DECEMBER Issue FREE THE Custom Lifestyle Magazine for Car

DECEMBER Issue
THE Custom Lifestyle Magazine for Car, Motorcycle, and Music Enthusiasts
FREE
Contents...
HAVEN & Mystic Photography: An Intimate Evening with DAVEY SUICIDE
News You Can Use, Car Edition...How They Decide Your Car’s Residual Value
Dave Sabatino Memorial Ride
Gear the Pros Use...featuring drummer Scott Westbrook
Gear the Pros Use...featuring guitarist Todd Kennedy
‘67 Ford Fairlane Convertible: December’s Hot Rod of the Month
News You Can Use, Motorcycle Edition...Wash It Yourself!
Tattoo Gallery...readers send in pics of favorite tattoos
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21
22
40
42
Sherry Keith, as always, highlights
the best in local shows, this month
featureing BRAZEN, the Misfits,
and the Bones...and in conjunction
with Metal Exiles, also features
the band Filter.
Jeffrey Easton, always one to push
the envelope with his edge and insightful interviews, spends some
quality time with Richard Patrick
of Filter.
Kevin Lastovica keeps you abreast
of the latest happenings in Sin
City, including news on Zito77,
Stoney Curtis, and Threedom
Rock.
Page 32
Page 36
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CV Southwest Magazine
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Dec 28
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Dec 30
Brazen
Outta the Black
Brazen
Dinosaur Hypnosis
Stickman Shadow
Whiskey Southern
Brazen
Brazen
Daze Gone By
Jordan Allena
Brazen
Burning Rain
Overwatch
Stoney Curtis
Daze Gone By
dIM
Heavy Honey
Mushroomhead
Pillars of Creation
Pillars of Creation
Someday Broken
the Bones
Smashing Alice
Jordan Allena
21 Strong
Bipolar
First Class Trash
Heavy Honey
Red Dragon Cartel
Substance
Smashing Alice
Cyanide
Famme Fatale
Jordan Allena
Brew Brothers
Vamp'd
Brew Brothers
Vamp'd
Vamp'd
Vamp'd
Brew Brothers
Brew Brothers
Gold Mine Tavern
Memphis Int'l Roadway
Brew Brothers
Vamp'd
the Boardwalk
Vamp'd
State Line Casino
LVCS
Vamp'd
LVCS
Eagle Arie Hall
LVCS
LVCS
Vamp'd
Vinyl
Puckett's Restaurant
LVCS
LVCS
LVCS
Vamp'd
Vamp'd
LVCS
the Firehouse
Vamp'd
Vamp'd
New Daisy Theatre
Reno, NV
Las Vegas, NV
Reno, NV
Las Vegas, NV
Las Vegas, NV
Las Vegas, NV
Reno, NV
Reno, NV
Henderson, NV
Memphis, TN
Reno, NV
Las Vegas, NV
Orangevale, CA
Las Vegas, NV
Mesquite, NV
Las Vegas, NV
Las Vegas, NV
Las Vegas, NV
Henderson, NV
Las Vegas, NV
Las Vegas, NV
Las Vegas, NV
Las Vegas, NV
Nashville, TN
Las Vegas, NV
Las Vegas, NV
Las Vegas, NV
Las Vegas, NV
Las Vegas, NV
Las Vegas, NV
Las Vegas, NV
Las Vegas, NV
Las Vegas, NV
Memphis, TN
Bella Electric Strings, lead by
rock violinist and arranger
Nina Di Gregorio, has rocked
audiences worldwide with
their blistering solos, unique
arrangements — not to mention their beauty and charm.
The girls have performed with
some of the biggest names in the business, from BEYONCE to SHAKIRA to
ANDREA BOCELLI, and have appeared on AMERICA‘S GOT TALENT Season 1. The girls perform on Yamaha instruments and their music
can be heard during many Yamaha String Educator clinics; they keep a
busy corporate schedule, and simply, are one of the most sought-after acts in
North America.
CV SouthWest slowed down Nina just long enough to speak with her about
her start, her rise, the team, and what's next for this incredible group of performers.
Let‘s talk a little about you, about
how Bella got started, and when it
took off: how did you first get interested in music?
I've always been interested in music. My dad had me singing Italian
arias at age 2. By 6 I was playing
piano, by 9 violin, and later picked
up some guitar and bass.
and skiing for my school.
Musically, what helped you decide
to gravitate toward the violin?
When I was in 4th grade and had to
choose an instrument, I chose the
saxophone, but the band director
told me it was very heavy and I
was small and couldn't carry it to
the bus. He suggested I play the
You grew up in Buffalo, NY - violin because it is lighter. So I
what prompted you to decide to obliged.
move to Vegas?
When I was an undergrad, I visited You said that the "
―violin is one of
Las Vegas with my parents. We the toughest instruments to play
went to see the Scintas, who are well‖ - why do you say that?
also from Buffalo and were head- There is no instant gratification.
lining at the Rio at the time. I end- Chances are, on a piano, you can
ed up meeting Wayne Newton's plunk out a tune fairly quickly and
then-MD,
Scotty
Alexander, not sound god-awful. Not so on a
through them after a show, and he violin. Every millimeter matters,
offered me a gig with Wayne. I de- there is so much subtlety to the incided to stay in Vegas and work strument.
with Wayne as well as get my
Master‟s degree.
You initially learned classical music on the violin, what are the big
Did you do anything else growing differences between the old classiup?
cal and the rock you play?
I was a huge jock. I played compet- Classical requires a lot of techitive soccer, softball, basketball, nique...but having that base helps
in rock music as well. There is no
margin for error in classical music.
It trains you to be a perfectionist.
It's either be perfect or get fired. So
when you bring that sense of urgency to rock music, it makes it
that much better.
You started off early, in high
school, had a little string quartet tell us a little about that.
It was called Sweet Expressions
String Quartet. I remember we had
one big gig a year, an annual
Christmas Party…they had the biggest tree I have ever seen.
You made a funny reference to the
―dark days of college"- can we
travel down that rabbit hole and
have you describe those years?
College is the grind. Strict routines,
grueling schedules. My undergrad
days were some of the best days of
my life. My early teachers, Magnus
Martensson and Movses Pogossian
instilled a lot of passion for music,
insight, and wisdom into my approach to not only music, but everything. I developed my intellectu-
ha was a big part in the transfor- violin. I'm still a long way off. The
mation as well.
recognition comes naturally if you
work hard and put everything you
What were your initial goals when are into it.
you started the team(s)?
In the beginning, I just wanted to At some point you had to transihave a few gigs a month… tion from a ―band to a brand‖ as
enough to cover rent, and have fun. you received accolades, more gigs,
Trying to just have fun paid off and and popularity - tell us about that
it grew and continues to grow.
process? Was it harder or easier
than you imagined?
Tell me about the initial days – Much more difficult, and we are
still in the process. There is much
was it hard?
The hardest part was the process of more to be done even now. It remaking mistakes to learn. There quired business and management
were some failed business partner- experience that I was not trained to
proach to not only music, but eve- ships and a struggle to find the handle. So I surrounded myself
rything. I developed my intellectuwith people who could teach me.
al identity during those years at
UB.
Can you tell us about ―the big
break‖, that incident or show
You launched Bella Strings as a
where you really made the step to
poor college kid...no investors, all
the next level?
Our biggest moment was being
your own money (we feel ya on
featured in a David Foster and
that one LOL)...were there any
Friends concert as Bella Electric
days when you were ready to say
Strings. He's legendary.
―eff this, this is too hard!‖? What
kept you motivated?
There were a lot of teary-eyed
You said that many people helped
phone calls home to NY saying, "I
you out - that's great, who gave
think I have to move home...I can't
you that ―big break‖ in support?
afford rent...life is tough…people
OK here comes the "academy
lie and cheat and steal in the real
award" speech:
world…" But in the end, it's sink or right combination of people. And My first mentor was the Scintas‟
swim. I've never been one to roll the money. We never used invesover and die, or to back down from tors, and thus it was a slow process
a challenging situation.
as I started out a broke college kid
eating Mac and Cheese.
When did the idea to put Bella together happen – tell me about how You all are CLEARLY talented,
that came about?
were things easy in the beginning,
It started very early. I had the or was it a struggle for recogniSweet Expressions String Quartet tion?
in high school as I mentioned. We I never really worried about the
played into college together, and recognition. I just did my thing.
they were my first guinea pigs for My grandfather always told me
trying my pop and rock music ar- "the cream always rises to the top."
rangements. Over the years, I met a So I focused on being the
lot of people that helped Bella best player I could be for what I
evolve into what it is today. Yama- wanted to try and do on electric
asked me to guest spot with his
band, and eventually join full-time.
He gave me my first high profile
performance opportunities as a
rock electric violinist. He has also
been a constant collaborator and
friend over the years.
Ken Dattmore with Yamaha
stuck it out and watched my career
develop, and we wouldn't be playing all these wonderful instruments
without him.
Matt Dela Pola of David
Foster's camp has always supported us over the years as well, and it
has meant a lot to me, and given us
Pete O‟Donnell. He gave me tons great opportunities.
of great advice as a kid who didn't
know much. He believed in me,
and at that age, that's all you need
really to get going. Lisa Viscuglia,
a local violinist, also with a Niagara Falls connection through her father, introduced me to many people
and provided me with my first freelance gigs in Vegas. My years
working with her were very important to my development. Dave
King, our Bella tech, has been with
me almost since the very beginning, and he has been a constant
friend, confidante, and integral part
to Bella. Doug Taylor and John
Meanor joined the team and it
made us that much stronger. Of Any
particularly
memorable
course all of the players, both past shows?
and present, have played a huge The first time we played with Richrole in the evolution of Bella ard Marx as a quartet was aweStrings, and I thank them all for some. We made it into his "video
their talents and hard work.
blog."
