DJ Interviews: eXorZm

 Here are the questions

How'd you get started in music?

A friend of mine was a talented piano player, and it looked like great fun, so at 14 years old I took piano lessons for a year. Kept it up for 4-5 years, then slowly started gravitate towards guitar, singing and songwriting. 

Who are your inspirations or influences?

Early Pink Floyd, especially Syd Barrett era,The Doors, The Velvet Underground, Leonard Cohen and Tom Waits are all artists that keep being huge influences. Also movies, books and graphic novels are important sources.

What advice would you offer aspiring performers?

Stick with it!

If you get interested in music, you should go for it. You are bound to encounter negativity, but don't listen to people who use the word 'impossible' a lot. If you enjoy it, it's worth the effort.

How do you set yourselves apart from other bands or singers?

I always try to make something I've personally never heard before, in order to keep being inspired. That's ingrained in every step of the writing process, from the lyrics to the finished mix.  

Any new gigs or albums in the future?

Currently, 2-3 EPs are under production, and quite possibly a full album will be released near the end of 2021. As for gigs, I'm not really a touring musician, but am looking into doing some small online performances. 

DJ Interviews: Neoborn Caveman

 Hey there all, Its the DJ  & heres my interview with Neoborn Caveman

 

 

1. That's an interesting question. Probably at the age of ten when my cousin took me to a rock concert... :)

Later on I took several and different paths to find my real voice and sound. Although there was scarcity when it came to owning instruments this I believe just made me more creative. For so long I wanted to be "Bon Jovi", but you know, I had to realize that job had already been taken. :)

As my life changed I also took different directions, ultimately I self-resigned, self-isolated from all the noise and composed only healing music and classical piano suites for a decade.

And when my life took an unexpected turn, I came out to heal through music, and show an optionable path for anyone who feel undre rock bottom and lives behind the rainbow.

 

 

2. To think of, musically speaking it's hard to find good inspirations since I find pretty hard to distinguish a person from his/her art. Well, Michael Jackson, Sting, Jon Bon Jovi, Johann Sebastian Bach, Luciano Pavarotti come to my mind at first with some local artists and heroes. You know, hearing one or two songs like Child In Time by the Deep Purple, or the early The Europe all count into. And yes, would have been glad to meet and talk to David Bowie...

 

 

3. This is something I also often ask from other artists... It might sound strange and less fashionable, but just rely onto your actual inner thoughts, embrace the struggle to meet the real you and use that. Be brave to be vulnerable, that's human and shows strength. Forget, honestly, just forget the trends and all the "success stories". Prince got "that" fame by his 6th album. Bon Jovi only got "that" big after their 3rd album yet they prefet the 5th as the real them. Bruce Springsteen had 10 years prior to become "the Bruce Springsteen". Elton John was thrown hot-dogs at in his early career. Yet, they always dared to experiment and renew themselves, despite every odds. I think, in many, many ways it's harder today but if you are real, honest, authentic and have integrity, those matter more than a fancy virtuousity or glimmering dance-skills. Anything you can do at a campfire, by the river with no electricity that matters. Never listen to the naysaysers, not even to your inner one, you are worthy, you are capable, you have potential.

 

 

4. I always want to invent every single sound in my songs - though I also tried samples - and be real what I want to say. You know, there is this fine balance where you are putting yourself out and still train, practice and only accept the most professional outcome possible. On my latest album, "The Break-up Therapy", I was working with Grammy winners and nominees, all had magnificent humbleness to accept and willingness to contribute. And I write for the people not for myself, though I find myself in the songs, too. And I always experiment and challenge myself.

 

 

5. Well, right now a meditative, healing song is coming out, titled "Spring Change". This year I've already released 5 other singles... I'm currently recording a talk-show where I co-host, that will air this summer. And well, the new album "Mirrors Have Just Muted Cries" is almost ready, so, that'll come soon.

Plus, after a longer hiatus, I'm going to give more interviews and talks from now on.

Special thanks to him for this interview & I wish him luck in his music so until then I'll catch you on The Flipside. Stay awesome & rock n roll!

DJ Interviews: The Great Riffs

 

Peter Lawlor	8:18 AM (3 minutes ago)
to me

How'd you get started in music?

Usual way...bands at school and college. Turned professional in my early 20s.

Had quite a bit of good luck.

Who are your inspirations or influences?

Beatles, Kinks, Hendrix, Kossoff, Zep, Joe Pass, Trevor Horn, George martin, Eddie Kramer.

What advice would offer aspiring performers?

