Tag: Entertainment

Music

Sass Jordan Discusses Upcoming “Good Time Half Hour” StageIt Performance

sassShe’s an internationally recognized artist who has sold over one million CDs worldwide; singing, writing and recording music internationally for the past thirty years. She’s a winner of Billboard’s Best Female Rock Vocalist award and has toured and/or worked with the likes of Aerosmith, Alice Cooper, Cheap Trick, Van Halen and Joe Cocker.

But on Monday, August 12th, singer Sass Jordan will do something that she’s never done before: bring her solo material to the StageIt arena for an intimate concert performance for her fans.

StageIt is an online concert venue. One where artists broadcast LIVE interactive performances directly from a laptop or computer to fans all over the world; offering a one of a kind experience you can’t get anywhere else.

In addition to her StageIt performance, Jordan is also busy supporting her Something Unto Nothing (S.U.N) project with guitarist Brian Tichy. The duo will once again bring their “Acoustic Stomp” to the next leg of Queensrÿche’s tour at the end of this month. The stomp is another unique experience in that it allows you to hear every nuance of Sass’ soulful voice in stripped down versions of the songs. Tichy uses only a guitar (along with a kick/hi-hat combo) while Jordan sings and adds her own percussion. creating a really cool vibe.

I spoke with Jordan about her StageIt show and got an update on S.U.N.

Tell me about your upcoming StageIt performance and how fans can join you!

The show is Monday, August 12th at 7:30 pm ET. What you is go to StageIt.com and search for my show. This particular one is called The Good Time Half Hour. There’s no set fee. It’s pay what you want. The cool thing about Stageit is that you can do it from wherever you are. As long as you have a decent internet connection, people can watch it from the comfort of their own home. You don’t even have to worry about going out or driving. It’s another means for artists to promote their music and a cool way to get it to the fans. It may not be the same as being there live and in person, but it’s the next best thing. It’s also interactive, so anyone who’s watching can ask questions and talk to you.

What can fans expect from your Stageit event?

This show will focus on my solo material and I’m also hoping to squeeze in a few covers that I’ve been working on as well. Derek Sharp from The Guess Who will be joining me. This is the very first time we’re doing it and I’m very excited. The Stageit people are fabulous to work with. Brian [Tichy] and I will probably do a future one as S.U.N., but this particular performance is Sass Jordan solo. Eventually, I’d like to do a series of them.

Speaking of S.U.N., can you give an update on the project?

We already have five new songs for the next S.U.N. record and we’re planning to write a few more during our run with Queensrÿche. We’re almost halfway there. We’ll probably be recording the new album the same way we recorded the first one. We had such a great time doing it and it worked so well with the style and genre.

For more on Sass Jordan’s Good Time Half Hour Show, Click Here

Something Unto Nothing (S.U.N.) Acoustic Stomp Tour Dates:

08/19/13 San Francisco, CA at The Independent

08/20/13 Sacramento, CA at Ace Of Spades

08/21/13 Lancaster, CA at Antelope Valley Fair

08/22/13 Solana Beach, CA at Belly Up Tavern

08/23/13 Indio, CA at Date Shed

08/24/13 Phoenix, AZ at Celebrity Theatre

Music

Wherever Love Goes: “American Idol Alum” Kristy Lee Cook Discusses New Single
Kristy Lee Cook (Photo credit: Glenn Sweitzer)
Kristy Lee Cook (Photo credit: Glenn Sweitzer)

Sometimes it’s hard to believe that it’s been five years since Kristy Lee Cook first captured America’s heart on the American Idol stage. But the beautiful Oregon native (who went on to finish seventh in the competition’s seventh season) hasn’t rested on her laurels since her departure.

Rather, Kristy’s taken everything she’s learned from her AI experience and infused it with her own creative and emotional energies to make a mark in the country music realm. One that’s clearly evidenced by “Wherever Love Goes”; Kristy’s powerful new single and follow-up to “Airborne Ranger Infantry”, her personal tribute to both her father and the military.

Written by Neil Thrasher, Paul Jenkins and Jason Sellers, “Wherever Love Goes” is a power ballad that was originally cut for Randy Houser’s album, “How Country Feels”. But it was Benny Brown, the president of Broken Bow Records who suggested Kristy record her own version of the song and have Randy join in as well. The result is one of those songs that instantly engages you. The more you listen to it, the more it catches on.

“Wherever Love Goes” (impacting country radio on August 12th), will also be featured on Kristy’s debut album on Broken Bow; an album being produced by none other than Jason Aldean, who also knows a thing or two about hit songs.

