'VILLE #8 Toxic Patterns

Tour DeVille WyWakefield

ChrisLayton

ToxicPatterns

AngelIsland

CalebLake

JohnnyWolff

Jon Duncan – The Storyteller’s Story

byRichardGlass

WhenitcomestounderstandingJonDuncansstory,youquicklyrealize,thatlikeanonion, ithasmanylayers.Asamatteroffact,abetteranalogymightbetobe“thisclose”tosolvinga RubiksCube,withallthecolorsmatchinguponmostsides,onlytoturnitoverandfindthere areothercombinationsyouhadneverimagined.

At times, the terms “Renaissance Man” and “Old Soul” are randomly thrown around to intimate multi-talented people, but in the case of Jon there’s really no better way to describe him.

We sat down on a recent Sunday afternoon on a cold gray late winter’s day at the local Library to talk about his journey, his passions, and the things he loves about life, the people around him, and his hometown of Clarksville. A man of many talents and interests, his story is one of a true adventurer who is not afraid to step out and pursue his dreams. A master Storyteller, whether with his Art, Music, Photography, or Writing, Jon evokes emotions from his audiences that goes far beyond his contemporaries. Although his imposing height and presence are the first things you notice, his affable nature, quick smile, and friendly demeanor soon put you at ease. You can tell right away that he is supportive and interested in what you have to say, and what you’re trying to do.

Jon began life in Muscadine, Iowa, born to Eileen and Ronald, a former musician and piano tuner and restorer who relocated to Nashville when Jon was an infant. Settling in the East Nashville area, Ronald was eventually was recognized as one of the top 3 in his vocation.

Back then, East Nashville was not as refined as it is now and was not exactly a place where the Duncans wanted to raise their family. Although Jons Dad (a Korean War Veteran) had previously played coronet in New Orleans, he realized eventually that the life of a road musician was not what he wanted to expose his family to.

WhentheDuncanswereinprocessofmovingto Nashville,theirjourneytookthemthrough Clarksville,anddrivingdownMadisonStreet theyfellinlovewiththearchitectureandthe statelyhomes.Itremindedthemofthe neighborhoodsbackhomeinDavenport,sowhen choosingaplacetolive,Clarksvillewasit.The familymovedtoa30-acrefarmwithhorses (upto18atonetime)intheCunninghamarea, whichiswhereJonandhissisterspenttheir childhoods,andwhereheattendedMontgomery Centralschoolsfromthe3rdgradeonup. Also quite an accomplished artist, Jon worked in colored pencils and watercolors. In fact, he was good enough as a child to have his work chosen to be on a Federal Duck stamp, also winning a County Fair T-Shirt design contest. As an adult he was known for his animal and pet portraiture work in colored pencil, and he created quite a few commissioned pieces from his talents. Speaking of Watercolors, Jon described them as the Fiddle of the Art World (more on the instrument later), saying that both are slightly out of control, but when they come together, they’re magic.

Raised in a conservative household there was no TV on the farm, and the only music played regularly was whatever reinforced the family values. So, it came as a surprise when I asked about his first concert experience when he told me at 18, he and some buddies made a road trip to Pensacola Beach to see “Tool” in concert, He said it’s not necessarily what he would have picked, but when you’re with your friends and are enjoying life, you just go with it.

Afterschool,JohnwenttoworkattheZincPlantin CumberlandHeights,wherehestayedfor 16years.Inhisearly20’s,hehadafriendreturn fromatemporaryrelocationtoPortland Oregon,andwhenshearrived,shebroughtbacka Fiddle.Thiswaswhenthehip“OldTime Music”folkrevivalofthe2000’swasinfulleffectin Portland….andaboutthesametimeOld CrowMedicineShowwasmakingtheirdebut.He begantakingmusiclessons,whichlitthe fireforhisloveofBluegrass,andCountry& Westernmusicwhichdriveshimtothisday.The firstinstrumentheactuallypurchasedforhimself wasacheapFenderMandolin.Healready hadafiddlebythattime,giventohimbytrad (traditional)musicplayerKarlKersey,whohe befriendedwhileCivilWarre-enacting(another layer).

