2014 CVSW March

MARCH 2014

THE Custom Lifestyle Magazine for Custom Vehicle and Music Enthusiasts

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LA Story

Contents...

Cover Photo by Sherry Keith

Rock Calendar NAMM: Through the Eyes of Sherry Keith CV SouthWest - Thank you for our First Year!

NAMM Coverage: Conference Information Equipment Review: Revolution Amps News You Can Use; Cars...Driving Snow & Ice Gear the Pros Use Guitarist: Our Very Own Cover Girl, Leona X Order in the Chaos; Brien DeChristopher’s Advice Las Vegas Nightlife; Kevin Lastovica News You Can Use; Motorcycles...Effective Motorcycle Security Tattoo Gallery...readers send in pics of favorite tattoos

CV Southwest Magazine

Locally Owned / Nationally Known

3 9 10 12 14 20 32 34 40 42 44

Jamie Paulus Pure Sin Photography brings us more from NAMM: Queenryche and the Bonzo Bash.

Come look through his lens at some of the biggest stars in music.

Page 36

Sherry Keith Mystic Photography in Concert puts you front and center for some of the hottest acts in the business: Lizzy Borden, Great White, & Slaughter.

Page 16

Contact Us: Info@cvworldwidemagazine.com

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.

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

Every Mon Doc's Angels Every Thur Arena Tribute Every Fri Arena Tribute Every Sat Arena Tribute Mar 7 Brad Bailey Mar 7 Lord of the Lost Mar 7 Smashing Alice Mar 9 the JES Project Mar 13 Brad Bailey Mar 13 Powered Wig Machine Mar 14 Jordan Allena Mar 14 Smashing Alice Mar 14 the JES Project Mar 15 Cheap Thrill Mar 15 Cyanide Mar 15 Jordan Allena Mar 15 Overwatch Mar 17 Smashing Alice Mar 17 the Solid Suns Mar 21 Audio Vibe Mar 21 the Third Degree Mar 21 Vile Child Mar 22 Daze Gone By Mar 22 the Iron Maidens Mar 22 Vile Child Mar 25 Jordan Allena Mar 29 the Solid Suns

Fremont St Main St Stage Fremont St Main St Stage Fremont St Main St Stage Fremont St Main St Stage Dive Bar Dive Bar Vamp'd LV Motor Speedway Dive Bar Dive Bar Anthem Vinyl Hardhat Lounge Vamp'd Vamp'd Anthem Boardwalk Fremont Street the Cheyenne Saloon Bar 702 Bar 702 Bar 702 Bounty Hunter Vamp'd Vamp'd Mercy Lounge Backstage Bar & Billiards

Las Vegas, NV Las Vegas, NV Las Vegas, NV Las Vegas, NV Las Vegas, NV Las Vegas, NV Las Vegas, NV Las Vegas, NV Las Vegas, NV Las Vegas, NV Nashville, TN Las Vegas, NV Las Vegas, NV Las Vegas, NV Las Vegas, NV Nashville, TN Orangevale, CA Las Vegas, NV Las Vegas, NV Las Vegas, NV Las Vegas, NV Las Vegas, NV Las Vegas, NV Las Vegas, NV Las Vegas, NV Nashville, TN Las Vegas, NV

It’s been a long road to this point, many solid gigs in solid bands, but when Carmine D’Amico called Erik Hatchett, the newest rising star in LA was born, and the world is a happier place.

LA Story is a band on the rise, a group of men out to have fun on their journey of music, a single purpose in mind: to enjoy playing rock throughout the US and the World.

It’s hard to pin these guys down, but CV SouthWest was fortunate enough to grab some quality time with enigmatic frontman and singer Erik Hatchett; walk with us through his words as we introduce you to the hottest ticket in the LA music scene…

Come & meet LA Story...

<CV SW> Tell our readers <CV SW> Tell us about the ―Rocket‘s to Ruin‖ in the ATL. who's in the band and their role journey…the bands you‟ve Carmine, Keith and I were all in Erik Hatchett- Vocals played with in the past, and the Blacklist Union for a small tour Carmine D‘Amico-Guitar desire to finally pull together with myself on bass guitar. My bass career was 4 months long. I Keith Horne-Guitar your own group…

Thomas Rojo-Bass <Hatch> We have all put in our had NEVER touched a Bass prior Andrew Melendez-Drums time that is for sure. Paying your to BLU but I was able to nail it! dues….DONE! I sang in and One writer said I was one of the <CV SW> Who founded the formed a band in San Diego most entertaining bass players band originally called ―DAMA‖ then we she has ever covered. Give me a <Hatch> The band was formed c h a n g e d t h e n a m e t o job and I‘ll do it, and do it 110%.

by Carmine D‘Amico and my- ―DiveBomber‖.

We used to We all got together in LA Story self. Carmine had a bunch of open for bands like Papa Roach, with myself on vocals and it was music he wrote and my phone Alien Ant Farm, Danzig, Tesla, so fun and easy, no ego‘s, likedrang, creating our song writing and Blue Oyster Cult once. Talk minded musicians, it‘s now a team. We have music on various about a culture shock…HaHa! I family.

TV shows such as Rob Dyrdeks left the group and moved to Los Fantasy Factory and the Half Angeles where I connected up <CV SW> What are your imPint Brawlers created by the pro- with Carmine. Mr. D‘Amico has mediate goals with the band, ducers of Jack Ass. We then put toured extensively and played in since it‟s so new? the live band together because the a local Las Vegas metal band <Hatch> Our immediate goal is songs were very catchy and fun! ―Kreep‖ fronted by Brett Pirozzi to tour and enjoy the road. I and Ivan de Prume on drums. want to tour internationally and <CV SW> How did LA Story Thomas and Andrew, our bring some kick ass rock and roll rhythm section, is solid. Thomas over seas. I have family in Hamcome about? <Hatch> The band came about is a producer and Andrew is an burg, Germany and would love without any effort because it was actor and crew hand for televi- to play in their town. If we make about fun and just pure enjoy- sion and film. Keith is a master some dough along the way even ment from playing loud and live. guitar builder and Freemason better, but our main goal is to We live the LA Story so why not from Atlanta. He was in a really bring some bodies together in a solid touring band called sweaty room to sing and puke! sing about it.

<CV SW> Tell us about the name, where did it come from? <Hatch> Carmine had 2 names to use, ―Drag the Water‖ and ―The LA Story‖, we went with the latter and removed ―The‖ from the name. We all have an LA Story and we touch on a little bit of all of them. I have about two albums full of my LA Stories so keep yourself in the loop, it‘s a fun journey. <CV SW> How did you guys get into music, did you have any other interests growing up? <Hatch> I am a huge Snow- ―video‖ bass player Johnny Five style but those are the bands that boarder, Wakeboarder and Surf- was too busy with his main group pushed us to perform original er, doing both at a very young ―Still Standing‖, with his brother music. I also love the 90‘s stuff age. My parents were very sup- on bass. A super good band that cuz that was the music being portive even when I was a drum- is really talented. The band has played in my formative years. mer in my youth! HaHa. My fa- never really played out so we are The likes of Scott Weiland, Chris ther was a country singer from brand new and somewhat un- Cornell, and I love Mark LaneAR so I guess music was in my known. In a nutshell the lineup is gan and Layne Staley. blood. Carmine is a big Snow- original now. boarder as well. His favorite <CV SW> Do you guys have a thing to do as a kid was run num- <CV SW> What is it about favorite place to play from your bers and throw dice. When that THIS 5 Piece that you think shows so far? was over at age 12 he started works so well? <Hatch> The bands favorites are playing bass then guitar. Andrew <Hatch> The main reason we simple! Boiler Room in Dallas, got into acting and works in film work out so well is because it‘s all Claremont Lounge in Atlanta, and television production. He about having FUN and not being Viper Room in Hollywood, our started playing drums as a kid fake or a tough guy. There are hometown, and The Abby in and excelled really fast. Keith zero egos in this band and we are Chicago. These are a few of my was really into curling and was very humble. I‘m just thankful to favorite gigs (in a Mary Poppins trying for an Olympic dream but be a part of the music scene, be it voice). WAIT!!! I forgot the chose music instead. He is a big or small.

