Author: nick

Music and Culture

Hello Operator, Here’s a Telegram

Courtesy of Telegram’s Facebook

Following the highly anticipated release of Telegram’s debut album, Operator, the lads took off for a successful tour of the States. There they hit up the Austin, Texas music festival, South By Southwest (SXSW), then proceeded to take on the Big Apple. To get the inside scoop on Telegram’s US invasion, Heatwave sat down with the guys for a chat. After some less-than intense grilling, we got them to tell us about playing in New York City, performing for crowds in Japan, DJing parties in London, a possible new release in the autumn and much more!

Check out the full interview published @ Heatwave Magazine!!

Music and Culture

DIVING UNDER THE BIG BLACK SUN WITH JOHN DOE

John Doe

Nearly 40 years ago, John Doe’s infamous band X hit the L.A. punk scene during a period that defined a pop-culture era. While London and New York saw the rise of rock stars from their respective scenes, L.A.’s own movers and shakers remained largely in the shadows—until now, on account of Doe’s new book, Under the Big Black Sun: A Personal History of L.A. Punk. Filled with the rich personal histories from participants of the L.A. punk movement, Under The Big Black Sun shares L.A.’s history with the world.

Dig the interview with X’s John Doe about Under the Big Black Sun: A Personal History of L.A. Punk published @ SLUG Magazine!!

Music and Culture

JAIL CITY ROCKERS


The sincerity of Jail City Rockers stands out because they are approachable and always humble—traits one should expect from true punk rock n’ rollers. Jail City Rockers are the brothers Andrew and Gabe Bonilla, Aron Mikkelsen and the newly joined Gabey Spent, formerly of Duane Peters Gunfight. Jail City Rockers formed from the ashes of the Bonilla brothers’ prior band, Nobody’s Heroes, and for the last four years, they have tirelessly graced the Wasatch Front with their own design of roots-driven rebel rock. “I told Gabe when we started this band, ‘I have a huge London Calling poster on my wall,’ and I pointed at that and said, ‘Gabe, this is what I want to do,’” says Andrew. “I want to be a rock n’ roll band. I want to be a punk band. I want to have hints of old traditional ska music, early Motown, early soul—which is kind of what we grew up on. We wanted to take that and blend it all into one band.” Speaking further on the subject, Gabe adds, “We’re definitely not good enough to be a Motown band, so we do it our way.” Additional influences that have helped shape Jail City Rockers include a wide variety of musical genres such as 1980s hardcore, Blue Beat Jamaican rocksteady, ’50s rock n’ roll and, of course, 1970s punk. The result is true rock n’ roll with nods toward a Clash-inspired roots-rhythm rebel sound.
,br> Dig the full article on Ogden darlings Jail City Rockers published @SLUG Magazine!!

Music and Culture

THE NODS

Photo: Russel Daniels

The Nods are a force to be reckoned with. Their membership boasts veterans of Salt Lake’s diverse music scene—Joey Mayes, Zach “Rocky” Maldonado, Travis Michael and Sean Michael Vincent—whose combined and individual appreciation for music is nothing short of incredible. The band formed in 2013 when Mayes and Maldonado started to hang out and jam after work. “[Mayes] said that he was working on a project called The Nods, and I thought that name was really funny,” says Maldonado. “But he was saying he was doing this band, so I jokingly asked, ‘Let me play tambourine with you guys,’ and he was like, ‘You should just fucking sing.’” After going to Mayes’ house with expectations set low, Maldonado was pleasantly surprised to hear a sound that reminded him of 45 Grave. Mayes recruited Michael to play bass, and after going through several drummers—including Samp Ravens/Brain Bagz’s Mikey Blackhurst—Vincent joined the band in November 2014. “I saw The Nods several times,” he says. “They were always underdogs—not very noticed. I liked it. It was mainly my interest in the band that got me into it.” Once Sean joined the band, Maldonado says, “That was the nail in the coffin.”

Dig the full article on The Nods published @SLUG Magazine!!

Politics

Movers and Shakers: The United Progressive Coalition of Utah

Movers and Shakers: The United Progressive Coalition of Utah
By Nick Kuzmack

 

Democratic Presidential candidate Bernie Sanders fiery rhetoric has captivated the hearts and minds of movers and shakers nationwide. He has inspired a sort of “political revolution” within the United States democratic process.   Across the nation grassroots efforts have mobilized to enact the progressive ideals invoked by Sander’s example. Their goals are diverse and include electing candidates who will represent the people instead of the whims of the wealthy, a demand for a livable minimum wage and action on the impending threat of Global Warming. The United Progressive Coalition of Utah is one such group.  Since their formation after Sanders’ victory in the Utah Democratic Caucus on March 22nd, they have begun shaking things up within the Utah Democratic Party by supporting progressive candidates to run for local office.  To find out more about The United Progressive Coalition of Utah, I spoke with Co-founders Sarah Baytop Scott and Darin Mann.

