Wednesday, February 21, 2007
At Home He's A Tourist
"Suburbia vs. Living in the City" (Part 1)
By Jason Pancake
Let’s look at an example in my own hometown of Los Angeles. This past week you might have heard about this massive project called the Grand Avenue Project in Downtown Los Angeles which was approved by both the City and County of Los Angeles. This project will take place in the heart of Downtown near City Hall and bring in huge retail and residential buildings and a new park. Here are a couple of articles from the LA Times and the LA Downtown News . Or do a search for “Los Angeles Grand Avenue Project”
The Grand Avenue ProjectAs described on its website , “the master plan for the Grand Avenue Project centers on a large park connecting landmark cultural and civic buildings with an ambitious multi-use development to create a unique gathering place in the City. The overall plan includes the development of a 16-acre civic park, streetscape improvements along Grand Ave. from 5th St. to Cesar Chavez Ave. and up to 3.8 million square feet of mixed-use development.” The first major part of this project will be a fancy hotel and a 50-story high-rise with 1000 residential condos/apartments, including 200 reserved for low-income tenants. In addition, workers living within five miles of the site will have priority for about 30% of the jobs generated by the project, which is helpful to people in the area.
The 200 initial low-income residences will be a welcome addition considering how expensive housing is getting throughout LA. This will be especially nice for these residents because this development is right in the heart of Downtown and conveniently located to all kinds of transportation. In general, it’s not surprising that cities and developers don’t want low-income housing in nice areas or places that are very convenient. Imagine if a 50-story residential building in the middle of Manhattan had one-fifth of its units reserved for low income residents. Apartment companies won’t provide low-income housing in nice areas out of the goodness of their hearts, so the local government, in our case the City and County, had to spice up the deal with tax breaks. This brings up one of the main conflicts with the Grand Avenue Project. Included in the deal the City and County worked out with developers was a nice hotel tax-break which could be $40 to $66 million dollars spread over 20 years. In exchange for the land used in the project and tax breaks, the developer paid the County $50 million. Opponents of the project say the tax breaks will be a waste of taxpayer dollars. There is sort of a point to this, however, there’s no way this project would happen without the tax breaks. Also, the tax breaks will come from new taxes generated from the project itself. In the meantime, the County has already gotten paid for the land upfront, so even if the project is unsuccessful, it has still gotten paid.
On one hand, I’m somewhat weary about this project because if it is successful, it will probably open the gates for turning LA into what New York City is; a small area dominated by skyscrapers and apartment-living. Unlike NYC though, people out here enjoy their space and drive their cars, so changing people’s mindsets about their lifestyle will be a challenge. On a more selfish level, I would hate to see the new amount of traffic generated by something like this. However, on the other hand, LA does need to start making some kind of shift and redevelopment to keep from losing the middle class and working class who cannot afford to live in the LA area anymore. While new downtown condos definitely aren’t cheap, they are a lot less then you would find for a full house in a decent area. As I’ll expand on in next week’s column, the shift of people to the suburbs of other regions of the country has had a huge effect on politics in the Bush era.
From a financial standpoint, redevelopment like the Grand Ave Project also happens to be profitable not only to developers. The city and county could earn a lot of tax revenue from the new project, especially compared to the vacant space or small parking lots that are there now. To solve other city/county problems, this tax revenue will come in handy. You and I all pay our income taxes (if we don’t want to end up like Wesley Snipes) and sales taxes on stuff we buy, but cities/counties really need the taxes from businesses in order to support services like road work, police, firefighters, education, and other daily things we need.
Getting back to my earlier Wal-Mart/Starbucks point, cities sure don’t mind having a Wal-Mart and Starbucks on every block because those businesses bring in customers and the city earns taxes off of them. Applebees or Home Depot did not just magically appear in the neighborhood because the company simply put it there. The local government had to approve it being there. The city had to have a public hearing that the average citizen probably didn’t even hear about or care to attend. The major chains make a far larger profit compared to what they pay in taxes, but it is still interesting that the services provided by local government that I mentioned above all benefit from greater tax income.
Unfortunately, as you’ve probably heard many times, these large chains destroy their smaller competition and put them out of business, among other things. Wal-Mart Watch is a cool website that discusses some of the drawbacks to “everyday low prices.” Sometimes the community is able to keep a chain out of town by scaring the local politicians into denying the request to build. Politicians know that the people who voted them in can easily vote them out. Or the citizens can do it themselves, like in Inglewood, CA where voters turned down a measure to build a new Wal-Mart in 2004. While this was a victory for the voters, it is easy to see why so many other cities and local governments support opening new Wal-Marts. According to the Mayor of Inglewood, the new Wal-Mart would have generated $3 million to $5 million in sales tax revenues.
Next week’s column will continue with the topic of cities, and how moving to the suburbs has led to places like Florida and Ohio determining our elections.
Ian MacKaye: I'm Not The Most Prolific Person...
Ian MacKaye
Interviewed by Kyle Ryan
February 20th, 2007
Of the members of punk rock's second generation—Bob Mould, Henry Rollins, Jello Biafra, etc.—Ian MacKaye has had the greatest influence on music and commerce: The DIY ethos he and his peers established in early-'80s Washington D.C. affected the genre as profoundly as his music. When his high-school punk band, The Teen Idles, decided to release a single, he and bandmate Jeff Nelson created Dischord Records, which remains one of independent music's most respected labels. Musically, MacKaye made his first big impact in legendary hardcore group Minor Threat, which helped establish D.C. as a punk hub in the early '80s. The Minor Threat song "Straight Edge," about MacKaye's choice to eschew drugs, alcohol, and promiscuous sex, fomented a youth movement that has since warped into a cottage industry. After Minor Threat, MacKaye briefly led Embrace, whose deeply personal style gave birth to emocore—and the bands selling a lot of records today. In the late '80s, MacKaye formed Fugazi, which became one of the most important bands of the era, and easily the most influential post-punk group of its generation, before going on hiatus in 2002. Now in his 40s, MacKaye remains contrary with his latest group, The Evens. The duo—guitarist-vocalist MacKaye and drummer-vocalist Amy Farina—plays understated, quiet songs through their own small PA, which makes virtually anywhere a performance space. This quiet M.O. may be MacKaye's most revolutionary idea yet. Just as The Evens' sophomore album, The Get Evens, came out, MacKaye spoke to The A.V. Club about his new approach, his past, and the porn director who took his name.
