CVNW_April_2013

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Taming the Wilde

www.CVNorthWestMagazine.com

An Interview with Laura Wilde

Also in this Issue…

Seattle’s own

From the Desk of the Pres April marks a milestone in the life of the CV family - we are now under the guidance of CV WorldWide LLC, which will now oversee and publish CV NorthWest and CV SouthWest magazines, proof that we are growing and that the future looks bright for the CV organization.

This issue is an exciting issue, as we finally get our opportunity to sit with Laura Wilde, international recording star, during a break in her schedule. She steamrolling through the US and the world, she is a star on the rise.

We also get to highlight a Seattle band that is second to none, Agents of Chaos. Brien DeChristopher graciously allows to make order of the Chaos, sharing his thoughts in an insightful and cerebral conversation.

The Reader Tattoo Gallery is back, our Master Mechanic, Rick McDonald, has been very ill but will return next month, our Rock Calendar is full of shows, we have advice and News you can Use back too. Finally, Marina Lopez, bodybuilder and trainer, model, and all around beauty, graces our pages again with a chopper.

Lastly, we welcome Pure Sin Photography, Jamie Paullus, and the Spokane Concert scene, a feature we’ll have every month.

Cover (by Henn) Rock Calendar

3

Agents of Chaos

4

5 Repairs you can do

12

Drumiture

14

Centerfold: Marina Lopez

18

Laura Wilde

20

News You Can Use

26

Spokane in Concert!

28

Tattoo Gallery

32

Chris Cover Photo: Sherry Keith ©Mystic Photography CV Northwest Magazine

Locally Owned / Nationally Known

Contact Us - Info@cvnorthwestmagazine.com

CV NORTHWEST MAGAZINE © 2012-13 is published monthly and NO reproduction of content is permitted without Publisher’s prior approval. Publisher assumes no financial responsibility for the errors in ads beyond the cost of space occupied by error; a correction will be printed. 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 persons name or photograph.

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NorthWest Band Spotlight Agents of Chaos, a hard rocking band from Seattle, is a powerful combination of 80's rock mixed with 90's rock with a new millennium edge on the vocals; no growling, no blast beats, just good hard rock that separates itself from the rest, but also eases the listener into a sense of familiarity to which they can relate.

The Pres sits down with Brien DeChristopher for a little sake wisdom...

CV NW: Who started the band and who are the members?

Brien DeChristopher Jake McCoy Michael Keesal Scott Henderson

Guitar Vocals Bass Drums

about the journey finding the right mix.

You have a new bassist, how did that come about?

AOC got started in 2009 and has had a The band was started in 2009 by Brien few members fall by the wayside. The curas an outlet to his creative flow, and because rent line-up is one that we feel will stick of his irritation at not being able to find a around for a little while. Basically, as long as band in the Seattle market he was willing to your main songwriters are consistent, you'll sweat & bleed for. not have many worries. But, in this band, CV NW: What was the struggle finding a everyone contributes. We replaced our old band in Seattle - was it musical style, dedi- bassist earlier this year due to our old one cation, passion, can we ask what you were moving on to play in a cover band. We wish him all the best, and hope he finds happiness looking for but were unable to find?

This is a terrific question, actually. there.

Mostly, it was lack of strength in the area of CV NW: With the current lineup, you’re songwriting. I had never really considered the end all and be all of the rhythm and myself a strong songwriter until I tried. But, I lead guitar – does that change the way could always tell when someone else was a you play or feel like you have to play, failure at it. Most of the time, the bands I which might be different from a band that would check out didn't realize an audition is has a separate rhythm and lead guitar? two-way street. Additionally, I would always Excellent question…while I was growhear the words, "We're a pretty high-profile ing up and playing in bands around Florida, I band!"... then I would learn that their idea of was always a rhythm guitarist supporting "high-profile" was that they play locally evesomebody else who handled the lead duties. ry weekend in the same five clubs in their So, being the sort of person I am, I naturally city. THAT, my friend, is NOT "High Profile". strived to be the BEST rhythm guitarist I CV NW: How has the lineup changed (if it could ever be. Over time, rhythm guitar just has) over the lifetime of AoC, and tell us took over and made me solid, resilient, and

predictable. Because the biggest thing I ing the heck out of each other…but do you learned was that all those lead guitarists I think that a little "internal strife" can was spending my time supporting couldn't strengthen a band? Can you channel that carry a consistent rhythm to save their lives. into your collaborations, your song writSo, in this band, being the only guitarist and ing? the main songwriter, I write from a viewWell, I can't speak for how Brett and point of the rhythm guitar; and just tack the C.C. ended up, and would never try... but I lead in where it goes. When I play lead, I ap- can tell you that when a band stays together proach it as an extension of the rhythm gui- simply because they have a currently suctar and try to write a lead line that SUP- cessful product, then those days will shorten PORTS the rhythm of the track instead of the as the success dwindles. Strife and drama other way around. cannot keep a band going...eventually, they are going to have to continue writing great songs. I've always dug Poison, and I consider Rikki a friend... but Poison is not turning out Billboard material right now...

