Arts & Entertainment Connexions

*used with permission by Alternative Revolt Magazine

RED LINE CHEMISTRY – Mix and Match

Boy, are you about to be introduced to a treat. It seems I’m one of the few who respond to digital press releases according to some. What can I say? If I have the time I’ll check out the group. If I like them you better believe I’m going to help get them out to the world. Case in point: Red Line Chemistry. I think they’ve got what it takes to make it!

It started with a free downloadable single called “Dumb Luck.” In fact, that’s the kind of luck I usually have other than suck luck so I instantly felt a connection. As it turns out, this hard hitting group comprised of Brett: lead vocal, Andy: lead guitar, Dave: guitar, Tom: bass, and Mike: drums has exactly what I’ve been craving lately. The review of their debut album will tell you how much I enjoy the collaboration of meat strung riffs, rock out vocals, smashing song structure, deep pounding bass, sweltering leads and blistering drums. Lyrics that mean something are sprinkled in and BAM SUCKA! I was pulled in.

This unsigned group has already found home in front of gigs where tens of thousands of people have gathered. This is all in a short time span too. Some of their fast tracking record includes sharing the stage with Stone Temple Pilots, Seether, Puddle of Mudd, Shinedown, Seventudst, Saliva and more.

Instead of me going on and on I’ll head right into an exclusive interview. Maybe they’ll remember me when they make it big which, by the looks of things, won’t be long at all. Album review to follow interview.

THE INTERVIEW

Daniel/AR: Red Line Chemistry has not been together very long but success
is leaking like a baby’s diaper that forgot to be changed twice. When did
you first form and how in the world are you making so much headway?

Brett/RLC: We formed in August of 2004. I’ve been asking myself that same question. Ha ha! No we’ve just done the best we could to continue writing music and stick to our guns. The opportunities we are beginning to find more available can easily be attributed to having the patience to stick around and be ready to seize them. We are now surrounded by the Bulldog team and we have confidence in their ability to help us find our place out there.
We are all extremely driven and determined to make this a career no matter how much adversity we face. The new album Dying for a Living encompasses many of these elements that have driven us to push forward.

Daniel/AR: The name Red Line Chemistry is open to interpretation. However,
personally, you have your own take on it. What is that take?

Brett/RLC: For us it defines our intent in pushing it to the limit, while staying true to ourselves and to each other. A philosophy of the whole being greater than the sum of the parts. Like a big machine. We’re best friends, we’re family, and of course we fight like brothers.

Daniel/AR: Spending 8 months or longer making this debut project as perfect
as it can be is super exciting. I would imagine in the same way waking up
with Salma Hayek in my bed would be. Give is a brief emotional roller
coaster of your feelings for the album.

Brett/RLC: This album for me is really a cathartic release of all the pain, anxieties, and stresses that have affected me throughout this journey so far. A lot of the songs revolve around different fears…death, fame, loneliness, social evaluation…and so on. Don’t get me wrong. It’s been amazing and I never want to quit but as any musician knows, this big machine will eat you up and spit you out if you let it. The album is definitely a dark tinted ride with a few glimmers of comedy and hope here and there.

Daniel/AR: Do any of you still have day jobs? What are/were they?

Brett/RLC: Fortunately not. But I can tell you we all work harder at this than any other job we’ve ever had.

Daniel/AR: You’ve toured with some pretty rocking bands. If Freddy Krueger
came alive and slashed at you until you shouted out 3 bands you would like
to tour with that you haven’t yet, who would they be?

Brett/RLC: Avenged Sevenfold, Foo Fighters and Led Zepplin.

Daniel/AR: Were any of you a Freddy fan?

Brett/RLC: Of course. How could you not have a healthy childhood without watching those movies?

Daniel/AR: What would you think would be a sure fire way to kill Freddy K.

Brett/RLC: For good? Apparently, you just hire someone other than Robert Englund. Seemed to kill him pretty quick!

Daniel/AR: Do you have a bizarre dream that kept reoccurring? For
Instance, I usually dream about tornados and also urinating.

Brett/RLC: Yeah, I’m snowboarding and I fall off the mountain free falling for days and I always hit the ground tumbling through trees.

Daniel/AR: Dreams are essential in a well rounded focus group. Being as
famous as you are becoming so fast makes me think you had sure fire goals
and plans to make it. What are some of those goals that worked and what
would you suggest for up and coming artists?

Brett/RLC: Well we are far from famous at this point I think and we certainly have a long road ahead of us to accomplishing our goals. I’ll get back to you when I can piss without getting off the vehicle. ha ha! Some of our goals have included…

You can read the rest of this interview as well as see pictures and other national and independent acts in August’s issue of Alternative Revolt Magazine which is free to view online.

