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.

Interview with Emma Anzai of Sick Puppies

Emma Anzai and the Sick Puppies

Perhaps the biggest compliment that you can pay to a festival such as Summerfest isn't mentioning that it's the largest music festival in the entire world. Yes, this is a huge feat considering the size of the festivals in Europe, but it’s still not the biggest compliment. The biggest compliment must be that every musician we seem to talk to views playing Summerfest as one of the highest honors that a band can receive.

This idea is no different for the talented Emma Anzai, bassist of Sick Puppies. Aaron Manogue spoke with Emma about what an honor it is to play Summerfest, her past experiences there, and what's next for the Australian rock ‘n’ rollers.

Aaron Manogue: You guys are slated to play Summerfest on July 6. What's it like to be able to play the at world's largest music festival and play on the same stage as some of music's most talented musicians?
Emma Anzai: It’s pretty surreal and I don’t think it’ll ever stop being that way for us. We can’t wait to check out the artists on this year’s lineup.

AM: This won't be your first time at Summerfest. Are there any cool stories or things you remember about it that you can share?
EA: I remember seeing Paramore a couple years ago, and the crowd was huge.  We stood up on the tables and chairs that were there to catch a view, and we hoped one day that would be us up there.

Interview with Nick Hexum of 311

"Stay positive and love your life." 

These words, which are spoken at the end of each 311 concert by lead singer/guitarist Nick Hexum, exemplify what the band is all about.  For the past 21 years, their music hasn't belonged to any genre or type, it's merely been what it was always intended to be, 311 music. 8.5 million units sold in the U.S., six albums reaching the Top 10 on Billboard's Top 200 Sales Chart and 8 singles reaching the Top 10 on Billboard's U.S. Alternative Chart, it seems fans have gotten their message loud and clear. Hard Rock Review's Aaron Manogue sat down with lead singer/guitarist Nick Hexum to talk about their upcoming Summerfest appearance, what Summerfest has been like for them over the years, and the upcoming 12th studio album "Universal Pulse."

Manogue: 311 has been touring for the better part of 20 years now and been around the world. What is it that makes Summerfest such a great place to perform?
Nick Hexum: There is a special vibe at Summerfest. I like the way it caters to all kinds of different tastes in music and culture. There is such a wide mix of ages and types of people partying together. It's a pretty unique happening.