Marti Frederikson is a writer, producer, performer who has worked with artists such as Buckcherry, Carrie Underwood and Gavin Rossdale. Frederikson recently completed work on tracks for the upcoming Aerosmith album titled “Music From Another Dimension!” which is set for a November 2012 release. Media Mikes had the chance to talk with Marti about his career and what it was like once again working with Aerosmith.

Adam Lawton: How did you first break in to the music business?
Marti Frederiksen: I started off playing in bands and had gotten a couple record deals. I was just trying to be myself. I started off playing the drums when I was very young and I have always loved music. From the age of 5 on I never gave up on music.

AL: What type of process do you take when a band is looking to work with you?
MF: I try to work with bands and artists that I really like while at the same time not spreading myself to thin by wanting to do everything that comes my way. There are only so many days in the week so it’s hard. If I hear something new and like the approach of a group or artist then I don’t want to change their sound. What I want to try and do is to help them make their work better. I am attracted to cool sounds that I want to try and make better.

AL: Do you have a favorite out of writing, producing or performing?
MF: Doing live stuff I would have to say is my least favorite these days. Songwriting is what I really enjoy. Getting together with someone and 3 hours later you have a great song is something I really like. The producing usually will happen when you are just trying to get a song to the finish line. You end up spending a lot of time as producing is very time consuming. Depending on how good an act is generally dictates how long things will take.

AL: How did you first get involved working with Aerosmith?
MF: I worked with a band many years ago called Brother Cane and their Aerosmith’s A&R guy heard the song we had done and he really liked the approach of the song. I was lucky enough to get a meeting with him from this and he asked me if I would be interested in working with Aerosmith. This was in 1997 and at that time the band was coming off of the “Get a Grip” album.

AL: What type of role do you as the produce take with such an established band like Aerosmith who have a very defined, signature sound already?
MF: I first met with Steven and Joe. I tried to guide whatever ideas came out of us playing in to full songs. I really wanted to get some hooks and put those together into a bunch of songs that people would want to listen to and buy.

AL: Can you tell us about working the track “What Could Have Been Love” which has been in the works for many years now?
MF: The song has been around for years now. Finally everyone got to play on it as there has been a demo floating around for a bit. This song was always something Steven wanted to do and releasing it was just a matter of when and what the song would be for. I am really glad this song turned into an Aerosmith song which is what is was intended to be.

AL: Was it difficult in any way going to work with the guys knowing some of the member’s recent troubles with one another?
MF: It was probably harder for them. I will just wait until they are ready. They came prepared and we just took it from there. Once they were prepared to get in the studio and start putting songs together it was pretty simple. There was a lot of outside press going on which impacted the members prior to this but that stuff was all sorted out before they came in.

AL: Did the band work together as a whole or did the members work separate from one another?
MF: The stuff I worked on had some pretty decent demos already. There were a few other tracks we got together on such as “Beautiful” and a duet with Carrie Underwood titled “Can’t Stop Loving You” that really came from scratch.

AL: What other projects are you currently working on?
MF: I just got in with the 3 Doors Down guys who are putting out a greatest hits record. I did 3 new songs with them which will be included on that release. I have also been doing a lot of writing with various writers and groups.

Lindsey Sterling is a violinist and YouTube sensation and known best for appearing on the fifth season of “America’s Got Talent”. She recently released her debut album titled “Lindsey Sterling”. The album quickly shot to #1 on the Electronic Music charts and landed in iTunes Top 100. Media Mikes had the chance to speak with Lindsey recently about her music and her future plans.

Adam Lawton: How did you first get involved with music?
Lindsey Sterling: I have played the violin pretty much my whole life. In High School I tried to branch out and experiment with different styles. I really got in to the solo performing aspect while I was trying to earn money for college. I had done some talent competitions and during that time started writing music that was more modernized while incorporating dance in to my performing. I never knew that my music would take the turn it did and become my whole life. I love it and feel so great. I am very glad the hard work has paid off.

AL: What can you tell us about your debut album?
LS: I started writing that at the end of 2010. I had intended to do a full length album as I could only afford to do 3 songs. I met with a producer and he thought the idea was kind of cool so we recorded the 3 songs and everything really started from there. I put the songs out on ITunes but nothing really sold at first. It wasn’t until I started making YouTube videos and the music was searchable that people started to take notice. People started buying my music which led to me being able to make more music. At first I was doing things song by song when I could afford them and finally I knew I just had to finish the album.

AL: What type of process do you take when song writing?
LS: I would meet with a couple different producers and when working on the various tracks I would sit and listen to the whole track while giving my input. Once the beat was done I would take that and improvise over the top of it. I would just jam for hours until I had what I wanted for the piece.

AL: What were your first thoughts when your album took off the way it did?
LS: I was extremely excited! I knew the album would at least do ok because I have some pretty dedicated fans that would support the album. The album is still #1 on the Electronic charts and is I think up to #13 on the overall charts. That was crazy. I still can’t believe after 3 weeks of being out the album is still in the top 100. It’s just overwhelming to think that only a few years ago I barely had enough money to record 3 songs and now all that hard work is paying off.

