Category: Interviews

The Untold Lies is based out of the fertile metal playground that is the Finger Lakes region. BJ Carter(guitar) and Michele Sestito(vocals) are veterans of the Upstate New York metal scene. BJ was instrumental in the late 90’s and early 00’s in bands such as 40 oz. Failure and Torment The Vain. Michele has been in several projects as well and is the daughter of Dave Sestito, the inventor of DLS Effects. Over the course of the last year, the band has grown into a unit that is ready to conquer the regional and national music scene at large. I caught up with BJ and Michele last week to talk about the evolution of the band.

Erik: I know that both of you come from a diverse musical background? Tell me about your beginnings in musical education through the bands you were in to this point?

Michele: I started off playing guitar for a band at the age of 13. It was an alternative rock band and it helped really develop a certain style of music I wanted to perform. I also have always been an acoustic writer and singer so I like to combine the heavy feel with beautiful music. Through the years, I have learned what sounds best with my vocals.

BJ: I also started playing guitar at 13. My first band was a cover band doing everything from Guns n’ Roses and Motley Crue to Alice in Chains and Pearl Jam as well as Metallica and Megadeth. Shortly after that band broke up I started writing more groove oriented metal riffs in my room. This lead to me being in bands like 40oz. and Torment the Vein. After taking a 5 year break, I wanted to start writing again and started getting back to my roots, but with a modern feel.

Erik: Michele, How is it growing up with someone who was very important in the evolutionary process of helping create the rock band? More importantly, how did that effect the goals you have set for yourself in the music industry in general?

Michele: It made it a lot easier. I grew up always wanting to be a musician like my father, starting at the age of 2 banging on my little piano. It really came natural to write and perform and having the great support and wisdom of a talented musician, helped me a lot. It really made me realistic and devoted to accomplishing something that people will hopefully understand and relate too.

Erik: BJ, like many musicians, the road to where you are going, compared to where you have been…can be a real carousel of ups and downs? How did the band come together originally, and what process did you go through in putting together what would become The Untold Lies?

BJ: It started off as Glenn Paddock and I jamming in his apt just coming up with riffs and a few vocals. We jammed with various singers and drummers but it took a year to complete the current line-up and get people that were all on the same page musically. Ultimately you have to all be happy with the music you are making. If one person feels they are compromising their beliefs then they become unhappy and it makes everyone unhappy. The lineup we have now is diverse in styles but we blend together better than any band I have ever been in.

Erik: You can hear a ton of influences in what you are doing. As far as the development of the sound you were looking to create, are there any preconceived ideas of what you were looking to achieve? Also, I read someone’s comment on your live show the other day. They called the band, “Evanescence with balls!“ What do you make of this good hearted comment!

Michele: Really, we as a band developed our style together, and we all have ideas which make our sound as a whole. I think if you listen to the album you will hear many different influences from one song to the next. And I love the fact that we are being compared to such a great band! We will continue to put forth our all in live shows to entertain and hopefully make great impressions.

BJ: I remember when I sat down to start writing I told myself I wanted to have the rawness and honesty of Guns n Roses, Appetite For Destruction. I figured if I aimed at that album and it came out even 1/4 as good, we were doing a good job. That is the album that made me pick up a guitar in the first place. It is also what me pick it up again 5 years after not playing at all. Being compared to Evanescence is definitely flattering to us especially since we are just starting out.

Erik: The songs you have recorded thus far that I have heard are quite mature. I am a big fan of “Undevoted.” What can we expect from the band as far as studio output in the near future?

Michele: THE UNTOLD LIES are at a creative peak and the album is almost done. I can promise some more great songs to come!

BJ: I agree. Every new song we say “This is the best one.” We are on a roll creatively and we are going to keep writing and hope to have the album out by late winter.

Erik: There are alot of bands making noise in the Upstate Metal music scene? Being veterans of this scene, what makes this area so special for the both of you? There is a camaraderie that can not be matched anywhere on the East Coast?

Michele: It’s my home. I love the people in the scene and there is such great undiscovered talent here. People just need to see! I started as a baby in this city and now I am an adult and still find so much love and support. It’s moving.

BJ: The upstate fans have always been rabid fans. They make you want to put in the extra effort live and in the studio. I got my start in high school playing places like The Rum Runner, Cooley’s and The Lost Horizon. Then after High School, making the Penny Arcade a second home it seems. I couldn’t wait to get back out and play live again. It was like part of me was dead for the last 5 years as I sat stagnant with no avenue to just let it all out.

