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Hey, what's up folks? Welcome to another episode of my podcast. I'm your host, Vincent Jacob, and today we're coming to you from the heart of LA, where I had the chance to sit down with the guys from Theory of a Deadman backstage at one of my favorite venues… The Wiltern. These rockers from the Great White North have been doing their thing since 2001, and let me tell you, they've still got it! With 7 albums under their belt and a brand new one called 'Dinosaur', they're out here killing the game on their tour with Skillet and Saint Asonia.
During our conversation, we talked about everything from their latest album to their end-of-the-world survival plans. We even touched on their rewrite of 'Just the Two of Us', which let's just say, involves a certain virus we've all been dealing with.
These guys are as cool as they come and had me laughing throughout the interview, all while still managing to show their passion for their craft. I mean, seriously, these guys could be out playing golf, but instead, they're out here rocking it out like champs.
We also dug into their collaborations with legends like Alice Cooper and their experience playing the 'Dancing Queen' piano at ABBA's studio in Stockholm. And of course, we had to talk about the 'Rock Resurrection' tour and whether rock music is really dead or alive and kicking.
But don't just take my word for it, stick around and listen to the full interview. I promise, it's a good one! And after our chat, my boy Julien and I caught the last show of their tour, and it was properly insane! These guys really know how to put on a show and left everything on that stage.
So, what are you waiting for? Let's dive into my conversation with Tyler, Dave, Dean, and Joey from Theory of a Deadman, right here on the Hanging on Sunset Podcast.
As always, hit us up at [email protected] or slide into our DMs on Instagram @HangingOnSunset. Let's get this party started!
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It's time to get deep and talk music with another incredible artist. Today we have Ben Grey, the lead vocalist and guitarist of the LA-based indie rock band Dear Boy, joining us for a special episode of Hanging On Sunset.
Dear Boy has been making waves in the indie music scene since their formation in 2011, with their dreamy, anthemic sound and influences from post-punk, new wave, and alternative rock. They've released several EPs and one full-length album, earning critical acclaim and a devoted following along the way.
In this episode, Ben takes us on a journey through the band's story, from their early days to their latest release, "Forever Sometimes." We'll dive into the creative process behind their music, the challenges they've faced as a band, and what's next for Dear Boy.
But this conversation went even deeper than just the music. Ben and I explored some philosophical subjects, discussing the meaning of life, the nature of creativity, and the importance of human connection. It was a conversation that went on for nearly 2 hours, and I was blown away by Ben's insights.
Also, quick heads up for all you music lovers out there. Tomorrow night at Genghis Cohen, Ben Grey, lead vocalist and guitarist of Dear Boy, will be performing as a solo act. And let me tell you, you won't want to miss it. Not only is Ben a fantastic musician in his own right, but he's also opening for the incredible Scout Gillett, who we had the pleasure of interviewing on our podcast in our last episode.
So if you're looking for a night of great music, be sure to head over to Genghis Cohen tomorrow night and catch Ben's solo performance and Scout's amazing set. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.
Now sit back, relax, and get ready for an unforgettable episode of Hanging On Sunset with Ben Grey of Dear Boy.
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If you're looking for a singer who isn't afraid to be raw, honest, and unapologetic in their music, then you need to know about Scout Gillett. I got to watch her perform solo at the Zebulon towards the end of last year, and I was moved to tears. That doesn't happen a lot those days for me.
Her latest album, "No Roof No Floor", is a testament to her journey as an artist and a singer. "When I'm recording a song, it's crucial for me to have a personal connection to it." Scout says. "I want to deliver an authentic performance, one that comes straight from the heart." This approach is evident in every track on the album, which showcases her powerful voice and emotional depth.
But Scout isn't just about the music – she's also dedicated to making a positive impact on her community. As someone who has been trained in NARCAN, a program that provides education and resources to help people respond to opioid overdoses, Scout sees this as an opportunity to give back and make a difference.
Tour life is where Scout truly shines, and she loves the energy and excitement of live audiences. "There's something magical about sharing your music with a live audience" she says. "It's a connection that can't be replicated." If you're in LA, you'll be able to witness that with your own soul because Scout is back on March 21st, on a very interesting bill put on by Sid The Cat, the best booker in town. Plus, she will be sharing the stage with Ben Grey, the leader of Dear Boy, who appears to be the next guest on our couch.
https://scoutgillettmusic.bandcamp.com/
https://capturedtracks.com/artist/scout-gillett/
- Vincent Walter Jacob
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If you're an independent musician or just someone who's been wondering how to break into the music biz, buckle up because this episode is for you. It's like a roadmap to the industry!
We had the pleasure of speaking with Gulce Turek, a Marketing Manager at Fantasy Records, a well-established independent record label. And let me tell you, she's been around the block a few times. She shared her journey of discovering her passion for music through live music and ethno-musicology back in Turkey where she's from, and how she went on to become a label coordinator and marketing manager for Fantasy Records in Los Angeles.
