Badass Bands Blog

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Music Fiend

               Its about time to feature more of a ‘dancy’ band for all of you out there who love to shake your ass to a little more poppy tunage. This band does Rock n Roll with a New Wave electronic edge that forces you to get on your feet and move along to it. Badass Band 45 is Hell&Lula. Not only does this band play kick ass music, but they have some environmental/human rights programs they are involved in that just add to their allure.

               I first saw Hell&Lula (HL) over a year ago at a High Voltage Magazine showcase at The Mint. I had originally gone to see Toy Bombs, then was blown away by Eli James, so I decided I better stick around to see the last band. They set up all kinds of crazy gear, and looked like a damn interesting group of people. I can’t remember what their first song was, maybe ‘Set the World on Fire’ or ‘Razor Love’, either way the whole crowd was moving and singing along within seconds. It is hard not to dig on their tunes. Their combination of edgy vocals, a multitude of instruments- including a chick on drums (Bonus!!), and the insanely high energy of their stage show, just makes this band ridiculously likeable. They do a live show better than a lot of bands I have seen, and that is really a key component, not just to create/play great music, but to outwardly have fun doing it and create that fun, energetic, relationship with the crowd.  Their album “Catch Up!!! Catch Up!!!” has been out for a while now, and they are currently on the verge of releasing a new EP entitled, ‘Fermi’s Paradox’.

               The band itself is comprised of MAK- vocals, Devon Culiner- guitar/programming, Russell Henson- bass/synth, and Alex Vega- Drums. These musicians are all talented in their own right but together form a combo of 80’s style dance rock that sells itself easily. Their tag line is “We wanna make you dance, we wanna make you think. We want to make you think about dancing.” which is the perfect description of what their music does to the audience.

               Another amazing thing about this band that needs to be brought up is their involvement in many different environmental and human rights campaigns. HL is involved with Falling Whistles (which spreads the message about war in the Congo & helps rehabilitate war-affected children), a Recycled Merchandise Program and they can created an environmentally sound tour vehicle. They call it the ‘Cool Bus’ and it has been converted to run on waste vegetable oil. Just another few reasons to dig on this band.

               MAK was kind enough to take some time out of their touring schedule to answer some questions for BBB, so read on to find out where they will be during the summer, how he became comfortable with his dance moves, and how they cook up a healthy helping of dance at each show!

When and why did you start playing?

My uncle bought me a guitar and a little practice amp for my 14th birthday. I wanted to be Kurt Cobain, who had died just a few months prior. It was that awkward, rebellious stage and the whole darkness and tragedy that the media portrayed surrounding his life and death was really appealing. Eventually, everyone convinced me to lay off the angst and self-loathing, because it was no fun and to stop playing guitar, because I sucked at it. And once I did, I was finally free to develop a singer/performer persona that felt like it was my own.

What kind of music did you listen to growing up? How does that differ from what you listen to now?

My earliest memories are of Michael Jackson’s Thriller, The Eagle’s Hotel California and various Beatles’ records, Billy Ocean, Billy Squire, Foreigner. Then, briefly, hair metal stuff like Slaughter and Motley Crew and the Scorpion’s. When MC Hammer and Vanilla Ice hit the scene (I was around 9 or 10), I found an interest in dancing. I wasn’t able to do any of the regimented dances very well, but I learned that when I just let my body move freely, weird and interesting things would happen and I felt more connected with the music. Watching all the other kids who had more control over their bodies and were able to move in specific and calculated ways made me insecure, but eventually, I learned to be comfortable with letting my body do what it wanted to do and not trying to force it to do something else.

Which musicians do you admire? Why?

Anyone who does something fully. I enjoy performers who lose themselves in their task, without pretension or melodrama, without trying to do anything. The moment when the instrument, the player and the music become one. This is something I strive for and friends who have watched me for a long time will sometimes say, “you weren’t in it tonight. And you’re not very good at faking it.” But the truth is, I’d rather not fool anyone. Either I’m fully present and the real thing happens, or I’m distracted and mostly just going thru the motions. Observant people will know the difference and recognizing the real thing will be that much more rewarding.

I also admire songwriters who can write complex melodies or musical pieces that are coherent and rise and fall and deftly move you from one place to the next. My mind can only hold on to a very brief melody or run of notes before it becomes overwhelmed and shuts all the doors of possibilities. So my strategy is usually to come up with lots of short bits that are often disjointed and radically different and seemingly incongruent. Luckily, I seem to be getting away with it, so far.

Do you get nervous before a show?

Usually. I think a healthy level of stress makes your senses sharper and better able to perform, but I’ve been doing this for a while and I still get more nervous than I would like to most of the time.

Any rituals before a show?

Not really. I used to spend a lot of time stretching and warming up my voice or meditating before a show, but I seem to have utterly no control over how a show is going to go, no matter how much I try to prepare myself. So many other factors are at play. Mainly the elusive and mystical “energy of the room.” Whether the room is electric or stone cold and dead is largely out of my control. We always seem to liven up a room by a noticeable degree, but I haven’t quite learned how to fully bring the dead back to life.

Describe your show visually & musically for those who have never been.
How does your creative process typically work? What inspires you?

Our energy level is pretty high. I’m pretty wild on the mic and I like run around and flail my limbs and free-dance. We have a custom light show that’s built mainly around a quartet of 4x12 guitar cabinets that have been repurposed as light cabs. We’re currently working on some new custom stuff light-up gear for each band member, as well. I’m trying to build a mic stand that hints at a light saber. Or at least a glow stick.

Custom lighting goes a long way at a show. I saw Dillinger Escape Plan at Emo’s in Austin, years back, with a strictly backlit custom light display. Simple, dramatic, powerful. It was one of the most intense things I’d ever seen. Emo’s is a total dive, but those guys looked like gods in front of all those bright white lights. You never saw their faces, never any details, you just got their silhouettes, their essence, the phantoms of the men, themselves. When I saw them with the house lights on after the show, they looked normal, plain, dorky, even. Mere humans. If there was ever a moment that illustrated the importance of lighting to me, that was it.

What do you think you biggest break or greatest opportunity has been in your career so far?

Yeah, nothing to speak of.

What has been the biggest challenge for you so far?

Balancing creative/band time with the time needed to make money and fulfill social obligations is always kinda tough. In order to keep up with the pace of professional bands, you need to commit to your project full-time, which is really difficult to do, in the long-run, when you’re living in a city where the cost of living is so high. I cut myself a little slack by living in our Cool Bus, but even with my rent cut down to next-to-nothing, money still has to be made.

What are you working on now, and what can we expect from you in the coming year?

We’ve just converted our Cool Bus to run on waste vegetable oil, so we’re excited to start touring as much as possible. Running on WVO means that we should be able to at least supplement our living expenses with tour income. It won’t be enough to support us. We can’t quit our jobs, but at least touring won’t cost us money, as it did before. We’re also releasing our 2nd EP, Fermi’s Paradox, this summer and possibly another yet untitled EP with a European label later this year. We just landed a slot at Summerfest in Milwaukee July 6, so we’ll be hitting the road the last week of June and hopefully touring throughout the summer.

Why should people listen to your band? What makes you unique? If your band had a slogan, what would it be?

Haha, I don’t think that people SHOULD listen to our band, at all. I think we make cool music and I know that we create and perform from genuine place. I hope people dig it.

I think that we are a bit unique in the combination of things that we throw into the pot. You can equate creating music to cooking food, in a way. No one will truly ever create any new music any more that a chef will create new food. You can combine ingredients in a new way and create a new dish, but all the basic ingredients have always existed and have been used by other chefs for eons. It’s the same with music. There are only so many notes, so many time signatures, so many bpms. With electronic music, we’re creating lots of new and fun sounds, these days, but we’ll never create a new note, just the way we arrange them. I think we’ve come up with some really unique recipes that are worth sampling. We do a little light, a little dark, a little fun, a little introspection, the genuine, with the tongue-in-cheek. We love dichotomies (in fact, that’s one of the reasons we ended up calling ourselves Hell & Lula. It’s the light and the dark). But every dish we cook up has a healthy helping of dance thrown in, from disco beats, to latin rhythms, to club bangers. Our slogan is: we wanna make you dance, we wanna make you think, we wanna make you think about dancing.



If you had the opportunity to change something about the music industry, what would it be?

I don’t know that I’m quite informed enough to answer that with any useful response. The industry is changing so rapidly and in so many ways. No one really has a grasp on it. It’s like the stock market. Many people claim to understand it or to be able to predict what will happen next, but no one really knows. It seems like the stranglehold the majors once had on the music industry is finally being broken away from, but what we’ll do once we’re free (and even what we SHOULD do once we’re free) is anyone’s guess.

