The Local Music Network Compendium Vol 1 Issue 3 Ruder Than You

FREE PUBLICATION The Local Music Network compendium Vol 1 Issue 3 Ruder Than You

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STAR II SUN LOCAL MUSIC NETWORK VOL 1 ISSUE 3 LOCAL MUSIC NETWORK VOL 1 ISSUE 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS

COLUMNS 4 Editors Page News from the LMN 5 Rootsy’s Riddims Roots and Cultures Music 6 Punk Rock Ramblings Take the challenge 7 Slut Monkey Circus Cotton Candy Revue Articles Read it Here ! 9 Intrepid Jam 10 Bohemian Fifth Listen Online! Interview 12 Ruder Than You See them Live! 16 The Ray Gradys 18 Star To Sun www.localmusicnetwork.com Reviews 20 Discs & Demos X-TRAS 23 Horrorscopes 23 Comix By Hill

2 3 LOCAL MUSIC NETWORK VOL 1 ISSUE 3 LOCAL MUSIC NETWORK VOL 1 ISSUE 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS

COLUMNS 4 Editors Page News from the LMN 5 Rootsy’s Riddims Roots and Cultures Music 6 Punk Rock Ramblings p. 12 Take the challenge 7 Slut Monkey Circus Cotton Candy Revue Articles 9 Intrepid Jam 10 Bohemian Fifth Interview

p. 10 12 Ruder Than You 16 The Ray Gradys 18 Star To Sun Reviews

p. 18 20 Discs & Demos X-TRAS 23 Horrorscopes 23 Comix By Hill

p. 16

2 3 COLUMNS LOCAL MUSIC NETWORK VOL 1 ISSUE 3 LOCAL MUSIC NETWORK VOL 1 ISSUE 3 Columns

Editors page Local Music Network Rootsy’s Riddims I’m talking about go to www.local generation to generation. Certainly pieces he played every couple months at Silk musicnetwork.com , download one 112A Bala Ave. are lost (although this occurs less and less City, and I expect to see him return there due to modern recording technology) and in the new year. He also plays cultural of the past issues and if you like it, Bala Cynwyd new submissions are made to this library events at universities, etc. Look for a new submit something. over time. However, it is the existence of album early in 2005. You can check him at this library that allows us to be creative as www.xandecruz.com. By Brain Jennings This may be the last issue PA musicians; because we don’t have to spend featuring the horrorscopes as well. time inventing things over and over—they Another group that is mixing things are a part of the collective musical memory. A lot has been happening in the My friends are burnt out and no- 19004 up is a hip hop duo known as the Dialects. www.localmusicnetwork.com Greetings. By the time this goes to If we were mathematicians we wouldn’t Hailing originally from the midwest, these past month. We welcome some one has contributed. If you want [email protected] press it will officially be the new year, but want to have to reinvent arithmetic every cats started their performance careers in fresh blood to our ranks: Amanda to see it saved either email me or as I compile these thoughts we are still in time we did algebra. That being said, Florida before relocating to Philadelphia a K. Williamson, who has just go on our site and submit some the last breaths of 2004. Being as it is, I’d I’d like to look now to a couple of the little over two years ago. The overall sound Local Music Network is brought like to reflect on some of the happenings of finished a stint at “Philadelphia horrorscopes that we can post. performers in the city that are stepping a bit here is largely a mix of hip hop and reggae. to you by: this past year in an effort to highlight some further out of the traditions. Weekly” and Daniela Starr, an Both of these styles have been around long things to look for in the coming year. enough that we are beginning to discuss old friend that takes the prettiest Some strange interviews this One performer that I feel is of particular the difference between “traditional” forms pictures you’ve ever seen. month. Part of the Ruder Than Brain Jennings You may recall that in the last merit in this category is Xande Cruz. and more contemporary forms. Indeed, Unfortunately you’re going to have You interview was conducted while Riddims we discussed the rich tradition Brazilian born, Xande lived for a while in even Bob Marley’s form of reggae has R.N. LaLonde of percussion here in the city. That to wait until next issue to see them. changing the tire I blew on the New York before moving to Philly about been considered by some to deviate from Amanda K. Williamson discussion was largely concerned with three years ago. In his ensemble, Batukis, curb. Not sleeping causes Brain straight roots reggae. What I feel is of Daniella Starr music that we might refer to as being to Xande marries the percussion traditions of particular interest with the Dialects is that I’m also trying to get vehicular damage. The next day a large degree “in the traditions”; that is Brazil with contemporary forms. You’ll their vocal style is largely an American Phillyhiphop.com to do some I interviewed the Ray Gradys at Elise Miller to say that many of the performers that I find elements of hip hop, reggae and hip hop style (that is to say they don’t writing for us. These guys are Tattooed Moms. I walk in and spoke of concentrate on the retention of even rock and roll mixed together. The rhyme in the dancehall vocal style that cultural musical practices in contemporary really immersed in the Philly hip the place is packed with people result is often very danceable and always is heard in the “reggae” music played on times. This is not to be misunderstood as lively. In fact one of the things that was hop scene and it would be a great dressed in Santa suits. The Santa hip hop stations). They are both United a criticism. Ancient musical traditions are evident to me at the live performance States born and have come up through honor to work with them. Check Crawl had gathered at moms and invaluable and by striving to retain them, was Cruz’s insistence on playing pieces American hip hop music, while embracing On the cover: Ruder Than You them out at www.phillyhiphop.com I had a horrible flashback to the we keep the sound tradition alive. We that the Brazilian community would find the tenets of Rastafari. Another important and tell ‘em I sent ya. beginning of the movie “City Of can think of the whole of musical ideas appropriate for dancing. You will always element to the sound is the use of a live as a living library that is transferred from hear some samba at his shows. In 2004 band. In this sense, the Dialects follow in Lost Children”. One drunk Santa Special thanks to: Paul Downie, the Philadelphia tradition of live hip hop We have just set up a myspace is funny. One hundred drunken JoAnna Marmon, Heather Rosen- established by the Roots. Every second feldt, Zach Brown, Russell Jennings, account under local music network Santas is panic-inducing. Luckily and fourth Wednesdays of the month, the Thomas & Marie Jennings, Carl as another means of keeping the Mike broke the tension with his group hosts an open event at the Aqua Finkbeiner, Elise Miller, Kevin Wil- Attention Musicians people informed and building Lounge in the Northern Liberties. Live holiday advances towards the liamson, Brendan Ryan, Eric Franke, sets are interspersed with selector sets from this network. We honor all friend ladies. Chivalrously asking “Wanna Lamont Caldwell, Charlie Ginsberg. the Royal Majestic Sound djs. The event requests so don’t be shy. sit on my face and tell me what you Caitlin Fitzgerald Don’t sign anything without consulting an is free and MCs and instrumentalists are want for Christmas?” in the most Entertainment Lawyer. welcome to sit in. You can find the Dialects Thanks to Joanna Marmon of humble way possible. He's so damn The views and opinions expressed in this magazine do not represent the on the web at www.dialectsmusic.com. Intrepid Jam Productions we now suave. They have released two albums to date have a nifty little party at the Grape views of Local Music Network or of the Replicants Inc. and are working on a third. They also Street to celebrate the release of Lastly, I went to a Pollyanna ARIJ S. FARUQI collaborate with the folks from Burndown this issue. and received an “I deserve a beer” Local Network Compendium is pub- Attorney at Law Studios, a collective of MCs and musicians (www.burndownstudios.com). t-shirt. I wish it said “I deserve a lished and owned by the Replicants Inc., which also means we own the 610.565.1708 There is no Advice? section this nap” Until next time, may you move in content. So don’t use any of it without [email protected] month. It seems that there was giving us the proper credit. I think rhythm and hear the songs of the wind in a general lack of interest so we [email protected] it’s only fair seeing as how you didn’t your ears. Blessings and Love. pulled it. If you have no idea what pay for this copy. Remember we have Gibson & Perkins, P.C. 200 E. State Street spies everywhere. Copyright 2004 the Attorneys And Counselors At Law Suite 105 [email protected] Replicants Inc. www.gibperk.com Media, PA 19063 4 5 COLUMNS LOCAL MUSIC NETWORK VOL 1 ISSUE 3 LOCAL MUSIC NETWORK VOL 1 ISSUE 3 Columns

