tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46255054293588544512024-03-18T21:50:03.856-07:00TAKE TIME OUT Dedicated to music promotion and press.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382551084673872936noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4625505429358854451.post-45058416646112787842013-04-22T08:40:00.001-07:002013-04-22T08:41:46.006-07:00INTERVIEW #7: JEREMY OF THE BANDULUS<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">If you don't already know <a href="http://www.thebandulus.com/">The Bandulus</a>, they are one of the Lone Star state's many soulful, Jamaican-influenced outfits that are bridging the gap between the west and east coast scenes. In 2010. they released their debut full length <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/ska.-reggae.-soul./id377630285"><em>Ska.Reggae.Soul</em></a> and have since followed up with <a href="http://thebandulus.bandcamp.com/"><em>The Times We Had</em></a> in late 2012, which was well received by the national scene (just about everybody listed it on their top records on the <a href="http://duffguidetoska.blogspot.com/">Duff Guide To Ska's</a> year in review). On Saturday, April 27th, The Bandulus (and it's Jamaican patois for "criminals"), returns to San Diego to play at <a href="http://www.tiltwoclub.com/">Til' Two</a> as apart of their west coast tour along with <a href="http://www.greenroomrockers.com/">Green Room Rockers</a> (IN) and San Diego's <a href="http://www.theamalgamated.com/">The Amalgamated</a>, and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/TheCombos/info">The Combos</a>. SD's own Reggie Costa will be filling in on guitar for both touring bands and Auggie Christman and Jeremy Garcia of the Combos will be backing Mark Cooper and Ryan Frahm of GRR. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="color: black;">I first met Bandulus front man and songwriter </span><span style="color: #333333;">Jeremy Peña in the summer of 2009 when 2000 Tons opened up for him at the Radio Room (now called The Void). I was able to get a copy of his acoustic EP he had out at the time and the sampler CD that included tracks from Ska.Reggae.Soul the next time I ran into him. Years later, he was even nice enough to e-mail me some new tracks before the new album dropped. A close friend of national ska giants such as Vic Ruggiero and Chris Murray, Jeremy is quickly approaching the status of his mentors through his work with The Bandulus. He's also one of the most humble dudes I've met and is always down to take a few minutes to have a chat. I was able to ask him a few questions about the band's current happenings and his views on the scene. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>TTO:</strong> Wanted to welcome you back to San Diego. What keeps bringing you back to our neck of the woods?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>JP:</strong> Thanks, really looking forward to being back in California. Especially San Diego. A. The weather is always fantastic there and B. The people are the best, I've really been lucky to have met some cool people from here. Like Reggie and Auggie as well as my homies Lex and Mark.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBHut5d02d9dSMjl83DxU8U-PVtWJr-bmzvEBmG-30ZwnWzR2VsAG7VtTkuWachk-ZovpkVHexYgE3EPE0PxJ431J0UjhkRcqLppt_6xrD_cN0pILXEYyfZUCrwM5FsW3znPgztL8Z-10/s1600/1644788880-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBHut5d02d9dSMjl83DxU8U-PVtWJr-bmzvEBmG-30ZwnWzR2VsAG7VtTkuWachk-ZovpkVHexYgE3EPE0PxJ431J0UjhkRcqLppt_6xrD_cN0pILXEYyfZUCrwM5FsW3znPgztL8Z-10/s320/1644788880-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<div style="float: right; margin-left: 4px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; line-height: 1.38; margin-right: 50px;">
<div style="margin: 10px 0px 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>TTO:</strong> Myself and many others agree that <em>The Times We Had</em> was an instant classic. What makes you proud about this record? </span></div>
<div style="margin: 10px 0px 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>JP:</strong> Wow! Thanks for the kind words, I really appreciate it. Well, it took almost 2 years to make and at the end I was really glad to be finished with it. I'm mostly proud of the production of it. My friend Travis Kelley did a really nice job of mixing and mastering it. He worked really hard on it and is nothing short of a knob turning genius.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 10px 0px 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>TTO:</strong> What are your favorite tunes from the record to do live?</span></div>
<div style="margin: 10px 0px 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">JP: As for the live show, I really like to play "The Times We Had" and "Does That Make Me A Good Man?". We've gotten a little better at playing soul and "Good Man" is always well received. Which definitely is a confidence booster for the band.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 10px 0px 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>TTO:</strong> What is the band currently working on recording wise?</span></div>
<div style="margin: 10px 0px 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>JP:</strong> We just cut a single last month for the next record. We will probably start recording the rest of the tunes this summer. Not too sure yet.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 10px 0px 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong> TTO:</strong> What kinds of stuff are you currently listening to, what inspires your songwriting for the Bandulus?</span></div>
<div style="margin: 10px 0px 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>JP:</strong> I've been revisiting the Trojan R&B comp and this Treasure Isle comp that just was released. Also, I recently saw JD McPherson and he was great. So his record has been on heavy rotation as well as the newest Menahan Street Band.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOUzTqv9_J2K01UX8JRuEjyp3bY6F5Dv25DjuowbZBJwYX-vmUr21dogAsnoLk2E3U_yGBaYY5W0e44Tfobjr8MZY0VRhUbSZzBXv050ZVBZO7xkntM63OpQWMb2b-YB7QVRAd21JOUWk/s1600/11dTheBandulus_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOUzTqv9_J2K01UX8JRuEjyp3bY6F5Dv25DjuowbZBJwYX-vmUr21dogAsnoLk2E3U_yGBaYY5W0e44Tfobjr8MZY0VRhUbSZzBXv050ZVBZO7xkntM63OpQWMb2b-YB7QVRAd21JOUWk/s1600/11dTheBandulus_1.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="margin: 10px 0px 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I mostly write from personal experiences, relationships, Hurricane Ike. For example in Back To The City I was singing about Houston as if it were a girl. Back in 2005-2009 I drove to Houston almost every Tuesday to rehearse with either Los Skarnales or Ryan Scroggins and The Trenchtown Texans. Then turn around and drive the 2 and a half hours back to Austin the next morning to get to work. The things you do for ska. Haha.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 10px 0px 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>TTO:</strong> The Bandulus sound covers Ska, Regge, and Soul (like the first album) It's cool that the band covers all three, but what is the most enjoyable for you?</span></div>
<div style="margin: 10px 0px 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">JP: I think the rocksteady is the most fun because it covers both Reggae with Soul. Although, playing the up tempo soul stuff is a blast too.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 10px 0px 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong> TTO:</strong> I have to ask, I've only been to Texas once, but how does the Texan culture play a role in the songwriting? I feel like different regions in the ska/reggae scene have their own way of interpreting the music, do you agree?</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifB8YjeuuQwjHtTdGk5zvJEFgVymzE1typxY_fNxpR6zi00rq0XNwTWP2CGe-5gYHOd4P-l9YHEMtozSqD09kQnqMEjvm1kDL0JpTl6gGh1tkyumEX41A5lU9y1SPfPBHpmGobEHjiN48/s1600/30400477.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifB8YjeuuQwjHtTdGk5zvJEFgVymzE1typxY_fNxpR6zi00rq0XNwTWP2CGe-5gYHOd4P-l9YHEMtozSqD09kQnqMEjvm1kDL0JpTl6gGh1tkyumEX41A5lU9y1SPfPBHpmGobEHjiN48/s1600/30400477.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="margin: 10px 0px 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong> JP:</strong> I do agree. You usually can always tell when a record is from the West or the east coast. I'm not sure how the Texas thing plays into the bandulus, besides our twang-y guitar solos. ha. but I do like to basically rewrite standards. Which is how most of Skarnales and Trenchtown songs are.</span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="float: right; margin-left: 4px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; line-height: 1.38; margin-right: 50px;">
<div style="margin: 10px 0px 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong> TTO:</strong> Just out of curiosity, what is the ska/reggae scene like in your neck of the woods? What can San Diego do to keep our scene going strong?</span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="float: right; margin-left: 4px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; line-height: 1.38; margin-right: 50px;">
<div style="margin: 10px 0px 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>JP:</strong> The Scene in Texas is pretty cool. Houston and San Antonio are definitely the better cities to play for ska and reggae. Houston has great bands like Los Skarnales and The Suffers (My favorite band from TX). San Antonio just always represents. There is a huge skinhead scene in both cities and they love to come out and dance. Austin's scene is getting better. The city is saturated with hipsters and frat boys but We have great bands and tons of talent, and a club dedicated to reggae music, Flamingo Cantina.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 10px 0px 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I feel that in order for a scene to stay strong whether in San Diego or Houston, A. Bands need to keep promoting their shows and getting people out to them. B. New bands need to form and promote. and C. Venues need to be all ages so the kids carry it on for later generations.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 10px 0px 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>TTO:</strong> Jeremy, thanks for doing the interview. Anyone you want to shout out to?</span></div>
<div style="margin: 10px 0px 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong> JP:</strong> Big up to Travis Kelley, Reggie, Lex, Mark, RIP, The Amalgamated, Green Room Rockers, Mano Y Mano, The Bohunks. Really looking forward to this trip!</span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="float: right; margin-left: 4px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; line-height: 1.38; margin-right: 50px;">
<div style="margin: 10px 0px 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Thanks for reading! Cruise out to Til' Two April 27th to see Jeremy and the Bandulus do their thing along with Green Room Rockers (IN), The Amalgamated, and The Combos (you better show up on time for them!)</strong>.</span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="direction: ltr; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.38; margin-right: 50px;">
<div>
<div style="float: right; margin-left: 4px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.38; margin-right: 50px;">
<div style="margin: 10px 0px 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><strong> PS: REST IN PEACE TO THE INCOMPARABLE HARRY J!!!</strong></span></div>
<div style="margin: 10px 0px 0px;">
