In light of the end of my “rockin’ Memorial Day weekend,” I have decided to make an enlightening post. For those of you don’t know….
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PCDS, or Post-Concert Depression Syndrome, can be defined as the feeling of depression that comes about after going to an awesome concert.
Many succumb to this awful ailment for one reason and one reason only: Live music just kicks ass. Period.
PCDS can evolve from these different stages:
Days/weeks/months before the concert, you may feel completely normal. You look forward to the concert and know it is approaching and you are excited, but you feel nothing special
The morning/day of the concert, you may experience what is known as PCE, or Pre-Concert Excitement (also known as pre-high) – you may become surged with adrenaline.
Moments before the concert, you may appear calm on the surface but underneath your heart beats faster and faster, and soon the PCE will erupt from within you.
During the concert, you are in a place of complete bliss. You smile excessively and pump the metal-horns constantly while singing/screaming the lyrics along with the singer. You become filled with extreme emotion from seeing the band just a few feet in front of you, and you are absorbed into the “concert atmosphere” – the music pulses through your entire body and you forget about everything else in the world.
Immediately after the concert, you are excessively high in a natural and wonderful way. You may run around completely hyper, still reciting songs from the band, acting goofy with your friends. You appear strange to non-concertgoers. (However, if you do meet the band, you do not exhibit any of these symptoms so as not to weird them out).
The day after the concert, you may still be trembling with excitement and happiness. You tell of your awesome experience to anyone who would listen, although most of them don’t care. If you have autographs and/or pictures, you most definitely show them off. (Note: for some, PCDS may begin to set in).
Days or weeks after the concert, you experience PCDS…
Now there are many factors that could trigger PCDS: such as fulfilling your life purpose of seeing and/or meeting your favorite band, having such an awesome time that you are dreading going back to the tedious flow of everyday life (which is exactly how I feel today!), or that was the last time you would see that band for a while.
Symptoms include: sadness, an increase in obsession with the band that you are missing (such as listening to nothing but their music), partial amnesia (the inability to remember every little thing that happened at the concert or even remembering things that never happened), and regret (for not seizing every available opportunity such as staying after get autographs or meet the band). Regret can also set in for no apparent reason.
For some, PCDS can start almost immediately after the concert while others it can start hours afterwards. However, PCDS does affect almost everyone who attends a concert for a band they really love. PCDS can last anywhere from only a few days to weeks or months, or until the band you are missing emerges again. PCDS is not known to be permanent and while it does fade away for most, for some it only worsens.
*It should be noted that multiple concerts in a short period of time can increase the impending outbreak of PCDS exponentially, so care should be taken when attending concerts close together with large breaks in between.*
**A recent discovery I have made is that severe symptoms of PCDS apply only to those who have seen a band or musician they really love. Or perhaps if they worked the show, which is what I did yesterday since I was running merch for Manna Zen.**
At this point, there is no cure for PCDS. Some suggestions for those who suffer serious symptoms are: seek support from others who suffer from PCDS, remain optimistic that the band still exists and will reappear in the future, and reminisce on all the good memories (although be warned that for some, reminiscing can make the depression worse).
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If anyone would like to extend further knowledge of PCDS or offer personal experiences, please feel free. Also, if you think of other PCDS-related information, I will be happy to add it to this main page so feel free to contact me or post your ideas in a comment. Thank you.
Personally, the beauty of being a freelance writer is the “working independently” aspect of it. I control what I post and when I post it. I do not wait to submit my material to an editor and twiddle my thumbs anxiously while I wait for a response.
Unfortunately, a lengthy article that I had written at the beginning of the year was overlooked because it was… well, lengthy. To be specific, it is three pages long in a Microsoft Word document.
Despite it being old news now, I would like to post this article anyways. It touches on the bands that I mentioned in my previous post: Manna Zen, Seven Years Past, and Not Tonight Josephine. I believe that I wrote this exceptionally well – reviews are not one of my strengths when it comes to writing. (I am practicing though!) However, it gives insight on a show that I really enjoyed so I would like to share it with my readers. Enjoy!
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Manna Zen, Seven Years Past, and Not Tonight Josephine rocked
Jacksonville
Even though it has been an entire month, I am still reeling over the show that took place on February 11 here in Jacksonville.
People who are not into the local scene(s) do not realize how much of a rarity it is for three of your favorite local bands to end up on the same bill in your town. That is especially true in a state as large as Florida, when two of those bands are from locations further south. I was fortunate enough to witness Manna Zen, Seven Years Past, and Not Tonight Josephine rock the stage at Freebird Live.
My associations with these three groups all tie in together in one way or another. Nationally-known recording artists Sick Puppies paved the way for me to Manna Zen and Not Tonight Josephine via two different shows at the beginning of 2010. (In January, I became acquaintances with a Manna Zen fan and in April, Not Tonight Josephine was one of their opening acts.) It is interesting, however, how I stumbled upon Seven Years Past.
Towards the end of last year, one of my Twitter followers tweeted that everyone should vote for Seven Years Past to play at the 97X Next Big Thing in Tampa. Since she does not even reside in the state, I was curious as to why she was rallying support for this specific Florida band. I proceeded to engage in some playful banter and declared that everyone should instead vote for Not Tonight Josephine, who was also a candidate in the same competition. Seven Years Past caught wind of this “war” and after exchanging a few friendly words, I decided to follow them and vice-versa. I then attended their first show in Jacksonville on November 13 and have been an avid supporter ever since.
Needless to say, one could imagine how excited I was when I found out that Not Tonight Josephine and Seven Years Past were scheduled to play in Jacksonville with Manna Zen. Oddly enough, Manna Zen’s vocalist, Hayden Vega, played a significant part in putting this show together. His idea originated in Tampa when he caught Not Tonight Josephine’s performance at the 97X Next Big Thing. (Yes, Not Tonight Josephine was the victor of that battle I mentioned previously.)
