Interview with Michael Vampire

     As lead vocalist for Vampires Everywhere!, Michael Vampire is bringing a whole new style to rock n' roll. I recently interviewed Michael, and here is what he had to say about Vampires Everywhere! and his thoughts on other rock and metal artists.

Interview:

 

Front Paige Metal News: For people who may not know much about your music, how would you describe Vampires Everywhere?

Michael: I'd like to call it "Goth Metal", however, it is rock n' roll. We wanted to combine our favorite genres of music such as metal, industrial, rock, and pop. I feel we did a satisfactory job representing that on Kiss The Sun Goodbye. I think the best way to learn about VE! music is to listen to it. We like to think we brought a fresh new sound to rock n' roll and in order to classify it, one must listen and decide based on that.

FPMN: With a lot of people being used to music like Justin Bieber and Lady Gaga, what have people's reactions been to your music?  

Michael: I think Bieber and Gaga definitely brought a younger, more diverse fan base to the music industry. By doing this, they opened a door for thousands of new acts to try and replicate that success. For a band like us, it didn't affect us one bit. If anything, it brought a younger fan base into the picture, and we don't discriminate age. I think music is music, and if you like it, you will listen to it. However, I can say that image does play a significant role in the music industry more than ever thanks to Gaga. For me, I enjoy the imagery of rock n' roll. If it wasn't for bands like The Misfits & KISS, rock would never be what it is. I would like to state that Bieber and Gaga are nothing new. This has all been done before with Madonna and even Michael Jackson.

FPMN:What mark do you and the band hope to leave on the music industry?

Michael: My main goal is to change peoples lives. I was put through so much hurt and heartache in the past that it has left me cold and dead. If it wasn't for VE! I probably wouldn't be here doing this interview today. I want to help kids get through the tough times and give them a place to go to forget about everything plaguing them. Life is not about lollipops and unicorns. It's about real shit. People get hurt and die everyday! I try to do my part to show kids the dark side of rock n' roll and give them an outlet to fuel their anger. If anything, I hope VE! can show people a new perspective on rock.

FPMN: What's coming up next for Vampires Everywhere?

Michael: We have tons of things popping up! We have a tour coming up with Wednesday 13 in October/November which will correlate with Halloween. We also intend on doing some amazing things for Halloween. However, I don't want to give those away just yet!

FPMN: I know that you guys just performed at the Sunset Strip Music Festival. What was that like? How did it go?

Michael: SSMF was amazing! I can't thank the Key Club enough for having us play. At first, I was skeptical because we were going on the exact same time as the headliner, Motley Crue! So I was like nobody is going to be watching our set! Then throughout the day, I saw so many VE! fans of which bombarded us with so much evil love. They were all so excited to see us play with the new lineup. So it turns out our set started earlier and we had an amazing crowd to watch our show! It was awesome to have so much fan support! Also, it didn't hurt seeing our buddy Craig Mabbitt (Escape the Fate) getting rowdy in our mosh pit! All in all, it was an epic night and one that will not be forgotten anytime soon! Oh, and Motley Crue, Escape the Fate, & Bush kicked ass!

FPMN: What do you see in the band's future?

Michael: Vampires Everywhere! will eventually be one the biggest bands in the world! We are working our evil butts off to make that happen and achieve our goal. Nothing is being handed to us, and we are working tirelessly to spread the word about our band and our new album Kiss The Sun Goodbye! We finally got rid of the negative members of which tried to bring us down! However, I fought through it and came back with the blood dripping from my lips! The new lineup is everything I could have ever wanted in a band, talent and the desire to take over the world no matter what! I can say our future is bright...as long as we stay out of the sun!  

FPMN: What artists do you think are the hope for rock and metal?

Michael: I can only answer this question in form of what inspires me as far as rock and metal. Bands that inspire me are NIN, Manson, Zombie, Foo Fighters, Slipknot, HIM, Deftones, and many others that changed the face of music! Rock and metal will never die. It is immortal!

FPMN: What would you like to say to my readers who haven't checked out Vampires Everywhere! yet, and also to your fans?

Michael: I would like to say I love each and every one of our fans that have supported us and continue to support us! I try to be as involved as possible with you, and I look forward to seeing you on the road! To all your readers...Come out, come out, wherever you are! Kiss the Sun Goodbye is now available worldwide! Take a minute, and check it out!


     Have you checked out Vampires Everywhere! yet? What do you think? You can find out more about the band at www.vampireseverywhere.com Be sure to check out their latest album Kiss The Sun Goodbye!

