The Difference Between Sharing & Duplication - A Pet Peave

One of the first things I want to address as this blog transforms into an information blog for aspiring writers will be sharing and duplication. It is also one of my biggest pet peaves.

What's the difference?

Thats a loaded question, The simple answer is, it's the difference between getting search engines to love you, or flag and/or ban your site from future inclusions in search results.

Why, I see duplicate articles many places?

That may be true, but duplicating material to publish in more than one place on the internet, especially if it is word for word, does nothing to benefit you, or the site you are writing for, in essence, it spoils rankings, gets you flagged by search bots, and knocks your credibility out the window.

If you look closely, you may or may not notice that certain words or phrases have been changed. This helps, but essentially, when search bots spider sites, they take in account every word and phrase that has been repeated, and compare them to everything else they spider. Therefore, if the engines see this often, rankings for the sites go down, and may esentially fall off all together.

This happened to me this year. I accept writers for my sites who would like to send in submissions, and like to make a name for themselves by having their work published, while learning the ropes. After more than a year of working on the rankings for one of my sites, one writer in particular, who had never written for anyone before, and only had experience writing personal rants in a blog on a social network, began sending in articles for my music sites. At first things went fairly well, but then, amoung some of the problems I had with them, they began sending the same articles to several different sites online, word for word. I tried to explain this concept over and over, but to no avail. Either this person was to dense to understand simple rules, or they just did not give a flying you know what.

After months of trying to make this person understand this simple concept, and months of excuses, rudeness, disrespect, and more, plus emails that clearly stated more than once that this WAS NOT because I did not want them writing for someone else, in fact I encouraged it, it's called networking, I finally had enough and told them to move right along in the nicest way possible. Unfortunately, I did not give them the boot quick enough, because my rankings fell almost 50% in the time that this was going on. In February of this year I discovered 5, count them, 5 blogs that they had just created. Guess what, each blog had exactly ONE of the articles that were submitted to my site, word for word. Now what did this imbecile plan on doing, did they plan to create a new blog for each article they wrote.

So, with that said, what is the proper way to submit an article that has already been posted somewhere else?

Welcome to the world of social network sharing! It is so simple even a caveman can do it, or a dense "would be" writer ;-)

Almost everywhere you go on the net now, you see it. The little link or icon that says SHARE THIS! What, no link like that anywhere. Guess what, that still doesn't make it right to duplicate material you have already offered and published to someone elses site.

But it's MY WORK!!

Not once you submit it, then it is mine, or whoever you send it to. Of course it still belongs to you, but regardless, owning a car, does not give you the right to run a person over, nor hand your car over to an unlicensed driver so they can run someone over. Altho you may own it, and altho you may want to submit the same article to other publications, did you know that you could actually get yourself in trouble doing that. I'll bet you did not. You can get blackballed, or even sued if you are caught doing that by the wrong publication. There is a proper way to do this.

So, back to sharing. What if there is not a share option? Then we use what is called a leader, or some people who are less savey may call it a teaser. Whatever you call it, this would be the ONLY proper way to share your work in more than one place. Here is an example:

I wrote a 500 word article on the music business. I want to publish this in more than one place. I take the first paragragh or 2, and then I ask people to read the rest of the article "here", and I link them back to the ORIGINAL article, that would be the first place you sent it for publication. This is the ONLY way duplication is acceptable. Pretty simple huh?

Most large companies who accept writers submissions will make you sign an agreement that if you send them an original article, that you can not publish it anywhere else. I work for a few places like that, but they pay out good money for my articles, so I don't mind this at all. The ones I work with that I do not have such a contract with, allow you to share, but will penilize you or even "fire" you if you do not share in the proper format.

Hope this little post helps clear a few things up about why duplicating is bad for everyone, and why sharing is good for all.

One more piece of advice, if someone gives you the opportunity to get some recognition by allowing you to send in copy for publication, do have some respect.
You are there to learn, and they are doing YOU a favor. Be polite rather than rude, respectful, rather than disrespectfull, have some humbleness instead of becoming prematurely big headed, or pig headed for that matter. Don't burden and badger the person giving you the opportunity with your silly personal dramas, nor tell them what you think they should be doing.

Remember, the people you screw over while trying to step on and over them while rushing your way to "famedom", will be the same people that you will meet on your way down. Try to learn from someone who gives you an opportunity, and don't backstab and screw over people that have helped you. It is inevitable that life has it's ups and downs, and when you meet that same person on the way back down, you want to be able to ask them for help, not have them laugh at your misfortune.

Play like a pro, if you want to be a pro!

Here is a piece of advice for publishers and creators alike. Don't tell anyone what your plans or goals are before you get a chance to see them through. I made that mistake also, and that person took those ideas, and ran elsewhere with them. Posuers are everywhere, (a word I like) and they will take your ideas in a heartbeat. Hold your ideas and your creativity close to your heart untill you are ready to share them with the entire world!

Now, go write something!

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Jim Morris Music

Jim has something in his music that everyone can like. Along with great guitar playing like Joe Satriani and up-lifting and inspirational melodic movements like Dream Theater, Jim captures the music lovers heart as well as their mind.

Jim Morris is an articulate singer/songwriter with a devotion to storytelling. Whether it is a thoughtful ballad about doomed love or an anthem to a night of drunken revelry, the listener can always count on well-crafted songs with carefully drawn characters, clever lyrics, and satirical charm.
Although Jim’s musical style is admittedly reminiscent of Jimmy Buffett and Jerry Jeff Walker, he has a knack for defying categorization. He mixes a whimsical island sound with a splash of Texas to produce a sound that is uniquely Gulf and Western.

Jim grew up in Georgia and has a heritage rich in music. His grandfather led a dance band, and everyone in the family either played an instrument or sang. At age 10 Jim taught himself to play the guitar by listening to Hank Williams records. After college (BA in English and graduate studies in English and Human Resources Management) while pursuing a career in human resources management, he continued to write songs and dream of the day when he could do it full-time. "After I graduated, I wanted to be a drifter and a writer; instead, I settled for corporate executive and closet entertainer."

During his 15-year corporate career, his job allowed him to live in several interesting locales, such as Montana, New Orleans, and St. Simons Island, all of which would figure prominently in his writing. Following a business trip during which he renewed his love affair with the southwest coast of Florida, Jim took the leap he had been contemplating for some time and left the corporate world for good.

Jim spent the subsequent years writing songs and playing gigs around Florida. From the beginning he took a big risk by featuring original music. "I spent about a year writing and developing a catalog of songs. I was unsure of my ability to sing and play the guitar professionally, but I thought my songs might separate me from the other performers."

A fortuitous meeting with recording artist Randy Matthews would result in Matthews producing Morris’ first recording, "Laid Back and Key Wasted," released in 1996 by Fish Head Music. As you would expect, each song tells a story: the title track is about a guy who gives up the corporate world for the beach; one is about the exploits of a pilot who flies contraband; another is about roadkill and the people who collect it; others tell great stories of sailing, fishing, and drinking. "After my first CD was released, I changed my focus. I stopped playing bars so much and I worked coffeehouses and bookstores. I wanted to play before a listening audience who might appreciate what I had to say. I made less money, but I started to develop a fan base."

