Thank you, Indie Label

An opinion article by Joseph Timmons, Xombiewoof Magazine

The Independent Music labels of America are breathing and thriving due to the need for real and honest love of Music.

I would like to start this article by saying that I do not think I am an expert on the music industry, in fat anyone that does think they know everything and have the “winning formula” most likely do not and should exit the room right now. Back when I was young, one of my fondest memories was going to the local record store on Fridays after I got my allowance, the record store was, for me, a place of wonder. I would take my few dollars and browse the 45s or if I was lucky that week, the LP sections and make that painful decision of what record I would bring home and what would have to wait till the following week.

There was a certain philosophy in my mind that the record I hose would be a step forward in my path to greatness, the bands I liked were for me a way to connect with those that thought like me, that said what I was thinking and more, a bond of music connecting me to something greater than myself. Listening to bands that inspired me to think and feel, lead me to becoming a drummer, the first time I heard Vanilla Fudge, Cream, King Crimson and others that spoke to me and me alone helped develop who I was and am. Frank Zappa and Tom Waits, The B52’s and Talking Heads… Legends in Wax.

Somewhere around the late 80’s and early 90’s the record industry failed us, the pursuit of glamorous money and the departure from substance to profit made the joy of music stale, the advance of technology made the music too easy to produce and the concept of digital music streaming, once thought of as a way to get music to the masses faster, became the place of illegal downloads and the loss of worth, so it seemed, music was becoming dull and tasteless.

For those of us that held music to a higher standard, it became a pain rather than a pleasure and the rule of the Boy Bands and Autotune was drowning out the call to worship, and the record Collector was without options.

Thank the gods of Vinyl that today we have the independent record producers today!

Due to the advance of technology and the industrial nature of man and the music lover, the indie label scene is thriving and more record labels are opening shop on the internet daily. Labels like Hidden Volume, Philthy Phonographic Records, Fat Elvis Records, Say-10 Records and more are bringing to the light of day artists that we would never hear of if the present record industry giants would still reign supreme. Internet sites such as Bandcamp give us ways to hear, sample and purchase albums from all over the world and hear music that means something to us on whatever level our mind is at, simply splendid really.

The limited runs of the smaller labels does have its downfall if you don’t buy a title the day it comes out you may “miss” an opportunity to hold a rarity in your collection, but many of the small labels have banded together to do distribution between them, so the spirit of mutual support and fair competition is holding to a philosophy of mutual and supportive existence, the labels are producing Zines and keeping with the early Rolling Stone theory of the power of music is the path to intelligence, the sharing of wisdom and the key to nirvana is in the vibe and the tone arm of the turntable is the wand of power. I know, I hold a very glamorous view of music and I wax poetic of the Record, but in life you have to have something to believe in.

Now, don’t get me wrong, making records in not an inexpensive prospect, and for as many labels succeed, many fail, there is still a place for CD’s, Digital copies of music, Music Streaming services and even the Cassette tape is on the way back into our hearts, Radio manufacturers are coming out with the boom box, ghetto blaster styles again and even some bands are doing 8-Tracks as the rare one off (Whaaaaaaaaaa?), but Vinyl, that is my medium of choice.

In the coming months, I will be doing several articles, stories interviews, and for those that like the sound of my voice, podcasts about the Indie Record Label Scene, interviews with artists, producers and managers as well as with label operators, with luck, possibly some video interviews as well.

My suggestion to you, get to the thrift store or get online, find a turntable, hell, get to the local box store and pick up a Crosley record player for less than 100 bucks and then get on Bandcamp, search out the unique sounds out there, or get on Facebook and search “Record Labels” you will find an infinite number of resources, come back and check out our blog again, or http://www.xombiewoof.com, we will have a list of Indie Labels you can choose from to make your moments magical again, as for me, I’m dusting off the shelves for some more albums that just showed up via UPS yesterday, good thing my wife does not mind my love for records, but I do need to build an extension on my home, the record room is getting a bit crowded.

