The second informal Q&A for my patrons on Patreon!
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A series looking at my all-time favorite albums. This video is dedicated to Deftones’ 2000 album White Pony.
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Red Hot Chili Peppers enlist the help of Danger Mouse to shake things up in the band’s eleventh full album.
https://vimeo.com/171184670
Text Review:
The Red Hot Chili Peppers have virtually done everything there is to do in the world of music and made an impression on even the least interested of music fans. From performing virtually naked to a Superbowl halftime performance to a discography of now 11 full albums since 1984, the Chili Peppers have become a household name and a band that EVERYONE knows of. But after 2011’s commercial disappointment I’m With You, the band make a choice to push for something different. Even Flea when on record saying that they were doing the same things they had always done. So after an unfortunate setback with Flea being injured in a snowboarding accident, the band pushed for something different and enlisted the help of Brian “Danger Mouse” Burton to bring a new pair of eyes and ears to the music writing.
Going back to Flea’s statement of the band doing the same thing, longtime fans of Red Hot Chili Peppers can be somewhat divided. One fanbase continue to hope for a more funk based revival of the 80’s and early 90’s, while the other fanbase wants the more mellow and soulful tracks that have been given through the 90’s and early 2000’s. In The Getaway, we have a new producer helping the band with a new recording style where each member played their part over the drum track individually rather than all of the group jamming together in studio for days on end. That paired with the idea of trying to do something different as opposed to the same song and dance the band has been accustomed to for many years, it could lead to endless possibilities in what we hear. It was on May 5th of this year that we were given the first listen on the Red Hot Chili Pepper’s first album since 2011 with the song Dark Necessities, that eventually became the band’s 25th top ten single on Billboard’s top alternative chart. It was something refreshing, unique, and what many people were not expecting to come from the group.
Dark Necessities is an extremely mellow song that is fine-tuned and mastered gorgeously. Flea’s bass is deep and clean while the added piano keys mesh well to balance the track. Anthony Keidis doesn’t go on a random location or name tangent and it all sounds peaceful while still having a rhythm that moves. The chorus featuring the backup vocals and hearing Keidis’ singing the title along with the guitar solo from Josh Klinghoffer put the exclamation point on the song. I was extremely excited to hear the rest of the new album after this song was released as were many listeners. As other songs like We Turn Red and the title track were then released to the public, it slowly became clear what the main feature of this album would be. The days of fast and loud funk inspired alternative rock are going to be rarely heard outside of tracks like We Turn Red and Detroit. The Getaway is an album that has a slower pace than both longtime Chili Pepper fans and new comers will expect. That is not a knock on the album’s direction or quality of the music, but as you listen from beginning to end you quickly figure out that the Chili Pepper’s latest album is a much more tranquil and mellow experience than what the band was known for decades prior.
Detroit and We Turn Red are the two tracks that have a shade of the original energetic and brash days of the band but even then the songs are still tame. Whether it is age that has finally mellowed the sock wearing dynamos or it really is the focus of the band to not get too loud or fired up, The Getaway feels much like a quiet vacation and may not be something that everyone has the urge to listen to. There are the memorable staples that are featured in the album like the occasional “Hey Oh” from Keidis in “Goodbye Angels” and the standard loving references to California, but a majority of this album is one smooth transition to another. While nothing is offensive or harsh sounding, there isn’t much that is memorable. After 54 minutes, you forget many of the songs you’ve heard and don’t have much desire to replay them.
The Getaway is ambitious and after the setbacks and changes the group made to finally create the album, there is a certain appreciation that has to be given. After listening to many tracks though and getting past a stellar track like Dark Necessities, you realize that the album isn’t something worth writing home about. While definitely not bad, it also won’t blow anyone away. Overall, Red Hot Chili Peppers deliver a tightly produced and well played Getaway that may feel a bit too long and uninteresting at points. While the high points stand out well, it may not be the fantastic return to form that many fans were hoping for. It’s an okay listening experience, but in the end it’s just okay.
