Dead Sara Review and Photos – House of Blues

Dead Sara is an LA based band that is just now breaking in the mainstream radio with their single, ” The Weatherman”. This is not your average female fronted rock band and they brought their energy and attitude to the stage at the Orlando, FL House of Blues.

The band begins their set with limited lighting, but Emily Armstrong’s vocals bring a presence to the venue that I don’t think anyone was expecting. The band states that they are running on about 3 hours of sleep, but this is not evident as the entire band has enough energy to fill the entire stage. The lighting they used for their set was unique because they used very few colors and it was more of a searchlight/spotlight approach to lighting the 4 piece on stage. Armstrong fills the “front man” roll by talking to the audience and introducing each song in a unique style to the band itself. Dead Sara is the dirty alt rock band that doesn’t fit into the cookie cutter mold, but will please an music lover. Armstrong’s voice soars in every song and even if you have never heard them before the entire band draws you into their performance with their passion and energy. The band’s line up includes singer is Emily Armstrong, guitarist is Siouxsie Medley, drummer is Sean Friday, and bass player is Chris Null. There is no member of the band that stands out from the rest due to the fact that the entire band manages to lose their minds as they perform each song. I would love to see these guys on a full nights sleep after Armstrong states,”let’s see if we can break a lot of things on this next song”. As their set winds down Armstrong introduces the next song by stating, “you guys might know this one… we do”. As the beginning riff kicks in the audience recognizes the start to “The Weatherman” and all hell breaks loose. One enthusiastic fan leaned over the barrier and sang into the mic with Armstrong, and continued to go crazy even after the security guard pushed him off the barrier. Armstrong then decides to jump down into the pit and continue to rock out with the most enthusiastic guy in the front row. The singer is obviously not afraid of heights, when she decides to climb a set of monitors about 10 feet high and jump off during the bridge of their hit song.

The band brings the energy and entertainment to the stage that you would expect from a rock band plus a lot extra. Each member looks like they want to be there and this is just the start from this little band from LA. They may be just breaking into the mainstream now, but the radio needs some more kick ass rock bands and this 4 piece from LA is exactly what we need. They bring the vocals, they bring the rock, and each show will bring a new element to why you will fall in love with this band.

The Used Review and Photos – House of Blues Orlando

 

The Used has been rockin’ out for over a decade and the lead singer, Bert McCracken, is as comfortable on stage as any lead singer could be. The show starts out with a large black curtain and an army of people prepared to hall it off when the show begins. As the music starts the entire place, and by entire place I mean wall to wall people, begin to get loud. The curtain drops, the band appears, and the music and light show begins. The band plays hits from their entire career and the crowd joins in for every word that is sung. If you are uncomfortable going to shows where everyone knows the lyrics except you, then you might be in a for a shock at a Used show. You could even catch some of the security guards singing along to their bigger hits. Not only will you enjoy the music of The Used at a show, but the comments by McCracken are enough to keep you laughing in between singing along. When asking if we had heard the new album McCracken asked if we had bought it. He then called out to anyone who may have downloaded it illegally and told them, “don’t be a pussy, steal it from a real store.” The band put all of their energy into each and every song and the crowd gave it back ten-fold. At one point the singer even brought a young fan on stage and let him join him throughout an entire song. During a small breather the singer calmly announced that he is “fully prepared to have sexual intercourse with every single one of you”. As the crowd laughs the McCracken looks down at an unsuspecting security guard and places a hand on his shoulder. Then states, “even you”. This is just a taste of what you will get if you go to attend a Used show, and there is much more, but you will have to just buy a ticket and not miss out one of the most entertaining rock bands touring these days.

Dead Sara Review and Photos at House of Blues, Orlando

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armstrong, bisanti, dead sara, enbphotography, erin, house of blues, interviews, orlando bands.com, photos

Dead Sara is a alt rock band from LA that has just started to crack their way into radio mainstream with their single “The Weatherman”. The four piece includes singer is Emily Armstrong, guitarist is Siouxsie Medley, drummer is Sean Friday, and bass player is Chris Null. The anticipation in the room from a crowd that is simply hoping that the opening bands do not suck immediately changes as the band takes the stage. 

