Turn You On To... The Virgins

I Wanna Turn You On To...

The Virgins

Interview with Nick Ackerman

Words: Ashley Marie Sansotta

Photo:

Who they are...

Donald Cumming – Frontman

Wade Oates – Guitarist

Nick Zarin-Ackerman – Bassist

Erik Ratensperger – Drummer

What’s their story...

The City of New York runs through the veins of 25-year-old frontman, Donald Cumming. Cumming did what a lot of teenagers only dreamed of: drop out of high school at the age of 15, run away from home for the world of film, modeling, and the New York celebrity night life. He wrote poetry inspired by his adventures in the city that never sleeps, eventually putting his words to music despite having never before picked up a guitar. After recruiting a gang of band mates, he went about putting out a six song EP, which led to a label bidding war with Atlantic Records signing The Virgins before even catching a single show. Their first full-length album is due out in April. (It took longer for me to write this paragraph than it took for Cummings meteoric rise to unfold.)

Sounds like...

The Strokes with a pinch of disco delight.

Why I want to turn you on to it...

I stumbled upon their song “Rich Girls,” a diamond in the rough of corporate rock. They ventured out on their first tour with Jet a few months ago; so when they came through Florida, of course I had to see them put my little “Rich Girls” song to life. I hungered for more of The Virgins… and that’s what I got.

REAX: Tell me about life before The Virgins. I know that Donald Cumming was into acting, modeling, writing, and poetry. What about the other members?

Nick Ackerman: I went to art school for illustration and did freelance illustration. I got to illustrate a children's book that got published called Monster Countdown. Wade was pretty much a kid; a downtown kid--making 'zines, hanging out with weirdoes, working for A-ron, Ryan McGinnley, and making the rounds. Erik had done some touring with a punk band and was freelancing as an art director.

REAX: Do you find similarities between you and bands like the Velvet Underground, who molded the worlds of art and rock together?

NA: Well, you can't compare yourself with an amazing and legendary band like The

Velvet Underground without feeling like a complete dickhead. But that said, I think it's fairly common for bands to have artist friends, and I think that whatever the aesthetic of that particular group of people is must find its way into said band's music; although pinpointing specific examples would be tricky. I think the influence is more incidental than deliberate.

REAX: You guys were awesome when I saw you open for Jet. What sticks out the most in your mind from that tour, being that it was your first?

NA: Thanks! That tour was great. We had a lot of fun and learned a lot from Jet. They are great guys and they really went out of their way to take care of us. Just watching such a professional act every night for 2 months was like going to rock band college. Also, it was really fun to play night after night to crowds that had never heard of us and try to win them over.

REAX: You have a lot of push behind you, seeing that you only came out with a short EP, and then you signed with Atlantic Records before they even saw you guys perform. How did this come about?

NA: A bunch of people got our demo and seemed excited, so we were getting a tiny bit of attention. A guy named Nick Stern got a hold of our demo and loved it. He worked at Atlantic at the time, and he played it for them and they liked it too. He became our manager and Atlantic were interested in taking a chance with us.

REAX: Your coming out with a new album in April. How would you compare it to the EP?

NA: I'm really excited about the record. I'd say that it'll be pretty similar to the EP but with 5 or 6 more songs that I really think are great. And we re-recorded the original EP songs and edited them a bit so they'll be new and improved.

REAX: What are your expectations after it’s release?

NA: Well, our plan is to just tour, tour, tour for a good amount of time, so I expect to be eating a lot of gas station food for a while.

Show Reviews... RJD2

RJD2

Words: Ashley Marie Sansotta

Photos: Ashley Marie Sansotta

Appeared:

Eckerd College

November 10, 2007

I felt like I was high school again when I walked into Eckerd College for the RJD2 show. I was surrounded by a swarm of kids with glow sticks from head to toe, who had them twisted around their heads, wrists, ankles, or wherever else they could cram them. Feeling like the only sober person there, I immediately hit the bar for as many $1.50 pumpkin-spiced beers I could cram down my throat. By the time I was ready, RJD2 was too, and I staked my claim on a quaint little picnic bench by the side of the stage.

I watched as RJ’s mind – and then legs – wandered from his record collection to his turn table. The movie projector behind him flashed random political pictures interrupted by images of his DJ splendor, while some of the Eckerd College kids attempted to crowd-surf. He toyed with his audience with each record choice, smiling and nodding his head to his own beats. Everyone was dancing in their own little world - marching a different beat to the same drum. We all lost ourselves in the music, and it was oh-so nice.

Turn You On To... Kings of Leon

I Wanna Turn You On To...

Kings of Leon

Words: Ashley Marie Sansotta

Photos: Ashley Marie Sansotta

Who they are...

Brothers Nathan, Caleb, and Jared Followill and cousin Matthew Followill.

A little known fact: All four of the boys actually go by their middle names.

What’s their story...

The Kings have quite the Cinderella story straight out of Tennessee. They spent most of their childhood traveling the deep south with their father (who is a preacher) and their mother (who home-schooled the boys when they were traveling). They drove from place to place in a purple 1988 Oldsmobile, when their father was asked to preach or lead tent revivals. At these revivals, they were usually asked to beat on drums and help awaken the musical spirits.

