Johannes Eckerstrom is the lead singer for the Swedish metal band Avatar. The band has a new album coming out on February 14^th via E One Music titled “Black Waltz”. Media Mikes had a chance to talk with Johannes recently about the band and their upcoming release.

Adam Lawton: Can you give us some band ground on the band?
Johannes Eckerstrom: We formed about 10 years ago when we were all still in our teen years. Essentially the lineup has remained the same since that time. We have released 3 albums in Europe and we are just about ready to embark on the U.S. market for the first time. Our sound is extreme metal but with our own added twist.

AL: What are some of the bands influences?
JE: We started off finding a common ground amongst all of us. At that time it was clearly death metal and melodic death metal. From there we took things further and were very extreme and technical. By the time we reached the point where we had to make the decision go further we knew we would have to become something very cool and introverted. When we were writing our third album we realized that we had forgotten what we all loved and originally agreed upon. We found new common grounds and starting including things with a groove and a beat. We referenced a lot of our old school heroes. The music is still extreme metal but with a mixture of rock and roll. It was cool to reference our past. For me Ozzy Osbourne was a big influence when I was younger. He was always a huge idol of mine. By our fourth album we had learned a lot about groove and hooks. Today we are being describes by some as a mixture of death metal, industrial metal and rock and roll. I figure why not go with that because those are our core influences

AL: What can you tell us about the upcoming album “Black Waltz”?
JE: I have never felt the need to lie and I can honestly say that I think this album is our best yet. For me the album is really new and cool. We have this mixture of styles where no one specific style takes the upper hand. We let the songs become what they needed to be. When we were feeling a groove or certain part during the recording process we just let it go. Sometime later we are Pink Floyd! (Laughs). We have tracks that are straight forward rockers. We have tracks that will make you want to hurt people. Then we have the tracks that give you an idea of what mushrooms are like. (Laughs)

AL: What has been the hardest part for the band breaking into new markets like the U.S.?
JE: It’s still super early. The album doesn’t come out till Feb 14^th and the single just came out. We have done some interviews so far but it all is super exciting. We are starting fresh as we are the new boys in town. We have been around another town for 6 years where we learned all the tricks. Right now we are in an awesome position. We have a cool label and booking agent along with great management. We are looking forward to coming over and playing in the states very soon.

AL: What are the bands tour plans?
JE: We are doing everything at once right now. We have a cool set up of people but at the same time we have a punk band style to us in that we keep control of everything. We are doing everything we can to launch the new album on our own. Nothing is definite at this time as we are picky. We want to come there with the right bands and at the right time.

AL: What else does the band have going on right now?
JE: We have a video out for the song “Black Waltz” that is really awesome! We worked with an American side show group called Hellzapoppin. That group also helped us with some photo shoot stuff. There are guys driving spikes into their noses and pushing beans out their eyes. There are a lot of interesting things going on and it is all real. The video will also give people some indication of what they can expect visually when they see us perform live. At this point we are currently working on an equally awesome video for another song of the “Black Waltz” album. We start shooting that in a couple peoples but I am going to hold on to what that will look like.

Robert “Bucket” Hingley is guitarist/vocalist for the popular ska band The Toasters. The band recently celebrated its 30^th year anniversary and our out on the road bringing their brand of NYC ska to the masses. Media Mikes caught up with Bucket to discuss the bands history and their future plans.

Adam Lawton: Can you tell us about the band’s current tour?
Robert Hingley: We are currently making our way out to California where we have shows booked in both San Diego and Los Angeles. The tour is about 45 dates which have all been rolled into what is the second part of our 30^th anniversary tour.

AL: What is the bands line up for this tour?
RH: The band is Thad Merritt on Bass, Nate Sabnayagan on Drums, Jonny D on Sax and Chap Sowash on Trombone and I play guitar and sing. This is a smaller line up as we have tooled it down from touring with 7 or 8 guys. We have gone for more of a lean mean ska machine sound. These days it’s very hard monetarily to tour with a large band unfortunately.

AL: When you started the band in 1981 did you foresee a career which is now into its 30^th year?
RH: If that idea would have been proposed to me back then I probably would have told you that you were mad! As it turns out though you would have been the one that was right and I would have been the mad one. Here I am still doing this some 5,000 shows later. I never thought the band would have the legs that it has.

AL: What do you think has been the biggest factor in keeping the band going for so long?
RH: We really play a lot of bizarre places all over the world. In that sense everything hasbeen kept pretty fresh. We are constantly trying to find new places to go rather than running over the same tracks time and time again. We also have a large pool of members to play with. There are a couple of members out with us now that are new to the mix but, that keeps everything fresh. We play the tunes a little bit different and you have to just find what’s good to help change it up. I also think playing in a niche market for a group of very hardcore fans has also helped us survive.

AL: How did the band become involved with doing the theme song for Nickelodeons’ “KaBlam!”?
RH: That was back during our Moon Ska Record days. We had a lot of stuff working with MTV then and Nickelodeon at that time was pretty similar to MTV. The cartoonist for that show was a big Bad Manners fan and he wanted to have some tracking similar to their sound. He couldn’t get them to help out so they contacted our label and we got hired to do the show. It was really just being in the right place at the right time which seems to be the secret of the universe. We have lots of people come up to us and tell us that the first exposure they ever had to the band was watching that show. It’s really shows you the power of television on people’s minds.

AL: Was there a reason the band called themselves The Moon Ska Stompers on that track?
RH: We had a lot of irons in the fire at the time as we were recording a record and touring. Some of the guys just weren’t available so I had a combination of Toaster’s members and some guys I worked with on other projects to be part of that studio session band.

