March / April 2010
by Paul Autry
http://www.myspace.com/spotlight_music
It's almost that time once again. The Millennium Music Conference is right around the corner. We've been going to this event for the past seven or eight years now and there's always a ton of great music to be heard. Be sure to check out their MySpace page for more information and make plans to attend. You won't be disappointed.
http://www.myspace.com/millenniummusicconference
Since it is almost that time again, we're gonna start this column off with a band that I met at the last MMC. SpyderLylly is an all girl power/pop rock band that I was really impressed with. They put on a great performance and I made sure to catch up with them after the show. When I was putting this column together, I thought I should send 'em a few quick questions in order to introduce them to you and here's how it went.
Paul Autry: Let's start by giving us an introduction to the band and how you all came together.
SpyderLylly: Lunar and Lisa have been playing on and off since 2001. Jeri joined in 2002 and the three of them played together in Bella & The Bottom Feeders. Luckee joined in 2005 and all four formed the band SpyderLylly.
Paul Autry: How would you describe your musical style?
SpyderLylly: The band originally performed straight ahead rock. As of late, we are incorporating country rock sounds. Individually we each bring very diverse genres including rock, country, metal, and blues.
Paul Autry: Now, was that something you wanted to do from the start or did your sound evolve in a natural way?
SpyderLylly: It just sort of happened.
Paul Autry: How would you describe your live show? Also, is it all original music or do you throw any covers into the mix?
SpyderLylly: The show is totally off the hook with a little bit of this and a little bit of that.
Paul Autry: When we met, you gave me a ten song release. There wasn't any artwork or anything...so...was this an actual release or was this just something to get your music out there?
SpyderLylly: It is basically an invitation to our artistry of the future. An forthcoming album will arrive shortly.
Paul Autry: What are some of your favorite (original) songs to perform live and could you explain why you like those particular tunes?
SpyderLylly: "Make Your Move" is one of our most energetic songs that closely expresses who we are.
Paul Autry: What are your musical influences...as a band and personal?
SpyderLylly: Influences are really individual. Jeri is mostly influenced by 80's metal and the likes of KISS. Lunar is influenced by Trixter, The Ramones, Sheryl Crow, Jewel, and Melissa Etheridge. Lisa is influenced by everything. Some of her favorites are Van Halen, The Who, Rush, Motown, The Dixie Chicks, and most importanly Linda Ronstadt and Sam Cooke. Luckee is influnced by Loretta Lynne, Elvis Presley, Stevie Nicks, and God.
Paul Autry: What's your local music scene like?
SpyderLylly: Dead. Just kidding. Cover bands clearly outnumber original bands. Blues is always popular. Punk rock is alive and well. Urban is very popular.
Paul Autry: Any interesting road stories? Best gig? Worst gig?
SpyderLylly: TBA :)
Paul Autry: How has the media response been towards Spyderlylly? Also, how about the public response?
SpyderLylly: Seriously ... have you been to one of our shows ???????
Paul Autry: Let's talk about some hot topic issues for a moment. First of all, what are your thoughts on file sharing?
SpyderLylly: The technology is out there. Nobody can stop the copying so let it roll. Real musicians should get off their asses and get out there and perform for their bread and butter.
Paul Autry: Second, I don't know if you're familiar with this or not. But, long story short, Wal-Mart wanted Green Day to censor their album for them to carry it. Green Day told them no. What are your thoughts on this issue and what would you do if you were in the same situation?
SpyderLylly: The bottom line is that adult themed art needs to have limited access to minors. How it is implemented is another story.
Paul Autry: I'm sure you remember this...when we first met...I had mentioned that...even though I didn't know who you were (at the time) and we never had any contact in the past, I had a copy of a disc you put out with your previous band, Kickstar. Can you give us a brief history of that band and why they're no longer? Also, have you done anything else that I might have a copy of somewhere?
SpyderLylly: The remaining members of Kickstar and the band name moved to Montana and they are still doing many of the old songs. Jeri, Lisa, and Lunar played together in "Bella and The Bottom Feeders" which is very similar to SpyderLylly.