When they were all grown up, they started a band, and decided to name themselves after Nathan, Caleb, and Jared's father and grandfather, both named Leon. First, The Kings of Leon tested the waters as a country band and had very little success. But, as soon as they tried on their rock and roll shoes, they exploded in the UK.

Sounds like...

The Strokes with 4 scoops of foot-stompin’ goodness.

Why I want to turn you on to it...

I’ve loved the Kings for almost forever, and got to see them (for the second time) when they played at Jannus Landing on the November 3^rd.

And this is my story...

Immediately after front man Peter Hayes said his “thank-you’s” and “goodbye’s,” Black Rebel Motorcycle Club started into their last song of their set of their barnstorming North American tour, and I started into my journey to the front of the stage, in preparation for the Kings of Leon. I finally elbowed my way to the perfect spot: in the center and a hair to the left. Unfortunately, I had to stay about three or four rows back so I could ever so discreetly catch shots of the Kings. Cameras were completely prohibited at this show for some preposterous reason.

So naturally, I smuggled my camera in.

Classical music blared through the speakers as the Kings took the stage, dressed in jeans that looked like they were painted onto their scrawny, little, rock-star legs. And then, the Followill clan took over.

Lead singer Caleb Followill’s unmistakable voice and stage presence was intact, as usual. Everyone sang along with the fan’s favorites, which (thankfully) included as much of their old material (“Molly’s Chambers”) as it did new (a blistering set of “Camaro,” “Black Thumbnail,” and “On Call”). Lead guitarist Matt Followill has mastered the art of steadily smoking cigarettes whilst playing the most perfected guitar riffs, driven by drummer Nathan Followill’s thunderous beats and Jared Followill’s pounding bassline. If you love pure American guitar rock, the Kings served up a hell of three-course meal, with second helpings. They have come a long way since their tent revival days. Now that they are completely polished musicians, they know how to put on a damn good show and please any crowd.

Caleb ended the set with his signature (and very dramatic) move: tossing his guitar pick into the crowd and hurling his mic to the floor as the stage lights go out. The crowd screamed and chanted for an encore, as I struggled to see who the lucky bastard was that caught Caleb’s guitar pick. Minutes later, the kings took the stage once more to play the last songs of the night – and the very last songs of their tour.

Seems like such a happy ending, doesn’t it? Well, there’s more...

My dearest REAX readers, nothing—and I mean nothing—ever stands between me and my southern rock heroes. So, after the show, mustering the same resilience I had when sneaking in my camera, I patiently waited outside with my friends.

We were the last ones standing when Caleb finally walked past, his equipment in one hand and his girlfriend’s hand in the other. He promised to return and talk to us as soon as he loaded up some of his things. Sure enough, he came back, but only for a moment. I couldn’t help but feel like he was aggravated that we were taking up his precious time.

Jared and Nathan (my two very favorite Kings) came up to us next. They were much more easy going, and even yelled for Matt (now, my very least favorite King) to come over and meet us. Matt completely ignored them, ran down to one of their huge tour buses, grabbed his luggage, and waved down a cab. This didn’t surprise me. If anything, I was astounded how friendly Jared and Nathan were.

The Kings of Leon are notorious for being cocky and arrogant. I suppose not all kings are born gracious, but they do know how to put on one hell of a show.

Interview... Leslie

Leslie

Interview with Sadler Vaden

Words: Ashley Marie Sansotta

There’s a reason why the boys from the band Leslie have been touring pretty much non-stop since their existence. It’s simply because they put on one hell of a show. From Charleston, South Carolina, the trio plans to take over the world – one city at a time. With frontman Sadler Vaden’s renowned guitar skills, and the dynamite charisma between bassist Jason Fox and drummer Jonathan Carman, their stage presence is legendary. I recently spoke with Carman about Leslie, and he had some great stories to tell...

REAX: You guys have been together for three years now (three years to the day – on October 6th). How did it all begin?

Jonathan Carman: We all went to high school together. Jason and Sadler were in a band then, but I never hung out with them. I was more in the punk rock stage of my life, while they were more in touch with their hippie side, so that didn’t put us at the same party very often. A couple of years later, I went on tour with another Charleston-based band, The Working Title. I was driving and doing merch, and Sadler had been hired to play guitar for a couple of tours. I told him I was trying to find a band and he showed me some songs he had been working on. I was into what he was doing, so we started rehearsing when we would come off of the road with TWT. Eventually, we had a few songs and needed a bass player. Sadler mentioned that Jason used to play bass in his old band. The next time we rehearsed, Jason showed up... and the rest is history.

REAX: If you guys didn't do music, what could you see yourselves doing instead?

JC: That’s a pretty hard question to answer. Focusing on our epic quest for world domination? Sadler would probably be writing movies or something of that nature. Jason would probably be a chef at some high-end fine dining joint. I've always said I’d be a truck driver. Those guys are bad asses... livin’ the dream.

