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Courtney Fortune was able to briefly talk to me about how music has affected her along with discussing her latest albums and what awaits her on the horizon for the remainder 2009 year into the New Year come 2010.



1. What genre of music do you consider your work to be? Who are your major influences?

Courtney: My style is a mixture of jazz and pop, I grew up listening to jazz staples like Sarah Vaughn, Nina Simone, Bill Evans and Stan Getz - but I also live and breath what’s happening in music today, I love Radiohead, Neko Case, Rachael Yamagata, Shugo Tokumaru. I think everything I’m into infuses vintage and modern elements.

2. How long have you known Chris Walden? How did you meet?

Courtney: I met Chris about a year after I moved to LA. I was doing demo work for a local songwriter who brought me along to an Oscar Nomination Party, Chris and I just started talking about jazz and immediately connected. Soon he had hired me to write some lyrics and I was rehearsing to sing for his big band.

3. When did you unite with the Chris Walden Big Band? What inspired you to make music together?

Courtney: I’ve always dreamed of singing with a big band, especially one as incredible as Chris Walden’s. When I perform with them I feel completely consumed by sound, it’s an amazing feeling. Shortly after Chris and I started working together he approached me about producing my debut album. His vision was to combine jazz with elements of my modern influences and our different songwriting styles. The opportunity to work with Chris both collaboratively and creatively is truly amazing.

4. Do you have a record label? Are you a member of any music organizations?

Courtney: Yes, I’ve recently signed with Origin Records (Origin was named JazzWeek’s “Label of the Year” congrats guys!)

5. What can you tell me about your instruments?† Do you play guitar, or was it used as a prop in your music video? (Are you subject to brand loyalty or will you play with whatever ís available? What made you choose the instruments you have now? Was it cost or was it a style/model/brand/color preference?)

Courtney: I write all my songs on guitar and piano but when I perform I’m with my full band. I love working with different musicians, the more sound I have on stage with me, the better.



6. Where have you performed? What are your favorite and least favorite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?

Courtney: I grew up in Seattle ’s jazz circuit, playing club gigs and bars long before I was supposed to – but that’s where I learned how to be a performer and work with bands. I’ve played shows throughout Japan – some of my favorite memories are from the time I spent at The Kobe Jazz Festival and the people I met while singing in Tokyo. Also, I was recently in London doing more shows, another place I’m crazy about. My “Speak Love” album release party is going to be at the Catalina Bar & Grill on September 22, which will be a great time and is open to everyone. You can also catch my shows and my residency at Room 5 Lounge in Los Angeles!

7. Which songs do you perform most frequently? Do you ever play any covers? Do you have a set play list?

Courtney: I’m happiest when I'm playing my own music - there’s just something about performing something you’ve written, it speaks to you differently. But I love covers, other than my passion for old torch music I’ve always been interested in taking my favorite rock songs and doing jazz arrangements of them. It started when I was sixteen, I recorded a version of Oasis’s “Champagne Supernova” with a jazz group including the late Larry Knechtal. On my album the first track is a cover of “Care of Cell 44” by The Zombies, I’m a huge fan of them.

8. What advice do you have for people who want to form their own bands?

Courtney: There is nothing better than working with other musicians, being in a band and playing music – it’s one of those things that is worth working like crazy for.

9. Anything else you'd like to add?

Courtney: My album “Speak Love” is out on Origin Records, thank you and hope to see you at our shows!
12:00 PM
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Three years have come and gone and what was done between the time span well writing and creating brand new music of course from a wide range of various artists and bands alike. One act being a pop rock sensation that grasped the world within the palm of their hands soon after the release of their self-titled debut back in 2006. But now that – that time has come and gone, the next round of creation is upon is in an entitled effort known as “Love Drunk”.

