November 2013


Escape The Fate's former brotherly band mates Monte Money and Michael Money left the band and have since formed a whole new musical project they simply call the Money Brother$. These guys have always been known to work hard on music and are continuing to do so with this project, Monte Money is on Vocals, Guitar, Bass, Drums, Keys, Composer, Production and Michael Money is on Guitar, Backing Vocals, Composer, Production.  They have released their first single entitled "Break Free" and have got a whole lot more in-store. The two brothers took the time to discuss their time with Escape The Fate and future plans.


1. Can you briefly tell me what went down with Escape The Fate? Do you think your time with them is done for good or will you cross paths again or return to the ETF line-up?

Money Brother$: We're extremely excited to be moving on, though it was a big part of our lives for many years especially Monte's being a founder and involved for 9 years, we are finally happy that we can bring music straight to the world straight from the Money Brother$. We are very fortunate to have a history where we as brothers have written music that was the main dish that labels exclusively targeted in on in dealing with that band.  It was really an educational period for us when we look back at that now. Money Brother$ is where it's at now, that's all we're focusing and working on.

2. What made you guys want to turn to this direction and create this brotherly project?

Money Brother$: We've been playing music together since we were kids, and we had always played music in other bands locally and professionally. Going through it all we had always come together wrote music, shared what we've learned and our experiences. We created a great bond through music and united our ideas, which has now evolved into the Money Brother$.

3. You decided to name this band after yourselves the Money Brothers how come?

 Money Brother$- We thought since everyone recognized us as the Money Brother$, we would embrace our last name and just take on the name professionally. Plus, we were born in Las Vegas, NV and our name is perfect to represent our home town.

4. Why did you want this project to be a two piece instead of the traditional band line-up?  Will it just be you two or will eventually add other members?

Money Brother$: We move pretty fast as Money Brother$, we don’t have to wait on anyone else. We do everything ourselves and our latest single "Break Free" shows this. Ideas flow fast and it's what we’re used to doing so, this all just comes naturally. We may eventually bring on more members, but only for our live tours.

5. How would you describe your style?

Money Brother$: Our style is very versatile since we enjoy creating very different music that may bring certain listeners of one type of music to appreciate another style of music. An easy way to explain it is that we enjoy creating music that can bring people together from different backgrounds.

6. What lyrical theme do you guys use in your music? What message do you want to send?

Money Brother$: It tends to vary from song to song. We do like to promote positivity, but there are always times when you need a song that you can let everything out in. Generally, we like to make songs that people can use in their lives and maybe help them get through their day or just turn on our song and can let loose.

 7. What's the story behind "BreakFree"?

Money Brother$: It was a song that we wrote to help others who may feel trapped in their lives. There may come a point in time where someone can have an epiphany and this song would help them come to the point where they can realize they can “Break Free” from what they’re so used to doing or feel trapped in.
The mind can be so powerful in creating obstacles and we were hoping that this song could be like someone’s axe or barbell in breaking through that wall or obstacle.


8. Does this song come off an upcoming EP or full-length or a series of singles?

Money Brother$: “Break Free” is a song off our upcoming EP that will be out in 2014.

9. What are the biggest obstacles for bands?

Money Brother$: For an independent band like ours, we’d say funding. Even though we write and record our music ourselves, it can still be an obstacle to get new ears to hear our music by being able to tour.

10. What advice would you give to fellow bands?

Money Brother$: Learn as much as you can about the music business - everything from writing to booking shows. A lot of independent bands already know this, but it can’t be stressed enough, because everyone can get a lot further and faster if they educate themselves.

11. How does music affect you and the world around you?

Money Brother$: Music is like our own world. We can create our own world with music. When the world seems one way, we can always go into the studio and bust out a song that can change perceptions since that is what the world is to everyone, based on different perceptions. It really is a privilege to be able to do what we do and have our fans enjoy it and be able to use our music to help them get through their days.

12. What inspires you to do what you do?

Money Brother$: The music that lives in us all. We believe that we can somehow help the world by making music that can help individuals that can use our music as a way of an outlet or release from what people experience in their daily lives. It’s fans like ours that really stoke the fire in us to bring more music to the world and it’s really amazing to hear how our music saves lives.

13. What should labels/zines/promoters know about your band? Why should they be interested in it?

Money Brother$: Money Brother$ is a game changer for this generation of music. Our music will definitely have an impact, because “Break Free” was just the tip of the iceberg.

14. What plans do you have for the future as a band?

Money Brother$: We plan on coming out swinging with our EP release in 2014 as the Money Brother$.

15. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?

Money Brother$: We are independent so, everyone can get our latest releases at our BandCamp site: moneybrothers.bandcamp.com, it’s also available on Amazon or i-Tunes. We also have our own SoundCloud channel: MoneyBrothers and YouTube channel: MoneyBrothersMusic which also have all of our links to our other sites that we give updates daily about our music venture.

16. Anything else you'd like to add or want to say to the fans?

Money Brother$: We definitely have the greatest fans who appreciate what we have done and support us throughout our musical journey. Thank you so much for being there for us and pushing us to be our best. We love making music for our fans! Much love to all of you! If you haven’t subscribed to our channels make sure you do and stay tuned for what’s to come!


Southern Californians Empyrean Throne is a death metal act who is gotten done writing and recording for their upcoming release "Demonseed". They are also accepting various artists from major labels to play shows with them next year with a whole lot more in-store. In fact, the entire band took the time to discuss "Demonseed" and the single that lead to it's release called "A Crow's Feast".

Members:
Andrew – Vocals
Bryan – Guitars
Mike - Guitars
Dan – Drums
John – Bass
Kakophonix - Cello


1. What brought about the creation of Empyrean Throne and is there a long history of music appreciation between each of the members?

Andrew: I went on a trip after graduating NYU to Scandinavia to visit my family with our bassist John, while there we were super inspired musically to form the band. We had both been part of other musical acts in the past, but after two months of immersing ourselves in Viking culture and partying with the members of Aborted and Mayhem it was the logical thing to do. We spent about a year or so going through different line-up changes and writing tunes that we felt were “worthy” before we got to where we are today. Our newest members are Kakophonix and Mike (the latter being the most recent addition). For me music drives every creative endeavor I do. I see it as the highest form of communication that transcends language, culture, and other social barriers. And who the hell doesn’t love writing metal!? That is the short version I guess.

Dan: I joined Empyrean Throne so I could expand my music knowledge and skillset into the fast-paced and very technical blackened-death metal genre. I started off as a classically trained violin/violist. Once I got to middle school/high school I moved to percussion instruments (xylophone, timpani, chimes, etc.…) Finally in my junior year of high school (Nov 2006) I got my first drum set. I started off as a punk-rock drummer, and have been progressing ever since. The current album “Demonseed” shows off a lot of technical skills shared amongst all the band members, and comes together to make an epic sound you won’t soon forget.

Kakophonix: I came into the band pretty recently, so I’m hardly qualified to speak on the actual conception of Empyrean Throne. I first met Andrew when I was playing a show as a live touring member of Abigail Williams in LA in summer 2012. He contacted me shortly after my leg of the tour was done. I showed him some of my material for my solo project Hvile I Kaos, and he subsequently invited me to lend my services as a session cellist for his band. A year later, in summer 2013, I was working on the Demonseed record, and shortly after that I was in the band full time.

