Ten Questions with Trent from Sexstone

1.Hello Trent and welcome to Kickacts. Tell us a little bit about yourself, your band and were our readers can find you on the web at.

I am Trent Riley, the Bassist and founding member of Sexstone. I have been playing guitar and bass since I was 19, but my musical influences go way back to my childhood. I grew up on my brother’s 8-track cassette collection (Kiss, Black Sabbath, Foreigner, Foghat, Styx, just to name a few) and carried on into the 80’s with the Hair Band revolution. We started Sexstone in the Spring of 2004 with a different lineup. During the Fall of 2007 we were actually searching for a female lead singer to head up a completely different project, but just couldn’t find the right match…so we resorted to sending out random e-mails to local people and we just happened to get a response from Steven Bauer (Steve-O). He sent us the song “Falling Away” to check out, and we just fell in love with the song and had him come in for an audition. That was the deciding factor in revamping Sexstone. We have a killer lineup now with Steve-O on vocals, Steve Wheeler on guitar, and Bryan Thomas on drums. You can find us on all the major social networking sites, plus you can grab songs from “The Painful Side of True” at CD BABY and iTunes.

Myspace: www.myspace.com/sexstonerocks
Twitter: http://twitter.com/Sexstone
YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/SexstoneOfficial
ReverbNation: www.reverbnation.com/sexstone
Facebook: Search “Sexstone” on facebook pages
Join Our Mailing List: http://www.reverbnation.com/sexstone?add_email=true

2.Your band is kicking butt with a new album coming out and even a sound track in a movie. Tell us about that.

We just recently hooked up with producer, Brandon Mashburn (Trust Company, Machina, etc…) from Springfield MO. You can check out “The Fall” which is the 1st track we recorded with him on all of our sites. We will be heading back to MO at the end of February to finish up tracks that will be on our 5 song EP due to drop this Spring. So be on the lookout for that.

Our song “Where” was used in the PJ Woodside film “Widow”, a psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat all the way up ’till the twisted cimax! You can get more info on the film at www.bigbitingpigproductions.com. They are a local production company that is from our hometown of Madisvonville KY and they now have several films under their belt. Be on the lookout for more of our songs popping up in their films and maybe even a video shoot for us!

3. What do you think about today’s music scene in general, say from Lady Gaga to Lamb of God?

Not a huge GaGa fan, but I must say the performance with Elton John at the Grammy’s was phenomenal…I actually like Mike Patton and Faith No More’s version of Poker Face much better! The scene today is much more diverse and interchangeable now. It’s great when you can go to a show and see your favorite Rock, Country, Metal, and Hip Hop artists all playing the same bill. There are more artists that are crossing genres these days as well, and some are dominating 2 or more charts at once. It’s great time to be an artist right now, but it’s so hard too. The internet has give artists so many different avenues to get their music heard, but on the other hand…that brings so many more artists and bands out to try their hand as well. You really have to work hard just to get over that initial hump of standing out among the masses. The fans seem to be more open minded now too. It’s no longer “headbangers” vs “punks” and so on. For instance, some of the shows I went to this year included everyone from Miley Cyrus, to Charlie Daniels, to Tesla, and to Down, and I loved every one of them.  Right now the scene is wide open…With a little hard work and good luck … We all have a chance! As far as Lamb of God goes…I’m a headbanger from way back… love some Lamb of God!

4. Do you have a greatest gig story you’d like to share?

Our CD Release party last summer was just amazing. We went through nine kinds of hell to put it together, but in the end it just turned out to be an amazing show. The venue was changed on us several times, and finally about a week before the release we managed to secure the local ELKS club for the show. We managed to pack the place out with over 200 people and just had a killer show that night. Our friends Hollywood Gutter Ratts opened the show with their throwback tribute to all the hair bands from the 80’s, and just made for a killer night! We even had a few undergarments thrown to the stage that night, and that’s always a plus 🙂

5.On the same token as the above question. How about a “worse gig” ever story.

I can’t honestly remember one single instance of a worst gig, but we tend to have mishaps follow us on the road. We showed up in Nashville to play New Artist Radio’s annual awards ceremony one year, and we were told there would be a backline provided. When we arrived with our guitars, we had to hustle and borrow all kinds of equipment just to do the show. I will eventually go wireless…I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gotten a little crazy on stage and pulled the cord from my bass or amp. Above all the weather seems to hate us…if you ever need rain or snow, just schedule a gig with Sexstone. The stuff just seems to follow us wherever we go.

6. Tell us about the first concert you ever attended.

My very 1st concert was Jerry Reed at the Hopkins County Fair. It was right after the “Smokey and the Bandit” movies came out. I went with my aunt and uncle…I think I was 8 years old. I was a Bandit fan, so I thought it was the coolest thing ever. My first big show was  Warrant, Trixter, and Firehouse on the “Cherry Pie” tour. My brother took me and some of my high school buddies…I remember walking in after getting our tickets checked and looking around. There were girls in bikini tops, high cut shorts, and boots everywhere and the only thing he said about it all night was “Man things have changed in 10 years.” It was just an amazing show, pretty much right at the peak of the Hair Metal revolution back in ’91.

7. Out of all the bands you listened to growing up , who was your idol and why? Who stuck out and and made you feel like “music” is what you got do in life?

Ace Frehley… My brother had both KISS Alive albums and Ace’s solo album on 8 track cassette. I can remember standing in front of the bedroom mirror painted up like Ace, and  jammin’ with my tennis racket guitar to those tapes.

8. If you could share a stage with any band, who would it be and why?

G ‘n’ R circa 1991 Use Your Illusion Tour…that had to be some of the most intense crowds of all time. Plus, that’s one show that I just never got the chance to see.

9. Hypothetical situation. Your stranded on Gilligan’s island and you get to hook up with only one the girls… Is it Ginger, Mary Ann or Mrs. Howell and why?

Mrs. Howell…She’s got the dough!

10. # 10 is called “Shout It Out Loud”. It’s were you get to talk about whatever you want to talk about. So go ahead Trent, and “SHOUT IT OUT LOUD”!

I just want to say thanks to all of our fans for sticking with us through everything that we have done over the years. We truely have an amazing group of fans and friends in several cities. Thanks to all the radio stations around the globe that have picked us up…that has truely been a blessing and allowed us to get our music into so many places that we just couldn’t have done it by ourselves. Also got to say thanks to Kick Acts!!! We truely appreciate you guys having for the interview.

Trent

Interview with Chet from “Chet and the Molesters”

 WELCOME BACK CHET, ABOUT FUCKING TIME!! 🙂

1. Hello Chet and welcome to Kickacts. Were the hell have you been hiding
all these years, Tijuana ?

I have been around, just not as prominent as I used to be. You have to sit
backevery once in a while and let someone else have the spotlight. Otherwise,
people will really get sick of you.

2.Rumor has it you are putting “Chet and the Molesters” back together. Is
it true and how did this come about?

Yes this is true. Nick has been after me and Kevin for the last few years,
and me and Kev have finally sowed up some old and stupid wounds. I like to refer
to them as “Non lucrative decisions”.

3.You guys used to own the Evansville music scene and played everywhere
including as an ”opening act” on some major tour bills that came through.
Is that the game plan this time around?

God only knows what the plan is this time. I just want to have some fun
with it, and be able to play some of the good stuff again. Me and Kevin have a
chemistry that can not be explained. He makes me a better player. Plus Nick has always been like a
brother to me, and Jimmie is a blast on stage. He can hold you attention all night.

4.How in the hell did you get Kevin Book back in the fold? He seems to be
doing the BSR thing pretty regularly.

Like I said earlier, we kissed and made up. He used his tongue though…it gave me a
boner. He is still going to be doing his BSR thing. We will just all be juggling the
schedules around.

5.Want to walk down memory lane? Tell us about your first real gig in a
band many years ago.

My first professional gig was at a place on the corner of Main Street and
Franklin with Gene Baker and Keith Burden. I can not remember the name of it right
now.”Gene Baker and the Undertakers”. We had to play on a balcony where there was
not enough height to stand up all of the way. It was fine for me because I sit when I play.
They however had a hell of a time with it. I laughed all night. I was 15
years old at the time.

6.What got you started playing music and who are your heroes?

