Introducing Tongue Action

Introducing Tongue Action

After hearing their contribution to the most excellent New Bom Turks tribute album I just had to reach out to some of the bands involved and one of the bands who impressed me the most was Tongue Action. Call em what you like Action Rock, Punk N Roll, the new wave of garage rockers,  it matters not because to us its just loud Rock n Roll and they live it like they love it and embrace the spirit of Rock and Roll so we caught up with Pablo Ono (Lead Vocals and Guitars) & the occasional chime from  (JW) Capt Goddamn: (Lead Guitarist) recently to find out who the hell are Tongue Action and please introduce us so here goes…

 

 

Firstly, When did the band begin?  

The vision and sound of Tongue Action has always been with me and probably always will be pretty much – I don’t know if it a subconscious thing that has become aware but I know you can hear it and see it in pretty much everything I do. However, The Tongue Action that’s alive and loud today being seen and heard as of right now has been around since Feb. 2019

 

Who decided that the world needed Tongue Action?  

Whoever created women decided that the world needed Tongue Action and we’re grateful to be able to provide it to those women who want it or need it. We are here to ensure the very act of performing Tongue Action has the killer soundtrack it deserves performed by Tongue Action! It’s us giving it back to the world by allowing ourselves to be the mouthpiece on your wives – wait, I mean…of your life – Let us be the sound of giving it and getting it and because we’re Tongue Action 60% of the time you can hear us around the world…all the time.

 

 

You guys are based in New Orleans right? 

Yes, and though we may live amongst the witches & ghouls, the vamps and werewolves…everyone knows that we’re the only things that ever go bump in the night. So don’t fear the tongue fear the reaper.

 

introduce us to the band if you will please? 

Pablo Ono – Lead Vox, Guitar Blastin’, 100% Satisfaction Givin’ That Tongue Action & Mustache Rides of Passion.  (JW) Capt Goddamn: Lead Guitar Captain like a Fool, Vox Backin’, Fast actin’ Ham slammin’ & Psychotic Reactin’  Grody Jody Stallone – Drums, Vox,  Skin like Satan, Buccee’s Thievin ’ Beer Stealin’ & Beaver Eatin’ Eric Westerberg– Bass Slappin’ Synth Havin’ Ass Tappin’  King of no Fashion

 

“Loud, Sleazy and dangerous” is the first words I read about the band (always a good place to start)  who influenced the sound and style?

When you listen to a Tongue Action song and you think to yourself “this kinda sounds like what heaven must feel like or maybe it just reminds me of so and so” you can probably reside to it most likely being influenced by so and so, and definitely what’s her name. But our playing style whether it’s how me play our instruments or your women or how we act on and off the stage is all us and by our own doing when left to our own devices. You can bet that even if it has been stolen and we stole it – it’s all ours and done in a way only we can, but really anyone can probably do it.

JW (Capt GD!) – I’m from the Chuck berry school of guitar (as it should be) but I figured it was finally time to learn 2 more scales for Tongue Action. Jody (TA’s Drummer) and I actually were in regional punk bands in high school and TA has brought us full circle into actually playing in the same project. I tell that everywhere I go …cuz it’s fucking amazing….Goddammit! 

 

The band’s recordings are few and far between when can we expect an album?  

We are actually putting the finishing touches on our full length LP and looking at a release date early 2029 to line up with the meteor that’s headed to earth. We figured if something’s gonna fuck the world it should at least have its own soundtrack. But, until then we do have a full length slated to be released right after the new year holiday going into early Spring of ‘22 on Heavy Medication Records. 

 

How do you approach songwriting as a band is there a main contributor or is it more collaborative? 

Pablo – I have an extensive catalog of completed songs, riffs and melody parts, lyrics, and ideas I haven’t even touched yet but knew a pretty good chunk of it would end up as TA songs and I’m pretty sure JW can tell you what he’s got but there are times when the two of us get together and just hash out brand new ideas that eventually become songs and that has been really cool as well.

JW (Captain Goddamn!) – I’ve only been lead axe man in a few projects. Usually the vox guy but when I first joined up our styles immediately complimented each others… like crawfish and garlic farts. Wild Rose and Raunch City Romp are early yet prime examples of that and way less stanky, ya heard? 

 

With a global pandemic the Rock and roll world has certainly been on standstill with live shows being mothballed until we can all get back out there.  Any plans?   

Here in the States, things have been slowly but surely opening back up and our shows as well as shows in general are getting booked fast. We’ve already played about 36 shows to date, recorded new songs including the track we contributed  to the New Bomb Turks LP all of which, we’ve done since this past Oct. 

Now of course when we first started getting asked to play these shows everyone from the promoters to the venues including ourselves were making sure we all stayed within the guidelines of the CDC and doing so, we haven’t had any reports of one single incident or case of COVID at any show we performed.

