Throwback Thursday - InForLife

InForLife  Is my throwback this Thursday!

I once knew these guys well when I started out in the industry, They once played a show for a website launch party I had for a previous project and they were just great! The story they had for the name and dynamic of the band was awesome! I really hope they are still playing because In for life was their mantra blood brothers and best friends was key to their music and their future in music.

I hope they come back and start playing shows again!

They made it onto CJ92 and was given great praise!

Check out their song Blue here!

Check them out! Cheers! - BSK

Interview with Alternative model Kari Ursulescu!

Interview with the alternative, very beautiful Kari Ursulescu!

BSK-Ok so I have been facinated with your work for some time .. what got you into modelling?

Kari-Thank you!
It was actually kind of a fluke.  A friend of mine was a photographer that was wanting to work on his portfolio.  So we decided to try a few pin up shoots together. ..which went fairly well.  Some time after that, a photographer (whose work I'd been following) contacted me and asked if I'd be interested in shooting...so I agreed! And thst opened up my eyes to a different world! One shoot lead to another...

BSK-As an "alternative" model with tattoos what has been your experience with the social media you are used to?

Kari-Well it's definately been interesting to say the least.
Facebook is a very strange place! I've definitely had very positive, encouraging feed back from friends, family and strangers. Facebook is great for networking and meeting new people, which has been pretty interesting In the best of ways.
But, I've also had a few negative experiences ...which I don't take too seriously. some people are way to upright and like to press the "report"button any chance they can get lol.
I've used Model mayhem as well which another fantastic place to meet like minded people. I get more of a reaction for the lack of clothing I tend to (not) wear than about being tattooed.

BSK-You have what I call the great alternative look , in most of your pictures you encompass the full range of your industry. When did you get your first attoo?

Kari-Thank you very much
I was 14 when I got my first tattoo...not alot of thought went into it lol. It was a small heart with roses.how original? Lol
I've been hooked since and have spent the last 8.5 years tattooing my body and turning it into my own canvas.

BSK.. I was also 14 when I got my first tattoo .. how was it for you? mine sucked lol

Kari -I remember that it was not nearly as bad as I anticipated it to be! I must like pain or something because I truly look forward to my next sessions!

BSK-What is the plan for your future in modelling?

Kari-I'm meeting with a photographer who I've worked with a few times now, in the next few weeks to discuss possible shoots for magazine submissions.  He is a published photographer and has tons of his work in books, tattoo and fetish magazines etc . Hopefully something can come of that and I'll have the chance to show off some of this ink!

http://www.modelmayhem.com/46945
Dale Hannaford//pictor
BSK-What is your favorite outfit for a shoot?

Kari-I prefer anything with a  pinup touch. I've always loved the 40s/50 Era but with a more modern edge to it.  I also prefer anything minimal, I've never been a fan of clothing lol and I like to show off as much ink as I can

BSK-Well no one can argue with that .. Ink on hot girls is key in my mind  .. My final question that everyone likes is , what would you do if there was a zombie apocalypse ??

Kari-That's key in my mind as well!
If there was a zombie apocalypse I think I'd probably be a screwed to be honest. ..unless my days of watching Walking Dead pays off and I surprise myself with some epic moves . My roommate also has a bow and arrow and a bunch of guns...maybe I'll be ok after all lol.
BSK-LOL yeah I would probably go down like a rock in that situation haha .. Thanks for chattin with me!

Kari-I most likely would too damn it!!.thank you!!

BSK-It is my honor!

Cheers! BSK!

Throwback Thursday - Paris Envy

Paris Envy  is one of the first bands I went to see years ago ..
    Alongside numerous other bands that were trying to claw their way to the top back then Paris Envy was one of the bands That I believe was just truly doing it for fun at the time. They have a very laid back , sexy, rock and roll/indie sound that pushes some borderlines between Alternative and mainstream sound.

I know that they are still playing but this throwback was mostly geared to when I first met them about 4 years ago at Shooters bar and grill well before the place was sadly sold and renamed . I digress ,

Metaphorically One of those comfortable bands that you can hang out, listen too and eat tapas all the while headbanging and trying not to get your hair in the fondue while they play on stage.. Well that was my experience anyway .

You can check out their tunes on Soundcloud here

I can't wait to see them live again, It has been a very long time in my mind!

Although some songs are in french I really do not care lol I may not understand the words but you always get the feeling.


Cheers! -BSK

Torches to Triggers - A long time coming review

Torches to Triggers- long time coming review.

I have been rocking their super comfortable hoody and listening to their fucking awesome tunes for almost a month now and going over their album over and over , Have been to their live performance and I was blown away but I never thought I would say this but I am still speechless about how to properly describe them.

Every song is different on the album and I comment them for that 100%  I cannot say for the life of me that there is a favorite of mine at all .. Modern day Monsters Is one of the best albums I have come across in a long time! Heavy hitting and perfectly timed with .... well Like I said I cannot get into detail they are the whole package you will just have to check them out for yourself and get your mind blown off with some killer modern punk / Thrash / hardcore punk/ borderline metal / Scream thrash/Hard rock/ whatever you wanna call it .. I just call it great!

Here is a video from them! En-Fucking-Joy!

Cheers! BSK

This weekend's shows! / Singles party news!

It has been a while since I have been able to get any blogging done but I have some grand news now for ya! we have our next show coming up and it will be a doosie! We have come together with Permafrost Suspension to bring my dream together for a singles party for Valentines day .. This is not going to be your average singles party :D We will be rocking the shit out of Lord Nelsons with SOUNDSKRAPER, Ginja Snap Hula Burlesque, BEFORE THE PROPHET , The Great Vandedy Sideshow, FROM THE WOLVES and we have DI Designs coming to sell you lucky singles or if you are bringing a date some lingerie :D

Anyways.. to the shows!

