CVNW_September_2013

SEPTEMBER Issue

THE Custom Lifestyle Magazine for Car, Motorcycle, and Music Enthusiasts

Also in this Issue:

LOUD ANGEL: the Interview The Seattle Tattoo Convention Riding Your Bike in the Rain Don’t Purchase a Lemon!

And MORE...

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LOUD ANGEL! „nuff said…

Page 4

Page 30

News You Can Use, Car Edition...How to Avoid Purchasing a Lemon Gear the Pros Use...featuring drummer Sam Howell of “She‟s Not Dead” Gear the Pros Use...featuring Roxy Gunn of “the Roxy Gunn Project” News You Can Use, Motorcycle Edition...Tips on Riding Your Motorcycle in the Rain Seattle Tattoo Convention Tattoo Gallery...readers send in pics of favorite tattoos

Jeffrey Easton offers yet another in depth interview with a rock powerhouse, Dez Fafara of DevilDriver.

Page 24 CV Northwest Magazine

It was an incredible opportunity for Jamie Paullus to photograph one of the giants in music, Sammy Hagar. Also, Jamie treats us to pictures of the band Saliva.

Page 16

Locally Owned / Nationally Known

p 18 p 22 p 23 p 38 p 40 p 44

Lani Linton provides a deep view into the culture and celebration of the enthusiastic attendees of Seattle Hempfest.

Page 28

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the Delta Fair Germantown, TN Esther Short Park Vancouver, WA Mickey's Pub Yakima, WA Sleep Country Amphitheatre Ridgefield, WA El Corazon Seattle, WA Hawthorne Theatre Portland, OR El Corazon Seattle, WA Sugardaddy's Salon Port Orchard, WA Goodlettesville Art Festival Goodlettesville, TN the Pavillion Madison, TN Hawthorne Theatre Portland, OR Sim's Last Chance Georgetown, WA Axis Sportsbar Longview, WA Celebrate Munford Munford, TN Louie G's Fife, WA Louie G's Fife, WA Swinomish Casino Oyster Run Show Anacortes, WA Studio 7 Seattle, WA Hotel Indigo Nashville, TN One Eyed Jack's Roadhouse Lynnwood, WA Merridees Franklin, TN Elks Theatre Omak, WA

WHAT

STARTED OUT WITH A MODEST PLAN HAS MORPHED INTO A RUNAWAY TRAIN. FOLLOWING A DIRECTION DETERMINED BY THEIR CREATIVE FORCE, WITH SOULFUL VOCALS, EDGE DRIVEN GUITAR RIFFS AND HARD HITTING BASS AND DRUMS, RIVERPOOL BRINGS TO LIFE A MELODIC, HEAVY GROOVE THAT SEPARATES THE RIVERPOOL SOUND FROM THE MASSES AND BRIDGES THE GAP BETWEEN METAL AND ROCK. CV NORTHWEST SPENDS TIME WITH RIVERPOOL DISCUSSING THE TWISTS AND TURNS IN THEIR MUSICAL PATHS...

<CV NW> Who is Riverpool?

Carey Thomas: Lead Vox, Acoustic Guitar, Piano Justin Ankenman: Guitar, Back-up Vocals Ian Wengs: Bass Guitar Matt Arnits: Drums

what were Carey & Justin hoping I‘ve always looked at it as a legato accomplish when they conceived cy; music is something that will outlive my short time on earth and of Riverpool?

<Carey> The band formed in be heard by countless people 2006. Our original goal was mod- around the world for generations to est but driven; we were looking to come. form a band that wrote good music, <Ian> Well, I wasn‘t there for the a band that wasn‘t afraid to simply band‘s original conception. I‘m go where the creative process led. told that it took some work to bring <Justin> Writing and performing together the different artistic vioriginal music that rocked has al- sions, but it was clearly a success<CV NW> The band formed in 2006, ways been a goal of ours. For me, ful mix of talents.

<CV NW> Tell the story of River- all had and that maybe we could pool’s journey to right here, to this start a band. <Carey> Afterwards when I was lineup.

<Carey> Well it started out with a heading out to go home, Justin and friend I worked with named Eric Joe came up to the car and laid out McMillan. We had been working the idea to form a band. the same banquets and had tossed <Justin> I think I said ―dude, we around the idea of jamming. One gotta start a band‖. night he and I finally agreed on a <Carey> I felt that this was a moday to get together. So after one of ment to immediately seize, so I our jam sessions he asked me if it said, ―hell yeah, guys, we‘re gonna would be cool if he invited some be rich.‖ They gave an excited yet friends to join us the next time we somewhat taken back look. Now jammed. I was totally up for jam- because Eric had just gotten out of ming with more people, so I said a band he had been in for a while, sure. The next week I got to Eric‘s he turned down the proposition to house and soon after two dudes form another one. So Joe, Justin showed up, which were Justin and and I started getting together at his friend Joe Crepelle. Right away each other‘s house and spent the school; I had no idea who he was. the chemistry was there, everything year jamming and writing.

All I knew was that he moved to seemed to be effortless, and I knew <Justin> We wrote for about a Longview from Puyallup. One day then, that we were all on the same year as a three piece, rotating in class we were doing some kind where we practiced every week. It of talent show thing, and I still level. <Justin> Eric, a mutual friend, is a was mainly acoustic guitars, piano played guitar a lot at that time so I guitar player/singer but was mainly and hand drums. Occasionally thought it would be a good idea to playing drums that day. Carey we‘d do electric guitar and full rock a song for the class. So when brought his keys and acoustic gui- drum kit at my place. We were in class was over for the day this guy tar, Joe Creppell was playing need of a couple more pieces to the Justin came over to me and said acoustic and hand drums and I was puzzle so we put the word out for a ―Hey, can I see that guitar.‖ I was a playing electric. Afterward we bass player, guitar player and little taken back because I knew no talked about the connection that we drummer but things didn‘t really one else in the class played guitar, start to get going until I moved but I let him see the guitar, and it back to Longview. We had an extra was a really good thing because he room in the house I was renting so could play like no one I had ever now we finally had a solid place to met before. Just as the bell rang for practice at full volume. I got back class he gave me the guitar back in touch with my high school bud- and I immediately said, ―Do you dy Brandon Woodward and he was want to start a band? I play drums excited to play guitar and join in on and you are great at guitar, so we the creativity. Joe was having se- should jam.‖ The next thing you cond thoughts about playing drums know, we had a full band, were so I called up another high school rocking out, writing music, and friend, Matt Arnits to play. Kind of playing shows. After high school a dick move on my part since I on- Justin and I drifted apart. ―You ly had asked Matt if he wanted to know that whole get a job and jam and to show up on Wednesday. make something of yourself thing That first practice, Carey, Joe and I just got in the way.‖ We had not had a talk and Joe ended up leaving talked much in the last 3-4 years, the band. and one day in 2006 I got a call <Matt> I first met Justin in high

Brandon to jam with us, I got really <Justin> We called Kevin Hahn excited. With Brandon in the fold, @ Opal Studios located in Porthe introduced a hard rock influence land. In the winter of 2007 we recto what we were doing, so getting a orded and released our first 5 song bass player became the next obvi- EP. In April we did the official full ous step. Later on after asking length, self-titled album release around for a bit, my best friend DJ party with headliners Excessive Twist suggested a guy he worked Moderation in Portland at The with. So that‘s when Damian Has- Aladdin Theater. sett joined, a guy who poured out <Carey> Everyone one was excitpassion each time we took the ed about what we had accomstage. plished. We immediately saw a lot Now because everyone of support and a growing fan base, else‘s roles weren‘t defined there all of which culminated in our first was a bit of musical chairs when it ticket show at the Aladdin theater. came to who sang and played what, It was awesome to see so many which started to prove to be non- fans, and even more awesome to productive. It was around this time hear them singing out loud the lyrthat Justin brought in a guy he said ics to all the songs on the LP. After from him. He said, ―Bro, you was really good on the drums. Now so many shows we found ourselves should come hang out. I moved this was music to my ears because looking for another bass player. back to Longview.‖ He told me to that meant the writing process Now all I‘ll say about this is that just come over to jam some old would stop suffering and we would it‘s a really hard letting a family tunes and drink a few beers. I said, start to feel like a real band. Meet- member go, especially if it‘s the ―Hell yeah.‖ This is the part that ing Matt was an experience, not second time it‘s had to happen. We he forgets to tell people. I got to his only did I find out that he was a learned earlier on with our experihouse only to find two other guys badass drummer, I quickly found ence with Joe, that in order to inplus Justin. They had formed this him to be an honest, passionate sure the life of the band, you someband called ―Riverpool‖ and were guy, who will give every bit of times have to make really difficult looking for a drummer. He forgot what he has to the cause. So with decisions. As we moved forward, to tell me that they really wanted Matt in the picture, everyone‘s the mission of looking for another me to audition for the band. roles became clear except for Joe‘s. bassist brought us to Chris Halleck. <Justin> I did forget!

That‘s about the time it became <Matt> Yeah right...anyway, a clear something needed to happen, band was the last thing I was look- because not only was Joe‘s role uning for because I really didn‘t have clear but his availability became time for one. But, not to be a jerk, I less and less. It was then that it bedecided to jam with them anyway. came it was realized that someIt was not 15 minutes later after thing needed to happen. So one hearing Carey‘s voice and the new night Justin and I had the talk with stuff that he and Justin had come Joe, and faced with the circumup with that I was sucked in. The stances it was then that Joe was no music was so good, how could I longer apart of the band. So with say no? I just went for it and I have clearly defined roles and a new loved every minute of it since. sound Riverpool finally started do<Carey> After spending some ing shows. After some time and time jamming on three piece har- having written quite a few songs, monies it became clear that we everyone wanted to strike while the wanted to do more. When Justin iron was hot and recording an alproposed bringing in his friend bum became our mission.