So now that things have started to really kick into high gear we’ve been pretty much non-stop playing in and out of town having been consistently booked up to about three months out for quite some time now. 

 

What has the band been occupying their time with this past year? 

Pablo – Yeah, as I mentioned before, we recorded 3 new tracks to complete our upcoming album and the NBTs song Telephone Numbrrr for the Defiled! LP by Heavy Medication Records. Aside from that? Well…We made some really good and some horribly bad decisions, said yes and no to sex, drugs and rock n roll depending on how the ladies looked, but then back to yes, drank a lot of booze, nearly lost ourselves, one of us nearly died from a brain aneurysm only to miraculously be back on stage just two weeks later. 

Tongue Action is like that one kid who’s a bad influence that entices you to do anything and everything you know is wrong but baby it feels so right.

 

What about videos and using the downtime any video recordings or plans?

With us ideas are like salads and we toss them around pretty much everyday and while we did have some pretty good treatments early on in the works, even our down time proved to be a scheduling problem if not challenge amidst a pandemic.

 

You got involved in the New Bomb Turks tribute album.  How did that come about?  

Derrick from Heavy Medication Records and I had been discussing Tongue Action’s songs that we had recorded up to that point and the possibility of doing either a few singles, or an EP but keeping all of our sights on a full length at some point. Ironically I had messaged him about some new songs that I thought could be what we needed to complete our LP – he had messaged me asking if Tongue Action would be interested in doing the New Bomb Turks tribute LP and naturally I saw an opportunity open up for us to record not only the NBT track but also the songs we needed to finish our album. Of course now In doing so meant time was something we didn’t have much of if we wanted to tackle it all and all at the same time but thanks to our friends Don “Demonboy” Cilurso and Stephen Finley down in Texas we were able to head out to Sugarhill Studios in HTX and attempt to do what we set out to do and that’s exactly what we did.

If you could record a split who would it be with and what song would you do and the other band had to play one of your tunes what would it be?

 According to my son Killian or Little Hands – he just informed me that Tongue Action should do a split with Hank Von Hell who’s his favorite artist next to me of course (I got jokes like that) and if we were to do one of his songs it’d have to be his favorite song “Disco” and if he were to play one of ours it’d have to be “Shake, Rattle & Die!” 

All of which would be out of this world man…

 

Anything I’ve missed?  what would you like to add?

Pablo – Tongue Action is a late night party, the band that women want and men want to be in…and yes, we tend to take things a little too far but we do so all in the name of good times & rock ‘n’ roll and sure – we are a little sarcastic, very loud (except for me, I’m the quiet one), sometimes raunchy, always degenerates, hardly if that but okay mostly assholes that might seem to be a bunch of self-centered egomaniacs on the prowl but everyone of you would be wrong no matter how right you really are. We have come to see that everyone of you are out here enjoying yourselves and having fun once again now that we all finally can…well, except for Carl – he’s not allowed to have any fun until he washes his hands.

So where was I going with this? Oh, and…If you’ve completely missed the joke in what we do and why we do so little to upset you so much then we’re obviously not the band nor the awesomest sound of sounds, nor the devilishly handsome rock ‘n’ rollers nor the older-ish but younger looking men you really want even though we absolutely really are all of that and what’s more, the ones that you want. 

Remember We here in Tongue Action love all of you…but mainly those that kind of are or almost are Super Models and most Strippers but probably not really…ok, maybe all strippers.

 

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Johny Skullknuckles – ‘A Voice Made For Silent Movies’ (Self Release)

Johny Skullknuckles – ‘A Voice Made For Silent Movies’ (Self Release)

No secret that Mr. Skullknuckles share a love of Rock and Roll along similar lines to many of us who remember the 80’s with fondness. No doubt about where Johny comes from musically and from his impeccable take of The Coops ‘Under My Wheels’ he clearly finds the gift of being able to convey that through the medium of Rock and Roll. It’s one cover amongst a blistering set of original choons that Mr. Skullknuckles has lovingly assembled here for our listening pleasure. IT’s Punk n Roll along the lines of the Soho Roses and there’s some Stiv, Heartbreakers in there for sure but it would be unfair to say that this is in any way limited because it’s not. Rest assured it’s not fuckin’ Coldplay but there’s a lot going on here from some cool lyrics that’ll make you smile n giggle to some that will touch your heart.

 

Let’s be fair here, since covid restrictions and not being able to mix the Rock and Roll wheels have ground to a halt as far as live goes but studio time has meant that some have (Skull) knuckled down and laid down some rather stunning tunes.  ‘A Voice Made For Silent Movies’ is a barnstorming collection that is choc-o-bloc full to the brim of loud Rock and Roll that you can play whilst painting on yer guyliner and polishing yer nails whilst you’re wondering what drinks to mix before settling down to press play on the old stereo and have a lonesome socially distanced listening party.

