Category: News

Tommy Ende is the front man for Nasty Habit, a sleaze metal band based out of Syracuse, NY. The band’s refreshing revival of the 80’s most decadent music, is something that a new fan base is eagerly latching onto. As someone that was in the clubs during the late 80’s and early 90’s, I always found refuge in checking out “this band you have to see.” It was an every weekend thing, and it was a home away from home. That spirit, drive, and musical accompaniment was the living breathing soundtrack of my youth. It also lead to many late night parties, and an overabundance of ladies who were “ready for love.”

Nasty Habit is the genuine article! They walk the walk, and talk the talk. The band embodies all that was so supremely good about that era, and they want you to listen! I had a chance to catch up with Tommy to talk about the band recently. It was a strict reassurance to me that Sleaze is alive and well, and ready to catch fire again!

Erik: Tell me about the changes that lead from GRIME evolving into what is now Nasty Habit.

Tommy: Well, GRIME was our way of learning the ropes. It’s where we worked out all of the kinks and perfected what we’re doing today. Its never easy to re-establish yourself, but I found it a positive decision as it allowed us to start clean and make a new impression without carrying on our inexperienced past. But I do still have a box of GRIME merchandise lingering in my basement! Hahaha…

Erik:  How natural was it for you to step from behind the drums, and take on the role of front man? This is very difficult for many, but you seem to have taken on the task with great ease.

Tommy:  It’s definitely always been in my personality to be a sort of “leader.” I like to have as much representation and influence as possible in the things I involve myself in. So being the “face” of the band puts me in a good place for that. Singing had always been something I couldn’t keep myself from doing, in the car, at work, etc. Pretty much all day, I’ve got some kind of melody in my head. That or I’m singing along with whatever is cranking from the speakers. It’s definitely been a natural transition, a lot depends on you when you’re the front man, but that’s the way I like it.

Erik:  That video for Saturday Night is pretty fun. Tell me about the process of putting the video together? What do you like most about the process?

 Tommy:  Thanks, that’s definitely what we aimed for. It’s kind of a party anthem and we wanted to portray that in the video. We did the video on almost literally no budget. David Jordan, was Director and Drummer at the same time. He planned the whole thing and really put it into action, which I was very impressed by. He and I have a very ambitious business attitude when it comes to the band, and I think that’s gotten us places and will continue to do so. I would have to say my favorite part was the premiere. There was alot of hype coming from all directions, so it was killer to see our hard work really catch fire and pay off. We plan to fully utilize the power of the internet on our road to success, and this is just the beginning.

 Erik:  I understand you will be releasing your first full length CD in January. Can you tell me a little about the record, and what we can expect from the band?

 Tommy:  That’s right! We’ve been working on the thing for far too long, so it’ll be a weight off our shoulders once we do. We’re actually planning on releasing the album for FREE download from our website. The way we see it, it’s our best bet at gaining the exposure we need to really take off. The guys and I really tried not to re write the same song 10 times, and I think it shows. We’ve got lots of variety, from the sleazy gutter-grooves of “Lethal Addiction” to the melodic, acoustic jam “Misery Loves Company”. There’s definitely something for everyone on this album.

 Erik:  I have to ask: I was born and raised in an era of sleaze rock and the whole hair metal scene. Obviously, the whole scene was pushed into pockets when the early 90’s spawned the Seattle effect? What were your biggest influences in wanting to play music of this sort? Also, in what point of your youth, did you realize this was the correct musical path for you?

Tommy: I found my way into some Motley Crue through skateboarding, and from there it just snowballed. What really appeals to me about this style is just how excessive and decadent every aspect is. When I think of a Rockstar, I think of a larger than life, almost “Super Hero” figure. That’s what the rockers of that time period were. It was the golden age of Rock N’ Roll. All bases were covered, the look, the music, the stage production and the message. It’s about having a good time, partying and getting laid. It’s a shame that everyone forgot about that when grunge took over with it’s pessimistic attitude. So we’re trying to remind a new generation what Rock N’ Roll oughta stand for! Good times, good music, and good parties!

