NYS Music 20​12

Category: Features

  • Inside the EXPOSED MUSIC FESTIVAL; an interview with Dan Jensen, founder

    Inside the EXPOSED MUSIC FESTIVAL; an interview with Dan Jensen, founder

    Over the years there have been many tours and festivals that have taken place all over the world.  Most of these events showcase bands that are already signed and have a massive following.  Personally, I am not opposed to huge acts being on tour and making their money.   While these events do usually draw crowds these types of tours do nothing to support the underground music scene!  The underground is thriving with new and exciting talent but the issue is how to harness that talent into a successful major tour.  One new tour that is doing just that is the Exposed Music Fest!  The Exposed Music Fest is a nationwide tour that goes to cities all over the country to showcase the areas local talent.  The tour works closely with Stand and Deliver Records and brings all the advantages of a major tour and festival right to the underground.  The following is an interview with Dan Janssen, the founder of the Exposed Music Fest.

    Rob:How did the fest get started?

    Dan: Over the last three years, Exposed Music Festival (formally known as The Slave to the Metal Music Festival) has featured, debuted, and unified local acts in cities coast to coast. Hosted by Fuse TV’s Juliya Chernetsky and Suicide City’s and Demilitia’s bass player Jennifer “JennCity” Arroyo (also known for her former days with KITTIE), this ongoing festival-style tour has exposed more than 750 unsigned bands to more than 35,000 fans in just 75 shows during 2011! We expect 2012 to be even more exciting and successful by offering new programs and adding new sponsors. Recently, we started programs for bands to get involved in our personal distribution project or opt to be photographed onstage during their acts for excellent publicity shots. Both options are free of charge to bands who sign up for Exposed events. Another avenue we are considering is getting other local artists involved at our shows to also display their talents to the community and possibly their target demographic, spreading the fan base even more. For example, local tattoo shops can advertise their work and meet like-minded people, or local Internet-based TV or radio shows can broadcast/document our festival. At the end of the day we want these bands to gain fans, have fun and help their scene to grow.

    Rob:Whose idea was it to go to different cities and promote local bands?

    Dan: It was mine. I’ve worked on every side of this industry including management, concert production, and a musician. I work with several record label A&R from Major to Indie and thought this would be a good way to go out and find some diamond’s in the rough. Labels rarely go to shows anymore, unless a band is drawing hundreds of people to a show and creating a major buzz outside their local scene its highly unlikely anyone will see them. With our connections the hope is to find talent, work with them and try and get them to that next level. You wouldn’t believe the talent we see in these “minor” markets. There are so many groups that if they had the right direction they could be successful in this business. Unfortunately there are too many “voices” in this business who claim they know the “right” way and really it handcuffs these kids and keeps them local. We try our best to break that mold and give them the right advice if they ask for it.

    Rob: What record companies and national acts are affiliated with this tour?

    Dan:There are industry reps/bands that we all work with, more then I could list. The label that sponsors this event is Stand and Deliver Records but we have connections at pretty much every label out there thru our various affiliates. For instance, with the standout rock bands I’ve found on this event I’ve showcased them separately for Kim Stephens, Kim owns forward entertainment and works for or is associated with Capitol, Atlantic and Universal. He is credited with signing such acts as Matchbox 20, Collective Soul, most recently Saving Abel, Sick Puppies, and Adelitas Way to name a few. We don’t push the record deal aspect as much as helping the bands gain fans and teaching unity in their music scene. Labels aren’t signing potential anymore, so a band really has to be a 10 out of 10 to gain label interest. We do find these groups from time to time and will set up a separate showcase for these bands at a later date.

    Rob: Are there any locals that have been “exposed” or became famous from this tour via the music festival?

    Dan: Well were brand new and have only been doing this since Feb of 2011. All of the bands get exposure from this, and I’m confident every band that put forth any sort of effort has gained something from playing this. We don’t sign bands as were just a production company, but we can shop them if they are good. The biggest problem with festivals like this is that they promise record deals that they can’t deliver. We don’t want bands thinking if they play this event they will get signed, so we really don’t try to push that aspect of it. The opportunity is there for the bands that stand out though. I just recently did a showcase for a band called The Everyday Losers out of Indiana and I’m real excited about their chances. Other standouts I’ve seen are SkinKage, Novus Follium, It’s tough because labels aren’t so quick to take a chance anymore on bands so the process is a bit longer and were hoping 2012 we can claim responsibility for some of the acts in 2011! We also look for bands that we can take on tour with us. SkinKage out of Charlotte, NC is an unsigned act that we are bringing on the road with us for this tour. They have some label interest but the label wants to see how they do on tour, so naturally we decided to take them out and see what they can do!

    Rob: What is the goal of the tour?

