The Unemployment Blog Day #411

Day #411? Is it me or is this getting ridiculous? I have been on a few interviews since my last blog, but they're all commissioned-based jobs! Is this all I am worth? I am a college-educated professional. This can't be it! I recently interviewed at Prudential for a Financial Services Assistant position. At the interview, which I thought went very well, I had to take a high school level math test. Feeling confident that I did pretty well on the test, I left the office only to be told that I also had to take a 'personality' test when I got home. For those who know me, know that I'm all personality, so this test should be a 'no-brainer'. Would you believe that I got a call from the recruiter a few days later saying that I needed a 52 to pass the math test and I scored a 50? As for the personality test, I needed to score a 2, 3, or 4, to be considered for the position, and coincidentally scored a 1. What? This was impossible. I politely thanked her for the opportunity and hung up the phone. My girlfriend and I could not not stop laughing for hours about how ridiculous this was.

Another interview that I went on was with a company called Heat Group Inc., supposedly a marketing company with a creative department. I later read online that this company was a total scam. The person wrote word for word the extent of my interview process. I was floored! Later in the week, I got more calls from similar marketing companies stating that they found my resume on careerbuilder and thought that I'd be perfect for a position out there. Seriously, are there any real companies out there hiring without a commission base? I am not a salesmen. I went to school for communications and worked in radio for 13 years.

In this economy and job market, I guess I shouldn't really be picky, but there has to be a job out there that has a steady income with no commission base. I am still just blown away that I've been unemployed for 411 days now. I have lots of skills and talent, why won't anyone hire me? Every time that I speak to someone on the telephone, I think to myself, "That person has a job, and I don't?" This society is unbelievable!

The Unemployment Blog Day #384

Today is my 384th day of unemployment, and to those in the same boat as I am, I feel your pain! As of today, the unemployment rate was around 9%. There are millions doing what I do every single day and that's scouring the internet for jobs for hours. Sometimes we apply for jobs that we don't even qualify for. Now, I went to college and graduated with a BA in Communications. The funny thing is that I recently received an email from Fed Ex saying that they were going to pursue a candidate that was more qualified than I was. So, does that mean a college grad is not qualified enough to work at Fed Ex?

Another problem that I seem to keep running into is that there is an overabundance of sales jobs for small companies. These jobs are all commission-based. Are they worth it in an economy where no one is really spending any money? Since, being laid off last January, I've been on numerous interviews, and it seems that the sales gigs are the ones that always seem to call back. There was only one gig that I actually really wanted. The name of the company was Heat Group, Inc., which seemed like a sales job, but when I interviewed for it, the gentleman who interviewed me explained to me that I'd be perfect for a more creative role within the company. I was excited that this was not going to be a sales position. Needless to say, I was disappointed when I never heard from that company after my interview, which I was sure that I passed with flying colors.

The whole job search thing is getting frustrating. Some days, I just feel like giving up. I'm sick of jumping through hoops and dealing with dumb people day in and day out. It angers me to see that these dumb people have jobs, yet I'm the one who is unemployed. Moving forward, I will blog everyday about my unemployment experience until I do find a job. I am sure that many will know exactly where I am coming from. See you on Day 385!

KISS STILL LAYING THE 'SONIC BOOM'

Everyone has a childhood hero or at least someone that they idolized growing up. For some, it’s a sports figure; some might even say a movie star or a relative. For me, I had my sports figure idols, but mainly worshipped rock stars. As a child, I wanted to be Nikki Sixx from Motley Crue, Duff McKagan from Guns ‘N’ Roses, or Gene Simmons from Kiss, which would only make sense for me to become a bass player. Now, it’s not everyday that you get to meet or speak to your childhood idols, but I’ve been lucky enough to have that day happen a few times already meeting Nikki and Duff. Today, I would get the chance to speak to the idols of all idols, the heroes of all heroes….I wanted the best and I got it! Today, I was getting a chance to speak to Gene Simmons, the marketing genius-bass playing-reality show TV star-demon of Kiss!

Gene, Paul Stanley, Eric Singer, and Tommy Thayer, collectively known to the rest of us as the legendary Kiss, recently released their first studio recording since Psycho Circus eleven years ago. Sonic Boom, a three-disc set performed by the current lineup contains studio recordings on the first, featuring the new single “Modern Day Delilah”, while the other two CDs include live recordings from earlier this year. Sonic Boom is actually a Wal-Mart exclusive, which is something that AC/DC successfully accomplished back in June.