Once he dipped his toe in the musical pool, Jon thought (as all musicians do) it would be a good idea to play in a band. He sought out the advice of former local musician Kenny Vaughn (a long time Mandolin player and member of the iconic Clarksville band, The Beagles) and friend Patrick Schmittou, forming the Western Swing band (are you ready for this….) The Common Taters. Decked out in matching suits and ties, after playing for two years at home, they played a few gigs in 2007. Schmittou played lead guitar, Jon was on rhythm, and all shared vocal duties. Their vibe was an early (pre-outlaw) Country & Western Swing, with a bit of 20’s tin pan alley jazz thrown in for good measure, and they covered such artists such as Bob Wills, Ray Price, Eddy Arnold, and Buck Owens, adding their own unique acoustic Bluegrass flavor. “Kenny Vaughn was my first musical mentor and was a great influence on me in that area”.

Jon currently sits in with Clarksville artists such as Gary Mefford, and has formed a Blugrass group named “JonHenry”, along with friends and longtime scene players Matthew and Brit Dewey, and Heath Rives. The band name is an homage to his late musical collaborator, friend, (and Clarksville Legend), Henry Rives. Oh yeah, he also has a pretty cool harmonica player and vocalist join him on selected numbers. While primarily adding “the fiddle in the band”, he will bring out his guitar on occasion as well. Additional building of his musical muscles came from performing with The Common Taters at Brunies German restaurant a few times, when it hosted live music on the Public Square end of Strawberry Alley.

Askedabouthismusicalinfluencesregardingthe fiddle,DuncanspeaksofBruceMolskyfor pureold-timestylesoriginatingfromIrishand Scottishimmigrantsongsmeantfordancing.He gotthechancetomeetBruceatTheStationInn whileshootingtheAmericanaFestivalin 2022.HisfavoritecurrentfiddleplayerisKyleKnix ofTheTurnpikeTroubadours(Jonsported oneoftheirt-shirts)anddescribeshimthusly:“He incorporatesalotoftheold-timetuning andphrasing(bolddronesanddouble-stops)while playingalongwithmoderndrumsand electricguitarsintheRedDirtgenre(Texasand Oklahomamusic).Hedoesaphenomenal jobwithit,andTurnpike'ssoundwouldbe nakedwithouthisiconicfiddlecontributionson eachandeverytrack.Asanamateur,back-porch typefiddler,Idon'treallyhavethechopsto trulyemulateeitheroneoftheirstyleswhenIplay, butIwouldifIcould!”

John was working at the zinc plant at the time and taking night classes for fun. After posting pics on Facebook from his assignments, realtors started asking for him to shoot houses. He also met someone during this time, before quitting and leaving for the Cultivated Company. While shooting houses on a weekend, he met legendary local photographer Tyler Cruse, who hired him away from the plant to start the Cultivated Co. Although starting out as a laborer at the Zinc Plant, Jon had already worked his way through the system levels to be a trainer and salaried member of management. But he knew that to fully stretch his creative talents he needed to make photography a full-time career.

And since he had decided to go down the creative photo and videography path, Jon figured it might be a good idea to form a solid foundation and get a degree. Although he had taken classes at Austin Peay State in his 20s, Nashville State was his pick for a digital photography class. Fortuitous decision on his part. Because not only did he learn about the ins and outs of a modern single lens reflex camera, that class was where he met his girlfriend Melanie (Mel) (who is another fascinating story herself), and who is the harmonica player I mentioned earlier. Mel is a custom finish carpenter, and talented in her own right. Though they have varying interests and abilities, they form a pretty solid partnership.

Jon has a flyable drone in his photography toolbox as well (yes, he’s a pilot too), which has resulted in some breathtaking still photos and videos from the Clarksville area, especially downtown during our gorgeous sunsets. He’s been a commercial drone operator for around 4 years (and is recognized as one of the tops in the area in experience). He flew almost daily with The Cultivated Company. He’s even currently shooting drone footage with HGTV for the show “Househunters” quite a bit.

