Happy New Year's TO ALL!!!

Happy New Year's to ALL please be safe out there and remember to call a TAXI, Friend, Family or someone if you can't DRIVE HOME! 210-222-222 is San Antonio's Taxi Service. 

Please keep in mind, you guys & gals are precious people, don't do STUPID! Have fun but not too much! 

Scott Stapp: Proof Of Life Album Review

So I decided to Check out the Album "Scott Stapp: Proof Of Life" since he will be coming to this great city of San Antonio on March 22, 2014 Live at Backstage Live with special guest by our own cities finest , "AUDIOMOUTH." 

The Album Released on November 5, 2013 which is an album of his new taste and visions of his past and his present life. Researching his last band, "Creed" and "Scott Stapp" I ran into his personal life and what the media presented the singer's past of infidelities, drugs and trying to commit suicide. Some of the things I found out were things I have never heard about or don't recall when listening to him and his band in HIgh School. But reading and listening to this album fully, this album sums up him overcoming these demons and as well made him want to tell his stories through his music. 

Here is Scott Stapp's Video of his hits: "Slow Suicide" 

This song personally touched me with the words, the visual of what life is if you just don't let other people, and things stop you from becoming who you are. You are your own human (self), and have your own mind, do what you feel is right succeed. We all fall yes, but you need to get up and look fear in the face. 

Checking out the rest of the album, had a lot of songs and lyrics that will get you in a "praise mood." the other few songs on the album: "Who Am I", "Proof Of Life", "New Day Coming", "Only One", "Break Out", "Hit Me More", "Jesus Was A Rockstar", "What Would Love Do", "Crash", & "Dying To Live". What all the songs have in common is they are heartfelt, with lyrics that are powerful, & passionate. The songs are melodic, gritty and catchy with just his powerful voice. 

Ya'll can get the album at any website (i.e. Amazon, iTunes), or even at your local Music Store. Please check it out as well on YouTube and just type in a few of the songs and take a listen to the song, which I mentioned or any of the few that are on the album and see what you think. 

OH YEAH......

Check out AUDIOMOUTH and the Music of this AWESOME BAND Locally here in SAN ANTONIO, TX!!!! 

You can get the tickets to the show HERE: 

Frontgate Tickets

Or YOU can go to the Local Outlets: 

Blackfly: Metamorphosis(located at Ingram Park Mall-Next to Chick-fil-a)

Flip side Record Parlor 

Propaganda Palace 

Elora & Gasoline Alley Live @ Ingram Park Mall 12/15/13

WOW!! Amazing Acoustic playing with Elora & Gasoline Alley! The music was very intimate and everyone who was there, actually loved her & the band. They played for "Tunes For Tots" donations which everyone one there actually contributed. Even if it is little, people still showed their support for the band and for the foundation. Elora actually went out the audience to sing to them, danced with the kids and walked around the area of where the audience were standing and watching the performance. They even played there AWESOME HIT which I personally love, "You Girl Tonight" Acoustic! Very personally and makes you relate in your personal life with relationships, young and old alike. To top it off they ended their set with "Dead or Alive" Cover By Bon Jovi. Just Incredible! You GOT TO CHECK HER OUT! This band is out of this WORLD GREAT Acoustically and Eclectically!!  PLEASE LIKE, AND ADD THEM ON  REVERBNATION HERE:
Elora & Gasoline Alley
Elora Valdez (REVEBNATION)
Elora Valdez(FACEBOOK)
Elora's World (TWITTER)
Elora's World Music (WEBSITE)

Some Photo's I Took:

They Have ONE more performance this year which is the Paint Palooza December 20th! Got to check them OUT!

ScissorJack With Haze & Screaming In Silence Live @ Zombies Bar & Live Music "Adrian's Birthday Bash" 12/14/13

So I haven't been to this location or even been to Zombies in about 5 years or so to Check out ScissorJack, and realized it wasn't where I thought it was. They moved locations due to Wal-Mart wanting that space (Assholes!).

ANYWHO, when I finally found the place, Haze was still playing there set. These guys sound great together! The last time I heard them was at Fitzgerald's and the sound was a bit "different" but last night, TOTALLY Blew ME AWAY! You guys & gals need to check them OUT!