Kiss also recently kicked off a North American Tour to celebrate the Thirty Fifth Anniversary of their innovative album Kiss: Alive. The tour started with two sold out nights at Detroit’s Cobo Hall Arena, the very same stage Kiss: Alive was recorded. Right before Kiss went on the road, they received news that they were finally being nominated for the Rock ‘N’ Roll Hall of Fame along with Genesis, The Stooges, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Unfortunately, they’ll have to wait until January to see if they are among the inductees. While they wait, Kiss will be bringing their “Alive/35” Tour home to New York City’s Madison Square Garden on October 10. Gene Simmons, was able to call me between cities to talk about his favorite topics….Kiss and Gene Simmons! Kissmas came early for me this year! Here’s what the Demon had to say:

Tim Louie: Hey, Gene! I have to start this off with congratulations on your Rock ‘N’ Roll Hall of Fame nomination! Kiss is finally nominated! How does this feel?
Gene Simmons: It’s appreciated, but we don’t take it too seriously. Our fans are everything to us. The Kiss Army is legendary and has become iconic. It’s become it’s own thing. Every other band in the world knows about the Kiss Army, and they’d give their left nut to have it. So, nice to be nominated, but it’d be nice to win. It’s not the end all or be all. We do our talking onstage!

TL: I think you guys will get it. Kiss is the main influence for many bands out there today. You’re the pioneers to what we see today in live performances….
GS: Well, we don’t spend a lot of time thinking about it. All we know is that when we go to see wrestling and we see fireworks or we go and see McCartney or any other band live and you see spectacle and fireworks, and all that. Where’d that come from? The stampeders? If the only thing we’ve done is raise the bar substantially for live performances, that’s good! Then we’ve left our mark! It’s no longer enough to just get onstage with a tie-dyed t-shirt and sneakers, and look at your shoes and think that your giving people a show.

TL: Sonic Boom is your first studio album in eleven years. Can you tell me a little bit more about it?
GS: Eleven brand new songs; it’s a three disc special package. The second disc has fifteen songs by this lineup re-recorded. The third disc is of us in South America at Buenos Aires Stadium in April, just a few months back. And what Sonic Boom is, is this is who we are now. No keyboard players, no children’s choirs, no synthesizers, none of that. Meat and potatoes straight down the line, and it all goes back to a spirit of innocence that we had when we first started. When we first strapped guitars on our shoulders. Eric Singer and Tommy Thayer sing their own songs. The band is back to being full octane.

TL: Now, how are the Kiss fans receiving Eric Singer as Peter Criss and Tommy Thayer as Ace Frehley?
GS: It’s not “as” anything. In football teams there’s a number. If one of the players gets kicked out of the band three times for not being a team player and for using drugs and alcohol, “your ass is grass!” as they say in New York! You may have been worthy of the team once. Why the hell would you continue to keep somebody on the team if they’re not carrying their load?

TL: The reason why I ask is because the first time you replaced Peter Criss and Ace Frehley with the late Eric Carr and Vinnie Vincent, Eric Carr wore the face paint of a fox and Vinnie Vincent wore an ankh on his face…..
GS: We tried different personas and it was okay, but we said why do we have to? This is iconic. When I go to see Batman at the movies, there have been different people as Batman, but it’s still Batman. Why would we change it?

TL: Kiss recently kicked off this Thirty-Fifth Anniversary of Kiss: Alive over at Cobo Hall Arena in Detroit. How did it feel to go back there after thirty-five years?
GS: It felt really amazing! On one hand, it’s sad because Cobo is being torn down, but we also met on the back cover of the double live album….You have to remember in those days, it was lunacy to release a live record, much less a double live record. Kiss has always been like that…Nuts!....So, the back cover shows two fans in the middle of a sold out hall, three nights I might add, and they’re holding a Kiss banner that they made. Well, those two guys showed up all these many years later with the same banner. One’s a successful real estate agent and the other is a doctor. The Kiss Army….That’s right!

TL: So, you’re coming back to New York City to play Madison Square Garden once again. How does it feel to come home and play The Garden?
GS: I will tell you a story that is near and dear to my heart. The band was put together at 10 East 23 Street. It was a loft, and The Garden was ten blocks away. I would walk up there and see basketball or The Stones or whomever else was playing. We all have dreams! And when Kiss played there for the first time, I walked in through the front door because in those days people didn’t know what we looked like without the makeup. They were just aware of Kiss. They thought that we looked like that 24 hours a day. So, I walked in through the front door, walked through the crowd, went backstage, put on makeup, got up onstage, and rocked the house! The rock ’n’ roll rites of passage, if you will. It was like climbing Mount Olympus, when you get to the top, the view is amazing! I will tell you this, I mean you couldn’t see under the makeup or anything, but when I was onstage the first time at The Garden, they didn’t see it, but The Demon cried. Oh yeah! It says something about The American Dream! That it is alive, it is well, and I’m living proof of it. I wasn’t born here. The first thing that I ever heard was “What are you stupid? Can’t you speak English?” If you work your tail off, and to have the doors open, anything is possible!

