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Category Archives: Criminally Underrated
80s (and sometimes 10s) Music Rules ~ Criminally Underrated Artists/Bands ~ SLAVE to the SQUAREwave Again!
December 15, 2020 by missparker0106
Be forewarned—I'm going to drop the stuffy, professional interviewer persona and let my fan-gurrrrl flourish…
OMG—they're back! And not a moment too soon! I'm excited beyond words!
This year has been the year that keeps on giving, and I'm not going to rehash that. It has been the year that will forever go down in history as sucking rancid canal water. So lately, whenever there's a glimmer of hope, it tends to shine like a blinding beacon through the storms of hell.
That said, SLAVE to the SQUAREwave, the incredible duo of Rob Stuart and Colin Troy MacPhail, is back with an outstanding 90-minute collection of new music that, even if this year hadn't been the epitome of everyone's worst nightmare on steroids, would STILL rise like a phoenix above the ashes of contemporary music. These guys have been at it for 20 (count 'em!) years, and the music is still as fresh as any debut album, let alone the latest in an already brilliant catalog. So what's the album called? Why, "20/20" of course. Get it? Twenty extraordinary years of musical collaboration that just happens to coincide with the infamous calendar year 2020.
What makes S2TSW's music really shine is that it always has something for everyone. Rob and Colin are not pigeonholed into one particular sound or style. They unabashedly experiment with sound, lyrics, instrumentation, orchestration—you name it, the sky's the limit. This album is no exception. But lest you think it's a hodgepodge of random notes forming a mishmash of unrelated songs under the guise of a collection, think again, honey. The progression is deliberate and logical and delightful to aurally behold.
And one last fan-gurrrrrl observation. I am a David Bowie fan, pure and simple. I've written in the past about my undying love for Bowie because he literally saved and validated my life over 40 years ago. And, that's what makes S2TSW so important, so relevant, so vital a part of my life. In addition to the brilliant rhythm, melody, arrangement, and production that Rob brings to the table, there's Colin's voice. He has Bowie's range, emotion, and creative delivery all wrapped up. This duo has filled an enormous void for me—both when Bowie retired and when he unfortunately passed on. Few musicians can make that claim. I'm making it for SLAVE to the SQUAREwave with deep-felt love and sincerity.
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MissParker: Well, here I am in the enviable position of asking my favorite duo questions about music I adore. Can it get any better than this? OK, before I absolutely embarrass myself in front of you guys, let's get started.
It's been 3 years since the last album release, "Jigsaw." When did you first realize that it was time for another album?
Rob Stuart: It's just natural for us to start working on a new album right after we've released one. It's in our blood!
Colin Troy: It's quite funny, I told Rob after we had finished the new album that I was a bit burnt out but of course 2 days later, I was jamming a new baseline for a new song. It's a bit masochistic. (Laughs)
MissParker: The album's name is just so perfect. When or how did it dawn on you that not only had you guys been doing this for 20 years, but that you'd have another album release in the year 2020?
Rob Stuart: Colin put that together. It was the perfect motivation to attempt to write 20 songs and meet a tight deadline. I can't believe we did it!
Colin Troy: Actually, I believe we never intended to write 20 songs. However during the past seven months or so a lot of good and bad things occurred, so there was a lot of inspiration to continue writing. I agree with Rob, I can't believe it either.
MissParker: David Marsden, God love him, has been teasing us by playing selected tracks during his live broadcasts for quite some time, now—maybe a year? So that tells me this album has been in the works for a while. Do you have a process that you follow for writing and recording songs? For example, I know that Colin generally writes the lyrics and Rob creates and arranges the music…is it usually lyrics first, then music? Or does Rob come up with a concept melody and add the lyrics later? Or a little of both?
Rob Stuart: It's all of the above. I don't write lyrics, only music. So, I'll write a solid, structured music bed with a verse/chorus/bridge etc. and send it to Colin who will write a lyric and melody. In the past he would come over to my studio to record the vocals but during COVID he recorded most of the vocals in his own studio. Depending on the lyric Colin comes up with we will rearrange the song. Sometimes the intended chorus becomes the verse, the bridge becomes the chorus or the verse can become the bridge, or not. There are no rules. On other occasions, Colin will send me a fully realised track with music and lyrics already completed and then I'll put on my producer hat and get to work by chopping it up or adding to the song to finish it off.
Colin Troy: I find writing the music the easier part of song writing. The lyrics are usually the last thing to put down because I find it is the most difficult part of song writing.
MissParker: I'm big on lyrics—it's probably the frustrated poet in me. To me, the lyrics are just as important as the overall song. I feel the lyrical angst in some of 20/20's tracks, which makes a whole lot of sense, given the state of the world. But, I also feel joy and hope in others, and I love the balance. It's like you're saying, "It's been a shit year, but hang on, there's something good around the corner." Was that intentional? If so, how did it evolve?
Rob Stuart: I'll defer to Colin.
Colin Troy: It's funny—when I listen to the new album, I view it in two parts—the 2019 lyrics versus the 2020 lyrics. With the exception of a few songs written in 2020, most of the material became quite personal due to what was going on in my life these past 6 months. There was no intention other than writing in the moment. The only evolution I would say is letting mother nature take its course.
MissParker: I love movies that you watch over and over, only to discover something new each time. I gotta tell ya, I've been listening to 20/20 over and over again the past few days and it continues to sound fresh and new each time, hearing something different with each play. I truly believe that ability is deliberate and couldn't possibly be accidental, and something I enjoy to this day with Bowie's music. I don't mean to put you on the spot, but what in the world is your secret?
Rob Stuart: We put a lot of work into our music, so I appreciate the question. Some things do happen by accident but a lot of thought is put into our music. A good example of a happy accident is the lead vocal cutting out in the last chorus of "Something's Kind of Weird." That was unplanned, but it added drama and suited the song, so we made the decision to leave it in. The other day our good friend, Scott MacLean, called up and said that he was just listening to our song "Supernatural" from our first album and had just noticed me whispering in the bass breakdown even though he had listened to the song many times before. That was something I had done deliberately. I think adding layers like that is fun for a producer and is also rewarding for the listener.
Colin Troy: Accident or not, when it comes to producing music, no one does it better than Rob.
MissParker: Does Colin lay down all of the vocal tracks himself, or do you guys use other back-up singers?
Rob Stuart: Yes, Colin has such a versatile vocal range that he lays down all of the vocals himself although my wife, Kim sings backing vocals on two or three tracks on the album. A good example of them singing together is the opening of "Souvenirs."
Colin Troy: We have used backup singers before on previous albums. A great singer named Liz Tilden, Coco Brown, and also a great singer, Penny Robillard, who also used to join us for the live shows who now lives in Australia. The past couple of albums, Kim has stepped up to the plate which is great because she softens the belting back-up from me.
MissParker: OK, I have to admit it. For some reason, I'm always looking for influences in music. With that in mind—and I mean this as a huge compliment—if Kate Bush were male, don't you think "Something's Kinda Weird" would be her musical doppelganger?
Rob Stuart: That is a huge compliment. Colin and I have always equated Kate Bush as Peter Gabriel's counterpart. Now that you mention it, I could see both of those artists taking on that track. Wouldn't that be great!
Colin Troy: I absolutely love Kate Bush. She can sing any of our songs at any time.
MissParker: And the intro to "Hot Mess" made me sit up straight in my chair. It puts me in mind of Trio's "Dah Dah Dah." What a blast from the past and a breath of the 80s—am I right?
Rob Stuart: You're bang on. That is the sample from Trio. Actually that track is loaded with sampled drum loops. There's the DA, DA, DA Loop, Eminence Front Loop–The Who, Sound Of The Crowd Loop–The Human League, Crabs Loop–Jean Jaques Burnell, Dancing Fool Loop–Frank Zappa, in the bridge, Conversation Piece Loop–David Bowie, and throughout the song, Read My Mind Loop–The Killers. My goal with this song was to make it sound reminiscent of Devo.
Colin Troy: Again, Rob is a genius producer. I near s*** my pants with laughter when I heard the initial Trio sample.
"It was 20 years ago today…"
MissParker: And I have to mention "Model Citizen." It's a brilliant song all on its own, but the video totally takes it over the top. What was the inspiration for the screenplay? And, before you answer, let me just throw this out there—I didn't think there was much left that would make me blush in my old age, but Colin—wow!
Rob Stuart: That video was all Colin. (Pardon the pun!)
Colin Troy: Ha, ha, ha! The inspiration for that song, and in particular the video, comes from working in the service industry for so long. I have seen a lot of "business suit facade." I have seen a lot of skeletons come from those business suit closets. And, it ain't pretty!
MissParker: Can we look forward to other music videos for tracks from 20/20?
Rob Stuart: Yes, a video to "Hot Mess" is on its way. Colin will explain.
Colin Troy: Yes, David Raetsen and I teamed up together again and shot a video last Monday. We are still in the editing process and the footage looks a lot of fun and will be released next Tuesday (Dec 22).
MissParker: Woo hoo! One of my favorite tracks on 20/20 (and coincidentally, there are about 20 of them) is "Bonnie and Clyde." I'm intrigued by the lyrics and what inspired them. Oh, and I couldn't help but hear the reference to "Station to Station"—very clever!
Rob Stuart: Colin!
Colin Troy: I have to confess that "Bonnie and Clyde" is a kind of continuation of "Texan Thugs and Rock 'N' Roll." It's about two people being badasses. I'm not a badass, only on stage! (Laughs)
Of course I had to make a reference to Bowie because he was the ultimate on-stage badass, right?
MissParker: Absolutely! And speaking of badass, I'm completely gobsmacked by the various instruments in each of the songs, some sounding like you have a backing band of at least a dozen eclectic musicians. Does each instrument's unique sound have to be layered in individually, and if so, about how long does it take to lay down so many tracks?
Rob Stuart: We work with a lot of loops but as we've aged we've had a harder time keeping up technology which has forced both of us to go back to basics by playing live. I've never had the patience to figure out technology beyond its use for my personal requirements, so rather than waste time figuring out how to make things work, I'll just play by hand. My lack of technical ability has actually made me a better player. These days my main tool for sounds is my iPad Pro. You can literally take all of the beautiful, old synthesizers and analogue drum machines that I have in my studio, plus much more, and put it into an iOS device.
It does take a long time to lay down individual tracks, but depending on the song the time can vary greatly. Most of the time, we are working with 60+ tracks. Those tracks will usually be mixed into sub-mixes before the song is finally mixed down and mastered.
Colin Troy: Personally I believe that you should use every music tool that is available whether it be an acoustic guitar, a keyboard, a drum loop, or an electronic synth loop. The beauty of sound is endless. I tend to write a structure and I will let Rob flourish with all the details.
MissParker: I'm curious to know how you come up with the melodies. I know a lot of musicians will hammer out a rough draft on a piano or guitar. Do you guys have a favored method, or does the magic just happen?
Rob Stuart: Sometimes the melody can be obvious and I'll know where to go with it, other times I'll sit at the keyboard and hammer out a melody line over and over again until I find something that works. Then I'll usually figure out a counter melody or harmony.
Colin Troy: Honestly, I find writing the melody the easiest part of the song. I may not have a structured lyric but I will still sing a gibberish melody that sometimes becomes an unconscious lyric. Kind of like speaking in tongues.
MissParker: Totally selfish question here—are there any songs currently under development for another SLAVE album in the near future? One can only hope the answer is "Yes," and that we won't have to wait another 3 years!
Rob Stuart: We have some songs left over that did not make the final album that need finishing but we did cut this one close. Colin wanted to add a last minute funk tune, so he wrote the song "20twenty" while I was actually uploading the tracks for final distribution. He played me the idea over the phone, so I knew it was going to be a great track. We got it done at the last minute, but that being said, I think we are all tapped out for songs at the moment. Knowing us, that never lasts long. As I said, it's in the blood!
Colin Troy: Don't get mad Rob, but I've already started working on a new tune. (Laughs) I really do think I'm a musical masochist!
MissParker: I want to sincerely thank you guys for the two decades of hard work and absolute listening pleasure you've given us. There's nothing better than the gift of hope, and over the years, that's what your music has been to me, and others I guarantee.
Rob Stuart: Thank you so much for supporting independent music and for your support of S2TSW.
Colin Troy: Awwww, thank you so, so, much for your support and love. AND to all the squareheads who love and dig our music! We can't wait to see you guys at a live show soon. I know we'll all be dancing and singing and having a great time together again!
SLAVE to the SQUAREwave's album 20/20 dropped on December 15, 2020. What on earth are you waiting for? To miss out on this fantastic collection of life-relevant songs really would put the year in the dumper. So, get over to wherever digital media is sold and grab your copy now. It's the perfect antidote to a year the likes of which we've never seen before and hope to never see again. Consider it an aural vaccine.
Model Citizen ~ SLAVE to the SQUAREwave
Headphones ~ SLAVE to the SQUAREwave
Feet Don't Fail Me Now ~ SLAVE to the SQUAREwave
Posted in 00's Music, 10's Music, 20s Music, 80's Music, Post-Punk, New Wave, Album Review, Criminally Underrated, David Bowie, Independent Music, Interview, Obscure 80's Music.	Tagged 80's Music, Album Review, Canada, Canadian, Canadian New Wave, Colin Troy MacPhail, David Bowie, David Marsden, New Wave, Rob Stuart, Slave to the SQUAREwave, Underrated Artists
80s (and sometimes 10s) Music Rules ~ Criminally Underrated Artists/Bands ~ George Rondina/Imagination Machine
September 17, 2020 by missparker0106
If I've said it once, I've said it a million times: One of the best things (and there are so many) about being introduced to David Marsden's live radio show 14 years ago, and then more recently (2014) to his free-form stream NYTheSpirit.com, is getting to know some incredible music acts and artists that I never would have been exposed to otherwise.
George Rondina is part of this treasure trove of talent. Three of his songs recorded under the moniker Imagination Machine that David has played on his live weekend show have absolutely torn me up: A Northern Evening, Dancing on a Highwire, and True (May the Road Rise). These hauntingly lovely songs are the perfect blend of an internal, aural, emotional journey highlighted by Rondina's expressive and unique voice. Personally, music is an escape that makes the real world tolerable by pushing it aside and providing a safe haven in which to curl up and fantasize about what life should be. George Rondina's music is that and so much more—it envelopes the listener within a protective bubble that promises salvation rather than mere isolation.
It's my pleasure to share this interview with you and to hopefully pull more listeners into the ethereal world of Imagination Machine. Given the reality that we are forced to deal with every day, I believe this is an alternative that many will willingly embrace once its magic has touched the soul.