~Paige
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Recap of Sebastian Bach show

     
     So, I went to see Sebastian Bach at The Chance in Poughkeepsie last night. He was amazing! Baz's vocals were incredible as always, and everyone else that was a part of the show was amazing as well.
     The show started off with the bands Freakswitch and D B Sleez. Next was the band Toxin, and let me tell you...THEY ARE AMAZING! I had never heard them before, but I was majorly impressed! The guys from Toxin (Jason Kloos- lead vocals, Matt Hulse- keyboards & vocals, Ross Medico- guitar, Joe Gigante- bass, Brian Maldonado- drums) have an incredible stage presence and great songs to back it up! Their set list included the songs “Nasty (But I Like It), “Stand Up”, and “Party”. (Check them out at www.ToxinRocks.com)

Jason Kloos

Joe Gigante

     After Toxin, Sebastian kicked off his 2 hour set with “Slave To Grind”! He performed songs from not only his upcoming album, Kicking & Screaming, but also Angel Down, and Skid Row's self titled debut and Slave To The Grind albums. Sebastian's energy on stage is infectious! It was great to see a crowd so into the show.

     Last night's show even had a special guest. None other than the original drummer for Skid Row, Rob Affuso, was there to perform “I Remember You”!

Sebastian and Rob Affuso

     Another stand out performance, was that of Nick Sterling. His guitar skills are just as amazing live as they are on both his solo records and on Sebastian's new material. I talked to Nick for a few minutes before the show, and he is the nicest guy!

 

     The show was amazing! I can't wait to see Sebastian again!

     Have you guys seen Sebastian in concert? What did you think? Comment below!

~Paige

Sunset Strip Music Festival 2011

   

      Tomorrow is the start of the 2011 Sunset Strip Music Festival! This year's lineup includes Escape The Fate, Black Veil Brides, Buckcherry, and, of course, MOTLEY CRUE, plus lots of other great bands. Here's the official lineup:

SSMF LINEUP:

August 18th:

Nico Vega

Eastern Conference Champions

The Veronicas

The Tender Box

Run Run Run

Nude

Uriah Heep

Neon Max

SoulJourners

OhSoWild

TRIBUTE TO MOTLEY CRUE

The Faceless

August 19th:

Jack Daniel's Experience: Acoustic Outdoor Stage

dredg

Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger of The Doors with vocalist David Brock (also featuring Kathryn Gallagher, Zen Rizing, and Whisky A Go-Go Girls)

Motion City Soundtrack

Buckcherry

Purple Melon 

Lady Sinatra

Taylor Locke & The Roughs

Eli James

Hillbilly Herald

LoL-Apalooza: With Melissa Villasenor

August 20th:

Motley Crue (Haunted by Heroes will be opening! Also, featuring Patrick Stone 

of Adler's Appetite)

Bush

Public Enemy

Matt & Kim

Escape The Fate

She Wants Revenge

The Dirty Heads

Cobra Starship

Black Veil Brides

Tribal Seeds

*For additional shows visit the official Sunset Strip Music Festival website (link is provided below)*

     For more info on set times and locations you can visit www.sunsetstripmusicfestival.com  Be sure to send in your pics and videos from the shows, as they may be used in a recap of the festival!

~Paige

Source: Sunset Strip Music Festival Site

R.I.P. Jani Lane

     As you have most likely heard, the former vocalist of Warrant, Jani Lane has passed away. The singer was found dead in a hotel room outside of Los Angeles on August 11th at around 5:30 pm. Lane was just 47 years old. While it's not positive, his death is being explained as an overdose of vodka and pills.

     Upon hearing of Lane's death, Warrant posted this message on their official website:

      “We are deeply saddened to hear the news of Jani's passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Jani was a very important part of our lives for a long time. We will always be incredibly proud of the music we created together. He was a true talent and will be missed by all of us.”

      Other musicians have taken to the internet to express their grief over his death as well.

Nikki Sixx: "I just heard the sad news about Janie Lane. So hard to swallow when people have kids. RIP."

Chris Jericho: “Sad to hear about the passing of Jani Lane. Jani was a good guy and one of the best songwriters in the late 80s Dog Eat Dog-very underrated.”

Bret Michaels: “We'd like to offer our deepest condolences to the family of Jani Lane regarding their loss.”