To read the full interview visit the A.V. Club site here
It Wasn't Enough Bringing Sexy Back...
In this year full or reunions looks like we're also bringing back the controversial figures of the past. The following is a story originally posted by www.cmj.com
Milli Vanilli Headed For Hollywood
2007-02-20 11:05:56.917,
Story by: Taylor Mason
Looks like Milli Vanilli, the unforgettable and unforgiven pop-duo busted for lip-synching, are headed for Hollywood. Trade paper Hollywood Variety reported on Thursday that Universal Pictures will be heading the production of the Milli Vanilli film, with writer Jeff Nathanson (Catch Me If You Can) slated for writer/director credits. Nathanson has reportedly received cooperation from Fabrice Morvan, one-half of Milli Vanilli, as well as securing the estate of Rob Pilatus, Morvan's colleague who passed away from a drug overdose in 1998.
www.universalpictures.com
So how many of you remember all the words to this video?
Milli Vanilli Headed For Hollywood
2007-02-20 11:05:56.917,
Story by: Taylor Mason
Looks like Milli Vanilli, the unforgettable and unforgiven pop-duo busted for lip-synching, are headed for Hollywood. Trade paper Hollywood Variety reported on Thursday that Universal Pictures will be heading the production of the Milli Vanilli film, with writer Jeff Nathanson (Catch Me If You Can) slated for writer/director credits. Nathanson has reportedly received cooperation from Fabrice Morvan, one-half of Milli Vanilli, as well as securing the estate of Rob Pilatus, Morvan's colleague who passed away from a drug overdose in 1998.
www.universalpictures.com
So how many of you remember all the words to this video?
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
The Music Industry Report
As reported originally by Tess Taylor of NARIP
OZZFEST FOR FREE! As an example of an attempt to “grow the pie,” Sharon Osbourne took a new approach to make Ozzfest free this year when a ticket normally costs about $79. Maybe, said Rapino, whose Live Nation produces the 25-city summer festival, “we can make more with a 20,000-audience with free admission and sponsorship than selling 6000 – 7000 tickets at $79 each.” The festival is expensive to produce, costing $600,000 before doors even open. Kwatinetz called this move “smart.” Other interesting concert trends were discussed in the “Marketing Live Music On The Internet” panel which featured the following speakers:
Marc Geiger (panel moderator). A longtime advocate of new bands and new technology, Marc is head of William Morris Agency’s contemporary music department.
Jack Isquith. While handling the task of executive director for music industry relations for AOL Music, Jack is also executive producer of the AOL Music LIVE! Concert series.
Dave Jaworski is CEO of PassAlong Networks, a company that focuses on building a foundation for the next wave of digital entertainment distribution, consumption and communication.
Steve Rennie, who manages Incubus, has plenty of marketing and digital-world experience with Epic Records doing early Web–programming and marketing, as well as with ArtistDirect and his own REN Management.
Jerry Trainer, Yahoo!’s Director of Product Management for Yahoo! Music is charged with the continued growth and development of Yahoo! Music.
Larry Weintraub. The Fanscape founder has 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry encompassing nearly every field, including A&R, marketing, sales, advertising, merchandising and event management. Geiger moderated, drawing facts and speculation from speakers.
To view the whole article click here
OZZFEST FOR FREE! As an example of an attempt to “grow the pie,” Sharon Osbourne took a new approach to make Ozzfest free this year when a ticket normally costs about $79. Maybe, said Rapino, whose Live Nation produces the 25-city summer festival, “we can make more with a 20,000-audience with free admission and sponsorship than selling 6000 – 7000 tickets at $79 each.” The festival is expensive to produce, costing $600,000 before doors even open. Kwatinetz called this move “smart.” Other interesting concert trends were discussed in the “Marketing Live Music On The Internet” panel which featured the following speakers:
Marc Geiger (panel moderator). A longtime advocate of new bands and new technology, Marc is head of William Morris Agency’s contemporary music department.
Jack Isquith. While handling the task of executive director for music industry relations for AOL Music, Jack is also executive producer of the AOL Music LIVE! Concert series.
Dave Jaworski is CEO of PassAlong Networks, a company that focuses on building a foundation for the next wave of digital entertainment distribution, consumption and communication.
Steve Rennie, who manages Incubus, has plenty of marketing and digital-world experience with Epic Records doing early Web–programming and marketing, as well as with ArtistDirect and his own REN Management.
Jerry Trainer, Yahoo!’s Director of Product Management for Yahoo! Music is charged with the continued growth and development of Yahoo! Music.
Larry Weintraub. The Fanscape founder has 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry encompassing nearly every field, including A&R, marketing, sales, advertising, merchandising and event management. Geiger moderated, drawing facts and speculation from speakers.
To view the whole article click here
At Home He's A Tourist
“Our Lobbyists, Ourselves”
By Jason Pancake
This week’s story comes from Texas where Governor Rick Perry, issued an order making Texas the first state to require that schoolgirls get vaccinated against HPV, the sexually transmitted virus that can cause cervical cancer.