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382551084673872936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4625505429358854451.post-32861450089594766252013-04-13T11:13:00.000-07:002013-04-13T11:14:37.377-07:00THE RETURN OF OTTLY MERCER<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Attention San Diegons! It's been a long time since we've heard from local ska/reggae powerhouse <a href="http://www.ottlymercer.com/">Ottly Mercer</a>. You may have seen Tasi Yandall play bass with<a href="http://www.2000tons.com/"> 2000 Tons of TNT</a> at last week's Skatalites show or even heard rumors of an album release and tour, but the wait is finally over! Ottly Mercer will be returning to the show circuit with a bang this Friday April 19th at <a href="http://www.710bc.com/">710 Beach Club</a> along with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/whiskeyavengers">Whiskey Avengers</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheCombos?fref=ts">The Combos</a>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">As soon as I get a hold of this oh-so-mysterious band, I will post a full interview with info about their recording and tour plans for the summer. If you've heard the rumor about a 2000 Tons/Ottly Mercer west coast tour, do not doubt it! The dates are as follows:</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> 6/21 @ 924 Gilman, Berkeley, CA w/The Impalers<br /> 6/22 @ Ash Street Saloon, Portland, OR w/OMASEC<br /> 6/23 @ Le Voyeur, Olympia, WA w/Irie Idea<br /> 6/25 @ 2 Bit Saloon, Seattle, WA<br /> 6/26 @ Luckey's Club Cigar Store, Eugene, OR <br /> 6/27 @ Little Red Lion, Eureka, CA <br /> 6/28 @ Venue TBA, Chico, CA<br /> 6/29 @ Slidebar, Fullerton CA </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
Don't forget to come out to see OM do their thing this week! STAY TUNED.<br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5IcIAMoV5jpBEidYpVwUxm13kk6SFJkIuJvRhbC2_bpwLWV8BvLYpLzYZ6D8_h4y204rFRRFqOuD6x5fB-lJ2wkDNkfUF7lxqUOsnnBIC1HwPNiNiTpSNN1uiIdp2mha75X2dyidFrDQ/s1600/554088_10151527631276308_1398431563_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5IcIAMoV5jpBEidYpVwUxm13kk6SFJkIuJvRhbC2_bpwLWV8BvLYpLzYZ6D8_h4y204rFRRFqOuD6x5fB-lJ2wkDNkfUF7lxqUOsnnBIC1HwPNiNiTpSNN1uiIdp2mha75X2dyidFrDQ/s320/554088_10151527631276308_1398431563_n.jpg" width="247" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382551084673872936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4625505429358854451.post-68911528429623079152013-03-09T11:40:00.000-08:002013-03-10T09:00:44.997-07:00SHOW REVIEW #1: THE AMALGAMATED, THE COMBOS, & UNSTEADY @ TIN CAN, 3/8/13<a href="http://thetincan1.wordpress.com/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Tin Can Ale House</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> is my favorite place to see a show in San Diego. It's in a nice location, the cover is cheap, the service is friendly, and the manager, Justin is willing to book a ska show on a Friday night (you can also get an awesome meal from <a href="http://www.facebook.com/doodsfoods">Dood's Foods</a> for pretty cheap too). Although it was stormy (by San Diego standards), much of the local scene was out to support <a href="http://www.facebook.com/theamalgamated">The Amalgamated</a>, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/TheCombos">The Combos</a>, and <a href="http://www.sandiegoreader.com/bands/unsteady">Unsteady</a>.</span> <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj5dpk02u5OCOaLy0wzFMA4QmXcSEGwbv7qzIrXALTmGdDgfRg0x4pOZzZG9SbNChJAsnOOp491C6v2sDAEWwalxjBQliKOuGMiAuOmEtFijQ8TIczr4tL2IXscNlOQDJ8G7eGNO8cD6Y/s1600/photo+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj5dpk02u5OCOaLy0wzFMA4QmXcSEGwbv7qzIrXALTmGdDgfRg0x4pOZzZG9SbNChJAsnOOp491C6v2sDAEWwalxjBQliKOuGMiAuOmEtFijQ8TIczr4tL2IXscNlOQDJ8G7eGNO8cD6Y/s320/photo+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At around 9:30, local horn-heavy favorites, The Unsteady hit the stage and packed the dance floor (which remained packed for the rest of the show). The ensemble of veteran players (fronted by saxophonist/vocalist John Roy) are always able to school the scene with their musicianship and live energy. The sound is the virtual definition of "third wave ska"; the band blends Jamaican rhythm with rock 'n' roll and soul (I always think they sound an American version of The (English) Beat. In addition, Roy's lyrics in songs like "Self Made Man"always seem to make me ponder life's important questions as I try not to be mentally overwhelmed by the performance itself. It was a short, but very sweet set.</span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO34bfIRL8ONw5YLsCcGWcjNx3fHeG7iTU-FdwoFfI9skaNkXIfRK4yjxN1HIddS-DiDa0632e7Q6UG9JevvpXQRP4pyjU9fMpHNWg8q67I2cNwQqluPDkOl-k_Cv5cot0_QVg3jwy_xM/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO34bfIRL8ONw5YLsCcGWcjNx3fHeG7iTU-FdwoFfI9skaNkXIfRK4yjxN1HIddS-DiDa0632e7Q6UG9JevvpXQRP4pyjU9fMpHNWg8q67I2cNwQqluPDkOl-k_Cv5cot0_QVg3jwy_xM/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As the storm outside raged on, the freshest ska band in San Diego, The Combos took the stage and the dancing continued. Playing as a five piece, the band hit the crowd with a full sound which spans all eras of 1960's JA music and features catchy, dueling vocals (provided by drummer Jeremy Garcia and keyboardist <a href="http://ttoblog.blogspot.com/2013/02/interview-6-shane-of-combos.html">Shane Gocke</a>) over the rest of the solid rhythm section (courtesy of bassist Auggie Christman and guitarist Reggie Costa). Additional melodies were provided by the one-man horn section, saxophonist Tim Normand (who is the the only man they need for the job in my opinion). This band impresses me more and more each time and I'm becoming more familiar with their tunes (I love the one that goes "just leave me alone" and their well-known songs "No More" and "I Don't Know"). It was a lot of fun to sing a long with Jeremy and Shane and like The Unsteady, the lyrical content is also meaningful, which is always a plus.</span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPC55hLmCwi5KQ2oFIky0oTwmnWUMfGpJviETMb26iTljTk4AJxnIdNAnp_Q5XmtL8Op4qcWCeJ_I-ZztXTw3fLrbXcMd7zf9grX4W8qnIMazo4D7cHKD0C4Vya3mmdFBVwD-9nXfmy10/s1600/photo+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPC55hLmCwi5KQ2oFIky0oTwmnWUMfGpJviETMb26iTljTk4AJxnIdNAnp_Q5XmtL8Op4qcWCeJ_I-ZztXTw3fLrbXcMd7zf9grX4W8qnIMazo4D7cHKD0C4Vya3mmdFBVwD-9nXfmy10/s320/photo+%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The heavy San Diego rains continued to pour on the smokers outside as The Amalgamated got ready to do another high-energy ska set for the crowd. A special treat for the night was the return of percussionist Will Reed (which adds a lot to the band's stellar rhythm section). Opening with a rocksteady re-do of the Inspector Gadget theme (at the forefront was the guitar work of Reggie Costa), the band blazed through several of their <em>Boss Universal</em> cuts including the title track and "Tons of Smoke" in addition to a handful of cover tunes, which the Amalgamated have now made their own. As the dance floor demanded "otra" at the end of the set, the band closed with a cover of Ken Boothe's "Freedom Street" which was taught to the band by the legendary singer himself when they backed him last year. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All in all, it was a great Friday night for the San Diego ska scene; three high-quality sets for a little more than the cost of a gallon of gas. Here is a list of upcoming San Diego area shows for the spring (please hit me up if I am missing any).</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3/15 @ Rookies - Shocks of Mighty and Ryan Thorpes & Dub Trinity </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3/23 @ The</span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Griffin - The Amalgamated, Stevie & The Hi Staxx, and T. Irie Dread</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3/29 @ Brick by Brick - Errol Dunkley, The Amalgamated, Kingston A Go Go (OC), and 2000 Tons of TNT. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4/4 @ World Beat Center - The Skatalites, The Amalgamated, 2000 Tons of TNT, and The Combos</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4/5 @ Venue TBA, Tijuana - The Skatalites, 2000 Tons of TNT, and TBA</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4/27 @ Til Two - The Amalgamated, The Bandulus (TX), Green Room Rockers (IN), and The Combos</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5/9 @ Tin Can Ale House - Sammy Kay and the East Los 3, The Combos, and 2000 Tons of TNT.</span> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382551084673872936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4625505429358854451.post-53006416484241778322013-02-09T21:22:00.000-08:002013-02-10T10:46:59.701-08:00INTERVIEW #6: SHANE OF THE COMBOS<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tomorrow night (Sunday, February 10th) marks probably the biggest San Diego ska gathering of the new year: NYC's The Toasters will grace us with another stop at SOMA with Mrs. Skannotto as tour mates after playing Ska Wars in Los Angeles. Local acts <a href="http://www.2000tonsoftnt.bandcamp.com/">2000 Tons of TNT</a>, <a href="http://www.sofargonemusic.com/">So Far Gone</a>, and The Combos will be supporting the two touring bands for what is shaping up to be a night to remember. Click <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/301440163292205/">here</a> for the event page. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For this post I will be focusing on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheCombos?fref=ts">The Combos</a>, who have been surprising all the SD scenesters with their well-polished (and authentic-sounding) brand of traditional Ska for the last year or so. The group is a "combo"(sorry) of members of various San Diego bands including The Amalgamated and the now defunct Mayors of Sexytown. I have had a chance to enjoy their live show as well some self-released recordings (one of my favorites being "<a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheCombos/app_2405167945">No Mo</a>"). To me, they've got everything a ska band should have: a straightforward line up (they have a one-man horn section), sing along tunes, and energetic musicianship. You need to follow this band because I predict that big things are coming up!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tonight, I was able to chat with Mr. Shane Gocke; keyboardist, vocalist, and songwriter of The Combos. Continue reading to see what's up! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>TTO: </b>What are the Combos all about? What is the mission of the band?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>SG:</b> <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Pizza inside pretzels.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>TTO: </b>Yes! I thought so. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">SG: </b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">M</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 14px; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">y goal for The Combos is to get a authentic Jamaican sound into a modern ska band. Most ska bands of today have taken more of a soulful sound (The Slackers, DealsGone Bad type of thing), I want to be Eric "Monty" Morris.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 14px; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>TTO:</b> R</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">ight on...I know you played in Mayors right?. What is it like moving on to more traditional ska?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>SG: </b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Yes i did, The third wave of ska is what I started with and I started playing it to try and impress a girl my freshman year, but as times went on and I got a little bit older, I decided to stop singing about pants and silly songs and move onto something I could be proud of, Ha. Moving to traditional ska was alot harder than I thought it would be at first I tried just adding it to The Mayors set and the kids did not take well, so i decided to wrap up that band and start from fresh, spawning The Combos.</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIIj9jVHEPB13TTfGxJu9BdlO4E8sTYT880rw8zJStwQlO8qMsFJRcTvhUtGYnu2iBzFzpvwlSUQj2hbflgpXfIQt802-9DVm9NzjIdzFtIx2OMzW8uXBZlQdYmBv2u6TaSJpGiXA0Jt8/s1600/397412_128083084025484_945660241_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIIj9jVHEPB13TTfGxJu9BdlO4E8sTYT880rw8zJStwQlO8qMsFJRcTvhUtGYnu2iBzFzpvwlSUQj2hbflgpXfIQt802-9DVm9NzjIdzFtIx2OMzW8uXBZlQdYmBv2u6TaSJpGiXA0Jt8/s320/397412_128083084025484_945660241_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>TTO:</b> What are the bands ambitions as far as recording and/or touring?