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Up-and-comers What Say You were in the studio writing and recording away for their debut EP "Potentials". With that Josh (vocals), Dom (guitar), Paul (guitar), Chris (drums), and Sean (bass) took sometime to discuss this release and who exactly What Say You is from start to finish.


1. Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.

Josh: "We came together pretty organically actually.  I met Dom, who told me he had met Paul out here (they're actually from the same hometown but didn't meet until they both moved to LA). I was like 'whaaa!?' cuz I used to go to Paul's shows (From A Second Story Window).  Chris had jammed with Paul before and reconnected to join our band.  Chris had also jammed with Sean in his previous band and recommended him (and his beard).  Now here we are, 8 months later, about to take over the world."

2. How do you think being in LA changes your sound?

Paul: "LA doesn't necessarily change our sound, because we all come from different parts of the country, some of us from Ohio, Josh from Nor Cal, Chris from OC, etc.  But the abundance of bands in this town is very motivational because you can always go see good music somewhere local. I'll always stick true to the sound I'm passionate about, no matter what my surroundings are."

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

Dom: "I would describe us as a heavy pop punk band with hardcore and metal influences. Besides Sean, we all come from pretty metal backgrounds and listen to that music a lot, so its a big influence. Some bands we're influenced by are Four Year Strong, Every Time I Die, Rise Against, "

4. What are your songs about? (What specific themes do they cover?)

Josh: "My lyrics are somewhat varied, but a theme in my head is facing the uncertainty of life - but doing what we think and know is right. We think positively and no matter what, keep in mind that its gonna be a good outcome when people stick together and support each other.  If you tell yourself that you can't do something then you'll never live up to what your potentials are."


5. Do you write your own songs? (Discuss the songwriting process in detail.)

Josh: "We write all our own songs as a team. Everybody pitches in on the songwriting process, no one person writes a whole song. We all think about guitars, we all pitch in on drum parts, its a collective.

6. So tell me about your debut EP "Potentials".

Chris: "This has been 8 months in the making and we're very proud of it.  Its 5 tracks of heavy pop punk, introducing us to the world.  Its got some radio-friendly material, and some heavier material, but the clean/melodic vocals are really catchy which is something we worked hard on. We want people to get into the music and sing along at shows, and this is the start of all that."

7. Where did the title "Potentials" come from and is it a concept release?

Josh: "This is not a concept release, "Potentials" is about when I first started to sing, and started a band with my friends...I just went through it. People kept telling me that 'this sounds great' and I didn't want to sound arrogant, so I just took it as 'hey there's great potential here'  and moved forward."

8. How would you describe the overall sound of the new EP?

Sean: "This EP is aggressive pop punk hardcore that's still suitable for radio. These guys are all pretty metal, but overall its catchy and has great hooks."

9. Can you described the EP's cover artwork?

Paul: "We all had different ideas and could agree on concepts but not the images we were creating, so one day it was sunny out and I went outside and wrote the band name on my hand and took an iphone picture and it looked really cool and summery which people always relate to pop punk anyway so it was perfect and different at the same time."

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

Dom: "We definitely had a goal of coming out strong. We wanted to be professional, so we spent the money, we tracked with Andy Marshall at his studio, then got it mixed by Kyle Black (Paramore, Shai Halud, Pierce the Veil) and finally mastered in New York by West West Side Music (Converge, Thrice, Every Time I Die).  We wanted something that represented our heavy side, but something we could hand to KROQ and get some attention as well."

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

Sean: "Nope, this is pretty straight forward rock n roll. Guitars, bass, vocals, drums. Boom."

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

Josh: "Tides: is about the world in general around you being filled with negative people and negative things, and you realizing that and finding the people to help guide you through it, to help you along the way. My favorite lyric says "Hope is an anchor, left on the floor, in oceans explored, by men braver than me" Which talks about being scared to do something, but you're gonna take over your life and make sure you push through it and be ok, even in your last moment when your ship is going under, you still push and keep going, stay positive."

13. What are your expectations for the CD?

Chris: "We want to get this out to as many people as possible, so for now we're putting it out for free download. I really expect this to hit home with a lot of people who have always enjoyed pop punk but could use some edge as well. I expect this to end up on KROQ and to be a catalyst to getting us on Warped Tour."

