DeverauX Mac`s Bar - Around The Sound zine

Issue 4 - April 2016 - atszine.com
DeverauX
They encompass hardship that life seems to
inevitably throw at us
Slim Gypsy Baggage
“All of our hopes and dreams ride with the slim
gypsy”
Mac’s Bar
Whether you’re looking for a good time, or to play
a show, Mac’s Bar gets the thumbs up
PLUS
Tech Talk
Music Reviews
Top 5
All’s Well That Ends Wells
In the Words of...
1
p.12
Shop local
p.4
deveraux
slim gypsy baggage
p.16
Mac’s Bar
p.14
Band spotlight: Heartsick
p.34
in the words of
p.10,24
p.26
Jimmy D Tee’s
Screen printing and embroidery
Top Five
All’s Well That Ends Wells
p.20,25,29
p.22
Artist review
tech talk
Facebook.com/Jimmydtees
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Slim Gypsy Baggage
Written by: Shawn Elizabeth
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“All of our hopes and dreams ride with the slim gypsy,
so grab your baggage and join us if you please!” - SGB
I
rony rocks, especially when Slim
Gypsy Baggage is plugged in. Their
name indicates slim baggage…next to
nothing, just hopes in dreams, in their
words. Their music, however, is more
of a blend of everything, plus hopes
and dreams, and perhaps a sassy flair
for telling it like it is. Slim Gypsy
Baggage wasn’t always the name of
this refreshing band, though. The group
started out as the Suspicious Fishes and
then ended up changing the name when
they realized that it was pretty much
impossible for people to say if they
were drunk.
The ironic part is that the sound this
band makes is representative of a vast
blend of groovy styles, carrying with it
a bit of soul, a LOT of spirit, an oldsoul earthy feel, yet with a kick of funk,
acid jazz and even some twang. That’s
right. Twang.
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With songs like ‘Break Through It’ and
‘Rewind’, Slim Gypsy Baggage may
just help ya unload some of YOUR
baggage…..you know, if ya have
any. The band has some exciting new
footage coming out soon. In the next
couple of weeks, they’ll have a couple
of live acoustic tracks and a video
hitting the scene, so stay tuned.
Morgan is really into indie and reggae, Matt
is more rootsy and Motown influenced,
Scott (drums) loves hip-hop and Radiohead
and I am heavily influenced by bands like
Built to Spill, Brand New, and Modest
Mouse as well as post-rock bands like God
Is an Astronaut.
ATS: Who writes your songs?
SGB: We all have a hand in the writing
process and split writing credit equally.
ATS: What, if any, are the general themes
or topics for most of your songs?
Cam:
Morgan describes them as
conversations that she wishes she could have
with people in different situations. They’re
generally very passionate with a bunch of
metaphors.
ATS: Could you briefly describe the band’s
music-making process?
Cam: Most of our songs start with a riff or
chord progression I come up with that sticks
with me. I end up showing the rest of the
band and if it’s something they like, we start
jamming and trying to come up with different
parts that work well with it. During this
time, Morgan is normally sitting with her
notebook in hand, writing away and singing
melodies until she finds something that
clicks. Sometimes a song comes together in
half an hour, sometimes it takes months for
us to be happy with it. Occasionally we will
play it live a few times and realize we don’t
love it or it doesn’t get the response we
were hoping for and we either re-write it or
it disappears forever. We’ve been relatively
prolific and I can think of probably 10 songs
we no longer play out.
ATS: How has your music evolved since
you first began playing music together?
Cam: Our music started out with a much
more folky vibe, a lot of stuff had a country
swing feel to it and reggae-ish up-stroked
guitar parts. That would be credited to
Matt and Morgan the most. After I started
playing with them, we kept up that style for
a while but the music took on a somewhat
ATS: How did you arrive at such a
groovy name? Was your name always
Slim Gypsy Baggage?
Cam: We haven’t always been SGB;
we started out as the Suspicious Fishes
and then ended up changing the name
when we realized that it was pretty
much impossible for people to say if
they were drunk. I (Cam, guitarist)
actually thought it was Suspicious
Vicious for a couple of weeks. Matt
(bass) and Morgan (vocals) came up
with Slim Gypsy Baggage one night.
Their thought on it was if you have
gypsy baggage you have next to nothing
so slim gypsy baggage is even less, just
hopes and dreams.
ATS: What genre would you call your
music, and what other bands would
you relate your sound to? Any major
influences?
Cam: Recently we’ve been describing
our music as alt rock with heavy blues,
soul, prog and some country for good
measure. The best description we’ve
gotten was from Bell’s in Kalamazoo;
they called us “soulful, bluesy, reggaerock with a country swing and a hiphop beat”. There aren’t any bands we
specifically go out trying to emulate
or sound like but Morgan has a bunch
of people tell her she sings like Janis.
Realistically, every person in our
band has completely separate musical
influences and somehow it all comes
together to be something cohesive.
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more indie and blues vibe and it got a bit heavier. After
doing that for a while, we started to branch out and get
a bit more progressive with our music, especially after
Scott started playing with us. A lot of times I’ll just be
playing a pretty simple part and start adding a bunch of
delays and it can get pretty out there
ATS: Do you ever play any covers? If so, which covers
do you play?