Double Down! Awesome show master guitar builder and an allwith ass juice to drink and vomit around good guy. Thomas was <CV SW> Who are your musi- insurance if need be. Most of thealways into music growing up cal influences? se shows were when Myself on and loves to skydive naked on the <Hatch> We are all pretty di- Bass, Carmine on guitar, Keith weekends! verse in our influences. I love it on guitar in a band called all from Sinatra to Slayer! ―Fly ―Blacklist Union‖ a Tony West <CV SW> Tell us about THIS Me to the Moon‖ and ―Raining production. Really good times in group - is this the original line Blood‖ are two of my favorite a fun band. up? songs to date. We all love Tool <Hatch> This is pretty much the and their musicianship as well as <CV SW> Wait, “Ass Juice?!” original line up with a few chang- Iron Maiden, Sabbath, and <Hatch> Ass Juice is basically a es here and there. One guy Priest. You don't hear that in our ―mat‖ shot. It‘s the spillage from moved back home and our music because we play a different previous drinks poured. Go get

ya some!

<Hatch> I would love to tour <Hatch> Our music is just very with ANYBODY! I just love the simple to understand and super <CV SW> I‟ll go with “hell road and seeing the amazing fun. You can sing along after the no”… country we live in. West to East first verse and chorus without the <Hatch> LOL coast, it‘s all very inspiring. If I song becoming redundant or prehad to name one act I would say dictable. We definitely put on a <CV SW> Have you had any ―Imagine Dragons‖. They are show to enjoy. particularly memorable shows huge now and our music would to date? be a good crowd warmer. I think <CV SW> What can fans ex<Hatch> Not yet because we it would make for a great night of pect to see at a show? have yet to play live. This is the music. <Hatch> You can expect some birth of a completely new band really good rock and roll with and we will not disappoint. <CV SW> If you had one Band projections and a cool light show.

We want to create a scene where <CV SW> Any other shows to open for during a show who you can meet new people and you‟d like to mention, good OR would it be? party to good rock. We have <Hatch> Foo Fighters bad. very melodic songs that will stick <Hatch> The Claremont lounge, in your head. Songs like ―Grind when we were in the other band, <CV SW> Just starting out, Her‖, ―Sunset Stripper‖, ―Eyes of was very memorable.

There what is your plan for social me- Silence‖, and ―I‘m Wrecked‖. were 200+ pound strippers, a 60 dia, do you see it as a savvy pubyear old who looked like Magda licity tool or necessary evil? <CV SW> You‟ve done the vidfrom ―Something about Mary‖. <Hatch> You‘re a fool if you eo for “I‟m Wrecked”, it‟s gotNo disrespect at all, in fact, I ad- don't use social media in this day ten pretty solid press, tell us mire them for saying ―F‖ the and age. Fortune 500 companies about the process to put it tonorm we are hot and comfortable have social media departments gether - what is harder or easier in our bodies. The lit matches on now with 100+ employees work- than you expected? the female ―headlights‖, so to ing the social media markets. <Hatch> I am a certified Nonspeak, were a real treat. One of We do it all in this band. It‘s a Union Script Supervisor for the the best shows of my life, a great way to get your music out New York Film Academy in Los packed house due to an actual and meet other musicians with Angeles so the video was gratis. music scene there…very refresh- the same drive and goals.

I worked with the director Mike ing to see.

Bustillos on a previous film. Af<CV SW> What is it about your ter talking for a bit he asked if he <CV SW> If you could tour music that you feel will appeal could shoot our video. We said with one act, who would it be? to fans? ―uhhhh YES‖ and the rest in his-

tory. He is an amazing director, on the LA music scene? How touring the world. Realistic…I look him up if you need a video can it be better? see us touring the US. I hope we shot in LA. <Hatch> The LA music scene is can grow in our music and as a fickle mistress! It comes and people through the experience of <CV SW> Any thoughts on goes in waves but is pretty much our music and where it takes us what you could have done better kind of dormant right now. The in the next 3-5 years. after the fact? sunset strip music festival is very <Hatch> Maybe add topless cool and there are some really <CV SW> OK, it‟s early 2014 women because sex sells…just good bands out there but the club what can we expect from the ask Robin Thicke. Seriously, I scene needs a kick in the pirate band this year? think the video is freaking awe- booty. Pay to play needs to <Hatch> We are going to pound some and tasteful with a great change and I would love to see the pavement and tour, tour, tour narrative. the old style of record deals back and tour some more. You have in the game. Before it was a to get out there if you‘re a startup <CV SW> How does it feel, numbers game…when labels and work your way from the botseeing yourself in a music vid- would help develop the group as tom to the top. No dream is too eo…? opposed to finding turnkey bands big, and no person is too small to <Hatch> Ha, that‘s a great ques- with albums already produced in reach those dreams! I really want tion because I hate seeing myself their bedroom. I guess those to thank you for the support on camera. I pick myself apart, days died with the death of 2 inch Chris! The band wishes you all the bad and don't focus on the tape. Long live analog! I love nothing but success and we will good, which I need to change. that Dave Grohl records on 2‖ support you the whole way in I‘m getting used to it. The other now. any way we can. I love your guy‘s in the band look awesome magazine and the crew you have and should have no complaints. <CV SW> It‟s still VERY early, onboard, thanks for everything It‘s a solid video in my eyes. where do you see the band in 3-5 and continued success my man. years? Idealistic and Realistic... <CV SW> Tell us your thoughts <Hatch> Idealistic…I see us Follow us on FACEBOOK!

LA Story...bringin it!

MORE Sights Around NAMM Through the Eyes of Sherry K

April 2013 - Outta the Black

June 2013 - SYSTEMEC May 2013 - Stoney Curtis

August 2013 - Dirty Pairadice July 2013 - London Mace

September 2013 - Blacklist Union

October 2013 - SICOCIS

December 2013 - Bella Electric Strings November 2013 - Franky Perez

January 2014 - T.O.D.

February 2014 - LONDON

Global Music Product Industry‟s Passion Reflected at 2014 NAMM Show The four-day annual event proves once again that the music community knows how to have a great time while still taking care of business.

Carlsbad, CA, January 27, 2014—The music product industry returns to businesses in every corner of the globe with a renewed confidence following the 2014 NAMM Show held in Anaheim, Calif., January 23-26. Promising signs of revitalization brought together more than 5,000 brands from around the world looking to reach the global buying audience found at the NAMM Show. Expanding product categories such as technology-driven music products and emerging brands pushed the show to its one of its largest and most diverse editions ever. ―As the global platform for the music products industry, the NAMM Show is an annual In total, 96,129 members of the music product incheckup for what is happening in the music mar- dustry registered for the 2014 NAMM Show. ketplace worldwide,‖ said Joe Lamond, president Exhibitors noted that crowds arrived eager and CEO of NAMM. ―A focus on doing business for new products and ready to get down to busireflected confidence among buyers and manufacturers alike. Fortified with NAMM U education, ness. "I don't know what's going on, but this year is networking and fun opportunities that only occur phenomenal; we have been slammed! The buyers at the NAMM Show, NAMM Members expressed are buying!‖ said Ari Baron, vice president of marto me a renewed spirit for the year ahead. I believe keting for Eastman Music Company. Dave Smith of his eponymous instrument brand also saw a lot that the stage is set for growth in 2014.‖ of traffic, "NAMM is the only trade show we atEmerging brands, growth in pro audio and tend. This is it -- the hub of our outreach, our PR, the music technology category, and an increase in our marketing. We meet with our current dealers, international exhibitors, converged for the second - sign up new dealers, and show artists our new inhighest exhibiting company number ever. In total struments so they can play them and hear how there were 1,533 exhibiting companies representing they perform. We've been incredibly busy the 5,010 Brands. Meeting those brands was a 2% in- whole show!" crease in buyers over 2013. Buyers arrived in AnaRetailers large and small return to their busiheim focused on rebuilding inventory after a strong school music season, and on building up categories nesses with new product lines and categories that currently experiencing strong consumer demand. will hit shelves in a matter of months. ―I‘m most

