In honor of Halloween and the theme of BLACK, PURESIN Photography gives us a glimpse into Black Stone Cherry and none other than Black Label Society! Page 22
Sherry Keith
Mystic Photography catches up to an old CV WorldWide friend, Shawn Smash, and his band of misfits, TOTAL CHAOS, at the DIVE Bar in Vegas. Page 12
GEMINI SYNDROME P 4
Gemini Syndrome is a collective of 5 musicians with one common focus: music. Originating from Los Angeles, CA in early 2010, the band has been converting listeners with their strong stage performances and cohesive content, filling a gap that has been lacking in contemporary, mainstream music; the group has made a strong foothold on the local LA hard rock scene and has begun to make advances into the rest of the nation. Building from the momentum of early local successes, Gemini Syndrome has continued converting new fans through regional shows and multiple national tours; this natural progression of organically grown attention has enabled the band to consistently move forward and gain strong recognition.
<CV WorldWide> Tell our readers who's in the band and their role?
Aaron-vocals
Mike-guitar/vocals
Brian-drums
AP-bass
Rich-guitar
<CV WorldWide> Tell us about the beginning, who founded the
band, what was the catalyst behind it?
<Aaron> We are a group of musicians that met in Los Angeles through circumstance and mutual friends. We were all interested in a new project and wanted to put our full intention and energy into it. That's pretty much what ended up happening.
<CV WorldWide>Talk to us about the journey to find the right combination of musicians...
<Aaron>This group came together very quickly and naturally. We've all played in numerous projects and finding the right mesh of personalities and talent is always a challenge. This band came togeth-
er in a very organic way.
<CV WorldWide>Tell us about the name, where did it come from?
<Aaron> Gemini represents the duality of nature. The twins of the zodiac. The yin and the yang. Syndrome means a collection of traits or qualities. Combining these is basically saying balancing the aspects of the human condition.
<CV WorldWide> What is it about THIS combination that you think works so well?
<Aaron> It's hard to say. We are all unique yet similar. We've grown to become a family and truly care for one another. That makes it easier to profess a message of love and community since we live it.
CV> What were your initial thoughts on creating the band, how did you think you'd fare in a pretty high quality music mar-
ket?
<Aaron> We created this with optimism and hope that we could influence the music community in a positive way and I think we have. We have all studied music for most of our lives and feel that this is our chosen path in this world.
<CV WorldWide> Who do you guys count as your musical influences?
<Aaron> Between all of us we have listened to black metal and have performed just about every genre. Our influences range from classical to metal, rap and hip hop to jazz.
<CV WorldWide> Have you guys always wanted to play music, or were there other interests when you were younger?
<Aaron> We all had other interests for sure ranging from sports to reading but music was always in there for all of us.
<CV WorldWide> Some of you have been in other bands before
this one, tell us about those?
<Aaron> We have all been in numerous bands over the years…too many to name quite honestly.
<CV WorldWide>What do you hope to accomplish with your music, what message do you try to convey?
<Aaron> Syn in Greek means to combine or unite. We want to create a safe place for people to connect with one another and be accepted for who they are no matter what.
<CV WorldWide> What motivates you to keep improving, to keep expanding your horizons as musicians and a band?
<Aaron> I think that any artist honing their craft is always trying to improve. I think that comes with the territory.
<CV WorldWide>In the end, while all bands WANT to be successful, are you prepared for the success this will bring?
<Aaron>I hope so.
<CV WorldWide> What kind of pressure do you feel, if any, to produce a successful record?
<Aaron> Again, being an artist, you want to produce the best work you can. I think if anything the pressure comes from inside.
<CV WorldWide> How will you decide which songs to release as singles?
<Aaron>I suppose the ones we feel are the best and most pow-
erful.
<CV WorldWide> How has the response been from the shows you are playing?
<Aaron> The support we get from our fans is always overwhelming. There is a lot of love from them.
<CV WorldWide> How important is it for fans of the headliner to come early to see the opening band, to support?
<Aaron>I think bands try to bring other acts that will compliment them. Putting together a show is an entire event and also helps newer bands get exposed to new people. I think it‘s very important them.
<CV WorldWide> Let’s talk about the music industry today...and social media...music distribution is much different now, do you see that as progress? The ability to market/sell individual songs, does that benefit the industry as a whole?
<Aaron> I think so. People can get what they want now. The only sad part is that when a band makes a record as a whole piece of art that gets lost sometimes to some listeners.
<CV WorldWide> Alright then, Social Media platforms...savvy PR tools or necessary evil?
