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< Back Raw and Real: Running from Shadows Strikes a Chord with Their New Track Nicole Brice Jul 30, 2024 Share ‘Okay, I Get It’ is a trip through the glory days of 90s music. It’s Tuesday, and what is truly remarkable about this day of the week is that I get to bring new music to you from a local band that needs to be put on your radar now. Released on July 16, 2024, ‘ Okay, I Get It ’ is the latest from Olla-based Running from Shadows , and it is a trip through the glory days of 90s music – ripe with fuzz and just the right amount of nostalgia for a truly enjoyable listening experience. Click to listen Running from Shadows is the brainchild of multi-talented musician Darren White with assistance from Ty Del Rose , the drumming powerhouse from Smile Empty Soul , and together this duo has created a sound that’s part swamp monster, part California earthquake, and 100% pure rock n’ roll mayhem. Credit: Facebook ‘Okay, I Get It’ starts with a crunchy 90s grunge and alternative guitar sound that reminds me of Hum meets Local H and continues with a bit of a punk vibe, creating a sonic explosion of sound for your eardrums. If you’re unfamiliar with the two bands I named above as sound influences, you must go down that rabbit hole. As the song progresses, this constant groove keeps your head nodding, and when the bridge kicks in, the groove becomes more pronounced until the chorus hits with, “Okay, okay, okay, I think I get it.” I dug this tune, and I think you will, too. The sound is refreshingly modern with just the right amount of nostalgia. According to vocalist Darren White, “’Okay, I Get It’ is an anthem for those who don’t have their life together. Whether you’re slamming into the pit or just thrashing around in your bedroom, this track demands to be played at maximum volume.” ‘Okay, I Get It’ is available now on all streaming platforms, so dive in! Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/artist/5uqor5ftFAKebvltffCI36 Apple Music : https://music.apple.com/us/artist/running-from-shadows/1501808288 Linktree : https://linktr.ee/RunningFromShadows YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@runningfromshadowsband Questions or comments? Hit us up at mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . www.mixedaltmag.com Music | Mixed Alternative Magazine Southern-based indie music/arts/entertainment magazine with a 90's flair. www.mixedaltmag.com Previous Next

< Back Evil Dead Rise is Balls-to-the-Wall Blood, Guts, and Terror Ezekiel Kincaid Apr 25, 2023 Share Buckle up for the most horrific installment of the Evil Dead universe With the new Evil Dead installment, we didn’t get just another movie added to the franchise, we got a terrifying, new reimagining of the story. Much like the 2013 remake (which I liked), there is no Bruce Campbell as Ash Williams. There’s also no sarcasm or comedy, so don’t go into this movie expecting Army of Darkness or Ash vs Evil Dead . This was an hour and forty minutes of balls-to-the-wall blood, guts, and terror. From the opening scene to the credits, Evil Dead Rise doesn’t let you rise up for air. It is, by far, the creepiest, scariest, and most horrific installment into the Evil Dead universe. And I freaking loved it. That’s saying a lot, because I am a die-hard Bruce Campbell/Ash Williams fan. Those of you who have kept up with my writing can attest to that. After all, it was my love for Evil Dead and Ash Williams that inspired my epic horror comedy, “The Adventures of Johnny Walker Ranger: Demon Slayer”, which you can get on sale here at Godless. So, even though Bruce Campbell and Sam Raimi produced Evil Dead Rise , I was still wondering in the back of my mind—like I did with the 2013 remake—if it would live up to the hype. Written and directed by award-winning writer/director Lee Cronin ( The Hole in the Ground ), Evil Dead Rise is produced by both Bruce Campbell and Sam Raimi and stars Lily Sullivan ( MENTAL) , Alyssa Sutherland ( Vikings ) , Morgan Davies ( The Girlfriend Experience ), Gabrielle Echols ( Reminiscence ), and child actress Nell Fisher. The twisted tale follows two estranged sisters whose reunion is cut short by the rise of flesh-possessing demons, thrusting them into a primal battle for survival as they face the most nightmarish version of family imaginable. courtesy of Warner Bros. images Unlike the 2013 remake, this new chapter deviates from the usual story line and focuses on a family in an old run-down apartment building in Los Angeles. Alyssa Sutherland plays single mom Ellie, who is possessed by a Deadite early on in the film after her sister, Beth (Lily Sullivan), comes to town for a visit and an earthquake unearths the Necronomicon, or book of the dead. From there, it funnels its evil straight to Ellie, who, as a result, psychologically and physically tortures her own children. Another change is in the recordings that are played. In Evil Dead Rise , we have recordings of a priest on some old records recounting his experiences with the Kandarian Demons (rather than a scholar regurgitating his findings), which releases the chaos. But don’t worry, Ash Williams fans, there are two Bruce cameos in the film, along with a nod to the chainsaw and boomstick. I caught the first cameo (hint: pay attention in the scene when Danny plays the records), but the second cameo I had to look up (and you will, too, because there is no way to tell from the movie itself; you’ll have to Google it). All in all, Evil Dead Rise , while giving homage to its roots, is successful as its own film. With that said, where does it fall within the franchise? The brilliance of this movie lies in the fact that it could function as any of the following: a continuation of the original trilogy, a sequel to Evil Dead (2013), a standalone, or a reboot. It all depends on how you look at the film. There was one scene in the movie that really hit home, tying them all together in my mind. I mentioned the scene where Danny is listening to the old records already, and I’m mentioning it again here. This is a pivotal scene because it masterfully links all the previous films to this one. When Danny plays one of the records next to the Necronomicon, it mentions that the book before him is just one of three volumes of the Necronomicon. courtesy of Warner Bros. images Hello, Army of Darkness fans! This ringing any bells? No? Then allow me three words: klaatu verata nikto—the three words Ash was supposed to say over the “right” Necronomicon. How many Necronomicons were in that scene? Yep, three. In Evil Dead Rise , this seems to indicate that ALL THREE books were real, and that Ash had to pick the right one for HIS particular circumstances (i.e., the one that had already been opened and read). Therefore, what we have is one version of the book in the original Evil Dead trilogy and Ash vs Evil Dead series, the second book in the 2013 remake, and the third book found under the Los Angeles apartment in Evil Dead Rise . courtesy of Warner Bros. images Do you need to see any of the previous films to understand this one? No, which is why it works well as a stand-alone film. However, if you haven’t seen any of the previous installments, you need to remedy that situation ASAP. I would also add that, for me, having seen the previous entries countless times, it did enhance my viewing of the film. With all that was great about the film, it did have one major flaw that the others avoided, and that is character development. The film starts out so fast and furious, we don’t get time to know the characters. This results in us not giving very many f**ks about what happens to them. This doesn’t happen in the original trilogy and series because, duh, Ash Williams. The 2013 remake, with all its blood and gore, still managed to get fans invested with what happens to the characters. This isn’t to say things aren’t revealed along the way to help get you to care about the characters because they are. Even so, it still lacks any real “hook” to create buckets of empathy for the characters. Those buckets of empathy are replaced with buckets of blood and guts (some of the most blood I’ve ever seen in a movie, and that’s saying a lot!) and one of the best woodchipper scenes in cinematic history. The crunching and popping sounds in the movie alone are worth seeing it on the big screen and in Dolby audio! Even with the lack of character development, I still give this movie five out of five chainsaws. The sheer terror, creepiness, blood, gore, and how they connected this to the rest of the movies helps make up for the character development flaws in my mind. Evil Dead Rise is, by far, the scariest entry to date in the Evil Dead franchise. Horror fans, get to the theater and see this one NOW! If you wait until the video release, you’ll regret it. Questions or comments? Send an email to the_keeleybrooks@mixedaltmag.com . Ezekiel Kincaid lives for horror and loves to write and talk about it, whether it be in his own novels or in movie/series reviews. His experience as both a pastor and a paranormal investigator bring everything he writes to life. Previous Next

