Quick Hit Band Interview: Desert of Talking Shadows

Desert of Talking Shadows at the Whisky a Go Go

Interview with the band. Enjoy:

What's the story behind how the band started? Mikey Qubti has been playing guitar locally around the scene for a good number of years now. After a while, Mikey had no projects going on and decided to try singing and being a frontman in a band because a lot of people had suggested it to him. So he tried that and decided he liked singing but wanted to play guitar at the same time since that is his first love. So he then got asked by a good friend of his, Jared James Nichols, to open up for him at an upcoming show at the Viper Room in April of 2018. At this time Mikey had no band, so he quickly assembled a new project for this one special show with Jared. He had been in various bands with a bassist named Jack Thomas for about 4 years so he was the first to join. Along the way they had met Kyle Vellanoweth at some jam sessions in Orange County (where the band originates from) and Mikey called Kyle up to play guitar with him to fill out the strings section and fullness of the band’s sound. And then finally they had then recruited another drummer but unfortunately he wasn’t able to commit to this new project so he recommended another drummer by the name of Detrick Forster. Mikey and Jack had met Detrick once at a recording session but never knew he played drums as well as he did. Mikey called Detrick to jam and they did 4 new songs within 2-3 hours and immediately was in. Once all 4 of them got in a room and rehearsed the sound and chemistry was there. Ever since then, they have been playing nonstop on the world famous Sunset Strip in LA and quickly becoming noticed in the City of Angels as one of the best new young rock bands out there.

What motivates you to write your music? What motivates us to write music is Life. Life and death and everything in between. We only write songs about truth, and true things that happen around us or to us directly. So when you hear a specific pissed off lyric or guitar solo it’s usually directed at a specific person or situation that we’ve gone through or are still going through.

Own Q&A: There’s lots of different questions we think would be funny to answer but keeping it music related I’ll just say some unique or interesting things about the band. Mikey and Detrick are both only 20 years old. Mikey didn’t start singing till March of this year. Jack and Mikey have been playing together for years before this band. Everyone in the band has similar taste such as how all 4 members enjoy Tool, Primus, Fleetwood Mac, and Led Zeppelin.

Quick Hit Band Interview: Teenage Ritual

Teenage Ritual at The Whisky A Go Go

Interview with the band. Enjoy:

What is currently influencing the band's music? Influenced heavily by Cyndi Lauper, L7, Danzig, and tons of 80's music.

What is your favorite Teenage Ritual lyric and what about it makes it so special? A line from "Born of A Demon"

"The Queen of my heart
Her eyes are glowing red
Never heard a word I said.
Now I'm hypnotized
Her lips starts to curl
For a terrified little girl"

It's important to me because it's about being honest with yourself about whatever is holding you back in life.

Final thoughts: While my band was first getting started in Montana, I was also a member of Jason Newsted's Chophouse jam sessions. I primarily write my music on the guitar-- but Jason is the reason why the bass turned into a thing for me!

Quick Hit Band Interview: The Bad Applez

The Bad Applez at the Whisky a Go Go

Interview with the band. Enjoy:

How would you describe your sound? It’s a raw, passionate and honest blend of rock/pop with catchy melodies. We can describe our music as friendly rock and roll.

Does the band have a favorite music-themed movie, tv show or book? And then of course, why the choice? We never thought about it, but Manuel (guitar player) always talks about a book that marked his life named The Knight In Rusty Armour.

Own Final Thoughts: The Bad Applez signature is the catchy and powerful bass lines and vocals harmonies that you will listen to in our upcoming EP.

Whisky a Go Go: Royal Distortion

I learned recently that Royal Distortion is breaking up. IQueen and Pyn Doll are heading back to Greece. To me, and maybe to others, Royal Distortions is a reinvention of Barb Wire Dolls. I first came across Barb Wire Dolls in 2011. Based on discussions with the band via Instagram, I learned that specific show was their second ever in America. I fell in love with that band and have followed them ever since. After other bands I followed broke up like The Mulhollands and The Shakers, the only reason I went to the Sunset Strip was because of Barb Wire Dolls/Royal Distortion.