AL: Are there any plans to put out a new album with the bands current lineup?
RH: Not so much and album but we have a couple songs that are ready to go. The next thing we plan to put out is going to be a 7” vinyl called “House of Soul”.  It’s ironic that the music model for 2012 has reverted to what it was in 1962. I think now the concept of an album is something kids fail to grasp. I have 14 year old daughters and I was telling them about the concept of an album and they just couldn’t wrap their heads around the thought of it. They download singles directly to their phone so the idea of going to a record store and buying an album is kind of beyond them. Things have very much reverted back to the 60’s single driven model. In a way that’s not so bad because it forces people to write good tunes.

AL: Does the band have any other plans for 2012?
RH: We have some more touring lined up as we just finished booking a European tour that kicks off in April. That will be about a six week tour. We also have some summer festivals lined up and possibly some dates on this summer’s Warped Tour. From there we will be going to Australia and Japan in the fall and then back to the states for a few more dates. I also have some music festival projects outside of the band in the works but I can’t really say too much about those at this time. I can tell you that it will involve summertime, music and beer. I think people like that stuff.

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セシル·コルベルは最近、スタジオジブリの “借りぐらしの秘密の世界”のスコアを作成したフランスのシンガー/ソングライター、である。フィルムはちょうどウォルトディズニーピクチャーズが発表され、スタジオジブリ映画としては過去最高のアメリカでの開口部を得ています。メディアマイクスは、スタジオジブリとのスコア、また彼女の新しいアルバムとツアーでの作業についてセシルとチャットする機会があった。

マイクGencarelli：あなたはどのように “アリエッティの秘密の世界”にスタジオジブリでの作業に関わるようになった “？
セシル·コルベル：2009年に、私はスタジオジブリへの贈り物として私のアルバム “歌集、第2巻”を送った。ヘッドのプロデューサー、鈴木敏夫は、CDを持って、実際にそれを聞いたので、私は非常に幸運だった。これは決して起こらない何かである。彼らはただ、 “アリエッティ”の制作に始めていた、彼らは一度音楽と一緒に行きたかったパスがわからなかった。私は次のジブリ映画のために1曲を書きたいと思った場合、私たちは求めて1メールが届きました。だから、それはそれが開始され、1曲からスコア全体に行ってきました方法は以下の通りです。それは本当にエキサイティングだった。

MG：あなたのスコアは映画、あなたはそれのためのインスピレーションを得たのは完璧に見えたスケーリング？
CC：多くのインスピレーションは、私はスタジオから受け取った最初の図面から来ました。また、監督は数行で映画からの文字またはテーマのいくつかを説明しようとした詩のように、私に短い文章を送った。私は映画が制作された前に、私は音楽を思い付くのは非常に簡単にしました感情や気持ちに焦点を当てることができました。

MG：久石譲が、スタジオジブリの得点で働いたことで知られ、それらの靴に足を踏み入れるその任意の圧力だったのですか？
CC：確かに（笑）。私はまた、久石作品の大ファンです。難しいのはそれを考えるために、試してみて、すでに過去のジブリ映画の中で行われていた何かのような音にしないではありませんでした。また、オーケストラやシンフォニックな感じの一種のようなものを使用しないようにしようとする。私はそれをシンプルに保つとスタジオが言った私のCDに似た音楽を思い付くと思いました。

MG：あなたがスタジオからの創造の自由の多くを取得しましたか？
CC：はい、私は驚くほどのサウンドトラックで働く多くの自由を持っていた。

MG：スコアを作成する最も異なる側面は何でしたか？
CC：書き込み自体はむしろ楽しいと創造的であった。その後、私はどの部分が実際のシーンに合うだろう把握しなければならなかった。多くの試行錯誤がありました。それは間違いなく難しい部分だった。

MG：あなたの好きなスタジオジブリの映画 “借りぐらし”の作業に先立って何ですか？
CC：（笑）それは難しい質問です。彼らはすべて異なっているので、私はそれらのすべてが好きです。しかし、 “トトロTortoro”は私のお気に入りの一つです。また、私は、高畑勲監督の “おもひでぽろぽろ”と呼ばれる、もう少し曖昧なフィルムであるかを本当に好きだ。

MG：異なる言語で歌うの最大の課題は何ですか？
CC：私は、さまざまな言語で歌うのが大好きです。 “アリエッティ”は、私が実際に多くの異なる言語で歌わなければならなかった。彼らは映画の国際的な目的のために、日本語と英語で “借りぐらしの歌”を翻訳したいと考えました。それは、フランス語、イタリア語、中国語に翻訳されました。日本人はインチ歌って実際に実際には最も簡単な方法です

MGは：あなたの最新アルバム “歌集、第3巻”が米国で発売されただけで、このアルバムのためにあなたのインスピレーションを教えてください。
CC：はい、それはちょうどアメリカではiTunesでリリースされました。それは最終的に最終的に米国の聴衆のためにリリースされた私のアルバムの一つを持っている偉大な感じ。このアルバムは、 “アリエッティ”の後に書かれた、それは “ソングブック”シリーズで私の前のアルバムのパスをたどります。インスピレーションはほとんど同じであり、ケルト音楽、古代の物語、そして民族音楽から来ている。それは占い物語や伝説からの文字についてです。私はそれを本当に誇りに思っています。

MG：あなたは、今年、米国に来て計画がたくさん巡回している？
CC：私は大きな旅行と私はかなりのビットを見学。私は本当にそれを楽しむ。私は米国で前にどれか一つだけをプレイする機会があった。私は映画のプロモーションの一部となってするように持っているだろうが、それは起こったことはない。うまくいけば、しかし米国では、映画の成功のために、私は本当に近い将来に米国で見学することができるようにそれを使用することを望んでいます。

Cécile Corbel est une chanteuse française / auteur-compositeur, qui a récemment créé le score pour le Studio Ghibli, “The Secret World of Arrietty”. Le film vient d’être publié par Walt Disney Pictures et a obtenu la meilleure ouverture stateside jamais pour un film du Studio Ghibli. Médias Mikes eu la chance de discuter avec Cécile de travailler sur le score avec le Studio Ghibli, ainsi que son nouvel album et une tournée.