“There were a lot of reasons or senses as to why we did it. Or as to why I did it, I should say,” said Vega. “But I just thought it would be a really great show.”
Coincidentally, Not Tonight Josephine had a dated slated for Jacksonville at a downtown venue called Jack Rabbits on February 10. Vega attempted to get Manna Zen on that bill but was displeased with the available time slot. He opted for an opening at Freebird Live instead for the night after, which gave him an opportunity to almost put together his own line up. Vega then extended the offer to Not Tonight Josephine. However, they had already booked that date in Orlando and initially had to pass.
That is how Seven Years Past got involved. “[Manna Zen] needed a band – we wanted to perform in Jacksonville again so it was a match made in heaven,” bassist Bret Calltharp commented. “Jacksonville is a market we do well in and we hope to continue to build our fanbase there.”
After the Seven Years Past show in November, I had not hesitated in telling Calltharp about Manna Zen and insisted that he get in contact with them. Manna Zen has a solid fan base here in Jacksonville and I believed that they could help bring Seven Years Past back up. I passed along the message to Vega about Seven Years Past as well, and gave him a copy of their album, 24 Days in May.
“I was really turned on by it,” said Vega. “So we reached out to them and they were awesome. They took the show on immediately.”
Tim Hall, the owner of Jack Rabbits and the booking agent for Freebird Live, chose St. Augustine rockers, 2 Minute Wish, to fill the third spot. With Manna Zen, Seven Years Past, and 2 Minute Wish secured for the show, it all came down to finding one more local band. The cancellation of Not Tonight Josephine’s February 11 show in Orlando led their frontman, David Easlick, to contact Vega to see if his offer for the Freebird Live show still stood. In that case, with time running out and the three existing bands eager to start promoting, Not Tonight Josephine was added to the bill.
As an avid fan of the local music scene and of rock concerts in general, promotion has become a huge part of my passion for music. Therefore, once everything was confirmed, I began to publicize the event as well, utilizing all of my social networks, such as Facebook and Twitter. I even made copies of the flyer created by Manna Zen’s graphic designer and posted them around town. I was doing as much as possible on my end to ensure a decent turn-out. I also volunteered to oversee Manna Zen’s merchandise table.
This placed me in the far left-hand corner of the venue to view the show. Calltharp later joked that I looked like I was “being punished in the corner” – I, on the other hand, did not mind at all. Although I liked 2 Minute Wish, I must admit that their set did not grab complete hold of my interest. That could be attributed to the fact that I was anxious for the other bands to take the stage.
As expected, Seven Years Past did not hesitate in jumping right into the performance. They kicked off their nine-song set list with a cover of “Drop Dead Gorgeous.” As a whole and as individuals, Seven Years Past’s stage presence is enthralling. Clearly none of them were intimidated by this unfamiliar city or by the several new faces gazing up at them. Frontwoman Lisa Larkin did not rely solely on her powerful vocals to captivate the audience; she also implemented a variety of “antics.” One moment she would tug herself around in circles by her tie and the next she would engage in vigorous pelvic thrusts. Towards the end of their set, before breaking into their song, “Tuff,” Larkin shouted out to the crowd, “It’s alright! I know we’re [kind of] freaky but it’s ok to like us! It’s ok!” She looked in my direction, which prompted me to raise both fists in the air and pump them towards her. She responded playfully by sticking her tongue out and pumping a pair of devil horns right back at me. Seven Years Past wrapped up their set with “Knots” and Manna Zen was up next.
For those who have never witnessed this local Jacksonville band before, you will definitely want more after the first time. Manna Zen combines so many different styles and sounds; you cannot really place them into a specific genre. They are either a variety of genres or a genre all their own. As frontman, Hayden Vega commanded the center of the stage with a great deal of energy, never failing to gauge the crowd’s participation. He seemed to belt out the songs with ease, alternating from melodic singing to rap-rock-style vocals to screaming. Altogether, they delivered a performance that fans could not help but get absorbed in. Heavy songs like “Daft” and “Ayuda” instigated the usual head-banging, fist-pumping, and even some moshing. However, Manna Zen interrupted the “norm” of a rock concert by tossing in their famed track that reflects more reggae and funk. While it, too, is hard-hitting, “Collapse” has the type of beat that makes you want to swing your hips and nod your head. That is one lesson I learned after attending my first few Manna Zen shows… be prepared to dance!
I had momentarily stepped away from the merchandise table to record Manna Zen’s set from side-stage. Once they concluded, I returned to my position and attempted to chat up new fans while the band was still fresh in their minds. Since I had already seen, filmed, and rocked out to them the night before at Jack Rabbits, I ingested my double-dose of Not Tonight Josephine while sitting down. Not only that, fatigue was slowly descending upon me. Regardless, I was still entertained. They topped off the evening as the headlining act with a taste of what is to come on their full-length debut album, with new songs such as “Why Can’t You Stay” and “Don’t Tell Me It’s Over.” They also played their brand-new single, “Carousel,” and their cover version of “All That She Wants” by Ace of Base.
All in all, it was an amazing night. It is always a pleasure to get together with Manna Zen’s group of fans, who have become known as the “ZENation” (pronounced Zen • Nation). Their dedicated love and support for Manna Zen has even been recognized by the alternative rock station here in Jacksonville, X102.9. For me, it is humbling to be considered a part of such a tight fanbase.
“ZENation was a way to try to explain this group of fans and friends, really,” Vega remarked. “It shows that unification of what we were. We’re all embracing the Zen.”
