FAST CARS AND REBELLION

There are multiple factors that contribute to the alluring appeal of fast cars and rebellion. Firstly, the exhilarating rush and excitement that come with driving a fast car provide a sense of escapism from the mundane of daily life. The power, speed, and performance of these vehicles create a thrilling experience that is hard to replicate elsewhere.

Fast cars often represent a symbol of freedom and independence. The ability to drive at high speeds and make choices about where to go without societal constraints or rules represents autonomy. In turn, this may appeal to individuals who feel trapped or confined by authority and regulations.

For some people, driving a fast car is an act of rebellion against authority and rules. Breaking speed limits and pushing the boundaries of a vehicle can be a way to assert independence and challenge societal norms. This sense of defiance can be a way to take control and make a statement against a system that they perceive as unjust or oppressive.

Fast cars are often associated with social status, wealth, and success. Owning and driving a high-performance vehicle can serve as a status symbol that represents power and prestige. For many, this can be an indication of their financial and social standing.

The world of fast cars provides an opportunity for bonding and community. Car clubs, races, and events allow enthusiasts to come together and share their passion for cars, forming connections and friendships with others who share similar interests. This sense of camaraderie and connection is an integral aspect of the fast car community.

It is important to recognize that not everyone who enjoys fast cars is motivated by a rebellious nature. Individuals have varied reasons for their interests and hobbies, and the appeal of fast cars can differ widely among people. Regardless of one’s motivation, fast cars continue to captivate and inspire a vast audience of enthusiasts worldwide.

Meet Sam Hudson, proud owner of the stunning 2023 Red Dodge Challenger Wide Body Scat Pack. This car holds a special place in Sam’s heart as it represents his way of saying fuck you to the world. With one of his sponsors designed to offend, Sam stands by the philosophy of doing what he wants, without worrying about what others think.

The 2023 Dodge Challenger Scat Pack Widebody comes with a powerful 6.4-liter V8 engine, delivering an estimated 485 horsepower and around 475 lb.-ft of torque. The vehicle will feature rear-wheel drive and an 8-speed automatic transmission.

With impressive performance, the Scat Pack can accelerate from 0-60 mph in just around 4 seconds and has a quarter- mile time in the high 12-second range. To enhance the overall appearance, the vehicle will have a widebody kit with wider fender flares and upgraded suspension for better handling.

Other notable features include Brembo performance brakes and performancefocused interior features. However, these specifications are based on previous models and are subject to change for the 2023 model year.

The inspiration behind this muscle car comes from Sam’s love for the old classic cars. He wanted to be a part of the muscle car generation, and with this beauty, he’s achieved just that. Sam is thrilled to have sponsors who share his passion for automotive accessories.

While he enjoys spending his free time behind the wheels of his car, Sam is also a dedicated welder. Working at Pearce Manufacturing, he takes pride in creating unique fire trucks, each one as distinct as a snowflake. Welding is a skill that allows him to create something out of nothing, and that, he believes, is an essential tool for survival.

Sam served in the US Army for 12 years, 7 in reserve and 5 on active duty. His rank was Sergeant E-5, and he received the military nickname Sam. Despite moving around the country in a single-parent household, he had a happy childhood.

In addition to his love for cars and motorcycles, Sam is passionate about charities such as VFW. As a veteran, he believes it’s his duty to do his part in society and stand up for what he believes in, defending his nation with all his might.

For other car enthusiasts, motorcycle riders, or the younger generation, Sam has some advice: take your time, and enjoy the ride. Life passes by quicker than you think, and it is important to cherish every moment.

On thanksgiving 2010 Sam was in transit driving his unit that was on their way back from our last stop and they were white lighted because they were driving under night vision. The truck Sam was driving was stuck next to a cornfield.

There was an insurgent in the cornfield who shot an RPG which hit the side of his truck my truck resulting in three casualties with shrapnel and head injuries, Sam also had a head injury smoke inhalation from the explosion and the shockwave.

