| 09.25.08
/ New York: Blessings to Travis Barker & DJ
AM. May they make a full recovery. RIP Charles “Che”
Still & “Lil” Chris Baker. Our prayers are with
you and your families. |
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| Man, I just trip out on some things in this life. When it comes to music I like a wide variety of things. From Chet Baker to Black Flag, from Willie Nelson to Pink Floyd, to LCD Sound System and Paul Okenfold. There isn’t much music that I don’t like. Well, let me take that back. There are plenty of bands that I don’t like. It really isn’t even that I don’t like the band, but then again, it really is. There is so much music out in the world today that it’s really hard to keep up. And why would you even try to keep up. Most of what I hear is complete shit! Those days of old when there were a handful of rock bands (before it was even called METAL you fucking filthy hippies) to the handful of punk rock bands that were making a difference in the early 1980’s. I know it’s out of your control as to when you were born and what era you were raised in, DUH! But what the fuck! There are so many horrible bands these days. Horrible bands that are signed and making a living and getting press and being praised for playing music that someone else has written for them. And then there are the bands that make their own music and that music just sucks ass! So where is the fine line drawn? The point I wanted to make here is this: There are a bunch of bands that just fucking gross me out. It seems to me that the dirtier you are and the more tragic you smell and look the more dirty fucking piles love you and they love the shitty music you make. And the worst part is that there are a ton of really hot girls that co-sign this foul shit people call music. I’m not gonna name any names because then I would be feeding into the popularity of those horrible tragic bands! It just seems to me that if you wear shitty old shoes with no socks, dirty fucking cut off jeans, stinky thrift store shirts that have never seen the inside of a washing machine, and filthy dirty beards, then you’re the fucking man! Whatever happened to the days when a female could really appreciate a man for his hygiene and maintenance? The way things are looking and have looked for quite some time now is the dirtier you are, and the more you smell like the bottom of a wine vat, the more girls wanna suck on your dirty filthy face and cock. So not only has the music scene changed into this complete and total pile of crap, but also the way everyone looks has really matched up to the way their music sounds. I guess it all makes perfect sense. You look like you got ran over by a truck in the desert then walked for two weeks in the heat and finally made it to your gig with your messenger bag full of self-imposed tragedy. |
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Weezer @ Madison Square Garden
I’m at home now. It’s 322am and I’m still up. The
shrimp and pasta dinner was on the counter waiting for me thanks to
my amazing roommate and outstanding friend Salvatore DiBenedetto. If
you’re ever in New York just come by our place for the REAL Sicilian
Dinner. I had to mention that because it’s like living at home
with mom to a certain degree and that’s one of many reasons I
love living in New York.
Tonight, well, last night, now that it’s 3:23am, I went to see
Weezer at Madison Square Garden. This was my first time at MSG and my
first time seeing Weezer. I’m a Weezer fan but I don’t own
any of their records. That doesn’t make much sense, but whatever.
I have a close relationship with Scott Shriner the bass player who I
met on the Vanilla Ice tour in 1999 and he hooked me up with tix. They
played a few unfamiliar songs, at least unfamiliar to me, off their
early albums, which I thought was really cool because a lot of bands
don’t play their early stuff. Then they broke into some songs
everyone knows including myself: Island in the sun, Hashpipe, Buddy
Holly, etc. Tom Delonge from Angels & Airwaves came out and sang
The Sweater Song. And let me give a little mention about Angels &
Airwaves. I really wasn’t that into them and had no idea Tom was
even in the band until he came out and sang The Sweater Song with Weezer.
Angels & Airwaves was really the last band that I ever thought Tom
would be in. But there he was. Their songs are like one big electronic
verse. It’s interesting and I can tell you after being in Blink
182, I would be doing the same thing. The other members of Angels &
Airwaves have their share of being in successful bands as well. Check
them out. You may like them. But lets get back to Weezer. So, they play
the hits and my legs are hurting from standing in the GA section right
in front thanks to Scott for the passes. I brought along my new friend
Raven who just rocks! She had never been to MSG and has never seen Weezer
either. So we rock out and sing along and the next thing we know there
are about 30 people walking up on the stage, all with different instruments.
It was like an orchestra but very different. The entire ensemble plays
a very cool rendition of Pork and Beans with a trumphet solo and a cow
bell solo. Then they all went right into Beverly Hills. It was really
awesome and great! Rivers was speaking Spanish and Japanese for the
first part of their set and that was perfect given its Rivers. One of
the highlights for me was right after all the ensemble of musicians
walked off the stage they broke into Sliver by Nirvana which fucking
ROCKED HARD!!! I never had the chance to see Nirvana and that was my
snippet of them by Weezer. The light show was amazing and Weezer rocked
The Garden! I have to give Rivers and company mad props and credit because
they’ve stayed true to the game of writing amazing songs and doing
what they’ve wanted to do for 16 years now. The Garden was not
sold out but as you can see from the photos, they can draw a HUGE crowd.
And some of you may or may not know, that’s not an easy task in
New York City!
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KASIM SULTON EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW:
With my involvement in music over the years
I’ve had the chance to meet some of the most talented musicians
of our generation. While in a studio session this past summer [2008]
I had the pleasure of meeting Kasim Sulton. When I met Kasim he was
playing bass in a project that included Tommy Byrnes, Musical Director
& Lead Guitar player for Billy Joel, as well as Chuck Burgi who
plays drums for Billy Joel. At the time I really had no idea the magnitude
of Kasim’s musical background. I was quickly informed by my
business partner Stefano DiBenedetto of OCD Music Group that Kasim
has a very colorful musical past playing in bands such as Meatloaf,
Utopia, Patti Smith, Hall and Oats, Joan Jett, Richie Sambora, Steve
Stevens, and many others. I had the chance to sit down with Kasim
and get the skinny on how it all started, where he’s at today,
and what his future plans entail.