    Dan: When we meet bands we feel are of high caliber in quality and initiative, we now have the opportunity to introduce them to our friends at our sponsoring organizations, such as Stand and Deliver Records, The End Records, and Skullsnbones.com. Supporting local artists and musicians and trying to help them spread their “art” in their communities and possibly nationwide is our goal with the Exposed Music Festival. And as we continue to grow, we will continue to put on the highest quality events and stand out as the best local music festival in your city.

    Rob: When?

    Dan: February 4th at the California Brew House in Rochester and check the facebook page for other exposed shows in your area!

    For more information on Exposed Music Festival

    http://www.exposedfestival.com/

    http://www.facebook.com/xposedmusicfest

    https://twitter.com/#!/ExposedMusic

    http://www.skullsnbones.com/

  • Upstate Metal’s “Your band might suck if…”

    Upstate Metal’s “Your band might suck if…”

    Upstate Metal has a sense of humor, and anyone who has gone to any music event from local shows at bars to national concerts at amphitheaters has seen bands that suck. From bad music, embarrassing stage antics, between song banter that would make Helen Keller grimace, or a combination of the three, the worst part is most of these bands will never realize that they suck harder than a shopvac during a power surge. If you know one or more of these bands, you’d be doing the world a great favor if you could show them this list that just might make them show mercy and hang up their poor, embarrassed instruments.

    Your band might suck if…

    1. Your pants are tighter than your songs.
    2. Your only fans gave birth to your members.
    3. You’re currently settling a libel suit with the Cookie Monster.
    4. Your band name consists of four words that have no place sitting next to each other for any reason ever.
    5. You talk shit.
    6. You use an intro and that is the best part of your show.
    7. You think recording that intro and talking with a Brooklyn accent about how tough you are during it is a good idea for the beginning of your album.
    8. It looks like a family reunion when your band plays out and your mother is the loudest.
    9. When someone asks you when you’re on and you say we’re on 9th, 3 slots before the headliner.
    10. When a large part of your fan base takes more than 20 minutes to do their hair before a show and don’t have breasts.
    11. When people are more likely to buy the tumbleweeds blowing by your merch table than your merch.
    12. Your doc martens cost more than your guitar.
    13. You are paying them 5 bucks to take one of your CD’s, and no one will budge.
    14. All the stickers on your drums are from bands that broke up before you were born.
    15. If you wear corpse paint and you AREN’T from Norway.
    16. Your singer books a show and you’re still first to play.
    17. If you think encore is a metal genre.
    18. If your band starts playing and everyone leaves the venue, even the alcoholic at the end of the bar.
    19. When the people dancing during your set look like slightly more effeminate versions of Richard Simmons.
    20. If you use the word “fusion” at all when describing the bands style.
  • DOC HOLIDAY’s “Risqué Business” is strong, effective

    DOC HOLIDAY’s “Risqué Business” is strong, effective

    Doc Holiday, a five-piece band from Coeur D’Alene, Idaho, recently released their album, “Risqué Business”. The album has a distinct thrashcore sound that, in the future, I would think people might hear it and say, “Hey, this is Doc Holiday!” Whether they listen to the song or skip to the next isn’t for me to decide.

    The musicianship of the band is definitely there. The drummer and guitarists show some definite talent. They provide the song with strong riffs that can keep the crowd moving, grooving and thrashing. Each song is unique, and can definitely be told from another – A quality we see lacking in quite a few bands these days.

    The vocals, in most cases, are strong and effective. However, their vocalist has a certain in-between scream that is less than appealing in some cases. It’s a bit of a cross between a sing and a scream, producing a sound that leaves something to be desired. If you’re going to sing, sing; if you’re going to scream, scream. The half-sing half-scream sound doesn’t seem to work so well.

    They incorporate quite a few gang vocals in some of their songs, which give it a good feel. However, the final song is two and a half minutes of a man telling a story. It is of a western theme, and might be good for an intro But, at no point does the entire band play. Personally, this seems like an ineffective way to end an album. This would, in my opinion, make a better intro, or interlude, especially since the song includes the name of the band.

    Risqué Business definitely isn’t bad, and I think Doc Holiday has a good thing going for them. However, I think their vocalist needs to decide whether he wants to sing or scream so they can live up to their full potential.

    [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmgX25XK1uQ&w=560&h=315]

    For more information-
    http://www.facebook.com/docholidayband

    -Chris Stocking

  • Cristina Scabbia of LACUNA COIL discusses evolution, musicianship and longevity

    Cristina Scabbia of LACUNA COIL discusses evolution, musicianship and longevity

    It’s been 15 years since Lacuna Coil, which the band has described as meaning ‘Empty Spiral’, originally formed in Milan, Italy. In those years they’ve toured the world many times over and released 5 albums. Their sixth album “Dark Adrenaline”, will be released in the US on January 24th. We recently had a chance to talk to Cristina Scabbia about evolution, musicianship and longevity.