On a second occasion an explosion that was exactly 2 weeks later occurred when his unit was on their way to do a mission with the key leaders at one of the towns they were in control of, and on the way out to the mission, as Sam was driving he passed by building and it was the marker for insurgent to use as a line site for an IED and the insurgent set it off under the truck as they were driving, thankfully there were no casualties from that explosion.

We cannot think of anyone more deserving to have a beautiful fast car like the Dodge Challenger! Thank you, Sam, for your service!

Author Mark Wilson STROKR Magazine

Through collaboration, “A Ronin’s Test” has crafted a distinct sound that sets them apart from their previous musical endeavors prior to forming “A Ronin’s Test.” Through their initial audience, their first show received an enthusiastic response, validating their pursuit of originality. As they continued to develop their partnership and music, they became convinced of the value of their unique contribution to the industry. Their recent performance that STROKR Magazine had the honor to attend demonstrated their tight-knit bond and commitment to talent, confirming their place as a band that walks to the beat of their own drummer. We are honored to write about A Ronin’s Test and proud to introduce them as a unique band, exceptionally tight band and we see them as an honorable testament to the importance of sticking to your heart rather than conforming to mainstream norms or expectations. We think these guys are bad ass and cannot wait to see the remarkable things the future holds for A RONINS TEST!

The inspiration of the name of their band’s acronym represents an eastern influence that is apparent in many aspects of their lives. “The samurai have always fascinated me with their dedication to a chosen path, be it calligraphy or cooking, and their commitment to giving their all to it” says Cody Pegram Lead Vocalist of the band. This is the ethos that I want to embody with our band - an honest expression of emotion that is not driven by ego or commercialization. It can be painful or uplifting, but it must be authentic. This idea of roaming is also important to me, as it mirrors the position of masterless samurai, who were outcasts from society. Similarly, we are independent musicians who do not serve the music industry or conform to societal norms. This dedication to our craft may seem clichéd to some, but it is our way of giving everything to something that is important to us.

Who are some of your major musical influences and how have they shaped your sound?

One thing that I am incredibly grateful for when it comes to my band is the fact that we all share a common love and appreciation for various genres of music. Our tastes range from the grunge era with artists such as Chris Cornell, Alice in Chains, and Soundgarden, to the emo and scream movement with bands like Price and Alkaline Trio. We also enjoy Lincoln Park and new metal. Personally, I am heavily influenced by hip hop legends such as the Wu Tang Clan, Nas, and Biggie, which has played a significant role in shaping our sound. We take inspiration from a multitude of sources and strive to create something unique that we feel genuinely proud of. Rather than trying to conform to a particular mold or cater to a specific audience, we aim to remain true to ourselves and our creative vision. We want to make music that we love first and foremost and then share it with the world.

Our various influences undoubtedly impact our sound, but we do not let them dictate our every move. Each member of the band has their own unique style and ideas, and we work collaboratively to bring them together to create something truly special. If a song does not resonate with us or fit our creative vision, it gets scrapped, and we move on to something else.

Overall, we are grateful for the opportunity to create music that we love and share it with others. Our influences may play a role, but at the end of the day, it is our passion, creativity, and dedication that sets us apart.

Can you walk us through your creative process when you are writing and producing your latest music?

The creative process of crafting music often begins with a guitar riff that catches the attention of the band members. Whether it is a piece that one of them has written or something that the group discovers together, they analyze the potential of the melody and begin to shape it. The rhythm section enters the mix and collaborates with the guitarists to construct the backbone of the song. From there, the group listens to the song as a whole and, like a sculptor, carefully removes unnecessary elements to reveal the true essence of the piece. This approach enables the vocalist to create melodies that build around the existing components of the song. Collaboration is integral to this process, as each member contributes their own ideas and critiques, leading to a cohesive end-result.

The collaborative effort does not stop at the creative stage but extends to the recording process as well. Despite the geographical distance between band member Zach and the rest of the group, they are able to overcome this obstacle by leveraging digital tools to work together remotely. This has allowed them to work hard on their latest EP, which they produced themselves. The EP was a labor of love and represents a tribute to the physicality of music. It contains live versions of their work and features some of their earlier demos, showcasing the range of sounds that the band is capable of producing. The EP also has a collection of ballads and other tunes, giving listeners a glimpse of their eclectic range.