focused on meeting up with major suppliers that I‘ve done business with or do business with and seeing what they‘ve got––new products in particular,‖ said Richard Ash, CEO of Sam Ash Music. ―We are also looking for new companies that come out of the woodwork and have a product that will break through to the marketplace. If you‘re a musician, it‘s the ultimate kid in a candy store thing.‖ up more than one-third of the total exhibiting companies. These companies come from 49 different In addition to products, retailers search for countries to unveil their brands‘ new products at valuable ideas gleaned from five full days of educa- the show. tional offerings. ―I come for inspiration and I always find it,‖ said Rob Kittle of Kittle‘s Music in About NAMM North Platte, NE. ―I find products I never knew The National Association of Music Merwere out there. The buying I do and the things I chants (NAMM) is the not-for-profit association see at the NAMM Show definitely influence my with a mission to strengthen the $17 billion music business for the year.‖ products industry and promote the pleasures and benefits of making music. NAMM's activities and New entrepreneurs and categories entering programs are designed to promote music making the music market brought 303 new exhibiting com- to people of all ages. NAMM is comprised of appanies to the show. NAMM Membership and in proximately 9,000 Member companies located in turn the NAMM Show is increasingly global, as more than 87 countries. For more information reflected in the 6% increase in international at- about NAMM or the proven benefits of making tendees. The global scope of the NAMM Show is music, interested parties can visit www.namm.org, most clear walking the show floor. This year 636 call 800.767.NAMM (6266) or follow the organiexhibitors from outside of the United States made zation on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Gear Review: REVOLUTION Amps from CV WorldWide Equipment Consultant Jason Constantine

T

you six options to choose from. Each amp comes in a 100 watt or 20 watt configuration with all of the same features. Everything you see on the big 100 watt heads is available on the 20 watt models.

This is a change for the amp industry, as we often see ―mini‖ or ―junior‖ versions of amps have the same voicings but not the same features. Revolution Amplification is stepping up the game offering the identical features in all of their amps.

So lets talk about the sounds. Revolution hose of you that know me, know I have been a lover of the Peavey 5150 for the last amps offer 3 different voicings. The Rev, which is UMPTEENTH number of years, I have had my the classic British sound from the 80s with a bit of phase with Marshall, Jet City and Mesa, but my a hot-rodded kick. The Bully which is a ―Vulgar 5150 was always my bestie. That is until I found Display‖ of an amplifier based on the amps that the Krank NineTeen80. The NineTeen80 has been really put Tony Krank on the international map, my go to amp for the last year, and unfortunately and the Phoenix which is based on Tony Krank‘s its not being made anymore as Krank Amplifica- original design that got his name out to the masses.

Each amp offers 20 or 100 watt configurations that tion is now out of business. offer 2 channels, mid boost, switchable tube driven I want to give you guys some insider infor- effects loop with send and return levels. Every amp mation on a new line of amps that will hit the mar- offers Ruby 12AX7 preamp tubes, and Sovtek 6L6 ket in the next 30 days. I had the privilege of play- output tubes which as anyone who has played any ing them at NAMM, and I was BLOWN AWAY. They are based on some of the same designs I have been playing for the last year, and they are designed and headed up by no other than the original team that headed up Krank Amplification. Their name? Revolution Amplification. Revolution Amplification is headed up by none other then Tony Krank, Patrick Flanigan, and Jeromy Graves. The same team that brought you the amps that made Tony Krank famous.

Revolution Amplification offers 3 new amps in a total of 2 different configurations each, giving

of Tony‘s former amps is the Tony Krank signature sound.

Revolution Amplification has also launched a line of speaker cabinets available in 4x12, 2x12 and 4x10 configurations. I was able to team up one of the 4x10 cabinets with the Bully 20 watt head and it was vintage tone central at medium gain settings. The mids were full and lush with just the right amount of grit for notes to sustain for a few days. Plugging the Bully into a 2x12 cabinet offered up a bit more of a classic hard rock tone a la the finger tapping king of the late 70s and 80s.

Each cabinet is loaded with Eminence Legend speakers, and let me tell you they are voiced perfectly for these amplifiers. Big open midrange without the typical honk of other speakers.

Check out RevolutionAmps.com for more information and you can also find them on facebook at facebook.com/revolutionamplification.

Hand Crafted Wearable Art

Now, what might be the best tip for winter essarily have great snow traction: Some do, some driving: sometimes it's best to stay home, or at least don't. If you live where the roads are regularly covremain where you are until snow plows and sanding ered with snow, use snow tires (sometimes called crews have done their work. If you crash on a snowy "winter tires" by tire makers). They have a or icy road, you'll certainly be late — or worse. But "snowflake on the mountain" symbol on the sidesince you can't always call in to work claiming a wall, meaning they meet a tire-industry standard "snow day," it's better to learn how to correctly for snow traction. deal with driving in the snow.

Make sure you can see.

I've battled snow- and ice-covered highways Replace windshield wiper blades. Clean the in two-dozen states behind the wheel of both pas- inside of your windows thoroughly. Apply a watersenger vehicles and 18-wheelers. I've performed shedding material (such as Rain-X) to the outside hundreds of tire tests on snow-covered roads, at- of all windows, including the mirrors. Make sure tended snow-driving schools and done precision your windshield washer system works and is full of (translation: "barely in control") driving in the an anti-icing fluid. Drain older fluid by running the snow for videos and still photos. From this experi- washers until new fluid appears: Switching fluid ence, here are some snow driving tips the average colors makes this easy. driver can follow to reduce the chances of a crash.

Run the air-conditioner.

In order to remove condensation and frost from the interior of windows, engage your airChevy Corvette - In the Snow conditioner and select the fresh air option: It's fine to set the temperature on "hot." Many cars automatically do this when you choose the defrost setting.

Check your lights.

Use your headlights so that others will see you and, we hope, not pull out in front of you.

Make sure your headlights and taillights are clear Almost all sports cars come with summer tires, but ultra-high performance all- of snow. If you have an older car with sand-pitted season tires provide marginally better grip in wintery conditions but sacrifice some headlights, get a new set of lenses. To prevent fuwet and dry performance. ture pitting, cover the new lens with a clear tape Get a grip. like that used to protect the leading edge of heliTo have adequate snow traction, a tire re- copter rotor blades and racecar wings. It's available quires at least 6/32-inch deep tread, according to from auto-racing supply sites.

The Tire Rack (a CV WW Affiliate). (New passenger-car tires usually have 10/32-inch of tread.) Ul- Give yourself a brake. trahigh-performance "summer" tires have little or Learn how to get maximum efficiency from no grip in snow. Even "all-season" tires don't nec- your brakes before an emergency. It's easy to

properly use antilock brakes: Stomp, stay and steer.

Chevy Suburban - Going Sideways Stomp on the pedal as if you were trying to snap it off. Stay hard on the pedal. Steer around the obstacle. (A warning: A little bit of steering goes a very long way in an emergency. See Tip 8.) If you drive on icy roads or roads that are covered with snow, modify your ABS technique: After you "Stomp" and the ABS begins cycling — you will feel pulses in the pedal or hear the system working — ease up slightly on the pedal until the pulsing happens only once a second. front tires of this vehicle lost grip, the driver made the common error of conFor vehicles without ABS, you'll have to re- When tinuing to turn the steering wheel. The excessive steering didn't (and couldn't) help. ly on the old-fashioned system: You. For non-ABS on a mixed-surface road, push the brake pedal hard make things worse. If the icy conditions end and until the wheels stop rolling, then immediately re- the front tires regain grip, your car will dart whichlease the brake enough to allow the wheels to begin ever way the wheels are pointed. That may be into turning again. Repeat this sequence rapidly. This is oncoming traffic or a telephone pole. Something not the same as "pumping the brake." Your goal is very similar happens if you steer too much while to have the tires producing maximum grip regard- braking with ABS. Sadly, there are situations less of whether the surface is snow, ice or damp where nothing will prevent a crash, but turning the pavement. Use the tips in "How To Survive the steering too much never helps.

Top 10 Driving Emergencies" to practice before Avoid rear-tire slides. the emergency.