You would think that with his love of country and bluegrass music Jon would have a connection with the Rodeo world too, and you’d be right, even if it’s just begun. That entry came by chance, through his friend (and bass player – producer) Daniel Walker. Daniel owns a ranch and puts on a Rodeo there every year. Recruited by a number of Rodeo & Western Sports Event Producers to shoot competitions, you’re taken right into the middle of the action for some awesome photos that are so real you can just about smell the ring. Jon loves working with people in the Rodeo world, calling them, truly – salt of the earth. He said, “If you’re looking for a real slice of Americana, go to a Rodeo.”

So, with this kind of schedule, what would someone do for fun? For a short while, Jon was a Civil War re-enactor. Being a history buff, he became a member of the 1 st Tennessee, based out of Franklin, with a group of younger guys (quite a few with History degrees) who were known for their authenticity. Although short lived (it was too static for him) he did enjoy interacting with the public representing both Union and Confederate impressions of the war from a line soldiers point of view – no politics, purely historical representations. As an added bonus he became a movie star! Well, an extra anyway, in the (not Oscar nominated) “Abraham Lincoln – Vampire Hunter”. While describing it as “a terrible movie” he did have fun and could have been a stunt double for the lead.

When he’s looking to relax, Jon heads to the outdoors. A fan of camping, back-packing, dirt bikes, scuba, and kayaking, he has plenty to choose from. When Jon travels (and he tries to avoid going to the same place twice – although that has happened in Grand Cayman), he is drawn to places with Jungles. He feels like he’s on a National Geographic expedition and all of a sudden is a kid again. He’d like to see some parts of Africa before he dies, saying “They say it feels like home when you get there, no matter where you’re from”.

Although he likes cooking, Jon regularly defers to Mel (because he says she’s the better cook) and leans toward dishes with some serious spices – usually Italian or French – with occasional Caribbean Jerk as well. Asked about his favorite places to eat, he said “With so many great new restaurants here it’s hard for me to call out a favorite, but – I’ve never been disappointed with Yada on Franklin”.

From Red Dirt Country to Rodeos, and Flying Machines to Fiddles, Jon Duncan is a man of many talents, and a darn good human to boot. Whether playing you a tune, snapping a photo, or writing a bio of a friend and musician, you can always be assured you’ll come away smarter and happier after seeing his creations.

You can see more of Jon’s work on his Instagram account @jon_duncan_art or his website, www.jonduncanphoto.com.

Jon covers events, does bios, shoots architecture and fine portraits, and creates industrial and commercial photography. Then there’s the Drone thing, and lest I forget, music videos and band shows.

Do yourself a favor and check him out. And say howdy if you see him around, he’ll be the tall lanky fella with the easy smile.

The adventure continues, and Jon Duncan is definitely “Living Large”.

TOXIC PATTERNS

TOXIC PATTERNS

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TOXIC PATTERNS TOXIC PATTERNS

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ByAshleyKettle

On Saturday, May 13, Toxic Patterns took the stage for the first time at the TOUR DE VILLE After Party. Emotions ranged from excitement and nervousness to eagerness as the four-man band geared up for their set.

“Slangin’” guitarist Ian Cargill, drummer and vocalist Spencer Evans, guitarist and vocalist Cody Parson, and bass player and vocalist Lawton Vierkant kicked their set off with their debut song “Dad! I Like Beer!” to a packed crowd at Revel House.

I was hooked within seconds of hitting the play button on Spotify for “Dad! I Like Beer!” Toxic Patterns’ sound slammed me back to the era when The Misfits, Suicidal Tendencies, The Sex Pistols and The Ramones was my most played mixed tape. The band has that raw basement sound with deep, meaningful lyrics that lends itself to the raised hand horn, hair flying, head banging, jumping days of my youth. So, I was a little more than excited to be given the chance to find out more about Clarksville’s latest “Emo,” “Sad Boi Yallternatvie” band.