This follow-up takes the rock set that was presented and does a 180 degree turn into the pop direction? These modern pop rockers were indeed considered a pop rock sensation from all of their musical spectrums found upon their previous attempts - but this time they've taken the "pop" genre to a higher standard. Their first single being the title track proved that their former hit “The Great Escape,” was just a glimpse into the musical direction that these Boston goers were aiming towards. That being said, a chiming lead guitar riff comes thundering in reminding us of their other smash hit "Thunder," taking us back to that past lifestyle.

The introduction kicks in, taking this pop rock roller coaster ride into a spiraling sensation completely reminding you of those poppy bouncy teenagers getting caught up within the poppy chorus that grasps upon their hearts and souls. Many bands tend to abuse the key changes when formatting their songs, giving them that mainstream flair. The amazing swing found throughout this album, captures the missing fillings found within each song played. Causing this record to maintain to their pop-rock sound just like their previous works, not lacking of substance or originality whatsoever. "Two Better Than One," strikes the proper chord being the most beautiful acoustic song to feature the rhythm guitar and vocal effects their front man, Martin Johnson could ever express.



Whereas the more back tracked tunes “Contagious,” and “The Shot Heard ‘Round The World,” go back into the direction these poppy goers had wanted and maintain to establish when it comes down to formatting music. The instrumental flair rises upward causing an overheating mixture of guitar leads and catchy riffs with catchy chorus to take you over from start to finish. Boys Like Girls may have been gone for three long years but have returned with a more matured sound and style to balance it evenly and according to what they had intended to do.
6:55 PM
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It seems like L.A. just can't get enough music to toss around so they sweep up each and every act strolling down the street. Is this a good form to use when picking out "the next best thing" in music, perhaps it is but then again maybe it isn't such a good idea to go along with. In this case though, an acceptation is put into effect, creating it quite hard to describe the music in general.



This indie rock n roll act Saint Motel is hard to resist with their drumming matters of fun, upbeat lyrics with catchy instrumental proportions slithering in and out of the music being played. What more could you expect, except perhaps maybe an EP to follow right along? "ForPlay," is the name and EP making is the game that has been made, crafting together a mere 6 simple songs that put you directly at ease as soon as the opener takes off..... "Eat Your Heart Out," 'Dear Dictator," along with "Pity Party," and "To My Enemies," is the bunch-ups that sound the catchiest.



Crafting out the most modern going rock n roll music available, Saint Motel tends to build up the adrenaline over and over each time their music blasts right on through. Clashing together the modern everyday mixtures with the over the edge fast pace rush of what L.A. considers “rock”.
8:17 PM
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Saosin is a intended to be one of those post-hardcore bands but easily falls into the alternative rock n' roll category a lot easier. That being said, the band formed in 2003 and is from Newpor Beach, California, the band itself consists of vocalist Cove Reber, guitarists Beau Burchell and Justin Shekoski, bassist Chris Sorenson, and drummer Alex Rodriguez.



Their self-titled efforts exploded when it was unleashed in 2006 but three years later what has become of the almighty Saosin? Were they able to bring up their music ability up a notch to satisfy their every need? The band thinks so at least that’s what can be heard and said when it comes to their second attempt at music making, "In Search of Solid Ground," three of the songs being re-recordings that were offered on their brief but short EP "The Grey" (2008). But that was then and now we're dealing with this effortlessness.

Since word has gotten out a handful of numerous tracks have been floating around the net and those tracks happen to be the most unique and catchiest of 13 offered. "On My Own," "Is This Real," "Changing," along with "The Worst of Me," and "It's All Over Now," are just the highlights of what Saosin has to express both musically and instrumentally speaking. As far as musically goes, the music has indeed matured and grown expressing the band as a whole showcasing their abilities a lot more while the instrumental parts have that on/off effect from time to time. "Changing," the music progresses fast and heavily all in one single shot as the song plays a non-stop pattern that tends to just repeat it. While "On My Own," and "Is This Real?" tend to beat up one another competing for which is more aggressive than the other guess you would say.