MissParker: I've done some research about you online and am amazed at your accomplishments, most notably the Toronto recording studio known as Number 9 Audio Group. Before I ask you to expand on that a bit, I also read that you were part of several bands back in the late 70s. What can you share about that experience?
George Rondina: I'd like to say, thank you for having me and for the very kind and generous introduction. I started out as a musician and was in a couple of different bands in high school. Once graduated, the musical journey really kicked in and the 3 bands I was in toured Ontario and Quebec.
It was fun for the first few years, but living out of a suitcase in some not-so-swank hotels took its toll after about 5 years and I started to think of something I could do that would garner a bit more of a normal life. After much thought, Number 9 Sound Studios ( Number 9 Audio Group ) was born.
MissParker: So, getting back to Number 9 Audio Group—the name is intriguing, by the way—where did the name come from (I have a guess) and what prompted you to switch from performing to producing?
George Rondina: Ah, so the name Number 9 of course was a culmination of things—John Lennon's infatuation with the number 9 and numerology, as he was born on the 9th day of the month, and so was I. In 1981, for lack of a better name, Number 9 it was.
We ran the studio in tandem, with playing live on weekends, at first. When my first born came along, the rest of the band approached me about touring full time. I was happy playing weekends and running the studio through the week. It was a very hard decision, but I chose to keep the studio going, as I had no interest in going back on the road at the time and I knew it would have been very hard on my family. So that's when the switch happened.
MissParker: The "who's who" list of artists you've worked with at the studio is impressive, to say the least. Of the people you've worked with, who left the biggest impression and why?
George Rondina: Wow, that's a tough one, as many of the bands like "The Barenaked Ladies" weren't famous when we first recorded them. There are a few that I enjoyed meeting a lot, like David Clayton-Thomas of Blood, Sweat and Tears. David recorded 4 albums at Number 9 and we became quite good friends. Jim McCarty from the Yardbirds and Renaissance would be another. A real gentleman. The work we did with the Stones, Van Morrison, and Will Smith was either rental work or location recording—mostly arm's length—never got to meet them directly. After almost 40 years there've been a lot of great experiences, that's for sure.
MissParker: Who haven't you worked with that would be high up on your wish list?
George Rondina: We could be here all night (laugh) . Of the living: Paul McCartney, Peter Gabriel, Pete Townshend and The Who (whom I have met but haven't worked with), Pink Floyd, particularly David Gilmour, Genesis…The list is endless.
MissParker: I'm curious about your connection with David Marsden. How did you first meet up with him and how long have you known him?
George Rondina: I've known David from his radio shows since the 70s, but he's only known me since about 2017-18, when I released A Northern Evening and he was kind enough to add it to his playlist.
MissParker: I fantasize about having been a part of the music world, but life seems to have had other plans for me. So I'm always curious—what got you interested in music and which instruments were the first you learned to play?
George Rondina: Feb. 9th 1964 The Beatles played the Ed Sullivan Show. That night, I decided that music is what I wanted to do. I was just a young kid. I tried guitar but just couldn't get the hang of it, where piano came much more naturally for me. Then came the other keyboards and synthesizers, which I have a nice little collection of my favourites now. The only other thing for me was singing. I started in choirs at an early age.
MissParker: Who were your early musical influences?
George Rondina: Well of course, The Beatles, The Stones, The Who, and the whole late 60s-70s scene. Later: Genesis, Pink Floyd, King Crimson, ELP, David Bowie, Tom Petty—the list could go on almost forever.
MissParker: Even though you're a musician first and foremost, what planted the Imagination Machine seed?
George Rondina: I'd been writing songs all my life but pushed aside recording them to focus on the studio, raising my kids, and making ends meet. Later in life, which started around 2016, I recorded a Christmas song for a charity to help kids with depression issues. The song was called Shine On. After I finished recording that song, I decided that it was time to start on an album.
MissParker: To me, you have the perfect blend of synths and instrumentation to enhance your vocals on the gorgeous track "A Northern Evening." The first time I heard David play it, I about fell out of my chair while grabbing my phone to Shazam this amazing song I was listening to. What inspired you to write that song?
George Rondina: It was a long time ago. I wrote the majority of A Northern Evening when I was in my 20s, and adding parts and lyrics in 2016-17 when I recorded it. By the way, I'm very encouraged and grateful by your kind words.
It was an experience I had while in Northern Ontario on a crisp, clear winter's night while snowmobiling. We reached a peak and gazed into a sky full of stars with northern lights and shooting stars. It was an epiphany for me. I guess the belief that there is something more was confirmed that night and soon after came the lyrics and the song.
MissParker: I absolutely adore "Dancing on a Highwire." What's the back story to that song?
George Rondina: That's a little sad I guess. My father suddenly passed away at 56 when I was 21. Literally died in my arms. The only death I'd experienced before that of someone that was close was my grandmother ( my Dad's mother) the year before. I went into a bit of a dark place and was searching for something. Not to get too deep into the experience, Highwire is really just about the fragility of life and how we all have the courage to carry on even through the darkest of times.
MissParker: Rooting around YouTube I've come across some other Imagination Machine gems that are both playful and lovely. Do you have any other songs in the works?
George Rondina: The other Imagination Machine Songs are Muskoka Trees, Blue Room, and I just recently finished a song called Still In The Silence. Going in the studio this week to start another new song.
MissParker: Please share how we can purchase your music and also be informed of any future releases.
George Rondina: It's pretty well a one-man show right now. I don't have a website or FaceBook page just yet for Imagination Machine. The other thing is since I started Imagination Machine there is a children's group using the same name, so it may evolve into George Rondina and The Imagination Machine .
I think tuning into Dave Marsden's NYtheSpirit.com is a good way to hear what is going on with Imagination Machine or my personal Facebook page. The songs are all available on iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, Bandcamp, YouTube, and more. You can download from iTunes and Bandcamp, which is always preferred by the artist.
Here are a few links:
Muskoka Trees ~ Single ~ available on Apple Music
True (May the Road Rise) ~ Single ~ available on Apple Music
Blue Room ~ Single ~ available on Apple Music
Dancing on a Highwire ~ Single ~ available on Apple Music
Still in the Silence ~ Single ~ available on Apple Music
A Northern Evening ~ Single ~ available on Apple Music
And, before we end, I think it's very important I acknowledge the musicians, engineers and studios that played a huge part in making our songs presentable 🙂. They are: George Koller, Vito Rezza, Graham Walker, Larry Bodner, Chase Sanborn, Reg Schwager, Ciceal Levy and Amoy Levy, Caroline Akwe, John Madill, Aaron Fund Salem, Arron Davis, Bridget Hunt, Carolyn Blackwell, Winona Zelenka, John Switzer, Samuel Bisson, Alex Toskov and Veronica Lee, Loretto Reid, Eric St-Laurent, Anne Lindsay, Bernie Cisternas, Brian Mcloughlin, Alex Lang, Number 9 Audio Group, Alex Gordon, Abbey Road Studios Mastering, Lacquer Channel Mastering, and Noah Mintz.
Thanks so much for taking the time to do this interview. It's been a pleasure.
It was truly a pleasure to learn more about this inspiring music maker and producer. Follow the links below to sample some of his incredible work. And, if you like what you hear, be sure to support George Rondina and Imagination Machine using the links he gave us above.
True (May the Road Rise)
A Northern Evening
Dancing on a Highwire
Posted in 10's Music, 80's Music, Post-Punk, New Wave, Canadian, Criminally Underrated, Independent Music, Interview.	Tagged 10's Music, 80's Music, Canada, Canadian, David Marsden, Electronica, George Rondina, Imagination Machine, New Wave, Number 9 Audio Group, Underrated Artists
80s (and sometimes 20s) Music Rules ~ Criminally Underrated Artists/Bands ~ Ward Band Album "Bring Me Low" Review
January 12, 2020 by missparker0106
Photography by Warren DiFranco
Imagine being the first band on the planet—and quite possibly in the universe—to release an album for the 2020 decade. An amazing feat, right? Well, there's a band on the west coast of the US who achieved just that—I kid you not—and the name is Ward.
Initially I had the privilege to make the band's acquaintance in June 2017, via an interview with the band's vocalist, Ward himself. A gracious and interesting interviewee, it was such a pleasure to get to know him and his music in more depth.
Now, I'm excited to familiarize all of you with (the band) Ward's latest release. As I said, the band purposefully released this creative effort on January 1, 2020 at exactly 12:00AM (UTC+14:00), the dawn of the new decade. In addition to being a collection of beautifully crafted and executed tracks, Ward has designated proceeds from the sales of the album "Bring Me Low" to go to NAMI, a well-respected organization that helps individuals cope with depression and other bouts of mental illness.
"Bring Me Low," a compendium of songs carefully and concisely illustrating the struggles that creative people find themselves in when battling depression is available for download HERE.
So, here are my thoughts on this brilliant album. I've listed it out by title track, each title encapsulated by a few lines of streaming consciousness/impressions scribbled out as I listened. But, please don't take my word for it. Preview and fall in love with "Bring Me Low" for yourself. And, when you make this album a part of your music collection, feel proud in knowing that you are playing a major part to help musicians, as well as all the rest of us, battle mental disease.
Album Title: Bring Me Low
Artist/band: Ward
© January 2020
Drums: Ryan Dietzenbach
Bass: Chris Gongora
Guitar/vocals: Ward
Guitar: Mauricio Munguia
All songs by Ward except Further From The Edge (Ward & Munguia), Leave It On (Ward, Gongora, Dietzenbach) and All The Things I Want (Ward, Gongora, Dietzenbach, Munguia)
All songs mixed by The Elk, except Swimming and Leave It On, mixed by Jason Haag and The Elk, and Whatever Takes You Home, recorded live in one take at the lovely Rev9 studio.
Leave It On—My first thought as the song opens is that the melody resembles a very welcome throwback to the post-punk era of the music that I adore. A seriously wild bass riff anchors driving guitars and a frenetic beat that eventually morphs into a slower pace. But, the vocals never quit/slow down. The frantic lyrics and passionate vocals make listeners feel as if the vocalist is taking us along an anxious journey to a destination unknown.
All The Things I Want—Even though the lyrics are dark and full of introspection, the melody/tempo of this track consists of uptempo rhythms and jangly guitars that perfectly complement the vocals. There's a definite urgency that is clearly conveyed, and yet the listener is given the sense that perhaps the desires/results the singer longs for have been placed out of reach and ultimately abandoned.
I Can't Fake It Anymore—The vocals make no bones about the singer/subject being at the end of his rope. We've all experienced this state of mind in some form or another during our lives and this song encapsulates perfectly the anger, frustration, and disappointment that result.
Bring Me Low—An angelic anthem that tears at the soul. As a title song, it bears the burden of the entire collection, from introducing the theme to setting the mood. This beautifully haunting song is a success on both counts. Backing vocals harmonize over a bluesy and emotional melody, which then segues into a graphic description of a low point in one's life and a plaintive plea for relief. It's a song rife with the struggles and obstacles encountered on the journey to becoming clean and sober.
Further From The Edge—Ward's range on this track truly takes us to the edge, then draws us slowly back into our comfort/safety zone. It's like a roller coaster ride that is both exciting and terrifying because we realize we are not in control. All of us, at one time or another, has felt as though life keeps us hurtling along at its own pace, not ours, and this song is a graphic picture of the emotional tumult.
Swimming—Aurally, we are caught in a whirlpool of emotions. If this is what confusion of thoughts and loss of control sounds like, this track facilitates what it's like to walk in the shoes of someone in the throes of mental illness. It's not a pretty place to be—this song eventually has an end, but for some who suffer from depression, it can seem like no end is in sight. The lyrics and Ward's vocals take us to that place so that we can understand it more fully.
Unsettled Souls—This is an unapologetic explanation of why the singer is who he is. What you see is what you get, and we are advised to deal with it. Most of this album lays bare the essence of a person in the midst of mental illness, but this one track sums it up concisely.
Dirt—The message here seems to be that we all have the ability to choose the path our lives will take—up to a point. That path, once chosen, means there is no going backward, only forward to deal with it the best that we can.
Whatever Takes You Home—The lyrics in this track tell us that it's up to us and us alone to figure out how to maneuver our way through life. It's difficult for each and every one of us, fraught with mistakes and bad decisions, and sometimes we have to fail before we can successfully reach our destination. This is an honest look at what we all face, and Ward's vocals pull no punches.
There are three bonus tracks/add-ons that are included with the download: Helter Skelter, Don't Be Scared, and Sober.
Whatever you do, don't miss out on the opportunity to experience this incredible album, as well as contribute toward a wonderful and important cause. Again, the album Bring Me Low is just a click away and can be downloaded HERE.
And finally, Ward is pulling together a music compilation of peers and other international musicians to raise money for the Australian firefighting efforts. 100% of proceeds will benefit The Trustee for NSW Rural Fire Service & Brigades Donations Fund. Do your part to support this important and heartbreaking cause. Download/listen HERE.
Ward ~ Swimming (Official)
Ward ~ Whatever Takes You Home (Live)
Posted in 20s Music, 80's Music, Post-Punk, New Wave, Album Review, Criminally Underrated, Independent Music.	Tagged Bring Me Low, Chris Gongora, Christopher Ward, Interview, Los Angeles, Mauricio Munguia, mental health, NAMI, Rev9 studio, Ryan Dietzenbach, WARD
80s (and sometimes 10s) Music Rules ~ Criminally Underrated Artists/Bands ~ Boys' Entrance/Tim Cain
One of the enormous perks of being a part of the David Marsden family of fans and musicians is the priceless opportunity to hear new music that David promotes. A simply fabulous band I first heard on David's streaming show via NYTheSpirit.com is Boys' Entrance. What makes Boys' Entrance even more endearing is that they are based practically in my back yard.
Boys' Entrance currently hails from the Tampa Bay region of FL. Front man Tim Cain has a timeless alto voice that draws the listener in to the music like a bee to honey. According to the intro on their website, they have been making wonderful music for 28 years—an amazing feat. BE has earned accolades from throughout the music industry—well-deserved and acquired through hard work and talent.
Even though we share a state, I've yet to have the pleasure of experiencing Tim Cain and Boys' Entrance live. I know—sounds strange, doesn't it? But I'm several hours away (Florida covers a LOT of territory!), and solo road travel is never a favorite adventure of mine. One of these days, though, I'll find a road-trip buddy and drop in on a Boys' Entrance show. It's a bucket list goal I've got my sights set on.
In the meantime, Tim Cain has graciously accepted my invitation for a Rave and Roll interview. I'm excited to share his thoughts and opinions on the state of music, the world, and just about everything in between. I think you'll find him just as real and as captivating as I…and the music…I believe it will be as irresistible for you as it is for me.
Missparker: This is something I tend to ask most of the musicians I interview, because I'm very curious to uncover the "why" behind what you do: What made you decide to form a band and perform in front of people?
