NYS Music 20​13

Category: UpstateLIVE Archives

  • Acoustic Guitar legend Leo Kottke coming to The Egg on April 26th

    Acoustic guitar legend Leo Kottke will perform at The Egg on Friday, April 26th at 8 PM as part of the American Roots & Branches concert series. Known as one of the fastest 6  and 12 string guitar players when he first emerged in the late 1960s, Leo Kottke has also become one of the most innovative and least musically classifiable artists of the 21st century. His one-of-a-kind picking style is matched in its uniqueness by his unusual, yet expressive vocal style and his stage shows mix instrumental virtuosity with a healthy dose of rambling stories, wit and humor.

    Tickets are $34.50 and are available at The Egg Box Office at the Empire State Plaza, by telephone – 518-473-1845 – or online at theegg.org.

    Read our review of the show here.

    acoustic guitar leo kottke

  • Review: Assembly of Dust at The Westcott Theater, April 13th

    A content crowd of harmless hippies from all around the Finger Lakes region gathered at Syracuse’s Westcott Theater on Saturday night to watch Assembly of Dust. From a cloud of fragrant smoke, the band emerged on stage with their opener “Telling Sue”. Barely seconds into the song, the audience begins to mouth the lyrics to the song.

    With Reid Genauer’s organic, raspy vocals and Adam Terrell’s Chuck-Ragan-esque raw attitude, the duo share chemistry that injects energy in their set. After the upbeat performance of “Paul Henry”, the band included instrumental interludes to go along with their cosmic lighting backdrop. Between the high strung guitar solos and the shimmering tinkle of the keyboard, it was as if every note had diffused itself like a pleasant haze over the audience. Assembly of Dust then played the synthy title track of their new record, Sun Shot, which was received by the audience with a roar of applause.

    For someone who is not the biggest fan of the bluegrass-jam-band genre, this reviewed found it exhilarating to watch such a great band draw such a diverse crowd together.

    Setlist:

    Set 1:  Telling Sue, Man With a Plan, Whistle Creek, Myth of Mine, Paul Henry, Avenue of the Giants, Love Junkie, Arkansas Down, Truck Farm

    Set 2: Mama, Weekhawken Ferry, Speculator, Burned Down, Cluttered, Songbeard, Silver And Worn,
    Westerly, Sunshot

    Encore: Miss Ohio, Lost and Amazed

    Download the show here

  • EVERYONE DIES IN UTAH Kill the Lost Horizon on April 6th with Local Support

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    Last Saturday, April 6th, Everyone Dies In Utah came to the Lost Horizon in Syracuse on their Dark Hearts & Open Eyes tour with The Overseer and Bleach Blonde. To support them were some of the finest upstate metal acts: Redfield, Meira, and Turn the Tide. This show was exactly what it promised to be; a showcase for up-and-coming talent in the various forms of underground music. While the bands all did very well and had good energy, the crowd seemed less enthusiastic. I’m not sure why this is the case, but by the end of the night, EDIU most certainly made the crowd come alive.

    Local metalcore sextet Turn the Tide opened the show and did what they always do; they “kept it metal”. Their high-energy stage presence and tight stage-move choreography kept things interesting, on top of talented musicianship and vocals. Not even drummer Mike Hopper’s overhead microphone falling on top of his drum set could stop the flow of their musical onslaught. However, being the first band has some serious drawbacks, and the crowd didn’t really give these guys as much energy as they deserved.

    Following them was Meira, a metalcore quartet that sounds like there are way more people than that. Playing songs from last year’s debut EP, Closure, plus a new song, these guys brought their dark, brutal sound to the stage with full force. The crowd started to pick up a bit as they went on, and some dedicated fans revealed themselves and sang along with them. They showed a lot of promise and cohesiveness with just the four of them, and proved that they are not messing around.

    Redfield, a local fan favorite, was the last local band to play. This metalcore act has gone through some lineup changes to date, and I think some of it showed. The vocals and rhythm section were spot-on, and brought the familiar partying energy we’ve all come to know and love, but it seemed as though at least one of the guitarists were new to the band and still needed to learn parts of some songs. However, vocalist Travis Bartlett carried the energy they are known for and engaged the crowd well, and induced some singing along of their newest songs.