 

What we have here is Mr. Skullknuckles best-sounding collection of songs and to be fair he’s never far from bullseye when aiming his musical earworms ‘Gender Fluid’ is a cheeky saucy little number as it glam slams through your ear hole and into your noggin’ and as you blush you’re noddin’ in approval and wanting more. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves, the tone is set with the opener ‘Still A Little In Love With You’  is that castanets I hear?  Well done sir a much-underused punk rock instrument. Cool guitar licks, punchy rhythms,  lyrics we can all get down with, scuffing rhythms and an uptempo rush of blood.  Love it. Not enough bands are writing ‘Too Many Guys’ kinda songs with some lush harmonies and a bounce that just warms the heart.

 

He nails that Lure guitar tone on the punchy ‘Suicide And Smiles’ with its melancholic melody its clear Johny was paying attention in the early 80s and absorbing all the magic left in the air when the likes of Stiv Bator played or Hanoi Rocks left a trail of glitter and magic behind them. ‘Wired’ is like a runaway train thundering down the tracks with some tasty licks and a thumping bass line.  In fact, after constant rotation on the death decks at RPM towers I’m loving this more and more.  Who else is writing punk n roll as fine as this?  I need to hear them if there is someone else knocking out so many songs of such a high standard if it’s dramatic acoustic songs like the closing snippet or the cover of classic Coop.  ‘A Voice Made For Silent Movies’ is well worth the price of a warm pint in anyone’s money Christ this should be snapped up by any self-respecting Rocker and then we can all appreciate the talent OF JSK.

 

Absolute stone-cold bangers,  easily one of the best bunch of tunes I’ve heard all year, no all pandemic, and if you disagree then Up Yer Bum!  Get in touch with JSK on Facebook and get a hold of this CD – you absolutely won’t regret it! Oh and theres more.  As lionel Ritchie once sang “Let the music play on” because there are more treats nailed onto the end of this CD  it simply is the gift that keeps on giving!

Buy it on Bandcamp Here

Author: Dom Daley

Don’t Go Gentle: A Film About IDLES 

Don’t Go Gentle: A Film About IDLES 
Coming to Blu-ray, DVD, and digital platforms on August 6th
“A touching portrait of fandom done right… Proof that bands can still change your life” ★★★★ – NME

Don’t Go Gentle: A film about IDLES is a 75 minute feature film about finding strength in vulnerability. It journeys through the critically acclaimed Bristol band’s determination, friendship and adversity as they fight for a place in a divided socio-political environment, unexpectedly inspiring and unifying an international community along the way.
The film, which was directed by Mark Archer and received 4 star reviews in NME and Time Out London, will be screening across the UK and Ireland starting July 2nd. It will then be widely available on Blu-ray, DVD, and VOD on August 6th.
Don’t Go Gentle captures the 10 year journey of IDLES’ struggle, grief and resolve. Exploring their vulnerabilities through their experience, lyrics and sound, we learn the reasons why these five individuals have connected with legions of people across the world. We see just how that relationship unfolds in the most courageous and positive of human ways.
In a time when the ground is shifting beneath our feet, where open communication and truthful reflection are more vital than ever, we journey with lead singer Joe Talbot and the band as they tear across stages, knocking down stereotypes, empowering fans to talk about mental health and the realities we may not feel comfortable to speak about.
This feature documentary was originally born out of Mark’s interest in the journey behind IDLES’ music. In March 2017 he wrote to IDLES manager Mark Bent expressing his desire to make a short film highlighting their inspired 8 year journey culminating in the band’s biggest show to date – supporting The Maccabees at Alexander Palace. There was no idea at this stage the film would turn into what it became. In the same month, Sara Archer came on board to support the passion project by sourcing crew/equipment, budgeting, hosting interviews and beginning talks with potential distributors. Mark then met music photographer Lindsay Melbourne with an eye to include her photographs in the film, but Lindsay was to become much more involved, becoming one of the producers on the film and paved the path to an even bigger project.
During production IDLES found new success, breaking down walls with their first album Brutalism. Lindsay told Mark of the growing IDLES fan community ‘AF GANG’. As a result of Joe’s lyrics and his honesty on stage and in interviews, the AF GANG became a place where people would open up without judgement, quickly becoming an online support group to those that didn’t have one. It was a domino effect with IDLES leading the way publicly discussing mental health. The potential of IDLES’ growth, along with their community of fans excited the team and they committed to turning this short film into a feature with IDLES and now the AF GANG at the centre of the story.
Throughout the production the film took many forms with multiple re-edits necessary, being the team’s first feature no stone was left unturned. Finally, the film was completed during quarantine in May 2020 – a story in itself.
No one is alone. All means everyone. Community.