JH: What are
your earliest memories of music and what was that music? Did you take
bass lessons at an early age? Tell us about the beginning.
KS: My Father gave me my first introduction
to music. He played guitar and encouraged me to pick it up. This was
a time when there weren’t a lot of choices when it came to how
best to spend 'free time'. You either immersed yourself in sports
or spent the evening doing homework. There were only five channels
on the television to choose from and video games were only in comic
books. Like most kids my age, I listened to the radio and Rock &
Roll was going mainstream. Elvis Presley, Bill Haley & The Comets
were among the more popular artists at that time. I didn't really
pay to much attention until my Father brought home a 45-RPM record
of a band from England called The Beatles. This was different music
to me. It was much more interesting in a way I couldn't put my finger
on. I learned that the band was going to be on television that coming
February and when I saw them on the Ed Sullivan Show, I knew that
I was going to play music for the rest of my life. I knew beyond a
shadow of a doubt that I was going to be a musician for the rest of
my life.
After that, I took a series of lessons on guitar. Unfortunately, I
wasn't learning what I wanted to learn which was how to write songs
and become famous. I decided to teach myself how to play. I would
get a record of a song I liked and I would listen to the chords and
melody and pick it out note for note on my guitar. I didn't start
playing Bass guitar until I was 14. The only reason I picked up the
Bass was to get in a band with guitar players that were better than
me. They didn't need another guitarist so I volunteered to play Bass.
I was fired not long after I joined because I didn't own an Amplifier!
JH: What
was the first band you were in and when did things really start to
pick up for you?
KS: The first band I joined was actually
a Garage Band called Apple Pi. One of my best friends Thommy Price
was the drummer in that band. We would get together every weekend
in one person or another’s garage and work on songs. Since no
one wanted to sing, I had to try my best at doing it. During that
time I also started working in NYC at Variety Recording Studios as
an assistant engineer. I was eager to learn the in's and out's of
record production and I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to
see how records were made at a young age.
JH: How did you end up getting the gig
with Utopia and what was it like working with Todd Rundgren? What
were the tours like and how was it working in the studio?
KS: I was about 18 years old when I
became very serious about making a life for myself in the music business.
I hadn't really concentrated too much on school because I was convinced
that I could 'make it'. I started to hang out a lot more in Manhattan,
going to clubs, seeing bands and hanging around Max's Kansas City
asking people that might hear of other gigs and if they could turn
me on to them.
I did manage to land a gig playing Piano (also self taught) for a
girl named Cherry Vanilla who along with having her own band was also
the Publicist for MainMan Records. She hung out with a very eclectic
crowd in NYC and introduced me to everyone. It was through her that
I met and became close with Michael Kaman (pianist for David Bowie).
I had a good friend on Staten Island, Earl Slick, who was also playing
with David Bowie as his lead guitarist. I went to Slicks house with
a friend one evening to drive him to JFK for a flight to London. When
we picked him up he mentioned that Todd Rundgren was looking for a
Bass Player and said if I was interested in auditioning, I should
call Michael Kaman and throw my name into the hat. It was one of those
rare situations in life where the stars align and all you have to
do is show up. I auditioned a few days later and the next thing I
knew, I was making records and touring the world. That was really
the start of my career as a professional musician.
JH: When you played with Joan Jett and
the Black Hearts, did you start playing shows with her at the peak
of her career in the early 80’s? You played on her come back
record “Up Your Alley” around 1990; did you contribute
to the writing process on that record?
KS: I didn't start playing with Joan
until 1987. Thommy Price had played some tracks with her and because
her Bassist had left, he asked if I would sit in. I can't say enough
good things about my time with Joan. She is the consummate professional.
We constantly toured and if we weren't touring, we were recording.
There is no question that many of today’s more popular female
artists got their inspiration from Joan. I keep a picture on my computer
of Fergie with a Joan Jett T-shirt on that has my picture on it! The
first record I recorded with Joan was "Up Your Alley". It
was an important record for Joan. She was always writing and co-writing
songs with various people. She got in touch with Desmond Child to
do some co-writing with and came away with 'I Hate Myself For Loving
You' and 'Little Liar'. Both songs wound up as hit singles. Everyone
in the band contributed to the arranging process in the studio. No
one told Thommy or me what to play as the rhythm section. We knew
how to treat the songs and I'd like to think we had a hand in making
that record as successful as it was.
JH: You worked with Patti Smith in the
studio. Tell us about your experience working with her?
KS: Patty is so unlike her stage persona.
In person she's quite shy and demure. Her late husband Fred 'Sonic'
Smith from the band The MC5 was a big fan of mine. I was brought in
on the sessions for 'Dream Of Life' by Todd Rundgren who produced
that record.
Again, I was given free reign to do what I felt was needed for the
songs I performed on. It was a great experience. I would jump at the
chance to work with Patty again.
JH: I’ve heard that the “Bat
Out Hell” Meatloaf record, in which you played bass on, was
a concept album. Working with Jim Steinman & Thommy Price on that
album, could you somewhat foresee how that record would make history
selling over 43 Million copies to date. You went on to become Musical
Director for Meatloaf. Explain your experience with Meatloaf, how
it began, and what it has meant to you and done for your musical career?
KS: Not long after I joined Utopia, I
moved to Woodstock NY to be closer to the rest of the band members.
I was setting up house one afternoon when the phone rang, it was Todd
asking me if I would come and play Bass on a record he was producing.
I asked him who the artist was and he calmly said Meat Loaf. I truly
thought he was kidding and said, "OK come on, stop kidding around".
