Kingdom Extreme

Listener – Interview

Administrator — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 04:12:05 +0000

Listener Interview (June, 2011)

Dan Smith and Chris Nelson
www.IamListener.com

By: Josh Drespling

Kingdom Extreme
www.KingdomExtrememag.com
Call it talk-music, call it word-core or call it the poetic ramblings from the heart of a genius wordsmith infused with musical sound-scapes of decaying vibrations. Whatever label you choose to thrust upon Listener would only scratch the surface of the complexity and inherent simplicity that simultaneously displays themselves in the “songs” of such an inventive band. The vocal chatter of Dan Smith pulls on your soul and opens a book of commentary that holds a stark mirror to human existence, society, and life itself. The canvas for Dan’s musings is laid by Chris Nelson, with his haunting guitar tones, washing machine percussion, and various other found sounds. Listener breaks down all the notions of what a band should and can be, not for the mere sake of being different or odd, but rather as an experiment of art and sound that has gone very well.

Kingdom Extreme caught up with both Dan and Chris of Listener on a crumbling back porch of an indie art gallery in Butler, PA. Enjoy!

You are currently on the “Thank You For Being a Friend Tour” with Josh [Scrogin of The Chariot]. I know Listener did some shows with the Chariot in Europe, but how did this tour come together?

Dan: We decided to go on tour.

Chris: And we have friends.

Dan: We like to use a phrase, “We are golden like the girls” and love the Golden Girls and want to thank you for being our friend. Josh and Derrick are our friends, and Chris and I are friends. Derrick is friends with Josh and Chris and Derrick are friends, and we are all friends. So we wanted to go see our friends and play shows in different towns.

This tour is a large contrast to what you just finished up in Europe, at least in size. How does playing in art galleries and house shows compare to the clubs and events in Europe? I’m sure the vibe is completely different. Dan: We always have something completely different every night. It’s different all the time.

Chris: Big “professional” shows are really the minority for us. Not that we don’t want to play them, but because we want to play all shows. Playing an art gallery, basement, or house is not different for us. We just like being around people. It’s different in how the artists are taken care of, but for us it’s the same show.

Being that Listener is in the circle of Christian bands, is that a label or identity you would apply to yourself? Dan: Uhhmm, no.

Chris: I would say no. I always get into good conversations about this. Yes, I am a Christian and yes, Dan is a Christian, but I think it is a very American thing to take your faith and place it as a trend or topic or a culture, rather than being a very sacred thing that is very personal. For me, it’s uncomfortable for somebody I’ve never met before come and ask me questions about my faith without having some kind of relationship with them or even just talking to them first. It’s never been a goal of the band. Not that we would ever deny it. We don’t want to pigeon-hole the band or be confined to that demographic, ’cause we want to play for everybody. Dan likes to say, whether they are blue or yellow or…

Dan: Red.

Chris: Or Muslim or whatever. That is where we want to be. So, I would say no, we do not label ourselves a Christian band any more than we label it a vegan band. I go back to it being a very American thing to casually throw out your faith as Christian. In other countries we could get arrested for standing out here like we are saying we are Christian. That is more of a reality to me than what America has done with Christianity and faith. I just don’t want to perpetuate that myself as a way to market our band.

Dan: Call me a nut or a just big cashew, but I like to market our music off of the way it sounds and how hard we work to make it; our live show, our records, and the words we say. I just want our music to be given a fair shake and not to market it in one way or another.

With that said, I know you guys play some of the big festivals such as Cornerstone and have been around bands like For Today or Sleeping Giant and a bunch of others that are so gung-ho about spreading their faith and so very bold and out spoken about it. How do you view those types of bands? Chris: Honestly, I have found it means more to me not to say that and have kids want to hang out with us and talk to us because they can’t explain it, rather than spout off and get people riled up. I want to live the life of a Christian and not have to reaffirm that while hiding behind a mask. There are a lot of Christian bands who we know that don’t live a Christian life. We just want to be straight up about the kind of people we are.

Listener seems to be very passionate both lyrically and musically. Are there other things you are passionate about? Chris: Dan does not like onions.

Dan: Oh yes, I’m passionate about onions. I do not like onions. Unless they are caramelized, like caramel [candy]. I think it is good to be passionate and have hobbies. Every now and then music will be a hobby and every now and then music will be everything we do. It’s good to have music or art as a hobby. We have been touring a lot, but I will find the time to sit down and sew, make some furniture and do some leather working. It’s good to sit down and not take any calls, put on some music and maybe do some screen printing. We do screen printing for the band, for souvenirs and stuff for while we are on the road. But that is fun stuff. It’s just something different to be in a place and make something with your hands. We spend a lot of time in a van and loading and unloading equipment, so we have to take time to replenish. I like to call it recoiling the springs. I do get pretty stoked about that. I’ve been wanting to go on a canoe trip. I been thinking about making a chair, I’ve been wanting to make a chair for a while now. I have some ideas in my mind.

