Short Review of 3RD Alleys New Singles

--Bloodshot Eyes--

The first time I heard 3RD Alley I had a "What the fuck is this?" moment. Finally a band that had real lyrics and that wasn’t about some lame gimmick or about a poser filled scene. "Bloodshot Eyes" reminds me of the first time I heard 3RD Alley. This song has the same "dark reggae I don't give a shit if the world’s about to end attitude" to it. Which is most of the reason I'm such a big fan of 3RD Alley. There are not many bands that can really go back to their old sound/style after two full length records and actually pull it off. It’s filled with catchy everything really to the vocals the guitar work and the recording and producing is top notch also.

--Medicated--

Very easy to relate to this song lyrically for most people I think. There are a lot of elements and layers to this song, crunchy guitars and catchy lyrics. Shit even the guitars are catchy. The sax recording of Todd Forman (Sublime/Sublime With Rome) hands down murders the track, Sounds like Todd's playing right next to you in a small room.

--Conclusion--

Definitely check out these singles I gotta say its been many years and 3RD Alley hasn't disappointed yet.



Heres the link to the 3RD Alley paypal store

http://3rdalley.bigcartel.com/product/medicated-bloodshot-eyes-double-single-presale

Interview: Ras 1

My interview with Ras 1. Ras 1 has played in such bands as Long Beach Dub Allstars and Long Beach Shortbus. I ask him questions I have always wanted to ask as a fan.



I'de like to start by asking how did you get into music?

I was into music before I knew how to say the word music. My mother was a singer, She played guitar and sang all the time. My dad has always been a fan of good music. So, I never had to listen to any bullshit really.


You have quite your own sound what musicians have influenced you?

I think I am influenced a lot by Cat Stevens on writing, I like singers like Joni Michell, but I can't sing as good as her. I love the flaming lips last few albums. I dig Wilie Nelson. I like Elliot Smith. I like that chick that sings for Gossip. Old Lenny Kravitz, Let love rule. I love the way John Lennon would belt it out. I think Ian Gillan was my favorite singer.

Does were you grew up have an influence on your music/style?

Definitely.

What are some of the first recordings you made, and what are some of the bands that you were in at the time?

Some of the first recordings I made with walkman headphones as a microphone where with a band called FEEDBACK that was me, James Grissom on drums, and Jason Jacobs on bass. Also shortly after that me and my cousin Started a band called THE GRIFFIN, Which was Me on bass, John on guitar, J-sin Robbins on guitar/vox, James Grissom on drums. That was way cool. We used to play a lot of backyard gigs. I was later in a band Called JAH CHILDREN which was my first "reggae" band. We may not have been the best musicians, but we had a great singer and a beautiful bunch of people around us. I think that was a totally great time for me to reflect on in my life.


How did Long Beach Dub Allstars start up?

After Bradley died, the guys wanted to do a show for drug awareness, and M.A.P. called "Enough Already". So, they asked me to jam. We did two rehearsals with just me- bud- Eric and it was good, then the third practice the rest of the guys showed up, Miguel helped get our shit together. He was also on stage for the first year or so. Then he went back behind the board like he was for sublime. Then after the gig we decided to do more.


How was the overall experiance with Long Beach Dub All Stars?

Over all it was something I will always be grateful for. It was bitter sweet because I was playing and singing these huge gigs, and great songs, to get big checks, but it was me because of Brad died. Then there where always people in the band having resentment towards each other, fans trying to hate on me because they felt like I didn't deserve to be there.

How did Long Beach Shortbus get started?

We got started because me and Eric wanted to be a backyard band again, with Trey on guitar.




How was recording the "Long Beach Shortbus EP"?

That was sprack-tacular... Seriously.

What was your inspirations and message behind the record "Flying Ship Of Fantasy"?

My cousin J-sin, and freedom, and Rock n roll.

Anything memorable about recording "Flying Ship Of Fantasy"?

Lewis Richards saying, "for sure, totally!", and me wanting to do mare takes, and it was fun.

Looking back how was the overall experiance with Long Beach Shortbus?

I had a good time most of the time, it was better as far as the chemistry on stage.


Whats your favorite Sublime song/album and why?


Had a dat. Jah don't pay the bills, and it was young-underproduced- full of heart-full of style it was something that I knew as going to be huge. It was a great time to be around.

Where do you usually get inspiration for your songs from?

I get inspirations from my own life experiences.


Whats your song writing process like start to finish?

I will get a topic in my head, then I will get a melody, then start writing, Then the rest of the song goes as it naturally comes to me. I never say "Oh, I better make a bridge here. Better have a pre-chorus here!!! I am never going to be like having the a handbook on writing the perfect pop song.

In all the years you been a musician whats been your most memorable moment?

It was just after 911. We played a gig at the Roseland Ballroom in N.Y.C. as a charity/fundraiser for the victims/ and their families. Anyways, at the end of the show the whole crowd was exiting to the left and I see a guy going against the crowd towards me with a NY Yankees hat. He had to go through it to get to me. Anyways, he hands me his hat, and I say, "Thanks, but I am not Eric Wilson." He then says, I know who you are." then he shook my hand and left. I still have that hat. It meant a lot to me.

Are you currently working on a new recording or any new music?

I currently have a bunch of different songs. Some that are not finished, but close. They are very straight forward, not metaphoric. Some are almost children's music. I read something about Roger Waters writing dark side of the moon. He wanted it to be something a 6 year old could understand. I want to record but I need money to do it. If there is someone out there that has some I would make it worth their while. I need some help.


Have you ever dealt/deal with stage fright in your music career?

Not really. I get pissed off on stage too much to get stage fright.


What places have you liked to travel to the most so far?

I liked traveling to every place I ever went, maybe not at first sometimes.... but I always did in the long run.

Do you follow any current tv shows?

No.

Who have you been listening to as of late?