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>SG:</b> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am currently working on an all analog studio, I bought a old Tascam 246 portastudio which is almost 30 years old, Since then and a few hundred dollars worth of repairs later, I have been trying to unlock the right sound from this bad boy. Once that is achieved I want to record a Combos album using this studio and try and put out singles monthly if not with the Combos, on my own.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>TTO: </b>So,</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">you are the principal sing writer of the band? What do you like to write about more these days? What bands or songwriters influence you the most?</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>SG:</b> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I do write a lot the songs for The Combo,s but it is very much a group effort to get to the finished product. Either myself or Jeremy Garcia will write some lyrics or pitch an idea. Reggie Costa is the man when it comes to chords, which is great because I'm no good when it comes to matching my songs to chords, Tim Normand usually drops a sweet horn line and Auggie holds up the bottom with his bass. My main influence would be Eric "Monty" Morris, A lot of the songs I write normally end up in the same styles that he used and I'm really getting into Prince Buster right now. Jeremy's main styles for our songs would have to be The Slackers. If Vic ever got sick, he could sub in because they sound exactly the same.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>TTO:</b> Can you speak on The Toasters show a bit?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>SG:</b> I am a big Toasters fan, it's one of the bands that bridged me from third wave to where I am now, and The Amalgamated of course. I think I have supported The Toasters for the last 3 or 4 years they have came around to San Diego and it is always a great show. Those who have not seen them yet your missing out big time. Oh yeah, I like how bucket always yells at kids for crowd surfing, but if you look in they're music videos, there is always kids crowd surfing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihKvfikfjJHYxvLY9pAD8I3lL5HcVTlKZ79qwfvipufocJPhK88r1eYjIvvnNnGTXy-ruAxlSzyKCP_0WbBzOjVHRFz8fqrC4J360pWxgDd21IV237LjC-Ip6l1pDhxG6xzC6p-P9c8SI/s1600/469554_290950610991911_1186804057_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">TTO: Haha,</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I am stoked to play with them too cause i grew up with them. I've seen em all over...SD, Vegas, Madrid...it's a bit surreal, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">anyways...H</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">ow do you feel about the ska scene? what can be done to get more folks out to shows and to participate in this whole crazy thing? Can we bridge the gap between more traditional stuff and ska/punk?</span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>SG:</b> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I think what San Diego needs something like what Chris Murray was doing with Blue Beat, weekly all age ska shows. Even if it was just once a month, but a consistent thing. Consistency seems to be the key factor on a good scene, a few years back we had Skank Out, ran by The Combos own Auggie Christman, which was a pretty much monthly ska show and they were all amazing and it grew the scene like crazy. I think at it's high point we had something like 16 ska bands all playing and going to each others shows, but after Skank Out ended, kids stopped going to shows and kids stopped making bands.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Thank you Shane! And once again, thanks to all supporters of the scene and Take Time Out! Don't miss The Combos and many more opening for the Toasters at SOMA tomorrow nigh</b>t!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7tlpd5hFVGDrPesvJ_lbfdKgVnjWlgURqtGg2Y9bzGSWMnRC6LKLBm1OqIxe29tOpYmpTE-J9g6EAxivSf_77RYnwpVnEhuyHkLYyevENTFn93sSyul2j9eF0GGOHb4PycdCUQfpxR4w/s1600/Toasters_February2013_Admat.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7tlpd5hFVGDrPesvJ_lbfdKgVnjWlgURqtGg2Y9bzGSWMnRC6LKLBm1OqIxe29tOpYmpTE-J9g6EAxivSf_77RYnwpVnEhuyHkLYyevENTFn93sSyul2j9eF0GGOHb4PycdCUQfpxR4w/s1600/Toasters_February2013_Admat.gif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382551084673872936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4625505429358854451.post-75961639234662681182013-01-25T16:22:00.003-08:002013-01-25T16:45:53.799-08:00INTERVIEW #5: SAMMY K <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Although he spends much of the year on the road playing and tour-managing, New Jersey/NYC-transplant <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sammykayandthefastfour?fref=ts">Sammy K</a> has been using his time wisely here in California. The former-Forthrights member, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer is fitting right in with the Southern California scene working closely with Joe Quinones and a few other members of LA outfit <a href="http://www.thedelirians.com/">The Derlirians</a> in their studio, The Steady Rock Easy-Groove Factory as Sammy K and the East Los 3. In early December, Sammy and company dropped an EP, simply titled <i>Sammy K and the East Los Three </i>and will be soon releasing the highly-anticipated full-length LP <i>Love Letters</i>, which will feature appearances from Vic Ruggiero and Dave Hillyard of the Slackers and Chris Murray, among others<i>. </i>The guys are almost done with the record (they have worked their asses off the last couple months to record over two-dozen songs) and will soon be unleashing it for mass consumption. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To promote the new LP, Sammy has launched a <a href="http://bigtun.es/projects/index/2">Big Tunes</a> page on which you can pre-order various packages depending on what format you prefer (digital, vinyl, CD, or all three plus more goodies). I have been lucky enough to correspond with Mr. K and get my hands on the EP and several cuts from the LP. Everyone in the scene and beyond is going to love this stuff. It is easy to appreciate Sammy and company's honest, no-gimmicks approach to both songwriting and recording. The extensive knowledge of Jamaican music (as well as American soul and blues) becomes evident as you go through the tracks. Lyrically, Sammy is a natural story teller and through his gruff delivery , the listener can really start to visualize his experiences. In short, this is the kind of stuff I want to hear. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A few weeks back, I was able to get a few words in with the man himself as I became more familiar with the EP and other material. Continue reading to get a glimpse into the mind of Sammy K...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>TTO:</b> The songs on the new EP sound very naturally crafted. Can you walk us through the process of recording the tunes?</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTT1N9IJrFeAFADUvb__oym_MzRiPZ4W58Zis_x2NJEeANBF1CXOM0ZkgnR6OnwXNwhQ8WMWiqXkJAyaDolwsY4_u0_2nk2LPa8omHI2-hPViYUp6LvfEOJwsM0PE8J3LPxgxBwNJLJDg/s1600/tumblr_mfe7xuNVnj1s0klxko1_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTT1N9IJrFeAFADUvb__oym_MzRiPZ4W58Zis_x2NJEeANBF1CXOM0ZkgnR6OnwXNwhQ8WMWiqXkJAyaDolwsY4_u0_2nk2LPa8omHI2-hPViYUp6LvfEOJwsM0PE8J3LPxgxBwNJLJDg/s320/tumblr_mfe7xuNVnj1s0klxko1_1280.jpg" width="318" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; margin-top: 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Sammy K:</b> I gotta spill the secrets?!?! It's pretty simple. Joe and I usually sit down, and look at each other with this stupid face... kinda like Keenan and Kel... ya know... <i>Goodburger</i>... yeah... And then someone says something stupid, or plays a lick on the piano, or guitar, and about an hour later the rhythm is usually recorded. Then we looks at eachother with the same stupid face, and think about what we can do to make it even more nuts. Tony Medina usually pops in for organ and piano, Juan hangs out round then. Jose pulls out a harp. Whatever.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; margin-top: 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When it comes down to it, it's really a comedy act, with tunes rolling out as the punchline.</span><br />
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></b>
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">TTO:</b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> What do you like most about staying in Southern California and working within the ska/reggae scene we have?</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; margin-top: 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Sammy K:</b> 75 and sunny... well, not this week, but usually! The guys I've been working with are some of my favorite people in the country. A majority of the crew is from The Delirians, as well as Mr. Juan Cardenas, a fellow NYC transplant hiding in SoCal. These guys, we just sit down and lay out what needs to be done. We are all in the same frame of mind, and Joe's definitly the only person I've met that can keep up with me work wise.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; margin-top: 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">SoCal and the people I'm around... I am ever so greatful. These guys took me in right away. Family... Seen?</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; margin-top: 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>TTO:</b> What/who were your biggest musical influences for the songs that appear on the EP?</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; margin-top: 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Sammy K:</b> People. Songs are all about friends, and things that happened to me. I usually don't write like that, but all these tunes are built off of stories and memories.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; margin-top: 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>TTO:</b> The songs on the EP seem to be very personal lyrically, which tune(s) is(are) your favorite(s)?</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; margin-top: 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Sammy K:</b> Tough one there buddy! Lorimer, Something, Someday, and See You Soon are my favorites for sure.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; margin-top: 10px;">
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">TTO:</b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> What other formats will the EP be available on?</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjll3nKP5gM73jFtlBpuqNvBc58dcvJ49uDAwGUQoa5BpdxmNwYs9Bju8YTVWGpGHlfQ0-i90zMZCF9of1GfJ7-mzILihS5iRIV9Mcq874jeQ8PBK8KHBkVmGtFygD7Yl4YkllA7OPiZvc/s1600/45101_4372875443523_1996836130_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjll3nKP5gM73jFtlBpuqNvBc58dcvJ49uDAwGUQoa5BpdxmNwYs9Bju8YTVWGpGHlfQ0-i90zMZCF9of1GfJ7-mzILihS5iRIV9Mcq874jeQ8PBK8KHBkVmGtFygD7Yl4YkllA7OPiZvc/s320/45101_4372875443523_1996836130_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; margin-top: 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Sammy K:</b> The EP as of now will just be on CD and Digitally through Whatevski and Panic State Records. Maybe Vinyl one day, who knows!</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; margin-top: 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>TTO:</b> Tell the people why they should get a hold of the EP and LP!</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; margin-top: 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sammy K: Take your chances on something new, something you ain't heard yet.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; margin-top: 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>TTO: </b>Anyone you wanna shout out to?!</span><br />
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></b>
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sammy K</b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">: Love to the family! The blood and the brothers!</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; margin-top: 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>TTO:</b> What does the rest of 2013 hold for a busy guy like Sammy K?</span><br />
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></b>
