KickActs interviews the guys from “Water District”!
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Welcome to Kick Acts. Tell us a little about yourself and were you can be found online.
Tice: My name Is Ticey Griffin, and I am the lead singer of Water District. You can find more info about us on www.waterxdistrict.com
Who are your musical heroes and influences? Why?
Tice: The Beatles are kinda the go to heroes for me. Not just because they are an amazing band, but because of how they shaped the music industry.
Zack: My biggest music influence is John Frusciante, I love his minimalist styling and his phrasings are melodic and memorable. A musical hero of mine is Matt Bellamy. He is the ultimate showman; he has flawless style, musical ability and genius songwriting all while being one of the most entertaining front men.
Hunter: I started my musical journey playing guitar, and my first hero was Slash. I loved his ability to stay cool and play incredibly difficult solos. As my musicianship has expanded to bass, I have come to appreciate a few players, like Nikolai Fraiture of The Strokes, Nick Harmer of Death Cab for Cutie, and of course my favorite bassist, John Paul Jones from Led Zeppelin.
Ajay: Drummer Jon Theodore. His work with The Mars Volta changed, or at least partially redefined the instrument’s function in my head.
Do you have any advice for someone just getting started in the music business?
Tice: Ha! I was once told that making it in the music industry is like winning the lottery, but that’s not true. Because if you work really hard you can’t win the lottery, you either get lucky or you don’t. Music is a job, treat it that way.
Zack: Just focus on making music that you want to hear. If you try to make songs that you think other people want to hear, people will see through it and it won’t get you anywhere.
Hunter: Learn to play multiple instruments. It makes you more valuable to any band, and it helps immensely during songwriting.
Ajay: Be good at talking to people. There are a lot of good musicians out there and it’s up to you to convince people you’re the best of them.
What piece of advice did you ignore that you wish you hadn’t?
Tice: That typical “follow your dreams and don’t let your life pass you by” advice is something I didn’t take seriously until I was a burn out for 2 years after high school. That’s two years wasted in my opinion, although some might say those two years of slacking off where necessary to build perspective on life, but I always wonder how much further along I would be if I was on the ball early on.
Zack: Having the most expensive gear isn’t going to make you write better songs.
Hunter: Learn music theory. Seriously, life would be so much easier if I paid attention in that class.
Ajay: Being good at talking to people
Do you have a greatest gig story or worst gig horror story you’d like to share?
Tice: We have been fortunate enough to tour across the country, and that has made for some great highs and lows. For instance, we’ll play a show in San Antonio, Texas for nobody at midnight, walk out of the club, look around and say to ourselves, “what are we doing here?” and then the next stop we hit in Nashville will be a packed house with strangers singing our songs along with us! Life is like a box of chocolates, eat every piece until you throw up and wanna go home! Hahaha
Zack: My personal favorite show was in Chicago. We played a packed Empty Bottle and all my friends from my hometown drove into the city to see us play. It was really great to go back to my hometown and see all my friends and family and it was even better to have them come out and support us.
Hunter: Before I was in Water District back in high school, my band played a battle of the bands at a Salvation Army. The two other bands before us brought a bunch of people to watch them, but we had no fans. So everyone started leaving as soon as we started playing. The crew even started clearing the stage during our set. It was not fun.
Ajay: We played a gig in Austin next door to an industrial noise band. That we could deal with, but it was the sound of prostitutes fighting right outside that got to 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 dicks or boobs? Make sock puppets? Sit in the dark and eat Cheetos?
Tice: I do enjoy passing judgment on others from afar as they walk by in crowded places like malls, movie theaters and the DMV! Haha, but to be honest I am looking into getting back into skateboarding, at some point in life I would skateboard for 4 hours and then go home and play guitar for 4 hours and then it slowly became 8 hours of music and no time for skateboarding. We will see.. Haha
Zack: Over the last few years I’ve really gotten into riding motorcycles which has led me to an unnatural love for vintage style helmets. Right now, I’m at four and I really love sparkle flake helmets so now the collection is mostly growing in that direction.
Hunter: Vaping and playing old school Nintendo games.
Ajay: I am a semi pro video game player, probably among the 30 best super smash brothers melee players in Southern California, though it’s hard to really say exactly where I stand. Most of my time goes to practicing guitar and drums.
What do you think about the current music scene or lack of? Care to address that?