Editors page Local Music Network Rootsy’s Riddims I’m talking about go to www.local generation to generation. Certainly pieces he played every couple months at Silk musicnetwork.com , download one 112A Bala Ave. are lost (although this occurs less and less City, and I expect to see him return there due to modern recording technology) and in the new year. He also plays cultural of the past issues and if you like it, Bala Cynwyd new submissions are made to this library events at universities, etc. Look for a new submit something. over time. However, it is the existence of album early in 2005. You can check him at this library that allows us to be creative as www.xandecruz.com. By Brain Jennings This may be the last issue PA musicians; because we don’t have to spend featuring the horrorscopes as well. time inventing things over and over—they Another group that is mixing things are a part of the collective musical memory. A lot has been happening in the My friends are burnt out and no- 19004 up is a hip hop duo known as the Dialects. www.localmusicnetwork.com Greetings. By the time this goes to If we were mathematicians we wouldn’t Hailing originally from the midwest, these past month. We welcome some one has contributed. If you want [email protected] press it will officially be the new year, but want to have to reinvent arithmetic every cats started their performance careers in fresh blood to our ranks: Amanda to see it saved either email me or as I compile these thoughts we are still in time we did algebra. That being said, Florida before relocating to Philadelphia a K. Williamson, who has just go on our site and submit some the last breaths of 2004. Being as it is, I’d I’d like to look now to a couple of the little over two years ago. The overall sound Local Music Network is brought like to reflect on some of the happenings of finished a stint at “Philadelphia horrorscopes that we can post. performers in the city that are stepping a bit here is largely a mix of hip hop and reggae. to you by: this past year in an effort to highlight some further out of the traditions. Weekly” and Daniela Starr, an Both of these styles have been around long things to look for in the coming year. enough that we are beginning to discuss old friend that takes the prettiest Some strange interviews this One performer that I feel is of particular the difference between “traditional” forms pictures you’ve ever seen. month. Part of the Ruder Than Brain Jennings You may recall that in the last merit in this category is Xande Cruz. and more contemporary forms. Indeed, Unfortunately you’re going to have You interview was conducted while Riddims we discussed the rich tradition Brazilian born, Xande lived for a while in even Bob Marley’s form of reggae has R.N. LaLonde of percussion here in the city. That to wait until next issue to see them. changing the tire I blew on the New York before moving to Philly about been considered by some to deviate from Amanda K. Williamson discussion was largely concerned with three years ago. In his ensemble, Batukis, curb. Not sleeping causes Brain straight roots reggae. What I feel is of Daniella Starr music that we might refer to as being to Xande marries the percussion traditions of particular interest with the Dialects is that I’m also trying to get vehicular damage. The next day a large degree “in the traditions”; that is Brazil with contemporary forms. You’ll their vocal style is largely an American Phillyhiphop.com to do some I interviewed the Ray Gradys at Elise Miller to say that many of the performers that I find elements of hip hop, reggae and hip hop style (that is to say they don’t writing for us. These guys are Tattooed Moms. I walk in and spoke of concentrate on the retention of even rock and roll mixed together. The rhyme in the dancehall vocal style that cultural musical practices in contemporary really immersed in the Philly hip the place is packed with people result is often very danceable and always is heard in the “reggae” music played on times. This is not to be misunderstood as lively. In fact one of the things that was hop scene and it would be a great dressed in Santa suits. The Santa hip hop stations). They are both United a criticism. Ancient musical traditions are evident to me at the live performance States born and have come up through honor to work with them. Check Crawl had gathered at moms and invaluable and by striving to retain them, was Cruz’s insistence on playing pieces American hip hop music, while embracing On the cover: Ruder Than You them out at www.phillyhiphop.com I had a horrible flashback to the we keep the sound tradition alive. We that the Brazilian community would find the tenets of Rastafari. Another important and tell ‘em I sent ya. beginning of the movie “City Of can think of the whole of musical ideas appropriate for dancing. You will always element to the sound is the use of a live as a living library that is transferred from hear some samba at his shows. In 2004 band. In this sense, the Dialects follow in Lost Children”. One drunk Santa Special thanks to: Paul Downie, the Philadelphia tradition of live hip hop We have just set up a myspace is funny. One hundred drunken JoAnna Marmon, Heather Rosen- established by the Roots. Every second feldt, Zach Brown, Russell Jennings, account under local music network Santas is panic-inducing. Luckily and fourth Wednesdays of the month, the Thomas & Marie Jennings, Carl as another means of keeping the Mike broke the tension with his group hosts an open event at the Aqua Finkbeiner, Elise Miller, Kevin Wil- Attention Musicians people informed and building Lounge in the Northern Liberties. Live holiday advances towards the liamson, Brendan Ryan, Eric Franke, sets are interspersed with selector sets from this network. We honor all friend ladies. Chivalrously asking “Wanna Lamont Caldwell, Charlie Ginsberg. the Royal Majestic Sound djs. The event requests so don’t be shy. sit on my face and tell me what you Caitlin Fitzgerald Don’t sign anything without consulting an is free and MCs and instrumentalists are want for Christmas?” in the most Entertainment Lawyer. welcome to sit in. You can find the Dialects Thanks to Joanna Marmon of humble way possible. He's so damn The views and opinions expressed in this magazine do not represent the on the web at www.dialectsmusic.com. Intrepid Jam Productions we now suave. They have released two albums to date have a nifty little party at the Grape views of Local Music Network or of the Replicants Inc. and are working on a third. They also Street to celebrate the release of Lastly, I went to a Pollyanna ARIJ S. FARUQI collaborate with the folks from Burndown this issue. and received an “I deserve a beer” Local Network Compendium is pub- Attorney at Law Studios, a collective of MCs and musicians (www.burndownstudios.com). t-shirt. I wish it said “I deserve a lished and owned by the Replicants Inc., which also means we own the 610.565.1708 There is no Advice? section this nap” Until next time, may you move in content. So don’t use any of it without [email protected] month. It seems that there was giving us the proper credit. I think rhythm and hear the songs of the wind in a general lack of interest so we [email protected] it’s only fair seeing as how you didn’t your ears. Blessings and Love. pulled it. If you have no idea what pay for this copy. Remember we have Gibson & Perkins, P.C. 200 E. State Street spies everywhere. Copyright 2004 the Attorneys And Counselors At Law Suite 105 [email protected] Replicants Inc. www.gibperk.com Media, PA 19063 4 5 Columns LOCAL MUSIC NETWORK VOL 1 ISSUE 3 LOCAL MUSIC NETWORK VOL 1 ISSUE 3 Columns PUNK ROCK RAMBLINGS the Slut Monkey Circus