Jim returned to the studio during the summer of 1997 to work with noted guitarist/producer Chris Hattingh. The result was "Bocanuts" which was released by Fish Head Music the following November. "Bocanuts" shows again that Jim is capable of creating memorable stories in a variety of musical moods. "With 'Bocanuts' I found a formula that I’m comfortable with and that people seem to enjoy: some tropical, some jazz, some country, some acoustic folk, and some humor. It certainly reflects my musical tastes."

With the success of "Bocanuts" and a growing catalog of songs, Jim decided to release a CD every year. In November of 1998 he was back with Hattingh recording "Looking for a Place to Happen" which was released in February 1999. "The CD didn’t turn out exactly as planned," says Morris. "Several songs I was hoping to include were not as good as I wanted them to be. Sensing my frustration, my wife, Sharon, sat me down with a list of my songs and pointed out a lot of songs I had neglected. Consequently, songs like "What Kind of Fool Can I Be," "The Hammock Club," "Gatsby Dreams," and "Sometimes I Wish" were added." "Looking for a Place to Happen" became the most critically acclaimed CD to date. Hattingh had little doubt that the CD would be successful. "As soon as we listened to the final mix, I knew that Jim had topped his other CDs. For a CD with a variety of musical styles, it had such an amazing continuity."

Following the release of "Looking for a Place to Happen," the pressure grew to perform more outside the state of Florida. "I wanted to be a 'lifestyle artist,' fishing by day and playing music by night. But I also wanted to broaden my fan base, so I hit the road a bit." He also formed the Big Bamboo Band in order to capture the full sound of his CDs in live performances. "Playing with the Big Bamboo Band required more discipline and concentration than playing solo. It took a while to get used to it. Playing with a band is like playing team sports, and you get the same feelings after a tight performance that you do when you win the big game."

True to his plan to produce a CD every year, December 1999 found Jim back in the studio working on his fourth CD, "Bar Stools and Beach Chairs." He took a different approach this time, preferring creative spontaneity to careful planning. "I wanted to feel my way through the project and do some tweaking and changing as we went along." As it turns out "Bar Stools" may be his best effort yet. Along with his customary strong lyrics Jim has produced a work with remarkable musical diversity. Chris Hattingh knew that once again Jim had a winner. "I know that Jim felt some pressure to top "Looking for a Place to Happen," but there is something for everyone on this CD."

Jim will direct his efforts to expanding his fan base and touring with the Big Bamboo Band. He will still make time to fish and will always be on the lookout for song material. "I don’t have much to show for my years except some great experiences, and that’s what I write about – the characters I’ve met and the places I’ve been. The thing that is both satisfying and alarming is that most of it is true."

Check out some of Jims Tracks below:


Find more music like this on Sojournstar Music Industry Network


Jim will also be perfoming in Richmond Virginia on August 22, 2009 with Sunny Jim for
Stars On The Water. Time to be announced.

The excerpts here are from Jims website Jim Morris Music! where you will also find full tour schedules and more.

You can also find Jim on the Sojournstar Music Industry Network
Jim Morris Network Profile!

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Sol from Alexandria Virginia

Band/Resource Name : Sol
Band/Resource Rep Name : 9th Floor Music


Take two scoops of Funk; throw in a heathly serving of Reggae; stir in a few large cups of deep Piedmont Blues; throw in a pinch of Latin Flavor for spice, and top it off with some Old School R&B. Shake it up and you've got the music of Sol. A venerable pan stew of groove.

Sol leads a collaboration of musicians from the southeast and mid-atlantic US. Sol and his band members are no strangers to the road.

Sol has covered much of the surface of the earth on tour, lighting up venues across North America, Europe, Australia and the Caribbean.

Sol has shared the stage with blues heavyweights such as Taj Mahal, BB King, Cootie Starks, Cool John Ferguson, John Dee Holeman, Robert Randolph, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Derek Trucks and others.

Paying homage to the greats, Sol seeks to bring Roots Music to a new generation of listeners.

Sol's CD release entitled Freedom, features the core musical unit of Sol on guitar and vocals, King George on drums, and Jake D on bass. Also guest appearances by Tim Smith (Squirrel Nut Zippers, Hobex, and Countdown Quartet), as well as members of VA’s reggae groups the Seed and the Alliens. With these special guests, the new album moves from greasy delta grooves to deep reggae, and from stanky funk to soulful R&B.

Here's what some reviewers are saying about the new CD Freedom:

"one of the top 15 CD's of 2008!"- Green Arrow Radio (created by the Funk Soul Music Director at WHUS) placed the album alongside Sean Costello, Taj Mahal, Bill Laswell, PBS, Marcus Miller & more in top picks of 2008!

“Sol is excellent at morphing rock, blues, soul, and reggae, taking it all to a different level and contributing to the evolution of music into- quoting Sly Stone- 'a whole new thing'. Freedom is a great example of this band’s music and a truly enjoyable listening experience”- Len Comaratta- WUVT Music Director

"Sol pulls together funk, soul, blues and reggae elements...

Sol uses his right hand fingers, not a pick, to get his bluesy, dirty-sweet solo lines, and he delivers the raw and tasteful in even helpings....

You have to admire a blues/soul singer who is trying to sound like himself, instead of some old blues guy... Good Party Music... " - Tad Dickens- Press Review

"Sol pours out his heart and soul on Freedom. A must have for any music collection" - Wes Lee- Locals Only Radio (Washington DC area)

Band/Resource Website 1 : http://www.sol-roots.com
Band/Resource Website 2 : http://www.myspace.com/solblues


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Morrissey and Mia Riddle

Christy Sheppard
Richmond.com
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Scene + Heard Concert Review: Morrissey at the National and Mia Riddle at Poe's

Sometimes you look forward to a show for a long time and you end up disappointed. Sometimes you hear a band's recorded music and are bummed when you hear them live. Sometimes, though, reality exceeds your expectations.

I saw two shows last week that were excellent. I see a lot of shows. Shows about which I don't usually care enough to write.

These two shows I didn't want to let fade from my ever-waning memory without putting down in writing for all of you (and all of the world!) to see. Hey, I'm a giver.

First, I caught Mia Riddle and Her Band as they stopped through Richmond via Poe's Pub on their way to Austin's SXSW, promoting their album, Tumble and Drag.

I arrived around 8:15 (because I thought the show as supposed to start at 8) and around 10 o'clock all preparation was complete and Mia's band was ready to go.

I'd been listening to their myspace playlist for a few days prior to the event because I never like going to show completely in the blind, and Mia's band is new to me. She sounded just as great in person as she did in recording. She was pop and she was rock, and she was a little country ... a delightful mixture.

Mia's voice continually reminded me of Jenny Lewis'; a comparison most would welcome. Although she did sound a little raspy and admitted she was battling a cold, it didn't distract from her performance and her voice was strong and pleasant.

I don't know if you've ever seen a show at Poe's but the "stage" is rather small. On several occasions I felt like the band really wanted to rock out but were hindered by the size of the stage. Despite the space limitations, they made the most of the night, and our attention spans.

Everyone but Dave Wyss (bass) had a mic; geez, he must really be a bad singer, huh? I kid.

The rest of the band consisted of Amy Merrill (keys, back-up vocals), Dan Barry (guitar, back-up vocals) and Jeff Neuberger (drums, back-up vocals). Mia stuck to singing and the guitar although she also plays the glockenspiel and keys.