He proved to be a freaking monster with Riverpool‘s sound from the on the bass, bringing energy to the beginning. Though our bands‘ stage we hadn‘t had before. styles were different, we had some <Justin> I was talking to the singcommon influences and played er from the band Numbered Days more shows together. In late sumwho just blew his voice out on mer of 2010, I got a message tour. He said we should call his through MySpace (of all places) bass player Chris Halleck. We tried asking if I‘d be interested in trying him out and he was a good fit right out for the bassist position. away. We wrote a handful of new <Matt> Even though we have had songs waiting, plus all the new maa few different bass players over terial stemming from our connecthe years, and just lost a second tion to Chris. However, at this guitar player, I actually saw this as point Brandon Woodward was a a good thing since it has caused us little strapped for time. He worked to become much tighter as a band. a full time job, school 2-3 times a We kind of had our eye on Ian. I week and had a kid on the way. As One day after wondering where the had just found out that the band he a result, regrettably, he decided to band was going to go, we stumbled was in was going to call it quits. walk away and we officially be- upon the news that the bass player So using MySpace (lol) I contacted came a 4 piece. from a band we played with earlier him and asked if he would like to Eventually our mission was on was a free agent. So we invited try out for the bass position in to get back into the studio so we Excessive Moderation‘s bassist Ian Riverpool. called up Kevin Hahn again and Wengs to a practice. <Justin> He actually shot us down came in to record 11 songs in au- <Ian> I caught up with Riverpool right away since he didn‘t have gust of ‗09. We call it our pre- at the first album release. I was in much time left after working his production album which was basi- another band at the time (Excessive job and playing in 3 other bands. cally a really good live recording Moderation), and we played a Strangely enough he got back to us of our practice. Out of these 10 show together at the Aladdin Thea- within the month saying that Exsongs Kevin, and our growing fan ter in Portland, Oregon in 2008. I Mode was calling it quits and he base, made it obvious that ―Feel remember being very impressed had time to try out. the Rain‖ was the single out of the set list. So we decided take a different approach this time and release the song as a single. We took it even a step farther and made a music video with John Hutton and piano version with Carey‘s friend Dave. <Carey> During this time Chris‘s time became scarce and soon after Chris would break the news to us that he was leaving. And then while back on the hunt for another bassist, Brandon would later break the news that he was also leaving.

So down to a three piece once again we continued writing, and looking for someone to replace the hole that was left with the departure of two significant members.

bands like 10 Years and NonPoint.

We made the plunge and started recording Midnight Sun. It was kind of a long process with so much distance to cover. Carey lived in Portland, Ian was in Vancouver, Matt was in Castle Rock & I‘m in Longview but we‘re recording up in Shoreline (just north of Seattle). We carved out time over the next 8-9 months and scraped up the funds to make it happen. We needed some new photos so we called one of Carey‘s friends MJ who was a photographer and did a photo shoot in Portland. I started dabbling in computer graphics/ <Ian> Yeah, my other projects songs before even jamming with photo editing again and came up were in transition at the time, so I us. That was great because it told with the artwork for the album. We eventually took them up on it and me he was a very dedicated person used the well know mastering engiwe met up to jam. Afterward I who would put in the effort. After neer Ed Brooks from RFI Masterjoked that I don‘t usually propose a few more practices we knew for ing and nobody was disappointed. on a first date, but things already sure that Ian was our guy and Being able to release it digitally as seemed good to go for us right then asked him to come on board. Since well helped tremendously. Instantand there. then it‘s just been the four of us. ly we were backed by iTunes, <Carey> I was very excited about <Carey> Armed with a new bass- Spotify, Rhapsody, YouTube, and the possibility of him joining, due ist, we once again found ourselves many more including internet to the idea of bringing someone in the studio & playing gigs as a streaming stations around the with metal influences awesome four piece (although if you really globe. stage flare i.e. nipple rings, a mo- listen to Justin playing live you‘ll <Carey> Talk about an awesome hawk and playing without a shirt; hear two parts at once freaking time. So with a LP and an EP unthis guy screamed hard core rocker. amazing) and as a four piece we der our belt, the shows we were As soon as he started playing with found ourselves recording our first playing seemed to be a bit heavier us, chemistry was sparking, and his EP Midnight Sun at the legendary in caliber, sharing the stage with talent shined though. It was clear to London Bridge studios, with engi- some pretty awesome bands, such me that we needed to have him on neer Justin Davis. Justin Davis saw as December in Red and the Fail board, and soon after everything us playing at the old Drakes in Ta- Safe project. As time went on, fell into place. coma and after our performance he more and more awesome opportu<Justin> Ian is a well-seasoned invited us to record. nities continued coming our way, bass player with great gear and <Justin> Yeah, Justin said he was such as the guys of December in came to the practice able to play digging our sound and wanted us to Red referring Lani Linton of Seatalmost all of our material outside come up to London Bridge Studios tle Music Photography to us, reof the unreleased songs. He also and record some tunes. We set up a sulting in a photo shoot that finally played a 5-string bass drop tuned, time and did a tour of the studio. has us looking like a legitimate broadening our range and ultimate- We were all blown away with all rock band, getting invited again to ly changing our sound again. the Gold and Platinum records that record at London bridge studio, <Matt> That was the coolest thing were recorded there like: Candle- and now on the verge of putting the about Ian; at the first practice we box, Alice In Chains, Pearl Jam, final touches on our new EP recsaw he had taken the time to check Soundgarden, Temple of the Dog, orded at One Shot Studio brilliantout our music and learn 4-5 of our Blind Melon and some more recent ly engineered by owner Dylan

Fant, and now this article. After so of singles and now to hear it come the spectrum.

Personally we many great things coming our way to life is kind of a trip. I scheduled can express ourselves openly and it‘s hard not to believe that this all our Mastering session for Septem- honestly, acknowledging where we meant to be. ber 5th with none other than Ed differ but remaining respectful of <Justin> This last November we Brooks at RFI mastering again. I‘m the differences. got a chance to go back to London just about done working on the al- <Matt> Yeah, the best part about Bridge Studios and record the song bum art featuring some of our new the lineup to me is that we all work ‗Waste‖, which will be a part of pictures from Lani so when the so well as a unit. When we are our debut EP to be released this mastering‘s done we should be writing we feed off one another‘s October. We also stumbled across able to streamline the making of ideas, and before you know it we a phenomenal photographer named the discs and release the record in have a new song.

Lani Linton from Seattle Music October. <Justin> Occasionally it might Photography who caught a couple mean taking a couple weeks break shots of us live earlier on in the <CV NW> Tell us what you think it from working on that song. Someyear. When we saw the pictures is about THIS lineup that works so times we have to just literally flip a online we were shocked and imme- well. coin when we have a tie about a diately devised a plan to do a Seat- <Justin> This line-up works well decision to be made but communitle photo shoot with her. In May in many ways. The well rounded cation between the four of us is we started recording ―Just a input from each member in the cre- key. We have a group text and do Dream‖ at One Shot Studio with ative process isn‘t limited by any conference calls to keep everything Dylan Fant, as a trial to see if we one person‘s main role/instrument. rolling smooth. all worked together well and we All of us play guitar and throw ide- <Ian> Sometimes it takes a while were blown away by the first mix as back and forth for new songs. to get down to a decision, but it's we got back from him. We decided We always try to work through our always worth the time. We are all on the set list and went back in July differences but maintain our indi- here to learn. to do 5 more songs with Dylan. As viduality and respect each other‘s <Carey> I think the reason why of right now we have received the opinions. this line up works is because this first mixes from three out of five of <Ian> I think that musically, we band is made up of four guys who the new songs and they are sound- have a common sense of what share the belief that anything is ing amazing! About a year ago we makes a good song, even as our possible when you allow for the talked about making an album out individual influences are all over music to be what it‘s meant to be.

Not to be cliché but each of our talents fit together like puzzle pieces.

When something feels right, then you know it‘s right. <Matt> I have to note, in the past three years since Ian has joined the band we have become like a welloiled machine on stage, which makes it a lot of fun to rock out with these guys! <Justin> A couple years ago I asked Matt if he could take over the responsibility of booking shows since I was getting worn pretty thin after about 5 years of doing it and my household needing more of my time. He is great at it and in the end it works out great because I can squeeze in the graphic art stuff a

told us he had ward to trying it again. really dug our set <Ian> Yeah, we didn't reach our that night and goal for the last Kickstarter project, that we should but got a great deal of support anycome check out way. Plans are in the works for the studio to another project. maybe do some recording with <CV NW> Who are your musical (or him.

A week other) influences? later we had time <Carey> My influences are mainly booked at Lon- Dépêche Mode, Led Zeppelin, don Bridge to Muddy Waters, Frank Sinatra record a 5 song <Matt> The bands that got me EP. One of the started playing music were Nirvacoolest things to na, Tool, Deftones, Alice In me is that after Chains, Jimmy Hendrix, & Led the EP was done Zeppelin. and out there <Ian> My main influences go as (June 2012) we far back as ‗60‘s folk rock artists really were get- like Joni Mitchell and Crosby, Still lot more easily. ting better gigs and more fans. It & Nash, all the way through more really jumped up our professional- current metal bands such as All <CV NW> Talk about Riverpool’s ism.

That Remains and Killswitch EnSince that EP, we have gage, with just about everything in releases – in 2011 you went to grown a lot as a band and in our between those years and volume work with London Bridge Studio, put out your 5 song EP. What writing. We have decided to record levels. Two other bands that I alsince? What are you guys working a new EP, this time with a new stu- ways mention are Rush and Tool dio, One Shot Studio. We came my main progressive influences. on at this point? <Ian> We are currently putting to- across this guy Dylan Fant; our <Justin> Classic rock: Pink Floyd, gether our next EP, due for release good friends from December In Led Zeppelin, Rush, Randy Rhodes Red, <NOTE: for a feature on (not so much Ozzy but oh well). In in another couple months <Matt> We are hoping to put this DiR, see the August Issue of new EP out around the end of Sep- CVNW> who have been using him for quite some time, recommended tember, 2013. <Ian> Hopefully, yes. We are him saying he makes their music working with producer/engineer sound ―so killer.‖ We just had to Dylan Fant at 1 Shot Studio, and see what Dylan could do for us.

