Category: Interview

Interview, Music

Nearly A Nation To Release Debut EP

NANFormed in the summer of 2012, Nearly A Nation (one of Columbus, Ohio’s most promising bands) has put a unique twist on the classical version of the piano trio; one traditionally made up of piano, cello, and violin.

By swapping out the violin for drums and then adding a host of electronic samples, the result is a large palette of musical possibility. One that mixes traditional and acoustic sounds with today’s more popular electronic flavors.

Nick Long (piano/vocals), Chris Brooks (cello) and Adam Lynskey (drums/samples) brand themselves as electronic rock, but like to describe their music as “dark and moody” for its reflections on the various conditions of personal struggle. Sonically speaking, the band’s self-titled debut is a compilation of alternative charm with classical influence.

The three tracks off the EP highlight the group’s versatility. The lead offering, “Mind Like a Gun” focuses on the importance of observing and guarding your thoughts in an unstable world. Flush with strong lead synth parts, the song shows off Long’s interest in incorporating rap into his songwriting.

“Nothing Left to Burn” highlights Brooks’ cello playing and is a song of sympathy for those who continuously struggle in life.

The EP ends on a high note with the uptempo “Miss Mary”, a track lyrically centered on being under the spell of the wrong woman and showcases Lynskey’s skills with an extensive mid-song drum solo. (Miss Mary is currently being played on WHEI 88.9 FM student radio at Heidelberg University).

Long, who majored in vocal performance at Ohio University, taught choral music for a number of years before deciding to take a leave to pursue his songwriting. He soon found Brooks after placing an ad on BandMix and the duo would rehearse together over the next year before realizing that something was missing in their sound. Enter: Lynskey.

“We knew that we wanted a unique, percussive background to go along with what we had”, Long says. “So we put the call out and auditioned probably 15 different drummers. Ironically, Adam was the first person that we auditioned. We really liked him, but since we didn’t want to close the door right away, we went through all of the other auditions but quickly realized that no one else was going to make the bar. We went back to Adam and everything has worked out great!”

Lynskey credits his percussive prowess to his worldly influences. “I try to study as many different things as I can to get the musical feeling from around the world. I studied African drumming and love a lot of jazz and funk drummers. I’m also influenced by a lot of country and classic rock like Led Zeppelin, Beatles and Rush.”

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Long says it was Lynskey’s drumming that influenced his songwriting process. “Miss Mary began as simple song, but it felt short and naked. There was a lot of space that I didn’t know what to do with. Once Adam came in, it really inspired me to write the whole second half of it.”

While the band makes plans to hit the studio and record a full-on album for release this summer,  the EP is currently available on iTunes, Amazon, and many other major online music stores and streaming services.

Nearly A Nation will officially release their self-titled debut EP on Friday, April 26th at Victory’s, in the Columbus Brewery District. In addition to performing the material from the album, the band will premiere a few brand new songs as well as their own unique spin on the Beatles “Let It Be” and Phil Collins’ “In The Air Tonight”. If you’re in the area, be sure to check them out.

Nearly A Nation EP Release Party at Victory’s
543 South High Street, Columbus, OH
Friday April 26th, 2013. Music at 9:30 (Nearly A Nation at 11:00 PM)
For More Info on Nearly A Nation Click Here

Interview, Music

Drummer Roxy Petrucci Discusses Madam X, Vixen And The New JSRG
Photo Credit: James Schmelzer
Roxy Petrucci  (Photo: James Schmelzer)

She’s feisty, she’s beautiful and she’s also one hell of a drummer. From her days performing with her sister Maxine in Madam x, to touring the world with Vixen while supporting Ozzy, Deep Purple and The Scorpions, there can be no denying that Roxy Petrucci is the real deal. Proving she’s one of the best drummers around (male or female); she was even asked by Billy Sheehan and Steve Vai to audition for David Lee Roth’s band shortly after his original departure from Van-Halen.

The classic Vixen disbanded in 1991 and despite doing a one-off for a VH1 show, have never officially reunited. But that didn’t stop fans from continuing to clamor for a full-on reunion.