REAX: What's your drink of choice?

JC: Johnny Walker Black or Makers. On the rocks.

REAX: What's the craziest thing that's happened to you guys while on tour?

JC: We have a few crazy stories, but the most famous is the Young Jeezy story. We were doing a show in Atlanta. After the show, some friends of ours asked us to come hang out over at their house, but they had to go to a party for this rapper, Young Jeezy. We had never heard of him at the time... We weren’t there long before the party was coming to an end, and the club was closing. While the staff was trying to shuffle everyone out the door, a fight broke out. Well, where we are from, you form a circle around the fight and watch. Not this fight. Everyone scattered, and left the three of us standing next to the bar with the bartenders, trying to tell us to duck down behind the bar. We weren’t sure why, until we heard the sound of gun shots. We immediately hit the deck, and semi automatic weapons were spraying left and right. It took a while for the cops to show up, so we were ducking and running from gun shots for a good 10 minutes. The cops said that there were over 300 to 400 rounds shot off. Not one person got hit – but our van, “Keith Richards,” took a nickel sized hit through the driver’s side, just behind the driver’s seat. It hit just over the gas tank, went through the van, through a pillow and stopped in one of our merch tubs. I found the slug, but had to give it to the police.

REAX: Why’s your van’s name “Keith Richards?”

JC: Keith Richards got her name because she wont die. Just under 300,000 miles, a bullet hole, a leaky roof, and tons of other imperfections, but every time we get it checked out they tell us that the engine is in great shape!

REAX: I've read that Gainesville is one of your favorite cities to play. Why is it towards the top of your list?

JC: Yes, Gainesville is a rock town. They love rock and roll, they love to drink, they love being loud, they don’t care that we stink. The people there are just really down to earth and really cool to us. We have made quite a few friends in Gainesville. Plus that’s where Tom Petty is from.

REAX: What happened on stage when you guys played the last time in Tampa? Sadler went through like 3 guitars or something?

JC: We were on tour with the Mooney Suzuki and were playing The Crowbar in Tampa. We were right in the middle of "Backdoor" and Sadler starts popping strings left and right. Well, Sadler being Sadler didn’t let it phase him, I think at this point he had 3 strings left... I'm pretty sure that by the end of the song, he had one string left and was still keeping it together. I’ve seen Sadler do some pretty crazy stuff with a guitar, but even I was impressed with the way he handled that one...

REAX: When can your fans expect to see you put another album out? Is it in the works?

JC: We have been writing for the record for the past few months and – as of now – we will be coming off of the road just after Thanksgiving to start recording. We are hoping to have our first full-length out in spring of '08. We really cant wait to get back into the studio and start working on all of these new songs. Narrowing it down is going to be the hard part. We’ll be going in with about 30-40 songs and coming out with the best 10-12 for the record... then it’s right back on the road until Keith’s wheels fall off.

Interview... Aesop Rock

Aesop Rock

Interview Aesop Rock

Words: Ashley Marie Sansotta

His deep, poetic voice seems to twist and turn around every unique beat in his music. That, combined with his rather large vocabulary and complicated lyrics, are some of the things that set Aesop Rock apart from the rest of the world of underground hip-hop.

Now, on the road, promoting his fifth full-length album, None Shall Pass, Aesop Rock talks with me about his life, his projects, and his tour.

REAX: You had a few big life changes before None Shall Pass: you got married and moved clear across the country from your beloved NYC to San Francisco. Being the self-proclaimed introvert that you are, how did you find a way to adjust to a new environment?

Aesop Rock: Well, I get even more of a chance to be introverted now... I don’t know many people in San Francisco, and I keep it that way. I have one or two close friends, my music, and my wife. It’s actually pretty fun. I like not being distracted, and I feel more focused then ever before on what I want out of music, what I think I can do, what I want to do, where I want to take things, etc. it's obviously a little scary being in somewhat unfamiliar waters, but for now – the pros outweigh the cons.

REAX: What kind of an effect did this have on you personally, and how do you think this effected your music on the new album?

AR: I really was just able to spend way more hours on the music. I have a better studio space than I’ve ever had, and the space caters more to really digging in and getting into things. I feel comfortable in my workspace, and I have room to make it even better. I just feel more settled and ready to try shit than ever before.

REAX: I've read that you did a lot of things differently when you created None Shall Pass. What kinds of things did you experiment with when you made the new album?

AR: I guess my studio has expanded a bit – I have more gear, more records, more instruments. I played more live stuff and had other musicians in [the new album] more than ever. I mean, the general approach is always the same, but we really flushed it all out more than ever before. I really spent more time writing and arranging, and making it so that every song stands on its own.

REAX: I'm a huge fan of Jeremy Fish, and I loved the idea of last year's "The Next Best Thing." I'm happy to see that he also did the cover for None Shall Pass. How did your path's cross? What's the story behind the one-cup coffee maker?

