Hard Announcements |
SPOTLIGHTJanuary / February 2008by Paul Autry http://www.myspace.com/spotlight_music The 12th annual Millennium Music Conference will be held on February 14th-17th at the Radisoon Penn Harris Hotel & Convention Center in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania and we here at the Ballbuster website will have a table at this event. A lot of the musicians that have been featured on this site and in this column have sent in their material so that we can hand it out to you. If you would like to include your material on our table, please e-mail spotlight_music@verizon.net for more information. Time is running out. So, get in touch now. Music of all styles are welcome and, if you have a magazine, you can get in touch as well. We'd love to hand out your current issue. For more information about the MMC: http://www.MMC12.com The MMC usually has around 300 different acts...music of all styles...performing at 30 different venues in and around the Camp Hill/Harrisburg area. One of the bands that I caught last year at the MMC was Witches In Bikinis. I contacted them a month or two before the event. I saw the band name mentioned on a list of scheduled performers and I thought, "Witches In Bikinis...that's sounds interesting." So, I checked out their website to see if they were a band that I might wanna check out and, of course, they were. The band featured six beautiful women...the Witches...who would perform Halloween style tunes while dancing around the stage in...what else...a bikini...and they're backed by a full band. Now, that's rock 'n' roll. Well, it's actually a little more than rock 'n' roll because they've got a little surf in their music, some pop, some tunes sound like they come from a Broadway musical. They also have a 70's girl group vibe about them. It's like The Rocky Horror Picture Show meets Elvira: Mistress Of The Dark. I've said it before and I'll say it again...they're a total entertainment package. You can check out their website for more information or you can check out the Ballbuster table at the MMC because they'll be there with us. That's right...we've teamed up with Witches In Bikinis for this table. I'm not quite sure what they're gonna bring. But, I know it's gonna be cool. We all hope to see you there. http://www.witchesinbikinis.com Before I continue with this column, I'd like to take a moment to honor Blue Taxi/Billy & The Bullets drummer Bob Capuano, who passed away on October 29th. I didn't know Bob on a personal level. But, I've been in contact with the band for more than ten years now. The reason why I've maintained a solid relationship with them...besides the fact that I really enjoy their music...is because they stand for pretty much everything I believe in. They're everything a band should be. They don't make music for fame or fortune. They make music because they have a real passion for it. There's no ego involved here. In fact, they've spoken more about the people who have influenced them than they have about themselves. When they find another band or magazine they like, they have no problem sharing that with their fans. They've mentioned this site quite a few times in the newsletter they send out. Plus, they never seem to take a break. I honestly can't remember a time where they weren't doing something. When Blue Taxi wanted to do a different style of music, they became Billy & The Bullets and they put out another album under that name. They would also perform under that name. One week it could be a Blue Taxi gig and the following week, it would be Billy & The Bullets. Not once did I hear them complain. They really put their heart and soul into everything they did. Listen to their music and you'll understand what I'm talking about. Having said that...I'd like to dedicate this column to Bob. He may have left this world. But, his spirit is alive and well in the music that he left behind. He will be missed. http://www.myspace.com/bluetaxi When I first came in contact with identical twins, Kate and Kacey Coppola, I think they were more in the singer/songwriter genre more than anything. Although, the album that I have, "Circle Around," does have a bit of country to it, which is what they're doing now. They signed a publishing deal with EMI Nashville in February, 2007 and, since then, they've been writing, recording and performing with some of country music's best. Check their MySpace page for more information on what they're doing now. But, let me tell you about this release first because you seriously need to check it out. "Circle Around" is a hot album. They both have a smooth/beautiful voice and a talent for writing exceptionally strong and solid tunes. This release is a thousand times better than anything you'll hear on the radio these days...and it came out back in 2005. Listening to it today, I'm suprised that these songs weren't all over the radio. This disc was just...in a word...AMAZING! One listen and you'll see how much talent these women have. You can't argue with it. They have a gift and we should consider ourselves lucky that they've decided to share it with us. http://www.myspace.com/thecoppolas I met Rew at the MMC. Unfortunately, I didn't get to see her perform. But, she did give me a copy of her album, which was recorded and released under the name Black Flamingo. It's been a year or two and I'm still a huge fan. Her music is kind of