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sammy K:</b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Who knows? I got some work Tour Managin', gonna do a Full US tour playin', gonna go to Europe. Gonna put out a full length in the middle of Febuary, got a few 45's comin' out this year. Everything else is on the fly. You take the hand that's dealt and run with it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank you Sammy! Don't forget to donate some funds to the project! Visit </span><a href="http://bigtun.es/projects/index/2" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Big Tunes</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> to see what it's all about. You can always check out Sammy and company's musical happenings on </span><a href="https://soundcloud.com/sammykayandthefastfour" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Soundcloud </a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">as well! </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; margin-top: 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Sammy and the East Los 3 will be performing at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/394678320615648/">The Delirians Album Fundraiser</a> at the Vex in Los Angeles this Sunday 1/27! SUPPORT INDEPENDENT MUSIC! </span></div>
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382551084673872936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4625505429358854451.post-35150958846716802702013-01-07T21:41:00.000-08:002013-01-09T10:17:41.506-08:00INTERVIEW #4: MILA RUIZ /SKAMANIA PRESENTS KEITH & TEX THIS SATURDAY<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the last few years, Southern California has been lucky enough to receive visits from some of Jamaica's most influential artists thanks to a highly motivated community of promoters, bands, DJs, and fans. At the forefront of this movement is <a href="https://www.facebook.com/skamaniala?fref=ts">Skamania</a>, a Los Angeles-based promotion team launched by veteran Jamaican music aficionados Junor Francis and Sire (I hope to do an extensive interview with these two gentlemen in the near future, so stay tuned). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the last year alone, Skamania has made it possible for legends such as Ken Boothe, The Pioneers, Derrick Morgan, Pat Kelly, Stranger Cole, Eric "Monty" Morris, and Norma Fraser (just to name a few) to perform in LA and plan on bringing The Melodians and Errol Dunkley in the spring. This Saturday, January 12th, Skamania and the LA reggae and ska scene will add another notch to their belts with an extremely rare (first time since 1997) performance by the rocksteady vocal duo Keith & Tex at Los Globos with an all-star backing band featuring a handful of LA's top-ranking reggae and ska players. Supporting acts include LA's Queen P and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Delirians/237848617514?fref=ts">The Delirians</a>, Riverisde's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/therevivers?ref=ts&fref=ts">The Revivers</a>, and <a href="http://www.2000tonsoftnt.bandcamp.com/">2000 Tons of TNT</a> from San Diego. Packing the floor between sets will be DJs Mila and Man-Like-Devin (of <a href="http://www.theexpanders.net/">Expanders</a> fame). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Because she is one of the LA scene's most well-known and hard-working veteran selectors (as well as an all-around lovely person), I wanted to get a few words with Mila as she puts together her sets for Saturday night. As a musician (and also a youngin' relatively speaking) I have always been fascinated with the DJs in our scene (I owe much of the evolution of my own band to San Diego's Fire Corner Sound System) not only because their record colletions are impressive and fun to listen to on huge speakers while drunk, but also because I feel we share the same passion for Jamaican music and the motivation to keep it alive. Read along to get some of Mila's insights on the upcoming Keith & Tex show, LA's Reggae and Ska scene, and her experience as a DJ...</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>TTO:</b> Mila, Thanks for doing the interview. I was really looking forward to hearing you out. First of all, h</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ow excited are you for the Keith &Tex show? What have been your most memorable live show experiences in your life?</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>MILA: </b>I'm extremely excited! It will be Keith and Tex's first performance in LA and I know that people like Junor Francis, Sire, Queen P, Nathan Ranking and all of the musicians involved have put in some blood, sweat and tears to make sure this show and the live performances are bar none. This show also has my favorite Skamania line-up thus far. All of the bands/acts involved are some of my personal favorites. I'm stoked.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Most memorable would have to be the Derrick Morgan and Ken Boothe shows. Both had that special vibe in the air.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>TTO:</b> When and how did you get into record collecting and DJing?</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh65ssAXiSH-U6vLyhEmhiF-XpqdPVU6risRgYXygdeLs8Cwh3TaUasoyF9Cv17MlfxZDC-m5mllXGDjyvASvMF6kD9xdyVgBXHLNOumm-fp7hcwkhuOEzn1yRZRvs6UxbVhbRC9DRsZCU/s1600/575613_10150764330734020_1771326613_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh65ssAXiSH-U6vLyhEmhiF-XpqdPVU6risRgYXygdeLs8Cwh3TaUasoyF9Cv17MlfxZDC-m5mllXGDjyvASvMF6kD9xdyVgBXHLNOumm-fp7hcwkhuOEzn1yRZRvs6UxbVhbRC9DRsZCU/s320/575613_10150764330734020_1771326613_n.jpg" width="278" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>MILA:</b> I'm a music fan first and foremost. I used to always make my own mix tapes/ CD comps for family and friends. I guess that is how it started for me. I started collecting records when I first started going to gigs back in 1995. I went to my first show at The Las Palmas Theater. I just missed the great Hong Kong Cafe shows in LA, but caught all the great Steadybeat shows at The Terraza Jamay, Alligator Lounge, Dizzy Debbie's, Leonardo's etc.. I got serious about DJ-ing years later when I was finally able to afford my own gear and learned how to set up on my own.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; margin-top: 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>TTO:</b></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When and how did you first get involved with the ska/reggae scene? </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; margin-top: 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>MILA: </b>That would be back in 1995. in the midst of LA's heyday with all The Steadybeat shows.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; margin-top: 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>TTO: </b></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How would you describe the LA Ska and Reggae scene (both bands and DJs) to someone say on the east coast. What makes this place so happening (in the past and present)? </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; margin-top: 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>MILA:</b> I would describe the LA Ska and Reggae scene as a family. A dysfunctional one at times... but a family nonetheless. You still have some of LA's legendary veteran bands, like Hepcat, performing here and there as well as Some of LA's legendary Ska/Reggae voices that have branched off on their own or are now in other bands. People like Queen P, Malik Moore, Alex Desert and Chris Murray to name a few, can be seen and heard on any given week. Then you have young bands like The Delirians performing every week and making their indelible mark on LA. Some of them LITERALLY live in a studio, so although they range in age from 20-25, their sound has been honed well beyond their years. They have managed to infuse the Latin Ska phenom that has taken over this city somewhat with the traditional sounds of Jamaica (which they are well versed in). The Delirians are LA's present and future. As far as Djs are concerned, our main purpose is to bring joy to the people and get them to dance when the bands aren't playing. There are some that can do this and there are some that cannot. Nothing has changed past or present with this regard.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; margin-top: 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>TTO:</b> I know you've partially answered this, but can you tell me more about your favorite contemporary reggae and ska bands? </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; margin-top: 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>MILA: </b>Aside from all of my favorite 90's acts like, Hepcat, Ocean Eleven, Seespot, Yeska, and Mobtown.. It's The Delirians, of course, Arise Roots, The Aggrolites, The Bullets, The Debonaires, The Revivers, and The Expanders, who in my humble opinion, are the best out there. I cannot think of a single reason as to why they are not selling millions of records. They should be. Their self-titled LP is brilliant. The Lions and 2000 Tons of TNT are pretty dope too.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipyTO5uksp3hto9GdctQVioptLim5r-9wTRL5fQh1zcLMJl9Zls8XAjfBem-9i7YlHS2vuin7MxZmz72fYu7ob3IPptZ7BXusvXYzOtLLZYy4jsDmBye2x2XmvySLJYG2t75vH6KID81s/s1600/302730_10150288828859020_5441782_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipyTO5uksp3hto9GdctQVioptLim5r-9wTRL5fQh1zcLMJl9Zls8XAjfBem-9i7YlHS2vuin7MxZmz72fYu7ob3IPptZ7BXusvXYzOtLLZYy4jsDmBye2x2XmvySLJYG2t75vH6KID81s/s320/302730_10150288828859020_5441782_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; margin-top: 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>TTO:</b> And now for some DJ questions....</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a true DJ what are your feelings about all these post-post modern macbook pro DJs?</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; margin-top: 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>MILA: </b> As a true DJ, I am not fearful of these post modern laptop DJs because I went out of my way to learn how to use the Serato/Scratch Live program and own it. So I can spin on control vinyl as well as real vinyl. I will always prefer spinning real 45's and there IS a difference in sound. With vinyl, you have a continuous line/sound wave. With any mp3 file, it's a bunch of dots simulating that continuous line/sound wave.. Vinyl really does reign supreme. Any collector knows that there are tunes that you just will never find on mp3. Whether you've spent over $200 or $10 on a record (I've spent and spin both) and play this record to bring joy to others.. then you are a TRUE SELECTOR. You know the feeling I experience... It is why I do this. It is why I love it.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; margin-top: 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>TTO: </b></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What is your absolute favorite record to spin in public and what is your absolute favorite record to keep at home?</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; margin-top: 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>MILA:</b> That question is like asking a parent to choose a favorite child. I love spinning 60's Ska, Rocksteady and Pre-74 Reggae...I think I'll answer this question with a record I believe to be underrated and just fun as all hell.. I love to spin "Dem A Laugh And A KiKi" by The Soulmates on Amalgamated...Throw on "Monkey Ska" by Derrick Harriott and watch the smiles illuminate the dance floor.. At home, instead of grabbing for the iPod for music to listen to while I clean house, I play the full length LP, <i>Stretching Out</i> by The Skatalites.. Many a floor has been mopped to that album.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; margin-top: 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>TTO: </b>Why don't you just tell me your top 10 (or any number) favorite records ever?!</span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; margin-top: 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>MILA:</b></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Impossible to do.. I'll just name my fave 10 this year...</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; margin-top: 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I Want A Love I Can See, The Temptations<br />
