Saw*Kick Media

With 2009 upon us and every media outlet reflecting on the best and worst to come out of 2008, I thought it was time S*KM got in on the action. Now before everyone gets their guitar strings in a bunch, allow me to preface how I compiled my “Top 20 of 2008” list: there were 42 albums reviewed by S*KM in 2008 – I listened to 31 personally, and four of the 31 were actually released in 2007. For all the math majors out there, that left me with 27 albums to construct a respectable top 20; not an easy thing to do. So without further ado, I present you with the best 20 albums to pass through my media player this year.

20. Nine Inch Nails – The Slip (The Null Corporation)
Trent Reznor and company have never managed to find a place in my musical universe; maybe I missed the boat and felt there was too much to catch up on, or possibly the band’s sound isn’t compatible with my tastes. Whatever the reason, when Reznor gave the band’s new album away for free, it seemed like the perfect time to give Nine Inch Nails another shot. Since I didn’t hate the album and needed one more disc to round out this “Top 20 of 2008” The Slip got the nod. Maybe it will help open a gateway for my relationship with the band in 2009.

19. Silence So Loud – Silence So Loud (Independent)
Sometimes good rock and roll is all you are looking for. If that’s the case, then Silence So Loud’s debut EP fits the bill. I went back and forth debating if the Akron quintet’s high-energy rock had enough substance and style to make the list, but in the end, the band’s tight rhythm section and big riff guitar work sealed the deal.

18. Scars On Broadway – Scars On Broadway (Interscope)
I tried really hard to leave this album off the list, but with the aforementioned stipulations, it was near impossible to exclud the debut effort from two-fourths of System Of A Down. While this album may not be able to hold its own jock strap in a SOAD locker room, it stacks up favorably against the rest of the competition this year. Fingers crossed we won’t have this problem in 2009 and a new System album will be well underway. Wishful thinking, I know.

17. Straight Line Stitch – When Skies Wash Ashore (Koch)
The guiltiest of guilty pleasures is what Straight Line Stitch’s debut release for Koch records should have been titled. While it didn’t necessarily reinvent the metal wheel of greatness, When Skies Wash Ashore found itself in my CD player on more then one occasion after my required review listens were fulfilled. Alexis Brown’s captivating vocal performance might have been what kept me coming back for more. Or it was quite possibly the band’s tightly wound diverse sound.

16. Sevendust – Chapter VII: Hope and Sorrow (7 Bros / Asylum)
Forget the fact that Sevendust has released more albums in the last three years then Tool, Slipknot and System Of A Down combined. Chapter VII: Hope and Sorrow managed to harness just enough musical competence to earn a spot on the list. Even though drummer Morgan Rose said in an interview with S*KM that the band’s well of ideas was running dry, songs like “Prodigal Son” and “Scapegoat” hit hard enough to tide fans over until Sevendust’s own prodigal son, Clint Lowery, can infuse new life in 2009.

15. Weezer – Weezer (Red Album) (DGC / Geffen)
With fans and critics waiting to denounce anything not titled the Blue Album or Pinkerton a complete disappointment, Weezer’s third self-titled album (Red Album) was sure to provide both sides with enough to talk about in 2008. Some of music’s talking heads deemed the band’s latest effort “unlistenable” and an embarrassment to its legacy. At the end of the day, people need to remember that Weezer’s garage or nerd rock sound is not the reincarnation of Beethoven’s Fifth. Despite all of the hullabaloo, the Red Album remains a mini-triumph in the band’s catalog.

14. Slipknot – All Hope Is Gone (Roadrunner)
After a four year hiatus and countless side projects, the band of nine, merry Iowans returned with a mish-mash of new influences on All Hope Is Gone. It might not have been the return to glory some maggots were hopping for, but Slipknot’s expansion on tracks like “Gehenna” and “Gematria [The Killing Name]” found the band adding to its sound.

13. Hot Ham & Cheese – Revolution & Revelations (Jib Machine)
The kitchen sink approach to song writing has treated the Cleveland trio well, mixing elements of Tool, Clutch and Black Sabbath into its own brand of hard rock. Revolution & Revelations, the band’s full-length debut, had enough staying power and quirky metal goodness to last the whole year.

12. One Day As A Lion - One Day As A Lion (Anti-)
When a duo featuring Rage Against The Machine vocalist, Zack de la Rocha, and former The Mars Volta drummer, John Theodore, release a five song EP out of nowhere, it’s going to turn some heads. Especially since de la Rocha disappeared from the world of recorded music for nearly a decade, allegedly working on a long-rumored solo venture. Fast forward to 2008 where the political MC hooked up with a percussionist extraordinaire and you have a gritty, electronic beat-fest that provides a captivating listen.

11. Masters Of Luxury - Robot Love Songs (All Hail Records)
If you’re looking for a four song EP that pushes the limits of progressive hard rock, Robot Love Songs is a must have for anyone. The bands thick and groovy attack kicks my ass every time I give it a spin.