A lot of David Bowie, I like MGMT. Somehow I always end up listening to some rootsy stuff, like Israel Vibrations. There is way to much bands for me to remember. I love Ween, Radiohead, Flaming lips, all ZEP, Floyd, Cat Stevens. I dunno. I like good music.

Do you have any advice for musicians just starting out?

Do whatever you do whole heartedly. You can't just rock, you've got to roll too.

Anything you want to say to your many many fans out there?

I just really love them, and I want to go out and play for them again. I had to take some time for my mother, who was ill. She is gone now though, and I really have to start living again. We had many bonding moments out on the road, and my songs touched some of you. I have many more things to do and say, and I can't wait to catch up on what everybody else has been up to, and what there dreams and plans are for the future. Don't give up on me. Don't give up on you either. Rock n roll.

3RD Alleys - "Medicated" & "Bloodshot Eyes" double single *PRESALE* out now

Check it out brand new 3RD Alley tunes dropping Nov 16th

(From the site)

PRESALES WILL BE SHIPPED BY 11/16/10

2 brand new songs from 3rd Alley, the first to be released from their upcoming album "shoulda, woulda, coulda." Featuring Todd Forman of Sublime/Sublime with Rome. If you want them autographed, mention it in your order, no charge, obviously, we're not The Killers or anything. Cheers and thanks for checking out the new tunes from 3rd Alley!

Track Listing:

1-Medicated (Clean) 2-Bloodshot Eyes 3-Medicated (Album Version)

Limited Supply.

Heres the link to the 3RD Alley paypal store

http://3rdalley.bigcartel.com/product/medicated-bloodshot-eyes-double-single-presale

Little Down Time

This is a one man show sometimes theres a length of time before new content is posted. Sorry about that.

CHECK IT

Interview: Live@Subs

My interview with Sub from Live@Subs. Straight outta Australia this bands got some great stylee and all of their albums are worth checking out.



What artists/bands influence your sound? Eric Clapton/Cream, Hendrix, Sublime, any good dub, Alice In Chains, Beasties, RHCP's...list goes on! Wing and Deef listen to a bunch of different stuff but we def share a bunch of common influences.

How did Live@Subs get started? We all went to school together, Wing and I played guitar, Deef played drums...Wing started playing bass, we had a band! We used to jam every chance we could for years...Deef and I played in a bunch of other bands, I toured the US for 2 years back in '97 &'98 playen in an Aussie Blues/Funk band... When I quit we started taking L@S a bit more serious...just a bit...!

Whats the Australian music scene like and how do you guys fit into it? Its a pretty small scene...I dont know if we fit in it or out of it??...depends what day it is!

Who do you guys like sharing the stage with? Theres a couple bands we play with a bit out here, Feed Ya Munkie are a young band recording a new record rite now, Direct Influence and The Lowdown are another couple we play with when we can...other wise any of the 63 bands Mudd plays are always cool!

How do your songs usually start out and how do they end up getting to point were you record them? We all write together and separately, either by jams or individual ideas...We don't want just one opinion contributing to our song writing.

How did you get your start with Long Beach Records? I met Mudd over the net and sent him some music. He liked it, and then he came out to Australia just around the time Slightly Stoopid came out. We opened up for them and Mudd hung out. He then came out again not long after and we did an East Coast Tour with him on drums, we been good buddies ever since. I just had my family out staying with his in August this year.

Tell me about your recordings that are currently out? Dam we got a few...We got 4 EP's, Memoirs of an Ashtray, Holiday In Japan, The Subs EP, & The Game. Then we got 3 full lengths, Live@Subs Self Titled, Transpacific(w/Glue Factory) and Hecho En El Norte which we havnt really even released yet!! Its a project that Mudd started. Like Transpacific it was recorded half in LB Cali, and half in Melbourne. Everything is up on Itunes and at LBR's website. We also have it all for sale at www.longbeachrecords.com.au but we are currently rebuilding the website so its not up atm!

Transpacific is probably my favorite rite now, its got Mudd playen drums and guitar, Randy Bradbury from Pennywise plays bass on a couple tracks, Mike Davis from Secret Hate and Glue Factory, and Todd Forman from Sublime fame plays sax too which is cool!...

Are there any new recordings in the works? Yeah we are currently writing our asses off...we have a shit load of ideas demo'd we just gota get them structured a bit better....We been talking to some producers and playing them what we got to see if they get a vibe...but we need to get more songs outta our jams!
Mudd, Mike Long(Capitol Eye), and I spent a few days recording in LB back in August, so we got a few ideas down, we spent a day with Mike Happoldt and drank beers and did a dub medley just for kicks...was good fun!

But yeah we just in the process of releasing Hecho En El Norte thru LBR. Hit them up at www.longbeachrecords.com to get a copy...I think its on Itunes too...

I see you travel to the USA what is it that you like about the USA verses Australia? There are simply more people to play too, and its a newer audience to play our music too.... Its not that one is better, we just want to expand and not limit ourselves solely to Oz! That and we got a bunch of good friends we have made via playing music!

If you could play live anywhere where would it be? Man I don't know...thats a pretty big question...L@S like playing snow shows and beach shows, so beach or mountains, flip a coin...we aint too picky.

What is it that you like most about music? playing it live. And the people I meet thru playing music.

Whats your favorite cd and why? we still have cd's these days?

Any local Australian music acts people should check out? Same as above, Feed Ya Munkie, The Lowdown, Direct Influence, & AUD!

If your drinking than what are you drinking? Beer when its day, Scotch and Coke when its night.

What have you been listening to lately? Old Rolling Stones and Stevie Ray Vaughn.

Whats the next move for Live@Subs? Finish writing our record, and record it with a good producer!

Anything you want to say to your fans people out there? support live music, get out there and go see a band at your local, when ever you can!...Cheers!