< Back New Movies Out This Week Keeley Brooks Oct 21, 2022 Share New Titles in Theaters and On Demand Here's your weekly list of what's new in theaters and for rent! Watch away, my friends. And remember to eat your popcorn with your mouth closed. Nobody likes a smacker. Enjoy! In Theaters: Black Adam – Dwayne Johnson stars as Teth Adam, who was bestowed the almighty powers of the gods in ancient Kahndaq. After using these powers for vengeance, Adam was imprisoned and became Black Adam. Nearly 5,000 years have passed, and Black Adam has gone from man to myth to legend. Now free, his unique form of justice birthed by rage is challenged by modern-day heroes who form the Justice Society: Hawkman, Dr. Fate, Atom Smasher, and Cyclone. Ticket to Paradise – Julia Roberts and George Clooney are a divorced couple who teams up and travels to Bali to stop their daughter from making the same mistake they think they made 25 years ago. American Murderer – Starring Ryan Phillippe and Tom Pelphrey (Outer Range), this film is based on the true story of Jason Derek Brown, a charismatic con man turned party king who bankrolls his luxurious lifestyle through a series of scams. When his funds run low and his past catches up with him, he plots his most elaborate scheme yet and, in the process, becomes the FBI’s most unlikely—and elusive—top ten fugitive. Also available to rent. The Banshees of Inisherin – Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson lead this film about the relationship between two buddies. On a remote island off the coast of Ireland, Padraic is devastated when his buddy Colm suddenly puts an end to their lifelong friendship. With help from his sister and a troubled young islander, Padraic sets out to repair the damaged relationship by any means necessary. However, as Colm’s resolve only strengthens, he soon delivers an ultimatum that leads to shocking consequences. Also available to rent. Slayers – Vampire slayer Elliot Jones made it his life’s mission to take revenge on the bloodsuckers who killed his teenage daughter. After years of tracking them, he’s finally reached their secret and hidden base. To get to them, though, he’ll need help from a motley crew of social media superstars who’ve been invited to party at a compound that’s also a lair for ancient vampires. Starring Abigail Breslin, Malin Ackerman, and Thomas Jane Wendell & Wild – A stop-motion horror comedy directed by Henry Selick ( Coraline , James and the Giant Peach ) and from a screenplay co-written with Jordan Peele ( Us , Nope ). Two devious demon brothers have to face their arch-enemy with the help of nun Sister Helly, who is notorious for expelling demons. However, the brothers are not only plagued by her but also by her altar boys. New Titles On Demand: Bros https://youtu.be/BQIeBB9XMe8 Bitcon https://youtu.be/HwbIhXrJhIw Beyond the Neon https://youtu.be/p9S-QtP9PkE Hockeyland https://youtu.be/HC15J7GxPuo The Loneliest Boy in the World https://youtu.be/zBhGbSrixtE Kingslayer https://youtu.be/z5PxQVi9SfA Where Are You? https://youtu.be/_urNSZdg42w Detective Knight: Rogue https://youtu.be/0vJXSQoysXE Dangerous Game: The Legacy Murders https://youtu.be/6303iTtM-mk Previous Next

< Back Tyler Harrison Nicole Brice Jan 9, 2023 Share An Undercover Talent on the Rise I am the type of person who is constantly looking for new and interesting people with which to surround myself, virtually or physically. If I feel a connection to another human, then I want to know more about them. That’s how I first stumbled upon Tyler Harrison. A random follow request from Tyler on Instagram grew into a discovery of what he’s about and who he is as a person, and that led to a burning desire to showcase him to all of you. Tyler Harrison is a writer and internationally published author, who is not well known … yet, but I feel his time is coming. With a creative flair like no other, Tyler’s ability to assemble words in a poetic, imaginative way is what sets him apart from others his age. His knack of rhyming and word flow is incredible, and at 27 years old with all he has witnessed and endured throughout his young life, he is a man with wisdom far beyond his years and his writing reflects that. Enduring a traumatic upbringing as a child, Tyler was able to turn his pain into art that jumps off the page at you and makes you stop to breathe and think so you can process the words you just read. A very creative poet, fiction and sci-fi author, and a screenplay writer with three books under his belt, Harrison has just completed a screenplay and is on the path to success, so watch out! His current books are “An Apocalyptic Assistance,” “I Couldn’t Find Her So I Created Her,” “Letter in a Bottle,” and the newly finished screenplay, “Rewriting History: The Mind Trip for Centuries.” I was able to chat with Tyler recently about his work, his hopes and dreams, and his upcoming projects. This guy has so much in the queue, it’s insane! MaM : Tyler, thank you for speaking with me. I just finished reading your first book and I wanted to get a little more info about it from you. What a read! TH : So, yeah, “I Couldn’t Find Her So I Created Her.” I started writing it when I was in beauty school. During my first semester, I started talking about writing a book, so in my second semester I had this … me and my dad, yeah … my dad blew up on me and I was like, ‘I’m going to write about everything I’ve ever witnessed in the home.’ … In this book, I tell my story inside and outside the home, and [I] also talk about the memories and the people that I’ve met, and [the] different encounters [I’ve had] as much as I can remember, from the time I entered the world (or Earth) to the point where I was in college, and it was very therapeutic for me. [I was inspired by] talking to this girl and she was a creative writing major at the university I was attending. I was like, ‘Maybe if I show her I am into creative writing, I can impress her and woo her. It started as an initial collection of poems and I always wondered how one goes about being published, so I googled publishing companies and I … saw Austin McCauley Publishers and read about submitting things for publication. It was late one night and half asleep, I submitted the initial manuscript, which consisted of the selection of poems and other drastic stuff, and I didn’t expect to hear anything back from them … a few weeks later, I got an e-mail. MaM : To have published three books by age 27 is amazing. Tell me a little more about your other book, “An Apocalyptic Assistance” and some of your other work. TH : “An Apocalyptic Assistance” is a sci-fi fantasy novel … about Atlantis and the light. … I start by trying to capture the reader with the introductions of the characters. “Letter in a Bottle,” which is another book I’ve written, is a collection of poems [and] romantic poems, and I’ve got six illustrated books in production with the publishing house and those are waiting to be released. The illustrator is still working on the artwork, and they still have things to finalize on the business side. I just finished writing my first film screenplay, so I’m pretty excited about that as well. I’ve been writing so much that I’m actually tired of writing right now. MaM : I can relate to that. The creative process is definitely interesting. You have all these ideas and if you don’t write them down, you lose them. Your story, though, is what really drew me to you. Your background in an abusive household—I can relate to that because I grew up in an abusive household, too, and you’ve been through so much that I feel your strength comes through in your writing. [It] is inspiring to others. It inspired me. So, what do you see as your plans for the future? What all would you like to accomplish? TH : I just got finished writing the screenplay for a production company out of Atlanta, and I’m submitting it to them and … hoping they will want to sign a deal to use [it]. MaM : Tell us a little more about your screenplay. Is it a continuation of your books? TH : It’s a historical narrative … an alternate narrative, if you will. Basically, Ben Franklin becomes a traitor to the United States and helps the natives win back the land from the Americans. Ben is described as a war hero and [is] younger and not how most [people] think he would look. It’s been an amazing experience to develop these characters and write this script, but it has also been challenging. MaM : I want to know a little more about your book, “Letter in a Bottle.” Give us a brief synopsis of it. TH : So, it was 2019, and I went to this concert … it sounds kind of bizarre, but I am a hopeless romantic and I believe in divine intervention, and I fell in love with this female drummer … I felt drawn to her and developed this collection of poems inspired by her, and that’s basically the book. MaM : What inspires you to write all of this? You have such a diverse portfolio. You go from romantic to sci-fi fantasy to historical fiction and so, is it just life happenings you use as inspiration? TH : I just really want to write something that has never been written before. I can put all my memories into a time capsule with my writing and I don’t have to think about them anymore. It’s therapeutic. I can put them in this ‘box’ and they’re out of my world and I can forget about them and the past. All I then am left with is this moment, and it’s beautiful. MaM : I really like that analogy. It’s like closing a chapter on your life and just moving forward. I dig that. So, what else does the future hold for you? Any other projects upcoming? TH : Well, [I’m] working to get all my books on Audible and I’ve got the other six books in the queue, and I just want to keep writing and become internationally known. I’d like to eventually quit my day job and just do this for a living. I hope that my story will inspire others and reach other people’s hearts and hopefully my words can help transform how people see the world. To learn more about Tyler Harrison and to purchase his books, you can visit: Tyler Harrison | Facebook Tyler Harrison (@undercover_star_talent) • Instagram photos and videos Amazon.com: Tyler Harrison: books, biography, latest update Do you know an author we should feature? E-mail the_nicolebrice@mixedaltmag.com Previous Next

