HMTV Canada Interviews Warmachine

 www.myspace.com/warmachine

HMTV Canada: Hi Warmachine How is the Toronto music scene has the band been tearing up lots of stages with their killer performance locally throughout Southern Ontario?

Joe Di Taranto: The music scene over here is pretty good. We always draw really well. So, we’re quite lucky in that regard. As far as us tearing up the stages is concerned, we’ve basically taken 2009 off. We’ve kind of avoided performing live this year as we’ve been working on our live show and sound. We’ve recently incorporated Taurus pedals into our live show to fill up some space while Johnny and I play leads/harmonies. I’ve also had the other members work on covering more backing vocals. So, it’s sounding great and we’ll be back at it in 2010 with the release of our new record.

HMTV Canada: Curious when Warmachine won the TIMA award for the Best Metal band in July of 2008, did this help gain other media exposure opportunities for the band such as airplay on local or college radio or tours?

JD: It definitely helped us garner some extra attention from some more mainstream media outlets. I have also noticed a rise in our radio plays thanks to our win. It’s all been good as far as I’m concerned. We’re just happy to be recognized.

HMTV Canada: If the band had the chance to play live anywhere in the world what country would they like to tour and why?

JD: I think either Italy or Germany would be a real treat for us. We’ve got a lot of fans over there and haven’t had a chance to make it down there quite yet. We plan on touring Europe hopefully in 2010 though. Anywhere in Europe would be awesome to play honestly, as that was really the first place that really embraced Warmachine.

HMTV Canada: I really dig your new song “Moving On” it reminds me of moving onto the ever-changing whirlwind of positive sweeping changes happening in my life and wiping out the negative forces and monsters.

JD: Thanks!  I’m glad that you were able to connect with the song. That is pretty much what the song is about. I wrote the song with theme of “Divorce” in mind. The verses tend to deal with all the negative aspects of a relationship on its last legs, while the chorus focuses on the positive feelings of breaking away from something so toxic and moving forward and onto better things.

HMTV Canada: Another favorite is “Eternally” will the band be producing any music videos from these song tracks soon?

JD: That’s a favorite of mine as well from our debut album. I’m glad you like it as well. We do indeed plan to make a video for “Moving On” in the New Year.

HMTV Canada: How is your new Album coming along “Left for Dead” and when does the band hope to release this CD?

JD: The album is finished and it’s turned out 20 times better than we hoped. It’s a bit of a departure from “The Beginning of the End”. But it’s definitely still Warmachine.  We’re really excited about “Left for Dead” and it’s the kind of album that I’ve personally always wanted to make. We’re planning on released the record in early 2010.

HMTV Canada: Can you tell us some of the Album highlights such as the songs their themes?

JD: Well a lot of the songs and lyrics are based on some of my past relationships. They highlight what I was feeling while I was in these less than healthy situations. There is definitely a string of anger, sadness, & unhappiness throughout.

HMTV Canada: Who is helping with the engineering of “Left for Dead” from the recording to the mixing and mastering?

JD: The album was produced by Murray Daigle. The majority of the engineering was done by Sean Gregory. Both Murray and Sean worked with us on “The Beginning of the End” as well.  Murray also mixed the album and then we had Andy VanDette master the record at Masterdisk in NYC. Everyone did an amazing job with the album. We are super excited with the way it has turned out.

HMTV Canada: Are there any ideas for the cover art of this New Album?

JD: Yes, we actually have the final cover art ready to go. You can see it on any one of our websites. It’s very plain and simple. All black, with our logo and the album title directly beneath it. We really wanted to simplify everything with “Left for Dead”. The music speaks for itself.

HMTV Canada: Have there been any challenges in producing this Album to date?

JD: I can honestly say that there were not. It was an effortless album to write and record. I think that’s why it turned out as great as it did. Everything flowed for us. Nothing was forced or contrived at all. It’s almost like it was meant to be. And as far as recording it goes, we had a blast in the studio. Working with Murray and Sean is so much fun. We go in there and spend months in the studio laughing and joking around all day and night. It’s just an absolute pleasure. That’s probably why it takes us forever to release albums though lol. In addition to getting along so well, we really see eye to eye on a musical level, and that’s what is most important. I really can’t see making records any other way in the future.

HMTV Canada: Curious what inspires or motivates Warmachine to write intense graphical lyrics about relationships, the negative forces of life, the apocalyptic end of humanity and do the band members write all lyrics as one collaborative unit contributing their ideas to the songs?

JD: Well, I am the primary song writer in the band. There really isn’t a lot of collaboration between the band members when it comes to songwriting. Johnny Salerno (guitarist) did co-write the music with me on “Too Late” however. So, I’m definitely open to everyone’s ideas. The guys just kind of know what works for Warmachine and let me go off and do my own thing. When it comes time to jam on the new tunes that I’ve written, everyone puts in their two cents and we try their ideas and see what works.  This was actually the first time that Murray Daigle (producer) and I collaborated on some songs. Murray co-wrote 4 songs on “Left for Dead” with me (“Moving On”, “We’re the Chemical”, “Chalk Lines and Bones” & “Inevitable Crash”). That was a really cool experience for me as I’m so used to writing on my own with no one around. It really took me out of my comfort zone to sit in the same room with Murray and throw ideas at each other. It really forced me to come up with some different ideas that I probably wouldn’t have come up with on my own. As far as lyrics are concerned, my own relationships and my experiences with other people are usually what inspire my lyrics. I also often write about the things I see around me. Someone else’s experiences tend to inspire me as well. I try to put myself in their shoes and write about what I would feel if I were them. Being that I was raised Catholic, I tend to write about what a learned about growing up, and that’s the apocalypse and the end of days, etc. So these themes come up from time to time in my lyrics. But for the most part, I write about personal issues, as I find that others can relate to them much easier.

HMTV Canada: Can you tell us about the current lineup of Warmachine some of the crazy wild funny characteristics of the band and do the members like to try new ideas to their sound?

JD:  Our guitarist Johnny Salerno is actually my cousin and is a phenomenal guitar player. He’s a quiet guy until he gets to know you, then he lets loose and shows his true colors. He’s nuts and is one of the funniest people I know. He and I will laugh for hours on end when we’re together. I think it’s something in our blood! Alberto Campuzano is our bassist and is an amazing bass player and all-round musician. He was born in Venezuela and is a HUGE Rush fan…like the rest of us! Alberto is a great backup singer as well and covers the majority of backing vocals live. Adam Raymer is our drummer and Warmachine’s biggest cheerleader. We call him “Raymo” as he’s the only member of the band that is not Italian. So, we’ve given him an Italian name anyway. Adam is a killer drummer and the perfect fit for the band both musically and personally. He’s got a heart of gold and is just as crazy as the rest of us.

HMTV Canada: Has Warmachine been successful in finding a record label yet?

JD: At the moment we’re still viewing our options. We have some offers on the table. But we want to make sure that we make the right decision for the band and this new album.

HMTV : Before we wrap up our interview does the band have anything they would like to plug in or anything they like to say to fans and friends?

JD:  I’d just like to thank all our fans for their support and their patience of course. Look out for our new record “LEFT FOR DEAD” in 2010! We hope to see everyone out on the road in the New Year!! Cheers!

Thank you, Warmachine, for taking the time to complete this interview. I would also like to thank, Willy Forrest, for introducing our eZine to Warmachine. Horns High You Rock HMTV Canada.

HMTV Canada Interviews This Ending

www.metalblade.com

HMTV Canada: Hi This Ending How is everyone?

A. All is well right now I’m in the north of Sweden and it’s -25 Celsius so pretty cold. We’re rehearsing a lot right now looking forward to do the Black Dahlia show.

HMTV Canada: I can’t wait to see your video Parasites from your Album Dead Harvest, can you tell us what the experience was like entering a desolate and vast, some of the chambers of this massive underground vault had not seen a human soul in 50 years in the first film location at Sweden s first nuclear reactor?

HMTV Canada: It was really cool to go down 50 meters underground to record a video. We stayed down there for about 12 hours trying to get some really cool shots. We mostly used the old control room of the reactor and it’s there were the majority of the shots in the video comes from. If you take a proper look at the background, you can see control boards and other old cool stuff that really fits well to the concept of This Ending and the song Parasites. It was too bad that we couldn’t use the main reactor room that much but it was just too big to do something really cool with it within one day. The overall impression was like being thrown into some kind of fallout scenario.

HMTV Canada: What special 2 or 3D effects can fans expect in this video from the filming in the studio with green screen shots, enabling epic, apocalyptic scenes?

A. How epic the scenes are I don t know. The parts where we’ve used digital technology is mostly to portray a city in total downfall and destruction where we stand on top of the ruins. However, these parts make the video stand out even more in my eyes. It gave the video an even filthier approach, with lots of smoke and darkness.

HMTV Canada: I like the explosive sound coming from your song track Parasites it reminds me of man and his greed of destroying the planet consuming everything in sight until there is nothing left.

