Interview with Alter Bridge’s Mark Tremonti

Mark Tremonti is the guitarist for Alter Bridge as well as for the Multi-Platinum selling band Creed. Media Mikes had a chance to talk with Mark recently about both of his bands as well as his upcoming solo project release.

Adam Lawton: What’s has it been like touring with the Carnival of Madness tour?
Mark Tremonti: We are three weeks deep into the tour which has five bands on it and it’s been great. Alter Bridge generally plays an hour a night and it’s been a cake walk. Everyone out with us are good people and all help to put on a good rock and roll show!

AL: How did you guys get involved with being on the tour this year?
MT: We had been approached to do the tour last year. We thought it would be a good time and got all the details worked out with everyone and here we are.

AL: Do you have a favorite song the band is playing in the set and why?
MT: “Blackbird”. I think it’s all of ours favorite song that we have ever done. Most of the songs in the set are very loud and high energy. That song is a dynamic change from the rest of the set. It makes us all watch and listen to the crowd.

AL: Do you have a favorite moment from the tour so far?
MT: I think the most fun we have had so far is the show we did at the Kentucky Fair. It was good to just walk around and win all sorts of prizes for my kids and then the show was just real rowdy and fun.

AL: What do you like most about playing live every night?
MT: It’s what we are and it’s something we have been doing for a long time. It’s your release everyday and it’s what all the practice is for.

AL: What was your reaction to receiving the nomination for album of the year from Classic Rock Magazine?
MT: We were really excited. Classic Rock is such a classy magazine and we really respect their opinion. It’s a very big honor for us.

AL: What’s it like balancing both Creed and Alter Bridge?
MT: I am juggling 3 groups right now actually. I do a lot of planning ahead. 2012 is going to be dedicated to mostly Creed stuff. I also will be releasing a solo album as well. Miles will be going out with Slash and we all will meet up for a few months here and there for Alter Bridge touring. I know we will be going to Australia next year and doing some writing for Alter Bridge as well but the majority of 2012 will be Creed stuff.

AL: Have the comparisons between your two groups finally stopped?
MT: I think since the last record people really stopped the comparisons. With the newest record it has been a real non-point. We are pretty much our own band now and I think a new wave of fans are seeing the band for what it is and don’t compare the two as much anymore.

AL: What is the hardest part about writing material for both bands?
MT: I think you are always pushing to do your best. It’s hard to just switch hats and be the best at different sounds. I don’t want to over complicate a Creed song and make it sound like Alter Bridge.  This band is a little more progressive than Creed, so when I am writing for Creed I have to focus strictly on the melody and finger style stuff. It’s hard to sometimes not really dig in.

AL: What else project wise is coming up for you?
MT: I will be putting my solo record out early next year and then probably we will have a new Creed record out the middle of next year around February.

AL: What can we expect from the solo album?
MT: It’s a little heavier than both bands and I sing on the entire album. It’s a different thing that’s fun and heavy but still melody based. I have been a song writer for most of my life and I think I have finally gotten to a point in my life where I want to get all these ideas down on tape that don’t make the other bands records. It’s more streamlined when you can translate the ideas straight from your mind to tape.

AL: Will you be touring at all on your own?
MT: It just depends on how it turns out. If there is a demand for it then yes.

AL: Will it be put out by Wind Up Records?
MT: No it is completely independent. We are going to put it out on Fred 12 and you will be able to go to fred12.com and download the songs. The idea is to use our grassroots fan base to promote the band and hopefully they will come and spread the word.

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Filed Under: Interviews, Music Interviews Tagged With: alter, bridges, interview, mark, tremonti

Interview with Theory of a Deadman’s Dean Back

Dean Back is the bassist for Theory of a Deadman. They are currently headlining in this year’s Carnival of Madness tour. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Dean before their performance to talk about the band’s latest release and what he likes about being on the road.

Adam Lawton: Can you tell us about the band’s latest album “The Truth Is”?
Dean Back: “The Truth Is” builds off our last album “Scars and Souvenirs” which was an album that took us to that next level and by far has been our most successful record. We wanted to build off that and continue to use some of that humor found on that last album. Tyler has really started to show his lighter side as early on in our career we thought we had to be this serious rock band but we found it’s a lot more fun being funny and just having fun. Songs like “Low Life” and “Bitch Came Back” which are very tongue and cheek songs go over great with the crowd and they seem to have a lot of fun when they hear us play those songs.

AL: Do you have a favorite track off this album?
DB: I think “Gentleman” is one of my favorites. We actually have added that to our live set. I also enjoy “Hurricane” which turned out really well as did “We Were Men”.

AL: You guys have been away from the road for quite some time. Can you tell us about that decision?
DB: We had toured on the last album for 2 years, so it was time to go home and for me to reconnect with my family. We also used that time to kind of prep for the next record. I think it’s good to disappear for a little bit. We had been on the radio for 2 years straight. People were probably a little sick of us. Taking that time allowed us to work on the songs and put out a really strong record.

