A quick way to find out what's coming up in EA? Look at the banner at the top of the blog. See if you can name every artist that will be appearing soon.
-Mark
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Monday, March 26, 2012
Circles
As I sit here listening to Anneke van Giersbergen's beautiful song "Circles", I'm thinking about a few different things:
*Wrestlemania
*Cask Fest (beer)
*Concerts
All of these things are upcoming. I go in waves when it comes to wrestling. Most of the time I don't know what's going on. But around February of every year, I start checking out the sites to see what feuds and stories are building up to Wrestlemania (which is this Sunday in Miami).
The Cask Fest is probably my favorite beer festival that I attend. I can geek out like every other beer geek there. I first went in 2001 or 2002 (can't remember which). There was a gap when I wasn't as big into craft beer. And then I started going again in 2009 and have been back every year since. The Cask Fest is this Saturday.
Concerts. Well, there are several coming to town. Whether or not I end up at any of them remains to be seen (money issues). Negura Bunget are here in April - which is unbelievable to me. I was listening to them when they put their first CD's out. Never did I think a black metal band from Romania would one day play in my home town. But, they are!
Stryper return in June. I've missed them the last 2 times - I'm going to try and not miss them again.
MAIDEN return toward the end of July. Another retro tour. The one in 2008 was awesome. Would like to go to this one, too.
Kiss and Motley Crue in the middle of August. I saw Kiss last year and they were good - different since Ace/Peter aren't with them anymore but still very enjoyable. Crue I haven't seen since the 80's.
The one show I do have tickets for?
Yanni in August. Go figure.
-Mark
EA 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!
*Wrestlemania
*Cask Fest (beer)
*Concerts
All of these things are upcoming. I go in waves when it comes to wrestling. Most of the time I don't know what's going on. But around February of every year, I start checking out the sites to see what feuds and stories are building up to Wrestlemania (which is this Sunday in Miami).
The Cask Fest is probably my favorite beer festival that I attend. I can geek out like every other beer geek there. I first went in 2001 or 2002 (can't remember which). There was a gap when I wasn't as big into craft beer. And then I started going again in 2009 and have been back every year since. The Cask Fest is this Saturday.
Concerts. Well, there are several coming to town. Whether or not I end up at any of them remains to be seen (money issues). Negura Bunget are here in April - which is unbelievable to me. I was listening to them when they put their first CD's out. Never did I think a black metal band from Romania would one day play in my home town. But, they are!
Stryper return in June. I've missed them the last 2 times - I'm going to try and not miss them again.
MAIDEN return toward the end of July. Another retro tour. The one in 2008 was awesome. Would like to go to this one, too.
Kiss and Motley Crue in the middle of August. I saw Kiss last year and they were good - different since Ace/Peter aren't with them anymore but still very enjoyable. Crue I haven't seen since the 80's.
The one show I do have tickets for?
Yanni in August. Go figure.
-Mark
EA 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!
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Black Fucking Metal ... and you.
Lord Nathaz Occul-nin Beezanborgh had been in touch a few weeks ago that he would be spreading the black metal plague of the old ways to the shores of Edmonds, WA. The plague arrived today in a whirlwind of fury, flames, and might!
Four audio cassettes of true black metal underground blasphemy and one compilation disc of the same. I totally dig this kind of stuff!
I have demo tapes among other assorted crap in my business office - stuff that goes back to the 90's......albums that go back to the 80's. When black metal started (debatable depending on who you ask), the metal underground was the only way to know what the fuck was going on. In some aspects, it still is. But back then you had demo tapes, flyers, zines, bootlegs, all sorts of things that spread around the world like, well, a plague.
The Internet didn't exist (well, maybe in the military it did but not to common folk). No social media outlets. You had to work for your underground music. Find a flyer, write the band, buy the demo, repeat. Not to mention you're talking about weeks of time passing before you finally had your tape in your hand. Nowadays it's so easy to go to a site to either stream a tune or download one.
Eventually the scene grew. Some bands grew out of the underground, some turned their backs on it, and others never left. While I've never been one to believe in "kvlt" points, there is something really awesome when you get a demo or official tape and the music is killer. Brings me back to those earlier days. So, do I have a soft spot in my black heart for tapes and such? Absolutely. But that doesn't mean there isn't shit in the underground. Of course there is.
But the metal underground is my foundation. Eclectic Arts would not be here without it. That's a fact. That's why from the very first issue, I stated that I welcomed bands in the formative stages of their craft (i.e. demos, rehearsals, live sessions, etc). Some of the best music I've heard have come from demos. Even when a band gets signed, a few of them have never equaled their demos in terms of aggressive atmospheric music.
So far I've listened to three of these releases - and this one right now is killer stuff - Rex Satanachia "First Legion of Hell". Black metal played with conviction. That's what many of the new bands just don't get. You have to believe it, live it, and unleash your music in such a way that the listener can't help but be consumed by it.
