NYS Music 20​12

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  • 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.
  • MADE IN CHINA – Age isn’t shit.

    MADE IN CHINA – Age isn’t shit.

    Gouverneur’s Made In China is making waves in Northern New York’s metal scene. At first listen, the band comes off like many other bands within the scene. They have a great sound, they write sound material, and they hold nothing back while going for the throat. Like most bands within the scene, they also promote their brand with maximum effort. However, this is not your average everyday run of the mill band looking for your attention. If we are talking averages, let’s talk about the average age of band members within this project. It falls well below the age of 18!

    With a major shortage of all age venues in the North Country and beyond, young bands like Made In China have an uphill battle from the start. In the early to late 80’s, the amount of band members that would be considered minors in the metal scene was staggering. Bar owners tended to turn their heads and allow the show to go on with no interference. Of course, it was a different era back then, and the moral majority did not have their panties in a ruffle yet. With the changing alcohol consumption laws and a huge push to curb DWI offenses, the venues began to tighten up on the admission of minors as patrons or band members. Being someone who cut my teeth in the clubs of yesteryear, I can tell you that the kids being admitted were not the issue. The asshole bar owners who served these kids were the real issue at hand!

    Now, we will fast forward to this new era of metal music. The bands are becoming younger and younger. Their talent level is getting better by the day. Made in China, and a band like Razed In Hell from Watertown, are perfect examples of bands that just want to be heard. They want a chance to prove themselves to you, the consumer!

    Some of the crew at Upstate Metal had a chance to recently sit down with Kraymer Cronk and Ray Stevens from Made In China. Enjoy!

    Christine: How long has Made In China Been Around?

    Ray: Yeah Kraymer, how long?

    Kraymer:  It started in 2008. Chalez and I are the only original members left in the band.

    Christine: When did you join the band, Ray?

    Ray: July of 2011. Or around summer

    Kraymer: July is summer

    Christine: Not in this part of town, bucko. Anyway, you guys are clearly one of the youngest bands to be active within this scene. You have an ever expanding fan base because of your presence alone. What’s in store for Made in China in 2012

    Ray: Brutality is what we’re all aiming for I think. Or at least I hope. Hopefully an EP!

    Kraymer: Definitely an EP!

    Ray: We are currently looking for a studio

    Kraymer: The hardest part has been finding one.

    Christine: Understandable, especially one that will do your band justice at an affordable price.

    Ray: Yes, we are debating whether a home recorded EP would be better or not.

    Kraymer: It wouldn’t be better. But, If that is all we can do for now, then we will do it.

    Christine: What bands influence your sound?

    Ray: Oh goodness!

    Kraymer: I think that differs for every member.

    Ray: That’s what I’m saying. Mine would personally be Chelsea Grin, Adestria, City Delivered, and We Came As Romans

    Christine: What brought your band together?

    Kraymer: I think being friends helped at the start. We met in school.

    Christine: Does being so young within the scene in Northern New York pose problems with you getting gigs, and playing with other bands.

    Kraymer: Sometimes. It isn’t always a problem though. I think some people just don’t take us seriously because of our age.

    Ray: The problem we encounter the most regarding our age, would be playing in bars.

    Christine: Probably has something to do with the lack of all ages venues. It pushes you into having to play the bar scene. It must also pose a problem with your peers being able to get in.

    Kraymer: Yeah, there aren’t a lot of venues that allow us to have our younger crowd mix with the adult crowd.

    Christine: I saw you guys not too long ago at the American House in Edwards, and you guys proved to be quite energetic on stage. Does the band have any upcoming shows?

    Ray: We have around five shows coming up. We plan on announcing some more.

    Christine: Who is your favorite local band to share the stage with? Is there any potential for a mini-tour within the year?

    Kraymer: I don’t think I would be able to personally choose a favorite yet. There are a lot of great local bands to choose from. A mini-tour would be amazing. I think we have the potential to do that.

    LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING?! Then get out on January 20th and pick up a copy of , flip to the Upstate Metal section and enjoy!

  • MORE FASTER discusses the state of pop punk

    MORE FASTER discusses the state of pop punk

    More Faster is an upbeat pop punk and ska band from Orange County, NY. Formed in 2009, More Faster has self released an EP, Bring Back the Melody and a full length, Asbestos. I lured Sky, Brian and Patrick to my apartment with a promise of relative personal bodily safety and candy on a Friday evening.