In 2012 Roxy, along with former Vixen vocalist Janet Gardner and bassist Share Ross, approached guitarist Jan Kuehnemund about reuniting the classic Vixen lineup. When Kuehnemund passed on the opportunity, guitarist Gina Stile (who worked with Petrucci and Gardner on the 1998 Vixen album, “Tangerine”) was brought in to form JSRG (Janet, Share, Roxy, Gina).

Now, with a plethora of hits in their arsenal and having completed a successful run on the Monsters Of Rock Cruise, JSRG prepares to hit this year’s M3 Festival in Columbia, MD. In addition to more shows being in the works as well as a trip across the pond for this year’s Firefest, there have also been rumblings of new music.

I spoke with Roxy about JSRG, the MOR Cruise, Vixen, jamming with a guitar god and much, much more!

How was the Monsters of Rock Cruise?

It was the ultimate rock and roll experience. For everyone, both fans and performers. I’ve never done anything like that before and it was so much fun. It was intimate and a rock concert all combined into one. It was also one of our first gigs as JSRG. We did a walk on in New York last summer and played a few songs, but Monsters of Rock was our first full-on gig.

How did the JSRG project come together?

We had been working on a Vixen reunion for quite a while, but Jan wasn’t ready to commit. We then decided to call Gina Stile and before we could even hang up she was at the door ready to “Rev it Up”. [laughs].  Seriously, the fans were asking for it and we were ready. Now there’s no stopping us.

What’s it like working with Gina?

Gina is a firecracker. She’s great. I enjoy playing with both Jan and Gina. The difference I would say is drinking whiskey out of the bottle or on the rocks. One is more unfiltered, the other is more savoring. Both are great, it’s just what you prefer.

Tell me a little about your days with your sister in Madam X.

We truly lived on the road and were around each other 24/7.  Sometimes, we didn’t even go home for Christmas. I think the thing that actually kept us together was our love of heavy metal and being on stage. But the thing is, when you’re around people for so long, you’re bound to get on each other’s nerves. It’s more than a marriage, and we would have fights. I remember Maxine and I used to go at it and Bret [Kaiser, vocals] and Chris [Doliber, bass] used to go at it. That’s how we would get our aggression out. Sometimes, Maxine would even go at it with Chris and kick his ass. [laughs]. Maybe it was the whole love/hate thing made what we had even better!

Do you have a funny story to share from your days with Madam X?

Not too people were aware of this, but Bret and I were a couple for many years during Madam X.  I remember one night on stage he got a little too flirty with a female fan and I happened to throw out my stick and “accidentally” hit him hard in the back of the head!

How did you get into Vixen?

Janet [Gardner] was actually keeping track of me with Madam X because she had heard some rumblings about us breaking up. She came down and saw me play and after the band did break up` she contacted me. It took a few rehearsals for me to get the jest of how Vixen worked. The whole experience though was great for me.

What was the transition like going from Madam X to Vixen?

It was culture shock times 10!  In Madam X, we were always full-bore. Vixen took more finesse in my playing and I had to listen more. Initially, it was clear that Jan didn’t seem to like me very much or the way I played; as she would plead for me to not play so hard. It was then that I realized Jan needed some “Rox-therapy”, so I shot back by asking if she had a mouse in her pocket or if this was an acoustic set?  As I spent more time getting to know the girls and the dynamics of the band I became “Vixen-ized”, but there were still times I’d double-check to see if Jan’s guitar was plugged in. [laughs]

Did you know at the time it was going to be something special?

I knew there was something special when I first started rehearsing with them. I wish we would have had more of our own tunes to record for the first record, but it was beneficial for us to record “Edge of a Broken Heart” and “Cryin”. Not only are they great songs, they put Vixen on the map. As we toured, we gelled more and then came the “Rev It Up” record that was written by the band.

What’s one of the most outrageous things a fan ever did to get your attention?