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Also, because all three of these bands have or had shows this weekend, I felt it necessary to publish this.
Most people take the time to spend Memorial Day with their families, which typically involves barbeques, days at the beach or by the pool, etc. However, that does not apply to me. Instead, as always, I will be indulging in one of my favorite pastimes… going to concerts!
Tomorrow, May 28 - Even though I am not going, I would just like to say that my friends in Seven Years Past will be opening up for Taproot as well at The State Theatre in St. Petersburg, Florida!
Sunday, May 29 – Sick Puppies return to Florida to take the stage at the House of Blues in Orlando, Florida. It has been a while so I am definitely excited to see them again! Another favorite local band of mine, Not Tonight Josephine, is on the bill as well!
Amid all these interviews I have been posting, I would like to take a moment to thank everyone for viewing and/or reading my blog. I would especially like to give a huge thank you to my first subscriber. Hopefully you are the first of many more subscribers!
That is all I want, really. I have been writing since I was a pre-teen and I am twenty-two years old now. That is a very long time but only now have I combined two of my most extreme passions: writing and music. Sure, I do not get paid to go to concerts, I do not get paid to promote bands, I do not get paid to conduct these interviews.
So why do I do it? Because I love it. I do hope to mold this into a career of some sort, or at least get me on the right path to one. But for right now I am more than happy doing all of this freelance.
That being said, I would like to add that social networking is very important to me. Anyone is more than welcome to contact me for whatever reason and I will respond. Just last night I had someone ask me on Twitter if I would check out a band that they support. I will try to accomodate any request as long as it is reasonable and I also believe in the concept of “I help you, you help me.”
Once again, thank you for reading and I hope you continue to read (and encourage others to do so as well)!
Soon after my interview with My Darkest Days, I made my way to talk to Art Of Dying, another alternative-rock band originating from Canada. They, too, performed on the Budweiser stage at the “Welcome to Rockville” festival. I did not know what to expect when I stepped onto their tour bus, as I had never met these guys before. I was greeted with smiles, laughter and good spirits in general, and I was formally introduced to the band. However, I spoke with only two of the members: co-founder and guitarist Greg Bradley and bassist Cale Gontier. I thoroughly enjoyed conducting this interview because, well, it did not feel like an interview – it was extremely laid-back and felt more like a conversation with old friends. I hope that my readers enjoy reading it just as much.
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fallenevanfan: This is the first “Welcome to Rockville” today and I understand you guys were also part of the first “Carolina Rebellion” last night. So how does it feel to be a part of all these ‘firsts’? You guys are also on the first “Avalanche” tour?
Cale: That’s right. There is a lot of ‘firsts.’ That “Carolina Rebellion” last night was off the hook. It was insane. It was sold out, thirty-eight thousand people, and we saw all our boys there – my cousin Adam sings in Three Days [Grace] and we went to high school with the [My] Darkest Days guys, and Theory of a Deadman. There are all these Canadian bands. (laughs)
fallenevanfan: And you know what, the other two interviews I had were with Theory of a Deadman’s guitarist and My Darkest Days. It’s like I’ve been interviewing all the Canadians. (laughs)
Cale: Really? You’re runnin’ the Canadian circuit here. (laughs) It’s fantastic. That show yesterday was killer and today was super fun. The “Avalanche” tour we’ve been on for… Actually, today is the last show of the official “Avalanche” tour so that’s over and it was awesome. It was insane. All those bands are so cool, like Stone Sour, Theory of a Deadman, Skillet, Halestorm, and us. It makes it so good on tour when everyone’s just cool and everyone’s havin’ fun. That’s the way that tour was – great bands, great shows.
fallenevanfan: You guys played at 1:10 today. I was able to catch a little bit of it but I’ve been all over the place today so how do you feel you guys did today? How was your performance?
Cale: I think we nailed it.
Greg: We had some technical difficulty in the first place but, you know what, we’ve played the show so many times so it didn’t matter.
Cale: It’s always a little crazy on these festivals ‘cause there’s so many bands. Usually, like when we’re doing the “Avalanche” tour, it’s like, “Ok, everybody set their stuff up during the day and doors are at this time.” It’s very easy ‘cause everybody plays and then you take your stuff off and then the next band plays. But with these big festivals, it’s like all your shit’s side stage and then they’re like, “Alright, they’re done! Get your shit up there! Go, go, go, go, go!” (laughs) Again, I think we nailed it.
fallenevanfan: Do you guys play the same set every night?
Greg: We change it up.
Cale: Yeah, we mix it up a little bit. On the “Avalanche” tour we got a half-hour set but we did try to go on three or four minutes early and squeeze one extra song in. A half-hour set is six songs; we’ve been trying to do seven. We kinda stick with the five strongest and swap out a couple, for the most part. It’s tough when you only have six songs and it sucks to leave out a few of the songs, but something’s gotta go, right? I think we’re very open and I think a big part of our job is just to be high-energy and kill it.
fallenevanfan: What was your set today? I would assume you guys played “Die Trying”?
Cale: Oh yeah. “Die Trying” is our first single and it’s doin’ pretty good right now so we usually finish with that. So the set today was “Straight Across My Mind,” “Whole World’s Crazy,” “Raining,” “Get Thru This.” Then we did a little bit of a mellow part and so we did “Best I Can,” which is one of our favorite songs.
fallenevanfan: That is one of my favorite songs. That and “I Will Be There.” I’m in love with those songs.
Cale: Really? That’s awesome.
Greg: That’s so cool to hear that.
fallenevanfan: I read in your bio that Jonny wasn’t feelin’ all the negativity, like from a lot of the bands that he listened to. That’s what a lot of rock music is – the best stuff comes from the worst emotions. Even in “I Will Be There” or “Best I Can,” it’s kind of sad but it’s also got a sense of optimism to it. What made you guys want to take that kind of approach?
