Vacation and new shit for 1014! NYE!

We have been taking a break from posting over the holidays .. you know , because we have to do the drinkin and family stuff too .. But we will be coming back next year like a mothafucka with some great new shit for you all! Sneak peek you get now is that we will be doing a couple of NYE show reviews from both me and Zeb that will be ready for when your hangovers are somewhat gone! I hope you all had a wicked Xmas or whatever yall ended up doing :) .. Cheers to a new year!!

Punk show vs Metal

10 BANDS for 10 BUCKS AFTER THE PROFIT PERVCORE FRIGHTENSTEIN ELECTRIC REVIVAL THE RIGORMORTITIONS A WAR WITHIN CITIZEN RAGE BLACKEST SIN THE ATIVANS CADAVOR DOG This is where I will be - BSK Hit up the Stetson by Anderson station to come chill and ring in the new year with me and many others!!

Interview with Josh of SKYMIR!!

A little past due but here is the interview with Josh from Skymir !!!!
Actually I just freed up some time tonight .. so yeah I am down for sure!
Josh Bell-Surette
Sweet, sounds great !
Brad Sysko Kidd
Right on! .. well as usual I like to have a smoke and crack a brew before I put together some questions .. sound good?
Josh Bell-Surette
That's fucking awesome hahaha
Brad Sysko Kidd
hahaha k back! wanna get this goin? My hands are freezin so don't mind my slow typing
Josh Bell-Surette
Yeah for sure man !
Brad Sysko Kidd
K first up is , How did you get into playing music and what was your biggest influence?
Josh Bell-Surette
The funny thing is is I start really wanting to play guitar through guitar hero, I got really good at it and had been into metal for a while at that point, I think my biggest influence has got to be pretty hard to nail on the head but megadeth and the faceless have got to be up there for sure.
Brad Sysko Kidd
Haha I still have pretty much every guitar hero for ps2 but my cords are missing  .. Some people see it as a gateway and some see it as a poser way to learn but I believe it can be a great gateway! .. What was your scariest time playing a show?
Josh Bell-Surette
Probably our last show we just played, we opened up for gypsy hawk, trollfest and alestorm, it was very nerve racking watching professional musician set up do their sound check and then having five minutes to set up and just start playing basically as people are flooding in, and playing in front of some great bands
Brad Sysko Kidd
Great bands for sure!! ..That would be a bit intimidating but you get to learn more and more every show you play  ..
What would be the best place for you to ever play outside of this city?
Josh Bell-Surette
I'd really love to go and play in Quebec I heard it's an awesome place and their music seen especially metal is just wicked
Brad Sysko Kidd
You know of any venue out there that you may have heard of for the people who may read this and look to tour that way?
Josh Bell-Surette
I have no clue about the venues over there to be honest but if someone who reads this can gets into one do it up !
Brad Sysko Kidd
They can comment if they know one  What would you consider your passion for your future in music ?
Josh Bell-Surette
I am very passionate about lots of different types of music not just metal, I've always wanted to do my own solo project, probably something progressive in nature, but I still am very passionate about what we do in Skymir, we can't really be label at least that's were I stand, we each bring some sort of different influence and we all contribute to the music itself,
Brad Sysko Kidd
Well to the last question ... What would you do if the worlds lights shut out and the only weapon you had was a truck and some ammo enough to last you 2 weeks with no food?
Josh Bell-Surette
I would find myself a camp of weak people and drive my truck right through it firing at all of them, two weeks of ammo is quite a bit so it's probably worth the food for it anyways
Brad Sysko Kidd
Probably one of the darkest of answers I have gotten .. Fuckit .. what would you do in a Zombie Apocalypse??
Josh Bell-Surette
Hey you gotta do what ya gotta do, I would head over to one of my buddy's houses that near by and pick up some guns then I'd probably wanna get out of the city as fast as I could so find a big truck some I could mow people off the road with that can carry the people I need, get into the mountains up high so it's hard for the zombies to reach you, hard for them to get to the game you need to survive if your up that high anyways, or I could go the other way and just kill and take everything from everyone, I watch to much walking dead and zombies
Brad Sysko Kidd
Fuckin eh dude! Thanks for the interview dude!!!
No problem at all thank you! Cheers

Happy Holidays from AlTCiTY Calgary!!!!

Hello! Brad here.. I am not much for the holidays but I send my love and energy to all of our readers all the time and send thanks for our first year of having amazing people reading and sharing our page with many people !! The people involved are very happy to have you read about what we can say about the industry we are trying to help! Thank you! To all of those interviewed or featured keep it up and we love ya!! for the readers who have been so loyal keep posted for more in the new year because I am working on some great things for you! Have a ton of fuckin turkey , get really drunk and go to any of the numerous shows that are playing on new years!!! get your yuletide on and support local music!! Happy Holidays and have a great time!! -Cheers!! Brad Sysko Kidd out.. Talk to you soon!

Zeb's 2013 in Review

Well it's that time of year where everyone makes their lists on what was what of 2013. Here are my top 5 favorite local albums released this year, 5 favorite local songs and 5 up and coming bands to watch out for in 2014

Top 5 Local Albums (In No Order)

~ The Evidence - Potiental (Progressive Rock)(Self Released).

Follow up to 2011 Currents. Casey Lewis and company release what they call a homege to Queen and their best album to date. Recorded at Echo Base Studios by Lewis himself this album has the typical Evidence feel but it feels like their is new life back into the band. Essential Tracks 'Lies','The Difference' and 'Again & Again'
Listen to it Here

~ Tanner James - How to Ruin Your Life With Women (Folk)(Self Released).

Former Nix Dickson's frontman spreads his wings and flys solo for the first time. Instead of party rocking and loud guitars Tanner strips down to the basics and digs down into his country roots . Recorded by Lorrie Matheson at Arch Audio. This concept album about the girls who got away and the ones that end up better off that they left. The names aren't changed to protect the identities of any of these ex lovers. Essential Tracks 'Blue Eyed Girls','Dear John Letter to My Fair City' and 'How To Ruin Your Life With Women'
Listen To It Here

~ Jenny - Love and Politics (Folk/Punk)(Sudden Death Records).

Jenny hit the big time and while opening up for Joey Shithead of D.O.A. last year, sparked interest in the legendary punk rocker. Recorded with producer Steve Kravac (Blink-182,MXPX, Less Than Jake) in L.A. Their first label release is more polished then the previous releases but shows the band has strong songwritting and a future in Canadian punk rock.
Essential Tracks 'How Far Can This Thing Go?' 'I Think I Like You ft. Dylan S. Keating' and 'The Middle'
Listen to it Here

~ DELUGE! - The Quiet Things (Indie Rock)(Self Released).

Vetran's in the Calgary music community, DELUGE! relese their sophmore album The Quiet Things. After having their single "Anatomy of Me" played last summer on X92.9 The quartet went into Echo Base Studios trying to make the best album they could. It's full of pop punk melodies and tongue in check lyrics. The standout track on this is 'Art School' featuring Aislinn Grant. Frontman Dave Drebit's first Duet. Essential Tracks 'Anatomy of Me' 'All I Could Do' "19 Years'
Listen to it Here

~ Rockets and Dinosaurs - Angry Gnarly Love (Self Released)

2012 Xposure winners release their first full length album. Recorded at Taylor Sound it's jam packed with Pop Punk melodies and teen angst and semi dirty lyrics. You'll be humming some of these tunes for days on end. Essential Tracks 'Unloveable' 'Knockin Knees' and 'Malarky'
Listen To It Here



Top 5 Favorite Local Songs (In No Order)

~ Black Earth - Boss Fight
~ Jenny - I think I like You ft. Dylan S. Keating (Love & Politics)
~ Hair of the Ghost Town Gentlemen - The Beggining (Single)
~ Won Over Nothing - Self Destruct Button
~ DELUGE! - All I Could Do (The Quiet Things)

Top 5 Bands to Watch in 2014 (In No Order)


~ Mudd. (Funk/Rock)
~ Set and Stoned (Rock)
~ Black Opus (Rock)
~ Won Over Nothing (Hip Hop/Rock)
~ Aberdeen (Rock)

Sysko's Band Of The Week! - Black Earth!