First, choose a car with electronic stability Watch carefully for "black ice." control. Fortunately, ESC will be mandatory on all If the road looks slick, it probably is. This is 2012 models. Next, make sure your rear tires have especially true with one of winter's worst hazards: at least as much tread as your front tires. Finally, if "black ice." Also called "glare ice," this is nearly you buy winter tires, get four. transparent ice that often looks like a harmless puddle or is overlooked entirely. Test the traction Technology offers no miracles.

All-wheel drive and electronic stability conwith a smooth brake application or slight turn of trol can get you into trouble by offering a false the wheel. sense of security. AWD can only help a vehicle acRemember the tough spots. celerate or keep moving: It can't help you go Race drivers must memorize the nuances of around a snow-covered turn, much less stop at an every track, so they can alter their path for chang- icy intersection. ESC can prevent a spinout, but it ing track conditions. You must remember where can't clear ice from the roads or give your tires icy roads tend to occur. Bridges and intersections more traction. Don't let these lull you into overestiare common places. Also: wherever water runs mating the available traction. across the road. I know people who lost control on Regardless of your driving skill or vehicle ice caused by homeowners draining above-ground pools and by an automatic lawn sprinkler that preparation, there are some winter conditions that sprayed water onto a street in freezing tempera- can't be conquered. But these tips may help prevent snowy and icy roads from ruining your day. tures.

Too much steering is bad.

If a slick section in a turn causes your front tires to lose grip, the common — but incorrect — reaction is to continue turning the steering wheel.

That's like writing checks on an overdrawn account: It won't improve the situation and may

Leona X is a hard rocking singer and lead guitarist from the Pacific NW. With a dynamic stage presence, ripping guitar solos, and a powerful sound, she is what you get if you mix Joan Jett, Angus Young, and a little bit of Vegas. Her music is like a kiss of dynamite; jaw dropping, electrifying, and sexy, Leo will leave you wanting more! Try to turn away from her burning eyes, sparkling smile, and gorgeous looks...it's too late, you cannot resist her. So catch your breath and head to one of her shows; but get prepared for an experience you won’t ever forget!

<CV NorthWest> You say “music touches me Young‘s guitar tone, his technique, and his on and lifts me up” - how did you get started in mu- stage charisma. He's so exciting to watch live! I just get all giddy when he does those crazy guitar solos, sic? <Leona X> As far back as I can remember I have and I'm all smiles. It wasn't one of those little been touched by music. My very first exposure was crushes, like, "Oh he's so cute". It was more like, at home with my mom. She would be cleaning "Damn!! He is bad ass!! I want to play like that house and listening to Tammy Wynette, Dolly Par- too!" After I heard AC/DC, I was never the same ton, Kenny Rogers, etc. She and I would sing again. along to it. Those are wonderful memories for me.

That's also how I got hooked on Elvis Presley. In- <CVNW> Even then, you started playing guitar stead of being influenced by the typical stuff that somewhat late, no, in your late teens? most girls my age were into, I was rocking out to <Leo> I started when I was 16. My family was very poor, and couldn't afford to buy me a guitar Elvis. or have lessons. So my first guitar was this really <CVNW> You say “when I heard rock n roll old, yucky acoustic that I bought at a yard sale music as a teen that was it for me” - what was down the street for $5.00. I started working at the catalyst, who did you hear that gave you the Wendy‘s so I could save up to buy a real one. It took about 6 months or so, and then I bought my fever? <Leo> It was AC/DC. I fell in love with Angus first electric guitar, which was an Arbor, and a lit-

tle Crate practice amp. <CVNW> Did you have any other interests growing up? <Leo> Yes and no. I knew I wanted to entertain.

Yes - when I was 5 years old I sang "I'm Gettin' Nothin' For Christmas" in the school play. I remember looking out at the audience and seeing my mother out there watching me, and feeling so confident and proud, and when the song was over I stood there, like I didn't want to walk off the stage, and my teacher was standing off on the side waving at me to exit the stage and come to her. I looked at her thinking "No, I don't want to, I want to perform some more." LOL When I was at home I would do all the typical stuff that everyone does when they have the itch to perform, like singing with a brush for a microphone, dancing around the house, and playing air guitar. So, in terms of other interests, I knew I just wanted to be on stage, no matter if it was singing, dancing, acting, or playing guitar.

No - there has never been and still is nothing else I would rather do. Nothing that can ever replace or replicate the same feeling I get performing. Nothing else I want to do. <CVNW> Who are your guitar influences? <Leo> Angus Young, of course; also, Tony Iommi, Jerry Cantrell, and Slash. Angus is my guitar be able to run around and entertain at the same hero all the way! time. So I would practice that too. LOL I wanted <CVNW> If you could play a set with one band, to get to the point of being able to feel my way around the neck without having to look at it. tell us who you‟d choose <Leo> AC/DC!! <CVNW> You then transition from Killer In<CVNW> Ok, I waded right into that answer. stinct to Bootleg - how did you hook up with LOL Alright, let‟s talk about your musical jour- those girls? <Leo> Then I met Suzi, the singer of Bootleg. She ney…

Killer Instinct - your first band, a heavy metal knew me from around the scene, and wanted to band - tell us about that. You play rhythm guitar put together another girl band. She said "Leo, there, but over time you developed the skill to you're going to play lead. You CAN do it!" So I went to work at learning the songs we were writing play lead? together, and wrote my first guitar solos. Since I <Leo> Yes. had never taken lessons, and didn't know anything <CVNW> Was it just practice, or even more about scales or anything, I would think of a melody that went with the rhythm, and then try to duhunger for the limelight with those solos? <Leo> It was both. I never thought ―I'm just going plicate it on the guitar. I had to find where it to play rhythm.‖ I intended on being a bad ass lead sounded right on the neck, you know, in key. To guitarist just like Angus. So yes, I practiced every this day I only know one scale, and barely know single day. Not just at actual technique, but also to how to use it. LOL I have learned to play without

knowing why I'm in the position I am in. I just L.A. at the time. I moved to Vegas with the boyknow it's right if it sounds right and feels good. Be- friend I had at the time because that's where he cause of that, I have a very keen ear. That's how it was from and where his family lived. He later happened. turned out to be my first husband and first divorce, but that's a whole other story! <CVNW> You actually put out an EP with <CVNW> So there was nothing magical about them, yes?

Vegas that whispered “I need to be there”? <Leo> Yes, 4 songs. <Leo> It didn't whisper to me. LOL It was just out <CVNW> Did you ever make it to an acceptable of necessity. I actually hated it at first because it place with your notoriety with Bootleg? was too HOT and I didn't have any friends or fam<Leo> Not really. I mean, we were well known in ily. But I grew to like it.

L.A., but that's all. We were so young and inexperienced and didn't know how to really drive the <CVNW> Shortly after moving to Vegas, you formed Jaggedy Ann and things take off. You bus, so to speak. We were too busy partying. won the USA leg of a Battle of the Bands, and <CVNW> Were you seeing the success you ended up going to New Zealand to compete in the WORLD final! longed for at that point in your life? <Leo> YES!! <Leo> No. <CVNW> After Bootleg, you relocated to Vegas <CVNW> None other than Phil Rudd, drummer for AC/DC who was in the audience, offers to - why Vegas? <Leo> Because things weren't going very well in produce your first album Boiling Point - tell us how you were able to get hooked up with him to work on the record after he saw you play. <Leo> That is an amazing story, because as you know, I had always been a huge AC/DC fanatic.

Never, in a million years, did I ever expect that to happen! Andrew Featherstone was the founder and organizer of the World Battle of the Bands, and of Intergalactic Records in New Zealand.

How it started is that we wanted to play in L.A., but coming from there, I knew all about the "pay to play" thing going on and didn't want to do that. <CVNW> “Pay to Play” - what are your thoughts on that? <Leo> My opinion is I don't like it, but I can somewhat understand why the venues do it. What I mean is this; the reason venues do that is because they are a business and they want and need to make money. How they make money is by door and bar sales. If a band doesn't promote, network, and advertise the show, they won't draw people in.

Then everyone loses money. The venue doesn't care how good a band is. Their concern is making money and not losing it, which is understandable.