Dylan has been awesome to work will have RFI do the mastering. <Matt> We originally looked into with and the music has been comrecording at London Bridge in ing out better than I could have im2009. One of the main things that agined. attracted us to them was they had recorded bands we really liked <CV NW> How did the Kickstarter such as: Pearl Jam, Mother Love projects work out for the band?

Bone, 10 years, Alice in Chains, <Carey> Kick starter was a mixed and the list goes on. About a year bag. We‘re looking at trying it out and a half later, we were playing a again. show in Tacoma and after the show <Matt> I think that Kickstarter is a we were approached by a guy from great idea. We did not reach our London Bridge, Justin Davis. He goal the first time, but I look for-

the 90s: Candlebox, AIC, Sound- <CV NW> Did any of you have any come from? garden, Pearl Pam, STP, Tool, other interests growing up? <Justin> Usually I find inspiration Deftones, Sevendust, A Perfect <Justin> Growing up I always en- for new ideas while driving. ComCircle. Of the ―new bands‖, 10 joyed outdoors activities like muting has been very productive Years, Breaking Benjamin, Janus, camping, hunting, fishing, cliff over the last couple years for me. I Chuck Shaffer Picture Show. diving and white water rafting. I never would have guessed that I‘d <Ian> In Riverpool, we find a lot don‘t hunt anymore but I am still spend so much time in silence but of common ground around a sort of an avid fisherman, I live a quarter when the ideas come I just turn on ‗90‘s alt-rock sound because we all mile from the Cowlitz River and the memo app and sing the melody seem to like that sort of thing. Our less than five miles from the Co- enough to remember later. influences combined make for a lumbia River and fish as often as <Matt> We all share new riffs and variety of song styles and flavors. possible. ideas that came to us in our free <Matt> Music first became very <Ian> You bet, lots of them. Mu- time, then build a song around that. important to me when I started sic was one of many interests, but <Ian> LOL, I‘m not sure where middle school. I got into concert growing up I hardly knew to make new music comes from – I‘m just band playing the trumpet and then it a priority - that came much later. grateful when it comes togethventured into guitar. I loved Nirva- <Matt> When I started driving I er. Carey is incredible, he handles na, Led Zeppelin, and Jimmy Hen- got into hot rods and muscle cars. I the lyrics with great skill and drix, but I quickly found out that love working on them and going thoughtfulness. everyone was a guitar player and fast! <Carey> What inspires me to being 14/15 years old it was really <Justin> My other hobby is a lot write music is simply the love of hard to start a rock band if all your of work. By trade I‘m a Union Car- creating. My process for that is to buddies play guitar. At this point I penter and work on all kinds of sit at my piano or pick my guitar decided I needed a drum set. I‘m jobs from heavy industrial to com- and then suddenly stumble upon a sure my folks, were just thinking mercial to fine finish work. string of chords that evoke an emohere goes anther few hundred dol- <Carey> For a short time I wanted tion. And from that emotion I start lars, and he most likely won‘t stick to be a veterinarian to write a story that best reflects with this instrument either. Not to that feeling, which in turn becomes mention the drums were really <CV NW> When you sit down to lyrics. loud. write a song, what inspires you to <Justin> I haven‘t really had a write music, where do the lyrics chance to be part of the lyrical process much. Usually Carey has something jotted down so fast that it‘s all out of my control. <Matt> One of the best things to me about Riverpool is that it has never been hard for us to write music. The most fun songs to write are the ones when we are at practice, and someone out of nowhere just starts jamming a cool riff. We then instantly have a new song that takes shape in just a few hours. <CV NW> Where did the name come from, any cool story about how “Riverpool” came about?

<Justin> The first year we were together Carey, Joe and I talked about band names a lot but it was

right now?

<Justin> It‘s kind of interesting to see how things have changed for the worst for the rock music scene in the last few years especially on the corporate controlled radio stations. <Carey> I think it could be better if venues started seeing the value in quality local bands again. Right now the first question you get from venues is, ―what‘s your draw‖, and the last things they ask, if they even care to ask it, are ―do you have a demo‖, and ―what do you sound like‖. A darker view would be that the only thing left of Seattle so hard to solidify a good name. I <CV NW> Where do you guys feel being a major hub for great music suggested that we all come up with you are in the growth & evolution are the fumes left behind by groups as many names possible in a week of Riverpool? like of Alice In Chains, Sound Garand bring the list back to next <Carey> I feel that we are that we den and Nirvana, and those fumes week‘s practice. The following are just seeing the beginning of a are quickly evaporating. Not to week I was the only one with a list really cool chapter mention the damage hipsters have of names and as we were going <Justin> I feel like we are in a done to the scene, freakin‘ tragic! through them there was one on great place right now. Our fan base <Matt> For me, I think that Seattle there called Pool of Rivers. is still growing daily. We‘re in a has one of the best music scenes <Carey> Well we had the list of position where we seem to have a that we have played. It has great possible names, and I from that good draw everywhere we go. Our venues and the people come out to lists I picked out some words; put- music has progressed a lot and it shows just for fun and to check out ting them together sounded good. seems easier than ever to write. new bands. <Justin> Right, so Carey goes <Matt> I agree, we are in a really <Justin> True, you seem to have a ―AH-HAA! Riverpool!‖ Joe and I good place right now. We are all total opposite effect going on in a looked at each other in disgust & I good friends which makes the mu- city full of musicians and fans that said ―You can‘t put a couple things sic flow much better. actually go out and are actively together off of my list to make <Justin> We still have a ton of searching for new music. We‘ve yours, that doesn‘t even count.‖ new material to record which can always got a good vibe from the And he‘s like, ―No that‘s it man, be kind of frustrating but a good people and love playing in the SeRiverpool.‖ And we never came up problem to have. attle area. with anything better so we stuck <Ian> Onward and upward! We <Ian> You know, we are still very with it. are just now breaking into the Seat- new to this scene, but find it to be <Ian> The only insight I have into tle scene and really finding our di- both welcoming and supportive. It this is how long it took and how rection musically. With that, eve- really feels like something big is much debate there was about the rything is coming together perfect- about to happen here. band name, which apparently was ly. quite a bit. That‘s typical, though <Justin> We‘re also playing with <CV NW> How active do you try to (see the question about what makes higher caliber bands at a lot better be on Social Media? Do you think this lineup work…). venues. it's changed the game significant<Matt> I did not have a choice, ly? that was the name when I got into <CV NW> What do you think the <Carey> We are very active in sothe band. Good thing I liked it. state of the Seattle music scene is cial media. I think in some ways

it‘s given us a chance to get no- the social media as we can but no night the way we were introduced ticed, but it‘s also become a double one wants to feel like we‘re spam- and the way people responded to us edge sword in that because of so ming people. I believe that with the made me feel like a real rock star. many media outlets, the good old internet and social media connecdays of a small band getting big tions we have today it is the most <CV NW> What do you want your through live performances are level playing field in music history. fans/the audience to think & feel over. People just don‘t feel the when they are at a Riverpool need to actually go out to see new <CV NW> Any particularly memo- show? up and coming bands. rable shows come to mind? <Matt> I believe that first time <Ian> That‘s a good point, but an- <Ian> For me, every show has Riverpool fans always walk away ything we can do to promote been of value. amazed with our sound and wantthrough social media we still think <Justin> One of the first times we ing more. I really want fans to have is a good idea. played Fuel in Pioneer Square, Se- a great time and to connect with <Justin> Well, you don‘t have to attle. We got all set up and we had the emotion and moving sound that go through a corporate label to get a pretty decent following there, Riverpool brings to the table at a your music out there anymore and start the show and all of the sudden show. I also want them to leave most bigger bands that get big second song I look up and the thinking ―man, these guys have a through them all go independent whole place was packed. Evidently wide variety of musical sound and after their contract is up so they the ball game had just got out and that really kept me entertained. It can have their individuality back. people walking by just stopped in was not the same song played for Social media offers a more person- to rock out. We made a bunch of the last 45-55 min.‖ al touch year round not just when fans, sold a bunch of merch and <Justin> I can‘t tell you how we come play in your city. signed CDs. I was like, ―We defi- many times I‘ve heard something <Matt> We try to be active on Fa- nitely need to play Seattle more!‖ similar to: ―You‘re the kind of cebook and ReverbNation along <Matt> The most memorable band that when you listen to the with other various sites. Social me- show is the Aladdin Theater in disc you‘re like, wow! These guys dia has really gotten the music out Portland, OR where we put out our are f***n‘ good. Then you come to to lots of people so much quicker, very first full CD. What a great the show and they blow your but it also makes things harder be- show! That was the first time I freakin mind!‖ cause it is so easy to spam people knew we were on our way to do <Ian> We want them to feel with all kinds of bad stuff. great things. moved by the music, and hopefully <Justin> Yeah, we all try pretty <Carey> We played this place take some of it home with them in hard to be involved in as much of called the Chinese Garden. That their heads…and on at least one of our CDs that they bought at the show! <Carey> I want them to feel like they didn‘t get enough, and they want more, because it was that good. <Justin> The beauty of our sound is that we don‘t lean too hard on having one cookie cutter sound.

The show is more of a movement and an emotion. We almost always end up writing the set the night of the show and base it around: the venue, the bands we‘re playing with, and song requests by fans prior to the show.

<CV NW> Okay, it's just past halfway through 2013, what's in store for BLU this year? Any big plans for 2014 yet?