Amy and Mia harmonized well and sounded sweet together. At the risk of sounding creepy, Amy had these super delicate fingers that looked as if they were sculpted just for the keys or for rescuing objects that have fallen into really tight spaces (or for stealing food from the vending machine). She had a funny smirk on her face that lasted most of the set. Apparently we were all having a great time.

As a testament to their songwriting skills, I recognized "Grandchildren", "City Song" and "Open Wide" right away and (happily) was even able to sing along.

In red flats that matched Amy's keyboard, Mia stomped and played her way though the set. I'm compelled to liken her to actor-turned-singer Zooey Deschanel; but Mia has a stonger voice and she's cuter, too. Sorry, I'm only into She & Him sans the "She &" part.

This was the first stop on their tour, so naturally they had a few blips here and there but they easily laughed them off. I've seen bands make a big deal out of mistakes and, frankly, peeps, most of us won't notice unless you don't call attention to your screw-ups.

I kept thinking to myself that this little performance deserved more of an audience and perhaps a larger venue. I won't complain, though, I'm glad they stopped by and I'm hoping they'll return. Maybe one day soon, they'll have ample opportunity to show off their talent to larger crowds.

Check out their video for "Open Wide" on YouTube.

The next night, myself and a few friends ventured our way out to the National to see the legendary Morrissey.

I've said this before, but I've never been a really big fan of his or of the Smiths, the band he used to front. This only means I had no idea what to expect and that I was blown away by what I saw and heard.

The guy is pushing 50 and he ran that stage like it was his, umm ... let's just say he showed everyone who was boss. Looking like a mixture between Dr. Troy McNamara (Nip/Tuck) and Robin Williams (in looks and in stage presence, respectively) he commanded the attention of every face in the crowd.

The stage was set up so the Moz had plenty of space to stalk around, whipping the mic cord to and fro. Picture a bullfighter with his cape ... with imaginary bulls coming at him from every direction.

I recognized more songs than I'd expected to, and when that insane riff from "How Soon Is Now?" started, nearly everyone in the sold out crowd of 1,500 took to their feet.

As big a ham as Morrissey was, his band wasn't leaving without making its presence felt. Drummer Matt Walker rocked an impressive set of drums that included an 18-wheeler-tire-sized bass and even a gong. Chris Bopst said recently, "The larger the drum set, the more likely the band is going blow." Sorry, Chris, but in at least this instance, that argument fails. (read the article here)

Moz sang the line 'But then you open your eyes and you see someone that you physically despise' from "Let Me Kiss You" at the precise moment he decided to remove shirt number two of three for the evening (if the timing was unintentional I'll eat my chucks). He'd already briefly left the stage long enough to change from a blue and white checkered print into the black dress shirt he was currently removing.

When he took off said black dress shirt, it was just too much for one excited fan to handle. This super-fan squeezed his way through a team of scowling security guards and chased Morrissey off-stage, dragging annoyed staff-members along with him. In line with the theme of the night (Morrissey is touring in support of his latest album, Years of Refusal), this eager-beaver wasn't giving up without a fight.

An unphased Morrissey reappeared in less than 5; donning another button-down ... this one pink.

Everything about the show was huge: the sound, the production, the enthusiasm, the egos.

All week I'd been a little skeptical as to whether he'd even show up (many shows had been cancelled prior to this one). Luckily he didn't let us down. Maybe he showed because it was Friday the 13th, maybe not. Whatever the reason, I'm glad I was there.

Morrissey on myspace | Mia Riddle on myspace


NOTE: Christy Sheppard is an established writer with publications like Richmond.com and was kind enough to share this article with us. We look forward to many more of Christy Sheppards writing contributions. Keep watching.

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Eric Margan And The Red Lions

by ERIC DE FONTENAY


New York-based indie-chamber rock musicians, Eric Margan & the Red Lions, present their debut release Midnight Book (March 17, 2009/Self-Released). Drawing from years of classical training and a personal devotion to modern jazz and classic rock, the talented songwriter/multi-instrumentalist/front man, Eric Margan, makes an original and sophisticated entrance with an impressive collection of 12 incredible tracks in Midnight Book.
The debut album for 22-year-old Margan resonates as a somber, theatrical novel - complete with love, tragedy, heartbreak, and revival. Midnight Book, as the title might imply, is best experienced from "cover to cover." Midnight Book delivers stellar and distinctive compositions, augmented by ensnaring and intriguing lyrical poetry, leading the listener into an introspective musical journey.

The album opens with "An Ocean Blue", a swirling, seductive tapestry of orchestral grandeur, seemingly emerging from the darkest depths of the piano and sets the stage for a colossal, metaphor-laden song cycle. As the pages of Midnight Book turn, the love story that began so triumphantly begins to unravel in Margan's "A Speckled Mind." It is here that Margan displays the delicate touch of an impressionist painter, through the juxtaposition of orchestral strings combined with a powerful yet poignant drum and bass polyrhythm.

The album's standout "Old Man River" is the turning point in the story, full of grandiose and massively cinematic crescendo. Margan's colorful plot thickens to a soaring climax, telling a story of an estranged marriage - complete with twists, turns, murder and revenge.

Margan appropriately concludes his heavy narrative with the relatively bare instrumentation of strings, piano, voice and guitar. The last notes are imminent, chords that are prepared to leave their final impression - but not without a last fighting chance.

Born and raised in Columbia County of Upstate New York, Eric Margan's musical endeavors started at just nine years old when he began studying flute. It was when he turned 14 that the hobby had become a potential career. He began treading new waters with the formation of his first band - a three-piece rock group in which he was a co-songwriter, bassist, and singer. Margan furthered his bass skills by participating in various jazz ensembles and combos throughout his high school years. Furthering his music studies, he brought together his classical training with his passion for modern rock and live performance with the addition of the talented musicians that make up the Red Lions.

A stellar line-up of musicians was assembled to augment Margan's music on stage, including drummer Jim Bertini, bassists Scott Kellerhouse and Vince Chiarito, keyboardist Zachary Seman and guitarist/flutist/vocalist Johanna Warren. Live performances and Midnight Book also feature various string, woodwind and brass players.

Eric Margan and the Red Lions are rapidly earning the respect and admiration of fans and bands alike, from opening for such acts as the Benevento Russo Duo and L.A.-based Bittersweet, to recording sessions with Pete Seeger and Richie Havens, as well as playing a multitude of shows in the Northeastern United States.