He got slightly miffed that I would think for a second he was joking
and said, "Just bring your Bass and show up at the rehearsal
hall".
I arrived at the rehearsal to meet Jim Stienman and Meat Loaf. Along
with Roy Bittan (Piano), Max Weinburg (Drums) and Todd. There were
no demo recordings of the material we were about to learn and we relied
on live performances of each song played by Jim, Meat Loaf and Ellen
Foley. After hearing the majority of the songs I thought it was going
to be a comedy record. Totally kitsch and nothing I would ever hear
again after the basic tracks were finished.
I remember being in Bearsville Studios recording the songs and I pretty
much played whatever I wanted to. No one was telling me I was playing
too much or too little so I just did what I thought the songs needed.
I listen to that record today and think, "God, I was playing
A LOT".
About a year later I was driving up the Palisades Parkway in NJ listening
to WNEW Radio and heard a song that sounded oddly familiar. I realized
that it was the record that I had worked on a while back and smiled.
I had no idea that it would become one of the biggest selling debut
records of all time.
That was 1978 ... I didn't join Meat Loafs live band until 1993. Initially
I started as the "Utility" Guy. Playing keyboards and rhythm
guitar. It was odd playing those songs again after all that time but
because the record was so huge, I still knew every one of them because
I had heard them so much over the years.
In 1998 Meats bass player left and I stepped into that position taking
over Musical Director duties as well.
I've had a great time playing with Meat Loaf and I continue to look
forward to touring and recording with him.
JH: What was it like playing bass in
the pit orchestra for the Twyla Tharp choreographed musical about
Billy Joel’s music called Movin Out on Broadway? How long was
Movin Out on Broadway and how many shows were you performing per week?
KS: I was performing at the House Of
Blues in Chicago with Meat Loaf. It just so happened that it was at
the same time Movin' Out was in pre-production there. Because many
of the musicians in Meat Loaf's band and the Movin' Out band had been
close friends for sometime, we invited them over to the Meat Loaf
show and had a chance to catch up afterwards. I mentioned to Tommy
Byrns that I would love to come and see the show once it opened and
he said, why not come and PLAY. It wasn't till about two years later
that I had some free time in my schedule and called Tommy who was
the Musical Director for the show not to mention that I would love
to take him up on his offer. The Bass chair was filled by Greg Smith
and he had a long list of sub's but the rhythm guitar chair (Tommy's
position) was always looking for new players. Tommy asked me if I
would consider playing some guitar and I jumped at the chance.
For the next year and a half I sat in for Tommy whenever possible
and I can honestly say it was one of the highlights of my career.
I've always been a big Billy Joel fan and being on a Broadway stage
with that particular cast and crew was something I will never forget.
I was averaging 3 - 4 shows a week and made some great friends and
associates in the time the show was running.
I did eventually manage to sit in for Greg Smith on Bass and on one
occasion played Guitar during the matinee and Bass for the evening
show. The show ran for almost 4 years and won a Tony Award.
JH: What are you working on these days?
Who are you writing with? Touring with?
KS: I spent the early part of 2008 touring
with Todd Rundgren in the USA and Japan. Todd has always been a big
part of my life and I couldn't imagine a year going by without doing
some kind of work with him. This past summer was spent on the road
with Meat Loaf in the UK and Europe.
In the coming weeks I'll be back out on the road with Todd, on and
off for the rest of the year but this time, I'll be playing rhythm
guitar and keyboards. In between Todd shows I'll also be doing some
'one off's' with Meat Loaf.
Of course I'm always working on my solo career. I released a solo
CD called 'All Sides' which is a 2 disk compilation CD of solo material
I have done over the last 20 years.
I continue to do solo shows whenever I have the chance.
JH: For a young person getting into music,
whether it’s playing bass, keys, writing, producing, what kind
of guidance could you give someone? What has been the biggest learning
curve for you? And what would you suggest that a person does to become
an amazing, multi-talented musician such as yourself?
KS: The most important thing I could
tell any aspiring young musician is to first, make sure you have some
talent. Not just your Mom or Dad or Grandparent telling you you’re
wonderful. Of course you are to them, but it starts with a certain
amount of ability. After that you need the desire. It's one thing
to want to be famous, have thousands of screaming fans every time
you leave your house, it's quite another to actually achieve it.
The Music Business has changed dramatically over the last 10 - 15
years. No longer is it about making a great Record or writing a great
song. Sure you need great songs but it's not that easy to write one.
More than anything else these days it's about live performances. The
playing field is so crowded with talented players and singers. A new
artist has to work extremely hard at building an audience, getting
out there, playing for nothing just to get heard. If you're good enough,
people will take notice, and then it's up to you to cultivate and
nurture those few fans into a core base. People who care about you,
people who are willing to travel 50 - 100 miles to see you play. More
so than ever before the opportunities are great and at your fingertips,
you have the potential to reach millions of people. The trick is getting
them to listen. It's always been a struggle to break a new band, it's
still hard but the tools are available to anyone with a computer and
access to the Internet.
I got very lucky at a time when things weren't as complicated as they
are now. You made a record, begged radio to play it, went out on tour,
sold some T-Shirts, had a great time and didn't worry about much else
until it was time to make another record.
Now, you need to be vigilant. You need to stay on top of everything
from what content is on your website to personally answering emails
from fans every chance you get. Keeping people posted on where you're
playing, new material you’re writing, shooting a video of the
band during a rehearsal, behind the scene photos ... the list is endless.
BUT, if you want it bad enough, you're willing to do all this and
more for the chance to play your music and MAYBE make a living at
it.
I might sound a little pessimistic. I'm not. I'm just telling you
it isn't easy.
Oh.... I almost forgot, the one most important thing - stay in school.