AL: Can you tell us about your current tour?
LS: We have cut the tour in half as we just finished up the first part. We have a 2 week break and then we will be back out on the road which will take us through California, Seattle and into Canada. That will wrap this tour. In January we are planning on going to Europe which I am looking forward to. I get a lot of request to play overseas so to finally be able to go over to these places will be great. When we return from Europe we are planning on hitting the States again in February/March.

AL: What do you like most about utilizing the YouTube site to help promote your music?
LS: It is really cool that we live in world now where an independent artist can make it in the music world. It used to be that you needed a record label in order for your music to get heard. Before I discovered the YouTube model I kind of started that way. I am so grateful that I was able to do things this way and for myself. I am still an independent artist and my album is doing just great. I also sold out my U.S. tour on my own. It is the time of the independent and you don’t have to sell out or do what people are making you do. You can stay true to your vision and be your own boss.

AL: With all of your recent success have you thought about going to a major label?
LS: I love being an independent artist. Funny enough I have thought about it. Now I am just waiting to see if someone comes forward with an offer I am willing to accept. I am not willing to give up certain things and I am also to the point where I don’t necessarily need a labels support. We have had a few major labels fly out to try and convince us to sign to their label. It is really cool that the ball is in my court.

BLACK VEIL BRIDES TO UNLEASH

WRETCHED AND DIVINE: THE STORY OF THE WILD ONES ON JANUARY 8^th

VIA LAVA RECORDS/UNIVERSAL REPUBLIC 

Pre-Order For Band’s Third Album Set For October 31^st via iTunes 

The Church Of The Wild Ones World Tour Kicks Off January 4^th 

(New York, NY – October 29, 2012) – Los Angeles based hard rockers Black Veil Brides return with their third album Wretched And Divine: The Story Of The Wild Ones. The album is being released on January 8^th via Lava Records/Unviersal Republic.  The album marks the band’s first full length release since 2011’s Set The World On Fire which debuted at #1 on the iTunes Rock chart, #4 on the iTunes overall album chart and #17 on the Billboard Top 200. The 19 track opus builds upon the signature sound the Black Veil Brides have created since their debut We Stitch These Wounds while showcasing their growth as musicians and songwriters. The pre-order for the new album goes live on iTunes on October 31^st and fans who pre-order the whole album will be treated to an instant download of the first single “In The End” which was the theme song for WWE’s Hell In A Cell Pay-Per-View event recently.  Wretched And Divive: The Story Of The Wild Ones was produced by John Feldmann known for his work with The Used, Neon Trees, Panic! At The Disco, and The Veronicas, among others.

Black Veil Brides will also be heading out on The Church Of The Wild Ones World Tour in support of the new album.  The tour, which kicks off January 4^th in Las Vegas, will cover two continents and four different countries before it ends on March 8^th in San Francisco.  The first leg will make stops in Denver, Houston, Philadelphia and New York to name a few before heading over to the United Kingdom.  There, the band will make stops in Manchester, Bristol, Liverpool and Glasgow and more before returning to the States for the second US leg of The Church Of The Wild Ones Tour. The band will also make a return to Mexico on February 23^rd during this leg.

The tracklisting for Wretched And Divine: The Story Of The Wild Ones is:

1) Exordium
2) I Am Bulletproof
3) New Year’s Day
4) F.E.A.R. Transmission 1: Stay Close
5) Wretched And Divine
6) We Don’t Belong
7) F.E.A.R. Transmission 2: Trust
8) Devil’s Choir
9) Resurrect The Sun
10) Overture
11) Shadows Die
12) Abeyance
13) Days Are Numbered
14) Done For You
15) Nobody’s Hero
16) Lost It All
17) F.E.A.R. Transmission 3: As War Fades
18) In The End
19) F.E.A.R. Final Transmission

Black Veil Brides is Andy Biersack (vocals), Jake Pitts (guitars), Jinxx (guitars/violin), Ashley Purdy (bass) and Christian “CC” Coma (drums).

* TOUR DATES ATTACHED *

THE CHURCH OF THE WILD ONES WORLD TOUR

Related Content

• DEATH VALLEY HIGH Crafts Industrial for the Masses with New Album “CVLT [AS FVK]”
• Donavon Frankenreiter Heads through Florida for his 2016 Tour starting March!
• Dr. Dilznik and the Last Rekrute Release the First Video from Their New Album
• Dr. Dilznik and the Last Rekrute Relese Their New Video, “Still the Same”
• End of Days: Slayer Announces Final World Tour

“Twins of Evil Tour”
Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson
Date: Tuesday, October 16th 2012
Venue: Main St. Armory, Rochester, NY

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

The Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson co-headlining tour known as “The Twins of Evil” tour made a stop at the Main St. Armory in Rochester, NY on Tuesday, October 16th and performed to a near sold out house. Though production issues seemed to set the night in to a bit of a spin and talks of the previous nights altercation between Manson and Zombie swirling both acts went as scheduled and without incident.

