CVSW_December_2013

DECEMBER Issue

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

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Contents...

HAVEN & Mystic Photography: An Intimate Evening with DAVEY SUICIDE News You Can Use, Car Edition...How They Decide Your Car’s Residual Value Dave Sabatino Memorial Ride Gear the Pros Use...featuring drummer Scott Westbrook Gear the Pros Use...featuring guitarist Todd Kennedy ‘67 Ford Fairlane Convertible: December’s Hot Rod of the Month News You Can Use, Motorcycle Edition...Wash It Yourself!

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

10 14 16 20 21 22 40 42

Sherry Keith, as always, highlights the best in local shows, this month featuring BRAZEN, the Misfits, and the Bones...and in conjunction with Metal Exiles, also features the band Filter.

Jeffrey Easton, always one to push the envelope with his edge and insightful interviews, spends some quality time with Richard Patrick of Filter.

Kevin Lastovica keeps you abreast of the latest happenings in Sin City, including news on Zito77, Stoney Curtis, and Threedom Rock.

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CV SOUTHWEST MAGAZINE © 2012-13 is published monthly and NO reproduction of content is permitted without Publisher’s prior approval. Publisher assumes no financial responsibility for the errors in ads beyond the cost of space occupied by error. Publisher is not liable for: any slandering of an individual, or group as we mean no malice or individual criticism at any time; nor are we responsible for the opinions or comments of our columnists; and promises, coupons, or lack of fulfillment from advertisers who are solely responsible for the content of their ads.

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Bella Electric Strings, lead by rock violinist and arranger Nina Di Gregorio, has rocked audiences worldwide with their blistering solos, unique arrangements — not to mention their beauty and charm.

The girls have performed with some of the biggest names in the business, from BEYONCE to SHAKIRA to ANDREA BOCELLI, and have appeared on AMERICA‘S GOT TALENT Season 1. The girls perform on Yamaha instruments and their music can be heard during many Yamaha String Educator clinics; they keep a busy corporate schedule, and simply, are one of the most sought-after acts in North America.

CV SouthWest slowed down Nina just long enough to speak with her about her start, her rise, the team, and what's next for this incredible group of performers.

in rock music as well. There is no Let‘s talk a little about you, about and skiing for my school. margin for error in classical music. how Bella got started, and when it took off: how did you first get in- Musically, what helped you decide It trains you to be a perfectionist.

It's either be perfect or get fired. So terested in music? to gravitate toward the violin?

I've always been interested in mu- When I was in 4th grade and had to when you bring that sense of ursic. My dad had me singing Italian choose an instrument, I chose the gency to rock music, it makes it arias at age 2. By 6 I was playing saxophone, but the band director that much better. piano, by 9 violin, and later picked told me it was very heavy and I up some guitar and bass. was small and couldn't carry it to You started off early, in high the bus. He suggested I play the school, had a little string quartet You grew up in Buffalo, NY - violin because it is lighter. So I tell us a little about that.

It was called Sweet Expressions what prompted you to decide to obliged.

String Quartet. I remember we had move to Vegas?

When I was an undergrad, I visited You said that the " ―violin is one of one big gig a year, an annual Las Vegas with my parents. We the toughest instruments to play Christmas Party…they had the bigwent to see the Scintas, who are well‖ - why do you say that? gest tree I have ever seen. also from Buffalo and were head- There is no instant gratification. lining at the Rio at the time. I end- Chances are, on a piano, you can You made a funny reference to the ed up meeting Wayne Newton's plunk out a tune fairly quickly and ―dark days of college"- can we then-MD, Scotty Alexander, not sound god-awful. Not so on a travel down that rabbit hole and through them after a show, and he violin. Every millimeter matters, have you describe those years? offered me a gig with Wayne. I de- there is so much subtlety to the in- College is the grind. Strict routines, cided to stay in Vegas and work strument. grueling schedules. My undergrad with Wayne as well as get my days were some of the best days of Master‟s degree.

You initially learned classical mu- my life. My early teachers, Magnus sic on the violin, what are the big Martensson and Movses Pogossian Did you do anything else growing differences between the old classi- instilled a lot of passion for music, insight, and wisdom into my apup? cal and the rock you play?

I was a huge jock. I played compet- Classical requires a lot of tech- proach to not only music, but eveitive soccer, softball, basketball, nique...but having that base helps rything. I developed my intellectu-

ha was a big part in the transfor- violin. I'm still a long way off. The mation as well. recognition comes naturally if you work hard and put everything you What were your initial goals when are into it. you started the team(s)?

In the beginning, I just wanted to At some point you had to transihave a few gigs a month… tion from a ―band to a brand‖ as enough to cover rent, and have fun. you received accolades, more gigs, Trying to just have fun paid off and and popularity - tell us about that it grew and continues to grow. process? Was it harder or easier than you imagined?

Tell me about the initial days – Much more difficult, and we are still in the process. There is much was it hard?

The hardest part was the process of more to be done even now. It remaking mistakes to learn. There quired business and management were some failed business partner- experience that I was not trained to proach to not only music, but eve- ships and a struggle to find the handle. So I surrounded myself rything. I developed my intellectuwith people who could teach me. al identity during those years at UB. Can you tell us about ―the big break‖, that incident or show You launched Bella Strings as a where you really made the step to poor college kid...no investors, all the next level?

Our biggest moment was being your own money (we feel ya on featured in a David Foster and that one LOL)...were there any Friends concert as Bella Electric days when you were ready to say Strings. He's legendary. ―eff this, this is too hard!‖? What kept you motivated?

There were a lot of teary-eyed You said that many people helped phone calls home to NY saying, "I you out - that's great, who gave think I have to move home...I can't you that ―big break‖ in support? afford rent...life is tough…people OK here comes the "academy lie and cheat and steal in the real award" speech: world…" But in the end, it's sink or right combination of people. And My first mentor was the Scintas‟ swim. I've never been one to roll the money. We never used invesover and die, or to back down from tors, and thus it was a slow process a challenging situation. as I started out a broke college kid eating Mac and Cheese.

When did the idea to put Bella together happen – tell me about how You all are CLEARLY talented, that came about? were things easy in the beginning, It started very early. I had the or was it a struggle for recogniSweet Expressions String Quartet tion? in high school as I mentioned. We I never really worried about the played into college together, and recognition. I just did my thing. they were my first guinea pigs for My grandfather always told me trying my pop and rock music ar- "the cream always rises to the top." rangements. Over the years, I met a So I focused on being the lot of people that helped Bella best player I could be for what I evolve into what it is today. Yama- wanted to try and do on electric

asked me to guest spot with his such? band, and eventually join full-time. I play when I am needed, or when I He gave me my first high profile really, really want to play. Howevperformance opportunities as a er, whenever Lon Bronson or Brorock electric violinist. He has also dy Dolyniuk calls, I'm there. been a constant collaborator and Do you still get nervous before friend over the years.

Ken Dattmore with Yamaha shows? stuck it out and watched my career I never really got nervous, exdevelop, and we wouldn't be play- cept when I first played with David ing all these wonderful instruments Foster…I got pretty sick to my stomach and called it "David Foswithout him.

Matt Dela Pola of David ter's Revenge." I liken it to MonteFoster's camp has always support- zuma's revenge…HaHa. ed us over the years as well, and it has meant a lot to me, and given us Do you travel personally to perform with your teams, or do you Pete O‟Donnell. He gave me tons great opportunities. stay based on Vegas? of great advice as a kid who didn't I travel on occasion. It all depends know much. He believed in me, on the type of show and where I and at that age, that's all you need am most needed. really to get going. Lisa Viscuglia, a local violinist, also with a NiagaHow do you decide who is playing ra Falls connection through her fawhere, and how do you construct ther, introduced me to many people teams? and provided me with my first freeAvailability, which parts they have lance gigs in Vegas. My years memorized, and also the type of working with her were very imgig and any special requests from portant to my development. Dave clients. Everyone has their favorite King, our Bella tech, has been with “Bella girl." me almost since the very beginning, and he has been a constant Is there any decision process as to friend, confidante, and integral part what songs you play during a to Bella. Doug Taylor and John show?

Meanor joined the team and it Once again, I try to read the audimade us that much stronger. Of Any particularly memorable course all of the players, both past shows? and present, have played a huge The first time we played with Richrole in the evolution of Bella ard Marx as a quartet was aweStrings, and I thank them all for some. We made it into his "video their talents and hard work. blog."

Ron Gutierrez was a huge help in recent times, in terms of Now, how much of a task is it to dealing with the unprecedented manage, do you get to play still? growth that we were not set up to It consumes my life and I don't handle. He helped set up our cur- sleep. HaHa. I play as much as I rent infrastructure. Jeanne Deroode can, but not as often as I used to. and Dana Fitzpatrick have kept it running smoothly.

How often do you really get to My recognition as a player, personally play these days, with I can thank Lon Bronson for. He managing and scheduling and

ence. For a corporate show, we froze up. I went home and wrote usually start slow and end with a out a solo and memorized it. After bang. that I hunkered down and just went for it.

