Interview: Brad Hursh of Love &Vengence and formerly of V Shape Mind.

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Brad Hursh (Photo Courtesy of J. Burger)

Brad Hursh was formerly in the band V Shape Mind that was formed in 1999 in Illinois. They released one album “Cul-De-Sac” in 2003 via Universal. The hit single off that record “Monsters” featured Chad Grey from Mudvayne. They toured with Mudvayne and Powerman 5000 as well as some other well known acts. I was fortunate enough to catch the band on tour with Mudvayne and it made me a fan instantly. One of the most in your face and quality sounding bands of that era. The catchy melodies and hammering riffs were just some of the things that made them who they were. There is no doubt that anyone who seen them live would walk away a fan for life. The band called it quits and played their last show in May of 2004 in their hometown of Decatur, Illinois. Since then Brad has done some solo work and has now formed a new band called “Love & Vengence”. The new band also features Vic Zientara who was in V Shape Mind with Brad. We were able to get in touch with Brad via email and talk about his new project and how much music has changed in recent years.

Metal Nexus: V Shape Mind released Cul-De-Sac in 2003 and toured with Mudvayne and Powerman 5000, What were the contributing factors to the band ending?

Brad Hursh: Yeah, we did a lot of touring that year with those bands and also got to play with some other killer bands during that time. One of the highlights for me was playing with Anthrax at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa. That venue has some great history and Anthrax were one of my favorite bands growing up. There were lots of factors in the band breaking up, which are very common tales in the music industry. Our label telling us a lot of things that were just flat-out lies while doing next to nothing to promote cul-de-sac. We felt like we did everything they asked us to do and they chose to put their attention/money elsewhere. At the same time, finding out that our team of people we surrounded ourselves with, manager/lawyer/etc…weren’t the kind of people we needed to look out for us. There’s obviously more to the story but those are the main reasons we felt like we were back at square one, after busting our asses to get to the point where we were. It left a very bad taste in my mouth and I wasn’t really interested in “dancing” for the industry any longer.

Metal Nexus: David Bottrill produced the album, he has worked with some amazing bands like Tool, Dream Theatre, Mudvayne, Staind, and Flaw. How was it working with him?

Brad: David is an awesome guy and a fantastic musical mind. We were so stoked to have him involved. He was looking for a band to sign for his upstart label through Universal. Basically, he got us signed just from a 5-song demo that we did in Minneapolis. He was just amazing to work with, he knew how to get the best out of us a band and out of the songs I had written. Plus, I was already a huge fan of his work so I was completely stoked to be working with such a badass!

MN: Your current project is entitled Love & Vengence, The story is you had two shows booked before you had any material written and didn’t have a full band yet, How did that happen?

Brad: That is true. When I decided that I wanted to put this project together, I had mentioned it to a few people and a couple of shows were offered. I think I had 2-months time to put together a band and write a short set of material. That’s definitely not an approach that I usually take with a project, but I figured it would light a fire under my ass to make it happen. Deadlines can be a good thing, occasionally, since I usually don’t write at all unless I’m feeling inspired.

MN: The band has been formed since 2012, how has fans reacted so far to the music? When can we expect a release?

Brad: Love & Vengeance is a project that we (the band members) decide to do whenever we feel like being active. There’s no pressure that we put on ourselves for shows, etc. We may go a few months without even getting together to practice and we’ve actually only had 3 shows. We like to be picky about playing as opposed to just playing everything that comes our way. Recording an EP has been talked about for quite a while now but it’s just been a matter of everyone’s schedules lining up. That being said, I believe we’re gonna get that ball rolling very soon since it’s something we all really want to happen.

MN: The music industry has changed drastically and record companies aren’t always the best way to go anymore as I’m sure you would agree. West Virginia metal band Byzantine has recently had a lot of success with their album they self-released and are topping the charts on satellite radio. What do you think the advantages and disadvantages are of self-releasing an album?

