Jason Coldiron's Podcast

Bringing you the best in young metal, today I present Apocrypha, a metal slinging band playing out of Illinois, where they play regularly. I got a chance to talk to them about their music, their band and their process. Along the way I was able to get into their heads a bit and see what the source of their creativity is. I think it comes across in the conversation.

Follow the conversation here:

Stoked to be talking to me (00:05)
Who am I talking to?
How the band came to be. (00:45)
The band's evolving lineup (1:30)
How Ozzy and others got us here (5:30)
Ridiculous guitars and strong composition (6:45)
“Creatures of the night” EP (8:45)
“Into the grave” EP (9:15)
The lead song, “Neverwhere” Composition and lyrics (10:30)
The drummer speaks (14:30)
“Killing my mind” (17:00)
“Swing state” Playing shows in a hookah bar. (19:00)
What's next? (22:15)
They have a shot (23:30)
The Greek fan (24:00)

Look for Apocrypha in 2010 as a rising force in metal. Stay tuned for more from them, here as always, in the Continuum.

Taproot is back. Freshly signed with Victory records and working on a new album, singer Stephen Richards took time to catch up with CWG and update us on all things Taproot.
Follow along as he and I catch up.

How is this Wednesday finding you?
(00:15) Tell us about signing with Victory records.
(1:58) His wife is a fan of the website.
(2:35) Whatever happened to, “Path less taken?”
(3:40) Back to the beginning.
(4:10) The error of Fred Durst.
(6:00) What almost became of Taproot in 1998.
(7:00) The gift.
(7:20) Ozzfest in 2000 and 2001.
(8:15) “Welcome” hits the charts.
(8:40) “Blue sky research” and the story of Billy Corgan.
(10:25) The fall of Durst and Corgan and how Taproot effected them.
(11:05) “The Morgan Freeman effect.”
(11:50) “The long road home.”
(12:40) Victory has their back.
(13:10) The progress of the new record.
(13:50) The direction of the new record.
(14:50) An “ideal” 2010.
(15:45) Personal goals.
(16:50) We will talk again.

Stephen was on point in this conversation. He did what he had to do by plugging his band and label, but also went along with my antics and showed me his personality. He is a hell of a character and musician.

Find more from Taproot on Victory records at:
http://www.myspace.com/taproot

Stay tuned for updates on Taproot in 2010 at CWG magazine.

Last night, December 8th at Arco Arena in Sacramento I got to see one of the greatest shows of my lifetime. Headlining the show was Metallica, being supported by Machine Head and Volbeat. Volbeat is a band I am very familiar with, having followed them for a couple of years and interviewed them over the summer.
Before the show, I got to sit down with Michael Paulson (lead singer) and talk once again. We talked about the tour, the show, his recent illness, opening for Metallica, writing a song for a boxer's entrance, NOT playing my favorite song while I'm there to see them (soulweeper), the price of fame, family and being so far from his home in Denmark.
Listen here to the entire conversation.

This was a great conversation with a band who is opening for the biggest heavy band of all time, a couple of hours before their first show in the U.S. It is great listening. Michael Paulson is one of the most humble rock stars ever. Anders (bass) chimes in a bit also. I hope you enjoy.

Stay tuned for more updates on Volbeat, here as always, in the Continuum.

Rhett Frazier Inc. is a synth- based soul band, originally from Chicago, currently playing out of Southern California. The band IS Rhett Frazier and Donny Gruendler. Their sound crosses all genres, but are most often compared to the Roots. It is a sound that they have labeled, “rock soultronic,” incorporating elements of many different styles, ranging from rock to soul to electronica.
Rhett and Donny went deep with me on a wide variety of topics.
Listen here to the entire conversation:

Our long conversation covered such topics as:
The origins of the band. (1:00)
Naming the band. (1:30)
Why have a band? (2:55)
Who does what in the band? (3:15)
Working together (5:00)
What the heck do they sound like? (7:30)
The band is a family? (10:00)
“A deep brotherhood”? (11:45)
Describing the sound (14:30)
“Rock soultronic” (15:30)
Integrating sounds (17:35)
How long they have been making music together (19:15)
“The record made them” (20:50)
The first song, “U can't stop.” (21:45)
The future, the past and the difference. “the future is coming from behind/the future's caught you from behind.”(24:00)
The song, “Mirrors” and the opening line “don't hate the player, hate the game.” (25:45)
“If you were a douche bag when you got to L.A, you'll still be a douche bag late.” (27:15)
Why is Chicago so much better than L.A? (28:30)
Your label is Digi- Soul. (30:15)
The label will not rescue you. (30:45)
“Being on with you is like being on with Barbara Walters.” (33:10)

Rhett and Donny are great guys. They were very open and it made for a fantastic conversation. The humor and honesty they brought to the table made for a wonderful interview.