Tim Cain @ the original Boys' Entrance, Chicago, IL
Tim Cain: First of all, Sandy, I want to thank you for your gracious invitation to speak with you. It is a privilege to speak with a fellow traveler in music. We are both devoted to music and I think it feeds our souls. So I feel comforted to know we share a friend, Mr. Marsden and music itself.
My father had a gift. He could play any song on the piano if he heard it. His right hand was where this gift resided. There was a direct channel between his "ear" and his right hand, and he amazed family and friends throughout my childhood.
His left hand was erratic and unguided by his ear. He would bounce back and forth between two or three notes—in time—but not necessarily in key. I suppose he had seen "stride" players play in honkytonks and wanted to emulate their style. But he had never been taught. So, it was a crazy thing to me to watch him, because I had the "ear" as well. I knew how amazing his right hand was, but his left hand drove me crazy.
Years later, I don't know, maybe I was in my 20s, I callously said, "What are you doing with your left hand? The notes aren't right." I never heard him play again, and that is one of my biggest regrets in life. I wish I had just kept my mouth shut. But I opened my mouth and the toad leapt out and there was no taking it back. I know he has forgiven me though.
Missparker: It would be great to have a do-over—I think we all long for that ability at one time or another during our lives.
Tim Cain: I think my whole career—now 45 years—has sprung from my father's ear. I was always a singer. That came naturally. My proudest moment was when I sang "The Lord's Prayer" in rehearsals for my sister's wedding. My mom and dad were sitting in a pew with their backs to me. I sang and the voice that sang through me was astounding. Everyone started to cry. They all turned to watch me, except my dad. When I was done, everyone applauded. My dad sat motionless, until he turned, and I could see he had been weeping. I felt a power I had never known, and I never wanted to stop using it.
My first actual band was called Flyht—our logo was a drawing of Icarus. (Strangely, my husband who is also the bassist in Boys' Entrance was also in a band about the same time, and it was called Icarus!) So this was about 1975. We covered popular rock songs, and broke up after one show.
"The Wolf Is at The Door" single cover by Julie Perry
My second band was, Talltrees. This band was way more successful. We played around Central Illinois from 1979 – 1986. We appeared on a compilation album of bands from Champaign/Urbana. We had two major labels express interest, and even had a video play on Musicbox Television, (an MTV precursor, in Europe).
I moved to Chicago in 1987 and joined a prog-rock band called, Random Axis. I am still friends with two of the guys from that band to this day. In fact, the bassist, Tom Heslin plays on our "Tunnelvision" album! That band only lasted a couple of years, though.
That takes me to Boys' Entrance. In 1991, I traveled to San Francisco and met up with my friend, Jon Ginoli. We had been rivals (as DJs), lovers, and co-workers (in record stores), during our college years.
He played me demos for his new project, Pansy Division. I was blown away by his audacity. The songs were the most blatantly QUEER songs I had ever heard. They were in-your-face and unapologetic. While I was the first queer musician Jon had ever known, my songs were always couched in universal pronouns. He schooled me and dared me to do more with my music. Twenty-eight years later, we are both still at it.
Missparker: What an amazing journey! What can you tell me about the current members of Boys' Entrance, and have you always had the same line-up with them throughout the years?
Tim Cain: Boys' Entrance began as just me on keyboards, bass, & guitar. It was enabled by my Ensoniq VFX workstation. This keyboard is a sequencer, and it allowed me to record my musical ideas and store them on floppy discs. I am on my third VFX as of this interview. This keyboard allowed me to have a three- decade career with this band because, like my father, I have a great "ear" and "right hand." I cannot play a song on a piano, using both my hands. But I can compose using this tool. My dad never had that option, but I did.
The first "live" Boys' Entrance band was a trio—my keyboard sequences, and three guitars! We had no drummer, or bassist. All that came from the Ensoniq. It was I, Cie Fletcher on lead guitar, and Mike Ferro on rhythm guitar. Later we added a percussionist, Amelia Soto. The band broke up after a few years when Fletcher died of AIDS.
Mike and I continued and brought in a real drummer, Christine Anderson, and a Serbian lead guitarist named Vojo. That lasted a year or two. There was a punk trio version, with drummer Timmy Samuel, Mike, and I. There was a version of the band that incorporated my friends from Random Axis. You can see that version on our Jon-Henri Damski video.
All this took a toll on me. My personal life was always in turmoil. I was depressed and sometimes suicidal. I began preparing to die. I had written a lot of material over the years, so I went to my friend, Timmy Samuel and asked if he would record the songs, to document them. I don't know if he knew why, but he recorded them all. These are the DEMOcrat records on iTunes. There are actually three—only the "Songs from Tunnelvision" is iTunes. There is a record of instrumentals, and a record of covers, too. Once the recording was done, I was preparing myself to depart.
MissParker: I am so sorry to hear that—how awful. Obviously, I'm glad that you didn't depart this lifetime. Is this how you ended up in Tampa?
Billy Ramsey and Tim Cain at David Bowie Is exhibit in Chicago
Tim Cain: Oddly, when my then-partner placed a gun in our home to facilitate my departure, I realized the problem was my life in Illinois. I fled to St. Petersburg, and have never been happier in my life. I met my husband, Billy Ramsey. I completed the Tunnelvision album with his help in 2016. When the rock opera was produced at Studio@620 in St. Pete in 2017, we were the "pit band" for 8 performances and were singled out by critics as being "amazing." We were nominated that year in Creative Loafing's "Best of the Bay" awards as Best Local Band.
The band has had a few guitarists since we began in Florida, but now has solidified into the current lineup: Billy and I, drummer John Spinelli, and lead guitarist Keith Otten.
Missparker: I think I know one of them, but who are your influences, and why?
Tim Cain: Yes, you and I share an avatar in David Bowie. He dominates my aesthetic, musically and artistically. As a songwriter, I emulate his atmospheres, but not his subject matter. I tend to bounce between the poetic and political—much more definitive than Mr. Bowie. But I would say I am filtered through the Beatles, Stones, Kinks, T Rex, Cars, Devo, Talking Heads, and more.
Missparker: Personally, I always find this type of question difficult to answer, and sort of stupid. But, I think it gives people some insight into what makes a person tick, so bear with me. If you were marooned on Mars and only had 5 albums with you, which ones would they be?
Tim Cain: Oh dear! Well here goes: Bowie's "Aladdin Sane," Beatles' "The Beatles" (White Album), Prince's "Sign of the Times," Stevie Wonder's "Songs In The Key of Life," and Brian Eno's "Another Green World."
Missparker: I love the glam look you project onstage. You seem perfectly comfortable with it and well-suited for it. Who does your make-up and clothing?
Tim Cain: You are so sweet, Miss P. I am guilty of my costumes and make-up.
Missparker: Who writes your music? Is it a solo effort, or collaboration?
Tim Cain: I am the sole writer of Boys' Entrance.
Missparker: What inspires your music? In other words, where do you gather the ideas that you translate into aural artistry?
Tim Cain: Sandy, I believe I am a conduit for music from elsewhere. I am also a filter—so I influence the outcome. When I am in a situation where I have a receptive band, and the ability to record, 7 songs pour into (or out of) me. Once the band learns those 7, seven more will come. It is not always 7, but this is frequently the case. I have experienced riding a bicycle and having a song hit me in the face as though I rode through a spider's web—the music and words—all at once. Back in the day, I would carry a tape recorder with me and capture the songs as they came. Today it is easier with cell phones.
Frequently, when I am drawn to the Ensoniq, I go into a trance, and the whole song is completed without my remembering how it came to be. I think I am channeling—who knows who—maybe my Dad? Maybe Fletcher? I don't know. If you listen to the song "Hush" on my "In Through The Out Door" record, that is a one-take trance song.
Missparker: That's amazing. Additionally, does the current disarray so prevalent in our own world also fuel the creativity as a pressure-valve release, so to speak?
Tim Cain: I sometimes brood over a song or a theme for a very long time. Case in point is a new song that took a decade or so to write. The song is called, "Chant For The Hauntlings" and is about the spirits of all the animals I pray for when I pass their lifeless bodies along our roads. I pray, " God bless you sweet spirit. Return to the Mother. Return to the Light." That is the chorus to the song. It will be on my next solo record, I think. So yes, I frequently write about ecology, poli tics, and spirituality. The songs help crystalize my feelings about life.
Missparker: You've shared that you're working on a collection of David Bowie covers, along with covers of other well-known glam bands and singers. What led you to go in that direction?
Tim Cain: While we are rated the #1 Alternative Rock band in the region on Reverbnation—one of the most amazing reasons I love Florida—the music venues are not geared toward original music. I thought it might be easier if we did our own spin on Glam rock. So I came up with the term, 21st Century Glam Rock. We can play the "tribute band" circuit.
Boys' Entrance LIVE, cover of China Girl
Missparker: How did you decide which songs and artists to cover?
Tim Cain: Our new project is called, Bowie's Entrance, and it is all music inspired by Bowie from the 70s, 80's 90's and 2000's.
Missparker: What can we expect to see from Boys' Entrance over the next 5 years?
Tim Cain: First up, we have a new live album called, "Boys' Entrance presents, Bowie's Entrance." We recorded it this month live in a studio—12 songs in 5 hours and the band is astoundingly good. This is the 42nd anniversary of the release of "Heroes". So you know we had to record it. The result is amazing. It sounds so alive. All of the songs do. That is what this is all about- keeping the music alive! It is so good to hear it as an audience hears it. Thereafter, who knows? I am sure we will continue recording original music—I have too many sitting around.
Boys' Entrance LIVE 2015, cover, All The Young Dudes
Missparker: What advice would you give to aspiring singers and musicians? How would that advice differ for members of the LGBTQ community?
Tim Cain: PLEASE, do it if it is important to YOU! Don't do it for external reasons. Make it MEAN something. Content is key. As for the LGBTQ audience, I wrote music for them for 30 years. They never wanted to hear any of it because it was rock. We have always been more popular with straight audiences because they like rock. Oddly enough, our most popular song with straight audiences is "Mr. Sissy." I don't know if it is the novelty of hearing someone say those words, or the defiance in the song. I don't suppose it matters. For some reason they love it.
I'm very grateful to Tim Cain for his time and his gracious insight. Please get acquainted with, and show your support for Tim, Boys' Entrance, and this wonderful musical experience.
www.boysentrance.com
www.reverbnation.com/boysentrance
Posted in 00's Music, 10's Music, 80's Music, Post-Punk, New Wave, Criminally Underrated, David Bowie, Independent Music.	Tagged Billy Ramsey, Boys'Entrance, LGBTQ, Tim Cain
80s (and sometimes 10s) Music Rules ~ Criminally Underrated Artists/Bands ~ Colony Three/Brian Dickson
June 8, 2019 by missparker0106
(c) Brian Dickson
I've had the enormous pleasure of being introduced to the delightful electronic music of Brian Dickson, a.k.a. Colony Three. I was asked to review a collection of 10 tracks titled Ergosphere. Wikipedia defines the word ergosphere as "…a region located outside a rotating black hole's outer event horizon. Its name was proposed by Remo Ruffini and John Archibald Wheeler during the Les Houches lectures in 1971 and is derived from the Greek word ergon, which means 'work.'"
This listening experience allowed me to take a remarkable journey that I look forward to revisiting time and time again; I know that I will hear more and experience different sensations with each opportunity.
The first five tracks lull us as listeners into a sense of peace and well-being—a journey that is both pleasant and without a hint of danger. Suddenly, with the opening strains of "Bad Gram," the mood changes and we are thrust into a metropolis of sights and sounds that are both confusing and terrifying. As the music gathers steam, we are subjected to the aural awakening of the "fight or flight" instinct.
"Random Sparks" brings us back to a safe haven, giving us hope that there will be no other dangerous interludes until we reach the conclusion of our travels. But, just as suddenly as we feel that sense of calm, we are reminded by the dire melodies in "Collider" that the dangers we face are still all too real.
In the end, the pace of the excursion slows down, the dangers melt away, and again we begin to feel that perhaps this odyssey will have a positive completion after all. "Winds of Elysium Planitia" puts me in mind of The Man Who Fell To Earth when we are given glimpses of Thomas Jerome Newton's suffering family back on his native planet. The final track, similar in scope by looking back on the previous tracks, evoke feelings of both relief and sadness—relief that the trip is over and we are still breathing, and sadness, because of a nagging feeling that the world will somehow be forever different.
I am so pleased to have had a chance to interview Brian Dickson to provide some first-hand insight into the origins of this lush collection's creation. I hope you will enjoy reading what I learned about this man and what he has to say about his exquisite music.
MissParker: I can sit here and list all of the influences that I hear in this brilliant music—from Brian Eno to Gary Numan to Underworld to Jean-Michel Jarre…but my opinions would be irrelevant. Let's hear it from you–who are your influences and why?
BD: I'd say my biggest influencers are Tangerine Dream and Jean-Michel Jarre. In the early 80s I lived in a very remote northern town so my exposure to music was mostly through the one local radio station that played top 40 pop and country music. One day, I was digging through my older brother's stuff and came across a cassette of Force Majeure, and listening to it was a life-changing epiphany. I'd never had an emotional response to music until hearing this. It wasn't the harsh "bleeps & bloops" synthesizers that I'd heard in so many b-movies and radio shows, but instead an incredible audio landscape that took me on a fantastical journey. I became obsessed with finding more music like this and pretty much anything that pushed boundaries.
Thanks to radio shows like CBC's "Brave New Waves" with Brent Bambury and CFNY (under the tenure of David Marsden), a whole new world of musical influence was made possible. Listening to bootleg cassette copies of CFNY played a large part in me moving to Toronto.
MissParker: I'm terrified of flying, but I do it out of necessity. Listening to "Approach" made me smile because it actually reminds me of the airplane's approach to the runway for a landing. What is the true meaning behind that song?
BD: First, I love hearing about how you interpreted this song as it was always a dream of mine to create something that sparks the listeners' imagination.
Certain sounds or songs create a type of visualization for me. When composing, I often start with a single sound and build on it, twisting and overlaying a few other sounds. At some point a scene forms in my mind and I often end up naming the track whatever was in this imaginary scene. In this case I had come up with the album name "Ergosphere" and thought it fitting that this song would be the approach into the Ergosphere and beyond.
MissParker: "Indifference Waves" has a lovely build-up to the brief spoken word segment. It puts me in mind of Gary Numan when he was
experimenting with techno in the 90s and ended up keeping it as his signature sound. Then it takes off into a fabulous confluence of electronics and raw drumbeat. I love that combination. What inspired it?
