Chronicles of live shows ~ A mixture of local love

This post is quite diverse.  Some great music regardless, so read the whole thing!! 

Goatshead Saloon

Goatshead Saloon was first.  The first band stormed the stage with a shirtless, caped guitar and a leather vested vox with a lamp reminiscent mic stand.  Starting off, they played a classic rock/alternative mix song which provided a great starting energy.  They were called Versions of You.  The first song was a warm up, according to those on stage... which I have to admit got me excited for the next hour and a half.  Further into the set the songs continued to be heavier than normal alternative.  For me, a plus, with love song lyrics. Who doesn't like harder, anti mushy love songs?  With the leather vested lead vocal, the only femme in the band started off off key, but built up to a supporring crescendo of a femme pursuasion.

The bass of the group supported a bluesy strain amongst the rock alternative mix.  I was happy to see they were a very versatile band. I always kinda loathe coming to alternative tagged shows, but this band boosted my confidence in local alternative. What is the norm anyway? Alternative... Does it simply cover "the rest" of what doesnt fall into a specific genre category?

Sidenote time:  god it was hot in there. Thus will be the days of summer shows. Even at inside events, the summer brings sweaty, sticky patrons and overheated artists, running up bar tabs and dehydrating party goers. Like every good club, however, water is readily available to re-electrolyte individuals.  Kudos to the clubs for keeping the summer months exciting... if we have to live in the heat, why not enjoy it from a sticky body melting musical portrayal of hell?

Back to the music...I hate to admit this, the bandwas good up to this point.  They attempted a harder song called War Machine. Short, metal vox, decent hardcore guitar... No solo, with a weak attempt at a split second screamo roar. Guys, i like what you play, but the alternative mixes work for you.   They played another harder song, For the Masses, which really fucking rocked by the way.  I don't normally do a play by play, but with an hour and a half long set I wanna make sure I cover all the bases with these guys. 

"We the Ppl" was an awesome slow, ska sublime like song about what else?  Weed. "I am the king of my universe, i remember when things were much worse..." The lyrics were very syncronized with the ska guitar.  And just when I thought these guys couldn't get more varied in their musical styling, for the next song they pull out a xylaphone!! I love the opportunity to hear bands provide obscure instrumentals. This song's vox was also performed by the femme back up.  I have to say, her back ups do her no justice. She exploded into a fierce vocal display that brought lighters lighting up the air im front of the stage.  It was a slower song, but her vocal performance validated the slower, anti metal performance brought by the rest of the band.   As for her back up vocals, I have to say that her performance as a supporting entity at times was appropriate for punk, yelling the repeating lyrics, with an apt melodic back up.

My favorite song from this large group of bandies? "Crazy." A song a bit reminiscent of of, again, a mixture of genres... 60s rock and the more modern 90s rock. Check them out on reverb to hear em!!

There were only two bands on the bill... The afore mentioned, and Classic Edge. Their first song... If it is to be a preindication of their set... Was the classic Born to be Wild. Classic. Dig it, yo. With a masculine lead, femme back up and truly metal talented instrental, so far the cow bell has my full attention.  Who doesntike classic rock? So far the band is chock full of covers. Good ones at that!! Original solos, owning the songs instrumentally as well as bursting with true rock energy. They bring a great energetic crowd. Albeit inibriated, they know how to act at a rock show. Fantabulous to witness!   The femme vocals could be more fierce live.  During her first song, despite the lack of volume, she brings a later than expected chorus that fills the crowd.  This girl is insane with her voicebox. Playing the lead with classic femme led songs, such as Criminal, I am appreciating an old school taste in this dubstep, hardcore world. A younger femme sharing the passion for a an older generation that a crowd as myself grew up in. This appreciation continues with some femme angst country.

Rogue Bar

Second half of the night I hit up the Rogue for hip hop. More white boys with more than talented and adequate lungs. Instead of Marshall Mathers type attitude the first act I caught had a stage energy more like the Beastie Boys. Fucking awesome. I thought this night was mediocre at best with the classic rock, but this boy onstage really made me want more. The energy and passion he put into his perfornance was evident by his tiring sit on stage.  He was TKLB?. 

