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Interviews

Interview: Fire From the Gods

Austin natives, Fire From The Gods, are the full forced musical embodiment of empowerment. Blending a variety of genres including Hip-Hop, Metal and Hardcore, the Lone Star State gang has a lot to deliver and a lot in store. I caught up with the guys to further discuss being a part of Rise Records, not taking shit from anyone, how social media has expanded their artistry and more. 

Photo Credit: Zizi Friesen

First and foremost, introduce yourself to our readers. How did Fire From The Gods come to life?

My name is AJ and I am the vocalist for Fire From the Gods. FFTG has existed since 2007. FFTG under its current guise has been together for about 2 years. After various lineup changes over the years we now have a solid 5 member setup that we are very pleased with. 

Your Rise Records debut, ‘Narrative’, was a total hit with fans. Tell us about the creative process behind the album.

We wrote this record in about three parts. A majority of the pre-production was written and recorded in Texas with our co-writer and producer Robby Joyner of Black Book sound. The vocals and lyrics which took the most time were written by me in NYC where I lived at the time and the final product was recorded with David Bendeth at the house of loud in NJ. There is a lot lost in translation when sharing files back and forth. The plan was to record in Texas then have the record mixed somewhere else. Fortunate for us a window of opportunity was opened and we got the chance to record with David Bendeth in New Jersey. That move took the record and creative process to a whole other level.  Over about 30 days during the holidays we knocked it out. The end result was ‘Narrative’. 

Did you have any goals or intentions going into the studio before the recording process began? 

We went into the situation with D. Bendeth and The House of Loud knowing that we were going to have to step our game up. Many great records have come out of that place. The only real intention was to take full advantage of the opportunity. We had some prepro but we were unsure of what we were going to produce.  The label was very chill and very supportive. The folks at Rise were like give it your best shot. Everything we sent they loved so we kept going without hesitation. 

Have you been on the road testing any of the new material? If so, how have your fans been reacting to it? 

The last two tours we’ve played all new music from ‘Narrative’. The response has been mega! We played two very different tours. The Browning tour was closer to the metalcore “scene”  that FFTG comes from. There wasn’t much of a surprise that the fans of The Browning were into the music. The Otep tour was a very different landscape. Her fans are very dedicated to her and they embraced us. Many had checked out “excuse me” prior to the show. They came prepared to see us. We had great time.  

Is there another band that is signed to Rise Records that you would like to recognize for their musicality?

For sure. Rise has such a diverse roster at the moment. It’s very easy to find something for everyone. I really dig Of Mice and Men’s transformation over the years. Their last two releases are a testimony to the band’s maturity and experience. Tiger Army is an awesome band I grew up listening to. Their current Rise release is just as good as anything they’ve put out in the past. The new Crown the Empire is great another band that is changing and maturing. Cane Hill is the very embodiment of the best aspects of 90’s and early 2000’s Nu metal. Rise is a pretty cool place to be right now.

What bands or artists influenced the sound and playing style of Fire From The Gods?

So many. We talk about our diversity in the band a lot. Because we have such contrasting backgrounds. But we all share a common love for heavy music which ultimately influenced our record. There’s a bit of The Deftones, Poison the Well, Slipknot, Metallica, Rage against the machine, Sevendust, Sick of All, Hatebreed, Norma Jean, The Bled, The Used, Meshuggah, 90’s hip hop, NYHC, pop punk the list goes on. We could chat for days about the bands that influence us.

Have social networks been a key asset of creating your audience?  

FFTG had a pretty solid social media before our signing. Due to the band having an already extensive history. Each release prior to Narrative had a distinct sound with attracted fans from all over. So ppl have been talking about the band for a long time. It definitely helps. I don’t think it’s the end all be all for a band’s career. But it is certainly a fantastic tool to help build a career. I believe in the old school formula, you write a record you tour the record and you sell the record. Too many bands live and die on social media these days. There’s no substance especially if that’s your only method of reaching fans.  You have to play shows compounded with a solid social media presence to survive these days.  

You guys have a fierce amount of energy which is highlighted on your album but as well as in your live performances, Do you guys have any pre-show rituals to harness that energy?

Besides the usual stretching, warming up stuff we all just kind of do our own thing before the set. Bonner jams super high energy bands before showtime to The Bled, Every Time I Die, etc. Rich does as well sometimes. Jameson, Drew and I kind of zone out and get our minds right. FFTG shows are very high energy. We try to be relentless on stage.  

Last but certainly not least, do you have anything that you would like to share with your fans? 

Again, thank you all for taking your time to speak to us. Keep your head up and don’t take shit from anyone. Peace.