Brad: I think self-releasing is awesome and the way it should be. I’m not a fan of big labels and the machine in general, so doing it yourself really appeals to me. Of course, it takes money, time and resources to do it yourself but you’re also in control at the same time. Major labels deserve the position they are in from decades of greed, so fuck them, haha! Bands now are making their own records, merch and booking their own tours. Once again, it takes money to make it all happen but at least it’s on their terms and that’s a beautiful thing!

MN: A lot of bands are turning to the fans to actually help fund studio time and production of a new album. How do you feel about Kickstarter and things like that as a way to help get money to make an album?

Brad: It goes back to the previous question/answer, but I think it’s great. Unfortunately money is what it takes to get things going and let’s face it, most musicians are poor, haha! One of the guys in L&V actually mentioned the idea of a Kickstarter-type of thing to help with making our EP. I’m not real sure how to make that happen but I’m not above asking for money…….hence the “most musicians are poor” comment 😉

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If you haven’t heard Brad and Vic’s former band V Shape Mind you have truly been missing out. The greed of some record companies has cost the music industry a lot. There has been many musicians call it quits because of record companies wanting a larger share of the pie, and just micro managing them. We are highly anticipating the debut release of “Love & Vengence”. You can follow the band on their facebook here.

Here is V Shape Mind’s single “Monsters” featuring Chad Grey.

Poynte Release New Lyric Video for “The Villian” [Video]

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The ATL has produced yet another quality band. Poynte has always been adamant about releasing heartfelt music that fans can connect with. The new lyric video “The Villian” is off the album Discreet Enemy that release in February. You can catch Poynte on tour currently with Trapt, Sons Of Texas, and Guns Out At Sundown. We will be catching these guys on the road in Johnson City, Tennessee at Capone’s on July 29th. Come out and support these guys along with the other great acts that are on this great bill. See you there.

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Make sure to keep up with Poynte on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

And here it is…. “The Villian”

Wizard Union

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*This is part of our State Of The Art series, showcasing bands every Monday from the state of the month*

This month’s state is Michigan!

Get ready to have a 3 piece doom groove band fill the void in your soul with spectacular riffs and hooks.  Wizard Union are from the Great Lakes state of Michigan (Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti). If you haven’t heard of these guys you aren’t trying hard enough to find good music. Their release Smoking Coffins is a kick ass groove filled escapade. Listen to the track “Into the Wizard’s Sleeve” and you will forever be a fan of these guys. Sometimes a three piece leaves room for improvement in the sound where something is lacking, this is not the case here. They showcase how a trio can bring you everything you want and need in a bands sound and more. Vocalist and guitarist Samir pulls double duty with his howls on the mic and riffing on his six string. The bass throughout the song sets this low vibrating tone that makes every vein in your body shake. The groove is created by bassist Aaron and the skin slaying drummer Larry who is also in another awesome band called Lizerrd. The songs aren’t overwhelming you with vocals, it’s the perfect amount. The vocals shriek through rattle through your head and linger throughout the day. The melodies created are so catchy you find yourself rhythmically humming and headbanging. The band was founded in 2012 and comprising this type of sound in such a short time. Normal bands spend years and years honing their sound, but Wizard Union is anything but normal. The album has been out over a year, it was released in January 2014. The album was recorded at Lakebottom Recording House where some other great bands have recorded like Lord Centipede, Serpent Speech, Blind Haven, Cloud Rat.

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The band just wrapped up a performance at Back To The Field 3 festival in Ypsilanti where they were heralded as one of the tops bands to grace the stage. We certainly hope these goes can slow things down enough to make it down south to play some shows. Think of them as a slower groovier grunge version of Electric Wizard. In all honestly though, they create this sound that become all their own. Once you hear these guys you will be wanting to add a new patch to your denim vest, so make some room. Check out “Smoking Coffins” on their bandcamp and show these guys some love for making some amazing metal.

Follow Wizard Union:

Facebook

Bandcamp

Twitter

Instagram

and check out Lakebottom Recording House as well.