Paul Autry: How about your other band members...any past recordings from any of them?
SpyderLylly: Again ... Bella and The Bottom Feeders.
Paul Autry: Since I mentioned recording, what was your studio experience like for the Spyderlylly disc?
SpyderLylly: It was a quick demo that basically got us recorded. We want to do a more thorough recording in the near future.
Paul Autry: I like to get bands to promote other bands. So, can you tell us about a band that you think we should check out and why do you think we might like them?
SpyderLylly: Luckee likes Victory Gin and Animal Grace. Lunar likes Wicker Hollow and Ra. Jeri likes Alterations. Lisa likes Antigone Rising.
Paul Autry: What do you hope to accomplish with Spyderlylly?
SpyderLylly: Rock the world and touch our audience.
Paul Autry: Final comments?
SpyderLylly: Watch out world and remember the name.
http://www.myspace.com/spyderlylly
I might as well keep the MMC thing goin' here...at least long enough to mention another band that we'll be going to check out this year. I was going through the list of selected performers, lookin' for something that would catch my eye and I came across a band called Konniption Fit. I was hooked the moment I heard a few of their tunes on their MySpace page. I contacted them right away and a copy of their debut CD, "Ballistic," was sent my way and it hasn't been out of my CD player since. This is the kind of music that I can really get into. It's a fun collection of high energy pop, punk, rock 'n' roll. Okay, sure, I have to admit that this is a style of music that's been done before and it's not like they're breaking any new ground here. But, does that really matter if they're doing it better than those who came before them? I don't think so...and...yes...I think they're doing it better because, first of all, after I went through the album for the first time, the chorus for most of the tunes was stuck in my head, which means the material made an impression. Second, there's a lot of variety from song to song, which is something you really don't hear with this style of music. Some of the albums I've heard in the past...it sounded like I was listening to the same song over and over again. That's not the case here. I can't really pick out any stand out tracks because I'd probably end up talking about every song on the album because it's that damn good. The ones that really stuck in my head are tunes like "Rush Hour," "Catnip," "Only Maybe" and "Bi-Girl." Another thing I really like about this album is...well...I can almost picture what they sound like live...which is something that...luckily...I'll be able to see. We're also hookin' up for an in person interview, which will be posted here shortly after the MMC. So, if you like what you hear on their MySpace page...and I'm sure you will...make sure you keep your eye on this website to find out more about this great band.
http://www.myspace.com/konniptionfit
With everything that's going on in their music, a casual listener might get the impression that Dark Every Day is a band that's tryin' to find their sound. But, if you listen and pay close attention, it will become clear to you that...not only have they found their sound...but...they perform it to perfection. They combine hardcore (mostly with the vocal style), rock, metal and punk into a single musical style. In places, it seems a little raw...as in aggression...not recording style. Talk about a quick one two punch...this band goes straight for the knock out. After a 44 second intro, it was all down hill...and, in most cases, the term "down hill" usually means bad. But, that's not what I mean here. You ever been on a rollercoaster...you hit that steep drop...and that's the most exciting part of the ride. Well, that's the feeling you get here. After that quick intro...it's time to hang on...because you're in for one hell of a ride...and, like most rollercoasters, it's not just a quick zip down the line and the ride's over. No, no, no. Not at all. This disc has a lot of twists and turns. So many, in fact, that you're never quite sure what to expect...and the real charm of this release is the fact that they don't stray too far from the sound they created. It's like they're in a box. But, they're not. They only go so far...but...they really don't have any limits. Do you know what I mean? No, you probably don't. Put it this way, it's a listening experience. It's kind of funny that the title of this disc is "WTF" because that's how you're gonna feel once you get through this album. Like, "WTF did I just hear?" You'll go back for another listen and you'll be like, "Yeah, that's what I thought!" I like music that causes a reaction and that's just what Dark Every Day does. You don't have to take my word for it. Give 'em a listen and experience the music for yourself. I think you'll like what you hear.