SPEAR OF DESTINY ANNOUNCE ‘WORLDSERVICE@35’ UK TOUR FOR LATE 2021

SPEAR OF DESTINY ANNOUNCE ‘WORLDSERVICE@35’ UK TOUR FOR LATE 2021

 ‘WORLDSERVICE@35’ UK TOUR FOR LATE 2021 

Rocking the music scene for over three decades, SPEAR OF DESTINY are not stopping. Today, they announce their ‘Worldservice@35’  tour, following their acclaimed lockdown album released last year. 
TICKETS HEREHard to believe we know but it is true, Kirk Brandon has now been leading SPEAR OF DESTINY for over 38 years.Spear of Destiny were formed in 1983 after the demise of Kirk Brandon’s post punk iconic rockers THEATRE OF HATE. (Brandon had also, before TOH, been the main man in every punk rockers favourite band of that era The Pack)

The current line up of Spear is the longest serving to date and features Adrian Portas (New Model Army / Sex Gang Children), Craig Adams (Sisters of Mercy / The Cult / The Mission) and Phil Martini (Jim Jones and the Righteous Mind) on drums. During 2019 the line up was boasted by Saxophonist Clive Osborne who will be staying in the line up for 2021.

On April 6th 2018 SPEAR OF DESTINY released their 14th studio album “Tontine” The album was been fully funded from a private fan pre-sale. The album is officially released for Brandon’s own Eastersnow Recording Company label imprint and is available on CD, Vinyl and Download across Europe. US label Cleopatra Records will be handling the North American release.

Just before the lockdown of 2020/1 the band went into the studio and re-recorded perhaps their best known album, 1985’s WorldService. Eventually releasing the album to much critical acclaim in November 2020. The upcoming ‘WorldService @35’ UK Tour set will feature the album + b-sides in full and the show will be finished with a career spanning extended SOD encore.

Rainy Days & Mondays

Rainy Days & Mondays

Three imaginative boyos, TRAMPOLENE, release a new single ‘Shoot The Lights,’  

Jack Jones on ‘Shoot The Lights’ “ for me it’s about when you’re scared and trapped indoors together with someone you love, for what feels like forever, it’s touch you need, life you want, and shoot the lights when you dare.”
Pre order the new album Here

A band who are always welcome on RPM is CNE and as they release the video for the excellent ‘Let The Wheels Roll’.  Here it is for your viewing pleasure.  Visit savagemagicrecords.com for more info or email info@savagemagicrecords.com to order now!

Singles Club – summer lovin happened at last

Singles Club – summer lovin happened at last

THE SCHIZOPHONICS – ‘Black To Comm’ (Pig Baby Records) Over the last few years, THE SCHIZOPHONICS have built up a formidable reputation around the world as an explosive live act and have just announced a 14 date US tour which kicks off in September 2021 with an appearance at Punk Rock Bowling in Las Vegas. The group has also just finished the final mixes on their forthcoming album entitled ‘Hoof It’ which is slated for release in early 2022 on Pig Baby Records.  Leaning on their Garage Rock roots and the MC5 heaving smokin guitar antics of the lead track this is on Fire Baby!  Love it large and the more fuzzed up and freaky this gets the better it sounds.  Amen you crazy mofos.

 

 

Los Santos – ‘On The Strip (Vegas Baby)’ (Los Santos Inc. Records / Cadiz Entertainment)  it’s a three-minute love song to 1970’s Las Vegas invoking the Rat Pack, gangster run casinos, cars as big as bars cruising the neon of sin city.

Wearing their influences proudly on their sleeves…  Iggy and The Stooges, MC5, Ramones, Pixies, Husker Du, Jane’s Addiction…  Nothing too new!  Los Santos bring loud guitars, angelic voices, melodic bass and drums played like a deranged Keith Moon.

 

Stacy Crowne ‘Radar Love / Dead of Night’ (Action Rock Jukebox 45 single)’  (Screaming Crow Records) Screaming Crow Records have gathered up some of the best Rock N Roll bands from all over the world to bring you an awesome new 45 series call Action Rock Jukebox.

Each band has submitted a rockin’ version of a song that would have been found on your local jukebox in the 70s & 80s backed with an original track from the band. These large holed 45s are perfect for that old jukebox in your basement. Each single comes with a jukebox title card and a custom 45 adapter in case you don’t have one of those cool old jukeboxes. Each release will feature 100 color vinyl  and 200 black vinyl versions. The first 50 copies sold will be autographed by the band. Right now the singles will only be available on Screaming Crow’s and the bands’ websites.

