Happy Leap Year!

I don't know what's going on with the magazine these days but I have been BUSY beyond belief.  It's kind of cool, though.  No real complaints.

For those new to the magazine - this is a small blog just to keep a web presence.  Let me state that Eclectic Arts is a PRINT magazine.  I've been going against the grain and don't have any intentions of stopping.  So, for those that blog, hey, good on ya!  But I believe in print - I don't value things I can just read for free online.  It's too easy in my opinion.  And after awhile, scrolling and scrolling gets tedious.  I hope if you're reading this, you appreciate print magazines as well.  Send me a note about which issues are still available (see info below).

At some point down the line, there will be an official EA site - with it's own set of content (different from the print version) - but that is way down the line.

Thanks for stopping by - I'll do a proper update after I finish writing these umpteen music reviews!

-Mark

Back Issues:

$5 US postpaid will get one issue delivered to your door if you live in the lower 48 here in the US.   Outside of the US (including Alaska and Hawaii) will cost anywhere from $8 US to $10 US (depending on where its being shipped to).

PayPal Payments:  mark AT seattlenextdoor DOT com 

Money order or well concealed cash:  please email me for snail mail address.

Questions?  Email me at:  EclecticArtsZine AT gmail DOT com

Thanks!

Puzzle(d) Pieces - Jabi Shriki Concert Review

Anyone who's been reading EA knows that I think Jabi Shriki is putting out some great music here in Seattle (well, Olympia and other cities to be more accurate).  Recorded music is one thing, live music is a totally different animal.  Due to numerous scheduling conflicts, anytime Jabi was performing in the Seattle area, I could never make it.  That all changed last night (2/25/12).

This gig was Jabi's CD release party for his newest CD "Puzzle Pieces".  If you don't have it already, what the heck?  Go buy it right now if you haven't already - this blog isn't going anywhere.  No, really, right now.  iTunes or directly from Jabi    www.jabi.us

I haven't been to a coffee shop gig in quite a number of years to be honest.  The Gypsy Cafe is a cool place.  When you walk in the ordering area is dead center, with tables to the right and a back room to the left.  Filled with random tables and chairs, there is a stage where they hold different local music events every week it seems.  From open mics to songwriters events, the Gypsy Cafe is supporting the local scene - so they automatically get a nod of respect for that.  Cheers!

Onto the gig!  I will focus strictly on Jabi's set.

A very quiet and humble man, unassuming with jeans and a flannel and black tshirt on (Jabi - let's talk about image a little bit, k?  email me ...  ;)    ) Jabi checked his guitar, mic, and the PA system.  He announced who he was and then he started.   Jabi's voice makes you take notice of what's coming from the stage.  Then the music (guitar) gets things going and then you're lost in the world of Shriki - a wonderful world of melody, introspection, and curiosity.

We were treated to the requested "I Know It Well" (thanks for playing it - yeah readers, I'm the one who requested it - sue me - or at least I was one of the people that requested it I'd like to think) from "Seven More Oceans".  "Raining In Boston" from "Juniper Circus" also appeared in the set (I use the term loosely as Jabi has mentioned he doesn't rehearse a set list per se).  With this being a CD release, three songs (if memory serves) from "Puzzle Pieces" were played.  "Inverse Second(s)" with a female musician friend performing the vocals from (random) memory.  "Int(r)o" - the guitar instrumental was played right before the set ender of "Turn The World".

The mix of new, old, and current songs was pretty much spot on.  I think, though, considering this was a CD release show, at least one or two other songs from the CD should of been aired instead of new tracks that a fan, like myself, is unfamiliar with.  This show was pretty low key so I can overlook that aspect but with any future shows (like the upcoming ones in PDX) - especially the podcast and the music store gigs, I would suggest playing the majority of the tunes from the new CD - so anyone that hears you live, they can say, "hey, is that song on the CD (like Roo asked at the end of the Seattle show)?"  And that's when Jabi can proudly reply, "why yes - it is - would you be interested in buying one, etc".  CD show - promote the CD as much as possible.  Simple idea.  Other types of gigs can be more carefree with the song selection.  Just my opinion.  And, yeah, I know the saying about opinions .....