<Aaron> They allow you to keep in contact with fans and
friends in a way never before possible. I think it‘s an absolute tool for artists in this day and age.
<CV WorldWide> Do you guys have a favorite place to play?
<Aaeon> Not really. We've made friends just about everywhere we go and every city has its own character. I personally like Seattle just because I love the city but I can name something awesome about pretty much everywhere we go.
<CV WorldWide>Have you had any particularly memorable shows to date? Why was it memorable; good OR bad.
<Aaron> We recently played a
show with Sevendust in Mississippi. It was sold out and I was incredibly moved by the crowd. There have been a ton of shows like that but that one is fresh in my mind.
<CV WorldWide> What is it about your music that you feel appeals to fans?
<Aaron> We mean what we say. The message is pure and I think people identify with that.
<CV WorldWide> What can fans expect to see at a show?
<Aaron> Energy, community, intensity.
<CV WorldWide> Do any of your songs speak to you on a deep personal level?
<Aaron> I think it‘s safe to say they all do.
<CV WorldWide> How have you guys grown as a band and as musicians?
<Aaron> I think we have grown in every way possible. We‘re closer as people and
friends and have become better players simply because we get to do this all the time.
<CV WorldWide> Where do you think you are in the journey of Gemini Syndrome?
<Aaron> As I say in the song Babylon, "It's only just begun."
<CV WorldWide> What other bands do you guys listen to during downtime and relaxation?
<Aaron> Like I said earlier we listen to all different types of music. Personally lately, I have been into Twelve Foot Ninja and The Faceless.
<CV WorldWide> How much pressure is there to “produce” with every new musical offering?
<Aaron> Again, as artists we want everything we do to be quality. I think the pressure is always there but more from ourselves than from outside influences.
<CV WorldWide> Where do you see the band in 3-5 years,
idealistic and realistic?
<Aaron> I hope we are at the top of the proverbial mountain but it's impossible to predict the future. At least it's impossible for me to predict the future.
<CV WorldWide> We understand you are touring very heavily, and about to go out on the road again. Tell us about that, how has it been going and tell us about the new tour.
<Aaron> We are road dogs for sure. We have been on the road almost constantly for years now and it gets tiring but we love it. We are about to hit the road with Nonpoint. We've been friends with them for a long time and have toured with them before with Device so the relationship is already there. I'm looking forward to this run. It should be a great time and great shows
<CV WorldWide> Okay, what’s in store for the remainder of 2014? What other big projects are in the works?
<Aaron> After this run it'll be the end of the year so we will take time for the holidays but then we will head into doing a new record and all of the details that come with that.
<CV WorldWide> Any final words you would like to convey to your fans?
<Aaron> We are blessed to have the fans that we do. They are loyal and loving people and have supported us through everything and for that, simply, thank you.
GEMINI SYNDROME
An Alternative Rock band that's not too heavy not too mild, these musical magicians brought LVCS Las Vegas a sound that impacted the stage and left a mark forever.
It's August 31st and the night is ready for something different. Gemini Syndrome possesses that kind of sound that stays with you, a sound that flows like swimming in an ocean of tranquility but containing a twist of rage. One could say they sound a little like Stone Sour, Disturbed, Mudvayne or Tool, but still, they are truly unique.
Listening to them play, I feel they sound exactly like Gemini Syndrome is meant to. It's no secret these fellas are one with their music and instruments and that they bear a powerful message of empowerment and truth. Like most bands I have seen and reviewed GS interacts with their audience. What's a bit different from other bands is that they exude their music performances, romancing the crowd with their tones, touching their hearts and hands. I especially love to see frontmen and their band mates shake hands of their fans while onstage, interacting with the crowd, sharing their love of music. The connection is powerful and inspiring. This night was their final show of a monstrously long tour, but their energy never waned.
I am very proud to have been there. To transcribe what I saw with my eyes onto paper, into words brings microscopic justice than actually seeing it for yourself.
I could say this was one of the best performances I have ever seen but you would have to check them out for yourselves to get a real feel of Gemini Syndrome and their incredible sound. Their image and art is like a portrait of a psychedelic dream, very bizarre and futuristic but surreal and impactful; they bring a certain symbolism that they have constructed (which I find very creative) for their songs like...‖Pleasure and Pain‖, ―Basement‖, and ―Left of Me‖; these music masterminds have a solid foundation upon which to stand. I'm looking very much forward to their shows in the future.
I highly recommend checking out Gemini Syndrome and give a listen. You won't want to stop.
