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Featured Band archive S
Silver Dirt
December 22-28, 2008
This week we featured one of the best bands I've heard lately, Silver Dirt! If you like your rock 'n' roll infused with one part glam, two parts sleaze, 1/2 part punk, two parts blues, two parts raunchiness, and 2 1/2 parts classic old school rock, then this band is for you. They're inspired by the likes of Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, vintage Aerosmith, The Rolling Stones, vintage KISS, The Who, The Ramones, and Iggy Pop. However, their sound is very much their own. This is not a band that, when you hear them, will cause you to say, "Oh, they sound just like....." They are completely original and they kick ass!
Before I tell you more about Silver Dirt, I want to tell you to be sure and read the transcript of my interview with front man, Silver Steff.
And, since they were our Spotlight Band of the Week during the Christmas holiday, here is a Christmas picture from the band. I'm sure they joined me in wishing all of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Photos by: www.mcdphoto.ch Used with permission. Courtesy: Silver Dirt
I'll start with a little history and an introduction of the band. Silver Dirt formed in 2004 in Switzerland, and the members include Silver Steff on lead vocals, Dirty Lyo on lead guitar and vocals, Dirty Seb on bass and vocals, and Silver Gregg on drums and vocals.
The band has performed over 50 shows in Switzerland in two years time, including stints opening for Gilby Clarke and Tracii Guns' Brides of Destruction. Silver Dirt was also selected for the Swiss Metal Battle which includes the very best metal and hard rock bands in Switzerland. In addition, they've garnered much media interest both locally and internationally. They've been interviewed, and have had reviews written about their CD's and live shows in over 100 articles in publications, both print and electronic, from countries such as their home country Switzerland, the U.K., France, and the U.S.
Silver Dirt recorded a five song demo CD in 2005. In 2006 they were featured on a compilation C
D entitled "Hollywood Hairspray 5" that was released worldwide by Perris Records (U.S.A.). More importantly, they released their first album, "Sonic Boom", which the guys produced themselves. This CD was released in Switzerland, France, and the U.S. They also shot a live DVD, "Sonic Live" that was released in 2007. In addition, their song, "Go, She Said", was included on a CD sampler put out by Hard Rock magazine. Silver Dirt was included on a couple more compilations as well, one a Perris Records CD, "Network", and the other a French compilation, "Glamarama".
Now a word about their music. Silver Dirt produces high octane rock 'n' roll that will easily appeal to rock fans both young and old, because of it's mix of modern sleaze with old school sensibilities. Their song, "Go! She Said", has that sleazy aspect to it, but with a driving beat that makes you want to get up, get out, and go party like a brain damaged test monkey. Silver Steff's whiskey drenched vocals are a perfect fit for this band's style. And, the guitar work, especially the solos, by the very talented Dirty Lyo are classic and bluesy with an ode to all the greatest rock 'n' roll guitarists of the past. The Rolling Stones and early Aerosmith influences are quite evident in Lyo's guitar playing. As I listened to their music I kept finding myself saying, "Hell yeah!" One minute I was listening to the heavy "Angel With Silver Wings" with it's Zeppelin influenced sound, a bit psychadelic, featuring that bluesy guitar and Silver Gregg's Bonham-like drumming. Next, I was listening to an AC/DC inspired rock anthem entitled, "About Rock 'N' Roll". Then there's the very sleazy, "Last Exit/Voodoo Land" heavily driven by Silver Gregg's drums and Dirty Seb's thumping bass. This song does its job by conjuring up images of a
voodoo ritual. I really enjoyed the subtle southern rock sound of "Wasted Dream".
It's Lyo's guitar work that gives the song its southern flavor. I just love his style! The band really picks up the pace with tracks like "Mean Machine", which put an image in my mind of a Harley hauling ass down a two-lane blacktop, and "Zero Gravity", with its punk influenced sound. "Zero Gravity" is what I call hot-rod music. I can see this song playing during a drag racing scene in a movie, and if you are listening to it while driving down the freeway, you better have your ass in the fast lane. The next song I heard was "She's Got to Be". It has a definite Ramones feel to it; very cool. Finally, I listened to their new single from their soon to be released second album. The song, "Somebody Help Me" is another great song by a great band. In fact, there was not one single song I heard that I didn't like. That is a rarity. If you like Izzy Stradlin's solo stuff, Gilby Clarke, and/or The Casanovas, you're going to love this band with it's down and dirty, raunchy rock and roll. Silver Steff's vocal's are superb, and Dirty Lyo's killer riffs and solos bring a smile to my face. Their music lifts my spirits and that's what I look for in great rock n' roll. I can't say enough good things about Silver Dirt. I highly recommend this band and if they are able to be heard by a larger audience, I have no doubt they'll make it big. And, after speaking with lead vocalist, Silver Steff, I was greatly impressed by his determination, drive, and passion, along with a professionalism I've only seen in the biggest of rock stars. So, if the rest of the band has those same qualities, they will go far indeed.
That being said, the future looks very good for this awesome band. They announced in November that they've just been signed to Gofannon Records (France) and that their new album will be released sometime during the spring of 2009. They will also be touring Europe and the U.S. next year, so be sure to see them if they come to your town. But, I'll let you read my interview with Silver Steff to find out more about Silver Dirt's future plans.
In the meantime, for more information and to hear their music you can visit their web site, silverdirt.com, or check out their MySpace page, www.myspace.com/silverdirt . The new song, "Somebody Help Me", can be heard on the music player on Gofannon Records MySpace page at www.myspace.com/gofannonrecords .
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December 22-28, 2008
This week we featured one of the best bands I've heard lately, Silver Dirt! If you like your rock 'n' roll infused with one part glam, two parts sleaze, 1/2 part punk, two parts blues, two parts raunchiness, and 2 1/2 parts classic old school rock, then this band is for you. They're inspired by the likes of Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, vintage Aerosmith, The Rolling Stones, vintage KISS, The Who, The Ramones, and Iggy Pop. However, their sound is very much their own. This is not a band that, when you hear them, will cause you to say, "Oh, they sound just like....." They are completely original and they kick ass!
Before I tell you more about Silver Dirt, I want to tell you to be sure and read the transcript of my interview with front man, Silver Steff.
And, since they were our Spotlight Band of the Week during the Christmas holiday, here is a Christmas picture from the band. I'm sure they joined me in wishing all of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Photos by: www.mcdphoto.ch Used with permission. Courtesy: Silver Dirt
I'll start with a little history and an introduction of the band. Silver Dirt formed in 2004 in Switzerland, and the members include Silver Steff on lead vocals, Dirty Lyo on lead guitar and vocals, Dirty Seb on bass and vocals, and Silver Gregg on drums and vocals.
The band has performed over 50 shows in Switzerland in two years time, including stints opening for Gilby Clarke and Tracii Guns' Brides of Destruction. Silver Dirt was also selected for the Swiss Metal Battle which includes the very best metal and hard rock bands in Switzerland. In addition, they've garnered much media interest both locally and internationally. They've been interviewed, and have had reviews written about their CD's and live shows in over 100 articles in publications, both print and electronic, from countries such as their home country Switzerland, the U.K., France, and the U.S.
Silver Dirt recorded a five song demo CD in 2005. In 2006 they were featured on a compilation C
D entitled "Hollywood Hairspray 5" that was released worldwide by Perris Records (U.S.A.). More importantly, they released their first album, "Sonic Boom", which the guys produced themselves. This CD was released in Switzerland, France, and the U.S. They also shot a live DVD, "Sonic Live" that was released in 2007. In addition, their song, "Go, She Said", was included on a CD sampler put out by Hard Rock magazine. Silver Dirt was included on a couple more compilations as well, one a Perris Records CD, "Network", and the other a French compilation, "Glamarama".Now a word about their music. Silver Dirt produces high octane rock 'n' roll that will easily appeal to rock fans both young and old, because of it's mix of modern sleaze with old school sensibilities. Their song, "Go! She Said", has that sleazy aspect to it, but with a driving beat that makes you want to get up, get out, and go party like a brain damaged test monkey. Silver Steff's whiskey drenched vocals are a perfect fit for this band's style. And, the guitar work, especially the solos, by the very talented Dirty Lyo are classic and bluesy with an ode to all the greatest rock 'n' roll guitarists of the past. The Rolling Stones and early Aerosmith influences are quite evident in Lyo's guitar playing. As I listened to their music I kept finding myself saying, "Hell yeah!" One minute I was listening to the heavy "Angel With Silver Wings" with it's Zeppelin influenced sound, a bit psychadelic, featuring that bluesy guitar and Silver Gregg's Bonham-like drumming. Next, I was listening to an AC/DC inspired rock anthem entitled, "About Rock 'N' Roll". Then there's the very sleazy, "Last Exit/Voodoo Land" heavily driven by Silver Gregg's drums and Dirty Seb's thumping bass. This song does its job by conjuring up images of a
voodoo ritual. I really enjoyed the subtle southern rock sound of "Wasted Dream".