I started playing steel guitar at about the age of 7 or 8. Then I started on
electric guitar. The band teacher at Hebron grade school at the time I was
in 5th grade, Bruce Langford, thought I would be good at drums, so I took up
playing the drums. It came really easy for me. Too easy. So I gave up on the guitars, and
focused on the drums. I still pick one up every once in  a while, but I
ain’t no Andy Timmons, Nick Hamilton, or Eddie VanHalen. I took lessons from Mr. Langford
while I was in grade school at ABC Music downtown. It was wild. He taught in the
basement, and everything down there was lined in red shag carpet to keep the noise
levels down. It was dead silent down there. Really creepy. Afterwards, when he felt
I had learned all I needed from him, I took lessons from Pat Moore for a year or
two.  He taught me one of the most important things I ever learned. How to chart out
songs by hearing them only once or twice. Just in case I ever got hired for an
important gig at the last notice. That has came in extremely handy over the years. A
good instructor knows when to have a student move on. I have my son Darin take
lessons from Greg Martin. He is the best percussion teacher that I know. He is at
the Guitar Lab on Weinbach Avenue. (had to give him a plug)…

My heroes.

Jesus Christ is the first one. Anyone who can survive for over 30 years on
this hell-hole without pissing off God is pretty cool in my book. Plus the
dying for our sins thing. That comes in real handy a lot. He is a very good looking
dude. The pictures you see of him down here don’t really do him justice, but that’s
a whole different story.

The second would be my Mom. She died just a few years ago. She did everything
possible in order for me to play. Drove me everywhere, and did her best to keep me
out of trouble. I remember one year, I was in “All City” band, and I had to play a
drum solo which required me to have one more tom tom to pull it off. She took up a
second job, and bought me a brand new Pearl 5 piece drum set with cases. Money was
really tough back then. She could have just ordered me another tom, but she always
wanted me to have the best of everything. She spoiled the crap out of me. I guess
that is why I am so particular about my equipment and how everything sounds out
front. She also taught me not to be a drunk on stage, and to always try and put on
the best performance possible. “You never know who is watching” was what she would
say. So, I never drink on stage, unless it is very late in the last set. I may have
a couple of beers. I can not stand to see a band play half drunk all night, and
believe me, we have a bunch of locals who can not respect their audience enough to
give their best all of the time.

I really enjoy Neil Peart. He is way ahead of his time. My brother turned me on to
“Caress of Steel” when I was very young, and I was hooked from there on.

Bill Ward from Black Sabbath is way under-rated.

The drummer from “System of a Down” John Dolmayan is really good.

I have a very diverse taste in music, so I really can not limit my choices
too much. I really do enjoy the heavy stuff though.

And lastly, all 4-1/2 of my kids. They give me a huge amount of inspiration.
Especially my son Darin. He is 11 years old and can play the stuff I was
learning at the age of 14. He blows me away sometimes. Plus my wife Carla helps me in
any way possible. She is a huge blessing that words alone can not describe.

7. What do you think about today’s music in general, say from “Britney
Spears”, faking her vocals, to bands like “Lamb of God” not singing but
growling and others like “Slipknot”. Has music lost its voice or is it
right on track?

I think people like Britney Spears should take their money and spend time
enjoying life, and let someone else have the spotlight for a while. Talk about a
fool… What are her kids going to think when they grow up and get to see all the shit
she has pulled? Stupid bitch. And to think she was on the “Mickey Mouse” show.
Cristina smokes her hands down. No comparison.
As far as Lamb of God and Slipknot, I have a thing for heavy music, and
those bands have excellent drummers that stay polished and keep their sound
consistant. Ain’t no slackers there. I do miss 3 and 4 part vocal harmonies though. A lot of
people do enjoy hearing “Cookie Monster” sing. I think it is an aggression thing.

8. Have you got a website/facebook/MySpace page where your fans can find you?

No. I find that to be arrogant. If someone else wants to do one for me, I
wouldn’t mind it. I am not one to brag and boast about my self. I let my hands do
that for me. Any fool can talk. It takes a lifetime to build character, and seconds
to lose it for good. That is a risk I try to avoid. I will however, brag and boast
about my kids though…that is my right and privilege.

9. Do you remember the first concert you ever attended? Tell us about it.

My brother Duane took me to see Rod Stewart, Steppenwolf, and Def Leppard. First
time I ever smelled reefer. I think I was about 8 years old. It was a great
concert. Rod Stewart always has the best musicians, and that night was no exception.
Plus I thought it was real cool that he kicked soccer balls into the audience
during the show. My brother was a HUGE influence on my musical background and tastes.
I was listening to Jeff Beck and Black Sabbath before I was in Kindergarten. He
took me to all of the good concerts when I was growing up. I remember the first time
I saw Ozzy solo. He had Tommy on the drums. He blew me away!! Humbled me something
awful!!! Plus Randy Rhodes and Rudy Sarzo were unreal. Randy really freaked me out.
I think he gave Mr. Van Halen a real good run for his money back when he was
around. I can still remember the day I heard about the plane crash. That was a waste.
Nobody has ever played the guitar like he did. I still get goosebumps when I hear the
song “Dee”.

ATTENTION DRUMMERS, THIS IS REAL MOFO"KING KIT, CHET"S KIT.....

THIS IS NOT A DRUM SET........

10. # 10 is called “Shout It Out Loud”. It’s were you get to talk about
whatever you want to talk about. So go ahead Chet, and “SHOUT IT OUT LOUD”!

I am not one to preach, but…
We as a society have taken God out of everything. Everything!!. I believe
if people would just take the fucking time to tell God what is on their mind on a
daily basis, things would be a lot better. Who cares what religion you are using. There
is only one God, you stupid fucks!!! Get a clue. That is the one thing I can give
my ex-wife Dianne credit for. She raised our kids having a fear of God put into them. And it
has made them better people than most. They understand.

Also,
Music is the way it is today because our Government thinks it is not
important, and they know everything. My son had to wait until 6th grade to start playing
drums in school. That is pure stupid!! I had him holding drum sticks before he was a year
old. Music helps a person so much with people skills, and
Math, and being able to understand life in general. There is still some new good
stuff out there. You just have to look a lot harder for it than you used to. The “Green Day’s” and the
“System of a Down’s” still pump out the good stuff. But what do I know???

BONUS QUESTION:P

You and Kevin are stranded on a deserted island for life. No chance of
ever being rescued. You notice Kevin has a pack of Rawhide extra large
condoms with him, do you kill him then or sleep on your back until he
trains a monkey to be his soul mate?

If Kevin ever got a chance to see my dick, he would be begging me to train
a monkey. I have to give Carla credit for that answer.

All in all, I have had a great run with music, and I wouldn’t change it for
anything. That is one of the only times I am truly happy, is when I am behind on of
my drums sets jamming.

The “Chet and the Molesters” gigs start with us at the Southside II in Boonville on
January 16th. And our second gig is at Obrian’s in Evansville February 26th and
27th. We invite everyone to come out and enjoy the party. We will also be posting
all of our dates on WWW.Bandnut.com, and www.chetandthemolesters.com.

Thanks again for the exposure. You can never have enough.

chet

 

(click the banner to head to Chet’s Band’s Home Page)

 

Kasper From The K – By Pastor Rocky

Hey Kasper from the K

As a Solo Artist, a Christian, and a friend, I would like to ask you 10 questions.

1. Tell the readers a little bit about yourself and your musical background.

I AM A SOLO POP/HIP-HOP ARTIST OUT OF THE SMALL TOWN OF HENDERSON KY WITH BIG DREAMS WHO IS WORKING DAY IN AND DAY OUT TO DO WHATEVER IT TAKES TO MAKE HIS DREAMS REACHABLE. I AM VERY HUMBLE, LAYED BACK AND OUTGOING AS I CAN BE. I’VE BEEN BLESSED TO HAVE HAD SOME SUCCESS WITH A COUPLE OF SONGS THAT I HAVE WRITTEN AND GAIN AIRPLAY AROUND THE COUNTRY. I ENJOY TOURING AND MEETING NEW PEOPLE. THE MOST FAMOUS PERSON I’D SAY I’VE EVER MET WOULD HAVE TO BE “MR MUSIC HIMSELF, BB KING”. I LISTEN TO EVERYTHING FROM BOB SEAGER ON UP TO LIL WAYNE. I GUESS U COULD SAY I ENJOY IT ALL. ALWAYS GREAT TO HEAR A GOOD SONG NO MATTER WHO IT IS OR THE GENRE. WOULDN’T U AGREE?