BD: "Indifference Waves" was born of a sample from a 1964 episode of Danger Man in which John Drake (played by the outstanding Patrick McGoohan) finds himself in a surreal village called Colony Three. Many speculate that this episode was the precursor to the iconic science-fiction series The Prisoner which finds McGoohan imprisoned in a mysterious village where everyone is known only as a number.
"Indifference" describes my interpretation of The Prisoner, which is the importance of questioning the status quo. I'm finding that naming the songs is almost as much fun as making them!
MissParker: There seem to be very brief, if any, breaks between most of the tracks. Was this collection meant to flow like a single soundtrack, or are the songs meant to stand on their own?
BD: Some of Ergosphere was composed with no gaps between the tracks, but I've found that some streaming platforms or audio playback software inject small breaks between songs. Spotify seems to play the album "gapless" while others are hit and miss. I've noted that artists like Jean-Michel Jarre now release large single track "continuous play" version of their albums to avoid this issue. I personally love continuous play albums as they seem keep the listener's imagination and mood flowing throughout.
MissParker: I played a lot of Jean-Michel Jarre in the late 90s early 00s when I was a corporate trainer. I used his music specifically to soothe my classes while they were testing on the stuff that I'd taught them. I hear some of his influence in "Flight to Tadoule." What is your take on Jarre's music? Did he inspire you to create your own version of electronica and how?
BD: Jean Michel-Jarre is influential on almost everything I produce. In my opinion, Jarre has found the precise balance of classical composure and technology. His bold approach to musical and performance experimentation is inspirational. I was fortunate enough to go to Jarre's amazing 2017 performance in Toronto and it was better than I could've ever imagined.
Jarre inspired me to start simple and build on it. If I ever got the chance to speak with Jarre, I always imagine that his advice would be "There's no wrong way to do it." Sometimes when working on a track I will literally ask myself, "What would Jarre do at this point?" which always seems to get me past the block.
MissParker: "Clearwater" has a remarkable intro that flows seamlessly from the close of "Flight to Tadoule." It reminds me of a DJ making the perfect segue between songs during a radio broadcast. Were the two songs created in tandem purposely?
BD: Unbeknownst to everyone (until now) "Clearwater" and "Flight to Tadoule" were composed in memory of my mother and father. My mother lived her final years in Clearwater, a scenic town in the interior of British Columbia, Canada. Her last years there were the happiest of her life and it was always a pleasure to see her so happy there. One of my fondest memories of my father was when he took me on a flight in a Cessna to a very remote northern community called Tadoule Lake. I felt it fitting to have these songs sound very different on their own but also be somewhat connected.
MissParker: Up until "Bad Gram," the songs seem to have a laid back and dreamy quality to them. Then all of a sudden we're thrown into a random foot chase with pursuers hot on our heels. The urgency carries over into "Influence," although not as intense. What brings on this change of mood?
BD: I really enjoy your interpretation of "Bad Gram," and I think I hit the mark on this one! As the song was being composed, I started imagining a scene from a Michael Mann movie, like some of the amazing instrumentals that Jan Hammer had done for Miami Vice. After the lulling jazz-bar sounds of "Daydream on Pacific Avenue" I wanted to create an unexpected spike of adrenaline for the listener to snap them back to the rest of the album.
MissParker: I mentioned in the introduction how some of this collection reminded me of David Bowie in "The Man Who Fell To Earth." My only complaint about the film is that 45 years later, the soundtrack (which Bowie did NOT compose) presents as a bit "cheesy." Your music on Ergosphere, however, is as timeless as space itself. That said, did you have a "movie" playing in your head when you created these tracks?
BD: That is another really big compliment on many levels! I didn't set out with a movie in mind for the overall album, and I think the timeless aspect is a result of a personal preference I have for simplicity in both the composure and instruments being used. My good friend Rob Stuart (of SLAVE to the SQUAREwave) and I discuss this philosophy at length, that so many of the timeless classics were created using equipment that was greatly limited by today's standards. I believe these limits are what ultimately demanded the most creativity and best performances from the artists at the time. I used to think that because I had a 16-track recorder, I needed to make use of them all. (Maybe to get my money's worth?) Now, my studio has the ability to mix and record over 1,000 tracks, but I generally use 10 tracks for most songs, which encourages me to focus on melody and dynamics.
MissParker: Is all of the writing and production solely yours, or do you have people that you collaborate with?
BD: For my first album, I made a conscious decision to go it alone as I ultimately wanted to own the outcome and find my own groove, so to speak. I did the writing and recording over the course of a few months. While the composing and recording was the fun and easy part, I was really struggling when it came time to master the album. Mastering is the final step in the process where the entire album is stitched-together and balanced for harmonics and volume levels. I'm thankful for being able to lean on Rob Stuart for advice during this journey as he has decades of experience in music composure and production. These great conversations turned have led to Rob and I collaborating on some new tracks.
It's early days but we are both really excited about the outcomes and are looking forward to sharing them.
MissParker: Do you perform live? If so, where can people have the pleasure of being enveloped by your music in a live performance?
BD: I haven't spent the time yet to research live performance in this genre…I've simply been having too much fun creating the music! I think my gateway into live performance would be through that previously mentioned collaboration. It would be the experience of a lifetime no matter what the venue.
Missparker: Where can people sample and ultimately purchase your music?
BD: For the latest information about Colony Three and to sample new music in the making, visit:
Instagram (@colony_three)
Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/ColonyThree/ )
Colony Three music is available on all of the major streaming and download services including Amazon, Spotify, Apple Music, Google Play, and YouTube:
Missparker: Thank you so much for taking the time to share your music and your thoughts with us.
BD: Thank you for your support and for such a thought-provoking and fun interview experience!
I love your site and what you're doing for all artists both new and established!
Posted in 10's Music, 80's Music, Post-Punk, New Wave, Canadian, Criminally Underrated, Electronic/synthesizer, Independent Music, Industrial Music, Interview.	Tagged 10's Music, 80's Music, Brian Dickson, Canada, Canadian, Colony Three, Electronica, Industrial, Rob Stuart, Slave to the SQUAREwave, Synthesizer
80s (and sometimes 10s) Music Rules ~ Criminally Underrated Artists/Bands ~ Beverley Beirne
This is the epitome of stepping out of a comfort zone to do an interview about a genre of music of which I have nearly zero knowledge. But it is so worth it, I found, as I was sucked into a maze of woven sounds that seemed familiar, yet not quite….
(c) Stephanie De Leng
An interesting comment on my "About" page brought me to a website where I could listen to snippets of jazz-infused covers of 80s New Wave tunes. At once astounded by the prospect, as I thought about it further, I realized that there are very few "pure" music genres. Everything that we know to be a specific music style, e.g. Rock&Roll, New Wave, R&B, Hip Hop, Funk, Punk, Post-Punk, Industrial, Grunge, etc., has been built upon a foundation of musical DNA that has existed since the first cave man banged some rocks and sticks together.
There are many, many extraordinary artists out there who successfully infuse different sounds into their craft and the outcome is outstanding. Beverley Beirne is one who has taken quite a unique route by capturing a nearly pure jazz inflection and melding it flawlessly with styles inherent to the 80s, a very eclectic period to begin with.
Beverley has graciously indulged my wide-eyed interview questions about her style and her forthcoming collection titled "Jazz Just Wants To Have Fun" (or "JJWTHF" for short), scheduled for release on June 15. Please read on for an in-depth glimpse into a ground-shaking, axis-tilting artist's craft.
MissParker: What initially piqued your interest in Jazz?
Beverley Beirne: I was brought up with jazz in the house as my Dad was a huge jazz fan. So it wasn't unusual to hear Erroll Garner, Sarah Vaughn,or Ella Fitzgerald. But my Mum was into Abba and 80s music, so I guess that explains this album a little!
MissParker: Who can you cite as your influences?
Beverley Beirne: All the beautiful singers I have ever heard I'm inspired by. Coming from a classical background, I really appreciate the stamina of classical singers. But, having said that, listening to Sarah Vaughn you hear that but with so much expression. There are also so many amazing pop voices–Kate Bush, Kirsty McColl, Eddie Reader–these ladies have beautiful voices, but tell a real story too.
MissParker: Are you professionally trained, or does this beautiful gift come naturally?
Beverley Beirne: Yes, I trained classically when I was in my late teens and I did really love it. It's something I'll always be grateful for this early time in my singing career, as I learned so much technically about the voice. My only issue, for me personally, is that it's really hard to be individual within the classical constraints, which is, in the end, what drew me into jazz and being able to really express my own individuality. Over the years, I'd say my voice has become more authentically me.
MissParker: You mentioned your mum was into 80s music. Is this why the 80s have a special meaning for you?
Beverley Beirne: This was the era when I was listening to Top of The Pops and heading into town to party at the clubs. Definitely my party era! They were a lot of fun, these songs. But you know when you really listen to them, there's some great melodies and a lot of the lyrics are really fantastic. And, the singers back then–they were really great.
MissParker: What does your core audience look like?
Beverley Beirne: It's mixed, depending on the venue. Jazz does tend to attract an older audience, but saying that I get a lot of the younger generation turning up and this album especially is attracting a younger crowd. It's been a real education to me that kids in their teens and early 20s are really into this music–they actually know all these tracks really well!
MissParker: Who are your backing musicians?
Beverley Beirne: I'm incredibly fortunate to work with some fantastic musicians. On this album, I have some of London's leading dynamic young musicians; we have the hugely talented Sam Watts who is also my co-arranger on this project, Flo Moore on double bass, Ben Brown on drums and percussion, and Rob Hughes on sax, bari, and flute–all of whom I have the greatest respect for.
(c) Goat Noise Photography
MissParker: Are the interpretations collaborative with your musicians, or does someone take the lead and the rest follow?
Beverley Beirne: This album was in the making two years before I went to the studio. I had a lot of fun choosing the tracks and trying to make them work. I then created lead sheets for them and figured out how I wanted to do them–I then went to London to work on the arrangements with pianist and co-arranger Sam Watts. We both really felt we had something special after the first morning. Sam then worked on the final parts/harmonies. But saying that, even when we went into rehearsal prior to recording, we're not a dictatorship, so we were both really open to what the band had to throw into the mix.
MissParker: Do you do original material, as well?
Beverley Beirne: This is something I do for my own pleasure, at the moment. I'm working on developing my piano playing, which I'm really enjoying and this really helps with this. I have a project I'm tinkering with and enjoying, but it won't be out there for some time yet.
MissParker: How would you say that Jazz has influenced contemporary music (rock, new wave, post-punk, industrial, etc.)?
Beverley Beirne: Well, the blues influenced everything, especially jazz which started from the blues. But it is really interesting to look at the flow of this into rock and pop and R&B. Contemporary jazz now is often a fusion of a variety of different styles, all informing each other, so it's always great listening to the new vibes in London and in the North of England. We're really fortunate with so many creative jazz folks creating beautiful original music.
MissParker: Do you ever get any feedback from the original artists about your interpretation?
Beverley Beirne: I've been really lucky to have some feedback from Noddy Holder, Limahl, and Robin Scott from M, all of whom have been really supportive of the project. Noddy and Limahl have given me a couple of fantastic quotes to use, and Robin was really interested in how we managed to create his track, which is a real hip track on the album. You have to remember that I'm a real fan of these guys–this is why I chose their songs, so to have their approval means the absolute world to me.
MissParker: Do you have a favorite track on the forthcoming collection? What makes it so?
Beverley Beirne: This is like choosing your favourite child! I love Prince Charming ( I love the vibe with the hand claps); Bette Davis Eyes and the 5/4 vibe which is really great to sing against; Cruel Summer is a fantastic track and has always been a favourite; Waiting for a Man Like You, as I sing in a more gospel style voice I don't always use; and I have to say Come On Feel The Noize, as this was the first interpretation that I did and had been singing at a Christmas Gig for four years. Because of the huge audience response to it, it was the seed that started me down creating a whole album of these pop interpretations.
There you have it—Beverley's gift/my challenge to you: new musical territory to explore. Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Visit: JJWTHF/Beverley Beirne website
Jazz Just Wants To Have Fun – Teaser
Beverley Beirne – Cruel Summer
Beverley Beirne – Too Shy
Posted in 00's Music, 10's Music, 80's Music, Post-Punk, New Wave, Criminally Underrated, Obscure 80's Music.	Tagged 00's Music, 10's Music, 80's Music, Beverley Beirne, Jazz, Jazz Just Wants To Have Fun, JJWTHF, New Wave, Underrated Artists
80s Music Rules ~ Criminally Underrated Artists/Bands ~ Timothy P. Green
February 23, 2018 by missparker0106
The Interwebs is a wonderful place—well, most of the time. What makes it wonderful is the world that opens up so easily that includes new knowledge, new music, new friendships, and so on.
I stumbled upon Timothy P. Green on Twitter. Through his daily tweets, he comes across as a likeable, funny, upbeat man, who also happens to be a passionate musician. You can't help but follow his urging to sample his work, if only to see what makes this interesting guy tick.
Rather than take his music in little bits and pieces, I decided to look him up on YouTube where I found a comprehensive playlist. It's a delightful package of tracks that seem to sum up Green's array of music-making talent, complete with engaging lyrics that weave short stories the listener can relate to.
The joy that Timothy has for his craft is so evident in his music. It's infectious and draws the listener in, even though it may not be of a preferred genre. If you feel you're stuck in a comfortable groove and are looking to expand your musical horizons, Timothy P. Green's creative streak is a great place to start.
Timothy P. Green
Missparker: On your website, it says that you have been writing most of your life. What finally prompted you to put your music all together, record it, and market it?
Timothy: Time is movin', keeps us groovin' (laughs)! I wasn't getting any younger and Bradford Rogers my friend, producer, arranger, believes in me, so when I said I wanted to do an EP, he said "Let's do a whole CD, and market it." The rest, as they say is, Birds in your Belfry.
Missparker: You're primarily a drummer, right? What got you started with drums?
Timothy: That is correct. I really can't say why, though? My mother did tell me that I was always tapping on things as a baby and I assembled kitchen pots and pans into small kits, using wooden spoons as drumsticks. Somehow a drumset landed in my hands on my fifth birthday and I have played ever since. No one in my immediate family is musical. I just fell in love with drums and asked for new sets until I received my first professional drumset around 12 years old. That's when I started playing in bands at parties, get-togethers, teen halls, etc.
Missparker: Have you supported other bands, or have you always been a "lone wolf?"
Timothy: Yes, and I still do. I started performing on drums as my livelihood around 18 yrs. I started out in traveling lounge/dance bands, then moved on to larger show bands, some with top names. This whole time while I was playing in clubs across the nation, I was writing my own songs on cassette tapes and then just tossing them in a shoebox and forgetting about them! I had no intention of being a singer/songwriter; it was just something I did for fun. I was content making my money just playing drums.