It's Lyo's guitar work that gives the song its southern flavor. I just love his style! The band really picks up the pace with tracks like "Mean Machine", which put an image in my mind of a Harley hauling ass down a two-lane blacktop, and "Zero Gravity", with its punk influenced sound. "Zero Gravity" is what I call hot-rod music. I can see this song playing during a drag racing scene in a movie, and if you are listening to it while driving down the freeway, you better have your ass in the fast lane. The next song I heard was "She's Got to Be". It has a definite Ramones feel to it; very cool. Finally, I listened to their new single from their soon to be released second album. The song, "Somebody Help Me" is another great song by a great band. In fact, there was not one single song I heard that I didn't like. That is a rarity. If you like Izzy Stradlin's solo stuff, Gilby Clarke, and/or The Casanovas, you're going to love this band with it's down and dirty, raunchy rock and roll. Silver Steff's vocal's are superb, and Dirty Lyo's killer riffs and solos bring a smile to my face. Their music lifts my spirits and that's what I look for in great rock n' roll. I can't say enough good things about Silver Dirt. I highly recommend this band and if they are able to be heard by a larger audience, I have no doubt they'll make it big. And, after speaking with lead vocalist, Silver Steff, I was greatly impressed by his determination, drive, and passion, along with a professionalism I've only seen in the biggest of rock stars. So, if the rest of the band has those same qualities, they will go far indeed.That being said, the future looks very good for this awesome band. They announced in November that they've just been signed to Gofannon Records (France) and that their new album will be released sometime during the spring of 2009. They will also be touring Europe and the U.S. next year, so be sure to see them if they come to your town. But, I'll let you read my interview with Silver Steff to find out more about Silver Dirt's future plans.In the meantime, for more information and to hear their music you can visit their web site, silverdirt.com, or check out their MySpace page, www.myspace.com/silverdirt . The new song, "Somebody Help Me", can be heard on the music player on Gofannon Records MySpace page at www.myspace.com/gofannonrecords .
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Sister Hyde
March 31-April 6, 2009
All photos by my lovely new friend, Soma, with enhancements by Ann Marra.
Used with permission, courtesy of Sister Hyde.
We're very pleased to bring you an up-and-coming band out of Seattle, Sister Hyde. When I was introduced to this band on MySpace I became immediately intrigued. Then, when I received their self titled debut album to review, I became an enormous fan of the band (the CD hasn't left my ten disc CD changer, where I have all my favorites, ever since I got it). Because I go into more depth about Sister Hyde's music in my review of their CD, I won't say much more about it here. Suffice to say, HYde, the band's vocalist, lead guitarist and songwriter is a creative genius, and has put together a most unique and original album, one that you must give a listen to.
HYde, the driving force behind Sister Hyde, epitomizes what it means to be the frontman of a band. He is a consummate showman. There's an aura of mystery and sensuality about him that draws one like a magnet. He has the image and looks of a rockstar who would have been equally at home sipping absinthe with Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec at the Moulin Rouge. It's no wonder he's amassed an adoring female following. That's not to say that that Sister Hyde is devoid of male fans. Their music speaks for itself, therefore they have plenty of fans of both sexes. This is NOT a band with image and no substance. But, when you combine Sister Hyde's fantastic tunes with HYde's showmanship, the combination is combustible and explodes with a raw energy that is orgasmic in nature.
After becoming a fan of Sister Hyde, there was no doubt that we would have to feature them here. Of course, that meant I would also have to interview HYde to learn more about this awesome band and how they came to be. So, without further ado I give you that interview:
Interview by: Tawny Khat
Completed on March 28, 2009
HYde: Hi Tawny Dolling. I'd like to thank YOU and ELECTRIC PUSSYCAT Magazine for this interview!!!
EP (Electric Pussycat): [You're very welcome, dear HYde!] First off, could you fill me in with a little info about each of the band members' backgrounds?
HYde: Well Tawny, you have caught Sister Hyde at a crossroads as I have just retained an entirely new lineup!!! My last one had some substance abuse/family priorities and geographic logistics that were holding HYde back from his true destiny! Recently, I happened to run into a bunch of trannies and cross-dressers who happen to love glam and play bass, guitar and drums, but were looking for a vocalist. We all met at R Place, a local Seattle gendre-bending watering hole. I don't know much about them yet! KARI OKI plays bass and I've never heard a more punky bassist which is what I look for on 4 strings. I like the bass to hit below the belt, in the groin, and she certainly does! OUCH! Kari grew up in Japan and came to Seattle fairly recently to live in a place that could endure her outrageous style! Next up is LEZ B PAUL! Lez plays guitar and is known for his cross-dressing on stage. He loves The Dolls and has glam/trash exuding from his skinny little pores! Originally from Chicago, Lez moved to Seattle to indulge his, ahh, hobby and of course his guitar playing! On drums we have BAM BAM. Bam Bam plays the skins like they are cannons. She seems a tad obsessed with them and is particularily brutal on the heads! With her long blond hair, Bam Bam came to the U.S. from Sweden and loves old Alice Cooper! Together they are the purrfect band for HYde!!!
EP: [That sounds fantastic! Makes this question a little moot, but that's OK.] Now, Sister Hyde formed in 2006. Could you tell me excactly how the band came together?
HYde: I met my original band at a New York Dolls concert and we got hammered together at The Dolls aftershow party back at their hotel where we decided to put together Sister Hyde!!!
EP: How do your favorite bands and musicians influence you and what is the philosophy of your band?
HYde: I wanted a name like Alice Cooper. I took his horror element/nastiness/theatrics and the trashy sound of his original line up (the Alice Cooper Band) and souped it up. I was also influenced by The Dolls, and Iggy and The Stooges. I wanted the outrageous image and energy of The Dolls and the toughness and "devil may care" attitude of Iggy. Ziggy Stardust and Alladin Sane periods of David Bowie interest me, as does T Rex and Marc Bolan. Again, the androgynous, otherworldly quality of these artists inspired me and the formula for that glam sound! Mott The Hoople and The Sweet, as well! They kinda brought the testosterone levels up in English Glam, and I love the cover of Desolation Boulevard and other songs! I can't forget The Pistols and the early punk sounds of British and New York punk. I wanted that edge mixed into the Sister H sound! Jimi is my main man for guitar as far as stretching the limits and showmanship, and I love the latent violence of Townsend. I play my axe like it's phallic or like it's an electric pussy!!! The Sister Hyde philosophy?...Waldo Emerson said it best..."To be yourself in a society that tries to turn you into someone else is the greatest acomplishment!!" Ya know...be original...Don't be fooled by the media! Don't care what anyone else thinks of ya, and do question authority. Embrace all that is you and become your own sex symbol! Make up yer own rules and never give up on yourself...most of us give up way too easily! Yes, Sister Hyde is all about transformation! David Bowie said it best..."I could be a wild mutation as a rock and roll star," and of course The Sister Hyde Motto~"HAVE A GOOD TIME ALL THE TIME!!!"
EP: I've seen a few descriptions of Sister Hyde's live performances. By all accounts your live show is wild. Can you give readers who've never seen you perform an example of what they'd see and hear when they attend one of your shows?
HYde: The strains of Beethoven's 5th die as Sister Hyde takes the stage in a mist of low rising fog and then the strobes hit!!! WOW! The crescendo for "Surfin on Napalm" builds and the show is under way. My energy ignites the crowd as I perform to the max drenched in feedback with my signature leather trench, top hat, racoon eyes and long black hair. The audience reacts and forms a crazy glam-punk mosh pit in front of the stage. The "Sisterhood" (the die-hard female Sister Hyde fans as they are affectionaly known) show their appreciation cavorting on and off stage (and backstage)! I am all about the audience and I love to interact with this crowd. It is finally the grand finale where I whip my guitar as it squeals in agony. I am, after all Tawny, the ultimate showman! I disappear from the stage as the band finishes the show without me. (It's the ol' James Brown star-time ending.) The smoke and strobes are blinding now! A sustained wail of approval comes up from the crowd who are in shock from what they've just witnessed and the inevitable shouts for "MORE!" are deafening!!! I am leaning against a wall sweating my ass off and panting in some filthy alley behind the club or in the loo, and when I hear this I know it's been another successful Sister Hyde show!!!
EP: [Wow! I don't smoke, but I feel like I need a cigarette after that description!] Along with many rave reviews, you've experienced some controversy and had run ins with some quite close-minded individuals. Would you please relate a few of these stories?
HYde: Last summer Sister Hyde played The Seattle Pride concert outside in a public park. It was boiling hot and the crowd was quite huge. I decided to invite the crowd on stage. I wanted a Gay Woodstock and I love the "theater of confusion" (as Jim Morrison used to call it). Everything was groovy and many people crammed the stage to celebrate, dancing with us and having an amazing time! Two men took their clothes off...all off...and became my gay go-go dancers, flanking me at center stage. As the show became more crazy, it started to look like the gates of hell were opening up (with a whole orgy being kinda simulated...like something from "Apocalypse Now") and stage managers freaked and demanded the dancers leave the stage. The incident and the nudity got us banned from the event! BUT, it got us a hell of a lot of publicity as the not so tolerant audience, (mostly dykes) complained! (The sight of those penises around made them mad uncomfortable)! We also played a high school here in town, and after the show the principal complained to the musician's union that my stage antics, which included simulating oral sex on my guitarist, was not suitable entertainment for the students. He was wrong; they loved it! Any publicity is good publicity right? There was the drunk Canuck indian who fired a shot glass at the stage narrowly missing my head because he thought that we thought we were rockstars! I told him, "We don't think we're rockstars...we KNOW we're Rockstars!!!" It seemed to anger him! There was the skinhead with the word, "Hate", painted in red on the back of his wife-beater t-shirt who threatened me and said that he didn't like the way "I was playin' with myself up there!" (after a show I did in complete drag). The sight of my legs in those ripped fishnets made him imagine something that never happened. I told him, "I don't have to play with myself, Mate. I've been around the world and I've slept with women other men can only dream of!" His homophobia turned to admiration and we ended up smoking a spliff together! I'd learned...you gotta make friends with yer enemies! There was the Seattle newspaper that black-listed us for writing a silly song about their music editor ("Jennifer Maerz's Best Friend", which is on the album)! I was told that I would never work in this town again! They were mistaken. I have been gigging consistently. Ahh, but we do love controversy. Even our fog machine, "Sparky", managed to get us in trouble when the entire fire department of Everett, WA came blazing to the rescue, sirens wailing, for a nonexistent fire when we played a club there and the smoke alarm was triggered! Seattle is a very conservative town deep down and if they don't think you are correct or conforming, they might not like you! It was good ol' David Lee Roth who once said, "Rock is a contact sport!!!" He was right!
