2019 in retrospect

Hello there everyone its your old friend DJ Dizzy here & I want to talk about the year 2019 & all of the stuff that happened in this past year.

This year has had its share of ups & downs but through it all there has been some good tines along with personal growth & lessons, 

There were some lives that were lost such as Luke Perry who died tragically out of the blue from a massive stroke at the tender age of 52. I'm still shocked about that myself & we lost a an actress who has been apart of our childhood for a good long while that or Russi Taylor at the age of 76.

She was a tremendous talent who really gave stunning performances using her voice & she was perhaps the voice of not just mine but everyone else's childhood at that. They'll shall be loved & missed. We also lost countless people like Rick Ocasack of rock group The Cars as  well as Eddie Money who were Rock n roll Hall of Famers at best.

It was also a big year for movies & some live action adaptions of Disney movies that in my opinion really should've been left alone but I will say Aladdin was perhaps well done but The Lion King my advice they shouldn't have thought about remaking a live action version of that film but that's just what I think though.

Speaking of live action adaptions we saw a live version of The Little Mermaid which in my opinon was well done considering how they showed the animated film & interwove the live performances

with it & added some of the songs that were featured in the Broadway play which I though was a really well though out & well done at that.

There was also the debut of a certain movie that of Detective Pikachu which had gotten some mixed reviews & when I see it for myself I'll give you my thoughts on things. Bohemian Rhapsody took home some wins as well as the remake of A Star Is Born. There were also movies like Yesterday & Rocket Man that left a lot of people talking & to add on to this fray Avengers Endgame 

We also saw our fair share of natural disasters such as the hurricane that did some serious damage to the Bahamas & also raged in some parts of Florida to which I was keeping track of when it was going on. I also extend my prayers to those effected by the tragedy & I send them the hope of starting over again.

We unfortunately had to say goodbye & part ways with the morning cartoon block Kids Click which is a real shame because I thought for sure that was really going to go far but the remains of it still live on in the shows that broadcast on other networks, case in point Pac Man & The Ghostly Adventures & Miraculous so maybe in the future it could come back & do better as both a morning & afternoon block.

It was also a year of  some decent TV & Netflix shows & I've been checking out one called Lost & Found Music Studios which can be found through Netflix & this is a show that I highly recommend because it has a lot to offer at that.

As for TV shows  we'll see a lot of things happening with Riverdale & its ever changing plot (I had to stop watching it mid season & because some characters left but I digress.) But overall there was a lot of character development with the Archie Gang but overall here's hoping that things go well for them in the end.

But aside from that on my part I got to do some pretty awesome things for myself such as travelling to different places & I also had my share of getting an original story published & displayed at the local library which is a real honor. I've also been getting a lot better at playing the piano since I started taking lessons again & practicing more at it. I'm also progressing in other projects as well so I have a lot going on at that.

As for music we had a lot of hits & misses but also we've had out share of decent tracks like the song Juice by singer Lizzo whose had a pretty decent year at that & had it had a lot of people dancing out of their seats & many school hallways at that & we also have some decent share of indie artists & bands who have a lot coming up in the next year.


So while we've had our shares of ups & downs in 2019 it's been a pretty decent year when it came to entertainment & a whole lot more but who knows what's to come in 2020? Well we can't really say for sure but the only thing we can do is sit back & relax & see what can come out of it & my main wish for the next year is that things turn out just as awesome as this year so we'll see how things turn out.

So here's to the new year & to you 2019 & here's hoping that things go well with things to come.

Happy New Year & stay awesome!

Quincy Jones featuring the All Star Chorus - Handel's Hallelujah! Chorus

Esera Tuaolo Sings - Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire Fox 29 (1994)

DJ Interviews: Residual Self

Hey there one & all its your old friend DJ Dizzy & I have an interview with a band who call themselves Residual Self as they spoke on their musical careers.

How'd you get started in music?

I got my start in music when I was about 14 and my father bought both a guitar and a bass for himself. I watched him play and started messing around with the instruments on my own. I had a few lessons in both guitar and bass, but found bass was more of my calling. At 17 I joined my first band as a bass player, and have been in and out of many since then going from punk to blues to jam bands, until in 2016 when I was 22 I decided to form my own studio project and bring the songs around at open mics. By 2017 I had formed a full band for “Residual Self” and we’re still going strong with the original line up.

Who are your inspirations or influences?

The type of music that caught my attention from a young age was the 90’s Grunge and Alternative scene. Bands like Alice In Chains, Smashing Pumpkins, and Soundgarden to name a few. On the other end of the spectrum, Goth Rock and Industrial Metal are just as much influences with bands such Type O Negative, White Zombie, Nine Inch Nails for example. My ideal sound is combining the two. Goth meets Grunge, or Grunge Noir as I refer to it as.