Mike Gencarelli: Comment avez-vous participé à la collaboration avec le Studio Ghibli “The Secret World of Arrietty”?
Cécile Corbel: En 2009, j’ai envoyé mon album “Songbook, Vol.2” comme un cadeau à Studio Ghibli. J’ai eu beaucoup de chance parce que le producteur de tête, Toshio Suzuki reçu le CD et réellement écouté. C’est quelque chose qui ne se produit jamais. Ils venaient juste de commencer à produire des “Arrietty” et qu’ils n’étaient pas sûrs de la voie qu’ils voulaient aller avec la musique de l’époque. Nous nous sommes un e-mail me demandant si je voulais écrire une chanson pour le prochain film Ghibli. Voilà comment il est apparu et a d’une chanson à la partition entière. C’était vraiment excitant.

MG: Votre score semblait parfaitement mis à l’échelle pour le film, où avez-vous l’inspiration pour la lui?
CC: Une grande partie de l’inspiration est venue des premiers dessins que j’ai reçus depuis le studio. De plus, le directeur m’a envoyé des textes courts, comme la poésie, qui a tenté de décrire en quelques lignes certains des personnages ou des thèmes du film. J’ai pu me concentrer sur les émotions et les sentiments, ce qui fait qu’il est très facile pour moi d’arriver à la musique avant que le film a été produit.

MG: Joe Hisaishi est connu pour son travail sur les scores pour le Studio Ghibli, c’était leur toute pression monter dans ces chaussures?
CC: [rires] C’est sûr. Je suis aussi un grand fan du travail Hisaishi. Le plus difficile était de ne pas y penser et ne pas essayer de ressembler à quelque chose qui a déjà été fait dans les films Ghibli passées. Aussi d’essayer de ne pas utiliser ce genre d’orchestre symphonique ou en nature de sensation. Je voulais garder les choses simples et arriver à la musique similaire à mon lecteur de CD, dans lequel le studio aimé.

MG: Avez-vous eu beaucoup de liberté créative du studio?
CC: Oui, étonnamment, j’ai eu beaucoup de liberté de travail sur la bande originale.

MG: Quel a été l’aspect le plus différent de la création de la partition?
CC: L’écriture elle-même était plutôt joyeuse et créative. Après cela, je devais déterminer quelle part serait effective entrer dans les coulisses. Il y avait beaucoup d’essais et d’erreurs. Ce fut certainement la partie la plus difficile.

MG: Quel est votre favori Studio Ghibli film avant de travailler sur “Arrietty”?
CC: [rires] C’est une question difficile. Je les aime tous, car ils sont tous différents. Mais “Mon voisin Tortoro” est un de mes favoris. Aussi j’aime beaucoup celui qui est un film un peu plus obscure appelée “Only Yesterday”, réalisé par Isao Takahata.

MG: Quels sont les grands défis de chanter en plusieurs langues?
CC: J’aime chanter dans des langues différentes. Pour “Arrietty”, j’ai effectivement eu à chanter en plusieurs langues. Ils ont voulu traduire “Song Arrietty» en japonais et en anglais en raison de l’objectif international du film. Ensuite, il a été traduit en français, italien et chinois. Japonaise est en fait le plus facile, en fait, à chanter po

MG: Votre dernier album “Songbook, Vol.3” vient de sortir aux Etats-Unis, nous parler de votre inspiration pour cet album?
CC: Oui, il vient de sortir sur iTunes aux États-Unis. Ça fait du bien d’avoir enfin un de mes albums publiés pour le public américain finalement. Cet album a été écrit après “Arrietty”, elle suit le chemin de mes albums précédents dans le «Songbook» série. L’inspiration est à peu près la même chose et vient de la musique celtique, contes anciens, et la musique folk. Il s’agit de raconter des histoires et des personnages de légendes. Je suis vraiment fier de lui.

MG: Vous êtes en tournée beaucoup cette année, tous les plans à venir aux États-Unis?
CC: Je suis un grand voyageur et je visiter un peu. Je l’apprécie vraiment. J’ai eu la chance de jouer une seule avant aux États-Unis. J’aurais aimé à été une partie des promotions pour le film, mais il n’est jamais arrivé. Nous espérons que, grâce au succès du film aux Etats-Unis, je suis vraiment en espérant l’utiliser pour être en mesure de faire le tour des États-Unis dans un avenir proche.

Cécile Corbel is a French singer/songwriter, who recently created the score for Studio Ghibli’s “The Secret World of Arrietty”.  The film was just released by Walt Disney Pictures and has earned the best stateside opening ever for a Studio Ghibli movie.  Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Cécile about working on the score with Studio Ghibli and also her new album and tour.

Click here to read the interview in French / Japanese

Mike Gencarelli: How did you get involved with working with Studio Ghibli on “The Secret World of Arrietty”?’
Cécile Corbel: In 2009, I sent my album “Songbook, Vol.2” as a gift to Studio Ghibli. I got very lucky because the head producer, Toshio Suzuki got the CD and actually listened to it.  This is something that never happens. They were just starting on producing “Arrietty” and they weren’t sure of the path they wanted to go with the music at the time. We got one email asking if I wanted to write one song for the next Ghibli movie.  So that’s how it started and went from one song to the whole score. It was really exciting.