Band of the Week! - Black Earth
Like them! Like them! .. Some good friends of the Calgary music industry who rock like no other in their genre..I have to say many thisngs but I am sure it will speak for itself in the below link to their music that they graciously put out for you to hear! The vocals are awesome! The whole band will rock you! My buddy Anthony J who I previously interviewed is on the drums! Listen for yourself with this link !!

listen here! >

Interview with Jesse Lafeber of World Class White Trash!!

Interview with Jesse L of World Class White Trash!!!

Brad Sysko Kidd
I am all good to go !
Jesse Lafeber
Brad Sysko Kidd
lemme have a smoke and get ready then I will be down quick.
Jesse Lafeber
Gonna do the same thing!
Brad Sysko Kidd
K dude I am good to go!
Jesse Lafeber
right on man, fire away!
Brad Sysko Kidd

Well first I want to know what you have to say about the work you are doing with World Class White Trash!
Jesse Lafeber
well, that kinda depends on how you define work hahaha as far as new songs, we have some cool ones were working on right now, should be ready to bust em out pretty soon. also, were in the process of recording a new album called blood sweat & the beers, andy has all his drum tracks done, so once those have been edited iim gonna get in there and start throwing down bass tracks. it never really feels like work though, you know what I mean?
Brad Sysko Kidd
Well put about the work part .. As long as you love it, It will never feel like work.  How long have you been involved in playing music, What was your start?
Jesse Lafeber
gotta go way back here.... I remember when I was about 11 or 12, my dad bought a bass guitar for my brother, saw him playing it, said hey I can do that, and been in love ever since. first song I ever learned, long before I actually listened to it and realized what I was playing was cowboys from hell actually hahaha
Brad Sysko Kidd
That my friend is not a very easy song to play at that experience! Where do you see yourself going in the future with music / WCWT or even life itself ?
Jesse Lafeber
honestly, I haven't really been thinking much about that. as far as world class goes, were all in it to win it so, and we have a couple solid opprutunities on the table right now, so were just gonna work on pushing ourselves as hard as we can to make something of it. that's a huge part of my life, other than that though I just wanna live and be happy anyway I can, maybe try and get a side project going outside of wcwt, I have a solid job so, you know just gonna live life.
Brad Sysko Kidd
Any words to say to the readers who may be interested in coming up in the local scene? I know that it can be complicated for some people to start contacting people and jumping into " The music scene" without knowing the local crowd?
Jesse Lafeber
all I can really say, get out there, meet people. making friends is really the easiest way to get into or start up a band. other than that, just stay motivated, keep positives, and good things happen
Brad Sysko Kidd
What would be your greatest influence ? If you could name one that changed your life?
Jesse Lafeber
Heavy metal man, its always been the thing that's been there, anytime ive felt down and out, or super stoked, those moments are always fueled by metal. biggest influence in my life for sure, and if I had to narrow it down from there, it would be pantera.
Brad Sysko Kidd
K now for the obscure questions .. and I am going to flip it up A bit and not ask the Zombie question .. If a stranger was at your door saying that he was a prophet and he had news for you and your loved ones but the only way he would spread the truth about your future was that you made him a peanut butter and jelly sandwich .. what would you do? Keep in mind there are zombies outside.
Jesse Lafeber
id probably let the dude in, and make him a pb and j sandbitch hahaha, definitely would want my story told
Brad Sysko Kidd
hahahaha Sandbitch .. nice! IO am going to call this pt 1 of this interview because I unexpectedly have to go .. But we will chat again soon
Cheers dude! and thanks for the chat!!!!
Jesse Lafeber
sounds good man, fuck thank you my friend! its been a pleasure!
Brad Sysko Kidd
No worries bro! talk to you soon!
Jesse Lafeber
hell yeah brotha!
Cheers!

5000 Page views!! .. A Thank you too our supporters!!

So for the amount of time that we have been blogging that is since July under the name AltCiTYwe hit 5000 page views today! That was my goal and we hit it before schedule soThank you everyone who has been involved in B.O.T.W , Show posts, Random blogging and every interviewee that we have talked too! Cheers to every contributor !! I am soo proud of everyone that is involved in the Calgary music and counterculture scene and will be around for a long time bringing you anything that I can to support you back!! This is something to cheers to! Thanks again and here is to thousands more!!! Brad Sysko Kidd loves ya! Keep on rockin and have a wicked weekend!

Song Review - The Promethean Labyrinth - Immortals

Album review - T.P.L And the new album - Song -Immortals.
I got a sneek peek at one of the new Promethean Labyrinth songs and this is what I have to say!
The first thought I had was at the first 20 seconds of the first track and it was , Fuckin eh! The voice on the track reminded me of a mix between Kim Shattuck, Amy Lee and a divine sprite had some kind of love child with a perverted demon who was nice sometimes. The drums were dead on and the vocals are killer!!
So today is the day they release the album publicly so go to the above link to the band and please check it out! They sound soo fucking great!! Like the page!! ;)

Brad chats with Carlin Blackrabbit of No More Moments!!!

Interview with Carlin Blackrabbit of No More Moments!!!

Currently working on a 7" to pass on to the masses!!

Wanna get this going?
Carlin Blackrabbit
Ok

Brad Sysko Kidd
No problem dude  just a little busy myself. So first question that I have to ask and have wanted to for a while is, How did you get into music and how hard was it coming from where you are from to break into the music industry?
Carlin Blackrabbit
Networking has been big part of this band. If we play a show with a band we don't know it's mandatory for us to bro down with them. Also with networking I worked in the bar industry for a couple years, and i just met bands and promoters along the way. Without the help of Dickens Pub the band wouldn't be where we are today. Chris Hewitt, the owner gave us that chance. So networking is important, and cherish the people you meet too.
Carlin Blackrabbit
Networking has been big part of this band. If we play a show with a band we  know it's mandatory for us to bro down with them. Also with networking I worked in the bar industry for a couple years, and i just met bands and promoters along the way. Without the help of Dickens Pub the band wouldn't be where we are today. Chris Hewitt, the owner gave us that chance. So networking is important, and cherish the people you meet too.
Brad Sysko Kidd
Sorry I was a out like a light by 2am haha .. anyway to keep this going what is your biggest influence with your music?

Carlin Blackrabbit
It's always going to be apart of me. I never wanted to do anything but play music. I suck at most everything but music. It's what I know, and I'm proud to called myself a musician.

Brad Sysko Kidd
I am sad to say that I have never got the chance / privilege to see you play live  But Is there anything coming up that me and my readers would be able to hear or see?

Carlin Blackrabbit
We got a few shows line up to end off the year. No More Moments will be playing Dickens with The Escort; sex punk done right and Nosis; stoner rock, and they are all the nicest dudes ever. A portion of the door will go towards toys for kids on Christmas. Copsickle will be playing with The Motherfuckers at Tubby Dog dec 28th. It's a free show and all ages are welcome.

Brad Sysko Kidd
Can you give us some insights into what is next for you and your band? Something that people do not already know

Carlin Blackrabbit
I'm planning on doing my own label. There's a lot of bursaries and grants out there for First Nations. I want to release all my own music and own 100% of it. A personal goal would be to own a all ages venue. I always have something brewing.

Brad Sysko Kidd
That sounds like a very great idea!! If you ever want some help you know how to get ahold of me  .. So anyway I come to my final question.. It is our most popular .. What would you do in a zombie apocalypse?

Carlin Blackrabbit
Forsure man, I'll need help with people like you. If a zombie apocalypse broke out I would do what Bill Murray on Zombie Land did and by mimicking zombies to survive. Oh and I heard chain mail helps too
Brad Sysko Kidd
hahaha he did play a great role in that movie lol .. Well thatks for the interview dude! I hope to see you sometime soon! Cheers!
Carlin Blackrabbit
Thanks for supporting the scene.
Brad Sysko Kidd
No worries dude! It is something that I cannot shake but I see mass worth in it!!

Show review -Shark infested Daughters!