When the music draws itself to a closing point rounding off the whole album, Saosin's "In Search of Solid Ground," is a more focused and matured source of music unleashing their abilities a lot more detailed than ever before.....
11:41 AM
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Being a Grammy-nominated act is one thing but being from Los Angeles, California the capitol of the whole music franchise known to man-kind is a whole another story completely. That's when local hard rockers Buckcherry come into view - forming in 1995 being around for 14 years now, the band has released numerous albums to date, Buckcherry (1999) and Time Bomb (2001), before dissolving in the summer of 2002. When 2005 had arisen, lead vocalist Josh Todd and guitarist Keith Nelson had formed a brand spanking new band, using the Buckcherry moniker releasing new material entitled "15" (2006).



Since that album debut, Buckcherry has never looked back on their musical career in any means possible except perhaps one.... which is of course, onward to the future. Going off to doing constant tours and recording their follow-up "Black Butterfly" (2008) being a standoff for them, this act had the opportunity of a lifetime, being able to hit the road with metal legends Motley Crue on the very first festival known simply as "Crue Fest". Taking the world literally by storm with one single shot - wrapping that all up when it was all said and done and decided to go forth and unleash their first live album. That believe it or not really captures the real live Buckcherry experience. "Live & Loud 2009," is the name and song playing is the game to play because Buckcherry's biggest hits are included such as “Sorry,” “Crazy Bitch,” “Lit Up,” “Ridin’” and “Everything,” as well as songs from "Black Butterfly," (2008). But that's not all you get when listening to the full enforced live action packed Buckcherry, you get an overdose of pure hard rock n' roll! Getting thrown a series of non-stop tunes you can bob your head too or catch yourself easily singing right along too.



Buckchrry's upbeat and catchy lyrical chorus lines aside from the amazing instrumental portions thrown into the mix, really defines the band's unique sound and style. Having the music build upon itself as each song is played out slowing formatting the music piece by piece. When the album is all said and done you truly believe that you - yourself was indeed at a real live Buckcherry concert experience, their musical presents is that good live.
11:36 AM
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I caught up with The Casualties on their latest touring run making their eighth stop on their current U.S. route making their mark upon the Los Angeles terrain. Their new album "We Are All We Have," has just been released on Side One Dummy Records, and it's easily their most aggressive album to date. Prior to their sold out show their bassist Rick Lopez spoke to me over the phone about the new CD, and their upcoming tours.

1. How, when, and why did you form?

Rick: For the love of punk rock music because there wasn’t any at the time. It was all for the music, we formed in the 90s and have been playing strong ever since.

2. How does it feel to play back in the U.S. and how is the current tour going?

Rick: The current tour is going great we just released the new record and this tour is to support that record. We’re out on the West Coast right now we’re about o play L.A. tonight – one of our favorite cities to play. We’ve been having huge turn outs, having kids who are into the punk scene and punk music come out, having lots of energy. After this tour, we’re going be heading out to Japan next month and then South American in December pretty much hitting the road non-stop.



3. "We Are All We Have," came out this past Tuesday have you gotten all the partying out of the way?

Rick: Well the partying is part of the tour and it’s something we do - it’s why it’s there. We don’t want to get up on stage and look like retarded drunks. We want to make sure we play good, go out and have fun and have a couple laughs, when people come to a show. We want to make sure that all of our attention is focused not only on us but the audience as well. We don’t want to suck on stage, so when we drink and party we save it for afterwards because when we do play we want to make sure we don’t totally suck!

4. What are a majority of your songs about? Is there an underlying theme?

Rick: We don’t have an agenda on what we write about we just write about what’s currently going on around us and the world. What we’ve seen or heard about. Sometimes we have political themes to our music like our previous albums, but this one not as much basically whatever is the most importance to us is what we like to discuss musically.

5. What are your immediate music career goals?

Rick: Just make the best records we can make and do a lot of touring and make sure people like our music and have a good time. Doing what we like to do as long as we can. Making sure the music we make is what we want to do. Not writing songs on topics that aren’t our thing, what’s important to us and what we like doing.