Bryan: I was brought into the band as a guitarist in late October early November of 2012, yes there has been a long history of music appreciation among all of us.

John: It all started on the docks of Nyhavn in Denmark, my buddy Andrew and I came up with this epic idea and stuck with it.

2. Why did you want to go and call the band Empyrean Throne and what is the meaning behind it?

Andrew: The Empyrean was believed by the Greeks, Romans, and other ancient cultures to be a divine place within the heavens occupied by the element of fire. It appears in literature such as the “Divine Comedy”, however in many different mythologies, the Empyrean itself also means the place at which energy and chaos emanate from, and that the forces at work within the Empyrean are neither good nor evil, but indifferent. We have taken the band name and the imagery associated with it to mean the source (the Throne) from which chaos flows and enters into the mortal world.

3. You have been sharing the stage with the likes of Cattle Decapitation, Abigail Williams, The Browning among other well respected metal acts. Are there any bands that have inspired the overall sound of Empyrean Throne?

Andrew: Behemoth, Fleshgod Apocalypse, and Captain Geech and the Shrimp-Shack-Shooters.

Dan: Goatwhore, Black Dahlia Murder, Job for a Cowboy, Faceless, Attila, Veil of Maya, August Burns Red: All of these band’s stage presence and performance techniques set the bar for what we want to achieve with our live shows. If the band members are having fun on stage, the crowd/fans will have a better reaction and connection with the band.

Kakophonix: I’d definitely say that Behemoth and the Black Dahlia Murder are both huge influences on the band’s sound as well as our general approach. In general, the distinctly Polish style of blackened death metal (Behemoth, Hate, Vader, Vesania etc.) is something we draw from a lot. Concerning the symphonic element, Dimmu Borgir, Septicflesh, and Fleshgod Apocalypse are all bands we emulate. Black metal bands like Carpathian Forest, Svarttjern, and Abigail Williams all play a part in influencing our sound, along with fuzzier black-ish bands like Goatwhore and Skeletonwitch. We’re a pretty eclectic modern extreme metal band.

Bryan: Behemoth, At The Gates, Death, Cannibal Corpse, Slayer, The Black Dahlia Murder, there are so many other bands to list but that’s just a few.

John: Dan inspires me.

4. How would you define your style and sound of metal, and why should a metal fan listen to your work?

Andrew: We would classify ourselves as blackened death metal, but we have a heavy symphonic element with Kakophonix and his sexy cello playing. I’d say that any fan of extreme music would like our sound, whether your into the Dimmu Borgir style of black metal, technical death metal, or if you like the symphonic stuff, there is a little something for everyone. The best way is to give us a listen and see for yourself.

Dan: My style of drumming incorporates a lot of inspiration from three main drummers: Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater), Matt Greiner (August Burns Red), and Travis Barker (Blink-182). I’ve studied the technical abilities of Mike Portnoy to be able to have consistently clean fills and an interesting sound to every beat. Matt Greiner was the one who inspired me to get into heavy/death metal in the first place. His energy, double bass speed, and insane patterns are always played as if he’s a robot. Every single note must be played flawlessly in time and on a specific part of the drum. Transitions across the drum set should appear to be effortless. Finally, Travis Barker has taught me how play with power, and really drive the band during a live performance. If I can’t hear the guitars on the monitor, I have to think like Travis and power through it as the heartbeat of the band.

Kakophonix: I'd characterize Empyrean Throne as a symphonic blackened death metal band. We draw from all corners of the extreme metal pantheon, the intensity and heaviness of death metal, the ferocity and atmosphere of black metal, and the cinematic strings are probably the three most defining features of our music. Metal fans that want something huge, epic, beautiful, terrifying, and invigorating should definitely give Empyrean Throne a listen.

Bryan: These first few songs have a catchy melodic sound to them with just the right amount of heaviness and great metal tone. I can’t quite say we sound like any other metal bands, I think we do our own thing and build upon the collective metal that we all listen to. As a band we all work very hard at our craft, and this being our first album, I feel the quality of our songs shows that we work hard at what we do and try to give the metal audience a quality product. Future works will be even better.

5. What's the story behind "A Crow's Feast"?

Andrew: “A Crow’s Feast” is part of the larger story of Demonseed (the record) as a whole. It is a concept record of the birth, rise, and fall of an Anti-Christ like figure. In “Crow’s” he has pretty much destroyed most of the planet, however he is killed as a result of this, and in his last moments he has a moment of hesitation as to whether he will ascend to the realm of the dark forces he served or if all of this was just the bi-product of his own madness and that there is no reward after his death. That’s the Spark-notes version.

6. This single comes off your album "Demonseed", how much time went into the recording and producing of this CD, and are you happy with the results?

Andrew: Demonseed, was a labor of love (pun definitely intended). We started recording it in September of last year. The studio we were working with had a massive amount of problems, which delayed recording into February. It was killing us as a band so we got our money back and re-re-record at Sound Temple Studios (Winds of Plague’s studio). We recorded it with Ryan Williams, former bassist of The Black Dahlia Murder; he was a total pro and very fun to work with. I myself am definitely happy with the results and I can't wait to share it with everyone.

Dan: With the correct recording studio it took us about 2 months to record (drums tracked in one day). Then lots of time used to fine-tune and perfect every second of every song. Fucking love the CD!

Kakophonix: My work for the Demonseed record was somewhat removed from the original collective process, seeing as most of the songs were written before I joined. My job was basically to take all the songs on the record except for two (Nothing But Vermin, The Fascist Messiah), and add a symphonic element by means of a multi-tracked 16-piece cello choir, played and recorded entirely by myself. I recorded everything from home in order to cut studio and travel costs (I live in Pasadena, which is a bit of a hike from Sound Temple Studios) and to allow me to be a perfectionist about my work. I would basically roll out of bed every morning this summer and be recording by 9 am, and continue that way all day. The whole process, including writing, sending rough demos to the band, and re-recording and finalizing everything, took about a month and a half on my end.

Bryan: We are happy with how Demonseed came out. A lot of days and hours went into making this album, but as with anything if you want a good product you need to invest your time and energy in it.

John: We had a really good idea of what we needed to do walking in through the doors of Sound Temple Studios. Big shout out to Ryan Williams for putting up with our shenanigans and making an awesome sounding record.

7. What's your take on "Demonseed" as a whole?

Andrew: Again I am very happy with the record as a whole. Like any bands first release we are growing and evolving our sound. Demonseed, with all the recording fuck-ups put a lot of pressure on us to finish the record so the whole process felt a little rushed. With album two, we will definitely take our time with everything and have a more refined and narrow focus on our sound overall, if that makes any sense. But in short, Ryan did an amazing job on the mixing and mastering, and I am very happy with it.

Dan: In your face, fast-paced, symphonic blackened death metal.

Kakophonix: I’d describe Demonseed as a solid and promising debut record. In the process of making the record, the band has solidified and matured quite a bit, and has taken steps towards really finding our voice. Empyrean Throne is definitely capable of bigger and ballsier things down the line, and Demonseed has pointed us in the direction necessary to get there. I’m very happy with this record, and very proud of the work that everyone’s put in.

Bryan: Straightforward in your face head banging, blackened death metal goodness.

John: Demonseed is and will continue to be the crushing foundation of our metal origin. It turned out better than I could've possibly imagined and it is the first of many.