2. How did you come up with the name KASPER FROM THE K?

I ALWAYS JOKE AND SAY “HAVE U SEEN MY FAMILY? THEYRE ALL DARK COMPLECTED AND THEN U HAVE ME, THE WHITE ONE WITH A FRECKLE ON HIS NOSE” LOL. MY UNCLE RICK STINSON HAS CALLED ME KASPER SINCE I WAS A BABY… HE HAS BEEN THE ONE WHO KEEPS THE FAMILY TOGETHER AND HAS KEPT ME IN LINE. IF U KNEW MY FAMILY HISTORY (SO TO SPEAK) YOU WOOULD KNOW I COULD’VE EASILY BEEN IN AND OUT OF JAIL AND A CONSTANT PROBLEM CHILD. BELIEVE ME ITS IN MY GENES LOL. MY UNCLE WAS THE ONE THAT KEPT US OUT OF MAKEING BAD DECISIONS BY ENCOURAGEING US CONSTANTLY AND MAKEING SURE WE HELD OUR HEADS UP HIGH. MY MOTHER IS MY BACKBONE. MY UNCLE IS THE FAMILIES BACKBONE. SO I DECIDED TO TAKE THIS NAME AS A THANK U TO HIM FOR ALL HE HAS DONE IN MY LIFE. THE “FROM THE K” PART IS TO LET YOU GUYS KNOW IM FROM KY.

3. Who are the members/DJs that travel around with u?

THE PEOPLE THAT TRAVEL AROUND WITH ME AND MAKE THIS THING A WHOLE ARE DJ RAJ RAAQIM NIKKI B AND KYZ HOTTEST COMEDIAN BOB DIGGA… RAAQIM IS MY HYPE MAN WHO U SEE RUNNING AROUND ON STAGE WITH ME HAVEN FUN AND IS ALSO A TREMENDOUS SOLO ARTIST HISSELF. NIKKI B IS A STAR AND THE HOST OF ALL HOSTS, REGARDLESS OF THE SITUATION, SHE WILL HAVE U ENJOYING WHATEVER IT MAY BE JUST WITH HER PRESENCE. BOB DIGGA IS MY FUNNYMAN. WHEN THINGS GO WRONG OR IF SOMETHING HAS ME DOWN THATS WHERE DIGGA STEPS IN.. FUNNY AS HE CAN BE. THATS WHY I KEEP HIM AROUND, THAT AND HE IS ONE OF MY BEST FRIENDS. HE HAS HAD SUCCESS IN HIS COMEDY CAREER AS WELL

4. What kind of gear do each of you use?

WELL THE DJ HAS HIS TURNTABLES OF COURSE AND WE MCS USE CORDLESS MICS. PLZ DONT PUT US ON A MIC WITH THE CORD STILL ATTACHED LOL. WE WILL TURN THAT THING INTO A JUMP ROPE BEFORE U KNOW IT HAHAA.

5. Do you do cover tunes, original tunes, or both?

BOTH…BEING AN 80’S BABY I WAS BROUGHT UP LISTENING TO 80’S MUSIC. THEREFORE, WHEN I HAD THE CHANCE TO USE THE SAMPLE SWEAT DREAMS WITH ANNIE LEENOX, AND YOU’RE MY OBSESSION FROM ANIMOTION I HAD TO DO IT SO THAT I COULD CAPTURE THAT OLDER FAN BASE RIGHT OFF THE BAT. AFTER ALL THEY ARE PARENTS OF KIDS NOW AND PARENTS BUY MUSIC FOR THEIR KIDS LOL…SO IT WAS KIND OF A WIN-WIN SITUATION ON THAT. I HAVE ORIGINAL TUNES ASWELL THAT I ENJOY CRAFTING OUT MYSELF….

6. Who are some of your influences, musical or otherwise?

WELL HONESTLY MY INFLUENCES ARE EVERYONE WHO HAS EVER TOOK THE TIME TO EXPRESS HOW THEY FEEL OR TALK ABOUT TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS IN THEIR LIFE THREW LYRICS. IT’S RUFF OUT HERE. IT’S NOT EASY TO DO ANY OF THIS. WHETHER ITS UR FIRST SHOW OR UR 20TH SHOW, THERE IS ALWAYS THAT WHAT IF FACTOR…LIKE WHAT IF IM NOT EXCEPTED ON THIS STAGE OR WHAT IF NO ONE SHOWS UP FOR THIS SHOW ETC….U JUST GOTTA GRIP IT AND RIP IT. IF U DONT BELIEVE IN URSELF THEN HOW DO U EXPECT THEM TO BELIEVE IN U… OWN THE NIGHT, OWN THE TIME SLOT THEY GIVE U AND GO HARD… I’M INFLUENCED BY THOSE WHO HAVE MADE IT AND ALL THOSE WHO ARE STILL TRYN…DONT GIVE UP….THERES A FANBASE OUT THERE FOR U…U JUST GOT TO FIND IT……

7. Tell us about some of the greatest and worst gigs you’ve experienced.

WOW…I COULD TELL U A FEW IN BOTH CATEGORIES. MY WORST GIG I’VE EXPIERENCED AND I MEAN ALL THE WAY AROUND A BAD GIG WAS IN LEXINGTON AT A NIGHT CLUB…WE HAD BEEN HAVING THIS SHOW ON OUR CALENDER FOR OVER A MONTH SO IT WAS WELL SET IN CONCRETE TO DO…. WE SHOW UP AT THE SPOT TO SET UP ONLY TO FIND OUT THERE HADNT BEEN A LICK OF PROMOTION…. NOONE NEW ANYTHING ABOUT ANYTHING THERE AT THE CLUB… THE SO-CALLED MANAGER WHO BOOKED THIS SHOW HAD BEEN FIRED WEEKS BEFORE AND NEVER CALLED TO CANCEL AND NEVER SAID ANYTHING TO THE MAIN BOSS MAN OF THIS CLUB…. SO YEAH, WE WERE NONE THE LESS HEATED…. I HAD INVITED MY CAMERA CREW ALONG WITH ME BECOUSE I KNEW THIS WOULD BE A GREAT SHOW/TURNOUT ETC….NAH…IT WAS THE WORST… MY BEST GIG I WOULD SAY WAS IN INDIANA AT THUNDER ON THE OHIO…2006 OR 7 I DO BELIEVE…. I HAD JUST HAD MY FIRST SINGLE BURNING UP THE AIR WAVES HERE IN MY HOME TOWN AND HAD THE PRIVELEGE OF OPENING UP FOR A ROCK GROUP AT THE FESTIVAL THAT WENT BY THE NAME OF BUCK CHERRY…. I HAD PUT IN WEEKS OF EFFORT PRACTICING FOR THIS…I HAD MY DANCERS, MY CREW, MY FAM, ALL THE TRI STATE SEEMED TO HAVE BEEN HERE AT THIS EVENT…. EVERYTHING WENT SMOOTH, NO PROBLEMS WHAT SO EVER…. OTHER THAN THE STAFF RAN OUT OF PASSES TO GET SOME OF MY PEOPLE IN FOR FREE LOL…

8. Tell us about your impressions of the local music scene. What do you think could be done to improve it?

OK IM GONNA BE REAL HONEST AND TO THE POINT… THE LOCAL MUSIC SCENE HERE IS STACKED WITH ALL TYPES OF GENRES FROM RAP TO COUNTRY TO COVER BANDS AND SO FORTH…AS FAR AS MY GENRE AROUND HERE IT SEEMS AS IF PEOPLE THINK ITS A RACE TO SEE WHO IS GONNA CLIMB THE LADDER TO THE TOP FIRST. MIDWEST SYNDICATE IS THE FIRST ACTUAL ATTEMPT FOR MANY PEOPLE TO SHINE TOGETHER AS A UNIT…. I WISH IT WERE MORE LIKE THE COUNTRY SCENE AROUND HERE…HAVE U EVER NOTICED COUNTRY MUSICIANS/COUNTRY STARS ALL HAVE A SIMPLE RESPECT FOR ONE ANOTHERS CRAFT? I MAY BE WRONG BUT TO ME IT SEEMS LIKE PEOPLE HAVE THEIR FOOT ON OTHER PEOPLES HEAD IN THIS LOCAL SCENE AND DONT REALIZE WE GOTTA ALL MOVE TOGETHER IF WERE WANT’N TO SHED LIGHT ON ALL THE TALENT AROUND THESE PARTS……I’VE GOT RESPECT FOR ALL PEOPLE AND WISH EVERYONE THE BEST…THATS JUST HOW I WAS BROUGHT UP….

