Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Guitarist Glenn Rogers In Feature Interview With WVOX's Metal Mayhem's Matt O'Shaughnessy On Friday October 11th!

hereticFirst-Wave Of Thrash Metal Kings Heretic Guitarist Glenn Rogers In Feature Interview With WVOX's Metal Mayhem's Matt O'Shaughnessy On Friday October 11th!

Heretic rides again! Guitarist Glenn Rogers is live with Matt O'Shaughnessy this Friday October 11th at 9:10pm EST exclusively on WVOX.com Worldwide and 1460 AM in New York. Matt and Glenn to feature tracks from Heretic's recent Metal Blade release: "From The Vault - Tortured And Broken."

Los Angeles hailing Heretic were created by guitarist Brian Korban during the legendary 80's hey day of heavy metal and fast found themselves in the midst of a musical movement that would take the world by storm. "Heretic opened for for so many great bands back in the 80's, recalls the band. "Metallica, Saxon, Slayer, Motorhead, The Plasmatics, Megadeth, Armored Saint, Riot, to name just a few. I think opening for Metallica was one of our fondest memories."

Soon after, heretic was "penning hard-hitting thrash tunes which still resound true with all the crazy things going on in the world today." "We plan to keep recording new music, and play as much as we can," says guitarist Glenn Rogers. "We want to grow the band and bring it to its rightful place in the world of heavy metal." With the band resuscitated in 2011, Heretic has big goals set for the future. According to legendary group, "New record, bigger and better shows...world domination!"


Thursday, October 3, 2013

Meet Your Makers Interview with Los Cabos Drumsticks

 

loscaboslogo-whiteInterview with Matt Carter, Director of Marketing & Artist Relations of Los Cabos Drumsticks.

A new series in Xombiewoof Magazine’s interviews is “Meet Your Makers”; the music world is not only driven by talented artists, but by the instrument manufacturers that, through innovation and time honored practices, create the “Tools of the Trade”.

 

One such company of dedicated and skilled crafters is Los Cabos Drumsticks. Located in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Los Cabos Drumsticks operates its facility located about 60km from the headquarters of Sabian Cymbals. The company began producing drumsticks in 2005 and has been growing in popularity and is favored by many new artists looking for quality percussion tools.

July 19 002Los Cabos works with a number of artists around the world and are very proud to call each of them a member of their family. Randy Black is making waves on the festival circuit in Europe and recently Los Cabos just welcomed Richie Ramone, who has a new album out and has returned to his rock and roll roots. Brad Morgan of the Drive-by Truckers, Chris Prescott of Pinback and Sam Corbett of The Sheepdogs are just a few of the artists that endorse Los Cabos.  

 

Sept 24 003When the company started, Los Cabos sold directly to retailers. Company owners, Gill and Larry Guay actually built the business by traveling across Canada, going store to store with stick samples. “I’m confident this approach was a key factor in establishing the company early on” says Matt Carter, Director of Marketing & Artist Relations. “This was back in 2005 and at the time, face to face meetings with manufactures were becoming a thing of the past. I’m sure it was a pleasant surprise to have those two show up, introduce themselves and then show their product. That and the fact that they rarely make a visit without bringing coffee and donuts for the staff! By today’s standards, that’s a very old fashion way to do business but on the opposite side of the coin, that’s also the best way to make friendships and build relationships with the folks behind the counter”. Now, eight years later, even though Los Cabos now works with a trusted network of distributors, owners Gill and Larry still make a point to get out on the road and visit the friends they’ve made over the years.  

Sept 18 001Los Cabos try to use locally grown raw materials, their maple from mills in Quebec and New Brunswick, but their use of Hickory is a different story because it doesn’t grow in Canada. At least not to the standard required to make great drumsticks. Los Cabos source their hickory from mills in the United States. Over the years they’ve managed to develop some great working relationships with wood suppliers in the USA, keeping a concept of fair trade and keeping the economy of both countries strong.

 

Sept 5 005Los Cabos product line is based around three types of wood – Canadian maple and American White and Red Hickory. The Red hickory is something unique to Los Cabos, its heartwood, meaning it comes from the center of the tree so is therefore a bit stronger on average than standard white hickory. They offer a complete line of standard models in all three wood types. Los Cabos also is known to create and make some of the best practice pads in the business and offer a complete line of brushes and mallets as well. Every tool a drummer or percussionist could want from a manufacture.  