Opening act DJ Starscream aka Sid Wilson of Slipknot was not able to perform his set due to the time crunch caused by production however fans didn’t seem to mind the change as the opening spot of the tour has been somewhat questionable after original opener JDub aka Jonathan Davis lead singer of Korn backed out of the spot sighting exhaustion prior to the tours start. Without an opening act to prime the crowd the headliners had to work a little bit harder this evening to warm up the crowd. Marilyn Manson would take the stage first and though the crowd started off fairly unresponsive about midway through the set the crowd sprang to life as Manson and company performed some of their more notable song such as “mObscene”, “Sweet Dreams” and the always rousing “Beautiful People”. Though Manson interacted little with the somewhat stagnant crowd he carried on with his show un-phased and did little to entice a response. After a rather lengthy set change Rob Zombie would take the stage flanked by excessive amounts of smoke and lighting which filled the medium sized venue instantly. Zombie is still performing a fairly similar set to that of his last 3 tours however despite nothing really new for the fans to see or hear the band still sounded great. White Zombie hits such as “More Human than Human” and “Thunder Kiss ‘65” were definite highlights of the set as was Zombies closing number “Dragula”.

Though this night went fairly smooth I wouldn’t be surprised if this tour doesn’t end in some sort of big catastrophe. Though tensions seemed to be calmed for the moment Manson is known for having a somewhat volatile and unpredictable personality. With there already having been one altercation on this tour it makes me think there could be more troubles down the line. If you have your tickets already for this show hold on to your receipts as this tour could go up in flames at anytime. However if it does stay on track then be prepared for a solid show.

Marilyn Manson Set List:
1.) Hey, Cruel World
2.) Disposable Teens
3.) The Love Song
4.) No Reflection
5.) mObscene
6.) The Dope Show
7.) Slo-Mo-Tion
8.) Rock is Dead
9.) Personal Jesus
10.) Sweet Dreams
11.) Coma White
12.) King Kill 33
13.) Antichrist Superstar
14.) The Beautiful People

Rob Zombie Set List:
1.) Jesus Frankenstein
2.) Superbeast
3.) Meet the Creeper
4.) Living Dead Girl
5.) More Human Than Human
6.) Mars Needs Women
7.) Drum solo
8.) Never Gonna Stop (The Red, Red Koovy)
9.) Sick Bubble Gum
10.) Scum of the Earth
11.) Pussy Liquor
12.) Thunder Kiss ‘65
13.) School’s Out
14.) Dragula

Mark Tremonti is best known as the guitarist for the multi platinum selling band Creed and for his work in Alter Bridge. Mark has just released his first solo album titled “All I Was” and Media Mikes was fortunate enough to talk with Mark recently about the decision to put out a solo album and what other plans he has in the works.

Adam Lawton: What was the idea behind wanting to put out a solo release?
Mark Tremonti: Being a songwriter for all these years I have had a lot of ideas that were stockpiled up. When Miles Kennedy who sings for us in Alter Bridge went out on tour with Slash recently I saw a window of time where I could take some of those ideas that didn’t work for my other bands and put them together to create an album out of. “All I Was” is what we came up with.

AL: Are the songs on the album all from previous ideas or was there some new material written as well?
MT: Most of it is stuff that was written. There were really just parts of songs and nothing that was completed. When I got together with the other guys who played on the album is when I started arranging the ideas. A majority of the initial riffs were already written.

AL: How did you go about picking the line up for the band?
MT: Eric the other guitar player was an obvious choice.  He is someone that I have been playing guitar with for years and years. We are best friends and over the years I have probably shown him more ideas for songs than I have with my other two bands. I am very comfortable working with him. Garret our drummer was in a band with Eric called Submersed. I co-produced a record for them years ago and Garret was still living in Orlando so he was an obvious choice to bring in. He is an incredible drummer.

AL: How did you go about creating a unique tone on this album that was different from your previous work?
MT: It was mostly based on my roots. The rhythm parts on this album are based around a speed metal/thrash type style. I tried to mesh the two styles of my influences that being speed metal and melodic 70’s rock. I was in to stuff that my parents exposed me to like Rod Stewart and Journey. I still love that music and wanted to mesh the two.

AL: What was the biggest difference you noticed when stepping up and performing not only the guitar work but also the vocal work as well?
MT: I loved it. I have written a lot of lyrics over the years for my other bands but I never had to write an entire album. It is a whole other process. I have to work out all the guitar lines and solos while also bringing in the lyrics. I spent about a month and a half working on that. The singing part was easy after everything was written. Singing is fun. Once I sang the album the first time I went back in and changed/re-wrote things where I thought the original stuff didn’t fit or sounded off. I sort of went through the vocal process twice just to make sure it was right. All together the album took about 3 months to complete.

AL: What types of tour plans are in place to support the release?
 MT: We have a 2/3 week tour run in the States coming up and then after that we are heading over to Europe where the first handful of shows will be with Slash. After those shows we will continue our own tour where we will hit Amsterdam, Italy and Germany. When I get home from that I will be back out on the road with Creed until I get back with Miles to write the next Alter Bridge record. In February I will be back out with the solo group for a more extensive European tour which will include shows in Australia.

AL: What are you most looking forward to about playing these songs live?
MT: It’s a much different vibe on stage when you are singing and not just playing guitar. It is a great experience to be able to play these songs. This record is a really fun record to play live and we enjoy it. I can’t wait to do it in front of a crowd who know the songs. The first time we played this material was for a couple of CD release shows. People hadn’t heard the songs yet. This time people will be familiar with them.

AL: Is this solo album just a one-time thing or will you be doing another one in the future?
MT: We will definitely do another solo album. As soon as we can find the time we will get it done.