< Back Of The Roses: Austin's Moody & Mysterious Indie Art Rock/Pop Band Nicole Brice May 1, 2023 Share Ripe with fuzz, psychedelia, and haunting rhythms Of The Roses is an Austin, Texas-based indie art rock/pop band led by singer-songwriters and multi-instrumentalists Serenity Autumn Hernandez Bogert and Josh Delarosa. The band also features Will Lord on bass and Alexander "Wilhelm Scream" on drums. These guys are making serious waves on the music scene in Austin and should be put on your list of bands to devote some listening time to. Prior to the band formation, Hernandez Bogert and Delarosa led other music projects that saw them in the studio with Austin superstar Jackie Venson and performing as an Official SXSW Showcasing Artist opening for Priests and D.C.-based label sister Polygon Records in 2019. Paths soon collided and Hernandez Bogert and Delarosa met in 2020 and began writing songs together, where they enlisted the help of Lord and Wilhelm Scream to record and perform live, thus rounding out their unique sound. The band released their debut EP "Mirror's Always Round" in 2022, which is a soundscape of textures and melody. Ripe with fuzz, psychedelia, and haunting rhythms, the band's engaging sound is defined by Hernandez Bogert's soaring vocals, Delarosa's intricate guitar playing, and the tight rhythm section of Lord and Wilhelm Scream. Vibrant and diverse, this band continues to evolve and grow with their mix of indie rock, art rock, and pop. credit: Greg Taylor/Taylored Eye My favorite tracks from the “Mirror’s Always Round” EP are “Falling Through” and “Friends”, but the entire album is solid. “Falling Through” is a powerful and emotional song about the feeling of being lost and alone. The song’s lyrics are raw and honest, and the vocals echo with shadow and beauty. The music has a driving beat and atmospheric guitars with the song building to a powerful climax, leaving the listener feeling both exhilarated and powerful. “Falling Through” is a song sure to resonate with anyone who has ever felt lost and alone, and I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for an intelligent listen. “Friends” is a catchy, danceable track with a dark, twisted edge. The song’s lyrics explore the themes of control and paranoia, and the music reflects this with its distorted guitars. The song starts with a slow, atmospheric intro that builds tension. The drums and guitars wade their way in, and the song picks up pace. The vocals are clear and powerful, and the lyrics are delivered with conviction. The song’s chorus is catchy and memorable, and the bridge is a nice change of pace. “Friends” ends with a powerful outro that leaves you wanting more. It’s a well-crafted and enjoyable song worthy of getting stuck in your head. The band also has made a video for “Friends” that is available to watch on YouTube. It is visually stunning and full of emotionally resonant exploration. You can check it out below. The other tracks are “Gone”, which has a cool and funky vibe; “I Hope You Love Me More”, which has a 60’s psychedelic tone to it; and “Fear”, which starts out with crunching guitars and leads to a pleasant cornucopia of sound. With Hernandez Bogert and Delarosa being the primary songwriters, the band's lyrics are often personal and introspective, but they also deal with broader themes of love, loss, and identity. Of The Roses is a band that is not afraid to be vulnerable, and their music reflects that. The band has been praised for their live shows, which are known for their energy and enthusiasm, and they are currently working on releasing their next single, which is expected in the summer of 2023. In addition to this, they also have recorded a Christmas song that is certain to pique your interest. More details about that are in the interview, though. Of The Roses is definitely a band to watch, and their music is sure to continue to resonate with fans of indie rock and art rock. They’ll impress you with their music, energy, and their infectious live shows. credit: Greg Taylor/Taylored Eye Because they are one of my new favorite bands, I just had to speak with them to learn more about what makes them tick, and I was able to connect with Serenity Autumn and Josh. Both are witty, intelligent, and just downright fun. I feel that within the next five years Of The Roses will become a household name, so be sure to check out their music, then go download their latest EP. credit: Greg Taylor/Taylored Eye MaM : Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today. I am so impressed with your music. I feel like the biggest fan girl, so I made several notes that I would like to share with you before we kick this off. Your sound is hypnotizing and catchy with an incredible guitar tone and I feel your vocals complement each other amazingly. Also, too, I totally dig your lyrics. Who is the primary songwriter in the band? JD : Whoever is singing on the track usually is the person that wrote the song. With “Falling Through”, we both kind of sing and we wrote that song together. Usually, the music comes together first and the lyrics second. We collaborate in that regard, but Serenity writes a good bit of the lyrics and if I write them, then I bring them right back to Serenity to see if they are grammatically correct and make sense. SA : Right. Well, I study journalism, and I’m an editor, too, so that’s why he brings it to me. MaM : What inspires your lyrics? Everyday life, or do you see something and think it would make a great inspiration for a song lyric? SA : Everyday life. It’s a lot of different things. Josh has some good stories in terms of the song “Fear”, actually. JD : For me, songs just come to me, and it’ll be like if I’m driving a long trip or if I’m falling asleep or if I’m in bed, I’ll just hear it in my head and will get up to record it. “Fear” came to me when I was taking a hot shower one day. I just had this melody in my head and I thought, “This sounds cool,” so it’s sort of like the music just comes to me. Along with the music, you kind of hear a few lyrics in there, but sometimes the lyrics don’t make sense. It’s just words that go along with that melody, so you must sit down and actually write. The funny thing is that when I write, I don’t intend it being autobiographical, but sometimes it just comes out that way. It just subtly happens. credit: Greg Taylor/Taylored Eye SA : Yeah, you’re tapping into something that you don’t realize you’re tapping into. MaM : They do say that life experiences make the best inspiration. JD : Absolutely. There is a lot going on in the world, of course, and I think it makes for inspiring music in terms of painting a picture with the music. I think it’s having a conversation, too. SA : Some of our songs are love and romance based. I also write from a politically conscious perspective, I guess, kind of like Talking Heads. I like interesting characters. The song “Friends” is like a character to me. I also have Type I Diabetes, too, and I’ve been through a lot with that. That’s probably its own interview, though. Image taken from artist social media MaM : I was reading about that and actually have a question about it because I read that the band kind of formed around your last hospital stay in 2016. SA : Sort of. I may have written it that way. Kinda. (laughs) MaM : Would you mind elaborating on that? How did the band initially form? SA : Sure. Personally, that’s just how I came into making music in general—because of my hospital stay—but me and Josh met playing in a cabaret band, so it was really that meeting that pushed us together to start writing music. MaM : Well, you two complement each other. You couldn’t have picked a better band mate or songwriting partner. Really, the dynamic you two have is incredible, especially with the latest EP. Don’t change a thing. So, are you both living in Austin now? I saw that your band is based there. Image taken from artist social media SA : Yeah, we live, work, and play in Austin. MaM : So, one thing I like to ask artists and musicians is what they are currently listening to that is helping to inspire them to create. What is on your playlist? SA : Because I am a music journalist as well and work at a record store, I kind of have to listen to everything all the time and I really like that. MaM : Well, that’s a good thing. Best job ever! SA : I am in complete bliss, most of the time, but I have been listening to a lot of Lana Del Ray. I have been listening to a ton of her music recently. My favorite artist, though, is St. Vincent. MaM : What about you Josh? JD : Lately, there have been a few bands. Since I’ve never gone through an 80’s phase, I’ve been listening to a lot of electronic 80’s stuff. MaM : Nice. Some of my fave music. JD : Yeah, some of the bands are ones that Serenity turned me onto. Elvis Costello and Franz Ferdinand are a couple. Serenity really was the one to get me into Franz Ferdinand and I think they are just brilliant. Someone else that I have gotten into recently, too, is Taylor Swift. (laughs) SA : Wait, what? (laughs) MaM : I feel like an arrow has been put right through my heart. (laughter) JD : Listen, give me a chance. (laughs) MaM : Serenity seems just as shocked. JD : Let me say it’s the melodies, for me. I would never buy a record, but I can appreciate the music and the songwriting, and for me— MaM : Ok, I’ll let you slide with that. (laughs) JD : Thank you. (laughs ) I won’t go spend over $1,000 on nosebleed tickets or anything, but I will say that, for me, it’s just something that is selling and that people like, but the biggest thing for me, as a songwriter, [are] the melodies and the poppy tone that reels me in. I like good pop songs. Like a three-minute song that is very catchy is great to me. MaM : I guess you could say you admire her songwriting capabilities and her ability to bring it all together, which I can dig. So, that leads me to your band name. How did you come up with the name? Image taken from artist social media SA : Josh? JD : No, you can go. (laughs) SA : Josh doesn’t like to tell, so I guess I will. (laughs) I would like to say it was not Josh’s idea because it does seem narcissistic at first, but — JD : Yeah, it was not my idea, but Serenity, tell how it came about. SA : So, Josh’s last name is Delarosa, which in Spanish translates to “of the rose.” MaM : Ah, I see what you did there. SA : Yeah, we had a brief romantic relationship, but our closeness has lasted longer than the relationship, and we’re still really close, but it was my idea because I thought it sounded pretty. MaM : Well, it fits! It’s a bad-ass name. SA : Thank you. MaM : Another question for Josh: I’ve read that you’ve had some of your music featured on local and national radio. Can you tell us a little more about that? JD : Yes, I’ve been blessed to have had experience in bands that had music on college radio and just radio in general. Yeah, it’s sort of … (laughs) … yeah, I’ve been on the radio … I don’t even know what to say … MaM : Well, you’ve been in some other bands, so tell us a little more about that. JD : Well, they were sort of in the same vein. This is my first band that I’ve actually had a hand in. I’ve been in other bands where I was a songwriter, but I was always on the side. I didn’t want to be in the front. This is our first where it is OUR band. In the past, I’ve always been in the same wheelhouse, if you will. MaM : So, you guys released your latest EP in 2022, but are y’all currently recording or writing new material? I know Serenity mentioned releasing a new single. What’s in the queue? SA : So, I am getting ready to graduate college, so everything is moving at a glacial pace. (laughs) We have a song ready to go, but we just need to start the process of getting it posted. I can send you a copy so you can include it in the article. We also have a Christmas song we recorded that I think you would really like, but that’s not coming out until Christmas. It’s a goth version of the of the song “Snow Miser” from The Year Without a Santa Claus . credit: Greg Taylor/Taylored Eye MaM : That’s awesome!! SA : It’s one of my favorite Christmas songs, so I told Josh, “Do the Smiths thing you do so well” and then we put a Johnny Marr-sounding guitar riff on it and a dance floor beat, and it’s hilarious in my opinion, but it’s also really sad when you listen to the lyrics in that context. (laughs) MaM : I can’t wait to check it out. I bet it’s epic. I have one last question for you guys. What are the future aspirations for the band? Do you want to make a career out of this or just do this as a side thing? SA : Well, I know that personally, I want me and Josh … well, we have explicitly spoken about doing this full time. That is the goal. Doing this as a job would be the best thing to happen to us. We look forward to it. - To experience all that is Of The Roses, head on over to all of their pages, put in some headphones, and enjoy! Home (oftherosesband.com) Of The Roses | Facebook Of The Roses (@oftherosesband) • Instagram photos and videos Mirror's Always Round EP | Of The Roses (bandcamp.com) Of The Roses - YouTube Of The Roses | Spotify ‎Of The Roses on Apple Music Nicole Brice is obsessed with discovering new music. Want her to check out your band? E-mail her at the_nicolebrice@mixedaltmag.com . Previous Next