Daniel C. Morrison aka: the Hit Man

*used with permission by Alternative Revolt Magazine

ALBUM REVIEW – Red Line Chemistry “Dying For A Living”

This album is scheduled to be released August 17th but so what? I got the review now and boy am I impressed. It’s as if Seether impregnated Alice in Chains. The harmonies are there, the melodies are glowing, the guitars are in control, the bass roars and the drums smash. I liked about half the songs right off the bat. This was one CD I listened to more than once and those that didn’t completely wow me right away warmed their way into my repertoire the more I listened to it.

Track 1 starts with some cool, eerie keyboards with a quiet guitar build letting you know that the album means business. This is good because after about a minute it slaps you with a fast paced, Seether inspired riff and my groove is on immediately. This is truly a fantastic way to start the album.

Track 2 hits hard as well and it’s this song that hits me with the Alice in Chains vocal comparison. I like it. It humps track 3 with a rhythmic riff that you don’t find much anymore. The lyrics are decent and I feel like I have a solid album in my hands.

Track 4 flips me off and smiles as it slows and the music pulls me into another listening dimension. So far, this is my favorite. Track 5 gets back to slappin’ me and my head hurts a bit as I am absorbed into its sound. Track 6 begins to sound like the other songs and is its least appealing to me, but still good especially when the harmonies come in. Then a soft acoustic presents track 7 and I get treated to a musical marriage of all sorts of cool instrumentation as it builds for over two minutes and presents a nice rocking ending.

Track 8 starts with a fun riff and then slams me in old Warrant fashion complete with a set of story lyrics. It stays heave through track 9 and the drums start punching me in the face without mercy on track 10. This song is bad ass with a bass line that gets me stoked.

Track 11 rounds this album out with an acoustic song that is beautiful with strings to accompany it. This is fantastic.

All in all, Red Line Chemistry’s debut album rocks balls and I am more than satisfied. This is a definite A for a debut CD. I look very forward to them making it to the Billboard Charts.

Daniel C. Morrison aka: Hit Man

Article used with permission by Daniel C. Morrison and Alternative Revolt Magazine

MUSIC REVIEW FOR DESTROPHY’S DEBUT ALBUM

I can’t begin to tell you how elated I am to have been introduced to this band. To be able to review their album is a bonus and I am very pleased. They actually take time to write thought provoking lyrics, orchestrate strong vocal attacks, rip ears out with heavy riffs and manage to keep me from skipping the songs, for the most part. So let’s tear into their debut.

“Send In the Wolves” starts things off with a meaty beginning. Ari’s vocals have an older metal vocalist feel but only barely. He sings with a pair and I am hooked right off the bat!

It only gets better with “Reconnect” as it makes me want to get into a vehicle with weapons and blast away a nuclear wasteland.

When “The Story Of Your Life” hits my headphones I have to take them off and see if I am wearing a supped up, bass enhanced pair. Nope, just simple Panasonic. I put them back on and found my favorite chorus in a song in a long time. I have my favorite song. So far at least.

“Rise of the Overman” gives Ari’s vocals a deeper depth. Soon, I know, he’ll have to clear his throat.

“Arms of the Enemy” is now my new favorite. I feel like I’m in a movie. What is happening here?

Before I get too crazy “The Way of Your World” slows things up and I get to focus more on Ari’s smooth vocals. This is definitely a radio song. It’s a good thing too because it rocks and I can rest my bouncing leg a bit.

“Why I Hate Goodbye” comes next and has a nice mix of calm and heavy. Destrophy is trying to absorb me again. Luckily for them, they had me at track 1 so this sustains my mood and doesn’t sway me to think they’re done hammering out riffs.

I was right. “March of the Dreamless” speaks volumes both lyrically and content-wise. They’re taking me through a rabbit hole and I enjoy the ride.

I land at the bottom of the rabbit hole, finally, where the song “Pray” involves signature moves from the entire band. Each one has their own spotlight in this song. I’m now in a soundtrack, I know it.

“Monarch” comes on next and I’m still loving what I hear but variety in style is starting to decompose. It’s still awesome though.

In awesome debut CD fashion, “This Is Not My Life” ends it with a catchy bang. This final song ends the CD well but not as strong as it began. No worries though, I am very pleased.

So, to sum it up, this CD was an awesome experience. While the wow factor lessens slightly by the end of the CD I am still shocked at their style and uniqueness in a crowd of wannabes. I have no choice but to score this CD an A-. Now, I think I need a drink

Daniel C. Morrison aka: Hit Man

Article used with permission by Daniel C. Morrison and Alternative Revolt Magazine

DESTROPHY – A Wonderful Catastrophe

So get this, four dudes from Des Moines, Iowa shows up at a concert as part of Taproot’s tour and slaps me in the face. Not just dudes, but humble, sweltering rockers who blew me away with their sound. I mean, wtf?

