. We definitely have it on this album from our last. The single, but between tracking and Kirk, it kinda forced itself into the forefront. Other times, the album will be here when I‟m not one day, so I fans respond well is a factor. want it to stand the test of time. <bAstArd> I think the Pressure comes from us as <TwiTch> Since we already made a video and musicians it was very difficult to finally say this al- have it as the title of the album, I think we figured bum is done I think all of us could still go through that one out.

spreading like a gooey plague… <CV SW> How important is it for fans of the headliner to come early to see the opening band, to support them? <BeAsT> As a fan I've been to tons of shows. I at least learn about one new, very amazing, band or artist because I was there to see the supporting acts. First time I saw Sevendust I saw Snot and Nonpoint for the first time. I went to see Nonpoint and saw Skindred for the first time. Saw Kottonmouth Kings and saw Corporate Avenger. Caught Ill Nino and saw Droid. Why limit yourself to what you already know? These bands made that <CV SW> How has the response been from the trip to play in front of you! As a band member it shows you are playing? can make or break you. We have opened for a nice <AsheS> Well, we haven‟t been booed off stage… number of national bands. We sell tickets for these yet. opportunities. Tickets that, until recently, we DID<TwiTch> Great. We have great fans who‟ve con- N'T get a cut of. We put in a lot of time and energy sistently shown support to us. to get you to a show so we can get you to listen to <BeAsT> Beautiful. Lots of love being sent our way and we appreciate it all. The shows (even the small ones) have been very VERY fun. The feedback has been awesome. We're going up there to get away from ourselves a bit. We're going to have fun up there if there's 10,000 or 10. I think people feel that. They know we're real people. To try and make them think differently is insulting. I go up there and look scary as hell, because if I did it, and wasn't in a band, I'd be committed. Doesn't mean I have to be someone else or play some scary faux character. I HOPE everyone that comes to a show is there to have a good time like me. So far so good :-) <bAstArd> The response has been amazing and it us as well, NOT just the bands you already love. If keeps getting better and better. It‟s a great feeling you don't dig us that's one thing. At least you gave to have amazing fans and friends. us a chance, but supporting the locals/supporting <CarveR> We get a lot of love. While there are acts means the world to us and can give you somesome people who trash us, I like to think we are thing new to load onto your ipod. <bAstArd> Not only is it important for headliner fans to come out and see the opening bands it is also important for the public to recognize that there is more and better art/music out there other than just what is cramped down your throats by main stream media. If people come out and see then there will be a whole new society maybe it will inspire more art and new music that we have never heard before. This generation needs a new Jimmy Hendrix or Kurt Cobain. Sorry to rant on about that…

<TwiTch> Very. Some of my favorite shows are when the openers were great and I got turned onto a new band. <CarveR> I have found some bands I love by being there for the opener…I have also seen some atrocious (in my opinion) bands that way. It‟s a gamble, but that‟s how you find more bands to love. It‟s how you broaden your horizons!! Stolen Babies for example…I bought all their albums for cheap, because I showed up early, heard them, and fell in love. As far as support, well, you can only support what you like, but you won‟t know if you like if you aren‟t there to hear it. <AsheS> This is a tricky question, for me at least.

Obviously, I want to say that more bodies in the venue for the whole show strengthens the scene as a whole, plus for bands just starting out, that exposure is vital. On the other hand, though, I have no intention of going out of my way to show up early to catch a band that I‟ve seen a time or two and I already know I don‟t fucking like, and it‟d be ridiculous to expect others to do so. That‟s like partici-

pation awards. A fat sack of NOPE. Bands have to earn it, same as always. People value their time. I guess I‟ll just say it‟s important for fans to show up and give bands a chance. <CV SW> Let’s talk about the music industry today...and social media...music distribution is much different now, do you see that as progress?

The ability to market/sell individual songs, does that benefit the industry as a whole? <BeAsT> Sadly it seems like it's declining at least when it comes to metal. Doesn't seem like metal is being given the "mainstream rub". It's a dirty little secret that metal is still being made in America it seems. You only have one station per city playing HARD ROCK with a late night metal hour. If it isn't Sirius radio metal is NOT getting played. Social media is helping a bit for people to get in touch with these bands and get more information, but as radio play and mainstream media we get no love.