Random Portion
One song you never get tired of.

O.N.E. by Yeasayer. They nailed that one.

What is the best live show you have ever gone to?

So many for so many different reasons! But the last one that really made a strong impression on me was Jonsi (of Sigur Ros). So tight and big and powerful. Epic is a word that is way over-stated, but it’s true sense applied to the show I saw at The Wiltern in LA.

Favorite things to do NOT musically related.

My current obsession is audio language lessons, which are so fun (and so easy to pirate!). I studied in France when I was in college and have resumed my French studies as well as Spanish. I’m also into zazen and gardening. DTLA is a stressful place. Things like meditation and gardening and yoga are what keep me from having a nervous breakdown.

If you could be a fictional character, who would you be?

Ender Wiggin from the novel series Ender’s Game. He’s so sharp, fierce, perceptive,intuitive, kind, tragic and dynamic. If you’ve never heard of the books, they’re like a much richer, much deeper and better-written version of the Hunger Games series.

Best prank you have ever pulled?

I suck at pranks! Devon is our champion prankster. He got me good once. I was convinced that a friend of ours was strung out on hallucinogens and wanted to drip-dry me in his closet. And he did it all from his phone.

Prized Possession?

My bicycle. I have a purple and white Schwinn 10-speed from the eighties that I’ve customized into a single speed. It’s so beautiful and fun to ride. I think I may prize it a little too much :/

What kind of jobs did you have before you were in the music industry?

I’ve worked in the service industry, most of my life. It’s tough to find part-time jobs with the sort of flexibility that bartending, catering or waiting tables can provide. Russell (bass) and I both currently work for Coolhaus Ice Cream Sandwiches, which is a gourmet food-truck-based company that’s making a huge splash. It’s fun, super flexible and has gotten us access to a lot of interesting L.A./Hollywood type events that we’d otherwise never be exposed to. Even if that’s not your thing, it’s still more interesting than the average low-wage gig.

FIND HELL&LULA HERE:

Twitter: @HellandLula

Facebook: Facebook.com/HellandLula

Web: www.HellandLula.com

               Here I am again with a ‘band’ that is not a band in the traditional sense of the word, but this artist sure makes you forget you are watching/listening to only one person. Aside from just playing the ukulele, his quirky, fun songs and personality draw your attention to him within seconds. Badass band 44 is Restaurnaut.

               I came to know Resaurnaut, aka Nicholas Dolezal, back in April when I was helping to organize a show at Fulton 55 in Fresno. We were having issues booking bands up until the last minute, but nearing the deadline Restaurnaut and I Do Not Exist jumped on the bill. I had only listened to one of Restaurnaut’s tracks before the show, and I was curious to see what he would bring to the stage. Well, up walks this scrawny, smiling young man with a ukulele. He also had a set of rope lights wrapped around him (Turned on of course). I think if I could have read everyone’s minds in there, they would have been thinking something along the lines of, “What the hell?” However, as soon as Nick’s fingers touched that uke, he had the attention of everyone in the venue. The combination of his insanely, beautiful uke melodies and velvety voice were not something one could easily ignore. His songs fit no classification, they range from folksy, slow tunes to some faster jamming ones. HIs lyrics combine intelligent, witty metaphors with simple, funny quips. I really can’t even describe his music in a way that will do it justice, so I am going to stop here, you need to listen to Restaurnaut on your own and hear the magic that this guy creates.

               However, you can also read on to hear from Nick himself! Find out what other bands he has been a part of, why you should be a ‘super cool guy’ and give him a chance,  and how he stumped the folks at Aquafina…

 When and why did you start playing?

Well I started playing ukulele about two and a half years ago when I picked up my friend Dan’s and realized how darn perfect it was for me. I had been trying to play guitar for quite awhile and it had just started to annoy me. Before that I was the lead singer for a couple of folk groups The Tenth Dimension, and Flying Fox and the Youthful Jaws, and before THAT I did vocals for several metal bands. That’s where I really started playing music, if you wanna call screaming like the cookie monster and flailing around like schizo playing music.

What kind of music did you listen to growing up? How does that differ from what you listen to now?

As a 90’s kid I heard the occasional Smash Mouth and what not but I was mainly forced to listen to alternative christian radio. Disney movie music was probably some of the best stuff I heard back then. It wasn’t up until sixth grade when my best friend Zaq introduced me to punk music. It was a slippery slope from that to Showbread to Norma Jean and BAM! I was one of those hardcore metal kids begging their parents to let them go to shows on school nights. All of this completely differs from what I listen to today considering the only metal I listen to now is Mastodon and I mainly listen to 60’s-70’s music on vinyls that I pick up at garage sales.

Which musicians do you admire? Why?

Some of my all time favorites consist of Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Frank Zappa, The Grateful Dead, etc… Lots of “old” stuff. I really dig Bright Eyes but Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band is what hits the spot for me. I admire these musicians because they play traditional styles but they put their own twist on it and make it something completely new. I feel that the songs that they write are honest and the music is heartfelt. I also really appreciate experimental artists such as Beck, Animal Collective, Peter Bjorn and John, MGMT… I try to stay away from listening to the mainstream though so that I don’t get to involved in one sound. I’ve been listening to more garage-rocky type stuff lately and PUJOL has become a big inspiration to me. And of course I admire all the great bands I’ve gotten to play with since I moved to Fresno!

Do you get nervous before a show?

Oh hell yeah! I puke in my mouth and burp all over the place!

Any rituals before a show?

Some of my rituals before a show include puking in my mouth and burping all over the place.

Describe your show visually & musically for those who have never been.

If you come to one of my shows and you have eyeballs that work you’re probably gonna see me standing up on a stage in a shirt and some pants and I usually wear flip-flops but my girlfriend just but me some shoes so that might change. You’ll probably examine that my guitar is really tiny and that will be because it is actually a ukulele and in fact not a guitar at all. I usually try and crack a few jokes between the burps and farts and then get into the music which may or may not be folksy depending on who’s judging. You’ll probably think I’m weird and go away unless you’re a super cool guy and willing to give me a chance. I got a wide variety of tunes and you never know what you’re gonna get yo!

How does your creative process typically work?

Yikes! I reckon I typically begin the creative process by singing songs in my head, no matter where I am or what I’m doing, it’s gonna happen if it’s gonna happen. Sometimes it happens when I don’t want it to and I come up with a great bit of a song while I’m busy doing something really important and I know I won’t be able to remember it! When this happens, if I get the chance, I will whip out my Wal-mart brand Smart Phone and textulate up a few of the lyrics, which I usually then forget the melody to and rewrite later. Sometimes I’m actually chillin’ at home with my uke and fiddling around when all the sudden something brilliant comes to me. That’s how a lot of my “best” songs come to me. I don’t know. My creative process is different every time and sometimes it’s easy and sometimes it’s hard just like life but who cares?

What do you think your biggest break or greatest opportunity has been in your career so far?

The bigginest breakinest greatest opportunity in my career so far is definitely opening for David Liebe Hart from Tim & Eric’s Awesome Show, Great Job!

What has been the biggest challenge for you so far?

The biggest challenge for me so far ever in my entire life has been putting up with this total piece of a car I bought from some random gangster dude who thought Tupac was called Tupop. It’s a ‘98 Chevy Malibu with a manufacturer installed theft system that will not freaking shut off and will not allow me to start the car properly. Other than that I guess high school sucked and music wise it was pretty hard for me to adapt to playing instruments at all. I am now challenging myself to learn other instruments and it’s proven to be more fun than a challenge. Although, I do not think I will ever be as good at any other instrument as I am at ukulele…

What are you working on now, and what can we expect from you in the coming year?

Right now I’m working on recording an EP that I will put up on Bandcamp. I then plan to commence recording an album that I wrote last year which is chock-full of songs I wrote in dedication to my friends. Ironically, the album is called “Friends Are For Nothing”, however this line is taken from a song me and my good ol’ buddy Forest wrote in our band Flying Fox and the Youthful Jaws. It goes “Friends are for nothing, they fill you like music, and sit in your stomach like the last drink you drank.” In the meantime I also have a split I’m putting out with my friend Zaq’s band Native Son. So yeah. Pretty busy.

Why should people listen to your music? What makes you unique? If your band had a slogan, what would it be?