A. It’s one of the overall feelings we want to deliver to the listener when he/she hears This Ending. I think it’s a dark yet groovy piece of metal that gets even better when you see it combined with the video in my opinion.

HMTV Canada: Can you tell us about your new Album Dead Harvest how the collection of songs take the listener on a journey of death, destruction, into the darkness of mankind?

A. The sound of Dead Harvest is not that distant from the one we had on Inside the machine. I think the biggest difference is that the songs are more dynamic but keeping the overall cold dark feeling that has become our sound. Lyrically we deal with many topics concerning the darkness of mankind. It’s partly about the human ego, the human strives to destroy, the craving to always try to be first and earn most, but also the sick things that happens around us daily, torture, violence of all sorts etc. and how all this could be the pathway to total annihilation. This Endings Teaser of Dead Harvest video is sure to please the Metal Masses; I’m looking forward to the release of your New Album on February 3. Sounds great. I hope as many people as possible finally get their eyes and ears open when it comes to This Ending. I think there are a lot of people out there that would appreciate what we do if they only knew how This Ending sounds. I hope for an even better response to Dead Harvest than Inside the machine. It thinks we’ve accomplished to do an even more interesting album that deserves a few listens.

HMTV Canada: Who writes This Endings lyrics and what pisses the band off, inspires or motivates them to come up with these kick ass deep emotional lyrics?

A. It’s mostly me and Leo that writes the lyrics. The thing that inspires us on a daily basis is what happens around us in our world. Probably things that pisses most conscious beings off. The exploitation of the less fortunate, the experimentation with our environment and the total lack of awareness that what you do and say actually can have an impact on others. There’s so much more, just look at all the wars going on over things you can’t possibly understand, religious reasons, economic reasons, seems like all wars are driven by the need to control others.

HMTV Canada: Are most of your song themes based on the apocalypse, annihilation, greed, evil, lies of man?

A.  I would say that these are some of the main themes in our lyrics. I mean evil pretty much captures it all. Like Iron Maiden says The evil that men do goes on and on. So, like I mentioned before a seemingly endless ocean of inspiration for us.

HMTV Canada: One can appreciate the work that is going into producing Dead Harvest after watching Frederick lay the mean drum tracks down and Linus, Leo and Jesper, play the killer guitar riffs live. Studio Sessions part 2 was funny Marten screaming vocals were awesome was Dead Harvest recorded with more of a live sound?

A.  We’ve put even more hard work into recording Dead Harvest than Inside the machine. Our initial thought about the sound was to make it sound a bit more live. In the songwriting process we tried to make the songs as interesting to play as to listen to. But as you can see on the videoblogs we did put in a lot of hard work in the studio, we had lots of fun and in the end it all came out as good as we expected.

HMTV Canada: Who helped with the recording, mixing and mastering of Dead Harvest?

A. We did most of it on our own, with Linus being the main man behind the controls just like on Inside the machine. The mastering was done at Cutting room with Bjrn Engelmann who did a really good job.

HMTV Canada: Is there anything new in your sounds that are different than your previous Album Inside The Machine?

A. I would say that the overall sound has become more dynamic. We worked a lot with how to use the vocals to make them more interesting to listen to without lacking the proper aggression. In my opinion Dead Harvest signals the This Ending sound even more distinctly. So hopefully it will get even harder for those who try to label us.

HMTV Canada: When you tour with Black Dahlia Murder on January 18th and 19th will you be recording live video sessions of This Endings performance?

HMTV Canada: Before we wrap up our interview do you have any shout out to the Metal Masses and friends?

A. Check out This Ending if you haven’t. Annoy your local clubs to play This Ending, tell your friends about us, have a drink and enjoy Dead Harvest as loud as possible. Last but not least important nag your local clubs to get This Ending to a venue or festival close to you. Reap the Dead Harvest!

I want to thank, This Ending and Metal Blade records, for this interview opportunity and I hope to see This Ending come tour North America to witness one of their killer shows. Horns High You Rock!

 Thanks a lot for the interview and interest in This Ending, make sure to do the best to Reap the Dead Harvest-This Ending.

HMTV Canada Interviews The Sammus Theory

www.myspace.com/thesammustheory

HMTV Canada: Hi guys Congratulations on your full-length Album “See It Through”, which will be released through C.A.M. Entertainment on June 9, 2009. Having listened to the full stream of this Album I was impressed by both the dark sound and lyrical content can you tell us what motivates or inspires the band to write these deep emotional lyrics based on relationships, possession, love and hate?

A. The album is themed around a traumatic, life-changing car accident I was involved in when I was 20.  I was told I wasn’t going to perform the same, so the lyrics and music were my frustrations and challenges during the recovery process, both mentally and physically.

HMTV Canada: If I could paint a picture the experience from “See It Through” it would be one in a haunted vampiric love story, are any of the song tracks based on personal experiences the band members have gone through?

A. Basically all of them.  Even though they all have to do with my accident, they still relate to some form of struggle we’ve all gone through at some point.  The most personal track on the album is “The Weak”.  It’s about overcoming hatred towards the person who nearly ended my life and career.

HMTV Canada: All the song tracks seem to leave their addictive mark on the listener as to suggest they have gone through that experience before has any fans commented on some of the songs how it relates to something that’s happened in their life?

A. Absolutely.  We’ve gotten emails from quite a few people expressing to us how the lyrics have helped them through tough times because they felt a connection with what the song was talking about.  It’s an incredible feeling to know something we’ve written or done has touched someone’s life to the point they’d take the time to let us know.

HMTV Canada: The sound I find has a unique genre of being hard heavy, haunting and alluring at the same time were there any challenges in the laying of the song tracks to achieve this effect?

A. I wouldn’t say it was challenging.  We just wrote as it came.  The overall emotion behind this band helped in the process and ultimately laid the direction out for us.  We weren’t writing for anyone but us and I think that’s where it’s unique.

HMTV Canada: Has the band received any help in the mixing and mastering of “See It Through?”

A. We did everything except most of the mastering in-house.  I’m an audio engineer, so it was a learning experience for me all around to be able to track and mix a full-length album.

HMTV Canada I’m curious do all the band members share the same musical influences and do they like to experiment and try new ideas or things with their sound?

A. We have similar influences, yes, but it’s a very wide spectrum.  We’re always experimenting and trying new ideas on songs but we don’t force anything.  If a part feels good in the song as a whole, then we keep it.  We’ve never put an effect just to have it in there though.

HMTV Canada: I really dig your video Pure how it seduces the listener then pisses them off in the video the video is a perfect representation of the song where on location was this video filmed at?

A. Thanks, ha-ha.  It was filmed at this old, rusty square in the middle of San Diego surrounded by apartments and houses.  It was pretty cool…we ended up getting shut down near the end.  The cops were telling us there were noise complaints so we’d say “cool, we’re packing up now” then hurry and do another take.  We pretty much squeezed out as much time as possible without getting fined.

HMTV Canada: Will the band be making any more music videos from their song tracks “See It Through?”

A. Hell yes!  Just wait for them…

HMTV Canada: I really dig how the awesome art work of the CD captures the essence of the bands song tracks in “See It Through “.  Who is the Artist’s that did the kick ass Cover Art for “See It Through” and is this the same Artists that design the band’s merchandise?

A. His name is Bryan Hughes with Zigbot Media (zigbotmedia.com) based out of Phoenix.  He’s been doing our artwork since the beginning (merchandise, album art, website, etc).  He’s easily the best we’ve worked with…

HMTV Canada: Where can the fans request The Sammus Theory for airplay on Radio?

A. At this point, I’d say just call your local station and request it.  If they don’t have it, it’ll encourage them to check it out.  Some stations we know that have it are 99.3 The Fox Vancouver, KBEAR 101 Idaho, KUPD phoenix, The Edge phoenix, and 525.com internet station.

HMTV Canada: I understand The Sammus Theory has been tearing up the stages recently with their live performances how many fans reacted by saying the band sounds better playing live?

A. We’ve heard it from a lot of people.  The true energy you can never capture on a recording comes out in full during the shows.  It’s not only an audible experience, but it’s got the visual as well.  I tend to think we’re one of the more energetic bands out there today.

HMTV Canada: Speaking of live shows The Sammus Theory has a huge national tour coming up will the band be covering live videos of this tour such as video interviews, or funny and entertaining roadside insanities while travelling to their next gig and will they be selling The Sammus Theory merchandise and CD’S on this tour?

A. All of the above!  We’re taking a video cam with us, so who knows what kind of footage we’ll get.  Either way, it’s going up on our myspace page – myspace.com/thesammustheory – so be sure to check that out a LOT while we’re out…and the merchandise/CDs are a big part of this tour.  We’ve got new merch designs and a new album, so of course we’ll be sharing it with every city we hit.

HMTV Canada: Before we wrap up our online text interview can you tell our audience what the band hopes are for this upcoming tour what are their expectations and goals?