Ron Gutierrez was a huge
help in recent times, in terms of Now, how much of a task is it to
dealing with the unprecedented manage, do you get to play still?
growth that we were not set up to It consumes my life and I don't
handle. He helped set up our cur- sleep. HaHa. I play as much as I
rent infrastructure. Jeanne Deroode can, but not as often as I used to.
and Dana Fitzpatrick have kept it
running smoothly.
How often do you really get to
My recognition as a player, personally play these days, with
I can thank Lon Bronson for. He managing and scheduling and
such?
I play when I am needed, or when I
really, really want to play. However, whenever Lon Bronson or Brody Dolyniuk calls, I'm there.
Do you still get nervous before
shows?
I never really got nervous, except when I first played with David
Foster…I got pretty sick to my
stomach and called it "David Foster's Revenge." I liken it to Montezuma's revenge…HaHa.
Do you travel personally to perform with your teams, or do you
stay based on Vegas?
I travel on occasion. It all depends
on the type of show and where I
am most needed.
How do you decide who is playing
where, and how do you construct
teams?
Availability, which parts they have
memorized, and also the type of
gig and any special requests from
clients. Everyone has their favorite
“Bella girl."
Is there any decision process as to
what songs you play during a
show?
Once again, I try to read the audi-
ence. For a corporate show, we froze up. I went home and wrote
usually start slow and end with a out a solo and memorized it. After
bang.
that I hunkered down and just went
for it.
How long does it take to transcribe a song?
Talk to us about the practice
I have gotten pretty fast, I can schedule, how rigorous is it?
knock out an average custom chart I generally give instruction and
in around 4-6 hours depending on trust that everyone is pro enough to
the demands. It can be done faster learn the music. Obviously, the
if it is half-assed, but I don't like to better the players know the music,
do that.
the more they will work. Each
player is different. Some can learn
What considerations do you have in an hour what takes others much
to take into account, translating more time.
guitar into violin? Have you
found a musical number that just
doesn‘t translate well?
We use a bow, we have a curved
bridge, and obviously range. I hear
cool songs all the time that I think
would be good Bella Songs, then
when I go to write it, it just doesn't
work. Now I can weed them out
just by hearing them.
You also stated that when you arrived in Vegas, you had never
seen a musical solo that was not
visual & transcribed on paper was that a difficult habit to
change or overcome?
The first band I was ever in asked
me to take a fiddle solo in D…I
Aside from music, how much
physical training does the team
do?
We have done some dance and
choreography classes, and also try
and hike, or do yoga together when
we can.
I saw on the site that you have
current auditions going on now, is
that right? Many try but few are
chosen? Do you also take time to
recruit potential musicians if you
hear of someone with talent?
We have already expanded to Los
Angeles and will continue to ex-
pand into other cities. So yes, we
are always auditioning. Many
times there will be a waiting list for
a spot to open up or to launch a
new city.
What do you look for in a prospective member?
They must be skilled at a high level
both reading music classically as
well as having background in soloing and improvisation. They also
have to maintain the "Bella" image
of classy Hollywood glam.
I have to ask, even though I understand the business…has there
been any feedback at all on your
request for a ―fit & youthful appearance‖? I would agree, it‘s
about musical ability and beauty,
and the physical demands of performing require a person to be
physically fit, I was just wondering if people have said anything
about that to you.
When we book shows, sometimes
our clients request a certain look,
hair color, or dress from our girls.
It is similar to a modeling call or an
acting audition, only the talent involves music. Unfortunately, image is a big part of the entertainment industry at all levels. We
young and inexperienced and help
them develop. I wish I had been
equipped with the knowledge at
that age that I try to pass down. I
had to figure it all out by doing it
wrong once, and right the second
time. :)
Tell us about the high tech instruments.
We perform on all Yamaha electric
and silent string instruments. I am
an endorsed Yamaha artist and
they have been an integral part in
Tell us about how big 2013 was,
and all big plans coming down the
pike for 2014
The business has grown leaps and
bounds every year since it began,
and I was lucky enough this year to
have a great team assembled to
help us organize and prepare for
the next big wave. Our admin, accounting, legal, PR, and all coordinators, management, and concept
colleagues have helped us get to
where we are, and where we will
expand to in 2014.
have fun doing makeovers and hair
tutorials, though. We keep it as human as possible. I usually show up
to first meetings with girls in
sweats and a hat with no makeup,
to make them comfortable. I tell
them this is how I look 99%of the
time. We just play the game, that's
all. I'm a train wreck when I'm not
on stage...HaHa.
But let‘s face it, the team members
are incredible musicians and show
people, but are also stunningly
beautiful. A friend who I spoke to
about doing the feature said ―Is
this where all the geeky band girls
went?‖ What do you say to
that? :)
We get that a lot. But so far I haven't seen any awkward 12 year old
band dork shots of any of the
girls…
You mentioned the ―farm system‖
in Bella - that would seem to indicate that you will accept
―potentially great‖ players who
could use some mentoring and
training/practice, during auditions
do you ―see‖ more than ability &
look as a part of the process, instead of pure ability?
Yes, I often take on players that are
you manage to stay humble in this
business?
Some of the first advice I ever
got…"Be kind to those you meet
on the way up, because you will
meet them again on the way
down." I never feel that I am above
anyone or anything. At any given
moment I could be waiting tables,
teaching, and hustling for wedding
gigs again. There is no shame in
that. As John Lennon said, "a
working class hero is something to
be…"
our success and the creation of the
"Bella sound."
Why Yamaha, is there anything
particular about that brand that
you like?
They have a tone much
more versatile than a lot of the other electrics I have played. I can
sound like a violin…or not like a
violin. Their structure is also similar to a real violin making it easier
to switch back and forth.
Listening to you talk, listening to
some interviews and such you've
given, you're really down to earth
and a regular lady who's stunning
and can shred the violin, how do
BELLA Electric Strings
www.bellastrings.com
"PREPARING
YOU
FOR
GREATNESS"
To understand Davey Suicide is to understand the contrast of a man with two sides…
As you chat with him, he is soft spoken, almost to the point of being shy. But as you speak to
him, you realize that he is truly humbled by the fame, the success, and so thankful for the support of
his many fans in the Suicide Nation. He is generous with his attention, kind with his words, and genuinely friendly.
On stage is where Dr Jekyll becomes Mr Hyde. Davey Suicide is a cacophony of energy and
mayhem, his stage show powerful, his vocals diametrically opposed to the quiet man with whom you
shared words earlier. Davey Suicide revels in the music, the show, and his charisma draws you into
his fold, into his world. He is a force to be reckoned with in the music world.
Nicki Hiers of H.A.V.E.N. and Sherry Keith of Mystic Photography spent time with Davey before his show at Vinyl and Sherry stood tall in the pit to take this group of incredible concert photos...let CV SouthWest guide you on our journey with Davey Suicide...
Nicki & Sherry here…we are honored to spend a little personal time with Davey Suicide at The Hard
Rock Hotel Nov 9th right before his show. I must say
that personally, I was somewhat giddy at this opportunity…as I am a huge fan and had no idea what
I was in for with this bigger than life figure…
Nicki: We know you are originally from the East
Coast and we have heard in the past that you’ve spoken of opportunities you may have slipped away in
the past and we’d like to know a little about that.
Davey Suicide: I’d pretty much started a tour with
another band I’ve been together with for a while and
one of the guys decided he didn’t want to tour anymore and just like that we had to cancel the tour two
days before we left. It is was basically “I’ve done all I
could do here”. I spoke with my dad he said it is pretty
much your life and you have to do what you want to
do. The next following week, I packed the minivan
drove across country and didn’t know where I was going to live, didn’t know where I was going to work. I
had some money in reserve that I saved and was going
to kind of piece it together in when I got there. Basically, I thought “alright let’s figure this out.”
journey so far.
Davey: I think I’ve just learned that you have to be accountable for everything that you do. You can’t blame
someone else for failing, you have to take a hard look
in the mirror and just realize that you’re in control of
everything that happens to you. I’ve known so many
people since I’ve moved to Hollywood that just blame
other band members or whoever for the reasons that
they are not where they want to be, and the reasons
they didn’t get there is probably because they did it
wrong. So it made me realize what things I was doing
wrong and helped me to work on changing that every
single day. That’s a maturity I’ve come to know about
myself.
Nicki: What about the debut album Generation F*ck
Star, do you think it’s a calling card, introduction of
the band and you to the world and what do you
think the message is the fans should take from it?
Davey: Well, it isn’t like a single and that’s why I
thought it would take everyone back of how the band
is. This is the first song from it and it kind of sets the
tone that we are in a time that what the idea of a star is
has been so watered down, manufactured, and we
have television shows that have people singing gloriNicki: What was the inspiration of your persona fied karaoke songs and stuff. The idea of what makes a
change to “Davey Suicide” and the decision to pur- real gritty person that has actually lived through stuff
sue it?
and has actual stories to tell because they’ve had hardDavey: I think I’ve always been misrepresented to the ships and they’ve learned to communicate through
public in general and I needed a reminder that I have
always been in control of how things come out in the
end, so I’ve always said unless I kill myself I’m going to
get everything I want out of the world. I’ve always
known that, it’s who I am now. Davey Suicide, that’s it;
I am living the life and death of myself. Having that
name is a reminder of that attitude.