MG: Your score seemed perfectly scaled for the film, where did you get inspiration for the it?
CC: A lot of the inspiration came from the first drawings that I received from the studio.  Also the director sent me short texts, like poetry, which tried to describe in a few lines some of the characters or themes from the movie. I was able to focus on the emotions and feelings, which made it very easy for me to come up with the music before the movie was produced.

MG: Joe Hisaishi is known for working on the scores for Studio Ghibli; was their any pressure stepping into those shoes?
CC: [laughs] For sure. I am also a big fan of Hisaishi work. The hard thing was not to think of it and not to try and sound like something that was already done in past Ghibli movies. Also to try not to use that kind of orchestra or symphonic kind of feel. I wanted keep it simple and come up with music similar to my CD, in which the studio liked.

MG: Did you get a lot of creative freedom from the studio?
CC: Yes, amazingly I had a lot of freedom working on the soundtrack.

MG: What was the most different aspect of creating the score?
CC: The writing itself was rather joyful and creative. After that, I had to figure out which part would actual fit into the scenes. There was a lot of trial and error. That was definitely the hard part.

MG: What is your favorite Studio Ghibli film prior to working on “Arrietty”?
CC: [laughs] That is a tough question. I like all of them because they are all different. But “My Neighbor Tortoro” is one of my favorites. Also I really like one that is a little more obscure film called “Only Yesterday” directed by Isao Takahata.

MG: What is the biggest challenges of singing in different languages?
CC: I love to sing in different languages. For “Arrietty”, I actually had to sing in many different languages. They wanted to translate “Arrietty’s Song” in Japanese and English due to the international purpose of the film. Then it was translated to French, Italian and Chinese. Japanese is actually the easiest in fact to sing in.

MG: Your latest album “Songbook, Vol.3” was just released in the US, tell us about your inspiration for this album?
CC: Yes it was just released on iTunes in the US. It feels great to finally have one of my albums released for US audience finally. This album was written after “Arrietty”, it follows the path of my prior albums in the “Songbook” series. The inspiration is pretty much the same and comes from Celtic music, ancient tales, and folk music. It is about story telling and characters from legends. I am really proud of it.

MG: You are touring a lot this year, any plans to come to the US?
CC: I am a big traveler and I tour quite a bit. I really enjoy it. I had the chance to play only one before in the US. I would have like to been a part of the promotions for the movie, but it never happened. Hopefully though due to the success of the movie in the US, I am really hoping to use that to be able to tour in the US in the near future.

Ken Jordan is one half of the musical team know as The Crystal Method. The group recently appeared in the documentary film “Re:Generation” and is currently working on a new EP. Media Mikes had a chance to talk with Ken recently about the groups products.

Adam Lawton: How did you first get involved with being in “Re:Generation”?
Ken Jordan: Sometime after the Coachella Festival last year we started talking about the idea. We like to jump on any opportunity that shows what we do and helps get our music out to people who might not normally discover it. The chance to be in what looked to be a really good film was very appealing to us. We were comfortable with doing the collaboration as R&B, Funk and Soul has always been a major influence to us. We were very excited to work in those genres. Working with Martha Reeves was really exciting for us.

AL: Was it hard working with the camera around all the time?
KJ: You get your little microphone attached to you and after awhile you forget about it. They were as un-intrusive as they could be. Eventually we got comfortable with them. We weren’t acting or anything so we just focused on making a good song.

AL: Did you find working on the different material changed your writing style at all?
KJ: It was different working with Martha in that way. We had originally thought we needed to deliver the song with completed lyrics and Martha would sing those. However she was not interested in doing that. We were sort of late to deliver the lyrics as we wanted to travel around Detroit and let the lyrics take on a shape of their own. We sprung them on her at the last minute which caused a little bit of conflict. Really all she wanted to do was protect Detroit and didn’t want to sing anything she wasn’t comfortable with. Over all it was a really easy process working with her. I think if we had to do it again we would work out all the lyrics ahead of time with Martha. I do think though that the way things worked out was for the best.

AL: What did you enjoy most about working on the project?
KJ: The whole experience of getting to know Detroit was great. Some of the things we saw during that time we will never forget. When they were tearing down the Ford Theater some of the crew got chunks of the black facade and we all signed each others chunk. We all have a nice souvenir from that. Getting to know Detroit through Martha’s eyes is something we will always keep with us.

AL: Can you tell us about your upcoming EP release?
KJ: The new EP is going to be titled “Sling the Decks” and it should be out this spring. We currently have one tracked titled and are working on the others. We also are working on a single that incorporates elements from a rock super group. That project is still in the early stages but it will be out this year as well.

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Lola Blanc is a singer, songwriter, actress and model. Lola has appeared in videos for many bands such as Interpol and Lifehouse. Media Mikes had a chance to talk with Lola recently about some of her past work as well as what she has planned for 2012.

Adam Lawton: What was it that made you want to pursue the music side of the entertainment business?
Lola Blanc: I have been writing since I can remember but when I was 9 I was really into the group Hanson. We had this closet growing up that my brother would use as a chemistry lab. I would go in there and listen to music by myself. I listened to the Hanson song “Thinking of You” and it made me cry. That was the first song to ever move me in such an emotional way. Hanson combined with the Spice Girls really changed my life and made me want to do music for the rest of my life.

