Kittie: Flowers & Ice Cream
Photos by Kevin Graft
When I first heard that Kittie was going to be playing at the Boardwalk on their Sweet Revenge tour in support of their latest release, Funeral for Yesterday, I eagerly anticipated the date to arrive. When I found out that I would have the opportunity to hang out with them on the tour bus to chat with them for a bit, I was beside myself, as I have been an adoring fan of Kittie for many years.
Kittie’s brand of metal is hard, yet melodic, bitter, yet sweet…sometimes. Kind of like their name itself, we see felines as being cute, soft, and cuddly, right? But at any given second you could be bloodied up really quickly. Such is the same for the girls of Kittie. Off the stage, they are kind, friendly and polite. On the stage, they freakin’ rage!
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The band consists of Morgan Lander on vocals and guitar, Mercedes Lander on drums and vocals, Tara McLeod on guitar, and Trish Doan on bass.
Trish is currently suffering through a serious illness and could not make the tour. We do wish her a healthy recovery. In her place on bass for the tour was Jeff Phillips from Thine Eyes Bleed. Although not nearly as attractive as the girls in the band, he definitely gets the job done! Kittie left home back on August 10th. So after a month into the tour, I was interested in knowing how Morgan keeps her voice healthy. After all, traveling and performing night after night can really wear you down if you don’t take care of yourself properly.
“I basically just try to keep up a healthy lifestyle,” Morgan stated. “I don’t really do anything special for my voice, I don’t drink honey and tea or anything like that. I just try to take care of it.” She did happen to mention a video, The Art of Screaming, that she did find helpful.
Being that many Kittie songs contain a healthy dose of screaming, it was nice to hear her speaking without the slightest rasp. Speaking of screaming, I wondered how she handles those songs that have both singing and screaming at the same time. Morgan pointed at her sister, Mercedes. “She helps me. You’ll have to wait and see what she does.”
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Headbanging can really take its toll on the neck as well, and these girls can bang their heads with the best of ‘em!
Tara explained, “It takes three days for the sore neck to go away! But that doesn’t really help when you’re playing every night.”
Morgan added, “Yeah, you can really feel the knots night after night.”
Looking out the bus window, I could see a long line of people waiting to get in to the club for the show. I asked how it feels to see so much support, despite the fact that their music really doesn’t get a whole lot of exposure.
Mercedes answered, “I just hope they’re all here to see us!”
Morgan added, “It has taken a lot of hard work. It’s really cool that we’ve continued as a band for so long.”
The girls pointed out that the TV on the bus was broken.
“So you can’t watch Degrassi?” I asked, laughing. Tara gave me a surprised look.
“You guys get Degrassi here?” she asked, thinking Degrassi was purely a Canadian thing.
“Of course,” I answered, mentioning some of the characters.
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“The old ones are better than the new ones,” Mercedes said.
“I like the one where Cleode blows his head off, ” Morgan added. “That was so metal. Cleode was cool!”
With that, I tried to get them to talk to me with Canadian accents. While the girls are indeed Canadian, they don’t say “eh” after every sentence, and “aboot” is apparently a backwoods thing.
“What about ’sorry,” I asked, saying the word with a long “o” like they do on Degrassi.
“She says it like that,” Tara said, pointing to Morgan.
“Oh, really? I haven’t noticed,” I said.
“That’s because I haven’t had to apologize to you for anything,” Morgan said, quick with wit. So no Degrassi. What do the girls do to pass the time while on tour?
“Nothing really,” Morgan said, “we walk around, check out the food…” “Hang out on the bus, play guitar,” Tara added. “It’s kind of a detached lifestyle.” “But this is the life we chose,” Morgan continued, “and we’re lucky that we’re getting to do what we love to do.” So true. Not too many people I know can say that. I mentioned the fact that the songs on Funeral for Yesterday were heavier on the singing and lighter on the screaming. I wondered if that was planned.
“The music just comes out however it comes out,” Morgan explained. “We don’t plan on it to be any sort of way. We just do whatever we want to do. It’s not always about the screaming. Every song has a melodic element to it.”
I asked Morgan where the songs come from. What inspires her to write.
“Usually from some negative times in my life, from pain,” she explained.
“So you don’t write about flowers and ice cream?” I asked, jokingly.
“Uh, no,” she responded, laughing.
After getting a quick picture taken with the girls, I headed into the club to watch the show. I did notice the Kittie girls kindly allowing their fans to take pictures with them while the opening acts were performing.
When it was time for them to take the stage, I secured a place up front. Next thing I knew, Kittie took the stage, ferocious and feral. The drums were pounding and the hair was flying! The chemistry between the band members was awesome, and it was obvious that they truly were doing what they love most, creating music and delivering it to the masses with passion. Kittie blasted through many songs, old and new, including Witch Hunt, Breathe, Oracle, Funeral for Yesterday, and more.
Morgan’s voice was amazing, Mercedes did handle the back-up vocal duties quite well, both singing AND growling. Around halfway through the set, Morgan said to the crowd, “this next song is about flowers and ice cream!” That truly made my night special, and I’ll always be very appreciative of it. After the last song, the crowd cleared out, except for a few stragglers sticking around to get a picture taken or an autograph, which the girls were happy to do.
Then they were off to the next stop on their tour, where they will create even more memories for their adoring fans.
