2017 August

AUGUST 2017

THE Lifestyle Magazine for Custom Vehicle & Music Enthusiasts

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Xandria is a Symphonic Metal band crossing metal and atmospheric soundscapes from Bielefeld, Germany.

They were in Vegas recently on their first North American headlining tour and we had the honor to not only do an exclusive interview with vocalist Dianne, but to see their show which was phenomenal. Make sure to see them when they come to your town! p. 12

Contents...

Memorial: In Memory Of Chris Cornell

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Las Vegas Local Musicians Come Together: Paying Tribute To Chris Cornell

6

Exclusive Interview: Catching Up With Kobra of Kobra & The Lotus

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Jamie Paullus Jamie Paullus continues to WOW our readers with the BEST Spokane has to offer - this month: he brings us Chris Cornell in tribute..

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Breaking News: Phil Varone Coming Back To The Airwaves

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Order in the Chaos: What’s The Best Fuzz Pedal Out There?

HAIR TRIGGER: a Comic from Anthony Hitaffer

CV WorldWide Magazine

Locally Owned / Nationally Known

34 Sherry Keith Mystic Photography con36 tinues her up close and personal view into the Vegas music scene with Xandria...

Page 22

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Chris Cornell (July 20, 1964 – May 18, 2017) On May 18th, 2017 a black day fell upon Seattle.

Our Needle went and tens of thousands (if not millions) of people lamented his passing with tears and social network posts about how much he meant to them and how much they will miss him. Calls for the radio stations around Seattle to put on some sort of benefit show were lifted. Cover bands and touring acts all got out there and performed at least one of his songs… or tried to.

The responses to his death confounded my newsfeed to an almost continuous string of comments, links, posts, videos, memes, photographs, and lyrics.

For myself, when I was told of his passing I really didn’t understand what I was being told, my mind didn’t accept it at first. It was early and I hadn’t had my coffee yet. I had just stumbled downstairs for a cup of “Joe” when my girl says to me dryly, “I have some news… and it isn’t good.”

of the crater on Mt St Helens with his passing.

Not just because he helped to pioneer an entire genre of music that helped sculpt Seattle as the grunge capitol of the world; but because from all accounts, he was a really great guy with an amazing sense of humor with a dry, somewhat facetious and sardonic twist (just like mine). He enjoyed meeting and was good to his fans, he was well respected by his peers, and he had a terrific family that believed in him and supported him as he sang his songs throughout the globe.

Now, I am not an overly sentimental man, nor one who is given over to fantastic displays of grief over anyone. I have lost family members, friends, idols, and those that I have admired, but for some reason THIS passing affected me differently than most. I have lived long enough to lament the passing of countless celebrities over the years (Elvis, two of the Beatles, Prince, Gary Moore, Randy Rhoads, etc.), but none have touched me on a level that this man’s passing did. And, I think the reason why, is that while I respected and admired a great many of the talented artists who have died He was a Philanthropist that gave much back to during my lifetime, none of them brought such a the world and in 2012 created a charity known as raw, unfettered, natural-born talent to bear on the Chris and Vicky Cornell Foundation that fotheir audience like this gentleman did. And, for cuses on the homeless, poor, and abused and/or this man, I have to admit that I teared-up and neglected children. He had a history with the people of Seattle and Portland and is said to have found it difficult to talk upon hearing the news. made friends pretty much everywhere he went.

As a matter of fact, with all of the high-level ceChris Cornell was a talent that is rarely available lebrity musicians that I work with, it is told that to this world. And one that left an impact the size his humility and “coolness factor” amongst them

made him stand feet above most, not just inches (I say this as a testimony to his tall stature as well as his height in character).

The first time I saw Chris was on the television. I had just come home from a crappy day at a hot shoe warehouse in Florida. I walked in the front door, walked past my half-comatose room-mate eating Fruit Loops straight from the box with one hand, whilst loosely clutching a tilting bong in the other… he was balancing the TV remote on a bouncing knee that was lazily attempting to keep up with the beat of “Jesus Christ Pose”. I stopped and looked at the screen not due to any particular reason other than that the voice coming out of that single, 4”, Zenith speaker was downright, damned amazing. It was so enigmatically refreshing, powerful, edgy, and new to me that I couldn’t help but stop and give it my full attention.

And when I turned and looked at the screen, what I saw was a young man with killer hair, rocker looks with an almost Spanish-style facial display. He was down on his knees in the sand with his arms thrown out. His head was tilted back and the guy sang so hard he must have lost his shirt somewhere out in that desert. Thank goodness he still had on his board shorts and Doc Marten’s.

I grew up around all the Death Metal bands around the Bay Area of Tampa, Florida and played gigs alongside a good many, I thought I had seen metal. I stood corrected. THIS guy was metal. Yet, he was singing a style that allowed his voice to sit right on top of the mix instead of getting crowded out by guitars and the typical loudcapture/over-compressed recording and mixing methods that I feel has ruined most rock recordings produced over the past thirty or so years.

Pretty much the reason I stepped back from listening to the radio for almost as many years. But the times I did listen to the local rock station, they were spinning Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Alice In Chains, and Soundgarden. And, while I never took to the first two, the second two were a different story because I felt they did a better job of bridging the gap between grunge and metal.

Anyway, I had the lucky opportunity to catch them on the tour with Guns n’ Roses back in the 90s with my Girl. And, while we were none too impressed due to various reasons, they gave it what they had. And that deserves respect. A few years later saw us relocating out to the Seattle area. The grunge scene had passed, but the impact it had made on the home turf was still quite evident. And we got re-introduced to Soundgarden through a friend. And we got sucked all the way in and acquired legal copies of all of their material I could find.

One night at Cedars Mediterranean Restaurant, I swear we ran into him. He was sitting with his wife eating dinner. He looked over when I glanced his direction and smiled. His eyes as clear and bright as the Caribbean Sea. When he got up to leave, he smiled again and nodded. Then left. My girl swears it wasn’t him, but I beg to differ.

As it is, Chris Cornell leaves behind an entire city who loves him. He leaves behind a family, a musical legacy so we shall not forget him, and a hole the size of a Black Hole Sun… right where our hearts used to be.

