EclecticInk.com Arts E-zine

How would you define your musical style? 

I would describe my musical style as a soulful representation of how I view the world and where I'm currently at personally in my life.  I can't just say it's Hip Hop because I grew a love for Rock, and R & B music before Hip Hop, but the one constant in all the influences that I have that transcends everything is soul, so my musical style is soulful.

Musical influences?

Marivn Gaye is a big influence in my life and my music. He was truly a great artist in every sense of the word and he had a great honest and simple complexity to his work that transcends his era of music. Dr. Dre is a big influence on me as far as being a producer and visionary. He has a way of not only creating great music, but great movements and he is truly respected by his peers.

Tell me a bit about your background. Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Brooklyn in a neighborhood called Fort Greene. It was home to such great people as Rakim, Dana Dane, Chris Rock, Emanuel Lewis  and Spike Lee to name a few. I even went to school with Chris Rock's cousin. It was a great creative space to grow up in and it continues to influence me. I was always a creative person I used to be a break dance  in music videos and was acting back then so it was a natural progress to get into music.

Where is home for you now?

Home for me now is still Brooklyn, I have a great love for it, it's like no other place in the world and I feel it breeds such diverse and gifted people and it's a place that I would always want to have a place in.

How long have you been playing professionally?

I've been playing professionally since 1997. I started out as a mixtape deejay mixing underground Hip Hop tapes and from there I joined the rap group "The Ancients" and we went on to release three critically acclaimed singles as well as share the stage with such acts as Dead Prez , Ghostface, Souls of Mischef, Shabaam Shadeeq, Slick Rick and more. I broke into the production side of things in 2003 after signing to indie label Third Earth Records and releasing my debut album "The Darkest Night Ever!!"

Are you a member of the Black Panthers?

No, I'm not a member of the Black Panthers, but I have family members that were a part of the Movement.

Hillary or Barack and why?

Well, if I had to pick right now I would have to choose Barack. I feel that Barack speaks for me and my generation when it comes to the issues that are going on today. I feel he is the best representation of change that America has right now, and he's not removed from the younger generation not only in politics, but in the music as well. He has stated on many platforms that he's a Hip Hop fan and that means a lot to me. I feel he knows my struggle as well as some of my joys. And with all the negative campaigning that that Hillary is doing and the way she's approaching the campaign she gives me that OLD BOY network feel and she seems no different then powers that we have in place currently.  

How do you define GOD?

 I was raised in a Christian home and my mother is a well know Minster and Author. I define god as a higher power greater than myself that brings order to chaotic world.  I don't really believe all the teachings that traditional churches teach because those words were written by man and by design man is flawed,  so I believe it may not be his(or her) true teachings.  But I believe in the Divine and Divine intervention and that God doesn't put anything in front of you that you can't over come and learn from and when it is too much I believe he lends a hand.

How often do you go out on tour?

Since I started my label Manekineko Pro I haven't had the time to go on tour as much as I would like, I've been building the label and working on new project's so I've been busy doing the business of the music.  But I have a lot of exciting new ventures coming up so I'll be on the road very soon.

Upcoming shows? Albums?

I have a new project dropping this summer on my label. The group is named Black Oktober and it's collaborative project between Black Panther and Oktober Zero ( 2 for 5 ) the name of the EP is "The Hood Bible" as well as a single by by Kwote Scriptures Feat. Mr. Cheeks (Lost Boyz ) produced by me and I have a new artist signed to Manekinek Pro "Agent Smith."  He is a young, gifted rapper from the Bay area that you'll be hearing a lot from soon.  I also have been producing for a lot of other artists' projects as well. I'm producing songs on the new Dead Prez album, Kurious George, Finale, Self Suffice and more.

 

Where do you see yourself one year from now?

I see myself, in a year, with three successful projects released from my label, producing more for upcoming and established artists. I plan on branching out on new endeavors, as I relax under a beautiful Brooklyn skyline.  

The High Class Elite have been together for a little over a year. HCE's lead singer, Franco V., had been performing solo for five years when his first "real" band, the Sexy Magazines, formed. The Sexy Magazines played together for four years and achieved decent underground success. Franco is now touring with Mooney Suzuki and has been mentioned in Billboard's Top New Bands to Watch.



Who are some of the bands/artists that have influenced your look and sound?

