March 2005 Volume 1 Issue 3 Blues ● Country ● Folk ● Hip Hop ● Rock

pronounced no-mah-so-nah

IN THIS ISSUE:
GODSMACK ◦ JAMES MONGTOMERY
MONGREL ◦ SPIDERBITERADIO.COM
MIKE HOLMES ◦ BLUES JAMES
TEAM 220 ◦ TAX TIPS ◦ MUCH MORE…
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 CREDITS
Publisher: Rig Painter Productions Editor: Marc Friedman Associate Editors: Jenn Mottram and Sswytch Blade Photos: Dante Parker, meg c.
Writers: Wayne Johnston, Don Gibson, James LeBoeuf, Andy Sicard, Marc Friedman, Shaun O'Brien,Adam Savage-Adalman, Rachel L. Cadran, Todd Walley, Emmylou, Shaun O'Brien, Matthew
S. Robinson, C. Siegel, meg c, Ronin Layout: Marc Friedman Cover Art by Kathie Olivas Logo by Tony C. Antinoro, Jenn Mottram and Marc Friedman

AD R ATES
Sizes are full page, half page, 1/4 page and 1/8 page $300, $175, $100, $65 for biz
$150, $100, and $65 (no 8th of page) for bands/musicians
Dimensions
7.5" x 10" - full page 7.5" x 5" - half page 3 5/8" x 5" - 1/4 page 3 5/8" x 2.5" - 1/8 page

NoMaSoNHa
c/o Continental Cobbler
6 W. Broadway
Derry, NH 03038
978-455-6371 friekman@hotmail.com

3
The Buzz Local Artist & Music News
To submit news items to be considered for print, please check spelling and grammar.
Poorly written summaries and press releases will be discarded or returned for revision.

Reflections’/LowellRocks.com Battle of the Bands

A summary as of February 20th of the Reflections’/LowellRocks.com Battle of the Bands
February 5 - BLUES/ROCK/JAM/FOLK
A Band Called Spike, Leesa, Rockville Coventry, and The Brew
First Place: The Brew Wild Card: Rockville Coventry

February 12th – METALCORE

Disorder By Design, Hand To Hand Combat, Manifest, and Shmog
First Place: Disorder By Design Wild Card: Manifest

February 19th - 90'S ROCK/INDIE

Audrey Can't Die, Indoor Recess, Plastic Cows Don't Moo, and Saturn Effect
First Place: Plastic Cows Don't Moo. Audrie Can't Die won second place but due to a rules violation, the third place Indoor Re-
cess advanced to the Wild Card round.

February 26th - PUNK ROCK/GRUNGE

On A Mission, Orange Level, The Virgin Suicides, and Twelve Tone Row
[No winner announced at press time – Ed.] www.reflectionslounge.com www.lowellrocks.com

Characters Pub Battle of the Bands

A summary as of week number seven of the Characters Pub’ Battle of the Bands by Wayne

Week 4: (Originally Jan. 6th but postponed due to the blizzard) Whiskey Thursday, Second Class Citizen, and Dead Center Uni-
verse hit the stage. Whiskey Thursday advanced.
Week 5: Semifinals show. Rattle Battle came out first playing a blend of "old school" ‘70s style rock and roll. Next was Spotless,
whose female singer belted out some good original material. However, the night was won by Distraught, who advance to the fi-
nals. They had the crowd moshing and screaming along with their heavy guitar riffs and deep vocals.
Week 6: "Second Chance" night. VOC ended up going to the semifinals.
Week 7: Makeup date for Jan. 6th. Worcester’s Risk Of Reality went on first playing rip roarin’ hard rock. They got the audience all
warmed up. Next was Vein Cage, a hip hop metal band also from Worcester. With two singers running around rapping to each
other, it was definitely a good show. Last, and following some tough acts, was Road To Nowhere From their first song to their last
they had the crowd screaming and jumping. Their great stage show helped to win the judges over. They won the night.
www.characterspub.com www.rdtonowhere.com www.blackoutfrenzy.com www.danteparkerphoto.com

Blackout Frenzy
Feb. 5 at Club Fuel

Jan. 28th finalists Road to Nowhere

Anthony, Wayne, Pete, Joey, and Lee
Chris from BOF Brad Matt
And
Photos by Scott
Dante Parker Chris and Rick (on drums)
dante@danteparkerphoto.com

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The Buzz Local Artist & Music News

Bluegrass/Country housing which will make for an incredible opportunity for jam-
ming and learning from one another. Guitar, violin, mando, bass,
The 20th Annual Joe Val Bluegrass Festival was held on accordion…all are welcome. Andrew Lawrence, Event Organ-
February 18 - 20, 2005 at The Sheraton Framingham, Framing- izer 413-268-9480 www.acousticguitarnetwork.org
ham, MA. For more information visit the Boston Bluegrass Un-
ion’s website atwww.bbu.org. Nashua Garden Bluegrass Open Mic/Jam is held every
Thursday Night from 9PM to 1AM. All players of acoustic instru-
Lowell’s alternative country sensation and Soda Pop Records ments are welcome - guitars, banjos, fiddles, mandolins, accor-
recording artist, Melvern Taylor, is recording his new CD with dions, washtub basses.... Most genres of music are acceptable,
The Fabulous Meltones at Wonka Sound in Lowell (978-453- including bluegrass, old timey, contra and other forms of tradi-
6300) with Sir Bob Nash manning the helm. tional music. However, this is really not a blues jam or
www.melverntaylor.com singer/songwriter open mic per sey.
The format is a presentation of music by a single group of
Leominster MA’s J.C. Fenwick's is under new management musicians with interchanging members. Musicians wanting to
and Sunday afternoon open country jamborees have resumed. participate should be able to follow along with basic chord
They are held from 3PM to 7PM. All singers, musicians, and full changes and be willing to lead a song or tune. (NOTE: Introduce
bands are welcome. Admission is $3. (978) 840- yourself to the band if you want to play - there's no sign-up list).
4845 www.jcfenwicks.com In the past, local bands "Ole Yeller" and "Hot Day at the
Zoo" have hosted/anchored the jam. Additionally they have
More J.C. Fenwick’s listings: played brief feature sets (without guest musicians). Upcoming
Admission to all events is $3. Open Country Jamborees admis- host bands will include "Thunderpants Johnson’s Hillbilly Or-
sion is $3, but guest performers are free. All shows are from chestra" on March 3rd, and the Contra Dance band the "Contra
9PM to 1AM. Banditos" from Groton, MA will provide Irish tunage on
March17th.
Saturday, February 26 Ronnie Breau and Nashville North
Future feature bands likely will include the local hot-picking
Sunday, February 27 Gale County hosts Open Country Jambo-
bluegrass superband “Monadnock” and the driven American
ree
Stringband music of “Low Roller.” email: a_sicard@yahoo.com
Saturday, March 5 Lincoln County 9PM for more info.
Sunday, March 6 Cabin Fever hosts Open Country Jamboree
Saturday, March 12 Inside Straight Gene Sibley’s open mic listing:
Sunday, March 13 Rachel and Western Partners host Open • Tuesdays at the Brick House in Dover, NH. 8PM – 11PM
Country hosted by Gene Sibley.
Saturday, March 19 Nashville Blue • Wednesdays in Concord, NH at The Barley House hosted
Sunday, March 20 Dave Pike and the Good Ol' Boys host Open by Steve Naylor. 8PM
Country Jamboree • Wednesdays in Dover NH. Ron Jones Electric Jam at
Saturday, March 26 Goldrush Three Main Street
• Wednesdays in Dover, NH Curt Bessette's Open Mic at
Folk & Singer/songwriter Biddy Mulligans
Club Passim held its world famous Cutting Edge of the Camp- • Thursdays in Concord, NH at The Green Martini
fire: Wintertime Festival on the weekend of February 11. The • First Friday of every month Chris Bonoli hosts a blues jam
summer one is less than six months away. at Saydie's in Salem, NH
www.passimcenter.org/campfire Second Saturday Chris Bonoli hosts another blues jam at Capt.
Simeon's Galley in Kittery, ME
Joe Kowan will be playing Worcester’s Java Hut on March 10 at
9PM. www.discohog.com www.javahutma.com Mark Stepakoff has been asked to serve as one of the hosts of
the open mike at the Center for Arts in Natick. Hell be hosting
Located in the heart of northern Vermont's Green Mountains, the first Monday of every month. His first night was February 7.
the Northeast Heritage Music Camp celebrates the acoustic
music and folk dance traditions of New England and eastern Christopher Williams was invited to go on the road supporting
Canada. Attend camp this June for a week of music instruction Jars of Clay on their upcoming Spring Tour. www. christo-
by world class players from these great traditions, dance to their pherw.com www.jarsofclay.com.
music at our nightly contras, hear them in concert, and, if you're
so inclined, jam with them or fellow tunes-aficionados into the Experimental
wee hours. Sun. June 12 – Sat. June 18, 2005
http://northeastheritagemusiccamp.com Email: Wisteriax played O'Brien's in Allston, MA on February 7th with
Info@NortheastHeritageMusicCamp.com
local artists Thylacine.
Django in June June 3 - June 5th, 2005. Three days of jam-
ming, clinics and performances by world-class Gypsy Jazz play- NoMaSoNHa needs you!
ers, including the John Jorgensen Quintet and Stephane Wrem-
ble. This year, participants can stay in affordable on-campus friekman@hotmail.com

5
The Buzz Local Artist & Music News

Dance Rock
Sonic Joyride looses its founder, Chris Hobler
Twenty-year old Lawrence native, Chyno, released his debut
single "Cuerpo Con Cuerpo" (Body With Body) on February Sonic Joyride, originally Spam Paris, was founded in Milton
22nd. It was written by Chyno and produced by fellow Lawren- Mills in the early ‘90s. The band called New Hampshire home
cian, Jaa. www.CHYNO-Online.8k.com from its inception until 2001 when lead singer Chris Hobler
developed symptoms of ALS. The band members also started
Anomaly Records which was designed to sign acts from NH and
Bylli Crayone had an in-store signing on Friday, February 25 at MA.
The Borders at the Loop in Methuen, MA. Tour Dates for the Chris spent the last years in St. Louis was for medical rea-
Bylli Crayone Promotional Tour are: sons and to be close to family. His parents, brothers and sister
March 4: Interview at Party 931, South Florida Dance Radio reside in St. Louis, which is where Chris was originally from.
Coliseum Night Club - 2520 Miami Road, Ft Lauderdale, FL Sonic Joyride record many albums and performed their final
show in 2001. For media coverage of Sonic Joyride, including a
March 5: World Of Jimmy Star - 1940 East Broward Blvd, Ft music video, interviews on CNN, and an MTV follow-up, please
Lauderdale, FL - 5pm, Borders, 2240 East Sunrise Blvd, Ft see: http://rickreese.com/videos.htm. The last 4 videos on that
Lauderdale, FL - 8pm page are about the band. Chris Hobler's ALS web site:
March 6: - Swap Shop - 3291 West Sunrise Blvd, Ft Lauder- http://alshope.org
dale, FL - 3pm
March 12: Pride Fest 2005, Holiday Park War Memorial Audito- On February 25 SpiderBiteRadio.com & LFE Concerts pre-
rium, Ft Lauderdale, FL – 12pm – 6pm. (Performance) sented “A Tribute To Dimebag Darrell” at Raxx Billiards in Man-
chester, NH. The show feated members from Josh Logan &
In further news, Funusual World announced that Sirius Radio Nobody's Business, THYK, Q, and Thrust 13. All of the music
picked up Bylli Crayone's singles "Touch Me All Over," was from the Pantera & Damage Plan Catalog. All Proceeds
"Toyfriend," and "I Wanna Taste You" and Domenic Marte's benefitted VH1's Save The Music Program. The tribute was
singles "Ven Tu," "Ella Se Llevo Mi Vida," and "It’s Over Now" sponsored by Budweiser True Music & Sabian Cymbals.
for heavy rotation. www.BylliCrayone.com www.DomenicM.com
Cracktorch sponsored and played Fickfest, a benefit for their
Hip Hop “good friend and former bass player, Staci Fick” who was struck
by a car in a hit and run accident in mid-December, on February
On March 11th SNG Entertainment will be hosting the 5th at The Middle East Downstairs. The bands on the bill were:
DJ K-Low Holdin Us Down on the 1's and 2's in Manches- • Cracktorch
ter at The Underground. DJ K Slay will be featuring his • Jake Brennan and The Confidence Men
newest artist, Papoose, who will be “in the building doing • Lost City Angels
his thing along with a host of local celebrities.” $15 Cover. • Rock City Crimewave
Doors open at 9pm. For more info contact Dj K-Low at
• Antler
(978) 328-8983
• Bury The Needle
The Fitzgerald Hartley Company, one of the most re- • Codetta
spected artist management companies in the music busi- In addition to the show, there was a raffle. For pictures of Staci's
ness, announced the addition of hit pro- leg in "The Hoffman External Fixator," check out
ducer/engineer/writer Joey P. to their roster. www.thehonahlee.com/events/fickfest2005.html
Joey P. has worked with such acts as Ludacris, Seven- For those of you who didn’t make the show but still want to
dust, TLC, and jazz favorite Gerald Albright. Joey P. and help, you can donate money through Paypal www.paypal.com to
many of his clients have been honored with Grammy their email address cracktorchband@hotmail.com.
Awards and nominations. http://news.mach5prod.com. www.cracktorch.net www.myspace.com/cracktorch

Inscape Records and Hot 97.7 hosted Fat Joe & The
Terror Squad Featuring 360 Infinite.Music by Chubby
Chub & DJ Erkel on Friday, March 4 at Club Lido.
Boston rocker, Dave Alpert finished his new demo and played
his first solo gig in three years at TT the Bear's on February 7 at
the "Other Side of the Bear" Acoustic show.
Dave has also been played ZSid's RadioBoston show on on the
River, WXRY 92.5FM (Sunday, February 6, 10pm-
11pm). www.wxrv.com www.davealpert.com

Boston metalcore band, Back To Life, will release their debut

full-length album, Trials of the Awakening, on April 1st. It was
recorded/produced by BTL drummer Chris Tagliaferro in the
bands self-built studio in Wilmington, MA. The 10 track album
features tunes many are familiar with along with long-awaited,
never before heard new material including "Shrine" and the
band’s local hit single "Crystal Clear."
www.backtolifeband.com www.myspace.com/backtolife

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The Buzz Local Artist & Music News