     

    Brian: You guys are prepared to release your sixth full length album, Dark Adrenaline. After having fifteen years as a band and five albums under your belt, what do you find yourselves doing differently in the song writing process than when you wrote the songs for, say, In a Reverie?

    Cristina: Evolution is part of life, you grow up, you do different things, the influences coming from the outside are multiple and you can’t just be the same person as you were a decade before.
    You live and learn. For our music it is the same, we are better musicians now. We are more confident in ourselves and the fact that we can be free to experiment different ways to express ourselves without barriers. We learned to not to squeeze a thousand riffs into one song because we don’t need to prove we’re technical enough. We just want to let our hearts and souls speak for us in a direct way, bringing out the essence and the message we want to deliver for ourselves.

    Brian: Shallow Life was in my opinion the most musically experimental Lacuna Coil album to date. Do you consider Dark Adrenaline to be more experimental musically, or did you find yourself going to back to your roots on it?

    Cristina: I think that more than experimental, Shallow Life was showing more of our rock side. Dark Adrenaline is going back to our metal style. It’s heavier and more obscure than any of our albums and the old school Lacuna Coil fans will feel a lot in common to the signature sound of our roots.
    It’s the bridge between the old and the new; it’s a trip into the darkness to try to find the light.

    Brian: I was surprised to see the cover of REM’s Losing My Religion on the track listing! What made you choose that song to cover?

    Cristina: The idea of covering Losing My Religion had already been there for a couple of years. We were considering songs from respected bands that we liked, and the lyrics of this song were fitting perfectly with the concept of the album. Plus the music and the arrangements totally make this song a Lacuna Coil song… With REM’s lyrics!

    Brian: This marks your second time in the studio with Don Gilmore. With Dark Adrenaline a bit of a departure from Shallow Life, did the band find itself having to consciously work to keep the direction of the album cohesive and heading where intended or was it a natural direction?

    Cristina: It wouldn’t be right to compare or connect every album we’ve done, because even if we worked with Don twice, the direction and sound of Shallow life and Dark Adrenaline are massively different. You also have to consider that every producer we worked with, in our case, is a person who helped us out to take the best out of the songs we wrote without even being in their presence. So it’s always been a band effort, with extra help. We never really thought too much if our music was the logical evolution of what we did before. We just always translated with notes and lyrics what Lacuna Coil is or was at the time of every album we did.

    Brian: The first single from the album, Trip The Darkness, was released in America on October 18th. After a few listens, I feel it would be right at home on Karmacode. Do you consider the song a return to form or just the direction the band went?

    Cristina: I wouldn’t call it a “return” just because it wasn’t something we planned on purpose.The songs we wrote during our career are parts of ourselves; you can’t take this away from us. That’s why part of these inputs and inspirations are coming back  unconsciously, sometimes. They don’t belong to one of our phases or an album, but to us as artists and musicians.

    Brian: Lacuna Coil is an enduring name in Metal. What do you attribute your longevity to?

    Cristina: I guess there’s not a common recipe for keeping the longevity of a band, but I think Lacuna Coil has been around for a while because we always tried to keep our music fresh to our ears and we never close ourselves in a cliché. We always worked as a band in an extensive team effort because we are all working for the same goals. And we are all friends in real life.  That means that if there is a problem we face it and solve it, just like in a great family.

    Brian: You’re supporting Megadeth on Gigantour starting January 26th, along with Motorhead. How does it feel to return to the US on such a prestigious tour and how do you find American crowds in contrast to European?

    Cristina: I already know it’s going to be fun! We toured with Megadeth before on Gigantour and we’ve been surrounded by a fantastic atmosphere. This year the package is very interesting and everyone is playing a different type of music, so it’s not going to be boring at all! Can’t wait to start! Crowds are not that different… It always depends on the event. Maybe Americans are a little less “sectorial” than Europeans, in metal.

    Brian: Having toured the world so extensively, what bands have been your favorite to tour with?

    Cristina: We had so many amazing experiences on the road and we played and partied with great artists from Iron Maiden to Metallica, from Rob Zombie to Anthrax, but the best tour we did and we’ll remember forever was with Type O Negative. Not only have they been one of the main bands we’ve taken our inspiration from, but they are great people we love and we loved to hang out with. Losing Peter Steele was a complete shock for us, but his legacy will be with us, forever.

    Brian: Thanks for taking the time to do this interview, we at Upstate Metal wish you the best of luck and continued success with the new album and tour!

    Cristina: Thank you! Hope to see you on the road, with Dark Adrenaline!