I am a firm believer that Jabi Shriki is making music that, not only could do well with a wider audience, it deserves a wider audience!  Some artists have it, some don't.  Jabi has "it".  Jabi's music is captivating.  It stays with you.  It's something that will linger with you into the next day, long after the smells of coffee wafting from the Gypsy Cafe have gone.

I would pay money to see him perform a show in a proper venue - an arts/community center theater, with a stage, seats, lighting, etc....something like the Historic Everett Theater would be perfect!  The IKEA theater in Renton would do nicely, thank you.  Heck, aim for the stars and go with something like the Edmonds Arts Center Theater - beautiful hall.  I want to see him play the music that he has an undying passing for in front of a proper audience. 

I walked into the Gypsy Cafe a fan of Jabi Shriki's music.  I left the Gypsy Cafe a genuine fan of Jabi Shriki - the music (recorded/live) and, perhaps more importantly, the man.

PDX - you're next - check him out!  You'll be glad you did!

-Mark

A Note Before The Weekend

Greetings!

So where was I?  Oh yeah - I'm going to do a quick update first:

*Xandria interview is now complete.  I really appreciate the fact that Manuela took her time with the answers to my questions (and follow ups).  The interview reads really really well and I'm happy with it!
*Rachel Federoff interview got pushed back to this coming week - so I can't reflect on that interview just yet.
*Tia Tanaka is also working on something else for the magazine that ya'll will see soon.
*There is one possible interview that could happen in March.  The first time I tried, I got shot down cold by his people.  But I tried again recently and I got put in touch with the publicist - so we'll see.  It would be great to get him as an interview considering he's a chef/tv personality and that would add a different element to the magazine.  Plus I've been trying since May or June!

I'll do the next blog about the next artist on the interview list!

-Mark

Adult Entertainment - Round II

I'm always interested in feedback regarding EA.  When issue #3 came out the feedback was very positive, with one interview gaining the most attention and votes if you will:  Tia Ling - the adult star.  Even people who can't stand porn found her interview fun and interesting to read - which it was.  I was very happy with her interview.

So - this prompted me to try and land another adult star for an interview.  What many don't know is that when I made the decision back in April or so of 2011 to interview a porn star, I narrowed it down to three people - Tia Ling being one of them, obviously.

One of the others, though, was Tia Tanaka, and no, I don't have a thing for porn star's named Tia.  I had minimal correspondence with Tia T. before she vanished off the face of the Earth.  But, a few weeks ago, I decided to try again.  Lo and behold, she got back to me, with a new email address, and things went from there.  I am happy to report that her interview is complete!  Another one almost 9/10 months in the making.

Tia left the adult business many years ago.  She clears up alot of the BS that's been said about her, rumors and such.  For those of you that are a fan of hers, her interview will be a must read.  For those that are expecting a carbon copy of Tia Ling's interview, forget it.  They are two very different people which only makes sense.

Tia T's interview will most likely be bumped up in the rotation to get it out to the readers sooner rather than later.

She has also graciously decided to do a "celebrity music review" - something I've been working on for awhile now.  Thanks goes to Dale Roy of Canadian Assault Zine for the idea - it was Dale's mentioning of this idea for his own zine back in the day that prompted me to give it a try - getting the artists you interview to do a music review.

Am I going to be making a habit of including adult stars in EA?  Probably not.  If the interviews are interesting and offer something the previous ones didn't, then sure.  But, there's only so much space in the mag and I need to make sure I'm covering as many different bases as possible - it is called ECLECTIC arts after all.

-Mark

The Art of Harassment

Since I just wrote about Mr. Bretherton's interview, this topic is already on my mind so I thought it would be a good time to explain a few things about setting up these interviews.

For the uninitiated, if you're a national/international magazine like, Time, for example, you have an entire department dedicated to securing interviews for your magazine.  When you have the clout of a Time magazine, securing interviews isn't that difficult (most of the time, not all).

When you're an independent magazine that is still going through growing pains, it's a whole other ball of wax.  You have no clout whatsoever.  You have no connections.  You basically have nothing.  It would be like if you reading this decided "hey, I want to interview so and so".  Okie - so how do you go about doing that?