AR: When I moved to SF, me and Jeremy had a friend in common. I didn’t know he was a fan of mine, and he didn’t know I was a fan of him. Thru our mutual fan, he expressed interest in working with me on a cartoon pitch he was doing at the time, and he asked if I would be into supplying music. That pitch kinda floated around for a while, but that was the starting point for our friendship. We really just hit it off, and he had similar stories to me. I could relate to his art-world stories, and he to my music-world stories. We also both grew up skating, so that’s a bonding point. The first time he came to my home, I had just gotten a Keurig one cup coffee maker, which he thought was awesome, probably because I was like, “How awesome is this coffee maker?!” We both like coffee. Then, he bought the same machine. Mmmmhhh coffee.

REAX: Will you be working with him in the future?

AR: Most definitely. He did my shirts, tour posters, and yes we will be doing more collaborations with work in the future.

REAX: I know you are a lover of art, and you even went to school for painting. How did you end up in hip-hop?

AR: I always did music as a hobby, while art was my "main" thing. It’s what I went to school for, studied, and I thought it was the field I’d end up in. Music kinda started jockeying for position a little more over time; and at some point, it crossed into the spotlight more. I love(d) both, and would love to pursue both, but right now music is where all of my creative energy goes. I think I have a better grip on what I want to do musically, which makes it more realistic to me. I can identify my vision and plot the best way to chase it. With painting, while I loved it, and studied it for years, I don’t think I had a grip on where I was going. I was sort of just floating, learning, and making shit, but maybe my purpose had been lost along the way. I don’t know, maybe that’s

dumb.

REAX: Do you think you'll ever do your own artwork for future albums?

AR: No.

REAX: The Nike thing you did sounded like such an interesting project. But, I've read that they gave you an extremely short time-frame to submit. How did you approach this project?

AR: Yeah it was offered to me with a deadline 40 days. I pretty much just said “I’ll do it,” hung up the phone, and started making drums. Then I’d play bass lines everyday and just try to find interesting riffs to base the pieces on. I’d play keys, subtly sneak some down low sample work in, and have my wife play a lot of guitar on the parts. It was really like a full time job. I almost didn’t have time to think during the making of it, because I literally could not afford to lose a day. It was very patch-worky. It was fun, but not the ideal circumstances to create music under. Regardless, it was great and kind of a test of whether or not I could pull something like that off.

REAX: You've always been very independent as a musician. Unfortunately, though, I've read a lot of criticism coming from some of your fans who think you sold-out with the whole Nike deal. What do you think of these responses?

AR: I am still a very independent musician. My Nike deal was made with me in complete creative control, and was a more of an artist-friendly deal than any indie label has ever given me. I love working with indie labels just because it seems more DIY. I love that I have built myself into a position where a Nike will approach me to do a one off project like this. It did receive some criticism, as expected, but there was far more positive feedback. I am proud of the work I did for them, I had fun doing it, and I would do it again. That said, it is a very different world from making an “Aesop Rock solo album.” That’s what makes it enjoyable to me. The fact that I have room to play and try these things – based strictly on the independent work I’ve done – and the status I have achieved on my own terms. I like all these projects. I was able to do “The Next Best Thing” book/7" with Jeremy, the Nike project, my new album, some work with the “Wholphin” DVD Magazine distributed by the McSweeney's/Believer/826 Valencia people, some music for a short film made by Jeremy Fish for Element Skateboards, a ton of guest appearances on indie projects, music for some websites, beats for people, etc. All of this in the last year – two years. This is what I do. I love having my hands in a lot of stuff, as long as I am making the creative musical decisions. As for the naysayers... . I guess we can’t all share the same interest in everything.

REAX: How hard is it for you to switch gears from being in the studio to being on tour?

AR: Very. I really would rather be home making more stuff. Touring is fun, I love meeting the fans and supporters, and I feel our current tour is by far the best show I’ve ever put on. But all that said, I really just love to make shit, and its difficult to make shit when I'm on the road performing. It’s a totally different mindset – and really an entirely different world. It’s almost as if the two don’t relate.

REAX: What does your live-set look like for this tour?

AR: I'm really really happy with our set. The show is me, Rob Sonic, and DJ Big Wiz. I had my friend, Shaun Roberts, assemble a team to create projected visuals, specifically themed and timed to each song we perform, which is really new to me. There’s a lot of the simple foundation of turntables and mics. But, I feel that – combined with the visuals – it just adds a new energy to the whole thing. And it’s really something that I'm just plain happy about. There's a ton of technical DJ stuff going on, and Wiz is also controlling all of the projections and live effects. We spent a ton of time putting the show together, and I wanted it to be a step up from what I had been doing, but still feel really intimate – as if the crowd was part of the fun and not alienated by some overdone theatrics. I really couldn’t be happier with how it all turned out.

REAX: What are your plans after touring?

AR: Make more stuff.

Turn You On To... The Black Angels

I Wanna Turn You On To...

The Black Angels

Interview with Alex Maas

Words: Ashley Marie Sansotta

Photos: Ashley Marie Sansotta

Who they are...

Stephanie Bailey - drums & percussion

Christian Bland - guitar

Kyle Hunt - keyboards, percussion, bass, guitar

Alex Maas - vocals

Jennifer Raines - the drone machine/organ

Nate Ryan - bass, guitar

What’s their story...