    [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3dKSpPRVgc&w=560&h=315]

    For more information on Lacuna Coil, visit them online!
    http://www.facebook.com/lacunacoil
    http://www.lacunacoil.it
    http://www.twitter.com/lacuna_coil
    http://www.myspace.com/lacunacoil
    http://www.youtube.com/lacunacoil

    -Brian Lawrence

  • Gorse and Matt of YOUNG ENGLISH discuss love of boobs, and influences

    Gorse and Matt of YOUNG ENGLISH discuss love of boobs, and influences

    Young English is one of my favorite bands to come out of Orange County, NY in a long time. In a short time together, they’ve signed to Panic Records, released an excellent EP titled “I Hate My Friends”, have played a ton of shows and have a split coming out soon with Pentimento. I caught up with a visibly intoxicated Gorse and not visibly intoxicated Matt outside a show they didn’t play due to plane delays and we discussed influences, plans, boobs and video games on a stone wall in the ghetto.

    Brian: Tell me who you are and what you play.
    Gorse: We’re Young English, and we play music. (bearded guy 20 feet away laughs)
    Brian: Well, that’s painfully obvious! Now tell me your name and what instrument you play.
    Gorse: I’m Gorse, I play bass. And this is Matt.
    Matt: I play guitar.
    Brian: What made you choose the name Young English?
    Gorse: We like a band called the Promise Ring. And they have a song called something about Denver.
    Matt:(laughing) whattt?
    (Gorse was referring to the song “Everywhere In Denver”)
    Brian: Who do you consider your primary influences?
    Gorse: Hot Rod Circuit, Saves the Day, Get Up Kids. Shit like that. Old school emo.
    Brian: I find I hate my friends to be a very honest album. What were your inspirations in the songwriting lyrically?
    Gorse: That can be last question.
    Brian: (Laughing) Alright, mulligan on that.
    Brian: You guys are releasing a split with Pentimento. How did that come about?
    Gorse: We were big fans of Pentimento, actually. Because we liked Panic Records and we followed their shit.
    Matt: We wanted to do a split with them before we even got signed.
    Gorse: They emailed us and were like “We should do a split together, and you guys should sign to Panic.” We were like ‘We’ll do a split first, then we’ll figure the rest out.’ and the rest is history.
    Brian: It actually ended up going in the opposite order though.
    Gorse: Yeah.
    Matt: It turned out pretty well!
    Brian: Yes it did.
    Brian: You’re just about to start an 8 date tour with The Hotel Year on the 12th. What albums are a must have for you in the van on tour?
    Gorse: Balance and Composure. Pentimento – Wrecked.
    Matt: Yeah, I dig that.
    Gorse: Seahaven – Winter Forever
    Matt: The Hotel Year album.
    Gorse: Yeah dude, the Hotel Year. Their album is sick.
    Matt: It’s solid, you should check it out definitely.
    Gorse: ….how many do we have to do?
    Brian: I was ready to stop a while ago, actually. (everyone laughs)
    Matt: I could go on forever, I love so much stuff that’s come out recently.
    Brian: You guys are from Orange County, NY. What do you consider the advantages and disadvantages of being from here?
    Gorse: Too many bands…
    Matt: An advantage though is we’re close enough to NYC that we can be called a city band, but we’re not a city band. Everyone just assumes you’re from the city.
    Gorse: Then people say “oh you’re from upstate New York?” No we’re from fucking like 30 minutes from the city. But we’re not upstate.
    Brian: Yeah, because there’s like 7 more car travel hours north in New York.
    Matt: That’s another advantage is that within 7 hours in any direction you have Philly, Boston. Being from the tri state area is definitely a plus.
    Brian: So, after the tour and the split, what’s next?
    Gorse: A full length. In our minds we started writing it. We have some ideas. We got a few songs going.
    Matt: it’ll be a while.
    Gorse: No, it’ll definitely be a minute. But, we’re already working on it.
    Brian: What’s your favorite video game lately?
    Gorse: Goldeneye.
    Matt: Modern Warfare 3.
    Brian: Is there anything you want me to mention besides the album, the split and the tour?
    Gorse: We like boobs.
    Matt: Don’t throw that in!
    Brian: Don’t throw that in?
    Matt We definitely want to promote the split…
    Gorse: Definitely mention I like boobs.
    Brian: But see, that kind of makes it look like Matt doesn’t.
    Matt: No, I do.
    Brian: This seems like a good place to wrap this up.
    Gorse: Thanks for doing this.
    Brian: Thank you, you guys kick ass.
    Be sure to check out Young English on tour!
    1/12 Cambridge, MA        All Asia Cafe
    1/13 Danbury, Ct          Heirloom Art Theater
    1/14 Brooklyn,NY          Acheron
    1/15 Rockville Centre,NY  Vibe Lounge
    1/16 York Haven, Pa       Boondocks Club
    1/19 Ashtabula, Oh        West End 2153
    1/20 Buffalo, NY          Club Diablo
    1/21 Binghamton, NY       American Legion 1254
    [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=up3l4JGREZE&w=560&h=315]
    For more information on Young English:
    -Brian Lawrence
  • 3 INCHES OF BLOOD to release “Long Live Heavy Metal” on March 27th, 2012

