Category: Music

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, Music

REO Speedwagon’s Kevin Cronin Discusses Latest Tour, Guitars and ‘Hi Infidelity’

REO_RandeeSt.NicholasPowered by the vocals and songwriting of guitarist Kevin Cronin, REO Speedwagon continues to bring its brand of mid-west rock and roll to the masses.

Cronin briefly left the band during the recording of the “Ridin The Storm Out” album, but rejoined in 1976 and has been with them ever since.

Guitarist Gary Richrath, whose signature Les Paul sound became synonymous with hits like “Roll With The Changes” and “Take It On The Run” left the group in 1989 and was replaced by Dave Amato, whose resume includes stints with Ted Nugent and Richie Sambora (Bon Jovi).

REO Speedwagon is: Kevin Cronin (vocals/guitar), Dave Amato (guitar), Neal Doughty (keyboards), Bruce Hall (bass) and Bryan Hitt (drums).

I spoke with Cronin about this year’s “Midwest Rock ‘n Roll Express” tour which brings along veteran rockers Styx and Nugent. We also discuss the Hi Infidelity album and a recent encounter he had with Richrath.

Where did the idea for a “Midwest Rock and Roll Express” originate?

We had always been toying with the idea taking a little bit of our mid-west culture and bringing it around the country.  So last year I called my buddy Tommy Shaw and he was in. Then to find that third piece, Tommy mentioned Nugent (from his ‘Damn Yankees’ relationship). The idea worked out so well last year that we decided to do it all again.

Read the rest of my Guitar World Interview with Kevin Cronin Here

Music

Hotel Diablo Guitarist Alex Grossi Discusses New Video ‘Psycho, California’

hoteldiablo2013 is shaping up to be a busy year for Hotel Diablo’s Alex Grossi. Already one of the hardest-working guitarists around, Grossi also performs with Quiet Riot (which celebrates the 30th anniversary of its monster album “Metal Health” this year). In addition, Grossi mentors other up and coming bands and is also involved in a clothing line with Forgotten Saints.

Grossi first met vocalist Rick Stitch back in 2009 when both were members of Steven Adler’s band, “Adler’s Appetite”. After parting ways with Adler, the duo (along with bassist Mike Duda and drummer Mike Dupke) began writing songs together and formed Hotel Diablo.

It wasn’t long before friend, producer and former Guns N’ Roses guitarist Gilby Clarke  took notice and asked the guys to come down to his studio and record. It was also no coincidence that the first song they recorded was “Set It Off,” a track that would instantly catapult an entire project.

Pleased with the result, the band ended up doing a total of nine tracks with Clarke at his studio and two additional ones with LA underground producer Matt Starr. The result? Hotel Diablo’s debut album, “The Return to Psycho, California”, an 11-song arsenal of killer riffs and grooves.

Grossi explains the story behind one of the album’s strongest tracks, ‘Psycho, California’. “When we all moved out here to LA from different parts of the world, we were all fresh-faced, young kids. But we quickly discovered how this town can just eat you up and spit you out. This place (LA) has a lot of mythology to it, and that’s really what the song is about.”

When it came time to do a video for the song, the band already had a vision for how they wanted it to be. They joined forces with Emmy-winning director Fabio Jafet (Pitbull, KISS, Enrique Iglesias, Children of Bodom), who was instrumental in helping to capture the true essence of the song. It was an organic process that quickly took on a life of its own.

gilby_4Hotel Diablo recently completed a show at the House of Blues in LA, officially unveiling the new video and following it up with a live performance where they were joined onstage by Clarke himself. Bassist Chris Wyse (The Cult/Owl) also joined the band for the song “Bury You”, which Grossi revealed will be the next video released from the album and will once again reunite them with Jafet.

When asked about the future and working on the next Hotel Diablo video, Grossi is quick to point out his admiration for the director. “Fabio is world-class and the fact that he wanted to work with us was humbling.

Our goal now is to keep the creative momentum going.”