The last time I posted a show review for the D , I didnt get a chance to say anything about the bands because I did not watch the bands very much. I mostly spoke of the D itself seeing as that was the reason I was there. This time I am talking about the bands. Shark Infested Daughters was fucking awesome! My girl had a great time headbanging her head off! We are both in 2-3 different types of pain today from last night hahaha .. Even with a more intimate crowd the place was mashing! Touring bands As The King and PunkerSlut rocked like no other! I was seriously glad I went!! If you ever get the chance go to a S.I.D Show it is fuckin great! Most of you probably have .. but when they are following a band like Punkerslut they went as hard  as they could!! I am amazingly happy and very hungover! haha Thanks guys!! Cheers! -BSK

Here is a link to the show .. All the links to the bands are on the page! Show some love!!

https://www.facebook.com/events/325883320890850/

Cheers to all the bands who made my neck hurt like shit today!! :)

Interview with Anthony J of Black Earth and DELUGE!

Interview with Anthony J From Black Earth and DELUGE!

Anthony J
hey man i'm online so whenever you wana do this!
Brad Sysko Kidd
we can do this now dude !  lemme have a smoke and grab a pint!
Anthony J
sounds good.
Brad Sysko Kidd
k im good ! Lets do this! I have always wondered about how you started with music and what you plan to do! Can you give me some insights ?
Anthony J
I started music when I was 15. I grew up loving Meatloaf and Tom Petty so I really wanted to play guitar, but my parents wouldn't let me. Sooo I bought my own guitar after working at my first job a the public library. I joined my first band at the same time with my two friends, and we all not only started a band together, but learned how to play our instruments at the same time, so you can imagine it was awful at first.
Brad Sysko Kidd
It always seems to be but when you persevere like you have , that is when you know that you are going places.  .. Just for our readers can you tell us what you have been up to lately in music? I am as you know a huge fan of DELUGE! .. But can you say anything about your other projects?
Anthony J
Well Deluge was funny because I didn't (and still don't) consider myself a real drummer, but I played a little for fun. A couple years ago they lost their drummer and since I knew them from high school they asked if I would drum for them, so I basically learned how to play the drums while in Deluge. I am just now starting to feel comfortable behind a kit. Right now Deluge is working on a new album and is recording next month. Black Earth is also currently in the studio. I don't have any other project on the go right now, except maybe I'll bust out an acoustic set one of these days. I have a bunch of acoustic song I've wrote but I've been to nervous to play them live.
Brad Sysko Kidd
Stage anxiety can be a bitch when it is solo ! What are you looking for in the future?
music wise or anything else?
Anthony J
right now I love what I'm doing and I love both my bands. I couldn't really ask for cooler people to have around. I'm working hard on discovering what makes a good song. I'm not super interested in becoming the best at my instruments, I just want to get really good at writing songs.
Brad Sysko Kidd
When you think of writing songs where do you get your influence from?
Anthony J
Well at first it was horror movies, but more recently I've just been dwelling on the past while I'm at work. Now I really like to write about days gone by.
Brad Sysko Kidd
What would your ideal show be? Local or any place else?
Anthony J
Right now I love touring, so my ideal show would probably be in a pub in a small mountain town like Ferrnie. We've played a couple great shows there, where the crowed is just in the mood to party hard. In Calgary I like playing Dickens, Verns, and The Broken City the most. The bands on my ideal show would probably be The Shotgun Dolls, The Evidence, and Forbidden Dimension.

Brad Sysko Kidd
I miss watching the Evidence! They are rad! I gotta go brotha but I have to say that I have listened to your music to the point that it would become sort of creepy hahaha .. Lastly I have to hit you with the ever so popular question ..What would you do in a Zombie apocalypse ??
Anthony J
haha I would find myself a gun and take my motorbike down to mexico.

Brad Sysko Kidd
Thanks for the interview dude! We gotta get together for a drink sometime soon!

Anthony J
totally man! Thanks so much!

Brad Sysko Kidd
no problem dude! I will post this asap. please repost! Cheers!!

Interview with Maria Joaquin of The Promethean Labyrinth and new art work in the works!!!

Interview with Maria Joaquin of The Promethean Labyrinth and new artworks!

and Now he is working on some great art that we will be chatting about!!
BSK- I have some questions rattling around in my head.
 first I want to ask about your art both music with Promethean Labyrinth and the wicked awesome art that you have recently been sharing! Where dose the inspiration come from?

MJ-With TPL, all the themes and ideas all revolve around science and wonder. Like sci fi prog metal.  Or at least I like to think so. And will most likely continue down that endless road.
As far as my recent art ventures, lately it has been space themed and I'm looking forward to diving into those ideas more. The but I love the raunchy stuff too. A lot of it comes from watching horror movies like Clive barkers hell raiser, as a kid. At the risk of
Sounding like an idiot, lately a lot of them kinda draw themselves! I don't know how to explain it. It's like I get into a trance. But a drug free one
BSK-It looks amazing to me and the detail and direction seems to be getting more and more impressive! How long normally will it take you to draw out one of your pieces ?

MJ-Awe shux! That's very kind of you!
It depends. It seems to take me too long. About 8-10hours. Which I think is overkill, but I'm still trying to get the hang of things. So I take my time. Most are only 14x11". But it's tough to fill the whole page! With more time and confidence I would like to do bigger projects.

BSK-Personally I am an artist .. but I do not have the patience for the work that you do haha . Did you go to school for art?
MJ-I don't know how I get them finished!
Nope. All self taught from collecting art being involved. YouTube videos. Things like that.

BSK-Well done dude ! I am more inspired by people that are self taught  Have you thought about what you might do with them? I saw that you will be selling prints!

MJ-Thanks!
I do plan on taking classes in the future.
I'm not sure. I started doin them to do them, releasing the demons if you will. But I've been gettin a lot if positive feedback and people interested in buying them. So we'll see.

BSK-Well I hope that this will help get those demons out to those who may want to purchase them! do you mind if I post some of them for reference?

No not at all!
Sharing is caring!

BSK-fuckin eh! . final question ... What would you do in a Zombie apocalypse ?

In a zombie apocalypse ?
I would probably be one of the first to die!
I'm terrified of zombies.

BSK-The first one to say that! haha yeah .. I would like faint and be eaten or someshit! haha .. Thanks for the interview!! that was rad! I will post it very soon!

MJ-Hahahha
My pleasure!
Cheers! .Brad Sysko Kidd

Russ Gauthier from False Flag/Lordosis/ Visceral Trance and BSK chat about Lots of things! Check it out!

Brad Sysko Kidd
Lets get this goin shall we? I am ready.
Russ Gauthier
Sure man, lemme grab another beer first haha
Ok ready
Brad Sysko Kidd
wicked haha yeah i had to grab a brew too hahahaha
k getting it started I gotta ask what it was that got you into music in the first place?
Russ Gauthier
Hey good question! I think it really came down to getting into Nirvana. Kurt Cobain was a huge influence on me and his sloppy playing was easy to reproduce at a young age haha no offense to him of course, he had a way of playing that was sloppy but noone can get close to the emotional response his vocals and guitar playing demanded.
Brad Sysko Kidd
Great response ! Nirvana knew that they sucked at first and that is what made them great!
What would you say about the Calgary music industry when it comes to playing bars or any other show?
Russ Gauthier
Well im from a smallish town in Ontario and ive heard of bands NEVER getting paid for a gig there. So its nice to actually get paid decently for a gig here, but thats usually IF you bust your ass trying to pack the place. Really makes me think how important advertising can be. If noone knows your playing...do you even exist? Haha tree falling in the woods type shit. Overall I love lots of the metal made in calgary and it can be a friendly and unfriendly place all at the same time. ive been hailed by some as a great guitar player, but ive also been told on an internet forum "if you wanna be like dimebag darrell, why dont you step in front of a 9mm?" No joke.