< Back Shudder’s New Queer Horror Thriller Will Have You Rethinking Your Relationship Anxieties Shaun Corley Apr 3, 2023 Share Attachment New relationships can be a great thing. The feeling that, once again, somebody loves you and takes joy in your company is a rush unlike few others. Yet with all the giddiness and excitement can come anxieties as well–namely, meeting your partner’s family. It can be a nerve-shredding experience even on the best of days. You’re on your best behavior and putting your best foot forward ... you need to be on point, right? Mess it up and your new relationship could be in for a rough ride or a quick end. In Attachment, Danish director Gabriel Bier Gislason's first feature, protangonist Maja doesn’t do anything wrong in meeting her new girlfriend’s family, but she is still confronted by these anxieties, and in Gislason’s hands, they blossom into full-blown terrors. Attachment is a new queer romantic horror-thriller brought to you by Shudder. The film received a ton praise from critics at the 2022 London and Los Angeles Film Festivals, not because it’s a refreshing take on romance and horror but because it explores myths and tales of Yiddish folklore by using cast interaction and the story itself as “the creepy factor,” instead of the typical jump-scare efforts we are used to, hence the slow unnerving burn. The film’s opening moments introduce us to Maja (played by Jospehine Park), a young woman and former child actress, who coasts on old glories that amount to reading stories to bored children at the library. One day, Maja, who lives in Denmark, bumps into Leah (Ellie Kendrick), a young Jewish woman from London studying abroad. They go out for tea and find themselves back at Maja’s apartment. Their affair quickly blossoms and for a while, all is golden. Their idyllic existence comes to an end, though, when Leah has a seizure, during which she accidentally breaks her leg. Leah’s studies in Denmark are also winding down, which would spell the end for her and Maja, but Maja decides to accompany Leah back to London. From there, it’s all downhill. Maja moves into Leah’s second-floor flat above Leah’s mother, Chana (Sofie Grabol), who lives on the first floor and does not approve of Maja at all. It becomes quickly apparent that Chana is highly overprotective of Leah, as she repeatedly called her daughter while she was living with Maja and continues to hover over her now that Leah is back in London. It also becomes apparent there is more going on than Maja ever thought. Chana and Leah hail from an Orthodox Jewish community, and Maja struggles to find her footing. Noticing that Chana and Leah’s flats are adorned with symbols from Jewish culture, Maja, in good faith, decides to learn more. Venturing out into the community, she visits a Jewish bookstore, where she meets the store’s owner Lev (David Dencik). Lev and Maja become friends, and she is astounded to learn Lev is Maja’s cousin. When Chana learns that Lev and Maja have become friends, she forbids Lev from speaking to her—an action that clues Maja in that something sinister is going on. Sure enough, Maja’s suspicions are confirmed when she learns that since Leah was a child, she has been besieged by a dybbuk , an evil spirit in Jewish lore. Chana’s overprotective nature stems from her desire to save her daughter from its influence. At its core, Attachment is a demonic possession thriller, but where most films in this genre are rooted in Catholic doctrine, this one grounds itself firmly in the Jewish tradition, giving viewers something new and unexpected. Gislason does not stop with dybbuks; he also invokes the Golem as well as Kabbalah. These topics may seem out of place in our modern culture, but Gislason, who is Jewish himself, never once adopts a condescending attitude towards them. Instead, in his hands, the dybbuk is a terrifying entity—one that wants nothing more than to destroy Leah and all that she loves. But, as stated earlier, Attachment draws its power by mining the anxieties that come with a new relationship. Maja is clearly out of her element in Leah’s ultra-Orthodox community, and Chana can barely hide her disgust. Part of this resentment is because Chana sees herself in Maja. She reveals she was not originally a part of this community either; she married into it. After converting, Chana’s husband left her. Now alone in a world that was never hers, Chana has had to make the best of it. Meeting a new partner’s family can be nerve-wracking, and Gislason knows this. He ferociously runs with this and successfully turns common anxieties into supernatural horror. Attachment is a slow burn of a thriller with subtle scares. Gislason does not opt for conventions. There are no jump scares, nor is Leah’s possessed form too demonic looking. Here, the emphasis is on atmosphere—Gislason is out to unnerve the viewer and he does this by keeping matters low key. The classics of the possession genre, such as The Exorcist , are often brutal and visceral, but Attachment keeps it subtle and, in the process, creates a genuinely unsettling movie. credit: Movie Reviews 101 With its slow-burn plot and complete absence of gore or jump scares, Attachment may not be for everyone, but Gislason has nevertheless crafted a solid entry into the possession film subgenre. Attachment takes its time getting where it’s going, but patient viewers will be rewarded with an atmospheric, unsettling horror film tapping into common new relationship anxieties that won’t subside anytime soon. Shaun Corley is an East Coast pop culture enthusiast who loves to write about everything entertainment. He’s a big, important ScreenRant writer who has many leather-bound books (and comic books) and whose apartment smells of rich mahogany. Questions or comments? Send an email to the_keeleybrooks@mixedaltmag.com . Previous Next

< Back Punk Music Festival to Benefit Local Non-Profits that Work with At-Risk Youth and Children of Child Abuse/Neglect Nicole Brice Feb 25, 2023 Share P.A.C.A. P.A.C.A. or Punks Against Child Abuse was formed in a living room late one night in early January 2023 with the purpose being to showcase a music festival from September 15-17, 2023 in Catoosa, TN that includes other vendors to use the funds raised in supporting non-profits that work with children and youth that are impacted from abuse/neglect. The organizations chosen to be supported are a vital resource to the state of Tennessee, especially in rural counties like Jamestown, Cookeville and Crossville. The non-profits are CHANCE Girls Youth Home, UC Foster Closet and STARS Nashville. The UC Foster Closet works hard to support families by hosting and providing special events, establish community support through Foster Friendly Partners, and provide opportunities for fellowship with other foster/kinship families with “Connecting Families.” CHANCE provides a safe, highly structured, therapeutic environment where each youth knows their value, and with compassion and perseverance, relationships can be restored; providing an opportunity to change these kids lives to where they can discover their strengths and gain the confidence needed to lead healthy, harmonious, and productive lives when given a second chance. This facility serves youth, ages 12 – 18, and their families, primarily from the Upper Cumberland area of Tennessee. STARS Nashville helps all young people pursue their unlimited potential. STARS has served some of the most disenfranchised populations by providing school-based prevention and intervention services, as well as intensive outpatient treatment services for adolescents with substance use and co-occurring disorders. According to Kids Count 2020, Tennessee had over 67,000 cases of child abuse. CACTN also reported that in one year alone, over 4,000 cases of child abuse were reported in the state of Tennessee. According to Kids Count, youth in Tennessee experience two or more ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) and this is higher than the national average and one in ten are living in poverty. The plan is to bring in bands, craft and food vendors at Catoosa, TN for a two-and-a-half-day charity festival that will be an all-ages event where alcohol will not be served. There will be a wrestling match on site sponsored by the wrestling group in Crossville also. In addition to music and wrestling, there will be goat yoga and/or goat cuddling and a balloon vendor that offers face paint for the children. The current band list is comprised of different types of punk bands that include punk rock; hardcore punk; skate punk; folk punk and more. Most of the bands are from Tennessee but some are coming from Ohio, Oklahoma, Indiana, and even New York. There will be a wide variety of food offerings from coffee to pizza to Germanic/Hispanic food and day and weekend passes will be available for the event. More than forty bands, craft vendors and food vendors have signed on to participate thus far. Since this festival is at Catoosa, there will be 180 acres of land which will allow the patrons to camp on site if needed. PACA is currently seeking donations and sponsors for this incredible event and there are three levels of sponsorships available. For more information about sponsorships, contact Kassandra Morgan at 931-704-2919 or you can e-mail pacafestival@gmail.com . To learn more about the event, visit www.pacafestival.com or visit them on social media at: Punks Against Child Abuse | Twitter, Instagram, Facebook | Linktree Got an event you want us to promote? Reach out to the_nicolebrice@mixedaltmag.com Previous Next

