Music Art Culture Rejuvenate

August 2019 Volume 1, Issue 7

Buck Dharma Inside the green room with one of 22 the most iconic rock guitarists.. Graham Tichy Passing on a life-long tradition 18 to create tomorrow’s sound.,.

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August 2019 Page 3 Music Art Culture Revolution The Nice People on the Planet

Graham Tichy A new generation of players are learning to take over the Capital Region, and Graham Tichy’s at the blackboard.

Page 18

Photo provided. (l - r) Pete Donnelly, Pete Hayes, Mike Gent With a raw determination to gather no moss, The Figgs forge ahead on a massic project, one of evolution and revolution. bUCK dHARMA Neither Blue Oyster Cult nor The Figgs are a band that transformative too. When you guitarist Buck Dharma are By Liam Sweeny haved carved out their own lem- go back from your earlier work fearing the reaper as they continue to tour. onade stand on the edge of that to now, how would you say its Page 22 usic’s a hard road. The superhighway. Thirty years out, evolved with the time, either as rock and roll dream is close to as many albums released, the pure music itself, or in the Msomething you can do The Figgs (Mike Gent, Pete Don- way you put it together? with a guitar, a garage and a ful- nelly, and Pete Hayes) deliver Mike: We started in August of ly-stocked bar. No, I’m talking a very textured and energetic 1987 so I guess we’ve now been at Observations about music. Because if you’re se- sound that can quickly get stuck it for 32 years? Yeah, I don’t often and Ramblings ...... 32 rious about it, if your souls have in your head. listen to our earlier work much Sassy Says ...... 34 tasted the sonic superhighway I sit down with Mike Gent to because since the band started, I and you take your place trudging talk about the hot dog vendors at was really the one that was ready Liars’ Almanac ...... 38 along the shoulder, it promises to the American Revolution. to move on to the next thing be- be an elusive lover, a passion that RRX: The Figgs has been fore we had the previous work you can just touch every once and in wattage for over thirty years finished. So if we are working on again. The rest is blood, sweat now, and you’ve all seen the a record, I am already thinking and tears (and a few fully-stocked music world go through trans- about the next one after that. Our bars.) formations. But music itself is music has obviously changed and Page 4 August 2019 Music Art Culture Revolution evolved in many ways over the the years live, which songs were States. His influences were 60’s Graham did show us how to course of three decades. I think requested at shows the most, sin- soul and early ska. There have slow down and groove more than for the better. Maybe some of gles, and also some of our own fa- always been differences between we did at that time in ‘96, and at our fans from the 90’s wish that vorites. For the most part though, US and UK music fans and I love the same time, we lit a bit of a fire we still made records like that, we tried to stick to fan favorites. reading about what was big over under his ass circa ‘96. but I think our records from the RRX: You guys spent some there, did nothing here and vice RRX: I’m jamming on a live 2000’s and 2010’s are way bet- time working with singer/song- versa. The UK kind of gave up on set right now. The Figgs sound is ter. Better songs, better playing, writer Graham Parker, who, by Graham once the Rumour broke pretty diverse, got to admit. It’s a singing, better production, better the time you guys were playing up, he moved here and started tough balance for any band to lay artwork. with him, was a regular fixture making records with American down a sound that’s “signature” RRX: In 2012, you celebrat- on the charts in both the UK and musicians. So the UK kind of without every song sounding like ed your thirtieth anniversary as a the US. I’ve worked with UK writ- missed out on this huge, fantastic the same riff in a different key. band, releasing a Figgs antholo- ers, and I know there’s an excite- chunk of his career, with almost If you had to describe what you gy called “1000 People Grinning.” ment and a slight culture change. 20 years of us being involved feel is your signature sound, what I know that when you’re putting Is it that way with music? and they only in the last 10 years would you say? an anthology together, you have Mike: No, not really. We both woke up and started listening Mike: Thats a good and tough to cleverly mix your own unsung enjoy listening to and perform- again when the Rumour reunion question. When people ask what favorites in with the crowd favor- ing good music. Ha! I guess the happened and he started play- kind of music we play, I usual- ites. Can you tell us a personal fa- only difference is that we have a ing over there again. We’ve only ly answer “rock and roll music”... vorite you threw in, and why? fondness for hard rock and that’s toured Europe once without Gra- which confuses people because Mike: Yes, when we compiled not Graham’s bag. I quickly real- ham, so very little of his fanbase they are probably expecting a that, we looked at what songs ized that he wasn’t really into 70’s over there even know that we made up sub category and like people reacted strongly to over hard rock, especially from the exist. you mention, we can be diverse

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54 PHILLIPS STREET, ALBANY, NY 12207 518-462-0690 | OPEN FOR LUNCH DAILY! August 2019 Page 5 Music Art Culture Revolution especially with our live act and giving out speeding tickets. Shady Grove and he was also at that can confuse the average mu- RRX: And not to rest on your the same time recording a double sic listener at times also. I nev- laurels at all, you’ve got a tri- solo album. perience er really thought about what our ple-LP coming out, Shady Grove. Shady Grove has been a very signature sound is. I think we try And you’re re-releasing your first difficult record to make for many Monthly to write catchy songs that people album, Ginger. How much of a reasons. One of them being that will hopefully remember. difference is it putting out a new it’s a triple record with 24-25 RRX: Most of you grew up LP and re-releasing an original songs! Art Fredette Publisher in Saratoga Springs. And as you one that’s three decades old? Are RRX: Here’s where you get to know, we Capital Region folk are they night-and-day processes, or answer the question I didn’t ask. Liam Sweeny a plucky bunch. Now you guys have they looped around to being Shout outs welcome. Further the Editor-In-Chief tour everywhere, and maybe the almost similar? knowledge that Saratoga is the Creative Director stage is the stage, but you have to Mike: Both projects have home of the potato chip? Edu- hit the general stores and 3 AM taken a lot longer than most of cate, enlighten, emote – the floor Ralph Renna diners too. What are 518 habits our other recent studio albums is yours. Music Editor that you didn’t think were 518 and reissues. Ginger took many Mike: Check out thefiggs.com habits until you spent thirty years years to finish because we had , and you can find us on all of the Dick Beach away? to get the masters back which social media junk food that’s out Staff Geek Mike: When we first start- involved negotiations and deals. there. Lots of records to check out ed touring down south, we of We then had to bake and trans- at our store, if you are new to the course discovered Waffle House, fer the tapes, then from there we band, dig in! Contributors which is something the 518 is had to work around Pete’s al- One more thing.....I saw a t missing, a 24/7 breakfast chain. ways busy schedule because he shirt recently that stuck in my Rob Smittix Here’s a bad 518 habit...having was in charge of that reissue. head “There are tons of nice peo- Debora Bump state troopers between every exit This was all happening while we ple on this planet. If you can’t on the Northway and Thruway were recording the new album find one, BE ONE. Sassy Autumn Fred Aseel Jeff Spauling

