Issue 5

Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 1

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Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 3

Neil

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Features 23

Win The ZAKK PAKK

38

Zakk Wylde

44

New Book

Bringing Metal to the Children

features

10 Hal Blaine The Wrecking Crew

13 Municipal Waste 14 Nylon Pink

30 Summerfest 32 Madison Rose 46 Jason Sutter

Marilyn Manson

16 Iced Earth

49 One-Eyed doll

20 MI Reunion

50 Don Dokken

24 CRUZ

56 Mark Mendoza

26 Nik Kai

58 Money Well Spent

27 NAMM Recap

61 Rockett Queens

Departments 36 Fan Favorite 37 Dagger 44 Book Interview 45 Know your Gear with Artist Jeff Kollman

52 Know your Gear 65 CD Reviews

Feature and Cover photo Neil Zlozower/AtlasIcons.com

In Every Issue 32 Centerfold Giveaway

34 Centerfold featuring Madison Rose 55 Music with Michael G 60 How to be a Rock Star in a bar 64 DIY 66 RNR Jukebox To access exclusive content including videos, songs, and other extendend features, download the Microsoft Tag app, compatible with all ‘tags’ including QR codes. Example of tags are as shown.

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For: BANDS * SINGERS * GUITARISTS * MANAGERS * LABELS * DJs Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 7 * ACTORS * MODELS * COMEDIANS & FILM MAKERS!

Editors Words EDITOR IN CHIEF Mike Smothers

SENIOR EDITOR Angelica Ulloa

SENIOR EDITOR Jessica Johnson jess@rocknrollindustries.com

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Chairat Roberts

CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS Keith Stixx, Dan Hazard, Mark Allee

ILLUSTRATOR Scott Snyder

mike@rocknrollindustries.com

Mike Smothers Editor in Chief Follow us Facbook.comrocknrollindustriesmag Twitter @RockNRollind

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PHOTOGRAPHERS Neil Zlozower Chad Lee Alex Kluft Justin Edward Leah Burlington Enrique Nuñez Jacqueline Ryland Cyndi Johnson Jazmin Monet Estopin

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Rock N Roll Industries (ISSN 2164-9863 print ISSN 2164-9871 online) is published bi monthly, 11044 Weddington St., North Hollywood CA, 91601. Annual Subscription cost is $12.95. Submission of manuscripts, illustrations, media kits and/or photographs will not be returned. The publisher assumes no responsibly for unsolicited materials. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited.

Enrique Nuñez

I would like to thank everyone that helped Rock N Roll Industries get to where we are today. I must say, without you, we wouldn’t be where we are now. For a little background of who we are; in case you don’t know, RNR Ind has been around for a little over a year now; as a free magazine. As great as it looks on the outside, it’s a lot of hard work on the inside to bring the hottest content to one magazine. So I hope you enjoy our first issue to be nationally sold at retail stores. We would love to hear your input, so please drop us a line. In this issue, we talk to Zakk Wylde about his new book “Bringing Metal to the Children,” and his good friend Eric Hendrikx that helped him put it all together. As an issue feature, (bands on a budget) we wanted to take out some of the challenges and get down and dirty by asking what it takes to make it on a budget, find out what it takes to the best creative ways to promote and hit the streets, and get the best bang for your buck. As a pass time I love playing the guitar, so I just had to check out Gibson’s Guitar Town held at Hornburg’s showroom on the Sunset Strip; artists, industry and fans from all around watched Slash kick it off by giving away a check of $27,000 for the first round of guitars. Artist’s gather around their art work to talk about their inspirations’ using music around the sunset strip to inspire them, the 10 foot-tall Gibson Les Paul sculptures will be displayed up and down the Strip before being auctioned off for charity. Until next time.

STAFF WRITERS Michael G Clark Joaquin Sahagun Manny Rivas II Stacey Shaw Peggy Murphy Julian Douglas Noelle Kim Retes WINJOW

angelica@rocknrollindustries.com

Always my deepest love and admiration for my brother Randy - Kathy Rhoads D’Argenzio

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Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 9

ne i a l B l a H

Harold Belsky, better known as Hal Blaine, was born on February 5, 1929 in Holyoke, Massachusetts. He has been a professional drummer since 1948. Since then, Blaine became the most in-demand session drummer throughout the 60’s and 70’s playing over 40 number one hits, 150 top ten hits, and 8 Grammy Records of the year. If you have ever heard a song from the 60’s, chances are you’ve heard Hal Blaines drumming. As a part of the Wrecking Crew, the greatest group of session musicians to come out of L.A. during the 60’s and 70’s. Blaine played on numerous hits by The Beach Boys, Elvis Presley, Simon and Garfunkel, Frank Sinatra, Sonny & Cher, The Supremes, Neil Diamond, and many, many more. The hits he played on include “Good Vibrations,” “Surf City,” “Mrs. Robinson,” “These Boots Are Made for Walking,” “I Got You Babe,” “California Dreamin,’” and countless other hits. Blaine was also a key member of Phil Spector’s wall of sound. To this day Hal is approaching his 6,000th recorded song, performed on over 35,000 recorded tracks, is a member of the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame, and has published his stories in the book, “Hal Blaine and the Wrecking Crew.”

Where did the Wrecking Crew get its name?

Hal Blaine -Well it all really started when we were doing our first Disney film. The composer had no idea that this new nucleus of “Rock N’ Roll Players,” had graduate degrees in music and he was talking down to us. He had just finished a massive session with about 70 musicians at Disney. I personally used to work for Walt Disney as an actor some years before. Anyway, the guys that he released from this big orchestra were the guys I used to call “The Blue Blazers.” These were the guys that always wore neckties and were very neat and quiet, you never heard a word from them, and they were some of the greatest musicians in Hollywood. They did all the great movies all those years. They took one look at us, and he was explaining that this group of musicians were going to do just a quick set. This big orchestra was being released for a two-hour lunch as opposed to a one hour lunch, and we were going to do some of the soundtrack 10 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

for the movie. Some of the guys that had heard about us were watching, and they didn’t know I could hear them. They were saying “these cats are gonna wreck the business.” We were in Levis and T-Shirts. It just looked weird I guess to these older, established guys who had been doing these movies since “Gone With the Wind,” in the days of MGM. When I would call my secretary Aylan, I said to start calling us the Wrecking Crew so they would know who to hire when I get calls. We were getting calls like wild fire. The Wrecking Crew was getting calls from all over the world actually. You got to remember these were the brand new days of Rock N’ Roll; it was still a dirty word. All the great drummers in Hollywood refused to play; they said, “these kids are just playing garbage.” Well within weeks all these established drummers, musicians were calling me asking if they could come see how we did these sessions. I used to tell them it’s just a backbeat guys, it’s just a backbeat, that’s all it is, (laughs). Anyway that’s really how the name got started and that was in the early 60’s. Everybody just started calling us “The Wrecking Crew,” because that’s what the secretary was always saying.

How many recordings have you done?

I’m just approaching my 6,000th recorded song being certified by RIAA, and that’s not counting all of the commercials, all the movies, and all the pilots. This figure, so far, will continue to grow. It blows my mind to say the least, but that’s where it’s at. There are some great “tune detectives,” as I call them, who are discovering so many songs that I never logged in my work books during that golden era of recording, 60’s, 70’s, and part of the 80’s. These guys have the knowledge that we all wish we had, Russ Wapensky and Steve Escobar, they are amazing fellow musicians and writers as well... as to figure on how many actual individual sessions, will have to be researched. All of my work books are in the rock and roll hall of fame, as I recall they were going to the Smithsonian and somehow Cleveland won out.

first tiny little set of drums. I used to play those things. I just loved them. When I was a kid, I grew up in Hartford, CT. As a teen I used to go to the state theatre in downtown Hartford during the 40’s. I saw every major big band, and I saw every major drummer. I got to see Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich, Hal McIntyre; all the great drummers of that era. I’d go there every Saturday morning, my dad worked at the Connecticut leather company across the street from the theatre, and he would take me down with him. Every Saturday morning we’d get on the trolley, we’d go down, he’d give me 20 cents, and I would be the first in line a quarter to 8 for the earliest show which was at 8-8:30. These guys were on the road with their big bands, and that’s the way they did theatres. They would show a movie, the big band, dancers, another movie, and burlesque. There was all kinds of stuff going on in these theatres.

Do you have a favorite Elvis Presley story?

One of my favorite stories about Elvis was he was surrounded by his guys called “The Memphis Mafia,” and when we were in the studio recording, Elvis would be singing or rehearsing and right in the middle say “I’m a little bit thirsty.” There were 10 guys that would run at him with Coke bottles, they would fall over microphones trying to be the one guy to hand him the Coke. Elvis was such a sweetheart; he was one of the nicest people I worked with.

He was quite a karate guy too. Elvis would be walking through the studio and see someone and go “Hiyah!” and he’d get into that stance.

When you work with a big star like that, everybody starts doing the same thing, so they never knew whom Elvis was going to attack.

He did karate and judo type things. They were always ready waiting for him.

Scan the tag for the full Interview

Photo and Interview By Alex Kluft

What made you want to become a drummer?

I really don’t know; drummers are show offs.

We need attention I guess. When I was a kid, I used to go to Hebrew school and right across the street was a big Catholic church that had a big drum and bugle corp. Whenever I could I’d be over there watching the kids marching and playing their drums. Eventually a couple of the Priests saw me, one time they invited me in so I could see what the guys were doing. I used to tell them how I wanted to be a drummer, and fortunately for me my darling sister, who’s no longer with us, bought me my

Scan the tag to see the documentary trailer

Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 11

for almost a year now, our first show was on May 8th 2011 opening for Asesino (thank you Rob Weekes), Dino Cazares of Fear Factory’s other band. The band was founded by myself (guitar) and Colin Reed (guitar).

RNR: How did you come up with this name? I really like the term “exile” and Colin and I were working around it till one day we were texting and “Thrown Into Exile” which clicked and went with it. Due to the back story of forming this band, finding members was really hard from Facebook post, Craigslist ads, twitter, to word of mouth RNR: What do you think of when I with no luck, Colin was also looking for a say band on a budget? I think of a band project at the time and no luck. So it was that’s managing and spending their money in like we both got thrown into exile before the right places. Such as getting good record- we crossed paths, I known Colin for years ings, it doesn’t have to be in a fancy studio or before we started playing together, he renting one out to write material in (because was in “Instinct of Aggression” at the time. that’s an unnecessary expense). Go to the studio when you and your band are ready RNR: Isn’t there some funny artwork to record! Along with stage banners, merch, out here somewhere? Funny you menin my opinion nowadays presentation is key, tion that yes there is, our friend Matt who even if the band is unsigned making it look be- designed the Thrown Into Exile logo/font yond legit always helps, I’m not talking about made a joke of making our logo in a rainspending a good amount of money on a huge bow color scheme with a unicorn jizzing backdrop, but reasonable sized banners that or pissing a rainbow on it, the unicorn also you can put in front of your amps on stage looked like it spent a lot of time at the gym! and make the stands on PVC pipes at home RNR: Have seen some great shows (Ben of All Shall Perish gave me that tip. As with you guys with your new recent for merch don’t go out stamping your bands line-up tell us about them? We just had name on anything you can find when your on a the privilege to open for Sepultura and Death budget, the essential stuff, a shirt, a hoodie, a Angel at The Yost Theater. The newest addihat, shirt for the ladies. That’s my idea of band tion to the band is our new Frontman Evan Seon a budget. idlitz, who›s a fucking beast on stage, and has RNR: Tell us Mario about your band Thrown amazing stage presence and our new Bassist into Exile? Thrown Into Exile has been around Chuck Fisher, dude is laying it down, all fin-

12 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

ger no pick which is awesome! They totally bring a new level to our live performance, and couldn›t be any happier with them in the band.

RNR: What do you find yourself influenced by the most when it comes to songw r i t ing? I would say life and the experiences that come with it. Music is a portrait of feelings whether your expressing happiness, sadness, love, hatred, heartbreak, a good time whatever it maybe will definitely show in your music.

Which comes out to be something so organic and true that everyone can not only hear it but also feel it Even the weather play’s a influence in our songwriting.

RNR: Tell us about the upcoming plans for Thrown Into Exile? isnt there a EP in the works?

Something about a limited Vinyl release? Yes we are releasing our first Self Titled EP, produced by Mike Spreitzer of DevilDriver, we›re really stoked to be working with him! Yes we are planning to release a limited 500 hand numbered 7” vinyl run, which will likely be 250 in clear and 250 in see through blue to compliment the artwork of the EP. Along with that we are saving up to make a music video to tie it along with the release of the EP. The goal is to make it look beyond legit. Of course trying to get on big bills and work our asses off!

We sat down with MUNICIPAL WASTE’s Tony Foresta and Land Phil to ask them some questions about their new CD to be released soon and resent Food eating contest.

RNR: How is it releasing Fatal Feast through Nuclear Blast as opposed to Earache Records?

PHIL: Man, Nuclear Blast has been killin’ it; promotin’ the album, and everything has been night and day from the amount of feedback that they’ve given us and the amount of devices they’ve provided to get our record out there. It’s amazing.

RNR: Fatal Feast – it was a good time!

Eatin’ that burger… what’s that about, man?

PHIL: We had a burger eating contest in L.A that was [a] promotional thing for the new album Fatal Feast. And [you and I] were competin’ against each other, chowin’ some really awesome burgers from Grill ‘Em All trucks… it was a good time!

RNR: I was full for, like, two days! Tell me about the beginnings of MUNICIPAL WASTE and how things have changed since then?

PHIL: Well these guys started the band in 2000 – Tony and Ryan – and they had some [other] members. Dave Witty and I joined

a couple years later right when we started writing the album Hazardous Mutation, the first release on Earache Records. Ever since we put out Hazardous, we started touring like crazy! Non-stop playing shows. It eventually started to catch on with our fans and we’re lucky enough to be doing what we do, for a living now. And now that we’ve put out another fresh record, we’re getting’ ready to start the whole process over again - with non-stop touring, and it fuckin’ kickin’ ass.

anthem, for sure!

RNR: How was Wacken Open Air for you?

PHIL: We like to switch it up, you know, and usually save it for last as the one big bang to end the show.

PHIL: My memories of Wacken [were]… when I showed up, as soon as I opened the door to the van, I saw “Corpsegrinder” [a.k.a. George Fisher] walk by. I’m a huge CANNIBAL CORPSE fan. I was like, “Ohhh shiiit.” And then right when I got out of the van, [CC’s] Alex Webster was there, and he came up to me and was like, “Hey Phil, how’s it going?” And I didn’t even know he knew my name! I was like, “This is a magical place, where your heroes come up and introduce themselves to you!”

RNR: Is Thrash still alive, or what?

PHIL: Fuck yeah, man. We’re fuckin’ livin’ it!

RNR: What song best represents MUNICIPAL WASTE? PHIL: Well, we’re best known for “Municipal Waste is Gonna Fuck You Up”. That is our

TONY: I would say [on] Born to Party, “Municipal Waste is Gonna Fuck You Up”. It’s a song we used to do live, and then we threw it on Born to Party as a bonus thing. It’s kinda like our anthem, I guess, ‘cause that’s the one we always end with [at show], and everybody sings it. Everybody gets fuckin’ wild when we play it. “Boner City” could be our other anthem…

RNR: Is Fatal Feast available to buy right now?

PHIL: It’s comin’ out real soon. If you happen to make it to see us on the GWAR tour, we have it for sale, before it even gets released.

So try to check us out on the remaining GWAR tour dates.

RNR: How did the ideas for the [new] videos come about?

TONY: They’re all different. But the last one, was basically based around the lyrics. It was a concept that we’d been kicking around for like… eight years, probably.

Joaquin “The Machine” Sahagun

FAN ART Title: Pink Floyd Painting Artist: Lauren Smith

Caption: My inspiration came from Pink Floyd’s The Wall, a timeless masterpiece. The film was on VH1 Classic a few months back, and I watched it with my big sis. I got all fired up and did this one off the cuff with some kids paint on poster board.

Submit entries to rocknrollindustries@gmail.com (include all info as above, not all submissions will be chosen)

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Rock 14 Rock N Roll N Roll Industries Industries Magazine Magazine 14

means, tell us what that means.

Kaila- K-pop is this phenomenon kind of underground and coming to the states, but there is this big following for creative pop music, it’s very happy melodic, but we put our own spin on it. Our music doesn’t sound like K-Pop per say, but we are doing K-Pop covers. Taking those songs and translating them into English, so people that don’t understand Korean can enjoy them.

Do you only speak English?

Kaila- I speak some mandarin Chinese.

Kiki- I actually don’t ( Kaila and Kiki begin to laugh, Kaila claims to know more Korean than Kiki even though she’s not Korean.) It’s really embarrassing! I speak fantastic Spanish though!

Jamie- Out of nowhere like random fluent Spanish.

(Everyone begins to laugh and joke about how she knows Spanish out of nowhere. Kiki then tells us she sings some Spanish songs in Karaoke.)

Katt-I speak some Korean, it’s alright. I can understand everything, but I don’t know how well I can speak it I can order food.

We wrote on Facebook that you would all be here. First question is directed to Kaila

by Clinton Lum; a major photographer for the motorsport industry scene. “Kaila, you were in the import scene for a while.

Ever think about doing a set at Hot Import Nights to reconnect with your old fans in the scene?”

Kaila- I would love to, I don’t know what’s go-

ing on with the scene nowadays, but I do know Hot Import Nights went away for a while, and I guess now they are back, so I’m interested in seeing how it’s going, and I would love to play there it would be a lot of fun. Although we are rock and they’re kind of hip-hop (all laugh) so we would bring in a new flavor. We will bring it!

We can cover some hip-hop songs.

That reminds me, who are your supporters for Hello Drama?

Kaila- She is the hugest Nicki Minaj fan, (points at Katt) she made a custom bow from Hello Drama and she wore it for a magazine.

We’ve had Kat Von D, Kiss-very random (smile and all giggle), It’s mostly girls.

Clinton also asks, “Are there distinct items you wear that characterizes who you are as artists?”

Kaila-I think we definitely have our favorites: I like really bright colors that clash a lot, I like basic dresses that are very form fitting.

Kiki- I have to have leopard prints.

Kaila- She wants to steal my jacket really bad!

Kiki-(laughing) The more leopard the better!

Katt-I like pink, cutesy, but still edgy stuff.

Jamie-I’m more like the black sheep of the band (they all laugh). I’m a little bit of the opposite. I like black and white I’m more the very very edgy one I guess.

Kaila- And we all love these animals (points at Katt’s plush fur Coat/Jacket Hoody with ears.

Katt put’s on the Hoodie to demonstrate what it looks like.)

Jamie-Everyone in the band has white ones, and I’m the only one with a black one.

Neil Zlozower/AtlasIcons.com

hen you hear a band described as; “Hello Kitty on Acid,” what comes to mind? Think anime girls, sexy, and loud melodic tunes full on blast. Nylon Pink is an all girl rock-popelectro-punk band with their own fashion statement and flavor in the music they create or cover. Kaila Yu as the leading vocals, Katt Lee on bass, Kiki Wongo as lead guitar, Yuki on Keys, and Jamie Scoles on drums.

RNR- You are called “Hello Kitty on Acid,” please explain to us what that means?

Kaila-Well I guess in the surface we are kinda cutesy, wear high heels and got bows. Then when we get on stage we have a mix of metal and the girls play really hard music mixed with some cute pop melodies. So it’s kind of that explosion.

Do you create your own clothes or jewelry?

Kaila- Yeah we have a line called Hello Drama Jewelry, it’s inspired by our music.

Katt (looks and points at Katt) is actually our stylist for the band, she’s also the designerthe creative so she can tell you a little about the Hello Kitty on Acid on jewelry form. ( Everyone laughs) Katt- Well I guess it reflects our music so it’s inspired by Rock’n Roll, Betsey Johnson, Heatherette. A lot of colors like- Harajuku, KPop all used in one. I guess that makes Hello Drama, color, fun, and edgy type of clothing and jewelry.

You have been described as K-Pop there’s a lot of people that don’t know what that

(Next question was to Yuki, from facebook fan/friend Scott Abitante but she couldn’t come to the interview due to studies and exams. Kaila offered to play the role of Yuki and to answer the question for her) Scott- Yuki what time can I expect you at my place?