AL: How did you guys get involved with writing a song for the film “Transformers: Dark of the Moon”?
DB: They asked us to be on the record and if we had any material we could contribute. Any time we can get in front of another audience it’s a great opportunity to spread our fan base. In the past we have done video games as well as WWE events and soundtracks. We did some touring in Europe where we weren’t getting a lot of radio play but we had fans coming up to us telling us that the reason they came out was because they heard us on a video game. It was really awesome. Every time we can spread the music to different genres it’s good for us.

AL: How has it been touring with Carnival of Madness line up this year which includes Alter Bridge?
DB: It has been awesome. We have had past relationships with some of the other bands on the tour, however this was our first time going out with Alter Bridge. We are having a blast the whole crew and everyone are great. It’s like one big family out here. Alter Bridge along with Black Stone Cherry are going to be taking us over to Europe in November for a big arena tour.

AL: Is there a favorite song in the set that you guys are playing each night?
DB: “Hate My Life” is a fun one to play and sing along to. The crowd really gets into it.

AL: Any great tour moments you can share with us?
DB: We had a day off in Chicago, which was really cool. Chicago is a great town. We got to go to the White Sox game which was pretty cool but, every show has been a highlight and having a good time playing live.

AL: Other than the European tour are there any other upcoming plans for the band?
DB: We are going out with 3 Doors Down starting the end of September and running through all of October. We have a great relationship with those guys and it’s been a while since we have toured together.

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Filed Under: Interviews, Music Interviews Tagged With: deadmans, dean, interview, theory

Concert Review: “Carnival of Madness 2011” Big Flats, NY

Date: Friday, September 9th 2011
Venue: Tag’s Summer Stage, Big Flats, NY

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

Click here to check out our interview with Alter Bridge’s Mark Tremonti

Click here to check out our interview with Theory of a Deadman’s Dean Back

The 2011 Carnival of Madness tour featuring Emphatic, Adelitas Way, Black Stone Cherry, Alter he small town of Bridge and Theory of a Deadman made its way into Tag’s Summer Stage located in tBig Flat’s, NY on September 9th. The tour now in its second year has previously featured bands such as Chevelle, Sevendust and Shinedown. This year the tour is co-headlined by hard rock heavy weights Theory of a Deadman who in July of this year released their 4th studio album titled “The Truth Is” and Alter Bridge a band that features 3 of the 4 members of multi-platinum selling band Creed.

Upon hearing the line up for this year’s Carnival of Madness tour I was pleasantly surprised to hear that Black Stone Cherry would be making the rounds. After seeing them open for Zakk Wyldes Black Label Society a few years back I was anxious to hear them again. Sadly this did not end up being the case. During sound check the tour crew was notified that Black Stone Cherry would not be able to make the show due to portions of their route being still flooded by the devastating storm the NY/PA area was hit by just days before. At the time this still left the other 4 bands to go on as scheduled….so I thought. Upon returning to the venue for the show the gate was posted with signs stating Emphatic would also not being playing the show. Then to add insult to injury it was announced by the promoter that Adelitas Way also was not able to play. Within the course of 2 hrs. a 5 band line-up was reduced to just its co-headliners and needless to say things were looking pretty grim. However I would like to personally say that both Alter Bridge and Theory of a Deadman stepped up to the plate and hit clutch homeruns which quickly won over the ill tempered crowd. After it was announced that both bands would play extended sets to make up for the other bands being stranded Alter Bridge took to the stage and played a relentless hard rocking set which featured killer dueling guitar solos from front man Miles Kennedy and lead guitarist Mark Tremonti. To close out the night Theory of a Deadman played a hit filled set featuring songs such as “I Hate My Life”, “Low Life” and “Bad Girlfriend”.

Even though the nights show was plagued by transportation issues. Theory of a Deadman and Alter Bridge brought their A games. Though some fans were upset over not being able to see the entire tour lineup I feel TOAD and Alter Bridge made up for it and left fans with very little to regret about sticking around for just two bands.

 

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Filed Under: Concert Reviews Tagged With: 2011, big, carnival, concert, flats, madness, ...

Blu-Ray Review “Conan O’Brien Can’t Stop”

Directed by: Rodman Flender
Starring: Conan O’Brien, Andy Richter, Jimmy Vivino, Scott Healy, Mike Merritt, James Wormworth, Jerry Vivino, Mark Pender, Richie Rosenberg, Rachael L. Hollingsworth, Fredericka Meek
Distributed by: Magnolia Pictures
MPAA Rating: R
Running time: 89 minutes

Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 4 out of 5 stars

So before I get into the review, I should note that I am not really a major Conan O’Brien fan. Don’t hate him…just don’t follow him. Growing up in New York, I have though attended numerous tapings of the Late Night show and have even met Conan personally. I thought this would be a chance to catch up and see what he has been up to. I really enjoyed the ride and his journey through his post-Late Night concert tour. Conan really knows how to entertain but this documentary is not just jokes. It really shows his struggles and hardships about being on tour and constantly being “on”. This is definitely worth a purchase for fans of Team Coco and also non-fans to get a look at the “real” Conan.