Every thing is punk rock now of us are just paying homage. So Cotton Candy Revue days “Dude those shoes are so in the tradition of honoring the Ten minutes later I’m in my friend the mid-seventies, musicians and punk rock” “Man that new Good truly “Punk Rock” among us I’m Matt’s car and a Surfa Rosa song writers had SOMETHING to sing Charlotte web site is so punk having a little contest. Write me comes spitting out of his tape deck. and scream and spit about. They rock”. What? First of all shoes, with true punk rock stories. If I "Odd," I scribble on mental scrap had a voice. Today, what we have paper. Another fifteen minutes is delegated by Clear Channel and web sites, and especially Good really like the story I’ll put it in The Slut Monkey Circus Cotton later I’m at the hipster watering blogs: Re-heated, left-over instant- Charlotte are not punk rock. Things the next article I write so we can Candy Revue or possessions may be associated share it with the world and as a hole called The Library. Gosh be mash potatoes. And that’s about it. with, or look punk but that does not reward in true punk rock fashion -A Public Service brought to you damned, but the Pixies best-of CD Oh, and some really klever Pixies make them punk rock. Punk Rock you will receive nothing except by Beauregard B. Singleton is being played at random. Yes, covers. is attitude, some have it and some the knowledge of knowing you yes; too much of a good thing. If you’re mad because this is a little don’t. Piercing your nose, wearing did something. Send CD’s, hate Welcome to 2005. How many Arg! Makes me want to burn my short this month, go to hell. I don’t by Fish safety pins on your sweatshirt, and mail, and Asian mail-order brides resolutions have you broken yet; Pixie bootlegs and start listening to care! I’m mad and hungry and shopping at your local Hot Topic to Fish at Local Music Network hopefully all of them. I for one Vanilla Ice. Apparently, he’s punk going to be late for work. does not automatically make you 112A Bala Ave Bala Cynwyd PA broke all of mine before the New rock now. So it’s a New Year for or anyone else punk rock. Punk 19004 or email me at fish@localm Year began and would like to break But what does it matter? It’s 2005 If you would like to tell me music in Philadelphia and the rock is eating your own shit on usicnetwork.com. The views in this more. I’d be happy to break yours I belong to the Blank Generation. to go to hell or ask me out scene is really starting to shape up. stage like G.G. Allin or writing article are not necessarily shared by for you if you’d like. Thirty years ago Richard Hell on a date, you can find me. Bands like Trash Light Vision, The your own book on notebook paper, the other losers at LMN but they Last column I said I’d review that coined that term, but I think it’s [email protected] Union Dead, Primadonnaz, and photocopying it at Kinko’s and should be because I’m right. recent Diplo album, but I won’t more relevant today. At least by my personal favorite Loafass are selling it in front of Tower Records Rock on Fish. because I listened to it once and drawing larger crowds and more like Mikey Wilde. Most of the rest [email protected] dedicated fans not only in Philly have no desire to listen again. A and the burbs, but also starting to standard electronic hipster affair build fan bases in other citys such for the rich white kids who need as New York. Any success that one to rebel against their trust funds... or all of these bands achieve can exciting! only help the local scene. A couple Arrg! I’ve been listening to the bands you should to make it a point Vintage 36 Pixies for literally half my life. If to check out are the Ray Gradys, I hear Monkey Gone to Heaven Famous in Vegas, and the Low one more time I might cut my ears Budgets (featuring ex-members off. So what? Kim & Black are of the Dead Milkmen). I’ve seen Vintage Clothing, Furniture making nice so they can headline them all and they all fucking rock, & Other Stuff big venues and get nice shiny cars. although I’m sure the Ray Gradys 3601 Lancaster Ave. At I can’t say I blame ‘em, and they will make fun of me for saying Philadelphia, PA 19104 probably deserve it. But at the they “rock”. P;267.531.2822 same time, there can always be too I’m really looking to make F:267.531.4200 The Greatest Store Ever much of a good thing. this stupid article I write each [email protected] month more interactive so If you Recently, I was in New York for have a band send me a CD or email a Loafass show and met up with Mon-Fri 11-8 Sat 11-6 me and let me know when you 3624 Lancaster Ave an old friend afterwards. Waiting have a show. I’ll try to get out and for my friend outside of CBGB’s Sun 12-5 see ya. Philadelphia I heard another band covering In the meantime however, Debaser or something; brought a I’ve been intrigued as of late by smile to my face, but... the use of the term “Punk Rock”. 6 7 Columns LOCAL MUSIC NETWORK VOL 1 ISSUE 3 LOCAL MUSIC NETWORK VOL 1 ISSUE 3 Columns PUNK ROCK RAMBLINGS the Slut Monkey Circus

Every thing is punk rock now of us are just paying homage. So Cotton Candy Revue days “Dude those shoes are so in the tradition of honoring the Ten minutes later I’m in my friend the mid-seventies, musicians and punk rock” “Man that new Good truly “Punk Rock” among us I’m Matt’s car and a Surfa Rosa song writers had SOMETHING to sing Charlotte web site is so punk having a little contest. Write me comes spitting out of his tape deck. and scream and spit about. They rock”. What? First of all shoes, with true punk rock stories. If I "Odd," I scribble on mental scrap had a voice. Today, what we have paper. Another fifteen minutes is delegated by Clear Channel and web sites, and especially Good really like the story I’ll put it in The Slut Monkey Circus Cotton later I’m at the hipster watering blogs: Re-heated, left-over instant- Charlotte are not punk rock. Things the next article I write so we can Candy Revue or possessions may be associated share it with the world and as a hole called The Library. Gosh be mash potatoes. And that’s about it. with, or look punk but that does not reward in true punk rock fashion -A Public Service brought to you damned, but the Pixies best-of CD Oh, and some really klever Pixies make them punk rock. Punk Rock you will receive nothing except by Beauregard B. Singleton is being played at random. Yes, covers. is attitude, some have it and some the knowledge of knowing you yes; too much of a good thing. If you’re mad because this is a little don’t. Piercing your nose, wearing did something. Send CD’s, hate Welcome to 2005. How many Arg! Makes me want to burn my short this month, go to hell. I don’t by Fish safety pins on your sweatshirt, and mail, and Asian mail-order brides resolutions have you broken yet; Pixie bootlegs and start listening to care! I’m mad and hungry and shopping at your local Hot Topic to Fish at Local Music Network hopefully all of them. I for one Vanilla Ice. Apparently, he’s punk going to be late for work. does not automatically make you 112A Bala Ave Bala Cynwyd PA broke all of mine before the New rock now. So it’s a New Year for or anyone else punk rock. Punk 19004 or email me at fish@localm Year began and would like to break But what does it matter? It’s 2005 If you would like to tell me music in Philadelphia and the rock is eating your own shit on usicnetwork.com. The views in this more. I’d be happy to break yours I belong to the Blank Generation. to go to hell or ask me out scene is really starting to shape up. stage like G.G. Allin or writing article are not necessarily shared by for you if you’d like. Thirty years ago Richard Hell on a date, you can find me. Bands like Trash Light Vision, The your own book on notebook paper, the other losers at LMN but they Last column I said I’d review that coined that term, but I think it’s [email protected] Union Dead, Primadonnaz, and photocopying it at Kinko’s and should be because I’m right. recent Diplo album, but I won’t more relevant today. At least by my personal favorite Loafass are selling it in front of Tower Records Rock on Fish. because I listened to it once and drawing larger crowds and more like Mikey Wilde. Most of the rest [email protected] dedicated fans not only in Philly have no desire to listen again. A and the burbs, but also starting to standard electronic hipster affair build fan bases in other citys such for the rich white kids who need as New York. Any success that one to rebel against their trust funds... or all of these bands achieve can exciting! only help the local scene. A couple Arrg! I’ve been listening to the bands you should to make it a point Pixies for literally half my life. If to check out are the Ray Gradys, I hear Monkey Gone to Heaven Famous in Vegas, and the Low one more time I might cut my ears Budgets (featuring ex-members off. So what? Kim & Black are of the Dead Milkmen). I’ve seen making nice so they can headline them all and they all fucking rock, big venues and get nice shiny cars. although I’m sure the Ray Gradys 3601 Lancaster Ave. I can’t say I blame ‘em, and they will make fun of me for saying Philadelphia, PA 19104 probably deserve it. But at the they “rock”. P;267.531.2822 same time, there can always be too I’m really looking to make F:267.531.4200 much of a good thing. this stupid article I write each [email protected] month more interactive so If you Recently, I was in New York for have a band send me a CD or email a Loafass show and met up with Mon-Fri 11-8 me and let me know when you an old friend afterwards. Waiting Sat 11-6 have a show. I’ll try to get out and for my friend outside of CBGB’s Sun 12-5 see ya. I heard another band covering In the meantime however, Debaser or something; brought a I’ve been intrigued as of late by smile to my face, but... the use of the term “Punk Rock”. 6 7 Articles LOCAL MUSIC NETWORK VOL 1 ISSUE 3 LOCAL MUSIC NETWORK VOL 1 ISSUE 3 Articles

8 9 Articles LOCAL MUSIC NETWORK VOL 1 ISSUE 3 LOCAL MUSIC NETWORK VOL 1 ISSUE 3 Articles includes everything from grass roots marketing to radio advertising for a major radio station in the Philadelphia market. With this strong foothold in so many needed aspects of the promotions and presentations industries, it’s no wonder these two can get any exciting job done with time to spare and every bit of energy put to good use.