People should listen to my music because that would be so darn nice of them. I guess what makes me unique in our modern world of creative cliches is that I write very non-traditional ukulele music and that I have a variety of musical influences. Gosh I don’t know, you’re supposed to tell me! Haha! No I guess my style is unique? Or at least I wanna say it is… and just like any style some people will like it and some people won’t. Haters gonna hate. My band does have a slogan and is the dictionary definition of my band name. “One who very commonly eats out, and is recognized easily by waitstaff.”

If you had the opportunity to change something about the music industry, what would it be?

I would completely get rid of it.

Random Portion

One song you never get tired of.

Dondante by My Morning Jacket.

What is the best live show you have ever gone to?

I’m probably gonna have to say Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros.

Favorite things to do NOT musically related.

Eat, hang out with friends, art.

If you could be a fictional character, who would you be?

I don’t want to be Ash Ketchum but I would totally want to be a Pokemon trainer.

Best prank you have ever pulled?

I used to put ketchup packets under the toilet seat before my little brother went to the bathroom all the time but that got old. One time I prank called Aquafina asking them how they make their water taste so good because I needed to replicate the taste of their water for my twelve children. Totally had them going.

Prized Possession?

RECORD COLLECTION.

If you only have 5 minutes on Earth to play one song that would have an impact on society forever, what would it be?

Ummm… The only cover I do is Paint It Black. If you’re wanting me to play my own stuff, Young Canyon, which is unfortunately a song I have yet to record, but you will eventually be able to hear on the Young Parents split with my friend Taylor of Control Noodle. We wrote it and then he moved to L.A. SUCK FEST 2012!!!

FIND RESTAURNAUT HERE:

Web: restaurnaut.bandcamp.com

Facebook: facebook.com/restaurnaut

              Waiting for me to feature another band with a more metallic, heavy rhythm edge? Well, today is your lucky day, I have just the one for you. This is another band from LA, however, ACIDIC is a continuously touring band, and so they constantly on the road and most likely in a city near you! ACIDIC quickly won me over and dissolved any assumptions I had that they were strictly a metal band.

               I heard about ACIDIC through another Badass Band, thatwasthen, some time ago. I put them on my list of bands to check out (Yes, I keep a list) and I finally got around to them a couple of months back. I downloaded their newest album, ‘Chronic Satisfaction’ and I will say, just at reading the title, I thought to myself, “Is this another Crazy Town trainwreck?” Thank the musical gods that ACIDIC is far more talented than Crazy Town. The first song I pressed play for was ‘15 Miles’ and within about 30 seconds I got the vibe that ACDIC is a combination of surfer rock, metal, and classic rock n roll. The fast paced guitar combined with heavy bass and drum breakdowns sends your ears into musical overdrive in a good way. I thought I was going to be able to predict the sound of this band, but as the song progressed I was taken aback at how well these guys combined so many genres into one song.  Not only is this true for all of the songs on ‘Chronic Satisfaction’ but also the vocals. Mike’s vocals take on a different sound with each new track, it is almost like listening to a different band every time you click the ‘next’ button. Aside from the instrumentation and vocals, their lyrics are more intelligent than some ‘metal  heavy’ bands out there, which is insanely refreshing. Some of my favorite tracks include ‘Uninspired’, ‘Goodbye’, ‘Break Me Down’ and ‘Black Box’.

               ACIDIC is made up of Mike Gossard- Guitar, Lead Vocals, Ted Dubrawski- Bass, Backup Vocals, Matt Whitaker- Drums, and Michael Thompson- Guitar, Backup Vocals. The combination of these dudes proves true to their name, they dissolve all reservations of the listener within a few seconds of hearing them play. I was highly impressed of the big names these guys have toured with, for example,  Candlebox and Fuel.  I have yet to see them play live, but they have their ONLY LA show this summer coming up THIS Thursday at The Troubadour (with thatwasthen!) and after speaking with Mike (who was kind enough to talk to BBB while on tour) and hearing his description of their stage show, it is not something to be missed, or something you will soon forget!

When & why did you start playing music?

I was a little kid and I remember sitting in front of the TV and listening to the radio because both of my parents were in the radio business. Watching MTV and listening to KLSS which is a really good rock station in Los Angeles, I became infatuated by it. It animated my soul so to speak from the youngest of ages. One day my parents found me rocking out like I was in front of a stadium full of people but there was nothing on. They then decided they needed to get me a guitar. I remember coming home from preschool and seeing this guitar and I did not let it out of my sight. I brought it to school, I slept with it, etc. From there I just kept playing. I loved it. It was a natural inclination and magnetism towards music.

What kind of music did you listen to growing up and how does that differ from what you listen to now?

Rock N Roll. I have gotten a little more diverse, but not a lot has changed. I listen to all styles of music, classical, good ol’ fashioned stuff, the bigger rock bands. There are a lot of bands that people have never heard of that are some of my favorite bands, like there is a band called Warner Drive, and I love those guys. I listen to them all the time. They are big in Los Angeles, but they are a lot like us, a small touring band.

Which musicians do you admire & why?

I admire two guys, and they are my mentors, still even. My guitar teacher, his name is Richard Preston, and he is the best guitar player I have ever known.  He is not the fastest or most technically talented, but he’s just got this energy about him. He is a guitar player from England and he took me on when I was a little kid. He has just been there for me, and he’s like a life coach. He has been there for everything, it is been amazing. The other musician I admire is Jack Walker, he is the most insane songwriter I have ever met. He taught me how to own my craft and how to be a better songwriter and listen for certain cues in music.

Do you get nervous before a show?

All the time! People are always saying, “Oh you’re going to do great.” and I am like, “Don’t tell me that!” I am always nervous and thinking about my voice and if my hands going to be warm enough to play. Which I have never had any trouble with but I worry about it anyway. It’s just butterflies in your stomach. We’re a new band, so a lot of the crowd we play for is us opening for bigger acts. We have gained somewhat of a rabid following. It’s interesting to be meeting all these people and a lot of times you can’t read if people like you or not. There could be a night where not everyone looks like they are into it and you sell more CD’s than on a night where everybody is going crazy.

Any rituals before a show?

There is this thing called the ‘Brothership’ and I can’t tell you what it is, I CAN tell you it is a fellowship and it is not a brotherhood, it’s a brothership and it takes off before every show. The best part of the brothership is that you can brothership yourself which is awesome. I know you’re like, “What the hell is this?!” but I can’t tell you. You are going to have to be amazed.

Describe your show visually & musically for those who have never been.

We are talking about good ol’ fashioned All American Rock. We love it and we love what we do, so we put our hearts and souls into our music. Its hard rhythms, We have the most killer rhythm section I have ever seen. Our bass player and drummer just get into it and bring it like you’ve never seen. You know the Tazmanian Devil? That’s Ted, perfectly. We call him Esteban and he is a ball of wonder. He rocks the drums like no one you have seen before, or will again. It just a great show. Visually, we are talking organized schizophrenia here. You’ve got like four or five tornadoes going on stage. Yes, we have BROKEN stages before. There was one time we were playing The Knitting Factory in Boise, and it was one of those platform stages where it’s a bunch of those small, raised platforms, and our guitar pedal boards were bouncing up and down on the stage. We came off of that show and our knees hurt. So if you want to see a band that sounds good and is visually appealing, come see us.

How does your creative process typically work?

If I could tell you that, we would have more hits on the radio. I don’t know. It’s one of those things that just hits you. There will be days where I’ll write six or seven really good songs, and there will be a day where I don’t write anything. It’s all a matter of where you are, what you’re doing, what you’re seeing, what part of the country you’re in, etc. I write seasonally, so I tend to write a lot more in Spring or Summer. I’ll bring it to the guys and they’ll throw together their parts, we will come together like nuclear fusion and produce magic. That’s how it works.

Biggest break or greatest opportunity so far?

Definitely, signing on with our current producer. His name is John Ryan and he owns a company called ‘Chicago Kid Productions’ and he has produced Styx, Leonard Skynyrd, Carlos Santana, and recently worked on the business end with Cheap Trick. Which is awesome, we got to go backstage at one of their shows and they have so many hot girls there, it’s ridiculous. But yeah, he is the man with the plan. He helps us get where we are going more efficiently, faster, safer…no, actually we have had more injuries playing shows since we signed on with him!

What are you working on now and what can we expect from you this year?

We are going to make and album and keep touring. It will be the most epic album we have ever released. We have written 60-70 songs so far and I am hoping to  get up to 100. That’s almost a detriment though, picking which songs make it and getting it off the ground. We are going to space, or at least that’s on the agenda, I would love to play a concert in space.

Why should people listen to your band? If your band had a slogan, what would it be?