How long does it take to transcribe a song?

Talk to us about the practice I have gotten pretty fast, I can schedule, how rigorous is it? knock out an average custom chart I generally give instruction and in around 4-6 hours depending on trust that everyone is pro enough to the demands. It can be done faster learn the music. Obviously, the if it is half-assed, but I don't like to better the players know the music, do that. the more they will work. Each player is different. Some can learn What considerations do you have in an hour what takes others much to take into account, translating more time. guitar into violin? Have you pand into other cities. So yes, we found a musical number that just are always auditioning. Many doesn‘t translate well?

We use a bow, we have a curved times there will be a waiting list for bridge, and obviously range. I hear a spot to open up or to launch a cool songs all the time that I think new city. would be good Bella Songs, then when I go to write it, it just doesn't What do you look for in a prowork. Now I can weed them out spective member? just by hearing them.

They must be skilled at a high level both reading music classically as well as having background in soloYou also stated that when you aring and improvisation. They also rived in Vegas, you had never have to maintain the "Bella" image seen a musical solo that was not of classy Hollywood glam. visual & transcribed on paper was that a difficult habit to change or overcome?

I have to ask, even though I unThe first band I was ever in asked derstand the business…has there me to take a fiddle solo in D…I been any feedback at all on your Aside from music, how much request for a ―fit & youthful apphysical training does the team pearance‖? I would agree, it‘s do? about musical ability and beauty, We have done some dance and and the physical demands of perchoreography classes, and also try forming require a person to be and hike, or do yoga together when physically fit, I was just wonderwe can. ing if people have said anything about that to you.

I saw on the site that you have When we book shows, sometimes current auditions going on now, is our clients request a certain look, that right? Many try but few are hair color, or dress from our girls. chosen? Do you also take time to It is similar to a modeling call or an recruit potential musicians if you acting audition, only the talent involves music. Unfortunately, imhear of someone with talent?

We have already expanded to Los age is a big part of the entertainAngeles and will continue to ex- ment industry at all levels. We

young and inexperienced and help you manage to stay humble in this them develop. I wish I had been business? equipped with the knowledge at Some of the first advice I ever that age that I try to pass down. I got…"Be kind to those you meet had to figure it all out by doing it on the way up, because you will wrong once, and right the second meet them again on the way time. :) down." I never feel that I am above anyone or anything. At any given Tell us about the high tech instru- moment I could be waiting tables, teaching, and hustling for wedding ments.

We perform on all Yamaha electric gigs again. There is no shame in and silent string instruments. I am that. As John Lennon said, "a an endorsed Yamaha artist and working class hero is something to they have been an integral part in be…" have fun doing makeovers and hair tutorials, though. We keep it as human as possible. I usually show up to first meetings with girls in sweats and a hat with no makeup, to make them comfortable. I tell them this is how I look 99%of the time. We just play the game, that's all. I'm a train wreck when I'm not on stage...HaHa. But let‘s face it, the team members are incredible musicians and show people, but are also stunningly beautiful. A friend who I spoke to about doing the feature said ―Is our success and the creation of the this where all the geeky band girls "Bella sound." went?‖ What do you say to that? :) Why Yamaha, is there anything We get that a lot. But so far I have- particular about that brand that n't seen any awkward 12 year old you like? band dork shots of any of the They have a tone much girls… more versatile than a lot of the other electrics I have played. I can You mentioned the ―farm system‖ sound like a violin…or not like a in Bella - that would seem to indi- violin. Their structure is also simicate that you will accept lar to a real violin making it easier ―potentially great‖ players who to switch back and forth. could use some mentoring and training/practice, during auditions Listening to you talk, listening to do you ―see‖ more than ability & some interviews and such you've look as a part of the process, in- given, you're really down to earth stead of pure ability? and a regular lady who's stunning Yes, I often take on players that are and can shred the violin, how do

Tell us about how big 2013 was, and all big plans coming down the pike for 2014 The business has grown leaps and bounds every year since it began, and I was lucky enough this year to have a great team assembled to help us organize and prepare for the next big wave. Our admin, accounting, legal, PR, and all coordinators, management, and concept colleagues have helped us get to where we are, and where we will expand to in 2014.

BELLA Electric Strings

www.bellastrings.com

"PREPARING YOU FOR GREATNESS"

To understand Davey Suicide is to understand the contrast of a man with two sides…

As you chat with him, he is soft spoken, almost to the point of being shy. But as you speak to him, you realize that he is truly humbled by the fame, the success, and so thankful for the support of his many fans in the Suicide Nation. He is generous with his attention, kind with his words, and genuinely friendly.

On stage is where Dr Jekyll becomes Mr Hyde. Davey Suicide is a cacophony of energy and mayhem, his stage show powerful, his vocals diametrically opposed to the quiet man with whom you shared words earlier. Davey Suicide revels in the music, the show, and his charisma draws you into his fold, into his world. He is a force to be reckoned with in the music world.

Nicki Hiers of H.A.V.E.N. and Sherry Keith of Mystic Photography spent time with Davey before his show at Vinyl and Sherry stood tall in the pit to take this group of incredible concert photos...let CV SouthWest guide you on our journey with Davey Suicide...

Nicki & Sherry here…we are honored to spend a lit- journey so far. tle personal time with Davey Suicide at The Hard Davey: I think I’ve just learned that you have to be acRock Hotel Nov 9th right before his show. I must say countable for everything that you do. You can’t blame that personally, I was somewhat giddy at this op- someone else for failing, you have to take a hard look portunity…as I am a huge fan and had no idea what in the mirror and just realize that you’re in control of I was in for with this bigger than life figure… everything that happens to you. I’ve known so many people since I’ve moved to Hollywood that just blame Nicki: We know you are originally from the East other band members or whoever for the reasons that Coast and we have heard in the past that you’ve spo- they are not where they want to be, and the reasons ken of opportunities you may have slipped away in they didn’t get there is probably because they did it the past and we’d like to know a little about that. wrong. So it made me realize what things I was doing Davey Suicide: I’d pretty much started a tour with wrong and helped me to work on changing that every another band I’ve been together with for a while and single day. That’s a maturity I’ve come to know about one of the guys decided he didn’t want to tour any- myself. more and just like that we had to cancel the tour two days before we left. It is was basically “I’ve done all I Nicki: What about the debut album Generation F*ck could do here”. I spoke with my dad he said it is pretty Star, do you think it’s a calling card, introduction of much your life and you have to do what you want to the band and you to the world and what do you do. The next following week, I packed the minivan think the message is the fans should take from it? drove across country and didn’t know where I was go- Davey: Well, it isn’t like a single and that’s why I ing to live, didn’t know where I was going to work. I thought it would take everyone back of how the band had some money in reserve that I saved and was going is. This is the first song from it and it kind of sets the to kind of piece it together in when I got there. Basical- tone that we are in a time that what the idea of a star is ly, I thought “alright let’s figure this out.” has been so watered down, manufactured, and we have television shows that have people singing gloriNicki: What was the inspiration of your persona fied karaoke songs and stuff. The idea of what makes a change to “Davey Suicide” and the decision to pur- real gritty person that has actually lived through stuff sue it? and has actual stories to tell because they’ve had hardDavey: I think I’ve always been misrepresented to the ships and they’ve learned to communicate through public in general and I needed a reminder that I have always been in control of how things come out in the end, so I’ve always said unless I kill myself I’m going to get everything I want out of the world. I’ve always known that, it’s who I am now. Davey Suicide, that’s it; I am living the life and death of myself. Having that name is a reminder of that attitude.

Nicki: Put your trust in Suicide, what is the true meaning? When you look at yourself in the mirror is that what you see?

Davey: Yeah, it’s self-belief, confidence in myself. I think a lot of people try to pay homage to a supreme being, to something higher, or stuff like. Or when something happens the first thing they think of is God, but really you were doing all the practice, you were doing all the work, you did all the time...it wasn’t someone else that gave you’re the strength. You did that, so that’s what that’s about, really just trusting in yourself.

Nicki: The rise of Davey Suicide really represents the rise of a man breaking free of some really tough circumstances at a young age and growing into yourself, tell us about the emotional and intellectual

need the fans the most.

Nicki: The band mates you have now, who are they?

Davey: Draven is our drummer, Needles is our keyboard player, Brent our bass player.

Nicki: You just finished a tour in the UK, how did that go?

Davey: Awesome, it was the best experience. Kids would be like in the rain while we were trying to load in the van and they realized we were in the van and they started chanting “Davey”...a huge line of kids actually knowing you were are, knowing all the words to the songs and would do whatever I asked them to do on stage. It was really exciting and made the whole globalizing the band, made it all real.

Sherry: Was this your first time in the UK? Davey: Yeah, out first time playing there.

Nicki: We hear you are recording a new album now….