SGB: We do play some covers but try to keep those
to a minimum. There are some shows where they’re
definitely a necessity, especially if we’re playing a 4
hour long slot somewhere. Our favorite ones to play
that generally come up the most for us would be:
“She’s So Heavy (I Want you)” - The Beatles, “Use
Me” - Bill Withers and recently we’ve been playing
“The Ocean” by Led Zeppelin at some shows.
ATS: Do you plan everything to the detail or is the
band more spontaneous?
Cam: Musically, we do try to have songs planned out
but we will definitely stretch a section here or there live
if we’re having fun with it or cut a song right before
we were about to play it because we don’t feel like
playing it anymore. I would say outside of the actual
performance, we are pretty spontaneous. For instance,
we were doing an acoustic show at The Livery in Benton
Harbor and we decided to pack up a couch, coffee table,
and a bunch of lamps to have a stage set-up. We literally
were running to everyone’s house grabbing different
things right before we needed to sound check.
ATS: What are your fondest musical memories?
Cam: Over the last year, I’ve gotten to play with Buddy
Guy a couple of times and that’s been super awesome! I
think as a band, our very best memory would have to be
Blissfest in Northern MI this past summer. It was such
a beautiful area with great music and we all got to camp
out and hang out together. The hospitality there was
amazing and everyone we met there was great.
ATS: What are your favorite venues and why?
SGB: The Livery in Benton Harbor- good sound, good
beer, cool atmosphere, and it’s our local venue so we
always have an awesome turnout with a bunch of friends
and family. Beyond that, we’re close with everyone that
works there so it’s a really comfortable environment for
us. Also, Bell’s in Kalamazoo. Bell’s, like the Livery,
has great sound and great beer. The sound people there
are top-notch as well as the rest of the staff. Kalamazoo
is only an hour away from us and we play in that area a
lot so we tend to draw well and have really fun shows.
ATS: What is your ultimate goal and/or direction for
your band?
Cam: Musically, everything keeps growing and
changing and we let that happen as organically as
possible so I can’t have an end direction for it but if
we could figure out how to do this full time and make a
living that would be amazing.
ATS: What advice do you have for people who want to
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Cam, guitarist: “I actually thought it was Suspicious Vicious for
a couple of weeks. Matt (bass) and Morgan (vocals) came up
with Slim Gypsy Baggage one night. Their thought on it was if
you have gypsy baggage you have next to nothing so slim gypsy
baggage is even less...just hopes and dreams.”
ATS: Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge for
offering financial, emotional support, or shout outs?
SGB: Shout outs to Mitch Mammina, Ron Weimer,
Joe Kolenko, Moo Chen, and Randy Robinson! Also,
thank you Dirk Sorrells and Shonda Smith for being
there for us and putting up with us!
form their own band(s)?
Cam: Don’t go into it with too many goals. Just find
people you enjoy playing music with and have fun.
We got our start by playing a dive bar on Wednesday
nights for next to nothing but we had fun doing it. It
also made us really tight as a band because we were
consistently playing out. If you can grow something
from that, awesome, otherwise just enjoy it for what
it is. Playing music with others and for others is one of
the most rewarding experiences imaginable and it’s a
blast.
ATS: What advice would you give to beginners who
are nervous?
Cam: Just start off small. Find someone you like
playing with and just work out some covers or originals.
Practice tons! Then find a place to play and don’t even
feel like you need to invite a bunch of friends. I think
it’s easier to play for strangers than people I know. Find
a dive bar that doesn’t necessarily feature music and
ask if you can play. Take a weird time slot where there’s
not a ton of people there and build up your confidence.
Don’t worry if no one’s listening, just have fun and
realize that you can totally do it.
slimgypsybaggage.com
Slim Gypsy Baggage Is:
Morgan Ingle- Vocals & Guitar
Matt Smith- Bass & Vocals
Cam Mammina- Lead Guitar
Scott Christie- Drums
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Top Five
Cattie Jenson (The Avenue)
Best things about live shows
1. You can buy merch directly from artists:
This is a handy way of keeping middlemen out
of the monetary exchanges between you and the
artist. If you buy a shirt or record directly from
the artist, you know they’re getting 100% of the
profit.
2. It can take you places:
Some of my favourite larger acts never seem to
play in the city that I live, sometimes playing
two to four hours away. But as we all know, if
you’ve GOTTA see that band, you WILL find a
way to get to that show. I’ve travelled to a lot
of places I would never have been if it weren’t
for the concerts I attended. Going on those kind
of adventures imbues a pioneering spirit, as if
walking around a city you’ve never been in,
to find a venue you’ve never seen is your own
personal Oregon Trail, you are both Lewis AND
Clark, and you are gonna show that pansy-ass
trail that you mean BUSINESS.
3. The Atmosphere:
Many years ago, I saw My Morning Jacket at an
amphitheater in Ohio. It was dusk and a light rain started. Amongst the dense community of fans, you could
almost feel a connection in the air. It brought tears to my eyes. I cried at that show. Hell, I’ve cried at every
MMJ show.