14. What are your upcoming tour plans?

Dom: "I just want to be homeless and live on tour. We just want to play as many shows as possible, ideally earn a spot on Warped tour for 2014. Until then we'll do as many tours as possible starting local to LA and moving outward. But I'm from Ohio so I'd love to tour out there as well."

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

Chris: "Our plan is to get this EP out to as many people as possible, then play as many shows as possible. Our goal is to sell out a club like The Roxy locally, and tour nationally."

16. What do you hope for in 2013?

Josh: "I hope that everyone who hears this EP is entertained and gets something out of it. I hope that we can boost this music scene in our own way and ride along with our friends as it happens."

17. Anything else you want to say to your fans?

Josh: "We are gaining many fans, and turning them into friends, and we appreciate them. We're here to bring positivity to people's lives, to help people, to stand by people, to enjoy a fellowship and promote positivity, promote the scene, all the while having a great time."
10:45 AM
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Sweden melodic death metalles Soilwork formed many years ago, have toured the world, released and written material and don't plan on stopping anytime soon. Drummer Dirk Verbeuren took some time to discuss the band's ninth album to date as well as how the current headlining tour is going for them.


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

Dirk: From what I know it was a word that one of the guys invented and means "Working from the ground up" we have always been a hard working band so that's what it means and where it came from.

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

Dirk: The lyrics are inspired by personal experiences having a strong connection to the ocean. There's a lot of positive messages even with the dark themes, we have a solid line of lyrics on this record so anyone can relate to them.

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

Dirk: There are so many. I think when we formed it began with At The Gates and In Flames but as the years went on we now listen to everything Napalm Death, Nine Inch Nails, everything comes in different ways. We all had contributed different material with this album so we're all open to bringing that material just letting it flow as it comes.

4. Why did you want to release a double-disc album this time around?

Dirk: It was something different to do, we wanted to make a statement, doing something we had to get use to at first we felt it was the right thing to do. It shows the fans or anyone else that listens to our music know what we do and how we're succeeding when making a recording that shows how strong we are.

5. How would you describe the overall sound of the new album?

Dirk: I would say it has a lot of different elements in it but more of the older material we used on the old stuff. A lot of the new elements we also used has some songs starting differently we just went with it writing something and seeing where it would take us. We have a strong identity in what we play so it keeps that Soilwork touch having a strong melodic metal style is the best way to describe it.

6. What are your expectations for the CD?

Dirk: It's a great album that we're super proud of.

7. It's been a while since you guys have toured as the headliners, how does it feel to have the spotlight?

Dirk: It's awesome being out on the road in the U.S. We worked a lot throughout the years and now it's good to be back again. We can play a fairly long set, changing it up, it's good to be back on the road.

8. What are your favorite things about touring in the US?

Dirk: Meeting fans eye to eye, feeling the music, those are the good moments that come together. It's where all of your hard work pays off showing that whole experience when your touring.

9. What have you done to prepare yourselves for the tour?

Dirk: We had rehearsed for about a week preparing the new material, playing the same stuff over the years we wanted to bring material we may have never played before or played so mixing so it all came together and I think it's going good for us. We're really excited about it.

10. You guys have toured a lot over the years but where hasn't Soilwork set foot in?

Dirk: We've never been to South America. We will be going to Mexico City, China, and India hopefully we will get to those places on this touring cycle.

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

Dirk: Just playing the new material, getting the new ideas out there, and playing shows that's what we're really focusing on getting everything stepped up.

12. Anything else you want to add for your fans?

Dirk: Go to our website to check us out if you don't know who we are. go check out the new album and we look forward to seeing you guys on the road.
12:47 PM
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California locals Operation Downfall tried their hardest to make a mark upon the music scene doing little to no success really they went on to still play showcases as well as write and record music, releasing a debut full-length called "Virulent". But as the years passed onward so did the band, misfortunes occurred causing the band to disband a short time later. Everything was trying to be put back together but nothing seemed to fit and while the band still gets back together from time to time to practice or jam out together there is no likely a return will commence. Not right now anyway. Former drummer Chris Collins discusses the band's start to finish details.