Check out some of their tunes right here
http://www.myspace.com/liveatsubs

Buy there albums from the source right here
www.longbeachrecords.com

Interview: Long Beach Records

My interview with Mudd co-owner/founder of Long Beach Records. He has also appeared in Falling Idols, Pivot Foots, Del Noah, Busface, Gluefactory, Corn Doggy Dog and the 1/2 Pound, 3rd Alley and Live@subs.

So what first got you in interested in music? My Dad was a drummer back in Detroit. He mostly just jammed at a local bar, and stopped playing by the time he moved to California. He still liked the idea though, so when my older brother showed interest in drums he bought us a set, and set it up in the garage. I got more interested when me and friends discovered punk rock. Since I had a drum set I was destined to be a drummer.

What bands and artists did you follow when you were growing up? By middle school I was mostly into David Bowie, Jimmi Hendrix, Niel Young, and Pink Floyd. The summer between junior high, and high school I was up in San Francisco at a friends house. He took me to a Dead Kennedy show. We were 15 but convinced the door guy we were older, and got in. After that I got into local punk bands (Rhino 39, Secret Hate, Crewd, Descendants), and west coast bands like DOA, Dead Kennedys, No Alternative, Germs, Plugs, Circle Jerks, Rik L. Rik. I also got into old school NY punk like Johnny Thunders, Dead Boys, Patti Smith, Jim Carol, etc, and UK bands like the Damned, Stiff Little Fingers, 999, Sex Pistols, etc.

What bands/artists influance you? Same as above, but also including MC 5, Bubble Puppy, Steppenwolf, Elvis Costello, etc. But mostly, and most significantly local bands, and the tastes of guys that I have played in bands. Guys like Blair and Brent of the Pivot Foots, and Mike Davis of Gluefactory opened up musical doors that otherwise I would have overlooked. Currently Mike Happoldt and Mike Long of Perro Bravo have me listening to a lot of cool stuff, and continuing to add to my influences.

What are some of the bands and projects that you have played in? Drums: Falling Idols, Pivot Foots, Del Noah, Busface, Gluefactory, Corn Doggy Dog and the 1/2 Pound, 3rd Alley, Live@subs, etc. I also have got to play some guitar with Live@subs, and Ken the All Night Rocker and the Wild Eyed Southern Boys. Recently I got to play bass with Part One Tribe. Very cool to record a couple of songs with those guys. Great band.

How did Long Beach Records get started? Mike Happoldt of Skunk/Sublime had me as a consultant on Stand By Your Van. I didn't really feel that I did much, so I wanted to put the money back into Skunk. Mike thought it best if I had a separate label, and we worked closely, so that he would not have to be personally involved in every band I wanted to add to the label. My first release was Das Klown's Antidote. It is a hard core punk album, and not really what Mike was doing with Skunk at the time, so it made sense to keep the labels separate, but closely linked.

Has there been alot of struggles along the way? Yeah of course. If there isn't then at the end of your life, you have not really lived. Life is a series of peeks and valleys. Flat lining is where I will be at the end.

How did the Australia and Europe divisions get started? Just meeting cool dudes like Gernot Krebs in Germany, and Simon "Sub" Michaelski in Australia. I have always loved to travel. It reinforces the fact that I too live in a bitchen part of the world. Gernot was in a band Mongrel. He sent me his cd and it was great. Same with Sub, and Live@subs. Once I got to know those guys, and their bands, we decided to go global.

Whats the process like when you choose to put a band on the label? I like them as people, and I like what they are doing musically. LBR is a DIY label. We rarely know what the band is going to do until they send us what they did.

What do you think of the Reggae/Punk/Cali music scene lately? It is really cool. I like where it is going. I think it started in the punk era for me with bands like Secret Hate, DOA, and the Plugz throwing in an occasional reggae song with political messages, and frustrated youth style lyrics. Sublime turned that into a west coast style that influenced a lot of bands. I like where a lot of the bands like the Expendables are adding to that with the double lead attack that at times reminds me of Iron Madden. Great stuff. Live@subs is adding Australian flavor, and some Hendrix style blues. Not really into the bands that take it to the pot and chicks lyrics only thing. That does not help me think, but almost encourages me not to.

What advice do you have for just starting up musicians? Build on what you hear. Write lyrics that are universal, and make your listener think. Play beyond your abilities. A lot of my favorite bands struggled to play their own songs live. I respect that. That says to me that their mind was a head of their fingers.

Should we be on the look out for some new stuff coming out? Always. Part One Tribe has some new stuff that is currently being previewed as a prerelease on lastfm.com. I am playing in a band called River Jetty that hopes to be in the studio soon. Look for Perro Bravo with Miguel Happoldt in a Costa Rican town near you in December.

Anything you want to say to the peoples/fans out there? Think for yourself. Don't just accept anyone's interpretations of books, events, etc. Enjoy a diverse world, and people with other opinions. Thank you for enjoying or hating what we do at LBR. We are just glad you know who we are. Have fun, live is to short not to.

Check out the Long Beach Records Website right here

http://www.longbeachrecords.com/

3RD Alley's New Album News: Total Access Studios Mixing Sessions

Total Access Studios – Redondo Beach, CA (9-6-10)

From Zack of 3RD Alley

We rolled in around 11am greeted by Adam Arnold (co-producer/engineer) and jumped right into mixing “medicated” which is the song we’ve all kind of considered being a “single.” It started off as a really bum out song, really dark, so I through in some lemon pepper for some zing and some Forman and it’s now a beguilingly happy jam. While mixing I’d ask “how does it sound?” and I’d hear back “sounds good” so then I’d say “okay then we gotta keep going, we’re not going for ‘good.’” We gave it a car test after we all thought it sounded “bangin’” as opposed to good and got a nice seat massage from jack’s woofers in his g-wagon. It seemed like we could just keep going but just said, “boom, we’re done, print it” which is always relieving and scary at the same time, cause that’s it. Done. Lunch time (pizza as always, they deliver, oh yeah, we had lettuce wraps for breakfast made of some frozen oriental dinners and fresh iceburg lettuce)

We then moved into “bloodshot eyes” which ended up finishing late late that night, so we had some blurry vision goin on at the end, but otherwise the same story as the previous song is applicable here. As long as there are goosebumps involved at some point, I’m stoked. It’s like studying for a test really well and then you finish your test and you feel like, I should do something more, reread it, double check my . . . . aah fuck it, i’m done.