TL: With the music industry constantly changing partly due to the economy and partly due to technology, what advice can you give struggling musicians who can’t seem to attract label attention?
GS: Well, it’s really tough. I have a label, Simmons Records, through Universal, but it’s really tough because the industry is in disarray. It’s not dead! Sonic Boom, we put out ourselves through Wal-Mart, but we come with our own fan base, so we can do that. It’s really tough out there because of the downloading thing. Pandora’s box has been opened and the record industry has suffered because of it. It’s almost dead, but it’s not. I suggest that new bands go out there and make your own CDs and distribute them as best you can. The days of big advances and record companies….That’s over!

TL: I see that you’re also in Mike Judge’s new movie, “Extract”?
GS: Yes! I play an asshole L.A. lawyer, of course! I have a good time with anything that I do. I do my best, have a great time and don’t take it seriously, and let the cards fall where they may. It seems anything that I try to do turns out okay.

TL: It’s no secret that Gene Simmons, the businessman, is a marketing genius too!
GS: Well, the word genius is highly overused. It’s interesting. I have a different philosophy about stuff. Most people want a job. I just like working. There’s a difference. I’ve never taken a vacation, but that’s not because there’s anything wrong with that. It’s just I don’t want to go away from doing stuff everyday working.

TL: Gene, is there any truth to the rumor that your creating this reality show based on developing a new version of Kiss?
GS: Mark Burnett and I have been talking about it, and of course, Paul. It’s a conversation. I mean everything is a conversation until it’s real.

TL: Speaking of TV, how do you feel about the country sneaking a peek at Gene Simmons’s life every week on TV?
GS: Whom else? I’ve got cooler hair than Donald Trump. Why wouldn’t you be watching? Season five is being shot on the road following us. The family is not coming on the road with us, but Miss Tweed is going to be in New York and filming an episode or two there, while Nick and Sophie are in school.

TL: Thanks for sitting down and talking with me, Gene! It was truly an honor speaking to one of rock’s royalty.
GS: You bet!

Kiss released "Sonic Boom" on October 6 at all Wal-Marts. For ticket info on Kiss, log onto kissonline.com.

VINCE NEIL INK--Las Vegas, NV

So, last May when I was in Las Vegas, I featured a tattoo parlor from Las Vegas called Pussykat Tattoo. This past May, I made my yearly jaunt back to the City of Sin, and made a pit stop into Vince Neil Ink, which is located right on the Vegas strip across from Caesar’s Palace. Yes, I know! Some of you might be saying, “Doesn’t Tim write about anything else that’s not Motley Crue related?” Hey, can I help it that one of my idols owns a tattoo shop on the Vegas strip? You should’ve seen what it was like for me to drag my girlfriend into the shop with me!

Anyway, Vince Neil Ink was everything that I thought it would be! Like I said, it’s located on the Las Vegas strip in O’Shea’s Casino. In this instance, location is definitely not a problem. Upon entering the shop, the walls are adorned with Motley Crue memorabilia and merch, as well as, Vince Neil merchandise. It’s virtually a Motley Crue fan’s wettest dream! This immaculate 1,230 square foot shop features four tattoo rooms, which includes one VIP room and one room that allows Vegas strip strollers to view tattoos in progress. Also, in the front window, to complete the rock ‘n’ roll vibe is a chopper built by Count’s Kustoms. It’ss displayed with “Girls Girls Girls” painted right on it. Did I mention that this place a Motley Crue fan’s wettest dream?

Anyway, when I walked in, the shop was already packed with people either looking to get work done or were just there as observers. Already tattooing was head tattoo artist, Dano, who, by the way, is my new hero after reading his Republican views on his myspace page. Dano has been tattooing for about twenty years now and his work speaks for itself. Actually, the whole crew….Or should I say ‘crue’ are exceptional artists, and I guess you would have to be if you’re being showcased on of the biggest tourist attractions in America. Rounding out the rest of the artists at Vince Neil Ink are Juan, Jeromy, TJ, Less, Brett, Bumper, Marq, Kat, John Law, Ron, Justin, and MJ, while Jenny, Alison, Ashley, Jessica, Paige, and Lauren maintain the front of the shop. The majority of their work is custom, but they won’t turn down any flash art if it’s requested, but after looking at their work, I would request some custom work if I was to get anything done here.