Here are a couple tracks from TKLB?... My fav is the one titled "Lorax"


The second hip hop act I was there for was just as great.  (Forgive me, I failed to note the name.  If anyone knows, please comment below.)   Love the vocals. You all know the Dirty Librarian. Im a huge sucker for deep, carnal vocals.   This was hardcore with a deep beat. Much different than the horrorcore I experienced months ago with the Backwoods Butcher. More enjoyable, to a point; this guy expressed the screamo vocals better than the first band I saw tonight at Goatshead, fo sho. Vocally talented individuals, expressing their furvor as much as a rock band. If you people have been paying attention, you know thats what I gravitate to. Regardless of genre.

Throughout the whole show, they had an artist onstage painting. Shes fantastic too. Painting her canvas in the moment as the performer spins his own masterpiece through the mic. The art is actally very couture, unusual. Shit that catches the eye.  Creative, original, artistic... the mixture of the audio art and asthetic creativeness was really impressive.  If you have a chance to see a mutli art outlet show, do it!  It superbly adds to the musical aspects of the show. 

Local Hardcore Hip Hop... I have to say, you are giving me further reason to check out more shows.  Music lovers of Pheonix!!  Check out the artists, support them!  Hit up their shows.  Lets show our love to them for sharing theirs!

Cheers!

Band: Gone Baby Gone!! ~Rock

Gone Baby Gone, from San Diego, is a femme fronted band who rocks out like they are on the beach, their sound is devastatingly surfer rock reminiscent. And by devastatingly… I mean, this girl gets up on stage with such a fierce attitude, silky-corrosive voice and crashingly intense stage presence, its too bad for the boys she’s on stage and not on the dance floor. Vocals aside, the strings and sticks are just as passionate and into their conceptions of composition. Rock n Roll fans… Check out Gone Baby Gone!!

There is so much energy attached to their live sets.  Like most bands, they get up on stage and enjoy their time, however these crazy kids make a tornado of dynamic foursome oneness.  Playing their instrumentals, the three supporting members play as if an extention of a vocally ferocious body.  Equally fierce in talent, tone and agreeably tumultuous verve, all four members play a fantastic live set as well as record their energy onto their CDs.  A  fireball of GBG tangibility is genuinly translated onto that plastic round circle in my stereo. 

Be sure to click on the streampad below while you read, the answers will make sense.  My favorite song, Miss Bossy, is a personal dedication to  all those boys I've had the pleasure of meeeting in the past couple of years.  You all know who you are.  So, dwellers of the Valley of the Sun and beyond, I give you, Gone Baby Gone. 

Members:
Dizzy ~ Vocals
Sgt J ~ Guitar
Trips ~ Bass
Addy Gee ~ Drums

Who are you?

dizzy: um...  ex-rock n roll villains turned superheros… from san diego.

What inspired the name Gone, Baby Gone?

dizzy: the affleck brothers, mostly casey… we wanna lick his face.
actually, our band name is sort of a philosophical look at personal identity and other weird shit that we can't be bothered with discussing in detail bcus we have had too many fireball shots.

How did you guys get together?

addy: We usually have a few spots where we meet up and practice, so getting together usually involves us making some phone calls and driving to a predetermined place.

What albums have you released?

sgt J: We catch and release albums periodically accordance to state wildlife regulations.

Give me an example of your music and lyric writing process.

all: Ever see that old commercial where the guy with peanut butter runs into the guy with the chocolate bar? Its a very similar process.

What drives your music?

all: coffee, booze, more coffee. .. and happy brownies.

What inspires your music?

dizzy: my future ex husband zac efron
addy: bacon
sgt J: carmel sauce lattes

Does the fact you live close to the beach give muse to your creative process?

sgt j: Some say they hear a surf rock sound in our music. I have been to the beach to listen to some rocks in the surf and cannot find the correlation.

Veronica!! Where do you get your fierceness??

sgt j: She once lead a girl scout troop assault on a local dispensary. Turns out the pot brownies were out selling the Thin Mints. There were heavy casualties.
dizzy: rrawrrr

Do you have any inspirations or heros?

sgt j: voltron.
dizzy: barbie, that bitch has everything.
addy: mrs. robinson in the 4th grade... hand jobs after computer lab every tues and thurs.
trips: sting.

