Tagged: Hard Rock
Random Q&A’s With FLAW Guitarist Jay Daunt
By: Donnie Hardin
I caught with my homie, Flaw guitarist Jay Daunt, and asked him some laid back kind of questions. So… what does Jay say?
Jay (w/ pager) and his Flaw band mates in the late 90’s. (Because Pager)
Donnie Hardin (DH): I know you are a big fan of mixed martial arts. Who are some of your favorite fighters to watch?
Jay Daunt (JD): I am a huge MMA fan more in person than televised but t.v. is cool. I have preferred weight classes more than fighters. I like middleweight and up as I prefer more damage and slower pace to the fast lightweight fighters that provide few violent finishes. We have a song on the UFC game but would love to get music on more fighting items.
DH: Do you have any favorite t.v. shows you like to watch and / or recent movies you would suggest? Favorite actors?
JD: I watch little tv, more of a gamer. I do watch ancient aliens and sleep to discovery or science channel. For genres I am a horror guy. For gaming I prefer character development role playing games. I am playing Dragon Age and Elder Scrolls Online on the ps4 currently.
DH: Since you passed the bar exam and are a lawyer, I assume that you have had to read a great deal. Do you like to read? Do you have a favorite writer? Favorite books?
JD: In general I don’t enjoy curling up with a book. I much prefer to play an instrument or work on my love for studio engineering/mixing. Oddly enough I love to read instruction manuals and such. I will download manuals for studio gear and software even when I don’t own the particular thing. Feel I learn and works well with my extreme adhd.
DH: When preparing to hit the road for a long stretch, what are your essential needs?
JD: Time with family as will be Factime only for awhile. Pack my portable pro tools studio setup. Get a new game or 2. Prepare our live show and set so we kill each night and give fans what they pay for and deserve.
DH: Other than Flaw, what is the last thing you listened to?
JD: Asking Alexandria……fucking love ’em! Also some Suicide Silence and the new Breaking Benjamin.
DH: I’ve recently become a fan of the low “F” tuning that Meshuggah and Stef Carpenter from Deftones are using now. Have you considered buying an 8-string? (If you have not already) Or discuss any other new toys or gadgets you’ve recently purchased.
JD: I have been using 8 strings for some time but I tune to a low E. Fucking love the tuning and I still am able to do all our prior material. I will be using pretty much only 8s on the upcoming tour.
DH: The band has been touring a lot and about to hit the road again, what can you tell us about recording / new album / or releases? (Hey, I had to ask)
JD: Coming asap. Album is more than written just getting label backing in place. Believe me we are as anxious as fans.
DH: Did you ever go skydiving with Volz (Flaw singer)? If so.. what was that like? What do you like to do for thrills? (other than music)
JD: We have been delayed but will get it on soon. I like anything that pushes adrenaline. Bring that shit on…..
DH: I am wanting to start recording at home, what recording program(s) do you recommend? Drum program? (i.e. Fruity Loops) Sell me a guitar, the most beat down, Jay Daunt special you have.
JD: Pro Tools is the best bet as you will end up there eventually. Mac or PC, your call but I have gone mac. I started with pc due to costs but once you go Mac you won’t go back……..sounds oddly familiar :-)
I use addictive drums to program and trigger 2 for any drum blending or replacement. I never sell my gear……but for you who knows. …
DH: Favorite word?
JD: Fuck…….most of the 4 letter love bombs!
DH: Least favorite word?
JD: Sleep
PRIMER 55’s Bobby Burns Inducted Into ‘Louisville Rock & Metal Hall of Fame’; Band Could Play Last Gig Sept. 19th
It is with honor that we at the Daily Rock Report Louisville Rock & Metal Hall of Fame announce our very first inductee, Bobby Burns, the driven, and musically clever mastermind, visionary and founder of PRIMER 55.
