Interviews


The Bucketlist With DINOSAUR PILE UP [Video]

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Dinosaur Pile Up is one of those bands that straddles not one but several genres. They have a unique blend of sounds that make them one of the most appealing up and coming bands in today’s music scene. The band formed in 2007 in England and quickly released their debut ‘My Rock ‘n’ Roll’ EP in 2008. Dinosaur Pile Up’s newest album ‘Eleven Eleven’ released on August 26th of 2016 via SO Recordings in the U.S. and Europe. The album is the follow up to 2013’s ‘Nature Nurture’ that was released in 2013. The new album was produced by Tom Dalgety (Pixies, Killing Joke, Opeth, Royal Blood). A the title track “Eleven Eleven” first released and fans were flocking to the bands unique style and sound. The band played last years Louder Than Life festival, and this year played Carolina Rebellion, Rock On The Range and Welcome To Rockville. The band has also completed not one, but two tours with Chevelle. First conquering the west coast and just finished up the east coast tour.

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An Interview With Tony Castenada of KYNG! [Video]

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Southern California rock trio KYNG, have been taking over the airwaves at Sirius XM and on stages across the U.S.  The Los Angeles outfit may be a small trip but their sound is huge. Members Eddie Veliz [vocals/guitar], Pepe Clarke [drums], and Tony Castaneda [bass/backup vocals]. Put their talents together and create a sound that far surpasses any genre. in 2011, the group’s debut ‘Trampled Sun’ landed shining critical acclaim for its “California Heavy” sound merging the metallic meanderings of Soundgarden and Queens of the Stone Age with the timeless scope of Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin. They hit the road with everybody from The Sword and Clutch to Trivium and Megadeth—even being picked to play at Metallica’s first-ever Orion Music + More festival. The band wasted no time and immediately started working on their second full-length album and first for Razor & Tie, ‘Burn The Serum’, the trio harks back to the essence of heavy rock ‘n’ roll, forging thunderous percussion to lightning hot riffs driven by a divine vocal howl. At the same time, they keep their eyes wide open towards the future. The band then released their third studio album “Breathe In The Water”, on October 7 via Razor & Tie. Produced by Machine (Lamb Of God, Clutch), the disc was recorded at The Machine Shop Recording Studio in Austin, Texas and is the follow-up to 2014’s “Burn The Serum”. Kyng has been a large part of the festival circuit both last year and this year. They played the Louder Than Life festival in 2016, and this year thus far have played Carolina Rebellion as well as Rock On The Range. The trio paid homage to their fallen brother Chris Cornell by playing the Temple Of The Dog track “Hungerstrike”.  Continue reading →

An Interview With DED [Video]

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DED released their first song in December of 2016 titled “FMFY”. The song instantly instantly lit a fire among nu-metal fans as they quickly fell in love with the band. They have that throwback nu metal sound that monopolized the metal scene in the 90’s and the incorporate a more modern rock sound to make for a catchy tune that will get stuck in your head. Secondly they released “Anti-Everything”. The video was actually directed by Fred Durst (Limp Bizkit), and his vision actually amplified the song through visualization. “Anti-Everything” kicks off with an angsty rap and crunchy riff before ripping into an unforgettable chorus that has been receiving a ton of play on SiriusXM Octane.The band is playing various festivals this year including Carolina Rebellion, Chicago Open Air, Rocklahoma, Rock Allegiance and will also be on tour with Korn in July.. We were fortunate enough to catch up with them in Charlotte when they played Carolina Rebellion. We spoke to them about their new single that is becoming a fan favorite, working with Fred Durst and various other things. Continue reading →

The Bucketlist With KRASHKARMA’s Nicole Skistimas!

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Los Angeles based Alternative Metal Duo KRASHKARMA has been coined as “The White Stripes of Metal” with their singing female drummer intertwining with a guitar sound Frankenstein could take credit for creating. The dynamic on stage between the two vocalists capture a yin and yang that keeps your eyes peeled, your head banging and your lips belting out your new favorite songs. Energy and passion meets explosive guitar riffs – with their debut album, ‘Straight To The Blood’, KRASHKARMA have establishing themselves as one of the hottest touring acts. Made up of Ralf Dietel (vocals, guitars) and Niki Skistimas (vocals, drums) are radiating waves of excitement – especially in Germany and the surrounding countries. Ralf also formerly played guitar for Nine Inch Nails in 2015. Bleeding guitars, crushing rhythms and choruses that go straight for the throat fuse together creating an adrenaline-driven show that lies somewhere between heaven and hell. The band over 450 live performances under their belt and has even licensed music to Fox Sports. After their debut album in 2011 and extensive touring throughout the US and Europe – even representing the metal scene in Morocco, Africa – they stand, poised to strike – ready to tear down new borders with their second album “Paint The Devil”. The album released Oct 16, 2015 via Splitnail Records. The band has an aggressive alternative sound that you have to see in person to believe. The vocal harmonies between the duo is complete perfection.  Continue reading →

Interview With AJ Channing Of FIRE FROM THE GODS! [Video]

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FIRE FROM THE GODS are truly hitting the ground running. Some are compelled to put a label on the band and often it doesn’t fit their unique sound. Rap metal, nu metal, hardcore, or a combination of all of the above still doesn’t define this undefinable band. The quintet’s unique approach to music delivers a familiar but original sound. Calling Austin, Texas home, the band has set out to bring a bigger, more important message to metal that they feel has been lacking. Lead vocalist AJ Channer had this to say about the upcoming record: Continue reading →

An Interview With Mitch Hull of SOFTEN THE GLARE!