(Everyone begins to laugh histerically) Kaila-(puts her hands over her mouth and repeats I’m scared! I’m scared!)

Jamie-that is such a good one, that is perfect, that’s what she would say.

Katt- She’s so innocent, she’s the innocent one of the group.

Talk a little about her since she’s not here.

What would you describe her as?

Kaila- She’s our newest member and she really just jumped in full force. She’s a natural on stage. The first show we put her on was opening for this really big Korean band called “Aziatix.” It was full of these crazy Asian fans and we’re all rock, we came out and they were like WHATS GOING ON!? And then they got into it. She was just a natural.

Kiki-She’s awesome, she’s really shy, probably the innocent one from the group.

Jamie-She’s really sweet though, she’s the type of person that bakes you cupcakes for your birthday, she’s really sweet. (Everyone laughs and nods).

How did you all meet?

Kaila-Me and Katt (pauses begins to remember and starts to laugh) were unwittingly dating the same guy. We had no idea, and we hated each other for a long time. He was playing it off like he was innocent and it was our fault. We almost came to blows and almost fought, but then later after ending things with him we realized that it wasn’t our fault. It was him that was skimming at everything. We clicked after that. And then we actually hired her to model our jewelry line for a photoshoot (Laughs and points at Kiki). Then I was reading her Model Mayhem profile and it said, “I’ve been playing guitar since like I was 5 or something. It turned out she had crazy skills!

Kiki-So I am a fantastic facebook stalker and we were trying to find a new girl drummer for our band. My boyfriend at the time was playing a show and I looked at the line up and saw (imitates a label/flyer paper with hands) drummer Jamie Scoles, and I was like this doesn’t sound Asian or anything. So I looked her up and sure enough she was this little drummer, this tiny little drummer just tearing it up! And I was like Oh My Gosh, so we went and scouted her out, all nervous, and she was this little girl and I didn’t know how I was suppose to talk to her. Finally we went up to her and brought her over, then she became a part of our fam (Jamie shyly smiles).

What started you on Drums?

Jamie- My sister wanted to play guitar, she liked to switch around a lot. She then wanted to play the drums, so she started to play the drums, and I was like “oh hey that’s cool too!”

So I played and she stopped, and I fell in love with it, so I kept going with it since I was 10.

Give us a little heads up on what you’re going to do, on upcoming months or what you’re going to bring to the table this 2012?

Kaila-We have a bunch of K-Pop covers, there’s another one coming out next week that we are really excited about. Our EP is in the process of being recorded it should be done when this article is released. We all wrote so we are very excited about that.

Who are your biggest influences?

Kaila- we have a wide variety of influences, which kind of establishes our sound. My favorite band in the world is Muse, but my favorite performer and artist is Lady Gaga.

Kiki- I listen to some crazy music, crazy death metal, dubstep, so I guess I am a little detached from that sense, I add that darker edge to the music.

Katt-( speaks in a shy voice) I like rappers, I like a lot of dirty rap, and they’re like “what the hec are you listening to!?” I really love Nicki Minaj, Lil Kim, female rappers are a big influence.

Jamie- Blink-182 has always been my favorite band, but I listen to almost everything.

From Lady Gaga to death metal, and dubstep, hip-hop, and I also like Indie a lot. I’m all over the map.

How has music changed your lives?

Kaila- There’s nothing like being on stage, it’s like nothing is better than sex, but it’s as good as, but totally different. So I think we all agree that we live for performing.

Katt- It’s like a high, it’s just so fun like when

you’re up there and you get to express yourself musically and people are watching, you become another person at that moment and it’s exhilarating.

Any big tours that you would like to go to like other states or countries?

Kaila- International… Yeah Japan Kiki- I just want to go to a Jager tour (Begins to motion with her hands like it’s party time!

Everyone begins to crack up). I really do, but yeah international….Jager tour.

Jamie- Yeah see, I’m not old enough yet, so I’d probably be good with a Monster tour.

That’s what keeps me up.

Anything you want to say to your readers, viewers, fans, all those who are supporting you?

Kaila- Just thank you so much, it’s really because of all our supporters that we get to do everything that we do. www.facebook.com/nylonpink YouTube.com/NylonPinkOfficial www.hellodrama.net For the complete video with shout outs and goofyness please check out the video by scanning this tag, or visiting our youtube channel at http://www.youtube.com/ user/Rocknrollindustries.

By: Angelica Ulloa

Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 15

Iced Earth

Sometimes I’d strike out, other times I’d find my next favorite thing. When I picked up Iced Earth’s self-titled album for the first time, and heard the trilling guitars opening the title track, moments later I was lost reading the lyrics ‘n liner notes ‘til the entire cycle played.

I knew then... I had found something worthwhile.

child lost in the Clouding I was. On a parallel plane, Jon Schaffer contemplated the gates of Heaven ‘n Hell from the confines of the abyssal prison... Purgatory.

A wise man, he knew there was another way.

Seeking the light, and the truth… he trudged onward through the fog of war. Emerging from the Clouding, he found himself on solid ground in the east (Tampa, FL), where he set the cornerstone... the foundation of Iced Earth (1985). Upon entering the realm, Jon showed his colors vividly. His precision right handed technique, I have often referred to as, “The gallop of the Stormrider.” Like the pounding hooves of a warhorse advancing across the astral plane into the blackened forest.

This was... “new land”. This wasn’t my brother giving me an album, or my parents taking Let’s take the DeLorean back to 1983. The me to the Grand Ol’ Opry. This wasn’t cor80’s were not all bad. Personally, in the be- porate programmed radio waves. This... was ginning (i.e. the era in which I got my first me seeking a path on maps unchartered. guitar ‘n never looked back), Black Sabbath Proportions of the monumental find I had was Born Again (1983-1984), and Iced Earth connected to, at the time, were unknown. emerged from Purgatory (1985). Old and new Time itself would define the nature of that led the way. Born again, my brother gave me statement. “The Glorious Burden,” had yet to to celebrate my lifeday, and was a leap into be carried. “Something Wicked”, had yet to the unknown for me. Prior to, all I knew ‘bout come this way.

Many have held the line in the Iced Earth the devil, was he went down to Georgia, and ranks. Each essential to IE’s evolution in their the “God of Thunder” decreed drum solos This was also, “Made in USA,” not “Maiden own way. Along the journey, some elements way up in the air… we’re awesome.

England,” which made hoisting IE colors feel would come to pass, while Jon would walk natural. Though the influence of Iron Maiden alone endeavoring to fortify the foundation.

The introduction to Black Sabbath was an cannot be ignored. Primarily, I must thank Hardline quality control of a production eleintegral waypoint. “Born Again,” easily sym- Jon Schaffer for leading me to Powerslave ment committed to keeping signature sound bolizes ‘birth’ into a musical path which I still and Number of the Beast, an epic triad to cohesive for the sake of continuity, allowed explore today. Mom... Dad... to hell with the be explored. Black Sabbath, Iced Earth, and layered stories to evolve much like the crust devil... Rod made me do it! Next life day, I got Iron Maiden. of Mother Earth herself. Lineup facts and the guitar ya’ see. Now don’t fret a bit, mom discography, have already been well docuand dad raised me right. Along with god ‘n History and chronology, meshed with music, mented. For sake of the story, I will assume the devil, I also learned of three kings. Roy and became a manner of exploration where you can fill in blanks, read between lines, and Acuff... Elvis Presley... and Michael Jackson. I would study “the oldies but goodies,” then know how to retrieve that data elsewhere. counter with “new and unheard of.” Like Elvis There were no mp3’s back then, and we- and Kiss during my early 8 track sessions, Adversities were met. Obstacles were nebernet had yet to develop. To explore “new and then the realization, “Sabbath’s kinda gotiated. Perseverance... the elemental key, music,” I went to actual record stores, and I old... what’s happening now...?” Iced Earth opened doors in lieu of others which closed. bought albums because of the art represent- was found on the shelf next, and herein, I Resilience... the essential skill, retained the ing it. My personal rule, if I’d seen the video/ found I wasn’t the only one led into the abyss foundation, allowing the structure to gel and heard it on the radio... it wasn’t a new discov- by Black Sabbath. endure. Evolving from this… a frozen monoery. Cover art, and song titles “sold” music lith which will stand the weather, and the to me. When shopping for “artists,” finding Like moths to the flame, paths of the like- tests of time for ages to come. Iced Earth, something with depth was often a great chal- minded coalesce to the light easily amid is a legacy of freedom and knowledge, with lenge. The cover was very important back darkness. While listening to “Born Again,” a catalogue of songs which take you on epic then. and learning chords to “Zero the Hero,” a journeys. All stories to be heard... indeed.

16 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

Left and Right Leah Burlington

earching for new ground, ignoring the edges of the map. These were always directives of mine. Early sessions in front of the family stereo taught me fundamentals. However, a particular piece o’ the big picture was bestowed upon me by a brother. It was then I really began to fathom the vast world of music, and I was impelled to explore it as if Indiana Jones were my distant relative.

A dark saga, written on the walls, defines the path I choose. When the eagle cries, and the reckoning is upon us, there will be the devil to pay, and we will hold at all costs. With invasion at hand, the reflections of ten thousand strong, will call into play the motivation of man, and whether a gift or a curse, we will not ask. An honor to carry the glorious burden ya’ see.

As more wipe the sleep of the Clouding from their eyes, and the impetus of time marches onward. Come what may, be it cataclysm when stars collide, be it infiltration and assimilation… or retribution through the ages.

The execution of Lady Liberty will bring forth outcries that sustain as an Overture, and affect the awakening of many more each and every day.

and triumph are at the edges of equilibrium.

The days of rage will bring about the end of innocence, and the symbol “V” will fly high on banners, while the anthem is sung in the streets. Occupying the Dark City... the mob rules Dystopia.

track titles telling a story even by themselves.

Perhaps, as if you were me in that record store back in the 80’s exploring “new music.”

The exception being of course, that with “Dystopia” we find the DeLorean back in 2012, where Iced Earth is currently touring Now, if any of the last few paragraphs in par- supporting 11 albums. 27 years later... the ticular strike a chord, ya’ should note how I frigid monument, far from frozen in time, have simply taken creative roam with some ever spurs the warhorse’s gallop across the Iced Earth terminology here to display the planes of existence on vast journeys. Fightin’ the good fight.

Holdin’ at all cost... a charge to keep.

By R.W. Colquitt

When the anguish of youth reaches a boiling point, tragedy

Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 17

was brought to you by RockSTAR Music Education, held at the Key Club, Whisky a Go Go, and The Roxy, on February 4, 2012. Each venue was filled with children, parents, journalists, and all other kind of supporters. Over 120 elementary school bands performed showing us how music inspires a child. Not to mention, Famous drummer Icon -Travis Barker (Blink 182) came by to show his support as well.

Watching all these children cover amazing songs, rock out and have all their audience jump and scream for them, proved how music takes over people’s lives. These children as young as 5 playing an instrument and understanding the sounds it creates is surely going to mentally and physically help them develop artistically. The best part of the night was to see how people of all ages, and all types of media were there to record this day, sponsor and support.

As children were interviewed after the show, the majority admitted to have been very nervous seeing so many people. They were grateful and happy to have had a chance to be on stage and admired for a talent that moments like these will mark their paths and allow them to take their music to a whole new level.

Supporting children with their dreams is only the beginning of their journey, and a whole new chance to let music evolve with a whole new generation.

ALEXEY

Alexey Poblete is a nine-year old rock drummer who made a name for herself by winning drum competitions and garnering the attention of respected drummers in the industry through her YouTube channel. We caught up with her for a couple minutes to learn a little bit about this drumming sensation and her introduction to fame.

A: 10 minutes before school, 1 hour after school when I am finished with my homework, on weekends I practice for half the day and then I go to rehearsals on Saturdays.

Q: Wow that is a lot of practicing! What has been your favorite show that you have played?

A: I played with Patti LaBelle, Stevie Wonder and the Long Beach Jazz Festival with the Next Great Drummer All Star Band.

Q: How long have you been playing drums?

Q: Cool, have you met any famous drummers?

A: Two Years and Three Months

A: Eric Singer of KISS, Alice Cooper, Black Sabbath and Mike Portnoy who played with Dream Theatre and Avenged Sevenfold.

Q: How did you get started?

A: When I watched the Naked Brothers Band.

Q: The Naked Brothers, who are they?

A: They were an old band on Nickelodeon.

Q: Who are your influences?

A: Neil Peart, John Bonham, Eric Singer, Eric Seats, Mark Allee and Mr. David.

Q: Who is Mr. David?

Q: How did you get into rock music?

Who introduced you to these bands?

A: My dad.

Q: What is your dad’s favorite band?

A: He is my drum teacher.

A: Led Zeppelin and KISS.

Q: Oh, awesome. How often do you practice?

Q: Really? Your dad must have been ex-

18 18 Rock RockNNRoll RollIndustries IndustriesMagazine Magazine

-Angelica Ulloa

cited when you met Eric Singer.

How did he find you?

A: Thanks! I’m not sure but I think I am.

A: YouTube

Q: Are you currently playing in a band?

A: AC Generation and our band at home with my brother Cidney and our friend named Ryan.

Q: That’s awesome. How did you start your YouTube channel?

A: My brother and I started practicing our instruments and then our dad thought to videotape it and put it on YouTube. We saw that people watched it and commented so we started making more.

Q: Have your parents been very supportive of you? What do they do to help you support your career?

A: Yes. They always introduce me to a lot of new things and they give me a lot of stuff for my drums.

Q: And they take you to LA all the time so you can work?

A: Yeah.

Q: Who are your sponsors?

A: Soultone Cymbals and Pearl Drums.

Q: Congratulations!

That’s big news. Are you the youngest endorsee?

Q: Last question, what would be your dream come true?

A: To meet a lot of celebrities and at least be very famous on TV. Q: How come you want to be famous on TV? A: Because there are a lot of people who watch TV all the time.

Q: Do you think you would like for all those people to watch you play drums?

A: Yeah.

Q: Cool! I wish you very much success, thank you so much for the interview!

A: You’re welcome!

Please visit Alexey Poblete online at her YouTube channel: http:// www.youtube.com/alexeydrummer and catch a glimpse of us together at the Rock N Roll Industries booth at the NAMM show 2012: http://www.rocknrollindustries.com

By WINJOW

Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 19

I was honored and privileged to be present at this illustrious gathering of incredible musicians of all genres of music. It began with a delicious lunch at the MI Institute, after that it proceeded to visiting the different Jam rooms; which were going on all afternoon. There was the Blues room, Rock room, Latin room, Live room, Fusion room and many others. Each room featured Jams by many of the MI alumni’s. It was an honor to be present at this Reunion especially since I did not attend MI. It was a dream and a desire of my brother Phil Sandoval (Armored Saint, Black Raven) and I, to somehow attend and study Music at MI. However our economic situation did not allow it at the time.

We got signed without the formal musical education at MI that we desired, and began touring the United States. We are thankful that we got to experience way more, at an early age, than we could have imagined in the world of music, like many MI Alumni’s have.

Patrick Hicks along with partner Becky Natalia started MI in 1977.

Daniel Hicks (Patrick Hicks son) reflects, “The MI reunion was a huge success, thanks to everyone who made it all possible! For me, MI has been our family’s business and this event was like an extended family reunion for many... I remember when it all started, my dad would gather up my brothers and sisters, all of Becky’s kids and anyone else who would pitch in and work, there was a lot to be done... Throwing out mannequins, sweeping floors, painting walls, soldering guitar stations. OMG, Eddie Van Halen, Steve Vai and Stu Hamm were playing together in P2, my heart was thumping as I sat next to Nancy Wilson of Heart in my dad’s office, sleeping overnight on the green AstroTurf floor while my dad worked 24/7, having lunch with my dad and HR at Musso Franks, having a full Thanksgiving dinner at Tom Tedesco house on a Tuesday night. Throughout the years viewing all the staff, teachers, visiting staff and students making all this come together is mind blowing, and still going strong today, crazy!I’m very proud of what my Dad started, long live MI!” I’ve been working on the recording of the new Black Raven record entitled Native Knight for over 2 1/2 years, off and on with Daniel Hicks ~ (American Indian Flutes) and my Brother Phil Sandoval, (Guitars) Jon Saxon (Congas and Percussion) Chris Obrien (Keyboards) which we finished the day after the 2012 Musicians Institute Reunion.

and costumed characters. Hard Rock was finally ready to receive the MI Crowd and Dinner was served, Buffet Style. At the same time we were entertained by great musicians such as; Paul Gilbert, Stuart Hamm among a few others. They played Classic Rock songs with a punch only Paul Gilbert and Co. could deliver, amazing performances by all, great food, drinks and entertainment was all on the house, thanks to MI. I was again privileged to sit at the MI Royal table (as some called it). Patrick Hicks reflects, “Who could have known…? Such an important event happened in the lives of so many. Thosedreamers, many were misfits finding their niche, those who came up old worn stairs with hope and wonder in the eyes, those wonderful people who ignored Pat’s attempt to have a real school when they arrived. Instead, bare walls covered with butcher paper, unfinished electronics that needed wiring before they’d work. It didn’t even look like a school at all, and it especially didn’t look like Pat’s ‘benigncon-man’s’ description of a wonderful campus ready and waiting for them. However, they somehow saw the same dream that Pat had envisioned. One student wrote, ‘Hurry up and send me an application before I spend my money on something as foolish as food!’ He spoke for the brave hearts of those early ones, and all that followed. They believed in his dream, even without knowing the man; such trust, suchcourage.

The instructors waited at the top of the stairs for them, ready and eager to share their gift oftheir world class music with no hesitation, no reservation, nothing to hold back, and with pure respect for these young hopefuls with stars in their eyes. Howard Roberts, Tommy Tedesco, Joe Diorio, Don Mock,Ronny Eschete, Chuck Rainey, Bob Magnusson, Ralph Humphrey, Joe Porcaro , Pat Martino, Joe Pass, and Becky, a mother for all from the far reaches of the world who came bravely to Hollywood to capture their dream. The list goes on and on. Waiting for those young pioneers, were the cream of the world’s musicians ready to share their gift; no conditions.

That was the magic that made this concoction come to life, and continue to live in the hearts of all who lived through it. Thirty-five years later, the MI Golden Years Reunion confirmed this truth”.

After the late afternoon dinner and performances at the Hard Rock The Jams ended around 4:30 p.m and a break was scheduled before Cafe in Beautiful Hollywood, California, we moved back to the MI Stage moving to the Hard Rock on Hollywood Blvd, packed with tourists for the final evening performances. Jennifer Batton, Kieth Wyatt, Pat Martino and many others delighted our ears with Styles from Blues to 20 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

country picking, fusion rock and of course Jazz.” Louis Metoyer graciously contributed some words:“Having moved to Los Angeles on the advice of guitarist Pat Metheny from my home-town of Omaha Nebraska to attend G.I.; later to be known as Musicians Institute, was an exciting undertaking that seems like ages ago. I’ve recorded or toured the World with various artists like 4 Non- Blondes, Love & Rockets, Macy Gray, Terence TrentD›arby, Hilary Duff & Stanley Clarke to name a few. M.I. prepared me for my career, but nothing could have prepared me for the overflow of emotions I felt at the recent reunion that was held. To see old friends & teachers from my training grounds made me feel like a soldier returning home to a «Ticker Tape Parade,» like after WW II. I had no idea there wasn›t any closure after my graduation, but this closure was actually an opening that has given way to a more spiritual appreciation of why the Universe chose all the wonderful Alumnus of M.I. to ensure positivity will reach every nook & cranny on this planet. Long live all these barometers of society. How proud I am of all our accomplishments Brothers & Sisters. Sincerely, Louis Metoyer.”

MI

Talking to teachers, not only did I learn about MI, I got to discuss and share some of my personal musical experiences with some great listening ears. I feel blessed to have met Daniel Hicks and for the first time, Patrick Hicks.The evening ended a bit after midnight. The buzz of music was shared by all, and the fever continued till days after ...

recalling each of the unforgettable musicians that we all had the privilege of listening to perform at the top of their game. The Event was well planned, they even had a Photo-booth, which was a nice touch for capturing the memory of the MI reunion March 2012.