‘Introduction To Mayhem’ (Island Records, 2000)
Released January 25, 2000 by Island Records, Primer 55’s debut, ‘Introduction To Mayhem’ has proven to leave an eternal stamp in modern music history, maintaining staying power among fans with songs such as ‘Loose’, ‘ Freak Love’, ‘Dose’, ‘Set It Off’, ‘The Big F**k You’, and other groove metal hybrid based cutting edge tunes carefully and uniquely arranged by Burns.
The album is permanently embedded into hard rock and metal history having been sort of an “Introduction” to the 2000’s portion of the then rising alternative metal / Nu-Metal revolution.
Led by Bobby, with the swagger of some sort of musical modern alter-ego of General George S. Patton, the music of Primer 55 provided a flare to the industry. His vision of ideas melted and stirred into a soulful mixing pot of punk, metal, hip-hop with a powerful element of body twitching groove that listeners of the genre simply could not deny.
Not just some dime-a-dozen guitar player, Burns knows his way around the mixing knobs, wrinkles and pockets of the recording studio due to the fact that he has a superior ear packaged with a strong vision.
Primer 55’s sophomore effort, (The) New Release, dropped on August 14, 2001, peaking at #1 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart, and #102 on the Billboard 200. The single ‘This Life’, peaked at #37 on Mainstream Rock Tracks.
In 2003 Bobby would join forces with metal heavyweights SOULFLY, accepting an offer to fill the role of bassist, a gig that many well-known metal bass players would have begged, clawed and killed for just for a secure shot to play with one of the most relevant metal musicians of all time, Max Cavalera.
Soulfly released four studio albums with Burns over the course of seven years. An admirable feat of mental and physical endurance for anyone working with Max Cavalera, and his managing wife Gloria. The couple has developed a sort of reputation among industry insiders as being difficult to deal with. Just ask Max’s former Brazilian band mates SEPULTURA. When Max and Gloria left them behind after feuding over power struggles, Max even left his brother, Igor Cavalera behind. A bit ironic for a guy being all about “family”. 
So where does Bobby Burns get his unstoppable determination to keep pushing forward with all he has? There is this little theory I have, called the Muhammad Ali Effect.
The story goes, and in my opinion, is one of truth, that after the Cassius Clay (who would later change his name to Muhammad Ali), returned to the city of Louisville after winning the World Olympic Gold Metal for Heavyweights, representing our country and planting the seed for what would grow into something much larger than just simply being a boy from Louisville.
Ali, after giving the USA a reason to swagger, especially his hometown, walked into a local eatery in the downtown Louisville area, Gold Medal around his neck, and was told that “Colored’s were not allowed, despite being a National Sports Hero. He probably did not even consider the thought of being barred, Louisville was already a much more evolved melting pot and known for its racial relations, which became a model for many cities, and every south of the Ohio.
Ali was furious, the Gold Medal, in his mind had been reduced to nothing more than a chunk of worthless scrap metal. He walked onto the Second Street bridge, feeling defeated as he walked along the walkway, and angrily feeling defeated, tossed the Gold Medal into the Ohio River.
He would go on to never give up ever again. To give all he had for what he believed. In a bout with millions of Americans calling him a traitor, facing prison, he pressed on. He would not bow down, he told the world, someone would have to kill him. They didn’t. Ali, now a long time sufferer of Parkinson’s disease, has not let that deter him still to this very day. In recent years, I personally have seen him in attendance at several University of Louisville sporting events, representing his city. He never gave up on Louisville or himself.
Horns Up Against Cancer Line-up (9/19/15 Louisville, KY)
Somewhere lodged deeply in the sediment of the Ohio River is something nearly as symbolic, which transcends any one life and is responsible for being the source of unlimited hope and determination. The Holy Grail of the Ohio River. Those living in the city drink the tapped water and live off of it. Call me crazy, call me what you will, THE GREATNESS is within an incredible number of local natives and citizens. Many who are iconic and world-famous. I personally cite the great Gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson, my literary hero, as a prime example.