10. Soulfly – Conquer (Roadrunner)
Soulfly took a much needed break after 2005’s Dark Ages, waiting three years to drop its sixth album in 2008. After Dark Ages failed to gain any sort of traction in my rotation, I was eager to see what Max Cavalera and company would serve up for an encore. Needless to say the thrash driven Conquer managed to reinvigorate my interest in the band.

9. Metallica – Death Magnetic (Warner Bros.)
Death Magnetic was one of the most anticipated and highly publicized releases in the last decade. Now that the dust has settled and all the video updates have ceased, Death Magnetic ended up being a step towards repairing the bands metal credibility. Even though it seemed impossible for the album to live up to the oversized buzz it received, it somehow delivered a sound that encompassed the band’s entire career and wove a new fiber into Metallica’s being.

8. Winslow – Crazy Kind of Love (FTF)
This debut, full length release from the Cleveland/Kent natives is without a doubt the most musically diverse effort on the list. The band’s neo-soul, funk rock delivered an unrivaled refreshing set of tunes. If not for a handful of slightly disappointing tracks, who knows how high it would have ended up on the list.

7. Apres Vous – Old Songs (Independent)
Any musical project that is composed by one individual and features intuitive and seamless songwriting, will be hard-pressed not to crack the top ten. Rob Parr’s singular orchestration of this charming, five song EP have left me seeking picturesque landscapes to stroll through while treating my ears to the opulent splendor of Old Songs.

6. Oasis – Dig Out Your Soul (Big Brother)
Maybe one of the most familiar names on the list, Oasis blew me away with the release of its seventh studio album, Dig Out Your Soul. Even though I haven’t found time to officially review this pop-rock masterpiece, the feisty Gallagher brothers have delivered work comparable to the likes of “Wonderwall” and “Champagne Supernova.” Some may scoff at the band’s inclusion on the list and others might take issue with its advanced placement, however Oasis’ ability to continually write pop sensible music that is not only innovative, but edgy, speaks volumes to the band’s overall talent.

5. Mr. Gnome – Deliver this Creature (El Marko)
A minimalist, indie-rock, male/female duo that isn’t named The White Stripes? You bet. The psychedelically syncopated sounds of Mr. Gnomes’ inaugural full-length release exude a brilliance in which my ears never thought they’d hear from a bassless effort. If I were putting together a list of top 20 female vocalists, Nicole Barille would be dueling for the top spot. Let’s hope the future is as good to the Cleveland two-piece as 2008.

4. Intronaut – Prehistoricisms (Century Media)
Innovative? Check. Metal? Check. Complex arrangements? Check. One kick ass album that blows the doors off what is expected by modern aggressive music? Damn right check. Plain and simple Prehistoricisms displays a level of musicianship that is beyond my level of known or sufficient adjectives. When listening to Intronaut’s latest album, you can just feel a movement that has the band miles ahead of its peers, who in comparison, seem stagnate in their attempts to create anything as bold and refreshing.

3. The Mars Volta – Bedlam in Goliath (GSL / Strummer / Universal)
There are few people in the business who can do what The Mars Volta does. The band’s highly expansive and involved prog-rock have set new limits with each of its four studio releases. 2008 found the band hitting the focus button and delivering its most direct, hard rock experience yet. The scope of Bedlam in Goliath my be outrageous and over the top at times, but its fun listening to a band who could care less about tying up nice, neat, three-minute radio singles and let its musical cock hang out for an entire 80 minute disc.

2. The Zou – ARCHAEOPTERYX (Hepplewhite Records)
This selection might seem surprising, since it was just released about a month ago and has yet to receive a review on the site. Even in its limited spins, The Zou’s brand of “Nouveau Rock” has completely turned my head upside down with its vicissitude. I would be completely negligent if this album did not appear in the top five, as it harbors the potential to make review history. Artistic vision, delightful melodies and unsuspecting musicianship collide to make ARCHAEOPTERYX one hell of a good time.

1. The Black Keys – Attack & Release (Nonesuch)
Ladies and Gentelmen we have made it, the number one album of 2008, in my special “J-Man’s Top 20.” Sexy blues rock from two of Akron’s finest stands victorious. Attack & Release is the first album by vocalist/guitarist Dan Auerbach and drummer Patrick Carney where the band fleshed out its minimalist sound with full instrumentation, including bass, keys, banjo and flute. This also marked the first album with outsourced help, as Danger Mouse produced, lending the boys a hand behind the board. This perfect storm has blown an infectious and timeless collection of tracks over S*KM and rains supreme in 2008.

There you have it, go buy, listen and enjoy. Let us all raise a glass and toast to those who have made 2008 a great year for music. Also let’s hope 2009 brings as much enjoyment from those already established and sees new faces surface to make the list next year. Happy New Year everyone.

Every now and then a fresh spin is put on a standard format most would have considered fully explored. Sean Benjamin’s acoustic R&B does just that, as it embarks on a noble journey to fight against predictable and tired singer songwriters. The Cleveland natives personal and self revealing lyrics cement a message that speaks to the masses while putting his most heartfelt emotions center stage. We sat down with Sean to talk about his debut full length release, performing on the Opie & Anthony Show, and some of his surprising influences.