What critics have been saying about Eric Margan and the Red Lions:

"There are a number of acts that are currently creating music right now that I would call good, but I would have to downgrade them to "passable" just so I could get the proper amount of distance to the "great" that I would assess to Eric Margan & The Red Lions. "Midnight Book" should be seen as a "must-have" album…"-NeuFutur Magazine

"Elegant, sophisticated and refreshingly open-hearted, singer-guitarist Margan pens wonderfully literate and melodically inventive songs that he has orchestrated for a most unusual but oh-so effective ensemble of musicians featuring drums, bass, keyboards, violin, cello, clarinet and flute. This is Chamber music for the 21st Century, and it simply sparkles." -Greg Haymes, The Times Union

"Eric Margan's songs and aesthetic are from another time: His musical influences seem drawn entirely from before he was born. His jazz-leaning, ornate, orchestral pop is unlike anything that's come out of the Capital Region in as long as we can remember, and the band's busy gig schedule has amassed them a devoted, even defensive, fan base. Trust us: This band will be going places." -John Brodeur, Metroland

Eric Margan and the Red Lions will begin touring this spring in support of Midnight Book. The confirmed list of shows is as follows:

February 13, The College of Saint Rose, Albany, NY February 21, (PRE-CD RELEASE SHOW) The Bowery Poetry Club, New York, NY March 5, Muddy Cup, Albany, NY March 13, (CD RELEASE SHOW) Valentines, Albany, NY March 17, Banjo Jims, New York, NY March 18-22, SXSW Music Festival, Austin, TX March 30, The Living Room, New York, NY April 3, Valentines Upstairs, Albany, NY April 4, Bard College, Annadale-on-Hudson, NY

More dates will be released at Eric Margan

Eric Margan MP3



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Video Review for Lamb of God "Set to Fail"

ON THE SET OF “SET TO FAIL”

Feb. 25, 2009
On the Set of "Set to Fail"
Author - Ayne Bales


“We need fans who are wiling to get slammed around for 12 hours in Richmond, VA on January 9.”

This was the casting call put out by RVA’s Lamb of God for their first video off the new album Wrath. They weren’t kidding either. Not only was this an extraordinary experience for the seventy or so friends and fans packed into the third floor of Sound of Music Studios, it was an exercise in endurance. Go find the largest clothes dryer you can. Put yourself, your iPod cranked as loud as it will go, a few random blunt objects (to simulate elbows and fists), and three or four pairs of sweaty gym socks into this dryer. Turn the dryer on, listen to the same song for eight hours, and you’ll start to have an idea what it was like to be in “Set to Fail”. The thing you’ll be missing is how much freaking fun it was.

Initially I figured this would be a ‘live’ shoot, with the band on a stage and the crowd in front. Instead we walked into a room with nothing but Chris’s drums on a low riser, a couple of prop amps, and plain white lighting. We were about to get up close and personal with one of the hottest metal acts out there today. Our instructions amounted to “mosh, don’t look directly into the camera, and try not to hurt the band members”.

Over the next eight hours we head-banged, slammed, crowd surfed, and generally wreaked havoc. I saw Willie accidentally give someone a black eye with his guitar. Randy broke three of my toes. We were having too much fun to care. The song absolutely rocked. If you haven’t heard it yet you need to go directly to the closest record store and pick up a copy of Wrath – you won’t be disappointed. This was a low budget shoot with only one camera, and I was impressed with not only the crowd but the video crew – they did an amazing job. Despite the close quarters and rather diverse crowd no one lost their cool, if someone went down twenty hands were there picking them up. This may have been due in part to another email sent to everyone invited to the shoot… “Don’t be a dick. Lamb of God will think you’re lame if you act like a dick.”

During our downtime I met fans from as far away as Dallas and Chicago. That’s dedication. The band members and crew were extremely gracious and friendly, as they always are. (Does Willie ever stop smiling?) Together the band and the fans made this a day no one there will soon forget. How often do you get to spend the day with your favorite band AND get to be in one of their videos? Whether you see them in the grocery store on a regular basis or only on television, it was honor to participate.

The end result is a video just as raw and gritty as the song itself. “Set to Fail” will not disappoint fans. In typical Lamb of God fashion it sounds like nothing they’ve done before, and the advances in musicianship and vocals are obvious. The new album is nothing short of amazing, even returning to the bands original instrumental roots on the opening track “The Passing”. The hometown boys continue to not only be some of the nicest guys in the business; they continue to be the best at what they do – making pure American metal.

Check out the bands MySpace Page for more!

Photo Credits – Ayne Bales and James Taylor


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BO-STEVENS & GOJIRA-X AT WONDERLAND

THE BO-STEVENS & GOJIRA-X AT WONDERLAND 1/7/09
CRUMPS BIG BIRTHDAY BASH

BY CINDY JOHNSON

Tonight takes us to Wonderland. Just when I thought my “bottom dweller” days were past me, they pull me back in! Shockoe Bottom is still the inconvenient pain it’s always been, but parking aside, this was a special occasion. A double birthday celebration for my friends Sarah and Crump, singer for Gojira-X.

The bar quickly began to fill with many friends and fans of both bands. The Bo-Stevens are a band from Winston-Salem, NC and are local favorites in the RVA area. As I have been known to repeat, I am a sucker for an upright bass and I was in for a double treat. Not only did the Bo-Stevens have an upright bass player named Billie, but Billie is a badass lady who knows how to slap the crap out of a bass. Along with Billie, there is Jeff Shu who plays the pedal steel guitar and mandolin, which made this band a bit of a dream come true for an authentic music lover as myself.

The band has gone through lineup changes since they started, but seem to play as if they’ve been together for years. The songs are country for the most part, with just a hint of rockabilly to make it danceable. With songs like “Honky Tonk Saturday Night”, “Lace”, “I’m Over You”, and “12 Ounces” you get to hear plenty of drinking songs that resulted in a definite crowd pleaser. This was my first Bo-Stevens show and I hope to see them again soon , hopefully at Cash Bash, a festival they are hosting February 27th & 28th in Winston-Salem playing along with Gojira-X and other bands.

To read more about The Bo-Stevens, visit their website: www.thebostevens.com

Band Members: Richard Boyd – vocals, guitar
Gregg Bell – guitar
Jeff Shu – vocals, pedal steel guitar, mandolin
Billie Feather – upright bass
The Rev. Douglas Hawkins – drums

After the Bo-Stevens left the stage, all normalcy went out the window. The next band, Gojira-X, describes their sound as “a strange and unique bland of hardcore, metal, punk and surf, with a heavy dose of Ed Wood, Roger Corman and John Waters, Etc.” Are you interested yet? The funny thing is the bands description of themselves is pretty accurate. It is definitely a show you find yourself participating in. But for an Elvis lover like me, they had me at “Suspicious Minds” and “Don’t Be Cruel”. They played the Elvis card and it was done in perfect taste and obvious love for the King. But along with Elvis and other covers, there were the bands original material with titles “Cheese”, “One Hot Mess”, “It Lives”, etc. focusing mostly on women and what to do with them. There was a lot of dancing, dancing on booth ledges, and general good times had by all. It was a very fun show and I think Crump is my new front man to beat, and that’s saying a mouthful!
To read more about Gojira-X visit their website: Gojira-X

Band Members: Crumpy C – lead vocals
Dirk Laguna – bass
Eddie McTastic – lead guitar
Crash Rockingham - keyboards



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WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE!

CASHMERE JUNGLE LORDS @ 3RD WAVE PLAY THE TRIPLE, 1/23/09
Submitted by Cindy Johnson

The show last Saturday was a reunion of sorts for the older, or as I like to call us, “seasoned” crowd of local RVA. Everyone seemed to know someone in one of the bands playing that night because we’ve all been around long enough to know everybody and their friends.

Local band 3rd Wave started the evening off with two sets of hypnotic instrumentals that I normally tune out. Music just isn’t the same without lyrics. But this band made me stop and pay attention immediately because they were playing some of my favorite songs without lyrics and I was so impressed I forgot my judgmental ways and swayed to the music as if no different. I also don’t flock to hear surf music, but I’m beginning to wonder what “surf” is really all about.