EP: There is a 1971 British film entitled,"Dr Jekyll and Sister Hyde", a tongue-in-cheek and campy piece of film noir take on the classic Jekyll and Hyde story where the good doctor becomes a beautiful, sultry knife-wielding femme who murders hookers to obtain the needed bodily fluids for the transformation elixir. The late Ralph Bates was brilliant as Dr. Jekyll and Martine Beswick (who also was the Bond girl in "From Russia with Love") was delicious as the sensual and sadistic Sister Hyde. Have you seen this film and if so what did you think of it?
HYde: Damn Tawny! You've found me out! The flick did inspire the band's name and the whole idea of transformation...The idea that Dr Jekyll not only turns bad, but transforms into a powerful and beautiful woman was too good to pass up! I loved it. I also was inspired by "A Clockwork Orange" and "Privilege".
EP: I read somewhere that you obtain all of your musical equipment from pawn shops. Could you please tell me about your gear?
HYde: I have a 1974 Gibson SG that I recently acquired here at a Seattle pawn shop. It is a faded cherry mahogany finish with crescent moon mother of pearl inlays down the fretboard...a truly classic instrument and so HYde! In Vancouver, BC I found my Marshall 50 watt head, and in another, my four 12 Marshall cab. I also found two Ibanez guitars, which are the secret behind the cranky guitar sounds on the album, and I have an old 1977 Fender Strat. I am most connected to my 12 string Yamaha and will be doing an acoustic performance in April. Pawn shops are where it's at! Kari Oki plays a Gibson SG bass through an SVT amp, and Lez B Paul plays, of course, a Gibson Les Paul (a gold top). Bam Bam pounds away at a vintage set of Ludwigs with a 26 inch kick drum! Wham Bam Thank You Ma'am!
EP: Your self-titled debut album is fantastic. What is Sister Hyde's songwriting process and where do you find the inspiration for your songs, especially your lyrics?
HYde: Thanks very much, Tawny! Performer magazine from San Francisco wrote, "They are entertaining. Especially their lyrics!" I was glad to hear that. My songs are a chronological account of my life, or perhaps a character that I have encountered. For instance, on the new album there is a song about Britney Spears when she went mental earlier this year, but it ends up being about any celebrity. I try to hit "the universal jugular." I love The Beatles and the way everyone can relate to their songs. But, I write my tunes ultimately as a cathartic experience...a way to express myself and something I'm going through. Most times I start with the music...I write on guitar only and then add the lyrics. I refine and edit them, and then record a demo. Then, I will bring them in to a practice for the band to try. Next, we will flesh the song out live before finally recording it as part of an album. I have over 100 songs, and I think people will be surprised by the different types of songs I've written as they are not all rock. I am going to be starting up a new MySpace which will feature some of my other material.
EP: [That sounds great. I can't wait to hear your other material!] Are you currently working on a follow-up album?
HYde: I have all the songs written for the next Sister Hyde album and I am really excited! The album will be recorded soon and it is slightly more mature. Some of the themes are: fame and celebrity worship, substance abuse, pedophilia, animal consumption, sex (of course), Elvis, Jesus, the usual array of abusive characters, the American teenager, the dangers of our over-reliance on technology, incarceration and divine intervention and more sex! I've even got an anti-war song! But rest assured, Sister Hyde will not lose the raw rock sound that made this last album so great! This is going to be a rock and roll record and not some news broadcast bullshit. Topical yes, but like KISS said, "Keep It Simple Supid"!!!
EP: [I'm very excited about hearing the next album. Hopefully we'll all get to hear it soon!] I also can't wait to see Sister Hyde perform live, hopefully here in Phoenix (hint, hint). Will you be touring this year, and if so where will you be going?
HYde: Sister Hyde will be touring this year. There is a good chance that we will be going to Tokyo, Japan. We are working on a deal where we will be starting at a club called K's Dream in Tokyo, and then touring the country. They totally get the Glam thing over there and they love to mimic, dress up and take photos. They are constantly taking photos! We've toured the West Coast and if we do that again this summer, I will make sure we include Phoenix! (Can't wait to meet you!) Really want to get to Europe sometime! Sister Hyde will be focusing on what Elvis called "TCB" (takin' care of business). Management/label deals, licensing and radio play. We are going to become better known!!! Look out you Rock and Rollers!!!
EP: [I'm certain that once more and more people know about you, Sister Hyde will explode on the scene all around the world! I hope you will make it to Phoenix this summer. It would be wonderful to meet you (and hopefully Soma, as well). Just don't come at the same time as the Rock Gone Wild festival in August, because I'm going to the festival and I'd hate to miss you!] HYde, you are much more than a songwriter and musician. Would you please tell me about your writings, poetry, paintings, drawings and sculpture?
HYde: I come from a long line of art school rockers. Like Keith Richards once admitted, "Drawing naked women seemed like the easiest thing to take in school." There have been so many English musicians who have been former art school students. Pete Townsend, Brian Jones, John Lennon. You can see some of my nudes, sculptures, paintings and dog renderings at www.myspace.com/hydemania. The MySpace site was taken down five times and I kept resurrecting it until finally MySpace let me keep it up, after a bunch of deletions. It was considered too pornographic! I had pics of a dog faced angel with breasts, devil horns and a gigantic erection that they really didn't like! But, I always have drawn and painted. I lose myself in it and find it extremely cathartic as an escape from myself! If I had a mentor who locked me in a studio every day and said, "Create!", I wouldn't mind, and I can turn them out fast. It's like a fever. I do believe all creation comes from the sex-drive, so I must be extremely horny! Ha ha. I like to sculpt in clay and I use a knife...You have to rape the clay! In L.A. I won a scholarship; I created a city of clay sculptures. Some of my heads were quite dramatically large. I love the way they look wet and when they are fired! Love the 3 dimensionality of sculpture. I like to use acrylics, as well, Tawny. Like you must, I find them easy to work with (compared to oils), and they dry rapidly. I draw every week at 3 different life-drawing workshops around town. The most important thing in any art, I feel, is to hone your own style, that must be very identifiable. I have shown extensively in L.A., some in Seattle, and will definitely let you know if I ever show in Phoenix! I'd love to see your hemp paintings! But yeah, I dig the primitive feeling that comes from doing art.
EP: [If I hadn't let readers know before, you're originally from England, hence the references above to English musicians who are also artists. With regards to MySpace censoring your art, isn't it interesting that people still have problems confusing pornography and art? I do have to say, with regards to painting with acrylics, it's very challenging here in Arizona with it's dry climate. The paint dries super fast, and it's been a challenge learning to work so fast, since I originally started painting in oils and was used to taking my time. Oh, and to clear things up, when I speak of hemp art, I'm not talking about paintings, but hemp jewelry and other items, which you can see at Hippiepad.com. But, yes, I can completely relate with you about losing yourself in art. It is very therapeutic. I just wish I had more time to do it!] In addition to the writing and publishing of this webzine, I also am a painter (acrylics, as I mentioned) and a hemp artist. I find it very difficult to find time for everything I want to do. With the many forms of artistry you are involved in, how do you find time for it all?
HYde: Thank you for using that word, artistry, because that's what I have going on, more than some of my fellow "artists". Eventually, I want to incorporate my music and art. I've been paid to design sets when I had a job as a "Children's Theater" set designer and I want to design my own sets. I'd love to sign a deal where I could eventually gain artistic control over my videos like Marylin Manson enjoys. But, to answer your question, I don't ever wear a watch! It helps for having time. I am a bit of a butterfly Gemini, however, and flit from one thing to the next. So, if I am focusing on my music, I might stay up all night for a week working on a painting, as well. I also like to write on the bus...I find some of my best work comes out of this. Finding the time to put them online...I don't own a computer so I can have more time to create. I use public library computers for an hour and a half every day. But, I do want to publish a book of all my poetic meanderings ext. Eventually I'll get 'em all up on my HYde MySpace site.
EP: [I look forward to reading your poetry.] HYde, you are also involved in animal rescue. (Eight cats I've rescued own me - as you know, you don't own cats, they own you. The most recent rescue was a sweet cat that was left behind when his owner lost his home to foreclosure, something that is happening to animals far too often.) I love animals, so I admire what you're doing. Could you tell me about your work in animal rescue?