AL: What has it been like working with people such as Brian Lee and David Gamson?
LB: Initially it was a little intimidating. I was thrown into this world with people who had done all these big things. It was however very exciting and overtime I felt like I was an equal as I was able to contribute creatively. It was truly a great experience.

AL: What is your favorite part working on music videos?
LB: It’s fun to play dress and play a character in someone else’s world. It’s also a great opportunity to meet other artists and see how the whole experience goes down. It has prepared me for working on my own music videos which is something that I am really looking forward to doing.

AL: Can you tell us about your work on “Repo: The Genetic Opera”?
LB: I was friends with someone who worked for Yoshiki and they needed people for some background vocals. I went in one night and did some yelling into a microphone which was a lot of fun. I eventually ended up working for Yoshiki as an assistant later on.

AL: What was it like working for Yoshiki?
LB: It’s interesting. Girls cry and scream when they are around him. They will actually bow down at his feet which I thought was kind of bizarre. It was fun and Yoshiki was really great. I was one of many assistants that he has and things are very hectic around there.

AL: What upcoming plans do you have for 2012?
LB: My main focus right now is getting prepared to shoot music videos. I am really excited as it’s a culmination of all the things I do. The videos are really a way for me to express myself on all levels. I get to show my fashion, personality and music all together. This is probably going to be the most fun I have had in my career. I also have plans to play some shows which I will get do the same thing and showcase all my talents.

Mark “Barney” Greenway is the vocalist for the legendary grind-core band Napalm Death. The band formed in 1981 and is set to release their 15^th studio album in February. We had a chance to talk with Barney about the bands upcoming release and their plans for 2012.

Adam Lawton: Can you tell us about the bands upcoming release “Utilitarian”?
Mark “Barney” Greenway: For this album we sort of spread out the recording process as we had so much material. It was quite a process to get everything together. The end result is really a continuation of where our last album left off. I have difficulty analyzing the material and comparing it to the rest of the albums. Our process of writing is very spontaneous and whatever comes out comes out. The real difference with the new album is I did some things differently with the vocals. There are some influences on there I have used before but not in this context. The influences are kind of alternative and not what you normally associate with grind core. I used a real ambient ballad type style and we worked that into the faster stuff. To be honest I wasn’t sure if this would really work. However it seemed to work quite well.

AL: What was it like working with producer Russ Russell?
MG: Russ is great! He is like a member of the band. His general approach to things is that as long as it songs good that’s all he cares about. He doesn’t mind if the recording techniques are unconventional or whatever. He is exactly the same as us in the band. It was nice having already known Russ as we didn’t have to go through that process of getting to know how each other works.

AL: Is there a particular song off the record you really want the fans to hear?
MG: The song “Everyday Pox”.  That track is also a personal favorite of mine as it’s really nasty! The track is pretty nuts and it just sounds really horrible and heavy. We of course are nice gentle people though. (Laughs)

AL: What do you think keeps the band fresh and current after being together for 30 years?
MG: We have always tried to go to places where bands have never been before. We have always kind of trail blazed in that way. We were the first band to play independently in the Soviet Union. That was pretty historic at that point. The band also has this chemistry where we never feel like we are just going through the motions. The band has gone through some pretty rough times and, we have weathered storms where other bands just fell to the way side. We have always had the drive to keep moving forward which is something that seems to come natural to us. There might come a time where things change and we might not feel as creative but that’s only natural. We take things month by month and year by year. We don’t want to do anything 50%.

AL: What other upcoming plans do you have scheduled for 2012?
MB: Well the album comes out in February and we have some shows scheduled overseas. The only thing we have scheduled here in the U.S. so far is the Bury Your Dead Festival. We are going to be doing more here in the states but we want to make sure that we get a good package of bands together. The days of going out with one support band I think are pretty much gone. We also want to make sure that the ticket prices are fair as well. It will take a bit of planning but we will get there.

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Bob Pantella is the drummer for Cycle of Pain, Monster Magnet, Riot God and Atomic Bitchwax. His band Riot God is set to release their second album at the end of January titled “Invisible Empire”. Media Mikes had a chance to catch up with Bob recently to discuss the new album and how he manages to juggle playing in four different bands.

Adam Lawton: Can you tell us about Riot God’s upcoming album titled “Invisible Empire”?
Bob Pantella: The album actually came out in Europe at the end of November and will be available here in the states starting January 31^st. This is the bands second record and I am really excited for it to be released. The album is a little bit heavier than the first album and I think it came out really good. We are very happy with it. At this point I am actually really looking forward to doing another one. (Laughs)

AL: How do you think it compares to the first album?
BP: The heavier approach was definitely on purpose. During the recording of the first record we were sort of scatter brained and didn’t know how it was going to come out. We have been around for a few years now and have worked on our sound. Things this time came together relatively easy.

AL: Did you try to incorporate any new beats or styles into you’re playing on the album?
BP:  We all have our own styles which is something you don’t realize until you listen back to things. We decide is something cool or if it sucks and then put the pieces together. There is thought behind what we do but it is more related to editing ourselves. We spent a lot more time on this album and we were a lot more focused.

AL: Are there any tracks that stand out as favorites?
BP: Picking a track for me is pretty difficult as I am so close to the work. I wish I could hear the songs with fresh ears but that’s impossible. Each time I listen to the album I like something else. At this point I like the song “Tomorrows Today”. At first I liked “Firebrand” but then I kind of got sick of that one. I have listened to all of these songs around 500 times.

AL: Do you have any projects in the works with your other bands?
BP: Cycle of Pain has a few songs in the works. Between JD and me playing all the time we are away a lot so that album is going to take a little bit of time. Monster Magnet has plans to do a new record in the spring.