Corin Parcells Guest Writer
How Old — and Dangerous — Are Your Tires?
In February 2008, the owner of a 1998 Ford Explorer in Georgia needed a new tire for his SUV and ended up buying a used one. When he was driving two weeks later, the tread suddenly separated from the tire. The Explorer went out of control and hit a motorcycle, killing its rider. An analysis of the used tire revealed that it was nearly 10 years old.
More recently, an investigation into the cause of the accident that killed the actor Paul Walker revealed that the Porsche Carrera GT in which he was riding had nine-year-old tires. The California Highway Patrol noted that the tires' age might have compromised their drivability and handling characteristics, according to the Los Angeles Times.
These incidents illustrate not only the potential danger of buying used tires but also the perils of driving on aging tires including those that have never spent a day on the road. For years, people have relied on a tire's tread depth to determine its condition. But the rubber compounds in a tire deteriorate with time, regardless of the condition of the tread. An old tire poses a safe-
by Ronald Montoya, Consumer Advice Editor, Edmunds.com
ty hazard.
For some people, old tires might never be an issue. If you drive a typical number of miles, somewhere around 12,000-15,000 miles annually, a tire's tread will wear out in three to four years, long before the rubber compound does. But if you only drive 6,000 miles a year, or have a car that you only drive on weekends, aging tires could be an issue. The age warning also applies to spare tires and "new" tires that have never been used but are old.
What Happens to a Tire as It Ages?
Sean Kane, president of Safety Research & Strategies, Inc., compares an aging tire to an old rubber band. "If you take a rubber band that's been sitting around a long time and stretch it, you will start to see cracks in the rubber," says Kane, whose organization is involved in research, analysis and advocacy on safety matters for the public and clients including attorneys, engineering firms, supplier companies, media and government.
That's essentially what happens to a tire that's put on a vehicle and driven. Cracks in the rubber begin to develop over time. They may appear on the surface and inside the tire as well. This cracking can eventually cause the steel belts in the tread to separate from the rest of the tire. Improper maintenance and heat accelerate the process. Every tire that's on the road long enough will succumb to age. Tires that are rated for higher mileage have "anti-ozinant" chemical compounds built into the rubber that will slow the aging process, but nothing stops the effects of time on rubber, says Doug Gervin, Michelin's director of product marketing for passenger cars and light trucks.
How Long Does a Tire Last?
Carmakers, tire makers and rubber manufacturers differ in their opinions about the lifespan of a http://www.edmunds.com/car
tire. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has no specific guidelines on tire aging and defers to the recommendations of carmakers and tire manufacturers. Carmakers such as Nissan and Mercedes-Benz tell consumers to replace tires six years after their production date, regardless of tread life. Tire manufacturers such as Continental and Michelin say a tire can last up to 10 years, provided you get annual tire inspections after the fifth year.
The Rubber Manufacturers Association says there is no way to put a date on when a tire "expires," because such factors as heat, storage and conditions of use can dramatically reduce the life of a tire. Here's more on each of these factors.
Heat: NHTSA research has found that tires age more quickly in warmer climates. NHTSA also found that environmental conditions like exposure to sunlight and coastal climates can hasten the aging process. People who live in warm weather and coastal states should keep this in mind when deciding whether they should retire a tire.
Storage: This applies to spare tires and tires that are sitting in a garage or shop. Consider how a spare tire lives its life. If you own a truck, the spare may be mounted underneath the vehicle, exposed to dirt and the elements.
If your spare is in the trunk, it's as if it is "baking in a miniature oven," says Dan Zielinski, senior vice president of public affairs for the Rubber Manufacturers Association. Most often, the spare never sees the light of day. But if the tire has been inflated and mounted on a wheel, it is technically "in service," even if it's never been used, Gervin says.
A tire that has not been mounted and is just
old-and-dangerous-are-your-
sitting in a tire shop or your garage will age more slowly than one that has been put into service on a car. But it ages nonetheless.
Conditions of use: This refers to how the tire is treated. Is it properly inflated? Has it hit the curb too many times? Has it ever been repaired for a puncture? Tires on a car that's only driven on the weekends will have a different aging pattern than those on a car that's driven daily on the highway. All these factors contribute to how quickly or slowly a tire wears out.
Proper maintenance is the best thing a person can do to ensure a long tire life. Gervin recommends that you maintain proper air pressure in tires, have them rotated regularly and have them routinely inspected.