Tice: It really depends on where you are in the world. For instance, you can go to Echo Park in Los Angeles and find live music everywhere, but if you drive to the west side of the city like Santa Monica and Venice there are maybe two or three venues left that are still operating. Go an hour south to OC, and there are upwards of 3 dozen venues and only two of them are all ages. Well, I got some news for those venues; underage people are the people with free time and the open mindedness to go see a new band. Another factor is the amount of distractions and entertainment California in particularly has to offer. People have the option to go see John Mayer premiere his new songs at the Hotel Cafe, or watch people at the Promenade breakdance in the streets, but 2500 miles away in Pittsburgh people have nothing to do. So, they are more likely to go see a band they never heard of.
Zack: The biggest problem with the scene right now is more with people than the actual scene. People would rather sit at home and watch Pretty Little Liars on Netflix for the fifth time and thumb through pictures on Facebook and “like” one from a show rather than go out and support their favorite bands live. It’s a shame because if all those “likes” were people at the actual shows, it would be like the 80’s Sunset Blvd scene where you would have to wait in a line all the way down the block get into a show because every venue at every time is at capacity. I am not a fan of that music by any means, but it’s foolish to argue against the fact that music was more alive and thriving at that time. But the reality is that there are small scenes sprinkled around the country. In our own backyard, the Echo Park indie scene is huge, we were at Echo Park Rising and the streets were crawling with people. But if you are in Venice, there’s not even a trace of a scene. Which is a real shame because there are a ton of young people in that area and if we all just got together and forced a scene to happen, it would totally blow up.
Hunter: Something Zack told me is coming to me now. He said “All the music that’s on the radio today sounds like the Lion King soundtrack.” I think he’s right.
Ajay: Too much pay-to-play for shows. It devalues the product that musicians put hours into crafting.
Do you think reality shows like American Idol, X Factor and The Voice have helped or hurt the music industry as a whole?
Tice: It’s hard to say. Although we were asked to participate in America’s Got Talent a few years ago, we didn’t feel it would be a good move for us. Something about seeing a band do it all on their own over the years makes you really feel like they deserve what they are working for. Not to knock the participants of those shows, I’m sure they work hard. There’s just something glamorous about a band taking on the world and winning them over, going from rags to riches over the course of van tours and late nights in a studio. I guess what I’m saying is if they had to write a documentary or a behind the music on one of those winners of those talent TV show it would be a really short segment.
Zack: I don’t think it helps or hurts the industry. It’s just another sweaty finger attached to the clammy palm that is the music industry. On one hand, it’s good that music is in the spotlight on some level. But on the other it gives people the idea that being a great karaoke singer is the way to being a successful musician. I would blame the game show mentality for ruining rock n roll in the sense that it pushed people away from wanting to get a band together with their friends in the garage and growing organically. Now I’m also not saying that all the people in that show are not talented, because some of them truly are great singers and fantastic songwriters, but that’s not what the people get to see.
Hunter: Honestly, while it does give people an unfair advantage, I feel like those people would try to break into the music industry anyway. So I don’t think it really affects it.
Ajay: Probably more hurt than helped. While the contestants are no doubt talented, I think it creates a false impression about what it takes to be successful, or that that what musicians do is easy.
What is your opinion of unauthorized music downloads?
Tice: It is what it is. I’m guilty of doing it. And I feel like this conversation is like beating a dead horse. If there are two things I’m certain of the last 20 years, is that Bill Clinton cheated on his wife and people illegally download music. Doesn’t make him any less of a president and it doesn’t make the fans any less of listeners. We all need to move on! Haha!
Zack: It’s an interesting point because on one hand, it is completely stealing money, and its money right out of our own pockets. But at the same time, the goal of music is to be heard, and with illegal downloading you are getting to a larger audience. So at the end of the day, if they come out to a show or buy a t-shirt or something, I frown on it but it’s okay I suppose.
Hunter: I’ve been a broke musician for a long time. Sometimes you just gotta do what you gotta do.
Ajay: Music sharing has been going on for a long time. If you’ve ever made a mix tape or burned a cd to pass along you’re guilty of it. The shape it takes is different now. Ideally though, people will support artists in other ways (merchandise, live shows, etc.).
Tell us something about you/each of your band members that we wouldn’t expect to hear.
Tice: Zack has long sun bleached hair, surfs every day and he is from Chicago born and raised. I was born in California raised in California and I’ve never stood on a surfboard! Haha
Zack: Ticey can slam dunk and Ajay and Hunter are currently in a beard growing competition.
Hunter: The first day I met Ticey, he got drunk and whipped out his nut sack. Ajay can pretty much play any instrument. And Zack puked on a girl once.
