2011 Pulse Magazine feat. Born From Ruins

THE ® OF THE BAY AREA

3 ’s A CHARM: A New Label & 3 New CD’s for

HANK3 On the

FAST TRACK

with

The

OF THE BAY AREA

WHY PULSE MAGAZINE? The Pulse of the Bay Area is a hot new magazine focusing on the Live Music Scene, Local Bands, Night Life, Special Interests and Promotions from local area businesses of the Bay Area region of Houston, Texas. Our goal is to increase awareness and draw attention to our local musicians, our nightlife venues, local business interests and the charitable concerns of Bay Area Houston.

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THE

® OF THE BAY AREA Aug – Sept 2011

In This Issue:

LIVE MUSIC

HEALTH & BEAUTY

On The Fast Track with Born From Ruins 8

Do The Damn Thing & Get Fit! 27

The Heartbeat Of The Music 13 Hank3 17 Live Music Paparazzi Pics 6, 7, 21, 22 Live Acoustic Paparazzi Pics 23, 25, 26 Editor & Publisher: Katrina Starling Columnists: Nick Gray, Emily Gamez & Tracy Sterling Production Assistance: Paul Smallwood, Ashlyn Bonner, Preston Tunello, Sean Starling & Trevor Blackwell Special Thanks to Ridgeways / Signature Press Copyright 2011 © Pulse Publications & Promotions, LLC. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

by Nick Gray

Pulse Pick: Feature Model – Renee Austin 28 Emily’s Picks 31

by Emily Gamez

Pulse Pick: Feature Model – Brittney Marquart 32 Pulse Pick: Feature Model – April Guiterrez 36

NIGHT LIFE Pulse Pick: Feature Bartender – Lesli Lamb 39 The Legal Pulse 44

by Tracy Sterling

Night Life Paparazzi Pics 35, 40, 41, 42, 43, 46, 47

Mark with I.D.R. atScout Bar

Brett Cardiff with I.D.R. at Scout Bar

Gethsemani Of Hammond at Scout Bar Saturate’s Jimmy Miller at Acadia

I.D.R.’s Roy Hockenberry rocks Scout Bar

Doyle Hingle of Saturate pauses for a Pulse moment at Scout Bar

Saturate’s JoJo Puente at Acadia

Saturate’s Mike Mexas plays with a glass of water during a guitar solo at Acadia

Hector Porras of Saturate taking a midshow shot with fans at Scout Bar

Ryan McGuire of PunkStar & Rock Houston with Yoshi and Faceplant at Cabo’s All Aborde Fest

Alan Dossett of Pirate Radio at Cabo

Rowe at 2-A-Days

Another Day at 2-A-Days

Tim Del Toro & Henry Luna of Fal Skye at Sherlock’s Clear Lake

The Slag’s Aimee Rodriguez at Cabo

John Pruiett & Damon Sonnier of The Slags at Cabo

Another Day’s Mikey Eugene at 2-A-Days

ON THE

FAST TRACK WITH

Photography by Lorenzo Chuca Bay Area Houston based band, Born From Ruins, hit the live music scene running in 2009 and never looked back. They have steadily gained momentum and support and taken advantage of every opportunity and resource along the way. Two and half years later the team of Frontman, Blake Ortiz; Guitarist, Josh Jenkins; Bassist, Dave Van Orstrand and Drummer, Chris Fudala have matured as musicians, as individuals and as a band.

Their approach is methodical yet simple – a creative process that entails a lot of hard work, dedication, and practice. The tremendous support that they have received from family, friends, fellow musicians and a rapidly growing fan base has catapulted the young band through the first stages of success. The pace at which they have grown in exposure and popularity is almost unprecedented – and at the very least uncommon in the local rock music arena.

Pulse met Born From Ruins in early 2010 as they were beginning their ascent. They initially came together as a

group to “jam” at local bar, Daquiritas in Webster, but quickly realized that they shared a passion for music, and an incredible sound that was uniquely their own.

They formalized the band, naming it “Born From Ruins” based on the other bands that they had each played with that, “basically went to ruins for various reasons. The downfall of all of the other bands that failed resulted in the four of us getting together”, said Blake in an early interview. From there they played a series of Battle of the Bands competitions, gaining local support with every performance.

With the re-release of Pulse Magazine, we found it only fitting to feature the band that helped us get our start - while we helped bring exposure to theirs. In an exclusive interview at the private studio of BFR, we talked about the band’s growth personally and professionally, some future plans and the success of their new CD.

Within the CD cover, BFR credits many people who they feel have been significant in their success, (Pulse included), and in particular, Mike Mexas of the band Saturate.

“Mike Mexas actually gave us our first f*cking shot at a show at Scout Bar!”, says Blake as he tries to harness his enthusiasm.

“Getting it together, we were still pretty young as a band. We had played a Fitz show and a couple of shows at Grind House Skate Park, Six Strings, Pinche’s…

I was at Scout Bar one night and Big Trey, (Trey Kerth who provides security for Scout Bar), said that Mike was the guy to talk to about getting in the door at Scout Bar on a Wednesday night. (Wednesday nights are when Scout Bar gives new bands a shot. It’s all local talent… very young bands trying to get their names out there.)

If you do well on a Wednesday, you may get a few more shots, then maybe open up for a Sunday Buzz or a weekend show.”

“Well, we had nothing. I had no CD, no merchandise, nothing but my word to say that we were going to bring a show. So I talked to Mike and said, ‘Look dude I’m sure you hear it all the time, but I guarantee you that we will bring you a crowd!”

(Blake had been a bartender in the area for eight years, during which time he had garnered a lot of friends and support. That combined with the support for each of the other band members, as well as the support for BFR in its own right gave him a certainty about the claim that he was making to Mexas and to Scout Bar.) Blake continued, “Give us the shot and we will bring you a 100 people through the door, and Mike said, ‘Dude you know everyone says that.“ But Blake convinced Mexas to give BFR a shot and he booked the show.

“Our first night through the door we pulled 125 people on a Wednesday night through Scout. It was the best Wednesday night that they had ever had. I still credit Mike Mexas for giving us the shot to do it, therefore Mike Mexas is the first shout out on the CD.”

Inside CD cover for “Daddy’s Little Whore”

Images from BFR’s first appearance at Scout Bar

Images from the 2010 Buzz Music Awards

“We had a 125 people say that they were actually there to see us that night. The very next day I got an email from Thomas Wilson, (the owner of Scout Bar), asking us to play a Friday because he had a cancellation. So to play a Wednesday night, (which you usually play a few before you go anywhere), to then get asked to play the very next Friday because you did so well was kind of an eye opener to us that we had something going!

The next show we played after that at Scout Bar was for a national act, Texas Hippie Coalition.

After that the next show was the 94.5 Sunday Buzz.”

And the rest is history.

The most impressive thing about the growth of BFR, however, is that they have done it entirely on their own. They write and develop every aspect of their own music. They are selfmanaged, self-marketed, self-promoted and self-financed – and they are profitable. By the end of their first full year on the scene, they won the coveted Buzz Award for “Metal Band of the Year” from Alternative Rock radio station, 94.5 the Buzz. They received accolades and press from Pulse Magazine as well as The Houston Press.