How To Determine the Age of a Tire
The sidewall of a tire is full of numbers and letters. They all mean something, but deciphering them can be a challenge. This Edmunds article about reading a tire's sidewall goes into greater detail, but for the purposes of determining the age of a tire, you'll just need to know its U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) number.
Tires made after 2000 have a four-digit DOT code. The first two numbers represent the week in which the tire was made. The second two represent the year. A tire with a DOT code of 1109 was made in the 11th week of 2009. Tires with a threedigit code were made prior to 2000 and are trickier to decode. The first two digits still tell you the week, but the third digit tells you the year in the decade that it was created. The hard part is knowing what decade that was. Some tires made in the 1990s (but not all) have a triangle after the DOT
How Old — and Dangerous — Are Your Tires? (cont)
code, denoting that decade. But for tires without that, a code of "328" could be from the 32nd week of 1988 or 1978.
Clearly, these DOT numbers weren't designed with the consumer in mind. They were originally put on tires to make it easier for NHTSA to recall tires and keep track of their manufacturing date.
To make matters worse, you might not always find the DOT number on the outer side of the tire. Because of the way a tire is made, it is actually safer for the technician operating the mold to imprint information on the inner side of the tire, so some manufacturers will opt to put the number there. It is still possible to check the DOT code, but you might have to jack the car up to see it. Keep the visibility of the DOT number in mind the next time you are at a tire shop and the installer asks if you want the tires to be mounted with the raised lettering facing in.
That potential inconvenience is going away, however. NHTSA says that the sidewall information about the tire's date of manufacture, size and other pertinent data is now required to be on both sides of the tire for easier reading.
After checking out a tire's birth date, give the rubber a visual inspection. Some of the best advice on such an inspection comes from the British Tyre Manufacturers' Association. It recommends that consumers check tires regularly for any sign of aging, such as tread distortion or large or small hairline cracks in the sidewall. Vibrations or a change in the dynamic properties of the tire could also be an indicator of aging problems, the association says. It recommends replacing the tire immediately if such symptoms appear.
Don't Buy Used
Tires are expensive, especially when you factor in the price of mounting and balancing.
That's why used tires become more attractive to consumers who are strapped for cash. But the purchase of used tires is very much a buyer-beware situation, Zielinski says. "Even a one-year-old tire can be dangerous if it was poorly maintained," he says.
When a consumer buys a used tire, he has no idea how well it was maintained or the conditions in which it has been used. The previous owner might have driven it with low pressure. It could have hit curbs repeatedly. It could have been patched for a nail. Further, it's a dated product. "You wouldn't want a used tire for the same reason that you wouldn't buy a 10-year-old computer," Zielinski says. "You are denying yourself the advancements in tire technology over the past few years."
Make Sure You're Getting a "Fresh" Tire
Just because a tire is unused doesn't mean it's new. In a number of instances, consumers have purchased "new" tires at retail stores only to find out later that they were manufactured years earlier. In addition to having a shorter life on the road, a tire that's supposedly new but is actually old may be past its warranty period.
If you buy tires and soon after discover that they're actually a few years old, you have the right to request newer ones, Zielinski says. Any reputable store should be willing to make amends. "It is fair for a consumer to expect that 'new' is not several years old," he says.
Letting Go
Getting rid of an unused spare or a tire with good-looking tread may be the hardest thing for a thrifty consumer to do. "Nobody's going to take a tire that looks like it's never been used and throw it out," Kane says. But if it's old, that's exactly what the owner should do.
Although Kane has lobbied NHTSA to enact regulations on tire aging, nothing is currently on the books. A NHTSA spokesman says the organization is "continuing to conduct research into the effects of tire aging, and what actions consumers can do to safely monitor their tires when they are on their vehicles."
It's too bad that tires don't have a "sell by" date, like cartons of milk. Since there's no consensus from government or industry sources, we'll just say that if your tire has plenty of tread left but is nearing the five-year mark, it's time to get it inspected for signs of aging.
Of all your vehicle's components, tires have the greatest effect on the way it handles and brakes. So if the tire store recommends new tires at your fiveyear check-up, spend the money and don't put it off. Your life could depend on it.
What do you get from four long-time friends with extensive music theory and song composition background combined with flawless technical skill and an added bucketful of brutality? A mind-blowing album like Sisyphean Conscience‘s Malignant Transformation…so far, worthy of being on terminal repeat. Within the first week of its release (10/25), their debut full-length EP is already making waves throughout the metal community for being versatile, engaging and heavy as all hell!