The bands that have influenced me the most in what I'm doing now are bands like the Ramones, the New York Dolls, Richard Hell and the Voidoids and Iggy Pop. I'm really into the early 70's right now.

What is is about the early 70's that fascinates you?

The early 70's, especially in New York just seem so unhinged. There's a lot of freedom in what the bands like the Dolls and the  Ramones were doing. It's almost as though they existed in bubbles and somehow people actually got into what they were doing. It just doesn't seem all that calculated. They were doing purely what they wanted to do and the fact that people dug it was just an added bonus. The sleaze, the dirt, the drugs and the sloppy musicianship all came together and it was sort of romantic. It would be hard, I think, for those bands to do what they did then today. It was a totally different time. People could still be shocked, and bands like the ones I mentioned, and many more were totally cutting edge, raw and awesome.



Are you living in NYC at the moment?

Yes, I currently live in NYC in the East Village and I love it. I grew up here, in Manhattan. I went to college here, at NYU and now I work and play music here and have no intention of ever living anywhere else.

What do you like most and least about the Big Apple?

I traveled a lot as a kid and no place ever did it for me like New York does. It's cliché, but there's an energy here that is unlike anywhere else, so many opportunities and a lot of fun to be had.



What do you want the world to know about Franco V.?

I don't have any overly important message I'm trying to express in my music. I play rock n' roll. It's fun. I guess it's kind of  inherently rebellious in its nature. So, you don't really need a message! (ha, ha). I guess I want the world to know that my band  wants to have fun with what we're doing. We take it very seriously, but what we're doing is not noble by any stretch of the imagination and so we don't get to caught up in it.

Paul Alexander is a talented singer, songwriter, and musician from New York. Alexander's first full release, 'Despite Everything You've Planned,' could best be described as good drivin' music. I plan on taking the CD with me on my next cross country road trip from NY to LA.

'Despite Everything' is an honest effort refreshing in its sincerity. Alexander's characteristic uplifting beats, inspirational lyrics, and catchy choruses are reminiscent of Counting Crow's Adam Duritz.

The album contains introspective lyrical content ripe with poetic virtuosity and romantic inclinations. Alexander takes us back to those fond days of yesteryear when artists and performers actually gave a damn about producing a well constructed, viable piece of artistry as opposed to mindless pop meanderings.

I could not be happier that the Britneysaur and others like her, teeter on the brink of extinction. The Prosti-tots have run their course and it is my hope that this soulless, brain dead species will be replaced by a soulful, intelligent one; troubadours born to get out on stage with a guitar and a repertoire of songs written on napkins, sales receipts, etc., pouring out rot gut lyrics. True artists with something to say and a unique voice to say it with, will bring the importance of words and the craft of well written verse back to the world of music.

Paul Alexander has just scratched the surface of his talent. I'm interested in following his career to see how he continues to grow and evolve as an artist. I would like more in terms of substantial material from Alexander and I do not doubt that his body of work will deepen as time goes on. 'Despite Everything' should be celebrated as a successful release that the singer/songwriter can be proud of. - M.M.

Since 1999, Finland's Condition Red has been perfecting an eclectic repertoire of sound that includes various musical styles ranging from folk, world, progressive metal, fusion, neo-classical, hard rock, and goth.  CR's complex musical arrangements, dramatic vocal, and instrumental tracks, backed by a symphonic orchestra, produce an intense theatrical sound that is truly unique. 

Ella Grussner - Vocals 

Alex Masi (guitar), and Lars Eric Mattsson (guitars, bass, and addition keys) have been in the music business since the 1980's, and have both released a number of solo albums. On their first album, Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater/Alice Cooper) made a few guest appearances on keyboards, but CR's main keyboard player is Alexander King. King is working on several soundtracks for independent art movies. Gerald Kloos has been CR's drummer since their second album was released. Kloos is known for his work with the melodic hard rock band, EMPIRE. (EMPIRE includes singer Tony Martin of Black Sabath). Ella Grussner performs vocals, and is well known on the world music scene. Grussner has released a few albums with world music bands such as Barkavall, and Ulvens Dottrar (Daugthers of the Wolf).