For more information on Nasty Habit www.facebook.com/nastyhabit

Jon Lamanna and his band Cry To The Blind, have been on a collision course with major success for quite some time now. The players that make up the sum of this highly talented band, have been successful veterans of the upstate scene for over a decade. Their time is now, and a major announcement is coming soon. That moment will be January 27^th, at the bands CD release party at Water Street Music Hall in Rochester. Make sure to check the show out, it is going to be off the hook. I caught up with Jon recently to discuss the future happenings of CTTB.

Erik: This is a pretty exciting time for you guys right now. Tell me about the recording process for the new record, and how you approached the record from the creative standpoint.

Jon: We had the luxury of recording the album in our guitarist Matt Spaker’s studio (Foundation Studios) so the process was way different. Before when we had recorded an album, we had the songs 100% written at practice, then simply took them to the studio and recorded them as they were written. In this case, we actually held pre-production sessions in which we all brainstormed ideas and wrote the songs together in the studio. It’s crazy because now we are learning how to play our own songs as a band at practice preparing for the CD release show.

Erik:  I have to tell you, I was blown away by some of the tracks you sent me a couple of months ago. Better than Me is one of the best songs I believe you have ever recorded. Especially from a lyrical standpoint. What drives your inspiration when writing songs these days. Obviously, your life and the band has evolved quite naturally over the years. What motivates your message?

Jon: That song in particular was inspired by a falling out we had with an old friend over a variety of circumstances. I love singing that song, we all wrote it together in the studio, I’m also very happy with how it turned out. That song is unique on this record, because it’s got a rather negative tone, kind of a nastiness to it. Most of the material we’ve been writing has been positive and motivational in nature. For whatever reason, when I sit down to write, I write inspirational get up and go anthems, it really helps me to get emotionally invested in the songs because it’s almost like I’m convincing myself to press on, to keep fighting for this band, because I truly still believe this is what I was meant to do.

Erik:  Looking back over the years, and the bands you have been in to get to this point musically…did you ever think that the raw power introduced when you were in 40 oz., would lead to what you are doing today. It was quite a stunning evolution. Aside from the obvious shift in trends nationally, what do you think lead to the dynamics shift in songwriting?

Jon: I guess I would say that as people change, their taste in music changes. The 40oz material totally fit who I was and the life I was living at the time. This band reflects who I am now, and who we are now. I have also taken a ton of time to study songwriting and after 40oz split I took a much larger role in writing the songs, which led to the more catchy/poppy sound the band has today.

Erik:  I know you have some big things on the horizon this year. Tell me about the great announcement that is on the horizon? We would love to know!

Jon: It’s a secret… the only way people will find out is at the CD release party @ Water Street on Jan 27th   But it’s a big deal, and it will put us in place to take our band to the next level.

Erik:  I am highly excited about the CD release party on Jan. 27th…It is a great gathering of past and present friends and family so to speak! Tell me about the band selection process for the show? Also, how exciting is it to see Hate Machine back on a stage these days? I mean wow, we are talking about a reverse full circle event here!

Jon: Yeah, having Hate Machine is amazing, Jed is truly a HUGE influence on me as a front man. I still feel he’s one of the best I’ve seen, national bands included. I actually haven’t seen them since 08’ so it’s gonna be my first time as well. In general, we tried to stick with bands that have a large Rochester based following. Water Street is a BIG room, and we needed bands that could help us make this the biggest show this city has seen in quite some time. It helps that we are friends with these bands as well, all of them have supported us in one way or another.

Erik:  Tell me about Hard Pressed Management, and how things have come to a major turning point since your addition to this firm?

Jon: It has helped us to legitimize the band. When you have a professional, well spoken individual with business savvy calling clubs and venues and working for you, it gives your music a better chance to be heard, vs. calling yourself and saying “yeah, I’m the singer, book my band, we rock”

Erik:  You have played some pretty big shows over the last couple years. What were your favorites, and why?