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Kimmel at Large – Moog Legacies

 

Kimmel At Large

Contributed Article & Photographs

by Peter Kimmel

 

This years’ NAMM Show, led me to seek out the origins of synthesized music. I found myself standing at the Bob Moog Foundation booth at various times throughout the show interacting with the Foundation’s resident Synth Guru, Marc Doty.

 

Marc Doty is a synthesist, composer, and educator. In 2006, Marc started one of the first analog synthesizer demonstration channels on YouTube, after being interviewed several times by Sonic State in England. The channel met with substantial success for its kind, and now has more than six million views.

Marc's demonstrative style includes information about the functional aspects of synthesis as well as the history of the development of synthesis in addition to descriptions of specifics of sound and functionality in regard to the synthesizer being demonstrated.  This style has made Marc's videos into more than just demonstrations.  They are in-depth educational seminars.

 

In the summer of 2011, Michelle Moog-Koussa, Executive Director of the Bob Moog Foundation, brought Marc onboard for a "residency" at the Bob Moog Foundation in order to help fashion a Bob-Moog-centric science of sound curriculum to be used in the Foundation's educational efforts.  Marc was ideal for this residency, as he has a degree in Music Education, and is a living result of the legacy of Bob Moog.  This residency was originally intended to last a month. It was then extended to a month and a half.  At the end of it, The Bob Moog Foundation asked Marc if he would relocate to Asheville, NC for a permanent position.

 

Marc was given the title "Archive and Education Specialist", as his education experience and knowledge of the history of synthesis would aid with the Foundation's educational and preservation efforts.  The skills Marc developed in graphic design and video production are also a large part of his position.

 

At the NAMM Show, when Marc wasn’t conversing with customers, self-described synthesizer geeks, and members of the electronic music intelligentsia, Marc was curator of demonstrations on Michael Lehmann Boddicker’s noted custom Moog Modular synthesizer located in the Bob Moog Foundation booth for the duration of NAMM 2015, and demonstrating other historically relevant synthesizers the Bob Moog Foundation features in their booth.

 

The invention of the Moog Synthesizer in 1964 revolutionized the sonic possibilities available to music artists for expressing their creativity. Dr. Bob Moog was an innovator in the world of electronic music. For half a decade, he worked to expand the boundaries of sonic expression. His legacy of his work has forever impacted the lives of musicians, and modern music, around the world.

The Bob Moog Foundation strives to preserve the past and inspire the future. For example, second graders can participate in Dr. Bob’s SoundSchool, an experiential 10-week sound science curriculum that utilizes observation and interaction with instruments such as synthesizers, theramins and kazoos.  One of Marc's duties at the Foundation is to train the teachers who will be teaching the curriculum to students.

 

 

During this years’ NAMM Show, the Bob Moog Foundation booth enjoyed visits from Stevie Wonder, Keith Emerson, David Rosenthal from Billy Joel, Morris Hayes (from Prince) among others.

 

 

Marc’s favorite experience of NAMM2015? His personal, private extended conversation with Stevie Wonder on the subject of Synthesis.

Learn More about Moog at moogfoundation.org

 

 

 

 

 

More about Mark Doty and Videos at Automatic Gainsay

On Facebook http://www.facebook.com/AutomaticGainsay

AutomaticGainsay

 

 

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Colette Miller Giving the World Wings

 

Colette Miller Giving the World Wings

By Mike Ritchie

 

Colette Miller (www.facebook.com/colettemiller9?fref=ts) has been spreading her spirit and talent via the painting palate for many years. Creating her own work inspired by dreams, animals, life and other worthy causes she’s involved in. Since the early 90’s she’s painted animals on everything from bridges to walls to business trucks from Virginia to New York, California to Africa and Tanzania but the art that’s really ‘taken flight’ has been her signature angel wings https://www.facebook.com/colettemillerartist . There’s no bull in her ‘wings’, but they are in high demand across the world as everyone from tourists, locals, businessmen and celebrities want a piece of her brush stroke.

Her art has been influenced by many cultures including the Middle East, Europe, China, Tibet, Africa (where she painted a mural for an orphanage) and the Americas. She finds vast emotional, physical, mental stimulus and inspiration in the surrounding environment and her hand spreads the ideas across the canvas. She’s painted since childhood, making her designs reflect the peace of the composition’s subject and colors. The spiritualism used in its creation and found in its projection is a driving force in her desire to create a mystical remembrance.