Two years after the formation of the band and about 30 shows, they produced and released their first CD entitled, “Daddy’s Little Whore” (from their title track). The only pieces of the process that they contracted were the studio recording, (mixing, mastering, duplication, etc.), with Sound Engineer, Mike BBQ of Big Door Studios and the photography / cover design for the CD with local photographer Lorenzo Chuca.

BFR’s first Battle of the Bands appearance was at Fitzgerald’s where they tied for 1st Place.

BFR facilitated their own CD release event at Scout Bar on August 6, 2011. The show was a huge success for both the band as well as Scout Bar, who enjoyed a packed house all night and posted numbers so strong that the band received a bonus on top of their normal compensation to perform. True to form, everything was methodically planned, promoted and executed. BFR had an impressive merchandise booth and exceeded their expectations in sales.

“We had a goal for our first release”, Says Josh.

“Between all of the merch items and CD’s, we basically set a goal for what we wanted to hit on our first night – and we killed it!”

Chris said, “The best part for me was the next morning when I saw the numbers and I was like, ‘Holy crap! We did what?!?”

According to Blake, “I liked the number that was f*cking over 400 that we pulled through the door that night. We actually got bonused out by Scout Bar!” It has been fun to watch BFR grow and develop musically over the past year. They have grown tremendously in every regard, from their confidence and presence on stage, to the quality of each aspect of their music.

“Daddy’s Little Whore” is an amazing piece of original musical work, and the culmination of four creative minds with a vision and a passion strong enough to enable them to stay the course and stay true to their sound.

While each member of the band has his own full time job, they are steadfast with the music – while finding the balance in their personal lives to maintain their own individual goals and priorities. This is particularly impressive with a group of musicians who are so young.

With full time jobs, school, relationships and a baby on the way for Blake, the band has to maintain a rigid schedule to practice and write – both in the studio as a group, and at home individually. As tough as it sounds, the bottom line is that they are doing it - and tracking at a pretty serious pace to achieve the musical dream that they all share.

With plans for their first tour on the horizon and new music in the works, Born From Ruins isn’t slowing down anytime soon. “Now it’s time to start working on a press pack with our CD, all of our backgrounds, where we’ve come from and what we’ve done. “, says the band.

And as we said at the conclusion of our very first story in Pulse Magazine: “Keep an eye on this band and watch for more great things from Bay Area Houston’s very own Born From Ruins!”

In the studio with BFR. The band prides itself on practicing just as intensely as it performs.

Images from BFR’s first CD Release Event

"If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away."

- Henry David Thoreau, 1854

Heartbeat Music

The

Pulse Magazine would like to salute all of the phenomenal drummers that we have in the midst of Bay Area Houston’s live music scene. For the remainder of 2011, this feature of our Live Music Section honors the drummer’s role in the band and draws attention to 6 of Houston’s best local drummers.

To a drummer, there isn’t anything in the world that can be seen and touched, that cannot be turned into a drum. They are the world’s perpetual time keepers; establishing a tempo and a beat to virtually everything that they do. Even when they are not on stage or behind the drum kit, you can bet that they are keeping time and a count in their heads. Drummers are a unique breed. They are very confident – almost overly confident – in whom they are. Every drummer believes that they are exceptional at what they do, (whether they are or not), and it has to be that way. They cannot waiver in their confidence and belief in their ability because when all else fails, the band will always fall back on the drummer.

The role of the drummer is the same today as it has always been. First and foremost that role is to provide a solid beat for the rest of the band. Everything else is superfluous. The drums are what keep the rest of the band on beat and in time.

According to Dean Roussel of Stix N Stonez, “You can cover for a bad guitarist, you can cover for a bad vocalist but man, if your drummer sucks the whole band sucks.

That being said, much of "today's" music, (I refer to hip-hop, pop, etc.), doesn't even use a human being, opting more for electronically processed "drums" or samples of previous or manufactured drum tracks to provide the rhythm of the music.

Showmanship is where a "live" drummer has it hands down over any electronically processed beat. There is nothing like watching a Buddy Rich, Neil Pert, Terry Bozzio, Tommy Lee, Sheila E, Carmine Appice, Ginger Baker, Phil Collins, Jon Bonham and any number of other top shelf drummers. Yes, they are solid backbeats for their band mates and have a metronome-like quality for keeping time. But it is in what they do within the measure of the music with the various drums, cymbals and percussions – while still keeping that solid beat - that makes them great.”

The singer gives the song a poetic message; the guitarist gives the song a melody; the bassist provides the foundation upon which the song is built and the drummer drives the whole thing forward. They control the song, the tempo, the dynamics and the arrangement. They are the backbone of the band and the heartbeat of the music.

- Katrina Starling

6 OF BAY AREA HOUSTON’S

of the

6 OF BAY AREA HOUSTON’S

AAaron A RThomas ON Band: From Guts To Glory Equipment: Orange County Drums Playing since: The age of 8 Who was (is) your inspiration?

“My parents taking me to concerts as a child was my biggest inspiration.”

What do you consider your strength as a drummer?

“My best attribute would be going crazy on stage and doing things that makes the people say WOW!.”

What would you consider your greatest musical moment?

“It was winning the 94.5 Texas Buzz “Band of The Year” last December and being signed by IH-10 Records. As a band we have busted our asses to get where we are now and we have no regrets at all. Thanks to all of you guys!”

Our PULSE on Aaron…

It makes a statement when a band’s level of confidence in a drummer is so high that it literally starts a show with a drum solo. However it is no surprise that From Guts To Glory leads with Aaron Thomas. Off stage, he is quiet, focused and sometimes critical about his music, and it all pays off when he hits the stage.

One of the youngest members of Houston’s professional live music scene, Aaron can go toe-to-toe with his elders, and in most cases come out on top.

He plays with impeccable precision, speed and stamina, as he will look as calm and relaxed at the end of a performance as he did when he stepped on stage. With flair being his specialty, he brings it all together for this highenergy band giving an audience the feeling that he is never happier or more at ease than he is on stage behind the drums kit.

CCasey A SBowen EY

Hottest Drummers …

A L E X

Alex Slay Bands: The Hunger  South  I.D.R. Equipment: Tama Rock Star Playing since: The age of 14 Who was (is) your inspiration?

“Mike Portnoy of Dream Theater and Solo Artist, Terry Bozzio” What do you consider your strength as a drummer?

“Being very diverse, because I have played with so many different bands.

And also being able to get people’s attention – entertaining.”

What would you consider your greatest musical moment?

“I think it would have to be playing The Toadies show with the hunger in front of 11,000 fans.”

Our PULSE on Alex…

One of the most humble drummers on Bay Area Houston’s live music scene, Alex Slay has quietly become a force to be reckoned with. His smile and disarming demeanor off-stage are counterbalanced on stage by his intense passion and true multiplicity of style, ranging from his aggressive persona with The Hunger to his relaxed, soulful performance with South on an acoustic night.

Alex is a veteran of Bay Area Houston’s music scene with a skill set that reaches far beyond percussions. He works with many of the area’s musicians in helping them with various aspects of their music and is one of Scout Bar’s best sound technicians. Alex can take a modest position about is skill as a percussionist if he wants to, but the rest of Houston, (and Clear lake), have him out-voted, choosing him as the 94.5 Texas Buzz “Drummer of the Year”.