Thank you, Patrick Hicks and Becky Natalia for creating a platform of musical education so that young aspiring musicians can thrive and invest in themselves in an effort to be the best that they can be.I felt illuminated, awakened and will never forget the March 2012 MI Reunion.

MI is now owned by ESP Japan yet it still carries the fever and integrity of musical education that was once a dream and developed into the reality known as the Musicians Institute Hollywood, Ca. If you are an aspiring young musician ready to give it your all with great attitudes and focused effort then check it out for yourself. It may just change your life. I appreciate Rock N Roll Industries for allowing me to share my experience of the MI reunion with all of you readers. Keep the Faith, Rock your Socks off and continue Learning and mastering your craft of music. Blessings to all, till the next one.

For more information check out, Patrick Hicks book, “Trading Fours” or MI Institute @ www.mi.edu Written & Photos Gonzalo Sandoval

RockNNRoll RollIndustries IndustriesMagazine Magazine 21 21 Rock

Rock For Vets Benefit Concert Legendary rocker, Gene Simmons always seems to find a way to take time out to support our veterans and heroes in the military. While getting ready for a KISS/Motley Crue tour, shooting another season of his hit reality show, Gene Simmons Family Jewels, a new KISS album project, and even opening a restaurant chain; Simmons, known to be an outspoken activist for our veterans, continued with this commitment, headlining the Rock for Vets concert on April 10th, at the Roxy, in Hollywood.

His wife, Shannon Tweed and his two kids accompanied him as well.

Rock for Vets benefits veterans who suffer from Post-traumatic stress disorder. A program for developing musical skills, or to even learn a new musical instrument, while motivating and increasing self esteem, interacting skills and self confidence.

They’ve even formed their own, Rock for Vets Band.

With a camera crew in house to capture the event for an upcoming episode of GS’ Family Jewels, the anxious expectation of seeing Gene Simmons perform, gave way to some pretty joyous enthusiasm when he appeared on stage. Along with Tommy Thayer, Eric Singer, and The Rock for Vets Band, they belted out a rockin’-rousing version of the forever famous, “I Love it Loud.”

It also was a great treat at the 22 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

end of the evening to see Bobby Kimball, (the original lead singer of Toto), and Danny Seraphine (founding member and original drummer of Chicago). Some classic Toto hits were performed to fans that danced the night away.

Perhaps the most emotional moment of the night came when Gene Simmons received an award from the Wounded Warrior Project. A Pair of gloves worn by several different astronauts, those have, at last count, circled our planet Earth 215 times!

After receiving his award: Gene Simmons: “We all go through life, blessed to live in America…. You should know, whenever you see a fireman, a policeman, anybody in a uniform who volunteers to risk their life for a few hundred bucks a week; when you see anybody from our brave military, at your Starbucks Coffee, get out of the way…. make way for a REAL hero. It’s good to do these sorts of things to remind ourselves, if there but for the grace of God, we would be all rotting in hell if it wasn’t for our brave men and women in uniform to make our lives possible!”

Gene puts on those gloves, and the crowd went wild!!

Written and Photo Chairat Roberts therockclub.net, genesimmons.com

In honor of Zakk Wylde’s new Book, Epiphone, Coffin Cases, Co Author Eric Hendrikx and Rock N Roll Industries, have compiled everything you need for world domination. ENTER to win the Zakk Wylde ZAKK PAKK Giveaway at www.rocknrollindustries.com or scan the tag below.

Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 23

Enrico Minelli – vocals Filipe Pampuri – guitar Rafael Kumelys – guitar Daniel Pampuri – drums Jose Rondo – bass Sao Paulo, popularly known as Sampa, is the largest city in Brazil. From this city, comes a five member band, full of soul and rock-androll grit; Known as Cruz.

After completing their first album in Brazil, they took a major step toward success. They all journeyed to Tinselown, capturing the attention of Jay Baumgardner, and his label, Jolt Artists. Ever since, they’ve been keeping a rigorist schedule of recording and touring, here and abroad.

Rock N Roll Industries caught up with the members in studio C, at the famed NRG studios in Hollywood, (where they record). Let’s see what this talented and energetic group of rockers is up to next?

are a band. It was just like let’s get together and make some songs, and we did; and that was how it came out. Rehearsing was really for fun, then we got it and it was more…, this is going to be our band. Before, everyone had different bands, when we got here, we all went… this is our opportunity. Got to know how Jay (owner of NRG) works and how the engineer and all these different people work!

It’s been almost two years that we have been coming in. Recorded over 40 songs for this album. We have pretty much recorded three albums so far.

RNR: So the hardest part is going to be deciding which ones to use?

RNR: How do you feel that your Brazilian influences helped you out, compared to other bands? How does it influence your music?

Facebook/cruzfanpage Twitter @cruzoffical www.cruzoffical.com

Filipe: It’s more of the way of our culture, very warm, we come up and hug everyone, that’s how we are.

RNR: How long have you guys been in America?

Cruz (all): Three years, since ‘09 RNR: So your last album you did in Brazil in a week’s time, and this album you have ahead a year to work on. How has that allowed you to be more creative with your music?

Daniel: The first album we did ourselves at our studio and it was just between us. When we got here…, got to work with other people and collaborated, it was a little harder but was very good for our sound.

Felipe: Also the first album was like… we 24 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

Cruz (all): Sun City was fun.

Felipe: We did the video with a friend that was staying at our house. He was a video maker from Brazil that was here visiting, and then he was looking online on Google maps, I found this road here, that’s called Zzyxz on the road to Vegas, kind of this old ghost road kind of thing. Some people died there I guess there’s this story, and then I was… why don’t we just go there and shoot a video of ya? When? And of let’s do it tomorrow or in two days or whatever. Then we grabbed our old van, put all our equipment in and the 5 of us and him; we had some people come out in cars too and it was great.

Daniel: It comes from everywhere sometimes. Rafael does a riff or Enrico has a melody already, then we get together.

Felipe: We jam a lot; usually there is a main idea that comes up, but we try to have a melody before anything ... then we come up with a verse or something. Pretty much all the songs come like blank, just start doing them and then come up later.

RNR: But you’re more personable?

Jose: There is a bunch, Rage Against the Machine, Enrico: Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains, Sound Garden, a lot of nineties bands.

Daniel: We don’t have a favorite band, just a lot of bands put together.

Felipe: We listen to pretty much everything.

Daniel: We listen to old stuff as well.

RNR: Lots of touring and a new album, sounds like a good year. What was your most fun music video to work on?

RNR: How does your writing processes work in this band? Is there one of you that starts or comes from everywhere?

Filipe: We all have different influences between a part of each other. Everyone has their own background and we all have the Brazilian thing where we all grew up in Brazil and listening to Brazilian music.

Daniel: It’s more that we relate to people more than just our songs by themselves because we play pretty music, American music, we play rock, the relation with fans.

The approach sometimes is different, the way we sound my sound more Brazilian to our audience.

RNR: Who would be your American band influences as far as sound?

Felipe: We have a plan to release our album.

We will be touring in Brazil when this comes out; after a tour here and SXSW. This will be our third time touring there. Every time we get to reach more cities, and this time’s going to be really great and big .Once we get back from touring here, after about half of the year, we should start opening up for POD, there good friends, and we like them a lot.

Tell me a little bit about how you met CRUZ?

Cruz (all): Yeeah. It’s already hard !

Felipe: It’s the problem too, because every time we go to Brazil we get together at this farm and we stay there playing and both times we went; We came back with another full album, and then we show Jay and he’s like, yah, lets record that. We’re going to Brazil again now. I hope we don’t come back with another one.

RNR: Speaking of…, did you guys make it home for the Carnival festival?

Philip: A few of us, | was there (all laugh)… we’re used to it. For most of us it’s just like a big holiday. So we all like it. It’s just because you got a lot of days off, mmmma lot of heavy drinking, that’s always fun.

Daniel: You don’t have to go to the Carnival party, you can travel with your friends and just chill for 5 days that’s good. Felipe: The carnival party, it’s cool but if you live there, it’s like every year, it’s like again.

RNR: What can we expect from Cruz in 2012?

Jay: I met Cruz on the internet, they sent me a message about mixing some songs that they recorded down in Brazil, we started corresponding and they flew into LA. I mixed the songs that they recorded, I thought they were so great, really cool guys, we decided to record more songs and that’s the way the whole thing started. It was getting together and people really liked working with them and I really liked their music.

Can you tell us how long you have been around and some of the people that have been through here?

Jay: I have been around for a while NRG has been here for about 20 years and everybody in Rock N Roll has been through here at one point or another.

Right now I’m mixing a new song for BUSH; for the Avengers movie coming out and just got finished mixing POD, their new album that’s coming out, we’re always busy here.

Rainbow Bar and Grill celebrates 40 years in business

The Rainbow Bar and Grill really knows how to throw a party! On April 15, 2012 The Rainbow celebrated its 40th anniversary in style with a party in the parking lot. The music began at 5 pm and continued throughout the night with rockers such as Dokken, Hurricane, DC4, Mandy Lion, Pretty Boy Floyd, London, Phil Sousson, Cold Blue Rebels, Hardly Dangerous, Desecrate, and Rattlehead. Despite the winter temperatures in Hollywood, there was standing room only, both inside out. For those who preferred to enjoy music indoors, sheltered from the cold, the weekend DJ, DJ Will was upstairs spinning tunes for the folks that wanted to dance.

Anyone who is into the local music scene in Southern California was there.

There were lots of famous faces to be seen. Musicians, industry people, rock stars and their fans all gathered to pay homage to a venue that has been an icon on the Sunset Strip for many, many years. Everyone showed complete respect while patiently waiting in the long line to get in and then, while trying to make their way around, being constantly bombarded with people they all kept cool, calm and collected. The Grill was hoping and packed with people. The wait for food was very long but no harsh words were heard and not a single skirmish was seen.

Located on the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood, the Rainbow opened its doors on April 16,1972. The venue has served celebrities and non-celebrities alike for over forty years. It will undoubtedly remain standing and serving for another forty as one of Hollywood’s top ranking icons.

By Peggy Murphy

Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 25

Every kid has a dream about making it big, but how many have the support and ambition to take their dreams into their hands and make it into a reality? Nik Kai started playing guitar at a very young age, and today he has been known to have recently played among many famous and talented musicians.

Waking up in the morning everyday to a set schedule putting his education first as he is home-schooled, and afterwards is allowed to play with his guitars and practice for gigs.

Being nominated for a Metal Hammer Golden God Award in the U.K. is one example of the dedication he has taken into making his dreams come true. We followed him all the way to Las Vegas as he played for the Extreme Thing Festival, and had the privilege of having the Las Vegas Palm Casino open up their studio to have Rock N Roll Industries and Nik Kai do an interview. There’s always challenges and bumps in the road, but with amazing support and the right guidance, I am certain that a kid like this will meet his destiny successfully. A bit nervous he sat down, and answered a few questions to tell us what some of his plans are. But be assured once the camera was put down, his comfortable level went up and even gave us a demonstration of how amazing his Firebird X by Gibson sounded and lit up as he shredded a solo.

RNR- How old are you?

Nik- 11 years old What got you interested in Metal?

Well, I use to listen to RnB before I played guitar and as I started playing more and more guitar I started getting into Metal.

You are playing with the Firebird X guitar

by Gibson?

Yeah, I am the face of the Firebird X, it does a lot more things, it changes itself, you can create your own sounds go from acoustic to electric, or you can make it sound like a Les

26 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

Paul.

How do you feel about being endorsed by huge companies in this industry, and who are you endorsed by?

It’s cool, it’s really awesome; Gibson, Epiphone, Marshall, Monster, Jammit, Turn around Entertainment, Coffin Case, and Rock N Roll Industries.

Tell me about your clothing line- Street Famous Clothing?

We’re still messing around with everything.

We are going to start making all the clothes n stuff. My mom is helping me with it.

Who is your biggest influence today?

Synyster Gates from Avenged Sevenfold What has he said to you?

He said “this guy is a little shredder.”

It’s really cool, because I’ve met people from Five Finger Death Punch, A7X, and Anthrax.

It’s like wow, I am hanging out with these really big rockstars.

Yeah, bass, a little bit of singing, drums, and piano.

In 10 years what do you see yourself like?

Hopefully, have played at the Madison Square Garden.

When you become one of the world’s greatest guitarist’s and become famous what are you going to do then? What would be your next big dream?

Hopefully accomplishing being the world’s fastest guitar player.

Any message to everyone out there?

Follow your dreams and keep doing what you’re doing.

These are links in which he can be found: https://www.facebook.com/nikkaiofficial http://www.reverbnation.com/nikkai and you can vote for him at this link: http:// goldengods.metalhammer.co.uk/metal-asfck/nik-kai For booking please contact MGR: Hunter Kai- Nikstreetfamous@hotmail.com Angelica Ulloa

So tell me about the Metal Hammer Golden God Awards in London?

Go to Metal Hammer Golden God Awards (goldengods.metalhammer.co.uk) and you go to my category metal-as-f*ck, click on my picture and vote!

What other projects are you working on?

I’m working on my album, we’re working with Paul Phillips from Puddle of Mudd, Steville Miller from Kinda Major. I’m writing songs, a lot aren’t out yet, but I’ve written a lot of songs.

You’ve also messed around with other instruments other than guitar?

Scan the tag for more

NAMM Jam 2012 The third annual NAMM Jam at The Grove in Anaheim featuring Testament, Jackyl, Wayne Static, and Vinnie Moore. Jumpstarting the night was Vinnie Moore ripping the stage up and grooving along side with JD DeServio on Bass from Black Label Society, taking the throne of the drums Richie Monica from Tantric, and Mike DiMeo on Keyboards and Vocals of Riot. Wayne Static took the stage after that sounding incredible! Imagine cranking up Static-X is how clean it sounded, and of course watching them before your eyes along side of exotic dancers makes for a great show!

Speaking of exotic girls, the Coffin Case & Dean Girl fashion show

by Toxic Vision followed up center stage. Watching these girls in lingerie dancing around blasting metal as they go around! Girls, Booze, and Rock N Roll call for a hell of a time, and if you’re lucky you won’t wake up coyote ugly! Face ripping solos now have a new meaning when you watch Jackyl bring a chainsaw to the stage and make it squeal! Spitting out wood chips at the audience everywhere! Rock me Roll me Jackyl me off! Calling upon Testament to close out a night, and that they very well did! Featuring the mighty Gene Hoglan taking the best seat in the house behind the drum set overseeing the incredible vibe going all around with the crowd going berserk for all the performers throughout the night. Whether you where in the pit, at a table getting drunk with friends, or hanging out with them taking rock star quality pictures with Zone 9 Exposure in the atrium! If you were at the Dean Namm Jam 2012 you were having a great night no matter what you did or whom you did it with. And for those who were not able to attend, Dean was streaming it live all over the Internet! If you still missed it passed that point and you were not at work, and still wanted to be apart of it then you didn’t want to bad enough.

By: Manuel Rivas II

Scan the tag for more namm coverage

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If you were to ask music enthusiasts around the U.S what they think of when they hear the expression “music festival,” my guess is that the most common answers to that question would be the words; Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, Coachella, Vans Warped Tour, or even Burning Man. If you were to ask that same question to a Midwesterner, you will receive the same one answer over and over again. The answer…SUMMERFEST! Being from the Midwest myself, it baffles me just how few people actually know what Summerfest is, outside of the Midwest. The reason for my surprise is that not only has every single person that I have grown up around have attended the event, but the festival has been going on every summer for 40+ years straight. Summerfest runs every summer for 11 days, starting late June and running its course through the beginning of July. It is nicknamed “The Big Gig,” but Summerfest has been given the title of “World’s Biggest Music Festival,” by The Guinness Book of World Records in 1999 as well. You can see various genres of music from, Hard Rock, Metal, Blues, Jazz, Electronic, Country, Pop, Rap, and much more, but also see other forms of talent such as magicians/ illusionists, professional sports performers and comedians. Everything from young and old, new and aged, world known and local artists, everyone wants to play “The Big Gig!”

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Beginning in 1968 and held at the same location since 1970, Summerfest celebrates its 45th anniversary during the summer of 2012. Summerfest takes place on the 75 acre property of Henry Maier Festival Park, which resides along the shores of Lake Michigan, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. People from all over the world, travel to Wisconsin’s largest city to attend “The Big Gig,” and each year between 800,000 and 1,000,000 (yes that is correct, I said ONE MILLION) people will pass through the famous white gates to see their favorite artists and partake in the numerous activities offered within the grounds. With such a large attendance one must ask themselves, why do so many people attend a music festival? Well with over 700 bands playing on 11 stages, including the Marcus Amphitheater which boasts its 23,000 person seating capacity, the biggest problem for many is prioritizing which band they would like to see, as often times there will be several favorites playing all at the same time.

Summerfest offers more than just music though, it’s an event for the whole family. There are beverage venders serving Miller brand and other Wisconsin domestic, micro and craft beers, wines and champagne, soda and fresh squeezed lemonade, a various assortment of coffee drinks and liquor beverages. There are dozens of restaurants serving a plethora of ethnic/cultural foods throughout the park, ice cream, frozen yogurt, baked goods, and other decadent deserts are served by vendors. There are arcades, amusement park rides, multiple firework shows including the “Big Bang,” which is the best fireworks show I’ve ever seen, children’s playground areas, clowns, sprinklers to play in and other activities for children. Hundreds of vendors are there daily, selling everything from clothing, purses, hats, leather products, jewelry, and other handmade products from all cultures. You can even get some new ink by the tattoo venders. With all the food, beverages, shops, and activities, it’s amazing to think Summerfest brings over 700 of the most famous artists, bands and performers in the world.

Last year was the first year I attended Summerfest not only as a patron, but also to cover the event for Rock И Roll Industries. I shot photos of Jackyl, The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, The Heros Lie, Hinder, Fuel, DoryDrive, Future Leaders of the World, My Darkest Days, Sick Puppies, Soil, Sevendust, Buckcherry, 10 Years, Hollywood Undead, 311, Picture Me Broken and Blue Oyster Cult. Summerfest has several stages dedicated to certain genres of music, and their Rock Stage is one of them, which works out convenient for us. I will be covering the event this year as well and will report back with write-ups and photos for those who can’t make it.

Now for those of you who can make it, make sure to come early to save your seat as the grounds stages are not only free with paid park entrance, but first come, first serve. After closing hours if you aren’t ready to go home, Milwaukee offers literally over 1000 bars, clubs and music venues with over 100 of them being in the general area of Henry Maier Festival Park, so there is no shortage of nightlife. I highly recommend

attending “The World’s Biggest Music Festival” and see for yourself, you’ll be glad you did. If you make it out, Look for me & ROCK И ROLL INDUSTRIES MAGAZINE and have your picture taken. Some of the artists/bands playing this year are; Aerosmith, Joe Walsh, Sublime with Rome, Chevelle, Skillet, Hollywood Undead, ZZ Top, 311, Steve Miller Band, Scorpions, Halestorm and Iron Maiden. More are announced daily, and you can get more info at www.summerfest.com.

Hope to see you there and until next time…ROCK ALL NIGHT, SLEEP ALL DAY - Justin Edward

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R Presents

ock N Roll Industries welcomes Madison and Justin, the founding members of Madison Rose, into our offices to discuss their upcoming album and their ongoing musical career.

RNR: Welcome Madison Rose, why don’t you guys tell us a little about yourselves?

Madison: Well, I’ve been playing music for a long time. Rock N Roll has been in my blood ever since I saw Def Leppard for the first time in concert with my brother. I went home and wrote a song and ever since I have been playing music!

Justin: I’m her (Madison) older brother and I’ve been playing music since I was 5 or 6 years old. I started playing piano and I’ve been obsessed with music since then. Listening to it, playing it and taking my favorite artists who have inspired me and creating something new that inspires others. I took this opportunity to join forces with my sister and create this band.

RNR: When listening to your music I hear elements of Van Halen, Def Lepard, and ZZ Top. So what inspires you to write this kind of music?

Madison: My music is about bringing some happiness and light into the world. That you can accomplish your dreams, do what you want and still be be happy. That is the main focus of my music.

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Justin: The great thing about working with Madison is that she writes such powerful ballads but her real strength lies in her fun party music.