I’ve never known an instrumental surf band to play “Walk the Line”, “Whiter Shade of Pale”, or the sexiest version of “Rumble” I’ve ever heard. Then again, I usually am not there to witness, so I have to say if this is what surf music is, I have been converted.

3rd Wave Band Members: Casey Cash – guitar
John Haynor – guitar
Joe Mitchell – bass
Bob Walden - drums

Band website: 3rd Wave


The Cashmere Jungle Lords played the second half of the evening and it had been many years for this “seasoned” Richmonder since she had seen CJL, but I won’t wait as long next time.

The Cashmere Jungle Lords are a well know band in Richmond. They have paid their dues, spent a lot of time playing musical chairs with their band members, but they always seem to come back bigger and better than ever. The band originated over 21 years ago migrating to Oregon Hill to create their unique sound. Of all the bands CJL played with over the years, I have to say opening for The Who in 1998 must have been at the top of their list.

The band describes their sound as “Southern Fried Salsa Surfabilly”. Okay. I’ll accept that. Singer Dominic Carpin is also described as the inventor of “amp surfing”. That’s where you lost me, but all I know is the music is a little rock, a little rockabilly, a little surf, and a whole lotta fun. Did I mention they write their own material and if you knew the guys involved, that makes for some interesting songs. Seeing both of these bands among old and new friends made for another wonderful event at the Triple.
Keep it up Danny and Tiffany, you are making some special memories!

Cashmere Jungle Lord Band Members: Dominic Carpin – guitar & vocals
John Dacey – bass, acoustic guitar & vocals
Todd Woodson – drums
John Moore – percussion

Band Website: Cashmere Jungle Lords







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TOMMY 2 FINGERS and More @ THE TRIPLE

TOMMY 2 FINGERS & THE WHY NOTS, OCTANE SAINTS, AND THE RATS

@ THE TRIPLE, SAT. 9/27/08

The triple is getting quite a reputation thanks to the dynamic duo Tiffany Cale and Danny Ingram, who together make up Community Chest Booking, and are responsible for all the excitement at the Triple lately located at 3306 West Broad Street .

The Triple is quickly becoming THE place to be to see great shows and the location is convenient to most areas. And then there are the billiards, to which the neon sign outside boasts. A billiards room was the original theme of the Triple, but now you get two for the price of one. It’s a cool place with cool people taking care of you.

This Saturday night was no exception. The place was packed by the time I got there around 9:30, which told me that this was going to be a good night. Three bands performed, Tommy 2 Fingers and the Why Nots, Octane Saints, and The Rats. These bands consisted of some of the most respected musicians Richmond has to offer, and some of them I had crushes on when they were just little pups starting out back in “the day”. Okay, so I still have crushes on them, but I enjoyed my little nostalgic moment and got back to business.

The opening band was TOMMY 2 FINGERS AND THE WHY NOTS. Formed from various local bands such as Lilly Liver, Blind Brain, Sugar Creek and Uphill Down, this trio uses their punk roots together with cheeky lyrics to express their quoted “I don’t give a ….. attitude” of the genre. With songs like “All my Friends Are Dead”, “Great Personality”, “Kelly Went Gay”, and “Lapdance In Paradise”, you can conclude these guys don’t take themselves too seriously, and that’s pretty refreshing in this all consuming rock star world.

The band has written and recorded an album and is working on the second release.

You can visit Tommy 2 Fingers website at: www.tommy2fingers.com

Band Members: Joey Lasagna -guitar, vocals

Johnny Bactine – bass & background vocals

Danny Crucial – drums @ background vocals



The second band up was the OCTANE SAINTS. For me personally, the Octane Saints experience was like going back to the days when guys really enjoyed playing music together and it was always reflected in the music. This set was a joy from beginning to end. The band formed in 2001 collecting a fan base ranging from rock purists, punks, rockabilly and more. They have become regulars at various rock and roll festivals such as The Heavy Rebel Weekender and Elvisfest.

The songs from the band are no frills and catchy with titles such as “Grind”, “Daddy’s Trash”, “Tear the Meat off the Bone”, “Jailbait”, “Kitty”, “Hell Yeah”, and “Drinkin” which was a special favorite. It was a set I didn’t want to end, but I got some good butt shakin’ in for exercise.

Band Members: Jay Thurman – guitar, vocals

Rock Koplin – guitar, vocals

Tom Strel – bass

Scott Schuppert – drums

Band website: www.octanesaints.com, or www.myspace.com/octanesaints



The headlining band was THE RATS, who is mostly based in Norfolk , VA. One of my old crushes was on guitar player Dan-O, previously of Mudd Helmet, Rocket 69 and Adam West. It was kinda weird seeing how older and mature he is now. Okay, we’re old, but, damn these guys can still play.

Thanks to Jeff, the bass player, I got a brief history of The Rats. Apparently, the guitar player Eric got together with bass player Jeff and started a Ramones tribute band. It didn’t take long for them to want more and they started writing their own songs and became The Rats. They played Baltimore , D.C. , Richmond , the Outer Banks, and after a string of lead guitarists and drummers including Joey and Shon of Reverend D-Ray and the Shockers, their current drummer, Matt came along. They were led to Dan-O’s recording studio and they spent three days recording there first album, “Rats Ass”. Eventually their lead guitarist had to leave the band and Dan-O played guitar on several of the tracks they recorded for the album. Dan-O expressed an interest in joining the band and the rest is The Rats history.

The punk influences on their songs, such as “Norfolk city Rockers”, “Sellin Honey”, “Rats Ass”, Rock & Roll You Over”, “Cathcin’ Flies”, and “Sick of Being your Dog” (my personal favorite), is so strong there was actually moshing to be had in front of the stage. Yes, beer was spilled, people fell down, equipment was compromised, and the vibe was pure electricity. You couldn’t ask for anything more.

Band members: Eric – guitar, vocals

Dan-O – guitar

Jeff – bass

Matt – drums

Band website: www.snakeoilrecordings.com, www.myspace.com/thenorfolkrats


To wrap up I will just say I had a great time seeing old friends and listening to kick ass music and hope these bands continue to play and flourish, because they deserve it. Nuff said. Elvistra signing out.



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BLACK ROSE WITH SPECIAL GUEST BRITTANY O’NEIL

BLACK ROSE WITH SPECIAL GUEST BRITTANY O’NEIL @ GRANDPA EDDIE’S SAT. SEPT. 13

Submitted by Elvistra


I haven’t had a chance to do a review in a few weeks, so this article was a special treat and covers two acts that are dear friends and literally cover two generations both in age and music style.

Black Rose played two engrossing sets for the evening, as Grandpa Eddies is a family restaurant/bar and closes early.

Black Rose is: Jean Labelle: vocals, guitar and harmonica
Andre Labelle: percussion
Stevie Gentile: bass

The band originally formed in the same elementary school I actually attended. Their bass player and good friend, Bruce Henn, was taken from us in a fatal car crash early on, and the future of Black Rose seemed uncertain. As time passed they added Stevie G to play bass, knowing Bruce would’ve lovingly approved. Black Rose was now reincarnated, rejuvenated and ready to play again.