Jon: Mine would be opening for Flyleaf at Town Ballroom in Buffalo. Sold out show, such a good positive energy in the room that night. Others would probably be Krockathon in ’09, Rockstar Uproar in ’10. Paying those big shows is great because you get to hang with all the national acts and sign autographs all day, it’s surreal. It gives you a glimpse into what life might be like if you’re fortunate enough to make it big.

Erik:  I remember as kids, there were a certain percentage of us that had the dream of doing this music thing full time. I think on some level, we are all on our way to cementing that…making a go at a full time living based around music. What are your thoughts on the prospects of this being a very real possibility, and at a time where adult responsibilities are first and foremost?

Jon: Well, it’s very difficult right now because we all have families, children etc. The cool part is CTTB IS a family, all of our wives/girlfriends sell tickets, work our merch booth, carry gear, they’re all in it for us as much as we are. It is scary to consider being out on tour alot and away from your children, but it’s a once in a lifetime chance to provide them with a better future, so it’s worth the risk in my opinion. The chance for me to be able to change lives and touch people emotionally with the music is what drives me. It’s what I feel I’m supposed to do, to be this motivational speaker who sings, so to speak.  We are all excited and scared about it, but trust me when the time comes to take that leap of faith, we all will jump headfirst.

For more information on Cry To The Blind –
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cry-to-the-Blind/108920287952

CD Release Show Event: http://www.facebook.com/events/307613689279482/

-Erik Jensen

Does this Rochester based, Metal powerhouse sound familiar to anyone?  Hate Machine is back, and as a longtime fan and performer, Iam here to tell you that they are here to stay. This band has been through it all, from National tours to record deals, to breaking up.  Any fan of Hate Machine knew that they wouldn’t be out of the game forever.  Now here they are, “back from the dead”, to give our music scene a much needed swift kick right in the fucking ass!!!   If you are into straight up, in your face, good old ass kicking metal, then do yourself a favor and check these guys out.  Better yet, go see them live and catch a show with passion, intensity and all out aggression.  Watch their fans; rabidly sing every word to every song.  Impressive!

Hate machine is:
Jeremy “Jed” Seaver- Vocals
Al Dettori- Guitar
Jimmy “Black” Draudt- Bass
Donny Weissinger- Guitar
Mike Polito- Drums

I had the chance to catch up with Jed to talk about what’s going on in the world of Hate Machine, and what is in store for 2012.

Jason: Explain what it took for Hate Machine to land a record deal, and the events to follow?

 Jed: Well, Basically Hate Machine toiled around locally and regionally for a few years touring in support of our first cd “Its All Good”.  We gained alot of press/publicity from that cd.  I think the year was 1996 maybe 1997..not sure.  We changed some members around and wrote and put out our EP Destination 2KH8 in 1998.  This EP is what started all the label interest for us.  We hired a few different promotions company to push the single off that EP, Hasben?, to active college radio stations across the country.  We had the #1 most added song on active college radio that year.  We were charting from here to Alaska.  No kidding.  Of course, like wolves, labels came out of the woodwork to find out what was the deal with us.  We showcased many times in NYC and Los Angeles for various labels trying to land the right deal, I guess you could say.  Not that we landed the right deal.  lol.  We ended up signing a deal with a fledgling label named QED Entertainment (which changed their name to Summa) out of Los Angeles.  They had distribution through Elektra Records and had just got a band named the Deadlights signed to Elektra and placed on the Ozzfest.  We thought we were going to be the next “Ozzfest” band.  We ended up moving to Los Angeles to record our major label debut.  This was 2000.  When we got out to L.A. and started writing this new record our sound changed drastically.  In the meantime, our bass player and drummer quit.  With no drummer and bass player we had to adapt.  Drum tracks were added to the album and our producer played bass on the record.  The band changed it’s name to Omniblank.  The album became “Birth of a FIrefly”.  When the album was done, we came back home to Rochester to find replacement members.  The album went over well here locally, but in hindsight I think it alienated old school Hate Machine fans.  Because, quite frankly, it wasn’t Hate Machine.  It wasn’t raw, it wasn’t aggressive..it just wasn’t what we originally were.  Now, don’t get me wrong..the Omniblank album (in my eyes) holds up to this day.  It’s a great sounding album.  Again, it just wasn’t Hate Machine. So, we ended up touring the country in support of the Firefly record, with little to no support from the label.  They boned us.  As it turned out, they had zero distribution.  Other labels, big labels, wanted to partner up with them and release “Firefly” globally, but QED’s asking price was too high.  These guys wanted to get rich off our deal!  We were too naive and caught up in other things to realize what was going on.  In the meantime, I was having some personal battles and decided it was the best for me if I just walked away.  So thats essentially how the band broke up.