6. What can you say about your secret show on September 27 out at the Cobalt Cafe?

Rick: Oh yes, we’re doing a secret show in L.A. before we head out to Japan the following day.



7. What is one of the toughest interview questions you've been asked?

Rick: “What does punk mean to you?” I just hate answering that. It’s not something that you can really describe and what it means to you. I know the answer I just can’t put it into words. I sit down and think about it but just don’t know what it really means. It’s one of those questions you just can’t answer.

8. Out of all the shows you have played, on this tour - is there one that stands out as a favorite? Is so, please explain.

Rick: L.A. is one of our favorite places to play – the Key Club is a smaller venue to play and normally always packed, which is good so I’m really looking forward to playing it.

9. Who are some of your favorite bands you've shared the stage with? Can you name some of the bigger bands that you've played with if any?

Rick: Yeah one of the bigger bands we’ve played with was Bad Religion really cool guys and we pretty much followed them growing up, so having the chance to talk to them about music was awesome. Circle Jerks a favorite of mine was another really cool experience for me, to be able to hang out and talk with those guys about music was great. As of right now we’re touring with a band called the Krum Bums they’re an up and coming band from Austin, Texas, and those guys are great.

10. What has been your biggest challenge as a band? Were you able to overcome it?

Rick: I really think the biggest challenge is all the people within the world talking down on us and talking crap. Saying things such as “You guys can’t play music” this and that situations, you then worry about what other people will say either online or in person. So you wonder how many of those people will be talking crap. It’s a real challenge from all angles.



11. What advice do you have for fans who want to start their own bands?

Rick: It’s a lot of hard work and you should definitely do it, no matter how hard you try don’t listen to what other people say - do what you want to do. Screw what everybody else has to say just go out and play and do what you love to do.

12. What should people know about you? What sets you apart?

Rick: I think what sets us apart is that we’re hardcore and more louder and that’s what I like we have our own uniqueness and I’m like that as a person and all of us in this band and we do what we really feel we should do. When you see us playing we’re not doing this for a paycheck we’re doing this because it’s what we love to do and what sets us totally apart from everyone else.

13. Thanks for doing the interview, anything you'd like to add?

Rick: Our new record is out now and we’re touring on it, so come check out a show pick up a record and come check out The Casualties.
6:25 PM
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Los Angeles local radio station Star 98.7 threw together a “Battle of the Bands” competition out at Universal Citywalk the night of August 26 2009. Right outside the Hard Rock Café a stage was set and 10 various bands were ready to rock the night away one by one. But only one would walk away victorious in the end. One of those bands was a Los Angeles local known as A Lucky Day Later. Their leading front women Alicia Nancine screamed and shouted her heart out during the band’s quick 2-song set as the judges watched and rated their overall performance. When it was all said and done, Alicia had mentioned before cutting off into their last song “We have free music and giveaways to hand out so come hang with us afterwards to get some free stuff”. After that was said the band concluded their set rounding off a night that was truly rock n roll.




12:00 AM
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Are the idols we love dead? According to Italy’s standards this is a true statement but let’s re-worded it in a different format. Idols Are Dead is the correct term we were looking to use. These thrash metallers have given us the proper arrangements of heavy metal infused with thrash metal inspiration located in between. So what is this band trying to prove? That they’re “Mean”!

You heard right, “Mean,” wasting no time Idols Are Dead grabbed a hold of Gabriele Ravaglia of Fear Studios, one of Italy’s finest to perfect the band’s unique and creative style and detect the proper sound barrier to call their own masterpiece. Keeping up the pace the band went off to win an award at the Heineken Jammin Festival Contest (2007) along with getting to share the stage with legendary acts such as Slayer, Iron Maiden, Stone Sour, plus many more.