Davey: Yeah, Needles is producing it and I’ve been writing a lot of stuff since probably earlier this year. I thought once we did the first album, how would we ever top cuz when you finish something you put everything into it and you feel like it’s the best you can do, we’re crushing it right now so I feel really good about the next once we fine tune it.

Nicki: When do you think you’ll be finished with it? music so they can share their stories with people is Davey: Hopefully we’ll release it late spring or early what a real star is, not any of this bullshit that’s hapsummer. I think we’ll have it done in the next couple of pening. That’s the whole Generation F*ck Star. What months, that’s what we’re doing when we finish this kids are growing up with is real and what isn’t real it’s tour. stupid and you got to find these art bands that are really artists and when you find them hold on tight beNicki: How much longer do you have on this tour? cause those are the bands that sing with conviction, Davey: We end December 3rd in Colorado, do the recthey mean what they say and write what they say and ord…..probably start touring again in early spring. not something from a assembly line sold to the masses.

Nicki: Was there an intended message that you want to make sure the people listening, even the younger fans that you wanted them to take away from it?

Davey: Yeah, I think it is important to find something that is pure because everything is accusable. Anyone can have a band, make songs. Weed through it and find that special thing, support it, because the only thing that can survive is because of fans; big corporate machines will always pop of the One Direction type shit bands and they always do that making big bucks off it and screw the band over and the band will have nothing to show for it in the end. The special bands really

Nicki: Are you going to start in the States?

Davey: I don’t know yet. Now this is a game changer since we went to the UK the fans there are like...let’s see if we can get them back here. It’s cool in the UK they don’t have the same social standards like Hollywood , people don’t have to act, it’s all more down to earth, not trying to impress people. It’s like the grass is always greener; I see bands come over here to tour and they like it over here, you know. It’s easy from a distance to love something, but when you really dig your nails into it, it’s not always what it’s cut out to be.

Sherry: I saw you in Seattle Davey: Yeah, you saw one of our first shows. We had been playing one off shows before then, but that was really our first tour.

Sherry: Honestly, at that time, I was brought out for Wednesday 13, and when you hit the stage, I was like “holy shit, these guys rock!”.

Davey: Thank you!

Nicki: Well we are very excited about seeing the show tonight, we know you have things do to prepare; we really appreciate you spending some time with us and we’ll be upfront center with cameras in hand.

Davey: We had to bring in a new guitar player for the night, it’s his first show…..our guitar player will be in tomorrow and our keyboard player is getting his wrist worked on. But it’s all right, if we can get though this tour it’s going to be just fine!

As the interview ended I was pleasantly surprised by the sincerity of this young man. I believe big things will come from Davey Suicide and his future will be bright!

- Nicki & Sherry

Residual value, or resale value, is one of the most important factors to consider when buying a car—nearly all of them depreciate, but some much less than others.

W

hen you buy a new consensus on the value of a car after car, it's fairly easy a year or five years from its first to research the sale. There are just too many variacosts involved, such bles at play, including the market as MSRP, local taxes, and delivery for the car, whether the economy is charges. We know, however, that up or down, and the price of gas. the moment a car leaves the deal- Plus, if there are 40,000 used 2009 er's lot, it starts to lose value. But Accords on the market, each one how is that math figured, anyway? will have been driven and cared for that would be true. But Mercedes, The amount you'll get when differently. just like Honda and every other caryou trade in your car, the amount But there are variables that maker, has a vested interest in you'll have to put down on your can be benchmarked, such as an au- keeping residual values high benext purchase/lease, and even the tomaker's and a model's past per- cause that enables Mercedes to interest rate you can get on your formance in keeping value, that or- have a "cheap" money supply: How next car loan are all impacted by the ganizations like Black Book use to much interest they're charged term you'll hear a lot: "residual val- estimate what a new car will be through their captive finance arm (a ue," which is synonymous with re- worth a few years down the line. bank whose sole job is to finance sale value. If you don't know the ins Black Book is a lot like the Blue car loans for a single carmaker) diand outs of residual value, you're Book you hear about regarding the rectly influences whether they can hurting yourself when it comes to value of a car, but Black Book is the offer you that nifty 0.9 percent fibuying a new or used car. All cars go-to that most car dealers use to nancing deal. High residual values (except vintage collectibles) lose price a new or used car. It also helps also mean that the certified-premoney over time (think of a used them know what interest rates owned (CPO) program Benz dealers car as you would any used appli- you'll be charged on a loan. run can continue to be highly lucraance—its worthwhile life expectanWe talked to Black Book's tive. A flood of C-Classes two years cy is reduced with age). But buying Ricky Beggs, in charge of the publi- from now would depress that CPO cars that hold their value better cation's research department, to get market. Carmakers try carefully to than others isn't hard to figure out, an idea of how they figure out what match production to demand beand it's a good way to hedge against a 2013 model will be worth in cause otherwise they have to crank the costs of owning a vehicle.

2018. up incentives (cash-back offers) to generate sales, and that's just the The Basics How Carmakers Keep Values High type of thing that led to GM and There's no hard-and-fast Supply and demand plays a Chrysler falling into crisis. Eventualbig role in the value of a particular ly the cheap money spigot shuts off model in a particular year. Too and the debt must be repaid. much "car," just like too much of So carmakers are smarter any single commodity, will depress than ever at predicting sales volthe value of a car over its life cycle. umes and will restrict production if Put another way, you might they see storm clouds ahead. Today think Mercedes wants to sell as the cost of used cars is at or near an many C-Classes as it possibly can. all-time high because carmakers cut And if demand were always bullish, supply during the recession, and

because people started holding on But doesn't that second facto old cars instead of getting new tor depress the marketplace, since it ones. Add in a variable like high gas leads to more pre-owned cars sitprices and in the past five years ting around? Not quite. That leasewe've seen crazy things happen, like buyback car the dealer gets on his the value of a used Prius topping lot a little early when he puts the projected depreciation of that car, that of a new one, and diesel VW customer in a brand-new C-Class plus interest. And don't forget that Jettas commanding nearly new-Jetta increases the dealer's cash flow. He all those hidden fees and interest pricing. All of it has to do with car- sells a lease on a brand-new C-Class, from the customer pad everyone's makers being very careful with sup- presumably with money down. And bottom line. ply. that tightened supply means the All of this means that leasing "value" of that car is probably high- is a lot like renting an apartment.

The Fuzzy Math of Leasing er, too, so the check the dealer gets You're always putting your dough Ricky Beggs of Black Book from the bank/finance arm is fatter. into the landlord's pocket, paying explains that high residual value not As for the leased car that's now a for the privilege of using an apartonly favors frequent buyers and couple of years old: It comes off- ment (or a car) but never owning sellers (or leasers), it also favors the lease, goes into the CPO program, any of it. But if you either can't afdealer. and the bank probably pays the ford to buy, or want to live in a Let's consider Mercedes dealer for its remaining value, since classier pad (or drive a classier again. The automaker is fighting for most customers finance their cars ride) than you can otherwise manprestige in the luxury marketplace, and pay back the bank over time. age, renting/leasing makes that and that means the company would Remember: Either the deal- possible. Leasing a car that'll hold a prefer a tighter supply. So, for in- er or the bank (usually a captive fi- higher resale/residual value softens stance, Mercedes might offer its nance arm) actually owned the car the blow of that monthly payment. dealers an incentive to buy back while the customer leased and The bank and the dealership can current leaseholders' cars a few drove it. If the bank owns the car, give you a better deal if the car is months early and give them the they sell it back to the dealer or to going to lose comparatively little same lease rate on next year's mod- another dealer and pay back that value while you lease it. el, especially at the start of a new difference to themselves once the model's life cycle. This has two ef- car comes off-lease. If the dealer We're wading into some fects. One, it tightens supply of that holds the paperwork, then they pay quirks of finance here. But it's new model, in effect goosing de- the bank back for the difference and worth noting that even if you never mand so new customers have to pay move the car through their CPO lease or buy used, this part of the a little more. Two, it increases the program, paying themselves back. marketplace determines how much stocks of CPO cars the dealer has on Either way, the lessee is just a company can charge us for its new hand. making a monthly payment on the cars.

A number of Vegas musicians stepped up for a memorial event held for one of their biggest local fans.

On November 10th, The 1st Annual Dave Sabatino Memorial Ride brought together friends and of Dave Sabatino, who was tragically lost in a motorcycle accident on November 10th, 2012. Dave was a huge fan of local Vegas bands like “Outta the Black” and the “John Zito Band” as well as others. These and many other musicians stepped up to remember Dave by volunteering their time and their equipment to help put together what hopes to be a long running annual tradition.