9. What do the members of your crew do when they’re not rehearsing or gigging?

WHEN WE’RE NOT REHEARSING OR GIGGIN’ WE’RE STAYEN BUSY EITHER IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS HELPING OTHERS IN FUNDRAISERS, ETC, OR KEEPIN BUSY HOSTING DIFFERENT EVENTS AND TAKING CARE OF OUR FAMILIES THE BEST WE CAN…

10. This one really isn’t a question. This is the part of the interview where we ask you to say what’s on your mind or to give a shout out to whomever you want.

ID LIKE TO THANK GOD FIRST AND FOREMOST, MY MOTHER, FATHER, FAMILY, BRENAN HALL FOR COMEING AND KNOCKING ON MY DOOR A FEW YRS AGO TELLING ME TO GET MY MUSIC STUFF TOGETHER BECOUSE HE WAS READY TO HELP ME CHASE MY DREAM…JOEL HOPPER FOR ALL MY PRODUCTION, CONNECTS AND HELPING FURTHER MY MUSIC CAREER…. NAPPY ROOTS FOR SHOWEN ME THE ROPES AND HOW TO STAY HUMBLE IN THIS INDUSTRY…EO MUSIC FOR TAKEING ME AROUND THE COUNTRY AND FOR HAVING FAITH IN ME…RSVP PRODUCTIONS FOR ALL THEIR HELP WITH EVERYTHING FROM VIDEO TO LIFE ITSELF…. LAST BUT NOT LEAST ALL MY FANS THAT BELIEVE IN ME THANKS FOR STICKING WITH AND BEING PATIENT WITH ME…. BUCKLE UP IM IN THIS FOR THE LONG HAUL!

Kasper, ty for the interview and for your time my friend.  May you enjoy continued success

Pastor Rocky

Ten Question with Chris Keck of Gasoline Alley

1. Tell the readers a little bit about yourself and your musical background. I’ve lived in Evansville basically all of my life. I’ve been playing music since I was around about 18 so that puts me as having been doing it 18 years or so or half my life. All the while I wasn’t actively involved in bands but I have been playing guitar pretty much for that given length of time.

2. How did you come up with the band name? Actually a friend of mine, Nick Faulkner, who plays in a band called Diversion came up with it. We’re all good with it so hopefully it sticks around awhile.

3. Who are the members of the band and who plays which instrument? Danny McLaughlin plays bass, Brandon Grisham drums, a new member V.J. is up on the mic. I’m the guy on guitar in the background.

4. What kind of gear does each of you use? I’m not observant enough to do this question justice but here goes. I happen to use a gibson sg and a peavey bandit amp, run through a digitech. Brandon plays on a Gretch kit, Danny has a Fender 5-string… Not alot of exciting details to further add unfortunately.

5. Do you do cover tunes, original tunes, or both? We are all cover as of now but who’s to say what’s down the road. Maybe an original will come together and we’ll throw it in the set.

6. Who are some of your influences, muscial or otherwise? Definitely a lot of the usual Guitar Heroes like Hendrix, David Gilmour, Jimmy Page, James Hetfield, Buzz Osborne, Cobain, Jim Heath, and so on.

7. Tell us about some of the greatest and worst gigs you’ve experienced. Probably Chowder Monkey’s first gig was one of my favorites. After all of the practice we put in I still felt unsure going into our first gig. After a few songs, everything just felt like it couldn’t go wrong and that was nice. — I played at an old joint called Funky’s once with a band called Can of Bliss. I remember feeling good about that. — My worst gig is a story I keep buried in the past lol but it invloved being passed out moments before hitting the stage.

8. Tell us about your impressions of the local music scene. What do you think could be done to improve it? Definitely more bands not afraid to do their own thing whether it’s cover choices or originals. Lately I’ve seen some really good bands though that have got me interested. Star Pupil and Hostile Apology are some to name a few.

9. What do the members of this band do when they’re not rehearsing or gigging? Obviously working and maintaning family lives. Going out and weekends. I really don’t know if anyone has any hobbies worth mentioning. I also happen to have a side acoustic act called The Last Hurrahs.

10. This one really isn’t a question. This is the part of the interview where we ask you to say what’s on your mind or to give a shout out to whomever you want. On my mind: cant wait to see this in Kick Acts! Well that’s cheesy but didn’t want to leave it blank.

Ten Questions With Union Shovel

1. How did the band get started?

Scott: Dustin and myself were playing in Rebel Fuel Tank.  At the same time I was playing with Chris and Darr (who I knew from the Fourskinz) in the Jimtown Rats.  When Rebel Fuel Tank decided to take a break I asked Dustin, Chris & Darr if they would be interested in jamming on some original songs … they were down and the rest is history.  Another interesting fact is that Chris had seen Rebel Fuel Tank play about 2 years earlier at Lanhucks and told his wife “I was born to play with these guys” and that he knew we would jam one day.  It’s all been a very organic and natural process.

2. How many members are in the band, and who are they?

There are 4 members:
Jeff Darr – bass, backing vocals
Chris Ellis – drums, backing vocals
Scott McClure – lead and rhythm guitar
Dustin White – lead vocals, rhythm guitar, harmonica

3. Do you like doing covers, or would you rather do your own thing, and why?

Chris: I like doing covers and kinda making them our own.  Nothing too obvious.

Scott: I like doing covers as long as they are songs we actually like.  I wouldn’t play a cover that I wouldn’t listen to on my own.  However, I prefer playing originals much more.  I think we have four great songwriters in Union Shovel and I get much more emotion and satisfaction out of playing something we created as opposed to just copying what someone else has already done.  I want to create something new … not just rehash what’s been done before us.

4. What is the inspiration for the name Union Shovel?

Scott:  When I moved back to Evansville I started jamming with Dustin and Andy Watkins – my bass player from a previous band.  To pay the rent Andy was digging graves in between playing out.  One day he and I were jamming and writing songs when we just happened to glance over at the shovel he brought home from work that he was digging graves with.  I just spit out Union Shovel and that was that.  When Chris and Darr started jamming with me and Dustin we thought of several different names and ended up going back to Union Shovel.  I think it’s kinda of cool because in a way the name was based in death and to re-name the band with Dustin as Union Shovel it’s almost like a re-birth.  It’s kind of a cool irony I think.

5. How long has the band been together?

Scott:  the current lineup of Union Shovel has been together for about six months, but I have been jamming with Dustin for going on 12 years and Darr and Chris were together for several years in the Fourskinz so in terms of chemistry and tightness it feels and sounds like we’ve been together much longer.

6. What is your favorite song to do, and what song(s) do you get a lot of requests to do?

Darr:  My favorite would be our original “Plows” … I hear a lot of requests for “Snake Farm”

Scott:  My favorites would be two of our originals … “Plows” because it’s such a big song and “Flood Plains” because it’s so intense but at the same time very melodic. (keep an eye out for them on the upcoming CD)

Chris:  “Snake Farm” because it just sounds nasty … and pretty much is

7.  Is it hard to get gigs that let you do only originals?

Chris:  Most places want to hear the same ol’ regurgitated covers that most of the bands are out there playing now so it’s nice to get to be in a band that doesn’t have to rely on such gimmickery.  Is that a word?

Scott:  I agree with Chris 100% … I started playing music to create it … not to mimic it and I love that we have the ability to craft quality songs in this band.  It does make getting gigs harder and you don’t make as much money but there are also positives — when someone likes our band it’s because they like the music we created not just liked our karaoke version of a song they like on the radio.  It has also allowed us to meet a lot of other great original musicians by splitting shows with them as opposed to playing cover songs for 3 hours every night.

8. Who are your musical inspirations?

Darr: Geezer Butler, John Paul Jones, Les Claypool

Chris: Influenced by everything from Hank to Hendrix from the Beatles to Slayer

9. What type of gear do you use?

Darr: Alvarez 4 string, Peavey BW 115

Chris: Mostly broken and scarred

Scott: a 1960 VOS Custom Les Paul, a 1960 Marshall cab (4×12), and a Marshall JCM 100 watt head as well as a rainbow of effect pedals

10. Why do you play music?

Darr: I’ve been playing half my life – I don’t know what I’d do without it

Chris: Because I have to

Scott:  I think Chris and Darr said it best.  I have no choice.  I love music too much … it’s in my soul … it’s not enough to just listen to it.  I have to learn it, create it and live it … and that still doesn’t satisfy my hunger for music.  It’s my food.

Union Shovel Shouts It Out Loud

Scott:  We’ve got a lot of exciting things going on in the Shovel.  We are writing some of the best songs I’ve ever been involved with and I get pumped up like a kid in a candy store every time we get together.  We are recording a CD of our originals now and it will be finished soon.  Keep your eyes on our site and the News4U for upcoming shows, previews of new songs and how you can get your hands and ears on ’em.