Tell me about the band’s debut

Spencer: I remember feeling mainly anxious, but I was just excited and ready to play for our friends. And very hot and sweaty. It added to the show, I bet.

Ian: The night was .eventful haha.

Lawton: Haha, oh boy, uhhhh my perspective is fun. So the first feeling was just pure excitement. I’ve been going to TOUR DE VILLEs almost since the beginning. I’ve played at probably 5 or 6 [TOUR DE VILLEs] with other bands, but I haven’t been in a local band that has done shows in over 6 years. So the fact our debut was at TOUR DE VLLE, and it was with this group, I was stoked. Then I got super nervous when it was getting close to our set, and had been drinking for a large portion of the day, so between that and the adrenaline, the set zoomed by. The videos I saw and from what others have said it was a good set, so that’s a plus, haha.

Cody: I was incredibly eager to be playing music with my brother again (Ian) he’s not in my solo band and I often miss his presence performing. Everything about Toxic Patterns just felt like old friends tho. I was comfortable with all these guys before we ever got on stage together.

The Basics: Where are you from? Where’d you grow up?

Spencer: I was an army brat, so I spent some time early in Europe. But for the most part I grew up in West Texas and Clarksville the last decade .

Ian: I was born in Tacoma, WA and spent my childhood bouncing back and fourth between Clarksville and the middle of nowhere Herndon, KY. Me and Cody met when I was around 8 years old when my mom and his dad started runnin the streets together.

Lawton: I was born in Nashville, and my family moved to Clarksville when I was about 3 years old because they were looking for more land and a little bit of distance from the Nashville scene. Ever since then I’ve lived in Clarksville.

Cody: Born & raised [in Clarksville].

Photos by Jacob Curry

When and how did Toxic Patterns come about?

Spencer: I think it has always been like a what if situation between Cody and I. We had to include Lawton, cause he is my special guy and I always think of him first if I'm gonna do anything music related. Finally we all just said let's get together and see what we actually could write. We were lucky Ian was available to do this too, cause most of us have played together but never anything like this or anything where all four of us were included.

Ian: Cody, Spencer and I had been playing in my solo project for about a year or so. When I was finally able to come over and jam with them plus Lawton, things just clicked instantly.

Lawton: A funny story that I think was the legit spark for Toxic Patterns, I had two other friends that really wanted to just jam and write some music, so I called Spencer and had him come out and jam for this session. Then the next time that group got together, Cody just stopped by to hang out and hear what we had been doing. Fast forward like a month, that little jam band kinda fizzled out, and me, Cody, and Spencer decided to jam, and the first time we got together we wrote the intro to Dad! I Like Beer! And we all were kinda like, “woa, that was pretty sick considering we only jammed for an hour or two.” Then fast forward to a few more rehearsals, and Ian got roped in and it was an instant fit. Like Spencer said, we’ve all been in the scene for years, but Cody and Ian had been in projects together, and Spencer and I had been in some too, but never the four of us together. So it just instantly clicked and we kinda felt like we had a good thing mainly because of the chemistry.

Cody: I watched FreeThrow play a hometown show a month before Covid shut down the world. After years and years of watching the “cool” kids of Nashville cross their arms at shows it was refreshing AF to see a crowd screaming at the top of their lungs. That started me back on emo and like spencer mentioned we jus kinda started joking about starting an emo band. Then it became more than a joke.

Toxic Patterns is a kick-a$$ name, where did that name come from?

Spencer: That's all Cody. He brought it - I think day 1 - and we all knew.

Cody: I was having a conversation with my friend Danielle Suits about recognizing your toxic patterns and taking accountability for them. In the midst of the conversation I checked the webs to see if anyone had named a band that yet and I instantly knew.

Photos by Chris Layton

How does this band’s sound differ from other bands you’ve played with?

Spencer: I've only ever drummed in hard-core bands or played guitar in like some alternative indie rock stuff. This is the first time I've had success trying to play this style of music here.

Ian: After playing in Whiskey Angel for ten years, I've had to teach myself to lay back a little bit and not rip a gnarly guitar solo in every song.