Get a good education, go to College, Graduate, and don’t COUNT
on making it. After that, follow your heart.
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Just
released "Bleeding Internally Since 1971" by Jason
Christopher of Black President! "Bleeding Internally Since 1971"
by Jason Christopher is the latest addition to Joelbullbooks.com.
This book is unreal! An inspiration to say the least. Real,
true, raw, in your face! Available in PDF eBook. Hard copy coming
Spring 2009. |
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KAYLA JANE DANGER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW:
http://www.myspace.com/_just_jane_
JH: First off, Nick Drake. What does
his music do for you?
KJD: its so surreal, mellow, sensual
and honest. there is something about any songwriter who can bring
you to tears and make you want to bone within a two minute song. i
also think a lot of his lyrics reflect my life in a bizarre way ...
JH: Secondly, what kind of stuff do you
write?
KJD: I write poetry, half true stories,
completely true stories, and i write lies. I love the honest shit,
the stuff that i spill and look back thinking "oh shit either
someones going to be offended, or hurt," or something. the stuff
i love the most is when ive totally exposed myself, for the slut or
fraud or mess that i was/am. not to sound
corny but writing was my way of figuring out who i am, so i like to
keep it relative to my life.
JH: Thirdly, how is being a scuba instructor?
KJD: it has its ups and downs, i absolutely
love it but the industry is a mind fuck. scuba is my absolute favorite
thing in this world, its what grounds me and humbles me, but as a
profession its stressful as all hell ...
JH: How old are you?
KJD: 22 years young. I was born May 28
1986
JH: You were born in NYC, do you still
love NY?
KJD: i do, i will always love ny and
call it "home" but im not one of those transplants that
lives in LA but always talks shit about it. I love LA and NY for different
reasons. new york city was my stomping grounds, i did a lot of growing
up there... maybe a little too much. its got a great heartbeat, but
i needed to slow down, and stop hating everything outside that tiny
island.
JH: What made you move to LA?
KJD: the need to preserve my life...
i was doing a lot of drugs living in ny, gogo dancing, i was the club
scene queen for a while and if i hadnt left i saw myself overdosing
or killing my soul
JH: Now lets get down to business, what
is your passion with being photographed?
KJD: being in front of the camera has
always felt like home, it gives me the opportunity to be someone other
than myself. dont get me wrong - i love me- but i love playing dress
up, picking up a new persona or attitude and pushing it through the
camera to whomever will eventually look at that photograph. i can
be as dirty or sexy or cute or whatever i want, or whatever the job
calls for. its the only time i can be comfortable being a chameleon.
The funny thing about being a model and being photographed is that
I was the ugly duckling... i was tortured for my looks as a child,
i was told i was ugly, that i could never be a model... well look
at me now fuckers! not to mention i love the attention, a good photo
is worth a thousand words, and i want to hear all of them!
JH: What websites are you featured on?
KJD: hmm... Burningangel.com, godsgirls.com,
erotiquedigitale.com, nofauxxx.com, perversefixation.com, myfetishdiary.com,
fetishbyanna.com, nude-in-la.com and maybe a few more ...
JH: How many music videos have you been
in?
KJD: shit ... a lot ... like 14 or so
its hard to keep track some are so unforgettable and some are just
another paycheck ...
JH: What does dance do for your spirit
and soul?
KJD: dance writing and scuba are my 3
realistic passions modeling is the one that happened to come true
like a fairytale. dance is another time when my soul has a chance
to escape and flutter around. dance is a bit of a sore subject for
me. when i get into a studio or i am dancing alone, doing any kind
of improv i tend to cry. i dont have the strength, flexibility or
discipline that i used to as a young dancer , so it tends to frustrate
me. dance is a battle, between my soul and physical form, even when
i hate it i love it
JH: What are you most passionate about?
KJD: like ive said, writing scuba dance
(performing) are my real passions they all do the same things to me
: they create this introspective void where i can really just turn
in without saying anything and look at my existence honestly and express
myself -for myself. any other passions i have are somehow tangents
of these three things.
JH: I saw some pictures of you with a
guy on Catalina Island. Who is he?
KJD: that is Richard. To call him my
boyfriend wouldnt do him justice. Even saying his name puts a smile
on my face and makes me feel warm. I could write a million cliches
about how he makes me feel, but they still wouldnt come close to explaining
what he means to me. Our chemistry is out of this world and i knew
i loved him the moment i met him. He is the first person to really
accept and appreciate all of me completely, and unconditionally. he
has really completed me ...
JH: What is the scariest thing you've
ever done?
KJD: shit scariest thing ever?!?! fuck...
im going to have to come back to this one ...
JH: What
keeps you going? What motivates you to get out of bed?
KJD: wanting people to know my name and
wanting to change peoples perspectives ... on something, anything.
i want people to ask questions. i am a contradiction, the things i
do are even opposing sometimes. everything from not looking like the
"average tattooed girl" to not doing what people think i
would. I mean i get naked on the internet but i also teach scuba ...weird
huh? i want people to open their minds and find beauty and love in
this world, and however i can keep people guessing, seeing, doing
... then im doing my job.
JH: What are your goals?
KJD: right now i would love to have my
own scuba show... but everyone and their mom is on tv now... so that
kinda sucks. i wanna get back to teaching scuba more often, open my
own website ...eventually i want to open up my own scuba summer camp
for kids, like the one i learned to dive at then live happily ever
after with Rich
JH: What is your favorite thing to eat?
KJD: its so hard, my dad is a chef, rich
is a chef and i cook like crazy so i love all kinds of food. I always
love me some sushi though... i think its because its one of those
things we never make at home!
JH: Do some people stereotype you? does
that affect you? Did it ever affect you?