Shortly afterwards Idols Are Dead signed a deal with Scarlet Records in December (2007) just 16 months after forming. Thus “Mean” was born and so was 9-tracks of pure heavy metal entertainment. Clashing together the old school thrash vibrations blended in with heavy metal inspirations, Idols Are Dead have crafted together a well rounded piece of art. Each tune is catchy and upbeat easily drawing in the listener with its captivating lyrics. Decrypting about the usual heavy metal formula i.e. sex, drugs, music and then some.



Some classy tunes worth mentioning include “Let’s Do It!” “Dance With The Devil,” “Pain For Sale,” and “The Name of My Rage.” Each one detailing the instrumental craftsmanship quite easily, for instance with “Dance With The Devil,” this jamming tune takes you from rockin to stunned. The fast racing guitar riffs with grind chillin solos filling in the empty pieces the other instruments forgot to max out. Whereas “Pain For Sale,” delivers the music in a whole another fashion – letting the vocal chords to do most of the dirty work shouting and echoing the chorus lines as the lyrics seem to bounce about.

Overall Idols Are Dead extends itself to sounding mean at first glance, but in the long run it’s just your ordinary guys just doing what they do best. Which is what? Create and let’s not forget of course – playing music!
11:20 AM
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Lead front man and vocalist for rock n rollers/heavy metallers Idols Are Dead are indeed dead. Dead serious about gaining some fan exposure and building up a steady fan base to keep their music flowing for everyone to enjoy. Mana spoke to me about the band’s beginning’s along with the current release and future details about everything else thrown in between.



1. What’s the name of your band? What’s the origin of that name? Have you changed the band’s name before?

Mana (Vocals) - The name of the Band is Idols Are Dead. I personally came up with that idea. For me it is like a statement that means that nowadays the real Idols are not existing anymore… I see too much overnight sensations and I don’t think that for a teenager of these days the Singer of Tokyo Hotel represents what James Hetfield was for me 15 years ago you know… and no this was the first and only name we’ve ever had.

2. Please list the name, age, school, and respective instrument of each band member.

Mana: Ok, here we go:

Mana – Vocals, 34
Maxx C. – Bass, 35
Luka – Drums, 35
Ico – Guitars, 31
Alley-X – Guitars, 30

Sorry, we’re too old for school we all have daily (shitty) jobs…

3. What genre of music do you consider your work to be? Who are your major influences?

Mana: We like to define ourselves as “Thrash & Roll”! We have main influences coming from both Thrash Metal of Bands like Metallica, Testament and Slayer and from Hard/Sleazy rock a la Motley Crue and Guns N’ Roses just to name a few…Many reviewers have agreed with that definition!

4. How long have you all known each other? How did you meet?

Mana: It’s really a long long time we all know each other in the Band. Most of all myself, Maxx, and Luka. We have had 2 other Bands together in the past years called Electrocution (in the 90’s) and Folder (2002-2006). Ico and Alley came in the picture few years later even if we already knew the Bands they had in the past years when we were in Folder. We have meet in the rock clubs of our hometown Bologna (North Italy).

5. When did you form your band? What inspired you to make music together?

Mana: We have formed in August 2006. The idea to form this Band came from me and Luka. We were pretty bored of the Bands we had at that time and decided to create a new Band together doing some heavier stuff than our previous Acts (we played nu-metal in 2006). I personally contacted the other guys and they all agreed to join this new breed!



6. Do you have a record label? Are you a member of any music organizations?

Mana: Yes we have. It is with indie metal label Scarlet Records. It is distributed in the entire World. Within the U.S. on thru the Caroline Distribution. Yes we are member of Italian “Siae” for publishing editions etc…

7. What can you tell me about your instruments? (i.e., are you subject to brand loyalty or will you play with whatever’s available? What made you choose the instruments you have now? Was it cost or was it a style/model/brand/color preference?