A. We just want to have a good time and rock out with the best of every city.  It’s always a good time going to the cities where there’s the most hype behind the crowds and getting them really riled up.

HMTV Canada: In July when The Sammus Theory comes to Canada while on tour I look forward to hearing from the band and hope to complete a follow up on audio.  Does the band have any shout outs to fans or friends?

A. We want to thank you guys first and foremost.  Shauna O’Donnell, Doug Wimmer, Becky Hunt, our label C.A.M. Entertainment, our Management Concept Artist Management, our street team leaders across the Americas, and of course, all the fans that continue to support us and

HMTV Canada: I would like to thank, The Sammus Theory, C.A,M. Entertainment and Shauna O’Donnel, for this interview opportunity this was the first time I heard the band’s music and I am impressed by both sound and lyrics. Horns high you rock!! HMTV Canada.

HMTV Canada Interviews The Commander In Chief

 http://www.youtube.com/thecommanderinchief1

http://www.thecommanderinchief.net

http://www.twitter.com/commandermusic

HMTV Canada: Hi Commander In Chief; Welcome to HMTV Canada. I couldn’t believe the fantastic news, that The Commander In Chief is endorsed by Ibanez for the 7 string Falchion X-series guitar. How did you land the opportunity to become endorsed by Ibanez? 

CIM: First of all, I am very happy to do this interview Tina! We have been in touch since 2009 and I see the great work you do to support artists! When it comes to the Ibanez endorsement, it was like this: My manager, Elisabeth, and I went to the Musik Messe in Frankfurt this April. Since I have my own company, we went on one of the days that were for people in the business. Elisabeth got all the different representatives from various brands to take guitars that were part of exhibitions, and not supposed to be played, down from walls, display cases, etc., so I could try all the 7 string guitars we could find.  I already had an Ibanez RG 7620, so I knew I like to play Ibanez. When we came to their stand, the marketing or A&R man from Japan was there. The first thing he said when he saw me was; Hi, I know you! You are that 7-string female player from Scandinavia who is playing Ibanez!   He had already seen my website online! He showed me all the 7 string models they had and I tried them all. I loved playing them, BUT I was looking for something with a very fierce and unique design. While I was playing, my manager told him about the upcoming music video, working with the Pantera producer, upcoming PR campaign and that I really needed a totally unique guitar before everything kicked off. He suggested that I tried the prototype of the new Falchion   that had been introduced to the world at that very Messe. The Falchion only come as a 6 string. BUT they had ONE 7 strings; The prototype. When I first saw it and tried to play it, I fell in love immediately! The tremolo system was superb, even with my abusive playing. It is a neck thru, which I really like and the mahogany body makes the sound deeper than the basswood 7620 I have. The Ibanez representative saw me playing and we met him again the next day and gave him one of my EPs. The next week there was contact between my manager, the Ibanez offices in Japan, the European Head Quarter and the Italian distributor, since I lived in Italy at that time. After a week, we got the news that they had decided to provide me with THE prototype! Some days later it was delivered at my house! I am very happy and proud to be on their artist roster! I also endorse their amps and I totally love the Thermion tube amp + cab with vintage Celestion speakers that I have now!

I also want to mention that I got a Seymour Duncan endorsement as well and those pickups sounds truly amazing! I play the Falchion with the Seymour Duncan pickups. I also have an Ernie Ball endorsement, something I am very happy about! It is really hard to get hold of all the strings I play, especially the 58 strings, but now I do not have to worry about that!

HMTV Canada: Did you enter a contest that they were promoting for this endorsement?

CIM: No

HMTV Canada: Have your previous guitars been custom before this endorsement?

CIM: No, but I was about to have one built since I have looked all over the world for a year for the right guitar!

HMTV Canada: How long have you been mastering the skills to play the 7 string guitar, singing and writing songs?

CIM: I started out playing guitar, since I had so many ideas for songs. I was almost 16 when I started. Once I started playing guitar, there was no way back. I became more focused on the technical aspects very early and wanted to write cool riffs right away. My goal from day one was to have my very own playing style so people would recognize my music. The 7 string I have played for about 18 months. Singing came later since I wanted to have a male singer for my songs, originally. It was not until a Grammy nominated producer in Chicago, who is a friend of the family, told me it was silly to give my songs away, especially since I have a voice. He said that everybody identifies a song with the singer. My manager and he talked me into singing and I started to take lessons with my mother. She was professionally trained as an opera singer, by a multi award winning soprano in Italy, in old school Italian Bel Canto technique. I was not very serious until 6 months later, when we fully discovered my crazy vocal range. Then I figured out that my voice would be the first thing people would notice. I have never practiced more than now. The better I get, the more I practice! I always write music because I am in a constant creative process.

HMTV Canada: Do you play a 12-string guitar or any other instruments?

CIM: I love 12 strings. I would love to have a custom made 14 string guitar! And I am playing with the idea of an 8 string!

HMTV Canada: I dig the unique melodic high octaves in your vocals and strong mean guitar sounds in your current single Battle for the Mind. Will you be coming out with a full-length EP soon?

CIM: I am so glad to hear you like that. I actually started to play the 7string to counter balance my high vocals. I did record a 6 song EP in L.A. last year. It got great reviews but we decided to not release it, since we were not happy with the mix and overall sound. I am totally stoked about working with the legendary Pantera engineer/producer Sterling Winfield now. He has mixed the first 2 singles I will release this year, one of them will be released with a music video. I have enough songs to record a full CD - or two. I really want to record as much as possible with Sterling this winter, if we get the finances to do it!

HMTV Canada: Will Sterling Winfield (engineer and producer for the legendary band Plantera) be mixing your entire production of your next Album or just 2 singles that are going to be released soon?

CIM: Both Sterling and I want to record together, not only have him mixing, and I hope that will happen soon!

HMTV Canada: What inspires you to write songs are they your thoughts about life, love and relationships?

CIM: I try not to center my lyrics around myself, unless I’m making fun of being a starving artist! I write about how I see the big issues, like in Battle for the Mind, where I speak about the 24/7 constant battle for our attention from politicians, corporations, religious groups, etc.  I am very sarcastic about big government, surveillance of citizens, delusional dictators, etc. I shoot in all directions in my lyrics since I do not want to officially promote any specific religion, political party, etc.

HMTV Canada: I find your music a masterpiece of originality there is no other sound to compare it to, a mix of metal, and a little twist of pop, combined with hard rock. Who are your influences for your music or people you always admired as musicians?

CIM: People I admire are mostly visual artists, writers and old fashion composers, such as Van Gogh, Dali, Gaudi, Ibsen, Dickens, Shakespeare, Beethoven, Mozart, Chopin.  When it comes to modern music I like to listen to any genre, but I do not like to play other people s music. It is very ironic that my first new single now will be a cover. I was talked into doing a Paranoid cover, but I added my very own twist to it, and I am very happy with the result. Sterling Winfield did a fantastic job with that song! I really love modern film composers, like Hans Zimmer and Danny Elfmann.

HMTV Canada: Where on location was your first music video produced and did you find it a bit challenging?

CIM: It was produced here in Milan some weeks ago. It was great fun! I loved doing it!

HMTV Canada: Are you currently seeking a record label to help out with touring?

CIM: YES!!!

HMTV Canada: Rumor has its fashion constantly changes in Milan Italy. Is the music scene in Milan like the fashion industry?

CIM: No, not at all! It was great to work with top Italian fashion people for the promo pictures and music video. The fashion photographer, hair dresser and makeup artist were amazing!

HMTV Canada: What genera of music is most popular hitting the airwaves on radio?

CIM: I do not listen to Italian radio.

HMTV Canada: Have you modeled for any popular magazines or clothing companies yet with your 7 string Ibanez?

CIM: No, but that would be cool and funny!

HMTV Canada: What are some of the major goals you wish to accomplish within this year?

CIM: We are starting a PR campaign very soon, in cooperation with a PR company in London. I hope this will result in a lot of attention in the mainstream hard rock and metal media. I want to tour, open up for big bands and be able to record with S. Winfield, knowing it is all covered financially.

HMTV Canada: Before we end our interview do you have any upcoming events or shows you wish to share?

CIM: I have 2 singles and  a music video coming out this year. The first will be released August 20th! I am off to the UK in just a week and I will announce dates for more gigs very soon.

HMTV Canada: Thank you for this interview. The Commander In Chief Rocks Hard! 

CIM: Thank you so much for having me here, Tina! And thank you again for the great job you to for music!!! I hope to meet you soon!

HMTV Canada Interviews The Architects

 www.myspace.com/architectsuk 

HMTV Canada: How is your Australian tour going? Have you been able to see the sights and explore while on this tour?

A: Our Australian Tour with Parkway Drive, went really well. For our first time in Australia, we couldn’t t have asked for a better tour, and the reactions from the shows have been great.

HMTV Canada: How did the band like touring with Parkway Drive and August Burns Red? Any funny stories to tell?