singer/songwriter meets punk with a little bit of pop and garage rock thrown in for good measure. Her sound is also very raw, which actually adds to the flavor of her music. On top of all that, she has such a unique vocal style, which really makes her stand out. As soon as she starts to sing...you know who you're listening to. She has some tunes up on her MySpace page. Go give 'em a listen. I'm sure you'll like what you hear. http://www.myspace.com/rewwalsh I told you about Trip Throttle in my last column. But, I'd like to mention them again because they're another band that I met at the MMC. I didn't get to see them perform. But, how I actually met them is a much better story, which is what I'd like to share with you. It goes like this...it was during the day. My wife and I left the hotel to go get something to eat. So, we're in this resturant, we have our food and we're sitting there at the counter eating. Trip Throttle came in. I forget how their conversation started. But, they ended up talking to their waitress about the MMC and the fact that they were in a band. Anyway, long story short, they start to order their food and the one guy gave his order and when the waitress asked what he would like to drink, he asked for a chocolate milk. I don't know...maybe it was because I was drunk...but...for some reason, I found that funny and I started laughing to the point where they heard me and I was like, "Oh, man...chocolate milk...that's so rock 'n' roll" or something like that. Like I said, I was drunk and I don't remember it word for word. But, we got to talkin' and I left with a copy of their disc and I've been in touch with them ever since. Later on that night...about three in the morning...I get a call in my hotel room. I hear laughter in the backround and two words. Do you know what those words were? Chocolate milk. Maybe you had to be there. But, for me, it was a funny way to meet a band. It just goes to show you...you don't have to be knee deep in the action to network with people. You could be a few blocks away from the main hotel...one minute it's chocolate milk...the next minute, you're talkin' about music. That's what I love about this event. Anyway, if you're into electronic/breakbeat/techno music with a hard rock edge, be sure to check out Trip Throttle. They have a new release out on EsNtion Records called "The Wild Kingdom," which is well worth picking up. Personally, I can't wait for their next album because you know they're eventually gonna write a song called "Chocolate Milk." It would probably be dark and funky...something you could dance to. Makes sense to me. http://www.myspace.com/tripthrottle One of the best relationships I made at the MMC is with a band called 7th Layer. I had a little too much to drink the night I first met them. I was headin' up to my hotel room because I was ready to call it a night. As I'm standing there waiting for the elevator, I hear music coming from the lounge, which was right down the hall. I also happen to notice that there's a lot of people down there. Didn't think too much of it. Then I see this dude walkin' around dressed like the Grim Reaper and I turn to my wife and I'm like, "Let's go see what that's all about." As I step into the lounge, 7th Layer's on stage and they're throwin' down some serious rhymes, the Grim Reaper is walkin' around, there's a bloody zombie cheerleader, they've got a coffin on the stage and, of course, this caught my attention. I might have missed the first song or two they did. But, I caught the rest of their set and, being somewhat of a rap fan, I wanted to stay until they were finished so I could get a disc because I liked what I heard...and the rest is history. They've performed at every MMC since then and I've made it a point to catch their set every time and I went to various other shows in between and, because of this band, I've met at least a dozen other rap artists in the Harrisburg area, all of which I became friends with. As a matter of fact, I'm working on a new column that will feature everyone in this scene...well...everyone that I now know on a personal level. There's a lot of good music there, believe me and, if it wasn't for the MMC, I might not have discovered any of it...and just to show you what can happen at the MMC if you're willing to talk to people and network...Witches In Bikinis ended up coming back to this area for another show and they ended up performing with 7th Layer. That was a great night if I do say so myself. Anyway, if you're coming to the MMC...and you should...be sure to check out 7th Layer. I'm pretty sure they'll be on a stage somewhere and, one thing's for sure, I know I'm gonna be there. http://www.myspace.com/seventhlayer PILLS Written By: SwissThttp://www.myspace.com/ldywolf112 I just want to runaway from this life. Might as well finish off this column with a little blast from the past. This was a ten question interview I did a month or two ago with Deja'Vudoo vocalist Tina Marie, who I first met at the MMC. I would like to point out that the current project that was mentioned in this interview has been finished. It's an explosive, fourteen song release titled "Scratching The Surface" and, if you buy one album this year, make sure it's this one. Seriously, it's that good. It's a combination of rock, gothic and industrial and, yes, I know that style of music has been done before. But, believe me, you