<Justin> We are talking about doing another music video, haven‘t picked the song yet but we‘re excited about getting some more visual media out there. <Matt> Yes, a new music video for one of our new songs on the EP. <Justin> I‘m sure we‘re going to end up back in the studio again soon to get down some more of the new material. We‘ve also talked about reaching out a little further <CV NW> What do you think is time signatures or tunings but alter- into the outskirts of our current your greatest accomplishment to native by our versatility to not be gigging footprint. <Matt> Also, I really hope we can stuck in one specific genre. date? <Justin> For me, it‘s being in the <Carey> True…progressive in the play outdoor festivals next sumsame band for 8 years; it‘s amazing way that the structure of our songs mer. Most of all keep writing and how many bands don‘t make it. are often complex and alternative making cool music! in the way that we aren‘t conven- <Ian> As a band we have always past the second year. <Carey> I think the fact that tional when it come to our overall had to work with living at a distance from each other. We are now we‘ve been together as long as we presentation of our music. more spread out than ever, but it is have, and there is still that honest love and respect for each other and <CV NW> What do you think it is our goal to come together around about Riverpool that sets you guys Seattle and make it our true home. the music we‘re making. <Ian> Our recordings have been a apart from any other bands in Se- <Carey> In 2014 the world will finally know Riverpool as the regreat success, that accomplishment attle, that makes you unique? is a great compliment. <Justin> I think the #1 thing that surgence of awesome rock bands. <Matt> Here‘s the thing, there‘s a sets us apart is our vocals. Carey‘s lot to talk about for great things we style is unlike anyone‘s I‘ve ever have done, but the most amazing heard and that‘s what most people thing about this band is that we all are listening to. live so far apart and still make the <Ian> Our songs are unique. Also commitment to keep rocking and you can‘t really find anyone else making good rock music. who looks like us. <Matt> I feel that Riverpool does <CV NW> You describe your sound not have just one sound. We as a a “progressive alternative rock” – group all have different influences tell us what that designation and that lets us write music from all genres. By doing this we attract means to you. <Ian> We have an alternative rock a wide range of people. sound with progressive elements <Carey> To me it means that our music falls in that grey area where and arrangements. <Justin> Yes, we are progressive you really have to listen to totally by nature by wanting to play in odd get it.

Riverpool

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!

14 Tips to Avoid Purchasing a Lemon Now is a tough time to buy a used car. The sluggish economy and ever-rising cost of new cars and trucks compel people to hang onto the cars they already own. As a result, used-car inventories are tight, and more of the vehicles for sale are either damaged goods or plain worn out. Drivers who need to or want to buy a good pre-owned vehicle today need to keep a sharp eye out for lemons on the lot and clunkers in the classifieds. Here are 14 tips to help you make a good used-car choice.

Check Title History Jot down the vehicle identification number, or VIN, and use it to buy a title history report from a pri- certain that there will be problems down the road, vate company such as CarFax or AutoCheck. The re- from corrosion on electrical connections and airbag port will indicate where the vehicle was previously sensors to a failed transmission or moldy upholstery. titled and how it was registered — as a personal car, A funky smell in the cabin is a bad sign. Lift up the taxi, rental car or fleet vehicle, for example. It will carpets and look for silt. Check for a dirty waterline reveal whether the title has been marked as salvaged in the trunk or engine compartment, or signs of silt in or flood-damaged, if the vehicle was ever recalled, the headlamps or other lights. If you suspect the car and more. Ask to see the actual title for the vehicle, has been flooded, walk away, quickly. compare its VIN to the one on the car, make sure it is in the seller's name and that it does not indicate any Pay for a Mechanical Inspection liens.

Have your mechanic thoroughly inspect any car you're considering. Some dealers may object to Beware Flood States this, but it should not be an issue if you are buying Keep a sharp eye out for vehicles that may from a private party. Make it the last point of negotiahave been damaged in floods or any other natural dis- tion, and offer the owner a modest gratuity. Your measter. One red flag is a title search that reveals the car chanic should inspect all systems and put the car on a has come from a state affected by flooding. Though a lift to check for signs of underbody damage that vehicle may have been auctioned for salvage with a could indicate a collision. A good inspection will retitle branded "flood damaged" by an insurance carri- veal how well the car has been maintained and er, it may be moved around the country and retitled in whether you can expect a big bill for brake work or several states to "wash" the title before it is finally exhaust repair in the near future, which could become resold. A new government database intended to track a point of negotiation on the final price. salvaged and flood-damaged vehicles is being impleView Service Records mented.

Ask the seller for service receipts or even the Be a Flood-Damage Detective computerized service record from a dealer if service If floodwater has been inside a car, it's almost was performed there. Look to see if the oil was

changed on schedule and if major maintenance such neglected alignment, worn-out suspension compoas a timing-belt replacement was completed. nents or even a chassis that's off-kilter after a wreck.

Check the air pressure in all tires. Pressure that's uneven or low all around is another indication of sloppy Reputation Matters Some cars were lemons when they were new. maintenance. Also look for a matched set of tires. If You can check on the reputation of a specific model one tire is a different brand or style, it may have been of car or truck at several levels. J.D. Power and Asso- replaced after a wreck. ciatesoffers quality ratings, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issues reports on recalls Avoid modifications and safety issues, and Consumer Reports offers comBe wary of a car or truck rigged with a lot of prehensive ratings of vehicles' quality and repair fre- aftermarket accessories, especially those designed to quency. Finally, you can do a simple Internet search improve performance. Oversized tires, loud exhaust and check consumer reviews of any popular vehicle. and a modified intake system are signs that the car Consistent negative reviews by owners are not a good may have been driven "with excess enthusiasm." sign.

Daylight Inspections Only

Emissions compliance

Make sure that the car's emissions certification Never rely on an inspection made at night, or is up-to-date if you live in a state or region with the car in a dark garage. Roll it out in the sun- that requires regular testing. If the car can't pass an light and you'll get a much better look at imperfec- emissions test, you may not be able to title or register tions in the body and the interior. it without making costly repairs.

Look for Overspray

No 'granny' cars

A mist of paint overspray visible in the wheelYou do not want a car that was only driven wells, or on trim that was poorly masked, can indicate five blocks to church on Sunday. It may look pristine bodywork was recently completed or that the car was and have very low mileage, but short trips are the repainted, perhaps to cover damage or rust. Sight most brutal duty an engine sees. Engineers call this down the length of the body and look for ripples or the "granny cycle," because the oil never gets hot waves in the sheet metal where bodywork was done. enough to boil off condensation that naturally forms Ask for an explanation about any paint jobs or body on start-up. Very acidic moisture can collect in the repair. engine and eventually lead to trouble, especially if the oil is changed infrequently — which is likely, because granny didn't drive much. Keep looking.

Ask about oil Scheduled oil changes are about the only regular service a modern vehicle requires, but it's also crit- Take a test drive ical to the life and reliability of the engine. Ask the Get the car out on the highway to get it up to seller if there's a record of oil changes. Look for a operating temperature and drive it at speed. Cruise on maintenance sticker on the windshield that might in- city streets, too. Try accelerating up a hill or a freedicate the last service date. Check the oil level in the way ramp. Be aware of vibrations in the steering, engine. If it's low, or if the oil looks unusually dark pulsing in the brakes or clunking sounds from the and dirty, the owner probably has not been paying suspension. Does the transmission shift smoothly? attention to maintenance. Look at other fluid levels Are there any ticking sounds from the engine that located under the hood. If the coolant tank is low or could indicate valve issues? After the drive, pop the the antifreeze looks dark and dirty, they're bad signs hood and look for leaking fluids, smoke or steam, or a indicating you should look for a different vehicle. gassy smell.

Telltale Tires

Veteran moto-journalist and Wisconsin-native Uneven wear on the tires and "cupping" — a Charles Plueddeman has been driving, riding and series of indentations in the tire tread — can indicate testing all manner of vehicles for more than 20 years.

Making a good pair of sticks begins by selecting the best wood possible. We manufacture many different models of sticks using Canadian maple and American hickory.

Our maple is considered to be the best in the business and our hickory from the southern USA is known the world over as the top choice for stick manufacturing. We also use red hickory which comes from the heart of the tree, making it stronger and more durable for those who need a bit "more" from their sticks.

We use only the finest grades of wood. Every dowel is hand inspected to ensure that the grain is straight and free from any defects. Only then does it go to our lathes to be turned into a LOS CABOS DRUMSTICK. When you purchase a pair of our sticks, you are investing in quality craftsmanship. With nearly two dozen models to choose from, Los Cabos Drumsticks offers something for every drummer.

Contacts • Website: www.loscabosdrumsticks.com • Blog: www.loscabosdrumsticks.tumblr.com • Twitter: @loscabossticks • Facebook: www.facebook.com/loscabossticks

Gear the Pros Use! Destiny awaits the hard charging, ass-kicking ladies of She’s Not Dead, and drummer Sam Howell provides the pounding beat that drives their sound. Based in Portland, OR, the band spend the summer of 2013 touring throughout the Mid-West US; the tour might be over, but the rise is just beginning for Sam and her bandmates.

I got this kit only a few months ago and I absolutely love it! I always wanted a white drum kit with all black hardware. I think it looks simple, but classy. I used to play on a Midnight Blue Tama Imperial Star with the same set up, but instead of Zildjian cymbals, I used Meinl.

I have a Pearl Vision in Custom white with black hardware and all Birch shells.

Drums 12" Rack Tom 16" Floor Tom, 22" Bass Drum 14" Snare Drum

Cymbals Zildjian A 20" Medium Ride Zildjian A 18" Medium Thin Crash Zildjian A 16" Medium Thin Crash Zildjian A 14" New Beat Hi Hats

Hardware Sound Percussion Boom Stand Sound Percussion Straight Stand Tama Stands

Drumsticks Vic Firth 5B American Classic Wood Tip Evans Coated EC2 Heads Evans Coated G2 Snare Hazy 300 Resonant Head on Snare Remo Powerstroke 3 Bass Drum Head Evans Custom She's Not Dead Logo on Bass

Gear the Pros Use! I started playing guitar when I was 10 and I've been singing my whole life. I have a wide range of influences from Rush, Heart, and Joan Jett all the way to Frank Sinatra, Alanis Morissette and Johnny Cash. I've always loved music and feel very blessed to be part of the local music community. Being able to network and play with a large variety of different musicians has definitely made me a better player overall. I've been lucky enough to, at a young age, discover what type of gear I like and what I don't like. There are a few things that I will continue to research to find the perfect fit. At the moment, I'm very happy with what I have so far.