Her angelic talent has caught the attention/interest of artistic minds from Kenya, West Virginia, Virginia, LA, Sydney and Washington DC with future work scheduled for New York and a recent trip to Australia commissioned by Arts Brookfield earned her seven spots at major properties in Perth, Melbourne and Sydney which were on display throughout October. A Nairobi Kenya boxing association named their team Koyale Wings Miller after her art.

The creation of her art can come from oil based mediums, or acrylic paint for the wings, on top of canvas, paper or wood with UV paint sunscreen, varnishes and sometimes placed on adhesive vinyl when pieces need to be removed. But there’s no limit to what she’ll use if there’s a need to expand. She also makes sure her work is durable so it’ll last outdoors against the elements.

She’s populated the world with around 30 pairs so far, from her current residence fittingly The City of Angels to the impoverished walls of Nairobi. She’s painted in some rough neighborhoods, intent to make her art instill feelings of safety and hope against the most barren and desolate backgrounds.

Her first pair was inspired from a need she saw in society to repel negativity in the spring of 2012 and by July she’d completed them. The collective message of each pair in part says “we can be angels in this world and the good in humanity.” They are at face value and in detail nice, pleasant images, unique to look at and full of abstraction and real symbols of peace. Life sized so people can stand between them and feel good about themselves, angelic, protected or all three. Her first two creations were graffiti art, though illegal, garnered positive attention from the community inspiring many to take spontaneous pictures with them and as more were made posting pictures on social media. After taking a movable pair to the Autumn Lights Festival and exposing them to a larger audience she was granted permission for a Main Street display by mutual friend Joe Moller via TK Nagano. She also received attention from the LA Mayor who came out, took photos and became a supporter.

Her animal art comes from oils and canvas and a meditative compensation she receives from her mind and life experiences as an impressionist. She characterizes herself as a colorist, letting the different shades harmonize with themselves. Her pieces include Alien on a Plane with Crows, Crows on a Fence, Flying Pink Pig, and China’s Hungry (Panda in a Bamboo Forest).

She’s also looked into the camera’s eye veering into editing and producing for projects on water shortage in Burkina Faso, eco-news in Tibet and sustainable fishing in Alaska. Also presently in post is a film on corruption in Kenya. She also paints sets for TV and movies in LA.

For those familiar with the band GWAR, Miller has early musical ties to the band of dressed up monster players and gore-fed, spewing noise makers. From 1986-87, she embraced playing Amazina aka GWAR Girl, after sharing the stage briefly with Heather Broome aka The Temptress, who left in 1986, she was the sole female in the group in the early days of the original band performing on stage. Working construction to survive, enduring mother-nature’s wrath and cold showers while the band was living in the old dairy plant turned warehouse, the Milk Bottle, in Richmond Virginia she studied/worked on art, attending VCU. While attending university she also played keyboards in MILK, a spontaneous performance art band with Jim Thompson, Ron Curry, Tom Harris, Mark Linkous and Dave Brockie aka the voice of GWAR, Oderus Urungus. Miller along with the others did double duty a few times when Milk opened for GWAR putting the GWAR garb on directly after. Later on in ‘87 personal differences caused Miller to leave.

Earlier this year in March Brockie passed away from an accidental heroin overdose closing the 50 billion year run of his alter ego and the sole original member, ending an era and leaving the bands future unknown. A private service was followed by a public memorial held at Hadad’s Lake in Richmond with fans, friends and former band members including Miller paying their respects, ending with a Viking funeral send off to the Oderus Urungus costume and character. Miller recently created a pair of wings for the GWAR tribute show in LA featuring rare footage, drawings, costume designs and band tour shirts covering the 1990-1994 era(Miller was in South Africa during that time) with photos by former slave pit girl Melanie Mandl.

