Kaleido Q&A

Your name: 

Christina Chriss.

Where are you from?

Detroit, MI.

Name of band: 

Kaleido.

Who else is in your band? 

Joey Fava (drums), Ronnie Rosolino (guitar), Jamie Burnham (guitar) & Cody Morales (bass & DJ).

How would you describe yourselves and your music? 

I'm a free spirit. I love using my life experiences to create songs. The music is raw & real. I really love being in a band and putting my head together with my guys to create music that makes people feel something. It's rock music with pop and urban flare.

Who are your main influences musically? 

Guns n Roses, No Doubt, Foo Fighters, Kid Rock, Eminem, Patsy Cline, Madonna .. I could go on and on. Very diverse and the different influences definitely come through in the music we create.

What do you hope to achieve in music?

Writing the best songs that stand the test of time and bringing rock music back to the forefront of mainstream pop culture.

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why? 

There have been so many incredible opportunities for us it's hard to pick just one highlight. We've toured the US multiple times, opening for bands like Aerosmith, Slash, Sammy Hagar, Kid Rock, Alien Ant Farm (just to name a few). We've worked with a Grammy award winning producer. One of the most touching and memorable moments for me was singing the Star Spangled Banner at the Detroit Tiger's game in front of thousands. What makes it even more special is that it was on my grandfather's 79th birthday (he was a veteran and served in Germany with Elvis Presley in the 50s) and he was there to see it. He recently passed away and I am so thankful to have had that memory with him. He was very proud and supportive of my musical career. 

And what’s the moment you want to forget? 

None!! Every up, every down - has brought me to where I am! I wouldn't change anything! It's my journey. If anything I wish my memory was a bit better and I literally could remember every single second. 

If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why?

My Rock & Roll. Along the way many people have tried to influence, sway and change our sound. That song is our response. We're taking back our rock & roll. No one can steal that from us.

Where can we listen to it? 

https://youtu.be/GZxKklXjVgc

Where can we find out more about your music?

Www.kaleidoband.com

Www.facebook.com/kaleidoband

Www.facebook.com/christinachriss

Www.twitter.com/kaleidoband

Www.twitter.com/christinachriss

Www.instagram.com/christinachriss

Www.instagram.com/kaleidoband 

Unbreakable by Kaleido

https://itun.es/us/tKtxY

Kaleido by Kaleido

https://itun.es/us/-6txI

Harlow Q&A

Your name:

Kelly.

Where are you from?

Metro Detroit, MI, USA.

Name of band:

Harlow.

Who is in your band?

Lauren – vox / Tomas – Guitar / Kelly – Bass,vox / Kevin - Drums.

How would you describe yourselves and your music?

We are a female-fronted hard rock band based out of Detroit and you can hear metal, punk, pop and rock influences in our music.

Who are your main influences musically?

A lot for each member but you can hear Pat Benatar, Debby Harry and Pink in Lauren's Delivery vocally and the rest is everything from Sabbath to Bring Me The Horizon.

What do you hope to achieve in music?

We would love to be able to do this as a living and tour as much as possible or as much as the fans will want us to.

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why?

There have been a lot of them but we focus on making each show a highlight for all those in attendance and for us on stage every night.

And what’s the moment you want to forget?

There has been a few of them but we don’t let ourselves look towards the past as we head forward.

If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why?

Ooooh tough question. Our first single off this album is called “Shattered” and we have a video out on YouTube for it. We selected it because it sets the tone for the album about breaking down and finding your independence. My personal favorite is either Leech or Home.

Where can we listen to it? 

You can go to www.harlowband.com and listen to the track and see the video.

Where can we find out more about your music?

As mentioned before you can go to www.harlowband.com and you can find us on Facebook, Twitter, bandsintown, Reverbnation and YouTube.

Anything else you’d like to say about your music that I forgot to ask?

We love what we do and we value each and every one who supports local music scenes for allowing us to come out and be a part of yours… Get out to a venue, support bands, buy merchandise and CDs and let's rage!!! Thank you for the opportunity to tell people about us!