Implicate order will be Dickens with The Crook Art and Outlaws of Ravenhurst at Dickens , Info here

Landmark events festival is going on at the Republik info hereWe are really excited to be hosting our FIRST Landmark Events Festival showcase in ‪#‎Calgary‬ January 16th & 17th at republik!

Here is the list of all our performing artists. Come show your support!

FRIDAY JAN 16 - DOORS 5:30 PM
6:05 PM Ten Minute Detour
6:40 PM Blind Roots
7:15 PM Outlets Band
7:50 PM Skymir
8:25 PM Astronauts
9:00 PM Machine Modified
9:35 PM The Outer
10:10 PM Before The Storm
10:45 PM Mudd
11:20 PM ALKATINE
11:55 PM 240
12:30 AM Open Air
1:05 AM Reject
Top performers announced

SATURDAY JAN 17 - DOORS 2:30 PM
3:10 PM Espeonite
3:35 PM Solomon DaGreat
4:10 PM Yung Dre
4:45 PM Marguerite Apotre
5:20 PM MR.WORK
5:55 PM Cynthia Leigh-Ann
6:30 PM Ta Pocketa Pocketa
7:05 PM Georgia Sound
7:40 PM Alright Gents
8:15 PM Fox Who Slept the Day Away
8:50 PM The Heirlooms
9:25 PM Sail With Kings
10:00 PM Paul Woida Music
10:35 PM LYKA FOX
11:10 PM The Ashley Hundred
11:40 PM Jed Fraysen
12:10 AM School on Saturday
12:40 AM Bloom
Top performers announced

have a great weekend! BSK

Tonight's New Years Shows! There are a Ton!

There is a lot of fun going on tonight! Happy fucking new years eve!

At Verns there is a great show with many Alternative bands or Quote "Calgary's Bandliest bands" :D
more info here

At The Stetsons Pub The Calgary Beer Core is putting on Metal vs Punk with 10 bands! And this will be one hell of a show!!! info and band list is here

Dog and Duck has Craic the Lens ringing in the new year! info here

Nite Owl has a rockabilly show with Eve Hell and the Razors, Punch drunk cabaret, The high strung Downers and Sugar box burlesque , Info here

You ravers probably already know about Glitter and gold at the BMO center but if not you can find out here

Palomino has a two floor party with a ton of bands playing! including Mammoth Grove and The Nix Dixons + much more! - Info here

Most of you know that Black label Society is playing at Flames Central. info here

Republik is hosting Kid Koala with JHNN and our own Transit! - More info here

Jamesons Pub is hosting Big Shiny Dudes 90s show. info here

Dickens is having Hang The DJ once again! -info here

New years Eve party at Lord Nelsons pub will be hosted by DJ Hoss and DJ Tinman .. and the sexy door guy will be yours truly !!! :D info here

Steve McQueen band is taking over The Kings Head pub .. info here

Have fun you crazy fuckers! Happy New Years Eve to you all!!!

Brads Band of the week! - Cardinal Heights!

Cardinal Heights .. (Click on the link for some free tunage!) I just got a sneaky little peeky at their EP and I find it to be fucking awesome!
If you take Ten Second Epic and mix it with the drumming of Alexisonfire and Calgarianize it with heavy riffs and a nice production value you come up with the heavy hitting Alternative greatness that is Cardinal Heights! What some would see as punk or pop punk I see as an alternative band with that sound you can dance around the house to :D

BSK

TONIGHT!! - Altmare before Christmas!

Altmare Before Christmas  Tonight! Come and see us!!

Zeb's A Year in Review: 2014

Well it's that time of year where everyone is compiling their list of what was best in 2014 and to be honest I love making these lists and giving praise to the talent and hard work of my peers. I've decided to add in things rather than just music this year so here we go!

-Best Pub Food-

The Dog and Duck - 5340 2nd St. SW

A quiet little house converted into a restaurant where you feel more at home than anywhere else in this city. It's tucked out of the way but for those who know and love the Dog and Duck you feel like family and for those bands that play there, you know how well John treats his bands. My favourite dish I usually go for is The Shepherd's Pie.


-Best Venue-

Dickens Pub - 1000 9 Ave SW

Hosting a variety of both local bands and touring bands from all over the world. Dickens Pub has a great sound system and huge stage. I remember falling in love with the place the first time I stepped foot in the door well over 5 years ago and that feeling has never went away. With a large variety of beer on tap and a great kitchen in the back. This is the place you want to be for a show.

-Best New Venue-

Nite Owl - 213 10 Ave SW

Mixing both a dance club with a rock venue. This new venue hosts a variety of bands both local and touring. It has a great atmosphere and even better shows. This has become one of my favourite places to frequent.


- Best Place to Start or End the Night-

Vern's - 622 8th Ave SW

When you've gotten downtown too early for your plans, feel like you're just not ready to go home or just feel like being at home Vern's is the best place to pop in have a drink and say hi to Clint. Hosting a variety of bands 7 days a week, when you're a band starting out this is a good place to call home base. Take care of Clint and he'll take care of you.

-Best Patio-

The Ship and Anchor - 534 17 Ave SW

What better place to sit down in the sun and have a tasty beverage, there is even on occasion a punk rock sing a long to keep you going. Pretty much everyone loves the Ship.

-Best Place to Grab a Quick Bite-

Tubby Dog - 103 1022 17 Ave SW

Full fill your wildest hot dog dreams and get anything and everything you want on it. Great atmosphere and service.

-Best Local Aesthetic Shop -

Corbett's Rock and Roll Barber Shop - #102 735 12 ave SW

Looking for a stylish Men's haircut? Look no further than Calgary's Corbett Frasz. Sit down in his chair and shoot the shit with one of the nicest dudes while listening to some great tunes. His prices are affordable and if you feel parched he will also provide you with a tasty beverage.