James Michael: “R.I.P. JANI LANE”

“Cherry Pie”:

R.I.P. Jani Lane

~Paige

Nirvana

     Hey guys! So, I'm going to be starting a new column where every so often I'll be posting music videos and possibly some updates on random artists. It'll be a way to listen to music that maybe you haven't heard in awhile, have never heard of, or music that no matter how many times you've heard it, it never gets old. Having said that, for the first post I chose the band that literally changed the course of rock music....Nirvana. Next month will mark the 20^th anniversary of their most iconic album, Nevermind. As you have probably heard, a special 4 CD/1 DVD Super Deluxe Edition of the album will be released to commemorate this milestone. It will feature previously unreleased recordings, rarities, B-sides, BBC radio appearances, alternative mixes, rare live recordings, and an unreleased concert on the DVD. The album will be available on September 27^th.

     Here are some videos and interviews....Enjoy!

"Smells Like Teen Spirit"

"Come As You Are"

"Lake Of Fire"

"Lithium"

"Heart Shaped Box"

"Interview"

     What's your favorite Nirvana song? How has their music affected you? I'd love to hear your thoughts so comment below!

R.I.P. Kurt Cobain

~Paige

Haunted By Heroes- The Future of Rock

  

      Being in a band, recording an album, performing at The Whisky, and opening for Motley Crue are things that any aspiring rock musician would kill for. Well, imagine actually accomplishing all of that and being just 10 years old. Let me introduce you to Haunted By Heroes. Consisting of Nick Hero on bass and lead vocals, Chris Hero on drums, Geddy Hero on lead guitar, Charley Haunted on rhythm guitar, and Brandon Haunted on keyboard, they are indeed the world's youngest rock band. They recently released a music video for "Walk This Way" with the rapper Lil P-Nut on Cartoon Network.

http://www.cartoonnetwork.com/tv_shows/lilp-nut-music-video/video/index.html?episodeID
    
     I interviewed the guys and they told me about how they got started, their favorite part about being in a band, and future projects.

~Interview~

Front Paige Metal News: How long have you guys been a band? Who's idea was it to start the band?

Charley Haunted: It was my sister's idea. She got tired of hearing us banging on pots and pans, so she suggested we get real instruments. We were 5 years old.


FPMN: What is your favorite part about being in a band?

Geddy Hero: Rockin' the crowd at live shows- turning up real loud.

Brandon Haunted: I like traveling and meeting new people and eating in restaurants.


FPMN: Who are your biggest influences? 

Nick Hero: I dig Bon Scott and AC / DC. Also, Steven Tyler from Aerosmith,  and also my uncle, Patrick Stone. Right now he's with Adler's Appetite.  I like many bass players-  Entwistle from The Who and of course Paul McCartney.

Chris Hero: I like Buddy Rich, Neil Peart, and Danny from Tool. Also, Steven Adler lays down a solid groove. I dig that!


FPMN: How would you describe your music?  

Nick Hero: I think we are straight rock n' roll. A little punk edge at times with a little melody, but rock n' roll always. We play from our hearts.


FPMN: When can we look for an album from you guys? 

Charley Haunted: We are supposed to release our debut single any minute now. Tick tock. Look for it on iTunes.


FPMN: What do you all hope to achieve as a band?    

Nick Hero: We want to have fun and make sure the fans are having fun. We are only ten years old so we don't think about the other stuff so much. Right now we just want to rock really loud!


FPMN: I think it's amazing that you're going to be opening for Motley Crue next month. What other artists do you hope to work with in the future?

Chris Hero:   I would like to play with Angus and Malcom from AC/ DC. I got to jam with Billy Sheehan a few months back. He's great. Also, Jimmy Bain from Dio jammed with us at The Whisky in Hollywood.

Brandon Haunted: We just did a video with P-Nut the Rapper. He's our buddy. I'd like to sit in with MUSE.


FPMN: What do you guys like to do outside of the band? 

Geddy Hero: I like to skate and bike. We all do that. It's hard to play organized sports because we travel a lot, but we were all on the same Little League team.


FPMN: I'm really impressed at the success that you have had at such a young age! Is it difficult to balance the demands of being a musician while still being in school, hanging out with friends, and finding time to just be a kid? 

Charley Haunted: Nope.  It's so easy. Just like the song says.


FPMN: How do you deal with being away from your family and friends while you're busy touring? Also, how do they feel about everything that you have accomplished so far?

Nick Hero:  They can come with us or call us, and we always come back.


FPMN: What is one of the most interesting things about each of you that you think my readers  would like to know?  

Nick Hero:  We all get good grades.

Chris Hero:  I get blisters.

Geddy Hero: I was named after the bass player in Rush.

Charley Haunted: I crush people in football.