Nicki: Put your trust in Suicide, what is the true
meaning? When you look at yourself in the mirror is
that what you see?
Davey: Yeah, it’s self-belief, confidence in myself. I
think a lot of people try to pay homage to a supreme
being, to something higher, or stuff like. Or when
something happens the first thing they think of is God,
but really you were doing all the practice, you were
doing all the work, you did all the time...it wasn’t someone else that gave you’re the strength. You did that, so
that’s what that’s about, really just trusting in yourself.
Nicki: The rise of Davey Suicide really represents the
rise of a man breaking free of some really tough circumstances at a young age and growing into yourself, tell us about the emotional and intellectual
need the fans the most.
Nicki: The band mates you have now, who are they?
Davey: Draven is our drummer, Needles is our keyboard player, Brent our bass player.
Nicki: You just finished a tour in the UK, how did
that go?
Davey: Awesome, it was the best experience. Kids
would be like in the rain while we were trying to load
in the van and they realized we were in the van and
they started chanting “Davey”...a huge line of kids actually knowing you were are, knowing all the words to
the songs and would do whatever I asked them to do
on stage. It was really exciting and made the whole
globalizing the band, made it all real.
Sherry: Was this your first time in the UK?
Davey: Yeah, out first time playing there.
Nicki: We hear you are recording a new album
now….
Davey: Yeah, Needles is producing it and I’ve been
writing a lot of stuff since probably earlier this year. I
thought once we did the first album, how would we
ever top cuz when you finish something you put everything into it and you feel like it’s the best you can do,
we’re crushing it right now so I feel really good about
the next once we fine tune it.
music so they can share their stories with people is
what a real star is, not any of this bullshit that’s happening. That’s the whole Generation F*ck Star. What
kids are growing up with is real and what isn’t real it’s
stupid and you got to find these art bands that are really artists and when you find them hold on tight because those are the bands that sing with conviction,
they mean what they say and write what they say and
not something from a assembly line sold to the masses.
Nicki: Was there an intended message that you
want to make sure the people listening, even the
younger fans that you wanted them to take away
from it?
Davey: Yeah, I think it is important to find something
that is pure because everything is accusable. Anyone
can have a band, make songs. Weed through it and find
that special thing, support it, because the only thing
that can survive is because of fans; big corporate machines will always pop of the One Direction type shit
bands and they always do that making big bucks off it
and screw the band over and the band will have nothing to show for it in the end. The special bands really
Nicki: When do you think you’ll be finished with it?
Davey: Hopefully we’ll release it late spring or early
summer. I think we’ll have it done in the next couple of
months, that’s what we’re doing when we finish this
tour.
Nicki: How much longer do you have on this tour?
Davey: We end December 3rd in Colorado, do the record…..probably start touring again in early spring.
Nicki: Are you going to start in the States?
Davey: I don’t know yet. Now this is a game changer
since we went to the UK the fans there are like...let’s
see if we can get them back here. It’s cool in the UK
they don’t have the same social standards like Hollywood , people don’t have to act, it’s all more down to
earth, not trying to impress people. It’s like the grass is
always greener; I see bands come over here to tour
and they like it over here, you know. It’s easy from a
distance to love something, but when you really dig
your nails into it, it’s not always what it’s cut out to be.
Sherry: I saw you in Seattle
Davey: Yeah, you saw one of our first shows. We had
been playing one off shows before then, but that was
really our first tour.
Sherry: Honestly, at that time, I was brought out for
Wednesday 13, and when you hit the stage, I was
like “holy shit, these guys rock!”.
Davey: Thank you!
Nicki: Well we are very excited about seeing the
show tonight, we know you have things do to prepare; we really appreciate you spending some time
with us and we’ll be upfront center with cameras in
hand.
Davey: We had to bring in a new guitar player for the
night, it’s his first show…..our guitar player will be in
tomorrow and our keyboard player is getting his wrist
worked on. But it’s all right, if we can get though this
tour it’s going to be just fine!
As the interview ended I was pleasantly surprised by
the sincerity of this young man. I believe big things will
come from Davey Suicide and his future will be bright!
- Nicki & Sherry
Residual value, or resale value, is one of the most important factors to consider when
buying a car—nearly all of them depreciate, but some much less than others.
W
hen you buy a new
car, it's fairly easy
to research the
costs involved, such
as MSRP, local taxes, and delivery
charges. We know, however, that
the moment a car leaves the dealer's lot, it starts to lose value. But
how is that math figured, anyway?
The amount you'll get when
you trade in your car, the amount
you'll have to put down on your
next purchase/lease, and even the
interest rate you can get on your
next car loan are all impacted by the
term you'll hear a lot: "residual value," which is synonymous with resale value. If you don't know the ins
and outs of residual value, you're
hurting yourself when it comes to
buying a new or used car. All cars
(except vintage collectibles) lose
money over time (think of a used
car as you would any used appliance—its worthwhile life expectancy is reduced with age). But buying
cars that hold their value better
than others isn't hard to figure out,
and it's a good way to hedge against
the costs of owning a vehicle.
The Basics
There's
no
consensus on the value of a car after
a year or five years from its first
sale. There are just too many variables at play, including the market
for the car, whether the economy is
up or down, and the price of gas.
Plus, if there are 40,000 used 2009
Accords on the market, each one
will have been driven and cared for
differently.
But there are variables that
can be benchmarked, such as an automaker's and a model's past performance in keeping value, that organizations like Black Book use to
estimate what a new car will be
worth a few years down the line.
Black Book is a lot like the Blue
Book you hear about regarding the
value of a car, but Black Book is the
go-to that most car dealers use to
price a new or used car. It also helps
them know what interest rates
you'll be charged on a loan.
We talked to Black Book's
Ricky Beggs, in charge of the publication's research department, to get
an idea of how they figure out what
a 2013 model will be worth in
2018.
How Carmakers Keep Values High
hard-and-fast
Supply and demand plays a
big role in the value of a particular
model in a particular year. Too
much "car," just like too much of
any single commodity, will depress
the value of a car over its life cycle.
Put another way, you might
think Mercedes wants to sell as
many C-Classes as it possibly can.
And if demand were always bullish,
that would be true. But Mercedes,
just like Honda and every other carmaker, has a vested interest in
keeping residual values high because that enables Mercedes to
have a "cheap" money supply: How
much interest they're charged
through their captive finance arm (a
bank whose sole job is to finance
car loans for a single carmaker) directly influences whether they can
offer you that nifty 0.9 percent financing deal. High residual values
also mean that the certified-preowned (CPO) program Benz dealers
run can continue to be highly lucrative. A flood of C-Classes two years
from now would depress that CPO
market. Carmakers try carefully to
match production to demand because otherwise they have to crank
up incentives (cash-back offers) to
generate sales, and that's just the
type of thing that led to GM and
Chrysler falling into crisis. Eventually the cheap money spigot shuts off
and the debt must be repaid.
So carmakers are smarter
than ever at predicting sales volumes and will restrict production if
they see storm clouds ahead. Today
the cost of used cars is at or near an
all-time high because carmakers cut
supply during the recession, and
because people started holding on
to old cars instead of getting new
ones. Add in a variable like high gas
prices and in the past five years
we've seen crazy things happen, like
the value of a used Prius topping
that of a new one, and diesel VW
Jettas commanding nearly new-Jetta
pricing. All of it has to do with carmakers being very careful with supply.
The Fuzzy Math of Leasing
Ricky Beggs of Black Book
explains that high residual value not
only favors frequent buyers and
sellers (or leasers), it also favors the
dealer.
Let's consider Mercedes
again. The automaker is fighting for
prestige in the luxury marketplace,
and that means the company would
prefer a tighter supply. So, for instance, Mercedes might offer its
dealers an incentive to buy back
current leaseholders' cars a few
months early and give them the
same lease rate on next year's model, especially at the start of a new
model's life cycle. This has two effects. One, it tightens supply of that
new model, in effect goosing demand so new customers have to pay
a little more. Two, it increases the
stocks of CPO cars the dealer has on
hand.
But doesn't that second factor depress the marketplace, since it
leads to more pre-owned cars sitting around? Not quite. That leasebuyback car the dealer gets on his
lot a little early when he puts the
customer in a brand-new C-Class
increases the dealer's cash flow. He
sells a lease on a brand-new C-Class,
presumably with money down. And
that tightened supply means the
"value" of that car is probably higher, too, so the check the dealer gets
from the bank/finance arm is fatter.
As for the leased car that's now a
couple of years old: It comes offlease, goes into the CPO program,
and the bank probably pays the
dealer for its remaining value, since
most customers finance their cars
and pay back the bank over time.
Remember: Either the dealer or the bank (usually a captive finance arm) actually owned the car
while the customer leased and
drove it. If the bank owns the car,
they sell it back to the dealer or to
another dealer and pay back that
difference to themselves once the
car comes off-lease. If the dealer
holds the paperwork, then they pay
the bank back for the difference and
move the car through their CPO
program, paying themselves back.
Either way, the lessee is just
making a monthly payment on the
projected depreciation of that car,
plus interest. And don't forget that
all those hidden fees and interest
from the customer pad everyone's
bottom line.
All of this means that leasing
is a lot like renting an apartment.