Stay tuned for updates on Rhett Frazier Inc. in the coming year, here as always, in the Continuum.

Continuing my vision of bringing you the best in up- and- coming metal, today I present you with “Ruins of Tomorrow.” For the hardcore metal fan, these guys are a must- listen. Following in the line and style of Suicide Silence, this band is well on their way. I see a future for them that looks similar to the path of Suicide Silence before them, and that's a hell of a path, considering the success of that band.

They are coming out of a Colorado town (Greeley) I am very familiar with, one just an hour or two from where Trey Parker and Matt Stone once had a vision for South Park. Perhaps the Rocky Mountains have something to do with it? Something in the air? The mindless boredom of the area? Whatever it is, something great is happening there and Ruins of Tomorrow is a part of it. Could they be a symptom of the disease of the area or (more likely), its' cure? You be the judge.

Particularly getting my attention is their imaginative song, “Surgery is a door prize.” This is a song that carries the weight and power of hardcore metal, while adding an element of humor and satire. Look for the download of this song in the free music section of this website.

Listen and follow along with the full interview with lead singer Trax here:

Q: How was practice last night?
Q: Who is Ruins of Tomorrow and how'd you get the name “Trax?”
Q: How'd you come up with the name of the band?
Q: You are playing out of Greeley Colorado. Are you all from there? What do you think of the town and state? Were you effected by the big tornado last year? I actually spent six months last year near you (Westminster, Co), but I didn't get a chance to get into the music scene. What can you tell me about what's going on there?
Q: How long have you guys been at it and how has your progress as a band been coming along?
Q: What is it about each member that makes you believe they are the right person for the job?
Q: Some of your song names carry a theme: “Malicious dissection,” “animal exorcism,” “carnivorous.”What is it about these topics? Tell me a little about these songs.
Q: “Surgery is a door prize.” Hilarious spoken opening, breaking right into shredding and metal from hell. Two minutes later, another little spoken part, then back into the mayhem. Freaking sweet.
Q: Tell me about your show Dec 11th at Union Station in Colorado Springs.
Q: You have a couple of shows in January, then a semi- tour in the spring, tell me about those shows.

Trax is a hell of a character. I had a lot of fun talking with him. He has rock star written all over him.

Find more on Ruins of Tomorrow at:
http://www.myspace.com/xruinsoftomorrowx

Stay tuned for more from this band, here as always, in the Continuum.

What would you consider a good gig for a rising metal band? Suicide Silence is currently touring in support of Megadeth and Machine Head. I recently caught up with lead singer Mitch Lucker.
Here is what he had to say.

Among the highlights of the conversation:
Opening for the biggest metal band in the world.
Concepts for the new album and the writing process.
Utilizing each instrument and finding 'the formula for songwriting.'
The raising of a metal singer, how he came to be.
Touring 300 days a year.
Why the term “screamo” implies, 'little bitch.'
4:35: “If you're intelligent enough to hear the message, then you're intelligent enough... if not, you're just a fucking idiot.”
The video for “wake up.”
6:00: The best songs to play live.
Covering the Deftones' “Engine #9” and paying homage.
9:20: A career arc for Suicide Silence? The two ways to do it.
A love of all things extreme.
Taking care of California.

Mitch is a metal singer and metal personality in every sense of the word. He kicks ass, takes names and makes no excuses. His attitude comes across in his speech and makes (this) metal fan a happy camper.

Suicide Silence is currently on tour in the U.S.
Find more from them at:
http://www.myspace.com/suicidesilence

Stay tuned for more from Suicide Silence, here as always, in the Continuum.

Echo Falls is Alex Mandel (vocals, guitar), David Brandt (drums, vibraphone, vocals), and David Arend (double bass). This is an acoustic band playing out of San Fransisco. They are described as indie, but really fit more into the singer/songwriter category. I heard their album when our website reviewed it and was taken back. It is great stuff. I wanted to know more about the music, the band and how they came to be.