6/10
Photos of Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls live in Orlando, FL. All photos taken by Luke Spencer at The Beacham on 6-11-2016.
Frank Turner performed for over an hour on a co-headlining tour with Gogol Bordello that also supported his latest album Positive Songs For Negative People. During the performance, Frank called a lucky audience member up to play a harmonica solo (Dmitri the fan nailed it) and then addressed how good the crowds in the Unites States are. He then added that if we in the US want our favorite bands from UK, France and other nations outside of the US, then we “can never vote that m*****f***** as President” in reference to Fuhrer Trump.
You can purchase Frank Turner’s newest album on Amazon by clicking here = Frank Turner – “Positive Songs For Negative People”
How much does I See Stars’ style change in their new album Treehouse?
https://vimeo.com/170180493
Text Review:
When a band changes style, regardless of the reason, it can be a make or break point for many listeners. After several years and albums, a band may change their sound whether intentionally or for unexpected reasons. Many times when this happens it is also a make or break moment for the members of the band as well to see if they can continue with their career under the same name.
Since 2006 I See Stars has been a six piece group but as of last year the group has parted ways on seemingly good terms with long time members Zach Johnson and Jimmy Gregerson. The group now is a four piece unit with an occasional touring member. The big shakeup in this is the now vacant spot of unclean vocals from Johnson. Singing duties are now shouldered solely by Devin Oliver.
Going from a heavy, brash and electronica based metalcore style to one with much more melody and focus on an electronic beat is a major shift. While many people may get a sensory shock on their first listen when they’ve heard past works from I See Stars, the truth is that the band has already used all of these elements before. This isn’t totally uncharted territory for the band.
Now in 2016 we have the next chapter entitled Treehouse from I See Stars and the first album since 2013, which is also the largest gap between albums for the band. There are many arguments that can be made in that that much time off can help or hinder a band, or a significant format and lineup change could eventually cause former listeners to leave the new music behind or only compare it to the music when the band had past members.
We were first given a look into the new album Treehouse in February 2016, but it wasn’t until May that we received a real sample of what I See Stars has been working on and what the new direction will reflect going forward. In all its electronicore glory with heavy guitar riffs and EDM beats, it can’t be argued that I See Stars is getting creative.
Running With Scissors is the best indicator of style for what to expect on Treehouse. There are definitely heavy moments in the track but for a majority of the song it is a much more melodic and rhythmic experience highlighted by a well sung chorus in front of some electronic vibes. The song flows very well and has a great range in going from high volume to low at the right times.
One of the main comments people will make however is the lack of screaming and unclean vocals. Rather, people may wonder what songs like Running With Scissors would sound like if unclean vocals were also used. It’s a fair question, but it ignores the fact that a song like this has a lot of great elements and works well on many levels.
There are many songs on Treehouse with the same structure of a quick burst of volume through guitars, drums or a dance beat, but it’s then softened with the vocals of Devin Oliver. This creates a progression in each song that sounds unique and natural. In tracks like Running With Scissors, Yellow King, White Lies and Break, you understand the style and format of the band and how they make it work.
It feels like a seamless transition between the chaotic EDM effects to the rock scene where everything feels connected. In a way the band has replaced the unclean vocals and screaming with more techno drops and beats while the overall mood throughout the album seems softer. This mainly due to the vocals now being fully melodic, and it works to this album’s advantage.
There are a couple songs that may not be as played as much due to specific moments, such as All In which feels a bit forced and repetitive or Mobbin’ Out which has a majority of the track sounding like a crowded EDM club where the higher volume in the vocals clash with the electronic style, but these examples are few and don’t reflect the entire track each time.
This is a new venture for I See Stars and how they progress from here will depend greatly on their fans’ reception. While their old works will still be highlighted and played, what comes in the future will now be a more melodic and rhythm based style. In the case of 2016, there appears to be no real reason for concern.