Brandon Haunted:  I'm never getting my hair cut.

  
     These guys are definitely the future of rock n' roll! Be sure to check them out at www.hauntedbyheroes.com  You can download their new single "Rockin Is Ma Business" here at http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/rockin-is-ma-business-single/id454546231   
These kids have definitely got talent! Comment below and let me know what you think about them!            

~Paige

                                      

Interview with Nick Sterling

      As you guys know, I wrote an article a couple of months ago about the guitarist Nick Sterling. If you didn't see it make sure you check it out! Nick is an absolutely amazing guitarist. He is currently working with former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach, whose new album Kicking & Screaming will be released on September 27th.
     I was lucky enough to get an interview with Nick where he talked about how he got started in the business, working with Sebastian Bach, and his plans for the future. Enjoy!




Front Paige Metal News: When did you begin playing guitar? Also, what inspired you to do so?

Nick: I started playing guitar when I was just about 7 years old. Music was going on around the house growing up before that though. My dad played some and had been really into playing and listening to blues stuff at about the time that I received my first guitar, a Fender "Duo Sonic". When I got it, he started to teach me some basic stuff: barre chords, pentatonic scale, you know, enough to be able to play together. That's really how I got started and inspired to keep learning and playing.


FPMN: Did you always know that you wanted to play rock, or was there another genre that interested you?

Nick: Well, like I said, it all started off initially more Blues based, but I was definitely a kid who grew up playing and listening to Rock stuff. Nowadays I listen to everything. I'm a lot more open minded than I was when I was younger. Another thing that might have shaped me musically, a little bit, was being a part of an orchestra from 4th grade through graduation. I played the upright bass. I loved being in orchestra, and I learned a lot from it.


FPMN: Who are your favorite artists? Are there any new artists you think my readers should check out?

Nick: I've been listening to a lot of Sly Stone lately. He is probably one of my all time favorite artists. Also, I've been really into Shuggie Otis, Prince, and Steely Dan.


FPMN: When writing music, from what do you draw your inspiration?

Nick: I'm not sure. I try to write as often as I can, but I never want to force anything. I've been working on a lot of instrumental stuff currently; not sure if I'll add lyrics to some of the ideas I have, we'll see what happens. Usually I write the lyrics and the music separately.


FPMN: What has it been like working with Sebastian Bach? How did that come to fruition?

Nick: It's been great working with Sebastian. He's so passionate about the music he wants to make, and he wants to keep on putting out new music, not just riding the nostalgia thing, so I have a lot of respect for him in that matter. Also, he is just a great singer. He treats his voice so well, and he inspires me to become a better singer. He asked me to join on actually; initially, he saw an advertisement for a company I work with in Guitar World magazine with a picture of me. He looked me up online, liked what he heard and saw, and got in touch with me by phone. We started talking in November of 2009. We did our first tour in December through Europe.


FPMN: I mentioned in the previous post I wrote that you have worked with many great musicians. Who do you feel made the greatest impression on you, either musically or on a personal level?

Nick: Playing with Bobby Jarzombek is great. Bobby is so professional, such an amazing player and a really good dude. Touring is hard! For me, just getting into that side of this business, it's really wonderful to be around someone like Bobby.


FPMN: What artists do you hope to work with in the future?

Nick: In the future I would love to work with Steven Drozd from the Flaming Lips, he just seems like a really talented guy, and I think we would get along musically well. If it were a different time, I would have loved to do something with Sly or Brian Wilson.


FPMN: I know that you released your first album, Ten, when you were, of course, 10 years old. What was that experience like?

Nick: It was really exciting for me to get the opportunity to record a demo at such a young age. It was tracked in Chicago actually. We recorded the five tracks on TEN in one day with some great studio musicians. I don't remember too awful much about that day, but the record shows a place in time in my musical career.


FPMN: I know that you followed up your debut album with Life Goes On... and Invisible. How would you say you have grown musically from one album to the next?

Nick: Well, I'm not sure how to describe the change between albums go. I suppose it's just me growing up, maturing musically. I've been influenced by so many different artists growing up, and each of the albums show a different kind of taste. I'm very excited to start up on the next one though! It will be very different from anything I've ever done before. 



     Thanks to Nick for the interview! I hope you all enjoyed it. I will be seeing Nick in concert with Sebastian Bach later this month. I will be posting a full recap of the show. Wanna see them for yourself? Check out www.sebastianbach.com  If you would like to know more about Nick, you can check him out on Facebook, MySpace,  & YouTube.

~Paige

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