CV NW: Who are your musical influences (or influences in general)?

Each member of the band comes from a different set of influences from 70's hard rock to Nu-Metal. From the smoky bars of Florida to the most northwest part of the US. When you bring these four elements together with our varied tastes and flavorings, you get CV NW: Tell us how you feel the current a pretty tasty meal! lineup complements each other, what CV NW: Talk about AoC’s first show – strengths do each of you bring? what were you guys thinking, standing Well, the most important thing is that there on stage, looking out at the crowd? you all get along. So far, we do. Naturally, in Our first show with the current lineup any creative environment, you're going to was a blast. It was in Seattle, and we were have differences and strife now and again. told that the other bands we were opening But, as long as when all is said and done, you for were standing at the back saying to each can still call the other guy up and apologize other "Who the 'F' are THESE guys!" Needless or accept an apology... it's all good. When to say, we annihilated them. Not because we you can't do that anymore, then you have reare better, or anything more special... we just al issues.

Currently, every member brings something special to the table with AOC. But we also have a lot of the same loves and hates.

We are all accomplished musicians that hold our craft dear, and apply ourselves in a professional manner with drive, hard work, personal practice, and some accountability to the brand. Without any of that, you have nothing.

CV NW: Not sure how well this worked for CC and Bret of Poison who ended up beat-

spent a lot of time writing strong material, take away lessons from big shows like and rehearsing until we were a tight and that? well-oiled machine. Sure, we were nervous, Yes, I tend to believe that the day you but, when you look down into the faces of stop learning something new is the day you the folks at should probably stop playing. The biggest the foot of thing I can say that we learned from playing the stage, Kanefest, is that no matter how drunk, tired, and the cute or worn out from being screamed at by nongirl swaying singers over the past two days an audience to the music; can be...when an accessible, hard-rocking you know it's band comes out...they'll still rush the stage. worth it.

Oh, and the other thing we came away with was the other bands’ fans. Which is a delight CV NW: Ah to us. yes, cute girls sway- CV NW: Which of your songs speaks pering...any sonally to you as a band? skivvies Probably "Damage" off our EP. Bethrown on cause, every time we go out there, that is stage yet? what we want to convey.

Haha, I think so. A CV NW: What about your music do you lot of one-night "Propositions" along with think appeals to people?

Probably ACCESSIBILITY. Our music is them (laughs). written in such a way that people get the CV NW: What goes through your mind tunes stuck in their heads. We write catchy when you’re on stage? riffs and hooks. That really helps. We take Don't 'F' up! (Just kidding) No, we the path that if you play and nobody can respend so much of that time listening to each member what you played, they probably other, and entertaining the audience, we won't recall your name either. don't have a whole lot of time to think. Playing should become muscle memory before CV NW: Where do you think you fall in the you get on stage, if it doesn't, you might want to rehearse more. That's how we've always looked at it.

CV NW: Tell us about one of your most memorable shows.

Kanefest 2012 was probably one of the most memorable shows. We went on at 10pm and rocked the place! It was our third time playing Kanefest... but was probably the most fun we had playing there. And, we got to play with some damned good bands that night.

CV NW: what, if anything, did you take away from Kanefest, with being around so many heavy hitters in the lineup, even though it was your 3rd time, do you still

“journey of AoC”, what stage are you at in the process?

We feel it's just getting started. And we already have listeners/fans all over the world. That's pretty impressive.

CV NW: It is impressive tell us some of the places you've played, the far reaches of the earth where you’ve rocked the house…

Yes, on the airwaves, we have played Ireland, Italy, Romania, Turkey, England, Scotland, France, Greece, and a few others.

Physically, only in the states so far but the future looks bright.

the EP, tell us about that process? Was it what you expected when you started?

We were all pretty experienced before taking on this venture, so going into the studio was just another step that we've taken before. Probably the first thing you learn, however, is how much you can do in the studio. So, you have to reign yourself in and realize, that while you can do a lot, maybe some of the time, you shouldn't. And if you don't, it's so much easier to represent the material on stage with a more complete sound and feel.

CV NW: When you say "do too much", you think there's a point where you are over CV NW: Volume One, your 5 song EP, came producing, trying to get it "too right" and out a year ago in March 2012, tell us what it becomes almost subtraction by addisense of accomplishment that is – even tion? though it was last year, AoC has been Exactly. I can sit and imagine stacking around since 2009, how 600 lines of guitars, one on many beers did you have top of the other, and it to celebrate that? would sound MASSIVE! But Saké... it was all Saké!