Overall, while Treehouse does feel different from previous I See Stars albums, it still works on many levels and almost subconsciously makes you want to listen again as soon as some tracks are over. If you keep an open mind or you’ve been a fan of the band for years, you’ll be more than satisfied with what you hear.
8/10
THE ULTIMATE HALLOWEEN WEEKEND TAKES PLACE
OCTOBER 28-30 IN NEW ORLEANS
3-DAY TICKETS ON SALE AT 10AM CT
(New Orleans, LA – June 7, 2016) Voodoo Music + Arts Experience returns for its 18th edition
with a stacked lineup including headliners Tool, Arcade Fire and The Weeknd along with
performances from G-Eazy, The Chainsmokers, Band Of Horses, Cage the Elephant, Kevin
Gates, Die Antwoord, Foals, Porter Robinson, Carnage and many more. Over 65 bands will
perform on four stages, bringing fans the ultimate Halloween weekend October 28-30 from New
Orleans’ City Park.
With an exciting lineup including newcomers and established favorites, Voodoo Music + Arts
Experience continues its legacy of delivering diverse performances that span multiple genres.
Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals, Reignwolf, Melanie Martinez, Wild Belle and Bully will lead
the way for artist discovery alongside Sean Lennon and Les Claypool’s The Claypool Lennon
Delirium, Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires and New Orleans’ own Preservation Hall Jazz
Band.
Excision, STS9, DJ Mustard, Party Favor, Lunice and more will bring the beats to the festival’s
day-to-night dance party, rounding out the eclectic roster.
View the full lineup: www.voodoofestival.com/lineup.
Voodoo Music + Arts Experience will also bring fans large-scale interactive art installations,
carnival rides, specialty beers from the Craft Beer Garden as well as authentic food options that
reflect the city’s world-class culinary culture, from local and regional restaurants including vegan,
vegetarian and gluten-free offerings.
3-Day General Admission Tickets ($140) and 3-Day Loa VIP Tickets ($400) are available today at
10am CT. Loa VIP Ticket holders will be treated to exclusive viewing areas at all four stages, a
dedicated express lane at the main entrance, air-conditioned restrooms and much more. For the
full list of amenities and to purchase tickets, visit www.voodoofestival.com/tickets. Payment plan
options are available during check out.
Fans can sign up for the Voodoo Tribe E-List to be the first to get new information at
www.voodoofestival.com and follow social media to stay in the loop for all festival
announcements. Facebook || Instagram || Twitter.
MOMENTOUS MUSIC LINEUP LED BY ICONIC BANDS
TOOL AND AVENGED SEVENFOLD UNVEILED FOR
FIFTH ANNUAL MONSTER ENERGY AFTERSHOCK
CALIFORNIA’S BIGGEST ROCK FESTIVAL RETURNS TO
SACRAMENTO’S DISCOVERY PARK OCTOBER 22 & 23
TICKETS ON SALE WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8
An awe-inspiring, momentous music lineup led by iconic bands Tool (in a rare U.S. festival appearance) and Avenged Sevenfold has been unveiled for the fifth annual Monster Energy AFTERSHOCK, which returns to Sacramento, California’s Discovery Park Saturday, October 22 and Sunday, October 23.
California’s biggest rock festival will feature over 35 bands on three stages at Discovery Park, conveniently located near downtown Sacramento, where the American and Sacramento Rivers meet. The current daily music lineup for Monster Energy AFTERSHOCK is as follows:
Saturday, October 22: Tool, Slayer, Primus, Meshuggah, The Pretty Reckless, Anthrax, Baroness, Face To Face, Deafheaven, Motionless In White, Avatar, American Sharks, Whores, Twelve Foot Ninja, The Shrine, Aeges, Big Jesus
Sunday, October 23: Avenged Sevenfold, Korn, Disturbed, Puscifer, Chevelle, Ghost, Parkway Drive, The Amity Affliction, Zakk Sabbath, Max & Iggor Cavalera Return To Roots, Suicide Silence, Whitechapel, Ignite, Some Fear None, Silver Snakes
“We’re excited to give fans a once in a lifetime opportunity to see Tool, Avenged Sevenfold, Primus, Slayer, Korn, Disturbed and the rest of this great lineup all together during this special weekend. Discovery Park is such a unique venue that allows us to put on an experience on a grand scale, but in an intimate setting that sets AFTERSHOCK apart,” says Monster Energy AFTERSHOCK founder and producer Danny Wimmer of Danny Wimmer Presents.