The Buckners CD made Brian Mosher's list of Top 10 CDs of Russians At The Village. It was engineered and mixed by Ethan
2004. www.thebuckners.com Dussault at New Alliance Studios in Boston, MA. If you mention
www.razorcake.com/news_gossip/default.asp?ArticleID=435 this article to them at one of their shows the band will give you a
free copy. www.milossyndicate.com
Burden of Liberty debuted their new singer, Jake Farell, on
Saturday, March 5th at The Atrium in Worcester. Also on the bill Nancy Mroczek, PhD along with Lilac Ambush and Amber
were Cellblock One, Full Tilt, and Road to Nowhere Spyglass played a “Benefit Show for Cape Ann Animal Shelter”
(a no-kill cat shelter) at the Skybar on February 3. All of the pro-
The Crumb Sullivans debuted a new drummer and a new song ceeds from the benefit went to the shelter.
at The Paradise Lounge in Boston on February 16th.
www.TheCrumbSullivans.net Osprey Entertainment is seeking bands to contribute to the
health and stability of the local music scene by participating in
Dogfight is announce in early February that the leading national an on-going project titled Mass Production; collective works of
sports television station, ESPN had licensed several Dogfight the local underground. The series will consist of compilation
tunes to use for their broadcasts and highlight reels on ESPN as CDs that feature up to 10 bands per monthly volume in hopes of
well as sports shows on MTV. not only increasing the fan base of the featured artists but to
Dogfight’s new single, “Standing Still,” has been topping the foster the interests of teens and young adults in areas where
rock charts on the national cable music channel Music Choice. there are currently no venues which support the all-ages demo-
“Standing Still” also hit the national airwaves on the syndi- graphic. To take part in the Mass Production compilations or to
cated radio show “Hard Drive” with Lou Brutus. Hard Drive is be considered for future events, please contact Joshua La-
aired nationally on over 50 radio stations. Marche via email at OspreyEntertainment@hotmail.com or by
www.DogfightBand.com phone (978) 549-7077.
Fear of Flying played a birthday party for “Brian our Bass
Player” on Saturday, February 5 at The Hogs Trough Saloon in On Sunday afternoon February 13th, Pondering Judd released
Manchester, NH. www.thehogstroughsaloon.com Succumb to Hell at the Stone Church in Newmarket.
www.fearoflying603.com
Saturn Effect released their newly redesigned website.
FreightTrain played two free shows on February 25 and 26. www.saturneffectmusic.com
The first was at Evos Arts and the second was at Cambridge’s
Toad. VeinCage added their new guitarist, Mark Stoneface, at the
The Great Space Coaster, their first studio album, is now end of January and played the Characters Pub Battle of the
available in Newbury Comics and on their website. Bands semi-finals on Thursday, February, 24. They will be
They have also received radio airplay. Their songs have been headlining the Lucky Dog Music Hall in Worcester on Saturday,
played on 92.5 FM The River, 88.9 WERS, 100.1 WBRS, 91.5 March 12 the openers are Melodram, Halo Burn, The White and
WUML (Lowell), wjam.org, 91.3 WWUH (Hartford) and others. Drinkfist. www.veincage.com
www.freighttrainmusic.com
Boston emo darlings, Common Thrill played the Emergenza
Ill-Conceived is the new band featuring Chris Money (ex-Now Competition on Friday, February 25 at the Middle East Club in
Fragile Being), Charlie Fisher (ex-K-26), Derek Cormier (ex- Cambridge.
Scrye) and 2 new guitar players; John Clarke and Eric Austin. Emergenza is a widely respected international unsigned band
The band has a self-described, Pantera-meets-Tool heavy pro- competition that originated in Italy. It lines up several bands to
gressive metal sound and will be working with Steve Austin of compete against each other in major cities throughout the
Metal Blade Records fame. www.ill-conceived.com United States and Europe. The winner will play a huge concert
to be held in Germany this year as well as winning free musical
The Maxwells recently did a 168 Magazine promoted show. gear and invaluable international exposure! Boston band Fluttr
http://gotmaxwell.com won last year. www.emergenza.net
Common Thrill also gave out a free copy of their new CD to
Mongrel gave singer-applicant Drew Barker his trial-by-fire everyone who attended. Other bands on the bill were Paranoid
auditions at shows in January and February and he came Army, The Conspiracy, Malice In Leatherland, Saving Alca-
through with rave reviews. He is now their new vocalist. traz,The Jungle Boys, The Canucks, and Seduced by Madness.
Mongrel will be following up their February show with Hed(pe) The Common Thrill CD is now available at Newbury Comics and
& Dry Kill Logic by playing 3 three shows in March with Trash CDBaby.com. www.commonthrill.net
Light Vision (Acey Slade’s, ex-Dope/Murderdolls, new band);
3/11 at Club Fuel in Lowell, MA, 3/12 at The Hogs Trough Sa- Pete Weiss of Brookline, MA reports that “after over two years
loon in Manchester, NH, and 3/13 at O'Brien's in Allston, MA. of planning, fretting, construction, delays, etc., my new recording
They will then be opening for the legendary MISFITS (featuring studio in Vermont is complete, functioning, and hoppin'…The
founding Misfit Jerry Only, Dez from Black Flag, and Marky venerable 36-channel vintage Neve console that was custom
Ramone) on April 9th at Club 125 in Haverhill, MA for an all- ordered by the BBC in London in 1975, and moved to Zippah
ages show that will be the only MA/NH area performance on this Studio in Boston in 1994, has now found a home in the Green
run of their tour. www.MongrelBand.com and Mountain State. Last year it was taken out of Zippah and has
www.myspace.com/mongrel now been re-capped and re-commissioned. The new recording
space was designed by award-winning architectural firm Single
Milo's Syndicate, a powerful hardcore/metal band hailing from Speed Design (operated by the Hong brothers, John and Andy).
Allston/Brighton, MA, have recently recorded an EP entitled www.weissy.com

7
 Local Radio ASK RONIN - VOLUME III
Dear Ronin,
by Don Gibson I have heard it said that older (middle aged) musicians can-
not and should not be playing original music in clubs. I heartily
Lists are compiled based on how many times a band/song is played in a month. disagree. I have seen many veteran acts play some top-notch
music. What do you think?
Jade and Phil's LiveWire Submitted by James via LowellRocks.com
You’ve probably heard that said by some snot nosed eighteen
Band Song or Album Title year old who thinks his band is going to be the next Green
1. Down II Zero Disgraces Day and believes that the older guys are getting in his way.
2. DrinkFist Remind Myself There is certainly a place for older musicians and their origi-
3. Twist Of Fate Tattoo My Heart nals especially since I feel that the best songs come from life
4. Haloburn Falter experiences and most kids don’t have much to write about
5. Last Born Panacea other than partying and trying to get laid.
6. Paranoid Promise Made in Pain With the plethora of open mics in the Merrimack Valley
7. Rubikon Awaken there’s no lack of finding a place to play your songs. The
8. Stock Seven 387 problem is if you want to actually make money doing it. Very
9. Stoic Falling Into few originals bands are making any money in our area. In all
honesty, I don’t have a problem with that….it’s called paying
your dues.
Jade and Phil's LiveWire is on Saturdays from 12AM - 3AM on
91.5 WMFO (www.wmfo.org). Official LiveWire website: Dear Ronin,
www.jadeandphil.com. Do you think that a fairly drunk guitar player who's running
around the club doing laps while playing and trying to put on a
Email mp3s to jadeandphil@yahoo.com or mail CDs to Live show and get people's attention, may actually be a negative
Wire, 11 Fernald St., Lowell, MA. 01851 influence on the crowd and/or the club manager?
Submitted by BGF via LowellRocks.com
Strongarm Radio Well, that depends. Was the guitarist in question wearing a
pair of gray sweatpants and sweating like Kirstie Alley waiting
1. Burn In Silence Pure as Your First Day in the outdoor all you can eat buffet line in August?
2. Shadows Fall The War Within Truthfully, BGF, it depends on the club. If you’re playing an
3. Killswitch Engage The End Of the Heartache acoustic night gig in a restaurant, the crowd and the manager
4. Unearth The Oncoming Storm probably aren’t interested in theatrics. They just want to hear
5. Rubikon The Hollow Men music to dine by. If you’re playing a larger gig with a full band
6. Throe 6 Song Demo in a rock club, I would think that running around the club en-
7. All That Remains This Darkened Heart gaging the crowd would be welcome. There is absolutely
8. Invocation of Nehek Invocation of Nehek nothing worse than a bunch of robots standing on stage. I saw
9. Diecast Tearing Down Your Blue Skies The Cars back in the eighties and while a great group of musi-
10. Hour Cast Hour Cast EP cians with catchy tunes, they stood there like a group of au-
Strongarm Radio (hosted by Brian and Tom) is on Mondays dio-animatronics at a Disney park. Can you say B-O-R-I-N-G?
from 10PM – 12AM on 104.9FM WRBB ( www.wrbbradio.org). It’s situational, BGF. Be yourself and do what you think is nec-
essary to keep the paying customers happy and if the club
Email mp3s to strongarmradio@yahoo.com. doesn’t like it, don’t play there anymore.
www.myspace.com/strongarmradio
Dear Ronin,
Indie Flakes Cereal I'm seeing a lot of coverage for original bands these days.
More and more clubs are booking original acts than ever be-
1. Mittens fore. Do you think it's a real shift in the public's taste or more a
2. Audible Mainframe case of “perception is reality?”
3. Choo Choo La Rouge Submitted by bandfan via LowellRocks.com
4. The Sheila Divine I think it’s solely based on economics. Original bands are
5. The Texas Governor drawing almost as many people as the standard clas-
6. The Lyres sic/modern rock cover bands and the clubs have taken notice.
7. Rosie Huntress Most original bands are just happy to get a gig, any gig so
8. Swim Team they’ll take far less money (or none) while the cover bands
9. The Tampoffs expect a minimum to play. It’s a good thing for original bands
10. Dear Leader but just a bit of advice for those of you starting out in the origi-
nals scene; make sure you are ready before you start to gig
Indie Flakes Cereal is on Fridays 7AM – 9AM on WMFO out. Too many young bands make the mistake of learning six
91.5FM (www.wmfo.org). songs and then trying to go out and gig before the songs are
tight. This will generally cut your career short so practice,
email Don Gibson at Rockbostondon@yahoo.com practice and then practice some more.
Email Ronin at AskRonin@yahoo.com or go to Lowell-
[Don’t forget WUML - UMass Lowell www.wuml.org 91.5 FM – Ed.] Rocks.com and look for the “Ask Ronin” thread. You might get
a smart-ass answer in a future issue of NoMaSoNHa. You
might even get a straight answer, if the meds are working.

8
 a little rock, a little funk, a little jazz and it is all based on blues.
I feel that the best rock musicians are the guys that played
blues in the first place.
Who are some of your influences?
I have a lot of influences. “The Best of Muddy Waters” record,
the Junior Wells record “Hoodoo Man Blues”, and the early
Paul Butterfield stuff was my really big record influences. I
became a pretty good friend of James Cotton when I was in
my teens, as well as Junior Wells, when I was 19. I played with
John Lee Hooker. So those guys became my personal influ-
ences, especially James Cotton. I did stay in touch with both
John Lee and Junior right up till the end.
Wow! That’s some great company.
Yeah! You know, Cotton and I still do a lot of work together.
When he goes out my band backs him up. We have gone to
Europe together. The guys that really sat down with me and
spent time with me and show me stuff were Junior Wells and
James Cotton. To some extent, John Lee, but he moved out to
the West Coast. We were both living in Detroit during the riots
and we both ended up moving shortly thereafter (laughs). That
song, "The Motorcity’s Burning” that’s a great song.
So, as you have said, you were from Detroit originally.

Bringing It On Home
How did you end up out here on the East Coast?
I left Detroit fairly young to come to Boston University. I gradu-
An interview with James Montgomery ated from BU.
So you came to Boston to go school?
by James LeBoeuf Yeah, I actually was accepted to a few schools but I found the
Boston music scene to be really happening. That was the pri-
mary reason for me to come here. It was great to be accepted
Bay State blues legend James Montgomery left Detroit as the to BU, don’t get me wrong, but the fact that you had the Club
city was burning in riot and came to Boston to attend Boston 47, the Unicorn, the Jazz Workshop, Paul’s Mall, Psychedelic
University. He got that and at the same time he found a thriving Supermarket… I couldn’t believe it when I got here and looked
blues music scene. He is still here today, and is part of the stun- in the paper to see who was playing and there were like ten or
ning pool of talent we in New England are so lucky to have at fifteen big acts playing. In Detroit you had a few local bands,
our doorstep and maybe one or two national guys.
It’s most likely due to the amount of colleges and universi-
What was it that made you start playing mu- ties.
sic? “...it was eye open- That is why I think the blues is so big in
I had a radio show for quite some time, and I ing to see the num- New England due to the college scene. You
ended up interviewing over a hundred blues bring in a really eclectic group of people
artists. I interviewed everyone from Bonnie Raitt ber of people who and they end up staying around. This
and Koko Taylor to Dr. John and John Lee makes this area maybe one of the hottest
Hooker. It amazed me because about eighty claim they don’t like blues scenes around next to New Orleans,
percent of all of these people I interviewed had a the blues.” and Chicago.
similar story as mine. They were sitting some- I am finding out that there is a lot of
where, they were doing something and they great talent in New England. I am trying
heard the blues for the first time and it struck a very deep chord to get more people to understand this and take advantage
with us all. The thing that happened to me was that I always had of it.
been a rock and roll fan, I collected a lot of 50s R& B and rock, Believe me as an (blues) artist we appreciate it because we
but I saw this band, a jug band, playing real old style urban need all the press and exposure we can get.
blues. I heard it and I was like, “Woah! Listen to that!” That hit That leads to my next question, I don’t meet too many blues
me and after that I went out and got some Sonny Terry and then fans anymore, do you feel that the blues is in a slump?
I moved onto Muddy Waters then the Stones and The Beatles It’s always been cyclical. I remember talking to Tom Dowd, who
come along and you hear the blues influence there. But I feel produced my second record, and he produced Ray Charles, The
that is what happens to a lot of us, that one moment when the Allman Brothers, and I remember him saying that blues is a cy-
blues hits you and strikes that resonant chord. clical thing. It’s hard to say when it is coming or going. When
So, the blues has always been the style of music you were you get a guy like Robert Cray, or Stevie Ray Vaughn who
into? crosses over, it gives the blues a jolt. I think the Blues Brothers
Yeah, and like I say again Duke Robillard, Bonnie Raitt, Greg were instrumental as well in bringing attention back to the blues.
Allman, we all have that same story when it hit us. That jug band I think the base is a lot stronger than it used to be. I think we
that inspired me, I ended up joining them. One of the guys from have lost clubs and bands due mostly to the economy rather
the jug band ended up forming The Uptown Horns, who have than people love of the blues. People hear blues and they don’t
played with Ray Charles and the Stones and the like. The great really understand that it is the blues and they like it. There is an
thing about the blues is that it is the building block of almost all organization, The Blues Music Association, that helps pro-
American music. So as a blues guy, I can get out there and play mote the blues especially in the retail end. They did a demo-