Gone are the days of Headbangers ball and Korn on the radio, but I guess it's "our generations fault" for what's being put on TV or radio. <TwiTch> I think it‟s great for a band like us, who doesn‟t have major label backing to get our music to the masses. It‟s revolutionized how people can reach anybody, anywhere. <CarveR> This is a touchy subject for me. Many wars have been started on this topic, so I won‟t dive to deep. While today has made it incredibly easy to get your music out there, it is not poised to support the independent artist. Unless you have a mass fan base and a major label, which is still a limited help depending on what they see in you, your chances of making anything is slim. Here is the touchy part…that I will only graze…more people steal music than pay for it. Which without detailing why has damaged the music industry as a whole….but on a lighter tone, we have people like Project Independent that have been fighting for year to help the underground be heard. Hopefully, it levels out someday…..I feel like I got off track. <bAstArd> I wish I knew - there doesn‟t seem to be any rock bands that have blown up in the world since Napster happened and I‟m not sure if that is a good thing or not. I would say that the audience of today is too spread out though. <AsheS> It‟s definitely making it easier to get music out there, which is awesome, but a part of me feels like it‟s lending to oversaturation. There‟s just

so much music everywhere; so much for the average or casual listener to wade through. I‟ll shut up now. I‟m sure we, along with every other musician out there, could probably circle-jerk this question all day long.

lean a little further towards the latter in my mind. <CV SW> Do you guys have a favorite place to play? <BeAsT> Right now LVCS and Cheyenne Saloon. House of Blues is amazing, but I kind of like being able to touch the people. Definitely a different rush. <CarveR> I love LVCS, but Cheyenne Saloon (Soon to be Adrenaline) is one of my favorite places. House of Blues is a great venue, but it‟s not as open as the others. <bAstArd> Still love the house of blue just because but the LVCS has sort of become a new kind of home for us. <TwiTch> The Cheyenne Saloon has been like a second home to play there for years now. Tony is the 7th member. <AsheS> A packed venue.

<CV SW> Ok then…Social Media platforms savvy PR tools or necessary evil? <BeAsT> Most definitely. I love catching up with old friends and family, but I doubt I would have a Facebook or Twitter account if it wasn't for music and wrestling. Handing out fliers is a bother, and money pit. If someone sees a cool picture with your band‟s name on it, they might go look you up......no charge ;-) <bAstArd> Necessary evil. <TwiTch> Both. <CarveR> SATAN!!!! HAHA!! It‟s a lot of both.

It‟s hard to tell what‟s legit anymore. <AsheS> Both? Both. A certain social network‟s distasteful limitations on visibility, and somewhat <CV SW> Have you had any particularly memoshady practices in regards to advertisement make it rable shows to date? Why was it memorable; good OR bad. <BeAsT> A lot of shows that come to mind don't really have any identifiers, but the one that went the best with the MOST problems involved was definitely at Club Sinister with Hemlock. Toilets over flowed, our dj was positioned all the way across the venue AFTER they locked his gear in the kitchen, sound blew, BUT.......the show was packed and the crowd was savage. <AsheS> We did a show with Shadows Fall where the venue was packed to capacity before the opening band even started, and everyone rocked out to every band, all damn night. That was a really cool experience. The one that always sticks with me though was the Queen Mary, the “I‟m on a Boat” Festival. There were several other stages with bands playing at the same time, and the crowd around us was pretty light for the first couple of songs, then half-way through the title track from our new album there‟s just this flood of a couple hundred people that comes pouring towards our stage. By the end of our set so many people from the audience ended up on stage with us I was afraid it was going to collapse, but was having too much of a blast to give a shit. <CarveR> A lot for me. We have opened for some great band, Mushroomhead was an amazing

crowd, but two stick out the most. Shadows Fall was PACKED out. SOLD OUT!! Shadows Fall watched all the bands and hung out, the place was full the whole night. It was amazing. The other was at “I‟m on a Boat” Festival. So many bands, so many people. To keep the momentum, one band stops , the next starts. Well, they ran early.