Band: Downfall 2012 Equipment: Chameleon custom blend of Premier and Mapex with Sabian, Zildijan and Paiste Cymbals and of course some DW 9000 Double Bass Pedals.

Playing since: “I started playing drums when I was about 5 years old. I took private lessons for about 8 years learning a broad range of drumming styles.”

Who was (is) your inspiration?

“I would say my Instructor, Jeff Brewer was my inspiration simply by skills and range As I progressed, I starting listening to players like Chad Smith from the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Chad Sexton from 311, Bud from Sublime, and Buddy Rich, one of the greats.”.

What do you consider your strength as a drummer?

“Well, I suppose I have a wide range of music. My background is broad from jazz to drum line to rock and metal. With that I tend to pick up things quickly.”

What would you consider your greatest musical moment?

“My greatest moment yet has to be performing the main stage at The House of Blues. Very surreal - living the dream kind of moment. I have posted in front of more people, but the venue, it's stature, and the treatment we got was just awesome. What a show, and an awesome experience.

Our PULSE on Casey…

With a background that includes extensive training and influence from such a wide range of sound, it is no wonder that Casey Bowen is one of the most highly skilled and diverse drummers on the Houston music scene. With his laid back, soft spoken demeanor personally, he is Downfall 2012’s secret weapon when he hits the stage. He is not only a phenomenal percussionist, but also a diverse and talented vocalist, singing and rapping from behind the drum kit. And just when you think you’ve seen all that Casey can do, he will trade places with one of his counterparts, take center stage, and bust out a didgeridoo or an ensemble of Downfall 2012 designed and constructed percussions, (made literally of modified paint buckets and barrels), and electrify a crowd even further. Casey is definitely a “must see” for local live music enthusiasts.

6 OF BAY AREA HOUSTON’S

Hottest Drummers …

CHARLIE Charlie Carlisle

C H R I S

Chris Fudala

Bands: Faceplant  The Crisis  CB Kings Big Richard  The Last Hour

Band: Born From Ruins Equipment: 4 Piece Ludwig

Equipment: DW Collectors Playing since: “I was 12 years old.”

Who was (is) your inspiration?

“Charlie Benante of Anthrax was, and still is, my inspiration as a drummer. Also my Mom and Dad as well as my first drum teacher, Joe Reyna, and all of my drum teachers along the way.”

What do you consider your strength as a drummer?

“Paradiddles and five stroke rolls and biceps.”

Playing since: “I started playing drums off and on when I was 12. I didn’t get serious about it until I was about 18.”

Who was (is) your inspiration?

“Derek Roddy, Jordan Macino, Killswitch” What do you consider your strength as a drummer?

What would you consider your greatest musical moment?

“My greatest musical moment was one night after a show, two of my former teachers came up and asked me to give them lessons on double bass.”

Our PULSE on Charlie…

Charlie Carlisle considers becoming a teacher one of his greatest musical moments, and who could argue? He is without question an excellent teacher, as well as a role model and a leader. Not only to the students that he works with at Clear Lake Music Lessons, (and his ex-drum teachers), but to an endless number of other musicians within the live music community. He is generous with his time, experience and resources and never seems to run out of energy – especially when someone needs a hand. He is one the most highly regarded musicians in Bay Area Houston’s live music and night life scene.

On stage he draws almost as much attention as the front man of the band. His speed, timing, polyrhythms, double bass and “five-stroke rolls” are precise and tight - always. And his drum solos are a much anticipated part of his shows.

“I am really lucky to do what I do for a living. I feel privileged every time I’m on stage – whether it is in front of a big crowd or just a few people. Because for me, going to work is literally called “playing”. And I never lose sight of that”, says Charlie. And we are lucky as well - every time we get to watch Charlie play.

“I’m pretty solid on time. One of my pet peeves is timing. If I cant stay on beat then I won’t play it.

Staying on the bass line is also one of my strengths. I hear the lower notes and it’s as if my feet automatically follow it. I just add in the 1,2,3,4 and let my feet provide the groove.”

What would you consider your greatest musical moment?

“The time I realized that Born From Ruins was going somewhere. It was our first show at Scout Bar in Clear Lake. We played on a Wednesday night and had a crowd of something like 200 people there to see us. We were told by Scout Bar that we would probably never play another Wednesday night there again. Big props for us!” (Born From Ruins was quickly moved to prominent weekend spots – including headlining the 94.5 Sunday Buzz.)

Our PULSE on Chris…

Few drummers have come farther quicker than Chris Fudala, who was relatively new to Houston’s professional live music scene when he joined Born From Ruins about two years ago. Chris has invested a lot of time and energy into his own growth over the past year, developing tremendously in his speed, power, technique and versatility. You would be hard pressed to find another drummer in our area who plays with more heart. Just watching Chris play with his intensity and perpetual smile, you can tell that he is passionate about his music and he loves every minute of it.

DAWAYNE Dawayne Gaspard Bands: David Grace Band  Montage  80 Proof Band Equipment: Orange County Drums and Soultone Cymbals Playing since: The age of 10 Who was (is) your inspiration?

“I guess music in general. I can’t really remember not wanting to play drums. It just kind of happened every time I heard music.”

What would you consider your greatest musical moment?

“That is a really tough question… I guess it was hearing my band 80 Proof's song on the radio for the first time. After 8 months in the studio working on something and then one day driving across West Texas it just came on the radio right after Pat Green, and then it was followed by George Strait. That was pretty cool! However, I’m pretty sure that the fact that I get paid to play music makes a lot of my days “great musical moments”.

Our PULSE on Dawayne…

There is no doubt that Dawayne Gaspard has a blast behind the drums. He turns every performance into a party every time he plays. As a percussionist, he is technical, consistent and diverse with impeccable timing. With great lead and back-up vocals from behind the drums, while delivering a high-energy performance; combined with his flair, his quick wit and his contagious smile make it as much fun to watch Dawayne as it is for him to play.

3’s A CHARM: A New Label & 3 New CD’s for

The career of Shelton Hank Williams III (aka Hank3) has doubled as a sort of crusade in which he breaks all the rules of country music while somehow managing to honor its traditions at the same time. As he put it back in ’06, “Everybody calls themselves outlaws and all that stuff, but that’s what’s missing in country music. Everything’s so clean and pretty and perfect, and you need a couple of people in there that aren’t perfect and that don’t sound the best. That’s the way some of the best guys were, man.”

Since the third-generation rebel’s most recent LP, 2010’s aptly titled Rebel Within, he’s gotten off Curb Records and launched his own label, the Megaforcedistributed Hank3 Records (the new moniker to distinguish/a representation of his post-Curb career).

He’s also been busy, to say the least, writing and recording FOUR albums at once—Ghost to a Ghost/Guttertown, a double LP of refracted country music, the literally unprecedented 3 Bar Ranch Cattle Callin and the sludgy Attention Deficient Domination—and they’re all hitting on the very same day, Sept. 6. We don’t believe anyone has done such a thing before—or even thought of doing it, for that matter. It’s too damn crazy.