As the first notes are sung the lighting appears as spotlights as the band begins to capture the audience with their energy. The doesn’t hold back as the guitar riffs pump through the speakers and the singer manages to fall down twice while rocking out as hard as she possible can. Armstrong states that the band is running on 3 hours of sleep, but this seems impossible as the entire band engulfs the stage with their energy. If you have never heard Dead Sara before the best way to describe them is dirty alt rock that may be too intense for some alt rock listeners. The vocals dominate each and every song with a presence that is missing from female rock band today, and Armstrong delivers them live with a strength that is undeniable. This girl is here to rock!

As she introduces the next song she stirs up the crowd by stating, “let’s see if we can break a lot of things on this next song.” Which leads to the entire audience feeding off the bands energy and even though you could tell a lot of the fans were not there to see them, they were enjoying every second that Dead Sara was on stage. As the band’s set comes to a close Armstrong says, “you guys might know this one… we do.” Which immediately readies the crowd the bands hit “The Weatherman”, and as the opening riff starts the entire crown begins to join the band in losing their minds. One guy in particular is barely restrained by the barrier and Armstrong jumps into the pit in front of the stage and the two of them rock out the lyrics to the song. Just when you think you have seen it all Armstrong begins to climb to the top of a stack of monitors about 10 to 12 feet in the air. The entire crowd holds their breath as the last chorus kicks in and Armstrong leaps to the stage without missing a note and continues to carve memories into our heads as the last chords are strummed.

The band came out of nowhere with their hit “The Weatherman” and if each performance is as energetic as this one they should have no problem winning over crowds all around the world. I have been to a lot of concerts and my expectations are high, but rarely have I ever been torn between hoping that the lead singer doesn’t jump 10 feet onto the stage and slightly hoping she does. This is a must see and must hear band that will be bigger and better in a matter of months.

For more photo visit http://www.enbphotography.com.

Lacuna Coil Dark Legacy Tour Show Review and Photos

With over 15 years as a band Lacuna Coil has 8 albums under their belt and they have toured all over the world with bands such as Megadeth, Stone Sour, Rob Zombie, and Disturbed just to name a few. Through endless touring the band has played in front of every type of crowd, but this latest headlining tour is designed to showcase the entire 15 years of Lacuna Coil. The band has yet to break the radio scene, but they have gathered a strong fan base none-the-less and this tour is dedicated to the fans that have stuck with them all these years.

As the intro started playing the crowd became more and more eager for the band to take the stage. The fans in the front of the room ranged from die-hard fans to more recent fans, but the excitement was the same. The first song that the band performed was “I Don’t Believe In Tomorrow” which is off of their latest release, Dark Adrenaline. The band and fans immediately start bouncing up and down and as the song kicks in the entire room breaks out into headbanging. Within seconds the band has pulled the entire room into their performance the energy remains high through the entire first part of the performance. The band continues through their set playing songs from every album including “Senzafine” which is all in Italian, their native language. Although some of the songs have been re-worked for the live show the entire crowd is enveloped in the progression that the band has made through the years. The older material has a more melodic sound that is heavily influenced by bands such as Type O Negative. While the newer material shows the bands ability to create heavier and more catchy material through catchy choruses and memorable riffs. The band feeds off of the energy and the singers Cristina and Andrea give more and more back each song belting our the harmonies and headbanging throughout each and every song. The crowd sings every word with the band as the entire band performs each and every song like it were their last and the evening isn’t even half over.

After almost 45 minutes the band takes a quick break leaving the crowd wanting more and after a few minutes the guitarists, Maus and Cris, take the stage with their acoustic guitars. The band regularly does acoustic performances for radio stations and meet and greets, but for this tour they are performing the acoustic songs right in the middle of the 2 hour show. To the old Lacuna Coil fan’s delight Cristina opens with “Falling” which until now had never been performed in the United States. This song is from the beginning of Lacuna Coil’s discography and was originally written to be performed acousticly. Andrea then joins Cristina as they perform the acoustic versions of “Closer”, “Within Me”,  “End of Time”, and “Shallow Life”.