Over the years, Kittie has endured a lot of setbacks, such as line-up changes, label changes, personal issues, and so forth. Lucky for us, these girls know how to channel the negativity and transform it into something wonderful. So we know that if there are any more negative times coming up in their lives, another great Kittie album will soon follow.
Hero’s Last Mission
Believe The Hype
Spending a good portion of my weekends at the Boardwalk in Orangevale, I happened to be there to see Death & Revenge, 5 Second Rule, Wake up Addy, Forrest Day and Hero’s Last Mission. The show was a fun mix of people, as most of the bands were buddies with each other, making the vibe there that night very chill. There weren’t a ton of people out because the show had been moved. Regardless, Hero’s Last Mission had a good time. I wasn’t able to track down their drummer Mike, but did corral (band guys are amazingly similar to cattle sometimes) Matt, Luis, Lee and Alex outside the band load in door of the boardwalk to answer some questions about what’s going on with the band lately.
 Alex |
Since Lee and Luis are twins their voices sounded almost exactly the same on the tape. That was fun to figure out. Fortunately that also lends to flawless harmonies.
Fringe: I have known you guys for a while and the coolest thing about that is seeing you guys grow as a band and as songwriters, so tell me the biggest thing you have learned musically as a band?
Luis: Just have fun with it. If you aren’t having fun, what are you doing?
Fringe: I mean musically? Songwriting, that stuff?
Luis: Just have fun with it.
“I’d say the biggest thing we’ve learned is that a song is not just about cool guitar riffs; it’s about what is best for the song
Luis: How everything helps each other. It’s not necessarily keying in on one thing. How the guitars accent with the drums…
Matt: Yea just how to arrange things as multiple instruments not just write a song on your guitar
 Lee |
Fringe: You guys added Alex a while ago playing both bass and keyboards.
Are you going to keep it that way or get another bass player?
Luis: For the time being yes, but who knows what could happen in the future.
Lee: We are an ever growing band
Alex: Evolving
Lee: YES! That’s way better, use evolving.
Matt: Kind of like the human race.
Fringe: Whoa. So I know that you guys went through a few drummers, and now you have one of the best drummers out there drumming for you guys, Mike Johnston. How the hell did you get him to join the band?
Lee: Hey I haven’t gotten to say anything yet! He filled in a show for another band and we were at the show and we were just talking…
Matt: Luis and I actually talked to him, Lee was like… No I don’t wanna go to the show. I don’t care about our band I don’t care about life. I don’t care about anything
Luis: Yea he’s like; I dyed my hair black, fuck it.
Matt: I am just kidding Lee keep going…
Luis: Actually you probably tell this a lot better since I wasn’t there…
Matt: Well me and Luis went up to him after the show and we asked him if he’d be down to do some tracks on our CD and he said send me the demos. Then Jack and Jared told him that we were a good band. I showed him the demos and he liked them a lot. We just got along with him really good, and he ended up clicking really well.
 Luis |
Fringe: Why haven’t you put out the new songs yet?
Alex: Actually one more thing about Mike Johnston. I think that Harry Potter really brought us together.
Luis: Yea really, it’s all about Harry Potter…
Fringe: Don’t change the subject. Why haven’t you guys put out the new songs yet?
Matt: Well, we are trying to hype everything up again because we have only played like four shows this year.
Lee: Because we have been in between drummers.
Matt: Our last show with Greg was January 6th and since then we have played a show with a different drummer every couple of months…until now.
Lee: So it’s really hard to get something going…
Matt: The lineup is all finalized now, we might actually go record some more in a little bit… but we are mainly finalizing the artwork.
Luis: Trying to decide a release date.
Fringe: Tell me about the gear you guys use….
Luis: Well… I play a guitar. While I am on stage. I also sing once. Or twice.
Alex: I use my vocal chords.
Fringe: Okay, okay, I shouldn’t have asked that question…How about I ask a specific question. Matt, you were going to get an Orange head and you didn’t. Tell me why not, and what you got instead.
 Matt |
Matt: I bought a Buddha instead.
Fringe: Is it enlightening?
Matt: It’s cool. I am kind of weird about amps though. This is the 5th guitar head I have had in the last couple years
Lee: He is kinda picky
Luis: I have only had one.
Matt: Yea Luis has had one; Luis is a much happier person than me.
Fringe: So I know that you guys have an interesting sense of humor, tell me one of your favorite jokes… Luis: : Okay, so we were driving home, it was like, 4 in the morning.
Matt: This isn’t our favorite joke though.
Luis: Is it?
Lee: It’s not my favorite joke but it’s my favorite story.
Alex: No one else will find it funny…
Fringe: Just tell me the story! I want to hear the story.
Lee: Well it’s funny to us because we were driving for hella days.
Matt: Oh you’re talking about when we were driving back from Texas?
Lee: Oh f- - - , yea!
Fringe: So what happened?
Lee: Oh man it was so funny.
Matt: It was the hardest I have ever laughed in my entire f- - -n’ life
Luis: So we were on the subject of what would be the craziest thing to ever see.
Matt: Kinda like when you are watching real TV or something. People get injured and then they show it in slow mo.
Luis: If you can imagine, when we were driving we saw a lot of semi trucks, because they were the only thing that was on the road at the time, and we came up with this idea… what would it look like if you saw a person get run over by a semi truck and have their neck snap backwards.