Brad Sysko Kidd
Thats fucked up to say to someone! . I have worked in the industry here and yeah I agree with the level of diversity and condasention between bands , but no one should down talk anyone because on their style !
On another note, What would you say to upandcoming bands if you had the chance?
Russ Gauthier
I would say be careful of small victories. Partying can get out of hand QUICK and take the whole band with it. Keep your head down and fuckin giver!!
And if that doesnt make any sense to anyone haha.... Dont stop working until youve really got what you want. Its easy to feel like youve "made it" after your first few shows
Brad Sysko Kidd
What is it like working with more than 1 band?
Russ Gauthier
it can be super intense when all three bands have gigs in the same month. I also dont really practise much drums at home other than recording demos in my little studio at home, so Lordosis and Visceral Trance give me that drum workout/practise I never seem to get on my own time. But thats probably also due to the fact that guitar is my main priority. Ive been playing for 15 years now and False Flag is a return to taking the instrument seriously again (after meggido broke up in 2010) as well as new experience doing the vocals myself.
Brad Sysko Kidd
I have been to both Lordosis and Visceral Trance shows but I have never been out to see False Flag yet . anything you want to say about you guys?
Russ Gauthier
Sure man, False Flag is the result of me not playing guitar much for a couple years, watching my bro Kris in Lordosis play an 8 string (after pushing him to get one for Lordosis). It drove me nuts in a good way only being a "drummer". So all of the frustration you hear in False Flag's sound is coming from a real place (the other side of that frustration comes from other personal problems that dont need to be discussed haha). All in all False Flag is about turning the most ugly parts my personality into a positive thing. Getting out that anger and frustration in the most healthy way. By screaming LOUD about it.
Brad Sysko Kidd
Fuckin EH! .. Now we come to the ever so diverse and popular question ... What would you do in a Zombie apocalypse??
Russ Gauthier
Hahah! Thats the best question yet! Hmmm I think id definately arm myself with a shotgun or rifle, a machete for sure, and as much food as I could carry and meet up with Kurt, bass player from Lordosis. Dude is a killer sniper and the ultimate survivalist. Im not as prepared as some people so id definately stick to the "strength in numbers" approach. Maybe pull a Land of the Dead and take over a tall building for shelter?
Brad Sysko Kidd
Great chat with ya dude  A great interview ! You are a very talented man! I am going to wrap this up but is there anything else you might want to tell the readers and friends?
Russ Gauthier
Hey thanks for the killer interview bro! And the kind words! I dont have much other to say than dont be an elitist douchebag when it comes to music,  Smoke Weed! And support your local metal (and rap) scene! Stay tuned for new False Flag, Lordosis and Visceral Trance music in 2014!!
Brad Sysko Kidd
 Cheers!  Thanks for the interview!

Syskos Show Review - The New D!

So last Friday I went down to the new D where I had never stepped foot before and Oh Shit! What a show! Not only did I run into a ton of old friends but got to finally meet some of my FB friends! The place in my opinion is a lot better than the old place down on 7ave. The Place was very well built for sound and the flow of the bar was just fuckin awesome . I did get a little confused what to do because the place stretches out to a bunch of different places to hang out. The best thing I think was the sound in the place! Fuckin'ell it was good! if you were standing at the bar or other areas it sounded like they just had the radio on just loud enough .. you go up to the stage where the bands are playing and you can rock your ears right off! To rap this up I highly recommend heading down to the D @222 7st S.W anytime ! It rocks!-BSK

This weekends shows! :D

It has been a while but I finally have your weekend shows list!
Tonight!
Across the sound is playing at Lorn Nelsons.
https://www.facebook.com/events/410030932452932/

Thrasadactyl/Satoru/Samsara are playing at the D
https://www.facebook.com/events/164158607116213/?ref_dashboard_filter=calendar

Friday!!
Not Calgarian but pretty rad anyway is Killswitch Engage and LAMB OF GOD!@ The Big 4 building if you didnt already know. ;)

and Testament @ BMO Center.


Falling Down Fest @Verns Starts 
https://www.facebook.com/events/647447088633559/?ref_dashboard_filter=calendar

Blackrat CD release with Gatekrashor / Fornication and The Cadavor Dog
is going on at Lord Nelsons!
https://www.facebook.com/events/1381386588761189/?ref_dashboard_filter=calendar

Saturday!!
Men with beards !
https://www.facebook.com/events/463949667057131/?ref_dashboard_filter=calendar

Hang The DJ @Dickens pub
https://www.facebook.com/events/545928502158620/?ref_dashboard_filter=calendar

BLANKFEST! III@The Blind Beggar
https://www.facebook.com/events/225731990918093/?ref_dashboard_filter=calendar

WAKE / Ghetto Hawk and FTFG are playing Tubby Dog on 17th
https://www.facebook.com/events/511839815573399/?ref_dashboard_filter=calendar

Punk vs Metal round 7 
https://www.facebook.com/events/1379286312314914/?ref_dashboard_filter=calendar

Mammoth Grove, Picture the Ocean, Brave the Weather @ The Palomino 
https://www.facebook.com/events/1430192337196679/?ref_dashboard_filter=calendar

Have fun and support local arts!!! Cheers! -BSK

Sysko's Band of the week! - TRUCK!!! A fare thee well !

TRUCK!!!
Though I Never got to see them live I have been listening to them off and on for a while .. Often to show people their music because they fuckin rocked!
You will be missed as a band but I'm sure you guys will be back in something else that is stellar!
Recently the boys played their last show :( But In their honor I an making them the band of the week!
Here is a track for you and here is a sad fare thee well to the boys of TRUCK!

CHEERS! -BSK

Interview with Lindsay Arnold Of Loremaster! :D

An Interview with the all so awesome Lindsay Arnold of Loremaster and ex Seven Deadly Grins.
Brad Sysko Kidd
Lets start with some questions about Lindsay,  What got you into music?
playing music that is.
Lindsay Arnold
Honestly? Probably my crazy parents! Their love of heavy metal and the fact that my father was a touring musician influenced me greatly. I got a taste of it young and never looked back!
Brad Sysko Kidd
Sounds like an interesting upbringing to me  You have been Playing with Loremaster for a bit now , Do you have any plans for the future of the band!
Lindsay Arnold
Haha interesting indeed! Yeah I've been playing with Loremaster for about nine months now, I love folk metal so it's great fun. Right now we are on the hunt for a new vocalist, so any interested clean singers out there should contact us! Other than that we've just been working on new material and making plans for 2014.
Brad Sysko Kidd
What do you think about the status of the Calgary Music industry? The way things are and what would make it better?
Lindsay Arnold
I'm glad to see so many new bands! We seem to be in a phase right now where a lot of the older musicians are "moving on" or pursuing other endeavors, making way for an influx of much younger musicians and bands and things are just balancing out. I think it IS important for bands (especially younger bands) to learn right away that they don't NEED promoters to play shows or promote themselves. Don't get me wrong though, there are lots of awesome folks in the music scene here working hard, doing it right, really inspiring growth and those are the promoters that deserve our support. Too often I see bands getting totally screwed when they really don't need to be!
Brad Sysko Kidd
I was wondering about your recovery from your health issues and how it has effected your life and playing bass?
Anything you can say would help people know a little more about your struggle?
Lindsay Arnold
It's been an extremely long recovery so I'm just happy to be back playing again! Music has always been my life and after being unable to play for so long I have a lot of catching up to do! With a severe spinal injury comes a lot of nerve damage and injury so I had to relearn how to play from scratch! That's something I'm still working on really, and it's a long, slow road that can be very, very frustrating! But still, playing is always better than NOT playing and I'm just glad to be doing it again. People will just have to accept Lindsay the Stage Statue for a while longer!!
Brad Sysko Kidd
Promoters are helpful but some can be detrimental to their own cause . Or just greedy .  you know who you are if you read this! .. anyway . I ask everyone as you know because you are a great supporter of AlTCitY .. I have to ask what you would do in a zombie apocalypse ?
Lindsay Arnold
HAHA I'm totally prepared for the zombie apocalypse! Or any apocalypse for that matter.... !! A good isolated hideout with lots of guns and supplies. I don't wanna say too much in the event shit does go sideways and I get overrun by the unprepared haha. Seriously though, I think we all learnt from the floods this summer that disaster can strike at any time! Being prepared rules!
haha thanks a million dude! you rule!
Cheers! -BSK

Awesome comeback post by our man DAVE!!

Davey Everydude

Hey Kids,

It’s been a while, how’s shit been? Keeping the mosh pit alive and well and free of the pit-dicks as well I hope.