It is said that Chris suffered throughout his life from various addictions and depression. More so, that he used drugs as an escape for his depression.

But, he never let his addictions define him. He fought them. And in his words he said that the key to beating them was “realizing that being sober was better.” Those are very strong words. And words that he evidently tried to maintain in his own life for many years.

There have been conflicting stories told in the news that, quite frankly, do him and his family a huge disservice with the speculation and judgmental attitude surrounding his death, so I will not get into details of his passing, nor will I give my opinions on what took place the evening of May 17th.

All I know is that that evening in Detroit, Chris’ passing broke Seattle’s heart.

In closing, I will say this. After researching a little about Chris for this memorial article, I find that the parallels in his and my own personal lives (to an extent, as I have never been addicted to heroine) would indicate that I would have very much enjoyed knowing him. And, if that had been the case, perhaps things may have ended differently for such an interesting man.

God Bless you, Chris, and may you find peace in your time of rest.

Your lifelong fan and fellow Seattle-ite, Brien DeChristopher Musician/Owner of Sic•Skinz Custom Drum Wraps https://www.facebook.com/brien.dechristopher? fref=nf http://www.sicskinz.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/btomassetti1

Photos Courtesy of Jamie Paullus Pure Sin Photography

On June 16th local musicians from all over Las Vegas came together at Adrenaline Sports Bar And Grill to help pay tribute to the late Chris Cornell by featuring the music of this amazing artist.

The show included a Raffle with amazing prizes including a Guitar from ESP Guitars, Framed Prints from Scary Monsters Music, Gift Certificate from Pussykat Tattoo Parlor and much more! All raffle proceeds went to the Nevada Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

On the following pages you will see the event line up and photo's of the event.

Huge thank-you to Jason Constantine for all his hard work in putting this event together! Everyone involved did a great job and it was an amazing night with an amazing turnout!

<CV> Let's start off with introducing the band and their roles <DIANNE> Dianne on Vocals, Philip on guitar, Gerit on drums, Marco on guitars and Steven on bass who unfortunately is replaced tonight because he couldn’t make the end of the tour. <CV> Oh no, I hope everything is all right. <DIANNE> Oh yes, it just was not working out schedule wise. <CV> You formed in 1997 Germany is that right? <DIANNE> There was a group formed in 1997 where Marco was in it, it was his first attempt to form his own music group. It did not work out and then he formed this project in 2000 and it became more and more of a band . Then in 2003 was when our first debut album came out. <CV> Now, you just released a new album “Theater Of Dimensions” that came out January of this year. What can you tell us about this album and how is it being received? <DIANNE> Of course I am obliged to say this is our very best album, but I truly believe that it is.

This album just fit together like a puzzle. It is very well stitched together and the album is very transparent. Especially the instruments, they are in harmony with one another. No one was in each other’s way. Apart from that the compositions have grown and matured and in this one vocally I have made a big contribution.

For example we changed keys a lot to help my voice benefit and put it in a position where it could really shine. I also think sound wise it changed a lot. Philip mentioned that now the guitars are much lower and I’ve read that people really dig that because the sound is more heavy now.

<CV> In speaking with Floor of Nighwish and Kobra, they have told me they had professional training when they were younger. Have you had that as well? <DIANNE> Yes! I studied for seven years at The Observatory. Four years for my Bachelors and three years for my Master. I also took some extra courses as well. I also had singing lessons for 25 years. <CV> Wow! <DIANNE> So I think that’s a yes. *everyone laughing* <CV> Very dedicated!

<CV> How old were you when you started singing and at what age did you know that this is what you wanted to do? <DIANNE> I was four! At that age I actually wanted to train Dolphins. *laughing* Or become a singer, but there was no aquarium nearby so I started singing. <CV> I also read that Napalm Records premiered its fourth DVD Compilation of their finest metal and rock hymns that you were featured on. Tell us about that! <DIANNE> Yes! I believe it’s “Nightfall” that is on there. We were on tour when that was shared so I have not had a chance to totally dive into that, but I do know that we are featured. <CV> That had to have been a very proud moment. <DIANNE> Of course, it really is! <CV> Give us some insight on the song and music writing process; is it a joined effort or does one person do all the writing? <DIANNE> A bit of both. We go into the studio in the Netherlands. We work together with our producer and co-writer Joost van den Broek. For this album we have written with Joost, Marco, Philip and me. Gerit joins in via internet and gives feedback on his instrument and that’s how it all comes together. <CV> Tell us about the recording process, anything you like or dislike?

of and know where I don’t want to go and he will make me go there for the end result. <CV> He knows you are capable of doing that. <DIANNE> He does, yes. In the end when I listen back to it I think, oh wow, is that me? <CV> Then you are like, oh wow he was right! <DIANNE> Yea! Although sometimes it’s hard to translate it to stage because it takes a different approach.

<DIANNE> I like it because it’s very safe and <CV> What is the motivation behind the songs your write? Do any of them speak to you on a confined. It’s a small space and it’s only me and personal level and if so why? the producer and I like that. It’s a small space, a very sealed are and no one can hear your mis- <DIANNE> Well first comes the song then takes. Which should be there because if you’re comes the lyrics and for lyrics yes, it does speak not willing to step outside of the box the result on a personal level. For this album it has been could maybe be a bit lame. That can also be the 50/50. 50% of the lyrics were written by Marco hard part because Joost, who produced us, will try and the other half by me. Just to talk about my to get me out of my comfort zone and I studied lyrics, they are all about personal or issues or my voice for so long that it’s pretty boxed in what vengeance or things that I have gone through. For I can do in a good way. I know what I am capable example, our single “ Call Of Destiny” is about

me going to study the voice. Making it through music school and sticking to my goal. There are so many people out there now days that think that it just has to happen for them without actually making an investment. The world just doesn’t work like that. <CV> Well said! There are a lot of people I find that just hold their hand out and want it given to them. It’s not supposed to be that way. <DIANNE> Yes. You can obviously get lucky, but that is something else. You are not going to be in luck your whole life. <CV> Some people sadly don’t want to work that hard at it. To me, if it’s that important to you, you are going to work hard and do what you need do. <DIANE> Yes that is true. <CV> Tell us about the music industry today and where you think "Xandria" fits in? <DIANNE> A lot of people compare us to Nightwish, the older Nightwish when Tarja was still there. I don’t think it’s something that insults us. It’s more of you could compare a classical composer to Mozart because they sound similar, but it does not make them Mozart. It just means they are in the same style. I don’t know exactly where we fit in but that is a little bit of the label we have received. It’s not a bad thing.