Obviously everyone knows about the battle of the Late Night TV hosts Conan O’Brien and Jay Leno…blah blah Jay Leno (aka asshole) bullied Conan off TV…in so many words. When Conan was paid off, he was told he couldn’t appear on TV for six months. He then came up with this idea to go on tour with a band and spread the word to his fans. This film documents that trip and covers a lot of the stops on his tour from Radio City in New York to his hometown of Boston. You really get to see a different side of Conan in this film. You always see him “on” like I said earlier and always funny. He is funny in this for sure but you see a more human side to him and get a glimpse of what really goes on behind the scenes.

Can’t really say much about the video since it is documentary but it was quite clear and crisp on Blu-ray. The sound is notable since most of the film is songs and music. The special features on the disc are great and definitely worth checking out. If you are fan of commentary, then this disc delivers with director Rodman Flender, Conan O’Brien, Andy Richter, Mike Sweeney, and Sona Movsesian. It is very funny and entertaining. There are also over 40 minutes of additional footage and the bulk of the footage is focused on the comedy between O’Brien and his assistant and writing staff. It is rare that this happens but some of it is better than what is in the film and not sure why it was not included. There is an interview with Conan O’Brien for AT&T U-Verse, which runs about 14 minutes and really digs deep into his life. Lastly there is interview outtakes which is always fun with Conan’s adlibbing.

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: bluray, conan, obrien, review, stop

Interview with Brian T. Jaynes

Brian T. Jaynes is the director of two new horror films, “Boggy Creek” and “Humans versus Zombies”. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Brian about working on his films and when we can see them.

Mike Gencarelli: Can you give us some background on how your got started with “Boggy Creek”?
Brian Jaynes: I have always been a fan of Charles B. Pierce films. I remember the trailer for his 70’s film “Legend of Boggy Creek” scarring the hell out of me! I realized there haven’t ever really been any interesting films about Sasquatch or Bigfoot. There have been films made but they all have been sort of hokey in my opinion. I shared the story with my wife who wrote the screenplay for me and the rest is history.

MG: Can you tell us about the creature and how you chose not to use any CGI effects?
BJ: Anytime you are going to bring a creature into the realm of CGI, I think you have to be careful of the creature’s dynamics. If you have a big budget and can spend a large portion of that to create a realistic creature its fine however with a creature like Sasquatch which is very human like in its movement it made sense to have a human play the creature. I think it looks more realistic. Phil Nichols made the suits and he did a real great job.

MG: How do you feel your second film “Humans versus Zombies” differs from other zombie films?
BJ: In the end it’s still a zombie movie. There is nothing ground breaking but what I think we did accomplish is that our film tends to be a little more character driven than theme driven. The film is more about the humans and what they are doing to survive rather than what the zombies are doing. I think we have a good movie that will be fun to watch.

MG: What was the most difficult part to making that film?
BJ: Probably the time frame in which we shot. We filmed “Humans versus Zombies” in 18 days, so it wasn’t the most leisurely schedule. We certainly could have used more time and I would have like to have more of a budget. The weather was pretty cold also while we were shooting. I think we had a couple 12 and 11 degree days where we were out shooting. The city of Pittsburgh where we shot the film was really great to us through the whole process.

MG: You handle a lot of different roles on both films. How do you juggle all the various tasks?
BJ: I don’t juggle them very well as I should…they all kind of stress me out. Until I get enough folks around me that are able to help I will be wearing most of those hats. Part of is that I am trained as an editor and digital effects artist first and for most. Having that training has helped me in directing because I know the pieces and how they are going to fit together before they even make it to the editing room. When you’re and independent filmmaker you find yourself doing a lot of the task such as putting the money together, directing and editing. In the very near future I should be just wearing the directing and executive producer hats. I plan to make an announcement in a few weeks about a couple projects I will be filming in Bulgaria for the SyFy channel. I will just be directing on those.

MG: Is it safe to say that horror is your favorite genre to work in?
BJ: I actually probably would prefer the action/thriller genre. I like the horror/thriller genre but I think I would much more prefer science fiction/action thriller. There still a lot of elements of suspense but I tend to lead more towards sci-fi.

MG: What is the release schedule for the two films?
BJ: “Boggy Creek” releases on DVD September 17th at places like Wal-Mart and Best Buy. You will also be able to digitally stream it through places like Netfix as well along with a television run later this year on FearNet. “Humans versus Zombies” will have a limited theatrical release late this year’s to about 25 cities with a majority of them on the East Coast. It’s television premiere with be Feb. 15, 2012 on Chiller. It will be out on DVD in late March 2012.