There are 8 band scheduled right now. Once all the singles are out, Screaming Crow will compile them into one killer double LP and CD and release them through our normal retail channels. Stacy Crowne do a top take on the Golden Earring track whilst it might have been done to death its still one of the better versions but the original track is all Action rock and fuckin’ roll and worthy of your attention.

https://www.facebook.com/stacycrowne / Buy Here / Facebook

 

Bambies – ‘Dirty Taint’ (Spaghetty Town Records)  Wear it like a sheriff’s badge of honour.  If you’re on Spaghetty Town Records then you’re worth a fuck. With that seal of approval, we dive in with the volume turned up, it’s like a snotty bit of punk n roll along the lines of Star Spangles with added Briefs for good measure, and that kids is a pretty awesome place to start. There’s an album coming this August on Wanda and Spaghetty Town so stick that in your diary as a must-have slice of Rock and Roll. Record of the week? It might just be.  Buy Here

 

 

 

 

Drug Church – Tawny (Pure Noise Records)  The only disappointment is this is only a four-track 12″ record and not a full album of angry, full-on riff-a-rama punk rock n roll. PRessed on a lovely pink spalt it’s no-nonsense straight to your brain ear worm.

I can’t pick a favourite track because they’re all quality from the jangling hypnotic riff on ‘Head Off’ through the kick to the temple of the title track.

‘Bliss Out’ is heavy as a bouncing bomb mixing up the likes of Helmet with Husker Du some Therapy? and a whole lot besides before checking out with the mic drop of ‘Remember To Forget’ which is something different from the other three which are all different anyway.  Drug Church delivers yet another quality glimpse into the workings of a top band with a cheeky glance to the past yet plowing on into the future.  Check em out and get on board.

Buy Here

 

The Jailbirds – ‘The Jungle’ (Golden Robot Records) Ontario rockers The Jailbirds come on full force with ‘The Jungle’ with a riff from the Ozzy rulebook its big and rockin  check em out Here

Zoids – ‘Running Man b/w Crash Mind’ (Goodbye Boozy Records)  Lo-fi noisy punks rip through two bleak relentless romps with a buzzsaw guitar riff thrashing away over a Rolf Harris stylophone if that’s still even legal?  Then ‘Crash Mind’ is more of the same as the static far away sci-fi lo-fi goes gonzo as the Zoids check-in back home by the sounds of it.  Robotic punk is fired into space.  Put these cats in a time capsule and bury them on the moon.  with some guitars and a laptop obviously.  Sounds like they’ve just discovered dial-up and aren’t afraid to use it as an instrument instead of a bass guitar – Nutters!

 

 

 

The Cheats – ‘Rock N’ Roll Love Letter / Cussin, Crying N’ Carrying On’ (Action Rock Jukebox 45 single)’  (Screaming Crow Records)  A mighty fine slab of 70s inspired power pop n roll from The Cheats.  They nail the sappy harmonies and the melody is B-A-Y C-I-T-Y inspired and they nail the tone.  We all love to write Rock N Roll love letters and The Cheats are no different.  If you want something a little more bruising then hold onto your tartan scarves because the B side is a belter.  firing out of the traps like a hot rod in a hurry ‘Cussin, Crying N’ Carrying On’ is action rock with a heap of punk rock n roll attitude as it snarls and spits to the finish line.  Top single this one.  Crack on guys you rock!

 

 

Jizzy Pearl – ‘Soul Mama’ (Golden Robot Records)

 

THE CHECKERED HEARTS – ‘Joystick’  (Chicanery Chick Records)  Power Pop cover version of ‘My Best Friends Girl’ is a decent stab at a huge hit.  Los Angeles-based duo Hillary Burton and Lisa Mychols, who have many credits to their names, pride themselves on having a  sound that is a mixture of explosive power pop and reminiscent of long-lost favourites of the 80’s and 90’s.  ‘JOYSTICK’ is a collection of classic covers by The Cars, Housemartins, Phil Seymour, Kirsty MacColl, and The Knack. In addition, the release includes a bonus track – a special version of an original Lisa & Hillary song.  Stream/ Buy ‘Joystick’  Here

 

Real Sickies – ‘Love Is For Lovers’ (Stomp Records)  Edmonton’s preeminent power-pop, party-anthem punkers Real Sickies have just dropped their latest offering of tunage for your summertime listening pleasure. “Love is for Lovers” is the second single and title track of their forthcoming album on Stomp Records.  Claiming to straddle influences from The Ramones to the Strokes this tune is a banger plain and simple from the pounding rhythm to that razor-sharp riff its wedged in a heap of tuneage for your buck.  the swirling keys layering the sound like an anchor to its roots it’s well worth checking out.  Order New Color Vinyl LP “Love is for Lovers” Here

Pre-Save “Love is for Lovers” on all Streaming Services  Here

Andrew Cantwell – Lockdown Love (Self Release) Accomplished solo artist Andrew has released a couple of tracks and ‘Lockdown Love’ is a summers breeze and a laid back offering leaning on some of his influences with a really nice guitar break and arrangement check out his video and hit him up on social media.