1. Please tell us about the history of the band and its members.

Chris: Band formed in early 2000's with various members, but got its solid lineup in 2005 when I (Chris) joined as the drummer (found the band's AD on Myspace, remember Myspace  haha). Mike Fountain and Robert Sherman are cousins, and knew Dom Hovsepian from high school.  Eric joined later after Dom left for Med School.

2. Where was the band from?

Chris: North Hills, California (The Valley!)

3. How did you come together?

Chris: Band found common interests in bands like Slipknot, Mudvayne and Metallica. Later bands like Lamb Of God were also very inspirational and bonding elements.

4. What ís the origin of the band's name?

Chris: I was told 'it sounds cool' haha! That's all I know really.  Same goes with our logo, it just 'looked cool.'

5. The only release you did was your debut full-length "Virulent" as well as a new demo song called "Diametric", was there anymore material in the works?

Chris: Ah a discography? Well we actually tracked 5 other songs besides Diametric on our way to our 2nd full length. Some tracks we played at that 118 West show like 'Myth Of Progress' 'I, Machine' and some others I can't remember off the top of my head. I have them on a hard drive somewhere.  Before Virulent came out we actually tracked a 12 song demo, some of which ended up on Virulent, and maybe 4 or 5 other songs that didn't make the album.  Those are on that same hard drive…where IS that thing…?

6. When did the band officially decide to call it quits? Why did the band decide this?

Chris: The band split up in 2009 I think? Our bassist Eric decided to leave. He felt the band wasn't making enough progress and decided to pursue other projects.  We had spent a full year finding a replacement bassist when Dom originally left and we weren't interested in doing another search. So we decided to part ways and dissolve the band. It was a sad day, but we had put in a lot of work with no huge payoff in the grand scheme of things so it made sense.  We all were proud of our personal accomplishments, but in the 'scene' we just never made an impact.  We had an inside joke that went like, 'well, I regret to inform you...' and then any funny news came after. Well that day it wasn't so funny.

7. What are all of the members currently up to & what other projects have been occupying their time since the band's departure?

Chris: Eric (bass) ultimately ended up in an amazing pirate metal band called The Dread Crew Of Oddwood.  www.thedreadcrewofoddwood.com/  I saw them a couple weeks ago play the Key Club (RIP) and he's on tour right now actually heading up the West Coast to Washington. Dom (original bassist) moved to NY and is in Medical School studying cardiovascular medicine I think. Smart smart guy. Amazing.

Mike (vox/guitar) has since moved onto become a personal trainer and basically felt that Operation Downfall  was his one shot at music. He put his heart and soul into the band and didn't feel like pursuing music again so far.

Robert (guitar) continues to play but hasn't joined another band as of yet. He's jammed with a  few metal bands but nothing has stuck. He works as an apt manager in Los Angeles.

Chris (drummer) has played in multiple non-metal bands since Operation Downfall (Glass Battles, Venice Joyride, Radiolites) but is currently in a band called What Say You www.whatsayyouband.com  a pop punk/hardcore band based in North Hollywood. They're about to release their debut EP 'Potentials.'

8. Do you think Operation Downfall will ever return?

Chris: Highly doubtful.

9. If Operation Downfall could come back again even for a reunion get together showcase would you consider it or even thought about it?

Chris: Mike, Robert and I (Chris) got together a few different times to jam on the good ol' tunes and have fun, but it never got serious. I would definitely play a reunion show if anyone cared to watch, but seeing as when we split up it wasn't really 'going anywhere' that seems highly doubtful.  #Depressing

10. Your new project is What Say You, IF Operation Downfall came back for whatever reason would you bring the two acts together for a showcase?

Chris: Absolutely. What Say You has some pretty metal music going on, but the overall vibe is pretty different than OpD. Although if What Say You stuck to all their metal tracks and some covers, it could probably happen. And I'd definitely be down to drum through 2 sets, I keep up on my chops!