“Be humble, grateful and charm their socks off” and I have this motto I try to live by, its, “Let every tour and every show be twice as good as the last and half as good as the next.”

If you had a opportunity to change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?

It would be more of a fair-share operation. I would love to have all artists be in control of the record labels. If there was an organization that was created by artists, for artists, that wasn’t controlled by people who went to Harvard Law or Harvard Business school, that would be an improvement. I am not hating on the record companies at all because they do what they do and they have been around for almost a hundred years now, there is a reason for that. Can you imagine talking to a million people every day? Because that is the type of stuff they do. As an indie act, the only way to blow up is to be with a record label, but there is a catch there, you have to have already created an expansive fan base for yourself so there is a platform by which they can use their assets and not blow you off. There is one thing that I believe they are not proficient at, that they should be, which is pulling up a band from scratch.

You are currently on tour, any favorite cities or venues so far?

Ohhh yes! We have tons of fun in Florida and we get hurt in Florida. St. Petersburg is one of the biggest shows we have ever played, at this place called JNS Live (?) and it is a massive, outdoor area place. There had to be about a thousand people there. I made a picture of the crowd a background on my phone, I could look at it all day! Another time, we were in Jacksonville, and on the way out, there were these metal stairs you have to get down to the loading area, I am talking two flights of stairs. I see our guitar player laying face down on the landing with people around him. I am like “Uh Oh!” and fight my way through the paramedics, fire fighters and police officers, and they are like, “Yeah, he face planted from the top landing to the middle landing on a metal staircase!” He was not conscious or responsive, and then all the sudden he gets up like he’s fine. I am like, “Dude, are you serious? You should definitely be in the hospital right now!” and he says, “Yeah, I am fine, I’m going to the van, see you tomorrow.” So Candlebox, the band we are touring with right now, whenever they see him they call him ‘Face plant’.

Random Portion

One song you never get tired of.

‘Satellite’ by Cherry Monroe.

Best live show you have ever gone to.

2006. San Bernardino. Epic night. 30,000 people. About 75 degrees. 2 bands playing. Motley Crue walks onstage to a thunderous applause and the crowds roars and the alcohol starts flowing. You definitely start hearing lighters clicking as people are lighting up their various devices and then they played an amazing set. Then, the crowd goes silent, and about 15 minutes later, who walks on stage? How about Steven Tyler and Aerosmith! Oh my god, I will never forget that night. That was my favorite concert and they played every song I wanted to hear except ‘Walk This Way’.

Favorite things to do NOT musically related.

Cooking food and eating it. I am a chef of sorts. I make sushi. I am a vegetarian of sorts, but I eat fish,  so I am always coming up with creative ways to distract myself from the fact that I love meat. Burgers are the best thing in the world, but travelling on the road, you realize how quickly those make you feel bad.  So yeah cooking food, driving a car, and seeing shows. Music is really everything I do.

If you could be a fictional character, who would you be?

I would be Papa Smurf. He is spreading his seed worldwide. Oh wait, no, Sonic the Hedgehog! He has those lightning powers and he can run real fast. Man, if you crossed the DNA of Sonic and Papa Smurf, that’s me, I am all over that shit.

Prized Possession?

My guitars. My guitars are like my children, so if I tell you which on is my favorite, they will get mad at me so I am just going to say that any one of my guitars. I could never give them up.

Best prank you have ever pulled?

One time I hid my guitar players Gamecube and he is addicted to video games hardcore, like I am pretty sure if there was a group he would be in it, like Video Games Anonymous. So I hid it for like three days, and I didn’t tell him that I did it. I feel bad about it now, and he hated me for it for about six months. It was the best prank because he remembers it to this day. Whenever we get into an argument, he always brings it up with, “Oh yeah dude? Well you hid my Gamecube!”

What kind of jobs did you have before you were in the music industry?

I have been lucky actually, I have been in this industry my whole life. My first job was getting paid to go around the country when I was 13 playing bass in a band that was put together by the creators of Devo and I went and played their songs with a couple of other kids in front of large crowds. At that moment I decided I was going to be a touring musician, even if it killed me.

FIND ACIDIC HERE:

Twitter: @ACIDICband

Facebook: facebook.com/ACIDICband

Web: acidicband.com

              This band is possibly the most unique that I have ever featured on BBB, mostly due to the fact that it is a one man band. For this band we hop back over the pond to the UK, and I give you Funke and the Two Tone Baby.

               Funke was another artist that was brought to my attention, this time via youtube, because to truly experience what this kickass one man band is all about, you have to both watch and listen.  The video for ‘Cecile’s Song’, the first single of his second EP, blew my mind. Through the use of loop pedals, one watches musician Daniel Turnbull, beat box, play guitar, harmonica, drums, and sing the lyrics with an insanely pleasant, roughly commanding voice. Clearly, this sounds like a lot going on, and it could easily be a wreck, but it is far from it. It’s absolutely enthralling. I sat watching with my mouth hanging open for the entirety of the video. The modernist experimental blues tunes he is cranking out captures and keeps your interest within seconds.

               There is a lot I could attempt to describe about Funke and the Two Tone Baby, but I think that I will spare you my rambling admiration of this insanely talented musician and I will let Daniel’s interview and video speak for itself. Daniel was kind enough to take some time to talk to BBB, so read on to find out how he became a one man band, what music he grew up listening to, and how he practices through trial by fire.

               Seriously though, do NOT just read this post, WATCH the video (SEE POST BELOW), hell, go watch all the videos, and listen to the truly unique band that is Funke and the Two Tone Baby.

When and why did you start playing?

I started playing guitar roughly when I was 13 / 14. My mother’s always been into music, but isn’t a musician herself. When I started taking an interest in music, she bought me a Black Acoustic Stagg and my cousin gave me a beat up Squire and a really dirty amp and pretty much that was me hooked, have never put it down since.

First tune you learned?

Nirvana - Come As You Are. My cousin showed it to me and within five minutes I was playing it. Couldn’t believe it…

What kind of music did you listen to growing up? How does that differ from what you listen to now?

When I was a child, a lot of Motown, Soul and a lot of ‘Classic Rock’, but none of this Black Sabbath and Queen bollocks. It was more towards the Zeppelin, Floyd, Hawkwind-y kinda route. Then as a teenager I listened to a lot of grunge and heavy rock, Nirvana, Korn, Deftones etc. Now my real listening passion is electronic music; lots of bands like Holy Fuck, Black Moth Super Rainbow, Tobacco, Bonobo, Blockhead and Add N to (X). I love the way sound is limitless, with a guitar you can only make so many sounds, but with electronics, you can do anything! That really appeals to me.

Which musicians do you admire? Why?

Anyone who can do something I can’t or can create an atmosphere. I’ve seen so many people lately who, when they start playing, totally change the whole dynamic of the room and totally stun and capture an audience’s attention. To me, that’s worth more than just being a very good instrumentalist.

So when did you decide to be a one man band? Does it ever get overwhelming?

It just kind of happened. All my band left to go to uni, and at the time, I didn’t know what I wanted to do. So that left me on my own with all the time in the world. I’d heard rumor of these things called loop pedals and I saved up, bought one and voila! It’s just naturally developed from there. It’s never been overwhelming as such, but in the beginning when it was all messing up and I was standing on my own in a pub full of people… I could have killed for a band, just for some support… or to shift the blame.

How long and how often do you practice?

Very little. I gig so often that my shows are my practice… Think they call it trial by fire. If I have a new song, most of my practice is in my head; what do I pick up next, what pedal do I press next. A lot of the time it’s memorizing a series of actions.

Describe your show visually & musically for those who have never been.

I’ve been described as ‘a technological one-man bluesband’, and I think it’s pretty spot on. Without sounding too much like my bio, I perform a traditional blues song / structure with beat-boxed, breakbeat rhythms, overdubbed with loop pedals, delays, huge basslines, harmonica and angry vocals. People say I have a lot of energy on stage… from up there it feels like I’m vibrating on the spot, but how knackered I feel when I get off… I must look like I’m running a marathon.

How does your creative process typically work?

I just let it come to me. I maybe won’t write a song for a month and then could write three in a day. I start with an idea and just let it develop naturally, and when I have enough ideas in vaguely the right order, I start testing it out at gigs and it naturally moulds itself into a song.

What do you think you biggest break or greatest opportunity has been in your career so far?

