Interview: Princess Possum

Today's interview is with Princess Possum, whose album Songs of A Depressed Anarchist was recently reviewed on Musically Dependent by Colin Carroll of Owls and Other Animals.

What should people who aren't familiar with your music know, and how would you describe your sound? 

Well I guess my solo princess possum stuff would be considered folk punk. I sing sad or angry songs straight from my heart raw and untouched touching on subjects of depression,  alcoholism, anarchy, being poor, breakups and my overwhelming amount of gender dysphoria. I like to call it sad possum core ha! 

Who or what would you say some of your biggest influences are? 

My two biggest influences in my music is Days N Daze and Mischief Brew. The fast pace chords and scream style of Days N Daze is a big part of my music and so is the Mischief Brew style song writing. Combined with my own whatever it is I do. 

You had mentioned to me in a message that you're a writer and poet. Do you have any works out that you'd like people to know about? 

Yea I am more of a writer than a musician. Which is why my friend Matt Pless (interview with Matt Pless) is a big influence on me too since we’re both poet musicians. I look up to him heavily and had the pleasure of playing a show with him this past December. I unfortunately do not have my poetry book out yet but when it comes out it will be over 100 poems throughout the last 3 years titled “a timid arrangement of Blasphemy” hopefully it’ll be typed out by this year so stay tuned for that! 

What about your other hobbies outside of music? 

Well one of my favorite things to do use to be skateboarding. I unfortunately had a bad skateboarding accident this past August that almost killed me and left me hospitalized for a week with a brain bleed and skull fracture.  I want to skate again but I got to wait awhile. But I do also enjoy visual art as well and do commission paintings and pencil sketches. And font work for my bands and different ones! 

What is it like juggling responsibilities for your solo project with the bands you play in, Burnt Toast and Fetus Pizza? 

Well Burnt Toast and my solo stuff is the most active. We are about 50/50 on how it’s equaled out. Fetus Pizza doesn’t play as much but my friends that play in that band have another band that’s way more active called Duck Butter that Burnt Toast is about to release a split ep with. So juggling the 3 projects isn’t too too difficult but trying to juggle adult stresses like working almost full time while very active is. Especially in my strive to be sober.  Sobriety has not been successful so far but 6 months clean off drugs is a win in my book! 

I saw you were recently picked up by Sleepy Owl Records? Can you talk about that some? 

Yeah! Sleepy Owl Records is ran by an amazing person, my friend Colin Carroll. He plays in a band with his wife and my other good friend Dana Carroll. They were formed in Huntsville, Alabama, and now live in Chicago. They are amazing people and I recommend their music and their record label. They do a lot for the underground scene! Colin is also the one that did the artwork for my first Princess Possum album out on Bandcamp Songs of A Depressed Anarchist. I’m very honored to be apart of that label now ! 

What should people know about the next album you got coming out, and when should people expect to look for it? 

This next album coming out is gonna be a little different than my last, but only because it’s gonna be layered over. So I’ll be doing the guitar and vocals all with bass, washboard, banjo, ukulele, harmonica, and tambourines all played by me mixed in all the tracks! Which is why this album is taking a lot longer to get done. My friend Dillon Sizemore is the one recording for me and he’s doing amazing. It’s also gonna feature some of my poetry! The skelton of the album will go... Poem. 6 tracks Poem 6tracks Poem I’m really excited to put this one out. It is called Road Kill, and the artwork was done by my friend Thomas OConner who also designed burnt toast’s toaster head logo. 

What about the bands you play in? What's in store for their foreseeable future? 

Burnt Toast is going on tour in April! We will have our split ep out with Duck Butter and a full length out before the summer. We are playing with Punk With A Camera in May! And also playing Midwest Punk Fest in Illinois in June! And we will hopefully be playing a benefit show with out friends in Days N Daze in the summer as well. We are wanting to go on another tour in July but haven’t finalized anything yet. And for my solo stuff me and Tail Light Rebellion are trying to do a two week tour in August so I’m hoping that works out I love those cats! And Fetus Pizza should have its full length out this year as well. Gonna be a fun busy year and excited for the experiences and for what’s to come after !