-Best Local Record Shop-

Sloth Records - 736B 17th Avenue SW

Vinyl has made quite the comeback in the past few years and everyone is starting to build their collections of both new and used discs. One of the best selections of both new and used and most affordablely priced, for an expensive hobby. They also will sell local bands music so that's pretty cool.


-5 best local bands of 2014-

- 2014 XPOSURE winners Craic the Lens
- Long time Calgary heavyweights - The Evidence
- High Energy Charged Black Earth
- Folk Punk Heroes - Jenny
- Pop Punk Rockers - The Next Day Heroes

-5 Best local songs-

- Story Teller - The Paige Woodbury Band (Listen Here)
- Dirt Funky- The Next Day Heroes (Listen Here)
- Defeated - The Reckless Heroes (Listen Here)
- Thread - The Rumble (Listen Here)
-The Man at the Door - 36? (Listen Here)

- 5 Local Bands that Said Goodbye-
- Kingsland
- Cooper Collective
- Cease and Desist
- The Promethean Labyrinth
- Zackariah and The Prophets (RIP)


-Bands that made a Comeback-
-Black Pheonix Orchestra
-The Nix Dicksons
-Belvedere
-Hopethorns


-5 Best Albums-

- Where Do We Go From Here - 36?(Listen Here)
- Bad Notes and Antidotes - Coming Out Swinging (Listen Here)
- Outcasts - Why, Marilyn (Listen Here)
- Colour in The Clouds - Colour in the Clouds (Listen Here)
- Constellations - Black Earth (Listen Here)


- 5 Best Concert Photographers-

- Brandynn Pope - BrandynnLeigh Photography
- Keith Skrastins - Haus of Skrastins
- Ian Coburn - Ian Coburn Photography
- Philip Van Hooft -Trunk Studios
- Aaron Hamilton - Aaron Hamilton Photography

Throwback Thursday - 6 Dollar Cab Ride

Throwback Thursdays - 6 Dollar Cab Ride!!


Here is a Punk band that I met back when I was just in the adolescence of my first promotion project.

I met them online and soon found out later that I knew the bass player from a long time ago .. I spent some time hanging out with them when they would jam and fuck me was it ever a siick time! .. I had a second website release party at Voodoo lounge with them and a couple other killer punk bands and we packed that place! Inside and outside was fuckin rockin out!

They were very old school punk and stayed true to their punk roots in their sound! .. We even had a full on doggy pile scrap on the dance floor where people got bottled .. lol yeah I can laugh about it now haha .. what a night! Needless to say the cops showed up, The bar tried messing with our money, shit talk and shredding guitars .. Now that's a good punk show! And that is what I remember from them , A very fun fuckin time! Most of the members have moved on to other great projects so I doubt 6 dollar will be making a comeback but if somehow they do I will be there! -BSK

Our last show of the year!! Dec 27th @Verns!

Jet Entertainment and Us at AlTCiTY 

are joining up to have an after Xmas show to blow

off some steam!

with,

Scratch Buffalo,

                   MUDD. https://www.facebook.com/Muddtheband  

Conniving Cadavers

with 

JET burlesque featuring

Dani Spades

                          Come and out and end the new year in a seriously fuckin funky way! 

                                                                                                                                      -BSK

I talk to Mikey Valenz of The Jingles about Xmas and other fun chats! Oh yeah and a wicked video from them!

Interview with Mikey Valenz and I about Xmas and lots of other great things!



BSK- .. Can you let the readers  know what it you do and the projects you work with are ?

Mikey-Hey readers. I'm drum for Calgary's best, if not only, Christmas band The Jingles. I also have a solo project called Her Motives Are Silent. I am not in any fulltime bands at the moment but have been doing some drumming for recordings and have also been designing artwork for bands. My design portfolio is www.amvdesign.com

BSK-What got you into drumming at first?

Mikey-It just always felt like a part of me. I was always tapping along to songs. Drummers like Jose Pasillas II from Incubus and Dave Grohl were huge influences on me growing up. I've never had any formal lessons. Taught myself as I went along. I've always been drawn to music and I love creating it. Drumming just feels like an extension of myself and my creativity.

BSK-I didnt know about "Her Motives are Silent" till now what is that?

Mikey-Haha that's because I don't promote it that much. It's my solo project. Essentially, I write all the lyrics and music. I perform, record and produce it mostly by myself. Occasionally with some cameos from some friends. So far I have only released a 4 song EP called Such Sweet Sorrow but I have a full length album called Love Muse in the works. it's been a grueling process because I am learning as I go and really particular about how I want the album to sound.

BSK-That to me sounds like it will be pretty rad when it comes out ..  .. Lemme know when it does .. but back to The Jingles .. You have a video that I love ! How long did that take to put together? .. That must have taken some time to edit!

Mikey-For sure! I'll keep you posted! The Jingles never take ourselves too seriously. It's kind of an inside joke for us to always promote our shows with overly epic movie trailer style videos. I mean, we're a band that only plays once a year. We need all the hype we can get. I tried to continue that tradition this year. It took me quite a few hours to edit all the audio and visuals together. Most of it is stolen from the internet. However, I tried to customize it as much as possible and make it as Christmassy as possible.

If you go on our youtube page www.youtube.com/MEETTHEJINGLES  you'll find a lot of our older trailers are still on there haha... they are always ridiculous

BSK-Oh I have been there but I will make sure people catch the links  .. I am not a huge Xmas fan But I have a show coming up that the profits go to operation Xmas child.. if you are interested in coming and helping donate that would be rad!

Mikey-Cool. Keep me posted on the details. If I can attend, I will for sure. The Jingles is not just for people who like Christmas. To be honest, we hate most Christmas songs in their original renditions. We try our best to convert Christmas music into something that people will actually want to listen to. We really experiment with each song. We take our time to figure out which songs should be more dark and ominous ... or when to show off our musicianship...  or when to be funny or when rock out and melt peoples faces off!
You never really know what to expect at a Jingles show. It really is an experience.