I set up an interview with Alex, but ended up getting David Brandt as well. This turned out to be great. The two of them were incredibly nice and insightful. I felt like I got a really good feel for what this band is about, where they are headed, and what makes them who they are.

Some of the topics we touch on include:
From an Oakland living room six years ago to the present.
The coming together of the album.
“The road to Parnassus.”
A reply to Bob Dylan's “Watchtower.”
Acoustic guitar solos?
Composing acoustic songs/ the writing process.
The drummer's perspective.
Moving forward.
Playing San Fransisco venues.
Alex's work with Pixar Animation.
Life outside of music.
The joy of wonderful management.

Listen to the entire conversation here:

Echo Falls plays a unique brand of music that I like a lot. For anyone who loves acoustic music, I think this is a great band to check out.

Find more from them at:
www.theechofalls.com
www.myspace.com/echofalls

Ech Falls is a friend of CWG. Stay tuned for more from them, here as always, in the Continuum.

Tiesto is arguably the biggest trance/dance/electronica artist in the world. He's had hit singles, a grammy nomination, is featured on the new DJ hero video game, and performed at the opening ceremony of the Athens Olympics. Not to mention, he can start a part anywhere, anytime.
Today I had a chance to talk with him briefly. Listen here for our conversation:

I ask him the following questions:

Q: Can you even begin to describe what it must be like to perform in front of 250,000 people?
Q: The new album is Kaleidoscope and the first single is “I will be here.” The song hit #1 on Billboard's dance radio Airplay chart. Safe to say it's your biggest hit so far?
Q: How/where did you learn to dance? What do you feel the dancing adds to your music and performance?
Q: Your track, “elements of life” is featured on the new DJ Hero game. How did that come about?
Q: Kaleidoscope is your fifth album. What can you say about the album?
Q: On this album you work with acts like Sneaky Sound System, Nelly Furtado, Emily Haines and Calvin Harris. How did these collaborations come about and what was it like working with those artists?
Q: The tour for the album sees you playing 175 live shows across five continents. Where are you currently in that process?
Q: It has been said that you have, “created the biggest and best live show to date leaving fans and critics breathless.”
Q: Some people say that you have made the dance album an art form. Your thoughts?
Q: Your website features a section where fans can remix your songs and submit them back to you. Tell me more about this.
Q: Any thoughts on your future as an artist?

Find more on Tiesto at:
http://www.tiesto.com/
http://www.myspace.com/tiesto

Today I spoke with John Baizley, singer and guitarist of Baroness, one of the biggest names in Metal today.

Baroness just started a new tour that has them playing basically every night from now until Dec 11th, from the east coast to the west coast and back. Then in February they're on to Australia. Some of the bands they're touring with include Pig Destroyer, Earthless and Iron Age, all artists featured at Chicks with Guns.

Their new album is Blue Record and has been out for about a month. It has drawn rave reviews from such publications as Rolling Stone, Spin, and Metal Hammer.

It debuted at #117 on the billboard top 200. It's been incorrectly called the sister album to The Red Album of 2007. It is a clinic in duel guitar wizardry. With ups and down's, slow and speed, the album is balanced from beginning to end. John Baizley and Pete Adams share guitar duties and each bring a symmetry in style and substance. The result is metal harmony.

The album is bookended by, “Bullhead's psalm” and “bullhead's lament.” These two slower, instrumental pieces are the perfect open and close for this brilliant album. The album also features, “A horse called Golgatha” with a new video for that song, and the very artistic “O'er hell and hide,” featuring spoken word lyrics.

Listen here as John and I talk all things Baroness. Among other things, we go into depth on the new album and the songwriting process. John is very open and shares his thoughts and processes that went into making this record.

Find more on Baroness at:
myspace.com/yourbaroness
Stay tuned for more updates on Baroness, here as always, in the Continuum.