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Photo provided. The Figgs performing live at Cozy Cabin Concerts Page 6 August 2019 Music Art Culture Revolution The Long Journey to the Front Desk long-time friend and supporter. John Glenn from Stellar Young is another good friend and super talented guy, so he will be do- ing a very rare solo set, and John deVries from Poughkeepsie NY, of Agitpop and Cellophane re- nown will be making a return to the stage after a long hiatus. Pat and I have worked with deVries in the past so a brief musical re- union may occur. And of course The Front Desk with myself, Pat, and Michael Worsa on drums. I like to think I am getting my Bill Graham on by putting this gig together! RRX: A rock opera can be a (l to r) Nick Bisanz and Pat Irish Photo provided pretty massive undertaking. The Who’s Tommy comes to mind, two crowds both capable of eager has definitely intervened with which was released as a double By Liam Sweeny appreciation. getting the production to this album, and later had a film adap- I sit down with Nick Bisanz electric trio point. I was busy do- tation. People hear “rock opera,” usic has an effect on us and we discuss how to play the ing a stint with now defunct 518 they think “big.” So with The that we don’t always re- oxford comma on the drums. veterans, The Last Conspirators, Front Desk being at the Low Beat, Malize, a way of pinning RRX: The Front Desk was and after that a short-lived proj- admittedly a more intimate ven- itself to memories no matter how written by Pat Irish in 2011, cor- ect with Blotto drummer Paul ue, how do you meet, and exceed, deeply they bury themselves. Big rect? Can you tell us a little bit Rapp. As well as playing covers expectations? labels plaster the airwaves with about it (without any spoilers, of for dollars. Pat’s career and sub- NB: We have worked hard on lousy tunes knowing that they’ll course,) and the course it’s taken sequent marriage necessitated a having the music support the lyri- grow on you as they play through to being produced? Did the pro- move from Albany to the Man- cal story, it’s all about the dynam- enough of your better days. So duction take eight years, or did hattan area. ics and getting into the characters imagine a great story, each part life eat up a lot of that time? RRX: So let’s introduce the of each particular piece. No song told with it’s own musical sig- NB: Correct. As well as being characters. There’s you, Pat Irish, is longer than three minutes, and nature. That’s an opera. Run it a bassist, songwriter, and poet, Michael Worsa making up team there are 24 different pieces with- through a trusty amp and a war- Pat has a career in the hotel in- protagonist. Then we have John in The Front Desk. Besides Pete horse PA, and it’s a rock opera. dustry. The Front Desk is a most- Glenn from Stellar Young and Townshend, Pat and I are tre- On August 3rd, we will see The ly first-person musical narrative John Devries from Agitpop/Cel- mendously influenced by the leg- Front Desk, the 518’s very own of the various people and sys- lophane, both popping in the 518 endary Mike Watt. His punk rock rock opera, with a cast of charac- tems in a hotel within a 24 hour to open up. So, who’s doing what operas are all three-piece, writ- ters bridging the divide between period. Pat composed The Front to make all of this happen? ten on a bass guitar, just like The free verses and rehearsal space, Desk and had it in complete form NB: Thankfully, Howard Front Desk. You can get it over as spoken words and sung lyrics and before I ever heard it in 2011. Life Glassman at The Low Beat is a an opera with the right vibe and August 2019 Page 7 Music Art Culture Revolution sounds from the trio. RRX: What is it about the RRX: In essence, a rock opera front desk of a hotel that gives is a story in verse. Some would it such a bird’s-eye-view of the say poetry is the same, and most human condition? The idea that of you have roots in both music your going with, the pacing of The and poetry. Did the idea to put to- Front Desk, could apply to a lot gether The Front Desk come from of places where someone works the poet or the musician? And if and waits on customers. In what it’s both, how did each of those special way does a hotel showcase respective talents come into play the human condition? on the project? NB: One of the things I enjoy NB: Poetry definitely tells a most about this piece is that it is story. It may not seem like one to relatable and people from every us, but someone will think it is. spectrum can identify with the Pat most certainly has deep roots characters and situations. Like in both. The story definitely dic- any job dealing with the general tates the music. Since Pat wrote public, if you watch long enough this on bass guitar, I have had you can see the walking sociologi- the freedom and responsibility cal experience. Also, most every- of creating themes to keep run- one has been in a hotel or motel, ning throughout. I like to imagine and have people watched, so that what Pete Townshend would do. also let’s some identifiable emo- RRX: You and Pat Irish seem tion come through to the audi- to be pretty active in Albany Po- ence, hopefully. ets. You two are also in the music RRX: Here’s where you an- scene. If you had to contrast the swer the question I didn’t ask. 16 Beers and local music scene with the local Any credits to roll early? And Cider on Tap writing and poetry scene using special life hacks? Educate, en- an atrocious analogy, what would lighten, emote… the floor is yours. it be? NB: First, let me thank you Award Winning NB: Albany Poets has been and Radioradiox for giving The very supportive. We did an acous- Front Desk some love. Thanks to Burgers and tic version of The Front Desk at the Low Beat for hosting. Alba- 2016 Word Fest and Pat has read at ny poets, of course, and anyone various events. The poetry peo- who attends the gig, let me thank Wing Wars ple have way better food and you advance. One of your earli- drink then musical events too! er questions asked about expec- Winner The poetry scene is smaller and tations. Here is my Nick Bisanz more intimate then the music theory of expectations, never scene, so there appears to be a bit have any expectations. This way more cohesiveness. An atrocious nothing is a surprise. When bad Book Your Private Party analogy? I will venture the old things happen, you don’t get to go together like peas and carrots. low, because there were no expec- Call Today! But they can be good alone or tations. When good things hap- with other things. You would be pen, it helps remind you to appre- surprised how many people don’t ciate them more. 41 112th Street, Troy like peas and carrots comingling. (518) 235-4141 Page 8 August 2019 Music Art Culture Revolution Roll Ten to Get the Leviathan Drunk are actually completely separate entities, even though they look and feel very similar. D&D is a game owned by a company called Wizards of the Coast, and is currently in the fifth version of the game (D&D 5th edition). Pathfinder is owned by a company called Paizo, and was originally created to play and feel similar to D&D 3rd edition, but will soon move onto its second version (Pathfinder 2nd edition). Each version has its own rule set and mechanics unique to it, with any number of supplement rules, official adventures, mon- sters, etc. What both games and all versions within (including many many other table- top role-playing games totally separate from D&D and Pathfinder) share in common is the way in which they’re experienced. Each player is typically in charge of a sin- gle character, whose stats, abilities, skills, attacks, spells, etc. are all recorded on their character sheet. While playing the game, they Photo Credit control their character’s actions. Many ac- (l-r) Tom Szalowski, Matt Couture and Alex Perry tions require rolling a 20-sided die (d20) and Wielding the power of an internet connection and a few adding the result to a certain bonus depend- ing on how their character is built to deter- choice mics, Swiss Army Scorpion takes listeners into the mine the range of success in that action. world of role-playing games... first-person. Players may decide to appoint fun personality quirks, strange appearances, and even ac- cents to their characters, and role-play these By Liam Sweeny Nick D’Alessandro, Andrew Meager, and Tom details during play. One other person takes Szalowski, Swiss Army Scorpion takes its lis- on the role of Game Master (other games have nless you’ve spent the 21st centu- teners into the world, and heart, of role-play- different labels for this person, like Dungeon ry with your head planted firmly in ing games. Master, Story Teller, etc.). The Game Mas- Uquicksand, you’ve noticed that nerd- We sit down with Alex Perry and discuss ter, or GM, doesn’t have a character or char- dom, or geekdom, or fandom is hot now. my new character, the rum barrel. acter sheet. Instead, he adjudicates the rules Which goes to figure, since back in your RRX: Swiss Army Scorpion is a podcast and controls the actions of the monsters the youth (should you be as old as I,) they were of a group of six friends playing a version of players fight, and role-plays any other charac- the masters of the computers that are now Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) called Path- ters that might crop up, say when the players the masters of our social life. You could say finder. I know myself that when I hear about ask the local guards about the recent night- some perks are due. Which brings us to Swiss the different versions, or evolution of D&D time disturbances in town, or even when they Army Scorpion. A podcast of live role-play- through the years, that it feels confusing. go to the local tavern and order an ale from ing, it shows, I think in the best way, that How would you describe D&D versions, and the barkeep! With all the numbers, mechan- Dungeons & Dragons has truly come out of Pathfinder specifically, in a nutshell? ics, and dice being rolled, it can sound like a the basement. With Gamemaster Alex Perry, AP: Great question! Well, the first thing confusing, clunky, and slow experience, but and players Joe Twardowski, Matt Couture, to understand is that Pathfinder and D&D tabletop role-playing games like Pathfinder August 2019 Page 9 Music Art Culture Revolution and D&D are actually very flu- to be played, but to spend $60 BOOKING FALL SESSIONS NOW id, relaxing and fun! In its sim- on the newest AAA Action/Ad- plest terms, I’d call them inter- venture game, only to find it not active, collaborative storytelling worth the money can send people experiences. looking elsewhere for their fix of RRX: Putting gameplay on a fun and fantasy, and that’s to say podcast is a pretty cool idea. It nothing of the intrusion of micro- really shows the fun of the game. transactions into the video gam- Is it something not a lot of people ing lexicon. Most rule books for are doing now, or is Swiss Army Pathfinder 1st edition are avail- Scorpion just more visible than able as digital PDF’s for $9.99 others? each, and Paizo allows their rules AP: Wow, thank you for the to be published online for free, if benefit of the doubt! In actual- not their prewritten adventures, ity, the kind of show we put on such as the one we play on the (commonly referred to as an “Ac- podcast. The number of adven- tual Play” Podcast) has become tures to be had from a tabletop increasingly common in the last RPG is limited only by the play- five or six years; a quick Google ers’ imaginations, while that $60 search can connect you to hun- video game typically only buys dreds of different Actual Plays. you one play-through. This makes Our little podcast is still finding tabletop RPG’s a more afford- its place among the giants of the able, longer-lasting investment industry, but we’re gaining listen- for gamers; all you really need is ers and support at a steady pace. an internet connection and some RRX: Dungeons and Drag- dice. ons has come out of the perceived Another factor fueling this nerd culture of the past and en- trend is exposure. When interest- tered into popular culture. Do ed parties can go online and lis- you think it’s connected to the ten to an Actual Play podcast and rise in popularity of gamer cul- hear for themselves what table- ture in general, or are there other top RPG’s are like, it goes a long factors people may not be aware way to removing the stigma that of? they’re games only for social out- AP: That’s an interesting casts. Finding out that a coworker question; one that probably has listens to the same Actual Play as lots of different factors and el- you could be all it takes for you to ements. More qualified people take that leap and join their gam- SUMMER HOURS than I could answer this better, ing group for the first time. Sunday - Closed but to my personal experience, I’d say that if the rise in popular- This article has been edited Monday – 4 pm - close ity of tabletop role-playing games for space. Read the full article on Tuesday - Friday – 12pm - close has anything to do with video the Xperience Blog on Radiora- Saturday - 4 pm - close games, it would actually be in diox.com. response to video games getting Happy Hour Daily 4 - 7 • Daily Food Specials more expensive and more consis- tently disappointing. Obviously, 33 Saratoga Ave, Waterford, NY 12188 • (518) 326 - 2739 there are still great video games Page 10 August 2019 Music Art Culture Revolution Sharing in the True Power of Music

Watch Reggie Run, where a father and son connect the dots through music, and their listeners are overjoyed.