Also see the album review for Songs of A Depressed Anarchist or just skip straight to the music and check it out for yourself!

Interview: Skyler Husebye of Straight Line Arrival

Musically Dependent wanted a little insight into the world of up-and-coming folk punk musician, Skyler Husebye. Or, as this person is sometimes known as, Straight Line Arrival. SLA was featured in a previous post reviewing their album If No Place...

You had an album featured on Musically Dependent in If No Place... and have released two new albums since. What do these albums offer? 

SLA started out as a way for me to start getting clean four and a half years ago. I had never even played a show up until I turned 20 but had always been writing music but just never had a band materialiaze for me.
Straight Line Arrival became my therapist. I used this medium to cope with and try to understand my frustrations with the world around me. Two years in and "If No Place..." was my first album where I realized, hey I'm gonna start taking this project seriously. Its a short ep giving glimpses into various parts of my life from the ages 18 to 22. It really starts to expose my frustrations with the place I've called home for 20 plus years. And was recorded during the NODAPL protests which happened pretty much in my backyard. Glass Bones I wrote after breaking two bones back to back. It set me back a lot and there were a lot of challenges that came with it. And the fact that I couldn't be there in person to support Standing Rock killed me. I was angry with the world. I was angry with myself. I finally had something I felt like I could make a difference with and I could do nothing about it. Even with it practically in my backyard. I did a lot of reflecting during that time about the things that were eating me alive and the things I was scared of and put it into an album. Paper Skin was a giant continuation of the same themes except I really wanted to highlight the growth and willingness to move on from my traumas and do what it takes to finally leave this place.

You have often made comments on social media about the struggles of being progressive, and of being a folk punk musician in North Dakota. What has that experience been like for you? 
Bismarck, North Dakota is a strange anomoly. Last winter on new years day we were the coldest place in the world. Colder than both poles even if just for a while. This cold leads to severe isolation and in a lot of cases various drug abuses for a very good portion of the year. This place is the place Trump holds rallies when he wants to feel good about himself. Racism, transphobia, and homophobia is so ingrained here and socially acceptible that it blows my mind. The people that are trying to make a difference are few and far between. Our lawmakers refuse to repeal blue laws "because their wives spend enough of their money" and they wonder "whatever will happen to breakfast in bed". Our police tried murdering over a hundred people by spraying cold water on them outside in below freezing temperatures. Hardly anyone here bats an eye. The government around here definitely represents the majority here. It's sad. Every time someone tries to start out somethint great it is almowt immediately shut down. Its a very frustrating place. I used to see the appeal to the isolation when I was younger. But as I got out and travveled I realized the center of the continent was just a backwoods shithole.

What drew you to folk punk?
When I first got clean off the needle a friend left a guitar at my house. I started writing music and asked him what genre my music was. He said folk punk then showed me the front bottoms. From there I found Ramshackle Glory and I listened to Live the Dream everyday for a whole year until I hit my one year mark that Pat sang about in First Song part 2. The rest is really history. I got into it for the accesibility stayed in it for the community that inspired me to get clean and be a better person.

I saw where you were recently active in local politics by supporting a measure that would have allowed cannabis to be consumed in your state. Can you talk about that movement, and your feelings on the ultimate failure to garner the needed votes?
Measure 3 ultimately was doomed to fail. I severely underestimated how many of the old dying people here make it out of their nursing home to vote. There were critics saying the bill was poorly worded but everyone was biased against anything to do with legalization from the start. If people start smoking pot legally people might not want to buy meth off the crooked cops. I really did believe in it. For a few weeks there I really felt as if something good would happen here. I got good and hammered when it failed and am just happy that the voting power here will shift when the nursing homes finally empty. I wont be here. But I still want the best for my friends that will still he here.

What are some of your favorite hobbies outside of music?

I love playing bartender at parties. At every house show I try to have a few specialty drinks to make for everyone. I like painting even though I haven't painted in a while. I used to he quite great with watercolor pencils. I am also a very good cook and love making pastas and seafood. I guess other than that my main hobby is playing video games. I think I have at least a few thousand hours put into league of legends.