Lars Eric Mattsson - Guitars, Bass, Addition Keys

CR's lyrics are about living in the modern world and trying to stay alive, but there are also lots of instrumental selections on their latest release. Condition Red is here to explore and break new ground, rather than rolling mindlessly down the same old, beaten musical path. The band's complicated rhythms, and arrangements set them apart from the majority of bands' out there. Ella Grussner’s mastery of the violin and haunting vocals are an essential part of this project. Grussner has a bright future in music. They also have two of the best guitarists' around and two amazing keyboardists', Derek Sherinian (well known for his work with Dream Theater, Planet X, Playtupus and Alice Cooper), plus amazing newcomer Alexander King.

Alex - Keyboards

Condition Red is committed to giving shred fans what they want, but remain focused on the integrated body and overall quality of the music they produce. The members of CR invest their time in defining new territory and dividing the current pop tart scene with a passionate alternative.

Gerald Kloos - Drums 

Greatest influences? 

Uli Jon Roth, Jimi Hendrix, Dream Theater, Yes, Steve Vai.

Favorite album?

Uli Jon Roth, 'Beyond the Astral Skies'     

Andrew Handrick is a singer/songwriter from Dublin, Ireland. He now resides in San Francisco, CA, and has been writing songs for the past 12 years.

 

A self-taught musician, Andrew combines rock/folk and pop music with deep lyrical content. His songs produce a memorable melodic experience, while his voice rings out with a knowledge, energy and passion second to none.

 

 

Andrew was involved in playing at the following:
IMRO Showcase Night, Heineken Green Energy Band Challenge, Emergenza Band Competition, Limerick Expo, South East Music Seminar also recording a session for the Dave Fanning show on 2FM National Radio.

 

 

His song 'Weirdo's Goodbye' was featured on the CD 'Futureproof II' Best of Irish, released through Danceline Records, and he has also contributed work to independent short films both in Ireland and the US.

 

His first demo, an acoustic version of 'Stolen' made it into the Top 100 of the Bacardi/HotPress Songs of the Year 2001.

 

Andrew won the National Busking Competition in Virginia, Co. Cavan in 2002, and reached the final of An Tostal Song Competition in 2004 with ‘City Morn’. His CD was "Pick of the Fortnight" in Hot Press, April 2005.

 

Andrew was a featured artist on San Francisco’s Channel 29 TV show "On The Tip Of My Tongue" in May 2006, at The Canvas Gallery July 2006 and BalconyTV.com Aug 2006.

 

Andrew released his debut album "The True Riches Of Life" in 2006, which is available from his website, I-Tunes, and at CD Baby.com

 

He currently spends his time playing solo gigs in Ireland and San Francisco.

e-mail: info@andrewhandrick.com, www.andrewhandrick.com                                 

       

Hippie Grenade formed in 2002 in Santa Cruz, California.  The band 

immediately became popular around the college house party circuit,

and over the next two years established a strong following.    

 

Their intense blend of rock, funk and jazz that manifested during their

live shows drew people in immediately. They have been compared to

a wide variety of musical artists from Soundgarden to Sly and the

Family Stone.

 

 

In late 2004, they decided to make a geographic leap to the Bay Area,

and settled in San Francisco.  Since then they have been carving their

niche in the city's vibrant music scene, and will hopefully continue

to do so as more people discover their unique sound.

 

Q: Tell me about this unique blend of rock, funk and jazz... How did this combination of musical genres come to be?

 

A: We are all from geographically diverse locations from St. Louis

to Iran to Seattle, and we all grew up listening to different stuff. 

We each play what stylistically comes natural to us,

and somehow it just blends together.  

It's definitely not like we sat down and decided, "Okay, we're going

to play this way or that," but rather it all came together in an organic,

natural fashion. 

Q: Please give a brief description of the music scene

in San Francisco as you see it.

 

A: There are a ton of really good bands here, but unfortunately

with the rampant gentrification that has been happening

in many neighborhoods, many venues and places that had

live music in the past have given way to luxury condos.  

Not enough venues, plus a lot of bands equals unneccessary

competition. In addition, many clubs that would be perfect

for live music choose instead to have dj's; cheaper, less of a

"hassle" for the owners, and this creates a situation where

people simply aren't used to, or as receptive to going out

and seeing live music.

 

That being said, there definitely are a lot of people

in San Francisco who like good music, and there

is potential for something great to happen here.

