Getting To Know Swirl


Where are you from and when did you get started?

Swirl is currently from sunny Southern California with half the band in Temecula and the other half in Pasadena.

Swirl was born in the Pacific Northwest. A little town called Mukilteo, WA. The current incarnation which has been together for 9 years now. In fact, we were kind of “put together” by Claude Schnell (former keyboardist for Dio). He was looking to record with a band that needed a guitar player and he asked if I would be willing to write with them so we could record together. It never got that far. Shortly after I joined up I recruited Shane and Alfred for Swirl.

Who are you and who does what in the band?

I am Duane “DT” Jones- guitar player. My brother Brian “Bam Bam” Jones is the drummer. Alfred Ramirez is our lead singer and Shane Carlson plays bass in the band

How would you best describe the sound?

With as many diverse musical interests as the members of Swirl have I honestly don`t know how else to describe our sound other than “it’s in the name”. We each bring our own influences to this band to create what you hear.

However, in 2017 The Huffington Post did a review and stated “they sound like an amalgamation of Slipknot and AC/DC”. Very flattering indeed as those are two very good bands with incredible careers. I have also read “…an interesting and diverse band to check out, as they combine the best of the past 20 years of American Rock/ Hardrock” which personally I think sums us up pretty succinctly.

I encourage you to give us a listen and judge for yourself at http://www.swirltheband.com/

Dream rock moment (real or not)?

Great question. Standing on stage at Wembley Arena, playing to a sold out audience where Swirl is the headliner and as we are getting ready to start the first chorus of our latest single, “The Lift” the power goes out on the electric guitars causing a delay in the performance. Strangely enough the microphones still work, but not the electric instruments. Before we lose the moment entirely and ruin the night the band gets handed acoustic guitars and we sit on the edge of the stage playing “The Lift” while the entire crowd sings the song back to the band! Yeah that would be my “it can`t get any better than this” moment.

Still got day jobs?

Well my “day job” is coaching football. As of this interview the season is over so I can put all my energy into promoting Swirl.

Brian is a drum instructor so he is “behind the kit” all day anyway.

Alfred has a night job, but Shane still has his day job….for now.

Any regrets?

None. If I did it I had a reason. Not saying it was the best of reasons, but clearly I thought it was the way to go at that time. None of us are getting out of here alive so might as well have some fun right?

“The Lift” Lyric video- https://youtu.be/xaBMGg0ACYo

Getting to Know Rebel’s End

Where are you from and when did you get started?

Rebel’s End is a Belgian sleazy hard rock band.
We are based in Antwerp and we started out in 2015 when our previous bands ceased to exist to form the current line- up.

Who are you and who does what in the band?

My name is Jeff James and I am the vocalist/guitarist. The core of the band will have to be our drummer Dol and I. We’ve been playing since 2009 and have lived together for a short while. Any ideas for new songs will be filtered through Dol to get the right groove. He also has a lot to do with sounding good on stage. Our bassplayer Stijn loves to tribute in the songwriting process and adds balls to songs already written. Live, he brings the attitude 200%. Our lead guitarist Rutger brings the flavor with razor sharp leads n licks. Loves to write and is ace in managment and bookings. My biggest love has to be composing and writing music. To start out from a riff or vocal line and then transform that into a whole song is amazing. I also try to sing not too badly ☺.

How would you best describe the sound?

Sleazy hard rock with a punk attitude and metal influences. We aim for modern sounding rock with a catchy sing a long chorus.

Dream rock moment (real or not)?

The Guns n Roses “not in this lifetime tour”. Seeing duff axl and slash reunited after all these years. Would have been better with izzy but hey, we saw them this summer and it was awesome. Goosebumps.

Still got day jobs?

Unfortunately, yeah we do ☺.

Any regrets?

Yeah , that we were born too late ☺

Getting to Know Charly&Faust

Where are you from and when did you get started?

Faust: We are almost all from France except our bass player who is from Switzerland! It started with Charly and I who met in France. We moved to LA a few years ago and we decided to create the band.