Ajay: Hunter started playing bass maybe a month before joining. You wouldn’t know it by just listening. Zack rides Harley Davidsons.
Hypothetical situation. You’re on Gilligan’s Island and you get to hook up with only one of the survivors… Which one and why?
Tice: Mary Ann Summers. She is the kinda girl you bring back to Mom if and when you get off the island.
Zack: First of all, my first order of business would be to kill Gilligan because he effs everything up and they would have been off the island in like 4 episodes if they just drowned him. Then, obviously I’d go for Dawn Wells, if she was in her prime I would love to take her out to a seafood dinner and I would even call her afterwards.
Hunter: I’ve never watched that one, but from what I’ve seen Ginger Grant is the finest. So, her.
Ajay: Mary Ann is the cutest, but I’d have to go with the professor to guarantee a spot in his escape plan, in case his plan is only good for 2 or 3 people
Do you know what a vinyl album is and have your ever purchased one? If so, what was it?
Tice: Yeah, it’s funny who would have ever thought the solution to illegal downloading would be technology from the past. I’m interested in starting to collect vinyl, I just don’t want to be too stereotypical a hipster. The last vinyl I bought was a Pretenders extended play, I think it sounds better when you speed it up. Haha
Zack: Yeah I used to raid my dad’s vinyl collection for all his old blues records like BB King, Buddy Guy and Elvis. I recently bought The Hurry and the Harm for my girlfriend and that album has totally grown on me.
Hunter: Yes, I have a few. My favorites are Arcade Fire The Suburbs, All of the Strokes albums, and Queen’s The Game.
Ajay: I know what it is, but haven’t purchased one. Never had the tech to play one.
You’re marooned on an island with Justin Bieber. Do you choke him out the first night in his sleep or what?
Tice: I actually ran into Justin Bieber at the studio we were recording our latest album at. He was next door at The Record Plant and we were at Revolution 9. And in our parking lot 3 dozen girls waited outside for 14 hours just to meet the guy. I honestly am not a fan of his music, and I don’t think he would care for ours, but I do respect him. He is hated on so hard by some many people, but he came out and took pictures with every one of those girls and hung out for a half hour and made it worth it for them. So I guess what I’m saying is, we don’t have dozens of girls waiting for us outside of the studio while were recording, so I guess I’d ask him how he does it!
Zack: Nah, I’d work out some kind of deal where I keep him alive and then he will open up for us on tour.
Hunter: Nah. I’d just make him listen to his own music until he goes insane.
Ajay: I’d assert my dominance before making him do chores for us
What is your opinion of Miley Cyrus?
Tice: Her brother’s pop band is cool…. haha. In all honesty, I don’t have an opinion. Never met her.
Zack: I’d bang her to “Achey Breaky Heart”
Hunter: She’s a dumb girl who wouldn’t even have a career if it weren’t for her daddy.
Ajay: “Party in the USA” is one of the best karaoke songs ever
Which would you rather hear in concert? Lip-synching or real vocals?
Tice: Real vocals, one can only watch one lip synching, it can’t be heard.
Zack: I wouldn’t be in a situation where this would be a problem.
Hunter: Real Vocals.
Ajay: Depends on the act and the abilities of the performer. If it’s a band, I want real vocals, but if it’s a pop star/entertainer, I don’t mind lip synching because so much of the entertainment comes from the spectacle as a whole. More power to them if they can do all the dancing and costume changes while singing though. It can’t be easy.
Who, or what, is the next big thing?
Tice: It’s hard to say. What is big in my world can be small for the rest of the world. I think the band Chvrches has something special that a lot of pop bands are missing nowadays. I guess I should say my band… Haha
Zack: The next big thing is rock n roll. The reality of the music world is that everything is cyclical. And now that you can hear dubstep at Ralph’s grocery store that basically means that that world is coming to an end. There’s only so many computer glitching sounds and whomp whomp drops that can blow people’s minds. The reality is that people can see through the bullshit of shallow music. That’s why people already stopped talking about Skrillex and all that other shenanigans. That music isn’t timeless, it’s for filling the empty minds of Americas troubled youth and giving people a reason to do drugs and dry hump everyone. People want true honest music. That’s why Zeppelin, The Beatles and the Stones have all stood the test of time. It’s because it’s real, raw and timeless. And I think people want to go back to that and it’s great because there are a lot of artists that are delivering it, you just have to look harder for them at the moment.