S*KM: What inspired you to become a solo acoustic act instead of trying 
to fill your music out with a full band?

SB: I would love to do more shows with a band, but for the most part it has been difficult to find musicians who are willing to travel to some of the cities where I have shows. Solo shows however can be fun in that you can slow down and interact with the crowd a bit more.

S*KM: Are you a self taught musician or did you ever undergo any 
formal training?

SB: Mostly self taught, but I picked up techniques from musicians I have jammed with over the years. Also just learning how to play chords from learning songs on the internet.

S*KM: What would you consider to be your strongest attribute in your 
musical creation process?

SB: I would say the fact that I got my start writing the beats and background guitar for R&B and hip hop has brought a different take on acoustic music. That and having a serious relationship that ended around the same time all this was going on, it pushed me to be better.

S*KM: You are currently working on your debut album, when can we 
expect to see that out and what are people in store for when they do 
get their hands on it?

SB: I think we are hoping to release the album in early 2009. What we are aiming for is a CD you can listen to while you drive, while in a club, at home alone and hopefully at home not so alone if you know what I mean.

S*KM: What kind of details can you give on the effort, album title, 
producer, track listing/number of songs, etc.?

SB: So far we have not decided on a name. The producer I am working with has a strong background in Hip Hop and dance music which adds a new layer to the songs I have been performing solo acoustic at shows for a while. When it comes down to it I would be happy with at least 12 songs, if we can include more, Great!

S*KM: When you are writing do you follow any sort of formula or do try 
and do something different in each song?

SB: In the past I have usually written music first and try to match lyrical content to the mood of the song. There have been times though that I really want to write a song about a certain topic, which then drives the composition of the melody. Sometimes it seems like you wait such a long time for a good song to pop into your head, days or weeks, and then you write it in 4 or 5 minutes.

S*KM: A lot of your songs’ lyrical content deal with the lost and found 
loves in your life. You are quoted on the matter saying, “I’m not 
wiser than the next guy. These are things I’ve found people relate to 
– things that have worked for me.” Is this a creed you will try to 
adhere to as much as possible, or do you think you will ever find 
yourself branching out in new directions?

SB: Well I can only write about things I have experience with, and I have experience with getting dumped or pursuing new love. In my recent music I try to take a more “live without regrets” approach to my songwriting. While I’ve gotten some good songs out of dwelling on the past, once the feeling leaves you and you are over it, the songs lose their credibility.

S*KM: If my facts are straight you were a guest on the Opie & Anthony 
show as a fan a while back, which lead to an impromptu 
performance in-studio. What was that like being put on the spot and having 
to play for a national radio audience?

SB: I’m just a fan of the show, its what I listen to every day and the replay and the other programming on their channel. So just being there in the studio was intense. I thought that the fan base who mostly listens to the program on new rock and hard rock stations would not be drawn to my music, but the Opie and Anthony fans have been really supportive and they are good to have on your side. The hardcore O&A fans are not afraid to tell anyone what they really think which makes anyone going on the show a little nervous, I think they could tell I was one of them and that I sit there all the time in my driveway listening up until the end of the break.

S*KM: For anyone who has not had the chance to catch a live show, how 
would describe the experience they are missing out on?

SB: I try to mix up the set list a lot from show to show and interact with the crowd. I have a rotation of 10 CDs worth of original material to work with so I can usually play something new for people, plus I have been writing a lot of new ones recently. Actually playing the shows is my favorite part of being a musician so when I get that opportunity I savor it.

S*KM: Have you set any goals in terms of where you hope to be in your 
music career 5 or 10 years from now?

SB: Absolutely, I would love to be traveling around the country and the world playing shows and releasing more albums with some of my old stuff finally with band and some of my yet to be written stuff. I want to tour across Europe especially because of my love for European History and selfishly I want to see the sites.

S*KM: If someone was flipping or scrolling through your music 
collection, what might they consider to be the most surprising disc 
you own?

SB: I think these days a lot of people listen to such a wide range of music that the diversity of music that I listen to wouldn’t surprise people. Maybe that I have every Pink Floyd album, Beatles, George Harrison, John Lennon, Electric Light Orchestra, G. Love, Obie Trice, Dean Martin, The Streets, Toad the Wet Sprocket and Damien Rice; its not quite as unique anymore to have such a broad love of music with the advancements of Pandora, YouTube, iTunes and other online utilities.

S*KM: We would like to thank you for taking the time to share some 
information with us, is there anything that failed to come up that the fans 
and readers should know?

SB: Yes

You can sample Sean Benjamin yourself at www.myspace.com/seanbenjamin and catch him live next on Friday, December 12 at The Outpost Concert Club in Kent, Ohio.

If the words consistent and innovative don’t seem to go together, there is at least one band that begs to differ. Clutch has put together a highly decorated career that exemplifies those two adjectives. The Maryland quartet’s nomadic devotion to the road has also spawned an intensely loyal following, one that would entrust the lives of its first born children to the bands musical competence. J-Man got bassist Dan Maines to ring up the Saw*Kick hot line to talk about the new Bakerton Group album, the bands exceptional musical evolution, a possible tour with Slipknot, what to expect on the next Clutch album, and much more.