Miller has very cherished memories of Brockie and the bands beginnings. Each era of GWAR had chapters and hers was the most vintage and less raunchy and bloody. She joked “I was in the rated G version” if that’s possible. She’s seen the evolution/reinvention of characters that have kept the band and its legacy going strong. He was and still is very popular and fondly remembered in Richmond as he is around the world. Thirty years later, she’s happy to see a female member take an active front stage, vocal position. Michael Bishop aka Blothar was chosen as Urungus’s successor accompanied by the first female presence since 2000, Vulvatron aka Kung Fu Dyke Kim Dylla. Miller saw the band for the first time in years earlier this month at the House of Blues and was impressed with the costumes and music. She also has a pair of wings in front of the venue.

Vulvatron and her large prosthetic blood spewing breasts made their debut this year at Riot fest in Chicago. The slave pit will never be the same. Though the two represent complete different era’s, Vulvatron as a strong, empowered female role showcases the ascension and prominence of women in the once all male dominated world of metal. It remains to be seen if all the scumdogs of the universe accept an Oderus-less GWAR and their new gor-i-fied reigning queen. Miller will always hold dear and sacred the original inspiration and spirit of what a ragtag bunch of art-school students started as an oddity in the mid-eighties in a cold milk bottle shaped warehouse that spawned and spanned a 30 year history.

Miller’s wings have become her trademark, recently transcending mediums into stained glass. Her next upcoming project will be a trip to Juarez Mexico for four pairs promoting messages of hope for humanity and it’s revitalization against drug cartels and violence. She’ll continue making them as long as there’s a demand, desire, need and a personal calling to create them while giving the world hope.

www.colettemiller.com

First posted here http://www.shortandsweetnyc.com/2014/12/colette-miller-giving-the-world-wings/ on www.shortandsweetnyc.com

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Jason Becker: Still, Not Dead - Thank The Rock Gods

 

From The Pit – Music and Show Reviews & Interviews

By Mike Ritchie for Xombiewoof Magazine

Story Originally Published Covering The Scene : http://coveringthescene.com/jason-becker-dead-yet

Editor’s Note:

The following story is one of Inspiration, that when it seems as though everything is or may be lost, when sudden illness can take down the strongest , when one’s own body is against them, the true nature of Music can enliven the very essence of ones soul to rise up and become, simply amazing. Thank you Mike for re-sharing this great story with us, the issues with ALS are still prevalent, in a time when “Ice Bucket” Challenges embed the web, we must remember, it’s not about the bucket, or the ice, but the cause.

Contact your local charity or service and see what you can do to help.

Thank you

Joseph Timmons: Xombiewoof Magazine

 

Not Dead Yet is an incredible odds defying inspiring story of one man’s true dedication, passion and drive to create incredible music despite insurmountable life obstacles, and dire circumstances. Jason Becker personifies the sheer driving force and spirit of the human artistic will to enjoy life, persevere and make music.

Becker, a future guitar prodigy, was born in 1969 in Richmond California and exposed to music early by his family becoming proficient on acoustic guitar, harmonica and xylophone at age five. By his early teens he was playing Bob Dylan, Clapton and Van Halen note for note, blowing away local talent contests and variety shows. Becker was very inspired by classical music which influenced his style cranking Bach while friends cranked Slayer. He also had a comical side doing yoyo tricks with one hand while playing with the other.

In his teens Becker replied to an ad, submitting a tape to Shrapnel Records founder Mike Varney who was looking for the ten best guitar players at the time. Subsequently future Megadeth guitarist Marty Friedman had come to LA to work on his solo record. Varney suggested a duet to Friedman who after initial reluctance was won over by Becker’s playing and personality becoming fast friends. Their playing so complemented and inspired each other Friedman often said Becker could play his material better than he could. They formed the band Cacophony. His father concerned about his education told the principal Jason had a record deal and was going on tour and asked if he could finish high-school early. He finished six months early with straight A’s.

After touring with Cacophony he returned to Japan supporting his first solo CD Perpetual Burn, doing guitar clinics between gigs. One particular clinic drew 800-1000 people validating his rising momentum.