Since the Lacuna Coil show they have kept busy promoting for smaller shows all across the map in the Philadelphia area, and now the partnership is adding a monthly event at the Grape Street in Philadelphia to their busy schedules. To keep the interest level up, "Second Sundays" will be in full rotation every month in 2005. Not only Written by: Kristoffe Brodeur business sense, IntrepidJAM will this monthly night keep the patrons has become a success story. Things coming back, but so will the constantly The Production company IntrepidJAM always have a way of starting out changing DJs, exciting up and coming first came to you in July 2004 when they small and exploding into something bands, enthralling live performances, brought international great when people like this pair pay artists, vendors, and featured/themed recording artists Lacuna Coil to the attention to detail. events. The concept of combining Trocadero. The Philadelphia based their talents with this multi-tiered Goth rock band, Tapping the Vein, When asked what sets them apart environment keeps IntrepidJAM's beat supported, while the up and coming alt from other promoters in the hitting on through the night. rockers, Head, opened the show. This industry, the team responded that they all came together deliciously during the have been through a lot together So, if you're in the mood to do competing buzz of the hectic Ozzfest and are "like family". If you don't take something out of the ordinary, and schedule. their word for it, ask want to feel like you did more than just The show was a huge success and Lacuna Coil, My Life with the Thrill get out of the house, keep your earned accolades from fans and industry Kill Kult, or Eddie Razor from eyes peeled for IntrepidJAM's list of members alike, including officials from Ministry. These bands are not only varying events. It's pretty clear House of Blues Concerts. respected, but are supportive of that you won't be anything but fully IntrepidJAM and what both sides have satisfied when you make the right brought to each other. JoAnna and Erik decision and sway to a more seductive The makings of IntrepidJAM began both agree, "We treat our artists really dark set of events that will make long before, in a club on an well and we love bringing fans you grin with pleasure. Stay tuned otherwise typical Wednesday night, and music together. The happier to this gruesome two-some and their when Erik Levinson was introduced to everyone else is, the happier we are." legions of JoAnna Marmon. The team became talent… rumor has it that some big plans fast friends and started talking about Their background and attitude are are on the horizon, and coming their love of music right away. probably their keys to success. your way soon. Discussing their common desire to Prior to moving back home to be a part of the music and not just an Philadelphia, Erik studied Arts audience member left a seed inside management in Chicago. After school, them both for something larger. Several he ventured out West to the bright years passed before the two City of Las Vegas where he ran his For more information on were able to follow through on their own entertainment company. While IntrepidJAM and for additional event dreams to bring something different running his company he successfully information visit their Website: not just to Philadelphia, but to the assisted in booking shows and http://www.IntrepidJAM.com world. Through their music industry events at major casinos. JoAnna's connections, positive attitude, and good background compliments Erik's as it

8 9 Articles LOCAL MUSIC NETWORK VOL 1 ISSUE 3 LOCAL MUSIC NETWORK VOL 1 ISSUE 3 Articles Another reason they know hip hop is Bohemian Fifth not dead is that Philly is fertile ground for artistic collaborations with other artists. Their album credits read like a guest book of local hip hop heads. He says that the highly competitive nature of battling and battle-rhyming, once it’s been coopted by industry labels, effectively “severs connections” for groups trying to expand and reach out to their local bases. “We always look locally first because they’re the most attainable. Those are the people we rub out elbows with by Amanda K Williamson is for the children of the hard knock life. in this community, so when we meet For the ghetto heroes, playas, sayers, somebody and we think they’re talented Bohemian Fifth calls Philly their and saviors. This is for err’body. For we reach out. I know that’s habitual “ground zero.” They hail from various those of us that work 40 plus hours a because we always reach out say ‘Yo, places––New Jersey, Atlanta, and muthaphuckin’ week. This is for our let’s work on some songs,’” McDaniel Brooklyn––but they came together Mamas. This is for our Mama’s Mamas. says. here for the permanent good of all This is for We...the People.” BoFifth grew out of just such a underground citizens about three years collaboration between two groups of ago. They spit rhymes about everything So who are the people who made We spoken word acts, Nat Burn and Ghetto from sex to poverty to stuff you find in The People? When Obsydian (Kinté Hero. After seeing each other perform your couch. Their lyrical bite has left McDaniel), LuckyLiveWire (Demetrius in all of the same circles, coming them branded as “conscious rap” but Brown), LastWord (Jerrold Randall), together to make unique but marketable they buck the label every chance they and Inglish (Marvin Benjamin) music just seemed like a natural get. Their musical versatility (every talk about the rap scene locally and progression for the four members. track is like a fresh helping of homage to nationally, it’s clear that they hate Each of them has had to adapt their a different tradition, dancehall, reggae, pretense as much as they hate prejudice, own writing styles to suit the group’s spoken word, R&B, jazz) allows them but they never seem to have a bad word creative goals, but none more so than to range confidently over diverse yet to say about fellow recording artists. McDaniel who struggled in his poetry interwoven subjects. A generous spirit They would sooner call themselves with accessibility. of collaboration with such local groups “hustlers of rhyme” than be associated “I had to adapt my style so that people and artists as Byrd2Banks, Versus, Misty with the primadonna image their album could grasp it. I used to want to write Sol, and Electric Lady, to name a few, cover ridicules. in such a way that as soon as you read gives their debut album We The People my verse you gotta go to the dictionary. an unusual depth, accessibility, and Kinté McDaniel: The group and their That’s not all that realistic. People don’t above all, effervescence. fans refer to him as the “energetic” one. have dictionaries in their cribs. So I We The People was two years in No stranger to theatrics, at a recent show toned that down, and I had to tone up development and here’s why: production at Tragos, 38 S. 19th St., he charges the my imagery and my metaphors. I’ve and presentation are as polished as stage and kneels, spread-eagled, before gotten a lot better at expressing my point the Cadillac in their signature song the cameras. This posture is more than since I decided to make my things more “Fleetwood.” The album cover satirizes a part of his stage presence, though. pliable so people can ingest them a lot record and magazine industry with Listening to him speak on the national better,” he says. superbly tight photography and clever rap scene, you can tell he conceives Now McDaniel raps caustically design. As they put it in their dedication of himself as something of a poet/ about the sometimes monotonous and page: philosopher/ prophet. amateurish poetry scene: I go to sleep to “We are not trying to ‘change “It’s like I’m Moses coming down them boring-ass po-ets/ No disrespect to the game’ like so many new artists from Mount Sinai, right, and, looking those I have not met yet/ But, as usual, claim. Instead, we humbly submit this down on the people, the hip hop scene your ass is suspect... contribution in hopes that you see how now, it’s idolatry,” he intones. More The album is choked full of nostalgic we see, hear how we hear, walk where seriously, he adds, “I know we really and sophisticated language plays. we walk. can’t stand when people say hip hop is Bleeding edge slang mixes with folk This is for work-a-holics who get off dead. We really don’t want nothing to expressions, aphorisms and meditations just in time to see their seeds sleep. This do with that whole hypothesis.” on historic racist palaver. “Crowbars” 10 11 Articles LOCAL MUSIC NETWORK VOL 1 ISSUE 3 LOCAL MUSIC NETWORK VOL 1 ISSUE 3 Articles with Misty Sol is just such a lyrical labeling it “conscious.” He wears the on lyricism, not the experience. We’re meditation. super-serious, starving artist image not trying to have people walk in the Jerrold Randall: If McDaniel is the like a comfortable coat, but he is also parkway with us on a Sunday afternoon. “energetic” one, Randall is definitely the responsible for producing the group’s We’re trying to evoke an emotion,” he brooding one. Humble and quiet to a more savory beats and songs. He looks says. fault, Randall says he didn’t really want forward to shooting the video for the Demetrius Brown: The oldest member anything to do with music until he got to single “Fleetwood,” adding that there of the group, this Jersey native is college. Perhaps that attitude came from will definitely be girls and cars in that seasoned, sagacious, and perpetually having to share his bedroom with his video. With the group’s eclecticism, unruffled. Extremely pragmatic in his father’s recording equipment. there really isn’t anything too daring to outlook, he’s disturbed by the statistics “My father raised me until I was attempt. Nor is there anything subject that surround the hip hop industry. He fifteen. He had a studio at the crib. In too hackneyed for the group to put an traces the highly competitive nature of the living room, half was my room, half original, classy spin on it. the industry and the ever precarious, was the studio. I rebelled until I was “Even the most ‘conscious’ person short-lived careers of its artists to the in college, but once I got into music, still thinks about sex and making it,” fact that there are only six major labels I really appreciated having a dad. He Randall says. for the aspiring MC to sign on to. Six taught me the basics, but if you ask Judging from the turnout at the channels, countless acts. him he would say that I showed him “Pacemaker” video screening party on “What really bugs me about when some stuff,” Randall says. He plans Dec. 16th at Tragos, the song and the people talk about hip hop is that it’s to collaborate with his Dad, who plays video has gotten more than the ears of definitely a culture, but it seems like jazz, on BoFifth’s next album. the Philly hip hop community. Shot in the MCs are being overlooked by the But Randall says it was his childhood Kensington and blistered with images spoken word part of it. But one of the peers who inspired him to write the of street life, the video has a raw, super- central, core units of hip hop for me has song on which the group’s first video condensed feel to it. The director, always been the word, and it seems like is based. “Pacemaker” tells the story of Temple senior Araeia Robinson, drew that’s being overlooked. The people Youngblood, a young. low-level drug inspiration from independent films more want a movement, but the movement pusher who grew up without a father. than current music videos. can only be started from the words. If Youngblood comes between a drug “That’s what BoFifth digs. That’s the the words don’t mean anything, then dealer named Blaze and a cop named dynamic. You gonna get an the movement doesn’t mean anything,” Jake. independent film style video, you gonna Brown says. None of the characters know that Blaze get a ride-out video. Sometimes you In a scene where fans demand a is the son Jake abandoned in his gotta be a rebel, sometimes you gotta be package deal consisting of three parts youth. Looking back on his years in hard, sometimes you gotta hustle. Or image, one part substance, Brown Brooklyn, Randall recalls street even if you’re just painting pictures, I definitely goes against the grain. In corners flooded with “fatherless” feel that there’s no reason why you gotta fact, BoFifth’s music tests the mettle of children. paint just one type of picture, do you?”” the very industry it seeks to penetrate. “I wrote the first draft in one night. I Randall says. Their album ends with a little, ragtime stayed up all night writing it. The basis Marvin Benjamin: Inside the album’s ditty called “And That Was It.” Two of Youngblood’s life just came right out cover, Benjamin poses with nothing old men, the projected incarnations of the pen,” Randall says. draped over his torso but a half-lit, fur- of the group’s members, are chatting, He had just read Octavia Butler’s sporting woman in a mock perfume reminiscing about the long-vanished, Parable of the Sower. Like that novel, ad. The fake copy reads “Inglish: whirlwind success of the BoFifth. the song explores irony and fate. For Women. Sexy in any language. It’s a bittersweet, prophetic vision of “Irony, that was one big thing I really Introducing Inglish, the new women’s possibility. And then the dust cleared,/ want to touch on. In a lot of my rhymes, fragrance.” The satire couldn’t be more and we realized we were being left out there’s a big play on irony, a big play dead on because Benjamin is about as of a dream... For Philly’s hip hop scene, on karma, change that doesn’t change. far from a cold, cocky player as you can BoFifth may be left of center, but, for Once you make it, you get shot, once get. A new father, a college drop out, the time being, they are definitely not you get a job, you get fired. The cycle and an aspiring fiction writer, Benjamin left out of this city’s dream. of life, too. In the lyrics, we use kids maintains a strict division between playing red light, green light as a art and life. Explaining that BoFifth metaphor because in the game you turn favors the acapella tradition known as around and people are supposed to look po-hop, he favors lyricism over more just exactly like they were, so they’re confessional modes that assume a frozen,” Randall says. common experience between artist and Randall doesn’t seem bothered audience. by critics who pigeonhole his rap by “That style of poetry is more focused 10 11 Interviews LOCAL MUSIC NETWORK VOL 1 ISSUE 3 LOCAL MUSIC NETWORK VOL 1 ISSUE 3 Interviews