We’re planning on releasing the 2 songs as a double single while we finish up the rest of the album which is already tracked, fyi. We just figured it would be best to get something out sooner by doing it this way. Plus, albums seem to be a bit obsolete these days, it’s all about the individual songs. We wanna feel like each song we put out is capable of being received by itself. Like in the beatles/elvis eras.

I don’t wanna talk it up like it’s the best thing ever, I’m not Brandon Flowers and I know everyone’s a bit biased when it’s so fresh, but I think these songs are the best I’ve done. This album is going vibe more like “After School Special” than the “Shiny Shady People.” It’s going to be called when it’s all said and done, “shoulda, woulda, coulda.” And it’s a complete coincidence that all 3 3rd Alley albums have 3 words in the title. Maybe satan has his hand in the works?

Drawing by Zack during the mixing session

Check out some 3RD Alley songs right here

http://www.myspace.com/3rdalley

Interview: IrieAz Photo

My interview with Tommy of IrieAz Photo. Tommys pictures are all over the place so I had to ask him some questions.

So how did you first get into taking photos? I was given a camera from my sister about 5 years ago, just an old film camera. I started taking photos during my road trips between Arizona and Michigan. After about a year i took an interest in live music. It made sense to combine the two because music has always been a big part of my day to day life.

I see you take pictures from many genres which do you dig the most? Music. Like i mentioned in the previous question its something that has always been an interest. Live shows and the energy felt from the performers and fans never gets boring. It doesn't hurt that i get to meet and photograph the artists i have grown up listening to. I'm blessed in that sense.

What else do you like taking pictures of? Anything and everything pertaining to life, art and the diversity in people. I have done my best to help promote other artists in their ventures and portray their perspectives and style through my photos.

Whats some of your most memorable shoots? You didn't specify here memorable for a good time or lessons learned. I think some of the more memorable shoots have been the ones i learn patience from. Shooting a band before they play a show, after just rolling into town and no introductions have been made. This can be a little nerve racking because you don't want to take to much of their time but you want a great shoot.

What music venues do you like the most? The best one right now i would say is Celebrity Theater. The whole set up of the venue is great. The lighting is good and the stage is set up to rotate 360 degrees while the band is playing so you get those great crowd interaction shots.

Best show you've been too so far? Beach Fest 2010 Rocky Point Mexico. It was chill because it was all right on the beach. Everybody was hanging out drinkin smokin straight west coastin. Ha.

Have you ever looked into publishing a book of your work? No. I'm not ready for all that.

Being that your in AZ what is it that you like/hate about the state? Az is my second home but the summers are lame. I enjoy being outdoors but on some days that's almost impossible. Otherwise its great!

Do you have any other hobby's? I like Bicycles.

Anything we should be on the lookout for? Yeah! Keep an eye on the web page and my FaceBook page. I am pretty consistent with my updates and i enjoy feed back.

What do you wanna say to your fans/peoples out there? There's too many too name but i want to say a big thanks to everybody that has supported me and my awesome girlfriend for helping me use my words. Ha.

Check out the IrieAz Photo website right here

http://irieazphoto.com/

Notable Mention: Skindred

A favorite band of mine for many years these guys are a class all their own. Straight outta Newport, South Wales they mix hard rock/metal with reggae calling it "Ragga metal". All thier realeases are soild and worth checking out.

Check out thier main site here

www.skindred.com/

Check out thier myspace right here

www.myspace.com/skindred

A Bear With A Car On Top's New Album!

They are steaming their new album "A Bear Has Landed" for a limited time on their website go and check it out and the album drops on 10/21/10

Go here

http://www.rastabear.com/

Good Read: Dying For Triplicate

Check out Todd "Zman" Zalkins new book "Dying For Triplicate". Todds also the frontman of Corn Doggy Dog and the 1/2 lb and has long been a part of the long beach punk scene.

"Dying for Triplicate" is an inside glimpse of a horrific story of addiction, and proof that we can change, and break free of something that we never dreamt possible.

Check it out here

http://www.dyingfortriplicate.com/

You can also check out Corn Doggy Dog and the 1/2 lb at

http://www.myspace.com/corndoggydog

Notable Mention: Pasadena

Their album "Sick And Tried" is high on my list really worth checking out.

You can hear samples of the album "Sick And Tried" right here

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/pasadena

YouTube Classic: Live@Subs - Holiday In Japan

Live@Subs live in the PBS Studios, Melbourne Australia

Interview: KnowledgeBorn07

My interview with Knowledgeborn07. I've been a fan since I was a kid. He released a new album for free this year so naturally I had to interview him.

How did you get your start with music? When I was a kid we were the only house on the block with a basketball hoop. Neighbors from all around would throw games in our back yard....bust out the gold spray painted ghetto blasters ....people carving jordan and nike symbols in their hair and blaze some Rob Base...Run DMC...all the good stuff while us younger kids imitated ...tryed to jump in...then eventually just watched and rapped.....When I would go to school I would rap on the playground to my friends and the girls of course...then around junior high one of my friends had a little project studio in his basement where he recorded punk songs. We dug the beastie boys...RATM dropped Freedom....it was on from there...........

Whats been your biggest influance? My biggest influence in life are my kids. If I didn't have them I would be a sad MOFO...haha...I am a sad MOFO but...."I got my kids" ....sorta........nah but family is a huge influence...not only my own but just families and seeing that connection of love and compassion.........also culture influences me......any kinda of art....creativity....life....love....definatly other peoples music...Music has shaped me into the person I am today for the most part.