Sorry it has been a season since I had anything written up. I am pretty sure the last thing I did was a band of the week for the Bloody Hells. Come to think of it, yeah, that’s been about it. While others have been banging away at their keyboards, I’ve been not banging away at my keyboard leaving it in a very “I’m not getting banged” Peggy Bundy style setting. Poor horny board. Well, anyways, to keep you up to speed in what has been the life of Davey Wasted, I’ve been doing very little. I’ve learned a lot, but still done very little. You see at the beginning of the summer, I fucked my back up. Two years in a row where right at the beginning of the summer, my back takes a turn and I wind up being next best thing to a cripple. Shitty, so my music took a hit in a large manner. But, it presented itself as an excuse to get writing more and concentrate on listening to music, writing some music, finding new music and of course, hard core gaming and porn. This actually excited me. Then, I lost both my computers to catastrophic butt failure. For those of you whom are not very apt with the technological side of things, it means that they essentially blew up and are now more like paperweights than anything. Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuck. So, no touring, my show load was cut into a fraction of what it was supposed to be, I had to leave a band, I couldn’t write, I had not means of digging the internet for new music, there was no gaming, and of course no porn, but lots of jerking off. There are many other things that took place and did not take place throughout the summer, but that there is what we will make mention of. But, with that being said, I am obviously behind the wheel of a computer again. It’s morning, I’m still reasonably soberish kinda sorta, and been wanting to do a write up for a bit now, so let’s do this. Here are some of the moments in music I can share that have taken place since we last spoke…. As you know, one of my favorite bands is the Gypsy Bears. Well, it was not too long ago, but they played their last (for a very long time to say the least) show. It was a Halloween house party that I think few will remember much of, but nobody that was there will forget. It was a great night that featured a very hungover, but still somehow rad as fuck set from The Rigormorticians. They played the night before and were up until the early hours of the morning that day drinking very hard. Even the drummer, Rory “Fiendish” McDonald had refused a beer upon his arrival. The drummer said no to suds. That’s the true sign your band went too far the night before. But, true to their ways, they tore it up. The swan songs of Calgary’s horror rock filled a crowded basement as people sang along happily to fast paced psychobilly infused punk rock. You could smell the talent, the booze and the hangover as they made each song count. I can’t remember if they played it that night, but I think everyone should listen to 1-2-3 C.H.U.D. Fuck I love that song. The Difficult Brown played and it was less than stellar, the songs, although catchy enough, you could tell they got to the party and drank. And by drank, I mean get really fucked up. By the end of the set, the motley crew of drunk asses went about telling bad jokes and exchanging costumes with a female attendee of said party. They were fun, and good for a laugh, but better sets of theirs could be found and word around the campfire is a new recording is coming up. And then we said goodbye to the Bears. The basement packes, a fog machine making it impossible to see much, they ripped through the set like it was the last time they would ever get laid. Jake and Samson were Mario and Luigi (if I gotta explain, just stop here and never speak to me again) and Scott was rocking a Popeye outfit so it was cartoonish goodtimes. With guest vocalists, kind words and the promise that there will be future shows (far, far in the furture) they played themselves off in a way that they started. Making the house party come alive and giving people an experience they will be talking about for ages to come. So long guys, we’ll see you in a couple years. Moving on, The Calgary Beer Core has fired up the bands and have kicked off an ambitious and very cool idea. Over the years, the organization has had many, MANY, shows that are billed as “Punk vs. Metal” where a split of metal and punk bands alternate sets and bring the best of both worlds together. This year, it is a twenty band series that is going on between The D and Vern’s wehere the winners of each show, go onto play a Ten Bands For Ten Bucks New Years show at Dickens pub. From beginning to end, this should prove rad as fuck. It’s already started to check out www.calgarybeercore.com for further details. Pervcore, holy fuck. I’ve had the pleasure of sharing a stage with those kids this past summer and I will tell ya, they tore it up. Fast songs with content that would make a guilty catholic priest blush they pushed through song after song relentlessly. Sharp punk attitude with a very metal style of sound, the dual female fronted crew of stage vets crushed their songs with no apology and left a crowd of foaming and sweaty patrons begging for more of their unique and original brand of perversion. I for one and am stoked to see one of Calgary’s most respected couples hit the stage together Emi, Kuba, your shit fucking stinks and it’s rad. Thank you. You can check them out with Legion Of Goons at Lord Nelsons Sunday, November 10th. BDFM are done. It’s over. And from that, comes Citizen Rage. Thrash hardcore in the same vein as BDFM only now, it is more direct and in your face. They have played one show so far and those who saw it were brought back to an older day in Calgary’s second coming of hardcore. It was fast, it was heavy, it was everything you would have expected and hoped for. Really excited to check them out again and can’t wait for the first disk to drop. Follow them on the facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Citizen-Rage/408722289229035 and tell them Davey sent you. I’m trying to score a free shirt and anything helps. Sled Island is coming back! They put out in a public statement that the huge amounts of people that did not ask for their money back from last years events which were cancelled due to flooding, meant they were able to manage the loss well and can move forward with events this year! I am glad to see that something of this magnitude can carry on as I feel anything that provides music to people and grabs their attention is important. On a more personal side note, I will be leaving town that week wearing my “Fuck Sled Island” shirt that I had custom made for less than the cost of going to see the shows they hold. Like I said, good on you guys, you get people listening to music. That shit is important, and I can respect that. But when I have to pay twenty five bucks to see a band that I have been on tour with and played shows not even a couple month before hand for ten bucks, yeah, nope. Fuck that. And don’t try and justify it to me, I’ve been involved in booking too long to buy into that shit. Your rooms will be packed, the cash boxes will be full, the volunteers will get the ever important feeling of self worth, my money is not needed. For those who are excited for this, don’t let my jaded asshole opinion stop you. Seriously, go, get into music and when it is done, please, keep that spirit alive and come see your locals that are on stage every weekend playing their hearts out. Don’t wait for festivals, just go and enjoy music whenever you can, because you can. Well, fuck me, at the 1,500 word mark I see I have gone on long enough and gotta get my ass to school. I am leaving a shit ton out so we will be back again soon with bands of the week, some ranting some raving and potentially some good links on where to find some quality por….. new music and local bands! See you in the pitt! Davey

Interview with Devan Forster of Mammoth Grove.

Interview with Devan Forster of Mammoth Grove.


BSK- K well lets do this
We have been friends for a while and I have seen you in some great bands! Starting Mammoth Grove must have been a new start for you In a great way! Most of my readers are musicians .. What is the best things about joining/ starting a band?

Devan-Well, with Joining a band you get to come into a group, a family that has a path already set out and it's really cool to dig a band enough to want to be a part of it, and I've been really fortunate to jump in on both Telly and Black Phoenix Orchestra and they were both Great to be a part of. I feel really blessed to have been a part of both.
BSK-As for starting a band it's so exciting because it's all new, fresh and regardless of the specifics, you get to see where your music will take you, and how the music itself grows and develops. With Mammoth it was cool it was originally going to be a side project band outside of Frankie, and once we went our separate way it became my main  thing so it was interesting to see it develop and suddenly have to stand up on its own and take sail.
BSK-I have been listening to the bandcamp that you have everyonce and a while and it is so very much your flavor .. Do you have anything to say about online promotions or sites?

Devan-It's difficult, if you make it difficult and really a huge helping hand, if you take advantage of it. I'm really hard pressed to sit down and type out emails and manage sites and all else so it's a tough thing but so helpful.
With a proper functioning band there's help with that from the guys as well.
At the end of the day your music has to speak for itself so once you believe in what you're doing it becomes exciting to put it out and spread the word.

BSK-Well put! I believe that if you love what you do that a person should feel like they will share it any way they can!
Devan-Yeah man and these days it makes a huge difference, if people support it and help it grow then you're rollin
BSK-For an up and coming artist, What would you say is the best way to go about finding a new band/ Band member?

Devan-Just play and write and jam and go out and see bands, meet people, spread the word and just be open to anything.
We just found a new bass player, which had been brewin for a while now and it was great to have people come in, play with them and see what it';s like.
It was great to see how it goes with different people, even the ones who didn;t fele right for the band it was good for Kurtis,(drummer) and I and I think it strengthened out vision for the band as well.
So just get out there, be around what you want to eventually do and doors will open. I say it often that music can;t really be forced, but once you immerse your self in it the opportunities will present themselves. There's a life force within music.
Or maybe it's more precise to say that there's a potential for life that takes root when music happens

BSK-Everyone gets this question .. What would you do in a zombie apocalypse?