I spoke with Kristy about the new single and also got an update on her new album and more!

What was it like working with Randy Houser on this single?

It was amazing. Randy is such a great person and has one of the best voices in Nashville. He can sing all day long and is very enjoyable to be around.

Is there a mind-set or something else you do to prepare yourself to sing a song this emotional?

When I was younger, I would sometimes bring pictures into the studio with me to help get into the moment. But now, since I can relate to many of the experiences I’ve been singing about, I understand the lyrics more, so it’s easier for me to connect with the song.

Tell me about your upcoming album.

We’ve recorded about twelve tracks so far and will be recording a few more. I’m excited about it. There’s going to be a lot of variety of music on this record, with something for everyone. I think it adds a little bit of character to the album.

Jason Aldean is producing. What’s it like working with him?

Considering that he’s my favorite male country artist, it’s pretty awesome! [laughs]. Seriously, he’s such a nice guy and we get along really well. Jason actually sang backing vocals on a song that we did called “Dirt Cheap”. I was there when he did his part and to watch him record the song was amazing. It’s an honor for me to be able to work with him.

Tell me the origin of the song “Airborne Ranger Infantry”

My Mom had collected a bunch of poems that my Dad had written when he was at war and would often read them to my siblings and I when we were younger. They’re very powerful poems and I remember growing up with the idea of wanting to write a song from them. It was something that I’ve always wanted to do, but never had the opportunity until I actually became a songwriter. I got together with Michael Logen and Luke Sheets to write it, and originally just wanted it to be for my Dad. But I quickly realized that it had become something much more. I saw the impact that it had on people and it’s since become my way of giving back to our military and saying thanks for everything that they do.

What are some of your best and worst memories from your American Idol experience?

The tour was quite an experience. We went from performing on the show to being in front of 15,000 people a night. It was intense, but it was also a lot of fun. One of the worst experiences for me was the first week of the live rounds. I had bronchitis and the flu with 102 degree temperature. I remember having to sing live and not knowing what to do. They even took me to a different hotel and everything! [laughs].

What do you think makes country music so great?

The fact that you can sing about anything and everything, and it’s real. You can sing about relationships and heartbreak and everyone can relate to the songs because everyone has gone through the same thing. It’s a way of communicating with people and having a personal connection with a song that soothes your soul. It also revolves around the outdoors and about good, down to Earth people who’ve got each others back. I love being able to share that message with people.

For more on Kristy Lee Cook, check out her Official Website.

Guitar World Interviews, Interview, Music

Guitar World: Parmalee’s Matt Thomas and Josh McSwain Talk Music, Gear and Overcoming Adversity

ParmaleeComprised of brothers Matt and Scott Thomas (lead vocals/guitar and drums, respectively), cousin Barry Knox (bass) and lifelong best friend Josh McSwain (guitar), Parmalee has been riding the wave of country music with their catchy riffs and good-time attitude.

The band’s current single, “Carolina,” is cresting the Top 30 of mainstream country radio.

Parmalee was handpicked by Southwest Airlines as the first act to perform on its “Travelin’ Taylor Tour Series” [sponsored by Taylor Guitars], where they performed at 35,000 feet for passengers on a direct flight from Nashville to Houston.

But the members of Parmalee also have had to face adversity on their road to success. In September 2010, after being involved in an attempted robbery and shootout outside a club where they had just played, drummer Scott Thomas was shot three times and was airlifted to a nearby hospital where he was given a 5 percent chance of survival. Miraculously, he survived the ordeal and spent the next 40 days recovering from his injuries in a hospital bed.

Parmalee are working on their debut album for Stoney Creek Records. I spoke with guitarists Matt Thomas and Josh McSwain about the band’s music, gear and more.

gw_logo

You can read the rest of my Guitar World interview with Parmalee by Clicking Here!

Music

Better Days: Another Lost Year Vocalist Clinton Cunanan Talks Music and Touring

???????????Since the release of their debut album “Better Days”, no band has worked harder to deliver its music than Another Lost Year. The band has logged more than 400 dates over the past 18 months; hitting radio just as hard as the road.

Consisting of Clinton Cunanan (vocals) , Adam Hall (guitar), David Whitaker (guitar), Lee Norris (drums), and Andrew Allender (bass), Another Lost Year is generating buzz in the mainstream alternative metal/hard rock arena. And who can blame them? The band is recognized not only for the infectious melodies and hooks, but also for its truthful lyrics and powerful live performances.