<CV> How do you feel about music download sales, would you prefer a return to CD's and Vinyl? Although vinyl is making a comeback. <DIANNE> I am a big fan of them yes! Actually what I do is, I love streaming. What is the green thing called? <CV> Spotify? <DIANNE> Thank-you *laughing*

<CV> What are your thoughts on the use and necessity of Social Media?

<CV> Your welcome, that was cute. The green thing. *laughing*

<DIANNE> I like it. It gives you a chance to connect with fans also off stage.

<DIANNE> *laughing* I just see the round thing.

<CV> Very true.

<CV> I hear a lot of artists complain who has their music on there. They say it’s ripping them off, or they only get 99 cents or some people don’t get anything.

<DIANE> Yes. Then if I need a private moment I just shut my phone off. <CV> *laughing* That of course works. It’s also a good way of promoting. <DIANNE> For sure! It brings out so many possibilities to travel the world before you even literally travel the world.

<DIANNE> Yes. You know what I do? I listen a lot to Spotify and I like the playlists because it brings me to music I never would have searched for. Then when I like something I go out and buy it. Mostly on Vinyl. <CV> I need to invest in a record player. I re-

member when Def Leppard came out in the 80’s and I had the Hysteria album on Vinyl. Of course I can’t find any of that stuff now, but could you imagine what that would be like now? <DIANNE> Oh yes. <CV> From what I understand, this is your first NW headlining tour is that right? How did that make you feel? <DIANNE> Yes! We are so happy with the outcome so many people visiting and so many happy faces. <CV> Tell us about some of the shows you have played so far, do you have a favorite place to play and why? <DIANNE> *laughing*

Nooooo,

that’s

really

mean.

<CV> *laughing* Nooo, some people like to play overseas more and some like to play the states more. <DIANNE> Every show is different. I don’t have a favorite show. Of course when you get to play 70,000 Tons Of Metal, that’s pretty nice. <CV> I’m gonna make it to one of those shows one of these years. *laughing* <DIANE> You have to! We have been there twice and it has been just such a wow experience. <CV> How is the tour going so far? <DIANNE> What I really like is the package that we have. The singer of Kobra And the Lotus is really nothing but the other singers….. *everyone laughing as Kobra is in the back of tour bus and sticks her head out to stick her tongue out at us laughing*

<CV> Oh yes, I totally agree with you. I think it’s great! Like I said earlier I adore Kobra. <DIANNE> It is very hard not to adore Kobra. <CV> I know right? Even though she’s hiding in the bathroom. *laughing* <DIANNE> Yes *laughing* <CV> Do you guys have a ritual at all before you play a show? <DIANNE> No, but we do have a certain yell we do together. We bump fists and do a yell.

It’s a silly thing. <CV> No, it’s not silly at all.

<DIANNE> It’s the same thing I did in Volley <DIANNE> No, we really do have wonderful Ball when growing up. *all of us laughing* It people on the bus. We have two AWSOME sing- always reminds me when we would go to the ers in the bands that play before us which are matches.

“Once Human” and of course “Kobra And The Lotus.” We are really happy about that because <CV> I have not played Volley Ball since I was in it’s a very colorful package. There are three very Junior High. That was the only sport I was good different and unique bands on stage when we roll at. Softball, forget it. No one would pick me. *laughing* into town.

<DIANE> *laughing* Volley Ball is nice though, my whole family does it. <CV> Are your families supportive of your career? <DIANNE> Yes, very much. They have always been. I can’t think of a single moment when they said I should study something else. <CV> That’s good to have the support of your family. <DIANNE> Yes it is. <CV> Any funny stories to tell from tour life? <DIANNE> This is a hard question and it pops up a lot of times. *laughing* I think the only thing I can say is that when you cross the border you sometimes have to get out. If it’s in the middle of the night I just simply don’t care. I will go out in my pajamas and in my flip flops and hand them my passport. I was asleep. *laughing*

www.facebook.com/preciousmetaljewelry/ <CV> Musically who do you like to listen to? <DIANE> Actually it’s funny because I was just talking to Kobra about that. We both listen to a lot of non-symphonic metal because we hear it so often. For me personally I studied classical music so I listen to a lot of classical., it soothes me.

<CV> It’s relaxing. <CV> What can fans expect to see at a "Xandria" <DIANNE> Yea! Also a little bit of the Alternashow? tive singer and songwriter, but this is what I real<DIANNE> What I hear a lot of people say and ly like because it’s much more intimate. With litwhat I also believe is how a show should be like, tler instruments the voice sounds so much warmis that we engage the audience in a really high er and I like to enjoy the subtleness that some level. We really want everyone to have a good voices can have. For me then I can really dive time. We really ask that people do not join on into a song. stage obviously but to join in the party. So there are a lot of moments that we share together.

Clapping a long and jumping along and even we <CV> What advice would you give a band just jump on stage. I feel when you share movements starting out? like this, the band and the crowd become one. <DIANNE> Keep on going, don’t give up.

That’s the easiest thing to do, things don’t come <CV> What do you like to do in your down easy, you have to invest and keep on going. time? <DIANNE> Actually, I like to create jewelry. I <CV> What is your favorite thing about being create them from guitar strings, bass strings and on stage? What motivates you to do what you even cymbals. I create them here on the tour bus do? and then I sell them on the merch table. <DIANNE> Interaction with people. The grate<CV> I just might have to go shopping. fulness that I receive, people are so thankful. I *laughing* get to give them something onstage but also off <DIANNE> Oh yes. My brand is called Pre- stage. With the music that we make, the songs cious Metal and can be seen here: https:// with the lyrics that I sing. Sometimes you can’t

imagine the support that it gives to someone.

