Friday, September 28, 2012

BTW: Bands To Watch ~ Overworld

   
     A couple of weeks ago, I introduced you to the self-proclaimed "adrenaline rock n' roll metal" band, Overworld. (Check out their full interview here) The band recently released their first music video for the song "Until We're Dead" off of their debut EP, Perfect Anomaly. Lead vocalist Endigo says, "It was my first time filming a music video. I was actually really nervous before, but the film team were extremely professional. I eased into it quickly. In the end, it turned out great!" The band's drummer, Andie, continues to say, "It was a great but tiresome experience. Shooting took literally all day with us being on set extremely early to get our makeup on. Also, we had to build the set from scratch with gear and stuff, so there was a lot of logistics involved. I think all in all we played the damn song over 20 times! (Laughs) I crashed like a baby when I got home. But yeah, it was really fun!"
     Check out the video below, and don't forget to "Like" Overworld on Facebook and Follow them on Twitter!



~Paige
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Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Check It Out! ~ Throwing Gravity


     Having already worked with some of the biggest names in the business including Josh Abraham (Velvet Revolver, Linkin Park), Throwing Gravity are making a name for themselves. Their latest album, It's Not The End, was released at the end of last year. The band's single "Here We Go Again" has been played at NHL and MLB games, as well as TNA Wrestling. I recently spoke with Sam Hindmarsh, Throwing Gravity's bassist/vocalist, and we talked about his influences and what he hopes to achieve with the band.


Front Paige Metal News: How do you describe Throwing Gravity's music?

Sam: It's just catchy, hook laden, in-your-face rock that rides the razor's edge between harder rock and more laid-back, ballad type songs.


FPMN: What inspires you as a performer and a musician? When did you first realize that music was a passion for you?

Sam: For me, it all goes back to me being a super young kid around like age 4 or 5.  My mom used to have this huge vinyl collection of all the great classical composers.  I remember that when she would be working around the house, she would open up all the doors and windows, put on some Tchaikovsky or Mozart, and just crank the volume. I really learned how powerful music could be, and how it could make you feel from those experiences.  Fast forward several years, and I'm going to rock shows and hiding explicit lyrics records under my bed so my parents wouldn't know I was listening to them. Everything from Zeppelin, the Beatles, Nirvana, Stone Temple Pilots, Rage Against The Machine, Edwin McCain; Hell, even John Denver had a hand in influencing the musician/songwriter I am today.  As far as inspiration goes, all the music I mentioned obviously inspired me, but once I got out there and was performing in front of people it really became the fans who drove me to keep doing it.  Knowing that I was maybe helping people in some aspect of their lives, and that we were connecting live and in person... there is just something completely awesome about that experience.  Keeps ya going.


FPMN: What mark do you hope to leave on the music industry?

Sam: It would be cool to have at least one song that just becomes one of those songs that gets embedded in our culture. It just gets so widely known and liked that years down the road people are going to be drunkenly singing it a karaoke bar somewhere.


FPMN: What is coming up for Throwing Gravity?

Sam: Touring, touring, touring, then shooting a music video somewhere in there, tour some more, and then drop a new record next year sometime.


FPMN: Are there any interesting or funny stories that you can tell about you or one of your band members? Maybe a story from the studio or being on the road?

Sam: (Laughs) Yeah, when we were in the studio, and our singer Nick was tracking his vocals, Jon, our producer,would save all the little bobbles, swears, and idiosyncrasies of Nick that would obviously come out vocally.  He would make a little comp at the end of the song/track, and it would just be freaking hilarious to hear it all going together!  One of these little vocal clips actually is at the beginning or at the end of a lot of our YouTube videos because we made a short intro clip to tack on our videos you know with our logo on it etc.  We added this vocal clip of Nick talking to Jon over the top of it as a joke and just ended up sticking with it.


FPMN: What is something that you would like my readers to know about your music?

Sam: We always try to find a way to express the story of each song we do.  At the end of the day, we are really just story tellers who jump around on stage with loud guitars and drums. So, why not pull up a chair, "Like" us on Facebook, sit back, and enjoy the show?!

"Here We Go Again"


Check out Throwing Gravity's Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube!

