August 10, 2009, 2:58 pm : A Stoopid Gallery

Filed Under: Imagery, Music, Show Reviews and Stories
Discussion: C[0]mments

Just finishing up going through over 630 images from the Blazed and Confused show at Merriweather.  Unfortunately the security staff only let us photogs shoot Slightly Stoopid for two songs, but I got as many as I could, and plenty of quality shots. I got many, many images of Snoop, which will be posted up soon. Here’s a gallery full of exclusive images of Slightly Stoopid. Miles features heavily here; he sang those first two songs, and was the only one playing closer up on the stage til later in the set, after we were ushered out of the pit.

All images copyright Jeff Schad, 2009. No unauthorized usage or reproduction permitted.

August 5, 2009, 10:35 am : Getting Blazed and Confused in Columbia

Filed Under: Music, Uncategorized, Upcoming Shows
Discussion: C[0]mments

Merriweather is turning it out again tonight with the fusion of Slightly Stoopid and Snoop Dogg known as the Blazed and Confused tour. First time for me seeing Snoop live. I should have seen him when Squeezetoy opened for him and

Chili Peppers a bunch of years ago. Problems of not having an official pass for the show and the possibly nebulous issues that would arise from a gate that would be left open so I could park backstage and hang with them all left me deciding to not press luck and get kicked out.

Since then I’ve seen Stoopid five times, three of them with all access accompanying their opening acts. What I appreciate most about seeing them up close is the focus and ethic that is evident in their live music. They’re down to earth, to boot. Products of O.B., CA; they’ve intertwined their musical talents with so many different people and acts from that area (try making a family tree of who they have worked and played with, it will probably blanket a vast area of the SoCal music scene, at the very least), it just seemed natural that they teamed up with Snoop Dogg for this huge summer tour.

It will be interesting to see the mix in the crowd of who is there to see Snoop and who is there to really see Stoopid. They have been touring hard for years and really earned the followings they’ve established. Baltimore is definitely one of those places. Check this gallery of Stoopid and Half Pint playing Baltimore’s Pier Six. They respect the fans and put forth all their energy, every single night.

Check back here later for photos from the show, plus exclusive coverage over at Examiner.

July 17, 2009, 4:56 am : Live Shots from Warped Tour - Gallery One

Filed Under: Imagery, Music
Discussion: C[0]mments

Check out Bad Religion, NOFX, Shooter Jennings, some crowd shots, and even one straight from the mosh pit. Much much more coverage to come on Warped Tour 09. Lots of pics and interviews.

July 14, 2009, 11:46 am : Backstage with Tech N9ne

Filed Under: Interviews, Music
Discussion: C[0]mments

Tech N9ne is a hard working hip hop artist from Kansas City. Unlike other talents who cultivate their skills in an environment that offers a scene for support, Tech N9ne worked to create a livelihood for himself in a place that didn’t warrant such a career choice. Never one to quit or back down, he’s lived through some admittedly down and dirty times. He’s taken his own path, which has included starting a very successful independent hip hop label named Strange Music. I interviewed him backstage at Rock the Bells at Merriweather Post Pavilion on July 12th, 2009.

Jeff Schad: so how old are you?
Tech N9ne: I’ll be thirty eight November 8th.

JS: You’ve been going at it a long time…
Tech N9ne: Yes man, I started in ‘85, writing rhymes when I was in seventh grade. I used to be a dancer before all that, um, know what I’m sayin, like pop break dancin’, MC Hammer dancin’, whatever. If it had rhythm I was into it. From rhythm came rhyme.

JS: at what point did you feel “okay, I’m gonna do this with my life, as a career?”
Tech N9ne: I didn’t start doin it professionally until 1990 when I met DJ Icy Rock in Kansas City. So I been doin it professionally since 1990, you know…

JS: That’s a long time. Is it hard to stay in the game that long?
Tech N9ne: totally man, ’cause when you’re coming from Kansas City, MO, like us, where opportunity is none when it comes to music.

JS: I was gonna ask about [the KC music scene]…
Tech N9ne: Yeah, ya gotta build your own. That’s how we came up with Strange Music, our label. That’s the name, Strange Music (Tech N9ne points to his medallion. A large collosus of diamonds in the rounded shape of an

interlocked S and M). And for it to turn into the number one independent label in the World, it’s like “huh”? You know, we just sold a million albums collectively. And that’s without video and radio. So a lot of people at [Rock the Bells], they just don’t know who I am. So they’re just lookin at me like what the phhh is that? And by the end of the set their all clapping. And that’s why this tour is wonderful. I don’t expect them to be falling to their knees like my fans do, like “oh my god, it’s that guy!”. But I want to turn them all on, so when I come back they’ll be ready to ready to come back and [go crazy].

JS: It sounds like you’ve tried and succeeded at growing a more organic audience, and people that really love and follow you. They hear you first hand, and that’s how it starts, rather than being just a craze from the radio.
Tech N9ne: It’s longevity, man. It’s actually building something grassroots. And we don’t have the hit on the radio just yet, but if and when…

JS: Is that what you want, or…?
Tech N9ne: What I want is for the whole World to know my story.