Those living in the Louisville, Kentucky area will have a chance to see PRIMER 55 on September 19, 2015 at a cancer research funding event called ‘HORNS UP AGAINST CANCER’. with all proceeds funding the well-established ‘F**K CANCER FOUNDATION’. It just may be the bands final show ever, “or at least, the last Primer 55 show for a very long time” Burns said recently stating that new vision, with a new direction have emerged from the mind of the musical genius.
Bobby Burns talks about playing what could be last Primer 55 show in Louisville…
</div>It’s Time For Fun In The Sun With Great Friends & Cold Beverages, What’s On YOUR playlist?
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STONE SOUR Makes ‘Meanwhile In Burbank…’ EP Available For Streaming, COREY TAYLOR Says Two More Cover EP’s To Be Released
STONE SOUR has made the five song “Meanwhile In Burbank…” EP featuring covers from Alice In Chains, Judas Priest, KISS, Black Sabbath, and Metallica available for streaming here. The EP was recorded live at Room 237 in Burbank, California, and was originally released April 18 only on vinyl at select record stores.
“Meanwhile In Burbank…“ track listing:
1. We Die Young (ALICE IN CHAINS cover)
2. Heading Out To The Highway (JUDAS PRIEST cover)
3. Love Gun (KISS cover)
4. Creeping Death (METALLICA cover)
5. Children Of The Grave (BLACK SABBATH cover)
The band will release two more EP’s of cover songs titled “Straight Out Of Burbank” and “No Sleep ‘Till Burbank” according to vocalist Corey Taylor. Each will include five tracks including covers of Rage Against The Machine, Motley Crue, Bad Brains, and Violent Femmes songs.
FAITH NO MORE: Hard Rock Heavyweights Very Sensible Option For ‘LOUDER THAN LIFE’ Music Festival
By: Donnie Hardin
I had just posted a piece about my feelings for the band’s Deftones and Flaw to be looked at as possibilities to participate by organizers for this years Louder Than Life music festival,when an old, knowledgeable, musical enthusiast friend of mine, Christopher Mudd, chimed in with this bombshell of a suggestion, “Hey Donnie, while you’re at it, why not try to lure Faith No More to Louder Than Life?” I quietly thought to myself, “Yeah right! Who the hell am I anyway? Why me?” and within seconds of refusing to be beaten down by my own self doubt, I thought to myself, “Well, why the hell not try to lure Faith No More to this great event? I am the Louder Than Life audience, that’s who f**k I am!” As I am not one to shyly disappear when some outrageous challenge is tossed my way (for better or worse, usually worse), here I am, pleading with organizers and rock stars to give us (the city of Louisville, Kentucky) a chance to, once again…succeed.
Faith No More appeals to a vast array of rock and metal fans, and are undoubtedly considered heavy metal legends. But would their schedule permit such a possibility? Well… it just so happens they wrap up a tour on September 25th In Rio, in support of their upcoming release ‘Sol Invictus‘, which drops May 18th, making them a band promoters of this great music fest should, indeed, look into in a very serious way, assuming that this years Louder Than Life takes place on the first weekend (or later) of October.
Sol Invictus, the highly anticipated new release from Faith No More hits shelves May 18th
Faith No More is more than capable of headlining a big music festival, just as the they did at the enormous Soundwave, which is a huge festival in Australia that took place earlier this year though-out February and March.
The timing is right, the targeted audience most definitely falls in with the massive following of Faith No More, and the festival, now in its second year will more than likely increase in ticket sales and attendance, making it desirable to the band itself. A total ‘win, win’, if you will. But what the hell do I know? I am just a fan, and a friend of other fans. But I can assure you that, if you bring them, the fans will come. All that we ask, is that the powers that be over at Danny Wimmer Presents, give this idea a thorough looking into, as they may very well have done without my silly ramblings, but you know, it never hurts to stand up and say “Hey! We want Faith No More on the f***king bill!” So there it is. I know not what I am doing, but perhaps I have planted some bastard seed into the minds of the almighty.