The internet is a blessing in this case.  Information is readily available if you look hard enough.  I would say half the battle is finding the RIGHT contact person(s) for said artist.  In some cases, you start with their official site or the official site through their record company, television company, etc.  If that gets you nowhere, then you have to start looking to PR companies, and anything else related to said artist.

Social media outlets have also been a blessing.  Many artists these days keep their own Facebook page, Twitter account, etc.  In some cases, you may have success contacting the artist through their FB page for instance.  It never hurts to try.

So, let's say you found an email address for an artist.  Cool.  You type up your email explaining who you are, why you want to interview said artist, and then send it off.  In some cases you'll hear back.  In most cases, you won't hear anything.

The bigger the artist, the less likely you'll hear anything (not always the case but fairly accurate).  These people receive hundreds of emails, appearance requests, interview requests, autograph requests, etc.  There isn't enough time in the day to keep up with the correspondence.

This is where the PR or publicist comes into play.  Also personal assistants aplenty.  I think every person in entertainment has an assistant it seems.  But I digress....

So you send another email.  And another.  And another.  In my case, I don't give up but at the same time I want to be respectful - it's a fine line to walk.

Perseverance pays off in some cases.  You receive a reply from a PR person who will undoubtedly ask you questions about your publication.  In many cases wanting to see a copy of it.  When I was putting out my first issue, this was one of my biggest concerns.  I had nothing to show.  Thankfully someone as awesome as Vienna Teng took a gamble on me.  Why, to this day, I really don't know.  But I'm sure glad she did.

Back to the matter at hand.  You jump through whatever hoops you need to for each person to set up the interview.  Again, each person is different.  Keep in mind, the correspondence time may be several emails a week - or one a month.  This is what drags out the time issue.  Sometimes you'll respond back and not hear anything, even after follow ups.

This is where annoyance comes into play.

There have been a few interviews, that I won't name here, that I had given up on.  I had tried and tried and didn't get anywhere so I just concentrated on other interviews.  And then, out of the blue, I'd receive a reply - in many cases MONTHS later.

Other times, I would do an interview, be excited about it, so then I would go back and see which interviews I had given up - and try them anew.  And in a few cases - two recently - this worked for me.  It might be a right time, right place thing - who knows?

So, as I blogged about earlier, I have to do a gut check many times when it comes to setting up these interviews and doing the magazine as a whole.  I often ask myself just how bad do I want it?  I've never been one to quit - so in many cases - I soldier on.

Scheduling interviews is a lot of hard work.  Let alone doing the interview!  So - when you read an interview in an independent publication, understand that there is a whole behind the scenes aspect that went into landing that interview.

I believe the effort is worth the end result.  You the readers are ultimately the judge of that, however.  Let me know how I'm doing.

-Mark

The Random Thoughts of Madness

There's been a lot of activity with the magazine as of late which has prompted a great deal of introspection on my part.  From basic things like what should be included in what issue to more complex issues like interviews to pursue, wider distribution, etc.

One of the aspects of EA that I stubbornly hang on to is that interviews or articles meant for the print version will NEVER end up online - either on this blog or a potential official site.  I continue to adhere to that policy regarding the new content I currently have on file.

What I'm faced with right now is that I have some content that, quite frankly, I'm not sure what to do with.  Basically, some interviews are fantastic and they are not in question whatsoever.  Actually, many of them are destined for print for sure.  But I do have a few others that were hastily done by the artist, they have nothing to promote, no real fan base to speak of (other than weird underground people like me), etc.  I'm toying with the idea of putting some of this content online and not printing it in the magazine.  I go back and forth with this idea, though, so it's not set in stone.  But, it would solve a few issues - and it would also make my life easier.

I also realized today that it would make complete sense for me to write up my own thoughts on each interview as I do them - to give the readers some insight into each interview before it sees print.  I'm going to start with the phone interviews that have been conducted.  If I have time, I'll get into the email interviews as well.

The list of phoners so far:

*Vienna Teng
*Russ Freeman (The Rippingtons)
*Alex Webster (Cannibal Corpse)
*RJ Molinere (History Channel's "Swamp People")
*Jay Paul Molinere (History Channel's "Swamp People")
*Destin Pfaff (Bravo TV's "Millionaire Matchmaker")
*Billy Bretherton (A&E's "Billy The Exterminator")

For those of you who have all the issues, you know that only Vienna Teng and Russ Freeman have seen print so far.  So, the next few issues are going to have some massively interesting interviews in them!  And, as always, diversity is key for me - and we have that in spades as well.