Related Content

• Corey Beaulieu of Trivium talks new album and Summer Festivals
• Seth Avett discusses new album “Seth Avett & Jessica Lea Mayfield Sing Elliot Smith”
• K.Flay talks about debut album “Life as a Dog”
• Jon Zazula talks about his work with Megaforce Records and SuperStorm Sandy Benefit Concert
• Karine Hannah talks about her first album and benefit show

MxPx
“Plans Within Plans”
Rock City Records
Tracks: 13

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

“Plans Within Plans” is the 9^th studio album by the pop punk band MxPx. The album is the follow up release to the bands 2007 release “Secret Weapon”. The album features 13 new tracks and is the band’s debut release via Rock City Records.

The 3 boys/men from Bremerton, Washington are back with their latest musical offering which is chocked full of that MxPx signature pop/punk sound we have all come to know and love. Right off the bat “Plans Within Plans” catapulted me back to 1995 when I first discovered this band. The groups sound has remained unchanged over the years and could be compared to your favorite pair of jeans. They just fit. Songs such as “Aces Up”, “Best of Times” and “Lucky Guy” cover everything from lost loves and friendships to youthful hopes and dreams. Though I enjoyed most of the tracks on the album I would have liked to have heard a little bit more diversity and growth especially from a band now on its 9^th album. I understand the thoughts of if it ain’t broke don’t fix it and not wanting to alienate fans however, this is punk rock! Stretch your legs and experiment a little. At the same time certain things are better left unchanged and MxPx may be one of those things. Long time fans will quickly find solace in the new album while new fans will be exposed to the classic pop/punk experience MxPx is known for.

Track Listing:
1.)    Aces Up
2.)    Screw Loose
3.)    Nothing Left
4.)    The Times
5.)    In The Past
6.)    Best of Times
7.)    Stay on Your Feet
8.)    Lucky Guy
9.)    Far Away
10.)  Cast Down My Heart
11.)  When It Comes to You
12.)  Inside Out
13.)  Nothing’s Gonna Change

Composer(s): Tom Tykwer, Johnny Klimek, Reinhold Heil
Release Date: November 6, 2012
Label: Water Tower Music
Tracks: 23
Running Time: 78 minutes

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

I have been following this film since day 1 of its production. I had a buddy of mine that worked on the film, so I have been looking forward to this film very much. I am not surprised to say that this score is easily one of my favorite of the year. I am surprised though with the type of music that was used for this film but…wow does it work so well or what?! “Cloud Atlas” is a long film running just shy of three hours and this album is a nice companion, especially running at a nice 78 minutes.  The album starts off strong and ends even stronger, which is very rare.  This is a must listen!

I was a little nervous originally since there are a lot of hands in the pot with this score being composed by not one but three people including, Tom Tykwer, Johnny Klimek, Reinhold Heil. Tom Tykwer is also one of the directors of this film and has composed most if not all of his films.  He knows music and really puts a unique touch on this score. This isn’t the first go around though for these composers together they have worked together on numerous films including “Run Lola Run”. So you know that they know how to make a killer score.  “Run Lola Run” was one of my favorite scores in the late 90’s. This is completely different score but really delivers a wonderful experience.

This whole album really works as a whole but some of my favorite tracks are the following: 1. Prelude: The Atlas March, 2. Cloud Atlas Opening Title, 21. Cloud Atlas Finale, 23. Cloud Atlas End Title. I can listen to this tracks on loops for hours and hours and never get tired of them.  I can guarantee you that this album will not be leaving my iPhone for a long time, especially those tracks.  I listen to many, many scores each year and this one is definitely such a pleasure and wonderful blend from this trio of composers.  If nothing else, this makes me want to run out and see this film ASAP!

Track Listings:
1. Prelude: The Atlas March
2. Cloud Atlas Opening Title
3. Travel to Edinburgh
4. Luisa’s Birthmark
5. Cavendish In Distres
6. Papa Song
7. Sloosha’s Hollow
8. Sonmi-451 Meets Chang
9. Won’t Let Go
10. Kesselring
11. The Escape
12. Temple Of Sacrifice
13. Catacombs
14. Adieu
15. New Direction
16. All Boundaries Are Conventions
17. The Message
18. Chasing Luisa Rey
19. Sonmi’s Discovery
20. Death Is Only A Door
21. Cloud Atlas Finale
22. The Cloud Atlas Sextet for Orchestra
23. Cloud Atlas End Title

Matisyahu is a Hasidic singer/songwriter known for his unique style that combines a number of different musical genres and ideas. Media Mikes had the chance recently to speak with Matisyahu about the evolution of his sound and his current tour.

Adam Lawton: You have a sound that is quite unique. How would you describe it to someone who is unfamiliar with it?
Matisyahu: My sound is a mixture of different sounds. I actually don’t like to try and describe my sound because I am not good at it. I am not good at giving musical descriptions. There is a certain vocabulary you have to have in order to really be able to describe something. Listing off genres like rock, reggae and rap mixed with Hebrew ideas just doesn’t do it. Rock and all those genres can me so many different things. I really don’t have the vocabulary in order to give it what I feel to be a proper description. I like to leave that to the music journalist who describe it.