BSK-Sounds like a blast to me! .. Now for the random round !
what is you fave food?
for xmas?

Mikey-Oh man... chocolate hahaha.. as much as i LOOVE turkey dinner with all the trimmings ... I never get sick of chocolate  ... and Who Hash

BSK-LOL .. What is you fave xmas drink . or xmas morning drink?

Mikey- love me some egg nog or coffee n bailey's on Christmas morning

BSK- If santa was to show up at your home drunk what would you say to him?

Mikey- need me to call you a cab? are you hungry? got some presents for me?

BSK-would you ask him if Rudolf is some kind of hybrid?

Mikey-Actually, I'd be more curious if we could channel some of that Christmas spirit flying sleigh technology towards the progression of hover board development.

BSK-LMAO!
.. For as you know is my favorite question .. What would you do in a zombie apocalypse .. but this one what what would you and the Jingles do in a zombie elf apocalypse?

Mikey- Haha well, a couple of years ago we had a show called THE JINGLES VS THE END OF THE WORLD ... we basically became super heroes and teamed up with Santa, Rudolf, Chuck Norris, Conan O'Brian, Captain Planet, Optimus Prime, The US Military and Jesus to fight off every threat you can think of ... including zombies
but in reality... i'd probably die haha

BSK- Well then this worked out quite well ..,I will share that too!  .. To be honest I might suffer a bad fate but I am curious .. I gotta thank you for the chat bro!

Mikey-you're welcome

BSK -Mickey Valenz Thanks for chattin with me!!

Sysko's Band highlight - PostModern People

Postmodern People and their demo music can be found here >www.postmodernpeople.bandcamp.com

A local 5 piece Indie Psyk Rock band I got to see with some other friends of mine a little while back but never got the chance to say anything about them. I love their stage presence and they bring a new sound to indie that is refreshing. with a nice high tempo drum line and some amazing female vocals that are easy to get lost in this is a band to check out as they progress because I know that they will :D

Check them out on FB here
and more of their Demos can be found here .

Throwback Thursday : The Nix Dicksons

Alley wine, Jack Kerouac, Captain Dickson and tying one on, a few things that come to mind when speaking of the late Nix Dicksons. A band formed by small town raised Tanner Holthe and friend Rob Wikstrom. A band who called the Marquee Room home and went through several line up changes including both Tammy and Kenton Amstutz, Dylan Keating, David Drebit, Sean Hamilton and Cole Paget just to name a few. There was even a time and point where I myself auditioned for the band. I remember the first time meeting Tanner back in 2010 at a fundraiser show put on by Drebit and the way he presented himself and the stories he told me once everyone packed up of the Nix left me so intrigued that I went home and listened to everything on their cbc page (link) and instantly falling in love with them. I then moved to Calgary and never got a chance to see them with their line up of both Tanner and Rob. It was actually with the departure of Rob where I had been invited to come for a jam at Kensington Jam House . Tanner's instructions where clear to just come in and come downstairs, don't take off my shoes because it's just a filthy jam house. But me being so nervous for it I rang the bell and a tall lanky guy with curly hair answered the door. Little did I know at the time that I had just met our now ex guitarist Gavin Boyd. He showed me down to the jam room where they where rehearsing. After the jam had ended I walked to the train and headed home. Of course I didn't pass my audition, but at a Black Phoenix Orchestra show (who also shared this jam space) I met Gavin and Risky Endeavor was formed a few days later. Much to everyone's surprise here I became a regular at their jams waiting for the time where we could run down and rehearse before the other band would show up. We all became great friends and I made my way to almost everyone of their shows as a three piece until they called it quits in January of 2013. This band I will forever hold in such high regards in my heart until the day I die and have me singing "Old Shore Road" at the top of my lungs until I have no voice.




Here's one for the memories

First of many throwback Thursdays :D - Silentpanic

Throwback Thursdays starts with one of my favorite bands from the past.

When I went to one of my first shows years ago I ran into a place that is not around anymore but they had local bands every Friday and Saturday and most of them were great and I being a lover of music was enthralled with most of the bands and how well things felt at the time and the sense of community was huge and I have been holding on to that feeling for all these years to try to create that again with other bands and artists so people can have the same experience that I had the first  Time I experienced the band Silentpanic and still to this day I loved their music .. Sadly they broke up and all went different ways but in retrospect ;) they are still in our hearts and remember those days!

Many people as you can see in this video were in love and in awe with this band and I will forever remeber the first time I saw them and the first time they played a show for me .. R.I.P Silentpanic!
Cheers!

Two parter interview with Anthony J About him and his bands !!!

With conflicting timing I finally got some words in with the elusive Anthony J!! Check it out!

Anthony - Hey man i'm online so whenever you wanna do this!

BSK- we can do this now dude !

Anthony - sounds good.

BSK- 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 - 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.
It always seems to be but when you persevere like you have , that is when you know that you are going places.  ..

BSK-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?

BSK- 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.
Stage anxiety can be a bitch when it is solo !

BSK- What are you looking for in the future?
music wise or anything else?

Anthony - 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.

BSK- When you think of writing songs where do you get your influence from?

Anthony- 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.

BSK- What would your ideal show be? Local or any place else?

Anthony- 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.
I miss watching the Evidence! Thay are rad!

BSK- 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 - haha I would find myself a gun and take my moterbike down to mexico.
Thanks for the interview dude! We gotta get together for a drink sometime soon!

BSK-
totally man! Thanks so much!

Anthony -no problem dude!

pt 2

Anthony -Im currently getting tattooed so i have time right now if you can
You wanna do it while getting tatted? That would be fun!

BSK-Yeah man!
Sounds like fun! Lemme grab a smoke and a brew and we will get down to it!