Not to mention the email interviews that are completed as well!  That list is too long to go through right now - but trust me, it's an amazing list of talented artists.

I'm going to work my way backwards, starting with the newest phone interview for this post and go from there.

***

For those who aren't familiar with Mr. Billy Bretherton, he is the star of A & E's hit reality show "Billy The Exterminator" - formerly The Exterminators (season 1 only before the title was changed).  As you guessed, Billy works as an exterminator in Louisiana.  He is the licensee of Vexcon - his vexation company, where he works with his younger brother Ricky, his mom Donny, his dad Bill Sr, and other employees.

Billy is known for his striking style - very rocker, rock star.  Lots of leather, spikes, sunglasses, black on black, etc.  What I can say is that Billy is the text book example of never judge a book by its cover.

The interview was scheduled for 10am CST (8am PST).  When Mr. Billy said he could do the interview at this time, I wasn't sure if he meant 10am HIS time, or 10am MY time.  So, I got up on Friday morning - one to check my email/phone to see if he had clarified which time it was and two to just be ready at 8am MY time just in case.

I sent off an email thinking it most likely meant the interview was at 10am MY time.  I was wrong.  Billy got back to me that he would be calling me in 5 minutes (8am PST).  I got my self together and waited in the living room for his call.

I have no problem admitting this.  EVERY phone interview I've done so far I've been nervous for.  Some more than others but I've always been nervous.  I check and recheck everything, I run through the questions in my head (even though they're printed out in front of me), I get in "interview" mode.  Keep in mind - some of these interviews, like this one, have taken me nearly 9 months to land.  I initially was working through Michael - Billy's attorney.  Vienna's took months, Russ Freeman's was fairly quick as was Alex Webster's.  RJ and Jay Paul's took a good month or so to schedule.  Mr. Pfaff's was a few months - but that was due to the holiday's, etc.  But, trust me when I say none of these happened overnight, next day, or even in a week.  They take time, perseverance, and tenacity.

Mr. Bretherton called at 8am PST and off we went with the interview.  Billy is a very well spoken man.  He is an educated man having a degree in his field.  He studies the things around his world, why things are the way they are, which absolutely dictates how he leads his life.  A former member of our Armed Forces (Air Force), Billy and I talked quickly about the new season of the show and it's schedule change (Saturday's at 10pm) before moving to heavy metal.

Billy educated me on many historical aspects of the genre of music.  That's right - he educated ME.  Anyone that knows me knows how long I've been into metal.  So, for someone to know something that is new to me, is saying a lot.

Our discussion also covered the rise of the show, his many appearances, cross promotion, other media ventures, and Billy outside of the show.  As a fan of the show, it was fascinating to hear many details or points of view that I just did not consider until Mr. Billy brought them up or explained them.  I won't spoil the interview by stating those things here but they are eye opening.

The interview was interrupted by a dead cell phone on Billy's end.  A few minutes later, and we were back talking more and finishing up the interview.  All together, the interview lasted more than an hour...about an hour and 15 minutes give or take.

I walked away from the interview having a new found respect for the show and more importantly the man.  I already respected what he had done - but with this new found knowledge, that respect just grew.  Mr. Billy Bretherton is a hard working man, who sees the big picture, and is enjoying his time in the spotlight - in a humble and respectful way.  He was a true pleasure to interview.  I can't wait for the rest of you to read his interview.

-Mark

And So It Goes

I'm learning that, in the greater scheme of things, there is no real rhyme or reason to how interviews are scheduled.  Well, for the little guy, like me, that is.

Interviews I had given up on have recently come back to the surface.  ... months later.

You would think that it would be fairly easy to schedule an interview, right?  Get the contact information (probably the hardest part), contact, receive reply, then either do the interview or get turned down.  I WISH it was that easy....

Several times I'm constantly questioning myself, how bad do I want it, etc.  A gut check.  I only have so much energy and time to devote to potential dead ends.  No one in their right mind would keep beating their head against a rock in hopes of one day it splitting open.  But, damn, again, a few rocks have just split open.