KJD: totally ... i hate when people say
"You can't do this" or that or whatever, because im tattooed,
or naked on the internet, or whatever. FUCK THAT. For some reason
people think being naked and tattooed means you cant get mainstream
jobs, or paid well, or be intelligent... well ... i graduated high
school early, went to college, worked hard, have open and run numerous
companies successfully and get work like crazy. i used to fit the
"rocker chick" stereotype a little more and hated that...
since i grew my hair out natural and started living a super mellow
hippie life i think people have begun to accept me more in general.
but honestly the bullshit people think affects them, not me. i mean
it sucks if i dont get a gig because im not "rocker" or
"punk" enough. ... i make no apologies for what i look like
or how i act or who i am, i love it all and it is what it is. im not
6' tall, im not rail thin, i dont have crazy colored hair, i took
out most of my piercings - i think now i am the anti stereotype i
like people not being able to figure out exactly what i am supposed
to be... cause thats the point ... im not supposed to be anything
... but me
JH: Who does your tattoos?
KJD: well i draw all my stuff (except
the pin up and the writing) but the ink is put it mostly by BABA at
vintage tattoo in highland park... ive also had work done but a bunch
of NY artists and my right half sleeve is by Dan at Prix in hollywood
JH: Are you really bi? And if you are, what girl do you have
a crush on?
KJD: i am really bi. and by bi i dont
mean i make out with bitches for attention ...i hate that shit. years
ago my friend Xanthia and I came up with this great acronym "GPL"
Genuine Pussy Lover, because we were so fed up with makeing out with
a chick at a bar or something and trying to take her home when she
says "oh i dont do that" like what the fuck was the tease
for .... hmm right now honestly im so satisfied with my Dick ...i
havent thought about what girls are even out there... i have to say
though i will always have a thing for every lesbians favorite andro
- katherine moennig, shes just fuckin hot as all hell... i like my
girls androgynous
JH: What was the best photo shoot you were ever involved in?
KJD: hmm shit thats pretty hard. i have done so many shoots and worked
with so many acceptional photographers. im trying to think of where
my best photos came from or what was the craziest... actually ...as
far as experience my shoots for nude-in-la.com ... i literally walked
around long beach naked in the middle of the day in 5 different locations.
it was wild, empowering and just amazing. it wasnt my first time shooting
in public, i had shot naked on the vegas strip as well as some random
spots around LA, but when i walked down super busy Ocean Ave in long
beach ... in front of restaurants financial buildings etc it was a
trip... and totally epic. but best shoot ever ... thats still up in
the air probably my shoot for Inked Magazine's Inked Girls of LA because
I am such a huge fan of the mag and was so proud to be in it.
JH: Who has treated you the best out of all the people you
know?
KJD: Richard, by far, like i said he
understands me and my needs, loves me unconditionally and totally
supports me even when im irrational and loony - which can be frequent
JH: Do you use drugs or drink?
KJD: I am a total pot head/stoner whatever
you want to call me I smoke a lot of weed! i love it... im a total
hippie about it, and i think it cures everything...other than that
I am happy to say that I will have been sober from anything other
than weed/mushrooms and alcohol for 2 years on january 1st 2009. drugs
took a lot of my life away but at the same time i learned more about
myself in the half alive hours i spend turning inward and picking
at all my deepest darkest wounds. i used drugs to hit rock bottom,
i was a self proclaimed self sabateur and i was damn good at it. i
used drugs to expose all that was wrong and bad in me and look at
it, inspect it and eventually understand it until i pretty much healed
myself...
JH: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Ten years?
KJD: in five years probably the same
thing im doing now, except maybe i will be married. in ten years i
hope im at least slightly settled down, i know for such a crazy chick
you would never guess i want to nest so bad hahaha i would love to
have my summer camp up and running in 10 years.
JH: Are you in love?
KJD: madly, deeply, intensely, i hope
to spend the rest of my life in love - and in love with richard. i
have never felt so sure of every move i make, and even when shit hits
the fan hard... real hard, im smiling because ive got my love
JH: Who is your favorite famous person?
KJD: This one was really hard. I dont
think about things like this that much, not to mention im not really
up on who people consider famous... but anyway i feel like if i say
oprah i will seem predictable but she is the giving hell of a lot
and doing a lot for all kinds of people all over the world. she has
done well for herself and is generously helping others ... so shes
pretty rad
JH: What would you say to someone that
is getting into what you do?
KJD: which part of what i do ? the erotic
modeling i would say make sure it is what you want to do.... i went
through a lot of shit with my family to be where i am today... and
in a place where they love me and accept all of me including the part
that gets naked on the internet. and also dont sell yourself short...
there are girls out there getting naked for free and people are profiting
off it ... i think thats bullshit.. ladies know what you are worth
and let the world know before you even unclip your bra !
JH: How have you seen the industry change
since you've been in it? With the
KJD: influx of all these tattooed girl
websites? ive seen so much bullshit pop up ..its all cliche...tattooed
punk girls ... they are all "alt" what the fuck is that...
ive seen an industry accept girls who arent that hot because they
have tattoos I think thats a sellout on the side of the sex industry
and i think its disappointing. i think half the sites are a lie and
i think a lot of the girls are disillusioned. the same way that tattoos
have become more mainstream its like everyone and their mom wants
to be and will be naked on the internet ... the only downside to me
is that when I give my rates to new sites they say "well so and
so did it for free, or for 50 bucks" i laugh and tell them that
first of all they aren’t just buying my time, and my photos
they are buying my name, its like a brand and this brand has her fans.
its a blessing and a curse ...
JH: If you could change one thing about
yourself what would it be?
