Farewell Queen Aretha

Hello folks DJ Dizzy here with some sad news to report. We lost a beloved icon of music the legendary Queen of soul herself Aretha Franklin just last week to pancreatic cancer at 76.

She was best known for her hit songs, "Think & "Respect" as well as "Rock Steady" & "Daydreaming" to name a few. She wasn't just a singer but also an activist for everyone's rights speaking out on anything that was troubling the community. Now when I first heard the news that she wasn't doing too well I sent nothing but my prayers because when it came to her being sick she was a trooper who bounced back but when it came to her passing I was so devastated that words couldn't express my shock & sadness that I was feeling at that time.

I first saw some of her videos when I was really little as she did a performance of her hit song in a clip & since then she's been a pillar of inspiration. To me she was a person that not only possessed a kind soul but a beautiful & gentle heart by giving us all a voice to be heard  not just by her talent but her words knowing how to captivate her audience or rile up a crowd just by getting involved with whatever cause she held dearly.

But she was more than a singer, she was a grandparent, cook, but all in all down to earth she was a woman who gave us all a gift & a voice & there's no replacing her & she's forever loved, missed & remembered. Rest well dear Queen & thank you so much for your legacy & your gifts we'll love & miss you dearly.

DJ's Spotlight: An interview with Class Reunion

 Hey guys DJ Dizzy here once again. And here's my interview with a new group called Class Reunion who had a lot to say on their career & success.

  

How'd you get started in music?

JAD: Growing up I always had music in my home as my Mother played the organ and sang but not professionally. I grew up with music all around me as I started singing at 4 years old. I didn’t become a musician until much later in life as life got in the way of my dream. I never sang in the choir as back then I was too shy to project my voice although I did go to try outs but never got anywhere with it. My first band in the mid 1980’s was called “The Windy City Six”. We were a cover band of sorts performing at high school events. We weren’t really good because we were kind a lip-sink band but we did sing live when we performed. I kind a found my voice as a vocalist and found confidence in public performing. I got a lot better when Class Reunion was formed although Shaggy and I were playing music together since 2007 and we formed the band 2 years later. Our name is based on mine and his friendship history. We met in Art Class in 1983 and were only friends for about a year as he left school and the state at that time.  Shaggy would come over to my house with his old Beatles records and his acoustic guitar. We would play the records, sing along and have fun with all that. We lost touch in 1984 and did not re-connect until the fall of 2007. My wife Val who I also met at the same high school and Shaggy were members of a website called “Classmates.com”.  Shaggy saw my last name (Demas) with my wife’s and was curious and her a message asking about me. After she told him that we were married and I remembered Shaggy we arranged a meeting at a Martins gas station and we became friends again. It was like all those years apart never happen as we resumed where we left off in 1984. The band name is basic on that history. 

Shaggy: When I was 13, I was going to a Baptist church and one of my Sunday School teachers was a guitar player. That drew my attention. So, I started writing Christian songs (none of which I have anymore). When I was 16 a friend gave me an acoustic guitar and I learned all the basic chords from a chord book that I had. A classmate asked me if I played guitar and aksed me to join his band (unfortunately, we never went anywhere).

Who are you're biggest influences & inspirations?

J: as a child I listened to believe it or not, Barry Manilow and 70 rock music on the loop fm radio. Manilow taught me how to sing but I could never hold those high notes that long like he did but I tried. In the 1980’s I got into the Beatles and Billy Joel. Both taught me how to harmonize vocally and I loved Paul McCartney’s Hoffner bass and the way he played. I bought a knock off Hoffner bass later but could not play it at the time. Singing like Billy Joel became a passion for me as I could change the sound of my voice too but I’m not as good at that as Billy was but I hear that in my singing now if we do a song that kind a like one of my  influences it naturally can be heard in my voice now. I got into Elvis sometime later as well. Then Kiss and a lot of 1980’s rock as well. The 1980’s has always been my favorite decade in music.

S: Elvis and the Beatles. As a kid, I used to put on my father's Elvis records and stand in front of a mirror and sing along with the record and imitate Elvis' moves. Years before I picked up the guitar, I would get together with some friends and we would put on Beatles' records (before they came out with CDs) and lip-sync to the songs and pretend we were the Beatles, using brooms and/or guitars (without playing them).