Charly: We met the other band members at The Musicians Institute, a music school in Hollywood.

ER: I’m from Switzerland and I joined the band one year ago.

NL: I’m from Strasbourg in France, I started playing the piano a couple of days ago.

CH: I am from a small town in Brittany, France. I joined the band in October 2016.

JF: I was born and raised in Paris. I joined the band about five months ago.

Who are you and who does what in the band?

Faust: I am Faust (Faustine Hornok) one of the lead singer and songwriter of the band.

ER: My name is Eric Reymond and I’m the bass player and one of the backing vocalist.

JF: I am Jeff (Jefferson Fichou), lead guitar player. I play most of the melodic lines and solo during our shows and recording sessions. I also do the backing vocals with Eric.

CH: My name is Coralie Hervé and I play drums in the band.

NL: I’m Nathan Lorber, and I mostly just bring coffe to other band members.

Charly: I never saw mine Nathan… *laughs* I am Charly (Marie Weill). I am the other lead singer of the band and I play rhythm guitar.

How would you best describe the sound?

ER: A subtle mix of Rock/Folk and all the influences of the band members.

NL: A vibration that typically propagates as an audible wave of pressure, through a transmission medium such as a gas, liquid or solid.

CH: We are an Indie-Rock-Folk band.

JF: Vintage and modern, elaborate and straightforward, ambient and rock.

Chalry: Our sound is basically a mix of all the influences of the different band members. We obviously have a main direction which is staying in the Indie-Folk-Rock genre, but sharing our different musical influences bring us sometimes to be really creative and to go interesting places in our composition process.

Faust: It’s an Indie-Rock-Folk style with some trippy sounds and with a lot of vocal harmonies. Vocals are really important in this band and we are spending a lot of time working on them with Charly.

Dream rock moment (real or not)?

CH: I would like to be able to do a worldwide tour. It would be awesome!!!

Faust: Being able to wake up and realize that music is now what I do for a living.

Charly: I would love to crowd surfing to one of our gig even if our music is probably not the best for it. I used to do that all the time with my sister when we were teenager and that was awesome!

NL: Bringing my bed on stage and playing in front of 10.000 people lying down.

ER: A nice mix between rock and roll with some modern touch.

Still got day jobs?

NL: Keyboardist for Charly&Faust is my day job, I only do it to pay the bills. When night comes I am actually a corporate accountant, which is my real passion.

Charly: Yes. We need to pay rent right!

Faust: Yes I do! You know, I love my work because it’s an artistic field and I can express myself with it, but what really gives me goosebumps is music.

CH: I am still studying at the Musicians Institute, I’ll be graduated in March.

ER: If you define going to school as a day job, so yes.

JF: School.

Any regrets?

JF: Absolutely none!

ER: No regrets!

Faust: My number one saying: “never have regrets”. So no regrets! *laughs*

CH: Not at all. I am really happy of what I achieve already and I hope there is a lot more coming up.

Charly: Nop! Just remorse! But instead of complaining about them, it is better to try to fix them right?

NL: Reading about Ned’s death online before watching Game of Thrones!

Getting to Know Crypitus

Where are you from and when did you get started?

Doug: Im originally from a place called Satans Kingdom in Vermont, look it up I’m not kidding its a real place. I moved to Rutland in 2016 and Pete was my roommate, we started jamming together and found the need for a drummer. We found Zach online and Im glad we snagged him before someone else did! So this line up of Crypitus started in May of 2016. 

Pete: Crypitus is the sound of breaking bones! Doug and I started jamming together after being roommates and not being able to find musical projects. Originally I mistook Zach for another drummer friend of mine, but he turned out to be a perfect addition anyway.

Zach: I’m Zach. I’m from Mendon VT and I rock percussion for Crypitus. I started playing drums when my best friend died and left me his kit. I was like, shit, looks like I’m going to have to learn now.

Who are you and who does what in the band?

Doug: Im the Guitarist/Vocalist/Manager of Crypitus!