I have no desire to sound It was a terrific milelike Def Leppard (just kidstone...and we were inding, I love that band). But volved throughout the enwhat I AM saying is that as tire process. We did not setyou build a song, frequentle for what someone else cies and tones will eventuthought our EP should ally start canceling each sound like. While we had other out. When we tracked some incredible talent helpthe EP we found that, tonaling us, we knew what we ly, the drums, guitars, and wanted and how to convey bass were already creating the message. We think it their own pockets to reside turned out pretty strong. in. And doing so without And, we'll more than likely stepping on the tones of the take the same approach on others. So, when Jake laid the next release. his vocals down, they had a nest to sit in. This is very CV NW: You guys took the important, and you can tell journey to put together when a band or producer

does not understand this simple rule. You will hear AND feel it in the music.

CV NW: People think of the “coolness and glory” of recording a record, but I’ll bet it’s pretty hard work.

It's VERY hard work. The licensing, the writing, the legalities, the mixing, engineering, capture, mastering... I could go on. But, the important thing is how people respond to the final product. And, THAT is what we try to focus on.

CV NW: Talk about the journey of the band after the EP, what have you guys been doing and where have you been doing it?

We've been shopping the hell out of it all over the world. And, with spectacular results! knowing that. Unfortunately, as the old saying goes, "A prophet is nothing in their home CV NW: The EP got major reviews, solid all town". For some reason, Seattle has just not around, and you mentioned to me that it been receptive to us, because we don't slam got the band a ton of international supthe same five clubs every month like so port, but not as much local as you hoped, many bands do. But that’s good...we don't did I hear that right? want to!

Correct. In a nutshell, we did a gig for a management group in 2011...the agency we CV NW: Gary Stockton called AoC “quite performed for put us on stage with four of possibly one of the best bands I've heard their signed bands. We played and after the out of the Seattle market since ALICE IN show, the man in the suit said, "You guys are CHAINS and SOUNDGARDEN”; when you not club material... I don't think we can help wake up to that sort of endorsement, does you." It was not an insult. Basically, he was that intimidate you? telling us that we were beyond their capabiliNot at all. We are honored to be menties. That's not ego or arrogance, that’s simp- tioned in the same breath as such terrific ly understanding yourself and where your bands. The thing that we are learning is that strengths are. There is nothing wrong with you should never take another person's words too seriously. If you do, watch out, you're over-inflated egos can kill you. But, we see there is some really good talent out there alongside us on both the local AND international levels...we can only aspire to be who we are, and keep rocking. And if other bands fall behind, we can't be held responsible (laughs).

CV NW: You also said you wanted to “come back to seattle and support the NW music scene”, talk about that goal, coming home to your roots.

Our intention is to play around the Seattle/Portland/Spokane markets and garner more of a NW support structure. But we will continue to pick and choose our events with a strategy...not over-saturation.

CV NW: What do you hope to accomplish as a band, and with your music, how do you want people to react to your music?

We want them to love it. To buy it, to listen to it...to hear it speak to them. We want the band to be more than just Seattle. There are enough bands here that seem happy with that. We are not.

CV NW: Where do you go from here, what’s the big news and your plans for 2013; I heard there’s a new album in the works, what can you tell us about that?

Yes, we have written tons of new material, and are beginning tracking for the new album. It is going to be heavy. But with a solid groove, and SINGING! Not growls. We've been blessed with a singer who can sing... and we're going to exploit that to its fullest.

We're hoping to get back out into the scene and hit hard, then leave it behind (we’ll obviously return), but you get the gist.

LIKE us @ https://www.facebook.com/pages/ Agents-of-Chaos/113739255322543 Website: http://www.chaosagents.com

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5 Automotive Fixes You Can Do Yourself These DIY Jobs Save You Time and Money Even in this age of computerized automotive systems and engines hidden from view beneath plastic covers, there are simple upkeep tasks that you can do that will save time and money. And this means you — ordinary, old, non-mechanical you.

This list of projects requires few tools and no experience. If you've hung a picture or pounded a nail, you can tackle any one of them. "Taking care of the small things now can add up to a big difference in your wallet later on," says a merchandising manager for AutoZone, a large auto parts retailer.

It's difficult to attach cost savings to some items on our list. Others have a wide range of costs, depending on whether you drive a luxury car or a beater. The Edmunds.com data department estimated the time it would take a mechanic to complete each task and calculated the labor cost for Southern California. But doing these jobs yourself will have rewards above and beyond saving a buck or two, and we've noted such benefits, too. You might just like the hands-on experience enough that you'll move on to other DIY projects.