Suzi Moon – interview exclusive

Suzi Moon – interview exclusive

The unstoppable Suzi Moon comes roaring back with a debut solo EP Call the Shots, a powerful clutch of high-impact songs which reaffirm her status as one of punk rock’s most vibrant performers! With a stellar rock & roll pedigree reaching back to when the then 15-year-old Moon joined her sister’s famed punk band, Civet, the singer-songwriter has followed through with songs that show her incredible growth. Recording two albums for Hellcat Records and touring with the likes of Social Distortion, Dropkick Murphys and Flogging Molly (all before she turned 21) Moon established herself as a ferocious punk truth-teller with both a distinctive personal style and a fiercely untamed stage presence. After Civet went on hiatus, Moon formed Turbulent Hearts, a high-intensity trio that quickly gained popularity in their hometown Los Angeles scene and earned followings in the US and Europe, playing such high stakes settings as the Rebellion Festival and Punk Rock Bowling.

The restless, boundlessly creative Moon next co-founded unique garage/punk/stoner female power trio L.A. Machina. The group almost immediately issued a memorable EP for Alternative Tentacles before abruptly flaming out in late 2020. Undeterred, Moon set about crafting the groundbreaking songs which comprise Call the Shots and was in the recording studio just months later. Set for a May 2021 release on Pirates Press Records, Call the Shots is classic Moon: hard-hitting, dynamic and thunderingly expressive, the perfect artistic antidote for today’s uncertain climate. A daringly mesmerizing performer and bold, intuitive, composer, Suzi Moon consistently delivers an appealing, high-velocity authenticity that is hers alone.

 

OK, Firstly it seems like a good place to start, what made you decide to go solo?

I always knew I would end up going solo. As a songwriter, it is important for me to take ownership of the music I create. I have a very clear vision for my art and have brought that into every collaborative project I have been a part of. It was really only a matter of time until I had the guts to really step forward and go solo. What have you noticed so far that’s different about playing under your name as opposed to being in a band? -It comes with new challenges. Now I am solely the one to blame if something goes wrong or if it doesn’t resonate within people, I am taking that very personally as the person who is the face of the project. At the same time, it is easier in ways, like I don’t have to get 3 other peoples opinion or approval before I make a decision.

 

Having seen you perform at Rebellion and reviewed your music previously both with Civet and Turbulent Hearts I must admit I was really impressed with the new EP? The energy you put into a live show is something you must be really missing with the Covid pandemic interrupting live shows and travel? How have you found the downtime? What have you found fulfilling that you’ve otherwise would have filled with traveling and touring?

Thank you! I am very proud of the EP and it is a natural progression for me. I am lucky to have worked with amazing musicians, engineers, and mixers on this new music that really set the bar higher, right where I want it, for this new chapter. I miss playing live terribly. It has been very hard to stay home every weekend. I really love being around other people and feeding off the energy of a live show. That is the reason for everything else – to get onstage. That is the real payback for me. The good thing is that I have been able to keep very busy during the pandemic preparing for my new releases and that has kept me sane and on track.

 

Going back to the EP. How did you hook up with Pirates Press?

Well, I have admired the label for many years. They have constantly released really impressive music and the product is such high quality. I do believe timing is everything, though, and when I started chatting with them in Oct. 2020, it just made perfect sense at that moment to begin a working relationship together. They are incredibly supportive and I love being a part of their awesome team.

 

What about putting the musicians together to work on your solo music? Did you have a plan? How easy was it to pick the songs for the EP?

I find that whenever I make a plan, the Universe has a better one for me, haha! I try to say “Yes” to as much as possible to keep the pathways to new opportunities open. The three songs on the EP are recorded with Rikki Styxx on drums because we had been playing together in L.A. Machina and had been spending so much time jamming together it just worked out that way! She is not formally a member of my band but she is close to me like a sister, and it was very special to build the foundation for Suzi Moon solo with her at my side. My guitar player Drew Champion is just amazing, he can play anything I ask him to, it’s really cool. He is still in the project but now I have a new bass player Patti Bo (from River City Rebels) and Sean Peterson (from The Split Seconds – with Drew) so I was able to round up these amazing players who are on board to tour a lot and they are all pro’s with experience. It was very easy to pick the songs for the EP because they were already written and ready to go and they all complimented each other.

 

 

Was there a lot of music written and recorded?

Yes there IS currently a lot written and recorded! I have 13 other songs that are done – 10 are recorded for a full length and I am going into the studio in August this year to record the other. We have a plan for releasing these but I can’t say too much yet… When can we hear an LP? Then obviously see you perform them live? -The full length will be out for summer 2022. I will start playing shows this September 2021 and anyone who sees me play is going to hear a LOT of unreleased material! Going back to the beginning of this latest adventure you’re on.