So I talked to Mr. Joseph (Singer of ScissorJack) about how he rocked out with his vocals, had the crowd going, and as well were pondering the genre of his band. I can't describe the sound but what I know in terms, it's rock music with a flavor of other genres (no, not Rap or R&B). Their set up was nice and as well they played originals, no covers, which to me is something I truly love. Originals means something to me because the band puts something together as a team and actually play it with all there mind and heart. Definitely check them out and tell me what genre you hear in the music

I wish I could have seen Screaming In Silence but I had to work :( But will definitely check them out and let you guys know! Here's a Few Photos and Links to the Bands:
Screaming In Silence
Haze
ScissorJack
Zombies Bar & Live Music


ScissorJack

Trivium, DevilDriver, After The Burial, & Thy Will Be Done Live @ White Rabbit Wednesday December 11th 2013

Some Pictures I thought I would share with you guys! If you didn't go to the show, YOU MISSED A LOT of fun with other Trivium,&  DevilDriver fans! So much Energy was passed around. From moshing in the pits, to headbanging to old school songs, to singing along with the band.I believe that's why all the bands played very well and I am definitely going to check out the opening bands: Thy Will Be Done & After The Burial  because they did GREAT AS WELL!!! I actually could understand what they were singing and as well about. I hope you guys try to catch a show from these guys because it is SO WORTH YOUR TIME TO CHECK THEM OUT!  

 DevilDriver:

Trivium:
Stage Set up was AWESOME!!!

Last but NOT LEAST I Bought a Meet & Greet Pass So I got a few things and as well a photo with them!

Signed Poster

Signed CD 

Matt Heafy's Pick He Gave ME (and signed)

Picture with the Group

"SA Lights Journey Tribute Band" November 30th 2013 Live at ER Bar

INCREDIBLE Journey back in time with these guys! You Guys gotta check out SA Lights Journey Tribute Band!! With the Voice of Gabe Munoz & his Rock'n Talented Band, these guys know what a cover band should sound like. What makes this cover band sounds amazing and so authentic is the instruments. The keyboardist, the guitars, bass, drums make the singer and the sound sound INCREDIBLE! *Minus the technical Glitches, they kept going without a hesitation. You will want to sing along, air guitar, and move when Gabe, and his band start to play any of the Journey songs or Spanish rock music, I GUARANTEE IT!

Ya'll Gotta check these guys out! What I even liked was that he would talk to the audience and make sure everyone was having a great time and as well met with fans during his break. I wish I could have stayed for the seconded set but I had to call it a night.

They have another show coming up on December 4th @ Serna's Backyard Sports Bar
21+ Only & NO COVER! You Can't Beat THAT! Music starts at 9:30pm
You DON'T WANT TO MISS THIS "JOURNEY EXPERIENCE!!"
Check out the Event Page: HERE
Check out the Band Page: SA Lights Journey Tribute

Trivium "Vengeance Falls"

*Just a little note (before I discuss the pros and cons of this album):

With my busy schedule with school, working, and teaching private lessons, I finally had the urge to put something out since I have had a few people ask me, “What’s been going on with the blog?” “Are you still alive?” “What shows have you been to lately?” Yes, I AM ALIVE, I do and still have the blog, I plan on doing more with it as soon as the break comes around for me (when school is out), and as well, I will be able to go to more performances. Life isn’t easy breeze and it is not all fun and games. Got to stick with YOUR PRIORITIES FIRST! -Kat

……………………………………………………………………………………………………

Trivium is one of my most favorite bands rocking out since 2000. They have a flash sound of Heavy, Progressive, Metalcore, Speed, Power, Djent, Ñu metal, Metalcore & Doom Metal.

Why do I like this band so much? Because one, they are smart, they don’t use normal vocabulary to describe things such as  people,  issues in the world, past,& present, of war, stories,& personal experiences. They as well  keep your head spiraling around for MORE! 

“Vengeance Falls” Came out on October 15^TH of this year(2013) which did poses the question was it going to better than “In waves?” A few reviews that I read and researched on, it was half and half of what to expect with Trivium with their new album being produced with David Draiman (of Disturbed). Will it sound like disturbed? Will it be better than “In Waves?”

I took a listen of this album in less than an hour (most of the songs are less than 5 minutes) and would personally describe this album as “different”. Matt Heafy actually “sings” more than usual. It has a personal touch to it like he uses less of his screaming/thrash voice. I think he wanted to get the words out this time on this album. The melodic and harmony of his voice has actually bloomed over the years from the previous albums. I know this for a fact because one of my siblings would always say, “it’s the same sounds throughout the whole album, just with different words.” Trivium has actually made a comeback by trying new things, especially with this album.