1. Check Your Tire Pressure and Inflate Your Tires Money $aved: A tire-pressure check and inflation is usually combined with other routine services, but the estimate for the shop cost of this alone is $22-$30. The biggest savings, however, is the increased fuel economy that comes with properly inflated tires: $112 a year in gas, according to an Edmunds.com study of its employees.

According to the same study, the savings could be as high as $800 for drivers with severely underinflated tires. If the nearly 250 million registered passenger vehicles in the United States were only 7 percent underinflated and owners brought their tires up to the specified level, the overall savings would be about $23 billion per year, according to a 2005 Department of Transportation study.

Time required: 15 minutes, once a month Parts required: None Tools required: Tire pressure gauge, air pump (usually free at a gas station) Why DIY: Keeping your tires properly inflated is important for three reasons, according to Matt Edmonds, vice president of Tire Rack, an online tire retailer. As Edmonds tells us, properly inflated tires improve safety (your car handles better during emergency braking and cornering), prolong tire life (tires wear more evenly) and reduce fuel costs. "You never notice an underinflated tire until you have to slam on the brakes or swerve around something on the highway," Edmonds says.

"That's when the underinflated tire can really affect performance."

2. Rotate Your Tires Money $aved: A tire rotation in Los Angeles ranges from $43-$60.

For a person driving 12,000 miles a year, that's two tire rotations.

Doing it yourself could save $120 annually.

Time required: One hour Parts required: None Tools required: Jack stand, tire iron and your car's jack Why DIY: Front tires often wear faster than rear tires because braking and cornering is more demanding on them, according to Tire Rack's Edmonds. By rotating your tires, you help ensure that

two tires won't need replacement prematurely. The Tire Rack Web site offers common rotation patterns, but Edmonds recommends sticking to the pattern in your car's owner's manual. Furthermore, when you perform the rotation yourself, you can closely inspect the tires for defects and premature wear. You might spot a nail that's stuck in a tire and is slowly deflating it, Edmonds says.

3. Change Your Air Filter Money $aved: Mechanics charge $19-$60 just for the labor involved in changing an air filter.

Time required: Five minutes Parts required: New air filter Tools required: Screwdriver Why DIY: Sales guys at quick-lube places love to upsell customers on air filters because the filters take very little time to replace and bring a nice profit. Changing one yourself only takes 5 minutes, keeps dirt out of your engine and improves fuel economy, according to AutoZone. In areas with lots of dust, change the air filter more frequently, the retailer recommends. If you learn where the filter is and how to change it, it's an easy way to extend the life of your engine.

4. Replace Bulbs and Fuses Money $aved: Mechanics charge from $17-$132 to replace bulbs and fuses, depending on the make and model of vehicle.

Time required: 30 minutes Parts required: Replacement bulbs and fuses (usually sold in a box of assorted sizes) Tools required: Screwdriver Why DIY: Headlights and taillights are essential safety items. It doesn't cost much for a mechanic to change a bulb or a fuse, but do you really want to schlep to a garage, wait around and maybe pay the 50 percent markup dealers charge for parts? That's the average, according to this service advisor in "Confessions from the Dealership Service Department." Instead, pick up the bulb or automotive fuses at an auto parts store and crack open your owner's manual.

5. Change Your Own Oil Money $aved: Quick-lube shops and dealership service departments in the Los Angeles area charge $39-$60 for an oil change.

Time required: One hour Parts required: Engine oil, oil filter. Sometimes it's a good idea to replace the washer for the drain plug, too.

Tools required: Jack, oil pan for catching the old oil, socket wrench, oil-filter wrench, recycling bottles, mechanic's rubber gloves and plenty of rags.

Why DIY: Changing your own oil will save money and help you to avoid one of the upsells that quick-lube salespeople or the service advisors tend to push during the oil-change process. While an oil change is more advanced than other items on this list, it is well within the ability of anyone with a little mechanical knowledge. After you master this task, you might feel like a real mechanic and you may find yourself bragging about it to your friends.

There's Help at Hand When you're setting out to do any of these fix-it jobs, don’t forget to check with your local auto parts store for DIY support services they might offer. © Copyright Edmunds.com Reprinted with Permission

Turning old instruments into art!

Instrument Art is rently working on a ManTerry has now exsomething Terry at Guin- dolin Jewelry Box, a custom panded his repertoire to ner Graphix has been doing base for a member of the include different instrufor years for many people all-female band Zepparella, ments, everything from that have a love for instru- a commemorative CV mandolins to guitars of ments.