    3 INCHES OF BLOOD to release “Long Live Heavy Metal” on March 27th, 2012

    Traditionalist metal gods 3 INCHES OF BLOOD will release their highly anticipated 5th studio album, Long Live Heavy Metal , on March 27th via Century Media Records. Keeping true to their core and bringing their forthcoming album title to life, fans can expect a blast of pure metal assured to leave no face un-melted. “LONG LIVE HEAVY METAL is the fifth chapter in the book of 3 INCHES OF BLOOD,
    and we couldn’t be more pleased and proud of our new onslaught of Honest Heavy Metal,” says guitarist Justin Hagberg. For Long Live Heavy Metal, 3 INCHES OF BLOOD reunited with producer and engineer Terry “Sho” Murray (City of Fire, Exhibitionists), who worked with the band on their 7″, Anthems for the Victorious.

    “When a band is releasing a new record, they often speak about it being their most important work or best album to date. Regardless of how clichéd either statement may sound, I think we would say both apply to this album,” explains vocalist Cam Pipes. “All of us have a special feeling about this one. We’re more committed than ever to the cause of real, honest, no bullshit heavy metal. No trends, no fucking around!”

    Beginning March 16th, 3 INCHES OF BLOOD will head out on the “Metal Alliance Tour 2012” alongside DEVILDRIVER, THE FACELESS, DYING FETUS, JOB FOR A COWBOY, IMPENDING DOOM and WRETCHED. A full list of dates can be seen below.

    “Metal Alliance Tour 2012”
    3/15/2012 – Austin, TX @ Scoot Inn
    3/16/2012 – New Orleans, LA @ The Hangar
    3/17/2012 – St. Petersburg, FL @ State Theater
    3/18/2012 – Charlotte, NC @ Amos
    3/20/2012 – Baltimore, MD @ Sonar
    3/21/2012 – New York, NY @ Gramercy Theater
    3/22/2012 – Danvers, MA @ Palace Ballroom
    3/23/2012 – Montreal, QC, Canada @ Le National
    3/24/2012 – Toronto, ON, Canada @ Opera House
    3/25/2012 – Columbus, OH @ Alrosa Villa
    3/26/2012 – Joliet, IL @ Mojoe’s
    3/27/2012 – St. Paul, MN @ Station-4
    3/28/2012 – Winnipeg, MB, Canada @ Garrick Centre
    3/29/2012 – Regina, SK, Canada @ Riddell Centre
    3/30/2012 – Edmonton, AB, Canada @ Edmonton Events Centre
    3/31/2012 – Vancouver, BC, Canada @ Rickshaw Theater
    4/1/2012 – Seattle, WA @ Studio Seven
    4/2/2012 – Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theater
    4/5/2012 – Oakland, CA @ The Pound
    4/6/2012 – Hollywood, CA @ House of Blues
    4/7/2012 – Tempe, AZ @ Marquee Theater
    4/8/2012 – Albuquerque, NM @ El Rey Theater
    4/9/2012 – Denver, CO @ The Summit Music Hall
    4/10/2012 – Omaha, NE @ Sokol Auditorium
    4/11/2012 – Des Moines, IA @ 7 Flags Event Center
    4/13/2012 – Memphis, TN @ New Daisy Theater
    4/15/2012 – Lawrence, KS @ Granada Theater
    4/16/2012 – Tulsa, OK @ Cain’s Ballroom
    4/19/2012 – Dallas, TX @ House of Blues
    4/20/2012 – Austin, TX @ Emo’s East
    4/21/2012 – Houston, TX @ House of Blues

    -Erik Jensen

  • MATT SKIBA AND THE SEKRETS sign with Superball Music

    Ahhh, the press release! Some are really exciting, and some meet with a chorus of crickets! Chirp, nothing. However, the one below is one of the more exciting ones I have seen in some time. Matt Skiba of Alkaline Trio, has put together one of the mothers of all solo projects. Check out the fresh and exhilarating news that just passed through our office recently.

    “SUPERBALL MUSIC is pleased to announce the signing of highly acclaimed musician Matt Skiba’s new solo venture– MATT SKIBA AND THE SEKRETS . Skiba, most well known for his role as founding member of the punk rock group Alkaline Trio, has teamed up with other name players for the project including MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE drummer Jarrod Alexander and AFI Bassist Hunter Burgan.
    “Creating a record on my own and deciding who plays and how the songs were structured, it was fun to do. I love working with my band-mates in Alk3 but to make a rock record that was just mine was something that I wanted to do,” explains Skiba. With various musical influences contributing to the overall sound, the result is dancy, catchy rock in the vein of Alkaline Trio with elements of 80’s post punk.

    Superball Music, home to Dredg, …And You Will Know Us By The Trail of Dead and a number of other artists is very excited to announce the pairing with MATT SKIBA AND THE SEKRETS. Label head Thomas Waber commented, “I am pleased and excited to welcome Matt Skiba to the Superball Music family. We have all been fans of the Alkaline Trio for a long time, so working with Matt is going to be a real honor!”