One of my favorites was the time when a fan wanted to meet us so badly that he actually crashed his car into the back of our limo. We all got out and autographed his traffic ticket. [laughs]

You also auditioned to be the drummer for David Lee Roth’s band after he had left Van-Halen. How did that come about?

It was shortly after I had just joined Vixen.  I don’t remember if it was Steve [Vai] or Billy [Sheehan] who told me that they were having auditions and asked me to come in. At the time, Steve Vai’s wife Pia was the bassist in Vixen so I got to know Steve through her. Dave wasn’t there for the audition but I just remember looking to my right and seeing Steve Vai and there on my left was Billy Sheehan. It was awesome! I was scared shitless, but it didn’t matter if I got the gig or not. I was jamming with Steve and Billy! Another career highlight. I was solid and kept it going but Greg Bissonette nailed it and eventually got the gig. I was happy for him. He deserved it.

Do you remember which songs you auditioned on?

We did two songs from the ‘Eat Em And Smile Record’. I remember one of the ones I did was ‘Ladies Night In Buffalo’. The other was ‘Big Trouble’. That track has a real sexy groove and it felt great to lock it in with Billy. After that tune, I remember Steve started playing this monster riff and Billy and I kicked in and jammed! It just doesn’t get any better than that! Well, maybe if Rob Halford grabbed a mic and joined in! [laughs]. 

Tell me about your musical background.

I came from a musical family so it was never a question of “Do you want to play?” it was “What instrument do you want to play?”  At the time, Maxine was playing flute, my brother was playing sax and my other sister was playing accordion, so I played the clarinet.

Eventually there came a time where my Dad asked me if I wanted to play something else. Maxine was playing guitar and said that she was going to start a girl rock band, so my choices were either bass or drums. I picked drums and never looked back.  Although, the last tune on the Vixen “Tangerine” CD is a hidden track called “Swatting Flies in Wanker County”.  It’s a swingin’ blue grass instrumental with yours truly on the clarinet!

Did you ever find it challenging being a female drummer or being in an all-female band?

Sure, clearly I’ve encountered challenges in this highly charged testosterone driven industry.  But overcoming these tough challenges also brings sweet success few ever get to experience.  My focus will remain on the things I can control.  Therefore I like to think I’m a dominant drummer with a stage presence that allows me to hold my own in any rock band. Love me or hate me I’m rock-n-roll to the bone!

Are there any players you’d like to work with?

I’d love to jump on stage with Billy Sheehan and Paul Gilbert to rock ‘Shy Boy’. I love that song! In fact, I may try to convince the girls to throw it in our set. Now THAT would be an unexpected treat, don’t ya think? [laughs].

(l to r: Gina Stile, Janet Gardner, Roxy Petrucci, Share Ross)
(JSRG)  l to r: Gina Stile, Janet Gardner, Roxy Petrucci, Share Ross (Photo: Mark Weiss)

What was the reason behind the Vixen break up?

I guess it depends on which band members you ask, but after 20 years, does anyone really give a rat’s ass anymore? We’re BACK and better than ever! Who knows what the future holds but for right now, we’re fired up and focused on JSRG and giving fans the ultimate Vixen experience.

For more on JSRG Visit their Facebook page by Clicking Here

Roxy will be performing along with sister Maxine and Rachel May (Broadzilla) at The Detroit Pub on May 18.  It’s for the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Against Cancer Benefit. Click Here for more information.

Guitar World Interviews, Interview

Illusion: Matt Baird Discusses New ‘Spoken’ Album

Spoken_Illusion_Cover

It’s been a long process for Matt Baird, but the Spoken vocalist is glad the band’s new album, Illusion is finally out.

After fulfilling their obligation with Tooth and Nail records in 2007, the band decided to play the field to build momentum and see what fate had in store for them. Over the next few years the band continued to tour and was able to find time in between shows to start writing. The result is an album that appeals to both hard rock and metal enthusiasts. From the opening screams of “Stand Alone” to the anthemic“Through It All”, a song that really hits home, the band is firing on all cylinders.

While on tour with Volbeat, we sat down with Baird to get the inside scoop on Spoken’s new album, Illusion.