HYde: Congratulations to you Tawny for your rescues! HYde is part beast! I cum with FUR!!! Seriously though Tawny, I have rescued over 200 animals in 3 different North American cities. If I saw a stray today, I would check the dog or cat out and see what's going on. I started in L.A. where it is not uncommon to see dead dogs on your way to work in the morning that have been hit by cars. L.A.'s like Mexico, with freeways and the low income hispanic and black areas full of strays, abused and dead dogs. I had a Toyota Tercel with no air-conditioning, and I would stop every time I saw one and try to get it. It became super stressful as I faced eviction from my Mexican landlord if I'd bring a dog into my Hollywood apartment. I had to keep 'em in the car until I figured out what to do. Many were Pit Bulls and NO ONE wants one down there. So, it was extremely difficult to find homes for them, but ya know what, I have been blessed and managed to place every one of my rescues in loving homes or in no-kill adoption centers. I boarded them, payed for spaying/neutering and found people and help through networking. I am writing a book called "L.A. Tails" that will tell the stories! I walked dogs down there for a living and was nicknamed "The Pit Bull Man" for my affinity for the breed and my success in handling them by The L.A. Dog-Walkers Association! Dogs gravitate to me for some unknown reason. Same with cats. One day I even petnapped an abused dog and cat that had grown up together from a horrid old man who neglected and beat them. They had been abandoned there by an S&M queen who split town and left them with him; tol' him she was goin' to come back for 'em. The Pit Bull was bleeding and the Siamese cat was overrun with parasites. I knew the dog would be hit by a car or beaten to death if I didn't do something. I found them a beautiful home together on the beach where they still live together today!! There were even several sea birds with fish hooks in them that I was lucky enough to've rescued from the beach to a Wildlife Station. If people want to pick a dog up on the street that has no tags ext...be sure to put them into the SPCA or Animal Control/Humane Society on a "RESERVE" basis if you have to take them there. This guarantees you a phone call if they decide, for whatever reason, to put the animal down. Then you should get down there pronto if they do call. I brought a Chow that I picked up down there who'd been on the streets of Hollywood for 3 years! The SPCA (a supposed no-kill shelter) did a temperance test on him and deemed him unworthy to live and unadoptable. I got the call. They were going to kill him. I went down and found a woman who wanted him..Too many times I've heard tragic stories of someone meaning well by picking up a Rottweiler, for instance, and bringing it in only to find out that the dog was put down when they checked on it later. Don't buy at breeders. Save a life today at the pound. Tawny, did you know that Pit Bulls and Rottweilers in L.A. have a 6 hour window before they are put down, and most other dogs, including puppies, have only 3 days! The problem is grossly underestimated throughout the world! I have a couple of guest blogs on Ellen DeGeneres's pet food site,"Halo Pets", trying to inform, educate and initiate. There are no bad dogs...just bad owners!!!
EP: [That is so admirable. If everyone would involve themselves in a good cause, the world would be such a better place.] Could you tell readers something about yourself that most people don't know?
HYde: That I like it with the lights on! Why do it in the dark? There is so much to see n'est pas?...I wanted to be a porn star when I was a boy HYde. A porn star or an astronaut, and so I became a rockstar...incorporating both... flying high and a lot of sex! People used to frown on being a musician, now with "American IdULL", mothers are bringing their squeaky clean daughters and sons by the hand to try to get them in. Times have changed and not always for the better. Chrissie Hynde once said, "If Jimi Hendrix had lived, I guarantee you that he wouldn't be doing Pepsi commercials!" My great, great, great aunt was Lady Bathory (the famed and quite beastly English aristocrat who thought that the blood of her virginal hand-maidens kept her young)! I have been an art teacher, a garbage-man, a set designer, a pooper scooper (yes, there is such a job...picking up pet waste), a scenic painter for an Opera Company and a dishwasher. I've been on the dole (welfare) and partied with Mick Jagger and David Bowie. I've lived in 10 different cities all over the world and walked out of my smoking car unharmed in L.A. after I was hit by some jerk trying to run a red! These are some things that people probably don't know about me. But, I am a chameleon, and there's so much more that must be left as a mystery.
EP: [Very interesting!! I've done many interesting things in my life, as well. But, this isn't about me. By the way, I like it by candlelight!] Do you have any parting words for our readers?
HYde: I just want to thank your readers if they managed to read this far. I do hope I haven't been too much of a dreadful bore. One thing my grandfather told me once that I've lived my life by..Have a good time while you are trying to make it because then even if you don't, at least you will have had a good time! Thanks to you, Tawny Khat, for the opportunity, and we will see you soon in Phoenix! Cheers! HYde from Sister Hyde... ELECTRIC PUSSYCAT ROCKS!!! -----------------
Very sage advice, indeed, from your grandfather, HYde! I thank you, as well, for taking time to complete this interview. I am sure readers will find it informative and enjoyable to read. I know this has been one of the best interviews I've had the pleasure of conducting!
Again, I want to urge everyone to check out Sister Hyde's music. You can get their CD at CD Baby, and it's also available on itunes, and MP3.com/LastFM.com. For more information, please visit Sister Hyde's MySpace page.
Also, be sure to read my review of Sister Hyde's album.
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March 31-April 6, 2009
All photos by my lovely new friend, Soma, with enhancements by Ann Marra.
Used with permission, courtesy of Sister Hyde.
We're very pleased to bring you an up-and-coming band out of Seattle, Sister Hyde. When I was introduced to this band on MySpace I became immediately intrigued. Then, when I received their self titled debut album to review, I became an enormous fan of the band (the CD hasn't left my ten disc CD changer, where I have all my favorites, ever since I got it). Because I go into more depth about Sister Hyde's music in my review of their CD, I won't say much more about it here. Suffice to say, HYde, the band's vocalist, lead guitarist and songwriter is a creative genius, and has put together a most unique and original album, one that you must give a listen to.
HYde, the driving force behind Sister Hyde, epitomizes what it means to be the frontman of a band. He is a consummate showman. There's an aura of mystery and sensuality about him that draws one like a magnet. He has the image and looks of a rockstar who would have been equally at home sipping absinthe with Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec at the Moulin Rouge. It's no wonder he's amassed an adoring female following. That's not to say that that Sister Hyde is devoid of male fans. Their music speaks for itself, therefore they have plenty of fans of both sexes. This is NOT a band with image and no substance. But, when you combine Sister Hyde's fantastic tunes with HYde's showmanship, the combination is combustible and explodes with a raw energy that is orgasmic in nature.
After becoming a fan of Sister Hyde, there was no doubt that we would have to feature them here. Of course, that meant I would also have to interview HYde to learn more about this awesome band and how they came to be. So, without further ado I give you that interview:
Interview by: Tawny Khat
Completed on March 28, 2009
HYde: Hi Tawny Dolling. I'd like to thank YOU and ELECTRIC PUSSYCAT Magazine for this interview!!!
EP (Electric Pussycat): [You're very welcome, dear HYde!] First off, could you fill me in with a little info about each of the band members' backgrounds?
HYde: Well Tawny, you have caught Sister Hyde at a crossroads as I have just retained an entirely new lineup!!! My last one had some substance abuse/family priorities and geographic logistics that were holding HYde back from his true destiny! Recently, I happened to run into a bunch of trannies and cross-dressers who happen to love glam and play bass, guitar and drums, but were looking for a vocalist. We all met at R Place, a local Seattle gendre-bending watering hole. I don't know much about them yet! KARI OKI plays bass and I've never heard a more punky bassist which is what I look for on 4 strings. I like the bass to hit below the belt, in the groin, and she certainly does! OUCH! Kari grew up in Japan and came to Seattle fairly recently to live in a place that could endure her outrageous style! Next up is LEZ B PAUL! Lez plays guitar and is known for his cross-dressing on stage. He loves The Dolls and has glam/trash exuding from his skinny little pores! Originally from Chicago, Lez moved to Seattle to indulge his, ahh, hobby and of course his guitar playing! On drums we have BAM BAM. Bam Bam plays the skins like they are cannons. She seems a tad obsessed with them and is particularily brutal on the heads! With her long blond hair, Bam Bam came to the U.S. from Sweden and loves old Alice Cooper! Together they are the purrfect band for HYde!!!
EP: [That sounds fantastic! Makes this question a little moot, but that's OK.] Now, Sister Hyde formed in 2006. Could you tell me excactly how the band came together?
HYde: I met my original band at a New York Dolls concert and we got hammered together at The Dolls aftershow party back at their hotel where we decided to put together Sister Hyde!!!
EP: How do your favorite bands and musicians influence you and what is the philosophy of your band?
HYde: I wanted a name like Alice Cooper. I took his horror element/nastiness/theatrics and the trashy sound of his original line up (the Alice Cooper Band) and souped it up. I was also influenced by The Dolls, and Iggy and The Stooges. I wanted the outrageous image and energy of The Dolls and the toughness and "devil may care" attitude of Iggy. Ziggy Stardust and Alladin Sane periods of David Bowie interest me, as does T Rex and Marc Bolan. Again, the androgynous, otherworldly quality of these artists inspired me and the formula for that glam sound! Mott The Hoople and The Sweet, as well! They kinda brought the testosterone levels up in English Glam, and I love the cover of Desolation Boulevard and other songs! I can't forget The Pistols and the early punk sounds of British and New York punk. I wanted that edge mixed into the Sister H sound! Jimi is my main man for guitar as far as stretching the limits and showmanship, and I love the latent violence of Townsend. I play my axe like it's phallic or like it's an electric pussy!!! The Sister Hyde philosophy?...Waldo Emerson said it best..."To be yourself in a society that tries to turn you into someone else is the greatest acomplishment!!" Ya know...be original...Don't be fooled by the media! Don't care what anyone else thinks of ya, and do question authority. Embrace all that is you and become your own sex symbol! Make up yer own rules and never give up on yourself...most of us give up way too easily! Yes, Sister Hyde is all about transformation! David Bowie said it best..."I could be a wild mutation as a rock and roll star," and of course The Sister Hyde Motto~"HAVE A GOOD TIME ALL THE TIME!!!"
EP: I've seen a few descriptions of Sister Hyde's live performances. By all accounts your live show is wild. Can you give readers who've never seen you perform an example of what they'd see and hear when they attend one of your shows?