Lawton: I think what’s cool about this band is that we all have a ton of similar interests in other bands that we have listened to for years, but what each of us bring to the table is all a different element. Like we knew we wanted some midwest emo/indie sound, but all of us have a different view on what that is. So when we’re writing songs we’ll just take an immediate left turn because of someone’s suggestion, and I think that just brings a really cool and interesting sound to it.

Cody: Everything about this project is different for me. From the inception and development of songs to the very genre we play. The south has always reflected in the music I play and somehow toxic patterns doesn’t feel different. It’s sad Boi Yallternative.

Who were your early influences? How do they influence Toxic Pattern’s sound?

Spencer: Early on musically it had to be At The Drive-In, The Blood Brothers, The Chariot Underoath and mewithoutYou. Now mainly Title Fight, Turnover, Pianos Become The Teeth and Hot Mulligan. I'm all over the place.

Ian: I've been a KISS fan since I was 4 years old, but none of that really comes into play in Toxic Patterns The first band I was ever in when I was 12 or 13 covered Fall Out Boy, Hawthorne Heights and Underoath, so I had some experience in the genre. My influences for this band are New order, Joyce Manor, Title Fight, Jank. Oh and I always gotta shout out the greatest band on earth, My Morning Jacket.

Lawton: Early on when I first started playing music it was pretty much Underoath, Emery, and The Devil Wears Prada on repeat. Then in high school I went straight to pop punk like All Time Low & The Maine. It wasn’t until my mid-20’s when I started listening to some bands that influenced this project like Hot Mulligan and Jank, and those vocal styles really have influenced me in the parts that I sing in Toxic Patterns.

Cody: I didn’t ride the first wave of emo, meaning I never played in a band like this before where as I think all the rest of the guys really started cutting their live chops during that era. I come from the school of rock n roll so really classic rock has always been the foundations of what I play. This band was my first attempts to actively ply something different.

PhotosByJacobCurry

Favorite song Toxic Patterns performs

Spencer: "Sadder Now" for sure.

Ian: Agreed but I also like our big closing song that Cody called "12 Hour Hold" lol.

Lawton: “Dad! I Like Beer!” Baby, that intro gets me too hype.

Cody: I don’t really have one at this point. But I guess I’ll say “D3 Mortal Wounds” just to be different. Who writes the music? Describe your writing process.

Spencer: I think every song has been a very natural process of each person bringing or pitching ideas and just jamming on anything we can come up with. We haven't tried to force anything where we don't feel it needs to be and that's been refreshing. We all value each other's opinions and playing.

Ian: Yeah, it's definitely been a group effort. I've had a lot going on in my life for the past couple months and it's put me on a huge creative streak. I came up with the riff for "Sadder Now" after buying a chorus pedal from a pawn shop. I didn't realize till later it was basically the intro to "Ten Years Gone" by Led Zeppelin, which is pretty heavy considering the last 10 years of my life completely changed around the time I wrote that riff.

Lawton: Yeah, a group effort for sure. Not one person has had a whole song “written” and brought it to the table. Everything has either been a riff, or a melody, that we just collaborate on and then start building the song section by section. I really enjoy that process too because it really puts each other's influence into each and every song instead of “this song sounds like this….and that one is like that…” they all have little pieces that each of us have brought.

Cody: It’s all of us very equally. I’m very happy with it.

The song, “Dad! I Like Beer” is great. The lyrics are deep - what inspired the song? The sound reminds me of the early years of The Misfits. Is that the sound Toxic Patterns is going for?

Spencer: I'm not sure if we know exactly what our direction or sound is becoming but we're excited. That was a song Cody brought to practice day 1 and that was the song we knew this whole project was gonna work.

Ian: Danzig era Misfits for life. "Hybrid Moments" is one of my favorite songs of all time and reminds me of my best friend Alex's funeral.