This Washington Post article gives a good overview. According to the new Texas order, “beginning in September 2008, girls entering the sixth grade – meaning, generally girls ages 11 and 12 – will have to receive Gardasil, Merck & Co.'s new vaccine against strains of the human papillomavirus, or HPV.” On the surface, this seems like a good idea. After all, this vaccine has the potential to wipe out HPV and prevent this type of cancer. There is a token provision where ultra-religious families can get out of it, if they legally prove the vaccine is against their religion/beliefs and get an affidavit. For the most part, a huge number of girls will have to get the vaccine, and behind California, Texas has by far the most school aged children. Despite the seemingly good intentions, there is something suspicious going on.
When I first heard about this, I found it strange because Texas traditionally isn’t the place you would expect groundbreaking public health advances. According to a comprehensive report on Texas the state ranks pretty low in many things, particularly issues dealing with women. For example, Texas ranks dead last in the U.S. in the percent of non-elderly women with health insurance. In addition, Gov. Perry is a pro-life, hardcore conservative Christian. Why would he create a measure that would piss off his base by acknowledging that *gasp* teenage girls are having sex? (By the way, Texas: 5th highest teenage birth rate) So naturally, some kind of alarm went off that something was up.
Every article on this order mentions that Merck, the pharmaceutical giant that produces this vaccine, has been heavily lobbying to pass state laws across the country mandating that 11-12 year old girls get their vaccine. It’s no coincidence that Merck would gain billions of dollars if Texas and other states require the $360-per-three-shot vaccine, according to a story in The Wall Street Journal. Oh, that’s something about the vaccine that people might miss: While this order sounds like it is just a matter of girls getting a shot, the reality is that Merck will get $360 for EVERY girl entering middle school in the state of Texas that receives the vaccine!! For the most part it will be the parents or guardians of the girls that would have to pay $360. The State would make the vaccine free to girls who are uninsured or whose insurance does not cover vaccines, but for families that don’t qualify, this is yet another financial hardship for a lot of average families who would have to pay up. This is a massive victory for Merck who will currently have the only product on the market.
2+2=4 and the smoking gun: A reoccurring theme of my column is that lobbyists make pretty much everything happen in government, and pharmaceutical companies like Merck are well-oiled machines. Merck’s competitor is working on a similar vaccine, so they needed to get their product out there ASAP. According to the Washington Post article, “[Merck] doubled its lobbying budget in Texas and has funneled money through Women in Government, an advocacy group made up of female state legislators around the country.”
So how does Merck and lobbyists tie into Governor Perry’s executive order (which conveniently bypassed the legislature and voters)? One of Merck’s three lobbyists in Texas is Mike Toomey, who was Perry's former Chief of Staff! Meanwhile, the mother-in-law of Perry’s CURRENT chief of staff is Texas Congresswoman Dianne White Delisi, who also happens to be the state director for Women in Government, the group mentioned above! Keep in mind the role of a Chief of Staff is to be a top advisor and a “gatekeeper” to the governor. If those connections were not blatant enough, it was also revealed that Merck's political action committee contributed $6,000 to Perry and $38,000 to Texas state legislators last year. That may not sound like too much, but money is still money.
I’m not really questioning Perry’s concern about teenage girls, because honestly, Texas does need help with this issue since it is 47th in U.S. in the rate of women who receive Pap Smears and has the fifth highest cervical cancer rate. However, cervical cancer has been on the swift decline in the United States due to preventative care like regular exams. According to the American Cancer Society, only 3,670 American women are expected to die from cervical cancer this year, which is only 1% of the annual number of deaths from all cancers. Compare that to 40,460 women who are expected to die of breast cancer this year. (Rate of mammograms in Texas: 44th out of 50 states.) Even though the preventative health care and general social services systems in Texas are a joke, Governor Perry has created an executive order (that the Legislature has no authority to repeal), and given the drug companies a huge profit for minimal benefit. Who’s messing with Texas now?
Other articles found in the Baltimore Sun and the RCP Blog.
On an unrelated side note: Here’s a funny piece of news from the sports world: Last Sunday the Indianapolis Colts beat the Chicago Bears in the Super Bowl. The Bears’ quarterback, Rex Grossman, had a couple of big mistakes in the game and this season has generally been dangerous to Chicagoans with heart conditions. If you follow football, this will be hilarious! If not, it is still ridiculous.
The day after the game, loudmouth talk-show host andoxycontin-addict Rush Limbaugh said on his radio show,and I quote “The media, the sports media, has got social concerns that they are first and foremost interested in, and they're dumping on this guy -- RexGrossman -- for one reason, folks, and that's because he is a white quarterback…They, they just want thisguy not to do well 'cause he's a white quarterback.” Okay, now that I’ve somewhat stopped laughing, I can’t even really come up with a response. According to Rush, the media is trying to go out of its way to dump on white Rex Grossman, and suck up to this Colts QB Payton Manning guy-- the highest paid player in the league and mediocre actor in commercials. Oh, but wait, Manning is a white Republican. The two Bears back-up QBs: Both also white. The only comparison I can make is if Rush said that the media was dumping on George Bush’s job as President and that people didn’t want to see Bush succeed because he was white. Although that’s mean because Grossman did a lot better than Bush. I guess Rush tried to later say that he was being sarcastic, but that’s hard to believe since he said it twice, and rambled on for a while.