That’s really nice. <CV> I just want to tell you, that is the best answer anyone has given me when I have asked that question. I could not agree with you more. Not to long ago I was speaking with a good friend of mine who is also a vocalist and he was going through a rough time, and I happened to ask him about upcoming shows. He told me it’s not a big show, but I have this one coming up. I told him he needed to stop and think about what he just said. I told him he had an amazing gift and he gets to share that with people. <DIANNE> Yes, yes <CV> Like you just said, people who are going through a rough time, you don’t know what that is doing for people. I know for me, there have been bands and songs that have gotten me through some very rough times and snaps me out of whatever it is that I am going through. <DIANNE> Precisely! <CV> What does "Xandria" have planned for 2017? Any tours or projects in the works? <DIANNE> When we return the summer season starts which we will like very much. We are playing Metal Days, Summer Breeze, a lot of festivals but those may the ones people know of over here.

I also have a progressive metal band called Ex Libris in the Netherlands. We are going back into the writing process. We have come up with a very cool concept that we are working on now. <CV> Awsome! I will have to keep any eye out for that. <DIANNE> Yes please! <CV> What would you like to say to your fans and our readers? <DIANNE> Just my everlasting gratitude. I’m very thankful for all the support we have been given.

Announces Second Leg of North American Tour & Unveil New Lyric Video "Queen Of Hearts Reborn"!

Napalm Records recording artists Xandria are set Kobra and the Lotus are on the road in support of to return to the road this fall in North America their Napalm Records debut Prevail I. Prevail I is alongside label-mates Kobra and the Lotus. Also a rock juggernaut full of blistering guitars, poundcoming along for the ride is September Mourning. ing rhythms and haunting vocal melodies that The tour is set to kick off September 29th in Buf- take the listener on a sonic journey leading them falo, NY and will run through October 21st in At- out from the darkness and into the light! Stay lanta, GA. A complete list of dates can be found tuned for more information on the follow-up albelow. But not enough of good news! bum Prevail II next year!

Just in time for the upcoming Xandria tour, the band unveiled a brand new lyric video for the track "Queen Of Hearts Reborn" off of their latest effort Theater of Dimensions! ( https:// youtu.be/D-NpB1JeMSI ) Xandria are touring in support of their latest release and seventh studio album Theater of Dimensions. The album is a hyper-emotional affair that digs deep, lyrically speaking. It's also an incredibly metallic effort. There is a soundtracklike, orchestral finesse inherent to the compositions, echoed by pounding groove and sophisticated shredding.

Steven Wussow, bass guitar in Xandria on the upcoming tour: "What would be more fitting after the great success of our 1st North American Headlining run in may than doing a 2nd stretch in October?

Right...nothing! Well, except doing another one with our buddies from Kobra and the Lotus! Hell Yeah!! So many cities we haven't rocked so far!

Well here we go again! Get your tickets NOW! Because THIS Is going to be AWESOME!"

<CV>I can’t believe it’s been since October of 2015 since I saw you last! <KOBRA> I know. <CV> I remember the first time I saw you was because my friend Nicki told me I needed to come and see you at LVCS in 2013 because I was just going to love you guys. After the show I remember walking up to you and telling you that you guys were amazing and I that I was going to interview you the next time you came back. Then in October you came back and we did. <KOBRA> Yes we did! <CV> Best interview ever, I had a great time! <KOBRA> Aww, thank-you. <CV> So, I notice there is a little change in the lineup. So reintroduce everybody. <KOBRA> Jasio Kulakowski on guitar, that’s the same. Brad Kennedy on bass, and Marcus Lee on drums. That is something that is not going to be changing. We did that new album together. We do have Joey Concepcion on tour with us from Armageddon. He is just filling in with us for the tour. We are going to have several guitarists this year unfortunately because it’s not easy to nail someone down. Everyone is working in different places and we’re getting really sick of trying to find a player that is going to commit. <CV> Yea, cuz everyone has their different projects going on.

<CV> So when did this tour officially start for you and how long are you on the road for? <KOBRA> May 9th in New York City. *group answer and everyone laughing* <CV> I have to bring this up. I know you just played in my hometown of Seattle at Studio 7.

How did my music family treat ya guys? How was the show? <KOBRA> It was fun, really fun! I think that was the third time we were in Studio 7.

<KOBRA> Yea. We had a commitment from Jake Dreyer to do the album and then tour the al<CV> I always loved shooting there. bum and then he was asked by Iced Earth. So <Kobra> It was a really fun crowd and it was also there are some things that are out of our hands. really sweaty and hot. I like that. *laughing*

<CV> Oh yes, it definitely gets hot in there. *laughing* <KOBRA> Plus the city is gorgeous. I ran in in the morning, I have to say it’s one of my favorite city’s visually and just the culture that’s there. I love the community there, it reminds me of Vancouver. <CV> I do miss it. My friends keep telling me I should come home. I’m caught on that one. <KOBRA> Yea, this is a big shift. Like a massive shift. <CV> The heat, the people. <KOBRA> Everything I would imagine is different. <CV> Yes it is. <CV> Ok, so I saw a picture on your fb recently that made me laugh. Who is “Emmy The Metal Dragon.” So adorable! Tell us about her! Lol <KOBRA> *laughing* OMG That was so bad ass! <CV> I saw this picture and it didn’t have any explanations so I was like, I have to ask her about this. *laughing* <KOBRA> It was so cool! Two people who have supported us pretty much from the beginning, they are unbelievable. They fly around and they hand paint the banners for every new album art.

They come, they just show up at the shows holding it up as a couple. Their names are Joe and Amanda. So along with the banners this year, Prevail was not done because it’s “extremely” detailed and will probably take them three months. *everyone laughing* They made a coffee table this time with Indonesian wood with hand carved Cobras on each side and a lotus underneath the glass with all of our signatures. Then they brought Emmy The Dragon this time. It was a dragon wearing a little metal patch vest of all of our little album covers. They were material patches and they were like micro and in the back there was a picture of the band and they got us to sign it. It was so cute! <CV> I know, I saw that and I was like that is so

adorable! NO explanation so I have to ask. *laughing* <CV> I see that you will be playing Skull Fest in Belgium on June 10th! Way cool! Tell us about that. I’ve actually never heard of this festival. <KOBRA> Neither have we. *everyone laughing* <CV> Then you go to Chaos IN The Midwest on June 17th. That is one I have never heard of actually. What can you tell us about that show and some of who you will be playing with. <KOBRA> Also brand new for us. The crowd cheers DMX. * everyone laughing* <CV> So how did those two shows come about? One in the states and then one overseas in 7 days.