    Pop-punk band Bleach Blonde were next, and they created some mixed feelings. They have a light, fun sound, and the music itself was performed excellently. Their drummer truly stood out with his skill and fills, but the whole band kept it together very well. That is, except for the singer. I don’t know if he couldn’t hear himself or what, but I don’t think he sang one note on key the entire show. That wouldn’t be too big of a problem if he wasn’t also boring on stage. This may sound harsh, but I think this band would have a much more promising future with a different singer.

    The Overseer, the last supporting act, took the stage by storm and brought some life back to the crowd after the previous band had finished. With their engaging stage presence, musical skill, and varying effects, these guys most certainly made a good impression on the crowd. They proved to be nice guys too, hanging with the other bands and talking to the audience about Syracuse University in the Final Four between songs. This band is definitely one to watch, because as good as they already are, it can only go up from here.

    When Everyone Dies In Utah took the stage, it was like a tidal wave. Strobe lights, keyboard effects, and brutal postcore music seemed to completely revive the crowd. It seemed many of the people in the crowd came to support the local bands, which is good, but the ones that stuck around to see EDIU were most certainly impressed. Somehow, they are able to combine brutally heavy verses and breakdowns, super catchy choruses and riffs, and electronica all into one distinct sound. They also proved to be nice guys, taking the time to talk to me for an interview after taking down the massive amount of equipment they had.

    Here’s my interview with Everyone Dies In Utah:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogBYZeFC330

    My interview with Meira:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSKIMvHpQvs

    My second interview with Turn the Tide:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0NRs6AyRvA

    (Here’s my first interview with TTT, just so you’re all caught up and learn everyone’s names…):

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTaX0cJz_N0

    www.facebook.com/315MusicReviews

  • Album Review: Keller Williams Keys in tribute to The Grateful Dead

    Keller Williams, best know as the one-man jam band, recently released his new album Keys, which focuses on only one instrument and one charity. The album is a collection of Grateful Dead songs with 100% of the proceeds going to The Rex Foundation, a charitable non-profit organization that was started by the Grateful Dead and gives grants to various causes. Keller Williams has a full schedule for this summer, making stops at festivals such as Summer Camp, All Good, Delfest and Equifunk. Keller Williams routinely uses the technique of live-phrase-looping with multiple instruments, which makes for a marvelous and unique show each time.  I was expecting to hear such a performance on the album, however, was left with only a piano.

    KW.Keys_.cover__1I discovered the jam band scene less than three years ago and therefore, my Grateful Dead knowledge is limited. Regardless, I do enjoy their music all the same and had to re-listen to some of the original songs before listening to Keller Williams’ version.  It was a great album to unwind to, with Williams’ soothing mellow voice and gentle finger playing. Keys definitely gives the songs a fresh perspective of the classic hits, but it’s not quite the same. I missed the groovy guitar riffs, pounding keyboards, familiar voices and steady rhythm that I associated with the GD. One of the best parts about listening to Keys is with the only sounds being the piano keys and Williams voice, it made the lyrics stand out so much more. Williams gave each song a new meaning by performing Robert Hunter’s psychedelic lyrics and Jerry Garcia’s melodies with a caring heart and impeccable finger playing.

    Keller’s thoughts on the album bear repeating, to show the personal connection he has with the music: “It’s no secret I have an unhealthy fascination with the Grateful Dead. Whenever I sit down at the piano its seems the only thing that comes out are Jerry ballads.  Even though these songs are not all Jerry ballads, I have sort of made them that way.  The lyrics, although I’ve been singing them most of my adult life, are not 100% perfect….like any other music I play, I’ve taken liberties.  All of the proceeds from the sale of these songs goes to support the Rex Foundation, which was started by the Grateful Dead, in the 80’s….so you can feel good about that! ”

    The album is available through iTunes currently for digital download, remember it’s for charity.