 

 

What was the catalyst for going solo? Is there anything you miss thus far not being in a band situation? Is it liberating seeing your name on the artwork for your new record?

The catalyst for going solo was more like, I didn’t have a fucking choice. It was just time to do it. I had already put Turbulent Hearts behind me, and then L.A. Machina broke up, and I was in no mood to slow down. It just seemed like it was the right time.

 

What noticeable things would you consider an advantage now to being part of a band?

Advantages are being in control of every facet of the image/product/brand, disadvantages are being the person solely responsible for all that work, haha! I have been so lucky to be in some amazing bands over the years, and I think collaboration is one of the best facets of a band, but it’s not like I am totally alone doing Suzi Moon. I have a band, they have good ideas, it’s just that I get final say now. Which is really good because I like to be the boss.

 

 

How do you approach writing new music? Is there anyone you bounce ideas off of?

Well, I am always singing and making up little silly songs throughout the day, about random shit. Sometimes the melody is so good that I will hum it into my phone recorder and actually take it seriously. I have had songs come to me in my sleep, or when I am running. It usually starts without a guitar, and then I will sit down and figure out how to play what I am hearing in my head. After that I will wait a few days, weeks, months even and if the melody keeps playing in my mind, I know it is really good and worth finishing. So I will write the next part, and try to finish it to 90% before I bring it to the band. For years I have worked like this. It is only recently, since my boyfriend Drew has joined the band as lead guitarist, that I will ask for his opinion on things and we can work on it. He is a great songwriter in his own right, so I fully trust that together we can make something even better together. Of course, in the case of a song like Turbulent Hearts “Panic” or my new song “Nuthin’ To Me” – those are the kinds of songs that just wrote themselves in 20 minutes, ya know?

Every song requires something different!

 

 

The last couple of years have been a deep well of inspiration for songwriters with what happened stateside with Trump being dumped and what happened in January and Covid being such a mindfuck globally there’s been a lot going on out there. What has inspired you to write? Have you found the downtime from touring a productive period?

It’s really nice that Trump is out of office because he was such a fucking embarrasment but I would never give a politician space in my songs. It’s just not the kind of songwriter I am. I don’t really care for any of them, I don’t trust the system and it doesn’t feel like those guys truly have “our” best interests in mind. What I DO care about is the human condition, and I do care about the struggle and the experiences we share. This world is fucked. There is tragedy and pain all around us all the time. Please forgive me if I don’t want to relive that while I am doing something that I believe is meant to bring joy to people. I want folks to forget about their problems while they are at my show. For an hour, just have fun. There are poets and artists out there that just absolutely nail it when it comes to political statements. I respect and admire them greatly, but if it’s in everything we do, see & hear… That is pretty fucking depressing. Sometimes you just need to forget about it for a while.

 

 

The sales of the EP must have delighted you and exceeded your initial expectations. Is a repress on the cards for when you hit the road and more people want in? -Absolutely I was overjoyed and it is still very surreal! It’s been really fucking special. I can’t give out too much information yet about what’s up next but… For those people that bought one of the 200 Cyan colored records – be stoked cause those are the only ones of that color that will ever be made!

 

 

What can you tell us what’s next record-wise? Is there an album in the can? What about other titles can you let us in on what you’ve worked on. -Yes, there is a full length that is coming and another release, too. I can’t give too much away yet, but I promise it’ll be rad!

 

 

 Is there anyone you’d like to work with as a solo artist? you can go anywhere you like with this what would be your dream? If you could get on a tour or record a split with someone what song would you want them to record? Any videos planned that we can watch? What about live streaming?

Living, I would love to work with Billie Joe Armstrong, and Laura Jane Grace from Against Me! Dead, Tom Petty. I have two music videos out right now for “Special Place In Hell” and “I’m Not A Man” – there will be one for “Nuthin’ To Me” next. I don’t plan on doing any livestream concerts because real shows are coming back and I want that to be the focus.