9
graphic, I don’t recall the exact numbers, but it was eye opening
to see the number of people who claim they don’t like the blues.
You mention specific songs, especially songs used in TV com-
mercials, and people say “Oh yeah, I like that song.” They don’t
understand that these songs they love are the blues. I think they
just need to be more exposed to the music that’s all.
Definitely. Most people haven’t really heard enough to truly
say they don’t like the blues. They think of the blues as
maybe a guy sitting in a rocking chair, rocking back and
forth playing that same sort of rhythm.
Yeah, I think they do. I guarantee you, though, that you take a
person off the street and put them out in front of, say a Sheme-
kia Copeland show, they will come out amazed. Amazed and
saved! Any number of artists could change a persons mind.
Buddy Guy, Rod Piazza, as I said, the quality of blues players
out there now is stunning.
What do you have in your CD player now? What are you
listening to?
Well actually I am listening to Walter McCarthy, the Boston
Celtic guy. He has a great record out. It kind of depends on the
time of the day. The morning I listen to a little classical music
then, later in the day, I switch to blues and that stuff. I have a
CD I put together of all ballads by Dr. John and Delbert McClin-
ton. I also listen in my car early Paul Butterfield.
I recently bought “East West.” Great stuff.
Isn’t that a great record?
Knocks me out. Way back then they had a racially inte-
grated band.
I used to go see them back when they first came out and they
showed you that you could expand on songs. You didn’t have to
do what was exactly on the record. I saw them way back in 1964
before The Beatles. I think they are one of the most influential
bands in the history of rock and roll. People like Janis Joplin,
The Chambers Brother, Maria Muldair were directly influenced
by that band. They were one of the first bands I knew of that
had a little box on the back of the record that said “Turn This
Record up Loud” So you could hear what they were doing. I
remember as the first power band I can think of.
Are there any new artists out there you can think of that
impress you?
Yeah, artists like Deborah Coleman. I really loved her stuff.
There is a whole other generation of blues people out there.
Rod Piazza, Little Eddie… there are so many coming out now.
Shannon Kirkland is another one, really great. Derek Trucks
great player. Shemekia Copeland I think is the undisputed ruler
of the new generation. She is already as good as anyone could
hope to be.
About a year ago you put out a record, Bring it on Home,
anything new in the works?
I am working on a new record. The record I did with Johnny
Winter has been nominated for a Grammy.
Congratulations!
Thanks. When I am not playing with my band I play with Johnny
Winter.
That was my next question. Aside from the obvious talent
that you bring to the table, was the pairing due to Johnnys
health?
Not exactly. What happened was that we were talking about
working together for four or five years before we actually did. I
guess I have been in his band for two or three years now. What
I noticed when I joined the band was that he was seeing this
physician who was prescribing a lot of medications for Johnny.
All of these supposedly legitimate. You have to understand I am
the type of person who doesn’t take medicine. I don’t have any
10
in my house. I am involved in the New England Blues Society,
and we have festivals to raise money to provide healthcare for
blues musicians in New England….
That’s awesome.
Yeah, most of the time it’s free. So, I got Johnny in touch with
the head of that program, Dr. Larry Hovis, he’s the Chief of Staff
at Mt. Cedar Sanai. He said “Whoa, Johnny’s on some medica-
tion that works against the others he is on!” Eventually, I got
involved with dealing with Johnny’s health because I saw that it
would effect a pretty big change in his lifestyle. So eventually he
started dropping one med after another. He quit drinking and cut
back on his smoking. His health has dramatically improved in
the past year and a half and it show in his playing. People who
saw him maybe a year or two ago see him now and are stunned
at how much better he is.
Johnny Winter on a bad day will still knock your socks off.
(laughs) Very true. On a bad day he is playing better than most.
He is in a positive frame of mind and, of course, the Grammy
nomination only helps that.
Yeah, I didn’t even realize that you were nominated.
We are up against Dr. John, Keb Mo’, and Van Morrison.
It is quite an honor, win or lose, to be in that company. Are
you still the President of the New England Blues Society?
I am, but with my touring schedule I may end up just sitting on
the board eventually. I am also President of the Real Blues
Fest that does benefits for musicians and also for first time film-
makers.
I think it is great that you have this obvious interest in pre-
serving, supporting and furthering the cause of the blues,
just the fact alone that you helped Johnny Winter get him-
self healthy.
You know when I was about 15 years old I heard this Otis
Spann tune “You Can’t Let the Blues Die”. I said, “Yeah he is
right we can’t let the blues die!”
BLUES JAMS
Call ahead and confirm that the following listings are happening
Sundays:
Cantab Lounge
738 Mass. Ave, Cambridge, MA (617) 354-2685 9PM
Chicken Bone Saloon
358 Waverly St. Framingham, MA (508) 879-1138 7-11PM
Hajjar's - Weymouth, MA 6-10PM
Johnny D's - 17 Holland St (Davis Sq.) (617) 776-2004
Strange Brew Pub
88 Market St., Manchester, NH (603) 666-4292
Stones Public House
179 Main St., Ashland, MA (508) 881-1778
Wally's Café - 427 Mass. Ave., Boston, MA (617) 828-1754
Tuesdays:
Colonial Inn
48 Monument Sq. Concord MA (978) 369-9200 8PM
Thursdays:
Acton Jazz Café
452 Great Rd. Acton, MA (978) 263-6161 8:30PM
The Rynborn
Colony Mill Marketplace, Keene, N.H.
(603) 357-1313 9PM - 1AM
The Purple Eggplant
400 Bedford St. Abington, MA (781) 871-7175 9:15PM
 FOLK IN THE VALLEY
Resources for the singer/songwriter
by Andy Sicard and Marc Friedman

T
HIS MONTH’S FOCUS IS ON RESOURCES FOR THE LOCAL CD Baby is are largest seller of independent CDs on the web.
SINGER-SONGWRITER. SINCE THE TOPIC IS BROAD, VAGUE, www.cdbaby.com
AND ALL ENCOMPASSING, THESE LISTINGS SCRATCH THE
SURFACE OF WHAT’S AVAILABLE AND ARE NOT AN EN- Local College Radio Stations: see page 9.
DORSEMENT OF ANY PARTICULAR SERVICE OR PRODUCT. PROTECTING YOUR WORK
Special thanks to Theresa Condito from the Passim School of
Music for her contributions and thanks for all the positive feed- ASCAP (The American Society of Composers, Authors, and
back about January’s article. If you’ve got some information to Publishers) exists to protect the rights of music creators.
share, drop me a line at a_sicard@yahoo.com and we’ll try to www.ascap.com
get it into future issues.
BMI is an American performing rights organization that repre-
COMMUNITY sents more than 300,000 songwriters, composers and music
publishers in all genres of music. www.bmi.com
The Folk Song Society of Greater Boston is a non-profit or-
ganization. It is comprised of people who are interested in folk SESAC is a performing rights organization that has headquar-
music, its traditional origins and sources, and as its current ex- ters in Nashville and offices in New York, Los Angeles and Lon-
pression. www.fssgb.org don. www.sesac.com

Perhaps no other single music venue has done more to promote
the art of American folk music and songwriting than Club Pas-
sim (www.clubpassim.com). Its legacy is astounding. Joan
Baez, Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, Tom Rush, Greg Brown, Shawn
Colvin, Suzanne Vega, Bonnie Raitt, and Taj Mahal are just
some of the many respected artists who have played at and
were nurtured by Club Passim in it’s four decade history.
The Passim School of Music offers students of all levels study
in classes, private and semi-private lessons, workshops and
master classes.
There are some pretty cool songwriting workshops offered
this semester at Passim including one with Ferron, and one with
Nerissa Nields. www.passimcenter.org
VIRTUAL COMMUNITIES
Lowellrocks.com; one of Merrimack Valley’s virtual musical
communities, it Includes artist listings, a message board, links to
musicians’ resources, and information about local open mics.
Another online resource to watch out for is NHTunes.com. It
offers many of the same resources, but focuses on the state of
New Hampshire.
Songwriting.org is a message and lyric critique bulletin board.
It boasts over 1,500 registered members.
The MuseNote Songwriting Resource WebRing
(www.musesmuse.com/musenote.html) is a web ring that helps
songwriters find websites that are suited to their specific needs.
The Bluegrass Songwriter Chat Room
(www.bluegrassguide.com/chat_room.htm) is held on the sec-
ond Tuesday of each month. It starts at 7:30PM and lasts for an
hour or so. It is hosted by New Hampshire songwriter Rick Lang. And, of course, NoMaSoNHa Music Magazine. Send us your
The Songwriter’s Guild of America is a fantastic collection of
resources and information. www.songwritersguild.com
Singer/Songwriter Directory contains links to sites dedicated
to singer/songwriters. http://singer-songwriter.com
GETTING HEARD
Sam Bayer is a local songwriter who frequently plays local
open mics and other showcases. His website boasts a huge
and well updated list. www.sambayer.com
The Nashville Songwriters Association International protects
the rights and future of the profession of songwriting.
www.nashvillesongwriters.com
Click and Copyright is a web based copyrighting service that
makes safeguarding your musical works easy.
www.clickandcopyright.com
PUBLICATIONS
American Songwriter Magazine has been around for over
twenty years. It covers all aspects of songwriting, from inspira-
tion to publishing. www.americansongwriter.com
Onstage the live performance magazine for bands and musi-
cians. It provides interviews with industry people and stories on
all aspects of the music business. www.onstagemag.com
SongLink International has been around for over ten yeas and
provides up-to-date information on music publishing. Not only
does it act as clearing house/agent, but it also provides many
tips and tools. www.songlink.com
Performing Songwriter Magazine covers writing, performing,
and recording for songwriters and performers.
www.performingsongwriter.com
Independent Songwriter Web Magazine is a “web based
magazine for the aspiring independent songwriter.”
www.independentsongwriter.com
Singer Magazine is a great source of information about the
world of the independent singer and songwriter.
www.singermagazine.com
CDs to review and listings of your upcoming shows.

11
 STRINGS ATTACHED: An Interview with Mike Holmes
By Andy Sicard

Banjo Camp North – Class of 2003 © 2005 Panfoto LLC - www.panfoto.com

Mike Holmes, has performed traditional folk music at festivals, ‘20s in a jazz band with my father (on piano). He gave it to me
concerts, folk clubs, and workshops across the USA, in Europe, as a wedding present 41 years ago and I still have it and I am
and Israel. He sings, plays banjo, guitar, mandolin and auto- still married to the same woman -- maybe it's the banjo that has
harp. He has MC'd folk festivals around the country, including kept us together.
The National Folk Festival. Mike has recorded an “Old Time I also collect instruments and stuff that other people would
Mandolin” instruction album for Smithsonian/Folkways. He ap- consider unusual. I have a nice selection of concert quality in-
pears on recordings for Tradition, Folk Legacy and has pro- struments that I play, but the unusual instruments and ephem-
duced albums for Philo. He is an expert on the history of Ameri- era is what I collect. [Note: Check out www.mugwumps.com for
can stringed instruments and the publisher of Mugwumps maga- examples/images of unusual instruments and ephemera].
zine (now found online at www.mugwumps.com). Who’s building the best banjos these days?
Mike also organizes and runs Banjo Camp North which held There are many fine banjo makers today. Most, however, are
annually in Groton, MA. It is a weekend-long celebration of the making the same products with different ornamentation. Gib-
old time and bluegrass styles of the 5-string banjo. son® is making as fine a Mastertone® as they ever produced.
Most bluegrass players want Mastertones or Mastertone clones
Where are you from?
and that field is wide open. Stelling® has his own construction
I grew up in Boston across the street from Symphony Hall and I
design while Nechville® has carved out a niche for some for-
graduated from Boston Latin School in 1959 and went off to
ward-thinking players with his unique “Helimount” banjos.
UMass Amherst. After flunking out as a result of being bitten by
the folk music bug that was just taking hold, I started to give life Old Time banjo players are interested in a wide range of
on the road a try, but as Willie Dixon wrote banjo styles, and there are many vintage,
“I’m built for comfort, not for speed.” “I’m not trying to turn-of-the-century instruments still available
to them – unlike the Mastertone crowd who
convert anybody –
What was your earliest exposure to folk have a very small number of vintage instru-
music? ments to choose from. For new makers of old
It was Pete Seeger doing a concert at the just increase their time banjos, I like those made by Will Fielding
weekly square dance in Welfleet, MA circa
1957, where I was teaching swimming for the musical vocabulary.” and minstrel style players Jim Hartel is tops.
and Lo Gordon. And for Civil War reanactors
summer. I had heard the Weavers on the ra-
dio earlier, but Pete’s concert was my first exposure to live folk Is it true that Boston is famous for banjo manufacturing?
music and to the banjo. In my opinion, and that of every right-thinking, knowledgeable
Could you talk about bringing the National Folk Festival to banjo collector, Boston produced the most banjos and the best
Lowell, MA? banjos, hands down. There were many makers here building
That actually happened after I left the National Council for the outstanding instruments, with those made by A.C. Fairbanks
Traditional Arts, but while I was chairman of the NCTA we set and by W.A.Cole the best of the best. Fairbanks & Cole were
the National Parks as one of our music presentation goals and partners for 10 years, but it wasn’t until each went his own way
Lowell was the first urban National Park. It is fortunate that we that they did their best work. There were also Thompson &
were able to get in on the ground floor of planning for the park. Odell, J.C. Haynes, Gatcomb & others. Later, Fairbanks was
I know you are a collector of instruments, could you talk bought by Vega who continued the tradition of high quality, even
about that? in their student level banjos. There was a lot of cross-fertilization
Over the 40 years I have been playing I have had the pleasure and sharing of materials and workmen, or if not outright sharing,
of owning just about every top-of-the-line model of guitar, banjo movement back and forth between companies.
or mandolin. I have never been comfortable keeping a lot of Tell us about the music camps you’re running over in
concert quality instruments out of circulation so I guess you Groton.
might say I am a "serial collector." I also feel that I provide a Banjo Camp North is the oldest. This will be its fifth year. Two-
half-way house for sick instruments. I find them, restore them to hundred from around the world come to study and jam with thirty
health, get to live with them for a while, and then pass them of the best 5 string banjo players in the world. Old Time Music
along to others to play for another 50 to 100 years. My favorites Camp North is in its fourth year and has the same format as
are the turn-of-the-century Fairbanks 5 string banjos, the style 3 BCN, but with an emphasis on the traditional Appalachian and
Orpheum 5 string banjos and the Artist Model Gibson Mando- rural country music, square dance, and string band that predate
lins. I have a 1952 Martin D-28 guitar that I bought used in Bluegrass. The concentration is on learning to play music with
1964. Despite all the other guitars I have owned, it's the one I others in a group setting.
have favored and kept. My banjo is one my uncle played in the Mandolin Camp North is the newest venture, geared towards

12
the various uses of the instrument, with the heaviest concentra-
tion on bluegrass, traditional fiddle tunes, new grass, jazz and
some ethnic styles. Mandolin seems to be emerging as a lead
instrument in country, rock, folk, and singer/songwriter re-
cordings. MCN will give players a good grounding in the instru-
ment, preparing them to jam or record with a wide variety of
styles.
What advice would you have for someone, say a rock musi-
cian, wanting to explore playing traditional music.
Buy Earplugs. Seriously, hearing damage is a big problem
among rock musicians, with as much as fifty percent hearing
loss after only a few years. What was the question? Oh, yeah,
any opportunity to expand one’s chops and to learn something
new has to be a bonus. The people I’d like to see come to
OTMCN or MCN are the large number of singer/songwriters
who would like to improve their playing – those who want to
present their songs with better backup. Most performers in that
genre that I have seen have a very limited playing style. We can
give them a wider range of styles to choose from. I’m not trying
to convert anybody – just increase their musical vocabulary.
What plans do you have for the future? Are you working on
any musical projects?
My new project is Mandolin Camp North, which will have its de-
but in April of this year. That and the other two camps plus the
Mugwumps website keep me pretty busy – that is until I think up
another one, then I’ll find time for that.
Where can people get more information about attending
one of your music camps?
Each of the camps has its own website, but people can access
them all by going to www.mugwumps.com and clicking on the
camp of their choice. a

13
The Times with Ernest Taylor: An Interview with the CEO of Team 220 Records
by Shaun O'Brien

After a while, another stage of my life hit and now the shit I
wanted to listen too wasn’t being so heavily censored (by
moms) and at the age of like ten or eleven, R&B and hip-hop
took over.
What people had the biggest impact on you?
People that seemed to have had the biggest impact in my life
where:
My moms doing the damn thing dolo and doing a good job at
that. Also, my pops for leading by example and teaching a nigga
how not to do things and what roads not to travel down. (No
disrespect intended but someone had to be the sacrificial lamb.)
Now that I’m older, I can respect dude for what he is and got
hella love regardless.
My children, Kayla Marie and newly born Jalen Jamal Taylor,
for upping the stakes and putting this music shit on a make it or
break it level. They truly are my inspiration and means for disci-
pline.
However, there are some people, in passing and within the
industry, that I can honestly say made a difference in life. My old
Team 220 Records is on the forefront putting Bean Town on the manager, for one, hip me to a lot of shit when I was doing my
national hip hop map. Lead by entrepreneur Ernest Taylor and artist thing, a couple of producers and mentors that got a pretty
business partners Quentin Lewis and Jimmy Cash, the record tight resume, Sunny Thompson, Marcus Siskind, Dow & Brad
company released the critically acclaimed *Fam First* compila- Young. I must thank them for allowing me to be that sponge and
tion in 2003. It not only put the label on the map, but exposed taking what I needed. A lot of businessmen aren't like that, most
the world to its stable of world class artists. These vanguards are afraid that you'll grow and surpass what they got poppin.
are blazing a trail thus leading the way for Merrimack Valley's Then you got the major industry catz like Puff, Russell, Quincy
Klik Star Productions and SNG Entertainment and Boston's Soli- and Jay (Rocafella) that I've taken and pieced together positive
tary Records. qualities to make my own.
Before Team 220, what were your plans? Have these influences had an impact on your
Before 220 Records the plan was similar to "Wearing too many part in 220?