 

 Interview - Clutch [24:22m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

After nine years and several line up changes, Straight Line Stitch have finally slipped into the jet stream to success. The Knoxville Tennessee natives first international release, When Skies Wash Ashore, has planted a seed that the band hopes will help one day harvest its own crop of devoted followers. Built on dynamic vocals and stylish metal instrumentation, Straight Line Stitch have mixed up a potent fertilizer to kick start the process. We snagged vocalist Alexis Brown, bassist Jason White, and guitarist Seth Thacker to talk about the bands new release, Alexis’ love of Golden Oldies, and how to fend off sex hungry fans.

S*KM: You seemed pretty excited that your new album was released world wide and would be distributed at most large retailers. After a few months of sales how is the album doing, and are you still riding that high?

Alexis: It’s definitely a big deal to us because this is our first major release world wide. I think the album is doing well considering people are still finding out who we are. There’s still a lot to look forward to because our album is not yet released over in Europe, so hopefully this high will continue to last a long time.

S*KM: You have a band phone number posted on your Myspace page instructing people to give you guys a call. What is going on with that, and what kind of calls have you gotten so far?

Alexis: It’s a great way for us and our fans to keep in touch with one another. If something exciting or important comes up they are the first to know. Every time we leave a broadcast we get lots of calls from people giving their support, letting us know they went out and brought the record, or they leave messages saying they can’t wait until they see us at the next show. Though I have to admit we do get some calls that are hateful, but we just laugh at them. You have to take the bad with the good.

S*KM: Along with a healthy list of standard metal influences, you are also said to be a fan of golden oldies from the 50’s and 60’s. A soulful element can already be heard in your vocal style, is that an influence you would like to expand upon even future within the SLS sound?

Alexis: I absolutely love the golden oldies, I don’t know why, the music just speaks to me. I’d like to be able to channel that type of feeling into future projects because to me music back then had so much soul! That most definitely is one of my main influences, but to be honest, I’m probably influenced by a lot of things… I really don’t have a specific category besides oldies, I just like what I like no matter what type of music it is.

S*KM: Going into the writing and recording process for When Skies Wash Ashore was there an overall theme the band was attempting to achieve, or was it more of an organic approach?

Alexis: You know I have to say that it was organic because we didn’t have a lot planned out. We had our material (songs) but even that was being torn apart and turned into another beast. We sorta just let what was happening happen. I’d like to say that the recording process was a total learning experience for all of us.

S*KM: Since the album is only a few months old it is probably a tad premature to start talking about a follow up, however are you a band that likes to constantly write new material or do you take time off from writing to let a few good ideas marinate?

Alexis: Pat (guitarist) and Patrick (drummer) are always writing 24/7. But all of us as a whole are concentrating on trying to fully promote this album the best we can. When it’s time to start the writing process I’m sure we’ll have a whole lot of material to choose from.

S*KM: Obviously no band enjoys having labels slapped on its music, how do you feel when people refer to SLS as a “pop” metal band or something similar?

Alexis: Me, personally I don’t care anymore. I mean it did bother me a little before but I realized we’re in a industry where that’s what people do… label things! All of it is just a matter of opinion. Some people actually get mad when we’re asked what’s our genre of music and we just name a bunch of different genres because they want you to pick a side and to me that’s stupid. We are not a band who is going to pigeon hole ourselves! Call it whatever you like but plain and simple we write what feels and sounds good to us. People either embrace it or they don’t.

S*KM: What are your thoughts on the Metalcore genre as a whole, do you think it is approaching a tipping point? If so, where do you think it will go from there?

Alexis: Like I’ve said before, I like a little of everything so naturally there are some Metalcore bands that I like listening to but to answer the question I don’t think Metalcore will fall off, I think all music will evolve, nothing ever dies or fades away it simply changes its form.

S*KM: You did an interview of your own back in April with DevilDriver and ex Coal Chamber vocalist Dez Fafara. During the chat you seemed to be soaking up as much knowledge as possible. How true did his words of advice ring in the months after, and what have you learned on your own since then about the do’s and don’ts of an upcoming band?

Alexis: Oh man did I soak up his words!!! What I will always remember until I die are these words he said to me: “Its your world they (as in people) just live in it.” I will never forget how those words struck a cord in me. I seriously have huge respect for Dez because he has been where I am now, but his current success has not altered him as a kind and humble human being. Some things I learned on my own the hard way as far as do’s and don’ts go is that not everybody out here is the enemy and not everybody out here is rooting for you to fail. I’m trying to believe in myself enough to not worry about what the next band has that we don’t, and just be satisfied in what we have already accomplished thus far.

S*KM: In that same interview you seemed to express a little discomfort with the favoritism shown toward vocalists by the media. Have you since made peace with the “responsibilities” of sorts that come with fronting a band, or would you rather have the media wake up and realize it takes the whole band to make music?