Why such a long wait in between albums?

Our fans have been awesome with being patient. We really didn’t plan on it taking 2 1/2 years to write a record. The fact is, we all live in different parts of the country and are touring eight months out of the year. So, it’s really hard to take a month off to write a proper record. We did make time to write and record if we had a few days off in between shows. It was a process, but it was worth the wait. A lot of life happened during those 2 1/2 years and gave us a lot of material to write about. Some of the first songs we wrote were written during times of bitterness and confusion. I’m not talking about within the band, but within our own personal lives and dealing with relationships on the brink of disaster. Then, some of the last songs we wrote were about grace and redemption. So it literally went full circle.

You can read the rest of my interview with Matt Baird on Guitar World and Revolver

Guitar World Interviews, Interview, Music

Former Vixen Bassist Share Ross Ready To Rev It Up Again With JSRG

In a world where males seem to dominate most of the guitar spectrum, ShareRoss continues to break down walls. Whether it’s her bass prowess, songwriting skills or having held her own against the forces of a Michael Schenker or a Tracii Guns, the beautiful blonde who once ruled the 80’s as bassist for Vixen is still proving she’s more than capable of running with the big boys.

(l to r: Gina Stile, Janet Gardner, Roxy Petrucci, Share Ross)
(l to r: Gina Stile, Janet Gardner, Roxy Petrucci, Share Ross)

Vixen disbanded for a short while in the early 90’s but aside from a one-off reunion for VH1, Ross hasn’t performed with the band during its various lineup changes. Not one to rest on her laurels, she’s remained busy during her post Vixen years. Ross was bassist for the super group ‘Contraband’ (with Schenker and Guns) as well as released three albums with her band ‘Bubble’ (with husband Bam). She’s also won the coveted John Lennon Songwriting Contest in 2000 with the song ‘Sparkle Star’, written a book on punk knitting and now even finds time to mentor and empower young women to become successful in the digital age. All this, and she’s still one bad ass rocker to boot!

For fans desperate for a return to the glory days, the wait is over. After a long hiatus, (and not a minute too soon) Ross is returning with JSRG, a band that includes 3/4 of the classic Vixen lineup. JSRG (whose initials stand for each of the ladies’ first names) features Ross (bass), Janet Gardner (vocals/guitar) and Roxy Petrucci (drums). Added to the mix is guitarist Gina Stile (also a member of Vixen from ’97-’98). Together, the ladies of rock are once again ready to rev it up.  It started last month with a journey on this year’s Monsters of Rock Cruise.

I caught up with Ross and spoke to her about JSRG, Vixen and how she continues to forge her own path.

How long has this reunion been brewing?

We’ve been talking about getting back together as Vixen for a while. I know some people think there are some big shenanigans going on, but the fact is we’re all still friends with Jan (Kuehnemund – Vixen guitarist who holds the rights to the name). The timing just isn’t right. So, we’ve decided to let go of the Vixen thing for now and reached out to Gina. Out of respect for Jan, we’re not going to call it Vixen and instead calling it JSRG.

Read more of my Guitar World Interview with Share Ross Here.

Interview, Music

Boney James Delivers ‘The Beat’

The BeatThere are so many different influences in musical style these days that artists sometimes find the need to blend them together in order to make music that’s sonically appealing. But saxophonist Boney James believes there are really just two kinds of music: good and bad. His latest album, “The Beat” falls into the former category by cleverly combining the elements of R&B and Latin, and is already my choice for album of the year, in any genre.

From the moment I first heard this album, it immediately became clear that it would become the default soundtrack in my car wherever I went. It has elements of sound that make you want to move your feet, while others are best absorbed in the evening twilight, perhaps with a fine glass of wine. From the fresh version of Stevie Wonder’s “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing” that kicks off the album to the smoothness of “You Can Count On Me” and everything in between, the album is nothing short of brilliant. Repeated listenings find you choosing a different favorite song, something unheard of for an album in the day and age of instant gratification.