In 1989 at age 20 he auditioned for David Lee Roth, the most sought after high profile gig at the time, earned his spot and recorded A Little Ain’t Enough, released in 1991. During recording he started feeling a ‘lazy limp’ in his left leg and was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) aka Lou Gehrig’s disease, a debilitating condition that rapidly weakens muscle mobility and use of tongue and speech causing permanent paralysis. Becker was given 3-5 years to live. Undergoing uncomfortable and painful therapy while recording and rehearsing his condition progressed to where he could barely play notes or hold the guitar. He told Roth who reluctantly got a replacement.

They tried alternate forms of therapy but nothing worked. Becker went from using canes to a wheelchair in months. In 1992 he met his former fiancé and main caregiver Serrana Pilar. Though he had moments of hopelessness and darkness they believe he never hit the point of giving up. He still had music and ideas in his head he needed to get out somehow.

To accomplish this, a computer program was invented using a visor equipped with sensors that would move the cursor on the screen according to his head movements. He slowed down music in his head hitting the mouse with his chin entering intricate and complex melodies note by note adjusting the phrasing and velocity of each one until everything played the way he internally heard it at speed.

After a near death experience his speech failed and his father invented an eye movement sign language/geometry system so Becker could communicate based on angles. A clear six squared grid with four letters in each square allows him to spell out words and have conversations. First movement is the square, second is the letter in the square. His father’s learned to guess the word after the first couple letters and Becker doesn’t ‘dull’ conversations with filler words, everything he says is important.

“I couldn’t quit on my music, it never even entered my mind. I just love making music and no matter how hard it is, it’s like my drug.”

Becker’s longevity is attributed by his family and friends 20 year care and commitment to keeping his drive, passion and love for music and life alive with a custom made healthy diet and dark rooted sense of humor.

To make music his father plays guitar notes into a computer then Becker organizes them, giving instructions on any needed changes. Though they’re no longer together Serrana is his inspiration and taught him what true love is and makes him want to be a better person.

Becker is a global inspiration encompassing the true, unflinching spirit of the human will to never give up.

“I have Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. It has crippled my body and speech, but not my mind.”

Becker’s discography includes Perpetual Burn 1988, Perspective 1995, The Raspberry Jams 1999, The Blackberry Jams 2003, Collection 2008 and Boy Meets Guitar Volume 1 of Youngster Tapes 2012. He also performed on Cacophony’s Speed Metal 1987, Go Off 1988 and David Lee Roth’s A Little Ain’t Enough 1991. Along with two tribute CD’s Warmth in the Wilderness I and II, featuring guitarist’s Steve Vai, Paul Gilbert, Marty Friedman, Joe Becker, Rusty Cooley, and Mattias Eklundh. The album profits were sent to Becker to help with medical expenses. In 2008 Paradise Guitars worked with Becker to design a Jason Becker signature guitar. In 2012 Carvin worked with Becker to design a Jason Becker Tribute guitar that is modeled after the original DC-series guitar he used toward the latter part of his career. In 2011 the inaugural Jason Becker Not Dead Yet Festival was held in San Francisco promoting ALS awareness and the love of the guitar featuring Joe Satriani, Marty Friedman, Richie Kotzen and many others.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) (Lou Gehrig’s disease) is a relentlessly progressive degenerative disease targeting the motor nerves and muscles, effecting how the bodies lower and upper neurons communicate and function. When the neurons connected to the muscles from the spinal cord die, the brain loses ability to communicate thus the muscles become inactive. ALS is described as the ‘worst’ disease due to its relatively short window of mortality. Long term symptoms include the break down and eventual loss of mobility, ability to speak and swallow leading to permanent paralysis and death. Scientist Stephen Hawking has had ALS for over 50 years. The ALS Association has committed more than $67 million to find effective treatments and a cure for Lou Gehrig’s Disease, including the discovery of two ALS genes (SOD1 and ALS 6) responsible for 25% of all inherited cases and the trial of a new drug that targets SOD1.

Today,  Jason Becker, a former guitarist for David Lee Roth who has lived with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) for 25 years, is thrilled to see what the ice-bucket challenge is doing in the fight against the disease.“I love it. It is amazing,” Becker told reporters via phone from his home in Richmond, California during recent interviews, such as this comment from Billboard Magazine. “At first I didn’t get it, but man, the awareness and money it has raised is incredible. I hope something great comes out of it for ALS patients.”