What projects are you working on right now? What should people expect of Straight Line Arrival in the future?
Right now I am working on an album called "The Greatest Arsonist" its an album exploring how everything changes as you grow up and desperately trying to keep hope and a sense of wonder. I will have a short two week tour going from Lousiana back to Bismarck sometime in the very near future. After that I am slowing down for a few months and moving to Minneapolis. I'm very excited to be in a new place with much more opprotunities. Where I live has held me back for much too long. And I can assure anyone that I'm gonna keep doing what I'm doing even if I don't have my prison of a hometown to whine about anymore.

Don't forget to check out Straight Line Arrival on Bandcamp!

The Hills and the Rivers - Apocalyptic Dreams

Pittsburgh folk punk group, The Hills and the Rivers, appropriately released their album Apocalyptic Dreams last November, and it's the perfect music for the modern times. With both XVI - The Tower, and XX - Judgement's, symbology woven together into the album cover, this album promises right from the start to tell a story of the upheaval our world is going through.

"Secondhand Grin" goes through a few musical shifts, showcasing this band's excellent musicianship.

"The Tower" starts off with the card from Tarot's Major Arcana of the same name - which represents such things as chaos, upheaval, and destruction, losing the "crown" that you've built up as things start to come crashing down - then applies that to our lives in the world today. All with a catchy chorus.

"The Collapse" follows, with some descriptive apocalyptic imagery, laid over a smooth melody.

"Sorrow" is slower, with some lower vibrations, but it really hits home with how many of us feel right now.

"Lift the Veil" conjurs up more apocalyptic imagery, outright saying, "We are living in an apocalyptic dream."
                                       

"Lot's Wife" was good, but the symbology went beyond me on this one.

"Wild Wolves" asks questions about nature - is everything just chaos, or is there an order?

"Misery's Company" brings up things like how all life is meaningless, and everyone dies, but that we can't think that's all we are.

"Folk Steady" is a groovy finish to a great album that lifts the energy back and gets you wanting to create some movement.

Check out Apocalyptic Dreams on Bandcamp before it's too late!

Also, see album reviews for Straight Line Arrival - If No Place, or Broken Glass Kids - Another Step Back

Straight Line Arrival - If No Place.....

The first full band release by Straight Line Arrival, If No Place....., came out in May, earlier this year.

Starting with "P.A.W.S.", we get the confession that Sky doesn't believe he deserves to be where he is in his career compared to more talented friends, something I personally connect with 100%. It delivered so good, too. Very catchy.

"I Don't Got Money, I Got Friends" is more agressive, and filled with some self-loathing.

"Of Floods" starts off calm, but builds up quickly. The flow of this song is kinda like tides coming and going.

"I Just Want My Sweatshirt Back" is another agressive song, not showing any remorse at a relationship that is over.

"No Place" calms it down again, and is also very catchy. This is, in my opinion, the best track on the album by far. Definitely a great song to round out this short, but powerful release by Straight Line Arrival.

Check out IF NO PLACE..... on Bandcamp today!

Also, see album reviews for Wolfe Sunday, and Icabod Kobain - Demo '94

Wolfe Sunday

Wolfe Sunday released his self-titled EP earlier this year. Starting off with the catchy "Song For You", this album declares, "This was never just a phase, we will never change our ways."

"Mixtape" asks to go back and start over, when nothing is left but a mixtape to remind you of how it used to be.

"Damage Control" is about having a party at your house, there's people you don't know, more keep coming, beer is on all the shelves, and you're just trying to maintain the damage control.

"I Spend More Time At Service Stations Than On Stage" is a song about Wolfe Sunday's daily life.

"The Barstool Brawler's Son" tells the story of someone who grew up with a hard life that turned into a life of violent alcoholism.

"Let's Start A Fire" is a quick one about singing songs to light fires within those listening.

"Making Memories" is about Wolfe Sunday's memories with his ex's.

"Everything We Lost" sounds remorseful remembering what has been lost in a previous relationship.