AL: When you were first starting out how did you come to develop your style of sound?
Matisyahu: I didn’t really make a decision to do what I do. There wasn’t a calculated idea or anything. It was more of just an organic part of who I am. When I heard different music I guess from the time I was born till today if it is something that I like I don’t think of it in terms of genres or if it goes together. For me it’s about if you like something you make mixtures and blends. That’s what music is. Rock music came out of the blues and reggae is a mixture of ska and rock. It’s all about blending.

AL: When you’re putting songs together what type of process do you take?
Matisyahu: It depends. Every song is different. Sometimes lyrics come first and sometimes the music comes first. If I am writing like a rapper then for me the beat is necessary. I need the beat to be there and to be inspired. The inspiration will come from the music itself and then it is basically a free association. You are spitting out whatever comes to mind. The way the lyrics sound placed next to each other and the way certain syllables and vowels go together. It is more instinctual. Whatever the thoughts or the feelings inside of me are they just come out. Other times I have written songs that are more of a concept. I may have been studying something or realized something in my life and then wrote lyrics about it followed by the music. Usually in that type of situation I will write the lyrics and then after the track is made I will re-write them to include words that I like. I will write them in more of a pattern or rhyme scheme.

AL: From your first album “Shake Off the Dust..Arise” to your latest release “Spark Seeker” how do you think your sound has evolved?
Matisyahu: The main thing for me that has evolved is my confidencein myself as a singer and my musicality. I think when I was first starting out I felt that I could sing and I had content but I wasn’t a trained musician. Being I wasn’t a trained musician I felt I had a certain lack of confidence in myself and my innate instinctual knowledge of music. I think over time I have learned more to trust myself when I am in that situation.

AL: Were there times when you had trouble getting people to see past your look and appreciate what you were creating?
Matisyahu: There probably was. I think when I started I was so naive and blind to it all. I didn’t care and I didn’t think about what anyone was saying. I don’t even think I had a computer or TV at that time.  This was before Facebook back in 2004. People really weren’t making comments about things unless they were doing it to your face. It was really only in my community that people would comment to me. That was a whole different kind of thing. It was more reporters with the questions. I knew there had never been a Hasidic singer making it into mainstream music culture. I knew that was going to be the question and what people would want to know about. For people who were really touched by my music it was never about what I looked like or what I believe. It was about what I believe and how the music touches those people. To my fans and the people who felt really connected they were there with me and that was enough for me. The fact that other people had heard of me because of being a Hasidic reggae guy it was a nice thing. People wouldn’t have heard of me otherwise. Maybe my music would have come out and stood on its own but, I became more familiar with people for that reason as maybe they would down the line investigate more and listen.

AL: Can you tell us about the current tour going on and your plans for this year’s Festival of Light shows?
Matisyahu: I am currently on tour playing a number of college towns across America. That tour will run for about 6 weeks and features the Constellations as our opening act. After that I have about a week off and then I will be back for my Hanukah shows. This year for the Hanukah shows we have some west coast dates planned as well as some acoustic shows. Every show will be different and the acoustic stuff of course is done differently when we perform it live. Every night we try and change things up.

Tim Williams in the lead singer in the Long Island-based hardcore band Vision of Disorder. I have been a fan of these guys since day one and were a major influence in my taste of music. The band released their latest album “The Cursed Remain Cursed”, which was the first studio recording in over a decade. The album is also one of their best to date. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Tim about the album and the how the hardcore scene has changed over the years.

Mike Gencarelli: Tell us about the inspiration behind “The Cursed Remain Cursed”?
Tim Williams: Long story short, it was a long process…which is fine. We took our time. A lot of the inspiration both the songs and the lyrics were based on how I was feeling during the time. Things were a little hairy in my life for a while. So I was dealing with that and then also the disbanding of Bloodsimple. I was looking forward to just getting in the studio, taking my time and not having to rush out on the road right away. Just kind of settling down a little, you know? Things were really busy for a long time and it was good just to say in one place and make some music.

MG: It’s been 11 years since your last studio album; how do you feel that the sound for VOD has evolved in that time?
TW: I think we have changed as people and musicians. We are a little wiser and know what we want and know how to get it. I think going when we went out own way for that time and made it on our own terms really helped also. I think the biggest difference this time around for VOD is that we are more mature and know how to handle the business better.

MG:The tracks on this album are just as hardcore matching the self-titled album, you have any difficulty keeping that level of anger through the lyrics?
TW: No, not at all. There is plenty to be mad about [laughs]. There are also plenty of things to talk about in the world. The things that I draw my lyrically content from are very present and have not run dry from that well. It is difficult to do well, so you need to take the time to make it what it is. Just pushing out the first thing in your head and holding it. So it is not hard to conjure it but it is hard to make it good.

MG: What was your biggest challenge heading into the studio?
TW: My biggest challenge was to try and not make the same mistakes. I wouldn’t go as far as to stay relevant but to make really good music and not fall back on the stuff that we have already achieved.

MG: How was it working with producer Will Putney on this album?
TW: It was great. I have done work with Will before back on Bloodsimple. He engineered their second record. VOD recorded about 3-4 demos for this record to see how they sounded. We did a demo with Will and that one just destroyed every other demo we did. It just captured what VOD should be. We went back and forth with a couple different producers. Long story short, based on the connection I had with him, I just kept pushing for Will over and over. Finally, it all worked out. It couldn’t have been a better choice because the proof is in the pudding and Will was a very intricate part of that record. He really just let us be VOD and that is why it worked. Will knows how the band is supposed to sound and I feel that we did it right.