successful at something whether it be school, hats can equal

more than half the niggas in the hood. To be I'll say so ‘cause if you've noticed anyone on my
list, whether it be famous or regular cat, is a boss
hoops, or music. I always held a special inter- failure and I'm not type dude or the head of they're situation. It's just
est in the music industry, but always on an something about controlling your own destiny that
artist level. If you told me back then I would be f**king wit that." really attracts me, plus I love the responsibility
part owner in a fully functional independent and pressure. Success feels all that much better
record label I would’ve said you’re off your rocka. knowing you where involved in the grind process.
Growing up, what genre of music influenced you the most How being an MC and a businessman crafted your art
and why? form?
Believe it or not fam, I would honestly have to answer by saying It's has some positive and negative effects. On the positive side,
R&B and Gospel "heavy," only because growing up that’s all this time around I'm simply writing and recording on me and my
that got burn in the crib. Since a little dun, moms kept that partners own personal budget so there's less room for play and
"classic soulful" shit running: Michael Jackson, Anita Baker, it's made me focus on being well rehearsed and bringing that
Earth Wind & Fire, Smokey Robinson, etc. That’s when music fire instead of just automatically relying on the raw talent. I now
just gave you that feeling. also fully understand the business aspect of this music sh*t so
Secondly, during the earlier days when I was forced to be in that helps, too.
church every Sunday, I couldn’t help but to get sucked-in by the On the flip side, with there being so many things in a day
music that a black church in the hood had to offer (musicians needing to be handled it obviously equals less time embracing
played hungry even without formal training). Being young it was my craft, which leaves a lot of MCs truly lucky cause I'm a beast
amazing to see musicians get caught up in jam sessions in the already and understand the formula. I don't write or make tracks
middle of the service. It made me often wonder, "Are people as nearly as much as I would like to, but I guess that's why
really caught up by the spirit or is it the music taking over or a Team 220 Records got a full staff. Wearing too many hats can
combination of both"? I used to get so hypnotized by them just equal failure and I'm not f**king wit that.
vibing off each other and even the choir singing and being able Can we expect anything from you within 220 in the near
to touch peoples emotions. That’s when I realized the power of future, as a solo or group artist?
music, period. Then,l on top of that, my family was heavily in- As of now, no, but who knows what the future holds? There are
volved with gospel music: forming groups, choirs and simply only a couple of situations that'll make that come about, whether
being fans of good music: Shirley Ceasar, The Winan’s Family, it is 220's artists starting to slack and giving me no choice to
Commissioned (Fred Hammond), & John P Key. It wasn’t too hold the weight or just simply the fans demanding to hear from
long before I decided I wanted a role. So I started doing little me specifically.
things like writing and teaching myself how to play the piano and
drums. (Continued on page 19)

14
 Caught In The Web: An Interview with SpiderBiteRadio.com
By Andy Savage-Adalman

S piderBiteRadio.com is a big supporter of the local music

scene and is based out of Manchester, NH. I had the oppor-
tunity to interview 2 of the great local music supporters at Spi-
first local band to play the Verizon Wireless Arena.
It's hard to choose just one!
derbiteRadio, Jennifer and Tracy recently.
What are some of the most common mistakes that local
Please introduce yourself and your role(s) in the local mu- bands make and what advice would you give them (other
sic scene: than "not suck")?
Jennifer Pappas: Spiderbiteradio.com Marketing Director: Spi- Jennifer: Some can get too involved in the drama that swarms
derbiteradio.com is here for the bands, the fans and everyone around anything and everything or losing focus on what the
and anyone who loves good, local, unsigned music. We pro- most important goal is. Worrying about who is going to help
mote all of the bands we can, all of the shows we know about them or hurt them; the only person that can do that to anyone
and sometimes even throw a party ourselves. whether in a band or as an individual is themselves. You are the
Tracy Vail: Music Director for SpiderBiteRadio.com, Artist Devel- only person that controls your destiny. A lot of people may argue
opment for SpiderBite Records. that, but I believe that you are the only person that can truly
How long have you been involved in the local music scene control your life. Others may guide you down certain paths, but it
and how did you get into it? is you that choose to take the first steps. If a band is sidetracked
Jennifer: Spider-Bite had always supported local music. Offi- by everything around them and not at the journey, they tend to
cially we launched Spiderbiteradio.com at The Rock 101 Sky make wrong choices (and we all know where that leads you).
Show in May of 2003. We gave out about 500 T-Shirts in about Promote, promote, promote....get your name and CD out to eve-
1 hour. It was crazy and it has been even crazier ever since. ryone that is anyone, but who doesn't know that already?
As for myself, I had been working for Spider-Bite for 4 years, Tracy: I wouldn't call this a common mistake, I would call it an
and had gone off to school in RI. Once JT had told be about oversight, but it's marketing. Some local bands are great at it,
what he had started (Spiderbiteradio.com) I knew I had to come but I've seen some fail at it. These bands might have the great-
home and be a part of it. So I did, and here I am. est live show or greatest recorded CD, but if you're lacking in the
Tracy: For as long as I can remember I've been going to shows. marketing area, you will only go so far. Bands need to stay in
I pretty much got involved with the local music scene through contact with their fans. It's like a career in sales. If you want to
fellow musicians from the area. I've run live sound, lights, man- be the best in your field, you need to go after it. It's not going to
aged bands, produced bands and even per- come to you! Two words: Street Team!
formed. Shhh! don’t tell anyone. But seriously, it What are some things bands have done to
really took off when I worked for Rock 101 as “You can say and set themselves apart in a positive way that
the Local Music Director and revamping the you've seen?
local music show. Now here I am at SpiderBit- do anything on the Jennifer: Passion, drive, and damn good per-
eRadio.com with all the freedom in the world to internet!” sonalities... character on stage always sets
put together shows, feature and interview someone aside. I look for energy on stage, how
bands, and play all the local music I want 24 - Jennifer Pappas the band members feed off of each other. You
hours a day 7 days a week to anywhere in the can always tell when a band is tight; they tend
world. Talk about a sweet job. to play off of each other when playing their
What has been your best experience in working with the originals, covers and when chatting up the crowd. Making the
local music scene thus far? audience feel as if they are part of the performance makes peo-
Jennifer: It is hard to pick just one. Every time I attend a local ple feel like they are part of the band. It’s a crazy thing to see
music event I meet at least one new interesting person or come and to be a part of, and everybody wants to be a part of some-
across a new band I have never heard and absolutely enjoy. I thing. Plus, as cheesy as it may sound, crowds love to sing
see old faces that have taken some time out of the scene (which along and the shows that have stuck in my mind have done at
most people should do at some point) and new faces I know I least one cheesy cover song, something everyone knows and
will remember. I learn new things, meet new people that I can something that is fun. It may sound a bit geeky but geeky is fun
pick their brains and, most of all, I always have a good time. So, and who wouldn't come back to have fun again? I am not saying
to say one experience would be hard. I would have to say the you must fill your set list with other people’s songs, but do at
whole experience in itself. Watching the support of everyone least one for the crowd. They love it. You know they do and so
around us, the constant struggle the bands and promoters go do they.
through (including ourselves), and then the look of satisfaction (Continued on page 21)
when a night has gone well or everybody has gotten together to
celebrate how far everything has come... unknowingly. To see
the amount of bands that are constantly together and although
some drama stirs, most is put aside and the night is filled with
crazy crowds, good drinks, and most importantly outstanding
music.
Tracy: That's a tough one. I would say watching any local band
perform. Watching them all take the stage is an incredible thing.
From local venues to playing with national acts, it's always a
great experience.
Some great memories are going on the road with the local band
Sonicult, while they opened shows for Kid Rock. Watching the
band I open the show for Disturbed or Fear Of Flying being the

15
 Shot Down Sun Saturn Effect Coven of 13

Mongrel

oma oma

Chinggis Chinggis SED

SED

NoMaSoNHa
Launch/Benefit Party SED

January 14, 2005

Club Fuel
Lowell, MA
All pictures by
Marc Friedman
and
Jennifer Mottram

16
Emmy Cerra Aris Charbonneau

Chris Thompson
Liz Kelly
Ole Yeller
James O’Brien

Ole Yeller

Lloyd Thayer

NoMaSoNHa
Launch/Benefit Party
Melvern Taylor
January 15, 2005

Evos Arts
Lowell, MA
All pictures by
Marc Friedman
and
Jennifer Mottram

17
 DJ Cutter
N.O.

Shay Muse

DL Drift Kid
Lyrical

NoMaSoNHa
Launch/Benefit Party
January 16, 2005
Shay Muse & BRIX Tek M.P.

Club Fuel
Lowell, MA
All pictures by
Marc Friedman
and
Jennifer Mottram

18
(Continued from page 14)
Jimmy Cash and I always toss the idea of doing a project to-
gether called Big Business which would be creatively out of this
world, him being from the south and me being from the north-
east and all.
However Team 220 Records’ main focus is our two premier
artists, 360 from "Sin-City" and Frankie "Wainwright," who is
proving himself to be the next hottest thing in the hood. Both are
exceptionally talented, very different and have that obvious ex-
tra sh*t to go first and grab the attention of consumers, labels,
and the streets.
Team 220 dates to begin back in the year 2000, how did
You, Quentin Lewis, and Jimmy Cash meet?
Well, Que and I are practically family, but more importantly,
upon meeting him I really felt his business savvy and his desire
to want more. Team 220 Records could've easily been a restau-
rant or some shit and we still would've got sh*t crackin’ on a
bigger level.
I met Cash while hustling together. I won't say no sh*t to in-
criminate myself, but lets just say it was a fruitful relationship
from jump. After about a good year on some get money sh*t we
felt like we've befriended and trusted each other enough to do
business on a whole different level. Plus, for a cat from South
Carolina, I thought he was kinda aight.
Then there’s a silent partner most don't know about, Butta-
fuco, who is in charge of the labels artist development depart-
ment. He's another lifelong friend who always seemed to believe
in my vision.
What has been your greatest accomplishment in Team 220?
I understand the importance of a healthy foundation. Construct-
ing my team is the greatest accomplishment, so far. It's not too
often you have too many successful independent hip hop labels.
But also, it's not too often you got labels fortunate enough to
have key people in the key positions needed. Everyone pulls his
or her weight here, which brings everything together smoothly.
Some of the obvious accomplishments include having a single
charting consistently on college radio charts and the March
2003 write-up in the “Independence Day” section of The Source.
That solely opened up so many doors for us.
Who are the Team 220 artists? Tell us a little about them.
360, he's that ill lyrical cat in the camp that MCs seem to recog-
nize and shift toward. He is the MC's MC. However, he's crazy
diverse cause anytime he hops on a party joint he def shines.
Vocally you can just feel his energy through the speakers.
Frankie "Wainwright", who is the streets and represents the
struggle. You can just hear it in every verse he drops. It's an
extreme level of consistency and amazement when he steps in
the booth. With Frank, it's really premature to say, but we could
have the next Biggie or Pac right here in Boston. That's a heavy
statement, but f**k it!
Jimmy Cash; his niche is that dirty type energy with east coast
wittiness and then he takes it a step further with mixing both
elements for his delivery. He can win simply because no one
really sounds like him. Plus, he's kinda mastered his on little
identity where when you hear Cash you know it's him no ques-
tions.
Our only R&B focus and fam trust, Suge Avery. She's the
truth. Whether we need her to knock out a full-blown hook or
just some simple voice-overs, she bangs sh*t out. We grabbed
her straight from the church choir. Her musical ear is bananas.
A lot of catz been reaching out for her when they need a quality
female for their singles.
DJ Jaz is up and coming going real heavy on the mixtape
circuit. Catz will start hearing about him soon. He's doing his
19
thing grinding it out right now keeping the team buzzing on the
mixtape/DJ level.
Myself (Big CEO Red), I do a little bit of everything fam. I
guess I'm just the sh*t all around, heh!
You say family when you speak of Team 220. Do the art-
ists/fam as a father figure?
Nah, I think I'll be riding my own swizz too heavy if I said some
sh*t like that, nor would I surround myself with a bunch of grown
ass niggas that looked at me like a father figure. Everyone here
is def they own man. However, I do feel like they have installed
their faith in me and feel like I'm the man for the job, which
makes me go even harder ‘cause I can't let my family down. It's
more like a respect thing on a business level.
Does Team 220 do live shows?
Of course. I don't feel like you can really consider yourself hip
hop if you didn't come up rockin’ live shows. We thrive on live
shows. It's our biggest asset. If you didn't believe before hand,
this is where we feel like we win most of the doubters over. I
won't say any names, but there's been major artist we've
stopped from going on after us. The energy is just unmatchable.
What has been your most memorable live performance?
As a collective, I would have to say the joint in Rhode Island
when we opened for Trina and Mr. Cheeks. The energy was just
so right. We could've been saying Rhode Island's wack and the
crowd would've moved to it or might not have noticed, only be-
cause they was in such a party mode. It was crazy ‘cause, hon-
estly, I have never felt that powerful before and it was a crazy
rush. Hella CDs got sold that night the minute we got off the
stage. Plus, Trina approached us to compliment on the live per-
formance and that was an ego booster.
What selection process did you use to sign the six artists
currently on Team 220 Records?
I mean everyone on the Team is exceptional and talented. I
heard something in each one that made me and my partners at
some point say, "Oh sh*t." It was a process, though, because
we where looking for more than just raw talent. The members of
the label, as you see it, are also dedicated artist willing to do
pretty much whatever to enhance and further their craft/career.
Sometimes, that's almost more important ‘cause you can have
the hottest cat but just can't work wit ‘em ‘cause they a head
case or embarrassment on a business level.
For fans interested in previous release, are there EPs, mix-
tapes, or LPs available?
Fam First EP - New England region mom and pop stores,
cdbaby.com, and team220.com.
Boston's Elite Pt. 1 - Nationwide mom and pop stores, mixtape
website stores, and most importantly out the trunk when you see
us.
How about upcoming releases?
1. Frankie "Wainwright" Man On Fire Mixtape Vol. 1 (Roy Bar-
boza & Special Celebrity Host) in early February.
2. Boston's Elite Pt. 2 Mixtape featuring Team 220 Artists & the
Best Emcees in Mass. (DJ. Geespin & 94.5) in late February.
3. The Best Of Team 220 (So Far) "In Case You Wasn't Listen-
ing" Mixtape Vol. 1 (Our Own Dj Jaz) came out in late January.
4. League of Extraordinary Ghettomen Mixtape Vol. 1 (Soley
Team 220's Recording Artists, hosted & mixed by Kay Slay)
5. Streets "101" Full Length Team 220 Records Compilation
featuring Team 220 artists Frankie "Wainwright", 360, Suge
Avery (female R&B), Jimmy Cash, and Big Ceo Red.
Future plans and direction for Team 220?
Most importantly to be successful as an independent label while
continuing to move units. Also, I def want to change the life of
(Continued on page 21)
Living the Dream So, you are you expecting to put out a new disc out by the
end of the year?
An interview with Well, we're hoping it all goes well with, you know, writing a good
GODSMACK’s batch of songs and we're all happy with it. So, hopefully get it
out by next year, yeah.
Robbie Merrill
How does the writing process work for you guys?
by Adam Savage-Adalman
It’s different. Every song's different. Sometimes it's a drum beat,
sometimes it a guitar riff, a bass riff, it could be a vocal line,
could be ... every song is a little different.
So everyone gets to contribute in the writing?
Yeah, we try to get in a room and Sully writes like 80% of it, um,
but we get in there and we throw in our little doodads here and
there.
The interview we are doing is going to be for a new local
music magazine that is for the Northern Mass, Southern
New Hampshire area.
Oh, cool.
Which, obviously, we went after you guys 'cuz that's we're
you're from.
Can you talk about the early days of the band? What was
the scene like then? Were there any lineup issues? Were
there any favorite clubs you liked to play?
We started right from the beginning in an attic with borrowed
equipment. We basically made our own scene. In Boston it's
pretty tough, it's a college town but, and there's lot's of talent
there, but with original music you have to make your own scene.
That’s pretty much what we did. We hit all of the suburbs and
worked our asses off and three years later we got signed.
Photo credit P.R. Brown Company credit: Universal Music Group Did you guys go through a lot of lineup changes early on?
L TO R: Shannon Larkin, Sully Erna, Robbie Merrill, Tony Rombola
In the beginning, yeah, we went through guitar change. We had
Lee Richards and he left...
Excited for the show tonight? He’s in Dropbox.
I am. It's going to be a lot of fun 'cuz there are probably only five Yeah, he's in Dropbox and then we got Tony and then drum-
songs that we're not playing and we’re playing a lot of songs we mers... Sully was our drummer and he decided to sing and we
haven't played in years. We had one rehearsal yesterday and got this kid, Tommy Stewart, for about a year and then he left
one rehearsal today and the show tonight. and the we got this kid Joe D’Aarco who was with us for a cou-
It's a nice big three hour show, right? ple of years and it didn't work out in the end
Yeah, well it's like an hour and ten and then a and we got Tommy back and then that's when
little break then like an hour and a half. “We started right we got signed.
Are you mixing it up with an acoustic set? from the beginning How have things changed since Larkin has
A little bit of everything, yeah. You name it, been in the band?
we're playing it. There's only like 5 songs in an attic with bor- He’s like one of my gods. He’s a special hu-
we're not playing.
Veronique just sent me the DVD and the
rowed equipment. man being. He’s the glue even though he's
only been in the band for 3 years. He’s just
acoustic CD. I just got a chance to check We basically made one of those kids you love and he's just a
that out. pleasure to be around every day and I’m go-
How do you like it? our own scene.” ing to miss him. I’m going to being home for a
Good stuff, man. The DVD was really cool. couple of months. It’s already like, ah, where
I noticed that you and Tony have a much greater breadth of is he? He’s a lot of fun to be around.
playing ability than the CDs show off. I had the pleasure of meeting him a couple of times when
Yeah, you know, in the beginning of the band we were playing he was in Amen.
for the song, not for us. It’s always been like that. We did the He’s just a pleasure. He’s a beautiful, beautiful human being.
acoustic show... I got to play a solo. Everyone got to shine. It You mentioned that you're going to be coming home for a
shows the talents of the band. We’re not in it to show that we while. Any old haunts you're going to be going to?
can play. I mean it's to have a good show in this band and be a I moved up to the Manchester, NH area, so I’m going to be go-
band. ing to hit those clubs. Bopping in and out. Um, Boston, i really
Do you think you're going to expand any more in the next don't go there much. If there's a really good show I’ll go. I’m only
couple of albums or bring in some more of that? an hour away.
Who knows? I’m not really sure what direction where going to Are there any bands in the area when you’ve been home
go with our writing when we start writing in March. We’re been that you've been checking out?
writing a lot of riffs now that are totally different. We’re just going I haven't. I’ve been on the road since '03. So... there's a couple
to get in there and hash out stuff and see where we go from of bands. Josh Logan, he's a friend of mine from southern NH. I
there? don't know what he's doing now but I’m going to go back and
see if he's done anything.