Think long and hard about where your musical roots came from... Dust off your parent’s record player you have connected into the back of your mind... Then, listen to The Black Angels... Turn on, tune in, and then drone out...

The Black Angels emerged from Austin, Texas in 2004 with a hypnotic, psychedelic sound reincarnated from the 1970’s. Taking their name from a Velvet Underground classic, “The Black Angel’s Death Song,” these old souls have taken the world of indie-rock to another level. My friend, frontman Alex Maas knows that his voice is like sweet nectar to these ears of mine. He had me at, “You're a storm, so emotional...”

Sounds like...

The Velvet Underground of our time.

Why I want to turn you onto it...

Stealing the stage, festival by festival, show by show, the angels have been very busy. Despite all of this, Maas found the time for me (and REAX) to talk about the band, their personal lives, and their current projects. Once again, my addiction has completely paid off.

REAX: What's the significance of your slogan, "Turn on, Tune in, Drone out?"

Maas: It is a spin off of Timothy Leary's turn on, tune in, drop out.

REAX: Who do you think is the most hard-core Velvet Underground fan out of the band and why?

Maas: Me. My tattoo of Nico and John Cale in the bed of my back.

REAX: For my own personal satisfaction, one of my favorite songs from Syd's solo career was the “Bob Dylan Blues…” who's idea was the “Syd Barrett Blues?”

Maas: Christian wrote that song. He is a madd capp.

REAX: What's something most of your fans don't know about The Black Angels?

Maas: Three of us are actually half african american.

REAX: Who's your favorite band of the moment?

Maas: The Gris Gris and Spin Drift.

REAX: What kind of things charge you guys politically lately?

Maas: Apathy. Lack of information. WW IV. Billions spent on lies. The fact that Americans are modern day vikings.

REAX: What does your song writing process look like?

Maas: It looks like an upanishad dancing in a technicolor waterfall.

REAX: I think I remember reading that you guys all live together in a haunted house. How is it like living with the same people you are on tour with non-stop?

Maas: I think living with each other is actually an amazing thing. We are all very close. After spending every hour with each other, our minds are that much more connected. We finish each others sentences and leftovers. Outside of playing music we all still hang out.

REAX: What is life like at the house?

Maas: Have you seen The Real World? Its not like that. It more like Threes Company times two.

REAX: What's your personal most exciting moment that you guys have had so far?

Maas: I think Playing in Europe with The Black Keys and BRMC (Black Rebel Motorcycle Club). The Smashing Pumpkins at the Fillmore was exciting too.

REAX: What's a goal that you want to accomplish as a band in the next decade?

Maas: Flip mainstream music on its ass and encourage people to think for themselves. Most music on the radio isn't believable to us. People should seek out world truth and music on the internet. Instead, they deep-throat what they hear on the radio and tv.

REAX: Besides playing shows, what kinds of things are you guys working on lately?

Maas: Reading. Gathering of info. Coming up with ways to give back to society. Evolving.

REAX: What's next for you guys?

Maas: We want to put out a new record with people who believe in us.

Interview... Two Gallants

Two Gallants

Interview with Adam Stephens

Words: Ashley Marie Sansotta

Photos: Ashley Marie Sansotta

When first listening to the lyrics of Two Gallants, one pictures a couple of haggard old cowboys singing the blues of yesteryear. In actuality, they are a couple of boys from San Francisco who have mastered the ability of bringing seemingly decade-old tales to life through music. Their poetic stories of depression, pain, love, and lost fill your ears, and you can’t help but feel an affection towards the characters they sing about, regardless of the sometimes taboo lyrical content.

Frontman Adam Stephens and drummer Tyson Vogel have been making music together since the age of twelve and started playing shows in San Francisco when they were twenty. Since then, they have been touring like crazy all over the United States and Europe.

On October 13, 2006, Two Gallants made some unintentional waves in the media. When playing a show at a club in Houston, Texas, a disgruntled police officer interrupted their performance, investigating a noise complaint. A fight broke out, and he attacked Two Gallants and their fans with a Taser gun. Vogel was charged with a misdemeanor, but the case was finally dropped. In June, Two Gallants played free show back at the scene of the crime, where they “finished” the set that was cut short back in October.

Now that they have been able to move on from this unfortunate situation, Two Gallants are back to the relentless touring. They are planning to release their next full-length album, Two Gallants, on September 25^th.

REAX: What kind of a response did you get from your fans after the Houston incident? I can imagine them to be very supportive, especially after that free show.

Stephens: Yeah, they were... A lot of people that didn’t even know us came to the show. They just knew of us from the case and came there to support us. I mean, people even gave us gifts and baked us cakes.

REAX: You guys have been touring pretty much nonstop all over the place for the past couple of years. Where’s you favorite place to play (besides San Francisco, of course)?

Stephens: Hamburg is probably one of my favorite places in Europe. Their reception is very kind and enthusiastic... Americans can be pretty apathetic sometimes.