By Rob Smittix

ave Graham has been around the local music is to show that Dscene for decades, spe- people with autism cifically the punk rock scene. He can overcome a lot of ob- has had many bands and projects stacles and challenges and en- but nothing quite like what he is joy life just like the next person. doing now. I was more than com- Through social media I have been pelled to track him down and ask of digital editing able to use our music to connect about his latest project. but we had a great with various members of the RRX: So first off Dave, I have time creating these songs! autism community around the known you for many years and I Photo by Michele Graham The band is actually named after globe which is really awesome. have had the privilege of sharing (l - r) Luke and Dave Graham. my daughter Rory who was nick- My ultimate goal however was the stage with you on multiple oc- named ‘Reggie’ by some of her also to make fun catchy music casions. You have been the front- high school track & field team- that appealed to the masses, not man for several bands includ- kid’s themed songs and accumu- mates. So when Luke and I aren’t just people with disabilities like ing The Blisterz and Legendary lated enough for a full length al- making music we are usually autism. Losers but now I see you have a bum which was our debut entitled traveling around the country to RRX: How does it feel to be group with your son Luke, tell us A Little Faster that we put out in various meets to ‘Watch Reggie making music with your son? about Watch Reggie Run. 2017. I would typically write the Run’. Dave: It’s such a blast! To see Dave: I have a 21 year old son, songs on acoustic guitar and test RRX: As long as I have the smile on his face as he is sing- Luke, who has autism. He is not drive them in Luke’s room until known you, you have always been ing along and dancing is just the very verbal but he loves music I worked out the arrangements. vocal about autism, how do you best feeling in the world. Unfor- and is the only one in the family I’d record them in my home stu- feel this project will help spread tunately things don’t always go who tolerates my guitar playing dio (aka spare room) that I call awareness? as planned, especially with the and singing! He has a tendency to ‘Thinking Chair Studios’ (a nod Dave: Having a child with au- live performances. Depending on repeat random words or phras- to Luke’s favorite TV show, Blue’s tism pretty much makes you an what head space he is in at the es, many of which I thought I Clues) where I’d lay down the ba- advocate from the day you find time he may or may not join me might be able to turn in to songs, sic tracks and then bring Luke out about your child’s diagnosis, so I perform some of the gigs solo so I started keeping a list on my in to sing his parts. It often took which in our case was 18 months with just a looping pedal and my phone. I eventually began writing many many takes and the magic of age. My hope with these songs acoustic guitar. If we have a big August 2019 Page 11 Music Art Culture Revolution gig lined up, I will have Luke join of the major streaming services Dave: Over the years I always Tail” because he wanted to use it us for as many songs as he can in April which coincidentally is struggled with trying to write a to help teach his students animal handle and also call on my good World Autism Month. We cel- song about Luke and how we are names in English. I thought that friends Chris Wisniewski (bass ebrated by playing a show at able to connect through music was pretty rad! Now in concert I & backing vocals), Derek Dobson Puzzles Bakery & Cafe in Sche- despite his disability and limit- often joke that we are HUGE in (drums) and Kayla Seeley (back- nectady, an awesome place that ed communication skills. I think Belgium!! On the new album I de- ing vocals & percussion) to help employs people with autism and I finally nailed it with a tune cided to really raise the bar and fill out the sound. other disabilities. “To The Bak- called “Connect the Dots” which wrote a song called “One of These RRX: From what I’ve heard ery” is a 12 song collection about was on our 1st album. I am very Things” that name checks 30 dif- Watch Reggie Run is children’s diverse topics such as superhe- proud of that one. Every time I ferent animals. I’m not sure if he’s music but there is a punk rock el- roes, library books, animals, and play it I find myself fighting back heard it yet but maybe I should ement in there as well. What gave of course, baked goods! In simi- tears. My wife, Michele, also says send that teacher the lyrics for you the idea in the first place to lar fashion to our 1st album, some it makes her cry whenever she that one. LOL! make music in an almost non-ex- of the tunes have loud, distorted hears it. It seems to evoke a lot of For more information about istent genre? guitars, banging bass and thun- emotions and really hits home for Watch Reggie Run visit www. Dave: When Luke was little he dering drums while others are us. watchreggierun.bandcamp.com used to watch a TV show called acoustic driven with a bit of an RRX: Is there anything else Upcoming gigs: Freedom Park The Wiggles, which is an Aus- Americana flavor. One thing that perhaps that you care to share (Scotia) Saturday July 6th from tralian group that incorporates they all have in common is a big about the band? 7-8:30PM (w/full band). Thurs- kid’s music in to their act. Being chorus that you can hopefully Dave: We were contacted by day July 25th from 11AM-Noon a big fan of punk rock, I thought sing along with the first time you a school teacher in Belgium who Troy Savings Bank Music Hall - it would be cool to mix what they hear them. My motto is always asked if we would send him the Barker Park Kids’ Summer Series were doing with the punk rock “Don’t bore us, get to the chorus”! lyrics to our song “I Wish I Had a (Troy). vibe of bands like Green Day and The new album also features the Bowling for Soup. I wanted to talented Kayla Seeley (a classmate make kid’s music that rocked or of my daughter Rory) as guest vo- in other words, children’s music calist on the title track as well as that parents can enjoy too! the song “All the Fruit”. RRX: I noticed you and Luke RRX: I am sure being a fa- recently released a full-length al- ther and son duo that you are a bum entitled “To the Bakery” tell creating some great memories but us a bit about the album and what at the same time spreading au- to expect? tism awareness. What would you Dave: We released our 2nd say to date would be your proud- album, “To the Bakery” on all est accomplishment in this band? Page 12 August 2019 Music Art Culture Revolution

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y article in May took a lot out of me and I hav- Men’t been able to write; By Fred Aseel Dirty Laundry You could say I got my panties in a bunch over the whole thing. So, I planned on celebrating Na- tional Underwear Day on August 5th with a pun filled article on the history of underwear: from goatskin loincloths and glorified diapers known as subligaculum to shifts and chemises. Howev- er, at the last minute I decided to toss my celebration of all styles and shapes of underwear, and just air my dirty laundry. Hel- lo, my name is Fred and I am workaholic. Most of us work hard, but what makes me a workahol- ic? A true workaholic is some- one who is hiking in the Adiron- dacks and thinking about work, while the hard worker is in the office dreaming about hiking. I compulsively work hard and long hours – there is always one more email, one more phone call and one more document to complete. Before my feet hit the floor each morning, I am checking emails. I curse the morning traffic, not because of the general inconve- nience, but because it is cutting education and industry demands. the job itself. I feel compelled to just a reminder that I have lost into the time I allocated for my However, in the back of my mind, be busy. Cellphones (I carry two), control, and that feeling of ‘lack morning projects. I know I need to stop the glorifi- laptops, wifi and tablets satis- of control’ will drive me back to I am working to the exclu- cation of busy. fy my cravings and ensure I can the office. To break this cycle, I sion of my family, my marriage Now, I struggle to have week- never be out of reach. I sneak in am going to put on my big boy and other relationships – my ends, holidays and family time. responses to emails at family and panties and head out on a hike to life is out of balance. My fami- I have to fight the internal drive school functions when no one is ‘work’ through some questions: ly has voiced that they are con- versus what reality actually de- looking like an alcoholic sneaks What am I working for? What cerned about my health because mands, but when I am not work- another drink. am trying to avoid by working of the hours I put in. My one job ing I feel lost. It is ingrained in Some would say that by iden- so much? What am I missing in amounts to three – days, nights me to the point of being an ad- tifying the problem, I have taken life? And, how do I retake my and weekends. I try to justify the dition – I can’t miss one day, I the first step. However, my hyper- life back? All work and no play hours by stating it is my career can’t let my clients and customers vigilance wont let me take baby makes Fred a dull boy. and not my job and this is the so- down and I need to support my steps. Until I redefine who I want cial expectation with my level of co-workers. I am the issue not to be, identifying the problem is Page 14 August 2019 Music Art Culture Revolution Champions of a Bootleg Nation Super 400 Spreads the love through cell I watched the DMTv segment not, please clarify, and, if so, was where you all talked about the this something that came about phone cameras and recording devices, and feeling of playing Europe. I know as a matter of practicality, or is it the blessing they give their fans to share. that you can’t honestly say which a purposeful statement about art fans, U.S. or European, you like and performances? best, but can you talk about the Lori: We’ve always felt that norms of let’s call it “show et- once our music goes up into the iquette” that exists in Europe, air, it should be available to any- as opposed to the U.S.? For ex- one who wants to hear it. In the ample, do cell phones come out days before YouTube, we hadn’t more in Europe than here during started heavy touring yet, and concerts? it made us happy to know that Lori: I’d like to comment on bootlegs were being traded. I get the fans in Spain, especially. They excited when I’m able to hear a wear their passions with pride recorded performance by a band and honesty. The music fans I like. It brings me closer to the there show their love very openly. them. We’d never witnessed such a de- RRX: Here’s the ‘influenc- monstrative reaction to our mu- es’ question. I could spend an sic – they sing along, pump fists, hour here, because as I am very crowd the stage; and afterward, much in love with blues and clas- give hugs and laughter til the sic rock, among other genres, sun makes an appearance. There I’d love to swap references. But I are cell phones, but it seems as like to play with this question. I’d though most of them would rath- like each of you to mention one er experience the moment with group, performer, etc. that’s an their senses instead of a screen. influence, and tell us one thing Photo by Jim Wertman Kenny Hohman (l) and Lori Friday (r) We haven’t been back to Spain about them that few people know since I had a bad auto wreck in but has made you love them even 2011. The fans there still write more. By Liam Sweeny and stone-shattered windows. to us, asking when we are com- Kenny: Well, I don’t think Singer Kenny Hohman, drummer ing back. That kind of love has that it is much of a secret to most ny musician who’s gotten Joe Daley and bassist Lori Fri- motivated us to start recording musicians, but it may not be past the lottery dreams of day tour endlessly, making new our next record this winter, with known by the general public that Afast cars and decadent ho- music classic as soon as it comes an aim to return to Spain, maybe some of my favorite artists are tel rooms knows the story of the out of the speakers, or carries its this summer. multi-instrumentalist super he- rock trio Super 400. It’s one of way to the back of that small club. RRX: I guess mentioning roes! Stevie Wonder, Prince and cigarette haze, dimmed lights and And they’ve been doing it since phones in concerts brings us to Paul McCartney come to mind. pick up sessions, trying to find the late nineties. The band has another question. Super 400 con- Any one of them could have the right fit and the right sound, agreed to sit with me to answer a siders itself a “taper-friendly” made a name for themselves as and of course, hand-blister- few of my probing questions. band, meaning that you encour- a non-singing instrumentalist ing jam sessions in nondescript RRX: Super 400 plays in- age people to tape live shows and on any number of instruments… groove stations clad in concrete ternationally as well as locally. trade those tapes. Is that right? If and they are the best singers you August 2019 Page 15 Music Art Culture Revolution could ever hope to hear. Oh, also album I could find of yours after artifact. I started bugging him to have seen bands out there that they wrote some of the best songs exhaustive trawling of the inter- have the lathe repaired so that we are top shelf, but maybe haven’t of all time. Crazy talent. It’s hard net was Sweet Fist, in 2009. Your could cut vinyl for the Sweet Fist had so much success in building to give them more credit than website mentions that you had album. He told me that the parts a buzz. What bands locally are they have already but somehow the album recorded and the vinyl needed were no longer being the bands that everyone must see they really still deserve more! cut at a studio famous for classic manufactured, and that we were once? Who should I be looking to Lori: I love the magnetism rock and other genres. Would you out of luck. I trusted my instincts interview in the future? and confidence of David Bowie like to comment on that? and I became a bit persistent, Kenny: The best new band I onstage. The way he connected Lori: We recorded Sweet which paid off. A couple weeks have seen locally recently is Mo- with his audience, it was like wit- Fist at Ardent Studios in Mem- later, Larry told us that he had torbike, Mike O’Donnell’s band. nessing a purer and more power- phis, where Cheap Trick, Issac found someone who would sup- They will be opening for us at ful level of being. We saw him at Hayes, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Big ply the parts needed. Before long, Hangar on the Hudson Dec. 8th. Roseland Ballroom, it just about Star, REM, The Replacements, we were back in Memphis, wit- Solo artist Steve Candlen is knocked me off of my feet. It’s ZZ Top, and so many others have nessing the lathe in action, cuting also amazing. surely been an influence; I’ve al- made records. Larry Nix was the grooves in wax. ways tried to shed my insecurities mastering engineer there. In his We videoed the whole thing, This article has been edited for before we step onstage, so that I studio resided the famous lathe it was like watching sorcery! space. Read the full article at the can be in that precious moment, from Stax Records, the very ma- That was a magic time. There’s a Xperience Blog at www.radiora- really experience it. It’s such a chine used to cut wax on all the cool article about the lathe, here: diox.com. blessing to have any opportunity Stax recordings in the 60’s and https://www.prosoundnetwork. to perform. 70’s. And, Zeppelin III was cut com/prosound-news-blog/1636 RRX: Again, one question on it! It sat there, inoperable in RRX: This is where I harness leading to another. The last Larry’s studio, like a museum the power of social media. You all