Terry has WorldWide guitar, and all kinds, making custom found, since being back in somebody even asked him pic guards and head California, that local music to do something with their stock art. He is constantstores have a endless piano! He can make a piece ly on the go, working source of instruments to of furniture out of an unus- with different vendors bring back to life. He will able or unwanted instru- and personalities to genpersonalize your drums, ments, he does it all. erate great art pieces, guitars, and any instrumany for charities ment you have. He is cur-

To contact Terry, visit:

www.Drumiture.com

Terry’s hope has always been to work with many wonderful people in many creative and unique ways, and in accomplishing that he is living his dream. He loves to save vintage or valuable drums in any way, using them to make individual, personal, one-of-a-kind pieces, his skill and perfection borne of his love of drums and art. Saving drums, meeting great people, helping those in need, and creating some very unique drum furniture is, to Terry, his life’s calling, and one can see the passion and skill in his work.

In Terry’s words; “to be able to save these drums and unwanted instruments or cherished mementos and see the appreciative faces of the people for whom I have made them is what truly makes me happy.

I’m excited to say that Drumiture has many new clients contacting me daily, and the donations of numerous unwanted instruments, which I see as ‘unfinished art’, is helping me make my dream come true.”

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

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

Once again, IFBB professional bodybuilder, model, and personal trainer Marina Lopez allows CV WorldWide to grace our issue with her presence!

Aside from appearing for the second time in our publication, Marina has been featured in numerous fitness magazines, has modeled for clothing lines, and done photo shoots for both custom motorcycles and exotic cars.

Marina owns a fitness studio in Denver, CO at the base of the Rocky Mountains. Marina has been a fitness and bodybuilding competitor since 2004, earning her IFBB pro card at the 2010 IFBB Nationals.

Marina keeps herself in phenomenal shape all year round and is available for photo or video shoots.

Contact her via www.MarinaLopez.com

Taming the

Wilde Laura Wilde has become a musical tour de force, armed with killer guitar riffs and a kick-ass attitude, and she is taking the world by storm. On stage she boils with raw, passionate energy; playing her blazing, mirror-fronted flying V guitar, she is a hard charging, take-no-prisoners, balls to the wall artist.

From the clubs of Melbourne, Australia to a national tour with the Motor City Madman himself, Laura is poised for world wide fame, ready to create a fresh interpretation of traditional rock n roll for a younger generation of fans.

CV WorldWide had a chance to chat with Laura during some downtime...

CV WW: Let’s talk about the road to be- vana, but as I got older I started to dig deeper coming…Laura Wilde…growing up, did and listen to the bands that influenced them. you always want to play music? Did any- There's a whole bunch from every decade dathing else catch your fancy beforehand? ting back from Guns 'n' Roses in the 80's to <Laura Wilde> Always! I've been ob- Elvis in the 50's and Robert Johnson in the sessed with musical instruments for as long 30's. It's a mixture of influences from a as I can remember. When I was little the whole range of rock bands, such as Black sight of anything to do with guitars or drums Sabbath, ACDC, Led Zeppelin and ZZ Top, would make my heart flutter and absolutely glam bands like Sweet, Slade and T.Rex, punk nothing has changed. bands like The Clash, The Ramones, The Sex Pistols and The Stooges. The list goes on and CV WW: Tell us about that moment when on! My main lead guitar influences would you said “yeah, I wanna rock, I wanna get have to be Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page and up there and kick ass with a guitar”.

Slash. <LW> The big moment occurred at the tender age of 3 when I saw the 'Are You Gon- CV WW: What went into the decision to go na Go My Way' video by Lenny Kravitz. solo versus playing in a band?

Watching him, his band and the audience all <LW> Flying solo just happened organrocking out and going nuts made me want to ically because I had so many different get up there and do the exact same thing. friends that I was jamming with growing up and I never really fell into a definitive band.

CV WW: Who are your musical influences When I first started recording songs it was (or influences in general)? just the producer and I working on tunes that <LW> I grew up listening to 90's rock I had written and our own collaborations. bands like Green Day, Foo Fighters and Nir-

CV WW: Tell us about the music scene in Mel- trate on something that I wasn't interested in. I bourne versus America – how are they differ- was very easily distracted. However, when I was ent and how are they the same? finally had the opportunity to pursue my pas<LW> The Australian pub culture brings sion, it didn't feel like work at all and I was able along a certain element of rough and tumble ca- to focus to the exclusion of everything else and maraderie which is very conducive to writing didn't feel like I was missing out. rock music. Australia has given birth to rock 'n' roll greats such as AC/DC, Jet, Wolfmother and CV WW: You moved to LA to “take it to the INXS. America has a different history and differ- next level” – tell us about that decision…how ent influences entirely. There is a more vast you came to it, how was it to leave Australia population and therefore a greater mix of differ- behind.