After that recoiling time, what brings you two together, I mean how does the writing work and the dynamic of the band? For example does it start with a sound or a poem or lyrics?

Chris: The thing with me and Dan is we are brothers. We are family and the band is something we do together.

Dan: We are ladies for different Daddies.

Chris: We are that, and it’s an exclusive club. So you know, we talk when we are not on the road and when it comes time to tour or work on the next project, we integrate that into what’s already happening in the relationship. There a lot of bands that don’t have that friendship and their friendship is based on touring and playing shows. That’s when they feel most friend-like. We have talked about going on a cruise together.

Dan: I’m supper stoked about it. I’ve never been.

Chris: As for writing, Dan will put together the words and sort out in his heart how he wants to say them. I’m constantly writing music. I have other projects I do, too. I will save some for the band and play them for Dan and we will decide what fits.

Dan: This record we made on the road. We toured for several months and kept recording and trying out things. We did all the recording on the road too, in different peoples’ basements, garages, and Chris’ shed. Chris mixed it on headphones in the van while driving around New York City and the East Coast. Literally, we played a show in Philadelphia and said, “Ok, you like these mixes?” Then we drove over to DiscMakers and handed them our master. Then we waited to the day so we could put it out at Cornerstone. We got it just in time.

Chris: I know we both would like to have a moment and get together and functionally work on a record. Not that this one wasn’t, it was just an added difficulty. The playing shows and touring doesn’t give us any breathing room.

Dan: Thankfully, we got a lot of opportunities to play out live and it was good for the songs. Good to get them out in front of people and stretch them out. So, we put the record out and started to tour on it. A lot of people came to know us from me doing some vocals on a The Chariot record. With that, a whole other can of worms got opened, so we are trying to get out and see some of the folks who just found out about us. We are gearing up to make some more music and take some time off.

Lyrically, you come across as sort of a commentator on society. Would you say that is accurate and are there some things that motivate you to write or is it an ongoing thing where stuff just falls out of your head? Dan: Definitely an ongoing thing. I had a bout with not being happy with anything I wrote right before I wrote the words for “Wooden Heart.” I just got to a point where I needed to write. We are on the road, playing shows, and I wanna make more records. There were things in my mind that I wanted to say to people, but I just was beating myself up about not finishing a song. So, I have been trying to learn how to give up stuff. Life just, I don’t know… I’ve just been learning how to give up things everyday. I just have to be faithful to the words in my mind and write them down. I have a whole lot written down. I just need to finish the thoughts and wrangle them all together, so I’m always writing and thinking.

Chris: Yes, I concur.

Dan: Chris has seen this process. I may type in a few verses while I’m driving.

Chris: Yes, while you’re driving and checking other things.

If someone wanted to help you out, what is the most beneficial way they could do that? Dan: Come to a show, download the CD, burn it for a friend.

Chris: Bring us some club soda.

Dan: Club soda, love that. Bring unsalted cashews. You know we have been compiling this ridiculous amount of video on the internet, so show that to somebody. It’s on the internet 24 hours a day.

Chris: Not to be weird, but the biggest inspiration to me is this. People come and say I made this piece of art while listening to your CD. It’s like your CD inspired me to do this. It perpetuated that continual art and inspiration.

Time for the cliche question. How do you describe Listener to someone who has never heard you before? Chris: I like to say rock n’ roll. Nobody wants to claim that anymore. It’s like it’s taboo. They like to say indie, which is not a genre, but the state of your business.

Dan: A little bit of punk rock.

Chris: A little bit of everything.

Dan: Yeah, I wanted to call it something different. That’s where Talk Music came from. I used to do hip hop music and there was one month or week or whatever that I didn’t want people to just put rap show on the flyer. Like we said before, we want to do music for everybody. It doesn’t matter what you like. We want to make music for people. For human beings and not say this is metal or this is punk and only punks can listen to it. Try and include everybody and maybe even challenge people. There’s people who are like, “we’re too cool for school,” and others it’s just melting their brain. So, I really didn’t want any genre label on it, so just call it something random. Talk Music really kinda sounds stupid. And people are like, what’s that?

Anything you like to add before we wrap up? Dan: Uhmmm, I like to drink a lot of water. It’s the original energy drink and it was made on the third day.