8. What's your favorite song on the album right now?

Andrew: They are all my little degenerate children, but I would have to say “Follow The Plaguelord”. We definitely bring out the big guns on that track. It’s the most epic of the lot.

Dan: A Crow’s Feast! I get really excited on stage when it’s finally time to play A Crow’s Feast. The single is currently out for everyone’s enjoyment… GO DOWNLOAD IT FOR FREE NOW!

Kakophonix - That’s a tough question. All of them have positive aspects to them. If I had to pick, I’d say, “Follow the Plaguelord”, because it represents much of where we’d like to head in the future artistically. The two runners-up in my book would be the opening song “Death March” and the single “A Crow’s Feast”. Both of those songs are damn cool.

Bryan: “Nothing But Vermin” or “Follow The Plaguelord”.

Mike: I'm a fan of “Follow The Plaguelord” and “Demonseed” personally.

John: “A Crow’s Feast” for sure. I go nuts on stage when we play that song!

9. Is it important for you to paint visual pictures with the songs?

Andrew: Being a film guy, yes absolutely!

Kakophonix: When one listens to the music of Empyrean Throne, one should envision the thunder of war.

John: Yes definitely, I think any good song needs to have that.

10. What would be the cinematic equivalent of "Demonseed"?

Andrew: “Demonseed: The Movie”, would be a 50 minute battle sequence with a 1000 plus extras sporting the latest in medieval weaponry. It would be shot using 50 RED Epic cameras mounted on 3D camera rigs, preferably shot at 48 fps. Add special effects and few pointless JJ Abrams style lens flares, then movie time. Only available in IMAX-3D.

Dan: TROY!

Bryan: The movie “300“.

John: “Anchorman” but with zombies.

11. Where is the new material headed for future releases?

Andrew: More of a blackened death metal sound. We are refining the stuff we like and playing with new ideas. We want to use more/different instruments to get a fuller orchestral sound, stuff like that. We are doing a cover, which we are excited about, and are already about 1/3 of the way done with material for our second record.

Kakophonix: We intend to exploit the symphonic element quite a bit more. My personal artistic goal with Empyrean Throne is to make us America’s answer to European symphonic extreme bands such as Dimmu Borgir and Septicflesh. As such, we’ll probably be taking steps towards adding more than just cello choir, eventually progressing towards a full orchestral sound. Apart from that, I think it’s safe to say we’re going to head in a direction akin to that of our European metal influences.

Bryan: Our new music will have more complexity, and structure. We always strive to improve our craft; I’m excited to take a bigger role in song writing for the new album where the current album (Demonseed) had a lot of the songs already established when I joined the band. Also new material will be writing on seven strings.

Mike: I'm hoping as the new guy I can maybe bring a little of my background into the music like the melodic and technical death metal, a bit of thrash, metalcore and punk.

John: Technical seven string guitar madness, ear shattering blast beats and face melting bass licks

12. Where can we go if we want to listen or purchase your work?

Andrew: You can get our single “A Crow’s Feast” as a free download from our bandcamp page at empyreanthrone.bandcamp.com.  The record will be available on our bandcamp site as well as iTunes upon its release, which is set for Dec 5th of this year.

13. Who would you say is the most metal out of your band mates?

Andrew: Kakophonix. Hands down.

Dan: John is most metal… Andrew is the most metal in ideology and theory.

Kakophonix: I'm just going to go ahead and say all of them.

Bryan: I would say myself but how do you judge something like that?

Mike: I agree with Kakophonix.

John: I am all that is metal!

14. Who would win in a headbanging contest between you guys?

Andrew: I'm in a close race with Kakophonix and Bryan, bow before my neck muscles!

Dan: ME!

Bryan: I would say myself, my shaved head has no wind resistance so I can whip my head back and forth with hurricane force.

Mike: I'm pretty sure I'd beat everybody when it comes to head banging.

John: It's a tossup. I get very violent with my head bangs and Andrew just makes it look so damn good.

15. How many band merch is in your personal collections whether it'd be hoodies, beanies, t-shirts, wristbands, etc.

Andrew: My entire wardrobe is almost all band t-shirts. I do my shopping at concerts. Currently wearing my Cattle Decapitation tee.

Dan: Not enough. : (

Bryan: I have 40-50 black band shirts from various bands I enjoy, many of which don't fit me anymore.

Mike: All of my clothes are from concerts or from a band’s online store. So it's all band merch.

John:  Haha ya I have a lot of merch.

16. When it comes down to the whole album process and release day - does the band get boxes of the album and you guys get copies for yourselves or do you have to buy your own album? Or do you rather not even own a copy of your own work?

Andrew - Once we get the CDs printed we will each have a copy. We already have the master tracks. I don’t know about the other guys but I am going to frame my CD in a place of honor in my room, or stick it someplace were you would be forced to see it upon entering my house.

John - We will have boxes of the single to pass out plus boxes of our actual album to sell. We already have people wanting to pre-order it, so let us know and get it while it's hot!

17. What format do you like your personal music to be - digital, CD, vinyl, cassette, a-track? If you could put Empyrean Throne's music in any of these formats even the older one's would you and why?

Andrew: CD format for me. I like having the actual record even though I listen to all my stuff through my iPod. It would be totally cool to have a vinyl copy of Demonseed; nothing beats the sound quality of vinyl.

Dan: Vinyl, you can’t get much more kvlt than that…. Just imagine… Hey I have Empyrean Throne’s record on vinyl…. Go grab the record player!

Bryan: I prefer CD’s, I loved going to the record shops before most went out of business, and seeing what new music came out. I like having something tangible from a band that I can hold, read, and store on a shelf to display, it is important to me and other people and probably why vinyl is also making a comeback among music lovers, having a digital file has it advantages in reaching a broad audience over the internet but lacks in its ability to connect with the buyer in certain ways.

Mike: I'd have to say CDs because that's what I grew up with. Even though all my music is in iPods I like having a hard copy if everything. Although I would like to see our music in every format possible

John: Vinyl for sure because it captures the complete sound wave giving it a richer sound and a more accurate listen to what we're actually playing.

18. Your single "A Crows Feast" will be made into a lyrical video - why do you think bands turn to this way with their singles?

Andrew: I personally think lyric videos are stupid, but they are great promotional tools especially for album singles. I think most bands do them to save either time or money, and just hire some animation guys to hack something together. Which does work, however you forsake telling any sort of meaningful visual story to really bring the song to life.

Dan: To get the word out to the masses as quickly and easily as possible!

Kakophonix: It looks very professional. It looks like the band took the time to give their fans and colleagues something visually appealing to go with the song. Also, adding the lyrics and the cover art gives people a good taste of what the band is all about. It’s a fitting way of complimenting the fans and letting them know we care about them by presenting them with something appealing.

Bryan: By listening and reading the lyrics at the same time, I think it allows the message of the song to be better absorbed by the listener.

Mike: I too think lyric videos are lame, but they are nice in a promotional sense. It's just one more release that will keep the fans happy and wanting more plus there are fans out there that do really get into the poetic aspect of the music.

John: It's a good way to promote yourself and give our fans an inside look on what the song is trying to convey.

19. Speaking of videos, will you be shooting a video for any of the songs or the single in the future?

Andrew: Oh yes! Especially since I think lyric videos are lame. We haven't really decided on which song to do yet since we are still working on releasing the record but we have a few ideas in terms of what track we will pick. We are going to try and shoot something in December, but it depends how crazy things get with the holidays.