HYde: The strains of Beethoven's 5th die as Sister Hyde takes the stage in a mist of low rising fog and then the strobes hit!!! WOW! The crescendo for "Surfin on Napalm" builds and the show is under way. My energy ignites the crowd as I perform to the max drenched in feedback with my signature leather trench, top hat, racoon eyes and long black hair. The audience reacts and forms a crazy glam-punk mosh pit in front of the stage. The "Sisterhood" (the die-hard female Sister Hyde fans as they are affectionaly known) show their appreciation cavorting on and off stage (and backstage)! I am all about the audience and I love to interact with this crowd. It is finally the grand finale where I whip my guitar as it squeals in agony. I am, after all Tawny, the ultimate showman! I disappear from the stage as the band finishes the show without me. (It's the ol' James Brown star-time ending.) The smoke and strobes are blinding now! A sustained wail of approval comes up from the crowd who are in shock from what they've just witnessed and the inevitable shouts for "MORE!" are deafening!!! I am leaning against a wall sweating my ass off and panting in some filthy alley behind the club or in the loo, and when I hear this I know it's been another successful Sister Hyde show!!!
EP: [Wow! I don't smoke, but I feel like I need a cigarette after that description!] Along with many rave reviews, you've experienced some controversy and had run ins with some quite close-minded individuals. Would you please relate a few of these stories? HYde: Last summer Sister Hyde played The Seattle Pride concert outside in a public park. It was boiling hot and the crowd was quite huge. I decided to invite the crowd on stage. I wanted a Gay Woodstock and I love the "theater of confusion" (as Jim Morrison used to call it). Everything was groovy and many people crammed the stage to celebrate, dancing with us and having an amazing time! Two men took their clothes off...all off...and became my gay go-go dancers, flanking me at center stage. As the show became more crazy, it started to look like the gates of hell were opening up (with a whole orgy being kinda simulated...like something from "Apocalypse Now") and stage managers freaked and demanded the dancers leave the stage. The incident and the nudity got us banned from the event! BUT, it got us a hell of a lot of publicity as the not so tolerant audience, (mostly dykes) complained! (The sight of those penises around made them mad uncomfortable)! We also played a high school here in town, and after the show the principal complained to the musician's union that my stage antics, which included simulating oral sex on my guitarist, was not suitable entertainment for the students. He was wrong; they loved it! Any publicity is good publicity right? There was the drunk Canuck indian who fired a shot glass at the stage narrowly missing my head because he thought that we thought we were rockstars! I told him, "We don't think we're rockstars...we KNOW we're Rockstars!!!" It seemed to anger him! There was the skinhead with the word, "Hate", painted in red on the back of his wife-beater t-shirt who threatened me and said that he didn't like the way "I was playin' with myself up there!" (after a show I did in complete drag). The sight of my legs in those ripped fishnets made him imagine something that never happened. I told him, "I don't have to play with myself, Mate. I've been around the world and I've slept with women other men can only dream of!" His homophobia turned to admiration and we ended up smoking a spliff together! I'd learned...you gotta make friends with yer enemies! There was the Seattle newspaper that black-listed us for writing a silly song about their music editor ("Jennifer Maerz's Best Friend", which is on the album)! I was told that I would never work in this town again! They were mistaken. I have been gigging consistently. Ahh, but we do love controversy. Even our fog machine, "Sparky", managed to get us in trouble when the entire fire department of Everett, WA came blazing to the rescue, sirens wailing, for a nonexistent fire when we played a club there and the smoke alarm was triggered! Seattle is a very conservative town deep down and if they don't think you are correct or conforming, they might not like you! It was good ol' David Lee Roth who once said, "Rock is a contact sport!!!" He was right!
EP: There is a 1971 British film entitled,"Dr Jekyll and Sister Hyde", a tongue-in-cheek and campy piece of film noir take on the classic Jekyll and Hyde story where the good doctor becomes a beautiful, sultry knife-wielding femme who murders hookers to obtain the needed bodily fluids for the transformation elixir. The late Ralph Bates was brilliant as Dr. Jekyll and Martine Beswick (who also was the Bond girl in "From Russia with Love") was delicious as the sensual and sadistic Sister Hyde. Have you seen this film and if so what did you think of it?
HYde: Damn Tawny! You've found me out! The flick did inspire the band's name and the whole idea of transformation...The idea that Dr Jekyll not only turns bad, but transforms into a powerful and beautiful woman was too good to pass up! I loved it. I also was inspired by "A Clockwork Orange" and "Privilege".
EP: I read somewhere that you obtain all of your musical equipment from pawn shops. Could you please tell me about your gear?
HYde: I have a 1974 Gibson SG that I recently acquired here at a Seattle pawn shop. It is a faded cherry mahogany finish with crescent moon mother of pearl inlays down the fretboard...a truly classic instrument and so HYde! In Vancouver, BC I found my Marshall 50 watt head, and in another, my four 12 Marshall cab. I also found two Ibanez guitars, which are the secret behind the cranky guitar sounds on the album, and I have an old 1977 Fender Strat. I am most connected to my 12 string Yamaha and will be doing an acoustic performance in April. Pawn shops are where it's at! Kari Oki plays a Gibson SG bass through an SVT amp, and Lez B Paul plays, of course, a Gibson Les Paul (a gold top). Bam Bam pounds away at a vintage set of Ludwigs with a 26 inch kick drum! Wham Bam Thank You Ma'am!
EP: Your self-titled debut album is fantastic. What is Sister Hyde's songwriting process and where do you find the inspiration for your songs, especially your lyrics?
HYde: Thanks very much, Tawny! Performer magazine from San Francisco wrote, "They are entertaining. Especially their lyrics!" I was glad to hear that. My songs are a chronological account of my life, or perhaps a character that I have encountered. For instance, on the new album there is a song about Britney Spears when she went mental earlier this year, but it ends up being about any celebrity. I try to hit "the universal jugular." I love The Beatles and the way everyone can relate to their songs. But, I write my tunes ultimately as a cathartic experience...a way to express myself and something I'm going through. Most times I start with the music...I write on guitar only and then add the lyrics. I refine and edit them, and then record a demo. Then, I will bring them in to a practice for the band to try. Next, we will flesh the song out live before finally recording it as part of an album. I have over 100 songs, and I think people will be surprised by the different types of songs I've written as they are not all rock. I am going to be starting up a new MySpace which will feature some of my other material.
EP: [That sounds great. I can't wait to hear your other material!] Are you currently working on a follow-up album?
HYde: I have all the songs written for the next Sister Hyde album and I am really excited! The album will be recorded soon and it is slightly more mature. Some of the themes are: fame and celebrity worship, substance abuse, pedophilia, animal consumption, sex (of course), Elvis, Jesus, the usual array of abusive characters, the American teenager, the dangers of our over-reliance on technology, incarceration and divine intervention and more sex! I've even got an anti-war song! But rest assured, Sister Hyde will not lose the raw rock sound that made this last album so great! This is going to be a rock and roll record and not some news broadcast bullshit. Topical yes, but like KISS said, "Keep It Simple Supid"!!!
EP: [I'm very excited about hearing the next album. Hopefully we'll all get to hear it soon!] I also can't wait to see Sister Hyde perform live, hopefully here in Phoenix (hint, hint). Will you be touring this year, and if so where will you be going?
HYde: Sister Hyde will be touring this year. There is a good chance that we will be going to Tokyo, Japan. We are working on a deal where we will be starting at a club called K's Dream in Tokyo, and then touring the country. They totally get the Glam thing over there and they love to mimic, dress up and take photos. They are constantly taking photos! We've toured the West Coast and if we do that again this summer, I will make sure we include Phoenix! (Can't wait to meet you!) Really want to get to Europe sometime! Sister Hyde will be focusing on what Elvis called "TCB" (takin' care of business). Management/label deals, licensing and radio play. We are going to become better known!!! Look out you Rock and Rollers!!!
EP: [I'm certain that once more and more people know about you, Sister Hyde will explode on the scene all around the world! I hope you will make it to Phoenix this summer. It would be wonderful to meet you (and hopefully Soma, as well). Just don't come at the same time as the Rock Gone Wild festival in August, because I'm going to the festival and I'd hate to miss you!] HYde, you are much more than a songwriter and musician. Would you please tell me about your writings, poetry, paintings, drawings and sculpture?
HYde: I come from a long line of art school rockers. Like Keith Richards once admitted, "Drawing naked women seemed like the easiest thing to take in school." There have been so many English musicians who have been former art school students. Pete Townsend, Brian Jones, John Lennon. You can see some of my nudes, sculptures, paintings and dog renderings at www.myspace.com/hydemania. The MySpace site was taken down five times and I kept resurrecting it until finally MySpace let me keep it up, after a bunch of deletions. It was considered too pornographic! I had pics of a dog faced angel with breasts, devil horns and a gigantic erection that they really didn't like! But, I always have drawn and painted. I lose myself in it and find it extremely cathartic as an escape from myself! If I had a mentor who locked me in a studio every day and said, "Create!", I wouldn't mind, and I can turn them out fast. It's like a fever. I do believe all creation comes from the sex-drive, so I must be extremely horny! Ha ha. I like to sculpt in clay and I use a knife...You have to rape the clay! In L.A. I won a scholarship; I created a city of clay sculptures. Some of my heads were quite dramatically large. I love the way they look wet and when they are fired! Love the 3 dimensionality of sculpture. I like to use acrylics, as well, Tawny. Like you must, I find them easy to work with (compared to oils), and they dry rapidly. I draw every week at 3 different life-drawing workshops around town. The most important thing in any art, I feel, is to hone your own style, that must be very identifiable. I have shown extensively in L.A., some in Seattle, and will definitely let you know if I ever show in Phoenix! I'd love to see your hemp paintings! But yeah, I dig the primitive feeling that comes from doing art.