Chris: Club soda is a derivative of that.
www.IamListener.com

By: Josh Drespling Kingdom Extreme
www.KingdomExtrememag.com

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Family Force 5 Interview w/ Chap Stique

Administrator — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 18:18:41 +0000

Family Force 5 – Interview
interview w/ Chap Stique
www.FamilyForce5.com

By: Josh Drespling
www.KingdomExtremeMag.com

5/9/11
I have been a writer and columnist for several music magazines and websites over the years and and always seem to get stumped when it comes time to describe a band and their sound to someone who has never heard them. Family Force 5 has succeeded in making that job even harder. They are such a amazing combination of so many different genres and styles that to put your finger on one item in there sound would never pay due justice to the amazing craftsmanship that these guys forge into their songs. There are elements of rock/metal guitar, dirty south crunk, old school hip hop, banging bass club and the sensibility of the Beastie Boys tossed in with some hints of Prince, Marilyn Mason and any one of a 100 hair-metal party bands. They are just fun to listen to. Family Force 5 has tapped into what music is all about, they have let loose their creativity, personalities and formed a band that has so many layers of entreatment that even after multiple listens, one can still hear new and interesting things in the tracks.

As the band pulled into Pittsburgh, PA we managed to hook up a last minute interview with Chap Stique and chat about the sounds of the new EP, which with out a doubt further emphasize the premise that these guys have so much depth an dimension to their music. The EP starts off with bangin’ club hit thats gonna rock the world “Dang Girl”. followed by “Wobble” that is gonna be the new dance craze. To wrap it up is a break from usual FF5 style “You Got It” a southern Cali, reggae tinged ditty that is sure to draw in all the female fans.

KINGDOM: You put out some new music, like a special fans only EP?
CHAP STIQUE: We were actually working on making our new record, and some of it is being recorded right back there in the back lounge of the bus as we speak and it’s almost done. We realized that it has been like forever since we put out any new music. Our fans are always like “WE WANT NEW MUSIC!”, so we put out these three tunes. We didn’t put it on iTunes because we wanted it to be an exclusive thing. It’s more of an appetizer for the die hards. People seem to be digging it even though it was a spur of the moment thing.

So are those songs part of a bigger release?
Yes, there is a full length coming out, hopefully this summer. Well definitely this summer. I’m just gonna say it… this summer. If it doesn’t happen then we will probably disappear into that void of “way too long before putting out albums.”

Its one of those things were we could have put out three records by now, but we would rather put out the right one. We are being OCD about making sure everything just rules. The funny thing is where some bands try to make everything perfect, were going in and saying it sounds too clean and play a little more sloppy. Putting more feeling in it.

With the more recent stuff and the Christmas album, there is a more electronic sound to it. With you being the guitar player, are you like “we need more guitar in here?”
Yeah, I always get kids sayin’, “Man, why aren’t you shreddin’?”. It’s fun to surprise people live with the guitar. For example we put out “Ghost Ride The Whip.” There is not even any guitar on the record and live it’s this big Rage Against the Machine type of riff. Everybody goes crazy over that.

We are all about making the songs sound the best that they can. Some songs may not need a ton of guitar or even eras of a band may not need it. What is really funny is that “Dance or Die” has more guitar than anything we have ever put out. We just made the guitar sound more like synths. People are like “Why aren’t you playing guitar?”, and I’m like, “I am, what are you talking about? It’s all over the place.” SoulGlow and I purposely try to make our guitars sounds like synthesizers, because we love the synth sounds. There is some playability that you can do with a guitar that you can’t do with a synth that makes it sound more natural.

You have been doing some acoustic sets. How did that develop and does it consist of the same songs as your regular set?
Well, it actually started with our song “How in the World” and it was doing a little bit of radio. A radio station asked us to come in and do an acoustic performance. We were terrified! We had never done anything like that. I don’t even own an acoustic guitar! So we figured it out, and rather than just one guitar and one vocal, let’s get the whole band to play. It was really fun and we decided to do a real show. So one night on the AP Tour, there was a coffee shop next door that had an open mic night. So we signed up. We were more nervous about that than any show we ever played. So they called our name and we went up. Nobody there had any clue who our band was. They were all up there to play didgeridoo. We came up after a really bad comedian. It was so fun. People were just dancing and having fun. Because of that we have been doing it on this tour and at a few festivals this summer. We may just keep doing it, cause people are really digging it.

Have you guys thought or talked about recording any of that?
Yes, there have been talks, but we’ll see. We think it’s more important to put out the new music first. We do have a couple songs that we wrote on acoustic guitar that we have not recorded yet. Maybe we will just do an acoustic version of them rather than full band stuff. We’ll see.

** As we are sitting on the tour bus one of Family Force 5’s crew walks through the bus. It’s Chuck the sound guy, who is sporting a Green Bay Packers t-shirt. Now mind you we are deep in Steeler country, I mean, we are in the heart of the South Side, just off Carson Street. I warn Chuck that he will most likely experience a lynching if he steps foot onto the city street wearing such an abomination on his person. He seemed to disagree, and continued on, oblivious to the ill fate that was soon to be his. As he exited the tour bus, we hear the screeching of tires and blood curdling screams with femine or childlike tones. We were afraid to look outside at the gruesome mess that was surely made of the less than informed sports fan. We never did hear from Chuck again… Can’t say I didn’t warn you. RIP Chuck.