"Shoes" is a weird audio file add-on with instructions for getting a bottle of Coke out of a car.

"I'm Still Not A Rockstar, But I Sure Wish I Was" is a song about trying to be successful making music.

"Living Rooms Aren't For Living In, Anyway" is fast-paced punk.

"English Water" ends the album with a more heavy metal feel.

This self-titled EP by Wolfe Sunday is filled with potential radio hits. I'd recommend checking it out for yourself over at Bandcamp!

Also, see album reviews for Icabod Kobain - Demo '94, or Broken Glass Kids - Another Step Back

Icabod Kobain - Demo '94

Are you ready for a blast from the past? Cats Not Cops's Keith Kaaos just re-released his high school band's demo, and it's everything we could have hoped for from a '90s high school punk band whose music managed to time capsule itself into 2017.

Coming at you loud and fast, the album starts off shouting about things getting fucked up "Every Single Day"

"Fuck Off" is full of testosterone and agression.

"Beer Song" is an anthem for teen parties that's saying what's on everyone's mind, "We want more beer and alcohol!"

"I Don't Wanna Be" expresses the feeling most of us have growing up in angst, where we don't wanna be like our parents.

"I Want to Eat your Cunt" is as sexually agressive as you'd expect from a bunch of angsty teenagers.

"Single" is a reminder of the benefits of that single life, and all the partying that goes with it.

"Fuck Tomorrow" shouts about not caring about the future.

"Goodbye" is a goodbye to someone that apparently Keith doesn't care about anymore.

"Untitled Bonus Track" leaves us with a bunch of ambient noises to round out a classic high school punk album from the '90s. I would recommend this album to anyone who grew up in the '90s, as it's a very refreshing splash of nostaglia.

Now, Keith Kaaos is better known as Cats Not Cops, the uke punk from Johnson City, TN. It's cool to me to get a look at where Keith's musical journey began, and to see how it's changed over the years into the calmer, more mature sound that you get with Cats Not Cops.

You can check out Demo '94 on the Cats Not Cops Bandcamp, of course!

Also, see Cats Not Cops//Captain Chucke - UKElear Assault, or album review for Funkrust Brass Band - Dark City

Funkrust Brass Band - Dark City

A couple weeks ago, I talked about Junkyard Golem by Out of System Transfer. Danielle of OoST also hit me up with an album from another band she's in - Funkrust Brass Band. This disco punk brass band's debut album, Dark City, was released only a couple months ago, and you really need to check this musical fusion out!

Full of high energy, Dark City opens up with "Funkrust", which you'll probably find it nearly impossible to not dance to (dancing in your seat counts). The song asks, "Are you ready for the Funkrust Brass Band?" Well let me tell you, you better be ready because these folks are coming at you strong.

"Elevator" keeps it rollin. Trance-inspiring lyrics in this one help you let go of inhibitions and really let yourself get lost in the groove.

In "Zoology", the lyrics and rough style in the vocals really bring out some of the band's more punk roots.

The title track, "Dark City", has some serious attitude expressed in the instrumentals, alone. Plus some more trance-inspiring vocals shouting at you to tie the song together, and WOW!

"Swamp Samba" keeps the motion swinging, with some happiness-inspiring lyrics, "We can run on sunshine. We don't need no money at all." If that don't make you smile among all the endorphins you're probably already releasing from dancing along, I don't know what will.

"Catch Yr Death" is another you can really feel the attitude in the instrumentals. Some catchy lyrics, too.

The album ends with "Riptide", which more attitude-packed instrumentals, and an smooth lyrial flow.

I would highly recommend Funkrust Brass Band to pretty much anyone. This album is an incredible musical fusion masterpiece that makes me wanna run out and go see this band live!

Check out Dark City - available on Bandcamp!

Also, check out album reviews for Broken Glass Kids - Another Step Back, or Out of System Transfer - Junkyard Golem

Broken Glass Kids - Another Step Back

Canadian folk punk group, Broken Glass Kids, released their full-length debut album, Another Step Back, just this past June.