Whats your music writing process like? Sometimes I write a paragraph of how I'm feeling at that moment...i put it away....it eventually makes its way back to me when I'm blocked and i try to form it into a song......other times I pick up the guitar....find a melody on one string.....figure out the chords....sstrum and see what comes out.....write it down....get a ruff recording...then it my transform into something good...or take a back seat in which I only bust it out when some friends are over and I laugh in embaressement. Other times someone will send me a tune and I'll sit and write to it. Or I'll just go into the studio and record some random stuff...write stuff on the spot and perform it. It all really depends. Everyday is a new adventure in writing and I hope that never stops. Countertops....napkins....boxes....smartphones.....my hands...or i'll call someones voicemail and leave a message of a melody in hope that it won't get lost....

How do you feel about the current state the music business is in? I love it! I think there is so much good music out there and its just an endless see of new bands out there. Music makes me high! It's not a competition to me its a koalescence.

What are you drinking? hmmmm.....last night I drank Svedka and Grapefruit juice with a splash of lemon gatoraid....that was pretty tasty actually and gives you a little boost...haha....I like Scotch on the rocks brother.....straight to the point...and micro brews.......

Whats been your best moment in music? I think my best moment was recording this last album and collaborating with some great people/artists.

How do you feel about mainstream music? I like Lady Gaga.....but not until I saw her interview.......

I see you callab with alot of artists. Who have you liked collabing with the most so far? My favorite artist that I have colaborated with so far besides Johnny Cosmic would have to be Zack Walters of 3rd Alley. Dude's just a bad mofo.

Cosmic Knowledge is one of my favorite albums of 2010! What was the major message for the album? The major message was that it doesn't matter where you come from or who you are ...we are all the same at the end of the day when the lights go out.....it was an album thrown out into the wild web like a message in a bottle floating in an open sea.......sunshines and storms ....regardless....just hoping someone will find that bottle(album) at the time in their life when they need it most and it can help them thru their own struggles because I was bleeding in that album......everything that has gone on during that recording process was seeping out of me....but thats how an album should be....heartfelt and true....sometime I felt like my guts were being tornout but now im healed and stronger.......The message inside that bottle is different for everyone that desides to grab it and open it and actually give it a whirl....it's for everyone......

Whats the next move? Next move is grab some Frankies Ribs tonight...hahah.....nah ....just trying to get that free album (www.knowledgeborn07.com) into as many hands as I can while moving forward with music and expressing myself musically.....i'm working on my next album and also have a collaboration album in the works with some friends of our old band Roots of Kreation and some guys from the legendary Ways to be Worse crew....so look for that ......The art work was done by chris dyer....an amazing artist from Brazil....there is a documentary coming out about him and one of our songs off the album with be on that documentary so stay tuned and check out http://www.positivecreationsmovie.com/ .............Peace and Blessings......

KnowledgeBorn07 - 27 Miles

YouTube: Slaughterhouse Rootz performing "Chico" on Green Rights Radio

Great vid

Notable Mention: Three and a Quarter

Three and a Quarter is not only an notable mention but, Also one of my favorite bands.

Check out there myspace at

http://www.myspace.com/threeandaquarter

Buy there record "Chubby

Dubby" from Long Beach

Records at

http://www.longbeachrecords.com/

Free CD Download: Cosmic Haze - Street Corner Prophets

Knowledgeborn07 fans check this out! Free cd download of the album Cosmic Haze - Street Corner Prophets feat. Knowledgeborn07

Check it out and download it here

http://cosmichaze.bandcamp.com/album/street-corner-prophets

Interview: 3RD Alley

My interview with Zack Walters of 3RD Alley. 3RD Alley has its own sound in a flood of music that mostly sounds the same. With two full length albums out and one on the way. Both albums are classic in my opinion and will be taking over your cd player/mp3 player in no time.

So Zack what first got you interested in music? I was always into music as far back as i can remember, while my friends were buying G.I. Joes, i was buying records. When i was like 5, i made a drum set out of the tin cans that those christmas sugar cookies came in by taking that clear packing tape and stretching it accross the top over and over until i could get what i thought was a decent sound and i'd play along with my favorite songs. Music always seemed magical to me.

Whos your biggest influence musically? Well, naturally its changed alot over the years but, as far as songwriting goes, i'd have to say elliott smith, i love his songs and how unobvious they are. John Lennon and David Bowie also in the same vain have influenced me for similar reasons. But then there's NOFX, Sublime and NWA that influenced me to not stay confined into one arena, it's like they taught me to have bite lyrically. I love music that throws blows, that'll come out and bite you on your ass!

What was your first recording like? haha, um, sterile. safe and boring.

Whats been your most memorable moment in your music career? I'd have to say there's been a few times when someone has sat down with me and told me how much certain songs meant to them and how it helped them in some form or fashion. "Happy tank" for some reason has struck a major chord with a handful of people who were going through tough times and they told me that it helped them through it, to me that makes everything beyond worth it.

What band do you like playing shows with the most and why? There are too many to mention. But playing with bands that are just cool guys and know they are good musicians so they don't have to overcompensate by acting like premadonnas is always a treat.

Whats your music writing process like? i change it up a lot, i used to mainly write with an acoustic guitar and then build from there, but lately i've been trying all kinds of different methods. I've been writing lately more around beats. i usually do a bunch of demos before i actually get the song worked out, record them over and over until i think they are ready to spend money recording. On ASS i wrote "hit mix" from the sampled windshield wipers of my girlfriend's car. Been playing around a lot more like that as well lately. Also had the experience of writing "belly floppin'" for bFoundation's last album, which I wrote the melody and lyrics over their instrumental, that was fun and different. Would like to work with other artists as well.

What was your major inspiration for After School Special. (Which is still my favroite album for all time just had to add that in there)? Nice man, thanks! I wrote most of those songs before 3rd Alley got together and had a solo album ready to be released, but then we amplified it, and turned them into 3rd Alley songs. Obviously it's full of alot of relationship drama, I was on a roll with a string of crazy girls and thought they'd make good stories for songs. I was also having some crazy insomnia going on so it deals with that as well. It was written over a span of a few years off and on.