Cale: I think it’s kind of just the way we are and the way we roll as people comin’ through in the music that we’re making. We’re all pretty optimistic and positive people.
Greg: Everybody can identify with shitty things that happen in life and it’s like what you make of your life is what really matters. We hang out and have such a great time together. That’s really what we want to try and let people know, how you should live your life, basically.
Cale: I think it’s our personalities comin’ through in the songs. We’re all super happy and we have tons of fun every day and that’s pretty much why we’re doin’ what we’re doin’.
fallenevanfan: Well, kind of touching on that, that’s where the band name comes from, right? “Art of Dying”? Because dying is an inevitability so…
Cale: I know, the band name sounds heavy when people first hear it. (laughs)
fallenevanfan: It’s very contrasting because it’s the art of dying yet your lyrics are totally spun on positivity.
Cale: The band name, “Art of Dying,” comes from a longer sentence: “The art of dying is my life to live.” Which basically is, again, just how we live our lives. Your time here is limited so just make the best of it, pretty much. That’s how we roll and that’s what the band name means and that’s what a lot of the lyrics are about, that kind of thing. It’s just happy.
Greg: And positive. When you’re sitting at the dinner table with your family, it’s a really great moment. It’s like, “I love these people around me.” That’s what it is.
fallenevanfan: I’m sure it’s like that in a band too since you guys are living together, touring together, and all that. I know you guys have some history and you guys all go back so I’m sure it has to be like that every night.
Cale: Yeah, we’re all just exactly where we wanna be right now.
Greg: You can’t really top that.
fallenevanfan: So those were songs off of your album, Vices and Virtues, which was actually just released back in March. How’s the response been from that? I know you guys released a self-titled debut under Thorny Bleeder Records, which is a label that Jonny and you founded.
Cale: Yep, Jonny and Greg started that. We’ve been independent in Canada for a long time, just doin’ Canadian tours and makin’ it work. We eventually ended up signing with Intoxication Records – Dan Donegan and David Draiman from Disturbed started that label. It’s funny the way all that went down. Dan Donegan just reached out to Jonny one day, out of the blue, on the phone. He got the indie CD from a friend of a friend and he just called Jonny out of the blue and was like, “I just wanna let you know I really like what you guys are doin’ and I admire your work ethic” and that kind of stuff. Then a year goes by and he calls again, “Hey, it’s Dan, let’s go on tour.” And we’re like, “Ok!” (laughs)
fallenevanfan: Is that because they were looking into signing you guys? And you guys are their first band on Intoxication Records?
Cale: Yes, and you know, we didn’t even know at the time. Like when those phone calls went down, we had no idea that they had a label ‘cause they’d had the label for five or six years or something and they never signed anybody. And they never told us. They were just like, “Why don’t you guys come on the road?” And they were side stage watching us every night and watching every sound check. There was a first tour and then a second tour and then a third tour and then another call. It was like, “We’re flying you guys to Chicago, we gotta talk business. We wanna sign you guys.” And we were like, “Let me think for a sec… yes!” (laughs) Who knows where we’d be at if they hadn’t signed us. On MySpace? I know MySpace is old-school. (laughs)
fallenevanfan: It is, and I’m on Twitter and I tweet David Draiman sometimes. That’s actually funny because that’s how I found out about you guys was through Brian Thompson, who runs Thorny Bleeder Records.
Greg: [The DIY Daily] is so cool. I love it. Everything he tweets, everything he sends is so cool.
fallenevanfan: It is really cool and it’s funny how social networking just gets everyone connected. So do you guys like playing smaller venues or do you like the bigger arena festivals or arenas?
Greg: It’s a tough call because sometimes you love the big ones and sometimes you love the little ones.
Cale: It’s different. They’re both awesome in their own way.
Greg: You can’t really categorize.
Cale: I think playing a big outdoor festival like this has almost the same vibe as playing a small sweaty, dirty club. It’s not less cool or awesome or anything, but it’s just a little less intimate, I think.
fallenevanfan: Also, with so many bands, some people may be here for Godsmack or whatever, but while they’re waiting for Godsmack to come on, they can check out all these different bands so they might find…
Cale: Something that they like, something they didn’t expect?
fallenevanfan: Exactly. Well those are all the questions I have. Do you guys want to add anything else or do you guys have anything to ask?
Greg: We look forward to meet everybody on tour as much as we can.
Cale: I would say do your best to come out and see an Art of Dying show if you can. That’s one of our strong points, is playing live – high energy and just having fun. We like to come out after and meet absolutely everyone. We’ll be the last people out of the building every night. (laughs)
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To get a taste of Vices and Virtues, check out the official music video for Art Of Dying’s “Die Trying.”
Vices and Virtues (Reprise Records/Intoxication Records) is available for purchase in stores and online now. I advise my readers to take Cale Gontier’s advice and catch an Art Of Dying show. In fact, the band was just announced as part of the 2011 Uproar Festival lineup, along with Avenged Sevenfold, Three Days Grace, Bullet For My Valentine, Seether, Black Tide, and The Black Cloud Collective. Check out any of their following websites for more information: Art Of Dying Official Site, Facebook, and Twitter.
Also, please register for free on this website and leave some feedback. I will gladly read and respond to all comments and questions. Thank you for reading and I encourage you to share this with others.