Finally, thanks to everyone who comes out and supports us.  We’ve got some diehards (who know who they are) and they are like family to us.  Keep comin’ and we’ll keep playin’.

Joe’s Records — Cassettes, 8-tracks and other dead formats

1. Thanks for agreeing to the interview, Joe. Tell the readers a little bit about yourself, both personally and in terms of Joe’s Records.

I’m an Aquarius.  I like long walks on the Beach.  My favorite color is Magenta…

Seriously though…I am 42 years old and Grew up in Mt. Carmel, IL.  When I was 19 I moved to Evansville and landed a part-time job at Coconuts here in town and nine months later they made me the manager.  I have to tell ya the competition at that store for advancement wasn’t exactly stellar at the time.  There were two other people up for the job:  A semi-retarded hair-lip named Miguel and some totally annoying chick named Debbie who had a floating eye and quoted the film “Valley Girl” ver batim.  Played in a million bands along the way and enjoyed 15 years of bliss running the Record Store.  Finally the powers that be decided they were tired of being very successful and weren’t willing to accommodate my avante garde management methods anymore. In my mind, a rockstar manager of my caliber just  could not be expected to perform mundane tasks like using a time clock or following the direct instruction of my superiors.  We parted ways amicably. (They told me to PHUCK off)  Funny, I still have a letter from the state of Indiana stating I had been wrongfully terminated after I filed unemployment.

The real story is I just couldn’t stand to be told what to do anymore.  I could go on and on about what I did for that company…how they phucked me…blah blah blah……who really gives a shit?  Truth is…it was an amazing run.  I managed to put EVERY OTHER RECORD STORE in Evansville out of business along the way…except the ones we actually acquired under the company umbrella.

So…completely driven by revenge I opened up two record stores here in town.  We just celebrated (Celebrated? I guess I got drunk? Like that never happens) our five year anniversary and are opening up our third store in Corydon, IN over the course of the next two months. We’ve had our ups and downs for sure but it’s pretty satisfying.   Nobody’s getting rich but it’s all good.  PLUS, it ‘s the only thing I know how to phucking do.

I’m viciously married to the hottest MILF in Southern Indian named Jennifer.  She totally kills in all aspects in life AND she laughs at all my stupid jokes. We’ve been together for 7 years and I STILL have the same enormous boner for her I had when we first got together.   I also have two sons Dylan, who is 3 1/2 and Danny, who will soon celebrate his own milestone: 365 consecutive days of pooping his pants.  They both have ENORMOUS ding-dongs and love their daddy.  We’re also tight with the paternal and maternal G-parents who surprisingly are all alive and still married.  One big happy fizz-amily. I am truly blessed and not just below the belt.  Seriously though.  I love my family.  It’s the best part of my life.

2. Your current musical project is a band called the Joe Smith Trio. Who else is in the band? Where can the readers find you playing next? Where can you be found online?

The Joe Smith Trio — The whole thing got started last April when me, Harvey and Brandon started doing this thing on Thursdays down at the TIME OUT LOUNGE called Acoustic Frank.  It was basically Mayor Frank without Mac, and me playing acoustic guitar.  Well…it was pretty heinous.  We practiced like once and my guitar playing was ULTRA clunky.

Crazy thing was…they didn’t seem interested in firing us.  We were there three months playing an “Eighties Night” to like NOBODY.  About half way through Brandon decided to bail so we called Kreitzer in as a temp type replacement.

The first night he came in we just started calling out older stuff.  “You know any Doobie Brothers?”  You know “Don’t Fear the Reaper?” and it just sort of transformed.  Steve’s an amazing high third harmony guy so Harvey, ever the pro, demoted himself down to low thirds.  The harmonies were instantly pretty solid.  So “Eighties Night” became “Seventies Night,” at least in our heads anyway.   Of course once we got it rolling pretty good they fired us. I’m pretty open minded about getting and losing gigs (Kreitzer:  “Every single gig you ever play…you’ll eventually get fired) but I will forever always wish ILL on Mr. Khan down there.  In the history of hard-ons towards a club owner/manager that dude is epic.  An excellent candidate for spontaneous human combustion.

Out of chronic neer-do-well circumstances we just called it the Joe Smith Trio because we were so lazy coming up with a name. Dan down at Fast Eddy’s suggested it just to get SOMETHING in NEWS4U and Acoustic Frank was (sadly) just too gay and didn’t even apply anymore anyway.

After a while Kreitzer talked me into going electric so Harvey and I put together a pleasant little rig.  It really motivated me big time to get my chops back up and I feel that what was once our biggest weakness (Joe Smith!!  Lead Guitar!! Shock Me!!) has slowly grown into a quiet little strength.  I got pretty lazy as a guitarist over the years in Mayor Frank.  It also notable that when you got phuckin Scott “Dave Gilmour” McEllhiney in the band……well what’s the point of playing guitar?

So I’m really enjoying the new role AND I really dig the material.  We do like six Doobie Brothers songs (NO MICHAEL MCDONALD).  Zeppelin, Queen, Sweet, shit like that.  We really pull it off too.  Of course being a three piece has a lot of pleasant advantages as well…small PA… more money… only two dudes to butt heads with. We’re gigging pretty hard right now although the Corydon store is going to slow that down quite a bit.

Good times. News4u can direct you to our next engagement. ALSO www.bandnut.com has our dates posted.

3. Do you now or have you ever done any original music or are you focused only on being a cover band that just has a good time.

I’d like to start writing again in some form.   We’ll see what happens.  Nothing going on now in a band context.  I’ve written about 10 million tunes and have scattered them about my musical history.  I was a founding member of the mighty Cornucopia of Death who released two albums and had moderate success, including the amazing opportunity of opening up for Pantera on the Cowboys from Hell tour.  Current drummer/producer Jeremy Heyde (Spencer… whatever… fucking rock star… changing his name)  from Five Finger Death Punch was our drummer for what I call our “classic” lineup.  I often reflect fondly on him lightly fingering Tony Cariota’s asshole.  Fun phucking band.  It was a passion that I’ve never really been able to recapture.  I’ve had a lot of fun playing music over the years and STILL love it but that shit was serious!!  It’s BAND SEASON BITCH!!  Good times.  We played ALL OVER THE PLACE.  I was a rawk gawd.

Had a pretty solid run with a local Metal Band called Nine Stitches who released two albums.  We ended up in the Miller Band Network and got to open for LIVE at Deer Creek.  It was gay.  Me and some other guys recorded some EPIC metal shit several years ago (Me and Scott McEllhiney on Guitar, Brandon Osborne on Drums and Scott Dale on Bass) that had a lot of potential but I’m too phucking lazy to finish it.  That’s pretty gay too.

I was in a duo with Matt Potter from Five O’clock Charlie called Skippy’s Boyz (don’t ask) that wrote about 16 completely retarded comedy songs about limp cocks and crystal meth abuse.  Never recorded though.

4. Who are some of the musical folks around here you’ve worked with and what have you learned from them?

Well, if we’re rating dudes…I got to give mad props again to the aforementioned Jeremy Heyde.  And not for the reasons people might expect.  Of course he’s an amazing drummer who is extremely musical (anybody else here got co-production credits on a CD gettin’ ready to scan it’s 400,000th copy?) and radically well versed in the industry.  What people don’t realize is that the dude has been phucking starving to death in Hollywood for 15 years AND managed to persevere through several other key near misses with success.

1.  Played with Mick Sweda from Bulletboys.  Lived together and recorded under the band name “Brain Stem Babies.”  Played a few shows.  Never got signed.

2.  In another project with current FFDP Jason Hook signed a production deal with Atlantic.  Recorded the album.  It got shelved.

3.  Played drums for the extremely successful LA theatrical band POWDER whose CD was released on Capitol Records…but only in Europe and Japan.  Weird.

4.  Played drums for W.A.S.P.  Phucking WASP?!?  That totally rules.

Here’s the hard truth.  There’s definitely a lot of amazing talent in this market and most people truly understand their role in the Evansville Musical Landscape.  Many times though I hear musicians dog out this town implying that it’s scene or lack thereof is what’s impairing their original “career.”  Now I bringeth the Gospel:  If you’re not willing to put it all on the line and get the phuck out of dodge, then shut the phuck up.  If you really want to make it you HAVE to do what Heyde did, not form a garage band and bitch and moan about the nefarious spectres here in Evansville squashing your dream.  You know it IS OK to just play music on your own terms that DON’T involve all that silly ego shit.  I just like to play in cover bands right now and make some extra money and have a few drinks in the process.  Please don’t judge me because I’m beautiful.