Hunter: Ned Flanders themed metal. Seriously, there’s a band called Okilly Dokilly that sings death metal about Ned Flanders. They’re gonna be huge.
Ajay: Folk and Soul influenced singer/songwriters, I think as a reaction to the popularity of electronic genres.
One artist you can’t get enough of and can’t live without is… Why?
Tice: Love anything Death Cab. I don’t know if I just discovered that music at a point in my life where I was very impressionable or what but their stuff has stuck with me for the long hall.
Zack: Right now I’ve really been loving Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. They are just a bad ass fuzzed out blues rock band that is killing it right now. And their drummer, who is a really talented woman drummer, is recovering from cancer. Their music is just incredibly soulful and I connect with it on another level. I saw them at The Observatory and I was blown away.
Hunter: The Strokes. They’re my favorite band, and their music just has the ability to turn me from an antisocial hermit to a normal person.
Ajay: Radiohead. It’s always exciting to see what they’ll do next.
Confession time. Share a secret about yourself.
Tice: I buried treasure in the Nevada desert. I give hints on at the exact location in all of the music I write.
Zack: I have an unnatural hatred of broccoli. I always try to be rational adult and just eat it but it really grosses me out.
Hunter: I LOVE My Chemical Romance. I was super into the emo scene in middle and high school, and they have been on my iPod since 7th grade.
Ajay: I used to be in a dance troupe, and that’s all I will say about it
Favorite movie of all time and why?
Tice: Back to the Future. Music, skateboarding and skinny jeans. Shaped my life haha.
Zack: Almost Famous because it’s obviously the best movie made during my lifetime. And I have my own Penny Lane.
Hunter: Empire Strikes Back. I’m a huge Star Wars fan, and that movie is perfection.
Ajay: It’s hard to pick just one, but I think Back to the Future is one I can live with. The detail and charm just doesn’t get old .
Our last question is called “Shout It Out Loud”. It’s where you get to talk about whatever you want to talk about. So go ahead and “SHOUT IT OUT LOUD”!
Ajay: GO PACK GO. Aaron Rodgers is the best quarterback in the league by far. Tom Brady can suck it. Chris Paul deserves more credit for how amazing he is.
Hunter: STAR WARS EPISODE 7 COMING OUT IN A FEW MONTHS SO EXCITED! Also Water District is having a free show on September 14th at the Silverlake Lounge! Come by and have a good time with us!
Categories: General Tags: Echo Park, indie, LaFamos, rock, Southern California, water district
Jimmy Beattie of “Season’s After” shredding!
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Jimmy Beattie is the lead guitarist for the band SEASONS AFTER.
The band has several Top 40 singles in Active Rock World and they are
currently pushing a new album entitled “Calamity Scars & Memoirs”.
The latest single off the album is called “Weathered & Worn” and is
currently in the Top 50 songs at Active Rock Radio.
Here is Jimmy Beattie performing a guitar inspired track of his own called
“Without Warning”!
For the entire interview of “SEASONS AFTER”
Click HERE
Support Music! Check out the band Seasons After here:
website: http://www.seasonsafter.com
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seasonsafternation
twitter: @SeasonsAfter
Tony Housh of “Seasons After” interview!
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“Like” us on FaceBook! KickActs Follow us on Twitter! KickActs
Welcome to Kick Acts. Tell us a little about yourself and were you can be found online.
Hi. My name is Tony Housh and I am the vocalist for the band Seasons After. You can find us at
www.facebook.com/seasonsafternation
www.instagram.com/seasonsafter
Who are your musical heroes and influences? Why?
I have a few heroes. One of them would be Corey Taylor. I have followed Corey since the first time that I had heard Slipknot. I was blown away at the the way this crazy dude in a mask could scream. I use to listen to Slipknot and think how is it humanly possible for a person to make that kind of brutality happen with their voice. I would study it trying to find his tricks. I would even seek out live performances in order to hear his true voice without all the production. He was just killer to me, but where he became one of my musical heroes was when I heard “Bother” on the radio by Stone Sour. Once I heard that dude sing I was completely floored. He became one of my heroes! Another one of my heroes that actually popped up on my radar around the same time was Chris Volz of Flaw. Volz was the dude that made me realize I could sing and scream and make it badass! I spent a lot of time listening to his choruses. I just loved how big they could get and the intensity that would follow in the throw downs. I actually modeled a lot of my music that I wrote at that time very specific to a Volz type style. So you can imagine how exciting it was for me 14 years later to find myself touring with Flaw. Another reason Volz is one of my heroes is because he’s actually a cool dude. Its always nice to put someone on a pedestal and leave them there for all the right reasons.