~Paige

Friday, September 21, 2012

BTW: Bands To Watch ~ DANTE


     Bringing audiences a visual presentation, in addition to awesome songs, is Colombian rock band DANTE's main goal. "The music and the visual side aren't independent from each other in this band's affairs," says lead vocalist Kami Rayne. "In our live shows, we strive to create a mystical atmosphere that borders on the chaotic at the same time. There's few bands that are interested in that nowadays. At least we know you'll remember us by the time you leave the show."
     When describing their sound, DANTE's drummer, The Jester, says that the environment of their home in Bogota often influences the sound of their music adding "some heavy distorted riffs, very profound bass, and stomping drums, led by some dark vocals which help reassure the mood of what we see, feel, and understand."
     The band is currently in the process of working on their next music video, "Swamp Thing", as well as working on songs for their second album. Lead guitarist Tank says that "DANTE is basically a rock n' roll band. We just put everything we like from punk, metal, blues, and hard rock into it making it a weird and hopefully unique blend. It's half mystical and half harsh reality." The Jester continues to say, "We prefer that everyone and anyone that listens to it forms their own opinion about it. Hopefully you'll like it."
Be sure to check out DANTE's Facebook and Twitter

"Liquid Cocaine"

~Paige

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Set It Off ~ Cinematics album review

   
     Today marks the release of Set It Off's debut full length, Cinematics. Undoubtedly one of the most original and experimental bands I've heard recently, SIO is giving it all they've got on this record. The combination of their self-proclaimed "orchestral pop rock" sound and honest, heartfelt lyrics equals an album that keeps the listener's attention from start to finish.
     Cinematics opens with a 27 second orchestral piece which leads right into one of the album's strongest tracks, "Nightmare", both of which provide a great sense of what is to come. Other stand outs are the singles "Swan Song", which deals with having people you care about walk out of your life, and "I'll Sleep When I'm Dead". In the latter, vocalist Cody Carson talks about his battle with insomnia. Carson's vocals in this song are both haunting and powerful.
     The track that seems to have fans talking the most right now is "Dream Catcher". Inspired by a dream that guitarist Dan Clermont had, it's message is to encourage people to reach for their goals, as was documented in the bands "Track By Track" YouTube videos. Also a talked about song, "Dad's Song" is without a doubt the most emotional track on the album in which Carson sings about the loss of his father.
     Whether it's unclean vocals (which are rare for Set It Off) or the the addition of a clarinet, this album will no doubt have you hooked. Check out Cinematics here!


"I'll Sleep When I'm Dead"

"Swan Song"

~Paige

Friday, September 14, 2012

BTW: Bands To Watch ~ TOXIN


     TOXIN is this generation's source of party rock. Combining their love of 80s hair metal with a "new, pop twist", the band is creating a sound much different than what many young bands are doing. They're already gaining attention and respect from artists they've opened for including Bret Michaels, Twisted Sister, and Sebastian Bach. In 2011, the band released their debut album Skindependence, which features their latest single, "I Am". They are currently working on new material. "We have been constantly writing and working on new music. We have been playing a few of the tunes at our past shows, and it feels great to be sharing our new music with everyone," says lead vocalist Jason Kloos.
     Kloos also says that the band has other projects in the works including new videos and more shows. Speaking of TOXIN's shows, the band's fan base is very dedicated. This support is something that TOXIN doesn't take lightheartedly. "We have such an amazing, loyal fan base, and we want to thank them so much for always sticking with us and believing in what we do. We can't wait for everyone to hear our new music!"
     Be sure to check out TOXIN's Facebook and Twitter, and watch their video for "I Am"!

"I Am":


~Paige

Friday, September 7, 2012

BTW: Bands To Watch ~ Haunted By Heroes

Nick Hero- Lead Vocals/Bass; Chris Hero- Drums; Charley Haunted: Rhythm Guitar; Max Haunted- Lead Guitar

     Having already performed at legendary venues such as The Whisky, on TV shows such as The Today Show, and, as of last night, making a guest appearance on America's Got Talent where they performed "We're Not Gonna Take It" with Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider, Haunted By Heroes are not your average 12 year olds. Referred to as "The World's Youngest Rock Band", HxH has released the songs "Rock Me Roxy", and a cover of The Four Horsemen's "Rockin' Is Ma Business". They also recorded a cover of Aerosmith and Run DMC's "Walk This Way" with Lil' P-Nut which was played on Cartoon Network. "Playing rock n' roll is my dream, and sometimes dreams come true," lead guitarist Max Haunted says. Speaking of last night's AGT performance, lead vocalist/bassist Nick Hero says, "NBC and AGT are totally cool. We appreciate all the exciting times." The band is currently working with producer Sylvia Massy (Tool, System Of A Down) on new material. Be sure to "Like" Haunted By Heroes on Facebook and Follow them on Twitter to stay updated!
        