Vince Neil Ink opened its doors in November of 2006, and has been open every single day from 11 AM until 2 AM. Walk-ins are always welcome considering they are in the heart of the Vegas strip, but they do urge that if an appointment is to be made, it should be through a visit to the shop. Each artist is there to consult the customers as to what they want done, as far as artwork. I actually witnessed as Marq was consulting one of the customers. As far as prices go, they’re pretty comparable to the prices around here in NJ tattoo parlors. They tattoo at about a minimum of $100, but if you ask me that is pretty cheap for a shop that is located right on the world famous Vegas Strip. Also, let’s not forget, you can say that you got tattooed at a shop owned by the singer of Motley Crue. So, that’s all included in the price. Then again, if you get tattooed at High Voltage Tattoo in L.A., you can say that the girlfriend of the bass player from Motley Crue tattooed you, but then again I wrote about that shop already!

I know that this isn’t a shop in NY/NJ, but most of you do travel, and if you are in Las Vegas on vacation, this shop is a “must” stop, whether you’re a Motley Crue fan or not! The artwork by these artists are even better than Vince’s voice, but then again that’s not saying much, I guess. The shop is clean, the staff is super-friendly, and the place is pretty merch driven for those just looking to buy t-shirts and stuff. I know that I missed this year’s Tattoo Convention in NYC, but my stop at Vince Neil’s shop made up for that. If you’re in the Las Vegas area on vacation, stop in the shop located at 3555 Las Vegas Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV in O’Shea’s Casino. You can also contact the shop by emailing them at vinceneilink@harrahs.com. If you’d like to see the shop online, then log onto vinceneilink.com or myspace.com/vinceneilink.

Well, I’m off to check out my next tattoo place! If you have a tattoo shop that you want to suggest to me please e-mail me the name of the place and whom I should ask for! Email me at chigger273@aol.com.

CRUEFEST 2: CRUE IS BACK AND THEY BROUGHT THE DOCTOR....

Let me start by saying that although most of you know how I feel about Motley Crue, I had my doubts about how this playing Dr. Feelgood from front to back would fare. For those of you who were at the PNC show, I don’t have to tell you – “THEY F’N ROCKED!” That may have been one of the best Motley Crue shows that I have ever seen, and I’ve seen a lot! Playing Dr. Feelgood in its entirety was genius on their part since it was the twentieth anniversary of the CD’s release. Dr. Feelgood may not be every Crue fan’s favorite CD, but every one of those songs was fun, and you can’t help but get into them. Many of the songs have never been played live before, and I have to tell you, it brought me back! Memories of being a young metal head, and listening to Dr. Feelgood on tape came flooding back. Plus, I have newfound respect for the CD, since my girlfriend pointed out that every single one of those songs – is perfect for stripping! Hmmmm…..Motley Crue singer Vince Neil questioned the crowd, “Who owned this on vinyl?” After playing “Without You”, Vince joked, “Now, for side two!”

Motley Crue’s stage set up always has a theme with extra-added theatrics. This time – lights dim and out walks a “naughty nurse” pushing a giant wheelchair! Center stage, out of the wheelchair seat pops another hottie dressed in a straight jacket. A few extras in lab coats come running out to give her a big needle – as her scream echoes through PNC Bank Arts Center – lights go out, curtain drops to reveal Motley Crue cutting into the title track from a stage set up to look like a giant padded room – Yes, cheesy but so awesome! The two naughty nurses were became leather-clad backup singers. To keep consistent with the theme – even the managers and guests watching the show from the side of the stage wore lab coats.