Flops Ego Q&A

Your name: 

Benjamin Michael Thorpe.

Where are you from?

Kalamazoo, MI.

Name of band:

Flops Ego.

Who else is in your band?

Tyler White (Drums) and Nicholas “Duchess” Miller (Bass).

How would you describe yourselves and your music?

This is a big question. For me, it’s all about releasing tension. There are different emotions and different tensions in life and I’d say anger and frustration are big ones for me. So the music sounds a bit intense. Some songs are a lot more melodic and less progressive metal though. I’m really excited going forward because we have a good vision of what the future holds.

Who are your main influences musically?

Main influence is a better question than the “what influences you” question. Our main influence would be progressive rock and metal. Anywhere from Rush to The Fall Of Troy. We tend to like prog three piece bands considering that’s who we are. I highly recommend you check out To Whom It May from Galveston, TX. They are a prog 3 piece that will stick in your head. I’ve been listening to a lot of Karnivool lately too. Their Asymmetry album is one of those “thank God they did it so I don’t have to” albums. Also check out Puscifer.  

What do you hope to achieve in music?

I hope to travel the world and connect with an audience that is as frustrated as I am with the status quo. Especially in America. It seems that people only think pretty people can be famous and those pretty boys and girls are spoiled brats. Usually. There are always exceptions to the rule.

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why?

Hands down when I got to open for Nothing More and Sleepwave in Grand Rapids Michigan.

And what’s the moment you want to forget?

I’d love to forget the fact that people don’t buy music any more. They just stream it and download it. If you really love a band, make sure you buy their music. They don’t get much of the money from it but it helps their stats for label scouts. Every purchase goes a long way!

If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why?

Our new song “Armageddy”. The reason is that it’s a compact little journey of a song that really captures where we are right now as musicians. It's out now. Please buy it on iTunes it helps a lot more than you think (itunes.apple.com/us/album/armageddy-single/id1087654670).

Where can we listen to it?

https://youtu.be/vuPCzSrThG4

Where can we find out more about your music?

Twitter is best @FlopsEgo

But we also have facebook.com/flopsego and flopsego.com has all our old stuff available for streaming.

Nick Caster Q&A

Your name:

Nick Caster.

Where are you from?

Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA.

Name of band:

The official band name is Nick Caster Music.

Who else is in your band?

I have a lead guitar player Shawn Powell, bassist Mike Naughton and drummer Troy Horton. 

How would you describe yourselves?

I would like our music to reach out to people on emotional and spiritual levels I would describe our music as uplifting. 

Who are your main influences musically?

My influences in music would be Chris Daughtry, All That Remains, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and 3 Doors Down. 

What do you hope to achieve in music?

I hope one day to get a Grammy in music that would be very rewarding. 

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why?

The highlight would be hitting number one nationally on Reverbnation and the music has never been financially supported.

If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why?

If I had to pick one song it would be The Way I Am. Everyone has a past and everyone makes changes

Where can we listen to it? 

You can listen to it at www.reverbnation.com/nickcastermusic

Where can we find out more about your music?

www.twitter.com/nickcastermusic

www.facebook.com/nickcastermusic

Free EPK from ReverbNation.com

Debut full-length on the way from Citizen

MICHIGAN outfit Citizen will release their debut full-length Youth on July 14th in the UK via Run For Cover Records.

To celebrate the fact the band have also unveiled a video for their single The Summer, directed by Rob Soucy.

Youth follows the band's Youth States EP in 2012.

They will be heading to the UK next month for a tour kicking off in Norwich on July 16th with other shows in Kingston, London, Southampton, Plymouth, Bristol, Birmingham, Derby, Glasgow, Manchester and Leeds.

You can see the video for The Summer below and for more on the band visit citizentheband.net or facebook.com/citizentheband

NoRey Q&A

Your name:
Mike Swallow

Where are you from?
We are based in Seattle WA, but are originally from Bedford UK, Shrewsbury UK, Bogata Colombia, and Detroit Michigan, USA.