You're always putting your dough
into the landlord's pocket, paying
for the privilege of using an apartment (or a car) but never owning
any of it. But if you either can't afford to buy, or want to live in a
classier pad (or drive a classier
ride) than you can otherwise manage, renting/leasing makes that
possible. Leasing a car that'll hold a
higher resale/residual value softens
the blow of that monthly payment.
The bank and the dealership can
give you a better deal if the car is
going to lose comparatively little
value while you lease it.
We're wading into some
quirks of finance here. But it's
worth noting that even if you never
lease or buy used, this part of the
marketplace determines how much
a company can charge us for its new
cars.
A number of Vegas musicians stepped up for a
memorial event held for one of their biggest local fans.
On November 10th, The 1st Annual Dave Sabatino Memorial Ride brought together friends and of Dave Sabatino, who was tragically lost in a motorcycle accident
on November 10th, 2012. Dave was a huge fan of local
Vegas bands like “Outta the Black” and the “John Zito
Band” as well as others. These and many other musicians stepped up to remember Dave by volunteering
their time and their equipment to help put together
what hopes to be a long running annual tradition.
Dave's best friend, Nick Griffith, who was with
Dave the night of the accident, spear-headed this event
along with Tanya Stegner and Dave's girlfriend & domestic partner, Patty Tagliamonte. Close to 100 people,
both on motorcycles and in cars, joined in on the journey that begun at Davis Park, where the Memorial Tree
& Plaque are located. From the park, the mile long trail
of bikes and cars traveled past the accident scene on
the Rainbow Overpass of Hwy 95, so everyone could
pay tribute to Dave. The Run continued down the 95
the Searchlight, over to Nipton for a break, back to I-15
and to Nick's shop, Extreme Auto Customs.
in the celebration with bands playing and massive
amounts of food and drink setup. Everything about
this event was about donations and everyone stepped
up to supply more than enough food and drink for the
entire event. We would like to thank the bands & musicians that donated their time and equipment to make
sure this event was a huge success: Outta The Black,
Smashing Alice, John Zito Band, Threedom Rock, Jay
Cee, and Jason Constantine.
One band in particular that brought an overwhelming feeling of togetherness over the crowd was
the John Zito Band, performing the song that John
wrote for Dave called 'Burning Bright'. There wasn't a
dry eye in sight. The song is on Zito's CD “'Lonely
Broke & Wasted”. The 'inner-circle' of close friends
gathered around the large picture of Dave, next to John
as he worked his guitar, showed the emotion of just
what Dave meant to everyone. This definitely was the
highlight of the event.
This annual event will only get bigger every
year after the success of the first outing.
In Tribute…
Kevin Lastovica
When the Ride returned to the end point, they
were greeted with hundreds of people already reveling
The gorgeous girls of Brazen <see page> returned from the tundra up
north to take the Vamp'd stage with Doc's Angels. Doc Ellis and the ladies always bring a packed house. Just one glance at the stage and you will know
why.
The Sin City Sinners had their 4th CD Release Party for "DiveBar Days
Revisited", reliving all those nights where the band made its name known.
Threedom Rock took the stage at the Fiesta Casino in Henderson
again, bringing up the attitude once again down in the southeast
part of the valley. This power trio is taking things up a notch with
every performance.
Outta the Black made a return to the new new-old DiveBar to try to
out do the packed-house performance from their previous visit. With multiple musicians sitting in and blasting out some new and different versions of
everyone's favorites, they definitely outdid the last show.
Stoney Curtis and the boys
opened for a group with a name
synonymous with the 80's, The
Baby's. One of Stoney Curtis'
many other projects, Count's 77,
with Vamp'd owner Danny
'The Count' Koker, is taking the
stage regularly at the Count's
rock club.
Vince Neil from Motley Crue opened another venue, this time on the
Strip but in a very unexpected location. Circus Circus of all places is the location for the new ‘Vince Neil's Tatuado, Eat, Drink, Party'. Vince aim to stir
up a party-like atmosphere powered by a backstage vibe from tattoo imagery to some of Neil’s prized possessions on full display including one of his
motorcycles and a few gold and platinum Motley Crue albums. I guess the strange name goes right
The John Zito Band and Leav- along with the obscure location. Not an easy
ing Springfield opened a night at In & Out for Local's and probably a big part of
Vamp'd for Gilby Clarke's return. It's why Rock N Rita's was not a huge success in
always a good time when Gilby and
the same location. Sin City KISS & Cyanide
the boys rock the house. Always hanging out after the show and having performed for the Grand Opening celebradrinks with the fans, Gilby is definitely tion.
a Vamp'd regulars' favorite. Zito and
the boys, once again, were signed to
play the Las Vegas Rock N Roll Marathon; one of the few Vegas bands that
has played this event multiple times.
Speaking of Zito, they are
back at it, rocking the Vamp'd stage
every Wednesday night. You never
know who is going to show up to jam
with these guys. This is the only place
to be in Vegas on a Wednesday night.
A venue that isn't usually known for
live bands, Babes, down in southeast Vegas,
hosted a benefit for the Wounded Warriors
Foundation. KOMP Radio was on site doing a
live remote with performances from Whiskey
Breath, Twenty8, Three Swank Bastards, Megan Barker, Wicked Garden and Whiskey
Southern!
Making a good pair of sticks begins by selecting the
best wood possible. We manufacture many different models of sticks using Canadian maple and American hickory.
Our maple is considered to be the best in the business
and our hickory from the southern USA is known the
world over as the top choice for stick manufacturing. We
also use red hickory which comes from the heart of the
tree, making it stronger and more durable for those who
need a bit "more" from their sticks.
We use only the finest grades of wood. Every dowel
is hand inspected to ensure that the grain is straight and
free from any defects. Only then does it go to our lathes to
be turned into a LOS CABOS DRUMSTICK. When you purchase a pair of our sticks, you are
investing in quality craftsmanship. With nearly two dozen models to choose from, Los
Cabos Drumsticks offers something for every drummer.
Contacts
• Website: www.loscabosdrumsticks.com
• Blog: www.loscabosdrumsticks.tumblr.com
• Twitter: @loscabossticks
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/loscabossticks
Gear the Pros Use!
Scott Westbrook - Drummer for Outta the Black
I’ve played TAMA Drums exclusively since the late 80’s and constantly find reasons to stay with ‘em. Currently, I keep
3-4 Kits in rotation ranging from the Starclassic Performer to my completely over-the-top Rockstar Custom. The hardware is
rock solid without being too bulky and the drum tones have always been exactly what I want to hear. Some situations require
tighter, more focused drum sounds and other call for a big, bombastic sound. The sizes will vary from situation to situation
depending on what the music calls for.
In regard to CYMBALS, I’m extremely fortunate to be a Sabian Cymbal Artist. Sabian cymbals have a fuller sound
that’s not too “tinny” but, fills the sonic spectrum that provides me what I want to hear. I prefer the Sabian AAX series as they
are designed to be very responsive at all volume levels. I’m also using Cympad cymbal enhancers instead of traditional felt
pads to really let all the cymbals sing.
Hot Sticks worked with me to develop my signature model “VooDoo Hammer” drumstick a few years ago. It’s a
slightly elongated 5B with Hot Stick’s Strike Zone and a natural, unfinished grip end. The Strike Zone is a compressed area
along the shaft of the stick that is used mostly for cymbal striking and rimshots which takes the most wear. I’m using that
stick exclusively with a nylon tip and LOVE THESE THANGZ!!
Tama Starclassic Performer (Birch) Red Sparkle Fade Finish
18” x 22” Kick Drum
8” X 14” Maple Artwood Snare Drum
8” x 10” Rack Tom
9” x 12” Rack Tom
14” x 14” Floor Tom
16” x 16” Floor Tom
Evans Drumheads (w/Level 360):
Kick Drum: EMAD 2/EQ1
Snare: Power Center Reverse Dot/Clear 300
Toms: Clear G2/Clear G1
Floor Toms: Hydraulic Glass/G1
LP Rock Cowbell
Sabian Cymbals
17” AAX Stage Crash
20” AAX China
14” AAX Stage HiHats
18” AAX Dark Crash
10” B8 Pro China Splash
18” AAX Stage Crash
19” AAX V-Crash
22” AAX Metal Ride
19” AA Holy China
20” AAX Metal Crash
Monitors/Electronics/Accessories:
JH Audio In-Ear Monitors JH16 Pro
BES Audio Wireless - IEM600
Kelly Shu Kick Drum Mic System
It’s crucial for drummers to be willing to alter your sounds to
fit the music you’re playing and not be afraid to experiment, not only
with different sounds but different techniques as well. Mixing styles
and genres help expand a musician’s “musical vocabulary”, much
like playing a funk groove in a hard rock song. It can totally change
to feel of the song and create something completely unique and interesting. There’s a great big world out there just full of new things
to influence your playing. The camaraderie within the drumming
community is extremely cool and drummers are always happy to
share new licks,
fills, techniques
and whatnot to
help each other,
which helps all of
us, progress and learn. Personally, I’ve always tried to keep in mind that,
regardless of how good you are, you will never be as good as you could be!
There are endless opportunities to grow, learn, and develop while sharing
with and inspiring not just other drummers but, all musicians.
Keep your groove goin’!
Scott Westbrook
Outta The Black, Witching Hour, Independent
Gear the Pros Use!
Todd Kennedy - Lead Guitar for SMASHING ALICE
I picked up my first guitar at age 11 in 1972. I made a living playing music
through most of the 1980's, during which I spend a lot of time on the road. I exited
the music scene in the early 90's to focus on career goals, but I returned back to the
music scene in 2009 after making my riches in the real world. Now I’m just having fun
with it and enjoying playing for the sake of playing. I have over 30 guitars currently
in my stable (I think) I’ve never really count them and they come and go on a regular
basis.