< Back Giggle 'Til Your Heart's Content Keeley Brooks Nov 16, 2022 Share Non-Holiday Comedy Recommendations to Keep You Laughing During the Break The holidays doth approacheth, my friends, and while to some they signal a reason for the season and hold an attachment to gratitude and religion, to others—the children of the world … (i.e., me)—they signal time off from work and/or school and sometimes adulting. They also signal movies. Lots and lots of movies. New and old, which is awesome, but sometimes favorite holiday movies are played deep into the ground on TV, or there's such an influx of holiday content playing continuously that it starts getting monotonous. And for many of us out there, this time of year brings on Seasonal Affective Disorder, and to those of you, I extend my heart in compassion and genuine effort to entertain you, even if it is just temporarily. Whatever your case, being the giant movie nerd I am, I thought I’d share some of my favorite non-holiday comedies with you (in no particular order) in hopes maybe you haven’t seen one and get the chance to appreciate it. Even if you’ve seen them all, give ‘em another viewing and giggle yourself silly. Release those feel-good chemicals! As Good As It Gets (1997) – This one is in my top three favorites of all time. I relate so much to Jack Nicholson’s character, and the story as it unfolds is just sweet and beautiful to see. Nicholson plays Jack Udall, a very successful, rich romance novelist. He’s also a misanthrope (one who dislikes humankind and avoids society) and asshole with a pretty severe level of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Udall says what he thinks when he thinks it, and he’s quick to say what he feels, even if it’s offensive. He doesn't care. And 95% of the time, everything out of his mouth is offensive ... and hysterical. This story is about the unlikely friendship that forms between him, a single mother and waitress (Helen Hunt), and a gay artist (Greg Kinnear). Also stars Skeet Ulrich, Cuba Gooding Jr., and Harold Ramis. Groundhog Day (1993) – Who doesn’t love Bill Murray? He emotes the exact way I feel about things a lot of the time, and that makes me giggle. In this flick, he plays a hilarious narcissistic, self-centered weatherman who finds himself trapped in a time loop on Groundhog Day, and he has to live the day and it’s events over and over and over until he sees a way to work it to his advantage and the experience ends up changing who he is. When you’re feeling salty and sarcastic, pop this movie in and sit back with some popcorn. And a blanket because it’ll make you feel cold even if you’re warm. Also stars Andie MacDowell, Chris Elliot, Stephen Tobolowski, and Harold Ramis. What About Bob? (1991) – I couldn’t talk about Bill Murray without mentioning this little gem of his, which I adore. Murray plays Bob Wiley, an annoyingly loveable obsessive-compulsive neurotic. He’s also a hypochondriac who drives his psychotherapist completely batshit after tracking him and his family down on vacation. This one is nothing short of hysterical. It’s a must-see. Also stars Richard Dreyfuss, Julie Hagerty, and Kathryn Erbe. Bad Words (2013) – Ah, a Jason Bateman film starring Jason Bateman. This movie is absolutely HILARIOUS for anybody watching, but definitely if you have kids (and don’t get offended easily), you have to watch this movie. Bateman plays a 40-year-old misanthropic a-hole who finds a loophole and enters a regional spelling bee. He cracks me up with his dry sense of humor, and here he’s hurling insults at every turn, mostly to the kids. Kathryn Hahn appears as a journalist covering the story, and she and Bateman’s character form a friendship with hilarious benefits. Bateman’s character also proves he has a heart as he befriends a young speller feeling pressure from his parents to win. No lie, I watch this probably once a month. Maybe two. The Change-Up (2011) – I also can’t mention Jason Bateman without doing the same for a few of his flicks. This one is so funny that it’ll have your face hurting from laughing so much. Let me go ahead and say if you’re wound a little too tightly or are easily offended, go ahead and pass on watching this movie. Bateman and Ryan Reynolds are best friends who find themselves in a Freaky Friday-type situation after they take a leak in a fountain boasting a Roman statue in the park. Bateman’s character is a hot shot lawyer who is married with three kids—two of them being two-year-old twins and the other in elementary school. Reynolds’s character is a weed-smoking, part-time actor in the prime of his sexual life. What ensues is absolutely hilarious and you’ll be wiping the tears from your eyes and having to catch your breath. A definite MUST SEE. Also stars Leslie Mann, Olivia Wilde, and Alan Arkin. Horrible Bosses (2011) – Can you tell I’m a Jason Bateman fan? This gut-busting flick also stars Charlie Day, Jason Sudeikis, Jennifer Aniston, Colin Farrell, Jamie Foxx, Julie Bowen, Megan Duchess of Sussex, and (sigh) Kevin Spacey, who plays the perfect horrible boss. Bateman, Day, and Sudeikis are best friends who love their job but hate their bosses and would love nothing more than the grind ‘em into the ground. So, they hatch a hysterical plan with the help of Jamie Foxx. This one is in my top three favorite comedies. I guarantee you will love it. Who hasn’t had a horrible boss they hated before? Larry Crowne (2011) – This little romantic comedy kind of flew under the radar in the wake of summer releases, but it stars Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, Bryan Cranston, Cedric the Entertainer, Wilmer Valderrama, Rami Malek, Rita Wilson, Taraji P. Henderson, and Gugu Mbatha Raw. Tom Hanks is Larry Crowne, a middle-aged divorced man, who finds himself on the unemployment line after a wave of corporate downsizing. Drowning in debt and unable to find work, he enrolls in community college, where he becomes part of a community of misfits who are trying to carve out a better future. A definite heartwarming comedy. The Big Lebowski (1998) – I LOVE THIS MOVIE. One of my all-time favorites, and Jeff Bridges’ character is actually based off a real-life character by the name of Jeff Dowd (aka The Dude). Here, Jeff Bridges is The Dude, a loveable, easy-going, weed-smoking bum who loves bowling. Weed and bowling. And his rug. And his car. That’s his life—until he’s mistaken for The Big Lebowski, millionaire Jeffrey Lebowski, and he finds himself getting roughed up while watching his precious rug get peed on. In search of recompense, The Dude tracks down The Big Lebowski, who offers him the job of being the bagman and delivering the ransom for his kidnapped wife. He’s aided and hindered by his pals Walter Sobchack (John Goodman), a Vietnam vet who owns an ammo shop, and Donny, master of stupidity. Also stars John Turturro, Julianne Moore, Sam Elliot, the late, great, and very missed Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Tara Reid. As was the case with most Coen brothers’ movies, the dialogue is what drives the story. And this one’s full of some pretty excellent dialogue you’ll be quoting for the rest of your life. Dumb & Dumber (1994) - Again, call me a giant child; I don’t care. I agree. I happen to love Jim Carrey (and his Ace Ventura movies) and think he brings a hefty level of comedy to everything he does just by being himself, and that is awesome. Here he and Jeff Daniels (also very funny) are best friends who are complete idiots. They set out on a cross-country road trip to Aspen, CO, to return a briefcase full of money to its rightful owner, Mary Swanson (played by Lauren Holly). What ensues builds mishap upon hilarious mishap throughout their entire journey. Liar, Liar (1997) – This is my absolute favorite Jim Carrey movie, along with the Ace Ventura movies. Carrey is Fletcher Reed, a divorced, smooth-talkin’ pathological liar, who is also a conniving ace attorney. When his kid makes a birthday wish that for just one day his dad couldn’t tell a lie and it comes true, Fletcher’s world is turned upside down and inside out on one of the most important days in a huge case that, if he wins, could earn him the title of partner. Five stars all the way. Also stars Maura Tierney, Cary Elwes, Swoosie Kurtz, Cheri Oteri, and Jennifer Tilly. Uncle Buck (1989) – A John Hughes (director) treasure. All of his movies are, really, but this one in particular is because of the late great John Candy. When his brother and sister-in-law have to leave town suddenly to care for her ailing father, and after trying everyone on their list of people to look after their kids and having no luck, they’re left with no choice but to call in the lazy, unreliable, carefree Uncle Buck (Candy). His youngest niece (Gaby Hoffman) and nephew (Macaulay Culkin) take to him instantly, but his oldest niece does not; she’s a straight-up bitch to him … an angst-filled teen who gives him hell. Seeing these two bat her angst back and forth makes me giggle. And it’s relatable. I mean, don’t lie: who out there hasn’t been a complete and total bitch to someone at some point in your life? Also stars Laurie Metcalf and Anna Chlumsky. Bridesmaids (2011) – The more I watch this movie, the funnier it gets. This one is so relatable because we’ve all either worried about or at some point felt like we were losing a best friend to marriage, until we learned differently. Here, a hilarious competition between between the bride’s (Maya Rudolph) best friend & maid of honor (Kristen Wiig) and a bridesmaid & close friend (Rose Byrne) over who is the bride’s best friend ensues and threatens to upend the maid of honor’s life and relationship with the bride. This one’s