Devan-Haha, use it as the perfect excuse and reason to do what I've always wanted to do anyways. I'd head for the Hills off to the Mountains and the Trees and the Green.  Would be tough without electricity for my amps but I'd figure that our eventualy

BSK-I hear that potatoes conduct electricity hahaha .. anyway . thanks for the interview my friend  We should get together soon!


Devan-Hey you're welcome man, I'd like to add I appreciate you're help and your willingness to make things happen here, putting on shows, promoting, the video work and interviews we need people like you man. Thank you!
And I'd love to get together, it's a pretty day by day for me but my afternoons are usually open.

Thanks man!  I will plan something with ya soon dude! Im always available when it comes to you  Cheers brotha!

Sysko's Band Of The Week - Junkies Rush!

Junkies Rush
Heavy Thrash metal with a bit of hood style kicked in the mix! The 3 Guys of J.R have played many shows that I have put on and killed every single one of them with the burners turned to high and a stage presence that no one could match . They once played a show with locals Profits of Doom and Touring asskickers West of Hell and Cocaine Mustache where they stole the show!! They are playing Nov 1st at the D with past BOTWers Pervcore  and ENEMYUS (who have also made the band of the week chart :D) Alongside some Burlesque Dancers and other random shit this will be a great show!!  https://www.facebook.com/events/657359594295375/?ref_dashboard_filter=upcoming

Statue of Demur Shot tonight at The D

The new D is featuring a great lineup tonight!!https://www.facebook.com/events/624164020955854/
Statue has played numerous shows that I got to go and see and happily host! Tonight they are playing with His Last Words and SS DOOM. Check out the links and head down for the show!!!

Interview with Jessica Brown -Model/Photographer

Interview with Jessica Brown !
k I have some questions cooked up . you wanna get this goin ?

Jessica Brown
Sure

Brad Sysko Kidd

Well lets get started !  .. first question . How did you get into the modelling industry?

Jessica Brown

Well I actually used to do acting and modeling when I was really young and I loved it! As I got older I still kept
that creative side of me and jumped into the photography world. This brought tons of new and some old (Wink Wink)
awesome people into my life!


Brad Sysko Kidd

We have talked before about photography and your Red Rabbit gig . b
ut what is it like being the person in front of the camera? I wouldnt really know
cause I am terrible at posing for pictures lol

Jessica Brown

lol it's all about confidence! I LOVE being in front of the camera (ask my mother lol she couldn't get me out of a shot as a kid). Not to mention when you get those photos back an you go daaaamn I look good lol.

Brad Sysko Kidd

what would you want to do with your modelling career if you had a choice?

Jessica Brown

Hmmm I don't know, that's a good question lol. Guess I haven't really put a lot of thought into that at this point in time, right now I just have fun with it!

Brad Sysko Kidd

It is really good to be patient and find out what you would want.  For the ladies who read this who may want to get into the fun of modelling or photography, do you have any tips?

Jessica Brown

Exactly!!! One of my biggest tips for either would be to know yourself an be confident in both your work and yourself. People are always gonna hate so don't let them win! Never sell yourself short, keep doin your thing. Your gonna have days where you doubt yourself or are unsure of where your work is going but even the best of the best have those days, it's all about pushing forward. Haha Never give up never surrender!!!

Brad Sysko Kidd

Fuckin great answer!!

Jessica Brown

Thanks!

Yay this is fun lol!

Brad Sysko Kidd

 That's why I do it hehe .. It gets more fun with the next couple questions .. next question .
what would you do in a zombie invasion?

Jessica Brown

Haha if a zombie invasion does happen I'm soooo not worried!
I would round up all the crazy homies from the hood lol
and we would take over the world! muhahaha!!! Okay maybe not the world (like lets be realistic here) but you know what I'm sayin lol.

Brad Sysko Kidd
Yeah I know what your sayin hahaha the hood boys are always good protection !


Jessica Brown
right lol I know most of em too


Brad Sysko Kidd

Last question I have is .. where would you go if you had the chance?
and who would you go with living or dead?


Jessica Brown
Damn okay give me a min to think bout this lol


Brad Sysko Kidd
no worries


Jessica Brown

Damn that's a tough one... Id have to say Id go with my hubby Ray, and I have always wanted to go to Europe, like Rome; there is so much history there an I think that would be amazing to see. Oh an of course Amsterdam lol that would be full of good times!
Haha to the moon Alice!

Brad Sysko Kidd

hahaha Amsterdam ! fuckin eh! . well Jess I will have this posted today after editing! thanks for the interview!! chat with ya after  be sure to post it ! haha

Jessica Brown
Thanks for the interview Big hugs!!!
an chat with ya ina bit an hellz ya Ill be posting it
thanks again love ya

Brad Sysko Kidd

lovez ya too! cheers!

10 Tips Before Playing Your Set

I've played quite a few shows this year and I've also been at a lot more than I've played. Here's ten quick tips that will make your set go a little smoother.


10. Show Up on Time - better yet show up a little bit early this gives you time to do everything you need to and not be rushed plus it looks better on your behalf rather showing up 10 mins before you where supposed to play.

9. Introduce yourself to the Sound Guy - they usually are the one calling the shots for the night, if you talk to them before your set when you show up (see why it pays to be early?) this way they can get an idea of what you need set up (number of microphones, number of amps, ect..)

8. Introduce yourself to the other bands - This way you get to network, chances are you aren't always going to be playing shows with all your friends so this is a way to make new ones.

7. Watch the other bands Set - Or at least a few songs, when you're trying to get ready to play it's understandable that you need to get "in the zone" but they're not going to stay around to see you if you didn't watch them. It's a mutual respect thing, we are all in this together.

6.Don't get too Drunk - This one is really a fine line to cross, but being absolutely hammered and not being able to play your set, makes you look like an ass. Theres always time to drink after but if you insist on it before you play, you better start getting loaded at band practice and start practicing drunk.

5. Check Your Tone - It's actually the quickest thing you can do but most effective. Theres a high chance when you where putting your amp in your vehicle you bumped the knobs on your amp or maybe someone played with them without you knowing (figgity band members are terrible for this and they don't even
realize they've changed anything). This way you sound just the way you want to before hitting the stage.

4. Tune - This ones a no brainer

3. Set Up and Take Down as Fast as Possible - The quicker you set up the more time you have on stage. The quicker you take your gear down the faster it is for the next band to play. I know you want to talk to all your friend's who just saw you play but they can wait the 5 minutes it takes for you to haul your gear off the stage and we know you payed a lot for those gold tipped cables but you can wrap them up after you're off the stage. Also give the band you're playing with a hand with their gear I'm sure they'll appreciate the help after playing a set.

2. Be informed about the Show - Thank venues and band's you're playing with they are all part of the reason it's happening in the first place, plus it shows that you actually care about whats happening.

1. Poop - Make sure you use the washroom to do whatever it is that you have to do in there because no one's going to wait while you do!

Show Review / Band of the week - Throne Of Vengeance

Throne Of Vengeance CD release party with the ever so awesome LORDOSIS and Chron Goblin  was fucking great! I finally got the chance to see a bunch of people I haven't seen in a long time! Like a couple of years! . The turnout was great as it should be and I love going to the Gateway at Sait. Although I spent most of my time talking to musicians and fellow bloggers while drinking with a friend who I promised to "winggirl" hahaha I caught the whole show :D We had a great time! Loud as fuck and the people were fucking great!
here is an older compilation video that the boys did! Click the links to check out some tunage!!