ALS has robbed Becker of his ability to speak or move. He communicates with a system designed by his father, Gary, where Becker uses his eyes to “spell out” what he wants to say by looking at letters on a letter board, and a caregiver says the words for him. He is still very close to his former band members, David Lee Roth, Eddie Van Halen and Others. Recently several Guitar companies have worked with him to release signature equipment, sale of said lines profits go directly to ALS Treatment services.

Visit his  Jason Becker’s Web Site for more about him, his incredible story and what's next for this amazing human being -  http://jasonbeckerguitar.com

 

***Pictures from Jason Becker’s Website and Internet Search

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In a Sea of Indie Labels, Driftwood Records is a lifeline for many bands that need Safe Harbor.

Interview with Dandy, Driftwood Records Owner and purveyor of Oregon’s most interesting Punk Label

Interviewed by Joseph Timmons of Xombiewoof Magazine

 

Ok, so I wax poetic and made this to sound like a scene from Moby Dick, but the fact is its rough for Indie record labels, one opens every day, and another closes. Fact is, so many great labels never last more than a couple of years with major backing and as many of you know, bands don’t often have enough options, pressing is costly and even with the internet making it “easier” for bands to be herd, who has time to sit at the computer all day and be in the studio?

I follow the Indie labels and connect with many over time; one label that came to my interest is Driftwood Records, a small label out of Eugene Oregon, so I set up to do an interview and found that this is the real deal in labels, not only do they have a large roster of artists and an online store at Bandcamp that is full of some very interesting titles, they tend to do short runs that sell out fast. Covering the genre of “Screamo”, “Emo”, Folk Punk, Alt Indie and Hardcore, Driftwood Records is a true “Me, Myself and I” operation, the company consists of the owner and one other person, sharing a flat and running it all from home. During the interview, I found out that Driftwood will often split or “foot” the cost of mastering and pressing, often running close to making no profit, which made me wonder why, so in this interview we learn that music must be food for the soul and it’s not just the artist that could starve.

 

So, how did Driftwood start?

Dandy: “I started out just making tapes and such for a few bands I knew, I never thought this would take over my life. Soon after I stated, band after band asked me to do a release, and Driftwood came to life. Now after just a few years I have made some sort of name for myself and we always have great responses to our artists”

 

Does this mean you are doing really well?

Dandy: “We’re surviving, in this area there are not a lot of venues for shows… heck, I have talked with other labels and it’s tough everywhere, with no places to play, the internet is swamped with bands just trying to get heard and we really have to push out name out there.”

 

If this is the case, why keep doing it?

Dandy: “It’s what I want to do, I love helping bands and this is my gig! I get into this and I love doing it.”

 

I see on your site you do more than just Vinyl, you do tapes too; do you get a lot of interest in Tape?

Dandy: “We sell just as much tape as everything else, well actually more… nobody likes or wants CDs anymore, hell, most of the time people download and make their own now. We have several online stores connected together, Bandcamp is by far the best and we, as well as others have some free downloads, some that are a set price and some that are “pay what you want”, and our Vinyl sells too, mostly collectors that want the picture discs or rare split singles, but everyone loves tape, it has something about it, not just because of the sound but there is something about it that just gets you. We also have shirts and posters, but Tapes sell good, and bands get more for their money. The average record o single will cost up to 2.00 each to make, so for a thousand that’s a big chunk, but tapes, we can make a few hundred tapes with labels for about a hundred bucks. Bands sell tapes at shows and make more money that way.”

 

Well, Vinyl and Tapes has made a major comeback, there are those of us that have always been collecting, but now everyone wants Vinyl in their stash, do you see this as a future benefit?

Dandy: “Hey, as long as there is a way to get the music out, I’ll try to make it work (laughs) got to eat, right?”

 

Where do you see Driftwood in about 2-3 years, still a humble home grown label or major player?

Dandy: “I just don’t want to be bankrupt! I have been doing this for a while and only now have I come to a point where I am not too deep in debt, hell, everyone is in debt! I know one label that has been in the biz for almost 10 years before they could quit their Day Jobs, as long as I can buy some soup from time to time, I’m good!”