I told him him maybe you should wear that shirt a different day. He said “No, I’m purposely wearing it today.” So there ya go.
Well, that is what you get for messin’ with Steeler Pride…

I see you guys are playing some more theme park shows this summer. You’re doing Universal Studios and some Six Flag locations. What is it like playing as show inside of that environment?
They’re fun. They’re amazing. We get to ride rides all day, get dizzy, eat cotton candy until we are about to throw-up and go play a rock show. Kids show up with the weirdest things that they won from some game. It’s like basketballs and bananas with rastafarian hats on. “Here, sign my banana.” That stuff rules. It’s usually amazing crowds. Everybody is sunburnt, thirsty and just having a good time. Lot of youth groups and schools. Just big groups that are ready to explode. So it’s fun for us.

Speaking on your live shows, I just finally saw a clip of Family Force 5 playing on Craig Ferguson. You guys are just up there tearing everything up, just destroying the set and Craig is right there with you.
That was the most fun experience in my life. The show called us while we were driving there and said “Hey this is the last day of using this set, would you guys want to destroy it with us?” We are like YEEEAH!!! We get to be real rockers like Kiss and stuff. So we went and bought some cheap guitars and baseball bats so we could just smash stuff. We didn’t know Craig was going to join in with us, but he was throwing chairs through the walls.

The funniest part about the whole thing is, we have three brothers in this band, and their parents are amazing people. But they found out that we were gonna do this and they blew up our phones. They called our label, our manager, our publicist, they called all of us. They were like, “YOU CAN’T DESTROY THIS SET, PEOPLE ARE GONNA THINK YOU’RE DEMONIC!!!” We are like, “What do you mean? This is rock-n-roll.” They were asking if we even practiced it. But how do you practice destroying a set? You just do it. It was amazing and we totally destroyed it.

If there is ever a time when I’m old and I think about if I ever did anything worth while in this life, I will probably turn that on, and say, “YES! I destroyed a desk with a guitar.” That was amazing. For the next year venues would ask, “Do we need to take out additional insurance; are you gonna rip things up and destroy everything?”

Awesome, man. That is such a great clip. I understand you are doing a live webcast of a whole show in a few days here?
We are. We are really excited about it. It’s in Milwaukee at a club called The Rave. The thing is, that it is a haunted venue. Have you ever watched those shows “Most Haunted Places in America” or something like that? Well, it’s on there and legitimately everytime we go there things happen. The last time we were there Crouton was in the bathroom and there was one of those lock you have to turn in the bathroom. He was in there and heard the lock undone and the door swung open and he was like “Hey”. So he closed and locked it again, and it did it again, and again. It did it three times.

One other time we were there and this lady came down and asked, “Did they tell you about this place?” She told us these amazing tales about this place of ghosts and things.

Did she then just vanish into thin air leaving only a trail of smoke?
No, no haha, no, but listen we are doing this live broadcast on Friday the 13th. We never even thought about it when we scheduled it, but what if there are ghosts in there or something… Makes me kinda nervous. (laughing) They might mess up our guitars or something.

This was a cool opportunity to let everybody check out the tour who didn’t get see it ’cause we didn’t come to their town or the ones who want to see it again.

You and I share a love of King’s X, but besides that, what have you been listening to?
Ooh Ahh, yeah love King’s X, they’re my favorite band, I will just say that. I’ve been listening to a lot of chill stuff. There is a band called Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros. They are cool breakfast-making music. You’re there making an omelet and you gotta listen to it. I still love Shiny Toy Guns and I’m diggin’ the new Foo Fighters and the new Beastie Boys.

Awh man, The new Beasties’. I can’t stop listening to it.

Have you seen the video or movie they did yet?

NO, I saw the teaser and the music video version, but not the full 30 minute movie version.
Check it out! It’s on YouTube.

I love the part with the guy from Lord of The Rings.. what’s his name…
Elijah Wood?

Yeah, he does the best B-Boy impersonation. It fooled me at first even.Dude, I don’t know how the Beasties do it. It is our goal as a band to be as cool as the Beasties. I mean that video, just to get the people on set that are in it is insane. It would have been like millions and millions or billions of dollars, so I’m guessing they were like oh, the Beastie Boys, yeah I’ll be in that and just did it for free. We want to be at the point were we can be, “Hey, Justin Timberlake, wanna be in our video?” And he answers, “Absolutely! When do you want me there?”

I mean the Beasties have Susan Sarandon in that thing and that rules.

Yeah, They have Jack Black, Will Ferrell, Seth Rogan, Ted Danson, Steve Buscemi, Alica Silverstone
It’s so legit!

Well, anything else going on with you and FF5?
Well mostly we are just being really nerdy and OCD about this new record to make sure it rules. We play it to babies and see if they move around. That’s the test; then we know if it’s a good song.