Sept 5 003When asked about the product line and the question of quality standards came up, we were enthused with Matt’s response ”If you’re asking where the craftsmanship comes into to play in drumstick manufacturing, I suppose that would be different for each manufacturer as everyone has their preferred methods. For us, we turn our sticks on back knife lathes and like every other step in our manufacturing process; it’s a very hands-on approach which allows an almost continuous inspection of each stick. Very little of our process is automated. Each stick passes through our hands all the way from the initial inspection of dowels before they enter the lathes, to the sleeving and shrink wrapping of bricks. So I guess to answer your question, our level of craftsmanship relies heavily on the experience of our team, the understanding of what makes a good stick, and the commitment we all show to producing the best stick possible”.

When asked which units were the most popular, Matt said “Well, I think it’s safe to say that there’s no competing with the popularity of a “5A” Hickory Drumstick. The “5A” stick has been the industry go-to for years and despite the hundreds of models available on the market today, I bet the 5A will remain king for years to come”.

Sept 24 002Los Cabos is also known for its philanthropy and community service. Los Cabos make a pink “5A Hickory Drumstick and a portion of the sales from each of those sticks go to support Cancer Research and Cancer Charities. Los Cabos launched this stick in 2010 initially as a way of keeping cancer awareness alive and well throughout the entire year. Each year they contribute to festivals, camps and events that embrace the world of drums and percussion. Unfortunately, with so many worthy causes, they cannot contribute to every event who reaches out, but they are building on a slowly growing a list of annual events that they proudly support.

It all comes back to friendships and strengthening relationships they’ve made over the years. By working with a few key events every year, Los Cabos get to know the organizers and so when the times comes that their reaching out to connect about their upcoming event, Los Cabos lend their support.  

Sept 24 004A major milestone in their line was just released, their second “Signature” stick, the Richie Ramone Signature model. It was designed by Richie and it is something Los Cabos and Richie Ramone are pretty excited about. Los Cabos will be showing the Richie Ramone Signature model stick at the 2014 NAMM convention in January along with a several new models launching that week. Check www.loscabosdrumsticks.com for the latest info on what Los Cabos will have in store NAMM participants and convention attendees.

 

Visit www.loscabosdrumsticks.com for more info on Los Cabos Drumsticks and their entire line of Percussion Instruments, and what’s coming up from this marvelous maker

All photos credited to and supplied by - Matt Carter



kickstarter-badgeNeurodome_Kickstarter_Logo

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Megadeth - Dave Mustaine In Feature Interview On WVOX's Metal Mayhem This Friday

 

DAVEGUITARMetal Icon, Megadeth's Dave Mustaine will chat with WVOX's Metal Mayhem's Matthew O'Shaughnessy this Friday, October 4th at 7:30pm EST exclusively on WVOX.com Worldwide and 1460 AM in New York.

Fans can expect to hear the legendary Mustaine talk about Megadeth's much - anticipated upcoming Super Collider US Tour with a big show Tuesday, December 3rd at The Paramount in Huntington, NY. Dave Mustaine also will shed light on the Countdown To Extinction Live DVD / Blu-Ray, Jimmy Page as an influence, 30 years of thriving Megadeth metal mayhem and his views on helping to pioneer the genre since 1983.

 

SUPERALBUMCOVERMetal Mayhem is airborne every Tuesday from 9-11pm and Friday between 6-10pm and can be viewed from anywhere in the world from the main studio on live webcam at WVOX.com.

"This is a great honor to have a man who has significantly helped shape heavy metal as we know and love it on WVOX's Metal Mayhem. Megadeth has always been a huge staple of our playlist here in New York," commented host Matthew O'Shaughnessy.

 

 


NYC Rock N’ Roll Mainstay QUEEN V Reveals New WWII-Themed Music Video for ‘Right Or Wrong’

queen vNew Album The Decade of Queen V – Available Online Now - Featuring Lemmy of Motörhead, Tom Morello of Rage Against The Machine, and More!