Guitars
My main gigging guitar that has been with me for many years is a 1959 Gibson Les
Paul Replica built by a well-respected Luthier and former vintage Guitar Magazine
Editor. It has a slight twist though; it’s built with Korina (or more correctly, Limba)
instead of Mohogany. It’s a little lighter and to me has a little more mid-range
warmth. This, however, is all negated by its current set of pickups, which are an EMG
81/85 active set. They make every guitar basically sound the same but give great
clarity and tightness with drop tunings, and 3/4 of our set is drop tuning.
My #2 is A Gibson Les Paul custom shop 1968 re-issue in Alpine White with a 50's fat
neck. Pickups are stock 57 classics. I prefer lower ouput pickups and use these and
Lollar imperials in most of my gigging guitars. The fat necks are harder to play but
definitely have a different sound compared to a thin neck guitar. All that extra wood
stiffens up the neck and gives a fatter and more sustained sound.
Pedals
I try to keep my pedals to a minimum and don't use distortion pedals. I do have various pedals on my board however to replicate various song requirements. After going through dozens of wahs the Fulltone
Deluxe Clyde Wah was hands down my favorite and has been the only constant on my board for many years. For effects I do
prefer individual analogue pedals over EFX units but for gigging it was just more convenient to use a digital modeler -"Line 6
- m9"; I run that in the loop and it has over a 100 stomp boxes in it. I mostly use it for timed effects, chorus, delay, reverb etc.
The other two pedals I run are line drivers "MXR Custom Audio Electronics MC-401 Boost Pedal". One in the front for a gain
boost and one in the loop for volume boost for leads. They are extremely clean and do not
color the amp tone at all. Next is my Diggitech whammy pedal which is a necessity for the
5 Rage Against the Machine songs that we cover. Last, a tuner and Line 6 G30 digital
wireless. I've had many wireless systems, and it was always a compromise to go wireless
until I got the "Line 6 G30". I don't hear any signal degradation with it whatsoever.
Amps
My work horse is a Marshall DSL 100 watt. Not the greatest amp in the world but a git-r
-done no frills amp. Lately my Baron custom single channel Marshall flavored 60 watt
head has been seeing a lot of stage action. I grew up on Marshall Super leads and any amp
I play has to get in that sonic range or it ain’t for me. The super lead is just too loud before
it hits the sweet spot so is just impractical in the modern era . I have gravitated to 18 to 30
watts amps and have really liked the results. My new favorite "65 amps-Producer" may be
my last and main gigging amp. Sounds really close to my old Marshall Super Lead and
does it at a manageable volume, which is something I have been searching for a long
time . Also has a stellar Fender clean which is a nice bonus.
Strings
I buy in bulk, 25 sets per box from D'Addario, 10-46 gauge.
Picks
V-picks 1.5 mm or Tortex III 1.5mm. I like my picks pointy and I don't like to have any flex
at all. For a time I used steel picks but found they were too hard on strings and guitars.
When I do my Pete Townsend windmill imitation and drag a steel pick across the entire
front of the guitar it can leave some pretty nasty gouges and scratches. LOL
When not delivering Presents, Santa takes out his other “Sleigh” for a ride
1967 Ford Fairlane Convertible 500
 Owners: Charlene Huddleston
 purchased in 2006 and restored in 2010
 289 high performance engine
 C4 transmission
 Dual four barrel carburetors
 Dual Performance exhaust
 Lowered 3 inches
 BF Goodrich tires with magnum wheels
 Victory red paint: Black interior and black top
Pictures: MayDay Photography
Model: DVa Devon Carnera
20 years of music. 20 years of
mayhem. 20 years of kickin’ ass and taking names…that
is the legacy of Hemlock. The brothers Smith and the gang have been
packing venues since 1993, and even though some others in the band have
come and gone, Hemlock perseveres and thrives because of their talent, their drive,
their show, and because they focus on their fans, and work hard to make sure their fans go
home from a show with ears ringing and hearts thumping. CV WorldWide had a chance to sit down
with Brian Smith, drummer and resident PR spokesperson…oddly enough, he had quite a bit to say…
<CV WW> Alright, we always start these off the
same way...tell us who‘s in the band and their role…
<Brian Smith> Well, Chad and I are brothers; I am 2
years older but about 10 years more immature! :P
You got Chad Smith on lead vocals and bass, Brian
Smith on drums, Jezy Ward on guitar and backing
vocals and James Gelber on guitar and backing vocals.
<CV WW> Of the original members, only Brian and
Chad are still in the band. What were the original
goals – modest or just ―shoot from the hip and see
where this train goes‖?
<Brian Smith> Yes Chad and I are the only original
members remaining. Jezy has been with us for about
4 years now and James is the new guy. As far as the
band goes it's seriously all we've done and what we're
interested in. I wouldn't say we had any game plan
starting out. We just started playing shows and always pushed forward. And before we knew it 20
years had flown by!
<CV WW> Who were/are your musical influences?
<Brian Smith> We listen to all styles of music, and I
mean all sorts. Seriously, everything from Neil Diamond, Sade, Alicia Keys, Faith No More, 2 Live
Crew, Huey Lewis, Whitesnake (I personally am a
huge
fan
of
anything
and
everything
80's)...everything! As a band early influences would
be mostly 90's thrash and groove metal such as Pantera, Sepultura, Pro-Pain, Biohazard, Machine Head,
Slayer, Hatebreed, Suicidal Tendencies, etc.
<CV WW> Before you guys started the band, did
you have any other interests?
<Brian Smith> Not really, because we were so young
when we started. I hadn't acquired my taste for booze
and women yet! And Chad still carried his love and
passion for Garbage Pail Kids! Other than that we
were just young kids so I'd say playing with toys and
Saturday morning cartoons were our other interests!
<CV WW> Any cool stories on how you decided on
the name ―Hemlock‖?
<Brian Smith> Nah, it was just a name that we
thought sounded good for a rock/metal band. We
bounced around a couple other ones first but gravitated back to Hemlock and it stuck. We drew names out
of a hat and pulled Hemlock first. Our guitar player
protested that they weren't mixed up properly. So we
shook „em up again and pulled out a different name.
We went with the winning name for a while until we
saw a band on Star Search using the same name so
we instantly reverted back to Hemlock.
with any common sense) would have jumped ship
from long ago. We definitely love what we do and are
too stubborn to do anything else!
<CV WW> What do you think has been your secret
to longevity & success for all these years?
<Brian Smith> Yeah, my last answer pretty much
summed it up – we love what we do, nothing else will
suffice.
<CV WW> Tell us about the early years – how
much of a struggle was it back then – if I remember,
the early 90‘s was grunge rock‘s heyday, how was
the beginning for the band?
<Brian Smith> I think it's always been a struggle to
be in a metal band. No matter how many fans there
are of the genre it's not main stream. We have seen
metal climb and metal come and go along with so
many other styles of music. All the while we just kept
plugging along playing the music we enjoyed playing. We have just always pushed to be the best Hemlock we could be regardless of what's going on
around us and we have a very high energy, entertaining live show which I think has always set us apart
from a lot of other bands and other trends. You can't
argue that writing good music and having a good live
show should be the forte of any band. Unfortunately
that's not always the case.
<CV WW> Okay, I‘ve got to call you out on this…
on your website, in the bio, you state ―Hemlock has
been called ‗The Kings of self-promotion‘ and have
been noted as the hardest working up and coming
metal band.‖ – really, ―up and coming‖ still after 20
years?! ROFL
<Brian Smith> Kind of chuckle worthy, but still very
true in fact. We have never had any great commercial
success, no hand outs and have gotten stepped over
by so many less worthy and (I feel) less talented
bands with less heart. We've seen many bands come
and go, and THAT shows you the integrity in their
hearts. The record industry is, and has been for many
years, a complete crock of shit. We stay hands on
with pretty much everything we do. So yes, we are
very involved in promoting ourselves. We still hang
posters and hand out fliers for our shows. It's very
disheartening to go to a show and not have any posters of yours hanging in the club. People have gotten
very lazy (bands, promoters etc.) and everyone thinks
a Facebook post is all you gotta do...well once again
very few bands can claim the longevity of 20 years.
<CV WW> What do you think was your biggest hurdle just starting out those many moons ago?
<CV WW> A lot of years and a lot of members – tell
<Brian Smith> Our biggest hurdle has always been us about the journey through the years, about the
having the money to invest in and push our crazy ideas. That and being naive and getting sucked into bad
management deals and being taken advantage of by
promoters in our early years. Our age didn't help back
then either. We had to sneak into several of our own
shows because we were too young to get in to our
own performance!
<CV WW> Tell us about the ―big break‖ that took
you guys to the next level.
<Brian Smith> “Big Break”?! What "Big Break?"
LoL! We have had to work hard for any success
we've ever gotten. We've had perhaps stepping stones
that have helped further our career but we have
fought a long hard battle that most bands (or anyone
people that have come and gone?
<Brian Smith> Well I'm not gonna include guys that
just filled in for a tour but noteworthy members
sure...Hemlock started as 3-piece including me and
Chad and our guitarist/ longtime friend Richard Burnett. We played clubs and bars around Vegas and
eventually added our friend Mike Johns on rhythm
guitar and backing vocals. We started touring regionally and eventually Richard had to step out so we replaced him with our roadie D.J. Kinsley. We continued touring for a few years with this line up....fast
forward a few years we actually did an impromptu
song live with all original members (including Rich).