However, for a hard working band that promotes and networks like crazy to get people out to see them, does their advertising etc., it's not fair. Now on the other hand, it's also not right/fair for the

2nd place, but were the biggest winners of all because it was there that Phil Rudd saw us. Andrew decided he wanted to sign us to his label. He was already friends with Phil. That's why Phil was at the final, to see us, per Andrew‘s request. Knowing Andrew wanted to sign us, he told him that he wanted to produce the album.

I'll never forget the first time we met Phil. In addition to his amazing house, out in the boonies in New Zealand, he also has a killer boat that he lives in sometimes when he wants to escape. That is where we met him the first time. Andrew told us he was taking us to meet him and I was out of my mind nervous and excited. I couldn't believe it. I kept asking, on the way there, "Is this real?" "Girls, we're going to meet and hang out with PHIL RUDD!" OMG!!!!!! I was a fumbling idiot at first, but once we got over the initial introduction, and went on the boat, we were drinking and partying with him like old friends. He made us feel totally comfortable and welcome. We drank Baileys, his favorite, and listened to the demo of our song "Kissing Dynamite" that we recorded really quick in Andrew‘s studio the day before, along with more great music we all loved, while he told us stories about being in AC/DC. It was unforgettable. <CVNW> How did that process differ from recording the EP with Bootleg? venue to leave it all up to the band, and not do <Leo> Well, there's hardly any comparison. First their share either. I've had that happen to me too. of all the recording with Bootleg was just a demo It has to be a 50/50 split of advertising duties, be- which was never really "produced", packaged or tween the band and the venue, in order for it to be manufactured. But it was my very first recording, which was a necessary learning experience. a successful event.

The JA album was fully financed, produced, and <CVNW> An honest opinion, thank you. OK, had a lot of blood, sweat and tears put into making back to the Battle of the Bands… it. Also, there was more of me in it, they are my <Leo> Well, we saw there was this contest and it songs, and JA was my band, doing what I had enwas a chance to play there without having to sell visioned. JA was the love of my life, as far as tickets. So we entered it, not expecting to win or go bands go, and we all had a lot at risk. We put our anywhere with it. We just wanted to play in L.A. lives on hold for it and were traveling all over the Well, turns out we won the first round, and had to world trying to make it happen. I had a much biggo back for another, won that one, and then had to ger emotional, mental, and financial investment in go back again, won again, and then kept winning Jaggedy Ann than I did in Bootleg. every time until we won the U.S. Championship!

That won us the chance to have an all-expense <CVNW> What did you learn from working paid trip to New Zealand to compete against all with someone like Phil Rudd? the other countries. We scrambled to get all of our <Leo> A ton! Phil has a great sense of rhythm and passports in order, immunizations, etc., and we timing, obviously, but one of the first things that were off! There, we competed and only came in became apparent to us was that we were playing

changes he made was the drums…go figure.

LOL Our drummer, Holly is an amazing and very skilled drummer. Her style, and what she is actually capable of shows a little on the album, but only about half of it. The reason why is because Phil had her play so much less than what she would normally do. For example, on the song "Feeling Alright" (which, btw, happens to be Phil‘s favorite JA song) her original drum parts were much funkier and intricate, but he changed them to a totally stripped down, basic beat. He did that on a large portion of the songs. His reasoning, "less is more". It turned out to be a better song, but I commend Holly for being such a good sport. <CVNW> How, in your opinion, did that record do? <Leo> Not as well as it could have done, to put it mildly. The reason I say that is because the label went bankrupt before the album was released, so it never got released the songs too fast. He made us slow a number of and nothing was done about it, or the advertising them down to groove more. Which brings me to the part where we talk about how funny he was for it or anything else that had to do with making a too. While we were getting to know him, we start- successful record. Nothing got done. It wasn't uned to see his personality emerge and he would say til Do It Records took over in 2011 that it even got the funniest things. So, when we would play too officially released, and by then it was too late. We fast he would say "Whoa Nelly!" Which, in and of had lost momentum and the band had broken up. itself isn't really that funny, unless you heard all of the other stuff that he would come up with. We <CVNW> Did it meet your expectations? <Leo> Sad to say, but no. It was a huge disapointstarted to keep a journal of some of his sayings.

Anyway, one of the songs he made us slow ment because, it never got released and never sold. "waaaaay down" was AC/DC's own "Sin City". People aren't going to buy a record they don't I'll never forget the day we played it for him. We know about. It didn't get played on the radio, waswere so excited for him to hear it. We couldn't be- n't available anywhere, and the band wasn't worklieve we were going to have the chance to play it ing anymore. for him and that he would also fill in and jam it <CVNW> Jaggedy Ann achieved a ton of sucwith us on it. We just knew he was going to love it. cess, played a bunch of shows across the world Instead, he said "Whoa Nelly! Crap! That was but band ultimately split up. What happened? plain crap! It's too damn fast and you've ruined it." <Leo> We never officially broke up, and it wasn't We stood there, shocked and devastated. LOL But because we didn't like each other, or couldn't get he was right. We slowed it down and it was so along, or anything like that. After the label went much better. He took that approach with "Shot of bankrupt we went through many personal trageGasoline" too. It was twice as fast before he dies. Deaths in our families, births, car accidents, changed it. divorces, and everything we lost due to the record Also, I learned to make the song intros shorter. He label closing down, all this left us no choice but to said, "Get to the point faster. You've got 30 seretreat into financial, emotional, mental, and physconds or less to reel them in". One of the biggest ical recovery. We are still the best of friends and

would love to be able to play together again, but here. We dated long distance while I lived in Las life has led us on different paths. We still keep in Vegas, and then I had to make the decision to touch and are trying to plan a reunion show some move so I could be with him. time this year. <CVNW> Okay, let‟s talk a little about the boys <CVNW> And now, here we are to Leona X… in the band, your posse. Tell us who backs you on stage, let‟s introduce the rest of the band. was there a real void without Jaggedy Ann? <Leo> At first there was. Like I said, JA was the <Leo> Yes! Let's do that! love of my life, as far as bands go. I was so de- Henry Cheng - Rhythm Guitar Chris Ewers - Bass pressed for a long time.

Simona Bressi - Drums <CVNW> Having been such a big part of your <CVNW> Was it hard to find the right memlife, was it hard to let go? <Leo> Yes, it was. I tried really hard to keep us bers? together, but it was just impossible after everyone <Leo> Yes, it's always hard to find the perfect members that have all the right skill, drive, and started having families. chemistry. <CVNW> How did you end up in Yakima from <CVNW> What did you see in them that really Vegas? indicated that they are the right fit? <Leo> Everyone asks me this. LOL <Leo> Well, Simona was the first one I found be<CVNW> We will jump on that bandwagon… cause she was filling in for JA during the end days when I was trying desperately to keep us together. why did you choose Yakima? <Leo> I moved here because I married someone I was blown away by her the first time I heard her play. I had to have her. No one else would do after that!

Then I found Chris. He plays in an AC/DC tribute band too, so I knew he would be a perfect fit!

Henry was the final piece. He came in with a tremendous amount of enthusiasm and I loved his attitude and talent! <CVNW> What about THIS lineup backing you do you think works so well? <Leo> Everyone is seasoned, very skilled and professional. Also everyone has the same love for playing and performing and has a very dynamic presence. I am lucky to have such amazing musicians in my band. <CVNW> Any thoughts about women in Metal? <Leo> There are so many greats in metal and rock now. Fortunately we had women like Joan Jett, Pat Benatar, Ann & Nancy Wilson, and Doro Pesch, just to name a few, to open the doors and break down the barriers for us. Now we have the amazing Lizzy Hale, who, btw, I am a HUGE fan of, to look up to and continue to pave the way for us upcoming female rock artists. I am so supportive and happy to see more and more women getting out there and making a statement.

<CVNW> Have you “come a long way baby”? <Leo> LOL Yes, I feel like it. I've been playing guitar for so long, it seems, and now it's a new beginning, like I've been reinvented now that I am singing too. I just wish I would have started much sooner. <CVNW> Do you see yourself as a trailblazer for Metal women in today‟s music, or carrying on a solid tradition already started by others? <Leo> A little of both. Like I said above, I am very grateful to the women who have pioneered before me, and definitely admire them, but I hope I can be a trailblazer too, that I can inspire other women to take a stand and get out there if this is what they truly want to do.