Did you feel as though you’d ent genres. “outgrown” the local music scene there? <LW> It was so freaky leaving for the airCV WW: When you were a teenager, you port and pondering the fact that I had a one way played for the Saudi Royal Family? Tell us ticket and would be over there indefinitely. I had about that experience – what did you play, been back and forth a few times before I officialhow did you get the honor, how did the Royal ly moved over; however nothing can ever really Family react and what did they say to you? prepare you to leave behind your family and <LW> Playing for the Saudi Royal Family friends. was such an amazing and unexpected experiThere is a larger market for everything in ence. We were all staying at the same hotel be- the USA. Playing rock music wasn't something fore I made the move to Los Angeles. They that I was encouraged to do in Australia. I confound out I was a musician, listened to the demo stantly met resistance and was steered to play and before I knew it they had requested a pri- other genres instead. It made sense at the time vate acoustic show. They were thrilled with the to make the move. performance which was just such an unbelievable honor.

CV WW: You first got on stage when you were 16, were you nervous at all? <LW> I was way too excited to be nervous.

Everyone in the audience was going crazy and cheering when I was walking up to go on stage which was such a great feeling. From then on I was officially hooked!

CV WW: Forward a bit, and you’re a studio & session player for some of the biggest Australian artists, what were you able to take away from that time period. <LW> Being selected to play for top tier artists is such an honor, but the pressure is on!

It makes you really step up and work a lot harder to deliver a high standard. These opportunities are always such a great experience as you are able stretch yourself by playing a different styles and experimenting with different sounds.

CV WW: You spent some time at University – it ultimately didn’t work out, as you said, but what did you learn about Laura Wilde from that experience? <LW> I found it extremely hard to concen-

CV WW: You made Revolver Magazine’s 25 work. I really enjoyed every step of the process Hottest Chicks in Rock – but being both beauti- from writing the songs to recording demos and ful and talented, did you feel as though had a working with producers. Most of the record was little extra to prove to make it as a woman in done in Australia and some was done in the USA rock? so it was great to see the different studios and <LW> Well, thank you! I think women in different ways of working in both places. the rock scene generally do have to work a lot harder in order to prove themselves. However, CV WW: The record gets recorded, released, if you have really taken the time to practice, and you’re standing there holding YOUR CD… hone your craft and put in the extra effort that what are you thinking? <LW> I keep thinking back to the 3 year will ultimately shine through and garner the reold Laura, wildly inspired by the Lenny Kravitz spect you deserve as a serious artist. video and how she would react if she knew that CV WW: Talk about she would make her your views on the state own CD. It's just so reof women in rock, warding being able to where do you think listen from start to finthat evolution is in ish and remember the terms of progress? Is journey of how it all it still an uphill climb, came about. or do you think we’ve CV WW: What inspires finally figured out you when your write that gender is not an music, from where issue? does the muse de<LW> It's certainscend? ly not a walk in the <LW> The muse park, but it would be a generally descends from lot easier nowadays when I have a strong than it was for someone emotional reaction tolike Suzi Quattro. I have wards something. so much respect for artSometimes a song can ists like her who broke come into my head down the barriers and when I'm half asleep, so blazed the trail for the I'll have to wake myself rest of us. up and hum it into my CV WW: Talk about phone before I forget “Sold My Soul”, is the idea. I usually come there a message in up with a lot of guitar there we need to riffs when I'm just messknow? ing around and doing <LW> "Sold My some practice at home.

Soul" is mostly an expression of the thoughts and feelings I experienced in my late teens. This al- CV WW: You were handpicked by Ted Nugent bum is almost an emotional journal touching on himself for his Great White Buffalo tour in my dreams, wishes, lost loves and the adventure 2012, how did that come about, did the Motor of growing up. This record is an introduction to City Madman call you or go through chanthe body of work that I am really excited to share nels? Did you think it was a prank from the with my fans over time, a taste of things to come. band? <LW> At the time I was working with a CV WW: Tell us about the process of making publicist who coincidentally was Ted's first pubthe album – I know a lot of us believe it’s all licist and she put in a good word because she cool and fun, but it’s hard work isn’t it? thought we would be a great match for a tour. <LW> Making the album is fun, hard From the next room I remember hearing “they

want Laura to open for Ted” and I nearly hit the energy. roof with excitement.

CV WW: Tell us about one of your most memoCV WW: What was touring with Ted Nugent rable shows. like? What did you learn from touring with a <LW> Definitely in Tama, Iowa. We arlegend like him? rived at the venue and it was pouring with rain. <LW> Touring with Ted Nugent was such I had to sound check in a yellow plastic poncho. an amazing experience. We got to travel across The entire stage was flooded to the point where the whole country and play virtually every night the crew was which was like a dream. We made so many new pushing off all friends. of the water Ted was such a great artist to learn with brooms. from. Everything from his showmanship, per- All of the gear formance and playing ability were just flawless was sitting in and energetic. puddles and covered with CV WW: Talk about your first “official” show plastic sheets.