This foursome comprised of Ari, guitar and vocals; Phil T. on bass; Joe Fox on drums; and Bruce Swink is flat out awesome! It all started with Ari back in 2002 looking all over the state of Iowa for the best of the best to bring his musical vision to life and to bring his stage show to life and beyond. Check out their bio and then refrain from soiling yourself after reading the interview and checking out one of the best CD’s you haven’t heard yet.

BIO of DESTROPHY:

“Destrophy is the unstoppable 4 piece pop/rock/metal machine based out of Des Moines, Iowa. Officially launched in 2002 by producer and singer/songwriter Ari, who scoured the state and recruited only the most talented and success-minded musicians to bring his vision to the stage. The result is an impressive line-up featuring: Ari, guitar and vocals; Phil T. on bass; Joe Fox on drums; and Bruce Swink, former member of Roadrunner Records, Stone Sour and DownTheSun, on guitar.

Destrophy’s brutal and precise live show, coupled with epic songwriting and pop-oriented vocals continue to build and sustain the buzz surrounding them as one of modern music’s brightest contenders. Destrophy teamed up with Damon Moreno of The Inner Light Agency to work as the band’s manager. “I absolutely believe in Destrophy and I feel this will be bigger than any of us truly realize,” says Moreno. Destrophy has toured and shared the stage with OTEP, Drowning Pool, Korn, Disturbed, 5FDP, Stone Temple Pilots, Saliva, Avenged Sevenfold, Papa Roach, Soilwork, Buckcherry, and many more.

In the summer of 2009, Destrophy secured a multi-album deal with Victory Records. The band will release their worldwide debut album on Victory in the fall of 2009. President of Victory Records, Tony Brummel says: “Having staked their claim as one of the hardest working bands in the Midwest, this incredible 4-piece will be taking over the rest of the country (and the world) when their Victory debut hits stores this fall.”

Let me attest to the bad ass-ness of their debut album. After you read this interview get yourself a copy. You can also read my review of their performance in July’s issue of Alternative Revolt when they almost stole the show from Taproot where they scored an A for my musical preference. Review of their debut CD to follow.

THE INTERVIEW

Daniel/AR: First off, you guys completely took me by surprise when I first heard you. With such a name as Destrophy I really want to know the meaning behind the name. What other names came about?

Ari/Destrophy: I get this question a lot, as you can imagine! I asked my high school history teacher, a Greek friend of the family, to come up with a name. He came up with a list, and to be honest I don’t remember a single one, until he mentioned Destrophy. The gist of it is that it is based on a Greek word, meaning: something or someone that is not behaving as it should. Whether that means something is broken, distorted, or living counter-culture, it’s up to you! As someone who is currently living a life that is not what people normally do, I feel that I’ve grown into the name.

Daniel/A: How did Destrophy form and is 2007 credited as your intro to the music scene??

Ari/Destrophy: Destrophy was a high school project that never completely died. I would say that in 2002, it was rebooted into something close to what it is now, and in 2006 most of the current line up came together, and again a change in sound that is what we are now.

Daniel/AR: I found that somewhere in the letters of Destrophy there is Port, Horde, Rots and Hope. What’s a few you found?

Ari/Destrophy: The only two important words are Destroy, and Destro (G.I. Joe). All other words are meaningless.

Daniel/AR: If Thanksgiving dinner included three bands you would love to tour with, who would they be?
Ari/Destrophy: Metallica, Sevendust, and Danzig.

Daniel/AR: Speaking of Thanksgiving, what is your ultimate meal ensemble?

Ari/Destrophy: Lots of turkey, veggies (no onions). Skip the pie, you’ll thank me later.

Daniel/AR: Do you think music shaped dessert dishes would be cool or cumbersome?

Ari/Destrophy: I’m sitting thinking, “what is the shape of music…” Seriously you blew my mind.

Daniel/AR: A question a lot of people always want to know: Who are your influences not just musically but also as inspirations or role models?

Ari/Destrophy: Hetfield and Mustaine are pretty much solid frontrunners for most influential guitarist/vocalist. Henry Rollins is the man. Danzig is a just slightly shorter version of the man. Stallone, Herbie Hancock, Jesus – you know the soft spoken greats that everyone picks.

Daniel/AR: What were your day jobs before living the life of a starving musician on the road?
Ari/Destrophy: I was an art teacher.

Daniel/AR: Starving is rough and many have enjoyed the worth of a Ramen Noodle dinner. There are 2 servings per pack you know. What is your favorite way to enjoy Ramen Noodles and what flavor?