JS: Which is?
Tech N9ne: My story, if I had to sum it up? Tech N9ne is the perfect example of what not to do, you know what I’m sayin? When it comes to livin’ life. Losing your wife ’cause your [messin] with strippers. Takin’ fifteen pills in one night
and almost dying.

JS: So these are things you can and do face up to?
Tech N9ne: Totally man. I’m totally inside out and that’s what makes me unique. Because [there's] no fabrication, no smoke and mirrors. It’s just me. If I’m feeling sad on the inside and wanna cry but can’t, I’ll talk about that. A lot of MC’s won’t, because it ain’t quote unquote hard. I don’t give a [expletive] about that. I give a [expletive] about opening all the way up. This is how I release.

JS: So you put your soul all the way in, and you want fans to see that and recognize that?
Tech N9ne: Yeah, I would love the World to see that. And if radio and video can help, then I would love that. But I guess I’m too weird for the radio or video? Ya know, I don’t fit in with a lot of their programs. But you can see me on tour with hip hop artists, on the same stage with Taleb Kwale and NAS…

JS: How does that feel?
Tech N9ne: It’s a wonderful thing, ya know what I’m sayin? Super Nat and KRS-One with all their lyrics. And they want me on the tour. So that means that they’re acknolwedging that “he’s crazy, but he has lyrics.” You can also catch me on tour with HED PE, you may hear me on a song with Slipknot. I fit in everywhere.

JS: How do you merge those types of projects and your interests? Are those things where they approach you, or do you go after it.
Tech N9ne: I chase it. I’m chasin Cory taylro right now, we’ve gone back and forth, that he would love to do it, but he’s been overseas. So I’m like, send it to me, you know? I love that kind of music, so I go for [working with] people I respect. System of a Down, Serge (Tankian) I would love to get something goin with him. I’ve been waiting for a long time, man.

JS: How do you get connected with these people?
Tech N9ne: Well my star is beginning to shine brighter. And people have taken notice. So on calls, people will be like, okay I know who you are now. I just read your shit in Billboard (Magazine). Oh! you’re the independent guy on Pollstar, makes all this money from touring. It’s JayZ then it’s Kanye then its you. Yeah, our story is becoming a bigger thing now, so it’s becoming a lot easier. As far as Cory Taylor, not so much, I’ve been in cahoots with them for a while

JS: So it’s kind of a natural thing?
Tech N9ne: Yeah…

JS: Is the Serge project going to happen soon, or you don’t know?
Tech N9ne: More likely Cory Taylor. We haven’t connected with anybody with Serge yet.

JS: So what’s next for you? You have an album coming out in the fall, right?
Tech N9ne: Yes yes, its called KOD. Out October 27th. I’d tell you what it stood for but its a secret thing.

JS: Anybody guessed it?
Tech N9ne: Yeah, a couple people have but they don’t know because we haven’t started the contest yet. Until the actual contest [guess what KOD stand for] is under way. First person to guess it once the contest starts, we’ll fly ‘em out to a show, get ‘em backstage with me and onstage during the show. Eat, drink and boom, see ya. Just a good time.

JS: I appreciate the time, and much luck to you.
Tech N9ne: Thank you for havin me brother. Now I’m gonna go get a drink…

July 9, 2009, 1:29 pm : Got Your Headphones? Enjoy We Were Pirates

Filed Under: Album Reviews, Music
Discussion: C[0]mments

Mike Boggs of We Were Pirates was generous enough to allow me to post his debut album Cutting Ties. When the music is readily available, I prefer to let it speak for itself. What you hear is what you get; an indie pop/rock sound that has some good pace to it, and sets a very strong standard for Boggs to work from in the future. Boggs plays all instruments on the recording, and delivers soothing, classic pop vocals.

Keep Talking

Settle Down

The Three of Us

Little Monsters

Restless

Long Year

Rich Girl

Cutting Ties

Stars

Don't Forget

June 1, 2009, 11:53 am : The Cheaters Midnight Run Sneak Tracks

Filed Under: Album Reviews, Music, Uncategorized
Discussion: C[0]mments

I've been fortunate enough to wrangle the new album Midnight Run from The Cheaters. In case you haven’t read, their album release party is this Friday at the 8X10 in Baltimore. Turn up your volume, get your coffee and dig to these two new tracks they just gave me permission to publish here. Here’s to The Cheaters upcoming release produced by Frank Marchand, III.


Fast Times


I Ain't Comin Back

May 21, 2009, 9:26 am : Preview: The Cheaters Forthcoming Release - Midnight Run

Filed Under: Album Reviews, Genres and Styles, Interviews, Music, Upcoming Shows
Discussion: C[0]mments

Are The Cheaters poised to stretch their wings far beyond their Baltimore stomping grounds? With the upcoming release of Midnight Run, this writer thinks that is a distinct possibility.

I interviewed drummer Kevin Shook and lead singer/guitarist Jason Morton for Baltimore Examiner recently to get their firsthand take on Midnight Run and the music life. Here’s what Shook had to say about Midnight Run:

Examiner: Can you give fans some insight about the new CD? What can we expect from your new music?