Gulce highlighted the importance of passion and dedication in the music industry, because let's face it, it's not for the faint of heart or the lazy. And she emphasized that having a clear understanding of the industry and a willingness to learn and adapt are also crucial for success. Think of it like trying to navigate a city without a map, but with way more traffic and construction.
One of the best things about Gulce is that she's not just passionate about her job, but also about the artists she works with. She truly believes in the talent of the artists she represents, just like Rachel Bobbitt (that we'll hear at the end of the episode), or like Bailen, to name a few.
We also delved into the ever-changing music scene and the role of digital marketing in today's world. Gulce shared her journey from intern to industry veteran and offered valuable insights and practical advice for those looking to break into the music industry and trust me, Gulce has a wealth of experience and knowledge to share!
If navigating the industry feels like trying to find a needle in a haystack for you, well join us as we explore the world of music and the business behind it!
https://fantasyrecordings.com/
More about Gulce:
https://www.instagram.com/gulceturek/?hl=en
https://www.lifoti.com/2022/12/the-success-story-of-gulce-turek-senior.html
https://medium.com/@MiliWIM/interview-with-gulce-turek-label-coordinator-at-fantasy-records-concord-music-63c15f043d43
- Vincent Walter Jacob
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I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Janie Hendrix, the sister of the legendary musician Jimi Hendrix. And let me tell you, if you thought Zoom interviews were tough, try conducting one with a connection that keeps dropping like a rollercoaster. This was one of the shortest interviews I've had, and it's not because Janie wasn't a great interviewee - trust me, she was fantastic - it's just that the connection kept breaking and it was a tedious task to try to go in depth.
Listening to the interview now, it seems all over the place, but hey, what are you gonna do? That's just the way it is. Despite the technical issues, it's still a fascinating glimpse into the short life of a genius guitar player. Janie shared with me her insights on Jimi's life and career, including her own experiences seeing him perform and the process of putting together a book on his life.
We talked about the book, which is a coffee table affair featuring high quality reproductions of pictures and other memorabilia from Jimi's life and career. It includes rare and previously unseen material, like childhood drawings and handwritten lyrics, as well as stuff borrowed from collectors. The book chronicles Jimi's life and career in a comprehensive and chronological way, making it a must-have for any Hendrix fan or anyone interested in music history. It's a high quality product, with a heavy weight and beautiful reproductions of the pictures, and I have a feeling it's gonna be a hot item for collectors.
We also talked about Johnny Hallyday, the French rock star, and I was really interested to discover in the book that Johnny had something to do with Jimi's rise to fame. As a French person myself, I was fascinated to learn that it was actually Johnny who first hired Jimi on a tour in Europe. And it was because of this tour that they built the Jimi Hendrix Experience band around him!
Now, I'll be honest with you, I usually prefer in-person interviews because they allow for a deeper and more personal connection. But even though this interview was over Zoom and had all the technical finesse of a drunk giraffe, I have to say it was a real honor to speak with Janie on the occasion of her brother's 80th birthday. And let me tell you, this book she's releasing for the occasion is gonna be a must-have for any Hendrix fan. Don't sleep on it.
If you want to get in touch with us, you can find us on Instagram at @hangingonsunset or via email at [email protected]. Here's to a great new year, and all the possibilities it brings!
Let’s do the show!
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During a flight from Paris the other day, my friend David, who is also the owner of our new label Team Nowhere, listened to the podcast. When he landed, he called me and said, "I have figured out what you are doing with the podcast". Curious, I inquired, “What is it that I am doing?".
With his usual wit, he replied, "This is not just an interview, it's a rock n' roll psychoanalysis!".
In retrospect, I think he's right. As an interviewer, I'm always interested in the musical journeys of the artists I speak with. However, I'm also curious about our histories as artists because I think there's a link between personal history and art. The way I see it, art is a chemical reaction that is formed by our upbringing, our environments (private and public) as well as the things that happen in the world. By asking my interviewees their personal stories, I try to unearth what led to their art. My experience has shown that it begins even before they are born more often than not.
Cosmo Gold traces its lineage back to Emily Gold's grandparents. Her grandmother was singer Marni Nixon, who famously dubbed Natalie Wood's singing parts in West Side Story and Audrey Hepburn's in My Fair Lady. Her grandfather, Ernest Gold, was an Austrian-born composer who won an Academy Award for his work on the movie Exodus. That's quite a musical heritage!
In Emily's case, her music is even more closely tied to her dad's, Andrew Gold's. He was not only a talented musician but also a passionate UFOlogist, which, as we'll see, had a significant impact on the music of Cosmo Gold. As well as making music for himself, such as the recently resurrected viral mega-hit "Spooky Scary Skeletons," Andrew Gold has contributed to the hits of others like Linda Ronstadt.
Cosmo Gold embraces Andrew's musical freedom and sci-fi appetite. A pop space odyssey, Krong, their debut album, is a concept album about a friendly alien who abducted the band and taught them the secret to a peaceful civilization. The band is grateful to Krong for teaching them the virtue of doubt. In a world of self-confidence, entitlement, and where feelings take the place of facts, it seems wise indeed.