String boys, Tripps and Jay… What is the biggest challenge while on tour?

sgt j: Finding a joint that serves Jagger at night and Lattes in the morning.
trips: rocking sgt j to sleep

And Addy, what influences your stick styling? What keeps you going on tour?

addy: usually I go for sticks that are pretty long but not too thick. it also helps if they have a little bit of color to them. white ones tend to stain my cymbals.
as for what keeps my going on tour, the guitarist and bassist switch off every couple of days giving me a proper enema. nothing keeps me going like a clean rectum.
no seriously, the thing that keeps me going on tour is the constant threat of the unknown. Whether you're facing a bus on fire, a crazy stalker fan, or a guitarist that won't take no for an answer, you need to be on your toes to deal with it all.

Hows your local scene?

all: for this question we will defer you to our local music advisor jake skolnik  (feel free to call him directly at 619-320-0488)

Do you prefer playing large or smaller venues?

all: Ask any girl, size does matter!

Do you have a favorite artist to share the stage with?

dizzy: dahni harrison… bcus he's yum.
addy: no- 2 hr drum solo, yes please!
sgt j: I do like Van Gogh or George Seurat... you know he invented the pixel??

Do you have any suggestions for those visiting the San Diego area as far as where to go if they are looking for a fantabulous local music experience?

dizzy: bar pink..  gone baby gone's official secret lair. (except on fridays and every forth or last  saturday.)

Do have plans to come back to AZ?

sgt j: yes, we plan on shooting our next video while jumping motor bikes across the grand canyon. it'll be epic.
dizzy: yes in may. it's the only state on tour…. where our label gets me my own personal doorman on our rider.

Is there anything else you'd like to share with the music fans in Phoenix?

trips: not herpes.
all: see you in may @ the rogue bar.

Citizens of Pheonix!!  You read right, they are coming back in May!!  The Rogue Bar in Scottsdale, get out there and support them.  I'll try to get the date, stay tuned on FB to check them out live.  And as far as the herpes, yes, leave that in California.  We don't need that here, YO!  You can check out Gone Baby Gone on Facebook, or you can listen to some tunes on Reverb.   Check out these crazy kids!

Chronicles of Live Shows ~ Showing my Alternative Closet

Alternative... A perfect genre for a depressed mood. Slow, practiced guitar, soft moody vocals... Very sweet. Very calming. Music for a damaged soul, a broken heart, possibly simply a frustrated with life punk vixen who so desperately needs a new lease on life. Am i betraying my heart by listening to such a calm and artistic genre? I found myself at the Rogue after a tumultuous day. The rogue is an awesome place for neighborhood amity. Lots of locals plus live music!! And a night club fav... rainbow shots!! I have to say, I am a beer girl myself but this was one shot that really put the sting in my night, in a good way.

The first act actually brought my mood to a suberbluous essence that increased as the night went on. I don't care what you say, genre does not define music. It’s the passion and fortuity behind it that creates local music. The emotion, the raw, just... Two guys up on stage, sitting on stools, creating a simplicity of musical means that surpasses any mainstream pop band. I found out later after talking to one of the guys outside whilst enjoying my paper and cancer leaves that this duo was more or less the result of an individual’s creativity and drive to prepare music that showcased his own talent. This man was called Jason Gerardo. As a past aspiring and current artist, his music is inspiring. From what I have heard and from the quote on his card, "be the change you want to see in others", it is clear that his focus is not to simply gain bitches and hoes by being a musician but to share what he does, and inspire those who need it. What is he inspiring? Perhaps he will be kind enough to share that with us in a future interview, meanwhile... as his personal interests as listed on his Facebook page indicate, "creating music with soul." My sincere weaver of a softer musical means, I mean it when I say I like what you are achieving. Happy music making!

The second act... Folk. Twangy, not quite country, fun bouncy... I guess i would call it twangy... Not really diggin it, but absolute talent nonetheless. Two individuals playing guitar and singing, mixing melody with harmony. They are the Driftwood Singers. As their name suggests, in conjunction with their genre entitlement, they emphasize a sound that hails from the a woodsy area of the country. They actually come from California. Los Angelas, to be exact. Absolutely a diverse area of the country, and absolutely a talented act from the famous West Coast. Check em out here!!