"Spit 'n Blood" opens with a bit of a haunting tone, which changes up into some light-hearted bluegrass in "Ordinary Magic," which reminds us there's "magic in the every day."

"Midsummer Heat" is a lot of things. Smooth and catchy come to mind.

"Burn the Map" will make you want to quit your job and hit the road until you don't know where your home is anymore.

Until "Going Home", that is, which will make you long for the place you've left behind. There's nothing like the feeling going home after a long time out on the road. This song just might call you back.

"Calculated Risks" is another smooth track, and has some sweet harmonica on it.

"Down With It" is super catchy, and has a nice mandolin solo. Working class song about how the system takes everyone "down with it".

The album closes with "Each Other's Heros", which is an incredibly inspiring song about how we can be each other's heros. This song is very real, down to Earth, and sure to make you smile.

Another Step Back is a solid debut for the punks from Toronto, and I highly recommend you check these folks out!

Also, see album review for Joe Billy - Let 'Em Fall, or featured album Cats Not Cops//Captain Chucke - UKElear Assault

Cats Not Cops//Captain Chucke - UKElear Assault

Ohio's Captain Chucke and Tennessee's Cats Not Cops teamed up for a split, UKElear Assault, and it just became available yesterday! The new split features three new originals and a cover, each!

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Cats Not Cops is the one-piece folk punk/uke punk band of Keith Kaaos, based out of Johnson City, TN.

Captain Chucke is a folk punk/uke punk based out of Athens, OH.

Check out the split on Bandcamp!

Joe Billy - Let 'Em Fall

New Jersey folk punk musician, Joe Billy, just put out Let 'Em Fall last month, and can be found on tour right now.

"Sorry, Mom" starts the album off with some fast and angry guitar, and some shouting about making the world a better place.

"Denounce Columbus" is about how Columbus commit atrocities against the Natives, like bringing plague, but we celebrate him and shouldn't.

"Age Is A Social Construct (built on faulty roots)" starts off by questioning why you've gotta wait until 21 to by beer, when 12 year olds are often more mature than 40 year olds.

"The Fly You Ignore" - as far as I can tell - is about people that ignore the homeless in the street.

"I Pray For Armageddon" is about how we're heading towards our apocalypse.

"Half Assed Apology" is a non-aplolgetic apology, and it's kinda catchy.

"The War On War" is a call for peace. Great lyrical work on this one, and the harmonica is nice.

"Self Hate Masculinity" is about how blaming natural instinct on being a man is lazy.

"Rainbow of Trash" is about how, "we're all just a rainbow of trash." 'nuff said.

"Smash Your Television" is about reasons to smash your tv, and alternatives you could be doing, instead of sitting in front of a mind control device.

Offering plenty of things to think about, Let 'Em Fall is definitely worth giving a listen!

Also, check out album reviews for Out of System Transfer - Junkyard Golem, or Joe Bartel - Are You Even Nice

Angry Planet - One Day He Could Save The World

Kentucky's Angry Planet released One Day He Could Save The World last October. An album full of potential radio hits, if this is any indication of their live shows, you need to see these guys.

Starting out stong, there's pure, raw energy in the vocals is the first thing I noticed in "[-----]"

"As Good As It Gets" has an uplifting, albeit cocky as hell, feel to it, as it proclaims, "I'm sorry I'm as good as it gets (but I am)".

"Someone, Somewhere" is a sweet alt-rock power ballad.

"For Jennifer" is a bit softer, with some piano to accompany a beautiful and sweet love song.

"The Storm" kicks the energy back up, with a catchy tune that feels like it came straight out of the '95-'05 era.

"A Memory" is a quieter song, more stripped down with just a guitar and some soft vocals.

"WhenWarComes" is another high-energy song. To be honest, I couldn't understand most of the lyrics on this one, but I still loved the instrumentals.

"All Our Lives (Underground)" is a headbanging song that takes me back to the early 2000s.

"Faith" has some more of those powerful vocals, with some lyrics of longing. Another great power ballad.