Cheers! BSK

Band of the week - Shark infested Daughters

Shark Infested Daughters
A Fuckin amazing heavy metal band with a great fuckin name haha! Heavy hitting Drums, flawless guitar riffs and one hell of a lead! the vocals hit you with a great power that knocks you on your ass! I was surprised when I heard them on their band page! They have a show coming up that will be ridiculous! They are playing the D with Punkerslut, A Hip hop group from out of town who as well kicks ass . they personify what hip hop should sound like! with a love for anarchy and gangster rap they bring it! the show is Nov 22 and I will be damned if I dont go! You should too!https://www.facebook.com/events/325883320890850/

Futures- A rant from Brad Sysko Kidd

SYSKOS EXPERIENCES PT 2
My name is Brad Douglas “Sysko” Kidd and Since I have been in the Calgary music industry as a promoter, Sound Tech, Booking Agent, Band Manager , Blogger, Videographer and some other things that I'm Not quite sure how to describe, I have noticed some things about the music and arts that I wish to share with my readers.
To start off I am happy as hell you have your attention on my blog and I know my other bloggers are too! Also stoked to say that we are privy to many sorts of musical genres that come out of our amazing city called Calgary :) The first thing I notice is the family like aspect that we have when it comes to interaction and support between bands (given times and groups)!
All being from the same place and with a common goal of taking your art to a higher level!
Everything is done with mutual admiration and support. I saw this first almost 4 years ago at my first local show that astounded me! .
I saw people from numerous bands coming out to support other bands that they have grown fond of playing with and seemed to fit together.
This is why I am writing this msg to you all. This industry needs more of what was lost. A comfortable connection that helps everyone proceed in the best of ways, there shouldn’t be competition but a better connection.
The bands all have the way to make it but without friends they cannot make it properly.
 The strength in numbers idea that I have is undeniably solid when it comes to the future of the industry and the forwarding of Calgary on the local and international levels
, The more that we help promote each other and have less secular gigs, promoters that discourage up-and-coming bands, inter-genre violence or shit talk, Venue disputes, band disputes,
Jealousy or anger without grounds we have the capability to move forward on the arts that we work forward to achieve on a daily basis and something we can work on together as a group
Instead of a bunch of groups who are trying to take one thing for themselves. We are very lucky to have people who are massive supporters here in town that sacrifice a ton to help the bands / artists here in town!
The only thing that separates us from the other cities in Canada is that we have more love for our city!
Proven by what has been done by all of you during the flood!
It will never take away from us to support each other; it will only add fans to each other’s fan base! We can make this city and its arts industry better by supporting each other! We have the chance to make this something important
. Look at the festivals and shows put on over the summer! :) Calgary kicked ass! What we can do better is we put some more effort into the small and large shows.
We can get more people out and create something people haven’t seen before!
To get to the point I really hope to have more mixed shows and people involved in the industry that everyone is trying to make it in! Share! Listen! Pass along music! We have a ton to offer! I decided to do what I do because this is my passion,
Anyone reading this I’m very sure that it is yours too. if we want to make this something then take at the very least the winter time to support every band that you can and put it out there for new fans because you never know who will be grateful
enough to support you back! Take this as you will, but I assure you that there is power in numbers and Knowing the way Calgary is we can gather to conquer anything! Do what you can, when you can and you will find that Calgary will be on top in our own rights!
This is my msg to you all and I hope you heed it :) pass it on! Cheers! Brad Sysko Kidd

Syskos Artist Of The Week - King Dylan

King Dylan
Rapper / Alternative rocker and A buddy of mine who I have only known over facebook but always have a great time chatting with! A wicked guy who will eventually make it big by having great stage presence and a non stop personality that shows in his music! Sing sing sing" Is a song that puts be in a great mood whenever I am down. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7PHO5hRsWQ . Mostly cause my boy acts like a bit of a dickhead in this hahaha ;) you know it bud!

Dont you worry there is lots more . check out on his page on the name link above!

The Unlucky 13 ..13 bands So Fucking Heavy!

The Unlucky 13!
Due to the fact my internet has been a hard pill to swallow I didnt get the chance to post this show for you guys so I'm doing it after. I fucking loved this show!! The turnout was deadly and I got to see a ton of friends there rocking out! Although I couldnt be there for the whole show of 13 bands who I will list below . I did get to stay for 4 bands ! who I have had play for me a couple of times that kick extreme ass! Maimed Wolf .
The guitar slayers who may be from just out of town but I will Highly vouch for!
The Others I got to see were Skymir (Who I have been waiting to see for quite some time ), Obsidius (who fuckin killed it!) and Hellborn Death Engines who my girlfriend and I thought were killer as well!! I had to leave early but I talked to Justin Shadows of Leave The Living about what he thought about this awesome show!
 Brad Sysko Kidd;

Can ya tell me how you thought the show went? Personally I think it was a killer lineup! Any memorable parts you can think of or people that showed up ?

Justin Shadows

The show really went incredibly well. All of the acts had a good crowd to play for, sound was good. The liquor was most definitely alcoholic. WCWT played without Darcy for the first time and did a great job (he was stuck at work out of town). Tons of smiles all around. Almost like a huge house party of friends. Show finished on time. Amazing crowd response. Lots of people stayed right to the end. I'm very happy with how it went

Justin Shadows

Lots of familiar faces and made a bunch of new friends


Brad Sysko Kidd

Is there anything you want to say about your next show? I will most definately be there for that one !

Justin Shadows

Nov2 we are playing Blankfest 3 at studio 37. It's a fundraiser for the mustard seed. Admission is a warm blanket or clothing or cash donation. 12 bands. Nov9 at Vern's for the punk vs metal carnage

Brad Sysko Kidd

Fuckin eh dude! I will be there!



Justin Shadows

Thanks so much man, I really appreciate it


Brad Sysko Kidd
no problem dude! Cheers!!

Interview with Nathan Of World Class White Trash!!!

Interview With Nathan Trash Of World Class White Trash


BSK-Sweet lets get this goin! Where did you guys get the name of your band? Personally I love it!

Nathan-The band name actually came from darcys old band with cayle from Archelaos, (the band they were in together was Zeitgeist i believe) now im just paraphrasing but wat i remember darky (darcys nickname) tellin me that cayle called him and there bassplayer watson that they were "world class white trash" so afterwards darcy left the band and took the name. so that one is all darcy haha. he actually had lots of our original songs before most of us joined, (*sorry darcy if i missed anything! haha) andy (drums) trevor (leads) and our old bassist originally hated the name so we changed it to the art of war, needless to say fans hated it and wcwt stuck like nails in a coffin haha

BSK-hahaha right on!
Do you guys have plans to tour after you get the CD out?

Nathan-Well theres ALWAYS talk and excitement about touring and promotion but as of now we have no solid touring plans, mostly finish up the show season record our asses off, we got a slew of new songs to tweak and perfect and matty, our new vocalist (ex- The Devils Own/NFG Props to both!) still has to be incorporated into some songs. that's my fault though for being neglectful haha. so our winter is gonna be busy. and with me having a pregnant girlfriend takes a bit of time up to hahaha. she is very supportive though and knows how big apart of my life these guys and my band are. but a very solid tour will come soon. all things in good time brother! we know the fans are waitin for it!
and darcy most likely spending most of his time up north working we have to make sure we use downtime wisely cause he busted his ass on scratch tracks to make sure we have something to while he is gone. kudos to him for making sure we continue to have an amazing jam space

BSK-What do you guys have coming up? Any shows to look forward to?
Nathan-October 5th haha unlucky thirteen, and we may do one of the dates for the Calgary Beer Core Metal versus punk. and were up for a jumble of CBC awards too so be sure to vote up everyone!! other than that were getting ready to hibernate and record haha

BSK-What you would do in a Zombie Apocalypse?
Nathan-Well I would horde a bunker with decaying corpses and flesh to make myself invisible to the zombies then I would hunker down for a couple months till there brains decompose hahaha none of this mad max shit let em rot. its not like zombies can sexually or asexually reproduce haha

BSK-The one I wanted to ask is , being a member of the local Calgary music industry . What do ya think of the way things are going? and what do you think should be done?. As a performer I'm sure things could be better.

Nathan-well the way I see it is by calling yourself apart of a designated scene your including yourself in the opinions and actions of that scene as a whole, I like to say were all part of the Canadian scene. Calgary Edmonton red deer med hat lethbridge those are our roots and we should never forget that but at the same time we shouldn't condemn ourselves to just those scenes were all in Canada so were all Canadian metal. we need to stop having band on band beefs and bands dropping gigs just cause one of the other bands on the bill doesn't play the same style or some shit
more friends less dead ends

BSK-well put dude! I really like that comment! The Canadian Music industry needs more people that can get along despite differences in Genre! I would like to see more bands involved in multi genre shows!  - If you were to want something to change the scene here in Calgary what would it be?