<KOBRA> Yea. The metal festival in Europe came about just because it’s time for us to start getting back into festivals. It’s been since 2012 since we really played any festivals in Europe again. These ones are all new to us, every single one of them. We haven’t played before Metal Days, I think that one is in Slovakia. Something else metal in Sylvania, Heavy Metal Fest in Sweden, and Skull Fest in Belgium and those are brand new. The one in the states is really new.

It’s because we one track “You Don’t Know” that’s gone to Hard Rock Radio that has gone to some parts of North America. That’s something this band has not experienced. We haven’t had music that’s proper for that like that would be popular enough to go on those stations and we are getting spun a lot in those areas so the festival asked for us. I’m really excited about it! It’s going to be interesting to see because still most of our set is predominantly straight up heavy metal. *everyone laughing* <CV> Now let’s talk about your Double album that you are working on with producer Jacob Hansen in Denmark. I understand the double album was your father’s idea? <KOBRA> Yea, initially it was just like a throw away comment like over a year and a half ago.

He said, I was listening to a podcast with Bruce Dickenson and he said your generation doesn’t do this enough anymore and why don’t they do that. Then he said why don’t you do it? I told him because that’s nuts! That’s so much quality, what if the quality gets sacrificed for quantity.

That was a big fear. However, I am such an ambitious person that when someone gets something under my skin and they tell me it’s a possibility and I know it’s a possibility and I was the only one who chose not to do it, I can’t. So a week later I told all the guys that we were writing two albums. *laughing* <CV> *laughing* What was their reaction to that? <KOBRA> Well, not anything really with words.

Marcus was just Marcus like very calm and Jasio because we write so much together he was like ahhhhh I don’t know. I thought maybe it was

kind of nuts, like it wasn’t a good idea, but then they all got on board and we went in and did it. <CV> I think that’s awesome! <CV> Tell us about how you got involved with Napalm Records. <KOBRA> Napalm has actually been asking to be a part of our journey for years now. Every album after “The Pit” they were there. Come to Napalm. I kept choosing another path and thank-god for them because they took us on this time. With a double record already written, they took both. That was huge! I have to say that’s the best team I have ever worked with!

They are working their butts off for us. <CV> Tell us about Prevail One. When did that come out again? <KOBRA> May 12th actually. It was three days into our tour when we were in Montreal.

<CV> So give us some insight on that album and how is it being received so far. <KOBRA> So far it’s the most positive reception we have had in the history of Kobra And The Lotus. It’s actually gotten us a little further in some places and it’s just started. We haven’t even had that album out for a whole month yet. We have been getting a bigger attraction on Spotify and youtube, radio is playing our music for the first time ever on Active Rock Billboard which we never thought we would get the opportunity for.

In general it’s just shifting things a little bit for us.

We can see it happening at the shows. A lot of these places we are going back to, we have been there 5 or 6 times. It’s crazy because we are still brand new to so many people and it’s like this is how organic this is. It’s our fourth record and after the end of this year it will be my 9th year since founding the band. That history is not relevant to when you start to get discovered by more people, especially with metal. <CV> Absolutely. <CV> I have to say, I love “You Don’t Know” it is my favorite. I did some reading about that <KOBRA> Napalm has been strategizing these song, but for those who don’t know. Tell us what releases, we didn’t know how long this one was going to take, it got bumped twice. I’m not upset that song is about. about it because we put so much effort into these <KOBRA> That’s awesome! That song is just albums that I don’t want it rushed. Once it’s out, purely written to be an anthem for any human it’s out for the rest of time. You can’t take it back. going through struggles and for feeling like they So I’m just happy that they are doing that. I think can’t be fully understood for what they are going that in 8-10 months we are going to release Prethrough or why they are the way they are. I feel vail 2. They haven’t even started discussing it yet like that a lot and I think everyone does. It’s imbecause they are still running Prevail 1 stuff. We possible to actually know and then have compashaven’t even gotten all the pledge stuff fulfilled sion all the time as well for what’s going on for yet. That was a ton of work. other people too. That song was written to take away and be your own thing, you know? It’s a <CV> I can imagine. very honest song. <KOBRA> Prevail 2 I going to be completely <CV> Yes, because I heard it and it just hit me. I different songs but it’s still going to be all about was like, I have to play this again. I played it a the human experience. It’s more very honest couple times and I was doing some research for truthful lyrics and it has the same amount of new your questions and reading different things you evolutionary sound for us mixed in. We tried to had said and I was like oh yea, that’s why I like bring everything we love to do to also make these albums something more that represented the genthat song. eration that we come from because I was getting <CV> Tell us about Prevail 2. What direction is really tired of people saying we were old school that going and what are your plans for its release?

heavy metal. I love old school heavy metal, I love heavy metal. I don’t want to be Doro Pesche number 2. I want to be Kobra And The Lotus.

We were trying really hard with Jacob to figure out what that was the first couple of weeks that we were there. So I would say Prevail 2 is the same mix of really hard rock songs and also heavy metal songs and then there are some that have that new sound like “Trigger Pulse” and “Gotham”. So that’s what you can expect, and also there will be a cover that no one will be expecting, but it’s one of my most favorite bands in the world and it’s going to be really cool because I don’t think anyone will recognize it when they hear it. <CV> Ok, now you really have my curiosity up!