       

HIPPIE GRENADE IS:

 

BHI BHIMAN: Guitar, Vocals

THEO WINSTON: Bass, Back Vocals

 

CHRIS THALMANN: Drums, Percussion

STEVEN REILLY: Keyboard

MANI VAFAEI: Saxophone

Weapons of Pleasure are here visiting from the not so Distant past...

Meet Vanessa (vocals/bass), Greg (vocals/guitars), A.J. (lead guitars) and jeff (drums).

 

They come from a time and place before the major labels and their A&R pawns thought they knew more about music than the musicians; A time when the music dictated the trends and not the packaging and advertising of it.

 

 

Vanessa came from the swamps of New Orleans. She played in various acts including bands which featured performance art. She was spotted by the Replacements-eSque garage rock band which Jeff, Greg and A.J. were in and they just had to have her.

 

A new, dynamic sound was forged which has yielded the single 'Daredevil,' a song which Sony Pictures has picked up to use in the  script for an upcoming sequel to a well know horror flick; A very campy one mind you...

 

Brian Bergeron is an artist on the move. After two full years as part of the Boston music scene, he realized he needed a change. Equipped with only his new EP, "The Closer EP," he took off for Brooklyn in September of 2005. While there he received a crash course in the underground folk scene and reworked his approach to songwriting, stage show and business sense.

Just before the new year, he arrived back in Boston a new performer.

In 2006 Brian hopes to push his music further with relentless touring at colleges, clubs, and coffeehouses.

He is starting to garner press and recognition and he hopes that he can put together the foundation for a long, fruitful, and ambitious career. For more information, check out www.brianbergeron.net.

 

Brian has been compared to artists ranging from Damien Rice and David Gray to John Mayer and Ryan Adams.

Tell me about your look and sound. Are you a product of Dark Romanticism?

We identify with dark romanticism, but we see ourselves as New Revolutionaries. We are a group of artists that write our music based on history, myth and personal experience. We lead the listener through a journey, similar to watching a film. 

Much like Henry Darger's girls, we encounter dark forests. Armed with swords we battle the demons of the night. Every so often we see the beautiful light before the terror.

We are on an adventure to create a syn-aesthetic experience for our audience. We are no longer a band, but a small troop, a small army.

More about this Syn-aesthetic experience, please.

We don't just pick 5 chords and go with it. Each one of us portrays a character and our songs come
together as specific scenarios. They play out in our mind in very vivid visual images that repeat
unchanging everytime we play that particular song.

We feel that our songs create a visual story for our audience as well. They hit people in a visceral way, and our audience relates based upon their own experiences. We hear and experience tones in relation to color and light and mood.

When we write songs and play them, we are on a journey in a fantasy land battling dragons, encountering illness and death, being buried alive, etc. We also take a lot of influence from European history. To note, the black plague and the French Revolution.

Make what you will of it, but we prefer to create a fictional story of a dark adventure.

Who are some of the writers, musicians, filmmakers, actors, etc. who have inspired you and why?

Goddard, Bergman - Both are responsible for creating my fascination with the French.

David Lynch, Dario Argento, Kubrick – They presented horror in the most beautiful way and formed collaborations with musical counterparts that made their films overwhelmingly overwhelming with such complicated emotion.

Sonic Youth- The ultimate Renaissance group for collaborating with artists, filmmakers, fashion designers, and writers.

Henry Darger- for creating a landscape for which we can place ourselves in and for being hauntingly naive.

Nadav Kander, Edward Gorey, Bananna Yoshimoto, Miranda July, Kyoko Hamada, Susan Sontag, and Jonathan Safran-Froer for making impossibly beautiful, moving and important work.

What's on your CD player right now?

Kate Bush, Serge Gainsburg, Adam and the Ants, Goblin, Antonious Block, Sleater-Kinney, Smog, Wet Confetti, The Mountain Goats, Joanna Newsom, Ladytron, Electrelane, White Magic, Daftpunk, Barr, Add N to X, The Clientele, Blonde Redhead, Cat Power, Mary Timony.

www.myspace.com/theredcoatsarecoming

MM: Tell me about your music and the progression of your art. 