After the acoustic set the band takes another quick break and then comes back with one of the singles from the release KarmaCode. The unique opening vocals that Cristina performs in “Our Truth” send the entire room in a frenzy as they prepare for the final part of the show. Already the show has been a treat for both old and new Lacuna Coil fan’s , but the real treat is yet to come. The band follows “Our Truth” with a few newer songs and then smiles as they introduce the next song. Cristina begins by stating , “this next song is a number that has a hidden meaning” where she is quickly interrupted by a few fans shouting “1.19” which sends the most die-hard fans into an uproar. Andrea follows with, “we have never released the meaning of this song, but tonight in St. Petersburg we are not going to tell you”. As the band performs their way through the most mysterious song of their discography fans join Cristina in placing an “L” on their forehead as she belts out the lyrics, “I’m a loser”. The song has been a mystery since it was released and tonight the band continues to tease their fans with its true meaning.

The next song continues the special moments for the fans as the band performs “No Need to Explain” which was on the very first self-titled EP. The band keeps the amazing night going by closing the third part of the set with their most recent single where Cristina invites both old and new fans to “Trip the Darkness”. The entire room erupts as the new and old fans join together in singing the newest hit by this talented 6 piece from Italy.

After almost 2 hours of non-stop energy the band comes back on the stage for one last epic moment. The introduction to the next song brings tears to the bands eyes as they explain that the next song, “My Spirit” is dedicated to Peter Steel of Type O Negative. Cristina explains how much of an influence the band has been for Lacuna Coil and how he was also a close friend of the bands. The original version of the song is close to 6 minutes long and the band pays tribute to Peter Steel by playing the full version to the delight of the audience. The ballad talks of being able to remember the people you have lost, but also that you must move on and continue with your life. During the Italian words of the bridge the band bows their heads and closes their eyes as a recording speaks the emotional words in their native language. As if it were a moment of silence from the band the entire room holds their breath as Cristina belts out one of the most impressive notes of her career. The energy explodes as Andrea and Cristina step off the stage and allow the rest of the band to perform the instrumental outro of the song.

The band comes out at the end to take their final bow, and even though the crowd was given the most energetic 2 hour show from the band to date they still leave them wanting more. As the room empties out the fans already start talking about their favorite parts of the show and plan what photos they will post on their Facebook as soon as they step outside. The show was designed to give back to the fans that have helped support Lacuna Coil throughout their 15 years as a band, and both new and old fans left with the memories of a night that will not be forgotten.

More pictures from the show.

Can be found http://www.facebook.com/enbphotography.

Dark Legacy Tour 2012

Set-list 4/29/2012 St Pete, Florida

I Don’t Believe In Tomorrow

I Won’t Tell You

Kill the Light

Senzafine

Heaven’s a Lie

Self Deception

Circle

Entwined

Give Me Something More

Spellbound

Acoustic

Falling

Closer

Within Me

End of Time

Shallow Life

Encore:

Our Truth

Upsidedown

In Visible Light

To Live Is to Hide

1.19

No Need to Explain

Trip the Darkness

Encore 2:

My Spirit

Interview with Rock For Blood 2012 artist Blaine The Mono

A little about Blaine the Mono (Taken from bio on facebook)

Blaine the Mono was formed in late 2010 featuring former members of The Unforseen and Atrophy. Guitarist Eric Joseph and Drummer Clifton Garner are childhood friends and have been writing music together since middle school. The addition of Chris Culverwell on bass with his versatile Rock/Blues/Progressive styles mixed with Lead singer Randi Stickles soulful and intense voice gives Blaine the Mono a unique and relatable sound that excites audiences and gets heads moving. Influences include but not limited to: Deftones, White Stripes, Dead Weather, Muse, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Janis Joplin, Led Zeppelin, and the Beatles.

001. What made you decide to do Rock For Blood?

We chose to do Rock for Blood mainly to support a good cause. At this stage in our careers we don’t make much money from small gigs so we won’t be missing the money however we’ll be fortunate enough to do something charitable and a little different. We’re fairly confident we can win the crown for Orlando’s Bloodiest Band which bears fantastic prizes but we also want to network with other local bands out there. There are some very talented bands playing this show who we are blown away by so we want to work with them to achieve our mutual goals.