11. What was the best and worst shows they've ever played?

Chris: Best show was probably our battle of the bands final show at Weber's in Reseda. We had a ton of friends there, and won $1,000.  We also played an amazing set at the Queen Mary in Long Beach, packed and really active crowd. It was a festival of some kind, can't remember the name of it…There's a video up on YouTube somewhere. I should update the Operation Downfall YouTube site for all the fans.  Our worst show ever ever ever was in Riverside at a biker bar I can't remember the name of. There was Carly (merch) and the bartenders in attendance. Empty floor. It was a long drive home that night…

12. What was your favorite song to perform live?

Chris: Robert Paulsen was always a favorite. It had some good inside jokes in the song, as well as an epic opening quote from Mike.  Had some fast parts in there to get the crowd moving. I also loved playing I, Machine (one of our newer unreleased tracks).

13. Can people still find any of Operation Downfall's material or buy their stuff, if so where?

Chris: The only way to find our stuff is to hear it on MTV sometimes (actually going to be featured on an episode of Comedy Central's "Loiter Squad" where Odd Future does a remix of Bred for Control. That should be out pretty soon actually!)  Other than that you can find a few videos on the YouTube page
http://www.youtube.com/opdownfall as well as some other videos on my personal http://www.youtube.com/xchriscollinsx just do a search. I'm assuming there may still be a myspace.com/operationdownfall as well.  As for merch, we still have some CD's, stickers, and shirts laying around, but you'd have to just email me xchriscollinsx (at) yahoo.com for that and I'll set you up.

14. Anything else you want to add for your fans?

Chris: We really appreciated every single person who ever expressed any interest in our music. We loved doing what we did, and learned a ton along the way. We got to hang out with some really great people, and play with some really great bands and make a lot of friends.  It was extremely sad for us when we split up, but we felt it was the right move.  Thanks for your support. Remember, The Infection has begun…Thanks Natalie
11:56 AM
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Depeche Mode have announced North American tour dates for the upcoming The Delta Machine Tour. Find out where and when below.

TOUR DATES:

Thursday, Aug. 22 Detroit, MI @ DTE Energy Music Theatre
Saturday, Aug. 24 Chicago, IL @ First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre
Tuesday, Aug. 27 St. Paul, MN @ Minnesota State Fair
Sunday, Sep. 1 Toronto, ON @ Molson Canadian Amphitheatre
Tuesday, Sep. 3 Montreal, QB @ Bell Centre
Friday, Sep. 6 Brooklyn, NY @ Barclays Center
Sunday, Sep. 8 Wantagh, NY @ Nikon at Jones Beach Theater
Tuesday, Sep. 10 Washington DC @ Jiffy Lube Live
Thursday, Sep. 12 Atlanta, GA @ Aaron’s Amphitheatre at Lakewood
Saturday, Sep. 14 Tampa, FL @ Florida State Fairgrounds
Sunday, Sep. 15 Ft Lauderdale, FL @ BB&T Center
Wednesday, Sep. 18 Houston, TX @ Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
Friday, Sep. 20 Dallas, TX Gexa @ Energy Pavilion
Sunday, Sep. 22 San Diego, CA @ Sleep Train Amphitheatre
Tuesday, Sep. 24 Santa Barbara, CA @ Santa Barbara Bowl
Thursday, Sep. 26 Mountain View, CA @ Shoreline Amphitheatre
Saturday, Sep. 28 Los Angeles, CA @ STAPLES Center
Sunday, Sep. 29 Los Angeles, CA @ STAPLES Center
Tuesday, Oct. 8 Phoenix, AZ @ Desert Sky Pavilion
3:51 PM
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What Say You? What say you what? It's LOUD, FAST, HEAVY, it's POP PUNK? Yes it's a 5-piece pop punk heavy duty act called simply What Say You. They just wrapped up writing and recording for their debut EP called "Potentials", it combines just how they describe it, it's "Loud, Fast, and Heavy" guitars, drums, and bass structure reminds you of earlier Green Day crossed with Blink-182 mixed with some energy use of Anti-Flag. The flawless rawness is built solid keeping the music intense and heavy from beginning to end. Songs like "Make This Right", "Colfax", and the title track really bring this material home with such skill and momentum it's endless. What Say You has got some mad skills that surly suits them well.
11:24 AM
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Vampire goth killers the Fearless Vampire Killers had gone through a series of releases of demos, EPs, a full-length and have yet another EP underway. Since the release of their debut "Militia of the Lost" their promotional status has run amuck. Now that a year has passed new material has surfaced with an EP entitled "Exposition: The Five Before the Flames". This 5-track release continues the classic style that is the Fearless Vampire Killers with energetic rebellion, flawless instrumental work, with over the top lyrics tying it altogether. It is without a doubt a release that indicates the band's abilities as musicians ever so further there is no stopping them whatsoever.
11:23 AM
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Wise Girl is a melodic power pop/ rock outfit crafted and fronted by songwriter, Abby Weitz, hailing from the heart of Manhattan, New York. Since the band's formation they have trekked across numerous showcases as well as write and record new material! Abbey Weitz frontwomen  discusses this EP and the plans for Wise Girl's future.