"The Love Song" brings back the piano for another softer tune, with more of those powerful vocals. A great combination that really expresses the emotions here.

"White" is upbeat and catchy, with a nice hook and lots of instrumentals.

"Time" is a bunch of ambient noises.

"Nothing To Write Home About" is another high-energy song, with a changing, but catchy, hook. It's a great end to a solid debut album that is sure to become a classic. I can't wait to see what's in store for this band, as any of these songs could easily be big radio hits. Angry Planet has a very strong sound, that makes me reminiscent of late 90s/early 2000s alternative rock classics.

Get One Day He Could Save The World on Angry World's Bandcamp!

Also, see album reviews for Out of System Transfer - Junkyard Golem, or New Neighbors

Out of System Transfer - Junkyard Golem

New York folk punk group, Out of System Transfer, released Junkyard Golem last November.

Kicking off with "Hank Stamper's Blues", you're gonna get sucked right in and grooving along with the blues-y trumpet, bluegrass-y vocals, and a solid guitar riff.

"The Horse (and his boi-sterous hatred of all forms of earthly authority)" showcases some great, imaginative songwriting about how much they could "care less if your monarch lives or dies."

"Fear Jelly" has some intense riffs and lyrics.

"Eliyahu" is told from the perspective of an indigenous person, discussing how "you're all still fucking awful."

"Well, Do They?" is fast-paced, showing more flashes of blues, bluegrass, and punk all blended together quite beautifully.

"Goddamn Your Bloodshot Eyes" is very blues-y, and is super catchy.

"June, 1969" has nostalgic lyrics that take you back in time to share an experience. I'm not sure which was better, the lyrics or trumpet.

"Storm Clouds (over Manhattan)" is full of energy, with ominous over tones, with another flawless blues/bluegrass/punk fusion.

"Disco Fries" is a song about not eating disco fries.

"Heads I Win" has some dank musical fusion going on, too. Really dig the sound they have going on.

"Slant Rhymes and Eye Rhymes" is a stream of catchy goodness.

"Rank Stranger" has some outlaw country feels, with jazzy/blues-y layers.

"Quinine" is a high-energy end to an incredible album.

What stands out the most to me on this album is the amazing sound they create with elements of jazz/blues/bluegrass/punk/etc., all rolled smoothly into one. This is an incredible album that you need to hear.

You can get it off Out of System Transfer's Bandcamp. 

Also, check out album reviews for Joe Bartel - Are You Even Nice or The HueMans - What's Going On?

New Neighbors

Cleveland, OH indie-rock band, New Neighbors, released their latest, self-titled album this past March, and it's pretty fucking good.

"Following Along" is both smooth and rocking, and has some deep thoughts.

"Planetary Motion" is straight up sick jams.

"Stay" is one of those super catchy, late 90s/early 2000s sounding song that starts right off the bat with a great hook.

"Breathing Room" is full of energy and is sure to get you moving, you know, in case you weren't already.

"From the Bottom" has a sick riff, with a sweet breakdown.

"Incantation (Interlude)" is a bit slower, with some smooth trumpet overlaid on some rocking drums, and a hypnotic guitar riff.

"Overseas" is another solid track, with an sweet solo.

"Together" has some killer drums, is one of the first things that stands out on this track. The vocals have the feel of a dream when they first come in. Kind of a longer-ish song (7 minutes), my favorite part of it is the middle.

"Something To Blame" has a great opening hook that leads into a great song. Kinda has a pop-punk feel to it, in my opinion, and that's not a bad thing.

"Together: Mvmt II" brings back the trumpet on another version of "Together" to pull the album to a close.

If this album is any indication of their live shows, you probably don't wanna Miss an opportunity to see these guys. New Neighbors is full of energy, sick jams, and some thought-provoking lyrics that you're sure to love. Get your copy on Bandcamp, today!

Also, see album review of SILVIS - Little Brothers or article 6 Things A Musician With Professional Aspirations Should Consider

Joe Bartel - Are You Even Nice

Are You Even Nice by folk punk musician Joe Bartel is a great album, opening with "Why Am I Like This", before going into a dark, but catchy song called, "What Does Your Truma Look Like".