    Key Tracks: Brokedown Palace, Bird Song, Row Jimmy

  • Todd Rundgren releases his 24th solo album “State” and tour dates

    One of the coolest parts of writing is the opportunity to review music by my favorite artists. I’m not a critic unless I’m badgered into it. If I listen to something that I don’t care for, I don’t write about it, simple as that. I don’t want to rain on anyone’s parade, for me it’s all about giving exposure to music I believe is exceptional. But writing about Todd is a pure joy! He’s been one of my favorites since “Hello, It’s Me” hit the airwaves. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing him in concert twice. Once with his band Utopia at the opening of the “Ra!” tour and again two years ago at The Oneonta Theater, which I reviewed on these pages. I’m about to spin State for the first time and share my thoughts on it with you. Here we go!

    Todd01-web
    Photo by Sandra Jackson at Sublunar Studios [Visual Design]
    State is a one-man-band project like so many other of Todd Rundgren’s works, ten tracks that reflect industrial and contemporary electronic elements. This is his 24th solo release and it’s touted as a fusion of rock, soul, R&B and electronica.

    Todd sets an immediate electronica tone with a sequencer running to open “Imagination”, then lays down a little “War Pigs” crunch line. I’m not sure if it’s a vocodor or just effects on the vocals, but the echo element emphasizes the topic, or lack thereof. It’s like the devil on one shoulder and an angel on the other, or is it two devils? They push and prod against each other in an almost tug of war right up to the first solo which is quintessential Todd. Exposing an inner battle in song, “I am what I am, that’s all that I am. Same old situation. No imagination. I tell myself.”

    Bordering on trip-hop with a twist of Todd mayhem. He said he listened to Skillrex, interesting and a bit alarming! “Serious” feels like a mix of 80’s elements from fuzz-tone funk bass to chorus-like synth flourishes right down to the R&B influenced vocals. A total switch of the gears, just like you’d expect from him, it’s like Was Not Was on steroids. He keeps the sequencer rolling on “In My Mouth”, accompanied by electronic drums and processed vocals. Sounding something like a musical therapy session, perhaps describing words on the tip of his tongue that he can’t release.

    “Ping Me” reflects the modes of communication we use today as much as how we diagnose a interpersonal problem described as a technical problem. The inability to express feelings that has been exasperated through our use of the internet medium. Just send a signal and I’ll know you’ve heard me, but did you really? The electronic funk feel rolls on through “Angry Bird”. It’s like he’s playing the game to describe the ebb and flow, lose a life, gain a trophy, re-charge, start over, pretty much a relationship video game soundtrack. “Smoke” has all of the elements of a New Order collides with Todd’s signature R&B/blue-eyed soul feel. He often plays an under-lying sexual tone expressed through analogy. He remains oblique enough to allow the listener their own definition, truly one of the most difficult of songwriting pieces.

    Untitled

    “Collide-A-Scope” gets heavy on the electronica in a stream of thought lyric. As if he’s spinning the wheel on a kaleidoscope of his emotions, again the analogy-like exposition of feelings through an electronic medium. The real heart trying to be heard, but washed under a tide of programming and lack of ability to communicate. The metronome-like percussion of “Something From Nothing” gives a machine voice to a clock left hanging on a wall in a deserted town. Hanging onto hope, which equates to nothing more than a nail on a wall, expressed as faith, which ends up being nothing. “Party Liquor” is a full-force shot at the whole dj dance-hall scene. Exposing the vacuousness and soulless nature of the genre. It’s remarkable that all of these sounds were created with one guitar and a laptop, but that’s surely the shape of music today. The difference is these things are used by a brilliant musician, not a kid using Garage Band. The lyric suggests how easy it all is when you’re in the right place at the right time. Pure misogyny. The closer, “Sir Reality” reduces the real to the ridiculous in a simplification of what actually is, a Wizard of Oz-like opus of belief. Believe what I tell you is real, not what you actually feel. Pure Todd.

    There is also a 2 CD limited edition of State which features a recent concert on Disc 2. Much like every other Todd album I’ve heard, this one is highly recommended as his constant evolution as a writer and musician are in full force here. Don’t forget, he plays every instrument, sings every vocal, engineers and produces this work. Don’t try this at home, trustafarians.