Name of band:
NoRey.

Who is in your band?
Alejandro Garcia - vocals & guitar
Vicky Bowes - vocals & percussion
Nick Nanry - guitar
Dave Swallow - bass
Mike Swallow - drums & vocals

How would you describe yourselves?
Eclectic, energetic, ...... Our sound would be best described as a mix of alternative/acoustic folk-rock/experimental music.

Who are your main influences musically?
We all have such a diverse taste in music and I think some of our influences come through, but for the most part I would say that we don't really relate our music to any specific groups or performers. Bands like The Doors, Radiohead, Pink Floyd, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Wailers, Tom Waits, Cake, Bjork, Nick Drake are some common favourites.

What do you hope to achieve in music?
Happiness, first and foremost. Music is a crucial part of life to so many people and we want to be a part of that, to feel the connection between musician and listener. We want to make the listener feel something for our music whether it is happiness, sadness, excitement or whatever. To have the chance to share music and create what we want to create is important.

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why?
I'm sure it is different for each individual member, but for me it would be headlining The Crocodile in Seattle. The Crocodile is a famous club that was established during the early 90's when Seattle was the epicentre of music, and to play on the same stage as some of my hero's growing up was a big deal.

And what’s the moment you want to forget?
None of it. All the memories and events, even the failures are there to teach you. I wouldn't chose to forget anything we've been through.

If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why?
That's a tough one, but I would have to say the title track from our new album 'Untie Your Arms'. It's a very difficult thing to write a positive song that has as powerful words as this song does. For me it's a song that begs for love and openness in a positive way. I think everyone excells on
this song, the drums and bass keep the song full and break up the rhythms, whilst Nick really delved into a new style with his slide guitar. I'm really proud of the backing vocals that Vicky and I managed to create, it was the most creative we've been vocally in the studio.

Where can we listen to it?
http://norey.bandcamp.com/




Where can we find out more about your music?
http://www.noreymusic.com/
https://www.facebook.com/noreymusic
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/untie-your-arms/id780862389
https://twitter.com/NoReymusic

New album from Visc

THE Original Rebels is the new album from experimental artist Visc.

Dylan Fellows - the mastermind behind the project - told RealSoundsOK about the evolution behind the new album.

He said: "It's is a monster-themed album. Each song is about a specific monster that scared me as a child, which is why I almost named the album 'Frightened Dylan'. 

"Coming from 'Virtual Friends', my wildly successful second album, I was really lost as to what kind of music to make. I wandered around genres for about a year, trying to figure out what kind of sound I wanted to make, and it was in about January of this year that I realized what was wrong. I was focused on the instrumentation of the album, instead of the theme of it. 

"Once I chose my theme, which was actually pretty easy, the instrumentation sort of fell into place."

The Original Rebels is much darker than its predecessor, but Dylan adds: "I think - and hope - that is still maintains the light-hearted 'it's all a joke' vibe, which I think is an important part in any song I write.

"I used much more guitars than on Virtual Friends and placed the synth work in the background, using it as more of an accent than a structure.

"I wrote and recorded everything by myself, but to add a little diversity in the background, I had a few friends, including my sister, come record some back-up. I always recommend having some friends stop by to add a bit to the track, even if it doesn't add a ton to the song. It's always a hilariously good time, and it really takes away some of the stresses of recording."

You can download The Original Rebels - along with Visc's other releases - at visc.bandcamp.com for 'Name Your Price'.

To find out a little more about Dylan, check out the Q&A he did with RealSoundsOK back in March.

Kelsey Rottiers & The Rising Tide Q&A

Your name:

Kelsey Rottiers.

Where are you from?

I grew up in Davison, Michigan, near Flint, but now I live in Grand Rapids.

Name of band:

Kelsey Rottiers & the Rising Tide.

Who else is in your band?

Sarah Main and Garrett Stier.

How would you describe yourselves?

A cross between Ingrid Michaelson and Brandi Carlile.

Who are your main influences musically?