So we’ll see you guys sneaking into the maternity wards at the local hospital, with a big ghetto blaster?
No, none of that shady business (laughing).

Oh, I forgot, what about playing Warped tour this summer and some festivals too?
Oh yeah, very excited about those. It’s always a blast to see some old friends and bands we have toured with in the past. This tour has been awesome, but we are figuring out a fall tour that will take us overseas again. Then just gearing up for this new record. People are always asking, ” When, When, When?” I wish I had a real date, but I think it’s gonna be July or August.

So September then?
Yeah, Yeah of 2012. What is really humbling and hilarious, and if I was being super professional I probably wouldn’t admit this: We were in AP Magazine as one of the most anticipated albums of 2009 and then most anticipated of 2010. They just did an interview with us today for 2011 and it’s the same record (laughing)

Well you’re just building the anticipation. You have to keep them waiting.
Yes, It’s highly anticipated. It’s an honor, but it’s kind of an embarrassing honor. But we’ll get it done and hopefully people will dig it.

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Dynasty signs to Strike First

Administrator — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 18:51:05 +0000

Strike First Records welcomes LA’s Dynasty to the family. You can get a sneak peek of their debut album here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dynasty_HC/108814869192409

Playing music together for the past 6 years in Los Angeles has prepared Dynasty to bring a fresh dose of west coast hardcore to the Strike First roster. Dynasty has reached back into the hard music archives and honed a revival of classic, driving hardcore in the vein of Terror and Madball.

The band will be releasing their Strike First debut Truer Living With a Youthful Vengeance, mixed and mastered by Paul Miner (H2O, Terror, Ignite), on May 24. Dynasty will be out promoting the new album with Call To Preserve on CTP’s farewell tour this summer, dates TBA. Until then, you can see them opening night two of Facedown Fest, April 9th.

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Facedown Fest Free Sampler

Administrator — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 18:04:33 +0000

Just released! Facedown Fest 2011 free sampler download, including tracks from bands playing this year’s Fest. You can download your free sampler at Amazon: http://tiny.cc/jifro

Songs from For Today, War of Ages, Hope for the Dying, A Plea for Purging, In the Midst of Lions, and many more!

Facedown Fest is coming to The Glasshouse in Pomona, CA April 8-9. www.facedownfest.com

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Emery “We Do What We Want”

Administrator — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 17:33:12 +0000

Post-hardcore veterans EMERY have just released We Do What We Want, their fifth studio album, via Tooth & Nail Records/Solid State.

Their first new material since 2009’s *…In Shallow Seas We Sail**, Emery is back in fine form with what many are calling the band’s heaviest album to date.* Produced by guitarist Matt Carter and mixed by Jason Suecof (Whitechapel, August Burns Red, All That Remains) We Do What We Want further cements Emery as a mainstay in the heavy music genre, proof that quality and longevity go hand-in-hand.

In its review of We Do What We Want, Alternative Press notes, “The first thing you really notice on We Do What We Want, is how heavy it is. Like, ridiculously heavy. Between the ubiquitous A Day To Remember-styled chugga-chugga breakdowns and frantically shrill screams, it’s the hardest performance the band have served up in a long time, if not ever. There’s also an appealing balance to the record, since not every track continues the aural beatdown; there are quieter moments, and they’re generally pretty fabulous…essential listening for fans.” DailyDischord raves, “Catchy hooks. Big choruses. Great harmonic vocals…It’s great to see a band grow without compromising the sound we all know and love.” UnderTheGunReview calls the new album, “a beautiful, emotional and aggressive piece of art. (9 out of 10).” Sputnikmusic describes it as, “one of the most hard-hitting, honest and all around solid releases to date for Emery,” while MindEqualsBlown says, “(the) songs smash through your speakers in an inspired way…Emery do what they want, and they refuse to fade.”

The deluxe edition of We Do What We Want (featuring two bonus tracks) is available on iTunes (http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/we-do-what-we-want-deluxe/id424466783) and AmazonMP3 (http://www.amazon.com/What-Want-Deluxe-Digital-Booklet/dp/B004RDCI4W).

We Do What We Want is currently streaming in its entirety on AOL Music. Listen in here: http://music.aol.com/new-releases-full-cds/#/6.

A music video for the album opener, “The Cheval Glass” will premiere in the coming weeks.

Emery’s U.S. headline tour is now underway, featuring support from To Speak of Wolves and Hawkboy (formerly As Cities Burn). The band will then head to Australia in late April.