While Beast and I were running around trying to get people to come our stage. Well, I heard the band across announce their last song. I couldn‟t find Beast. I get to the stage and the stage manager is saying it‟s time. Beast nowhere in sight, I had to start the show. I had to take the lead vocal spot for “Darkly Dreaming” and the first verse of masks, running facepaint…terrible jokes…a punch “Boomstick” until Beast got there. I felt so bad, but or 2…nut shots on occasion. We are energetic and the show went so well. It made up for it. very interactive. <bAstArd> One of the most memorable shows I <TwiTch> My guitarists hitting themselves in the have ever done was back in high school in the balls seems to happen quite often at shows. small town of Florence CO we were playing Creeping Death and we had the entire school <CV SW> Do any of your songs speak to you on chanting Die throughout the song. Just a really a deep personal level? cool memory. <AsheS> Pass, honestly. Not because of the mu<TwiTch> We played a show for Big Jimmy‟s sic, just because I‟m clearly a cold, heartless cunt. birthday. During our last song, he started taking <BeAsT> I think Can't Fight, Gray, Witness, my drums away from me, one by one. I thought 1080x, all have some sort of emotional connection that was hilarious. People were amazed I kept to most of us. Gray especially. I think that one hits playing, as I got alot of compliments on that show. home to the whole band. <bAstArd> NOPE. <CV SW> What is it about your music that you <TwiTch> I‟ve really had a soft spot for “Can‟t feel appeals to fans?

Fight” as it‟s different for us. It‟s dark and haunt<BeAsT> I have no idea. I hope it's because they ing. can feel the emotion in them. We write what we <CarveR> A few. I was a fan before I joined. like. Hopefully they dig it too.

Some songs appeal to different points of my <CarveR> We offer a little of everything. Heavy, life….but um….Gray….but only „cause the idea melodic, chaos, and we can still be catchy. The came from a personal place that Beast interpreted music appeals to many emotions. People like that. perfectly…when you lose oxygen to the brain, your <bAstArd> It‟s all about the Energy. vision fades. Everything goes Gray. In 2010, my <AsheS> OmNiom balls.

Dad had 2 strokes. It was hard watching the <TwiTch> Raw Energy and emotion. We are all strongest man I had ever known suddenly fall. I about the live show. We also always have a lot of was worried about what was gonna happen. I tried fun and I think that comes across. <CV SW> What can fans expect to see at a show? <AsheS> A lot of pelvic thrusting. <bAstArd> 6 guys on stage playing their asses off and just having fun. <BeAsT> Some scary looking dude and a ton of dick jokes...oh and some heavy music. <CarveR> Running, screaming, dripping sweaty

to stay optimistic, but I felt like my breath was gone. Gray was mostly written except for lyrics. I pitched some ideas at Beast and he just wrote it all perfectly. Sometimes I get a little over emotional when I perform or even hear the song. I would say that is as personal as it gets.

<bAstArd> I think this is still just the beginning there are so many more mountains to climb before we can say we have taken half the journey. <CarveR> Middle of the road...looking for a freeway entrance.

<CV SW> What other bands do you guys listen <CV SW> How have you guys grown as a band to during downtime and relaxation? <AsheS> What the fuck is downtime? Relaxation? and as musicians? <CarveR> I don‟t really think of myself as a musi- Are these even words? I almost always listen to Johnny Cash after our shows. Don't know why. cian…cause I suck. But I like to think I suck way <TwiTch> Anything that I can connect with. Usuless than when I started. ally I try to find a band or artist I haven‟t heard be<bAstArd> It is a second family. fore. <TwiTch> Finding out what works for us on <BeAsT> Deftones, Killswitch, Sevendust, Droid, many levels.