I’m going to really have to be watching for when this is coming. <KOBRA> *laughing* It’s a knock to North American History actually. I picked something that people aren’t so familiar around the world with, but I think it’s so important to North American classic rock. <CV> Nice! I still love the Black Velvet thing you did. <KOBRA> Thank-you <CV> I think I told you last time we talked that I totally did not expect that out of you. <KOBRA> Oh yea *laughing* <CV> I was like she’s being all soft and sexy and I was like whoa! I still love that dress! <KOBRA> Well thank-you *laughing* <CV> I did see that you toured with and performed with Kamelot. How did that come about and how was that experience?

but it wasn’t not me. It was interesting because I did not know that was a part of myself. After that tour I was way more confident with my femininity in metal, because before that point I was always trying to cover my curves because I was scared of not being taken seriously. After that, I don’t do that anymore. I’ve found ways to that are authentic to myself to show off that I’m a woman and I love that. So it was interesting what came out of that. <CV> How did you hook up with Xandria for this tour? Had you toured together before? How did this come about?

<KOBRA> It was amazing! I got asked by Thomas after the tour with them that we support- <KOBRA> I think for direct support we are an ed in 2015. They needed a female vocalist because appropriate size to support them. We are also Nathey did not have one lined up. So they asked me palm partners as well. So that happened and then to do the part so I did. I did that tour with them . “Once Human” I think that was a Revolver thing actually because she is on the cover of Revolver, <CV> I can only imagine how great that was.

Lauren Hart. They said this was a great idea for a <KOBRA> You know what, it was amazing. It package and it’s three diverse bands that are female fronted who sing very differently and strongwas something really new and different for me,

ly. It’s been so cool, I freakin have loved this tour.

I just think the diversity and strength is so rad.

The bands are good people, there has not been any drama on this tour. Not that there is always drama on a tour but some tours have been less easy than others. This one has just been so easy. <CV> I know I have asked you this before but is there any funny stories from this tour so far? Like falling into a ditch? Do you remember telling me that? *laughing* <KOBRA> Yea I do. *laughing* <CV> *laughing* I was dying! The weird woman on your bus. <KOBRA> *laughing* Yea that was terrible.

Pat *we are totally dying of laughter* I will never forget her name. From this tour. It’s actually been a really good tour. It’s probably because Xandria is on the bus with us because otherwise the trailer would probably be driving beside us at some point. That’s our luck. Every time we are on the road on our own bus, the trailer is driving beside us down the side of the highway eventually. <CV> OMG. *laughing* How did that happen? <KOBRA> Three trailers on one tour. It came unhitched, its crazy! One flipped across three lanes in the middle of the two lanes of traffic.

Luckily it did not hit the car behind us because it would have taken that car out. Then we had it unhinge and it was driving along side on the right side and we were all looking out the window going is that our freaking trailer? What the hell? *everyone laughing* We have had really good luck this time. <CV> You *laughing*

better

knock

on

something.

think it was off but it would catch up to me because it was caught on my eyelet somewhere. * all of dying of laughter* <CV> For the fans who have yet to see a Kobra And The Lotus show, what can they expect? <KOBRA> I always say a very high energy and fun experience. I think for people who don’t even know they like rock and metal ,just come out and see the show and be pleasantly surprised. This is just a good ole rock and heavy metal show where everyone has to be able to do their thing. <CV> The hair, you can’t forget the hair.

<KOBRA> Yea, *laughing* I’ve had a few <KOBRA> Oh yes, there is a lot of hair whipsweater issues. I have been wearing this Fleet- ping and also some muscles ladies. *we are dywood Macie sweater with tassels right now. The ing of laughter* Shirtless drummers. *laughing* first show I could not get it off. It was like an animal following me around and I was telling the people in the front row to get it off me. I’m trying <CV> So who are you listening to these days? to sing and between my words I’m yelling get it <KOBRA> I’ve actually been going back in time off. *all of us laughing* I would step and I would and I have been listening to a lot of Depesche

Mode. That’s been my jam. *laughing* <CV> *laughing* I’m so stuck back in the 80’s.

All that stuff. <KOBRA> *laughing* Me too, it’s so good. I’m listening to Muse as well actually. So not specifically metal right now. <CV> I remember from our last interview, that you used to be a figure skater. Do you still do that? <KOBRA> Not at all. Sadly I have no muscle memory. I was changing into a teenager when I quit and I didn’t skate after that. My legs directly started skate boarding and snowboarding when I was a teenager and in my early 20’s. So those things I do have muscle memory for but the skating, you would never even know that was me in the video as a kid doing double axels or whatever. <CV> Are you involved in any other projects at this time? <KOBRA> No this has been full on. I mean it’s really me that has been organizing and doing the whole facilitation of what’s happening with this band every year. I can tell you that probably part of the reason I’m run down now is because of how much these last 4 months have taken from me in preparing for the launch and the pledge. <CV> That’s a lot of work.

we have a photoshoot overseas and video’s between the festivals for Prevail 2. <CV> You have a bunch of exciting things going on.

<KOBRA> It’s been ten hours a day. <CV> What does Kobra And The Lotus have planned for the rest of 2017? Any major projects or tours in the works? <KOBRA> We do have a tour in the fall but I can’t announce it yet. I’s going to hit all the places we did not hit on this tour because there are a significant amount of places we did not get to on this tour. So starting September we will be doing that. I believe we are going to be working on UK dates and we are only touring in Germany for a few weeks in December with “Beyond The Black” and I’m really looking forward to that because we’ve been to Germany several times but we have not focused for several weeks in just Germany . The time we have in between

<CV> What would you like to say to your fans and our readers? <KOBRA> Thank-you guys so very much for your support and dedication to live music. Not only us, it’s really really important to support the artists that you love. I just really hope to see you at a show soon. I’m so excited we have this new record out. We’ve really been having a ton of fun playing new material finally. Rock on and much love!

Photo Credit: Ladair Guzman www.radiovegas.rocks Where Rock Goes to Talk!

Phil Varone is back on the air with his newest no other station out there. Last December, Eric show 'Unphiltered' beginning August 3rd on Ra- Stacy (not in photo), the former bass player of the dioVegas.Rocks. The founder and drummer for group Faster Pussycat, came to RadioVethe band Saigon Kick, as well as former touring gas.Rocks with the idea of doing his own radio drummer for Skid Row is currently with Jake E. show. With the sign of the mighty pen 'Stacy’s Lee's Red Dragon Cartel.

Racy Rock N Roll Show' was born and it’s LIVE every Monday night at 9:00 PM PST. Ever since that day others have hit up Jay to do shows.

