Do you remember the “Tape of the Month” club? Way back in the 70’s my little brother and I got a couple of guitars for Christmas and we needed some music to try and figure out how to play. My little brother being bolder than me got our Grandmother to buy us “KISS Alive I”. It was our first introduction to real rock music. We were turning our heads from the music that was her music to music that was for our generation. Who would know that as an adult I would love all that old music she played on her record player every Sundaywhile house cleaning. But now back to the “Tape of the Month” club.
We used to get these ads where you could order a bunch of 8 track tapes all at once or they would send you a tape a month automatically. Once again enter my little brother. The one that didn’t have any “stops”. You know that little cricket in your head that says ‘Don’t do that”. Well, his cricket never said that… He started ordering these tapes. They would show up every month. He might have been 12 years old at the time. We never paid for any of them but the tapes kept coming in. Maybe our grandmother paid the bill but I guess I’ll never know if she did. But month after month a new tape! Some of the ones that I remember were Steve Miller’s “Fly like an Eagle”. There was also a Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young tape (The name escapes me), a Movie sound track tape with the theme from “New York New York” on it and then a tape from a band called “Angel”. The album title was called “White Hot”.
White Hot. What an incredible album. From start to finish. The band was the exact opposite of KISS. Which they have been compared to and pitted against for years. Both bands were awesome. KISS had the larger than life persona and was the first band I saw in concert. They were mystic. Cool as hell, but scary. Like watching a horror movie in real life. Angel on the other hand were “heavenly’. All dressed in White. Their name spelled “Angel” right side up and upside down. I studied the cover of the 8 track tape as much as I did the KISS gate folds. Remember folks, back then the internet didn’t exist. Magazines only came out once a month or quarterly. There were no video channels. You only knew what you knew about bands from their album covers or the occasional article you could catch about them in a magazine that you had to go to a store and read. You put the tape or album on, hit play and let it play over and over while you studied the album art!
Just like KISS, Angel had their own recognizable players in the band. From Frank DiMino, Gregg Giuffria, Barry Brandt, Felix Robinson and last but definitely least, the sex symbol of the band and Guitar player Punky Meadows. As a young guitar player at the time I was mesmerized by Punky’s playing. He has great taste, tone and feel. Never plays over the top. Plays for the song. The band had strong songs and all the cool stuff that bands back then needed but Mtv was a couple of years away still. And despite releasing great music, Angel disappeared before the dawn on the 80’s rock scene. Too bad, the world would have loved them. I know I have.
It’s been 35 years since Angel was around. The fan base is still around and growing. People are finally catching up to what we fans knew along. Angel was a Helluva band.
And now Punky Meadows has released an album. A helluva album too. It’s called “Fallen Angel”. It also has two Bonus tracks with Frank DiMino on vocals too! I have had it for 3 days now and it hasn’t stopped “spinning” in my CD player. Just like in the old days! It’s that good! It’s so far away from all the mundane cookie monster vocals and overplayed Drop D stuff we have today. It’s a breath of fresh air. Great songs. Great hooks and great guitar playing by the legend himself! This album is the album the world has needed for the past 35 years. It’s as if Punky caught 1978 in a bottle and mixed it in with 2016! A perfect match! Punky and the band has managed to capture the music we grew up on and kept it relevant for today too! It’s cruising music. Its backyard yard party music. It’s a California sunset on the beach music! It’s Rock and Roll!
The album has something for everyone. From the opening “Angelic” spoken words from Heaven telling Punky to “take his harp and make sweet music” and then rolling right into “The Price you Pay”. What a great song. It has that Bad Company, Bob Welch, 38 special feel to it. “Straight Shooter” is the first single released with a video. Another great song! (More music videos Punky please!)
Any other great songs on the album? Yes! All of them. I could go on and on! There are sexy gritty guitar riffs and catchy vocal hooks throughout it. The whole band is amazing! Lots of rock and roll attitude on this disk! That’s what makes music “Music”. It really has been in my CD player since I received my copy! It’s all thrills and no fills on this one!
To pick your copy go here!
You may still have a chance to pick up an autograph copy here!