AL: Do you find it hard splitting your time between 4 bands?
BP: If I didn’t like it I would quit. Playing takes up about 95% of my time. I haven’t been out of the studio in 4 days as we are recording some Riot God material for a special tour release. Monster Magnet is recording a track for an upcoming tribute album and Atomic Bitchwax is recording and writing for an upcoming spring release.

AL: Do you have any other plans for 2012?
BP: Things are pretty well booked up but there are still things being filled in. I am going to be in Germany with Riot God playing the Wacken Festival and then I will be in Europe again with Monster Magnet sometime in June. Things are just nonstop.

Papa Joe Aviance is a dance music performer best known for performance with Lulu on the track “Last Night a DJ Saved My Life”. His current song is working its way up Billboard Dance charts. Media Mikes had a chance recently to speak with Papa Joe about his music and future plans.

Adam Lawton: What made you first want to get into music?
Papa Joe Aviance: I have been passionate about music all of my life. I grew up playing the violin and I was also in the marching band. Music is something I have been around all of my life. When I first experienced club music it was like church for me. Feeling the grooves and beats was very magical and I fell in love with it. Music in general is something that I just really love!

AL: How was it getting to work with Lulu on “Last Night a DJ Saved My Life”?
PJA: Amazing! I had danced to her tracks many times in the clubs and to have the opportunity to work with her was a blessing in disguise. My demo had been sent to Kult records and that day was the same day the originally rapper on the track was fired. They liked my voice and if would mind doing the rap on the track. Next thing I know its number 6 on the Billboard dance charts.

AL: When you were working on the track did you think it was going to be as big as it turned out?
PJA: Not at all. When it did get as big as it did I saw myself on the video and I knew I had to change my appearance. I knew I just couldn’t look like I did. I remember going to a local sports bar and hearing that song on the juke box. I just couldn’t believe it. From there I really got the motivation to lose a bunch of weight and was the next big thing to happen to me after that song was released.

AL: Can you tell us about your new track titled “Live For Life”?
PJA: I had Willy Sanjuan at a music conference about a year and a half ago. I was there promoting “Last Night a DJ Saved My Life”. He and I had been communicating through email and through the process of my weight loss I started writing this track. We recorded and submitted it and now it’s being promoted everywhere. I am really happy and proud of the track. This really is my very first solo track.

AL: How was it going into the studio by yourself for the first time?
PJA: It was fun and exciting. I love being in the studio and getting to brainstorm material. This new track is kind of about being passionate and doing what you love.

AL: Can you tell us about Papa Joe Network Productions?
PJA: That sort of came into play about 2 years ago. I had helped with some things on the “Last Night a DJ Saved My Life” video. During my weight loss journey I decided to document it. From there I started working on other projects besides my own. I like trying to help people get their message out.

AL: Do you have any other upcoming projects?
PJA: I am currently working with a few charities right now filming their events. Besides filming for those groups I am also involved heavily as a member. Next year I am planning to do a Walk Across America tour. I am planning to visit 10-15 cities to promote not only my new song but a healthy and active lifestyle. I plan to document the whole thing and submit it to festivals when it’s all done.

For more info on Papa Joe Aviance you can go to his website @ www.joejoenow.com and you can view some of his production work at www.youtube.com/papajoeaviance

Graham Colton is a singer/songwriter who has had his material featured on “American Idol” and who has toured with acts such as John Mayer, Counting Crows and The Dave Mathews Band. Media Mikes had a chance recently to talk with Graham about his latest release “Pacific Coast Eyes Vol. 2”.

Adam Lawton: Can you tell us about your latest release.
Graham Colton: The album is titled “Pacific Coast Eyes Vol. 2”. It is sort of a bonus EP release that was really a lot of fun to make. Now that I am an independent artist again I can pretty much do what I what on my own schedule. This release is just that. The EP contains 3 songs from “Pacific Coast Eyes” and 3 new songs. Lately I have been a fan of putting out things that I think my fans will like right away rather than using the old model of things and make them wait a year or two.

AL: I assume you are a fan of that type of freedom as an artist?
GC: I definitely like the fact that there are no rules. I think with the way the business is going these days the original set of rules people went by are now being redefined. I think this is  cool because with the touch of one button you have so many different options to get your work out there. I am really embracing this new way of doing things. When I first started I think I caught the tail end of how things used to be done where you sign a big record deal and release a huge album. I had a great time working that way but there are just so many new ways of doing things now. Moving forward is something that is really good.

AL: How do you feel the new tracks on this release compare to your previous work?
GC: You always hope that with each release you move forward another step. I have stopped putting the pressure on myself to figure out what material is better. I think I have grown as songwriter both in ways I think are good and in ways I think that my hurt me. A lot of times I am thinking some of the best songs I have ever written were the ones I wrote in my bedroom when I was 17. During that time it was just me, four chords and an out of tune guitar. All I wanted to do was impress girls. On the flip side there is always a cool balance of keeping things as simple and as honest as I can while at the same time adding in all the experience I have gained and learned along the way.

AL: What are your tour plans for this release?
GC: I just wrapped up a tour called the “Go National Tour”. The tour was a partnership between me and cngnow.com where I traveled in a natural gas vehicle and documented the entire tour. I plan to do a spring tour and more partnerships with cngnow.com. My partnership with cngnow.com has been great as this is the first time I have really stood up for a cause that I believe in. I felt so strongly about this that I actually approached them with this idea. It was a pretty organic process. I started looking out what type of eco footprint we as musicians who earn our living out on the road leave behind after we have toured all over. I am very proud of what we have accomplished thus far and you can actually go to the site to see just what we have done.