Donnie Hardin – Daily Rock Report
The band released the single ‘Superhero‘ on March 1, 2015, which can be found here…
‘Louder Than Life’ Organizers: Seek Bands Such As DEFTONES, FLAW For This Years ‘LOUDER THAN LIFE’ Music Festival In Louisville, Kentucky
By: Donnie Hardin
To: Danny Wimmer Presents, (promoters of festivals such as Rock On The Range, Louder Than Life)
I have been a Deftones fan ever since I saw the Southern California band open for KISS all the way back in 1996. The concert was at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky, a noisy, cracker box-shaped basketball arena built for the college basketball dominant Kentucky Wildcats, which was opened in 1976. It is a dreadful venue to see any kind of concert. It was built so that its basketball crowds were especially loud. Therefore, has terrible acoustics for loud music. Anyway, that did not matter when the energetic, fresh groundbreaking act known as ‘Deftones’ took the stage amongst a sold-out crowd. As a musician and fan, that day kinda of changed my life.
Deftones have not let up and have built a stellar career as hard rock / metal icons. So now… it is 2015, and if you have not noticed, there has been a most definite resurgence of alternative metal bands, from a genre that dominated from 1997-2003, and which many people refer to as the ‘nu-metal era‘. It was 2014’s Korn that really sparked things, having co-headlined with metal hot-shots, Avenged Sevenfold on the Rockstar Energy Mayhem Festival. Members of Avenged Sevenfold were the first to admit that following Korn was a “tough act” after the performances they belted out on that tour. Korn went on to play at 2014’s ‘Louder Than Life‘, as they were the band a good majority of attendees came to see. A major success. So keep it going. 
Deftones are the same kind of band people want to see play a big festival. Their innovative sound, style, and years of hard work have constantly, and steadily, built one of the strongest fan bases in North America.
I am not alone in my feelings about the Deftones. Especially here in Louisville, where the band has played several times and has built a strong following.
Deftones are currently adding the finishing touches to a new album, which they expect to release sometime this fall. Through May and November they are slated to tour and play various summer / fall festivals internationally. They are the perfect festival headliner, and after hearing many fans suggest this very idea, I have taken it upon myself to write this little op-ed piece or whatever you want to call it.
For a brand new festival such as Louisville’s Louder Than Life, where in its first year, last year, brought such bands as Korn. Judas Priest, Hell Yeah, Mastodon, and Flaw to name a few, it is so very important that organizers keep the momentum going with appealing to the hard rock and alternative metal crowds.
Flaw performing at Louder Than Life (2014)
Deftones are exactly the kind of band that the young festival needs which appeals to the modern rock crowd, as is the band Flaw, which just happens to be based out of Louisville and has resurfaced, and is preparing to take the nation by storm. Flaw, the former Universal Recording artists who released their 2001 debut album ‘Through The Eyes‘ and then their sophomore follow-up, ‘Endangered Species (2004), will be headlining the Reawakening Tour (May-June) and has released a brand-new upbeat, energetic track titled ‘Bleed Red‘ exclusively on Sirius satellite channel Octane.
Of course, at the time of writing this article, I have no idea what plans management for these fine acts have in mind at the time Louder Than Life 2015 will occur, in fact, I don’t even know what the dates are for this upcoming years event. I am just pleading with organizers to look into these two bands. If they have an opening in their schedule which makes them a possibility, go after them with all you have!
Maybe this gets read by organizers, and is considered and looked into, maybe it is not. As a fan of Deftones and Flaw, I have at least gave it a whirl. you never know right?
Donnie Hardin,
Exclusive Interview: A.D.D. Discusses New Album ‘CORE’, Individual Influences & Recipe For The Prefect Heavy/Melodic Original Blend
By: Donnie Hardin
The Chicago-based band A.D.D. (which stands for Analog Digital Disorder) is a much needed breath of fresh air for the serious, mature and sometimes bored hard rock / metal enthusiast, such as myself. Having just recently released their second album, ‘CORE’ via Pavement Entertainment, A.D.D. is well on their way to making 2015 something very special not only for themselves but for their listeners.