Dave's best friend, Nick Griffith, who was with Dave the night of the accident, spear-headed this event along with Tanya Stegner and Dave's girlfriend & domestic partner, Patty Tagliamonte. Close to 100 people, both on motorcycles and in cars, joined in on the journey that begun at Davis Park, where the Memorial Tree & Plaque are located. From the park, the mile long trail of bikes and cars traveled past the accident scene on the Rainbow Overpass of Hwy 95, so everyone could pay tribute to Dave. The Run continued down the 95 the Searchlight, over to Nipton for a break, back to I-15 and to Nick's shop, Extreme Auto Customs.

in the celebration with bands playing and massive amounts of food and drink setup. Everything about this event was about donations and everyone stepped up to supply more than enough food and drink for the entire event. We would like to thank the bands & musicians that donated their time and equipment to make sure this event was a huge success: Outta The Black, Smashing Alice, John Zito Band, Threedom Rock, Jay Cee, and Jason Constantine.

One band in particular that brought an overwhelming feeling of togetherness over the crowd was the John Zito Band, performing the song that John wrote for Dave called 'Burning Bright'. There wasn't a dry eye in sight. The song is on Zito's CD “'Lonely Broke & Wasted”. The 'inner-circle' of close friends gathered around the large picture of Dave, next to John as he worked his guitar, showed the emotion of just what Dave meant to everyone. This definitely was the highlight of the event.

This annual event will only get bigger every year after the success of the first outing.

In Tribute…

Kevin Lastovica

When the Ride returned to the end point, they were greeted with hundreds of people already reveling

The gorgeous girls of Brazen (see page 32) returned from the tundra up north to take the Vamp'd stage with Doc's Angels. Doc Ellis and the ladies always bring a packed house. Just one glance at the stage and you will know why.

The Sin City Sinners had their 4th CD Release Party for "DiveBar Days Revisited", reliving all those nights where the band made its name known.

Threedom Rock took the stage at the Fiesta Casino in Henderson again, bringing up the attitude once again down in the southeast part of the valley. This power trio is taking things up a notch with every performance.

Outta the Black made a return to the new new-old DiveBar to try to out do the packed-house performance from their previous visit. With multiple musicians sitting in and blasting out some new and different versions of Stoney Curtis and the boys opened for a group with a name everyone's favorites, they definitely outdid the last show.

synonymous with the 80's, The Baby's. One of Stoney Curtis' Vince Neil from Motley Crue opened another venue, this time on the many other projects, Count's 77, Strip but in a very unexpected location. Circus Circus of all places is the lo- with Vamp'd owner Danny cation for the new ‘Vince Neil's Tatuado, Eat, Drink, Party'. Vince aim to stir 'The Count' Koker, is taking the stage regularly at the Count's up a party-like atmosphere powered by a backstage vibe from tattoo image- rock club.

ry to some of Neil’s prized possessions on full display including one of his motorcycles and a few gold and platinum Motley Crue albums. I guess the strange name goes right The John Zito Band and Leav- along with the obscure location. Not an easy ing Springfield opened a night at In & Out for Local's and probably a big part of Vamp'd for Gilby Clarke's return. It's why Rock N Rita's was not a huge success in always a good time when Gilby and the same location. Sin City KISS & Cyanide the boys rock the house. Always hanging out after the show and having performed for the Grand Opening celebradrinks with the fans, Gilby is definitely tion. a Vamp'd regulars' favorite. Zito and the boys, once again, were signed to A venue that isn't usually known for play the Las Vegas Rock N Roll Marathon; one of the few Vegas bands that live bands, Babes, down in southeast Vegas, has played this event multiple times. hosted a benefit for the Wounded Warriors

Speaking of Zito, they are Foundation. KOMP Radio was on site doing a back at it, rocking the Vamp'd stage live remote with performances from Whiskey every Wednesday night. You never Breath, Twenty8, Three Swank Bastards, Meknow who is going to show up to jam with these guys. This is the only place gan Barker, Wicked Garden and Whiskey to be in Vegas on a Wednesday night. Southern!

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!

Scott Westbrook - Drummer for Outta the Black I’ve played TAMA Drums exclusively since the late 80’s and constantly find reasons to stay with ‘em. Currently, I keep 3-4 Kits in rotation ranging from the Starclassic Performer to my completely over-the-top Rockstar Custom. The hardware is rock solid without being too bulky and the drum tones have always been exactly what I want to hear. Some situations require tighter, more focused drum sounds and other call for a big, bombastic sound. The sizes will vary from situation to situation depending on what the music calls for.

In regard to CYMBALS, I’m extremely fortunate to be a Sabian Cymbal Artist. Sabian cymbals have a fuller sound that’s not too “tinny” but, fills the sonic spectrum that provides me what I want to hear. I prefer the Sabian AAX series as they are designed to be very responsive at all volume levels. I’m also using Cympad cymbal enhancers instead of traditional felt pads to really let all the cymbals sing.

Hot Sticks worked with me to develop my signature model “VooDoo Hammer” drumstick a few years ago. It’s a slightly elongated 5B with Hot Stick’s Strike Zone and a natural, unfinished grip end. The Strike Zone is a compressed area along the shaft of the stick that is used mostly for cymbal striking and rimshots which takes the most wear. I’m using that stick exclusively with a nylon tip and LOVE THESE THANGZ!!

Tama Starclassic Performer (Birch) Red Sparkle Fade Finish 18” x 22” Kick Drum 8” X 14” Maple Artwood Snare Drum 8” x 10” Rack Tom 9” x 12” Rack Tom 14” x 14” Floor Tom 16” x 16” Floor Tom Evans Drumheads (w/Level 360): Kick Drum: EMAD 2/EQ1 Snare: Power Center Reverse Dot/Clear 300 Toms: Clear G2/Clear G1 Floor Toms: Hydraulic Glass/G1 LP Rock Cowbell

Sabian Cymbals 17” AAX Stage Crash 20” AAX China 14” AAX Stage HiHats 18” AAX Dark Crash 10” B8 Pro China Splash 18” AAX Stage Crash 19” AAX V-Crash 22” AAX Metal Ride 19” AA Holy China 20” AAX Metal Crash Monitors/Electronics/Accessories: JH Audio In-Ear Monitors JH16 Pro BES Audio Wireless - IEM600 Kelly Shu Kick Drum Mic System

It’s crucial for drummers to be willing to alter your sounds to fit the music you’re playing and not be afraid to experiment, not only with different sounds but different techniques as well. Mixing styles and genres help expand a musician’s “musical vocabulary”, much like playing a funk groove in a hard rock song. It can totally change to feel of the song and create something completely unique and interesting. There’s a great big world out there just full of new things to influence your playing. The camaraderie within the drumming community is extremely cool and drummers are always happy to share new licks, fills, techniques and whatnot to help each other, which helps all of us, progress and learn. Personally, I’ve always tried to keep in mind that, regardless of how good you are, you will never be as good as you could be!

There are endless opportunities to grow, learn, and develop while sharing with and inspiring not just other drummers but, all musicians.

Keep your groove goin’!

Scott Westbrook Outta The Black, Witching Hour, Independent

Gear the Pros Use!

Todd Kennedy - Lead Guitar for SMASHING ALICE I picked up my first guitar at age 11 in 1972. I made a living playing music through most of the 1980's, during which I spend a lot of time on the road. I exited the music scene in the early 90's to focus on career goals, but I returned back to the music scene in 2009 after making my riches in the real world. Now I’m just having fun with it and enjoying playing for the sake of playing. I have over 30 guitars currently in my stable (I think) I’ve never really count them and they come and go on a regular basis.

Guitars My main gigging guitar that has been with me for many years is a 1959 Gibson Les Paul Replica built by a well-respected Luthier and former vintage Guitar Magazine Editor. It has a slight twist though; it’s built with Korina (or more correctly, Limba) instead of Mohogany. It’s a little lighter and to me has a little more mid-range warmth. This, however, is all negated by its current set of pickups, which are an EMG 81/85 active set. They make every guitar basically sound the same but give great clarity and tightness with drop tunings, and 3/4 of our set is drop tuning.

My #2 is A Gibson Les Paul custom shop 1968 re-issue in Alpine White with a 50's fat neck. Pickups are stock 57 classics. I prefer lower ouput pickups and use these and Lollar imperials in most of my gigging guitars. The fat necks are harder to play but definitely have a different sound compared to a thin neck guitar. All that extra wood stiffens up the neck and gives a fatter and more sustained sound.

Pedals I try to keep my pedals to a minimum and don't use distortion pedals. I do have various pedals on my board however to replicate various song requirements. After going through dozens of wahs the Fulltone Deluxe Clyde Wah was hands down my favorite and has been the only constant on my board for many years. For effects I do prefer individual analogue pedals over EFX units but for gigging it was just more convenient to use a digital modeler -"Line 6 - m9"; I run that in the loop and it has over a 100 stomp boxes in it. I mostly use it for timed effects, chorus, delay, reverb etc.

The other two pedals I run are line drivers "MXR Custom Audio Electronics MC-401 Boost Pedal". One in the front for a gain boost and one in the loop for volume boost for leads. They are extremely clean and do not color the amp tone at all. Next is my Diggitech whammy pedal which is a necessity for the 5 Rage Against the Machine songs that we cover. Last, a tuner and Line 6 G30 digital wireless. I've had many wireless systems, and it was always a compromise to go wireless until I got the "Line 6 G30". I don't hear any signal degradation with it whatsoever.