Monster Energy AFTERSHOCK tickets go on sale Wednesday, June 8 at Noon PT at www.AFTERSHOCKConcert.com. Tickets are limited and will go fast. Fans are encouraged to buy early so they don’t miss out on the chance to see so many iconic rock bands at one American festival. See below for details.
In 2015, a sold-out crowd of 45,000 was in attendance at Monster Energy AFTERSHOCK to experience the best hard rock, metal and alternative artists, along with gourmet food trucks and extensive onsite experiences. Loudwire.com called the festival “one of the nation’s premier music events.” Elsewhere, Johnny Firecloud of CraveOnline.com noted, “…Aftershock has found a new thread, and the way they’re approaching the festival ecosystem may just defibrillate the soul of rock fests in America. They’re mixing vibrant alt rock colors into what was typically a monolithic skull-and-crossbones metal template of black on black, side-stepping the big-box corporate model and building peripheral excitement through on-site activities, enhanced Gourmet Man Food attractions and more” (February 18, 2016).
Monster Energy AFTERSHOCK tickets go on sale Wednesday, June 8 at Noon PT at www.AFTERSHOCKConcert.com. Tickets and VIP packages will initially be priced as follows (increasing in the coming weeks):
General Admission Weekend: $149.50
General Admission Single Day: $89.50
GA Weekend 4-Pack: $476.00
VIP Weekend: $279.50
VIP Single Day: $154.50
VIP Zippo 2-Packs: $679.00 (includes VIP amenities + 2 Monster Energy Aftershock 2016 commemorative Zippos)
VIP passes include: VIP entrance lanes into venue, shaded VIP hang area with seating for dining, seated and standing viewing area of main stage South (left), video screens featuring live feed from main stages inside VIP hang area, upgraded food and drink selections (for purchase), dedicated VIP restrooms, and a commemorative Monster Energy Aftershock 2016 laminate.
Specially priced hotel + festival ticket packages make planning for Monster Energy AFTERSHOCK as easy as possible. Visit http://aftershockconcert.com/tickets/#post-2994 for more info. Discounted online hotel rates are also available through Curadora at: https://curadora.com/events/aftershock-2016-44293b99/.
Monster Energy AFTERSHOCK is also offering a Park & Ride shuttle program this year, since parking at Discovery Park is extremely limited. Each Park & Ride ticket includes parking for your vehicle at Sleep Train Arena and a non-stop shuttle directly to the festival site. Festivalgoers are encouraged to carpool to Sleep Train Arena and save. For pricing and more details, visit www.AFTERSHOCKConcert.com.
Here’s a preliminary lists of onsite experiences and nonprofit organizations with a presence at Monster Energy Aftershock:
Monster Energy Experience/Sampling: Monster Energy will be keeping all fans fueled up and ready to rock by offering free sampling on their Monster Energy viewing deck. Enjoy Monster Energy drinks from one of the best seats in the house. Make sure to check back throughout the festival for a schedule of Monster Energy’s interactive artist experiences.
Facebook: facebook.com/monsterenergy
#monsterenergy #monstermusic
Jack Daniel’s Experience: “Taste of Tennessee” invites visitors to come out and tour the nation’s oldest registered distillery from outside the Jack Daniel’s Hollow. Visitors get to see (and smell) whiskey dripping slowly through charcoal and the new oak barrels used in maturing Tennessee’s finest whiskey. The Jack Daniel’s Experience is open to all fans, 21 years old and up, for tours free of charge. Stop by the Jack Daniel’s Experience for interactive engagements throughout the weekend.