"Vampyre" is an interesting song about being an introvert with social anxiety, I think. Or maybe it really is about being a vampire. I'm not entirely sure. But the song is pretty catchy.

"Early Summer, 2012" is beautiful and nostalgic, looking back at the past and how things changed.

"Good News" is about first word problems. The opening is kind of amusing, and the whole song is very well done.

"Don't Talk" is your friendly reminder to not talk to copsn. 'Nuff said.

"You Don't Desereve It" is about someone that must be a pretty horrible person. If you know someone like that, you might find yourself singing along.

"Sisters" is very mellow and apologetic. It might make you wanna call up your own sibilings.

"Song For A Car Thief" says all it needs to in the name. Fuck thieves. Actually, there's a deeper message here, too, so check the song out.

"Puppy Dog" is a happy ending to a good album. Who doesn't want a puppy dog to help make their lives better?

You can get your copy of Are You Even Nice on Joe's Bandcamp. I highly recommend you do!

Also, see album review of The Huemans - What's Going On, or demo review of Jaded Life

Jaded Life

Earlier, I did an interview with Ernie Fonseca, an incredible artist responsible for the cover art on my album, "Health Nuts Are Wingnuts Too".

Ernie also makes his own music, and you can check out his band's self-titled demo, "Jaded Life" on SoundCloud.

A humorous opening, accompanied by some nice, classical music, invites you to enjoy the band's misery and discomfort, before jumping into some growing vocals about how every cop deserves to die, with "Passive Aggressive".

Actually, "Jaded Life" is anything but passive aggressive. The rough guitar and growing vocals continue to shout at you.

Doom Song is my favorite off the demo, proclaiming, "I've always been jaded since I've walked this Earth."

The outro is much more demonic than the intro, laid over the same classical track.

Jaded Life is definitely interesting, and worth checking out!

Also see artist interview Ernie Fonseca: Era of Failure or album review The HueMans - What's Going On?

SILVIS - Little Brothers

SILVIS's album "Little Brothers" has a groovy, good-feeling sound that gets you grooving from the very beginning, with "Us Into Gold" and "On My Way".

A short release, but one filled with radio gold. I love the sax on "MUAH".

"Feel Alright" tones the feel down some, but that's alright. And maybe after listening to it, you'll feel a little more alright.

Of course, "Escape" will help with that, ending on a high note that sounds just like a perfect summer day.

My only complaint for this release is I wish there was more.

Get your copy on SILVIS'S Bandcamp.

Also, see album review of The HueMans' "What's Going On?" and check out the article "6 Things A Musician With Professional Aspirations Should Consider"

6 Things A Musician With Professional Aspirations Should Consider

As a musician with aspirations of turning one's skill into a professional, there are several things to consider that will help get you launched. For starters...

6. It's important to maintain a professional mindset

This might seem like a no-brainer, but self-discipline isn't always easy. If you wanna be a professional, you have to act like one. If you want playing music to be your job, you have to treat it as such.

This means practicing regularly, continuing to learn as much new stuff - chords, songs, instruments, etc. - as you can, spending time producing new material, doing the footwork to book shows, promoting, recording, and maintaining connections, and a whole lot more.

If you expect to earn from your artistic endevors, you must realize you are an entrepreneur running a business, and you've got a lot of competition. It takes a lot of work to be in the running.

5. Busking is a great way to earn cash while practicing your performer skills

While not for everyone, busking can be a great way to earn extra cash in the city. This is the primary - or sometimes only - source of income for many people. For the struggling, jobless, or touring musician, busking is an ideal way to earn immediate dollars from musical ability.

In addition, busking is great performance practice. Busking puts you in front of passing crowds. When you, as the performer, are not the center of everyone's attention - as would be the case on stage - some may find it easier to play to the decentralized audience of people just passing by.

4. Getting your first shows

It can be hard to book your first shows, but once the ball is rolling, venues will be more willing to work with you.