    Matt Skiba also commented on the union: “I am so delighted to be working with Superball Music. It was extremely important for the MATT SKIBA and the SEKRETS project to find the proper home. I am honored and ecstatic to have found a label that is as enthusiastic about this project as I am. I am very thankful to have Superball in my corner and look forward to the growth of our relationship and to the growth of this project.”

    Babylon, the MATT SKIBA AND THE SEKRETS Superball Music debut, is set for release in early 2012.

    I can only hope that Upstate New York will be blessed with a performance from these guys when they hit the road.

  • An Inner View with Wil McKenna of RootsCollider

    RootsCollider is the embodiment of a band that refuses to rest on it’s laurels. With the release of their recent EP, Supernova, the band is taking strides towards pushing their wares to the next level of the game! In a recent chat with Wil McKenna, I was able to delve deeper into all things Collider, and see what the band has in store for the immediate future.

    Erik: Tell me about the recording process with your recent release, Supernova?

    Wil: Well Erik, this time around was like greeting an old friend and picking up the conversation where you last left it. It literally felt like we were all coming back home to the Bunker Studios in Williamsburg/Brooklyn, NY. We recorded everything again on reel to reel analogue tape and then transferred the recordings to the programs within the computer afterwards.

    Erik: How did things differ with the recording of this album, when compared to the first time around?

    Wil: This was our second recording experience at Bunker with John Davis (of Jojo Mayer’s Nerve) at the helm. The main difference from our first recording “EP” was that we knew each other by now, the four of us and John. This connection made for a quicker more efficient process within pre and post production. Basically it was like going to work. Our collaborative ideas mesh completely in regards to the aesthetics of song structure, and John has a wide sonic palette to choose from in regards to approaches on what effects should be on certain layers of melodic phrasing and passages. It should be noted that the wide range of analogue effects pedals at Bunker is nothing short of champion status.

    Erik: How was the overall experience?

    Wil: How was the overall experience? We love Nerve and John so much. Getting to record in your favorite international touring band’s studio is quite an honor for us. We’ll be headed back there in February 2012 to record our next record. We’re also very fortunate to have a relative of the band (Dexter’s cousin Desmond) with a house in Queens to stay at during our sessions down there, so everything is quite comfortable. Plus we also have multiple friends stopping by the studio while we’re recording offering there critiques of the music too which is insightful when your ears have been listening to the same songs over and over again for hours on end. Inside Bunker itself there’s a great “smokers” lounge, a shower, a kitchen, couches to crash on and the internet, so we really are coming home in a sense with all the creature comforts. We will also be debuting at Desmond’s Tavern in NYC after our first day/night of recording, as to capitalize on our new and old friends down there, and actualizing the experience to its fullest capacity.

    Erik: I understand the band has been in contact with a couple of different management firms?

    Wil: We have one very popular booking agency on the West Coast that is slightly interested in us right now, and another strong jam band booking agency from the South that may sign us in March of 2012. We just received word from a smaller less-known agency in Chicago, IL as well. All three have expressed slight to moderate interest. Only time will tell. As for now, RootsCollider remains completely In-House in all endeavors of Booking, Promotions, and Management. I realized a long time ago that no one would care about us more than us.

    Erik: What do you have coming up with shows in new markets?

    Wil: 2012 will see us branching out to Philadelphia, New York City, Boston, Chicago and Asheville primarily. We look forward to returning to all of our favorite cities and venues in NY state as well. And we are eager to entertain at new festivals and return to previous ones for the summer.

    Erik: Tell me about the many successes within the year that have been of major significance?

    Wil: In 2011 we were able to get a van and a trailer, which is super huge in regards to getting your product out to different markets in an economical fashion. We also received small acknowledgement from Relix Magazine which was exciting. One of our greatest achievements as a band though was getting on the same page artistically and musically. The music has to be paramount to everything else, for it’s the very thing that brings you everywhere in regards to it’s exposure. Although we are primarily instrumental, we continue to pack out venues in cities where we are popular. Our music is appearing to take on life of it’s own at certain shows via The Grateful Dead and Phish philosophy. Where we are popular, in cities like Rochester and Buffalo NY, a shakedown is starting to develop outside the venue. A community is starting to form. Our fans have become known as “Colliders.” We owe a great deal of our hometown success to our friends Chris Collins and Patrick Gaffney of RIPROC who have supported, nurtured, and helped us become what we are today in Rochester. We are forever indebted.

    Erik: Things seem to be going well in the “gearing up” department. I was wondering if you could elaborate on the new direction in approach?

    Wil: We spent so long making sure our songs were air tight in the hard rock fashion for performance that we negated some of our improvisational talent and roots. Now that we have a powerful launch pad and landing pad for these creative structures, we are starting to improvise again!!! Which is bringing the sound to a whole new level!!!