         PA: As I hope will always be the case, right now I am still experiencing real artistic growth.  That is not to say that in the last year or so my singing, performing, and compositions haven’t become more focused and more confident, because I believe I have discovered my own unique voice and style recently, but each time I pick up the guitar, or sit down to write, I still find that I am able to go places I haven’t gone before.  So, I guess I am beginning to mature into a legitimately identifiable artist, while continuing to progress in my own way, and for the first time, my progress seems to be in a direction more consciously directed by a heightened awareness of my abilities, interests, and agendas.

I have grown-up as a person and artist since moving to New York City almost two years ago, but this great living breathing city and all of the greatly talented and inspired people I continue to meet while here, continue to challenge and even force me not to become stagnant, but to continue always in a forward direction, as a songwriter, a lyricist, and as a human being.  I hope I never stop learning and growing because if I did I think that’s when my art, and really my time here on Earth might stop meaning as much to me.

 

 

MM: Where do you want to go with your career?

 

PA: A year ago I might have said I wanted to go as far as I could go with my career.  Not that I want to be Mick Jagger and continue rocking till I’m collecting Social Security – if it still exists.  My time in New York City has helped remind me to love making my music for the sake of making music, and stop looking too much towards the lofty pie-in-the-sky goals of superstardom, which I really think might not even be what I used to dream it may be even if I ever make it there.

 

I suppose as I finish up work on my debut album here in the next few months, of course I would love to have it picked-up by a record company and go on the road singing the songs that have become part of who I am, but right now I am trying to take it one day at a time, and my only goal is to finish this album and make sure as many people have a copy of it as is within my power. 

 

I am not a reluctant “rock star,” as my childhood dream remains one of 24-7 music backed by some major record company; my music gracing MTV and radio stations across the country.  Still, after I finish this album and begin writing for the next one, continue running my weekly open mic, playing regular shows to people at a local level who are really connecting to what I’m trying to say with my music, and really just remaining an active member of the great New York music scene, I think everything that seems to be an important part of where my career is going at the moment, will continue to be exactly where I hope my career continues to go.

MM: Is there a recurring theme in your music? Do you have a particular message that you are trying to get across?

 

PA: I try to write each of my songs from a truly different place, so as not to bore myself or the listener.  I have always been turned off by artists who write every song about the same thing or who use the same illusions and metaphors over and over.  Not that I don’t have underlying themes in my music, or that many of my songs aren’t about women who have shaped my life, but I endeavor to make each song a unique statement.

 

 

Overall, I guess the only messages that permeate much of my music are those of wonder and of hope.  I am constantly amazed by this world in which we live, both in a positive way, and in a way that makes me think, how the f@#k could that happen?  So, I guess like all artists I am fueled by the passion I take from the world around me, but I try to approach my songs with wonder and a quizzical air rather than shove my emotions or opinions down the throat of my listeners.  I also try to find hope even in the darkest subject – which is still somewhat funny to me.  I am inspired by plenty of authors, artists, and musicians, who chose to live and create on the bleaker side of the tracks, but no matter how many times I attempt to tap into that side of my emotion, my songs have all but maybe once or twice found their way back to a hopeful resolution and the glass is half full optimism in which I force myself to live.  I guess Shannon Hoon said it best when he sings in the Blind Melon song “Change” – “When life is hard, you have to change.”  That lyric has stuck with me and undoubtedly has played some part in the way I look at music and the world, and I think conscious of it or not, it’s that hope for life after the tragedy we live with everyday that I hope comes across in my music.   

MM: Personal goals?

 

Right now I am focused on making my debut solo album the best it can possibly be.  Beyond that, I am running a weekly open mic, and I’d love to see it grow even more so that I can help the New York City music community grow even stronger. 

 

Mainly, I am hoping my album helps me bring my music to many many people I would otherwise never have contact with, record deal or not.

 

MM: What inspires you?

PA: What doesn’t inspire me?  I am a teacher by day, and the wonder and innocence of children is a constant inspiration.  I am also an avid reader.  I read everything I can get my hands on, and beyond songwriters and lyricists, authors have always inspired my art.  I live in New York City, and if you’ve never been here, you may not understand what I mean when I say this, but for all of my travels, across the United States and Europe, New York is one of the most stimulating and inspiring places I’ve ever been.  Combine those huge sources of inspirations with weekly exposure to immensely talented songwriters at the open mic I run, musicians who have come in and out of my life as collaborators and friends, my current producer Benjy King, and all of the friends and loved ones who I am lucky enough to have around me at this point in my life, and I am inspired at almost every turn. 