MG: Any B-sides that didn’t make it onto this album?
TW:We wrote a lot of songs for this record. There was a lot that we didn’t even bring to the pre-production. There was one song that actually was tracked but  there was so much shit I had to get done and I didn’t even listen to it. Everything was going so good and I didn’t want to waste 2-3 days on a new song, when the other shit was so great. That might come out some day…you never know.

MG: How does you feel that the hardcore scene has changed since you started?
TW: It has definitely changed. How do I feel? It doesn’t really matter…it changes, you know? It will change with or without me. I feel fortunate that VOD was around when it began – or I would say was morphing into a different thing, like from the 80’s into the 90’s. We were very fortunate to have been involved with the scene in the 90’s with bands like Madball, Dark Side, the original Life of Agony, Sub-Zero and all those bands that were really hardcore. To be a part of that and actually succeed was a cool thing. Seeing VOD be able to come back is even better. It has really been a crazy ride.

MG: We going to have to wait another decade before we get more material again?
TW: This album is still new, obviously. But yes, we will like to do more records down the line. We are just going to continue on and probably crank out another one and just keep going. Why will we stop right?

Related Content

• Guitarist Phil Sgrosso talks about his new band Poison Headache
• Andy Wood talks about new album “Caught Between the Truth and a Lie”
• The Oak Ridge Boys’ Richard Sterban talks about new live album “Boys Night Out”
• As I Lay Dying’s Tim Lambesis talks about Austrian Death Machine’s third album “Triple Brutal”
• Alter Bridge’s Mark Tremonti talks about solo album “All I Was”

Dethklok’s The Dethalbum III (Deluxe Edition) is Available Now! – $11.99 at Best Buy.  Click here to purchase at Bestbuy.com! Do not miss this album.  Read our review here:

“If you are a fan of Adult Swim’s animated series “Metalocalypse”, then like myself, you should be eagerly anticipating this album. “Dethalbum II” was released all the way back in September 2009.  Dethklok is the virtual death metal band from the series “Metalocalypse” and contains music from the second, third and fourth seasons of the show. The music, like the past albums, is basically all performed by the show’s creator Brendon Small with some help from drummer Gene Hoglan and bassist Bryan Beller. The deluxe edition CD/DVD includes a 32 minute behind-the-scenes documentary of the making of Dethalbum III, as well as music videos and more. If you are a fan of vinyl, like myself, the album will also be released on vinyl on November 6, 2012 (just like the first one).”

 Track listing:

1. “I Ejaculate Fire” (from “Dethhealth”)
2. “Crush the Industry” (from “Renovationklok”)
3. “Andromeda” (from “Writersklok”)
4. “The Galaxy” (from “Doublebookedklok”)
5. “Starved” (from “Tributeklok”)
6. “Killstardo Abominate” (from “Dethsiduals” & “Rehabklok”)
7. “Ghostqueen” (from “Motherklok”)
8. “Impeach God” (from “Dethgov”)
9. “Biological Warfare” (from “Fertilityklok”)
10. “Skyhunter” (from “Rehabklok”)
11. “The Hammer” (from “Dethcamp”)
12. “Rejoin” (from “Fanklok”)

Joey Belladonna is the lead singer for the seminal NY thrash band Anthrax. Media Mikes caught up with Joey at this year’s Mayhem Festival where we talked about how the crowds have changed over the year and the bands recent work on several cover songs.

Adam Lawton: What has been the best experience so far on this summer’s tour?
Joey Belladonna: I would have to say the new kids. We are running in to a whole lot of different fans. There are young people, old people, new fans and old fans. It’s been really great. The whole atmosphere of this tour has been quite a bit different. It has a carnival like feel to it but it’s still a heavy metal/rock show.

AL: How have shows like Mayhem changed from the band first started playing on them to now?
JB: I think the buzz has started to pick up more. People have started taking notice that we as a band are still strong and better than ever. We aren’t a manufactured something that is just out here for nothing. We don’t mess around and the new material live is brutal.

AL: How did you go about making the set list for this run of shows?
JB: The real hard part was covering are catalog in 40 minutes. We have some songs that are pretty long. We had to try a few different things to fit in to that time frame. I think we have done pretty well touching on all aspects of our music. Sadly there is just no winning if someone wants to hear a specific song but I think we did the best we could with the allotted time.

AL: Can you give us any updates about the cover album that has been in the works?
JB: There have been some songs recorded but I can’t tell you much more than that. I haven’t really started doing vocal tracks for it yet. Things are still sort of lingering with what will become of it and if deadlines can be met.

AL: What are the plans for Anthrax after the Mayhem Festival wraps up?
JB: We will be hitting Canada and some portions of the U.S. That will take us through mid October. Then we will be back out with Testament and Death Angel for the third time around. Starting in November we will be out with Motorhead in Europe as the support act. That should be pretty cool.

AL: Anthrax did a lot of recording at the legendary Pyramid Studios in Ithaca, NY. What is your take on what’s happening with the city trying to destroy that building/business?
JB: Alex was out and saw us the other night. It awful what is happening with that situation. I can’t even imagine being told one day that you have to move out of your house because it’s supposedly unsafe. I didn’t really know what to say when we were discussing it. I passed along some info and I hope everything works out.