So - I'm happy that my perseverance has paid off.  I just wish PR/managers/etc would either say Yes or No....it would make my life a shit ton easier.

Night.

-Mark

Xandria Do It Right

So, I go through promo links every day, basically.  I preview music (if I can) and then make a decision about whether I want to listen to the whole album or not.  Today - going through Napalm's releases - I downloaded two:  Xandria and AtomA

Xandria is the German band that is sort of like Nightwish.  They've switched singers again and I'll be damned if they don't sound even more like Nightwish now.  Manuela is classically trained so that would explain things.  She sounds at times like Tarja (ex Nightwish), other times not.  But she's good.  Very.

I think Xandria actually went UP a notch by getting Manuela in the band.....pretty rare thing to do.  Nightwish should of done the same thing.....oh well.....

As for AtomA - fucking unique as Hell.....I have to listen to it a few more times before I can actually write about it....but they're from Sweden.....and it's hard to describe in a good way......

-Mark

The Dawn No More Rises

NP:  Bane's cover of Dark Funeral's classic "The Dawn No More Rises".  Speaking of Bane - their interview is completed.  It's a very well done interview with some "meat" to the bones of the interview if you will.  Look for it soon.

What else?  Updates here we come:

*Mr. Pfaff is fucking awesome!  I was going to say "rocks" but I hate that term.....  Look for an additional music review from The Man as well.
*Well, well, well - the interview with the gal that basically disappeared for months is ON.  It's about 90% done right now.  A few more replies and it is complete!  Very excited that this one got done as I wanted to interview her way back in April of 2011!
*LIPS of Anvil is almost done with his interview.  Sounds/reads like LIPS which is what I love.  Direct, metal, and no beating around the bush - what ya see is what ya get!
*Ninkasi Brewing is going to represent the craft beer aspect of the next issue!  Interview is underway!  Thanks James, Josh, and Nicole!

Shit - it's hard to believe all these interviews are basically done - in one week.  I was fully expecting things to be all over the place.  One done quickly, one done in a few weeks, one that never gets finished, etc.  So nice to have some finality to a round of interviews.

Who's on deck?

*Rachel Federoff:  VP of Matchmaking on Bravo's "Millionaire Matchmaker".  Phone interview in a few weeks (get well soon!)
*Surprises.....heh.....

I am going to be doing some music judging for the Olympia Music Awards.  This should be interesting.  Anyone that's read EA knows I call it like I see it.  Different genres of music which is cool.  It'd be great to find a gem or two in the bunch.  So, I'm looking forward to seeing what the South Sound has to offer.  Bring it!

Speaking of Team Bring It - I heard Dwayne THE ROCK Johnson wants to enter politics at some point - maybe even take a stab at the White House?!  Can you imagine that?  For you wrestling fans out there - picture The Rock meeting some politician for the first time and doing his infamous set up by asking, "What is your name?"  Guy/gal starts to answer when the Rock cuts him off "IT DOESN'T MATTER WHAT YOUR NAME IS!"  hahahaha  Oh man - more power to Dwayne......IF he ain't a fuckin conservative twat.  I don't know what his political persuasion is.....

I'm still looking for a person or two to do some writing for EA.  It's a minimal commitment but I do ask that you follow through.  If interested send me an email or comment here....

-Mark

The Pooper Bowl

I'm a sports guy.  Not a "know every little stat about every player" sports guy.  But I like to go to the games live.  Who did I want for the Super Bowl?  The Niner's VS the Pats - just so I could root for the niners and curse the Pats. 

So with Eli and his G Men winning - it was a small consolation.  I like seeing the Pats lose but that's about it.  Got nothing against Eli or the Giants.  But the game, while a good one, was rather lack luster for a fan like me.

***

*Phone interview tomorrow scheduled with Mr. Pfaff.  Looking forward to it!
*Anvil interview is in process.  Due to scheduling conflicts, this one is going to be via email.
*Another interview is in process.  I hope this one comes through as I have been trying to interview her since the magazine started.  This one is an email interview.  She has the questions.  I hope she returns them. 
*And yet another phone interview is in process but I really don't have much hope of actually happening.  The PR firm has been horrible about scheduling this one.  So....we'll see.

-Mark