Aside from the beautiful message and homage found in Krong, there is also a real sense of musicianship. Krong's arrangements show the band's skill and maestria. Compare the stripped down live version of Krong they taped in our studio with the album version, and you'll see what I mean.
Founded in 2019, Cosmo Gold is an LA-based alt-pop band featuring Emily Gold (vocals, guitar, synth, keys), Mike Deluccia (drums, synth, keys, guitar), and Stephen Burns (bass, guitar, vocals).
You can fly to Krong on any platform of your choice and escape our world.
https://www.instagram.com/cosmogold4real/?hl=en
https://linktr.ee/cosmogold
Call Krong: 📞 1-510-90-𝗞𝗥𝗢𝗡𝗚📞
- Vincent Walter Jacob
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Baba Jenkins label their music as "Gumbo". The culinary term Gumbo describes a type of soup or stew that originates in the southern United States. It's basically a blend of flavors, which is exactly what Baba Jenkins music is. Alternative, Classic Rock, Blues, old time RnB are all mixed together to create a soul infused dish.
We met Rone (vocals) and Guy (guitar), and we talked about their musical journey, how they formed during the pandemic with the help of Bandmix, a service that connects musicians, and how they evolved into that incredible group with live brass.
Baba Jenkins are not newcomers to the scene. Individually, they've been through a lot, they've even touched the sky, like when Rone was offered a 100k deal ten years ago. But he didn't sign the deal because the label wanted to keep all the rights... After that experience, he basically gave up music.
It wasn't until Guy found his Bandmix profile that Rone even considered starting music again. Rone was initially hesitant to meet with Guy about strategizing a new band, but he was eventually convinced by Guy's enthusiasm. And that's where the magic happened. At that first meeting, they had already written an entire song... The rest is history. Rone regained his passion and joined forces with Guy to form Baba Jenkins. Along the way, they found seasoned musicians to share their new dream: Ekko & Skooter.
www.babajenkins.com
- Vincent Walter Jacob
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Hi Sunset people. Or should I call you Sunseters? Sunseties? I think it’s time I find you a name. You know, like the Swifties for Taylor Swift, or like the Avocados for Billie Eilish.
I think you deserve a name. Some of you have been listening to me for 2 years now and I think you deserved to be addressed properly. Maybe we should do a poll and see what you like. Right now, I’ll just call you “My little Sunsets”. Isn’t it cute? All right, my little Sunsets, today we have Julia Laws aka Ronboy on the show. I’m going to say it clearly. Ronboy is my favorite artist of the year. I got to thank Atta Boy for the discovery because it was through them that I first heard of Ronboy. Her debut album Pity To Love just got out, she packed Gold Diggers for her release party and now she’s here, on Hanging On Sunset. Ronboy music is like a blanket, it’s a perfect soundtrack when you need a little comfort in your life. And we all do right now it seems. Not just because the weather is chilling. But you know, for everything crazy that’s happening in our world. Midterms are coming and what I read in the news is not making me serene. It seems MAGA people are everywhere those days, entering every branch of the government. Hard to believe, hard to process. The war in Europe is also a good reason for not being so chill right now either. A Nuclear apocalypse on the horizon? Damn it, it's a really spooky season. I’m not going to list everything that makes me lose my mind at the moment, there’s too many. But if you’re like me and you need a safe place to release all that tension, I recommend you to listen to Ronboy. And not only, her music is beautiful and haunting, but Julia is smart, accessible and just a great person in general. I had a great time talking to her about her musical journey, her musical approach and life in general. Plus, she gratified us with an absolute tear jerking rendition of “Your Way” for Hanging On Sunset TV. If you haven’t watched it, please go to our Youtube channel, on our Instagram or on our website www.hangingonsunset.com.
Ronboy will be performing at Genghis Cohen on November 18th. Don’t miss it.
https://www.instagram.com/ronboymusic/?hl=en
https://ronboymusic.com/
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I’m not gonna lie, I’m not a huge fan of pop music. That said, I must admit I'm not totally immune to the genre. I've been spotted dancing to Taylor Swift occasionally. Over the summer, I might (according to unreliable witnesses) have sang Britney's Baby One More Time at the karaoke. In my world, pop is okay with when booze is involved (with moderation, of course). Okay, I won't usually blast N'Sync or One Direction in my car or listen to that kind of stuff alone; that's the line I won't cross, trust me. Yet, this week, we delve into Pop territory. I know, I'm always ranting about Rock n' roll but trust me on this one, because we're not far away from that world. And it's actually way more punk that you might think.
You see, Kit Major, the artist I got this week on Hanging On Sunset, piqued my curiosity when she said she mixes Sonic Youth and Britney Spears. To some ears, that's demonic, that's even a blasphemy against the rock culture. But in a way, it's also very liberating to sabotage the sometimes snobbish mindset of the so-called 'true' music lovers. Kit Major literally explodes the norms of music by blending things that didn't blend before. Anyway, that's how music always evolve. There wouldn't be no Elvis if it wasn't for the blending of Gospel, Rhythm N' Blues and Country.