Guitars Epiphone Les Paul Standard Royale ~ My very first guitar was an Epiphone Les Paul and I haven't played anything else since. I love the warm tone of these guitars and I've always felt a special connection with them. The Royale is a beautiful guitar. Mahogony body, Pearl White finish with gold sparkle binding, gold pickguard and Classic Humbuckers. The first time I played this guitar, I knew it was meant to be.

The warmth came through immediately and it was everything a Les Paul should be.

Epiphone Les Paul Custom Silverburst ~ Again, amazing instrument. At first glance, the finish is what initially sold me on this one. The silverburst color looked so edgy yet classy and elegant at the same time. Although it is my backup, I consider it my "little black dress" guitar. There is never a bad time to pull this out. It never disappoints. The sound of a Les Paul is something that I will love forever. I have yet to come across anything that compares.

Pedal Board/ Effects

I have had my BOSS BCB-60 board for many years. I don't use very many effects as a rhythm player so this board has just enough room for what I need. I use a Planet Waves strobe tuner, Danelectro FAB Flange and Chorus and a BOSS Overdrive/ Distortion.

Amps

Currently I'm running through a Single Channel Jet City JCA20h head with an Epiphone 4x12 cabinet. A friend turned me on to the Jet City head after an old head of mine burned out. I wasn't too sure about using a brand I'd never really heard of until I realized that it was a branch of Soldano. This is a great tube head and though it's small, it's definitely mighty. The crunch comes through great with my overdrive pedal and the clean is nice and clear.

Picks

I use custom "Roxy Gunn" guitar picks. Medium thickness.

Cables

I like to use Monster cables. They last a long time and I have found them to be very durable.

Strings

Ernie Ball Regular Slinky 10-46.

DevilDriver, for the last decade, has been that band to destroy you in the live setting and always had a monster record to back that up and with Winter Kills, they have upped the ante. Winter Kills is a nasty piece of work and if it does not crush you upon first listen, you are deaf. Dez Fafara took the time to give you, the fans, a disturbing view into his mind with this exclusive to Metal Exiles.

By Jeffrey Easton

Metal Exiles: With your new album Winter Kills stand out. The way we balance it is that we make

about to drop how does it feel to be Dez right now? sure the arrangements are tight and every song had a Dez Fafara: I am having the time of my now, just special momentum. hanging out with my family. We put a lot of hard work into this record and it is a full-on groover. It Metal Exiles: I read the bio on Winter Kills and has a lot of special moments and it is the most cohe- one of the things that stood out is that you’re fascinated with the dying off and rebirth of things. What sive record we have done, every song flows. fascinates your about that?

Metal Exiles: You have been busy with family Dez: I love that, I have no idea why. Right now its health issues as well as touring with Coal Chamber, approaching Fall and Winter and things are going to be dying off. I also like to start new things like busihow easy was it to get refocused on DevilDriver?

Dez: I was only with Coal Chamber all in all for ness’s and bands, travel to new places; otherwise life about three months with the dates that we did so it becomes stagnant. did not affect me at all since it was my off time from DD. The band has been writing for a while and I Metal Exiles: With the title Winter Kills, the have been writing off and on for a year and a half so I theme is very dark. What made you want to take this mental route? was really prepared when I got the demos.

Dez: We wrote and recorded during the winter time Metal Exiles: Everything I read on you refers to and technically we are releasing in the winter time DevilDriver as groove oriented metal but I think your sound is more ferocious than that but with melody. How does DevilDriver balance the ferocity with the melody that turns up in the music?

Dez: I think we are definitely the square peg in the round hole as you cannot fit us into these genres that are happening now. Long ago our fans started referring us to the California Groove Machine and I accepted that title because nobody else is referred to as that. We always have a form of melody with, as you said, ferociousness and it is important to try to balance the two. This record has a lot of tight arrangements as we really got down and concentrated on the song writing as we wanted the hooks and choruses to

since it is almost fall and you will be listening to it during the winter months. A lot of the lyrics involve reconditioning yourself to a higher level and taking your life to the next stage so that title really stood out to me. We needed a title track as well and that just stood out to me.

Metal Exiles: What points to a rebirth for you?

Dez: You have to take the lyrics for what they are and I am always that guy who will crack open the door and show you a little bit of light so sometimes you have to point out the negative to do that. If you take the lyrics and really look into them you will see those places. The record as a cohesive whole really points to that. The band has a new label with Na- tracks on the first take and if I wasn’t feeling it that palm and a new bass player, Chris Towning, so it re- day we could just call it quits. It made me feel more ally is a rebirth for us. This is our sixth record and comfortable while recording because I was in a state we really found out who we are and what we do best I created. It was very moody, no direct lighting on with our sound. We have five different records with me and I think that lent to the attitude of the record. different sounds but to me Winter Kills really capMetal Exiles: Usually a producer will not go tures who we are. along with that but you did bring Mark Lewis back.

Metal Exiles: I know that Desperate Times was Was he down with flying out and doing this with written around the time of your sister’s Cancer di- you?

Dez: At this point I am only going to work the way I agnosis. How is she doing now?

Dez: It was written around that as well as some oth- want to work obviously but he had a great time here, er things. She is doing ok but that song title and the he loves California. He was very professional and he lyrics reflect the desperate times we go through to loved the studio I set up, it had a great vibe. get to the positive times.

Metal Exiles: Your albums with him sound Metal Exiles: What else in your life was push- amazing. What does he bring that you guys would not be able to do by yourselves? ing the songs, like Curses And Epitaphs?

Dez: Everything in life can be that, a curse or an epi- Dez: He does not try to become the sixth member taph. At one point things end and begin and if you and he does not try to take it in a different direction. really go into the lyrics you will see that it speaks of He just tries to get the best out of you. I know he people in my past. Friends that take you down the gets the best out of the instruments but with me I wrong path or business people that are not really need someone who is on and can work fast. When I with it, so you have to really wake up and clean am working I am working. I want to get take after take, I don’t want someone outside the glass analyzhouse. ing the lyric because it is not written by him, for him Metal Exiles: I know you like being home with or to him, I want someone who can punch me in and your family so you recorded your vocals at home. out and get it done. Mark Lewis is the person to get What was that like as opposed to going to a studio? that done for me.

Dez: You find yourself thinking that if you displace yourself , putting yourself in the odd place out, mak- Metal Exiles: Some producers want to be ining yourself uncomfortable will give you a feel that volved in every aspect of the band and recording, metal needs but for me that’s not the case. I was get- why do you think they want that control? ting to a point that I was saying “ok, I got four more Dez: A lot of producers have that ability but they are songs and I can go home. I did not want to do that, I often working with young bands that need that, some did not think the listeners deserved that nor the art. who can fix their songs but in our case we do not I was just done with being gone for months on end need that. just to record a record. So I put a vocal booth downstairs and I think it added a lot to the feel of the rec- Metal Exiles: I know you have a positive nature ord. The clock wasn’t ticking; we got a lot of the but most perceive metal as negative. What is the

best way that Dez can put it out there that DevilDriver has a more positive message?

Dez: Nobody does dark like me, if you wanted to find a dark soul on the planet you are looking at him, which is why I am always trying to look into the light.

What I do in an essence is that door you are afraid to look into, that room your afraid to go into, I crack it open so you can look through it with my lyrics. If anything, metal was the place I could go to when I was younger an my parents were fighting and going through a divorce, metal was the thing in that place I could go to. I want to have that band that is there for you.

Metal Exiles: I know what’s that like, when I was a kid my parents divorced so I had KISS. Dez: There you go. Music was always that place for me and if we can exist for someone then wonderful.

Metal Exiles: Napalm is putting this record and to me they have always been this underground label dealing in amazing music. Do you think DevilDriver is going to be that band to take them to a wider audience?

Dez: Who knows, but as far as a working partnership so far things have been amazing. We will find out see not this Tuesday but the next when the numbers come in. We have done our job as a band, they have done theirs a label so it is up to the fans to go buy the record. I would like to think we are raising the flag and trying to be that flagship band for Napalm, especially in the U.S., and if it works out I would like to work with them again.

Metal Exiles: You have a lot going on with the release of Winter Kills. What is the touring going to be like?

Dez: We have the co-headlining tour with Trivium this fall and after Christmas we are going to do Soundwave in Australia which is always amazing.

There will be a lot of touring for this album; we will break records with this tour.

DevilDriver is always a force to be reckoned with, and with the release of Winter Kills it only gets deadlier.

Click for the Official DevilDriver Website

Turning old instruments

into art!

Terry has now expanded Instrument Art is some- have. He is currently working thing Terry at Guinner on a Mandolin Jewelry Box, a his repertoire to include differGraphix has been doing for custom base for a member of ent instruments, everything years for many people that the all-female band Zepparel- from mandolins to guitars of have a love for instru- la, a commemorative CV all kinds, making custom pic ments. Terry has found, since WorldWide guitar, and some- guards and head stock art. He being back in California, body even asked him to do is constantly on the go, workthat local music stores have a something with their pi- ing with different vendors and endless source of instruments ano! He can make a piece of personalities to generate great to bring back to life. He will furniture out of an unusable or art pieces, many for charities. personalize your drums, gui- unwanted instruments, he does Terry is also the nicest guy in the room, always willing to tars, and any instrument you it all. help people out

To contact Terry, visit:

www.Drumiture.com

Mission Seattle Hempfest is founded in the belief that the public is better served when citizens and public officials work cooperatively in order to successfully accomplish common goals.

Objective and Purpose To educate the public on the myriad of potential benefits offered by the Cannabis plant, including the medicinal, industrial, agricultural, economic, environmental, and other benefits and applications. In particular, Seattle Hempfest seeks to advance the cause of Cannabis policy reform through education, while advancing the public image of the Cannabis advocate or enthusiast through example.