Shook: The new album is definitely a lot more straight-forward rock ‘n roll than the first disc. We have a couple of tracks that hint back to the southern-influenced material from the first record, but on the whole, this is really just a solid rock record. We also worked really hard on the songwriting this time around. We’ve added a lot more dynamics, like dueling leader guitars, key changes, and different song structures to help keep things fresh. We also brought in some guest musicians this time around, and added some harmonica, back-up singers, and organ on some tunes. We’re all really excited about the new disc, and feel that this is definitely our best effort yet.

Since then I received an advance copy of the album and got the chance to listen to it a few times. Slicing guitar, impressive arrays of drum beats that are finely varied and creatively timed, and vocals that are developed way beyond the typical abilities of a young singer are the elements in what makes Midnight Run the release of the year. The songwriting shows strong development and diversity, with a few amazing surprises for listeners.

To say it more succinctly, in rock terms, this album FREAKING RIPS! Ask yourself the last time you were blown away by a new rock release; real, authentic rock? Thank The Cheaters, because once Midnight Run hits the streets we’ll all have a reason to “Grab the whiskey (and) grab our friends.” Their CD release party is June 5th at the 8×10 in Baltimore. Be there. I will, there’s no chance I’m missing this.

Coming soon - I’ll post a couple of tracks off Midnight Run for an exclusive sneak peak.

April 23, 2009, 11:03 am : New Gig - Baltimore Band Examiner

Filed Under: Album Reviews, Band Reviews, Genres and Styles, Music, Show Reviews and Stories, Upcoming Shows
Discussion: C[0]mments

As if one blog isn’t enough, I recently signed on to cover Baltimore bands for Examiner.com. Head on over and have a read of my first collection of posts. I suppose I shouldn’t call it an official blog; the editors were clear that we were to be “examiners,” self-proclaimed subject matter experts in our given areas. So yup, I’m your new Baltimore Band Expert. Actually, it is a natural fit. The Eds also let us know (when I say “us” I refer to all Examiners) not to post like its a blog, meaning no “I’s” or “me’s”. Fine. Newsworthy items with a news-coverage angle. There is one confusing aspect: having more than one band examiner for Baltimore. She seems like she’s off to a good start, but comon; following my post on free shows in and around the area with this? Oh well, this town can handle a duck and a martian. I suppose that is my welcome to the Baltimore Beehive. Ok. Well I just wanted to announce the new assignment and get that off my chest. Now back to regular programming.

Remember this episode? Duck diplomacy or get off my rock?

April 6, 2009, 9:50 am : A Taste of Some “oi” Punk

Filed Under: Band Reviews, Genres and Styles, Music
Discussion: C[0]mments

Against Me!, from Naples FL, has been around since 1997 when lead singer, Tom Gabel started the band as a solo act at the age of 16.  Since the bare-bones beginning Gabel has developed the act into a full-fledged band, complete with the typical struggles of a young punk band, and garnered a well-earned following of fans since the release of their first LP, Reinventing Axl Rose.

I heard the song “Pints of Guiness Make You Strong,” and was hooked. Even though I’m not much for the latest punk sounds, these guys are good enough to differentiate their sound, while readily delivering catchy, beer-swilling tunes.

Against Me!

January 9, 2009, 5:38 pm : Happy 2009

Filed Under: Imagery, Music, Surfing
Discussion: C[1]mments

Or is it?

Everyone is worried about the economy, we’re seeing more and more news about the catastrophic effects of our living habits upon the earth and what must be done to partially slow the effects down, layoffs abound, and I haven’t surfed since the day after Thanksgiving.

Well, its still a Happy New Year. After all, you’re here on SurfRhythm.com instead of looking for a job or figuring out how much you’re not worth anymore. Things can’t be that bad.

Its been a bit of a hiatus for me from this site <insert half-assed, drivelly apology about how crazy things have been>. Busy I was, what with all the Holiday happenings, lots of work at my full time job, etc, etc, etc. So I took a break instead of forcing myself to put together posts that were rushed or incomplete. But here we are in the New Year, and I’ve got lots to say. This year SurfRhythm is going to bring you more surf and more music with more consistency.

For starters I’ll keep a running commentary on the ASP Tour as well as updates on FantasySurfer. There will be lots of new band reviews, interviews and music playlists coming across to you as well. And the best part (in my opinion): lots of short stories, articles and photos.

2008 was a great year for SurfRhythm. Thank you to all of you who visit regularly, read, enjoy and comment. You have all convinced me that this is exactly what it should be; an outlet for fun and creativity centered around two completely satisfying and related topics.

—————————————–

First up for the ASP in ‘09 is the Sebastian Inlet Pro (event sponsor names will be notably absent until the time they decide to pay me for plastering their logo on my site. For now buy something from Amazon or click on one of those Adwords ads). Big contest for the East Coast, although I am mystified as to why this is only a 4 star event. After all, there is only one 6 star event in the US while Brazil and France have what seems like hundreds each. Hmm, oh well, the US still has 10 guys on tour. Not shabby.

As for this, it’s sort of like doing tow-ats without any waves. So I’ve named it tow-flats. Yep, that’s yours truly. See you soon!