A: Touring with Parkway and ABR was real fun. One of the best stories of the tour is when we tried to go body-boarding in Perth and a couple of our guys ended up swimming out way too far and getting called back in by the coast guard while a little further down the beach Sam got stung by a jelly fish!

HMTV Canada: Architects has toured with many great bigger bands but which music venue comes to mind as being the most memorable, funny or crazy?

A: The most memorable venue we’ve ever played was probably a barn in the Austrian hills to about 25 people. Truly mental.

HMTV Canada: With so many tours lined up for 2009 will the band be coming out with a DVD covering live video footage of these tours for the fans?

A: You never know! We’ve recently put up our first youtube.com video in a long time with a bunch of clips from the last year or so which seems to have gone down pretty well, so we might bring out the camera for the rest of this year and see what gets caught on film!

HMTV Canada: Can you tell us the highlights of your recent release Hollow Crown, such as the song tracks and their themes?

A: For us what is really important is playing songs live, so the parts that get the best crowd response or interaction are normally our personal favorites. The end section in Early Grave, the sing a-longs in Follow The Water, or the break-down in Numbers Count For Nothing are nuts live!

HMTV Canada: Can you tell us about the current lineup? Do they share the same influences for their music and do they like to experiment and try new things or ideas with their sound?

A: We all share pretty similar influences when it comes to our music, but recently Tom has gone on a serious Pink Floyd trip so who knows what the newest material will sound like.

HMTV Canada: What inspires the band to write such intense, emotional lyrics? Perhaps relationships or political issues.

A: You’ll have to ask Sam that to really find out, let’s just say he’s a pretty angry guy and chooses to express that with a microphone.

HMTV Canada: I noticed the sound of Hollow Crown packs a brutal punch of pure in your face metal. Were there any challenges to recording this new album?

A: Not really, Sam had to finish a few sections off in the studio but musically we were really prepared when we went into the studio. I think just living together making a record 24/7 and not killing each other was the biggest challenge.

HMTV Canada: Who mixed and mastered Hollow Crown?

A: John Mitchell at Outhouse Studios, who also recorded the record mixed it, then Alan Douches at west west-side studios mastered it.

HMTV Canada: Have you produced any music videos for the tracks off of Hollow Crown?

A: Yes. We have a video out for the first track Early Grave, and we recently filmed one for the song Follow The Water that will be coming out real soon.

HMTV Canada: Of all the albums put out by the band, which one is the collective favorite? Which are you most proud of?

A: Definitely Hollow Crown. In terms of the production, the songs, and what we’ve achieved from it.  It’s our collective favorite.

HMTV Canada: Are you receiving much airplay in the UK? Is metal more mainstream or still an underground genre?

A: It depends what type of metal you play. It is definitely getting bigger and more accessible in the UK. We get a bit of airplay and radio-play etc., but most of our output is online for sure.

A: Take some time off at home to get more of our next record written then hitting the road again in 2010 until we go back to the studio to make our next masterpiece.

HMTV Canada: Any shout outs?

A: Dean the guitar tech and flip the merch dude up in the front of the van!

HMTV Canada: Thank you, Architects, for this interview. I would also like to send thanks to Jerry and Shane of Warm Fuzzy PR and Century Media Records. Horns High you rock.

HMTV Canada Interviews Showbread

www.myspace.com/showbread

www.showbread.net/news.php

HMTV Canada: Hi Josh, Congratulations on the release of your new Album The Fear of God. Can you tell us the highlights of The Fear of God and how the lyrics takes the listener on a journey of  the ramifications of believing in the pointlessness of the world, losing everything and finding freedom through letting go of your sanity?

A: The album itself is one long highlight. There isn’t a weak point when I listen to it, I love all the songs.  Shepherd, No Sheep is particularly poignant right as people react to the record.  The themes of earthly pointlessness are swimming through the album; they resurface in subtle and

HMTV Canada: What motivates or inspires the songwriter to come up with these lyrics are they based on everything the band experiences ever day in society or issues and opinions they feel strongly about in their environment?

A: Being a band based on belief in Jesus and playing music in a time where music is this maimed, sad thing. We’ve had to dismiss all of our ideas about art and music and focus on what we believe to retain our sanity (or insanity depending on how you look at it). Our stance has always been to do exactly what we feel we should do based on faith and that lends itself to complete artistic freedom and fearlessness. Success, failure, praise and ridicule are completely inconsequential at this point.

HMTV Canada: Do the band members share similar influences for their music and do they like to experiment and try new things to their sound?

A: To a certain extent. We agree and disagree on certain things but for the most part we were unified on how to do this record. More so than any record we’ve done before with previous lineups.

HMTV Canada: The Fear of God has more of that industrial or metal twist in the sound than your previous Album was there any challenges in laying the song tracks down to the recording process for this Album?

A: Recording was a breeze this time, much more streamlined than earlier records. We love the studio and we love experimenting and trying everything, but this record was about raw energy so we recorded most of it live and even the overdubs we did we kept down to 1 or 2 takes.

HMTV Canada: Who helped with the mixing and mastering of The Fear of God?

A: Rich Veltrop (who co-produced with us and Sylvia Massy Shivy) mixed the album and he is always a joy to work with. He is pretty patient with a band who wants to purposefully make things out of place.

HMTV Canada: Who is the incredible Artist that designed the Album Art for The Fear Of God and is this the same Artist that designs Showbreads merchandise and website?

A: Ryan Clark (Invisible Creature) designed the album art; he’s done some of our other records as well and is awesome to collaborate with. Most of our merch is done by our friend Laurie Shipley who is the most awesome and bizarre artist I know. If you want someone to draw a brain with ostrich heads growing out of it, she’s your gal.

HMTV Canada: Will the band be producing any music videos from the song tracks off of The Fear of God?

A: My brother and I shot and directed three videos with our production company In The Boat. We shot Vehement, Lost Connection With The Head and I Think I’m Going To See You . They will be releasing as the months go by. All of the videos were really fun and had us doing things we haven t done in Showbread videos before like dealing with huge groups of extras, working with an infant and shooting on a green screen.

HMTV Canada: Out of all Showbreads Albums which one stands out as the bands most accomplished in merit and sound quality or one as being their favorite or most proud of to date?

A: The Fear Of God. There isn’t a Showbread record that I don t like (excluding our frustration with the trendy overhyping of No Sir Nihlism Is Not Practical and the misguided scene kids who latched on to it.) Conceptually and artistically, I think Anorexia Nervosa is quite an accomplishment, but as a band and a record I think The Fear Of God is the best so far.

HMTV Canada: How is your Nothing Matters Anymore Tour going are you receiving a great turn out of fans attending?

A: It has had awesome nights and more humble nights but overall so far so good.

HMTV Canada: When it comes to mind as being one of the craziest, wild or funny memorable music venues, tours or festival?

A: Playing in an area called district 9 in Johannesburg was weird. Something was unusual about the audience.

HMTV Canada: If the band had the chance to play live anywhere in the world what place or country would they like to tour to?

A: We would go back to District 9 or I guess 10.

HMTV Canada: Has the band shared the stage with or toured with any of their favorite bands or Other Musicians?

A: Touring with Blindside, Roper and Squad Five-0 were dreams come true.

HMTV Canada: What is the entertainment like in Georgia is Metal or Punk more of an underground music scene?

A: I wouldn’t know. Outside of Showbread I forget music happens. I just chill at home with my wife and cat and watch movies.

HMTV Canada: Is it to find and secure gigs in your town locally and do you have to pay-to-play in some nightclubs?

A: We’ve only played near our hometown about 3 times in the last decade.

HMTV Canada: What are the bands goals for the remainder of 2009 is the emphasis on touring or will the band be back in the studio soon writing and recording new material for another Album?

A: Tour, tour, tour then chill.

HMTV Canada: Before we wrap up our interview do you have any shout outs to friends or fans?

A: I want to say hey to Christopher back in district 9.

HMTV Canada: Right now fans can grab your song Nothing Matters Anymore through The Fuel Sampler that s listed in your blog on your MySpace?

A: For sure. Grab it.

HMTV Canada: Thank you, Josh, for this interview.  I would also like to send thanks to, Jerry of Warm Fuzzy Productions and Tooth and Nail Records. Big thank you going out to, Tooth and Nail Records, for The Fuel Sampler. Showbread Horns High You Rock HMTV Canada.

HMTV Canada Interviews Red Knife Lottery

 www.myspace.com/redknifelottery

www.redknifelottery.com

HMTV Canada: Hi Ashley, Congratulations on your new Full Length Album Soiled Soul & Rapture was released this week on August 11. Can you tell us the highlights of Soiled Soul & Rapture such as the song tracks and their themes?

A: The themes of SSAR are basic moral dilemmas. Many of the songs deal with the deadly sins, such as greed, gluttony, and lust.

HMTV Canada: Can you tell us what motivates you or inspires you to write lyrics are they mainly centered on social issues, relationships and life?