Grit and gristle and big rock melodies come alive in the music of Loud Angel. Feisty female energy tangles with a big party vibe of raucous hard-rock guitar-driven originals and classics! Featuring Johnny Metal and Joiee Kallay as the Loud & the Angel...

Loud Angel welcomes listeners to one big ROCK-nROLL PARTY everywhere they play! Enter a world where you play as hard as you can before you finally crash, usually right before the sun comes up! Go see them, survive their show, if you can...

<CV WW> Alright, you know the <CV WW> Johnny, you formed the drill, tell us who’s in the band, band in 1990, originally as a cover and their role. band - can we assume "80's hair metal”?

Johnny Metal - Lead Guitar

Yes, we were definitely 80‘s hair band for several years, A&R Records noticed us and what we were doing and lent us a hand with <CV WW> How long as each mem- shows and such, but in the late 90‘s Back Street Records came and ber been in Loud Angel?

Joie has been in for almost 2 made us an offer, which we signed, years – she‘s a great asset, great so that we could tour again. singer, and has a wide range of vocals that really work well with our <CV WW> What songs were you music. Mickey has been playing covering at the time?

Well, the cream of the 80‘s with us for about 18 months now.

Tommy, on the other hand, has hair metal bands – Ozzy, Skid been with the band since 2006 – he Row, Poison, RATT, etc (too many hold name! Making a name for left the band for a few years to ex- to really mention, the list is long) – ourselves really came easy with the plore other creative music endeav- but we werestalso playing originals music and shows at that time – but ors, but our interim drummer from our 1 CD called ―Living covers were, for us, a cheap fix and (name withheld) was all hyped up Dangerous‖. So it was a mix of a temporary direction That entire on drugs, not a good scene, so we music. time, I was writing new original replaced him with Tommy. <CV WW> At that point, what were music in our motels rooms during you really hoping to accomplish? our down time.

Joiee Kallay - Lead Vox Mickey Galipoly - Bass Tommy Smiraldo - Drums

<CV WW> Did he miss you guys?

You know, at that point we <CV WW> At what point did you Yeah, he said he missed playing with us, he admitted that were just digging our fans coming make the decision to transform Loud Angel always felt like home, out and enjoying our music and our from a cover to original band? so he‘s back – that guy is like my dream – but the goal of Loud AnThis occurred in 1997, when gel has always been to be a housebrother! we had traveled the East Coast and

did shows all up and down the Atlantic seaboard.

The summer of 1997 was a bit of a blur for us – too much partying while on the road. Well, we knew we were popular and had made a name for ourselves at that time, fans were showing up everywhere we played – they were asking for our tried and true covers, but also for original songs too – so we tried to mix in about 10 or so originals in our cover set; as it turns out, the more we played originals, the more the bars seemed to fills up night after night – at that point, well, it‘s pretty much a nobrainer to go in that direction.

see the common goal, we understand that this is for our fans, and that we have to put out the best rock music and not just a simple show but one with very high energy! We are constantly improving our music and theatrics. It‘s all about making sure the fans get their money‘s worth at a Loud Angel show. <CV WW> Joiee's got a pretty powerful voice, what led you to the decision to have a female singer?

It‘s always been my thought to use that niche – let‘s face it, sex & sexy sells, and who doesn‘t want a hot woman sing her ass off and rock yours off with shredding guitars, ass-kicking drums, and a bottom bass full of thunder?

<CV WW> Tell the story of LA’s journey to right here, to this lineup – the original Loud Angel group guys and gal – I just had to be pabroke up, but you put it together tient until I found the perfect crew. <CV WW> Early on, in 1999, you again, tell us that story. were nominated in the Hartford Loud Angel started out as a <CV WW> You’ve had some chal- Advocate as "Best Cover Band" five piece rock band back in the lenges in the last couple of years, Hartford, CT? day – we played everywhere we tell us about those.

It was cool to win that

Well, first thing was that I award after having been moved to could, we didn‘t turn away any shows no matter what, since early suffered a minor stroke – I recov- Hartford…but after we finished on you‘re building a brand and fol- ered, but it took about 5 months of some touring, I decided to bring lowing, we played all the time – hard work to get back to 100% - no the band south to FL, where we are but we had some internal problems issues now though. Shortly after based now. with our original rhythm guitarist. that, as we were gearing up to tour, He was partying way too much , he our original singer‘s daughter was <CV WW> Let’s talk about your alwas starting volume wars with the killed in a car crash – her infant bum releases… female singer, it was cutting down daughter survived the accident, but Okay, the 1st CD was called the good dynamics of the band. I Wendy had to leave the band to ―Living Dangerous‖, it was recordlove him like a brother, which raise the child. Those were awful ed in Hartford with Back Street made it hard to let him go, but I events, but we were able to get past Records at their headquarters there wanted the musical challenge by them; we recruited Joiee to be our in CT. With that release we toured myself so he stepped down. The new singer, then stepped back into to support, and even had an opporband started out in MA but when the studio to record with our guns tunity to tour overseas, which was Back Street Records got involved, fully loaded. cool. they moved me from my home Back Street Records as a <CV WW> Tell us what you think it town of East Hampton, MA to record company went under, and is about THIS lineup that works so Hartford, CT. There were some suddenly we were in search of a changes, I had a lot of growing well... label but it didn‘t stop us from I can tell you that the mem- forging ahead with our shows and pains during that time, life threw me a few comers until I found my bers in the band right now really such until A&R Records stepped in have our heads on straight, and we and supported us for about 6 years.

<CV WW> What inspires you to write music, where do the lyrics come from?

Well, we understand that it‘s a tough industry, and our music comes from the heat and life‘s experience, but we‘re able to write, record, and present the music in a form that people like, that sells to music fans. Ultimately, we want our lyrics to be memorable. <CV WW> Where did the name come from, any cool story about how “Loud Angel” came about?

<JOHNNY> Heh. I was a huge biker at heart, and we released the first CD at the Hell‘s Angels Chapter in CT to a crazy We got a new manager, Re- <CV WW> Who are your musical crowd, it was a very cool show – as a kid, I was fascinated with the becca Firstenfeld, who is still with (or other) influences? us today, and went on to release I think we‘d all agree that Hell‘s Angels too. I also did things ―Demons in the Dark‖ around 2004 KISS is a big influence on nearly in life that helped take negatives – that was the time we won an en- everyone from the 80‘s, especially and turn them into positives, it‘s dorsement from Harley Davidson, for us. It‘s hard to find someone kind of God‘s way of turning evil which was cool as hell. who was not influences in some to good, I guess. ―Loud Angel‖ ―Sanity‖ came out in 2009 way by them. Ozzy Osbourne is just seemed appropriate a name for to much success – at that point, another big influence – for a fe- my band.

Dynasty Records made us an offer, male fronted band, of course Joan but we respectfully declined and Jett & Pat Benatar, Lita Ford too. <CV WW> How active do you try to went on to open our own label I‘m good friends with Ricky Byrd be on Social Media?

We try to be very active.

(Sanity Records) shortly after that too, he‘s been an influence to me Our fans are like the heart of a hu– ―Sanity‖ was on both the national as well. man, they pump the musical blood and global music charts, we were in the top 4-8 slots for over 18 <CV WW> Did any of you have any through our veins, we try to engage them via Social Media and in permonths, it was crazy! We toured other interests growing up? to support the album – well, I had Honestly, not really. We all son too; after all, our fans are our always wanted a double live CD, knew at a young age we wanted to life, this is for them. We also try to so we recorded one of our live be rock stars. For me, I got my be active in the local community to shows – it totally rocked, and it‘s first Strat at the age of 12 – 6 help good causes. on YouTube. Incidentally, the months prior to that, my cousin, song ―Bastard‖ from ―Sanity‖ got who was a sound engineer for <CV WW> Do you think it's us nominated in Spin Magazine KISS, called me and told me that changed the game significantly?

Definitely. It‘s a blessing in and as a single was played on over he got me a ticket to meet the boys most ways, and it allows us to get 4,000 radio stations worldwide, in the band. I found myself standwithout any record company assis- ing in the elevator with Paul, Gene, closer to our fans and reach more tance – which is significant if you Ace, & Peter, in Springfield, MA, of them – we measure success one know the music business. It‘s flat- they‘ve got 2 hot metal babes with fan at a time, and to be able to tering, our albums have been sold them, mini-skirts hiked up; I was reach out them pretty much anytime via Social Media is great. all over the world. sold for life.

Another show was in I don‘t feel like we‘re brag<CV WW> What opportunities has it opened up for Loud Angel that Deland, FL – at their Delandapa- ging, we‘re just telling it how it is; looza Festival, they shut down the Loud Angel has opened for many you don't think you had before?

Well, it allows pretty much entire city for the festival, and the big acts through the years, it has the whole world to get our music main street was packed with Loud really been a dream come true. if they want – since our music was Angel fans just screaming. Nuts, Even today, we step on stage with the mindset to conquer every show; and is still played overseas, it al- but in a cool way. the band just loves our fans. lows our national and international fans to share their thoughts, com- <CV WW> What do you want your ments, and opinions with us and fans/the audience to think & feel <CV WW> Loud Angel received the "Harley Davidson Letter of Recomeach other. It‘s also easier to ex- when they are at a LA show? pand our number of fans as Social Like many bands we want mendation" from Space Coast HD Media allows them to interact our fans to get lost in the music, in - tell us how that came about. much more easily. the show, forget about day to day That show was one for the books. It actually took place in a Battle of the Bands with over 200 regional bands, and Loud Angel came out on top – so that ―Letter of Recommendation‖ was an endorsement from the boys at Space Coast HD, they really liked us a lot – they even roped off an area to have a Loud Angel photo shoot. There was a ton of press there and fans, it was great. <CV WW> How do awards like that validate all your hard work? I mean, Brevard County Florida...Loud Angel is chosen as "Best Biker Band" - how cool is that?