Matt: Wait, let me supplement, imagine they fall say, out the door of their car and there is a semi in the next lane and they land on the ground and they look up just before an entire line of tires, so 9 of the 18 tires of the semi is about to smash them and they look up so the front tire catches their head and smashes their head…
Luis: Then all 9 tires run over this person
Fringe: So what happens?
Matt: So the ending result is this…
Luis: The guy gets up and walks away, and the truck driver dies because he crashes, in a ball of fire.
Matt: The truck driver loses control.
Lee: Loses control and dies.
Luis: The best is the reaction….the reaction. Alright all of us together have to make our reaction of what it would look like if all of us saw that. Ready? 1, 2, 3…
At this point, the entire band screams. Halfway between an “oh my God a straight yell.”
It is very hard to describe this, but if you see the band at all at a show, ask them to show you. It’s worth it. I found it quite amusing. I asked them to plug some of their upcoming shows and they mentioned their Oct 20th show at The Boardwalk with Trackfighter. The interview had come to an end, but they didn’t want to stop. So they started to ask me questions….it got into the subject of being hyphy to which they replied that they have had high fevers before. And headaches. Hero’s Last Mission currently has new songs up on their myspace. That is pretty much the only way to hear them as of right now until they finish their artwork and put out the CD. Spread the word! Keep checking up on them atmyspace.com/heroslastmission.
In This Moment
With Chris Howorth & Maria Brink
When I was informed that I was going to be able to sit down with ‘In This Moment’ I was more than thrilled. They are a band that truly impressed me at Ozzfest this past summer, and had an album that was from start to finish, intriguing, to say the least.
This past September 11th I walked into the Warfield in S.F. with a Megadeth press pass on my chest and was escorted back stage to sit down with In This Moment founders-guitarist Chris Howorth and vocalist Maria Brink. As I was waiting for them to finish their dinner I caught Dave Mustaine out of the corner of my eye and all of a sudden I felt a sense of excitement to be in the same room with him. I had to remind myself that I was there to do a job.
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Since last May when the full Ozzfest line-up was revealed to the public, to just a few days ago when it was announced that In This Moment would open for the Ozzy and Rob Zombie tour, In This Moment has had a summer and fall to never be forgotten (and to envy as well). Talking to the band I could tell that they were so excited. All of their dreams were rapidly coming true. Ozzfest, now Megadeth, and then the fall Ozzy/Zombie tour… They are one of few bands that Century Media Records has been pushing heavily since the departure of Shadows Fall: and rightfully so. Maria’s vocals are absolutely ferociousand even more so live. Mixed with a very melodic, rhythmic band backing her up, In This Moment is able to mix several genres of music together. I was proud to be able to sit down with Chris and Maria before the show. Fringe: On Beautiful Tragedy being the new single, …”It’s a little bit less Metal than most of the album, so it was a bit of a surprise to me…”
Chris: “That’s why we decided to release it as our second single, because it is a little less metal and we can push it on radio, be a little more accessible. Cause you know my guitar is on the same setting for every song on the record, and it’s all metal.”
Fringe: “Obviously jumping from SoCal to getting signed on Century Media and then Ozzfest…how was that experience for you guys?”
Chris: “It’s still going man. It’s been a roller coaster for us once we first wrote the songs and got the band going. We knew we had to tour by ourselves. We got a van. I sold my truck. We all quit our jobs and went on tour. Ever since that point, it’s been a continuous progression of building. We started off the year with the record done, touring with Kittie… Went to Europe already, then Ozzfest, now Megadet. Main support is like a dream come true man. I don’t know how to describe it.”
Fringe: “It’s a surprise to me to see Century Media push you guys the way they are. They are a great label for a lot of bands that are starting out, Shadows Fall for instance…Why do you think they are pushing you more than a lot of others right now?”
Chris: “I think what it boils down to is that they signed us because they don’t have a lot of bands that sound like us on the label, and they thought it might be something different and they can market it a bit differently. They do have Arch Enemy. We also have a really great management team. They’re very active in everything and have a good relationship with the label. They’ve been really supportive of every step that we’ve taken so far as a band.
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Fringe: “So none of you guys have any jobs back home? You’re just constantly touring?”
Chris: “We’re not rich or anything. We’re not making any money yet, but we hope to. This is our living so we don’t have to do anything. We’ve just been touring non-stop so we haven’t had a chance to have jobs. We were touring most of the year. We stopped to make the record because we knew we had to go out again. This year started with touring. We’ve had a total of maybe 3 weeks off spread out throughout the entire year. Other than that, it’s been on the road doing shows.
Fringe: “How exciting is this really? I mean touring Ozzfest and now Megadeth….”
Chris: “The festival experience is something we have never done before. It’s a crazy awesome fun adventure going from the festival to Megadeth. Megadeth is an awesome band. It has got a big production. It’s the coolest tour we’ve ever been on. I’m a huge Megadeth fan, and seeing Dave Mustaine and watching them sound check: I’m just having to pinch myself man. It’s crazy…”
Fringe: “I have to admit, when I saw Dave Mustaine walk around the corner, I….”
Chris: “He’s one of the coolest people. He has completely welcomed us in. No attitude. He’s just taken care of us, making sure everything’s good and couldn’t be cooler.