I haven’t heard it since the late 70’s, early 80’s, which was the heyday of great party music. This is the stuff that I like to listen to from that era so I think we’re first and foremost a party band; there aren’t a lot of great rock n roll party bands anymore. I think people are so used to just standing there at rock shows, they don’t know that they can dance and have fun too, I like people to dance and move around a little bit, we’re here to entertain!

RNR: Where do you see the band going from this point?

Madison: I am influenced by different people every day and I hear new things and its like” Oh I wanna try that, and that.” There are so many different instruments from around the world that I want to try. I think we’ll just keep experimenting more and try different sounds and just grow as artists and make our fans happy as well.

Justin: I want to take her out of her comfort Zone and make her try different things that she never thought she could do. I see that she could do so much. She’s like Mariah Carey, in that she can do crazy things with her voice and that’s not really showcased in rock music so often.

RNR: Your first single, ‘Teenage Runaway,’ has a deep meaning to it; tell me a little bit about it.

Madison: I know we just said we’re a party band and our first single is a really sad song! That song is very personal for me. It’s about someone I knew, a friend I grew up with. Once the teenage years came things got really bad and hard for her. She got really self-destructive and I tried to help her because she was like my sister but it was very hard because she kept on that downward spiral. It’s one of those songs where you’re being hurt by their actions as well, so do you walk away or continue to be hurt and try your best to help them? I think a lot of people can relate to this song because we’ve all gone through that teenage angst either physically or emotionally and you just want to disappear. But it’s also uplifting because it’s also about saying “look around, people care about you, if you can just open your eyes and see.”

Justin: From a production standpoint, the song has a good backstory and it’s a good example of how songs evolve. She wrote the lyrics and I wrote the music to be like a Fleetwood Mac, ‘landslide’ vibe. It was very haunting but not very ‘rock’ so we took it to our producer Gary Howe and he brought his rock influences to it, the things he knows and loves, to the songs so we have this great blend of the Fleetwood mac, more docile side with these loud, heavy guitars and drums that she likes. That’s why we brought it to Gary because that is his specialty.

RNR: When can we expect the next release?

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Madison: Early summer, it’s an upbeat song and we’re releasing a video as well. It’s a song called ‘Over You.’ It’s about waking up one

day and realizing that the person you’re with is no good. It’s not complaining just saying “I’m over you and it’s time to move on.”

Justin: This song will cement our status as a party band. Every party band has their ballads but this song is really going to show people that we rock. Don’t underestimate this pretty little blonde, because she can hold her own and rock more that most of the other guys out there on the Sunset Strip.

She amazes me with her lyrics: the maturity of them is beyond her years and that’s hard to accomplish.

Find out more about Madison Rose at: www.madisonroserocks.com www.facebook.com/madisonroserocknroll

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Fan Favorite

This issues winner of the get your band seen contest are Reno natives that moved to LA to further their music career and they definitely know what it means to put everything into a band. These guys are giving it all they got in their music, on and off the stage, let me introduce to you all- Sinicle: Justin- bass, James- drums, Drewguitar and all share vocal duties.

You guys won this event though multimedia, you understand how important it is, and you have something else coming up that’s social media?

Drew: Today is just a whole new moment, getting your band out there is just completely different than it use to be and so Ernie Ball is throwing this contest where fans can vote for the bands to be featured on the opening slot of the vans warped tour, the more votes you get the more you get considered then you go onto the judges and things like that.

What other networks do you find important/ what else are you on?

Drew: Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Reverbnation, and Bandcamp is a cool one that just came out.

Who are your biggest influences as a band?

Justin- definitely Flea, Cliff Burton probably like a combination, so I like the Thrash and I also like playing the melodic funk stuff.

Drew: We’re more like main stream; sound like the Red Hot Chili Peppers they are probably one of my favorite bands, System of a Down… got to love them.

James: basically anything that Rick Rubin’s produced we’re in love with, as far as personally- Randy Rhoads; if it wasn’t for him I wouldn’t know how to play guitar solo’s like Crazy Train. That was the first thing I learned, and Black Sabbath. We started a band when we were thirteen so we were playing Black Sabbath like you do, when you’re a kid. Huge influences on us are the 60’s and blended into the modern metal, we’re just trying to do our own thing.

You guys started in Nevada, what made you want to move out here to LA? James: We moved out here to go to school, me and Justin went to musicians institute and we graduated with our associates in performance, and combined influences in recording just because we wanted to take it more seriously.

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Drew: And it’s a bigger music scene out here in LA compared to in Reno, so there’s a lot more places to play and a big marketing; so many opportunities, but we still love Reno.

Do you guys go back there and tour at all yet?

James:Ya, we go back there and play shows all the time, we actually just got back from a tour in January. We did a taste of a Reno festival, which is held in the Reno Knitting Factory; which is like a 1,200 capacity venue, it was like the biggest show.

I saw that you guys are currently working on your new album tell us a little about that?

James: We started working on that last year with a producer named Bob Collie he won a Grammy with Motorhead, a bunch of stuff with KISS- big background Blah, Blah, Blah, and now we’re just working on 3 demo songs and getting those tight when we release those.

Drew: I was just in a Motorcycle accident unfortunately, and I had surgery March 14th, on my elbow to take all the stuff out, so that’s another big thing. Then we will be taking some time off to let me heal up, then we will be finishing the album hopefully by the end of the year.

James:The demo songs will be out soon so look for those, and we just recorded a music video.

James: We did that early February and was not released at the time of interview, but it’s out now. We did it for a song that we self recorded and self produced.

Drew; Though friends that we met through MI, the guy that recorded it was a friend of ours that was there for recording, you get plugged into so many plugs in LA. James: It was filmed by a friend that was a film student, we got all of this awesome stuff by just knowing people.

The band and the crowd…. we had girls from the mud school they did a fantastic job with the Zombies.

You just touched on a great topic the feature of this issue is Bands on a Budget so what tips do you have for bands on a Budget?

James: Work your ass off during the day to Rock N Roll all night, spend all your money on music, on this day in age it’s all DIY, with the funds that we can scrap together, whether it’s with families help or selling personal things.

Where can we find you guys?

Facebook.com/sinicle is the best outlet we’re also on Reverbnation and YouTube.

Scan the tag for more

That was my next question; Tell me a little about the music video?

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n our previous issue, long time Zakk Wylde friend and fan Captain Ron took us on a brief journey into the lives of Berserkers, or dedicated fans of Zakk’s band BLACK LABEL SOCIETY - fans you will often see at BLS shows wearing leather or denim patched vests reminiscent of those worn by various motorcycle clubs (the Hell’s Angels, for example). But now, we travel straight into the mind of their Viking “king”. You already know Wylde went from being a peon working at a gas station to guitar god status after working his particular brand of “fucking ridiculous” magic all over the world with fellow Metal maniac OZZY OSBOURNE. And you probably also know that for the last decade or so, Zakk’s been making his own waves in BLACK LABEL SOCIETY. But with a new child on the way, some fake beer to cool the epic burns he received at January’s Zakk Wylde Roast, and the new memoir and mock guidebook he co-authored with his buddy Eric Hendrikx (Bringing Metal to the Children), the bearded riff master’s been busy. In fact, at the time of our chat, he had just returned to his L.A. home - which, in true Metal fashion, he refers to as “the Compound”- from doing Soundwave Fest in Australia. “Zakky” has been diving into some ventures that may surprise you.

Come now children, and gather round as Father Zakk reflects on his own Saga.

RNR; Tell us about Soundwave the Fest down under?

ZAKK: It was a hundred bands in one day. You know like the Coachella or Lollapalooza... it’s a three day thing, where you can see a hundred bands in three days. It’s pretty fucking insane – you have seven stages and you have two bands right next to each other, so the minute Machine Head would get done playing, then we’d start playing and the minute we got done with our fifty minutes, then all of a sudden Lamb of God... I mean it was like there almost wasn’t a minute we stopped playing, it was just like – BOOM, [on] the last note the other band would instantly start playing. I mean - just brutal. And then, you gotta figure, the style of fucking music wasn’t like... you know that Coachella thing, you got Soundgarden then you got Lady Gaga.

RNR: And hip hop ZAKK; Dre, Snoop Dogg, then you’ll have Stone Temple Pilots or something where it’s just kind of eclectic and shit like that. I mean, when you look at the bill it’s like Woodstock and shit, it’s like all over the fucking map. It’s the same genre of fucking music. And I mean goes right from Slipknot, to Machine Head, to fuckin’ Lamb of God... to bands that make THEM look like the fucking Partridge family. Some of these bands, I was like, shouldn’t even be classified as fuckin’ music! I didn’t know what the fuck this is. All day the crew guys would be “I’m exhausted just fucking hearing this shit.”

RNR: Was there anybody you actually liked that was playing there though?

ZAKK: There were a couple solo shows with Hellyeah, and stuff like that, that was a good time seeing Benny and the rest of the guys. I’ve been friends with those guys for years now, and obviously Benny forever. We had a really good time.

RNR; Awesome. So tell us a little bit about the new book you worked on with Eric Hendrikx, called Bringing Metal to the Children?

ZAKK; The whole thing is that we’ve been talking about doing it for years, I mean me and you are sitting here right now talking about how ridiculous shit is or you’re talking about being a journalist, talking about the comedy, either in the Magazine or just the fucking cartoon characters you have in the magazine, all your friends – you couldn’t even make ‘em up. Then you’ve got, either the people you’ve interviewed where you’d go “This guy was such a fucking asshole! Yadda Yadda Yadda” and just the stories you got, you know what I mean? If David Letterman was writing the actual goings-on of what you do. It’s just like Seinfeld. [But with] these episodes... we don’t even need to make these episodes up, it’s just what happened to you that one time when you were interviewing that one guy, that’s an entire episode right there, ‘cause it was such a ridiculous joke, ‘cause the guy was such an asshole or somethin’. We were just sitting around talkin’ one day about these stupid stories and I go,

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RNR: So the book came out in April and it’s available right now?

for it so she has that date as well. Which was not too far along after the first kiss.

ZAKK: Yeah... I remember me and Eric were just going through the book one day... it was like New Year’s Eve of last year, just going through the book and fine combing it. Then we just started...elaborating on the stories

It’s a little dude, we’re having another boy.

So our daughter was just like, “Good,” - our oldest, obviously – she was like, “Both of you are fucking ridiculous. Great, when I’m forty she’ll be twenty! - I mean, if I have a sister.

Make sure it’s a boy ‘cause if it’s a girl I’ll kick her down to fucking Hell.”

So she’s happy ‘cause she’s having another little brother. (laughing) RNR: In our last issue, Berserker Captain Ron actually talked about life as a Berserker. How did you get into Norse Mythology and Vikings, Thor, Berserkers, etc. And do you actually have any Nordic heritage yourself?

… It’’s almost kind of like George Carlin [would’ve] wrote a book of stupid rock n roll bullshit, but me [also] giving my two cents of advice and just laughing about everything. But obviously it’s not my autobiography or anything...

RNR: And not a health book like Ozzy’s?

ZAKK: Yeah! They’re true stories that are in there, but unfortunately they’re all too true! (laughs) RNR: So who’s in one of the funniest or most memorable stories, you think?

ZAKK; There’s so many... it’s like asking me what was my most memorable gig! Obviously my first gig with Ozzy, the one in the prison, the first actual arena show, obviously the one in Russia was pretty fucking cool, I mean and there’s been so many other ones where stupid shit has happened onstage... I mean, it’s just a conglomeration. That’s like saying my favorite album, or my favorite Led Zeppelin record, you know... I like ‘em all, it just depends on what mood I’m in.

as... telling the stories in a different way and everything. We were literally fucking crying laughing when we were writing it. I go, “Dude, the book has to be ALL like this, you know, from the beginning to the fucking end.”

It’s ridiculously fucking stupid, dude. So we just started all over again from scratch, So that’s the reason why it fuckin’ took us so long to get it done.

RNR: Speaking of children, you’re gonna be a dad again really soon, right?

ZAKK: Yeah, Barb’s pregnant right now with our little guy.

RNR: So Eric’s a pretty longtime friend of yours though?

RNR: Congratulations! You guys have been together twenty-six years too?

ZAKK: Yeah, I’ve known Eric for years. He’s a cartoon character himself.

ZAKK: Yeah, twenty-seven. Actually, yesterday was the first day we actually kissed.

Back in high school, and then when we went

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ZAKK: No – Actually on my mother’s side of the family I’m Irish, Dutch, and everything like that but – on my father’s side, he’s German. But no, the whole Viking thing came about ‘cause I grew a fuckin’ beard. That’s about where the whole Viking thing comes from, ‘cause it’s fucking ridiculous. It’s not me, it’s everybody else around me fucking talking about Viking bullshit all the time because I got a stupid fuckin’ beard! All you gotta do is just grow a beard and everybody thinks you’re a fucking Viking. And I got fuckin’ long blonde hair, so whenever we’re recordin’ records and whatever they’re like, “Just get Zakk to come in here and he’ll put a couple ‘pings’ on it, and rip a solo line and it’ll fix everything.’

And I go, “No, once again you’re getting me crossed up with Jesus Christ.” The long hair and the beard, blue eyes. I go, look the thing is with Jesus, he turned water into wine.

Me? … I turn beer into fucking urine.

There’s a slight difference, ya know what I mean? I can’t fix everything like the Big Guy. (chuckling) That’s where the whole Viking thing came from. But I was talking about the Berserkers and all that shit, so it’s just a running goof theme that we got going with the Viking shit.

RNR: Speaking of beards actually one of our Facebook fans wrote in to have me ask you how long your beard is now, and how much food gets stuck in it?

ZAKK; My beard actually goes almost down to my belly button. I’ve just let it grow ever since... the whole beard thing came [about] while we were out on the road at the beginning of BLACK LABEL... none of us were shaving. And then it got to the point where we just had this contest [where] at the end of like a 3-month tour, whoever can grow the stupidest, dumbest, biggest beard won. Everybody put in fuckin’ forty bucks (or whatev-

Previous, Left & Right Neil Zlozower/AtlasIcons.com

“Dude, we oughta write a fuckin’ book about this bullshit,” so that’s how it all came about.

And it also has in there advice. People go, “Well, Zakk, what would you do if you were eighteen and you never got the Ozzy gig?” I mean now what I actually know, and especially with the state that the music business is in now, with downloading and everything [difficulties that bands like] Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath never had, ‘cause obviously if they were around nowadays they’d have to adapt to what’s going on nowadays. Otherwise you’d die like a fucking dinosaur.

[It’s] just me throwing my two cents in, what I would do if I was eighteen now... just other things, “Whatever you do, do not try this or do this” because I have and it failed! Miserably!” When I was eighteen and what I thought was really important. And when you look back on it you go God, what the fuck was I thinking? What were WE thinking? It’s just like... it doesn’t work that way. Just stupid shit that you thought was really important in high school, Now you look back on it and you’re like, (laughing) what the fuck was I thinking? And now you’re gonna commit suicide because Julie Thompson broke up with ya... you’re like, whatever!... and you look back on it now yeah that was important then, but now it’s actually pathetically funny.

er the fuck it was) to see who could [last] … we put a pot with all twelve guys’ whatever, a hundred bucks [each] or something like that.

So whoever got it got the $1,200. I think I’d ended up winning the fucking pot because I had the fucking most ridiculously dumb, stupid ass fucking beard so... it was just like no shaving at all, so... that’s where the whole beard thing came from. But then it was the guy that did that Rockstar movie, at the end of the movie, he had me glue on a fuckin’

Hollywood? In addition to that, one of our Facebook followers asked: Hypothetically speaking, would you ever play a Pantera/ Dimebag tribute show if Rex, Vinnie, and Phil all agreed to do it?

beard at the end of the movie. It was like a “Where are they Now?” file; it was all about “Where the Band [is]”... Now that nobody’s in the band anymore, and what happened, you know, twenty years later and yadda yadda yadda. I guess I had the beard, and I was just huntin’ all the time and didn’t give a shit about music anymore. But I’d have the fake beard, and I was like – ‘cause throughout that whole movie I had to shave everyday, so I was just like, “Dude, I fucking dig this, man!” and then I would grow a fucking beard later on... plus it’s just fuckin amount being lazy, too. “I don’t feel like fucking shaving today.”

that and say, ‘We’ll have Zakk play guitar,” or whatever, “Call him,” Of course I’d do it...

Like I said, I’m friends with all the guys... It would be a matter of them, if they ever [made it happen.] ... I just saw Vinnie, and Vinnie’s doing great, he’s playing his ass off. And I saw Rex not too long ago, and I know Phil is always fuckin’ workin’.

RNR: So was it back in 2007 that you played a Dimebag tribute at Rock Walk in

ZAKK: Yeah, of course I would! I mean I’m friends with all those guys so it’s like if that were ever to come about, why wouldn’t I? I’d [be] do[ing another] tribute to Dime. If that ever came about and the guys wanted to do

RNR; If you could be on the dais for the Roast of anybody, living or not, whose Roast would it be?

ZAKK: Ah, well, put it this way – I hope they fuckin’ do ‘em every year! I think it’s a good time. Yeah, I’ve love to be up there and

fuckin’ roastin’ whoever, any of my friends who aren’t up there. The more brutal, the better they are.

RNR: So the bullseye pattern actually started by accident. But it’s had a great impact on people and on your image.

What did you originally have in mind when you were coming up with your symbol and what has the bullseye come to mean to you now?

ZAKK: Well, I mean I wanted it to be like the Hitchcock Vertigo? ‘Cause I saw it on, I was just sittin’ there watchin’ TV one night and I had a preview for the movie that was just like this spiral type thing, and I go, “Dude, that would be a way cool logo,” ‘cause Eddie [Van Halen] had the stripes, Randy [Rhoads] had the polka dots. I was like man I wanna put something on my guitar but I don’t know what to fuckin’ put on it. And then I saw that and was like Dude that would be cool if I put that on my guitar. So I had this guy Max who does guitar work - he actually built Slash’s Appetite for Destruction guitar – I had to do a photoshoot for when I was getting’ introduced as Ozzy’s guitar player and I asked him to Rock RockNNRoll RollIndustries IndustriesMagazine Magazine41 41

And do that. (laughs)

RNR: Oh shit! (laughing) it’s not a little [leprechaun], it’s a Berzerker!

ZAKK: Exactly; that’s why my favorite candy is Skittles.

RNR: So another Facebook question...

How did it come about that you played the guitar solo on “Addiction” for the band Dope?

ZAKK: My manager at the time was managing Edsel [Dope]. I’ve known Edsel for a batch of years too, so he was just like, “Zakk, do you wanna jam a solo on our thing?” And I said sure man. The song is a really killer tune too man. So I ended up doing it, it took no time at all, I was like gimme the tune I’ll map something out man.” I always enjoy whenever any of the bands ask me to fuckin’ jam on their track. It’s like yeah, of course man. It’s always a good time.

RNR: Do you have any jams with anybody planned for this year so far?

ZAKK: Nah, I think after they’ve heard the work that I have done, they’ll probably wanna just stay as far away from me as possible. (laughs) ‘Cause apparently, I’ve taken the song, a good song, and not brought it to “great”, or to the next level, it’s gone a couple “notches” DOWN the ladder. So they’re like, “Let’s just say we called him and NOT.” (laughs)

paint my Les Paul, my clean Paul, for me. So he ended up doing it, and he put the bullseye on it instead. I was like, “AAH, DUDE... it’s not the vertigo, it’s a bullseye!” He was just like, “Aw, dude, I’m fuckin’ sorry, man.” I said, “Eh, fuck it, it’s too late now.” So I ended up doing the photoshoot, and the rest is history.

I mean actually what I wanted to have instead of the bullseye was Hello Kitty on there, but I didn’t want to be known for that.

That’s more my style, actually.

RNR: A fuckin’ bedazzled Hello Kitty Rock 42 Rock N Roll N Roll Industries Industries Magazine Magazine 42

guitar!

ZAKK: Yeah, and it would have to be in pink as well... to match my rouge and eyeliner!

RNR: Yeah, play with your My Little Pony collection between sets and what not! (laughs) Snuggle up to your Cars sheets or whatever.