Purists will cringe. But as soon as the concept of purity is involved, I'm out! Who wants to be that guy? Not me! So, I invited Kit to the show and I have to say, her love for Britney is equal to that of Green Day, Lady Gaga, and David Bowie. As most people in the new generation, she doesn't care and doesn't apologize for mixing those things. That's pretty punk, in my opinion. That's right, Boomer!
Kit's just released God Complex, and she also gratified us with a live acoustic version of Rot Ur Mind, since, yes, we're launching HOS TV!
Kit honoured us by debuting this new video format. From now on, you'll get to discover the artists we put in the spotlight not only in interview, but also live! If you don't have time to watch the live version on YouTube, we also put it at the end of the podcast so you get a double dose of Kit Major today. Don't you think it's nice?
- Vincent Walter Jacob
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Atta Boy are a bit of an anomaly. Everything they do goes against the rules of the data-driven, social media age we live in. They don't post constantly on social platforms, they don't tour, they don't release a new song every six weeks. In fact, they didn't even promote their first album when it came out in 2012. Basically, they put out Out Of Sorts on Spotify, disappeared, and didn't release new music for about 8 years.
Yet, they have a loyal fan base that has grown over the years. Major media outlets like The Fader and American Songwriter have praised them. They've cracked the system, haven't they? What’s the hack? There are a lot of indie bands who would love to know their secret.
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but the trick is quite simple. Make great music! This is what Atta Boy did, and it was sufficient to grow organically. Nevertheless, they also had some luck in the process. Jenny Slate, the actress (remember Marcel The Shell With Shoes On?) put some Atta Boy on her playlist and shared it with her community. One influencer exposed Atta Boy's music to her fans, and then the ball started rolling.
Another trick from Atta Boy is the fact that they’re honest and smart. They approach music in a way that serves the songs. Their songs aren't overproduced, they record mostly live without a click, and they carefully arrange them around Eden's voice and lyrics. Atta Boy's stripped-down approach leaves room for our emotions to collide with the stories they tell. The last single Deep Sea Ladder is an example of a beautiful build up.
I’m not going to lie, my first thought when I listened to Crab Park, their newest record, was that it was a very inoffensive yet cozy world of teen romance and friendship. It felt like watching Riverdale. But soon enough, the polish began to crackle. There is something darker lurking beneath the surface of the album. The song Alex, which addresses a very difficult subject, might be the climax of this musical and confessional journey. Because drugs were involved, the narrator does not know whether she was raped. Although it appears she might actually know deep inside of her, the song perfectly captures the confusion, guilt, fear, disgust, and self-doubt that someone in that position might feel, among other emotions. “Alex, I took the train 3/4 awake While gathering pieces of whether or not I took my own clothes off last night” “And I wish that I could remember if I had a say While my body was moving, my mind was hiding away” - Alex, Atta Boy
Freddy (Guitar) told me that “Every album is an exact snapshot of what we're thinking and feeling when it's coming out.” Crab Park is an album that not only captures that but also the spirit of the times. Although it's not exactly a straightforward political record, social issues are definitely present. And if you thought, like I did, that Atta Boy was just a cute little band, you’re wrong. Atta Boy is not disconnected from the world. “During 2020, when our singles were coming out, the world was shutting down. A lot of people were struggling to make money, a lot of people were struggling to feed their children. And after the murder of George Floyd, we felt kind of in a weird place, putting out music, like asking for attention and taking away from things that seem that they could change the world for a better place.” - Freddy (Guitar).
Atta Boy wanted to use their voice to help people in need and they decided to give their Bandcamp profits to different charities and activist movements like No Kid Hungry, The Marsha P. Johnson Institute, Know Your Rights Camp, ACLU, and Movement for Black Lives.
- Vincent Walter Jacob
ATTA BOY THIRD STUDIO ALBUM “CRAB PARK” DUE OUT OCTOBER 21
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Oh my gosh, are you ready for the trip? I hope you have a lot of commuting because that guy, Christian Gisborne, the founder and leader of the local legends in the making Velvet Starlings likes to talk! And so do I. We just rambled on for about 2 hours... That's the beauty of podcasts. No one can tell us to shut up! Of course, you can always turn your device off and stop whenever you want, and that's the beauty of it as well.
The two of us geeked out a lot about bands like King Gizzard, The Beatles, The Stones, Nirvana, Bowie, The White Stripes, and many more. In this episode, we also talked a lot about the music industry, and I think that's why it's so interesting. Especially if you're a musician. There's a lot of insight into what it's like to be an upcoming band. And it's been a good run for Velvet Starlings! You know, they're not just playing clubs around LA. They just came back from a UK tour; they also shared a stage with Smashing Pumpkins and Weezer at Beachlife Festival. That's just the beginning, because Christian's only 18. Can you believe that? I mean, I couldn’t wrap my mind around it because he’s a music encyclopedia, really.