002. What do you hope to achieve through playing this event?

While we want to expose more people to our music, have a good time, and listen to other local talents, ultimately we want to get our fans to donate blood. It’s not as scary as everyone thinks and it can make a difference without costing you anything.

003. Do you find it important for the music community to give back?

Absolutely! Music brings a variety of people together from all walks of life. It would foolish not to try to promote a charitable cause to such a large audience.

004. What can we look forward to at the upcoming Rock for Blood event?

One hell of a show! Oh.. and lots of blood.

005. How many members in the band plan on donating at the event?

We’re not entirely sure yet. I think maybe 2 or 3 out of the 4 of us. We want to lead by example!

Check out Blaine the Mono here http://www.facebook.com/BlaineIsAPain

Check out Rock for Blood 2012 here http://www.rockforblood.org/

Rock For Blood Journal Entry #1 – What is Rock For Blood and how is it different?

What is Rock For Blood and what makes it different than any other band competition?

Simple! It is a band competition that saves lives at the same time! Rock For Blood is on it’s third year of running here in Central Florida. The event gathers musicians and their fans to donate a pint of blood on the Big Red Bus run by Florida’s Blood Centers. The band that brings the most fans that donate blood wins an amazing prize pack and are crowned Central Florida’s Bloodiest Band!

Last year the bands that competed were able to fill every bag that the Big Red Bus had available and the bus actually had to shut down early due to so many donations! Each donation saves three lives and each person who donates enjoys a cookie, juice, and receives a t-shirt just for donating! This truly is a “gentleman’s competition” where everyone wins including the individuals that benefit from the donations.

The day includes 5 bands that compete for Central Florida’s Bloodiest band and also an after party during the evening that includes even more talented musicians! It truly is a unique opportunity for bands and their fans to truly give back to their community and have a lot of fun at the same time.

This year’s Rock For Blood will take place on March 17th 2012 – St Patrick’s Day – at the Haven Lounge in Orlando. As of right now, applications can be submitted on www.rockforblood.org for bands that want to compete or play the after party. All genres can apply and the only thing required by each band is to do their best to bring out the most fans and to once again fill the Big Red Bus with donations!

For information please visit: http://www.rockforblood.org or http://www.floridasbloodcenters.org.

Click here to find out if you are eligible to donate blood!

Look for more updates as the bands are chosen and the interviews begin!

- Erin Bisanti

http://www.ENBPhotography.com

Brett Hestla – By Erin Bisanti of ENBPhotography

Intro by Brett Hestla: I have been a lifetime musician since I was 6 years old. I have had many local bands and two signed band. My first band was Virgos Merlot on Atlantic Records, second signed band was with Dark New Day. I was also the touring basis for Creed for 3 years and I have been producing bands for 10 years. I have achieved record deals for local level bands and brought them to the national level.

You have accomplished a lot as a musician. How does it feel to be able to give back to the new local bands?

Feels great to be the guy that every band wants to know. That can send you in the right direction. How do we achieve this or how do we get this rolling? Usually I tell the bands the same thing… if you have the songs the business will come to you. If your music is where it should be this should be your main and prime focus. The fans will do the work for you, they will be telling everyone how great you are.

What are some of the local bands that you have or will be working with?

Ideal Zero, Framing Hanley, Virgos Merlot, Orange Avenue, Down Stem, Mr. Bella, Not Tonight Josephine, Maybe If You Hit, Exit The Ride, The Supervillians and many more that I can’t remember. There are so many great bands out there.

 It is good to see that some local bands are spending the money on proper recording and producing.

I fight that as the producer. Sometimes I wish I was in management, so that I could send people to me. I would tell the bands to go to a producer that would not let them do what they want and I mean this is a positive way. They won’t let you do the three minute intro to the song that has your best chorus. Somebody who is going to give you the cold hard reality of radio. You have to be quick and be precise and not give them the ability to shuffle or skip the song. If you song never gets heard all the way through it is doubtful that you will have any fans. I ask them to show me a song that has that, “really killer 5 minute break down” and has made it. You can bring your Tool to the table, but if you look at Sober and Prison Sex they both are 3 minutes and have a formula that you hear in a good radio song.