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Filed Under: Film Interviews, Interviews Tagged With: brian, interview, jaynes

Relativity Media Teams Up With EBAY For “Machine Gun Preacher”

Relativity Media Teams Up with eBay to Auction off Movie Memorabilia from Machine Gun Preacher for Charity

100% Proceeds to benefit Angels of East of Africa Rescue Organization

(Beverly Hills, Calif.) September 14, 2011– Relativity Media is proud to announce it is working with eBay to auction off premiere tickets, an autographed movie poster, and a custom-built motorcycle from its upcoming release of Machine Gun Preacher. Gerard Butler (300) delivers a searing performance as Sam Childers, the impassioned founder of the Angels of East Africa rescue organization in Golden Globe-nominated director Marc Forster’s (Monster’s Ball) moving story of violence and redemption. All proceeds will benefit Childers’ charity.

The online charity auction http://www.ebay.com/machinegunpreacher goes live on Wednesday, September 14 when bidding opens for two VIP seats to the Los Angeles Premiere and an autographed movie poster signed by the cast, and closes on Monday, September 19.  The premiere tickets’ starting bid is $500, while the starting bid for the autographed poster is $50. Bidding will begin on Monday, September 26 for the 2010 custom-built Rate Bike motorcycle, ridden by Gerard Butler in the movie, through Thursday, October 6. The starting bid is $30,000. The winning bids are 100% tax deductible.

Machine Gun Preacher is the inspirational true story of Childers (Butler), a former drug-dealing criminal who undergoes an astonishing transformation and finds an unexpected calling as the savior of hundreds of kidnapped and orphaned children in East Africa.   The explosive, real-life tale of a man who has rescued over a thousand orphans from starvation, disease, and enslavement, Machine Gun Preacher is written by Jason Keller (Relativity’s Untitled Snow White) and also stars Michelle Monaghan (Source Code), Kathy Baker (Cold Mountain), Madeline Carroll (Mr. Popper’s Penguins), Academy Award® nominated Michael Shannon (Revolutionary Road), and Souleymane Sy Savane (Damages). Producing are Forster, along with Relativity’s Robbie Brenner, Safady Entertainment’s Gary Safady and Craig Chapman, and GG Filmz’s Deborah Giarratana.

Machine Gun Preacher will be released by Relativity Media in New York and Los Angeles on September 23rd and will expand markets in the weeks to follow.

For additional information on the film, please visit: http://www.machinegunpreacher.org/movie/

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Filed Under: Film Headlines Tagged With: ebay, gun, machine, media, preacher, relativity, ...

New Poster and Trailer for “Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy”

Based on the classic novel of the same name, the international thriller is set at the height of the Cold War years of the mid-20th Century. George Smiley (Gary Oldman), a disgraced British spy, is rehired in secret by his government – which fears that the British Secret Intelligence Service, a.k.a. MI-6, has been compromised by a double agent working for the Soviets. “Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy“ opens on December 9th.

Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy Official Vanity URLs

Twitter Hashtag:  #TTSS

 

Focus Features Official Vanity URLs

Official Site:  www.FocusFeatures.com

Facebook Page:  www.facebook.com/focusfeatures

Twitter Handle:  http://twitter.com/focusfeatures

YouTube Page:  www.youtube.com/focusfeatures

Twitter Hashtag:  #FocusFeatures

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Filed Under: Film Headlines Tagged With: official, soldier, spy, tailor, tinker, trailer, ...

Interview with Doug Jones

Doug Jones is known for his roles in the “Hellboy” series, “Pan’s Labyrinth” and “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer”.  We had a chance to interview Doug Jones about those projects in May 2010, check it out here.  This time around Media Mikes chatted with Doug about work on the web series’ “The Guild” & “Dragon Age: Redemption”, his upcoming film roles in “Dust of War” and also his coffee table book coming out called “Mime Very Own Book”.

MG: Tell us about working on the web series “The Guild”?
DJ: I absolutely love “The Guild”.  The whole phenomenon of the web series is something new to me.  I got caught up with the first four seasons of “The Guild” and fell in love with it.  Felicia Day is such a great writer and she also plays the lead role of Codex.  When she asked me to play a reoccurring role in season 5, I jumped at it.  I have been in episodes 6 and 7 so far.  I will also show up in a couple more in early October.  This season “The Guild” members are at a gaming convention and Robin Thorsen’s character Clara kind of wonders over to this Steampunk booth.  I am on one of the three characters at this booth. We have these British accents, act very snooty and we totally overdid it. We are just having so much fun with it and it is just so well written. Oh my gosh, its great. I have never laughed that much on a set ever.

MG: You are working again with Felicia Day with “Dragon Age: Redemption”
DJ: Being the big game/geek queen, she is also a big fan of “Dragon Age”.  So she is developing a web series based on “Dragon Age II”.  We have a decent budget and it is actually like “Lord of the Rings” made for the web. It was very epic for a web series.  I get to play the main bad guy named Cerberus.  I am Qunari Mage and for people that play the game that would make sense to them.