I met Christian at Canter's Deli on Fairfax a few years ago, pre-pandemic, you know, when we didn’t live in an alternative reality. For those of you who don't know, Canter’s is a 24 hour Deli near CBS. Perhaps that's why it was called Hollywood's cantina during the golden age. Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe used to date there. Also, Canter's is known for the Kibbit's Room, the little bar on the side of the Deli, where Guns and Roses used to play their first shows in the 80's. Another reason Canter’s matters so much to music is that Rodney Bingenheimer eats there almost every night. Rodney started the careers of many LA bands, like the Runaways and Blondie, by playing them on KROQ when the station didn't shy away from rock n' roll back in the 1970s. It seems now they can’t even acknowledge it’s a rock station because you have to say: K-R-O-Q… Anyway, that’s another story… A few years ago, I met Rodney at the Canter's and he started playing my band Yard Of Blondes on his Sunday show on KROQ and then on Sirius XM, where he hosts the same show now on Little's Stevie's Garage. The Velvet Starlings were also on Rodney's roster, so I guess that's why he invited us to his birthday. That was a memorable night since I met the ultimate legend Thurston Moore (Sonic Youth). Arrow from Starcrawler was there too, I remember.
Our paths crossed again earlier this year when S8nt Elektric invited us all to play the Peppermint in West Hollywood. Velvet Starlings already had my heart from the Rodney days, but seeing them live blew me away. There's this incredible energy and passion for UK garage that transcends nostalgia. Even though their music is heavily referenced, they're fresh. Christian was great to talk to and I'm looking forward to discovering not one, but two upcoming records. They're that prolific. I wish I was that productive. I just took a whole year to figure out what Yard Of Blondes' new direction will be. There are about 3 or 4 songs that I like now. Here comes this kid and just throws you dozens of songs. And it’s fucking good. Maybe it's time for me to retire. No fucking way! Anyhow, I'm getting carried away, because this conversation is already super long, and I feel like I'm teasing you now. Let’s do the show!
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As August draws to a close, I'm not sure how I feel. While I'm excited to start a new season of HOS in September, it also means a great time is coming to an end. After traveling to Spain and France, I returned to LA and started working on Yard Of Blondes' new record. Getting up early and spending the day listening to music, writing and demoing new songs has become a habit for me. And I have to say I’m pretty happy about it. I actually started working on that record last year, but scrapped everything I had because I didn't think it was good enough. There is a saying that a second album is always harder to write than the first, and it's true. There is a delicate balance between not repeating yourself and not alienating the people who support you. In the end, though, I think this shouldn't be on your mind since you can't write songs with other people in mind. The only way to carry something relevant is to be honest. I think I tried too much on the first songs I wrote last year. Putting pressure on myself wasn't helpful. The time I spent in Europe helped me relieve that pressure and when I returned home I was finally ready. Damn, I’m excited! The project isn't finished yet, so we'll see where it goes. At the moment, I'm taking a short break to record voices for an upcoming French band that my friend David Gitlis, the boss of Nowhere Records, has just signed. That’s exciting too. You might not know it but we started our podcast as a hub for Nowhere records. I'll talk more about this soon, as things are beginning to take shape.
Anyway, here we are at the end of my Hanging On Sunset Summer special recorded at the Pioneertown Film Festival. It’s a very short interview but It’s a very interesting band we got here. The Sons Of The Pioneers are the oldest band in the entire fucking world! It dates back to 1933. Can you believe that? Let me give you a little context and history here… Because the story of this band is tied to Pioneertown itself. 1946 saw the creation of Pioneertown by two of the biggest names in Western films, Gene Autry and Roy Rogers. Over 50 films were shot here in the 1950s at their film studio near Yucca Valley. Roy Rogers wasn't just an actor. He was a singer and he was the one who originally formed the Sons Of The Pioneers. Despite the fact that none of the founding members are alive today, the band has never stopped playing. Whenever a member retires, he is replaced by a new member. The same timeless arrangements are used for the same Western great songs to this day. In the town named after them, the Sons Of The Pioneers closed the festival. That was really moving. Many people in the audience burst into tears (including my friend Victoria Smith, the amazing rock photographer). It was truly magical. Their closing performance at a festival celebrating Western culture could not have been more appropriate. Hopefully they will return next year for Edition number 2. That's all for now! Let’s do the show and see you in September for a new season. Have a great end of summer, everyone.
- Vincent Walter Jacob
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Hey folks! How are you? How's your summer going? Did you get that hot summer body you dreamed about all year? Have you ruined it already with too many Margaritas and BBQs? I can't believe it's already August and I have to come up with a plan to lose the 13 pounds I gained in Europe. 13 lbs, 6 kilos. Damn you, French bread and confiture! Damn those greasy paellas and all the sangria I got to drink in Spain too.
However, I won't complain. It was an amazing trip to my roots between Alicante, Spain and the South of France. I practiced my Spanish and met the 80-year-old brother of my late Spanish grandmother. I got to see old French friends and not worry about my broken English. If you follow me and Hanging On Sunset, you’re likely not bugged by my Frenchie accent. But I know some people do. A friend told another friend he couldn’t listen to the podcast because of my accent. Well, fuck you! There is nothing I can do about it. Neither can you! Because, he’s French of course… The nastiest species of motherfuckers in the whole world. Always complaining, always raging and always ready for a strike or a revolution... Yet, I have to give credit to that attitude because it’s probably the reason we have the best health system in the world and why we don’t have to work until 75 to get a pension... There always are pros and cons.