Alexis: You know that is still a double edged sword to me because it is my job as the front person to take on certain responsibilities that could only help my band, but also I feel bad because my band who backs me up remains in the background and gets little regard. We all work hard to make this band one cohesive unit, I feel if I’m getting accolades then they should too.

S*KM: In light of that admission its time to included the other four members of the band in the interview. “Adult Cinema” is one of my personal favorites on the album, how did the song come about?

Alexis: This song was written a long time ago as a matter of fact I was working in SC when the song was written and the guys sent me the track in the mail.

Seth: That song came together in a matter of hours it seemed like. I remember coming to practice one day and Patrick (drums) and Jason (bass) had all kinds of riffs written. It seemed like once we all got together that song formed out of no where. The way you hear it now on WSWA is a little different from the way we had initially written, but nonetheless it came out great.

S*KM: The bridge going into the last chorus is fantastic, especially the bass line. How come we don’t hear more of that vibe on the album?

Jason: I think the best way to answer that question is to explain how we write. All of us have our own musical influences, some common with each other and some not so common with each other. When we write all of us come together and bring our own tastes to the table. We don’t try to go for a certain sound. Some elements of our music are reoccurring while some you’ll only find every once in a while. We don’t want to limit ourselves with our sound. We want people to be able to listen to our album and not get tired of hearing the same thing over and over.

S*KM: You guys recently scored an endorsement deal with Ibanez, did you use their gear before the deal and what are some perks of these endorsements, other then getting free guitars I’m assuming?

Jason: I has always played Ibanez. Yes, you get free gear. But you also establish a relationship with the company. You get support if you have problems. You get discounts. Plus you also get used for promotion, which is good for everyone.

Seth: I used another guitar religiously. After trying to seek out an endorsement through the unmentioned company I along with Pat (guitar) turned to Ibanez. They accepted us with open arms. We are so proud to be a part of Ibanez… not to mention the guitars sound freaking incredible!!!

S*KM: Alexis, It is no secret that you are a well put together member of the female gender, have you ever run into problems after a show with inebriated metalheads taking a pass at you?

Alexis: It happens from time to time, LOL. Some drunk guy or girl will hit on me and it’s odd because in no shape or form do I look like the sexy woman in our music videos :O). On the road I look rough, haha. It’s flattering though.

S*KM: It is no secret that Seth, Pat, Jason, and Patrick are well put together members of the male gender, have they ever run into penis hungry groupies going to extraordinary lengths to receive some quality time?

Jason: I have had girls make aggressive passes at me. But, I keep my head cool. I usually find a good excuse to get the hell out of there. I’m just not into girls like that AT ALL. I love meeting people and getting to know people. But, I’m just not the kind of person that wants to sleep with every girl that comes around.

Seth: Have you seen me… haha!!! I have a forest of beard on my face. I think that repels about 99% of the women that come to our shows. Like Jason, I don’t go out just trying to score some ass… especially from people who want to give it up so easily. Just not my cup of tea.

S*KM: Alright enough pillow talk, even though SLS has been around for nine years, it seems you guys have been on a whirlwind ride over the last year and half or so, what has that felt like first hand?

Jason: CRAZY! One minute, you’re on tour… wondering if you’re gonna be able to eat… wondering if you’ll make it to the next venue… wondering if you’ll make it home. But “home” is someone’s couch, floor, extra storage room, your car…. The next minute we all have a house together. I don’t worry about my next meal. We’re on MTV’s Headbanger’s Ball! That’s crazy… I grew up watching Ricki Rachman. Then, you’re album comes out and you’re touring the country with groups like Devildriver, Napalm Death, 36 Crazyfists, and Bleed the Sky. It’s CRAZY!

Seth: I agree with Jason. This past year has been a blur to say the least. I find it really neat at how many doors are opened once you put out an internationally released record. Where as before we were signed getting shows with other national acts was damn near impossible. Now we are on tour with killer bands like DevilDriver. Just recently we finished up a run with Snot. It was so awesome to do that because I was a fan from 10 years ago. Good to see them back on the circuit and it was even better to be there sharing the stage with them when they came back!!

S*KM: If you could make up your own, non pretentious, don’t have to dress up and sit through a 3 hour ceremony award that SLS would win hands down, what would it be?

Seth: The ceremony would be for DIY bands. I think we could easily win an Under The Radar award… haha. Just because we are still hardly know at all. We are about to sneak up on people and I think all the hard DIY work will pay off.

S*KM: Alexis, since you are an experienced interviewer, if you could ask one question to one music legend, living or dead, what would it be and to whom?

Alexis: Haha me an experienced interviewer that is sweet :O). I would ask Billy Holiday how she became a successful black woman in the music industry - especially during the time she became popular.

S*KM: We would like to thank you for taking the time out of you busy schedule to share a few thoughts with us. Here is a little private time with Saw*Kick and the SLS legions to share any important info we did not touch on.

SLS: We can’t thank you enough for taking the time to chat with us. We hope everyone will come out to shows and say whats up. Let’s have a beer and shoot the shit!!! See ya on the road!