A: My lyrics are all over the place. There is a definite personal and overly honest side to the record as in "Raise no Fool" and "Holy Skirts."  But many of the songs hint at honesty but are hidden in narrative.  Other songs deal with issues like body image, sexual equality, and homophobia. 

HMTV Canada: Were there any challenges in the laying of the song tracks to the in studio recording process?

A: Everything went smoothly except I lost my voice at the end and wasn't allowed to talk for three days. That was a challenge. 

HMTV Canada: Who helped mix and master all the music production for Soiled Soul & Rapture?

A: Jon Congleton engineered and mixed our record at both Electrical Audio in Chicago and then Elmwood Studio in Dallas. 

HMTV Canada: So, tell us a little about the current lineup do all the members share similar influences for their music and do they like to experiment and try new things to their sound?

A: We all have completely different taste in music. Of course, there are bands that we all agree on and are inspired by. Joe can tell you everything you didn't want to know about Metallica. Dan loves more hardcore and Paramore, Ryan's base is in hardcore. Chris loves dance driven soulful punk but still gets down to Metallica. And I love the occasional pop song but mainly listen to bands that are female fronted and Operation Ivy! We are all over the place.

HMTV Canada: Who is the incredible Artist that completed the cover Album Art for Soiled Soul & Rapture?

A: Andy Dixon

HMTV Canada: Is there a major tour planed for Red Knife Lottery to promote Soiled Soul & Rapture?

HMTV Canada: What comes to mind as being the bands favorite music venue or place to play and if the band had to tour anywhere in the world what country do they want to travel to?

A: Nothing compares to playing at home in Milwaukee. We would love to tour Japan. 

HMTV Canada: Can you tell us about your new first video Junkie Jazz where on location was this video filmed at and who helped with the production of this video such as the storyboarding props and make up?

A: The video was shot in Milwaukee by Travis Auclair and directed by Travis Huss. The costuming was done by Jen Freitag and myself. Makeup was done by Aja Vines and Dana Dufek. 

HMTV Canada: Will you be producing any more music videos off of your new Album Soiled Soul & Rapture?

A: We hope to but nothing set in stone. 

HMTV Canada: What is the main focus for the band for the remainder of 2009 such as goals that the band wants to accomplish?

A: We want to tour like crazy. We have also been doing a lot of writing and will be ready to record a new EP soon. 

HMTV Canada: Thank you, Ashely, for this interview I would also like to send thanks to Jerry of Warm Fuzzy PR. Horns High you rock. HMTV Canada.

HMTV Canada Interviews Sophia Moon

www.rokusa.com/sophiamoon

www.youtube.com/sophiamoonmusic

HMTV Canada: Hi Sophia Wow I was taken by surprise when I tuned into your new Album beautiful vocals and I really like the new unique sound it has that Pop and R&B mix which is just bursting on lots of radio stations in Canada currently like Z103.5 and many others. When I think of the Album Name “Staring Back At Me” I think that it could be the sound track of your life is that the basic concept of your new Solo Project?

Sophia: Yes, I always draw inspiration from my personal experiences and then in the process of writing the song, I do fabricate some details.  The heart and core of the songs are very personal to me though.  The song ‘Tick Tock’ for instance was the song I wrote right as I was leaving my full time corporate career to pursue my music, “Tick Tock, the rhythm of the clock/ It’s in tune with the beating of my heart/ And it’s about time, I made time/ To ask myself what I want/ Stop the clock, the tick tock/ Take a minute to breath it in/ So don’t tell me it’s too late/ Cause the clock is beating in tune with my heart/ Tick Tock”.  It was my personal anthem, me telling myself to follow my heart. “Caught Up” is a song I wrote about a guy I was hung up over some years ago.  He was one of those guys that always lingered and had a power over me that I couldn’t explain (which I have since overcome ;))  “Caught up in the way you touch my hand/ Caught up in the things you say to me/ Caught up by the way you kiss my lips/ I can’t control what’s happening/ I’m so caught up in our history/ Caught up in being so caught up by this/ There’s no doubt that I’m officially/ Caught up when it comes to you and me”  When I sing this song live, I can still remember very vividly how strong my feelings were at the time.  The beauty of writing my feelings into a song is that others who have had similar experiences can be one with the song. I also always get asked if ‘Absent Father’ is written from personal experience, and it is!  A lot of young people grow up in single parent families now and this song was my creative way of sharing my experiences.  My parents split when I was seven and although my father and I are building our relationship now, he was absent from my childhood.  The song speaks of the insecurities that fester on the inside when one is estranged from his/her father.  I have not had the courage to sing this song live yet because I am afraid, I might break down and cry while singing.  It’s a very powerful song for me and took the longest to finish writing and recording.

HMTV Canada: I really like the courage, strength and confidence I get from your lyrics what motivates or inspires you to write these songs in an intelligent way? 

Sophia: I enjoy a mindless, fun, catchy song as much as the next person but I know that singers and songwriters’ harness such an awesome power to convey a positive message through songs.  When things were tough in my life, music was my outlet – both listening to, and writing music.  I know it sounds really cliché but I do believe in my heart that every challenge in my life is there for me to overcome and grow from.  If I were a painter, I would paint my victories great and small, as well as all the lessons I learned, but destiny will have it that I’m a singer and songwriter so I can’t imagine not creating and sharing my music. My goal in writing songs is to strike a fine balance between creating catchy and mainstream melodies and combining it with lyrics that are meaningful.  See, I don’t believe that those two elements are mutually exclusive. “Echo” is a song about overcoming fear, and really facing your innermost self, “And I’m searching deep inside/To find the Goddess of light in me/Cause I started to realize/The missing pieces I seek are right in front of me/ In the silence, I hear/Just the sound of my fear/ And it Echo-o-o-o-oes/ And it Echo-o-o-o-oes…” The song is very upbeat and fun and the melody is catchy, but there’s a deeper meaning behind it as well.  I love it when a song comes together like this.

HMTV Canada: I can’t really pick a favorite song because I love all the songs on your new Album, they have that addictive quality but I can get a strong visual from Irresistible, Unbreakable, That's Just The Way It Is, and Remember. Will you be producing any music videos from any of these song tracks soon?

Sophia: I am releasing my first music video for the song “Five Star Recovery” at the end of April along with a new website (www.sophiamoonmusic.com).  I did a really soft iTunes release of my album “Staring Back At Me” back in December of 2009 but I’ll start marketing and promoting more with the release of the music video, lining up performances, and the launch of my new website.  It’s a really exciting time.  I was so fortunate to work with such talented folks for my first Music Video, Tony Colapietro of Stonegate Studios and our amazing team (Ania Broszkiewicz, Lance Reenstierna, Lois Noble, Jenny Chan, Angelique Wigfall, Mandy Perrault, and Jamal Blackson).  Tony and I are in the process of putting together ideas to shoot the next video for “Echo” which will take place in a couple months and release right in time for the summer. Also, in a few weeks, time I will start shooting a music video with Andrew Swaine for “Unbreakable” and shortly after that, “Remember”.  We have some cool concepts for these videos so I’m excited to get them rolling! It’s so awesome to watch my songs come to life through a music video and I feel super blessed to be working with such talented folks who help make it happen for me.  

HMTV Canada: How did you land the opportunity to work with music producers Shin and Sean of A-Rex Productions for “Staring Back At Me”? 

Sophia: Aww, A-Rex – Hyuk Shin and Sean Hamilton are dear friends of mine.  I was there when Shin and Sean first met and started working together in 2005, and I was the first writer they worked with as A-Rex Productions.  We spent over four years developing our respective musical styles – we practically ate, slept, and breathed the same air during that time.  We went through a whole process of trial and error together and really grew so much individually in the process.  Right as I was completing my solo album ‘Staring Back At Me’ they were signing with EMI and finalizing Justin Bieber’s single “One Less Lonely Girl”.  So, the timing was perfect – a commencement of sorts - and we each graduated into the next level of our careers.  We are still very close and continue to nurture our friendship.

HMTV Canada: Have there been any challenges in recording these songs?

Sophia: For the most part, the writing and recording of the songs on the album came as natural to me as eating and sleeping.  I drew song ideas from personal experiences and from the experiences of close friends around me.

HMTV Canada: Who is helped with the mixing and mastering of “Staring Back At Me”?

Sophia: A-Rex Productions, Producer Jordan (‘Tick Tock’, ‘Reciprocate’ and ‘Absent Father’), and my big brother, Mike Moon (Remember Remix) each mixed the songs I recorded with them, and Miguel Sa Pessoa of Cybersound Studios (Boston, MA) so awesomely mastered my album for me.  I also owe the album artwork and design to my talented friend and designer, Man Mai who brought my ideas to life visually.

HMTV Canada: I was really impressed that you started your own Independent Label Fifth Street Productions was it under this label that you co-produced and released your former Album “No Limits?