EP: [If I hadn't let readers know before, you're originally from England, hence the references above to English musicians who are also artists. With regards to MySpace censoring your art, isn't it interesting that people still have problems confusing pornography and art? I do have to say, with regards to painting with acrylics, it's very challenging here in Arizona with it's dry climate. The paint dries super fast, and it's been a challenge learning to work so fast, since I originally started painting in oils and was used to taking my time. Oh, and to clear things up, when I speak of hemp art, I'm not talking about paintings, but hemp jewelry and other items, which you can see at Hippiepad.com. But, yes, I can completely relate with you about losing yourself in art. It is very therapeutic. I just wish I had more time to do it!] In addition to the writing and publishing of this webzine, I also am a painter (acrylics, as I mentioned) and a hemp artist. I find it very difficult to find time for everything I want to do. With the many forms of artistry you are involved in, how do you find time for it all?
HYde: Thank you for using that word, artistry, because that's what I have going on, more than some of my fellow "artists". Eventually, I want to incorporate my music and art. I've been paid to design sets when I had a job as a "Children's Theater" set designer and I want to design my own sets. I'd love to sign a deal where I could eventually gain artistic control over my videos like Marylin Manson enjoys. But, to answer your question, I don't ever wear a watch! It helps for having time. I am a bit of a butterfly Gemini, however, and flit from one thing to the next. So, if I am focusing on my music, I might stay up all night for a week working on a painting, as well. I also like to write on the bus...I find some of my best work comes out of this. Finding the time to put them online...I don't own a computer so I can have more time to create. I use public library computers for an hour and a half every day. But, I do want to publish a book of all my poetic meanderings ext. Eventually I'll get 'em all up on my HYde MySpace site. EP: [I look forward to reading your poetry.] HYde, you are also involved in animal rescue. (Eight cats I've rescued own me - as you know, you don't own cats, they own you. The most recent rescue was a sweet cat that was left behind when his owner lost his home to foreclosure, something that is happening to animals far too often.) I love animals, so I admire what you're doing. Could you tell me about your work in animal rescue?
HYde: Congratulations to you Tawny for your rescues! HYde is part beast! I cum with FUR!!! Seriously though Tawny, I have rescued over 200 animals in 3 different North American cities. If I saw a stray today, I would check the dog or cat out and see what's going on. I started in L.A. where it is not uncommon to see dead dogs on your way to work in the morning that have been hit by cars. L.A.'s like Mexico, with freeways and the low income hispanic and black areas full of strays, abused and dead dogs. I had a Toyota Tercel with no air-conditioning, and I would stop every time I saw one and try to get it. It became super stressful as I faced eviction from my Mexican landlord if I'd bring a dog into my Hollywood apartment. I had to keep 'em in the car until I figured out what to do. Many were Pit Bulls and NO ONE wants one down there. So, it was extremely difficult to find homes for them, but ya know what, I have been blessed and managed to place every one of my rescues in loving homes or in no-kill adoption centers. I boarded them, payed for spaying/neutering and found people and help through networking. I am writing a book called "L.A. Tails" that will tell the stories! I walked dogs down there for a living and was nicknamed "The Pit Bull Man" for my affinity for the breed and my success in handling them by The L.A. Dog-Walkers Association! Dogs gravitate to me for some unknown reason. Same with cats. One day I even petnapped an abused dog and cat that had grown up together from a horrid old man who neglected and beat them. They had been abandoned there by an S&M queen who split town and left them with him; tol' him she was goin' to come back for 'em. The Pit Bull was bleeding and the Siamese cat was overrun with parasites. I knew the dog would be hit by a car or beaten to death if I didn't do something. I found them a beautiful home together on the beach where they still live together today!! There were even several sea birds with fish hooks in them that I was lucky enough to've rescued from the beach to a Wildlife Station. If people want to pick a dog up on the street that has no tags ext...be sure to put them into the SPCA or Animal Control/Humane Society on a "RESERVE" basis if you have to take them there. This guarantees you a phone call if they decide, for whatever reason, to put the animal down. Then you should get down there pronto if they do call. I brought a Chow that I picked up down there who'd been on the streets of Hollywood for 3 years! The SPCA (a supposed no-kill shelter) did a temperance test on him and deemed him unworthy to live and unadoptable. I got the call. They were going to kill him. I went down and found a woman who wanted him..Too many times I've heard tragic stories of someone meaning well by picking up a Rottweiler, for instance, and bringing it in only to find out that the dog was put down when they checked on it later. Don't buy at breeders. Save a life today at the pound. Tawny, did you know that Pit Bulls and Rottweilers in L.A. have a 6 hour window before they are put down, and most other dogs, including puppies, have only 3 days! The problem is grossly underestimated throughout the world! I have a couple of guest blogs on Ellen DeGeneres's pet food site,"Halo Pets", trying to inform, educate and initiate. There are no bad dogs...just bad owners!!!
EP: [That is so admirable. If everyone would involve themselves in a good cause, the world would be such a better place.] Could you tell readers something about yourself that most people don't know?
HYde: That I like it with the lights on! Why do it in the dark? There is so much to see n'est pas?...I wanted to be a porn star when I was a boy HYde. A porn star or an astronaut, and so I became a rockstar...incorporating both... flying high and a lot of sex! People used to frown on being a musician, now with "American IdULL", mothers are bringing their squeaky clean daughters and sons by the hand to try to get them in. Times have changed and not always for the better. Chrissie Hynde once said, "If Jimi Hendrix had lived, I guarantee you that he wouldn't be doing Pepsi commercials!" My great, great, great aunt was Lady Bathory (the famed and quite beastly English aristocrat who thought that the blood of her virginal hand-maidens kept her young)! I have been an art teacher, a garbage-man, a set designer, a pooper scooper (yes, there is such a job...picking up pet waste), a scenic painter for an Opera Company and a dishwasher. I've been on the dole (welfare) and partied with Mick Jagger and David Bowie. I've lived in 10 different cities all over the world and walked out of my smoking car unharmed in L.A. after I was hit by some jerk trying to run a red! These are some things that people probably don't know about me. But, I am a chameleon, and there's so much more that must be left as a mystery.
EP: [Very interesting!! I've done many interesting things in my life, as well. But, this isn't about me. By the way, I like it by candlelight!] Do you have any parting words for our readers? HYde: I just want to thank your readers if they managed to read this far. I do hope I haven't been too much of a dreadful bore. One thing my grandfather told me once that I've lived my life by..Have a good time while you are trying to make it because then even if you don't, at least you will have had a good time! Thanks to you, Tawny Khat, for the opportunity, and we will see you soon in Phoenix! Cheers! HYde from Sister Hyde... ELECTRIC PUSSYCAT ROCKS!!! -----------------
Very sage advice, indeed, from your grandfather, HYde! I thank you, as well, for taking time to complete this interview. I am sure readers will find it informative and enjoyable to read. I know this has been one of the best interviews I've had the pleasure of conducting!
Again, I want to urge everyone to check out Sister Hyde's music. You can get their CD at CD Baby, and it's also available on itunes, and MP3.com/LastFM.com. For more information, please visit Sister Hyde's MySpace page.
Also, be sure to read my review of Sister Hyde's album.
Back to top of page
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Snew
January 26-February 1, 2009
All photos used with permission.
Courtesy of: Snew
For those of you who like straight forward, old school rock 'n' roll, we've got the perfect band for ya! They're called Snew; funny name, great music. With influences like AC/DC, Motorhead, Guns N' Roses, Alice Cooper, MC5, The Ramones, The Cult, Kiss and The Stooges, you get an idea of their musical direction. Every dedicated rocker out there needs this music in their collection, whether you put it on your iPod or get a physical CD, this music is a must have!
Snew hasn't been together very long, only since late 2005, but this Hollywood based band has achieved a lot so far in the short time they've been in existence.
They call themselves, "the illegitimate stepchildren of Alice Cooper and The Ramones homeschooled by Motorhead". That is an apt description for the raunchy high energy rock 'n' roll they produce, although I'd add AC/DC into that family tree. The Snew "stepchildren" are Curtis Don Vito and his searing vocals, Andy Lux and his screaming guitars, Cat Tate and his thumpin' bass, and Mark Ohrenberger and his feel-it-deep-in-your-chest drums.
Snew's philosophy right from the beginning has been one of the "do it yourself" work ethic. They have eschewed the corporate music
industry in favor of staying independent so they can do as they damn well please instead of kissing corporate ass. (My regular readers know of my disdain for the music industry as it exists today, as well. So I love Snew's philosophy!) They do it all. They self-promote, they play what they like, they do their own booking, and they released their first CD all without the "help" of a fancy-ass corporate record label.
Their philosophy is paying off well. Their debut CD, "Snew You", has received rave reviews, including ours, and their fan base is growing quickly all over the world. The CD was even named one of the ten best albums of 2008 by Sleaze Roxx. Now that's quite an
achievement! With their "Snew World Order" site the band has created a grassroots approach to spreading the word about Snew while enabling Snew fans to interact with one another. It's a very unique and imaginative idea they've come up with to promote themselves. Kudos for that one guys! Plus, they are getting a lot of play on independent and web-based radio (who needs corporate radio with its nu-metal drivel).
Snew has some big plans for 2009, which we cover in my interviews with the band members, so I won't spoil the news by telling you their plans here. You'll just have to read the interviews!
So, check out my interviews with the band members, and my review of "Snew You" while you're here.
Then, do yourself a favor and visit their website at
www.snewyou.com where you can get all their latest news, pictures, videos, great links, and can purchase merchandise and CDs. You can also visit their MySpace page at www.myspace.com/snewmusic. Also, be sure to join the Snew World Order at www.snewworldorder.com.
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January 26-February 1, 2009
All photos used with permission.