Amps My work horse is a Marshall DSL 100 watt. Not the greatest amp in the world but a git-r -done no frills amp. Lately my Baron custom single channel Marshall flavored 60 watt head has been seeing a lot of stage action. I grew up on Marshall Super leads and any amp I play has to get in that sonic range or it ain’t for me. The super lead is just too loud before it hits the sweet spot so is just impractical in the modern era . I have gravitated to 18 to 30 watts amps and have really liked the results. My new favorite "65 amps-Producer" may be my last and main gigging amp. Sounds really close to my old Marshall Super Lead and does it at a manageable volume, which is something I have been searching for a long time . Also has a stellar Fender clean which is a nice bonus.

Strings I buy in bulk, 25 sets per box from D'Addario, 10-46 gauge.

Picks V-picks 1.5 mm or Tortex III 1.5mm. I like my picks pointy and I don't like to have any flex at all. For a time I used steel picks but found they were too hard on strings and guitars.

When I do my Pete Townsend windmill imitation and drag a steel pick across the entire front of the guitar it can leave some pretty nasty gouges and scratches. LOL

When not delivering Presents, Santa takes out his other “Sleigh” for a ride 1967 Ford Fairlane Convertible 500  Owners: Charlene Huddleston  purchased in 2006 and restored in 2010  289 high performance engine  C4 transmission  Dual four barrel carburetors  Dual Performance exhaust  Lowered 3 inches  BF Goodrich tires with magnum wheels  Victory red paint: Black interior and black top

Pictures: MayDay Photography

Model: DVa Devon Carnera

20 years of music. 20 years of mayhem. 20 years of kickin’ ass and taking names…that is the legacy of Hemlock. The brothers Smith and the gang have been packing venues since 1993, and even though some others in the band have come and gone, Hemlock perseveres and thrives because of their talent, their drive, their show, and because they focus on their fans, and work hard to make sure their fans go home from a show with ears ringing and hearts thumping. CV WorldWide had a chance to sit down with Brian Smith, drummer and resident PR spokesperson…oddly enough, he had quite a bit to say…

fan of anything and everything <CV WW> Alright, we always start these off the huge same way...tell us who‘s in the band and their role… 80's)...everything! As a band early influences would <Brian Smith> Well, Chad and I are brothers; I am 2 be mostly 90's thrash and groove metal such as Panyears older but about 10 years more immature! :P tera, Sepultura, Pro-Pain, Biohazard, Machine Head, You got Chad Smith on lead vocals and bass, Brian Slayer, Hatebreed, Suicidal Tendencies, etc.

Smith on drums, Jezy Ward on guitar and backing vocals and James Gelber on guitar and backing vo- <CV WW> Before you guys started the band, did cals. you have any other interests? <Brian Smith> Not really, because we were so young <CV WW> Of the original members, only Brian and when we started. I hadn't acquired my taste for booze Chad are still in the band. What were the original and women yet! And Chad still carried his love and goals – modest or just ―shoot from the hip and see passion for Garbage Pail Kids! Other than that we were just young kids so I'd say playing with toys and where this train goes‖? <Brian Smith> Yes Chad and I are the only original Saturday morning cartoons were our other interests! members remaining. Jezy has been with us for about 4 years now and James is the new guy. As far as the <CV WW> Any cool stories on how you decided on band goes it's seriously all we've done and what we're the name ―Hemlock‖? interested in. I wouldn't say we had any game plan <Brian Smith> Nah, it was just a name that we starting out. We just started playing shows and al- thought sounded good for a rock/metal band. We ways pushed forward. And before we knew it 20 bounced around a couple other ones first but gravitatyears had flown by! ed back to Hemlock and it stuck. We drew names out of a hat and pulled Hemlock first. Our guitar player <CV WW> Who were/are your musical influences? protested that they weren't mixed up properly. So we <Brian Smith> We listen to all styles of music, and I shook „em up again and pulled out a different name. mean all sorts. Seriously, everything from Neil Dia- We went with the winning name for a while until we mond, Sade, Alicia Keys, Faith No More, 2 Live saw a band on Star Search using the same name so Crew, Huey Lewis, Whitesnake (I personally am a we instantly reverted back to Hemlock.

with any common sense) would have jumped ship from long ago. We definitely love what we do and are too stubborn to do anything else! <CV WW> What do you think has been your secret to longevity & success for all these years? <Brian Smith> Yeah, my last answer pretty much summed it up – we love what we do, nothing else will suffice. <CV WW> Okay, I‘ve got to call you out on this… on your website, in the bio, you state ―Hemlock has been called ‗The Kings of self-promotion‘ and have <CV WW> Tell us about the early years – how been noted as the hardest working up and coming much of a struggle was it back then – if I remember, metal band.‖ – really, ―up and coming‖ still after 20 the early 90‘s was grunge rock‘s heyday, how was years?! ROFL <Brian Smith> Kind of chuckle worthy, but still very the beginning for the band? <Brian Smith> I think it's always been a struggle to true in fact. We have never had any great commercial be in a metal band. No matter how many fans there success, no hand outs and have gotten stepped over are of the genre it's not main stream. We have seen by so many less worthy and (I feel) less talented metal climb and metal come and go along with so bands with less heart. We've seen many bands come many other styles of music. All the while we just kept and go, and THAT shows you the integrity in their plugging along playing the music we enjoyed play- hearts. The record industry is, and has been for many ing. We have just always pushed to be the best Hem- years, a complete crock of shit. We stay hands on lock we could be regardless of what's going on with pretty much everything we do. So yes, we are around us and we have a very high energy, entertain- very involved in promoting ourselves. We still hang ing live show which I think has always set us apart posters and hand out fliers for our shows. It's very from a lot of other bands and other trends. You can't disheartening to go to a show and not have any postargue that writing good music and having a good live ers of yours hanging in the club. People have gotten show should be the forte of any band. Unfortunately very lazy (bands, promoters etc.) and everyone thinks that's not always the case. a Facebook post is all you gotta do...well once again very few bands can claim the longevity of 20 years. <CV WW> What do you think was your biggest hurdle just starting out those many moons ago? <CV WW> A lot of years and a lot of members – tell <Brian Smith> Our biggest hurdle has always been us about the journey through the years, about the having the money to invest in and push our crazy ideas. That and being naive and getting sucked into bad management deals and being taken advantage of by promoters in our early years. Our age didn't help back then either. We had to sneak into several of our own shows because we were too young to get in to our own performance! <CV WW> Tell us about the ―big break‖ that took you guys to the next level. <Brian Smith> “Big Break”?! What "Big Break?"

LoL! We have had to work hard for any success we've ever gotten. We've had perhaps stepping stones that have helped further our career but we have fought a long hard battle that most bands (or anyone

music. He was in a different band at the time. I kept people that have come and gone? <Brian Smith> Well I'm not gonna include guys that an eye on him thinking we might need him eventualjust filled in for a tour but noteworthy members ly. I finally picked a good one! When we brought him sure...Hemlock started as 3-piece including me and on board, I had known him for that while and was Chad and our guitarist/ longtime friend Richard Bur- kinda prepping him anyways. Mike didn't last too nett. We played clubs and bars around Vegas and much longer...we'll call it creative differences (even eventually added our friend Mike Johns on rhythm though that's not what it was. I'm just being politicalguitar and backing vocals. We started touring region- ly correct and taking the higher road here). Well then ally and eventually Richard had to step out so we re- we had a short string of fill in guitarists trying to find placed him with our roadie D.J. Kinsley. We contin- the right guy to fill the slot. We finally settled on Aaued touring for a few years with this line up....fast ron Cobb. 2012 was a fun year for us but alas Aaron's forward a few years we actually did an impromptu time with us was short lived so here is where James song live with all original members (including Rich). comes in. We have known him for years. He's a very We hadn't all been in the same place at the same time talented guy and we knew him as a sound guy in Lubin a long time. We got up and did one song and killed bock, Texas. Well he showed up for touring knowing it! The magic was still there so we planned a tour like 20 of our tunes (and the kid can sing really well with all original members. After about 6 months Rich might I add). So here we are today! couldn't commit to touring full time so we pulled out our good friend Bryan Gentry (who was in Hemlock <CV WW> Brian, you left the band for a few years for a while after D.J. quit.) That was a great line up in the early 2000‘s, can we ask why? but eventually Bryan had to put in notice because his <Brian Smith> I did take a few years off wife was pregnant...with all our shows, I‟m not sure yes....combination of many things. I was frustrated if it was his kid or not! HaHa I'm just kidding Bryan! with our current management but I also had a kid that So anyways that's when we brought Jezy on board. I I love dearly and I needed to be there for him. I was met Jezy at a Walmart in Missouri. We got talking also in a horrible controlling relationship at the time too. I guess I just needed a break and even though Chad and I had some ups and downs in the past, it was actually after the shooting of Dimebag Darrell when we realized life is short and we needed to be brothers again and patch things up. I went to the Hemlock show next time they came through Vegas and after that Chad was inviting me back constantly. I filled in one tour and weekend runs when I could but I was trying to balance family life and a 9-5 job.