REAX: What’s something you guys want to accomplish in your lifetime as far as music?

Stephens: I guess it’d be nice to someday make a record that I didn’t have any regrets about when I listen to it like a year later.

REAX: So, you have regrets about some of the records you’ve made in the past?

Stephens: Yeah, all of them. Every song, I feel like there’s something wrong. It’s impossible to know that when you’re making the record.

REAX: You’ve said before that you try to let you songs do their own thing. So, I’m curious as to what your song writing process look like?

Stephens: It’s usually a long, agonizing experience. It’s not really that easy. I tend to sort-of over analyze things a lot. I get a little dissatisfied with the things that I write, so I keep on working on them over and over again. Most songs sit around for like a few months before they’re really done.

REAX: How do you think the new album, Two Gallants, differs from the last ones?

Stephens: I’ve been told that it’s a lot quieter. Which I wasn’t really aware of. We did some interviews in Europe and everyone that heard the record was like, oh your new record is so much tamer than your last one. I guess it is. It’s a little bit more under-control in a way. There’s not as much screaming and recklessness. The songs, to me, are a lot more solid and a bit more composed than the last record. Not as schizophrenic.

REAX: After you release the album, what’s next for you guys? More non-stop touring, I’m assuming?

Stephens: Yeah, we just started this tour last night. We’re pretty much going to do this, and then go to Europe – then go back to America – and then back to Europe.

REAX: That sounds exhausting.

Stephens: Yeah it is. But, I can’t complain. I mean, there are worst things to be doing, I suppose.

Interview... Torche

TORCHE

Interview With Steve Brooks

Words By Ashley Marie Sansotta

Despite the fact that their last record was released about 2 years ago, the members of Torche have made every effort not to be forgotten. Between their national and international touring, and all of their side projects, their “metal without being metal” sound can still be heard for miles. And they have no intention of being hushed any time soon. I am very pleased to say that – yes, there is a second full-length record in the works! I was fortunate enough to ask frontman Steve Brooks about the new record, Florida’s so-called “metal” scene, and what life is like for the members of Torche. A lot can change in 2 years, and presenting new material to their hardcore fans is the perfect way to signify that.

REAX: Besides the constant touring, what other projects have you guys been working on since the release of your last record back in 2005?

Brooks: I haven't really been active outside this band lately. However, Rick has several side projects Shitstorm (w/ bassist Jon Nunez on guitar), Mekago NT, Bulldagger, etc.. Juan occasionally plays in his other band Pandabite.

REAX: I've read that you guys are gearing up for your second full-length record – which will feature material written entirely by your current lineup – what stage are you guys at in this process?

Brooks: As for the next LP, we have about 8 new songs written so far and 3 more months ahead of us before we enter the studio. We're excited about the new material and inspired. Some of it is a departure from what we've been doing in the past. So, it's a good time for us.

REAX: Any idea when we can expect the new record to come out?

Brooks: Well, hopefully, it'll be out early next year. We have 2 weeks in early October planned to record and mix. The artwork is already complete, so we hope to start pressing by late October. Let's keep our fingers crossed.

REAX: Your self-titled record was amazing – but definitely not where you guys are right now, I'm sure. What do you think will be some of the main differences between the record you put out in 2005 and the new record?

Brooks: We've grown up a bit since the s/t LP. The next LP will be more of a diverse "rock" record for us. We're all very happy with the material so far and hope the recording will represent us well.

REAX: What does your song-writing process look like?

Brooks: We start off with the music. Juan and I write most of the riffs and that's where we begin. Vocals are last on the list and the biggest headache for me personally, but someone has to do it. We've been pretty inspired to write lately, so things are moving quicker than ever.

REAX: What music generally inspires you?

Brooks: Everything that grabs my attention. I'm a sucker for sonic loud noisy guitars... really dirty stuff. I also love crap 4-track recordings. Um... .heavy synth pop, booty bass, traditional tribal music, psychedelia, 60's pop, 70's blues rock, 80's death/speed/thrash/crossover, etc... . I'm picky about artists, but I listen to all kinds of music, mostly rock though.

REAX: I know you guys don't like to be categorized under the "metal" umbrella. How would you describe your music to people that maybe haven't heard it before?

Brooks: I don't know. If you think of us as a "metal" band, you'll probably be disappointed. Some of our material has a metal feel to it, but it's not conventional "metal". I'm inspired by everything from Sonic Youth to early Accept, so I think that shows in our style too. Metal without being metal. haha... Doesn't make sense, eh? Thank goodness.

REAX: Why do you think the Florida metal scene has been so dull this past decade?

Brooks: Well, I think most metal bands are dull anyway. There was a pretty kick ass Florida Death Metal "scene" back in the 80's, but that got commercialized and lost it's edge in the early 90's. Florida is full of Pop Punk crap now. I mean, I dig some late 80's/early 90's Florida Punk bands like Quit and Radon, but there hasn't been any other Poppy bands that caught my attention since. I used to play in a band called "The Basils" which was kind of a Quit rip-off band back in the early 90's. haha..