Facebook: facebook.com/jackdaniels
Instagram: @jackdaniels_us
#jackdaniels #BornToMakeWhiskey
The Music Experience: The Music Experience features all the elements that are involved in making music in a professional band setting. The interactive exhibit features guitars, basses, amps, drums, keyboards and electronic gear that are used by today’s most popular bands. The Music Experience has autograph signings and artist interactions throughout the day. Check Facebook and Instagram for the latest info on who will be hanging out at The Music Experience.
Facebook: facebook.com/themusicexp
Instagram: @tmexp
Dyin 2 Live / Fxck Cancer: The F C Cancer Foundation’s mission is to fight cancer by raising awareness and to educate about early cancer detection, ultimately putting an end to late stage cancer diagnosis. The Dyin 2 Live wish granting program looks to enrich the lives of those fighting cancer by offering them an experience that will bring joy, hope, inspiration, and courage into their lives. In doing this, the program hopes it can help give the cancer fighter a chance to forget, even if it’s only for a day, what they are battling. The hope is that it can be used as a source of inspiration to those needing a brighter day in their darkest hour.
Facebook: facebook.com/Dyin2LiveDREAMS or facebook.com/FxckCancerUSA
Instagram: @FxckCancer and @Dyin2LiveDreams
Coors Light Sports Bar: Coors Light, World’s Most Refreshing Beer, is proud to sponsor the Monster Energy AFTERSHOCK Festival. The Coors Light Sports Bar will be showing college football games on Saturday and NFL games on Sunday, courtesy of Coors Light and Sacramento’s KHTK Sports 1140 AM. Coors Light goes to great lengths to bring you the coldest, most refreshing beer. Please remember to drink responsibly.
Keep Golf Metal: Keep Golf Metal is a movement that encourages festival attendees to play a 9 hole putt putt course with PGA level golf clubs provided by Rife Putters and MasterFit Custom Golf Clubs. Keep Golf Metal also has apparel that features designs that fuse the rock and golf worlds together.
MAKE YOUR MARK Graffiti Zone: This interactive graffiti art installation will showcase multiple live demonstrations and will allow AFTERSHOCK artists and fans the chance to add to the exhibit.
Take Me Home Animal Rescue: Take Me Home is a not for profit, volunteer based foundation that has been saving the lives of homeless animals since 2001. Many families living in low-income areas cannot afford medical care, basic vaccinations, or spay/neuter surgeries for their companion animals. The donations raised help us to fund mobile veterinary hospitals to travel into these under-served areas to provide free spay and neuter, vaccinations, microchipping and administer medical care for animals in desperate need. Take Me Home also supports local animal charities. Come by the booth to help out our furry friends by buying a shirt, signed merchandise, and entering a raffle. Danny Wimmer, Founder, DWP, said, “DWP is proud to support various charities, giving them a national platform to promote their messages. We are particularly fond of Take Me Home, which advocates for animal adoption. I hope everyone stops by their booth and supports their fundraising efforts to help animals in need.” For more information, please visit: www.takemehome.tv.
Facebook: facebook.com/TakeMeHomeRescue
Instagram: @TakeMeHomeRescue
Twitter: @TMHRescue
Life Looks Good On You: Monster Energy AFTERSHOCK Festival has partnered with Sacramento County Department of Regional Parks for the Life Looks Good On You life jacket water safety campaign. Danny Wimmer Presents is pledging support with Monster Energy AFTERSHOCK alumni and DWP friends to create awareness for the Life Looks Good On You campaign. So far, music artists that have joined the efforts include Sacramento’s own Deftones, Rob Zombie, Disturbed, Five Finger Death Punch, Papa Roach, Pop Evil, and Avatar. Photos of band members wearing life jackets will be part of a social media campaign designed to encourage people to safely participate in water activities by sharing photos of themselves and friends wearing life jackets.