What advice would offer aspiring performers?

Always be yourself and go with what feels right to you. Don’t try to be a copy of anything else out there. Make sure you have passion for what you’re doing, take pride in what you craft, and above all, perseverance to keep pushing forward and make a name for yourself.

How do you set yourselves apart from other bands or singers?

On top of musical influences, I am heavily influenced by sounds and effects I hear in movies, television series, and video games. I am always finding new effects to vary my voice depending on the message I want to convey. My words are always what’s most important to me as a song writer. When you look at our music, we can have acoustic ballads, dark spacey jams, nothing is out of our realm of creativity. I find there’s no reason to restrict myself to be defined by one sound. I change, as well as my emotions, so should my music.

Any new gigs or albums in the future

Since our inception, we put out a batch of 3-5 songs at least once a year. So you should always expect new music annually from us. Right now we have another 3 songs ready to go for when we record. We’ve got our January booked for shows right now, and we’re working on our bookings for the rest of the first quarter as we speak. We’re always open to play more in The New England and Tri State Area, if anyone is scouting for some shows and a new band to connect with, we'd be more than willing to hop on!

Special thanks to them for doing this interview & I wish them luck in their musical career. So until then stay awesome Happy holidays to all & to all rock  n roll!

DJ Interviews: Hardware Speers

Hello everyone its DJ Dizzy here with another interview. This time I met up with a blues guitarist by the name of Neil Speers who had a lot to say regarding his music career 

How'd you get started in music?

In the first bands I played in back in high school we booked community centres and created our own gigs. We sold the tickets, brought in people for the door/security/selling refreshments, etc,  and postered the hell out of areas we played in. After graduating I played on the road in a cover band followed by different bands and solo shows. I started recording about 2008 and now have a full-length album (Breakfast at Epiphany’s) a couple of EP’s and quite a few singles out now.

Who are your inspirations or influences?

As a guitarist my biggest influences early on were David Gilmour, Jimi Hendrix, bands like Deep Purple, Alice Cooper, BB King, Black Sabbath - and lately been following some great new blues influenced performers like Gary Clark Jr., Matt Schofield, Harpoonist and the Axe Murderer, Jack Black, The Dead Weather, Alabama Shakes, artists like that. But I listen to a lot of different music all the time, from jazz to rock to ambient to whatever I find cool.

What advice would offer aspiring performers?

Practice the hell out of your instrument - whether it’s your voice, a suitcase with a kick pedal on it, guitar, whatever. 

After that rehearse a ‘show.’ If you’re going to perform for people remember that the music only makes a small part of the reason they come out to see you. The key word there is SEE you. Make it entertaining - from how you dress (which should be one or two levels above what the audience will wear) to making a connection with the audience. If you just stand on stage in your street clothing, looking at the other members of the band and never move - there’s no reason for an audience to attend your show. If it’s just 'about the music’ they may as well listen to you on Spotify or Apple Music. Except they won’t - because they won’t know who you are. Rehearse the hell out of your show, including how you talk between songs - even if it’s minimal talking make sure to practice it so you’re not all awkward on stage. Don’t you hate seeing a band that makes you nervous because they’re nervous? Don’t be that band.

Learn about the business, there’s a lot of negativity but there’s also a lot of people leading the way to create a new environment for music where we can actually make money and have a great time producing the music we want to hear - things have changed since I was younger, I’m not going to be stuck in the old ways of doing music.

Finally, meet the venues and performers in your area. Get out and see other shows, get to know the bookers and musicians - don’t be all about getting to play there, just let them know you’re enjoying the show. Many bands are getting bookings by being good hangs - they’ll get a call from some band they saw asking them to be the opener. It grows from there. Support the local music community and it will help support you.

How do you set yourselves apart from other bands or singers?

“If you want to be remarkable, give them something to remark about.” I dress the part and wear cool hats - which has gotten me jobs. Works for me as a blues player - but may not work for you in your music which is okay, find something that does which people will remember. I’m also going more towards having the textures of jazz in the rhythm section with blues guitar and vocals on top.

Any new gigs or albums in the future?

I’m preparing to record a new album - doing demos now and looking for a producer. And performing as often as I can.

I want to wish him luck & things & special thanks to him for this interview so until then

Stay awesome & Rock n roll!

Kids WB! Kooky Karolfest (Mostly) Complete Edition

KISS Day on Toronto Rocks with Paul Stanley & Eric Carr (March 15, 1984)

DJ Interviews: Dragon's Eye

Hey there its the DJ coming at you with an interview with a band called Dragon's Eye who had a lot to say regarding their music & success.