KJD: nothing ... i was going to say my
scoliosis but that gives me my signiture back bend, and weird curve
that i do ... it also makes it so i can pose with my ass and full
face showing at the same time hahaha
JH: How do you see what you do as a positive
influence on young girls these days?
KJD: unlike a lot of the girls out there
who say that this industry empowers them - but then give themselves
up for free- i mean it. Again I like showing people I can do a lot
of things, I can be a strong independent woman, who is proud of her
body, and not afraid to pay her bills by showing it off but i can
also save the planet ... im like a naughty super hero. really though
i try to focus on influencing positive body image... i was a ballerina
as a kid/teen/young adult and it gave me a fucked up image of my body.
i had eating disorders, I used drugs to stay thin...did everything...
but i grew to accept and love my body ... and more than anything i
want that positive energy to flow through everything i do. lastly
i think i want girls to go out and do whatever it is they love, to
follow their passions and never let anyone tell them that they cant
do something, even if you fail you will have learned more about yourself
than by not trying.
JH: Last words:
KJD: maybe now people will understand
a little more about me, and come to expect the unexpected. I want
to continue my enigmatic existence, its more fun this way...
//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// |
"Myspace'll eat your soul" by Monika Leigh Monika: I know you're only six right now
but in eight years when the opportunity presents itself, don't
make a MySpace profile. |
"WHAT
THE F#@KN AYE IS UP IN LA" anti-hipster agenda: this is a proposal to organize a new movement whose mission is aimed towards the extermination of a relatively new sub-population of the american culture. this obnoxious facet of our society, known as the "hipsters", is hegemonic and terminally devoid of independent expression and originality. they are sometimes also referred to as "indie" (please correct me if there is a distinction between "hipster" and "indie"). identifiable marks may include but
are not limited to: bad attitudes, fairly new tattoos (frequently in
the "traditional" style), hair with few variations of
cut (usually black, pieced out, shattered, shaggy, and/or
inspired by 1970's/1980's era), piercings (plugs are a favorite), many
are growing facial hair these days, blue jeans (which are
usually a few sizes too small), vintage and/or vintage inspired
attire (usually circa 1970/1980), military-esque caps, and track
bikes (this is particularly characteristic of the san franciscan
hipters). unwarranted narcissism is also a common trait. the females
are usually overly made up and the males are indistinguishable
from the females (with the exception of facial hair). |
"The
Trials, Tribulations, Ups, and Downs of Being Underage in a City
That’s Supposedly Subdued and Exciting."
I am a female, born and raised in Bellingham.
My dad's side of the family is alcoholics my mother's is uber
conservative christan. A little sister, she’s smart. An
older brother, he just thinks he knows it all. I am the favorite
child my dad told me once. |
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Exclusive Jason Maloney Interview:
JH: Where did you
grow up?
JM: In the 909... Upland, Southern California.
JH: What inspired you to start painting?
JM: Well, my dad did some really good drawings.
I remember as a kid seeing him draw and it was amazing... I was really
young, like 5 or somewhat... after that my main inspiration was seeing
the artwork on Iron Maiden album covers.
JH: How long have you been painting?
JM: I always say I've been painting and drawing
my whole life...I really can't remember not doing it.
JH: Where did you go to school?
JM: I graduated from Cal State University, Fullerton,
in So Cal with a BFA in Painting and Drawing in the fall of 2000.
JH: You do lectures at various schools. Tell
us about this?
JM: Ya, I lecture at high schools and colleges.
They are fun. The kids are really into it...I like to make them laugh...I
try to make it entertaining for them.
JH: Which of your paintings is your favorite?
JM: I would have to say a painting called: "I
Think I Can't". It is now on exhibit at the Laguna Art Museum in
a show called: "In the Land of Retinal Delights-the Juxtapoz Factor".
This show will run through October 5th 2008.
JH: Tell me about the “Crack-berry”
painting and what inspired you to paint it?
JM: [laughing] well, I just got my first Blackberry
phone and I was all strung out on the fuckin' thing...so it just came
to me one day, Crackberry! And that was it. Funny, I'm writing this
interview while on a Blackberry! OMG!! Haha!!
JH: How many shows have you been in? Which one
was your favorite?
JM: Oh god, I lost count after like 80...my favorite
being the most recent, my first museum group show exhibition at Laguna
Art Museum.
JH: What’s your most memorable experience
in your career as a painter?
JM: Getting asked to show at the Laguna Art Museum.
JH: What painters inspire you?
JM: God, there are so many...I like a wide rang
of painters: Damien Hirst, Todd Schorr, Robert Williams.
JH: What personal hardships amplify your creativity?
Explain them:
JM: personal hardships?? I've been told I'm pretty
neurotic, a dick, a sociopath, selfish and a media whore...I agree with
them all.
JH: In the world of writing, who is your favorite
author?
JM: Stephen king
JH: What kind of music do you listen to these
days?
JM: Early iron maiden, priest, metallica, ect,
ect.
JH: What’s the last dream you had and do
your dreams inspire you in any way?
JM: My favorite dream, years ago, was me surviving
a nuclear attack and all I could think about was finding fucking
beer!
JH: Anything you want to say to add to this interview?
JM: Nope...only, that its been good.
JH: Do you have any shows coming up?
JM: I'm currently showing at the Laguna Art Museum
through October 5th 2008 and then at the Corey Helford Gallery in Culver
City, Ca. in December 2008.