4. Seeing the artists do what they love:
Working at a venue, you get to see artists at every stage of their career. You’ll see struggling musicians who
have just started a band as they carve out a niche for themselves in the local scene. You’ll see local acts that
have been playing for a while and have their musicianship and live presence tight as hell. And you’ll see
established, big-name acts who are so good at what they do, you’ll be simply floored by their amount of talent
and conviction. All of this weaves an intrinsic tapestry of people working hard to do what they love. It’s pretty
swell.
5. It benefits the community as a whole:
I think the most important thing about live music is how well it brings people together; conveying a sense of
camaraderie amongst the people attending. Plus having a live music venue helps the local economy - fans pay
to see local band, venue gives that money to the band, fans buys beer at venue - it’s the circle of life (yeah I just
included beer in the circle of life). And, simply put, having live music gives people something to do. There’s
enjoyment in seeing bands you love and checking out ones you’ve never heard. Awweee happy happy happy.
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Shot of the Month
Tell Yo Mama
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13
Band Spotlight
Written by: Kevin Irish
S
Heartsick
creaming out of Lansing, Heartsick has a long history
of shredding guitars and brutal vocals. Formed in
2000 as Know Lyfe, Heartsick is still pouring every
emotion and feeling they have in to each and every
song and each and every performance. Around the
Sound asked the band about their history.
ATS: What’s the name of your band (Was it different
previously)?
Bands name is Heartsick and it previously was Know
Lyfe. We simply just changed the name but still all the
same members. We are back to the original line up
when the band first began 16 yrs ago.
What’s the origin of that name?
The name came from a group discussion between
ourselves and our management. We have always been
on the fence about changing the name from Know Lyfe
to something else. After the death of our drummer Matt
and the induction of his replacement we decided that
a new beginning was not a bad idea. The significance
of the name is all in the idea that everyone suffers
from pain, loss, heartache, etc. At the same time we all
recover from it.
Please list the name, age, and respective instrument
of each band member.
Richard Pruneau: Guitar, 34
Nick Killips: Drums, 33
Waylon Fox: Bass, 34
Alfonso Civile: Vocals, 34
What genre of music do you consider your work to
be?
It would fall into the metal genre. From there, all bets
are off as to who would label it what in whatever sub
genre category they feel. To us, we play heavy music.
We love it and aren’t worried about what it needs to be
labeled as.
What other bands would you relate your sound to
when describing your band?
That’s a tough one. We as a collective group has so many
different influences but also a lot of the same tastes. If it
was absolutely necessary for someone to know who our
sound relates to then the names Deftones, Everytime I
Die, 36 Crazyfists, Unearth, System of a Down, Korn,
and Glassjaw come to mind. Do we sound like them?
Not really, but we take a lot of influences from each of
those bands and then draw on more influences.
How did you meet each other?
Nick and Waylon went to high school together and
were in bands together. Alfonso and Richard (we call
him Jerred) met while going to college at Michigan
State University. From there 3 of us met via an ad that
Nick put up at the local music store. Waylon joined the
fold as we were walking out of the local Best Buy. We
asked him if he wanted to try out on bass and he was
like HELLYEAH! The rest is history.
When did the band form?
The band started in Sept. of 2000
Do you have any upcoming shows?
We have tons of upcoming shows. We actually have
a tour coming up from March 11th- April 16th. We
are playing all over the U.S. on the Free Music Tour
sponsored by Coldcock Whiskey. You can check out all
the dates at www.heartsickband.com
Where can people find out more about you and,
hear you?
Best way to get access to everything and anything
concerning us is our website www.heartsickband.
com. Nick is an amazing web developer/Programmer/
Graphic Design artist. He built the site himself and it is
not only visually awesome it is beyond easy to navigate
and use. So go there and check out everything that is
going on in our world. Then sign up for our email list
and keep up to date :)
After almost 16 years, Heartsick is still going strong.
Their live shows are not to be missed. Every emotion,
every ounce of passion for the music, every bit of
aggression comes out on stage. Alfonso is one of the
most energetic frontmen out there, forcing the audience
to come along on his cathartic journey. To put it simply,
their music is tough. And that’s a good thing. They may
have been at it for a long time, but Heartsick is just
getting started. Check them out.
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Mac’s Bar
Written by: Sam Thomas
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F
rom the inside to out, Mac’s Bar had the cliche appearance
of a hole in the wall type of bar; with open floor and walls
tattooed with veteran’s graffiti, band’s flyers, posters, and a
framed poster of the resilient Johnny Cash flipping up the bird
on the wall under the looming “Mac’s” sign. The ceiling’s
integrity matched that of the deteriorated walls outside, and the
misfit scenery that littered the interior: tattered beer signs and
and a fully stocked bar with miscellaneous liquid endeavors,
poking up and around one another striving for attention. Despite the shambling look to the entire joint, it emitted
an ambience of “come one, come all.” The worn out venue
seemed to trap and feed bygone memories, standing true as
a shrine to all the comers and goers that have trudged their
way through the doors since its opening in the 70’s. Not many
tables filled the space inside the venue, but it did house an
inviting pool table hidden away in a dark corner tucked around
the bar. Seating for any passtime seemed discouraged on the
stage floor inside Mac’s and further stressed by the available
balcony off the side, available for smokers and the recreational
visitors.