HD_2

Click for more on Alex Grossi and Hotel Diablo

Childhood Memories, Life, Music

When I Became A Metal Head: Metal Health

MetalHealthI’m not sure of the exact day, but I can tell you that it was sometime during the summer of 1983. Back when I was but a wee-lad of 13 and innocence was all the rage.

In those days, my father used to like to take my brother and me on drives to visit his friend Hal, who lived in a small ranch about five miles away. In order to get to his house, we would have to take the winding, back roads that wound along the Lehigh, a river which separated our home in Pennsylvania from the New Jersey border.

With windows rolled down, it was always a pleasant drive to Hal’s; particularly on sunny days when (from my vantage point in the back seat of my Dad’s 1977 Malibu Classic) I could take in the beauty of the scenic overlook, smell the honeysuckle in the air and feel the wind rush by my face. Little did I know at the time, but this was going to be one of those special days.

Our visit with Hal that particular day is not something I have any real recollection of. My brother and I were most likely tossing a football around in his back yard while Hal and my father kabitzed about work or something. In fact, it wasn’t until the ride home that I actually had the epiphany that would change my life forever.

We were nearly home and were listening to the local radio station when it came on. At that precise moment, we could have driven right off the road and into the river and I would have been oblivious to it. Once I heard it, I was hooked. The song was “Cum on Feel The Noize” by Quiet Riot and at the time, I had no idea that it was originally a #1 hit for the band Slade ten years earlier. All I knew was that this updated version was the most incredible song I had ever heard in my entire life. Who would have thought that girls rocking boys would have had such an impact on me? It would be the first time that I would ever make a demand of my father. Three words: “Turn It Up!”, to which he thankfully obliged.

I remember we pulled into our driveway and (much to my father and brother’s chagrin), I made them sit there in the car with me until the song was completely over. Back in 1983, there was no way of knowing when I would hear that song again, which in retrospect actually made me appreciate the song even more whenever I did hear it.

I instantly longed to be the one who vocalist Kevin DuBrow put on his shoulders and played the guitar solo instead of Carlos Cavazo. I wanted to be the one standing alongside the thundering bass of Rudy Sarzo and the infectious drums of Frankie Banali. I wanted to be the one to get wild, wild, WILD!

It wouldn’t be long before the album, ‘Metal Health’ found its way into my possession. But Metal Health was more than just an album. It pushed the metal genre into the mainstream and ushered in a new wave of music euphoria for a generation of starving ears. For me personally, the album went much deeper. It actually became a part of me. So much so, that when I started taking proper guitar lessons a year after that drive along the Lehigh River, the very first song I ever learned how to play was ‘Metal Health (Bang Your Head)’. Perhaps it was the reckless abandon of the songs, or maybe it was because Quiet Riot once had Randy Rhoads in its line-up at one time that made the album appeal to me as a guitarist. One of the all time greatest players was once part of the band whose album I now enjoyed. Whatever the reason, I gave up trying to find an excuse for why I liked it long ago. Good music speaks for itself.

I picked this up from Wikipedia: Metal Health was released on March 11, 1983 (thirty years ago), bolstered by the #5 hit “Cum on Feel the Noize” and the #31 hit “Metal Health”. The album is notable for being the very first debut heavy metal album to reach the #1 spot on the Billboard 200 and knocking The Police’s Synchronicity out of #1 spot in the US. Metal Health went on to sell over six million copies and it is considered a classic among heavy metal fans to this day.

On my last day of junior high in 1984, I remember blasting “Cum on Feel The Noize” from the back seat of the big yellow school bus on my boom box. It was my final year before starting high school in the fall, and I felt like a king. Me, James Wood was privy to musical greatness and I just had to share it with the world.

There are certain albums that you instantly bond with, and then there are those that remain with you for a lifetime.