Check
out Jason Maloney online:
www.jasonmaloneyart.com
www.myspace.com/jasonmaloney
www.lagunaartmuseum.org/Current-Exhibit.html
www.coreyhelfordgallery.com
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Captured Movie Premiere: This was my first movie premiere in NYC and let me tell you, it was great! After riding the LIRR to Penn then the A to the L to the F (later finding out I could take the A to the F) I found myself at the Delancey/Essex stop. Two blocks down and a right on Grand, the line wrapped around the building on both sides. I was hoping I would gain access. Marissa was in line and I finally met up with her. We waited for about 30 minutes and made it inside New Design High School. It was 8 floors to the roof and no elevator. Needless to say I was sweating when we got to the roof. Smoke from the barbeque swayed in the air and misconstrued lines of people were staggered about as we squeezed into the doorway. The makeshift ceiling above the roof was made up of chicken wire and steel beams and there was graffiti on every inch of the walls that partitioned the different sections of the roof; scattered buildings littered the LES skyline. There were at least 500 people in attendance for the world premiere of Captured. Clayton Patterson is the man behind the camera and the person responsible for making this movie a reality. He recorder video footage throughout the 80’s, 90’s and right into the tragedy of the September 11th, 2001 attacks on The World Trade Center. The movie is a documentary about Clayton Patterson and the Lower East Side of Manhattan in New York City. From the Tompkins Square Park riots on August 6th & 7th in 1988 to The Pyramid Club and beyond, Clayton Patterson documented life in the Lower East Side of New York City. With footage of GG Allin, Raybeez from Warzone, Jimmy Gestapo of Murphy’s Law, John Joseph of Cromags, Bad Brains, CBGB, getting arrested by NYPD, tent city, and everything in-between. The footage is raw, real, and in your face. Clayton Patterson has appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show and has been arrested, beat up by the NYPD, and harassed for his complete dedication to the Lower East Side of New York City. From collecting the packaging of bundles of heroin and documenting the different names by putting them in a photo album, to his complete documentation of squatters taking over buildings, to making hats that were worn by several different musicians in the 1980’s, Clayton Patterson’s Captured movie will go down in history for it’s authenticity, grittiness, absolute lawlessness, and complete compassion for the people of The Lower East Side and New York City as a whole. This is a must see movie! http://www.myspace.com/capturedmovie
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Exclusive
Holly Brook Interview:
JH: So tell me a little about yourself, your
musical background, where you grew up?
HB: Holly Brook is my first and middle name. I grew up in a tiny town
in Wisconsin and come from a very musical family. Piano is my
first instrument, then guitar and dulcimer I taught myself. I
made 3 indie records with my mom from the ages of 8-16. Then I
dove deep into songwriting and began my solo career, moving to LA alone
at 17 (yes, dropped out of school). Why am I telling you this?
Just read my bio!
JH: What are you up to these days?
HB: I’m currently homeless, so I just travel back and forth between
my sister’s apartment in LA, Jon’s house/studio in Ventura,
and NYC where I’ve been spending a lot of time working with Duncan
Sheik.
JH: How is your
new record coming along?
HB: Oh I am so excited about this record! I hope to have it out
sometime this summer.
JH: What has
been your inspiration for song writing since you haven’t put out
a record in a few years?
HB: Well, because of some legal issues, I haven’t actually been
allowed to put out a record until now. So I wrote about 40 songs
in that time. So much has happened that was worth writing about.
For example, I discovered Harry Potter! Then I moved out of LA
to a much smaller town called Ventura, where the air is clean and the
beach is always standing tall. Additionally, I spent a lot of
time working with Duncan, I ended a 3 year relationship (depressing
times make for great song subjects!)…. Oh…and of course
I was held hostage by a bunch of ewoks!
JH: How is working
with Duncan Sheik?
HB: Amazing!!!! Except he’s turned me into a wino…
But check this out…I was just a fan of his…I still have
his autograph from when I was 16 and saw him perform. And now
I work with him regularly. Dreams do come true!
JH: Are you
working/writing with anyone else besides Duncan?
HB: Yes! Of course I am still working with Jon Ingoldsby.
He is producing my record and co-writing some of the songs. In
addition, I currently have a couple of side projects in development,
including a folk duo, which is Jon and I (yes he sings too!).
Another is an electro-rock band I started with Adam Iscove, that sounds
kind of like Peter Gabriel meets Dido meets Shiny Toy Guns. I’ve
also been working on some hip-hop songs with Ryu from Styles of Beyond,
and Scoop Deville. Additionally, I’ve been working with are Katy
Rose, Caitlin Moe, Heather Holley, and Eric Jay.
JH: How was
the Jesse Malin show at Bowery Ballroom in NYC?
HB: Fun! Caitlin Moe (www.myspace.com/caitlinmoe)
played violin with me, and it was the first time I ever did a show playing
keyboard while standing up!!! And if you ever get a chance to
check out Jesse’s show, you should. He is such an entertainer.
JH: What keeps
you busy when you have free time? What do you like to do?
HB: I like to fly airplanes…I like to write songs, record songs…or
does that not count as “free” time? Cuz my work is
my favorite thing in life… I like taking long drives. I
like to drink tea. I like camping. I like to come up with
random ideas. I love dreaming (in my last dream I was swimming
in yogurt lagoons).
JH: What message
would you like to convey to your fans about their anticipation for your
new record?
HB: I know it’s been a long time since you’ve heard new
music from me, but I really hope it turns out to be worth the wait!
Get ready for a single and video in July, and the record soon to follow!
And try and catch a show, as I will be doing a lot of touring!
JH: What can
we expect from your new record? Has your sound changed?
HB: Try not to have expectations. Just listen with an open mind.
My sound has definitely changed since the last record. Some people
might be caught off guard. But I think my song writing has improved,
especially with lyrics. The past few years have been very dramatic,
so many of the songs stem from specific things that happened to me.
JH: What music
are you listening to these days?
HB: Bjork, Shiny Toy Guns, and the classical station.
JH: Who’s
your favorite poet?