Read thewhole transcript here: http://mediamatters.org/items/200702070012
Update 2-15-07
It turns out Nobel Prize Nominee (not kidding), Rush Limbaugh, was hissy about people calling him a dumbass over his comments so he claims that he was just trying to “tweak the media” and get a response. Of course, he didn’t claim he was tweaking the media until the next day. Alrighty, Rush. This article has some pretty funny actual quotes from Rush who claimed about his Grossman comments that “I'm the last person to see black or white, or sex. It's liberals that do this.” Yes, this is the guy who has said such gems as: “Why should Blacks be heard? They're 12% of the population. Who the hell cares?” or “Sexual harassment at this work station will not be reported. However, it will be graded!” In case you’re wondering why there are people who still blindly support Bush, keep in mind that millions of people listen to Rush Limbaugh’s radio show which is on 650 radio stations across the county.
Get to Know...
Mike TV from Get Set Go
1. Where are you from originally, and what brought you to Los Angeles?
I, Mike TV, am from Southern California. I grew up in Palm Desert and then moved out to Los Angeles in the early 90's. Eric Summer, our violist, is from Missoula, Montana originally, but has lived so many places, and is on the run from so many law enforcement agencies that he really has no true place of origin. Dave Palamaro, our drummer, purports to be from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, but I have it on good authority that he actually sprung from the mind of Cthulu, the many tentacled god of yore. And Colin Schlitt, our bass player, is from the fabled and many-splendored ocean-view retreat of Northern California known as Port Reyes. Jim Daley, our lead guitar, hails from Boston. He also rains, squalls, sleets, and drizzles from Boston.
2. How did the name Get Set Go come about?
Well, when we signed with TSR Records we were originally called All Your Base Are Belong To Us. But for some reason the label didn't like that name. So we went through an exhaustive many week period where we submitted hundreds of names to the label, and they shot hundreds of names down. So, we eventually hit an impasse, where I went to Tom, the owner of the label, and said, "Okay, we're gonna come up with three names. You guys will then pick your favorite of those three. And that'll be the name. And we'll all be just vaguely disappointed." Tom agreed, we submitted So You've Ruined Your Life, The Hunting Accident, and Get Set Go. The label chose Get Set Go.
3. How did the current line-up meet?
3. How did the current line-up meet?
Actually, it was a hodge-podge. I knew Dave from the old Mr. T's/Launchpad days. Eric from Kiss or Kill. We found Colin on Craig's List. And Jim through the scene. Actually, I don't know how we discovered Jim. He just sorta showed up. But the boy could wail.
4. What has been the craziest show you have played to date?
Well, one of the craziest shows actually involved a crazy person. His name was Billy Ray Something. I don't remember his last name. But he was a homeless guy. We were in Orlando, and our venue cancelled on us last minute. So we decided to hold the show in their parking lot, just to spite them. So, there we were, us and about 20 friends and fans, playing acoustically, when up rolls this homeless guy that starts talking over the music, asking people for change. Then he starts hamboning, out of time, to the music. At first it was ridiculously frustrating. Then it became comical. And by the end, he was part of the show. We actually managed to coerce him to settle down and behave, under the threat of actually being paid some money. It cost me 10 bucks to get that guy to quiet down and we promised to meet him in Tucson, Arizona. A promise we didn't keep. For all I know, he may still be there, waiting.
5. What instruments do you play?
Mike TV - guitar, vocals
Eric Summer - viola, vocals
Dave Palamaro - drums
Colin Schlitt - bass, vocals
Jim Daley - guitar, vocals
Get Set Go in action
6. What made you get involved with music?
I don't know. I've been making music my entire life. Not with any intention of doing anything with it. Or putting out records. That's only a recent twist. But there's a thrill in writing a brand new song. Something that the world hasn't heard before. And it belongs to you. And you get to play it to your heart's content. It's quite possibly the greatest feeling ever. But that's just me. I don't know why the other guys make music. Probably because of the girls. The girls run a close second for me.
7. What has been the craziest show you have played to date? (yes we liked his first answer so much we had to ask it again...sorry Mike!!!)
Hmm....deja vu. I guess another crazy show was a time in Missoula, Montana. We were running late because our lights had short-circuited. We had no tail lights, no headlights, nothing. So we had 'em fixed in Seattle, and then had to drive 6 hours to Missoula. So we got there at 1 in the morning, and we were sure that the venue was gonna be empty and the show was gonna be over. But everyone had waited for us. There were like 100 people in the venue, and when we started playing, they were singing along, and going nuts. It was glorious. At 1 in the morning. For us! I couldn't believe it. I still don't believe it. I suspect somebody spiked the punch.
8. It seems as though you guys are always on tour, do you actually enjoy touring?
I love touring. Love, love, love touring. I hate booking tours, but actually being on the road is my absolute favorite. Mostly because all of your responsibilities get tossed to the wind. Your only objective is to make it to the next show, or radio appearance, or instore and play your hearts out. I mean, how great is that? No bill paying, no fights with the girlfriend, no IRS, no rent, nothing. Just you, the road, the fans, and the music. It's glorious!
9. What has been your favorite venue or town/city to play while out on tour?
That's tough. There are lots that we love. San Francisco, Portland, Seattle, Denver, Minneapolis, Rochester, and New York to name a few. But wherever there are people that dig our music, it's always a joy to play for them. Whether there are 5 people in the club or 300.
10. How did Get Set Go's involvement with Kiss or Kill come about?
When did you play your first Kiss or Kill show?Hmm...you know, I don't know. I remember Matt and Cooper from Bang Sugar Bang coming out the Tuesday nights at Mr. T's, and I remember them telling me that they were starting something up at the Garage (now known as the Little Temple) on Sunday nights. And I remember going to a few shows out there, which were always loads of fun. I mean, this was at a particularly hard-boozing period in my life, and if there's one thing beside make music that the Kiss or Killers do well, it's putting back the alcohol. So, it was always glorious fun. Insofar as our first show, I really don't know. I think it was at Zen (Sushi). Although, we played the Garage a bunch of times, and one of those might have been a Kiss or Kill show. My brain doesn't work so well, anymore.