Walking in through the short encompassed hallway plastered
with decaying flyers of events past, I was met with a familiar
face, Scotty Bell. Unknown to myself, Scotty works for Fusion
Shows and manages not only Mac’s Bar but The Loft as well.
It doesn’t stop there though; he manages shows and events
from Lansing to Kalamazoo and more. Amidst the flowing
and ebbing band members walking in and around the complex,
Scotty maintained composure while buzzing around setting up
the PA, keeping a list of event attenders, and all sorts of other
miscellaneous duties that fall upon the event management and
booking agent. It doesn’t help his case any though that he excels at it.
I dipped in for a reintroduction, careful to not seem like I was putting him under any more pressure. He handled
it smoothly even though the visual appearance could have suggested otherwise; flyers and a stapler in one hand
and his smart phone in the
other. Luckily we were able
to find a bit of a lull time for
questions, though keep in
mind he was still diligently
at work: a computer open
in front of him with spread
sheets, his smart phone
steadily buzzing beside him,
and the wandering band
member looking to add a
girlfriend to the list of no
cover charge.
Mac’s Bar is owned by
Chuck Mannino and has
served as a musical haven
for musicians of all genres
“since about the 80’s” (Bell).
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It’s had artists like Mastodon and Macklemore pack the
venue, and surely more to come. My eyebrow haunched
in surprise at the drop of Macklemore, then shrunk
back to complacency. Mac’s Bar may not be elegant
or elaborate, but it is enticing. The old saying, “never
judge a book by its cover” definitely applies. Though its
plain dark exterior seemed to prelude towards a bleak
interior, the scarred innards of Mac’s only seemed to
indulge its character. Upon first entrance it radiates a
vibe of acceptance for all the misfits.
For any new band or artist looking for a great first
gig, this would be the place.
ATS: What’s the best way for local musicians to get a
spot in a show?
Bell: Not to wait ’til the last Saturday… Work hard.
Work hard at getting people to the shows, hand out
flyers. Pull your weight. There are a lot of bands, a lot
of rappers, and anyone can play guitar.
ATS: So it’s important to be original?
Bell: Yes, original and work hard!
ATS: For musicians wanting to play here, can you
tell them if they will be compensated? How is that
determined?
Bell: Everything. If the bands work their (butt) off and
bring a lot of people to the show they’ll obviously get
something for that… If I’m pulling most of the weight
to promote it, get people in the doors, then they (bands)
won’t get as much… But we always want to compensate
them for gas money at least.
Whether you’re looking for a good time, or to
play a show, Mac’s Bar gets the thumbs up. It’s rich
with history, talent, and good times that have literally
become part of the venue’s walls. It may be a tad
worn and tattered, but I enjoy the imperfections in
life. Imperfection provides a foundation for growth, a
stimulant for reflection; which may be why I am partial
to Mac’s. There is no single focus, just an open heart,
open doors, and open for business.
macsbar.com
2700 E Michigan Ave, Lansing, MI
fusionshows.com
901 N Washington Ave #2, Lansing, MI
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Artist Review
Iggy Pop - “Post Pop Depression”
Release date: March 18th, 2016
For fans of: The Stooges, Queens of The Stone Age, David Bowie, Them Crooked Vultures
T
his album is many things, symbolically. It is a
redefining moment for Iggy Pop, showcasing that at
68 years old, he can do absolutely whatever he wants to
do. This album is also a lesson, for every single music
lover out there. Seriously, wrap your head around the
fact that an icon like Iggy Pop came from Michigan
soil. It’s easy to forget, but important to remember. So
really support your local icons, even before they are
icons. Bands make it big because they have that roaring
support behind them, and Iggy Pop, a Muskegon native,
is the epitome of supporting local music. If The Stooges
didn’t rattle their cage as loud as they did in Ann Arbor,
and if nobody answered their calls, Post Pop Depression
wouldn’t have happened today, and that is a sad world to
imagine.
If dictionaries wanted an updated definition for “swagger,” they can find it right here. The swing of the music
on this album never lets up, and the genuine punk rock
attitude in the lyrics gives it a flavor that no other contemporary artist could do. Iggy Pop taps into his inner
crooner and throws his whole soul into his performance.
Nothing ever sounds forced on this album. Everything
fits like a glove. It definitely takes inspiration from Iggy’s first two solo albums, “The Idiot” and “Lust for
Life” (both collaborations with David Bowie) but it also
captures where Josh Homme left off with “...Like Clockwork.” There are so many things going on in every song:
layers of guitars filling in every corner with euphoric
sounds, semi-simplistic drum patterns to hold it all together, out of pocket basswork, and Josh’s extremely distinguishable singing that supports Iggy’s leading voice.
The album opens with a guitar driven pair of songs
that plant the seeds for the rest of the album. After the
single “Gardenia” plays, the next batch of songs are
very much driven by the bass and drums. Tight rhythm
with expressive guitars carry the mood like a calm river until “Sunday” where the musical side of Josh shines
through. Multiple guitar layers and backup vocals lift
the ending into this beautiful orchestral finale that
stands out in awe. “German Days” is a song of many
flavors that I recommend simply listening to, rather
than read about it. “Chocolate Drops” spits a morose
or melancholy mood through the airy lead guitar and
poetic singing. As for the grand finale, Iggy and Josh
tackle “Paraguay” a capella to start, and lone guitar
kicks off Iggy’s plans to be alone. With how epic this
song pans out to be, I really wouldn’t blame him if
he did retire. Iggy doesn’t owe the world anything
because he has proved himself time and again in this
album, and he ends this collaboration the only way
Iggy could, with uncensored and unabashed ranting.