We Do What We Want tracklisting:

1. The Cheval Glass
2. Scissors
3. The Anchors
4. The Curse of Perfect Days
5. You Wanted it
6. I’m Not Here For Rage I’m Here…
7. Daddy’s Little Peach
8. Addicted to Bad Decisions
9. I Never Got To See The West Coast
10. Fix Me

Emery Headline Tour Dates -featuring To Speak of Wolves and Hawkboy (formerly As Cities Burn)

Tuesday 3/29/11 Mount Pleasant , SC Seacoast Church

Wednesday 3/30/11 Greensboro , NC Greene Street Club

Thursday 3/31/11 Lynchburg , VA Cross Point Venue

Friday 4/1/11 Greenville , SC The Handlebar

www.facebook.com/emery

www.toothandnail.com

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Blessid Union Of Souls signs deal

Administrator — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 14:38:56 +0000

BLESSID UNION OF SOULS SIGNS WITH BOOKING GIANT WILLIAM MORRIS ENDEAVOR

(NASHVILLE, Tennessee) – Blessid Union of Souls is pleased to announce a new booking agreement with booking giant William Morris Endeavor. Effective immediately, the agency will represent the multi-platinum pop/rock band worldwide, with the Nashville office taking the lead in an effort to connect the band on the road with longtime fans, as well as new fans of the group’s deliberate move to the Christian music market.

Salvation Road Records released Blessid Union of Souls’ latest album, The Mission Field, on March 1st, with distribution through SONY and Provident-Integrity Distribution. While the band has always woven their faith into their songs, this new release marks the band’s first decidedly Christian album.

“I’m excited about WME’s representation of Blessid Union of Souls,” says responsible agent Ember Tanksley. “Building upon their mainstream success, I look forward to working with them as they explore a new direction. There’s a lot of passion and talent involved in this project and it’s an honor to be a part of the team.”

Blessid Union of Souls has been getting plenty of attention in recent weeks, thanks in part to the early success of their single, “The Only Song.” The music video is currently being premiered online at NewReleaseTuesday.com, and the band has been popping up everywhere, including high profile features on MSN and AOL Music. The band will appear on numerous television programs in the coming weeks, including Atlanta Live, RAW TV, the nationally syndicated mainstream talker Daytime and GMC’s popular online series Top 10 Spin.

About Blessid Union of Souls
Blessid Union of Souls exploded onto the music scene in 1995 with the smash hit “I Believe,” which hit #1 in the UK, Asia and the USA, where it became the 4th most played song of the year. The band’s hits play like a soundtrack of the last two decades, thanks to numerous hit singles including “Hey Leonardo (She Likes Me for Me),” “Let Me Be the One” and “Oh Virginia.” With gold and platinum records and chart topping singles, the band has toured the world sharing stages and busses with the likes of Goo Goo Dolls, Bon Jovi, Third Eye Blind, Sister Hazel, Vertical Horizon, Edwin McCain and more, while making appearances on such top-rated television programs as Late Night with Conan O’Brien, Live with Regis & Kelly, Good Morning America, Top of the Pops and VH1 to name a few. For more information, visit http://www.blessidunionofsouls.net.

About William Morris Endeavor
William Morris Endeavor Entertainment is one of the largest and most diversified entertainment agencies in the world, representing clients from all artistic disciplines, including motion pictures, television, music, theatre, publishing, commercials, sports, digital media, and video games. For more information, visit http://www.wmeentertainment.com.

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Fallstar debut out today!!!

Administrator — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 14:24:02 +0000

FALLSTAR’S DEBUT FULL LENGTH RECORD

RECONCILER. REFINER. IGNITER.

OUT TODAY FOR FREE AT

COMEANDLIVE.COM

Visit to www.comeandlive.com right now to download the album that’s been garnering rave reviews from all over the globe. Emerging from Portland, Oregon, Fallstar’s Reconciler. Refiner. Igniter. has been called raw, progressive and one of the best releases of 2011 so far. The band has opted to give away the album as a free gift through Come and Live! so enjoy this gift and if you feel so inclined, donate a buck or two! It’s your choice!

“A dynamic and eclectic album, Fallstar is doing something we rarely see these days in this genre; employing originality! The record easily shifts between crushing breakdowns and melodic bliss while still maintaining a consistent feel and message throughout.” –AMP Magazine

The record itself is one of the best of 2011, combining beautifully soaring vocals with breakdowns that pride themselves on precision. –Substream Music Press

“This album has earned itself a spot on the regular rotation around here. I, myself have probably listened to it 6 or 8 times this week alone, beating out releases from several major label national bands.” –Kingdomextrememag.com

“This record will surely stand out among the never ending wave of emerging artists in this genre and will once again prove that there is originality out there. Don’t expect Fallstar to be flying under the radar for much longer.” –Hopecore.com Magazine

Fallstar is:

Chris Ratzlaff/Vocals

Justin Haag/Guitar

Bryan Ratzlaff/Bass

Jason Brown/Guitar

Cody Carrier/Drums

www.facebook.com/fallstar777

www.twitter.com/fallstar777

www.myspace.com/fallstar

www.comeandlive.com

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Impending Doom Photos

Administrator — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 14:13:10 +0000

Impending Doom Photos

Impending Doom Performing live at Mr. Smalls Theater in Pittsburgh (Millvale), PA March, 2011. Photos By: Josh Drespling. Check back with Kingdom Extreme for exclusive interview with Impendign Doom.