One of the things I get harassed about sometimes is that I'm on the girly side. I don't have tattoos, body piercings, and I'm not into dressing all metal and punked out like most girls in rock do. I feel like a lot of them get so caught up in trying to prove they are as tough as the guys that they go overboard on trying to look mean. That's o.k., if that is who you are, what you want to do, and how you feel, but I don't think you should be ostracized and made to feel like you don't have a choice and only do it to fit in. I'm not afraid to be feminine. I am, after all, a woman. I'm not a man, so why should I dress like one? LOL I have a song that's called "Look do. Also, I think that part of it is because the standLike an Angel, Play Like the Devil". It's about that ards that women have to live up to are much highvery subject. Don't let looks deceive you! I like er than our male counterparts. This might start a who I am, and I am proud to be a feminine woman controversy, but what I mean is this; there are so many, tons and tons of unattractive male rock who rocks.

Also, one of the things that's very important to me stars. As long as they have the drive, talent, attiis sending out a positive message to girls and wom- tude, and great songs, it doesn't matter what they en about having a positive and strong self esteem. look like, and they can be pretty much any age, in You can be who you are, express yourself, rock out fact many of them look like hell. and be daring, but still hold true to your morals of But if you're a woman, not only do you have to be being a good person, being kind to others, living an amazing musician, and all of the above, but you healthy and staying away from drugs and alcohol. don't have a chance if you don't look like Beyonce That probably doesn't sound cool, but later in life and are not in your 20's. We have to live up to inyou will be so thankful you did. A strong body credibly unrealistic versions of absolute perfection that the media crams in our faces every single day. equals a strong mind, health, and happiness.

We are under so much pressure to be extremely <CVNW> As a lead guitarist, do you think hot, and super amazing at everything, along with having to be twice as ambitious and driven to be women get the credit they deserve? <Leo> Unfortunately no. I think there are a lot of able to cope with it all. It's part of why Lizzy Hale really great female singers and lead guitarists out is making it so big now. Yes, she is amazing, and a there, but not many of them reach the star status great singer and song writer, but there are tons of and recognition that millions of male musicians other amazing female rock singers who don't make

it because they're not as hot as she is. Sex sells, and <CVNW> Do you have any particularly memothat's how it will always be. Fortunately for me, I rable performances? really like sex, and am not afraid to express my <Leo> There are quite a few, and for different reasexuality, but not all women feel that way. sons, but if I had to pick one it would be the Pulp Summer Slam in the Philippines. <CVNW> (I'd say that it's an incredible time for women lead guitarists who can play, but I'm just <CVNW> “Pulp Summer Slam”? In the PHILasking your perspective) LIPINES? <Leo> Yes, on the other hand, it is a great time to <Leo> That was with Jaggedy Ann, as part of the be a woman in the rock industry because of the first world tour, and was set up by Andrew Feathstrong women who have opened the doors for us, erstone. We were used as the official poster band and it is becoming way more acceptable than ever. for the event. They used our image for all the advertising, back stage passes, promotional posters, <CVNW> Julia Pope at EchoEyes gave your etc. We were the USA Guest Band. There were teaser EP a solid review, and compared you (also over 30,000 rock fans, and was a gigantic event. said that you are constantly compared) to Joan, Lita, Vixen, and Pat…that's pretty heavy compa- <CVNW> Why was it memorable? ny to be mentioned with, how does that make <Leo> Because we played in front of over 30,000 you feel? people and they were going insane! The interesting <Leo> Like I said, I have so much admiration and thing about it is that it was the poorest place we respect for those women, so it really means a lot to had played at on the tour, yet had the most fans in me. They are the ones that made me feel like it's attendance. possible and inspired me to go after my dream. I am very, very, honored to be compared in any <CVNW> Do you have a favorite venue to play? small way to them. <Leo> Right now it's Louie G's in Fife, Washington because they have the best stage, sound, lights, <CVNW> You've said that being on stage is like etc. and it's all ages, so everyone can go. a drug that gets me high like becoming a shooting star - are you ever nervous when you perform? <Leo> Absolutely! It depends on circumstances.

Sometimes I'm more nervous than other times and what happens is I have to pee over and over again before I go on. LOL <CVNW> Is it that intoxicating? <Leo> YES!! I know it sounds crazy, but it's the time that I feel the most confident, powerful, and secure about myself, and it's like I have no control over what I say and do. <CVNW> Do you ever get so lost in the show that when the last song is done, you‟re like whoa, are we through? <Leo> Yes, I turn into someone else. It's quite fun- <CVNW> OKAY, let‟s touch on SEMA - how ny, and interesting because in real life I have been in the heck did that come about? told that my personality is way too sweet to believe <Leo> That is really not such a mystery. I have a that I could come across like that crazy woman on few really awesome agents in Las Vegas, and one stage, and then before I know it, it's over, and I've of them lined me up with it. worked myself into such a frenzy that it's hard to <CVNW> Was it weird being plugged into a Kia stop sometimes. LOL

Soul automobile? <CVNW> Your sound has been described as <Leo> I was a little worried about it, not knowing what you get if you mix Joan Jett, Angus Young, what to expect, and thinking it wasn't going to and a little bit of Vegas - does that seem about sound that great, but after I plugged in and started right to you? playing I was blown away at how much like a <Leo> I would say that sounds about right. LOL Marshall it sounded. The sound was FAT!! And I Obviously, I love Angus Young and he is who inloved it! fluenced me, so that definitely shows, and I think the Joan Jett thing is because I have a lower range than a lot of female singers. <CVNW> Playing guitar, singing, playing LEAD, dancing & jumping around stage (all in stilettos, by the way) - how are you able to manage all of it? <Leo> Practice, practice, and more practice! Playing guitar is easy for me now, since I've been doing it for so long, but I am new at singing, so it is challenging for me. I have to practice every day. I also exercise at least 3 - 4 days per week. It takes a lot of stamina to do all that. Your heart and diaphragm have to be strong and you have to be in shape, so I stick to a very disciplined, healthy clean living life style. Exercise, eating healthy, plenty of water, sleep, vitamins, and no drugs.

<CVNW> One more auto-centric question: in several pictures, I see the number “11” on your <CVNW> That‟s quite a bit of multitasking! guitar – what is the significance of that? <Leo> It's the only way to go! <Leo> This is the number of Jaggedy Ann‘s race car driver, Dustin Ash. We endorsed each other. <CVNW> The Kickstarter campaign…how Dustin had a huge picture of us painted on the much were you looking to raise? hood of his car, so every time he raced we were <Leo> $10,000 with him! LOL And he would bring the car to our local shows and park out front so fans could see it. <CVNW> It was ultimately not successful, any In return we would make appearances at his races thoughts as to why? I ask because a ton of artists and stand with the car and sign autographs and are using Kickstarter to help fund recording, do you think there might have been an oversaturatake photos with his fans. tion there? <Leo> I'm not sure why, but I do agree that there is an over saturation. It seemed like when I was doing it, there were at least 5 other bands from my area doing one also. People get numb to things when they are bombarded with so many people asking for money, especially when the economy isn't doing so great.

<CVNW> I heard rumors of a Jaggedy Ann documentary tell us about that. <Leo> Yes, it's going to be very interesting. We have so many funny and crazy stories to tell about recording with Phil Rudd, living in his studio for 3 months, being on tour, and all the people we met

from so many different cultural backgrounds and countries. Also, the whole heartbreaking story of how much we had at risk and lost due to the record label closing down, our family deaths, births, car accidents, divorces, affairs, drama, etc. Plus some really great music! <CVNW> Do you have any thoughts on the Seattle music scene? <Leo> Hmm, not sure how to put this. LOL I think that Seattle is culturally rich, in that there is a lot of musical history that was made here in the grunge era. With bands like Nirvana, Sound Garden etc., it changed the rock industry. But let's face it, I'm from the L.A./Las Vegas scene and I'm everything the grunge bands were against, so I'm not sure what they think of it, although I have been pretty lucky with the reception I've been getting so far. I don't think they are hating me, but I think they're not sure what to think. LOL <CVNW> Any ideas on how, if possible, it could get better? <Leo> Just to try to be more open minded and not stuck in the 90's? <CVNW> Social Media…necessary evil or savvy marketing tool? <Leo> Both. <CVNW> Okay, it‟s the first quarter of 2014, tell us what‟s in store for Leona X, what can we expect from you in the coming months? <Leo> Loads of exciting stuff! More recording, touring, and more craziness!!!! Are you Ready For This?!