Royal Distortion

With their announcement, Royal Distortion mentioned that they would be playing five final shows at the Whisky a Go Go. I knew I needed to go to one of those final shows. This particular night was my night to head over. IQueen just has so much charisma on stage. One is just drawn into their set. And with a go-go dancer, it gives their set that extra vibe. It was a moment of nostalgia for me. I hope them the best back in Greece.

Jackson Taylor and the Sinners

Opening the night was Jackson Taylor and the Sinners. They were actually on a separate bill. Seeing the Royal Distortions was free, but catching Jackson Taylor and the Sinners cost some money. The door guy was cool and let me inside to catch their country rock.

Desert of Talking Shadows

Opening specific for Royal Distortion was Desert of Talking Shadows and Registered Offender. Desert of Talking Shadows put on a rock show. Registered Offender went with the flamboyant rock sound. Gabe Maska (bassist for Royal Distortion) also played bass for Registered Offender.

Registered Offender

Quick Hit Band Interview: Barb Wire Dolls

Barb Wire Dolls at The Whisky a Go Go

Q&A time with the band. Hope you enjoy:

How would you describe your sound? Live and on record it's two different things. Live it's raw and the energy explodes throughout the set into a thousand rock and roll pieces...on record, it's what it is: music to inspire you to get to a show so YOU can be blown up in a thousand pieces!

I know Barb Wire Dolls has done a lot of touring. Are there certain spots (cafes, parks, museums, hotels, etc etc) around the globe that you just love and are there any specific reasons why?Airports are cool. Love the feeling of going into a plane and in a few hours exiting onto a totally different reality and culture. It keeps you running.

(Interview occurred in June 2016.)

Quick Hit Band Interview: Turbulent Hearts

Turbulent Hearts at The Whisky a Go Go

Q&A time with the band via Suzi. Hope you enjoy:

How would you describe your sound? I would describe our sound as Punk Rock & Roll! It's a mix between punk rock and rock n' roll. My two favorite things in life.

Would you rather be a 1 hit wonder known all around the world -OR- have a steady underground following? And then of course, why the choice? Well, one-hit wonders get the option of putting out a super hyped second hit, but they fail to be as good as the first one. But suppose a one-hit wonder made a nice career out of the quick success made off that number 1 song? Doesn't sound that bad to me. I would absolutely love to have a steady underground following, of course. People who know & love the band and grow with us. But really, I could be happy either way. It's all about what you make of your opportunities!

Own Q&A. What’s new with the band or what’s next? To which the answer would be . . . we have a new album out NOW on Headcheck Records in the UK! buy it at www.headcheckrecords.co.uk for ordering details and, uh, we are going to the UK for a tour in July/August. It’s the Road To Rebellion Tour, a short lil run with our pals The Last Gang from Orange County, CA. It's going to be a blast! Big things ahead!

Quick Hit Band Interview: Earthsleep

Earthsleep at The Whisky a Go Go

Q&A time with the band via girlwolf. Hope you enjoy:

How would you describe your sound? We have sporadic melodic and grungy riffs tied together with dynamic bridges and heavy sections all pieced together in a progressive and adventurous structure. The intent is the journey. The only rule we give ourselves is artistic integrity. We aren't attempting to make a copy of a copy. We know what we want to say. And how we want to say it. We are not open to suggestion. This music is heavily introspective.

Is there a story behind when you knew you wanted to become a musician/singer? I, girlwolf, have believed I was a singer since I can remember. I was a child rewinding the songs on Disney tapes, attempting to match pitch. I have been at it ever since. Although, Earthsleep is my first band. I had never met someone who could write the way I would want to write, until Jonathan Bouknight of course. His brain has gotta be part of mine or something.

Own Q&As. How did Jonathan and I meet? Craigslist. What is Jonathan's nickname for me? Tyler Durden because he thinks he might be imagining me. I think I'm real though.