Interview with vocalist & guitarist Marty McCoy of Bobaflex

As most of you know, the music industry is such an incredibly volatile place right now. With the ever increasing emergence of digital downloads, online radio, and other technologies constantly changing the landscape, it makes it even harder for bands to survive or make a decent living at their art. That’s why it’s so hard to meet bands that are truly good people and in it for the right reason; to make kick ass music that people genuinely relate to and enjoy. The epitome of this type of band has to be the good ‘ol boys from West Virginia, Bobaflex. Never have I come across a group of super-talented musicians who are humble and down to Earth. They’ve been through just about every bullshit situation a band could go through and survive yet Bobaflex has done much more than that. They’ve taken the situations they’ve had to deal with and let it make them even stronger. Vocalist and guitarist Marty McCoy talks with Hard Rock Reviews’ Aaron Manogue about the band’s new album “Hell in My Heart,” System of a Down, Simon & Garfunkel and 94.1 WJJO.

Aaron Manogue: Talk to me about playing WJJO’s Taste of Madison stage Labor Day weekend with that kickass backdrop and playing for JJO again. What’s it like?
Marty McCoy: Oh my gosh, man! It just feels like; I don’t even know what it feels like! When I was looking at that capital singing, I was just like, “Sing your lines and quit staring at the background.” JJO and Madison, Wisconsin is just one of those places that are blue-collar, hard fucking rock towns. That station is so cool, it does what it wants and you can actually call the program director (Randy Hawke) and he’s nice as hell, he takes chances and he listens. He reads all the numbers and stuff but he takes chances on bands that he thinks are cool. And that’s the way the town is, the way that station is; Madison just has that vibe that everything is cool man.

Interview with Volbeat Guitarist/Vocalist Michael Poulson

Michael Poulson
Photo Courtesy Nadia Guardado

Hard-Rock-Reviews.com Interview w/Michael Poulson, guitarist and vocalist from Volbeat.

He talks at great length about the music, life, nature, tattoos and the new Cold/Volbeat tour!

Who is Volbeat?
The first Volbeat song I ever heard was “Wild Rover from Hell.” It’s not often I’ve listened to a band or a song for the first time and found myself sitting there (afterwards) thinking “WHAT the hell was that?” So I did the most natural thing that we unapologetic music enthusiasts do. I started digging around on YouTube.com and found a few of their Vevo YouTube channel videos. I didn’t quite know what to make of this potluck of pop, fast-paces bluesy guitar mixed rock & oldies that had a sing-a-long tug on every chorus. Honestly, I had to Google the word “rock-a-billy.” Really? But I don’t LIKE rock-a-billy. I was baffled, to say the least, but in a positive way, by this band from Denmark.

WJJO Band Camp Artist Egypt Central Talks Outdoor Festivals & "White Rabbit"

This summer is filled with new music and great new sounds. One of the most evident marks on summer 2011 has been the release of Egypt Central’s sophomore album White Rabbit. The album hellishly paints a picture of a series of events and consequences that occur when one accepts or declines the heralded “White Rabbit.” The album is laced with hard riffs, catchy lyrics and more hooks than a fisherman’s tackle box.

The boys of Egypt Central are ready for their first Band Camp appearance this Saturday at Willow Island. Hard Rock Review's Aaron Manogue sat down with vocalist John Falls to discuss Summerfest, WJJO Band Camp and their latest album.

Aaron Manogue: What’s it like to play Summerfest and Band Camp and these huge shows alongside other great bands that are out there today?
John Falls: We’ve been fortunate to play Summerfest before and this will be our first Band Camp. We’ve played for JJO quite a few times so to finally get an invite to Band Camp is awesome. But it’s weird on the festival circuit you get to know everyone pretty quickly because usually it’s the same bands that are out at that time. That’s another cool aspect of it is that there’s ten to twenty bands that happen to be putting out records that year.