http://www.myspace.com/darkeveryday
Phantos is a composer. A one man project from Sweden. His musical style is classical, gothic and ambient. I was a bit disappointed when I first gave this a listen because I was under the impression that it was a metal album. So, it kind of didn't stick with me the first time around. As I listened to it again, there was something magical, haunting about the music and it drew me in. It's quite captivating...and while it might not be a metal album...there's still a heavy feel to this music. It's almost like you're in another world which, I believe, is the feeling that Phantos was going for here. What's more impressive is the fact that everything you hear on this release, with the exception of the female vocals, was written and performed by Phantos. So, yeah, it's truly a one man project in every sense of the word. Like I've said in other reviews where one person does everything...an album like this is usually hit or miss. On one hand...what you're hearing is a single vision with no outside influence. Some people who try to do everything themselves, well, they could benefit from a little outside help. That's not the case here. From what I've heard, Phantos did a wonderful job on his own and his album, "Opus 2," is like walking into a dream where anything is possible. It's a musical journey that I would suggest you take.
http://www.myspace.com/phanatosrealm
I really don't need to say a lot about The Issues because the music will speak for itself. It's rather simple to describe. It's straight up rock 'n' roll with a pop flavor. This is what music should be all about. It's fun, it's entertaining and the only thing you wanna do when you listen to it is go out and have a good time. Unfortunately, "Alien Tattooed Lover" is an EP and it only has four tracks. So, you're getting a quick shot of what The Issues are all about. It's like having a small snack when you're really hungry for a full meal. I could listen to this disc all day and not get bored with it. But, I'd still like to hear more and I'm sure that's how you're gonna feel as well. The Issues are a band that you might wanna keep your eye on.
http://www.myspace.com/theissues
Death By Sexy's album cover is rather interesting. It's a woman from the neck down in a black jacket that's zipped down to show a nice bit of cleavage and, in her hand, she has a pair of brass knuckles. On the back, there's a close up of a guy with a black eye. That's enough to paint a nice picture for you, huh? It's a creative album cover to say the least. I like it when a band has a good visual image to go with the music...and speaking of the music...Death By Sexy is a rock band with a garage rock vibe. Not a bad combination. They sound a little rough around the edges and they're a bit raw. I think that's the mood they were trying to capture here. So, I pretty much hit the nail right on the head, huh? There's only five tunes to be heard here. But, you know what they say...good things come in small packages...and that's certainly true in this case. Might be a medium sized package if you're still lookin' at the album cover, which is worth more than a casual glance if I do say so myself.
http://www.myspace.com/deathbysexy
Never in a million years did I ever think that I would try to turn people on to the music of John Oates. I can't say that I was ever really a fan of the work he's done with Hall & Oates. I mean, sure, I used to like hearing some of their tunes on the radio back in the 80's (when I actually listened to the radio). But, I never went out and bought an album or anything. I was into 80's rock at the time (of course) and it would have been a sin to have a non-rock album in my collection at that point in my life. Now, it's no big deal because I listen to a little bit of everything. I still never expected to see a John Oats album come my way and, to be honest with you, when it did, I didn't think I'd be all that impressed with it. I figured I would throw it in and just zip through the tracks with the help of the fast forward button. Was I ever in for a suprise. "1000 Miles Of Life" is an exceptional album. I might be off the mark here, but, it kind of brought Bon Jovi to mind. Also, Tom Petty in certain places. You know, if this was an artist that I knew nothing about and I heard this album, I'd be quick to say that he's a very mature singer/songwriter who has a great future in music. Personally, I think this album will go down in history as one of John Oates finest moments. One thing's for sure, if he decides to put out another solo album, it would be something I'd be interested in hearing.