I could go on and on about the extreme metal underground but suffice to say - it's alive and well!
***
The other thing on my mind is a topic I've covered here on the EA blog - new music reviews. I recently listened to a few non metal releases today. I'd really like those minutes/hours of my life back, please.
When I listen to any release, I'm looking for a connection with the music on some level. Any level. I can always look past the production, musicianship, song writing, etc if there's something "there" with the music, something that will make me listen to it again.
If you're the singer and you hit a few bum notes, I will notice that but it's not a deal breaker. But your music better resonate with me in some other way otherwise you're going to get a negative review from me, in most cases a very negative review.
So far I haven't been impressed with much of the non metal submissions lately. So score this:
Metal 1
Other Music 0
-Mark
EA 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!
Ramblings At Night
My alter ego - Seattle Next Door - was recently interviewed for the Seattle/St Louis Sinner - an alternative newspaper. They did an update on my photography work in the March 2012 issue. Check it out if you have a moment. http://issuu.com/seattlesinner
It's always nice to be published. Sometimes I forget that I've been doing Seattle Next Door a lot longer than Eclectic Arts. It seems I've been working on EA so much lately that I forget about SND. Sorry SND - didn't mean to neglect you. *pat on head*
I have roughly 5-6 new photo shoots coming up for SND. Some of the work will spill over into EA as it always does. One of the definite benefits of being a photographer are the endless photos I have at my disposal.
And the SND special edition of EA is still in the works. It seems everything is in the works. Time I have, money I don't. At some point all of this will get rectified.
What's new on the EA front?
An interview with one of my favorite vocalists ever: Anneke van Giersbergen! I've been a fan since about 1997. I was fortunate enough to see her live on her last tour with The Gathering before she went solo. I'd say she is in my Top 5 for vocalists. Just in love with her voice. I just wish there was more going on for her here in the US.
I can remember listening to her vocals during some pretty messed up times in my life. Very thankful for her and her music at the time. So this interview is really special to me.
Also upcoming an interview with a black metal band from Portugal: Ab Imo Pectore. New staff member Casus is handling that one. She will also be giving me a hand with some of the music reviews as well. Thank goodness!
A few rejections (what? rejections? hehe) for interviews: Larry The Cable Guy (Only In America) and Guy Fieri (Food Network). Larry's publicist was very professional and this one is NOT off the table - just bad timing as he's only doing TV/radio press for his live comedy dates right now. It's time sensitive so doing an interview for print makes little sense as the shows will be over by the time the interview sees print. Guy Fieri I don't think will happen at all. This is the second time I've been turned down. He's changed publicists again and they were professional about it but I got no sense that I could talk to the man - even down the road. But stranger things have happened.
I haven't been pursuing anyone else as of late as I need to get the issues together. Never thought having too much content would be a bad thing but it kind of is. But if an opportunity arises, I'll jump at it.
-Mark
EA 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!
It's always nice to be published. Sometimes I forget that I've been doing Seattle Next Door a lot longer than Eclectic Arts. It seems I've been working on EA so much lately that I forget about SND. Sorry SND - didn't mean to neglect you. *pat on head*
I have roughly 5-6 new photo shoots coming up for SND. Some of the work will spill over into EA as it always does. One of the definite benefits of being a photographer are the endless photos I have at my disposal.
And the SND special edition of EA is still in the works. It seems everything is in the works. Time I have, money I don't. At some point all of this will get rectified.
What's new on the EA front?
An interview with one of my favorite vocalists ever: Anneke van Giersbergen! I've been a fan since about 1997. I was fortunate enough to see her live on her last tour with The Gathering before she went solo. I'd say she is in my Top 5 for vocalists. Just in love with her voice. I just wish there was more going on for her here in the US.
I can remember listening to her vocals during some pretty messed up times in my life. Very thankful for her and her music at the time. So this interview is really special to me.
Also upcoming an interview with a black metal band from Portugal: Ab Imo Pectore. New staff member Casus is handling that one. She will also be giving me a hand with some of the music reviews as well. Thank goodness!
A few rejections (what? rejections? hehe) for interviews: Larry The Cable Guy (Only In America) and Guy Fieri (Food Network). Larry's publicist was very professional and this one is NOT off the table - just bad timing as he's only doing TV/radio press for his live comedy dates right now. It's time sensitive so doing an interview for print makes little sense as the shows will be over by the time the interview sees print. Guy Fieri I don't think will happen at all. This is the second time I've been turned down. He's changed publicists again and they were professional about it but I got no sense that I could talk to the man - even down the road. But stranger things have happened.
I haven't been pursuing anyone else as of late as I need to get the issues together. Never thought having too much content would be a bad thing but it kind of is. But if an opportunity arises, I'll jump at it.