Sophia: I co-founded Fifth Street Productions in 2005 with my then business partners and released the first full album “No Limit” that same year.  The album was a collaborative effort with two other artists, but the majority of the album (10 of 14 songs) was written by me.  About a year after the album released, we decided to go our separate ways.  It was hard enough trying to define myself as an artist without the added stress of handling the business and marketing end of things for other artists.  I learned a lot of very valuable lessons from the experience though, which I incorporate in my many dealings as an independent artist now.

HMTV Canada: Which songs from your Albums “No Limits” and “Staring Back at Me” are receiving the most radio airplay or attention from your devoted fan base?

Sophia: From the album “No Limit” the songs ‘Heavenly Sky’ and ‘Innocence’ were the most popular and on “Staring Back At Me” the songs, “Echo” “Five Star Recovery” and “Caught Up” seem to be getting the most feedback at the moment.

HMTV Canda: Are you working on any new songs at the moment for another Solo Album?

I have continued writing and inevitably some of the new creations will be considered for my next solo album.  I am also writing in hopes of getting some major placements as a songwriter so the writing never ends for me.  Whereas “Staring Back At Me” was an introduction to Sophia Moon as Songwriter and Singer, the second solo album will dig deeper, be even more personal, and will display more of my vocal range and depth.  I believe in progress and growth – otherwise why continue, right?  I am really excited for songs that haven’t been written yet… I just love the entire process of creating and writing.  I hope to release my next full album in early 2011.  In the meantime, I am still promoting, performing and building on my album, ‘Staring Back At Me’.

HMTV Canda: What are your goals or things you want to accomplish in the future?

Sophia: 2010 is already off to a great start.  Until recently, I had put off performing aggressively because I was in creative mode – writing and recording.  At the moment, I am striking a happy balance with studio time, band rehearsals, interviews, shooting music videos and performing.  This Spring, I hope to do a mini-College tour on the East Coast and by the summer time, I’d like to go on a nation-wide weeks or months long press tour.

HMTV Canada: Will you be making any live appearances on any music venues soon?

Sophia: Yes, I have been working with my awesome band and we are in the process of booking live performances on the East Coast.  I’ll keep my upcoming shows updated on my Facebook fanpage, MySpace page, and soon-to-come www.sophiamoonmusic.com.

HMTV Canada: Before we bring our interview to a close do you have anything you wish to say to fans or friends?

Sophia: The Universe has this awesome way of serendipitously joining people together to make wonderful things happen.  I don’t take anyone for granted.  My family and friends keep me grounded and sane when I am sure I’ll explode and they allow me to dream and dare to believe with me.  Random fans give me such warm words of support that keep me going on a daily basis – if you think I don’t read all your messages, think again!  Each comment and all feedback is read and appreciated.  And all the precious folks who believe in me enough to labor alongside me – my producers, photographers, graphic designers, band members, backup singers, choreographers, dancers, directors, stylists, makeup artists… I really do appreciate all of you and don’t know what I would do without you.  I feel so blessed every day.

HMTV Canada Interviews Ray Phillips

 www.myspace.com/rayssixtonbudgie

www.rayphilipssixtonbudgie.co.uk

HMTV Canada: Hi Ray Welcome to HMTV Canada eZine. I'd like to talk about a solo project of yours that's come to light which I think is incredible the amount of work and remarkable detail that's being produced by both you composing all the drums, percussion, vocals, guitars I really dig the new sounds which carries the classic rock style and flair, strong vocals and Desolate Angel on lead guitars and she can play one heck of a mean guitar she rocks. Where did you meet Desolate Angel and how long have you been working together?

A: Well, here we are, and here we go!  I first met Justine at a gig in Wolverhampton, near Birmingham in the UK.  My old mate Pete Boot was playing there with his band "Boot 66".  I remember seeing Justine as she went up for a jam with Pete and his band.  She played some Budgie songs but had some problems with her sound which was unfortunate.  I knew she could play well enough, there was no doubting that, I guess the old nerves and feedback was a bit of a problem, but nevertheless I was impressed.  I grabbed a chat with her afterwards and gave her my home phone number offering to help her play those budgie songs as Budgie did when I was in the band. At the end of the night, I faced a walk to Pete's house, which was about a mile away - a nice prospect I hasten to add! Well then came the rain, so cars were needed.  I jumped into some guys beaten up old Jag and we drove round to Pete's house, only just making it before the downpour! Justine pulled up in a nice smart Mercedes I remember thinking to myself that's a nice motor! So off we go into Pete and Nancy’s house, I got a few pints down my neck and the party was officially well on its way!! A bloody good time was had by all!  Justine went off home and me and my wife went off to bed. Now what you want to know is did Little old Ray get to go for a ride in that little Mercedes! About four weeks later and you'll never guess who called Justine! She asked me if I remembered her, I said; "who, who" she said; "do you have an owl!" I replied; "no but I can give you five or ten minutes." so there you go that's how I met Justine! Regarding working together - I can’t remember exactly how long it's been now, but Justine came to my house and that was good fun, we had a good jam.  I then asked her if she would like to do a gig with Six Ton Budgie? she was up for it so we did a couple of gigs. Now do you want to ask me another question? OK on your own head be it!

HMTV Canada: How long have you been working on this project and when will Ray Philips Solo Album be released?

A: I will try to behave myself now! I rebuilt my studio about three years ago and needed some little project to get the feel of the new studio so at this point I decided to put a few problems right on the previous "Six Ton Budgie" albums/Unplucked and Ornithology.  In all honesty I didn't expect to spend so much time on this but I found myself putting bass parts right, and adding extra guitars plus adding more vocals - it went on and on.  I got lost inside the whole thing, so excited by it all and I must say pleased with myself. It's important for me to say right now I'm not a bassist/guitarist/keyboards man I'm a drummer - that's my job. The thought came to me and I realized I could do a solo album. But on pondering this thought I said to myself it must be about the songs! You can’t brag on your guitar/bass or singing talent! cos I don't feel I have the right, and in any case, I just aren’t that good at those things? those who know me will tell you I have never praised my music talents up - in fact it’s always been the opposite.  One day I was thinking to myself I need to find someone to play lead guitar on this solo album and I knew I would have my work cut out.  It was about that time I had some contact from Justine Forrest who was in Los Angeles at the time.   I simply asked her if she would like to do some lead playing on my solo album.  I knew this would bring those normal everyday problems and that's was OK.  She came to our home sometime later and we spent some time recording.   I remember she was playing along to one of my songs and I got quite excited about it; that's always a good sign for me.  Anyway, as time went by, I realized she could play much bigger part in all this than I first thought.  So, here we are and I have to say it's going really well.

HMTV Canada: Having the pleasure of listening to your song tracks on your MySpace page it's tough to pick a favorite all these songs create the imagery and addictive quality sound that stays with you.  Can you tell us about your collection of songs and their themes?

A: You really have made my day Tina, the reason for this is - let’s take the song  'Southern' which my son, Justin wrote.   Now as I told you I don't and never have bragged on my talent, but my son well that's different - he is fab - what a talent.!  Me and my wife Carol came home one day from shopping and Justin was on my drums playing to Metallica. It was great drumming so I went into the room and asked about a particular beat.  He played it for me and I said well-done son that's right. I went out and told Carol he just shown me a great beat.  Some two years later aged seventeen he went to live near to Manchester.  Two years later he returned home, not as a drummer but as a guitarist.  A few weeks after that he was on tour with 'Six Ton Budgie.' Anyway, back to 'Southern,' I was sorting out the drumming and could see Justin was a bit pissed off. I asked; "What's the problem son?" and he told me he didn't like the drumming.  Now I'm pissed off! He showed me something and I can tell you it was better than my playing.  There's lots of thought and soul searching that goes into our song writing. 'Sea of Ayr' is about the sea off the east of Scotland.   I found myself feeling somewhat sad when writing this piece of music.  So, trust me, Tina, if you find yourself with sad or happy emotions when listening to Six Ton Budgie you are in the same place as my son and me.  With regard to my solo album, I think you will have the same thoughts. 

HMTV Canada: What inspires or motivated you to write these timeless lyrics?

A: On my solo album there is one song called, 'Just another love song'.  When I wrote the music it was a happy thing - there was some sort of problem with my son and an old girlfriend. I sat and thought what it must be like for some people when a relationship falls apart and every time, they turn on the radio it’s another bloody love song! So, I wrote the lyrics along those lines.  If the wind is in the right direction, I could write a song about you and this situation!! I remember listening to the daughter of Diana Washington and she said that her mother’s songs were about her life, and for the most part its the same for me also and the same for my son.

HMTV Canada: Will your new solo Album be recorded with a live sound or digital through the computer?

A: I currently use a twenty-four track digital recorder plus three analog disks - a 16, 24 and 32 track.  There are no computers - everything is recorded live.

HMTV Canada: Is there anyone helping with the mixing and mastering of your new project?

A: Everything is done by me - its very time consuming, requiring lots of time, effort and most of all patience.

HMTV Canada: Will you be producing any music videos from your song tracks?

A: At present all time and energy is going into the live recordings, so no plans for videos as yet.