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Norma Jean Photos

Administrator — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 14:04:39 +0000

Norma Jean photos from March, 2011 – Pittsburgh PA at Mr. Smalls.

CLICK HERE TO SEE PHOTOS

Photos by: Josh Drespling

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Stryper – Interview-Michael Sweet

Administrator — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 00:37:50 +0000

Stryper is perchance the most iconic of Christian rock/metal bands, defined by their signature guitar squeals, the soaring vocals of Michael Sweet, and an undying commitment to let their light shine in the world of rock n’ roll. The band has released a new collection of songs titled, “The Covering,” which includes cover songs from some of rock’s biggest and brightest stars (Kiss, Sabbath, Van Halen, Deep Purple, Sweet, etc…) and one new rocking original, “God”.

In spite of large hail and tornadoes touching down in Pittsburgh on March 23, we were able to speak with Michael Sweet about all these things and more.

Kingdom Extreme: First off Micheal, congrats on the new album. It’s great to see you guys still at it and putting out this quality of stuff. It’s also nice to hear these old classic tracks with new, crisp, clean guitar work and great production. How did you as a band decide upon which songs to cover?

Michael Sweet: The song selection came very easily. We just made a list. It’s all bands that we grew up on. It was really a no-brainer. It’s a group of bands that really influenced us and made us what we are. We tweaked the list just a little and added an original and I wrote, “God”. Then we just started track and recorded 11 covers and the one original.

There’s some great guitar work on there. How did you guys decide who would pull guitar duties on each one?

Ahh, it was a couple of no-brainers, ya know. Oz is big into Van Halen so he did, “On Fire”. He also did the Sabbath stuff, but I play quite a bit of guitar on the record as well. I’ve been trying to voice that in interviews, not as a pride issue. It’s always so funny when you’re trying to push yourself or selling yourself. The band started out as a trio, I was the only guitar player for the band. I played guitar in Stryper since the beginning and people don’t seem to realize that for some reason. I don’t really know why. I would guess it’s that they see and hear me singing and they take it as, I’m the signer not the guitar player. I don’t know. Oz is a great guitar player, but you hear a solo and think it’s him when it’s really me. On, “The Covering,” I did the solos on, “Lights Out”, “Set Me Free”, “Blackout”, and “The Trooper”. We mix it up. We are both players and complement each other. Our style is a little bit different, but we have been playing together for years and because of that, we play very well together.

In the course of recording these songs, did you gain any respect for the talent of the original artists?

Oh, yeah! “The Trooper” for one really kicked all of our butts. We realized that it was not easy stuff to play. The drums, bass, guitar, the vocals obviously. Yeah, when you’re trying to play the song and nail it and do a good job with it, you realize that these guys were amazing musicians. We always knew that, but you do gain a whole new respect for them when you’re trying to pull it off.

You produced the album, too. Have you worked as the producer before and how did that come about?

Yeah, I did. I co-produced, “Murder By Pride” and “Reborn” I produced as well. I really get into the process of EQing, getting tones and micing of everything, trying different things to find the ultimate and best possible tone, whatever the instrument is. Also the budgeting and putting everything together is a big part of the producing. I just really enjoy the process. You know when you’re a band member and you’re listed as producer it kind of gets written off sometimes. I want people to know that I produced it as well.

I have always thought you and the band had a great ear for tone and sound, so it’s cool to hear you taking full control of that.

Has the band gotten any resistance or flack for the selection of songs, being that they are all from “secular” bands?

A little bit, but not as much as expected. We expected a lot more. We explained to people that our faith is as strong as ever and we just wanted to show where we can from musically and show our influences. These are songs from bands that we grew up on and there is no denying that. It is what it is and that’s where we come from musically. If it wasn’t for these bands I most definitely would not be sitting here talking to you.

Being that you have been at it for 28 years now, which is amazing in and of itself, Stryper was the band that opened the door for a lot of other Christian bands. Everything from Barren Cross and Bride, on through to current day, with bands in the Christian hardcore movement such as Sleeping Giant and For Today. How do you feel being a pioneer of an industry so diverse as the Christian market?

Well, you know it’s amazing when you think about being in a band that has helped influence so many other bands. It’s humbling and it’s incredible when you hear it from other bands and musicians. We ran into the guys from Cinder Road, a really great band, and they told us that they were influenced by us. I had Jeordie White, Twiggy Ramirez from Marilyn Manson, come down to a show. He said he was influenced by the band and he pulled out a picture of him dressed like a Stryper member for something at his school. So when you run into guys like that and they tell you that they were influenced by the band, it’s pretty mind blowing.