Making Ends Meet, Thee Midniters<br />
Los Chucos Suaves, Lalo Guerrero<br />
Love Brother, Errol Dunkley<br />
Get In The Groove, The Heptones<br />
Baby Baby, The Clarendonians<br />
Can't Hide The Feeling, The Gaylads<br />
Don't Throw It Away, The Itals<br />
You've Lost The Love, The Renegades<br />
Temptation, The Upsetters w/ The Carib Beats</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; margin-top: 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>TTO: </b>What is youre favorite area of Jamaican music and why? </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; margin-top: 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>MILA:</b> Rocksteady... I'm a sucker for a love song. Ask any Jamaican and they will tell you that the Rocksteady era was the best musically in Jamaica.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; margin-top: 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>TTO: </b>Thanks for all your responses Mila...Any one you wanna shout out to on the interweb?</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; margin-top: 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>MILA:</b> Mr. Junor Francis & Sire for making Skamania possible. My babies, The Delirians, All of the other promoters who have given me the much appreciated opportunity to share my records: My dear friend Luis P. Correa, The wonderful Rocksteady Lounge family Nina, Viktor, Terrylee and Chris, Mitch Rincon, Marv Mack, Ian Olivera, Jose Rendon, Nancy Arteaga, Janette Sotelo, Soulfool Selector, Zapadru, Jesus Mosquito Rodriguez, The wonderful people from SF/FirstRound Presents Jim, Adam, Carrie, and Ryan.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; margin-top: 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>UNTIL NEXT TIME, THANKS FOR READING AND SHARING TAKE TIME OUT. MAKE SURE TO CATCH MILA DO HER THING AT THE KEITH&TEX SHOW THIS SATURDAY JANUARY 12th AT LOS GLOBOS. </b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrTwcNl_nic-Zkl8mMuLyEQ9ChZHDQAJiTg-gtE1rA5nb4hT-MzHC_gJtgwrJbjBX8yKzxGEKjblVe4Cjbrpwd4EXWzulZyf7mfrPeSwwYtZTUbygERDWJdT010RXNf5XVoJmOo7WBFdE/s1600/378804_10151255422284020_848076271_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrTwcNl_nic-Zkl8mMuLyEQ9ChZHDQAJiTg-gtE1rA5nb4hT-MzHC_gJtgwrJbjBX8yKzxGEKjblVe4Cjbrpwd4EXWzulZyf7mfrPeSwwYtZTUbygERDWJdT010RXNf5XVoJmOo7WBFdE/s320/378804_10151255422284020_848076271_n.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; margin-top: 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382551084673872936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4625505429358854451.post-34045617525172629652013-01-01T22:55:00.003-08:002013-01-02T11:12:55.438-08:00INTERVIEW #3: DAVEY WARSOP OF SUEDEHEAD <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy New Year! I've got a feeling 2013 will be a year of great posts from Take Time Out. I would like to say thanks to everyone who continues to read the blog and share my posts! We all have to work together to promote music that needs to be heard. Of course, I would like to start the year off with a bang, so here is an exclusive interview with the very talented Davey Warsop, singer and guitarist of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/suedeheadband">Suedehead</a> , for your reading pleasure.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since the group's founding in late 2010, Suedehead has definitely been turning heads in the world of independent music. The all-star line-up, fronted by UK transplant Davey Warsop, employs an accessible and danceable sound (strongly influenced by everything from American soul music to English pub and punk rock) and a highly positive work ethic. The combination of these forces have allowed the group to release three E.P.'s on their own imprint (International Soul Rebel Society), <i>In Motion</i>, <i>(So) Frantic</i>, and <i>The Constant, </i>which all pair catchy, but honest songwriting with tasteful, multi-layered production (Mr. Warsop also happens to be an engineer at Hurley Studios in Costa Mesa). The band has also played many of California's top venues and even had a spot on last year's Coachella line-up. I also have to mention that they've put out some great music videos (I especially love the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0h0FBYuxII">video</a> for "Can't Stop")! It's safe to say that everyone who has seen or heard the band is getting that gut feeling that the band is making the right moves to make Suedehead a household name. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Davey was nice enough to provide some thoughtful answers for a few questions I had about his thoughts on the band's accomplishments in 2012 and plans for 2013 as well as a few things I was curious about. Enjoy! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>TTO: </b>What was/ were the group's proudest moment(s) of 2012? </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Davey:</b> Well, Coachella was huge for us and brought us a lot of attention... possibly the most attention all year. I guess because that festival has become a household name to anyone and everyone inside and outside the music industry. I guess it's a musical seal of approval that everyone has heard of now, so suddenly people take notice of us when maybe they wouldn't have before. but honestly, Coachella was awesome, but it was still just another stage and another show for me.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I think my proudest moment for the band this year was hearing "Small Town Hero" on KROQ radio. Now any band knows this is a special moment and I wasn't really taking it seriously until my friend made me go outside to his car to listen to it. He opened the doors and cranked the stereo, so we stood there for three minutes and took it all in. I was thinking about when i left the UK for America. I was thinking about when i wrote the song. I was thinking about our first show and how far we had come...taking it all in for that moment felt great. A little pat on the back i guess.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ea9VjVW_HivxDIkk-rECYMp1-lTAe_LVqtw1f_gONWADkcyuye6Ge39k-0dVOPETv1FYUbOhurv_FI-bCNmvUxyLSdQRIJ2EI0jeNibutN6rwClb5tv_OCuGSDfJn0x9tpb-1k0l2mg/s1600/579943_368332003240319_633160739_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ea9VjVW_HivxDIkk-rECYMp1-lTAe_LVqtw1f_gONWADkcyuye6Ge39k-0dVOPETv1FYUbOhurv_FI-bCNmvUxyLSdQRIJ2EI0jeNibutN6rwClb5tv_OCuGSDfJn0x9tpb-1k0l2mg/s320/579943_368332003240319_633160739_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>TTO:</b> What is the band currently up to and are there any big plans for 2013?</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Davey:</b> We just played a show with the English Beat at Anaheim House of Blues that was great. We all love that band so was an honor to share the stage. Korey (drums) in particular was a huge fan when he was growing up. Plus Dave Wakeling comes from the same town as me so we had a chat about our old mutual stomping grounds.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next year, we have a few festival shows hopefully and I just finished recording and mixing two new songs that were gonna put on a 7" and release in early 2013 on our record label I.S.R.S so keep ya eyes peeled for that!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>TTO:</b> What are your current favorite bands to play with or take inspiration from?</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Davey:</b> I know Chris (guitar/vocals) and Greg (keys) are championing Fidlar, I've seen 'em live and they're rad. Korey and Chris went to see The Hives and tell me they have an incredible live show. Mike's (bass/vocals) loving Vintage Trouble from LA- they have a neo-soul style and have been opening for The Who, so sounds like they're doing good things! We played a show with an LA band called Army Navy this year and I really liked them- they have a '90s-ish UK indie sound. I also recently produced an OC band called The Hindu Pirates who are great. Kinda like a young Arcade Fire.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>TTO: </b>The influences of the Jam and Northern Soul are clear in your sound, but what are some influences you have that people might not assume? </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Biggest influence for me that people might not detect would be the film <i>The Commitments</i>. because it's a film and not a real band. The movie made a big impact on me as a kid. Not just the music (soul), but the characters. Their background, style and work ethic I guess. Made me realize what a bunch of ordinary people could achieve and get out of music with a little effort and ambition. </span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>TTO: </b>What do you guys tell someone who is unfamiliar with the "Suedehead" fashion style (or maybe even the Morrissey song?) about the origin of the band name?</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Davey: </b>We usually try and tell those people nothing, so there's little preconceptions about our music. Our name has nothing to do with Morrissey and although admittedly it nods to a niche scene from the 60's/ 70's we never intended to completely embrace that style. We maybe take an influence from it, but we primarily want to be a band that isn't limited by the confines of a subculture....we don't mind if the mods listen... or if the rockers do too.</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>TTO:</b> As a native Englishman what is your view on the widespread adaptation of English culture/subculture in the United States (Skinhead fashion, Mod fashion, DJs and bands playing reggae/rocksteady/northern soul, scootering, etc.) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEX-PXGDmLNJXJ8h2LmPUhBXhWX-oaDnOHbThlpcajvKLNgRtowqCuBNXsmLaIFExayysp8r-TirtS3s6UscCUr-Dv_TJ2utybnscfX1ikv6E4tEQOUiKXZzUd1HUVKQEj2vHzFa4fsxA/s1600/150126_316956368377883_2134919735_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEX-PXGDmLNJXJ8h2LmPUhBXhWX-oaDnOHbThlpcajvKLNgRtowqCuBNXsmLaIFExayysp8r-TirtS3s6UscCUr-Dv_TJ2utybnscfX1ikv6E4tEQOUiKXZzUd1HUVKQEj2vHzFa4fsxA/s320/150126_316956368377883_2134919735_n.jpg" width="249" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Davey</b>: It's very interesting for sure. I kinda found it odd at first... when you grow up somewhere and it's all you know, you don't know how to celebrate its stereotypes. I always saw my origins as pretty dull and humble...not bad, but kinda boring and grey, so for me to come to California, where in my eyes you guys have got all the opportunity- the lifestyles, the music and entertainment industry, the money, the beautiful people, and the sunshine and palm trees...and i find out some of the people here will kinda glorify or celebrate Britain's music and culture, this was so strange to me, but certainly not a bad thing at all. I think it's great if English culture resonates so much with people here.. each to their own right. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>TTO:</b> Any last words or people you want to shout out to! </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Davey: </b>Thanks Mike for taking the time to interview me and ask my opinions! Thanks to the people that keep showing up at our gigs, wearing shirts, and singing along. Thanks to the people all over the world buying our music...especially in europe...we seem to have sold a lot of vinyl in germany and we've never even played there-we hope to make it sometime soon!!! Come visit <a href="http://suedeheadband.com/">suede<span style="color: #1155cc;">headband.com</span></a>. Cheers!</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Thanks Davey! As he said look out for Suedehead's upcoming 7" release and keep checking their tour schedule to see them do their thing! Peace and Happy New Year! </b></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382551084673872936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4625505429358854451.post-84104873913486344062012-12-29T23:57:00.002-08:002012-12-31T09:12:48.073-08:00INTERVIEW # 2: THE AMALGAMATED<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is virtually impossible to think of the current San Diego ska scene without <a href="http://www.reverbnation.com/theamalgamated">The Amalgamated</a> coming to mind. Since the group's 2007 inception (which occurred with the demise of The Hi-Lites), the band has gigged around Southern California with a vengeance, headlining several bills in San Diego and supporting only the best acts in classic and contemporary ska, rocksteady, and reggae throughout the region (backing Ken Boothe in San Diego and Hollywood earlier this year is one of the many highlights of their extensive musical resume). 2012 also saw the self-release of their debut full-length <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Boss-Universal-Explicit/dp/B007NX8FFE/ref=sr_shvl_album_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1355515435&sr=301-3"><em>Boss Universal</em></a> which was nominated for Best World Music Album at the San Diego Music Awards. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