ZAKK: (laughs) Yeah exactly! It’s all about the rainbows! I’M what’s at the end of the rainbow. (cackling)

ZAKK: I think... well obviously Ozzy and Sharon, my parents, would have to be the biggest supporters. I mean my parents are, just like [how] I do with my kids... [tell them] One secret to life is just find what it is you love and DO IT. To death. Is that the secret? Yeah, pretty much, it is. I mean if you’re gonna be workin’ doin’ something, to make a living to put food on the fucking table, you might as well be doing something you fucking love doing. My kids, none of ‘em play music. My son wants to be a doctor, my daughter wants to be a writer... and little Hendrix is nine years old, he likes tons of different things that nine year olds like doin’.

Like boilin’ up some methamphetamine in the toilet, [burnin’ down] our house...

Left & Right Neil Zlozower/AtlasIcons.com

RNR: You’ve been in a number of bands. What are some of your favorite stories from the road that aren’t gonna be in the book? And who in your entire musical career has taught you or supported you the most?

ZAKK: Yeah, I’ll do that as well.

RNR: How do you know Kelle and Kathy Rhoads? Because I showed Kelle the article that we did on you guys and he goes, “Oh yeah, I’ve known Zakk for a long, long time.” He asked me about you being a Catholic, I guess he didn’t know.

ZAKK: I love Kelle and Kathy, they’re the coolest friends. One ‘cause they know how much of a Randy freako I am... they’re awesome. Getting to know [their] Mom... Rae Rae was at one point taking piano lessons from her. So we were drivin’ her down to the school, and she’d be taking lessons. It was amazing... ‘cause Randy had such a huge impact on my life.

RNR: Speaking to the fact that you just went to Australia, last year you were over in Europe with Archer, and that was your second European tour with them, how did you find those guys?

RNR: (laughing) Making a nice chianti in the bathtub.

ZAKK: - and bringing it to the schoolyard and selling it to kids – for video games. I mean, nothing out of the ordinary that a nine year old doesn’t do. (laughs) He’s already starting an entrepreneurship, and I’m very proud of him, so he won’t be moochin’ money off of me. Naww. All’s you can do as a parent is just support your kids , and whatever their dreams are, [hope] that they come true. And just support ‘em while they chase after what it is they love. So then Ozzy and Sharon obviously given me my big break when I was 19 working at a gas station, and now, Ozzy put me on that platform and introduced me to the world. And they’re still just as much as part of my life as they were when I first joined the band. I still talk to them all the time and everything; Ozzy’s the godfather of our Son, of Jesse John Michael, who’s named after him [Ozzy’s real name is John Michael Osbourne]... So, “Mom’s” always around in the picture; Mark talks to her all the time. We just saw Ozzy and Jack at the baby shower for [Jack’s] wife. So we talk with them all the time. When I’m off [from] doing these gigs and they need [something] that’s the way we operate it’s just a phone call away so, you know... “Alright, no problem Mom, what do you need me to do?” You need me to get milk and eggs on the way over? I’ll get that, too. It’s good.

RNR: Aww. But she still makes you take out the trash (laughs).

ZAKK: Jim Rosenberg, who’s over at Epiphone – who I deal with all the time – Jim, he’s the main guy over at Epi. His son [Dylan] is the guitar player. And he’s a really good kid.

I mean he’s the lead singer and the guitar... they’re a great bunch of kids and they’re a kick ass band. I mean like, what a novelty – they PLAY their instruments, so you gotta support that.

RNR: So since the days of the “cold ones” are behind you now, as you say, you drink fake beer and get fake drunk. (laughs) What are your favorite fake beers to get fake drunk on?

ZAKK: Well you know, I have my fake hangovers now (laughing). It gets me out of excuses or sex or anything like that – when Barb wants that I go (feigning sickness or fatigue) “Oh, I can’t. I really drank too much fake beer last night. I feel really bad, like, in a fake way. Can we not do that right now?” (laughing) No, it’s cool. It’s just a running joke we got, all in fun you know. ‘Cause I mean all the friends that I hang out with, everybody’s still drinkin’ and getting’ hammered and having a good time. It’s just that...

I’ve been on tours with some other guys that “Just make sure you don’t bring any beer around him” Don’t be drinking a cocktail and I mean, I go to bars all the time and hang out with the guys, just as a social thing, you know if I wanna go to Hooters and watch Monday Night Football we’re going to watch the game with the guys. I have no problem chillin out with everybody and not drinking.

Put it this way, I don’t have that case where a lot of guys are just like dude it’s a struggle everyday it’s a war... it’s one day at a time. I go, why would you wanna live like that dude?

I have no problem going to bars. I don’t have any struggles, and it’s not a war for me, it’s nothing. I used to drink, I had a great time. I used to play football, I blew my knee out or

I got a neck injury, I can’t play anymore, but you know what? I still coach the team now – actually, I own the team. And I pick out the players and I love being involved with the team. Just ‘cause that was a phase of my life and I had a great time.

I remember this one guy told me, “Zakk, would you like to counsel anybody?” I go “Well what can I say to anybody?” The only thing I would say is: have a good time, drink get [tanked] with your guys, but if it starts messing with your own world and you kickin’ ass, then there’s nothing I can tell you, you don’t already know. Just kinda chill out! That’s all! Until then, have a good time!

Hammer time, who gives a shit? You’re not bothering anybody. The minute it starts turning into bullshit, then you gotta go eh, I gotta fuckin’ slow down. That’s all. He goes “What do you mean that’s all?” I go That’s pretty much it, I don’t know what to tell you, dude. I mean there really is nothing more to tell you.

If you wanna learn how to play “Stairway to Heaven”, I’ll show you where to put your fingers. YOU gotta practice.” Is that it? That’s pretty much it... there is no secret formula, and there is no magical mystery fucking thing and you don’t have to do chants and light fuckin’ incense and all this other bullshit. You just have to get the fuck to work. That’s Black Label rehab for ya.

RNR: Last year you put out the album “The Song Remains not the Same”, which was a collection of acoustic reworkings of songs from the previous album... what’s coming up for you this year, as far as albums?

ZAKK: Well, we’re either gonna be – we got a two month break right now – probably gonna do a batch of writing while I’m at it right now. And then obvously when we get in the studio, everything starts slamming again and just cause of the vibe and energy and all the guys, write more stuff there. Then we got a whole ‘nother record. It depends on what side of the bed you woke up on that day, what Zeppelin album you heard or what Sabbath tune or whatever cool song you heard on the radio, that inspired you, whatever oh man it would be cool if we did something like that vein or whatever something really inspired you. But thats why I always say it’s fun making records like a box of cracker jacks you know what I mean you don’t know what you’re gonna get til the bottom of the box.

RNR: Yeah, and then you find it’s just a stupid pencil topper you already have. (laughs) ZAKK: Exactly. (laughs) RNR: do you have any parting comments or any other announcements or anything?

ZAKK: Yes. And that is – find what you like.

And what you really love.

Rock RockNNRoll RollIndustries IndustriesMagazine Magazine43 43

bathroom though Zakk had painted the bathroom red and decorated it with memorabilia from the movie The Exorcist. The bathroom is called the Pazuzu Loo – named after the demon that possessed Regan MacNeil in the movie. It’s meant to literally scare the shit out of you!

RNR: The book is described as “sharing never-beforetold stories of backstage lunacy and Metal-maniacal anecdotes for the aspiring Berzerker like you.” What is your favorite most shocking “never-before told story” in the book?

Hendrikx: There are a ton of crazy stories throughout the book that will give the readers a good laugh. But I love the stories about the time Zakk shared with Dimebag Darrell in Texas.

My favorite incident had the two of them dressed up in camouflage for a photo shoot. They got completely berzerked on Crown Royal and ended up destroying their driver’s SUV by running it through fences, trees, bushes, and eventually a stop sign. I’ve been to Rita and Darrell’s home and they still have that stop sign screwed onto the living room wall.

RNR: Are you a Berzerker? What does being a Berzerker mean to you?

hat it was like to write “Bringing Metal to the Children” with Zakk Wylde, and some funny behind the scenes and on-the-road hijinx.

da is always rolling. He never stops working from the minute he wakes up until late in the evening. There was a Black Label headline radio tour across North America and a tour with Judas Priest that limited the time we had to RNR:Bringing Metal to the Children. What sit down and write. We wanted the book to be does it mean to you? done correct, which meant Zakk and I taking the time to write and rewrite until we Hendrikx: It’s another way of throwing out that were both extremely happy awesome slogan from back in the day - Metal with the end reUp Your Ass. Our book definitely has some sult. Bringing epic true stories we selected from throughout Metal to the Zakk’s musical career. But we wanted to fo- Children isn’t cus our attention on the funnier times. I came something that up with the title Bringing Metal to the Children I wrote with while on a conference call with our publisher. Zakk’s name on They wanted to call the book Scaring the Chil- it. We put down dren or something lame like that. I had to ex- every single plain that Zakk is not about scaring children. word in the book He loves kids. He’s more like the Santa Claus together while in of heavy metal. So I suggested Bringing Metal the Black Vatican to the Children and it stuck. They loved it. Zakk recording studio at loved it. his compound.

RNR: In our interview with Zakk he mentioned the writing process taking longer than usual. He stated, “It should have come out last December.” How long in the making is this book (Zakk said it was collected over a long time but didn’t say how long), and how was the idea for this book born?

Hendrikx: The book release was delayed exactly one year. It was mostly due to Zakk’s tour obligations. With Zakk, the Black Label Arma44 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

RNR:So you spent a lot of time in Zakk’s recording studio?

Hendrikx: It was my second home for a long time. We wrote everything in there. I slept in the back lounge surrounded by giant posters of Eddie Van Halen, Randy Rhoads, Jimmy Page and many other greats.

It was awesome. A little scary going to the

Hendrikx: The name comes from the most feared Vikings of them all – the Berzerkers.

They would drink this bog myrtle mixture, a hallucinogenic, before going into battle. Once the potion kicked in they would enter this complete enraged state of mind and then conquer and eat their enemies. Zakk uses the name to describe all those who are part of the Black Label family. They don’t necessarily eat their enemies, but they represent the notion of relentless and complete global domination. It’s a never give up mentality. No matter what happens in life, you get back up on your feet and keep pushing forward. Am I a Berzerker? Yes. Definitely. But more in the sense of eating my enemies.

RNR: How did you meet Zakk?

From when and where does your friendship with Zakk originate?

Hendrikx: The first time I met Zakk was in 1988 at Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre in Orange County, California. Zakk was on tour with OzzyOsbourne for No Rest for the Wicked. It was a venue near my house and I had just jumped over the fence and snuck into the show. I was sitting in the lawn section and Zakk literally walked out into the grass wearing those amazing southern flag bellbottom jeans. He sat down with a cup of beer in his hand and was looking down at the venue.

Excited to be there. I knew exactly what he looked like because I had this poster of him up on my bedroom wall. I shook his hand and told him that I had just snuck into the show.

He shared some stories about sneaking into shows where he grew up in New Jersey. Later that night he jumped down off the stage into

the crowd during his guitar solo. By that time I had made my way down into the pit and got to watch him play from about six inches away.

We didn’t become friends that night, but it was my first experience meeting him.

RNR:What’s your most memorable moment from your writing experience with Zakk?

Hendrikx: My son Stone and I spent Christmas with the Wylde’s. It’s such an amazing holiday to share. In our gift exchanges, Zakk gave me one of his signature model guitars.

On the back of the guitar is written “ERIC – MY BLACK LABEL BROTHER!!! MERRY CHRISTMAS – LOVE YOU BROTHER, ZAKK”

Around 1994, when Zakk was out touring with his band Pride & Glory I was at a bunch of those shows. Zakk was easily approachable.

After the gig, Zakk would hand me a cold beer and tell the most incredible and funny stories about his experiences playing with Ozzy. RNR: How did the idea come about of using Eventually I started photographing those illustrations instead of typical behind the shows and Black Label shows. scenes photo shots we have seen in countless coffee table books?

with Jeff Kollman

Hendrikx: I wanted to add another dimension to the book and since our focus was comedy, and Zakk is a fan of comic books, I tracked down a couple of comic book artists to illustrate some of our favorite scenes in the book.

To clarify, there are a lot of great photos in the book. My goal as a writer was to offer as much content as possible in one book. I think we RNR: Zakk relates incidents in his life, and achieved that. Bringing Metal to the Children is on tour, as being like episodes in a sitcom, loaded with stories, interviews, photos, illustragetting turned into a character. He even de- tions, handwritten letters, lyrics, and artwork. scribed you, [Eric], as a cartoon character.

Can you explain what he means and how it RNR: Describe your experience in co-writis translated into the book? ing this book with Zakk Wylde in one word?

Hendrikx: I think we both may reincarnate as Hendrikx: Colonic cartoons in the next life. I’ve never laughed RNR: How does this book compare to other books written that have attempt to show a behind the scenes glimpse?

harder than while working with Zakk over the past few years. And the tomfoolery never ends. Zakk and I are constantly teasing and joking with each other on our iPhones – taking funny-faced pictures of ourselves and sending them back and forth. That’s probably where the cartoon character thing comes in. His wife, Barbaranne, would come into the kitchen and find us laughing hysterically and taking pictures of ourselves. She’d just say, “My God, you are complete idiots. How you two are ever going to write a book is beyond me.”

Hendrikx: To be honest, we didn’t take any other books into consideration when we wrote Bringing Metal. Zakk and I have probably read every rock ‘n’ roll book ever published.

And most of them are great. But Bringing Metal accomplishes something that’s never been done before in a music book. It’s a perfect blend of reality and fiction. In one moment Zakk accurately details his very first gig in music and in another moment professional wrestler Bubba Dudley illustrates how to whirl your dick like a helicopter to escape a dangerous mosh pit.

Featuring Road Worn® ‘50s Telecaster® 2-Tone Sunburst $1,199.99

RNR: What’s your next move? World book domination?

Hendrikx: You read my mind!

RNR: Thanks! You ROCK! Hendrikx: May the Odin Force be with you.

RNR: The book’s description refers to you You can read more about Eric Hendrikx and as Zakk’s brother-in-metal? What makes his photography and writing here: you qualified? www.EricHendrikx.com Hendrikx: Our friendship is like that of broth- twitter @EricHendrikx ers. I love Zakk and always will. I’m incredibly Instagram @EricHendrikx grateful. As far as qualifications, I’m a metalhead at heart. Since I was a kid, metal has provided me with an outlet to express myself – both in my choice of music and in my guitar playing. I’m so honored to be at a point in my

By Raquel Figlo life to be able to contribute back.

G-DEC® 3 Thirty $549.99

Scan the tag or go to our Youtube/rocknrollindustries

Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 45

Drummer for Marilyn Manson Jason Sutter Geared up for tour and new CD

RnR-What made you want to choose the drums over all other instruments?

Jason Sutter- To be honest, there were no other instruments to me, that was it. I never wanted to play guitar, I don’t even remember wanting to play drums, I just did.

I don’t feel like there was another instrument at that time. It’s basically like when you hear about kids banging on pots and pans and stuff like that, I didn’t start much differently than that.

I was into playing and my dad always wanted to be a drummer when he was little so my parents went out of their way to get me lessons, gear, and stuff. My mom got this snare drum when I was 4-5 at Christmas and I played around a little bit then broke the drumhead 46 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

and threw it in the closet. Maybe 3 or 4 years later when I was 8, they took it and bought me the heads, cymbals and drum lessons, after that I got a drum set for Christmas.

set an old Ludwig 60’s drum set, which is what he gave me when I started. He collects antics so he loves this. He always complained about not having a musical talent or anything. I gave him a 1hr ½ At what age would you say you lesson, and now he is obsessed started playing? with playing drums. It’s bizarre, him with the drums and I with the Well you could say 4-5 with that art. It’s one of those weird things first drum, 8 again, pretty quickly where I can relate to what he after I started there, I was playing does, which is very rare to have in a little band and actually gig- that between a father and a son. ging. Jim Pietrzak, was an art collector, and my dad was a sculptor What about your mother? they were good friends, (my dad was a chairman in the art depart- She is always super positive and ment and he was the head of supportive. My mom lives out here the precaution department of the in LA. I get to see her all the time. school called The Crane School of Music). They traded a painting To name a few, what are some for drum lessons, so at a young favorite artists or bands? age, my first lessons were with someone I later found out taught That is one of the absolute hardthe masters! I was pretty fortunate est questions to answer. There to have that happen. (The piece are a bunch of bands that have of art that got Sutter his drum les- been there from the beginning. sons can now be seen at the col- Like when I was with Chris Cornell lege, as it has been brought back I met Jimmy Page, or backstage Robert Plant it’s someone you for more work.) feel like you’ve known your whole What has been your dad’s re- life. So a band like Led Zeppelin action to your success in be- of course, can’t touch that band ing one of the most influential especially for the diversity. Same and inspiring drummers of this thing with Van Halen, it never gets old, it’s always inspirational. The time? new Van Halen record I think is That’s such a good question. fantastic. When I was little I loved Something I really dig is; I collect KISS, you can say whatever about art, I paint a little bit right now as Gene Simmons as a person, but well, and do art dealing on the that band was super inspirational side. It’s funny because when my to me. The same with Black Sabfather retired, I gave him a drum bath they just keep getting better,

it’s the same record you heard when you were a kid. Like Jazz in the 50’s and 60’s it will never get better than that. I keep going back to these records, I wonder about this rock n’ roll Era. But yeah, I would say those are some good cross section of bands from the top of my head, from the previous collection of killer Rock that I keep going back to. At my house I don’t have a cd player, all I have is Vinyl, 70’s turntable and speakers. It say’s a lot about the music I keep going back to. Canada is a great place to get records, and it’s cheap. This summer I was out with the New York Dolls and somewhere upstate New York, we went to this place; it was like a dollar record and I bought like 50 Killer records!

Which one was the most challenging audition you have had?

Well this Manson gig was pretty challenging. I got a call that Manson would be looking for a drummer. After a few people, it hadn’t worked out for whatever reason. I had put in a call to the tour manager who I had worked with when I was with Foreigner. And I had said, ‘I’m not doing Foreigner anymore if anything opens up let me know.’ She said, ‘it was already filled.’ Maybe a year later I got a call, and she said ‘Hey I put your name in the hat, for drummer.’

And that was great! But that didn’t mean anything, so I started inquiring and found out that a few peo-

Neil Zlozower/AtlasIcons.com

aught how to be a drummer at an early age, through an exchange his father made, a piece of art for drum lessons. Began playing in bars and started gigging as early as age 13 missing out on his own high school graduation to go on tour. Jason Sutter has played with big solo artists as well as bands, from the Foreigners to Chris Cornell and now can be seen as Marilyn Manson’s new drummer. Everyone has a story about how they became who they are now and how they achieved their dreams. This is his…

ple had played and they liked, and someone was going to get called back. Knowing that the drummer –who I am not going to name, looks awesome and has a green Mohawk. I finally get in touch with the manager and then it’s like, well if we can we’ll get an audition, but there’s already this guy coming in, and you have to fight to try and get that audition. I’ll do anything; I’ll come at any time! Then I started learning his music, off of YouTube; different hits, things you would want to know. Be prepared just in case, and at the last minute I get the call. The day before is when the manager had said, ‘I will see if I can fit you in.’ And the next day it’s like 3 or 4pm and he said ‘ Manson will see you tonight, can you be there at 8? And I’m like, well how many songs? And he goes, well you should know 5, and I know 2 1/2 songs, from YouTube!

‘Cause I figure, I’ll learn a live version, but then they say, the audition is going to be at this rehearsal studio and they will have you play to an ipod. Luckily 2 of them are songs that I already started learning. I realized wait a minute, I am learning live versions, but what if they don’t have Internet? I have to download these songs, and then I have to learn these versions.

Of course the record versions are longer and are different than the versions I have been learning. Now in 4 hours I have to relearn these versions I know, and 3 more; I have to get to the audition and bring my own drums! Because the last guy that didn’t work out took his gear, but they are all set in this room ready to rock- full production. Not to mention, I was painting- literally painting. I had a smock on and I had paint all over my hands it was just madness! I was worried about what do I look like, how I was dressed. How am I going to appear? It’s a big part of an audition; you know that first impression. And then the whole IPod thing, I have never done that, playing with an ipod is good, but you don’t get to interact with anybody, so it was pretty intense man. I didn’t have time to be nervous or stressed out. I literally had a job to do. I took the cymbals off my drums, and threw everything in the truck.

watching you play, nothing like the actual act of making music. But by the second song, Manson was down on the Mic singing along and rocking out. By the 3rd, he was standing right in front of me kind of above me looking down on me checking it all out. You can tell it was going pretty well, he said goodbye and the manager says ‘ you are going over to his house, he wants you to hear his new record and hang out.’ So next thing you know, I am at his house listening to his new record, with a drink in my hand. Stryker from KROQ was there, we ate cheeseburgers, and the record was killer, it’s called Born Villain and it’s coming out real soon. It was a really good record, I thought this would be fun to do, and as the record is playing, he’s playing the drum fills and he’s like ‘That’s going to be you!’