Lawton: As Spencer said, this riff was from day 1. We hadn’t even jammed yet, and Cody brought it and we were like, “oh yeah, that’s the sound were going for.” Then once we pieced the rest of it together, all I could think about when listening to it was like, “Yes, this literally encompasses all of our influences.” Between the vocal styles in the chorus, how we layered the vocals in the bridge, still snuck in a solo so Ian could shred, it all was just what I think we wanted to happen with this band. As far as the Misfits sound, I will be honest and admit I never had a phase of listening to them haha so maybe that was an influence from the other guys.

Cody: I think the beautiful thing about it is how natural the sound developed. We didn’t come into this project with any kind of preconceived notion of what things should sound like and that kind of gave us free reigns to find our sound.

What’s next for the band?

Spencer: Writing and recording more for sure. And playing a few shows coming up, so please come check us out.

Ian: Who knows but I'm loving it either way. We have a camaraderie that I haven't experienced with another band that makes it feel like home for now.

Lawton: Yeah we’ve got a few shows lined up over the next few months, but I think writing and recording is a major focus. While we’re happy with everything we’ve written so far, I keep telling the guys that I think the next 5 songs we write are gonna smoke the others just because of the chemistry and how everytime we get together, it just gets better and better.

Cody: More songs and more shows. Aiming to release a EP by the end of the summer.

What’s next for you?

Spencer: Just working in the brewery at Blackhorse and getting ready for summer.

Ian: I also work at the Blackhorse so I do plenty of that, but my life as of lately has been a whirlwind of surprises so who effin’ knows?

Lawton: Yeah really just working the good ‘ole day job, and hoping to get better at my mixing and mastering abilities so we can keep cranking out higher quality music haha.

Cody: Continuing patterns and continuing to push with my solo act Cody Parson & The Heavy Change.

Where would you be without music?

Spencer: Most likely trying to focus on some other art I'm interested in. Music has always been a very expressive and fulfilling thing.

Ian: Dead.

Lawton: Yeah there’s no telling for me. The amount of situations, and just life events that music has helped me through, not sure I could say if I would even be here, or be the person that I am if it wasn’t for music.

Cody: If it wasn’t music I often feel like I would have thrown myself into film. Directing and presenting narrative is incredibly appealing to me.

ChrisLayton

Advice for anyone starting out?

Spencer: Practice.

Ian: Just do you and don't worry about what others think or say. If the art comes out of you, it's worthwhile.

Lawton: Yeah, practice is a huge one. That’s definitely some advice I wish I listened to when I was starting. Also, try to find some like minded friends and just hangout and jam. You don’t even have to write anything that is good or something you keep. Just get in a room, hangout, make memories, and have fun. It’ll pay off.

Cody: Don’t worry about anyone else. Focus on yourself and building your skills. Support your community but not at the expense of yourself.

Any parting words?

Spencer: Practice more.

Ian: Watch King of the Hill.

Lawton: Go listen to Dad! I Like Beer! So you can hear a bunch of over 30 year olds yell about stuff.

Cody: Find what makes life worth living.

TLDR; Four long-time friends; Spencer Evans, Ian Cargill, Lawton Vierkant and Cody Parson, debuted their new band, Toxic Patterns, during the TOUR DE VILLE After Party at Revel House. If you’re into My Morning Jacket, Hot Mulligan, Title Fight and the like, Toxic Patterns is your new favorite band. Go check ‘em out on Instagram @toxic.patterns, and then go like their Facebook page Toxic Patterns. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Flamingo Valley

Flamingo Valley sounds like a coastal retreat for lovers of tropical retreat. But in this case, it is the name of a current location for some serious live music and Sunday afternoon chill. They have been having shows sporadically since last summer. I finally attended one such show last month (shown here) and what a great time!

The event is hosted by housemates Jeff Plumley, Elijah Speck and John Ohrt. Three shows down and more on the way, Flamingo Valley is more than just a house party... volleyball, giant darts and sword play are also on tap!

The daytime into evening on Sunday events are perfect for people who are booked on Saturday nights and just wanna chill out before starting a new work week. As Jeff will tell you, "Each of us is big on having family and friends coming out and having a great time!"