WATCH: Adele’s First Video In Three Years, ‘Hello’ | UPROXX
The Xavier Dolan directed video has Adele in an older home flashing back to her time there with an ex-lover (portrayed by Mack Wilds). As she revealed to Zane Lowe “it’s not a groundbreaking video in terms of effects or dance moves, but it’s my best video, and I’m so proud of it.” Keeping up the premise of 25 being a “make-up record,” “Hello” has Adele apologizing to a past love for breaking their heart. The melancholy in the piano-fueled production enhances the remorse Adele expresses throughout the song.
Beside Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters, who else is there that oozes rock and roll? “The Darkness” that’s who! Justin and the guys keep delivering the goods! And if you are a member of their fan club and order something, you may get an extra gift in your rock package just because the guys are just that freakin’ cool! They also reply to their fans on Facebook! Check out their latest video below where the guys channel Freddie Mercury, Sweet, Slade, Bowie and dare I say Rod the Bod Stewart! ROCK ON!
For more on “The Darkness!
After releasing an audio YouTube video of “Open Fire”. The Darkness has just released the official video to the song! Check it out. You really can’t go wrong with Justin and the gang!
et’s face it. Record companies no longer exist. The ones that do, don’t really support the bands anymore. No more large recording budgets or large touring budgets unless you’re already a large band with a large catalog and fan base. There are no bucks in music. The little that’s there is spread thin. So what do bands do to supplement their income?
They make money on soft sales. Every band has t-shirts, baby dolls, and other swag for sale. But some go further than that. For instance, Michael Anthony has his own hot sauce. Jesse James from “Jackyl” has his own bourbon whiskey brand. As a band, you have to do what you have to do. Most bands sell packages of different levels to increase sales.
And now, setting the bar much higher by using her head and her “assets”, Veronica Freeman. The voice of “Benedictum” and her just released solo album on Frontier records called “Now or Never”. Her website features different memberships and subscription levels too. From autographed Cd’s to T-shirts and, well…This special package for 50 bucks!
NOW OR NEVER…SEALED WITH A KISS Package!
Autographed Veronica Freeman Bra with actual lipstick “kiss” from “The V”. Autographed copy of “The V” Veronica Freeman’s new CD, NOW OR NEVER. Autographed 5″x7″ photo of “The V”, Veronica Freeman. “The V” sticker.
If by chance you think she is just all boobs and flash, check out her pipes here!
Check out Stryper’s new single “Yahweh”. It’s over 6 minutes long and has the “Soldiers Under Command” feel to it! I just wish this album, like most metal albums these days should be mixed in analog not digital. Yes, I know digital is quicker but analog is a lot warmer and more suited for metal/rock. Not sure the drums are real either but not hating on the song. Stryper consistently puts out great stuff over and over. That’s a win in my book! Thoughts?
Welcome to Kick Acts. Tell us a little about yourself and were you can be found online.
Oblivious Signal is a female fronted hard rock band from Deerfield Beach, FL. We can be found at www.ObliviousSignal.com
Who are your musical heroes and influences? Why?
My musical influences range from Laura Pausini, to Carry Underwood, some old school Mariah Carey, Lacuna Coil. Anything female fronted that shows a women’s talents in the music industry. I love fun fearless talented females. I like all types of music, so it is difficult to stick to just one influence.
Do you have any advice for someone just getting started in the music business?
The music business is like an investment in education in a way. You want to make it big, you have to invest. So work hard to make that investment so you can benefit from it. Also stick to your guns. Don’t let anyone try to dictate who you are and try to change you. 90% of well thought out ideas
with the correct marketing, push and dedication can actually gain you some traction in the industry. You just have to keep going regardless of the ups and downs. Networking is also VERY important. If you are afraid to pick up a phone and talk to someone, you may need to break out of that habit quick.
Nothing is more personal than picking up a phone and talking to an agent, an instrument company, a label or whoever one on one. Not via email which can easily be missed or deleted.
What piece of advice did you ignore that you wish you hadn’t?
Even though you play for yourself as well, if you are making a career of this, you have to think about your market and who you are appealing to and give them what they want as well. I ignored that advice 6 years ago and it took me a while to realize I wasted years going against the current. Music is a business and you have to know your market, and how to be relatable.