Guitar World Interviews, Music

Guitar World Interview: Peter Beckett Discusses New ‘Player’ Album and Touring With Eric Clapton

PlayerFrom his days growing up in Liverpool and watching early Beatles performances to performing with his band, Player as the opening act for Eric Clapton on the Slowhand tour, guitarist Peter Beckett has been privy to a part of music history. Together with Player co-founder Ronn Moss, the band struck gold of their own in 1978 with the chart-topping, feel-good smash, “Baby Come Back.”

Player slowed down in the 1980’s as Beckett focused more on film and television projects and Moss gained worldwide stardom playing Ridge Forrester on the CBS television series, “The Bold And The Beautiful.” In 2003, Beckett and Moss began performing again as Player; always featuring an all-star line-up of players that included (at various times) members of The Cars, Mister Mister, REO Speedwagon, Foreigner, and Little River Band. Now, after a near twenty year hiatus, Player is back with a brand new album, “Too Many Reasons”. Featuring twelve brand new tracks as well as a new acoustic version of “Baby Come Back.”, the album showcases songwriting elements from various areas of the musical spectrum. It’s a welcome formula that’s synonymous with the band’s prior albums.

Player consists of founding members Peter Beckett (guitars/lead vocals/keyboards) and Ronn Moss (bass/lead vocals).

I spoke with Beckett about the new album, touring with Eric Clapton and a moment he realized that music was going to be his calling.

Read the rest of my Guitar World interview here

Guitar World Interviews, Music

Guitar World Interview: The Friggs Guitarist Palmyra Delran Discusses New Solo Album, “You Are What You Absorb”

Palmyra DelranHer music’s been called trashy, surf-rock and punky-pop, but in the end it’s hard to marginalize the sound of Palmyra Delran. Perhaps the best way to describe the music of the founder and creative force behind the 90’s band The Friggs is to say that it’s refreshingly honest.

Delran and The Friggs recorded and toured almost incessantly throughout the ‘90s, opening for such acts as The Selecter, Ramones and Cheap Trick. But it wasn’t until Delran’s 2008 debut solo EP “She Digs the Ride” with its solid guitar grooves and tales of dysfunctional relationship that took her to the next level.

Delran’s new album, “You Are What You Absorb” is another intoxicating blend of punk-girl grit combined with hook-laden melodies and deep lyrics. The album’s first single and video, “You’re My Brian Jones” is a psychedelic romp back to the 60’s with an infectious groove and smooth vocals. It’s an album that (much like the title suggests) is best absorbed, with headphones if at all possible.

Delran’s band consists of: Richard Devgreene (guitar), Michael Lynch (bass) and Mark Brotter (drums). I spoke with her about the new album as well as her plans for 2013.

gw_logo
Read the interview here.

Guitar World Interviews, Music

Guitar World Interview: Firehouse Guitarist Bill Leverty Discusses New Album of Classic Cover Songs

DriveCover_Hi ResListeners of Bill Leverty’s new covers album, “Drive” will find that it’s more like a time machine. One that transports you back to the carefree days of the 1970’s, when riding in the backseat of your parent’s car and listening to rock radio was the norm. It didn’t even matter where you were going at the time; all that mattered was the music.

The Firehouse guitarist has released several solo albums over the course of his career, but this effort is one that pays tribute to the most sacred music of all: songs that inspired him as a youth. In addition to a blistering guitar attack on tracks like CCR’s “Fortunate Son”, “Drive” also contains tasteful renditions of Steely Dan’s “Rikki Don’t Lose That Number” and The Guess Who’s “No Time”. Leverty also puts his own spin on such classics as “Free Ride” (Edgar Winter Group), “I Shot the Sheriff” (Eric Clapton) and “Spanish Moon” (Little Feat). Contributing the brunt of the vocal work himself, Leverty keeps the essence of the original songs intact and yet, adds something excitingly fresh and new to the musical equation as well.