“It’s been intense, man,” says Hank3 of the undertaking. “Havin’ my own label hasn’t cut into my creativity so far, and that was the main thing I was worried about. Since I did all four records at once, there was a lot to organize and a lot to deal with in general. I do it all on my end as far as the layouts and the art and all that shit, and then send it to ’em.

Megaforce has stepped up and helped me create my vision, cuz no one else would be into puttin’ all that product out at once. That was huge for me, man, to approach it like that. I wanted to come out of the gate full-on, and so far, so good.”

You might think this massive project was years in the making, but Hank3 somehow managed to slam together the whole enchilada in just a few months. He parted ways with Curb on Jan. 1 and started writing the songs for this massive project the very next day.

The four albums were made simultaneously at the Haunted Ranch, Hank3’s home and studio on the outskirts of Nashville. They were recorded on his trusty Korg D1600—a $400, 10-year-old piece of hardware that liberated the artist from temporal and budgetary constraints while providing his records with a sonic presence that’s not exactly hi-fi nor is it low-fi; let’s just refer to it as face-melt-fi. “I got like five of ’em now, man — I take ’em with me everywhere I go,” he says of the D1600. “I was just glad to finally find a machine I could halfway work. When the energy hits, it needs to be captured; that’s the main reason why I keep it on those little machines.”

He approached the challenge of writing and recording the 60-odd songs in his characteristic way—opting for total immersion. “They were all done at once,” Hank3 explains. “Once I was in that mode, I was stayin’ in that mode as far as pumpin’ it out. A lot of it had to do with how I was feelin’, since I played drums on everything.”

About the New Music...…

Packaged together, Ghost to a Ghost and Guttertown find Hank3 further mutating his trademark hellbilly sound, while the latter LP is heavily seasoned with Cajun accents. Many of the tracks have a spooky vibe, as if the music was being performed by a crew of shit-kicking zombies. In truth, the players are all fully alive: Andy Gibson on steel guitar and banjo (he also did some of the engineering), David McElfresh on fiddle and mandolin, Zach Shedd on standup bass, Daniel Mason on banjo, super-picker Johnny Hiland on guitar, Billy Contreras on fiddle, Rory Hoffman on accordion and Hank3 on everything else.

Some special guests are also sittin’ in here and there. None other than Tom Waits shows up on the title track to Ghost to a Ghost and Guttertown’s eerie “Fadin Moon,” while Alan King of Hellstomper, Les Claypool of Primus fame, Dave Sherman and Troy Medlin also join the party. And making his recording debut is Trooper, one of Hank3’s canine family members; the Doberman/black-and-tan hound mix lends his doggie vocals to “Troopers Hollar” and “Troopers Chaos.”

“Out of all the music on these CD’s, I think there are only 4 or 5 songs that could be considered “Country”. A lot of it is just ‘me being me’.

I’ve been labeled that this guy is country-rock / punk-rock / weird-genre… I’ve been labeled so much - but it really hasn’t come across on one CD as much. If that makes any sense? So I was doing a little more experimenting, doing a little more weirder - Pink Floyd type stuff with ambient sounds – and trippin’ out – moods and things like that. I think some of the Cajun stuff might be considered more country than anything else on the record.”

Attention Deficient Domination and 3 Bar Ranch Cattle Callin explore the two extremes of metal.

Hank3 plays practically everything on both.

Attention Deficit Domination is Hank3’s first foray into sludge, making it a radical shift in mood and tempo from the speed metal he’s been grinding out in his Assjack mode. “That’s gonna be a little different for the live fans who have been used to seein’ Assjack for the last 10 years,” he says. “Assjack was almost fast hardcore, and ADD is slow, Melvins, sleep-oriented doom rock. So it’s gonna be a lot different to see and feel compared to what most people are used to seein’ me do live. I been a fan of it for years; it’s just somethin’ else I needed to do. The record is dedicated to Layne Staley, and some of his voicings are on it.”

“I’ve been a huge fan of doom and slow rock. You know, The Melvins have been heroes of mine for years and years, Black Sabbath of course, all these slow heavy bands. The husband and wife team of Jucifer have been a huge inspiration… It’s just a part of my career that I’ve yet to be able to do. I’ve always wanted to… I played fast in Assjack for so many years, I just wanted to slow it down and doom it out. All and all It’s just a lot of fun for me. We’ve been playing it a lot locally and doing it around town a good bit. It’s another realm of music I’m getting used to playing and letting the crowd feel it a little more. It’s the first time visually on stage – there’s an actual movie that’s played behind us while we are doing this part of the show.”

On Cattle Callin, Hank3 has concocted a hybrid sub-genre he calls “cattle core,” on which his driving, speed-metal-derived playing is juxtaposed with the sounds of auctioneers doing their traditional raps, with Hank3 sometimes laying his own high-register vocal treatments over the top.

For a really extreme contrast, he brought in Mason to put some bluegrass banjo pickin’ on “Cattle Callin Lonesome Blues.”

Hank3 says the Cattle Callin record “just kinda came out of the blue. I had to have somethin’ fun to do aside from bein’ so serious on the country records and stuff. That one was like, OK, this is getting’ to be more and more fun—I’m gonna keep it rollin’. What the hell, here’s a whole new thing. Hip-hop has worked with auctioneers, and bluegrass has worked with auctioneers, but I don’t think the metal world has ever seen the two. It’s always been about the cookie monster vocals with the speed, and this just seemed like a really natural fit for it.”

“Growing up as a kid, I was always pretty fascinated going to the auction barns with my Granddad and seeing the speed of the auctioneers.

That’s kind of the first thing that got me intrigued with it. I’ve worked cattle, I’ve milked cattle, I’ve branded cattle, I’ve herded them… I’ve been around that whole lifestyle. The speed of a lot of the auctioneers and that kind of heavy metal - to me - just felt like a natural fit.”

No Comparison...…

Hank3 is nothing short of fascinating. As the third generation of a musical legacy from Tennessee and a family blessed with unbelievable talent – yet riddled with controversy, Hank3 certainly fits the bill. HOWEVER, he has gone against every inch of the traditional grain as well when it comes to his music - thus enabling him to carve out his own place in music’s history as a “Williams”. Whether one of country music’s most famous families agrees with his diverse style or not, the paths that he is forging are undeniable. The “Cattle Callin” project alone is nothing short of an original work of art that even the most traditional of “cowboys” should be honored by.

There are many second and third generations, (and more), of music legacies, and even some that have followed in the steps of their hell-raising, rule breaking, controversial forefathers, but when I compared Hank3 to others, he said this: “There are a lot of huge differences. If you look at the way I did my work and the way I do my marketing and the way I’ve done my shows, it’s been a lot different – it’s been a 10 year difference – not just one thing. I was just being me – really. And being more like my rock heroes.