Fringe: “The sound is a lot different from a lot of things that are out right now. I hear a lot of different influences, but I’m not even going to sit here and say what I think your influences were. What were some of your influences coming into this?”
Maria: “I’m influenced by so many people. I love Tool. I love Sarah McLachlan, and I like Pantera and heavier things, and Metallica. I think for me everything’s from one end all the way to the other.. I think that’s why some of it (talking about the new album) is so heavy and some of it goes pretty….it’s like wait, I’m losing my mind! But he’s (talking about Chris) the metal man…”
Chris: “I love that title. I love metal too…but her and I have this combination of making up our sound and making the fights be over metal, over melody. I love melody too. I was into all the 80’s bands and there’s always singing and guitar work, I like that too. But Pantera, Testament, Slayer, Metallica, Megadeth, you know all these bands are big influences on me.
Fringe: “The name, In This Moment, reading the story about how it all started for your guys, is there any kind of story behind the name or is it just one of those names where your kind of like, eh f*** it, sounds good?”
Chris: “It did pop in our heads pretty quickly. It was before we even wrote the first two songs, before we really even had a full band assembled. Maria and I wrote two songs on a four track and then I was in a band with Jeff (drummer) and he kind of came in and helped us out with drums and stuff. But we were like, what are we gonna call the project. So let’s call it, ‘In This Moment’ because that’s what it is. We’re doing it in this moment-right now. Everything kind of tied together. Unbeknownst to us the song names just kind of fit everything. So I don’t know, it just kind of fits the whole outlook of the band. We didn’t really mean for it to be that way but it just ended up being that way. Every single band I’ve ever been in, we’ve always associated it with something dark or metal like Deadset, or Sick This, all these different names like that. This is the first band I’ve really been in that the name doesn’t have any kind of negative connotation in it. It’s kind of just a positive type thing.
Fringe: “What’s the plan after this tour? Any other big tours in the works?”
Chris: “I am not at liberty to announce who it’s with yet, but it should be like sometime this week. I’ll give you a hint-it’s us and two other bands, it’s three months and it’s arenas of the full U.S. and Canada…” Fringe: “Ozzy and Rob Zombie…?”
Chris: “(Laughing) I can’t say. That’s a really good suggestion though….”
Fringe: “As a last question. And I’m always surprised by this question. Name three new albums that are just blowing you away, besides yours?”
Chris: “This is pretty easy for me. The newest 36 Crazyfists record is amazing. Ankla, their record is sic. They’re such good dudes, and they kill it. They killed it every day at Ozzfest. And uh, 3 Inches of Blood, the new Fire Up the Blades, I’ve been listening to that on my Ipod and I’m really diggin’ it. I love they’re sound, they’re style, the way they are kind of taking it back a little bit 80’s wise and the vocals are really killer.”
I want to go ahead and thank Chris for giving me his time and I guess I am more of a psychic than I thought, seeing as they are opening on the Ozzy/ Zombie tour this fall. If you ever get a chance, I suggest getting out there and checking this band out because whether you’re into metal or rock or even Sarah Mclachlan, you may find this to be a breath of fresh air!
Horrorpops Strike Sac!
By Brandon Caylor
Dressed in all black, covered in tattoos, and sporting a slick, high, “kool flattop,” Necroman looks the part of the dangerous rebel, which is perfect for his band, the Horrorpops. The band itself has a rebellious attitude, in the fact that they make the music they want, however they want. They won’t be categorized into any single genre. The Horrorpops, now a three piece band, consists of Patricia on stand-up bass and lead vocals, Nekroman on guitar and backing vocals, and Niedermeier on drums and backing vocals. And of course the band would not be complete without their ghoulie go-go dancers, Rita-tah and Tweek. Together they create raw, entertaining rock and roll music with a punk attitude and a psychobilly twist. Their songs are upbeat, fun, and as catchy as a cold in winter! Hanging out with Nekroman and Niedermeier before their show at the Boardwalk, I had the opportunity to chat about the band, and other things. The Horrorpops, originally hailing from Copenhagen, Denmark, are now certified Californians. When, and why did the band make the move? “This is where it’s all happening!” Nekroman explained. “There’s no scene back there. We’ve been in Los Angeles for about five years now. “And the weather’s nicer, too.” Niedermeier added. If you happen to wander over to the band’s MySpace page, not only will you be treated to some episodes of Horrorpops TV, but you will also happen across a collection of photographs of fan tattoo art. I asked if it was cool to see fans with the Horrorpops tattooed on themselves. “Hell, yeah!” Niedermeier said. “That’s what it’s all about, man!” And speaking of tattoos, this band has plenty of ‘em! I asked about a few. “He did this one,” Niedermeier explained, showing me his arm and pointing to Necroman. “You mean you trust this guy with a tattoo needle?” I asked, jokingly. “Oh, yeah! He’s great,” Niedermeier assured. “He’s done some of his own, too.” I had to ask Necroman about that. “You mean you tattooed yourself?” He just nodded. Ouch! The band’s current tour is still in support of their latest release, Bring It On. Not to worry though, there is a new collection of music on its way. “The new CD should be out in February,” Necroman explained. And the title? “It’s going to be called ‘Kiss Kiss, Kill Kill’,” Niedermeier stated. “It’s being recorded in Hell.” “That’s the name of our studio,” Necroman said. “It will sound more like the first album, but a bit more diverse.” They wouldn’t go into too much detail, but there were a few little hints. “There’s a little ode to a place over where Patricia and Necroman grew up,” Niedermeier said. “There was an old children’s home. A lot of kids grew up there. We went back there recently and the place was just gone. It’s just not right,” Necroman lamented. “So there’s some stuff like that on there, and some other surprises as well. You’ll just have to wait until February,” Niedermeier said. “Being on the road a lot, what kind of music do you guys listen to?” I asked. “Everything,” Niedermeier said, “music is our