The battle that I fight with local bands is that they think that a song is the last opportunity to connect with the fans. Your record is a handshake with the public. If you can’t write a hit song and gear something that will generate income for your band you won’t succeed. You will do 2 or 3 tours and then they will realize that you can’t draw and you will be blacklisted at venues. There are bands that fight the good fight like Traverser. I love that band I love their music. I wish could just record on song. I just wish I could just arrange one for radio, so we can get the people there to see how great your other songs are. They are just missing that step of getting that fan base. The bands they stick to their guns and then they disappear.

The best thing you can do is write songs that do business for you. You can become successful and then you can write those 7 minute songs with those killer breakdowns. You have to clear the path for the average listener to enjoy your music. Fans are pretty flexible once they love you, you can take them down any path you want.

An A&R will not bring something risky to the table. Unless it is the most amazing thing they have ever heard. Unfortunately, you have to be smart and play to the public if you want to get paid as a musician. You aren’t going to hear, “man we just played at the Haven and we blew up.”

It is not a Support the Arts foundation to where they donate money to bands because they are really good. If you are not bringing money to the table then no one is going to hear of you. You are responsible for your own being and your own spot in the music business.

When a local/unsigned band approaches you about recording what do you expect of them? (This is designed to help local bands understand at what level they should be before joining you in the studio)

The thing I would like to tell bands the most is to feel free to surrender the reigns. A lot of the times what creates a struggle is when someone has been playing something the same way for a year and 6 months and I try and have them change the way they play something. It is in your muscle memory, but I want you to try and play it a different way.

I always tell bands to think of the songs as ideas compiled in an order. Think of how many other ways you can do these songs. Do you have to all be rocking the entire song or can you have some more dynamics. I want the bands to understand that the song is a ride and things can be rearranged without changing the core of the song. “I think for the majority of fans the small parts of the songs are what make the big parts so big.”

Once bands have worked with a producer they start to look at the songs and think, “do we want the song to build as it goes on or make the intro big”, but with bands new to a producer I just want to let them know to look at the song as a ride and not a finished project. For bands that come in for the first time keep an open mind and keep things as ideas. You might be one idea away from the best thing for the song and because you have been doing things this way for so long you may not be aware of the better options.

What are your feelings on radio songs?

Program directors are smart. They are not just dumb guys, they like music too. They will only choose things that will work, so if you are doing something out of the norm then it better be the best or it is not going to be played. Everyone’s complaint is that “all radio sounds the same”, but those are the songs that are getting requested. If they were not getting the phone calls, then those would not be the ones being played. If you are upset by that then call and request what you like, and call a bunch. You can’t change the public’s perception, and you shouldn’t try to.

At what point do you feel that is appropriate for that band to publish or copyright a song?

There are many arguments about this. You have the songs recorded on your computer and that time stamp will be enough in court against someone with a later date and time on their song. That helps in a way, but it is not a fool proof plan. However, if you are about to put music out for sale you need to copyright everything, so that if someone does steal a song you can prove that it is your song. It is always a good idea, but I wouldn’t be so freaky and worried about it.

What is your opinion on the over produced music that is placed on the radio? The ones where you know that the band could never pull that song off live.

I hear those bands a lot, and if you want my opinion on why record sales are in the states they are in. You are not hearing musicians anymore because you are hearing a processed and corrected version of what the musician is attempting to play. You can’t actually hear the drums anymore. I miss the original records that had the crack in the voice, and missed drum parts, and out of tune guitars. I will always love these records and I know every mistake on every song. “Now you take all those humanity issues away from music and it is in-human.”

 What are some of the ways that some of the local artists that they can raise the capitol to come work with you?

Kickstarter is a great and affective way. It is a site that provides a way for bands to give incentives to their donators to raise money for their album. The fans are going to support their favorite bands and help them get their albums recorded and sounding good. It is an awesome way to help the band become a player on the international market. This seed that you plant can help them get to where they need down the road.