    Brian UM: Who are you and what instruments do you play?
    Sky: I’m Sky and I only sing now.
    Patrick: I’m Patrick and I play the bass
    Brian: And I’m Brian and I play drums.
    Brian UM: So you guys just recorded an EP.
    Sky: heh. Yeah
    Brian: We were going to release that, but we decided it didn’t sound good enough.
    Sky: It sounds good, but we want it to sound awesome. We want to shop it to labels and shit.
    Brian: Cause we’re tired of hearing all these awful metalcore bands that have these big, expensive sounding recordings and we have this sort of…
    Sky: Homemade…
    Brian: Basement sounding bullshit.
    Brian UM: I’ve been noticing lately a lot of pop punk bands have been going with lower-fi recordings. How do you feel about that?
    Patrick: I think the first time I remember someone commenting on one of our recordings I remember them saying “this is good, this is low fi.” and I was like is that a compliment?
    Brian: I guess when you listen to bands like the Bananas and Operation Cliff Claven, they were really low fi stuff.
    (Patrick laughs)
    Brian: Why’s that funny, dick?
    Patrick: What other obscure bands can I look up on my ipod here? Let’s just name really obscure bands, so no one will know what we’re talking about. People are really gonna love this interview.
    Brian UM: Yeah, this is for a metal publication too. (everyone laughs)
    Brian UM: Brian, this question is directed toward you, since you’re the encyclopedia of obscure pop punk bands. What bands would you consider yourself to sound most like.
    Brian: Oh….
    Sky: real quick…I’ve had a lot of people tell us we sound like Osker. I’ve never written a song and been like “Osker really inspired the shit out of this one”
    Brian UM:I could see it though, because this area seems to have a lot of Osker fans. We may have the largest concentration of OSker fans in the world.
    Brian: I think generically “empty” sounds like Blink 182.
    Sky: Yeah, i get that a lot.
    Brian: and I think some of our ska songs are like Operation Ivy or Suicide Machines.
    Brian UM: I guess you decided to not mention obscure bands after all.
    Brian UM: Next question: How many bands are you in?
    Sky: I guess two.
    Patrick: Two
    Brian: Four
    Brian UM: How do you guys find that effects your ability to play shows, or record? Especially Patrick. Your a full time college student in Oneonta and that takes you out of the area a lot.
    Patrick: I don’t like being at school, so I pretty much find excuses to come home. If someone asks me to do a show I’m just like “Yeah, I’ll totally come home to do that”
    Brian UM: Sky how do you find this effects your ability to concentrate on one band and is the band you all consider most important?
    Sky: I’m unemployed and don’t go to school, so being in two bands really doesn’t cause a problem. I don’t feel like I put one in front of the other. But this band, I write the lyrics and shit. So I put a lot more energy into this, just because this is what’s in my brain all the time. This is my main project.
    Brian UM: So, you guys changed your name to More Faster and started playing somewhat slower. Explain yourselves.
    Sky: I think the names perfect for us, because we play fast but we’re also kind of retarded. So us slowing down and changing the name to More Faster just makes sense.
    Brian UM: Patrick, I notice you look embarrassed on stage a lot when Sky’s talking. How long do you think it’ll be before you quit the band in a huff?
    Patrick: I don’t know.
    Sky: It was way worse a long time ago. You have to admit I’ve gotten a lot better.
    Brian UM: The question was for Patrick, Sky.
    Patrick: I don’t know. He pisses me off sometimes. Sky’s like “Oh we’re going on in five minutes? I’ll be back in fifteen.” Then he finally gets there and he’s like “I’d like to say some words before we play’”
    Brian UM: As a pop punk band that plays an older style of pop punk, how do you feel about current pop punk bands that play in tight pants, with dropped d tuning, double bass pedals, scream vocals, etc?
    Sky: I almost don’t want Brian to answer this…
    Brian UM: I feel like I’m directing it to Brian.
    Sky: Before Brian answers because he’s just going to go on and on and say “you know what your problem is buddy?”
    Brian UM: that’s actually what I’m looking for…
    Sky: I think there’s too many bands that throw around the pop punk label. I’ve been calling it pop rocks for a while cause it’s just watered down bullshit, like All Time Low. And it’s either watered down and Disney and they still want to call it punk because it’s four chord, or it’s bands like Set Your Goals, where it’s dropped d and these breakdowns and they don’t actually fit. It’s just like why are you doing that? I know music evolves and stuff, I just feel like it’s so different from what pop punk was and is, they shouldn’t call it that because it’s just rubbing shit on the name.
    Brian UM: Or like applying a previous label to an unrelated type of music. Sort of how post hardcore is misused today.
    Sky: Exactly, I’m not going to call us a grunge band.
    Brian: My whole thing with pop punk is this. Even with like old Blink 182… it had the snottiness. It was offensive. Some of it dealt with politics. It had punk roots to it. Now it’s like all these bands have no clue. It’s like “you’re singing about straight edge and you don’t know who Minor Threat or 7 Seconds is?” It’s like come on.
    Patrick: They want to play breakdowns but they don’t want to get beat up.
    Brian UM: Sky, I listen to your songs, musically they’re very happy and upbeat. But lyrically, they’re sort of um…sad. Do you write the lyrics seperately and put them to existing music?
    Sky: I write a song, I’ll write the music. When i write lyrics, I write them to vent. So it’s like I’m a happy guy, because my music can be angry and sad.
    Brian UM: Also, you have my phone number. So if you get sad, call me before you hurt yourself.
    Sky: It’s never gotten that bad.
    Brian: It’s more like penis envy for Sky
    Sky: It’s not that it’s little, it’s average. But the rest of me is big. So it looks small.
    Brian UM: How tall are you?
    Sky: 6’4
    Brian UM: I was around of a lot of pop punk bands in the late 90s and they were mostly in it to get laid. How’s that going for you?
    Sky: If pop punk gets you laid, nobody told us. Nobody listens to us and says “I’m gonna blow those dudes.”
    Brian UM: So, what’s next for you guys?
    Sky: Better recordings, because we want to shop labels. We’ve been doing everything by ourselves, and any help is good.
    Patrick: Also, we’re playing with Patent Pending at the Loft in Poughkeepsie on 2/17.
    Brian UM: Thanks for taking the time to do this, guys.
    -Brian Lawrence
  • MUMMIFIED IN CIRCUITRY’s “Echoes of Morality” haunting, a galloping wallop of destructive greatness