lives!” “Everything, huh?” I asked. “So you listen to a lot of Chinese rap?” “No, nothing like that!” Niedermeier laughed. “But anything from Dolly Pardon to Motorhead.” Some of the band’s songs are of the dark ilk, hence the name. I recently read somewhere that Patricia doesn’t even like horror movies. “That’s true,” Necroman explained. “She can’t watch them. She gets these really intense, insane nightmares. I really have to start writing songs about them.” “So what’s your favorite horror film?” I asked. “I like the original Nosferatu film,” Necroman said. “It’s creepy.” “Debbie Does Dallas!” Niedermeier added. I gave him a strange look. “No,” he warned. “Don’t write that! That movie is terrible. What I meant was that it’s so terrible that it’s scary!” Yeah, sure. I’m sure he probably owns the extended Director’s Cut DVD. Back inside the Boardwalk, the fans were getting restless. When the road crew guy brought out Patricia’s huge stand-up bass, the crowd cheered. The lights went down, and out came the band, wasting no time in blasting out their surf instrumental, Horror Beach. The dancers then joined them on stage, creating a high energy festive atmosphere, singing backup to Freaks In Uniform. Niedermeier was an animal behind the drum kit, and Necroman was running around all over the place, never keeping still. Patricia owned the stage, slappin’ the bass like it was nobody’s business. The band stormed through seventeen songs from their first two CDs, including Julia, Ghouls, and my personal favorite, Walk Like a Zombie. Towards the end of the set, Patricia shouted, “It’s really hot up here, so we’re going to just forget the whole ‘walk off the stage and come back for an encore’ thing. We’re just going to do it all right now!” The crowd appreciated that, as it truly was like an oven in there. Yeah, it was definitely hot in there. It’s not surprising though, judging by the amount of energy these performers put out there. Necroman had sweat pouring down the tip of his nose after the first song! But alas, the show did come to an end. Necroman and Niedermeier hung around to sign some autographs while Patricia retired to their bus, not feeling well. Then they were off to the hotel before heading down to Santa Cruz for the next stop on their tour. For those of you that missed the show, have no worries, for they will be back on tour once the new CD is released. Hmmm…that’s only four short months away. Hopefully it’ll go by fast.
Photo by Kevin Graft
Photo by Kevin Graft
Photo by Kevin Graft
Photo by Kevin Graft
Vacaville’s Missing Scene, Part II
Part Two: What It Currently Is And What It Could Be
MORE: Vacaville’s Missing Scene, Part I
Red Host: The Storytellers
By Eric Davis
The first time I saw Red Host was about a year ago. A friend and I drove up to Old Ironsides in Midtown so that I could do an interview with singer/songwriter, Mike Sparks, with his newest project, Bridges, right before his big move to Seattle. Mike was gracious with me in two ways. When we got to the venue he let me bum a few cigarettes and then, he said “Dude, you have really got to check out the band playing with us tonight.” So, being the type who loves to discover new music and that one of my favorite artist suggested it, I couldn’t help myself. Even before I heard the low hum of Red Host’s amps warming up or the unamplified twain of their strings being tuned, I felt something. As Chelsea Wolfe (vocals, guitar) Jess Gowrie (drums) and Ian Bone (bass) started into their set, I realized what that “something” was, it was swagger. Their sound was rock and roll tales of pain, torment, and the yearnings of otherwise healthy hearts. It was the sound of what happens when you emotionally torture a pretty young thing, who then turns her suffering into a beautifully crafted sonic sword and kills you with it. Their music was a thick vapor that is created when cool, deep, sensual waters meet the ravenous fervor of fire. Red Host sounds the way you would think a three piece would sound. As raw and as smooth as tattered silk. Chelsea’s voice and guitar work were beautifully vexed. Her words clear, graceful, and full of charm along with injury. Stories of being seduced only to be destroyed. The forceful combo of Jess’s drumming and Ian’s bass playing where a perfect match for Chelsea’s slow yet tremendous builds and breaks. Their music is the type of construct you get on the first time you hear it, and it’s undeniable that what your hearing is good, even if it’s not your cup of tea. If you didn’t like, it wasn’t because they sucked. Bands like this are few and far between. Something the hipsters, the rockers, and “prove it to me” crowd all bobbed their heads to. It was great rock music from a great rock band. A reminder that the word “splendorous” can be used to describe a band and its music. Fringe:: Tell us about what you’ve been doing lately. Recordings, shows, Etc. Red Host:: Writing a lot, booking out of town shows, trying to find a damn trailer to buy, recording more songs soon to put together an EP. Fringe:: Your music has a great rock sound. Great moody hooks, vocal melodies and arrangements. As song writers do you think this is becoming more and more of a forgotten art? Red Host:: A lot of the music around right now has no soul. Music needs soul. Fringe:: A lot of bands seem to go though a morphing stage after they’ve been to together for some time. How has the band changed over time, or has it? What type of sound can people expect from Red Host as the band grows? Red Host:: we’ve been together for a year, we’ve gotten louder, and we’ve learned how to write together - we all contribute in ways you wouldn’t expect. But, we still want to diversify our sound and always be well-rounded. Fringe:: Singer/ guitarist Chelsea Wolfe has a really great solo thing going on as well as being in Red Host. How does she balance her time and artistry between the two projects? Red Host:: Well, Red Host is all of our main focus right now. She still writes solo songs, but that just happens anyway Fringe:: Where can people get you albums and other merch or just checkout your music? Red Host:: Come to shows! And sometime this year we will put out the ep and get it online and stuff. WWW: myspace.com/redhost
Dr. Phil Knows His Cheesecake
We ate cheesecake in bed together the other night, with one fork cutting through silky, delicious New York cheesecake ribboned with raspberry swirls, whipped cream pleasantly dappled on top, and a crunchy, dark chocolate, cookie crust. With a single napkin, no clothing on, and by candlelight, flushed faced, and breathing deeply and relaxed, we shared a rich dessert after a sweet time.