Review: SpaceMetal Debut Album

11751541_10152828468536511_1974429572_oThe band SpaceMetal have released their debut album and it is pretty far out. After getting an earful of what they have to offer you may think they are from a planet far far away. However, they are indeed from planet earth and yet another product to come from the great state of Louisiana. The self titled debut has some space themed lyrics but the song that first garnered my attention was “Witness to the Witch”. The song with very meaningful earthbound lyrics can connect with most anyone. It’s one of those songs that make you want to take a long drive. They really champion the retro rock sound, with a dash of doom mixed in as well. The riffs come tearing at you in warp speed. It sounds like the band was locked into a time capsule in 1973 and is just now being opened. The retro sound has been making a huge comeback with lots of bands, but the sound Spacemetal achieve is really what everyone is after. The album was recorded in a 1970s analog recording studio, so that can be attributed to the sound somewhat. Singer Travis Acosta has this attention grabbing voice, it keeps lingering in your ear and the melodies are suddenly rolling off your tongue and before you realize it you are singing along. The guitar players John Maracichin and Chris Trentecosta are bound to have bloody fingers by the way the riffs ring out through this album. “The Millipede” starts out with this dominating doom stomp type sound and then the guitars chime in and take over. It has all the ingredients for a classic rock song. Of course the guitars and vocals are up front but the songs would sound completely incomplete without the backbeat of the bass and drums. In songs like “Terra Cat” the drummer Chris Kain is the most integral part of what makes the song have this pace setting groove. The bass lines aren’t without notice either, those thick low tones laid down by Rob Norton help the guitar work stand out even more.

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Spacemetal is a band that could and should become a household name. The debut album is independently released and I’m sure they will soon be having labels beating down their doors. There is a demand for the great tunes they provide and hopefully we will be able to see them out on the road soon as they will be gathering fans all over this planet and others as well. The album was released April 2nd and while we wish we had heard it sooner we are now wishing they will go into hyper speed and have another album completed soon. You can pick up this album for $6 from the bandcamp page they have set up (Link Below). The album is a through and through album that has a tremendous re-listen value, pick it up today.

Bandcamp: https://spacemetal1.bandcamp.com/releases

Follow them on Facebook.

Review: Hateure – Body & Soil

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Doom and sludge music usually has ties to the South. Something about our lifestyle and relaxed slow paced lives always churned out some of the slowest sludge around. There is a new destination in sludge. Pateros, Philippines is the home of sludge masters Hateure. The band actually started out as a progressive style metal band in 2007. They Released two albums in that vein of music (Makabagong Anyo ng Galit, 2010 and A Lustrous Danseur, 2013). It wasn’t long after that the band started to morph and change their sound. Eventually evolving into a doom/sludge/post metal band. They have released their new EP on July 13th, 2015 called “Body and Soil” and are in the process of finishing a full length album to release by the end of the year or early 2016. The EP currently out is 3 tracks, but it is more than enough music to let you know the direction this band is headed. Let me go ahead and tell you now that these guys aren’t playing around, they have found their true sound with sludge/doom and they will soon be climbing to the top of every metalheads favorite bands. The EP was mixed and mastered by guitarist Ronnel Vivo. The first track of the EP is an instrumental. I may be a little impatient but I couldn’t wait for the vocals to chime in even though the instrumental song and title track “Body & Soil” really is true to the sludge sound we all know. Track 2 “Reptilian Blues” is where we really get to business. The song spanning almost 12 glorious minutes is like music from a demented song bird to my ears. (That is a compliment by the way). The guitar work starts the song and these deep chords bellow out so low I can feel the vibrations in my chest. Suddenly we hear the might roar of singer Earl Palma and it was well worth the wait. He holds his own when it comes to comparing him to other sludge vocal legends. The guitar work is a perfect example of sludge, but it also has these groove based tones in it as well giving the track a feel that is truly the Hateure sound. One thing that is surprising is the sound they are able to get with just the one guitarist. The bassist Genesis Trinidad helps set pace in tandem with the solid rhythmic drum beats by Ronaldo Vivo Jr. The band as a whole is a group of musicians that have an amazing chemistry together. The EP is a great teaser for what we can expect in a full length. Anyone that even remotely likes Sludge or doom needs to give these guys a listen because you will become a fan instantly.