AL: Do you have any other upcoming projects in the works for 2012?
GC: I am working on a few things right now that I would describe as being a little bit left of center for me. There are some collaboration’s that have started however it is still a little bit too early to talk about those. I have been very excited as of late. This is something that tends to happen when I am about ready to make new music. I seem to have the ability to visual the record before I even write anything. I don’t know the exact picture yet but I do know I want to make a left turn and see what all shakes out. This is both exciting and really scary.

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Doug Brown is the vocalist/rhythm guitarist for the pop/rock band SafetySuit. The band recently released their second album titled “These Times” via Universal Republic Records. Media Mikes had a chance to talk with Doug recently about the bands history and the new album.

Adam Lawton: Can you give us a little background on the band?
Doug Brown: The band formed a century ago in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In 2004 we moved to Nashville, Tenn. where we started playing out quite a bit. In 2007 we got signed to Universal Records and in 2008 we released our first album titled “Life Left to Go”. We toured on that album for about 3 years which brings us to now where we are now just releasing our new album “These Times”.

AL: What can you tell us about the new album?
DB: This album is the next step in the SafetySuit journey. With the last record I don’t think people could really tell what type of band we are. Some people thought we were a pop band while others thought we were a rock band. I think we have a little bit of both and are a pop/rock band as opposed to a rock/pop band. The pop is trying to squeeze its way towards the front of our sound but we give it emotion and intensity which is what is missing from some pop style songs.

AL: How does “These Times” compare to your previous release?
DB: I think this record is an evolution. This album is us figuring out what people were reacting to after 2/3 years of touring. We wanted to make the things that people were reacting to the predominant thing on the new record. We were really aware this time of what we were putting in each recording as we wanted the songs to be very accessible. With the last record we added a lot of stuff to the tracks to make them bigger but this time we went with a less is more approach.

AL: What do you think was the hardest part of the recording process?
DB: The recording process it’s self was a really long process. We started at the beginning of 2010 and didn’t finish until the end of 2011. It’s hard to come into the studio and record a fresh sounding album after being on the road for so long. We recorded half of the record and then brought the label down to hear it. This was the first time that we as a band stopped and listened to what we were doing. We realized it was not very good so we scrapped the entire thing. The second time around we made sure that we had good people working with us with fresh ideas. We were constantly checking the tracks to make sure they were what we wanted.

AL: Is there a track off the album that sticks out as a favorite?
DB: Probably the title track “These Times”. I think that song musically captures what we are trying to do as a band. The song has a good guitar hook and lyrics that are focused on a real subject. I think this song has the heart of the band behind it.

AL: Will the band be touring to support the album?
DB: I don’t have any specifics on the tour just yet. We are working very hard right now on locking down a few things. We are planning a small club tour in February and then we have some opportunities for some larger tours in March, April and May. I can’t really tell anyone much more than that until things are finalized.

AL: Is there anything else going on with band in 2012?
DB: We just released our video on Vevo.com for “These Times” which was pretty exciting. It was also pretty amazing to be the number 1 album on iTunes for a couple days. During the months until spring we plan to do a lot of press and promoting to get the album going. We hope to do a Vh1 premier of “These Times” in the next month in a half or so.

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Tyler Connolly is the lead singer for the rock band Theory of a Deadman. The band released their 4^th studio album this year titled “The Truth Is…” and have been touring since its release. Media Mikes had a chance to talk with Tyler recently about the album and the bands plans for 2012.

Adam Lawton: When the band was first starting out did you find it harder to break into mainstream here in the states being you were from another country?
Tyler Connolly: It was a little harder but I don’t think it had anything to do with the music we were playing. In Canada they have to play a certain percentage of Canadian music on the radio. We had a good record that the stations liked playing and we were able to build a following. I think the hardest part was getting on the tour bus and never being home.

AL: 2011 has been a busy year for the band. Can you tell what’s all been going on?
TC: We have been touring a lot. We have focused on hitting markets that we don’t often go to. We have done 3 U.S. tours on the “The Truth Is…” album which was released in the spring of this year.

AL: You guys have been playing the new songs out now for awhile do you have any favorites off the latest album?
TC: “Gentlemen” is a really fun song to play. We are going to be adding a song to the set titled “Hurricane”. That song is going to be our next single to be released. We enjoy playing live and seeing the different reactions certain songs get. Personally I like playing any of the new material as its fresh.

AL: Can you tell us the story behind having a homeless guy play on the track “What Was I Thinking”?
TC: The guy was just this old sort of dirty dude playing banjo on the street corner. I was walking by and gave the guy some money then went into the studio. When I got inside I told everyone about him and said we should bring him in to play banjo on something. We asked him to come and he asked us how much would he get paid. We ended up paying him I think $800 because of certain union laws. It was really just a random thing.

AL: With the end of the year approaching do you have any favorite albums that have come out this year?
TC: I just picked up the new Mumford and Sons album. I just love all the harmonies on that album. I also have been listening to a lot of The Parlor Mob who made a really great record. The album is called “Dogs” and we have been listening to that quite a bit.

AL: Can you tell us about the bands plans for 2012?
TC: We have 4 shows in the states and then we are doing an 11 show tour across Canada. We don’t get to Canada very often at the most we play there maybe once a year. From there we go back overseas for 3 weeks. After that I think we are doing a headlining tour in the states. That will probably start around March or April.

AL: Are you guys hitting any new places overseas this time?
TC: Yes. We are hitting Norway, Finland and Austria. We have played in Austria before but the other places this will be our first time playing there.

AL: Are there any places the band hasn’t played yet that you would really like to play?
TC: Australia. Everyone I have talked to has said that Australia is a great rock market. It seems like a really great place to go. We also would love to get to Japan.