Recording with Ian Button from Death in Vegas… twice. He is an amazing man and I’ve really learned a lot from him… though that was more an experience. With regards to greatest opportunity, I’m supporting Bob Log III on May 9th at The Chambers in Folkestone. I’m amazingly excited as that’s a man who I think I could learn so much from - particularly regarding the number of shows that he pulls off every year. I don’t normally get nervous but…

What are you working on now, and what can we expect from you in the coming year?

Though I’ve only just released my second EP I’m already planning my third, but that’s probably still about six months away. Closer to the time, I have a 20-piece dance troupe from a local college choreographing a dance to my next single ‘Tomorrow Brings A Better Day’. Currently I’m working out the logistics of filming and releasing that at the moment.

Why should people listen to your music? What makes your music unique?

Hopefully, because I’m doing some a bit different and interesting. I wouldn’t necessary say original but definitely music with passion, feeling and a bit of balls. I like to keep what I do varied so I’d hope someone could find something they like, whether it be the music, videography or artwork that accompanies it.

 Random Portion

One song you never get tired of.

I’m fairly sure this will change depending on my mood and day of the week but - Holy Fuck - P.I.G.S.

What is the best live show you have ever gone to?

This must be getting a little bit monotonous, but they are my favorite band: Holy Fuck. I’ve seen them five times now and they just get better and better and better. To the point where it was hard for me to go to see live music for a long while. Nothing can beat them, they’ve left me speechless everytime, no competition, first prize, Nobel Prize, presidency, yadda yadda yadda.

 Favorite things to do NOT musically related.

That’s actually pretty hard without sounding very dull… music is what makes me cool! Otherwise, I’m pretty lucky with where I live at the moment - on the coast, so I spend what time I do take off just wandering around the local area, visiting friends - the usual, really! (I’ll bet that’s disappointing!)

If you could be a fictional character, who would you be?

Some kind of superhero, nothing to do with the whole God-complex thing… Would just be amazing to fly… or to be able shoot lasers from my eyes.

Prized Possession?

Cecile - my car. Without her, I wouldn’t be at more than half the shows I’m fortunate enough to play each week.

FIND FUNKE HERE:

www.funkeandthetwotonebaby.co.uk

Facebook.com/funkeandthetwotonebaby

Twitter: @funke2tonebaby

           Back to LA BBB goes, this time with a killer band that is the perfect prescription to counteract the shitty tunes you have been listening to on the radio lately. The band goes by the name Lovers Drugs and their fresh spin on surfer pop rock is a lifesaver in a sea of ears drowning in wannabe Blink 182 bands.

               Lovers Drugs brought themselves to my attention a couple of months back and I’ve had my ears glued to their album, ‘Drift Off’ ever since. I went to scope them out via youtube because I wanted to see  if there was any video of them live. Sure enough, I came upon a slew of footage of them from live performances, plus a bunch of music videos.  The first song I checked out was ‘You Don’t Know You’. The poppy tune with its plunky rhythm  reminded me almost of something out of the 1950’s. There is something insanely unique about Adam’s vocals, like a hint of an accent that is drawn out in certain songs, in a way that makes the chorus extra memorable. It’s almost as if the vocals match the reverb of the instrumentals. As I continued my ‘drift’ through the tunes on ‘Drift Off’ it became very apparent to me that Lovers Drugs was another band that  can’t exactly be categorized. They somehow inject their own unique spin on a typical ‘California’ music style. Their slower songs actually take on a more folky sound, displayed in songs like ‘Midnight Movies’.  Some of my favorites, and  more notable tunes from LD? ‘Drift Off’, ‘Waiting for the Comedown’, and ‘Hey Lindsay’. Their lyrics tackle a variety of topics, love, relationships, money, human nature, etc.

               Lovers Drugs is one part Adam on vocals/guitar, one part Dean on bass, and one part Eddie on drums. These guys are fairly fresh on the music scene, which surprised me because typically it is apparent via a debut album (not necessarily in a bad way) when a band is fairly new. Clearly, this is not the case with these guys. I can’t wait to catch them live, which will be happening next week, Thursday, June 28, at The Satellite! Come hang out and scope out the Lovers Drugs live show along with me!

               The guys were kind enough to collaborate to answer some questions for BBB, so read on music fiends to find out more about where they are touring this summer, which band member is a pharmaceutical research scientist (For real!), and who they would love to interview if it were possible…

When and why did you all start playing?

Lovers Drugs started about two years ago when we (Adam and Dean) met at our day jobs in Hollywood. We discovered a shared affinity for new and classic brit-pop bands like The Libertines, The Cribs, The Smiths and The Beatles (of course!) We started jamming together and decided to hit a recording studio just to see what we could create. The result was our first EP, “Lovers Drugs.” The response was positive so we moved into live shows with various “fill in” drummers. We eventually found Eddie and started slugging it out in L.A. trying to build a solid fan base in Los Angeles. We are on our second CD now and things are looking good. We are keeping the ball rolling and have a third CD in the works.

Why the name Lovers Drugs?

Our name is often misunderstood or implies that we are some type of dread-locked, drug-loving hippies. The truth is that none of us have dreads. Actually the name reflects how music becomes a “drug” in people’s lives especially when you’re in (and out of) a relationship (i.e. love.) Certain songs can quickly remind you of a place or person, whether it’s good or bad. Music is powerful and a well crafted song can go straight to your brain just like any drug out there.

Do you get nervous before a show?

We don’t really get nervous anymore before a show. The more you play and become confident with your instrument, that nervousness fades away and becomes excitement. We are certainly excited before a show more than anything. Every gig is a new opportunity to make new friends and spread our music.  The anticipation before you hit the stage is really intoxicating. You never know if the night will go well or end in disaster.  Every night is something new and no matter what happens, you know it will all reset again for the next one.

Any rituals before a show?

We really don’t have any official rituals before a show but we are very religious about writing set lists. We want our shows to reflect a certain amount of professionalism and nothing looks worse (to us at least) than a band that stands around on stage trying to figure out what song to play next. Taking a few minutes before a show to organize your set makes for a better performance and makes the band look way more organized from an audience perspective.

Describe your show visually & musically for those who have never been.

Eddie hits the stage first and falls into his drums in a drunken stupor… no wait that’s not right. Actually, we like to create a dynamic exchange between ourselves on stage and the fans. Our songs have an upbeat flare so we try to compliment that energy by making each performance a workout. We want to show the audience a good time and make them feel like we’re giving it our all. That usually means we are sweating and tired by the end but the crowd deserves our best. Also, we’re toying with adding an “Usher slow jam moment” where Adam drops his pants and sexes it up for the ladies… but we doubt anyone would want that.

How does your creative process typically work?

We first decide which Beatles or Led Zeppelin song we’re going to rip off then it all goes from there. Just kidding… Usually one of us (Adam or Dean) has a basic song idea and then we try and flush it out with the other. We are really picky with our songs and strive for only the best-of-the-best to filter through. That sometimes means working for weeks on a song and ultimately abandoning the tune if it doesn’t “feel” right. One example of this was on our recent CD. We went into the studio and completely re-recorded our song, “Boys with Money” four times before we were happy with the final version. Dean produces all the music and doesn’t let things slide when things aren’t working.

What do you think you biggest break or greatest opportunity has been in your career so far?

 We’ve only been a band for about two years and we feel like our greatest opportunities are just now coming to fruition. We’ve worked hard to put ourselves in positive situations and we feel like that hard work is starting to pay off. We’re getting better shows (thanks to an awesome new booking manager), playing to more people and touring all over. We push ourselves to overcome tiredness and frustration to forge ahead to prove to the music industry that we plan on being here for a long time. We are excited to see what the future will hold.

What has been the biggest challenge for you so far?

Our biggest challenge so far has been working within the ailing flow of the modern music industry. We have a lot of desire and enthusiasm however the industry moves at a lethargic pace. We are the internet generation and fans expect immediate results. Unfortunately there is nothing immediate when it comes to labels, bookers and bands in the music business. To be successful, a band these days has to balance between patience and expediency—which couldn’t be more polar situations. There is a time to strike quickly and a time to wait while suits work out details. You never quite know which scenario is around the bend.

What are you working on now, and what can we expect from you in the coming year?

We are focusing this summer on touring and bringing our music to as many places that will have us, even if that means playing on the sidewalk in our underwear with an acoustic guitar and a tip jar (which incidentally is how we discovered Adam.) We have trips planned all across the West Coast throughout July. We hope to return to recording as well with a new CD (or two) in 2012.

Why should people listen to your music? What makes you unique? If your band had a slogan, what would it be?