Work harder than you'd expect anyone else to do. Be BRUTALLY honest with yourself.

When you finish a track you're pleased with, imagine that you are in a competition and your

opponent's track is the track you've just finished. Now beat it.

How do you set yourselves apart from other bands or singers?

I don't. Mozart said "I never tried to be original, I just tried to be good."

Any new gigs or albums in the future?

A couple of re-releases coming up on Spotify etc. Many gigs planned for the autumn and for next year.

DJ Interviews: Haley Conner

 1)

I’ve written poetry & raps since middle school. It’s always been my main avenue of expression. I’d always write raps to remember study material or share with my closest friends. As I entered high school I fell more in love with spoken word poetry. It was the day I transformed a poem of mine into a song that I started making music. I haven’t looked back since! It is therapy to me now. 

2)

Several influences of mine include Hopsin, 50 cent, Lil Wayne, and Macklemore. Each of them have a unique penmanship & style that has always inspired me. 

3) 

My advice to any aspiring performer would be to always do a sound check before your set, make sure your vocals are quieted so that your track doesn’t override your live voice, remember that the closer the mic is to your mouth the less feedback, and the better the breath control, the better the performance. 

4) 

I set myself apart by embracing my own unique sound. 

5)

I plan on releasing single‘s for the summer season then putting together either my second EP, or very first album. I have a new single “Jack and Jill” dropping this weekend on all streaming platforms! Artist Profile name “HaleyC” 

DJ Interviews: EZOlK (Easy All K)

How'd you get started in music?

When I was 6 my parents enrolled me in the music conservatory in my city. 

I admit that at the beginning I did not go there with a good heart. 

My teachers weren't very pedagogical, but one day I came across a score by Dave Brubeck "Blue Rondo à la Turk." You can call it a revelation.

Who are your inspirations or influences?

My inspirations are multiple and not necessarily in adequacy with my music.

I like Jazz-Rock, for example "Los Lobotomys", "UZEB", "Miles Davis" and "Steve Lukather" but also AOR, "Toto", "Journey".

Today I feel very close to "Grandbrothers" with their Piano / Electro music.

What advice would offer aspiring performers?

What advice would offer aspiring performers?

Staying yourself, musical identity is essential.

And work on your instrument.

How do you set yourselves apart from other bands or singers?

I am often against the grain. I feel more like a composer/producer, 

I can leave the show to the frontman. 

I like to be alone at night and to play the Piano.

Any new gigs or albums in the future?

An album is coming out very soon, at the end of May beginning of June 2021. 

It will be called "IV U", it will be necessary to read FOR YOU.

It will be an album in the same vein as my previous EP "Vain Energy".

I have a Pop-Rock project which should see the light of day in September 2021. I compose a lot, all the time.

DJ Interviews: Custom Keto Diet

 

Custom Keto Diet	8:48 AM (4 minutes ago)
to me

How'd you get started in music?

My big brother would make me freestyle with
him all the time before he died


Who are your inspirations or influences?

My big Brother he died in a car wreck we were in 2015


What advice would offer aspiring performers?

Ignore the haters and make music that makes your soul smile


How do you set yourselves apart from other bands or singers?

I don't cap so people feel my music more because it's an authentic representation of my reality/lifestyle


Any new gigs or albums in the future?

Yes my new single 420 Baby is now on all Digital Streaming Platforms search C4TheGOD stay tuned lots of new music on the way thank you 

DJ Interviews: Hire the Puppets

 

1. My Mom and Dad and really the whole family are all musicians going all the way back to our ancestors. My mom started singing in a band when she was 12 and got me started learning when I was three. I joined my first band also at 12 and have been playing ever since.

2. Influences, hmm, that's a long list! Love the Beatles, The Misfits is who introduced me to punk rock, Nirvana, Primus, Operation Ivy and the list goes on. I just love music of all kinds and learn a lot from each style. Punk, Alt, Grunge, Industrial, Jazz, Folk, Metal, Old school Rap, R&B, Funk and Soul are some of my top favorites. 

3. Well, first is always be true to yourself! Don't try to sound like this band or that artist. Be willing to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. Be willing though, to listen to feedback. Others can often hear what you can't. I personally have a small team of people that I know will give me the truth about my songs and I use them to review each and evdry song before releasing. There are a handful of unreleased songs because they didn't get good feedback. Lastly, practice practice practice and keep writing even if you think it sucks. Writing hones your skills and teaches you a lot and eventually you will find your sound. 