    Erik: You have played some really good shows this year, with some highly recognized bands. Tell me about the experiences, and which ones were your favorites?

    Wil: We’ve been blessed to share the stage with some of our personally favorite musicians and bands. In 2011, we supported internationally known bands such as: Dub Trio (Matisyahu’s band), Conspirator (members of the Disco Biscuits, Raq, New Deal, and Lotus), BioDiesel (Johnny Rabb’s band w/ Clay Parnell of Brother’s Past), Telepath (members of Archnemesis), Rubblebucket, and Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad to name a few. We’ve also supported internationally known DJ’s such as: Kill the Noise (featured on Korn’s new record with Skrillex), DieselBoy, and 12th Planet.

    Erik: Tell me a little about this all star record you are going to be showing up on here?

    Wil: My old friend and bandmate Jon Petronzio (Keyboardist) from John Brown’s Body is currently recording an ALL STAR super reggae/funk record in Ithaca, NY and Boston, MA. that will include some of your readers favorite musicians from: Soulive, Lettuce, John Brown’s Body, Sim Redmond Band, RootsCollider, Mosaic Foundation, the Big Mean Sound Machine, and etc…the list goes on. It’s an honor to be a part of this record. I only hope we can get one show together where we perform the record in its entirety. It would be great at the State Theater or something like that in Ithaca. Hopefully, we can get everyone on the record, on stage, to kill it for the crowd like a giant musical rotating cast of auditory devastation. A melodic octopus of friends if you will.

    Erik: You have any more recording plans for the next year?

    Wil: February 2012 is the new 4 track punisher entitled: “Phoenix”.

    Erik: What are your other plans?

    Wil: As a band we will continue writing, recording, and touring, in our pursuit to change the face of rock music for the better. Personally, I maintain the belief that original music is relevant to all social environments by the implementation of a new direction for an untapped source of vibration. I continue to work on sonic innovations with the guitar and bass, having customized my Fender Stratocaster into a lethal dub weapon. I currently teach at the Music Education Centers in Webster, NY and the Rochester Academy of Music in Brighton, NY and I am attending Nazareth College in Rochester, NY to finish my Bachelor’s Degree in Classical Guitar Performance.

    Erik: Tell me about the band lineage of your past, and about the scene you have evolved from?

    Wil: My first musical memories are of my Mother singing Elvis, the Beatles, and the Beach Boys to me. I can remember wanting a saxophone really really bad in the 3rd grade, but unfortunately my family couldn’t afford it. I did, however have my voice, which luckily for me was free. I sang in chorus all throughout elementary, junior, and high school. In junior high I started playing instruments when I was about 13 years old. I come from the age old tradition of having friends pass down the knowledge of music by playing together. I started on electric bass and gravitated to guitar shortly thereafter. After learning the fundamentals from my friends, I sought out guitar teachers in the Rochester, NY area. In 2004 I graduated from the Monroe Community College Music Program with an Associates Degree in Music Performance with Guitar as my Major. I was First Chair in the program’s Guitar Ensemble for three out of the four semesters that I was there. From 2000 until 2006, I founded and was part of a successful touring original act called; “Mountain Mojo Authority”. It is during this period of my life that I was introduced to reggae music. Throughout the 6 years I was in this band, I learned to move people in the here and now by combining the humble roots and analogue sounds of the past, with the intensity of contemporary drum and bass. After “Mountain Mojo Authority” disbanded some of the members involved joined John Browns Body: (Matt Goodwin, Alex Toth, Kal Traver) while others joined the Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad: (Aaron Lipp, James Searl, Buddy Honeycutt) RubbleBucket (Alex Toth, Kal Traver), ThunderBody (Jerimiah Pacheco) and J-san and the Analogue Sons (Wil McKenna). During the time span from 2006 until 2007, I took a musical sabbatical in which I learned how to play Piano and Drums as secondary instruments to my primaries being Guitar and Bass. In the late summer of 2007 I started venturing to Ithaca, NY and found more like minded musicians such as: David “Solid” Gould, Lee Hamilton, Jsan Spaker, and Kevin Kinsella, all former JBB alumni. At this point I joined the “Millionaires of Love,” which was a 10 piece reggae/ska orchestra masterminded by David “Solid” Gould. I also played guitar for a time in David Gould’s current re-vitalized original group: Adonai and I, now called DSG & the Temple Rockers. In the fall of 2007 I was invited to join the national reggae/soul act called J-san and the Analogue Sons. I remained with the group until 2009. Upon returning to Rochester, NY from my extensive Ithacan projects I formed RootsCollider with Jim Grillo. RootsCollider is a project that started on an Abelton program and was a culmination of ideas that I’ve played with for awhile, combining reggae, funk and jungle beats with soul music at first. But since September of 2010 the band has evolved into thee definitive 21st Century “Dry & Heavy Livetronica DubCore” act that continues to push the sonic envelope toward enlightenment. The future fab four of Wil McKenna, Bill Smith, Jimmy Grillo, and Dexter Redic are dedicated to bringing the listener only the freshest cuts of live original punishing Drum & Bass, crushing Dubstep, destructive Electro-Rock, and fresh Future-Funk, with the destructive elements of crucial Dub Reggae. The band’s sole purpose is to collide these roots genres into a single unstoppable aesthetic force, and we are known as one of the last definitive almost completely analogue defenses against the digital 21st Century. RootsCollider has been described as a powerful visceral artistic experience for the mind, body, and soul. The band has quickly become regional favorites for so many and has gained wide recognition by sweeping upstate NY off of its feet as one of the fastest growing live original acts from Rochester, NY.