RUDER After A Three Year Hiatus...

After Conquering Loss & Tragedy... THAN

Ruder Than You Is Back! Armed With

Their New Album YOU

Philly Stylee By Brain

12 13 Interviews LOCAL MUSIC NETWORK VOL 1 ISSUE 3 LOCAL MUSIC NETWORK VOL 1 ISSUE 3 Interviews bit, and really between Ruder Than You and Public Service, in Philadelphia we were really the main bands. And when touring bands wanted to come through we would do our best to help them. The Philadelphia Ska scene really grew up around Ruder Than You and Public Service. We were bringing in bands from New York. There was a show that we did at the TLA: it was Ruder Than You, Mephaskaphales, Skafflaws, and Skitterbox, and we sold out the TLA. There was a line around the block! It sold out early in the evening, and that was really fantastic. That opened up amazing opportunities in Philadelphia for Ska shows and for Ruder Than You. We were able to headline the Troc and the TLA for two or three years. During that time period we were able to tour to promote our second record “Horny For Ska” that came out on Moon Records. For those not familiar with Ruder Than in 1989. After we were a few years into We did a moderate amount of national You, what kind of music do you play? it then the third wave started happening touring, a lot of regional touring. and we considered ourselves a third Moon Records was helpful for getting Doug: We’ve always considered wave band. It was basically myself distribution so we were able to walk into ourselves a Ska band but really our and John Woodman our drummer. We a bunch of towns across the country and sound has never been pure Ska. were students at Penn State University. kids would know about us. We’ve always drawn upon a lot of We were both advertising trying to different influences; a lot of Reggae, get together bands. We found each Where have you been the past few and all different forms of Reggae like other and with that nucleus we brought years? Dancehall and Rub-a-dub, and we try to together others. We had a five piece incorporate that into the music as much band; the band that recorded our first Doug: We took about a three and a half as we can cause that’s stuff we love and CD big step was the first incarnation year hiatus and then we’ve been back love to listen to. We also incorporate of Ruder Than You. We moved to playing for about a year and a half now. a lot of other sounds like hip hop… Philadelphia right around the winter of I think it was summer of 2003 that we punk type of stuff. Philly Stylee is our ’91 from State College PA. We started did our first comeback show, but it’s true sound. That’s what we’re calling our doing some shows ; trying to start a we haven’t been doing a lot of playing. sound. It’s the sound of Ruder Than following primarily in 21+ venues. At The third wave of Ska came crashing You because of the stuff that we listen Penn State we got a fantastic response; down and things became difficult, from to, the stuff that we hear, the stuff that’s it just seemed like college kids at that a business perspective, to do what we influential around us… I can’t give you time were really into the energy. People were doing and maintain the band, our a real easy answer but if you look at at that point really didn’t know what Ska income, and the standard of living we the front cover of our new upcoming was. Everybody that asked a question had at one point. Shortly after that time, record Philly Stylee you’ll see we put on about your band and you said the word Moon Records, our label, went out of there a little bit of everything. We kind Ska…everybody said “What! What is business for the same reasons. When of throw it all out there and let people that?” That’s a huge difference between that ship went down it went down with a decide because what it comes down to is back then and right now. lot of our product. It kind of cut our feet that every song we do can be described a We built a nice little following. out from under us. We haven’t seen any little bit differently. Around the mid ‘90s we really started royalties at all from Moon Records in to be able to tap into the all ages scene four or five years now. What about your history? in Philadelphia and started playing the There were some personal issues that Trocadero on a routine basis; started several of the members went through Doug: Ruder Than You evolved out of opening for some bands. We had two or at that time. I have a family with two the depths of Ska darkness somewhere three great opportunities to open for the young kids so I was doing a lot of that between the second and the third wave Bosstones; that really helped us quite a stuff, trying to do what I needed to do to support my family. 12 13 Interviews LOCAL MUSIC NETWORK VOL 1 ISSUE 3 LOCAL MUSIC NETWORK VOL 1 ISSUE 3 Interviews And we had some changes within the from my family, and especially from Did you think your music career was band, some membership changes, people the band. This also showed me who over? wanted to pursue some different, maybe my friends were: who loved me, who better paying, opportunities in their didn’t love me, who loved me only for Freddie: It was maybe about a year lives. the parties that I threw on the weekends. and a half or two before I really even And we had one loss… our sax player The life that I’m living right now I can thought about the band. It took me Trish Johnson passed away around that count my friends on five fingers and that long because of the stuff that I time in an automobile accident coming I’m happy about that; life is much better was going through and just learning to back from the Jersey shore; she was right now. I thought it was going to be adapt to the ways. While I was in there doing a jazz concert down there. a struggle for me but it wasn’t a struggle I wrote about sixty songs while I was And Freddie spent three years in jail. at all. I did what I had to do, did what sitting in that cell. I joined the music Freddie is an essential part of ruder than I was told to do and life goes on. I take department while I was there and I you, he’s our lead singer, our toaster responsibility for everything that I’ve played with the Latino guys cause that and one of our main influential musical done and that had happened to me. It’s was the closest to the Ska Reggae that I contributors…and as a performer, a first time experience, going to prison was going to get. I sat on my bunk and spiritually, and just the way we like and doing the time, and I didn’t think I wrote a lot of tunes and just shipped to bring a lot of positive energy to was going to make it actually. It’s like them home to Doug and let Doug check performances, he’s crucial. We did a somebody throwing you in the jungle them out and hear them…he loved every couple of shows without him, but it just and it’s like “get home”. Life is about bit of it. One of the songs is Reggae wasn’t Ruder Than You without Freddie. living and learning and that’s what Rub-a-dub which you hear on the new A lot of changes, a lot of loss and that you do, you live and learn from it. As CD. I told Doug “As soon as I come out, forced us to take some time off. We at of right now I’ve got nine months left let’s get together man, let’s do this thing that point had been playing for about on my parole and all this will be over man”. ten years and I think we were ready August 5th 2005, and I just move on with for some time off. And in that time I my life. What Challenges have you faced since think it’s given us an opportunity to you’ve been back? realize how important music is and how important the band is to us, gave us time to write and think about a lot of material and I think were ready to come back stronger than ever.