Performing Next Week as Part of NYC’s CBGB Festival @ The Canal Room - Guitar World Announces Special “Queen V Prize Pack” Giveaway Contest

QUEEN V is a lasting New York City mainstay, and no one – from the kids at the dark, damp underground bars and clubs in Brooklyn to the suits at the largest venues in Manhattan – can deny that fact. Surrounding the hype of upcoming performances at Bowery Electric and as part of CBGB Festival at The Canal Room, QUEEN V has released a brand new, U.S. veteran-focused, WWII-themed music video for her track ‘Right Or Wrong’. Who better to exclusively release it with than New York City’s largest alternative newsweekly, The Village Voice. Watch the video via The Village Voice at this link.

 

Even with the period setting and wartime actors, the ‘Right Or Wrong’ video isn’t just all smoke and mirrors. Everything in this video is as real and raw as the ‘Right Or Wrong’ lyrics themselves. The video was filmed at VFW Post 3460 in Media, PA with several vets on hand as extras and as consultants for historical accuracy.

“Commander Knapp and others of the VFW Post 3460 were more than helpful with the video,” states QUEEN V. “There were 80 / 90 year old vets who were helping design the uniforms of our lead and supporting actors.  They even opened their museum cases and used original medals, patches and belts for authenticity.  It was amazing to see the pride and honor in the soldiers faces as they were giving us direction while they clearly were, in their minds, transported back in their memories.”

QUEEN V adds, “The brooch that William gives to me in the house scene, and that I am wearing in the USO scene, was actually a gift from my father to my mother, and a constant reminder of the ties that bind.”

For the past several years, QUEEN V has been an advocate for veterans issues and a supporter of IAVA (Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, www.iava.org). The daughter of a Korean War veteran, V has supported veterans in various ways, like raising awareness at her concerts, where veterans are often granted complimentary admission, creating fundraising opportunities for IAVA, such as the "Rock For Vets" concert, attending IAVA's annual Galas in New York and Los Angeles, and more.

While you’re online watching the new video, take a click over to GuitarWorld.com, where they are giving away a special “QUEEN V Prize Pack” to one lucky winner! The prize pack includes The Decade of Queen V CD, a QUEEN V logo tote bag, t-shirt, bottle opener, signed poster and more.

Enter to Win Contest on Guitar World here.

 

QUEEN V will perform at two locations in New York City in October, below is a listing of current tour dates in New York.

QUEEN V

10/2 - New York, NY @ Bowery Electric (Additional performances by Dizzy Reed of Guns N’ Roses)

10/10 - New York, NY @ The Canal Room – Part of CBGB Festival, featuring special guests Izzy Zay & the Inmates

 

QUEEN V is more Hard Rockin’ Woman than you can Handle. 

imageA global icon in the making, QUEEN V already holds court as the reigning rock regent of NYC. With a decade under her belt as the quintessential Lady of Manhattan’s Lower East Side, QUEEN V has developed an obsessed fan base that stretches far beyond the concrete jungle.

QUEEN V released her latest album, The Decade of Queen V on June 25, 2013 via Royal Noise Records. Filled with one blistering hard rocker after another, featuring the tough yet soulful, passionate and empowered vocals of QUEEN V, backed by an army of guitar slingers (including herself), The Decade of Queen V encompasses her recorded output from 2005 to 2013.

The Decade of Queen V opens with “Revolution Baby” (2009) where Queen V snarls “if you think you own me, go to hell,” complete with a Led Zeppelin-styled blues-harp by Jon Paris, and ends with “Wasted” (2009), an anthem-for-the-ages co-written by Motörhead’s Lemmy who shares vocal duties with V. Other highlights on the album include the brand new “Cry Your Eyes Out,” the gutsy “My Machine (2009), which features a burning lead guitar solo by Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine), and the deeply moving “Right Or Wrong” (2005). The 11 tracks on The Decade Of Queen V show that V is not only a fierce rock n’ roll siren, but also a nuanced and varied songwriter, able to traverse a diverse range of emotions.

Ferocious hard rock guitar playing, powerful, passionate vocals, and endless swagger and attitude. This is what Rock ‘N’ Roll is all about, and this is exactly what you get with Queen V.

After getting her start in the music industry as a songwriter and performer in musical theater, V wound up bouncing between such famed New York City clubs as CBGBs, Don Hill’s, The Palladium, The Bitter End, and The Green Door. It was in those venues that V found her inspiration and will to cultivate her passion for music from a pastime into a career.