HMTV Canada: Can you tell us about a novel your writing which features lots of tales from your years on the road with Budgie (1967-1973) such as the featured highlights of this book?

A: I have always thought of writing a book for a few years now.  I have so much to tell.  It's as a result of working with 'Justine' the project has now finally become a reality.  I will give an in-depth account of all my memories through my own eyes.  We had lots of good times and some not so good times, but I'm proud to have been part it all and I look back with pride.

HMTV Canada: I never heard of Budgie before so I got curious and Googled the band and discovered their music which I thought is awesome are there still vinyl copies of their Albums for sale?

A: I loved those big old albums they were just brilliant!  Sadly, I don't think

you can obtain them on vinyl anymore! or maybe you can!

HMTV Canada: I hear Budgie made it through the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with other well-known famous Artist can you elaborate on this?

A: Am I in there T? Well, I go to the top of my stairs!

HMTV Canada: Can you tell us about the limited edition A Birds Eye View Part 1 on CD and The Limited Edition Live Tredegar Footage are there still copies left fans can buy?

A: The Birds eye view CD was my first step to doing my solo album.  If people are interested in getting hold of a copy of the Birds Eye View album they can contact me via the Myspace site or at sixtonbudgie@sky.com.  For convenience it is also possible to make payments via PayPal.   At present I'm sorting out stuff for the Tredegar DVD.  It's another project we have on the go, there is so much to do right now.  The Tredegar DVD is going to include a live gig, along with some never-before-seen footage plus we are also putting together an exclusive documentary/interview for the DVD.  It's going to be a very special release and a great bit of footage for both collectors and fans.

HMTV Canada: Has Cyberspace been helping build your fan base or would you rather be touring?

A: Well, I must say as a result of the Internet and with the help my old mate Paul, things have been going well.  Then when Justine came on board things just went from strength to strength.  As for 2009 well what can I say, there are so many problems for people around the world and I try to think of ways to get my music out there, i.e. keep the price down.  I realize it don't mean doddle squat, but it makes me feel I'm doing my bit and if we could all do that it just might help. Of course, I'd love to take the show on the road but let’s see where it all goes "never say never!"

HMTV Canada: What is your focus for career objectives and goals for 2009?

A: Aside everything else I intend to work as hard as I can with my music.

HMTV Canada: Before we wrap up our interview do you have any shout outs to fans or friends?

A: What would I like to shout out to my American cousins in the good old USA?  Thank God for you people, thank god for Obama, God bless you. Tina Wilson.  I can say thank you to Metallica as well can’t I?  By the way Do Metallica still have some guy into analyze their heads and problems. It was something like that, I seem to remember seeing it on TV - God bless their little Cotton socks! THAT'S IT FROM RAY PHILLIPS OF SS BUDGIE AND CAPTAIN JAMES T KIRK OF THE SS ENTERPRISE GOD BLESS AMERICA (now buy my Cd). PEACE TO ONE AND ALL!

HMTV Canada: Thank you, Ray, for allowing our eZine the opportunity to interview Ray Philips band. You rock.

HMTV Canada Interviews Owner of Indie record label Rat Pak Records

 HMTV Canada: Hi Joe, please begin by telling me a little about yourself, where you are from and what is a typical day like for you?

Joe: I am from the North East around the Massachusetts / Southern New Hampshire Area

HMTV Canada: What was your first introduction into the music business?

Joe: I was I guitarist for most of my Life until about 5 years ago. Once I realized the magic tour bus wasn’t coming to make me the next Rock icon, I decided to change directions.

HMTV Canada: How did you make the transition to starting your own record company?

Joe: About 5 years ago I starting booking clubs. I was good at it and started booking bigger and bigger shows. Somewhere along the line I moved into management, but before long I started the label. It all just happened very organically. My formula was to be the guy that was never around in my time. Someone that didn’t lie, steal, use, or exploit bands in the name of money. To be real and true to the movement and work harder than anyone else.  To be the guy that not only talks the talk…. but walks the walk.

HMTV Canada: Which bands are currently signed to Rat Pak Records?

Joe: Vegas Temper, Pulse 8, Twisted Roots, Hour Past, Q, Mindset X. Also involved in many “side projects” with some local and well as national names.

HMTV Canada: What are some of the qualities you look for in an artist or a band?

Joe: Above and beyond the obvious (talent, drive, work ethic) I like to have a personal connection with them. Their music needs to be part of the soundtrack to my daily life. It needs to have meaning to me.

HMTV Canada: How important is the demo production?

Joe: I used to not care about the demo quality, but when you get blasted with mailings, emails, press kits, DVD’s every day of your life – It begins to matter.

HMTV Canada: When you hear a demo that totally grabs you, and you can't get it out of your head, what typically happens next?

Joe: On the rare occasion something blows my mind, I may try to drop them an email after snooping around their myspace page to see if they are signed or not. From there it all depends on their response to me if I pursue. For some reason, I’ve always had bad luck with a band when I was the one pursuing them. So, I usually wait until I am pursued and take it from there.

HMTV Canada: How do you feel the major record labels have handled the new challenges and opportunities offered by the Internet? How do you expect them to do in future?

Joe: I think they are all scrambling to figure out what to do most of the time and keep their bank accounts full. Most of them are driven by profit instead of what actually sounds good. I think they run around trying to create new genres, fads, and manipulate the public into thinking that yesterday is dead and here is the “in product” that represents the youth of America.

HMTV Canada: Do you think file sharing of copyrighted music helps or hinders?

Joe: It’s inevitable. It helps and hinders, but if you are smart you can use it to your advantage. Thank goodness people can’t download free merchandise.

HMTV Canada: Does Rat Pak only sell albums and if so, do you have any plans to sell individual songs?

Joe: You can buy anything in our catalogue. It’s all on iTunes, Rhapsody, and all the other digital mediums.

HMTV Canada: Do you see any limit on the number of artists Rat Pak can represent?

Joe: No. We are growing faster than I could ever have imagined. There is not enough time in a day to get everything done. The future is wide open.

HMTV Canada: What would be the best advice you could give to an up-and-coming band?

Joe: Don’t suck, work hard, believe in yourself, stay the course, put family first (as much as you can), create an online street team, network like a champ, and no matter what happens internally with-in the band…. stay together and remember…. being in a band is like being in a relationship. All relationships can be disappointing at times, they can also be wonderful, so stay focused and make it work. (If it’s worth it)

HMTV Canada: I have often thought that if I could change some aspect of the music industry, I would broaden the choice of music in commercial radio. What would you do?

Joe: Take everyone who is in power that is there for a paycheck instead the pursuit of true talent and fire them.

HMTV Canada: You have your own syndicated internet/FM radio show “The Big Rock Show” and have also interviewed plenty of Metal Gods.  Who was one of your funniest interviewees and what happened?

Joe: There were some good ones lol. Catching Ronny Munroe from Metal Church in the can while I was interviewing him, Sebastian Bach, going off on a tear about myspace, Justin Pace from the Shannon Cory band talking about anal probes, Adam from Killswitch Engage had me almost peeing my pants at one point. But the best of the best was Acey Slade (Dope/Murderdolls/TLV) Talking about the time he “brained” me and a friend at an event. All of this can be heard on an upcoming “best of” show I’ll be doing this fall.

HMTV Canada: Earlier this month you were in Florida at the Rock-Solid Pressure Industry Showcase.  Please tell me what that is all about and your function within it.

Joe: I was there to be on a panel along with some other important media reps to judge bands and offer advice. This year was my first year. The whole thing was amazing. From the pre party, to the showcase, and everything in between. Not only did I meet more connections than ever before, but I finally realized that the last 5 years of my life…. of busting my ass 24/7 – 7 days a week…. sacrificing everything…. was worth it.

HMTV Canada: How important is cross promotion?

Joe: If you don’t cross promote your band will never be anything more than local heroes. It is the key.

HMTV Canada: Joe, for fun…if you had three wishes - what would you wish for?

Joe: Like everyone else…. happiness, security, and a never-ending supply of beer money.

To check out more about Joe and Rat Pak Records, visit

http://www.ratpakrecords.com and http://www.thebigrockshow.net

HMTV Canada: I would like to thank, Joe, for this interview.

Joe: Keep It Loud!

HMTV Canada Interviews Lazarus A.D.

 www.metalblade.com

HMTV Canada: Hi Lazarus I guess the band is excited about their tour coming up is this tour going to cover the eastern and central regions of the USA?

Jeff Paulick: We are very excited, and yes the tour will hit a lot of cities in the Midwest and east coast.

HMTV Canada: Will you be touring with other bands on this tour?

Jeff Paulick: Most definitely, we can't wait to share the stage with Skeletonwitch, Goatwhore, and Amon Amarth every night. We are looking even more toward destroying beers with these gentlemen ha-ha.

HMTV Canada: I really dig your Lazarus Live Video, no words could explain the hard heavy mean guitar riffs and the awesome sound of the drums and melodic vocals, any chances of Lazarus A.D. coming to Canada to play in the future?