I usually pass on dessert. However this very sensual meeting had nothing really to do with physically consuming carbs and calories, the devil’s sequel to dinner, but was more a chance for me to add some super saucy romance into our already wonderful relationship (trying not to brag, and please don’t gag).
Romance has got to be the most confusing and misconceived realm of all relationships, right? Is it sex? Really good sex? The happy, swooning, fleeting chase of pre-commitment? Is it a bubble bath and chocolate-dipped strawberries and a surprised date on a hot air balloon in the Napa Valley? Is it having an affair with someone you never imagined? Wearing a new, lacy bra with matching, edible panties?
I say, why qualify the possibilities? Romance can be all of those things. The tricky part is deciding what types of romantic gestures fit your personality and which ones are completely out of the question. Maybe a little bit of time can justify certain ridiculousness. I doubt I would’ve been bringing any kind of snack to bed post-sex during our first couple months together. What if he spilled on my 600 count sheets and then rolled over in it because the lights were too dim for him to notice his carelessness? It would’ve been over!
In fact, now we are eating dessert in bed because we have been together for a while and the sweet little kisses don’t get the butterflies stirred up in the belly like they used to. The romance doesn’t come quite as easily and naturally like it did in the fresh beginning. So becomes the true test: Can you as a woman step up to the plate and become a romantic entrepreneur? Or do you choose to join the many, many, sad women out there in the world, complaining and bitching and hinting and suggesting to their boy friends, husbands, lovers how much they need, want, crave some damn romance but never get any?!
I was greatly educated one evening during a usual Dr. Phil episode. If only I found the great doctor to be even remotely, sexually attractive, what a world this would be! While munching on a tray of ice packed into a glass, in my underwear on the couch, Dr. Phil taught me that you must teach others how you want to be treated. This I took as meaning that teaching someone involves a lot of showing, a little bit of telling, and little to no discouraging. What’s so hard about asking for what you need or what you so badly want. Especially if you want it so badly that its wrongly affecting your relationship? I’m boggled at the exhausted big fuss about a girl friend taking the initiative and planning something romantic for her and her boy friend to SHARE.
Do we as women feel that it’s strictly the man’s place to charter the seas of the exotic, adventurous excitement of keeping things hot and sweet, reminding us that we are so appreciated and loved just because we are more emotionally needy?
Come on, women… give me a big break over here. We are being lazy, fussy, old fashioned, princess broads with too much time on our pretty, dainty hands to put our hands to productive work. Get creative, messy, out of control! Show your boy friend what it means to bring romance into the every day good things you already share together. He may not get it in the first lesson but the important thing, YOU will get what you need out of it.
One, Big, Happy Hookerfight!
While on my way to interview “Hookerfight” after their show at The Stag in Woodland, a music venue in the heart of an otherwise mundane town, I questioned whether I might be the only one attending this shindig- I was mistaken. A crowd outside the door proved evidence of a packed show. I walked in the club to find a wide variety of fans being served one dollar Pabst- with a dash of salt, as well as a healthy serving of some very upfront rock.
The band I was there to meet had just taken stage. The typical tinny sound that most loud bands might have in such a small bar was warmed by the mass of bodies grooving to the heavy sounds of Hookerfight.
U.F.C fighting was on the tv and I couldn’t have thought of more suitable programing to match the aggressiveness of this band. Their songs were short, but not sweet- they were anything but sweet.
Lead singer Brandon mistook the bar for a stage and climbed on top with the mic. As he gave a shout out to his home town of New Orleans, he has less than kind words to speak about our President who did little while so many who suffered in the wake of the disastrous hurricane that ravished his hometown. With heavy riffs that move every molecule of a body, with sheer sound waves, the music these four men played grooved its way deep into the core of every body in attendance. Alongside their music comes their stage presence, their rockn- roll attitude, and before I had said one word to them, before I had asked a single question, I felt as if I knew these guys.