Bury your Dead, Perfect Circle, .bipolar, 21 Strong, Machine Head, In Flames. <CV SW> Where do you think you are in the <bAstArd> Beatles, STP, Pearl Jam, Joe Satriani, journey DIM? Steve Vai, Metallica, Megadeth, Pantera, Dave <TwiTch> Just the beginning stages hopefully.

Mathews Band, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Tool, <BeAsT> Hopefully we are on the right track to Stevie Ray Vaughan, Soundgarden, Audio Slave. locking in some pretty decent tours. We'd love to hit the road again and play with some more of our <CarveR> Demon Hunter, Miranda Lambert, Mushroomhead, Those Poor Bastards….I have a influences old or new. lot in my ipod….currently waiting for that new Slipknot. Lots of locals, .bipolar., Rule of Thumb,

Wretched Sky, Double Barrel Diplomacy. I could go on for a LONG time.

ly wanna make ourselves known to this region.

Only one way to do it….HIT THE ROAD!!!

<CV SW> Okay, what’s in store for the remain<CV SW> How much pressure is there to der of 2014? What other big projects are in the “produce” with every new musical offering? <AsheS> A lot of people are quick to completely works? write off a band due to a weak release. That‟s noth- <BeAsT> We started writing our next album being new. So the pressure is definitely there, but as fore finishing our last......we'll be doing g a couple long as we‟re still making music we‟re happy with more shows then it's back to the grind. and proud of, I think we‟re on track. <bAstArd> Writing the next album and produce <TwiTch> There has to be a fine balance of pres- at least 1 more video. sure you put on yourself and knowing when to let <TwiTch> Play more shows and promote the new go. If we didn‟t do that, we would still be mixing album. our last album right now. <CarveR> Butcher Babies, Oct. 23rd. Hemlock, <bAstArd> Not much. If it doesn‟t work we can Nov. 21st. Hopefully, some stuff in the regional aralways start a new song. ea. And hopefully…some writing. <AsheS> Some cool shows coming up, and writ<CV SW> It’s still very early, where do you see ing, writing, writing. Getting close to the holidays, the band in 3-5 years? Idealistic and realistic? so family-time. That‟s a pretty big ongoing project. <bAstArd> I have no clue hopefully getting to play some great music festivals with bands that we <CV SW> Any final words you would like to look up to. convey to your fans? <TwiTch> Hopefully on tour playing music for a <BeAsT> To everyone reading this, thank you for living. taking the time and showing interest. Hopefully <BeAsT> I really want this to be our career. I this will answer any questions you may have. If think we have the potential to be something great not, hit us up we would love to blow you off.....just and completely possible within the next few years kidding ;-). To Lillie and Harmony: love you to the with the proper backing. moon and back. <CarveR> Hopefully on tour. Making money off <TwiTch> Thank you!!! the music. I‟m not even worried about tons of <CarveR> Thank you, friends, family, colleagues, money, but enough to pay bills and live without fans. Without you, we are 6 horribly dressed guys scrounging. being obnoxious….and only you can prevent forest <AsheS> Still going? diM. will have been rolling fires. for a decade soon, so I think still going is a good <bAstArd> Thank you. start. Idealistically I‟d love to be touring other con- <AsheS> Soy un pulpo gigante. Contemplar mis tinents, and making enough money doing it to sus- menudos. tain us at some survivable level. <CV SW> What are your plans as far as touring, anything in the works? <TwiTch> Not that I know of. <BeAsT> Nothing set, but we're definitely ready to get back out there. Have some more fun with strangers and make them our friends...MAKE THEM! ;-) <bAstArd> West Coast Baby. <CarveR> We just came off a short run of dates with Project Independent (Check it out. Great bands, very legit!!), but otherwise…I think to think we always have something up our sleeve. Definite-

5 Tips on How to Lead an Adventurous Life from OpenRoadJourney Humans are, by nature, explorers. We like to see stuff. We like to go places. Adventure is in our blood. But, as we get older, our sense of adventure gets muted by jobs, family, and other responsibilities that we all face as adults. Too many things pull us in too many different ways.

And, that's a shame.