Catch the once in a lifetime show at the Fox Theater in Detroit on April 7th. Remember who it is on
stage and why local music really matters, because our
support could define a generation, if we wanted it to.
Written by: Zack Allen
Band: Faultered Step
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21
Tech Talk
Written by: Michael Benson
There are remarkably few pedals that
I simultaneously love and hate as much as the
Electro-Harmonix Freeze. It takes whatever sound
is currently being played and sustains it infinitely,
creating an organ-style pad underneath whatever
is played afterward. When used sparingly and
artistically, the Freeze can take a bland arpeggio and
turn it into a slowly evolving soundscape. On the
other hand, when overused and abused, the Freeze
can feel like a roundhouse kick to the eardrums.
The Freeze has three primary settings: fast,
slow, and latch. Fast and slow are similar; the only
difference between these is how fast the effect fades
in and out. The latch function is slightly different
because the switch doesn’t need to be held down.
This setting makes it easier to add other effects and
create a variety of different sounds. Latching also
makes it easier to transition into other chords.
The Freeze sounds even better when blended
with other effects. Reverb and delay both add depth,
and an octave pedal makes it even more organ-like.
Slight changes can make a huge difference with the
Freeze, and it takes time to find the best possible
sound with it.
Subtlety is the key with the Freeze. It
stands out because it is so different. If it’s used too
often, everything starts to sound the same and the
uniqueness of the pedal wears off. It should never
be used simply for the sake of using it; the Freeze is
all too capable of ruining otherwise great songs.
Electro-Harmonix has succeeded in
building another great pedal for musicians looking
to make their playing a little more unique, but with
the Freeze, it’s important to remember that there
can be too much of a good thing.
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23
Top Five
Jared Talcott (Mudwest)
Tour Tips
Artist Review
52Hz Whale - “Garbage”
Release date: Spring 2016
For fans of: Marilyn Manson, Nine Inch Nails,
Ministry, Mushroomhead
W
1. Talk to everyone. Thank everyone. Thank the
venue, bands, audience, etc. Thank them again.
Make contacts. Offer to help bands get shows in
your hometown. Support each other, stand for each
bands set. Contacts mean a place for you to play and
possibly sleep next time you come through.
2. Have merch ready for tour. Have it organized.
Make a cool display. Have pins or stickers to give out
for free. Consider your pricing while keeping in mind
you need to get to the next gig. Talk to the crowd, on
and off stage, and mention you have merch. Finally,
have a card reader and a PayPal account!
3. Play a great show every night, do your best no
matter what. Some nights are going to suck. You
might be playing to the other bands and the bar. You
might play to a bunch of statues who don’t want to
move. Regardless, put your all into the performance.
Someone is going to dig it, maybe more than you’d
expect. And that can lead to a solid weekend show
next time you pull through that city.
4. Be prepared. Have a reliable vehicle, if not have
a packed tool box. Have a packed toolbox anyways.
Bring a ton of quarters. Have an itinerary with load in times, contact numbers, how long it takes to travel
there, how you are getting paid, etc. Have something to sleep on if you get stuck with the floor. Something is
going to break, something on your car, your gear, your glasses... Its hard to prepare for the unexpected, but do
your best to make sure you are covered.
5. Stay cool and calm. Switch up the seating arrangement in the van. Listen to good music. If you arrive early
in a city, maybe split up and do your own thing for a bit. Take care of each other and go with the flow. Nothing
is ideal on tour, so stay positive, and do whatever you can to keep you and your bandmates happy.
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arning, this review is not for the faint of
heart. “Garbage” lies in the shadows of the
digital age. This album hits in the darkest places
your mind can go, digging up all your self doubt,
paranoia, hatred, regret, and lust. It is emotionally
driving through the 9 circles of Hell as if it was an
electronic dreamscape. Atmospheric undertones
are layered with energetic and percussive drum
beats that hold everything together tightly.
Various instrumental tracks are programmed
in, setting the perfectly dark background that
is capped with vocals that grab you where you
hurt the most and hold you tight. This album is
for those who crave an ambient-industrial-metal
filled acid trip of emotions. This album is the
voice that screams for you in those lonely nights
in your room, where there is nowhere else to go.
Garrett Bush helms the creative throne behind
“Garbage,” yet it is to be noted that the band is
technically a duo. Austin Fisher collaborated
with Garrett for 52hz Whale’s first album and
cover album, but the third album “I Got Angry
Once” and this album are products of Garrett’s
solo efforts. “Garbage” specifically shows a
more centered direction for the music, with solid
rhythms and surprisingly catchy instrumental
melodies. Being a fan of early Nine Inch Nails
and Marilyn Manson definitely helps with
making these vocals more accessible to the
listener. There are singing bits, and there are
screaming bits, and both are equally driving the
lyrics deeper into the music.