Before their self-titled debut album was released in September of last year, the band My Darkest Days was somewhat well-known for their hit single, “Porn Star Dancing.” That song, and especially its music video, revamped the association between sex appeal and rock ‘n roll. Perhaps that contributed to their increase in popularity because it was not too long before these unknown Canadian rockers started touring the United States more than their own country. I had the opportunity to conduct a short on-site interview with them (excluding drummer Doug Oliver) shortly before they made their appearance on the Budweiser stage at the “Welcome to Rockville” festival a couple weeks ago in Jacksonville, Florida. I introduce to my readers Matt Walst (lead vocals/guitar), Sal Coz Costa (guitar/backing vocals), Brendan McMillan (bass/backing vocals), and Reid Henry (keyboard/additional guitar/backing vocals).
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fallenevanfan: I guess we’re missing Doug so it’s just you guys. This is the first “Welcome to Rockville” so how do you guys feel about being a part of that?
Sal: It’s awesome.
Brendan: Awesome. That’s two ‘firsts’ this weekend – yesterday was the first “Carolina Rebellion.”
Reid: We’re poppin’ cherries. (laughs)
fallenevanfan: What tour have you guys been on? Have you been supporting acts for a few different bands? What have you been doing?
Brendan: Three Days Grace before this one and then we’re on with Seether, obviously playing festivals in between, then back with them after this.
fallenevanfan: And you guys have been doing a couple headlining shows?
Brendan: Yeah, yeah, we just did a couple… Thursday and Friday, actually.
Reid: Savannah and Tampa.
fallenevanfan: I didn’t know you guys had a show scheduled in St. Petersburg ‘cause I didn’t see it on the website. Was it a spur-of-the-moment thing?
Brendan: It got announced like a week before it happened, I think. ‘Cause it was on our calendar as a day off and then all of a sudden they’re like, “Yeah, here, do another show.”
fallenevanfan: Almost like how Sick Puppies did when they were supporting Nickelback; they would have a couple shows in between. Speaking of Sick Puppies, the first time I saw you guys was when you were opening for Sick Puppies. That was last summer, in July, so it’s almost been a year. What all has been going on since?
Reid: Been on the road for about eleven months, supporting that record.
fallenevanfan: Almost non-stop?
Brendan: We had a couple weeks off in January but that’s it. A couple days off here and there.
Reid: We just love being on the road and being able to play with all these cool bands.
fallenevanfan: So when you guys first started out and you guys didn’t have the album… Did not having an album create a buzz when your album did drop?
Matt: Before the album, we didn’t have any exposure in America. Before that, we were only in Canada.
Sal: It’s kind of almost flipped. It’s like we’ve gotten a lot more exposure here now than we have back home.
fallenevanfan: Somebody asked me, “Isn’t Chad Kroeger their cousin or something?” So for the people who don’t know about My Darkest Days, do you want to briefly explain how Chad Kroeger helped you guys out?
Matt: (laughs) No, Chad Kroeger isn’t our cousin. He just listened to our demo CD, said he liked the songs and then we started writing songs together. That’s pretty much it. Brad, my brother, shot him the demo while they were on tour together. He co-produced our CD and now we’re here.
fallenevanfan: You guys haven’t opened for Nickelback before, have you?
Brendan: No, not yet.
fallenevanfan: Do you guys think there’s any plan on that since he helped you guys?
Matt: Someday. (sings) Someday, somehow, we’ll open up for Nickelback but not right now.
(Everyone laughs.)
fallenevanfan: I know there’s been a lot of crazy things, like your bus flipped. What other crazy tour stories do you guys want to share from the eleven months you’ve been on tour?
Reid: Is this a PG audience thing? (laughs)
Matt: It’s just been fun, man. Playing a show every day. Same old thing but, you know, it’s great… Hopefully we can do it for a long, long time.
fallenevanfan: Do you guys like smaller venues, like the one you did in St. Petersburg, or do you like the larger arenas or festivals?
Matt: Both have different benefits. I like playing in small clubs ‘cause you can hear yourself better. I like playing outdoors ‘cause people are drunk. (laughs)
fallenevanfan: And you reach a bigger fan base, especially with festivals like this, with fans basically from wherever – you have so many different bands. How are you guys preparing for the show that you guys have at 5:00PM, 5:20PM, something like that?
Matt: Five o’ clock. Yeah, we’re gonna have a couple beers, loosen up.
Reid: Stretch.
Brendan: Hang out, listen to Stone Temple Pilots and some Audioslave, if we got time.
fallenevanfan: Where do you guys go next?
Reid: Cincinnati.
fallenevanfan: Is that tomorrow?
Reid: No, [tomorrow’s] a day off.
fallenevanfan: (to Sal) Oh, no wonder you were asking me about the beach. (laughs) With this weather, the beach would be nice.
Reid: First time we were ever in Florida as a band, I remember Matt and Sal, literally right before soundcheck, ran across the street to the beach and went swimming. They came onstage soaking wet. (laughs)
fallenevanfan: That’s how you do it! Well, I will let you guys go and get ready. Thank you for talking with me. Anything else you guys want to add or ask or anything?
Brendan: Hit up our website. “Move Your Body” is the new single. Check it out, request it.
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Unfortunately, the official music video for “Move Your Body” has yet to be made available to viewers in the United States. So, check out the video for “Porn Star Dancing” instead!
MyDarkest Days (Island Def Jam/Mercury U.S.A. & Mountainview/604/Universal Canada) is available for purchase in stores and online now. Check out any of their following websites for more information: My Darkest Days Official Website, Facebook, and Twitter. Also, please register for free on this website and leave some feedback. I will gladly read and respond to all comments and questions. Thank you for reading and I encourage you to share this with others.