I didn’t have the gig, and he was referring to all these parts as my parts, afterwards he walks me out and he’s like ‘ well I have to hear a few other people, as I said I would you know, but it was really great and I don’t think I will hear anything better.’ He was very professional about it, and then by the end of the week, the manager called me and said ‘ if you take the gig, Manson wants to call you personally. Manson called me a minute later, and said “Congrats welcome to the best band of the world!”

How has touring with Manson been?

I was forewarned, that it would be absolutely insane by everyone that had worked with him. It’s indescribable, it’s like going to war, shear mayhem and chaos. Everything I have done up to now, has prepared me for this. We went to Japan, and that was amazing, they love Rock N’ Roll, and then we did a good chunk of time in Australia for the Soundwave Festival. We were on the main stage, 7 stages of all the best bands you can think of that are heavy. Hell Manson came in he had watched Yeah playing like at 2 in the aftermy stuff on YouTube, and was noon and we play like at 8 there very complimentary. ‘I like what just wasn’t 1 bad band on the bill. you do, and what I’ve seen so far, Then you would do these shows I’m looking forward to hearing you called Sidewaves, which would be play.’ It was a good icebreaker shows in town, like it would be a and he’s a cool dude, so we con- show after the festival. We would nected on some music and differ- stay a day and play a headline ent topics before I even played. show, and use one of the acts off Once I played the first tune, ev- the bill. And if you weren’t playeryone was sitting on a couch and ing, you would go see one of the that can be very stressful; people other bands like Slipknot. Cherri

Bomb played at one of the stages at 11 o’ clock and it was awesome cause I teach Nea the drummer. I gave her drum lessons and she’s just a rock star at 13. They were opening for Bush at these sideshows. It was great for me to sit behind all these killer drummers and all these bands; it was like a drum lesson.

What has been one of the craziest experiences you have had in your tours?

ing?’ (laughs) I said ‘Rats in the Cellar, for sure. So, later watching the show, Rats in the Cellar comes on and Robert looks over at me and says ‘Nice choice dude!’ It was pretty awesome; I got to pick the set list for Aerosmith thanks to Taylor.

Recently I was in rehearsals with Manson, I have my New York Dolls set there, so Taylor comes in to see the room, and he sees it. This kid later tells me there are a lot of interns that work at this place, and he saw the drums and asked to play to it, but the guy was like.. yeah we don’t let anyone play any of the bands instruments so, we can’t let you play the drums. I’m like… you didn’t let Steve Taylor play my drum? Are you kidding me dude? Yes, Steve Taylor can play my drums anytime he wants!

But yeah, he pops in and out for rehearsals, to come and hang.

I don’t even know where to start.

Having Jimmy Page at your rock show in London. He has white hair now, looks like a wizard. He was sitting in the balcony and I met him backstage, it was like meeting an old friend, but still It’s Jimmy Page, from the best Rock n’ Roll band ever! So the whole time that I am playing the only thing I can see in the entire story is Jimmy Page just watching me. I remember, thinking I have to play the Can you tell us a little about the best I’ve ever played in my life. all-black, custom-built drum kit you have been seen with on Couple of years ago, I was actu- these past shows? ally playing for Robert and Dean from Stone Temple Pilots and It’s a funny story, I actually have 3 Joe Walsh for of those drum sets, and they’re all the weekend. different sets. I never really liked Joe decided he black drums. I always thought it wanted to write was dark enough on stage. I startsome songs ed to warm up to the idea, might be and do some kinda sexy. Well sure enough I get demos so he this gig, where everything is black. called Rob- Instantly we start talking about the ert and Dean drums because I have to order to play. They them. Manson is very into design called me, be- and style, and I appreciated that. cause I was in He has me over to his house to a record with show me movie clips of the color them for Mav- he wanted, he was that specific, erick they produced. They were which is an eggshell black. I had like ‘hey you wanna play with to make Ludwig instantly make Joe Walsh?’ So I went in, and we me this set, all the hardware was played for the day, for the second going to be black, then I called day we went to see Aerosmith. my cymbal company; Paiste and We walk in, and there’s this area asked for black Cymbals. It’s very where Aerosmith is and Taylor is rare and expensive; they do it outside with about 30 people try- about once a year, luckily when I ing to get at him, trying to talk to called them it was a month before him. We walk up, he sees us and they were going to do the painting. he clears the path and just leaves They came through and made me everyone standing there. I guess these gorgeous black cymbals. at the time, he was trying to put to- I had another guy that makes gether a solo thing, so he wanted drums for Ludwig and he fabrito talk to Dean about it. So, Taylor cates drums out of steel. So, he’s comes out and say’s ‘So would making a set out of steel, I have you like to be the drummer in my all these drums and whoever can band?’ That’s just mind boggling make it first because we only had right? And the best part about less than 2 months and to make a that story is that it’s me, Taylor, drum set is not that easy. Meanand Robert in this room and he’s while I have my Ludwig set that I just going off being Taylor- doing helped design, and Manson said jumping jacks, slicing things open ‘Why don’t we just spray paint with his giant knife. In walks their this set black?’ It started to get tour manager and she says ‘Real closer to the time and they were quick Joe wants to know, when like we could just buy a drum set we start the blues set what are we and paint it black. So we ended up playing? Train Kept Rollin or Rats painting this drum set because the in the Cellar,’ and he looks over at other ones weren’t going to make me and goes ‘What are we play- it on time. There one of a kind gorRock N Roll Industries Magazine 47

geous custom that Ludwig made me, that I have now and did a wonderful photoshoot with Neil Zlowzower, but the irony is I ended up spray painting these drums, they are all Ludwig. That’s the story of the black drums, there are 3 sets out there, but you never know what you’re gonna get. You’re just going to have to come to a show and see.

What do you think of how music has changed today?

I think…well hey man I’m still playing drums I can’t complain. The industry has changed a lot, which I think affects music. How people make music, it’s too bad, people don’t have that freedom like bands from the 70’s, bands can’t be free to experiment. But there are a lot of great bands that sound like another band, it’s heavily influenced and I think that’s cool. Is there a window on Rock n’ Roll I wonder, like Jazz had its Era. I can’t imagine Rock n’ Roll ever dying, but you wonder ‘Are we living in the pinnacle of Rock n’ Roll?’ Which is why when I go out and play, it’s important to go and play like it’s everything, because it is. You are representing this form of music. You know, I see someone like Taylor, I see someone like Robert Plant; these guys are gonna be like the Bach, and Mozart in the history books. No one is going to do it better than these guys- Ever.

How is the music scene different in the U.S from other countries you have toured?

I don’t think I’ve ever been asked that, it’s very different. Japan just like everyone else’s their economy is changing, but the Japanese they love their Rock n’ Roll there are a ton of bands that didn’t get anything going out here, but in the 80’s everyone got a record deal.

You got a tour and it either happened or didn’t, but in Japan they were rockstars, they were heroes!

Japan provides a lot of support for bands and it’s a place where a band like Buckcherry they used Japan for a comeback. That’s because of their enthusiasm for Rock N’ Roll. When you get off the plane, they are waiting for you.

They travel a billion miles to get you to sign something. In Chile I played with Cornell 2 or 4 times, and I’ve seen fans literally sit outside for days before we play a show and after just to say goodbye. I also think Germany; those fans are extremely discerning they’ll tear you to shreds if they don’t like what you’re doing. But they also support you if they believe in your band. They will come to your show always be there for48 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

ever. If they don’t like what you’re doing they’ll tell you. In America if they don’t like you, you’re done and you’re gone. It’s really sad, but it’s true. The UK has so many more festivals; in Europe it’s like a festival culture. When you travel as much as I do, you see how other people live, and its like we should be living, we need to have way more fun in this country. Even in Australia, these kids save all their money all year round, they’re not loaded, they’re flying around to see sick shows around the country. You see the same kids on all your shows, that’s dedication. Canada also has really great fans; I’ve never had a bad show in Canada.

What would you say is the hardest part about being a musician?

and you learn an entirely different way of doing things. And I feel like at the end of the day I can bring a lot of that knowledge to a school, to shed a lot of light because you don’t learn that without real experience.

Depending where you live I think now its Facebook or NAMM, places where you can go and rub elbows with these people at the booth. It’s hard to say send them Who are your sponsors and a demo, because a lot of times how has that improved your they may not listen to that. I do techniques? think you have to be a little persistent, tactful, and you have to have Well I am with Ludwig drums; my something going on. Get the gigs, first set was a lovely 60’s one. I and you’ll get the gear it’s that am with Paiste Cymbals, and Re- simple. If you don’t have the gigs, gal Tip Drumsticks, Remo drum you’re not gonna get the gear. heads, and DW Pedal and Hardware. Luckily I am at a level where That’s about it, Manson’s record is the engineers are great, every- coming out I actually got to play on thing is tuned perfect. I am not it which is really cool. I’m really exa big gear head, I don’t collect a cited it’s a great record there will be bunch of gear, but I feel like with a bigger tour in the fall- massive, it all that stuff I can fly. It gives you has not been announced yet. But wings to play the best in music, I’m looking forward to playing this it’s super inspiring, and it makes record live you play better. To me it’s having and be a that right chemistry, the sound part of it. and your personality that comes out. And having a relationship with those companies and help further the art form and have your input To Read in what works for you, that’s very more scan important. I’m really, really happy the tag to be with those companies.

Well you definitely miss every wedding, every birthday, every everything. It’s a tough thing you have to dedicate yourself to and there is no easy way around it.

And of course relationships are extremely difficult. You miss out on a lot, but you can’t take it for granted because there’s a lot of people that would like to do what you’re doing. So if you got to that There are a lot of musicians point you have to do it. Every gig I get I think oh wow I thought I would be in town for a little bit, but you have to go, you don’t have a choice. I’ve made peace with it, so it doesn’t bum me out.

People don’t realize you put in all that time, so many hours of your life to get good at something and then you get the chance to do something, there’s no turning back.

I read somewhere that you also taught, and you’ve taught the blue man can you tell us about your teachings?

I have a master’s degree from the University of Miami, and undergrad in music education from University North Texas. I always thought maybe someday I would teach because I grew up in this academic world. I teach when I have time and when I can, but it’s very rare. I have been teaching Nea from Cherri Bomb, it’s totally inspiring. The best thing about teaching is no matter how bad your day was at the end of it you have done something that’s been really positive. There’s a part of me that would like to do more of that some day. I feel like you are on the road this much and it can’t last forever, so many different bands, auditions, tours, venues, I like the fact that I get to play in all these different things because every world is different

that want to be sponsored what would your advice be for them?

Angelica Ulloa

awhile I felt like such a loner.. Nobody ever wanted to work with me. I must have applied the band to every tiny booking agency and manager in Texas and was told over and over again, “Sorry, we like you, but we can’t sell this.” Then after maybe a billion self-booked bar shows touring constantly for scraps around the US for six years or so, this awesome manager dude Phillip and this other awesome booking dude Andrew at TKO invited us onto their booking roster. They’re keeping us REWe ALLY busy now, on tours that I never could recently have dreamt of getting us on to! The best caught up with thing is, it’s on our terms and we can either Kimberly and Junior take a tour offer or leave it. We still own our shortly after their tour opening for Orgy. RNR first met Kimberly at her en- schedules and souls, and we get much betdorser Tregan guitars booth at NAMM a few ter shows. We’re working harder than ever to years back. Since then she has been busy prove ourselves on this new level of national support touring. It’s a lot of pressure, but we’re touring and doing it all DIY. really doing well. Lately, other real deal music people (like Sylvia the amazing producer) RNR: So, what’s the deal with One-Eyed are taking notice and making me feel like I’m Doll? Why are you guys so awesome?!? not totally nuts for playing the way I play and What’s your story? for singing about the things I sing about. It’s Junior: Well, we’re a rock band from Austin, TX. been really rejuvenating to get a little help and We’re currently a two piece. I play drums and surprisingly some respect from music industry Kimberly sings and plays super heavy shred- veterans, but we’re still indie. I can tell, cause der guitar. Think Pantera meets Dolly Parton. we slept in the Walmart parking lot last night.

Kimberly:

Plus

we’re

awesome!

Brent LaVelle

RNR: You’ve won multiple SXSW Austin Music Awards, toured the U.S. with huge bands like Orgy, Static X and Otep, appeared at the semi-finals of America’s Got Talent, have been Revolver Magazine’s Hottest Chick of Hard Rock and listed in Guitar Player’s top twenty female guitarists. You also have Dave Navarro as a fan. Is it true that you are completely DIY? Junior: For the most part Kimberly and I have done everything from producing our own albums and hand-making our own merch to designing our website. In 2011 we thankfully hooked up with our agency TKO. They’ve kept us on the road non-stop playing for packed houses, which is great! We also recently finished making two albums with the legendary producer Sylvia Massy. She’s made albums with Tool, System of a Down, Johnny Cash etc.

The first album titled “Dirty” will be released this Summer. It’s heavy, deep, organic and even a bit psychedelic. We really drew from our 70’s Pink Floyd and Sabbath influences for this one.

Kimberly: Yeah, we’re still independent, but we’re recently getting attention from respected music biz people who think we’ve got “the stuff”. I’m so grateful for that. Honestly, for

RNR: What is your definition of success?

And when do you foresee yourself achieving that success?

Junior: Of course we want to play our music for lots and lots of people. And make enough money to be comfortable and healthy. But I feel like we’ve already achieved the biggest hurdle of success. We’re able to earn a living making music full time. It’s been an intense amount of work and sacrifice, but we’ve really established ourselves as professional musicians and not just hobbyists.

Kimberly: As aforementioned, I was told for years that my art/image/lyrics weren’t “marketable” enough... So rather than change my art/ image/lyrics to suit those stupid people I decided I had to market myself, by golly. I’m glad I did - and in a weird way glad it took so long to be noticed. I’ve learned so much through the years of hard knocks and can really appreciate where we’re at.. I have my dignity if nothing else, knowing that we’ve truly earned the meager success that we’ve got through years of sacrifice and persistence - and kazillions of shows. The one thing we never sacrificed was our artistic integrity. I feel a great deal of achievement and pride to be able to call music my full time job. Maybe in the same way a small business owner feels when he can quit the restaurant and do his thing full time. It’s worth ev-

ery bit of loneliness, heartache, insecurity and poverty that comes along with following your dreams. I guess I’ve sort of enjoyed the challenge.

RNR: Do you have any advice for struggling musicians that want to break through to making music full time?

Junior: It’s a hard question that I’m asked by a lot of the local bands we play with. They say things like “you’re so lucky to be touring with Mushroomhead, how did you luck out so bad?” My answer usually horrifies them.

There’s not much luck involved. You have to save up for a van and some basic cheap gear, then quit your job, dump your girlfriend, sell your pets and live in your van going city to city playing gigs for gas and top ramen money for years. You have to earn each fan one at a time. And play L.A. a LOT. The music business is in L.A. so you have to go to them.

Kimberly: Yeah, I think people naturally want to grow roots, and those roots keep them from ever breaking through. Comforts aren’t easy for most people to surrender. Become a relentless road pirate (not just the weekends, I mean live in your van with four smelly dudes all the time) and pay those dues, earning every fan one by one... It gets REALLY hard at times, so you’d better be tough inside and out. It’s humiliating, lonely and so exhausting, so you’d better be doing it for the pure love of performance or you’ll go nuts. Or have lots of money and buy your way past the dues.. Or make mediocre radio crap and know the right industry people to farm it to. Those are the options, as far as I can see. Not a huge chance that you’re going to be “discovered” in your drummer’s mom’s garage or local bar. It takes a lot more than talent for an independent band to make it these days. That’s what I think, anyway.

RNR: What’s in the near future for OneEyed Doll?

Junior: We actually have several albums worth of material recorded and some great videos that have yet to be released. Also lots more touring of course!

Kimberly: We’re also changing the band’s name to “Inky the Squid Hat” and are adding a full horn section to our live show. This is all completely untrue. Yay!!

Noelle Kim Retes

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Back in 1984, I was with a group of friends driving out to Las Vegas for a road trip when our car broke down in the middle of the desert. After hours sweating in the blistering sun a tow truck arrived. He spent over 30 minutes trying to hook the car on to his truck, when finally he said “You know what the problem is you guys, there’s no metal in there.” Instantly one of my crazy buddies shouts out at the top of his lungs... “Are you kidding, there’s some fucking Dokken in there !!!”. The tow truck driver looked perplexed and we all held in our laughter, however from that point on I had no idea that the name Dokken would forever be etched in my brain.

Well only a few years later I met Don Dokken, living in the South Bay of Los Angeles, which surprisingly was the home to members of many of 80’s bands, including Motley Crue, Ratt, Warrant, Great White, Bullet Boys, Silent Rage and Dokken to name a few. By that time of course, the band Dokken had become one of the worlds most known Heavy Metal bands of the 1980’s. By the decades close, Dokken had been nominated for a Grammy Award, had multiple Gold albums, 3 Platinum albums and sold over 10 million records. Not to mention one of Metal’s coolest honors of the 80›s, having a top selling single from a major motion picture, that being Dokken’’s hit single “Dream Warriors” from “Nightmare On Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors.”

Don Dokken can be proud of his work with Dokken, the band he founded back in 1978 and to this day, is still performing and recording with Dokken as strong as ever. In fact, Dokken will be releasing its latest album in the Spring of 2012. Dokken’s songs are etched in Heavy Metal,

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especially Don’s vocal style, which has carried over with his solo career as well. Then add in his years of producing with great bands as well. Needless to say, I’ve been a great fan of Don Dokken, but where I›ve been honored, is to being able to call Don a friend for over 20 some years. Exactly why I couldn’t wait to sit down with Don, for Rock N Roll Industries Magazine for my latest column of Q & A with “Mr. 80’s.”

Back in the late 1970’s playing the clubs in Los Angeles, if someone would of told you, going into 2012, you would be touring and performing in some of the greatest venues around the world, what would you have said?

DD: ... I would have never believed it. I owned an auto body shop and playing was just for fun on the weekends. Looking back, I thought if we could sell out the Whisky A Go-Go, we would have accomplished our goal.

Schenker!!!

Who were some of your favorite singers and musical influences growing up?

DD: Dio, Rob Halford and Ian Gillan had a big impact on me.

When I first heard Judas Priest’s “Sad Wings of Destiny,” it blew my mind. I loved Saxon too.

That being said, what modern singers these days are some of your favorites?

DD: The guy in Nickleback (Chad Kroeger) rocks, Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters) also !!!

Any quick advice to all those young singers out there?

Like many musicians, you’ve covered other artists songs which have landed on various albums of yours. Are there any songs you’ve always wanted to cover, that you haven’t yet and might do?

DD: ... I love doing songs from the British Invasion days. That’s why we’ve done “Bus Stop” by The Hollies, “Lies” by The Knickerbockers, “One” by Three Dog Night and so on. I’d like to do a The Beau Brummels song “So Tired,” that would be fun. Mick and myself are huge fans of this era, basically The Beatles era.

this?

An unpopular trend for the fans these days, is seeing many bands from the 80’s tour as 2 different versions, such as Great White, L.A. Guns, Faster Pussycat, Bullet Boys & Bang Tango to name a few. What’s your take on

DD: ... They have to make a living. I understand when original members can’t pull it together. I’m an expert on that issue unfortunately.

Many people might not know that back in 1981, while in Germany, you sat in on rehearsals for the Scorpions “Blackout” album because Klaus Meine was having vocal cord problems. Though Klaus recovered to record the album, your background vocals were still used on the LP. You yourself have also had to have vocal surgery to fix problems with nodes and tears in your vocal chords. How are you these days and any worries about dealing with it again down the line?