    MUMMIFIED IN CIRCUITRY’s “Echoes of Morality” haunting, a galloping wallop of destructive greatness

    Music is most effective when it possesses a maximum flash of creativity, and the power of a freight train rolling down the track. Intensity sells in any genre. Reality in word play, is a close second for me. With that being said, the new album from Mummified in Circuitry meets this criteria on the highest of all levels. This Billerica, Massachusetts based band has delivered a stunningly adept recording to Innerstrength Records. It is a major piece of work within the Northeast metal scene. Their prowess looms large among the amount of pretenders and half ass copycats that surround them. I can only applaud this effort with a genuine “thank you.” We need this type of release on the scene right now.

    From the first chords played on this record, we realize that the sophistication of Mummified in Circuitry, is a key component in their attack. Sometimes, the production of aggressive metal gets obscured in the studio setting. As a matter of fact, I would say that the percentage of bands that forego the quality aspect of their recordings is somewhere around 90 percent. That is why it is hard to find quality bands that take pride in creating the overall package. On many occasions, the litmus test ends 20 seconds into a song. Not here, and not these guys.

    Echoes of Morality is a haunting, galloping wallop of destructive greatness. The first half of the record is loaded with music steeped in ripping your face off. It also reveals a formula of advanced playing that suits the band well and often. Ripping solos, profound lyrical content, and a groove on par with 1,000 feet stomping around in a pit, are showcased on each and every track. The best of the bunch in the first half of the record are “Eyes Devoid of Sin,” and “Becoming Baal,” On “Baal,” singer RJ Connor devastates the mic with lyrics that are ripe with overtones of destruction and doom. He sings, “Dont hit me again, stop swingin at me, should have killed you before. The power I feel, these weapons I yield, my soul as his whore.”  Obviously this is not from the first person perspective, but it is dark and exuberant in it’s evil diary-like dialogue.

    The second half of the record houses 5 tracks that are all on the same level of superiority. Tracks like “Blasphemous,” and “This Is The End,” bring the same kind of unrelenting balance that is coveted from front to back.

    So with this review, I have found a new companion piece for my daily cardio jaunts. It would be equally as inspiring if I was cutting wood, or working as a mortician. It is a fitting piece of essential listening for anyone on the go, and in the mood to rage! Mummified In Circuitry is more than the real deal. They are they the conglomeration of all things good within this genre. This release is available January 24th, 2012, definitely worth it.

    For more information on Mummified in Circuitry –
    http://www.facebook.com/mummifiedincircuitry
    http://www.myspace.com/mummifiedincircuitry

    -Erik Jensen

  • 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.