Ari/Destrophy: My bass player Phil likes spicy chili flavor and he eats them raw. No joke. Crunch crunch crunch.

Daniel/AR: Touring with Otep and even Type O Negative was awesome, I’m sure. Did they eat Ramen noodles?

Ari/Destrophy: Not in broad daylight…

Read the rest of this interview and check out cool pictures of the band and other great artists at AltRevolt.com



Daniel C. Morrison aka: Hit Man

Article used with permission by Daniel C. Morrison and Alternative Revolt Magazine

DISTURBED – Get Down With the Sickness

I feel like an ass because sometimes I call “the Sickness” album “Issues.” That’s only because both Korn’s “Issues” and Disturbed’s “The Sickness” were my drugs of choice during some rough times in my life when I was having issues. Aside from that little anecdote I was graced by God to have made contact with Warner Brothers Records to get an interview with front man David Draiman. Sure, I got nervous and if you listen to the mp3 file you’ll know it. However, why shouldn’t I be? Over 11 million albums sold and a crap load of singles, not to mention how precious his time is. Sure, I found him to be business minded like most people say but I also got into his sense of humor and he’s a cool guy.

Disturbed1.com/about has their bio and it truly is interesting. I’ll save page space and get on into the interview but I highly recommend you read the bio to get more history on this bad ass band. Their new album “Asylum” is slated for an August 31st rele

ase date. Now let’s get rollin’!

THE INTERVIEW (transcribed from audio file)

Daniel/AR: For the first question tell me what you are most excited about in the life of Disturbed right now.

David/Disturbed: This upcoming tour is what I’m looking forward to most. It should be a huge experience. We are putting together the production for it right now. The lineup is all of our friends.

Daniel/AR: What are some of your keys to keep going and getting stronger in the time Disturbed has been around?

David/Disturbed: We’ve just been really consistent. We’ve always been good at delivering what our fans expect from us. As long as we have that relationship going we’ll stay strong. (laughs)

Kimmi/AR: I first saw you in high school. It seems we have a bit of the same background. When did you want to be more like you are now as opposed to what you were then and how hard was it to break out of that mold we grew up in?

David/Disturbed: It wasn’t really that difficult to break out of. There really wasn’t ever any other option for me, to be perfectly honest.

Kimmi/AR: How old were you when you first got into rock music?

David/Disturbed: Oh, I don’t know. Maybe 8 or 9 years old.

Kimmi/AR: And into singing?

David/Disturbed: Since I was a little boy. Also, maybe 5 or 6.

Kimmi/AR: Are you in touch with anyone from back in those days?

David/AR: Here and there. A couple people. (laughs) Few and far between. People grow in different directions and I don’t live in the same city anymore. It gets difficult when you get older, unfortunately.

Kimmi/AR: How do your parents react?

David/Disturbed: They are very proud. They weren’t but they are now. (laughs)

Daniel/AR: (laughs) They weren’t at first?

David/Disturbed: No. I left being a successful Health Care Administrator to try and be a rock star so they were not happy at all. (laughs)

Daniel/AR: It’s a different kind of medicine now.

Kimmi/AR: You were already in the health care business when you decided to go on?

David/Disturbed: Yes.

Kimmi/AR: In what respect would you guys say you changed and in what respect would you guys say you stayed the same?

David/Disturbed: I don’t really think we’ve changed much. We’re still the same people, hang out in relatively the same places, still do relatively the same things. I think we live in nicer places now, thank God. (laughs) What changes more is everybody else. Because of what happens to you people around you change. All of a sudden, their true colors become your evidence after a little while.

Kimmi/AR: How does that affect you music-wise? Does that go into your music?

David/Disturbed: Oh yeah, there’s some of it on this record coming out at the end of August.

Daniel/AR: You all also reissued “The Sickness” this year with a couple B-Sides.

David/Disturbed: Yes, to celebrate our ten year anniversary of “the Sickness.” Remixed, re-mastered.

Daniel/AR: For the songs you picked as B-Sides, what made you decide to put those on there?

David/AR: They were from that era, that recording session. They were used as foreign releases at the time. Maybe some of the people that never got wind of it can get it now.

Daniel/AR: That’s love right there, Disturbed love. I don’t know if you are asked this much but the Queen Of the Damned soundtrack is one of my all time favorite albums. The song you sang on that album rocked! Though you didn’t write it, what was that experience like, working with Jonathan Davis and the others?
David/Disturbed: He’s awesome, great guy, very talented, and an incredible songwriter. It was an honor and a pleasure to work with. He’s a sweetheart of a guy and a friend of ours.

Daniel/AR: If you were a vampire would you be more or less Disturbed?