You can educate yourself further on Straight Line Stitch at www.myspace.com/straightlinestitch for music, news, and tour updates. The band will be playing at Peabody’s in Cleveland, Ohio on Wednesday December 10.

Sighlo has amassed a tremendous following in its modest four year tenure. The Columbus, Ohio five piece has dominated the land of the buckeyes with its tightly wound hard rock that occasionally dips its toe in the waters of metal. The band has set its sights on the big brass ring of national recognition, hoping the business glances its way sooner rather then later. Having played over 400 live shows spanning from North Dakota to New Jersey and been featured on MTV2’s “On the Rise,” the gentlemen have a resume worthy of the call. We tracked down drummer Will Finnegan and guitarist Chris Grim to talk about the bands business bond, working on new material with producer Ben Schigel, and the guys preferred action star from their youth.

S*KM: Your song, “Areilla” happens to be my personal favorite, however it was only included on a b-sides release. Why did you guys feel that song wasn’t strong enough to make the cut for an official album?

Grim: That isn’t exactly how it happened, let me explain! When we sold out of our original release, ‘This Used to Hurt’, we decided to add a few tunes to it and re-release it as ‘The Start’ in order to provide our fans with some of our newer material and increase the amount of songs that record labels would receive from us when sending out press kits.

S*KM: You guys opened for Sevendust and Nonpoint about a month ago at the Newport Music Hall, did either of these bands serve as big influences on your music?

Will: I have always listened to both bands. I posed to Nonpoint’s cover of Busta Rhymes “WooHa” in 2002 at the Midwestern Bodybuilding championships. Both drummers are very inspiring and I look forward to learning what I can from them by watching their live shows.

Grim: Nonpoint has been one of my favorite bands since I first saw them live in 2000 and was absolutely blown away! I’m always striving to achieve a guitar tone as clean and cutting as their former guitarist, Andy. They really have been a big influence on how I envision putting on a live show.

S*KM: You guys have said you are not just in a band together, you are also business partners. Do the fiscal and marketing responsibilities that accompany the music ever become tiresome or destructive within the band?

Will: Not really, we feel like we’ve just begun to scratch the surface of what the band faces in terms of business decisions. Tyler and Grim, having degrees in business from OSU, are in an especially good position to analyze our situation and determine what needs to be done in terms of marketing, promotion, and expansion but we know there is a lot more in store for us!

S*KM: Do you ever feel the music takes a backseat to the hoops you are required to jump through to gain attention in the music business?

Will: Absolutely. We are growing both musically and as a business entity dealing with all the “hoops” that we face. It can get frustrating at times but we hope that ultimately we can create a product that people truly enjoy and that we ourselves can be proud of. Getting labels to notice that product is the hard part.

S*KM: With “The Start” EP being released back in 2007, what is in the works for a follow up?

Grim: Right now we are fine tuning a bunch of new song ideas we have here in our project studio that we will then take up to Spider Studios in Cleveland, OH to record with our producer, Ben Schigel, this December. So be on the lookout for a new release from us in early 2009!

S*KM: What kind of writing process does the band go through when assembling new material?

Will: It happens differently for every song. Our bass player, Trevor, is the main song writer and often times he comes in with a song idea which we lay down on our pro-tools rig. Then we all work with him to lay drum, guitar and bass tracks to create a basic structure for our vocalist, Tyler. He then comes up with vocal ideas and we go back and make a ton of changes and come up with a somewhat final version. Other times, Tyler may bring in a vocal line, and we’ll write an entire tune based on that or we’ll just start jamming something when we practice and work it into a song, it really does vary! We do like to begin performing the song live to see how our fan base reacts to it and eventually take it up to Ben at Spider Studios to work on and record a final version.

S*KM: With all the success you have already achieved, where does it chart on your overall goals for the band?

Will: We are very happy with and appreciate everything that we have achieved thus far, but we are not where we ultimately want to be in this business. We will continue to work hard until we are distributed on a national scale. We all share a passion for music and would love to share ours with the world.

S*KM: What song in the Sighlo catalog are you proud of most for writing?

Will: Personally, I think “My Calvary” is my favorite. It is the most wide reaching song we have created.

S*KM: Which tune do you guys enjoy playing live, and what are some tactics you use to get the crowd going?

Will: I love playing “The Start” live due to the different parts for me to play that range from technical to easy. I can really rock out to it. As for crowd, on my side, I just try and show them how much fun I’m having!

Grim: For me, “X2″ is the most fun to play live. We usually use it as our opening song and it really gets me energized for the rest of the set. I think the crowd enjoys the guitar tricks that we have choreographed during a few songs but mostly, like Will said, we’re just trying to have fun and hopefully the crowd is too!

S*KM: Who are a few bands you guys really enjoy listening too that people might be surprised to hear?

Will: I listen to a lot of 311, Life of Agony, Type o Negative, Haji’s Kitchen, The Killers…..this could go on for a while!

Grim: Some of my favorites are As I Lay Dying, Snoop Dogg and Mariah Carey. I think we all like a good variety of music in our lives!