Anthony- Alphanumeric!

BSK- let's get into it .. Just for the readers that may not know much about ya can you give us a rundown of what you have been up to and how you started in music?

Anthony - Well I'm a welder by day and a struggling musician by night. I spent my later teen years playing with my childhood friends in horror punk band called Conniving Cadavers because we weren't cool enough to do anything else. After about 5 years we called it quits and now here I am in Black Earth!

BSK- What is up with Black earth these days?

Anthony -Well we just finished another tour through BC last month. We've spent the past year in and out of Echo Base studio recording our new album which we finished back in the summer. This last tour was actually to promote it but Constellations won't be dropped in Calgary until November 21st.

BSK-Sounds like things are going quite well

Anthony- Yeah its been rad!

Probably our best tour overall so far.

BSK- Fuckin eh!
What would you say was the biggest inspiration for the album and tour?

Anthony- Well we've moved away from the full on punk rock thing we used to do because we all got old and started listening to other stuff like Queens Of Stoneage. I decided to write more riffy rock guitar since I realized that Black Sabbath is the coolest thing ever. Erika went with a much prettier vocal style that really shows off her skill. She wrote most of the lyrics with a celestial theme.

BSK- The band has grown for sure from what I have seen ..  .. Is there anything you want to say about the band before I hit you with the speed round ?

Anthony- Well since Tyler joined on bass he has been a big help with making us more dynamic. We still love Rock And Roll and we still play it, but he has helped us make things much more interesting without sacrificing the catchy punk hooks that I love. We've also really focused on making our live show more exciting and high energy. But most of all we've really entered full on family mode.

Ahhhg this tattoo is on my shin, it is unpleasant.

BSK- What is the tatt of?

Anthony -I'm getting a leg sleeve of Aliens (from the movie Aliens) mixed with guitars.

BSK- Dude I was just talking with Zeb and it is funny you brought that up ... Speed round and we are gunna go full geek on this if you are down.

Anthony- I am very down

BSK- Marvel or DC ? .. this will set the interview for sure lol

Anthony- Marvel

Cooler bad guys

BSK- Good! lol .. I would never ask who is favored .. but this time for once who would you say is the best hero or villain in Marvel?

Vemon, hands down.

Not Carnage, VENOM!

BSK-. spider man or venom ?

Anthony - I am beyond stoked for that movie. Spiderman is cool but Venom would destroy him in real life. He would just eat his face.

BSK- If you would cosplay who would you go as ?

Anthony - Hmmmmmm Boba Fett

I plan to buy his suit one day and just hang out at Chinook
I want to go as Jar Jar if ever possible ..  Freak people out or entice conversation

BSK- Best breakfast food?

Anthony - Sausage!!!!
!!

BSK- Favorite thing in the world?

Anthony- science fiction probably. Closely followed by Rock And Roll, then maybe Sushi.

BSK- I have to ask and as you may know that my favorite question is what would you do in a zombie apocalypse? .. Yhink hard now ! lol

Anthony - I'd grab what I can and ride my motorcycle into The Rockies where I would make myself a fort and probably eat sushi made of people.

BSK- I would probably ride up there with ya lol .. Thanks for the chat brother and if there is anything else you wanna say say it now .. an I will see you soon bro!


Anthony- Decepticons FOREVER!!!

BSK-K we need to continue this talk later .. outside of public view .. Optimus will not like that comment

Anthony- Hahaha yeah man!

BSK- OI .. I will post this tomorrow !

Anthony- Thanks so much man!

BSK-No problem brother! I had mad fun !

Interview with Tanner Riedel of Magesty!

Magestry Band member and I chat about the band! Check it out !

BSK-I was just going over some of your tunes .. you down for the interview?

Tanner-Yes sir.

BSK-Alright let's get this fucker going!

Tanner-Sounds good!

BSK-Firstly I want to comment you on the video for Jack in the bottle ! ..
I have an idea as to what provoked that song/video but can you tell the readers a bit more about it?

Tanner-For sure! Yeah, it's pretty obvious what's it's about haha! I've always had an affinity for JD... fucking LOVE the stuff! It was written about a few outings I had while drinking it.
I know that stuff and I do not get along lol .. Any stories about those night you are willing to share?

Yeah, the lyric 'seeking my speech and destroying my words' tells the story of me, quite inebriated on Jack, lying on my back, ripping up Metallica's 'Seek & Destroy'! According to a friend the next day, I was hardly able to speak, but I could play the song just fine haha!

BSK-LOL that is rad! ... What is the future of the band? I know you have some wicked ideas!

Tanner-Our plans for the future are to simply keep playing as much as we can so that we can get our sound out there. As do a lot of bands, we have faced some adversity. Our drummer, Mike, is currently attending Berkeley college of music in Boston, and Alem, our singer, will be headed home to India for a couple of months over the holidays. But early in the new year, when everyone has returned, we will be hitting the stage hard and most likely be recording an EP!

BSK-Sounds like a great amount going on with you guys .. Plus Berkeley is a great institution for music   .. What is your favorite band/ artist of all time?


Tanner-Yes, we are all proud of Mike! And naturally, his being there is only going to leave us with a fucking stellar drummer! Hahaha! As for my favorite band, it has always been Led Zeppelin! They just ROCK!

BSK-Alright it is speed round time  .1 what is the best breakfast you have had?

Tanner-Cold pizza and beer.

BSK-Nice!.. What is the best instrument you have wanted/ played?

Tanner-Gibson Les Paul... I have an Epiphone now, but it's just not the same haha!

BSK-Redheads, Blond, Black or brown .. how do you like your ladies?

Tanner-I will tell you I like any of them, but if you ask the other guys they will immediately tell you, "blond"... haha!

I guess I do kind of favor the blonds!

BSK-Hahaha .. I am a sucker for the red myself but not very picky lol .. Last question and my favorite because, well it is my favorite .. What would you do in a zombie Apocalypse?