Missparker: Your current music is published as an album Birds Had Flown under your name, but you have other musicians who work with you. Who are they and what are their roles?
Timothy: Well, basically, the band is comprised of some of the best studio and live players based here in Atlanta. Several I have done performances with, others not. They are all awesome musicians and are all usually available for live gigs, when needed. The biggest credit goes to my longtime friend, producer, arranger, musician—Mr. Bradford Rogers. He and I work intrinsically well together. He has never offered up a bad idea, as we think musically alike for the most part. It was Bradford's job as producer to get the best possible performances out of the various members that still conveyed the mood, feel, and intention of my songs. He also mixed much of the album in conjunction with Mr. Thom Kidd of Silent Sound Studio here in Atlanta. Thom is a gold and platinum engineer and a kind, talented soul. Between these two gentlemen and the smoking players, I couldn't have asked for a better team and I am very well pleased with the results.
Missparker: I hear so many different inflections in your music, from funk, to rap, to rock, to jazz…for me, it's like trying to determine where a person comes from by their accent. Who are some of the major artists that have influenced your music?
Timothy: I grew up on classic 70s rock and pop music. Later I delved into jazz, funk and Indian Classical music. My first major influence was The Doobie Brother's music. As I grew as a drummer, I started listening to Genesis, Rush, Supertramp, Bowie, more prog rock stuff. Then as prog rock started to fade out, I went to jazz music for my inspiration. I love Thelonious Monk, Sun-Ra—all of the old masters and inventors. I should also mention that I grew up half an hour from Montreal, Canada in New York State, so I always heard the best from the Canadian air waves, too, which included groups from Canada, France, Germany, Britain—the world basically. It's funny, but many of the artists only sang in French or French Canadian, but it was killer music.
Other major inspirations come from my readings, and Eastern religious teachings. I had a long hiatus in which I studied the differences between soul, mind, and body. In some of my lyrics you will hear those concepts—OSHO, Gita, Joseph Cambell, Ayn Rand, Aristotle, to name a few. I'm surprised how many musicians fail to mention literature, poetry, and art as part of their influences when asked.
Missparker: Some of the tracks I listened to have female back-up singers, which adds another dimension to your already multi-dimensional music. Who are they and how did your musical paths cross?
Timothy: To be honest, they were recommended by Mr. Thom Kidd and Bradford. Those songs just screamed for background vocals, so we did it; same with the horn sections. Bradford would say to me, "I think you were hearing horns there?" Having similar musical minds, it was just, "So it is written, so it shall be done (laughs)." All of the musicians are listed in the credits on the CD.
Missparker: I think you can tell that as a non-musician, I am fascinated with the nuts-and-bolts of music creation. When I think of a drummer, I think of the rhythm of a song (obviously), but I'm curious how you create a melody. Do you play other instruments, use a digital application, or do you hum a few bars and have someone else translate it?
Timothy: All of the above! I play very basic keyboard. Melodies come out of the ether to me, usually as background music in dreams while I'm asleep, or in quiet states. I record those melodies singing the melody, then later make adjustments and form them into structured songs with either a real drum or drum machine. Lyrical ideas come last, in most cases, and are based upon my own life experiences, concepts, or sometimes they are just total fabrications, like you have seen in my Tweets (laughs).
Missparker: You mentioned that you're based in Georgia. I lived outside of Atlanta for about 6 years spanning the turn of the century (ouch, that sounds so old), and I remember the city as a hotbed of creative talent. Do you play live?
Timothy: Yes, I do both as TPG (Timothy P. Green) and as a drummer with different bands. I also record with different artists—anything that pays the bills and makes the muffins.
Missparker: Something I don't hear very often in contemporary music is flute. You use it very well in "Dreaming, #1." In fact, it reminds me of a long-lost favorite, Jethro Tull. It's such a great fit, I wonder if you wrote that particular song with that instrumentation in mind?
Timothy: I was up for anything, really. Bradford is the flautist on that and the song had a slight eastern flavor to it so…? If I recall, that was probably Bradford's idea and yes, I like Jethro Tull—so why not?
Missparker: "Mommy's Little Darlings" has a rap riff that's so reminiscent of Beastie Boys in a light-hearted, hilarious way. Where did that come from?
Timothy: "Mommy's Little Darlings" is a true story! You know—single musician, divorced girl, and several rather lively little children! The rap-type riff was an attempt to make the song sound a bit more recent, as that was written around 1990!
Missparker: I really had a blast listening to the tracks from your album Birds Had Flown. There is so much variety in styles, lyrics, melodies, instruments, that I think it's a fair statement to say that the collection has something for every taste. What can we expect from you in the future?
Timothy: It's hard to say—more of the same variety, or perhaps a concept album on one particular style and go with that? I have entertained the idea of a world beat album and an instrumental jazzy pop album, but probably will go with "Monkey Brain Stew" world beat, jazzy, punk, pop with a twist of lime (laughs)!
Much appreciation to Timothy for his time and participation in this interview. Here are some links to sample his music, and support an artist that has a lot of talent to share with the world. Don't just give this music a cursory listen; I have found that the more I listen, the more I hear, making it a really enjoyable journey of discovery.
The Official Timothy P. Green Website
https://www.timothypgreen.com/
Contact Bradford Rogers
https://www.themultimedianinja.com/
Cross That Bridge (Video)
Top Tracks – Timothy P. Green Playlist (YouTube)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlmbwnKillg&list=PLwz2a2nBdPG3ntdXbCTt47VvOtVTGy5yw
Posted in 10's Music, 80's Music, Post-Punk, New Wave, Criminally Underrated, Independent Music.	Tagged Birds Had Flown, Timothy P. Green
80s (and sometimes 10s) Music Rules ~ Criminally Underrated Artists/Bands ~ Robert Swipe
December 5, 2017 by missparker0106
I've had the pleasure of "meeting" Robert Swipe on Facebook. I'm not sure what I did to merit the honor of an invitation to be friends, but I'm very glad he took a chance on me. He has a cutting sense of humor and a way of drawing in his followers to discussion threads by asking some very cool and offbeat questions.
Robert is a very gifted musician who encompasses many different styles throughout his music. His latest offering, an album of songs titled "The Most Beautiful Man In The World," crosses many genres and brings me to the obvious question, "Who are your influences?"
I managed to ask a few more questions beyond the typical (and obvious) "influential" ones. Robert has graciously provided us with some very candid and insightful answers. Take a few moments to get to know this artist and treat yourself to his latest compilation of deftly woven and music-driven tales.
Missparker: Mania has a decidedly 80s vibe/feel to it, with a bit of Beatles change-up thrown in for good measure. Can you share your influences for this song?
Robert Swipe: It's an absolute pleasure to be here Sandy, and thank you for that wonderful build up. This one just came to me while I was doing the washing up and thinking about what a contemporary version of Beatlemania might be like–as you do! The tune for the chorus and the words came to me pretty much as one–which is a very pleasant rarity–so any influence is probably buried very deep in the psyche. But yes, I wanted it to be quite "Beatley" and I'd started listening a lot to T-Rex and realized how much of a Beatles influence there had been on Marc. I used my incredibly cheap (and bad) Rickenbacker copy on this one, hoping it would sound like George on A Hard Day's Night but, as usual, I got more of a Paul Weller/Jam sound from it. So there's an odd mix of 60s, 70s and 8os in the guitars. The verses I wanted to sound like sort of 80s post-punk/Rockabilly, so I'm pleased you picked up on that! This was one of the first songs written for the album, so I hadn't that clear an idea of how the whole album would sound. But initially I'd wanted a sort of grungey, glammy, garage band sound…anything beginning with G, basically, would be an influence.
Lyrically, I was thinking of poor Amy Winehouse, who I guess was a victim of a very modern form of mania. I think her haunted figure was captured quite well on this. I think the Beatles were under a massive amount of pressure during the height of their "mania," and they coped with it in very similar ways to Amy. But, I guess, crucially they had one another, whereas she was on her own. So for me, it was an interesting idea to look at how someone similarly talented as the Beatles could undergo a similar experience that was the context for such joyful and upbeat music in the 60s, but that ended so sourly and sadly for Amy. Where they were able to channel all that weird energy that surrounded them, she was ultimately destroyed by it. So I guess I wanted to examine how things have changed and how people similarly driven to be creative and make beautiful things could be treated so differently by such similar forces. And to do so in an upbeat, "Beatley" tune, gave it quite an effective dark irony, hopefully.
Missparker: Love the jangly guitars and overall feel on Deborah. Is that someone special?
Robert Swipe: Thank you! Yes, it's very specifically about Deborah Harry. It's probably the most autobiographical song I've written, actually. Many moons ago, when I was a teenager, Ms. Harry was not only the current but arguably *the* ultimate pop pin up. So this song is a fairly subtle account of that most intimate of relationships between idol and worshipper! I had propped my mattress up on a wardrobe or something, aping a friend of mine who had a mezzanine bed–hence the "elevated bed." So, about 4 or 5 inches above my head was a massive poster of Deborah with which I had a brief but torrid teenage affair! There's also a gentle foreshadowing of the theme of the ephemeral nature, not just of pop stardom but of existence itself that's elaborated upon a bit more seriously in the next song–I like the idea of the poster aging in the same way we do, so she's "all torn and creased" in poster and human form.
A strange footnote: the song ends with some "Frere Jacques" style singing in the round and the phrase "see her falling down" popped into my head as I was, I thought, just roughing out the end section. "I'll do that properly with the real words later…" I thought. But it slowly dawned on me that I'd seen Deborah performing in London in the 90s. She was wearing the most colossal high-heeled shoes and at one point she evidently lost her balance and toppled over! So obviously my subconscious mind is a far better songwriter than I am! I had to keep it in after that, but what a great illustration of the way the creative part of us is often buried very deep inside us, and who on earth knows how and why it bubbles to the surface as it does?
Missparker: The track from the album title, The Most Beautiful Man in the World is a stunning, heartfelt tune. It begins as an ambient song and morphs slowly and deliberately into a beautifully orchestrated song. Can you give us some insight on the origins of this tune?
Robert Swipe: Thank you, Sandy. My producer Doug Chay and I are very proud of this one. I think it's the key song, really, which is why we decided to make it the title track. This is another one that I was very lucky with, really. I'd been thinking a lot about Marc Bolan and he'd been featuring very prominently in a lot of the Facebook posts I was seeing at the time; and, one or more of these might even have described him as "the most beautiful man in the world." So I'd had that title in mind as something I could use, and the idea of Marc having survived the crash and living into old age just popped into my head one day when I was walking across the village green. It was, happily for me, accompanied by the tune once more.
So, it wasn't so much written, as it fell out of the sky and into my grateful lap. Those are the nicest songs. Keith Richards describes that moment when they arrive as "incoming…" I think that describes it perfectly. This one really owes a huge debt to Douglas who somehow managed to carve a beautifully elegant likeness of Marc from the tangled mess of tracks I sent him. We were both also thinking a lot about Tony Visconti and his early work with both Marc and David Bowie, and I think this song is the fullest example of that. With masters like that, the apprentices can't really go wrong.
Missparker: Speaking of Marc Bolan, Revolution brings me back in time (in a great way) to T.Rex…so, they have been a major influence in your music?
Robert Swipe: It's really strange but before this project I would have called myself a T-Rex fan, and yet I realize now that I thought of them as being pretty much a singles band. It's only really as part of this project that I've more fully explored Marc Bolan and his work. Even now, I think I only really managed to get up to about 1974, so incredibly prolific were they back in the 1960s–they were weighing in with a couple of albums a year, each with 13 or so tracks, barely any filler…astonishing to us now, in an era when people can spend several years producing…not much! So, to answer your question, no, probably not until now! This song is, as most fans of Marc will tell you, heavily indebted to a song called Beltane Walk. In fact, it's a direct steal! But I figured, Marc was cool enough about his own songs to steal the lick from The Walk by Jimmy McCracklin for his song, so I can keep that fine tradition going a little longer and give it another spin on the karmic wheel.
With the very early T-Rex music, much as I love it, I must say that culturally it feels very far removed from my own musical roots. I got seriously into music at the tail end of the punk era and that was a very different scene! I have an aunt who used to go to watch the early Tyrannosaurus Rex and I have visions of a lot of people like her sitting cross-legged on the floor nodding into their Afghan coats. So, the key for my understanding the early, underground T-Rex music was really how much it owed to the music Marc grew up listening to which was, by the sounds of it, very early American rock 'n' roll, with which I myself was also more comfortable and familiar with. So, my fascination, I guess, is how Marc made something so ethereal, strangely beautiful and, I would say, very English out of such earthy US sounds. So Hot Rod Mama, the first track on the first LP, sounds in places like it was recorded at Sun Studios,but it's a cosmos away from all that, too.
Missparker: Having lived in Georgia for a time around the turn of the 21st century, I have to say I'm amused/intrigued by the title of Georgia Peach. Have you ever been there and what prompted the title to the song?
Robert Swipe: (Laughs) Sadly not. I have some wonderful Facebook friends from Georgia, though and they're always telling me how lovely it is. One day, hopefully, I'll get to find out for myself. No, I was actually thinking about Little Richard, who I believe was referred to as the Georgia Peach. This song started out as an outright Bay City Rollers number that was going to be called 'ILUVULUVMELUV' (or similarly archaic spellings!), but Doug initially felt it was a little *too* Rollersesque, even though he's a massive fan. So, I tried slowing it down and doing it more like Brian Wilson did California Girls, but it still wasn't really right, so we left it on the shelf for a bit. At some point, bizarrely, I think I was doing the washing up again (you can see where the ley lines are in our house….near the kitchen sink), and I started thinking about the Ronettes and, at about the same time, Little Richard. I may even have been wondering if he was still alive! And for whatever unfathomable reason, I started singing 'ILUVULUVMELUV' the way Ronnie Spector would have, only I had to change the tune a bit to make it sound right for her. Then, I thought, "I have to get a tribute to Little Richard in here too, he's brilliant," and so, the Georgia Peach image came to me and that was the song complete.
I suppose what I was grasping for was to convey in musical style just how central an artist Little Richard was to a whole strand of theatrical and transgressive pop. He wore makeup, looked like he could be a drag artist, but could bawl like the furies and was, along with another favorite of mine, Jerry Lee Lewis, just the real deal as an artist and a person. I suppose if you think about it, you can't imagine artists like Bowie and Prince doing what they did without Little Richard Penniman having broken the hard ground up a bit for them first. And I guess it's my celebration of him still being here and guiding our way when so many others who've lit the path for us have now gone.
Missparker: Again, we have a song with a woman's name as a title. Nancy is a heartfelt track about promises made and (presumably) love lost. Is this from personal experience? Where do you find the inspiration to write such deeply meaningful and personal songs?