11. What do you feel makes Kiss or Kill different from other nights in Los Angeles/Hollywood?How do you feel the Launch Pad at Mr.T's influenced Kiss or Kill?
Well, basically, Kiss or Kill is about community. It's about bands who love music supporting other bands who love music. And, for whatever reason, that's a pretty rare breed of band. And I live for those nights when I'm seeing bands that I love, surrounded by people that I love, and all of us are sharing an experience that is singularly ours. It doesn't belong to strangers. It's not about getting rich or being famous. It's about music, and each other, and love. And man, if that's not PR I don't know what is.And, what was Launchpad's influence on Kiss or Kill? I don't know. Maybe, just maybe it inspired Cooper and Johnny and all of the architects of Kiss or Kill to realize that you don't have to wait around for someone else to make a place for your music to belong. You can do it yourself. But that might be assuming way too much. I really don't know. But I do know that I'm happy that Kiss or Kill exists. Without it, the Los Angeles music scene would be a dramatically bleaker environment.
12. How many Cd's have you all released to date? Was any of them harder than the others?
We've got three records in stores. So You've Ruined Your Life, Ordinary World, and Selling Out & Going Home. Each of them were recorded with a different cast of characters, although, I'm hoping that the current line-up remains until I'm old and grey. The hardest, I think was Ordinary World, and mostly because it was such a serious departure from the first record. I really had trouble sleeping at night for worry about how the record would be received.
13. You guys seem to have a great all ages following, what do you credit that to?
One word. MySpace. Yeah, it basically revolutionized our ability to access our friends and fans. I don't like saying the word fans, because it suggests a degree of distance between us and the people that like our music. And I really try to abolish that distance. I try to be personable, and open, and honest with everyone that we meet. And MySpace has really allowed us to stay in contact with thousands of people, on a daily basis. And most of those people are kids. They're the users of MySpace. And fortunately, they're not adverse to having me clog up their inboxes with daily bulletins.
14. In your own words how would you describe the Get Set Go sound?
Mid-fi cock pop.
15. You always seem to be working on your next cd the minute you put out every cd. How long is the cd making process for Get Set Go, and where do you get all of the ideas for the songs?
Well, basically, about 3 weeks after the completion of a new record, I get bored with the music. Ha! And then I really desperately want something new. And since I'm our biggest fan, I like to have new Get Set Go music as quickly as possible. So, I've already written 40 songs for our fourth record, and I'm gonna write another set of 20 to 40 more before we actually get into the studio. Hopefully next June. My favorite thing in the whole world is writing and recording records. I mean, I've only done it three times, professionally, but we've been multi-track recording our stuff from the very beginning of Vermicious K, my first band in the LA music scene.Where do I get the ideas for the songs? I have no idea. The third record was about relationships. So, I tried to write as honestly as I could about what I'm going through with my current girlfriend. There's also a couple hold-overs from past relationships, but it's mostly a chronolog of my current relationship. Sorry Sarah.
16. How has the sound evolved over the last few years?
Sheesh. Well, we went from being a powerpop/pop-punk band on the first record, to an indie-folk/folk-punk pop band on the second, to a indie-alt-prog-post-groove-monkey-nipple-banana band. I guess. The first record was a three piece. The second was a 10 person collaboration. The third was five guys, fresh off of multiple tours, laying down a lightning fast collaboration of doom!
17. What bands have influenced you personally?
Arlo and all of their antecedents. New Maximum Donkey. The Archers of Loaf. Jesus & Mary Chain. Pavement. And basically every band from Kiss or Kill and the old Launchpad Scene. I mean, they're the bands that I grew up watching and being inspired by. There's nothing like seeing your friends kicking ass to inspire you to do the same.
18. What advice would you give to bands that are just starting out?
First, figure out if you want to do this as a career or as a hobby. And make sure the entire band is on the same page. Bands fall apart after having established some significant success because they weren't all on the same page about that one. And second, play. Play often. Play every chance you get. And pay attention to the songs that people get excited about. Try to figure out what makes those songs different than the others. And then write more like those. And keep doing it. You'll eventually find your own sound, and your own voice, and once that happens, there's no turning back. Unless, of course, someone gets a high-paying job. Or someone has a baby. Or gets married. Or has to play shows on Fridays. Or....well, you get the idea. Being in a band, and coordinating everyone's schedules is a pain in the butt. Don't get discouraged. Just keep on keeping on. Because if you're not making your music, no else is gonna do it for you. And that'd be sad to think that the world is gonna have to live without your music just because you guys couldn't get your act together.
19. What would be your dream bill to play on?
Hmmm...opening for the Beatles at the Hollywood Bowl in 64. I mean, it'd suck to have to try to compete for those girl's attention, but it'd be glorious to be there and feel that manic, sex-addled energy.
20. If you didnt reside in the Los Angeles area where would you live?
Wyoming. The population of the entire state is 400,000 people. I bet even if you lived in the downtown section of their major cities you can still go for days without seeing another human being.
Monday, February 12, 2007
Save Room for JELLO
Jello Biafra has announced a new Spoken Word North American Tour to support his latest effort In The Grip Of Official Treason (Alternative Tentacles).For Tour dates go here
Wednesday, February 7, 2007
EDDIE OAOT's EAST COAST REPORT
Howlin’ New York
photo of the New York HowlA band that I have noticed has been getting a lot of attention since I moved out here is the New York Howl. The lead singing giant, Andrew Katz, has, not surprisingly, been friends with the kids from Plastic East for a few years now. If I recall they worked at the Bowery Poetry Club together, where I was introduced to these crazy cats’ energetic throwback dance parties in the summer. They know they are good, and their crowds never fail to be great. They played the ultra hip underground Rubalad party a few months back and just finished a residency at Crash Mansion, where I saw them play once. That night they were followed by a punk rock karaoke band and I destroyed Orgasm Addict, but of course I was no way near as entertaining as these Hip Kats. Get it? Ha!