This time around, however, the sound would be acoustic, but don’t kid yourself, the power is still there thanks to the relentless Andre Labelle pounding on those drums like he did in the 80’s and 90’s with all the hair metal bands he played with, (some actually famous, like Vinnie Vincent).

The show Saturday was filled with much loved classic rock including some obscure songs you would not expect to hear. Some standard covers are Tom Petty, Bob Segar, The Beatles, Peter Frampton, David Bowie, and my personal favorite, Alice Cooper. Those are the tamer songs of the set, other songs by artists like The Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin, and The Who, really wake you up and get you out on the dance floor thanks yet again to the powerful drums of Andre and Jean and Stevie’s amped energy..

The material is nostalgic and performed with passion and class. Black Rose may have started out at my middle school’s Battle of the Band talent show, but they have matured into a very talented trio that aims to please and leaves you with great memories of songs you probably did naughty things to if you are at least over 35. And if you’re under 35, you really missed out and I have the pictures to prove it!! I guess the bottom line is Black Rose is for everyone because the music is timeless and crosses the age barrier.


That brings me to our second act of the evening, Brittany O’Neil.

Brittany is a fresh new 17 year old singer/songwriter who is nudging her way into the music field one show at a time. It doesn’t hurt that her mom is the beautiful and talented Elana of King Edward and the BD’s and formally of Steppinstone. Naturally trained vocal chords obviously run in the family and Brittany sings with a richness that is well beyond her years.

Brittany was the guest performer with Black Rose and did covers such as Jewel’s “Save Your Soul”, Ben Harper’s “Walk Away”, Janis Joplin’s “Me and Bobby McGee”, and Led Zeppelin’s “Thank You”.

Britanny also did her own original songs on acoustic guitar with such titles as “From the Balcony”, which mom Elana helped with harmonies, “An Easy Way Out”, which spoke well beyond her youth, “The Homeless Man”, and a duet with Grace DeValk called “I’ve Learned”.

Brittany’s lyrics are solid and truthful and tell a very realistic story of a girl turning quickly into a woman with a beautiful and shining future ahead of her and many, many more gigs to perform.

The support Brittany was shown by her family and friends was obvious when you looked around the room and the majority of people were 18 and under, and sang along with every word. Now that’s impressive, for a musician of any age. Congrats, kiddo, you done good.










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SPEED8LIMIT @ DADDIO’S SAT. SEPT. 13

SPEED8LIMIT (AKA RICK & ROD) @ DADDIO’S SAT. SEPT. 13

Submitted by Elvistra


Rick and Rod Hollowell are twin brothers who perform in an acoustic duo covering songs that are classic rock, country, rap, and everything else you can imagine. Rick and Rod both play guitar and sing and offer traditional and not so traditional covers. My particular favorite song of the evening was The Beastie Boys “You Gotta Fight for your Right to Party”, or whatever the title is. It gave me the boost I needed considering the bars coffee pot was broken at Daddio’s and I had already seen two acts that evening.

Some other artists Speed8Limit cover are Tom Petty, Steppenwolf, Jet, Grateful Dead, Violent Femmes, Pearl Jam, The Doors, Nirvana, The Rolling Stones, Buck Cherry (sorry I missed that one), Smashing Pumpkins, and Poison, just to give you a hint of the variety involved.

Saturday night at the newly renovated Daddio’s was a typically crowded one with some patrons playing pool in the back, others hanging out at the bar, and some dancing to the band. I became one of those dancers toward the end of the evening, which doesn’t usually happen, but the positive and fun energy Rick and Rod threw out was contagious and I left on a happy note, looking forward to catching another show very soon.

Upcoming shows for Speed8Limit will be posted on my October Events Schedule





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You’re that damn good! No, really.

By: Forest George

This idea came to me from my experiences watching different bands. Richmond Music is very subjective, because everybody tries to play and find a gig. Depending on which part of the city you’re in, you’ll find a collection of different bands playing somewhere.

Today I want to focus on just a fraction of Richmond Music with the female singer. As a male of the human species, most of us are awestruck by the female singing voice. It doesn’t hurt if they’re drop-dead gorgeous either. They also have a childlike ambition when it comes to their singing. The good ones appear to have the most fun, and use their talents to help their respective bands.

It was hard to rate these women, as each one was talented in their own way and it was almost like comparing apples to oranges. I have, however, attempted to formulate a short list of my top-ten female singers, and the bands they respectfully play for.


1. Sarah Gleason: The lead female singer of The Velvet Maria’s, fronted by lead/rhythm guitarist John Ran Smith. Without Gleason, the band would still be a very powerful country twang group with the talents of lead guitarist Paul Pearce, drummer Jorge Santamaria, and bassist Michael Skiffington. With Gleason, however, it allows them to cover a wide range of songs that would not fit the group’s motif. Songs like “Come Together,” “Keep Your Hands to Yourself” (duet with John Ran Smith), “Mustang Sally,” “Never Been to Spain,” “Me and Bobby MaGee” and “Drunken Angel.” This beauty has the looks of Grace Slick, the (in theory) drinking habits of Janis Joplin, along with the Janis Joplin wardrobe, and the voice of a rough and tough angel. She’d probably try any cover once, and may throw some original material on us soon.

The Velvet Maria’s


2. Krista Crandall: If you had come up to me fifteen years ago, and told me that the then Krista Bolton, class of Douglas Freeman 1996, would end up as one of the female singers in perhaps the greatest cover band in Richmond, I would have called you crazy. Sure she was talented in 1995-96 when she got rare opportunities to do solo High School Musical songs, or even more rare Pep Rally singing spots, but hearing her belting out flawless covers of Gretchen Wilson’s “Here for the Party,” “All Jacked Up,” and “Redneck Woman” just amazes me. Without her, The Wrest already had a very talented, female vocalist with Jane Cooper, but Crandall’s wild, crazy, impish, and hyperactive nature should not be ignored for its sheer entertainment value alone. The current Friday-night female singer of Pat O’Brien’s fronted band “The Wrest” has been providing excellent country covers of Terri Clark, Gretchen Wilson, Blondie, and even Katrina and the Waves for about three years.

The Wrest


3. Sister Sweet: It would be hard to separate the duo of Tina Marie and Jessica Salomonsky, as they both have the same great look, and about the same talent. These two guitar-wielding beauties not only have amazing singing voices, but they love to write songs, and change songs to fit their singing style. The best example of their rearrangements would be the Beatles’ “Drive My Car,” which becomes more atoned to their styling, which resembles Stevie Nicks, Sheryl Crowe, and a pinch of the Indigo Girls. It doesn’t hurt they both have the Sheryl Crowe look down to a tee, and provide grace and beauty with their singing, guitar playing, and their appearances. Along with Tom Crosby on bass, and Mark Henderson on drums, and maybe a few more surprises in the future, Sister Sweet is becoming a force upon the Richmond Music scene.

Sister Sweet


4. Rachel Garfi: A newcomer to the Richmond Music scene, this already sassy 19-year old New Jersey girl, raised in Powhatan has turned some heads with her country singing voice. She is currently the protégé of Crazy Linda Sheridan, whom the two formed the abstract singing combination of Royal Pain. In that singing group, Sheridan provides the rhythmic guitar, and crazy cover songs, while Garfi provides her own craziness and amazing covers of Gretchen Wilson and rare Terri Clark covers. She also provides a country western cover of Britney Spears “Toxic.” Along with Sheridan, a third member of the Royal Pain crew is their manager/guitarist Shane Parch. With Parch and Sheridan, Garfi is also attempting on writing and singing original country music titles on her own.