– you’re walking to the stage, ready to rock, I was scared what is going through your mind? of slipping <LW> I can remember it like it was yester- over or getting day. My guitarist was riding a bike in the rain electrocuted the night before the show and slipped off and by the soaked broke his arm. He ended up playing the show in wires! Luckily excruciating pain. After such a horrific and the rain stressful scramble on the day, I was morbidly cu- cleared up rious to see how the whole thing was going to and it turned pan out. out to be one of the best CV WW: What are you thinking when you are shows of the on stage, and the fans are screaming and whole tour. cheering, do you ever get caught up in the moment, get distracted?

CV WW: What’s the craziest thing one of your <LW> On tour, most of the time is spent fans has done during a show? cooped up traveling so when you finally get on <LW> In one of my earlier shows in Melstage to play, you want to make the most of evebourne I was standing near the front of the stage ry moment up there. When the fans in the audiand an audience member jumped up on stage ence are screaming and cheering, it's such a treat and ripped my raccoon tail right off! I guess he because you connect and feed off each other's really wanted a souvenir.

CV WW: Rock Over America voted you “Best New Female Artist” for 2012 – you beat out some heavy talent, how does that make you feel, looking back at all you went through to get to this point? <LW> I really feel so honored to have been given the award. It was such a fantastic close to a wonderful year.

CV WW: 2012 WAS an incredible breakout year, how do you top that? Is the future daunting based on such an incredible run? <LW> Not at all. I am so thankful for the success that we had last year and the progress

made it' feeling comes when people have been inspired by the live show or songs on the record.

To be able to influence people and touch their hearts though music is just amazing.

CV WW: What do you hope to accomplish with your music, how do you want people to react to your music? <LW> I hope to provide people with an emotional connection to the message in the different songs. I would like to take listeners on the same journey that I was on when the songs were written.

CV WW: What are the big plans for 2013 for Laura Wilde? <LW> A new record is in the works and we are at present looking at some different touring options. Keep an eye on my webpage for all of the updates!

CV WW: And to show our support, tell us who has got your back onstage, let’s give props to the band too! made so far. The ultimate goal is always there <LW> I'm happy to say that we've got Brad but it's just a matter of taking things one baby Bailey on the guitar, Chris Price on the bass and step at a time and moving forward.

RJ Shankle on the drums. They are such a great bunch of guys. I can't wait to head out on the CV WW: What about your music do you think road with them this summer. appeals to people? <LW> Many people have mentioned that CV WW: Laura, thank you for taking the time they love the powerful energy of the music and out of your busy schedule to speak with us! live show and that it's unusual to see someone of <LW> Thank you, Chris. It has been a my age playing that style of rock 'n' roll. pleasure.

CV WW: Where do you think you fall in the evolution of Laura Wilde, the stage of growth as an artist? <LW> I still feel like I'm a sprouting seed, with a little sunshine and water hopefully this thing will blossom into something that I can look back on with pride.

CV WW: Have you ever stood on stage and said to yourself “yeah, I’ve made it”, do you have that feeling yet? <LW> Seeing people in the audience smiling, head banging, throwing horns and just having a good time makes me so happy, I feel like I could float off the stage. Sometimes the 'I've

VISIT Laura @ http://www.laurawilde.com/ LIKE Laura @ https://www.facebook.com/laurawildemusic

ForeverGirl Designs Not only is she the ass-kickin’ frontwoman for WITCHBURN, she’s also a talented picture ARTIST! Jamie Nova allowed us to talk to her about her personal art pieces and showcase some of her incredible work! We also got to delve a bit into her artistic mind...

CVNW: Why do you paint, what is your inspiration?

I have always loved painting. getting lost in the colors and the feel of my brush against a canvas. It is an extension of my soul, like my music. My inspiration is life, the vitality of existence.

CVNW: Do you sell them personally, or as an official company?

I sell them personally, through my Etsy site (http://www.etsy.com/shop/ ForevergirlDesigns) and also on my website (www.jamienovarocks.com) CVNW: How do you decide what to paint?

Most of the time it is whatever inspires me that day or whatever my mood is.

There are a lot of times that I have pieces commissioned and then I work with the buyer as to what inspires them and then I incorporate their ideas into my style.

CVNW: Are they usuable drums or display pieces?

The drumheads are for display only but I have been commissioned to paint some Kick Drum front pieces that will display my art without taking a beating from the drumsticks CVNW: Do you do special commissions?

Absolutely! Canvas, drumheads, wall murals, t-shirt designs, tattoo designs.... you name it I will do it!

What Will That Electric Car Cost? Adding up the Costs of Operation Most people know that buyers pay a premium for electric cars. But many people don’t have any insight into the additional expenses, such as the charging station installation and the cost of the electricity to recharge the battery? And are there savings on such things as vehicle maintenance?