Dan: Fuck yeah we are… I don’t know if you knew this, but Andrew is kind of a big deal…. He enjoys directing films.

Bryan: Yes Andrew has studied film/directing and knows the contacts to make a great music video, so we have plans to make a video from one of our songs, which one I can't say now.

20. What are your upcoming plans for playing shows and touring?

Andrew: We want to get in a big show before the release and then hit the stage hard after to promote it. It depends what comes up and what we get offered. But there is some potential stuff in the works for December and January. It would be cool to play out of state to expand our fan base. But we are weighing our options.

Dan: The ideal show for me would be: House of Blues in Anaheim, and opening for August Burns Red/ Attila/ Goatwhore / Cattle D!

John: There are a lot of big things up ahead. Until our promoters are ready to announce the upcoming gigs we're obligated to keep things under wraps so go to our Facebook page for updates show schedules. We plan on conquering the world.

21. What are your upcoming plans for the holiday season?

Andrew: Shoot a music video, Xbox One, and drinking Snapps at my house, in no particular order.

Dan: Gut busting drum solos and blowing people’s minds with our new CD release.

Bryan: Eating turkey with the family.

John: To home brew a batch of moonshine so evil it will literally rip your face off.

22. Would you like to say or add anything else?

Andrew: Download “A Crow’s Feast” for free at empyreanthrone.bandcamp.com, and tell all your friends to buy some merch so we can play a show in Iceland, because that would be brutal!

Kakophonix: I’m really pleased to be a part of this band. I spent a couple years record-hopping as a session player and a hired gun, and am glad I've’ve found a band to stick with. All the guys have something unique to offer, and everyone pulls their weight and contributes. I think it’s safe to say we’re all artistically invested enough in this band to where something really cool is taking shape, and really organically at that, since we’re all operating on the same wavelength. This isn’t the last you'll be hearing of Empyrean Throne. Not by a long shot.

Bryan: We love the support we get from our fans, friends, and family to do what we love, which is making heavy metal music work.


Hasbro's My Little Pony line hit Build A Bear Workshops not too long ago with Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash later followed by Twilight Sparkle and now Fluttershy! All 4 of the ponies can be found on the Build A Bear website HERE and at the local retailer near you with various accessory and package options to choose from.

Fluttershy
Twilight Sparkle
Rainbow Dash
Pinkie Pie


Mattel's Monster High line has expanded a lot over the years and has yet another special/movie coming Spring 2014! It's called Frights, Camera, Action! From Londoom to New Goreleans to Hauntlywood, follow the ghouls on an epic adventure to find the true Queen of the Vampires in the all-new Blu-ray™/ DVD “Frights, Camera, Action!” coming in Spring 2014! The fangtastic new boovie even features a guest appearance from boovie star Veronica Von Vamp! Check out the 3 trailers and more in-depth details on the new set of ghouls HERE.


Hardcore/metalcore punks The Banner from Bloomfield, New Jersey has been one of those act's that is like a light switch coming on at times then going off at times. Over the course of their 13 years together they have gone on to release several EPs and full-length albums with a whole lot more material underway already. When it comes down to an act like The Banner there one of those types who do it when they feel like it and everyone who enjoys them is quite fine with it. Frontman vocalist Joey Southside took some time to discuss some historical info on the band and what the future has in-store for them.


1. Can I get a backstory on the band/ band biography?

Joey: We started as a hardcore band in 1998 called XConstrictorX, that changed to Bruce Banner which became The Banner when we discovered a pre-existing band in Sweden or someshit had the same name. If they sucked we wouldn't have cared because we're American and thats what we do, but they were kind of awesome so we changed it.

2. What lyrical theme do you guys use in your music? What message do you want to send?

Joey: Our lyrical themes are usually about self loathing, depression, anger, that drivel in that sort. I don't want to send any message, I write what I am feeling for myself, if people relate and ejoy it then I think that's awesome.

3. How did you guys come up with your band name?

Joey: Like I said prior, we were originally Bruce Banner, so the name change kind of worked out with us in wanting to embrace the darker aspects of the band.

4. So tell me why does The Banner keep acting like a light switch when it comes to breaking up? What keeps causing this to happen?

Joey: We really only broke up once, maybe twice? That one time only lasted about two weeks. When I don't want to do The Banner then I don't, when it needs to happen it does. It's not really breaking up.

5. You guys have been around for over 10 years, what have you done to celebrate or do you plan on celebrating in any shape or form?

Joey: We have been around for 13 years actually and our debut EP Posthumous was recorded in 1999, we have no plans to celebrate really, it's kind of shocking people still care enough to keep us doing this after all these years.

6. Aside from being together for over 10 years, your debut release "Your Murder Mixtape" is in it's 10 year run, do you plan to do any showcases or touring with playing it in it's entirety?

Joey: We don't tour, we do weekend trips and things like that but anything longer than a week or so really doesn't appeal to us. We're all too crazy for that to be successful. But we probably would play it if that's what the fans wanted.

7. "Reflection In The Shadow Of The Beast" was an unreleased album, why was it not released and will it ever see a release?

Joey: We ended up releasing it on the internet. We were on label that was kinda crappy and we wanted to go do a record with our friend Carl. But the owner of that label thought Carl was going to get a payday and wanted us to hold onto our contractual 30 minutes of recording time. Unfortunately for him we were on a Neurosis kick at that time, and banged out a 30 minute track in about 48 hours. I think he didn't release it because the label folded. But I'm not so sure. It's been available on the internet for free with a little bit of searching.

8. "Born to Ruin I: Ill Will" is your newest release and is an EP release to top it off, what can you tell me about it?

Joey: Not much its basically a cleaned up glorified demo. We thought the songs were killer and wanted to get them out there to the people who wanted new music.

9. Where are you in the process of the new EP?

Joey: The EP has been done and out for a while and is available at Melotov Records.

10. Where did you record the EP?

Joey: It was recorded at the Stained Glass Studios in Hoboken.

11. How would you describe the overall sound of the new EP? How does it compare to Frailty?

Joey: I'd say it's more of a violent record sound wise. I hope so anyway. I think it's a pretty rational progression from our Frailty release. But my brain is stupid so who knows, I think it's good and heavy and dark that's the shit I like best.

12. Did the band have any definitive goals they were shooting for before the recording process began for this EP?

Joey: Well the majority of the writing and stuff is done by me for the most part, this record was almost entirely me. No real other process than it was time to put out more stuff.

13. Are you using any new instrumentation you've never used in the recording process before?

Joey: We did some more digital stuff than we have done before, I've been leaning a lot towards my industrial roots. I'm looking forward to exploring that canvas of sounds search further.

14. When did you start writing for this EP? How was the songwriting process different/similar to previous releases?

Joey: A lot of these were written before Frailty, the next two EPs and the full-length were taken from a bank of about 40 or so songs, I've written in the down time.

15. "Frailty" was a sizable critical success. Did you feel any pressure to follow it up?

Joey: Not really, I'm my biggest critic. I usually only care what Garret our guitar player and co-founder thinks. He's usually nice enough to blow smoke up my ass to get me to want to release new stuff.

16. It's been  years since we've heard material from you guys. Why such a long time period on getting material out there?