Jon Foreman, Sara Groves, Josh Garrells, Ella Fitzgerald.

What do you hope to achieve in music?

My hope is to build a team around my music that believes in this as much as I do. To collaborate with talented musicians and form a community of people devoted to honest music and fighting slavery in all it's forms.    

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why?

Recording Bear Hope, our last EP was the highest highlight thus far. I got to spend a week with my close friends in Nashville recording and just having fun. We got everything done in just like a week and a half, and we had fun doing it! Just the chance to work with some amazing musicians who are also great people.   

And what’s the moment you want to forget?

The first night of our first tour, a year ago... My band and I drove separate to our first gig. I got terribly lost and was two hours LATE to our gig! The people who booked us were so gracious- they still paid us, and the audience waited around for me to show up and still sat and listened! It made me feel worse for my lack of a sense of direction because they were so nice about it!

If you had to choose just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why?

In the Rising Tide.

Where can we listen to it?

http://snd.sc/10uHTmV

Where can we find out more about your music?

kelseyrottiers.com

facebook.com/kelseyrottiers

twitter.com/kelseyrottiers

soundcloud.com/kelseyrottiers

reverbnation.com/kelseyrottiers

kelseyrottiers.bandcamp.com

Anything else you’d like to say about your band that I forgot to ask?

Bear Hope, our latest EP was written to raise awareness about human trafficking.  50% of the proceeds from Bear Hope go to Women At Risk International- an organization rescuing women and children from human trafficking all over the world.  

New single from Sleeping With Sirens

SLEEPING With Sirens gave a debut to their new single Alone in the early hours of this morning (sorry, I was in bed).

The track - featuring MGK - is taken from the band's third album Feel, which is out on June 3rd on Rise Records.

For Feel, they team up with Cameron Mizell, who they worked with on their previous full length, and enlisting Dan Korneff (My Chemical Romance, Mayday Parade) and mastered by Ted Jensen (Green Day, Bon Jovi, The Offspring) to complete the team creating the album.  

Sleeping With Sirens - from Grand Rapids, Michigan - are currently touring the UK on a sold out headline tour and will be at Slam Dunk Festival next weekend.

They then return to the UK in the autumn for a headline tour.

UK tour for Sleeping With Sirens

SLEEPING With Sirens are to head out on an eight-date headline tour in the UK later this year.

The Michigan rockers have only been to the UK once before and are looking forward to taking in some of the nation's biggest cities.

The tour takes in the following dates:

September 30th - Southampton Guildhall

October 1st - Nottingham Rock City

October 2nd - Dublin Academy

October 3rd - Belfast Mandela Hall

October 5th - Glasgow Barrowland

October 7th - Manchester Academy 1

October 10th - London Brixton O2 Academy

October 11th - Birmingham O2 Academy 1

Tickets cost £14 to £16 and go on sale at 9am on Friday from gigsandtours.com / ticketmaster.co.uk / 0844 811 0051 / 0844 826 2826.

Here's some of their music for you to enjoy...

Third album from Sleeping With Sirens

SLEEPING With Sirens is turning into a moster of a band.

With two albums and an EP under their belts, the five-piece from Grand Rapids, Michigan, have sold more than 260,000 albums, had more than 95million views on YouTube and had sold out tours in the US and now the UK.

Their third album Feel is out on June 3rd on Rise Records.

They teamed up with Cameron Mizell, who they worked with on their previous full length, and enlisting Dan Korneff (My Chemical Romance, Mayday Parade) and mastered by Ted Jensen (Green Day, Bon Jovi, The Offspring) to complete the team creating the album.  

The first single from the album will be Low, which can be heard below.

The track is available on iTunes as an instant download when the album is pre-ordered.  Pre-order bundles are available online on the Rise Records store: http://www.sleepingwithsirens.net/

The Static Dial Q&A

Your name:

Bill Gerazouinis(Guitar/Vocals).

Location:

Detroit, Michigan, USA.

Band name:

The Static Dial.

Other band members:

Faris Ansor (Bass) and Evan Starr (Drums).