Regardless of the two backup singers, in my opinion, Vince didn’t even need them! His voice actually sounded strong, and he pulled through every single song like a champ singing every word! Unlike many of the Crue shows in the past, Vince did not overkill the audience participation thing! The audience did not finish out the songs, and it was nice to see Vince live up to expectations. Motley Crue was “on” for every song, their energy bled into the crowd and from where I was…everyone was out of their seats screaming and dancing for the ENTIRE show. They did two encores after finishing up the Dr. Feelgood CD. The first consisting of “Wild Side”, the title track of their latest CD “Saints of Los Angeles”, and “Shout at the Devil”. The second encore opened with “Home Sweet Home” and wrapped up with “Girls, Girls, Girls”. Another surprise was that since Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee’s hand was injured, and he couldn’t play, his bud Morgan Rose of Sevendust filled in – which was still awesome because it sounded like Tommy was playing. He is an amazing heavy-hitting drummer that can play his ass off and mimic Tommy’s style. Sevendust is one of my favorite bands, so I was excited to see him playing Crue songs. True to his “I never slow down” tradition – Tommy just couldn’t keep away! He kicked Morgan out of his seat for a few of the slower songs, and he played control freak on most of the other songs. Again, another reason why he is just so damn cool!

Now I didn’t really make it in to see all of the great opening bands at Crue Fest 2 like Charm City Devils, Theory of a Deadman, or Drowning Pool because it was a workday, but I did get to see Godsmack, who always sounds phenomenal! As a long-time Godsmack fan, I have to say that they were consistent! Their sound was amazing! They rocked with all that they had, but I felt that their stage presence fell a bit short! Yes, there was pyrotechnics, and sweat, but aside from Sully and a couple of twirling drumsticks, there is a definite lack of energy. I can’t seem to stay focused through their entire set. They hit the stage strong and ended even stronger with a dueling double drum solo in which Sully played the bongos and drums. During that – my eyes were glued to the stage.

Overall, Crue Fest 2 was a success, as far as the show goes. I understand that they are trying to make this an Ozzfest-type of event, but they’re missing the mark! It just doesn’t have that same “all day metal festival – music for the masses” vibe. It just feels like a show! The 2 stages, the concession stands, opening the venue early…all these items are meant to contribute to the festival mentality but I’ve seen it done better for Warped Tour and Bamboozle. Now that there is no more Ozzfest, what is our big metal-head summer festival? C’mon Motley Crue….make me prouder than this!

The Real L.A. Ink - High Voltage Tattoo in Hollywood, California

I recently journeyed out to Anaheim, CA for wedding with my hot girlfriend. Anyway, besides that, we made our way to the streets of Los Angeles, home of the wannabe actors, actresses, models, and rock stars! The only thing real out in L.A., that I noticed, was their tattoo scene! That was no joke! There were probably as many tattoo parlors on every street corner as New York City has a Starbucks. They seem to take their ink very serious out in L.A., though I think that New Jersey and NYC can give Los Angeles a run for their money.

The one shop that my girlfriend and I made a point to visit was Kat Von Dee's place, High Voltage Tattoo, which was located at North La Brea Avenue in West Hollywood, CA. Yes, that's the shop that you get to see on TLC's hit tattoo show, L.A. Ink. Unfortunately, Kat was not around for any questions because she was probably on the road with the new love in her life, Motley Crue bassist Nikki Sixx, who is currently on the road with CrueFest 2008. Since Kat wasn't there, I figured that I would just observe how the place was run when the cameras weren't rolling.

First of all, High Voltage Tattoo's shop hours were 9 p.m. to midnight, Monday thru Friday, and on the weekends, they're open from noon to midnight. So, needless to say, when we arrived at the shop at around 9 p.m., there was a line outside to get into the shop made up of people who had made appointments to get tattooed. There were also a few people on line who were walk-in customers who hoped to get some ink done on this night too. I guess when you make enough money from the TV show and your celebrity clientele; you really don't need to stay open all day. Plus, you know that your shop will be packed every night because of the crazy publicity that you keep getting on TV.

Kat Von Dee opened up High Voltage Tattoo in July of 2007 when she left the show Miami Ink, the show that made her household name. High Voltage Tattoo would later become the location for Miami Ink's spinoff series, L.A. Ink starring Kat Von Dee and her crew. On this night, only four of Kat's staff members were on hand, but they were busy with these walk-ins. It took me about twenty minutes just to get a t-shirt from the place. The place had a great vibe to it, but it felt like a tourist trap for people who watch the show religiously.

On High Voltage Tattoo's website, highvoltagetattoo.com, you can make an appointment by filling out a form, choosing your artist, explaining where you would be traveling from, and by simply uploading a picture of what you want tattooed. There is also a disclaimer on the site saying that appointments made online are for off camera only and that if you want to be tattooed on the show, then log onto lainkcasting.com. Depending on which artist is working on your tattoo, prices will vary.