Pete: I’m Pete. I melt faces with some of the sickest guitar riffs ever written. I carry the rhythm end with Zach.

Zach: Im the percussionist for this act!

How would you best describe the sound?

Doug: I would describe it as a Thrashy Blackened Death Metal sound with a progressive twist. 

Pete: We’re a fusion of death, thrash, and old school heavy metal with lots of extra bits of jazz sprinkled on top.

Zach: I think I would classify Crypitus as psychedelic thrash metal. We pull from a lot of influences. Crypitus is the sound of breaking bones.

Dream rock moment (real or not)?

Doug: I took my first stage dive in Maine this weekend, I intend to do more!

Pete: My dream moment would be hanging out backstage at a festival we’re playing at and seeing the guys from Mastodon just come up and chill with us and drink some beer.

Zach: I guess my dream moment would be our first headliner, at some stadium, with thousands and thousands of maniacs screaming for Crypitus. It’ll happen.

Still got day jobs?

Doug: Yes! I’m a Pharmacy Technician, been doing it since I was 18. 

Pete: I work as a car detailer at a car dealership. It’s ironic because my car is fucking filthy. 

Zach: Yeah, I work full time with autistic folks in their homes, helping them to live a mostly independent life.

Any regrets?

Doug: I try not to regret but there’s plenty of moments in my life that I would use the time differently. More productively I would say. 

Pete: I regret being in a serious relationship in high school that kept me from jamming with people sooner.

Zach: Regrets? Yeah I’ve fucked up plenty in the past, but as soon as I’m done repairing myself, Crypitus goes worldwide. As far as Crypitus goes, I have no regrets. I couldn’t imagine a band to have so much in so little time. 

Getting to Know Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra

Where are you from and when did you get started?
We are mostly from Tokyo, Japan. We started this band late 80s.
Cleanhead Gimura called up few of us and started Tokyo Ska.
His idea was to start a ska band yet combining ska music with what was happening in the Tokyo music scene then.
We were very underground when we first started.
 
Who are you and who does what in the band?
I’m Atsushi Yanaka and I play baritone sax.  I’m one of the original members.
 
NARGO: Trumpet
Masahiko Kitahara: Trombone
GAMO:Tenor Sax
Atsushi Yanaka: Baritone Sax
Takashi Kato: Guitar
Tsuyoshi Kawakami : Bass
Yuichi Oki: Keyboards
Hajime Omori: Percussion
Kin-ichi Motegi: Drums
 
 
How would you best describe the sound?
We name the genre of our music, “Tokyo Ska”
Based on Ska beat, we play rock, jazz, punk, soul to any genre of music.
The band members all came from different background, some are jazz musicians, one came from a rock band, one from a dub band, one guy is an expert on Frankk Zapp and some are total authentic ska freak.  We fuse all kinds of influences into our music.  It is hard to describe our sound.
 
Dream rock moment (real or not)?
We love the moments to witness our audience with only smile on their faces during our show. We are totally united with music.
We have been saying “Paradise Has No Border” as in the title of our song or of the album we are releasing.
Looking at everyone’s faces from the stage, we are convinced that there are no borders when you are all united with music.
Everyone is happy.  That’s our dream to see people smiling all over the world just like we see in the concert venues.
 
Still got day jobs?
No. Some members have different side bands.    
 
Any regrets?
Don’t think so.  Our motto is live 100% today.  You may not have tomorrow (who knows!) so enjoy today and do everything you can do today with 100% of your energy!
Find out more: http://www.tokyoska.net/

Getting To Know Spylights


Where are you from and when did you get started?

I am from a city called Metairie, Louisiana. It’s a small city outside of New Orleans. The idea of doing a solo project really came to fruition when my full time touring band parted ways back in late 2014. I started writing and recording music full time in 2015 and haven’t looked back since.

Who are you and who does what in the band?

I am the songwriter and vocalist for Spylights, and I performed and recorded all the instruments for the record. As of now I have a few talented players on board for live shows. One of them is actually the bass player in my other band called Like Water.

How would you best describe the sound?