For more information on THE UNTOLD LIES-
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheUntoldLies11

-Erik Jensen

Black Water Rising hails from Long Island, N.Y. and from the moment this writer came across them back around 2007ish, I was hooked. The power driven drums and bass punch you square in the chest from the first note. The guitars have enough balls to grab you by the neck and slam your senses into submission as the vocals of Rob Traynor, more power and no frills, complete the assault. They have you thrusting your fist in the air and banging your head along with the songs and never let you go. Their ‘Bio’ on Facebook simply says it best;

“BLACK WATER RISING is a collection of soul baring, angst ridden, riff heavy material that is proudly anchored in the foundations of traditional Hard Rock song writing. Giant guitar driven monster riffs served up on a bed of crushing grooves with soaring melodic vocals and big hooks. Basically, NO FRILLS RIFF ROCK! Lyrically the message is socially and politically driven by the dark times we live in. With darkness seemingly growing by the day, BLACK WATER RISING is a name that fits this band like a glove. The philosophy of BWR is simple, they are not looking to reinvent the wheel; they just want to give it a much needed alignment in these musically stale times.”

Vocalist/Guitarist Rob Traynor generously took some time to speak with me about who they are, where they have been, and where they are going. Enjoy.

David – Let’s go from the beginning, when and where did the band begin?

Rob – The band has been around now for about 4 years. Around 2005 I sat down and wrote a bunch of songs that would later become the BWR debut album. I had turned Mike my drummer on to the songs demos, he liked what he heard and we headed into the recording studio to rerecord the songs with real drums. We decided to form a band. After we completed about 5 songs we were introduced to Johnny as we were looking for another guitarist. Johnny introduced Oddie who filled out the band on bass. The chemistry was there, we jelled as a band and the rest is history. After finishing the album we set out to release the album and entertained some record deal offers but none seemed worth being involved with so we decided to do things on our own. We are all from previous bands that had record deals. Johnny was in Stereomud, Mike was in Boilerroom, and I was in Dust to Dust, so we had been down that road before with record deals so we were a little hesitant to get involved with anything that didn’t seem worth it. We started a Myspace page and released a few songs one of which was picked up by Octane on Sirius Satellite Radio here in the states, called “Brother Go On,” the song did rather well and ended up staying in rotation for over two years! A buzz started building on the band, we started making a lot of fans and we got the album out through SONY RED distribution here in the states.  We did a little touring around the Northeast and Midwest here in the states eventually, interest came in from Europe to get the album out there, so that’s when Metalville Records came into the picture and here we are today.

David – Black Water Rising, how did the name come to be?

Rob – I was listening to a Clutch song called “In the wake of the swollen goat,” and heard the line “Black water’s rising and it ain’t gonna stop.” I said to myself that would make a cool band name, and it fits the vibe of the band so I ran with it. Black water is a geological event that occurs when there is an earthquake and muck and mud on a swamp or lake floor is dispersed into the water above and turns it black and murky. Or you could just imagine a broken public toilet if that is what you fancy. Just another struggling black band.

David – What is the bands recorded history and where can they get it?

Rob – Our debut CD is in most record stores worth a shit. If it ain’t there, demand it. Everywhere online, iTunes, Amazon, etc.

David – How does your writing process work? Do you have a certain philosophy?

Rob – I write a riff which may lead to a melody, which then leads to the creation of other parts that eventually comprise a basic song structure on which other melodies are written. From this the vibe directs my lyrical approach. Most of my songs really write themselves, they build themselves. The pieces fall into place. Lyrically I write what’s on my mind. Political and sociological themes seem to make up the majority of my lyrics because it is these two categories which affect all of our lives on a daily basis. Through my music I have a voice to express my thoughts. I write from a lower middle class, blue collar, working mans point of view. Caught in the daily struggle, and just trying to get by. You may agree or disagree with what I have to say, and that is totally cool, but I speak my mind. I believe my music and message is empowering and positive with substance. I have something to say. Anyone can write about being a wanna be millionaire gangster, panties and parties, or how your Mommy or Daddy didn’t give you your allowance this week. That’s not my world, save that shit for the Lady Ga Ga’s, Kanye West’s and Justin Diaper’s, I don’t write about that shit nor do I have the desire to. As for what song lyrics mean the most to me, I mean what I say and I say what I mean. Not much to it, I just make it rhyme and I feel them all.

David – I had a band say, the song comes first, originality second. I wasn’t sure how to take that. What are your thoughts?

Rob – I agree. Write a good song; don’t worry about sounding “different.” I get off on a great song that moves me, not whether a band sounds unique.

David – What is in the works now? Any new video plans? Are you guys working on a new album yet?

Rob – Just finished a video for “No Halos” from the debut album and we are wrapping up a new album for a 2012 release. Very excited about the new album, and i cannot wait to turn folks on to it.