Tanner-Go to the Winchester! Hahaha!

BSK-Hahahaha fuckin great answer!

BSK-Thanks for chattin with me dude! We will be in touch for sure!

Tanner-Sounds good! Thank-you!


BSK-no problem man thank you!  Cheers brotha!

Check out their video here!!!

This weekends shows!!

Tonight!!
Chron Goblin is going to be rocking the hell out with Doberman , Poison Pens and Hagface at Nite owl .. Info here

Jason Elmore & Hoodoo Witch is playing at The Blues Can
info here

Tomorrow!!

Burning Daisy is going to be rocking Watchmans pub
info here

Black Pheonix Ochestra is with Open Air , Cygnets and The District Heat at Dickens pub
info here

X.92.9 presents Paper Lions and friends at The Gateway
info here

The Buffet E.P release party is going down at Watchmans pub
info here

Sunday!!
JDs Benefit is going to be at Kings head pub
info here

Go and do what you can to support local music!!! Cheers!!! - BSK

Alt-Mare before Christmas: Alternative Rock and Burlesque Show

So as many of you know we are throwing a Christmas Party on December 19th at Lord Nelson's and it will feature some of the coolest Alt. Rockers in Calgary and some Beautiful Women doing Burlesque. We have decided to get into the Christmas spirit and donate proceeds from the door to Operation Christmas Child, we are also accepting Shoe Boxes for them and Non-Perishable Food Donations for the Food Bank. Bands will be selling presale tickets and will be able to keep their proceeds to help fund their musical endeavors. Event here $10 Advance Tickets $15 at Door $5 with non-perishable food item or A Shoe Box for Operation Christmas Child

Up first we will be having Quade (Ex-Cooper Collective) (8:30) preforming a solo set of new material which he promises will kick the night off right. Links Coming Soon


Pop Punk group Sparrows Over Spain will be the first band preforming. Consisting of ex members of both Rockets and Dinosuars and DELUGE! and The Freshman Year, they have been hard at work recording their Debut EP with Eric Andrews of Evuis Studios which will be released early next year, they will be sure to get you dancing you can check out their live video for "Affleck Will Never Be My Batman" here



Then we will have the beautiful Aces and Eights Burlesque troop preforming and they are keeping their act Top-Secret so you will have to make sure to stick around and see what they have up their sleeves.

Following Aces and Eights we have Risky Endeavor keeping things going, with their self-titled EP freshly released at the end of September this band has sparked quite the interest of the community including both CJAY 92 and X929 Calgary's New Rock Alternative. Missing them might be Risky check out their EP here


We have good time two piece rockers Grandola up after and they'll sing you anthems that will make you crave cheeseburgers and tasty beverages you can check out their latest EP here


Following Grandola, Aces and Eights will be back for another round

Black Mamba Tales who also released a brand new EP this fall will be keeping us going through the night their Self-Titled EP can be found here


Last but not least The Path Less Traveled will close out the night. Fresh off the release of their new album Cast out the Cowards they will be ready to keep you going to the very end. Check out their album here


Don't forget that if you decide to bring a shoe box these are the things that they suggest you put in them

-Soap
-toothbrushes
-Toys
-non perishable food items
-Kind words
-all sorts of toiletries
- lighters
- paper and pens
And all things you know that the kids would need

This weekend's Shows!!

Lots of great bands and artists will be out there rocking for your pleasure! Check them out!

Tonight!
The Mantle + Andy will be playing as Musical Sorcery @The Ship and anchor . info here

Tomorrow!
The Electric Monk will be opening for the great Five Alarm Funk!!
info here

Halloween Bass party @ Lord Nelsons with NXTLVL . Info here

Solid Brown will be at The Nite owl with Kyote and Dragon Cheddar! .. Info here

Friday!

Lord Nelsons will be hosting all these sexy people
Train Bigger Monkeys
Pervcore
Clench the Thrust
Blackest Sin
Cryptosis
Beneath the Wicked

Info here

It is also Jagers Birthday and most of our company will be there :D 

Saturday!!

Blank Fest is at The Blind Beggar with -FEDELE (The Rising) & JASON (Thrill of Falling) - Acoustic 

MIKE FERRARO ( Candelora Music) - Solo
NEXT DAY HEROES 
TEN MINUTE DETOUR
THE GROUNDS
THE PATH LESS TRAVELED
LEAVE THE LIVING

Cheers! -BSK

Interview with Kyle Mudge of Silent Army !! Check it out!

Interview with Mudge of Silent Army! Check it out!



Mudge-Home now man ready whenever you are
I will be ready right after dinner

BSK-No worries man!

Mudge-k I am down if you are!

BSK-Sure am man
K lets get this fuck er going! . 1st question .. Can you explain what Silent Army is for the readers?

Mudge-Of course! Silent army is a four piece hard rock band from Calgary Alberta. Our mission is to bring back hard hitting rock music with some grunge influence.
I love grunge! .. What are your plans for the future?

We are looking to expand our music to another level this next year. We have big plans and hope to play a few festivals next summer and hopefully a tour!
What was your inspiration for your sound and getting into music?

We all have a lot of love for grunge music. Specifically, pearl jam, soundgarden and alice in chains.
We wanted to try to bring some of that sound back into a more modern rock scene.
As for getting into music I can't speak for the other guys but for me it was just the love of music and wanting to write my own.
It was a way for me to get my feelings out on paper,
but with the feeling and emotion that music can bring

BSK-In the next 5 years what is the plan for you guys?

We want to take over the world man. If we could get on a label and tour the world we would be happy guys. That's the dream man
Fuckin eh!

BSK-Now for some fun! .speed round . you down?

Mudge-Sounds like gold man

BSK-What is your favorite food ?

Mudge-Beef donairs

BSK-Where was the best place to play?