Creating a physical CD has been a lifelong dream for the band members, and they have worked tirelessly to make it a reality. In a world where digital music dominates, the band takes pride in offering a tangible product that music lovers can appreciate, enabling them to engage with their audience in a more personal way. Some rap songs on the CD are a perfect blend of hard and soft, depicting the different shades of life. Although CD sales are dwindling, the band’s focus was on completing the project, not for commercial gains but to have something to hand over to their listeners. Even though the CD is an old medium, the band sees it as an opportunity to share their music with anyone who is interested, and they are willing to send it out to fans who request it via email or address. As one of the band members once said, “music is just vibrations that connect with the universe, and their music is free to enjoy, whether through CD sales or other digital platforms.”

Can you share any sources of inspiration for your recent work?

Cody: Personally, my family, particularly my kids, have been a huge motivator for me. While they may have their own reasons for supporting me, I have pushed myself to give my all in my role within the band. As a leader, I book shows, make important decisions, and lead the group in a positive direction. My family trusts me to fulfill these responsibilities. However, my passion for music is not solely for their benefit. It is also important for me to show my wife and children that one can pursue their dreams at any age. You can still chase that dream and make it a reality. As Cody and I discussed earlier, this is how I express my creativity, through my magazine STROKR, but it can take many forms, such as dancing, cooking, or even crochet. “The key is to be passionate about what you do and pursue it with all your heart.”

Can you share any challenges or surprises with us while you have been on tour?

With regards to challenges and surprises during my latest work, I must admit that everything seemed to fall apart right before a tour. All the van, RV, and trailer companies we had lined up cancelled on us, leaving just the five of us to handle everything. This was a setback, to say the least, but we did not give up. We rented a trailer from U-Haul and drove around in my personal vehicle to make the tour happen. It was disheartening, but we rose above it and found a way to make it work.

Despite the challenges, my passion for music and my family’s support keeps me motivated to keep pushing forward. Whether it is leading my band or pursuing my dreams, I will continue to do so with enthusiasm and determination.

The latest experience proved to be challenging for us. As a band, we were pleasantly surprised by the reaction we received at a luncheon where our song was played. Personally, I still vividly recall my first concert where I was harassed by a Supertramp fan when I was only 13 years old. It left me awestruck.

I believe that the live performances we give today creates the same energy and enthusiasm that fans had back then, and this reaction is surprising to us. We always strive to remain authentic, and it is heartwarming to see that this resonates with people. I am particularly grateful for moments like when a fan approached me and said they would buy a guitar after seeing our performance. Such interactions inspire us to keep doing what we do best, which is to inspire and connect with our audience. “Money is not the driving factor behind our performances, rather it is the opportunity to make new connections and encourage people to chase their passions.”

So how would you describe the energy and atmosphere of your live performances?

The energy level of the band is unmatched. Curtis’s guitar skills are impeccable, and he sets the tone with his rock-like presence. The combination of his upbringing and Alfie’s excellent rhythm playing adds to the magic. However, Ray and Alfie seem to fade into the background when compared to Zach and I. We go all out, jumping and stomping around, no matter the size of the audience. Our passion for playing together is evident, and we give it our all, setting the stage on fire with our performance.

Do you have any experiences in one of your live shows you can Share? Like anything like crazy that ever happened or unique?

As I reflect on my experiences as a musician, there are a few moments that truly stand out to me. One such moment was last year when my band had the opportunity to perform at an ever-clear event. Growing up, I listened to a wide range of music and admired all types of artists. Seeing a performer bring their art to life on stage was always a special experience for me. So, when we were called out by the headliner and acknowledged for our performance, it was a surreal feeling.

I remember watching this performer on MTV as a child and thinking how cool it would be to meet them someday. After the show, we were packing up and trying to stay out of the way when he came over to us and complimented our performance. It was an utterly amazing moment, and it made me realize how impactful a few kind words can be. Here was someone who had been in the industry for over thirty years, taking the time to acknowledge our work. It was an experience I never saw coming, but one that I will never forget.