You can look at it this way: I don’t have a manager. The only thing a manager has ever done has not understood what I’ve tried to do. And I defeat myself more than I expose myself, and that keeps it a bit more grass roots oriented. There is a huge difference right there. I do my show and I say Hello – I’ve always done that. We play almost 3 hours a night. Others don’t do that. I’m the only mother f*cker that’s ever had a pit at Billy Bob’s. Others don’t bring that to the table. Not being cocky, but I separate myself from those others. I have to draw a line when it comes to comparisons. There are massive differences – even management being one of them. I mean I’m running the whole show here. I’m tackling the T-shirts, I’m making the T-shirts, making the records, un-boxing the records – all of that. Most of the others aren’t necessarily doing that. Most of their jobs are being done for them. And that, in and of itself is a massive difference. There’s a lot of DIY differences there. I’ve never had that much of a family unit behind me, (which could be good or bad). It’s another reason I’ve had to carve my own way. …And I don’t think it matters if your Easy Jesus Coe or Dale Earnhardt Jr. or Dweezil Zappa or Frank Sinatra the 5th, or whatever, ya know? I mean others are just trying to do what they do on their own two feet.”

It’s surprising in a way that he has not had the full support and backing of his entire family, (other than his Mom), but it also makes the multi-faceted work that Hank3 has done – and especially the work that he is doing now – all the more phenomenal.

Pulse joins with all of the Houston area Hank3 fans in looking forward to an exciting show at Scout Bar on September 8th with all the love and respect that this entrepreneurial, musical legend so deserves.

From Gutst to Glory’s Drew Thomas at Scout Bar

Melovine’s Jonathan Jourdan at Scout Bar Kyle La Blanc of Dev Electric

Bryan Scott of Dev Electric at Scout Bar From Gutst to Glory’s Aaron Thomas at Scout Bar

From Gutst to Glory’s Matt Fogarty at Scout Bar

From Gutst to Glory’s Jon Hendricks at Scout Bar

Jeremy Feller of From Guts to Glory at Scout Bar

Dev Electric’s Raf Rivera at Scout Bar

713-505-8650 natedogsart@yahoo.com www.tattoobynatedog.com

Remo Grilli, III Award Winning Artist 281-486-0902 www.article91.com

L I V E

A C O U S T I C

Alex Saly from The Hunger, I.D.R & South at Scout Bar’s monthly Acoustic Night

I.D.R.’s Roy Hockenberry at Scout’s Acoustic Night Scott Easterwood of South (and Scout Bar)

Jeff Smith of ADD & South at Scout’s Acoustic Night

Brett Cardiff of I.D.R. & South at Scout’s Acoustic Night

From Guts To Glory’s Jeremy Feller & Drew Thomas at Big Ben’s Tuesday Acoustic Music & Steak Night

Trancend’s 1st professional E.P “True love/ Suicide” is now available on ITunes- and CDBaby.com Get your copy today. If you like powerful music, with a balance of singing, and screaming, this rare sound is for you. Don’t miss the chance to catch a live show from this band based in Houston, Tx. Look them up on YouTube

Meegz Photography

Like them on Facebook

Email Meegz for high quality photos

miguelmartinez1050@yahoo.com

LIVE

ACOUSTIC

Ashlyn Bonner and Doyle Hingle of Saturate at Scout Bar’s Acoutsic Night

Mike Mexas of Repercussions of Silence (and Saturate) at La Vino Clozet’s Singer Songwriter Night

David Wolfe of Pirate Radio & Montage at Cabo’s Acoustic Night

Justin Roelant at Cullen’s Live Justin Roelant at Cullen’s Live

Trey Kerth at Scout Bar ;-)

Chris Hardy’s Original Singer-Songwriter Night Concept at La Vino Clozet ignited a fire under Bay Area Houston’s Live Acoustic Music Scene

Louis Morales of Casette Tape at La Vino Clozet’s Singer Songwriter Night

LIVE

ACOUSTIC

Rock / Acoustic Legend Timothy Thomas surprised Scout Bar with a special guest appearance at Acoustic Night

Rusty Standridge at Cabo’s Acoustic Sunday

Cody Stephens of Elysian at Scout Bar’s Acoustic Wednesday

Giovanni Capelo of The Reds at an Acoustic Night at Sam’s Boat in Seabrook

Jimmy Miller of Saturate at Scout Bar’s Acoustic Night

Doyle Hingle of Saturate and ROS at Scout Bar’s Acoustic Night

Do The Damn Thing And By: Nick Gray

I once read an interview done by a renowned personal trainer/ strength conditioning coach, whom I have a lot of personal and professional respect for, tell the publicist that every person on this planet has the basic knowledge and know how of getting in shape. A very funny example he gave was that of any person given the shot at doing a romantic scene in a huge movie with say Brad Pitt, or his smoking wife Angelina Jolie; the condition was that said person had to drop 50 lbs. in 2 months. Needless to say, given the right stimulus, people are capable of anything.

GET

Though let’s look at this concept of already possessing the knowledge to such a HUGE problem in the states right now. If we break down achieving fitness to its basic blocks it consists of: eating right, and exercising. How simple is that! These two, very simple, concepts have been driven into us since we were children. "Eat all your vegetables or no desert", we were told, or, "it's nice outside, why don't you go out and play?"

We have become a nation of fat lazy slobs and it's disgusting. The disgusting part is that everyone possesses the absolute power to change, yet blames everything other than their ignorance for their downfall. So what is the real thing that 80%, YES, 80% of Americans are missing?

Three things come to mind: Attainable Goals, Inspiration, and Consistent Positive Feedback.

You must first build small attainable goals that are not outside your personal abilities. Things like: "I will not eat sweets today, or drinks carbonated sugar beverages." That is a small daily goal that is attainable and can be redirected the following day with another goal like, "I will walk around the block once today." If you utilize the process of small attainable goals that you can build upon each and every day the grander picture of becoming physically fit becomes more attainable. The greater side to this picture is that if you miss on daily goal, it does not defer you from your greater goal. You can recognize your fault, make appropriate adjustments, and continue on your right path.

FIT!

Try to find something within your day that continuously inspires you to be great. This can come from several sources including significant others, friends, daily readings, positive daily affirmation from your self, or even visual affirmations of the process of you becoming fit. One study I came across tested a case studies perception of exertion (how hard they were perceived working) and duration of exercise on a treadmill facing a blank wall, to that facing a mirror. The test group facing the mirror actually had a smaller POE, and was able to continue for a longer duration at the same work rate as the control. What does this mean? You actually like to see yourself getting in shape, it's inspiring!

Last thing everyone needs in all aspects of life is consistent positive feedback. This is where friends and workout partners become very essential. Listening to someone you respect, care for, or love tell you how proud they are of you of your progress is sometimes one of the most powerful activist in your physical fitness program.

Let’s face it; you already are doing something that is vigorous, painful, and completely outside of the norm for you. Thus the constant positive feedback that someone, or even yourself, can supply reminds you that all that pain you are suffering right now is a great thing!

Be strong everyone, you deserve it.

All the best,

Nick Gray MA, CSCS

About Renee…

I've been fortunate to model for a lot of clothing and makeup companies in Texas and in Europe. I've spent the past two years modeling in Europe, (Mostly Barcelona, Spain). I now live in Dallas, TX and just recently signed with the Clutts Agency. This is how it happened.