Gear the Pros Use! CV NorthWest Cover Girl: Leona X

In her own words…

“When I heard AC/DC for the first time, I fell in love with Angus Young’s massive, biting, guitar tone. He's the one who made me want to play. At first I did everything I could to emulate his sound, and did a pretty good job. Over the years I have grown into myself more and have my own thing going on now, but still love that straight ahead Gibson/Marshall sound, and always will. My set up is very simple, no effects, except my crybaby wah. Not only do I love the sound, but I don't want to fuss with any pedals. I don't like being tied to one spot on stage. I might be somewhere else on stage doing a guitar solo, and I don't want to have to step on a pedal to turn it on and then have to run back to it to turn it off, and vice versa. Too much of a pain. ”

GUITARS I only use Gibson, period.

A burgundy 1965 Gibson Les Paul SG is my precious baby.

Still has the original pickups and hardware, but is missing the Bigsby tail piece, as it was taken off of the guitar before I bought it. It has the sweetest super slim neck, which is great for my little fingers, but it's pretty worn and needs a fret job real bad, so I don't take it to shows anymore, for fear of something bad happening to it.

Black Gibson SG Standard. Wider neck than what I like but it's great for putting rhythm tracks down because it has a real fat meaty tone.

Skyburst Blue Gibson SG Goddess. This one was given to me by Gibson, and is the one I was featured on as the Goddess Poster Girl. It has the same super slim neck that I love about my 1965, and it screams! I wrote a song about it, which is on my new EP called "Love at First Feel".

GUITAR EFFECTS The only effect I use is my Dunlop Classic Crybaby Wah Pedal. Other than that I don't use any other effects. I prefer a straight up Gibson and Marshall tone. Well, and I have a BOSS Tuner.

AMPS Marshall all the way baby! Marshall JCM 2000 Dual Super Lead full stack. It has a classic gain channel and an ultra gain channel, but I only use the ultra gain, with the settings right in the middle all the way across, except I keep the reverb down to about a 2 and turn the gain up to 8. I like a real fat, biting, crunchy rock tone. I never change it, as I have no reason to, since I don't do any ballads or anything that requires a cleaner tone, at least not at this time. Maybe later? Who knows, but right now, all I wanna do is ROCK!

STRINGS I use Ernie Ball Super Slinkys custom gauge, (9's) nickel wound. I like this gauge because they're super flexible for playing lead, but not too flimsy either.

GUITAR STRAPS I just started using Bitch Straps, after I was introduced to them at NAMM 2014. I have to admit I was attracted to them because of the name at first. I went to the booth to see them and after trying one of them, I had to have one. They are the best I've ever used. They are comfortable, stylish, and have a special feature that allows you to easily adjust while wearing it, no other straps that I know of do that.

PICKS I love the Jim Dunlop nylon 73 mm, with the textured grip. They're easy to hang on to so I'm less likely to drop them.

CABLES Tsunami Cables 30 foot, 2 of them, one from amp to effects and the other to my wireless. They're designed to eliminate the need for having two sets of audio cables (an industry standard). Using a cable for studio recording and another for the road. Designed to handle both the road and the studio.

WIRELESS GUITAR SYTEM Shure SLX4. Can't live without it! I am very active on stage and can't be tied to leash. In fact, I can't be tied to anything except, maybe a bed post. :P

MICROPHONE The good ol’ standard, Shure Beta 58, for now, until I save up enough to get what I really want, the Shure PGXD14/PG30 Digital Wireless System with PG30 headset mic! I move around so much on stage that it would really help to be able to be free from the microphone stand as well.

Final thoughts…

So yeah, I stick to that old saying of “less is more” pretty much with everything, song writing and playing included. I'm not a speedy player, and I don't play a lot of notes. I'd rather hang on to one note, bend it over and over again with all my heart, than to try to fit as many notes as I possibly can into a guitar solo. Besides that, listeners remember simple catchy stuff that sticks in their heads easy, something they can walk away humming. Now that I am singing it has added more gear to my list, so that is something I am adjusting to. Not used to being stuck at a microphone, but it 's fun too, in a different way. :D Leona X

www.leonaxrocks.com

Order in the Chaos Helpful Guitar Tip #13 - The Importance of Being an Expressive Lead Player.

Learning the right notes to play over a given chord structure is not enough!

I can recall sitting there, on my bed with my old Strat. I was learning a simple Major Scale at the time... you know the one...C Major... yeah, the one with no sharps or flats. Well, I was running the scale, doing the 3-note arpeggios in all 7 modes, fretting the chords in all modes, and then started getting down to it. After a few moments I started holding the notes a little longer. Then bending (to pitch and in key) some of the notes. Even pinching the notes and hearing how they related to the chords in the key of C Major. When it hit me...

"I know these scales, why the "F" am I not learning to be more expressive with the notes?"

Granted, this realization came to me when I was about 15, but none the less, it is an epiiphany something they can wrap their heads around, then MANY guitarists never become enlightened to. play some intense bits."

Of course, when I say "expressive", I am not That friend is Kirk McKim guitarist for The referring to waving your fingers over the fretboard Pat Travers Band. One of the most expressive playlike a Yngwie Wizard... or jumping up and down ers I've had the great fortune to share the stage like Pete Townsend. I'm talking more along the with. You see, that old man "got it"... and so does lines of David Gilmour. "What? You're DAFT, Kirk. man. Gilmour usually just stands there!"... yes, Quite often, when I go out to a club and lisyou're absolutely right. However, I'm not talking about stage antics, I'm talking about making your ten to another band play, I listen for quite a few things: the front man (can he own the stage, the notes SING, aren't I? audience, and SELL the band successfully?), the You betcha! drummer (is he in time, in the pocket, and groovThere are a number of pro players out there ing with his bassist?), the bassist (is he jiving with who understand this... which is why they are now the drummer? is he laying a solid enough founda"pros", but the vast majority of players do not tion to support the guitarist?)...and then, you grasp this fundamental truth that if you play with- guessed it...I check out the guitarist. Nine times out emotion, you might as well not play at all. In- out of ten, if I can play better than him, it doesn't terestingly enough, AS I WAS TYPING THIS really matter. But if he can sync with his band and BLOG, a friend of mine shared this nice morsel of play with EXPRESSION, then I'll listen to what a related incident with what I'm saying here... he's got to say. I don't care how simple it is, or how "Had an old dude yell at me on stage before complex...it doesn't matter. What matters is that he a lead break ‗make it count son‘! LoL ... I think takes the 30 or so seconds to tell me who he is. To making it sing is important, draw folks in with tell EVERYONE IN THE JOINT who he is. And,

in failing that, he's failed himself.

Guess what? I bet you felt something, didn't you?

Right in your loins! That's called a Vibrato on You have an instrument with six (or more) strings, and 21 to 24 frets... that makes up an aver- a Pinched Harmonic, with a Release Bend. Sounds age of about 150+ notes. Well, golly, that sure is a technical, but it isn't. But it IS stylistic, isn't it? bunch of notes...bet you didn't know that if your Incorporate tricks like this one into your guitar is set up proper and you have a halfway de- playing, you'll be surprised how many people will cent amp, you can get more than DOUBLE those notice you at your shows as they become more notes out of your guitar...possibly even triple. comfortable to you...let them make you a more exHow!? pressive player.

Harmonics, Pinch Harmonics, Bends, etc.

Got any tricks you'd like to share? I'd like to Learn them... they really can be your best friends. hear them.

They can make a blah phrase sound KILLER! Don't just run scales, they bore people's ears.

Brien DeChristopher Especially if you hit a wrong note out of key with Blogger/Musician the chord... ouch!

Harmonics: Lightly touching a string at a http://www.blogster.com/briendechristopher/ certain point on the neck while simultaneously plucking the note with your pick hand.

Pinch Harmonics: Fret a note while simultaneously plucking the note with your pick hand.