Jeff Paulick: I would say it's definitely in the cards, we all want to visit Canada and would to hop on a tour there, if everything works out, we will be there later in the year!

HMTV Canada:  On previous tours what other bands has Lazarus A.D. shared the stages with or opened up for?

Jeff Paulick: We've opened for a bunch of bands, bigger ones like anthrax and testament. We just got off tour with Rikets and within chaos, great fucking guys, it was a blast.

HMTV Canada:  Do you have any wild and funny stories to tell from your previous tours what does the band members do for entertainment when they are travelling on the road for a long time to the next gig?

Jeff Paulick: Well, a lot of alcohol is consumed at night ha-ha. We play a lot of Xbox on the road, watch a lot of movies, I think it's always sunny in Philadelphia hit the player at least 100 times lol. As far as crazy stories, nothing too insane by our standards, but I'm sure that will change soon enough.

HMTV Canada: Will you be recording live videos of your upcoming tour this spring and do you plan to sell CD s and merchandise?

Jeff Paulick: Merch and discs for sure, we have a whole slew of new tees ready to be printed. We won't be filming any shows other than backstage antics on our cam; we want to wait to get the budget for a great live DVD.

HMTV Canada: Can you tell us a little bit about the bands history such as the current lineup do all the band members share the same influences for their music, how long have they known each other? Just curious because when Lazarus A.D. plays live, they are all on the same level and put on one hell of a killer show.

Jeff Paulick: Yeah, we have had the same lineup since the beginning. We all have a really tight chemistry onstage and we all know each other very well, it's the same for us offstage too. As far as influences go, we all have a little different taste, but the main sound we all dig.

HMTV Canada: What motivates or inspires Lazarus A. D. to write lyrics about life, conflict, violence, society and death?

Jeff Paulick: Because that's the lives we live. It's not easy times, we live in cold ass Wisconsin, real life sucks ass ha-ha, this is our escape, we drink beer and write heavy shit musically and lyrically.

HMTV Canada: What band member writes these awesome lyrics or do all the band members contribute to the lyrical content?

Jeff Paulick: I (jeff) write most of them, but dan writes a lot too, we collaborate a lot.

HMTV Canada: Can you tell us about your new Album Onslaught that s going to be released through Metal Blade Records in March such as the journey this Album has taken from the recording, mixing and mastering process?

Jeff Paulick: Well, it's been a long process, we recorded it 2 years ago, released it ourselves. Got signed last summer, remixed it and it hits shelves next week. Alot has happened in that time, we have all grown up a lot and matured musically, it's just the best to finally have it properly released

HMTV Canada: Does Lazarus A. D. prefer to record their music live or do they use the digital method through the computer?

Jeff Paulick: We are all about live music and feel if u can't play it don’t write it. But when it comes to recording a record, everything has to sound flawless, so technology helps accomplish that.

HMTV Canada: Is the band working on any new song tracks at the moment or just concentrating on the tour?

Jeff Paulick: We have been writing new material, and can honestly say it's turning out great. We are going to be trying new things on the next record; everything will be a step up from the previous.

HMTV Canada: Are you using your MySpace page www.myspace.com/lazarus1 as your main website or do you plan to come up with a main website like a dot com soon?

Jeff Paulick: Eventually I'm sure we will grab a real site, but the myspace works for now, keep it cheap and simple lol.

HMTV Canada: What is the bands focus for career goals and plans for 2009?

Jeff Paulick: We want the onslaught to be the best debut of 2009 and we want to tour as much as we can. By the end of the year, I want people to step back and say these guys are the next to carry the flag.

HMTV Canada: Before we wrap up our interview does Lazarus A.D. have any shout out to friends or fans?

Jeff Paulick: We want to thank all our fans for supporting up to this point and we can't wait to meet all the new ones!

HMTV Canada: I would like to thank, Lazarus and Metal Blade Records, for this opportunity, Horns High You Rock.  HMTV Canada Tina.

HMTV Canada Interviews Morphieus

HMTV Canada: In my more youthful years I would have choreographed a dance scene for a Ballet script. It is the kind of sound that can put you into a trance like state of wonderful pics and send your senses into a journey of relaxation. Imagine a world without stress, without issues, the type of music that is carefree, warm and filled beautiful scenic places. That is Morphieus Music -by Tina Wilson HMTV Canada.

HMTV Canada: Hi Robbie, Welcome to HMTV Canada. Tuning into your airwaves I started to relax and almost fell into a trance-like drift of falling asleep with dreamy pics rolling in my mind. Amazing what an effect your music plays on the senses when our minds are free of stress and everyday issues. Can Tell me what the creation Morphieus brings to the world in creativity and masterpieces of sound and lyrical content? 

Robbie: Hello Tina, music has always been everything to me, it’s my lifeblood, it’s what drives me forward. I started creating music as a child. I knew then as I do now, that I wanted to make music which created a mood inside your imagination. I want the listener not just to enjoy the music through there ears, but to close their eyes and go on a journey of discovery, to relax and to make the listener think.

HMTV Canada: When I heard the track Hold On, I thought wow what a great voice. Did you attend a university or college for making music, instrumentation and singing? 

Robbie: Thank you, Tina, very much for your wonderful comments, they mean the world to me, I did actually attend a college in Hereford for about two years, but the course was to learn piano tuning, and also music, but I sadly left, because I started a relationship. 

HMTV Canada: Have you created a full-length Album of your songs yet?

Robbie: To be honest I have created many albums of music, but recently I have been going back to a lot of my favorite tracks, and re-mastered and remixed them, to make them more polished to my ears, and too what I think people want to hear. 

HMTV Canada: What inspires you to create music and write these lyrics?
 
Robbie: Life around me which involve relationships, emotions, tears, and laughter. I take everything from my life and experiences, and create a musical diary and put all my heart and soul into it. 

HMTV Canada: Have you had the chance to collaborate with other bands that want your music style in their songs?
 
Robbie: Not as yet, I hope in the future. I will find other artists and bands to work with, and take the Morphieus sound to a wider audience.

HMTV Canada: Has any movie or video gaming productions ever requested your songs for their scripts or games?
 
Robbie: No Tina, this is my main hope and dream for moving my music forward. I truly believe my music is really ideal for music and TV. I would love to be given scripts to be able to create music to, fingers crossed for the future. 

HMTV Canada: Have you ever been approached by any professional live theatrical acts like Shakespeare or a Ballet Acts requesting to play your music?
 
Robbie: Again the answer is no, as yet no artists of any kind have approached me to do music for them as yet. 

HMTV Canada: I could appreciate your music in a live theatrical act in places like Toronto or New York, and the reasons why I say that is because in surround sound there are different sounds coming from all parts of a room.
 
Robbie: I agree, my main aim as a artist is to play my music live. I have created the music to be able easily to play it as a solo artist, whether at a piano or a full electronic setup. I would enjoy the challenge, and make sure the experience is something special for the audience.

HMTV Canada: As a creator of great music are you always thinking up ways to change styles and try new ideas?
 
Robbie: In a way yes, I enjoy experimenting with styles and ethnic percussion, but to always stay true to the Morphieus style of creativity, to make haunting melodies that create images that only the listener can understand. 

HMTV Canada: Do you play locally around the U.K. or have you had the chance to play in other countries such as festivals or events?

Robbie: I haven’t played any live venues as yet, but again hope and pray that this will happen very soon, I make the music to be enjoyed in the home and live, and would really enjoy taking my music to a wider audience. 

HMTV Canada: Is there much competition in the style or genera of music you create?
 
Robbie: I’m not sure to be honest. I do not think so, because most music is made using computers and sequencers. I do not think many writers play and record in real-time. I just use the pc as a multi-track recorder, and do not use any gadgets to affect the feeling and ambience of my music. 

HMTV Canada: What is the music scene like in the UK such as the types of music genera’s being air played on local radio?
 
Robbie: In the UK, R&B and dance genres have taken over airplay, popular music is a very merchandised type of sound, using computers and sequencers, production seems to have taken a backseat, which is such a shame, production to me is hugely important, as important in a way as the writing process.

HMTV Canada: Do you find internet radio or college radio a great help for receiving airplay of your music?
 
Robbie: Yes, I do, internet radio has only started playing my music very recently, otherwise only a very few people would be hearing my music, which saddens me very much.

HMTV Canada: What social media do you find the most useful in marketing your music?
 
Robbie: For me Soundcloud is my weapon of choice at the moment, the quality of the music is not compromised in any way, the players are a very high quality, and are free, which is very important, when you are a artist with little or no money as such.

HMTV Canada: What are your main goals or things you want to accomplish before 2012 ends?
 
Robbie: I really hope, that I can take my music to a wider audience, and hope TV and film companies will show an interest in me as a writer, performer. 

HMTV Canada: Thank you Robbie for the listening pleasures. You Rock

Robbie: Thank you, Tina, for taking the time to listen to my music, and interviewing me. Take care and lots of love.