Courtesy of: Snew
For those of you who like straight forward, old school rock 'n' roll, we've got the perfect band for ya! They're called Snew; funny name, great music. With influences like AC/DC, Motorhead, Guns N' Roses, Alice Cooper, MC5, The Ramones, The Cult, Kiss and The Stooges, you get an idea of their musical direction. Every dedicated rocker out there needs this music in their collection, whether you put it on your iPod or get a physical CD, this music is a must have!
Snew hasn't been together very long, only since late 2005, but this Hollywood based band has achieved a lot so far in the short time they've been in existence.
They call themselves, "the illegitimate stepchildren of Alice Cooper and The Ramones homeschooled by Motorhead". That is an apt description for the raunchy high energy rock 'n' roll they produce, although I'd add AC/DC into that family tree. The Snew "stepchildren" are Curtis Don Vito and his searing vocals, Andy Lux and his screaming guitars, Cat Tate and his thumpin' bass, and Mark Ohrenberger and his feel-it-deep-in-your-chest drums.Snew's philosophy right from the beginning has been one of the "do it yourself" work ethic. They have eschewed the corporate music
industry in favor of staying independent so they can do as they damn well please instead of kissing corporate ass. (My regular readers know of my disdain for the music industry as it exists today, as well. So I love Snew's philosophy!) They do it all. They self-promote, they play what they like, they do their own booking, and they released their first CD all without the "help" of a fancy-ass corporate record label.Their philosophy is paying off well. Their debut CD, "Snew You", has received rave reviews, including ours, and their fan base is growing quickly all over the world. The CD was even named one of the ten best albums of 2008 by Sleaze Roxx. Now that's quite an
achievement! With their "Snew World Order" site the band has created a grassroots approach to spreading the word about Snew while enabling Snew fans to interact with one another. It's a very unique and imaginative idea they've come up with to promote themselves. Kudos for that one guys! Plus, they are getting a lot of play on independent and web-based radio (who needs corporate radio with its nu-metal drivel).Snew has some big plans for 2009, which we cover in my interviews with the band members, so I won't spoil the news by telling you their plans here. You'll just have to read the interviews!
So, check out my interviews with the band members, and my review of "Snew You" while you're here.
Then, do yourself a favor and visit their website at
www.snewyou.com where you can get all their latest news, pictures, videos, great links, and can purchase merchandise and CDs. You can also visit their MySpace page at www.myspace.com/snewmusic. Also, be sure to join the Snew World Order at www.snewworldorder.com. Back to top of page
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Stephen Pearcy's Rat Bastards
February 23-March 15, 2009 (This issue was extended due to technical difficulties and illness)
This issue featured Stephen Pearcy's solo project, the Rat Bastards, as our featured band. I attended their show on January 10, 2009 at Club Red in Tempe, Arizona and let me tell you, it was a hell of a show! You might be wondering why I wrote about it more than a month after the show. The reason is that when I spoke to Stephen that night he told me to contact him through his record company, Top Fuel Records, to set up an interview. Well, try as I might Stephen failed to get back in contact with me. So, unfortunately this feature did not include an interview with him.
Okay, now for the show review followed by some history on Stephen Pearcy, Ratt, and the Rat Bastards. By the way, I took hundreds of photos at the show and only have room for a limited number of them here with this article, so if you'd like to see more of them you can visit our MySpace page where have all of the best photos posted.
Right off the top I have to say that I was very pleased that the Rat Bastards performed mostly Ratt tunes. That's not to say that I don't enjoy Stephen Pearcy's solo stuff, but I'm a huge Ratt fan, so it was a blast hearing all my favorites performed live again.
Stephen has surrounded himself with some very talented musicians. The Rat Bastards, at the time of this writing, includes Erik Ferentinos on lead guitars (although, Mark Zavon now fills this position), Frankie Wilsey on lead guitars, Mike Duda on bass, and Juaquin Revuelta on drums. Erik also performs with Earshot and has his own project, the Antidivision, which is why he's now too busy to perform with the Rat Bastards. Frankie was a member of one of my favorite bands, the Sea Hags, and also had performed with Stephen Pearcy in Arcade. Mike Duda joined W.A.S.P. in 1996 and still works with them to this day, in addition to p
laying music with the Rat Bastards.
With such a talented lineup, the Ratt tunes sounded like they were being performed by Ratt! The Rat Bastards performed Ratt songs that spanned the entire discography of Ratt, such as "Body Talk", "Back for More", "Slip of the Lip", "Lay it Down", and of course, "Round and Round", among many others. They also, naturally, performed songs from Stephen Pearcy's new album "Under My Skin", including "You're a Lot Like Me" and "Time Slips Away".
I don't always stay right in front of the stage for every show, but I did for this one. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. The musicianship was fantastic and Stephen's voice sounded great! They performed like a well oiled machine. The Rat Bastards are continuing to tour, so if they come to a town near you, do yourself a favor and go to the show. You will not be disappointed! You can find tour dates on Stephen's MySpace page.
On a more personal note, one of the highlights of my evening was spending some time with Frankie Wilsey (see photo above). Myself, my friend and assistant, Teresa, and a friend, Dez, who is a concert photographer, were all invited back to his hotel room for an after show party. It was great to catch up with him about the Sea Hags. He was surprised to see me after so many years, too. Let me explain. When the Sea Hags performed in Phoenix back in the late 80s, I ended up playing poker with them all night the first night they were here. They then put me on their guest list for the next night. We had a blast! They were very nice guys and a lot of fun to hang out with. So, when I told Frankie about that night, he was amazed to see me again. I also think he was flattered that Dez and I are such huge fans of the Sea Hags. He was genuinely surprised when we started singing "Half the Way Valley" to him. He filled us in about the demise of the band and whether or not a reunion might happen, but that story is for another time. I just wanted to throw that tidbit in, because it meant a lot to me personally. Now, back to Stephen Pearcy's story.
Stephen hadn't set out to be a rock star originally. He wanted to be a top fuel race car driver when he was in his early teens. That all changed in the mid 70s when he was hit by a car while riding his bike home from school. While in the hospital recuperating he was given a guitar, and from then on his focus shifted.
In the late 70s, in San Diego, Stephen started a band called Mickey Ratt. The band moved to Los Angeles in 1980 and shortened its name to Ratt. They played the circuit of famous L.A. and Hollywood clubs, such as the Roxy and the Whiskey A Go Go, and during that process developed a large following. The band released a six song EP in 1983, but it wasn't until the release of their debut album, "Out of the Cellar", in 1984 that the band received its big break. "Out of the Cellar" went multi-platinum and launched Ratt into the realm of rock stardom. They had four platinum and one gold album throughout the 80s into the early 1990s, selling 14 million albums total. Ratt headlined many world tours from 1984 to 1991 and played shows to sold out crowds in stadiums and arenas around the globe. All told, Ratt performed more than 1,000 shows. Then, in early 1992 Stephen left the band.
Later in 1992, Stephen formed Arcade with former Cinderella drummer Fred Coury. Frankie Wilsey, currently performing with Stephen Pearcy's Rat Bastards, was also a member of Arcade. In 1993, Arcade released a self-titled album, followed by another album in 1994. After Arcade split up, Stephen joined an industrial rock outfit named Vertex in 1996.
Stephen rejoined Ratt in 1997, but left again in 2000 just before Ratt was set to tour. Apparently there were some major disagreements over how each member of the band was to be paid.
After the second split with Ratt, Stephen released a collection of previously released songs on an album entitled "Before and Laughter" in 2000. He also formed a new band, Vicious Delite, that performed 80s style metal. The band released a self-titled album on Triple X Records, and it was through his connections at Triple X that Stephen was able to start his own record company, Top Fuel Records, along with his multimedia company, Top Fuel Entertainment. In 2002, he released his first solo album, "Social Intercourse".
2005 was a very busy year for Stephen. He released two albums, a solo album called "Fueler", and a compilation album featuring reworked Ratt and Mickey Ratt tunes entitled "Rat Attack". "Drive With Me", a song off of "Fueler", has been used as the theme song on ESPN2's weekly show about National Hot Rod Association drag racing. The second album, "Rat Attack", included appearances by ex-Dokken guitarist, George Lynch, and L.A. Guns guitarist, Tracii Guns.
Stephen also toured with W.A.S.P. and L.A. Guns in early 2005. Then, later that year, he performed on the VH1 Classic Metal Mania Stripped tour along with Don Dokken, Firehouse, Kip Winger, and Jani Lane of Warrant. His acoustic performance of "Round and Round" was included on the "VH1 Classic Metal Mania Stripped, Vol. 2 - The Anthems" album.
Throughout 2005 and 2006 rumors swirled around about a Ratt reunion, but were constantly denied by Stephen. Then in 2007 it was announced that Ratt, with original members Warren De Martini, Bobby Blotzer, and Stephen Pearcy, would appear at Rocklahoma that year. This lineup also toured with Poison through 2007. They then embarked on a world tour in 2008.
In 2008, Stephen released his third solo album, "Under My Skin", which has been said by critics to be more reminiscent of Ratt's music, although a bit heavier, than any of his previous offerings. He has most recently been touring with his band, the Rat Bastards, in support of that album. He also sponsors and makes appearances at NHRA drag racing events, of which he's a huge fan, coming full circle from the first love he had as a teenager.
The good news now for Ratt fans is that Warren and Stephen have been writing new material and the band is in pre-production mode for the first new Ratt album in ten years! Stephen said of the new album, "The new music will surely kick you in the ass! We plan on pulling out all the stops on this one; a lot of motion in this ocean." The release of the new album will be followed by a world tour, tentatively set to begin this summer. We can't wait!!