- (At this time Dandy stopped to have a short conversation with his partner in crime, Phoebe (I think that’s how it’s spelled... I did not ask), there was laughter and some playful banter, then Dandy came back to say that they celebrated some great sales by buying some soup last night, and that eating is a bit of a privilege some days.)

 

Wait, so you actually sacrifice eating to keep the Business going?

Dandy: “To be fair, I don’t take too good a care of myself, I get wrapped up in this and it takes my mind so deep that I forget to eat, but my roommate reminds me and I eat, we are doing this by ourselves, I'm packing boxes while we speak and she is making the screens for some record sleeves were doing custom, got to do what needs to be done”

 

 

Driftwood Records has a YouTube Channel, Online Store and Bandcamp Site, as well as they make use of other social media, in a more candid statement, Dandy said he could quit this and find another job, easily, but does not want to, this is his dream, goal, vision… however you want to think of it, but more realistically, it’s his life. I will check back with Dandy in a few months, see how things are and remind him to eat, you go buy some albums now!

 

Support Local and Independent Music, support the dream Follow Driftwood Records on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/DriftwoodRecords and check out their artists on their store page, you’ll find great music, and help people like Dandy and Phoebe, who are busy helping others make their dreams come true!

 

Get to the Gig, Fill the Seats, Rip it Up !

 

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Article on two Icons of a Musical Era, Still Making Sense.

What is it about an artist that resonates with us. What makes them so memorable.

I just read an interview article with David Byrne and Cyndi Lauper, written by Philip Galanes of The New York Times.

The article is a detailed conversation between subjects and the author, discussing David and Cyndi's recent meet up in NY, their history as friends, their lives as musicians and their present theatrical projects. What I read was presented in a "fluffy" manner yet was informative. 

My take on this article was not one of admonishment,  so often you see interviews like this that put the people in focus at a level of "where are they now" or "look at me, I still matter", or it starts out as friendly banter then escallates into the heckelling of a hard sought and well deserved career or history of ones life. I can, at times be hard and judgemental of my Journalistic peers,  but I was very impressed with the writer's presence to bring the reader into the lives of two of the most influential artists of our lives.

At 48, the icons of my youth have either retreated into the shadows of obscurity, moved on from this plane of existence or, if so lucky to do so, stayed in the eyes of the world and the fans that apreciate them. There have been to few artists like David and Cyndi, artists that have amassed respect on a multitude of levels yet have stayed real and humble.

I loved the music of The Talking Heads, but what endeared me the Byrne's work was his movie True Stories, it showed the ridiculous nature of people and whaen said people are confronted with this reflection in the mirror, they only postulate more and tower in their stupidity. He has the ability to lets us see the world through his eyes.

Cyndi has stayed true to herself as well, forever young in her bright and often snarky, irreverent way. Her ability to empower her followers and fans simply with her smile is in itself amazing. Both David and Cyndi have an uncanny staying power, as well as the ability to look at and into themselves, seeing the world for what it is and what it could be.

Theses musical geniuses have the one thing that has kept them timeless,  they wre able to inspire us to live, and matured with us yet stayed young and rebellious without loosing their charm.

Maybe I am just rambling. . But as David once said so well "Stop making sense".

Neither artist have become aging relics of days gone by, hoping to relive glory days of youth.  Their glory days are the present. If anything they have been emboldened to us, reaching new highs without fear of falling.

If possible, take a momment to read the interview in today's NY Times. It is worth your time. I would love to meet David Byrne and Cyndi Lauper,  I just hope if I do, I can retain composure and not get all giddy and "fan girl" on them.

NEVERWONDER In Top 100 for 2013

Selected “Top 100 Hot Artist For 2013” (Music Connection Magazine)

In 2013 Los Angeles modern rock band NEVERWONDER garnered high praise from critics the world over for their latest album, "Really Let It Out” and performed at some of Southern California's most respected venues, including the Rose Bowl (where they opened for hit makers Far East Movement) and a Main Stage show at the House Of Blues in Hollywood. They were also a "Top 25 Artist" (ROCKWIRED MAGAZINE), and secured worldwide distribution via I-Tunes as well Amazon, I-Heart Radio and Spotify.