Do you have any advice for someone just getting started in the music business?
If I had any advice to give to anyone getting started in the music business it would be this. Don’t limit yourself to just one thing. Learn more than just your instrument. Learn the production side of things early. In the future you can save yourself thousands in production costs. Not to mention that you can make a living while your not out on the road while tracking for other acts. Learn the business. Its a tricky business and you need to be prepared for that. The more you educate yourself on the inner workings the better the chance you may not get screwed! And never give up. If you truly are a hardcore put your nose to the pavement musician then you will see your share of ups and downs. Be prepared to fail. Its going to happen. The important thing is to know from the beginning is that you are dedicated and this is what you do. Never quit. No matter the obstacle and there are many.
What piece of advice did you ignore that you wish you hadn’t?
Stop making that face or its gonna stay that way.
Do you have a greatest gig story or worst gig horror story you’d like to share?
Sure. I would say the most humiliating gig that I ever played was my very first. I was 17 years old and I had been searching for my first band to attempt to sing for. I grew up in a small town in Texas. Population around 3500 or so. So you can imagine that there weren’t to many rock bands around. In fact there was only one that I was aware of. So one day these band dudes come into Dairy Queen where I worked. As soon as I realized it was the band guys I quickly removed my apron so that I could personally deliver their food to them once I had prepared their burgers. So I gave them my number. Well they called me like one week later and suddenly needed a singer. Not only did they need a singer but they needed me ready in a week! A week! One week to learn 4 hours of cover tunes. Well I was so enthusiastic and excited they had called that I decided that I had better take the gig. I may not get another chance! So one week later I went and played my very first gig at place called Bostocks in Stephenville Tx. It was a nightmare. I was reading lyrics off of sheets. I was a mess! I had no idea how to even be a frontman much less sing songs that I didn’t completely know. At one point the bass player actually apologized and explained that I was new. We didn’t even finish the night. They fired us in mid set and made us load out right there in front of everyone. It was humiliating as hell. But I didn’t lose my spirit. It actually made me very anal about live performances and it made me a much more serious musician. My band was fired by the club my very first time singing for a rock band and I wouldn’t change a thing about it.
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?
I really don’t have any hobbys. I guess that makes me weird in some peoples eyes, but why do I need a hobby when I already live a dream? Hobbies are an escape to something you enjoy from your everyday life. Right? Right! Well I love what I do. It involves loud stuff, bright lights, computers, creativity, travel, people, and just a ton of fun in general. No escape needed or desired…yet.
What do you think about the current music scene or lack of? Care to address that?
Well I will say that I miss the days of when rock ruled the world! When rockstars had jets with their names on them and it was totally cool to trash a hotel room. That all seems to be gone with the exception of the few exceptions. It seems that pop hip hop and country have ran off with it all these days. Ive heard people say that rock/metal just kind of lost its thing with the masses but to be honest I think the masses got lost in the world of overproduced pop stars rap stars and drug store cowboys. Not that I dislike these genres but Its a shame that more people won’t go out to a rock show that comes into town for 10 bucks, but they will on the other hand fork out the big bucks for Taylor Swift (nothing against Swift). Its like people enjoy feeding the corporate bs machine (i.e. large record companies). So yes. Its a shame that we have allowed money to dictate art and what art is made readily available. Hopefully people will come to realize that there are some really great rock bands out there that are dying to entertain them. And maybe, just maybe they’ll start choosing to hit up a rock show on the weekend and skip out on the $200.00 Saturday night kum ba yah brainwashing session at the local civic center. Lets get them horns up and support those bands that you enjoy so much. They need you!
Do you think reality shows like American Idol, X factor and The Voice have helped or hurt the music industry as a whole?
I personally am not a fan of these types of shows. Just another example of the pumping of corporate crap out onto the masses. I agree there are some very talented people on these shows and thats not what this is about. This is more about this whole instant gratification everyone is a star type culture. What about the people out there on the road traveling all over the country trying to get some recognition. The ones who have honed their skills night after night after night. The ones who truly appreciate the sale of an album or the fact that you ask them to sign something. These are the warriors! These are the people who have taken the real risk! Not someone who sings in the shower in the comfort of their home and takes a week of vacation to go and try out for the voice in hopes of instant stardom. There’s no stripes earned in that. I guess Im just old school. I like to earn what I have and I respect people who aren’t looking for the easiest and safest way to attain their goals. Sometimes you just gotta go for it rather than waiting for the easy or safer route. I just don’t feel like these shows reflect that type of mentality, but hey thats just me.