Speaking of artists, Kat seems to surround herself with only the best. There's Kim Saigh, Jeff Ward from Chicago, Dennis Halbritter, Khoi Nguyen (whom I met that night and wasn't friendly at all), Hannah Aitchison, castmate Corey Miller, Adam Forman, native Hollywoodian Nate Fierro, another native Californian Mojo Foster, and Adrian Gallegos. Now, that's a staff and a half, but the mystique of High Voltage Tattoo is their celebrity clientele! Their plethora of celebrity clientele includes members of HIM, Incubus, My Chemical Romance, Green Day, Guns 'N' Roses, the Misfits, Queens of the Stone Age, Mastadon, Scott Ian of Anthrax, Sebastian Bach, Godsmack, Slayer, Papa Roach, Bam Margera, Steve-O, Jenna Jameson, Eve, Ja-Rule, of course, Nikki Sixx of Motley Crue. The list goes on and on!

Now, since I couldn't really talk to an artist, I couldn't include a 'five questions with a featured artist', but I do have to say that this shop was pretty cool to be in even though it was the setting for a TV show and the place was too packed. If you make it out to Los Angeles, CA and always wanted to get tattooed by the staff of L.A. Ink, make sure you either go to highvoltagetattoo.com.com to make an appointment for off camera work, and for on camera tattooing, fill out the form on lainkcasting.com. If you're in L.A, and just want to see the shop for S and G's, they're located at 1259 North La Brea Avenue in West Hollywood, CA.

Well, I'm off to check out my next tattoo place! If you have a tattoo shop that you want to suggest to me please e-mail me the name of the place and whom I should ask for! Email me at chigger273@aol.com

Jersey Notes

My bro, Stan Yedlock from the band Split Point, recently sent me a message letting me know that Split Point has made it to the semi-finals of the Jersey Shows Battle of the Bands. Congrats to Split Point! The semi-final round will be played at The Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, NJ on Sunday, November 29. Stan told me that he thinks that Split Point might be the only Metal band in the competition. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at The Starland Ballroom. Log onto myspace.com/splitpointmusic to purchase tickets or even listen to a few “live” pre-production tracks that the band recently recorded, so that their fans can hear new music……..
I recently heard from my old buddy and amazing guitar whiz Steve Bello, who has been in and out of retirement from the local music scene lately. Well, according to Steve’s email, it sounds like he’s out of retirement once again. It turns out, Steve has stayed in touch with the kids from the band Knollwood, and recently Nikki, the drummer from Knollwood, left the band. She reached out to Steve asking if any of his students were looking for a drummer. Unfortunately, Steve received no response from any of his students, so he decided to jam with Nikki on his own for S and G’s, and could not believe what he heard. The two were so excited about their chemistry, that they began working on material that Steve Bello had already written before he went into retirement, as well as writing new material. Steve told me that he’s not sure how serious this is, he just wants to get his music off his chest and see where it goes. It looks like The Steve Bello Band has once again resurfaced! Don’t expect to see any live shows anytime soon, but you can expect a few new songs from “The Bello” by checking myspace.com/stevebello every now and then…….
A couple of weeks ago, Kindred Souls lent their support to the ING New York City Marathon for the sixth year in a row. They played a free concert along the route on Central Park South. This was great exposure for the band as thousands were able to listen to and enjoy the music of Kindred Souls. For more info on Kindred Souls and to check out their new CD Social Ninja, log onto kindred-souls.com…..
John Mosco, the man behind Sixty Miles Down, finally filled me in on what was going on with the band. I mentioned a few weeks ago that there was a brand new Sixty Miles Down song “Burned” on the band’s myspace page, myspace.com/sixtymilesdown, and that John seemed to be the only member left on the page. Well, John wanted to set the record straight. Turns out, there was a band member with medical problems, one that needed to finish college, and one that just didn’t see eye-to-eye with John musically. So, John has decided to continue on with new musicians as Sixty Miles Down. He currently has a new guitarist and a former member of Sixty Miles Down possibly returning. He’s currently searching for a drummer and bass player to fill out the rest of the new Sixty Miles Down lineup. If you know of a bassist or drummer that might fit what John is doing contact him through 60MD.com…….
And finally, since I’m mentioning some old friends, I got a text recently from Anthony “The Main Vein” Coviello of the reunited Long Gone Day. He wanted to let me know that the new longgoneday.com has finally gone live! You can go there and find out when Long Gone Day is playing next, see pics of the reunited band, and even stay up to date on what’s going on with the band now. Check it out, it’s longgoneday.com.
That’s all for now! And remember, if your band wants some exposure, email me at chigger273@aol.com and let me know where your performing next. No cover bands, please!