Royal Pain


5. Jane Cooper: Without either female vocalist, The Wrest might still be the greatest cover band in Richmond. Pat O’Brien and Tommy Hughes are great singers and both are masters of the guitar, with Hughes also a master of the bass, banjo, and mandolin. Percussionist Jim White is also an amazing singer, and Stu Grimes is an excellent drummer. Of course, a perfect cover band needs a female singer, and Cooper filled the missing piece of that puzzle starting in 1999. Unlike Crandall, Cooper is more laid back in her nature, although still vibrant with energy. Vocally, however, she is more mature and her singing subtext is slightly different. Cooper currently provides entertainment at Sharky’s as the “Wednesday night chick.”

The Wrest


6. Jennifer Vaughn: Although the wife of Hamburger James’ lead singer and acoustic guitarist, Andy Vaughn, isn’t an actual member of the band, her Janis Martin/Wanda Jackson style of voice was used on Hamburger James’ album “Last Plane to Memphis” and on their live shows. As a band primary focused on the Rockabilly era of music that included Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and other great artists; Hamburger James brings the spirit of the 1950’s Elvis Presley to Richmond. Some may be historically inclined to hear a female singing style that was around before Janis Joplin, which is very similar to a style female country stars kind of use today. So while (Jennifer) Vaughn isn’t used much, she rocks it down with her husband and friends.

Hamburger James


7. Casandra Cossitt: Although, an older and more mature woman, Cossitt brings the old school, country spirit of Patsy Cline and Kitty Wells to Richmond. Cossitt and her sister, Octavia Carpin, have written some very cool original old-style country music like “The Ballad of Katie Gallows,” “Walk Away,” and Evil for You.” These two sisters, along with John Hanor (lead guitar), Mike Tighe (fiddle), and David Stover (drums) have created “Buttercup.” With their old style state fair country outfits accompanying their music, they truly are throwbacks to the artistic styles of Cline, Wanda Jackson, Janis Martin, Merle Haggard, Jim Reeves, Hank Williams, and other fine old school country artists.

Buttercup


8. Susan Greenbaum: A former businesswoman, who decided to move to Richmond and focus on songwriting. Greenbaum is a known veteran in the Virginia area, and is a masterful singer and songwriter. She’s been around for over ten years, and for people who enjoy Joan Baez would like Greenbaum’s singing style. She has released several albums and is a local fixture of female music entertainment. She portrays an interesting, and entertaining persona, along with her singing.

Susan Greenbaum


9. Linda Sheridan: It’s hard to describe Linda Sheridan with the written language. The mother of three kids always the itch to entertain, and did so in her wild partying youth in the 1970’s and 80’s. She is truly abstract in nature, with an obsession for both music and art. Admittedly crazy in nature, Sheridan would sell you on head-turning, abstract craziness. Doing weird, unexpected covers like Clarence Carter’s “Patches,” Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Sprit,” the German version of Peter Gabriel’s “Shock the Monkey” (“Schock Den Affen”), and the German version of the Beatles’ “I want to Hold Your Hand” (“Komm Gib Mir Deine Hand.”) When she is not doing comedy pieces, her amazingly low bass voice works on old blues songs and Beatle covers with Shane Parch. Always expect the unexpected when dealing with Linda Sheridan.

Royal Pain


10. Judy Guy: A singer, and recorder player for Richmond’s Irish Pub band Uisce Beatha, a band that just loves to sing for their friends, the patrons of Rare Olde Times. The band specializes in old Irish Folk Songs, along with covers of almost anything, including the Beatles, the Everly Brothers, Tom Petty, and much more. The band includes Jim Guy on vocals and guitar, Dan Guy on vocals, guitar, bohran, and great William Shatner impersonations, Ed Tatum on lead guitar, and sometimes Matt Davis or Sajji Hussain on the bass. (Judy) Guy impresses on Irish Folk songs, and did an impressive cover of “White Rabbit.”


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Music and Mayhem: The Metal Scene of Richmond Virginia

Richmond is a city unlike any other, it is a city that over the years has seen more than its share of violence, reform, and peace. This history has shaped the culture in many ways, but the thing I’m most interested in is how this city’s rough past lends itself to the sound of its metal scene today.

Walking down Mainstreet Richmond it is 9:30 at night and my friends and I are all carefully reading the street signs, there is one we don’t want to miss again. Suddenly I spot it- Walnut Alley, so I speak up “ladies and gentlemen, we have arrived.” the crew and I turn down the alley. There is a small door to the right with the words “Alley Katz” on it in chipping, peeling paint. This is our final destination.

Upon opening the door our eyes have to adjust to the light, the familiar smell of alcohol and cigarette smoke softly plays with our senses. “money and ids! Have money and ids ready!” a rather beefy security guard is sitting at the counter, he is a nice guy but a little impatient.

I go first, “Age?” he asks, “18” I reply. He looks at the id then looks at me, satisfied, he takes my money and puts “Xs” on my hands. My friends are put through the same procedure. When all of us are stamped, we walk through another doorway and take a small, dark, narrow hall that veers off to the left. The end of this passageway opens up into a large, dimly lit room. Immediately there is a change in smells. The cigarette smoke and alcohol seem almost stifling but as my lungs adjust, the smell becomes just another part of the experience and almost comforting.

Walking up to the stage I scan the sea of fifty or so people there already. Ripped jeans, dark eyeliner, band shirts, long hair, tattoos, an odd piercings are the norm for this crowd. I’m looking for one person in particular, “Crystal” I hear the familiar voice of my cousin off to my right, “Hey!” I reply and we hug. “Nice turnout tonight eh?” I say, “Yeah” he replies, this show is his bands debut and he is trying to conceal his excitement.

Ben motions for me to follow him, I leave my friends and walk with him to the back where the musicians instruments are sitting, waiting for their for their time. Ben shows me a sticker the band had made, a sticker that showcased a design that I had created for them. “That’s awesome!” I exclaim, and Ben looks pleased with my reaction.

By this time the first band has taken the stage and their first set has begun. Their music is so loud I can feel it in my bones, a feeling that cannot be matched by anything else on earth. When the music starts it fills the endless caverns of the mind with thoughts and images only found in the darkest corners of the human soul. It feeds upon the energy, emotions and thoughts of the listener leaving one helpless to the raw talent pounding through the speakers. It is this kind of assault on the senses that Richmond metal lovers live for.

One of Ben’s band mates walks over and yells something in his ear. Ben looks up, his face lit with excitement, a devilish grin crosses his face as he turns to go. I watch him walk away with a swagger only a true rockstar could pull off. He’s excited, he’s nervous but mostly he’s confidant. I know this show is going to be spectacular.

Several events leading up to that night at Alley Katz had peaked my interest in the local metal scene. One being the promotion before and after the Avenged Sevenfold concert at local hotspot Toads Place. Many of the local bands, knowing the type of audience Avenged Sevenfold attracts, were set up outside, passing out stickers, CDs, and flyers to anyone they could.