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Stephanie Levay

RRX: Speaking of going through some- thing, it wasn’t that long ago that you’ve gone through some trying times yourself. Stephanie: Which chapter? RRX: Well you know, being in-be- tween places with kids. How did you this affect you as a person, a mother and an artist? Stephanie: I’ve always lived very poorly, not only out of circumstance but by choice, I’ve never chased money. So unfortunately By Rob Smittix when the really bad stuff happens and mon- ey is crucial to have I don’t have it. I suffer tephanie Levay more from it. I already had that mindset of has become a sacrifice, I’ve dealt with this before and I’ve Svery recogniz- gone without before. I always make sure I able artist in the Albany art- have whatever I need for the kids. And if I’ve scene. She has displayed her art- got worn out shoes then I’ve got the worn out work in shops in and around the Lark shoes and they have the new ones or at least Street area for years. You may have even passed-along, found or somehow acquired. driven or walked by a mural or two that she It was harder on me, going through that has painted. I have been waiting for the op- than it was on the kids. My kids are very re- portunity to speak with Stephanie about life silient, I’ve raised them to understand that and art and I finally had my chance. life is sometimes very hard. And they have to Artist Stephanie: I think in art and in most me- face things bravely and to know they have me. dia forms the person becomes the thing that I have to be stable for them… And always let Stephanie they’re doing. They forget that they’re human them know that I am there for them, no mat- Levay draws like everybody else too. There’s always that ter what I can’t ever fail them. That’s the mo- image. I’m sure Beyoncé can rip a good one, tivation I can’t fail them. So you go through inspiration from right? (Laughter) We all have to remember it, you get through it and you just do it. everywhere that will that we all have our stories, we all came from Being homeless in a shelter is degrading, it somewhere, we all went through something was a life that I knew existed and how peo- let her leave her mark. and we all are dealing with something. ple are treated. So I knew what I was about to August 2019 Page 17 Music Art Culture Revolution head into but boy… when you’re units, picked out all of the paint- without this lingering doubt or actually in it, it’s disgusting how ings and got it all to the galleries. this unsure feeling. But I’ve never we treat the weaker of our peo- I got my kids back and forth from felt so strong about something in ple. There were so many fights the shelter to the school. I never all of my life, seeing my children I wanted start with staff about let that fail because I never want be proud of me for something, how people were being treated my kids to see, that just because I know that’s going to create a and I couldn’t… I had to stay si- you’re going through something, memory and an ethic in them lent because I was there too. And you drop what’s important. You when they go on to do what they it was a retaliatory system going know, you’ve got to keep going on. want to do when they get older. on, where if the staff doesn’t like This is your dream, fight through RRX: So you have two kids? you, you were screwed out of the all the stuff and you’ll finally get Stephanie: James is my old- resources that you are entitled to there. So a lot of determination, est and William is five. have and that you are promised and a heck of a lot of stubborn- RRX: So I caught it on social to have there. They made every- ness. I do that self-inflicted, I’ll media about one of your children thing really hard. say I’ve got a show and I’m com- writing a letter to a stranger and I On the outside, getting around ing out with a brand-new series. thought it was the coolest story. and not having an actual way to I’ll post it and that locks me in. Stephanie: William want- get around. And not being able to RRX: Yes it does, it’s a ed to give a letter to a stranger. It sit in my art, so to speak. To be at commitment. was really kind of late at night but my desk and have my art supplies Stephanie: I have to come he was determined. He was like and my tools ready to make what- through on it now and I make ‘we’re going to write a letter be- ever my brain comes up with. myself do that. These kids have cause it will make somebody feel Which is, I am a complete idea seen me pull off all of these shows good.’ It was like, you are spe- factory and everything is coming since they were babies. I’ve had cial, you are important, we care at me all the time. Three o’clock one strapped on the front, one about you, I love you and can we in the morning, I’ll think of strapped on the back baby car- be friends? Or something. So we something, by 5 o’clock I’ve cre- riers. Made up a tart package of sat out on the porch and a guy ated something. When the kids paintings and went up and down came up, for a half-second I was wake up, they’re like ‘what’s this?’ the hills of Albany putting up all kind of weary he because he was I’m like, ‘I don’t know I just made of the shows. They’ve been at the walking up kind of drunk. I’m it overnight, I was bored.’ And I shows with me, they know what like of course, great, yay Albany. didn’t have that and it drove me this life is about. They’re very re- William said that’s who the letter nuts. The kids had a playground spectful about that. I want them is for. I was like alright let’s do and new friends, they were al- to see that I never failed at what this and I walk down and said I’m right and they were a lot stronger is very important to me. sorry sir but my son has this let- about it than I was. I needed to I’m coming up on some things. ter and he would like to give it to kind of suck it in for myself and We’ve had our proud dances in you. He looks at us like we’re cra- mirror it back. I am strong too the living room. Like when we zy. I’m looking at him telepathi- okay, we’re going to get through did the art gallery and I was on cally like can you just oblige the this but when they were sleep- the news for it and interviewed four year old and take the letter? ing and I was awake, not around for it. My kids saw the interview RRX: Wow, he was only four my art supplies, not being able to and it’s the proudest moment I’ve when he did this. have everything I’ve built up for ever had in my life and my old- Stephanie: Yeah, he was four. twenty years, not even my cats for est was turning around and say- So the guy took it and he opened comforting; that just ate me alive. ing “Mom, I’m so proud of you, it up and of course William wrote I did not let that stop me. I had I’m so happy for you, this is what four shows in December that I you’ve always wanted.” I’ve nev- Continued on Page 37... pulled off. I went to the storage er felt that kind of pride before Photo provided. Page 18 August 2019 Music Art Culture Revolution Putting Music Into New Hands Musician and educator Graham Tichy teaches eager students started playing guitar, around age 10. My father worked in France the ways of rhythm and melody and immerses them in real-world for summers at a time, and there performance. was little to do to entertain myself there (when we weren’t sightseeing - it wasn’t so bad!) , By Liam Sweeny with the exception of an acous- tic guitar and a book of Beatles love versatility, especially in songs. I remember being able to music. Don’t get me wrong; play and sing almost everything it’s an admirable trait. But I in that book by 6th grade. I’m re- mainly I like it because my at- ally glad that I started with the tention span makes gnats seem Beatles. My musical taste ends deliberate. Mix it up, friends and there chronologically, and I’ve neighbors. That’s why I got in- been working my way earlier ever volved in RadioradioX. And that since. is also why I dig Graham Tichy. When I was old enough to Coming from a musical family, start playing gigs I was REALLY the son of Commander Cody and in to rockabilly music. It’s prob- his Lost Planet Airmen found- ably what I’m best at playing, ing member John Tichy, Gra- and I’d be remiss to not mention ham Tichy is the captain of any it. The Capital District was such jukebox in any diner that sells a a great area to grow up playing good short stack. With a natu- that music, with Mark Gamsjager ral flow and a seemingly effort- from the Lustre Kings and John- less way of coaxing out fury from ny Rabb taking me under their a six-string, you have wonder wings almost instantly. As I dug if music is yet another genetic deeper into that style, I realized predisposition. that the key to playing with au- I sit down with my ham thenticity is to learn not just the sandwich and talk turkey with licks from the recordings, but to Graham. learn what those players learned RRX: Most musicians, specif- as well to arrive at that point. ically those who cover songs, are This begins the endless journey always aiming for that repertoire, Photo provided. into earlier and earlier guitar of songs, that is. But as I’ve heard styles. you play, your repertoire is one Graham Tichy is a co-founder of the Troy Music Academy. RRX: I imagine there are two of whole genres. Did you set out gigs. One gig, you get to really ex- to explore the musical landscape of awkward attempts at playing Rhythm and Blues box set, Bud- plore one genre all day or night, from the beginning, or was there contemporary music in middle dy Holly’s Greatest Hits, Chuck dig into those super deep cuts. a “first love” genre off of which school and high school, I am rela- Berry’s Great Twenty-Eight, and The other gig you get to bounce everything branched? tively knowledgeable about music Little Richard’s Greatest Hits. But from one genre to the next and GT: I’ve not always had an created after 1967. I remember without a doubt, I fell in love with dip your hands in all those affinity for older music. Outside having cassettes of the Atlantic the Beatles HARD when I first August 2019 Page 19 Music Art Culture Revolution