http://www.johnoates.com
http://www.myspace.com/johnoatesmusic
Southern rock and metal, huh? Yeah...I didn't think that would be something that I'd go for because...well...it didn't seem like a musical style that would float my boat. Then I heard Hermano and that changed my tune. Ah, maybe I shouldn't say that because I'd still be a little slow to get excited over a band that would mix these two musical styles together. I guess what I should say is that Hermano at least got it right and when it comes to their music...well...they excite me. Probably because their metal level is a little higher than anything else. Tunes like "Kentucky," "Exam Room" and "Left Side Bleeding" just flat out rock. They mellow out a bit with tunes like "Dark Horse II," "Bona-Fide" and "At The Bar," but, even when they're laid back, they still have a huge sound and you can't help but get pulled in by it. They mix it up enough to make it interesting and that's how they'll keep you comin' back for more.
http://www.myspace.com/hermanorocks
Some of you might be interested in People's "The Cliche" due to the fact that it's the last recording to feature long time Marilyn Manson bassist Gidget Gein, who passed away five days after he performed with the band at The Roxy. The rest of you will be interested in this release due to the fact that it's a pretty rockin' album. The musicial style is sweet as candy, glam, pop rock punk in the vein of Silverstar & The Jukebox Angels. I know there's a lot of people out there who think this style of music is pretty weak. But, that's not the case here. These tunes kick ass and if you're looking for a fun, high energy release to help you get through the day, this album will do the trick for you.
http://www.peoplerock.us
http://www.myspace.com/peoplerock
I had the pleasure of seeing Dove Of War live before I had a chance to listen to their music, which is something I really don't like to do. I like to hear the music first. That's just the way I am. Anyway, they put on one hell of a show. They did almost a three hour set without takin' a break and it was pretty damn impressive. But, I wasn't about to form an opinion based on a single show because that's just a moment in time. The music they record...that's forever...and that's how I judge a band. Well, I left that show with a copy of their self-titled released and, as soon as I had a chance to listen to it, I was hooked. This is the kind of band that I really like because you're not really sure how to label them. On one hand, they're basically a rock band. It's as simple as that. On the other hand, they're also a metal band. They have some tunes that will please even the most dedicated headbanger. I could probably get away with callin' them a heavy rock band, which would also be true. But, it wouldn't do them justice. They've claimed their musical ground somewhere between Black Sabbath and Metallica. They'll rock you with a song like "Whiskey, Wine, Jack & Rum" and then they'll tear your head off with a track like "(You've Made Me) The Monster I've Become" or "What Have You Done." They can also throw out an acoustic song like "Daddy's Little Girl" and it doesn't seem out of place. They're a very talented and creative band. This release also features a rockin' cover of "Folsom Prison Blues" and the Black Sabbath classic, "Paranoid," which they also do as an acoustic track, which has to be heard to be appreciated. This is a pretty solid release from begining to end and I strongly suggest checkin' it out because Dove Of War, in my opinion, has a lot of potential and I think this is just the tip of the iceberg. I think the best is yet to come. This is a band that you should really keep your eye on because I think they're gonna make some major noise in the music scene.
http://www.myspace.com/doveofwarband
There seems to be a little bit of everything on Kirsten Thien's "You've Got Me." You've got a singer/songwriter vibe mixed with rock, pop, blues and a little bit of soul. It's like a musical jukebox because every song is so different. Yet, as a whole, it all seems to flow together rather well. There's not a song on here that seems out of place. Having that much variety on a single album...and being able to pull it off as well as this...must be good for business because you can appeal to a much wider audience...and you really don't stray too far from what you're all about in the first place. There's a lot of room to grow as well because you're not being tagged with one specific label. So, if you decide to do something different in the future, you're audience will still be there because they're already used to hearing a lot of diversity in your music. Having said that, I'd highly suggest giving this one a listen. You won't be disappointed.
http://www.kirstenthien.com
http://www.myspace.com/kirstenthien
Most of the rap music that I listen to has a lot of energy. That's not the case here. On "Lost," Cray-Z seems a little more laid back. He doesn't spit out lyrics a mile a minute. The most energetic song on this release is "Cray-Z's Butcher Shop," which has a lot of bounce (and guest vocals by Mal H-Vock). "Stalker" (featuring S.K.I. & Filth), which is probably my favorite track on the, has a bit of energy as well. Everything else is, like I said, laid back. I think if it was anyone else tryin' to do this style, it probably wouldn't work. But, Cray-Z is able to pull it off because (as a whole) the album creates a certain mood (so to speak) and it makes you pay more attention to each song. I had to listen to this one a few times before I was able to take it all in and when I finally got familiar with the album, it became clear to me that this was a pretty solid and well thought out release. Give this one a chance. I think you'll like it.