The album kicks right in with ―Banished‖, an instrumental track with both subtle harmonies and soul-ripping riffs that hint at the amazing audible experience listeners are about to devour. With galloping double-kick, sick guitar riffs, chestpounding bass and vicious vocals, the album begs for apocalyptic images to flood the mind. And just when the brutality of ―Claptrap‖ and ―Empty Threats‖ delivers the soul to the brink of destruction, tracks like ―Triumph‖ and ―Marauder‖ truly prove that these guys are no generic, head-banging slouches. To close out the package, the title track ―Malignant Transformation‖ seals the deal with its
By Vox Sacrilege
dissonant harmonies, seamlessly blended with the stutter-stepping guitar work and gut-wrenching vocals, driving home the message of utter chaos and dismay.
In a one-on-one interview with Vocalist Taylor Gorman, I asked, “How do you feel about Sisyphean Conscience’s development throughout the creative process during the making of “Malignant Transformation” and in what way has it changed the dynamic of the band, if at all?
He delivered with, “The impression of the album, for me anyway, is all said in the title we chose for the record. This album can't be described as anything but our malignant transformation. Everything that we went through before, during and after the album process has molded us and transformed us into what we are currently, which I guess you can call an aspiring professional touring act. Our sound, our image, our lives even, have transformed so drastically since we started this band and put out our EP. We lost a member, recovered from that, learned a lot, made a lot of mistakes, and thus has transformed into "hopefully" a more seasoned, professional act.
Although we are ever-evolving and never stop growing or learning, we are somewhat proud of ourselves and the end result of this record and how it all sort of came together. And we feel as if we have set a personal milestone for ourselves with this one, being our first professionally mixed and mastered full release, and the sky is the limit now. We'll see, that is. Maybe this is it for us. We'll leave that up to the listeners. Stay metal guys!”
It is clear to see that Sisyphean Conscience stands as proof that their relentless drive, welldeveloped talents and advanced songwriting skills deliver them to a position far surpassing the barriers and limitations of any genre-specific label. With plans to tour in 2015, they are excited to give fans from all over America the opportunity to come out and get down in the pit with them. Until then, you can snag their album via iTunes and Bandcamp and savor the heavy metal bliss for yourself!
October 29th, 2014
The lights dimmed and the anticipation rose like a low moan from deep in the chest, the sound soaring to a head-numbing roar as the members of Whitechapel took the stage before a sold-out crowd at The Hawthorne Theatre in Portland, OR. This night would be the fulfillment of an eagerly awaited appearance for the many long-time fans of the band who then got to witness their idols perform a heaping helping of the tracks they have rocked out to for years!
Whitechapel was formed in 2006 in Knoxville, TN and is named after the city of Whitechapel, England – that infamous locality of Jack the Ripper‘s murderous hacking and slashing in the late 19th century. Needless to say, their vicious stage presence and guttural tonality lives up to the brutality of such an influential namesake.
After almost a decade of being on the forefront of death metal, including 5 album releases which staked their claim on the Billboard top 200 and numerous international headlining tours, Whitechapel has carved out their niche in the community and has forever solidified their place in the blackened hearts of fans all over the world.
Despite the need to overcome the everpresent pitfalls of the music industry, Whitechapel is currently signed to Metal Blade Records and is a juggernaut amongst mortals. They are currently headlining their ―Our Endless War Tour‖, spot-
lighting many of the tracks from the album by the same name released in America April 29th, 2014, as well as many fan favorites from the albums of yesteryear like ―I, Dementia‖.
Vocalist Phil Bozeman was asked ―How do you feel about your progression as a vocalist and do you ever feel that maybe the style of music you guys play is old?‖
He responded by stating, ―Listening to The Somatic Defilement up until now makes me feel like I have progressed a lot! Anyone can do what I do. All you have to do is try and figure out your limits and capabilities. We play ―metal‖ which is a form of music that will never die no matter what stupid sub-genre the people around the world want to call it and we do it because we love to!‖
With this kind of approach, it is easy to foresee a long lifespan for Whitechapel and a significant presence worldwide for many years to come. It has been suggested that it's best not to miss your opportunity for a mind-blowing experience as their tour barrels through your neck of the woods!
Buddy Boy
Terrier
Shih Tzu
3 years old
Male
20 Pounds
My adoption fee includes: microchip, neuter, reducedcost training class, 1 month pet health insurance, leash/ collar, food sample, toy & treat packet.
Order in the Chaos
Helpful Band Tip #7 - Maybe you are not as good as you think...