MG: Last time we spoke you just finished “Gainsbourg: A Heroic Life” and now it is released, are you excited to have it out for your fans?
DJ: I am so happy about this film.  It is a biography on Serge Gainsbourg, who is an iconic singer songwriter from France and he was total cultural benchmark. I get to play the most fun character.  It is a biography but I get to be the fantasy element in this.  I play Serge’s alter-ego.  I am cartooney exaggerated looking version of what he didn’t like about himself.  This was a really wonderful and fun role for me to play. This year marks the 20th anniversary of his death, which is pretty timely to put the movie out now.  I am happy that it finally got its US release.  It started playing in Los Angeles and New York on Labor Day and is opening in new cities every week until November.  You can find out more information about this at my website thedougjonesexperience.com.

MG: You just finished filming “Dust of War”, tell us about that film?
DJ: I get offered a lot of independent films from young filmmakers.  I love young filmmakers that are energetic, passionate and have a true vision for storytelling. “Dust of War” was written and directed by Andrew Kightlinger from a small town in South Dakota.  This town was a perfect place for our story, which is a post apocalyptic story after the crash of society and it was caused to crash by something outer worldly.  So you have this “Mad Max” setup and good guys on the run from bad guys.  The formula has been done before but this script and these characters really grabbed me.  I absolutely LOVE them. I got to play a character named Jebediah Strumm.  I am the counterpart to Crispus Hansen, who is played by Tony Todd.  We got to play these traveling minstrels who try and bring life back to this miserable world.  We get to protect and interact with the leads characters.  I am very pleased to have be able to work on “Dust of War”.

MG: Tell us about your coffee table book called “Mime Very Own Book”?
DJ: Oh my gosh, I had so much fun with this project.  When you fill your schedule with film and TV projects and you take out three days out of a photo shoot for a coffee table book it is something very different.  This is a photo book of 250 pages of me as a mime.  We do a lot of pop culture send-ups.  We make fun of famous works of art, movie posters and famous photos in history.  For instance, there is one of me with my arms photoshopped off as “Venus de Milo”.  You will see me in there as the Mona Lisa.  You will see me in boxing shorts knocked out with myself standing over me as Muhammad Ali.  It goes on and on.  We also explore different puns like “A Mime Is A Terrible Thing To Waste”, “Once upon a Mime” and “Mime over Matter” [laughs].  The list just goes on.

MG: Any secrets you want to leak to MediaMikes.com?
DJ: Currently, I am on my way to a costume/makeup fitting for a contract I signed yesterday.  So, I have a new movie shooting late October.  Unfortunately, I can’t say the title just yet.  I can tell you it is fun romp with me in creature makeup.  It will be the first time I am back in creature makeup in two years. So I am looking very forward to it.  It is a huge studio film with big stars in it and it is going to be funny as hell.

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Filed Under: Film Interviews, Interviews Tagged With: doug, interview, jones

Ron White’s Comedy Salute to the Troops DVD Announced

RON WHITE’S COMEDY SALUTE TO THE TROOPS

Featuring an All-Star Line-Up of Comedians, Top-Rated Tribute Debuts on DVD October 11 From Vivendi Entertainment and Fontana Distribution

UNIVERSAL CITY, CA – Paying tribute to America’s men and women in uniform, the hilarious extravaganza Ron White’s Comedy Salute To The Troops debuts on DVD October 11, 2011 from Vivendi Entertainment and Fontana Distribution. Hosted by Grammy-nominated comedian Ron “Tater Salad” White—best known as the cigar smoking, scotch drinking funnyman from the “Blue Collar Comedy” tour—the hilariously funny movie features comedy performances by Alex Reymundo, Robert Hawkins, Vic Henley, Kathleen Madigan and Tim Wilson. This fourth annual Comedy Salute To The Troops aired on CMT in March and remains the network’s second highest rated show of the last year. Hosted at the Grand Ole Opry, Ron White’s Comedy Salute To The Troops benefitted the Armed Forces Foundation. The DVD also includes musical performances by Rascal Flatts, Margo Rey and John Oates and will be available for the suggested retail price of $14.93.

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Filed Under: Film Headlines Tagged With: announced, comedy, dvd, ron, salute, troops, ...

Interview with Lance Warlock

Lance Warlock is part of the composing duo of Lance and Bradford Music.  Lance is also the son of Dick Warlock, well known stuntman and Michael Myers from “Halloween II”.  Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Lance about his film work on ‘Halloween II” with his dad as well has his upcoming scores like “ChromeSkull: Laid to Rest 2”.

MG: How did you meet up with Leon Bradford to form Lance and Bradford Music?
LW: We have known each other for years. We used to play in different bands. I was drums; he was keyboards. Then he opened up his own recording studio and used to hire me to do all the drum tracks for various artists. He is a fantastic musician and has a great ear for details.

MG: What is your approach when you start composing a film?
LW: We have had different approaches depending on the project. Sometimes it depends on what the director/producer is looking for from us. For example, they might say,”Do whatever you feel.” Sometimes there are more restrictions to a certain style. Our main goal is to come up with a basic concept in tones, style and textures. It’s common for us to score a scene and pass it off to the powers to be and wait for thoughts. That way we don’t get too far ahead without knowing we are on the right track.