http://www.myspace.com/wikedwood
I have a copy of Laura Brino's "Demo CD 2005, which might seem a bit old. But, I recently had the pleasure of hearing it and I was really impressed with it. So, I thought I'd write a little something about it here in order to give it, and Laura Brino, some additional...and well deserved...exposure. First of all, don't let the title fool you. This doesn't really sound like a demo to me. It's a professionally printed disc and it has a really great sound. Now, there's only four songs on here. Each one is, in a word, beautiful. Laura's soft voice reaches into your soul when you hear it and each song does what I believe a song is supposed to do...it touches you. So, call it a demo if you want, but, these tunes are exceptionally strong and emotional. "Pick Me Up" is a pretty upbeat track and that's exactly what this song does when you hear it...it'll put a smile on your face and it will pick you up and put you in a good mood. "If I Were A Sailor" is a nice, acoustic number and "This Kind Of Fight," which is track three, sounds like a combination of the first two songs. We finish off with "Drinking All My Woman," which is a beautiful piano ballad. Time hasn't taken anything away from these songs. They sound fresh, like they could've been recorded yesterday. All in all, this is a nice little EP from an exceptionally talented artist. Be sure to check it out.
http://www.myspace.com/laurabrino
Final Gravity is a modern, heavy rock band with one foot planted firmly in a classic rock sound with a taste of progressive. That's how I would sum up their self-titled release. It's a solid album with strong, well written songs and what's they're doing...it's fresh and original. It's a lot different than a lot of what's floating around out there. I also like the little nod to the Led Zepplin symbols on the album cover. I guess that's a hint to where they're coming from...a time when an album release was more of an event. Now, it's like, "Oh...such and such band has a new album out!" You pick it up and that's that. Back in the day, when a band would make an album, people would listen to it over and over again in order to take it all in and they would really feel the power of the music. I think that's what's missing in a lot of the music that's being released today. With Final Gravity's album...you will feel the power of the music...and that's what it's all about with this band. Well, that's my take on it.
http://www.finalgravityband.com
http://www.myspace.com/finalgravity
Common Enemy is what high speed, hardcore punk should sound like. On their latest release, "Living The Dream," they rip through 20 tracks and they don't let up for a second. The music is fast, loud, chaotic and obnoxious and the vocal style is...well...it's not really a style...it's more like an aggressive scream. Most of the time...I'm not too fond of this vocal style because it's either more aggressive than the music and you end up listenin' to some guy scream with music in the background...or...it's brutal to the point where you can't understand any of the lyrics...and that's a real turn off for me. At least here, it's aggressive without putting the music in the backround...and...you can understand the lyrics. It's a perfect combination. I think the real charm of this release is the fact that Common Enemy seems to have that old school vibe...back when punk/hardcore actually meant something...back when only a few people could do it and do it well. I mean, today, you could fill an entire record store with all the releases that are out there...and how many of them would actually be worth a second or third listen? Not too many. That's what makes Common Enemy better than the rest. One listen won't be enough. You'll keep comin' back to this one. Guaranteed!
http://www.commonenemy2000.com
http://www.myspace.com/commonenemy
Gonna end this issue with another interview. This one's with Rich Grillo, who released a Kiss tribute album called "Atlanta's Best Kiss'ers." As most of you should already know, I'm a huge Kiss fan and I also have a slight obsession with Kiss tribute albums. I have over 40 of 'em in my collection and I never get tired of hearing something new. Some of 'em are good. Some of 'em are not so good. That's the thing with tribute albums...it's a hit or miss thing. As for this release, this is one of the better albums that I've had the pleasure of hearing. Having said that, let's find out a little more about it, shall we?