Another act worth mentioning was entitled Haymarket Squares. Described as Punkgrass Folk, listening to them enveloped me in a contented, I wanna say pink but I don't want to lose my street cred, cloud of non traditional rock and roll strings but a fantastically bouncy banjo and mandolin with their guitar. Included with the trio are harmonious vocals and... wait for it... kazoo and harmonica!! A plethora of instruments, involved in their ever cheerful yet at times lyrically course creative process, gives due to the Haymarket Squares as an entity from right here in the valley that is absolutely a must attend. You can check out their Facebook page and listen to tunes here.


The next act was very alternative and smooth, with an underlying folk/bluegrass impression. The Deckers... WOW. Hypnotic, folksy, alternative...y... I suggest going to their site, and buying a few tunes. In the Same Boat is a good one. They have a very distinctive sound, and their songs are quite diverse. Not one sound alike. They played a great set, and had me, as well as others in the audience, spellbound and superintrigued. An already established entity in Phoenix, they perform with the same soul and emphatic need to share as any punk or metal band.

The last act I will mention is Bad Lucy. Well, I just realized I mentioned all the acts in the show... I have to say that I really enjoyed my venture into folk. The same talent and soulful creativity that I know is the heart of the Phoenix scene is portrayed in many forms. From the many subgenres of rock and punk, to the various talents of rap and hip hop; from the country aspect to now the folk and alternative aspect, all remains the same: the talent that exists here in Phoenix is never lacking. So, my always eager inhabitants of my increasingly hotter Valley of the Sun, listen, share, and support. The local talent will never be shared if you don't do your part as well!! Remember, there is no mainstream without the local, it is fans like you who support and boost these entities into national and international fame.

Okay, back to Bad Lucy. Slower, more alternative than the previous bands, absolute smooth mood music. An ambiance of alternative power, the emotion oozing from these guys' music emulated exactly my mood for the day, not only soulbroken but heartbroken and crestfallen. Not to say their music was at all downbringing, but not exactly the faster, beating rhythm and energetic melodies that create playful times. Their music was simply... there. A melody for the soul, music to mend. That is what I am trying to get at. Altruistic typical alternative lyrics, they express a unique and artistic melody for love, happiness and musical integrity. Their song Knife, specifically peaked my ears. A poppy tune that inspires thinking of one's self and moving forward. One of the first lines, "I come along and cut free with my knife", emulates that instinct.  I am also a sucker for accapella melodies.  They have this song, performed live during the set, with a great choir of lungs they brough up on stage.  Its entitled, Halleluja.  Don't compare this to a church choir.  They have a good portion of the song with intrumentals, mostly drums, but once those girls started in, a somber cheerfullness took over the Rogue.  Technicalities aside, the song lyrics speak of beginning something, despite the feeling of life being over.  Inspiring, intriguing, and an alternative band I can definately follow.  Check them out and take a listen! Music can only be shared by me, you and everyone else who you share with.

As always, my passionate lovers of Phoenix, shop local and support the scene. Check out Bad Lucy! Alternative can be a good thing. Cheers!

Chronicles of Live Shows ~ Twang at Rips

I love having the opportunity to see a group of talented individuals express their heart and soul on stage.  Wish I could go to shows every day.  I love the energy, the encompassing cloak of musical mist that meanders from the stage, the light that travels from the artists to the crowd, the illumination of the mind from the imaginations that mold the music into what they express on stage.  There are masses of talent in our large valley, and I enjoy every show, every beat of the drum, every strum of the guitar.  Friday night I found myself at Rips again to support a band I really enjoy and support what local music is about, another diverse display of musical talent. 

Rips is one of those venues that gets down and dirty.  With a corner stage and a comfy couch lined VIP section/DJ booth, the presence of the artists on stage is one that can be communicated with energetic fervor and ample movement.  Room enough for drums and rough housing strings, stage presence is everything when playing for a group of people.  The technicalities of the musical build can be perfect, however if you don’t get your crowd moving you might as well sit back and play a CD.  That being said, I will get to the bands. 