20
He’s got a new disc out.
Good. He’s a talent. He’s got to get off his ass. (laughs)
Hopefully when he reads this he'll be motivated.
There you go.
Looking back at things, are there any mistakes you think
you guys made in the local scene or advice you'd give?
Nah, in the local scene I think we did pretty good. We flyered.
We did that. We got our friends, our group of people to the
shows all the time. We just marketed ourselves. We just kept
on, you know, just striving, just going every week playing some-
where else. Getting a little scene going from Salem, MA to Bos-
ton to Manchester. Just kept on doing that. We met as many
people as we could with connections and went in there and did
what we had to do. But all in all I think we did it... it was special
the way we did it because we did it right from the ground up and
you know that CD that we put out, people threw it in the bucket
at first. It was out for 10 months... almost a year before we got
signed. It was past a year before we got signed. We shipped it
out February of '96 and we got signed in May of '98.
Did you go straight to the labels or to a radio stations?
We did it all. Yeah, we did the label thing. Radio stations all
threw it away except for Rock Gulf [?] on WAAF. Nobody really
wanted to do anything with it. We just kept on plugging away.
Sold the CDs in the clubs and kept on doing that. Did show-
cases in NY, brought busloads of people... busloads of people
to NY. We went to LA once. We did everything that we possibly
could.
Obviously, you've heard that Dimebag recently passed
away. Did you have any personal encounters with him?
Yeah. We toured with him in Ooziest and if were in town when
they were playing we'd go see them and if we were in town
they'd come and see us. He had two loves; he had his whiskey
bottle and his guitar... and his girl. He was a kind human being.
He was a good guy. He looked mean but he was a sweetheart.
It seems like he was loved by everybody.
I don't have anything bad to say about him or his band. He was
a great guy. He was like a Shannon Larkin, in his own way.
As far as locally, were there any favorite clubs you that
liked to play?
Well, my favorite place was The Spider's Web, which is now
club liquid. I walked in there, I’m good friends with the owner, I Now with the competing company, Sirius, and satellite radio
walked in there and I’m like, “Wow, we used to play here.” It was
pretty exciting ‘cuz at the time the place was big and to get 400
people in that place was quite a feat. We did it a bunch of times
and to look back and to look at the stage it’s just like... wow, we companies carrying internet access on almost all phones, it's
used to play here. I really liked that place a lot. And The Rat,
which isn't there any more, that was a great place to play.
What do you like to do in your downtime?
I have a couple of hobbies; hockey and motocross. It’s pretty
much that… hang out, try to stay healthy and play my bass. a
(Continued from page 19)
each artist involved ‘cause they've put a good amount of faith
and time believing in the whole movement so they deserve eve- anyone that you come in contact with that shares the same en-
rything comin’ their way. It'll be so much of a reward knowing
that catz are eating off the hustle of the label.
Company-wise, Que Barbah is gonna venture into some short
films, which we'll be in full support of and also, touching a small
clothing line which seems to already be heading in the right di-
rection. The biggest goal and prize would be having a big part in
changing the stigma of how the world looks at Boston hip hop & Tracy:
music period. We wanna make it cool to say I'm from The Bean
and I rhyme or do music without someone looking at you like
you all f**ked up. www.Team220Records.com
(Continued from page 15)
Tracy: Some local bands have sent me real professional press
kits and I've seen ones that are hand written on notebook paper.
Take the time to make a good first impression.
More bands are starting street teams. These seem to have a big
impact.
Great live shows are always memorable. Working on stage
presence, chemistry among the band and crowd interaction are
noticed by the audience.
What Cd's have you been listening to lately (not for work,
for your own enjoyment)?
Jennifer: Locals: Meet The Day, Labb, Spiderbiteradio's New
England's Finest Vol. 1, Duty Free, DB7, Fear of Flying, Grey
Star Morning, The Whatnot, and Waltham.
Taking Back Sunday, The Used, The Shins, Alias, Dave Mat-
thews (I still don't think I have heard all of his songs. I don't think
anyone has.)
I guess it all depends on my mood and where I am for I have
CD's all over the place.
Tracy: In my CD player right now:
• Eminem "Encore"
• The New Left "Let Go"
• Angry Hill "Insomniac's Awake"
• 2 Pac "All Eyez On Me"
What do you see as the long-term role of internet radio vs.
traditional radio and satellite radio?
Jennifer: You can say and do anything on the internet! Plus, you
can reach so many more people. For us, we have listeners all
over the country and now even in Europe; someone actually
bought our compilation CD from France. So, where do I see
internet radio? Look around. You see people with mp3 players
instead of walkmans, satellite radio instead of tower radio. Eve-
rything is moving forward and I believe internet radio will be part
of that. Definitely.
Tracey: I think with today's technology and the changing world,
internet radio and satellite radio is the new format. XM radio has
reported this year that there was a major boost in subscribers.
coming standard in most new vehicles, I think we will see it be-
come more popular in the near future. As for internet radio, I
believe cell phone companies will help this market greatly. With
only going to make internet radio accessible anywhere at any
minute of the day. I know I can't go anywhere without my cell
phone.
Is there anything you'd like to plug/promote/etc.? Final
words/advice?
Jennifer: Well, as always, support the locals, the visi-
tors...anyone that put themselves on stage and pours everything
they have into what you are hearing. Just be a fan and have an
open mind. As for bands, promote the hell out of yourself and
ergy and motivation as you, but always put yourself first. it works
in every other business. Just don't be greedy. Always, always
have fun and check out Spiderbiteradio.com for tons of music,
all the events you could imagine, links galore, chatty forums, live
broadcasts, acoustic recordings and interviews. A musicians
heaven one could call it and a supporters home.
Shameless self promotion: www.spiderbiteradio.com.
Also, if any bands have yet to check out the website
www.myspace.com do it soon. It's a great way to network with
other bands and people from your area. 
21
 Killer Purebred
An interview with Mongrel by Don Gibson
gree our sound has evolved as the line-up has changed, having
a very solid drummer with more metal and rock roots than the
very punk drummer we started with has certainly impacted
things, as has our change in vocalists, but I think we still draw
from punk, rock, and metal influences as we always have. It just
depends on a song by song basis how those influences come
out.
Drew: I'm big into metal myself, so I can't help but think my vo-
cal style may have something to do with it, but all in all we just
go with what sounds good, and what we enjoy playing… and
Photo by Donna Adams what we think people will enjoy listening to.
Pete: I'd have to say some of that comes from me. Having come
I FIRST DISCOVERED MONGREL THROUGH WAAF’S LOCAL MUSIC from a much more metal background, my drumming naturally
WEBSITE WWW.BAYSTATEROCK.COM AND SINCE THEN HAVE BE- turns to that style when I play the already established songs, as
COME A FAN OF THEIR BLEND OF OLD SCHOOL PUNK, AGGRESSIVE well as the newer songs. Adam will tell me when I should go
hard rock, and metal. They've been getting a fair amount of more punk with something he has an idea on and I adapt as
press in Hippopress and The Nashua Telegraph, as well as re- best I can, but metal is in my blood and punk is something I did-
ceiving airplay on WUML, WHEB, and SpiderbiteRadio (see n't really pay attention to. So, it can be a bit of a struggle at
Adam’s interview on page #) and have played shows with such times.
established bands as Motograter, All That Remains, Dry Kill Is there a "typical" writing process for the band?
Logic, Hed(pe). They have upcoming shows with Trash Light Adam: Not really. I've written most of our stuff to date but that's
Vision (featuring Acey Slade, ex-Dope/Murderdolls) and punk also been due to the lack of line-up stability until recently. Since
legends, The Misfits in April. we've gotten this line-up together, John has certainly contributed
After a series of live auditions that would intimidate most, Drew riffs to tunes and now that we have a full-time singer in place
Barker was recently added to the line-up to handle the vocal we're getting to explore some more of his stuff. Drew has just
duties. Along with John Schmerling (bass) and Pete Adams started writing lyrics, etc. It is taking on more of a collaborative
(drums), Adam and Drew plan on releasing two new EPs in the process now that a solid line-up is in place.
next few months. Drew: So far it seems that either Adam or John will come up
Adam, you were in another band before Mongrel. Can you with a riff, or a section, and while they try and
talk a little about ending Shockwave and work out the kinks Pete will jump in with the
the beginnings of Mongrel? “We're working well drums. After we get a basic song together,
Shockwave essentially ended because of either we take some of Adam's words and
issues I had with some of the band mem- as a group at not get- give them a shot or else they send me to my
bers. I no longer wanted to work with some
of those people and due to the stresses all
ting pigeonholed into room with nothing but a computer and a re-
cording of the tune. One way or another it all
that brought to the table I wanted to start a one genre.” seems to come together.
new project, which became Mongrel. Pete: Usually John and Adam will collaborate
Mongrel has gone through several lineup - Pete Adams on riffs they're working on, as John is a guitar
changes since its inception. Do you feel player as well. They'll try and put a few riffs
you'll be able to move forward in the writing and recording together and then I come into the picture and try to work with
process, and if so, where are you in the is process? them to get it structured and such. Drew is still wet behind the
Adam: (laughs) Yes, we've had a few line-up changes over the ears, so we really haven't gotten into too much writing with him
past year or so, but it appears that the third time is a charm yet. But he has lots of ideas we'll be bringing into the mix and
thing is true (knock on wood) as Pete, John, and now Drew we'll see how the process evolves from there.
have been a true blessing to work with. It does really feel like What songs do you feel best represent the band's sound?
the band is in a place where we can actually move forward and Adam: Hmm, tough to say since our sound varies song to song.
finally get a new recording out, bring even more new songs into I guess "Without Mercy" and "No Gods, No Masters" would be
the set, etc. the closest things to our signature songs at this point.
Pete: It's definitely time to start work with new material and get it Drew: That's a hard question for me, I'm attached to all of them,
recorded. The natural lag in writing due to so many personnel but as far as message goes, I'd have to say either "Without
changes should be behind us and we all have ideas we want to Mercy" or "Houdini Act." “Without Mercy” being an anthem for
get out there. being yourself and not falling into the trap of playing anything
John: Absolutely. Everyone in the band is exceptionally dedi- just to make money; “Houdini Act” because it basically says,
cated and looking forward to recording our debut album, which "Put Up, Or Shut Up."
will give our fans and fans to be a chance to hear what we're John: "Bass Chord" and "No Gods, No Masters"
capable of. Pete: This is one band I can honestly say doesn't have a
The sound of the band seems to have evolved from a punk "sound". We are in so many directions most of the time that it's
type sound to a heavier metal sound. Do you see that as a hard to define. I think "Bass Chord", as it's called, internally em-
natural evolution of the band and the different players in it bodies much of our strengths into one song, but again, it's all
or was it a more conscious decision? over the map… from bass chords, to bass funk, soft hues to
Adam: I don't think we've totally gone to being a more metal machine gun drums, soft vocals, hard vocals, soft guitar, heavy
oriented band. We were just working on a new song yesterday distortion and everywhere in between. We're working well as a
that was as punk as any other song we've written. To some de- group at not getting pigeonholed into one genre. We're always