What was your major inpiration for Shiny Shady People and how did you change musiclly from A.S.S.? I wasn't really trying to change the sound, I had just been traveling alot and was heavily influenced by old world rhythms in Europe. It's just what i was going through at the time. Had i been living in Hawaii and drinking pina coladas on the beach it would've sounded way different. I think the darkness on it came from a lot of pent up frustration i had with our "ground hog day" way of life. It seems everybody just is on autopilot and just living, like on a treadmill. I was mad at suits in the corporate world, politics and religion as well.

If your drinking what are you drinking? Cazadores

What have you been jamming lately? Chuggo, have you heard this guy? amazing! Tyson turned me onto him. Honestly, I haven't been stoked on really anything lately, with the exception of bands that we have toured and love. Like Bandgeek Mafia from Germany and Jaya the Cat from Amsterdam. Knowledgeborn07's album was pretty rad too. I did just buy a Cartola record and the song "alvorada" is trippin me out. I really like some of Julan Casablanca's solo album.

What are the next plans music wise? get this new album out and get out and play to our fans.

When can we expect a new CD/recording? We are pretty much done tracking the new record we're gonna call "shoulda, woulda, coulda" but we are going to release a single either "medicated" or "bloodshot eyes" with a couple of b-sides first till we get the rest all mixed and ready to release. That should happen in the next couple of months.

Anything you want to say to your fans peoples out there? thanks for the patience, we have been slow roasting the new album so that you can take out your dentures for this one.

Check out there myspace at

http://www.myspace.com/3rdalley

On The Spot Interview: Catfish Mustache

My chat interview with Tania the frontwoman of Catfish Mustache. Straight outta Gilbert, Arizona they have an unique sound thats worth checking out.

Me- So Tania how did you get your start in music?

Tania- well, i played the alto sax in 6th grade... and later in junior high, i discovered hip hop and started rapping. my parents always had a massive music collection, music was always playing somewhere in my house growing up.

Me- how did Catfish get its start?

Tania- Eric (the guitarist) was in a different band and they had a show booked... a week before the show, his singer cancelled... Eric didn't want to leave the club with an empty slot, so he asked me to rap and asked his cousin Brandon to play drums we put together about 5 songs that week and played the show. That was also my first time singing in front of a large group of people, i never knew i had it in me.

Me- who influences your music past and present?

Tania- who doesn't? I love all types of music from Sam Cooke to the Roots to System of a Down. I just wrote a song that was sortof influenced by a combination of the Temptations and the Abbot Kinney Lighthouse choir (gospel choir). I listen to music in different phases... one week soul and funk, next week I'll be playin the Toadies. All of it inspires and influences me.

Me- i hear that you gotta switch it up. Do you have any recordings out? Are you working on a record?

Tania- we are almost finished recording our first cd. it's been a long and educational process. we're hoping to have it out by the end of next month

Me- Whats it like being a female singer in a flood of mostly male frontmans?

Tania- i like the fact that it makes me stand out a little, but it's frustrating bcuz i don't always get taken seriously. Some people think it's just a gimmick ... until they hear us play and can see that it's legit

Me- What venue do you like to play the most?

Tania- i really like the vibe at the Sail Inn

Me- What other hobbys do you have other than music?

Tania- sewing and arts and crafts type stuff... i'm workin on making a gang of wallets and purses to be sold at our shows i like to cook too. i'm pretty good in the kitchen if i do say so myself

Me- what is your favorite thing to cook?

Tania- hmmm... that's a good question... i make some pretty amazing fish tacos... you would think i was mexican. i make the salsa, cabbage slaw, get that queso fresco in there. it's a thing of beauty i've also recently started to perfect the art of smoking ribs it's not easy... u gotta keep the temp just right for so long. low and slow all day

Me- dry rub or marinade?

Tania- dry rub for sure... but i like to put a little sauce on at the very end. i leave it up to people eating to put more sauce on if they want

Me- if your drinking what are you drinking?

Tania- pyrat rum is delicious and smooth i like filthy vodka martinis sometimes too

mmmm... all that olive juice

Me- whats your guys next move?

Tania- touring. i can't wait to get on the road

Me- where you guys heading too?

Tania- nowhere officially yet, but i'd like to play around the southwest this winter... maybe work our way up the west coast a little

Tania- how did u hear about us?

Me- I think i saw you guys on an site or something my memorys a bit of a blur

Tania- did u just see me talkin trash about "white boys singin reggae"

Me- that is what reminded me to interview you, I have a list of people I think that would surprise most

Me- so whats your beef with white boys singing reggae?

Tania- i don't really have one. I wrote that song about so many copycat bands out there. It seems like so many bands out there are just trying too hard to sound like Sublime or Dirtyheads...

... what happens then, is we have all these bands that sound exactly the fucking same.

Me- My outlook is theres alot of bands that I don't like for all kinds of reasons. Theres alot of crap coming out of the reggae punk community. I like to listen to and promote what I dig. Let people follow and jam to what they like.

Tania- i like variety in music. when i go to see a live show, i want to see who the musicians are in a way. i don't just want to see who influences them. Ya know what i mean?

Me- Anything you want to say to your peoples/fans out there?

Tania- ummm... keep on the look out for our cd release! tell your friends! spread the music

Check out their myspace at

http://www.myspace.com/catfishmustache

Interview: Dan Sherrill

Interview with solo singer/songwriter Dan Sherrill hailing from Wyoming. Dan's shared the stage with so many bands/artists it would take half a page to list them out. (Note: This is one of the first interviews I wrote out so the questions are kinda on the short side.)