…

Read the rest of this interview and check out cool pictures of the band and other great artists at AltRevolt.com



Daniel C. Morrison aka: Hit Man

My friend Kristine of Ashton-Maguson Media, introduced me to this author and sent me a press release. Rick does yet another superb job with his latest, Dolor: Arielle │Book III. Check this out…

“DATE: AUGUST 25, 2010

FROM: KRISTINE ASHTON-MAGNUSON

AUTHOR RICK FLORINO CONTINUES
DOLOR NOVELLA SERIES WITH

Dolor: Arielle │Book III

OUT SEPTEMBER 27

Sam’s wife Arielle just left him, but that’s the least of his problems…

After sitting through three meetings in his downtown Dolor law office,
strange things begin happening to this lawyer.
One of Sam’s clients nearly bleeds to death
in some sort of ritual right before his eyes,
however the evil doesn’t let up…

Author Rick Florino continues his Dolor mystery/horror novella series with Dolor: Arielle│Book III, out September 27 via New American Deities. Arielle–the third in a series of ten stories about the creepy town of Dolor–will be available for only 99 cents on September 27, 28 and 29 at www.BookOfDolor.com. From September 30 through October 31, 2010, Arielle can be purchased for the discounted price of $3.99. As an introduction to the Dolor story, a free download of Lila and Chrissy, the first two books in the series, is available at www.bookofdolor.com/signup.html and hard copies of the books can be purchased for just $4.99 each.

Florino–author of Dolor: Lila | Book I, Dolor: Chrissy | Book II, Do The Devil’s Work For Him, founder of Ruin Magazine and Editor-In-Chief of ARTISTdirect.com–offers his thoughts on Arielle: “Arielle represents everything that I always wanted this series to be. The mystery behind Dolor begins to unravel further within the landscape of a very dark and twisted story. The narrative itself examines so much in short space—from the breakdown of a marriage to the breakdown of a mind. Then there’s a deeper and more demonic aspect to Arielle as well that’s reminiscent of ’60s and ’70s horror, yet the characters all come to life vibrantly. Fans of the series will get to learn a little bit more about Caleb Taylor, and they’ll also get a closer look at what’s really happening underneath the surface of this town. Arielle also features a musical aspect that will come into play much more as the series progresses. In some ways, Arielle closes out the trilogy that is the first three books. However, it also leaves everything open for the next seven to come. This is a very special book, and newcomers and previous visitors to Dolor will be equally possessed by it…I still am.”
Florino moved to Los Angeles to pursue his dream of working in the entertainment industry after graduating from Boston University Magna Cum Laude at 19 years old. He began his career at New Line Cinema and freelancing for magazines such as Metal Edge, AMP and Lollipop. Constantly writing, he cultivated a unique style that was clever, vivid and highly eloquent. That style would fuel his 2006 creation, the bi-monthly hard rock publication Ruin Magazine. In 2007, Rick became an editor for ARTISTdirect.com, where he conducts interviews with A-list film and music talent for exclusive features. His words have also appeared in publications including Inked Magazine, BPM Magazine, Revolver, Kerrang!, Hit Parader, LAX Magazine, Shockhound.com, Craveonline.com, Bloody-Disgusting.com and many more.

His first book, Do The Devil’s Work For Him, was released in June 2009. In support of the book, Rick was featured on No Good TV with members of Guns N’ Roses/Velvet Revolver, System of a Down and Devildriver discussing the text. He was also featured on FOX News. He released the first book of the Dolor series, Lila, in October of 2009 and followed with Dolor: Chrissy in February 2010.
Here’s a sample of the critical praise for Dolor: Chrissy and Dolor: Lila:

“Rick Florino is a writer that can be compared to Stephen King…He was put on this earth to tell stories and that is exactly what he is doing.”
–Dana Feldman, Examiner.com, March 13, 2010
“A unique blend of macabre writing and graphic horror imagery. An addictive story line leaving you anxious for more to come.”
–Raphael Shlosman, VampireFreaks.com, January 21, 2010
“…when I see an indie book series out, like this Dolor, I stand up and take notice…This second book in the Dolor series is not only a fun read, but its a fantastic and twisted look into an entirely new world! I highly recommend it.”
–Matt MacNabb, BookLegion.com, February 17, 2010
“No sophomore slump with Dolor: Chrissy | Book II…heavy horror elements are involved–heavier than those that came into play in Lila…the steps he’s taking with this ambitious project are sure-footed.”
–Rod Lott, Bookgasm.com, February 24, 2010
“…a gritty series of illustrated novellas about tragic characters, fantasy, and horror…Rick Florino’s ability to write tight convincing dialogue, plot, and intrigue is exceptional…This is not your typical graphic novel or horror novella, the Dolor series drags a reader in from the first page and tells a full story in limited time.”
–Jessica Bohatch-Easton, MetalExiles.com, March 2010