4. For one, I am disabled. I was hit by a drunk driver while riding my Motorcycle to a volunteer job I was starting that day. I lost my right leg, crushed my right hip, lost my entire left back muscle and crushed most of my teeth. I could play many instruments and sing but before that I was primarily a drummer. I still play drum on all my tracks but as far as being a drummer I just can't play long enough to preform shows. With the encouragement of my wife and friends I turned to writing and recording. Since I have only been at it for a year, my sound is still evolving and I think with this new song "Bury The Rhythm" I am closer to what will end up being the sound, style and esthetic of Hire The Puppets. 

5. I am currently working on a full length album which I am planning on releasing vinyl albums as well. This album will be an introduction to this new sound of HTP. 

As for shows, I have a whole bunch of requests to play gigs but, with no backing band I have to turn them down. I have someone for bass but need a drummer and keyboard player. I suppose I could just go accustic or play live with my songs as a backing track but I want to give my fans the best show I possibly can and I feel like seeing one guy on stage stuck behind a microphone would be boring. So, I would rather wait and give my best then to go out there and disappoint. 

Hope I didn't ramble to much. Feel free to cut the answers down if ya need. If you have any more questions I'd be happy to answer them. Thanks again for this opportunity! 

Many Blessings to you! 

Corey Ravns (Colagrossi) 

Hire The Puppets band

www.hirethepuppets.com

DJ Interviews: The Rebel

Hey there guys, here's my interview with The Rebel. 

Well my name is Gerald Mckinley-Roath aka The Rebel. ..I've been singing and playing and writing since the age of 12 I'm self taught no lessons I'm right handed but play left handed still strung right handed way I play upside down I write different and diverse songs raw in your face style I'm not just one style I'm many styles I do country rockabilly rock metal and punk and blues and gospel. ..I got into it cause my mom and dad both played and sang and my Grandma too so I watched and studied then taught my self ....my influences vary cause 

I have a lot from Michael Jackson to the Beatles to Elvis to randy Travis George Jones Waylon Jennings Johnny Cash um randy Rhoades Zakk Wylde.....Motley Crue & all kinds of influence s....50s 60s 80s music and sum new music too many to mention.

my advice would be never ever give up on your dream and be true to your craft always and believe in yourself no matter what. ...even if theirs haters out their ....stand your ground for the passion and love of music ...

new cd soon but I have many singles out and I juts released a new one called down on my knees full production. ....

DJ Interviews: Soylent Chiba

 How'd you get started in music?

I wanted girls to like me so i figured playing guitar might make that happen. It didn't, at least not for a few years.

I then met a man with a parrot named Gorlon, and he taught me the kazoo. From then I played in various bands on houseboats across the open seas.

Now I am here composing electronic music for people who can't dance.

Who are your inspirations or influences?

Frank Zappa, Pink Grease, Trouble, Warning, Pink Floyd, Metallica, Iron Maiden, Batman, John Carpenter, Karen Carpenter, Jesus the Carpenter, Kamen Rider Stronger, Karpenter Rider Stronger, Tangerine Dream, Salt N Pepa, Toni Braxton, Aerosmith and Pearl Jam, Van Halen, An Old man fashioning a kayak out of a log, Charles Bradley, Charles Dance, Charles Bronson, Charles Norris, Charles Walk, Charles Sit, Charles Stay, Charles Grodin, Charles Chan, Ray Charles, Green Lantern, Bonzo Dog Doodah Band, Meat Loaf, PIL, Sisters of Mercy, Grug.

What advice would offer aspiring performers?

Firstly: Don't do drugs.

Secondly: Don't stop, never give up, hold your head high and reach the top.

Thirdly:  Say your prayers, take your vitamins and you will never go wrong, brother!

Fourthly: Don't be afraid of your own spooky dooky imagination!

Fifthly: Nobody is gonna hit as hard as life, but it ain’t how hard you can hit. It’s how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. It’s how much you can take, and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done.

Sixthly: It’s only a passing thing, this shadow. Even darkness must pass. A new day will come. And when the sun shines it will shine out the clearer.

How do you set yourselves apart from other bands or singers?

I am neither in a band, nor do I sing. I suppose that's how I set myself apart. I was in a band, once, but that... was a long time ago, back when I was sailing the pacific with Gorlon and his crew.

I try to only be better than myself, and learn and evolve from listening to as much music as possible.

Any new gigs or albums in the future?

Gigs, no. I'm not a gigger. Gigging was something I did in the past, with Gorlon. Especially because of Covid-19 If I gig, I might die.