James pulls no punches in bringing out the heavy hitters for “The Beat”, including Rick Braun (“Batucada, The Beat”), Raheem DeVaughn (“Maker of Love”) and U.K. poet/musician The Floacist on “The Midas (This Is Why).”

James once envisioned himself in another career role, even having achieved a degree in History from UCLA. But that was before he decided that music was going to become his life. After four gold albums, three Grammy nominations and sales totaling more than 3 million records, it’s hard to argue that he’s made the right choice. With “The Beat”, he is certain to add to that total.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Boney James about the new album and more.

What was the spark that ignited “The Beat”?

I’ve always played around with the idea of one day doing a full-on Latin record. I began by thinking about how I could pull it off and decided to try working on an arrangement of one of my favorite Latin songs, Batucada (The Beat); which Sergio Mendes recorded. I’ve always loved the song and as I was working on it, I decided to try and take out the samba beat and put on more of an R&B back beat. It was so fresh sounding that it became an a-ha moment where I discovered that if I combined the Latin with my R&B groove, it would become this whole new thing. That’s what sparked the whole record.

BoneyJames1Your fresh take on Stevie Wonder’s “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A Thing” follows a similar formula.

Stevie had done a similar thing with his version by mixing the Latin with the R&B. He’s an R&B singer, but he incorporated a lot of Latin percussion into that song.  So I figured I would do my version of his version of that, and it became this whole third thing.

Tell me about how you connected with Raheem DeVaughn for the track “Maker of Love”.

I had written the music for that song and needed a vocal. Raheem was someone who was on the top of my list of artists I was hoping to work with someday. So just as I’m having that thought, I get an email from Twitter saying that Raheem DeVaughn had started following me. Out of the blue, he  just followed me. I emailed him and asked if he’d like to do a collaboration. I wound up sending him the track and a few days later, he sends me back this whole finished thing. I thought I was just going to get a demo, but he wrote and sang it it all in one night. It was pretty awesome.

What’s your process for songwriting?

It happens in many different ways. Usually though, I’ll be sitting in my studio practicing my saxophone when I’ll get an idea. A little shred of melody or rhythm will pop into my head and I’ll go over to the keyboard and pound out a few measures of the idea. I’ll put it down and save the file and then later on, I’ll go back to it and it starts me on this incredible journey of taking a little nugget of an idea and turning it into a song. It’s a great experience and one of the best parts of what I do. Taking something that once didn’t exist and turning it into something real. I love it.

Where do you get your song titles?

What I like to do is listen to the song many times, close my eyes and try to imagine what kind of feeling I’m getting from it and then see if there’s some kind of poetic, clever way I can communicate that in a song title. ‘Mari’s Song’ is named for my wife. Her real name is Lily, but the family calls her Mari. It’s an old nickname she has.

For ‘Sunset Boulevard’ I was thinking about driving. It’s a great street in LA that goes from downtown all the way to the beach and I thought that was an apt title.

For “Acalento (Lullaby)”, I was already thinking lullaby, but since the album had a Latin element I thought to myself, “How do you say “Lullaby” in Portuguese?” I looked it up online and luckily, it was poetic sounding. [laughs]

How would you classify your style of music?

I don’t feel like I belong to any certain style of music. I just try to do my own thing and people respond to it. It’s really gratifying.

BoneyJames2Growing up, you started out playing clarinet and then switched over to sax. What prompted the change?

There were so many clarinets in the band at the time and the teacher needed a sax player. I was one of the better clarinet players and my teacher thought it would be easier for me to transition over, so he sort of leaned on me to do it. Right away I loved it. It opened up more of a Pop and R&B repertoire for me, as opposed to the classical style that the clarinet had been.

Who were some of your influences?

I grew up listening to a lot of Motown: Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye and Curtis Mayfield. As I picked up the horn, I started listening to more fusion like Grover Washington Jr., Weather Report and Chick Corea.

You have a history degree from UCLA. Was there a time where you considered pursuing another career?