a total treat and also stars Melissa McCarthy, Rebel Wilson, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Jillian Bell, Chris O’Dowd, and Ben Falcone. The Hangover Part II (2011) – You didn’t think I was going to talk about Bridesmaids without mentioning The Hangover , did you? While the original Hangover is hilarious in its own right, I find the sequel funnier. We had the chance to meet the guys and let the first experience with Alan sink in; now that we know the characters, everything they get into is that much funnier. If you haven’t seen the movies, they focus on three best friends who allow the oddball brother of the bride in the first flick to tag along on the bachelor party, who then drugs the other guys for a fun night in Vegas. Now part of their “wolf pack,” the sequel finds Alan (Zack Galifinakis) and the guys (Ed Helms, Bradley Cooper) in Bangkok, Thailand, minus the groom from the first movie, played by Justin Bartha). This time they’re celebrating Helms’s character’s impending nuptials with his bride’s brother. Again, Alan drugs everybody and they have a wild night of partyingin Bangkok, followed by no recollection of it the morning after. In both movies, they lose someone: the groom in the first and the bride’s brother in the second. Watch the second one and you’ll see why it’s a favorite. Also stars a very funny coked-out Ken Jeong, Paul Giamatti, Mike Tyson, Jamie Chung, and Jeffrey Tambor. Blazing Saddles (1974) – If you’re gonna scream at me about your sensitivity, I can’t hear you. I don’t care what PC society says, this movie is damn hilarious. IT’S SATIRE, people, and that means it’s poking fun, specifically in this movie, at American culture, racism, religion, and politicians. Lighten up a bit on all fronts and enjoy some of the most quotable dialogue ever. Stars Cleavon Little, Gene Wilder, Mel Brooks, Slim Pickens, and a whole slew of other funny actors. Dinner for Schmucks (2010) – This one kind of flew under the radar. It wasn’t a big hit, but that doesn’t mean it’s not big fun. Paul Rudd is a rising executive who works for a boss who hosts a monthly event in which the guests find and bring the biggest idiot, and whoever wins gets a career boost. After declining the invitation to attend, he changes his mind after meeting Barry (Steve Carrell), who builds dioramas using stuffed mice. The boss’s scheme backfires when Barry’s blundering good intentions send Tim's life into a downward style, threatening a major business deal and possibly destroying his relationship. Absolutely hysterical. You’ll definitely be wiping some laughter tears away with this one. Tucker and Dale vs. Evil (2010) – Again, I love horror comedies … Dead & Breakfast , Shaun of the Dead , Tucker & Dale vs. Evil . This one is Shaun of the Dead meets Texas Chainsaw Massacre and is a gory comedy about two affable rednecks, Dale (Alan Tudyk) and Tucker (Tyler Labine), who are also best friends trying to enjoy a quiet vacation at their new cabin in the woods. Things take a bloody turn when some ignorant college kids mistake them for a pair of murderous hillbilly psychos. I’d watch Alan Tudyk and Tyler Labine eat breakfast. I’ll watch anything they’re in. If you’re a fan of these actors or of horror comedies, this one’s a must-see gem you'll keep in your collection. O' Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000) – Another Coen Brothers gem. They truly outdid themselves with this one, which is a wonderful little saga of three escaped convicts in the 1930s Deep South who are seeking a buried treasure. Their hunt is based on Homer’s The Odyssey and stars heavy-hitting comedic geniuses George Clooney, Tim Blake Nelson, John Turturro, John Goodman, and Holly Hunter. Shaun of the Dead (2004) – I love horror comedies. This British film by director Edgar Wright follows the hilariously bloody adventures of underachiever Shaun (Simon Pegg) and his best mate Ed (Nick Frost) as a zombie apocalypse breaks out. HYS. TER. IC. AL. The Money Pit (1986) – Tom Hanks is one funny man. He’s a fantastic actor who portrays such relatable characters, they can’t help but imprint upon your soul. This is one of my favorites of his. Walter (Hanks) and Anna (Shelley Long) struggle to keep their relationship together as their newly purchased-for-a-steal mansion starts falling to pieces around them. The two have no choice but to watch in hilarious horror as everything disappears into The Money Pit. Hanks and Long have a fabulous chemistry together and their arguing and reactions to what is happening are nothing short of gut-busting. Funny Farm (1988) – I’ve always been a Chevy Chase fan … as far back as I can remember. Here he is former sportswriter and wanna-be novelist Andy Farmer, who moves to a small farm in Vermont with his wife Elizabeth (Madolyn Smith), who secretly aspires to be an author, to work on his novel. They quickly realize the locals are not as welcoming as they’d like, and the farm is more distracting than they thought. You’ll be laughing your butt off while feeling a bit of holiday spirit well up inside. Orange County - Absolutely a movie that gets funnier every time you watch it. Colin Hanks is a smart high-school student with a dream of being a writer and his heart set on going to Stanford, until his guidance counselor (Lily Tomlin) accidentally sends the wrong transcripts with his college application. Hanks is horrified and he spends the rest of the film trying to prove he's actually a good student with a terrific grade-point average worthy of going to Stanford. Some of the funniest actors on the planet star, including Catherine O'Hara ( Schitt's Creek, Beetlejuice ), Jack Black ( School of Rock, Tenacious D ), Harold Ramis, Chevy Chase, John Lithgow, Mike White, Nat Faxon ( The Conners ), and Leslie Mann ( 40-Year-Old Virgin ). Questions or comments? Email Keeley at the_keeleybrooks@mixedaltmag.com . Previous Next

< Back Off The Charts: Grits & Greens Bud Gambrell May 1, 2024 Share Grits & Greens are on a mission to spread their signature sound in support of their new album. Before I begin this article, there is something that I want to say. When we announced the launch of Off the Charts last week, I was so taken aback by the support that we received. I could have guessed that there would be a few likes and the sort, but the sheer number of encouraging comments was simply overwhelming! I want to thank every one of you for your support! Now, on with the show. In our first edition of Off the Charts , I am going to take you down to South Mississippi. Down to Hattiesburg, to be exact. Grits & Greens is a four-piece band led by husband-and-wife team Ryann and Jesse McGhee. I had a chance to sit down with Ryann and had a great conversation. I will let Ryann Introduce the band and tell you more, so read on below. Credit: Photo provided by band OTC : Ryann, tell me who Grits & Greens are. RM : So that would be me. My name is Ryan McGhee. I am the lead singer and I also play rhythm guitar and a little bit of keyboard. My husband is Jesse McGhee. He is the lead guitar player, and he also does some background vocals for us. Jackson Bounds is on the drums, and he also does some background vocals for us, too. Jake Noble plays the bass guitar. Credit: Bud Gambrell OTC : For our readers who are not familiar with you, tell us what your main influences are. RM : Man, we are full of a lot of influences. We all kind of come from different musical backgrounds. Jesse and I have a lot in common as far as music goes. We both like the jam band sort of element. We both like bluegrass, too. My mother was a huge Norah Jones fan, so Norah Jones is a big influence on me vocally. But for my and Jesse's influences, we both are huge Tedeschi Trucks band fans. And the guys have varying influences that we all can kind of meet in the middle. You know, bands like Black Sabbath and things like that. We all kind of like the heavier side of things too. And I can't speak too much for Jackson and Jake's influences, but I know there's a good bit of Alice in Chains and Gorillaz , even RUSH . We all like RUSH and YES , the band YES. So yeah, there's a lot of influences that kind of all come together. It's sort of genre-bending. We don't fit into any one genre. We're just sort of like a melting pot of influences. Credit: Bud Gambrell OTC : You mentioned Tedeschi Trucks Band . I see the possible influence of a band led by a married couple. RM : For more reasons than one. The slide guitar. Jesse is influenced by Derek Trucks and the slide guitar and myself with Susan Tedeschi and the vocals and everything, but also just the fact that they're married, and I love the way they handle themselves. I love the way they act in the public eye. I think we’re fans in more ways than one. OTC : With the mention of all your influences, how would you describe the sound of Grits & Greens? RM : Someone said to us the other day, and it was the perfect statement that we had never really considered, but it's like The Allman Brothers meets Prog Rock, and they brought Bonnie Raitt along for the ride. Credit: Bud Gambrell OTC : I understand you have your debut album coming out. Tell me a little bit about that. RM : Yeah, that'll be coming out on May 2nd. And we're excited. This album has been a little bit of a piecemeal for us. It has been several years in the making of the recording. I think we've learned a lot about ourselves and our sound and we're very excited to put it out and in some ways sort of be done with it and move on to the next project. I think that's natural for most artists to feel by the time you get to the album release, so we're just looking at the future. We're excited to share this album with everybody and kind of close this chapter on some of the first sounds this band ever made. We certainly have evolved a lot and we're looking forward to getting it out and looking forward to sharing it with everybody. OTC : Who did the writing for this new album? RM : This album was primarily written by me and Jesse, both lyrically and musically. Instrumentally, it was written by the two of us as well, so we look forward to the next album. It will have a lot more of a collaborative feel and it will have a little bit of a different sound. We like to call this album kind of like Grits & Greens 1.0 and kind of just what we were doing at the time. Like any album, it is just sort of a snapshot in time of what the