MG: How much freedom do you have with a director when working on a score?
LW: We have found so far that there is plenty. They are always positive in indicating that we are the musicians and this is what we do. Again it depends from project to project, but our goal at the end of a film is to have the director/producer very pleased with everything we have done, and hopefully we will get the call for their next project!

MG: Were you always planning on having a walk-on role in “Halloween II” or did it just happen?
LW: I flat out got lucky! I was with my dad that summer of 1981 and they called him in for 3 additional days of re-shooting that John Carpenter was coming in to direct. I always remembered it was to tie up some loose ends with the story. The night of the boombox scene, John did not have anyone in mind for the part. My dad and I were in the trailer practicing the scene for fun when John came in. Dad asked him who was going to be the kid and he said he had no idea. Dad asked what about Lance and John said great! I was a happy camper! All I know is in the end I didn’t end up on the cutting room floor.
I made it even to the TV version. Makes me laugh every year I happen to see it.

MG: Growing up were you able to visit the film sets that your father, Dick Warlock, worked on? If so what was the coolest?
LW: I remember as a very young kid being on many sets. At that time it was mostly Disney films when my dad was doubling a very young Kurt Russell. I remember him dressed up doubling a tiger. I remember him driving Herbie the Love Bug when nobody was in the car. I remember hanging out with Bear from BJ and the Bear while dad was driving a car around a race track. But I would have to think one of the coolest things was going to the tank where they filmed his cage scene from Jaws. Bruce (the shark)was hanging outside of the tank on a lift bigger than all get out. I was able to take a tooth of his for a souvenir. I still have it.

MG: Your father has been a stunt man since the 60’s, you did stunts in “Halloween III” & “Fletch”, what happened after that?
LW: I think I just had a bigger passion for music. Music had always been a big part in my life but as I got older, it got bigger. I still love visiting movie sets and the environment that they have, but were never sure what I wanted to do in films. Except write music!

MG: Any fun/crazy stories from working on the “Halloween” films?
LW: The one thing I would say was the most obvious was everybody working on those sets loved what they did. All the crew members were awesome! They were professional and had fun at the same time. There are some people from those films that have gone on to work on some pretty big films. It is pretty cool to have had the chance to work with John Carpenter.

MG: How was it working with Dante Tomaselli’s on the film “The Ocean”?
LW: Dante is great. He contacted me and asked if I would be interested in writing some music for The Ocean. So I did. Not only does he compose music for his films, but he has a few guys write additional music as well. I was lucky enough to be one of those guys. The bummer is he never ended up making the film. Seems weird to some that he had the music written first, but I remember he said he likes to work that way. Maybe sometime in the future it will happen. It would be great to work with him again!

MG: Tell us about composing the film “ChromeSkull: Laid to Rest 2”?
LW: I remember the first time I saw the film. I text the director Robert Hall and told him that he was one twisted guy! He wrote back and said thanks! We knew we were in for it from then on. Robert really knew what he wanted as much as he knew what he didn’t want. That made that part of it easy. We really worked our asses off to get it just right. The experience was a total blast. Robert was great to work with and we hope to work on more with him.

MG: Was it difficult working on “Monsterpiece Theatre Volume 1” since it has different segments?
LW: I didn’t think so because each segment could stand on its own. Each segment has its own feel and tone to it, so in a way it was easier to think differently for each one. Those were all fun because again, it was like 4 different short films, so before you knew it, you were done and could move on to the next one.

MG: What other projects do you have planned upcoming?
LW: There are a few things in the works as of now. We try to stay as busy as possible. We really want to create great music and long lasting relationships with the people we work for so we can stay busy for a long time to come! We have just finished updating our website to include new trailers and some of our latest music tracks: www.lanceandleonmusic.com. We are not always looking for the biggest projects, but they have to have substance and passion behind them. To anyone interested, contact us any time regarding your project if you feel we may be a good fit.

 

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Filed Under: Music Interviews Tagged With: bradford, interview, warlock

CD Review: Knight Area “Nine Paths”

Knight Area
“Nine Paths”
The Lasers Edge
Producer: Neil Kernon
Tracks: 9

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

“Nine Paths” is the 4th release from the Dutch band Knight Area. The album was produced by well known producer Neil Kernon (Cannibal Corpse, Queensryche). Knights Area is a 5 member group lead by Mark Smit on vocals, Gerben Klazinga- keyboards, Pieter van Hoorn- drums, Gijs Koopman on bass and Taurus pedals and Mark Vermeule on guitars. Together the band creates a interesting blend of progressive rock.

“Nine Paths” is a blistering assault on the musical senses as the album covers a variety of sounds that all may not be heard without multiple listenings. The album was one part Dream Theater and one part Europe. Mark Smit has a very melodic sounding voice that lends itself very well alongside the key work Gerben Klazinga on tracks such as “The River”.While songs like “Pride and Joy” feature the fantastic bass and guitar grooves of Gijs Koopman and Mark Vermeule. Though the album is a progressive rock album there was a very jazz/easy listening element to the album which I thought was an interesting approach.