 

Please check my website often for news about the eventual release of my album, shows in New York and beyond, as I plan to hit the road on my own if I must, to bring my music to the masses.

 

 

For more visit:

www.palexandermusic.com  

There once was a girl...she had a bass and a need to make noise with it. She became obsessed by David J's bass line in "Kick in the Eye," and sat cross-legged on the floor in front of her record player for hours until the groove was mastered.

She was then inspired to join lots of bands and play lots of other people's songs. One day, bass in tow, she wrote a bunch of songs. Other people heard the songs and wanted to play them too. Ed jumped in with his guitar and arrangement ideas, Stefano slammed out a beat, and Cam belted out the harmonies. Dream School Diary was born. Catch them at a dive bar, or French restaurant near you.

ED & TERESA

"Music has always been a part of my life. I've always sang and played instruments as long as I can remember. I do think that deciding to actively play in bands was a choice, but it's one I was very strongly drawn to. I would love for my art to develop in such a way that I can continue to learn from it. Learn to be a better musician, a better writer, a better performer, and learn about myself through the process of dredging up lyrics.  I'm hear to learn, but also to give back. I'd like to think that through music I'm putting some sort of energy out there that is being received somehow, and maybe it's making someone happy for a few minutes. Maybe my music is giving them something to think about, or, maybe it just gets stuck in their heads all day and pisses them off!"

Dream School Diary is: Teresa Cowles - Bass, vox, songs; Ed Horowitz - Guitar; Stefano Ashbridge - Drums; Cam Frierson - Background vox, cambourine; Cassy Phoenix & TC Tahlia - Extra special, bonus icing on the cake vox.

We have an EP out now. It can be purchased from our website, http://dreamschooldiary.altpro.net

About THE BAND...

Compared to the epic sounds of groups such as: Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Smashing Pumpkins and Pearl Jam, STAMPEAD’s original display of landmark lyrics, vocal intensity and melodic guitar work have paved the way for the next monumental rock band. The core of STAMPEAD's sound emerges from explosive front man Judd David.

Judd's voice receives descriptions ranging from haunting and emotional, to downright breathtaking. In his formative years, Judd was approached by a long list of bands and L.A. producers to sing. Judd repeatedly declined with plans of one day singing his own words, accompanied by a group who shared one unique musical vision. His expectations were met and exceeded when Judd moved to California to collaborate with his brother Eric. For a year and a half, the two siblings remained sequestered in a small apartment in Santa Barbara cultivating their sound, style and vision. Soon after, the two Long Island boys made the move to L.A. to find the missing members of STAMPEAD. After hundreds of auditions and painful attempts, STAMPEAD was completed by Sean McKinney and Thad Struck; two accomplished players from the same small town in Indiana as the brothers David.

STAMPEAD’s guitar work has proven to be the trademark musical signature of the band. Judd and Eric possess an undeniable synergy on stage. Their guitar styles pick-up where bands such as The Allman Brothers, Lynard Skynard and Blind Melon left off. Songs such as "Tweekin' on Main Street" have set acoustic crowds in a frenzy with the combination of complex guitar work and catchy songwriting. Their intense finger-picking wars can also be heard on songs such as "One Son Gone" and "Drum Beat Bird Hum." Eric & Judd’s guitar melodies seamlessly weave in and out of each other, both taking control at different times, leaving fans mesmerized and guitarists impressed. Topped by Judd’s soaring voice, STAMPEAD has proven to be one of L.A.'s best all around bands.

Together, functioning as one artistic unit, STAMPEAD is the combined vision and dream of four young individuals hellbent on achieving success on their own terms. STAMPEAD cannot be stopped.

Q: April 5th, 2004 marks the 10th anniversary of Kurt Cobain's death. Please share your thoughts on this subject. How did the advent of grunge influence your own musical style?

STAMPEAD: You can really look at Nirvana’s, Pearl Jam’s, and Alice in Chains' influence on the early nineties in the same light as what the Beatles did in the early sixties, in the sense that the bands that were popular before them just immediately were made to look ridiculous. It brought back good songwriting; songs didn’t have to be about hot chicks and partying.