Ok, so Spain was a difficult chapter in my life, but a blast, and now I can say I did it! I modeled in Spain! Woo! My hottie of a boyfriend , as it turns out, had one hell of a cocaine problem. (Did you know that Barcelona is the cocaine consumer capital of the WORLD!!!?? Yep! Did you know it is NOT illegal to USE drugs there, only to sell them???

YEP!) So I realize after moving to Spain for the SECOND time, it had been another year, and I needed to get back to the USA!!! Land of good food and no drugs! (Hey, I live a sheltered life here!). So I’m looking for a job, I get offered one, after two phone interviews from Spain. The only catch: It’s not in Houston – it’s in Dallas. So I packed my one suitcase with as much crap as I could, and left cocaine Spanish fiancé for good!

Renee Austin

ANDRES DE LA ROSA

P H O T O G R A P H Y

Dallas offered me a great corporate job working from home for about $20k more than I had ever made in Houston, so… HELLO DALLAS!

W W W . A N D R E S D P H O T O G R A P H Y . C O M

“But surely I’m way old by now and Modeling is a thing of the past, right?” Well…..not exactly. I can’t stop myself from shooting, networking, and wanting to keep on doing it. Luckily I met Duke Morse. So I manage to sign with a small agency in Dallas named “Q”. But I get no work and I’m not happy. Modeling for free is fun, but I really feel confident now that I can make money at this and model for bigger clients. I send my photos to all the big agencies…I get told maybe, no, maybe no, and definitely no response from most.

How to get in?? Sending photos via email or website is like throwing away your photos in the trashcan, hoping someone walks by and sees them in the trash.

Not going to happen!! If I’ve learned anything it is that NETWORKING IS EVERYTHING. And most definitely it is NOT WHAT YOU KNOW, IT’S WHO YOU KNOW. But who knows anyone from an agency? I just needed a foot in the door. After a year and a half I get a break! Clutts posts a casting call because they need more models for a fashion show. An angel re posts that casting in a Facebook group. I submit my photos… I GOT THE JOB! My first paid runway show in Dallas. Now, how to make Clutts want to sign me??? How to make them notice me? After a few months of back and forth emails trying to get an appointment so they will see me in person…its not happening. ”Send your stuff to Raul”…but Raul leaves the agency. What to do? Hmmm... Well looking at their website, I realize that while my beauty shots and fashiony swimwear is great and all, it’s not quite what I’m seeing on their model roster. What to do?

Contact the photographer that shot their photos?

Yes… but he’s not to interested in shooting with me. Hmm…

Can’t let too much time pass before CLutts forgets I exist or I’ll have to develop a new modeling genre, (the geriatric division!) So I contact a photographer hobbyist, show him the famous photographer’s photos of some of the agency models: Notice what seems to be natural light and little to almost no makeup. You mean all those photo shoots with costumes and mass amounts of makeup were unnecessary? YEP. Oh and one more thing I almost forgot: On one of my crazy photo shoots with Duke, he flies in a New York agency Model. She asks duke to shoot a photo for her agency. I found the concept ugly, not my idea of “beautiful” and not something I would want in my port. BUT if that’s what she’s doing and she’s actually WITH an agency… maybe I should copy that too. DUKE! Can we do one like that of me? “Umm ok”.

So I realize I probably only have one more shot to bug the booker at the Clutts agency to see me. I send my recent photos and less than a few hours later I get an email! They want to see me that week to discuss possible representation!!

I never prepared so much for an interview in my life. It was last week. I got my book in tip top shape. (Cost Co. will print your 9 x12 photos for $3 bucks in 20 minutes! Who knew? Thanks Duke for that valuable piece of info!)

I put my very BEST photos and tear sheets in my book. Lot’s of water and fruit for a few days to get my skin glowing for the interview. But wait a minute… I don’t wake up looking like I do in my photos. What to do? I hired an MUA, (make up artist), Vivienne Vermuth, to make me look like I rolled out of bed looking fabulous. And boy did she do just that! Can’t forget the most important part, I recruited everyone on Facebook to pray for me. (I just told everyone that I had a meeting.) I also got on my knees everyday before the interview and basically begged God to help me. I think it worked. Clutts loved my book, and John Clutts himself handed me a three year contract. They told me to take it home and come back the next day. I did just that.

Today is my first casting - a runway show for Tootsies. Prayer continues… http://thecluttsagency.com/austin_01.html http://www.modelmayhem.com/reneeangelina Email: bambi2004tsu@aol.com

Andres De La Rosa Photography Weddings , Events, Family Portraits, Design & Architecture, Portfolios, Books, Advertising, Editorial, Glamour.

Photographers On Demand.

On Destnation: Cancun, Mayan Riviera, Cabo, Puerto Vallarta & Ciudad de Mexico. andresdelarosaphotography@gmail.com

Emily's

picks…

Emily Gamez is a model, an accessory designer and a style - make-up - health and beauty aficionado, (while she works toward her degree as a nutritionist). She is also environmentally concerned, so in the process of doing her own research to find the best deals on the safest products, (for us and the environment), she has become an expert and an excellent source of information on the best products, the alternatives, the deals, the tips and the toxins (that we would never imagine are in our beauty products). Emily personally researches, tests and evaluates each product that she writes about to give us the real scoop on the price of being beautiful – at the counter and to our health.

You’re alive.

Don’t treat your skin like it’s dead.

After finding out that the pricey face wash I was using contained

formaldehyde,(you know that smelly liquid in the clear glass jars that preserves dead animals in your science class?), I wanted to find a good organic face wash.

Something that would clean my face and wash off my makeup without chemically harming my skin. I came across Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps - Classic Bar Soap at a local drugstore and I decided to give it a try.

This all in one soap can safely cleanse your face, body, and hair. They have different scents from lavender to peppermint. They also have the Classic Soaps in liquid form, hair products, lotion, baby products, and lip products.

Dr. Bronner's products are fair trade, organic, biodegradable, and not animal tested.

The Classic Bar Soap can range from $4-$4.50. The Classic Bar Soap washed my makeup off even my waterproof eyeliner! It does leave a slight waxy feel after, but it is a great overall product and a great buy. I am definitely sticking with this product for a face and body wash.

Since it’s summer time in Houston, Texas with a tough economy, you need to pay

For more info go to: http://www.drbronner.com/DBMS/BAR.htm

Stay Hydrated and green.

close attention to staying hydrated AND staying smart fiscally so BRITA has a great new item: The BRITA Bottle is a water bottle that has a filter inside. It is very convenient when you are a person on the go like I am. It has a cool comfortable design with a plastic loop for carrying or attaching and it comes in blue, green and purple.

BRITA Bottle is BPA free, (Biphenyl A, also known as BPA, is a toxic chemical found in most plastics that can be leeched into liquids and food).

The cost of the BRITA Bottle is only $9.99 and comes with a filter that you change every two months. In the meantime, you save a lot just by refilling it as often as you like with tap water AND you reduce the amount of plastic bottles you throw away.

I love painting my nails, (even though it is toxic ). I like to make different stylish

For more info go to: http://www.brita.com/products/filtering-bottle/brita-bottle/

Get shattered and cracked.

designs. The nail polish shatter or crackle look is in right now. I bought O.P.I. Shatter in Black. Here are my tips for the shatter look: 1. Paint your nail with a light or bright color 2. Put a clear coat on top so the shatter look will separate better 3. Put your Shatter color on top. If you apply a thin coat it will give it a zebra thin line look, if you apply a thicker coat it will separate better and it will give it a leopard look.