Fire From The Gods Social Links: 

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Concert Reviews

Pop Legends, Hanson, Bring Christmas Spirit to Sold-Out Show in Michigan

Pop Legends, Hanson, brought their Christmas spirit and joy to Royal Oak Music Theatre for a packed-house that sang along to all of their hits within their ‘Wintry Mix’ 2019 Tour. Fans lined up around the venue and stood outside in 30-degree weather to get a chance at a front-row view of the Hanson brothers who have maintained a spot in the hearts of Pop lovers worldwide with their well-known hits such as “MMMBop”, “Lost Without Each Other”, “I Was Born”, “Weird” and “This Time Around”. Having expanded within their entrepreneurial endeavors such as Hanson Brothers Beer and the creation of their Record Label, 3CG Records, the gentlemen of Hanson continue to drive passion, love and authenticity into their ever-evolving crafts.

All Photo Credit: Jessica Golich

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Concert Reviews

Hometown Musician, GriZ, Lights up Detroit During Annual GriZMAS

It’s Detroit’s favorite time of year. Local Musician and Philanthropist, GriZ, shined bright and ignited the light within concertgoers throughout Night #1 of GriZMAS. Having celebrated the 12 Days of GriZMAS with full spunk and a variety of events such as yoga, crafting, roller disco, dodgeball, a coat drive, mystery party and more, GriZ took fans to the dance floor at The Detroit Masonic Temple for a jam-packed setlist abounding with all of his hits that have served to make a name for himself and his team throughout 2010-2017.

All Photo Credit: Jessica Golich

Notably, 100% of the proceeds from every charitable GRiZMAS event go toward increasing access to music education in Detroit by partnering with Seven Mile, an organization that provides after school programs and summer camps to teach children music, arts, and coding for free.

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Concert Reviews Features

Legendary Rapper, Jeezy, Gives Back to the Youth in Detroit

Atlanta Rapper, Jeezy, showed up big and gave back to the kids in Detroit at the Downtown Boxing Gym Youth Program ahead of his highly-anticipated Winter show at Little Caesar’s Arena. Right in the midst of celebrating Christmas, Jeezy rolled up with a ton of his local friends and fellow rappers including Brooklyn Queen and Nick LaVelle to hand out gifts and uplift the spirits of the kids in Detroit who left the building with nothing short of smiling hearts and faces. Spreading a positive message of hope, inclusivity and love, Jeezy showed his philanthropic roots and was nostalgic and candid about the pain that he faced on his rise to the top.

All Photo Credit: Jessica Golich

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Interviews

Interview: SikTh

Although England Progressive Metal band, SikTh, have taken quite the extensive hiatus in the past, yet is with great pleasure to share that the band came back and released their third studio album, ‘The Future in Whose Eyes’. As a band who served to define and create the progressive metal movement, fans around the globe are trapped in a state of anticipation for what’s to come. I caught up with lead vocalist, Mikee Goodman, to discuss the upcoming release, the album artwork for ‘The Future in Whose Eyes’ and more. 

Congrats on the release of ‘The Future in Whose Eyes’. Tell us about the creative process and direction that you traveled down while bringing this album to life.

Thanks! It was a horrible and stressful process I would not want to repeat . I wrote all lyrics and vocals, and was constantly getting music to create to until the last minute. It was such such an intense period. We took this album along a very heavy route, it grooves and is technical but there are also psychedelic moments throughout. 

If you could pack a full house and play at any arena/stadium in the world, which place would you choose and why?

Vicarage Road, Watford. It is my football team. That would be great! If not that the Camp Nou, Barcelona is an amazing stadium, I’ve been there twice. I have not been to any stadiums in the USA, mind you.

During the songwriting process for “Vivid”, what was your intention and the theme that you wanted to express through your lyricism?

I experienced traumatic dreams for the last few years. When I was on tour with my band Outside The Coma a few years ago, I thought I was walking around a hotel, constantly looking for the bathroom. I kept walking into other traumatic dreams whilst in that one. In the morning my friend said he watching me walking on the spot in our hotel room whilst freaking out in my dream. So, in verses and the outro, I am in the dream, then in the chorus, I am asking the negativity to leave.

If you had to give a simple explanation of Mathcore as a genre to someone who was entirely unaware, what would you say?

That it is very technical music with a lot of time signatures or poly rhythms used. It is usually very heavy music also.

What has been the most enlightening experience that you have had as a musician so far and why?