I would say there are plenty of different feels involved in the sound,and plenty that have not even surfaced yet. Since 2015, I have written and recorded over 30 songs with many different kinds of feels and mixtures of genres within them. I try to touch on different styles cohesively of singer songwriter, jazz, alternative rock, prog, metal, electronica, and some fusion. I guess it’s mainly going to be considered a rock band when it all boils down.

Dream rock moment (real or not)?

I feel like I have been lucky enough to have some real dream rock moments in my career asa musician so far. Through the bands I have been a part of I’ve toured with Fishbone, shared stages with Haken, Thank You Scientist, The Expendables, Slightly Stoopid, The Damned Things, Dick Dale, H.R. Of Bad Brains, Alkaline Trio, and many more. I am just mega grateful that I had the opportunity to meet, get to know, and become friends with some of those guys through my craft!

Still got day jobs?

Of course that’s pretty much a given nowadays unless you are a massive entity of a band or somehow you don’t have rent or bills to pay. I am a producer, studio engineer, and from time to time I work as an audio video technician for extra money!

Any regrets?

No major regrets really, we all just play the hand we are dealt in life and learn from those mistakes we make along the way. The only regret I may have at all as a musician is wasting too much time on different bands over the years that only had a small percentage of dedicated passionate members in it for the long haul. Everybody wants to be in a band, brag about it to girls or their friends, until they learn what they truly signed up for and the sacrifice it entails. It is a long hard road that many aren’t either cut out for or willing to put the work into to get down.

Getting To Know Demi The Daredevil!


Where are you from and when did you get started?

We are from El Paso, Texas and we started jamming ten years ago in high school. But, after some tragic events, we didn’t start taking this seriously until 2015.

Who are you and who does what in the band?

Im Jeff Azar, I sing and play the keys. Marc plays the guitar. Matt and Gabriel play the drums. We play with backtracks, with a few programmed instruments in them.

How would you best describe the sound?

Queen meets Chicago meets Genesis if you’re an oldie. A newie, you could say twenty one pilots meets Panic! at the Disco meets My Chemical Romance. We have punk roots but this music has a slightly more relaxed feel, and is a bit more composed. Art Pop Dark theater music with emo punk roots.

Dream rock moment (real or not)?

Dream rock moment…. a fantasy would be to open for Puddle of Mud or Mudvayne or Muddy Waters if he were still around. Marc’s in a band called Slop Musket which is would be cool. Cradle of Filth maybe. I’m on a dirty word tangent. Maybe I should rethink my dreams and go to the light. Yani, or Switchfoot or Enya maybe.

Still got day jobs?

Yes, yes still got a day job. I guess that’s the defining factor between hobby musician and a professional musician isn’t it. And right now we’re in the trenches. And until I quit my day job, no one around me will be 100% convinced of this project being a career for me.

Any regrets?

Yes. Do I ever. I know they say regrets are useless. And they are if you already understand the mistake. But it’s still hard not to think about them. For me it’s being caught up in negative relationships for so long. Wrong crowds. Wasted a lot of time trying to get on the same page as people who aren’t on the same path as me.

Find out more: http://www.demithedaredevil.com/

Getting To Know Tarah Who?


Where are you from and when did you get started?

Tarah G. Carpenter (Vocals, Guitar)
Matthew Peltcher (Bass)

MP: I was born in Los Angeles California. I’ve been playing music since I was very young. We had a music teacher bring different instruments every week to class and eventually I got to play trumpet in the school band. In high school, I was hanging out with a big group of friends at lunch and they were like “Hey! We should all form a band! That would be so cool!” We got so excited, we started shouting out which instruments we were going to play. In the end, the only two that actually formed a band from that group was my best friend and myself.