DD: ...I worry about it every show. Some singers are blessed, like Bruce Dickinson, Ronnie James Dio, Glen Hughes and others, they all kept their range and so on. But like Pavoratti, who never smoked and took really good care of his voice, he lost his range when he got older. It’s just the luck of the draw. My range was all there until I was almost 50, but I took my gift for granted and paid the price. I had surgery in the 80’s from cronic sinus infections, and no it wasn’t from doing coke.

All of these things I’ve done and paid for it. I’ve found that talking loud in a bar or in a crowd really kills your voice. I’ve even heard you hoarse from talking in a loud club all night.

With all the interviews you’ve done over the years, what’s a question you would like to be asked, that you never are?

And of course, answer that.

DD: ... The question would be... Did you succeed from your talent or was it just luck? The answer would be 50/50.

Knowing you since the 80’s, we’ve had lots of great times together. One of my favorite memories came in November of 2001, when Silent Rage was opening for you at the Galaxy Theatre in Orange County. Somehow the backstage fun found us ending up at Mr. J’s at last call for drinks & dancers... I’ll leave it at that.

Are there any fond memories of all your years in the business, with all the people you know, that come to mind?

DD: ... Playing “Monsters of Rock” with the Scorpions, Van Halen and Metallica, that was awesome. We were all friends and it was interesting that in 1977, we played with Van Halen at the Starwood. Then in 1981, I sang on the Scorpion’s “Blackout.” Then I was with my manager watching Metallica at the Troubador the night he signed them. So, then almost 10 years later we were all sharing a stadium stage in front of 100,000 people a day... fate is truly stranger than fiction. www.DokkenCentral.com Julian Douglas

Some people might not know that you’ve been a producer for much of your career too. Over the years, who have been some of the musicians you’ve really enjoyed working with AND some you hope to one day?

DD: ... I liked working with them all. I was trying to help bands that needed a break, some made it some didn’t. XYZ was one of my best producer efforts. I would like to produce Michael Rock RockNNRoll RollIndustries IndustriesMagazine Magazine 51 51

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54 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

Hello fellow guitar players!!! Welcome to another installment of Music with Michael G!!!

To begin, NAMM show.... WOW, 97,000 people it was really blowing up at the 2012 winter NAMM show in California this year.

And one of the hot places to be was the Rock N Roll Industries / Coffin Case booth, so many stars!!!! So many new awesome connections!!! Even a scavenger hunt put on by Rock N Roll Industries!!! Many gifts, faces, and drinks later, it was all just a fleeting memory soon.......til the summer show that is.....see you in Nashville!!!!!!!

you are. If you are wanting to do very fast, articulate soloing, with sweep’s and such, you are going to need a metronome! If it’s good enough for Steve Via, Schofield, or Yngwie, or the melodic dual guitar sounds of say, DragonForce? Guess what? Only about one in a thousand can learn those licks without a metronome it’s not hard, yes it does take time, but that is what practice is, time put in on your instrument to make you be the musician you long to be....

Now onto this issues guitar lesson................

I always have people ask me to teach them a really cool lick from a song, I don’t mind doing this everyone wants to sound like their favorite guitar players or bands, but after I teach the “lick” they just can’t seem to play it in time, or get the lick out in time. This could be easily avoided; one word that means a lot to guitar players- Metronome this simple time keeping device is the key to several of the top shredders out there. The key is to take a lick or scale, and when you learn it, learn it slow, and gradually get faster, time and again I have people say, “I’m using my metronome, but its out of time.” No it’s not

Now try this simple exercise, set your metronome for a slower pace like 70 bpm, play the full Minor Pentatonic scale, first climbing up the scale, then back down to your root note, not a problem right? Ok.. now keep going , only speeding up when you can do it perfectly, continue to see just how fast you can play this scale, til your hands can›t take it. Keep in mind Steve Via does this for 40 hours a week not on songs, but simply scales. It builds up the muscle memory in your hands and will have your playing more in pocket, and better in time. Keep in mind this is only one scale, if you really want to be a very well rounded guitarist, you should

Notte Bella Genre: Metal/Hardcore/Screamo Label: A Lullaby Factory Weapons of Choice: Shure, Fender, Gibson, Schecter, PDP, Sabian, Vater, Zildjian Influences: A Day To Remember, Alexisonfire, All That Remains, A New Found Glory, The Clash, Killswitch Engage, Silverstein, Snot, The Used, Thrice Notte Bella hails from Covina, California. Members are: vocalist Bobby Horack, guitarists Steve Morrow and Arek Alvarez, bassist Neil Johnson, and drummer Justin

Garza. Apart from newcomer Arek the band is comprise of friends who have known each other since high school. Despite member changes over the years, I am amazed at how well the guys are able to pick up the pieces and continue forth. Their seeming resilience is testament to how hard the band will work to get the show on the road. From what I’ve seen and heard over the years, their sound has matured and grown into its own. It is a great blend of melodic hardcore, that will draw one in. . .

Where did the name Notte Bella come from?

Bobby: Yeah I had gotten into Italian culture.

do this exercise with every scale you can.

Check out the Magi, Randall Padillia, he is listed as the fastest guitar player in the world, check out his videos of him setting the record and you will understand the importance of a metronome.

In closing, I really want to thank the NAMM show, great show this year can›t wait for the next one......

All that said kiddo’s, Id also like to take a second to thank some of my wonderful endorsers at Fancigemstones.com, Tregan, and Rock N Roll Industries.

I would like to give a big shout out to Aurora strings makers of the strings for the new video game, Rocksmith; that actually lets you hook your guitar up to the xbox or ps3 and learn guitar!!!!! I’ve been dreaming of the day they could do this, and who knows, maybe the kid next door is the next Jimi Hendrix.

Til the next issue, keep your strings clean and your riffs mean Michael G out.

I was taking Italian in college. It just kind of stuck out, and I brought it up with the band.

We were reciting it, and everybody felt it really made sense for us. It means “Beautiful Night,” and it represents all the times when we were becoming the band, the bonding, how awesome those nights were. It really represents the beginnings, where we came from.

What do you think sets you guys apart from the others within the same genre?

Neil: We’ve got a lot more melodies than a lot of our contemporaries.

Steve: You can put us in the genre, but the way that Bobby sounds, he doesn’t sound like another singer.

Bobby: I think we’re a lot more, dare I say, angry. At least more passionate for what we stand for. One of our favorite things to do is go out and play jr. highs and high schools.

We want to show them what’s going on in the world, that there is another side, and that they have a voice.

Justin: We’re definitely a band of values.

Luckily most of us share the same views, and how things should be. We’re all really passionate about making our music, and getting that message out.

The band has enjoyed quite a following among the local scene, not to mention the friendships with other local bands of different genres even, playing various venues in Southern Calilfornia. They have released one full length, The Bishop in 2010. As of late, Notte Bella has been getting ready for the road, and are currently writing new music , with an ep slated for release early in 2012. www.nottebellamusic.com www.facebook.com/nottebellarocks

Written and photo Lan Nguyen

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NAMM has provided Rock N Roll Industries and myself with great new friendships and memories. I was also lucky enough to run into an 80’s Metal legend from a band everyone knows on a name basis – TWISTED SISTER. This rough and tumble painted crew from out East are still giving as few f*cks as ever and are having a blast stepping onstage in theater with classic songs fans will remember from their concerts. NAMM is no new thing for bassist Mark Mendoza, he gives us his candid and ballsy account on today’s Metal, politics and censorship in music, the Christmas album, why Twisted Sister will probably never do new material, and why they were certain that doing the Christmas album would usher in their career’s final big hit and nasty cut.

RNR: So how you doing today? We’re at NAMM; how are you liking it so far?

MARK: NAMM’s incredible. I do NAMM every year, and every year, there’s more exciting things going on, and I run into crazy people!

RNR: You were hanging out at the Epiphone booth. Are you here with anybody in particular?

MARK: Well, I was up at Epiphone because JJ’s endorsed by Epiphone, and JJ’s in Twisted Sister, so of course I spent some time up there. And I know everybody at Epiphone/Gibson, they’re friends of mine.

RNR: So you guys last November did a stage production for your Christmas album. How was that?

MARK: Well the Christmas album came out quite a few years now, four or five years already. But every year, we do couple of Christmas shows. We happened to be only available for two this year – a big theater in Huntington, Long Island called The Paramount, and we did the Best Buy Theater in Times Square in Manhattan. We have a big Christmas set, and it’s the crazy Santa, and it’s a lot of fun to do. Half our set is our metal Christmas songs, and some of our anthems and regular hits and stuff like that. But it’s a lot of fun; it’s a little more relaxed than the craziness of a regular Twisted Sister show.

RNR: How did you guys get the idea to take it to the stage?

MARK: Well we’ve been playing all our regular songs, and of course we love ‘em all, but we thought of one day – how can we really sink our careers? Honestly – let’s do a Metal Christmas album! So we came up with about 14-15 songs and picked the ones that are on the album and did metal versions of all these [Christmas] songs, we wanted it to be obviously Metal and Rock, which it is, but we also wanted it to be fun. Everybody puts out [sappy] drippy gooey Christmas songs. We wanted to ROCK OUT with Christmas, so we did it, thinking that it was probably gonna ruin our career, and unbeknownst to us it’s one of our biggest selling CD’s! It’s tremendous!

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RNR: Yeah! I read a reviewer actually said that it was one of the best Rock Christmas albums since Elvis’.

MARK: You can’t touch the King! Elvis is the King.

RNR: What’s your favorite Christmas cover that you guys have done?

MARK: Oh, I don’t know. I think they’re all a lot of fun. A couple things about the CD – well, one of my favorites is “Let it Snow.” I love the song.

I produced the album! The song the bass solo, it wasn’t supposed to be there. The song was supposed to fade at the end. And when we were playing, the band was playing the clos-

ing of the song I just started ripping out and going faster and faster, and when they all heard it they said, “You gotta leave it!”

I said, “It’s a mistake, it’s not supposed to be there.” So we left it there, and that’s how that song came to be. The arrangements are a lot of fun, and we realized that O Come all Ye Faithful is – don’t tell anybody – but it’s really “We’re not gonna take it!” Same melody on the vocals, same chords, we’re not lettin the secret out, but that’s what it really is.

RNR: You guys working on new material right now?

MARK; Nah, we don’t write new material. Who wants to hear new material? Listen, you go see all these big tremendous metal bands and they say here’s a song form our new album, what does everybody do? They get up and they go to the bathroom. We play everything that everybody grew up on, that’s what we do and that’s what they wanna hear and we continue to do. We always say thats never gonna happen, but who knows, someday maybe we’ll put out new material. Right now there’s nothing in the works for it.

RNR: What do you think about Heavy Metal

today and all the different subgenres that have arisen since you guys started?

MARK: You know music is an ever-evolving form of art. And, growing up, I remember, my parents heard what I liked and they couldn’t believe how awful it was. And I listen to some of the Metal today and it takes me a little bit of time to get used to it, but I realize it’s an evolution. And I realize that Twisted and the bands in our generation took from the people we learned from, and now the newer bands are taking from us, and changing it. And that’s the best thing. You take what you know, you improve it, and you move on. And that’s flattering. And all the bands, whether it’s Motley Crue, Twisted Sister, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, or Black Sabbath, we should all be flattered, because these bands are taking from us and moving on. I’m excited about everything that happens in music.

R N R : Dee Snyder has been a very strong advocate of freedom of speech and he’s against censorship in music, he even went to court to fight the accusations that musicians are responsible for what the fans that listen to their music do. He made a great case. What do you guys think about the whole political correctness thing that’s going on now and the bands that take it to extremes, in your face, deliberately offensive acts?

MARK: In this country, some of our rights are based on certain things. Freedom of speech is one. And I believe that you can write any song and say anything you want. If somebody else takes an action on it, that’s their problem. Because I write a song that somebody deems or takes in a way that I didn’t intend it to be? That’s not my problem. I think we’re all looking in the wrong places and we’re putting Band-Aids on everything, and we shouldn’t. If someone’s a bad person, if someone’s an ass, they’re an ass! Okay, you can’t say that a song triggered them or “this was the case” people are gonna do what they’re gonna do. They’re gonna find a reason to do it, whether it’s an iron maiden song, twisted song, rap song, or a dance song – anything.

You should be able to say and write the music you want without fear of prosecution or anybody coming down on you. And if people like to hear it they want to buy it, that’s their business. It’s like anything else. There’s a huge porno industry. Do we have to say we love porn or we don’t? No, and I may not like it, I’m not giving my personal choices here, but I’m saying I may not like it, but if somebody else wants it why shouldn’t they? You can go even further – how about the whole gay rights thing going on in the country? Because – and I’m not saying this is my opinion, I’m just stating something – because maybe I was brought up, the way the bible said something to think that gay people or lesbians shouldn’t get to marry. They should be allowed to, they’re two adults, they’re consenting adults. If they want to get married, they should be allowed to. Nobody should be governed by someone else’s beliefs. That’s a big thing – be responsible for your own actions. If you screw up, you get caught, you suffer for it.

Venue Spotlight

You often hear the term “location, location, location”. Well when it comes to live music venues, location can mean everything, and Club Nokia certainly has that going for itself. Located smack in the middle of Los Angeles’ hottest entertainment complex L.A. Live in Downtown L.A., Club Nokia has emerged as one of Southern California’s premier live music destinations.

Goldenvoice certainly sports some fantastic venues across the country, but Club Nokia has become one of its crowning jewels in just 3 years. Of course, measuring out at almost 60,000 square feet and holding 2,300 people doesn’t hurt to provide an ample place to hold great shows. Additionally, its food is catered by Wolfgang Puck. I certainly have to mention its VIP lounge, which in my personal opinion is by far the best in any music venue in L.A. It sports the coolest lighting backdrop, slowly changing colors throughout the night, which makes for great pictures, private cabanas for small groups, tons of cushioned seating through out, and not only a huge bar, but some of the nicest bartenders in town, which is a rare treat these days.

Club Nokia is one of my favorite venues to see a show at, which in turn has made it nothing short of an honor to have worked with so many concerts there too. Since it’s opening, I’ve gotten to help with such shows; from Stone Temple Pilots, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Black Crowes, Ray Manzarek & Robbie Krieger, The Cult, Motorhead, Stryper, Yngwie Malmsteen, .38 Special, Asia, Alan Parsons Project and Todd Rundgren to Rick Springfield, Cyndi Lauper, Huey Lewis & The News, Blondie, Devo, The English Beat, Big Audio Dynamite, The Psychedelic Furs, Simply Red, Level 42, A-Ha, O.M.D., Echo & The Bunnymen and more. Not to mention patrons can enjoy every spectrum of music there, from all aspects of rock & roll, classic to new wave, current alternative, country, R&B, pop, and even the greatest comedian tours.

This is one place you’ll always want to check up on to see what upcoming concerts will be heading their way. Club Nokia is located at L.A. Live, 800 West Olympic Blvd. Suite A335, Los Angeles, CA 90015. (213) 765-7000. www.ClubNokia.com Julian Douglas

•

For a new twist, “On The Scene with Mr. 80’s” jumps into the future with ShipRocked 2012 - Caribbean Rock Cruise.

I’ve been a part of ShipRocked’s past 4 cruises and no other music experience brings fans & artists together like SR. This year will be no exception.

The ultimate rock music cruise vacation, SR12 embarks from Ft. Lauderdale, FL on November 27th, 2012, providing guests with 5 days and 4 nights of music & mayhem, with a little relaxation on the MSC Poesis, with stops in Key West, FL and Nassau, Bahamas.

Guests enjoy multiple performances from each band on various stages throughout the ship, artist meet & greets, Q & A sessions, artist hosted activities, insane parties & more.

SR12’s initial line up has just been released, featuring Godsmack, P.O.D., Sevendust, Fuel, Lit, Filter, Queensryche’s Geoff Tate, Five Finger Death Punch, Gilby Clarke (Guns ‘N Roses/RockStar: SuperNova), Black Stone Cherry, In This Moment & more T.B.A. SR12 includes exclusive access to all SR concerts & special events, deluxe staterooms, meals, ship activities & entertainment and more.

Julian Douglas

Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 57

MONEY WELL SPENT

by Michael Puglisi & Cody Kloster Photos by Jazmin Monet

Recently I had a chance to sit down with the lead singers of two local bands, ironically both named “Rob”. Robert Wainwright of the band RUACH and Robert Burnelle from THE SLOW FORWARD. On the eve of their upcoming cd release show at the Glass House of Pomona May 19th. I asked them to answer a list of rapid fire questions about band budgeting... let’s watch...

RUACH

THE SLOW FORWARD

Robert Wainwright

Robert Brunelle

YOU START A BAND, BUT NOW YOU NEED THE TOOLS (i.e. INSTRUMENTS AND EQUIPMENT) HOW DO YOU GET IT...

YOU START A BAND, BUT NOW YOU NEED THE TOOLS (i.e. INSTRUMENTS AND EQUIPMENT) HOW DO YOU GET IT...

"Piece by piece, you begin with the cheapest equipment to start the writing process. Then you make the decision to start financing for better equipment, you put yourself into debt doing this and that's just so you can purchase,at best, mediocre equipment for the live

"When you're first starting out a $200 squire is as good as a $2,000 les paul, whatever gets you jamming. Beg, borrow or steal. I had to do all three at one point or another."

YOU NOW HAVE THE TOOLS TO CREATE, YOU HAVE A FIST FULL OF SONGS AND NO ONE TO HEAR THEM, HOW DO YOU GET THEM TO LISTEN...

YOU NOW HAVE THE TOOLS TO CREATE, YOU HAVE A FIST FULL OF SONGS AND NO ONE TO HEAR THEM, HOW DO YOU GET THEM TO LISTEN...

You buy a used van, pack your equipment and band members into it, using the savings you accumulated the last few months recycling aluminum cans you gas up the van and start hitting the gigs. Trying to get on the map.

"Start small. Backyard parties and local dive bars. There's also “pay to plays;” good for early exposure to get your name in some print.

However, promoters prey on young stupid bands willing to line everyone else's pockets but their own so...if you can sell 100 tickets, why not throw your own show, keep the cash, buy some new band merch? Just saying."

SONGS, DONE!... PLAYING THE GIGS IS NOT ENOUGH, SO YOU CUT AN ALBUM, HOW DO YOU AFFORD TO PAY FOR THIS...

SONGS, DONE!... PLAYING THE GIGS IS NOT ENOUGH, SO YOU CUT AN ALBUM, HOW DO YOU AFFORD TO PAY FOR THIS...

“...funraisers, borrowed money, depleted our savings, graced by devoted friend's and family…you go to coin star and spend a lot of time around couches.”

“Today's digital world, you can get amazing product for less and less money, so you shop around, cut a demo, put it in as many hands willing to take it."

RECORDINGS FINISHED, NOW YOU MUST MARKET YOURSELF. HOW...

RECORDINGS FINISHED, NOW YOU MUST MARKET YOURSELF. HOW...

"Through merchandising with stickers, teeshirts, print and press of the album, photo shoots, artwork for various mediums, which was all made possible by networking with other artists who offered their talent's, their service and belief in us."

"A few years ago I would have told you to try and get on an established label's compilation cd or buy an ad in a magazine you like. These days it's all about social media getting your Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Google +, and whatever the fuck stupid flavor of the month networking media site is in order.”

WHEN YOU DON’T HAVE A LABEL... .

“You’re eager to hear feedback, good and bad, from people rather than just executives.”

MONEY SPENT IN A YEAR AS A BAND...

WHEN YOUR ON A LABEL...

“Label or not, nothing comes for free. Running a band is always expensive."

MONEY SPENT IN A YEAR AS A BAND...

"I can estimate a good $12,000 counting our tour van, gas, studio space, our merch, album artwork, and pressing the album. "

“Okay, count rent, all the studio time, van, moving gear, gas… it has to be $10-15,000."

YOU KNOW YOU’VE MADE IT WHEN...

YOU KNOW YOU’VE MADE IT WHEN...

“When selling the actual tickets to your show is NOT your responsibility.”

“We are performing in Europe.”

Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 58

Looking for the best pizza in town? Go where the stars stop to grab a slice! Village Pizzeria located caddy-corner from Capital Records and right down the street from Zloz photography studio, it has been the pizza Choice for many including Zakk Wylde and Slash. This picture came courtesy of Zloz himself and you may have seen it before as it graced the pages of FUCK YOU,

by Neil Zlozower. As for the pizza its self choose from Chicago style or thick crust, whichever your choose it will be delicious. My personal recommendation is the pesto Chicago style, but if you’re more of a meat lover then you have to go with the homemade sausage Chicago style pizza. So hurry and stop by the famous Village Pizzeria today!

http://villagepizzeria.net

Maximum Exposure Showcases have been a production of Trevor Blair’s with Revolutionary Entertainment since January 2010, currently held at Club Lush in Long. He has gone to great lengths to create a format that not only gives all these independent bands an event that gets them in front of potential fans, but also people that may help their career. The typical band seeks money to tour and record, without much thought to what they need to get to that level.

The advisory board for this particular showcase consisted of Jesse Charland; bassist for Hoobastank, Sean Winchester; drummer with Everclear, Ben Thompkins; a representative of Blue Microphones and Ben Harper; founding member of Yellow Card.

These very qualified musicians/ technicians/record label & management professionals shared their experiences and knowledge with attending participants of the Maximum Exposure Showcase & Red Carpet. The goal appeared to be to arm each musician with knowledge of the inner workings of the hierarchy within the music community in order to reach a level of professionalism that would subsequently bring their band attention and acclaim.

After doing the Red Carpet event for this showcase I returned to the Lush Lounge for the showcase performances on Feb 11, 2012 in order to see all the bands on stage.

Everyone performing that day can hold their head up high and be proud of a job well done. During the course of the day I was elated to see that there were a select few who took it one step further by throwing 110% of themselves into their show. The results were outstanding. The best performance of the day was by Trick Bastard. The

bassist, drummer and guitarist were all on top of their game, wildly covering the entire stage without mishap while their singer was off in the crowd singing into the faces of as many people as he could. This original band did one cover that was just as good if not better than the original. The best audience interaction, in my opinion, was done by Tweaked For Play who, in the middle of their set had some guy run up to the stage and jump up to have his foot caught and tossed up by a member of the band so he could do a backwards flip. Unprepared, I missed the picture so I had them re-enact the flip toss off stage after their set for the photo. Grieve For Tomorrow had the best stage performance with their high energy, power stomps, awesome four part harmonies and a front stage prop that lights the stage. Radiator BBQ, after being introduced

by DJ PJ of Indie104.com and XChamberRadio.com as the band that would “make everybody want to get up and move” did just that by getting 90% of the audience up and dancing. Their original songs are just ‘dance-worthy’! I also want to mention Miserable End because they were bumped into last position with their awesome rockin’ blues set and were basically drowned out three quarters of the way through their set by the DJs who came into the venue and started their set early.

By Peggy Murphy Scan the tag to hear from all the bands that attened

Rock RockNNRoll RollIndustries IndustriesMagazine Magazine 59 59

RandyScott KingoftheBlues

101 - Rookies “Rookie” is usually a term associated with first-year athletes. However, we in the bar business have our own versions. There is nothing wrong with being a Rookie -- you have to start somewhere.

What is important is not coming across as one. Hopefully, this will help.

The first, and most common form of Rookie, comes in the form of a 21-year-old. It sometimes extends as far as 23 years. But usually by the second bar-going year, most Rookie-type behavior ceases to exist. This category of Rookie provides the most indications.

Stupid questions like “do you have Vodka?” and “do you have shots?” are dead giveaways. Asking how much EVERYTHING is and ordering drinks like Strawberry Pina Coladas are also signs.

Then there’s the “non-tipping” behavior, the most detrimental to a bartender. With this type of behavior, I have found that if a bartender explains to the 21-year-old that tipping is an essential aspect of a successful bar-going experience, the Rookie usually welcomes the information -- it’s amazing how many just don’t know. Other indications are the inability to handle alcohol, acting like they know it all, and trying way too hard to be the coolest cat ever. That last one can be painful to watch and has a tendency to be male dominated.

The last category of “Rookie” is actually a combination of a few less commonly known types. The first being the “new in town” type. I don’t care where you’re from, or how it’s done there. You’re here now, so adapt to the differences. If there’s something that you want that would make you feel more at home, just ask. I will attend to any reasonable request. Then there are those going through a life change, like divorce and being in the “bar scene” the first time in their lives. These Rookies are not always annoying, and I try to help these types out. They have a tendency to make their lack of bar experience known. Some try and establish a social life through bars alone, this is something I wouldn’t recommend.

Bar drama is far worse then everyday drama seeing that alcohol is involved.

Experiencing new things in life is exciting. Meeting new people and sharing good times is a great thing if you do it right. I am in no way saying for you to be something other than yourself. If something is new to you, admit it, there’s nothing wrong with that. It’s a hell of a lot better than playing it off and coming across as an ass!

As always, have fun and drink safe.

60 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

Randy photos By: Cyndi Johnson

Randy Scott beat out the competition to receive the title King of the Blues Champion from Guitar Centers Battle of the Blues in 2010. We got to see him perform at The Canyon Club and he was definitely showing that he was worthy of the title.

With Smooth meaningful licks and a classic Blues feel that was really rockin’. He is currently working on his new album to be released this month and a tour to go with it. Keep a look out for Randy to come to a down near you, and check out his website for more info. www.randyscott.net

The second type of Rookie is the type that is new to the service industry. These types can be just as annoying, if not more so, than the 21-year-olds. Why? Because they should know better. These types come to me and say things like, “Hook me up and I’ll hook you up when you come in.” First off, it is an unspoken rule that bartenders (as well as other service industry workers) take care of each other. You don’t have to tell me to, I already know. Asking me to give away a drink is also tacky. As I’ve previously stated, nothing is free -- I pay for that drink. Who’s to say I’ll ever set foot in your place of employment? I certainly won’t do it to be reimbursed for that drink you asked me for. And let me say this: I will cut you off if you’ve had too much to drink. Don’t think that you’re immune because you work in the same field. I would expect the same if I were overly intoxicated in your establishment. Being perceived as “cool” isn’t worth my job.

ROCKETT QUEENS

What happens when Rock N Roll gets its start in France then moves to LA to find an audiance that craves their music? We sat down with Marine-vocals, Paul-guitar, Nickdrums to find out just that after seeing them Rock the House of Blues.

You guys just recently moved to LA from France how was it out there, what made you want to move out here?

Marine: We started in France four years ago.

We did a lot of shows, contests and T.V. appearances too, but the thing is, in France, Rock N Roll music isn’t really popular. People don’t really listen to Rock N Roll, so that’s why we wanted to move to a country where we can make Rock N Roll. There you have people coming to your show, and they’re not watching you.

They’re like, “What are you doing? I don’t understand...” Or people just watch your band and say “Oh yeah, you sound like AC/DC,” cause it’s the only band that they know. So we were kind of bored and like, “Yeah, okay, nobody’s really wanting to listen to Rock N Roll.” And some people from the radio or some people from the label are like, “You have to sing in French,” and it’s kind of hard. And “Less guitar.” It’s not what we want to do. No, we want to do Rock N Roll!

So, we thought we’d just move here, because here everybody loves Rock N Roll.

What do you think the difference is in the music scene? You said the music industry people and media don’t like Rock N Roll so much, but what about the audience? Are those who actually like Rock N Roll more devoted over there than a lot of the fans over here?

Marine: Well, it depends on where you’re playing, because, we did some pretty cool gigs in France for kids in high school... They really love Rock music, so they were really excited.

When you play in a club in France, people don’t go to see shows. They don’t want to pay even five bucks to see shows; it’s not in the culture.

People don’t go to clubs to listen to bands.

Here, everybody on the weekend, and even in the week, if you want to see shows you can go whenever you want, with all these bands playing... We played the Viper on a Monday night, and we were thinking, “There’s not going to be anybody,” but there were people, actually – because people here want to listen to bands, and they’re going to the clubs. That’s the biggest difference.

How is it that you found yourselves on the Craig Ferguson show?

Marine: It was just a bit of luck because we like to go sometimes to Craig Ferguson when they’re taping and be part of the audience. We go sometimes when we want to see some actors and things – and Craig Ferguson asked, “Are there any people from France in the audience?” And we said, “Yeah.” He said, “Oh really, you’re from France?” He said, “Come with me onstage, and we can do something.” But I think he was really surprised because he thought that I don’t wanna talk... [But] I was talking about the band and he was really surprised. He was like, “I want to book you on the show!” So I spoke with the production and stuff... so, we may be on the show.

Who are your band’s biggest influences, and then who are your personal influences?

Paul: Well, for the band I’d say mainly GUNS N ROSES, MOTLEY CRUE. 80’s bands from Hollywood. But we all have different influences. Mine is particularly GNR, Marine’s is more JOAN JETT, or...

Marine: I listen to a lot of stuff, because I think (like for me) when you create the melody for the chorus, you have to listen to a lot of stuff to try to create something interesting. I love women [singers], like Aretha Franklin. That for me is the woman who [made me realize] I wanna be a singer. When I saw her, I said, “I wanna be a singer,” because she is so powerful. And yeah, JOAN JETT. And I listen to a lot of Punk Rock music too... but I try to listen to a lot of stuff, even the radio, the things you hear like Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, all this I listen to – it’s not my favorite music, but I listen to it because I think it’s interesting. You have to be curious.

Nick: Like Marine was saying, you get your inspiration from a lot of different styles. Lately, I’ve been doing a lot of oldies; somehow I mixed a lot of Pop-Punk in there, like FOUR YEAR STRONG, and stuff like that. Don’t ask me how I mixed those two things, that’s what I’m doing lately!

ROCKETT QUEENS are on a bunch of different social media outlets, a tool that was obviously not available to most of your influences in “their day.” What do you find works the best for you guys, with which do you get good results with finding fans out here?

Marine: I think the Facebook page, because it’s the easiest way to see how people are reacting to you. Every time you post something, people

can react and you can see it.

Paul: And everybody’s on Facebook all the time, like all day long!

Marine: Yeah. But on Facebook, I think that the music players look pretty good, you have to add something. So that’s why we have the ReverbNation page, and I think it works pretty well, too... After MySpace, ‘cause now MySpace is really shitty! I don’t know what we did, but it’s not working anymore!

RNR: (laughs) It’s kind of a ghost town now.

Marine: Yeah!

Paul: Most of the people on ReverbNation are bands who look for other bands.

Marine: But even on ReverbNation, it’s easy to contact the venues - if you want to send an email to the venues, you can, directly. So it’s easy, it’s a good tool.

It’s a good marketing tool! And what can we expect to see from ROCKETT QUEENS here in the near future? You’ve got a new EP or album coming up?

MARINE: Yes. So we’re working on new songs right now, and we’ll try to go and record an EP I think... maybe by the end of March, or the beginning of April. So, we have the new sound altogether, because the sound on the EP we have we did in France is really different, so we’ll try to have the new sound we have on the [new] CD, and then a lot of shows because we love playing. That’s the best thing about being in a band is being onstage.

Any music videos coming out? I know you guys have one for a song off of your last release.

Paul: Yeah, once we record an EP we’ll take one song and probably do a video.

MARINE: It’s good to have a video, people like it. When people try to find a new band, usually they watch on YouTube. It’s good to have the image and the sound at the same time. It sounds stupid; we’re supposed to be making music, not making videos. But its better for the people that don’t know us to be able to see us.

Scan the tag to see the full interview

Rock RockNNRoll RollIndustries IndustriesMagazine Magazine 61 61

62 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

Jacqueline Laree Ryland

Scan the tag for more coverage

Gibson GuitarTown The Gibson GuitarTown Gallery was held at the Hornburg’s showroom on Sunset Strip in Hollywood, California on March 12. The sculptures of the guitars were about 10 feet tall and were created by Tristan Eaton, Shepard Fairey, Lana Gomez, Tsipi Mani, Juliana Martinez, Ryan McCann, Edgar Pasten, Stephen M. Taylor. We were honored to have Edgar Pasten, tell us what inspired his sculpture and the meaning behind his art.

I based the design of my guitar on the song People of the Sun by Rage Against the Machine, because the lyrics are extremely powerful. RATMs music has always carried a message calling us to wake up, and look at the reality around us. The lyrics of this song are no different, and in fact these words are the very soul of my guitar.

This guitar is a beautiful opportunity for expression, both self and political – a message that is always delivered in the songs by RATM. I feel honored and privileged to share my work with others, but more importantly to help highlight a group who consistently evokes powerful emotions through their lyrics. Their lyrics send a powerful message, calling us to action against injustices in our own lives and in the lives of others. It is our responsibility, as a society, to live as united People of the Sun.

partner and President at Planet LA Records Ben Reiss, is pleased to state, “We are very happy to raise awareness for the need for music education in school. It is a breath of fresh air that so many companies can contribute to the same cause”.

Justin Edward

Belgian Pre-GRAMMY Party The 54th annual GRAMMY® Awards welcomed the Belgian Pre- GRAMMY® Party in support of VH1 Save the Music Foundation hosted by Planet LA Records on February 9, 2012. The invite-only party and benefit featured performers Cimorelli sisters (pictured above), platinum-selling Belgian artist Milow, Filipino platinum recording artist and actress Tia Carrere, GRAMMY® Award Winners Daniel Ho and Ted Perlman alongside American Idol coach Peggi Blu, who serenaded attendees with classics from Stevie Wonder and all artists delivered smashing performances.

It was a who’s-who at the private residence of the Belgian Consul as brand sponsors and industry moguls swarmed the red carpet. A portion of the proceeds from the silent auction and online donations collected from sponsor iBand. me will benefit the VH1 Save The Music Foundation in support of restoring the instrumental music education program in national public schools.

Partner and host of the evening Planet LA Records Founder and Principal Mark Nguyen, exudes, “We are happy to raise support and awareness for VH1 Save The Music for GRAMMY® week”. Nguyen’s

It was a night of professional networking and re-connecting with friends. Industry insider Kim Nieva, Engine House Music states, “I like the atmosphere of excitement, seeing old friends and meeting new contacts”. President of The National Association of Record Industry Professionals Tess Taylor made an appearance as well and commented, “It’s inspiring to see how much Planet LA Records has grown in such a short time, and the over-capacity crowd and wonderful music at its pre-GRAMMY® party last week at the Belgian Consul’s home is a great indicator.” Thanks to all for an evening of music, networking, good food and great company.

By WINJOW VH1 Save The Music is a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization founded in 1997 as a public affairs initiative of the VH1 network.

Rock N Roll Industries Magazine 63

STEPS TO STARTING YOUR BAND Of course YOUR MUSIC is the first consideration in putting your band together; musical chemistry will dictate the potential performance level of your band in the studio or on a live concert stage. But a bigger question is: what is the goal of this group? Is it for fun, for live gigs (whether you’re playing covers or original material), or for major, original ‘star level’ potential in the national and international scenes of the music business? There’s a big difference with each option. One is loose is purely for the fun of making music, while the other two have professional business aspirations and bands of this nature need to be treated like a business. No one thinks of a nasty break-up when you fall in love, but ultimately there’s usually an end to everything, and your ‘prenuptial’ (or in this case, your band agreement) should be completed earlier rather than later. Imagine trying to get your arguing spouse to agree to a ‘pre-nup’ after the marriage is falling apart, as opposed to when it was all loving!

Next up, of course, is YOUR PUBLIC PERSONA - your name, your vision, your look – which includes your image, logo, graphics and personality. These equate to the likeability and potential impact of a band. When we think of our favorite bands, you instantly think of a certain look, sound, attitude, and more!

BAND AGREEMENTS should spell out who owns the name/trademark, how monies are split, songwriting/publishing details and conditions for writers, how the leaving of a member is handled, and more. There are standard agreements, and they don’t need to be too wordy. It’s easier to decide upfront than after when a mad player leaves and demands “this” or “that”, or starts using the former band’s name for his ‘new project’. So, get an attorney that you can pay a reasonable fee to look over or create certain forms to protect your ‘business’. As far as managers go: truthfully, if you think you can get a big time manager to work on ‘spec’ (basically for free or as part of a “we’re both getting experience or another resume credit” type of deal) ‘til you ‘make it’, you probably will NOT have as much luck. Or, if you use your friend as your ‘manager’ and dump him whenever… that might also be bad.

Truth is, managers don’t do all the work you think they do in developing a band – at least not without owning a big chunk of you. Manage yourself, hire consultants to flesh out your talents and polish your image, sound, presentation, visuals and business. That way you are a ‘Free Agent’ so when the ‘real’ managers come calling you aren’t stuck in an ‘ugly divorce’ with a manager you knew wasn’t the ‘long term guy’ from the beginning! Professional bands need to be run like a business; determining who is the leader, the spokesman, the social member person, the tech/gear guy, the media ‘press’ interview guy, etc. Like a sports team, you need people that excel in a number of areas to put a ‘winning team’ into competition!

There are 4 MAIN AREAS to a successful band. They are…

1) Songwriting. Great artists are great writers. You can do an occasional cover or two, but great original songs are what people remember an artist for.

2) Recording. Great recordings of great songs are what make classics, whether you want to capture a great live sound or have a strong producer than can produce ‘ear candy’ and highlights in the studio that are pleasing to the ear and the attitude of the tracks.

3) Live concerts. Great concerts can make or break a band, and some bands exist solely on the strength of their live shows. Others are obviously ‘studio artists’!

4) The image presented by the band and its products. This includes the band logo, t-shirt designs, album covers, stage sets, videos, etc. All of these create a vibe of the band and establish a ‘brand’.

To be a great band, you need all the above elements, and that’s where third-party experts come into play. Like a Head Coach who can bring out the best in his players, you can’t get enough expertise, expert guidance and connected pros that have ‘been there and done that’ a million 64 Rock N Roll Industries Magazine

times on your side! They can help maximize the path from ‘where you are’ to ‘where you are trying to be’ and formulate a plan, a schedule and tasks for everyone to perfect in order to grow the band’s potential. The main thing is to do it for the fun and the passion of it all, because all the hard work and struggle to keep bettering is TOUGH without enjoying the process!

See you at the top!

Jay Warsinske is a 39+ year industry pro and is both founder and CEO of INDIEPOWER.com, an industry leader in music marketing, distribution, and promotion. You can email him at: jay@INDIEPOWER.com , and be sure to check out his upcoming Indie Entertainment Summit festival! Please see www.IESfest.com for more info.

DC4 - Electric Ministry

Scorpions - Comeblack

8 Genre(s): Pop/Rock Label: Sony Music

Scorpions: Comeblack is an unforeseen gem. Along with re-recordings of Classics like’ Blackout’ and ‘Rock’ you like a hurricane , they have recorded their own versions of classics such as Soft Cell’s ‘Tainted Love’ and crafted a surprisingly good version of the Beatles ’Across the Universe’. The new version of their songs are both heavier and better produced and stand up among today’s current rockers and holds its own.

This is a must have for any Scorpions fan. http://www.the-scorpions.com http://www.facebook.com/Scorpions

-Dan Hazard

Electric Ministry by DC4 is MegaRock at its finest. The songs that are contained within this cd talk about many aspects of life from its lowest in Broken Soul to its highest in Rock God (one of my personal favorites) to dealing with the past in Dirty Hands. There’s even a ballad. Yep, you read right. As long as they have the strength to do a show they will sing The Ballad of Rock & Roll which has some great guitar work in it, as does 8.5 Glitter Girl. Electric Ministry is a hard hitting, upbeat tune that rocks the house Genre(s): Mega-Rock or bumps the ride, depending on where you are listening to it. XXX will rock your Producer(s): Bill Metoyer socks off no matter where you hear to it. and Jeff Duncan People and 25 to Life have some great harmonies in them.

www.facebook.com/dc4hardrock www.dc4rocks.com -Peggy Murphy

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Jukebox

Ashes of your Enemy

Sekond Skyn

XNO

SANGRE

Hate Anthem

Ordinary Day

Shards of Mirrors

Me Vale Madre

Archer Who’s Gonna Save

Harvesting Murphy

You Now

Holding Onto Nothing

Swirl

A Dying Ember

Adrenaline

Rock 66 Rock N Roll N Roll Industries Industries Magazine Magazine 66

Turning Point

Great White (Preview)

In Her Memory Through The Eyes Of Obsession

Hectors Revenge Selfish

Nik Kai Demo

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