    Todd will be touring in support of “State” beginning at The Bearsville Theater in Woodstock, NY for an “Official State Visit” on May 5th and 6th.

    Tracklist:
    1. Imagination
    2. Serious
    3. In My Mouth
    4. Ping Me
    5. Angry Bird
    6. Smoke
    7. Collide-A-Scope
    8. Something From Nothing
    9. Party Liquor
    10. Sir Reality

  • An Interview with Styx bassist Ricky Phillips

    Styx dominated the airwaves in the 70’s and 80’s with well-known hits such as, “Lady”, “Come Sail Away”, “Show Me The Way” and their only number one song, “Babe”.  The band did however have four consecutive multi-platinum albums and have a revolutionary sound comprised of a powerful guitars, theatrical performances and pioneering the prog-rock sound.  We were fortunate enough to interview Styx bassist and former Bad English founder, Ricky Phillips.

    The Glens Falls Civic Center is going to be host of three amazing acts on April 24th.  The “Midwest Rock ‘n Roll Express” tour featuring REO Speedwagon and Styx will be coming to the foothills of the Adirondacks to share their progressive rock stylings.

    REO Speedwagon will be sharing the headlining role of the tour with Styx.  REO Speedwagon has sold over 40 million records, including number one singles, “Keep On Loving You” and “Can’t Fight This Feeling”.  Another incestuous connection is REO Speedwagon’s lead guitarist Dave Amato used to play with Nugent before joining the band in time for their 1990 release The Earth, a Small Man, His Dog and a Chicken.  That album featured the bands last top 100 hit “Lock Is a Rock”.  Since then they have had success as a live act playing virtually non-stop around the world, the last few years with Styx.

    Ted Nugent has been getting more press for his stance on guns and support of the NRA than he has for his music lately.  Don’t forget that the Motor City Madman was all rock ‘n roll before he got political.  In the 70’s, Nugent provided us with hits like, “Strangehold”, “Wango Tango”, “Great White Buffalo” and of course, “Cat Scratch Fever”.  How does Nugent fit in with the tour?  He played with Styx’s Tommy Shaw in the super group Damn Yankees.

    Did you know Ted Nugent evaded being drafted in the 1970s by covering himself in his own feces and not showering for a few weeks? It’s true – read here from the man himself!

    When asked what we could expect at the show in Glens Falls, he said we should be prepared to be amazed.  Their goal is “to make tonight’s show better than last night’s show.  We even put together a brand new set that we are debuting on this leg of the tour.  We’ve put thousands and thousands into it and we aren’t even sure if fans will notice it the difference, but the stage performance that we put off is so important to the show.”

    Ricky actually played on Ted’s Little Miss Dangerous album, “One day I came home and Ted had left a message that he needed me to play a song for a movie that ended up on the album. So, I went down and I also set Dave Amato and Ted up together.  Now Dave is with REO. Most of the guys that are still out there have done some recording or played for everyone else at some point. A lot of the guys who are still the survivors are still carrying the torch and we are all still friends.”

    The Styx line-up hasn’t changed in 10 years, and there is a lot of rumors about grief and animosity with Dennis DeYoung.  Ricky played it off saying that “The band has been focused on growing the band over the past 10 years and getting better and better and not dwelling on the past.  Dennis is incredibly talented and if people are a Dennis DeYoung fan, I encourage them to go see him.”  Styx has a lot of modern pop culture success as well, including being in Big Daddy and South Park.  “It is something to see that the fans know all the lyrics to the songs.  Styx has a unique sound and if you hear a Styx song on the radio, you can tell it’s a Styx song with the harmonies. I think that in the 70’s and 80’s there was a lot of cookie cutter format, and Styx always had their own sound.  It’s very impressive. When I was in The Babies and first came across Styx it was obvious that their sound was really unique.”  Three generations of fans will be at the show, and all three will know the lyrics, whether they are a Guitar Hero player, a South Park fan or remember them growing up 30 years ago.