Albums, I have a few. I've got my share of albums and singles galore and here, for you: https://soylentchiba.bandcamp.com/

DJ Interviews: Peter Lawlor

 

How'd you get started in music?

Usual way...bands at school and college. Turned professional in my early 20s.

Had quite a bit of good luck.

Who are your inspirations or influences?

Beatles, Kinks, Hendrix, Kossoff, Zep, Joe Pass, Trevor Horn, George martin, Eddie Kramer.

What advice would offer aspiring performers?

Work harder than you'd expect anyone else to do. Be BRUTALLY honest with yourself.

When you finish a track you're pleased with, imagine that you are in a competition and your

opponent's track is the track you've just finished. Now beat it.

How do you set yourselves apart from other bands or singers?

I don't. Mozart said "I never tried to be original, I just tried to be good."

Any new gigs or albums in the future?

A couple of re-releases coming up on Spotify etc. Many gigs planned for the autumn and for next yea

DJ Interviews: Dark Days

 

How'd you get started in music? We all have been playing in bands since we were younger. I know for me going to my first concert (sevendust) really got me excited to play. 

Who are your inspirations or influences? We really draw from all over the place. All kinds of music and artist, if we have to name a few Rush, three days grace, ozzy, nonpoint, sevendust, to name few. 

What advice would offer aspiring performers? Do what you like do it with good intentions and work hard at it! But always have fun first! 

How do you set yourselves apart from other bands or singers? So our goal is to be real no backing tracks no fake vocals just real hard rock with passion and energy. We want to take the old school mindset of play anywhere and place and meet as many smiling faces as possible! 

Any new gigs or albums in the future? We have a ton coming up! This summer 3/5 new singles for release starting in June! Full album early 2022 with this summer shows starting to book and an online concert in the works as well! Going to be a fun summer! 

DJ Interviews: Fallen Piipl

 

How'd you get started in music?

 

Some friends introduced me to the likes of Metallica and Iron Maiden. I heard it and thought “I want to do that!”. I then went to concerts and was hooked on the dream of playing music to people. I started on guitar and then moved to bass when a band I was friends with had their bass player quit and needed someone to fill in at short notice.

 

Who are your inspirations or influences?

 

I don’t go out of my way to sound or be like anything or anyone. We are all influenced by everything we hear – things we like and dislike.

I leave it to others to comment on what they think my stuff sounds similar to.

 

Artists I love that have inspired me and made my ears happy:

The Angels

Metallica

Iron Maiden

Red Hot Chilli Peppers

Stone Temple Pilots

Beatles

David Bowie

Janelle Monae

 

What advice would offer aspiring performers?

 

Practice often and work hard at everything you do – your craft and musicianship as well as your networking, marketing and business aspects.

 

Stick at it. Persistence pays off.

 

Diversify what you listen to and what you practice. Look outside of your preferred genre. When we are out of our comfort zones is when we grow.

 

How do you set yourselves apart from other bands or singers?

 

I don’t go out of my way to be the same or different to anyone else. My influences and experiences make me unique, but everyone trying to make it is working hard at the same things – music, socials, networking, marketing, gigging and so on.

 

 

Any new gigs or albums in the future?

 

Nothing in the works at present for Fallen Piipl, but I am in another band called MonkeyMan that has an album coming out in the next few months. 

DJ Interviews: THE THOUGHT HOOLIGANS

Let's Rock!

DJ Interviews: Shimmer Johnson

 How'd you get started in music?

Music has been a part of me since I was a little girl. I started singing with my family and friends when I was just two years old. Singing classic hits from Tanya Tucker and Crystal Gayle. To this day I still love their music. Growing up I performed anywhere I could; talent shows, school assemblies and more. 

In high school I sang in choir with one of the Osmonds children Scott Osmand. I lived in Branson Missouri for my grade 11 and 12. While I was there I performed in my Country band as well as Djing at local places in Branson. At 18 I moved back home to Canada. I started singing in rock bands and listening to more alternative music. I also did some DJ work and learned to sing and write in all types of genres. At 21 I met my co-writer Corey Johnson and the rest is history. We have albums in pop, rock, country, adult contemporary and even R&B. 

Who are your inspirations or influences?

I take influences from all genres. Some of my favourite artists include Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Alanis Morissette. Then later on while living in Branson Missouri, I started listening to Shania Twain, Carrie Underwood, Reba, Linda Davis, Vince Gill and so many more. When I moved back to Canada I got into more rock type music. I loved No Doubt, Alanis Morisette, Tori Amos, Kate Bush and so many more. Lately I have been into more adult contemporary type music like Lauren Daigle, Sarah Mclachlan, Adele, Kelly Clarkson and more. I like to be diverse. I am a multi-genre artist myself. I have albums in all genres. 