Jason: What were the motivating factors in you guys coming back? How has the music scene changed?

Jed: I decided to put Hate Machine back together because I am a performer.  I tried my hand at some cover bands the last few years because I missed the stage, man.  But it just wasn’t the same.  There is nothing else in the world better than performing your own material.  So, I contacted Al and asked him if he wanted to get together for one last hurrah.  That was our August Water St show this past summer.  But, Al started showing me all this material he had written that needed vocals.  It was Hate Machine!  Sounded like Hate Machine, felt like Hate Machine.  I couldn’t let this music die.

I am not entirely sure how the scene has changed.  I do miss some of the good old days though.  In the old days you would go to a show and you would go to check out all the bands.  You would meet up with friends and make a night of it.  Now, people show up for one band!  And the whole time they are there they are texting, tweeting, facebooking..whatever.  It’s sad.

Jason:  As a frontman, I always pay close attention to every bands singer.  You are like a fuckin’ man possessed when you are on the stage.  No one can deny the energy and passion. I really respect that.  What turns the screws for this level of intensity?  Who are some of your influences?

  Jed: I dont know man…lol.  I grew up watching Phil Anselmo, Scott Weiland, Eddie Vedder…guys that felt whatever they were singing.  I think in order to own it, you have to feel it.  It’s not an act, I don’t plan it out.  It just happens.  A light goes on and it’s showtime man.  I give my blood, sweat and tears.  I believe it.  And in turn I think the audience does as well.

Jason:  As a band, will the musical direction change at all? Why or why not?

Jed: The musical direction has changed because we have all evolved as musicians and performers.  Things aren’t as basic as they may have been on the Its All Good record.  Plus, here’s the kicker..we have zero pressure!  We aren’t trying to get a deal, or become rock stars, or get on the Ozzfest, or impress chicks..we are doing it because it’s fun and we love to do it.

Jason:  Tell us what Hate Machine has in store for 2012.  Album? Tour?

 Jed: Hate Machine will be releasing a new EP this spring tentatively titled “Bring in the Butcher”.  Look for shows from us regionally every 4-6 weeks.  We are looking to breathe a little bit of life into the local scene.  Help some younger bands out and meet up with lots of old friends.

Jason:  With all that you have accomplished in Hate Machine, what advice would you give to the young musicians out there, trying to make it to the top?

Jed: Honestly?  Is there even a top these days?  The best way to do it nowadays is all internet based.  Give your music away for free.  People are too hard strapped for cash to plop down money on cd’s from artists they don’t know.  Press some 3 song sample discs and give those bad boys away to everybody and their brother, jack.  Get the word out.  Use reverbnation, facebook and all the social media sites.  Play every show again, for money or not, and bring it everytime!

Jason: You were an integral part from the late 90’s to now in putting/keeping Rochester on the map in the Metal scene.  Who are some of the bands from the area that you enjoy watching/performing with?

 Jed: Well..we are somewhat new to the new scene. lol.  I enjoy your band, Nine Round.  I really dig Armed with Valor.   Steph and those boys are coming on strong. Cry to the Blind has some nice stuff going on. On the old school tip..check out Burn Everything and Pipe.

Check out the following sites for Hate Machine info:

www.hatemachineny.com

www.reverbnation.com/h8machine

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hate-Machine/134482483249840

www.deadroc.com

-Jason Acevedo