To get more information, be sure to visit Stephen's MySpace page, Ratt's MySpace page, and/or Ratt's website. For information about Stephen's label, Top Fuel Records, you can visit their MySpace page.
Also, don't forget to go by our MySpace page for a lot more photos from the Rat Bastards show.
Back to top of page
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
February 23-March 15, 2009 (This issue was extended due to technical difficulties and illness)
This issue featured Stephen Pearcy's solo project, the Rat Bastards, as our featured band. I attended their show on January 10, 2009 at Club Red in Tempe, Arizona and let me tell you, it was a hell of a show! You might be wondering why I wrote about it more than a month after the show. The reason is that when I spoke to Stephen that night he told me to contact him through his record company, Top Fuel Records, to set up an interview. Well, try as I might Stephen failed to get back in contact with me. So, unfortunately this feature did not include an interview with him.
Okay, now for the show review followed by some history on Stephen Pearcy, Ratt, and the Rat Bastards. By the way, I took hundreds of photos at the show and only have room for a limited number of them here with this article, so if you'd like to see more of them you can visit our MySpace page where have all of the best photos posted.
Right off the top I have to say that I was very pleased that the Rat Bastards performed mostly Ratt tunes. That's not to say that I don't enjoy Stephen Pearcy's solo stuff, but I'm a huge Ratt fan, so it was a blast hearing all my favorites performed live again.
Stephen has surrounded himself with some very talented musicians. The Rat Bastards, at the time of this writing, includes Erik Ferentinos on lead guitars (although, Mark Zavon now fills this position), Frankie Wilsey on lead guitars, Mike Duda on bass, and Juaquin Revuelta on drums. Erik also performs with Earshot and has his own project, the Antidivision, which is why he's now too busy to perform with the Rat Bastards. Frankie was a member of one of my favorite bands, the Sea Hags, and also had performed with Stephen Pearcy in Arcade. Mike Duda joined W.A.S.P. in 1996 and still works with them to this day, in addition to p
laying music with the Rat Bastards.With such a talented lineup, the Ratt tunes sounded like they were being performed by Ratt! The Rat Bastards performed Ratt songs that spanned the entire discography of Ratt, such as "Body Talk", "Back for More", "Slip of the Lip", "Lay it Down", and of course, "Round and Round", among many others. They also, naturally, performed songs from Stephen Pearcy's new album "Under My Skin", including "You're a Lot Like Me" and "Time Slips Away".
I don't always stay right in front of the stage for every show, but I did for this one. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. The musicianship was fantastic and Stephen's voice sounded great! They performed like a well oiled machine. The Rat Bastards are continuing to tour, so if they come to a town near you, do yourself a favor and go to the show. You will not be disappointed! You can find tour dates on Stephen's MySpace page.
On a more personal note, one of the highlights of my evening was spending some time with Frankie Wilsey (see photo above). Myself, my friend and assistant, Teresa, and a friend, Dez, who is a concert photographer, were all invited back to his hotel room for an after show party. It was great to catch up with him about the Sea Hags. He was surprised to see me after so many years, too. Let me explain. When the Sea Hags performed in Phoenix back in the late 80s, I ended up playing poker with them all night the first night they were here. They then put me on their guest list for the next night. We had a blast! They were very nice guys and a lot of fun to hang out with. So, when I told Frankie about that night, he was amazed to see me again. I also think he was flattered that Dez and I are such huge fans of the Sea Hags. He was genuinely surprised when we started singing "Half the Way Valley" to him. He filled us in about the demise of the band and whether or not a reunion might happen, but that story is for another time. I just wanted to throw that tidbit in, because it meant a lot to me personally. Now, back to Stephen Pearcy's story.
Stephen hadn't set out to be a rock star originally. He wanted to be a top fuel race car driver when he was in his early teens. That all changed in the mid 70s when he was hit by a car while riding his bike home from school. While in the hospital recuperating he was given a guitar, and from then on his focus shifted.
In the late 70s, in San Diego, Stephen started a band called Mickey Ratt. The band moved to Los Angeles in 1980 and shortened its name to Ratt. They played the circuit of famous L.A. and Hollywood clubs, such as the Roxy and the Whiskey A Go Go, and during that process developed a large following. The band released a six song EP in 1983, but it wasn't until the release of their debut album, "Out of the Cellar", in 1984 that the band received its big break. "Out of the Cellar" went multi-platinum and launched Ratt into the realm of rock stardom. They had four platinum and one gold album throughout the 80s into the early 1990s, selling 14 million albums total. Ratt headlined many world tours from 1984 to 1991 and played shows to sold out crowds in stadiums and arenas around the globe. All told, Ratt performed more than 1,000 shows. Then, in early 1992 Stephen left the band.
Later in 1992, Stephen formed Arcade with former Cinderella drummer Fred Coury. Frankie Wilsey, currently performing with Stephen Pearcy's Rat Bastards, was also a member of Arcade. In 1993, Arcade released a self-titled album, followed by another album in 1994. After Arcade split up, Stephen joined an industrial rock outfit named Vertex in 1996.
Stephen rejoined Ratt in 1997, but left again in 2000 just before Ratt was set to tour. Apparently there were some major disagreements over how each member of the band was to be paid.
After the second split with Ratt, Stephen released a collection of previously released songs on an album entitled "Before and Laughter" in 2000. He also formed a new band, Vicious Delite, that performed 80s style metal. The band released a self-titled album on Triple X Records, and it was through his connections at Triple X that Stephen was able to start his own record company, Top Fuel Records, along with his multimedia company, Top Fuel Entertainment. In 2002, he released his first solo album, "Social Intercourse".
2005 was a very busy year for Stephen. He released two albums, a solo album called "Fueler", and a compilation album featuring reworked Ratt and Mickey Ratt tunes entitled "Rat Attack". "Drive With Me", a song off of "Fueler", has been used as the theme song on ESPN2's weekly show about National Hot Rod Association drag racing. The second album, "Rat Attack", included appearances by ex-Dokken guitarist, George Lynch, and L.A. Guns guitarist, Tracii Guns.
Stephen also toured with W.A.S.P. and L.A. Guns in early 2005. Then, later that year, he performed on the VH1 Classic Metal Mania Stripped tour along with Don Dokken, Firehouse, Kip Winger, and Jani Lane of Warrant. His acoustic performance of "Round and Round" was included on the "VH1 Classic Metal Mania Stripped, Vol. 2 - The Anthems" album.
Throughout 2005 and 2006 rumors swirled around about a Ratt reunion, but were constantly denied by Stephen. Then in 2007 it was announced that Ratt, with original members Warren De Martini, Bobby Blotzer, and Stephen Pearcy, would appear at Rocklahoma that year. This lineup also toured with Poison through 2007. They then embarked on a world tour in 2008.
In 2008, Stephen released his third solo album, "Under My Skin", which has been said by critics to be more reminiscent of Ratt's music, although a bit heavier, than any of his previous offerings. He has most recently been touring with his band, the Rat Bastards, in support of that album. He also sponsors and makes appearances at NHRA drag racing events, of which he's a huge fan, coming full circle from the first love he had as a teenager.
The good news now for Ratt fans is that Warren and Stephen have been writing new material and the band is in pre-production mode for the first new Ratt album in ten years! Stephen said of the new album, "The new music will surely kick you in the ass! We plan on pulling out all the stops on this one; a lot of motion in this ocean." The release of the new album will be followed by a world tour, tentatively set to begin this summer. We can't wait!!
To get more information, be sure to visit Stephen's MySpace page, Ratt's MySpace page, and/or Ratt's website. For information about Stephen's label, Top Fuel Records, you can visit their MySpace page.
Also, don't forget to go by our MySpace page for a lot more photos from the Rat Bastards show.
Back to top of page
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Suite 88
July 9-15, 2009
Photo by Dani Melidoni. Used with permission. Courtesy Suite 88.
Live Photos by Tawny Khat, copyright 2009, all rights reserved.
We're excited to be bringing you this band from our hometown. Suite 88 is a fairly new band to the Phoenix rock scene, having just played their first show this past April, and a welcome addition since there are far too few original glam/sleaze bands here in The Valley of the Sun.
This four piece band is comprised of members who were all born in 1988, right smack in the middle of the heydey of glam and sleaze. Mike Gunns is the band's vocalist. He's the consummate frontman, combining killer vocals with good looks. Suite 88's guitarist, Kolton Lee
, smokes on the axe! He's an amazing talent. The group just added a new bass player, Vick Bourne, a recent transplant from Wyoming. His look and style fits in perfectly with the band. Rounding out this kick ass band is drummer Jesse Clutch. He beats his drums like a blacksmith pounding on an anvil, but always with an exacting rhythm.
Suite 88 is influenced mainly by bands that were around before and during the time of their births, bands like Van Halen, Motley Crue, Guns N' Roses, Aerosmith, AC/DC, Metallica, and some more recent bands like Buckcherry. You can hear those influences in their music, yet they clearly have a sound that is all their own.
For more on Suite 88 read my review of their debut album, my review of their recent show with Vains Of Jenna, and my interview with the band. Also, go by their MySpace page and pick up a copy of their CD. You won't be disappointed! And, if you're in the Phoenix area make sure you come to Electric Pussycat magazine's "Night Of Sleaze" w
here Suite 88 will be performing with another local band, Ripp Tyde, and Middle Finger Mob from L.A., featuring ex-members of Total Chaos and BulletBoys. The show is next Thursday July 16th at the Red Owl in Tempe. Also, don't miss Suite 88 when they open for the notorious Psycho Gypsy at The Clubhouse in Tempe on Friday August 14th!!
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