REAX: What are you listening to now?

Brooks: I've been listening to Blonde Redhead, Donovan, Celtic Frost/Hellhammer, The Black Crowes, The Breeders, ELO and The Darkness this past week.

REAX: What's life like in the real world for everyone in the band? Day jobs? Family? Past-times?

Brooks: Um... day jobs suck, but it's nice to finally have steady income again. None of us are married or have kids, fortunately. Past times? Well, other than band practice and spending time with friends, I don't do much. Sit at home and watch Netflix movies. We're all living a pretty average life at the moment. It's only different when we're touring.

REAX: What are your plans after the release of your second album?

Brooks: TOUR like crazy and get laid more often! (laughs)

Interview... MSI

MSI

Interview With Little Jimmy Urine

Words By Ashley Marie Sansotta

If you are familiar with Mindless Self Indulgence (often referred to as MSI), then you already know of their infamous, over-the-top performances and impertinent, explicit music. If you are not familiar with MSI, that you are in for a very rude awakening. You either love them or you absolutely hate them. It is pitch black or stark white, and there is no such thing as gray.

They describe their music as “Industrial Jungle Pussy Punk,” and they are most popular for their elaborate live shows. When performing, frontman Little Jimmy Urine steals the stage with his feminine 1980’s style costumes and his wild demeanor. Even the fans come to MSI shows dressed for the part. It’s like Halloween set to offensive music... and quite a sight to see.

They seem to live in this make-believe world that they’ve created, governed by the Atari from their childhoods, where anything goes – the more uncouth the better. Nothing is ever taken seriously. Not even the music they create. And certainly not the interviews they are asked to do.

REAX: I know that you guys are in the process of recording right now. How

much time do you usually put in the studio?

LJU: WE HUSTLE ALLOT ... . AND WHEN YOU HUSTLE YOU PUT TIME IN WHERE EVER YOU CAN ... .I JUST SANG A SONG IN A CLOSET IN NYC EDITED THE VOCALS ON A PLANE AND THEN WE TRACKED GUITARZ IN CANADA THE NEXT DAY. WE DO THE MOST WE CAN WITH THE TIME WE HAVE.

REAX: Unlike most musicians who are usually influenced by other music, I've

read that most of your inspiration comes from movies and video games.

Which movies inspired you while you were working on the material for

the new album?

LJU: MOST MOVIES DON'T GIVE ME THE DEEP EMOTIONAL INFLUENCE I NEED TO BE A SELLOUT ... .SO SOMETIMES I JUST FILM MY COCK ... .THEN I EDIT IT TO LOOK BIGGER ... .AND THAT INSPIRES THE HELL OUT OF ME ... THAT AND ZARDOZ ... .

REAX: What does your song-writing process look like?

LJU: IT LOOKS LIKE SHIT TO ME BUT I'M OVERLY CRITICAL ... ITS BASICALLY LOTS OF OREOS AND SODA ... . ... SOME SWIMMING ... .SHOOTING CANS WITH BB GUNZ ... DRIVING AROUND AT 4 IN THE MORNING... .KNIFE THROWING ... .AND A HUGE CHALK BOARD THE SIZE OF A WALL FILLED WITH TECHNICAL SHIT JUST LIKE GOOD WILL HUNTING... ... ..

REAX: You released your last album on iTunes under the "Christian" category,

which I thought was brilliant. Because, in a way, your fan base is

religiously loyal to your music and you have such a cult-like

following. I noticed that iTunes has you categorized as "Alternative"

now. What happened?

LJU: MAAAANNNN... YOU CANT FIGHT CITY HALL ... .DON'T YOU KNOW THE BAD GUY ALWAYS WINZ??

REAX: And what category will your new album be classified as?

LJU: FILE UNDER UNEASY LISTENING

REAX: From your fans, to your own passionate,

outrageous performances, a Mindless Self Indulgence show is quite the

experience. How would you describe your shows to someone who has

never been?

LJU: I WOULDN'T DESCRIBE SHIT ... .I D SAY GO OUT AND

PICK UP THE DVD AND MAKE UP YOUR OWN MIND. I'M TO FREAK`N LAZY TO EXPLAIN SHIT TO PEOPLE

REAX: What is your favorite part about performing?

LJU: STEALING LUNCH MONEY FROM YOUR KIDS

REAX: I'm excited for the release of your very first live DVD, "Our Pain,

Your Gain" (set to come out on September 11th of this year). I

believe the performances were filmed at Webster Hall in New York City,

and it was right after guitarist Steve, Righ? was hospitalized for

partial hip replacement. How did his injury affect the live shows?

LJU: IT ENCOURAGED US TO BE FAR MORE RECKLESS. IF STEVE CAN PERFORM BETTER THAN MOST GUITARISTS FRESH FROM HIP SURGERY, THE REST OF THE BAND FEELS AN OBLIGATION TO KEEP UP WITH HIM.

Thanks!!!!

(Steve was re-hospitalized this year and this time received a full hip replacement. Six weeks later he and MSI were performing to 10,000 people a night in the UK. The upcoming DVD title, "Our Pain Your Gain" is a real expression of how this band performs every night).