Mudge-Marquee. So far

BSK-Right on ! . When will you be playing next?

Mudge-We play our ep release party in support of our album high hopes november 29th at the gateway

BSK-If you had the choice who would you fight, fuck or fondle in that order?



Mudge-Beiber
who wouldnt hahaha

Kate beckinsale and I would fondle Seth rogan

BSK-LOL me and Jager approve LOL .. Where would your last performance be if you died?

Mudge-The coliseum in Rome


BSK-That would be fucking rad!!

Mudge-Hell yeah it would bruv

BSK-k .. Final question .. What would you do in a zombie apocalypse ??

Mudge-Try and survive man! Steal a plane and head to the mountains!

BSK-LOL right on man!

Mudge-Haha thanks so much for your time man!

BSK-No worries dude! thanks for chattin whith me!

Anytime
Cheers man!

Great new things! And a big thank you!

Ok so now that we have reached our goal of 10000 page reads we (Fuckin horraaaaayy) .. We have started something more amazing by creating some of the best shows with amazing artists and bands this city has !!!! .. Every one of us will be putting on our own shows with the support of the rest of us :).. In the next couple months we have some serious plans that will flip this city around in a great way! I wont get into detail because this is just a warning that we coming for you! and in lue of our goal being reached here is a big thank you --- FUCKING FUCKDIDDLY FUCKINTHANK YOU FOR BEING AWESOME AND LOVING YOUR SCENE AND THE HARD WORK PEOPLE PEOPLE PUT INTO ALL OF THIS!! THANKS TO THE READER AND SUPPORTS AND BANDS AND ARTISTS!! THANK YOU! .. CHEERS TO ANOTHER 10000 more!!!!!

From your friend Sysko Kidd :)

The Fort

Since I began playing shows in Calgary almost nearly 5 years ago, I've seen many venues close their doors to either the public or at least to the bands. I'm probably just old enough to remember playing my first show ever as a skinny young punk at the legendary Crescent Heights Community Center and having an awesome venue like that for all age shows. Last year was the saddest time for the community when The New Black Center for the Performing Arts finally closed it's doors for good. I remember going to many shows there in a short period of time. For the first year and a half in the city. I saw incredible bands there that just faded away and also bands that bloomed into something way bigger. A good example of that was catching Today I Caught the Plague play to maybe 25 kids and the bands that they had played with. For you that don't know they are a band formed in 2005 in Ottawa, Ontario who toured for countless years until they became The Kindred in 2013, who have played with many large acts like Between the Buried and Me, Misery Signals, Protest the Hero and Scale the Summit. With that void in the community it turned to only 18+ shows at bars. It takes away from the nurturing and growth of the young musicians when they need it the most. Now what is happening is that a group of individuals who are passionate about the fact there is a void and want to do something about it. Thus comes the idea of The Fort. This is just in the begging stages and what they want to do is with the help of crowd funding, They want to give the city a venue. With money donated they plan on finding a building, the renovations they will need, the sound equipment and the permits/licenses required to run the venue properly. So here it is they are calling for your help and if you want to check more out about it yourself follow this link here and check it out for yourself.


Follow them here on Facebook to keep up with them

Show review - Well Mannered Thieves + Friends

Well Mannered Thieves  Are a local Alternative band that have a very interesting sound :) In a great way ! .. Paul Orton The singer invited me to a very eclectic show With Post Modern People , The Garter Girls  and Them. At The national music center where I have never been before but it was a great experience .. Seeing as the crowd was not exactly my usual type of crowd to say the least I felt out of place a bit with my "Eat pussy chug whisky hail Satan" shirt on LOL .. Anyway I have to say that all the acts were just fantastic .. with bands on one side and burlesque on the other was pretty cool because at one point I am in the back and next I am in the best place to watch girls get naked haha .. I got a CD from W.M.T and I love it .. It will be in my tune rotation for a while I figure! Get a hold of them to pick one up or hit the link to check their site to get and idea what they sound like with the songs they have on there! .. The Garter Girls are just smoking hot and talented .. I plan to book them sometime down the road for a show or two :) Check their link too they are very interesting ;)

Overall the show was great and they did a great job putting it together .. Even a sponsor from Wild Rose Brewery  :) ... Although I did not like the taste of their IPA the rest were pretty good !

Great show all in all!
Cheers to all of ya! - BSK

Well Mannered Thieves This Friday!! .. And much more!

I will be at this show if you want to come and join me! Well Mannered Thieves are a great band and yes there will be some hot girls too from The Garter Girls!!

Plus the music of Postmodern People and Susie Forsyth 

Come and check it out! Cheers! BSK

Why should we Blame Betty?

Blame Betty  As most of you know is an Alternative/Pinup/ Vintage Shop located at 829 17th ave s.w, .. If you don't know they sell everything from Books to shoes to mens crap and kids stuff etc .. everything pertains to the geeks, gamers, dominatrixes and everything you would buy and get a wink on the way out! .. Lots of my friends go here for random things and always come out with the best stuff I have seen .. I highly suggest going to the link up there ^ To check out what they have .. oh and since halloween is soon they will be rocking great sales on the creepy stuff and costumes!! Check them out!! -BSK

Last night with Whisky Wagon, Hot naked girls and heavy Bass with wonderful people!!