a classic, and I understand the know that’s very generalized, but different paint buckets. All other say, with 100% sincerity, that value of it. But I’m looking for the that’s what it comes down to al- things equal, I have two gigs in everyone at the TMA puts their originals. Is there a project in the most every time. There are very my hand, one of each. Which one heart and soul into their work. If works of original songs? Or was few people who lack the talent do you take? anyone is looking to start explor- there, and it’s just hiding in plain level required to become respect- GT: Tough question. On one ing an instrument, or even if they sight? able musicians, but it’s the very hand, if I play one style all night are a seasoned pro looking to GT: I’ve written some songs few who put in the necessary long, I can dig deeper, like you “sharpen the saw,” we are there to over the years, mostly for my time to do it. As they say, “talent said. I can get more interesting see you to your goals. band Rocky Velvet, but I’ve nev- is hard work in disguise.” guitar tones, and for myself to ex- RRX: As a music instructor, er considered myself much of a RRX: I like to use this last plore. But if it were my last gig on you see all types of people, with songwriter. It’s mostly been for question to give you to answer earth, I’d want to play everything different abilities, talents and at- utilitarian purposes - “we need any question I didn’t ask. Shout I know! I honestly can’t answer titudes. Not everybody will grad- an original song for XXX pur- outs, coming attractions – any- this question with any conviction. uate the Academy to become a pose.” I’ve never been the type to thing you want people to know – Thank goodness I get to play in professional musician. And those express myself through poetry or the floor is yours. both situations, or I’d probably go that do, not all of them will go out anything like that. GT: I’m playing the Bruns- crazy! and take over the stage. What, Interestly, I’ve been digging wick Concerts with The Tichy RRX: I’m sure you get asked in your experience, most stops a deep into the Hawaiian steel gui- Boys 8/6. 8/16 The Swingin’ about your father, John Tichy a person from achieving what they tar and writing music on that Palms are playing a big surf mu- lot, and I wouldn’t, but my dad set out to in music? instrument. Learning that in- sic festival in Asbury Park. Bands grooved to Commander Cody GT: I would say, without a strument over the last three years from as far as Japan in that one. around the crack of ’70, so, much doubt, the biggest factor is sus- made things fresh and fun again. love from the Sweeny fam. Now I taining a consistent effort over My band, The Swingin’ Palms know you two rock out once in a a long enough period of time. I has an EP of original music com- while. Did he put a guitar in your ing out on Hi-Tide Recordings hands when you were a toddler, in June. The new confidence in or did you steal his when you songwriting has spilled into oth- were a teenager? Which is more er styles now, and a good chunk accurate? of my practice time now is spent GT: My parents were generous writing. enough to buy me a red Epiphone RRX: You’re one of the own- Strat for Christmas one year, and ers of the Troy Music Academy. many years of guitar lessons after I have heard the name here and that. Both my parents have been there, and I’m certain that I need extremely supportive of my mu- to know all about it, especially if sical exploration. That said, I cer- 195 River Street, troy I’m going to do well at this job. tainly have stolen a guitar or two So, if you could tell us about it. out of my father’s hands! And any What should the musicians who rebellious teenager worth his salt read this blog know, and when has heard “Turn down that infer- should they know it? nal racket!” many times outside GT: About 8 years ago Kenny, their bedroom wall! Lori (both from Super 400), and I RRX: I’m blown away by what opened the Troy Music Academy I’ve heard of yours. Just some (TMA) with the sole intention of real flow. And I’m always looking offering the best music instruc- for that new groove, that knew tion possible. As we’ve grown as soundscape. I love it when a ca- a business, we’ve added only the pable player can breathe life into best teachers we could find. I can Horsepower is more than a measure; it’s a gateway. The horse changed humankind in a way that allowed Ghengis Khan to unite a continent. We hopped on the backs of horses and we shrunk our world. Horses so revolutionized us that when we gave them up for the next power, we could only describe it in terms of four hooves; it’s horsepower. But this is a music, art and culture publication. We claim no special equestrian understandings that ex- tend beyond the lucky hunch of a betting ticket. But we know about power. We know about the power to move people by their hearts by blowing their minds with a tasty guitar riff. We know we have the pow- er to drive lovebirds together at a summer festival or make an old man young again because a bar sing- er sounds like a busker he heard when he came back from the War. And there is a power that drives the drivers, a pure, almost mystical translation by which lightning trav- els from a wire to a conjuring box, where a druid with patches on her jean jacket swings an axe and casts incantations in tones and rhythms out into the How magical it is that one of the planet’s fundamental forces can be wrought ears of all assembled. through transistors or vacuum tubes into a rockabilly jam, or the full-on assault of a punk classic. Even without the electric, we harness the wind and the air, and deftly reshape them into pure expression. Horse and rider transcends the sport; it is a symbiosis of the yearning for explo- ration and the vehicle of that exploration. It’s more than just rider and beast; it’s a companionship, a merging of inner strength that, should it be commodified, would Horsepower wilt to lesser notions and be trampled underfoot. We celebrate the product of life and the products of craft, and as jockey on thor- oughbreds, the artist clings to the brush, the musician clings to the amp and the writer the pen, and the power contained within becomes harnessed by creative passion until the ring of inspiration opens the gates. Page 22 August 2019 Music Art Culture Revolution Shooting the Breeze with Buck Dharma Blue Öyster Cult guitarist and original member Buck Dharma shares his long journey with our very own over a Cajun Shrimp dinner.

By Rob Smittix him, give rowing up I heard stories from my my love. I Dad about the days when Donald Ro- always hold eser (Buck Dharma) and my uncle G those days Edward “Skip” O’Donnell would jam. The fact in my heart. that such a legendary guitarist has musical We had a good roots in this area but also ties to my fami- crew in those ly had intrigued me since I was a kid. It has days. We met at been on my bucket list for a very long time to Clarkson, of course just meet the guy and have a conversation. back in 65’. In Traves- On June 27th when Blue Öyster Cult came ty, the band we were all to play at Albany’s newest music venue, The in together, we had a fine Skyloft, I finally had the chance. Was it an in- time. In fact we did some club terview? Kind of but really more of chat that work in Albany too. He was the ob- I just always wanted to have and I am glad I Photo vious choice for singer because he didn’t Provided get to share it with you. need a PA. After listening to the band warm up I was Buck Dharma (r) hanging out with RRX: Wow, he must have really project- summoned through the back stage area and Rob Smittix (l) ed, I couldn’t even imagine that. He must’ve into the green room where the band was en- had some pipes. Mothers of Invention”, Frank Zappa, re- joying a meal. Buck Dharma emerged from Buck: I knew Skip’s Dad too. cord that he played in his room and the song the rest of the band and crew, he extended RRX: Do you remember when you paint- “Brown Shoes Don’t Make It” came on. That his hand and asked, “Are you Skippy’s cous- ed “Love” on the roof of his house? was too much for your Grandpa, he took the in?” I answered “nephew.” From here we took Buck: I did something like that. record off and broke it on his knees. our talk into a more secluded area for noise RRX: I imagine it was for the planes to RRX: That’s funny. reduction. see. Buck: Yeah it was. Buck: It’s really nice to talk to you. I was Buck: Yeah, we were in the flight-path. RRX: So in your time in Upstate New really fond of your uncle you know? I haven’t RRX: Now this was my grandparent’s York there’s got to be some kind of vivid talked to Skip in a while. He’s got to be re- house, and I don’t know about then but from memory that pops out. tired by now. what I know they were always pretty old- Buck: Well, I’m in and out of the Capi- RRX: He is retired. Unfortunately, he is school and strict. tal District but… I met my wife in college, battling Parkinson’s. Buck: When we went to school in the Potsdam. She’s from Rome, so I’ve gone back Buck: He had just beaten esophagus can- dawn of the hippie era, they were pret- there all of these years. I’ve lived in Itha- cer last time I saw him. Next time you talk to ty square. (Laughs) Skip told a story, “The ca in the mid 80’s through the early 90’s. August 2019 Page 23 Music Art Culture Revolution

My daughter and her husband it more for the fans or yourself? RRX: How’s it feel to have an engineer and an artist at the are just buying a house in Itha- Buck: I don’t think we dream been at this for fifty plus years? same time. Your creative stuff ca right now, so I’ll be going back of big stardom again but the fans Buck: I never expected it of gets derailed because this rout- there to visit them. wanna hear it. And we’re doing it course, the entire arc of my life ing is wrong or… Especially with RRX: Yeah, Upstate New York for posterity, ya know? has sort of been unplanned. But computers compared to the old is not so bad. You know, everyone RRX: Makes sense. for me it’s one thing to another... analog days. complains about the taxes. Buck: It took a while for me to I thought I’d do it for a few years Door opens a crack and a Buck: I live in Maryland get the cobwebs out, for a while I and get a real job. I wouldn’t even voice says, “Donald your food now, they have high taxes there. haven’t really written much. May- know where to begin to succeed is ready.” Next thing you know I came from Florida before that. be five songs in the last decade. in today’s music business. some dinner is served and it Getting killed over there so… I So I felt like the King of Rohan, RRX: It’s a whole new world looks mighty delicious. moved out of Florida because Lord of the Rings, get the cob- out there, it’s like the internet RRX: What ya got there? I’m a grandpa, I wanna see my webs off of ya! helps and it hurts at the same Buck: Cajun shrimp, rice and grandkids grow up. Got to be RRX: And it’s coming from time. broccoli of some sort. Broccolini near them. I’m a Northeasterner the place that gave you so many Buck: Right, you have to ride or something. (Laughs) It’s fancy at heart. hits. the horse in the direction it’s go- broccoli. RRX: So rumor has it there’s Buck: Whelp, we’re into it ing. Although I think the stream- RRX: So at this point it new music coming? now. ing services are where it’s at. I doesn’t look like Blue Oyster Cult Buck: Yeah, we just commit- RRX: For all the accomplish- don’t need the physical kind of is stopping anytime soon. ted to making another record. ments you’ve already had, was thing, I used to really love getting Buck: I think the light’s on at This band has never been record- this just something that had to be LP’s and all that. the end of the tunnel but we still ed with these members, so I’m done? RRX: The whole DIY pro- sound really good. The demand is excited about that. Buck: I feel very lucky of the cess is kind of the way to go now, there, seems silly to not to honor RRX: After all these years, do success we’ve had, the recogni- wasn’t always the case but… it so… If I ever can’t play I’ll stop. you feel like you have to do it? Is tion and the culture too. Buck: Well it’s hard to be At some point I’ll stop anyway because I don’t have the energy I Blue Öyster Cult performing in Albany in June. did when I was a young man. You Photo provided. know the traveling is the worst of it, it’s not playing; playing is fun. RRX: Absolutely. So anything else on your mind? Like me, I have been trying to grasp the concept of the number One Tril- lion. Did you know that it would take over Thirty-One Thousand years to count to a trillion? Buck: Like if you start at one and just go up? RRX: Yeah, you just keep going; obviously impossible to achieve. Buck: And you’d lose your place too. RRX: Also that in-space telescope that we recently lost contact with, was said to have