    The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has also eluded Styx, as well as many of the progressive rock bands from that era.  You have to imagine that Styx will be inducted at some point.  Ricky’s perspective is that “When the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame started is always had more of a New York connection.  The British rock bands that started it all were being overlooked and it killed me.  So, I haven’t taken it too seriously.  It would obviously be a great honor to be recognized by the fans.  But whoever controls or makes that call, it’s up to them.  I’ve actually never even have this discussion with the other guys in the band.  Our focus is so much on the fans and making our music better and better every night.”

    Progressive rock is back on the rise, just look at any festival line-up and you will see modern prog rockers.  Styx was influential in starting that sound.  You can hear their influences on newer bands. “It’s great to hear, there is a new band that sounds like a mix between Styx and Zeppelin and you can tell what albums influenced them.  It’s nice to be part of the influencer.  I was influenced first of all by the Beatles and the song writing and arrangement.  Thank god that was my first initial impact as a kid.  There was a strong sense of song structure and melodies.  Paul McCartney’s bass solos were a huge part of me picking up bass.  I have played guitar to this day, but there is something about bass that has spoke to me.  It’s a real challenge to be a good bass player and it’s a challenge that I will always be striving for.  Listen to Paul McCartney and you can tell the percussion aspects of bass.  It’s seemingly invisible but bass can control the tempo and swing in a song.”

    Be sure to get out to the Glens Falls Civic Center  on April 24th and catch these three great bands and celebrate over 30 years of music.

  • MushroomHead Comes to The Lost Horizion April 23rd!

    Cleveland bred group MushroomHead will be taking the stage April 23rd at the Lost Horizon. Forming back in ’93, they began as a side project of various other local musicians.

    Their over the top stage performance and wild, mind-tripping sound and masks they wear caught on so they decided to take it up another level by making it an official band. Throughout the years they’ve gone through line-up changes and have a solid group now, and even downsized a bit; I bet it’s easier on the roadies! 13 years in the underground, 6 amazing studio albums, how can you not want to witness these guys live? Local bands such as Elephant Mountain, Meira, Wagner 3000, and Dear Mr. Dead are playing in support.  Show some local support and get ahold of the bands for some pre-sales priced at $15. Show starts at 6pm and doors open at 7pm be there!

    Elephant Mountain:

    A stoner-rock Syracuse native band, Elephant Mountain formed back in ’09 in a practice space with the birth of two songs that night. They’ll be returning to the stage on this night to support MushroomHead and to showcase a new drummer. There also maybe a surprise in-store so let’s see what the night may bring.

    Meria:

    This Syracuse based metal-core band released an ep back in in September titled “Closure”. You can find a digital copy in their BandCamp for free but if your feeling not so cheap in these tough times throw ’em a dollar! They’re also competing to be on the Warped Tour in Buffalo, Ny. If you want to cast a vote go to this link and show some more love:

    http://www.battleofthebands.com/u/meiraofficial

    Wagner 3000:

    One man’s sick music dream on an acid trip is all I can say about these guys.

    Dear Mr. Dead:

    A 5 piece band hailing from the ‘cuse area also not classifying themselves as anything but rock ‘n’ roll! But if you wanted to place a title on them you could go with Godsmack meets Disturbed.

  • Hearing Aide: Eastbound Jesus “Northern Rock”

    Northern Rock is a bold title for an album – Eastbound Jesus define themselves with the release of their third album in as many years.

    Northern Rock not only gives rise to the sextet’s own sound, but perhaps defines something that had previously been elusive – a sub-genre of music pumping out of the northern region of this country.  It’s something a kin to southern rock, but not quite; Northern Rock encompasses a variety of musical elements from rock to alternative country to folk-like story telling lyrics neatly packaged within each strategically placed song for an album that redefines the boundaries of Americana in the north.

    Eastbound Jesus Northern Rock

    Gentle drops of rain and soft plucking in album opener, “Out Yonder,” breaks open into a welcoming harmonization of vocals and the listener is hooked. “54 Miles”, a clap along song, would surely have the masses marching to the beat of their own drummer, in this case, Carl Anderson.  Northerners are often known for their attitudes (albeit misperceived), which forlorn and edgy lead Adam Brockway captures by strumming his acoustic amid the electric instrumentation.  Dave Wright on bass provides the needed counterpoints for a smooth, rounded balance of sound while Dylan Robinson (electric guitar) pushes the limits on “Kate Belle.” Getting down to the nitty gritty, Luke Anderson takes lead vocals on “I Wouldn’t Know”, letting his punchy personality flow into his banjo, crafting character into Northern Rock.  But, the congealing medium throughout the disc is the intrinsic lap steel interjections of Zach Infante.