"Just when you thought it was safe to put on the Now, Jay Bird calls this line up of Rock Stars radio, they put me back on the air. I'm excited to “The Voices of Rock!” with a new station tag line announce my new show Unphiltered." - Phil Va- “Where Rock Goes to Talk.” rone On Tuesdays at 6:00pm PST we have Rich RedRadioVegas.Rocks announced that 'Unphiltered' mond, the drummer for Jason Aldean, who does will be on air Thursdays from 7pm-9pm PST. It a show called 'Pick Rich’s Brain'. There, musiwill be two hours packed with guests, music, give- cians can e-mail or reach out during the show aways and more. With one incredible line up of with music questions on just about any topic and LIVE entertainment, they are giving you a reason Rich will talk to you about it. to really check out why Internet or “Digital” Radio is the way to listen to radio.

On Sunday nights the listeners can be treated to Wilde Nights with Danny Wilde who is the vocal RadioVegas.Rocks, owned by Jay Bird (Crazy beast of the Las Vegas Bon Jovi Tribute Band, Jay), has one goal in mind and that is to be like and Metropolis and Roxshow, but is currently

singing for the band Steppenwolf. Check out Danny’s show every Sunday at 9:00pm -11:00pm PST, which leads right into “Sinful Sundays” with Brent Muscat also of Faster Pussycat and Original Sin fame, as well as The Alley Cats and his co-host Dirk Vermin of the punk band The Vermin and the man behind Pussycat Tattoos in Las Vegas.

The Voices of Rock Show Times: Stacy's Racy Rocking Roll Show with Eric Stacy Monday's at 9pm PST Pick Richs Brain Tuesday's 6pm PST Unphiltered with Phil Varone Thursday's between 7-9pm PST Wilde Nights with Danny Sunday's 9-11pm PST Sinful Sunday's with Brent and Dirk 11-1am PST Check out radiovegas.rocks for info on all of the on-air personalities.

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(Photo L: Brent Muscat R: Phil Varone/ Photo Credit: Ladair Guzman)

Order in the Chaos "Hey Guys, What Would You Say Is The Best Fuzz Pedal Out There?"

How many times a day do you see that post on Take the “Delay” pedal, for instance. There are social networking? Well, I don’t know about you, thousands of different delay pedals out on the but every time I see that question, two thoughts market, and possibly even more offered as boucomes to mind... either this person is just taking tique pedals by custom builders. They can cost as pop-shots out into the ether in the hopes that it little as $29.00 to upwards of $1,500.00, and more. may make them some new friends as they justify However, they all essentially do the same thing. their own past purchases; or, they really ARE in- They alter time from the point you strike the note terested in receiving a realistic, helpful answer and to the time it allows the sound to come out of the genuinely DO want to know which fuzz pedal ul- speaker. Usually in unison with the initial note timately reigns supreme as the end-all, be-all meth- that is released on time. In simplistic terms, the od to tonal bliss.

Delay pedal usually allows the user to change the rate, mix, resonance, and frequency of the delay.

Meaning, the speed of the repeats, how “loud in Let’s pretend that the poster of the question just the mix” the the repeats are, how long the period started playing and wants to add a little more col- is between the repeats, and how long or to their sound. Not knowing what to get but be- “chronologically” is the signal to be repeated. ing blessed with a little jingle in their pocket from Some pedal builders offer both mono and stereo this week’s paycheck; they want to blow it on a versions of their Delay pedal. The Delay pedal is new effects pedal. The more thoughtful types most often also able to create the same form patmight then approach their peers on a social net- terns as a REVERB. Just as a Flanger, a Chorus, a work expecting not to get torn down and humiliat- Pitch Shifter, a Phase Shifter, or any other type of ed.

Modulation Pedal will often slightly bridge into the other pedals mentioned domain.

Let’s face it, buying a new effects pedal is a fair and frugal compromise to replacing your Amplifi- Wait… What? You just threw a bunch of weird, er, and you might actually create some pretty cool technical words at me. What do they all mean? sounds along the way. Do I think it's a good idea at the beginner stage for a player to add pedals to make cool sounds over having them work harder Sorry about that. Let me help clarify those terms at this point with developing their use of tradition- briefly. al scales and chord structures WITHOUT the use of effects pedals? Of course not, but if all you do is practice your guitar whenever you pick it up, Every pedal made falls into one or more of four you'll never have any fun; and chances are, you basic categories. Those categories are Gain, Frewill learn things, but you won’t learn how to be quency, Modulation, and Time. creative. And, let’s face it, effects pedals can be a lot of fun. Some can even help shape your initial tone as you begin to come of your own in your Examples of the four categories and what they cover in terms of the type of effect are as follows: growth as a guitarist.

Gain Pedals: Distortions, Overdrives, Fuzz, ed with one delay pedal. Maybe even the tremolo Boosts, Compressions, and Volume Controls. on his amp. The thing is, he started somewhere.

And where he started was with his amp. He began by getting a decent sound out of his amp and Frequency Pedals: EQs, Wah-wahs, Envelope Fil- branched out from there. You should do the same ters, Pitch Shifts, and Harmony. and always keep in your memory engrams this one, simple rule: “Never let your pedals hijack your tone.” In other words, let them COLOR your Modulation Pedals: Tremolos, Vibratos, Chorus- sound, not create it. es, Flangers, Phasers, and Phase Shifters.

Awesome, now why did you bring up the question about the best fuzz pedals?

Time Pedals: Delays and Reverbs.

Oh yeah, that’s right, I did, didn’t I? But, you will There are many other sub sets of these four catego- also recall that I placed a note after that stating the ries, and some select pedals that can do things that reader may feel free to replace the word “FUZZ” may or may not fall into these categories. Effects with any of their choice. like Loopers, Multi FX Pedals, Instrument Modelers, and Amp Emulators, etc.