David – Who have you played with and toured with, and what’s in the future?

Rob – Lots of great bands, I couldn’t mention them all. We toured with Kings X that tour sticks out, shows went over great. We are working on some tours for the New Year.

David – I see so many bands giving the store away for free these days online. I also never see these bands getting signed. What advice would you give to someone taking that road and trying to get signed?

Rob – Just keep pushing your stuff out there, if it is any good it will get recognized by fans and industry. Sharks smell blood, so if you are starting to create a buzz they will come.  Deals aren’t what they once were and most are awful.

David – What does Black Water Rising use to get your sound, gear head question?

Rob – I think the sound really comes from the music style and vocals. Our gear is really your standard LP’s into Marshalls, Jazz bass into SVT, and Ludwig drums. Rock band 101.

Nothing fancy, just tried and true.

David – Thanks for the time and I look forward to hearing more from you guys, hands down one of my favorite bands.

Rob – Thank you brother!

You can find Black Water Rising on-

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Black-Water-Rising/14816181590?sk=app_2405167945

Myspace:  http://www.myspace.com/blackwaterrising

Website: http://blackwaterrising.com/

-David Garlow

An Inner View with Jason Acevedo of Nine Round

Jason Acevedo is the lead singer and lyricist for the highly talented Seneca Falls juggernaut, Nine Round. The band featuring Acevedo, guitarist John Farley, bassist Steve Sarratori, and Tommy D’Eredita, have been firing on all cylinders since the winter of 2009. Unlike many of the band’s musical peers struggling to get themselves on a high profile bill, Nine Round has been involved with a substantial amount of shows featuring national acts. The spirit of hard work is what earned the band opportunities such as opening K-Rockathon, and sharing a bill with Hatebreed among others. The seeds for success were planted long ago in bands such as One, Diamond Tyr, Bully, Saint Chaos, and Muggsy’s Boneyard. These aforementioned bands represent just a sample of the work that the members of Nine Round have been involved with in the past.

The sky is the limit for this band, and with good reason. Quite simply, their no holds barred intensity is refreshing and needed within the Upstate metal scene. I caught up with Jason to talk about all things Nine Round!

Erik: I knew that you were playing with Muggsy’s at the same time that the core of this band came together? How did you get involved with the project initially?

Jason:  Actually, that band was pretty much all done.  Steve starting playing with Nine Round.  He played me a few songs that they were working on and I really liked them.  He sent the message, I went to some practices and wrote some lyrics to some songs.  From there I waited until they decided to give me a shot. The rest is history.

Erik:  From the get-go, this band was playing an unprecedented amount of shows with National acts. How did it feel to start off this quickly, and what were some of your favorite moments?

Jason:  Starting off like that was amazing. It really pulled us together as a band, personally and musically.  We have had some great moments for sure. One that strikes me is standing on the stage at K-Rockathon 15 and seeing all of those people. It was truly like a dream. Then getting respect from some of the other “bigger” bands solidified the day. Honestly though, the best moments for me are just being up there and playing and doing something that I love. That’s good for me.

Erik: You are surrounded by some great talent man, how does it feel to share the stage with this group of Upstate music veterans? This is the supergroup of upstate NY metal! You do know this, right?

Jason:  It really feels great playing with these guys. I watched Steve and Johnny play in bands for years and always respected their talents.  Tommy and I were only a couple years apart in school so I have gotten to watch him grow over the years also.  For it to all come full circle like this is fucking awesome to say the least! They are great musicians and great friends. We all learn from each other every time out there.

Erik: When you guys went into the studio to record your debut, you went in with an arsenal of great tunes. Lyrically, you take the game to the next level. Where do you get your inspiration. You write glorious songs of oppression, and I want to know what makes you tick.

Jason:  Thanks for the kind words man! I feel that the better I connect with the lyrics, the better I will perform it live. The songs are all part of me in one way or another, whether its through personal experience or something I have seen.  People often look to music for explanation or ways to vent strong feelings. If my lyrics make you happy, good. If they make you want to rip someone’s fuckin’ head off, EVEN BETTER!!!

Erik:  Being that you were in the armed forces, a song like, “Soldier,” is intriguing to me! The song makes a very big statement. How you feel about your time in the service, and the fold that lead to this song being created?

Jason:   My time in the service was really confusing.  I love my country and would die for it, but sometimes its really hard not to ask yourself, “what is going on here?” That song kind of pulls back and forth between fighting for your country and feeling insignificant to the people that don’t understand war.  There is a sickness in America where people feel entitled to everything.  They don’t understand what it’s like in other places.  Hunger, suffering, disease, etc.  I’m not trying to preach but the bottom line is: appreciate what you have and appreciate the people that put their asses on the line for you to have it!  So, I wanted to write a song from my perspective as a soldier and give an honest outlook of how I felt going through it.