How would you say music has impacted your life?

J: for me Music has always been there so it’s hard to say. Some of the best and worse times in my life music has had some role in what was happening.  In high school I had a Walkman that played the radio and taps of music and I had tons of tapes to play. Now I have mp-3’s and CD’s to hear music everywhere in my home and car too. I would not be me or the person I am today without music as it like a family member, always there when need or want it. Music got me to propose to my wife as I got the advise from Billy Joel’s “Tell Her About It” From 1983, I got engaged in 1986. When I started playing music now that took me to a different place. I think I love playing music more than listening although I listen too as I play and sing. 

S: If not for music, I could honestly say that I would either be in jail, a looney bin, or dead. Music got me through my adolescence. Girl problems? Music. Family problems? Music. Personal problems? Music. Once I started playing guitar, I started writing songs. I mostly wrote love songs, but writing allowed me to express myself without going to Psychologist. 

Any advice for any aspiring performers?

J:if that’s your passion, pursue it and never give up. I wish I had someone tell me that when I was young as never did. I didn’t have anyone say either way. Back then I was a much better singer when I was younger and would have had our success and much more earlier than what we have now and then some if I got that kind of advise. 

S: Yeah, keep on rocking. Don't let anyone tell you you can't do it. My father told me, when I was 17, to give it up, that I wasn't going anywhere with it. He turned me into a lazy musician (I don't practice as often as I should). In the last 30 years, I've seen what I am capable of doing. During my coffeehouse days, in the late '90s, I saw the positive reaction from the audience towards my songs. They would start singing along, even after only hearing them for the first time. They not only sang along to my songs, but to cover songs I used to do, Beatles, Elvis, whatever. Plus, with JAD’s lyrics, I've come up with some great music. I just wish I hadn't let my father's words get to me. Who knows where I'd be right now. Although, I admit that Class Reunion would probably be non-existent, but things happen for a reason.I guess, I wasn't meant to be famous, just play good music.

Any new gigs or albums?

J:we are currently working two new album projects: “HoBo Mafia Music Club”. It will be our first concept album as we are kind a taking a que from the Beatles “Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band”, all original songs. We are playing, singing and writing like we are and all new band with noting to to top but more like a Chicago old town native. The Hobos of the 1950 to the Mafia of the 1960’s and 70’s. 

Our other album projects for our 10 year anniversary in May of 2019. The album will be a collection of original songs going back to when the band was first formed. These songs didn’t get a good shot at being the best due to a lot of bad things that were going on at the time. Our drummer lived in a different state so our 1st 4-5 albums were drum machined and were experimenting with a lot of different sounds that overall didn’t work. Shaggy and I were the whole band during the 1st few years before the band that we are now so we decided to record in a new different studios with an outside engineer 12-13 songs live in studio with a minimal of overdubbing as our live sound is outstanding. The album will be called “Songs From The Attic”.  Both projects will be out sometime in 2019 I think at least for now. 

We do have 2 new singles out now. The first one is called “Wishing You Were Here”. This song is already #1 in some markets in the internet seems to be doing pretty well written by our great friend and Shaggy former music partner George Getner. The other is a song I wrote for my Father who passed away in 2012 called “Dad”. This song was on our last album “Tell It To The People” but this is a slowed down take with just two acoustic guitars, one them a 12 string guitar and just one single vocal with a different intro and ending too. Both of these song are featured on the “HoBo Mafia Music Club” project. 

S: At the moment, no new gigs, but we're hoping that something comes up soon. I'm at my best when I'm performing and seeing the audience appreciating what we do. As for albums, JAD always has a new idea and as CEO of Class Records (our own little recording company)(also see he’s answer for our up coming projects etc.), he tells me his ideas and I, as president, am in agreement. When it comes to music, I'm usually always up for it. Plus, there's enough songs in our catalog which include songs I wrote by myself or with other people, including Jon and a former band mate, to last us for a good while. Or until I can't play guitar anymore. 