S*KM: With a few Sighlo members holding degrees from THE Ohio State University and the band calling Columbus home, how excited are you for the Buckeyes in 2009 and what are some of your predictions? (Question written and answered before Saturdays loss)

Will: I just hope they don’t choke!

Grim: They have been playing better with Pryor and Beanie in the backfield, they make a pretty exciting combo to watch. I’m predicting a good stomping of Michigan at the least!

S*KM: Take a band vote who was the best action star from the late eighties and early nineties, Arnold Swarchenegger or Jean-Claude Van Damme?

Will: Is that even a question? Arny by far. If anyone hasn’t seen it, rent and watch Pumping Iron!

S*KM: Alright that just about does it, is there any need to know Sighlo news or events to inform the fine people of Saw*Kick about before we go our separate ways?

Will: Keep an eye on our Myspace for new tunes and design changes, also “The Start” is now available on Itunes, Rhapsody, Napster and Amazon so check those out if you don’t have it yet! Thank you Joey and Saw*Kick for the time and this interview!

You can learn more about Sighlo at www.myspace.com/sighlo and catch them live on Friday, November 7 in Columbus, Ohio at the New Port Music Hall.

Nine months can seem long or short depending on the context. It’s how long it takes to give birth; it’s just about a year in high school or college; and it’s close to the length of an entire season of baseball. These are all long, grueling passages of time.

When it comes to music, nine months is more like a sneeze or a game of rock, paper, scissors. Bands can toil for years and years without ever writing a compelling song or playing a show. But in nine months, four guys who met and started playing music in church, formed a band, came up with some songs­ and advanced to the finals of the FTF Concert Series Back to School Battle of the Bands—in what was their second show ever at the time.

Then they won the whole thing.

Against the Rising took the stage on Saturday, October 11 and defeated five other bands at the Outpost in Kent. The battle was a fierce competition featuring everything from one-man acoustic acts to mosh-inducing metal bands. In the end, after three weeks, this pop/rock act that started as a worship-song group at the Ravenna Assembly of God stood out from the pack.

Divine intervention? Perhaps. But we at Saw*Kick prefer to chalk it up to talent.

Mike Beck (lead singer), Nate Bradley (lead guitar), Rusty Nottingham (drummer) and Cody Swinger (bass) come from a variety of influences. Nate and Cody are into heavier stuff, Rusty prefers 311, reggae-type bands and Mike admits (a little sheepishly) that he didn’t listen to anything growing up. To this day, although he’s starting to change, he doesn’t really like (or know) any music other than worship music.

Two metal guys, a reggae guy and a guy that hated music. It’s not your typical Behind the Music episode, but Against the Rising doesn’t try to be a typical band. Sure, the sound is a palatable pop/rock vibe in the Yellowcard, Story of the Year realm, but as Mike’s musical background illustrates, it’s not necessarily about the sound with Against the Rising. It’s the message. It’s a message that first brought them together, and it’s a message that drives their music.

“People nowadays are turned off by Christianity because maybe they’ve had bad dealings with it, like they think [the church] just wants your money and that… Christians have to live their life boring and according to the Bible and everything that’s in it,” Mike said. In fact, that’s what their band name refers to. “It’s like the rising against stereotypes that people have of Christianity. You can have just has much fun as everyone else. It’s not just hell, fire and brimstone.”

If it’s anywhere near as fun as their new song, Vegas, then they may be onto something.

A few months ago, before winning the battle, Against the Rising went all the way to Nashville, Tenn., with 300 other bands to play for a Christian record label. They were given a six on a scale of 10 and sent home. At the time they were disappointed, but then came to realize a six is pretty good score to get from a record label after only playing for a few months. Flash-forward to today, and the band pulled down 8s, 9s and pats on the back from the judges at the Outpost.

By our math at Saw*Kick, in three more months Against the Rising will be around a 12 or 13. Impossible, you say? Maybe. But that’s what we would have said about them winning the battle of the bands nine months ago.

(And remember, don’t rule out that divine intervention thing.)

We encourage you to listen and learn more about Against the Rising by going to www.againsttherising.com and www.myspace.com/againsttherisingkent

 

 Against The Rising - "Vegas" [4:38m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Given the recent struggles and distress the country has faced in this high tension political season it’s possible there is no band more relevant for the times then Cleveland’s Ventana and its debut release American Survival Guide Vol. 1. The bands breed of industrial metal is armed with explosive passion and depth depicting the nations worst nightmares. VentanA is lead by Mushroomhead keyboardist sampler Richard “St1tch” Thomas, along with Circus of Dead Squirrels vocalist Matt Foran, and drummer Daniel Fox who has toured with such notable bands as Mushroomhead, Dope, and Crossbreed. We lined up the guys to talk about its long awaited debut album, gaining independent recognition, and the music industry sucking dick.

S*KM: The band logo of sorts appears to be an image of a gas mask with guns extending from behind and a mushroom cloud looming in the background. What message or symbolism is the band attempting to convey through that captivating image?