Erik:  Obviously, when Marullo left, you took some time off to re-tool what you were doing. How has this whole process been? What happened with that guy?

Jason:  We did take some time off and it was needed and well deserved in my opinion. Just to get our heads back in the game! It’s always fun when you get in the creative mode and start writing the next chapter of your band.  This is when you appreciate the artists you work with the most. For us, it always comes down to repetition. This winter we will be writing a ton of new material so keep your eyes open for some new Nine Round!!! As far as Eric goes, let’s just say it didn’t work out. I feel that it’s best to leave situations as such, internal.  It would be unfair for me to give his perspective or the perspective of this band. What I can do is speak for myself.  Eric was part of alot of great times for this band.  He is a talented dude and I wish him the best of luck.

Erik:  I understand that you are working on some new material. What is going on with the recording process right now?

Jason:  Right now we are just throwing a ton of ideas around.  We don’t want to rush our music.  When we feel comfortable that we have a great set of songs, we will be back in the studio.  There is a possibility of knocking a few out this winter just to get the ball rollin’

Erik:  I know you have this huge Christmas show coming up…a hometown affair! How does it feel to do these hometown shows? They have become the talk of the town every time they take place.

Jason:  Hometown shows are always great. The obvious factor is that there are lots of people. It’s also sweet to have a room full of your friends and family. The personal connection is comforting and inspires me to kill it.

Erik:  There is a great amount of respect among peers in the Upstate Metal community. Who are some of your favorite bands to play with, and do you have a wishlist of sorts?

Jason:  Honestly, there are alot of great bands out there in New York State. I have respect for every band we play with and I will leave it at that man. We will play with anyone willing to have us, anytime!

-Erik Jensen

“How could you possibly want to stay in the same place forever?!” vocalist Ronnie Winter says securely about the progression of his career. “No band ever recreates their first album. It’s just not possible.”  Drummer Kris Comeaux assertively adds. Ascertaining resurrection, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus has exceeded all circumspection in the release of “Am I the Enemy”.   Reconnecting with their melodic roots and driven sentiments, I found myself falling in love all over again with a band that had all but perished.  Mesmerized I worked my way through the track listing; I found an array of genres displaying this bands adaptability and loyalty to their vision.

Restfully sitting adjacent to me I found myself encompassed by the definition of musicianship. “There are people who don’t like me, and they don’t like my band, because I’m not afraid to tell people exactly how it is…” Ron appreciatively speaks “That’s how everybody I know is.  But that is not how everybody else in the industry is. I’m not out to make friends, I’m out to make great music, and communicate with people who can be honest with themselves. “. And that is exactly the passion and drive you can expect to receive from this band within albums and live performances.

Swimming in an industry plagued with repetition and deception, Red Jumpsuit put their foot straight through the floor in making their position known and clear they are here for the long run. “When you’re home you want to be on the road, and when you’re on the road you just want to be home. I need to wake up and reach out every day. This is it. It’s your calling and you can’t ignore it.” Kris, adamant in his conviction speaks.  Destined and fortuitous you cannot help but absorb the atmosphere and energy surrounding you in the presence of this band.  Freeing themselves from the major label confines Red Jumpsuit Apparatus has a liberated disposition and the weaponry of creativity at hand.  Musically unable to be defined by one specific message; “I write about anything and everything…write it exactly how you feel it” Ron states about being the primary song writer of the band.  When asked if the coming and going of members had an effect on the sound he replies; “The way you hear the (new members play) it changes the way you write.”

Shifting positions, I brought forth the question of cause. Having gained massive notoriety for their song “Face Down”, which was about the tumultuous childhood both Ronnie and Randy endured, this band set out on a mission to be more than musicians. Ron looks down at his To Write Love on Her Arms shirt proudly. “…we never really stopped; just the first time got a lot of press. We get emails every day from people who reach out to us daily”. Taking the time to read and respond to as many fans as possible, Red Jumpsuit never lost sight of what was truly important to them. Renewed with a sense of determination and self-worth this band breathes into the atmosphere, I situated myself on stage left, ready to experience what has to become Red Jumpsuit Apparatus. Screaming, adoring, bright eyed fans lined the gymnasium. Delivering a powerful performance of a mixture of their three releases, you will not be disappointed. Red Jumpsuit Apparatus is primed to remain a fixture in this industry.  You can purchase their latest release “Am I The Enemy” through Itunes, and you can check out the bands facebook at: www.facebook.com/redjumpsuitapparatus