In my opinion, Manna Zen is one of the most well-known local bands in Jacksonville, Florida. Before I ever saw them live, I heard of them not once, but twice, from two different people. So I figured they had to be popular (no pun intended!) and I decided to check them out. Like a majority of bands, the existing studio recordings of their songs “Popular” and “Spit” do not do them justice. Live, Manna Zen is a force to be reckoned with and the initial experience will leave you craving more. On Wednesday, May 4, I had the opportunity to meet with the band in their place of “Zen,” the quarters in which they practice. I thoroughly enjoyed conducting this interview because not only did I get some insight on five extremely talented musicians, I also got to spend time with five people who are becoming fast friends. So, I present to you the men of Manna Zen: Hayden (vocals), Rob (lead guitar), Donny (rhythm guitar), Joe (bass) and Mike (drums).
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fallenevanfan: Thank you guys for taking the time to sit down and talk with me.
Rob: Our pleasure.
Joe: Thank you.
fallenevanfan: For the readers who are unfamiliar with Manna Zen, would you please explain exactly what your band name means and stands for?
Hayden: What does the name mean? That music is life and life is music. Keep it simple… Do you want the actual definition? “Manna” is the food given to the Israelites in the desert when they were travelling on their mecca and “Zen,” of course, is obviously the internal peace within, both being that for us music is the inner zen that helps balance everything in life
Joe: Music leads to enlightenment, for us, I reckon.
Hayden: There’s a thousand ways to put it.
Rob: Multiple translations.
Donny: You could also translate it, ‘cause manna spoiled daily so it could be your daily zen.
fallenevanfan: How would you describe Manna Zen’s sound and how has it evolved?
Mike: It’s evolved quite a bit.
Hayden: It has evolved.
Joe: I’d have to go with, as far as the current sound, we’re kinda still shootin’ for it, really, I think. I mean, we haven’t really found a particular niche, which is kind of our niche.
Mike: Well we all come from different backgrounds.
Hayden: Different genre types and we come into the room and then we try to mix our thoughts and our genres and our styles and our personalities.
Donny: We don’t really wanna be labeled as, “Oh they’re a metal band or they’re a death metal band or they’re a pop band or they’re a funk band.”
Mike: It’s very versatile.
Hayden: It’s a little bit of everything for everybody.
Rob: It’s rock music – it’s a very broad and general term but that’s about as close as I can get.
Donny: You know how you go hear a band and by the time you hear five songs, you’re like, “Didn’t they just play that song?” That’s kinda what we’re trying to stay away from.
fallenevanfan: Well, kind of branching out from that, what bands and/or musicians influence your individual styles?
Joe: Pantera, Type O Negative, and Mudvayne.
Mike: Vinnie Paul, Mike Portnoy.
Rob: I listen to a lot of punk rock, like Goldfinger, but at the exact same time, guitar wise, influenced by people like Paul Gilbert.
Joe: Everything from Pantera to Spyro Gyra and everything in between.
Hayden: I like everything. There’s really not a [specific] style or class that I like. My thing has always been if it’s real, then I like it. I don’t care if it’s pop, as long as the heart behind it is real and genuine about what they’re doing. Influence wise, I’ve liked a ton of singers from Robert Plant to Chris Robinson from Black Crowes. I even like modern artists like Justin Timberlake or stuff like that. Really, to me, if the artist is genuine, then that’s fine with me. I like it all.
Joe: We could probably be compared to a newer, if I had to pick, Faith No More… Faith No More is a big influence too.
Mike: Incubus. We’ve been compared to Incubus quite a bit.
Donny: My influences come from Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin. But then they evolved into Metallica and Slayer and Sepultura and Corrosion of Conformity. Later on I got more into radio-play stuff but it’s still gotta have a heavy edge.
Rob: A broad spectrum of influences. If it rocks, I’ll listen to it.
fallenevanfan: Rob, you’re the newest member so what do you… or even you guys can answer this, what do you feel he brings to Manna Zen that you guys didn’t have before?
Donny: Versatility. He’s very versatile.
Rob: Lead guitar parts, for starters. We’re starting to branch out and actually put in guitar solos and guitar leads. That’d be one thing.
Hayden: Back-up vocals.
Mike: I personally think he brings wittiness into the band.
Hayden: (to Rob) I think you bring a lot of energy. I think you bring a lot of intelligence to your style… your tones and your method of how you play is just phenomenal because it really impacts sometimes what we’re doing and at the same time it helps broaden what we’re doing.
Joe: (to Rob) It’s the fearless approach you have for everything too. You’re not scared to down tune. You’re not scared to play anything we throw at you.
Hayden: (to Rob) And definitely onstage, you definitely bring a lot of energy.
Rob: I’m pretty easy-going so I’ll do about anything. I have a lot of versatility in my playing. I have a lot of blues background and some jazz. I really like heavy, distorted guitars and everything but at the same time I like to clean it up just a little bit.
fallenevanfan: You just recently played the final show for the “Rockville Rumble,” a battle-of-the-bands competition for a spot at Welcome to Rockville. Go ahead and talk about the process and what Manna Zen’s final results were.
Joe: We got up there and kicked that ass! (laughs)
Rob: We did really well.
Donny: Put it this way – when we left, everybody hated us.
Hayden: The results actually were pretty good. We ended up with a really excellent time slot for us. We ended up with an early afternoon slot compared to a later afternoon slot so we’re not gonna be competing with a lot of major bands that are playing that night. We probably could’ve taken it up further but I was really happy with the results of the show and actually, I was really happy with the performance of the show. So I think it all worked out really well.
Rob: It’s just another show… You think about all the stuff beforehand but once you get on there, you realize, you just wanna go up there and have fun.
Joe: It was just a matter of making sure we picked a few songs we knew were gonna go over well and deciding if we were gonna play the new stuff that we got. Since we did and it was well-received, I think that had a lot to do with it, pulling out some surprises that nobody expected.
Hayden: We did get to play a new song that night.