22
going to be on the harder/punk side of town, but we probably
won't stay in any neighborhood for too long. It keeps us flexible
and allows us to be on more diverse bills, as we can work with
several different band types on a given show.
You, as a band, handle all your own booking, promotion,
business, etc. What advice would you give with regard to
the business of being in a band?
Adam: Be motivated, be honest, be courteous, be persistent,
promote, network, work hard, don't expect hand outs or quick
riches and fame. Do this because it’s your passion, because you
love to do it. If you're doing it to get rich or be a big rock star,
more likely than not you're going to be disappointed and not
look back in appreciation for the fun you had.
John: Be dedicated and relentless, play out, play well, and play
as a team.
Drew: Hire Adam, or someone like him.....
Pete: Talk to Adam! He's shameless. He hit the pizza guy up to
buy show tickets the other night!
Adam: (laughs)
What do you think of the Boston "scene"? What do you like
about it? What would you like to see change?
Adam: It’s nice to see radio shows like Baystate Rock, Boston
Emmisions, Live Wire, SpiderBite Radio, etc. supporting local
bands. I've met some really cool people, discovered some great
music, and have had a blast in the process, despite all the bull.
I'd like to see less pettiness and more courtesy and for more
bands to realize that we're all in this together and it really isn't a
competition between local bands.
What are some of your favorite local venues to play and
why?
23
Adam: Good Time Emporium - great stage/sound/lights, Chris
McMahon is very cool to deal with and very band friendly. Hogs
Trough Saloon - again, excellent sound, good size stage, and
Jayce is a class act booking guy who really "gets it". Scorz in
Nashua is fun - its right down the street from my house, which is
a bonus. We've had some great opportunities at The Bombshel-
ter up in Manchester, which we're very appreciative of and the
owner Serge is a great guy. I very much want to play at the Mid-
dle East and the Paradise but haven't had the chance yet, so, if
anyone wants to hook that up just say the word!
Drew: I liked the Bomshelter in Manchester, NH, and the new
Evolving Artist Complex in Southbridge, MA was really nice.
Pete: I loved Good Times in Somerville. Would love to play it
packed. Great stage and sound. Same with the Bombshelter in
Manch-Vegas. Great sound and size. Being a metal drummer
with a two bass drum background, I prefer the larger venues to
the cozy places. We just need to round out our audience and
get them to the shows. I'm almost ready to promise sexual fa-
vors to fill the places.
John: The Bombshelter where we've had the chance to play
with national acts, and Scorz because its local and folks there
have been very receptive to us.
Individually and as a band, who would you say has influ-
enced your playing and sound?
Adam: Slash/Gn'R, Tony Iommi/Black Sabbath, and Steve
Jones/Sex Pistols would probably be the big three for me.
Drew: I can't speak for the entire band, but personally I'm influ-
enced by a lot of people...Corey Taylor (Slipknot), Phil Anselmo
(Pantera), Mike Patton (Faith No More), and Maynard James
(Continued on page 25)
 TAX TIPS FOR MUSICIANS & ENTERTAINERS
By Rachel L. Cadran
W
HETHER AS A HOBBY OR PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVOR,
MUSIC CAN BE AN EXPENSIVE PURSUIT MANY MUSI-
CIANS ARE NOT AWARE THAT VALID RELATED EX-
PENSES CAN BE DEDUCTED AS EITHER HOBBY OR
BUSINESS EXPENDITURES. A LOT OF MONEY CAN BE SAVED IF YOU
KEEP GOOD RECORDS AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ALL APPLICABLE
DEDUCTIONS.
Tax laws and guidelines can be overwhelming, but all thriving
businesses are certain to take full advantage of every possible
deduction. Legitimate expenses would be losses if not docu-
mented and reported, having a great effect on profits and overall
success. No matter how small an enterprise, you can learn to
accurately document all income and expenses, too, taking ad-
vantage of all eligible deductions. You will save money and pro-
vide a solid foundation for growth and success.
DEFINE YOUR CRAFT
Defining your craft in accordance with your goals and level of
financial investment is the first step. Expenses and correspond-
ing deductions related to a hobby differ from a business venture.
HOBBY - As a hobby, your level of commitment and expense is
typically low and you have no plans or aspirations to earn a
steady income from your craft. If you have no intention of profit-
ing from your music in any way, it is strictly a hobby and cannot
be considered a business venture.
Hobby deductions are limited to the amount of income earned
from the hobby and must be entered under Miscellaneous Item-
ized Deductions on Schedule A (Form 1040). Deductions in this
category are subject to the “floor” of 2% of adjusted gross in-
come.
BUSINESS - If your main objective involves generating profits,
you are a business. As an active business venture with definite
profit motive you can deduct a wider range of expenses and are
not subject to the same income/expense limits. You are able to
fully deduct all valid business related expenses – even if they
exceed the income generated. If you are an instructor/teacher,
songwriter or musician, either earning or pursuing income ac-
tively and present and conduct yourself as a business, you are
qualified to claim deductions as a business.
Business expense deductions require a Schedule C in addition
to a Schedule A (Form 1040). If you are independently self-
employed, a Schedule SE may also be required with corre-
sponding self-employment tax remitted.
If you don’t currently consider yourself a business but meet the
criteria and qualify to be categorized as such, you may want to
consider filing as a business. If your ultimate objective involves
making money at your craft, you can easily make adjustments to
fully assume the role of a business. If you wish to present and
declare yourself as a business, it’s important to demonstrate a
concerted effort to gain income from your trade. Business regis-
tration, promotional materials, submissions/rejections and calen-
dars all serve to support your position as a legitimate business.
* The IRS provides a listing of the key attributes that define and
differentiate a hobby from a business. This information is avail-
able on their website and via literature that can be requested by
phone or mail.
24
ALLOWABLE DEDUCTIONS FOR MUSICIANS
& ENTERTAINERS
Allowable deductions can cover a broad range of expenses,
including:
• Instruments, equipment, gear, supplies and accessories
(including maintenance expenses)
• Costumes and stage/performance attire used exclusively
for performing (including cleaning expenses)
• Music business books, industry and venue directories
• Membership fees & dues for organizations, unions & asso-
ciations
• Trade magazine and industry related subscriptions
• Lessons, seminars and workshops
• Product and production expenses (CD/Tape duplication,
photography, bio and promotional writing)
• Promotional expenses (press kits, direct mail campaigns,
CD release parties)
• Office supplies & equipment – including hardware and soft-
ware
• Telephone expenses (if you have two lines as one is con-
sidered for personal use – a cellular number constitutes a
second line)
• Internet connectivity expenses (to access web/email for
business purposes)
• Website design, hosting & maintenance expenses
• Copyright and registration fees
• Legal fees if required to solidify or generate additional tax-
able income (reviewing and advising on contract proposals
for example)
• Rent for storage of equipment or otherwise utilized exclu-
sively for business purposes (studio, practice/composition
area, office) and corresponding utilities
• Home Office Deductions (allows you to deduct a percent-
age of housing and utility costs if certain conditions are met)
• Travel expenses (including vaccinations when mandated for
foreign travel)
• Transportation, lodging, meals and expenses incurred for
business related travel
• Business related insurance as applicable (equipment, liabil-
ity, worker’s compensation, health and dental)
• Cost of tax return preparation services
Just as there are several allowable deductions, there are also
non-allowable deductions, so tread carefully. Get additional veri-
fication or simply exclude anything questionable, retaining the
receipts and documentation.
KEEP ACCURATE RECORDS OF ALL INCOME
AND EXPENSES
Whether a notebook/folio, fancy spreadsheets or customized
software, the better organized and conscientious you are the
easier everything will be. You are required by law to maintain
records and documentation of all expenses pertaining to
claimed deductions so it’s important to be thorough. The tax
review range extends to cover the previous six years. Complete
federal and state tax records and all associated documents CONSULT A PROFESSIONAL
should be kept for a period of seven years.
It’s best to recruit the assistance and advice of an accountant or
Many believe that specific elements can serve as red flags, ren- tax professional when it comes time to file as new conditions
dering someone more likely to get audited. Having a self- and exclusions can be imposed. Adhering to the same practices
employed status, an artistic occupation, or odd deduction to from year to year can result in an error, which may not be no-
income ratio could draw attention and additional scrutiny. This ticed until an audit occurs. Accountants and professional tax
makes accuracy and precision in record keeping essential for preparation services have to stay current with all amendments
musicians and entertainers. If you get audited, the attention to and many insure their work, accompanying you to verify the
detail you exhibit in documentation will assist in achieving a accuracy of the return in the event of an audit. If you’re uncer-
positive outcome. tain of any details it is best to consult a professional - preferably
the individual preparing the return and insuring their services.
Once you’ve established what deductions apply to you, imple-
ment a system that fits your unique situation and is easiest for For professionals working extensively and/or exclusively in the
you to maintain. Perhaps you only need to keep receipts and music or entertainment industry, tax issues become increasingly
account for a minimal amount of purchases, which is relatively more complex. When earning income from an array of sources
simple. You may be required to document rental, insurance and and accounting for constant and varied expenditures, it can be
travel expenses in addition to equipment and supply purchases, an overwhelming. For professionals at this level or anyone seek-
which can be more challenging. ing more precise and detailed assistance, it is advisable to con-
tact a Music and Entertainment tax professional. They have the
EXPENSES - Maintain receipts as primary verification of all pur- specialized expertise needed to ensure that your returns are
chases. Additional documents and details to further confirm the filed accurately with all details addressed. Their services may be
validity of the expense assist if they should need to be refer- more costly, but could save you money in turn and avoid a lot of
enced or investigated. hassle. It’s a win-win considering tax preparation services are
INCOME - Income must be logged to maintain an accurate total tax deductible.
for the year. Whether studio/live performance work, private les- Internal Revenue Service 800-829-1040 www.irs.gov
sons or CD sales, all income must be accounted for. This can
Mass. Department of Revenue 800-392-6089
be difficult when doing freelance work so it’s important to make
www.dor.state.ma.us/dorpg.htm
documentation a routine step when receiving income for any
NH Department of Revenue 603-271-2191
products or services.
www.state.nh.us/revenue/
Being thorough with your income records is an important habit
to develop, allowing you to conduct more professional business (Continued from page 23)
assessments and accurately elaborate on your financial records
if required. Implementing these practices early provides a solid Keenan (Tool) are some of the bigger name ones, along with a
foundation, enabling you to effectively manage an increase in lot of lesser known bands and/or singers.
sales volume and income level.
Pete: My influences are from way back: Keith Moon, John Bon-
Massachusetts - Sales and income tax is mandatory in Massa- ham, Neil Peart to a degree, but he's a whole different style. I
chusetts. For residents and non-residents alike, all income gen- got into metal much later with pre-Black Album Metallica, of
erated within the state in excess of $8000.00 must be reported course, Sepultura was a reference in those days but I haven't
and resulting income taxes paid. kept up with them. Honestly, my musical influences for a long
time have been vocal as I'm a hybrid drummer or singer, but not
For Massachusetts residents or businesses operating and sell- both at once. I've been working on the vox for a long time and
ing products within Massachusetts, a 5% sales tax must be col- that's where my influences have been.
lected, reported and remitted upon filing an annual state return As a band, we're so diverse due to our individual backgrounds
with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue. To avoid pay- and playing experience. We all bring something different to the
ing state taxes twice (as only the consumer or end user is re- band and it comes out in many forms, hopefully in a good way.
sponsible for paying sales tax), you can apply for a tax exemp- John: The raw opinions of friends and family helps in finding
tion certificate. Upon proof and verification of your tax exemption direction. We often look to each other for opinions, as well.
status with vendors, wholesale purchases for stock and items to
be resold (such as T-shirts or decals) are sales tax free. Contact Where do you see the band heading in the next year?
the Massachusetts Department of Revenue for additional details Adam: We plan on putting out a new CD (maybe two or three),
on requirements and applications. playing lots of shows, having a blast, and getting our name out
there as we build up our fan base over the next year. If a label
New Hampshire - Although currently void of income and sales deal and a tour happen, all the better. I definitely want to play
tax, an 8.5% business tax applies to businesses with profits CBGB's, so we'll have to make that happen sooner than later.
exceeding a gross total of $50,000. Businesses with total profits Pete: Definitely South! It's too fucking cold in New Hampshire
under this amount are not required to file a return. during load in/out. I want some shows in Florida, where the girls
walk around in bathing suits as a matter of course. Why don't
New Hampshire residents or businesses operating and selling
they do that here in the summer? Maybe a trend to introduce in
products within Massachusetts are not required to collect or
my next book, bathing suits everywhwere, the mall, restaurants,
remit sales tax (residents of Massachusetts are responsible for
wherever. It's okay at the beach, why not everywhere? More
reporting out of state purchases made void of sales tax on their
skin, more smiles, less violence!
annual state tax return and pay associated taxes at that time).
John: Hopefully touring, possibly being a national act. I'd love to
However, if total income earned within Massachusetts exceeds
see a fully produced album arise from this. But most of all; mak-
$8000.00, you are still required to file a state return and report
ing new friends and fans, and enjoying what we love to do. 
that income.
www.mongrelband.com www.myspace.com/mongrel