You know, it gives you a great sense of self-esteem to win a Battle of the Bands against such <CV WW> Any particularly memo- life, and just cut loose and party; great competition. It was also we want them to get lost in the great to realize how much an orrable shows come to mind?

Oh yeah. We played a show emotions of our music and just re- ganization like Harley Davidson got behind us; they were very imin New Britain, CT to a sold out lax and enjoy. pressed with us, and also sold a ton club – 3,200 people were at that show! I drove my Harley on stage, <CV WW> What do you think is more merchandise than originally doing a wheelie all the way up the your greatest accomplishment to expected. I think they sold more merch than beer! They also sold 8 ramp with our lead singer, it was date?

KILLER to watch the crowd alYou know, there‘s a lot to bikes that day, so they did pretty most incite a riot with enthusiasm. being a ―charted‖ band and selling good, you can do that math. It‘s I was cranking the music, and one out shows all the time – it‘s an ac- also some pressure and motivation fan grabbed our singer‘s shirt and complishment to keep that going to repeat success like that and to actually almost tore it off. Good through the years. We did a show keep it going forward.

Another interesting fact times, always something fun going in Fort Lauderdale in 2011, sold about that show is Tommy almost on during a Loud Angel show. out 1,000 tickets in an hour!

caused a riot because he was can happen for them if they make <CV WW> Johnny, tell us, do you throwing out Loud Angel t-shirts the effort. still play the "fintar"? from the stage, and people were <JOHNNY> Yes, it‘s a <CV WW> What do you think it is going crazy trying to get one! wild guitar, a very explosive inabout Loud Angel that sets you strument – here is their contact; <CV WW> After all these years, guys apart from any other bands, fintarguitar@gmail.com nearly 25 of them rocking any- that makes you unique?

Our music continues to be where and everywhere, how do you relevant and popular with the stay motivated?

Well, we try to stay in shape crowds – we stay commercially and take care of ourselves physi- viable for venues, and we give cally so we can still perform – also, credit where it is due. Joiee is a we continue to receive incredible remarkable singer and a great stage support from our fans, they really presence. Johnny Metal is a shredprovide us with motivation, we der extraordinaire, a legend. Tommy is just an animal back there never want to let them down. banging on his kit, and with thun<CV WW> With your success, you've der like Mickey, you can‘t go probably earned the right to rest wrong. We have a great lineup, on your laurels on some warm what we offer fans and people who beach with a cold beer - what attend our shows is very well received and has always been. keeps you going? <JOHNNY> You know, we love to tour and see our fans; we <CV WW> Tell us about the "Loud love them dearly and always prom- Angel Bus". :) Well, Johnny has been a <CV WW> Tell us about it., it’s a ise to do bigger and better shows, long time auto mechanic, he loves new thing to us. and take it to the fullest to keep <JOHNNY> Well, I was them happy and excited about see- to restore old cars, he has quite a collection of automobiles he‘s reapproached in the mid 1990‘s by a ing Loud Angel in concert. stored over the years.

He bought company called ―Fintar‖ – the <TOMMY> I have to say, the bus and customized it all out – owner of the company has been to it‘s a great feeling and motivates us it has TV‘s, beds, computers, and many of my shows and we got to to continue to perform when you skulls that light up with red lasers. be pretty good friends – he asked sneak into a grocery store and a With his ability to fix it up, it was me what he could do with a guitar, bunch of high school kids run up to easy to use the bus for the band if I had any ideas, so the night beyou and ask for autographs. High when we tour – it saves us a lot of fore I played a sold out show I was school kids! money, and it‘s a rolling billboard so pumped up I told him to make <CV WW> Hmm, maybe kids of for the sponsors. It also has a lift the guitar light up and get smoke to gate for the road crew to make it come out the tail pipe. He liked your original fans? LOL HaHa – not funny. But easier on them to move the gear – the idea so much Fintar asked to endorse me – the very next day I maybe – it‘s the next generation of the really appreciate that part. played in Boston, in a huge arena, Loud Angel fans, and we always <CV WW> You list your record label and I detonated the pyro from the stop to talk to them, to inspire them as "independent", does that mean back of the guitar neck (by the to work hard to accomplish the you do all your own work? way, I LOVE playing with pyrothings they want to in life, to give Yes but we outsource some technics in my guitar)! I love to do back to them with positivity. of the load to share the wealth, so stuff like that, crazy stuff, it‘s just We‘ve been doing this long enough to talk to kids about success and to speak, to give back to others. my style, the way I live life; I‘ve perseverance, to tell them that it But we do have our own label always said ―if you can‘t go big or called Sanity Records, yes. go all the way, then just go home.‖

Well, next thing I know the media is all over me, they had my face plastered in all the papers all the way back to CT, and I got a call from guitar player magazine.

Great stuff. I‘ve been recently working on Fintar‘s Ltd new guitar called the V-Twin; we are talking with certain members of HarleyDavidson on this new idea – it‘s a flying V guitar with a V-Twin engine mounted on it! Can it get any cooler than that? LOL lets in our guns for music, shows, just to mention another important show. <CV WW> Okay, it's just past half- and touring. way through 2013, what's in store for LA this year - rumor has it you <CV WW> Where will you support <CV WW> Sounds like the life…

It is, we love it. Also, Loud are releasing a new album, what this CD with tour dates?

We are going to tour first up Angel will be coming out with an can you tell us about it?

Yes – we are working on a the East coast to Canada, then we autobiography after the tour starts new CD called ―Our Guns are are going out west. They tell me – hopefully it‘ll be an interesting Loaded‖ that has over 13 songs. we‘ll be heading overseas as well; read, it‘ll begin with Johnny‘s childhood…

It‘s armed with AC/DC-like that would be killer. screaming guitar licks, Joiee is really going to show you what the <CV WW> When do you start?

OUD NGEL We start September 14th at word ―range‖ means for a singer on this CD. It‘s a ball bustin‘ CD the Sports Page, then ride off into filled with dynamite drumming, the future. Also, we‘re working on LIKE them @ thick bass lines, and Joiee bringing taking part in a HUGE outdoor https://www.facebook.com/loudangel this CD to the cutting edge of hard show, they think 30,000 some-odd people will be in attendance, playrock.

This CD has meaning for us ing with Great White, Slaughter, LISTEN to them @ overall – after what we‘ve been LA Guns, and Warrant. We‘ll be through, we always have more bul- in Deland, FL on November 2nd, http://www.reverbnation.com/loudangel

L

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Information on riding your motorcycle in the rain...

It's 8 am in the morning and you peer out your kitchen window. Although the weatherman on TV had announced the night before that clear skies were in today's forecast, dark grey rain clouds are looming in the distance. While sipping on your morning cup-a -joe, you try to estimate just how soon they'll be hovering over your home and contemplate thoughts to yourself such as, ―If I leave now, maybe, just maybe I'll be able to make it in to work without getting wet.‖ After all, that shiny bike of yours, sitting in the garage all night, is just begging you to take it for another spin. You glance back up at the clouds and decide that yet again, you will chance it and ride on into work. In case luck is not on your side, here are some tips on how to prepare for riding in the rain and to help keep them warm too. Another option is purchaskeep yourself as dry and as safe as possible without ing a rain suit to wear over your leathers if you don't having to succumb to driving to work in a cage. Let's have all weather gear. Waterproof your boots prior to begin! riding in the rain as an extra precaution. However if you still don't want to spend a few extra dollars on a rain suit and waterproofing boot spray, then another, Gear In an ideal situation, you'll have invested in albeit low-cost option is to wear a couple of large some all weather riding gear including waterproof trash bags over your clothing and plastic grocery bags boots and if that's the case then good for you! The inside your boots wrapped around your socks to help minimum investment you should have on hand when with rain-proofing yourself. Riding in the rain is not it comes to rain gear is waterproof gloves that fasten fun, but it's even worse if you get soaked. securely around your wrist. Not only do gloves keep your hands dry during a rainstorm, but they'll also Tires Tires with a good tread pattern on them are the safest type to use when it's raining. This is because, there's more rubber to grip the slippery road. Still, even with decent tread on the tires, pushing your twowheeler to the limits in the rain, be it a drizzle or a downpour, is not advised unless you want to hydroplane or worse yet, lay your bike down in front of oncoming traffic.

Wait Oil and grease on the road tends to loosen up and sit on the surface during the start of the rain, so allow a solid 15 minutes or so for cars to splash the excess muck off onto the side of the street. Otherwise, you're just asking for trouble!

What to Avoid Steer clear of the painted lines on streets and hi -ways because they become extremely slick when wet. Common sense should encourage you to ride in the path of the tire trails left by vehicles in front of you since it will be the area on the road with the least amount of water on it. Manhole covers and railroad tracks are very slick when wet too. Avoid them if at all possible, but if you must cross over them, heed with caution keeping a steady throttle.

Visor Care To help eliminate rain from building up on your visor and impairing your vision, there are a few products on the market you can apply prior to riding such as Rain-X. This product and products like it encourage the water to roll and bounce right off of the visor. Your visor may also indeed become foggy while riding in the rain and although there are products on the market to help prevent that too, just cracking your visor open a smidge every now and again will help quickly eliminate this problem.

There are always those rare occasion that may sneak up on you and leave you in a compromising situation. Be prepared and alert so that you'll still be around to ride on future dry weather days as well!

This month, Lani Linton and crew ALSO take a left hand turn and cover the Seattle Tattoo Convention for CV NorthWest.