What is your opinion of unauthorized music downloads?
Well it does suck for sure. Its the equivalent of me walking into Wal Mart and just taking whatever I want. For some reason its okay to steal a song though. I’m Not sure why. I guess its because you can’t actually hold it and you can steal it in the safety and the confines of your home. Its insulting actually to spend time writing a song, recording a song, and not to mention the amount of money spent (yes it does cost money). We pay for advertising to put it out just so that it can be stolen. Its the equivalent of having a contractor come to your home and paint the entire inside of your house. He has bought supplies i.e. paint and brushes and probably has an employee or two. All of whom he must pay in order to complete the service. The contractor finishes up and goes for payment and kaboom! “Sorry your not getting paid.” says the homeowner and he sends the painter on his way without payment of services. Now Im willing to bet that painter would flip out. He has to pay his guys, he has to cover the material expenses and who knows what else. The problem is that the paint is already on the wall and theres no going back. He just lost his ass. Do musicians not render a service? Do musicians not create a product? Of course they do and thats why its stealing.
Tell us something about each of your band members that we wouldn’t expect to hear.
Well…Jimmy can sing verbatim most pop songs that I roll my eyes at. Dawson is a big fan of Aquariums and fish sticks. Tim plays his drums naked while looking at pictures from National Geographic and Kyle has a thing for eating turkey sandwiches in the dark while scratching lotto tickets.
Hypothetical situation. You’re on Gilligan’s island and you get to hook up with only one of the survivors… Which one and why?
Thats easy. Mary Ann because she’s Mary Ann and someone needs to make something happen before the professor makes a move.
Do you know what a vinyl album is and have your ever purchased one? If so, what was it?
Yes. Michael Jackson Thriller
You’re marooned on an island with Justin Bieber. Do you choke him out the first night in his sleep or what?
Nope. I’ll keep him around. I’m going to need some help getting things set up for myself on the island. That means a lot of work and manual labor. Thats what I’ll have Bieber taking care of. Once he has my hut built and all of the food situation handled I”ll probably just eat him for Thanksgiving or something.
What is your opinion of Miley Cyrus?
I really have no thoughts on Miley because to be honest I just don’t care. I wouldn’t even know who she is if she hadn’t been force fed to us all.
Which would you rather hear in concert? Lip synching or real vocals?
Real vocals Check out Seasons After Vid▶ SEASONS AFTER – “LIGHTS OUT”
Who, or what, is the next big thing?
To be honest I don’t pay to much attention to THE NEXT BIG THING type stuff. I’m to busy trying to keep my little thing a float.
One artist you can’t get enough of and can’t live without is…
Phil Collins
Confession time. Share a secret about yourself.
I pick my nose at the bottom and top of every hour.
Favorite movie of all time and why.
Spaceballs. I love Mel Brooks. His Humor is so raw and stupid. I love it.
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”!
My shout out for this go round could be anything I guess, but today I would like to think about a subject that is near and dear to my heart. This is something that has been eating on me for quite some time. You guessed it… Subway changed their ranch and it’s just not the same! Why in the world would subway change something that is so incredibly important out for this new generic flavored ranch they have decided to switch too. I taste more like mayo than ranch! Come on Subway. I just don’t understand. I hope that Jared reads this and takes it into consideration. That is all.
Loverboy’s “Working for the Weekend” rewrite???
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Mike Reno of Loverboy is apologizing for some of the words he wrote in one of top anthem songs of the 80’s. Check out the video below! My question is, but why???
Here’s the scoop! CLICK
KickActs interviews Alexis Brown of “Straight Line Stitch”!
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Album release June 30th! Pre-order here!
Transparency Pre-Orders are available here: <http://www.bestbuy.com/site/transparency-cd/7475241.p?id=3374090&skuId=7475 241> http://www.bestbuy.com/site/transparency-cd/7475241.p?id=3374090&skuId=74752 41
Welcome to Kick Acts. Tell us a little about yourself and were you can be found online.
My name is Alexis and I sing for the band Straight Line Stitch. We can be
found on all the major social networks such
as Facebook.com/straightlinestitch
Facebook.com/alexis.brown.902066
Twitter @lexsls
Who are your musical heroes and influences? Why?
Stevie Nicks and Sade because their voices are epic. They are legendary in their on rite and their styles are both timeless.
Do you have any advice for someone just getting started in the music business?