“Brave This Storm” is the first song on the album which is very complex with of course, voice, screaming of guitars and drums. Matt (singer), is actually singing through the whole song which is a bit different in most of his songs he tends to sing. But towards the song he does do a minimal of screaming.

“Vengeance Fall” is the second song that of course has a lot of melodic tones with the guitars and bass. The song actually sounds pretty well with Matt’s voice. This is the first song that I actually hear Matt “singing.” What I mean by that is actually him singing the notes. Like singing 8^th notes and going up and down the scale. Which I think is cool because he just doesn’t scream, he’s showing us he can ACTUALLY SING Melodies.

“Strife” At the beginning of the song it kind of sounds techno-ish or sorry to say a bit like Avenged Sevenfold (Sorry but it does). I don’t have much to say about it just “different”

“No Way To Heal” was an actually one of the best songs on this album. I have a lot of relation with this song, and if you hear it, you will feel the same. An example: Sometimes I personally feel like I’m: “Running on empty, chasing a dead dream, all out of time, clutching the will, only to feel, no way to heal.” Its life, we have to keep going no matter what!

“To Believe” sounds a bit like a “Disturbed” song. YES I SAID IT! It kind of sounds like a bit of a rap when he says the words (this is the intro). After a while, I decided to just say, “it’s a song, not a favorite.”

“At The End Of This War” has Matt singing & the acoustic guitar introducing the song so I had a feeling this song was going to be great. Again, he does use his “singing voice” but this one song does feel like his genre of music (what he is comfortable of singing and something fans are used to him singing like).

“Through Blood and Dirt and Bone” made me think of the old school music when they first started. Great melodies, riffs, voice blends to compliment the bass, guitar and the drums.

“Villainy Thrives” kind of has a “pop-ish” sound to it but it still has a grunge sound. So this song I would categorize it as a rock song, not metal.

“Incineration: The Broken World” this song actually was another favorite of mine because the voice of Matt actually goes with the riffs and sound. He does yell out the words but still keeps you wanting to bang your head to the beats. Plus this song actually can keep you calm. I know it sounds weird but I think it’s because it isn’t as hard as “No Way To Heal.”

(Last but NOT Least)

"Wake (The End Is Nigh)" introduction sounded very much mellow with the guitar being very calm and hearing Matt’s voice from baritone to his higher range actually made this song go from calm to crazy fast. For example when it’s slow and calm, the drums come in and bring you to a feeling of something is going to happen, fast or even making you want to EXPLODE(we ALL have had those feeling before).

Overall, I give this album an 8/10. I think I wanted to hear more of the screaming tones like he has always done because he has done it throughout their careers. I like at least how he actually sang more or less of his usually screaming/yelling. It IS something NEW and a refreshingly new to Trivium fans. I think some people believe the sound of the album and songs are like David Draiman. Some people think he made him sing like this but I think, and believe that Matt, and the rest of the band wanted a new flavor to work with. I also believe they wanted a challenge, and experiment to show everyone that they can do anything. Go get the album, tell me what you think as well on blogger or on Facebook (you can as well get a digital copy online i.e. iTunes, Amazon, Kindle(s) just to name a few). 

I can’t wait till this band comes to San Antonio! I hope to hear a few of their songs (especially the one’s I really liked) from the new album. And hopefully, they WILL play the songs that the fan’s love from previous albums.

Hope to see you guys December 11^th 2013 at The White Rabbit!

-Kat

Even In Death "My Enemy Will Fear Me" CD Release Party October 4th 2013 Live at Bonds 007 Rock Bar

I had the privilege, & honor to interview this amazing, talented young artist, Even In Death on October 4, 2013. I personally am very opened to new, and growing young artist who are in the music business. Apart of me always hesitates on young musicians because they are still developing their talent. These guys, NO WAY! THEY BLEW ME AWAY! Hearing them live and listened to their album (Prior to the show), these guys have what it takes! I was amazed on how much energy the room had and how many people came out. Young and Old alike, they HAVE a following. 

The Band consist of: 

Singer: Spencer Atchison, 21

Guitarist( Lead):Danny Triano, 18

Guitarist(Rhythm): Joshua Calderon, 20

Bass Guitarist: Mark Perez,15

Drummer: Ryan Valdez, 18

I got to ask a few questions after their set was done, which I kind of felt bad because I realized they JUST got done playing and wanted to make sure they were okay to even do it at that moment, but they were cool talking to me after the set. 

Kat: "Who influenced you guys to be "rock" musicians?" 