Interview... El-P

El-P

Interview With El-P

Words: Ashley Marie Sansotta

Photos: Ashley Marie Sansotta

Over fours years after his critically acclaimed debut album, Fantastic Damage, El-P emerges from the empire he’s created with Definitive Jux to bestow his highly anticipated follow-up solo album, I’ll Sleep When Your Dead, to the public. Somehow, he found some time between running his own record label and working on his other projects, where he embodies the roles as producer, A&R guru, and hip-hop mogul.

As an MC, El-P is known for his direct lyrics, dark and complex beats, and use of intricate metaphors through his music. This time around, El-P uses his play on words to document his personal views based on his own experiences with the reality of the changes happening in our society today, while artistically meshing together the domains of underground hip-hop and indie rock. His contributors include Trent Reznor, Cat Power, Yo La Tengo, The Mars Volta, TV on the Radio, and many others.

On the road to promote his new album, I got up close and personal with the notorious El-P. In the interview, he openly discusses his new record, his inspirations, and his plans for the future.

REAX: It’s been about 4 years since Fantastic Damage, what made you decide that it was finally time for you to put out another solo album?

El-P: Just as soon as I had it ready, to be honest with you.

REAX: But, how long did it take you? Were you working on it gradually this whole time?

El-P: Well, I would stop and start a little bit... I’d have to hardcore have the time to really try and work on my record. The whole record took about, I’d say, 2-2 ½ years total to knock that all out at one time.

REAX: Do you feel like you’ve had to sort-of shift your focus at all from the major projects you do as a producer and with your own label to promoting your solo album?

El-P: Yeah, it’s definitely a different thing... and you know, I think it’s a nice change... Honestly, what I do is a little bit different than the average artist in terms of how much I’m involved in. You know, I’m just constantly trying to figure out where the balance is... And I work on the label, because I’m a musician, and I want the music – period.

That’s really what it’s about for me. The rest of the shit is just the necessary functions of a well oiled machine.

REAX: What does your live set look like for this tour? Do you have beat production and a DJ backing you up?

El-P: Yeah, it’s a different show than I’ve ever done before. I’ve got Mr. Dibbs backing me up... We’re playing my music that I made, and then I have a couple of my friends playing over it. I have my friend, Wilder Zoby, on moog and on the synthesizers. And We’ve got a whole light show projection thing... it’s the most fun show I think I’ve ever had.

REAX: Both Fantastic Damage and I’ll Sleep When You’re Dead are equally as amazing in my eyes, but they differ so much - like with the amount of rage you had before, all the way down to song length. Do you think this is because of how much you’ve progressed as a musician, or because your finding that different things are inspiring you now-a-days?

El-P: I’d say it’s both... I think it’s that my inspirations are now shifted. I’d say I’m looking more into now, and I’m looking more into the relationships and experiences with people who inspire me. And you know, I find the line in the struggles that I encounter with different lands... And Fantastic Damage was much more of me howling at the moon – I think to a degree – with how I was going to get all of these ideas out there as soon as possible and as loud as possible, you know?

REAX: Yes it was. And actually, I read in one of your interviews, where you said that instead of being classified as a “political rapper,” you want to be seen as an “eloquent translation of the human experience.” I just loved that.

El-P: Yeah, I mean hopefully. I certainly don’t see myself as being a “political rapper.” I don’t know anything more than anybody else. I have questions that I am influenced from. You know, that’s the state of the world. And I think that’s the main reason I write with that backdrop. You know, that sort-of dark backdrop – that beat. Of course, it’s not everywhere at all times, but I think it’s more physically that that’s the moral that I have in my mind.

REAX: I was pleasantly surprised to see that on your new album, you’re featuring such a large realm of other indie artists such as Cat Power, The Mars Volta, and Trent Reznor. What made you decide on them in particular?

El-P: I’m friends with all of them, and it was all about, you know, I had that credential with them, and I love their music. I thought it would be fun to bring them into my world. I had already been working on different stuff for them in their world, and it just seemed natural. It wasn’t anything that I thought up ahead of time, but I was in touch with them and it kinda unfolded like that.

REAX: How was it like to work with them?

El-P: It was great. They’re all amazing people and really generous. And they were all cool to get down with me.

REAX: Why did you name the album I’ll Sleep When You’re Dead? I’m assuming it’s obviously a play on words?

El-P: It is a play on words to a degree. It’s sort-of like in New York City, the city never sleeps, you know?

REAX: Of course. So, after all of your touring is said and done, what’s next?

El-P: Ah, I think the next step is that I really want to continue. I want to do another record. I mean, I’ve got a lot of stuff I’ve been working on and a lot of stuff built up over the past few years, and I don’t feel like I want to stop. I just have a lot of ideas that are sitting around, and I’m working on stuff... you know, I never really stop. And I want to jump right back into it. I’d love to follow up... well, the dream is to really follow up with another album next year. I don’t know if that’s necessarily possible, but I’m immediately going to start working as soon as I stop touring.