Here’s how they humbly describe themselves, “insanely energetic live shows deliver raw punk energy, soulful uplifting gospel, dirty blues and uncomfortable silence.” So they are fun. They have no bass; just a keyboard, sax, punk drums, and usually a guitar. Everyone dances. That’s all that matters.
They are playing with the Screaming Females, Eisenohwer, and the Invincible Gods at their Mardi Gras Party at the Luna Lounge. The party is usually at the Eisenhower’s loft, where we have had the chance to play twice, but they are from Louisiana, and do Mardi Gras parties right. Maybe too right beacuse there was no way they were gonna do it at their place again. And its for a good cause, the People’s Hurricane Relief Fund.
So there’s a cool new band you can dig on, and a fun goings on in New York that you probably didn’t know about.
Tonight ...All Girl Fronted Rock Riot!!!
Hey Everyone,
Thanks for making it out to METAL SKOOL!!!! How much fun was that?! Dancin', Drinkin, Sing Alongs woo hoo!!!
Tonight the fun continues back at Safari Sam's with the All Girl Fronted Rock Riot featuring the first Kiss or Kill show of '07 for Bang sugar Bang, the debut of their friends Killola, A preview of the March Resident Band The Mulhollands, newcomers Wake Up Incinerate, and The Press Fire steps up to the plate once again!!!
Where: Safari Sams 5214 Sunset Blvd (Between Western and Kingsley) LA, CA 90024
Cost: $3 Before 10pm $5 After$3 PBR ALL AGES
With DJ Punk A$$ 20 Bucks back on the ones and twos And KSCR's Punk Director Jonathan is still pinch hitting for Rob Z!
9:30 pm - Wake Up Incinerate
10:15 pm - The Mulhollands
11:00pm - Bang sugar Bang
11:45 - Killola
12:30 am - The Press Fire
See you there!!!
Thanks for making it out to METAL SKOOL!!!! How much fun was that?! Dancin', Drinkin, Sing Alongs woo hoo!!!
Tonight the fun continues back at Safari Sam's with the All Girl Fronted Rock Riot featuring the first Kiss or Kill show of '07 for Bang sugar Bang, the debut of their friends Killola, A preview of the March Resident Band The Mulhollands, newcomers Wake Up Incinerate, and The Press Fire steps up to the plate once again!!!
Where: Safari Sams 5214 Sunset Blvd (Between Western and Kingsley) LA, CA 90024
Cost: $3 Before 10pm $5 After$3 PBR ALL AGES
With DJ Punk A$$ 20 Bucks back on the ones and twos And KSCR's Punk Director Jonathan is still pinch hitting for Rob Z!
9:30 pm - Wake Up Incinerate
10:15 pm - The Mulhollands
11:00pm - Bang sugar Bang
11:45 - Killola
12:30 am - The Press Fire
See you there!!!
At Home He's A Tourist...
By Jason Pancake
Welcome to the first installment of “At Home He’s a Tourist,” my current issues column for the Kiss or Kill newsletter!
I don’t like calling this a political column because like many things, “politics” is often better in theory than in real life. The problem with politics and most political issues is that the people in charge who do the talking (politicians/corporations/media) often try to make things more simple (or more complicated) than they actually are. Many issues like our ongoing “war on terror” are made too simple and appeal to emotions or soundbites (“Good guys vs. the bad guys”), while other issues require more honesty and common sense. The general public’s apathy and lack of knowledge of issues is not entirely the fault of the politicians though. The truth is that like anyone else, the people in power need to look out for their self-interests and that means remaining in power. The easiest way to do this is to get most people to dislike “politics” and not want to think too hard about complicated issues. Unfortunately the general public is usually willing to help them out. 74% of Americans can correctly identify the Three Stooges (Larry, Curly, and Moe), while only 42% could name the three branches of government (executive, legislative, and judicial branches). The Three Stooges probably would have done a better job at running the country than the three branches of government have in the last few years, but come on!
I’m not here to be preachy or make Mr. Obvious comments (“Dick Cheney is out of touch with reality!”), nor am I here to be a corporate Democratic Party mouthpiece (I’ll leave that to Hillary). I’m just here to give you insight on relevant stories and issues that are in the news, stories that should be in the news, or my take on how things work in real world.
This week’s story is a little introduction into the ways political maneuvering and planning take place in Washington DC. According to a top Republican Party staffer, more than 70 Senators would oppose the troop surge in Iraq if their vote matched what they were saying in private meetings. If this report is true, it means that if almost all Democrats are against a troop surge, then at least privately, around 20 Republican Senators would also oppose the President’s proposal. With an unpopular war, a lame duck President, and tough elections in 2008, these Republicans in office know they need to adapt to save their careers — Even the creationists that don’t believe in evolution. The question this brings up is why the Senate hasn’t been able to just vote on it and state these feelings in public? If 70 of the 100 Senators were to publicly announce that they are against sending more troops to Iraq, that would be huge news and really send a message! However, in the real world, long before even thinking of having a vote to criticize or end the war, Senators (including Democrats) would have to huddle up with their personal and party consultants and advisors to do a number of things including: 1. Assess how negative a story the media will make this out to be and estimate damage control, 2. Find out who might be offended. (Even if a majority of the country is against the war, what about people who vote in Ohio, Florida, or Pennsylvania?), and 3. Find out how many people they might offend who are important donors or sugar daddies. After all, you might be the hotshot Senator hanging out with Jon Stewart this week, but you’ll regret it if you can’t raise the cash for those 30-second TV commercials the week before the election.