It's somewhat difficult to give a single answer to these questions since there are many choices for charging stations and many, many different rate schedules for purchasing electricity. However, we will try to provide some general guidelines for estimating these costs.

Electric Car Charging Options For home charging, there are two options: 120 and 240 volts. Most electric cars come with a charging cord that will plug into a standard 120-volt outlet, which is widely available. However, this is extremely slow charging, taking up to 20 hours.

Consequently, most EV owners will want to recharge at 240 volts, which will cut the time to about 6 hours.

A number of home recharging stations are available, and EV makers are offering more options all the time. To save money, some EV owners will simply have an electrician install a 240-volt outlet and modify the standard cord to allow the higher voltage.

Whatever route an EV owner selects, an electrician will have to make modifications or install the vehicle charging station. The charging station and the labor to install it typically costs about $2,000 combined. Federal income tax credits of about 30 percent offset this cost. State and local agencies often offer additional incentives and rebates.

Besides saving time, the 240volt electric car charging system will eventually save money. Some energy is lost during charging due to the resistance of the wires. Our testing shows that 30-35 percent is lost when charging at 120 volts.

At 240 volts, however, these losses are only 20 -25 percent. So the 240volt charging station will cut electricity costs in the long run.

The Cost of Electricity Electric rates vary widely across the United States. Many local utilities are encouraging the purchase of electric vehicles by offering lowered charging rates at night. If an EV has a recharge time of about 6 hours, the owner can schedule recharging for when the rates are lowest. Here is an article that describes in detail the true cost of powering an electric car.

Electric Vehicle Maintenance One area of savings for EVs is maintenance. They don't need oil changes or many of the routine maintenance items common with conventional cars. Because of regenerative braking, brake jobs are less frequent, too.

Summary Remember that electricity rates, tax credits, deductions and incentives and rebates do change. Check with your local utility company and governmental agencies for details. And use the topic headings to estimate EV costs to see if they will fit into your budget. © MSN Autos - Reprinted with Permission

The concept is simple; play great Classic Rock and Modern Rock with an Arena Rock Mainstream.

PureSteeleRadio will create high quality programming for our listeners; targeted audiences for our advertisers; and to attract, develop and sustain an efficient and highly productive group of broadcast professionals.

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Name: Smudge American Eskimo 2 1/2 years old Male 20 pounds

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W e re ce i v e n o t a x do l l ar s a nd ar e n ot af f i l i a t e d w i t h a n y ot h er c ou nt y sh el t er or h u m a ne so ci e t y . It ’ s c os t s j u st o ve r $ 1 0, 00 0 p e r m o nt h t o o pe ra t e o ur s h el t er a n d w e rel y on y o ur do n at i o ns t o m a ke t hi s po ssi bl e . Y ou r d o n at i o n t o F am i l y D o gs N ew Li f e S he l t e r g o es di re ct l y t o h el pi n g u s s av e as m an y l i v es a s po ssi bl e .

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Thriving for more than a decade, mostly through the word of mouth of its devoted techie customer base, Monoprice has quietly built a stellar reputation as an “in-the-know” ecommerce site that delivers high-quality tech accessories at bargain prices.

Now, the Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.-based company is poised to capitalize on its recent rapid growth, as evidenced by its appearance in Inc. Magazine’s 2012 top 500 list of America’s fastest growing companies. Traffic has grown 81 percent, and revenue has surged 141 percent in the past three years at the e-commerce company, a sign of prosperity in a tough economy and a testament to a solid business model focused on keeping prices affordable for their current (and future) customers.

Monoprice, strictly an e-commerce company, specializes in a wide variety (their product catalog features over 4,000 products - for the list, see http://www.monoprice.com/products/ index.html) of electronic cables, home theater equipment, networking and IT gear, mobile accessories, and other computer components and tech equipment. Customers can easily navigate their website and choose from among more than 4,300 Monoprice branded and non-branded products offered at very affordable prices on its website.

Based in Rancho Cucamonga, California, Monoprice, Inc. is an e-commerce leader specializing in high-quality cables, components and accessories for computers, consumer electronics and pro audio equipment. Established in 2002, the company has built its reputation upon customer word of mouth, the consistent ability to deliver premium quality products at prices far below other national brands in retail, and unmatched customer service. Many of Monoprice products are produced in ISO9001 and ISO14001 facilities and maintain the highest standards for production and work environment. The vast majority of the company’s products are RoHS compliant, reducing their environmental impact. They are a CCR Trading Partner, a Better Business Bureau Accredited Business and were named an Inc. 500 company in 2008, 2009 & 2010, and an Inc. 5000 company in 2011.