Eventually all the planets aligned and I was able to come back full time! I enjoy touring now more than ever before and couldn't be happier to be back! <CV WW> What is it about THIS lineup that works so well, and allows you guys to mesh on stage? <Brian Smith> Chemistry, good musicianship, and the fact that we love doing what we do. We have high energy shows and we get up and throw down as hard as possible every night! <CV WW> Do you try to convey any specific message with your music? <Brian Smith> The only time we are serious is when we play music. Lyrically Chad puts a positive spin on most everything. Live we just try to bring the party

ed to be home for them. They are older now so it's much easier for me now and I enjoy touring more now than I did in the earlier years. <CV WW> Seven full length albums – does the process get any easier each new record? Or do you just get better at it? <Brian Smith> The process does change. Usually it's the recording equipment that changes. Yes we definitely get better at it ourselves. From song writing to knowing how we want it to sound on the recording.

We are pretty seasoned at this point, very professional. I try to nail my parts in 1 or 2 takes. I like a lot of pre-production and knowing what you're gonna do as opposed to writing in the studio and over experimenting. I truly do love recording! <CV WW> You‘ve toured all over the WORLD – Canada (eh?), Europe, and Japan – what can you tell us about how the fans are different in those areas versus the US? <Brian Smith> There's a great appreciation from other fans in other countries for sure. And I hate to say it and have fun! Even our pics aren't the normal tough but most of the world has better taste in music than guy metal band photos. It's ok to have fun and even the U.S. We have so much radio rock, hip-hop and smile! pop shoved down our throats while so much good music goes unnoticed. I'm not a fan of radio and very <CV WW> Any of your songs really speak to you on little new music excites me anymore. a personal level (or is that too touchy-feely a question for a Metal band)? <CV WW> What is the smallest crowd you can re<Brian Smith> We're an open book and very secure member playing for? How about the biggest? as people. We don't have to put on the tough metal <Brian Smith> Smallest...probably 3 people. Largguy front. I pride myself on being real and don't mind es…several thousand, probably somewhere between getting personal. Yes our songs often have deep 5,000-8,000 people. meaning and connect with the fans and ourselves personally as well. We have had fans tell us how our <CV WW> You guys typically tour 9 or so months songs have helped them and even saved their lives out of the year, did I read that right? What kind of before. On a personal note the song that got hard for grind is that for you, especially after 20 years? me to play several years ago "Kill Your Children." <Brian Smith> When it's a fun tour it's no grind at all!

The song is about divorce and broken families and We love what we do! But yes sometimes you get the effects it has on the kids. I remember playing in tired, or sick and worn out. Luckily we get to party Corona, California and there were big mirrors on the with our friends every night so we can't complain! side of the stage. I looked over while playing that song and it hit me. I was living the song and my son <CV WW> Your live shows are pretty much pandeand step son (who were really young at the time) monium, entertaining and energetic – how are you were home while I was on the road. I felt very guilty able to focus even after 20 years? about my divorce and how it was affecting them. I <Brian Smith> We're definitely very seasoned at this actually cried in the van that night after the show. point but I feel like we continue to grow and get betTheir mom wasn't the best mom and that was a huge ter as a band both in writing and also live. I don't part of what took me off the road for a while. I need- know how we do it but the shows seem to get more

hand and I could tell a lot of horribly amazing, inappropriate stories!

I'd have to give some thought on a crazy fan story...or at least what I consider crazy. We have definitely become desensitized to what most people consider extreme or crazy. <CV WW> Do you guys have any memorable shows – why were they memorable? <Brian Smith> The show I like to share when asked this question is the first time we headlined the House of Blues in Vegas. We were headlining over bands that had huge labels behind them and radio was pushing them. Well when it was energetic and even crazier! Just fun high energy from show time for us I remember walking out with the the first note to the last! lights dimmed, intro playing and the roar of the crowd just gave me the most intense goosebumps! I <CV WW> Do you guys still do the ―Wall of got up behind my drums and we killed it! That will Death‖? Has anyone gotten seriously hurt doing it? always be a stand out performance to me and it was definitely a moment where I felt a huge sense of acHave you guys ever jumped into the mix? <Brian Smith> We don't do it as often as we have in complishment. the past. Some people have gotten hurt in the past not just from that but just the high energy in the crowd <CV WW> Okay, HOLY SMOKES! I was just lookand the aggression that comes out from us and the au- ing through the photos on your official website, and dience. We try to always maintain a positive vibe at what the heck is up with Great Falls and the dude in our shows and Chad always keeps an eye out if some- the bikini briefs?! one falls down or someone gets a little too drunk or <Brian Smith> Great Falls is always a great time! We too rough. We definitely push for a fun vibe through- love all of Montana! I thought you were referring to out our performance. And yes at some of our earlier our recent Halloween show there where I was wearshows I was known to hand off my sticks to my drum ing short shorts, a fanny pack and a bra but I realized tech halfway through the last song and I'd stage dive you're talking about Van, my old drum tech. You litand finish out the song in the pit before jumping back erally lose your mind on the road. Sometimes we get up onstage. I don't so much anymore. As we achieved crazy and do silly things for fun. I used to talk him more success and got bigger I remember one of our into wearing women's clothing or underwear only and shows when Hatebreed opened for us that I tried to doing stupid stuff. It's all in fun and part of crazy life get in the pit during their set and as opposed to simp- on the road! ly "moshing" I was actually getting mobbed and people were grabbing me! I couldn't get anywhere and <CV WW> For a long time you guys toured with actually had to get out and go backstage! It was crazy some heavy hitters like Slayer, Slipknot, Otep, Lamb but funny and I realized then that we were starting to of God, and others – what did you learn from bands get some fanatic fans. like those about being on the road, about showmanship? <CV WW> What are some of the craziest things <Brian Smith> By the time we were touring with bands like these we had already been playing for a your fans have done at a show? <Brian Smith> HaHa sometimes we do crazier things long time and already headlining our own shows so than our fans! Some of the backstage antics get out of without sounding cocky I don't know that we really

learned a lot from touring with other bands. We already knew the game quite well. The most exciting thing was playing to bigger crowds and winning over new fans. <CV WW> These days you are headlining your own tour – how different is it to be headlining? Is there any more pressure when you‘re a headliner? <Brian Smith> There are differences and yes there is sometimes more pressure. You usually get a longer set and full production. We have always remained humble and enjoy varying it up. It is rewarding to know that everyone is there to see you as the headliner but it also goes back to the whole staying hungry thing...it's sometimes equally fun to just have an opening half hour set and come out swinging, (and in sounds like crap. Sure the tape trading days were a a friendly way) schooling other bands, and winning similar concept but again, they sounded like shit and over new fans in the crowd. you'd go out and get the new album of the band when it was released. A million YouTube views doesn't <CV WW> We hooked up through Facebook; tell us mean much as far as financial gain for the artist. Sure what the band thinks about social media – critical you may reach a bigger audience but does that mean they're gonna come to a show? And again some crap component or necessary evil? <Brian Smith> The whole music industry has com- videos have 20,000,000 views while some amazing pletely changed. Yes a necessary tool, however it bands fly under the radar. And the million likes on shouldn't be a replacement for hard work on a bands Facebook doesn't always translate to numbers at a part. I can't blame young bands (because they may show. I encourage people to come to a show and fornot know better) but promoters should know better get about your stress and worries and just party and than to just rely on Facebook to promote a show. It's have a good time. definitely made people lazier. And no one can sell albums like they used to since everything is digital <CV WW> How has the music industry changed these days. I do support legal downloads where artists since the first Hemlock album in 1996? get compensation. I'm not a fan of a free download of <Brian Smith> Back up on the soapbox. LOL The a song that someone ripped from YouTube that biggest thing is the lack of album sales these days.

Bands that would have sold 20,000,000 albums are lucky to sell a million. I think there's even less loyalty to artists, especially as far as mainstream goes. I'm not a fan of much current music out there.

It seems like people forgot how to write a catchy, memorable song. Record companies are crumbling and music stores are closing and that's sad to me. I was excited to go flip through records and you'd count down the days „til a new release came out. Now you can download the album a month before its release date. The fact that buy-ons exist and you rarely see bands take out up and coming bands just because they like them and want to help their career is also disappointing. So if a shitty band has a lot of money they can just buy onto tours and festivals...ehhh it's always been about money more than talent anyways. I'm done with this answer I suppose.