In listening to “Better Days” one gets the impression of a veteran band with longevity; a credit to a demanding tour schedule that’s taken the band from Florida to Michigan and pretty much everywhere in between. Another Lost Year’s has already taken home the 2013 Rockwired Radio Music Award for Best Song  [“War On The Inside”] and the song “Writing On The Wall” is currently in rotation on Sirius XM Octane as well as on various other rock stations. The band’s music has also been featured on MTV and Oxygen cable network shows.

I caught up with vocalist Clinton Cunanan to get his thoughts on the album as well as what the future holds for Another Lost Year.

How would you describe the sound of the album?

We’re a little bit of everything. As heavy or as light as you want. Just truthful, emotional rock.

What was the origin for the song “War On The Inside”?

That song comes from a personal struggle for me. I was at a point in my life where I had to decide whether to go “left or right.” I just remember being in a really dark place and felt that no matter which way I went, it was going to be life altering, and once I made the decision there was no turning back. The song was mostly therapy for me, and a means to an end.

Do most of the songs on Better Days have a similar feel?

Some people take pictures to remember events in their lives. Me? I write songs. All of the songs on this album are snapshots of my life. It’s as personal as it can be. Every day we’re faced with decisions: left or right; up or down; deciding upon which way to go. The premise is, we all look for help at times and it’s during those moments when you least expect it, someone comes along and saves you. If I can through it anyone out there can. At the end of the day, I hope we can give somebody hope.

Tell me about the band’s grueling tour schedule.

Last year, we did about 260 dates and took two months off to record the album. This year, we’re on pace to do over 300. A typical day on the road consists of about sixteen hours in a van, five hours at a venue and maybe [if you’re lucky] getting a few hours to sleep here and there [laughs]. We’ve performed in nearly 38 states and are looking at getting overseas in the spring of next year.

What inspired you to get into music?

Eddie and The Cruisers 2 [laughs]. That’s what got me wanting to play guitar when I was nine. Music is what saved my life and is something that I was meant to do. 

What’s next for the band?

We’re already busy writing songs for the next album and are slated to go back into the studio towards the end of October. In the meantime, we’re going to continue to tour. We’ve seen a lot of bands that go out for a few months and then go home, but that’s not really our style. We’ll keep up the grueling schedule and also focus on branching out and helping other bands that are coming up.

Another Lost Year (Photo Credit: CiJay Pikula Imaging)
Another Lost Year (Photo Credit: CiJay Pikula Imaging)

How would you describe the reaction to the new music?

It’s been incredible. We’ve been touring for about twenty months now and it’s amazing to think a bunch of guys from North Carolina can have an album that’s reaching people all over the world. We’ve got people from all walks of life coming up and telling us how the album has saved their life. People who’ve said it’s an album they can listen to front to back. To hear something like that is mind-blowing. It’s really a humbling experience to have people sing every one of your songs every night.

For more info on Another Lost Year be sure to check out their official website by Clicking Here!

Guitar World Interviews, Interview, Music

Guitar World: Isaiah Stuart Discusses New Madlife Album, ’21st Century Megalomaniac’

Madlife

Madlife single-handedly redefining the term industrial rock.

The Los Angeles band’s fourth album, 21st Century Megalomaniac, which was released in May, continues to raise the bar set by their earlier albums with a sound that’s allowed them to share the stage with artists like Five Finger Death Punch, Volbeat, Korn and Marilyn Manson.

The band’s unique approach to songwriting is fueled by its use of catchy guitar tones, electronica and infectious grooves combined with the angst-driven vocals of Angry Phil. Songs like “Just One Gun” and “To Live and Die in Hollywood” have become absolute must-haves for any metal head’s playlist.

Produced by Society 1 vocalist Matt Zane, the video for “Just One Gun” also features the beautiful Lexus Amanda (Blacklisted Me), who gives a performance guitarist Isaiah Stuart describes as no less than visually hot and disturbing. With the album and video now complete, the band is prepping for a tour of the northwestern part of the US.

You can read the rest of my Guitar World Interview with
Isaiah Stuart by Clicking Here.

Life, Movies and TV, My Two Cents

And The Weiner Is….

oscarmeyerJust a quick little rant on this fine Tuesday morning:

I don’t know about you, but I’m exhausted by all of the weener jokes that have been going around.

The gist of the story goes like this: Former Congressman (and now NYC mayoral candidate) Anthony Weiner continued to perform sexting rituals with women even after he had resigned in disgrace and promised taxpayers (as well as his embarrassed wife) to never to do it again.