We hadn't all been in the same place at the same time
in a long time. We got up and did one song and killed
it! The magic was still there so we planned a tour
with all original members. After about 6 months Rich
couldn't commit to touring full time so we pulled out
our good friend Bryan Gentry (who was in Hemlock
for a while after D.J. quit.) That was a great line up
but eventually Bryan had to put in notice because his
wife was pregnant...with all our shows, I‟m not sure
if it was his kid or not! HaHa I'm just kidding Bryan!
So anyways that's when we brought Jezy on board. I
met Jezy at a Walmart in Missouri. We got talking
music. He was in a different band at the time. I kept
an eye on him thinking we might need him eventually. I finally picked a good one! When we brought him
on board, I had known him for that while and was
kinda prepping him anyways. Mike didn't last too
much longer...we'll call it creative differences (even
though that's not what it was. I'm just being politically correct and taking the higher road here). Well then
we had a short string of fill in guitarists trying to find
the right guy to fill the slot. We finally settled on Aaron Cobb. 2012 was a fun year for us but alas Aaron's
time with us was short lived so here is where James
comes in. We have known him for years. He's a very
talented guy and we knew him as a sound guy in Lubbock, Texas. Well he showed up for touring knowing
like 20 of our tunes (and the kid can sing really well
might I add). So here we are today!
<CV WW> Brian, you left the band for a few years
in the early 2000‘s, can we ask why?
<Brian Smith> I did take a few years off
yes....combination of many things. I was frustrated
with our current management but I also had a kid that
I love dearly and I needed to be there for him. I was
also in a horrible controlling relationship at the time
too. I guess I just needed a break and even though
Chad and I had some ups and downs in the past, it
was actually after the shooting of Dimebag Darrell
when we realized life is short and we needed to be
brothers again and patch things up. I went to the
Hemlock show next time they came through Vegas
and after that Chad was inviting me back constantly. I
filled in one tour and weekend runs when I could but
I was trying to balance family life and a 9-5 job.
Eventually all the planets aligned and I was able to
come back full time! I enjoy touring now more than
ever before and couldn't be happier to be back!
<CV WW> What is it about THIS lineup that works
so well, and allows you guys to mesh on stage?
<Brian Smith> Chemistry, good musicianship, and
the fact that we love doing what we do. We have high
energy shows and we get up and throw down as hard
as possible every night!
<CV WW> Do you try to convey any specific message with your music?
<Brian Smith> The only time we are serious is when
we play music. Lyrically Chad puts a positive spin on
most everything. Live we just try to bring the party
ed to be home for them. They are older now so it's
much easier for me now and I enjoy touring more
now than I did in the earlier years.
<CV WW> Seven full length albums – does the process get any easier each new record? Or do you just
get better at it?
<Brian Smith> The process does change. Usually it's
the recording equipment that changes. Yes we definitely get better at it ourselves. From song writing to
knowing how we want it to sound on the recording.
We are pretty seasoned at this point, very professional. I try to nail my parts in 1 or 2 takes. I like a lot of
pre-production and knowing what you're gonna do as
opposed to writing in the studio and over experimenting. I truly do love recording!
<CV WW> You‘ve toured all over the WORLD –
Canada (eh?), Europe, and Japan – what can you
tell us about how the fans are different in those areas versus the US?
<Brian Smith> There's a great appreciation from other fans in other countries for sure. And I hate to say it
and have fun! Even our pics aren't the normal tough but most of the world has better taste in music than
guy metal band photos. It's ok to have fun and even the U.S. We have so much radio rock, hip-hop and
smile!
pop shoved down our throats while so much good
music goes unnoticed. I'm not a fan of radio and very
<CV WW> Any of your songs really speak to you on little new music excites me anymore.
a personal level (or is that too touchy-feely a question for a Metal band)?
<CV WW> What is the smallest crowd you can re<Brian Smith> We're an open book and very secure member playing for? How about the biggest?
as people. We don't have to put on the tough metal <Brian Smith> Smallest...probably 3 people. Largguy front. I pride myself on being real and don't mind es…several thousand, probably somewhere between
getting personal. Yes our songs often have deep 5,000-8,000 people.
meaning and connect with the fans and ourselves personally as well. We have had fans tell us how our <CV WW> You guys typically tour 9 or so months
songs have helped them and even saved their lives out of the year, did I read that right? What kind of
before. On a personal note the song that got hard for grind is that for you, especially after 20 years?
me to play several years ago "Kill Your Children." <Brian Smith> When it's a fun tour it's no grind at all!
The song is about divorce and broken families and We love what we do! But yes sometimes you get
the effects it has on the kids. I remember playing in tired, or sick and worn out. Luckily we get to party
Corona, California and there were big mirrors on the with our friends every night so we can't complain!
side of the stage. I looked over while playing that
song and it hit me. I was living the song and my son <CV WW> Your live shows are pretty much pandeand step son (who were really young at the time) monium, entertaining and energetic – how are you
were home while I was on the road. I felt very guilty able to focus even after 20 years?
about my divorce and how it was affecting them. I <Brian Smith> We're definitely very seasoned at this
actually cried in the van that night after the show. point but I feel like we continue to grow and get betTheir mom wasn't the best mom and that was a huge ter as a band both in writing and also live. I don't
part of what took me off the road for a while. I need- know how we do it but the shows seem to get more
hand and I could tell a lot of horribly amazing, inappropriate stories!
I'd have to give some thought on a
crazy fan story...or at least what I
consider crazy. We have definitely
become desensitized to what most
people consider extreme or crazy.
energetic and even crazier! Just fun high energy from
the first note to the last!
<CV WW> Do you guys still do the ―Wall of
Death‖? Has anyone gotten seriously hurt doing it?
Have you guys ever jumped into the mix?
<Brian Smith> We don't do it as often as we have in
the past. Some people have gotten hurt in the past not
just from that but just the high energy in the crowd
and the aggression that comes out from us and the audience. We try to always maintain a positive vibe at
our shows and Chad always keeps an eye out if someone falls down or someone gets a little too drunk or
too rough. We definitely push for a fun vibe throughout our performance. And yes at some of our earlier
shows I was known to hand off my sticks to my drum
tech halfway through the last song and I'd stage dive
and finish out the song in the pit before jumping back
up onstage. I don't so much anymore. As we achieved
more success and got bigger I remember one of our
shows when Hatebreed opened for us that I tried to
get in the pit during their set and as opposed to simply "moshing" I was actually getting mobbed and people were grabbing me! I couldn't get anywhere and
actually had to get out and go backstage! It was crazy
but funny and I realized then that we were starting to
get some fanatic fans.
<CV WW> Do you guys have any
memorable shows – why were they
memorable?
<Brian Smith> The show I like to
share when asked this question is
the first time we headlined the
House of Blues in Vegas. We were
headlining over bands that had huge
labels behind them and radio was
pushing them. Well when it was
show time for us I remember walking out with the
lights dimmed, intro playing and the roar of the
crowd just gave me the most intense goosebumps! I
got up behind my drums and we killed it! That will
always be a stand out performance to me and it was
definitely a moment where I felt a huge sense of accomplishment.
<CV WW> Okay, HOLY SMOKES! I was just looking through the photos on your official website, and
what the heck is up with Great Falls and the dude in
the bikini briefs?!
<Brian Smith> Great Falls is always a great time! We
love all of Montana! I thought you were referring to
our recent Halloween show there where I was wearing short shorts, a fanny pack and a bra but I realized
you're talking about Van, my old drum tech. You literally lose your mind on the road. Sometimes we get
crazy and do silly things for fun. I used to talk him
into wearing women's clothing or underwear only and
doing stupid stuff. It's all in fun and part of crazy life
on the road!
<CV WW> For a long time you guys toured with
some heavy hitters like Slayer, Slipknot, Otep, Lamb
of God, and others – what did you learn from bands
like those about being on the road, about showmanship?
<CV WW> What are some of the craziest things <Brian Smith> By the time we were touring with
bands like these we had already been playing for a
your fans have done at a show?
<Brian Smith> HaHa sometimes we do crazier things long time and already headlining our own shows so
than our fans! Some of the backstage antics get out of without sounding cocky I don't know that we really
learned a lot from touring with other bands. We already knew the game quite well. The most exciting
thing was playing to bigger crowds and winning over
new fans.
<CV WW> These days you are headlining your own
tour – how different is it to be headlining? Is there
any more pressure when you‘re a headliner?
<Brian Smith> There are differences and yes there is
sometimes more pressure. You usually get a longer
set and full production. We have always remained
humble and enjoy varying it up. It is rewarding to
know that everyone is there to see you as the headliner but it also goes back to the whole staying hungry
thing...it's sometimes equally fun to just have an
opening half hour set and come out swinging, (and in sounds like crap. Sure the tape trading days were a
a friendly way) schooling other bands, and winning similar concept but again, they sounded like shit and
over new fans in the crowd.
you'd go out and get the new album of the band when
it was released. A million YouTube views doesn't
<CV WW> We hooked up through Facebook; tell us mean much as far as financial gain for the artist. Sure
what the band thinks about social media – critical you may reach a bigger audience but does that mean
they're gonna come to a show? And again some crap
component or necessary evil?