Continued on Page 36... Page 24 August 2019 Music Art Culture Revolution The Art of Getting It Out There

From the 80s Albany punk rock scene to the it, feel it remembrance of times to vinyl first by your own inde- that only it can truly bring you pendent label, Blue Lunch. Then, vinyl scene today, Last Vestige owner, Jim back to. the technology for DIY produc- Furlong, talks about his long history of mak- Jim Furlong sells vinyl. And tion was newly accessible. Can he’s made vinyl, and he’s made you think of anything you all did ing things happen. the music that could find no bet- back then that set the tone for ter home than a 7” single. A sing- how it’s done now? Anything you er for local band The A.D.s and did that should have set the tone The Trash Knights, owner of Last now but didn’t? Vestige Music, Jim’s heart beats JF: The whole DIY thing was at 33 1/3 rpm. new and exciting, though it’s been I sit down with Jim and we around for years. There are so talk about optical illusions in al- many bands from the 60’s and bum art. 70’s that put their own 45 or LP RRX: In researching you, I, of out. For me it was a learn as you course, came across your band, go process. Art Snay of Arabel- The A.D.s, which go back to one lum and Mark Ernst of MCE of the Capital District’s golden were very helpful in prepping era, the 1980’s. Being an 80s kid tapes for acetates and test press- myself, I remember things just ings, as well as making connec- changing every day, from the tions to small pressing plants. I state of the world to the state of have commercial art background the art. If either state drove the which helped with creating the scene more, which would you say cover art and preparing it for it was? printing. It’s so different now... JF: I’d say both. Worldwise, the technology of recording and the state of the USA in the late printing. I’d say how we all did 70s was a bit of a mess; unem- it is primitive now and only the ployment, high interest rates. DESIRE to DIY has marched on Iran Embassy, oil prices, feckless with downloading, YouTube and president, socialism and commu- other tech ways to send the music nism on the move. People on both out to the masses.

Photo provided. sides of the arguments were fed RRX: Staying on DIY for Jim Furlong at Valentines Music Hall (w. Frank Novko) up. a second round. You own Last Artistically, music was get- Vestige, a store known for sell- By Liam Sweeny musical thing that isn’t bounc- ting quite corporate and saccha- ing vinyl records and accessories ing binary to the tune of an al- rine. Arena rock, soft rock, the for record players, among other ome people think that vi- gorithm. And they’re right. It is big groups became removed from things. If my garage band wants nyl records are nothing but nostalgia. But so is music. Music the fan base that was hungry for to follow in Blue Lunch’s foot- Snostalgia, and I imagine is memories, and new music is more grit, more rhythm, more au- steps and press a single, or a full they say the same thing about marking future memories as we dacity and less pomp. album, how can it be “garage af- tube amps and basically any speak. Vinyl gives a solid, touch RRX: Now the A.D.s were put fordable” or can it even be? August 2019 Page 25 Music Art Culture Revolution

JF: I plead ignorance. I ha- rock seem to be big on vinyl as atmosphere, even if the “room” is all the free rags, I charged 50 or ven’t been involved with a DIY well as reissues of rare classic a card table by a back-alley dice 60 cents for it and people DID pressing since 2003 when I re- rock, reggae, avant garde/ elec- game. What was that feeling like buy it. And I had some cheap ad- leased the EXTRA’S CD com- tronic, punk, funk, jazz. And the first day after the latest issue vertising too. All the money pret- mercially. That was big learning most big commercial artists have came out? ty much paid for the printing. It curve there too. Trying to pro- a batch of vinyl released. I’m not JF: Blue Lunch was a one- was at Worlds Record, Fantaco, mote a local band that no longer seeing a lot of modern jazz, coun- man operation with local volun- Bleeker Bob’s in NYC and any- existed as a archeological piece of try or folk and mainstream RnB/ teers writing articles and reviews where that would have it. Peter Albany punk rock history beyond soul coming out. The big labels as well as myself writing under Zaremba of the Fleshtones even the small community who knew I’ve heard started hogging the fake names so it wasn’t always wrote to discuss my review of the band, was a lot of work and schedules of the limited amount “Jim Furlong” LOL. I spent hours their first 12”. A snarky editor really didn’t get too far. of pressing plants with their re- pasting the cut out typed stories, for Trouser Press thought it was RRX: So, the Good Word laeses and indies were having b&w photos and illustrating on funny to write back and say he from behind the Last Vestige to wait months. But I hear some large boards and taking them to found that the penny was worth counter: who’s in vinyl? Not so new plants have opened and the a long-gone printer at the corner money and sold it. Other than much the specific bands, but do slack has been taken up better of Eagle St. and State St. to print, that loser, it was well received by you see any trends, say, genres of now. collate and staple. That first issue a lot of fanzine publications. Af- music that are more represent- RRX: Blue Lunch had a mag- was a big achievement for me. ter 3 issues, I was kind of burnt ed under the needle than others? azine for a little while. Obvi- NY Rocker took notice and I was out and moved on to other things Do the Big X labels dominate this ously, I’m walking in well-worn able to write a couple of articles and then the A.D.’s moved to NYC market, like every other one, or is footsteps in my own efforts for them as a result. I had scotch area to try and make it BIG LOL. there an upswell of indie? here, so I’m definitely curi- taped a penny to each copy as a RRX: You’ve been a moving JF: Modern hip hop, indie ous. Newsrooms have their own rebate for purchasing. Yes unlike Continued on Page 35... Page 26 August 2019 Music Art Culture Revolution Words With a Collar City Scribe

Local author Erik component, the true substance of Carucci speaks to his your story may come at impromp- tu times. You could be driving, process, his worlds, mowing the lawn, or making din- and the landscape of ner. All of a sudden, an idea or a great sentence wanders into your independent media mind. When it happens, don’t By Liam Sweeny wait or put it off till later. As soon as possible, write it down (even if all you have is a crayon and nap- riting’s a bitch… be- kin) or text yourself. It may not lieve it. You’re in the seem to fit, but if your mindset is Wstudio for months and constantly on creation, it proba- it’s basically your house, or the bly will at a different timeframe. bus, or if you’re of a sort, the lo- That’s where my process comes cal coffee shop. No one seems to in. I didn’t go to school for this. care, your backup band is… there My way is self-taught, skewed, is none. And your groupies prob- and may not be for everybody. ably won’t have you signing body For me, it’s a jigsaw puzzle. You Photo provided. parts with a marker. Author Erik Carucci start on the edges (the begin- Erik Carucci took the plunge ning), but at times, you’re putting into the sea of metaphor like a out of my sails for a bit. After a the world. Once dwelled upon, I together odd pieces that fit to- surfer of similes and he came spell, I knew ridding myself of the knew the best canvas was Troy. gether (middle or elsewhere). Of- in from the surf with Sempre stress and angst was priority one. This uncanny and wild little city ten, I will write the first couple of Amore, a book which has injected Moreover, it had to occur without has fueled my imagination since chapters and an ending randomly the supernatural into a city many eventually donning the prover- birth. I just had to stretch her appears. Of course, I immediate- of us are proud to call home, in- bial orange jumpsuit. I tried the out and give the characters room ly write it down. So, I have A & Z cluding Uncle Sam. physical angle but weapons train- to roam. Mixing the city’s histo- written, now I just have to bridge I sit down with Erik and we ing, weightlifting, and hitting the ry with fiction was natural be- the gap between them. That’s discuss the best time to kill off bag just wasn’t cutting it. Then, I cause the city has reached that how “Sempre Amore” came to your main character. remembered a bit of advice from age where myth and reality have life. My next novel is shaping up RRX: Sempre Amore mixes a friend. “You can write, so just become intertwined. in a similar fashion. a dark fantasy element involv- put those strong feelings onto RRX: A lot of people want to RRX: You published your ing immortal characters with a the page and free your mind.” It know about a writer’s process. book yourself. Did the Big-Five fictionalized Troy. As you were worked and at some point, I no- Okay, fine. I’m “a lot of people.” publishers just key your car or writing, did you have anything in ticed the tale coming together. Someone comes up to you, says something? Did you have expec- mind that guided you? Four months later, I had a very “I can write a book!” and wants tations when you self-published Erik: Like a lot of art, pain rough draft and showed it to my your recipe, what are you jotting that didn’t pan out? Any unex- and heartache can lead to amaz- devilish confidante. It took off down for them? pected luck? ing creativity. I screwed up and from there. At this time, the sto- Erik: The best advice, al- Erik: Before I was referred lost my shot at being with some- ry had no location and it could ways be ready for stray thoughts. to self-publishing by a friend one I adored. It took the wind have taken place anywhere in While an outline is a major and writing mentor, I looked August 2019 Page 27 Music Art Culture Revolution into dealing with the publish- very inexpensive process because ing houses. Their requirements your work is print to order. You were daunting and discouraging. decide the price and compensa- Cover letter, synopsis, sample, tion is fair. No warehouses of detailed outline, and even more dusty volumes unless you wish to hurdles that make me gag when invest your capital in that fash- dwelled upon. Basically, if you ion. There are also two incredible didn’t have an “in”, you had to do benefits. Your work is uploaded another month’s worth of work onto a database that will prob- with no guarantees. I xeroxed, ably survive until this rock gets correlated, and bound two pack- cooked. However, the biggest is ets for two different houses. I sharing your work with the world. never heard from either of those The last I checked, my book could ballonheads. Despondent, I was be translated into twenty-two about to shelf it. Then, self-pub- different languages. You have to lishing introduced herself. It’s a admit, that’s cool. great process and I have no re- RRX: You sat down and did grets. Honestly, I don’t see why something very difficult and -in • OUTDOOR DECK anyone would deal with the super tensely personal, and you’ve had • 15 DRAFT LINES five. to ask people to invest days of • GREAT FOOD 403 RIVER STREET —TROY RRX: It seems that indepen- there time on your imagination. Monday-Thursday: open at 4 PM • PRIVATE PARTIES dent media and corporate media What did you most learn for in- Friday: open at 3 PM are in a battle for America’s soul. ception to reception? Saturday & Sunday: open at 2 PM www.RyansWake.com How does independent media, in- Erik: There’s a quote at the die publishing, everything else… end of my book that reads; “To how does it win? How do we top- write is to be naked before the ple Goliath? world.” This is the last major Erik: We don’t want to top- hurtle in publishing. Do I want ple Goliath, we want to saddle anyone to read this? Will they that leviathan like remora on a like it or be offended? And of shark. Symbiosis should be our course, do I want people to see ultimate goal. The idea is to be some of my deepest thoughts and independent and use their access feelings? For me, I had to be gen- for mutual interest. As much as uine. It’s who I am, no matter the this pains the most ardent mav- consequences. With that frame erick, our best friend is Amazon. of mind, my book had to allow Amazon is changing the game others to see me in the bright- and if the publishing houses don’t est light. Once I decided, ”Yeah, adjust their ways, they will end I’m doing this”, I wanted it to be up being forgotten and discarded. right and that took long hours All Beer Signs Amazon allows you to have the and patience. Writing about what freedom to write what you want you know and being honest will & Man-Cave Items and control the content. With the always connect with readers. Ste- cover creator and format tools, phen King and the state of Maine 20% Off it’s a no-brainer for someone who can attest to that. just wants to write and not get I love my city and this is a bogged down with logistics. It’s a Continued on Page 36... Page 28 August 2019 Music Art Culture Revolution