Ever since news of the story and fresh allegations broke, you can’t read a single newspaper or internet site without seeing a headline that doesn’t indirectly poke fun about his manhood.

Examples:

“Weiner Needs To Pull Out” (of the mayoral race.. just wanted to clarify as this is a family friendly blog).

“Shrinkage” (referring to his poll numbers after the latest accusations).

“Weiner’s Pickle” (the dilemma he now finds himself in).

or how about this ambiguous headline:

“Poll: 78% of Young Women approve of Weiner”

Don’t get me wrong, I found many of these headlines to be hilarious (and well deserved, all things considered), but enough is enough. Mr. Weiner, please pull out… uhm… withdrawl.. uhm. Oh, you know what I mean – Just get out of the race already!

It’s shocking that in an age of instant knowledge, NSA spying and whistle blowing Mr. Weiner believed he could keep this stuff secret and still run for political office (in New York City no less). Apparently, he doesn’t get what the rest of us already know. To the media, SEX is like chum for hungry sharks. They LIVE for stories like this (just ask guys like Bill Clinton, John Edwards and Mark Sanford). To say that he didn’t know ahead of time is naive at best and at worst, proof positive that Mr. Weiner has no regard for the people he wants to represent.

Then you have Eliot Spitzer claiming Weiner’s not fit to be Mayor. This from a married man (himself also once again running for office) who regularly had call girls pay him a visit while he was Governor of New York.

But perhaps the most ironic thing of all was this Tweet I saw from the Associated Press:

tweet

For those who don’t know: “The Good Wife” is a TV series that focuses on Alicia Florrick (Julianna Margulies), whose husband Peter Florrick, a former state’s attorney, has been jailed following a very public sex and corruption scandal. The series was partly inspired by the Eliot Spitzer prostitution scandal, as well as by other prominent American political sex scandals.

I guess it’s nice to know that Ms. Margulies can relate to Weiner’s loyal spouse, since she does play a fictional version of someone like her on TV. But having this featured as one a major new outlet’s main headlines??

I’m beginning to think this is all one big episode of The Twilight Zone.

Guitar World Interviews, Interview, Music

Guitar World: Oleander Guitarists Discuss New Album, “Something Beautiful”

OleanderFor Something Beautiful, the first Oleander album in eight years, guitarist Rich Mouser wanted an aggressive combination of hard-edged guitars and layered vocals.

Judging by the evidence presented, his idea of a dense production meets both requirements — and more.

Mouser has worked on the production end of Oleander projects from the very beginning. But it wasn’t until the band returned from an extended hiatus that Mouser was asked to become a full-time member. Together with guitarist and founding member Ric Ivanisevich, Oleander now possesses a powerful one-two guitar attack.

The band is gearing up for a Midwestern tour with Three Doors Down and Daughtry before returning to the West Coast to do some shows of their own. I spoke with Ivanisevich and Mouser about the new album.

Read The Rest of My Guitar World Interview By Clicking Here

Guitar World Interviews, Interview, Music

Guitar World: Former Police Guitarist Andy Summers Discusses His New Band, Circa Zero

Summers1Circa Zero — a new band featuring guitarist Andy Summers (the Police), singer/bassist/guitarist Rob Giles (the Rescues) and Canadian drummer Emmanuelle Caplette — got together after a mutual friend invited Summers to Giles’ shows with the Rescues.

Summers was immediately impressed by Giles’ vocals and instrumental skills. After getting together to jam and kick around song ideas, it quickly became apparent the duo needed to work together. They began creating edgy, lyrical rock tunes that manage to capture a sound that’s both modern and classic.

While their debut album, Circus Hero, isn’t expected until later this year, their debut performance takes place this very week — Thursday, July 25, at the El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles.

I recently spoke with Summers about Circa Zero — and also got his thoughts on the 30th anniversary of the Police’s monster album, Synchronicity.

l to r: Andy Summers, Emmanuelle Caplette and Rob Giles - Circa Zero
(l to r): Andy Summers, Emmanuelle Caplette and Rob Giles – Circa Zero

Read the rest of my interview with Andy Summers by Clicking Here

Movies and TV, My Two Cents

It’s All Part of The Plan

It’s been a little while since my last rant, but given the events of these last few days, I feel it’s time to opine. So here goes. I’d like to take this time to give you my thoughts on why the media’s current marketing business model is quite possibly the greatest thing ever.