Before you know it, you're looking back over the years of your life and counting your most exciting memories on one hand. Everything else simply blurs into a time span of nothing more than existence. erwise, bad things will happen, you won't retire, We all started out as the greatest of adven- your vacation will be boring... and the flame of adturers - as children. Everything was new, all we venture got a little weaker still. wanted to do was explore. It didn't matter if it was You get the picture. the woods in the back, or that cupboard that mom Life isn't about being safe and comfortable locked up and won't let us into.

For those of you with kids, you know what it's about living, being adventuresome, getting out I'm talking about. Remember when they first start- of our comfort zones. It's about being a kid again.

If you've ever had a bit of wanderlust, or sat ed to crawl? They went and looked at everything, and everything was exciting. You couldn't get in your cubicle and daydreamed of a different life, them to sit still no matter what. Then, we got older or experienced mid-life crises, you know what I'm and we were taught it was necessary to plan. Make talking about. Those events are just our mind rebelsure you have every "I" dotted and "t" crossed. ling against the flame of adventure getting weaker Otherwise, bad things will happen, you won't fin- in our soul. It's our subconscious telling us that the ish school, you won't get a job... and the flame of path of comfort and safety in our life isn't always adventure got a little weaker. Then, we got even a the best thing. little older (yes, it does happen), and we were What's this have to do with motorcycles? No taught it was critical to plan. Plan for retirement, matter what reason you think you bought that moplan for the kids, plan for your next vacation. Oth- torcycle for - I have a theory that the real reason was because your mind was subconsciously trying to rekindle that sense of adventure.

Motorcycles are a way to explore. When you bought that motorcycle, you were looking to fuel that flame of adventure in your soul. It doesn't matter if you're in your 20's or 50's, an experienced rider or a brand new rider.

But, rekindling that sense of adventure just doesn't happen with the purchase of a motorcycle,

portant part of my personal life is to make memories. And, the best way to make memories is with others. Not only do you end up having someone that you can laugh about the experience with, but you inspire a sense of adventure in others.

Get uncomfortable. I thought about making this one "Don't Worry So Much", but the key is to make yourself uncomfortable, and worrying is part of being uncomfortable. So, actually, I want you to worry, because that's a sign you're getting out of your comfort zone. I don't know why, but our society has become a society of maximizing comfort and minimizing worry. I'm not so sure that's a good thing. If you haven't' bought that motorcycle because you're worried you might get hurt, do it anyway. If you don't like it, you can always sell it.

much less a purchase of anything. So, here are five tips on how to become a better adventurer: Plan less. I'm not knocking planning, it's usually necessary. But don't try to figure out everything beforehand. Pick one or two destinations, versus a whole weekend of hour by hour activities. Pick one or two cool roads and routes that you want to try, instead of That's it. Try just one of these and I guaranevery mile of the trip. Make sure you have more unplanned time than planned time. tee you'll feel a little stir in your soul. These tips The worst that's going to happen? You apply just as equally to riding motorcycles as they might get a little bored. The best? Well, the do to living life in general. possibilities are endless and damn exciting.

I'll leave you with my all-time favorite poTake little steps. An adventure doesn't have to em, modified for the adventure seeking, motorcybe a weeklong trip, a weekend trip, or even a cle riding, explorer in us all: day trip. Adventure and time aren't related.

Ride your bike to work one day. Pick up groceries with your motorcycle (this has the extra benefit of saving money!). The point is you don't need a big span of time. Simply try to change your framework of thinking from "I'm going to have an adventure or explore something new," to "how I can try something different today versus what I always do."

Get Lost. People seem to have an intense fear of getting lost. I'm not sure why. What's the fear based on? That they'll run out of gas? Be embarrassed about having to ask how to get home? That the road will run out? Who knows. But, here's a fact: sometimes the best way to find something is to get lost. So, the next time you find yourself wondering what's down that little road you just passed, turn around and find out.

Share it with other people. To me, an im-

Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved motorcycle, But rather to skid in sideways, brake squeezed in one hand, throttle twisted in the other, gas tank on empty, tires worn out and screaming "WOO HOO what a ride!"