Robert Swipe: Again, this is another vignette of the downside of fame and I had in mind Sid Vicious and Nancy Spungen. It sort of rounds off a suite of songs that look somewhat askance at the whole business of fame and celebrity. We've had songs about Amy, Deborah, Marc, and Little Richard, so it felt right to string them together when we were sequencing them. The only way I felt I could write about two ultimately quite tragic figures was through the kind of style that Bryan Ferry perfected around the time of Avalon. I felt that sort of clash between the quite stylized performance and the quite gritty subject matter might be interesting and I'm really pleased that you felt some real emotion came through it all. I think I'm quite detached as a writer, but I sing and play with quite a lot of emotion, so I'm never sure which aspect comes through most fully. I'm pleased it's the emotion in this case. They were a sad pair, I think. Both in their own ways lived to be famous–at least, that's the impression I got. And having got it, it killed them. Very sad.
Missparker: I love the 90s shoegaze feel of Twenty5. The bass is pronounced and a wonderful foundation for this song. Do you feel that the shoegaze era was a particularly influential era to some of your music?
Robert Swipe: I kind of missed out on the shoegaze thing, really. I can hear stuff from that period now and it sounds a lot better than I remember it being at the time. Are you thinking of bands like Ride and Lush?
Missparker: Yes, and Catherine Wheel, and so on…
Robert Swipe: I feel more akin as a writer to bands like Blur, who began probably on the fringes of shoegaze and I felt gave themselves a bit more room to spread out artistically, rather than being part of a short-lived movement. I'm not trying to do down the bands in that era, but I personally was zoning out a bit on contemporary music at that time, just a time of life thing where you start exploring earlier music a bit more as you have a bit of a "seen that, done that" feeling about contemporary music. What you start realizing is that it's always cyclical and that everything always comes around again. So I might start telling people "there's always been a shoegaze element to my music…" very soon!
I think I had Led Zep more in mind on this one. I had a drum loop that sounded like the kind of thing John Bonham might have played and just started riffing around that. The lyric concerns an imaginary South American girl who sits in her room getting drunk and stoned imagining she'll set the world on fire then die before she's twenty-five. There are worse ways to live, I guess. I'm sure she wouldn't be the first person to take the lyrics to All the Young Dudes a tad too literally. But that's been a real discovery–South America. Some very cool and lovely people down there who really know their rock and pop and what's more they know how to treat a female impersonator (that last bit's from Monty Python, if anyone else is old enough to remember them).
Missparker: I do (laughs)! I love the orchestration of The World Will End. That brings me to the question…do you work with other musicians, or are the tracks solely laid down by you alone? If it's a sole venture, I'm very curious to find out how you would take your music out on the road, if given the opportunity?
Robert Swipe: Sadly, I'm completely solo in terms of the playing, at the moment. Working with Doug, though was a big change and a completely beneficial one, so hopefully I can keep expanding and maybe one day end up with a real band…who knows? This one really was radically reshaped by Doug and showed me why it is so great to have a producer. It started out very much aping the song Five Years musically, as well as lyrically. But, Doug stripped it down completely to just the weird vibe part and a drum loop, and after scratching my head for a bit, I suddenly saw a new way of doing it.
My inspiration for the remake was very much Strawberry Fields Forever, with maybe a bit of Blue Jay Way in there, too. Again, there's a clash between the subject matter and the style that hopefully opens things up in an interesting way. Again, I threw tons of parts at Doug, but he did a really great job as surrogate George Martin on this one, just letting each idea have its moment in the sun and making it a much richer and structured piece than it would have been if I'd been left to my own devices. But yes, I'd really love to put together a band and a show. I think between this album and Glam! there's the makings of a really good rock show. Anyone out there play the bass….?
Missparker: Hot Gossip and Beautiful Lie seem to give us intimate glimpses into your soul. Does songwriting provide a sort of catharsis for any major events that may be occurring in your life?
Robert Swipe: It's odd, I do see myself as a very detached writer–a novelist, rather than a diarist, to use literary equivalents. There are a few autobiographical things in there, but they tend to just be used as accurate detail, the way a novelist might consult a notebook if they wanted to convey something vividly. But ultimately, I see my songs as imaginative explorations, rather than soul-baring autobiography. So, with Hot Gossip, the bit about the glockenspiel is something we did in a music lesson at school, performing a very ramshackle version of Revolution #9–quite! The black walls belonged to a friend of mine. I don't, sadly, own a swastika garter myself, but there's always time I suppose! There are oblique parallels with Pandora in the song, and the way I've chosen to present the music in a very glam and gender-bending style, I guess.
It probably is tough for people who know me to see all that as the charade I know it is, so I suppose they might be represented by the outraged parents in the song. I'm an orphan now, so a lot of my musings about my relationships with my parents probably comes out in these narratives, but it's not something I consciously try to write about. I guess it's the same in terms of the lyrics. You aim to paint a convincing portrait of the person or ideas that you're trying to give voice to in the song–so I guess one should take it as a high compliment when people mistake what you're doing for autobiography. But, to say all that makes it sound rather cold and calculating and I certainly don't feel that way about my work; I am completely transported when I play and sing–well, when it is going well–and I put so much passion and emotion into the music and the writing. But, I think I express my inner being through the whole piece rather than just lyrically, if that makes sense?
Missparker: It does. I have to admit that I thought Glitterball (by its name) would be a disco-based track. Thankfully, it's not. What does the glitter ball stand for metaphorically in this song?
Robert Swipe: (Laughs) What's wrong with disco? But seriously, this is very much a composite song that started out in different form quite a few years ago, so it's quite hard to pin down exact meanings. I guess with the glitter ball I was just thinking of that very late 70s, Debbie Harry singing Heart of Glass at Studio 54 sort of pop glamour. It's something that has always been very alluring to me, I suppose, in part because it's gone and is out of my reach now. Nothing is more alluring than what you can't have. So, it's the idea of someone being absolutely themselves in one brief glorious transcendent moment.
That's contrasted with the quite desperate figure that's painted in the verses; someone who's very lost spiritually in a very dark and unforgiving world. That seemed to make a lot of emotional sense to me, and I hoped it would speak to other people's feelings about the way the world is right now. I had in mind a very beautiful North African woman cast into a very dark and gothic Europe. But strangely, when I listen now, I have somewhere like Los Angeles in mind when I picture it all. Go figure. I also liked the way Marc Bolan would take very materialistic or rock 'n' roll imagery, and couple them with spiritual or esoteric concepts like Metal Guru, Cosmic Dancer. I figured it might be fun to explore that a bit more bluntly. So, the character in this song is looking for God in back street sex, etc. As you can see, I'm no Marc Bolan!
Missparker: The Spirit of Rock and Roll is a moody song. It also clocks in as the longest on this album. And, I love that you end the song with several declarations of love. What was the inspiration for this song? What do you mean by having the spirit of rock and roll?
Robert Swipe: Well, I think the spirit of rock 'n' roll is something I've noticed a lot across our Facebook groups and friends. People–some of my age group, some older, some younger–who were pretty much knocked for six when David Bowie died. I guess a lot of us have found out quite graphically, through the loss, how much someone like him and what he did when he was alive meant to us. So, I started wondering if that would be a good platform to try and build up a small community of people who'd all been inspired by that brave, questing, experimental music and visual style and to try and force myself to live up as much as I could to what I thought people who liked such music might expect from new music nowadays. As I was recording, I kept wondering whether it was still possible to use that style of music to do "big things" like bring people together and change the world. So, I suppose this album is my attempt to test the promises that 60s and 70s music made to me–and so many of us–and to see if new songs could ever achieve some of the cultural power pop songs once had.
One of the most exciting things for me from the Facebook groups was that there were a lot of young people who had sought that very music out and were experiencing it with the same force it once had for us. So, I guess this song is the most explicit example of that experiment–to see if you could write something as anthemic and generation-defining as, say, All the Young Dudes and whether it could have anything like the same meaning such a song might once have had for its audience. I can imagine precisely how ridiculous and over-reaching that sounds to everyone reading this, but I was genuinely curious! And, following on from that, I did definitely want to send out a message of love directly to the people I describe above–to say thank you for being there as an audience for me. It's the first time I've been even remotely aware that I had one–and to suggest that, even if it's only for the duration of this song, we can live out some of those old glories. And, of course, it had to be slightly tongue-in-cheek, otherwise everyone out there would think I really meant it!
Thank you, Sandy, for asking such interesting and thought-provoking questions. I hope I haven't bored you too horribly with my rambling responses!
It was absolutely my pleasure, and not boring, at all.
To experience Robert Swipe's music for yourself, check out his music on the following sites:
Robert Swipe's YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/user/bobswipe/
To purchase his music:
https://www.robertswipe.com/
Posted in 00's Music, 10's Music, 80's Music, Post-Punk, New Wave, Criminally Underrated, Independent Music.	Tagged David Bowie, glam rock, Independent, Marc Bolan, Pop, Robert Swipe, The Most Beautiful Man In The World
80s Music Rules ~ Criminally Underrated Artists/Bands ~ SLAVE to the SQUAREwave (interview with Colin Troy McPhail)
November 3, 2017 by missparker0106
About 10 years ago, I was a novice listener of David Marsden's live broadcast over the internet from a station out of Oshawa, ON Canada. His style and selection of music (mostly alternative 80s and current off-the-beaten-track tunes) had grabbed me from the first show I tuned into (thanks to a recommendation from fellow music blogger RalphD). One night, I distinctly remember being stopped dead in my tracks when a song came up that I had never heard before. I quickly shot off an email to Ralph asking, "WHO is that?" Ralph's answer came back with an oddly-named group—SLAVE to the SQUAREwave—and a brief history of who, what, when…
The song at the time was "Sinners of Saint Avenue," and from that moment on, I became a die-hard "Squarehead." The melody, the lyrics, the singing…up until that point I had firmly believed that there wasn't a singer out there that even came close to my longtime idol David Bowie. Well, holy cow, was I wrong! Here was Colin Troy McPhail, backed by the incredible musical talent of Rob Stuart, delivering the range, the pitch, the drop-dead gorgeous passion of Bowie, but with his own distinctive and personal flair. Thank goodness for me that RalphD was himself a huge "Squarehead" and happily pointed me in the direction of finding out more about S2TSW.
Since then, I've had the pleasure and good fortune to feature SLAVE to the SQUAREwave (Colin and Rob Stuart) several times here on Rave and Roll blog. Rob even interviewed me last March for his "The Mixtape Show" DJ slot on NYTheSpirit.com. This, however, is my first opportunity to interview Colin, the angelic and passionate vocal genius of S2TSW. If you've never had the privilege of listening to SLAVE, please give yourself that treat. They release their new album Jigsaw on November 10, 2017. It will be available worldwide on all streaming and music websites with an album release party in the works.
Maybe, just maybe, you'll fall under their indomitable spell and become a Squarehead, too.
(NOTE: At the end of this interview, Colin and Rob have provided a free download of the ambient remix of "Starrs," a beautiful and moving track. This particular mix is not available on the album Jigsaw that releases on November 10, 2017).
Missparker: SLAVE to the SQUAREwave's core musicians are you and Rob Stuart. How did you guys meet up and how long have you been making music together?
Colin: Rob and I met nearly 20 years ago at a rave in Oakville Ontario. He was playing his EDF (Electronic Dream Factory) music, and I was performing a project called Smokin Jehovah. We got talking and discovered that we lived close by to one another. We met up and jammed out some of our own music ideas and began a lifelong friendship through music.
Missparker: As someone who can't hold a tune in a bucket (me), but is blessed with good ears, I am in awe of your tremendous gift of singing. I've mentioned to anyone who'll listen that you remind me so much of David Bowie in style, range, and expression. Do you consider him an influence? Is there anyone else who has inspired you vocally?
Colin: Of course, Bowie is God (laughs). He is by far the greatest artist that has lived. But musically I've been influenced by what I call the Davids—Bowie, Byrne, Gahan, Sylvian, and Lee Roth—all my Davids have been musical influences lyrically, musically, and of course, showmanship.
Missparker: I have to say, after viewing a number of SLAVE videos on YouTube, I feel like I've missed out big time on your live performances. You seem to morph into all kinds of different and interesting personas. Are they inner characters that you allow to escape onstage? Do they have names?
Colin: (laughs) HAHA, good question…hmmm…The Characters are mostly influenced by the songs themselves. So performing live, the characters just add to the ability to make the songs visual, as well as lyrical. Live, it's so much fun—hmmm…I've never thought of names—maybe I should (laughs)!
Missparker: I have to say I've thoroughly enjoyed my preview of Jigsaw. I'm full of questions, but I'll try to contain myself and keep it to a bearable number! First, where did the name Jigsaw come from? And the delightfully fun intro "Debauchery"—does it have a particular significance?
Colin: This past year and a half has been a personal nightmare—from losing a job and getting transferred to a different job, which has been frustrating—to having my car stolen—to losing a great relationship (at least I thought was)—to losing my dear sister to cancer this past summer. Jigsaw is about the pieces I've lost and trying to put some kind of puzzle back in order.
Debauchery is an ode to musical theatre like Cabaret or Chicago. Just a fun sexy, sassy little number to introduce your ears with.
Missparker: No pun intended, but "The Coldest Night of the Year," along with "Starrs," absolutely give me chills. They are gorgeous: instrumentally, lyrically, and stylistically thanks in large part to your poignant delivery. What can you share about the source of the emotion behind the lyrics?
Colin: "The Coldest Night" was written around New Year's Eve of this past year. I was in a long distance relationship and because of the lack of physical intimacy, I just was overwhelmed with feelings of loneliness. Eventually we ended it a few months later.
"Starrs" is about my dear sister who died of cancer in August. Her middle name was Starr. We knew she was beginning to fade and her time was coming soon. Rob came up with this beautiful track—I was floored by its musicality—probably the toughest song lyrics to write. We finished the song before she passed away. It's about seeing her again beyond death's door. I never played it to her. She never got to hear that song. It was too painful for me to have her hear what I wrote—because it was about the inevitable.
Missparker: I'm so sorry for your loss. The pain that you went through is so evident in the music and lyrics. David Marsden has been playing "Starrs" as a teaser of sorts over the past few weeks. I remember thinking, "If the rest of the album is half as good as this, it's going to be brilliant." Well…it's MUCH more than half as good, so "brilliant" is an understatement. Do you have a favorite track, and what makes it that?
Colin: "Here Comes My Man." It's a hilarious true story of a grindr hookup gone bad.
Missparker: "Honest" has an earnest rhythm driving it from behind, almost reminiscent of island music. It's not the first time I've heard this influence in S2TSW's music. Is there a specific source that it comes from?