    Erik: What are your overall thoughts on the Rochester scene, and what makes it so great?

    Wil: Rochester, NY is the next musical renaissance the world has been waiting for. We saw the first movement in the 1960’s in San Francisco. The next movement came in the 1990’s in Seattle. And now again we see it in Rochester, NY in the 2010’s. All three cities had amazing original bands touring outside of it’s own barriers, and all the bands were friends and collaborated on each others art. There is no other city in America that has this thing going on like what we do in ROC. We are ambassadors to the world of our city. We proudly display our hometown bands T-shirts while we rock on stages in other cities. All the stickers on my guitar case are that of all the other touring bands from Rochester. We owe this cross collaboration now to Chris “Hollywood” English from AudioInflux. He is the reason why Rochester, NY’s music scene is blossoming right now. He hosts the Pro Jam every other Monday at Abiline’s. Chris represents no ego, no bullshit, no “I’m too cool for you to jam with me vibe.” Believe me, there are some that still do exhibit this. Chris plays with all players, within all genres, and with all skill levels. It is this kind of integrity, compassion, and love for the art that humbles the rest of the flock and levels the playing field in a non-competitive way. Chris unknowingly made a city of original bands that only cared about what they were doing 4 years ago, into a community based on healing people with creating music together today. He made us into a real family.

    http://rootscollidermusic.com/
    http://www.myspace.com/RootsCollider
    http://www.sonicbids.com/RootsCollider
    http://www.youtube.com/user/RootsCollider
    http://www.reverbnation.com/RootsCollider

  • Get Down at The Uptown Theatre in Utica!

    Get Down at The Uptown Theatre in Utica!

    Utica NY has a new live music venue! The Uptown Theatre, located at 2014 Genesee Street, will be hosting live music events in 2012.

    The Uptown Theatre Utica

    After a sellout crowd witnessed Rusted Root perform on Oct 24, 2011, the groundwork was laid, and the result is more national and regional live music will be coming through Utica all year long!

    Spearheaded by Tonic Productions (Joe Sweet of Utica Music Fest, Tom Morreale of Capt. Trips fame), the Uptown has scheduled some great shows for 2012.

    Sat Feb 4th : Donna The Buffalo (Cajun, Roots, Folk, Reggae, and Country

    Sat Feb 11th : Childhood’s End (Pink Floyd tribute)

    Sat March 17th : Enter The Haggis (Roots Rock/Indie/Folk

    more shows to be announced – including a return trip by Rusted Root!

    stay tuned —> http://tonic-productions.com/

  • RISE TO REMAIN added to Warped Tour 2012

    Rise To Remain is always releasing great news on what seems to be a weekly basis these days. The London based band is bringing it’s show back to the States in grand fashion. Century Media has issued the following press statement below about their inclusion on Warped Tour.

    “The third group of acts playing Vans Warped Tour 2012 has just been announced and breakout UK sensation RISE TO REMAIN is included in the promising line up. Vocalist Austin Dickinson exclaims, “We are honored to announce that Rise To Remain will be part of this year’s Warped Tour!!!!

    To all our stateside fans: this will be your first chance to catch us in the USA, so come down, hang out and watch some killer bands! This tour is going to be one to remember, and we look forward to you guys being a part of it. See you all soon, and party on!”

    RISE TO REMAIN will join BAYSIDE, CHELSEA GRIN, MEMPHIS MAY FIRE, and a number of other artists that will be released shortly. Pre-sale tickets for the tour will be available on April 6, 2012. Fans should check www.vanswarpedtour.com for line up announcements and other updates.

    This will be the band’s first time overseas to play for a US audience supporting the release of their Century Media Records debut, City of Vultures that will be out on June 5th. Not only will the City of Vultures US edition include two live bonus tracks and all the band’s videos as an exclusive download, but it will also feature exclusive new material that will be recorded in the coming months.”

    If you have never seen Rise To Remain, this would be the time. They are going to be surrounded by other hidden gems that you will certainly take a liking to.

    -Erik Jensen