Playing with national bands is always an exciting experience, but being called out by them is a rare occurrence. With this band, however, we were called out almost all the time, and it was a real surprise to me. It has a lot to do with the energy of the guys in my band and how we perform. We always give it our all, and it seems to catch people’s attention.

Overall, these experiences have taught me that hard work and dedication really do pay off. Whether it is receiving praise from a respected performer or being called out by national bands, it is important to never give up on your dreams. Who knows what kind of opportunities might come your way if you just keep pushing forward.

What would you say is your favorite venue that you all have played?

We had the privilege of playing at an impressive old movie theater in Cheyenne Wyoming on one occasion.

Originally built in the 1920s for dramatic productions and vaudeville acts, the theater boasted a balcony and a stage that still rocked. Despite its storied past, the theater had been newly renovated by its current owners, who transformed it into a music venue in 2020. The staff were exceptionally gracious and took excellent care of us throughout the night. While we enjoyed playing at the Black Sheep in Colorado Springs Colorado, we were impressed by the artistic vibe and unique charm of the Cheyenne Wyoming movie theatre venue. Everyone on the tour was excited by the experience and we could not help but be awed by the historic setting.

So how do current Issues like political or if anything at all, influence your music like lyrics or anything?

The key is to transform negativity into positivity. Rather than dwell on the negative, it is important to focus on finding the good in every situation. This mindset can make it easier for others to stay strong and push through tough times. At the end of the day, we all have our own battles to fight, and it is crucial to support one another in overcoming our demons. This is particularly true for those of us who have faced personal struggles in the past, as we can draw from our own experiences to help others break free from their own challenges.

What do you all see as the biggest challenges emerging for bands in today’s music industry?

Having sufficient financial resources and establishing a presence in the industry similar to YouTube, Spotify, and SoundCloud have greatly aided in the proliferation of independent artists. However, it has also posed a challenge as the market has become oversaturated, making it difficult to stand out. The industry also has a chokehold on certain things, and they have a specific sound they want to achieve, which may not align with an artist’s creative vision. This leads to the question of how an artist can get themselves heard without any help.

The answer is through hard work and dedication to their craft, which involves investing in equipment and perfecting their sound.

While money may not always be the top priority for artists, it is undeniable that it plays a significant role in promoting oneself. The reality is that there are countless talented individuals in the industry, making it crucial to differentiate oneself through sheer determination and effort. This drive and work ethic will set an artist apart from the rest and propel them to success.

As an artist, it is important to prioritize integrity and hold oneself accountable for the quality of their work. Despite potential external factors and influences, staying true to oneself is vital in maintaining a genuine and authentic sound. Ultimately, the effort put into one’s craft and the level of dedication will determine the outcome, regardless of external circumstances.

Are there any upcoming future collaborations or projects for A Ronin’s Test?

Exciting news is on the horizon, as we prepare to release a new video that we are absolutely thrilled about. While I cannot divulge too many details just yet, rest assured that it is going to be amazing. Currently, we are riding high on a wave of creative energy and have been working on a number of new songs that we cannot wait to share with our fans. Our plan is to evaluate out four of these tracks during our live shows, before adding a few more and compiling them all into a new album. We are excited to see what resonates with our audience and are committed to pushing ourselves to new heights.

Do you have any other shows coming up soon?

Speaking of live shows, we have some exciting ones coming up! We are focused on expanding beyond our home state and hometown and are actively working to book gigs in other regions. Oklahoma and Texas are on our radar, as well as potentially heading down to Florida. Our goal is to bring our music to as many new ears as possible, and we are confident that our recent performances have solidified our status as a band on the rise.

Of course, we are not striving for perfection - we know that not every note will be flawless during our shows. However, we promise to give it our all and put on the best possible performance for our fans. And based on the overwhelmingly positive reaction we have received from strangers at recent shows, we must be doing something right! Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to work hard and chase our dreams.

Do you have any advice for aspiring musicians?

Cody: When I was just 16 or 17 years old, I decided to take a leap of faith and immerse myself in the music scene. I did not have much experience, but I knew that I wanted to learn and grow as a musician.