This past Wednesday night, 11/11/09, I had the privilege of seeing The Used at the Warfield in San Fransisco.
I arrived at the venue at 3:30pm for a 7:00pm show. Why did I do this? Because I had an interview scheduled with Quinn Allman, guitarist of The Used. By my side was my friend and photographer Brett Gulbrandson. I have to admit I am a fan of the band, but having a true fanatic of the band like Brett with me gave me a lot of added confidence.
We were met by their tour manager, Brendan Brown, around the back of the venue. We were invited down to the green room while we waited for Quinn to finish his sound check with the band. As we waited, I was a bit nervous. Soon enough, Brendan came back in and advised us that it would be more quiet in the dressing room. We walked down a series of hallways until we were there. Turning a corner, there was Quinn. I have talked with a lot of rock- stars, but this was the first time in this type of environment.
I sat on the couch next to Quinn and began a conversation. (see photos). He seemed nervous or agitated at first, so I tried my best to put him at ease. This seemed to happen quickly. Next thing I knew, we were breezing through a great conversation about the band, the venue, the tour and how the heck he plays the verse of, “Buried myself alive.” Quinn turned out to be extremely nice, polite and thoughtful. I was very grateful for his time and the chance to talk to him.
Listen to the entire conversation here:

20 minutes felt like five. I knew my time was running short. We got some photos with Quinn and told him what big fans we are, etc.
Within minutes, we were back out on the street with the rest of The Used fans, waiting to get into the show. The show turned out to be amazing, one of the best I've ever seen. Look for a review of the entire concert coming soon in the “Live and direct” section of this website.

Stay tuned for more updates on The Used, here as always, in the Continuum.

As I continue my ongoing quest to discover up and comers in the metal scene, today I introduce you to “The Cyrus.”
This is a band that caught my attention with their furious brand of screamo death metal. They are currently struggling to escape the confines of their home in Chicago, while recording more songs and building their fanbase. They are well on their way in this endeavor.
The origins of the band go back about three years with the first two members. They have a presence and maturity, combined with youthful energy that works wonders.
The band has come together and produced several songs, including the riveting “lattice of flesh,” which can be found in the free music section of this website. These guys are still so young and so raw, and already so powerful and dynamic. The sky is truly the limit for them.
I caught up with them recently after they finished a night practice session. Listen here for the entire conversation:

Along the way, they eloquently state that, “to be someone, you have to know someone.” Well, they know me and I'm telling you, you need to know them also.
It is exciting to have found these guys early on in their career. I look forward to watching them blossom in the coming months and years. Follow their success moving forward, here as always, in the Continuum.

Find more on the Cyrus at: http://www.myspace.com/thecyrusmusic

Today I spoke with Bobby 'Blitz' Ellsworth, vocalist of the legendary thrash metal band, Overkill. Overkill is a band that has been at it for over two decades, outlasting most of their peers. With this in mind, today I set out to talk to Bobby and find out what made his band and sound sustainable, what keeps him going today and what his plans for the future are. Along the way I'd find out what the current state of the band is, what is going on with the new record, and a bit more about Bobby personally.

It turns out that with a character like Blitz, it is relatively pointless to have a plan entering a conversation. Within a couple of minutes we had hit seven different topics and were all over the place. To a true metalhead, this was fantastic! Some of the stories interweave and tie together. The main points get through though. Bobby has seen and done it all and has the stories to prove it. He is one heck of a character.

You can read all about the details of their new album, their forthcoming tour, their signing with E1 records and all the standard stuff at the links below.
If, however, you want to hear a real conversation with a real rocker about real life, listen here (you will not be disappointed):

This morning I got to speak with Art Alexakis, lead singer of Everclear. I could not have imagined how the conversation would go. I planned to ask him about the new album, In a different light, which came out October 6th. This is an album that features many of their hits redone, many with different arrangements, reflecting how the songs have changed over time. We would talk about what it was like to re-record many of his hits and to work with new musicians. I would talk to him about the West Coast leg of his tour, which kicks off tonight at the Rialto Theater in Tuscon, Arizona and finishes November 19th at the Crystal Ballroom in Portland, Oregon.

There is a point about halfway through the conversation where we get disconnected. When we reconnect, the conversation goes in a completely different direction and I get inside his brain and heart.
What I could not have imagined was how personal he would be willing to get, how much he would let me in. By the time the conversation was over we were talking about parenting and not making the same mistakes both of our parents made in raising us. It turns out we have a lot in common. We talked about balancing career and personal lives, making choices and sacrifices for your kids and the toll his life as a musician took on his life as a Father and husband.

He plugged the new album and tour, which was expected, but the conversation took a major turn and I got a peek inside the mind of this musician that I've been following since I was a teenager. It helped me realize that he is not just a rock star, not just a musician. He's a person, like everyone else. He deals with many of the same problems we all face. He is real.

Listen here to the entire conversation.

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