That is a big question. Maybe it’s when someone is crying because they connect with lyrics or feel less alone. Maybe it’s when we travel to Nepal and India to discover so many people into our music which has been spread through the internet. Going to places we thought we would never see. USA was a great thing too, the reaction we got nearly every night was just amazing. Even going to Japan in 2004 was an insane experience. Seeing and experiencing different cultures is s big thing for me. 

Last but certainly not least, any closing messages for your fans?!

We hope you enjoy our new album and we really want to come to play the USA again as soon as possible!!

SikTh Social Links:

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Interviews

Interview: Craig Owens

It comes as no surprise that the man who has had his hands, energy and knowledge in the music industry for quite some time, Craig Owens, has ventured off on his own to bring to life his most recent embodiment, badXchannels. To recap on the release of his debut EP, ‘WHYDFML’, I caught up with the eccentric spirit to discuss the conception of badXchannels, Detroit, the importance of hard work and more. 

How has growing up in Michigan and spending time in Detroit influenced you as a musician?

I think every region/city has a sound attached to it, embedded by lifestyle and culture, all through a singular musical perspective. Growing up in Flint has definitely shaped how I hear and see everything. Living in Detroit has done the same.

There has been big changes in the music industry as technology has rapidly progressed.  What are the most noticeable changes you’ve seen and experienced yourself? 

I think the art of an album rollout is one of my favorite parts. Two changes I’ve noticed with rollout strategies are more original content and quicker turn arounds. These aren’t necessarily negative changes. I love creating and always evolving. That’s what separates the greats from the rest. They reinvent, they grind 10x harder, and they make it great, no matter the current temperature of the music culture surrounding them. 

Tell us about how badXchannels was brought to life. Has this been an intention you have had in the works?

badXchannels has been in the works for about a year and a half now. It just started as a thought, I guess. Then I kept running with that thought, and this is where we are now. It felt freeing. I’m already thinking about new stuff, so like I said, we’re just getting started! 

If you were asked for advice by a human being aspiring to become a professional musician, what would you tell them?

I produce quite a lot of the time. Something I tell the artists / bands I work with is to work 10x harder than anyone else you see. Listen, learn, and enjoy what you do. Make sure it truly represents who you are and shows your talent. The rest will come. It’s all in the songs.

I’m from Detroit; I have to ask. If you could recommend three restaurants in the D to a tourist that has never visited, which three would you choose and why?

First, nothing beats home cooked meals. With that said, my favorite spot is Wright & Co. On casual, lazy days, I go to Slows. Atwater is close to my place, so I go there quite a bit. Like I said though, nothing’s better than eating at home. 

If you could metaphorically affiliate the energy throughout ‘WHYDFML’ to the characteristics of an animal, what animal would you choose and why?

Haha! I definitely haven’t thought of that before, but I would probably describe WHYDFML’s energy like that of a snake. Snakes are slick and dangerous. 

Last but certainly not least, any closing messages for your fans? 

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Also, be sure to check out the WHYDFML EP on Spotify, Apple Music, or whichever music service you use.

Craig Owens Social Links: 

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Concert Reviews

Tool Packs Little Caesars Arena With Their Virtual Rock World in Detroit

Formed in 1990, Los Angeles Rock band, Tool, brought their virtual Rock reality to Little Caesars Arena in Detroit for a packed show abounding with metaphorical riches and spiritual jewels.

The three-time Grammy Award winners who are passionately revered by fans worldwide have incorporated an evasive, secretive and unmitigatingly cryptic aura reflecting abysmal depth within each and every one of their lyrically and visually hypnotic concepts. The band created an edge throughout the release of their first full-length studio album, ‘Undertow’, in 1993 on Zoo Entertainment which was dropped in the midst of the era of grunge shelling out apathetic lyrics over distorted guitars. Traveling to date to celebrate the release of their latest full-length album, ‘Fear Inoculum’, it is evident that through their live set, intricate drums, powerful bass tones and hauntingly furious vocals, listeners dive into an explosive journey full of agony and melancholia that articulates the inner workings of a human being traversing tortuous and spiritually enlightening paths at dizzying speeds. Throughout the live show, Tool strung together a perfect frenzy of musical bliss playing tracks such as “The Pot”, “Forty Six & 2”, “Parabola”, “Jambi”, and “Vicarious” which kept concertgoers at Little Caesars Arena in a naturally sedative trance.