“…strange, dark and witty…I couldn’t put it down and when I was done; I wanted nothing more than to have the next installment in my hands…”
–Sarah Boger, BandVibe.com, February 20, 2010

“Lila makes for a damn good read. It’s creepy in spots, and madly melancholy in plenty of others. Rick Florino clearly understands the sensitivity behind the content, and manages to siphon frightening reality from the idea…outstanding piece of fiction.”
–Matt Molgaard, Fangoria.com, November 16, 2009

“Horror fiction has put a few cities on the map: Castle Rock, Serenity Falls, Orangefield. Add Dolor to that list…It’s easy to get caught up in Florino’s tale, not only because it adheres to storytelling brevity, but also because it has a rock ‘n’ roll sensibility to it, dishing out details of drugs, sex and violence.”
–Rod Lott, Bookgasm.com, November 2009

“A heartbreaking, horrifying and honest examination of a damaged psyche, true violence, drug addiction and love unreturned…a horror masterpiece…”
–LAX Magazine, Winter 2009

“If the rest of the volumes are even half as good as Lila, we’re in for a huge treat…A great start to what appears to be an even greater series…”
–BC, Bloody-Disgusting.com, December 5, 2009

Dolor: Arielle │Book III…How much farther will you fall?
About Dolor
Dolor is a creepy little town that you won’t be able to leave. It’s the kind of place you can’t forget. It’s the kind of place where anything can happen. It’s the kind of place where evil doesn’t just die. It’s the kind of place that nightmares are born to live forever…

In October 2009, Rick Florino opened up Dolor to the “real” world with his first novella Dolor: Lila | Book I. At the beginning of Lila, FBI Agent Jeffries goes to Dolor to investigate a fire. The town’s been burned to the ground. One lone house stands—charred to Hell on the outside, but fine on the inside. Within those walls, Jeffries finds ten small diaries. Each diary is written by a different denizen of Dolor, delving into some sort of darkness. The first diary is Lila | Book I.

Enter the world of Rick Florino’s Dolor, you’ll never be the same. Then succumb to the tales of Chrissy, Arielle, Decker, Cassie, Olivia, Orestes, Lucia, Sage and Helen. Nightmares are guaranteed.
www.BookOfDolor.com”

FORECASTLE FESTIVAL REVIEW – OMG What A Show! (used with permission from Alternative Revolt Magazine)

Daniel: Louisville, KY, have you found a competitor for the Kentucky Derby Festival?

Louisville, KY: Yes Daniel. In fact I can prove that the Forecastle Festival upstaged the Kentucky Derby Festival.

Daniel: For Real?

Louisville, KY: Yes and the first time I did it was in 2005. Who’s your daddy?

Ok, so this was a fake conversation but that fact is true. If you’ve never heard of the Forecastle Festival it’s a shame. According to Outside Magazine, the Forecastle Festival is “One of the top 15 Outdoor Festivals of 2009.” Even SPIN Magazine named Forecastle as “One of the Top 101 things to do in America.” It started in 2002 as a free show that cost less than five hundred dollars to put on. Volunteers in the local music community agreed to put on the event at Tyler Park in Louisville, KY and drew a crowd of hundreds. The success of the warm vibes and pleasant experience brought the attention of JK McKnight. It was McKnight who brought the local art community into the event. Quickly, environmental organizations wanted in and BAM SUCKA, July 19th, 2003 the Forecastle Festivals moniker was established: Music.Art.Activism®
The Forecastle Festival was expanded on greatly each year, eventually gaining major sponsors allowing it to be a big deal in the life of anyone who enjoys variety in entertainment. The festival got so big that Tyler Park was not large enough. Between 2005 and 2010 the Festival was relocated 3 times finally finding adequate space on 15 acres of Louisville, KY’s Waterfront Park, thanks to the help of the country’s oldest, largest, and most experienced operators of live theatre and music, Nederlander Entertainment .

Forecastle Festival is a 3 day event that boasts an eclectic mix of music, art and environmental activism. Basically, this means that you’re going to witness a variety of bands from all over the nation on 3 different stages. It also means that you will experience bizarre shows of danger, crazy carnival like performances, marching bands, etc. that are famous from other parts of the nation. Another added treat is you can listen to guest speakers from environmentalists who will tell you the positive direction of going green by providing new study information, live demonstrations, and new facts and figures. Let’s not forget either about some pretty cool art exhibits, tattoo artists, outdoor club dancing, and a crowd of thousands upon thousands pouring in from all over the U.S. and even outside the states. There is so much to do at this amazing event that you nearly would have to clone yourself and share the mental connection and imagery with your other self to experience it all. This is both its biggest draw and biggest problem.