After Hookerfight finished I made my way to getting to know them. They were drenched in sweat as if they’d just constructed a house in the summer sun. And while guitarist T.J. may sell homes in his off time away from the stage, these men wore the trophy of a well constructed rock performance. I gave them a few moments to gather their thoughts, went outside to catch my own breath. A “thick fog” of grooving metal still lingered in the atmosphere.
Once I sat down with Hookerfight I began to feel their sense of comradeship. I asked them how they all met and there were the obvious answers of “myspace ads” and “responses to Craig’s list postings,” but the band expressed the feeling that even while their coming together may have been a result of the internet, that this outcome was their fate.
“Hookerfight is my new family,” said Brandon who was raised by his adopted family and moved to McClellan airforce base far from his home in the south.
Bass player and newest edition to the group, Steve (A.K.A. “The Ayatollah of rock”) was coined “the missing link” by the band unanimously.
Everyone agreed that Steve meshed well and picked up the material quickly. Drummer Matt simply had one thing to say about Steve’s speedy integration into the band: “He just got it.” Steve quickly responded “Matt is honestly the best drummer I’ve ever played with.”
In April of this year these four guys completed their line up to become the “Hookerfight” of today. It’s hard to find a band that gets along so well. I asked Matt how long he’d been playing the drums. “Since 3rd grade,” he said.
I wanted to know just how many years, he facetiously said, “A long time.”
Their music may be serious, but these guys aren’t without a sense of humor. When asked what other instruments they played outside of their roles in Hookerfight, jokes and finger pointed insued.
“How would you describe your style of music?” I asked the band. Everyone jumped at this question and I could sense their musical passion.
Matt says, “It’s not your typical Sacramento sound,” and claimed “They are bringing back Bay Area groove metal.” The term “weight” was tossed around so I asked, “What do you mean by, your music has weight?” T.J. started off “It’s heavy, but that different kind of heavy.”
Brandon clarified “The music is so heavy that you feel as if your speakers can’t handle the weight and that they are about to break.” That summed it up so smoothly I downed that answer without a chaser.
T.J. mentioned, “There is an element of chaos in our music, but that’s what I love about it. Right when you feel like it all going to come apart is where the song lives.” “Like a train with no brakes,” Brandon elaborated with excitement in his voice. What a show that would make? Matt, a man of but a few potent words concluded: “After it’s all said and done, it will be the songs that will always speak for themselves.”
After hearing this band, seeing them live, and interviewing them I’ve got to say, there is a harmony in this group that is truly unique.
They have a chemistry that flows well into their music, song writing, and stage presence. I got to know Hookerfight and I recommend to go get a taste of some cultured heavy metal music from the south, and bring your groovy spoon- you’ll need it. .myspace.com/hookerfight
Spooky 101: Scaring Your Friends & Family For Cheap!
Now that Autumn is finally upon us, we can soon say good-bye to the hot weather, and start getting prepared to unleash the spookiness that lives within us all. Halloween is right around the corner, folks, so it’s time to prepare! There’s a lot more to being spooky than just wearing a lot of black and reading Poe. You have to be able to scare people! Halloween isn’t only about the treats, you’ve got to have the tricks too!
This is your lucky day, as I, the self-proclaimed Supreme Sultan of Spooky, have decided to bestow upon you some of my wonderful wacky wisdom. Giving your friends and family a little scare is fun, right? The secret to success is to give them something startling, when they don’t expect it. Here are five surefire tricks to help you fulfill your spooky desires. They are easy to do, and easy on the wallet as well.
The Spider. Most people I know are easily freaked out by spiders. Here is a great idea to get a scream out of those you love. My father shared this little gem with me a few years ago (I come from a rather unique family), and it works like a charm every time! All you need is a little plastic spider (buy a little bag of them so you’ll always have more to spare) and a piece of tape. Go into the bathroom and tape the little spider to the bottom of the toilet paper roll. (Make sure the toilet paper flips over the top) Now you’re all set. When your unsuspecting victim pulls on the toilet paper, a little surprise will come rolling over the top!
The Hand in the Toilet. I came up with this idea all on my own, and I got quite a laugh! What you need is tape, some dental floss, plastic or rubber hand. (You can get one at any Halloween store, or even a place like Walgreens or Target.) First, tie the dental floss to the longest finger on the hand. Next, push the hand to the bottom of the toilet, as if it is crawling out of the hole. Tape the other end of the dental floss to the toilet seat. Close the toilet seat. When your victim feels the need for relief, they will open up the toilet seat, which will pull the hand straight up toward them!
Saran Wrap on the Toilet. A friend of mine at work shared this with me. It is simple and effective. Simply place the saran wrap over the top of the toilet bowl. Be sure to pull it tight, so it isn’t obvious. I give you a warning on this one, depending on whom your victim might be, there could be many different types of reactions, or perhaps a small mess. (Trust me though, it’s worth it!)
The Shoes around the Corner. I’m sure everybody has jumped out from around the corner and scared somebody, right? Here is a different spin on that old classic. Take a pair of shoes and strategically place them so the toes stick out just barely around the corner. This way somebody would expect you to be hiding there, waiting to spring out. They’ll probably say something like, “ha ha, nice try, I see you!” But, alas, the joke will be on them when you come springing out from someplace else!