Nathan-More heavier radio for local heavy/ punk bands
more stuff like your doing too online networking is the new area of central exposure
btw thanks for the exposure!! hahaha
BSK-no problem dude! It will be posted today
CHEERS!

Special B.O.T.W - From Another Time

From Another Time
The Dover Boys; From Another Time started a while ago and I am proud to say I have been around to see their progress from playing the all ages shows at the underground to rocking my own stage. Heavy metal with some serious throwback to 80's style metal mixed with some technical and progressive and Dark asskicking screaming. They have been working with Big Nate on their latest work! F.A.T has been working on the sound they so crave for a long time and they are pulling it together flawlessly ! I grew up with some of these guys and and super stoked to see what they have in mind for the future! The song "Sick in the head" can be found on the name link above ^

Interview with Ivy Voltage of Corrupt Creatures Burlesque show!

Interview With Calgary's Corrupt Creatures ..   

Here are some links and posters

Burlesque Troupe Manager Ivy Voltage.
The Greatest Show I have seen with clothes on :)

Brad Sysko Kidd

k sweet! Lets do this! .. I am going to start from the beginning for the readers sake ..

What do you do with Corrupt Creatures? And How did this start?

Ivy Voltage

I remember always being fascinated by performance art, especially ones that were very empowering for women.
I did not expect it to happen at all, until I  snuck into Prism,
a lesbian pub in Edmonton at 17. I saw Lascivious Burlesque. They were recruiting, so I said I was 18 and they took me in.
 I quickly realized that I was capable of doing it myself. I was not happy working under others. So I started Corrupt Creatures Burlesque. We began just as dark traditional, then we added a Cabaret feel to it, and now since I have found my place as a performance artist, we do a mash up of those and circus freak show style performances.

Brad Sysko Kidd

I remember seeing you ladies at My pub and was blown away by the show and the fact that you perform with bands .
What was your favorite show you have done or the most memorable?

Ivy Voltage

For me as a solo performer it must have been The Hurly Burly Gurly Show in 2011. It was at The Uptown Theatre,
and put on by Betty Galore. Just incredible. As an Entire Troupe, I would have to say its a toss up between the Kink Karnival, or the one edition of The High Voltage Variety Hour where the Mad Young Darlings played an acoustic set.

Ivy Voltage

and Im glad you enjoyed our performance.

Brad Sysko Kidd

I sure did :) . what do you have planned for the future of C.C ?


Ivy Voltage

Right now I am recruiting. I dont just want girls, I want an entire troupe of different kinds of talent.
Focusing on the decrepit yet facinating nature of the freak show, and of course beautiful babes.
I want theatre, dance, acrobatics, contortion. It will take a bit to get there. But if anyone wants to see us,
we have shows coming up at the Voodoo Lounge on 16th Ave NW


Ivy Voltage

If anyone thinks they have something to add to my vision, you can email Ivy Voltage at Violet.rush@hotmail.ca

Brad Sysko Kidd

Im sure you will have no problem getting more talent  This city has some interesting people!

What would you do if there was a zombie apocalypse?

Ivy Voltage

I have actually made a wicked plan. I will get me and all my bad ass punk rock friends to raid and pillage everyone,
killing everything in sight til we have everything we need.
Then we will reign in a hige church and start a cult, with us as the 'holy masters',
baptists or whatever, then we will have our pathetic minions do everything for some god I havent made up yet


Ivy Voltage

Just sit on my ass and eat and get fat til i die, with everyone worshipping me out of fear


Brad Sysko Kidd

LMAO! FUCKIN EH! Thanks for the interview! you rock! and keep up the good work! Any thing you might want to say to the readers?
Ivy Voltage

Ivy Voltage

lol not really, wouldnt know what to say. haha. and Thanks for the interview!


BSK -CHEERS!

Tonight - Makeshift Innocence!!

Tonight!!
Makeshift Innocence! 
Olympic plaza . 7:30 
The most loving, full hearted and awesome Reggae and Dub Rock bands hailing from Calgary who just came off of tour in Germany are playing downtown tonight at Olympicplaza 
https://www.facebook.com/makeshiftinnocence?ref=br_tf

Sysko's B.O.T.W- ARSENAL

ARSENAL
Now these heavy metal thrashers can kick the shit out of a show!!!
I have been to a bunch of their shows including shows with a band I used to Manage; SHRAPNAL!(who you should also check out! ) .. Heavy as fuck stage performance and some great dudes to chat and get drunk with! I plan to see them again sometime very soon. And if you want to check them out for yourself you can click the name or the link here>https://www.facebook.com/events/567445643291809/

Zeb's Interview with Our Last Crusade

Their first EP, released in May 2010, titled “The Essence of Everything” ignited a fire. Drawn from a range of influences, and containing a sound not quite like any other band, it was a melting pot of heavy music. Most recently, 2011 saw Our Last Crusade release a demo, showcasing a young band beginning to find its own voice, while striving to maintain a diverse sound in an era where metal has become contrived and formulaic. A self-professed metal band, nothing more, nothing less, they intend on pushing the definition of heavy music in every sense possible. I recently sat down and talked to them about their new record they've been recording and what they've been up to in the past few months Scott Wilson (the charasmatic frontman), Brady Schmidt (the 8 string shredder) and Matt Danko (the lowest of ends) were gladly ready to answer whatever questions i had for them:
 Zeb:So what have you guys been up to lately as a band?
 OLC:We where down in Florida at Audiohammer Studios recording our debut album. We have spend the majority of 2013 writing and working on preproduction.We've also been working on integrating a few new members, and wrapping up the last few semesters of our university degrees.
 Zeb: Is the recording process different than you guys are used to?
 OLC: It's really not that much different from the recordings we have done in the past. Everyone is pretty laid back and we aren't constricted to a set schedule. That being said, it is a more intensive process due to the fact that we are recording 10 songs and not the 1-3 that we have done in the past. Also, the guys we are working with are industry professionals so they keep us accountable and make sure that we are nailing every part 100%. All in all it has been great and the songs are sounding better then anything else we have done before. Brady adds generally you play a part clean until it sounds close to perfect, and then once everything is tracked go back and make a sweet guitar tone.
Zeb: When are you guys planning on releasing it?
OLC: We haven't set a date yet because there are a few things still up in the air that we have to pursue before we can make a decision on when we want to release the album. We want this album to make as big of splash as possible and help move us forward as a band. We've been working on these songs for a very long time, some of them well over two years. so we're really just waiting for the right moment to drop it.
Zeb: So what does the next year hold for OLC?
OLC: The majority of us plan to finish our University degrees this year. After that, we would like to continue to grow OLC.
Zeb: Who are some of your guy's influences?
OLC: Scott immediately answers Randy Blythe (Lamb of God), Trevor Strnad (The Black Dahlia Murder), Alex Erian (Obey The Brave/Despised Icon), Oli Sykes (Bring Me The Horizon) Matt then mentions Justin Lowe (After The Burial), David Darocha (Born Of Osiris), Danny Hauser (Veil Of Maya)last but not least Brady puts in his two cents Jesse Lacey, Max Bemis, Misery Signals, This or the Apocalypse, Arsonists Get All the Girls and Semisonic. Closing time will always be the greatest song.
 Zeb: Alright guys one last question who would win in a fight? Batman or Spiderman?
 OLC: Scott: "Definitely Batman. Spiderman's web might slow him down, but Batman's resolve would lead him to victory." Matt: "I feel that Batman is more sneaky than Spiderman. Batman FTW." Brady: "Spider-man, that dude can do whatever a spider can." Until their new album drops check out their current EP "Mad Men" here

Update!! News and Stuff :)

Hey guys and gals, Brad here .. Sadly I have just gone through a move and did not have any internet for a little while also no phone to blog from . but very soon I will be back and on a tighter schedule for blogging days and when I have a chance like today I will post as much as I can for the week . This weekends shows, Band of the week etc. It may be a little while before I get back on but Check back for Zeb and his posts to keep up to date :)