band is doing at that time and what their sound is. But people have been asking us when we will be selling tangible copies of our music for a while, so we're excited to have it done and be able to sell it at shows. OTC : Are there any songs on the new album that are particularly special to you? RM : Yeah, there's a couple of them. I would say “Wind and Sea”. That one has already been released as a single, but it's on the album and has always been special to me. There's just something about it musically that I love. Of the previously unreleased tunes, there's a song called “The Fall” and it’s special to me, too. I think “The Fall” is lyrically some of my best work, but I did have some help from some other band members with writing it. OTC : In support of the new album, you have a tour coming up. Are there any exciting stops on this tour? RM : Yeah, we're excited about this first week! We're excited about the whole tour honestly. There are a lot of new venues this go around and some repeat venues. A venue that I've been watching since I was a kid, Proud Larry's in Oxford. We're excited to have that on the tour this year. I've never played there, and I've never been there, but I've heard a lot of really great things about it. I would say I'm most excited for this first week of the tour cause it's hitting some of our biggest cities as far as followers go. A lot of people have been waiting years for us to put out this album. We are just excited to be able to give the people what they want. OTC : As you are preparing to hit the road, are there any challenges that you face as a band on the road fighting for notoriety? RM : Man, you called me on a day that is full of challenges, so I can say a lot about this, but I'll keep it brief. I would say currently being “off the charts”, as you say, can be great. There are ups and downs and there are people that are like you who care and then there are people that don't care. I would say that in the wake of social media, it can be difficult to keep your head above water. I would also say the biggest challenge for me is just booking shows and dealing with venues. There are a million things that are difficult about this and there are a lot that are very rewarding. Credit: Bud Gambrell OTC : What’s next? What can we expect for the future of Grits & Greens? RM : I can't give any sort of timeline on this, but after we get home from the tour, we will be going back in the studio to record our next album, which is pretty much written. There's a lot that's going to go into this album. It's going to be bigger and better than this first album for sure. And as I said, I can't give a timeline on that. We have somewhat of a timeline in mind, but all I can say is the second album may be coming sooner than you think. OTC: So, you've got new songs that are written for the next album. Can fans who come to your shows on this tour expect to hear any of those new songs? RM : Absolutely! They're going to hear songs from the first album, but it's going to be, I'd say, about a 50-50 split of new songs that will be on the second album, and I guess old songs are not super old but old songs that are on the first album. Credit: Bud Gambrell OTC : Are there any parting words that you would like to say to old fans and new fans? RM : Yeah, I would say come check us out at a show. Live shows are really where we thrive. We love the studio, but live shows are indicative of who we are and everything we can do. So, I would say check out our website, check out our social media, and come find us at a show near you. We're constantly touring and constantly spreading the net and we love to meet our new fans and put on a show for them. I hope you enjoyed the first interview for Off the Charts . I have a couple more interviews in the works, so be on the lookout for those. For now, send me an email and let me know your thoughts. Feel free to tell me what you liked or disliked. Tell me about any bands that you know and love and think others will too. Go see a Grits & Greens show. Grab the new album while you are there, and by all means, stop by and say hello to them. Trust me on this one. They are all wonderful people! Until next time, Keep your diamond in the groove! To check out the music of Grits & Greens : Website: https://gritsandgreensband.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gritsandgreensband Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/gritsandgreensband Linktree: https://linktr.ee/gritsandgreens YouTube: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCaTsQ7yfgCypWDM6HrkOTNw Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5WUZ83C7UmD3DSmUqkldyT?si=a94JARw4TtOx-0royuvyZg&utm_source=copy-link To reach Bud : Email: the_budgambrell@mixedaltmag.com Website: https://bgambrellphotography.com Amazon: https://a.co/d/1CLA9Tz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bud.gambrell Questions or comments? Reach out to mixedalternativemag@gmail.com . Previous Next

< Back Life Øn Mars: Unleashing Musical Brilliance Nicole Brice Aug 15, 2023 Share Life Øn Mars is a beacon of creativity and musicianship In the vast universe of music, ever so often a band emerges that challenges conventions, defies expectations, and takes us on an extraordinary sonic journey. Enter Life Øn Mars, a metalcore band from Lafayette, Louisiana, with unparalleled creativity. With its beginnings in 2022, the band is currently comprised of Jack Torry on vocals, Brayden McClelland and Max Hellickson on guitar, Ryan March on bass, and Holden Hebert on drums. Credit: provided by band These guys have had a busy year thus far releasing new music both in February and June of 2023 and show no signs of slowing down. With their exceptional musicianship, boundless creativity, and a penchant for pushing the boundaries musically, their evolution as musicians is sure to bring further innovation. Set to perform at Rad Fest 2023 at PARC International in downtown Lafayette, Louisiana, on August 19, 2023, Life Øn Mars is ready to take you on a musical journey that transcends boundaries and is the fifth band in our installment of interviews with all acts on the bill. In an age where conformity and predictability seem to reign supreme, Life Øn Mars emerges as a beacon of creativity and musicianship, and we can’t wait to hear more from them. Powerful vocals with tight production round out the sound for this band. We know you’ll enjoy their music as much as we do. We recently reached out to the band to learn a little more about them and were able to connect with guitarist Max Hellickson. Take a moment to learn a little more about Life Øn Mars and then be sure to catch their set at Rad Fest on Saturday, August 19. MaM : I see 2023 has been a busy year for you. Your single “Vandal” was released in February 2023 and then your newest single, “Whitewall,” was released June 16, 2023. How do you feel about the year so far? MH : 2023 has been a very productive year for us. We’ve been writing a ton of new music and slowly integrating our new originals into our live set. ‘Vandal’ was the first one and it did pretty well! ‘Whitewall’ was a lot of fun to write and record and one of our favorites to play live. MaM : “Vandal” reminds me of Killswitch Engage with the screams in the beginning that fade to a strong vocal chorus. Who do you cite as your influences both vocally and musically? MH : Collectively the band has a very diverse range of music tastes. We’re big fans of genres like hardcore and modern metalcore, which explains the Killswitch Engage-type sound. Some of us also listen to more ambient and soft genres that inspire us. Some bands we take inspiration from are Alpha Wolf, Knocked Loose, Invent Animate, Wage War, Gojira, Sleep Token, Architects, and plenty of others. Credit: provided by band MaM : What inspires you lyrically? Life happenings or abstract concepts? MH : A bit of both. We pull inspiration from events in our lives that have deeply affected us and try to express them in different ways. We attempt to connect to our listeners and fans in any way possible, and writing lyrics that resonate with them is the best way. MaM : Are there plans to record an EP or an entire album, or do you plan on just continuing to release singles? MH : We are currently in the process of finishing our debut album set to release in early 2024. Credit: provided by band MaM : Give us a brief history behind the band name. Obviously, it speaks for itself, but I’d like to hear your take on it. MH : So, the name just came from us brainstorming band name ideas. Holden came up with the name Life Ø n Mars as a reference to the David Bowie song. Max had the idea of putting the accent on the ‘O’ to make it look like a planet and make it look more original. MaM: How did you hear about Rad Fest and what expectations do you have going into the festival? Will your set list have a few surprises? MH : We heard about Rad Fest from our friends who played the festival last year and we’ve been working really hard this year and then we got invited to play. We are super stoked to be a part of this new Lafayette staple in our scene. It really brings everyone together and we’re excited to be a part of this year's festival. As far as surprises go, we may be debuting a new song set to be on our album. Stay tuned! Credit: provided by band MaM : If you could share the stage with any well-known band in the future, who would it be? MH : A dream show of ours would be to play with Knocked Loose and Alpha Wolf . They have really inspired us. We have also seen both bands a couple of times. MaM : What are the aspirations for the band long term? MH : To make music that people enjoy and to create a live experience that leaves our audiences with memories they will never forget or to inspire those to pick up an instrument or start singing. Music is a powerful thing. We love seeing more people in the scene. To check out the music of Life Øn Mars in preparation for Rad Fest, be sure to hit one of the links below, then show them some love by following them on social media. YouTube : Life Øn Mars - YouTube Instagram : LIFE ØN MARS (@lifeonmarsofficial) • Instagram photos and videos Facebook : www.facebook.com/lifeonmarsofficial Twitter : X (twitter.com) Apple Music : ‎Life Øn Mars on Apple Music Spotify : Life Øn Mars | Spotify Nicole Brice loves shining light on up-and-coming bands. Do you have a band you think she should hear? Send an email to MixedAlternativeMag@gmail.com . Previous Next