You see, that question I put in the headline has no answer. There is no end-all, be-all answer to the Okay, now that we got that out of the way, let’s question. There is no great Pedal Guru high up in get back on track, because it can be very easy for the mountains of Tibet with a collection of every me to shotgun blast you way too much infor- amp, guitar, pedal, acoustic room, cabinet, etc. to mation on this subject. prove to you what’s best. Not to mention, if somebody claimed to wield the best guitar tone of all time, chances are that when you heard it, you Earlier, I brought up DELAY as my first pedal ex- wouldn’t like it. Because tone, like beauty, is in the ample. And there was a very good reason for this. senses of the beholder.

Seeing as within 24 hours of my penning this article (actually, I’m typing it out on my Mac), the band U2 will be performing in Seattle. Dave Edmunds (The Edge) is a very fond user of Delay.

Listen to just about every guitar riff he has written and recorded/performed live… it is saturated with thick and heavy delay. The problem is, that is HIS sound. And I’m betting that you do not have the budget to afford what he is provided with being the guitarist for one of the most notable bands on the planet. (You can disagree with me on that last statement, but let’s face it… they are basically a household name while you and I are sadly not.)

I can assure you that Dave Edmunds did not wake up one morning, decide he was going to become a guitarist, and immediately went out and bought a multi-thousand dollar rack delay setup with the sound he produces now on stage. I’m sure he start-

Wearable Art

Let me elaborate: I can hand you a Gibson Les on stage.

Paul, a custom, hand-wired Marshall head with a Pedals on the floor should go in this order if you 4x12 cabinet, and an arsenal of guitar pedals that do not have an effects loop on your amp, or if you would weigh down a pickup truck. But, if you have your rig set up a custom way that does not cannot play, it won’t do you a hill of beans. The require you to access the effects loops of multiple pedals will not help you. And, you will not sound heads (how I run my rigs): good.

Tuner > Gain > Frequency > Delay > ModulaLook at it like this: You/Your Talent > Guitar > tion > Input on Amp(s).

Amp > Effects (Note: If you have heads that have an effects loop, Not like how you may currently be conceiving you should try running your modulation pedal your sound. Which would be: Effects > You > through there. It sounds KILLER!) Guitar > Amp. The reason I, personally, run my Modulators If you follow the equation as I provided (You/ (Stereo Chorus) after my Delay is because I do not Your Talent > Guitar > Amp > Effects), you will want to delay the effect being created by the Chosee this is how a lot of successful guitarists go rus. Rather, I want the Chorus to sweep the Deabout building what sounds good and original. Or lay. That is actually a really easy way to rememyou can choose not listen to my formula and con- ber the order. Place your pedals in the order that tinue to sound raucous, raunchy, and undisci- allows each one placed after the next to CREDIT plined. Now, if that is the sound you are going for the overall sound rather than detract from it. because you are in a raucous, raunchy, and undisciplined type band, then by all means, carry on If you are going for a specific sound result, my mate. But, truth be told, even the raunchiest of chain may not work for you. For example, I albands out there still tour with good and reliably, ways place my Wah pedal before my Delay.

Whereas, you may want it the other way around. strong gear.

I don’t know why, but it’s your rig… do what you want with it. It is but for me to lead the horse to I already know all this, but what was that you said the water, not to force it to drink. about the order of the effects in your chain?

Okay, I have my pedals in a good order where Yep, I hear that question all the time too. And the they complement each other and they don’t fight first thing I am going to disclose is that there are my initial tone… but when I turn them on, my no 100% true rules or laws outlining the best and volume either dips really low, or jacks up to the most crucial path for running effects pedals in a sealing… what do I do? chain. But, I WILL tell you this, some orders and placements have proven themselves to be the most sonically proficient and will give you the best re- Easy… set up your chain, and turn on your amp, sults. And since I always see local guys playing set the volume on it where you want it, and roll out with pedals on the floor screeching feedback up your guitar’s volume. Play a note with no efthrough the PA or drowning out their vocalist fects on. Now, go to your first pedal in your with a Phaser at full sweep on their solo channel, I chain. Turn it on. Does your volume go up? Is it feel I should go ahead and try to help you out by not supposed to? Cool… turn down that pedal’s giving you a decent idea of how to set your stuff volume knob a little until it doesn’t raise your volup so you don’t sound like a complete ass-clown ume and vice-versa. After you have that pedal set,

go to the next one and repeat the sequence of somewhat vague. It is completely on purpose, as I events after turning OFF the prior pedal. Do this do not want you to copy me. Like I said, it is only through your whole chain with the pedals that al- for me to lead you to the water… low you the opportunity to change their volumes.

You might have to tweak ones that you may run two or more of at the same time, but a few minutes spent doing this will tune up your rig and make you sound more PRO – trust me, the audience and your band will notice.

As a quick aside, it took me years to find my tone.

I literally tried almost every logical combination of amp, cab, guitar, power amp, pre amp, efx processor, digital amp rig, etc. that fit the genre of music I play. My resulting setup is exactly what I wish I had found twenty years ago. I am not trying to sound arrogant about it, but I am proud of the results. Since I play a somewhat hard to heavy rock style, I chose a guitar suitable to that genre. I usually play a single humbucker in a strat style body and a Floyd Rose. Of course, I have a particular pickup, a particular model of guitar, and a particular Floyd Rose that I prefer not to compromise on as they do make up the second thing in my chain (myself being first – remember the equation?). For my amps, I use a pair of matching Marshall JCM2000 DSL heads (usually 100watt) that have been modified with upgraded transformers and tubes amongst a few other mods. I use a Marshall 1960 JCM800 4x12 cab with each head loaded with a specific model of speaker.

My pedal board is setup like this: > Guitar > Wireless Receiver > Digitech Drop> dal>> Phaser > Aural Enhancer > Volume Pedal > Delay > Stereo Chorus > Amp Head 1 & 2 Sometimes, I will run out through a DI to a house PA, but I really prefer not to do that as I feel bypassing the cabinets and removing mics from the equation can result in a dry and less responsive tone. Speaking of mics, I use a combination of Shure SM58 and Sennheiser e609 Silver on each cabinet.

You will notice that my descriptions have been

Brien DeChristopher Musician/Owner of Sic•Skinz Custom Drum Wraps https://www.facebook.com/ br i e n . de c h r i s t o ph e r ? f r e f = n f http:// www.sicskinz.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/btomassetti1

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