Artwork by Ronaldo S. Vivo Jr.

Body & Soil Tracklisting:

1 – Body & Soil
2 – Reptilian Blues
3 – Koleoptera

You can hear and buy the EP on Bandcamp.

Follow the band on Facebook.

Here is a video of them from Sinfest performing the first 2 tracks from the new EP Body & Soil.

Bonehawk!

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*This is part of our State Of The Art series, showcasing bands every Monday from the state of the month*

This month’s state is Michigan!

The newly discovered beast called Bonehawk has escaped the confinement of the zoo. By zoo I mean Kalamazoo, Michigan. They are somewhat of a new band releasing their debut album in October of last year (2014) called “Albino Rhino”. One thing albino indicates is a rarity and that is what Bonehawk is. Every song has this simple yet complex arrangement. The first song I heard was ” Desert Sun” and I was hooked. I listened to it maybe 3 times before I moved on to another song. Vocalist Matt Helt sings with this overwhelming authority. It demands your attention but he makes it seem so natural at the same time. This is one of those bands that makes you want to kick your own ass for not knowing about them sooner. They released the debut album through Hornacious Wax Records, and it was recorded with Jim Diamond at Ghetto Recorders in Detroit, Michigan. You may be familiar with Jim Diamond as he worked with The White Stripes on their first two albums.

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Bonehawk is a band that everyone should give a chance, I promise you will not be let down. They have this vibe and sound that crosses barriers from rock to metal to psychedelic and blues. The guitar harmonies just bring everything together. The vocal style has this sense of calmness to it that is hard to explain. Songs like “Sexy Beast” are perfect examples of how everything can come together in a song. I am not normally a fan of instrumental songs. However, the title track “Albino Rhino” may have changed my mind. When you don’t include vocals in a song you really have to bring something special and they have done just that. The song immediately grabs your attention with these Sabbath like bass licks leading into the song.  Then the riffs kick in. The song is able to stand alone without lyrics, and that is a hard thing to do. We are hoping to catch these guys on the road soon if they come within a three state radius of us we will be there. We can’t wait to hear more of what they have to offer and I’m sure once you listen to them you will feel the same way.

Follow these guys on Facebook here! You can check them out on Bandcamp and buy the album here!

Review: Lynch Mob “Rebel”. [New Song “War” Streaming.]

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The namesake of the catchy hard rockin’ riff filled band Lynch Mob comes from none other than Dokken guitarist George Lynch. The band is releasing the new album entitled “Rebel” on August 21st via Frontier Music. You also have Oni Logan at the helm with his powerful vocal style that has become the voice of Lynch Mob. George has made several appearances on Vh1 Classic’s That Metal Show as a guest musician. He wowed the audience with his guitar work, which helped him attain a new generation of fans. The rest of the band is rounded out with Jeff Pilson (ex-Dokken, Foreigner, Dio) on bass and Brian Tichy (ex-Whitesnake, Ozzy Osbourne) on drums.

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“Rebel” track listing:

01. Automatic Fix
02. Between The Truth And A Lie
03. Testify
04. Sanctuary
05. Pine Tree Avenue
06. Jelly Roll
07. Dirty Money
08. The Hollow Queen
09. The Ledge
10. Kingdon Of Slaves
11. War

George Lynch of course spent a lot of time in hair metal bands throughout the 80’s. There may be some expectations for this album to have some hair metal elements. Let me tell you now, this is not a hair metal album. This album through and through is a melodic hard rock masterpiece. The track ” Testify” will put you into a groove induced coma. The lyrics can hit home with most anyone and will have you singing along instantly. One of the standout tracks on the album is “Pine Tree Avenue”. This track is a blues crazed fast paced anthem. Oni sings ” when we lit the fuse” and it breaks into the riff and cymbal crashes, then later slows down the pace just to hear George tickle the strings with some intricate guitar work. Moving on to the song “Jelly Roll”, it has this melodic harmony that makes the hair stand up on your arms and reminds you of Alice In Chains. All the fat has been trimmed from this song, its the purest form of what Lynch Mob dominate at; hard nosed rock n roll.