How did you go about getting shows booked for your band?

The best assets you have are bands in the towns that you are touring through. Hit up the local bands see if you can do a show swap or play on their show and you will promote them in your area. There is nothing better than having a band have you in town for a gig.

I really made up half the crap that got me my shows at the beginning of my career. “ I lied my butt off! I said hey yeah we played with so-and-so, we are with ShowBiz Talent Agency and we are here to play this show”, they don’t care. As long as you rock your ass off they don’t care who you belong to.

What is your final say towards the local bands?

I think I have said my usual. I guess that you film everything you do and attach your music to everything you do. Put every finger out in every direction hoping for something to connect, and something to happen. Don’t think of anything as below you. Something may hit and be the spark for your career as a musician. I think that bands should get more open about their rehearsals. Invite people out and if you can get 12 people at your practice they may go to your next show to hear the final product.

“Labels are not signing bands that sound good. They are signing bands with records that sound good.”

Interview with Corey Beaulieu the lead guitarist of Trivium

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beaulieu, concert, corey, detoura, dream theater, enbphotography, guitar, guitarist, hard rock, house of blues, live, matt heafy, music, nick augusto, orlando, orlando bands, orlandobands.com, paolo, touring, travis smith, Trivium

Interview with Corey of Trivium by Erin Bisanti of http://www.enbphotography.com

Trivium has been making waves with their latest release, “In Waves”, all over the world and are breaking new ground as a metal band. Trivium is based out of Orlando, Florida and has played local venues such as the Haven of Orlando, Club Firestone, Hard Rock Live, and House of Blues. Their recent single has landed them radio play here on our local radio station 101.1 WJRR and they hope to see this catch on all over the States.

OrlandoBands.com was able to catch with Corey Beaulieu the day before leaving for the Dream Theater and Trivium tour. We discussed everything from how Corey joined Trivium, his favorite thing about touring, and the confusing exit of founding drummer Travis Smith. So what was the rock star up to the day before heading out on tour? “Cleaning the house and doing some laundry”, well it doesn’t get anymore rock star than that.

How many bands were you in before Trivium?

I just had the basic start up of any guitarist. I was in a band with a friend, but we never really gigged around or anything. We were actually in two different bands, but it was the same people. We just played around with the sound, but Trivium was the first real serious band that I was in.

Did you audition for Trivium or were you personally asked to join the band?

When I came to Florida I saw them playing at the Haven with a bunch of other bands. This was before their “blue demo” that they did out at Audio Hammer Studios (Sanford, Florida). I liked their sound and I ended up talking to Matt’s dad about the band. They had a gig a couple weeks later at Full Sail and Matt and I started talking about guitars and music through email. Then I saw on their website that they were looking for a guitar player so I hit them up and we talked about everything we had in common. We had never really played together. I guess you can say I tried out, but I was one of the first guitarist to try and out and immediately got it.

So from the beginning the chemistry was there?

Yeah, Matt and I have always had things in common, but it took a while before we actually started playing together. I really clicked with the whole band and Matt and I clicked right away with writing. It just happened right away and then we ended up getting signed to Road Runner off the bat.

What is reaction when you read a bad review?

I don’t really keep up with that stuff. When we first came out we pretty much had fantastic reviews. Everyone seemed to dig us. We did get backlash from the other bands because we were so young, and some of the older bands hated us, but we just moved past that. As we started to put out more albums we would get a few bad reviews, but you can’t really focus on that because it is just one person’s opinion. One person says the album sucks, but he may also say that something is amazing which I think sucks. At first we would get bummed, but we would just learn that if the fans like it then great. We didn’t really care what an old guy in an office thought about it. You take it with a grain of salt and worry about more important things.

Your latest single “Built to Fall” is getting radio play here in Orlando, was radio play something that Trivium was always interested in?