Also how do you set yourself apart from other bands & performers?

J: I think it’s about us being original but also our influences whether we are playing an original or a cover song. The fact that all of us in the band have been influenced by different artists sets us apart from the pack. Mine is Billy Joel, Barry Manilow, Elvis and the Beatles for the most part. Shaggy‘ sis Elvis, Kiss and the Beatles with a lot of others too. Dave our drummer is heavily influenced by U2. Each of us bring something of what has influenced us to all songs we play and sing too. 

S: I think it's because we're all about being as original as possible. When we do cover songs, I don't care how the original artist did it. I learned, from the Beatles, to make the songs our own. Are they going to be better than the original? Maybe, maybe not, but I'm not out to please anyone but myself. I don't sit down to think about what to write. It doesn't work for me. When a song comes to me, I'm usually walking down the street. The words and melody seem to come together. After 3 days, I write down on paper, grab my guitar, search the notes, then put the chords. With JAD’s songs when he emails me lyrics, I look for a rhythm pattern, depending on the tempo that he suggests. Then I think about what scale works best for that type of song. Like most musicians, especially the Beatles, I'm not a trained musician. I've never took a music lesson, ever. I learned music in First Grade. I learned to count, musically (which is why I don't like to use a metronome) and I go from there. I think that was one of the reasons JAD wanted to start a band with me, I've helped him listen for the change in songs. Now, nearly 10 years later, we're still doing it. With and without artistic differences.

I wish them nothing but luck on their careers & their success. So until then be righteous & rock n roll!

DJ's Spotlight: An interview with House of Amber

Hello everyone! Its your old friend DJ Dizzy here & I sat down with a group that I highly recommend to all of you out there. Ladies & gentlemen I give you House of Amber!

1 - We started as friends and brothers, playing guitars and writing songs in our bedrooms. From there we have just kind of continued. Our paths have deviated and changed over the years but we continue to write and play as often as we can.

2 - We all like a wide range of music and are inspired by different things. R.E.M, Midlake, Smashing Pumpkins, Alice in Chains, Glenn Campbell, The Beach Boys, Neil Young and so on.

3 - It's hard to say really. As a band and individuals we are impacted in different ways. What we can say is that music is a massive part of all our lives and we continue to enjoy writing and playing.

4 - We are always working on new music. We try and release new tracks as often as possible. We don't have anything planned to play live at the moment but who knows what the future will bring.

 

Regards, 



I wish House if Amber nothing but luck in their success in everything they do. So with that said be righteous & rock n roll!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DJ's Spotlight: An interview with Midnight Sun

Hello once again! DJ Dizzy here & I've interviewed a group called Midnight Sun as they spoke on their success so sit back & enjoy Midnight Sun!

How'd you get started in music?

• MANY years ago – lol – back in the early ‘80s, me and 4 ex school friends formed a band. Originally I was to be rhythm guitarist, but when we kicked out the guy who was bass player I took that over. We got through a few drummers as well, lol, but Steve joined us and we wrote our own stuff, and played a few gigs. So it was Steve on drums, me  - Pete – on bass, Mark on lead guitar and Mike on vocals. After a few years we kinda split up as people started families etc. Fast forward to 2012 – we got back together to play at a charity fundraiser in aid of a cancer hospice (a good friend had died of cancer and had been nursed there in his final days). Another guy, John, joined us for a few songs playing rhythm guitar. John fitted in with us just fine so now we are a 5 piece, playing classic rock covers.

Who are you're biggest influences & inspirations?

• We all have different influences, especially Steve who is heavily into punk! His favourite song is I Fought The Law by The Clash. He also, surprisingly, likes Muse! The other 4 of us like classic and more modern rock – but even then we like different genres. John and I like Southern Rock – especially the likes of Blackberry Smoke, Blackstone Cherry and Cadillac 3. Mark and Mike hate Southern Rock lol. Inspirations for me would be Geddy Lee, Geezer Butler, Glenn Hughes and Roger Glover, real classic bass players. John’s biggest inspiration is the late, great Malcolm Young. Mark is inspired by Nuno Bettencourt, Gary Moore and others; not sure about Mike – I’ll have to ask him!