Related Content

• Helmet’s Page Hamilton talks about the 20th anniversary of “Betty” and scoring films
• The Raskins’ Logan Raskin talks about debut album and touring with Motley Crue
• Sick Puppies’ Shim Moore talks about band’s latest album “Connect”
• Cartel’s Will Pugh talks about new album “Collider”
• Sister Sin’s Liv Jagrell talks about new album “Now and Forever”

Dethklok
“The Dethlabum III”
Label: Williams Street
Producer: Brendon Small, Ulrich Wild
Release Date: October 16, 2012
Tracks: 12
Running Time: 51 minutes

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

If you are a fan of Adult Swim’s animated series “Metalocalypse”, then like myself, you should be eagerly anticipating this album. “Dethalbum II” was released all the way back in September 2009.  Dethklok is the virtual death metal band from the series “Metalocalypse” and contains music from the second, third and fourth seasons of the show. The music, like the past albums, is basically all performed by the show’s creator Brendon Small with some help from drummer Gene Hoglan and bassist Bryan Beller. The deluxe edition CD/DVD includes a 32 minute behind-the-scenes documentary of the making of Dethalbum III, as well as music videos and more. If you are a fan of vinyl, like myself, the album will also be released on vinyl on November 6, 2012 (just like the first one).

Brendon had also released his first solo album earlier this year, “Brendon Small’s Galaktikon” and it could be anymore different that Dethklok (which is a good thing).  If you ever hear him speak in person, it is just a wonder how he is able to stay in character for Nathan Explosion and deliver these intense heavy vocals that he achieves so well.  So how does the album compare to “Dethalbum I & II”? Well, it is hard to say straight away.  I think it is a great continuation of what you should expect from Dethklok.  I feel that these albums are made to be played all three back to back, and just letting them tell their story out.  One thing I noticed is that the guitar work just seems so tight and really focused.  There are some riffs on these tracks that will literally throw you out of your chair, especially on “Starved”.

With Dethklok hits the road this Fall, it will be great to see Brendon and his band of virtual members really tear up the stages.  I can’t wait to hear the first single “I Ejaculate Fire” performed live and see the audiences reaction to that track live.  It will never cease to amaze me that Dethklok started out as  technical not a “real band”, yet fans have been growing and supporting this music and the band for going over five years now.  If you are a Dethklok/Metalocalypse/Brendon Small fan, doesn’t matter, you are going to be going back flips listening to this album.  I would say it is definitely worth the three year wait and in the words of Nathan Explosion, “It is totally BRUTAL”!

Track listing:
1. “I Ejaculate Fire” (from “Dethhealth”)
2. “Crush the Industry” (from “Renovationklok”)
3. “Andromeda” (from “Writersklok”)
4. “The Galaxy” (from “Doublebookedklok”)
5. “Starved” (from “Tributeklok”)
6. “Killstardo Abominate” (from “Dethsiduals” & “Rehabklok”)
7. “Ghostqueen” (from “Motherklok”)
8. “Impeach God” (from “Dethgov”)
9. “Biological Warfare” (from “Fertilityklok”)
10. “Skyhunter” (from “Rehabklok”)
11. “The Hammer” (from “Dethcamp”)
12. “Rejoin” (from “Fanklok”)

Blake Shelton
“Cheers, it’s Christmas”
Release Date: October 2, 2012
Label: Warner Bros.
Running Time: 42 minutes

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

In my early years, I would never be caught dead listening to country music.  In the last five years or so though, I have changed that tune quite a bit. Blake Shelton was one of those reasons. His sound is just so unique, enjoyable and he just has this wonderful presence.  When I heard he is coming out with a Christmas (my favorite time of the year) album, I literally got super excited.  The album itself is not just a bland cookie-cutter release though. It is a really great mix of classic tracks and some really fun new country songs. When I first received this album, I kept it on loop for almost 8 hours. Usually you can tell when an album starts looping, not with this one.  It just blends together so well and continuously entertains throughout the whole album.

Blake Shelton is not alone on this album though he has some really great duets as well.  On “Jingle Bell Rock” he sings along with Miranda Lambert and it is a wonderful collaboration. On “Oklahoma Christmas”, which is a very fun track, it features Reba on the track. “There’s A New Kid In Town” is a really sweet song featuring Blake singing with Kelly Clarkson. “Home” features a duet with Michael Bublé  and it is easily my favorite track on the album.  “Blue Christmas” features Pistol Annies and is a great take on the classic song. “Silver Bells,” features a nice duet between by Blake and Xenia.   Blake really nails the track, “The Very Best Time Of Year” as he debuts with Trypta-Phunk. Blake even has a track debuting with this mom Dorothy Shackleford on “Time For Me To Come Home”, which is very sweet as well.

Blake Shelton does not take this reign of ACM and CMA Male Vocalist of the year lightly.  You can tell that he is given 100% in this album just like it was a non-holiday release. If you are looking for a way to get in the holiday mood, this album will surely do the trick and kick-start the season early.  I am also very happy that now “Cheers, it’s Christmas” will easily become a must-listen each year during the Christmas season. I look forward to sharing this album with my friends and family as well and hopefully it will have the same effect it does on them as it has me.  Thanks Blake for sharing your heart with us and delivering a wonderful Christmas album!