Here are our answers. Hope this is ok. 
Mark;Lead guitar,back up vocals -1st question. I had a friend who played and I became interested. 2nd- any rock guitarist from the 70s on. 3rd- develope your ear. Don't just rely on tablature. 4th- our band does a variety of music that sets us apart from other bands. 5th- hopefully an album down the road that's well thought out and rocks.::::: Robbie;Bass,back up vocals-1 ) started play bass in church at 11 yrs

2)Influences for me was gene simmons and Steve Harris iron maiden

3) play with your feelings 

4) by playing with feelings and attitude lol:   No answer for number five. Lolol. :::::::::Kris;Drums-1.i was born with an interest in beats and music..from pots and pans at 3 or 4 yrs old to my first drum-set at 11..i play guitar as well but only got into the harder stuff with it.lol every instrument gives diff vibes and feelings with there own creativity.2.i have toooo many influences but to name a few are danny carrey,neil peart,vinnie paul,and bran dailor of mastadon.

.3.anyone who wants to pursue any kind of music b it a band or whatever GO FOR IT!! u never know how much it could help u or someone else..and the cool thing is that even if u just look kool u rock whether u suck or not!!! Lolol jk but seriously music is an international language and is used in every emotion there is so why not give it a go...esp if u are into it.4.i think our band is very unique espesially for a cover band because we play ALOT of different styles from people whom we all looked up to\grew up to and every song we redo adds outlr own individual styles and feelings into it which makes for some legit badassery lol all musicians are apart from eachother.i mean u dont know the heart sweat and tears that goes into ANYONES jams unless its your own so tht alone sets us apart.5.there will b alot of shows booked in the future and as a matter of fact they havent stopped since we got together.thats part of bn a band is loving to play live esp ifpeople r diggin it and yess id love to cut an album if not for any other reason aside from the memories and or jams weve put together.and. to listen to down the road.lol but shows and studio time is inevitable when u love the misic u play.::;::::              Roger;Lead vocals-1.Ive always been interested in music since a young age.  Always singing but i can play a few instruments.sang alot in church and in the shower lolol. 2.Vince Neil, Layne Staley,Sully Earna Dio,and Jon Bon Jovi. Yes i said him because who doesn't love Wanted Dead or Alive. 3.Dont quit pursuing your dreams, give your best. 4.We have our own sound and twist on the tunes we cover. 5.Hopefully a cool album in the near future. 

Special thanks to them for doing this interview & lot of luck in their music. So with that said I'll catch you on the flipside. So until next time.....

Stay Awesome & rock n roll!

DJ's Spotlight: An Interview with The Sleeves.

Hi there everyone its DJ Dizzy coming at you with another interview this time its with a band based in Hong Kong whose called The Sleeves who had a lot to share about their start in music. So pull up a chair & enjoy!

How'd you get started in music?

We have all been dabbling in music for a long time in the UK and Hong Kong  with varying degrees of success until The Sleeves. The current line-up has been together for about 3 years. All of us were in Hong Kong and in other outfits before joining forces. Hong Kong is a small place and musicians tend to know each other. Poaching, jumping ship and musical moonlighting are all commonplace in bands here. 

Who are your inspirations or influences?

We don't have much common ground and each bring different tastes to the table. But from the 4 of us you will find mentioned The Sex Pistols, The Kinks, the Faces, Kasabian, Led Zeppelin Fela Kuti, New Order, Killing Joke and Harry Styles.

What advice would offer aspiring performers?

Just stop aspiring and start performing no matter your perceived ability. There is no substitute for getting on stage and living it. And watch as many live shows as possible in all genres,. There is something to be taken from all art forms which is the backbone of evolution in music

How do you set yourselves apart from other bands or singers?

Not really a conscious decision as it would be contrived to try. I don't think there has ever been a band discussion on image or style. Whatever differences we do have seem to disappear as a unit and the result is, hopefully, appreciated as unique

Any new gigs or albums in the future?

There are always gigs as we love to play live.. We will be on tour in Vietnam in January and will likely be heading to China and Japan later  2019. A trip to Europe may be on the cards too and just thrive on new doors opening to play to fresh ears. Album no. 3 is underway but too early to say when it will be out..

Deliverance (our sophomore release) was out in May 2018 and we are still promoting this as much as we can.

Special thanks to The Sleeves for this interview & I wish them luck in their careers. Well that's going to do it for me so until then...…...

Stay awesome & rock n roll!

Gone Trippin: Paisley Park Tour Review

Hey there everyone DJ Dizzy here & I had the pleasure of visiting a place in Chanssen MN that for the very first time that of the Paisley Park Museum. a.k.a. the house of Prince

This place was once the hone of legendary artist Prince as the tour guide tells of his musical origins & the many rooms inspired by his work & his music when I took the tour the guide showed us the many rooms that of the 'Dove room which was inspired by his hit song ' When Doves Cry." & there are also some exhibits that showcases his costumes, instruments, awards & many pics of him

But the biggest highlights for me when I took the tour was the NPG (New Power Generation) Room in which a live band was getting ready to perform (Its a shame that I couldn't see them play that was the downside.) There was also the sound stage in which many concerts & dance parties were held.