Rob: We got a good response and we’re gonna have more new songs coming here in the future.
Hayden: And again, it’s not with any genre in mind or any type. I mean, we are getting progressively a little harder but at the same time, we have a song like “The Dream” which kinda brings us to back to some of the roots of what we do, which is just basically music for everyone.
Joe: Keeping it accessible for everybody’s ears.
fallenevanfan: Did you ever think that you would be playing in the same festival with national acts like Godsmack, Seether, etc.? What are your thoughts/feelings?
Mike: It’s always been a dream.
Rob: It’s been pretty exciting.
Hayden: It is really exciting. It’s kinda what you always want and hope for, to be able to play with big bands like that. So for us to have that chance now is just, it’s great.
Joe: Even aside from the opportunities that could come out of this, it’s still just gonna be badass to play with all those big bands. And it’s gonna look real good on the Manna Zen resume! (laughs)
Rob: We’re definitely excited about that and we’re really excited about “Rock on the River.”
fallenevanfan: Ok, well then I’ll go ahead and jump to that question… you guys are the only local band to share that stage with Sick Puppies, Panic! At The Disco, The Airborne Toxic Event, Awolnation, and Hugo. How did that happen?
Joe: We kicked ass and somebody noticed. (laughs)
Hayden: We had noticed on Facebook that 102.9 was putting on an event that they had done last year. “InkVamp,” who helps run the website, went ahead and saw that they had just started blogging about it and putting it out there. So what she did was she asked them basically are they having any local bands and at that time, they had already been considering us to do the show. But I guess when we reached out it was kind of a zen thing; we’re reaching out the same time they’re considering us and it was just perfect. So we reached out to them, they stewed over for about twelve hours, and they hit us up the next day and told us that we’re on the event. Coming out of it, we did get to find out that at least right now, definitely for sure, the radio station locally here… we’re on their radar and we know that they like us and that they’re very happy with us. They were very ecstatic about putting us on the show. Very supportive.
Rob: In the advertisement, we’re mentioned on it. Every time I hear it, I get really happy. (laughs)
fallenevanfan: They’ve even recognized your fans… how do you guys feel about that, that the “ZENation” is basically recognized [by Jacksonville’s New Rock Alternative X102.9]?
Rob: If it wasn’t for ZENation, who knows…
Hayden: It’s become synonymous with us. It’s one of the things that we found out last year when we were doing a battle for “The Big Ticket.” X102.9 had reached out to us and not only said a lot of kind words about the band itself but actually talked about the fan base itself, saying that we have one of the craziest and awesome fan bases out there. The thing about our fan base is that they really love music, just like the band really loves music and they all come from different genres and all different styles. But they really found something in us to put into it.
Rob: And they move!
Donny: The other thing about them is that they’re not just there for us – they go to other people’s shows too.
Joe: They’re music fans, not just Manna Zen fans. They go to all the different shows around here.
Hayden: It’s just that once we’re putting a show together, it’s a collection place for them to get together and show their love for us and again, show their love for the other local bands out here. But yeah, ZENation is awesome. I love ZENation.
fallenevanfan: May is a busy month for Manna Zen aside from Rockville and “Rock on the River.” What else do you guys have going on, as far as shows?
Hayden: Nonpoint this Saturday coming up and then Taproot on the 27th of May, prior to the “Rock on the River.” Those two shows alone, falling on the same month alone, without “Rock on the River” and without Rockville, would’ve been a superb month alone. But the addition of these two big festivals to be on is just…
Mike: It’s an honor.
Hayden: It’s a real big honor.
fallenevanfan: What do you anticipate for all these shows and what, if anything, do you expect or, maybe, I guess, anticipate to happen?
Joe: Huge amounts of money and worldwide fame. (laughs)
Mike: Exposure.
Rob: People taking interest.
Mike: Gaining a bigger fan base and hopefully getting to talk to the right people to where maybe we can do this full-time.
Hayden: It’s a lot of justification for all the work we’ve been doing to get there. That’s the biggest part about being put on shows like “Rock on the River.”
Joe: It is gratifying.
Hayden: It finally feels gratifying to be doing the work we’ve been doing and being accepted for it. But really, a lot of the work has been after we really put this line-up together. At that point I got to look across the board and say, “Why are we not gonna get picked up or signed or be in these kind of shows?” because, for once, we finally have a lot of talent in this room. Again, that comes back to being gratifying to know that we’re all working in this room and we all separately can do our own things. That’s no problem; we all have the talent and ability to do that. But we come in this room just like our fans come to our shows. They can be at another show somewhere else but they come to our show and I think that’s the biggest part, is coming here and working at it and now we have this ability to maybe take a big step after “Rock on the River.” That’s what you work for.
fallenevanfan: So hopefully this interview will get you guys exposure. Do you have anything else you guys want to add?
Hayden: I would like to add that we really do appreciate the fans that have really been supporting us because we had a few years where we were in a limbo state and they really kept us coming and going to shows. They really kept us going and it’s nice to see that grow. The biggest thing about it, really, is that a lot of the fans, including you, have been pushing us out there and putting us on Facebook and tweeting about us, and that is something that we really appreciate because that’s additional exposure that we don’t have to work at doing.
Rob: Thank you. Stay Zen!
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Play the video below to hear Manna Zen’s latest and newest song, “Six Words (Throat Punch).”
Also, check out the “ZENation” in action!
While Manna Zen have already played a couple of the shows mentioned (i.e. Nonpoint on May 7 and the “Welcome to Rockville” festival on May 8), it is not too late to catch a couple more! They will be appearing with Taproot on Friday, May 27 at Brewster’s Pit and on Jacksonville’s New Rock Alternative X102.9’s “Rock on the River II” with Sick Puppies on Monday, May 30 at the Jacksonville Landing. Check out any of their following websites for more information: Facebook, Twitter, and ReverbNation.