<Brian Smith> The whole music industry has com- videos have 20,000,000 views while some amazing
pletely changed. Yes a necessary tool, however it bands fly under the radar. And the million likes on
shouldn't be a replacement for hard work on a bands Facebook doesn't always translate to numbers at a
part. I can't blame young bands (because they may show. I encourage people to come to a show and fornot know better) but promoters should know better get about your stress and worries and just party and
than to just rely on Facebook to promote a show. It's have a good time.
definitely made people lazier. And no one can sell
albums like they used to since everything is digital <CV WW> How has the music industry changed
these days. I do support legal downloads where artists since the first Hemlock album in 1996?
get compensation. I'm not a fan of a free download of <Brian Smith> Back up on the soapbox. LOL The
a song that someone ripped from YouTube that biggest thing is the lack of album sales these days.
Bands that would have sold 20,000,000 albums are
lucky to sell a million. I think there's even less loyalty
to artists, especially as far as mainstream goes. I'm
not a fan of much current music out there.
It seems like people forgot how to write a
catchy, memorable song. Record companies are
crumbling and music stores are closing and that's sad
to me. I was excited to go flip through records and
you'd count down the days „til a new release came
out. Now you can download the album a month before its release date. The fact that buy-ons exist and
you rarely see bands take out up and coming bands
just because they like them and want to help their career is also disappointing. So if a shitty band has a lot
of money they can just buy onto tours and festivals...ehhh it's always been about money more than
talent anyways. I'm done with this answer I suppose.
<CV WW> After 20 years in the studio, concert venues, and on the road, what advice would you give a
young Hemlock band, what do you know now that
you wished you knew back then?
<Brian Smith> I would definitely say be yourselves
and play the music you love playing. Don't follow the
trends, set the trends. If you have a song you don't
like, toss it „cause you may get stuck playing it for
years. Just work hard and make sure you get along
with everyone in your band and respect each other.
You really get to know someone on tour and it's already hard enough with everyday life struggles on the
road but it's far worse if you're with someone you
hate. And communication is huge. Have band meetings and let everyone talk and just hang and be
friends. Learn your instrument well and rehearse your
songs and put on an entertaining show. I'm not a fan
of bands that just stand still and look down at their
hands while they play. You're an entertainer so entertain! And just be careful because there are a lot of
sharks out there. We got ripped off and screwed over
a bunch in our early days. Everyone preaches support
of the scene, support other bands but few bands actually do. We are always the first ones to the show and
the last to leave. So if you get an opening spot be respectful and don't be a whiny prima donna and be
easy to work with. Set up, don't whine about stage
space because the headliner often wants to or needs to
backline (most opening bands don't use all the stage
space given anyways), get off in a timely manner so
not to push the whole show behind. Get out of the
way quickly. You can wind cables up and take cymbals off by the side of the stage instead of dicking
around onstage and pissing everyone off. Stay humble if you're gonna make a career out of it, minimalize your overhead. If you have the girlfriend or wife,
a couple kids, a nice car and a huge house payment
you're probably never gonna be able to tour so make
your choice and stick with it. One guy that isn't on the
same page as everyone can ruin a break for everyone
else in the band if an opportunity arrives.
<CV WW> Of course, the fact that you‘ve been
around and still packing them in after 20 years is
significant, but what would you think is your greatest accomplishment to date?
<Brian Smith> I think to show 20 years is the greatest
accomplishment in itself. I know so many bands that
have had much more success that have lasted a fraction of our time. I don't want a million dollars of debt
hovering over us. We've seem so many bands and
trends come and go but we've just kept plugging
along doing our own thing on our own schedule on
our own terms. Time sure does fly! It sure doesn't
seem like 20 years.
<CV WW> With all your success through the years,
have you ever thought of sitting down on a warm
beach with a fruity drink and saying ―we made it‖?
After all this time, you‘ve probably earned the right
to sit on your laurels and get fat & happy.
<Brian Smith> Well, thank you but no, if we sit
around too long we go stir crazy and just wanna get
back out and play again. And I think any time any
band sits back and thinks "oh we made it" and they let
success go to their head then the band loses touch
with reality and doesn't progress anymore. There is
something to be said about a band that stays hungry
and raw that keeps the creative juices flowing and
makes them want to strive for more. I'm glad we've
never lost sight of who we are.
<CV WW> Where do you guys think you are in the
―journey‖ of Hemlock?
<Brian Smith> The Hemlock journey will probably
always continue. I can't imagine not doing it. I've
been doing this since I was 10 years old. It's the only
thing I truly love. I can't stand sitting still too long.
The 9-5 will kill you. There is a great big world out
there and I encourage people to get out and see some
of it. As far as Hemlock goes we constantly have a
list of projects in front of us that we want to work on
so that keeps us motivated and moving forward. And
the excitement of writing new music and filming new
videos and always trying to be creative and outdoing
ourselves keeps it challenging too.
<CV WW> It‘s late 2013, you guys are home from
touring, what‘s in store for the band in 2014, what
can we look forward to?
<Brian Smith> We are going to do some new writing
over the winter break. We've been kicking around
some riffs and tunes and even have left over songs
from our last album. Not that they weren't good
enough to go to album, just that we had so many
songs so off the bat we already have a half album
worth of kick ass tunes. Some of which we've already
performed live. We have a new DVD and live CD
coming out that we filmed and recorded at our Vegas
20 Year Anniversary show. So those are on deck
next. We also need to get a new video editor. Not only for music videos but we have so much footage (we
need to convert and get edited) that spans our whole
career. I'd like to see that get done next year. We
hope to head back to Europe and Ireland and eventually Australia. That's the next country we'd like to
tackle. And of course we'll be all over the U.S. again.
When the tour bus fire ups we'll definitely role to a
town near you!
(click on a face for band links)
S
till touring to support the
June 2013 release of their new
album “The Sun Comes Out
Tonight”, Filter frontman
Richard Patrick took some much
needed R&R time to sit down the with
the Metal Exiles team...as if that wasn’t enough, we at CV WorldWide present, in addition to an excellent interview with the Jeffrey Easton of Metal Exiles, Filter in concert, done by
none other than our Vegas photographer, Sherry Keith of Mystic Photography, along with a review by Miranda Trenholm.
Nothing else need be said but “enjoy”...
An Interview with Richard Patrick
by Jeffrey Easton
Metal Exiles: To start off with, I
know that “The Sun Comes Out Tonight” was supposed to be a selfreleased album. What made you
decide to go through Wind Up instead?
Richard Patrick: They offered us a
deal and with their huge amount of
resources we could not say no. We
are on our second video and the
budget for it is bigger than any I
have had in the last five years. They
are completely behind us so it’s a no
brainer. They told us to deliver the
goods and when we turned the record in they were very happy with it
and so far it has been a rewarding
experience. I would not trade any
record company for them.
Metal Exiles: Why did you want to
do it independently in the first
place?
Richard: The original thinking is
that we have enough fans, you make
100% of the money when they buy
the record and then the next thing
you know you really miss the resources and power that record companies have so we made that change
and moved on.
has a lethal punch. Did some of
this come from Jonathan Radtke
or were you pushing Filter’s
boundaries again?
Richard: Johnny and I made a decision that we were not going to have
an adversarial conversation with
our label and the word hit single
cropped up in our conversations.
When the record company signs
you they tell you they want something that will make it to radio, we
need something that’s going to connect and I understand that. I have
been listening to the Rolling Stones
since I was a little kid, I know what
a hook is so Bob (Marlette –
Producer) and I said ok let’s go do
that. Johnny said we cannot have
record companies telling us what to
do but I explained to him that record companies are here to benefit
us and we are going to work in the
confines of our creativity. Once you
have the Filter creativity in there
and it’s in the realm of something
they want then everybody is happy.
You have to think of something
catchy like ‘Hey Man Nice Shot’.
Every time I sing that song the
crowd sings it right back to me.
heavy. ‘Self-Inflicted’ was written
like that, it has that same catchiness
to it. There are ways to work with
the people around you whether it’s
the record company, producer or
guitar player, as long as it is truly
what you feel your music is about. I
think Johnny was apprehensive because he was pushed up against the
wall with Kill Hannah (his former
band) but for me it was easy. We
wrote ‘Surprise’ in 15 minutes,
which he thought was great and I
told him that’s a hit single. We’re
just here to have fun and make music, not fuck ourselves out of opportunities. I wrote ‘Take A Picture’
from the most personal time of my
life, I am trying to apologize to my
parents through music on the radio
thinking maybe they will hear this
and understand what I am going
through. It’s relevant to me but
when people hear acoustic guitars
in a Filter song they say “Filter is
just trying to get on the radio” but
we have always been on the radio. I
am just trying to get across how I
feel and if you are a real Filter fan
you will understand it.
Metal Exiles: The original thought
Metal Exiles: “The Sun Comes Out Metal Exiles: And it is still a heavy was to do a very heavy record and
Tonight” is to me one of the most song.
you succeeded but you also have
commercial Filter albums but still Richard: Yeah, it’s mean and its stuff like ‘Surprise’. Why did you
decide to include the more mellow
stuff?
Richard: Because I like that stuff, it
is who I am. There are twelve
songs; do you want every one of
them to be the same? I find that
bands find their niche and they stick
to it. Then you end up at 60 years
old wearing the little School Boy
Outfit jumping around and the singer grabs his balls for every song.
You have to open your mind and
explore what’s out there. I love AC/
DC but I am not wearing purple
pants. This is why we change shit
up and do mellow stuff, because we
are artists. ‘It’s My Time’ is probably one of the most beautiful songs I
have ever recorded, it was just me
and my piano, I love that song.