When we first came out we did amazing around the world without the radio play. Our record label has always said that if we have a song for the radio send it our way. “Dying in Your Arms” (Ascendancy Album) had some radio play overseas, but we just haven’t really had that same reaction here in the States. We didn’t want to be one of those bands that just kind of forced it to get a song on the radio. With, In Waves, we just happened to have a few songs that our label said would fit on the radio, so we were happy about that. We had always wanted to have that platform to promote out music, but we just never had the songs until now. We are excited that Orlando is playing our song, but it is still in it’s early stage so hopefully it spreads.

What could you share with a band that has found their sound, but is having a hard time creating something new?

Surprisingly for us we have never really struggled with that. We luckily have three you different people who write in the band who have ideas. Paolo might come up with something new or Matt comes up with something crazy and then we just blend all of this together.

If a band is having trouble with their sound you just fucking have to try and find something that is different from what your sound is. If you are a heavier band try adding something more melodic and just always try and listen to other bands. You can listen to another band and take something that you like, but make it into your own unique style. Even if you listen to something that isn’t metal, you can even listen to dance pop and maybe a melody with pop in your head and you can turn that melody into something more metal. You have to just recognize it and keep trying something new. I have seen bands who come out with a great record, but then they keep putting out the same types of records. Then when they come out with a new record you are not excited to buy it because you feel like you have already heard it. You always have to find new ways to push yourself and stay fresh.

Would you ever be a session player?

 I like playing live with our band. I have been called up to play a few solos on people’s record which is great, but we dedicate everything to this band. We are constantly working on videos, practicing, writing, photos, interviews, and touring that we don’t really have the desire to waunder off and try something different.

Do you have a regular job outside of Trivium?

Even before Trivium I never really had a job. Even if we didn’t have money we just practiced and played all the time. Luckily we all had parents that supported us when we didn’t have any money. Luckily after busting our asses for a couple years we have actually started making the money through Trivium and be able to focus on playing and touring. In the music industry now it is harder to live off of playing music, but we have been busting our asses for around 7 years and it is nice to be able to just focus on the music.

I remember when Trivium first came out you wanted to brand everything from sunblock to Zippos, you were the young band that wanted to conquer the world. How has your band changed since the beginning to now?

I guess before it was a very youthful “take over the world” kind of thing. We said that once or twice and our record label kind of liked the enthusiasm. Now that we are older we kind of know how things work and we have that kind of quiet confidence. We no longer have to scream at the top of the mountains about what we have to do. We try and be as professional as possible on how we conduct ourselves on the road and on tour and make sure that when the people come out to see us they see the best that Trivium can do. It is not all about partying and shit. Trivium is a brand and a product and in a way a business. We have to represent that product in a professional manner and keep that standard high.

What was it like losing Travis from the band?

From a fans perspective it can be hard because they have come to know the different individuals in the band.

It was something that had to happen. I don’t think anyone ever wants it to happened especially when a band has been together for so long, but with us it needed to happen. Things were progressing in a way that nothing positive was going to happen with the current line up of Trivium. Things were getting old and boring and something had to be done. Luckily we had a drummer that had filled in while Travis had to sit out,”for reasons we were never really told”,  that had played in bands with Paolo when he was younger. We were familiar with Nick after doing a few weeks on tour with him and the whole vibe of our camp was better. We just knew that this was a great time to make a change. It wasn’t this really big pain in the ass, because we had someone to make it smoother.

Do you prefer touring or recording?

After making an album I am really excited to tour, but after a certain point on tour we start writing we get really excited about recording. At certain points you are looking forward to something new. Right now we are just really excited about touring!

What are you most looking forward to about touring at your level?

I am most looking forward to the shows. We get to tour all around the world. We get to meet people that know who we are all around the world. They only get to see us once or twice every few years and it is cool to meet them and play for those fans. Also just traveling and seeing places that you have seen in pictures and being like oh shit I am actually hear.

What are you dreading about the tour?

When we first started off it was pretty brutal, crammed in a van, shitty food, no sleep, but now it isn’t as bad. Now, if you had a set up at home like a wife or a kid or something like that it definitely tests a lot of people. There has been a lot of people that spent two days on our bus and had to go home because it isn’t Led Zepplin private planes or anything. It is not just like a cake walk. It is actually a lot more work than people actually know until they do it.