Also, please register for free on this website and leave some feedback. I will gladly read and respond to all comments and questions. Thank you for reading and I encourage you to share this with others.
It is only appropriate that I would publish a post with the word “doomsday” in the title, today of all days. Readers, you may be unaware of this but before the Rapture, Tuesday, April 26, 2011 had been long anticipated as “DOOMSDAY.” You might be curious as to why that is. Well, that was the day of the official release of Atavist, the highly-anticipated new record from the metal band Otep. I had the privilege of corresponding with the lead singer via email the day preceding “DOOMSDAY.” So, I proudly present my interview with Otep Shamaya, “the noble savage herself.”
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fallenevanfan: First of all … I would like to sincerely thank you for taking the time to sit down and answer these questions. I would also like to express my deepest gratitude – you are very influential to me as an artist and as a strong female role model, and it is an extreme honor to have the opportunity to interview you.
Otep Shamaya: Thanks for the opportunity.
fallenevanfan: The first Otep song I ever heard was “Head,” from your album Smash the Control Machine (2009). It was featured on an episode of season three of HBO’s True Blood last summer. How was your song chosen for the show, and why that song specifically?
Otep Shamaya: I’m not sure how the process works. I received an email from the label that read, “Check this out” with a youtube link and an air date of the episode. I am very proud that our song was on the show. I am a huge fan of the series and am really excited about the new one.
fallenevanfan: True Blood touches on a variety of mythical creatures, such as vampires, werewolves, shape shifters, fairies, etc. If you could be any mythical creature, which one would you choose and why?
Otep Shamaya: A shapeshifter, because then I could be all of these, I could be anything.
fallenevanfan: Needless to say, I was (and still am) awestruck by your powerful vocals. Tell me what instigated your desire to get into the metal genre and how you have honed your screaming skills throughout your career as a musician.
Otep Shamaya: I wanted to make the most emotionally aggressive, in your face, gut punch, head nourishing, spiritually healing music I could and this genre seemed to be perfect. I take care of my throat as one would a 300 year old Stradivarius violin.
fallenevanfan: However, screaming is not the only talent you possess. Upon listening to Smash the Control Machine, I noticed that your musical palette also ranges from melodic singing to rap-rock-style vocals to simple speaking, as if you are reading poetry (I say that in reference to “Kisses & Kerosene”). Describe to me why you delve into these different vocal styles.
Otep Shamaya: I let the songs build themselves. Whatever they require, I try to indulge.
fallenevanfan: Out of Otep’s entire discography, I would have to say that the album The Ascension (2007) is my current favorite. Personally, do you have an album that you favor more than any of your others? If so, why?
Otep Shamaya: ATAVIST is my current favorite. It’s a very personal album and does everything I ever wanted to do as a singer, poet, and songwriter.
fallenevanfan: Speaking of albums, your fifth full-length studio album, Atavist (courtesy of Victory Records), drops tomorrow, April 26th. It seems like only a short while ago that you were tweeting about writing material for a new record. Has it seemed like a short while for you or have you been anticipating it just as much as your fans? What your thoughts and/or feelings in regards to its release?
Otep Shamaya: I am very proud but there are no words as to how I feel. It’s beautiful.
fallenevanfan: After hearing the first single “Fists Fall” and your cover of The Doors’ “Not to Touch the Earth” I cannot wait to hear the rest of the songs. Do you have a favorite song from Atavist? If so, which one and why?
Otep Shamaya: They all have equal importance and equal value. I admit that ATOM to ADAM is the first song to come to mind every time someone asks me this question. Second to mind is WE DREAM LIKE LIONS.
fallenevanfan: “Fists Fall” also has an official music video that I described on my Twitter as “fierce.” Tell me what the inspiration behind the lyrics was and how you came up with the video concept.
Otep Shamaya: It’s not important if we win or lose the fight, what is important is that we fight.
fallenevanfan: In this day and age, it is crucial, almost necessary, for musicians and bands to be involved in social networking. I know that you are an active participant on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, etc. and even update them yourself to communicate and stay in touch with your fans. What are your motives behind this?
Otep Shamaya: -To maintain contact and communicate with my fans and supporters. To keep the circle of friends and allies tight. To let everyone like me know, they are not alone.
fallenevanfan: Your fans have come to be collectively known as “The Tribe of Otep” or quite simply, “The Tribe.” Where did that come from and how do you feel about it?
Otep Shamaya: As a species, we are inherently tribal. Technology allows us to connect to each other, those who think, feel, believe, and fight they way we do.
fallenevanfan: You recently did an FYE in-store appearance that allowed you to meet some of your fans directly. After that, I assume you are anxious to get back out on the road and meet countless others. What are your touring plans?
Otep Shamaya: To be announced very soon.
fallenevanfan: That consists of my questionnaire. Thank you, Otep Shamaya … Is there anything that you would like to add, or even ask?
Otep Shamaya: Art saves.
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To get a taste of Atavist, check out the official music video for Otep’s “Fists Fall.”
Atavist (Victory Records) is available for purchase in stores and online now. (Personally, I give it five stars!) Also, please register for free on this website and leave some feedback. I will gladly read and respond to all comments and questions. Thank you for reading and I encourage you to share this with others.
“It’s alright! I know we’re kinda freaky but it’s ok to like us! It’s ok!”
Infamous words from frontwoman Lisa Larkin of Seven Years Past, an alternative-rock band based in Sarasota, Florida. She shouted this out to the crowd in the above video on Friday, February 11, 2011 before breaking into their song, “Tuff.”
Now, I use this quote to introduce myself to you readers.