    Eastbound Jesus will be unraveling their disc for the masses at a release party open to the public at Revolution Hall on April 19th.  Northern Rock is an expression of what it’s like to experience the north. A style of catchy rhythms, contextual lyrics (relevant to the day in the life of a small town northerner), and a homogeneous blend of instrumentation, Eastbound Jesus established a foundation for the sound of northern rock music.

    Key Tracks: 54 Miles, North Country Girl, Where the Winter Goes

  • Death to All 2013! “Celebrating the life and Music of Chuck Schuldiner”

    Death to All 2013 poster

    Attention Die Hard Death fans! Death to All tour, which celebrates “the life and music of Chuck Schuldiner” is hitting the big city next April 24th @ Irving Plaza. The tour aims to aid the Sweet Relief Charity for musicians, also in honor of Chuck, which main purpose is to” assists musicians in times of illness, disability and age related problems” .

    This year the tour will again feature members of the “Human” (album) era, and some special guests as well. Max Phelps (Cynic’s session guitarist) will have the honor to perform the vocals this year.

    Despite the issues with the Sick Drummer Magazine during the first run of the tour, Death to all was a success and once again it’s back with 12 major US dates and one Mexican date. This speaks volumes as the last tour only  featured 7 US dates. It was also motioned that this tour will feature a second leg which will include a show in Europe at the Neurotic Death Fest in the Netherlands.

    Last year’s skepticism among some fans on whether this tour will create some profit other than charity work was dismissed by Death’s manager, Eric Greif, with this statement;

    “A little word about DEATH TO ALL, people. This is NOT DEATH. I have read a few comments about money grabbing or trying to replace Chuck. Please show a little respect. DEATH TO ALL is meant to be a touring tribute to the words & music of Chuck Schuldiner, by the guys who played with him on the DEATH albums – and raising awareness of the important American charity Sweet Relief. Together we can all feel the vibe of what Chuck was all about by being together and collectively flowing to the tunes. We keep Chuck alive by keeping the music alive. It isn’t DEATH…it is DEATH TO ALL. “

    Tour dates are as follows: 

    Tickets avaiable here and vip tickets packages here.

    4/13 W. Hollywood, CA @ House Of Blues

    4/15 Denver, CO @ Gothic Theater

    4/18 Detroit, MI @ St. Andrew’s Hall

    4/19 Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues

    4/20 Cincinnati, OH @ Bogart’s

    4/21 Chicago, IL @ House of Blues

    4/23 Montreal, QC @ Club Soda

    4/24 New York, NY @ Irving Plaza

    4/25 Philadelphia, PA @ Theater For Living Arts

    4/26 Silver Springs, MD @ The Fillmore

    4/27 Worcester, MA @ Palladium

    4/28 Toronto, ON @ Phoenix Concert Theatre

    4/29 Mexico City, MX @ Circo Volador

    5/13 Tilburg, NL @ Neurotic DEATHFEST

  • Interview: OTHERWISE

    Otherwise, meaning other than supposed, different if you will. That is the best way to describe this incredible band, Otherwise. “We don’t really look like your typical rock band and we’re trying not to sound like your typical rock band. And there’s something for everybody, you might not get what you expect,” says Adrian Patrick, the band’s front man, to Upstate Metal’s Kate Drexel, on their tour bus. “At least that’s our goal, that’s one of our goals artistically.” It definitely seems like they have reached that goal with their ever-growing fan base.