I was first introduced to The Amalgamated when my band opened for them at our first show in 2009. At that time, the band was considerably smaller with a frequently shifting line-up, but continually displayed their love of Jamaican music and dedication to promoting and performing. Since then, The Amalgamated has acquired more many more permanent members (and various guest musicians) and evolved into a king-size ska orchestra (at one show, I counted sixteen players on stage, but might have been seeing-double?). The result is a big, danceable sound that matches the band's seemingly unmatched work ethic.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
The Amalgamated will be playing two shows in San Diego the last two days of the year: Sunday 12/30 at <a href="http://www.casbahmusic.com/">The Casbah</a>, and Saturday 12/31 at the <a href="http://www.thetowerbar.com/">Tower Bar</a>. I was able to speak with the band's guitarist and founding member Reggie Costa and front man Raphael "Rip" <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; white-space: nowrap;">Peña</span> about the group's current happenings. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
<b>TTO:</b> What is the Amalgamated game plan for 2013? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
<b>Rip: </b> <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">We are releasing an all covers album in early 2013. Planning a tour up the coast and bringing some of the Ska legends to Southern California.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
<b>TTO: </b>Word on the street is that the band is working on a follow-up to Boss Universal. As a sneak preview, can you describe the overall sound of the new material?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><b>Rip:</b> Very high energy ska with a heavy jazz influence.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
<b>TTO: </b>How would you describe the evolution of the Amalgamated since 2007? Was it always the plan to produce the huge multi-layered sound that you have today?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><b>Reggie: </b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Thick texture has always been a goal for The Amalgamated. We have been lucky enough to be consistent with this idea. There is something great about hearing a full heavy groove with many layers. </span></span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>Rip:</b> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">It's been an adventure. We are very happy with our current line up and sound. Every band member brings their own influence to our sound.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><b>TTO: </b>The influence of American big band jazz is evident in your sound. Why do you think it fuses so well with Jamaican music? </span></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcRoEqH1Wz051GCqmoTkzGBtNlKIcdUOjwZTi0wB4NWSWpllVLORcTwK3JC0_jdRGl9FM5Wsm0t_gvpT_BpUpexZWhPdt_GNhRKlbzQtWrpLt2mrQcfPf9n-T9KcG1ktzr4ih7TlrECTs/s1600/rip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcRoEqH1Wz051GCqmoTkzGBtNlKIcdUOjwZTi0wB4NWSWpllVLORcTwK3JC0_jdRGl9FM5Wsm0t_gvpT_BpUpexZWhPdt_GNhRKlbzQtWrpLt2mrQcfPf9n-T9KcG1ktzr4ih7TlrECTs/s320/rip.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rip (vocals) at a recent outing. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><b>Reggie:</b> The horns are the key. All the other instruments provide the calypso and mento sound varieties. The horns can play a mix between jazz and big band sound and a light textured island style flavor. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
<b>TTO: </b>The Amalgamated has been on a lot of impressive bills in the last few years, what are some of the best memories you have made?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><b>Rip: </b>See Spot at the Office with 2000 Tons and Ottly Mercer. Derrick Morgan, Toots and The Maytals, Hepcat, The Pioneers, Roddy Radiation, The English Beat and of course Ken Boothe.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
<b>Reggie</b>: <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> For me, playing "Can't You See" with Ken Boothe was one of the best musical memories. Another one is Sean Conway blowing a solo on his Trumpet as a guest, also seeing Bernie Garcia come out to our show at the Ken Club. Of course my favorite memories being made are dancing with my beautiful lady.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<b>TTO:</b> What is it like to be locally booked as frequently as The Amalgamated? How does the band's busy schedule influence songwriting and/or recording?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><b>Rip:</b> It's amazing to be asked to play at so many places with such great bands. We have such a fun time with our fans and friends. We play what we like and have made time to record in the midst of playing a ton of shows. Our original songs are coming along nicely. We write songs that come from our experiences and pay respect to the original Jamaican styles that we love.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
<b>TTO: </b>What is the typical songwriting process for the Amalgamated like? How does the band decide what covers tunes to play?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><b>Rip:</b> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">One of us will come up with a song and work it out with the rhythm section then we will put horns and vocals together. It's always a collaboration. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
<b>TTO</b>: It seems like the chemistry between the members in the band is very natural on stage. What is the the key to maintaining so much energy for creativity and live performance in such a large group?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><b>Rip: </b>We are all in this for the love of the music and the high we get from performing for our friends. We all enjoy playing together and are having fun on stage. That comes through in our performances.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
<b>TTO: </b>This next question is for Reggie. Just as a fellow music-fan and musician, what is Reggie Costa currently listening to or taking inspiration from (you may answer this in the third person).</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio2Wbm39s3Bvri9e6Hxh34YhSFC5qX0n7ACw6cDtL39q6mQv2y9IwG1LjopuuwD4m62s0y5nXhS-vMx_vDsu7vuhkElFZX_0kKckDrGy6NEi6JjDRKhjM0HVHK-ml4tX10uveb1UIhVd4/s1600/reg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio2Wbm39s3Bvri9e6Hxh34YhSFC5qX0n7ACw6cDtL39q6mQv2y9IwG1LjopuuwD4m62s0y5nXhS-vMx_vDsu7vuhkElFZX_0kKckDrGy6NEi6JjDRKhjM0HVHK-ml4tX10uveb1UIhVd4/s320/reg.jpg" width="301" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Reggie (guitar) with Ken Boothe. Photo by C. Giles </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<b>Reggie:</b> <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Reggie listens to ska. He will listen to non-ska too. Ska sounds include Babylove And The Vandangos(This is his absolute favorite) they are better than Hepcat, better than The Aggrolites, and better than the Slackers. Those are pretty harsh words coming from me "Reg", considering how much I "he" dig those groups.)</span></span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">More ska: The Skatalites, The Whiskey Avengers, Western Standard Time, and The Moon Invaders.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Non-Ska that he listens to: Frank Zappa, Fiona Apple, Nellie McKay, Mayer Hawthorne, and Thelonius Monk.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
<b>TTO: </b>Other than being a master of ska guitar, I notice that your playing is considerably jazzy. Who are your favorite arrangers and/or guitarists?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<b>Reggie: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Ernest Ranglin is my number one. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Lynn Taitt is number two. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Those are both Ska/Rocksteady guitarists. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">If I take inspiration from a Jazz Guitarist it would be Charlie Christian. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Also Django Reinhardt is an inspiration, but I'm nowhere close to playing like him, and he only had TWO FINGERS!!! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
<b>TTO:</b> Rip, who influences you as a vocalist and front man?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
<b>Rip</b>: Ken Boothe, Toots Hibbert, Otis Redding, Frank Sinatra, Greg Lee, Alex Desert, Jesse Wagner, and Steve Harris. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
<b>TTO: </b> Reggie, I have noticed that you are sometimes involved in several projects at once (as a fellow artist I know that we are constantly wanting to do a million things at the same time). What else are you currently up to?</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_d0I0mtHkLD0FiPyfHcXDU3ItoZyzRd38CarAjx7gNOal5ace_O20pfg9zxXJLjszCg4GEtIV_dDssaKmrTlO45wnkJh9j8oLAo7k8jZikEATtdsHRYcs16H93Mv6Hu3ghnsJxPBpuus/s1600/amalg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_d0I0mtHkLD0FiPyfHcXDU3ItoZyzRd38CarAjx7gNOal5ace_O20pfg9zxXJLjszCg4GEtIV_dDssaKmrTlO45wnkJh9j8oLAo7k8jZikEATtdsHRYcs16H93Mv6Hu3ghnsJxPBpuus/s320/amalg.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Amalgamated dressed to impress. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Reggie:</b> The Combos and Guitar Sax Duo With Josh Smitley.The Combos are a killer local trad ska group with a great sound and energy. Check out our shows and look out for our Recordings being released in February 2013. Josh Smitley is The Amalgamated's alto Sax Player, we have been rehearsing originals and Real Book tunes in a ska and skinhead reggae style and are set to record an album this month. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
<b>TTO: </b>Anyone you would like to shout out to on the inter web?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