On the plus side, an event like this is absolutely amazing with all it has to offer. The art exhibits are great, the people are friendly, the variety in various forms of entertainment including the nationally popular Cirgque Berzerk from California is awesome, and even the music scene has some variety. You can hear Bluegrass music, techno music, classic rock, folk music, alternative rock and it’s all done by flawless performers both locally and nationwide.

On the minus side you won’t be able to witness every show completely. This is a bummer because bands get missed out on, environmental awareness speakers get overlooked, and uniquely dangerous magic acts get missed by performers from all over. For my personal tastes I thought there were too many Bluegrass musicians for one festival but I understand why due to the nature of Kentucky’s music scene. Honestly, there could have been more hard rock and alternative rock that I missed simply because of everything to have to cover.

All in all, the Forecastle Festival is an absolute must if you enjoy just a fraction of what I told you about so far. Hearing new music, seeing new forms of entertainment, gaining education of the very important environmental issues, and making new friends from other states and countries is awesome! This festival allows all that and more. $150 for 3 days of this seems almost like a steal.

Now, I will tell you of my experience of the Forecastle Festival and grade it with a Second Opinion to follow from a female’s point of view via local photographer, Staci Scevers, whose photographs sprinkled throughout this article will help you get a deeper feel for this astonishing event!

SIDE SHOWS AND ENVIRONMENTAL ACTS:

There were bands and things I missed. Most of what I missed, being in a music magazine, was the environmental demonstrations. I am an enthusiastic person when it comes to going green and learning about the positive direction of the planet. I missed things like renewable energy, Dr Feel Fine’s “Cure-All” Puppet Show, the Flaming Lips documentary, a yoga workshop, local food production and Middle Eastern belly dancing which would’ve put me in a trance, I’m sure. I cannot give an honest grade overall for that since I only saw pieces but as previous boasting goes in other publications I would imagine they would have received an A.

I did get to see pieces of March Madness Marching Band, a very enthusiastic group of marchers that got into people’s faces and marched throughout Waterfront Park. I believe it was their costumes, constant smiles, and absorbing their costumed characters that scored high with the crowd. They got an A. The Outdoor Extreme Sports Park was cool to see but really, if you’ve seen one show of bike tricks, you’ve seen them all, in my opinion. I saw fascination in the small crowd around this graffiti decorated area so based on their looks I would bump mine up to a C+. Perhaps having to be so many places watered down my excitement for this so other fans would have given this grade even more points.

The Cirque Berzerk from California was an awesome treat. I score this an absolute A. You had a very entertaining, athletic group of performers doing Three Stooges type acts while bouncing around on trampolines and landing flawlessly on a high wall ledge. Then, one by one, female performers came out and did acrobatic things via a loop suspended in mid air, a silk cloth that reminded me of a spider weaving a web and then a combination. Then there was a theatrical scene of athleticism with a pair of men who displayed mild affection towards one another. All these acts were set to music so it was more like a theater production then a circus act. The finale was awesome as every performer came out doing their signature pieces while some of them blew fire from their mouths and such. Even the comical guy on stilts between acts joined in the fun. Excellent!

I also got to see some artwork that was unique. I met local tattoo artists who had some fantastic artwork on display. I also met some of the artists who worked on art displays for the Forecastle Festival. Very cool stuff.

THE MUSIC

This is where I’ll find disagreement I’m sure. I’m not a huge fan of country music. Gladly, there was none there. I’m not real fond of Bluegrass music but that’s what I would say at least 70% of the bands were; Bluegrass and Classic Rock sounding bands. Of course, it’s Kentucky so it was to be expected. I have no idea how Smashing Pumpkins fit into this festival. Their style, from what I could tell, were different than all the rest. However, as a live show with limited effects perhaps it was an easier blend. Let me reiterate that I didn’t get to see all the bands so there could have been some rockers out there I missed.

