Two Music Documentaries ya gotta see!

When People are Strange - Directed by Tom Dicillo

Winner of various festivals, and amazing footage of the long time personal favorite The Doors!
They have Johnny Depp narrating and old footage of The Doors, alongside clips of Jimmy Morrison's own film. If you wish to see how the band truly felt about Jim in general, clips and information never released nor given a chance nows the time to really see the band for what it was. From the actual songwriting/recording track creations and songwriting, to the behavior changes of Jim and his drinking, to the actual arrest & trial of his "display" of public indecency. Also Jim's attitude of his poetry and the responses to his life-long partner Pam. I really loved this life, because it took the stereotype vibe of Jim in general of being this pathetic,perverted,rock star/asshole and really showed that this man was struggling with fame, serious emotional damage, addiction problems, and at the same time being very intellectual and not taken seriously by anyway except those closest around him. No one was really capable of helping him, until his own utter collapse.

It Might Get Loud - Directed by David Guggenheim

This film really shows you three men that influenced rock in general but also their signature,guitars, and technique live on screen! It was amazing to see how Led Zeppelin came to be and how the very tracks that sparked you and filled you up with energy was recorded! To the technique and physics behind Edge's sound during live concert and the actual person who is responsible for all label/volume/mastery to display his sound on stage month to month basis. Furthermore, the maturity of Jack White, and how he resorted from blues/south folk writing, to harnessing it by providing a "Careless" approach to amps/guitars/ and other effects/instruments. If you play guitar, or have a passion for it - Please see this film! It is great, it will make you go and play, research your guitar and amp, it will make you have another respect to sound in general. Enjoy!

* Upcoming*
Review of the next documentary on my list : U.S vs. John Lennon
Review & Purchase of RadioHeads newest Album: King of Limbs - released in (physical) cd form today- Will purchase it over break tomorrow to get crackin! :)

Double Door: Illusions Fate - Feb 16, 2011 –

Mix of pain & pleasure, reach for your ankles!

Walking through the snowy streets and awaiting this new band I didn’t know what to expect but hoping for a cheap beer but not a cheap thrill. After an array of bands that offered some form or another of a pre-packaged already done classic, emo, or something in between “metal” is when Illusions Fate took the stage.

Creating this band on Halloween of the opening feast of the saints & spirits is only one element this band gives to surprise. From start to finish the three piece band was a nonstop energy ball of archaic fire. Head to Toe filled with adornments of black, chains, piercings, sweat, and lust.

Not only a night of the full moon, but also their second to last show before the major plans of a Midwest Tour to spread their recent album “The Ghost of Maya.” A concept album, filled with biblical references and representing themes of suicide, addictions, and other morbid thoughts that plague preaching a sense of sarcastic attitude of the death of chivalry.  The singer/lead guitarist Joel has full grip of the audience from each breathe, turn, and grasp.  The demeanor; tight jeans, vein popping vocals, head moshing dreads, guitar humping and reaching to the sky creates a visual presentation of the freedom of his pain.  One influential singer that would be ideal comparison is Marilyn Manson. His dark comrade Ken, as behind the drums gives the depth, darkness, and crucial points to balance the riffs and shredding of Joel. Dressed to Kill and Seduce, fish nets, collar, and sticks; showing great use of dynamics, thrashing, expressing great change over’s and suspense. The wide stage of Double Door was excellent in the show lights of the intensity, presence, and overall energy of the band.

Sounds: From the detailed lyrics to the high energy and tribal tone this would be a twist of alternative/nu metal, example of old school KORN and Tool.

With the volume of shredding yet clear guitar playing, smooth and profound lyrics, with a raw yet tribal sound gives them the basis to reach a wide spread of fans: Meaning one who listens to metal but doesn’t consider oneself as a “metal head” can appreciate and become a loyal fan of this band. Take a listen and enter the path of the mixture between pain and pleasure in this heart throbbing album “The Ghost of Maya” by Illusions Fate.

Next Upcoming Show!
March 5th 2011

Black Hearts

124 Main St, West Chicago, IL
(630) 231-0303

21+ 7pm
http://www.reverbnation.com/illusionsfate#!/show/3758088
http://www.myspace.com/illusionsfatemusic

In the shoes of an Emotional Robot

Journal of the Emotional Robot

The Album starts with a brain wave length dream of repeated motif, almost like an anthem stating the beginning of a project. Really a patch work of unusual sound and “elektronika” music. Very rhythmic, fast paced, almost an assembly line working to make a syncopated stream. Lots of the melody does a great deal of creating imagery in your head such as, stairs, floating, waves, etc.

            The energy is an evolving path framing out this theme of consciousness: curiosity, lust, confusion, and even guilt.  It is a rare puzzle of using harmonies, over-dubbing, harp-like guitar, and excellent use of melodic patterns. Also pairs call and response moves, giving a sense of breathe in between verse/bridge formulas. In track six specifically “Suave” the artist uses an echo guitar melody hinting a bluesy/melancholy vibe and invoking a romantic dream-like feeling again, like “is this love?”

            It spirals at the ending, definitely wrapping up the present and past into stillness. Many of these tracks can be presented solo or even in a soundtrack. This is a gem of an album: A mix of Latin funk, classic hip hop beats, romantic chords, and electronic fore-play. A few bands, projects, artists that (sound-like) Radio Head – Kid A, Coldplay – Rush of Blood to the Head, Prodigy, Cuban & Ol’ Spanish Music, definite hip hop and techno ranging from mid-90’s to present day.