-Mark
EA 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!
Friday, March 16, 2012
Song After Song
Greetings!
I just finished up an (email) interview for none other than Mr. Michael Sweet - of Stryper fame! I'm sure some of you that read that sentence started to laugh, while others said "oh cool" or something along those lines.
I first got into Stryper back when their first full length album "Soldiers Under Command" was released. The friends I used to jam with used to cover a handful of Stryper tunes as well. They are one of those bands from my past that I will always like - regardless of what other people may think.
Is it contrary to feature known Satanic bands in EA along with a known Christian band? I don't think so. Or rather - I don't give a shit. The Satanic bands have chosen their path just as Michael and Stryper have chosen their's. As I've said time and time again - EA will be as selfish as possible. I feature artists that I flat out like - if that turns some of you off to EA, so be it. I am following my own path and, quite frankly, so far it's worked out well.
I refuse to compromise what I want EA to be. I think that sensibility is really starting to come across now. Am I arrogant about it? No. I just know what I want and refuse to be swayed by popular opinion, advertisers, or anyone in any particular "scene" - music or otherwise.
I'm very interested to read his replies as I've only just started the interview process with Michael. I sent about 4 pages of questions to start - yeah, that's right, 4 PAGES. Once he answers them and I do follow ups - this interview is going to be long, I can already tell. Unless he decides to do one answer replies - but I kinda doubt it. We shall see.
Who's on deck? The fabulous 45 Grave! Deathrock in the fuckin house! I've been wanting to interview Dinah Cancer forever (one of the best stage names ever in music). We finally got connected this week and that interview is next. Yes!
Who's also on deck? Veronica Falls. I really love what this band is about. Not only do they show their indie-pop roots (think a mix of 60's music mixed with 80's alt and pop and you get a rough idea of what they sound like), but they subscribe to the old school ethic. On their last US tour - what did they bring with them from London? Fucking split cassette demo tapes of themselves and one of their favorite bands! When was the last time you went to a gig and bought an official split demo tape at the merch booth?! These guys are the real deal - and they're talented to boot.
So things are full steam ahead right now. I spent last night looking through the first three issues of the magazine. #4 and #5 are going to be the culmination of everything I've learned to produce a better quality product. That doesn't always mean color, glossy pages, etc....it means a solid read with an appropriate layout. I love DIY cut n paste zines of the past. Does that style fit EA right now? Not really. But I could see doing part of an issue or layout in that style - particularly for old school metal interviews. There's so many different directions to take the new issues that I'm overwhelmed and excited at the same time!
The future is bright - and will just get brighter if I have anything to say about it!
* * *
What else is on my mind? Bands. Downloads. And just how God awful music makes it's way through the music industry.
I'm opinionated when it comes to music. I just am. Years and years of listening to bands, studying their every move and detail, as well as being a musician of some 20 years, has turned me into this laid back person that perks up when I hear something special and makes me cringe when I hear something lousy.
I never realized just how much crap music is being put out these days until I started the magazine. I also got a good dose of reality when it comes to breaking into the business. Everyone knows there are tons of bands out there. But when I have to go through 12 releases just to get to one "decent" one for a person to review, damn, it really hit me.
These are bands with managers, publicists, etc that have the push of a label that are putting out crap music. What does the local joe blow do against that Goliath? Work smart is what I say. But make no mistake, you have your work cut out for you, for sure.
And before I come across like an arrogant ass, let me say I can truly appreciate what it takes to create a piece of music. I really can. It's a very personal experience and rewarding at the same time. It's your baby. So, I do my best to be constructive whenever possible but sometimes, when a band submits something, and it's just ridiculous - with no measure of musical talent, I'm at a loss for words.
I also get the feeling, and maybe I'm wrong, that many of these new artists haven't had someone be honest with them about their shortcomings. Again, in my opinion, constructive criticism is beneficial for an artist - constructive being the key word, there. Just saying something "sucks" isn't helpful at all. But, breaking things down and explaining why something needs work is.
I don't know. I'm just going to call 'em as I see 'em. And, man, a lot of what I hear needs work.
Cheers!
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!
I just finished up an (email) interview for none other than Mr. Michael Sweet - of Stryper fame! I'm sure some of you that read that sentence started to laugh, while others said "oh cool" or something along those lines.
I first got into Stryper back when their first full length album "Soldiers Under Command" was released. The friends I used to jam with used to cover a handful of Stryper tunes as well. They are one of those bands from my past that I will always like - regardless of what other people may think.
Is it contrary to feature known Satanic bands in EA along with a known Christian band? I don't think so. Or rather - I don't give a shit. The Satanic bands have chosen their path just as Michael and Stryper have chosen their's. As I've said time and time again - EA will be as selfish as possible. I feature artists that I flat out like - if that turns some of you off to EA, so be it. I am following my own path and, quite frankly, so far it's worked out well.