Always make sure you know what the heck is going on! Know your business and don’t let anyone BS you, but most importantly push as hard as possible and let nothing sway you from your dreams and goals.
What piece of advice did you ignore that you wish you hadn’t?
I wish I would have listened more to my brother and my dad when it came to being more involved in the business aspect of things in the past instead of just counting on everyone else to handle all the business.
Do you have a greatest gig story or worst gig horror story you’d like to share?
Playing overseas for the first time in the UK for the Download Festival was amazing and we had a blast. I remember feeling sick to my stomach with nervousness on seeing just how massive the crowd was. It was an intense epic moment in time.
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?
I collect Walt Disney’s Goofy items and I am a old school horror movie fanatic.
What do you think about the current music scene or lack of? Care to address that?
It would be nice if the music scene had more camaraderie. It seems like nowadays everyone is only out for themselves and that kinda blows. There are so many great bands and musicians out there to get to know and play with but I notice the scene is very “clicky”.
Do you think reality shows like American Idol, X factor and The Voice have helped or hurt the music industry as a whole?
One could say these shows have over saturated the industry but it’s also helped a lot of people get their voice heard.
What is your opinion of unauthorized music downloads?
It helps and it hurts. I think it has pushed the music industry in the direction that it’s going.
Tell us something about each of your band members that we wouldn’t expect to hear.
Jason is a human cyborg, seriously he’s part robot!! He’s so strong and can take a lot..more than the average human. Darren and I were both born with 12 fingers. Both of us had them cut when we were babies, but we still have the little bump on the side of our hands. We’re a band of mutants lol
Hypothetical situation. You’re on Gilligan’s island and you get to hook up with only one of the survivors… Which one and why?
Probably Russell Johnson’s character The Professor, because he’s more my type and he just comes off so debonair.
Do you know what a vinyl album is and have your ever purchased one? If so, what was it?
I was raised on vinyl. My mother has a huge collection of old records she would play all the time when I was a kid. I definitely have an appreciation for the look and the sound of vinyl.
You’re marooned on an island with Justin Bieber. Do you choke him out the first night in his sleep or what?
I don’t know Justin Bieber like that so I couldn’t say.
What is your opinion of Miley Cyrus?
I actually don’t have an opinion on Miley Cyrus, because I don’t know her personally. I just try to stay in my own lane and not focus on what others are doing.
Which would you rather hear in concert? Lip synching or real vocals?
Real vocals! I can listen to a record from the comfort of my home anytime. If I go out to see a show, I want to see a real show.
Who, or what, is the next big thing?
I hope it’s us 🙂
One artist you can’t get enough of and can’t live without is…
I need Stevie Nicks/ Fleetwood Mac in my life, because their music has influenced me so much.
Confession time. Share a secret about yourself.
I love people but yet I’m terrified of them..
Favorite movie of all time and why.
Anything with Vincent Price or Boris Karloff.
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
I want to thank my Lord & Savior Christ Jesus and all our loyal supporters who continue to support us through the good and bad. We love you!!!!! Xoxo
Categories: General Tags: alexis brown, female singer, Knoxville, metal, MUEN Magazine, rock, tennessee
AC/DC performs at Coachella !
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By listening to the YouTube videos I can tell that the feel and sound of AC/DC has somewhat changed since Malcom is no longer involved due to Dementia. Stevie Young is a good guitar player but feel is feel. Also Chris Slade is back behind the drum kit again after a 20 year hiatus from AC/DC. Former AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd is having some legal issues and Chris Slade kills on the drums. Be sure and check out the You Tube video for the song “For Those about to Rock”. Angus Young and his school boy antics has bloody knee caps! At 60 years old, that’s dedication! ROCK ON!
Categories: General Tags: ac/dc, angus young, brian johnson, chris slade, coachella, phil rudd, rock, stevie young, what the hell is coachella, youtube
“Lawless Hearts” releasing their debut EP “Creatures of Habit” April 21st!
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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!
<https://www.facebook.com/LawlessHeartsMusic>
<http://www.reverbnation.com/lawlesshearts>
<http://www.twitter.com/lawlesshearts>
http://www.youtube.com/lawlessheartsband>
Categories: General Tags: FL, Jacksonville, lawless hearts, new release, Pavement Entertainment inc., reverbnation, rock, twitter, youtube
The day the Music died for our Generation of Metal
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I remember it like it was yesterday… He was our generation’s Jimi Hendrix. A little guy with monster guitar skills. He is still influencing guitarists all over the world 33 years later…R.I.P. Randy
Categories: General Tags: blizzard of ozz, classical, diary of a madman, guitarist, march 19 1982, metal, Ozzy, randy rhoads, rock, youtube
Stryper “Live at the Whiskey”
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Stryper headed back to where it all started! An AXSTV event. Here is a sneak preview!