Isat in a conference at the Tulalip Casino in Washington a few years back with my band mates at the time, listening to a keynote from one of the most outstanding producers from the 80's - 90's rock scene, Beau Hill.
I was sitting next to an outstanding vocalist from the Seattle club scene, whom I'd later become fairly good friends with. Shoot, he even lent me his Guild Acoustic to track with in the studio and let me have it for as long as I needed. Thank you, Rane.
Anyway, one of the most common themes for discussion at this meeting was "How do I get signed?"
Sad, really, that their vision was stuck in the 80's and 90's. But, okay... maybe those sitting there thought this was a conference on how things were done back when Beau was doing his thing. Nope. They REALLY actually thought that A&R Reps still came to local shows to find the next big act.
Any-who, a number of musicians during the Q & A after his speech asked, pretty much, the same questions-only worded differently, "I've been touring for years, DIY, and have put out four or five albums... but I cannot get signed! What am I doing wrong?"
After a number of audience members stated this same question, I leaned over to this singer I mentioned earlier and whispered to him, "Why is everyone avoiding the obvious elephant in this room? Maybe they just SUCK!"
At which point he smiled, shrugged, and said back, "Right?"
Let me put it to you this way, maybe you've got a band that's been beating up the night club scene in your home town for five or ten years...you've released album after album, you've built friendships with club owners and promoters, you can get on any bill that comes across locally, and you are first to get on the opening slot for every national act that comes through your town. Congratulations.
This is probably as far as you will ever go. If you are okay with that, fine. If not, read on...
The problem with working the local scene as
much as most bands do, is that while you might build up a fan-base of locals, it doesn't mean you're necessarily an incredible band. And it DEFINITELY doesn't mean you're national or international material. Maybe you've got killer gear, a great guitarist, and a strong vocalist. Wonderful! But if your songs are shit, then you haven't got a chance in hell of getting signed.
Well, let's go a step further with the scenario... you've absolutely MURDERED the local scene and every venue in town is eMailing, calling, messaging you to get your band to play their venue... your calendar is BOOKED!
Okay, cool. Now your ego has been boosted a tad, but the reality is, your LOCAL, so you're accessible. And because you've made a few hundred friends, those venues want you to bring them all over to their place and make them a buttload of money in alcohol sales. It's not because you seriously kick ass and have killer tunes...if you're a good bar band and your crowd are "fish", every club in town will want you in their establishment.
Let's face it, the local scene is great for learning how to gig on stage together and to build a local "following" that will attend your shows (this is known
as your "base"), but those people cannot be counted on and will more than likely NEVER get in their car and drive to the next town to see you play another club if your fun but your music sucks. And those folks in that next city over don't know who the hell you are, so it's dead on a Friday night (and the word MIGHT spread that you suck in that city/state-thus destroying any future gigs there). Shoot, we've all been there, haven't we.
So, unless your material is way above par, nobody will care to see you, hear you, or travel to the next city or state to see/support you. Nope, not even your girlfriend.
Okay, so, you might be thinking about it now. You might be finally realizing why that club on the north end never asked you guys back. And, just MAYBE, it clicked that maybe it isn't everyone else, but yeah, your music kinda blows. Or maybe even that you don't rehearse enough to get tight. It's pretty much the same thing. I mean, who hasn't gone to a concert to see their favorite band...and they play so loose that the big radio hit is almost unrecognizable. Makes for a shitty show, doesn't it? And THEY have clout, where you don't.
So, how do you find out if your friends have been lying to you for the past five or ten years about what you sound like? Great question... ask someone else!
No, I'm not talking about the old man up the street who never comes out of his house. I'm talking about peers, but even better...if your band is on ReverbNation (or another service site supporting your band), record some of your songs and purchase a lowlevel consumer/listener report for one or two. Should only cost you about $19 - $50 for each track you submit. These reports are anonymous, and they go out to listeners of EVERY genre. But, what you get back is a transcription of a hundred or so listeners who've heard your original music, and have taken the time to comment on the song(s). These things are PRICELESS. I have done them for every song I've released commer-
Brien DeChristopher is the guitarist and primary songwriter for Seattle Seale-based hard rock band "Agents Of Chaos". He has played in numerous live and recording bands over the years where he has logged countless hours on stage in live performance, and studio recording time. You can see this and other Pearls of Wisdom at http:// www.blogster.com/briendechristopher/
cially. And my ratings always come back with a demographic or 18-54 years old and almost 50/50 M-F. You really cannot do much better than that. Not even signed bands can do much better.