A three year sentence is pretty serious.

Freddie: I was being threatened by someone. An ex-girlfriend’s boyfriend was coming up and threatening me. I didn’t know who he was until he mentioned her name. He let me go after saying what he had to say. I was hot headed and I came back to the house, loaded up my car with my guns, went to his house, kicked his door in and just started shooting up his house. A whole lot of things were going on with me then. If I could have just sat down and talked to somebody, which I could cause I have a loving family like that, I could have gotten a lot of frustration out. . I was also engaged to be married at that time and I ended up losing my fiancé because she was from California and I moved her here to Philly with me, but I couldn’t keep her here, I’m in jail…I couldn’t keep her here. I got great support from everybody:

14 15 Interviews LOCAL MUSIC NETWORK VOL 1 ISSUE 3 LOCAL MUSIC NETWORK VOL 1 ISSUE 3 Interviews Doug: The national Ska scene in record is something we really started what Ruder Than You really is. So the general isn’t as strong. People still think making back in the late nineties; I think Record Philly Stylee that’s coming out is of us as a Ska band, and that angle was 1996. We were going into Third Story a nice transitional record. It does have really good for us when the third wave Recording studio in west Philly, and a lot of the sounds from the third wave was peaking; it helped get us out and doing a bunch of short sessions where and what we were doing at that point as introduce us to a national audience. It’s we’d do maybe two songs, maybe three we were transitioning and now I think harder for us to ride on the coattails of songs just to keep the recording flowing. we’ve finally come around the corner that. That’s a significant change. I think We finished up a handful of songs and and made the transition. So next record that the music business has changed then right before Freddie started his jail you might hear slightly more hip hop over the last few years, and that there time around ’99, we went in and did a sounding things, more Reggae sounding are fewer opportunities for strong local nice little session, about six songs to things, your still going to hear some Ska, bands to play larger rooms like the finish up the CD. We got most of the some really fast driving Ska, but that Trocadaro in Philadelphia or the TLA basic tracks done, but at that point Moon will be just one aspect of the record. We or the Electric Factory. A lot of the Records crashed, the band stopped are all lovers of Ska and Reggae music, national acts are touring in packages performing out, our financial means and so is most of our fan base, so you’re and locally a lot of our premier rooms of finishing the record stopped. There never going to hear us break from that are being booked by national booking was no income so we couldn’t finish, completely, your just going to hear us agencies so it’s much more difficult to and those basic tracks just sat. We had add some new sounds to the mix. get in those rooms. We don’t have local every intent to finish the record, but it people with an ear to the ground trying sat for three years without any work Any last words? to book the best local talent and promote being done on it whatsoever. Once the scene. Freddie got out and we started playing Freddie: I just want to give a shout out The people out there who aren’t again, and started moving forward, and to a lot of people, a lot of fans, a lot of musicians and don’t have intimate getting a little more income, we were Ruder fans. I just want to say thank knowledge of what it’s like to be a able to make our dream a reality, and you for your support while I was there struggling, working musician…It’s hard. put some finishing overdubs on this, and in “college” learning the hard lesson. Even bands that you look at, and you get the whole thing mixed and ready to I want to keep up the good work and cherish, and respect, and you love, and go. Number one we feel like this record make myself proud and make everyone that you think are really big bands; the is artistically something we are really else proud of me and also the band. people are struggling. Unless you’re proud of, But number two it is just extra Come out and support us ‘cause we need getting played on commercial radio special because it’s taken us so long to your help, we really need your help and across the country you’re struggling. get it from start to finish. It’s kinda cool we miss you guys and we love all you Those people that are getting played because most of the basic tracks; most guys. Peace out, Jah Rastafari. on commercial radio; they're starting to of the tracks period on this record were make some money, starting to sell some written and recorded during the peak of product, those bands that are really the third wave of Ska, and really during big underground punk bands, really big the peak of the busiest time of Ruder underground Ska bands, hip hop bands, Than You’s history. We hope that all it’s a struggle. They’re doing it for the those people that are Ruder Than You Ruder Than You Are: love of the music, and their suffering to fans of past, and new people that may Freddie Weaver - vocals and toasting do it. not of heard us, feel as strongly about Douglas Dubrosky - tenor sax, vocals this product as we do. (original founding member) So tell me about the new CD Chris Klimchak - trombone Rod Martino - guitar Freddie: Before I left for “college” we What’s on deck? Don 'Mango' Pancoe - bass (original had recorded the entire album. It was founding member) just a matter of coming in and doing the Doug: We have another record John Woodman - drums (original mix down, the overdubs and stuff like completely written. We have about founding member) that. twelve songs we’ve written over the Dubside - sound Doug: We’re really, really excited last year and a half. We’re incredibly to be releasing the new record. It’s anxious to record and get that one wwwruderthanyou.net called Philly Stylee, and it’s going to out. As much as we’re excited about be out on January 8th, that’s the release Philly Stylee and proud about how this Check Out the review of RTY's new date. We’re releasing it independently record sounds, we’re all even more on our label Gods Ghetto Records. I excited about getting this next project album, Philly Stylee, on page 20 can’t tell you how excited we are. This out, ‘cause it’s our freshest vision of

14 15 Interviews LOCAL MUSIC NETWORK VOL 1 ISSUE 3 LOCAL MUSIC NETWORK VOL 1 ISSUE 3 Interviews more like the Union Dead now. Mike: That’s our new thing; we’re trying to be like the Union Dead. We want to appeal more to the 30+ homosexual audience of Philadelphia. We’re going straight Glam Rock from now on. Earl: Punk Rock; that’s for kids. We’re going straight Glam Rock Mike: That’s for the adults. Mike: We’ve got Jon listening to a lot of Kiss and putting his leg up on the monitor; trying to be more like Richie Hell. Earl has been wearing the eye make-up like Eric Dead; puts the guitar between his legs and shakes his head. And I smash like Marty…he’s going to beat me up when he hears this.

Seriously now.