I was very interested in history and originally thought I was going to be a lawyer. I thought it would be a good pre-law degree to have. About a year into college was when I discovered that music was my true love and decided to pursue it as a living.  But since I had already started college, I figured I’d finish it.

What’s next for you?

I’m so proud of this new record that I’m going to dedicate the next 18 months of my life to getting out there and letting people know that it exists and making some noise.

For more on Boney James check out his official website by clicking here.

Guitar World Interviews, Interview, Music

Guitar World Interview: Joe Bonamassa Discusses The Guitar Center Blues Masters Challenge

bluesmastersGuitar Center’s Blues Masters, through a partnership with Joe Bonamassa, is offering ten musicians the chance to perform in Los Angeles backed by Bonamassa’s band as well as provide one undiscovered blues guitarist with a career-altering opportunity for development and exposure under the tutelage of one of the biggest names in blues rock.

Now through the end of April, guitarists can submit videos of their best lead guitar performance to one of ten official Joe Bonamassa backing tracks. The videos will then be judged through a series of selection processes by both industry professionals and eventually, Bonamassa himself.

The grand prize winner will receive an opening slot at Bonamassa’s headlining show in Los Angeles this fall as well as a cash prize and gear from Gibson, Ernie Ball, Marshall Amplification and Dunlop. In addition, the winner will also receive an in studio mentor session with Bonamassa and producer Kevin Shirley, who has worked with the likes of Journey, Led Zeppelin, Iron Maiden and more.

I spoke with Bonamassa about Blues Masters as well as some of his latest projects.

GUITAR WORLD: Tell me a little about your involvement with Guitar Center and Blues Masters.

I’ve been involved in Guitar Center’s King of The Blues Competition for the past several years and it’s been a lot of fun. Everyone is playing so well that it makes me wish I was 18 again. These guys are so unbridled and enthusiastic. The Blues Masters is a chance for aspiring blues guitarists from across the U.S. to submit their best lead guitar performance to one of my tracks. There‘s a submission and selection process and I’ll be getting involved more towards the end of the year when they finalize the selection, and then we’ll pick a winner.

Check out the rest of my Guitar World interview with Joe Bonamassa Here.

For  official rules and other information concerning Guitar Center’s Blues Masters, please visit: http://www.guitarcenter.com/bluesmasters.

Interview, Music

‘Paralyzed’: Devyn DeLoera Discusses New Single, Rock For Autism and ‘The Voice’

DevynParalyzedInfectious. That’s the one word to describe “Paralyzed”, the new single by former ‘The Voice’ contestant Devyn DeLoera. It’s a song that gets inside of your head and just won’t leave. A follow-up to her time spent on the show, the catchy pop single is available on iTunes as well as many other digital music outlets.

Inspired by the music of Christina Aguilera, Kelly Clarkson and Paramore, the beautiful songstress has overcome her childhood shyness and is now forging her own musical path, with confidence.

On April 26th, Devyn will take part in Rock Now for Autism; a benefit concert for Jenny McCarthy’s Generation Rescue and sponsored by Los Angeles Magazine.

I spoke with Devyn about her music and upcoming show. We also discuss her time on ‘The Voice’ and what she has planned for the future.

How did this new single come about and how would you describe it?

A few writers who I’m also friends with knew what kind of style I wanted to do musically and approached me with it. It’s a fun pop song that you can jam out to in your car. [laughs]

Tell me a little about the ‘Rock Now For Autism’ benefit concert.

It’s a great opportunity to really help raise awareness. I’ll be doing an acoustic show and some of my friends from ‘The Voice’ will also be performing as well. We’ll most likely perform original songs and a few cover songs that people are familiar with as well. It will be a great show and I’m excited to be a part of it.

What was the audition process like  for ‘The Voice’?

I originally had a private audition in Austin, and there were about 40 people there. Afterwards, I flew to LA for a week and auditioned for 20 NBC executive producers, which was very scary! [laughs].

After that, there’s a month where you’re busy rehearsing your first blind audition song as well as taping your realty life story. Then, you finally go in one day and do the part where they film the chairs. There’s a big process to it, but it was a great experience. I learned a lot about myself and music and made a lot of friends.