 

NixBeat:  United Progressive Coalition of Utah formed shortly after the Utah, Democratic Caucus on March 2nd. How has the participation been for the Coalition in comparison to the Caucus?
Mann: The Participation has been phenomenal. The amount of people we have ready and willing to contribute their time and efforts to the cause of getting new people elected in local politics is truly humbling.

NixBeat:  Described as a coalition, what groups make up the body of the United Progressive Coalition?
Scott: The Coalition is a group of progressive members who are tired of the continuous traditional mentality that the Democratic Party holds and the level of entitlement that things need to happen their way or no way. We care about corporate finances, because we want the people to run our politicians, not corporations.
Mann: We are a coalition, because we are a group of people from all demographics, religions, and financial backgrounds. We are people fed up with the current political process and want a truly representative democracy. We have waiters, nurses, laborers, and many more who live out their lives without being heard by those who govern them, we aim to fix that.

NixBeat:  What do you think of when the term political revolution is used to describe the current political climate? How is it a revolution?
Scott: The biggest mistake we make, is reliving history, they say you cannot learn from your mistakes if you are unaware of what happened previously. Our nation’s middle class continues to diminish, while the 1% control continues to increase. The lack of diversity within our politicians, both economically and culturally, is frightening. This revolution isn’t new, but it’s new to our generation. This revolution is about bringing back a diverse government, one that represents the people and not the corporations. I want politicians to be fighting for myself, and the community I live in, and I’m not seeing that.

NixBeat: How does one get involved with United Progressive Coalition of Utah?
Scott: The best way to get involved is to check out our Facebook for events, signup for our newsletter, and e-mail us that you want to be a part of our group. We welcome all newcomers, regardless of how knowledgeable you are in the political world. The first step to being involved is having passion!

NixBeat: Is the United Progressive Coalition of Utah coordinating with other Bernie Sander affiliated groups?
Mann: Well many of us are originally from the Utah for Bernie Sanders group, but other than that we are currently talking to groups from many places; including Alaska, Wyoming, and Nevada.

NixBeat: What other events locally is the United Progressive Coalition of Utah involved in?
Mann: We will be attending as many events as possible; one of our main focuses is Building Man. We want to spread awareness of how we can really create a system that thrives on sustainability.

NixBeat: What has the relationship been like between United Progressive Coalition of Utah and the Utah State Democratic Party?
Mann: It was a little contentious at first, but now that those in the Democratic Party see how passionate we are and are truly here to stay, they are warming up a bit

 NixBeat: How did the Democratic State Convention go on April 22nd?
Mann: It went really well! We had people repping our shirts all over the place, showing that they stand in solidarity with us and the purpose of our organization. If we stand together we can truly rid our political system of corporate money and fight for truly progressive legislation.

NixBeat: Referencing the “Boat Rockers” article published by City Weekly on April 13, 2016, it is said that the United Progressive Coalition supports 8 candidates who represent the ideals of Vermont Senator and Presidential Candidate Bernie Sanders. What criteria do you look for in a candidate who wants coalition support?
 Mann: We look for a person who is dedicated to ridding our system of corporate financing of campaigns, joining the fight against climate change, education and health care reform, and addressing wealth inequality. We ensure their commitment by having each candidate sign a pledge to uphold those values.

NixBeat: Some candidates that are running under United Progressive Coalition are Rachel Nelson (Utah House Representative District 59), Brooke Swallow-Fenton (Candidate for Utah House seat 60) and Edgar Harwood (House District 43). What can you tell me about these candidates?
Mann: Rachel Nelson is a mother from Provo who is standing up for those around her.  A huge cause for her personally is to address the crumbling state of education in our state to ensure a better future for our posterity.
Brooke Swallow-Fenton is a graduate in Behavioral Studies and has long been a community organizer and activist for many years. See is most known for her recent work with LGBT groups and will definitely be a staunch warrior opposing injustices of our state.
Edgar Harwood is a really sharp person who will really bring some much needed vigor to the house floor. His Latino roots will also be a welcome addition to the floor, for he will be yet another voice to speak on behalf of so many who are silenced.