So Dan how did you get your start in music? My mom is a long time musician/music teacher (she still plays piano/organ for wedding, church, etc.) So I got into music at an early age (voice and piano right away). Then in 5th grade, I started the good ol’ 5th grade band program playing the trumpet, and still actively play it today. Guitar came a few years later in 7th grade or so, and I haven’t looked back yet with the axe..

Whos has been your biggest influences in music? I’d have to say my mom for sure. Music teachers I’ve had through the years. My high school choir teacher, Mr. Swann did alot for my voice. My college music proffs – Dr. Royer and Mr. Parker were huge as well....

Then as far as “influences” in the big scope of things, I’d have to say Mishka, Brad Nowell, Dennis Brown, Slightly Stoopid, Johnny Cash, and Miles Davis to name a few.....

Have you been in any bands before going solo? Oh yeah. Got my first good experience in high school – playing with my homies in a band called Beta Caroteen. This was in Watertown, SD. As far as a high school garage/grunge/punk band, we were pretty good. It was a vital step in my music “milestones”....

In college then, my bro Tony Speiser (who I played in Beta Caroteen with) and I moved to the Black Hills of South Dakota and started the MMB (mighty moose band). We were pretty darn popular in South Dakota and put out on full LP entitled “get loose with the moose”, in which is now out of print. When I moved to Wyoming to start a family and new teaching career in 2004 -- is when I went solo. Since then, I’ve sat in with bands here and there, played with a 2 piece acoustic rock band, but most significantly – I’ve played guitar, sang, and tooted my trumpet on countless shows and cities with my good bros SLAUGHTERHOUSE ROOTZ out of Denver, CO. So much fun and it gives me the “full band” adrenaline that a person digs ha ha..

How is it balancing being a family man and be an actively touring musician? It’s hard man, but yet it flows and fits well. First of all, you gotta have a good....I mean GREAT woman by your side. She believes in me, supports me, and allows me to tour and play lots of shows....but I still make time for the family in which is essential. Unfortunately, I’ve seen too many musicians “fall” or “get grounded” so to speak from the road because they don’t have an understanding and supportive woman by their side. You can’t be selfish, you gotta give and take a little – do the best you can to make it balance.

Whats the Wyoming music scene like and how do you fit into it? Well Wyoming itself is the smallest (population wise) state in the Country. We only have 500,000 people in the whole entire state. There really isn’t much of a scene compared to surrounding states like Colorado and Utah. For the most part, the demand for entertainment in Wyoming is Country and or Western.... Casper seems to be the hub of the state and I have done pretty dang well up there. There’s a fair scene there. Jackson Hole (ski area) is cool as well, and Laramie (U of Wyoming) is pretty good.....I’d have to say for a “cowboy state”, Casper probably holds it down the best.

How do you feel about the Reggae Punk music scene these days? I like it. But it’s starting to get kinda saturated with the same ol’ stuff, generic stuff if ya get my drift. A lot of it sounds the same, a lot of us have talked about this particular issue. Overall though, more exposure is good exposure so I can’t complain.....

Whats been some of your most memorible times on the road and jamming? I’ve had some killer times traveling/playing with Slaughterhouse Rootz. Heck, we just played a couple of weeks ago in Minneapolis on the Slightly Stoopid bill w/ Jon Wayne and the Pain as well as the Collie Buddz. That was sick. Tours to California have been great, love heading that way. I’ve made 6 tours in the past 4 years and they’ve always been great. Great friends out that way. Going back to South Dakota (my old stomping grounds) is always crazy. Great crowds, good friends and peeps gettin’ down to the Wyoming Reggae ha ha...

Who do you like to share the stage with the most? Jon Wayne and the Pain really hit me with a good vibe when I recently hooked up with them in Denver. Since then, I’ve played another show with them. They are awesome. Playing with SHR on the Mishka Bill was a dream come true. I’m a huge Mishka fan/influence as I mentioned earlier. Of course Slaughterhouse Rootz is always exciting to play with. Mike Pinto, Ballyhoo, and B-Foundation, Fayuca, Tatanka are sick to share the stage with. Great fellas, great musicians, real peeps, so rad.

Check out his myspace at

http://www.myspace.com/dansherrillrootsrockreggae

On The Spot Interview: Jon Wayne And The Pain

My late night facebook chat interview with Jon of Jon Wayne And The Pain.

Me- So Jon how did you get started in music?

Jon- I started taking guitar lessons when i was 9 and first played songs by the doors and other rock and roll classics like stairway to heaven and other top 40 picks. Love me two times was the first song I sang in front of people

Me- Nice man. I've seen interviews were you talk about being a former addict how does it influance your music and do you have any advice for the peoples out there trying to get clean?

Jon- Being a recovering drug addict does have a big influence on the music. The inspiration i once got from those drugs turned out to be the thing that nearly took my life and ultimately left me uninspired. Now that i look back on it, the main thing that helped me get clean was seeing that I didnt have to live that life anymore if I didnt want to. I saw other people who had similar stories to me change their life through taking different actions and gaining contact with a power greater than themselves.

Me- Some pretty strong words of inspiration. What is it that you like most about music?

Jon- I like how, when the Im feeling either our music or someone else's music. I can leave the surface of the earth and find myself completely content in the present moment. I have found that being in the present moment is the most wonderful place to be, even if things appear to be going bad. I have no control over the past or future, but have complete control over my life in the here and now. Music has brought me to that place more than anything else

Me- I hear you on alot of that. Do you still see racistism is a problem today?

Jon- Not as much in the groups that i surround myself with usually. But, when we play in smaller communties, that have been extremely sheltered from other cultures and races i do see it more. I dont respond well to Racist people. I usually loose my composure and say something that I regret. So i usually turn the other way and leave a conversation if It gets a racist tone to it

Me- What was the major thoughts behind your first record? I've listened to it many times. Theres alot of great tracks on it and tracks that make you think. A couple that I think alot of people can compare to there own lives.

Jon- Yeah Im glad you can relate to it. I think that having a struggle in your life and moving past that struggle is something that a lot of people can relate to. Even if it hasnt been drugs or alcohol, we have all had tough parts in our lives and being able to move past it is a unifying theme.