It is good to make connections with other musicians in your area that play similar music to your own style. Maybe these other musicians can help introduce you to venues, or get you on some of their shows. Venues may also be more likely to book you if you've already got a full bill, so it helps to have a another artist you are working with to book shows. Open mics, music groups, songwriter circles, and shows you get booked on are great places to connect with other musicians.

The music scene in many cities is built upon a foundation of house shows, and you may find playing these types of shows a necessary step to break into the local scene and get into other, more established venues. Even if house shows are not a big part of your local music scene, playing them can be a valuable experience - as house shows are often more intimate performing atmospheres, and are also great opportunities to meet other musicians.

3. Merchandise makes money

Once you start playing shows, you'll probably want to make money from your performance. Perhaps the best way to achieve this is by having merchandise to sell.

People love physical objects. It helps them feel better about spending money, because then they have something to show for it - the live experience not always enough for people, especially when musician or band is still trying to make a name for themselves.

Merchandise also shows people that you are taking yourself seriously as a musician, which in turn makes those other people take you more seriously, too.

It doesn't matter what kind of merchandise you start working with - I started with just stickers, and people have been just as willing to make donations for them. Other merchandise to consider having includes t-shirts, patches, CDs - even if they're just burnt discs in cardboard cases, or whatever else you might want as merchandise.

Besides, then you'll have people repping your music.

2. Social media presence is important

We live in a digital age. You're reading this article on my blog, probably on your cellphone or tablet, or maybe a laptop. Technology and social media have both become major parts of many people's lives. Maintaining a social media presence is vital for any artist.

Websites like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube are great channels to keep people up-to-date with what you're doing. People love being able to follow stories from other people's lives, as it allows them to live vicariously through the other people - which is why much of what's on tv is so popular.

Many places, like different venues and record labels, will also not work with you if you cannot show them a social media presence and following.

1. Keep at it

This goes back to having a professional mindset. Artistic careers are like snowballs rolling down a hill - the further the ball rolls, the more size and momentum it picks up. Once you get the ball rolling on your musical career, it's important to keep it going. Keep booking and playing shows, writing and learning new material, promoting your shows and merchandise, and keeping your social media networks updated.

This repetition will help keep you relevant, and in work. Also, the longer you work on building your audience, the more your audience will grow - and the longer you work on your craft, the better at it you'll get.

Check out album reviews of Robber's Roost's "Swallow Your Fears" and SILVIS'S "Little Brothers"

The HueMans - What's Going On?

The HueMans are a folk punk band from Ohio that just recently put out a new album, titled "What's Going On?"

I gave it a listen and loved the sound they got "going on".

Stripped down and mellow, with just a guitar and hand drum, the album starts off with "Coming Home", which pulls on the heart strings and gets you grooving at the same time.

"Andy" is about that one guy we all know that let their addictions and party lifestyle into their 30s.

"Growing Up" is super catchy, and one of my favorites of this one about exactly what it says.

"My Dad and My Best Friend" is another catchy one that hits some harder issues, like the lack of a father, or a friend that commit suicide.

"Giving Up On God" almost put me in the mind of Johnny Hobo, in a good way.

"War" is another mellow-vibbed one, about personal relationship conflicts.

"Calling Names" tackels the important, current issue of hatred towards members of the LGBT community.

"25 Years Old" is another short, catchy song about growing up.

"Nothing In This World" is a song that inspires confidence. Good vibes.

"Last Song" is beautiful, catchy, and a great end to this album.

You can check the album out for yourself, and even download it to your device for free or donation on the HueMans' Bandcamp.

Also, check out the article "6 Things A Musician With Professional Aspirations Should Consider", and the album review of Robber's Roost's "Swallow Your Fears"

Lyrics & Chords For "Health Nuts Are Wingnuts Too" Album by Captain Chucke

After​ several months of hard work writing songs and playing my first full round of shows this spring, I'm happy to announce I just went live with Health Nuts Are Wingnuts Too! Download it for free on Bandcamp (donations​ go a long way)!


https://captainchucke.bandcamp.com/album/health-nuts-are-wingnuts-too

Megan Bee Interview/"Eli"