Joey: I write shit, then love it, then hate it, and throw it out and write new stuff all over again. I do this over again and again and again until someone demands I release something.

17. Which label do you call home as of today, you've have a track record of being apart of Blackout Records, Ferret Music, Warmachine Records, and Melotov Records. Whom is your calling card or do you guys prefer the DIY approach?

Joey: None really, Mel at Melotov is family and we do stuff with her because she gets my process and is supportive and awesome. We're doing another full length with Carl at Good Fight who started Ferret because, he's a good friend and he loves the music and understands how I am and is ok with it. It takes a special kind of masochist to want to work with me.

18. Can you go into one or two tracks on the EP? If so, can you give us the track title and brief description of how the track sounds and how it came about?

Joey: Hmmm I'd have to pick....

Negative Zone - I suppose it's about taking in how shitty your life has become and dealing with your responsibility for it.

Lilith - I suppose it's a love song? It's about being attracted to a person in a self destructive relationship while you yourself are being the negative love interest of someone else. Someone who is probably way better for you. It's my version of the Eagle's "Desperado".

19. How was the vibe in the studio?

Joey: Awesome, Jeremy is a little dweeb but we work well together. He's disappeared somewhere again so who knows if we'll work together again.

20. When can we expect the new EP to be released?

Joey: It's been out for a while now go pick up a copy!

21. What can the fans expect to see from you in the future?

Joey: Records, shows,and asinine tweets via our Twitter follow us!

22. Any final words of wisdom?

Joey: Theres not a germ of wisdom in my entire body.


Steampunk and futurism mesh together with mime and music to create a breathtakingly imaginative act. Hydraulics hiss and motors hum as three robots begin to snap into mechanical movement. Their instruments ring and the automatons begin to belt out in three part harmony. The robots of Steam Powered Giraffe are like nothing you've ever seen. The malfunctioning joke-spewing metal men play a collection of original Vaudeville inspired tunes fused with modern flare and executed in a super-sleek, one-of-a-kind performance. More than just a band, Steam Powered Giraffe is an experience that must be seen and heard by the entire family. Band mate Christopher "Bunny" Bennett known as Rabbit took the time to discuss the band's latest album "Mark III" and the future plans that are over the horizon!


1. Introduce yourself, tell me what you do in Steam Powered Giraffe.

Bunny: Hello good to be here, my name is Bunny Bennett and I play Rabbit the Robot in the band Steam Powered Giraffe. I do harmonies, main melodies, play some instruments, I do it all, manage some social media, an owner of the company, that's fun too so I have my fingers in a lot of pies.

2. Can I get a backstory on the band/band biography? Why are there 5 members of the group but only 3 of the 5 are featured?

Bunny: Well we started as a mime troop with some improv training with a lot of theater backgrounds, and we started busking in Balboa Park San Diego just acoustic, I mean the band is literally just a group of antic robots, sort of a malfunction play of catchy tunes, so as that expanded onto the live shows over the years; we brought in a drummer, brought in some backing musicians that's why there's actually 6, 7, 8 members of the group that make it possible. Obviously the 3 robots the people in makeup draw most of the attention in the marketing, but the human's in the group are dressed in jumpsuits they're themed to be sort of the technicians so even though they are behind us they still play the important role, of getting into that spirit of the whole make believe sort of thing ya know?

3. Why the name, Steam Powered Giraffe, what does a Giraffe have to do with your music and concept ideal?

Bunny: Well in the beginning it was sort of a joke as the band was even forming. It was suppose to be an ASININE name for a band, so we kind of liked it then fell in love with it. It's so memorable and when it came in time of what to label it and what it was, we thought having something so ridiculous would be so awesome so we wrote a backstory to go with it,  that talked about this scientist who made this giant steam powered giraffe and a bunch of singing robots, sort of like a Willy Wonka type of character, it's all about being off beat it's sort of science with a touch of magic. It's just strange and we like that.

4. You guys wanted to dress up for your photo shoots, live performances, and music videos why did you want to take this approach as opposed to a regular t-shirt and jeans appearance?

Bunny: Well being most of our members have theater backgrounds we kind of are actors playing the role of a band, we are a band, there are harmonies, guitar licks, added layer, theatrical material, we're entertainers primarily and we dress up in costume with the voices, which we're all really good at and just got it all to work in, so hopefully it pays off. It's been looking like something people hadn't really seen before.

5. Who was the one to come up with this whole concept idea for the attire, make up, and overall ordeal?

Bunny: Well we started in 2008, my ideal twin brother and I and friends met in a mime class, and had done paint faced mime charity's and children's camps. So we wanted to take those statue robot men you see out in the park, who talk back at you and it became really funny and unique for us. So it became something we enjoyed doing and it became modern, a lot of people are afraid of mimes/clowns but as soon as you dress up as a robot like we do, the people are more accepting of it. Plus being a normal band just seemed boring for us.

6. How come you guys chose to be a DIY type of band as opposed to one being signed with a record label or do you hope to get signed eventually?

Bunny:  We've been looking for the man with a cigar with a bag of a dollar sign on it for many years. Don't think it's going to happen, the music industry is not in a great place, but honestly our act is new and fresh and it's hard to market us. We're hoping to draw in a following and exploring modern sounds but don't think anyone would know what to do with us. But hopefully someday Disney will know what to do with us and give us a call one day to play Tomorrowland! it's great to be in creative control which could be a bad thing, but we came from a family who had some training and experienced and it's great  to be in control and the money goes all ways and we get by.

7. What bands have influenced your band and its sound?

Bunny: We're suckers for the classics The Beatles, Queen, Electric Light Orchestra, The Band, but we have a white plate and love classic rock. But we also love modern music like Michael Jackson, Bee Gees or Lady Gaga we like all kinds of music and that works for a band of a story of robots who's dabbled in all genres like we have done.

8. What lyrical theme do you guys use in your music? What message do you want to send?

Bunny: Mostly machine metaphors but we're running out of ideas. But I think there are a lot of messages in there, definitely with our fan base we've developed this uniqueness and strangeness because the band is filled with quirky people. So does anyone need to be ashamed of being a bit beyond the norm?

9. Who or what is MK III?

Bunny:  MK III is Mark III the name of our new album that comes from a name of machines the next thing for us. It's got some cool stuff on it and it's been a pleasurable experience for us to create.

10. Is there any story or concept behind the MK III title?

Bunny: We didn't have a name for it for the longest time, just calling it "Album Three" playing around with it, having a numeric thing to it, because our first album was called "Album One" then "The Two Cent Show" so we wanted something with three in it, coming up with names like tripod, third time's a charm, everything just didn't sound good. So one day while we were watching Iron Man he had all these armors calling them Mark 27, then thought of Mark 3 "hey that makes sense" it's corny but sleek as well.

11. Who produced MK III and what was it like working with them?

Bunny: We're all self-produced the recording in a dead space with comforters suspended from the ceiling for our studio space. We've gotten the hang of doing it ourselves, and the studio is costly. So I don't think the average listener will be able to hear it, and we've gotten really good at mastering so they will all be surprised it was done with just one microphone than how bands record their stuff nowadays.

12. Who did the cover art for MK III and how much input did you have on it?

Bunny: I did the cover art, it's actually a staged photo that our husband and wife photographer team did together, who always shoot our shows and work on our promotional material, headshots, etc. It was all staged and centered around our new robot member Hatchsworth, he has this energy coming out of his chest, it's a big introduction and welcoming to him to the band and the album he was on it. So it was just hashing out the ideas and coming to an agreement but it's great when you have your own company.