What was going through your mind when those chairs turned around?

It was a like dream. I just remember at the time being so excited because I got who I wanted (Christina). The whole experience was just surreal.

What was it like working with Christina Aguilera?

Christina was great. She was such a great coach and really invested in her team. She was very helpful in helping me find the direction for my career.

What would a typical day with her be like?

Our team was always nervous whenever we would visit her. We did a lot of things for the camera with her and got her opinion about our performances. For being as huge a star as she is, she is such a down to Earth, real person. I remember when I met with her and Billy Joe Armstrong (Green Day), they were both laughing and having a great time.  Before the live rounds started, she invited five of us to her house just to hang out and listen to her new album.

DevynDeLoera

Let’s discuss how you had to overcome shyness and build your confidence.

I went through a period in my life where I didn’t like school and thought I didn’t fit in. I was depressed and had issues with making friends. My Mom decided to home school me for a year to help build my confidence and it really helped. After a year, I went back to public school.  Some people might find it hard to believe that I was so shy, but I really was. I still have my shy moments, but nothing like how I used to be. I’m a lot more confident now.

Was there a particular moment when you decided that music was going to be your calling?

I think it was when I got on a stage for the first time when I was nine years old. That’s when I realized it was something that I loved. I decided at a young age it was something that I really wanted to do. Music makes everyone happy.

What’s next for you?

My next plan is to put out another single and then start work on an EP or an album. I also want to start playing shows in LA to gain more confidence and establish my signature. I want to be who I am as an artist and make a career of it.

For more information on Devyn DeLoera check out her Facebook by clicking here
Follow Devyn on Twitter: @DevynDeLoera

Guitar World Interviews, Interview

Guitar World Interview: Sevendust’s John Connolly and Clint Lowery Discuss Black Out The Sun

Black Out The SunAfter nearly two decades together, Sevendust remains one of the few bands to come out of the 90’s with all five original members. It’s a testament to the friendship and musicianship the band brings to its fans and each other night after night and album after album.

Sevendust’s ninth studio album, “Black Out The Sun” (available March 26th) is a much grittier, darker release. By using their instincts and taking the second guessing out of the recording process, the result is a much more melodic and creative project. A hybrid of earlier Sevendust albums that fans old and new will certainly appreciate.

Sevendust is: John Connolly (guitar), Clint Lowery (guitar), Lajon Witherspoon (vocals), Vince Hornsby (bass) and Morgan Rose (drums).

I spoke with Connolly and Lowery about ‘Black Out The Sun’, guitars and the longevity and legacy of Sevendust. Read the article in it’s entirety here.

Childhood Memories, Interview, Music

Jim Brickman To Celebrate the 70’s In A One Night Only Event

JimBrickman

Since the release of his debut album in 1994, Jim Brickman’s romantic piano sound has made him the best-selling solo piano artist of our time. Jim’s best-known compositions include the chart-toppers “Valentine,” “The Gift,” “Love of My Life,” and “Peace.” He’s established a reputation for his collaborations with artists like Lady Antebellum, Martina McBride, Kenny Loggins and Michael W. Smith. His signature style has brought him six gold and platinum albums as well as two Grammy nominations, and he’s also received international acclaim as both a songwriter and concert performer, taking his live shows to more than 125 cities each year.

Now, Brickman is paying homage to the decade of music that influenced his own musical style. Jim Brickman’s Celebration of the 70’s will be held Saturday, March 2nd at the Toyota Oakdale Theatre in Wallingford, CT. Scheduled to appear with Brickman on stage include platinum selling artist and 1970’s heart-throb, David Cassidy; two-time Grammy award winner Rita Coolidge; Billboard Hot 100 chart topper Stephen Bishop; Motown legend Thelma Houston and 70’s pop-icon Yvonne Elliman.

In addition to this one of a kind performance, the show will also be filmed and released later this spring as a part of an exclusive broadcast for Xfinity TV customers across New England through its popular On Demand service.