How would you say music has impacted your life?

• Music is an absolute bedrock of life for me! The day I discovered classic rock music it was like a new light shining! Music has given me so much, not only the joy and great feelings from listening to my favourite stuff, but also the social aspect of meeting like minded people, going to gigs, and playing in the band! Music has helped me through some tough periods in my life.

Any advice for any aspiring performers?

• Plenty of practice and rehearsal – that really hones the talent. But also don’t be afraid to step back from it a little if it feels like it’s getting a bit much. We all need to take a breather sometimes! Try hard to get gigs and to play live. It can be tough getting the breaks, but if you get a chance to play a gig, take it! It’s invaluable experience!

Any new gigs or albums?

• We’ve not really considered doing any recording (though we did some back in the 80s – they’re probably better left buried lol). We have got a few original songs but nothing good enough to record. As far as gigs are concerned, the last few years we’ve played around 20-22 a year; this summer has been a bit quiet but we ‘re heading towards a busier spell – we have about 10 lined up during the rest of the year. We also need to organise a few rehearsals to get some new songs on board, as some of the set is getting a little tired! We usually cover bands like Thin Lizzy, AC/DC, Deep Purple, Sabbath, ZZ Top, Foo Fighters plus a bit of glam – Bowie, Sweet, Slade! But it’d be nice to have a go at some Van Halen, maybe some Judas Priest and Motley Crue.

I wish them nothing but success & special thanks for the interview. So Until then be righteous!

DJ's Spotlight: An interview with Siren's Breath

Hello, peoples! DJ Dizzy here & I recently interviewed a group called Siren's Breath who's fresh off their tour. So sit back & enjoy!

How'd you get started in music?

Rachael: I sang in theater and choir in school.  I loved musicals and wanted to sing as characters.  In high school I discovered 90’s alt/grunge music and realized a passion for rock.  When I got into classic rock music like The Beatles and Led Zeppelin, I knew that I not only wanted to sing rock music but write and perform my own rock songs.

Chris & Chris: We got started in music due to our love for the energy and excitement of the music of Led Zeppelin.  Once we heard that, we knew we wanted to be involved.

Who are your biggest influences & inspirations?

Rachael: My influences and inspirations specific to rock are The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, The Doors, U2, and Green Day.  Jimmy Buffett is also one of my biggest inspirations as are many broadway musicals such as Les Miserables, and Hamilton.

Chris & Chris: Our biggest influences and inspirations are The Cult, Led Zeppelin, Iron Maiden, and J.S. Bach.

How would you say music has impacted your life?

Music is a profound part of our lives.  There is nothing that can compare to playing and writing music.  It is one of the greatest thrills in life. I mean, how do you live without it?

Any advice for any aspiring performers?

Get ready to learn a lot of new skills and to work hard.  Writing music, recording, and performing are the easy parts because it’s what we love and want to put our time and energy into.

 Managing, marketing, social media, and trying to get the music out there to the right audience is much harder. It definitely has a learning curve, and we’re still trying to figure it out.  Perseverance is the key as well as continuing to write new music and always improving on our art and ourselves. 

Any new gigs or albums?

We’re writing new songs inspired by Shakespeare’s Macbeth, hopefully to create a full album. We’ve also written a story about the origin of the mythical Sirens and want to put that into a rock opera concept album. 

Our main goal right now, however is to promote Beautiful Aftermath and try to find an audience that will enjoy our music. We want to play as many live shows and festivals as possible in 2019.

Siren's Breath

http://sirensbreathband.com/

Chris Brown--guitar

Rachael Lacina-Taylor--vocals

Christopher Gray--bass/keyboard

I wish them nothing but good luck in their careers & here's hoping that the continue to make music

So until then be righteous!

DJ's Spotlight: An Interview with Stonehouse Jack

Hello everyone Its DJ Dizzy here & I sat down to interview  Stone house Jack as they discuss their humble beginnings. Pull up a chair & enjoy!

How did you get started in music?