Other than O.P.I. Shatter, there are other products such as China Glaze, Crackle Glaze, and Sally Hansen Crackle Overcoat that work very well too.

Emmy’s Kawaii Shop

For more info go to: http://www.opi.com/

A N D R E S D E L A RO S A

PHOTOGRAPHY

W W W . A N D R E S D P H O T O G R A P H Y . C O M

Brittney Marquart

TuÉâà UÜ|ààÇxç‹ “Life – I love it all, (the good, the bad, & the in between).

I am a country girl & optimist at heart. I was born & raised on a ranch in the hill country. I ventured into Houston about 5 years ago. I treasure fishing, shooting guns, running in the park, wake skating in the San Jacinto...and wearing high heels of course!

I love marketing for Realty Carpet because of all of the amazing people I get to meet everyday. It's always new faces & new smiles. Bartending at 2016 Mainstage keeps me on my toes. I'm not the fastest, but I do make the tastiest drinks! I have modeled for different magazines & photographers but the most talented and beloved was Andres De La Rosa.

The quiet side of me enjoys reading books & writing in my spare time, (which I have little of these days ;). I even have some poetry that was published & Nationally recognized. My all time favorite things in life are all of my best friends that I find along the way, the crazy love that finds me & the laughter that keeps me going!

CHEERS my Houston friends!"

Quotes I live by: " Never look down on anybody unless you're helping them up.“ "Try not to become a man of success but a man of values."

CONTACT INFO: Email: brittney.marquart@gmail.com OR brittney2016mainstage@yahoo.com

COMPANIES: Realty Carpet - Representative www.realtycarpet.vpweb.com 2016 Mainstage - Marketing Director, Bartender, Cocktail www.2016mainstage.com

A N D R E S D E L A RO S A

PHOTOGRAPHY

About April… http://www.modelmayhem.com/1090860 http://facebook.com/april.lynn.gutierrez Contact: aprilynn717@gmail.com “When one door closes, God will ALWAYS open up a bigger and better door.

You have to take the good with the bad, smile with the sad, love what you got and remember what you had. Always forgive but never forget, learn from your mistakes but never regret...

People will change, things will go wrong but always remember that life goes on.”

WWW.ANDRESDPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

April Gutierrez

About Lesli…

Where are you from originally?

League City, Texas How long have you been bartending?

15 years Besides Cabo, where have you bartended / worked in the industry? Piggy Bank, Zu Bar, The Aquarium, Macaroni Grill, Lupe Tortilla, Scout Bar, Liquid Lounge, All Stars, Baja, Pablo’s Pub, Pinche’s Tequila Bar & Grill Who would you consider your strongest influence(s)?

Myself. But as far as Bartenders go, I always strive to be fast like April, (who bartends at Scout Bar), and as hard working as Jeff Wilson, (from the band, “The Hunger”). They were the two bartenders that I always looked up to and learned the most from.

What would you consider your specialty? Customer service.

I can make anyone feel welcome and make the grumpiest of customers smile every now and again!

What is it about you that makes you popular with customers? That’s hard to say. With my regulars, I think it’s my temper! With newer customers, I think it’s my kindness.... But overall I would say my honesty.

What do you enjoy doing when you are not bartending?

Trying something new – always! Also, hanging out with my daughter and my boyfriend, or just chilling and laughing with my friends - whether it be on a boat, by the pool, or at a bar. I Like to be on the move on my downtime from work. I’m a bit of a busy body!

What are your future plans? I am currently pursuing my degree in criminal justice. I would like to one day become a police officer.

What days are you behind the bar? I’m at Cabo on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays Any specials that you want to mention? Wednesday is “Bingo, Bongs, and Weed” Night and Friday is Happy Hour until 9:00PM with $2 Domestics and Wells What is your most interesting “bar experience”?

I have a thousand stories to tell, but I think that my most interesting bar moment had to be one time when I was a customer actually. I was 20 years old and found myself intoxicated at a bar after an Astros game. After a whole day of drinking, I decided that the bar stool that I was sitting on had become “my friend”, and that it must leave with me! So after much debate, I came up with a plan to get that stool home. At the time I drove a 1994 Ford Station Wagon and I convinced my friend to wait outside with the hatch open and engine running. I proceeded to pick up the bar stool, bolt past the bouncer and jump in the back of my car. As we drove off all I can remember is the look on the bouncer’s face as if to say, “Did that just happened?!?" To this day, I still have that bar stool in my house and I laugh every time I look at it!

1. Lesli loves bartending, but nothing comes before three year old daughter, Lilli. 2. A long time Faceplant fan, Lesli enjoyed hosting Billy Hargrove and the rest of the band for the “All Aboard Fest” in July. 3. Holding down the outside bar for Cabo’s first outdoor-parking lot live music event. 4. Shots away! Just ask – Lesli can make them all!

Lesli Lamb Cabo Bar – Seabrook, TX

Lesli Lamb has been a part of Bay Area Houston’s bar and nightlife scene for over a decade. She has successfully managed virtually every area of a club throughout her career; contributing to the success of each and every one. Along the way she has made a host of loyal customers and friends who consider her one of the best bartenders in the area.

Lesli is beautiful on the inside and out. Her integrity, her quick wit, a fun – fiery personality, (and a no bullshit attitude when she needs one!), make her a tremendous asset to Cabo Bar in Seabrook. She is fast and accurate under pressure on a busy night, and she can turn a quiet happy hour into a party in no time!

Catch Lesli at Cabo on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday!

1

Cabo Bar 2513 Nasa Road One Seabrook, Texas, 77586 281.532.2691

O F

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T E R L I N G

Hello, Pulse Magazine readers. My name is Tracy L. Sterling. I am a criminal defense attorney in and around the Bay Area. I have been licensed to practice law in Texas for over six years, and have practiced primarily criminal defense and family law for a good portion of that. I have been asked by the editors of Pulse Magazine to write a column in order to offer legal tidbits to the nightlife, music, and entertainment industry about common practices (i.e., the Dos and Do Nots) associated with my criminal defense experience. As such, over the next year or so, I intend to offer some insight through articles about a variety of topics ranging from constitutional rights when arrested and/or charged with a crime to specifics regarding DWI cases, drug cases, and driver’s license issues. I hope you will bear with me, as I’ve never written a column before and am learning what the general public wants to know. I welcome any feedback openly, and also look forward to hearing suggestions from you guys about what you want to know.

I figured a good starting point for an article would be something almost everyone has had to encounter at some point: getting stopped by the police.

I often times get asked by my clients whether they could have or should have done something differently when they were stopped. Typically, the answer is yes; however, many people simply don’t know what rights they have when placed in that situation and inherently get nervous when approached by a police officer, even if they aren’t really doing anything wrong. So, here are a few tips about what you should and/or should not do when stopped by a police officer for any reason: 1. First of all, when an officer is behind you with lights and/or sirens, pull over as cautiously as you can. To show respect to the officer, and to show that you are not otherwise impaired, it is best practice to put your vehicle in park, turn off the ignition and radio, and put on your emergency flashers.