AL: Can you tell us about the special ticket packages for the upcoming tour?
TC: Artist Arena is putting together some special packages for fans to purchase. The packages offer a little more than just a seat to the show. It seems to be something that is really popular and we have met a lot of people which has been great! I have to look in to if these packages are going to be available at our shows outside of the U.S.

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Yoshiki is the drummer/pianist for the super successful Japanese rock group X Japan. Recently Yoshiki was asked to compose the theme song for the 2012 Golden Globe Awards ceremony. Media Mikes had the chance to speak with Yoshiki about his work on the piece as well as what it was like being made into a superhero by none other than Stan Lee.

Adam Lawton: How did you get involved with writing the theme for the 2012 Golden Globes?
Yoshiki: I had been invited to attend the Golden Globes last year. I got to know some of the people in the HFPA and we all became friends. After a few meetings during the summer time, the President of the HFPA asked me if I would be interested in writing the theme song for the Golden Globes. I was very delighted to be asked.

AL: When you a write a piece like this what do feel is the hardest part of the process?
Yoshiki: I think the hardest part is overcoming the pressure of each project. I have written for large Japanese events however this is my first time writing for something that is based outside of Asia. I had gotten some information from the people at the HFPA that they wanted the piece to be prestigious with touches of Hollywood. I tried to listen to everyone’s ideas and digest them all while writing the piece.

AL: What can you tell us about your comic book character “Blood Red Dragon”?
Yoshiki: I have been working with Stan Lee and Todd McFarlane on that project. Stan Lee is pretty much the brain behind the project. They will often show me ideas and I give them some input as to whether I think it’s a good idea or not. Stan made me a superhero, which is something he is very good at!

AL: How did the idea for the character come about?
Yoshiki: I had met Stan at a charity event. I introduced myself by telling him I was a rock star and he told me he creates superheroes. That’s really how everything started. Stan is just so big and he has created so many great characters.

AL: With X Japan starting to venture outside of Asia what do you think is the hardest part about breaking into a new market such as here in the United States?
Yoshiki: The hardest part is that no Asian act/rock band has been to other markets. People tend to have a stereotype because of this. They often think we can’t make it. We have to convince them that nothing is impossible. We have to work and keep on rocking to convince people. There really is no easy way to become popular or known when going to a new area. X Japan is pretty lucky because we have had quite a bit of Japanese press. There are also a lot of people around the world who are interested in Japanese culture and they have found are music. We get immediate response from our fans around the world however, in order to take things to the next level you have to keep touring and rocking!

AL: You perform both classical and rock music. Is there one genre you prefer over the other?
Yoshiki: Going back and forth between rock and classical music I think keeps me sane. I think if you listen to too much rock you will go insane and vice versa. (Laughs) I enjoy going back and forth between the two.

AL: Do you have any other projects coming up this year?
Yoshiki: X Japan should have a new album out this year. It is about 90% done however I had to stop work on it in order to focus on the Golden Globes. Once I am done with everything for the Golden Globes we will start recording the album. I also have my solo project Violet UK and I would like to finish an album for that as well. When both of those are completed I plan to start touring again. We would like to be able tour North America extensively in the coming year.

For more information on Yoshiki and all of his projects you can go to his official site at www.yoshiki.net

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Danny Smash is the bassist for the rock band The Last Vegas. The band is set to release their second full-length album this coming year. Media Mikes had a chance to ask Danny a few questions about the upcoming release as well as what it was like working with Sybil Danning.

Adam Lawton: What can you tell us about the band?
Danny Smash: It’s always hard to accurately describe things when your on the inside looking out.  From my perspective I think were just five Midwest guys who are trying to be 1970s Aerosmith in 2011.  We come from the five piece mold cast from bands like The Rolling Stones, AC/DC, The New York Dolls, Guns n Roses, Alice Cooper, and of course the Jackson 5.  For some reason we get perceived as a hair metal band, but were actually much more 70s rock influenced.   I think its because most peoples last reference point for real rock n roll is the eighties so they place you in that category even if its not accurate. You’ll never find a bottle of aqua net in our van man!

AL: Tell us about the upcoming album?
DS: The new album was recorded right in here in Chicago with producer Johnny K(Staind, Disturbed, Megadeth). He has an awesome studio located literally five minutes from where we practice, so it was really convenient. We recorded 14 songs but we’ll probably send a couple of them down to the minors. Musically the album is a little less polished and a little more eclectic than our previous album “Whatever Gets You Off.”   There were a lot of different elements thrown in the rock caldron on this one. We have four songwriters so there’s a lot of perspectives and a lot of arguing. Were talking about a spring release.

AL: have you picked a favorite track from the album?
DS: My personal favorite is a track called Evil Eyes. The song has a really cool rhythm and vibe to it.  The song reminds me of “Nobody’s Fault” off Aerosmith’s  “Rocks” album. The song takes an introspective look into the mind of a stalker. Its heavy but you can shake your ass to it. Ass shaking + Stalker = #1 hit single???

AL: What was it like working with Sybil Danning?
DS: It was a really great experience to work with a legend.  She is such a professional.  When she turned on the acting button it was a very surreal moment.  I knew right then and there I needed to step it up.  She’s also a very kind, patient, and down to earth lady.  The whole experience exceeded all expectations.

AL: What are the bands upcoming plans for 2012?
DS: For 2012, The Last Vegas train wreck is focusing on international touring and our album release. We’ve been touring around America for the last three years, so its time to poison the minds of the rest of world.  Were getting the party started with a three-week tour of Spain in February.