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

Abby: After my old punk band, The Lookaways fell apart, I took a couple of years off from playing music and wrote songs like a madwoman. Eventually, I had all this material and knew it was time to start a new project, which I ended up calling "Wise Girl", embracing the concept of smart, powerful women. We started out as a 3 piece with a completely different lineup and it sounded sloppy and like pieces were missing. I ended up recording Wise Girl's first EP with Chris Fasulo who I convinced to join the band after a ton of persistence. I'm actually pretty sure he just eventually gave in to joining because I was so annoying about it. Chris is now my partner in crime. We got a new lineup and have been killin' it ever since! We are currently finishing up our first full length to be titled You'll Just Have to Wait, which we plan on releasing later in 2013.

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

Abby: Most of the songs are about real life experiences such as relationships, friendships, hardships, things that usually trigger emotions.

3. How have the gigs you guys been doing over the years been?

Abby: The shows we play are always fun, we have great supportive friends, family and fans in NYC and have gotten to play with some really awesome bands.  There is always some fun "Abby bashing on Chris" banter as well.

4. What equipment do you guys use?

Abby: I play a telecaster and have a distortion pedal, Chris is obsessed with Les Paul's, he has like 50! Seriously it's borderline disturbing! He also has a whole board of pedals that I will never understand. Unfortunately my short attention span makes it hard for me to focus on any gear besides guitars and my one pedal...Or maybe that's narcissism?

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

Abby: Weezer, Letters to Cleo, the Muffs, The Ramones among others!

6. Do you remember your first show for Wise Girl and what was it like?

Abby: Oh god, our first show was an absolute nightmare! It was at this venue called "Fat Baby" in the lower east side and the booker had put a new guy on sound that night and we were just feeding back the whole time. I could have handled it a lot better but instead, I was flipping out at the sound guy on stage and lost my shit.  We had sooooo many people there to see us and I get upset when people pay to see a show and the sound is just terrible. It was just bad, period.

7.What made you guys decide to form a band?

Abby: I missed playing out and needed to get those songs out of my apartment.

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

Abby: We appreciate any sort of acknowledgment and positive reinforcements! Post away!

9. What song do you enjoy playing the most?

Abby: I am really obsessed with the song that we decided to use for the new album title, You'll Just Have to Wait.

10. When not doing things with the band, what can you guys be seen doing?

Abby: You can see me riding my bike around Manhattan, all the time. You'll catch Chris driving in his car in Long Island (that's all they do over there). Harry gigging on drums all around Brooklyn in his pimp jacket. Sean at work with his farting dog at an office in New Jersey. Abby Lee doing various musical theater things.

11.Your biggest band moment?

Abby: Probably being featured on Kate Spade's website, such an amazing designer and so much respect!

12. What is your opinion on the current state of rock?

Abby: That's a tough one. I feel like there aren't enough mainstream power pop bands these days. It was a big thing in the 90's and sort of died out BUT, we're bringing it back! Wise Girl style!

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

Abby: I was brainstorming with a friend and thought of The Strokes management company "Wiz Kid" which I thought was such a cool name and I guess it's a girl's spin off of that.

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

Abby: Besides taking over the world? The next step is releasing this album and doing everything possible to make sure the world hears it.

15. Can you tell me about your self-titled EP, why self-title it?

Abby: The EP is 3 songs and was a great first recording experience, sound and everything. I made it self titled because it was a first release, plain and simple.
11:20 AM

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