Ok so me and Jager got really drunk on Wednesday and he slowly but surely talked me into going out to a Burlesque show with Corrupt Creatures and High voltage :) They were amazing! .. A Starwars bit and a bunch of killer original acts that I will always remember! I met a really funny fella who does magic named Jasonthefunnymagicguy < check him out here .. I got to see one hell of a show from Whisky Wagon and got me some swag and CD's .. Scottish drinkin rock is so dear to me and I found me a local one!! Much love! .. I got a pretty girl a wicked necklace from the fucking great Overdosed Reality   Check them out for some amazing jewelry !! It is very hard to tag everyone that I think is awesome that came out to make a Thursday a fuckin awesome night! Heavy drum and bass Dj Samantha Distinct Was at Lord Nelsons to killit and make me dance my ass off and lose my voice ! :)Check her out! All I can say is there will be many awesome things coming up soon for ALtCitY !!!! ... Oh and yes another great thing was hanging with local dress and lingerie creator Dianna Martin! .. We have many things planned so come back soon and bring some friends to find out about what wicked shit we will be pulling :D

Truly your Hungover Friend , Brad Sysko Kidd

Interview with Skeleton War!!

So I found one of the most eclectic bands from here in Calgary and had a chat with the band! Check it out!!


SW-Hi, if you want to do interviews, my band is new, but we've got some hype in our niche
BSK-Fuckin eh! that is what I like to promote is new bands .. What is it that you do?
SW-Were an all queer horrorfolk cabaret called skeleton war
BSK-Well that sounds fucking great!!  I am totally down to do an interview that sounds fun!

SW-Yeah man lol
BSK-Are you familliar with the interviews that I do? If not it is about 10 plus questions including some random stuff but I have a feeling this one will be random enough lol .. all just on fb chat and I edit it after so it fits on the blog

SW-Nice, sounds good
The whole team is here

BSK-Oh fuckin eh! Well if you are in We can get started .. just let me grab a brew and a smoke and get goin?

SW-Go for it
BSK-Alrighty then good to go .. k first question because I have no idea what horrorfolk is can you guys please enlighten me?
I have never heard of it

SW-We argued about it a while
it is Lots of yelling and banjo, its like horrorcore and folk punk

BSK-How did you guys come about as a group?

SW-Teca, our ukelele player and I met at an anime con in '13 and jammed for about a year, then we met Megan, a washboard playing metalhead, and it all clicked

BSK-I have never come across a story like that in my life lol that is pure gold! .. For the readers .. Can you tell them where they can find you to check out this awesome mix that personally I would love to see too!?

SW-We have a Facebook, it just hit 100 the other day,
We update it whenever we have a show or are going busking
that would be https://www.facebook.com/pages/Skeleton-War/937734966245394
Skeleton War
That's us
BSK-So you said " All queer horrorfolk cabaret" .. How did you end up with that?

Uhm We're pretentious youth , Long genre = we show up in more searches
Hell, our name is a meme
BSK-Is there any shows coming up so that my readers and I can come and check out?
SW-Not yet! Meg and Teca just started school, so were focusing on our first CD
Which will be available online from ukelele horror records in Rhode island
As soon as we figure out how to record

BSK-Well if you want I have some great connections here in town and I would love to book a show and have you on the bill 'cause this sounds awesome to me ! ..
Whenever you are ready to gig.

SW-That'd be so rad, but half the band is 17
So ya know

BSK-Not a problem . take your time there are many all ages shows too .. anyway back to the questions  .. Speed round time ! haha .. What is a band that influences You?

SW-Against me, andrew Jackson jihad, Amanda palmer, Steve martin, and kanye
Lots of underground folk punk too, especially stick and poke and tale teller heart from Toronto

BSK-Well that is quite the eclectic grouping lol right on! .. Who would you want to play with at a show living or dead?

SW-Earl Scruggs, and against me! local band pervecore, love the way they perform, and the Dresden dolls
BSK-I love Pervcore too they killed it at my anniversary/birthday party haha I will get you two together sometime if you want  ..
What would you do if there was a zombie apocalypse??
I want an answer from each of ya!

SW-We have a group plan
Head east, steal all the drugs and booze we can, head north, stay where its too cold for zombies
If they reach us all the way at my aunts island cabin, at least we won't die sober
BSK-If it as an island and they try making it swiming they will fall apart pretty quick ! Good idea! ... What is the future for you guys after the first album?

SW-Our second album?
We don't know what skeleton war can achieve, I try not to think about it, its just something we do because its fun
Most practices are just us making dumb skeleton jokes and coming up with ways to be ooky spooky

BSK-Well that sounds fun! I wish you guys well with one of the most eclectic sounding ideas I personally have ever heard of!! Thanks for the interview !!

Go support local music!!!

This weekend there will be a lot of stuff going on but the one that is a no brainer for me is going to my friend and biz partner Cales AKA Zebs show for Risky Endeavors Ep release including some great band that I have been addicted to :) DELUGE! has a special place in my heart so I am stoked to go tonight!!

Ok well now let's get to the shows coming up this weekend! Info here

Tonight!

Kryosphere, Sentient, Frightenstein and Just Stay Fucking Dead are at Lord Nelsons .. Info here

The Free Cinics are joined by Shrinking Violet and Mammoth Grove at the Palomino .. Info here

Follow The Rabbit is at The Blind Beggar with DUNRIGHT and Sour Feelings .. Info here

Tomorrow!!

Vern's Pub has OL with Kris Whiteway, Fluffy The Pitbull And The Fangles.. Info here

Calgary Beer Core awards will be held at Dickens pub .. Info here

IDVIP is putting on a B-Day show at Overtime Sports bar and grill with Mavis Beakin and The outlets band. info here

Sunday!!

Singer/Songwriter Awards are being held at the Blind Beggar info here

That is all I have for ya .. But this will be a killer weekend! Stay safe people!! Cheers! - BSK

Zeb's Spotlight of the Week

So my spotlight for the week is going to be a little different this week but my friends from Vancouver who are currently a cross Canada tour Trace the Sky have had a couple shows drop on them so they are playing a very last minute 18+ show tomorrow night at Lord Nelsons. Come and check them out plus I'm really excited to finally check out Colour in the Clouds!

Check out their tunes here

Monday night at Lord Nelson's bar:

Colour in the Clouds
Trace The Sky
Sparrows Over Spain
Cardinal