Haunted By Heroes on America's Got Talent:


Monday, September 3, 2012

Check It Out! ~ Overworld


     One of the coolest things about technology has got to be sharing music with people that are on the other side of the world and being able to connect with that fan base just as easily as with fans in your hometown. Swedish quintet Overworld knows just how to do that. Their music, which they've dubbed "adrenaline rock n' roll metal" is continually gaining them a dedicated fan base not only in Sweden but around the world. The really amazing thing? They're not even signed yet. Although, if record labels see in them what the rest of their fan base and I see in them, it won't be long! I've had the opportunity to talk with vocalist Endigo and drummer Andie about their EP Perfect Anomaly which they released in May, their love of their fans, and some funny tour stories!


Front Paige Metal News: How do you describe Overworld's music?

Endigo: Catchy, yet fresh. Melodic, yet aggressive. We are simply humans filled with different experiences, and we're sort of channeling this through our music.

Andie: A perfect marriage between everything that's awesome. Oh, and there's also quite a bit of rock, metal, and catchy melodies.


FPMN: What inspires you as a performer and a musician? When did you first realize that music was a passion for you?

Endigo: Anything and everything inspires me. Music has always been my main outlet for whatever I feel I need to express. I can't remember a time not working with music.

Andie: What inspires me the most is the fact that the only time I truly feel alive is on stage. I know I was born to entertain people, and the rush of adrenaline I always get when doing so is my main motivation to push on! I realized my passion for music quite early, but it only really came to fruition when I saw a live DVD of a band called X-Japan back in my teens. The way the drummer acted and went absolutely crazy hit me like an unexpected explosion! Instantly, I was like "that's what I'm gonna do", and I did.


FPMN: Of course, in May, Overworld released the debut EP, Perfect Anomaly. What kind of reaction had it been getting from fans? Is it what you were expecting or hoping for?

Endigo: The response from the release has been nothing short of amazing! We receive many mails every day from people who say they love our music. For me, that's what makes it all worth it.

Andie: The reaction so far has been overwhelming. Occasionally, it even makes me anxious. I'm like, "When are people going to say bad things about it?" (Laughs) I guess that's a good "problem" to have. But seriously, we're extremely proud of our first effort, and we're so happy to see that people enjoy it as much as we do.


FPMN: What is coming up next for Overworld?

Endigo: First off, we're gonna finish touring! Then, of course, there's the music video release which will be a huge thing for us.

Andie: A lot of things. We're always up to stuff. Some of it might not be visible to the general public, but trust us, things are brewing! Of course the biggest thing coming up is the music video for "Until We're Dead", and after that a bunch of shows to promote it and finish off our Perfect Anomaly Tour. We're also intending to release more behind-the-scenes videos such as tour diaries and the works. Stay tuned!


FPMN: Do you have any plans to tour? Possibly some US dates?

Endigo: There's been a huge demand from all over the world. We've started booking some international dates for 2013 already, but we can't really say much more than that right now. If there's demand somewhere, we want to go there!

Andie: We're currently on tour actually, although the tour is limited to Sweden (except the final dates which takes place in Riga, Latvia). No US dates yet, but we're hoping to hit the states as soon as humanly possible. We know that there's a demand for us over there, and we really want to live up to everyone's expectations.


FPMN: Are there any interesting or funny stories that you can tell about you or one of your band members? Maybe a story from the studio or being on the road?

Endigo: There's so much craziness all the time so selecting just one story is really hard! (Laughs) Although, there was this one stupid thing once. Before a show, me and Andie were about to go to the backstage area to prepare for hitting the stage. Now, our dressing rooms were upstairs one floor. Naturally, being the modern people we were, we chose to take the elevator up rather than using the stairs. When we were almost at the top, however, the elevator got stuck. With only minutes to go before entering the stage, we didn't have the time to call for help! So what did we do? We actually climbed up out of the elevator and into the elevator shaft. From there, we made it up onto the next floor. Andie had quite a fall and hurt his back though, poor guy! In the end, though, all went well!

Andie: This is a really hard one. So many to choose from. But a personal funny experience would have to be this. After one of our shows, I was hanging out with a friend of mine, just walking around minding our own business. And she asks me, "Do you often get recognized around town?". And I was like "Nah, not really. Happened maybe once or twice". And just when I said that, I hear someone yelling "Andie", and this girl and her 4 friends come up to me, asking me to take a photo with them and stuff. I remember distinctly that my friend thought I had arranged the whole thing since the timing was so good. (Laughs) Still cracks me up just thinking about it.


FPMN: What is something that you would like my readers to know about your music?

Endigo: Our music will raise your pulse and heat up your blood. Dance until you die!

Andie: They should know that we're a relentless, crazy, and overall awesome force of nature that will rock the hell out of the world or die trying! In other words, check us out. You won't regret it.


For more info, check out Overworld's Facebook and Twitter!

~Paige