Though “Nine Paths” might not be heavy enough for some progressive rock fans it is a fairly easy listen for those just venturing into the genre. Each track on the album was very rich and showcased each members proficiency at their instruments

Track Listing:

1.)    Ever Since You Killed Me
2.)    Summerland
3.)    Please Come Home
4.)    Clueless
5.)    The River
6.)    Pride and Joy
7.)    The Balance
8.)    Wakerun
9.)    Angel’s Call

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Filed Under: CD Reviews Tagged With: area, cd, knight, paths, review

CD Review: Anubis Gate “Anubis Gate”

Anubis Gate
“Anubis Gate”
Nightmare Records
Producers: Kim Olesen and Jacob Hansen
Tracks: 10

Our Score: 2 out of 5 stars

“Anubis Gate” produced by band members Kim Olesen and Jacob Hansen is Anubis Gate’s 3rd full length album and is the follow up to the bands 2009 release titled “The Detached”. This is the bands first release on Nightmare Records and the album features a blend of synth infused progressive metal similar to that of King Crimson or Savatage.

When I have the chance to listen to a new band for the first time I try to be as open and non-judgmental as possible. I really do applaud every musician that has the courage to get out there and make music. Anubis Gate’s self titled album did provide me with one or two high points. The guitars on the album all have a very good recorded tone and despite being in my opinion over layered they still stood out on their own. As a whole I was not a fan of the album but as I always say these are my opinions and mine only. If you are a fan of Anubis Gate and have been waiting since 2009 for this album I am sure it will fill all your Anubis Gate needs. The album to me just felt dated and lacked drive.

I found it very hard to connect with the album or a find a sense of unity amongst the tracks. The instrumentation was nothing out of the ordinary and at times was too over produced and layered. The vocals I felt had a touch to much echo making the album sound like I was listening to it in a cave or echo chamber.

 

Track Listing:

1.)    Hold Back Tomorrow

2.)    The Re-Formation Show

3.)    Facing Dawn

4.)    World in a Dome

5.)    Desiderio Omnibus

6.)    Oh My Precious Life

7.)    Golden Days

8.)    Telltale Eyes

9.)    River

10.)  Circumstanced

 

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Filed Under: CD Reviews Tagged With: anubis, cd, gate, review

CD Review: Arch/Matheos “Sympathetic Resonance”

Arch/Matheos
“Sympathetic Resonance”
Metal Blade
Producer: Neil Kernon
Tracks: 6

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

“Sympathetic Resonance” is the first combined effort of current Fates Warning member Jim Matheos and former member John Arch. The two along with Joey Vera on bass, Bobby Jarzombek- drums and additional vocalist Frank Aresti make up what is known as Arch/Matheos. The band is a full on classic progressive metal band and “Sympathetic Resonance” does everything in its power to prove that.

Right off the bat I will say that progressive rock/metal is not really my first choice when it come to listening to music however “Sympathetic Resonance” has done a good job at opening my eyes. The song “Stained Glass Sky” has guitar tone for days while songs like “Midnight Serenade” feature a more melodic landscape leading into the full on face melting power of “Any Given Day (Strangers Like Me)” which does a great job showing the bands tightness as a whole. This track was probably my favorite off the album as well

Even though “Sympathetic Resonance” only features 6 songs. Arch/Matheos left nothing on the table and packed ever song on this album with pure metal progression. Definitely give this album a listen as it has a little something for everyone.

Track Listing:
1.)    Neurotically Wired
2.)    Midnight Serenade
3.)    Stained Glass
4.)    On the Fence
5.)    Any Given Day (Strangers Like Me)
6.)    Incense and Myrrh

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Filed Under: CD Reviews Tagged With: archmatheos, cd, resonance, review, sympathetic

Disney’s “Spooky Buddies” Blu-Ray Giveaway [ENDED]

THANK YOU FOR ENTERING, THE CONTEST HAS ENDED. WINNERS HAVE BEEN CHOSEN AND NOTIFIED VIA EMAIL. PLEASE CHECK BACK EVERY WEEK FOR NEW GIVEAWAYS!

©Disney

Available on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack, DVD and Movie Download Tuesday, Sept.20th

To celebrate Disney‘s Most Popular Live-Action Direct-to-Video Franchise release of “Spooky Buddies”, Media Mikes would like to giveaway 10 copies of the Blu-ray™ Combo Pack (Blu-ray™ + DVD). If you would like to win this great prizes, please leave us a comment below or send us an email and let us know your favorite talking animal movie. This giveaway will be open until Friday September 26th at Noon, Eastern Time and is only open to residents of the United States. Only one entry per person, per household; all other entries will be considered invalid. Once the giveaway ends, Movie Mikes will randomly pick out winners and alert the winners via email.