Anyway, I went to France and Spain and saw some family and friends. And it was great! But I’m glad I’m back in LA. Some people hate this town. It's hard to blame them. Nevertheless, it's nice to leave and return. The last 10 days, I have been recording new demos for my band Yard Of Blondes. That’s all I did. And frankly, that’s the best part of my summer. Because that’s what I love doing, playing music, listening to a lot of music and then writing music and about it. Anyway, I'm not gonna bother you with my life any longer.
We’re reaching the end of my summer special and today I have a young and brilliant artist from LA: El Caplan. We clicked right away, I can tell you that. Never heard of him, didn’t know him but he was performing at The Pionneertown Film festival and I wanted to meet him because they programmed so many great stuff there. I figured he would be great too. I wasn’t wrong. This guy is really talented and fun. We talked about his journey from Alt Rock to Outlaw Country, about his work with Aftermath and Dr. Dre, about Sun Records, as well as trying to rehabilitate the recorder, you know, that instrument that probably caused you much PTSD in Music Appreciation classes. And I think we did a pretty good job here. We also talked about Mercury Retrograde like true Angelinos and he mentioned a breakfast with Neil Young. That’s a pretty cool teaser right ? Come on, I’m trying to get you excited here. It's hard to listen to a podcast when you don't know the artist. But you got to trust me here. El Caplan, aka Chris, deserves your attention. I promise you won't regret it. If you do, take all your rage out on me like a true French revolutionary.
- Vincent Walter Jacob
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Today is another episode of our summer special series recorded at the Pioneertown Film Festival back on Memorial day. I’m not going to lie, this was my favorite encounter of the festival because Graham Leader, my guest today, is the producer of a very important movie. Not just for me, but for a lot of musicians and fans of music around the world. In the late 70’s, along with filmmaker James Szalapsky, he followed then-unknown artists who grew on to become legends in what we call the "Outlaw Country" world. Townes Van Zandt, Guy Clark, and Steve Earle are probably the most famous artists featured in the film. They were literally the misfits of Nashville music, they were not into Mainstream Nashville Country, they had something different to say and another music to showcase. Something real. At the time, the film did not do well at the box office. Because it didn't have any famous names attached to it, they had difficulty distributing it. To find a niche audience, the film had to wait until DVDs and Youtube appeared. And that’s how I discovered it in the 2000’s, through a Youtube clip. One scene in particular got me. It’s a scene with Townes Van Zandt playing Waiting around to die. If you don’t know the movie or any of those musicians, go check it now. I’m sure you’ll want to see the whole movie after that. Because in the end, it’s not just about music. Those people featured in the documentary, they touch heart. Almost an ethnographic document, Heartworn Highways portrays first and foremost an atypical, maybe a little dysfunctional, musical community, but with strong social values.
http://www.sealionfilms.com/
www.hangingonsunset.com
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As part of our Desert summer special, today I have a special guest who is very close to my heart. I met Ted Quinn 11 years ago after I arrived in California from my native France. We were just starting Yard Of Blondes, our band, and we dreamed of playing in the desert.
This trip was sparked by one particular place, the Rancho de la Luna. The legendary studio has been the home of numerous amazing artists including Queens of the Stone age, Kyuss, Arctic Monkey, Earthlings, Mark Lanegan, Victoria Williams, and many more. We also all remember QOTSA's Josh Homme's infamous Desert Sessions with guests such as PJ Harvey, Twiggy Ramirez, Dave Catching, Nick Oliveri, Josh Freese, Chris Goss, Alain Johannes, Les Claypool and more.
That night, we had no idea we would bump into someone very close to that universe. Ted Quinn was hosting an open mic at Pappy And Harriet's, which would become one of the country's most beloved venues. He was kind enough to sign us up and we ended up having one of the most memorable nights of our lives. In addition to finding a haven for art, we also found an amazing community that revolved around Teddy Quinn.
While growing up, he spent time in Hollywood and Laurel Canyon, acting in movies and TV series like Land Of The Giant, but also playing in bands like Telekin and Ministry Of Fools. It was during those formative years that Ted met Fred Drake, a Texas transplant drummer who was to establish the now iconic Rancho De La Luna. They played music together and often traveled to Joshua Tree to escape the noise of Hollywood. Fred founded the Rancho in 1993 after they decided to stay there permanently. Dave Catching, who would become the guitarist for Eagles Of Death Metal, joined him soon after. Unfortunately, Fred was HIV positive and got brain cancer. He passed away twenty years ago on June 20th, 2002. The week prior to his passing, Teddy and Fred looked through his tapes and he personally selected about 60 unreleased songs he loved.
To commemorate Fred Drake's 20th passing anniversary, Teddy reached out to his family and Dave Catching (who still runs the studio) and together they decided it was time to release new music from Fred.