NixBeat: What’s next for United Progressive Coalition of Utah?
Mann: We will be attending events as well as hosting our own to keep spreading awareness of the local revolution that is happening, and of course work towards the victory of all our candidates currently running.

 

For more on the United Progressive Coalition of Utah, check out their website http://upcutah.com and their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/upcutah/

Albums

PEACH KELLI POP – HALLOWEEN MASK

PEACH KELLI POP
HALLOWEEN MASK
Lauren Records
Street: 04.29
Peach Kelli Pop = The Murmaids + The Teddy Bears

If one were to look up bubblegum rock in the 21st Century, they’d almost certainly come across Peach Kelli Pop at the top of a long list. Their records consistently provide a listen that is sugary, sweet and sure to rot the teeth. It is music that one can either ignore or be enveloped by, with its satisfying yet bordering-on-bland poppy flavorings. The Halloween Mask 7” is no different in this regard, although the title song is somewhat sober, if not altogether disarming. Don’t get me wrong, though: Fans of catchy, bubblegum pop made for short attention spans will be right at home with this new release.

Dig the full EP review published at SLUG Magazine!!

Albums

OBN III’s – Rich Old White Men b/w On the Verge of Collapse

Album: Rich Old White Men b/w On The Verge Of Collapse
Label: 12XU
Released: May 20, 2016

Upon dropping the needle it is clear OBN III’s flawlessly knock out some solid rock n roll that needs to be played ear-splittingly loud. I mean, the speed of the guitar riffs that open up on ‘Rich Old White Men” alone is incredible and threatens to overtake my ability to comprehend my surroundings. However, that is not necessarily what holds my attention. This single boasts some of the finest politically inspired rock n roll that I’ve come across recently.

Dig the full review published @ Heatwave Magazine!!

Albums

Kaviar Special — #2

Kaviar Special
#2
Howlin Banana Records
Release: 04/08/2016

After switching on #2, it becomes abundantly clear that there is just something instantly likeable about Kaviar Special. For starters, I am overwhelmed by the captivating nature of the opening track “Starving.” This track is totally stunning  as it fixates my attention via it’s provoking mix of poppy but wild psych driven rock n’ roll. “Starving” demands that listeners pay heed to a heavy fuzzed filled noise that could inspire the machinations of an out-body/out of mind experience. This is a style of rock n’ roll that I’ve become intimately familiar with, and while I’ll admit that this sort of garage crossover into the borders of psychedelia risks being a bit too well-known and comfortable to the ears, it’s still a sound that I can get behind.

As I proceed deeper into # 2, I find Kaviar Special pulls no punches blasting out a broad incarnation of rock n’ roll that takes influence from the volatile combination of psychedelic garage pop and surf rock. For the most part this is music that one can expect some uniform in style from and more importantly groove to. The one notable exception to this rule is  “I Wouldn’t Touch You With a Stick,” which comes across with certain defiant agitation. However, make no mistake; listeners will find that #2 boasts tracks that one can bounce up, down and sideways too. This is particularly true with the number “Mind Fuck. Other top tracks that follow this line of thought  are “Drowned in Doubts,” “Now I Know,” and “Highway.” So, be sure to check this out via Howlin Banana Records, it’s worth a few spins, especially under the right elicit substances. —Nick Kuzmack

Albums

THE MONSTERS – THE JUNGLE NOISE RECORDINGS

THE MONSTERS
THE JUNGLE NOISE RECORDINGS
Voodoo Rhythm Records
Street: 04.08
The Monsters = The Sonics + The Jackets

From the gritty streets of Bern, Switzerland, comes the raw and primitive recordings of The Monsters. Fronted by Beat Zeller, aka Reverend Beat Man—owner of Voodoo Rhythm Records—the band formed in 1986 and made a name for themselves as a wild garage rock–meets–rockabilly outfit. They toured Europe and presented themselves as a force to be reckoned with. The Jungle Noise Recordings was originally recorded in 1994 and was the first album that saw The Monsters use an electric bass rather than an upright. The album was recorded at home instead of a studio so that the record could better boast the raw elements of The Monsters’ sound. It was originally released as 10” record via the underground German label Jungle Noise. After The Jungle Noise Recordings came out, The Monsters conducted a lengthy tour that saw them established in the Europe’s rock n’ roll scene. Giving this compilation a thorough listen some 20ish years later, I can see why.

Dig the full album review published @ SLUG Magazine!!