Abounding with the cold-hard facts and brass tacks, listeners are sent down an entrancing expedition through insane shred solos and lyrical extremes within Tool’s latest release, ‘Fear Inoculum’, which sends listeners down a virtuosic, maniacal and addictive mind confronting the power of denial tendencies and irrational rationalizations that sweep through our nation. The immaculately curated musical exploration of consciousness pushes the envelope of what Maynard perceives that he knows while reminding listeners to live in the now and accept their fate as mortal human beings. The lyrical level truly parallels the instrumental state of euphoria delivered through a lengthy and explosive blend of personal power and personal confrontation that leads listeners toward belief within themselves beyond the self-conceived interpretations of power from oppressive forces stifling their abilities and sense of tranquility. ‘Fear Inoculum’ serves as a healthy retreat away from the bullshit that floods the lives of the deprived and inauthentic values of society. 

Tool’s live performances defy all conventions. Singer, Maynard James Keenan, has been known to face away from the audience to psychologically influence fans to pay keener attention to their screens full of psychedelic and internally enriching visuals that serve as Maynard’s reflection of his personal journey while residing comfortably in the shadows. Abounding with light shows and varied stage settings by revered artist and long-time art partner, Alex Grey, Tool’s live performances attest to the emotive power of their music and artistry. 

ALL PHOTO CREDIT: Jessica Golich

Tool’s discography and musical entity betrays commercial ambitions while influencing listeners to dive deeper into their personal emotional crescendos and the neurotic workings of the mind. Tool is one of the few existing acts today that send a message through their music and inherent eccentricity that stands the test of time while being full of unvarnished truth and dignity. Grab your tickets HERE for the remainder of Tool’s 2019 Tour while you still can.

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Features

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan Joins Michigan Governor to Announce New $300 Million U-Research Education Center in Detroit

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan joined Michigan Governor, Gretchen Whitmer and fellow public figures and business owners to announce the astounding New $300 Million U-M Education Center in the heart of Detroit. The world-class site will be comprised of a $300 Million, 190,000 square-foot research and education center slated to serve up to 1,000 graduate and senior-level undergraduate students pursing advanced degrees in a range of high-tech innovation disciplines including mobility, artificial intelligence, data science, entrepreneurship, sustainability, cybersecurity, financial technology and more.

“This Announcement represents an incredible commitment to Detroit by Stephen Ross, Mark Schlissel and Dan Gilbert that will allow us to develop, attract, and retain world-class talent” said Mayor Mike Duggan

“I spent my childhood and many of my young adult years living and working in Detroit and have long wanted to find a way to have a real impact on my hometown”, said Stephen Ross, Philanthropist, Founder and Chairman of Related Companies. “The University of Michigan helped spark my entrepreneurial spirit and nurtured curiosity for all aspects of innovation, leading me to not only become a founder, but an incubator and investor in a variety of technologies and businesses. The idea of the new Center reflects the shared commitment of Dan, myself, the city, the county, the state and University of Michigan to create a transformative center for innovation that will help fuel the city’s next chapter of growth. The center has the potential to not only attract new businesses to Detroit, but the school and its graduates will generate new ideas, new companies and new opportunities for the community, the city and the region”

The academy center will give faculty and students the opportunity to engage in interesting innovative research across a number of technology-based fields and be designed with faculty input. This development gives purposes to not only surrounding community members, but also provides an opportunity for Detroit to move the world and become one of the most prominent tech cities in the world. For more information on the development, visit DetroitCenterForInnovation.com.

All Photo Credit: Jessica Golich

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Features

Tennis Sensation, Serena Williams, Gives Listeners Chills at The Forbes Under 30 Summit

Tennis and Entrepreneurial Sensation, Serena Williams, served up a message of hope, perseverance and motivation as the feature speaker at The Forbes Under 30 Summit in Detroit. Speaking about the launch of her latest clothing brand, Serena, and how important it is to build partnerships with trust, Serena’s bold presence was felt by every single member of the packed Masonic Theatre in Detroit.

Serena Williams is one of the most sought-after public figures in the world and one of the richest self-made females and athletes ever. If there is a journey of a human being that provides inspiration, it’s Serena’s powerful movement and force that comes with a sheer and bold presence that is abounding with a soulful essence.

All Photo Credit: Jessica Golich

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NOTE: Under no circumstance does any publication, Instagram Account, Fan account or Public Figure have permission to repost any photos by Jessica Golich unless credited. If reposted without permission, credit or fiscal compensation, legal ramifications will be immediately taken.

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Concert Reviews

Rising R&B Star, Normani, Shines at Forbes Under 30 Summit in Detroit

Rising R&B Star, Normani, came out of the gates with passion, appeal and raw talent that kept the crowd at Forbes Under 30 Summit on their feet in Detroit. Check out Normani’s latest release, “Motivation”, featuring 21 Savage to take home a piece of her electrifying energy for your own.

All Photo Credit: Jessica Golich

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