How would you describe yourselves?

Detroit indie exploring sounds and approaches of diversity.

Who are your main influences musically?

The Police, Miles Davis, Jeff Buckley, Yo La Tengo, Stevie Wonder, etc.

What do you hope to achieve in music?

Independently make and release the kind of music we love; reaching out to similar minded music lovers.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

Working with producer Andy Patalan.

And the moment you’d like to forget?

Shows that were badly promoted, or being billed on shows that were not for our sort of approach and sound.

If you could choose one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why?

I'd say it's a song we haven't released yet. Maybe a song called "Dusting Off The Leeches". It has a bunch of changes, with a bunch of stylistic twists; but with a real punk rock energy.

Where can we find out more about your music?

Soundcloud: www.soundcloud.com/thestaticdial

Bandcamp: www.thestaticdial1.bandcamp.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/StaticDial

Twitter: www.twitter.com/StaticDial

Official website(will be up in the next few weeks): www.thestaticdial.com

Itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/move-along-single/id582536057

Is there anything else you’d like to add that I forgot to ask?

We're just three music lovers from Detroit, with wide open palettes and a hunger to be creative and expressive. That sums us up in a few words:)

Rebel Inc. Q&A

Your name:

Adam Armstrong (vocals).

Name of band:

REBEL INC.

Where are you from?

I'm from Detroit area Michigan, along with the guitar player, Kevin Sychta, and drummer Brian Haverlock(b-lock).  Our bass player, Keni Luck, is from Salisbury, MD.  The band now resides in Baltimore, MD.  

How would you describe yourselves?

The sound is hard rock/metal/punk/hip-hop, laced with socially and politically charged lyrics.  A raw and passionate mix that extends beyond recordings onto live stages, where the shows are a full display of energy.  We are independent, and very hard working.  We are hungry motherfuckers.

Who are your main influences musically?

Anyone who has something intelligent to say, as well as the music that will make you tap your foot, or bob your head.  Folk, reggae, punk, metal, hip-hop, and whatever else.  From Nas, Tupac, Public Enemy, and Eminem, to Bob Marley, Bob Dylan, Ryan Harvey, and Neil Young, to Rage Against the Machine, Marilyn Manson, MC5, and Nine Inch Nails.  That's really just a few.

What do you hope to achieve in music?

We hope to inspire thought and action in people.  Prosperous thought and action.  Getting people to use their minds again, and think for themselves, question social, moral, and political concepts, as well have the courage to take action against what is wrong.  To stand for their freedoms, truth, and justice, and not recognize nor rely on authoritative action.  We aim to infect as many as possible with this music and message.  If we can make a living doing this, we are most fortunate, but fortune and fame have never had anything to do with this.

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why?

Man.  That is tough.  I really want to say when Jim Florentine from Vh-1 Classic's THAT METAL SHOW, named our new album "Soundtrack To The Revolution" the #1 Metal Album of 2012.  It's an honor to be recognized by someone in the industry, such as Jim, who has a passionate music background, that is not only current, but goes way back.  Thousands of people value his opinions on music and bands.  I also want to say when we played the 20th Anniversary Seattle Hempfest with over 110,000 people.  Not to mention smokin' some of the best medicine on the planet.  However, I will say the highlight of my career was when we played this little shack in tiny Moorefield, WV while on tour.  Fifty people, or so, crammed into this little place, and as soon as we hit our first chord, became wild animals for 45 minutes straight.  Screaming words, singing along, and moshing.  During breakdowns and at the end of songs, the screaming was so powerful, you could feel it's wind.  Brought a woman, who lost her husband in the military, to tears right in front of us.  It was affirmation that this band has a positive destiny ahead of it.  That we have something REAL to give, and share with our brothers and sisters everywhere.  

And what’s the moment you want to forget?

None.  I'm thankful for even our worst times, for those are what have made this band what it is today.  Never forget.

If you could choose just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why?