Colin: I love drop beats. Both Rob and I love ska music. Rob had a much more musical influence on that track. I had the acoustic melodies and rhythm, but he brought in the drop beats. It's his genius not mine (laughs).
Missparker: My ears perked up at the opening seconds of "Something That I Said." Did I catch a sample of the sample (twice removed) from Eno and Byrne's "Mea Culpa?" What's the story behind this song?
Colin: I think you did. My God, good set of ears, my dear! The song is about offending and being offended by people's stupidity (laughs). It's such a simple Talking Heads-like rhythm. Gonna be so much fun to perform live!
Missparker: And speaking of funk, "Something I Said" is one of several funk-laden songs on this ("Fink Fank Fonk," "White Kids on Funkk," etc.) that sound like you and Rob had a blast composing. Are there any musicians/bands that you can point to as funk-influential?
Colin: To me FUNK is the best music. It always lifts me up, and great to dance to. I think Nile Rogers is an absolute genius. It's about James Brown, George Clinton, Prince…I don't know where to start. Funk is the biggest musical influence of my life.
Missparker: "Ascension" is a powerful song. It hints at a deep hurt and a request for a prayer that is both haunting and scary…almost as if you're asking for help to avoid doing something you'll regret. It's well-known that music is a creative way to tame the demons plaguing one's inner self. Personally, writing and photography are my avenues of sorting out what I can't adequately express. David Bowie once said that his music was his way of avoiding madness. Do you find a similar comfort writing and singing lyrics—a catharsis of sorts?
Colin: Oh wow. You hit the nail on the head. It's about knowing you're about to do something wrong, but do it anyway—kind of masochistic. If you listen specifically to one lyric it's very, very masochistic. Music has been and always will be my therapist. I think every writer has demons and the best way to deal with is through writing about it.
Missparker: "Get Out Of My House" is a fun, beat-driven, chair-dancing tune. It's another teaser that David Marsden has been sticking in our ears over the past few months. I love the whimsical video Rob put together for it. The story goes that you guys created this song from opposite ends of Canada, which is phenomenal. How important a part does technology play in music-making these days, and how has it changed the landscape of creating and producing music over the years?
Colin: Actually, 3 or 4 songs were written while I was in Vancouver with a now ex-partner. Rob and I bounced a whack of musical ideas from Toronto to Vancouver at the time. We share the same software, so I would record and send him the track. He would make his adjustments and inputs and return them to me. Back and forth.
Technology is amazing these days. It allows a lot of freedom, if you use it properly (laughs). It has totally changed music production, both in a good way and a bad way. Good in the sense that it doesn't have to cost a mortgage to record anymore. Bad in the sense that today's music sounds thin to me, at times. There is a lack of warmth in today's sound because of over compression. But, that may be because my ears are getting old!
As a special gift to all listeners, Rob and Colin have provided a free download of the full ambient mix version of "Starrs." This version is not available on the album that will release on November 10. Press the graphic below to download your copy.
Many thanks to Colin for his candid and heartfelt answers. To learn more about SLAVE to the SQUAREwave and listen to the fabulous music described here, be sure to check out the following sites:
Get Out Of My House (Video edit)–SLAVE to the SQUAREwave
David Marsden/NYTheSpirit.com Interview with Colin and Rob
Big Change (extended mix 2017)–SLAVE to the SQUAREwave
Sinners of Saint Avenue–SLAVE to the SQUAREwave
Hopeless Believers–SLAVE to the SQUAREwave
London Baby–SLAVE to the SQUAREwave
Posted in 00's Music, 10's Music, 80's Music, Post-Punk, New Wave, Canadian, Criminally Underrated, Electronic/synthesizer, Independent Music, Obscure 80's Music.	Tagged Canadian New Wave, Colin Troy, Colin Troy McPhail, Criminally Underrated, David Bowie, David Marsden, Funk, JIGSAW, New Wave Funk, Rob Stuart, S2TSW, SKA, Slave to the SQUAREwave
80s Music Rules ~ Criminally Underrated Artists/Bands ~ Glamatron (Rude van Steenes and Kurt LaPorte)
Timeless music doesn't fade away. Fueled by the passion of its creators, sometimes it rises from the ashes to feed ears that are tired of listless, formulaic tunes and hungry for solid, genuine, and soul-thumping Music-with-a-capital-M.
Glamatron! was originally formed in 1981 by Canadian musicians Rude van Steenes and Kurt LaPorte. Together they produced one Glamatron! album called Only the Heart Beats … Inside the Silence. There was one other album to follow that never, unfortunately, saw the light of day: Chrome Horizons. After Glamatron! was dissolved, van Steenes and LaPorte then formed Vis-A-Vis in 1984, which was nominated for two awards and won the 1987 CASBY Award for Best Independent Artist.
Prior to Glamatron!, Rude van Steenes was the front man for Canadian punk band ARSON, formed with guitarist Marcel La Fleur and highly visible in the Canadian and American punk scenes during the late 70s and into the 80s. Fast forward to 2013 when Van Steenes and guitarist Marcel La Fleur resurrected ARSON and released a blistering, well-received album called not always about you.
Now, it's time for van Steenes and LaPorte to reintroduce Glamatron!. And what makes the reemergence of this album doubly exciting is, well, that it's a double album. Not only is Only the Heart Beats … Inside the Silence back, the previously unreleased Chrome Horizons is now available as part of the package. Add to this the influences that its creators point to: Bowie, Roxy Music, Lou Reed, Marc Bolan & T-Rex, as well as early Ultravox, Wire, and Magazine, and you've got a collection of music that will absolutely wow fans of early New Wave. DJ David Marsden has been giving solid airplay to various tracks from Glamatron! on his Internet streaming radio station NYTheSpirit.com, and they have been met with keen interest.
Rude has graciously agreed to be interviewed, and I am proud and pleased to re-introduce you to this wildly gifted musician and his music. I have enjoyed…and will continue to enjoy…Glamatron!'s recently reissued Only the Heart Beats and Chrome Horizons. I know New Wave/post punk fans will, too.
Missparker: Thanks so much for taking the time to talk with us about Glamatron!. I think an obvious first question is, what inspired you to reissue Only the Heart Beats … Inside the Silence and Chrome Horizons? And, who were your partners in crime (other band members)?
Rude van Steenes: Thank you for the opportunity and for all the great work you've done in supporting and bringing new life to one of the most creative eras in music! It truly is a pleasure to see this music thriving so many years later while continuing to garner new interest through the great articles you've written on the bands and artists and your ongoing support.
So, the question was, 'What inspired me to reissue these albums and who else was involved?' Well, the reissue was something I had been dabbling with in my mind for some time. I always thought the initial recording, Inside The Silence, was a diamond in the rough in that it was recorded on an 8 track reel-to-reel deck in a basement studio with little-to -none of the studio enhancements available today. The songs were roughly fleshed out by Kurt (Laporte) on guitar and myself on synthesizers and drums; then, Rick (Krausminc) came in on additional keyboards.
We worked with several players including Max Hutchison on drums and Marky Haughton on bass. Although Max and Marky played together on the same tracks, both left together before the recording was complete. This led to Kurt playing both guitars and bass, Rick on keyboards, and myself on vocals, synthesizers, and percussion while Max played drums on 3 tracks, Ben Elfassey on one, and I played on 2 tracks for the finished product. I think we recorded it over two weekends, mixed it, and borrowed the money for a pressing of 950 copies and that was it!
The cover was designed by Anne Marie Carlson and the striking woman featured is a portrait of her mother. The layout was bold for the time; most akin to the European releases of that era which had appealed to us.
Although critically acclaimed, North American labels in general were not interested as it lacked, in their opinion, "commercial appeal" and was considered "ahead of its time" for their audiences. Remember, the Canadian industry was tethered to their American parent companies and, at the time of release, the popular markets played Eye of The Tiger by Survivor, Physical by Olivia Newton John and Ebony and Ivory by McCartney and Jackson, as well as artists John Cougar, Chicago, Foreigner, and Toto topping the charts in North America, so no one here could or would do anything for us. Although the European scene was much more in tune with our sound, we lacked the management and resources to market ourselves over there.
And that brings us to Chrome Horizons, the previously unreleased, three-quarters completed, follow-up to Inside The Silence. At this time, Kurt, Rick, and I were working on some ideas and were joined by Scott Matthews on bass and Rob Greenway (a.k.a. Brilliant Fish) on drums. At some point, Kurt dropped out, leaving the project guitar-less. This was, of course, a challenge I wasn't anticipating, and it took a while to adjust ,too as Kurt, for the most part, was my song-writing partner; however, as I had the bulk of the lyrics and part of the music written, it was then up to all of us to complete the pieces in the studio.
We took on the song Call written by Rob and, after a few runs, it started taking shape. Scott's fluid bass lines combined with the keyboard melodies and stylized vocals, gave the finished song its character. The rest (Intrigue, Photographs, Death In September, Art of Seduction, And We Who Dare) followed suit; however, this was another self-produced indie project and we were again in a financial crunch unable to continue. In fact, one track didn't make it on the studio version (And We Who Dare), as it wasn't ready. It is, however, included on the live version of the CD and Bandcamp download. What was salvaged from those sessions remained on master cassette tapes for better than 30 years before being re-mastered by Scott in his studio this year.
Finally, what brought this all to light this year was a message I received from my friend Jacek who has a label called Artoffact/Storming The Base. He was interested in Glamatron! and asked if he could do a re-issue of the original first record. I then told him about the unreleased 2nd album and live tracks and a deal was struck to put the whole package together. They did a wonderful job, packaged the vinyl in optional pink along with a great poster, and the CD has a beautiful little booklet and bonus live tracks, as does the download. Really impressive—their label also has an incredible roster of artists that I'm proud to be amongst—such great influences and talents. (Please see the links at the bottom of this article for more information).
Missparker: To me, it's quite a shift from ARSON's pure punk to Glamatron!'s New Wave. What was the reason for switching genres, and did you find it to be a natural progression?
Rude van Steenes: Well, for starters, I think musician, author, publisher Jaimie Vernon probably nailed it best in his description of ARSON:
"Though ARSON was shuffled into the First Generation Toronto Punk deck of cards, one listen to tunes like "Love On A Leash," "Art School Fool," "Social Eyes," "Not Always About You," and "Motor City Suicide" and 20/20 hindsight reveals that ARSON were/are actually a true-blue American Rock 'n Roll band owing nothing to The Ramones and everything to Iggy & The Stooges, The MC5, and The New York Dolls" – Jaimie Vernon, Musician, author, publisher (Canadian Pop Music Encyclopedia Vol 1 & 2, etc.).
So, ARSON was always kind of on the outskirts of the scene. For example, our third show was opening for The Dead Boys at the height of their initial popularity and that pissed off a lot of local bands who had wanted to do that show; however, it was the promoters' decision, and although it worked out well for us, the resentment from other bands was never completely resolved.
Our shows were also more rock 'n' roll than punk; being fairly agile performers, we would utilize stage lights, fog machines and experiment with different outfits and even characters. I took on every show as an adventure; however, towards the end of 1979, while playing some dates in New York City including Max's Kansas City, I began to feel restless—restless to do something more creative, a different trip that would incorporate more diverse influences and, I think, we all saw that coming. Things were becoming strained between all of us, the road had taken its toll, the original scene was dying, and we were still broke and in debt. I needed to move on; 'transition, transmission' was my state of mind.
We came back home, recorded The Animals' We Gotta Get Out Of This Place for the No Pedestrians compilation album, and all went our separate ways. Marcel and I were obligated to play a couple of gigs in 1980, so we picked up a few former players for those shows, and after two years of working closely together, we took a break for some 30 years!
At first, I began experimenting with different ideas under the ARSON banner. I found a guitarist I had known, recruited a bassist from another band, advertised for a keyboard/synth player and a drummer and put it all together. We did some of the old material, but focused on new songs and ideas; and at first, things went well. We played a few shows and started recording some demos. I brought guitarist Kurt Laporte into the band, but tensions began regarding direction and I began to sense potential problems that I didn't want to deal with. So, I walked away from my creation, Kurt followed, and the remains went on to become Boys Brigade.
Immediately after, I started writing new material with Kurt and I came up with the name GLAMATRON!, which was the complete antithesis of ARSON. We wrote all new material and never once referenced the recent past. We were going to be new and different using our musical influences inspired by the UK and European music scenes. Transformation came quite easily, as I had already introduced characters into the previous band; however, this time everything changed dramatically from the music to the staging to the overall presentation. It was going to be more 'theatrical,' if you will, more along the lines of a hybrid Roxy/Bowie/Reed/'77 Ultravox-come-Stranglers affair. I wanted to change back from the stripped-down punky stage setting to creating a more engaging environment that rocked; and, the transition was so complete, that only close friends knew what was happening.
Having always written lyrics and vocals driven by a rhythmic feel from my drumming days and being influenced by a wide variety of jazz, blues, rock, and soul pioneers like Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker, Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Johnny Cash, Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding, the Walker Brothers, not forgetting Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, Joe Cocker, Jim Morrison & The Doors, Todd Rundgren, Peter Murphy, David Bowie, Iggy Pop, etc., etc., at the time, I felt the limitations of the genre that ARSON had become was somehow preventing me from exploring other areas. As much as I loved doing what I did, I wanted to do more.
Writing was always important to me; it was an outlet to express myself whilst defining the moments of my interactions with life and all of its trappings. I grew up with books; I'm still an avid reader with a couple of books-in-progress left throughout the house. Great writers and poets have always fascinated me, particularly when their stories have the power to hold you as if a spell had been cast and you can't leave until that spell is broken or the story ends.
Writers such as Thomas Pynchon, Edgar Allen Poe, Philip K. Dick, Kurt Vonnegut, Harlan Ellison, Anthony Burgess, Christopher Isherwood, Rod Serling, and Martin Amis, amongst others, could transport you right into their scenes with such vivid descriptors that if you closed your eyes, you could almost feel your senses open to the experience you just read about. So many other wonderful writers—each one has its influences while the best ones leave their mark.
When I came into the music scene, the last of the Beat poets were rolling up their influences in the old coffee houses of Montreal. Allen Ginsberg, Tuli Kupferberg and The Fugs, Jack Kerouac, Lou Reed and The Velvets, etc., had all drifted through and left their mark. It was all good and hung over with hints of old-world/Beat romanticism lingering in the air, giving it a sense of creative freedom. Switching genres was not really difficult, but more of a natural progression.
Missparker: You mention some fabulous influences in the release notes. Can you expand a bit on the elements of some of these artists that gave helped life to Glamatron!? Was it appearance, musical style, a bit of both?