25
 SCENE MAKERS: An Interview with the LowellRocks.com crew
by Marc Friedman

I
T’S NO SECRET THAT I’M A BIG SUPPORTER OF LOWELL- large scale coordination isn’t one of them. I’m a PR and Market-
ROCKS.COM. WHEN I FIRST MOVED UP TO LOWELL FROM BOS- ing guy. Triana had expressed some interest in helping out, so
TON OVER A YEAR AGO, I KNEW NO ONE AND, AS A MUSICIAN, I we sat down and talked. She definitely had her stuff together —
WAS ACHING FOR SOME FORM OF MUSICAL CONTACT. I DID AN showing me graphs and charts she threw together as we were
ONLINE SEARCH AND FOUND A NASCENT LOWELLROCKS.COM. IT talking and sharing her ideas as to how to surpass what the
WAS ON RANDY’S ISP HOMEPAGE AND THE BASIC ASP CODE WAS original guy had in mind. I was impressed. Dave knows her from
STILL BEING WRITTEN. THERE WERE A HANDFUL OF POSTERS WHO, I way back, so he was comfortable enough to go with it, and I’m
THOUGHT, WERE ALL CLOSE FRIENDS BUT IT TURNS OUT THAT SOME glad he did. Her work ethic is insane and she’s done an amaz-
HAD NOT MET UNTIL THEY WENT TO THE MESSAGE BOARD. ing job. Bringing her onboard was definitely the right choice.
Today, LowellRocks.com is booming. They are co-hosting the How come your name is on the Shooters sign in Dracut?
2005 Reflections’ Battle of the Bands, readership and posting Rick: Good question, I'd actually like to know, too.
on the message board has soared, local businesses are adver- Randy: (laughs) You know, me too… kidding! Shooters’ was
tising, club listings are up-to-date, and the artists’ pages are of one of the first venues to buy advertising back when we started.
info and mp3s (if your band is not listed now, go and do it). They didn’t have a website but were using their listing on Lowell-
Whose idea was it to start an online forum? Rocks.com as one. We helped them establish a web presence
Rick Breslin: If you mean, "Whose idea was it to start the web and they plugged us on their sign. There, mystery solved. And I
site," it was definitely Randy. Randy then came to me at a gig, would have gotten away with it, if it hadn’t been for you med-
since he knew I worked in web development, and presented the dling kids… [laughing all around – Ed.]
idea of a Lowell Artist and Venue showcase that would eventu- How do you feel about the community you have helped to
ally become the first stop for live music fans to check for events coalesce?
and shows in the Lowell area. Rick: Excited. I did not expect the type of musicians' community
Randy Breton: Nice plug, Rick! Actually, it started while I was that has formed as a result of the LowellRocks.com Message
looking at other band’s websites, initially to look for ideas for my Board and Artist Listings. It is excellent, but our goal remains to
own band’s website. You know, imitation is the sincerest form of inform and help entertain the fans and music lovers in the Lowell
flattery. Once I started really looking at the sites, I got thinking area.
about how many of their fans don’t know my band exists, and, Randy: It’s quite humbling, actually. People have credited us
as a cover band, we did a lot of the same tunes, you know? with creating this community, and it really is a community, but I
What if we could borrow from their fan base? How could that be think it’s always been there, it just needed a little help becoming
done? That was the thinking behind it. I brought it to Rob, and more visible. I would say that if anything, it’s expanded on what
we kicked it around for a few weeks — he came up with the already existed. Fans as well as musicians have come together
name. I took it to Rick and the rest, as they say, is history. in one spot, and that is pretty cool, for sure.
Why did you decide to build it from scratch? Rob Breton: I am thrilled with how LowellRocks.com has finally
Rick: It didn't exist prior, so it needed to be built from brought the greater Lowell/So. NH music scene some notoriety.
scratch. There also were no other worthy attempts to do the It's why we did it in the first place, and, as a result, the commu-
same thing at the time by other web sites, so we created Lowell- nity has grown, bands have been formed, collaborations and
Rocks.com. friendships have begun. It's beyond my wildest dreams for the
How do you fund the endeavor? site. May it go on forever. a
Rick: There are a few revenue sources, but there was a consid-
erable amount of investment time and money put in by Randy New England Rock TV
and myself.
Randy: Absolutely. In the beginning, Rick did most of the “heavy Many of the New England Rock TV viewers requested a per-
lifting” on the backend with the hosting and coding costs and formance from And Then There Were None (ATTWN), who
when it came to events and merchandising, I covered that. As have been gathering a strong fan base in the Merrimack Valley.
popularity and usage of the site increases every month, the ATTWN’s popularity grew when they won the “Battle of the
costs go up, so we’re still footing the bill, but less and less these Bands” at Salem High School last year.
days. Through trial and error, we’ve developed a pretty solid In this episode, filmed at WCTV 21 studios, ATTWN played a
business model. quick, three song set consisting of “Frozen Plain of Hate,” “6000
How did you get involved in the battle of the bands at Re- Tries,” and “Pastels.” They are in the process of recording a
flections? new record and plan to tour non-stop through the spring and
Randy: Well, one of the big pieces that makes LowellRocks.com summer. In the interview, the group discussed their recent
what it is, are our promotional events. They’re a blast; if I do say name change (they were formally known as Neverfall). We also
so myself (chuckles). Anyway, we were contacted by Reflec- were introduced to the two new band members. www.attwn.net
tions initially to promote the Battle that was being coordinated by Watch for re-runs on WCTV 21 in Windham and, starting in
someone else. I worked closely with Dave to make sure the early March, you can see the premier of this episode in Salem,
marketing strategy I put together was right for his club and going NH on SCTV-17.
in the direction he wanted and we were definitely on the same
page. Unfortunately, the person booking the event did a dismal
job at best and it fell apart after the second night. Dave didn’t If you wish to play on New England Rock TV please contact
want to throw in the towel and neither did I. At this point we both Todd Walley at newenglandrocktv@yahoo.com.
had a significant investment — his in money, mine in time. That
and I believed in what he was doing. A lot of original music goes [New England Rock TV is not affiliated with NewEnglan-
unnoticed around here and Dave was set on changing that. I dRock.net or NewEnglandRock.com – Ed.]
dug it. The big dilemma I had is that I know my strengths and

26
Reviews CDs Rated 1 to 5

Blues lyrics. That does not however make me dislike the song. “Filthy
Review of Chris Fitz Band Trilogy on CFB Records Rich…..With No Bank Account” comes next with a “sitting back
in the heat of the sun” feel. The vocals get the “telephone EQ”
1. Just Gettin’ Started Released: 1998 treatment. Thinned out for effect, they fit perfectly. The biggest
Engineered by John Shipp and Creed Dew at thing that I notice about this disc are the experimental songs
Rivers Edge Prod. Inc. Haverhill, MA that suggest a new musical style for the band. The smooth and
2. This is My Church Released: 2000 laid back “Midnight in Barcelona” starts off with a Flamenco-
Engineered by Jack Gauthier at Lakewest Recording influenced run. I feel the song to be a bit out of place. The lyrics
W. Greenwich, R.I. need a little more work to get away from the predictable. We go
3. Journey of Hope Released: 2002 from “Midnight in Barcelona” to having tequila in Tijuana. I give
Engineered by-Bobby Keyes at B.K. Studios Saugus, MA Chris credit for branching out, but this one needed more time in
the oven. Robert Johnson’s “In My Time of Dying” gets a driving
I first heard the Chris Fitz Band on John Guregian’s “Blues De-
beat and a little slide playing, which I hadn’t heard on the previ-
luxe” radio show on the then WJUL (now WUML at UMass
ous disc. “Decent Man” fits with “Midnight in Barcelona,” but the
Lowell). They were tearing through some smoking blues and
song brings the building energy level to a halt. Again these
Hendrix covers, so I was extremely excited when I received a
songs aren’t bad per se; they seem to be not quite done. The
package from Chris. I was even more surprised to find three
recording, packaging, and playing on the disc are among the
CD’s and a sharp looking press kit inside. The press kit gave a
best of the three. The sonic experiments undertaken are just
very nice background on Chris and the band culled from various
that — experimental. Maybe changing up the song order
newspaper/magazine articles. From this press kit, I learned that
would’ve helped.
Chris, like many other people in the 80s, was struck with an
epiphany about the blues after seeing Stevie Ray Vaughn in I would suggest to anyone interested in hearing The C.F.B. to
concert. This drove him to get serious about his passion. With seek out all three discs and listen to them as a journey of musi-
that understanding, I popped the 1998 album Just Getting cal growth. Chris Fitz and his band are superior musicians and
Started into the player. The guitar that blasted out of the speak- the best is yet to come.
ers spoke of a man on fire. On the first song, “Just Getting Just Getting Started
Started,” Chris wears his admiration for SRV on his sleeve. You Performance: 4 Production: 3 Songwriting: 3 Recommend: YES
can hear him trying so hard, and, at times a bit too hard. The This is My Church
second song is a re-worked version of Hendrix’s interpretation of Performance: 5 Production: 4 Songwriting: 4.5 Recommend: YES
“Blue Suede Shoes.” Can’t go wrong with Jimi in my book and Journey of Hope
Chris adds some “Fitz”-finesse to the mix. “She’s So Fine,” re- Performance: 4 Production: 4 Songwriting: 3 Recommend: YES
minds me of Guitar Slim’s “The Things that I Used To Do.” “Bad
Connection” is a song where I can hear Chris stepping out from Folk
under the shadows of others. I really feel that the title of this CD Naomi Sommers Hypnotized
is the truth - Chris and the band are “Just Getting Started.” 13-Song CD American Melody
All of this potential that is realized on 2000’s This is My
Church. Right from the first notes, you can hear the growth this Naomi Sommer’s sophomore effort Hypnotized is a follow up to
band has made. The shadow of Chris’ influences doesn’t cover her 2002 debut release Flying Through. While I haven’t listened
him. They are part of him, now. This second disc has a much to her debut for comparison, I find myself wanting purchase it
better sound and production. Kudos to the guys at Lakewest just so I can hear more. This CD is that good.
Recording. The band comes out of the chute with “Love has The disc contains eleven original songs and two arrange-
Faded,” which swings with a jump blues feel meant to make you ments of the traditional songs “Foggy Mountain Top” and “Fly
move. The guitar tones have lost the overdrive of the first disc. Around My Pretty Little Miss.” All the songs have a
They are replaced with sparkling clean, jazzy sounds. “Your rootsy/acoustic flavor and feature such instruments as banjo,
Home is Like a Prison” receives much airplay on local blues trumpet and fiddle. Hypnotized also features the brilliant young
programs. The songwriting has jumped forward with the confi- cellist Rushad Eggleston. Rushad was the first string student
dence of a man who is comfortable being himself. The title track, admitted to Boston's prestigious Berklee College of Music on a
“This is My Church,” is a bopping song with a Memphis twang full scholarship. He also was a member of the Grammy-
and a super catchy hook. Once you hear it, you have to hear it nominated group, Fiddlers 4. Rushad’s playing compliments
again. “Blues for Ronnie,” I can only guess, is an homage to Naomi’s performance and songwriting perfectly (as do all the
Ronnie Earl. It has that Earl feel. Driven along with jazzy accompanists).
changes, pure Fender picked tones, and some added percus- Sommer’s impressive bio certainly sheds some light on why
sion. There is a little SRV in here, but, as I said, this is Chris this twenty-five year old woman is so musically developed. Her
letting his influences propel him rather than having his musical stage debut occurred twenty years ago appearing with Jonathan
influences drive him. “Lonely” is a smooth instrumental which Edwards and with Phil Rosenthal (her father), who was the lead
starts off in SRV’s “Riviera Paradise” back yard, but walks on singer/guitarist for the legendary bluegrass band, the Seldom
over to Chris’ house. Funky and driving, you can hear the war Scene. Naomi’s performance is engaging and her voice is as
drums beating out and building on “Custer’s Last Stand.” comfortable as your favorite afghan blanket.
The third disc is Journey of Hope. After the huge growth that Perhaps the only shortcoming of this CD is the songwriting.
Chris and the band had made as artists from 1998’s Just Get- While the lyrics were not terrible, they sometimes seemed to all
ting Started to 2000’s This is My Church, I anticipated another be part of the same song. I hate to make comparisons like this,
jump in ability. The CD packaging has a much more profes- but if Nora Jones had a slant towards traditional music as op-
sional look. The first song “Never Been to Memphis” has a slinky posed to jazz, she might put out a CD this good.
groove, with some nice horns, and an especially sweet B3 organ Performance: 4 Production: 4 Songwriting: 2.5 Recommend: YES
sounds. I have to admit not being overly crazy about the chorus - Emmylou