By Brain Mike: So I said “shut up and put Earl: I don’t know. Having sex a lot your face on the ground” and started onstage What are your beginnings? banging away. Mike: Fast, abrasive assholes onstage Earl: And ever since then he’s been is what we are, and no-one does that. Earl: The Ray Gradys got started our drummer. Everyone wants to kiss ass with the when we decided to start a new band. crowd. We kicked our old drummer out in What do you think of Philadelphia? Earl: Our music is serious and our 1996 lyrics are serious about how phucked- Mike: He didn’t appreciate Earl’s Mike: Crap. There are no good bands up the world is, but our stage show advances. coming out of it anymore. It’s all the shows how we deal with it Earl: We just started the band, I don’t same. Not to get on the Union Dead’s Mike: How phucked-up we are. remember much else. case, ‘cause were all friends and we Jon: We use it to vent our own anger. Jon: We lived in a small town in like them, we’re only just poking Not take it so serious and have fun. North Carolina where everybody fun at them ‘cause they really take Earl: We write about… knows everybody. Everybody goes themselves seriously. There’s a lot of Mike: God, corporations… to church. We came through on tour this glam rock shit coming out, and it’s Earl: Religion about five years ago…It was cheaper all shitty hardcore and the same stupid Mike: The government. People being than New York to live here. punk rock. There’s nothing new. And mindless and slaves to society Earl: We moved up here three years Punk Rock goes through those cycles, Earl: When we were skater kids in ago, and we’ve been broke ever since. and this is what happens when it the late eighties we listened to a lot becomes really commercial; everyone of Operation Ivy, and from them onto How did you meet up with Mike? tries to do the same shit so they can Rancid. get picked. There’s parts when Punk Jon: That was probably our biggest Earl: I was under the L sucking dick Rock is underground-that’s when the influence starting out…Operation Ivy one night… good stuff comes out- and when the Mike: And I was looking for a Jon. good stuff comes out, that’s when What are your goals? Earl: He didn’t find Jon; Jon was it becomes commercial. Right now taking the night off, but I was there. we’re very, very commercial. Mike: I like to get phucked-up and He comes up and says “I’m going to get laid. So if I can do that for the rest give you fifty bucks”. I say “Hey. What are you doing that’s different? of my life, playing in the Ray Gradys, We’re really looking for a drummer. I would die the happiest man in the I’m tired of sucking dick under the L”. Earl: Well…We’re trying to sound world. 16 17 Interviews LOCAL MUSIC NETWORK VOL 1 ISSUE 3 LOCAL MUSIC NETWORK VOL 1 ISSUE 3 Interviews Earl: I think you better try a new hand out four or five hundred fliers their boringness. Same goes for band. for one show and maybe one or two Tattooed Moms where we’re sitting Mike: Yeah…I’m going to join the people from that will come. right now. You see people standing by Union Dead. Earl: That’s why we’re trying to the juke box and their like “ooh, look Earl: To get to the point where we sound more like the Union Dead, at me, I’m at Tattooed Moms”. Look don’t have to work regular jobs and because we’re trying to attract that at this place. This place is a phucking just play for a living. 70+ crowd. dump. Mike: If it wasn’t for cheap beer I How do your shows do? Where are the all ages shows? would never come here.

Jon: Our all ages shows seem to be Mike: The Rotunda, the ALH, Mike: We don’t take ourselves doing really well FDR,American Jubilee…We, just out seriously, that’s why a lot of people Earl: in NC we’re bringing out 150- of nowhere, on a one day notification, don’t like us. See our sticker over 200 kids a show. We were playing all played some kids basement show. No- there… over the Union Dead Sticker? ages shows all the time, so that’s what one was over 21. The oldest kid there (pointing towards the bathroom door) we gotta do up here. was like 20. They got two kegs there, Someone crossed it out and instead of Mike: These kids love us. They come they're all drinking, going nuts, it was saying the Ray Gradys it says the Gay out in force. really fun. Ladies. Well I think it’s great. I think Earl: They're all over us like flies on Earl: Before we left they said “we’re it’s hilarious. shit. inviting you to every party we have: Jon: Bars down there are different, you guys make it fun." The Ray Gradys Are: you don’t have to be 21, just get your Mike: You try antics at a bar and hand marked. no-one digs it ‘cause they all take Earl-y Gates Mike: But up here when you’re trying themselves way too seriously. Jon aka Jake to get people that over 21 to come out Earl: There are too many boring Mike "Yak" Macmero and hear new music, it’s tough. We’ll people around. We’re here to disrupt www.raygradys.8m.com

16 17 Interviews LOCAL MUSIC NETWORK VOL 1 ISSUE 3 LOCAL MUSIC NETWORK VOL 1 ISSUE 3 Interviews I talked to a friend of mine…we used to rehearse in a building in north Philadelphia and there were three rehearsal rooms; two bands rehearsed in every room. I went in to my best friend and said “I just left this other gig. I don’t know what I’m going to do.” He goes “Ya know the band down the hall is looking for somebody”. So I just went and knocked on the door. I walked in and they asked “would you like to sing over a song?” I said “ No, no, no. Play me one of your originals”, and I made up some lyrics right there, and a melody line ‘cause that’s the way I like to work; work off the cuff when I’m creating. We’ve had member changes along the way, basically any band is an evolution. As the band evolves, just like anything in life, some people will go one way some will go other ways. I miss that room… many creative nights in that room. I really feel that there are rooms that are sterile. There was one time we were rehearsing in this room, and we were only there for a month, but we came up with so many ideas in that month. The room just complimented us. Everything about that room just pulled the best things out of us. We created a lot of the songs that are on our new CD Interview with Rob Templeton ever been to Seatle. We were able “Samsara” in this room. By Brain to grasp what was going on there and it was able to come out in our Tell me about Samsara. How do you classify your music? music.

“Samsara” came out in March. Every band has their influences. How did you get together? Samsara is the cycle of life; Some are more apparent than everything comes back around. others. My element, and really the Star to Sun really started when It was recorded over the period band's element, came out of the the original members all got of two years. We went in and Seattle scene in the ‘90’s: Alice together. This band has been recorded four songs as demos, and In Chains, Soundgarden, Pearl around in different incarnations they turned out really well. We Jam, Stone Temple Pilots. I like for about ten years. When I joined finished four songs in ten hours. It to look at us as Seattle wrapped the band it became Star To Sun. I was amazing. We just went in and up in a bow. And none of us have had just come out of a project and 18 19 Interviews LOCAL MUSIC NETWORK VOL 1 ISSUE 3 LOCAL MUSIC NETWORK VOL 1 ISSUE 3 Interviews everybody gelled. has it’s time. You have Burning and I don’t want people to feel Two of the songs we recorded Brides kicking on the charts. alone so if they listen to me then were at Temple University. We You’ve got Silvertide, which just maybe they won’t feel so bad were a college class project. So we exploded all over the place. I think about themselves. The last song went in and cut two tunes. Then we that shines a light on the city. If the on our CD is “Struggle”. The took those songs back to the studio, light is shining on us let’s put our chorus is; “it’s a struggle everyday, and recorded four more. Went to best foot forward. Let’s show what a struggle for your life”. People the other four songs and spent a lot this city is about. Let’s unite and understand that. People want to be more time on those. Then we put a make this the scene we all want it happy, they want to have a good little more into the two that we did to be. Between the clubs, the bands life, but they know it doesn’t come at Temple. At that point we looked and the radio stations; they’ve all to you on a silver platter. I write at the original four and added more got to work together. We’ve all from the heart. We have a song to that. got to have the same goal. Bands on our second CD called “Space Samsara was basically recorded in and clubs are just thinking about For Rent”. It’s about: if you’re a three pieces. We were able to meld what’s going on tonight, or where junkie what do you worship? You those to where if you listen to it, I am I playing. We don’t want worship junk. If you’re religious, don’t think you can tell. It became people to just come out and see what do you worship? You worship seamless. us tonight. We want you to come God. That song is all about the out to this club, and the club wants parallels, about how any kind of Any new material? you to come out. You need to have worship can go too far. You can be people come out and go: “This is obsessed with anything. When I Were going to back in the studio my favorite bar. I come here, and I wrote that song I went and hung out at the end of February and we’re see bands I like. I’m going to come in a heroin house and just watched going to cut three new songs. We out, and I’m going to see these people so I could understand what have one ready now which is called bands, even if I don’t know the I was writing about. A friend of the "Saving The Empty", and we have bands because I know that this is Bass Player asked “Does he use?” a lot of ideas. For the brunt of the place I want to be.” and he said no...“then how did he January, we’re going to take all We’ll make it larger than life. If nail it?” these ideas, we’re going to flesh you're not going to be larger than them out as much as we can, get life, they're going to see you're not What makes your band special? them ready, and take them to the larger than life. They're going out studio, let the producer choose to a show, they want to see a show. I think it’s an entertaining show, the songs that best represent what They don’t want to see a band that’s and I have a megaphone. Nobody we’re trying to do. upset because they didn’t get their uses a megaphone in Philadelphia. We’ve got some people quota of people in a club. They It’s a tool of the trade. It works for interested in working with us. want to see a band that’s out there me. I create a vibe. We do a song There are some things in the works to kick their ass and enjoy it. And called T-Bag. And in the middle of and hopefully 2005 will be the year that’s what it’s all about. We’re it I recite spoken word and at the that all this breaks loose, and then supposed to be having fun as a band end I just scat Doors vocals all the everybody will know who Star To and we’re supposed to be making way out. People are always coming Sun is. sure the people that are out there up and saying “I felt like I was in a are having fun too. coffee house.” What are your ambitions? What do you say with your lyrics? Star To Sun are: I’m hoping that my love for music will be able to help I guess I write depressing songs. Rob Templeton Philadelphia; I’ll be able to do Somebody said my music is music Jay Herb something that will make this city to slit your wrists to. I’m writing Dan Mcmanus stand out, ‘cause there’s a lot of about feelings and emotions. I Mark Ferraro good music in this city. Every city have issues…everybody has issues 18 19 Reviews LOCAL MUSIC NETWORK VOL 1 ISSUE 3 LOCAL MUSIC NETWORK VOL 1 ISSUE 3 Reviews Discs & Demos is brought to you by: Disc’s & Demos Roger “Rags” Segal Poor: Moderate: Good: : Amazing: To get your CD reviewed please send Two copies along with your email address to: Roger Segal 112A Bala Ave. Bala Cynwyd PA 19004