#sacrivers
LTD (Living The Dream) Foundation: A portion of all Monster Energy AFTERSHOCK ticket fees will be donated to Living the Dream. LTD Foundation bridges the music industry together with fans who are fighting terminal illnesses by giving them All Access VIP experiences backstage with their favorite bands and artists.
Monster Energy AFTERSHOCK is produced by Danny Wimmer Presents, a producer of some of the biggest rock festivals in America, including Rock On The Range, Monster Energy Welcome To Rockville, Monster Energy Fort Rock, Monster Energy Carolina Rebellion, LOUDER THAN LIFE, Northern Invasion, Monster Energy Rock Allegiance, Chicago Open Air, Houston Open Air, and more.
Sponsors for Monster Energy AFTERSHOCK include: Monster Energy, Jack Daniel’s, Coors Light, The Music Experience, Keep Golf Metal, Sound Exchange, Thunder Valley Casino Resort, Fxck Cancer, Take Me Home, KHTK, 98Rock, and SoHo Concessions.
Website: www.AFTERSHOCKConcert.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AFTERSHOCKFestival
Twitter: http://twitter.com/AFTERSHOCKSAC
 KORN TO HIT THE ROAD THIS FALL FOR THE
‘NOCTURNAL UNDERGROUND TOUR’
WITH BREAKING BENJAMIN
AND SPECIAL GUESTS MOTIONLESS IN WHITE AND SILVER SNAKES
TICKETS ON SALE THIS FRIDAY, JUNE 10
 Today, June 6, KORN has announced details for the “NOCTURNAL UNDERGROUND TOUR” where they will share co-headlining duties with Breaking Benjamin and will be joined by special guests Motionless In White and Silver Snakes. Tickets go on-sale this Friday, June 10 in most markets via Ticketmaster. VIP packages will also be available.
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The “NOCTURNAL UNDERGROUND” arena tour will kick off on September 24 at Scheels Arena in Fargo, ND taking KORN deep into the heart of America through late October. On this out, the band will pass through such markets as Omaha, Cedar Rapids, Charlotte, Biloxi, Tampa, Jacksonville, Tulsa and beyond. In between, KORNwill appear at the Louder Than Life festival in Louisville, KY on October 2. KORN‘s full tour routing-which also includes the Return of the Dreads Tour (their co-headlining trek with Rob Zombie this summer)-can be found below.
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It’s no secret KORN have been hunkered down in the studio working on a new album, as Brian “Head” Welch told Billboard earlier this year, “We’re focusing on guitars and spending a lot of time on them. It sounds really good, and I think it’s going to end up a heavier record.” It’s quite possible new tracks will be heard this fall.
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About KORN:
KORN built an immortal bond in 1993 the first time Jonathan Davis, James “Munky” Shaffer, Reginald “Fieldy” Arvizu, and Brian “Head” Welch decided to make music as a unit. They shed blood, sweat, and tears in the studio and on stage, fashioning an undeniable and unique sound that would permanently alter the course of rock music. After six seminal releases, two Grammy Awards, countless sold out shows, and selling 35 million albums worldwide, Head left the group in 2004 to face the demons of addiction. KORN soldiered on, adding drummer Ray Luzier in 2007 and releasing four more full-length releases. In 2012, a triumphant and tear-filled reunion happened on stage as the group headlined the Carolina Rebellion Festival with Head reprising his legendary part on “Blind.” The initial bond came back into focus, and it was time for their next studio album, The Paradigm Shift, which seamlessly melds the group’s ever-present spirit of innovation with their signature metallic catharsis, paving the way for the future yet again. In 2014, KORN started their 20th anniversary celebrations, playing their critically acclaimed self-titled debut album in its entirety. The shows were so well received, the group continued the festivities into 2015, performing the record on tour to fans around the world. At present, KORN is back in the studio hard at work on their twelfth album set for release in 2016.
KORN’s complete U.S. tour routing for 2016 is:
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