I could have went with Heyde.  I’m sure he would have let me ride shotgun.  I just didn’t have the same drive for it he had.  Most people don’t.  It’s an amazing accomplishment and I couldn’t be prouder of my friend.  That guy is the real phucking deal.  He’s given up more then any of us will ever know to TRULY pursue his dream.

We actually have remained super close and my wife and I just visited him and checked out his new pad in Vegas.  The house that Metal built.  It was nice.  Motherphucker’s got it goin’ on.  He always sends me shit and calls me all the time.  Actually asks my opinion and pretends to give a rat’s ass what I think.  Makes me feel good.  PLUS he’s the only dude who’s ever been to hang with my METAL SPEAK jargon and really rap down about music in general.  He’s my best friend, which is pretty phuckin’ sad seein as how we only see each other 3 or 4 times a year. — Ok…I’m done swinging from his nutz.

Other kewl notables:  (Please do not read if you do NOT have a sense of humor.)

Scott McEllhiney – Amazing guitarist – Best Tone guy in town.  Yeah, I said it…phuck off.  Cool stage vibe.  Awesome guy too. My total band bro. Mayor Frank had an amazing run during the last stretch.  I really miss that dude.  I’m sure we’ll cross musical paths again and when it happens, lock up the cuervo.

Brandon Osborne – Killer drummer and super attractive b-boy

Lindsey Williams – Phuck that guy for being so talented!!  That shit gets on my nerves!!  Good guy.  Very gifted.

Tony “Basszilla” Cariota – Still the best bass player I’ve ever played with PLUS he can knock over skyscrapers and shit.

Brian Mullins – Plucky little drummer who has impeccable timing and talks really really fast.  “Phuckyoujoesmith!”

Kerry Shelton – Amazing Rhythm guitarist and winner of several Danny Devito look alike contests.  My favorite drunk guy.  Besides myself of course.

Mike VanBibber – Great Metal guitarist and hands down one of the funniest motherphuckers on the planet.  We lived together for a year during the Nine Stitches run and it was UGLY.  Also the best air drummer I’ve ever seen.

Mike Stepps – Awesome guitarist and amazing songwriter.  KILLER stage vibe.  Funny as hell too.  What the phuck happened to that guy?

Brad Wireman – Super gifted drummer who is unusually tall and walks like a girl.  Extremely well versed in metal lore.  Successfully predicted an earthquake AND my first marriage’s imminent demise. Likes to get in fistfights with his brother Chad.  His mother just hit on me Saturday night.   Smartest guy I know.  Besides myself of course.

Kevin Book – People always try to pit us against each other and I guess we had our petty tiffs back in the day (I honestly can’t remember what the hub-bub was all about) but I ALWAYS respected his abilities as a singer and learned a lot from observing him. His crimes against the female gender will go down in history for their brutality and brash explicitness.  Probably my favorite local singer.  Besides myself of course.

TJ Tanoos – Back in the day a rampant cassanova that even rivals Kevin Book.  A total machine.

Brian Sollomon – Very underated singer.  Only reason he hasn’t been more successful is because he looks like a Disney Villian

Chet Harger – Geez…need I say more?

Brian Hoeche – Taught me how to sweep.  LOOK OUT!

Tim Smith – My brother from another mother.  Weirdo west sider who masterbates to me and my wife’s wedding photo.

Greg Smitha –  Metrosexual monster ladies man.  Christ…I ran wingman for this dude for years back in the day and he left THOUSANDS of sexually satisfied yet emotionally destroyed females in his wake.  A true American Hero. Without a doubt the most attractive man in the Midwest.  Oh yeah…very very good bass player as well.  Nice jazzy little walky style.  Can smoke just about anybody in an all-out licks war.

John Gauer – Fun loving neer-do-well who refuses to mow his yard or finish his deck.  You gotta love that guy.

Derek Demaree – AKA MC Poops a Lot – Greatest Rapper to every grace a Mike In Indiana.  His madd skillz are quite remarkable

Dwayne Bradshaw –  Gotta put one black guy on here right?  Seriously though…this guy has always been kind to me.  Smoothest speaking voice I’ve ever heard in my life.  We both have a Glen Hughes fixation.

Scott Dale AKA Show N Tell – Great Metal bassist who is my biggest fan. Has large hand callouses from swinging from my nutz.  Solid production guy as well.  Total phucking sweetheart and sexual weirdo who makes his wife do weird shit in bed.

Eric and Brett Elder – The Laurel and Hardy of the local music scene.  A brash, big mouthed drunken know it all who likes gay stuff like the Dallas Cowboys and Metallica AND a slow talking monotone neanderthal who humps Harvey’s gear for money.   I FEEL MUCH BETTER ABOUT MYSELF.  Dave and Byrd get honorable mention just for puttin’ up with these jagoffs.   Just kiddin……cool dudes and solid solid players.  Eric can cover just about any solo and Brett has really come into his own.  True working musicians.

Blaine Henry –  Great Songwriter who hates to spend money

Jon Warren – RIP

Those two fags I’m playing with right now.  Harvey and Kreitzer.  Seriously though…best harmony singers I’ve ever played with.  Total characters.  Steve makes John Gauer look like an overachiever and Harvey………well you know Harvey.  We’re like that old married couple.  We just can’t seem to quit making easy money together whoring ourselves out musically.  Mac’s a close second but I’ve logged more paying gigs with Harvey then ANYONE.  He’s a good friend AND he serves me up rim on demand.

5. Tell us all there is to know about Joe’s Records and what’s the worst part about it. Surely you’ve had someone come in and want to sell you an absolutely horrible album for an outrageous price. Anyone try to cash in on his death and ask sell you a Michael Jackson vinyl record for a gold mine?

The worst thing about the stores?  Well…of course, there’s all kind of major annoyances that go with owning and operating the giant retail juggernaut of Joe’s Records, but I can really boil the BIG pain in the ass type issues down to two:

1.Worry.  The roller coaster topsy turvy retail model can be a mind blower at times.  In 2007 I got sick and was on this crazy medication to help with my condition.  All of the sudden business goes to shit.  The combination of stress and medication just about made me go nuts.  I was (for the first and only time in my life) truly depressed.  It was a rough few months.  Of course (as usual) my wife was able to get me back to normal and (as usual) the business righted itself.  A wise man once said “All of the things I’ve truly worried about never happened.”  In some ways worry is a good thing.  I mean if you didn’t give a shit about adversity you sure wouldn’t react to it.  It’s just the way I’m wired.  I’m MUCH better now because I know it will always work out (it always does) AND I know what’s really important:  Drinking and doing drugs.  Just kiddin…I know every day ends with me going home to my beautiful boys and my wonderful wife.  THAT is true wealth my friends.  I am so wise.

2.  I have found that the most difficult thing about running a business isn’t necessarily making sure you’re on the ball, but  being able to constantly react to everyone else’s mistakes.  Vendors, insurance companies, banks, utility providers, etc…these people could phuck up a cop of coffee.  It’s truly amazing how many times I’ve had to show my ass just to get a business associate to honor some sort of simple agreement.  Also, EVERYONE     will try to phuck you any way they can.  I can’t tell you how many times people have threatened litigation against us over some bullshit only to have them back off later when they realize I have my shit together and will fight them in court if necessary.  I hate that shit.  ALSO….since we buy used merchandise from the public we’re constantly finding ourselves in the most bizarre situations.

I can’t tell you how many times people have left the store FURIOUS because I won’t hand them over a stack of loot for their shit.  Crazy.  I always tell people I “might” be interested and “don’t be disappointed if our price comes in low” or “I understand it’s not what you were hoping for.  You might want to consider just keeping these items and finding the money you need another way.  I REALLY appreciate you bringing them in though.”  People still get all butt-hurt.  “So you mean to tell me you’re gonna give me a dollar for this and then you’re gonna sell it for five?”  Uh…yeah…if I’m lucky that is.

Of course this isn’t ALL the time but some people really don’t understand that this 20 bucks out of my till is 20 bucks I DON’T HAVE ANYMORE.  Maybe your shit will sell…maybe not.  Geez…you’re coming into my house and asking me for money…then you’re pissed because I won’t give you what you want.

Other than that I’m truly in love with what I do.  Of course I love music (every single dollar I have earned my entire adult life is music/media related) and enjoy the business part of it.  Mostly though…I just love the contact.  I love to sell music, movies and games and it’s really fun to share that passion with our customers.  It’s a stupid cliché but (for the most part) I really do love people and have been blessed with the fellowship of many regular customers over the years.