Until next time, keep your eyes open, but remember that looks can be deceiving.
I’m not here to be preachy or make Mr. Obvious comments (“Dick Cheney is out of touch with reality!”), nor am I here to be a corporate Democratic Party mouthpiece (I’ll leave that to Hillary). I’m just here to give you insight on relevant stories and issues that are in the news, stories that should be in the news, or my take on how things work in real world.
This week’s story is a little introduction into the ways political maneuvering and planning take place in Washington DC. According to a top Republican Party staffer, more than 70 Senators would oppose the troop surge in Iraq if their vote matched what they were saying in private meetings. If this report is true, it means that if almost all Democrats are against a troop surge, then at least privately, around 20 Republican Senators would also oppose the President’s proposal. With an unpopular war, a lame duck President, and tough elections in 2008, these Republicans in office know they need to adapt to save their careers — Even the creationists that don’t believe in evolution. The question this brings up is why the Senate hasn’t been able to just vote on it and state these feelings in public? If 70 of the 100 Senators were to publicly announce that they are against sending more troops to Iraq, that would be huge news and really send a message! However, in the real world, long before even thinking of having a vote to criticize or end the war, Senators (including Democrats) would have to huddle up with their personal and party consultants and advisors to do a number of things including: 1. Assess how negative a story the media will make this out to be and estimate damage control, 2. Find out who might be offended. (Even if a majority of the country is against the war, what about people who vote in Ohio, Florida, or Pennsylvania?), and 3. Find out how many people they might offend who are important donors or sugar daddies. After all, you might be the hotshot Senator hanging out with Jon Stewart this week, but you’ll regret it if you can’t raise the cash for those 30-second TV commercials the week before the election.
Until next time, keep your eyes open, but remember that looks can be deceiving.
Listen To This...
Reviewing the Essential
Recommended by:
Amanda Jones
Narrowing a list to 3 bands/albums was time consuming. How do you pick only 3 albums? So I cheated and added one more and managed to find a way to enjoy myself while thinking of all the amazing women that have contributed to music in the last 100 years. This is my list of delicious albums I have listened to repeatedly on many an evening. Press play and be ready to jump into action and kick some ass, or at the very least cry yourself to sleep after a bad day. I’ve been lucky that I’ve seen all but one of these artists play. Unfortunately at this point, I don’t think you can see any incarnations of these bands any longer – so buy the album. Take the time and listen – it’s well worth the $10.
The first album that immediately sprang to mind was Babes in Toyland’s 1992 release, Fontanelle. The pace of this album is frenetic at the very least. A three piece band that could whip anyone’s ass into shape with biting lyrics, edgy vocals, and a guitar sound so violent I think at times the paint in my bedroom has been chipped away year after year listening to this album. Kat Bjeland, Lori Barbero, and Maureen Herman were a refreshing change from the 90’s boy rock that consumed the air waves. They were adorable and fierce rolled into a sonic package of rock. I’m not sure if this album was deemed punk upon its release but it definitely seemed punk to me. Listen to “Bruise Violet”, “Right Now”, or “Handsome and Gretel” and try not to call this punk. Each song is short, sweet and in your face with Kat Bjeland’s voice serving as a pissed off woman siren. If you haven’t heard it and you want to hear some serious female driven punk rock pick this up.
The next artist is Concrete Blonde who has put out many albums ranging from the late 1980’s till as recently as 2004. I had the pleasure of seeing this band a few times and more importantly witnessing Johnette Napolitano rip apart a stage not only on bass but with a voice that most women musicians would kill for. I’m so happy that I did. While they did have a string of hits that actually made it to the air waves they also had a collection of gems that were never heard on radio. If it’s possible - I say pick up all of their albums, but if it’s a matter of purchasing a collection of theirs (and they do have a few greatest hits) I would say pick up: Still in Hollywood (1994) It has the Leonard Cohen cover of “Everybody Knows”, an acoustic version of “Joey”, a cover of Hendrix’s “Little Wing” that rivals any cover of that song I’ve heard and the title track “Still in Hollywood”. This is probably some of the greatest rock I’ve ever heard and still to this day remains ageless.
My next recommendation is to pick up a Patsy Cline album if you don’t own one. Patsy Cline is to country what Billie Holiday and Nina Simone are to jazz and what Chryssie Hynde has been to punk. The woman was, and continues to be, a pioneer in music so many years after her death. While for a lot of people this may seem incredibly outdated – she died in 1963 – her music still resonates deeply with many. She managed to sing what were considered men’s songs, with more passion than most of her male counterparts at the time. Patsy Cline rivaled Hank Williams in the way of lonesome blues. There are so many of Patsy’s albums you can purchase, all containing something beautiful and sad, but if you can, grab the Gold Album (2005). There are the usual favorites, like “Crazy”, “Walking after Midnight”, and “Sweet Dreams” but it also has a cover of Hank Williams, “Your Cheating Heart” and “She’s Got You”. This is the kind of album you can play from start to finish and not be disappointed – it doesn’t miss a beat. Plus, all the heartbroken of the world unite whenever this album is played – at least that’s what I’ve been told.
Finally pick up The Go-Go’s Beauty and The Beat (1981). Not because I was obsessed with this band as a child and sang in the mirror to The Go-Go’s everyday in my tiny bedroom the minute I got home from school. BUT, pick it up because in 1981 this was the first real cross between punk and pop that managed to infiltrate America and sell a ton of records. Plus they are from Los Angeles and played with all the great punk bands like Black Flag and The Germs - and middle-America were none the wiser!!! This album opened the door for females everywhere that loved punk and pop. The Go-Go’s found a way to blend the two genres effortlessly and came up with “Our Lips Are Sealed”, “We Got the Beat”, “This Town” and “Lust to Love” and this was only the first album. Indeed, God Bless the Go-Go’s and every VH1 behind the music about those girls!!!