Absolutely. Especially Twiggy. You would think of him as the polar opposite of Stryper.

I know! I was sitting working on a solo record a few years back and John 5 who was playing with Manson at the time, now with Zombie. He came in, sat down, and told me he still has a Stryper Bible and that he saw the band, back in the day multiple times.

That’s amazing.

It is, There are a lot of closet Stryper fans out there.

How has being husbands, fathers, and family men rather than young LA rockers affected the direction and pace of the band?

We are still going strong. Hopefully we are a little more seasoned and mature. In some ways we are and others we’re probably are not. It’s a little easier to fall into the complaint category when you’re out on a bus with a bunch of guys and lugging suitcases around and you’re missing home and you’re family. You say to yourself, “I’m too old for this.” There is more of that talk as we grow older, but we try not to go there. We try to be grateful and thankful for what we have. We really have so much. We are very fortunate to be able to tour and draw people. There are a lot of bands that are having a tough time and struggles with that. They aren’t able to bring in enough people to make it financially. We are able to do it and we are very grateful.

I got the opportunity to see you on the last tour and you looked so healthy and vibrant. Do you have and secrets or routines to keeping you healthy?

Haha, yeah, I do. I try my best to hit the treadmill and work out to stay in shape. I do my best. There are a lot of times I don’t want to. There are days that it’s late at night and we get to the hotel parking lot at 12:30 at night and I hadn’t worked out. I didn’t want to, but I forced myself to go into the gym while everyone else was going to bed and got on the treadmill and worked out. It’s all about discipline and forcing yourself to do it.

Good job man, keep it up.

If you could have people take just one thing away from Stryper and be remembered for just one thing, what would you like that to be?

I would say the word Bible. You know we throw the Bibles out every night and I would say that is the most important thing to remember, take away and read. To remember that, that is what we are about and that is the real power of Stryper. It’s not the music or the band or the look or the stripes or the guitar, it’s the Word. That’s the power right there.

I heard you speak before about the band not having accountability especially in the late 80’s. Have you been able to build up a group of leaders or believers to help with that accountability? Someone to encourage, and lift you up?

Oh, yeah, definitely. We have churches, pastors, and friends that are pastors. There are pastors that we meet with and try to keep that accountability in check. It’s really important to have people to go to and talk to, people who can encourage and help to strengthen what you are doing. So, yeah, absolutely.

Great to hear that.
Are you doing any more work or touring with Boston?

At the moment, no. But further down the road, I don’t know. As far as I know there is going to be, but there are just not set dates or schedules or anything confirmed right now. I know they are talking about touring eventually and a new album eventually, but yeah.

Any plans for an album of new material from Stryper or solo stuff from you?

Yeah, we are definitely going to do that. We will start recording at end of this year or the beginning of next. I would expect that to be released in the mid or latter part of next year, maybe summer. It will be all originals and I’m thinking it will be in the direction of the new song, “God”. Up tempo, big guitar, high pitch vocals, more of what people want to hear from Stryper.

And any solo material for you?

Nothing planned right now, but you can expect that at some point in time. I’m always writing and planning. I would love to do another solo project. So, nothing confirmed yet, but it will happen.

www.Stryper.com

By: Josh Drespling

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Kingdom Extreme

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Family Force 5 Interview w/ Chap Stique

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Facedown Fest Free Sampler

Emery “We Do What We Want”

Post-hardcore veterans EMERY have just released We Do What We Want, their fifth studio album, via Tooth & Nail Records/Solid State.

We Do What We Want is currently streaming in its entirety on AOL Music. Listen in here: http://music.aol.com/new-releases-full-cds/#/6.

A music video for the album opener, “The Cheval Glass” will premiere in the coming weeks.

Emery’s U.S. headline tour is now underway, featuring support from To Speak of Wolves and Hawkboy (formerly As Cities Burn). The band will then head to Australia in late April.

We Do What We Want tracklisting:

1. The Cheval Glass 2. Scissors 3. The Anchors 4. The Curse of Perfect Days 5. You Wanted it 6. I’m Not Here For Rage I’m Here… 7. Daddy’s Little Peach 8. Addicted to Bad Decisions 9. I Never Got To See The West Coast 10. Fix Me

Emery Headline Tour Dates -featuring To Speak of Wolves and Hawkboy (formerly As Cities Burn)

Blessid Union Of Souls signs deal

Fallstar debut out today!!!

Impending Doom Photos

Norma Jean Photos

Stryper – Interview-Michael Sweet

1. The Cheval Glass
2. Scissors
3. The Anchors
4. The Curse of Perfect Days
5. You Wanted it
6. I’m Not Here For Rage I’m Here…
7. Daddy’s Little Peach
8. Addicted to Bad Decisions
9. I Never Got To See The West Coast
10. Fix Me