The quintet of irresistible talking puppies, Disney‘s lovable “Buddies” are back for a ghoulish good time in a fantastic all-new Halloween-themed adventure, Spooky Buddies. The studio‘s most popular live-action, direct-to-video franchise makes its highly anticipated return, premiering on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack, DVD and Movie Download — September 20 from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment.

Overflowing with trick-or-treat action, the ?Buddies‘ films are favorites of families and kids of all ages. Spooky Buddies continues the overwhelmingly popular franchise that features the adorable talking puppies, with action, laughs and fast-paced adventure. In this latest movie caper, the lovable canine clan find themselves in a mysterious mansion, with no less than the fate of the world hanging in the balance as they must stop a dastardly warlock from his plans for world destruction. Packed with fun, excitement and a bag full of bonus features, Spooky Buddies is a spooktacular feature-length movie that treats audiences to a celebration of friendship and teamwork for the whole family.

Bonus Features for Blu-ray™, DVD & Movie Downloads:
DIGS: Rosebud Edition — Leo Howard of Disney Channel‘s Leo Little‘s Big Show interviews Rosebud, the only female pup in the Buddies litter, as she invites viewers into her dream home for an exciting tour. Highlights include the creative use of the color pink throughout her décor, her blush-colored car – the perfect vehicle for the ultimate blond driver – and her fabulous closet holding luxurious garments, and some costumes that fans may recognize from past adventures.
All-New Music Video “Monster Mash” — A fun new Hip hop cover of this Halloween classic introduces the popular song to a new generation of trick-or-treaters with a high-energy new routine performed by Davis Cleveland, Adam Irigoyen, and Kenton Duty from the cast of Disney Channel‘s Shake It Up.

 

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Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: bluray, buddies, disneys, giveaway, spooky

Disney’s “Dumbo” 70th Anniversary Edition Blu-Ray Giveaway [EDNED]

THANK YOU FOR ENTERING, THE CONTEST HAS ENDED. WINNERS HAVE BEEN CHOSEN AND NOTIFIED VIA EMAIL. PLEASE CHECK BACK EVERY WEEK FOR NEW GIVEAWAYS!

©Disney

Available on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack, DVD and Movie Download Tuesday, Sept.20th

To celebrate Disney’s 70th Anniversary Edition Blu-Ray™ release of “Dumbo”, Media Mikes would like to giveaway 10 copies of the Blu-ray™ Combo Pack (Blu-ray™ + DVD). If you would like to win one of these great prizes, please leave us a comment below or send us an email and let us know your favorite Disney song. This giveaway will be open until Monday September 26th at Noon, Eastern Time and is only open to residents of the United States. Only one entry per person, per household; all other entries will be considered invalid. Once the giveaway ends, Movie Mikes will randomly pick out winners and alert the winners via email.

Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment invites audiences to let their spirits soar with the release of the beloved animated classic Dumbo, for the first time ever in high definition as a 70th Anniversary Edition, coming on September 20, 2011. The Academy Award®-winning (1942, Best Music, Scoring of a Musical Picture) favorite will take flight for the first time with a premium restoration in stunning Blu-ray™ high definition featuring pristine 7.1 Digital Theater System High-Def Surround Sound, allowing fans to see more, hear more, interact more and share more of this timeless adventure about believing in yourself.

Film Synopsis
In celebration of this landmark film‘s 70th anniversary, experience the daring adventures of the world‘s only flying elephant with a dazzling all-new digital restoration and brilliant Disney Enhanced High Definition Theatre Mix Sound. The inspirational tale of Dumbo, the courageous baby elephant who uses his sensational ears to soar to fame with the help of his clever best friend Timothy Q. Mouse, will thrill and delight audiences of all ages. And now, the award-winning music and empowering messages about friendship and belief In yourself reach new heights in this must-have Blu-ray high-definition presentation of Walt Disney‘s classic Dumbo!

Bonus Features:
DVD:  Deleted Scene – “The Mouse’s Tale” Deleted Song – “Are You a Man or a Mouse?” Taking Flight: The Making of Dumbo – A journey back to the origins of the film as everybody‘s favorite baby elephant takes wing. The Magic Of Dumbo: A Ride of Passage – Witness the excitement and magic of Disneyland‘s most popular ride through the eyes of a child. Audio Commentary with Pete Docter, Paula Sigman and Andreas Deja Sound Design Excerpt from The Reluctant Dragon Original Walt Disney Television Introduction
Blu-ray: Everything on the DVD plus: Cine-Explore Disney View “What Do You See?” Game, “What Do You Know?” Game, “Celebrating Dumbo”, Featurette Animated Short: “The Flying Mouse” Animated Short: “Elmer Elephant”
Movie Download (Standard Definition & High Definition Versions): Deleted Scene – “The Mouse’s Tale”, Deleted Song – “Are You a Man or a Mouse?”, “Celebrating Dumbo” Featurette

 

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Filed Under: Featured, Giveaways Tagged With: 70th, anniversary, bluray, disneys, dumbo, edition, ...
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