Do you have a greatest gig story or worst gig horror story you’d like to share?
Horror story…forgetting the most important cables for your backing tracks set 2 states over on tour and NOT having any replacements. After being so used to playing on a click track for so long, it was weird to have to go back to the days where we jammed by having to look at each other for the correct cues. haha.
Greatest gig story…ALL our gigs! We just wrapped up a great tour with Seasons After and FLAW so we had a lot of great times every single night meeting new fans all over the mid-east coast of the US.
Do you have any other hobbies other than playing music? Collect stamps? Collect hats from off the side of the road? Draw pictures of peckers or boobs? Make sock puppets? Sit in the dark and eat Cheetos?
Actually…I DO collect stamps!! I have since I was a kid. Coins as well. I was a member of the American Philatelic Association for a very long time.
CHECK OUT OBLIVIOUS SIGNAL’s ” NEW VIDEO!
What do you think about the current music scene or lack of? Care to address that?
The music scene is there, but after studying different genres I can see what the rock scene is missing, and that is the camaraderie that other genres have. You see all these artists collaborating with each other in the top 40 industry and helping bring up new comers. You don’t see too much of that in the rock work. It would be nice to have that mentorship approach that so many other genres have in their communities.
Do you think reality shows like American Idol, X factor and The Voice have helped or hurt the music industry as a whole?
I think those shows have helped discover people that have true talent. I actually auditioned for the The Voice many years ago. What I don’t agree with is having people that have already had their chance in the industry win the competition against those that never had the chance before. Those shows are not easy to compete in either. They are very stressful. You have to learn songs with a few days notice and get them and any choreography down asap. I am the worst at learning cover songs…I can’t even sing along
to the songs on the radio without making up my own lyrics. I can’t imagine doing all of that and having your life turned upside down in such fast nature. It takes a lot out of you, and I commend those that have the capability to deal with that type of high stress competition.
What is your opinion of unauthorized music downloads?
I hate it. It is very expensive now a days to record music and get it out there and market it. It costs thousands of dollars to do. The fact that someone can’t even spare .99 to download a song and has to steal drives me crazy. It takes a lot of years of investment in time, rehearsals, studio recording etc. to make music. Not many people realize that songs just don’t get created within seconds out of thin air for free.
Tell us something about each of your band members that we wouldn’t expect to hear.
Nick our guitarist is a hard core sports fan. We actually have to coordinate our rehearsal schedules around his game schedules. Jason is our mechanic for our trips. Greg and I have Masters Degrees in Business and
Finance fields.
Hypothetical situation. You’re on Gilligan’s island and you get to hook up with only one of the survivors… Which one and why?
I think Gilligans Island was before any of our times in the band…we are 80’s babies. But now you have given us something to watch on the tour bus.
Do you know what a vinyl album is and have your ever purchased one? If so, what was it?
That I do know what it is. I have never purchased one though as I do not own a record player.
You’re marooned on an island with Justin Bieber. Do you choke him out the first night in his sleep or what?
As talented as Justin Bieber actually is, because he can play all sorts of instruments I think he would drive me nuts. Whether his past few years have been all about publicity stunts or teen angst, I don’t do well with childish drama.
What is your opinion of Miley Cyrus?
Talented and I heard she can be a sweet heart too. I think maybe some of the stuff she does is over top, but to each their own. Which would you rather hear in concert? Lip synching or real vocals?
Click to purchase Oblivious Signal’s latest album!
It depends. I actually like Britney Spears and understand that all that choreography and singing at the same time can be difficult hence the lip synching. I do NOT agree with it in rock music though. I recently saw two rock bands that I really liked and the singers were lip synching. It actually through me aback because Rock is supposed to be so raw, and these specific two bands over processed it to a point where I could have just turned on the radio and listened to studio recordings. So the answer to the question is depends on what you are trying to accomplish and do in terms of entertaining.
Who, or what, is the next big thing?
Oblivious Signal haha!
One artist you can’t get enough of and can’t live without is…
Lifehouse! My ultimate de-stress band. I listen to them after shows to clam my adrenaline rush.