But, roll your thumb toward the edge of the pick so the meat of your thumb strikes the string along with the pick. This creates a "squeel" of the note, often a few octaves higher in pitch.

Bends: Fretting a note and while holding it out, bend it sharp (practice bending to pitch), or, alternately, if you have a "whammy bar", bend the note down flat with the bar. But stay in pitch if you can.

Reverse Bend: Just before you pick a note, fret it, and bend it sharp... strike the note with your picking hand, and slowly release the bend to come down in pitch.

Vibrato: Continually bending a fretted note (+) and (-) for any extended amount of time.

Let me give you a quick trick I like to use utilizing ALL FIVE tricks above AT THE SAME TIME!!!...

Try using the edge of your thumb on your picking hand to "pinch" the note you are playing, and bend that note up one whole step, while you are holding that note lightly TAP your index finger of your picking hand at a fret on that same string you are playing 7 frets higher on the neck. Now, lightly bend it (+) and (-) slowly for a few beats... and if you have a whammy bar, SINK IT!

House of Blues Anaheim, CA House of Blues hosted Queensryche to a sold out crowd. Special guest John Corabi opened the night performing acoustic versions of his greatest hits from his time with Motley Crue, The Scream, and Union. Todd La Torre, new lead singer of Queensryche, came out solid singing to “Queen of the Ryche”. Not holding back at all. Hitting all the high notes Geoff Tate can no longer get up to. He brings an entire new aura to Queensryche. Something that has been missing from Queensryche for a while. The 3 original members Michael, Eddie, and Scott played as if they were the same young men of early Queensryche; Parker brings a fresh new sound and Todd hits it hard with his amazing voice. Todd has the variation in his vocals that creates a perfect harmony to the old songs and an incredible new sound to the latest

Queensryche songs. As the new front man for Queensryche he certainly holds his own, making it his own. Not following in the old shoes of yesterday but creating his own way making Queensryche a master in the world of rock. Michael Wilton still has his amazing way working his guitar, creating the sounds that echo through our ears and tantalize our senses. His solos were mesmerizing. The audience cheered him on, wanting more. Even though they played a full set it seemed to go by rather quick. Maybe because it was such an anticipated show with many wanting to see what Todd was going to bring to Queensryche. We will be looking forward to more from Queensryche as they certainly have many more years of great music to come.

Kathleen Clarkson

The music scene in Sin City has been a little quiet in the short month of February but the local boys and girls aren‘t showing any signs of cabin fever just yet.

Jay Cee and the new lineup from ‗Bluff Control‘, took the revamped show out to the infamous Back Stop in Boulder City for back-to-back nights of rockin‘ classics and didn‘t disappoint. Be sure to go check out this new lineup in March at the Tuscany and Club Fortune Casino. ‗Smashing Alice‘ (pictured, upper right) took to the newest club on the east side of Vegas, BB‘s Clubhouse. Formerly a country club, BB‘s has the potential to be a player on the east side, if it‘s done right. The S.A. boys gave their sound system a run for it‘s money in front of a solid crowd. Time will tell if this club does things right.

Vegas favorites ‗Blackbox 13‘ took the Vamp‘d stage on a rare Thursday night, opening for the legendary George Lynch and the ‗Lynch Mob‘.

It seems ‗Yellow Brick Road‘ has found their way back to Boulder Station, where they use to rock to a full house each and every weekend.

They are back there Fridays at 10pm, as well as Thursdays on Fremont Street and Saturdays at Texas Station.

Local favorite Bud Mickle, who has seems to play in every single bar in Las Vegas, keeps the songs coming and entertained the crowd at Cheer‘s Bar for a few sets of Classics. Bud also has the crowd singing along regularly at the oldest bar in Nevada, down in Goodsprings, the Pioneer Saloon as well as Tommy Rocker‘s Southside Grill.

The boys from Systemec will have the spotlights on them at Vamp‘d on the 28th, opening up for one of the most successful bands from Las Vegas, Adelita‘s Way. This will no doubt be a SoldOut show.

Some big shows happening in the coming months, stay tuned…

KL

Ernie and the „SICOCIS‟ boys took to the LVCS stage with a house full of bands and rocked it down. SICOSIS also released their latest single, Symphonic Metal; info can be found on their Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/sicocislv

The ‗Hit-N-Run All Stars‘ dusted things off and put on a hell of a weekend run at Hennessey‘s down on Fremont Street. Renee and the boys brought the place alive showed the tourists on Fremont Street how we do things here in Vegas.

Vegas Legend Stoney Curtis celebrated his Birthday with a rockin‘ performance by ‗Lust of KISS‘ at Vamp‘d with special guests ‗CYANIDE‘ (inset). Every musician in Vegas that wasn‘t playing was in the house for this show.

On the whole, motorcycle owners put more have to mount the bike to a sturdy pole or clamp love and care into their machines than do owners mounted in concrete. If the bike isn't mounted to a of cars or trucks. That "love and care" directly stationary object, a thief could just pack up your translates into hundreds of dollars spent on cus- bike in a truck and drive away. tomizations and maintenance. Sadly, between 30,000 to 50,000 bikes are stolen each year in the Electronic Alarms United States alone (based on theft rates from 2000 Most modern bikes (larger than a scooter) through 2005). And to think, many of these thefts have some form of factory immobilization that precould have been prevented with a little common vents casual theft, but such immobilizers alone sense and security. won't stop a determined thief. It's therefore best to consider an electronic security system, often called Common Sense an "alarm." A good alarm system does more than This should go without saying, but don't just make noise, it has circuitry that prevents false leave the keys in the ignition or the motor running triggers, adds secondary points of immobilization, when you're not on the bike! Never leave your bike and sounds a loud siren only when a threat against in a dimly lit, hard to see location. Put the bike in your bike is real. Some have digital tilt sensors, your locked garage when you are at home. shock sensors and other sensors that trip the system into action. One excellent electronic alarm from Japan is the CYCLONE 866F: www.kiramek.com. The Japanese manufacturer of Cyclone also offers a 1-way paging system that instantly alerts you when a threat occurs. The system is also claimed to be very low-power, eliminating worry of your battery being drained.

Two-way Paging Alarms Over the last 3 years, some electronic alarms have begun to include 2-way pagers. These systems allow you to both control the alarm and receive notification of threats. Unfortunately, battery life for many of these two-way pagers is limited to about 1 month, and the pagers themselves can be easily broken by a simple fall from your pants pocket.

Two-way systems also may drain a bike's battery Locks and Chains quickly unless you ride it daily. Even so, for some One item every bike owner should purchase people the convenience aspect may outweigh the is a thick U-lock or chain that can be easily spotted negatives for some bike owners. by anyone, day or night. This is a must- have, unless its so big that it's impossible to tote around Tracking Systems with you. Simply wrapping your chain through a As of 2005, some companies have come out wheel and your bike frame is not enough -- you with GPS tracking systems for bikes that allow a

stolen bike to be traced. While tracking systems do bad taste in the mouth of the average bike owner. have merits over other types of security, there are Think about how much you already pay per month three important downsides that must be consid- (phone bill, mobile phone, internet, etc.) and you ered: (1) battery drain on the bike, (2) service area can see why tacking on another subscription is cost (tracking) coverage, and (3) monthly cost. prohibitive.

LoJack is one tracking system manufacturer who does not charge any monthly fees, but their least expensive bike system runs $595 and traceability is limited to the coverage area of wireless towers installed by LoJack and some police stations. Once your LoJack "protected" vehicle exits the coverage area, its off the map and not traceable. Of course, LoJack will refund the price of the product, but that refund doesn't replace your bike.

Nor does that refund cover any special installation fees you might have paid or any insurance deductible you might have.

Conclusion Use a layered approach to security. Common sense dictates that you put your bike in a location that is not an obvious target for thieves. You'll then need a chain or U-lock to prevent casual theft.

And lastly, even if your bike has a factory immobiMost tracking systems require you to pay lizer, the addition of an electronic alarm or tracknot only for the product itself but also each and ing system will act as a significant deterrent to every month to keep the "service contract" alive. theft.

By James Wages (reprinted from WhyBike.com) The long term cost of tracking systems may leave a