I started attending local shows and even ended up spending some time in jail - an intimidating experience for someone my age, but one that taught me resilience and perseverance. Regardless of whether I had a good or bad night, I remained punctual, worked hard, and maintained a positive attitude, knowing that these qualities would take me far in the music world. In fact, any seasoned professional would attest to this.

After a show, I used to be extremely hard on myself if I made any mistakes. But I quickly realized that most people in the audience would not even notice and would still appreciate my performance. I learned to be gracious with myself, not overly critical, and to give myself some grace and mercy. This mindset helped me to grow and learn from my mistakes, which I believe is crucial for anyone trying to make it in the music industry.

My advice to anyone looking to break into the music scene is simple: just go for it. Attend local shows, network with people in the industry, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Just as you would not expect to become a great cook by watching home and garden shows, you cannot expect to become a successful musician without immersing yourself in the music world.

Whether you are in a small town or a big city, there are always opportunities to connect with other musicians and learn from their experiences. So do not hesitate - go out there and chase your dreams.

So, I have seen you all on YouTube. Do you have other avenues, places where people can find your music?

The various major titles on Instagram serve as distributors for our independent music. Consequently, our music is available on popular platforms like Spotify and YouTube, but unfortunately, it may not be accessible on Pandora. We simply go through major efforts to ensure widespread availability of our music.

Is there anything else you all would like to share?

It is important to cultivate a sense of camaraderie and affection towards the group of guys or gals you work with, who become your family while on the road together. Sure, spending long hours in close quarters can lead to tension at times, but ultimately, the bond of love and loyalty among family prevails. It is crucial to stick with the family you have, as not all families may be as great as yours.

WHERE DID YOU GROW UP?

I am from Denver, Colorado, a native. I was Born on October 10th, 1973. I grew up in a very close knit, extremely supportive family where we were very family oriented, one thing that I’ve always been very happy to say in regards to my family life. Most people put their careers and getting ahead in the world before their family and family values, it’s sad to me. I can say I have been blessed with a very supportive family network and foundation.

HOW DID YOU GET THE NICKNAME “Tat-Man”.

Well, one thing that happens with a lot of tattoo artists is they start to get popular in their neighborhood or community. They get what a lot of people refer to as a “rockstar syndrome”. They Grow this sense of arrogance, and feel they are better than people around them with their new found popularity. When I first started out and was getting good, people would speak of this mind-set and remind me to stay humble as grow.

I started doing this thing when I would communicate with people. After I would tell them thank you for reaching out, I would tell them “just your friendly neighborhood Tat-Man”. I wanted people to understand that I am just a regular person helping them on their tattoo journey. Eventually, people just started referring to me as Tat-Man. It really started to stick about 5 years ago.

HOW DID YOU BECOME A TATTOO ARTIST?

I did a little time in prison. While I was there, I did a lot of artwork, never did tattoos while incarcerated. Once l was released and opened a MySpace account, I posted my artwork from prison on my MySpace wall. My cousin Dion saw my artwork and started pressing me to do tattoos. It took him close to 3 years to convince me because my mind was so stuck on the stigma of tattoos being for gangsters, drug dealers, drug addicts and just bad people like they were 30, 40 years ago. My mind was thinking I didn’t want to get involved with people in those worlds again.

But I was wrong about the new world of tattoos. One day I found some of my original artwork that got left on the side of my garage in a plastic container from when I moved. This container had been there for probably at least a month without my knowledge and got rained on multiple times.

My art was literally submerged in water, we’re talking hundreds of hours and more worth of art. I was in tears, literally! I took my artwork inside my house and started peeling each piece of paper apart, laying them around my house. This is when my phone rings, it’s the same cousin, we hadn’t spoke in about 3 months because we both have such busy lives. I am sitting there looking at all my artwork destroyed and he says again,

“bro, I’m looking at your artwork on MySpace, please consider this”. For him to call at that very moment was a sign. I told him that I would be there that weekend to watch his brother do some work on him. After that I checked out an apprenticeship and I started learning. At that point, there was no stopping me. Once I learned how to tattoo, I started getting good and it happened pretty fast. My eyes were opened to the new world of tattoos, and after 3 years of convincing, I finally took the dive and started tattooing. The rest is history!