I have to recommend this uncommon pairing of live Rock & Roll and neighborly cooperation to anyone looking to close out the weekend with good times and great music! -

JC

PhotosbyChrisLayton

Who's on the Drums???

Dakota Price

Powerful!ThehandfuloftimesI'vehadthegoodfortunetoseeDakota playthedrumshasbeennothingshortofinspiring.Asadrummer,I'm alwaysdrawntoconfidentplayerswhoaren'tafraidtohitthedrums... DakotaPriceisonesuchdrummer!Nowletsseewhatsgoingonwith DakotaandherDRUMS-JC

Dakota Price (She/Her)

How long have ya been playing?

I’ve been playing drums since I was 14 years old. Funny story about how I go my first drum set actually, my mom on a whim bough it when I was 8 and I played it 30 seconds and never touched it again till I was 14. One day I just got the urge to play the drums and I was hooked instantly. I guess you could say a mothers intuition knows no bounds.

Were you in band at school?

I joined school band when I was in the 3rd grade. I was fortunate that the school in the small town of Dandrige, TN had a band program and I started on alto saxaphone. When I moved to Clarksville in the 6th grade I attempted to try out for the percussion section for middle school band, but there were already to many percussionists so I got stuck on alto sax. Despite being denied it didn’t stop me from going home right after school and practicing drum as long as I could.

Biggest influences on drums?

My biggest influences on the drums would be (in no particular order) Forrest Rice - He’s was the previous drummer for Covet and the current drummer for Wølfy. The first time I heard his playing I was entranced by the articulate rhythms and seemingly effortless flow of his playing. I actually took a few lessons from him last summer where he shared his approach to generating patterns and transitioning between them fluently as well as his thoughts on developing a career in the music industry. I’m still developing and applying the techniques to this day and see myself expanding on them for years to come. Carter Beauford - Carter, of Dave Matthews Band fame, has always been one of my biggest inspirations growing up. From his tasteful chops to complex syncopated hi-hat patterns, to his ability to express a deep pocket with his grooves all of it kept me in the practice room for hours replaying album after album trying to understand and glean a small piece of the excellence I heard on each track. Tim (The Herb) Alexander - PRIMUS was another band that captured my mind when I was exposed to it. I love the funky and jovial nature of Les’ bass lines which are intricately laced together by Tim’s playing.

What kind of gear do you use? Kit, cymbal set up, sticks, snare (if different from the kit)

I mainly use a Tama Silverstar Mirage, and I have for the past 5 years. I love Tama’s consistency and high quality as well as the tones I’m able to produce from my kit. It’s versatile and distinct in all of the right ways I use Meinl cymbals it’s another brand where I can rely on their high quality and versatility to get me through any gig. Currently for live shows I use: - 14in Meinl Classic Custom Dark Hi-hats - 18in Meinl Classics Custom Dual Crash - 24in Meinl Byzance Medium Ride Traditional - 18in Meinl Byzance Dark Crash I use a TAMA Iron Cobra 900 Power Glide Blackout Edition for my kick pedal I use Evans heads, Coated UV2’s on the batter side and clear UV1’s on the resonant side of all drums My go to snare for giging is my Pork Pie “BOB” snare, or “Black on Brass” snare. The tone and body I can get out of it are so delicious. My favorite sticks to use are ProMark 2B Hickory drum sticks. They have a larger body which helps my hands to not cramp when playing longer shows.

What band(s) are you in? Past and present

I haven’t been in many bands. Here’s the list OtoArcadium Mad Cabbage Attention Deficit Lillicat (present) Estrogensis (present, solo)

Favorite things about Clarksville music scene?

My favorite thing about the music scene would be how supportive people are. Anytime I play a show around town people always come up and talk to me about how it went and I really appreciate that. I also love the group cultivating around Lillicat. They’re people who love and support me and my identity. As a transgender individual it’s made me feel more comfortable being open and expressing my self genuinely.

Any particular shows you've played stand out as being your best or favorite?

Revel Pride 2021 for sure, it was my first time playing with Lizzy under a different project, but it was like sampler, or preview, of things to come because 2 years later we’re working together again with many of the same people, and playing at Pride Nashville. It’s cool to see how life just puts the people in your life you need at just the right time.