TGC: I am from Paris, France. I started playing music when i was 14. I wanted to learn the drums but no one really supported for this instrument so I started teaching myself. I moved to Kentucky when i was 15 and i couldn’t play the drums ( I played percussion in Murray High School Band though..) so i taught myself the guitar. When I returned to France, to finish my baccalauréat I joined two bands. One, in which i played the drums and another one in which I was playing the bass. Secretly, I wrote songs on the guitar. I moved to LA when I turned 21, I didn’t have a band but I wanted to play. I found an ad on craigslist: ” looking for talented singer songwriters to play in a warehouse”. I can still picture it. I actually wish I could find such an event for us today! Anyway, I went? It was my first performance as a singer-guitar player. I had a lot of positive feedback so I kept on doing it. 11 years later.. I am still doing it!

Who are you and who does what in the band?

MP: I’m the bass player and backing vocals. Tarah writes the music and the rest of us contribute.

TGC: I am Tarah, founder of Tarah Who?. I write the songs (music and lyrics).

How would you best describe the sound?

MP: Our sound can have some grunge, punk, rock or even metal sounds depending on the song. We aren’t looking for any particular sound. We just write what sounds good to us. You can definitely expect a very loud performance at a Tarah Who? Show.

TGC: This is very well described! Not much to add here.. We’re very simple in sound. Plug in and play. we’re loud, energetic, we like to scream and make you scream! We love to entertain!
I grew up listening to 90 ‘s rock music, and i was a big Alanis fan. So I am pretty sure there is some Alanis in my writing (singer-songwriter) then I discovered the Foo fighters and I was a huge fan! And then, I discovered the Distillers. And outside of having a big crush on Brody, I thought they sounded amazing;) wait, does that make sense?

So Tarah Who? sounds like Alanis, kept Taylor on the drums but switched her guitar player with Brody and Tony, meets Courtney Love just because she’s hanging out! (I may have had a Moscow Mule or two…)

Dream rock moment (real or not)?

MP: Touring Europe. Let’s make that dream a reality. 😉

TGC: Easy peasy Matt! We’ll make it happen, don’t you worry:) I am not sure that I understand the question… Have I had a dream Rock moment? what is a dream rock moment?!!Wait I am confused..

Well.. let me tell you a little story instead.. once upon a time, I go to my rehearsal space in North Hollywood with my dog, Boogie who takes a dump. I pick it up, because i am a good citizen.. (Or I think I am..) I look up and someone says Hi! and it is Jack Black. The End.

Still got day jobs?

MP: Yes. Next question?

TGC: Got to do what you gotta do!

Any regrets?

MP: No. What purpose do regrets have besides making you feel like shit? Regrets are a big waste of time and the sooner you realize it the better. I’m done with my PSA now.

TGC: Sometimes… missed opportunities. When i don’t dare to ACT when i get THE chance. I hesitate for too long and then the moment is gone. Then i am pretty upset at myself for not daring.. I am getting better…I think… but yeah.. That’s the kind of regret I have.

Find out more about the band here.

Getting to Know Four Lights

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Where are you from and when did you get started?

KII: I am from Whidbey Island. I started when I was 8.

Brian: Originally I am from Illinois, but moved to Washington State in the mid-2000s. I met these nerds between 2007-2010 and we decided to start this band in 2015 as an excuse to use the gravity bong at the old practice space.

Jeff: We’re Four Lights from Seattle, WA.

Who are you and who does what in the band?

KII: I am KII and I play Drums.

Brian: I’m Brian and I play bass and sing back ups. I am also responsible for the majority of press photos, album layouts, and all of the video work that we do.

Jeff: I’m Jeff, and I play guitar and sing backups.

Dan: I’m Dan! I sing and play the guitar!!

How would you best describe the sound?

Brian: Power-pop masquerading as pop-punk (or maybe vice versa).

Jeff: I’m terrible at describing the sound, but I agree with the others. Power pop with heavy pop punk roots.

Dan: Yeah, the other dudes really nailed it.

Dream rock moment (real or not)?

Brian: Meeting Tom Hanks.

Jeff: An opening slot on the next Captain Geech and the Shrimp Shack Shooters world tour.

Dan: Bracket or The Impossibles decide to do a tour and bring us along.

Still got day jobs?

Dan: I am an IT manager for a long term care company.