Our music tends to skew more classically-pop and within that, there are certain rules. There is only a sliver of space to add a unique stamp before you lose the bounds of a good pop song. Being “popular” is the goal of any band regardless of their genre. A punk band wants punk-loving fans while a jazz band wants jazz-loving fans. We don’t expect the death metal crowd to enjoy our bouncy brit-pop ditties but we hope the indie-loving crowd will hear something they enjoy. If you’re out to have a good time and enjoy a catchy 3-minute romp, then you may want to give Lovers Drugs a listen.

If you had the opportunity to change something about the music industry, what would it be?

The music industry is a billionaire juggernaut that is spiraling out of control. Image has trumped substance and music has seemingly become an ironic afterthought. When we dig through our crates of old records from the 60s and 70s we listen to a wealth of amazing artists who earned their albums through talent and rehearsal. We are often blown away but the musical prowess and dexterity portrayed by these classic artists. This was long before computers came along to make stars out of third-rate-reality-show-sex-tape-know-nothings. Those old bands put in hard work and practice—we need more of that.

Random Portion

One song you never get tired of.

“Maybe I’m Amazed” by Paul McCartney because when you play it backwards you get a ripping recipe for lentil soup.

What is the best live show you have ever gone to?

There have been plenty of great shows in our lives and none of them involved “holograms”. Let’s just say we are scared of this trend… Let the memory of Freddy Mercury exist in people’s minds rather than crash on stage when the holo-computer runs out of RAM right in the middle of, “Don’t Stop Me Now.”

Favorite things to do NOT musically related.

Adam just got a PS3 so he has disappeared into the abyss of video games. Eddie is climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in August and Dean is off on his laptop hacking into banks or something?

If you could be a fictional character, who would you be?

Jack Kerouac created a fictional personality for himself in the novel, “On The Road” and that character always seemed appealing. The “character” is really just Jack Kerouac himself, although he adopted an alter ego named Salvatore Paradise. He hitchhiked across America with a self determined sense of freedom while discovering the world in which he lived. Much like a touring musician, that idea of travelling and sampling the different traditions and cultures that exist in our back yard is a romantic notion that sounds ever appealing.  

Prized Possession?

We’re all broke musicians. This is why we can’t have nice things!

What kind of jobs did you have before you were in the music industry?

Eddie (our drummer) cures cancer…really. He works as a pharmaceutical research scientist. It’s impossible to tell those “dumb drummer” jokes around him because they just don’t apply. He very rarely drools.

If you ran Badass Bands Blog, what is one band you would feature? (Aside from yourselves of course!)

Assuming we can employ some type of “resurrective” license to this answer, our lead singer Adam would love to interview Syd Barrett, the original lead singer/guitarist from Pink Floyd. Syd’s unique song writing and eccentric persona was the foundation for Pink Floyd. His contributions to music are often under appreciated. He showed the world that a wild imagination has an important place in songwriting and in life.

FIND LOVERS DRUGS HERE:

www.youtube.com/loversdrugs

www.facebook.com/loversdrugs

www.soundcloud.com/loversdrugs

www.twitter.com/loversdrugs

www.loversdrugs.com

             For Badass Band 40 I made sure to save up one of my favorites of the last year, I have yet to get sick of listening to their lively, funny, simple, catchy tunes. This is yet another Vancouver based band, and they are quickly going places. They are a radical mix of folky rock n roll, and are very easy on the ears. Badass Band 40 is Redgy Blackout.

               I can’t actually remember where I found out about Redgy Blackout, I am fairly sure it was through another band mentioning them on Twitter. Their album is self-titled and features seven songs. The first song I scoped of theirs was ‘Bottom of the Sea’. The hook did its job and caught me, ‘I found my love at the bottom of the sea, I found my love, or did it find me?’.  Then as I continued to listen to the sexy, slow rhythms of the verses and the quicker paced, ripping guitar which accompanied rhythms during the chorus, I knew I was digging on it. Many of their songs come off as simple, and I think that’s what is best about them. This is not to say these guys aren’t insanely talented, it’s to say that many times simplistic , rough tunes are where it’s at. Another favorite of mine, ‘At My House’ stresses how all of us want that person we are digging on to call us, and the torturous process we allow our minds to get into while waiting for said call. This tune is one that builds on you, starting off slow and building to carnal need and desire via vocal emotion. ‘Alexandria’ is one of the more epic songs on the albums, most because it is one that I would categorize as beautiful, lyrically and musically. Each tune is entirely different, and incorporates a multitude of different instruments, harmonicas, banjos, keys, guitar, drums, trumpet, you name it.

               RB is made up of two static members, Scott Perrie- Vocals, Guitar, Trumpet, Harmonica, Keys, and Jeremy Breaks- Acoustic/Electric Guitar, Banjo, Vocals. They occasionally do have third party guests play along but this duo provides the solid core of Redgy Blackout.

               Scott was kind enough to take some time to talk to BBB a few weeks back and answer a few questions. Read on to find out their involvement in Peak Performance Project, what they have coming this summer and there may be something in here about a nude beach…

When and why did you start playing?

That might require a long answer! I have been into music for a long time, ever since I was a kid. I got started in music because of my elementary music teacher and ended up auditioning for a local choir when I was 9 years old. That same year that choir auditioned to do a musical at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver with Donny Osmond. It was Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat. They would have choirs do the show and we got in. So there I was 9 years old doing four shows a night at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. That really laid the seed for me to pursue music and entertainment as a career. I didn’t necessarily think of it that way at first, but I loved it. I loved singing, being in front of an audience. From there I started taking lessons in piano, trumpet in High School, and then started on guitar. Eventually I inherited my dad’s guitar and then I fell in love with the Beatles and started writing music!

What kind of music did you listen to growing up? How does that differ from what you listen to now?

I actually didn’t discover pop music per say until I was like almost a teenager. I listened to the radio a bunch and my parents had a record player. I remember listening to John Denver’s ‘Home Again’ on vinyl growing up. When I figured out how the record player worked I started playing all the record my parents had which included The Beatles, Neil Diamond, all kinds of stuff. But the first album I really bought, consciously anyway was Alanis Morisette’s ‘Jagged Little Pill’. Also, Silverchair was making a bit of a splash back then with ‘Frogstomp’ as well. Those were the first two I really remember. I was also pretty into choral music. That was a big influence for me. I was exposed to so many different types of music. Now, I think my music library reflects that, I have all kinds of music. I love The Beatles and newer stuff like Fleet Foxes and Arcade Fire. I am into getting into vinyl like Pink Floyd records and Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Nebraska’ , which is a record that Jeremy is really into right now.

Which musicians do you admire? Why?

The name that immediately pops into mind for me is John Lennon. Obviously, my love for The Beatles and what he did, his music is just amazing. On top of that, a lot of the humanitarian and peace work he did later in his career with Yoko and stuff. I just like that he really stood for something and wasn’t afraid to show it.

How did you all meet?

It all started when I moved to Main Street in Vancouver. Jeremy had moved from Prince George. I went to an open jam on Main Street and a friend of his happened to be there and basically they had all moved here as a band to make music. However, they kind of broke up with they got here, it didn’t work out. I am kind of glad it didn’t because that means we started jamming together and making music. That was the beginning of Redgy Blackout. Then it was Jeremy and I who started writing together and collaborating. He and I are basically the driving force behind the band today. We have been playing with a lot of different musicians and making it work. We are a rock band but we are also sort of a duo at the core. In the last couple years we have had a more solid line up with the odd change here or there but these days, it’s a friend of ours who plays drums, his name is Brandon Krieg, an amazing guy. Then a friend of ours, Cory Curtis, plays bass. They’ll be sort of the lineup this summer.

Do you get nervous before a show?

I’ll admit, I do. I do get nervous sometimes. I am also an actor and I have done a lot of musicals over the years and some film and TV work,  nervousness is always a part of it. For me I find if I can sort of breeze into it and once I get up on stage and you sing that first song or play that first note, it kind of grounds me. It’s all about being in the moment and having some fun.

Describe your show visually & musically for those who have never been.

Well, visually it’s pretty entertaining because there are four handsome men on the stage. There is a lot of different instrumentation which I think keeps people interested, you know with Jeremy playing the guitar and the banjo, for some reason people seem to go crazy for. Then I’ll pull out my trumpet on a few tracks as well, and that catches people off guard if they have never seen us. Aside from that, it’s really upbeat and we are pretty danceable, fun music. It just rocks. Jeremy dials in some amazing tones and does some cool space effects type things which is pretty awesome. It’s just super fun.

How does your creative process typically work?