AM: What has WJJO done for you guys and how big of an honor is it to finally play Band Camp?
JF: Most definitely, it’s flattering to finally be playing. It’s definitely an honor. We’ve been told for years that we have to come to Band Camp! And not even playing it, you know? Just come and see it and see who is playing.

Win JJO Bandcamp Preshow band Divyded's Latest Singles

WJJO BandCamp 2011 is just over a week away and Hard-Rock-Reviews.com has a perfect way to get amped for the show of the summer. We've teamed up with JJO BandCamp Preshow band Divyded to offer you a chance to win their two latest releases to help you get to know them before they kick off BandCamp weekend with style. All you need to do is visit Hard-Rock-Reviews' and Divyded's Facebook pages, like/friend them, and then leave a comment at the bottom of this article with your email address. We'll chose one lucky person to get their latest songs "Tear It Up" and "Hell Within" free.

Hard-Rock-Reviews' Facebook
Divyded's Facebook

We spoke with drummer Jason Radosevich about Divyded, what it's like to play the JJO BandCamp Preshow, and what it's like to play with Kittie, Nonpoint, and other kickass bands!

Aaron Manogue: What's it like to have the honor of playing the JJO Bandcamp preshow?
Jason Radosevich: Its amazing. Madison has been our favorite place to play. The fans are crazy as HELL and we love it!

AM: Tell me about your new music and the singles that you've been releasing "Tear it Up" & "Hell Within".
JR: Our self titled EP came out late last year so we wanted to put out something new for the fans. It works out great because we are going to be really busy playing shows in august through the end of the year. The fans seem to really like "Tear it up" and "Hell within" so we can't wait to play them at these upcoming shows!

AM: Tell me about the Divyded writing process. You guys can seem to turn out high quality songs very quickly so what's the secret to your magic?
JR: We are always in the process of writing no matter where we are. It never stops. We really dont have a secret to it. Its just all about finding the right riff or the right beat and once we start establishing a base for the song we end up feeding off of what the other guy is doing and we basically go back and forth with ideas and do rough recordings of them till we find exactly what it is we are looking for. Then we demo it as a complete song and work on other aspects of production for it.

AM: Is this going to be part of another album or simply singles?
JR: Just Singles for now. More will come and eventually a full album. We wanted to give people some new music to Rock out to till then!

AM: Along with the JJO Bandcamp Preshow, you are also slated to be playing with some other large bands including Kittie, Dirge Within and Nonpoint I believe. What's it like to be such a young band and already getting the notoriety of opening for such established successful bands?
JR: Its Awesome! Cant even describe how much fun it is! These guys really bring it to the table and its an honor for us to be playing with them. We are hoping to destroy just as much as they do!



AM: What's next for Divyded? Can we expect new albums, touring, etc. anytime soon?
JR: Right now we are continuing to write, demo and produce more music for the fans. There will be more Hard Rock, and hopefully some Blood Shed, in the near future! We are continuing the process of booking shows as well. So keep updated with us on our website at www.divyded.com for updates on shows and We Will Tear It Up! through your city!

Interview with vocalist James Hart of Burn Halo

Perseverance seems to be a word that many of today’s bands have become quite familiar with over the years. This is no different for Burn Halo’s vocalist James Hart. After nearly a decade of touring and recording with his previous band 18 Visions, Hart has found himself a new home through another avenue or musicianship. Burn Halo has come onto the scene with a vengeance and has reached even greater heights then Hart’s previous work. They’ve recently been added to the lineup at the illustrious 2011 94.1 WJJO Band Camp and the honor has Hart excited and ready to prove to you all, that Burn Halo belongs on that stage. Maximum Ink’s Aaron Manogue talked with James Hart about what it’s going to be like playing Band Camp, outdoor music festivals and even why someone stole his bike when he was younger!

Aaron Manogue: Burn Halo is slated to play 94.1 WJJO Band Camp at the end of July. What’s it like to have the opportunity to play such a huge festival with so many other killer bands?
James Hart: These types of shows are always a great time. It really gives us a chance to showcase our music and talents as well as validate why JJO wanted to put us on the show. With so many great bands in one day, you really want to bring your “A game” and you want to be able to stand out. You want people walking away from the festival talking about your band with CD in hand.