Track Listing:
1. Jingle Bell Rock (feat. Miranda Lambert)
2. White Christmas
3. Oklahoma Christmas (feat. Reba)
4. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
5. There’s A New Kid In Town (feat. Kelly Clarkson)
6. Santa’s Got A Choo Choo Train
7. Home (feat. Michael Bublé)
8. Winter Wonderland
9. The Christmas Song
10. Blue Christmas (feat. Pistol Annies)
11. I’ll Be Home For Christmas
12. Silver Bells (feat. Xenia)
13. Time For Me To Come Home (feat. Dorothy Shackleford)
14. The Very Best Time Of Year (feat. Trypta-Phunk)

Music and Lyrics: Benj Pasek and Justin Paul
World Premiere Recording
Release Date: October 22, 2012
Tracks: 18
Label: Masterworks Broadway

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

What is the holidays without “A Christmas Story”?  This film has been the highlight of all of my holiday seasons since I was a young kid.  You can always tell when holidays are around when the “A Christmas Story” quotes start flowing my house.  When I heard that one of my favorite films was coming to Broadway, I was very excited and also very nervous.  Well if the songs have any bearing on the play itself, it is going to be a huge success. “A Christmas Story: The Musical” will arrive on Broadway this holiday season at The Lunt-Fontanne Theatre from November 5 – December 30, 2012. Be sure to pick up this album as well so you can sing along with the songs or enjoy then again after seeing the play.

“A Christmas Story” is turning 30 next year and yet shows no signs of fading.  This film’s fan base only gets bigger and bigger easy year.  Masterworks Broadway is behind this release of the World Premiere Recording and they did a wonderful job of delivering the play to the homes of its fans. Of course since this is a play a needs to be expanded a bit,  it is based off the book by Joseph Robinette and the writings of radio humorist Jean Shepherd and it works really well. Since it is Broadway musical, the songs have to be amazing.  The music and lyrics are from Richard Rodgers Award-winning newcomers Benj Pasek and Justin Paul and they do not let us down. The 18-tracks included are all great with each one outdoing the next.  I heard some sample of these tracks back in 2008 and they have only gotten better and better.

“A Christmas Story: The Musical” is not only fun but also extremely clever with their songs.  I can imagine the audience faces in the theaters as they jump from song to song to the next.  They are also almost guaranteed to get you into the holiday spirit.  From the moment that “Counting Down to Christmas” starts, it is a really great kick-off and puts you in the mood.  “Red Ryder Carbine Action BB Gun” is really funny and sharp. “A Major Award” is simply epic and leaves you laughing. Lastly one of the best track is the irresistible “Somewhere Hovering Over Indiana”. To ensure that this play was done right it is also being produced by the film’s original Ralphie, Peter Billingsley.  So get ready to hear some of the characters that you watch every year but in a completely new way through the beauty of song.  But be warned, you will find yourself singing along right away as these songs are very catchy.

Track Listings
1. Overture
2. Counting Down to Christmas
3. At Higbee’s
4. Red Ryder Carbine Action BB Gun
5. Counting Down to Christmas (Reprise)
6. The Genius on Cleveland Street
7. When You’re a Wimp
8. Ralphie to the Rescue
9. What A Mother Does
10. Sticky Situation
11. A Major Award
12. Act One – Finale
13. A Kid At Christmas
14. Just Like That
15. Up On Santa’s Lap
16. Before the Old Man Comes Home
17. Somewhere Hovering Over Indiana
18. A Christmas Story

The Rolling Stones
“Some Girls – Live In Texas”
Release Date: September 11, 2012
Number of Discs: 3
Label: Eagle Rock Entertainment

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

If you are a fan of The Rolling Stones, then you already know   and love “Some Girls – Live in Texas” from ’78.  It is one of the best live shows from the band. This release is getting the rare vinyl treatment thanks to Eagle Rock Entertainment. The vinyl set contains 180g vinyls in a three-panel gatefold sleeve. The audio sounds truly amazing and really allows fans to go back in time and experience these songs the way that they were meant to be heard.  ’78 was also the highlight of The Stones and delivers some of their best tracks.

“Some Girls: Live In Texas” originally took place at the Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth, Texas on July 18, 1978. Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ron Wood, Charlie Watts, and Bill Wyman perform the tracks live just as good as they do on the album.  Even though this is a new vinyl release, it sounds like it pressed back in the day.  The sound is superb and really sharp.  It is polished but still holds the charm that makes vinyls still relevant. Some of the Stones classics tracks are showcased on these vinyls including, “Beast Of Burden”, “Brown Sugar” and “Jumpin Jack Flash”. If you are looking for the live recording of this concert, it was also recently released by Eagle Rock on DVD and Blu-ray. If you are a classic days Stones fans or someone just discovering them, this vinyl will make you an instant fan.

TRACK LISTING:
Side A: 1) Let It Rock 2) All Down The Line 3) Honky Tonk Women 4) Star Star 5) When The Whip Comes Down
Side B: 1) Beast Of Burden 2) Miss You 3) Imagination 4) Shattered
Side C: 1) Respectable 2) Far Away Eyes 3) Love In Vain 4) Tumbling Dice
Side D: 1) Happy 2) Sweet Little Sixteen 3) Brown Sugar 4) Jumpin Jack Flash