<CV WW> After 20 years in the studio, concert ven- hovering over us. We've seem so many bands and ues, and on the road, what advice would you give a trends come and go but we've just kept plugging young Hemlock band, what do you know now that along doing our own thing on our own schedule on our own terms. Time sure does fly! It sure doesn't you wished you knew back then? <Brian Smith> I would definitely say be yourselves seem like 20 years. and play the music you love playing. Don't follow the trends, set the trends. If you have a song you don't like, toss it „cause you may get stuck playing it for years. Just work hard and make sure you get along with everyone in your band and respect each other.

You really get to know someone on tour and it's already hard enough with everyday life struggles on the road but it's far worse if you're with someone you hate. And communication is huge. Have band meetings and let everyone talk and just hang and be friends. Learn your instrument well and rehearse your songs and put on an entertaining show. I'm not a fan of bands that just stand still and look down at their hands while they play. You're an entertainer so entertain! And just be careful because there are a lot of sharks out there. We got ripped off and screwed over a bunch in our early days. Everyone preaches support of the scene, support other bands but few bands actually do. We are always the first ones to the show and the last to leave. So if you get an opening spot be respectful and don't be a whiny prima donna and be easy to work with. Set up, don't whine about stage space because the headliner often wants to or needs to backline (most opening bands don't use all the stage space given anyways), get off in a timely manner so not to push the whole show behind. Get out of the way quickly. You can wind cables up and take cymbals off by the side of the stage instead of dicking around onstage and pissing everyone off. Stay humble if you're gonna make a career out of it, minimalize your overhead. If you have the girlfriend or wife, a couple kids, a nice car and a huge house payment you're probably never gonna be able to tour so make your choice and stick with it. One guy that isn't on the same page as everyone can ruin a break for everyone <CV WW> With all your success through the years, else in the band if an opportunity arrives. have you ever thought of sitting down on a warm beach with a fruity drink and saying ―we made it‖? <CV WW> Of course, the fact that you‘ve been After all this time, you‘ve probably earned the right around and still packing them in after 20 years is to sit on your laurels and get fat & happy. significant, but what would you think is your great- <Brian Smith> Well, thank you but no, if we sit around too long we go stir crazy and just wanna get est accomplishment to date? <Brian Smith> I think to show 20 years is the greatest back out and play again. And I think any time any accomplishment in itself. I know so many bands that band sits back and thinks "oh we made it" and they let have had much more success that have lasted a frac- success go to their head then the band loses touch tion of our time. I don't want a million dollars of debt with reality and doesn't progress anymore. There is

something to be said about a band that stays hungry some riffs and tunes and even have left over songs and raw that keeps the creative juices flowing and from our last album. Not that they weren't good makes them want to strive for more. I'm glad we've enough to go to album, just that we had so many never lost sight of who we are. songs so off the bat we already have a half album worth of kick ass tunes. Some of which we've already <CV WW> Where do you guys think you are in the performed live. We have a new DVD and live CD coming out that we filmed and recorded at our Vegas ―journey‖ of Hemlock? <Brian Smith> The Hemlock journey will probably 20 Year Anniversary show. So those are on deck always continue. I can't imagine not doing it. I've next. We also need to get a new video editor. Not onbeen doing this since I was 10 years old. It's the only ly for music videos but we have so much footage (we thing I truly love. I can't stand sitting still too long. need to convert and get edited) that spans our whole The 9-5 will kill you. There is a great big world out career. I'd like to see that get done next year. We there and I encourage people to get out and see some hope to head back to Europe and Ireland and eventuof it. As far as Hemlock goes we constantly have a ally Australia. That's the next country we'd like to list of projects in front of us that we want to work on tackle. And of course we'll be all over the U.S. again. so that keeps us motivated and moving forward. And When the tour bus fire ups we'll definitely role to a the excitement of writing new music and filming new town near you! (click on a face for band links) videos and always trying to be creative and outdoing ourselves keeps it challenging too. <CV WW> It‘s late 2013, you guys are home from touring, what‘s in store for the band in 2014, what can we look forward to? <Brian Smith> We are going to do some new writing over the winter break. We've been kicking around

T

here is no stopping Filter. After almost 20 years and six records, Richard Patrick still shows he has creativity to spare. “The Sun Comes Out Tonight” is bar none the best Filter album to date and one of the top records of the year. Life is hard on the road but Richard found a few moments to talk to Exiles about the album and what really moved him to create this masterstroke.

As if that wasn’t enough, following excellent interview with Metal Exiles, CV WW presents Filter in concert, done by Sherry Keith of Mystic Photography, along with a review by Miranda Trenholm.

An Interview with Richard Patrick

by Jeffrey Easton Metal Exiles: To start off with, I sion that we were not going to have band) but for me it was easy. We know that “The Sun Comes Out To- an adversarial conversation with wrote ‘Surprise’ in 15 minutes, night” was supposed to be a self- our label and the word hit single which he thought was great and I released album. What made you cropped up in our conversations. told him that’s a hit single. We’re decide to go through Wind Up in- When the record company signs just here to have fun and make mustead? you they tell you they want some- sic, not fuck ourselves out of opporRichard Patrick: They offered us a thing that will make it to radio, we tunities. I wrote ‘Take A Picture’ deal and with their huge amount of need something that’s going to con- from the most personal time of my resources we could not say no. We nect and I understand that. I have life, I am trying to apologize to my are on our second video and the been listening to the Rolling Stones parents through music on the radio budget for it is bigger than any I since I was a little kid, I know what thinking maybe they will hear this have had in the last five years. They a hook is so Bob (Marlette – and understand what I am going are completely behind us so it’s a no Producer) and I said ok let’s go do through. It’s relevant to me but brainer. They told us to deliver the that. Johnny said we cannot have when people hear acoustic guitars goods and when we turned the rec- record companies telling us what to in a Filter song they say “Filter is ord in they were very happy with it do but I explained to him that rec- just trying to get on the radio” but and so far it has been a rewarding ord companies are here to benefit we have always been on the radio. I experience. I would not trade any us and we are going to work in the am just trying to get across how I record company for them. confines of our creativity. Once you feel and if you are a real Filter fan have the Filter creativity in there you will understand it.

Metal Exiles: Why did you want to and it’s in the realm of something do it independently in the first they want then everybody is happy. Metal Exiles: The original thought place?

You have to think of something was to do a very heavy record and Richard: The original thinking is catchy like ‘Hey Man Nice Shot’. you succeeded but you also have that we have enough fans, you make Every time I sing that song the stuff like ‘Surprise’. Why did you decide to include the mellower 100% of the money when they buy crowd sings it right back to me. stuff? the record and then the next thing Metal Exiles: And it is still a heavy Richard: Because I like that stuff, it you know you really miss the reis who I am. There are twelve sources and power that record com- song. panies have so we made that change Richard: Yeah, it’s mean and its songs; do you want every one of heavy. ‘Self-Inflicted’ was written them to be the same? I find that and moved on. like that, it has that same catchiness bands find their niche and they stick Metal Exiles: “The Sun Comes Out to it. There are ways to work with to it. Then you end up at 60 years Tonight” is to me one of the most the people around you whether it’s old wearing the little School Boy commercial Filter albums but still the record company, producer or Outfit jumping around and the singhas a lethal punch. Did some of guitar player, as long as it is truly er grabs his balls for every song. this come from Jonathan Radtke what you feel your music is about. I You have to open your mind and or were you pushing Filter’s think Johnny was apprehensive be- explore what’s out there. I love AC/ boundaries again? cause he was pushed up against the DC but I am not wearing purple Richard: Johnny and I made a deci- wall with Kill Hannah (his former pants. This is why we change shit

up and do mellow stuff, because we out is ‘We Hate It’. Do you ever kids kill themselves and the parare artists. ‘It’s My Time’ is proba- have the feelings expressed in that ents blame the music for making bly one of the most beautiful songs I song or is that from someone them doing it. No, your kid had a have ever recorded, it was just me else’s point of view? screw loose already. and my piano, I love that song.

Richard: I really hate someone Richard: And maybe the parenting right now; in fact, I am pissed off at wasn’t there as well. You have to Metal Exiles: Lyrically, this is a a bunch of people. I do not want to look at why these kids get assault dark record, even ‘Surprise’. For spoil the surprise as to who it is but weapons online, why they weren’t the title track, ‘The Sun Comes Out people can come up with their own parented very well or why they Tonight’, what was it like mentally names. It’s like ‘Hey Man Nice Shot’; were bullied the way they reliving the drug days for the mo- it was always up for interpretation were. There is something to say to tivation? but I wrote it about a guy that held a why these kids have a screw Richard: It was great because those press conference and killed himself. loose. The kids also want fame, were amazing times. You just have they say “Fuck this, we are going to to channel the energy and relive it. Metal Exiles: A Lot of this album kill everybody and we are going to I have to accept the fact that I have has the feel of the early Filter ma- be famous, this will be our crowning done some crazy things but at least terial. Do you at times feel the achievement.”

I am still here to talk about it. way you did when you were first starting your band?