The cool thing about Joe’s Records now is that our balance sheet is actually really solid.

A profitable entity with solid assets and a very favorable (whew!) debt ratio.  We weathered our little storm and came out pretty slick.  Lots of haters ran their mouth when we opened our first store.  Just because an industry might be struggling as a whole doesn’t mean you can’t be successful.  Independent stores are actually doing pretty well.  Of course the media paints us as dinosaurs but what can I do?  We sure didn’t have any trouble getting our money for the Corydon store.  If a bank will throw you a commercial loan THESE DAYS…you’re not in too bad a shape.

A big part of why we’ve been successful was our investment in the vinyl configuration and how (thank god) it’s made this GIGANTIC comeback.  Told ya so Bitches!!!

Aw hell…it might explode in my face tomorrow.  Today…I still love it.

I refuse to take any questions about Michael Jackson.

6. Do you think that downloading music is a help or hindrance to musicians? The major labels say that it’s essentially the heart of all the problems they are having in terms of lower sales –– would you agree, disagree, or maybe a little bit of both?

Everything the record industry is suffering is self inflicted.  I can sum it up into two major phuckups.  Number one:  High Cd prices.  Number two:  The absolution of the single.

Downloading only reared its ugly head when people were getting frustrated at shelling out 18 bucks a pop for some broke dick cd with one good song on it.  In the old days you could opt for a cassette or even a single.

When I was a kid I heard “The Night Chicago Died” by Paper Lace on American Bandstand.  My mom took me up to Risley’s in Mt. Carmel the next day and we bought the 45.  (I drove her nutz with that song…over and over and over!)  Today, A kid hears the new Kelly Clarkson and goes to the mall with her dad and Voila…18 bucks.  That’s kids record buying culture is frigged from the start.  So phuck yeah she’s gonna download.

Crazy thing is …… hard goods sales last year were nearly 4 billion dollars.  By comparison…Major League Baseball is a 5 billion dollar industry.  Nobody thinks baseball’s going away.

The big problem is there’s a lot less record stores and the ones that are still around have to deal with the phucking BEAST BUYS and Targets selling shit at or below cost.  It’s tough.

If these stores (the ones that have closed) had been proactive and diversified with lifestyle products, used media, movies, games, an ebay culture, etc. they might have made it through.

Downloading’s bad M…kay?  But the labels only have themselves to blame and any retailer who can’t figure it out and wants to blame their failure(s) solely on downloading didn’t try hard enough to fix the problem.  You can’t download a T-shirt you dolt!!

As far as being a help or hindrance to musicians…that’s an interesting debate.  My bottom line on this topic is as follows:  If you wanna give away your shit for free.  Fine.  No problem.  That’s your decision and in many instances bands have made this work for them in the long run.

If you DON’T want to give away your shit for free…then NO computer noodler prick in the world has the right to steal it from you. That giant bag of hot air, Lars Ulrich might be the most over-rated drummer (great ideas…TERRIBLE execution live) on the planet. But on this…we agree.  Nuff said.

Besides…those compressed files SOUND LIKE SHIT.  If you really want to hear a pure audio signal…buy the vinyl.

7. You hate Walmart as much as I do when it comes to the music side of things and the exclusive deals. Please give the readers your ten cents on this topic.

Phuck Wal-mart.  Seriously.  You sell your soul to the devil each time you give those corporate gargoyles your hard earned.  AC/DC (My alltime favorite band) broke my heart with their exclusive deal with them on Black Ice.  I felt like Mel Gibson on Braveheart when that Scottish noble all took his helmet off after Mel was all lying there bleeding and shit.  Complete and total betrayal.  I got about five hundred phone calls on that deal.  Everyone laughing at my pain.

Best Buy too..same deal.  Their practices (selling shit below cost and advertising it…isn’t that illegal…what the phuck?) have been a big part of what ails the business…and it doesn’t even help lower prices.   The labels love that shit……cause they’re gonna get theirs anyway…so there’s no incentive to restructure price.  Gay.

My 3 year old is totally brainwashed he always says “Wal-Mart is Icky.”  He truly believes that there are “monsters in there” and that there is “poop all over the floor.”  If you ever have to babysit Dylan just TRY to take that kid into a Wal-Mart…he will fire your ass up.  That’s my boy.

8. Besides Joe’s Records and the Joe Smith Trio, what else do you do for fun?

Who said that shit was fun?  Just kiddin…Well, like I said before I stay home as much as possible and prefer the fun that comes from hanging with the Fam, chillin’ in the pool, grilling out, watching terrible cartoons.

I have been known to take a drink or two.  Does that count as fun.  We’re all sports nuts, particularly the NFL, fucking Raiders…THIS IS OUR YEAR BOYEEEZZZ!!  We get the NFL ticket every year…Jen’s a big Giants fan.  We actually went to a Giants Cowboy game in New York a couple of seasons ago and then a month later went to a Raiders Broncos game out in Oakland.  The Giants tickets were like three hundred bucks.  The Raiders Tickets were like twelve.  Oh well.

We like to go camping and we dig water parks.  I enjoy eating cockroaches by the handful.  Just checking to make sure you’re paying attention.  Mostly we’re just homebodies.  Much love.

9. What ever happened to the old Mayor Frank website where you parodied anything and everything? Do you still have that archived or is it lost to history. Tell us some old MF stories.

The Mayor Frank Website.  For about a year and a half that thing was an intense obsession for me.  I friggin updated it almost every day!!!  I spent HOURS on it.  It was pretty crazy popular.  I basically made up fake news stories about local musicians (with the emphasis on Mayor Frank) and dogged out everybody.  The great thing about it was almost EVERYBODY GOT THE JOKE.  People were calling me all saying “Do Me!!  Do Me!!”  It was like a compliment.

My good friend Metal Matt helped me out big time on that thing.  I’m pretty sure he has it stored somewhere.  I’d LOVE to write more again…I really enjoy it…it just takes up so much time.

Some of my favorite stories were “Pre-pubescent Satanic Band Targets Never Been Caught,” “Scott Winzinger’s Stalking Me,” and “Pat Moore Find’s Nickel.”  HA HA HA HA HA  That Pat Moore article still cracks me up.

When I said “almost” everybody got it Pat was one of the exceptions!!  He was up late one night all jacked up on being Pat I guess…did a google search for his name and that article popped up!!!  HA HA HA HA HA  That shit still makes me laugh.  He all told Chris Cochram he was pissed off and that he could sue me for slander.  Slander?!?!  I never said anything negative or even used any curse words on that piece.  Chris tried to explain the subtle art of satire to Pat but he just never got it.  HA HA HA HA I am literally laughing uncontrollably right now!!  The inset photo was Pat all holding up this GIANT nickel with the subtitle “Moore, Embracing the Root of All Evil.”  HA HA HA HA HA HA…Pat…I ain’t mad at cha bro!!  Much love!! Good times.

Mayor Frank Stories?  Well there’s the insane irony of getting pulled over one night after a gig.  The only gig I every played in that band stone sober.  Pretty wild.

Other than that……not really sure.  Just a lot of drinking really.  I mostly just remember the last few years with the “classic” lineup of me, Mac, Harvey and Brandon.  We were a good band that had a lot of fun.  Mac is still my favorite band bro ever.  Every time I say his name I taste tequila.  We had a great song list.  It took us seven years but in the end we really had the perfect 50 songs for that whole 80’s metal thing and there’s nothing more surreal then watching 500 20 somethings at Fast Eddy’s sing along to “Cherry Pie.”

I’m sure we’ll get back together someday for at least a show or two.  Me and Harvey are busy with our thing and Mac’s band Pieces of the Day is giggin’ their asses off.  Everything that dude touches turns to gold.  Brandon ran away from home and is in a very popular road band called the Poptart Monkeys.

We’ll just have to wait and see.

10. Finally, are there any closing thoughts you’d like to get out there? We call this segment SHOUT IT OUT LOUD.

Well the night’s begun and you want some fun……

Man Tate you just can’t escape your KISS nerdisms can you?  If you dig classic rock with big harmony vocals and lots of improvised self indulgent guitar noodling come out and check out the Joe Smith Trio.  Come buy a record you broke dicks!!