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Mitch Hull is a drummer based in North Carolina whose musical resume includes everything from metal to country. Currently, he’s one of the busiest musicians out there – playing with everyone from unknowns to legends (Ryan Martinie & Bon Lozaga in their new band Soften the Glare). To meet Mitch, you’ll immediately find a friendly, kind, unassuming guy, yet within a few minutes of conversation, discover that he’s had a pretty enviable career (and, even had a hand in starting one for a now well-known recording engineer). STG’s highly anticipated first album, ‘Making Faces‘, is set to release Spring of 2017.

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The Bucketlist With Dylan And Steve Of I Prevail! [Video]

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I PREVAIL has been taking over stages all across the country since their cover of Taylor Swift’s “Blank Space” went viral. That certainly isn’t the only thing the band has up their sleep either. Prior to the release of ‘Lifelines on October 21st, 2016 via Fearless Records the band released 3 incredible singles. “Scars”, “Stuck In Your Head” and the incredibly heavy track “Come And Get It”. Prior to that album releasing the band also got the news that their cover of “Blank Space” went gold. The band really has been able to showcase the power of the single, and have more original music as well to back it up. Since the release of the album the band has been on tour with Islander, Wage War, and also had a headlining tour supported by Starset, Vamps, and As Lions. After closing out the festival season last year at Louisville, Kentucky’s Louder Than Life Festival we was able to catch them early on the festival circuit this year at Carolina Rebellion. Again they shared the stage with numerous legendary acts like In Flames, Sum 41, Def Leppard, Rivals Sons and Dillinger Escape Plan. It’s easy to see that I Prevail get the opportunity to enjoy a wide array of bands while they are on tour across the globe. Continue reading →

An Interview With Radkey! [Video]

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If the name Radkey isn’t already etched in your brain it soon will be. The brothers Dee, Solomon and Isaiah make up one of the best up and coming rock bands in the past year or so. After shredding their way through the stage at Carolina Rebellion the band is amped up for their performance at Rock On The Range. The home schooled family band grew up listening to their fathers record collection. And they had a father with good taste in music. They released their debut ‘Dark Black Makeup’ in 2015, and then followed it up with ‘Delicious Rock Noise” in 2016. The bands punk influenced rock sound with a touch of grunge has a gallop and pace that gets your feet moving, and Dee’s baritone voice soothes you through every track. If you haven’t yet had the opportunity to see Radkey live you are truly missing out. Their energetic stage performance is something everyone’s eyes needs to bare witness to. Check your calendar now and schedule it , because seeing them on stage is a jaw dropping good time.  Continue reading →

The Bucketlist With RIKI RACHTMAN! [Video]

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Riki Rachtman has been an ambassador for hard rock and heavy metal since the late 80’s. Most notably known as the host of MTV’s Headbangers Ball from 1990-1995 Riki has also helped the rock and metal world in various ways. He owned the hard rocking night club The Cathouse in Hollywood and brought various bands to play on his stage. The legendary Guns N Roses was also his house band. After helping the music industry Riki has now turned to helping others in such a tremendous way. Starting on June 1st Riki Rachtman will be riding his motorcycle through all 48 states without a chase vehicle, producer or any real plan. The ride is all about raising donations & spreading awareness for Claire’s Place Foundation which provides heart felt help to children and young adults diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis, as well as their families, for the purpose of improving their quality of life. Riki will be documenting his journey and there is also live tracking on his website as well. You can keep up with his journey as he raises money and awareness for Cystic Fibrosis. Riki is also calling out to fans and wants your input on where he should go. You know a great scenic road or highway? An excellent diner? Or a must see landmark? Let Riki know on Twitter and who knows, he may just stop in your neighborhood. Continue reading →

The Bucketlist With VAJRA Founder Annamaria Pinna!

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New York City melodic rockers VAJRA have been turning heads since their formation in 2011. VAJRA uniquely blends hauntingly dark and hypnotic melodic, progressive rock with Eastern Indian themes into foreboding and mysterious lullabies.The band was formed by composer, singer and multi-instrumentalist, Annamaria Pinna during her self-imposed exile in India. Her story is just as compelling as the bands music. Annamaria was the child of a former monk and school teacher, she was encouraged to learn about the world around her and to question her assumptions. She believes there is divinity in creativity. Annamaria has a neurological condition called synesthesia, where she attaches color and shapes to sound. Her synesthesia seems to bring another dimension to the bands music, and it’s possibly the reason they stand out. VAJRA released their debut album ‘Pleroma’ on the Summer Solstice of 2012 (6.21.12). ‘Pleroma’ is an exploration in paradox (east vs west, soft vs pummelling, female vs male) and includes Blake Fleming (ex-The Mars Volta) on drums. Sylvia Massy (Tool, System of A Down, Prince, Johnny Cash) co-produced the vocals and mixed. Tom Baker (NIN, Foo Fighters, Ministry, Prince) mastered. The band has quickly became a must see live act. VAJRA is an extreme force selling-out their first show in November, 2011 (at The Bowery Electric in NYC). Rolling Stone Magazine named VAJRA the “Must-See Act” at the Loudwire Music Festival in 2015. With so much content out there these days it’s easy to overlook a band. AXS Magazing named the band one of the “Most underrated bands”. The band has a unique sound that not only comes across proficiently on the album but also in the live setting with ample amounts of on stage energy. The band has released a new single titled “The Mirror” from the forthcoming album, ‘Irkalla’ – the 1st EP of The Trilogy Series. It was engineered & produced by OH NO! ØKTAPUS at Red 13 Studios. The band will be playing the upcoming BratFest in Madison, Wisonsin along side the bands: Tantric, Bobaflex, Kevlar, the funk master George Clinton and many more.

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