            Lastly, I asked the artist/producer Armando Perez, to give an introspective of this album and what it meant to him creating it:

            “Journal of an Emotional Robot is an instrumental soundtrack to a storyboard. In it, the protagonist is a robot named MEL. He is comparable to a WALL-E type of character, but this "audio journal" follows his creation/construction and details his life within the song titles, and the musical accompaniment. He is created, programmed, and set out into the world. His experiences lead him to discover life, make friends, party, fall in love, and ultimately learn (A.I.). He realizes he's been programmed and that he is one of four identical robots! Confused and outraged, he comes to a point where he has to make a choice. Rebel, follow, or make his own way.”

The Single Helix, Journal of an Emotional Robot

Artist/Producer; Armando Perez

Facebook: The Single Helix

Myspace: www.myspace.com/thesinglehelix

Next Album: March 25th  Odd Czar

MVI 2552

A pitcher of wrenching thoughts

Gallery Cabaret 2020 North Oakley. Open-Mic!
Right off of Armitage and Western, lies a little dive bar serving cheap brews & free food. With a three song maximum there is an array of music from Chicago Blues, country, to an eclectic garage band known as Bad Bad Meow. Their energy captivates you like a choke hold leather collar. Simple verse's shredding guitar with popping drums & bass and an almost improvised piano player are just a few patterns in their songs.The singer/guitarist Alen Khan gives a vein busting performance, full of screeching, rooster crowing, and an almost folk meets indie signature. This explains their main comparison with the "White Stripes," however they've traded the 2-piece band/story-telling blues & pop verse /chorus for a more deranged synthesizing nightmare. Most of the songs carry a dream like ambiance; almost like a wave of perpetual rhythm. Sarah & Max & the piano player lead the way with tribal beats and blues/pop keys give an erotic sassy attitude. It was a great show very pleased I caught them and looking forward to a finished album and their next show! Please view them on myspace and facebook! Bad Bad Meow http://www.myspace.com/badbadmeow
P.S I even got an official condom...so using it! meow meow ..

Next Blog: Reviewing Journal of an emotional robot by Single Helix

Sweets, Drinks, and Open Mics

After some great Italian food, at La Boca on Lincoln. I went to Nite Cap on Irving Park, Tuesday nights Open Mic, saw some great old timers playing up the blues..mostly covers and saw a real appreciation for music. The owner had some italian beef being served, had a full set of instruments availablee to just pick up n go', really liked the atmosphere and the age range of the area.
Tomorrow or during the weekend I am finalizing backup vocals for Single Helix, and very excited about this new song I will be working on. Nothing is better than finding musicians who work with you, and know exactly what sound/signature they are looking for. Communication is key in this part of the project, where you need to have the right players, but also the right mind set & emotion to put yourself and the creator's perspective and mold all that together to produce this sound. VERY difficult task.
I have faith things will come together and this album will be amazing for Single Helix.
                              SIDE NOTE: BB King is coming to Aurora, IL and I am deeply pissed off. First off, because there is no way I could afford the cost for the ticket, nor the trip up there, but its fucking BB King!
link to article: Chicago Reader: http://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/birthmark-nate-kinsella-shaking-hands-album/Content?oid=3012865
Naissance Man - Birthmark- This article was amazing, reading what this guy has been doing and the background of his newest album is just plain exciting. Enriching would be a better word: I am most definitely making a plan to visit the Hideout in order to meet & experience this guys stuff & his band of wife and friends. At 30 yrs old learning about theory & sight-reading where 5 yrs younger I am in the same boat and he has created this awesome stuff - its just a great feeling seeing like-minded musicians.
As for me, I am being harassed left and right to creating something. I am working on my first "dance" "techno" song. It is going to have a India vocalizing technique with some hooks and tribal beats and wanting some samples. I'm excited to jump in and try this, it is definitely out of my comfort zone and I am really wanting to use what I've been learning in school to develop my songwriting and my own true voice.

Day 1: Path to the Resolution

So here I am, at 25 yrs old studying music education at Northeastern University. This year for 2011 my resolution is to able to do or be involved with music in my everyday life, every single day. This blog is for futher developement of my music, learning, and practice. To also give those who are not musicians the taste of the life, drama, and conflicts of musicians. Like all musicians we desperately want to express and create something unique. Most of us do it for the sake of the energy of the crowd, some of us do it for the wealth and fame that can be attached to ones work. Either of these things would be nice before I die, but who knows?
Recently I have gathered a few more musicians to my network, Charles - a great guitarist who also hosts open-mics at Holiday Club on Sherdian every thrusday evenings. Armando - a singer/orchestral songwriter studying at NEIU as well - finishing his newest album by the group - Single Helix. Jhonathan - violinist at NEIU - playing various pieces as well as performing at school and open mics.
I try to meet as many musicians as I can, not only for critics sake but to also learn from them and see their own methods of songwriting,performing, and networking.
Today, finally! I went on craigslist and responded to a few ads in regards to either joining a band, hired backup vocals, or planning on a duet/album with a fellow guitarist. It is hard to figure out which is going to be the best fit for me right now. I most defintely wish to be in a band foremost, but the idea grows weaker in my brain. It will just take too long and so much effort that the possibility of finding all the right people with the same goal/genre/ and chemistry is going to be bare to none. Although I wish to keep my hopes up I don't want to be high and dry like in RadioHead. Till the buzz grows louder.

FedZ