 

The place is over 60 thousand square feet & its a great experience if you're a fan of the late artist but the downside is they don't allow any cellphones or any recordings so you'll be asked to keep your phones in a lockable pouch until the end of the tour but overall its a great tour in fact not only do you learn so much about him but they also showcase some of his old performances & movies. 

So for those of you who happen to live in the chanhassen area or are visitors to Minnesota feel free to stop into Paisley Park & take the tour depending on if you have any time in a busy schedule its a real learning experience & you'll be in for a few surprises at that & of course follow the rules while there.

Stay Awesome!

Wake Theory - Take Me To The Edge [HD]

One Love -Austin Di Iulio

DJ Interviews: Jordan Spivack

Hello there everyone DJ Dizzy here, And I had the pleasure of interviewing a singer by the name of Jordan Spivack as he shared his humble beginnings.

How'd you get started in music?

    My Mom Sophie was a singer, and when I was very little she started teaching me many songs. By the time I was 3 years old I was singing for anyone who would listen – at family parties my parents would stand me up on a table, and I would sing my heart out. When I was 3 1/2, my parents bought me my own little record player. At age 5 my 2 sisters were both taking piano lessons, and I would crawl up on the bench and try out the keys, fascinated by the sound. One night my Mom called the family in to dinner, but I was playing the piano. My Dad asked my sisters which song of theirs I was playing, and they said it wasn’t one of theirs. That is when my parents discovered I was already writing my own little piano songs. This was followed by piano, singing and dancing lessons. I joined a children’s song and dance troupe, and every Sunday morning until I was 9 I was featured singing a solo song on the local radio station in Parkersburg, West Virginia as “Little Jordy”.

Who are your inspirations or influences?

    Of course my Mom was the first to magically touch my life with music. My Dad Gershon was a fine poet and playright, and I definitely got my gift of creativity through him.   

    In classical music: Aaron Copland, Leonard Bernstein, Sergei Prokofiev, Claude Debussy, Frederic Chopin. In jazz: Dave Brubeck, Herbie Hancock, Quincy Jones. In the pop field: Laura Nyro, James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, Burt Bacharach.

What advice would you offer aspiring performers?

    Learn and hone your craft. Practice, practice, practice. Be professional. Be kind. Use failure as fuel for your next opportunity. March to the beat of your own heart. Do what you love. Be prepared when the door opens. Find what is unique about yourself and your music. Learn music theory.

How do you set yourselves apart from other bands or singers?

    I compose in all different genres – both lyrics and music, and I am proficient at the piano and keyboard. I can sing, harmonize, arrange for all instruments. I have experience in the studio producing and performing. And most important of all, my music doesn’t sound like anyone else’s.

Any new gigs or albums in the future?

    By the end of 2019 I plan to release 2 new albums: one will be a collection of my original solo piano compositions, both classical and jazz, all live recordings; the second will be a new jazz album of original instrumental tracks, and including for the first time a few songs, including my current single “Lucky Day” featuring the outstanding vocals of wonderful singer Christine McHoes. I have also just released a single of my jazz instrumental “Free”. Currently I’m not playing any gigs, but I don’t rule out that possibility in the future.

Special thanks to him for this interview & I wish him nothing but luck in his music. So until then Stay Awesome & rock n roll!

A question for the masses Should weekday cartoon blocks comeback?

Hello one & all DJ Dizzy here  & I'm taking a break from the music scene to ask a vey important question so give a listen.  I'm taking a poll regarding weekday morning cartoon blocks since this is in regards to the recently now departed Kids Click block which was rather enjoyable.

Now to me this really felt good to see a something like this airing on the local CW affiliate where I'm at because it brought back a little bit of childhood nostalgia  & seeing cartoons in the morning was a real treat especially in the afternoons whenever you came home from school or from work.

We all may not be kids anymore but even if you're young at heart cartoons are still fun to watch even the classics that we grew up on. Nowadays & we need something to watch whenever we wake up & come home to after a hard day at work or school because we could all use a god laugh to get us through a tough time

Also something else to think about is that cartoon blocks got their start on local channels in the beginning so without them you wouldn't have the shows that have become a huge successes that we know them as now  even if they cancelled or air in syndication.

So my main point to this is that cartoon blocks should make a comeback for both young & old because you don't have to be a kid just to enjoy a great cartoon or have a laugh every now & then.

Stay awesome!