Paul Autry: I guess I should start off by asking how you became involved in the music scene.
Rich Grillo: Born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana; I’ve always had an interest in music. I remember being the only kid really paying attention in elementary music class. In junior high, I started playing saxophone in the school band and when I was 10 years old, my older brother got a Kay Stratocaster copy and started taking lessons.Next time my birthday came around, my parents bought me a bass guitar out of the Sears catalog and I fell in love. I never wanted to put it down. I would literally sit in my bedroom for 8-10 hours a day and practice. My teacher told me that the best way to learn was to pick a few of my favorite tapes (cassette tapes at the time), and learn every song on it and play along with the tape. So that’s what I did, I ended up learning, all of Motley Crue’s “Shout at the Devil”, Quiet Riot’s “Metal Health”, Ozzy Osborne’s “Speak of the Devil”, most of Iron Maiden’s “Live After Death”, and being a huge KISS fan, most every KISS song out at the time! All throughout high school, I played in bands with my friends winning a few local “battle of the band” contests. After high school I started playing professionally in cover bands, moving into some all originals acts. A few of the acts received some label interest but was never able to make anything happen. In 1997, I moved to Atlanta, Georgia and immediately started hitting open jams and other music venues trying to work my way into the scene. I still play around the Atlanta scene quite a bit, when not working in my studio, Richenroll Studios.
Paul Autry: Can you tell us a little about your recording studio?
Rich Grillo: In high school, I had written a few songs and wanted to record them. My friend had a Tascam cassette 4-track that he let me borrow and I was mesmerized by the cool sounds I could get by overdubbing, adding effects (reverb, delay, etc) and bouncing tracks around. Then, I knew I wanted to own a recording studio someday. In Atlanta, I had a good job going in software development and was making decent money (while still playing music on weekends). I was ready to buy a house and I happened upon a house that was sitting smack dab in the middle of 3 acres of woods with a finished basement and was going for a really good price. I saw that house and said, “There’s my studio!!!” From then on, I started buying gear and renovating the basement and thus Richenroll Studios was born. It is the perfect recording environment, quiet, peaceful, with top quality gear. That is the biggest compliment I get here. How easy it is to relax and play at your best.
Paul Autry: You recently put out a Kiss tribute album, "Atlanta's Best Kiss'ers." What made you decide to put something like this together?
Rich Grillo: I was looking for ways to get the word out about the studio and decided that I needed a cool demo. I wanted something that people would want to listen to and would represent the awesome sound quality I’m getting. Being a huge KISS fan, I thought it would be a fun and cool to record a few KISS tunes and turn that into the demo. I started calling my friends and discussing the idea with them. Everyone was stoked and excited to come out and jam some tunes. After hearing the rough mixes of the first few sessions, I was floored by what I was hearing. Everyone was playing fantastic, and getting great tones. Then I realized that it needed to be more than just a demo, the world needed to hear this stuff. I then put it into full motion as a project for release.
Paul Autry: Can you tell us a little about the cover model? Who she is, what she's done and how did you get her on your album cover?
Rich Grillo: The cover model is a dear friend of mine, Dawn Evans. I met her a few years ago at the wedding of a guitar player friend of mine (and current band mate), Richie Mays. She has done some stuff for the “Dirty Shirty” people and was with a modeling agency awhile back. When I came up with the concept for the album, Atlanta’s Best KISSers, I envisioned the cover that you see with the girl lifting up the side of her shorts and revealing a very nice kiss on her cheek. I started calling a few friends to see if anyone would be interested in being on the cover. I didn’t have Dawn’s phone number at the time, so I called Richie Mays and asked his opinion if she would be interested. He mentioned it to her and said she was excited to do it. He gave her my number and we worked the deal out. It really worked out best for me…of all of the beautiful girls I asked, the one with the best butt ended up doing it! After getting her on board, I called a friend of mine, Mike Noa of F-Stop Studios here in Alpharetta, GA who is a very accomplished photographer working with national artists, advertising for national and local businesses and teaching photography classes around town. We booked the date and came in and had a blast. It ended up taking two sessions, one for the cover shot and a second session for the inside cover shots. The whole experience was unbelievable as I watched my vision come to life exactly as I wanted!!