I had the absolute pleasure of speaking with Jim and getting more information on this one of a kind event.

Photo Credit: Rob Waymen
Photo Credit: Rob Waymen

What made you decide to do a show celebrating this decade of music?

As a songwriter, I began to look back and wonder how I become the musician I am. I asked myself “What shaped my direction and path to write songs in this inspirational, romantic style?” I realized that a lot of my writing comes from being influenced by the great artists and songs from the 1970′s and thought it would be fun to do a show that would pay tribute to it and have a little bit of nostalgia as well.

 

What do you think was the best thing about that decade?

The environment. So much of what came after the 60′s and that revolution made such a big difference in the 70′s. It was after flower power and politically, we were in a different time. It was a very turbulent time too in many ways, but the music (much like today) was more pop in nature. In the 70′s, you had such a wide variety of music. There were the singer/songwriters like Carole King and Joni Mitchell. Then you also had bands like Fleetwood Mac, The Eagles and The Carpenters. Then at the other end of the spectrum, you had Disco and rock and roll with bands like Aerosmith and Three Dog Night.

What can fans expect from this Celebration of the 70′s?

A little bit of everything. We’ve got Yvonne Elliman, who was on the biggest soundtrack of all time (Saturday Night Fever); David Cassidy (“I Think I Love You”) and Stephen Bishop (“On and On”, “It Might Be You”). Thelma Houston is doing “Don’t Leave Me This Way” and a Donna Summer tribute, and David Pack will be performing Ambrosia (“How Much I Feel”). These songs are iconic in so many ways.

I’m also going to be a doing a lot of my music as well, but as it relates to being influenced by these other songs. A lot of them (like “Valentine” or “Destiny”) were influenced by Carole King, Burt Bacharach and other people I loved growing up.

You’re also going to be filming the show for TV?

Yes, we’re going to be filming it for XFinity On Demand as well as for PBS.

Tell me a little about your background.

I started playing piano when I was five. I didn’t come from a musical family, but was drawn to piano and melody and anything that was emotional or connected to a feeling. I played for the feeling more than the music. I still feel that way. Growing up, I loved listening to singers who knew what the lyrics meant and what they were singing about.

In addition to touring, what else have you got planned for this year?

We have an event coming up on July 18th called the “Brickman Nash Bash”. It’s a three-day, Nashville-centric fan event. We’re going to be getting together with many of my country friends and singer/songwriters for a concert, workshop and tours of Nashville landmarks. Much like the 70′s show, it’s curating with the artists I collaborate with and bringing them together to share with fans. I like to call it, “Brickman-Palooza.” [laughs]

I’m so thankful to have had so many hit songs over the years, and it’s an honor for me to be able to do these shows with the people I admire. I learn so much from them and then in turn, I’m able to share that with others.

Jim Brickman’s Celebration of the 70’s is Saturday, March 2nd. 2013 at the
Toyota Oakdale Theatre in Wallingford, CT.

For More information Click Here

Guitar World Interviews, Interview, Music

Guitar World Interview: Mark Kendall Discusses 30 Years of Great White and New Live Album

greatwihiteSince their debut EP thirty years ago, Great White has achieved worldwide success; including sales of over six million records and even a Grammy nomination for their version of the Ian Hunter song, “Once Bitten, Twice Shy”. During those same thirty years, members of the band have also suffered through great adversity as well. Most notably, The Station nightclub tragedy and the confusion/departure of singer Jack Russell from the band (there was even a time when Jani Lane filled in on vocals). But through it all, the band has persevered and continues to record and tour.

To celebrate the band’s pearl anniversary, Great White has gone back to its roots with “30 Years – Live From the Sunset Strip”; a live album recorded on the same hallowed grounds where bands like The Doors and Van-Halen cut their teeth performing.

The current line-up of Great White is: Mark Kendall (lead guitar), Terry Ilous (vocals), Michael Lardie (guitar/keyboards), Scott Snyder (bass) and Audie Desbrow (drums). 

I spoke with Kendall about the band’s new live album as well as the Great White legacy and more. Read the interview here.