< Back Vatic Decryption Releases First EP Nicole Brice Oct 5, 2022 Share Disfigured in Eternity is out NOW! Vatic Decryption has released their long awaited and much anticipated first EP and it does not disappoint. With the opening track, the fierce sound hits you right in the cojones for a musical journey that is best enjoyed LOUD and with the volume turned all the way up. Vatic Decryption is a Death Metal band based out of Baton Rouge, LA and comprised of Jacob Meche (vocals), Carl Coates (Guitar / Bass), and Mike Poole (drums). To check out their first EP, head on over to https://vaticdecryption.bandcamp.com/. Artwork by Tata Kumislizer Recording and Production: Recorded at StudioDudio -Engineered by Brian Domingue and Connor Guiberteau -Mixed and Mastered by Connor Guiberteau Do you have a new release you'd like us to feature? Just e-mail us! the_nicolebrice@mixedaltmag.com Previous Next

< Back Women Who Rock: Wanda Wesolowski Tim W. Jackson Aug 7, 2023 Share The power of authentic expression Wanda Wesolowski doesn’t particularly sound like a rock star name. The bespectacled, coveralls-wearing, unadorned young woman, still in her 20s, doesn’t necessarily look like a rock star, either. But the North Alabama southern pop rock singer/songwriter/musician is becoming well-known as a talented force in the area’s rich music scene, leading Wanda Band to release its second full-length album, “Only Feeling” , on August 11. As that album prepares to drop, Wanda shared a bit about her success, her sobriety, and her sexuality in a beautifully unassuming and authentic way. Wanda grew up in Huntsville, Alabama, with supportive and musically gifted parents. She explains that her father, Chuck, plays guitar and bass while her stepmother, Jill, is a classical pianist. “We had a music room when I was a kid,” she says. “Guitars on the walls and a drum set and a grand piano. So, I just kind of grew up around that.” She started playing drums and took drum lessons at age 10. “I played snare in marching band and vibraphone, xylophone—all the phones,” she says. Wanda started playing the ukulele and then playing guitar and singing. By the time she was 14, she was gigging every week. Credit: Malachi Byrd “My dad would take me to my gigs, and he would stay the whole time and walk around and listen and kind of let me know what people were saying and give me tips and pointers.” She says that while her parents have always been very invested in what she does, it’s somewhat of a blessing and a curse, “because on the one hand, they're like, ‘Hey, what are you doing today for your music career to happen?’ I'm like, sometimes I'm doing nothing and that's okay,” she says with a laugh. Early on, Wanda was performing covers and even jingles because they were quicker to learn. Eventually she started going to an open mic night in Huntsville that required acts to play originals because the venue didn’t pay its PRO (performing rights organizations) fees. “That was really how I became a songwriter,” she says, “because I wanted to play and I was like, ‘I guess I have to write my own songs if I want to play at this open mic night.’” That was The Foyer, which, as Wanda remembers, “was kind of a golden age in Huntsville that a lot of people still talk about, ‘Remember The Foyer days?’ It was a coffee shop open until two in the morning and was a great hangout for musicians and college students.” In fact, it was at an open mic event in Huntsville where she first met its host, Andrew Sharpe. Wanda explains, “He said, ‘Hey, you're really good. You need a band. I wanna be in your band.’ And then I went in the next week, and he was like, ‘Hey, I got a band together for you. We rehearse on Monday.’ So, I was like, ‘All right, cool.’” And that’s how the Wanda Band was born. A few folks came and went but ultimately the band became a trio with Wanda on guitar and vocals, Andrew on bass, and Nick Recio (Black Jacket Symphony, the Artisnals, and Great Peacock) on drums. Credit: Andrea Belk “We have a lot of laughs and make fun music and it's good,” she says. After its initial album, “ One-Hit” , which was released in late 2020, Wanda Band signed this year with Single Lock Records out of Florence, Alabama, and has released a series of singles leading up to its release of the new album “Only Feeling.” Image Provided by Artist, Album Artwork by Gaby Wolodarski One of those singles, “Reggae Song”, was released in June as part of Pride Month. I want a woman to touch my thighs Who loves to sing and only smokes to get high I want a woman to scream my name She could be anybody, she just has to be gay In this song, Wanda is more explicit about her sexuality, although she says, “I guess a lot of my songs are about queer heartache and that experience and some of my frustrations with living down in the South and being a queer person. I think it's important for me as a woman, a queer artist, to be out and to show that there can be queer joy, there can be queer heartache, and just kind of giving a voice to those who feel the same way and maybe have experienced the same things.” She goes on to say with a laugh, “I definitely think that whether anybody wants it to be or not, all Wanda Band shows are a pride event .” Wanda says she’s been pleased with the reception of “Reggae Song” and the three other singles that have been released ahead of the full album. “I like the idea of giving everybody a little taste pretty relentlessly, like once a month, of our music,” she says. “And then we'll just give them all 12 (songs) for the full release and that will be fun. I'm really excited for everyone to hear the whole thing as a cohesive album.” As for the album, it was recorded with producer and musician Jay Burgess (The Pollies) at his studio in Greenhill, Alabama, which also happens to be the hometown of Jason Isbell . “Once it was done,” Wanda says, “Jay showed it to Ben (Tanner of Single Lock Records in nearby Florence) and Jay asked if Ben could put some stuff on it. So once Ben put all his keys on it, he was like, ‘I really want to pitch this to Single Lock and see if they want to put it out.’ So, they came to us and that was really special to me because it meant that they actually wanted to be involved with it. Using their resources has been extremely helpful and we're really thankful for their support in that way.” It probably doesn’t hurt that Wanda was a student of John Paul White ’s in the music department at the University of North Alabama. White, a noted singer/songwriter in his own right, is a co-owner along with Tanner and others of Single Lock Records. Wanda’s Shoals-area connections paid off in landing her a spot in the 2022 version of ShoalsFest, a musical weekend event brought to the area by Jason Isbell and his team. That was a dream come true,” Wanda says. “When I first moved to Florence, I worked ShoalsFest. I tore down the stage. I stood up on that stage and looked out and I was just like, ‘Now imagine yourself being here next year.’ So just being connected in the Shoals really has helped our career skyrocket in a way that it wouldn't have been able to just sitting in Huntsville.” In addition to the album release, another important date is looming for Wanda. She’s closing in on five years of sobriety. “I just was like ‘I guess if I'm an artist, I need to be troubled,’” she says about her early days of drinking. “As soon as I got out of high school, I just started drinking and smoking and doing a bunch of things I shouldn't be doing because I thought, ‘Oh, this is what it means to be young. This is what it means to be a brooding artist.’ And I took it a little too far and realized after about four years of regular heavy drinking that it wasn't helping me. It was kind of making me hate myself for not pursuing my dreams in the real meaningful way that I wanted to because I was so concerned with drinking and partying and being an artist in that way—and not really focusing on my art.” Credit: Tim W. Jackson She realized, “Some people can casually have a drink or two. I was not one of those people. It was like, as soon as I have a drink I'm blacking out. It was not good and not healthy. So, I finally made that decision (to choose sobriety) and started The Wanda Band like six months later and just really poured myself into my art and my music. In a way, maybe I traded one addiction for another— just being addicted to working on the band. But it was a healthy outlet for me, and it helped me pass the time and gave me a creative outlet that I didn't have when I was drinking all the time.” The focus on music has definitely paid off. The band has gotten more notoriety, and not just because of what has become their trademark coveralls. “I just got a pair of coveralls one day and thought, ‘Hey, I look pretty good.’ And then the boys were like, ‘I wanna wear some coveralls.’ So, our first album release show we got matching coveralls for the event, and we never looked back. We were just like, ‘I guess we're a coveralls band.’ “It's so funny,” she continues. “With the coveralls, I don't have to think about (what to wear). I'm just like, what color do I want to wear today? Sometimes I forget to tell the boys what color to wear and they'll show up to the gig with all of their coveralls in the back of their truck. I like that they're into it. They both work in construction, so it kind of just goes with their aesthetic.” Catch the “coveralls band” in a handful of album release shows in Alabama and the Florida Panhandle, and give the album a listen on your streaming service of choice. And keep your eye on this rising star who stands as a testament to the profound impact of music when it emerges from the heart and soul of a genuine artist and storyteller. Wanda’s dedication to her craft and ability to connect with audiences will ensure her indelible mark on the world of music, reminding us all of the power of authentic expression. For more on Wanda Wesolowski and Wanda Band, visit her below at any of the following links: www.TheWandaBand.com Instagram @TheWandaBand Facebook @TheWandaBand YouTube @WandaBand Spotify @TheWandaBand *Cover photo by Andrea Belk Tim Jackson is a seasoned journalist and author with a penchant for all things dark, macabre, and somewhat sinister. He lives in Tuscumbia, Alabama, with his artist wife and their remote-chewing dog, Maple. Previous Next