But, yes, I have gotten a few really scathing reviews too. Some really HARSH comments...but you take the bad with the good and the graph you receive gives you a chart of your demographic, and also provides a graph with an acceptance rating...1 - 10. With 10 being damned good! I usually get an 8.5 - not bad. So, if you get a one or a two...you might want to think about what your band can do to UP the songwriting.
That might mean hiring a writer to help, or even picking up a producer to give a more professional viewpoint. There's absolutely NOTHING wrong with that.
But, after you do this, and record it...submit it for another review. And if you get a 7 to 10 rating... You might have a chance. Package up that single PROFESSIONALLY (meaning, get all your business stuff in order and the song copyrighted) and send it around. If you are an ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC member, you have access through those services to every label, studio, producer in the industry...USE IT!
Just so you know, I still send and receive eMails on a regular basis with Beau Hill regarding my band. And I met him almost 5 years ago! He may even work on my next album, which I would be THRILLED to have him do. If he could make Skid Row sound the way they did, I'd be delighted!
Gear the Pros Use!
I first picked up the bass guitar as a joke in 1989, San Ramon, California, at a Rusty Pelican for the song ―Wild Thing.‖ Shortly after, I bought a Music Man, a mini Peavey amp, & a book & taught myself in my hotel room. Being on the road at the time, I had the advantage of meeting some great bass players & getting lessons from some of them; mainly Tony Hendrix in Spokane & George (Sugar Bear) Ruckert in Wendover (now in Vegas! STILL one of my favorite super heroes of bass!!). I soon met my love…the Steinberger XL2! I didn‘t start actually playing the bass in a band ‗til the band ―Impact‖ out of Reno in 2000. Since then, I have been playing the bass on stage & I have loved every minute of it! I am thankful to from Gibson/ Steinberger, Carvin, Sennheiser & EMG, I am in love with my gear &, although I still tweak it here & there, I am getting my very own sound & tone!
Guitar
Steinberger Synapse 5 string, active EMG bass - My baby!! Been playin‘ a Steinberger since 1991 & unless I find another bass with the same center of gravity, weight, neck, feel & size, I`m a Steiny fiend ‗til da end!!
Strings
Steinberger Double Ball End, Low B Nickel Plated, Platinum-Steel Wound Strings. The ultimate strings for me, jus not my budget. At this time, I can make any strings work, thanks to Alan Dreher, who has created a piece on the Synapse, so I can use regular strings!
Amp
Carvin BX600 combo amp – I LOVE this amp!! It gives me that high end pop, while maintaining that low end kick & MAAAAN is it a killer amp! Never have had it past 4 in volume…cuz 4 is too loud even on Fremont Street! Great sound, not heavy tho‘ it came with a plate on wheels, it has the tilt back feature, so it hits you, not the back of your legs, a direct input for sound dude (no DI needed!!), an individual EQ to make da tone even tastier!! By far, my favorite rig!
SansAmp Bass Driver DI/ Tech 21 NYC - Da icing on da cake!!! This unit gives me that extra boost, either during solos when I`m playin‘ in a trio, or choruses. It also has that nasty growl I LOVE so much when I`m giggin‘ with BRAZEN! This little unit packs a serious PUNCH!!
Sennheiser ew300 bass wireless unit – I am a Sennheiser fan!! Lightweight unit, nicely strapped to my bass strap!
Sennheiser ew300 Vocal handheld mic - Again, LOVE Sennheiser!!! Although I wish I had my headset wireless back/ don‘t really need a handheld, bein‘ a bass player & all…ha!
I think I will forever be chasing tone & am always open to trying new gear, but for now I am quite content with my current set up! Come check me out sometime & lemme know what you think? (wink!)
Merry Adin
Bassist - Brazen, Bullet Babes, Docs Angels
Gear the Pros Use!
Bill is a straight forward, hard hitting, take no prisoners type of drummer. He not only has a solid meter but is an entertaining drummer to watch live. Right down the middle as far as how much gear he likes to use. Not the smallest kit out there but not too big either. 7 piece kit with enough cymbals to go around. Heavily influenced by classic hard rock drummers like Tommy Aldridge he, has a great balance of technique and power.
Drums
Yamaha Power V Series 7 piece.