Here we are today, discussing Teddy's journey, how he became friends with Fred, and how the Rancho was founded. The story is beautiful, at times sad, but it is an important story that must be told. With this 20 year-old album, we can see how Fred Drake touched so many lives and continues to impact the high desert even today. Proceeds from "I give you life" will go to LULAC - the nation's oldest Latino civil rights group - which has created a special fund for the victims' families and survivors. Take a listen to the episode and check out the bandcamp page to purchase the album.
- Vincent Walter Jacob
https://freddrakemusic.bandcamp.com/album/i-give-you-life
https://teddyquinn.bandcamp.com/
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Jesika Von Rabbit is a legend in the High Desert. Although not a native of the area, she found her dream place after first moving to LA from Wisconsin at the end of the 1990s. She first worked as a stylist for the likes of Debbie Harry and Gwen Stefani in Los Angeles, but this wasn't fulfilling enough; she wanted to be the one behind the microphone. About that time, she first visited Joshua Tree and found there the artistic freedom that would enable her to become the avant-garde, genre-bending, electro - rock n' roll queen she has become since.
« Joshua Tree was a good place. It was still close enough to Los Angeles, where I’d still be able to perform there and make my mark there. But I didn't have to live right in Los Angeles, when which can be a little, you know, treacherous. »
In Joshua Tree, she and Todd Rutherford Johnson formed Gram Rabbit. They released five albums together before she branched out and released her first solo album in 2015. With Dessert Rock, Jesika Von Rabbit confirmed her status as « Queen of the High Desert » in 2018. At the center of her work is her continuous exploration of musical research. One track is country, the next is techno:
« I can't really stick to one sound, I guess. I mean, it all kind of sounds like me, because it's my voice. But yeah, I don't know, I kind of bend genres you could say. »
She is back this year with a cover song by the 80's English band Boys Don't Cry. The song dates back to her early days with Gram Rabbit.
« Todd Rutherford Johnson, the co-founder of Gram Rabbit, he was part of the original production of this I want to be a cowboy track. But I kind of dug it out of the archives because it had been like on some old ProTools hard drive for years and just maybe like a year and a half ago, I was looking at looking up old sessions and I'm like « oh yeah, this » and I listen to it. I'm like « this has to come out ». So, I put Jessie Hughes (Eagles Of Death Metal) vocals on it cuz him and I are friends and we always talked about doing a duet. »
The universes of Jesika and Jesse complement each other. Both goofy and a little menacing, they embrace total artistic freedom, regardless of good manners. We like them for that particular reason.
Even with the recent gentrification of the area, local fans can rest assured Jesika won't be moving anytime soon from Joshua Tree:
« If I drove around the country looking for new places to live, I'd probably be seeking out something similar to where I'm at. »
- Vincent Walter Jacob
https://www.hangingonsunset.com
Jesika Von Rabbit: I wanna be a Cowboy:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dupnpjtkLkM
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What better way to start our Summer Special coverage of the Pioneertown Film Festival than by talking to one of America's greatest bands, The Dandy Warhols. On the morning of the first day of the Festival, Courtney Taylor-Taylor agreed to meet with me in the Press Lounge before the band performed a psychedelic and trippy set for the attendees later that night. I was very pleased to meet him because the Dandys are one of the most original bands I have ever heard. Take a look at their impressive discography on your preferred platform and see for yourself. They just don't give a damn about expectations and play whatever inspires them. For Courtney, this is just the core of the Dandys' ethics.
« All we cared about was just being able to make music that we liked. And make sure it didn't sound like anyone else. Because we'd be embarrassed. Yes, to sound like somebody else, you know? »
www.hangingonsunset.com
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Aidan Amini, the 17 yo leader of Slaves To Humanity came to our HQ and we spent a couple of hours together, talking about the band’s journey, how it is to be in a High School rock band in 2022, and mainly, his strategy to make a living out of his passion; because Aidan thinks a lot about how the industry works and he’s the type of person who likes to plan. He told us how he’s trying to use social platforms, especially TikTok and Youtube to reach out to a maximum of people. STH are not afraid to do more than just play music and they are ready to use every bit of talent their crew has to offer. Some are good at writing and filming in the band, why not use it to their advantage? In lots of ways, STH are not much different from the other young people of their generation, they have enthusiasm, they are connected and they are eager to push boundaries. They are not afraid, for example, to mix two genres that used to be framed as enemies. By inventing the concept of Sunset Grunge they are trying to combine the catchiness and fun of the classic Sunset Strip Music and the heaviness and darker aspects of Grunge. I have to say, The Start is a very promising showcase of what they can do in that realm. In some other ways, they are a rock n’ roll band from the XXth century. The very fact that they got their first break on an actual FM radio is worth noting. Local Classic Rock radio KLOS introduced their music to their listeners in their program « Stay Or Go » and the listeners decided they should stay. The response was so overwhelming that the radio got them on rotation. I thought only algorithms could make or break a new band now but I was wrong, and I’m glad!
https://www.slavestohumanity.com/
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Sam Pereira believes in the power of music. He also believes in a better world, especially for those impacted by homelessness. That's why, on October 24th, 2020, he launched House Party Presents, a charitable organization that organizes concerts and uses all the benefits toward the homeless.