The next day I met up with Ben at the family Thanksgiving get-together. Ben had no idea I was into metal and I had no idea that he was in a metal band. He invited me to their debut show at Alley Katz and opened up a Pandora’s Box into a whole new world, and I thirsted for knowledge about this gritty underworld of local metal.

When did it come about? How had it changed? What is the cultural connection? And where can I get one of those awesome belts? Ok, so scratch that last question, but regardless of the awesome belt or not, I still wanted to investigate the rest.

The groundwork for Richmond’s metal scene was laid 147 years ago. In 1861 the most recent war to be fought on American soil began, it was a war that pitted Southern Americans against their Northern counterparts, and Richmond was right in the middle. Bodies in the street and the James River running red with blood was a common sight in this dark time in Richmond’s history. The city that once strived with life had been completely torched twice and was now forced to admit defeat. However the Southern heart still pulsed with pride and this coupled with its angry history led Richmond to develop its own sound, an infusion of folk and Southern rock, sprinkled with the heated passion of the city’s inhabitants forefathers.

Reconstruction came and went ,as did the turn of the century and as Americas landscape changed new music began seeping into the cultural cesspool. New Orleans had jazz and blues, New York had disco, Seattle had grunge, and Los Angeles had psychedelic drug induced music. For a while it seemed that the music scene had become stagnant in Richmond Virginia, but something was brewing under the surface, something dark, something heavy, a beast that would be nigh untamable, metal was coming.

In 1990 three floor mates at Virginia Commonwealth University realized they had a small problem; nobody was playing the type of music they liked. Sure there were some great punk bands but they wanted something more Black Sabbath than The Sex Pistols. So Mark Morton, Chris Adler and John Campbell came to one conclusion, they had to start their own band, thus Lamb of God was born.

Lamb of God didn’t reach their full potential until around early 2000. Over the course of the 90s the band had been a constant staple on the tight-knit local scene, however they had gone through a few lineup changes due to wishes for higher education and differences in opinion of band direction, leaving them crippled with a lack of stability. It was in 1999 that the permanent line up of Lamb of God which included founding members Morton, Campbell, and Adler along with Randy Blythe on vocals and Adler’s younger brother Willie on guitar was formed.

This new found stability and a rigid practice schedule, set the stage for stardom for these old dominion born boys, but the success of Lamb of God would prove to be much more than a dream come true, it would in fact become the driving force of the American metal movement, and Richmond Virginia became the perfect home for the hardcore.

Alongside Lamb of God the rise of GWAR, Strike Anywhere , Agnostic Front, and Avail have all received national recognition for their music, along with national underground favorites such as Four Walls Falling, Swamp Thing, Bracewar, Cast Aside, Impulse and Ten-33. I got curious during my research, I wondered if with all of the hardcore resurgence and the spotlight glaring on Richmond if there was a pressure on the smaller local bands to “fit the mold“

Who better to ask than a member of a local band? When I asked if there was a “pressure to fit the mold” Ben Rinker of Thousand Yard Stare had this to say;
“Not at all, we’re just fortunate to live in a place where bands can get noticed. RVA is a great jumping off spot for local bands. There’s no pressure at all because first and foremost music is about expression, and as long as you’re happy with what you do then that’s all that matters. Some bands have worked really hard to get where they are in their careers to be able to do this for a living. Sure everyone dreams of being rockstars but we all are local rockstars in our own little way. we play because it feels good to play. It feels good to be creative, and it feels good knowing that everyone has a blast at local shows.”(Interview: Ben Rinker)

Ben mentioned having to work really hard to be able to do this for a living, I held the belief that this was a true statement any where if a band was on the local level, I soon however found out otherwise. John Campbell of the afore mentioned internationally acclaimed Lamb of God was quoted as saying;
"To this day, we practice five days a week out of necessity. The bands in Richmond can flat outplay you and if you don't practice, they will blow you off the stage”

Back at Alley Katz as I watch Burn to the Core take the stage and start setting up, many questions are running through my mind, I love my cousin dearly but being that this is not only their debut to the world, but the debut for me as well and, considering I have brought my friends with me I hope he wont let me down.

The radio “filler” entertainment has come on as we all hold our breath waiting for the tuning to begin. I scan the room for my friends, they have scattered here and there, talking to the other bands who mingle with the crowd and I busy myself by finding the bassist from the first band and asking him about their merchandise and any promo deals I can scratch up.

After some small talk, I walk with him up to the stage. My friends migrate to where I am as the last note of the tuning process hangs in the air, this is it, no turning back. I take a quick sweeping glance around the room all eyes were on the stage. Then it happens, the first note, that first chord rings out and the crowd around me goes nuts. The power surging from the instruments that have been sitting so docile before is surreal, I can feel it coursing through every fiber of my being. For a moment I look away from the band and see the look on the faces of the crowd and for a single moment it takes me back to the crowd at the Avenged Sevenfold show, the pure awe that takes over their countenance and the look in their eyes are reminiscent of not a local show in a shiesty bar but of a sold out concert in Madison Square Gardens. I realized at that moment I was staring at the heartbeat that pumps the blood of the underground metal scene not only in Richmond but across the nation. I can see what Lamb of God has to be so worried about.

I look over at the bassist for the first band and he too is seemingly in shock, and as I turn my attention back to the stage I can see Ben in a whole new light, he’s not just my cousin, he’s not just another guy in a band, Ben is a rockstar plain and simple. And the other bands in the room, came to that very same conclusion that night.

I sat down and had a chat with Saint Diablo, a local band that has had some widespread acclaim along the east coast. I asked them, from a traveling bands perspective, how is the Richmond metal scene different from any other city? Their reply confirmed my belief that history does have a role on the sound of the hardcore sound of Richmond.

“The scene here in Richmond is great! All the bands support each other, from the guys that are just starting to the bands that are signed! You can go out to any metal show here and you will see really good bands! Richmond has a lot of talented bands. We (Saint Diablo) are on the road a lot and we always hear how much other bands want to play in Richmond. A few years ago I think the fan base here for metal wasn’t that great, but now with new clubs opening up and more traffic for outside of the area to come in has help bring life back to the crowds and bands that are here! I think this town has always been a heavy based music scene and its good to see it stronger than ever now!!!”(interview: Saint Diablo)

Little echoes of our great city’s history are every where, from the historic buildings and the old money last names, to the huge oak trees and timely traditions to the museums and cemeteries filled with reminders of great Richmonders long dead, nothing in the city is without a story, and the Richmond metal scene is bringing that story to life one beat, one chord, one scream at a time. The camaraderie felt by the bands is much like that of the soldiers, the bass notes are the sound of them marching off to battle, the drumbeats are the cannons, and the primal screams are the agony of defeat in a city so proud.

However the music does differ in one way to war and the agonies of unrest, the music brings people together, people seek refuge amidst the shiesty bars and dubious clubs. These people do not see just the history but they see the future, they see peace and solace in this gritty world, in Ben’s words;
“the Richmond scene is like a big incestuous family, there’s always bands splitting up and new ones forming….”(Interview: Ben Rinker) Old endings and new beginnings Richmond is a phoenix, her wings are the music in her streets but her heart, muscle and soul belong to her metal scene.


By Crystal Snyder