Me- So Jon do you have any other hobbys than music?

Jon- Yeah, I really enjoy Longboarding around the neighborhoods and chillin at home here in Uptown Minneapolis. We're on the road so much that its just nice to not be in a moving vehicle. I also enjoy fishing, but dont make it out very often.

Me- What did you change on your new record what was the major influence behind it? How was recording it?

Jon- We had progressed more as a band when we we went into the studio for our latest album and had more of a complete idea of what we wanted than on the last album. My personal influence of most of the songs had come from me getting excited about life again. Getting back in the swing of living, realizing that life doesnt have to be a series of self inflicted pains. The recording process was tedious, but we ended up getting a pretty good album out of it. Im altogether pleased with the outcome of our new effort.

Me- I wanna personally thank you for doing this interview, Do you have anything you want to say to your fans/peoples out there?

Jon- We have found so much support from our fans that we will keep up the hard work. You people have made it worth while to play all these shows in all these cities. We wouldn't be Shit without you. Thank you for everything. If you believe in us, help us spread our music to people who have never heard it.

Check out their Myspace at

http://www.myspace.com/jonwayneandthepain

Also check out the bands website at

http://www.jonwayneandthepain.com/

Interview: SlaughterHouse Rootz

Interview from the road with Denver, Colorado's own SlaughterHouse Rootz. A Reggae Party band thats definitely worth giving a listen to.

How did the band get started? Kyle & Wyatt met at the end of 2006 along with a rapper named Cloud9 and they started SHR by playing a couple of shows, at first it was more of a rap/reggae group. At the rappers last show, they met Heroic d who was playing bass with Denver band Plastic Nation, over the next few weeks they played several shows together. In June 2007 the lineup was Wyatt, Kyle and Hd on bass. Several months later we added Byrd to do FX for the vocals and drums. We decided to put him on stage instead of behind the sound board so that he could dance and roll spliffs for us during shows...

Where did the name for the band name come from? SlaughterHouse Gulch is a 4x4 trail west of Denver

For those unfamiliar with you, how would you describe your sound? We have been called "Ganja Rock" but the way we like to describe it is "dirty party reggae" our goal is to usually get drunk and stoned with our fans while we are on stage (and after)

What are your sepreate influences and what influences do you all share? we all love Sublime and Slightly Stoopid, and of course to party!

Heroic: Any band Tim Armstrong was in and old school gangsta rap like NWA, Rappin 4-Tay & Biggie

Kyle: Jon Bonham, Jon Theodore, Omar Rodrigez Lopez, Cedric Boxler Zivela & Miley Cyrus of course!

Byrd: Steve Miller, Jack Johnson, Pink Floyd and gotta add the Greatful Dead

What has been your best memorable live moment so far? we played a bachelor party one time with Gabriel from Fayuca on guitar, there were two strippers getting it on on the dance floor, and we we mean ON! If you can picture "Double Doggie-Style" involving a two-headed dildo and lots of lube ... all this going on right in front of the stage as we played! It's rare two see to chicks just going at it but doing it live to our music was so sweet and we had the best view!

Pipes or blunts? Ha! Silver Surfer Vaporizers!! We all have pipes of course too but on the road we like blunts and fat joints. Byrd is a master roller and that's usually our preferred method. HD does have a metal pipe he carries around that we call "the classic" not too good but it doesn't break

If your drinking what are you drinking? Jim Beam, it's our thing.

How was recording your album "Ball Sacks & Bass"? We got into a collective called "the MotherShip Creative Firm" they had glass blowers, graphic artists, a screen printing shop and a recording studio. We had been looking for a studio to work with and when we walked into this place we just knew it was for us. FIrst off we rolled in each with a 40oz in hand and smoking blunts, because wanted a studio that could work with us in our "natural state" these guys were down! Our drummer Kyle knew a few of the guys from high school and one of them, Cole was in still in engineering school so it worked for us, we wanted someone fresh who didn't know much ... like us so that we could do whatever we wanted on the album, you know pushing boundaries that we shouldn't. We took a couple of weeks in September and October 2009 to record.

Anything go down while recording your album "Ball Sacks & Bass" you want to share? A good note is that every session we we're completely drunk and high, that was our goal to capture that feeling and vibe. Some tracks we had to throw out because one or all of us were just too drunk or stoned to get anything right. There were ounces of Colorado's finest burnt over the recording of BSB that's for sure!

Are you guys working on a new recording? we have been writing a lot of new songs and are planning on an EP release before the end of the year showing off some of the new additions we have added to the band.

Whats the big plan for the rest of 2010? so far this year has been epic for SHR we have had the opportunity to play great gigs and showcases like this years SXSW party ATX Wildfire and supporting spots on shows with the Dirty Heads, Supervillians, Iration, and so many others. We finally got ourselves a good manager and have just recently had a big change to our lineup and as always we are still working on our overall sound. More on that over the next few weeks as we get our shit together... on this tour we have a new vocalist, DJ and guitarist so things have been quite interesting on the road for us, the future is wide open and we are not sure what that means exactly but we do know that SHR will be rocking and smoking out the scene with some sweet new music soon.

Any bands/artists/peoples you want to give shout out to? First off a huge shout out to the "No-Coast" reggae/rock scene that is going down in the Midwest. Bands like Jon Wayne & the Pain, Vibenhai, and Eleven FIngered Charlie. Most of the attention is on bands that come out of the west coast or even recently the east coast so to see bands in the middle of the country making great music only raises it for all of us. Mad love to our homies in Tatanka they are taking their brand of electro-pop-reggae-step to a different level, also a big shout out to our sponsors at Silver Surfer Vaporizers they have been a big support for us and our music, go buy one.

Check out their website at

http://slaughterhouserootz.com/

Check out their Facebook at

http://www.facebook.com/SlaughterHouseRootz