Would You Say Your

COUSIN DION WAS THE ONE WHO INSPIRED YOU?

I wouldn’t go as far as to say that he is or was my inspiration, he definitely planted a seed. Inspiration for me is huge. I think it’s up to an individual person to change their own life, to use everything around them, the hardships, the potentials, the love for their children, the love for their family, and utilize all that as inspiration. I can honestly say Dion didn’t give up on me, It took a while for him to break the ground, but he finally got the seed planted.

WHAT OTHER PROFESSIONS HAVE YOU PERFORMED?

I did concrete flat work and remodeling my entire life since I was 15 years old until I started tattooing at 36. I’ll have people calling me occasionally for stuff like that and still do the work because its decent money. But my bread-and-butter is literally tattooing now. From sun up to sun down almost every day, and I love it!

TELL ME ABOUT A MEMORABLE MOMENT OR PERSON.

It was both a person and a moment in one! I was at the Colorado Tattoo Convention in 2018, and my good friend Christopher Desilets who puts on most of the tattoo competitions in Colorado comes up and asks me,

“Arnold, what are you doing the rest of the evening”? I say nothing, he says “Hey man, you want to judge for me?”

I am thinking to myself, to be on stage, judging a tattoo competition, wow this is amazing, At that point in life, I never thought something like this would ever be possible. Then the plot thickened.

Once on stage I realized he put me next to a gentleman named “Jeremy Hannah” aka Uncle Jeremy, co-owner and cofounder of world renowned “Sullen Art Collective”. Here I am judging a tattoo competition side-by-side with Uncle Jeremy who co-founded the brand on “sweat equity”, Uncle Jeremy and Ryan Smith are the masterminds behind Sullen Art. This was the most memorable and defining moment in my tattoo career. It made me realize and understand how relevant I am in the tattoo community. “It lit a flame that can now never be put out”!

ANY CHARITIES OR ORGANIZATIONS YOU’RE PASSIONATE ABOUT?

About 6-7 years ago, my daughter Angelica and myself started putting together bundles of winter accessories.

Inside was a scarf, a beanie, a pair of gloves, and a pair of socks. We made about a 100 of these bundles, then would hang them on tree branches where lots of homeless people were, close to “Jesus Saves” in downtown Denver. We did this because we wanted to give to the homeless, and we knew they could all use it to stay warm. As time went on, we evolved into “Share Some Warmth”. Myself and several friends and family started promoting a bike run and several car and bike shows. With the proceeds of these events, we continued to do the same thing. But instead of hanging the bundles on the trees, we worked with a resource center in Denver to do something a little different.

On the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, the resource center provides unprepared turkey dinners to the less fortunate. We set up tables along side the food charities, maybe 8 in total, each table is set up according to age groups. These bundles that include (gloves, a scarf, a beanie, and a pair of socks) are now being handed to less fortunate children. We never discriminate whether if someone asks for 5 bundles and maybe only has 2 kids present, we just give them what they ask for because we know they need them!

I’ve never turned this into an official charity, but it is my way of being charitable. The bike run I do is called the “Independence Run”. We do this run around the 4th of July every year. This ride is to raise money to provide warm gear for our less fortunate children. Upcoming dates on the “Independence Run”, and car and bike shows for 2024 to be announced soon!

WHAT DOES BEING A TATTOO ARTIST MEAN TO YOU?

Freedom! I am able to travel for work, meet new people in the industry, work in other cities around the country. Some people think there’s lots of money in this business, which there can be for some of the famous tattoo artists, haha! But for me, l’m able to travel and see places that I normally wouldn’t while making a small income. Only spending money on

“Bear Necessities”.

WORDS OF ADVICE TO OTHER TATTOO ARTISTS.

Stay humble, and always remember it can be taken in the blink of an eye. It all reverts back to the rock star syndrome.

Don’t ever feel that you are above anyone, or untouchable. At any given moment something can happen to you physically, emotionally, or just anything tragic surrounding your life, and it can all be over. Keep living your dream, don’t ever take it for granted and never forget where you come from, Never Ever!