“NEVERWONDER has taken hard rock and mixed it with R&B and soul, creating an EP that has it all.  Vocalist Alima Soul is a powerhouse and is supported by great musicians on the album including the Ramos Brothers, Vincent and Andres (on bass and drums). ‘Really Let It Out’ is done with excellence, and is a taste of what this band is capable of.”

Joseph Timmons/XOMBIEWOOF MAGAZINE

Watch for NEVERWONDER on the upcoming Rock N Roll Marathon Tour in 2014

www.neverwonder.com https://www.facebook.com/NEVERWONDER

http://myspace.com/neverwonder/

 

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Audiofly Headphones – The Wonders from Down Under

 

Audio Equipment Review of the Audiofly Headphones Model AF45m

Joseph Timmons – Xombiewoof Magazine

 

The market for personal monitors and audio headphones is teaming with multiple brands, all promising the purest, most unique sound and quality one could imagine. I have done many reviews of similar equipment and I have to say only a few have made it from the start to finish without some form of disappointment.

The Audiofly Model AF45m Headphones are advertised on the company website as “Born out of obsession” and “delivers clear, honest tones. Well defined mids and groove with a punchy bass and blend with stunning highs that chime like a church bell.”

Well, the fact is ….the company does NOT do itself justice, the design quality of the AF45m is far superior than stated, the sound quality and richness of tone is better that some units that cost much more!

 The AF45m has an average retail price through online carriers of between $40.00 and 60.00 US, depending where you shop, and come equipped with a microphone so you can use on your favorite personal audio device or smart phone, with a very cool color selection they are both utilitarian and stylish. Built to withstand punishment, they have the unadvertised ability to cancel exterior noise so your music enjoyment is equal to having your favorite artist perform solely for you at your whim. The highs were crisp, sharp and defined with a full range of mid tones and some of the deepest bass you could drop, tested on my smart phone, personal audio device and home stereo, every use was stunning.

I discovered new sounds and within the music collection I have enjoyed for years. When I put on my Blind Faith album, it was like hearing the music through new ears, richer tones, deeper drums and guitar chords that sang out like angels. I gathered other loves from my collection, spending hours listening to new music I have owned for years, I played Blues, Jazz and Hard Rock, the AF45m stood up to the challenge of every test I could imagine.  

For you “Tech-heads” out there, the Audiofly AF45m Headphones are designed with cutting edge technology in mind, Machined anodized alloy bezel with precision laser cut venting for acoustic optimization, elongated one piece thermoplastic housing that encases a custom voiced 11mm dynamic driver. It has a streamlined sound port to minimize sound eddies, the cable is their high spec Audioflex™ braided cable which is Kevlar reinforced for durability with a CORDURA fabric outer sheath. The earpieces have high grade silicon tips for custom fit and best possible comfort.

About Audiofly; Based in Australia, Audiofly designs and builds high quality, affordable headphones. With an eye on classic designs from the past and fueled with excitement to push new boundaries, Audiofly has developed headphones with drivers customized for insane detail. Designers of a unique hybrid speaker configuration developed for warmth and clarity, plus clearer microphone technology.

Since launching their first series of headphones in late 2011, Audiofly have been banging the drum for ultimate clarity in music. “It’s about rediscovering your tunes with every last speck of detail, and this keeps us brimming with optimism for the path ahead. We’ve crafted tone for years; our obsession as musicians guides the development of our products.”

These are the most lightweight, highest quality and riches definition headphones I have seen or heard in years. The Audiofly headphones series are destined to be the name in quality sound among those that value the quality of their music and want the best audio rich experience possible. The AF45 Series, as well as others in The Audiofly arsenal are perfect for the individual music lover, the studio and the professional musician.

Go to http://www.audiofly.com to see what products are available and go to their AF45m Page to see the design and specs yourself. The Audiofly AF45m is available at many online retailers; the best price I have seen so far is $40.00 on Amazon for the units. You can also find Audiofly on Facebook and Instagram.

Pictures supplied by Audiofly and technical specifications as well as quotes derived from public statement.

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