I don’t really have a method or specific approach. I tend to write when I feel inspired. Then I take that initial idea and develop that from there. Some songs in a way almost write themselves. It’s weird when it happens, incredible to. For instance, the song off our record ‘When You Were A Kid’, I literally wrote that song in a day. I just had this guitar riff and started singing this melody and had this idea and built it all from there. It took a little longer to finish the lyrics but the melody was less than a day. Some things Jeremy and I will collaborate together and come up with stuff. Almost all the time that’s what we end up doing in the end because we each bring different things to the table.

What do you think you biggest break or greatest opportunity has been in your career so far?

Well, there is a really amazing artist development program happening in BC right now called The Peak Performance Project, it’s actually going into its fourth year right now. Last year we were selected out of nearly 500 applicants to be in the program, they pick 20 bands or artists each year. It was an amazing opportunity because it is a huge networking experience, all kinds of other artists and industry people. Initially, when you get in they give you a small artists grant . Immediately you have to write a marketing proposal on how you plan to spend your money, then you can spend it on your band however you see fit, whether that’s marketing or promotions, doing up your website, getting new merch, ordering CDs, whatever you need. It was great. On top of all that there is a week long music boot camp where you meet people who work in the industry, other artists and professionals, and you spend a week focusing on music. It is very intense and a cool learning opportunity. After that you come back to Vancouver and they do like showcases every week for a month and all the bands showcase. Then you have to submit a final marketing plan and budget proposal for the Grand Prize which is First Place- $100,000, Second Place- $75,000 and Third Place - $50,000. Unfortunately, we didn’t place in the top 5 but it was a great opportunity to meet new friends and have a lot of fun while we were at it. We submitted again for this year! It’s kind of a one of a kind program and we are pretty lucky to have something like it in BC.

What are you working on now, and what can we expect from you in the coming year?

We are kind of in writing mode right now. Really that has been the focus of the last couple months. We have done a little bit of touring in Canada, but really just in writing mode. We will be playing some festivals this summer, we have already booked like 4 festivals to playing July/August. We will wait to see what happens with The Peak and then we would love to get into the studio in the Fall and record our new record. Actually, a cross-Canada tour is in the works for Fall as well.

If your band had a slogan, what would it be?

The Blackout is coming.

If you had the opportunity to change something about the music industry, what would it be?

Tough one. The industry is in such a strange place these days. You know, one of the tings for me, I guess, sometimes I just wish live music was more accessible. Sometimes you want to go see shows are they are just so expensive and it just seems like an elite club you have to be a part of to go, or be willing to rack up your credit card debt. It’s just tough. I love seeing shows and I think this is a huge deterrent for people sometimes.

Random Portion

One song you never get tired of.

The Eagles- ‘Hotel California’

What is the best live show you have ever gone to?

For the sheer entertainment value, U2 on their Vertigo tour. They just know how to hold an audience, put on a show and the music is just great. More recently I saw Gotye when he came to Vancouver mostly because of the cool visuals he had during the show.

Favorite things to do NOT musically related.

Oh man, so many things. I am a pretty active guy, I just went rock climbing the other day, that was fun. I like to skateboard, play Frisbee, and there is actually a nude beach in Vancouver I like to hang out sometimes in the summer. I also like camping. That’s the cool thing about touring in the summer, we can just pull over an jump in a lake.

If you could be a fictional character, who would you be?

Spiderman. Peter Park.

Prized Possession.

My guitar, actually, because it once belonged to my grandfather. He bought it in like 1964/65. It’s a 1961 Gibson G45 and its been in my family ever since. My dad had it and he gave it to me when I graduated. It’s the second love of my life aside from my fiancée.

What kind of jobs did you have before (or currently) you were in the music industry?

I have been a server/bus boy. I haven’t done that in a few years though because I am also an actor. I act in theatre and on TV and the last three years I have been supporting myself with my art and it’s been pretty cool.

If you ran Badass Bands Blog, what is one band you would feature? (Exempting yourselves

of course.)

Mother Mother. They are wicked!

 FIND REDGY BLACKOUT HERE:

Twitter: @redgyblackout

Facebook: facebook.com/redgyblackout

Web: redgyblackout.com

           Headed up the West Coast for Badass Band 39, more specifically to Portland, Oregon. This next band does funky, psycho, groovy rock and roll better than just about anyone else. Their name is Rare Monk, and their sound is definitely something I would categorize as rare, which is exactly what you will  love about it. 
           A co-worker of mine suggested Rare Monk to me, this being a bit of a special band because one of the members is a former graduate of the High School we teach at. She brought the CD to me as soon as she found out I ran Badass Bands Blog and said I would definitely want to listen to them. I listened on the way home that same day, and by the end of the first track, ‘Shoot Me Down’, I was immediately grateful she thought to give it to me. Her judgment on their music was spot on. Their debut album is titled ‘Astral Travel Battles’ and it definitely does take the listener on quite the musical ride. The seven song album starts you off, as mentioned, with ‘Shoot Me Down’ a funky, violin infused rock n roll tune. Many of RM’s songs, while varying the tempo, satisfyingly incorporate a good amount of violin and saxophone and these uncharacteristic to rock and roll instruments, help make their songs so alluring. Pair that with fun metaphorical/refreshingly straightforward lyrics, and RM wins over any listener real quick.  I realize it may sound odd of me to say that their lyrics are both metaphorical and straightforward, but it’s true, they combine these mediums flawlessly to create their unique tunes.
         RM is comprised of a group of musicians whose range is what makes their synthesis of funky, jazz inspired rock and roll so damn successful. Rare Monk is:  Forest Gallien -Bass, Synth,  Issac Thelin -Violin, Saxophone, Jake Martin-Guitar,  Rick Buhr-Drums, Backup Vox, and Dorian Aites-Vocals, Guitar, Synth, Violin.
        The guys of RM where kind enough to take the time to answer some questions for BBB, so check out what their first instruments were,  what bands they would feature on BBB and why their music will challenge your conceptualization of what rock is.
F- Forest Gallien (Bass, Synth)
I- Issac Thelin (Violin, Saxophone)
J- Jake Martin (Guitar)
R- Rick Buhr (Drums, Backup Vox)
D- Dorian Aites (Vocals, Guitar, Synth, Violin)

When and why did each of you start playing?
F: I started playing bass in 6th grade after five or six years of piano, I remember my dad made me learn piano before I picked up any other instrument.
 I: I started playing violin in 4th  grade. My middle school didn’t have a string program, so decided to continue violin on my own and picked up the tenor saxophone in 6th grade.
J: I started playing on whim, really - early high school. I bought a guitar from some dude and started playing. It just felt right.
R: Decided to play drums after hearing the drum intro to Dire Strait’s “Money For Nothing”, which at the time blew my little 7-year-old mind. Became really obsessed with music in high school, spending about 90% of my time in marching band, jazz band, concert choir and countless numbers of rock bands ranging from really shitty to exceptionally decent.
D:  When I was 6 parents gave me a 1/16th size violin for my Bday.  I’d been asking them for some time about it and they supported the idea.
 
First tune you learned?
F: The first tune I learned on bass was probably Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit”, it was standard issue for anyone taking lessons.
 I: My first tune on violin—as is common for most violin players—was twinkle twinkle little star.
J: Californication
R: First song I really focused on learning was Green Day’s “Brainstew”. That song was pretty much created for the sole purpose of teaching kids how to play bass drum eighth notes.
D: Just like Isaac, I was raised on Suzuki for violin, so Twinkle Twinkle in various hellishly scratchy iterations.
 
What kind of music did you listen to growing up? How does that differ from what you listen to now?
F: I grew up listening to mostly modern rock; The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Sublime, Linkin Park (Yes, Linkin Park), but when I got to highschool I was exposed to all different genres that blew my mind; Sigur Ros, Massive Attack, Air, Modest Mouse, A Tribe Called Quest, Radiohead, Jaco Pastorius. Now I listen to a bit of everything from Jazz to Metal.
 I: With my mom’s side of the family from the Democratic Republic of Congo, I listened to a lot of central African music and world music growing up. My dad grew up in the states and is a big fan of Zeppelin, the Beatles, Eric Burdon and The Doors. I was exposed to classical music in my youth symphony and jazz and blues in my high school jazz band. I current favorites are as varied as the genres I grew up listening to: Gogol Bordello, Prince, The Strokes, Devotchka, Modest Mouse, Robyn, Destroyer and Django Reinhardt, to name a few.
J: My dad listened to a lot of blues, and old dad rock growing up… John Lee Hooker, Eric Clapton, B.B. King, Tom Petty, John Hiatt, Grateful Dead, etc.  I connected with a lot of this music from an early age, especially the blues stuff. I don’t think this music differs from what I listen to now at all - my palate has just broadened.
R: About the same; pretty much only listened to modern rock growing up (System of a Down were basically gods to me). Really started forcibly expanding my musical palate after high school. Still rock out to the guilty pleasures every once in a while, respectfully.