Lynch Mob is currently on tour, make sure to go see them on the road. We will be seeing them in the great mountain town of Whitesburg, Kentucky on August 7th with Pikeville, Kentucky’s hometown metal heroes in Downtrend. (www.downtrendmetal.com).

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They also new song “War” today which is available for streaming.

You can keep up with everything Lynch Mob at the following links:

Facebook

Frontiers Music

Highway To Jail: AC/DC Drummer Phil Rudd Sentenced

(Photo by Joel Ford/Getty Images)

(Photo by Joel Ford/Getty Images)

Phil Rudd was in Tauranga District Court in New Zealand on Thursday (July 9). The report by Stuff explains that the rock drummer pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis and methamphetamine and one charge of making a threat to kill. Of course, it is important to remember that different countries, and their states, have different laws when it comes to possession of cannabis. For example, the Arkansas cannabis laws explain that medical marijuana is legal for qualified patients who have been registered with the Arkansas Department of Health, whereas possession of recreational cannabis is strictly prohibited. This is an occurrence in many states due to recreational use being frowned upon as it can sometimes be used recklessly, however medical cannabis is acknowledged to be an important medication for many illnesses. Skin, gut health and immune boosting to name a few. Which is why you can access things like a CBD oil private label supplement drop ship from manufacturer straight to your door. This easy access in so many different areas is the reason more common issues like acne and general ill health are able to be cured or soothed with the use of these products. Of course if the cannabinoid compounds such as CBD (Cannabidiol) then CBD products such as you can find a code here for, can actually be found to be legal or decriminalized in many states, as well as countries across the world. This may mean that a similar level of punishment will have been enforced if the act was carried out there, unless they had been finding cannabis seeds and using them for medical purposes. But as this happened in New Zealand, Rudd’s punishment will be left in their hands. He had been out on bail. The judge advised Rudd if he didn’t comply with the sentencing there would be further punishment. Rudd was sentenced to 8 months of in-home incarceration. Of course, it could be much worse. Being a prisoner in your own home isn’t great but its much better than being in a New Zealand jail. One reason for the ruling is most likely because of Mr. Rudd’s status as a rock icon would make it much harder to house him and he would have to be segregated from the prison population. It’s much safer and cost-efficient for Rudd to spend his 240 days at home.

Currently his bandmates in AC/DC aren’t speaking to Rudd and earlier this year at their Grammy performance drummer Chris Slade took Phil’s place behind the drum kit. The band is currently on their The Rock Or Bust World Tour and are playing tonight (July 9th) in Imola, Italy. Slade has been the drummer on the tour as well. Also to note that Malcolm Young is currently out of the line-up with his illness and may never return to the band. Stevie Young is taking Malcolm’s place at guitar. Stevie is Malcolm and Angus’s nephew. The tour ends on July 25th in Warsaw, Poland. They have referred to this set of dates as the first “round” of dates, so you may expect more dates to come.

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Clutch Release Album Art & Track Listing For Upcoming Release

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Clutch

Clutch is known as one of the hardest working bands in the business. The Maryland based group has announced their next masterpiece titled “Psychic Warfare”. Mark your calendar for an October 2nd release date. The band is releasing the album on their own label Weathermaker Music. The label was formed in  formed in June of 2008. The label mostly consists of Clutch side projects like The Company Band, and The Bakerton Group. Outside of Clutch they have their managers legendary band The Mob, and groove rockers Lionize. The band is very well known for putting on an amazing show and always having great caliber bands on the bill with them. Clutch has already released 10 studio albums, and the material continues to impress. The new album will have alot of shoes to fill in comparison to the last hit album they released “Earth Rocker”.