27
Reviews
Hip Hop
Cyrus Tha Great 50 MCs 2004
44-Track CD Back Court Records 2004
To start off, I have to give a lot of respect to Cyrus Tha Great of
Personal F.O.U.L. for producing every track. In saying that,
there is quite a variety of known underground and unknown
(should be known) artists on this mixtape. There is a lot of Bos-
ton love shown with artists like Byg Sev, NBS, Akrobatik and Mr.
Lif, Brix, Lyrical, and E3, as well as other artists from around the
way like Cyrus' own duo, Personal F.O.U.L. (consisting of
Cyrus and Spit Supreme), Little Brother, Apathy, Angelous, One
Love, Royce da 5'9, Mic Stylz, Swann Notty, and Graph. Every
track is a worthy mention, but here are my personal favorites:
2. Personal F.O.U.L.
5. Byg Sev
13. Swann Notty – “The Truest”
14. Brix
20. Mic Stylz – “Never Too Late”
24. Poverty
36. Royce Da 5'9 – “52 Bars"
40. Lyrical
I can listen to this CD straight through without skipping a track,
and that says a lot for a mixtape since with most tapes you skip Maybe Someday is a noble attempt by singer/songwriter Liz
skits, intros and outros and tracks that just aren't your flavor
I would say, if this was The Source, I'd rate 50 MCs 2004 a 4½
out of 5 mics because no one gets 5; The Vibe, 5; V Circles and already be considered a music veteran. She began writing
my imaginary Klik Star Magazine, 5 Stars.
A couple of the many quotable lines are "I got it made like
men and Benzino/The source on my force is a chrome desert
eagle" (Byg Sev) and "When the record spin, my pen ignites fire bum of the Month on 88.9 FM WERS and in 2002 the Berklee
in hell/ Like a church priest going to jail" (Spit Supreme).
www.backcourtrecords.com
Production : 4.5 Songwriting : 5 Performance : 4 Recommend : YES
- Shaun O'Brien
RADIx From The Stage To The Studio
7-Song CD Abstrak Recordings 2004
RADIx consists of two extremely talented MCs, Seek and Quite
Nyce. From The Stage To The Studio is RADIx's first release
and worth the buzz and a listen. All seven tracks (really five be-
cause of intro/outro) are worth a straight through listen. Produc-
tion by S.B. Tha Ghost and Tuned Beats, as well as cuts by
Cadence, make each track an easy listen. The intelligent, tight
delivered lyrics from RADIx easily has this disc on constant rota-
tion. Quite Nyce has the smooth, nod-your-head type flow and
matches beats almost perfectly. Seek has the pick up, bounce,
and move flow catching the beat, just as well. This is just the
beginning of the RADIx movement. Quite Nyce has just re-
leased his solo LP "PowerMoves" and Seek are in the studio.
RADIx’s From The Stage To The Studio is a 20 minute listen
worth picking up; and leaves you wanting more. Performance: 3 Production: 2.5 Songwriting: 2.5 Recommend: NO
www.abstrakrecordings.com -C. Siegel
Production: 4 Songwriting: 4 Performance: 5 Recommend: YES
- Shaun O'Brien
Singer/Songwriter Shay Muse January 16, 2005 Club Fuel
Kevin So The So Must Go On
14-Song CD Wingbone
2004
On this long-awaited live album, singer/songwriter/soul man
Kevin So lays it all on the line. From his memories of earlier
days and his own musical inspirations (which range from Bob
28
CDs Rated 1 to 5
Dylan to Prince) to his ambitions to open the door to other mi-
nority performers (So is a proud and active Chinese-American),
this album explains where So has come from and where he is
headed, both musically and otherwise. Capturing the energy
and audience-involving connectivity of his live performances
with its extended intermezzo anecdotes to invited (and sponta-
neous) sing-alongs, the album is true to the real thing right down
to the occasional lyrical slip and speaker hum. As for the music,
it ranges from the beautiful and introspective opener "Different"
to the raucous unnamed outro. Along the way (which is the title
of another So song, sadly not included here), So demonstrates
his firm hold on such diverse styles as Folk, R&B, Soul, Rock,
and the Eastern traditions of his upbringing. Putting music to
sage paternal advice ("New Day Begun"), So declares his dedi-
cation to his heritage ("Chinatown"), pays tribute to his heroes
("Henry"; "Standing in the Shadows of Ellis Paul"), woos the
women ("Hot Tub") and encourages his fellow travelers to keep
on traveling ("Long Train Ride"). And though his warm smile and
at times frenetic motion may not be evident on a sound re-
cording, So’s passion and pride come through loud and clear.
www.kevinso.com. c. 2005, M. S. Robinson, ARR
Liz Kelly Maybe Someday
12-Song CD 2004
Kelly, even though the album never really progresses much past
your average folk fare. At only eighteen years of age, Kelly can
songs at fourteen, and has over fifty to her credit. Maybe Some-
day showcases the first twelve in her repertoire. There is no
denying Kelly’s musical talent; she won both the November Al-
College of Music songwriter competition. In an age filled with
vapid pop beauties with negligible talent, it is impressive that
Kelly taught herself to play not only the guitar but the drums,
piano, and bass as well. In fact, the bright spots on the album,
such as the track “Love I Have”, come during Kelly’s adept and
engaging instrumental performances, especially when she plays
the acoustic guitar.
Kelly cites her influences as Ani DiFranco, Tori Amos, Björk,
and Fiona Apple. It’s easy to recognize these forces in her vocal
style. Her voice is almost haunting, but unfortunately comes
across as grating on some tracks. Kelly does not have a very
powerful voice and exacerbates this fact by failing to provide the
listener with any “hooks”; there are no catchy melodies and very
few repeated choruses in which to draw in the listener.
Maybe Someday never really finds its groove, but I would look
forward to Kelly’s sophomore attempt because it is clear this
young woman has a plethora of potential. Maybe Someday
seems more like the kind of music to enjoy in the background,
rather than a body of work that dares the listener to think and
feel deeply.
Live Review: Hip Hop
Standing a tall 5'1”, sun glasses still on, rooms dark all you can
see is the stage lighting where a freestyle session was going on,
before the show started off. She walks over. I was introduced by
Marc Friekman to, who I came to know, was Shay Muse, an
R&B/Hip Hop Artist from Lowell, MA. What I did not know is
what my ears where in store for, her voice, her talent, so natural.
When the time came for Shay to honor the microphone with her
Reviews
voice, the crowd was in awe. Shay Muse, an overlooked artist,
as quite a few artists are in the local/underground scene, has
already gathered a fan base. It seemed I was the only one in
Club Fuel that never had the essence of Shay enter my ear-
lobes. A stage presence like none other, she made her way to
the stage, stepped up, and began with introducing herself. She
took the crowd over with tracks like "Too Late,” and "Gots To
Go,” so smooth, easy listening, and beautiful, to say the least.
Shay also, performed a track on stage with Brix. If memory
serves, it was "Right Here Right Now,” a well delivered and per-
formed track. Shay Muse, and Brix, females of W.O.L.V.E.S.
Ent. took the venue to a whole new place.
www.myspace.com/shaymuse www.solitaryrecords.com
- Shaun O'Brien
Live Reviews: Rock
Jaina Canons February 18, Evo's Arts
Upon many thesaurus consultations, I simply can not find adjec-
tives befitting the band I saw at Evo's on a very cold Friday in
February. In a room "more packed than I've ever seen it," ac-
cording to lead singer, Blue, the Jaina Canons drew their audi-
ence in like a particularly nasty siren, sounding like Beck being
run over by System of a Down and playing more for themselves
than for any one else. Their sets alone are enough to make you
skitzo; undulating between spoken word rants, all out rage in-
duced screaming, and melodic, pretty singing that drowns
in inspiring Zepplin ripping guitar and bad ass, yet funky, bass
and drums. DoIi burn a flag, bang my head, or shake my ass? I
can't decide. Their songs differ greatly yet stand on their own,
acting like a screwy, modern day working of Aesop's fa-
bles simultaneously contradicting and complimenting them-
selves while sending (or screaming) a message.
"The Ride," my new favorite song, is infectious in that you can-
not hear it without moving. The whole of the audience threw
itself into every song with fervor, screaming for more when the
sound was cut off, extracting one more song from the weary
staff before they would leave. And if the music wasn't enough,
the writhing, shaking, and various blows thrown by the band
members is entertainment in itself. Each song is as emotive,
whether angry, depressed, or forming from some other myriad
of emotion, as the last so much so you feel like you must stay
and listen, so, you do. - meg c
Six Day Slide photo by meg c
Six Day Slide CD Release Parties
January 21, The Middle East Upstairs
Febuary 11, Club Fuel
In a very Cramped, sold out room at the Middle East Upstairs,
fans and friends helped Six Day Slide celebrate the release of
their latest and much anticipated LP Held Under. Visibly nerv-
29
CDs Rated 1 to 5
ous, but adept at channeling that energy, guitarist and lead
singer David Fortin, guitarist Andrew Fortin, drummer Dave Ja-
cintho, and bassist Matt Beals dove right into their nine song set
which was comprised of their new work as well as, what ap-
peared to be, old favorites of the excitable crowd. Dynamic, yet
understated, and sounding every bit as good live as they do on
disc, they were well received and enjoyed an homage paying,
albeit drunken, chorus line of sorts during their last song,
"Kalie."
Still riding the high of their successful release three
weeks later, SDS hit the stage again, this time at Club Fuel in
Lowell. The circumstances couldn't have differed more. The
packed room was replaced with a sparsely populated dance
floor, complete with disco lights and cages. But far from being
daunted, the band played with an ease and grace that was
somehow absent before. Nerves having subsided, the quartet
allowed themselves to enjoy the music, playing a looser set and
taking more chances. Lead guitarist Andrew Fortin seemingly
immerses himself in each note while Jacintho drummed
with fluidity and a precision to match that of Beals' bass work.
David Fortin stood center stage, injecting each performance with
a charismatic presence, a measure that was lost on the unen-
thusiastic group at Fuel, and swaying his hips (in time) to the
music, a feat which should give white men on dance floors eve-
rywhere a new hope. The band's personal chemistry was more
evident but their ability to draw the rapt attention of
their audience was clear at both shows and their efforts to pull
people in at Fuel were nothing short of valiant. Those who were
on board were treated to the slower sweet-sounding "Listen," a
ballad which illustrates the potential of the band. The vocals and
harmonies provided by both Fortins were a highlight tune and
rang with a purer skill that is less evident on their faster tracks. It
is easy to see why their following continues to grow. - meg c
Why Versus Rome December 29, 2004 The Middle East
Local boys, Why Versus Rome, headlined a group of area
bands with a short but entertaining set last month at the Cam-
bridge, MA club, The Middle East.
Lead singer Will Lopez was on point, but unfortunately, hard
to hear over the rest of his band, who played with quick preci-
sion. While the music is more than satisfactory, alternating be-
tween fast and heavy and slow and melodic, on stage perform-
ance, in the way of banter and amusing antics leaves something
to be desired. The group seems slightly uncomfortable and anx-
ious yet up to the challenge of performing all the same. Lopez's
onstage style is truly emotive but could be more projective, while
bass player Dan Looney and guitarist Todd Richardson prove to
be the most entertaining; even from the backside view the audi-
ence gets most of the time. Drummer, Ryan Maloney plays with
an intense concentration that is interesting to watch while
brother and guitarist Jay, remains the only member to consis-
tently play to the audience.
The set included new songs that are due to come out on a
forthcoming demo/EP as well as older fan favorites, like “Follow
Your Stare” that can be found on We Left This Behind a collec-
tion of less recent material.
Musically, these guys are together, living proof that practice
can actually make perfect, or close to it and they will undoubt-
edly become more at ease at live venues as they continue to
play. In all they were well worth the cover charge. - meg c
Get Press. Send your musical news to NoMaSoNHa
friekman@hotmail.com

FREE Musicians’ Classifieds
Nomasonha
c/o Continental Cobbler
6 W. Broadway
Derry, NH 03038
friekman@hotmail.com
Your ad here. Don’t forget area codes with phone #s.
R&B/Hip-Hop/Soul Singer-Songwriter-
Producer Available
R&B/Hip-Hop/Soul Singer-Songwriter-
Producer available for booking and also avail-
able to write and sing hooks. Check out Shay
Muse at www.myspace.com/shaymuse email:
shaymuse@solitaryrecords.com for booking
and rates.
SpitFire seeks Bass w/ Vocal Ability
SpitFire seeks bass player with strong backup band looking to create all originals. All inquiries
vocals. Band is female fronted and does dance welcome. Check out our page for more info.
pop music covers from the 80's to today. Influ-
ences are Avril Levigne, Sheryl Crow, U2, Goo
Goo Dolls and No Doubt. Booked by Castle-
Gate Entertainment. Gigs in NH and MA. We
currently practice for free in Hudson, NH, but
also have the opportunity to practice for free in from Alice in Chains,Black Sabbath, CRUE,
Tewksbury, MA. Holding auditions now.
Bubingah seeks Keys
The band BUBINGAH is in search of a key-
board payer. This could be you. We are look-
ing to expand our sound and explore new terri- band. I really like Incubus and that style of mu-
tory. Please visit
http://www.bubingah.com/tunes for a sampling plus! Please reply to grrtopher@yahoo.com
of our music and influences. We rehearse in
Nashua NH (got our start around
UMassLowell) and are between the ages of 27
and 30. We currently have 2 guitars, bass and
drums. We have recorded one album (2004
Self titled) and are currently working on a fol-
low-up (you could be on this album). We have sing with emotion like Maynard but can belt it .
played 100 gigs over the 3 years we've been
together. Check the website for venues we've
played. Please contact us if you have the
slightest bit of interest. Contact: Ryan eMail:
ryan@bubingah.com
Vocalist Wanted
Manchester, NH. Demiurge looking for a lead
singer. Currently, we are a guitarist, drummer,
and bassist. We're looking for a singer who
can sing with emotion like Maynard but can
belt it . Must be able to contribute lyrically. We
have music for songs. Our ages range from
mid-20's to mid-30's. Must be able to finan-
cially & personally contribute to the band
(rehearsal space rent, promoting the band,
Classifieds
etc...) Looking for members with pro attitudes,
and must be really serious about seeking music
as your career. Influences: Slayer, Maiden,
Priest, Opeth, In Flames, Dimmu, Nevermore,
Lacuna Coil, Tool/APC, AIC, Sabbath, Rush.
Serious Inquiries Only! No heavy addictions,
jealous girlfriends, or egos! Please call or email
Mark (603) 785-6924 (c) (603) 487-2895 (h)
email: zenfin@mac.com www.zenfin.com (my
new age instrumental project)
Seeking All Types Of Talent
Seeking R&B Singers, DJ's (all cultures), Fash-
ion Models, Dancers, Break Dancers, MC's,
and Spoken Word Artists to perform in all fe-
male show in honor of National Women's
Month. March 2005. For details, please contact
DJ Cutter and J.L. Yancy, Filthy North Enter-
tainment & SFI Marketing (617) 825-2229 sfi-
marketingpros@aol.com
Drummer Wanted
LD50 is looking for a new drummer. Anyone
interested, contact Andy @ 978-397-0091(cell)
or email iajones110@aol.com. Please call after
5PM to get me, or else you'll have to leave a
message.
We have some songs written and are looking to
add more. We are a metal/ hard core orientated
Drummer Available
Experienced,creative drummer with pro gear,
gigging and recording experience seeking es-
tablished original rock band. Influences range
Creed,
ZEP,FLOYD,SUBLIME,Pantera,Metallica,Incub
us,Linkin Park,Godsmack,Disturbed, and much
more. Anything from acid rock to metal! I am
really interested in finding a band with a unique
sound and not your everyday screaming metal
sic. Serious musicians only please! Dedication
Singer Needed
Manchester, NH. Demiurge looking for a lead
singer. Currently, we are a guitarist, drummer,
and bassist. We're looking for a singer who can
Must be able to contribute lyrically. We have
music for songs. Our ages range from mid-20's
to mid-30's. Must be able to financially & per-
sonally contribute to the band (rehearsal space
rent, promoting the band, etc...) Looking for
members with pro attitudes, and must be really
serious about seeking music as your career.
Influences: Slayer, Maiden, Priest, Opeth, In
Flames, Dimmu, Nevermore, Lacuna Coil,
Tool/APC, AIC, Sabbath, Rush. Serious Inquir-
ies Only! No heavy addictions, jealous girl-
friends, or egos! Please call or e-mail Mark
(603) 785-6924 (c) (603) 487-2895 (h) email:
zenfin@mac.com www.zenfin.com (my new
age instrumental project)
30
DJs Available
Dazed Entertainment is a Lowell-based market-
ing/management company in Massachusetts
working to manage and promote both talent and
shows. We have been servicing the greater
Boston area with talents, DJs, Models, and
Promotions since June of 2000. DJs available
for club and private functions and also a promo-
tional team to help promote your events or pro-
jects. dazedent@yahoo.com
www.dazedent.com
Production and Recording
Boston Butta Beats Owned by the drummer of
classic hit band "The Atlantics," Boston Butta
Beats specializes in production and recording
for any genre from hard rock to hip hop. ray-
boy1@sbcglobal.net
www.bostonbuttabeats.com
Custom Guitars
Choose the body, color, neck style and all the
hardware to make it run, and we hand assemble
it to your specs. Starting from $700.
sales@waveguitars.com
Photographer
Professional band photos, Digital concert cover-
age, biography photos, reasonable rates. Aldo
Solares 617-212-1906
aldo_solares@hotmail.com
Replacement and Fill-In Musicians
Stunt Music has performers & consultants that
can help. We are building a database of musi-
cians with experience & chops for one night fill-
ins. No worries, we have screened them.
info@stuntmusic.com Go to
www.stuntmusic.com & apply to become a
"stunt musician."
Sound System Rentals
Stunt Music. Price ranges: $150 to $2500 per
night, all size venues. 603-377-0850 or
info@stuntmusic.com. Remote recording pack-
ages, too.
Disc Jockey
DJ Frank White. Available for parties, weddings,
concerts, and showcases. Specializes in hip
hop, old school, funk, classic urban, r&b and
soul. djfrankwhite@hotmail.com
Promotional Services
Digital Imaging Solutions provides everything
you need on a musician's budget. We also do
CDs & DVDs with pictures, video & sound.
sales@digitalimagingsolutions.biz
Independent Artist Services
Indie-mp3.com is your newest tool to sell your
music, earn money AND get included in all
online music databases! Earn money from each
download. No need to carry stock. Don't worry
about payment. We do all that for you. in-
quiry@indie-mp3.com
31
 105 Market Street
Lowell, MA 01852

Friday, March 04, 2005 Headliner: Chinggis

Spiderbiteradio.Com Presents Club Fuel. Chinggis, Fear The State, Jaina Cannons, an more Doors Open At 8:30
21+
Friday, March 11, 2005 Headliner: Vehicle
Disorder by Design, Mongrel, others TBA, 19+
Friday, March 11, 2005 Headliner: Trashlight Vision
Trashlight Vision Featuring Acey Slade (Dope, Murderdolls, Amen) Will Be Making A Rare Mass. Area Appearance
On Friday 03-11-05 At Club Fuel With Mongrel. This Is One Of Their Last East Coast Appearances Before Leaving
For The U.K. So Catch Em While You Can...
Friday, March 11, 2005 Headliner: False Trust
19+ 10$,21+$7@the door. hope to see all our loyal fans!
Friday, March 11, 2005 Headliner: Mongrel

Friday, March 11, 2005 @ Club Fuel in Lowell, MA - 105 Market Street (over the Blue Shamrock) 19+ $10, 21+ $7,
8:30pm doors w/ Trash Light Vision (featuring Acey Slade - ex-Dope, Murderdolls), Disorder By Design,False Trust,
And Vehicle.

Friday, March 11, 2005 Headliner: Disorder By Design

Disorder By Design, Mongrel, Trash Light Vision, False Trust,And Vehicle. Doors Open At 8:30, 19+$10 Cover, 21+
$7 Cover.

Friday, March 18, 2005 Headliner: Mindsetx

Mindsetx, Anger Managment, Uccultum, And Wax Atic Doors Open At 8:30, $7 Cover.

Friday, March 25, 2005 Headliner: Manifest

Manifest, Scurvy (Stillborn Records), Blackout Frenzy + More TBA. 19+ Time and Price TBA

Friday, March 25, 2005 Headliner: Violated Trust

Club Fuel- 19+ Downtown Lowell above Blue shamrock. $7.00-10.00 cover Charge. With; Remedy, Blackout Frenzy,
Scurvy (from) NJ and Manifest!

Friday, March 25, 2005 Headliner: Blackout Frenzy

19+ show, doors open at 8:30PM. Show starts @ 8:45 PM. Other Bands on the bill: Manifest, Scurvy, Tomorrow's
Remedy, And Violated Trust. Blackout Frenzy is one of the most brutal metal bands from New England with members
from NH and MA. For more information and contact, visit www.blackoutfrenzy.com

Friday, April 08, 2005 Headliner: Coven Of 13

Show Starts at 9:00 PM, 19+ $10.00 21+ $7.00, Hostile Witness, Another Band, Coven of 13, Another Band

Friday, April 15, 2005 Headliner: Reaxis 21+

THE BLUE SHAMROCK

105 Market Street
Lowell, MA 01852

32