HB: I don’t really read poetry…but Joni Mitchell counts!
JH: How many
tattoos do you have? What personal significance do your tattoos hold
for you? Who does your tattoos?
HB: I have 2 tattoos…the one on the back of my neck I got backstage
at a Linkin Park concert when I was 19. Chester’s “Club
Tattoo” was doing them for free! It’s a Pisces symbol my
friend Steve Stokes from Wisconsin designed. Then I got an owl on my
left ribcage last December. I got it because I love flying, and
I love staying up late…and harry potter. It was done by Josh Lord
at East Side Ink in New York. If you are looking to get a tattoo, please
check out his work. Unbelievable.
JH: Tell me
about the last dream you had?
HB: Oh, uh…actually I lied before. My very last dream was
kinda private…
JH: Is there
anything you would like to add to this? After thoughts?
HB: Yeah. Wheels. Banana slugs. Pink parts.
Oh, and send me a little item of your choice to be included in a diorama for my album artwork!
Get the details
at: www.myspace.com/hollybrook
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Interview #1: Scotty Coats/Double Fisted Underground/Costa Mesa Represent!
JH: What was the first record you ever bought?
SC: Prince Erotic City 12’ from Licorice Pizza in Santa Maria
Ca
JH: Who influenced you in the early days?
SC: Funny I had a dj who lived across the st named Dj Influence (get
it)he turned me on to hip hop like the skinny boys, bdp, erik b and
rakim, epmd all kinds a shit, and the skateway roller rink was a big
part of it as well
JH: Were you influenced by Grand Master Flash, DJ Kool Herc, Afrika
Bambaataa, Run DMC? What did you learn from these greats?
SC: I was influenced by them; but not really knowing that I was. I was
a punk lil kid who skateboarded and would try to bring my skateboard
on the roller skating floor and when I got kicked off of the roller
rink at 10 or 11 I got stuck watching the dj and from then it was on.
Dj lil Ken I still remember his name. He played funk boogie disco early
hip hop and I was hooked.
JH: Tell us about The Double Fisted Underground?
SC: It’s a group of guys that all love djing, all love records,
any kind of records, all love drinking beer, and making people dance.
Thanks to Mike Conley for letting us has-beens play disco music at the
Avalon bar for the last 5 years. It’s family.
JH: I know a lot of people are using Mac’s to DJ. What’s
your opinion of this and how has it changed DJ Culture?
SC: I look at it two ways. If you have paid your dues and lugged records
around your entire life dedicating your life to the music you love,
then it’s a great tool. If you’re some hairdresser with
a bunch of friends and rip the latest and greatest hipster tune from
the latest and greatest blog, then buy serrato or any other program,
and call yourself a dj, I have news for ya… It will go out of
style for you as quick as your haircuts and you are not a dj. MUSIC
BLOGGERS ARE FUCKING BOOTLEGGERS…
JH: What about disco? Give us your take on disco?
SC: I love disco. I sometimes think I was born too late. Its all disco
to me man.
JH: With all the different names for genres of music these days, what
style do you classify yourself as?
SC: Drunk.
JH: Where do you buy your records these days?
SC: I go to thrift stores in Long Beach, Cal Sound in San Diego, Jigsaw
records and any yard sale that I see that has wax. Anywhere and everywhere
I guess.
JH: Who are your close cronies and favorite DJ’s?
SC: Close cronies are Dj Poppa, Jud Nester, Dirty Lo, Ben Cook, Dj Cocoe,
Josh One, Esca, Dj Spun, and Tim Love Lee. I don’t really have
a favorite; they all do different things and play different shit. Maurice
Fulton, Harvey, J Rocc, Jazzy Jeff, Moody Man too many to name…
JH: Where do you see DJ Culture heading?
SC: I don’t really know and I don’t really care. I’m
not one of these fly by night dudes. I have been collecting records
for 20 years and djing since I was 13 or 14. I’m going to do my
own thing without caring what other djs are up to really.
JH: What is your plan for keeping your music great and on the edge and
unsafe?
SC: Not wear a condom while djing.
JH: What would you tell an up and coming DJ that wants to keep it real?
SC: Play from the heart. Only play records you love. Don’t compromise
what you like for money or anything else. People know if they are a
dj or not, its not a fucking fashion statement.
JH: Last words?
SC: R.I.P Mike Conley (I LOVE YOU MORE)
www.myspace.com/scottycoats1
www.rvca.com/music/scottycoats/
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
| Featured
Poem by Alex
Conley 7:20am Thursday, Apr 24 im wondering... who im going to watch movies with who will eat the boysenberry froyo at acup what it will be like coming home to friends who arent friends why jets to brazil makes so much more sense now what the beach will be like what the crab cooker will be like what you were thinking what happened where my house is why the east coast is so far from the west why you smother me why you think we will ever be friends again why you are always there for me who will stalk my facebook why you think i cant live without you why i cant live without you whats going to happen why nine year old girls try to pick up on guys why everything is taken for granted why you arent appreciateve what your voice sounds like why you mean so much to me what my dogs gonna do when i see it why you guys dont make up why everything is so simple how im going to do the right thing how many trips can fit into one summer what the literal interpretation of "hes watching over you" means what san diego will be like in september where my family is why we have so much fun together why you take advantage of me whens the soonest i can get some carne asada how to play the guitar why the good die young who is real and who is fake how to get my life back on track how happy ill be when ash comes to visit why your not sitting at the computer on ebay why there isnt gatorade in the fridge or gummy bears in the pantry why you werent the person i thought you were why im dissapointed why i dont cry about how fun this weekend willll beeeeee |
New York
|
MC59 / OCD / Cass Dillon / Compound Radio / Holly Brook / Caitlin Moe / Jason Maloney
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