Paul Autry: Can you tell us a little about some of the bands who appear on this disc?
Rich Grillo: The artists that appear on the CD are a combination of established bands that play around the Atlanta area and “project” bands that came together just to record the tunes. The established bands are, No Longer Mica, Citizen Jayne, The Andrew Black Band, and Aquatic. The group that did Strutter, called “Blizzard of Mullet” on the CD, is actually a combination of two different bands. Two members from an Ozzy Osbourne tribute band, “Blizzard of Ozzy,” and an 80’s rock band called “Iron Mullet”. Andrew Black is one of the most talented people that I’ve met. Up until the CD, I’ve seen him playing country/rock, blues, and some jazz gigs. I told him that I was doing the KISS album and he immediately jumped back. “Man, I’m a huge KISS fan, I’d LOVE to do a tune!!” Knowing his level of talent, I knew it would be good, but when he came in with his band and started singing “Parasite,” my jaw was on the floor the entire time. He sang the verses with every bit of energy and brash of Gene Simmons and then switched to a more smooth Paul Stanley style voice on the choruses. It was amazing.
Paul Autry: You recorded a version of "Beth" for this release. Out of everything Kiss has done, what made you decide to do this track?
Rich Grillo: I’ve always been a sucker for a ballad and I’ve always loved, “Beth”. I’ve heard KISS do “Beth” using acoustic guitars a few times (Unplugged and “KISS Meets the Phantom of the Park”) and though it was great, I wondered why they never really played the cool piano parts that were in the original. I was goofing around one day and started transposing the piano part to guitar just to see how difficult it would be to play. I thought it sounded great. When I started the “Atlanta’s Best KISSers”, I knew I wanted to do that song myself. I had recently started playing the EWI (Electronic Wind Instrument) that would be great for all of the flute parts, and had great orchestra sounds inside the studio software and some outboard gear. I was hoping to bring in a few real string players that I knew to help thicken up the orchestration, but our schedules wouldn’t permit. I then looked in my guitar room and saw the electric sitar that I’ve always wanted to use on something. I started playing some background stuff with it and it gave it the thickness that it needed and also added a brand new tonality. I had what I needed. Knowing that I sing like a canary, I didn’t want to ruin this cool sound that I had created, I called my friend, Andrew Black, to come in and sing it. He came it sang it about four times, all of them crazy amazing. I took the best of the four and couldn’t be happier with the result. I hope everyone likes it as much I do.
Paul Autry: There's a ton of Kiss tribute albums out there. Some are good. Some...well...not so good. Have you heard any other releases and, if so, what do you think about them? Favorites?
Rich Grillo: I’ve heard a few of them. I agree, some are great; some aren’t so great. I have two favorites, "Spin the Bottle," put together by Bob Kulick with a bunch of cool rock guys and Hayseed Dixie’s, “Kiss My Grass," which is a collection of KISS tunes played by a bluegrass band. Besides being hilarious, the bluegrass versions of the tunes are really put together well and the players on that thing are bad ass!!
Paul Autry: Since there are a ton of tribute albums out there, do you feel it's easier or harder to get your album noticed? Also, how have you promoted this release?