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Album Art by: Dan Winters

 

“Psychic Warfare” track listing:

01. The Affidavit
02. X-Ray Visions
03. Firebirds
04. A Quick Death In Texas
05. Sucker For The Witch
06. Your Love Is Incarceration
07. Doom Saloon
08. Our Lady Of Electric Light
09. Noble Savage Clutch
10. Behold The Colossus
11. Decapitation Blues
12. Son Of Virginia

 

 

You can follow Clutch at the following links:

Facebook

Twitter

Weathermaker Music

 

Interview with “We Are The Riot” guitarist Cheyne Fritts!

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We had the honor of catching up with “We Are The Riot” guitarist and co-founder Cheyne Fritts. The band has released a demo along with a hard hitting single and music video for “It’s Not What You Wanted.” The band includes two members of Coal Chamber, guitarist Meegs Rascon, and drummer Mikal Cox. The band was formed in 2010 and was the first time Meegs and Mikal had played together since the Coal Chamber split in 2003. The material released so far is a fresh new sound that will appeal to a wide range of audiences. In a recent interview on Bods Mayhem Hour, Mikal referred to We Are The Riot as a “baby band”. Even though the band released material a year ago they are still considered a “newborn” in the music world. The band has all the right pieces and is in the writing process of capturing what will eventually become an album I’m sure we will all grow to love.

 

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Cheyne Fritts

Metal Nexus: You and Meegs formed We Are The Riot in 2010, Did you have a specific sound in mind when you first started?

Cheyne : Not really. We just wanted to have fun and not have any rules. Our only rule was that there were no rules. No idea could be shot down unless we tried it. We try and stick to that as much as we can. I don’t give a shit if one of the guys wants to play a flute in a song as long as it sounds good.

Metal Nexus: The Hollywood Demos was released in 2014, as well as the video for “Not What You Wanted”, How did that material go over with everyone?

Cheyne : I think it did ok. We only really put that out so that we could have something to give away and sell when we went on tour with Wayne Static. We have been hard at work with new material recently.

MN: You have recently been working on new music, When can we expect a debut album?

Cheyne: I really have no idea. We are just trying to write as much as we can right now . I’m hoping to have at least 20 good songs to choose from for an album. We will definitely have more of a idea of a timeline in the next few months. Sometimes our writing process feels like we are taking as long as Tool . Sorry.

MN: Do you have a title in mind for the album or know who might produce it?

Cheyne: As far as a album title; I think I’d like Jimmy to come up with one after we finish it. He might have a certain direction he wants to go with as far as lyrics. Who knows. We have worked on a couple of songs with Ulrich Wild and I think we might be sticking with him. He has a pretty awesome group of artists and bands that he has worked with, and he’s just a really cool guy.

MN: One of the last tours you went on was the Static-X “Wisconsin Death Trip Tour” celebrating 15th anniversary of that release. The tour ended in June and Wayne passed away around 5 months later, was that something hard to handle after being on tour with him so recently?

Cheyne: I didn’t get to know him as well as Mikey, Meegs and Andy but it definitely came to everyone as a surprise. It always sucks to loose a close friend to addiction or accidents.

MN: What is the earliest we can expect a tour from you guys? And will you be making it to the east coast as well?

Cheyne: There are no plans for tour right now. We are looking for booking agents for the near future. So those things will come when we find the right one. Trust me; we want to go EVERYWHERE!!

MN: If you had to describe how We Are The Riot sounds to someone that hasn’t heard you guys before how would you describe it to them?

Cheyne: Maybe If Helmet had a bastard child with Deftones but was raised by Bring Me The Horizon and The Cure.

The satisfaction of knowing the debut album will not take as long as the new Tool album is a great piece of information. We are looking forward to hearing the new material and have our fingers crossed it doesn’t include a a flute player. Make sure to follow these guys as they put alot of hard work into their writing process. You can purchase “The Hollywood Demos” via iTunes here. You can keep up with them on social media through Facebook, Twitter, or their website http://www.wearetheriot.info/ We would like to thank Cheyne for the interview, we know he is a busy guy and we are very gracious for his time.