The first band that went on was Among Citizens.  A hard rock band with a smashing drummer, they play an even set with songs that seemingly have no imaginative fluctuation.  My first impression was that the bass was a bit elementary, standard bassist styling.  It was not until toward the end of the set that his bassing flair was displayed.  Vocals… vocals were smooth with a very able voice box, however as mentioned above the influx of song diversity lacked.  The voice reminded me of a mix between Creed and Disturbed.  Enjoyable, but at the same time I would like to see some more fluctuation of both the vocals and bass.  The guitar as a counter argument for the band definitely presented a rock talent that gave the set its own left foot to stand on.

Flinging the sticks behind the two other members, the drummer knew how to handle his power.  Fierce and with a display of twirling sticks, attention was drawn right past the first two to his corner of the stage.  This brought the standing band up on two feet.  For stage presence, I was disappointed to see that for the majority of the set was rather non-eventful.  At the end was when I saw the excitement burst forth from the band as more stage movement and interaction was introduced.  As I was unable to find anything online about them, I am assuming they are a fairly new entity and demonstrate talent and a love for what they do.  So, despite my rough opinion of them, I will definitely be following them into the future… Keep playing, creating and sharing, men of Among Citizens.  I am looking forward to seeing you in the future and hearing new work!

The second band that took over Rips that night was Dirty Hairy.  I won’t say much about these hyper active kids as I have already given you, my readers, my ever excited opinion of them, but I do have to say the more I see them the more they impress me with their energy and ability to create a show stuffed with stage antics and sarcastic party favors.  This week in addition to condoms and Dirty Hairy stamped ping pong balls, they added pregnancy tests to their littering of Rips.  As if their music was that of a romantic styling that promotes intimacy and love making… For a girl such as myself, the excitement of their shows gives such a passion and exhilaration that simply riles one up into a fury of energetic jumping and mashing.  You never seem to fail me, guys.  Oh, and to give you an example of their onstage antics and all around stage presence and interaction, in addition to the introduction of a wireless mic and silly littering at one point there was so much moving and chaos that the finger lighted bassist fell.  Onto his back.  Not to be deterred, he fought through his fall and showed his dedication by playing the rest of the song on his back.  Thanks again boys for playing a fantastic set, and giving me a reason to lower my impressionability of being a lady.  I’m trying, I really am… thanks. 

The last band to give the crowd a reason to love local music was The Hardways. Honestly, I was so worn out from the previous band that I didn’t think I would be able to reflect my appreciation for this local band if I liked what I heard and saw, but HOLY HELL!  This band rockabillied my punk ass up into another spirited session of second wind.  A four piece billie band from Tempe, The Hardways throw down their country twang with a rock and roll undertone.  Blending the two genres from opposite ends of the genre triangle, their instrumentals portray a musical note choreographed rock square dance.  With a femme at the lead in vocals and rhythm guitar, she dons a cowboy hat that adds to the country feel, but absolutely meshes with the rock blend.  Her voice provides a sassy femme country vocal that entwines perfectly with the music.  The strings, reflecting a fully practiced set of country styling and a hint of a ska guitar at times, give the crowd a liveliness worthy of a hardcore barn party.  They do have a variety of country songs and bring a great crowd to their shows.  If you would like to check them out, you can click here and view their Facebook page.  Check them out! 

Check out The Hardways!  They keep their facebook updated with shows, so if you get a chance, see them live.  Rips is a fun place to have a beer or seven as well, so get on over and enjoy yourself!   They do have a patio for you smokers out there, and seems to be just as popular a place to listen to the music as is the floor beneath the stage. 

There is nothing like local, live music.  Go get you some.  All that’s left to say, my ever patient music eaters of the valley, support local music and shop local!

Chronicles of Live Shows ~ Punkeroke and Cowpoke!

The legacy of local music continues to be a struggling part of Phoenix Art.  From metal to country to rap, the intense energy for the scene, the passion of the music versus the drive to bring in the dough, is somewhat lacking from the past.  Just like any transient energy, cycles are a part of life: changing from one end of a spectrum to another.  One moment the scene (the whole scene, not just one venue or portion of the scene) is a thriving monster of musical integrity.  The next… clubs and artists alike are struggling in all aspects of the business.  Throwing shows, ticket and concession revenue, and the more recent silly debacles that have been plaguing our most prolific venues.  This in addition to the smaller venue politics and misplaced loyalty, this absolute silliness impedes the path of scene success by a clouded intermission of authoritative power. 