13. What's your take on MK III as a whole?

Bunny: I do think this is a snap shot of where we are now. A year ago we picked up tumblr fame and it was overwhelming, there are songs that deal with that, and it deals with fandom's, and what the celebrities get themselves into, it all feels like it's going in one direction at times. But over the years it feels like this album, gets into those robot metaphors and the story is about what it means to be human and the differences of being a robot but I enjoy it.

14. What's your favorite song on the album right now?

Bunny: It's really hard to say because there all wonderful. We don't have a certain song writer all of us contribute and it's a meshing of all of the styles. " Mecto Amore" is the latest song we've released and the people's reactions towards it, have been great so we're hoping to do more poppy modern types of songs.

15. What plans do you have for the future?

Bunny: We're going forward, our YouTube is keeping people up to date and some video releases. The starting up a comic book with some backstory on a behind the scenes look of the robots. We're also already working on our next album and will be a concept piece like "The Wall" it's a space opera mixed with theatrical rock is all I can say about it.

16. What should labels/zines/promoters know about your band? Why should they be interested in it?

Bunny: There is no one else out there like us. So as the years go by the geeks and nerds are taking over and that comic book line-up of movies, people can take in that culture and a band of robots isn't any different it brings that classic entertainers like KISS. Hopefully it all comes together bringing classical entertainment and technology spreading our wings of mixing Vegas with rock music.

17. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?

Bunny: We're all over Amazon, iTunes, and have a website, http://www.steampoweredgiraffe.com/

18. Anything else you'd like to say to the fans?

Bunny: Thanks for supporting us, and enjoy the new album, and hope you can check us out on tour and see you all at the shows! 


German musical hybrid, We Butter The Bread With Butter (WBTBWB) has announced a North American headline tour for 2014. The trek (to happen in February and March) will find the band hitting both Coasts and comes on the heels of their highly successful U.S. tour which just wrapped this Fall. Joining them on the upcoming dates is Lions Lions (Century Media Records) and Honour Crest (Rise Records). Among the stops is an appearance at the highly-anticipated South By So What?! festival in Texas.

TOUR DATES:

02/12 - New York, NY @ Studio at Webster
02/13 - Worcester, MA @ The Palladium
02/14 - Montreal, QC @ Underworld
02/15 - Toronto, ON @ Hard Luck
02/16 - Detroit, MI @ Shelter
02/17 - Cleveland, OH @ Agora
02/19 - Chicago, IL @ Beat Kitchen
02/20 - Minneapolis, MN @ Nether Bar
02/21 - Iowa City, IA @ Blue Moose
02/22 - St. Louis, MO @ Fubar
02/24 - Lawrence, KS @ Granada
02/25 - Denver, CO @ Marquis Theatre
02/26 - Salt Lake City, UT @ In The Venue
02/28 - Seattle, WA @ Corazon Lounge
03/01 - Portland, OR @ Branxx
03/02 - Sacramento, CA @ Assembly
03/05 - Los Angeles, CA @ Whisky
03/06 - San Diego, CA @ Soma Sidestage
03/07 - Anaheim, CA @ Chain Reaction
03/08 - Phoenix, AZ @ Mesa
03/09 - Albuqerque, NM @ Launchpad
03/11 - San Antonio, TX @ White Rabbit
03/15 - Grand Prairie, TX @ Quiktrip Park (South By So What?!)
03/18 - Jacksonville, FL @ Jack Rabbits
03/19 - Orlando, FL @ Backbooth
03/20 - Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade
03/21 - Charlotte, NC @ Casbah
03/22 - Springfield, VA @ Empire
03/23 - Phladelphia, PA @ The Note


It looks like the United Kingdom has done it again with this alternative, rock, eletropunk, dance rock, gabber grunge, style from the likes of Stereo Juggernaut with their debut album "Disco Smack". This album features an array of songs "Defeated By The Sea", "Like A Star", "Fallen", and "In The Night", each of these providing the cut up genres, these guys consider this music to be. The vocals are done in their own way, while the instrumentals deliver their own sense to the musical beats - their style really brings to mind that of I See Stars crosses  Depeche Mode. These guys really have what it takes when it comes to music - they provide a unique craft of creativeness by topping it off with a source of instrumentals and lyrics that really bring out everything about them from all possible aspects. Stereo Juggernaut is one of those one hit wonders that will wonder off into being another generation of considerable music.


It seems like the United Kingdom has been turning out a good handful of acts as of late including latest and newest addition Cage The Gods with their debut EP "Favorite Sin". This EP delivers that classic rock with some rock n' roll edge on top of it. The title track, "From The Start", and "Wake Up", are all truly outstanding songs that catches what these guys are doing with their musical abilities. The instrumentals are tight and heavy yet very upbeat, while the vocals are eye catching with the melodies, riffs, and solos pushing it altogether. Cage The God's have got that rock n' roll spirit embedded within, it's just going along for the ride, providing all the right grooves and rules of what they like to call "rock" music. Fans of Buckcherry and Papa Roach will fall head first into this next generation of good old rock n' roll.


Jenna Syde & The Watchers can be found doing live performances in and out of Los Angeles and are taking their infused anthem rock to further heights. Be sure to keep checking jennasyde.com for future updates, new music, added photos, and general information. Stand up for what you believe in and get ready for the beating. Are U A Watcher? The entire act of Jenna Syde & The Watchers took the time to talk about themselves and future plans for all new music and new shows and so much more!


1. Introduce yourself, tell me what you do in JennaSyde and the Watchers.

Jenna Syde Vocals
Jason Dread Guitars
Boss Jim Haas Bass
Scandal West Drums

2. Can I get a backstory on the band/ band biography?

Culminating from the Los Angeles area, Jenna Syde & The Watchers are a 4 piece rock n roll act with severe punk rock undertones. Influenced and modeled by the best elements of the early 70's garage art-rock scene, the rough-around-the-edges 80's punk movement and the late 80's hair flying "cock rock".

3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there?Are there any local bands you could recommend?

We are a Los Angeles band where the music scene here is crowded but there are a lot of awesome unsigned bands out there. Some of our faves are; Welcome to Concrete,  White Flag Down, BrainSpoon, Prima Donna, Clepto, and many more.

4. Why did you want to go and call yourselves JennaSyde and the Watchers?

Well our lead singer is Jenna Syde and the watchers is based off of the bible story about the fallen angels, called the watchers who mated with the daughters of men. Jenna has a particular fondness for biblical mythology.

5. How would you describe your style? Which bands influenced your music?

We are just a good old hard rock band with influences like KISS, The Cult,  The Ramones, AC/DC, Cheap Trick, Linda Perry, Pat Benatar, David Bowie and many more.

6. What lyrical theme do you guys use in your music? What message do you want to send?

Our themes vary depending on what Jenna has seen, done or endured lately. We have songs about addiction, excess, plastic people, being broke musicians, sugar mamas, hookers & many more. There really isn't a positive or negative message to the songs, its more or less a we don't take any shit and are here to have a good time feel.