Queen V, the band, started in 1996 when she met producer Phil Schmoll. She settled on the name Queen V because in ’96, rap was replacing rock in the minds and hearts of young music fans. The name, to her, raises the stakes, and makes a statement about how scorching female-fronted rock can be.

In 2003, Queen V toured with Twisted Sister.  “I think that was our toughest crowd,” she remembers. “To open for Twisted Sister on Long Island? Oh man, you get these really tough biker dudes standing right in front of you with their arms crossed looking up at the stage, almost daring you to impress them. But by the end of the shows, they know you’re there for the same hard driving rock and roll they came for, and all of a sudden they’re on board.’”

Queen V found herself opening for Billy Idol at a show in her native New York. It went so well, she opened three more, then seven on the West Coast. “It was my first tour,” she says. “There are a lot of women in Billy’s crowds and they loved seeing a girl up there doing her damnedest to rock their faces off. The response was very good and the more we got out there, the more people got to know the music, the more my confidence grew, and the shows just got better and better.”

Tom Morello and Lemmy were in the audience at Hollywood’s legendary Viper Room when Queen V rocked the house in 2004 during a tour for the compilation album New York City Rock’n’Roll. “It’s our home base in L.A.,” she says, “it’s a great room. It has all the legendary magic and history behind it.” After performing a blistering cover of Van Halen’s “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love,” Queen V met the two rockers and the three became fast friends, so much so that Morello plays lead guitar on “My Machine,” another track off of The Decade Of Queen V and Lemmy co-wrote and sings on album closer “Wasted.”

In 2005 Queen V had another chance to play with another industry heavy hitter when she won a popular vote contest on XM Radio leading to the opening slot on a Bon Jovi tour. “I’ve been very fortunate to have met some amazing people along the way. Jon and Richie [Sambora] were so gracious to us. Not only did we open for them, but the show was at the Meadowlands! Being a New Yorker and growing up in Montclair, N.J., that’s my home turf. It was the biggest thrill of my life. I saw my first concerts there!”

Queen V has also used her voice to perform at a series of benefits that she deeply believes in, most particularly her heavy presence for IAVA (Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America), having performed in conjunction with their 2010 Benefit Gala in Hollywood.

This is an artist with the kind of ballsy independent streak geared for the long haul. “I never wanted to be something I’m not.” One aspect of this fiery spirit resulted in her “Take Back New York” shows. V continues to work diligently to preserve New York’s underground music scene, and those shows, started in 2007, brought to the fore an old-school rock party in Downtown Manhattan which always culminated in a raucous jam for local musicians.

This is one Lady who can hold her own with the fellas, dress like a lady, and rock the roof off of any room. All it takes is one listen and you’re hooked. 

For more information on QUEEN V, please visit these websites:

QUEEN V Official Website: http://www.queenv.com/web/

QUEEN V Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialQueenV

QUEEN V Twitter: https://twitter.com/theQueenV

 



Xombiewoof Magazine needs your help to move into a Physical Print Publication, Click the Link Image Above to Join In, Pledge Support and Build a Better Music and Entertainment Magazine

Steinberg, MXL, MOGAMI, and Yamaha Join Forces to Offer Consumers High Value Recording Packs

 

Cubase 7 Recording Pack Box mockBest-in-Class Recording Packs Put Comprehensive Multitrack Recording Solutions In The Hands of Professional and Entry Level Music Creators

Four of the top names in recording, Steinberg, MXL, MOGAMI, and Yamaha announce the release of two new recording packs that offer musicians, engineers and producers the best brands in the box: the Cubase Recording Pack and the UR22 Recording Pack.

The Cubase Recording Pack comes with Cubase 7* and the UR22 audio interface from Steinberg, along with an MXL1022 condenser microphone, MXL-57 shock mount and a Mogami 10’ XLR-XLR cable. The Cubase Recording Pack also includes a pair of Yamaha RH5MA headphones – the final component in this quality instant recording studio solution.

The second bundle, the hardware-oriented UR22 Recording Pack, features a Full Version of Cubase AI7 (Download), the UR22 audio interface, an MXL1022 condenser microphone, an MXL-57 shock mount and a Mogami 10’ XLR-XLR cable. The UR22 Recording Pack is aimed at first time audio interface users who seek a high quality solution featuring trustworthy brands.