The amazing and unique vocals of lead vocalist Matilda Moon, combined with very crafty, heavy, melodic, and emotional riffs are quite refreshingly organized and brilliantly arranged to compliment each other. The result: Musical brilliance. One listen to the song ‘I Regret’ and the listener knows. A.D.D. is serious about their music and every fiber of the bands collective being is as real as it gets. No gimmicks. Real talent. Real words. Real music. Real meaning.
It is an honor for me as the band took some time out of their super busy 2015 groundbreaking sophomore campaign to answer some questions of mine, an excited new fan of theirs. When I discovered it was very difficult to try and compare them to any other musical act it hit me, “Wow… something different!” I thought to myself. Not much of that going around these days. If you are unfamiliar with A.D.D. I have some wise advice for you.. listen now! (You gon’ learn today) It is more than worth your time.
I will stop rambling like fan-boy for now so that you can read the interview, and if the reader has any musical common sense, buy their new album, check tour dates, make meaningful plans to catch them in the act, live, somewhere in a city near you. Ladies and gents, I present to you, A.D.D.
Q) I would like to start off by asking each of you, individually, what bands, (or artists), really planted the creative seed and has influenced you the most as you grew as a human being and aspiring musician, and eventually inspired you to join a band?
Matlida Moon (Vocals) – Artists that planted the seed were Ann Wilson, Skunk Anansie, Queensryche, Judas Priest, and Guano Apes to name a few. I joined a band with some friends, kind of a dual vocals type thing. I was pretty much backing vocals, which just didn’t do it for me after I started getting my feet wet.
Matilda Moon – Vocals
Dave Adams (Guitar) – KISS was the driving force behind me wanting to play in a band. I played guitar and sang lead vocals early on. Singing vastly improved my overall songwriting, since I was able to see it from the vocalist’s perspective as opposed to the guitarist’s perspective.
Jason Delismon (Drums) – My stepfather inspired me to play watching him play along to Journey, Chicago and Van Halen. I have always been a Fan of Alice in Chains, Silverchair, Metallica, Pantera, Anthrax and Led Zeppelin.
Jeremy Sparta (Guitar/Vocals) – That’s easy…..KISS!!!
Q) How did A.D.D. come to fruition? Sort of describe the evolution of the unique flavor of well thought out, desirable, solid hard rock that the band has to offer the listener. What is A.D.D. all about lyrically and musically?
Dave – Matilda Moon & I originally formed the band around 2003. We are the only remaining members from the original lineup. Jeremy Sparta has been with the band since 2004, and Jason Delismon since 2009. A.D.D. is about heavy, melodic, bluesy, rock, metal, anger, vengeance, and emotion. I have always strived to mix heavy and clean guitars with powerful hooks. Lyrically speaking, a lot of the songs are predicated on dark, angry, personal subjects. We’re not always the happiest bunch. (laughs).
Q) The band has just released its second full-length album, titled ‘CORE‘ via Pavement Entertainment. I personally found the production very solid with amazing metal guitar tones, a thick, tastefully heavy sound along with the extraordinary powerful, emotionally-driven vocals. The songs on ‘CORE‘ come across as a very mature, up to date approach to the perfect balance between melodic hard rock and metal. It seems that the material on this album was written very carefully, patiently, and meticulously. Would you say that Chris Wisco (producer) really got the absolute best out of the band, or was it more of a free-flowing smooth, easy sailing job for him given the outstanding talent in the band? Explain, in so many words, the writing and arranging of the material.
Dave – We have been doing this for a while now, so the main song ideas were already there. Chris has always been more like another member of the band, except he’s neutral (laughs). He is good about tweaking the ideas a certain direction to make them the best possible. I brought in a good part of the music for 6 of the songs, while Jeremy brought in music and lyrics for two songs, “Was My Life” & “So Much”. Our drummer, Jason Delismon, also brought in the music for “Not My Way”. Matilda writes most of the lyrics, and Jeremy contributes too. All the songs usually start from a guitar riff or progression.