<b>Reggie:</b> <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Ottly Mercer, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">2000 tons of TNT, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Night doctors, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Shocks of mighty, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Oceanside sound system, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">The Combos, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">The Left Coasters, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Unsteady, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">T Irie Dred, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Straight Trippin</span></span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: normal;">Neverready, </span><span style="line-height: normal;">The Skank Agents, </span>Bucket of fish. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank you Rip and Reggie! Don't miss the Amalgamated's two last dates of the year! 12/30 at the Casbah and 12/31 at the Tower Bar in San Diego! </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw-Xsuf_W8DVyHaA925KKu_VG3CengxaoxwF6GrhIgGfe4NOzkrHwkzCrHjHitwUhYZvTHpL0EsP-8f1N2F2UIDam1eIlh7BUTJyKdmky_KrbyUcXyEJL-SNYhKOZ1AhsEH0dVUXo8WvU/s1600/734084_10151332767709618_1954284899_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw-Xsuf_W8DVyHaA925KKu_VG3CengxaoxwF6GrhIgGfe4NOzkrHwkzCrHjHitwUhYZvTHpL0EsP-8f1N2F2UIDam1eIlh7BUTJyKdmky_KrbyUcXyEJL-SNYhKOZ1AhsEH0dVUXo8WvU/s320/734084_10151332767709618_1954284899_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9XOJ8shmoD8y_G1z582wJUxMGj30Pf-pinmxsFDDRX2fb7QwD-YCv5_OK2-tbn-WMKs2hBWe2n_J2OT0yo8Owzx4aCsu_YOsKbAlWgPQkeOBiXiBFyIT6_wU0qHdTr75Y4V4sbm0xL8I/s1600/530517_522294804461048_1033166085_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: transparent; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9XOJ8shmoD8y_G1z582wJUxMGj30Pf-pinmxsFDDRX2fb7QwD-YCv5_OK2-tbn-WMKs2hBWe2n_J2OT0yo8Owzx4aCsu_YOsKbAlWgPQkeOBiXiBFyIT6_wU0qHdTr75Y4V4sbm0xL8I/s320/530517_522294804461048_1033166085_n.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382551084673872936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4625505429358854451.post-3662953621075837932012-12-28T12:10:00.001-08:002012-12-30T00:11:34.506-08:00R.I.P. LLOYD CHARMERS & FONTELLA BASS<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The last two days saw the very tragic loss of Jamaican keyboardist,vocalist, and producer <b>LLOYD CHARMERS </b>and American soul vocalist <b>FONTELLA BASS</b>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiILkD1Muef6ZBvdVB7so6cLEu_PGWRQqJPKlxnWGToKS2CYaghaViR1OgKcICzeKc1arGn31MVQD_YnZr0QlyvedAHd5fcjYhJjGH98-x6Ozf1rp6EJU3kmq6F5fNXi5teFWZRAn6usvo/s1600/lloyd+charmers+1969.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiILkD1Muef6ZBvdVB7so6cLEu_PGWRQqJPKlxnWGToKS2CYaghaViR1OgKcICzeKc1arGn31MVQD_YnZr0QlyvedAHd5fcjYhJjGH98-x6Ozf1rp6EJU3kmq6F5fNXi5teFWZRAn6usvo/s1600/lloyd+charmers+1969.jpg" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lloyd Charmers (1938-2012)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> A professional musician since 1962, Lloyd Charmers is well known for his role in the The Uniques, The Messengers, and his prolific work with the legendary Hippy Boys backing many famous names (everyone from Ken Parker to Max Romeo) and creating some of the rawest and classic cuts of the early reggae period including "Dollars and Bonds", "Birth Control", and "In The Spirit". Charmers also released two solo albums in 1970 as well as the x-rated offering <i>Censored</i>. As the "skinhead" era waned, he set up his own label and focused on producing throughout the first half of the 1970's, one of his biggest hits as a producer being Ken Boothe's cover of "Everything I Own". He passed on Friday, December 28th in London.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Charmers' legacy will live on as modern selectors continue to spin his cuts and reggae revival bands keep creating music under the influence of his genius. My band and many others would not exist if without him.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEHuxfupgKbowBoZ1LWTpop3eYxZDiJ38t13ZtC-pBzyZZu24DpEpo9JOSBiKl2SQKoOwreKjKs_zuELgq0rYZ6KiYyH-fM3UmYVIgcnE_P5I0H-0CBtysAXUz3h5Nqd50kpjp8qsRw9Y/s1600/gettyimages_78946285-4_3_r560.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEHuxfupgKbowBoZ1LWTpop3eYxZDiJ38t13ZtC-pBzyZZu24DpEpo9JOSBiKl2SQKoOwreKjKs_zuELgq0rYZ6KiYyH-fM3UmYVIgcnE_P5I0H-0CBtysAXUz3h5Nqd50kpjp8qsRw9Y/s320/gettyimages_78946285-4_3_r560.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fontella Bass (1940-2012)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Originally a pianist in the background, Missourian Fontella Bass became a professional vocalist completely by chance (the singer of her band was late for a gig and this provided her with a spot behind the microphone). Her first major hit "Don't Mess Up a Good Thing" (a duet with Bobby McClure) was released by Chess Records in 1965. Her most famous cut "Rescue Me" was released that winter and remained on top of domestic and international R&B charts selling over a million copies and was followed-up by the more modest "Recovery". After a struggling with royalty complications, Bass moved to Paris and continued to release records and perform. Her music career was revived in the early 2000's as a participant in the T.V. special <i>Soul Celebration</i>. She passed in her hometown of St. Louis December 26th, 2012. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In an age where many female singers sell sex and wear awkward costumes to get attention, it warms my soul to know that real vocalists with raw emotion like Fontella Bass were once at the top of the charts. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">REST IN PEACE LLOYD AND FONTELLA! Thanks for reading! Stay tuned for more interviews and reviews. </span></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382551084673872936noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4625505429358854451.post-90656992240893285422012-12-21T11:22:00.000-08:002012-12-29T23:25:26.873-08:00NEW MUSIC FROM NYC'S THE FRIGHTNRS <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Forget what you've been told about today because <a href="http://thefrightnrs.com/">The Frightnrs </a>have released new music for us to enjoy! In southern California, there are a lot of bands playing the beach bars and claiming roots reggae and rub-a-dub, but it becomes very obvious that some of these groups are oblivious to the roots and history of the music (thank the lord for The Expanders and The Solutionaries to name a few). The Frightnrs, on the other hand, come from a very different setting (Brooklyn to be exact) and continue to do their homework.</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Earlier this year, they released their highly-acclaimed offering <a href="http://thefrightnrs.bandcamp.com/album/the-frightnrs">The Frightnrs</a> (I was hooked from the introductory drum fill) which displayed their original, yet authentic take on rocksteady, reggae, and early-dancehall. The brand new release <a href="http://thefrightnrs.bandcamp.com/album/12-21-12">12/21/12</a>, expands on what they've shown us on their previous release with two brand new tracks: the romantic "Never Answer" and the haunting "Admiration" accompanied by versions. The band is definitely locked in the groove, while singer Dave Klein combines soothing melody with smart and thoughtful lyrics. The authenticity and listenability of the group is also enhanced by Brooklyn producer Victor Axelrod. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can purchase your digital copy or stream for free on their bandcamp page...and no Southern Californians! This is not "beach" reggae! Enjoy! </span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="295" src="http://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/v=2/album=82095502/size=tall/bgcol=FFFFFF/linkcol=4285BB/" style="display: block; height: 295px; position: relative; width: 150px;" width="150"><a href="http://thefrightnrs.bandcamp.com/album/12-21-12">12/21/12 by the FRIGHTNRS</a></iframe>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382551084673872936noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4625505429358854451.post-47549740424426032042012-12-19T07:21:00.002-08:002012-12-29T23:24:14.158-08:00OFFICIAL TRAILER: ALWAYS TOGETHER: CHINESE-JAMAICANS IN REGGAE <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All Jamaican-music fans and beyond! Check out the official trailer for the upcoming film, <b>Always Together: Chinese-Jamaicans In Reggae Music</b><i>, </i>directed by Generoso Fierro. We all know Duke Reid and Sir Coxsone Dodd, but we can't forget the likes of Leslie Kong (as seen in the studio scenes of <i>The Harder They Come</i> -legend has it that his early death was a result of being cursed by Bunny Wailer) and musical/entrepreneurial genius Byron Lee. See the trailer below!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/42170253?badge=0" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="500"></iframe> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://vimeo.com/42170253">Official Trailer: Always Together: Chinese-Jamaicans In Reggae</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user11723598">Always Together</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #71767a;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"></span>
</span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Reposted from the official site: </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From pioneer soundsystem operator Tom “The Great Sebastian” Wong in the 1940s to contemporary dancehall masters Black Chiney, Chinese-Jamaicans have played an integral part in the music scene on the island since even before Jamaica cut its first domestic record in the 1950s. The stories of Leslie Kong, the first producer to record Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff, and Desmond Dekker; Byron Lee, the bandleader that became Jamaica’s ambassador to the world; and Patricia Chin, co-founder of VP Records are important but often overlooked pieces of reggae history.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.375em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Through extensive original interviews and archival footage, <strong style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;">Always Together: Chinese-Jamaicans in Reggae Music</strong> weaves together the history of the Chinese immigrants with the little-known stories of these unsung giants.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.375em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Director/Producer: Generoso Fierro</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Associate Producer: Christina Xu</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Editor: Garrett Beazley</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Run Time: 97 minutes</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.375em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382551084673872936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4625505429358854451.post-91223686648382298762012-12-15T01:26:00.000-08:002012-12-29T23:25:46.148-08:00INTERVIEW #1 1/2: MIKE OF SHOCKS OF MIGHTY<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hello friends! This post is actually part two of my first interview (hence the "1 1/2" - Fellini reference for film nerds) because The Night Doctors and Shocks of Mighty happen to be playing together Saturday night in Carlsbad! I had a chance to get a few questions answered by Mike "Stinky" Thompson (a.k.a DJ St. Magua), lead vocalist and trumpeter of Shocks of Mighty and all-around nice guy who I have had the pleasure of playing with many times this year and talking music shop. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To provide you with a brief run-down, Shocks of Mighty has been playing their blend of ska, reggae, and soul out of Oceanside since1995 with various line-up changes (now they boast a powerful horn section). Like the Night Doctors, they have played with several notable Jamaican and domestic acts (including The Skatalites, Jimmy Cliff, and The Untouchables to name a few). In addition to frequenting Southern California's top venues, Shocks also does an annual tour of Hawaii (everybody get jealous). I must say that the band puts on one of the most impressive live shows I've seen in recent years. The group's musicianship, precision, and chemistry is always evident while enjoying their set (click <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-FQdRnlAFQ">here</a> to get a taste). Let's continue with the interview...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>TTO:</strong> Mike, thank you kindly for contributing to Take Time Out. First of all, what is the band currently up to and what should fans expect next year? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>MT:</strong> 2013 is gonna be a exciting year for the Shocks. We just finished a new album that will be released early in the year. Its titled <em>The Good The Bad And The Mighty</em> and was recorded at Dead Records in Oceanside by Dirty Dunn and produced by Jah Oil. The twelve song album features all original music two of which are heavy dubs and one track was taken from a live show at the Belly Up Tavern with Pato Banton. The album is heavy with horns and plenty of Hammond organ. We plan on promoting the album and continue to play live shows through the year.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>TTO:</strong> You are one of the few people I know in the scene who happens to be both a musician and a DJ. How does this affect the songwriting and/or live show of Shocks of Mighty? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>MT:</strong> It affects the Shocks greatly. As a musician I listen to music and study it. As a DJ I am constantly hunting for mashing Reggae. As a result we have a pretty good source of study material. We try to take these lesson and create our own take on it. There is a endless amount of classic Reggae, Rocksteady, and Ska out there so the hunt and education is never ending.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgj2RNHiLyLy661P2_M54Vtv6n7imHWdZ2euEuRbJbFTM33sbcIxRhiKIHGWR0hZ9edjmBrpIgwhUvOd1vjVbAjSpWTVrGyCvF1GdYwvQwW3CH1AaAkYjtbLwA2QlGmXnxe36OZffqz0s/s1600/shock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img bea="true" border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgj2RNHiLyLy661P2_M54Vtv6n7imHWdZ2euEuRbJbFTM33sbcIxRhiKIHGWR0hZ9edjmBrpIgwhUvOd1vjVbAjSpWTVrGyCvF1GdYwvQwW3CH1AaAkYjtbLwA2QlGmXnxe36OZffqz0s/s320/shock.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Shocks of Mighty (Mike Thompson on trumpet)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>TTO:</strong> You must be looking forward to playing a big North County show on Saturday. There seems to be a big ska/reggae tradition in North County (you guys, The Night Doctors, The Amalgamated, OSS, etc. ). Why do you think so many ska/reggae enthusiasts are coming out of this area?</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>MT:</strong> North County has always been a sort of Ska/Reggae stronghold. Most of the players in the bands you have mentioned have been friends for over ten to 15 years. We have all played with or supported each other for a long time. As a result we have been able to work together and keep the scene going. And I always look forward to playing a good show with friends.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>TTO:</strong> What is your personal stance on how to improve the ska and reggae scene in San Diego or even nationally? (How do we get people more interested in the music, play the right gigs, promote correctly, etc.) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>MT:</strong> Well first off one thing that San Diego has going for it is there is sense of unity among the many bands. I have never felt in competition with any of the other bands. I think we all respect each other and what we all do for the music. What we need is more radio programs ( am/fm or Internet ) that features not only current Ska/Reggae bands but the music that inspires them. Also 2012 was a epic year for classic Ska/Reggae shows. The more show we can have with the legends the more we all benefit.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>TTO:</strong> A radio program is definitely something I'd like to get involved with. Speaking of inspiring music and just because I'm curious: what was the last record you bought on eBay?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>MT:</strong> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXMInFpUivY">The Horse</a> -Eric Barnet /<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sc5y3PRwndc">Action Line</a> -Eric Barnet GAS label 1968 45rpm</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>TTO:</strong> Lastly, tell the people why they should come out to this show!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>MT:</strong> Tomorrow night is gonna be a night of " HOT THRILLS AND COLD CHILLS WITH THE DOCS AND SHOCKS MUSICALLY MAD WEATHER YOUR A WOMAN OR A MAN LET THE POWER OF MUSIC DO WHAT IT CAN YA! YA! YA!!!!!!!!!!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank you Mike! Look forward to hearing the new Shocks record, <em>The Good The Bad And The Mighty </em>and a possible follow-up interview and /or review from Take Time Out in 2013. Don't miss tonight's show at Boar Cross'n featuring the very best in North County ska and reggae! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtItzxohhEhftoeWTwvznkU1diuDq5s8CbVkrBs1kJaVrWGZ4HSSFUQhz7Pm31x350eryo3qERv1a4AEoj6w_C0tm8eyNvwUDWR_MImTnkTO43xNZvC81n9t5kkNYC3aGzmKeFR99J8Vw/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img bea="true" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtItzxohhEhftoeWTwvznkU1diuDq5s8CbVkrBs1kJaVrWGZ4HSSFUQhz7Pm31x350eryo3qERv1a4AEoj6w_C0tm8eyNvwUDWR_MImTnkTO43xNZvC81n9t5kkNYC3aGzmKeFR99J8Vw/s320/photo.JPG" width="214" /></span></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382551084673872936noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4625505429358854451.post-62735639700603752592012-12-13T09:02:00.000-08:002012-12-29T23:25:57.165-08:00INTERVIEW #1: MIKE OF THE NIGHT DOCTORS<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks to all who have subscribed to or checked out the blog! Because this is the first official post, we have to start off with something good! Coincidentally, North County San Diego bands <a href="http://www.reverbnation.com/thenightdoctors">The Night Doctors </a> and <a href="http://www.reverbnation.com/socalsshocksofmighty">Shocks of Mighty</a> will be doing a show this Saturday night December 15th at <a href="http://boarcrossn.net/">Boar Cross'n</a> in Carlsbad. I was able to get a few words with Mike, lead singer of the Night Doctors. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For those of you who don't know them, the Night Doctors are a veteran band heavily influenced by both the rocksteady era and American soul. In 2010, they put out their debut release <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/1st-cut-ep/id411154879"><em>1st Cut</em></a> and have headlined several local shows in addition to supporting everyone from Pat Kelly and Derrick Morgan to The Slackers and See Spot. Those who frequent shows regularly in San Diego probably haven't seen the docs on a huge amount of bills in the past year, but 2013 seems to be promising...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>TTO:</strong> Mike, thanks for doing the interview. What are the Night Doctors currently up to and what should fans expect in 2013?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Mike:</strong> Right now we're gearing up to to return to the studio and lay down our new material. We're looking to finally get a full length release and a few 7 inches out to the public very soon. We've been dialing in our sound and getting quite a few new tunes rolling out as of lately...so 2013 should be a great year for us!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>TTO:</strong> What are you looking forward to about the show this Saturday with Shocks of Mighty?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Mike:</strong> We have a few members of The Night Doctors who were at one time or another, members of Shocks of Mighty. The long term friendships built through the course of years is definitely one reason. For me personally, I know the guys work hard to put on a killer show every time they get on stage, so I'm guaranteed a great time. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>TTO:</strong> I am noticing that north county seems to have more of a vintage reggae/ska tradition than other parts of SD ( The Night Doctors, Shocks of Mighty, The Amalgamated, etc.) what factors do you think contribute to this?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Mike:</strong> I'm not sure why that is, to be honest. Going back through the years it does seem that the scene has been much stronger in North County. I'm just glad that there is at least one area in SD county holding strong! Although, it would be nice to not have to drive so far for gigs! C'mon San Diego, get your act together....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJdFPyMF69O93eRnjgHNXyVgiMCbBrQH7KJZV8xWsqvgoPhLxKSxyOjUOnSaFh2DcaRrjqxYKapLZ6zrs4abfUEI-2inXPiCCnrQi70VJm3Q8iy05Z2ooP54UOaNz65SyXtRDbKdlyFwM/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img bea="true" border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJdFPyMF69O93eRnjgHNXyVgiMCbBrQH7KJZV8xWsqvgoPhLxKSxyOjUOnSaFh2DcaRrjqxYKapLZ6zrs4abfUEI-2inXPiCCnrQi70VJm3Q8iy05Z2ooP54UOaNz65SyXtRDbKdlyFwM/s400/photo.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Night Doctors</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>TTO:</strong> The last few times I've seen the Night Docs, the original songs seem to be definitely rooted in rocksteady (especially with soulful singing a la John Holt, Pat Kelly, Ken Boothe, etc.) what drives the band to play this style? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Mike:</strong> My musical roots are firmly grounded in Soul and R&B. I was introduced to Jamaican music music at an early age, around 13 years old. I was given a mix tape from a friend that only had "Rocksteady" written across it. I began chasing after this wonderful music and only a few years later there would be a boom of new ska bands appearing. I don't think I really understood what the original JA artists were striving for though, until I began searching out rare soul music 45's. Once i heard the likes of Curtis Mayfield and The Impressions then I could really feel what they were trying to be. I think that's what's been missing from ska and reggae music in recent years, it's "Soul". We're just trying to bring it back.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>TTO:</strong> What are your views on the San Diego ska/reggae scene? What can be done to get more people out to shows/promote bands etc.?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Mike:</strong> As for a dedicated scene? I don't think that exists. There are a few really die hard, dedicated people that I have come across here, and they do their best to keep it going. It's hard work to build a scene. It takes fans of the music, DJ's, promoters and bands working together. It can be a thankless job sometimes and you may have to wear all those hats at once sometimes. All you can do is keep doing what you love. When others see you having a good time...they're gonna gravitate towards that. Just "Keep On Pushin'", Mr. Mayfield would tell you!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank you Mike! and don't miss the Night Doctors & Shocks of Mighty at Boar Cross'n this Saturday night! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtItzxohhEhftoeWTwvznkU1diuDq5s8CbVkrBs1kJaVrWGZ4HSSFUQhz7Pm31x350eryo3qERv1a4AEoj6w_C0tm8eyNvwUDWR_MImTnkTO43xNZvC81n9t5kkNYC3aGzmKeFR99J8Vw/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img bea="true" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtItzxohhEhftoeWTwvznkU1diuDq5s8CbVkrBs1kJaVrWGZ4HSSFUQhz7Pm31x350eryo3qERv1a4AEoj6w_C0tm8eyNvwUDWR_MImTnkTO43xNZvC81n9t5kkNYC3aGzmKeFR99J8Vw/s320/photo.JPG" width="213" /></span></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382551084673872936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4625505429358854451.post-5401641473954021042012-12-07T21:41:00.001-08:002012-12-09T23:47:01.246-08:00Welcome<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkUM9ACbnZ1v78rfliwk8HduUTKaYzjYM8v5Z_VlQs1OttOSAl0v6d0qaUYVfL0dM820moWkYjb_UwrP2i6ppIpmozkJSuUPvq6ca6GqaYeZmLa30DpQaZvVvai6b4TOr8yvoRHIafWJg/s1600/untitled.GIF" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkUM9ACbnZ1v78rfliwk8HduUTKaYzjYM8v5Z_VlQs1OttOSAl0v6d0qaUYVfL0dM820moWkYjb_UwrP2i6ppIpmozkJSuUPvq6ca6GqaYeZmLa30DpQaZvVvai6b4TOr8yvoRHIafWJg/s320/untitled.GIF" width="320" /></a></div>
My name is Mike and I play in a reggae group from San Diego called 2000 Tons of TNT. The more I play music, I realize how important it is that independent music fans and musicians alike (especially the national ska and reggae scene) work together to make the community work (ie: promote bands and attend shows regularly) I am starting this blog as a music fan (in the vein of excellent blogs like The Duff Guide to Ska and RudeBoy Train) to promote the contemporary artists I enjoy. With Take Time Out, I plan on not only providing positive press for bands, shows, DJs, other bloggers, and your occasional scenester, but also promoting unity and collaboration between bands and fans....and fans and fans.... and bands and bands. When I'm not tied up with my own band and soul crushing day/night jobs, I will be posting information about shows/events, interviews, and reviews of shows and releases. Feel free to re post anything I put up! Thanks for your support!<br />
<br />
PS: If you are interested in reaching out to me to do a post about your band or anything else, please <a href="mailto:reggaemysteria@gmail.com">e-mail</a> me.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16382551084673872936noreply@blogger.com0