Ryan: When I was 12 years old, listening to Jason West, I never had lessons, and just taught myself. 

Mark: I've been playing piano for 4 years, played guitar at age 6, listened to Metallica, Slayer, Anthrax, Ron Jarzombek, I just Love music!

Spencer: Ozzy Osborne & Sevendust. At 7 years old I did many competitions. 

Danny: at 5 years old, I was FORCED to play the violin. I went to guitar instead (no lessons) of sports and inspirations would be slipknot and Lamb Of God. 

Kat: "Why did you guys chose music over anything else?"

Mark: Music is more fun.
Ryan: Love it! When your down, its a picker upper.
Spencer: Happier, connected with other people

Kat: "Do you guys have a hobby that people might think is weird?" 

Mark: an hour a day i draw on my wall.

Kat: "What kind(s) of sacrifices have ya'll made to get where you are now?"

Spencer: Gas! and hanging out with friends.
Danny: I had to leave for a year to finish school.
Ryan: Playing sports

Kat: "How Long have you guys been playing together?"

Even In Death: 4-5 months
Kat: What!? Impressive! Ya'll play like PRO'S!

Kat: "What drew you guys together?" 

Even In Death: The First Audition of Spencer and Mark from his sports injury. We just flowed together very well.

Kat: "Where do you guys draw your inspirations for your songs (originals)?"

Even In Death: Practicing, trying new things, its all in the head, bringing a different of variety of sounds.

Kat: "Who writes the songs?" 

Even In Death: Everyone, Spencer comes up with the lyrics and the group plays along with the words.
Kat: Excellent! 

Kat: "Any REGRETS choosing this path?"

Even In Death: No REGRETS!


Kat: "Who came up with the Title 'My Enemy Will Fear Me' is there an importance to this?"

Even In Death: It just came natural, It was just a perfect title.

Kat: "Later down the line, do you guys plan on changing the genre(i.e. rock-rock pop)?"

Even In Death: NO! because sound is different and would regret to go to that level.

Kat: "What do you guys classify yourself in what genre?"

Spencer: Just, ROCK, Straight up ROCK.

Kat: "Do you believe bands should have live tracks in their live performances?" "Is that music?"

Spencer : Effects on a CD are okay, some bands have the exceptions, like Nine Inch Nails. Less is More.

Ryan: I don't think its music.
(concluded interview)

     I personally love their sound and can't really find anything wrong with these guys. They seem very laid back, LOVE what they do, and play some AWESOME tunes that will make your ears ring for the RIGHT REASONS! They do, however do covers from old school rock/thrash/metal/nu metal/rock. (My Favorite cover that I heard was Billy Idol's Rebel Yeah with their OWN flavor to it, ITS JUST AWESOME!) A few reasons why they changed the name was because other past members that were in the band were known as Night Train, and as well known as a cover band. NOW, Even In Death is the name which is NOW and WILL BE FOREVER, NAMED: EVEN IN DEATH!!!!!!!!!!!!

    *On another note, this show had a special add to it which was for their single, "Freeze" video recorded by Rick Rodriguez(Center Stage Productions) and David Murray(San Antonio's Rock & Roller's For Our Country Motorsports). Check out their pages and ASAP, They WILL have the video out!

The Line up!

YOU GUYS NEED TO CHECK OUT THESE BANDS AS WELL!! THEY GOT THE PARTY STARTED AND HYPED UP!!

Jessikill Of The Dead
Reverand Timmy Outlaw
Heather Leather

The Announcer! Michael Monroe
Know's how to get the crowd going and a HUGE Supporter for ALL MUSICIANS!

*Last but NOT LEAST, THANK YOU, EDWARD(Manager of Even In Death) for letting me get a chance to talk, hang out and giving me an opportunity to do this. Take GOOD CARE of these guys! They Need all the help and SUPPORT from everyone including YOU!

Metallica Through The Never September 30, 2013

     So I went to see Metallica Through The Never "Movie"  at The Palladium IMAX theater and I got to say, WOW! You have to see this movie at an IMAX Theater. WHY you ask?

     Well, ONE, the sound is just AMAZING! When the music started, I felt like I was at the concert myself. I even shouted out to my friend and shouted to her, "The sound is like were at a concert!" 

     Secondly, If you know, and Love old school Metallica YOU WILL Sing along. I know I did! 

I started to reminisce about my past when all the songs were playing and I even knew what song was next because of how the story was playing out. 