Ruder Than You: Philly Stylee Loafass: Blaast O’ Rock Case Of The Mondays: Bloody Wall Of Gore: Demo Strap: Dead Center Of The Slumloard: Demo Best Served Chilled Universe Is Here Overall Rating Overall Rating Overall Rating Overall Rating Overall Rating Overall Rating Musicianship Musicianship Musicianship Musicianship Musicianship Musicianship Songwriting Songwriting Songwriting Songwriting Songwriting Songwriting Originality Originality: Originality Originality Originality: Originality It’s been a while since we’ve heard from Anyone who has seen a Loafass At first listen I didn’t know what Ruder Than You. It’s certainly refresh- It’s really hard for me to review to make of Bloody Wall Of Gore. Right off the bat Slumlord’s CD is live performance knows that they The first thing you notice about ing to hear their brand of Reggae, Ska, definitely garage. “Streetsweeper are an high energy cocktail best this CD because it is so not my Within the first few seconds of Strap’s “Dead Center Of The Universe Pornofunk return.Philly Stylee imme- served chilled. Blaast O’ Rock is style and yet I have to try and be “Insulation Masterbation” I couldn’t Christ” is Fugazi-like in its con- diatly reminds us that these guys are Is Here” is the excellent sound qual- no exception. From “The Enforcer/ objective. Best Served Chilled peel my ears away- the mixture of ity and packaging. It really is pro and trolled chaos. “Hundred Miles” all top flight musicians with an airtight screaming, hardcore vocals with takes you down on the bayou with rythm section, smooth, crisp drums, Straight to LA’s” menacing guitar is obviously targeting a much Milkboy Recording deserves a lot of Reggae melodies catches you off clean backbeat guitars, and crescendo riffs to the acid surf “Abigail”, younger audience: ala Less Than credit. Track 1 “Backbone” has big some of Satan’s music. Killer bass building vocals. The horns in RTY are Loafass combines metal, punk, Jake, Bosstones. But like the track guard. Combo organs layering guitars and a real arena rock, early on this track with Claypoolish what really stands out, creating that hardcore elements of a Black Flag, “About This Situation” it just BWOG’s great rythm section starts Def Leppard feel. It’s got Michael intervals, but I’m always kind of seedy 70’s streaky background, and Circle Jerks...I even hear a little doesn’t stand out enough. The really penetrating your ears. I’d love Monroeish (Hanoi Rocks) vocals with waiting for the payoff. It’s a shame to see these guys do the soundtrack giving depth to all of their grooves. The Bad Brains in there. playing is solid and the produc- cool harmonies and could almost be the production on this wasn’t a track “Philly Stylee” introduces us to to Vincent Gallo’s next film. “Kill- Blaast O’ Rock brings you into tion is there....it just isn’t untamed mistaken for an old Sweet song...just little better because Slumlord is the psychedelic side of RTY. Their cover er” to “Day 22” is like walking into a little more metal. “Stiff Little some leaky shithole that Loafass enough. I’m sure there are Warped really diverse...musically and lyri- of “Tax Man” is also a standout, being David Lynch’s living room, with Fingers” is a good power-pop song Tour promoters that would salivate cally. This is a band that I look for- vocally dominated with an infectious might be playing at, and spits more ambience than Dead Can that reminds me of Michael Hutch- over “Emily’s” simple plannish ward to hearing more from because hook. The thing that makes this CD so a beer all over you. Fittingly Dance. I really look forward to see- ence from INXS. Another standout is enjoyable is that, while busy, it never sound and “Relaxitive” isn’t with- it sounds really embriotic. I can’t enough, the CD concludes with ing these guys live to see what they “Didn’t Say It Loud Enough”; catchy, seems like overkill. Nothing is out of say I loved it and I can’t say I hated the Misfits “She”, which Loafass out merit; almost reminding me of offer visually, because I can’t help solid, not overwhelming. “Dead place. To me it sounds like Toots & the it...It was just, kind of, there. I’ll so elequently pukes all over. the Police for a second. I guess my but be taken on a trip during every Center Of The Universe” is a good, Maytalls get into a rumble withUrban keep my eye on these guys as they They’re dirty, loud, and most of only issue with Case of the Mon- BWOG song. If you have an open not great, CD. Its production value, Dance Squad. While not re-inventing are brimming with potential. the wheel, Philly Stylee will give any all fun. Pound a drink over your day’s “Best Served Chilled” is that mind, and maybe an open bag of catchy hooks, and seemingly cool in- groove junkie the fix they’ve needed that head Sandman style and check out they just don’t gamble enough. mushrooms, BWOG’s experimental fluences, make it definitely better than is missing from other CD’s in this genre. Blaast O’ Rock. hybrid rock just might be for you. your average fair.

20 21 Reviews LOCAL MUSIC NETWORK VOL 1 ISSUE 3 LOCAL MUSIC NETWORK VOL 1 ISSUE 3 Reviews Discs & Demos is brought to you by: Disc’s & Demos Roger “Rags” Segal Poor: Moderate: Good: : Amazing: To get your CD reviewed please send Two copies along with your email address to: Roger Segal 112A Bala Ave. Bala Cynwyd PA 19004

20 21 X-tras LOCAL MUSIC NETWORK VOL 1 ISSUE 3 LOCAL MUSIC NETWORK VOL 1 ISSUE 3 X-tras Horrorscopes

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22 23 X-tras LOCAL MUSIC NETWORK VOL 1 ISSUE 3 LOCAL MUSIC NETWORK VOL 1 ISSUE 3 X-tras Horrorscopes

Aries (March 21-April 19) Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Your lawn will be irrigated for free You know that thing you've been That trickle down your leg is not compliments of the Indian Ocean. hiding in your room? Well your what you think it is. mom just found it.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) You suspect your lover is cheating Just hold your nose and swallow. Your life begins to blossom....a bit and the neighbor's dog just had like a mushroom cloud. puppies....hmmm.

Gemini (May 21-June 21) Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Venus is in Uranus. Uranus is in "Dammit!! Look at me while I'm You will take up the new shitcans Woody's. hitting you!" diet - Green Apples.

Cancer (June 22-July 22) Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 21) Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) Turns out your lover's attitude isn't Are you going bald? It's all a bad dream the only thing "crabby" this month. It's all a bad dream It's all a bad dream It's all a bad dream

Submit your horrorscopes to: [email protected] Thanks to this month’s contributors: Ransford, Farid Sanders, Jonah Wilson, Jacob Hill, Tim McKenna, and Mary Boardman.

Comix by Hill

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