But before I give you my rant – here’s a little preliminary information for you to digest:

jennyPoint #1: After it was recently announced that Elisabeth Hasselbeck  was leaving her ABC show “The View” for the safety and comfort of the middle seat on Fox and Friends, Jenny McCarthy was named as the show’s new co-host.

This announcement really should come as no surprise to anyone who’s been following along at home. McCarthy has already been popping up in the co-pilot’s chair on The View for quite some time, as well as finding her way on to other ABC shows like “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”. McCarthy also tested the hosting waters with her own short-lived VH1 show. But once her name was officially announced for The View, it immediately stirred up rage within the public domain.

The reason McCarthy stirs up a LOT of controversy is because of her views on vaccines and what she believes is its direct relationship to autism (a condition her own son suffers from). Because of her celebrity status and open promotion to not having children vaccinated when they’re young, the fear is she’ll use her chair to continue to have an open, unchallenged platform for her views.

I used this more appropriate Rolling Stone cover
I prefer this, more appropriate Rolling Stone cover

Point #2:  Rolling Stone magazine recently revealed its new cover; one that features Boston bombing suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev in a “GQ” like pose. Considering the heinous acts he (and his late brother) allegedly perpetrated, you’d think the magazine would have some sense of decorum and sensitivity towards the victims, instead of promoting him as some sort of celebrity (on a side note: I would have much preferred had they used a picture of his face all beaten and bruised after he had been captured).

Whenever these sort of things happen within the media, there’s an immediate cry foul attitude, the threat of infinite boycott and the sending of long emails to editors whose accounts will never be checked and messages that will be unread and deleted. Although all valid and noble pursuits, my real concern is that the situations that led to such a reaction were all preplanned right from the get-go, and will quickly be forgotten by an outraged public.

Let me explain why, once again using each “point” as an example.

Point #1: Was it a coincidence that McCarthy’s name was announced a full two months before she even becomes a fixture of “The View”? I don’t think so. I’m also convinced that there will be a big bruhaha the first week or so that she’s on; with everyone hoping she’ll say something controversial. Alas, that will soon wear off and things will eventually go back to normal, but in the meantime, the show will have already achieved its goal: it got people talking.

Point #2: If you honestly believe that the editors of Rolling Stone didn’t already know that putting a hip looking Tsarnaev on the cover would cause such a reaction, I’ve got a bridge I’d like to sell you. In just 24 hours, social networks like Twitter and Facebook have been abuzz with public outcry; stores have already put out press releases refusing to carry the issue and people have threatened to never read the magazine again (as if they already did).

As far as I’m concerned, they (the head honchos at RS) knew full well what they were doing and decided to do it anyway because (although sales may suffer in the short-term), the best publicity for anything is word of mouth and once again: it got people talking.

I’m also convinced the magazine was already well prepared for what was going to happen next. How easy it is to route all of their “customer service” complaints through a call center in India. Don’t worry, I’m sure every bitch and moan will be documented and every one of them used as statistics for their next marketing campaign.

Then there’s this: Rolling Stone is a bi-monthly publication. Do you think people will still be talking about this issue six weeks from now when Jay Z or Bruno Mars are back on the cover talking about important things? You know, like the VMA Awards.

But seriously, when was the last time you remember anyone discussing The View or Rolling Stone magazine at all?

Guitar World Interviews, Interview, Music

The Winery Dogs: Richie Kotzen, Billy Sheehan and Mike Portnoy Discuss Debut Album

DogsAre they a supergroup? Well, yes.

With guitarist Richie Kotzen (Mr. Big, Poison), bassist Billy Sheehan (Mr. Big, Talas, Niacin) and drummer Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater, Adrenaline Mob) in the mix, how could they be considered anything else?

Just don’t use that moniker around the guys in the band.

“Most supergroups are short-lived and usually have internal problems,” Sheehan said during my recent conversation with all three Winery Dogs. “We didn’t get together to try to capitalize on what we’ve done before. We wanted to do something that was straight out of the box.”

The guys prefer to be considered a classic power trio, and they’ve already released a powerful trio of music videos in advance of their debut self-titled album, which will be released July 23 via Loud & Proud Records. The disc was produced by the band and mixed by Jay Ruston (Anthrax, Stone Sour, Steel Panther).

I recently sat down with Kotzen, Sheehan and Portnoy to talk band origins, gear, the new album and the secrets behind Kotzen’s sound and hybrid picking style.

Read my complete Guitar World interview with The Winery Dogs by Clicking Here!