Within this cycle of fluctuating failing and success, there are those who realize the need for a more pleasurable scene.  Simplicity in concept, Eastside Tap is an old establishment with a time tested goal: to create an avenue for the Phoenix Music Scene to start the upswing of scene ultimacy.  Having recently been adopted by new management this south Phoenix newly found venue has been rotting in it’s nest for a long time.  Its in the same area of an old punk scene favorite, Jugheads, which by the way thrived as a punk sanctuary for years until ultimately, to the shock and dismay of myself and anyone having known Sid and appreciated everything he had done for Phoenix punk musicians, having to be shut down.  Though, post the 2006 passing of Sid, Jugheads declined in punk success, however continued the live music on a weekly basis.  So, my newly vivacious establishment of tenacious musical energy, can you carry on the torch that was left by your area’s last successful musical entity?  Time will tell…

The first night I visited this place was last week with two friends of mine.  One you all may know, Glendale Punk, and the other a newly found friend who expands his own musical love to those in front of Circle K and 7eleven.  No, he is not a homeless panhandler, he simply enjoys sharing his talent with others.  In fact, the first time I heard him play he was on his own porch.  You will know him from his video to the left of this post, Robert Fortune.  Anyway, these two boys and I were ready to tear up some music.  Not knowing what to expect at Johnny’s, who is the owner of Eastside tap, we drove down McDowell looking for this place.  Finally finding it on the right side of the road instead of the left, turning around and pulling into the parking lot, we immediately noticed a crowd we were not used to hanging with.  Gangstas and neredowells, walking up we decided that some hardcore definitely needed to be brought to this place.  It was KARAOKE night!  I love karaoke.  The dj spun a copious amount of hip hop betwixt the randomly requested songs of the patrons to be sung.  No rock, no alternative, simply hip hop.  I’m not the biggest fan of hip hop, however the mix of hip hop was enjoyably old school in amidst the newer pop songs. 

*Glendale da Pimp*

A few old timer patrons enjoyed singing songs such as, “Lets get it on”, and other… older… varieties, the rest of the karaoke was the serious individuals singing Alicia Keyes and other pop songs, as well as some more raw old school.  Gin and Juice… sung by the gansta next to me and myself.  Yes, I am a side seat karaoker.  Especially with those I have never met before.  Breaks the ice.  My trio of misplaced punkers busted out classics such as Breakin the Law and a few Weezer staples.  And we can’t forget Motorhead and the Ramones.  An epic night of punkeroke and rap, I have to say that Eastside Tap throws a ghettolicious karaoke party. 

As much fun as the hip hop karaoke is, however, this place is changing.  The second time I appeared at Eastside was two nights later.  Pee Wee Moore, an Austin Texas country artist whose first debut at Eastside was that night, was my first country show.  Delving into this musical project I had no idea I would get so diverse, however as I mentioned in the blog in earlier posts, how can I share the local scene without give love to everyone who plays in town?  Pee Wee actually threw a great set of twangy, complex guitar with his counterpart on the bass.  Who, by the way, played some enchanting primus during a break as Pee Wee changed his broken G string.  Country at its most intimate… no rock influence, no bells or whistles, just simple, pure and from the heart country.  I enjoy country at times, old school shit... Conway Twitty, Hank... ok, even some rockabilly.  If you don’t listen to country, you still should appreciate an artist with an amazing talent with an instrument and voice that can keep an audience of mostly country fans, intermingled with a sprinkle of ganstas and punkers who were equally as enthralled with the musician on stage.  If you are a country fan check out Pee Wee here. 

In conclusion to this new and exciting post, I have to say that I will be frequenting Eastside more on the weekends.  With a new venue opportunity, one with promise and a dream of sharing local music, comes new booking opportunities… Glendale and I are looking for bands on the weekends to fill some slots yo!  Punk, hardcore rock and yes, perhaps even some milder rock.  We have some exciting ideas that are going to put this place on the map.  Send an email to either punkrock77thrutoday@gmail.com or azdivescene@gmail.com.  Don’t miss this opportunity to build another dive experience into one of epic proportions… if you have ever hung out with me, you know that is the WAY. I. Roll. 

Cheers!