I sat down with Leverty to discuss “Drive” as well as his playing and songwriting. During the course of our trip back in time, we also discuss how Firehouse was born. Fans may recall that Firehouse beat out Nirvana and Alice in Chains for the AMA “Favorite Heavy Metal/Hard Rock New Artist” award but as Leverty points out, there’s another band honor he’s even more proud of.

Read the rest of my Guitar World interview with Bill Leverty Here.

Music, Thought and Opinion

When Music Is Just ‘Business’

slayerI was never a big fan of Slayer, but when I saw this letter by their (presumably now former) drummer Dave Lombardo, I had to post. Not because he had some concerns that there may be some shenanigans going on with the band’s finances, but rather to pose this question:

When did the music take a back seat to this nonsense?

Whether you’re into this kind of music or not yourself, take a minute to read Dave’s note and let me know what you think. For those not aware, Dave is a founding member of Slayer, a Grammy award-winning band with sales estimates in excess of twenty million records and also credited as being one of the “Big Four” thrash metal acts, along with Metallica, Megadeth and Anthrax.

Statement From Dave Lombardo Regarding Slayer Australian Tour 2013

I want to personally apologize to all of our fans in Australia who have bought tickets for the tour expecting to see me in my usual place on the drums.

So that you all know the truth, as of the end of the business day on February 14th, I was notified that I would not be drumming for the tour in Australia. I’m saddened, and to be honest I am shocked by the situation.

Last year, I discovered 90% of Slayer’s tour income was being deducted as expenses including the professional fees paid to management, costing the band millions of dollars and leaving 10% or less to split amongst the four of us. In my opinion, this is not the way a band’s business should operate. I tried rectifying it by letting my band mates know, and Tom and I hired auditors to figure out what happened, but I was denied access to detailed information and the necessary back up documents.

I spent the Christmas and New Year holidays realizing I had toured all over the world in 2012, but yet, had not been paid (except a small advance) or provided a proper accounting for a full year’s sweat and blood. On top of this, I was told that I would not be paid until I signed a long form contract which gave me no written assurance of how much or on what basis management would deduct commissions, nor did it provide me access to the financial budgets or records for review. It also forbade me to do interviews or make statements having to do with the band, in effect a gagging order.

Last Monday, I sat down with Kerry and Tom to rehearse for Australia and to propose a new business model that I felt was the best way forward for Slayer to confidently protect itself so we could do what we do best . . . play for the fans. Kerry made it clear he wasn’t interested in making changes and said if I wanted to argue the point, he would find another drummer. On Thursday, I arrived at rehearsals at 1 pm as scheduled, but Kerry did not show. Rather, at 6:24 pm I received an email from the lawyers saying I was being replaced for the Australian dates.

I remain hopeful that we can resolve our issues. But once again, I sincerely apologize to all of our fans in Australia who spent their money expecting to see the 3 of us original Slayer members.

I look forward to seeing you in the future.

Sincerely,
Dave Lombardo

Guitar World Interviews, Music

Guitar World Interview: Taddy Porter’s New Album A Welcome Homage to The British Invasion

TaddyPorter“There’s gonna be some changes made around here.”The opening line to the song “Changes” on Taddy Porter’s new album couldn’t be more apropos. Co-produced by Dave Cobb (Chris Cornell, Shooter Jennings) and Mark Neill (The Black Keys), “Stay Golden” is an eleven-song collection that marks a newly expanded sound for the band. One where British Invasion meets Motown soul; with a healthy dose of Southern blues thrown in for good measure.

“Stay Golden” is an album that clocks in at just over thirty-one minutes, but it does something not many albums released these days can do: yearn for repeated listenings. A true testament to the songwriting, performances and production skills and a welcome throwback to the sound of the 60′s.Taddy Porter is: Andy Brewer (Vocals/Guitar), Joe Selby (Lead Guitar), Kevin Jones (Bass) and Doug Jones (Drums).

We spoke with Selby about the “Stay Golden” album (Release date: Feb 26th) and also received some good practice advice.

Read the rest of my Guitar World Article 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