Q) What kind of plans, if set-in-stone, does the band have touring wise this summer? With such a solid album having just been released, how excited are you to get out there, play some energetic shows and make a statement to the world that A.D.D. is, without a doubt, most definitely relevant in the major hard rock scene in the United States?
New A.D.D. Album ‘CORE’ Now Available
Dave – We have some one-off shows this summer with Black Stone Cherry and Y&T, and Rock Fest in Cadott, Wisconsin with Nickelback, Bush, Jackyl, & Starset. We will also be doing some dates with BONZ from Stuck Mojo, so we are very excited to get out and meet everybody!
Q) When dissecting the phenomenal lyrical content of ‘CORE’, sort of explain what the message, or messages are on this album toward the listener. When it comes to relating to the audience, what is the general sentiment? Would you strongly suggest that the overall message is one of positivity, perseverance, and encouragement?
Dave – I would say most of our lyrics come from personal experiences and sometimes they are about anger and struggle, ultimately they are written to help the listener overcome these obstacles in life.
Q) With a fantastic sophomore effort completed and released to the masses, when does the band start writing material for the next album? Do you ride the creative wave of momentum and start coming up with ideas right away, or take a break from writing and focus purely on supporting and pushing ‘CORE‘?
Dave – We are always toying with ideas constantly. It is such a long process, that I like to start working on basic ideas as they come. I don’t want to wait another four or five years to put another record out! (laughs).
Q) This question is probably different on each individual basis, so to each member of the band… what would be your dream tour? What bands, as individuals, are you each really into at the moment?
Dave – Dream Tour… KISS. Bands I’m into at the moment…Nothing More, Sevendust, 3 Years Hollow, Seasons After, and Fozzy.
Jeremy – KISS.
Matilda – My dream tour… Maybe with Sevendust, and perhaps Nothing More.. really into them these days. If Skunk Anansie ever gets back here, it would be awesome to tour with them.
Jason – Sevendust or Metallica.
Jeremy – Dream tour or gig would be with KISS. The bad part of that would be that Dave and I have agreed that if that ever happened we would promptly retire as soon as we stepped off the stage because that would be the apex of our career. Of course we’re just kidding about that….I think. As far as bands that I’m really into at the moment…Nothing More, RED, Gemini Syndrome, and of course.. Sevendust.
Q) Going back to the early days when A.D.D. was established, what are some of the most memorable, or even, surreal moments each of you has experienced while being part of the band?
Dave – Opening for and meeting so many great bands over the years, Alterbridge, Tremonti, Hinder, Sevendust, Halestorm, In This Moment, All That Remains, KORN, Chevelle, Candlebox, Buckcherry, DORO, and Dope are the ones that come to mind! Also, Charlie Benante of Anthrax helping and digging the band behind the scenes.
Click here to visit the official A.D.D. website for more information about the band.
Follow A.D.D. on Facebook by clicking here.
Check out the video below for the song ‘I Regret’ from the album ‘Core’, which can be purchased by clicking here.
Exclusive Interview: SATURATE Guitarist MIKE MEXAS Discusses The Writing Process, Touring & The Hard Work Involved
By: Brooke Edgewater
Soul Element was released in December of 2006, then re-released in 2008 through a distribution contract that put the album on shelves at Best Buy, Hot topic and other franchises. Their second album, in 2010, ‘The Point of No Return’ was released independently that summer. The first single off the sophomore album, Keep Digging, is provides a more upbeat groove with a driving hook.” The bands third album, Damage The Memory, would once again mesmerize their fan base and more with the heavy, harmoniously haunting melodies that has become their trademark. Jimmy Miller (Vocals), Mike Mexas (Guitar), Hector Porras (Bass) and Fernando Cruz (Drums) have been described as a “Houston based four-piece rock quartet” ever since.
Daily Rock Report 