D:  Growing up, my parents music choices influenced me heavily.  Classical, celtic, and eastern European folk tunes were my starting point.  Discovered the Beatles in middle school, then various shitty post-punk bands I won’t mention in  early high school.  Proud to say at some point mid high school I stopped thinking Linkin Park was tight and discovered Modest Mouse, Radiohead, Sigur Ros, of Montreal, The Mars Volta, Flaming Lips, iow/ better music than Good Charlotte.
 
Which musicians do you admire? Why?
F: Jaco Pastorius, he changed the way electric bass was played, Flea (Chili Peppers), was one of the most influential bass players for my development as a bass player. Musicians I’ve admired in recent years are artists like Bjork, MF DOOM, Thom York, people who’ve pushed the boundaries of their respective genres and aren’t afraid of taking risks.
 I: My favorite tenor saxophone player is Dexter Gordon. The guy had incredible melodic phrasing and his articulation and tone are what I try to emulate. For violin I enjoy listening to Jean-Luc Ponty and Stephane Grappelli. Listen to them and you will understand.
J: John Scofield and Eric Krasno for their soulful guitar prowess. Jack White and Daniel Quine (The Black Keys) for keeping the roots of blues pulsing through the mainstream. And Sam Cooke cuz… duh.
R: Stanton Moore (Galactic, Garage A Trois) and Dave King (The Bad Plus) have definitely been the most influential drummers that I’ve obsessed over during the last few years.
 D: Isaac Brock for his songwriting, guitar lines, sick humor, guitar lines, lyrics (actually, everything he does), Kevin Barnes for his fluidity with the English language, Wayne Coyne for his relentless optimism.
 
What is the significance of the name Rare Monk?
F: It came from an inside joke between friends, but it’s origin lies somewhere in the brilliant film “Zoolander”.
D:  I guess its from Zoolander, but to me its significance lies in what we’ve made of it.
 
Do you get nervous before a show?
F: Not as much anymore, we have beers for that!
J: Not usually
R: And full-body masseuses on staff 24-7
D:  Nope. Used to, not anymore.
 
Any rituals before a show?
F: Usually have a beer, a smoke, and sit down to write the set list about an hour before the gig.
 R: I usually survey the gear to make sure we didn’t forget anything. And by “we” I mean me.
D:  I like to take at least one shower to clear out the vocals, then generally fuck with my bandmates until it’s time to sit down for a beer, smoke, set list sesh.

Describe your show visually & musically for those who have never been.
F: We are a five-piece so there is always a lot going on. A lot of our songs end in epic crescendos where all five of us are locked in playing interweaving lines. We try to play songs live that really gets the crowd going, we like our fans drunk and rowdy, we like feeding off that kind of energy.
 
How does your creative process typically work?
F: We write mostly by structured jamming. A lot of times we’ll bring in a riff or loose strong structure and we start jamming it, allowing people to explore different parts in a loose jam structure. A lot of songs start with just a riff or vocal line and everyone starts filling in the spaces, which is why I think we get such unique sound. Everyone puts their signature sounds and influences into the mix, so no one person is writing entire songs. That’s what gives Rare Monk character, the chance for everyone to write and add their influence to a song. Once we get a loose structure, then we start sitting down and refining specific parts and structure, until we reach a place where we are all happy with how the song turned out.
 
What do you think you biggest break or greatest opportunity has been in your career so far?
F: Playing SXSW 2012 was a great break for us. Playing at one of the country’s biggest independent music festivals was a great experience and we made a lot of connections that will hopefully help us in the future.
J: SxSW 2012. Great shows. Thanks to rethink pop music and ninkasi beer.
D: SXSW for sure.  Playing alongside so many other awesome musicians was a really cool experience for us.  So much music in one week!
   
What has been the biggest challenge for you so far?
F: The biggest challenge so far has been doing this with barely any money, while maintaning jobs and relationships. It can be discouraging bringing your tour van into the shop for the third time this year and racking up credit card debt so you can get to the next city, but we all know what we signed up for and we still love it.
J: As Roger Waters so poignantly pointed out: Money, it’s a crime.
R: Scheduling also gets pretty exhausting. Constantly having to have the next 6 months planned out starts to make your head spin after awhile. Not to mention getting band practices and shows to fit into five different work schedules. But we make it work.
D:  Money has been our greatest foe so far. 
 
What are you working on now, and what can we expect from you in the coming year?
F: Currently we are working on our new album. We are going back into the studio this June with producer Skyler Norwood (Blind Pilot, Talkdemonic, Horsefeathers) at his Miracle Lake studios. We are fortunate to be working with a great producer and we think this batch of songs is going to be our best yet and represent the sound we’ve evolving over the last 3 years. We are also going back on the road once we get the album done, doing 30 dates on a east to west coast tour. We also have a couple more music videos in the works for this year.
 
Why should people listen to your band? What makes you unique? If your band had a slogan, what would it be?
 I: People should listen to our band to our band because we will affect you. Whether the type of affect we elicit is what we wanted… Our varied musical backgrounds and musical loves are what make us unique. We write songs in a way that allows everyone to put a piece of themselves into the tunes—we are all involved in the creative process.
D: We are not a derivative of a copy, cloned from the shadow of a reflection.  Our music does not pander; it will challenge your conceptualization of what rock is.
 
If you had the opportunity to change something about the music industry, what would it be?
 
D:  It’s time for a regime change. I would like to see the legacy gatekeepers in the industry disappear, giving control back to individual musicians.  I would also like to change the rampant cliquishness that permeates the music scene here.  “How’d you guys get that awesome show at ***?” “Ah, well, you know, my sister’s boyfriend’s brother works at *insert anally retentive venue name here*.”
 
Random Portion
 One song you never get tired of.
F: “Helicopter” by Deerhunter, never gets old.
I: “Young American” by David Bowie.
 J: Katy Perry “Teenage Dream”
R: “Another Morning Stoner” by Trail of Dead, with The Decemberist’s “The Gymnast High Above the Ground” and Charlie Hunter Trio’s “Balls” as close contenders
D: Modest Mouse - Tundra/Desert

What is the best live show you have ever gone to?
F: Sigur Ros is incredible every time, but Massive Attack, M83, and Jeff Mangum are up there.
I: Earth Wind and Fire was pretty incredible. I also enjoy watching the Flaming Lips.
J: Chris Thile, quite possibly one of the best musicians on this planet
R: I saw Andrew Bird right after the release of “Armchair Apocrypha” and was thoroughly blown away. I’ve always loved his recordings but that man is a natural born performer.
D: Flaming Lips 2006 @ Sasquatch induced brain hemorrhaging levels of joy.

Favorite things to do NOT musically related.
F: Backpacking in the great Northwest wilderness.
 I: Basketball and making meals with friends.

J: sports, beer, meat, sleep
R: Rereading “Cannery Row” for the hundredth time.
D: Sci-fi, fireworks, throwing shit at wasp nests, Magic cards, long walks on the beach.
 
If you could be a fictional character, who would you be?
F: Superman, hands down, but maybe without all that responsibility.
I: The Incredible Hulk. Hulk smash.
J: A professional musician.
D: Fucking Luke Skywalker
 
What kind of jobs did you have before (or currently) you were in the music industry?
F: I’ve worked all kind of jobs from carousel operator to cleaning zebrafish tanks, but I’m fortunate to be working at a Music Licensing company, Rumblefish, that works with my touring and band schedule.
 I: I worked at Fred Meyer grocers, Foot Locker in high school, tutored math in college. I currently work at a center for teens recovering from addiction and or getting treatment for psychological issues.
J: Am I working in the music industry?
R: Professional dog walker (no, seriously)
D: Professional bounty hunter. 
 
If you ran Badass Bands Blog, what is one band you would feature? (Exempting yourselves of course.)
F: A great band out of Portland right now, Lost Lander, they are a new band that you’ll be sure to her about in the coming months.
R: The Courtesy Tier, rad little duo from Brooklyn. We got to play a couple shows with these guys at SXSW and they put on a hell of a live show!

FIND RARE MONK HERE:

Twitter: @raremonk

Facebook: facebook.com/raremonk

Bandcamp: raremonk.bandcamp.com