KII: Yup. It’s OK. That’s what the therapist says to tell myself anyway.

Brian: Yes and it’s slowly killing me.

Jeff: Up until recently, I’ve had plenty of joe-jobs; nothing I’d call a career. Let me put it this way: I have an extensive collection of nametags and hairnets. Right now I work in a lab, in the nanotechnology field

Any regrets?

KII: Just that day old pizza.

Brian:Wearing these fucking suits in the summertime.

Jeff: I regret choosing a “D” instead of a “B”, in the Wheel of Fortune bonus round.
Dan: I regret letting the other dudes answer questions in interviews haha

Seattle punk act, Four Lights, have they released their debut album Death to False Posi on August 15, 2016 through Bomb Pop Records. Four Lights are streaming their new album Death to False Posi in full through Bandcamp. The title track features guest vocals from the veteran California pop-punk act, Bracket.

Check out the album here: Death to False Posi
Continue reading Getting to Know Four Lights

Getting to Know Slim Wray

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slim_wray (585x800)Where are you from and when did you get started?

We’re based out of Brooklyn and formed Slim Wray in 2012 – but prior to that, Howzr and Chris have been playing around the NYC scene in punk/grunge band, “Ten Pound Strike.” Brian later joined after he and Chris met while some session work at the Vault Studios in Hoboken. We also recorded our debut album “Sack Lunch” at the Vault with producer, Dan McLoughlin.

Who are you and who does what in the band?

I, Chris, I Drummer

I, Howzr, I Singer and Guitarer

I, Brian, I Bass

How would you best describe the sound?

A 1960’s high school dance that starts with guys on one side of the gym and girls on the other side. Very sweet and innocent. But then some smart-ass spikes the punch with grain alcohol, creating “Jungle Juice” for the first time ever. Pandemonium ensues. The band starts playing backwards revealing satanic verse, then the kids start dancing crazy like that scene from Matrix 3, a motor cycle gang crashes the party and does wheelies on the basketball court, that kid from Science Class sees a bra for the first time, likes it, paratroopers repel from the ceiling, Ms. Kalinsky’s face melts revealing she is –in fact- ZAAR –the alien explorer from the planet Klanduu on a 5000-year mission to observe Human mating rituals, a bucket of blood is dumped on the prom queen. She retaliates with fire made from her mind. Burns the place down. Cats and dogs living together. You know, mass hysteria.

Dream rock moment (real or not)?

I don’t know if you heard, but a few weeks ago, Dave Grohl fell off stage and unfortunately broke his leg. But, so great was his commitment to rock, that he got right back up there with a makeshift cast and finished the set. It was an epic day. One day, I hope to break my leg on stage, and have Dave Grohl pick me and hold me in his arms as I finish playing the set. Then I know that I can retire on top.

Still got day jobs?

You know, everyone in bands has day jobs these days. Even the big stars you wouldn’t expect, like for instance, The Edge from U2. Seriously. Yeah, true story: our tour van pulled up to a Hardees drive-thru somewhere – West Lafayette, Indiana, I think. And there, working the window was The Edge from U2! I’m like, “dude, what the hell? Why aren’t you on tour right now?” And he’s like, “yeah, man, we want to but you know, we gotta save some money right now for gas and tolls.” Its crazy. I mean, if even The Edge has to save-up for tour gas money…

But we got it all figured out. It’s our startup called chikknn. It’s this app on your phone that, no matter where you are, will locate the nearest fried chicken joint. If there is somebody else in the same vicinity that has the app, it will tell you they also like fried chicken. We’re seeking outside investments. So if you know anyone…

Any regrets?

Howzr – That I quit my high school band metal band, Meatmuffin. We were once the top house party draw in Butler, IN, and top slinger of Sabbath riffs east of the Mississippi. It was a simpler time.

Chris – That I never reached-in and petted that tiger at the Bronx zoo -even though the sign said “don’t feed the tigers.” It would be easier to play drums with 5 fingers instead of 2.

Listen to “Take It or Leave It” HERE.

Cheers!

-Jerry Actually