All of us picked up our respective instruments as teenagers and we've all played in different bands with different styles. Stonehouse Jack was formerly a rogue folk rock duo with Pip on guitar and vocals and Simon Hill on bass. it wasn't until May 2017 when Jinba Ittai EP was recorded that Stonehouse Jack began to evolve into a full four piece band.

Paul joined for the EP and Ade joined in time for our first gig at Scruffy Murphy’s in January 2018. Sandy joined on bass in May 2018, after Simon left for other commitments. We’re all connected by a deep rooted and broad appreciation of music, which brings different styles to our sound. Seeing the band evolve over the last two years has been an exciting and transformational time, and we're looking forward to what's coming next.

Who are you're biggest influences & inspirations?

We're all open minded to hearing different types of music. Stonehouse Jack enjoys a mix of influences, including 90s grunge, funk rock, heavy metal music, hard rock and classic rock. Our collections include Red Hot Chili Peppers, Incubus, Rage Against the Machine, Dead Weather, Scorpions, Joe Satriani, Led Zeppelin, Foreigner, Kiss, Black Sabbath, Tool and Jimi Hendrix.

We're also inspired by all the upcoming artists we're meeting including Alteration, Frog Maintenance Division, Hammerjack, Ethyrfield, Desperate Journalists, Secrets of Mariana and more, all of which are producing great new rock and metal music and it’s all out there now at live music venues in the UK. It's a real privilege to be part of the rock scene right now, including the New Wave of Classic Rock, where there is a wealth of phenomenal music to be discovered in the underground. 

How would you say music has impacted your life?

We'd all agree that music is a big part our lives. It's something to listen to, something to create, something to play with and enjoy. Music has brought the band together through a myriad of connections and is creating opportunities for us to have adventures, including recording our EP and gigging in other cities. It's also brought the people in our lives together, creating a sense of community and support. More than anything, music connects to feeling and being; it's an exploration of what it is to exist. You probably can't get more impactful than that. To write songs is to explore and create just a little more of everything.

Any advice for any aspiring performers?

Listen. It's so important and helps you learn. Whether you're a solo performer or in a group - listen to the music, listen to ideas, listen to experience, listen to each other and listen yourself.  We'd also say just get out there and do it. Stonehouse Jack started as two friends playing guitar for a couple of hours at the weekends. Pip and Si did the occasional open mic and now Stonehouse Jack is a full gigging band with two EPs and a music video out now. Be confident, persevere, do your research, appreciate the resources you have and get your music out there as best you can.

Be your own label. You can teach yourself almost anything online these days. It builds your understanding and without the backing of a label there’s no option but be your own web developer, marketing, band manager, logistician, production manager and more. The love of the music drives the motivation required. That's what we’ve been doing, and the range of skills you can learn taking this on is incredible. Also, it's all independent, so it comes with the benefits of freedom of expression, allowing you to refine your act freely. As soon as you start, you'll begin meeting people and with a positive attitude, you’ll find there's a huge amount of support in the arts scene. Our turning point was meeting George Shilling at a free Music producer's Guild event, giving us the first opportunity to really hear what we sound like properly produced.

Start with what you have and create for yourself, even in small steps. It's surprising how far you can go in a short amount of time. Be willing to go along with the ride. Be inspired by other's achievements and learn from them, and be grateful for any support you get along the way.

Any new gigs or albums?

Our Jinba Ittai EP is out now, available on You Tube, Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, iTunes, Deezer and others.

We've got a gig on Friday 28th September 2018 at the Flapper and Firkin in Birmingham (https://www.facebook.com/events/2051492751780639/).

We've also got a gig at The Unicorn in Camden on Saturday 24 November 2018 at Alternative Gathering supporting Duchess (https://www.facebook.com/events/1105224369617123/) .

Our social media and free streaming of our EP and music video can be found via www.stonehousejack.com. 

Hope that’s what you need. Please let us know if/when and where it’s published for us to share, and if you have any other questions.

I’ve attached a jpeg of our EP cover and next gig poster too, as we haven’t had time to do any band pics since Sandy joined.



Special thanks to them for this interview & I wish them luck on their success. Feel free to check out their new CD available here

https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/stonehousejack3

So until then Be righteous!