AM: Band Camp is an outdoor event. What are some of your stories about events such as Band Camp that are outdoors, hot, and with thousands of drunk fans?
JH: Lots of topless people walking around and that’s not always a good thing. You always have the potential for rain too, and when stuff starts coming down it can get real crazy. The fact that the concert is outdoors instead of inside the venue gives people the chance to really let loose. There’s nothing around for them to break.

Interview with Anew Revolution Guitarist Jay Frederick

Anew Revolution guitarist Jay Frederick
photo credit Angela Villand

Who is Anew Revolution?

I remember the first question that came to mind when I saw them at a local JJO radio show somewhere here in our city of Madison, WI a few years ago: "Why is the name ANEW instead of A New Revolution? Are you sure it's all one word ANEW?" No one knew at that time, no one could really tell me.

We finally found out what it means! The band's bassist, Frankie Salvaggio says, "ANEW comes from starting anew from our previous bands." Makes perfect sense, with Frankie & drummer Rob Urbani having played with Slaves on Dope and ANR vocalist Joey Duenas coming from the band Unloco.

Why did they title their latest CD IMERICA? 
I like the name of their sophomore release and so does everyone else that has discussed this album with me! It has a nice "ring" to the title, I can't explain it any other way...and it just seems perfect. "Imerica is a reflection of what we've seen, heard and experienced along the way over the last few years," Frankie explains. "This country has seemingly turned into an " I " society instead of a 'We, The People.' Ipod, Ipad, Iphone; we are a narcissistic nation." Now it makes even MORE sense!

Make a CD, spend years Touring, Touring. Make another CD, more touring...
After an impressive and fair success with the release of RISE in 2008 and an unbelievable, almost relentless tour-after-tour era, they recorded IMERICA shortly before guitar player Shaun Stockton's departure.Through a friend (Wake the Light's Steve Augustyn) they found Jay Frederick, and they've been hitting clubs all over the nation in 2011, currently on tour with Saliva, Filter and Kyng. They are heading your way so check out the tour dates HERE. Madison's gonna get a face-full of Imerica when Anew Revolution hits the stage, for the 2nd consecutive year, at the annual JJO BandCamp on July 30, 2011.  This year, however, ANR is playing the MAIN STAGE!

Lineup Changes...
If, like me, you saw ANR before Jay joined the band (and Shaun was still aboard), you might also have been apprehensive about the "new lineup.". No one ever really can say what's going to happen when a new  member climbs aboard a band you already liked. For some bands, they are very fortunate and it clicks, leaving a good-sized consensus of approval and for others, it burns before it even crashes, failing miserably or dividing the fan-base in half. But I can tell you this;  all it took for me, (and everyone that I know here in WI that has seen ANR since Jay joined) was one LIVE show. We were SOLD. We knew instantly...Jay Frederick is a seamless fit to the foundation and atmosphere of this band and he eased into the music with that "familiarity" that my friends and I were astonished at, quite honestly. It was as if Jay has always been there and now that he is, it feels and looks like (when they're performing live) he belongs there for good!

Guitarist Jay Frederick...
We were very fortunate to spend some time going over some very interesting things with Anew Revolution's latest addition to their family, Guitarist Jay Frederick. From his humble beginnings with playing air guitar in his skivvies to touring the nation with a signed band in venues small and large, Jay shares stories about how he learned to play on his dad's classic guitar, balanced being a nerd in school with winning Wrestling matches, & even tells us a few humorous, intimate details little about his band mates.

Interview with Red Line Chemistry Bassist Thomas Brown

Photo credit Shawna McHenry

Madison Wisconsin's Band Camp 2011 is bringing us the "direct, no-fuss, straight forward rock n roll" group Red Line Chemistry. We chatted a bit with bassist, vocalist Thomas (Tom) Brown.