Rich Grillo: The biggest hurdle as far getting the album notices kind of goes back to your previous question. With some “not so-good” tributes out there, I had to convince folks that this isn’t a bunch of hacks trying act like they can play KISS tunes. Though fairly unknown, these are professional musicians and I truly believe these recording will stand up with any CD on the market today. The really professional looking cover with Dawn’s perfectly formed ass helps get us noticed as well. As far as promotion goes, I’ve recently hooked up with CD baby to provide a familiar store front for people to use to purchase the CD. I also have a page on the Richenroll Studios site that can be used to purchase the CD. I’m currently working to get the CD onto iTunes, Amazon.com and other big dudes like that. We had a fantastic CD Release party a few weeks ago at a local Atlanta bar where I had a bunch of the guys who were on the CD come out and play their tune live. It was a really cool event. Dawn Evans, the cover model, was on hand. I am also looking to host some other events around town to get the word out. I may put some ads in some magazines as well. Lastly, there is a very cool website, called “Kiss Related Recordings” (http://www.kiss-related-recordings.nl/) that has really helped us promote the CD. This site has a listing of all of the KISS tribute CD’s on the market as well as a bunch of other really cool KISS recordings; everything from demos from every era, to a Budweiser commercial that Peter Criss sang. Very interest stuff for any KISS fan.
Paul Autry: What do you hope to accomplish with this release? Also, is there any chance of an "Atlanta's Best Kiss'ers Volume 2?"
Rich Grillo: There are two main things that I want to accomplish with this release. 1) Get the word out about Richenroll Studio. Let people hear that we can create top quality music productions on par with any studio. And 2) help promote the bands and musicians that have supported the studio and who took time out of their schedule to come out and play on the CD. As far as Volume 2 goes, I’m undecided. I definitely want to give this CD a year to run its course and hopefully make its way around the world. Since this CD features earlier tunes, I’ve thought about doing a Volume 2 that features songs from later years; for example tunes from Eric Carr to present day. I’ve also mulled around the idea of switching artists.. maybe Jimi Hendrix, or Ozzy Osbourne, maybe Neil Diamond.
Paul Autry: What are your thoughts on file sharing?
Rich Grillo: Considering that I own a recording studio and have recorded and/or produced a few CD’s and I know how much time, effort, stress and not to mention, money, goes into recording an album, I’m not really a fan of people feeling that it’s OK to give a CD to their friends rather than letting them buy it. As much as I enjoy playing and recording music, it is my livelihood and I depend on the money from the studio to eat and pay my bills. And the money I get comes from artists who are trying to sell their music to pay their bills (and pay me).
Paul Autry: Besides Kiss, what are some of your musical influences?
Rich Grillo: I grew up in the 80’s, so most of my influences are from that era. Besides KISS, there is Ozzy Osbourne, Motley Crue, Scorpions, Led Zepplin…that sort of stuff. As I get older, I find myself discovering other type of music. I’ve recently discovered a “modern jazz” band called the Rippingtons. These guys are amazing. Great tunes, great musicianship. I’ve also started listening to some of the newer country stuff. If you listen to the current country tunes, it’s really 80’s rock with a fiddle and pedal steel thrown in. Instead of singing about meeting girls and having sex, they sing about loving their kids. Pretty cool stuff…
Paul Autry: Have you done any other projects other than this one? (like...do you have your own band...stuff like that).
Rich Grillo: The band that played Strange Ways on the Atlanta’s Best KISSer’s CD, Aquatic, is my regular band. We play around the Atlanta area quite a bit and keeping making plans to record a CD, but our schedules never really permit. Our guitar player, Richie Mays, has recently released his own line of boutique guitar amps; Mahalo Amplification. These amps sound amazing. So far everyone who has played through one of these amps has fell in love. But yeah, between him running Mahalo and me running Richenroll, there isn’t much time for recording personal stuff. Inside of Richenroll, I have recorded a few really cool projects. There is a progressive rock band called Jungol who has recorded two albums with us so far and just called me about starting the third. A new and quickly rising country band, called South 70, is set to release their debut CD, Bring it On which was recorded at Richenroll. Other great acts that record at Richenroll are: Hightone Shelter, Andrea Nardello, Luke Shirah, No Longer Mica and Andrew Black.
Paul Autry: Final comments?
Rich Grillo: I just wanted to thank you for helping me get word out about the Atlanta’s Best KISSers CD. I am really proud of this CD and am anxious for everyone to hear it. I would also like to keep in touch with you and hopefully turn you on to other projects that you rock your face off.
http://www.myspace.com/atlantasbestkissers