Happy Shopping and See you tonight!!!
Recommended by:
Amanda Jones
Babes in Toyland - Fontanelle
www.myspace.com/babesintoyland
www.myspace.com/babesintoyland
Concrete Blonde - Still in Hollywood
www.concreteblonde.com
www.concreteblonde.com
Patsy Cline - The Gold Album
www.patsycline.com
www.patsycline.com
The Go-Go’s - Beauty and the Beat
www.thegogos.com
www.thegogos.com
This Wednesday night (Feb. 7th), at Kiss or Kill, is The All Girl Fronted Rock Riot. Paying homage to a night of girls fronting rock bands, I wanted to come up with some equally fantastic albums that I consider essential when listening to women who rock!
Narrowing a list to 3 bands/albums was time consuming. How do you pick only 3 albums? So I cheated and added one more and managed to find a way to enjoy myself while thinking of all the amazing women that have contributed to music in the last 100 years. This is my list of delicious albums I have listened to repeatedly on many an evening. Press play and be ready to jump into action and kick some ass, or at the very least cry yourself to sleep after a bad day. I’ve been lucky that I’ve seen all but one of these artists play. Unfortunately at this point, I don’t think you can see any incarnations of these bands any longer – so buy the album. Take the time and listen – it’s well worth the $10.
The first album that immediately sprang to mind was Babes in Toyland’s 1992 release, Fontanelle. The pace of this album is frenetic at the very least. A three piece band that could whip anyone’s ass into shape with biting lyrics, edgy vocals, and a guitar sound so violent I think at times the paint in my bedroom has been chipped away year after year listening to this album. Kat Bjeland, Lori Barbero, and Maureen Herman were a refreshing change from the 90’s boy rock that consumed the air waves. They were adorable and fierce rolled into a sonic package of rock. I’m not sure if this album was deemed punk upon its release but it definitely seemed punk to me. Listen to “Bruise Violet”, “Right Now”, or “Handsome and Gretel” and try not to call this punk. Each song is short, sweet and in your face with Kat Bjeland’s voice serving as a pissed off woman siren. If you haven’t heard it and you want to hear some serious female driven punk rock pick this up.
The next artist is Concrete Blonde who has put out many albums ranging from the late 1980’s till as recently as 2004. I had the pleasure of seeing this band a few times and more importantly witnessing Johnette Napolitano rip apart a stage not only on bass but with a voice that most women musicians would kill for. I’m so happy that I did. While they did have a string of hits that actually made it to the air waves they also had a collection of gems that were never heard on radio. If it’s possible - I say pick up all of their albums, but if it’s a matter of purchasing a collection of theirs (and they do have a few greatest hits) I would say pick up: Still in Hollywood (1994) It has the Leonard Cohen cover of “Everybody Knows”, an acoustic version of “Joey”, a cover of Hendrix’s “Little Wing” that rivals any cover of that song I’ve heard and the title track “Still in Hollywood”. This is probably some of the greatest rock I’ve ever heard and still to this day remains ageless.
My next recommendation is to pick up a Patsy Cline album if you don’t own one. Patsy Cline is to country what Billie Holiday and Nina Simone are to jazz and what Chryssie Hynde has been to punk. The woman was, and continues to be, a pioneer in music so many years after her death. While for a lot of people this may seem incredibly outdated – she died in 1963 – her music still resonates deeply with many. She managed to sing what were considered men’s songs, with more passion than most of her male counterparts at the time. Patsy Cline rivaled Hank Williams in the way of lonesome blues. There are so many of Patsy’s albums you can purchase, all containing something beautiful and sad, but if you can, grab the Gold Album (2005). There are the usual favorites, like “Crazy”, “Walking after Midnight”, and “Sweet Dreams” but it also has a cover of Hank Williams, “Your Cheating Heart” and “She’s Got You”. This is the kind of album you can play from start to finish and not be disappointed – it doesn’t miss a beat. Plus, all the heartbroken of the world unite whenever this album is played – at least that’s what I’ve been told.
Finally pick up The Go-Go’s Beauty and The Beat (1981). Not because I was obsessed with this band as a child and sang in the mirror to The Go-Go’s everyday in my tiny bedroom the minute I got home from school. BUT, pick it up because in 1981 this was the first real cross between punk and pop that managed to infiltrate America and sell a ton of records. Plus they are from Los Angeles and played with all the great punk bands like Black Flag and The Germs - and middle-America were none the wiser!!! This album opened the door for females everywhere that loved punk and pop. The Go-Go’s found a way to blend the two genres effortlessly and came up with “Our Lips Are Sealed”, “We Got the Beat”, “This Town” and “Lust to Love” and this was only the first album. Indeed, God Bless the Go-Go’s and every VH1 behind the music about those girls!!!
Happy Shopping and See you tonight!!!
xox
Amanda Jones
Amanda Jones
Kiss or Kill Gives Back
Saturday February 10th a few of the Kiss or Kill bands will be participating in a benefit show for The SAE (School of Arts and Enterprise ) High School at the Glass House ( 200 West 2nd Street Pomona, Ca 91766) .
The SAE is an “Accelerated School Model” that focuses on Visual and Performing Arts and Business Skills. There are corrently under 300 students enrolled in the SAE allowing them to mazimize their learning potential by having the lower teacher-student ratio in their favor.
Bang Sugar Bang, Get Set Go, and Silver Needle have all confirmed that they will be performing at the benefit.
The Suggested Minimum Donation is $10. Please contact
kissorkillnews@yahoo.com for more information a bulletin will go out soon with more details.
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