What advice would offer aspiring performers?

Never stop doing your art. If it makes you happy then do it. I use music as my own personal diary. When I experience sadness, happiness, frustration and more I find writing a song helps me clear my head. It's great for the soul.

How do you set yourselves apart from other bands or singers?

I think my voice is very unique from everyone. I don't sound like anyone else out there. The way I sing I don't go out of my way to hit crazy high notes if it happens naturally, then it was meant to be. I like to sing with emotion and grace. I like how people are able to connect with music. They are able to insert their lives into my songs. People can feel like I am singing exactly about them and what's happening in their lives. I am also a multi-genre artist and I like to combine genres together to make my unique sound. 

Any new gigs or albums in the future?

Right now I am doing a lot of live shows online via TIKTOK. I am looking to do more on INSTAGRAM as well. Live shows currently in Canada are not possible due to the Covid 19 pandemic. I am hoping things are back to normal in 2022. 

DJ Interviews Grunge Norris

 Hey there guys here's my interview with Grunge Norris enjoy!

1.

I got started around the mid 90’s as a vocalist & lyricist fronting a band with some school chums. We played mainly covers of bands like Metallica , Red Hot Chilli Peppers , Nirvana & The Kinks to name but a few. Around about 97/98 I started to learn guitar simply for the reason I was never very happy with the music other people put to my lyrics so I took up guitar simply with the aim of being able to write my own music with my own lyrics. I never thought I’d be good enough to end up as a guitar playing frontman but here I am nearly a quarter of a century later & very glad I took that decision in my formative years.

2. 

I have too many influences really to list each one but I’d say the main influences on me that inspired me to actually become a musician myself would be Nirvana & The Doors. I was transfixed by both those bands as a kid & they would really be the prime influences on me pursuing music as a career. My main influences for the next record I’m working on though would be , Kyuss , System Of A Down , Melvins , PJ Harvey , Iggy Pop & Jackson C Frank. I am also very heavily influenced by 90’s hip hop artists such as Wu Tang Clan , KRS 1 & Gangstarr to name but a few. In the 00’s Jack White was also a huge influence on me turning me on to people like Robert Johnson , Son House , Blind Willie McTell & other greats from the delta blues genre. I am also very heavily influenced by the films of Stanley Kubrick , Quentin Tarantino & The Coen Brothers so often take reference or inspiration from those guys too.

3.

My main advice to any aspiring performers & artists would really be just enjoy yourselves , enjoy the journey & take a moment every now & again just to enjoy the view from where you are at that point. Whether at the beginning the middle or the end of your journey try & enjoy each stage. When I was younger I was far too goal oriented. I never took the time sometimes to just appreciate the journey that I was on & the distance I’d already travelled. I was so laser focused on the end game that in some respects that made me make some bad decisions which we all do it’s just part of the learning process. But my main piece of advice would just be enjoy it.

4.

Well if you Google ‘ Grunge Norris ‘ there is only me so I’d say I’m unique in that sense. I think maybe what sets me apart at the moment is the genre hopping of the last record ‘ Bad Monkeys ‘ although with the follow up that I’m currently working on I hope to be a bit more specific than I was on the last record. It’s a very difficult question to answer really & one I’d be more comfortable leaving to others. I’m simply Grunge Norris no relation to Chuck.

5.

As of this moment in time due to the clusterfuck that is Covid 19 I have no gigs or live performances planned for the immediate future. I’m kinda in between band mates at the moment as well so there’s a lot I need to do before actually getting out & performing again although I do hope to get out playing live again in some capacity at some stage in 2021 & am planning also at some stage to do a live acoustic set over the internet. I can however inform you though that I am currently working on the follow up to Bad Monkeys as we speak. I have a plethora of new songs to choose from and at this moment in time it’s a possibility that I may indeed have enough material to release 2 records once I can get back in the studio again & start laying down some stuff. I hope to start doing that ASAP & at the moment am just demoing all my new stuff at home.

Ok Dizzy hope that’s cool for you tried my best to answer all questions as concisely as possible. If there’s anything else you need from me or you think I’ve overlooked then let me know & I’ll be happy to answer any further questions you may have.

If not let me know when the interview will be live & I will share the link with all my followers on Twitter.

Special thanks to him on this interview & I wish him lots of luck. So until then I;ll catch you on The Flipside! Stay awesome & rock n roll!