Metal Exiles: Lyrically, this is a
dark record, even ‘Surprise’. For
the title track, ‘The Sun Comes Out
Tonight’, what was it like mentally
reliving the drug days for the motivation?
Richard: It was great because those
were amazing times. You just have
to channel the energy and relive it.
I have to accept the fact that I have
done some crazy things but at least
I am still here to talk about it.
else’s point of view?
Richard: I really hate someone
right now; in fact, I am pissed off at
a bunch of people. I do not want to
spoil the surprise as to who it is but
people can come up with their own
names. It’s like ‘Hey Man Nice Shot’;
Metal Exiles: Would you ever go it was always up for interpretation
back and do drugs again or are but I wrote it about a guy that held a
you done with that?
press conference and killed himself.
Richard: I think I would just kill
myself if I did that.
Metal Exiles: A Lot of this album
has the feel of the early Filter maMetal Exiles: You survived doing terial. Do you at times feel the
the stuff but you have artists that way you did when you were first
die left and right.
starting your band?
Richard: Well, I stopped doing Richard: We created a whole type
drugs 11 years ago.
of sound and when you sound like
yourself and you are writing all new
Metal Exiles: I thought the origi- verses and lyrics, that’s a good
nal idea behind ‘Surprise’ was thing. We went for that, let’s write
someone rescuing you from your our type of music and stick by our
addictions. How does it feel to guns. That’s the Filter sound and
have people take your material we actually sat around and wonmany ways?
dered what it was about ‘Hey Man
Richard: I want people to take their Nice Shot’ that was so amazing. You
own interpretations.
have these dark verses, you have
these vocals that bring you in and
Metal Exiles: It was nice explode in the chorus and these
that you wrote that to mesmerizing guitar riffs. We paid
your wife.
homage to that and wrote someRichard: I want to talk thing completely different of that
about what is in my life model of the Filter sound. When the
and it is pretty universal, third single, ‘Self Inflicted’, comes
everyone goes through it. out, that will really make people say
I have seen my kid 16 that Filter is staying true to who
days in the last sixth they are. Having said that, there are
months, it is horrible be- songs like ‘Surprise’ and ‘It’s My
ing on the road. You have Time’ that you get to discover when
to do what you have to you buy the whole record. With ‘Self
do and I am out here pay- Inflicted’ I wanted to talk about the
ing the bills. She is by school shootings and how these assherself, almost being a holes show up and say “You made
single mom with two me do it society, I am going to kill all
kids is tough.
of these kids because of you”. It’s
like trying to say that its society’s
Metal Exiles: One of the fault that they kill like they do when
other songs on the al- it’s just the person.
bum that stands out is
Jeffrey Easton
‘We Hate It’. Do you ever have the feelings expressed in that song or
is that from someone
"The Sun Comes Out Tonight"
A truly intense evening with
the band "Filter" at Vinyl located at
The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.
Straight out of the gate I have to say
"Richard Patrick" sounds just as
amazing as the first time I heard
him in concert.
The opening song was off the
newly released album titled "The
Sun Comes out Tonight" called "We
Hate It". Talk about knocking you
out with the first punch, if this was
a fight it would have been a T.K.O.
for sure. With such a powerful
opening song the crowd was steeping up the tracks of a roller coaster
called "Filter". If you have ever seen
the band prior to this album release
you know what I am talking about,
If not welcome to the world of
"Filter". All I can say about the new
album is that it is truly brilliant,
everything you expect from "Filter"
leaving you in awe and wanting
more. My first day of listening to the
new songs I think I listened to the
CD over 20 times.
The song "We Hate It" is
loosely based around the idea of
how we all strive to get exactly
what we want, only to turn it
around then ruin it for ourselves
through greed and jealousy. We
even go as far as hurting one another to get what we want. I am guilty
of this myself and I know many others who can relate with this song
and entire album. Just do yourselves a favor and purchase an album, you wont regret it.
The band 'Filter" formed in
"93" and seemed to have been aiming towards a darker industrial music style, similar to outer influences
of Nine Inch Nails, where "Richard"
was a touring guitarist from 89-93.
My first experience with "Filter"
was back in "96". Now I can truly
say to you as a long time fan, these
boys never let you down with out
bringing your spirit back up in the
music. "Richard Patrick", knows just
how to take life experiences to the
next level giving us listeners deep
song lyrics we can all relate to. The
lyrics are critical to the bands expressions ranging from love songs
to industrial anthems and everything in between.
"What Do You Say" is another great example of where "Filter"
reaches out to us asking to not only
listen to what is happening in our
world but pushing us to do something about it. So how many times
can you tell people what you want
them to hear, knowing they aren’t
even listening? Sometimes you just
have to stop your own insanity and
let them fend for themselves.
I truly enjoyed watching the
audience throughout the entire experience. There were many longtime fans as well as new younger
fans that held such energy in watching the band perform, it made it
very easy to get caught up into the
excitement of the evening. I
sugguest, each and everyone of the
readers get out there and buy this
CD. Buy it for yourself and the ones
you love, it will make a wonderful
gift for this coming holiday season.
Many of us have friends and
family caught up in the War in Iraq
and Afghanistan, needless to say so
do the band members. Rich-
ard wrote "Soldiers of Misfortune"
Released in 2008 and added it to
the set list in honor of a long time
"Filter" fan who had been deployed
off to war, then lost his life due to an
improvised explosive device only 2
months out of his deployment. The
is an anti-war song and prior to beginning it, they take a moment to
remember and share his memory.
Not only did "Filter" give us
new music but they keep us rolling
through the night with anticipation
for the 1995 release hit "Hey Man,
Nice Shot" the single that brought
the crowd to a frenzy back in the
day and still today. I still carry with
me the set list from my first "Filter"
show back in "96" in a folder with
other memorabilia. The time between albums may have progressed
but the song and the meaning remain the same for all of us fans. I
hope everyone who chooses to read
my article will take the time to listen and judge for themselves. I
would like to give a huge "Thank
you" to Richard Patrick (vocals),
Johnathan Radtke (guitar), Tim
Telleher (bass) and Jeff Fabb
(drums) of "Filter" for keeping the
music porous after all these years
(see what I did there, just a little
funny)!!! In all reality I am thankful
for all of your music through out the
years.
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Why Wash it Yourself?
Whether you own a custom cruiser or a sport bike, you'll want to keep your motorcycle away from
commercial washing facilities and perform the cleaning ritual yourself. Those high-pressure hoses can damage bike parts, which are more vulnerable than mechanical parts in cars.
Be sure you find a shady spot to wash (and dry) your bike, since the sun can create temperature differentials that harm paint and allow water to leave spots.
Assemble the following items as needed:
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A bucket for soapy water
Soap or liquid detergent
Gloves (to keep your hands clean)
Bug and tar remover
Degreaser and/or engine cleaner
A toothbrush
WD40
A brush for wheel cleaning
Wheel cleaner
At least 2 microfiber or 100% cotton sponges
A variety of soft cotton towels and rags
A chamois cloth for drying
Prepping the Water
While some people swear by washing
their bikes with plain water, others insist on
using specific brands of soap. Whatever your
style, use warm water with the mix and fill up a
bucket for convenience.
Keep the sponge nearby, and don't let it
touch the ground (since it can pick up pebbles
or abrasive particles that could damage your
paint.)
De-Bug!
Dead bugs and grime are the bane of every motorcyclist, but using the right tools will
get them off your paint easier than you think.
Bug and tar removers work surprisingly
well, and some people also use WD40 for this
duty. Don't scrub too hard into the paint when
loosening bugs, and be sure not to use the
same sponge for other cleaning duties.
Getting the Hard Parts Clean
A motorcycle's hard parts (like the
swingarm and matte exhaust pipes seen here) require different treatment than more sensitive
parts (like paint or chrome.)
Using a degreaser, scrub hard parts carefully and individually,
making sure not to
let the powerful
solvents
touch
paint or chrome.
No need to use microfiber materials
here; a rough rag
will do.
Some people
use oven cleaner to
remove boot marks
from chrome exhaust pipes, but extra care must be
taken to keep strong cleaners away from the sensitive bits.
Washing the Body
Microfiber sponge gloves are great ways to
clean a bike's painted parts, and should be used
with warm, soapy water from the bucket in Step
#2. Be sure to get the paint good and wet before
scrubbing, so the soapy water can act as a lubricant and not scratch the paint. Only use 100% cotton or microfiber sponges, as other materials can
cause damage.
Rinse the soapy residue off with a gentle
Don't Forget the Nooks and Crannies
stream of water from a hose, or by pouring water
You might not need to get your motorcycle from the bucket.
to concours condition, but a toothbrush will go a
long way towards making hard to reach parts look
clean. Apply degreaser on the tip for non-chrome
engine parts, and oil and grime will disappear.
Erasing Brake Dust
Wheels can be difficult to clean, and a longarmed brush is usually the best way scrub off
brake dust and dirt. Apply a wheel cleaner first
and let it settle before scrubbing it off. Chrome
wheels will require specific cleaners, so be aware
of your wheel's finish before purchasing a cleaner.
Don't use tire dressing products, as their
glossy finishes can compromise grip.
Last But Not Least, Dry
With your bike still parked in the shade, use
a chamois cloth to soak up the moisture from the
paint. The chamois will keep the finish from getting scratched, and prevent streaks and spots from
accumulating.
Feel free to reward yourself with a ride on
your newly cleaned bike; not only will you enjoy
the breeze after your hard work, the air movement
will dry out many of the parts you might not have
been able to reach while you were drying it.