VentanA: Exactly what the album title suggests, surviving the fall of the American empire.

S*KM: Is it difficult for this project to stand on its own having Rick Thomas of Mushroomhead and other notable local musicians in its ranks?

VentanA: No, not at all. It’s different enough than the other projects to be placed in it’s own category. If anything, it benefits us more to have members involved with other bands so we can show all of our fans a different side of ourselves.

S*KM: Is it frustrating when people refer to VentanA as a Mushroomhead side project?

VentanA: Of course, because it is not a Mushroomhead side project. This is not meant to be a stand alone album. We obviously get that a lot right now because we are still new and Mushroomhead is very well established. We have confidence that this album will gain us our own independent recognition.

S*KM: You are in the process of mixing your debut release, American Survival Guide Vol. 1 at Ante Up Audio. How is it going and what has kept the band from releasing material sooner?

VentanA: The recording and mixing for this record has been finished and everything sounds better than our initial expectations. Line-up changes was the biggest thing holding us back from releasing this album any sooner. We feel that this album will be worth the long wait.

S*KM: Do you have an expected release date for the album, and have you set an official track listing yet?

VentanA: The album is scheduled to be released in early November and will include 11 tracks. At this time, the songs are still being placed in the order that they will appear.

S*KM: Has there been interest from any labels to put out the record, or is this something you are looking to do independently?

VentanA: There has been some interest but can’t say much more than that at this time.

S*KM: With a title like American Survival Guide Vol.1 one could only imagine the subject matter covered in the record. Save us the guess work, what are some of the messages and themes covered on the disc?

VentanA: This album addresses the current state of the world and the many frustrations and mistakes that have brought us to this point. The album can be best described as a warning or a wake-up call. Some people that have heard the songs and have read the lyrics say we may be “taking it to far” or “we shouldn’t be saying things like this”, we just want to be honest and try to wake people up.

S*KM: In the world of industrial metal do you think it is imperative for a band to project a larger then life persona on stage through masks, costumes, etc. or can someone pull it off sporting their $9.88 Wrangler jean shorts?

VentanA: When it all comes down to it, it’s your music and your message that count. I would like to believe that image is secondary and should not effect people’s reaction to the band. But we all know that in this society image is not secondary, and everyone judges your band on how you look. I personally prefer masks, costumes, etc. for the projects I am involved with because to me, it’s a very artistic and animated approach that compliments the music (a visual aid).

S*KM: Will the band be hitting the road in support of the effort, if so how extensive of a run can we expect?

VentanA: The band will begin touring in early 2009, expect to see 2-4 week runs at a time. We are currently discussing touring ideas with bands: Psyclon Nine, Helltrash, Circus of Dead Squirrels, and a few “underground bands” to join up and put a tour together that will definitely turn heads and get a reaction.

S*KM: Looking around at the Cleveland music scene, who are some of the bands you guys like to get out and see?

VentanA: Unfortunately the most we see is the inside of the studios we are prisoner to, haha. So we don’t really get to go out to local shows as much as we would like to find new talent. One of the most recent bands we have had the pleasure of getting to know is a Cleveland band called SOLIPSIST.

S*KM: What is one band you guys would sell an appendage to share the stage with?

VentanA: Faith No More or NIN, everyone in this band was heavily influenced by these two bands growing up. Both highly unlikely of ever actually happening though.

S*KM: On Rick’s personal Myspace page, in his favorite music, he has Incubus listed with a disclaimer of S.C.I.E.N.C.E. and before, what is wrong with Make Yourself?

VentanA: I like MAKE YOURSELF but S.C.I.E.N.C.E. was their best effort in my eyes, their Faith no More influence was strong on that record, but they had such a cool, tribal raw twist on it, I just absolutely love that record. When I heard “Make Yourself” for the first time I knew they were starting to make the switch to become more “radio friendly”..which is awesome for them that they were able to do that cause they are still putting out records and managed to cross over to a larger fan base. I still respect them greatly for all their accomplishments but as a fan I prefer the older stuff.

S*KM: Let’s burst everyone’s bubble, can you tell us a few revealing truths about your time spent in the music industry?

VentanA: It sucks dick about 75% of the time. Ha! It’s not quite as glamorous (at least not yet) as people may imagine, over 50% of music fans download and copy music, so all the money you spend recording a record and putting it out gets lost because of that. It’s hard to make a living in this business unless you completely sell-out, or are making rap music, haha. Creating the music and meeting the fans that come up to you and say they relate to what we are doing makes all the aggravation worth it though, and inspires us to keep doing what we do.

S*KM: We would like to thank you guys for taking the time to answer our questions, for that we would like to give a little alone time with the people of Saw*Kick and the VentaA faithful to inform them of anything we neglected to cover.

VentanA: Check out our MySpace page where our debut album is now available for Pre-Order, join the Ventana Street Team. Check out MUSHROOMHEAD and Circus of Dead Squirrels. Be sure to drink your ovaltine.

You can check out VentanA for yourself at www.myspace.com/ventanaband along with band news and tour dates.