For every dollar raised, 60% goes to other homeless assistance organizations and the rest (minus House Party expenses) goes towards independent outreach supplies, (nutritious food, toiletries, weather protection, heartwarming efforts).
Sam started his charity back in In Muscle Shoals, Alabama but he's currently residing in Washington DC, very close to where he was born and raised. In the suburbs of the capital, Sam was first confronted with the issue of homelessness, at a very young age, especially on his travels to the city to see shows that illuminated him with the power of live music. Although he's not a musician himself, he knew that someday his life would revolve around it.
After considering opening a concert venue, he decided to combine his love for music and his need to help the homeless. Sam organized the first show in Washington DC but, soon after, the pandemic hit and he was forced to sit on his project for a while. He's back now and he's ready for more events later this year in DC and Colorado this summer. Meanwhile, Sam is working on making House Party a nonprofit organization.
What really stroke us during this conversation is that Sam is driven by the need to tell the unique story of every person he meets on the streets. Because, too often, we're guilty of indifference and too embarrassed to face it, it's really convenient for us to ignore the people behind the issue they are facing. While we conveniently refer to the people on the streets as the "homeless people", Sam stops, talks to them, acknowledges them, calls them by their name, and tells their stories. Terrance, Shawn, Bobby, Knox, are their names and House Party is here to say those names out loud so we don't look away anymore. Sam collects the sign they make. To him, they mean more than what it seems, they're not just a piece of cardboard, they are the tools with which Terrance, Shawn, Bobby, and Knox try to signal their very own humanity to us. Imagine the courage it takes to write down those few words that will indicate your situation and expose your vulnerability to the world.
If you want to know more about Sam and help him organize events in any part of the US, don't hesitate to message him on his Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/housepartypresents/
Or you can reach him at [email protected]
If you want to know more about his project, you can also visit his website:
https://www.housepartypresents.org/
Upcoming Events involving House Party Presents:
_ May 14th: Washington DC ( location TBD)
_ May 26 & 27th: Summercamp Music Festival (Homeless Benefit Raffle)
_ May 29th: Arise Festival in Colorado (Homeless Benefit Raffle)
_ Sam is hoping to organize a few shows this summer in Denver, Colorado so if you want to help, message him.
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On March 25th, Billy Graziadei, the legendary founder of Biohazard, will release his second solo album Leaders and Liars.
I have to say, this interview is not like the other ones. First, Billy was already on the show in Season 1 when we were still doing this on Zoom (https://anchor.fm/hangingonsunset/episodes/Season-1---Episode-5--Billy-Graziadei-Biohazard--Powerflo--Billy-Bio---Keep-it-real-en10te), but also because Billy produced the debut album of my band Yard Of Blondes. During the process of the recording of Feed The Moon, Billy and I became best friends. He helped me fulfill my vision and brought many ideas of arrangements to the table. We nurtured each other’s creativity and most of all, we had great fun. And it wasn’t always easy. Financial struggle, personal challenges came along the way during that process and Billy showed up, always positive, always managing to find a way to push our best selves. Naturally, I wanted to tap into his wisdom for this new episode and Billy doesn’t disappoint because as he tells us, in a way, for him, it was always about finding a way to make art win over the industry.
He recalls the early days of Biohazard, telling us how the industry wouldn’t even hear about them before they were able to put up sold-out shows, on their own. Since day one, the two most important things were to stay true to themselves and care about the fans and not about fame or any other kind of validation. He vividly remembers how Rick Rubin first labeled Biohazard as a « 3-chord trash band that will never go anywhere » before changing his mind as success knocked on their door. But Billy didn’t bend the knee to the industry. He said, « Fuck the industry » yet he was smart enough to learn how to work with it, using it as a tool to reach out to more fans, or « friends », as Billy likes to call them.
When we paired on the writing of Feed The Moon, I appreciated the fact that we were like scientists in a lab, always experimenting, always trying to think outside of the box. We had no other motive than to have fun and surprise ourselves. That’s another thing I love about him, he’s open to any new idea and he usually comes up with the most unexpected ones.
I remember when we first worked on « 1994 » and we were frustrated with the last chorus. I told Billy I wasn’t happy with the drums, but I couldn't express what was bugging me. At some point, I said I wished the pattern would sound more « Motown ». I couldn’t express it any better than with this image and of course, in the context of our alternative album, it didn't make much sense. But for Billy, this vague analogy sparked something. He went to another session and grabbed a drum part of another song. He slowed it down and then looped it before adding it to the mix. Then he muted all parts but vocals and "Bam!", I had my "Motown" chorus with the snare hitting every beat. « What d’you think, Bro? » Billy asked with a witty smile. Damn... I was ecstatic and I didn't have to say anything, It showed on my face! It was exactly what I had in mind. That’s the kind of cool shit Billy’s capable of coming up with. My experience at Firewater Studios taught me to never give up, to always look in the corners of our imagination... This and more on our episode this week...
www.billybio.com
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