Now that I’ve said that I was pleasantly surprised by most of the bands I heard. I felt like maybe I missed out on something the last 15 years or so. Some of this Bluegrass music was pretty good. It wasn’t that oldies stuff I remember and it didn’t have that whiny feel that some of the Country music artists have. It was a different sound as if Bluegrass finally evolved. I particularly liked the 23 String Band. Those that did rock didn’t do it in Chevelle or Sevendust fashion or even Smashing Pumpkins fashion. They had a more Classic Rock sound or even a bit jazzy. Death On Two Wheels had my favorite stage performance and rock sound, like a new age George Thorogood. Company of Thieves had an awesome jazzy rock sound that made me smile. The first band on the East Stage on the first day of the festival could have easily been my favorite. They are called Kinetix and they rocked! Each of the bands I listed all get an A with the award for best East Stage performance, in my opinion, going to Death on Two Wheels with Lucero as a Runner Up.
The North Stage had the most diverse bands with some sounding like a meeting with Modest Mouse and the 60’s such as the Doloreans and IamIs who also reminded me a bit of an RPG soundtrack. Then you have local rappers with a style I would define as Disco Rap called Scanners. More Bluegrass music hit that stage with My Morning Jacket co founder’s band, The Raverra Colt, and also Arnett Hollow. You also had a style of rock in the vein of Marilyn Manson, but not. I wish this band, Straight A’s, didn’t have distorted effects on their voices all the time. My pick for winner of that stage out of those I saw perform? 23 String Band with The Raverra Colt as a runner up mostly because of the front man’s sense of humor.

The Ocean Stage was the dance stage and it was always hopping. While it was more a grass area with a booth covering the DF equipment it had some of the festivals finest hotties shakin’ their bodies. Also, most of the shirtless guys were in that same crowd. This is where all the DJ’s partied. A couple Electronica bands shared this stage such as Papadosio which got my Best Of award here. Not much else to say really. If you got a beat and lots of bass people are going to shake their change.

The Main Stage, of course, had the most popular musicians from around the country. This is where I spent most of my time. On Friday, things started off with Scott Miller and the Commonwealth. If you like bluegrass you will like this band. It’s not my cup of tea but the crowd loved it. While not super energetic on stage the emotion from the music to crowd was noticeable. I am not a huge fan of this style but live is always better than an album for first timers. Therefore, I would grade it a C while fans of that genre would probably boot it up to a B or even an A.

Drive-By Truckers was another band I thought was iffy. However, when I heard them play I was pleasantly surprised. I wasn’t disappointed in the least. They have a style similar to Scott Miller but different too. Without being annoyed I give them a B-.

Manchester Orchestra was next and boy was I diggin’ it. There sound is very cool and the lyrics were very intense. Even a guy in the crowd by me said that he came to the Festival to see them because he read the lyrics of some of the songs online and loved them. I concur. An A, Manchester Orchestra!

Headlining Friday was Widespread Panic. That crowd was huge. I don’t get into that kind of classic sounding rock much but they had some sprinkled musical pieces that really rocked. The veteran performers were in their mojo and although there wasn’t a high energy stage presence everyone was having a good time. I give them a B+.

Saturdays’ Main Stage busted out the gate with Modern English, a nod to back to the 80’s with added new stuff. Not too shabby at all. I give them a B as well as Umphrey’s McGee who followed them.
Grace Potter and the Nocturnals was next and I was mesmerized by the vocal quality and pleasant mix of soothing rock. You must check them out if you don’t know them. An A!

Cake followed next and they were fantastic. The women drooled, the music rocked and the crowd was enormous. I score an A.

Devo came next and people went stupid happy. I do not like this strange band very much and will probably get slapped for stating so. But the costumes were top notch, their style immaculate and the crowd was beyond stoked. So my grade of a C because I am not a big fan will be bumped to an A because of stage performance and the people in the crowd loving it.

Bassnectar followed which was odd to me as it was the only DJ on the Main Stage. I didn’t think he belonged but this massive crowd shaking ass was incredible. Also, the light show and song selection was pretty damn good. This was an A and I heard people say it outdid everyone else, probably because the crowd was mostly older teens and 20-30 something’s.

Smashing Pumpkins finished the night with a bang. I read and was even told by some staff there how difficult Billy Corgan can be. For a shy guy who likes to make his image bigger than it is he surprised photographers by allowing extra photos to be taken. He even gave audience members high fives and made funny jokes. According to Jeff Asfahl, one of their biggest fans from Chicago, he was impressed. Was this real? It was plain to see that Billy Corgan really wanted to re-establish his career. I liked the energy on stage. He was great. The problem was the song selection. The crowd didn’t seem to really recognize a few and it seemed everyone was pissed that Zero wasn’t played. The crowd chanted it over and over but never did they play it. I would give them an A but for song selection and lack of Zero I will drop it to a B. We were the only magazine to get a photo of the song set list though. Score!

Sunday’s lineup was the most mild and the crowd didn’t get large until the evening. Joe Purdy did ok scoring a B. Dar Williams’ folk style received a B too because by that time I wasn’t hearing much variety in that style of music. Not her fault. She did talk a lot between most songs which was cool to hear the meaning but not so cool as it detracted from the flow of music.

I’d say my heart stopped when I heard the next band, Sara Watkins of Nickel Creek… .

Read the rest of this review plus see pictures and more at AltRevolt.com

Daniel C. Morrison aka: The Hit Man