Are you ever going to play “The Crusade” or “Shogun” live, ever?

[Laughs] We actually get those requests a lot. Every thinks that since we are playing with DreamTheater and they play 20 minute songs, that we have to play our longest shit as well. We would probably end up doing “Shogun” before “the Crusade” but that we would save for a headlining show. If we played in front of a lot of people that didn’t really who we were and busted out a 12 minute song we might lose the crowd a bit.

I wouldn’t mind The Crusade live.

 Yeah I haven’t even listened to that song in a few years. It would take a while just to learn all the little bits and pieces.

Are there any local bands you would like to give a shout out to here in Orlando?

Detoura. I know those guys. I have seen them play before and have their demos. They have a really good sound. I wanted to catch them at Firestone, but I will be out on tour.

I have seen some other good bands, but I can’t remember any of their names right now.

If you could give one piece of advise to the local scene what would it be?

The labels are signing less bands there are less spots to be on labels. You really got to make sure you have your sound down and your sound needs to stand apart from other bands. On the professional side make sure you have your heads on straight. They are more apt to signing a band that is already acting professional and that they can work with. Present yourself like you are already signed, so they take you more serious.

Fake it till you make it type thing.

Yeah they don’t want a band that is still green. Act like you know what you are doing.

What is your ultimate goal for Trivium?

Everyone in the band wants to be an Arena band. We want to be able to travel around the world and play arenas! We want to play Metal in a packed arena. It gives you goosebumps. There are not a lot of arena bands out there now-a-days, but it keeps us going and keeps us motivated to play.

You can catch Trivium with Dream Theater at the Hard Rock Live October 23^rd 2011. Pick up their latest release, “In Waves” and support your local music even if they have been able to play in front of 10,000 people once or twice before.

Why should a band choose to work with a professional photographer?

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Why should a band choose to work with a professional photographer when everyone has a nice camera and are willing to do it for free?

I will give you three important reasons why you should choose to spend the money and put your bands image into the bands of a professional.

First and foremost, they are getting paid for a reason. Take a look at their portfolio and decide as a band if that is the type of quality you want for your bands image. Just because your girlfriend has the same camera doesn’t mean that the pictures will come out the same. There are many things to take into account when taking a photo: location, time of day, temperature, lighting, angles, what the band is trying to portray, with the subject stand out from the background, will this look good in black in white in a local newspaper, and more. You as a band should not have to worry about this. A professional photographer will take this all into account and you will just have the job of looking pretty. Don’t trust just anyone when it comes to this because although it is free it can also be a big waste of time.

Secondly, the image quality needs to be there. If your band is interviewed or if a promoter needs an image for a poster you can’t just send them the 600×400 pixel image at 72 DPI that you use on facebook. It will be stretched out and pixelated to the point that your band won’t even be able to be recognized. You need a large file that looks good at 300 DPI and at least 8×10 inches. Although most cameras will shoot at this resolution the image that they snapped in your backyard may only look great at a thumbnail size and once it is posted in a local magazine it will look like someone just snapped it in your backyard. This is your bands image… unless you want to play for those 5 people over and over again you need to take your image seriously.

Thirdly and most importantly find a professional photographer that does the style that you and your band are heading in. Do your research! There are professionals that have been in the scene for years and have worked with many of the bands that play in the local area. Look at their work and know what you are getting into. Someone offering something for free may have the best price, but working with a newbie can be extremely risky. Again, you get what you pay for!

So bands, do your research and invest in your future as a band. Remember that when a promoter goes to your page, they want to see what your band is all about! So take the time to develop an image and also make sure that you find someone that is able to reproduce that image for you and not waste your time. Although you have to spend the money once you get those images take you can use them for albums, merch, press kits, social media sites, websites and more.

Born From Ashes shoot.

A couple of weeks ago I had a fun impromptu photoshoot with Born From Ashes. They had a show and we decided to do a quick shoot and this is the results. I am still investing in lighting, so all I had was my SB 600 which I kept on the camera since I did not have an umbrella. There were a few cool shots, but this one is my favorite.