Article by Tiffany Pedersen & Molly Larpenteur. back, calmly awaiting what was to rience and expertise that was present. come. Others were hustling and bus- Books were available to flip through. tling to set up, making sure tables and It was not just a few 3 three ring bindchairs were available. Merchandise ers, but HUNDREDS of books, with was meticulously displayed as gear pages and pages of brightly colored was set up and ready to go. A few art that would inspire the most techlate comers were frantically running nical of minds. about and the anxiety level was conInside were tattoo related vendensing the air in the room. dors of all varieties. Eternal Ink proAs the Dead Kennedy's played vided a display that could only be riThe 2013 Seattle Tattoo Expo through speakers, artists were found valed by a prism in the sun. H2Ocean was one for the books. In a city filled mingling and talking while catching offers environmentally safe tattoo afwith diverse and open minded individ- up with old friends and new acquaint- ter-care products, keeping your new uals, the Expo demonstrated some of ances. It was immediately clear that art clean and as vibrant as you expect the best that Seattle has to offer; and those involved were part of something it to be. In the case that one had a rewas a huge success as well. bigger, an entire community celebrat- gret (they happen) or an error on a It is becoming extremely rare ing art. Some were testing their tattoo (we hope they don't happen), to find a person without tattoos equipment and getting set up for their Caddell's Laser & Electrolysis Clinic (NOTE: the Pres of this Magazine is, first appointment while others sat, was set up to aid those who wished strangely enough, tabula rasa), as head down, earplugs in, focused on for tattoo removal, or lightening, with those having ink have now become drawing. As crowds gathered outside 11 years experience. FKIrons was the majority. However, when you do the door, one can perfectly describe present, advertising the lightest and eventually come across someone with the atmosphere as "the calm before most reliable machines. Char Hall disan empty canvas, they still have re- the storm". played stunning art pieces at her spect and appreciation for another that As doors opened, people me- booth, so realistic it was hard to bemay be a completed work of art. The andered through rows of booths for lieve that you weren't seeing a photopeople that live in the Pacific North- tattoo shops, and no two booths were graph but a painting west are proud to be residents for sev- alike. Typical booth space was 100 Tattoo shops from all over eral different reasons. Elsewhere, the square feet. Where some shops rented Washington were in attendance. Hidarea may be known for housing major multiple booths, others had just a sin- den Hand Tattoo from Fremont, Cicacompanies like Boeing, Amazon, Mi- gle space, fitting in multiple people, da Tattoo from North Seattle, Black crosoft and Starbucks, but it's the peo- clients, AND equipment, like a human Tortoise Tattoo from Lacey, Deep ple who actually live here that make game of Tetris. It was some of these Roots from Lynnwood, and Laughing all the difference. In Seattle, we smaller booths that had a higher buzz, thrive on thinking outside the box, and a bigger crowd interest. Visitors setting new trends, and proving that were able to watch artists work, and it's OK to be different. were provided easy access to talk to Held at the Seattle Center dur- multiple tattoo shops and artists in ing the weekend of August 9th hopes of finding the person that was through August 11th, doors opened at going to help them with their next tat2 PM on Friday afternoon. As artists, too endeavor. One was able to convendors and musicians prepared for veniently gain information and comthe days that were about to com- pare, not that their options would have mence, some could be seen kicking been simple with the amount of expe-

Buddha located on Broadway were Mike of Hidden Hand Tattoo in all there, just to name a few. Each Fremont, WA was complimented shop promoted their personal idea and chosen as being good at color of art, color, and style. Drawings portraits. Matt from Hardline Tatwere displayed, and machines were too, Barber and Body Piercing was buzzing the whole weekend while an artist of choice because the peothe artists were working to make ple from Hardline were "really sure clients had a masterpiece after friendly", and this seemed to be the sitting down. case for everyone who participated There weren't stereotypical in the event. patrons present as crowds wanAs the weekend progressed, dered the wall-to-wall rows of the crowd changed from a trickle of booths. One would expect to see Expo goers to a full on crowd of only people covered head to toe in people pushing and flowing tattoos, gauged ears, and colored through the pathways between hair, but there were also people booths. Stopping almost wasn't an there that would remind you of option or you'd hold up the line that your grandparents, not a single tat- would begin to gather behind you. too and wearing khakis. Parents, The room filled to the point of feelgroups of people, single people, ing like a cattle herd. Different and little kids were all smiling and music was being played at each intrigued, soaking in the scene. It booth. The air was filled with goes to show that no matter who scents of Nag Champa, antiseptic, you are or where you grew up, green soap, and sweat, leaving one there was something of interest for to feel dirty and clean all at the all who arrived. same time.

Those who were searching Once outside, the fun wasn't to get a tattoo at the expo were met over. Vendors and sponsors such with a dreamland of options. as Caffe Vita, Captain Morgan, When asking clients why they Rockstar, Ninkasi Brewing Compachose the artist they did, the com- ny, Ballard Brothers Seafood and mon response seemed to be their Burgers, Holy Cannoli and KIND skill and their bedside manner. Snacks filled an area lined with One described Grover from Black white picket fences. The beer garTortoise Tattoo in Lacey, WA as den sponsored by Ninkasi Brewing "really kick ass and a really nice Company was nestled under the guy." Another described Stefan of shade of green trees, round tables Enemy Tattoo in Everett, WA as and umbrellas positioned to allow a "really good at what he does". And side view of the stage. Scattered

Black Tortoise Tattoo Co. 7914 Martin Way E Lacey, WA 98516 (360) 915-6122 What is it that sets Black Tortoise apart?

Michael Horton: Our friendly attitude and the quality of our artwork.

What styles do you best present clients with?

M.H.: We have a lot of strength in portrait works, new school kind of feel, and realism.

There are so many styles that we, as a shop, can accomplish.

Can you tell us what your favorite part of the Seattle Tattoo Expo was?

M.H.: All I can tell you is I had a really good time, and I look forward to it in the future. I liked being around other artists and likeminded people.

Black and grey, or color, which do you like best?

Grover Collins: I like bright, saturated color. I once did this girl's sleeve, themed on The Hitchiker‘s Guide to the Galaxy. I don't think there was one part of her arm that wasn't completely full of color. It was a lot of fun to look at the story.

outside were additional vendors, adding art and color to the event. La Catrina presented Dia De Los Muertos and Tattoo Inspired Art. With faces painted to represent Sugar Skulls, their booth offered much to be admired. Black Cult Craft offered clothing, candles and coffee, all dark and mystic, the coffee label reading "Hail Satan and Drink Coffee".

A bright yellow and red background stood behind the stage that was to be the platform for performers and contests. Bands like December in Red, Eagle Teeth, Black Beast Revival, A Lien Nation, LoudMotor, and Alicia Amiri tore it up, filling the Seattle Center with sets that, for lack of a better term, rocked. Burlesque was up Friday featuring Atomic Bombshells, and that they were.

Rockstar sponsored the event and the Inked Up World Tour, featuring 12 artists and 12 tattoo conventions.

The artists are competing by designing a can, the winner decided by fans who had the opportunity to vote. Along with the artists are Rockstar bikini clad ladies competing for the title of Miss Inked Up 2013.

Throughout the weekend, competitions were held for "Best Of…", and to end each day, which work was the tattoo of the day. Much entertainment was provided. One competitor for Best Traditional showed off an impressive chest piece of Jesus, topping off his performance with the infamous "Truffle Shuffle." With judges similar to American Idol personalities, contestants posed and walked the stage showing their stuff. Whether participating or watching, all were entertained, and the art was astounding.

The people at the Seattle Tattoo Expo truly represent the awesomeness of the Pacific Northwest. With friendly smiles and attitudes, it seemed that visitors, clients, vendors and artists were all there because they wanted to be, and all were having a great time. The Expo was set up meticulously. The "flow", in the physical set up, the mood, and the atmosphere was spot on. As the weekend came to an end, one thing became certain, you can never judge a book by its cover. The convention was overflowing with the feeling of friends, family, art, and passion.

Hidden Hand Tattoo 3516 Fremont Pl N Seattle, WA 98103 (206) 632 - 7313 What is it that makes your shop stand out in a tattoo savvy place like Seattle?

Jeff Cornell: You can't swing a dead cat without hitting good tattoo work in Seattle. I think our quality is consistent. Everyone here does really good tattoos and they're good with their clients. People aren't met with the standard issue shitty attitude that a lot of places seem willing to keep going with.

April Cornell: We create the best possible atmosphere for our clients.

What style or styles do you feel best come out of your shop?

J.C.: The artists here are all so versatile. No matter what somebody comes in wanting to get, we have somebody that can do not only just an OK job, or a good job, but an excellent job.

A.C.: We work primarily as a custom shop. We see anything and everything. But there are a lot of trends in tattooing for sure.

J.C.: We don't necessarily follow those; we try NOT to. Mainly, we consistently put out good work. When people come in asking for something, they're always given something above and beyond what they were expecting.

What is your favorite thing about being a tattoo artist?

Jamie King: I get to draw pictures and listen to rock and roll all day. There's art in it (tattooing) but there is craft too. You need to be good at talking to people and giving them the tattoo they want.

Do you prefer to do color tattoos or black and grey?

Erika Jones: I prefer color because it's instant gratification. You don't have that with black and grey until it heals, that's when it looks really nice. I don't like waiting patiently.

Expo because they ARE out of their element, they do well under pressure.

Is there anything in particular that you're looking forward to this year?

W.B.: I look forward to seeing a lot of tattoo friends that we have. It's like going back to Summer Camp each year and seeing your old friends and networking.

What styles do you feel your shop best represents?

W.B.: Everyone has a foundation in traditional design, but we also take it to another level and do custom work and take pride in good craftsmanship.

How does Cicada Tattoo stand out against other shops in the area?

Cicada Tattoo W.B.: This place is spacious with a lot of history We have 10309 Aurora Ave N original artwork from the last century or more. Hand paintSeattle, WA 98133 ed. It's like a museum with all this stuff that's original from the (206) 327-9309 1920's, 30's and 40's.

And we have the best decorated bathroom. It's nature What is it that you like most about the Seattle Tattoo Expo? themed so you feel like you're doing your business in the Will Bodnar: It's fun. There's nothing I like more than being in woods, surrounded by serene mountains and lakes. Then you the shop with everything just the way I like it, so the Expo come out back and there's real nature out here where people shakes things up a little bit. Once you're there, it's fun and can relax. When people are anxious about getting a tattoo, there's a lot of energy. Sometimes people do better work at the peacefulness is important.