7. Do you write your own songs? Can you discuss the songwriting process in detail?

Yes. Jenna usually gets a flash if inspiration remembering the night before or a phrase someone said while she's stuck in traffic on tbe 405. She records that idea on her phone and hashes out the song on her guitar, when she gets home and then brings it to the band so we can make it awesome. Sometimes she and Jason work on a tune together with inspiration stemming from one of his riffs and they bring it to rehearsal to work out the kinks and get it stage ready.

8. Can you tell me about the song and video for "Pretty In Plastic"?

Its Jenna's tribute to the plastic women in LA. Oddly enough we were able to get our dear friend and Metal Matriarch Betsy Bitch of the Los Angeles 80's thrash band Bitch, to dress up in Barbie fashion and play our plastic lead in the video. She was great and we can't wait for you all to see her performance.

9. How would you describe the overall sound of "Pretty In Plastic"?

Fun, kinda early punk/glam!

10. Did the band have any definitive goals they were shooting for before the recording process began for this EP?

Just to make some good tunes and get them heard.

11. Are you using any new instrumentation you've never used in the recording process before?

Nope its simple 3 chord rock and its done well.

12. When did you start writing for "Pretty In Plastic"?

Late 2011 early 2012 shortly after the release of our first album "Are You A Watcher".

13. Did you feel any pressure whatsoever about writing and recording for this release?

No we took our time so that we knew we had the right songs, the recording team and the right artwork. Plus we need to make sure we have the funding.

14. How was the vibe in the studio for everybody?

Great. We all work quick and mapped out the songs before we hit the studio so we knew exactly what to play and sing. Studios cost money and money is time so we didn't want to waste any of it.

15. Who produced "Pretty In Plastic" and what was it like working with them?

We recorded at Suicide King Records and had it mastered by Chris Collier at CMC21 productions. Jenna's Uncle Danny B. Harvey executive produced a couple of tracks on the album, but as for musical production and direction we go into the studio knowing exactly, what we want to do so you can kinda say we produced ourselves.

16. "Pretty In Plastic" is this a concept release and does the title have a concept or story behind it?

No its not really a concept release but many of our songs are stories within themselves.

17. Who did the cover art for "Pretty In Plastic" and how much input did you have on it?

The cover photo was shot by our good friend David Arnspiger at Traumantic Studios, our graphic designer was Amanda K. Sawyer and the logo design was Melissa Knowlton.

18. What other plans do you have for the future as a band?

We will be booking many more shows outside the LA area with a possible mini tour  this summer and new EP release late in 2014.

19. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?

You can catch all tourdates, music, videos, media and merchindise at www.jennasyde.com

20. Anything else you'd like to add or care to say?

You can catch our next show Wednesday November 27th ( Thanksgiving eve) at Molly Malones 575 S Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA  for our Music Video Release Party for " Pretty In Plastic" which of course is the title track off the EP of the same name. If your not a fan already you will be after this show.


Japanese act VAMPS are Hyde (L'Arc-en-Ciel) and K.A.Z (Oblivion Dust). These two musicians have been working closely producing Hyde's solo work since 2003. Just after the release of their first single, "Love Addict", on July 2, 2008, VAMPS launched an impressive Japan countrywide tour, "Vamps Live 2008". The tour consisted of an unprecedented 46 live performances in Japan's six largest cities, all at the prestigious Zepp concert venues. The tour was a tremendous success, and VAMPS haven't stopped since. From 2008 to 2010, they performed about 200 concerts not only in Japan, but also all over the world (North America, South America, Hawaii, Europe and Asia). Currently, VAMPS have released two full albums — "Vamps" and "Beast" — along with seven singles and five live DVDs. VAMP's Hyde discusses the tour and some historic info on the band itself.



1. Introduce yourself, tell me what you do in Vamps, and tell me what's it been like being a band for 5 years?

Hyde: My name is HYDE and I’m the vocalist. The main members of VAMPS are just K.A.Z and myself. I think that considering we both work with other bands, we've’ve progressed pretty quickly as a band. But there’s still a way to go until we reach our ultimate goal.

2. Tell us the brief history of your band.

Hyde: It all began when K.A.Z started helping me out on my solo material, and after releasing 2 albums, we officially formed VAMPS to share the responsibilities. Including the time that he worked with me during my solo career, we've worked together for around 8 years.

3. Do you think not being from a big city like LA or NY influences your sound?

Hyde: I guess so, although I've never really considered that when I listen to music so I can't really tell. We both grew up listening to a lot of American and British music, but I guess we are indeed influenced by Japan and it’s music because that’s where we’re based. I hope that appears as a strength in our material.

4. Why did you want to go and call yourselves Vamps? Are you Vampires?

Hyde: Yes, we're vampires. That’s why we called ourselves VAMPS!

5. How would you describe your style? Which bands influenced your music?

Hyde: Our style would be American hard rock and British new wave, perhaps because we listen to those genres a lot. I listen to a lot of American bands like Mötley Crüe and Metallica.

6. What lyrical theme do you guys use in your music? What message do you want to send?

Hyde: The anguishes and pleasures of being a vampire. ‘Though it’s not true!

7. You decide to form this band as a duo act why just the two instead of a full band? What do you think it is about this project being a duo that sets it apart from other acts?

Hyde: Because we both have different bands we work with, just being the two of us makes us freer to do what we want. It also saves us a lot of time. The more members there are, the longer it takes to make decisions and put things into action. Especially when we have to be democratic!

8. Do you see this duo act swapping over to become a full band or do you prefer being a duo act?

Hyde: We never set a rule against it as such, so maybe? As long as we don’t have to be too democratic!

9. Since forming you went from the record label Vamprose to Universal Music Group's Delicious Deli Records - why the switch and do you see this new label to be more to your liking? How has the relationship been with them since signing on?

Hyde: We formed VAMPS with the global market already in perspective, but we soon reached the limit to where our indie label could get us. Universal was the only label that showed some understanding in what we wanted to pursue, so that’s why we signed with them.

10. Do you guys have any new music in the works?

Hyde: We’re writing some new stuff at the moment… but we’re busy… and we need some more blood…!

11. Would you consider releasing an all acoustic release?

Hyde: Not as VAMPS. But we have played lives like that in Japan.

12. You've obviously released live DVDs but when will we be seeing a LIVE CD or a LIVE CD/DVD compilation from you guys?

Hyde: If we think that people will buy them, it’s a possibility.

13. Over the years you guys have played in the U.S. two times this upcoming short run being your third appearance - what is it about the U.S. that keeps you coming back again and again?

Hyde: We want to hear our music being played in the cities where the music we ourselves listened to came from. Especially the U.S., which we imagine to be like the big boss at the end of a video game!

14. Why did you want to just do the two U.S. shows for this touring run?

Hyde: These two shows are an introduction to our more full on activities coming up.

15. What can the fans expect to hear in this set list new material or old material or a mix and match of the two of them?

Hyde: This time we’ll be playing tracks from “SEX BLOOD ROCK N’ ROLL”, which is our first international album.

16. This band is made up of a member of L'Arc~en~Ciel and a member of Oblivion Dust - would you ever consider bringing those acts and Vamps on tour together?

Hyde: If we ever did that, we’d be so busy we’d collapse!

17. What plans do you have for the near future as a band?

Hyde: After the U.S. shows, we plan to write some new material whilst making plans for next year.

18. If I were to introduce someone to your music, what would be the song that you think really shows your band sound the best?

Hyde: I think maybe “DEVIL SIDE”? It represents VAMPS well.