I would pick "909 Revolution."  It tells the tale of that which has already happened and will happen again.  Those who are oppressed will eventually rise and revolt against the tyrants that rule them, and no matter the outcome, the cycle will repeat itself.  The cycle can only stop if the oppressed free themselves, and not one generation ever return to slavery of any kind.  Live as free people, and teach each generation to do the same.

Where can we listen to it?

www.rebelincmusic.com

Both albums FREE:  www.soundcloud.com/rebelincmusic (no downloads here, only listening).

Where can we find out more about your music?

www.rebelincmusic.com

www.facebook.com/rebelincmusic

www.twitter.com/rebelincmusic

www.reverbnation.com/rebelincmusic

www.youtube.com/rebelincmusic

iTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/rebel-inc./id314064880

Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Soundtrack-to-the-Revolution-Explicit/dp/B00AAQVQDE/ref=sr_shvl_album_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1361127925&sr=301-2

Cdbaby - http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/RebelInc

Anything else you’d like to say about your band that I forgot to ask?

For those who want to support us, you can do so by purchasing music and merch from us in any form.  You can also FREQUENTLY call or email your local radio stations, and Sirius/XM, to let them know that you would like to hear them play REBEL INC. music.  You can also just share our Facebook and/or Twitter pages, or tell other people about us, including local venues you'd like to see us play.  Every little thing counts.  Much love and thanks for your time and support.

Visc Q&A

Your name:

Dylan Fellows

Where are you from?
I am from Athens, Georgia, but grew up in Holland, Michigan, USA.

Name of band:
Visc. 

How would you describe yourself?

I am a 19-year-old who just likes to make music. I like to collaborate with people, and I have been told that if I had a normal metabolism, I would be a monster.   

If I were to describe Visc in one word, it would be eclectic-with-a-taste-of-grit. My tunes range from regular ol' alternative rock, to much more interesting electronic stuff, but I always try to keep a theme going, even if I'm not always successful.  

Who are your main influences musically?

Back in '05-'06 I got into Muse, which really propelled me into music. Since then I have also become a big fan of The Asteroids Galaxy Tour, Nine Inch Nails, Queens of the Stone Age, and the Arctic Monkeys. However, my musical influences are not limited to modern music. I also like 60's music and Motown a lot. 

What do you hope to achieve in music?

As far a musical goals go, I'd really like to make another symphony, and I'd also like to score a soundtrack for a film someday. 

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why?

I think my favorite part of my 'career' so far has been meeting Lars Iversen of The Asteroids Galaxy Tour. It wasn't exactly a career meeting, but I showed him my music, so I'm counting it. I've always modelled certain aspects of my production after his work, so it was really nice to actually meet the guy and find out that he is, in fact, a badass. 

And what’s the moment you want to forget?

You know, I don't think I have really had moments that I want to forget, other than some old songs that I can't believe I released. There's this one song (that's still actually on my front page) called 'Apollo'. I mixed it when I was just getting into mixing, so it's pretty much a giant wall of sound that just relentlessly pounds into your ears for 3 minutes and 20 seconds. I've been meaning to redo it, but it's just so boring to work on that one. 

If you could choose just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why?

I think if I were to choose just one song that most accurately represents Visc, it would be 'All the Little Things'. Not only is it my most popular song, but it's just weird and unique sounding. It's in 7/8, has harsh tones throughout, and is held together by a weird drum beat, and a vocal line with some slap-back reverb.

Where can we listen to it?

You can listen to it at http://soundcloud.com/visc/all-the-little-things

Where can we find out more about your music?

Well I can always be found on Facebook, but I've begun to use Twitter more, and I found that I like that a lot more. To listen to my featured songs, you can go to soundcloud. To download all of my released work for free, go to bandcamp. 

Facebook: facebook.com/Viscmusic

Twitter: @ViscMusic

Soundcloud: soundcloud.com/visc

Bandcamp: Visc.bandcamp.com

Anything else you’d like to say about your band that I forgot to ask?

Nothing more about me, but be sure to check out my buddy 'Known to be Lethal' at http://soundcloud.com/known-to-be-lethal