Q: Favorite Nirvana album?

Judd David- Lead Vocals, rhythm guitar

Nevermind, and the unplugged. Both CDs are perfect from beginning to end.

Eric David- Lead Guitar

MTV Unplugged. It’s their greatest achievement to me. They chose perfect covers and Cobain’s voice cuts right through. It’s the kind of album that demands respect…no tricks, just bare bones and beautiful. One of my favorite albums of all time.

Sean McKinney - Drummer

I really love the Unplugged Album. You can just fell the emotion in his voice so well, and it's so strong.

Thad Struck - Bass

In Utero.

Q: Where were you when you heard that Cobain had killed himself?

Judd: On the bus on the way to school, I think I was in eighth grade.

Eric: I was in a car driving home from school. I was with my friend Matt. We didn’t really know what to say about it. All I remember was Matt saying, "He’s probably the closest person to me that’s past away in my entire life."

Sean: I turned on the television and I just couldn't believe it. Those pictures of the outside of his house were almost surreal. It just wasn't anything you expected. How could he have been that unhappy?

Thad: In my parents living room watching MTV News.

Q: What are your feelings on the current and in my view, sad state of the music industry?

Judd: I think that there’s a lot that could change, but I don’t want to complain. As long as there are people that still really listen, and feel music the way I do, then there is nothing to worry about.

Eric: It’s not sad. I think people are caught up in the technology of it all right now and that kind of shit wears off really quickly. It’s easy to have the "Wall of Sound" now a days, and studios can make any baffoon a rock star. The point is, we have to deal with a few American Idols until the next wave of real expression and creativity takes over. People are looking for music all the time…once we’ve heard every space-simulated sound and effect we always go back to the great simple poignant songs. I just hope things like MTV unplugged resurface so we can weed out the Idols from the true musicians.

Sean: That it's an industry and exactly that. There is no music being made, it's product. With Clear Channel a basic monopoly on the radio all your hear is phony DJ's playing phony music. No one plays what they want or what they think is good, they do what they are told. This week we are going to shove Avril Lavigne down your throat. It's depressing and frustrating. But it does make you love the bands you love even more. The real music sounds that much sweeter. I guess that's the only good thing I can say about the music industry today. Number one albums used to be Led Zepplin and Pink Floyd, timeless music, now you've got Supermodels making records and a pseudo punk girl who never heard of David Bowie at the top. It's very puzzling.

Thad: It's sad that you can’t hardly find anything very interesting on the radio, but there are alot of cool web radio stations.

Q: Feelings on commercial success?

Judd: My goal is to be able to make a living making music. I won’t sacrifice any creativity in the music or change what we do to make money. but the more money we make as a band, the more time we have to write, be in the studio, and really get things done the way we want.

Eric: I have no problem with commercial success. I play music for people. If my market is big and that’s a commercial success, so be it. I’m sure the first McDonalds was a little burger joint that people swarmed to. It’s only natural to expand and spread what is popular to others.

Sean: I'd be lying if I didn't want commercial success, but I'm not going to make any sacrifices to do so. I just want to tour the country playing music I love and not have to worry about covering rent. The bands I love have the careers that are what they are because of their music and them, not clever marketing strategy. Some have bigger audiences than others, but they all love what they are doing. As long as you love it, that's success.

Thad: I don’t think anyone in Stampead has a desire for commercial success. Success for me would be able to support myself making music, nothing to do with fame.

Q: Artists as in, painters, poets, musicians and/or actors, filmmakers you admire?

Judd: I like the photography by WeeGee. Blind Melon is my favorite band of all time.

Eric: I admire Paul Simon for his songwriting ability, lyrics and consistency. I admired Shannon Hoon and all of Blind Melon for their talents, creativity and purity.

Sean: I love Kevin Smith's movies, and especially the Cohen Brothers films. Musicians would have to be Bonham, the rest of Zepplin, Phish, Ben Harper, Ween, Pearl Jam, the Beatles, there are a lot. Right now with what the FCC are doing I really admire Howard Stern.

Thad: I like reading Denis Johnson and Kurt Vonnegut. They are both truly original thinkers.

Purchase STAMPEAD's latest CD and learn more about the band at: www.STAMPEAD.com