     What was the story line? Well, from Metallica through the never site, "Trip, a young roadie sent on an urgent mission that turns into a surreal adventure, while Metallica performs its most iconic songs during a roaring live set in front of a sold-out arena" (from http://www.throughthenevermovie.com

     The 3D effects are okay but the only thing I saw was the actions with the character going through his mission. 

     There is somethings in the movie that are NOT explained with the character. But all I am going to say is Bag and Pills. 

     Overall, I give this movie 4 stars. (would have been 5 stars if they explained the ending) 

TY GAVIN'S PROS & CONS Live at CASBEERS CAFE September 20th 2013

Blues Music has not been my "cup of tea" BUT I took a chance to see it live at CASBEERS after getting off my other job. TY Gavin's Pros & Cons Band Threw me OVER THE TOP! I can't express how much of a beat, sound, and FUN I had! Very Friendly people and know how to keep the party going. People were dancing, cheering, drinking and being merry all night long.

TY Gavin has an AMAZING VOICE! He Plays the Harmonica and Sings blues music very well. The band and TY are very professional at what they do! I liked how he mentioned how Blues Music is just not one type of blues, there are MANY Styles of Blues, there is just not one genre. Got me thinking and realizing that he is right. I loved his cover of "This is a Man's World" by James Brown, he pulled that song off very well. His performance was very excellent because he talked to us, (the audience). He was telling us stories about past and present music, his career, and as well introducing the band. It  makes the audience apart of the performance which is hard to do at a restaurant/club/bar venue. TY made me changed my thoughts about blues music and got me to do research and  become a fan of him and his music.

CASBEERS food was awesome! As you can tell in the photo(THE MEXICAN PLATE) I took, looks like it was made with love. Not sloppy, and not thrown on the plate. I'm glad I got enjoy the FOOD, GREAT MUSIC, and the ATMOSPHERE.

YOU GOTTA CHECK THEM OUT!

CASBEERS CAFE

TY GAVIN

Live Music Vs. Live Tracks: September 13th 2013 Show at Papa Woody's Roadhouse

September 13th 2013 was my first outing to check out some bands that I have actually been wanting to see for a long time. It has been challenge for a student/retail/single gal in the city of San Antonio. I was so excited to go out, I decided to buy a new outfit. The Line up was Elora & Gasoline Alley at 9:30pm and Lacrimosa Followed after. I was introduced to Elora and her band with my network buddy, Michael Fernandez, who is a Marketing Representative for the Band. I told her this was my first show and how excited I was to see her and the band play at Papa Woody’s Roadhouse (which was my first night there as well). There First song was Journey Cover which blew my mind! I couldn’t get over how a little girl, blew me away with singing a Journey song, a classic on its own, was a kick twist of a new sound that I have never heard before! This young girl has talent! Everything was rocking from Bon Jovi songs, Guns N Roses, to Michael Jackson?! I did talk to Elora after the show to tell her how amazed I was to see this young woman and her band play flawlessly to the point that made me think of my brothers and I if we ever put a band together, we would have been like these guys. They love what they do and I will definitely recommend you guys check them out! You will NOT BE DISAPPOINTED! I even gave her some pointers of what I thought of the performance as well (This girl does NOT kiss and TELL).

 As for the last band I check out, I was a bit disappointed. Don’t get me wrong, Lacrimosa (a Evanescence tribute band), is a good singer, but the tracks that I heard over the Monitors, shocked me. I knew it was her voice singing but the echos, the harmonies, where were they coming from? So I did ask her about it Via Facebook, but I still didn't get a real answer other than its been going on for many years. I feel like this was an eye opener to me. When and where did REAL Music start? I know Pop, Rock, R&B musicians who ARE famously known DO have tracks, I understand that for a fact, BUT when musicians, who are known throughout San Antonio or just in there city limits, do they use tracks too? I for one, a fellow musician and singer, I never, EVER use a CD over my songs LIVE. I’m not a famous person, no, but I believe, the people who started from the bottom, your favorite musicians I am talking about, knowing they did all of the there music live with no tracks makes me feel they are true musicians. But if bands start having tracks behind them playing that are just known through Facebook, towns, counties, etc, is it considered Karaoke?

Overall, I’m giving myself the benefit of a doubt of what I saw with the last band and hope when I see other bands, I will for one be checking and asking them what their thoughts are on this subject. Please leave comments and as well Keep it ROCKING! -Kat

Check out the gals: 

Lacrimosa-Evanescence Tribute :

Elora & Gasoline Alley :