haven't heard anything like Deja'Vudoo yet. They rock with a HUGE sound. The music will grab you and pull you in before you even know what hit you. This has my vote for album of the year and, once you give it a listen, I'm sure you'll say the same thing. So, once you're done reading this interview, be sure to check 'em out. As soon as you hear what they have to offer, I'm pretty sure you're gonna pick up a copy of this album. Paul Autry: Please introduce us to the band and give us a little background history. Tina Marie: Deja'Vudoo is something we call "dark" rock. We play loud and hard. But, it has a soft element to it that allows us to cross over into the goth genre as well. The lyrics are dark and brookd. But, the melodies are bittersweet. Most of us have played together before in a project that was in the right place. But, at the wrong time. A strange twist of fate threw us all back together and we brought in one new member, Anthony, to add some ambiance and keys to our works. The line up includes: Tina Marie on vocals. Michael Nott on guitar. Anthony Reigle on guitar and keys. Michael Alan on bass. Tony Pichler on drums. Paul Autry: Plug your current project and any previous ones you'd like people to know about. Tina Marie: We are currently in pre-production with Jason Rubal of Seventh Wave Studio. The work is coming along well and we plan to release a full length CD around Halloween of this year. Michael and I also released a side project some time ago entitled "Acoustic Vudoo," which features several acoustic songs. It was recorded at Decapolis Labs in Harrisburg. But, we marketed it ourselves. Only a few copies were made and it does not represent our current sound. If anyone is really interested in a copy, they can contact us. Paul Autry: How would you describe your musical style? Tina Marie: Part hard rock, part alternative, part gothic, all original. Deja'Vudoo's music projects a raw and infectious energy that takes first time listeners by suprise. This is not music for the faint of heart! This is in your face songs with bold guitar riffs, moody keys, driving bass, pounding drums and a female vocalist belting out dark, haunting lyrics. Paul Autry: Name your musical influences and explain why they influenced you. Tina Marie: My personal influences are the greats, like Ozzy, Metallica, Manson, Stabbing Westward, Alice Cooper...at least for my lyrics. I favor that dark, creepy vibe that only Ozzy could deliver and (older) Metallica had a way of expressing political and social issues that got me through a lot of anger issues when I was younger. My singing style is more influenced by Annie Lennox, Sheryl Crow, Heart, Pat Benatar and Pink. I like the powerful singers who aren't afriad to tell it like it is. Paul Autry: Name your poison. Tina Marie: That's easy! Jack & Cherry Coke! Paul Autry: What are your thoughts on file sharing? Tina Marie: Considering the reality of the music industry, the major artists are not really losing much revenue from file sharing. However, the major labels are. I personally do not mind file sharing. I think it's a great way to check out a new artist or a new CD to determine if I want to buy it. The major labels are losing their control of the music industry and they are fighting to hold on for as long as they can. I'd be honored if someone found my music good enough to want to share it with their friends. That's a huge compliment. Paul Autry: What are some of your interests outside of music? Tina Marie: I love horror movies and just hanging out with my friends. I like motorcycles and quiet moments with my thoughts. Off stage, I'm just a normal girl... with an evil side. Paul Autry: Plug someone else you think people should check out and explain why you think we'd like them. Tina Marie: I have tons of musical friends, but I'll limit the list to just a few. http://www.myspace.com/hierosonic Hierosonic!!! Who can't love those guys! They are amazing musicians and some really nice eye candy too! http://www.zelazowa.com And I can't let my friends Zelazowa out either, those guys make me tired just watching them. They are great musicians with so much energy and just a really nice, fun bunch of guys. http://www.sherrimullen.com And of course, this chick has a voice that rivals mine! And she writes a pretty good song too. And I can't let out the fact that she looks so cute strumming on her guitar! Sherri Mullen was voted central PA's Best acoustic act for the HBG Online awards. She doesn't know it, but she's my hero! Paul Autry: What has the band done that you're most proud of and what do you hope to accomplish in the future? Tina Marie: The band has really come together and evolved into something I am proud to be a part of. We work as a team and they are my family. I'd be lost without them. I hope we continue to grow together and keep turning out awesome new music. Oh, and we do charity stuff with Black Thorn Entertainment, most of which benefits the Salvation Army. Paul Autry: Final comments? Tina Marie: I want everyone to know that although I am the "Diva of Darkness", the rest of the guys are equally important to the band... and to me. I love you guys! (well, most of the time... ha. ha.) And we love our friends and fans! We know without you guys, we would be nothing. Thanks for all the support and we hope to see you all singing along once this CD hits the streets! http://www.dejavudoomusic.com |