The album starts by putting the blame on
someone else, calling them garbage, and starting
the emotional trip that continues into other
destructive emotions, and ending in a piano-led
ballad admitting that “I’m garbage” and audibly
falling down to the very bottom. There are MM
style rhythms mostly, but one song ”Grasping
Straws” sounds like a song that can open for
Ministry live on stage. Another song, “Stripped
Naked” almost sounds like it wants to be happy with
its melodies, but never quiet gets there before the
chorus drops back down to a low point. Never again
does it really hit a high point from minor to major
keys, but the energy drops and raises periodically
throughout the album. One point that is almost
overwhelming is the song “Fantasy” that could be
a release on its own. Out of an hour long album,
“Fantasy” clocks in at just over 14 minutes, and
can be overwhelming when trying to take the whole
album in at once. In itself it is a fantasy trip through
a lustful mind.
Garrett is currently planning for a third solo album,
while a concept album between both members of
the band is in the works as well. Also, there may be
another music video in the works.
Check it out the music video for Fantasy!
youtube.com/user/Awesomegnomizzle
52hzwhale.bandcamp.com/album/garbage
facebook.com/52HzWhaleBand
Photo censored by ATS
Written by: Zack Allen
Band: Faultered Step
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All’s Well That Ends Wells
“Hey Markus, what do you do to pass the time while traveling on the road? Do you play Eye Spy or the
License Plate Game?” –Kiss from Manhattan, NY
D
ear Kiss, first off there is no need to yell (sssk!),
but thank you for writing in, great question. Band
road games are one of the best parts of touring! Our
road games are on a different level though. One of
my favorites that was passed down from Another Lost
Year is Copy/Paste. This is where when someone says
something or does something, a band member can
say “Copy!” and then they have 24hrs to say “Paste!”
When they do, the person has to repeat the thing they
said or the action at that moment. This usually happens
onstage or while ordering food at a restaurant.
Another good one is the Louder Game. Whenever
someone says or does something, someone can call
Louder on them. Whenever this happens, the person
has to repeat what they just did, but more exaggerated.
You can have Louder called on you up to 3x in a row, so
pace yourself on your exaggerations.
Then there is the ever popular The Game. This is
a drinking game brought to us by the one and only
Anthony Basurto of Joan Red. In this game you have to
mark your drink in a specific way. For example I twist
my tab to the left and dent the lip of the can, sharpie line
a glass, x out the label of a bottle. If someone comes up
to you and askes, “How’s your game?” and your drink
is not marked, you have to slam the rest of your drink,
and buy that person their next round. If your drink is
marked, then they have to slam the rest of their drink,
and buy your next round.
This isn’t really a game, but just a funny story. While
on tour with Hollow Drive, one of the band members
yells “slug bug” and punches me in the arm. Me being
the prankster and mischief maker that I am, play the
innocent card…”Dude! What the crap?!? Why did you
hit me?!?” acting like I have never heard of this game
before. They of course were hesitant, but attempted to
explain the game to me. Again, me being the total dick
that I am, played the confused card yelling “Red car!”
Punching them with great enthusiasm. They of course
tried to correct me explaining the rhyming part and only
certain types of cars, ect. I continued acting confused,
yelling out made up things, and pummeling deltoids.
“Dodge Ram…my fist into your arm!” “Honda Accord…
ing to my fist!” “Yellow truck…fuck your arms hurts”
“Chevy Avalanche…of fists!” among many other
creative ones, but you get the idea. Was great until my
laughter got the best of me and I confessed the truth of
knowing about the game, but we laughed so hard at this
point, all was forgiven. Or at least I hope it was. Lol.
Then of course there is the time Lawrence and I took
what was left of Spakers Chicken Parm, wrapped it in
gaff tape, and made a ball out of it. We sat on the floor
about 8ft away from each other with our legs spread.
The shooter tosses the ball in an arc at the other person’s
“Fun Parts.” If you flinch, they get another turn, and
you have to drink. If they get a direct hit, they get
another turn, and you have to drink. If they miss, they
have to drink, and it becomes your turn. BUT WAIT!!
DARES MOWA!! If you get 3 consecutive direct hits,
you earned an Ultra Toss. Which is not an arc toss, but
a direct fast ball to the baby makers. And if you fall
over, you are out of the game. Which not only was it
fun, but we did the world a favor by abuse to where we
probably can’t reproduce. Last thing the world needs is
little Predator Markus babies running around getting all
up in the ladies goodies. Yeah world, you’re welcome.
Until next time weirdos, start a fire, start a war, stand up
for what you believe in, and chase those dreams!
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Start a fire,
Start a war,
Stand up for what you believe in.
~Markus Wells
27
Artist Review
late
night
grub
Blind Haven -“Obey Worship Decay”
Release date: January 15th, 2015
I
f you are in the area and this place is
open, you need to stop here for food. Be
prepared for a wait depending on time of
day but it is absolutely worth it. Located
in the heart of the Vine Neighborhood in
Kalamazoo, Michigan and perched atop the
Fourth Coast Cafe, Crow’s Nest has been
the go-to restaurant for the surrounding
neighborhood and travelers near and far for
nearly a decade. Open 7 days a week and 24
hours a day on the weekends, Crow’s Nest
is a busy breakfast hot spot by day and a
delicious dinner hang out by night. They
feature coffee from the Fourth Coast Cafe,
several breads baked fresh daily downstairs
at the Fourth Coast Bakery, products from
local farms and food co-ops, and a rotating
selection of art from local artists.