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NOSTALGIA ACT

Aren't you that Poet who was famous Once? That poet Call Joe! Who lived in DDowntown Albany Who wore Clean Outs: That old leather Basements, Attics & Garages Jacket & who Was kinda like Hauling, Removal & Demo A punk rock vampire 12 & 20-yd Dumpsters Available Lord Byron meets We do it all! EEdgar Allan Poe Guy? Most Junk Recycled I really liked That poem you Wrote the young millennial (518) (5865) Girl says 237-JUNKwww.joeyjunk.com It was totally awesome MyM mom has your book! Thank you Which one? I inquire You know That one about Dying without her LLove & sadness Loss & self Destruction That one Y'know "Come As You Are" I smile TTake a sip of my Cooee, excuse myself From the room R.M. ENGELHARDT Page 30 August 2019 Music Art Culture Revolution

ANNIVERSARY X August 2019 Page 31 Music Art Culture Revolution

On July 14th, the coolest of the cool descend- Goldie’s at ed on Chrome Food & Spirits in Waterford COHOES to celebrate the One Year Anniversary Show MARKETPLACE for Radioradiox.com. A great mix of bands 103 Remsen Street showed up and memories were made. Saturday Speaking of memories... We’d like to take the & Sunday time out to recognize the men and women 10am to who go out to immortalize these great times. 4pm The photographs on the previous page were Vintage taken by Stephanie Bartik, Amy Modesti and Collectibles Ed Conway. They are the unsung heroes of Furniture Aug 10th & 24th the Capital Region music scene.

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942 Broadway, Albany, NY 12207 675 RIVER ST, TROY, NY 12180 | (518) 272-9740 WWW.THEHANGERONTHEHUDSON.COM Page 32 August 2019 Music Art Culture Revolution Ramblings and Observations From a Cranky Old Guy By Jeff Spaulding the first woman I married (now to meet you but I need to get out (we were all live radio then, no known as Ex Wife Number One) of here.” computers) was introduced to me while lis- She asks for a ride home. Shortly after that she comes in, efore we get to the top- tening to my all-night radio show. As if the hair lip wasn’t a clue drunk and stoned, and introduc- ic of THIS issue, a follow I got off work at 6 AM, picked enough. es me to a BIG woman who calls up note of sadness to the B up a 12 pack, met her, and “got off Being the nice guy that I am, I herself “Throbbin’ Robin,” who is LAST issue, where I spoke of the work” about an hour later. agree, I bring her to her Section also drunk and stoned. demise of WPLJ in New York. We were married six months Eight apartment complex, say my I decide to stay a bit. Since that time, legendary Top later. goodbyes, but she says “You’re To condense this, they both 40 radio station WABC in New We did NOT have to. coming in with me.” kept hitting on me, then ripped York (now a News/Talk station) We divorced two years later. She proceeds to pull a knife off their tops and drew smiley has been sold, for a measly (in When we met, I was 23, she out of her purse the Crips and faces on their boobs with magic broadcast terms) $12.5 million. was 19. Bloods would fight over. markers. WABC was the Top 40 stan- Do the math. As she opens the door, (I was I decide that’s my cue, I leave, dard all other stations followed, Ask any Old School radio per- younger and in MUCH bet- a couple hours later the boss the music, the jingles, the DJs. son if their career was like that. ter shape) I pull a James Bond, comes in (station off the air and Harry Harrison, Dan Ingram, If they say no, they are going to pull up my legs and push her ass he can’t reach anyone). Cousin’ Brucie. hell for lying. out, hitting the gas like I’m Tony He finds “Throbbin’ Robin” WABC in 1964 became W A Working at this same radio Stewart. passed out in the lobby, half na- Beatle C, and never looked back… station, and the same shift (the Again, that story is COM- ked, with a hand thrust thusly in R IP. freaks DO come out at night), and PLETELY true. her pants. Now, this issue is going to be BEFORE I met EW#1, a female As is this next one. He finds the baby jock in the juicy, and ONLY scratches the listener calls me, we chat and she It takes place in the Capi- Control Room the exact same surface of my 40 plus year profes- says let’s meet at a bar after my tal District (that’s ALL I will tell way. sional career in broadcasting. shift for a drink. you). Find me a state employee with Let’s talk about radio listeners. At 6 AM. I was working 7-midnight, and working conditions like this. Most are fine upstanding Right then I should have no- followed by a young and dumb ra- Again, these stories are ALL citizens. ticed the problem. dio newbie who ONLY wanted to true. A good number are out right But I’m young, stupid and get into radio because she wanted And I’m just getting started. nut jobs, serial killers, and possi- horny, I meet her, and discover to do EVERY member of Duran ble (at minimal) Level Two’s. the woman has a hair lip. Duran. And some, I presume, are good You read that right. One night come midnight she’s people… (sorry, stole that from I could have parked my old not there (did I mention she used the guy with the funky hair in VW bug in the space, she was to slut herself up and hit the clubs Washington.) THAT much of a hair lip. before her shift, and change right Let’s mention a few, without But I say “For God and Coun- in front of me in the studio?). specific call letters or real names. try” and start downing the At 12:15 I call my boss, who I’ll start in Ohio, where my alcohol. has to do the morning show at professional broadcast career be- After a brief chat I start yawn- 5:30, he asks me to hang till one, gan in 1977. ing and say “Well it was very nice and if she’s still not there call him Point of fact, as a coincidence, August 2019 Page 33 Music Art Culture Revolution

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if something does go wrong—a you decide to be daring. Get to By Sassy pair of scissors to cut ties or know what you like and don’t like ropes, keys to any handcuffs and before diving into anything new Sassy of course a phone in case you do or outside your norm. Things like **Disclaimer: This article re- need to dial 911. soft ties, fuzzy handcuffs, and lates to safe, sane, and consensu- Says Know your limits and talk candle wax aren’t just silly props. al BDSM. It does not encourage, about them out loud. Every- They can be used as starters if promote, or condone -- pedoph- new positions or toys, but also one is different. What might be it is okay with everyone. It’s all elia, abuse, or rape. None of this new ideas that are well outside of hot for someone may be terri- about mutual agreement. Re- article’s content is unlawful, the box. fying for someone else. Assume member to respect your partner. harmful, threatening, abusive, Bondage may be a new term to nothing! And just because you If it’s not for them? It’s not for the harassing, tortious, defamatory, some, but the fact is that bond- saw someone do it in a photo does both of you. vulgar, obscene, libelous, inva- age can be traced back as far as not mean it can be done with No matter how old or sive of another’s privacy, hateful, the 9th century B.C. when ritu- your partner. new your relationship is or racially/ethnically objection- alistic whippings were used for Yes, have a safe word. Not with your partner, remem- able. This article is for tolerant, pleasure. Even the Indian work everyone realizes that this isn’t ber common courtesy. Don’t open minded adults only. (You known as the Kama Sutra shows just something people do in the leave your partner alone if they know who you are.) ** how things like bondage can play movies. Any person has the right are in a compromised position. a part of one’s natural sexual be- to say “no” or “stop” and it is per- Check on them. “Are you okay?” At some point in your life, you havior. BUT IT ALSO STRESSES fectly fine to agree that when a is something you should be ask- have probably heard the term that with ANY category of BDSM certain word is said… EVERY- ing frequently, especially if it is “bondage.” But do you realize that (bondage, discipline, sadism & THING STOPS. Back off then a new territory you are getting bondage goes WAY beyond just masochism) and/or sexual act, then talk about it. into. After your adventure, take tying up a person’s hands or feet? these practices should only be Be sane and sober. Know some time together. Make sure To start, bondage doesn’t have to done with/on persons who under- your limits as well as your part- everyone is okay (physically and be a part of a sexual act. It can stand what is happening and are ner’s. Don’t lose yourself in the mentally), discuss things you actually be a stand alone prac- willing to submit themselves to moment and tread into waters may want to try next time, things tice for pleasure. That being said, such treatment. that you are unfamiliar with. that weren’t really exciting or not what else do you need to know? So, can you explore these If something is off-limits, don’t something you would definitely Although bondage and sex can things and still stay safe? Abso- go there no matter how intense do again. Keep in mind, there is a work together, bondage tends to lutely. Here are a few tips to re- things may get. And keep the psychological aspect involved in be more about the excitement of member as you begin to explore drugs and alcohol away from bondage so be polite, stick to the empowerment. The sexual charge the world of bondage: your play time. You need a clear rules, protect, honor, and respect that someone gets from binding Safety is first, last and AL- head to think straight. Period. all requests. Bondage may be for or being bound can generate an WAYS. Make sure everyone is If it squashes your fantasy? Too you… and it may not. No matter intense feeling. This in turn can on the same page, what you want bad, so sad. Don’t go there. what you decide, it’s okay. Chalk give a euphoric high that can re- to do is safe, and you have a plan Start simple. You don’t need it up to experience and move for- sult in an physical “release”. With if something goes wrong. This to rig a swing with ropes and ward in the direction you want. a new generation that desires dif- is not an adventure where you chains for your blindfolded part- Be open, but have fun and BE ferent ways of sexual expression, want to push limits. Keep things ner to hang from the first time SAFE! people are looking for not just close by that might be necessary August 2019 Page 35 Music Art Culture Revolution Jim Furlong (Cont.) Continued from Page 25 involved with keeping my busi- that do say something played many different fields, and most ness legal and in compliance in in reverse? Educate, enlighten, of all, my wife for supporting my force behind the Capital Region F%*#ING NYS, as well as enjoy- emote – the floor is yours. whims and ideas these last 35 music scene, and it’s changing ing non-music related things in JF: I give my undying grati- years. in a way that might drift bands my off time takes up a lot of time. tude to anyone who ever taught and players away from being tied I would say that to maintain a me how to do or make something to an area. I can sing in a room sense of “place” and solidarity that was useful in my life. Nu- and every phone and laptop in in this community, more “s+how merous teachers, employers in the world can carry it in real of strength” type shows local- time. How do we preserve place? ly, highlighting 4-5 bands that How do we maintain solidarity maybe have different styles at Daily Happy Hour 4-7PM through the technology? local clubs or renting out a space Outside Patio Seating JF: Again...I plead ignorance. for performance. To draw fans Most local musicians under 40 and friends of bands to see other ’s $1.00 OO Any probably have no clue of my artists. Early shows, say starting history in the local punk un- Appetizer With This Ad! 6-7PM derground scene. The business RRX: This is where you can of running a shop, finding col- answer the question I didn’t ask. Tavern Hours lections, working a mail order, JT Anyone to whom you want to give Mon - Wed, 1pm dealing with all the bureaucracy Thurs - Fri, 2pm Sat, 1 pm undying gratitude? Any records 25 White St. Cohoes