What music do you listen to? Like what's your play list?

I listen to a lot of different types of music, but recently I’ve been listening to a lot of electronic music like: Machine Girl

Sewer Slvt Goreshit Venetian Snares Vektroid Golden Boy And some none electronic music: Donny Hathaway Her’s Thundercat HIRS G.L.O.S.S Rainbow Kitten Surprise Gregory and The Hawk toe Totorro Mestís

Quote:

I’ll provide two out of my inability to decide…

The nerdy anime loving one: “I think that my little girl has, perhaps, become obsessed with the WIRED. It’s just an advanced medium for communication. Don’t get it confused with the real world.” – Yasuo Iwakura

The inspirational one: “My silences had not protected me. Your silence will not protect you.” – Audre Lorde

Year of October is a fuzzed out rock band from Nashville, TN. They travel the U.S. in a minivan to bring their dirty riffs and dark grooves to people everywhere. Made up of Phlecia Sullivan (vocals), Josh Sullivan (guitar), and James Varner (drums) their original music has been described as a Black Sabbath sound with Amy Winehouse in the lead. They have become a staple in the Nashville rock scene by putting on a powerful show that pulls people in with their dynamic and energetic performance. Their fifth album entitled, 'Keep on Fighting' continues to grow their sound. The storytelling on this record covers a variety of topics from anger & depression to folk tales of ancient gods. Album out now!

Quotes'VILLE

I'mhappytobea msmallstoneina ountainthatis

QueenCityMusic

- JohnnyWolff

I'vebeentoshowsinsomany differentcommunities&themusic sceneinClarksvilleisunlike anywhereelse Tobeapartofthe sceneistobewithfamilyandall youhavetodoisshowup.Wehave loveandacceptanceforeveryone! We'resimplybondedtogether feelingamazingmusic&supporting theseup&coming,supertalented, localmusicians.

Dawn Marie owner, Revel House

Themusicscenein Clarksvilleisbasedoffa decadeplusof friendshipsandgood times,youaren'tgoingto findthatkindof compatibilityanywhere.

RandallSaez

ThemusicsceneinClarksvilleis encounteredthemostwelcomingI'veinmylifesofar. Evenwithsomanyvarietiesof arthappeningaroundtown,it seemseveryonecomes togetherinasymbioticwayto inspireoneanother,andkeep thegoodtimesrolling.

JacobMarkus

"It's great to see the Clarksville music scene grow and evolve over the years."

ZachLerman

EDITORS PAGE

Hello to everyone!

for LOCAL CLARKSVILLE

their new Nightlife Guide

Here goes...

‘Ville: A Rock & Roll Magazine started as a tribute to what I had been seeing for years, a musical community like I had never seen before. Fellowship. A brother and sisterhood. A group of musicians who not only had talent and drive, but also the willingness to support each other's craft and endeavors. Every band member is a FAN, Hell, a SUPERFAN of every project this vibrant scene has to offer.

My main inspirations were my son Ian and his brother, Cody Parson. They had formed a band just out of high school and then a music festival of their own a few years later. Possumstock was created by Parson the year after The Coup closed its third and final location. I also credit The Coup with inspiring that generation of kids from the Clarksville area and giving them a place to spread their musical wings! The stage at The Coup gave young people who couldn’t play the stages at a bar a home to create and perform. That group has grown into highly talented songwriters and stage-ready artists.

After hearing again and again local bands with so much heart and soul, I asked Cody, “Why isn't there a music magazine in this town anymore? We need it more now than ever!” He agreed. I called a dear friend who was a long time music journalist for The Leaf-Chronicle, Stacy Leiser. I asked her if she would be interested in writing for a new music publication put on by Cody Parson and “yours truly.” Her reaction was positive…

Eight issues of ‘Ville have been published since the end of 2021. With love for our musical community, James

Cargill

I recently did a small piece

for

and wanted to share part of it here. Many of you may not know why we do what we do.