For fans of: Sleep, Electric Wizard, High on Fire, Acid
King
U
makes the whole band sound like a jam band that is
just having fun, but tucks itself back away for the sake
of the music moving forward as slow and heavy as
ever.
Blind Haven have a self titled EP that was released
more recently (Oct. 2015) and they plan on hitting the
studio again in July for a sophomore album they hope.
nderneath the dirt of Lansing lives Blind Haven, a
band that should pride itself on the perfected wall
of fuzz that the guitars and distorted bass create. The
screaming vocals in themselves are extreme in their
guttural delivery. This group rocks the absolute ideal
sound for the doom metal fans. “Obey Worship Decay”
is at its core: long, heavy, slow, and dirty. Even when
you think it’s over, the drums hit just one more time and
like a mammoth, carry the song just a little bit further
until everything suddenly stops and you are left frozen
in shock, encased in ice as thick as BH’s distorted bass
tones.
While the album is only five tracks, three of those
are over nine minutes long, a fourth is 8 minutes, and
“Burning Ritual” is the most easily digestible at 3:31.
It’s also the most consistently fast song on the album, but
still retains the wall of guitars and contains massively
heavy riffs at the very end when the song breaks down.
It meshes well with the rest, adding a different color to
the sound spectrum. At the very least, this album does
not stop pounding. Consistently for 8-9 minutes at a
time, the music never ceases to hit hard. It may slow
down immensely but it never quits on you. The guitar
doesn’t seem to mind either as it keeps grooving on top
of the rhythm.
The lead work in “A Lesson in Depression” when
it finally comes in just rips a hole in the song with its
fast picking and screaming bend at the end. It definitely
leaves room for more lead though, but that is quickly
filled with screaming vocals again. Following that,
“Tears of Grief” starts off absolutely out of control with
blast beats and more blast beats until that slow groove
comes right back in. This one may be the most diverse
in terms of dynamics, rising and falling within the same
long winded breath. That lead guitar comes back out
of its shell in “Corruption by Consumption” and really
Catch them at a show near you!
4/2 @ Frankies - Toledo, OH
4/30 @ Corktown Tavern - Detroit, MI
5/7 @ Mac’s Bar - Lansing, MI (Ogrefest)
blindhaven.bandcamp.com
facebook.com/blindhaven
Written by: Zack Allen
Band: Faultered Step
/Reaction1Photography
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29
DeverauX
Written by: Sam Thomas
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31
A
cold evening on March 6 duty. I spent a few moments with him before letting
found me standing outside him have his peace before he performed. As if cued by
The Loft in Lansing waiting Phil’s departure, JD Younk (Bassist) wandered by and I
for the door to open. The venue was able to snag him for a few questions as well. I came
was hosting a cover night. to find out by talking with JD that he was currently on a
A handful of bands were to leave of absence due to family matters; but he was there
perform but I was there for one to pick on strings that night again with the band.
in particular, DeverauX; a native
JD’s temporary departure ushered in a new member,
Lansing band formed in 2011 Jake. I wasn’t able to grab a last name, although a single
by drummer David Floyd. The frigid wait name suits the new bassist. His physical monstrosity
outside on the street corner strangely had and musicianship seemed to be encompassed by his
me thinking of Jack Frost and Mother singular title. Like Slash or Goliath. Although not to
Nature’s stubborn insistence to cling to his be compared in character to the latter. I did not get the
coat tails. I began wondering if I was in chance to speak with Floyd as he was helping out as a
the right place as time clicked ever closer sound man for the venue that night. The final member,
to the start of the show.
Chas Millican (Guitarist), was also elusive appearing
Car doors slammed
and disappearing on the floor of teeming artists
shut from the street
and head bangers.
and three young
ATS: We read on the band’s site
It was evident
ladies emerged onto
that DeverauX is currently in
that
DeverauX
was
the sidewalk bedside
a campaign for raising funds
the next ‘level’
me. The frigid wait
for the next album. What
so
to
speak.
Their
began to heat up as
does the campaign consist of?
confident and
curbside companions
When is the album expected to
humane nature was
trickled in like spring
be released?
contrasted with
streams that swell
Lamay: The campaign consists
their rebel-like
and gather as they
mostly of donations and pre-orders
dress code.
meet in the ravine.
of the album. We’re shooting for
The crowd continued
the album to be released in June,
to grow, filling the sidewalk
but we have a music video from
with anxious and shuffling feet; many
the album being released in May
in anticipation for the show, others to called, “Burn to Fight”.
circulate whatever warmth there was left. ATS: Has DeverauX always been a four man group?
The doors opened.
Lamay: We started with five members. Mitch is the
Filing into The Loft - aptly named - odd man out (of the original band).
the atmosphere seemed to be already ATS: JD, we heard through the grapevine that you’ve
electrified as musicians wandered about currently stepped away for family life. Do you still
carrying their instruments: a fantastic play?
setting that foreshadowed the sound JD: I still play when I find the hack and discretion.
waves to come. Amongst the scurrying Luckily, they (DeverauX) found Jake. He’s a great
artists I spotted Phil Lamay, the vocalist replacement.
for DeverauX. Upon my approach I ATS: Can you tell us about some of your most
looked him over. The first things that I memorable moments for the band?
noticed were his Irish-red beard, boots Lamay: We’ve been on TV, on local Channel 6 for
and blue jeans: a genuine blue-collar “Common Ground”. Sometime in 2011-2012 we
rocker. There is always more than what opened for Saving Abel.
meets the eye.