UR22 Recording Pack Box mock stickerOne of the most popular Digital Audio Workstations in the world, Cubase 7 features the new MixConsole, enhanced workflow options and a new Channel Strip that offers epic pro-console sound. The rock-solid UR22 USB 2.0 audio interface includes two D-PRE preamps and 192 kHz support, providing professional-grade sound in a portable package.

The MXL1022 large diaphragm condenser microphone captures vocals and instruments in crisp detail. It features an FET preamp with balanced output and wide frequency response to pick up a broad range of sound, from vocals to a wide variety of instruments. The microphone is internally wired with world-class Mogami cable for precise recordings and, when placed into the MXL-57 shock mount, ensures professional performance.

The 10’ XLR-XLR Cable from Mogami, the largest selling cable brand for major recording facilities, delivers the purest recordings. Each cable is made from Mogami's 2552 microphone cable with signature Mogami 100 percent spiral coverage for extremely low noise. The cable is finished off with high quality gold-contact XLR connectors.

Yamaha RH5MA headphones, which provide accurate sound reproduction, represent an excellent choice for pro studio monitoring. Featuring a semi-closed design, they come with 1/4” and 1/8” inch jacks along with an eight-foot long cable. Frequency response is 20 Hz to 20 kHz and the impedance is 32 ohms.

“MXL and MOGAMI are proud to be bundled with products by two well-respected names in music recording – Steinberg and Yamaha,” said MXL Director of Sales and Marketing Perry Goldstein. “These bundles are compilations of four excellent brands that will result in a great experience for the end user.”

Steinberg North America Director Alan Macpherson said that “Having such renowned brands as MXL, Mogami and Yamaha bundled with Steinberg’s most popular products is inspiring. With only the best brands included, there is a clearly defined quality difference for both professional and entry level end users.”

Pricing and Availability

The Cubase Recording Pack (MSRP: $1,119.99) and the UR22 Recording Pack (MSRP: $439.99) will be available in October exclusively in the United States.

More to be posted on this release later.

*Please note: the Cubase Recording Pack includes Cubase 7 Upgrade 4 to ‘upgrade’ the existing license, pre-loaded onto the included eLicenser USB key.

About Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH

Steinberg is known the world over for its audio software and hardware solutions. The company has been developing, manufacturing and selling innovative products for musicians and producers in the music, film, post production and multimedia industries since 1984. Steinberg products are used by Grammy and Oscar award-winning composers, engineers and producers. The company also offers business customers license management and copy protection systems. Visit www.steinberg.net for further details. All trademarks are trademarks or registered trademarks of the respective owners.

About MXL

MXL, a division of Marshall Electronics, is a leading manufacturer of consumer and professional audio products for the music recording, broadcast, post, production, and live sound markets. MXL microphones are designed and engineered in El Segundo, California. Additional information on MXL microphones can be found at www.mxlmics.com.
About MOGAMI

Often referred to as “The Cable of the Pros,” MOGAMI Cable is used in recording studios worldwide by some of the biggest names in music today. MOGAMI produces instrument and microphone cables for studio and live performances. Every foot of MOGAMI cable is manufactured in MOGAMI’s Nagano, Japan facility. MOGAMI is distributed exclusively in North America by Marshall Electronics. To learn more about MOGAMI cable, visit www.MOGAMIcable.com. 

About Yamaha

Yamaha Corporation of America (YCA) is one of the largest subsidiaries of Yamaha Corporation, Japan and offers a full line of award-winning musical instruments, sound reinforcement and home entertainment products to the U. S. market. Products include: Yamaha acoustic, digital and hybrid pianos, portable keyboards, guitars, acoustic and electronic drums, band and orchestral instruments, marching percussion products, synthesizers, professional digital and analog audio equipment, Steinberg recording products and Nexo commercial audio products, as well as AV receivers, amplifiers, Blu-ray/CD players, iPod docking systems, home-theater-in-a-box systems, earphones, headphones, sound bars, and its exclusive line of Digital Sound Projectors. YCA markets innovative, finely crafted technology and entertainment products and musical instruments targeted to the hobbyist, education, worship, professional music, installation and consumer markets.