Confession time. Share a secret about yourself.
I’m a vegetarian. While the guys are grilling dogs on the road, I’m grilling veggie dogs.
Favorite movie of all time and why.
The Craft! Always been a favorite of mine. It would be nice to use witchy powers to do whatever I want when I want. Changing my hair color with one motion would be awesome!
Our last question is called “Shout It Out Loud”. It’s were you get to talk about whatever you want to talk about. So go ahead and “SHOUT IT OUT LOUD”!
We appreciate all our fans over the past 8 years and are very excited where things will take us! Please keep updated on our website and social media networks. We love to interact with everyone! It’s really us responding. Our new CD Exordium also just dropped and can be purchased across music retailers. Please request our single “Crash” on your local rock stations too!
After releasing an audio YouTube video of “Open Fire”. The Darkness has just released the official video to the song! Check it out. You really can’t go wrong with Justin and the gang!
March 31st, 2015 – Four time Juno Award nominee, Musician, songwriter, & Author Manafest has released his latest video for the single “Diamonds” today on his official website www.manafest.com. “Diamonds”, was co-written with Thousand Foot Krutch’s frontman Trevor McNevan and tackles the timely issue of addiction.
“When we were working on the beat, I couldn’t stop thinking about someone struggling with addiction and turning to drugs,” states Manafest. “I remember reading Brian ‘Head’ Welch’s book, Save Me From Myself, and how he took a picture of what he didn’t want to have power over him. After giving up drugs, he found some while cleaning his house. Before he flushed them down the toilet, he took a picture of them, a reminder of ‘Hey, you don’t have power over me.’ That imagery was on my mind as I was writing ‘Diamonds.’”
Manafest is currently promoting his latest effort “The Moment” which was released on August 5th 2014.
For more information, check out the MANAFEST web properties:
With Lawless Hearts, Innovation is needed more than imitation. Their dream is to not stay in the past with their music, but bring forth together a Classic and New Age Rock & Roll appreciation to make something completely their own and wholly satisfying. They firmly believe you can’t dream without hope, and you can’t hope for something without dreaming up something bigger than yourself!
Do you remember the “Tape of the Month” club? Way back in the 70’s my little brother and I got a couple of guitars for Christmas and we needed some music to try and figure out how to play. My little brother being bolder than me got our Grandmother to buy us “KISS Alive I”. It was our first introduction to real rock music. We were turning our heads from the music that was her music to music that was for our generation. Who would know that as an adult I would love all that old music she played on her record player 
And now Punky Meadows has released an album. A helluva album too. It’s called “Fallen Angel”. It also has two Bonus tracks with Frank DiMino on vocals too! I have had it for 3 days now and it hasn’t stopped “spinning” in my CD player. Just like in the old days! It’s that good! It’s so far away from all the mundane cookie monster vocals and overplayed Drop D stuff we have today. It’s a breath of fresh air. Great songs. Great hooks and great guitar playing by the legend himself! This album is the album the world has needed for the past 35 years. It’s as if Punky caught 1978 in a bottle and mixed it in with 2016! A perfect match! Punky and the band has managed to capture the music we grew up on and kept it relevant for today too! It’s cruising music. Its backyard yard party music. It’s a California sunset on the beach music! It’s Rock and Roll!
The Xavier Dolan directed video has Adele in an older home flashing back to her time there with an ex-lover (portrayed by Mack Wilds). As she revealed to Zane Lowe “it’s not a groundbreaking video in terms of effects or dance moves, but it’s my best video, and I’m so proud of it.” Keeping up the premise of 25 being a “make-up record,” “Hello” has Adele apologizing to a past love for breaking their heart. The melancholy in the piano-fueled production enhances the remorse Adele expresses throughout the song.
et’s face it. Record companies no longer exist. The ones that do, don’t really support the bands anymore. No more large recording budgets or large touring budgets unless you’re already a large band with a large catalog and fan base. There are no bucks in music. The little that’s there is spread thin. So what do bands do to supplement their income?
Welcome to Kick Acts. Tell us a little about yourself and were you can be found online.