The Fake Body. Just for trick-or-treaters on Halloween, this old gag is sure to get them screaming! Put on some old, baggy clothes, and fill them up with newspaper. You might even have some hay or straw sticking out of the sleeves and pants legs, like a scarecrow. Put on a large pair of gloves, and a scary mask. Next, put a chair out on your porch, and have a seat. Sit yourself in a way that it looks just like an old pair of clothes stuffed with newspaper to make it look like a body. Tilt your head back a little, and be very still. When the kids arrive, the slightest move will get them running! I like it best when the “brave” kids poke me and say things like, “that’s not scary! How stupid!” Then…I jump up and chase them.
So there you have it. Hopefully I’ve gotten you in the Halloween spirit. Now it’s up to you to make them scream! I live way out in the boonies, so make them scream LOUD! I want to hear it, and share the joys of success with all of you! Happy Halloween!
Halloween Happenings
A List Of Frightfully Awesome Halloween Events
Sac Horror Film Festival • Oct.19-21
Colonial Theater 3522 Stockton Blvd. All Ages! Short films, feature films and music videos. Featuring live music, Zombie Beauty Contest, apperances by Tony Todd of Candyman and Tony Moran the original Micheal Meyers.
VPEF Halloween Ball • Oct 27.
City Sports Bar & Grill at Stars 155 Browns Valley Parkway, Vacaville. 2nd Annual VPEF Halloween Ball. Ticket holders will be able to celebrate Halloween with costumes, Halloween decorations, food, and entertainment by local band Gray Daze. Attendees must be at least 21 years of age. Tickets are $75 per person. For ticket information contact Jamie Hearn at 707-446-3761. Tickets can also be purchased at Stars, 155 Browns Valley Parkway, Vacaville. This is an event that no one should miss!
Downtown Vacaville Halloween Stroll • OCt. 31 4-6pm
Vacaville’s annual Halloween Stroll takes place once again in Historic Downtown Vacaville along Main, Merchant, Parker, Cernon and other haunting streets for your costumed pleasure.. A fun and safe environment for children to trick and treat.
Spookomotive • Now- Oct. 28
California State Railroad Museum in Old Sacramento Just in time for Halloween–take a ride aboard the Spookomotive, decorated with spiders, cobwebs and festive cornstalks, and staffed by a “skeleton” crew. Rides depart Saturdays, Sundays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Continues through Oct. 28, $8 for adults, $3 for kids 6- 17 and free for children under 5
Boo at the Zoo • Oct. 31
The Sacramento Zoo 3930 West Land Park Dr. 4:30-8 p.m., $6 Kids can safely trick-or-treat and enjoy spooky entertainment, creepy creature encounters,
Governor’s Mansion After Dark • Oct. 26-27
Located at the corner 16th & H Streets, in Midtown Sacramento A fun-filled Halloween event for the entire family. Tour the Governor’s Mansion decorated for the spooky holiday “After Dark”. Currently “under wraps” for maintenance the Mansion will take on an eerie appearance as its white scrim glows. Be on the look out for an encounter with the Invisible Man-what Governor’s long lost relative tours the halls. Tours are available from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. For more information: (916) 323-3047 or www.parks.ca.gov/governorsmansion
11th Annual ‘Halloween Heroes’ Benefit At The San Francisco Exploratorium • Oct.29 6:30PM
Trick-or-treaters of all ages are in store for a night of thrilling sights, fun-loving frights and an array of delights when the Wender Weis Foundation for Children takes over San Francisco’s Exploratorium for its 11th annual “Halloween Heroes” benefit. Proceeds from this very special evening will benefit the Giants Community Fund’s Junior Giants Baseball Program and the Exploratorium Children’s Educational Outreach Program.
Jelly Belly’s Munchkin Masquerade •Oct. 28 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Jelly Belly Candy Co -One Jelly Belly Lane, Fairfield Little ones, dressed in costume, can join a parade through the facility, play games, dance to live music, and receive treats. Free. (800) 953- 5592, (707) 399-2268, www.jellybelly. com.
Harvest Days • Oct. 21 -29
50 Nut Tree Road , Vacaville The nine-day event features a pumpkin patch, a hay bale maze, carnival games, live entertainment, a costume ball, exhibitors, vendors, the “Great Pumpkin Cooking Contest,” a parade and much more. Refer to website for detailed schedule. (707) 450-0500, www.harvestdays. org.
Oct. 21 through Oct. 29. Oct. 22, 1-3 p.m.: “Halloween Parade.” Oct. 26, 6-8 p.m.: “The Great Pumpkin Cooking Contest.” Oct. 28, 6 p.m.-midnight: “Halloween Costume Ball.”
Haunted Haight Walking Tour • Ongoing.
Haight-Ashbury District, San Francisco The Haunted Haight Walking tour is an evening journey through the local “haunts” of San Francsico’s famous Haight-Ashbury district. Your host, a long time resident, ghost hunter & ghost historian, founder of The San Francisco Ghost Society will lead you on this two hour walking tour and lets you discover the many ghosts, and macabre history of Haight-Ashbury. Come learn all about ghost hunting and everything to do with parapsychology! Price includes a detailed guidebook with map and “spooky” goodie-bag filled with tricks and treats! Come join this unique tour and learn all about The Haight-Ashbury like never before! Call or make reservations online 415-863-1416 www.hauntedhaight.com