 

If I’ve missed anything here’s your chance. What would you like to let people know that I’ve missed out? I have a Youtube show called “Rockin’ Closets” where I interview other musicians, creators, business owners about their wardrobes and what inspires their fashion choices. It has been very rewarding to make the show and learn new things about these people. I just finished Season One and the show will be back again in the Fall with all new guests! All of those episodes are on my Youtube channel or you can watch them on my Instagram. I suggest for anyone who likes my music to check out the rest of the Pirates Press Records catalog. They have an incredible roster of bands that are doing really cool shit. I plan to tour a lot for the next few years. I will definitely be back in England during Summer 2022 so I hope to see you then! Thanks for the interview! Xo Suzi

Richard Bacchus & The Luckiest Girls – ‘Viva La Wattage’ (Sioux Records)

Richard Bacchus & The Luckiest Girls – ‘Viva La Wattage’ (Sioux Records)

No, your right he doesn’t need any introduction and any self-respecting rock and rolla should know the guy’s pedigree.  He was one half of D Generation at a time when music was screaming out for Rock and Roll bands – real Rock and Roll bands and this guy slung his six-string around like his life depended on it and helped save Rock and Roll in the 90s. He left he came back and in between, he released his own album and managed to come to plague island and shake his shit for those of us cool kids who were in the know.  He’s had Sami Yaffa sling his four-string around and his Jet Black & Beautiful is one of my most treasured CDs.

Well, unknown to me or I might just have not been paying too much attention but ‘Viva La Wattage’ kinda just sneaked out into the ether and I had to get one of my stateside besties to pick up a copy for me and ship it over.  I don’t remember being this excited to spin an album in a long time.

 

There are a few tunes redone from previous outings and whilst they are neither better they are certainly no worse than previous offerings like the blistering ‘Pugnacious’.  With The luckiest Girls being Jimbo Britt on the Bass, Bill Eagan on Drums, Danny Ray on saxophone, Larry Burlison on guitar, and Lutie Cain on vocals this band make a pretty impressive noise and ‘Perfect Example’ is just that.

 

I love Bacchus’ vocals there is a dreamy quality to it that’s engaging and trusting Hell I’ve no idea why that is but it always feels good to hear his taking me on a lyrical adventure with a smirk on his lips and a cheeky glint in his eye no doubt.  The songs though,  the bloody songs. There is a Clash-like rugged charm about them especially the epic ‘Oh Brother’  its smokey late night down the LES and the saxophone is a great addition to the mix – man, it’s such a Noo Yawk saxophone even Johnny Thunders would have approved.  But Wait, What?  Flip it over and side two begins with the smoldering beast that is ‘Adios Muchacho’ where the Saxophone rules as it meanders through the cracks of the music being laid down by the band.  What a tune, No I mean it.  Sure as a writer maybe I should try harder to express how the song goes but I can’t.  It’s fair to say I love it so much I had to lift the needle to give this one a standing ovation once it finished. From the strummed acoustic and sax wheeze to Bacchus’ storytelling unfolds into a heaving beast of a late-night deal with it I’m smashed kinda song.

 

Bacchus understands what it takes to write Rock and Roll it must be coursing through his veins you can’t teach it you either have it or you don’t and these cats have it.  ‘The Luckiest Girl’ is a beauty, it’s the morning after the night before, and walking home at 7 am with a leather jacket over the shoulder and a pair of cool shades on its effortless cool that’s what it is. My only gripe is it’s only twelve songs and not more.

If you’re wondering if there is scope for some of that Bacchus ska tip well fear not kids ‘Goochi Boxer’ will service all your needs.  To close this one off there’s a ragged romp through ‘Bankrobber’  and why not?  All in all a bloody top-notch record but I expected nothing less but it is nice to know that some artists never let you down.  Don’t leave it so long to follow this one up please Mr. Bacchus.   Hurry to the link and secure your copy before they’re all gone gone gone because they say there are no more after this limited press.

 

Buy Here

Author: Dom Daley

DANGEREENS Sign Deal With Golden Robot Records

DANGEREENS Sign Deal With Golden Robot Records

Dubbed “The most elegant-decadent rock n’ roll unit of the 21st century” and hailing from Montreal, Canada; DANGEREENS have signed a deal with burgeoning rock label Golden Robot Records.

Drawing comparisons to bands like The Strokes, DANGEREENS blend touches of 70s glam rock, punk, power pop, southern rock, 60s garage rock, 50s R&B and rock ’n’ roll all into one tasty soundscape. Their numerous influences shine, in what is a totally addictive rock smorgasbord.

RPM Introduced the band early this year when we interviewed them Here

Dangereens are the most elegantly decadent rock n’ roll unit of the 21st century, period. Their sound and aesthetic combine touches of 70s junkshop glam with sleazy, primal 50s rock n’ roll. Known locally as one of Montreal’s finest toe tapping acts, theses cats are guaranteed to make you scream and shout, while wearing your finest glitter and sequin blouse!
The band formed in the spring of 2017, and since then they have engaged in a feverish song writing streak that led them to put out their self-titled EP, their proudest and most accomplished release so far.
Since their formation, the band have toured restlessly around countless Canadian cities like Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa, Quebec and Halifax, as well as American cities like New York and Boston. Their live performances include theatrical elements mixed with high energy, glitter punk attitude.

Now joining forces with Golden Robot Records, the band is ready, willing and able to take on the rest of the world!

 

Instagram / Facebook / Golden Robot Page