Mana: I can list you our gears ok? I got a Shure SM 58 as mic., Alley and Ico have an endorsement deal with Schecter guitars (the same of Avenged Sevenfold) and Maxx plays a Warwick Bass. Luka plays Premier Drums and has a deal for cymbals with Italian brand Ufip.

8. Where have you performed? What are your favorite and least favorite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?

Mana: We have performed pretty much everywhere here in our country and we will tour the U.S. in March/April 2010. The best venues we have here in Italy where we have also performed are a couple of rock clubs in Milan called Zoe and Rolling Stone. We honestly haven’t least favorite… we’re happy and honored to perform everywhere we have the chance even if the Club is very small and stinky he he… Yes we will perform this fall in few more clubs before our U.S. journey!

9. Which songs do you perform most frequently? Do you ever play any covers? Do you have a set play list?

Mana: We just have an Album out and it consists of only 9 tracks so we’re “forced” to play the whole record every time. When we got a longer set we add few covers like Pantera’s “5 minutes alone” and Motley Crue’s “kickstart my heart”… It’s pretty funny when it happens!



10. Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs? Do you think these topics will change over time?

Mana: We write songs all together. It often happens that all start from a guitar riff but it will be the 5 of us together that work on the song to finish it. I do write the lyrics after the song is finished. The topics are pretty personal even if we also have “politically-oriented” lyrics where I scream all my rage against Italian politics…Yes I think they can change over time… it will surely depends on my mood.

11. Could you briefly describe the music-making process?

Mana: As I already told you it all starts from a guitar riff and we build the song all together adding various ideas to complete the final structure. I immediately start to think about melodic lines with no real words first. When I’m sure of the lines I add the real and complete lyrics on the finished song!

12. What are your rehearsals generally like? Do you have a set time each week in which you practice or are rehearsals more spontaneous?

Mana: You have to consider we have our own rehearsal room so we don’t have a set time but we go when we want! It is all pretty spontaneous I have to say… One day we like to rehearse in particular is Sunday.

13. How has your music evolved since you first began playing music together?

Mana: We have just an album out and the song writing of it was very spontaneous. We’ve now started to write the new record and it seems heavier in the verses and more melodic in the choruses… I’m pretty excited to see what we will be able to create with this second effort!



14. What has been your biggest challenge as a band? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?

Mana: The biggest challenge is probably to breakthrough in the U.S. you know… and no for now we haven’t overcome to that challenge because we know it’s soooo difficult! Although I have to say that we started this Band as a joke and after 3 years we have an Album released worldwide and we’ve already shared the stage with Bands like Iron Maiden, Slayer, Stone Sour, Faith No More, Limp Bizkit, Death Angel, Lacuna Coil and more…
I can see the glass half full!

15. What’s your ultimate direction for your band? Are you seeking fame and fortune?

Mana: I can simply answer saying we wanna have fun! If fame will come it will be welcome and if not we will have no problems neither… we wanna go on doing our 150% and see what happens!

16. What advice do you have for people who want to form their own bands?

Mana: I’d tell them to believe in their music and to be professional as much as they can! I think it’s too important nowadays to have a well produced album first. After that it’s also important to have a good image and naturally the most important advice is to perform everywhere is possible!!!!

17. How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD?

Mana: Log on our MySpace profile! This is the URL: www.myspace.com/idolsrdead. You can see everything about us! And yes we have samples of 4 songs… hope kids will go to check this out! And hey! If you like the songs go purchase the album.

18. Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge for offering financial or emotional support?

Mana: The most important support would be the one coming from kids! If they’re fans of some bands they have to BUY their records! The illegal download is killing music and the young bands will pay the price of this damage! Please, save your money and buy original music!

19. What is the toughest interview question you've been asked?

Mana: I’ve never received tough questions actually… cool interviews every time!

20. Any last words?

Mana: … like this one he he! Thanks a lot for this chance and hope to see you when we’ll tour the U.S. next spring!

-Mana/Idols Are Dead.
11:08 AM

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