19.  Any last words you want to say to your fans?

Hyde: Wait up for us coz we’ll be coming to show you humans just how enchanting rock music can be!

20. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?

Hyde: VAMPS will be playing at the House of Blues, Los Angeles on Dec 4th (Wed) and at the Roseland Ballroom, New York on Dec 8th (Sun). Their first international album SEX BLOOD ROCK N’ ROLL is available from Spinefarm Records and is available for download now!


Craig Mabbitt’s (vocalist for Escape the Fate) new band The Dead Rabbitts announced that they have signed to Tragic Hero Records. The group will record their first full-length and follow up to their 2012 EP Edge of Reality with producer Andrew Wade (A Day To Remember, Motionless in White). Below is a statement made on the band’s official Facebook page.

"So we are now scheduled to start recording with Andrew wade some new songs for a full length album, release date is TBD and will be released through tragic hero records, tour’s and all that good jazz will follow, we will keep you posted as thing’s get closer!!! And for those in AZ see you on december 21st!!!!"

The Dead Rabbitts latest EP Edge of Reality is available now on iTunes HERE.

The Dead Rabbitts are a metalcore super group from Phoenix, AZ. The band is comprised of Craig Mabbitt (Escape the Fate), Alex Torres (Eyes Set to Kill, The Greeley Estates, Alesana), Agustus Cryns, TJ Bell (Escape the Fate, Motionless in White), and Chris Julian. The music is reminiscent of Mabbitt’s previous groups Blessthefall and The Word Alive.

The Dead Rabbitts teamed up with To Write Love on Her Arms and PledgeMusic to release their first EP Edge of Reality. Through PledgeMusic, fans were able to pre-order the EP along with extra items such as signed CD's, posters, concert tickets, and more. People who pre-ordered the album through the website, or "pledged", would also be able to download the album earlier than others. When the pre-orders hit the target goal, 5% of the money raised would be donated to To Write Love On Her Arms. Pledgers would also receive updates and exclusive videos. Mabbitt released certain songs from the EP when the target percentage of donations reached certain points, such as 55% or 75%. The target was reached on October 4, 2012, and the album was released on October 19, 2012

After the release, The Dead Rabbitts set off on The Pizza Party Tour with Get Scared, Rob the Cartel, and As Thick As Thieves. Coming off of an impressive year, the group caught interest of Tragic Hero Records who signed the band and will release their first full-length album. The record will be produced by Andrew Wade (A Day To Remember, Motionless in White).


Canadian progressive metal act Protest The Hero has been around for some time and through the time span they have gotten up to their fourth album to date "Volition". Having released this album independently this made the guys quite pleased with themselves and they have so much more ahead of them just in time for the upcoming year. Guitarist, piano, and backing vocalist Luke Hoskin discusses their latest album and much more.


1. Introduce yourself, tell me what you do in Protest the Hero, and how long the band has been together.

Luke: My name it Luke.  I slop my way through guitar in protest the hero.  We have been together for ulna and around 13 years.

2. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?

Luke: We are based out of Toronto, Canada.  The scene is great in my opinion.  We have made some very great friendships with bands in the area which I hope continue long into the future.  I would recommend Intervals over everyone else at the moment.  Their guitar player makes me look like the David Schwimmer of guitar players.

3. Can I get a backstory on the band/ band biography?

Luke: I am sure this can be looked up online.  We just had a great music journalist write us up a flashy one!

4. How did you guys come up with your band name?

Luke: Honestly, we were young and through some words together that we liked.  There weren't many /9or any/0 "verb the noun" bands out at the time so we liked how it sounded different.  The whole idea is to look at things differently, which we still naturally do.

5. Original drummer and founding member Moe Carlson parted ways with you guys and was replaced by Lamb of God's drummer Chris Adler for the recording sessions what was it like working alongside someone like him?

Luke: It was great.  I think he and us had great chemistry, and developed a musical kinship which I assume is rare given the short time frame we rehearsed and recorded in!

6. Have you guys found a permanent drummer to replace Moe Carlson?

Luke: Yes we have.  Mike Ieradi.  He is Italian and laughs at our jokes (so far).

7. What bands have influenced your band and its sound?

Luke: Dream Theater, Propagandhi, Katy Perry to name a few.

8. You guys are signed with Razor and Tie Records which will be releasing your fourth album "Volition" how has the relationship with them been going?
 
Luke: R&T are licensing our record from us.  It has been great so far.  I have really enjoyed our correspondence so far.  Seems like we have found a great creative partner to help release and distribute this album.

9. What runs through your mind about being on album number four? Did you see you guys lasting until this point and time in your musical careers?

Luke: Tough question.  As an "invincible kid" I probably did.  Now a days, I take everyday I get to travel around playing music as a good one.  It's tough out here - there is definitely a reason so many musicians write songs about being musicians.  We are all lucky to be where we are.

10. Why did you want to turn to using Crowd Funding this time around and were you surprised when your main goal ended up being tripled?

Luke: This gets asked in every interview.  you c an definitely find an answer online.

11. Can you tell me about the new single for the song "Clarity".

Luke: Clarity is a special one for me.  I wrote it with one of my best buds / producers Cam.  He and I loved to grab a bunch of beer, chug coffee and come up with riffs on his couch.  When we weren't able to get together, we would try to one up each other on Guitar Pro over email.  it turned out wonderfully, and our idea was to write an album opener which threw as much at you as possible - only to be one-upped by the other songs on the album.  I think we achieved that.
  
12. Who produced "Volition" and what was it like working with them?

Luke: Cameron McLellan (mentioned above).  It was great because we were already wonderful friends with him.  He has a great ear and really gets what we have been going for all these years.  Cant say enough about him.

13. Who did the cover art for "Volition" and how much input did you have on it?

Luke: Jeff Jordan did the standard release (Vultures).  Jeff and I went back and forth on ideas over email for weeks until we cam up with the imagery you see.  I definitely let him take control and interpret the album the way he naturally went though.  I was just there to offer encouragement and praise.  Truly awesome to have worked with him.  I couldn't imagine going elsewhere in the future.  Such a tremendous artist!

14. What's your take on "Volition" as a whole?

Luke: It's my favorite album so far.

15. What would be the cinematic equivalent of "Volition"?

Luke: "In Good Company" starring Dennis Quaid would do the job quite nicely.

16. What's your favorite song on the album right now?

Luke: Without prejudice.  We all stand behind the lyrics of that one.  And it's very personal to us.  We are reaching out to a former friend who we feel has lost their way.  We still believe they can return to the amazing person they once were.

17. What is your opinion on sites posting your guys material and other bands material?

Luke: Post away!

18. How do you guys feel about the classifications in metal? like deathcore, metalcore and other subgenres and how some get a negative rep.

Luke: I classify music as "good" or "bad".  Sub genres are for kids and musical supremacists (often, people are both!)

18. What is your opinion on the current state of metal?

Luke: I don't really know.  I / we have no allegiance to any genre. I don't really care what the state of metal is like.  I am sure it's just fine.

19. What can the fans expect to see from you in the future?

Luke: Hopefully a lot of musical and artistic experimentation.  Hopefully most of it turns out half decent.

20. Any final words you'd like to say?


Luke: Thanks for the questions!  I hope the ones I left out aren't too important.  And I am not trying to be a dick with the "look up the answers" quips.  There are just some questions I can only answer so many times.

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