Angela:  What can you tell us about the origin and meaning behind the band’s name, Red Line Chemistry?

Thomas:  The name, Red Line Chemistry, comes from when we first got together as a group. We immediately had chemistry as musicians, but we continuously pushed each other to get better. We always want to push the group and the music to the limit.

Angela:  What can this year’s JJO Band Camp attendees expect from a live RLC performance, especially outdoors?
Thomas:  Festival style shows are always a blast! The crowds are always loud and flat out crazy. We feed off that, so expect a high octane performance!

Angela:  Whom are you most excited to see perform at Band Camp on the stages? Also, have you met or toured with any of the other bands playing that day?

www.RedLineChemistry.com
photo by Douglas Sonders

Thomas:  I've heard nothing but good things about 5FDP, and we've all been listening to Clutch for years. Personally I think I'm most excited to see Volbeat; I love their style! We just finished a nation wide tour with Saving Abel, and we’ve played with All That Remains and Pop Evil several times. We are actually getting ready to begin a tour with Burn Halo and Egypt Central.

Angela:  What has been the craziest experience you guys have had at an outdoor show in your career?

Thomas:  Outdoor shows are just crazy in general! They seem to be the most opportune time for "technical difficulties.” The craziest thing I've seen would have to be Rockfest 2010 in KC. That festival is held in a park, and it had been raining for 3 days. Sixty thousand “mud people” took over for the day, throwing mud and sliding down hills. It was one hell of a day, but it showed how “die-hard” rock n roll fans can be!

photo credit- Douglas Sonders

Angela:  You come from a tough background of shaggin wagons and green lanterns as your transport on a tour and now things are less difficult and improving for the band; any words of advice for young musicians?

Thomas:  Do what you have to do!  If we gave up because the rides were uncomfortable, we'd never have made it out of the garage!

Angela:  Are any of you endorsed and by whom?
Thomas:  Mike, our drummer, is endorsed by Mienl cymbals.  Other than that, we're working on a Jack Daniels endorsement.

Angela:  Last words....are there any unsigned bands out there you wish to give a plug for here? Go ahead and shamelessly promote them!

Thomas:  A band from Kansas City that has caught our attention lately is The Beautiful Bodies. They're a unique bunch that I don't expect to be unsigned for long. Another band that isn't unsigned, but isn’t really well-known is the band, Karnivool. Amazing talent.

FOR UP TO DATE INFO ON ALL THINGS BANDCAMP GO TO
www.jjobandcamp.com !  
July 30, Madison WI on Willow Island!

Dying For A Living
Avail on Itunes, Amazon
& www.redlinechemistry.com

Connect with Red Line Chemistry!

Official RLC website

RLC on Myspace

Follow RLC on Facebook

The RLC youtube Channel

Red Line Chemistry VIDEOS:

• "You Don't Get It" video
• BEHIND THE MUSIC VIDEO “DUMB LUCK"
• Dumb Luck- video - from the album, Dying For A Living.
• "The One Thing"  

Written by Angela Villand

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Interview with Ethan Isaac of Edisun

Everyone loves a hometown hero and Ethan Isaac is bringing Edisun back home for one of the summer's largest shows, 94.1 WJJO Band Camp. The son of a NYC playwright, Ethan knows a thing or two about putting on a good show and he says that is what Edisun has built their reputation on. Hard Rock Review's Aaron Manogue talked with Ethan about their full-length debut album, playing Band Camp and their previous experience with WJJO.

Aaron Manogue: You guys are on the lineup for this year's 94.1 WJJO Band Camp. What is it like to have the honor of playing such a big event with so many other great bands?

Ethan Isaac: I grew up in Madison so it's amazing to be be working with wjjo and be on the bill with so many great bands like clutch and five finger death punch.

AM: Is there a band on the lineup that you are really excited about playing with? (Here's the lineup so far )
EI: Clutch has got to be one of the most original hard rock bands alive! So yes Clutch is the shit!