Interview With The Great Hair Farmer/Drummer “Jim Cauley”

1. Hello Jim and welcome to Kick Acts. Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am-in the immortal words of Blaine Henry-a “rock-n-roll dinosaur”. I have been playing drums  for @ 23 years. I have 3 daughters-17, 8, and 7. Divorced. I have a wonderful girlfriend. Sales rep for Body Panels Company to pay the bills. I also build, repair and restore drums… overwhelmingly busy with that lately-mostly for myself. I’ve built and repaired drums for many prominent local drummers-and some not-so-local. I like beer.

2. You’re currently in the band called “Hog Maw”. What the hell kind of name is that and what kind of music do you play?

Hog Maw… I have no idea. Jon and Whip would have to answer that question. I’m a late addition to the band, so I’m out of the loop.

Musically-all over the place. A lot of straight blues, some funk-Meters, Neville Brothers-some rock/blues ala Govt. Mule, ZZ Top, Cream, Hendrix-some countryish stuff, and some really eclectic stuff. I’m still being broken in, so there is a lot I’m not aware of yet. A lot of fun, though.

3. You have been around a long time like a lot of us fellow musicians have. Any previous bands or projects you want to mention?

Previous bands…wow. White Hiney (the Ross Theater days), NO!, Other People, Mama Zot, Dizzy and the Superheroes, The Wurms, Velvet Jones, Blue I’d Soul, BSR, Bliss Valve, Fountainhead, Jenn and the Back Seat Drivers, 5-11 Jimmy, Vegas Radio, The Huckleberrys. Currently-Hog Maw, Loko Davi (original rock band with Blaine and Scott from Mama Zot), and Dan Conn. A full plate. I intended on taking a break for @ 6 months when The Huckleberrys called it quits, but I got bored FAST…then I had offers I couldn’t refuse. I love everything I’m doing now, for different reasons.

4. Do you have a greatest gig story you’d like to share?

Greatest gigs-too many to say any one in particular. Opening for Nickelback with BSR, Mother Mesker ’95 with Mama Zot, showcasing for labels/management in Nashville with Dizzy and the Superheroes-BIZARRE gig. The W.C. Handy Fest for several years in a row with The Huckleberrys. A woodworking expo in Madisonville, where teenage Amish boys watched us play like we were on fire. Numerous gigs opening for 9 LB. Hammer in the White Hiney days, and on and on. I’ve had a LOT of fun.

5. How about the worst gig?

Worst gigs…a place called the Top Hat in Newport, Kentucky-what a toilet. A biker rally in Owensboro with Mama Zot in ’95-we almost got killed. Seriously. Blaine Henry named that gig “Hell’s Neck Boogie”. A gig in Bowling Green, Kentucky with Dizzy and the Superheroes-the entire band almost went to jail. Oddly, we were saved by our singer being a disgusting slob-the nasty rotten food scattered about his van kept the police canine from making an incriminating discovery. You know what I  mean, right? Various others that seemed really bad at the time, but in hindsight weren’t that bad actually-sometimes you just take them hard.

6. Do you have any other hobbies other than playing drums? I was told to ask you about a “special” van that has candy dispensers in it.

Hobbies other than drums…mountain biking-but I don’t get to ride much anymore. Video games. About it, actually. As for the candy dispensers in my van-HAHAHA, Snyder! I own 2 vans, actually-one is affectionately known as the “kidnapper”. My girlfriend and I have a running joke-we talk about getting my 2 little girls, and her daughter, to walk down the sidewalk-then we pull up quickly, slide the door open, and scoop them up. Some probably wouldn’t be amused by that-but we laugh until it hurts plotting it out.

7. If you had to pick the greatest drummer of all time who would that be and why?

Greatest drummer…no way I can pick just one. My biggest rock influences would have to be John Bonham, Mitch Mitchell, Ian Paice, Matt Cameron, Abe Laboriel Jr., Mickey Curry, Matt Abts, John Theodore, and Steve White. Bonham would have to be the all-time fave, I guess-the sound of his drums, and his feel. Other drummers I love from various genres-Benny Greb, Keith Carlock, Zigaboo Modeliste, Billy Martin, Tony Williams, Elvin Jones, Ralf Gustke, Steve Jordan…I could go on and on. I also have always said that you can learn something from everyone-even if it’s what not to do.

8. First concert?

First concert-A TON of local punk rock shows…but the first arena concert I remember seeing was U2 on the Joshua Tree tour, with the Bodeans opening. Great show.

9. What advice would you give someone just starting out playing drums?

Advice to someone just starting to play drums-have fun, listen to what you and others are playing, and PRACTICE. Nothing can beat repetition for building muscle memory, stamina, and a sense of time. Also-listen to all types of music, and drummers. I don’t care if you just want to play jazz, metal, country, etc.-take in what everyone is doing, filter it, and introduce it to your game. Every influence-good or bad-will help you find your style. Play every note like you mean it. Did I mention have fun?

10. # 10 is called “Shout It Out Loud”. It’s were you get to talk about whatever you want to talk about. So go ahead Jim, and “SHOUT IT OUT LOUD”!

My “shout it out loud”…I’ve been extremely fortunate. I know it’s just Evansville, Indiana – but I’ve been very fortunate to play with pretty much everyone I’ve wanted to play with around this area. there are a lot of great players around here, and a lot of them slip under the radar… recognition-wise. My gratitude to some of the outstanding guitarists I’ve played with – Scott “Mac” McIllhiney, Cooper “Princess” Bell, Jon Snyder (sissy boy), Mike Fisher, Ed “Dirty Sanchez” Sein, Tommy Stillwell, Jeff Ennis, Keith Burden, Mike Gordon, John Adkisson… I’ve learned a lot from all of these guys.

Bass players-a shorter list, but still significant-Jeremy “Space Mountain” Hall, Carlos Ross, Kevin “Big Daddy” Book, Greg “Spacklin” Smitha, Jim Gaines, John Rochner, Matt Bartholomy, Nick Gregory…

Big props to Kevin for another thing-showing me what it takes to be a pro. Say what you want, love him or hate him-but dude brings it EVERY time he hits the stage. The best advice anyone ever gave me as a player was from Kevin – “You can’t be great every night, but YOU CAN be good every night”.  True.

Last, but not least-my current bands are exactly what I needed at this point in my life…Loko Davi SLAMS, and it feels great to get my rock jones going again. AIM FOR THE FLOOR!!! Better yet, I’m playing with some of my best friends on the planet again in this band-and it feels great to be here.  Hog Maw-I get to push myself stylistically a little, and it’s great. But I still hate shuffles. 🙂 Whip and Larry are two of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet, as well. Jon Snyder…eh. He’s OK, I guess. 🙂 Dan Conn-nice to relax, support the great players surrounding me, and just hold it all down.

Also-I’m happier personally than I’ve been in a long time. Amazing how much easier it is to go day to day when you aren’t pissed at the world. Sounds corny-but I’m really glad to be on this planet right now. I have great friends, great family, and great music. What more do you really need?

Thanks-and take care!

Bonus questions… Was the 1969 Apollo moon landing faked?

The Moon landing was not faked. And even if it was, it’s my Easter Bunny. So leave it alone. 🙂

Tell us about you experince playing with Bob Kulick …

Bob Kulick- Hmmmmm…should I be P.C. here and say he was difficult? Nah…fuck it. He was an ass. ASS. He was hostile to all of us playing (Mike Fisher, Dave Newton, Allen “Fucking” Tate, and myself), condescending, and just generally hateful. Two of the highlights of that gig-Fisher ripping him a new ass, instrumentally-and me playing “Love Gun” MUCH faster than it should be. We played a bit at the soundcheck the night before the gig, and he said I played it too slow-I was playing album tempo. So…when we did the gig, I counted it off FAASSSTTT…and rolled with it. He was obviously struggling with the solo at that speed. He who laughs last…then the sumbitch tried to be all sweet to us after the gig. Ron Keel, on the other hand, was SUPER COOL. Very nice guy. Saw him the day after at the NAMM show-he walked straight to me, and talked to me for @ 20 minutes.

You didn’t mention Peter Criss as one of your main influences, are you mad or just having a brain fart anticipating KISS’S new release on October 6th, by standing in line all night at Joe’s Records and buying it?

Peter Criss… should have listed him as a favorite, I guess. Not a huge fan of his playing anymore-but I was as a kid, and he’s probably the single biggest reason I’m a drummer. So props to Peter. As for KISS’ new release-WTF? Peter won’t be on it. Eric Singer will, though-and he’s a badass. But not enough so for me to purchase this turd of a recording. Besides, Tate’s little troll ass will buy every copy. As for Joe’s Records-I’m not allowed on the property…I refuse to swing from Joe W. Smith’s nutz, and he finds that unacceptable.