    Originally from Sin City, Las Vegas, Otherwise, consisting of the Patrick brothers, Adrian and Ryan (lead guitarist/vocals), Corky Gainsford (drummer/vocals), Andrew Pugh (guitarist/vocals), Vassilios Metropoulos (bass/vocals), has made their mark across the country, and touched the fans’ hearts with their sound and powerful lyrics. “It’s an amazing feeling to show at a place you’ve never really heard of, that you didn’t know existed. Then people there are singing back your words, even if it’s one person singing back your song lyrics, it’s still like, wow, that’s really happening.”

    You may recognize one of their songs being played on Octane, one that has played for at least two years now, “Soldiers”. Back in October of 2011, during the 48 Hours Festival, the band met up with Jose Mangin, Sirius Octane’s program director who they had previously met at the Mayhem Festival in 2010, and while they were convening during the Sevendust set, they gave him a demo of the song. Adrian then tells the story about the song, adding, “it’s very spiritual.” “48 Hours Festival was the last show we got to do with our cousin, Ivan Patrick. He was our drum tech, he had a bunk on the bus, he was part of our crew for many, many years. Me and him are the exact same age, he was my twin, and two weeks later, he died on his bike on Halloween night, but before passing away, he came into Corky’s garage and he sang on ‘Soldiers’.”

    For all the die-hard In This Moment fans, you may recognize Adrian’s killer vocals in the fiery passionate duet with Maria, “The Promise”, that was eventually followed by a steamy music video filled with spine-chilling primal screams. Definitely an amazing metal duet that’s hard to forget. However, Adrian revealed that he was not their first choice. “Initially, I was just supposed to be laying down guide-tracks for a more well-known singer, you know, they had a long list of people they were contacting and it just so happened that the planets aligned, with all the red-tape and the record labels and management and people’s schedules, and the label liked what I did enough to say, ‘Dude, this sounds great, let’s put him on the album.’” After “The Promise” was heard, those die-hard In This Moment fans became Otherwise fans as well.

    Living in Vegas can have its perks, especially in mind-blowing experiences, ones where they have to be told in song. Some songs have a chilling effect, some have the effect of tugging the fans’ heartstrings (like “Heaven”), all of them have deep and powerful meanings, filled with Ryan’s amazing riffs, according to Adrian where their ideas come from. “Most of our ideas start with a riff that my brother has, he’s a very prolific writer. I mean, he picks up a guitar and a riff comes out and whether we use it or not, he’s always got some new ideas, so usually I’d say about 99% of the stuff is sparked. My brother is a spark, we all just kind of add to the fire…as far as lyric content goes, most of it is experiential, I write from experience. Although some guys are very good at telling a story about something they’ve never experienced or been through, …I try to stay away from that, because to me, it’s not genuine. Maybe it is genuine…to me it’s like I’m not gonna write about something I have no idea about.” The content of the lyrics are about those they have lost along the way to where they are now, about love, hate and anger. One of the songs they performed April 2nd at the Webster, was about an accident they should not have walked away from. These lyrics are the kind that really have the gears turned, that has everybody thinking about a deeper meaning behind these amazing words.

    Otherwise has had the opportunity to tour with the Canadian rock band, My Darkest Days. When asked about the tour, Adrian explained that their booking agent from TKO Booking, Andrew Goodfriend, was the one that set that up. “A lot of times the next step is based on relationships…and that was a good tour for us, it was a lot of fun, a lot of small bars, a lot of cool clubs and a lot of great crowds.” Before their headline tour, Otherwise shared the stage with Papa Roach, and after their headline, they will continue to tour with the band as well as perform at the Rock on the Range in Columbus, Ohio this summer.

    While touring all over the nation, quite a few venues stuck out for them such as Rams Head Live in Baltimore, MD and Rock Junction in West Greenwich, RI. However, there is one that really hits home for them: The Roxy in Los Angeles. “It’s very special to us because that’s where we pretty much got signed out of and they always do a really good job with sound. They’re total pros and it’s always a great vibe.” It seems wherever this band goes, they manage to set an incredible vibe, one that makes you feel like they are truly connecting with their fans.

    Be sure to check out Otherwise on their Facebook page (www.facebook.com/otherwiseofficial), and follow them on Twitter and Instagram (@weareotherwise) for tour dates and updates, and check out their debut record in stores now, True Love Never Dies.