Rude van Steenes: Well, I've been musically inclined for as long as I've known; my first instrument was drums and I was self-taught. Within two years of practicing, I was playing high schools, parties, and special events. Life at home wasn't great, and in 1967, I left home and went to the west coast, finding myself in San Francisco for part of the summer of love. That experience opened up so many different avenues in music, poetry, art, and film that it easily became the creative extension of the Beat generation.
While many of my then contemporary influences included The Beach Boys, Jan & Dean, Dylan, and Frank Zappa to Paul Butterfield to John Coltrane, the Velvet Underground to Motown to Miles Davis and on the British side, John Mayall, the Stones, Animals, Who, Troggs, Them, etc., they were now joined by The Doors, Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Pink Floyd, Traffic, Small Faces, Moody Blues, Cream, etc., and styles from American garage to psychedelia to glam incorporating Bowie, Bolan, Roxy, Todd Rundgren, et al. All of these influences impacted throughout the seventies and into the eighties, constantly regenerating and further exploiting the boundaries of creativity, which at that point, showed no limits. Rock and Punk had bred New Wave, Goth, Hair Metal, Nu-Metal, Industrial, and Grunge—all variations on a theme!
My personal tastes have always leaned more to the other side of the pond with exceptions, of course; but in general, there appears to be a greater appreciation for music and the varieties and styles seem to co-habit in more of a non-competitive environment in comparison to the North American artists. I'd love to go over there and play some dates—we'll have to look into that!
So as a direct answer to "was it appearance, musical style, or a bit of both?" The answer would have to be a lot of both!
Missparker: I have to say, when I put the CD in my player, you had me at Passport. I love the marriage of guitar and synths. What made you include an instrumental, and particularly as the opening track? Were you making a statement?
Rude van Steenes: Passport represented a number of things to us as it starts the adventure. First, the sound—a joyous, up-tempo instrumental that signals a new direction. It starts with the synth drone and church bell that opens into a bass sequence before the guitar and drums kick in. The song evolves around Kurt's guitar lead and builds with momentum as it progresses; timbales kick in, the tempo remains strong, focused as the guitar counter plays against itself until the final stanza when the drums double up to punch out the last notes followed by the synth drone from the opening coming back and leading into Facial Saviour. Second, as the title implies, this is your 'passport' to the rest of the record. And, you'll notice that just as in the beginning of Passport, the pealing bell is repeated at the end of the closing track Porcelain Doll, after the shattering sound of the doll breaking, to signify the end of your adventure.
The record was planned that way in my mind, albeit subconsciously. It emulates the cycle of birth, life, death, and reincarnation while incorporating all the trials and tribulations, joys and sorrows that we encounter on our journey. In the end, we're reborn; hopefully wiser, stronger, and better individuals as a result of our experiences and encounters. A passport is always a beginning to something, it never ends.
Missparker: Even though "a little birdie" had given me a heads up that Glamatron! was coming to David Marsden's live stream, I sat straight up in my chair when I first heard Porcelain Doll on his show. My initial reaction was, "Wow—who's this?" Is this the reaction that you were hoping for from other New Wave fans?
Rude van Steenes: Of course, but it always comes as a surprise that the song still has that kind of impact. Porcelain Doll was a song that was very carefully arranged from the opening strains of the toy piano to the 'Gregorian-style' chorus and the off-kilter guitar that drunkenly wanders throughout the song right down to the child's voice in the song's midst. The fact that we were able to incorporate all these tracks with multiple bounces and not lose too much clarity on an 8-track reel-to-reel deck was a bit of a miracle onto itself! As it was also the last track we recorded, there were glitches to overcome. For example, we were going to have a drummer for the session, but he cancelled at the last minute. So, I ended up playing drums. Time was also tight, so we had to scramble to lay down all the tracks and, of course, things never go as planned when you're jammed. We had to level the toy piano samples as they recorded too "hot," the guitar parts had tracking issues, finding the right "shattering" sound for the ending, etc., etc.; but, in the final hour, it came together. The first time I heard it 35 years ago, it took my breath away and I hoped it would do that for everyone who heard it.
Missparker: Death in September has such wonderful overtones of Bowie's Berlin Trilogy days. Is that era of his music something that you found valuable to your own work? The reason I ask is because he took a trouncing in the press for his music during that period, but Glamatron! seems to embrace it fearlessly, without regard for critical backlash.
Rude van Steenes: Well, in all honesty, I've never written to appease critics and I've always admired and respected artistic individuality and integrity as part of the creative process. Lyrics, poetry, prose etc., are an extension of your soul, a diary, if you will, of experiences, encounters, and interpretations that you have witnessed and composed creatively into words. Every artist has their own 'vision' and license to explore and interpret in their own way, as to how they perceive the intricacies of life.
David, as we know, was a master of that process not only during the Berlin trilogy but before and long after as well. His poetry and lyrics from early on and throughout his career are, for the most part, shining examples of life experiences woven into a variety of musical fabrics representing every era, so many of which he himself helped create.
The song Death In September was originally titled The Word from the first record and yes, the dark influence was definitely intoned throughout that first album; however, I felt the original version could be improved upon, so we re-recorded it focusing on contrasting the lyrics with a pronounced dance rhythm and a heavier synthesizer track and it pumps so much better now!
Missparker: Personally, I'm drawn to the 80s for the very style that Glamatron! emotes. I think it's safe to say this collection is very appealing to that generation of listeners. Do you think you have a market with the current generation of music consumers?
Rude van Steenes: I've always believed that markets are created and not necessarily by the talent alone, but by a number of factors that include radio airplay, video play, label support, a strong promotional team, and motivated management. With those initiatives in place, I firmly believe that audiences can be created for any genre of music.
Unfortunately, the North American industry has always been "trend" focused in that they would hold back and follow trends rather than set them. Once a trend was established, everything else was put on hold and that's where the indie labels had some clout. With savvy marketing campaigns, smaller labels could pick up acts, record and distribute them accordingly, and achieve success.
Of course, the majors didn't like that and started buying out a lot of the smaller labels and either taking them over or gutting them depending on the individual success of each. This totally backfired as the smaller labels had a better understanding of their unique artists and often had chosen talent over profit, something the majors couldn't understand.
In the early nineties, the industry began suffering major setbacks affecting artists, labels, and consumers and their markets continued to shrink throughout the next two decades. Once upon a time, there was a thriving industry that was able to invest and nurture and grow talent and although it wasn't perfect, it certainly helped a lot of artists throughout the sixties, seventies, and eighties. Money for investing and promoting, recording and support for musicians was available, and it was, for some, a great community to be a part of.
By the mid-2000s, we saw the decline of the rock star and the rise of the reality TV star, which implies it is basically only about the image. Music took a back seat. When people don't buy music anymore, the record industry responds by promoting stars with a marketable image. That created image has to then fulfill an objective with commercial potential, thereby stripping out any artistic quality for the sake of sales revenue. In essence, many of today's songs are not reflective of the artist, but rather carefully written lyrics and hooks assembled by multiple writers with the subject matter designed to appeal to the reality show culture. In other words, today's pop hits are usually manufactured.
The industry today is almost non-existent, and why bother? With shows like American Idol, hundreds of people can "sing" and they all want to be stars. Why would an industry develop an artist when they have access to clones of today's stars for nothing?
Do I think that there's a market for the 80s sound with the current generation of music consumers? Yes, because good music withstands the test of time and because audiences still seek out good dance music and the 80s had that in droves! We just have to have a solid fan base that can help sustain us in order to continue producing and recording our music.
Missparker: I love, love, love (did I say, "love?") Call and Art of Seduction from the Chrome Horizons collection. The fretless Mick Karn-ish bass riffs and the Sylvian-esque off-kilter singing absolutely slay me. Was that a nod to the group Japan, or just a coincidental and fabulous collision of incredible sounds?
Rude van Steenes: Well, I would have to say both in this case! We're all fans of Japan and I would be remiss in denying that there was some influence; however, Call was written by Rob (Greenway) and when we were laying out the track before recording it. Scott (Matthews) was experimenting with his fretless bass while Rob and I experimented with vocal stylings as a progression of the overall "GLAMATRON! sound." The rest fell into place and we recorded it.
When it came to Art of Seduction, this was a little trickier as the song flowed around the vocal, which had actually started out as a poem I was writing influenced by a series of books I had been reading by Christopher Isherwood called "The Berlin Diaries." Once we started playing around with some ideas, the lyric developed a flow. Scott again incorporated the fretless bass and the nucleus started taking form. I wanted to keep the background somewhat dark to contrast the bass and vocals and that's where the notorious Prophet 5 synthesizer came in. I was able to layer several ghostly 'creeper' tracks that wove in, out, and between the vocal, bass, and percussion layers. There were other pads that I wanted to add to flesh it out a bit more, but time was a factor.
Missparker: There seems to be a distinct difference in sound between Heart and Chrome. The tracks on Heart are a bit more upbeat, where those on Chrome are a bit darker (and actually appeal to the Goth tendencies in me). What type of evolution had the band gone through to bring about that difference in style? Did that have something to do with not releasing Chrome when it was first made?
Rude van Steenes: Yes, there definitely is a distinct difference in sound between the two which was brought about by a number of mitigating factors. Following the recording and release of Heart, Scott came on board and we did our first live show at a place called The Domino Klub. It was a well promoted showcase; however, nobody, save a few close friends, knew who we were. There were no clues to the past (i.e. ARSON, etc.), and we decided that the less we say, the more intrigue got to play and it worked! The 'intrigue' portion played out on national television as a segment of The New Music show where reporters were filmed chasing the band to the dressing room without getting an interview—all in good fun!
It was shortly after that show, when drummer/percussionist Rob came into the picture joining Kurt, Rick, Scott, and I and we started thinking about recording a follow-up record. In addition, we were offered a television taping for a future broadcast. Once the taping was done, it was time to get back to writing.
I think that one of the primary differences in our evolution was that with the first album, Kurt and I wrote the songs and parts and the guitar was always there. Now, with two new fulltime members also contributing, somewhere in the process, Kurt seemed to sense a directional change that he may not have been comfortable with and took a break from the project. As some of the tracks had been written with Kurt's parts, we had to change those with alternate parts and that was tricky at times. Everything was revamped and all told, Rick, Scott, and Rob did an incredible job breathing new life into the songs.
Other factors include the variety of influences we were affected by in the process of developing the GLAMATRON! sound. As an avid reader and observer, I'm always armed with pens and paper and usually end up with all sorts of scraps of paper with partial lyrics, ideas, etc., in my pockets. At home, I have at least 5 scratch books in different rooms for the same purpose. Scott, Rob and Rick would also gather ideas and throw them on the table; some worked and some didn't, all parts of the puzzle.
As for not releasing Chrome sooner, there were still tracks to be recorded and mixed, final touches that we weren't able to finish and like most indie bands, the money is always an issue. Although we were in a slightly better studio with a bit more money, it really wasn't nearly enough to finish the album. As such, the project was shelved for almost 35 years. What you're hearing was culled from cassette masters and carefully re-mastered by Scott in his studio.
Of note, one of the incomplete tracks, And We Who Dare was never fully finished although there is a live version on the CD and Bandcamp versions.
Missparker: Only the Heart Beats … Inside the Silence and Chrome Horizons is such a nostalgic trip for me. I just want to put on my dancing shoes, spray my hair up high, and go clubbing. Will there be more—in other words, would you be open to creating more music in the traditional New Wave style?
Rude van Steenes: Well, with the support I've been getting from fans, old and new, and of course from David Marsden and his nythespirit.com radio programs, as well as opportunities such as this wonderful interview with you, I'm encouraged and delighted that after all these years, the music and the sounds of that era are still very much alive.
Personally, I've never really stopped writing and I do have at least two albums worth of lyrics that easily would fit into that, shall we say, timeless style. Also, let's not forget, GLAMATRON!'s "successor," thrice nominated CASBY Award nominees and 1986 winners for Best Independent Artist, Vis-A-Vis!
Vis-A-Vis was actually the continuation of where GLAMATRON!'s founding members, Kurt LaPorte and I, were reunited. Bolstered by our mutual friend and current nythespirit.com host Rob Stuart on synths, along with Gene Burda on keyboards, Gord Baker on drums and Gene D'Onofrio on bass, you had the first version of that band! More on that for another occasion as there may be a CD release in the future.
So, back to your original question, I would have to say yes, there is material there and I'm working on it as well as scripting a video for Porcelain Doll. The hard part is finding like-minded people to collaborate with as many people involved with these projects have moved on and had families, careers, and other projects and pursuits. For example, on my end, I got together with Marcel and some old friends and reignited the band that preceded GLAMATRON!, ARSON. I've known these guys since the late 70s and we decided to have some fun and get together, do some shows, and release a CD.
Former GLAMATRON! bassist Scott Matthews works in theatre now in Stratford while former drummer Rob Greenway records under the name Brilliant Fish and plays in various bands. As for Kurt LaPorte, I understand that he gave up playing professionally years ago to focus on career and family. Rob Stuart went on to create EDF following Vis-A-Vis and I was quite honored to be part of his band as a vocalist and percussionist and a contributing writer to tracks on their first CD. Rick Krausminc survived both versions of GLAMATRON! and was a significant contributor to the GLAMATRON! sound. A very talented piano and keyboard player with a great sense of humour, Rick could easily defuse any tense moments. When GLAMATRON! left the room with Elvis, Rick went back to his DJing at clubs and built a successful career.
I should also like to thank Greg Baker, who in the beginning stages of the band, was there and really believed in the project and helped out with all the managing chores and contributed his energy and experience. Also a special thanks to Brian Masters for his contributions to the second album, Chrome Horizons. Playing with all these amazing musicians has been a privilege and something I would love to do again, as so much good has come out of those collaborations, so many creative ideas spilling over and birthing other ideas that flow like paint on blank canvases breathing life into a cascade of colorful notes and leaving something that spurs memories and good times, tears and laughter, love and loss, but always a time that sparks would fly and live dangerously in love with the creative muse.
Be sure to check out Glamatron!'s music and legacy music on the following sites:
https://www.facebook.com/Glamatron/
https://www.facebook.com/VisAVismusic/
http://www.facebook.com/arson.music
https://twitter.com/ARSONBAND
http://www.reverbnation.com/arsonmusic
Posted in 10's Music, 80's Music, Post-Punk, New Wave, Criminally Underrated, Electronic/synthesizer, Goth Rock, Obscure 80's Music, Punk, Uncategorized.	Tagged ARSON, Brilliant Fish, Chrome Horizons, EDF, Electronic Dream Factory, Glamatron!, Keith LaPorte, Marcel LaFleur, Only the Heart Beats, Porcelain Doll, Rob Greenway, Rob Stuart, Rude van Steenes, Vis-A-Vis
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