2. Second, locate your driver’s license and proof of insurance and be prepared to hand it to the officer.

This action shows a willingness to cooperate and expedite the process, and also that you have nothing to hide.

3. Third, you may either sit in your vehicle or get out of the vehicle. If you are not able to stand or walk without swaying or making any missteps, please stay in your vehicle. If you decide to get out of the vehicle, so long as the officer has not told you to stay inside the vehicle, exit and stand at the rear of the vehicle. Do not lean against your car, do not put your hands in your pockets, do not light up a cigarette, and certainly do not walk up to the officer’s vehicle. You want to show the officer that you are safe, respectful, have no weapons, and that you have not lost your mental or physical faculties.

4. Next, regarding what you say to the officer is a difficult question to address, as every case is different. The best thing to do is to ask why you were being pulled over.

5. If an officer questions whether you have been drinking, and you have, the general answer is to admit that you have, in fact, had some drinks. If the officer can smell an alcoholic beverage on your breath and you deny drinking whatsoever, your credibility is shot and he may not have any favor in helping you. Keep in mind that officers have a lot of discretion about when to make an arrest. That being said, an admission of drinking more than a few drinks will likely result in an arrest for DWI. While I do not condone lying to

officers, answering truthfully may land you in jail regardless. The best solution is to politely decline to answer the question. Again ask why you were pulled over, and ask whether you are under arrest for anything or not. If you are under arrest at that point, immediately request to contact an attorney before answering any further questions. Do not refuse to perform field sobriety tests, and do not agree to take any field sobriety tests…simply restate that you need to speak with an attorney before deciding whether or not to agree or refuse to take the tests. If the officer states that you are not under arrest, simply remain polite and quiet. Do not offer any information that may cause him to prolong his investigation.

Remember that you have the constitutional right to not incriminate yourself. The Fifth Amendment gives you the right to remain silent…Use it!

6. Bear in mind that when an officer initiates his overhead lights, his dashboard camera is turned on at that time.

Essentially, everything you do while being stopped by an officer is being video recorded. Further, the officer has a microphone in his shirt, so everything you say is being audio recorded as well. If you are slurring your speech, or

insulting the officer, that audio and video may be played in court against you. Be polite and respectful whenever speaking to an officer.

7. If you are arrested for a criminal offense, it is in your best interest to remain calm and quiet. The officer may try to provoke you to get you to admit to wrongdoing, as you continue to be recorded while in the squad car, and even when you arrive at the jail. In order to avoid incriminating yourself, remain quiet and restate your desire to speak with an attorney as an answer to any questions asked of you. (Future articles will discuss the specifics about DWI stops, drug search and seizure, etc. Tune in for more on those topics.)

8. Your next step, once arrested, is to make a phone call. Make sure you call someone who will answer and be able to respond. However, do not expect to get out right away. Often times, it takes 8-12 hours to get someone booked at the jail and to have a bond processed. Be as patient as you can, and be thankful for the person who comes to bond you out of there.

9. DO NOT PLEAD GUILTY TO ANYTHING. I know many people think if they just own up to the crime, they will get out faster and not have to incur any attorney fees or additional costs; however, a guilty plea on any offense is a final conviction. While I will discuss expunctions and orders of non-disclosure in a future article, do not let anyone tell you that a guilty plea will allow you to get the arrest expunged from your record. This information is completely false. Rather, get bonded out of jail and discuss your options. If your desire is to cop a plea from the district attorney and plea out of the charge, you can still do that at your next court setting with or without an attorney.

10. That being said, call a lawyer immediately to discuss your rights.

Certain offenses can result in steep penalties of which you were unaware.

For instance, a DWI conviction may carry a driver’s license suspension costing you thousands of dollars…a drug possession conviction not only carries a driver’s license suspension as well, but also may prevent you from getting student loans in the future…an assault with an affirmative finding of family violence (even just a fight between boyfriend/girlfriend) means that if you are ever charged again, it’s a felony…two no insurance convictions means that your driver’s license will be suspended. There are many little rules not known to the general public. A well-trained attorney will be able to advise you of your rights and/or the consequences…and, best of all, it is a free consultation!

Again, I look forward to hearing feedback from the Pulse Magazine readers.

While nothing in this article is to be intended as legal advice, I want to offer the Bay Area community some insight into the topics that may interest or help you all in the future. If you have an idea for an article topic, please feel free to e-mail me at the e-mail listed below.

Should you, or anyone you know, find yourself in legal trouble, please do not hesitate to contact our office. The Sterling Law Firm offers free consultations in all criminal cases, and takes pride in offering Professional Representation with Personal Attention.

Disclaimer: Tracy L. Sterling, and The Sterling Law Firm, presents the information in this article as a service to the public. While the information in this article is about legal issues, it is not legal advice, which is the application of law to an individual’s specific circumstances. The content is not guaranteed to be correct, complete, or up-to-date. This article is not intended to create an attorney-client relationship, nor should you act or rely on any information in this article without seeking the advice of an attorney.

Tracy L. Sterling Attorney at Law

1300B Bay Area Blvd., Suite 110 Houston, Texas 77058-2505 Office:

(832) 516-6555

Fax:

(832) 932-1650

Toll-Free: (888) 427-4LAW

Firm Profile

The Sterling Law Firm provides aggressive representation to both individuals and companies in a cost-effective, timely, innovative and responsive manner. The Firm’s founder, Tracy L. Sterling, has experience in a variety of legal fields, including: personal injury, family law, criminal defense, homeowner disputes, contract disputes, construction accidents, business and commercial litigation, and corporate law.

At The Sterling Law Firm, our clients are our top priority.

We are dedicated to the aggressive pursuit of our clients’ needs, while adhering to the strictest ethical standards of the State Bar of Texas and the courts in which we practice.

Unlike large, stuffy law firms, we work closely with our clients to evaluate and re-evaluate the progress of any given matter and to assess and re-assess their goals. The Sterling Law Firm offers you professional representation and personal attention.

Professional Representation with Personal Attention The Sterling Law Firm is a general practice firm dedicated to meeting the needs of our clients. Located in Houston, Texas, our firm offers areas of practice in many aspects of law, yet operates with an emphasis on criminal defense and family law.

The Sterling Law Firm is located in Houston, Texas. We serve clients in and around the Greater Houston area, including Houston, Galveston, Pasadena, Webster, League City, Kemah, Bacliff, Santa Fe, Dickinson, Friendswood, Alvin, La Porte, Deer Park, La Marque, Texas City, Baytown, Pearland, Angleton, Bellaire, Jersey Village, Missouri City, Sugar Land, Katy, Spring, Conroe, Tomball, Kingwood, The Woodlands, Liberty and Beaumont. We practice law in Texas counties, including Harris County, Galveston County, Brazoria County, Fort Bend County, Montgomery County, Liberty County, Waller County, Chambers County, Jefferson County, Hardin County and Orange County.

E-mail: tsterling@thesterlinglawfirm.com www.thesterlinglawfirm.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/sterlinglawfirm Twitter: @sterlinglawfirm