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Crescent Commons 1471 Route 9 Clifton Park, NY 12065 (518) 383-3333 Page 36 August 2019 Music Art Culture Revolution Collar City Scribe (Cont.)

Continued from Page 27 never ends if you want royalty checks, so what’s on deck? small gesture of appreciation. If Erik: I work anywhere from it brings others to visit and ex- 40 to 60 hours a week. It’s not plore her feisty heart, then I have easy finding time to write and the done her some justice. Many of feel needs to be there. My first my characters are amalgams of novel took almost 3 yrs, and this friends and loved ones. Some one is on the same track. The were flattered upon recognizing next novel is “Forever Troy”. It’s Buck Dharma Photo provided. something familiar. Others…well, a sequel to “Sempre Amore”. It let’s just say feelings of awkward- should be out sometime this win- ness were obvious. I didn’t let it ter. Keep an eye on my TroyCore Buck Dharma (Cont.) sway me in either direction and Media facebook page for updates Continued from Page 23 caution never festered. I created and a website launch over the something worthy and wanted to possibly spotted a trillion stars, Buck: I don’t doubt they’re up next horizon! share it with the world. I rolled which doesn’t even take into ac- there. I hope they’re not malev- the dice and never looked back. count planets. It makes me won- olent. There are probably whole Besides the art and photogra- der where we are in the scheme of plains of existence that are noth- phy, the only help I enlisted was things. ing like us. But we can’t worry my roguish reader. I did all the Buck: I’m just starting to about it. proofreading and editing. It was grasp how vast the “is”, is. I mean a grueling and massive process. you can’t call it the universe be- The current BOC line-up is as I recommend finding someone cause there’s a lot of universes. follows: trustworthy to help and be more And you would assume there’s Eric Bloom (Lead Vocals, Stun involved. That’s how I plan to more Earths with people on them Guitar, Keyboards/Synthesizers) roll. I know it‘s not easy, but I or somebody on them, there has Donald Roeser-Buck Dharma hope my words inspire others to to be. We just haven’t found it yet. (Lead Guitar/Vocals.) Richie try their hand at writing. It’s per- But you know UFO’s are in the Castellano (Keyboards/Rhythm sonally rewarding and necessary news all the time. These pilots see Guitar,) Danny Miranda (Bass/ to enriching our culture. Our stuff that do maneuvers that just Backing Vocals,) Jules Radino contributions to the world’s zeit- don’t make sense in a regular air- (Drums/Percussion) geist must continue! Sempre Amore is available at craft as we know it. For more on Blue Öyster Cult RRX: So, of course, the hustle Amazon.com RRX: It boggles my mind. visit www.blueoystercult.com.

Now

333 Broadway Troy Serving (Inside the Quackenbush Building) Breakfast (518) 712-9099 www.burritosquared.com August 2019 Page 37 Music Art Culture Revolution Stephanie Levay (Cont.) ...Continued from Page 17 RRX: That’s a great attitude, told to put it on the back burn- my actual abilities and skill lev- it so it made no sense. I inter- your kids are amazing. Good job! er and that it was a waste of time els were. I was more or less being preted the letter for him and told Stephanie: I always feel real and ridiculous. People don’t make told, no you go sit in the box, not him what it was supposed to say proud when they execute that careers out of that, it was treated the circle and I wanted to go run and this childlike joy came over kindness, thoughtfulness and as a hobby. out to the trapezoid. (Laughter) this guy’s face. He looked at Wil- empathy for others. They both How I was raised had the op- That took many years to get liam and he’s like ‘this is amaz- have total confidence, so I’m re- posite effect so I became very over too but I fought against it. I ing.’ And William asked “do you ally happy that they have that. I anti-capitalist. I saw a push for, at least had validation when I did like it?” And he said “I love it, this didn’t have that when I was a kid. you’re only as good as your pro- the research and discovered what means so much to me.” And what I went through years, a couple de- ductivity and I thought that was my coping mechanisms were. I really meant a lot to me was when cades of not knowing really who I crazy because I had different could spot what my triggers were he walked away he didn’t toss it was and… Not so much not know- needs, different abilities, learn- to correct these behaviors within aside or set it down somewhere, ing who I was more like never ing disabilities and a lot of abuse myself. he folded it up so carefully and being sure of who I was. I always that I went through as a child. put it in his pocket, making sure knew who I was I just fought That took so many years to re- This article has been edited it went in the pocket. Like he was against what I knew wasn’t right. cover from and I was not treat- for space. The full article can be going to keep it, like it did mean I knew how I was being treated ed with any respect as somebody found on the Xperience Blog on something. wasn’t right but always told you’re who needed to still deal with www.radioradiox.com. RRX: It’s seems like the letter creating more of a problem com- those things. I was expected to was meant for that guy. plaining about how you’re being just push pass that and be at a To check out more on Stepha- Stephanie: My kids do a lot mistreated than recognizing that level that I just wasn’t at yet. And nie Levay visit www.zhibit.org/ of stuff like that. Now he wants to I’m trying to fight against that. I the expectations of me were just stephanielevay send letters to everybody. was not encouraged in art, I was not realistic according to what

Stephanie Levay painting “Forever in Bloom” Photo provided. Page 38 August 2019 Music Art Culture Revolution The Slide Player - Xperience Fiction

By Liam Sweeny in fact a common slide that Rol- “You think it’s still in him?” ley bought from a music maga- “I don’t think so,” he said. “I olley’s name was Otto, as zine. It was a thunderstorm that heard you can touch lightning printed on his birth cer- Liar’s had been predicted to come and people right after.” Rtificate, but no one ever Almanac go throughout the entire Capi- Jack walked over, hands called him Otto, and few of his tal Region. And lastly, it was the wrapped around his sides. friends would’ve turned their best days. Jack, being no stranger wiring that Jack had performed “Look at his hair.” He chuck- heads if someone called him by to compromise, kept a mini fridge behind his wife’s back, to circum- led. “You remember those troll his given. Really, the story was he full of packaged cold cuts. His vent her power control, and the dolls?” collected names. He was, at var- wife, no stranger to spite, bought fact that he paid for the work in Sarah tried to hide a laugh, but ious times, and in various levels a titanium combination lock for bourbon that never had to leave it snuck out. They stood around of tanked, referred to as Duster, the breaker box in the basement. the worksite. Rolley’s still form. Two guys that The Cranken, D.B. Cooper, Cher- Rolley set up his amp just The ambulance took twen- looked to be farm boys moon- ub, Lieutenant Hoagie and Spark- like every other gig. And in so ty-five minutes to get there. Rol- lighting as EMTs wheeled a black master. By that time in his career, many ways, it was unremarkable. ley wasn’t complaining. Mark stretcher. Rolley just cracked a smile when- Jack smoked a cigarette out in mentioned it to Sarah. “Ya know, probably his best ever anyone said a name and the parking lot, kicking a creo- “I don’t think he can complain. slide tonight.” hoped it landed if it needed to. sote-soaked log that lay on the He’s,” Sarah’s features scrunched, Rolley’s hands, however, had ground, giving the cars a place only one nickname; sliders. Rol- to line up. The clouds looked a ley was Robert Oppenheimer bit ominous, but Rolley figured 606 3RD AVENUE when he found an object in the it would break the humidity. WATERVLIET, NY room he could use to play slide Mark and Sarah were behind the (518) 238-3687 guitar. He’d find a salt shaker in dumpster smoking pot, which a pizza joint and cradle it in be- was pointless because Jack’s was tween his index and middle fin- on the corner of a cornfield and ger, losing himself as he tested the county’s biggest junkyard. it out on a phantom guitar. He The show went fine, as the always carried an extra twen- dirt bike races went on that day, ty bucks to buy bric-a-brac with and the after-party oozed into WATERVLIET’S slide potentional, even at the ex- the “deli,” and their set. Folks pense of a lunch craving. came in rowdy and cheerful, and Jack’s was hopping the night if there was ever a time where Rolley caught lightning. Jackson’s Rolley and his assembled misfits I R I S H P U B ! Delicatessen was neither called could hang their freak flag, it was Jackson’s, by anyone, nor any- there and then. thing close to a delicatessen. Jack And then, well; it happened Butler wanted a juke joint like all at once, and there is no one MON - WED: 3:00 PM the one in Mississippi where he in or out of Jack’s Delicatessen THURS - FRI: 11:00 AM spent his best days. His wife Elba that would say that Rolley wasn’t SAT - SUN: 12:00 PM wanted a Deli like the one in New occasioned upon by the truest of York City where she spent her divine acts. It was a metal slide, August 2019 Page 39 Music Art Culture Revolution