Metal Exiles: I was bullied some in Metal Exiles: Would you ever go Richard: We created a whole type elementary school but when I back and do drugs again or are of sound and when you sound like grew my hair long and wore black you done with that? yourself and you are writing all new all the time it stopped. I got past Richard: I think I would just kill verses and lyrics, that’s a good it but seemingly some people myself if I did that. thing. We went for that, let’s write cant. You just have to find a way Metal Exiles: You survived doing our type of music and stick by our around it and you know, not shoot the stuff but you have artists that guns. That’s the Filter sound and everybody. I know in the past you we actually sat around and won- have been super political and this die left and right.

Richard: Well, I stopped doing dered what it was about ‘Hey Man album is everything but. With Nice Shot’ that was so amazing. You everything that’s going on right drugs 11 years ago. have these dark verses, you have now do you think you will write Metal Exiles: I thought the origi- these vocals that bring you in and that way again? nal idea behind ‘Surprise’ was explode in the chorus and these Richard: This band is my therapeusomeone rescuing you from your mesmerizing guitar riffs. We paid tic couch where I lay down and spill addictions. How does it feel to homage to that and wrote some- my guts, I just sit here and talk have people take your material thing completely different of that about what’s going through my model of the Filter sound. When the head. Right now, my political activmany ways?

Richard: I want people to take their third single, ‘Self Inflicted’, comes ism is just on my Facebook pages, I out, that will really make people say rarely involve the band in it unless I own interpretations. that Filter is staying true to who really feel that something needs to Metal Exiles: It was nice that you they are. Having said that, there are be done. wrote that to your wife. songs like ‘Surprise’ and ‘It’s My Richard: I want to talk about what Time’ that you get to discover when If you have yet to pick up The Sun is in my life and it is pretty univer- you buy the whole record. With ‘Self Comes Out Tonight, you are deprivsal, everyone goes through it. I have Inflicted’ I wanted to talk about the ing yourself of a massive music exseen my kid 16 days in the last six school shootings and how these ass- perience. Deny yourself no longer. months, it is horrible being on the holes show up and say “You made road. You have to do what you have me do it society, I am going to kill all Official Filter Site to do and I am out here paying the of these kids because of you”. It’s bills. She is by herself, almost being like trying to say that its society’s BUY The Sun Comes Out Tonight a single mom with two kids is fault that they kill like they do when tough. it’s just the person.

BUY The Sun Comes Out Tonight on Vinyl Metal Exiles: One of the other Metal Exiles: It is always the persongs on the album that stands son in question. It is like when

"The Sun Comes Out Tonight"

from Miranda Trenholm

A truly intense evening with "Filter". All I can say about the new the band "Filter" at Vinyl located at album is that it is truly brilliant, The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. everything you expect from "Filter" Straight out of the gate I have to say leaving you in awe and wanting "Richard Patrick" sounds just as more. My first day of listening to the amazing as the first time I heard new songs I think I listened to the him in concert.

CD over 20 times.

The opening song was off the The song "We Hate It" is newly released album titled "The loosely based around the idea of Sun Comes out Tonight" called "We how we all strive to get exactly Hate It". Talk about knocking you what we want, only to turn it out with the first punch, if this was around then ruin it for ourselves a fight it would have been a T.K.O. through greed and jealousy. We for sure. With such a powerful even go as far as hurting one anothopening song the crowd was steep- er to get what we want. I am guilty ing up the tracks of a roller coaster of this myself and I know many othcalled "Filter". If you have ever seen ers who can relate with this song the band prior to this album release and entire album. Just do your"What Do You Say" is anothyou know what I am talking about, selves a favor and purchase an al- er great example of where "Filter" If not welcome to the world of bum, you wont regret it. reaches out to us asking to not only The band 'Filter" formed in listen to what is happening in our "93" and seemed to have been aim- world but pushing us to do someing towards a darker industrial mu- thing about it. So how many times sic style, similar to outer influences can you tell people what you want of Nine Inch Nails, where "Richard" them to hear, knowing they aren’t was a touring guitarist from 89-93. even listening? Sometimes you just My first experience with "Filter" have to stop your own insanity and was back in "96". Now I can truly let them fend for themselves. say to you as a long time fan, these I truly enjoyed watching the boys never let you down with out audience throughout the entire exbringing your spirit back up in the perience. There were many longmusic. "Richard Patrick", knows just time fans as well as new younger how to take life experiences to the fans that held such energy in watchnext level giving us listeners deep ing the band perform, it made it song lyrics we can all relate to. The very easy to get caught up into the lyrics are critical to the bands ex- excitement of the evening. I pressions ranging from love songs sugguest, each and everyone of the to industrial anthems and every- readers get out there and buy this thing in between.

CD. Buy it for yourself and the ones

ard wrote "Soldiers of Misfortune" would like to give a huge "Thank Released in 2008 and added it to you" to Richard Patrick (vocals), the set list in honor of a long time Johnathan Radtke (guitar), Tim "Filter" fan who had been deployed Telleher (bass) and Jeff Fabb off to war, then lost his life due to an (drums) of "Filter" for keeping the improvised explosive device only 2 music porous after all these years months out of his deployment. The (see what I did there, just a little is an anti-war song and prior to be- funny)!!! In all reality I am thankful ginning it, they take a moment to for all of your music through out the remember and share his memory. years.

Not only did "Filter" give us new music but they keep us rolling through the night with anticipation for the 1995 release hit "Hey Man, Nice Shot" the single that brought the crowd to a frenzy back in the day and still today. I still carry with me the set list from my first "Filter" show back in "96" in a folder with other memorabilia. The time beyou love, it will make a wonderful tween albums may have progressed gift for this coming holiday season. but the song and the meaning reMany of us have friends and main the same for all of us fans. I family caught up in the War in Iraq hope everyone who chooses to read and Afghanistan, needless to say so my article will take the time to lisdo the band members. Rich- ten and judge for themselves. I

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Why Wash it Yourself?

Whether you own a custom cruiser or a sport bike, you'll want to keep your motorcycle away from commercial washing facilities and perform the cleaning ritual yourself. Those high-pressure hoses can damage bike parts, which are more vulnerable than mechanical parts in cars.

Be sure you find a shady spot to wash (and dry) your bike, since the sun can create temperature differentials that harm paint and allow water to leave spots.

Assemble the following items as needed:            

A bucket for soapy water Soap or liquid detergent Gloves (to keep your hands clean) Bug and tar remover Degreaser and/or engine cleaner A toothbrush WD40 A brush for wheel cleaning Wheel cleaner At least 2 microfiber or 100% cotton sponges A variety of soft cotton towels and rags A chamois cloth for drying

Prepping the Water De-Bug! While some people swear by washing Dead bugs and grime are the bane of evetheir bikes with plain water, others insist on ry motorcyclist, but using the right tools will using specific brands of soap. Whatever your get them off your paint easier than you think. style, use warm water with the mix and fill up a Bug and tar removers work surprisingly bucket for convenience. well, and some people also use WD40 for this Keep the sponge nearby, and don't let it duty. Don't scrub too hard into the paint when touch the ground (since it can pick up pebbles loosening bugs, and be sure not to use the or abrasive particles that could damage your same sponge for other cleaning duties. paint.)

Getting the Hard Parts Clean A motorcycle's hard parts (like the swingarm and matte exhaust pipes seen here) require different treatment than more sensitive parts (like paint or chrome.)

Using a degreaser, scrub hard parts carefully and individually, making sure not to let the powerful solvents touch paint or chrome.

No need to use microfiber materials Washing the Body here; a rough rag Microfiber sponge gloves are great ways to will do. clean a bike's painted parts, and should be used Some people with warm, soapy water from the bucket in Step use oven cleaner to #2. Be sure to get the paint good and wet before remove boot marks scrubbing, so the soapy water can act as a lubrifrom chrome exhaust pipes, but extra care must be cant and not scratch the paint. Only use 100% cottaken to keep strong cleaners away from the sensi- ton or microfiber sponges, as other materials can tive bits. cause damage.

Rinse the soapy residue off with a gentle Don't Forget the Nooks and Crannies stream of water from a hose, or by pouring water You might not need to get your motorcycle from the bucket. to concours condition, but a toothbrush will go a long way towards making hard to reach parts look clean. Apply degreaser on the tip for non-chrome engine parts, and oil and grime will disappear.

Last But Not Least, Dry With your bike still parked in the shade, use a chamois cloth to soak up the moisture from the Erasing Brake Dust paint. The chamois will keep the finish from getWheels can be difficult to clean, and a long- ting scratched, and prevent streaks and spots from armed brush is usually the best way scrub off accumulating. brake dust and dirt. Apply a wheel cleaner first Feel free to reward yourself with a ride on and let it settle before scrubbing it off. Chrome your newly cleaned bike; not only will you enjoy wheels will require specific cleaners, so be aware the breeze after your hard work, the air movement of your wheel's finish before purchasing a cleaner. will dry out many of the parts you might not have Don't use tire dressing products, as their been able to reach while you were drying it. glossy finishes can compromise grip.