Categories: General Tags: 80's, AXSTv, california, christian rock, LA, rock, stryper, the whiskey, youtube
KickActs interviews Italy’s “Cyon Project”!
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Welcome to Kick Acts. Tell us a little about yourself and were you can be found online.
we are The Cyon Project, we come from Italy, Marco is the vocalist, Fabio the guitarist, Niko the drummer and Mad Mike the bass player; our journey started 5 years ago “in front of a junkyard, in a really smoky car”, if you want to know more listen to the second track of our new album “Tales of Pain” out on January the 27th you can find us at the following links:
website: www.thecyonproject.com
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Cyon-Project/105009446805
youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/TheCyonProject
soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/the-cyon-project
Who are your musical heroes and influences? Why?
We have planty of different influences and heroes, artists like, Queen, Tool, Led Zeppelin, Thin Lizzy, Ennio Morricone, Queens of the Stone Age, Mountain, Pantera… it could probably take a couple of days to name all of our inspirations!
Do you have any advice for someone just getting started in the music business?
We still don’t think to be in the position to give real pieces of advice, although we believe that Artists are too focused on having success and don’t care much about the artistic side of music anymore.
What piece of advice did you ignore that you wish you hadn’t?
well, as you’ll listen in the track “Cheesy Song” from our upcoming album, in a certain period someone suggested our singer “stop singing Disco Music!!!”, today we all know he should have never started.
Do you have a greatest gig story or worst gig horror story you’d like to share?
Once we had a concert, we stopped to have a listen to the next band, we got involved in a violent Pogo, after a while we noticed some blood on the ground, we tried to understand where that blood was coming from, Fabio and Mad Mike looked at each other undertanding that both their faces turned into red masks! then in the hospital they started to promote the band with the nurses… funny story.
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?
Fabio likes to play indi-videogames, Nico’s passion is Reading Books, Mad Mike has too many passions, he has to think about it! Marco’s hobby is collecting old Vinyls and Music.
What do you think about the current music scene or lack of? Care to address that?
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Do you think reality shows like American Idol, X factor and The Voice have helped or hurt the music industry as a whole?
This kind of talent shows changed the conception of music for the audience, they are perfect to make short-life music and artists. as we already said before people has a distorted vision of music. one day you sing at the karaoke, the day after you are a star. music is supposed to be the result of work and sacrifice.
What is your opinion of unauthorized music downloads?
of course we think it’s a damage for the artist. we are all fans and we think that if you love a band or an artist there’s only one way to take: supporting them.
Tell us something about each of your band members that we wouldn’t expect to hear.
Nico: He hates Beer. Marco: He attended a “Voice Over” accademy. Mad Mike: His Original Instrument is Saxophone. Fabio: He has a dangerous addiction for gummy bears.
Hypothetical situation. You’re on Gilligan’s island and you get to hook up with only one of the survivors… Which one and why?
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Do you know what a vinyl album is and have your ever purchased one? If so, what was it?
Yes! Marco collects them. One of his last entry a 1973 Original copy of “Sheer Heart Attack” from Queen.
You’re marooned on an island with Justin Bieber. Do you choke him out the first night in his sleep or what? 13-probably we would punch his face as many times as his youtube views
What is your opinion of Miley Cyrus?
She’s a good actress.
Which would you rather hear in concert? Lip syncing or real vocals?
of course always real vocals
Who, or what, is the next big thing?
We are about to tour the UK! that’s quite a big Thing!
One artist you can’t get enough of and can’t live without is…
Marco ——– Queen
Fabio ——— Yann Tiersen
Niko ———- Opeth
Mad Mike — Rage Against The Machine
Confession time. Share a secret about yourself.
No, It’s a Secret!
Favorite movie of all time and why.
Marco —– Back to the Future – for the amount of different emotions in it.
Fabio —— Batman- the dark knight rises because of the soundtrack
Niko ——— K19 beause of the engaging story
Mad Mike — The Snatch because of the amazing cut and characters
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”!
libertè ègalitè fraternitè !!!
Categories: General Tags: cyon project, italy, metal, MUEN Magazine, Pavement Entertainment inc., rock, Salvatore Addeo, sobandpromos, Stoner, Torino, youtube