(2) 22‖ Kick drums
(2) Rack toms 12‖ and 13‖
(2) Floor toms 16‖ and 18‖
Standard Yamaha 14x6‖ Snare Evans G2 heads
Cymbals
Sabian AAX series
16‖ and 18‖ dark crashes
20‖ Metal ride
8‖ Splash
14‖ and 16‖ China Cymbals
LP Cowbell and Jam Block
Hardware
Gibraltar double bass drum rack and stands
MOTORCYCLE STORAGE:
HOW TO STORE YOUR MOTORCYCLE FOR NEXT SEASON from OpenRoadJourney
Motorcycle storage for winter is a sensitive topic in my household.
As the weather starts getting colder my friends and family start to talk in hushed tones around me... random pats on the back occur... my wife whispers "it'll be alright" in my ear... All signaling that they know my mood is getting worse because as winter weather arrives, my riding time will slowly decrease, until it stops completely when the ice hits.
Then, I will have to carefully prep my motorcycle for winter storage and put into its corner in the garage for the next month or so. All of this makes me a very, very grumpy person.
As painful as winterizing my motorcycle may be, there are four key things I do every season that has kept my motorcycle in top shape and starting first time every time I pull it out of storage.
There are many more things that you can do to store a motorcycle that can take hours to do. But, my goal is to share main things required to store a motorcycle that have worked for me and taken the least amount of time.
Let's face it; getting a motorcycle ready for storage isn't fun. But, it is necessary. So the simpler and faster the steps are the more like-
ly you will be to do something.
So, let's get to it. Here are four easy steps to get your motorcycle ready for storage over the winterno matter if "winter" for your motorcycle is 3 weeks or 3 months.
Step 1: Fill the Fuel Tank and add Fuel Stabilizer
If this list was "A One Step Guide to Motorcycle Storage," this would be the one step. I love fuel, it makes things go, and it makes things go fast. But, fuel can get old, funky, and thick fast.
As motorcycle fuel gets old and funky, it starts to clog up all the little parts of your motorcycle, and come spring when you try to start that your motorcycle up, you'll run into problems. Those problems could include forking over a couple hundred bucks to clean out your carburetor. I'm cheap, so I don't like those kinds of problems.
A fuel stabilizer slows down the process of your fuel getting old
and funky. Filling your fuel tank reduces the space that moisture can form in your gas tank. It also makes it easier to figure out how much fuel stabilizer to use, because you know how much gas is in your motorcycle's tank.
Do both of these things, it'll take less than 2 minutes and cost less than $5 for the fuel stabilizer.
Step 2: Get a Battery Tender and Hook it Up to the Motorcycle
From personal experience, I think this is only necessary if you're not going to ride or even start the motorcycle for a month or more. If you don't do it, the worst that is going to happen is come spring your battery will be dead and you will need to buy a new one.
I do know that the nicer, more heavy duty, the motorcycle battery (= more money) the better your chances it will not die over prolong lack of use. If you're buying one of the cheaper ones from
Walmart or the online generic sites, you better hook it up to a battery tender because it'll be dead quick.
I bought this one and have been happy with it.
Step 3: Give the Motorcycle a Quick Cleaning
If you've got a Harley Davidson motorcycle, it helps you avoid chrome pitting on all that darn chrome.
If you don't have a motorcycle that's heavy on the chrome it just
helps you get all that gunk off before it hardens up over the winter and gets even more difficult to clean off. Have you ever tried to clean 3 month old bug guts off your motorcycle's windshield? If so, you understand the importance of this step.
My reason for doing this is more selfish than important for the bike, when the temperatures start to raise the last thing I want to do is clean my motorcycle. I want to take it out and ride. If I do it now, I don't have to do it then.
Step
4:
Start Your Motorcycle for Five Minutes Every Few Weeks
Look, if you can remember to stop at the store every week to stock up your fridge with beer, you can remember to start your motorcycle every few weeks.
You don't have to ride it around
the block or anything (although that is a plus), just start it up and let it run for 5-10 minutes.
Frankly, throughout my 20's and early riding years, this is all I did for motorcycle winter storage. I did it for ten years with an old Harley Davidson motorcycle and didn't have a single problem with the motorcycle. Same with my old Suzuki motorcycle.
The only reason I didn't make this the only step is because some people don't have the luxury of doing this. Maybe you store your motorcycle in a storage facility that's not easy to get to. Or, you store the motorcycle behind so much crap in your garage; it's a major ordeal to get it out. Whatever the reason, not everyone can do it so it's lower on the list.
Motorcycle Storage Summary
That's it. Do these four easy motorcycle winterization steps and you'll be set for getting your motorcycle ready for storage.
I generally can get all four of these steps done in less than 30 minutes. Depending on your definition of cleaning a motorcycle, it might take you longer or even less.