ATS: You have some great music videos. Who shoots
Engaging in a conversation with Phil I your videos?
quickly started picking up on his down to Lamay: “Refrain” and “Last of Us” were both done by
earth humor. He was straight forward and Media Ad Vantage here in Lansing. They’re actually in
attentive, emitting an aura of purposeful the same building we are in now, right down the hall
32
from The Loft. Both of those videos won prizes from
the Homegrown Throw Down.
I kept the questions brief that night, not wanting to
distract them and thinking an opportunity for more
would come. The performance that followed could
quite possibly give reason as to why that was unable
to happen. Bands had been performing already for a
couple hours. The audience that filled the floor would
swell and dissipate with each act. A natural measure
of talent, popularity, and expectations. As DeverauX
began setting up for their section of the show, the floor
was cleared.
As the band began striking chords to Killswitch
Engage, The Loft’s space in front of the stage became
suffocated with eager fans fist pumping and head
banging to the commanding tunes screaming forth.
Lamay’s humane, gentle demeanor transformed
instantaneously into the role one would expect from a
rocker. His aura took over, amping the crowd. While
performing he was able to simultaneously direct them
like a composer. Raising the energy of the audience to
match the fervor of the song that shook the building.
It was evident that DeverauX was the next ‘level’
so to speak. Their confident and humane nature was
contrasted with their rebel-like dress code. Perhaps it
is a visual metaphor. They encompass hardship that
life seems to inevitably throw at us and combat it with
ideals of self preservation. Maybe this was the aura I
picked up on. DeverauX is a diamond in the rough,
which may be why the audience was so exuberant for
them. They are a reminder to stay strong, dream big,
and keep fighting.
33
In The Words
of...
Spinning around in circles, where the crazy people dream
Ally cat, all painted black, singing songs of the street
I see the street lights in the puddles making waves
Big city going to find you and haunt you all your days
Written by: Shawn Elizabeth
Fried Egg Nebula
“Medusa”
M
edusa and her madness do exist, according to Jerry Hoffman, lyricist and guitarist for Fried Egg
Nebula. “We as a species have become too desensitized to all of the hate and horrible things
around us. That causes us to shut ourselves off from new ideas and inner growth that is absolutely
vital to our thriving on this planet and interacting with others. So yes, Medusa does exist, both as a
person and a metaphor for a society and personal development on the decline.” ~Jerry Hoffman
“I met Medusa, she can pull a trigger with her toes
Talks about redemption and things she’ll never know”
Hoffman does all of the lyric writing for the band, and often brings the base for the music, but he
tells Around the Sound that it’s when he brings it all to the rest of the band that it really gets arranged
and comes to life. Fried Egg Nebula is 99% original music, making them a natural favorite for
the Hoodilidoo and Michigan Peace Festivals. You can find them there, promoting their upcoming
album, “Fall Apart” which will be released this spring. You might also find them half way across the
country, touring the Midwest and making a first time stop in Colorado.
Members: Jerry Hoffman, Alan Gulick, David Grummon, Chris Soderman
Hometown: Lansing, MI
I met Medusa, she can pull a trigger with her toes
Talks about redemption and things she’ll never know
Thirsty for knowledge, yet soured by the taste
Body banging like a bongo, but you can’t look at her face
She can see inside, all the things you tried to hide away.
Your fantasies come true…
Did you get the things you thought they’d bring to you?
Now that the moment’s here
Can you shed all your fears away
And try to make it, another day,
And try to see things another way, this time?
Sure as hell don’t know it all but I’ve learned a thing or two
A little bit of wisdom that I’d like to share with you
There is nothing you can say, nothing you can do
When the walls start closing in on you
Ally cat come and grab me, says we have to leave right now;
Seen this before, the place is burning down.
Medusa grabbed my hand and her hair it turned to snakes,
I felt the pulse where the eyes of her heart break.
She can see inside all the things you tried to hide away.
Your fantasies come true…
Did you get the things you thought she’d bring to you?
Now that the moments here
Can you shed all your tears away?
And try to make it another day
Try to see things a different way, this time?
Lyrics by Jerry Hoffman
facebook.com/Fried-Egg-Nebula
reverbnation.com/friedeggnebula
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Music submission
In a band and want us to hear about it?
[email protected]
Feature stories
Want your band/venue in the zine?
[email protected]
Feedback
Think we are doing a good job? Think we are doing a bad job?
Let us know.
[email protected]
Mike Redding - [email protected]
Shane Pitmon - [email protected]
Kevin Irish - [email protected]
Michael Benson - [email protected]
Shawn Elizabeth - [email protected]
Markus Wells - [email protected]
Zack Allen - [email protected]
Samuel Thomas - [email protected]
All photos taken by
Reaction One Photography
unless otherwise noted
Any comments or concerns can also be sent to:
[email protected]
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