I refuse to compromise what I want EA to be. I think that sensibility is really starting to come across now. Am I arrogant about it? No. I just know what I want and refuse to be swayed by popular opinion, advertisers, or anyone in any particular "scene" - music or otherwise.
I'm very interested to read his replies as I've only just started the interview process with Michael. I sent about 4 pages of questions to start - yeah, that's right, 4 PAGES. Once he answers them and I do follow ups - this interview is going to be long, I can already tell. Unless he decides to do one answer replies - but I kinda doubt it. We shall see.
Who's on deck? The fabulous 45 Grave! Deathrock in the fuckin house! I've been wanting to interview Dinah Cancer forever (one of the best stage names ever in music). We finally got connected this week and that interview is next. Yes!
Who's also on deck? Veronica Falls. I really love what this band is about. Not only do they show their indie-pop roots (think a mix of 60's music mixed with 80's alt and pop and you get a rough idea of what they sound like), but they subscribe to the old school ethic. On their last US tour - what did they bring with them from London? Fucking split cassette demo tapes of themselves and one of their favorite bands! When was the last time you went to a gig and bought an official split demo tape at the merch booth?! These guys are the real deal - and they're talented to boot.
So things are full steam ahead right now. I spent last night looking through the first three issues of the magazine. #4 and #5 are going to be the culmination of everything I've learned to produce a better quality product. That doesn't always mean color, glossy pages, etc....it means a solid read with an appropriate layout. I love DIY cut n paste zines of the past. Does that style fit EA right now? Not really. But I could see doing part of an issue or layout in that style - particularly for old school metal interviews. There's so many different directions to take the new issues that I'm overwhelmed and excited at the same time!
The future is bright - and will just get brighter if I have anything to say about it!
* * *
What else is on my mind? Bands. Downloads. And just how God awful music makes it's way through the music industry.
I'm opinionated when it comes to music. I just am. Years and years of listening to bands, studying their every move and detail, as well as being a musician of some 20 years, has turned me into this laid back person that perks up when I hear something special and makes me cringe when I hear something lousy.
I never realized just how much crap music is being put out these days until I started the magazine. I also got a good dose of reality when it comes to breaking into the business. Everyone knows there are tons of bands out there. But when I have to go through 12 releases just to get to one "decent" one for a person to review, damn, it really hit me.
These are bands with managers, publicists, etc that have the push of a label that are putting out crap music. What does the local joe blow do against that Goliath? Work smart is what I say. But make no mistake, you have your work cut out for you, for sure.
And before I come across like an arrogant ass, let me say I can truly appreciate what it takes to create a piece of music. I really can. It's a very personal experience and rewarding at the same time. It's your baby. So, I do my best to be constructive whenever possible but sometimes, when a band submits something, and it's just ridiculous - with no measure of musical talent, I'm at a loss for words.
I also get the feeling, and maybe I'm wrong, that many of these new artists haven't had someone be honest with them about their shortcomings. Again, in my opinion, constructive criticism is beneficial for an artist - constructive being the key word, there. Just saying something "sucks" isn't helpful at all. But, breaking things down and explaining why something needs work is.
I don't know. I'm just going to call 'em as I see 'em. And, man, a lot of what I hear needs work.
Cheers!
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!
Sunday, March 11, 2012
So Take This Weight Off Of Me
I finally found a demo from a metal band that was worth listening to more than once. I'm in touch with the guitarist right now about doing a short interview. What surprised the Hell out of me is that the drums are actually a drum machine?! One of my biggest pet peeves in the underground metal world are said programmed drums. How I missed that is beyond me! I really think it's more a testimony to the band member that programmed them and produced the drum track. I listened to the demo again and the fills are all in the right places and it doesn't sound nearly as mechanical as one would think. Anyway fooled me! Nice job, guys! \m/
I've been trying to tie up some loose ends with EA while not getting too far into the next set of issues. Balance is always key in my life and right now my balance is, well, out of balance. I'm doing my best to rectify this soon.
I realize I still need to do some notes about the other phone interviews. This isn't lost on me at all. All in due time.
There should be more of my photography work and a short interview in an alternative paper coming out this week - color and all that. Always nice to be published.
So a little of this, a little of that, have been keeping me busy - and keeping EA a bit behind.
-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!
I've been trying to tie up some loose ends with EA while not getting too far into the next set of issues. Balance is always key in my life and right now my balance is, well, out of balance. I'm doing my best to rectify this soon.
I realize I still need to do some notes about the other phone interviews. This isn't lost on me at all. All in due time.
There should be more of my photography work and a short interview in an alternative paper coming out this week - color and all that. Always nice to be published.
So a little of this, a little of that, have been keeping me busy - and keeping EA a bit behind.
-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!
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